Every business has a group of select customers who were there from the beginning and helped the business get where it is today. It is easy to overlook these faithful clients while we pursue new ones.
But, stop and think. These loyal customers already buy from you. You don't have to spend a lot of money advertising to them, trying to win them over. So, why not target your best customers and keep them coming back? Have a "Current Customers Only" private sale or give them a discount. Let them know you appreciate them. Even if they don't need what you have at the moment, they have friends and family. Special treatment creates good will and people talk about that. And they will remember it when they do need what you offer.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Being Busy and Having a Cold Don't Mix!
When my husband brought home his second cold in 8 weeks I thought, "No way am I going to avoid getting this one!" I was right. He gets colds more easily than I do, but I get them harder.
Imagine trying to work on a web site project while coughing, sneezing and generally feeling out of it! OK, enough of that. We have all been through it. Having to work when it would have been better for our bodies if we had stayed in bed.
Finally feeling more like myself, I decided I had better post something on this blog so everyone knows I am not dead. I just felt like it for a few days.
Maybe next week, things will be back to normal.
Imagine trying to work on a web site project while coughing, sneezing and generally feeling out of it! OK, enough of that. We have all been through it. Having to work when it would have been better for our bodies if we had stayed in bed.
Finally feeling more like myself, I decided I had better post something on this blog so everyone knows I am not dead. I just felt like it for a few days.
Maybe next week, things will be back to normal.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Computer Virus Review
What with all the attention that the Conficker worm received the last few days, now is a good time to review safe computer practices.
Install a reputable antivirus software program and keep it updated. The best way is to let the program automatically update.
Invest in either a software or hardware firewall.
If you use Windows, make sure automatic updates are turned on. You will get fixes as soon as they are released this way.
Never open an attachment unless you are expecting it.
Run any downloaded file through your anti-virus program before installing or opening it.
Run a full system scan of your computer system using your anti-virus software at least once a week.
Keep your fingers crossed at all times.
Install a reputable antivirus software program and keep it updated. The best way is to let the program automatically update.
Invest in either a software or hardware firewall.
If you use Windows, make sure automatic updates are turned on. You will get fixes as soon as they are released this way.
Never open an attachment unless you are expecting it.
Run any downloaded file through your anti-virus program before installing or opening it.
Run a full system scan of your computer system using your anti-virus software at least once a week.
Keep your fingers crossed at all times.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Starting a Business Now
We have talked about it before. Starting a business during economical down times is an opportunity if you just reach out for it.
According to a recent CNN Commentary, No Job? Create Your Own by Peter Bregman:
"And this is the perfect time to start a new business. Marketing costs are way down because of the Internet and less competition. And as I wrote in a recent article about the new economy, small companies are replacing big ones because we trust people more than companies."
Figure out what you love and get going!
According to a recent CNN Commentary, No Job? Create Your Own by Peter Bregman:
"And this is the perfect time to start a new business. Marketing costs are way down because of the Internet and less competition. And as I wrote in a recent article about the new economy, small companies are replacing big ones because we trust people more than companies."
Figure out what you love and get going!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Make It Easy for Customers
I was looking for veterinarians in the Yellow Pages yesterday. The actual printed yellow pages book, that is. I found a nice display ad and grabbed my pen so I could write the phone number down, but soon realized that the phone number was not in the display ad. I had to actually go to the regular listing, find the clinic's name and get the phone number there. Oh-oh!
This is such an easy thing for a business owner to overlook. I admit it, I have done this sort of thing myself. But the above experience is a reminder - always, always, always include your contact information in every ad, on every page of your web site and anywhere else you advertise. People are busy and if they have to take a few extra seconds to track down your phone number, they may use those extra seconds to look at your competitor instead.
Little things count in business. Make sure it is easy for current or potential customers to get in touch with you.
This is such an easy thing for a business owner to overlook. I admit it, I have done this sort of thing myself. But the above experience is a reminder - always, always, always include your contact information in every ad, on every page of your web site and anywhere else you advertise. People are busy and if they have to take a few extra seconds to track down your phone number, they may use those extra seconds to look at your competitor instead.
Little things count in business. Make sure it is easy for current or potential customers to get in touch with you.
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Revamped Web Site is a Wonderful Thing
Just launched the redesign of my web design services web site, TTR Design. Seems like the last web site that gets done is my own.
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Smelling the Roses
A little off topic today. Thinking about the tragic death of Natasha Richardson and how fleeting life can be.
It's easy to get caught up the day to day stresses and let's face it, some if it is pure drudgery. Sometimes it takes news of someone's death to make us stop and realize just how precious life is.
So, this morning while I am having my coffee, I am listening to the sounds of birds tweeting, garbage men making their pickups, my little dog barking. And thinking how wonderful those sounds are.
It's easy to get caught up the day to day stresses and let's face it, some if it is pure drudgery. Sometimes it takes news of someone's death to make us stop and realize just how precious life is.
So, this morning while I am having my coffee, I am listening to the sounds of birds tweeting, garbage men making their pickups, my little dog barking. And thinking how wonderful those sounds are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)