Introducing Jodi Brimhall, Owner of Cottage Charm Furniture

We are pleased to introduce Jodi Brimhall of Cottage Charm Furniture! Connect with Jodi on her website and on her blog! Enjoy! 

Hometown: Sandy, Ut

Current Residence: Sandy, Ut

Education: High School

Professional Background: Furniture refurbishing, muralist & interior design (no schooling, just self taught)

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Mommy and Designer

What you are: Mommy and Designer! Yea!

Brief Summary of your Start Up: We have always been firm believers in provident living. My husband was a painting contractor, and so I would have him occasionally spray old furniture for me. I have always loved vintage pieces, as well as French Country design. I did a lot of research on the antiquing and glazing process, and began to work on pieces of my own. With his expertise in painting, and my love for interior design, we were able to create some beautiful and unique pieces of furniture. Pretty soon, we were doing the same thing for our neighbors and relatives. Cottage Charm Furniture was born soon after that.

Company Website? www.cottagecharmfurniture.com

What inspired you? With the economy going downhill, we knew we could offer a service that would allow others to have quality, updated furniture, without the high price tag. The concept of “Cottage Charm Furniture” was inspired by my love for the French Countryside Cottages and their quaint, simple way of life.

How long have you been in business? 1 year

How did you fund it? Mostly ourselves little by little, and also with the help of a neighbor investing some as well

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? No

Current Business Challenge? Getting the word out and marketing inexpensively.

What are you doing about it? Marketing on KSL and Facebook, and referrals from our amazing customers

Favorite motivational quote: “Those who avoid change, fail. Those who accept change, survive. Those who make change, succeed.”

Family? Husband (Todd), 4 sons (Grant, Bailey, Trey, and Bryce) and 1 daughter (Sheridan)

If so, how do you balance family and business? It’s not easy, especially since we home school as well. Education comes first, since we all know that knowledge is power. But with organization and family team work, we get the work done with time left over for play. The kids are just as much a part of our company as we are. They are hard workers, and enjoy the satisfaction of earning their own money. It’s also a great opportunity to teach them how to save and manage their money, as well as plan for their future.

Favorite book? Anatomy of Peace, The Arbinger Institute …fantastic and life changing book!

What do you do to relax? Read & garden

What do you want to change most about your world? Slow it down…spend more time just “being in the moment”

What are you most proud of? Being able to overcome my insecurities, and taking charge of what I want out of life.I never dreamed I’d be capable of home educating my children, and certainly never felt wise enough to run my own business. I have learned that by following my own instincts, even if it’s walking by blind faith, anything can be accomplished. Of course, I’m learning as I go…but isn’t that what life is all about?

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Ask a lot of questions, use resources like the internet and local library for further research, and listen to what your heart is telling you…the answers are within, if you’re just quiet enough to listen.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The library…I love books!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? They would be hand made by the most precious people in my life…my husband and children

Business Goddess Marketing Tips 1-7

Fairy Godmother Laura West, President of Center of Joyful Business is sharing 7 fabulous Business Goddess Marketing Tips with you. Click on the links below to listen as Laura helps you find the inner Business Goddess within you. Enjoy!

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #1: Tapping Into Your Business Goddess

To listen now, visit  http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip1.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #2: Business Plateau Woes

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip2.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #3: What Is It Going to Take for You to Be a Highly Sought After Expert?

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip3.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #4: How To Really Attract Clients Who Want to Work With You

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip4.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #5: Are You Sure Your Clients Know How They Can Work With You?

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip5.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #6 Systems = Freedom

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip6.html

Business Goddess Marketing Tip #7: Women Don’t Flourish Alone

To listen now, visit http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/audiotip/tip7.html

Forbes 20 Best Marketing And Social Media Blogs By Women

Kelly King Anderson has been honored by Forbes as one of the top 20 Best Marketing and Social Media Blogs by Women to follow. Clink on the link below to find out who else was listed and to connect with these dynamic women. Congratulations Kelly!

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/1

4/social-media-twitter-marketing-forbes-woman-entrepreneurs-best-blogs.html

Shirley J’s is an Answer to the Daily, Daunting Question: What’s for Dinner?

From time to time we receive products that companies want us to try in exchange for a review of some kind on our site.  This is pretty common in the media world.  I’ve been pleased with most things I’ve tried, but I’m willing to admit that I was a little skeptical when I was handed some samples from Shirley J. They specialize in making cooking simple and yummy and I’ve tried lots of other products claiming similar things. They even have a product called “Universal Sauce” and it’s name seems to sound too good to be true.

I’ll say right now, before I go any further, I’ve become a HUGE fan of all the Shirley J products I’ve tried – even and especially the Universal Sauce.  One night I was standing in the pantry trying to figure out what to cook for dinner (ever happen to you???) and I decided to try a recipe that came with the Universal Sauce: Baked Macaroni and Cheese.  It was SO SO yummy AND so easy.  In an instant I became a little bit of a Shirley J freak.  Became a fan on Facebook, spent long periods of time on their website going through other recipe ideas, bought five #10 cans of the Universal Sauce and I actually looked forward to cooking again (that’s saying something all by itself!).

If you are like me, days seem to go by too quickly.  Between my work to do list and keeping up with the kids 5:00 rolls around and I’m scrambling to get something together.  I often try to cut corners to get something on the table quickly, sacrificing taste, and I spend the rest of the night feeling culinarily dissatisfied.

With Shirley J, even if I wait until the last minute I can have yummy food, without a lot of fat, and my husband is even happy (he’s a serious food person, so pleasing him is really tough!)  I can also plan ahead for some really yummy crock pot meals.  They have a wide variety of seasonings and mixes and you could eat every day for a month and you’d never know these products came from the same company.  Think soups and pizza sauce, casseroles and dutch oven meals, one dish crock pot seasonings and breads, sweet rolls and brownies and so much more.

I’m not really known for my cooking ‘round these parts – my friends make fun of me as I hate to try any recipe with more than five ingredients.   Another reason I love Shirley J.  Their recipes are simple, and I usually have everything I need on hand.

On another note, as I did some more research I found out some interesting things about Shirley J.  This 30 year old company, recently did a a complete overhaul of their branding.  From website to packaging and everything in between.  Why?  To change with the times?  Sure.  But it’s so much more.  Not only did they change the way Shirley J products look, but they changed the way they do business.  For years, they have provided products to restaurants around the country using the business to business distribution model.  Now they have expanded to offer these products to you and me for use in our homes.  And, they did it in a time when other companies are scaling back.

So, I’m impressed and I hope you’ll take Shirley J for a spin in your kitchen.   Now when I stand in my pantry staring at my food storage sized cans of Universal Sauce, I look forward to making dinner!

Besides being the Business Development Director and Fairy Godmother for Startup Princess, Michelle McCullough is mom to a two year old boy and a brand new baby girl.  She also runs her own startup, Doodads Promotional Products <http://www.doodadspromotional.com>, which has been in operation for over 10 years. Previously she worked in advertising and marketing.

Introducing Tess Whitty, Owner of Swedish Translation Services

We are pleased to introduce Tess Whitty, owner and founder of Swedish Translation Services! Connect with Tess on her website or on twitter. Njut av intervjun!

Hometown: Närpes, Finland (Swedish speaking town)

Current Residence: Park City, UT

Education: M.A. in Business Communications and a M.Sc. in Economics/International Marketing

Professional Background: Freelance translator (English-Swedish) since 2003, Language teacher (Swedish) 2003-2007, Product Marketing Manager at a telecommunications company in Sweden 1996-2000, specializing in Internet services.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Dancer at first but when I grew older I became interested in languages and different cultures. I studied 5 different languages and have lived in 4 different countries, but I never imagined that I would become a translator. Now I would never go back. I love the freelancing business and linguistics.

What you are: English-Swedish freelance translator, proofreader, editor, copy writer and entrepreneur.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: When I moved to Utah from Sweden I was 7 months pregnant with my second child and used to working 30 h weeks as a marketing manager, having six weeks vacation and one year paid maternity leave. At first I was just happy being home with my two small children, but when my daughter was two I started to get the itch to work again. Having few contacts in Utah, and high demands on my working hours, made it hard for me to find the perfect job. I started looking into work at home opportunities when a good friend and neighbor suggested that I should look into translation. I signed up on different translation websites and after my first few jobs I was hooked. Now 7 years later I have a successful one woman business from home. I mostly work for translation agencies but I am looking into going more local and finding direct clients, perhaps marketing our beautiful state to the Swedes. Utah is quite unknown to them.

Company Website? http://www.swedishtranslationservices.com

What inspired you? My love of languages, writing and being my own boss.

How long have you been in business? 7 years

How did you fund it? Luckily, the freelance translation business is not very expensive to start up. I basically just needed a computer, a place to work, a good reference library and email. With the money I earned I invested part into my company, new hardware and software, memberships in professional associations, travel etc.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No, but I have several “role models” that I have met online or at conferences.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Yes, several professional translators associations both in the US and in Sweden. I am also active on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and I have my own blog.

Current Business Challenge? Finding direct clients

What are you doing about it? Trying to branch out locally and marketing myself on the web and on social media.

Favorite motivational quote: Love what you do, do what you love.

Family? American husband, an 11 year old boy, 9 year old girl, Golden Retriever and two cats.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I try to do most of my work when my children are at school. My husband is a professor so we are both workaholics and frequently work after the kids have gone to bed. I stay very organized and manage my time according to when I work best on different things. I have also learned to outsource things I am not good at, or don’t like doing.

Favorite book? Right now “The Wealthy Freelancer” and “The Four Hour Work Week” but I have also read and loved “Eat, Pray, Love” and “The Time Travellers Wife” recently.

What do you do to relax? Read, play with my family and friends, exercise.

What do you want to change most about your world? Have more time for my family and for travelling, spend more time with people that lift me up and that I can do the same for.

What are you most proud of? My family and my business

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? To use all the great resources which are practically free on the Internet, but also to have a role model, mentor or coach.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The Internet

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds of course.

You’re Invited! Salt Lake City, UT “Dress Your Body Type and Clothing Swap” – May 13, 2010

Dress Your Body Type and Clothing Swap

We’re thrilled to announce our next exciting event for the Startup Princess Salt Lake City Chapter!

Please join us Thursday, May 13th from 7pm-9pm at the Bank of American Fork in Riverton (2691 West 12600 South, Riverton, UT), for an evening of inspiration, networking, and fun !

This exciting event will feature image consultant and personal shopper Sarah Ward of Cable Car Couture.  With a strong background in teaching and design, Sarah will teach Startup Princesses how to dress their body type and lead an exciting clothing swap!  For more information on Cable Car Couture, visit them online at www.cablecarcouture.com.

To participate in the Clothing Swap, please bring clean items of clothing to exchange for another fabulous clothing find.  For example, if you bring three pieces, you’re entitled to swap for three pieces, though you can bring as many as you want!  You are welcome to bring clothing, shoes, or accessories to swap.  Any leftover clothing will be donated to charity.

The cost of the event is $15 for pre-paid attendees (by May 12th) or $20 at the door.  First time guests are free!

To pre-pay please use the Paypal button below. Thank you!

Special Thanks to 2010 SLC Chapter and Location Sponsor, Bank of American Fork

Word of Mouth Marketing for Small Businesses

Guest Author, Kathy Dalton writes: You might not know it, but there’s a dramatic shift occurring right this second within the advertising industry. Today’s advertisers are focusing less on traditional advertising methods and more on word-of-mouth advertising. Why? Simply put, because it gets results. People love to talk, especially about their favorite products or services, and they’re also more likely to trust a product recommendation from a friend over a commercial or other traditional marketing method. Put the two together, and you have the word-of-mouth recipe for success.

About 80% of word of mouth takes place offline, but you can easily take it online to speed up the process and make word-of-mouth marketing work for you. And the best news? It’s really cheap, usually FREE. Here are ten things you can do RIGHT NOW to get people talking about your product or service. Remember: keep your message simple then do everything you can to make sharing your message easy peasy lemon squeezy.

TEN Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW

1. Start a blog - A blog does not magically generate customers, but it does start the conversation. Get readers to link back to you. If you already have a blog, ask to be a guest blogger, provide interesting content, and be a thought leader within your industry. Be sure to make your blog button available and easy to post.

2. Rule of Three – When handing out a flyer or business card don’t just hand out one; hand out three so potential clients have a couple extra on hand to share with friends.

3. Give out samples – Everyone loves something for free. Maybe it’s a mini sample or a gift bag with purchase. When sending out your packages, include stickers or business cards.

5. Coupon - Create a “Friends and Family” coupon that can be easily forwarded or posted on Facebook or Twitter.

6. FREE Report – Create a FREE report, downloadable fact sheet, or worksheet on your website.

7. Conference Call –  Use a service like www.FreeConferenceCall.com to host a FREE call where customers can get an update on what you’re working on and then open it up for questions. Record the call and put it up on your website.

8. Create a YouTube Channel – Establish your own channel on www.YouTube.com where you can post videos and have customers post theirs.

9. Contest – Create a contest around submitting a video for the most embarrassing moment, cutest kid, or funniest dating story. Have customers post their videos on your YouTube channel. Give away free product or create affiliate relationships and help support other businesses by giving away their product.

10. Product Review – Send out your product to bloggers and have them review it on their blogs.

The fact is, word of mouth marketing is taking place and people are already talking about you. Use these ten tips to take part in the conversation, both online and off.

Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking by Andy Sernovitz, Kaplan Press; Revised edition (February 3, 2009)

Kathy Dalton is marketing obsessed. Her twelve years’ experience in marketing, advertising, product development, and the health sciences industry led her to launch The Kadis Group, her personalized marketing consultancy. Kathy loves helping local businesses and is currently working on marketing My New Enterprise, a project aimed at helping new entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

Kathy is also co-founder of the Little Stinker™ natural skin-care line for babies and mothers. She just launched its flagship product, a Little Stinker™ baby butt spray, and is scheduled to launch two more products for nursing mothers.  Little Stinker is proudly manufactured in the USA and contains natural ingredients and organic botanicals.

Kathy is a full-time wife and mother. In her free time, she loves to take her son on bike rides, write her personal blog, and read.

CONNECT WITH KATHY

Blog: www.DanishMama.com

Twitter @kathydaltonslc

LITTLE STINKER

kathy@LittleStinkerUSA.com

www.LittleStinkerUSA.com

Twitter: @mylittlestinker

Starting Up Without Burning Out

Guest Author, Wanda Shapiro writes: Starting your own business is a rewarding experience, but it can also be exhausting – mentally and physically. Startup princesses are particularly vulnerable to what I call startup fatigue because we’re passionate and therefore more likely to put in the extra hours and settle for a semi-constant state of tiredness.

Recently, I started my own publishing company and I’ve learned a lot about exhaustion.  I’ve become increasingly aware of my own human limitations and I’ve learned a few tricks that help ameliorate the effects of my startup princess pace.

The first thing to do is pay attention to the warning signs of startup fatigue which, when not severe, might be dismissed as normal tiredness. That’s when you run the risk of burning out.

Warning signs of startup fatigue

• Eye fatigue – Your eyes Itch and burn and you have difficulty focusing – especially at the computer.
• The caffeine slippery slope – Two cups of coffee per day has turned into five or six.
• Confusion –You have trouble concentrating and small things take longer than they should.
• Forgetfulness – Three times this week you forgot something somewhere.
• Dizziness and/or nausea – This is actually a side effect of eye fatigue and you’re most likely to feel it at the computer, but it can be easy to miss the connection.
• Lack of coordination – You have two bruises on your shin because you’re bumping into things lately.
• More emotional than usual – Whether it’s on the irritable side or the weepy side, you find yourself overly emotional.
• Physically there, mentally not – Often mental and physical exhaustion come together but not always. Sometimes you get  fourteen hours of sleep and you still can’t concentrate.

All of these are signs that you’re pushing yourself a bit too hard – even for a startup princess. If you’re experiencing a few of these symptoms, or if your symptoms are getting worse,  you’re at risk of startup burnout and that’s never good.

The first time I pushed myself to the burnout point, it was actually scary and I promised myself I would never do that again. I learned to pay attention to the warning signs and I learned there were things I could do to avoid that burnt out feeling.

Avoiding startup fatigue

• Pay attention to the warning signs – This is key because it’s easier to recover from fatigue than burnout.  If you’re starting to feel it, put down the list and sleep.
• Be realistic with your deadlines – You might seem like it, but you’re not actually superwoman. Keep the to-do list in the humanly possible range.
• Stay organized –Staying organized will save you a ton of time each day.
• Do things that balance you – Whether it’s yoga or cooking or reading a book, take time to do things that make you feel good. Extended periods of time without these re-energizers can take its toll.
• Let your friends recharge you – Spending time with people you love can be energizing in a way sleep can’t.
• If you do get sick, just stop – Take the eight count you need and you’ll get well faster.
• Rest up before a push – Sometimes you can see an insane week on the horizon and when you can, take a little break before it.
• Afternoons off – If you’re working seven days a week, schedule some afternoons or evenings off and really don’t work during those times (not even on your phone).
• Listen to the people around you – If your Mom sends you an email that starts, “I saw that picture on your blog honey and you really need to get some sleep…” Don’t just pooh-pooh it; your mother is probably right.

Startup princesses are bound to be a bit tired, but for the good of the project, know when to buckle down and when to take a break.  And remember – you’re not the only one vulnerable to startup fatigue. Pay attention to warning signs in others like your business partners and your own family.

Wanda Shapiro wrote a novel called Sometimes That Happens With Chicken and decided she didn’t need a publisher to sell books. She’s taking literary fiction indie and bringing her debut novel directly to readers. For more information, visit http://www.onegirlonenovel.com where you can learn all about the girl, the novel, the plan, and how you can help. Also on Twitter @WandaShapiro

Introducing Tanya Boyer, Publisher of the Rocky Mountain Running & Triathlon Magazine

We are pleased to introduce Tanya Boyer! Tanya loves to run and she is sharing that passion with other fitness enthusiasts through her new, Rocky Mountain Running & Triathlon Magazine. Connect with Tanya and receive great fitness advice and tips on her website at www.rockymtnrunning.com or become a Rocky Mountain Running fan on Facebook. Enjoy the read!

Current Residence:  Lindon, UT

Education: MBA, University of Michigan; BBA, Brigham Young University

Professional Background:  Corporate financial analyst at Ford Motor Company (2 years).  Strategic planning analyst for Ford Motor company joint venture (one year pre and one year post IPO).

What you wanted to be when you grew up:  A career on Wall Street sounded intriguing, then the realization hit that I am a small-town girl at heart.

What you are:  House manager, maid, cook, concierge, taxi driver and a newbie magazine publisher.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Rocky Mountain Running & Triathlon Magazine is the premiere information source for athletes who live and train in the Mountain States. Our goal is simple: feed our readers’ wild appetite and passion for running, biking, or swimming. Through fifty-two pages of features, segments and regular columns, we deliver information to help thousands of athletes train, race, and reach new goals.

Company Website? www.rockymtnrunning.com

What inspired you? The realization that an active lifestyle can benefit every single individual, not just elite athletes.  A running journey can be a life-changing experience.  Training is hard and takes commitment.  But when women push hard through a tough training session or to the finish line of a race, no matter the time or place, they realize their potential to do so many other hard things in life, physical or not.  Runners and triathletes agree their lives are richer, healthier, and just plain better than they would be without the sport.

How long have you been in business? Since December 2009.

How did you fund it? Hard-earned savings account.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Can it be a Godfather?  If so, definitely Brook Gardner, the editor of RaceCenter NW Magazine and my lead contact from Endurance Sports Media Group.

Current Business Challenge? I would have to say the economy, as would many other companies.  We have to make sure that we deliver a product that is worth every penny to our sponsors and our subscribers.  We have had great support from the community and athletes; they are great people to associate with.

What are you doing about it? We have to carefully plan out the editorial calendar to deliver content that will be useful and interesting to our audience.  Articles or text that don’t meet our desired standards will be thoroughly revised.  Again, we want to make every page of our magazine is worth every penny to our sponsors and subscribers.  Race bag distribution is key in making sure we get the magazine in front of the audience we have promised to our advertisers.

Favorite motivational quote: “Work will win when wishy washy wishing won’t.”  Thomas S. Monson

Family? Husband Brian, who is the kindest and most patient man in the world.  Three wonderful, fun, smart, and loving children ages 7, 6, 3.

If so, how do you balance family and business? It is definitely a challenge, but I have learned that when I take care of my family first, I feel more productive and efficient in my work efforts.  Most of my “me” time is spent working, either at my computer or talking with contributors, writers, etc.  I love my interactions with those individuals!  There are no “down” days or nights, but there are many late nights and early mornings.  I have to be honest that occasionally I will find myself wishing I had more time to work, but that only causes more internal stress.  So, I just make sure to be wise and careful with my limited work hours.  Jess has been a great help to me and I seriously couldn’t do this without her.  We must have known each other long, long ago.  The other members of our team have also contributed immensely to the success of this undertaking.  And, ironically, since beginning the magazine my own work-out hours have significantly decreased.

Favorite book? Our magazine, of course.

What do you do to relax? Dish up an extra large serving of a hot-fudge and caramel brownie sundae!  In those rare moments of alone-time I enjoy playing the piano, sewing, or just cleaning my house (call me crazy, but to some degree I enjoy cleaning!).

What do you want to change most about your world? Parental involvement in the lives of our children.  It breaks my heart to see a child (or youth) with low self-esteem, or a child that obviously needs more guidance and praise at home.  I believe that if many parents were more directly involved with their children’s homework, activities, social lives, etc., many of the problems in today’s society would be lessened.  I would also love to provide more resources to those children who, through no fault of their own, are not in a loving family where respect and esteem are developed and taught.

What are you most proud of? My three great children who think I am a better mom than I really am.  Don’t all mothers want to be better though.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Three P’s:  passionate, patient, persistent.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My team! I couldn’t do this alone.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? A diamond(s), for several reasons.  Among other things the diamond has been a symbol of love, excellence, clarity, vision, and the journey.  For any project to be successful, the individuals involved must be able to address each of those topics in regards to the undertaking.  And just for fun, my only daughter has an April birthday, the diamond being her birthstone.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Bottom Line and Make Your Marketing Personal

Marketing isn’t just about creating that new ad or making a web site or a brochure to hand out…really good marketing consists of being aware of the many ways you actually reach out and touch a customer.

And, the hands-down best marketing is a simple concept that I talk about all the time…it is personal. It can be felt.

The thing is that when you take the time and energy to really think about the different ways you actually touch your customers and make those as personal as possible, they will remember you. They will recommend you to their friends, family, co-workers. And THAT viral word of mouth marketing is exactly what you want.

Ever heard of the Nametag Guy?

Stick with me, this is word of mouth marketing, right here, right now…I’m about to tell you why this guy is so cool – in essence I’m helping him further his brand, build his credibility which could ultimately boost his bottom line and the coolest thing (for him) is that I’m doing the work for him, for free. Now, understand, I’m not doing this because I think he needs help, not because I know him, not for any reason OTHER than he had an understanding of how to touch a potential customer in a way that is personal and can keep them talking about his business.

Isn’t that what YOU want for YOUR business?

Ok, here are ten tips to remember (this is his philosophy for what he calls “approachable service”)…

1. People buy people
2. Friendly always wins
3. Make the mundane memorable
4. Be unique, not different
5. Interaction, not interruption (In other words, INTERACT with your customers, don’t make them feel they are INTERRUPTING you)
6. Be That Guy (or That Girl)
7. You want FANS not customers
8. Don’t sell; allow people to buy
9. Consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness
10. If you don’t make a name for yourself, someone will make one for you

There you have it. Not so complex, really. Just a simple shifting of perceptions and how you interact with your customers.

But if you do all these things your marketing will become more personal and you will, in the minds of your customers, be more approachable. Then the snowball effect will kick in. Your potential customers will remember you for your approachability and personal touch and if you’ve done your job really well, they will pass on how truly fabulous you, your service, your product is to their friends, family and co-workers.

Sonya Klepper is an expert at mixing it up in the web development and web marketing arena with winning combinations each and every time. She is the owner of Truly Twisted Marketing which specializes in customized, out of the box, solutions to grow businesses with some seriously kickin’ modern design and mad marketing skills.

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