Adventures in Xtreme Marketing and Networking

There are some things in life that are sure to happen. Yesterday was March 21, the Spring Equinox. On this day of the year there is a strange phenomenon that occurs. It is the same every year, on this day you can stand an egg on it's end for several hours. Every year for many years, I have been able to count on this as I have amazed people by doing it. It never fails, and it doesn't really work any other time of the year. In fact, later in the day, the egg will fall over after standing for several hours.

It also never fails that a networking or marketing opportunity can present itself when least expected.

On one Saturday, as I drove through downtown Atlanta on my way home from a morning networking function, I passed a downtown hotel that had a line of people around it a city block long. There must have been over five hundred people in line, all dressed in business attire. So I immediately looked for a parking space and rolled out onto the sidewalk to find out what was happening.

It so happened that a very popular television reality show that was on every week called The A--------- was holding auditions in Atlanta. I did not spell out the name because I am not sure about trademark issues.

When I found this out, I went deep into my pocket and pulled out my AtlantaEvent.com pocket billboards (small flyers with info on them). I walked around the corner to the front of the line and began handing out cards to everyone in line. Rather than taking time to network with everyone, I said to them, "This is the number one business site in Atlanta, be sure to check it out."

A product, service or program to sell

There are a lot of ways to make money from a home business. Many of the entrepreneurs have first been working for an employer to obtain the necessary skills into a home based business. However there are also people that make an impulsive decision and start a home based business on advice by someone, were attracted to an advertisement or are pushed that way for their current financial situation. You can make money online but as said in my previous article you need to develop a plan or system to benefit from an online business.

If you are starting an online business then you have many opportunities. Although don’t think yourself rich. It may be possible that your business is lifting off immediately but in most cases it needs hard work. I started out online by filling out surveys, reading emails and clicking on advertisements. This was not paying a lot. You need hundreds of sites to earn a couple of hundred pounds. You start earning if you refer other people to do the same as you do. At that time I was introduced to network marketing and learnt a system.
If you want to benefit online you’ll have to learn a system and afterwards implement a system that will work for you. If you start an online business in network marketing then you have to build up trust. The only way you can gain trust on the internet is to advertise yourself and stand firmly behind the product that you want to market.

Although we recognize the fact that some people starting in network marketing didn’t receive any support, I certainly would like to succeed in this business and if I don’t get the information I want then I ask for it.
If you join a network program, and you don’t ask a thing or don’t introduce yourself to a sponsor then there is no willpower to succeed in this business. A network marketing system is designed to work for you as well as for your sponsor. If you have a good upline than they are very willing to introduce you to possibilities to get you going. Your upline is benefitting from the work you put in.

A Simple Thank You is Money for You

As a business grows, sometimes business owners tend to forget the most important part of their business – the customers. The danger with this is that the business can become just another faceless unit that customers deal with. Remember that acquiring customers is difficult especially if people just buy from you once. This is why people who are already old in the business industry will tell you that it is better to spend money on advertisements to keep old customers than keep on beating around the bush to gain new customers.

To really keep your customers, you need to spend a day or two every month to make courtesy calls and thank your existing customers. If you really don’t have any real business to do with your customers a simple hello will be nice. Your customers will be pleased that you took the time just to check in.

Thanking your customers is often a neglected gesture yet a very powerful sales tool. There are several instances where in a simple thank you to your customers will be very much appreciated.

First, when they make a purchase a simple thank you will be well appreciated. When was the last time a store clerk thanked you for buying from their store? Do you remember the last time a retailer thanked you for shopping at their store? This simple thank you could mean a lot of things for the customers.

Second, when they contact you regarding a service issue. Some companies think - why would they thank a customer for complaining? What they don’t realize is that when people express their concern they are giving you an opportunity to improve your business.

Third, when they refer you to other potential customers. Some businesses generate customers through referrals. If for instance you always neglect to thank the person who has been referring you to others, they might stop sending potential clients to you. And this could be a big loss for your business.

Fourth, loyal customers also deserve a thank you. It is critical to thank long term clients. But some take these individuals for granted. Keep in mind that they like anyone else, also wants to feel appreciated. Thus, sending a regular thank you card or note will be enough.

There are countless ways to say thank you. You can send an email, write a note or card or even thank them in person. An inexpensive card with handwritten comments can help you stand out from your competition. Remember that globalization and the internet means your customers can choose from thousands to stores at the touch of a button. Thus, staying ahead of the competition is important. Yes, creating thank you cards can take some time but the payoff is usually worth it.