Do you remember the question?

Welcome to Monday!

Remember me asking you a question Friday?

You probably forgot didn’t you?

How can I help you?

Yep, that was the question!

Yeah, it was one of those deep-thought questions.

And, yes, it required a bit of your time to formulate an answer.

Kudos go out to Tim Jackson…he wrote…

“Thank you for this. A refreshing message. To be honest, I don’t know how you could help. We are in the middle of a growth spiral. I need to research your offerings more thoroughly, which I will begin by looking at Success Secrets TV as soon as I push the send button. Have a delightful weekend. P.S. Keep the emails coming”

Tim responded honestly. He doesn’t know how I can help right now, so he’s doing some homework, some due diligence, and seeing first hand what or how I could help him.

Growth spiral, wow! Good for you Tim!

Some companies would be down right giddy to be in a growth spiral right now.

Yet, most companies don’t have systems in place to handle rapid growth. They don’t have the resources, capital or manpower to keep the growth continuing…so they end up leveling off, or worse, reversing that spiral.

Stone Cold Creamery is an example of a company that went through a rapid growth stage. Yet, due to poor systems, mismanaged opportunities and no clear vision the company saw a decline in sales, which forced franchisees into bankruptcy, and caused a stir with the media.

Always understand where your company is and where it needs to be! Hope for the best but plan for the worst. Have systems in place to cover all contingencies.

Remember, I’m here to help…all you have to do is ask!

Until Next Time,

 “Live With Passion!”

 

Rob Anspach

P.S. Make you customers, contractors and vendors always feel welcome. And never stop asking how you can help someone.

How can I help you?

Hey, it’s Friday!

So, I thought I would keep this short & sweet and give you something to think about over the weekend.

Here’s what I want to know.

How can I help you?

It’s a simple question.

But, it requires of you some long hard thought.

Yes, I could have asked…

What obstacles are keeping you from having the business of your dreams?

What are your long and short term goals?

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?

Do you understand how to utilize the power of social media?

…and maybe about 100 other questions…

And, possibly you would have an answer for those…then again maybe not.

Look, I could keep writing emails and blogs and in most cases it will benefit you in some small way…but for me it’s like taking a shot in the dark. I really don’t know if I’ll hit the target let alone hit anything.

I love when someone says, hey Rob, that information was right on…thanks!

I want to help you hit the home runs in your life and business, to help you hit that target everytime…to get those warm fuzzy feel good accolades from your clients…but without knowing exactly how I can help…it’s still just a shot in the dark.

Think about it…

Then reply to this email or call me and we can chat!

Enjoy the weekend.

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. Tell me a little bit about you. The more I know, the better I can be at helping you achieve your goals, dreams and aspirations.

Maybe you saw this?

I thought this was kinda cool and wanted to share it with you!

 

Maybe you’ve seen it.

 

They’re called Social Trading Cards.

 

You can use them for all kinds of things…

…as a conversation starter!

…a networking tool!

…to build your personal brand!

 

Throw that dull, boring business card away and start using these cards and watch how easy it is to engage your customer.

 

Not only are these cards designed to catch your attention, they have some cutting edge features!

 

They utilize the QR (Quick Response) imaging that your smart phone can scan and pull up more information on you in a snap.

 

Don’t know what QR marketing is about… I wrote an article about it back in October 2010 about it… here’s the link

http://robanspach.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/qr-marketing/

 

Anyway, back to Social Trading Cards…

 

You can integrate your LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook profiles right into the card, add an image, a 160 character bio and… you’re almost done.

 

But wait there’s a bit more…

 

What makes this card a bit more interesting is it gets you to think about your personality.

 

In fact, you are asked what your “special power” is. Think about that! Everyone’s is different! What’s yours? What sets you apart and makes you unique?

 

Just using these cards can have a dramatic impact on how you interact with potential clients. They will see you as an inspired, driven individual using a marketing tool that is new and exciting…that grabs their attention and gets them to take notice.

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. I almost forgot to give you the link… here it is! https://www.meet-meme.com/

 

P.P.S. Did you see the newest episode of Success Secrets TV yet? It’s about utilizing the power of online coupons! In the episode I interview Andrew Mazer of ModernCoupon.com and get him to reveal why he started such a service, and how you can use ModernCoupon.com to grow your business. To watch it… go to http://www.SuccessSecrets.Tv

 

Clarify Your Expectations!

I recently wrote an article for Cleanfax Magazine (a cleaning industry mag) titled “Clarify your expectations!”

Now, I’m not going to share the article with you, I don’t want to spoil it for the readers of Cleanfax by jumping the gun.

But I do want to share with you the essence of what I mean without revealing too much.

We as entrepreneurs take for granted that we understand our customers (or clients as I like to call them).

But do we really?

You see, if we took the time to truly understand our clients, what makes them tick, what drives them, what their likes and dislikes are, their habits and interests…we would be able to cater our service to meet their needs in a greater fashion.

When we take the time to get to know our clients better, they in turn know us better and will help us sell more.

Taking the time to understand each others expectations can go a long way in building the business you truly desire.

If you don’t take the time to clarify your expectation of a client, how will that client know what you want them to do. How will they know to refer you, or tell you what they thought of your service?

And without clarifying that expectation, you won’t know how to please them.

 

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. Take the time to get to know your clients. Ask questions! Let them ask you questions! Take notes!

 

Try it for FREE!

I know some of you are “on the fence” with the notion of sending clients a monthly print newsletter.

And, I was like you…

I tried newsletter after newsletter hoping that one would be the magic pill that made everything feel great. With each newsletter, I was excited and disappointed. I wanted them to work, I needed them to work, and sometimes I prayed they would just make people call me.

Well, out of frustration, maybe a bit of desperation and the sheer will to produce a product that would entertain my clients and get them to call me for work, I created a killer newsletter.

It’s gotten rave reviews! Maybe you saw it.

I would like to give you the opportunity to try it!

Risk-free!

No strings attached!

Absolutely FREE!

The next 17 people who email me, I will send them my March issue to try for free! My email is rob@robanspach.com

Just try it out!

So, if you’ve been “on the fence”, then take me up on my offer, try my newsletter out. You be the judge!

I believe once you experience it first hand, not only will your clients love it, but you’ll want to keep using it month after month after month. It’s that good!

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. I’m totally serious! I want you to give it a try! Kick the tires if you will…take it for a test drive! Then tell me what you think…tell me how your clients felt about it. Hurry, I am limiting this offer to the first 17 who respond. So, act now!

 

No assembly required!

Yesterday I shared with you why it’s important to always ask for the little extras when selling to your clients.

I mentioned how Burger King has trained their employees so well to ask customers if they want “bacon with that” and how those little extra’s can add big dollars to your bottom line.

If you missed it, here’s the article… http://bit.ly/hASnPM

Now, let me share with you another story…involving my other son.

This is an example of how asking the wrong question can have a negative impact on your sales.

My wife and I went to Toy’s R Us to buy our son a new mountain bike for his birthday. All the bicycles were on display, fully assembled and nicely displayed.

We took the tag to the front counter so we could pay for our selection. The clerk asks if we want it assembled, and that there’s a $10 fee for assembly.

My wife and I looked at each a bit bewildered. I turned to the clerk and said they were already assembled. I don’t want a bicycle I have to put together.

No assembly required! Pay and go! That’s what I like!

So the clerk snaps back, “$10 it is!”

What, wait a minute. I felt bamboozled!

I asked the manager how many people complained about the assembly fee! Here’s what she said, “All of them!”
If you are selling an item that needs assembled to be able to sell it, then include that time in you final price. So, in this case you are not asking your customer if they want it assembled, you are selling it to them fully assembled ready to go.

$199 fully assembled ready to go sounds better than $189 plus assembly fee.
You are now in a greater position to ask the customer for additional items that would increase the overall order.

Charging for something that most would consider part of the fee is a fast way to lose the client and the sale.

In the end, the manager waived our assembly fee and knocked an additional 10% off the price and apologized for the misunderstanding.

If you were the store manager, how would you have handled the situation?

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. I’m giving away over $350 in products that are guaranteed to help boost your business. To claim these valuable gifts visit my website today. www.robanspach.com

P.S. A great way to keep clients coming back month after month is with a print newsletter. Not just any newsletter, one designed to trigger sales, enhance referrals and keep clients focused on you. To see how my Ultimate Newsletter can help you…go to http://robanspach.com/clientnews.html

You want bacon with that?

My son is not a meat eater! But he does love the veggie burgers at BK.

So last evening I took my son to dinner at Burger King…and guess what they asked him when he ordered his meal.

“You want bacon with that?”

Now, don’t get me wrong I think this is a brilliant way to up sell.

I  mean just imagine, thousands of BK’s everyday asking people if they want to add bacon or cheese or any additional item to their meal.

Cha Ching!

They have become so trained at asking that they seldom realize what people are ordering. Veggie burger with bacon…hmmm!

Yes, I know you are not BK, but you can still ask if they want bacon!

Well, not bacon! But something additional to increase the overall sale!

A florist may ask… “would you like to add a vase with your flower order?”

A web design firm might ask… “may we add hosting service as well?”

A carpet cleaner…”would you like stain protection added?”

A book store… “may we interest you in decorative book marker?”

These value added sales over a period of time could add big bucks to your bottom line.

And, all you have to do is ask.

Remember, they have already placed the order!

They want your service!

Just asked the question!

The more you ask, the more it will become second nature and yes, you might ask a redundant question to your customer…but, hey, at least you asked!

You’ll be amazed at how many people say yes!

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. Over the last year in my phone consultations I’ve noticed that the majority of my clients need help making their websites more effective. Now, I like to help you with your website. Here’s the best part…I normally charge $249 for this…but the next 13 who go to my website  get it for FREE! Hurry! I’ll critique your website and offer you ideas, tips and tricks that will transform your website into a money machine. To get started, visit my website at www.robanspach.com

P.P.S. A great way to keep clients coming back month after month is with a print newsletter. Not just any newsletter, one designed to trigger sales, enhance referrals and keep clients focused on you. To see how my Ultimate Newsletter can help you…go to http://robanspach.com/clientnews.html

 

Are you insane?

Is what you’re doing right now moving you closer to your goals?

I would bet dollars for donuts it’s not!

Yeah, I know, it’s those shiny objects that distract you.

I’ve been down that road too!

Everything looks great on paper until you try to implement it…then the insanity begins.

You try everything, well, that’s what you tell people! You attempt a few things and then fall back to copying what your competitors are doing.

Have you ever heard the expression, “the blind leading the blind”? Well, if you copy your competition you my friend are not only blind you are clinically insane!

Sorry, I didn’t mean to be the one to tell you, but it had to be said!

Did you ever wonder if what your competitor was doing was making them money? I bet you reckoned that they were, huh? They had to be, right? Their ads were  everywhere! How can a business not be making money with ads everywhere?

Stop thinking that way! It will lead to more insanity!

“Sell at a loss, make it up in volume!”

Let me tell you, if you are thinking about doing this or are currently participating in this type of client attraction mechanism…stop it right now! The fastest way to end your business is selling at a loss. Believe me, the “make up in volume” never works. It leads to a dead-broke business with a whole bunch of non-loyal customers.

It’s sad really! Most entrepreneurs don’t understand their own costs of doing business, yet they will copy another’s in a heartbeat. Look, if you don’t understand the numbers why would you follow someone else’s. Chances are they have no clue either. Or, they could be running ads just to “kill cash” against taxes.

Don’t do it!

Some other examples of insanity range from not having a web presence, not utilizing all the free social media networking opportunities, not creating a business that “stands out”, not being unique, not learning about customers buying habits…oh, I could go on and on.

So, what is insanity and how do you avoid it?

The classic definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again yet expecting different results.

Your business is you…it’s your energy, your time, your passion!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, passion is the fuel!

When you are passionate about your product or service, people will gravitate towards you with cash in hand.

Passion kills insanity every time!

If you struggle and struggle and still aren’t getting “it”, then stop and hire someone to do it. Focus your energies on moving forward. Be aware at what your competitors are doing, but don’t copy. Be unique! Be real! Be yourself!

Stop the insanity right now!

Create value and charge what your worth…and you’ll be amazed at how happy and profitable you become.

 

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. Over the last year in my phone consultations I’ve noticed that the majority of my clients need help making their websites more effective. Now, I like to help you with your website. Here’s the best part…I normally charge $249 for this…but the next 15 who email me get it for FREE! Hurry! I’ll critique your website and offer you ideas, tips and tricks that will transform your website into a money machine. To get started, visit my website at www.robanspach.com

P.P.S. A great way to keep clients coming back month after month is with a print newsletter. Not just any newsletter, one designed to trigger sales, enhance referrals and keep clients focused on you. To see how my Ultimate Newsletter can help you…go to http://robanspach.com/clientnews.html

 

You just gotta work on it!

Today my wife and I celebrate 22 years of marriage. WOOHOO!

   Believe me, there were times when I and she didn’t think things would work out.

    We certainly had our fights, arguments and days where we just hated each other.

   We watched as friends, neighbors and even family members got divorced. Some of those divorces were just drag down dirty. Know what I mean? Real ugly!

    Through it all, we worked on it. We communicated. We never gave up on each other even during the trying times.

    Heck yeah, it was hard work.

    Why am I telling you this?

    Well, your business is like a marriage.  

    It needs some romance to make it work.

    Your customers need to be treated with kindness, they need to feel you are communicating with them and treating them like they are one of a kind.

    A healthy relationship with your clients, means a long and happy business life.

    Well, I’m off to enjoy the day with my wife.

    Enjoy your weekend!

      Until Next Time,   

     “Live With Passion!”

   Rob Anspach

   P.S. A great way to keep clients coming back month after month is with a print newsletter. Not just any newsletter, one designed to trigger sales, enhance referrals and keep clients focused on you. To see how my Ultimate Newsletter can help you…go to http://robanspach.com/clientnews.html

   

Email Marketing Secrets Exposed!

What I thought I knew about email marketing, was quickly put to the test!

Sure, I follow the rules, well, the rules as I knew them.

During a closed door, members only marketing meeting I attended last night in West Chester PA – I had the privilege of listening and learning from the CEO of one of the most respected email marketing services out there… Tom Kulzer of AWeber Communications.

For those that don’t know… AWeber is a 12-1/2 year old company, with 60 employees and 97,000 customers.

Here’s what I discovered…

The days of blasting are over!

The average email list is around 300-500!

Ask for feedback!

Monday and Friday are the highest open rate days.

Sadly, the average open rate for read email is only 1-4%

Actually, my head is still spinning from all the great information Tom shared, which being the nice guy I am, I will pass on to you.

Your emails need to have 3 things to be effective…

1) Have Expectation – readers are expecting your message

2) Create Engagement - create a conversation

3) Build Reputation – be known for sending information that is read

Tom revealed that, with the way inboxes are being reconfigured, based on priority of your email message your reader may never see your message. Yeah, it’s a whole new game. And the rules are changing!

In the past, you could send an email out and in most cases the reader would have to at least read the headline before deleting it, nope…not anymore. Now your email is prioritized by: what you open, what you read, what you click and who you reply to. It’s that smart…and it was created to fight off unwanted spam.

Here’s where it got interesting…

When you raise the level of engagement with your reader, the cognitive priority settings of your email programs especially Google’s mail service will keep your message out of the spam filters.

How do you raise engagement?

Simple! Ask for it!

Yep, ask for feedback! When your reader comments on your message and you can actively engage them in conversation, you are (1) being engaging and (2) actually increasing your reputation as an honest email marketer.

Requesting content for a future article or holding contests are also great ways to engage your reader and build a positive reputation.

Here’s some tricks to get your email read…

Keep it regularly pulished. Use limited time offers. Offer discounts. Share top “X” lists. Reveal secrets, tips and tricks. Keep the format consistent. Build your brand.

So, what do you think? I would love to get your feedback!

Oh, one last thing… be vigilant with your list…when you send out messages and notice the same emails being listed as bouncing (it’s a technical term for non-existent, or changed), take them off your list. If your percentage of bounced emails is too high it can have a negative impact on your priority settings and get you filtered out of your readers ”must read now” list.

Until Next Time,

“Live With Passion!”

Rob Anspach

P.S. A great way to keep clients coming back month after month is with a print newsletter. Not just any newsletter, one designed to trigger sales, enhance referrals and keep clients focused on you. To see how my Ultimate Newsletter can help you…go to http://robanspach.com/clientnews.html