8 Ways you can use the roof over your head to build business

December 3rd's national 'Roof Over Your Head' day got me to thinking once again about how often we think we need to go outside of our resources or come up with a genius new idea in order to stimulate sales and build business.   So often we have overlooked some of the simplest, most obvious ways to grow that are (literally) right over our heads.  Here are 8 ways to use the roof over your head to build business: 

• Does your business 'share' a roof with other businesses?  Partner together with the other businesses located in your business park, building, mall or immediate locale to hold a special holiday open house or holiday sale event. 
• Exchange and display the links of the businesses with which you share a roof on your website, your Facebook page, in your newsletters, etc. 
• Extend a special offer to all the employees who work in other businesses near yours (and their families). 
• Extend your own employee discount to the employees of local businesses for a limited time.
• Create a special offer for all the customers of the other businesses who share a roof with you and ask them to display your offer, hand out your bag stuffers, or include your offer in their mailings, newsletters, on their website, etc. 
• Extend a very special offer to your landlord or employees of the management company that owns your building, parking lot, business park, neighboring businesses, etc. 
• Partner with local roofing, construction, and home renovation businesses for cross marketing. 
• Partner with local home repair or renovation professionals to hold a special 'how to' class or workshop for your clients on a particular do-it-yourself project (or create a series of classes). 

5 Ways to build business on National Flossing Day

Here are 5 ways that November 27th, "Flossing Day," can help build your business:

• Partner with a dental practice for cross marketing - exchange business cards for display in-office and exchange web links for display on your website (partnering with dental practices for cross marketing is smart - they probably share some major segments of your target markets).  
• Create a special offer redeemable in your salon or spa for patients of this (or multiple) local dental practices and ask to have copies of your offer in their waiting area, and a mention in their patient newsletter or on their website. 
• Create a dental-lip-and-skin hygiene tip sheet for clients with product recommendations (such as the effects/how to minimize staining for teeth, rosacea for skin, due to red wine, how to freshen your breath and your makeup at a party, etc.)
• Stock flossers or disposable pre-loaded toothbrushes at your point of purchase.
• Purchase salon or spa-branded toothbrushes or flosses to use as bag stuffers, give-aways for kids (or all clients), gifts to local schools or daycares, etc.

Are you nuts about your customers?

Even if you're not in the restaurant business, you can use food to surprise and delight your customers - and to build business and make more money.   And the holiday season  presents you with countless opportunities to leverage some delicious creativity. 

November 23 is National Cashew Day:

• create a relevant, compelling offer - show your customers that you are 'nuts' for them!
• purchase cashew-based packaged treats or snacks to add to your point of purchase display
• create a gift basket with cashews, chocolates, etc., as a contest prize, as a gift for some of your best customers (for Thanksgiving or Christmas)
• partner with a local candy/nut shop or gourmet food store for cross marketing; create a special offer for their customers
• provide healthy, protein packed cashew and granola treats to clients (or cashews and chocolate, indulgence can be healthy, too!)
• create bag stuffers with a special cashew-based recipe (plus a bounceback offer)

Perspective to keep you in the game...

You’ve failed many times, although you may not remember.


You fell down the first time you tried to walk.  You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn’t you?   You hit the pavement when you tried to ride your bike.  You hit the ice when you tried to skate.  

Did you hit the ball the very first time you swung a bat?   Even heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot - more than 70 percent of the time they go back to sit on the bench instead of rounding the bases.


R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on.


English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.


Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.


Don’t worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.


Adapted from submission by: Joe W - posted on 321greetings.com

Your social media bag of tricks, why the stars are all going dark and building business organically - mid-November newsletter

Your social media bag of tricks, why the stars are all going dark and building business organically - there were just too many good reasons to do a special  mid-November newsletter - the link below will take you to the most recent Style, Strategy and Marketing Savvy newsletter - enjoy!



IN THIS ISSUE

ORIGINAL CONTENT
:: Close your doors, it's great for business! 11 Ways that changes in store hours can build business

STYLE
:: The stars have all gone dark - find out why you should, too
:: Top 10 hairstyles for brunettes

SUCCESS STRATEGIES
:: How to get what you want from your online marketing
:: 5 ways to build your social media following, offline
:: Get the most from social media, and stop wasting time
:: Double up in 6 months? How 3 companies used social media to become the talk of the town

:: 7 reasons why leading with price will kill you
:: Vision or vanity - can your company survive without you?
:: The disruptive new technology that can boost your profits, today

"We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better."
- Jeff Bezos, founder, amazon.com

The next step and lessons learned for groupon.com and viral coupon marketing

The next step for groupon.com?  They are rolling out a self-serve product called Groupon Stores that allows merchants to set up virtual storefronts and manage their own deals through the group buying site.

While it seems like a no-brainer way to offer up more deals and pocket extra funds without the associated overhead of the manual process, there are several cautions that businesses thinking of running a groupon or other social media ad need to keep in mind. There are reasons that 32 percent of businesses lost money in the program and more than 40% say they would never use it again.   Get the scoop in the original openforum.com article by Jennifer Van Grove.

Need to process credit cards? Check out this new 'disruptive technology' that lets you bypass 3rd party merchant services and renting terminals!

 "Disruptive technology" – don’t you just love that phrase? The need for 3rd party merchant services and terminals may soon be a thing of the past, with technology creating the ability for anyone to accept a credit card payment, anywhere. (Link to article.)


“After setting up an account on its Web site, Square ships you a small credit card swiping dongle (pictured) that turns any iPhone (or iPod touch or iPad, for that matter) into a mobile credit card terminal.”

The app? It's FREE (brilliant!) Square makes their money by charging 2.75% (swiped) or 3.5% (keyed) plus a .15 cent transaction fee. (Something to keep in mind when you are setting your rates, your transaction fees are part of your business expense, and your rates need to be adjusted to compensate for them.)

Can you imagine the profitable impacts for small businesses, independent stylists and booth renters? You’ll be able to process credit cards for your services as well as retail products that you sell independently of your salon. You can take advantage of the technology to sell at a special holiday product kiosk you rent in a mall or at a holiday fair.

Vendors (such as your distributor consultants) can finalize sales in the field or can sell single retail products during your visit (such as selling you a new product or tool to try).

Heck, you can now accept credit card payments at your garage sale! Kudos to Square on this great new app!

The source of our freedoms - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

This week I attended my daughter's middle school band concert - a concert done in conjunction with a speech competition every year, where students speak to an aspect of Veteran's Day.  This year, the winner closed his speech with this quote from one of his mentors, Glenn Boyer:  

It is the veteran, not the preacher who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the veteran, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It doesn't seem like enough to say, "Thank you."  To pay honor to veterans, one must do as they did, and pay it forward.   Ensure the endurance of our freedoms for future generations through their exercise and preservation at the polls.  And take full advantage of the inalienable rights that our founding fathers believed were endowed on us, as human beings, by our Creator, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Bold words!  That we have an innate entitlement to not only liberty (the ability to act as one feels led) but the pursuit of happiness.  The men and women who founded our country were not businessmen, they were dreamers and visionaries.  And the men and women who have fought for these principles made those dreams come true - now for more than 200 years - and have fought to extend those freedoms to peoples in other countries as well. 

With special acknowledgement, thanks, love and affection to my dad, Jim Robinson (US Navy, Vietnam Conflict, 66-69), my grandpa, Caryl "Pete" Peterson (US Navy, World War II, European Theatre), and my great grandfather, Theodore "Ted" Peterson (US Army, World War I) - and last but certainly not least - to Gavon Groendyke, current member of the US National Guard, having already spent 1 year+ in Iraq! - the father of my grandson, Jaxon and granddaughter on the way, Jaycee! 

A common solution to a lot of common and chronic problems

You know exercise is good for you — but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your romantic life, find out how exercise can improve your life.

According to the Wall Street Journal, recent studies show that regular exercise (which might be as simple as a brisk walk several times a week) can help boost your body’s immune system, increase your circulation and help you fight off viruses and bacteria (such as the flu, and even the common cold).   This means fewer sick days, lower health care costs, more productivity – and other good things. 

In fact, research is continuing into how exercise can improve damage done to organs that underlie many chronic conditions – and even cancer. 

And if you are (like me) interested in even-more-instant gratification, according to an article by the Mayo clinic staff, there are 7 specific ways that regular exercise can benefit you:  

• Improving your mood – helping to decrease stress and to release chemicals that may actually make you feel happier and more relaxed.  You’ll look better and feel better which can boost self-esteem.
• Combating chronic diseases – a definite help for those battling high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Regular exercise can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.
• Managing your weight – this one you know.  When you exercise, you burn calories.  The more intense and lengthy the exercise, the more calories you burn.  And exercise doesn’t have to be reserved for the gym; you can take stairs instead of elevators, walk during your lunch break, do weights, stretches, sit-ups, push-ups and even jumping jacks while watching TV. 
• Boosting your energy level – by helping you to breathe easier (literally).  Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, improving the whole cardiovascular system. 
• Promoting better sleep – which in turn boosts concentration, productivity and mood.  Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper (just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, because it’s stimulating!)
• Putting the spark back in your romantic life – improved energy, self-esteem, better breathing and moods – of course it can help!  It can also help directly with common dysfunctions and arousal. 
• Having fun – last but not least.  It doesn’t have to be drudgery; ballroom dancing, rock climbing, mountain biking, or regular sports like tennis, racquetball, golf, city league soccer – regular exercise can put you in the shape and mood to return to activities that make you feel like a kid.  If you’re moving, it counts!

Close your doors, it’s great for business! 11 Ways to turn Store Hours into Holiday Sales

Most businesses will have irregular hours near Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year holidays.  Any time you are going to be closed when you would normally be open, there is a chance that a customer could be inconvenienced by stopping by to locked doors.  Here are 11 ways that you can communicate via bag stuffers, email marketing pieces, your website, and direct mail with your customers about store hour changes while also helping to promote your business during the all-important holiday season:

1. Store hour changes plus your top 5 gift suggestions
2. Store hour changes plus your top 5 best values in promotions or clearance
3. Store hour changes plus an introduction of any new products coming before the holidays, or after the 1^st of the year
4. Store hour changes plus a holiday-event happy hour invitation for black Friday, cyber Monday, or a date closer to the end of the year
5. Store hour changes plus a press-release style announcement about any charity events you are hosting or supporting during the holidays, or an invitation for clients to participate in your mitten or giving tree, Toys for Tots, etc. 
6. Store hour changes plus an image reflective of a holiday party makeover look with a special offer for service, skin care or makeup
7. Store hour changes plus an offer for a holiday party makeover complete with a professional photograph (a joint marketing event/promotion between salon/spa and one or more local photographers and possibly a clothing retailer or boutique, marketed to both/all sets of clients)
8. Store hour changes plus an offer for family styling and family professional holiday photograph (a joint marketing event/promotion between salon/spa and one or more local photographers and possibly a clothing retailer or boutique, marketed to both/all sets of clients)
9. Store hour changes plus holiday party tips, recipes, and an invitation to attend a party planning event (a joint marketing event/promotion with a wedding planner, party planner, or home décor expert as well as possibly a caterer or dinner-preparation type of business to create an event to demonstrate holiday etiquette, table-scapes, cooking and/or other holiday party skills to clients; this event would be marketed to both sets of clients)  
10. Store hour changes plus a special offer for clients to purchase a 2011 New Year series of services at a special price (for instance, a package of 3 haircuts for women to be used no more than 6 weeks apart; or 3 haircuts for men to be used no more than 3 weeks apart; or 3 manicures, pedicures, massages, etc.)   Note: When giving a special price for series purchases, always put a time constraint on their use; your goal is to keep your customer coming in at the right intervals which helps both your revenues as well as helps to create a habit of regular re-booking for them.
11. Thanksgiving Cards to thank clients for their patronage (Christmas cards can get lost in the hubbub) that include store hour changes and can also include a coupon, certificate or business card-sized store ‘gift’ to be redeemed prior to the end of the year.  This reward is a thank you to your best customers (or all customers) and a chance to bust out the Save $10 on any $50 purchase or $5 on $25 (or another value that would make sense to your customers). 

So close your doors, and tell your customers! 

Get ahead on holiday marketing - 5 low-cost, high impact ideas

I love articles that speak to tried and true techniques that pack a powerful personal touch. 

The highlight holiday marketing idea of this article to me is the suggestion of sending Thanksgiving Cards.  It's a great idea, and I'll go you one further and suggest that you whip up a great Thanksgiving holiday greeting for your customers that also includes your top 3 holiday gift suggestions or an invitation to your clients to 'stop in' during December to receive some small free gift from you. 

This article by Jane Applegate on openforum.com features 5 low cost, low tech, but high impact things you can do now in order to end 2010 on a super positive note. 

Holiday merchandising, social coupon-ing, difficult client-ing - all in the November Style, Strategy and Savvy Newsletter!

The November newsletter is online and it's PACKED with great stuff, including the Top 12 Holiday Merchandising Tips and a special NRF 2010 Holiday Trends report --

Read the newsletter online at www.12monthsofmarketing.net/2010nov.html

IN THIS ISSUE

ORIGINAL CONTENT
::  Top 12 Holiday Merchandising Tips and Top 10 Holiday Trends for 2010
::  'Loosen up, and lighten up' November promotional ideas

FUN AND STYLE
::  The 20 best fashion blogs for professional women
::  Photography by Babak

SUCCESS STRATEGIES
::  5 Tips for dealing with difficult clients
::  Worried about losing employees?  5 Ways to beat a better offer
::  Need an exit strategy?  Here's how you might sell out - to your employees
::  Are social coupons good for (your) business?
::  How do you score on the window shopping test?
::  10 email subject line blunders
::  Fanning the social flame for viral marketing

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying,  'I will try again tomorrow.'"  - Mary Anne Radmacher
Read the newsletter online at www.12monthsofmarketing.net/2010nov.html

Original posts, articles and more ideas on my blog -
savvystylist.net or website 12monthsofmarketing.net -

Head in the clouds, or Pie in the Sky?

Today is election day and like me, no doubt you are fed up to here with the non-stop assault of political ads in which rivals assassinate one another’s character while all the time promising to help everyone.  But the truth is that the best solutions are local solutions.  And private charities are far and away more efficient, less costly, and much, much more effective at providing local solutions than are national or especially governmental programs. 

That’s why I’m pleased to have found this little gem of a charity which is, literally, putting nourishing food in the stomachs of the needy.  Manna’s mission is so simple:  Improving health, delivering nourishment.  What could be more fundamental? 

This is straight from their ‘About Manna’ page at mannapa.org: 

Especially for people at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness, MANNA (Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance) prepares and delivers delicious nourishing meals and counsel, empowering individuals to battle illness and improve their quality of life.

Each month, MANNA prepares and home-delivers more than 70,000 nutritious meals to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. MANNA's small professional staff and 1,500 dedicated volunteers deliver medically appropriate nutrition to our clients - 3 meals a day, 7 days a week - at no charge. MANNA dietitians promote wellness through nutrition education and counseling. Through these services, MANNA provides opportunities for caring people to extend loving support to families, friends, and neighbors.

 If you or someone you know should need MANNA meals or would like to volunteer, please call 215-49-MANNA.

What have they done?  A lot!   With financial support from individuals, from corporations large and small, foundations, faith communities, the public sector, special event fundraising, etc.: 

• 7,349,135+ meals served to date
• MANNA serves children and adults, individuals and families
• MANNA delivers meals and nutritional counseling to home and clinic settings
• 85% of MANNA's clients are African-American or Latino
• More than 85% of MANNA's clients are very low-income by Federal HUD guidelines
• Enough yearly delivery miles to circle the globe 6 times

If you’re looking for a charity to support with a special holiday campaign, one that truly makes a fundamental difference, Manna would love to have your support, and I highly recommend them as a great charity to adopt! 

4 Ways to ‘Loosen Up and Lighten Up’ with some refreshing November promotions

November 14 is National “Loosen Up, Lighten Up” Day.  If you have been procrastinating on getting your marketing in shape to 'loosen up' customer's purse strings and 'lighten up' your load by getting your business going this is the perfect time for you craft some special promotions and seek out some strategic marketing partners. 

• Hold a special skin bar-happy hour focused on helping clients lighten up their complexions with proper cleansing and makeup preparation and loosen up wrinkles to reverse the signs of aging and fight damage caused by harsh winter and other environmental factors. 
• Partner with a caterer or restaurant (and possibly with a party planner) for a special holiday party how-to happy hour (for both sets of clients) to provide healthy, light refreshments at a holiday-party class.  Include complimentary makeup demonstrations or free touch ups and send clients home with retail makeup purchases and with the recipes for the light party fare, instructions on re-creating holiday 'tablescapes' and other entertaining tips which they can use to entertain their guests during the holidays. 
• Partner with a local gym or fitness trainer for cross marketing; or work together to create a “loosen up, lighten up” promotion which includes fitness/diet/weight loss coaching and workouts to prepare for the holidays as well as a skin care/makeup consultation with you. 
• Create a special collection of makeup and skin care products that help loosen up wrinkles and lighten up the complexion to offer at a special price.  

***

Elizabeth Kraus is the author of 365 Days of Marketing.

Dispel all of the little white marketing lies that might be holding your business back - check out the 2012 Small Business Marketing Calendar: Little White Marketing Lies on amazon.com.  With hundreds of marketing ideas laid out for 2012, you'll get into a marketing groove and build a bigger role for your business in the lives of your clients.

What you can learn about marketing from Hallowe'en

Ready for a new week?  This one can help get you off to a good start in November just as the holiday season is heating up.  Marketingprofs.com presents a good article to get you going this week - Hallowe'en Marketing Lessons.

More?  I love this one:  How to Run a Fearless Small Business by Taylor Lindstrom.   This resonates with me because it reminds me that often times the very things we are afraid of are not nearly as scary as we think, and the best approach to a problem is to go through it. 

Happy Monday!