For those of you who own a retail business or run regular sale-oriented promotions, this tip is for you.If people buy based on emotion over price, then why are sales so important? The truth is, having a motivation deeper than a regular brand does generate far more traffic through the door. Limited-time or special offers definitely grab people’s attention, particularly if they are already contemplating or ready to buy the product or service you are selling.

This past week one of our clients was having a weekend clearance sale. One of the things I enjoy about working with Paul and Barbara from Sofa So Good (www.sofasogood.ca) is their desire to create a fun atmosphere in their store and give their customers a richer experience than they would get from Sofa So Good’s competition.

Last week we sent out two emails in secession to their database. These emails informed customers and prospects that SSG’s deals were so hot customers would need ice cream to cool off. Upon arriving at the store they were presented with ice cream. To top it all off, the weekend weather in Vancouver was at all-time high for that time of year. How perfect is that?What are you doing to keep your customers and prospects coming back for more?

by Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft

One of my favorite moments was when someone taught me about synergy. The example they used was two horses pulling a cart. Each horse can pull approximately 500 lbs. (I’m making that up, because I don’t remember the actual number.)

A basic understanding of math would logically determine that by strapping the two horses together, they could pull 1,000 lbs. In reality, two horses working together can pull three times the amount they could on their own–not double.

This same principle is the reason business owners need to consider using affiliates. You see… you can’t be the “perfect” entrepreneur. You can try. And, maybe get close. But, at some point in time everybody needs additional skills, markets, and time they don’t possess.

So, what exactly does having affiliates add to your business? Here are just a few benefits:

• More Referrals
• A Larger Market (yours + your affiliate’s)
• An Outside Promoter of Your Products/Services
• Increased Networking Abilities
• Ultimately More Sales!

Consider the value of having another “brand advocate” reaching out to your customers. Now, you don’t have to grow your company on your own. By creating an affiliate program, you can achieve much more than you will EVER be able to achieve alone!

When you develop lasting partnerships, your business is going to grow automatically, just from the leverage you gave it.

Strap yourself to affiliates, and see where the synergy can take you!

There is no such thing as a great company. There are only great teams. At LeapZone, we highly promote Daily Huddles and Weekly Management Meetings. Want to see one in action? These 2 videos are  great examples of  how to stay connected, engaged and effective as a high performing team.

To learn more about how LeapZone Strategies can help you increase team efficiency, brand culture and profitability through business and branding strategies, strategic planning, performance coaching and brand development, fill out our free Needs Assessment Questionnaire today.

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A close friend of mine regularly stops at her local fast food drive-thru for breakfast. Last week she asked for a cup of hot water with her order. The woman at the window told her that request would cost her fifteen cents. In the past, there was no charge for this “little extra.” Yet, on this particular day, the woman asked for money and clarified that the fifteen cents was to cover the cost of the disposable cup and lid.

Any of us in business know that this makes sense. It costs the restaurant money to provide water in a disposable cup to its customers. The next day my friend returned and was serviced by the same woman. She ordered the same breakfast, requested hot water, then proceeded to hand over an empty travel mug.

Despite the fact that there was no disposable cup and lid being used, the woman still charged her for the hot water. It’s difficult to know what this restaurant’s policy is. If they have one, it is inconsistent. If it happened to my friend, how many other people are experiencing the same scenario?

If you create a new policy in your company that impacts your customers, be sure to communicate this policy clearly to all employees. Customers like and expect consistency. They are also willing to pay a little extra to get it.

To learn more about how LeapZone Strategies and sidekick Lift Strategies can help you create more consistency, awareness and profitability through business, branding and marketing strategies, fill out our free Needs Assessment Questionnaire today.

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We all know that selling features is a thing of the past. Today, in order to sell any products or services, we need to sell benefits, based on emotions, rather than features.  I just came across an article by Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft this week and I wanted to share it with you because it’s not only very relevant, but it’s totally accurate.

As we sell the emotional benefits of our product or service, it is that much more important to know a thing or two about our prospects to better understand their needs and desires.  So here is Clate’s list of 7 things you absolutely MUST know about your prospects.

1. Age: Everything you say and write, including slang, allusions, word difficulty, and topics should be adjusted to meet age appropriateness.

2. Gender:  Despite the dual roles men and women tend to fill, most individuals can be segmented (and sold to) based on gender-specific interests or needs.

3. Location: Values and culture tend to vary based on demographics. Having a clear understanding of regional difference will improve your targeted messages.

4. Education Level: Similar to age appropriateness, education levels should determine how you address your prospects and what benefits they will find in your product or service.

5. Income: The needs and wants from one social class to another should be a guide to the types of products and services you should be selling them.

6. Marital Status: The values, needs, and desires of married persons greatly differ from those that are single. Marketing family messages to single persons (and vice versa) can lose the deal for you.

And last but certainly not least…

7. What Keeps Them Up At Night: This is the most important one. You’ve got to know your prospect’s fears, worries, concerns, excitements, hopes and dreams. When you know the conversation inside your prospect’s head, you can enter it, speak to it, and build a relationship that leads to a loyal customer.

Thanks Clate for a great reminder!