Okay, so we called this an end-of-year task in 2010. But if you didn't do it then, or if you haven't done it since, it's an activity worth revisiting in the spring: cleaning out your overage.
As is the case with a number of things you keep or file--journals you intend to one day read, supporting documentation for mailings from five years ago--it's easy to forget about the extra inventory you have stored in your warehouse or sitting at the mail shop. By ignoring it, however, you not only risk wasting storage space and possibly fees, but you also risk overlooking a quick and relatively inexpensive mailing.
Challenge yourself this week to blow the dust off your overage and take inventory of what you have. If the product or service offered in the piece is old or no longer available, recycle the inventory. If pricing is old or contact information is outdated, recycle. And, if there's language in the text that dates the piece or is no longer relevant, recycle.
However, if you have current information on a current product or service with current pricing and contact information, you may have a quick and relatively inexpensive (the printing is already paid for, after all) mailing on hand. If you have large quantities of pieces that did well, you may want to re-mail them to a portion of your house list or to a tested and proven rental list.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
AMiable Solution #13: Growing Your Best Customers
Now that you've cut wasted expenses (if you missed last week's blog on identifying unnecessary expenses, click here http://amidirectmarketing.blogspot.com/2012/04/amiable-solution-12-greening-up-your.html), it's time to look at increasing income. What's the most effective way to do that? Grow your best customers.
You know who they are--the customers who order regularly, the clients who order in bulk, the donors who never miss a campaign--but do you know how to make those good relationships better? Try these two simple strategies:
• Make it personal, for both parties. The saying about putting a face to a name is true: you feel more connected to someone you've met in person. The same can be said about a person's voice. If you only ever communicate with your best customers via mail or email, then you're missing an important opportunity to really connect with them. Make it a point to call them periodically to see how things are going for them, what their needs are, what you can do for them. They'll appreciate the effort, and you'll both feel a greater appreciation--and with time, loyalty--for one another.
• Give them the best deals. You've heard of customer loyalty programs. You've probably even received your own share of special offers under that same banner. Offer pre-orders, special discounts, and exclusive deals to customers who spend a good deal of time and money with your organization. But be sure to send "customer loyalty" offers to your best customers only. Nothing makes our eyes roll as much as receiving a "because you're a preferred client" offer from a company we've barely done business with.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
You know who they are--the customers who order regularly, the clients who order in bulk, the donors who never miss a campaign--but do you know how to make those good relationships better? Try these two simple strategies:
• Make it personal, for both parties. The saying about putting a face to a name is true: you feel more connected to someone you've met in person. The same can be said about a person's voice. If you only ever communicate with your best customers via mail or email, then you're missing an important opportunity to really connect with them. Make it a point to call them periodically to see how things are going for them, what their needs are, what you can do for them. They'll appreciate the effort, and you'll both feel a greater appreciation--and with time, loyalty--for one another.
• Give them the best deals. You've heard of customer loyalty programs. You've probably even received your own share of special offers under that same banner. Offer pre-orders, special discounts, and exclusive deals to customers who spend a good deal of time and money with your organization. But be sure to send "customer loyalty" offers to your best customers only. Nothing makes our eyes roll as much as receiving a "because you're a preferred client" offer from a company we've barely done business with.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
AMiable Solution #12: Greening Up Your Expenses
It's hard to think "spring" and not think "spring cleaning." But how can you clean up your business and give it new life? Start by cleaning up your expenses.
Everyone focuses on expenses in tough--and even not-so-tough--times. But often we overlook possibilities for cutting costs simply because we assume a "necessary" expense really is necessary. We look at cutting back on promotions instead of the smaller, less visible (and less profitable) expenses. This week, see if you can put more green back in your bottom line by examining these not-so-essential expenses:
· Print Subscriptions. While it's important to monitor industry news and events, take a look at your publication subscriptions. How many different publications does your company subscribe to? Are they all read? Could your in-house readers get the information they need out of the publications from the publications' websites? Talk to the recipients. If you can get away with fewer copies of the same subscription or fewer different subscriptions, do it.
· Online Subscriptions. Many of us subscribe to online services--including databases and research services. But how many people access that service on a regular basis? Poll your employees. Get a realistic idea of how often each service is used. If the answer is infrequently or rarely, cut your losses and the expense.
· Memberships. Staying connected with other members of the industry keeps your employees up-to-date on important issues and changes , but if you're paying membership fees for employees who don't attend meetings, don't take advantage of training or networking opportunities, or don't benefit in any other way from the membership, cross those fees off your expense list.
Making even small changes can have a significant impact on your profitability, especially if the "deadwood" has been accumulating for some time.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Everyone focuses on expenses in tough--and even not-so-tough--times. But often we overlook possibilities for cutting costs simply because we assume a "necessary" expense really is necessary. We look at cutting back on promotions instead of the smaller, less visible (and less profitable) expenses. This week, see if you can put more green back in your bottom line by examining these not-so-essential expenses:
· Print Subscriptions. While it's important to monitor industry news and events, take a look at your publication subscriptions. How many different publications does your company subscribe to? Are they all read? Could your in-house readers get the information they need out of the publications from the publications' websites? Talk to the recipients. If you can get away with fewer copies of the same subscription or fewer different subscriptions, do it.
· Online Subscriptions. Many of us subscribe to online services--including databases and research services. But how many people access that service on a regular basis? Poll your employees. Get a realistic idea of how often each service is used. If the answer is infrequently or rarely, cut your losses and the expense.
· Memberships. Staying connected with other members of the industry keeps your employees up-to-date on important issues and changes , but if you're paying membership fees for employees who don't attend meetings, don't take advantage of training or networking opportunities, or don't benefit in any other way from the membership, cross those fees off your expense list.
Making even small changes can have a significant impact on your profitability, especially if the "deadwood" has been accumulating for some time.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Friday, March 30, 2012
AMiable Solution #11: Selling Yourself, Part 4: Negotiating a Salary
The economy is tough, but the job market is tougher, right? Despite how it may feel, job candidates actually do have some power and some say in the salaries they make. The trick is to choose your words wisely.
When possible, wait for an offer to talk salary numbers. If you're the first to mention a figure, you can eliminate yourself from consideration, either for being too "expensive" or too "cheap." Jack Chapman, in his February 14, 2012, article on TheLadders.com, says that, "If you discuss salary in any detail before the employer really gets a sense of what you’re worth, or before the employer has decided which candidate he/she wants to interview, you’re almost always pushing yourself out of the range." If a human resources or hiring managers asks you for your current or desired salary before an offer is made, simply say "competitive."
Be willing—and prepared—to negotiate. Once you receive an offer, give yourself 24 hours to consider it and respond. When you do respond, have your facts together: know what your market value is and what you're willing to concede. You may be surprised by what the employer is willing to offer when you're willing to let something go.
Finding a job can be one of life's most stressful tasks. Approach it with confidence.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
When possible, wait for an offer to talk salary numbers. If you're the first to mention a figure, you can eliminate yourself from consideration, either for being too "expensive" or too "cheap." Jack Chapman, in his February 14, 2012, article on TheLadders.com, says that, "If you discuss salary in any detail before the employer really gets a sense of what you’re worth, or before the employer has decided which candidate he/she wants to interview, you’re almost always pushing yourself out of the range." If a human resources or hiring managers asks you for your current or desired salary before an offer is made, simply say "competitive."
Be willing—and prepared—to negotiate. Once you receive an offer, give yourself 24 hours to consider it and respond. When you do respond, have your facts together: know what your market value is and what you're willing to concede. You may be surprised by what the employer is willing to offer when you're willing to let something go.
Finding a job can be one of life's most stressful tasks. Approach it with confidence.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
AMiable Solution #10: Selling Yourself, Part 3: Nailing an Interview
Anyone who has ever actively searched for a job knows that the most painful part of submitting a resume to a prospective employer is the waiting that occurs once the resume is sent. Will you get a call? Will you be asked in for an interview? If you are, how can you be sure you'll make the best possible impression?
For those answers, we turned to veteran recruiter Megan Cuthbertson.
For starters, Megan says, give yourself every chance to be successful. Research not only the company but also any available alumni groups to get a feel for the company and the position. Prepare questions and prepare for questions. If the interview location is in unfamiliar territory, drive the route ahead of time so you know where you're going, where you're going to park, and how long it takes to get there. And, remember that the interview really starts with that first phone call. Treat the caller, and everyone else you encounter at the organization, with respect.
Once you begin the interview, be confident. "Remember," says Megan, "they asked you to be there."
Megan also advises candidates to listen carefully to the questions they're asked and to answer those questions only. Don't offer additional information: nervous chatter can backfire on you. Make sure, too, that you understand the role. Ask the interviewer to walk you through a typical day in the position.
Before you leave, reiterate your interest in the position. Then, ask if anyone at the company has any reservations about your ability to fulfill the role. This, Megan says, gives employers an opportunity to address their concerns about you before you walk out the door.
When the interview is over, don't forget to follow-up with a thank you. If you missed our March enewsletter, be sure to check it out here, http://www.amidirect.com/files/enewsmar2012.pdf, to see why following-up can be so important.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome
For those answers, we turned to veteran recruiter Megan Cuthbertson.
For starters, Megan says, give yourself every chance to be successful. Research not only the company but also any available alumni groups to get a feel for the company and the position. Prepare questions and prepare for questions. If the interview location is in unfamiliar territory, drive the route ahead of time so you know where you're going, where you're going to park, and how long it takes to get there. And, remember that the interview really starts with that first phone call. Treat the caller, and everyone else you encounter at the organization, with respect.
Once you begin the interview, be confident. "Remember," says Megan, "they asked you to be there."
Megan also advises candidates to listen carefully to the questions they're asked and to answer those questions only. Don't offer additional information: nervous chatter can backfire on you. Make sure, too, that you understand the role. Ask the interviewer to walk you through a typical day in the position.
Before you leave, reiterate your interest in the position. Then, ask if anyone at the company has any reservations about your ability to fulfill the role. This, Megan says, gives employers an opportunity to address their concerns about you before you walk out the door.
When the interview is over, don't forget to follow-up with a thank you. If you missed our March enewsletter, be sure to check it out here, http://www.amidirect.com/files/enewsmar2012.pdf, to see why following-up can be so important.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
AMiable Solution #9: Selling Yourself, Part 2: Understanding Job Ads
How often have you been interested in a position but didn't apply because you didn't think you met all of the necessary qualifications? Although you may have been taught to skip the ads that included responsibilities beyond your experience, the folks at CareerBuilder.com say that by applying for only positions that you're "perfectly matched" for, you could be missing an opportunity.
So how do you know if you should apply? Look closely at the language used in the job description.
If the description says "experience required," it means that the employer is looking for candidates who have done most of the tasks advertised. The amount of experience the employer is looking for, according to CareerBuilder writer Larry Buhl, may be negotiable, so if your experience matches the majority of the duties listed, edit your resume to address those particular experiences/skills and send it in.
If the job description says "experience preferred," then you should submit your resume if you have some experience in the duties described. According to Buhl, an "experience preferred" claim means that the employer hopes you have experience in most of the responsibilities described but won't automatically disqualify you if you don't.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
So how do you know if you should apply? Look closely at the language used in the job description.
If the description says "experience required," it means that the employer is looking for candidates who have done most of the tasks advertised. The amount of experience the employer is looking for, according to CareerBuilder writer Larry Buhl, may be negotiable, so if your experience matches the majority of the duties listed, edit your resume to address those particular experiences/skills and send it in.
If the job description says "experience preferred," then you should submit your resume if you have some experience in the duties described. According to Buhl, an "experience preferred" claim means that the employer hopes you have experience in most of the responsibilities described but won't automatically disqualify you if you don't.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
AMiable Solution #8: Selling Yourself, Part 1: Updating Your Resume
When was the last time you updated your resume? If you haven't yet added your most recent job change, promotion, responsibilities, or accomplishments, now's the time. Whether you're actively looking for a new job or not, maintaining a current resume not only guarantees you won't forget to add important details or accomplishments, but it also alleviates some of the stress and panic associated with sudden unemployment.
Although updating a resume itself isn't a quick process (you need to give yourself time to review it carefully to avoid mistakes), evaluating it for these key elements will take only minutes. Use the list below to quickly identify and highlight the weaknesses and strengths in your resume:
• Nouns. The nouns you include will help distinguish you from other applicants and solidify your image as a competent, experienced professional. Include such nouns as the names of specific tools you use, software and hardware you use and that's unique to your job or industry, techniques you are qualified to use, professional organizations you joined, and trade shows and conferences you have attended.
• Numbers. Quantify everything you can. Don't just say, "Created and coordinated the distribution of direct mail pieces," say, "Created and coordinated the distribution of 500,000 direct mail pieces annually."
• Relevant details. Highlight your duties and accomplishments as best you can, but use what you have as a base. Then, when you do apply for a position, use the job announcement as your guide and tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Address each qualification as accurately and completely as you can, answering the question of whether you have the experience or ability to perform the responsibilities.
• Personal information. Remove from your resume any information that could be used against you, including age, race, and political or religious references.
• Design. Don't be afraid of white space, and don't minimize type size to maximize content: keep your font size at 10pt or greater. Use bullets to list your responsibilities, and keep the overall design attractive and easy to scan.
• Verbs. Look closely at the job description/position announcement you're responding to. What verbs does the announcement use to describe the position's duties? When you can, incorporate those same verbs into your resume. Varying your verb choices is also important. Make sure you choose verbs that convey meaning and power. For a free list of powerful verbs to consider using on your resume, email us at solutions@amidirect.com.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Although updating a resume itself isn't a quick process (you need to give yourself time to review it carefully to avoid mistakes), evaluating it for these key elements will take only minutes. Use the list below to quickly identify and highlight the weaknesses and strengths in your resume:
• Nouns. The nouns you include will help distinguish you from other applicants and solidify your image as a competent, experienced professional. Include such nouns as the names of specific tools you use, software and hardware you use and that's unique to your job or industry, techniques you are qualified to use, professional organizations you joined, and trade shows and conferences you have attended.
• Numbers. Quantify everything you can. Don't just say, "Created and coordinated the distribution of direct mail pieces," say, "Created and coordinated the distribution of 500,000 direct mail pieces annually."
• Relevant details. Highlight your duties and accomplishments as best you can, but use what you have as a base. Then, when you do apply for a position, use the job announcement as your guide and tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Address each qualification as accurately and completely as you can, answering the question of whether you have the experience or ability to perform the responsibilities.
• Personal information. Remove from your resume any information that could be used against you, including age, race, and political or religious references.
• Design. Don't be afraid of white space, and don't minimize type size to maximize content: keep your font size at 10pt or greater. Use bullets to list your responsibilities, and keep the overall design attractive and easy to scan.
• Verbs. Look closely at the job description/position announcement you're responding to. What verbs does the announcement use to describe the position's duties? When you can, incorporate those same verbs into your resume. Varying your verb choices is also important. Make sure you choose verbs that convey meaning and power. For a free list of powerful verbs to consider using on your resume, email us at solutions@amidirect.com.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)