Posts Tagged ‘BLAST’

In business, it is critical that we are clear in our communications both written and oral. You have less than 3 seconds to engage your audience so remember your ABCs. Watch this video as I explain more.

All of you know that when I come across a great product, I will stand up and let everyone know about it.  BLAST Tool #1 is Grasshopper.  I personally use this service and came to learn about them when they were still GotVMail.  For my Ice Cream Cake delivery service, I use Grasshopper to give my small business a professional edge with an automated phone system that I and all my employees can access at anytime and on anyphone.  Here is their story.

Grasshopperbegan in 2003 as GotVMail Communications after identifying the need for an easy-to-use virtual phone system for entrepreneurs that would provide them with a solution to 800 numbers, multiple extensions, professional voice over and seamless execution without breaking the bank.

In, May 2009, they changed their name to Grasshopper. Why the change? Quite simply, the name “Grasshopper” evokes the power to propel forward. And that’s exactly what their service does for entrepreneurs like you: gives you the tools to propel your small business forward.

As small business owners, you most likely eat, sleep, and breathe your small business. That’s why Grasshopper went above and beyond to deliver the most powerful new tool for entrepreneurs – an upgraded virtual phone system.

Grasshopper lets entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses anywhere, using any phone. With a virtual phone system from Grasshopper, callers can reach you wherever you are—on your cell, in the office, or at home. With Grasshopper, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to sound professional and stay connected.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing company with multiple employees, Grasshopper works for you. Create extensions for all of your employees, regardless of where they’re located. Forward calls, receive faxes by email, and get voicemails on your mobile device without installing a single app. Grasshopper puts the power of your virtual phone system right at your fingertips. With our easy online interface, you can set up your account, tag or search messages, and view calls by geographic location and more.

For only $49 a month, there’s no reason not to get Grasshopper and get connected today. For special discount or to learn more, click here

Do you know the old saying “there is no such thing as a free lunch”, well the same holds true for marketing but in this case, you offer a free gift to entice people to your business in exchange for the opportunity to “Wow” them with your services.  People love free stuff!  Byoffering a small taste of what it is like to do business with you gratis, you are reducing any perceived risk that potential customer may have.  It is sort of a “try before you buy” approach and Internet marketers and retailers have been doing this for years. 

How many times have you seen a free e-book or video series in exchange for your email address?  or How many times were you given a sample of the newest flavor at your local ice cream store in exchange for you trying their product?

In all of my businesses, both on line and off line, I often give away something to sweeten the pot.  For example, in our Ice Cream Cake Business, we would give away free cake cutting knives and calendars – each with our logo, phone number and website address.  In my Coaching Business, I give away a free 5 part mini series on starting your own business and a free report 23 mistakes entrepreneurs make.

People these days still remember the simple gestures.  Next time your customer comes to you, throw in a little something extra and watch your revenue soar from referrals and repeat business!

Nothing is more important than knowing your target market.  By knowing your target market you are able to drill down and offer solutions specific for their demands.  The more you can drill down and create a niche, the more successful your marketing messages.  For example, if you say your target market is women, you are not drilling down specifically enough, but if you say my target market is women who operate a small business out of their home, you are more targeted.  You can even go down one layer further – women who operate a small coaching business out of their home.  The more specific you can get, the better.

Knowing your target market allows you to have a laser focus on your customer and provides you an opportunity to sell directly to them rather than to large groups.  Imagine searching for one exact fish in a very large pond and all you have is one “hook” to reel that fish in.  Now next to your hook are thousands of other hooks that your competition has casted into the same pond.   If you don’t know what will make that one fish bite on your hook, you will be landing your fish by luck rather than by skill.  Most certainly over a longer period of time.  Being able to develop your marketing “hook”, specific to your fish will require you to know exactly who you customer  or fish is and entice them to buy from you.