Archive for September, 2008
The Cardinal Rule
I have been at 2 networking events over the last week and both times I met interesting people who did not have business cards with them. The cardinal rule of networking is to always have business cards with you. You never know who you are going to meet. So here are two tips for making sure you don’t forget your business cards in the future:
1. One woman I know puts business cards in the pocket of every suit jacket in her closet – that way she always has a stash with her.
2. I put business cards into every purse I own. That way I never forget my business cards when I change purses.
Customer Service Or Lack Thereof
- Do they return phone calls and e-mails promptly?
- Do they take the time to listen and pay attention to the needs of the customer?
- Do they deal with complaints and try to fix the problem?
Gotta Love this Business Idea!
Who doesn’t love fresh-baked cookies and milk? I just stumbled over my dream business idea- Insomnia Cookies. Started in 2003, by some undergrads at the University of Pennsylvania, this combination retail store and delivery service offers fresh-baked cookies to midnight snackers. They also do corporate catering and clothing. Check out their expansion plans here. This is a great example of spotting a niche market with a need and going after it.
Tips for Choosing Your Domain Name
If you are wondering what domain name to get for your company, today’s column comes from the experts at Eat My Words – a boutique naming firm in San Francisco. They have shared these tips for choosing a good domain name.
1. Don’t give up on a great brand name if the domain is out of reach.
2. Don’t give up on a great brand name even when the domain appears to be in use.
3. Don’t think just because a site is “parked” that the price is astronomical.
4. Don’t think “not for sale” is written in stone.
5. Don’t name your company something just because the domain name is available on GoDaddy for $9.95.
6. Don’t get a domain name that is spelled differently than it sounds like Naymz or Takkle.
7. Don’t leave out vowels ala Flickr.
8. Don’t put dots in your name like del.icio.us.
9. Don’t come up with your name over a bottle of wine.
This article is great reading – lots of great stories! Check out the whole article here.
Receiving Constructive Criticism
As I come up with new ideas and suggestions, I often find myself receiving constructive feedback from many. When I first began, I found this feedback somewhat intimidating and I felt uncomfortable sharing my ideas with certain people. I thought I wanted feedback from only those who would be positive. I also felt the “constructive” criticism needed to be validated by three or more people who I respected. It was important to me to be both supported by and accountable to these people. Mentorship and support can always be important when receiving and acting on feedback; I have found that new ideas and thoughts are brought to life by constructive criticism.
For the next month, try to be around colleagues who will give you the kind of feedback that will get your ideas flowing.
-Katrina
Influence Potential Consumers
This summer, I have found that persuasion and influence are key in any business relationship. In the consumer world, companies often offer some sort of perk or promotion to encourage potential customers. The Apple ipod hook is a good case in point: when students buy a new laptop for school, they receive a “free” ipod.
In his book titled “Influence: Science and Practice”, Robert Cialdini suggests the best way to get consumers to buy a product is to first offer a promotional gift and then sell the product rather than the other way around. When a consumer receives such a gift, even as small as a pen or notepad, they feel a sense of obligation to buy the product, even if they dislike the company. How could this strategy help you to gain more customers? What small product could you give away to your future customers?
-Katrina
