More than a Few Words

10/07/2024

This is going to be fun! Practical tips and tricks from people who have "been there, done that"
Want to drop in on one or more of these sessions as my guest? ( Normal registration is $197) , drop a comment below, and I will send you a special registration link.

10/07/2024

My conversation with Patrick Donado kicks off stressing the pivotal role of setting intentions in communication, underscoring that a clear purpose steers the entire interaction. As we explore the significance of listening, particularly in sales scenarios, Patrick shares his perspective that successful selling hinges more on adept listening than on excessive talking.

LISTEN NOW https://morethanafewwords.com/954-patrick-donadio

10/06/2024

Listen to this! We learn a lot of things but most of us were never taught how to really listen. Patrick Donadio thinks that is too bad, because listening is such an important sales skill.
LEARN MORE - https://morethanafewwords.com/954-patrick-donadio

10/06/2024

I am sure you think this headline is a mistake, that I meant to say something else, but I really mean this. If you want to build a successful business in a vibrant marketplace, you will grow faster if you help your competitors. Before you decide I am completely crazy, consider the following:
You don’t know everything. Hanging around with other business owners in the same industry gives you a chance to learn a few things in exchange for sharing a few tips of your own.
Improve the quality and perception of your industry. If a customer has a bad experience with a service provider in your industry, it’s easy for them to assume that all companies who do what you do are the same. Getting involved with trade associations which offer training, professional and business development will improve the overall industry in which you are a participant.
Everyone is not your customer. Getting to know companies who provide similar services to yours in slightly different niches gives you an chance to set up a referral relationship where each company actually gets more of the kind of customers they want to work with.
Customers need education. This is particularly true when you are trying to build awareness and demand for a new or different product or service. Customers may be unwilling to try your product or service if you are the only company talking about this approach, but when multiple companies all tout the same benefits, all of you have an easier time making a sale.
Everyone needs a little positive karma. Sometimes it’s just nice to pay it forward. When I started Roundpeg, I reached out to a few business owners who had been running marketing firms for awhile. They graciously gave me time, tips and tools to help me get started. Today I do the same. I like being able to look around the community and know that I played a role in helping other businesses get their start.

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Discover other episodes and more: https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/
Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn

10/05/2024

In this conversation Scott shares insights on creating content that resonates with the audience, encourages engagement, and ultimately builds trust. The episode concludes with practical tips on generating content ideas, the significance of transparency, and the value of being human-centric in marketing.

LISTEN NOW https://morethanafewwords.com/scott-murray

10/04/2024

The 4th QTR is no longer about a couple of key days. It's about creating marketing plans that last well beyond just one QTR.

10/04/2024

Scott Murray thinks today’s marketers have to stop selling, promoting and clinging to outdated strategies and tactics. Instead they need to create content to spark engagement, conversation and inspiration from their audience.

As we’ve moved from print to digital, control has shifted from the marketer to the consumer. They decide when they will stop and look at your content and when they will scroll right by. To earn their attention, you need to put the right content on the right platforms.

LISTEN NOW https://morethanafewwords.com/scott-murray/

10/03/2024

Are your connected to your inner child, the part of you that is funny, fearless and creative.

People tell me they’re they don’t think they’re creative. But that’s not true. Everyone is creative. We just express it differently. And…

10/03/2024

I've been podcasting for a long time, but if I had to classify my podcast, it's an enjoyable hobby. However, there are ways to make money with your podcast, and that's what I talked with Darren Saul about.

Here are some key takeaways from the conversation

Sponsorship Opportunities: Podcasts don't need to have thousands of episodes to attract sponsors. Even from the beginning, podcasters can approach companies aligned with their content to collaborate. This approach can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships where both parties promote each other.

Premium Content: Offer exclusive, premium content that listeners have to pay for. While the main podcast episodes remain free, additional in-depth content, resources, or even behind-the-scenes access can be monetized through platforms like Patreon or a subscription model on the podcast's website. The key is deciding what information to give away, and what to put behind the paywall

Consulting and Coaching: As podcasters build their audience and establish themselves as authorities in their field, they can leverage this position to offer consulting, coaching, workshops, and even keynote speaking. This not only generates revenue but also enhances their credibility and brand.

The Power of Podcasting as a Marketing Tool: Darren reiterates beyond direct monetization, podcasting is a fantastic way to build trust and credibility. It can serve as an effective marketing strategy that draws people to a business, offering long-term benefits beyond immediate financial gains.
About Darren
Darren Saul is a Serial Podcaster, Strategist, Trainer, Coach, Keynote Speaker and Student of Human Attention.He started using the Power of Podcasting to build his photography business and was so amazed with the results he never looked back!He is now a Podcast Ju**ie who consults with organizations to help them get serious business results integrating Podcasting into their marketing strategy.

LEARN MORE: https://suspendedanimation.com.au/


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Discover other episodes and more: https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo
Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn

10/02/2024

I had a great conversation with Jennie Wright about how to build your brand by leveraging other people's platforms.

10/01/2024

More than a Few Words has a new look. It is still filled with great conversations with marketing pros from around the world, just updated colors and a new photo.

Be sure to look for MTFW wherever you listen to podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-few-words/id438174063?mt=2

10/01/2024

As small business owners, we work so hard to find each client. We nurture them through a sales process and then they sign on the dotted line and we start doing business with them. Often, once we have closed the sale, we turn our marketing attention to the next prospect, and the next and the next.
Back in 2017 I had a conversation with Nick Cavarra, who argued that was a huge mistake. Why? Because the people who already know you are significantly easier to market to than a group of strangers.



We talked about easy strategies small business owners can use to stay in touch with these valuable customers. From simple notes and emails to using affordable tools like Send Out Cards, small business owners can build loyalty, making their customers feel special for a very small investment of time and money.

Just a few of the best tips from the conversation:

Make it personal. Remember, even in business-to-business transactions you are dealing with people. So use follow-up activities to interact personally. One of my favorite tips from our conversation was to take a picture of the person and include it in a follow-up note. Particularly if you deal with a younger consumer, they are unlikely to print photos on a regular basis, so your note or card will hang around.
Segment your list. Odds are your customers are not just one large homogenous group. Take the time to segment your list based on their interests, hobbies or the products they use. Don’t send messages about dog food to cat owners, or invitations to a beef barbecue to a vegetarian. Sure this takes work, but the payoff comes when customers who feel valued come back time and time again.
Send something tangible. If it takes 6 – 7 interactions to make an impression, it helps to switch them up. Send an email, but also call and occasionally send something in print. It is easy to dash off an email, but it is also easy to delete it as soon as it arrives and forget the message just a moment or two later. But printed information, a card, a note or a brochure, is likely to be kept around a bit longer. Just the act of opening the envelope engages your customer with the contents of the message. Also, there is the perception that mailing a letter took more time than dashing off an email (and it does). Time is a precious commodity and people are impressed when they think you took extra time.

09/30/2024

So many business owners say, “I know some of my marketing is working, but I’m not sure which 50%.” Well, if you want to up your success rate, you need a plan. Laura, Wagenknecht, the owner of Mosaic Business Consulting, is the perfect guide for this conversation as she emphasizes the importance of unveiling your marketing gradually, focusing on niche markets, and tailoring your approach to different audiences.

LISTEN NOW. - https://morethanafewwords.com/951-strategic-marketing

09/29/2024

Recently, I had to clean out all of my closets because we were replacing the flooring. The process was interesting because buried deep in those closets were things I hadn't used or thought about in years. And quite frankly, I hadn't missed.
Every now and then I ran across something that made me stop and say, "Wow, that's really cool, I should use that again. And it made me thin about my marketing.
When you look at all of the different things you've done over the years, you've got a marketing closet. From time to time, you need to take it all out and evaluate each piece. Is it still adding value? Is there something you forgot about that you used to do that worked really well? Are there things you just need to let go of?
If you haven't done it in awhile, it is time to clean out your marketing closet. And if you need a little help, give me a buzz. Set up an office hour and we can talk about what should be in your marketing closet.

09/28/2024

Today’s chat with Matt Parking is about LinkedIn and the art of personal branding.
Matt emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals on LinkedIn,. He shares practical tips on translating your expertise into engaging content, leveraging vulnerability, and fostering meaningful conversations in the comments section. His insights on navigating the LinkedIn algorithm, the power of newsletters, and the do’s and don’ts of building your brand on the platform make this conversation a goldmine for anyone looking to up their LinkedIn game.

LISTEN NOW - https://morethanafewwords.com/939-matt-parkin-linkedin-brand/

09/27/2024

In a world of filters, curated feeds, and online personas, the idea of being authentic often gets lost in the noise. But what does it really mean to live and express yourself authentically?

09/27/2024

Maybe you have noticed my marketing has a new look. That is not an accident. It is a rebrand .

09/26/2024

The conversion form is what converts a visitor into a prospect,

The conversion form is what converts a visitor into a prospect, so make sure it is designed correctly to increase the chance someone will fill it out.

09/26/2024

$38 Billion! Yes that is billion with a "b". That is the impact women have on the global economy. If you want a piece of that market, you need to learn how to connect with female consumers. Robyn Newton joined me for a conversation about selling to women. Here are the key points from the conversation:

Women as Powerful Consumers: Women control over 85% of purchases in the U.S., making them a key demographic for businesses to understand and cater to. They are not just the shoppers but also major influencers in the purchasing process.

Understanding What Women Care About: Brands need to understand the specific values and concerns that resonate with women, such as family, health, mental well-being, the environment, inclusion, and safety. A brand's message should authentically reflect these priorities to connect effectively with female consumers.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Many businesses fail to consider women's unique buying habits and preferences, often making them feel overlooked or undervalued. It's crucial for companies to acknowledge and respect women's purchasing power and preferences, avoiding outdated stereotypes and practices.

Successful Brand Examples: Robin highlights brands like Subaru and Bumble, which have successfully integrated values important to women, such as safety, inclusion, and empowerment, into their marketing strategies. These brands have built strong connections with female consumers by aligning with their values and needs.

Personal Connection and Storytelling: Integrating women's stories into marketing and showcasing the people behind the brand can create a more personal and relatable connection with consumers. Women are more likely to engage with brands that celebrate and uplift other women, creating a sense of community and trust.

09/25/2024

You have a whole year ahead of you. You will accomplish amazing things. So, what I want you to do right now is close your eyes and imagine that it’s not January but December. Imagine all the things you’ve accomplished this year. Go ahead, write them all down. Put that piece of paper in an envelope and seal it. Don’t open it until the last day of the year

Dream Big
Dream big both personally and professionally. Maybe you want to lose weight, expand your team, launch new products, or close more sales. Be specific; do you want 5, 50, or 500 new projects. Write your goals down. There is lots of research which indicates even the simple act of writing your goals will help you stay on track to accomplish them.

As you visualize the success, make a list the new skills you learned and the changes you made in order to accomplish your goals. Think about the risks you took and how those risks panned out. If you are running a company with employees, think about how proud you are of their growth and accomplishments, too.

I do this every year and it’s a great exercise. It reminds me how I felt at the beginning of the year and it helps me get ready for the next year. So go ahead write yourself a letter and have a great year.

09/24/2024

When was the last time you took the time to increase your knowledge of digital marketing? Well that is too long . Take a course today https://digitaltoolbox.club/course_list/

09/24/2024

In this episode from my archive, Merit Kahn explains how you can transform any sales conversation with four simple words :

Shift from Selling to Selection: To be selected as the right solution focus on guiding potential customers through their decision-making process rather than pushing a sale.

The Power of "Are You Open To?": These four words help you figure out if the prospect is open to hearing new ideas and reduces resistance, making the conversation more collaborative.

Self-Reflection and Openness: The sales process is about you as well. Are open to new possibilities. This mindset can positively influence how you present your solutions and connect with others.

Inclusive Decision-Making: This approach makes the customer feel in control. Instead of forcing decisions, asking questions like "What would you like me to do now?" allows the customer to guide the next steps, creating a more comfortable and empowered experience.

09/23/2024

Does your content have an afterlife, or are you just creating stuff?

Does your content have an afterlife? Are you creating information you can use again and again.?

09/22/2024

We are talking about marketing and small business ownership every day! Come join the conversation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtfwclub

09/22/2024

There are three questions you need to answer before you launch your next marketing campaign. The questions are simple, but the answers may not be.
Who is your customer? Too often, business owners try to go really broad as they define their target. If you want to create an effective marketing campaign, narrow in on a specific niche. You can always target a different audience with your next campaign.
Who is your competitor? This is not a time to puff up your chest and say, I don't have any competitors because you do. And sometimes they don't even do exactly what you do, but they're competing for your customer's attention and cash.
What is it that you want to accomplish with this campaign? I know you want to sell more, but do you want to sell more of a specific product? Do you want to sell more high-priced products? Are you trying to attract new customers or get your old ones to come back time and time again?
Each of those objectives will lead you down a path to a very different campaign. So before you start working on your next marketing campaign, think about those three questions.
And if you need help with the answers, go ahead and set up an office hour appointment with me