You are here: Home / Archives for Beth Devine

Support Your Local Workforce Board

March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Last week was a whirlwind of activity. Lots of meeting and greeting going on. However, we did take the time to go to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce breakfast hosted by Capital Workforce Partners. Capital Workforce Partners is a non-profit that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for more than 5 years. They’re an amazing group of people that do incredible things.

The breakfast focused on their Summer Youth Employment program. This is when they match kids to companies in need of help. If you’ve ever considered covering your employees summer vacations or just believe in investing in the future, I urge you to consider the Summer Youth Employment program. We’ve signed up for a student this summer and are looking forward to working with them. Go to www.capitalworkforce.org to sign up.

The summer youth program is just one of their many programs. Last year we worked with them to create a website to teach teenagers the career competencies needed regardless of their chosen profession. The kids in the program that we had the honor to meet, were inspiring. Visit www.careercompetencies.org to learn more.

Filed Under: Where in the World is Beth?

I’m Back….

February 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

So I promised to post my adventures weekly, but life got in the way. But hey, busy is good. I did want to share with you some of the people I’ve met recently and the non-profit organizations they are working with.

The first is Kathy McAfee. Although I had heard her name for years now, I had not had the privlidge of meeting her until recently. For those of you who know Kathy, she’s a bit of a networking guru. She is the marketing motivator. What I found interesting, that even some of you who know her may not be aware of, is her involvement with the YWCA. In fact, she is part of the 17th Annual In the Company of Women Luncheon with guest speaker Rosie Perez. For more information, go to www.ywacahartford.org.

On Thursday morning I met Kate Houlihan who is an advocate for New Hope Manor in Manchester CT.   New Hope has been a leader in providing comprehensive and effective treatment to young people and their families with mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse problems since 1971. Please stop by on March 8th from 8:00 am – 9:00 am for a tour. For more information go to www.newhopemanor.net.

That’s all till next time.

Filed Under: Where in the World is Beth?

Invest in Your Local Chamber

January 27, 2012 By 1 Comment

So, this week I traveled from Storrs to Glastonbury, from Manchester to Canaan and back again. I don’t know which was more painful, filling my tank or my bottom after sitting all that time! Well at least the weather’s been accommodating. One of my stops this week was the annual dinner hosted by the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce. If you’re from the area and haven’t attended a Glastonbury Chamber event, you really should make it a point to do so.

The Glastonbury Chamber is focused on helping businesses grow. To support their diverse membership, they’ve created small groups to meet on specific topics. We are joining the Creatives Group which gives fellow business owners in the “creative” realm a place to network and discuss topics of interest. We’ve also joined the Sales and Business Development Network which offers panel discussions, presentations and sharing of best practices.  Both of these groups are an excellent way to network.

We are also a member of the Manchester Chamber which offers several outstanding events throughout the year. The bottom line is that anyone doing business that isn’t affiliated with their local chamber(s) is missing out.

Filed Under: Where in the World is Beth?

This Week’s Adventures

January 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s been a week filled with exciting adventures! On Monday, I went to CCAT in East Hartford. I know, it doesn’t get better than a trip to East Hartford. But, the cool thing about my trip was that I met with other members of the Outreach Committee for CT Dream It Do It! For more information about the organization, go to ctdreamitdoit.com.

Next it was off to South Windsor. I tell ya, these long drives really wreak havoc on my vehicle! There I met with the board of the CT Women’s Alliance to plan the annual conference. Carolyn is on the board and they do amazing things. Check out ctwomensalliance.com for more information about the organization and the upcoming conference in March.

Finally, today I was off to Glastonbury. There I attended the B.I.G. meeting. Very few us like to refer to ourselves as BIG women, but it’s okay when you know it stands for Believe, Inspire, Grow. I was definitely inspired today and left with a renewed focus on the business.  For more information about BIG go to  http://www.justthinkbig.us/event/id/138842/B.I.G.-Introduction-in-Glastonbury-CT.htm

So, between my adventures above, sales calls, projects and dodging snow storms, it’s been an exciting week all around. Please join me next week when I’ll travel all the way to Canaan, CT. All I can say is thank goodness for GPS!

Filed Under: Where in the World is Beth?

When to Launch?

November 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We’ve been working with several clients recently who have been reluctant to launch their websites. Most often they will tell you it’s because it’s not done yet. Technically, a website should never be done. You should be constantly adding to the site. Whether it’s using a blog or adding to a press page, the more often you update the site, the more reasons your customers and prospects have to come back to your site. It’s also the best way to improve your search engine ranking.

People tend to view launching their site like it’s going to print. Once it’s up it can’t be changed. When the fact is that it not only can but should be changed. The trend towards content management sites such as Word Press are in response to the need to update frequently.

When deciding to launch ask yourself, Is it better than what’s out there now? If it’s a new site, the sooner you get it launched, the sooner your prospects will be able to find you. It will also get you indexed by the search engines sooner. If it’s a new site, Does it look and function better than the old site? If so, get it launched and add to it later.

A few years back, you would see “page under construction” and know that the site wasn’t complete. This is no longer the practice. If you don’t add a page until it’s ready, no one but you will know the site’s not “done”.

 

 

Filed Under: Beth's Posts

Do a Little House Cleaning Before You Invite Guests

October 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most of us wouldn’t invite people into our homes unless it was clean. Well the same can be said for a social media campaign. If you’re planning on a campaign to get fans, communicate to your customers/prospects or announce a special promotion, be sure that all the tools you’re using are up to par.

I recently had a customer who wanted to get more fans on their FaceBook page and then drive them to their website. The problem was that they hadn’t finished creating a FaceBook profile and their site was sorely in need of an update.  We worked with them to update these tools before the social media campaign to ensure the impression they wanted to leave was consistent wherever the viewer went.

Here are some pointers when planning your on-line campaign…

Website

  • Make sure it’s easy to contact you – a phone number up front would be ideal
  • Provide good content that your “audience” would be interested in
  • Make sure the navigation is clear and information can be easily found
  • Use imagery that gives the impression you’re going for – this applies to design and photos
  • Update, update, update – give people a reason to return to your site

Social Media Page (Facebook, Linked-In, etc.)

  • Create a company page to separate your personal page from your business
  • Make sure your page reflects the rest of your branding
  • Keep communications professional
  • Don’t sell at people – establish yourself as an expert or give them an incentive to try out your product or service
  • Update, update, update – give them a reason to become a fan or follower

The bottom line…before you invite people to “like you” make sure there’s something to like.

Filed Under: Beth's Posts, Tools & Tips

Sales for the Non-Sales Person

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I was recently on a panel discussion called “Sales for the Non-Sales Person”. In preparation for the panel I was asked to come up with my top 5 selling tips. This was a challenge. Although I now embrace the role of sales, this wasn’t always the case and since I’m not a trained sales professional, I wasn’t sure what to say. Especially since my sales style is about as casual as them come.

It was when I embraced my casual selling style that I was able to clearly define what works for me. My top five selling tips are…

1.     Don’t make sales calls

If you make a call thinking “I’m going to sell you something”, you’re already sunk. Think of it as an introduction to see how you can help. I changed my calling approach to this a few years ago and was amazed at how much more successful it was. The bottom line is no one wants to be sold to but are always willing to listen to someone who wants to help them out.

2.     Research

Make sure you know exactly who will be interested in your product or service and be ready to explain to them why you thought of contacting them specifically. The more knowledge/interest you have in them, the more inclined they’ll be to listening to what you have to say.

3.     Follow-Up

It’s imperative to follow-up with the people you’ve spoken with. Even if you call them once every three months, you’ll keep your name in front of them. If your list gets too large for a personal phone call, use social media as a way to contact customers/prospects.

4.     Believe in what you’re selling

If you truly believe in your product or service and feel it’s a fantastic solution for your prospects, this will come through when you reach out to them. It’s a matter of viewing each call, visit, communication, etc., as a way to help the person you’re contacting. I know from experience that enthusiasm is contagious. Make sure you have it.

5.     Be Yourself

This may be the most important of all the tips. There are many sales strategies that professional sales people use. Make sure the ones you adopt are the ones you’re comfortable with. If you’re uncomfortable making a cold call, the person on the receiving end will sense that. Perhaps networking is more your forte. Know your comfort zones and work within them.

I had to stretch my comfort zone by cold calling to get my business off the ground. For me it was the most efficient way to contact my prospects. I was terrified at the concept but when I think about it, there’s rarely a missed opportunity to speak with a stranger when I’m out in public – was this really so different?

Filed Under: Beth's Posts

Web Savvy Marketers at the CT Business Expo

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We will be at the CT Business Expo on June 9, 2011. This is an expo that The Hartford Business Journal holds each year. We did a walk through last year and were so impressed that we decided to exhibit this year. Come see us at booth #416. In addition, I’m on an educational panel called “Sales for Non-Sales People”. It’s a 45 minute interactive presentation to be held from 2:30-3:15. As many of you know, I enjoy selling – even the dreaded “cold call”. Stop by and see if we can inspire you to embrace your inner sales person.

Filed Under: Press Releases, Tools & Tips

Social Networking IS Your On-Line Referral

December 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I had a meeting last week with a potential client that sells to consumers. We spoke a little about social networking (ie: FaceBook, Linked-In, etc.) He made it very clear that he had no interest in doing anything in that realm. He then went on to tell me a story about a customer that would only purchase his product once they found someone they knew who was using it and happy with it. They had checked the company’s references, and although they were all very good, it wasn’t until they spoke with someone they knew that they decided the product was good for them.

This is an example of social networking, except that it was done over the phone instead of the computer. Now, imagine you could create this kind of referral that would go out to many people instead of just the person on the other end of the phone. That is what social networking can do for you.

Filed Under: Beth's Posts, Marketing

Networking Isn’t a Dirty Word!

December 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I remember when I first started my own business and began attending networking events. I was so overwhelmed by the number of people who would tell me that I needed what they had for sale in spite of the fact that they hadn’t taken the time to find out anything about me and what my needs were. On occasion, I would meet someone who would ask me what I did, tell me about their company and talk about a way we could work together. They are the people who I still work with today after several years because we have a relationship.

The same problem occurs with on-line networking. Some people see it as another place to advertise their business. Too often, people use social networking groups to promote their business when they should be building relationships. It’s like any networking group. If people are genuinely interested in helping each other succeed, everyone wins. However, if everyone is just selling at each other, the group won’t last and no one will benefit.

Remember, no matter how you network, be it on-line or in-person, the important thing to remember is that people want to work with and buy from someone they trust and with whom they have a relationship. Approach it any other way and although you might get the initial sale, the chances of retaining the customer are poor.

Filed Under: Beth's Posts, Marketing
« Older Posts