Lies! Damn Lies!

 
 I've not talked about local business issues recently and so it's time to come back on track. What affects each individual also affects each business because as money gets tighter or more available then that will be reflected on how they spend. Now I do think that we should be positive and look forward to improvements but we should still be realistic.

I think it's time to talk about recent events that affect us all. Utility prices have gone up. Unemployment and inflation have come down. Comet has gone bust but in the main there have been far fewer bankruptcies than we were expecting and in fact I believe that they are down on last year.

Apart from utility prices rising and Comet going (although this has been on the cards for ages) this all good news. Or is it?

Inflation falling! Did you know that amongst other items that gas and electricity has been taken out of the equation. So when gas goes up it doesn't affect the inflation figures. Aren't utilities basic costs with which we can't live? Aren't more and more people having to decide between keeping warm and eating? And this isn't just lower earners. Mid earners still have rising costs to maintain their usual standard of living so they are hit too. I don't believe that inflation is falling. 

Unemployment is falling! What great news. But then we were told that the take-up has been in part-time jobs. And David Cameron then went on to say that this shows there is a change in what people want - they don't want full time jobs!! What a load of rubbish. Ask anyone who is working part-time if that suits them. Some will say "Yes!" but in the main these are folk with a specific agenda: they might be mums with young children who want to work when the kids are at school.; they might be parents who want to share their time with the children: they might be older folk who just need to earn an extra because they've taken early retirement and have a good pension. In my opinion unemployment is not falling morally. It is falling because folk are forced into job shares and part-time work.

And a word of caution. It now seems that the credit rating companies aare recording "Payday" loans separate to other loans and banks are using this indicator as another excuse to block a loan application. I personally believe that Credit Unions are a great way forward. In America they are common-place. In the UK they are relatively unknown. When managed well they are a boon. Look for your local Credit Union. Start saving and they you can borrow on a rainy day. They are restricted on the interest they charge and are run locally for local people.

And how about small businesses. We've had promises of the government cutting red tape but has that happened? I haven't seen any evidence. I don't believe the banks are lending still. And possibly the reason is now that they don't have the resources. They have been given until 2014 by when they must have 10% of their total assets available and after recent events (that they have brought on themselves with having to repay bank charges, mis-sold "everything" and huge director salaries and bonuses (although many of their clerks on on very low wages) their coffers are getting empty!! Doesn't that make you feel sorry for them.

Many small businesses are faced with high, unrealistic rents and rates, higher transport , utilities and supplies costs, and struggling to employ staff who have what it takes - often as basic as a few social skills and able to read, write and do simple sums.

But at then end of the day, with the relentless hassles and sleepless nights, who'd want to change and work for someone else.

You can increase sales in your business whatever the size by offering better customer care. My next post will be 25 ways to Improve Customer Service and increase the bottom line - PROFIT!!

Success starts with sharing your dreams

Success starts when you create an idea and make your dream. Sharing it with someone else and fixing that dream firmly as an ambition is the real launching ground for the success to happen. 
Work with me over at least 3 months and see the difference a critical friend can make. See how new ideas and skills can help you expand your business. e-mail me on ask@mikeleahy.com for more information

December here in a week

What are you doing to prepare your campaign to bring in sales during January and February,historically the lowest sales months of the year?
And this year the hike in VAT plus British Gas gas and electricity up by 7% and other increases it's going to leave many householders looking to cut back dramatically. This will have an adverse effect on practically every type of business.

So now is the time to sit down, brainstorm and come up with some simple practical ideas that wioll give you the edge over your competitors.

New Year resolutions usually kick in on New Years Day and kickout before mid March. So why don't you start now. It's often really just a question of  of changing your habits.
So . . . 
Don't spend hours writing Business Plans and Marketing Plans. 
Write down on an A4 Sheet your BIG GOALS - just bullet points.
Then write down the small stages you need to take to reach those goals. Those small steps are solutions. Think about it.
By tackling say 4-5 small; goals each week you will reach your Big Goals.


 

Be persistent! And dare to be different!

Here are some more building blocks that will make you successful through small steps and persistence.

Be Persistent!
I was talking to a friend yesterday who is a music composer but isn't making big bucks so he works selling door to door. He sells utilities. That is a hard job, knocking on every door in a street, hoping to catch someone at home. And hoping even more that they are the householder - that they are prepard to give you a few minutes time - that you can convince them of your money saving offer - and that they will sign up.

He probably gets more "No's" in a day than most of us do in a month, if not a year. Yet he persists whatever the weather and no matter how many difficult or rude or unpleasant people he meets: no matter how many doors are unanswered because he knows the odds are in his favour. He probably knows the number of "No's" he gets to every "Yes". So he can accept the negatives and no-answers because he knows each one brings him closer to the next order.

Are you persistent! Do you keep going when faced with "No" after "No"? Or do you stop early and call it a day? Because that next call - the one after you stop - could be the one that says "Yes".


I remember back in the sixties selling encyclopedias door to door and we used to go out as a group. Maybe 5 in a car. We'd park up and the superviser would hand out street maps so we knew which roads to call on. We'd arrive about 11 in the morning. Then we'd meet up at about 1 for something to eat then back out knocking on doors again. At around 5 we'd meet up again and then it was back on appointments in the early evening. 


During the day we'd be making appointments. We needed both partners to be present because we were presenting a big investment and most families bought on hire purchase. We wanted a joint agreement.


During the days we were selling appointments and in the evenings we were selling products. It was hard work, especially if it was raining or cold but the rewards were high so we persisted. The staff turnover was high but those who stayed generally earned. 


It's a long slow journey setting up any venture, whether it's you as a sale-person or a a business that you intend to grow and employ people. Have a dream. Stay focussed. Keep going and you will reach your goal. But don't forget the map - your business or marketing plan - for without a plan, map or guide we won't know where we are reaching for.


Dare to be Different
Look at what your competitors are doing and try to be different. Become memorable.


I remember when I was a young salesman I started wearing a bow-tie. You don't see many nowadays and when you do , do you wonder what sort of person the wearer is? Well it was the same then but I carried on and became the guy with the dickie. Even when buyers couldn't remember my name they remembered the tie and associated it with the products or services that I was selling. Like the phot? This was a the launch of the Local Business Forum two years ago. We have gone through big changes since then.


How can you be different? How can you stand out in a crowd? It doesn't have to be outrageous but if it is and provided it doesn't offend anyone then you may surprise yourself and build up a memorable brand image. 

If you want to be successful by doing the small things right and using no-cost, low-cost marketing ideas that work then sign up for personal coaching andd realise your full potential. Just call or text me on 07976364681 or e-mail ask@mikeleahy.com. Two heads are better than one - together we can succeed.

Be lucky by being active and positive.

10 Building Blocks to Dramatically Increase Your Profits

This is just on an overview of some simple basics that you should work on in your business. Get the basics right and the rest will look itself.

Get a website
Over 72% of consumers now use the internet rather than Yellow Pages or Directory Enquiries. A website helps people know, like and trust you - then they'll buy. But apart from prospective customers checking you out others may want to buy on-line. There are many factors that you should consider with a website
but it is bettter to have a poor website than one at all, provided you plan to make improvements as a priority. Websites should be constantly adjusted and improved.

Give Something Free  
Give something free to and you are halfway to the sale. Well! Not exactly half way but you'll get prospective customers to pause and look twice. With the thousands of sales messages we are all bomabared with daily you need to get yourself noticed. A freebie is a good way. And it can be used in a number of ways to get more business, lead the reader forward or get information.

Contact 50 new businesses each week and talk to the MAN
You've got to get out and tell to sell. Regular phone canvassing guarantees an increase in potential sales. You may need to change that target depending on a number of factors. But start today and make those adjustments as necessary. If you haven't done this before be ready for a surprise, lots of "no's" but when you hit a "yes" it's all worthwhile.

Network
Networking is a way to get your message out to local businesses and build up a referral system. Look for Free opportunities, events that you can go to for free, exhibitions where you can networkwith the exhibitors. Networking is a sure-fire way to get new business but not usually from those you talk to but from people they know. Always ask "who do you know that could use this product/service?". Networking is an art. Not many people know how but those who do certainly do get new business.

Have a Newsletter
This keeps prospects and existing customers hot and interested in your products. The newsletter can be on-line or printed. The former is free or low-cost but these usually don't get read by that many people, no matter how interesting. The latter are often read by more than 1 person but there is the printing cost and postage.

Start an appropriate advertising campaign
There are several ways to advertise without spending large sums on newspapers, radio, TV or Yellow Pages.You don't need large expensive adverts. The very smaklest offering a free report are winners and usually open the door for you.

Build a Prospect List
Some people are ready to buy now whilst others won't buy for weeks, months or years.  Manage your list and keep each prospect alive.Grade each propsect into hot, warm and cold. Put in dates when you want to contact them to take them to the next stage. Keep a prospect sheet.

Maintain good records
Good records will ensure you keep on top and get the order. You need to keep records on prospects and when they will probably buy, individual records for each prospects and customer, sales records, activity records and a diary.

Keep Trying New Ideas
Nothing stands still so even if you feel you're are doing well you need to be innovative. Both new products and new selling methods will grow your business.

There will be updates and more in-depth articles to help you. 


All these ideas will improve your business provided you Take Positive Action.

Want to grow your business? Then click here

Is Coaching right for you?

Concerned about whether coaching and courses will work for you? Here are some comments from satisfied clients.

Rachael Flanagan of Mrs Bucket Cleaning Co and the current UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year (beating over 1500 other hopefuls) said:
“Mike runs great seminars. I learn new ideas about sales and marketing every time we meet and they always work”

Nick Everest of Visual360Wales said:
“I found our meeting interesting and you were inspirational”

Barbara Collier of Collier Photo Imaging said:
“Mike Leahy has advised myself and my staff on marketing, motivation and merchandising . . he has a world of experience and gives his time generously. I would not hestiate to recommend him to any business or individual needing to increaee their turnover. His cheery smile, wonderful enthusiasm and eldless markerting ideas are absolutely invaluable”

Some content for the first few weeks that will get you off on a fast-track start include:

Any project needs planning. Then you need the tools and materials. You will be building your business with these bricks to have a firm structure that will last.  

Introduction. “What you can expect from this course” If you want to increase turnover and sales and are prepared to make some changes then this is for you. Successful selling is achieved through having positive personal attributes, sales skills, marketing ideas, plenty of bottle, the ability to take enthusiastic action and a good system.

Are you Motivated? Many people say they’ll succeed: without strong self-motivation there is no way. How to get and stay motivated starting today.

Visualisation. What is it and how can you use it to become ultra successful?

Get Organised. Lets start as we mean to go on. Without organisation you’ll never reach your goals in life. And there is no set way to be organised only golden rules.

Back to Basics. Before you can go forward you need to look over your shoulder and see where you’ve come from. You also need to look at the maths equation that will tell you whether you have a chance to succeed. No you don’t have to do any complicated algebra!!

All about Canvassing. Why do you need to canvass? What methods can you use? What is best for you? Canvassing is both a big “No! No!” and a numbers game.

Carry out a SWOT Analysis. Read the instructions and follow the template: you’ll then work it out for yourself

Use a Diary. Many don’t use diaries properly. A diary is the signpost and results of your Business or Marketing Plan. A diary is the place where you must be honest with yourself.

CRM System. This  is free and will allow more than one person access. Great for running teams, using a virtual assistant and generally keeping ahead of the game.

Action Plan introduction. You’ll see how important a forward running Action Plan is to keep you in front of the game. You’ll get a template that you can use week on week, month on month.

The Day Book your best £5 investment. Buy a Day Book today and you can use your brain in a more constructive way.

The YOU brand. Lets be honest. Why do people buy from your business? The answer should be a personal one.

Complete the Hidden Asset Audit. This 26 pages questionnaire will help you see strengths and weaknesses in your own marketing

Write Marketing Plan Part One. So now to write out the Marketing Plan that’s going to shoot

you up to the stars. Part one however is getting the background information. Unfortunately this is the boring bit so lets get it out of the way first.

Getting that order - the numbers game. If converting prospects into customers may be an art then working out the number of orders you’ll get is quite a science. You’ll love it when people say “No!”

Selling success is a conversation piece. I’ve loved selling for the past 45 years. It has been an experience to meet so many interesting people, to hear their stories, to ask them questions and to finally get that order signed. Most people hate selling – I’ll show you how to love it!

Getting calls. Mobile, Answering Service, Pager, Joint Ventures. When someone calls your phone they want to talk to a person. Maybe you can’t afford a receptionist. Well there are some great alternatives. And I bet one of these is for you.

Looking Great. Do you look the part? These tips alone will increase you confidence and add inches to your personality.

Canvassing to suit your Business. There are many ways to generate interest in your

services and products. Calling people by phone, writing, sending e-mails, texts or calling in person on them at work are just some ways. Lets find out what suits you.

Canvassing by Phone Part 1. Telephone canvassing is hard work that most people hate. Done well by experienced canvassers can be enjoyable, stress free and very rewarding. What are the key secrets? How can you succeed? Part One will get you started.
Canvassing Sheet. This template will get you started and enable you to keep tabs on what you are doing. Remember! Number crunching shines the way forward.

Door-to-Door Canvassing Part 1. Going out and calling on businesses was the rage in the sixties. Now it’s back and bringing in the results. We’ve forgotten the importance of personal face-to-face contact. Try these proven techniques and win through time after time

5x3 Cards. Forget your Blackberry or I-phone. Index cards can be a secret weapon in relationship selling.

Canvassing schedule. You’ve got to set yourself targets. Make your pledge today and I promise you’ll see positive results fast.

Write Marketing Plan Part Two. We’ve seen where we are now lets look at where we want to be. This is your blueprint.

Facebook, Twitter, Linkin and more. If you haven’t used any of these get onto the site and look at some of the pages. You may have to register as a member but it’s free so just do it. Make sure you use the same name – your name to build up your personal branding. More about this later.


Want to grow your business with this COMPREHENSIVE SALES & MARKETING COURSE?  Then just Click here

Good luck with your sales

Local Business Card New Press Release

"Carrie" Your Card

Carrie, the Local Business Card says "Yes" to the idea of giving shoppers savings and sellers marketing support.

The Local Business Card has just arrived and will save shoppers money through freebies and discounts. The card has been named "Carrie" and is designed to get consumers buying from local business, whether out shopping or through the internet.

The brainchild of Mike Leahy, a Swansea marketer who believes in supporting local businesses, the card is designed as a key-fob and is easy to carry and always available. Mike said, "Consumers just look for the symbol in shop windows or on websites. When they present their card they will get a saving or other benefit. There is no paperwork, nothing for the retailer to complete or record. And this is ideal for businesses to promoting themselves. It is hassle free. "

Shoppers save when they Carrie their card.

What about the retailer. Carrie brings in new customers and gets them coming back over again. Shoppers become loyal customers through the newsletter that is sent out fortnightly. This is a great way for them to find genuine bargains and start buying from new retailers. And it’s a really low-cost way to find new customers at just a couple of pounds a week. There is nothing else of value for so little. The marketing budget goes to the customer as a Thank you. And provided the retailer looks after that customer they will be able to build up a solid customer relationship.

Carrie can be used in a wide range of shops, hairdressers, health clubs, restaurants, entertainments and much more. Simple to use, Carrie is available for just ten pounds a year, less than a couple might save on a meal for at their favourite restaurant.

There is a website where all offers are shown. It sounds great, a loyalty card that is accepted by favourite retailers and entitles shoppers to freebies or discount simply for shopping with them. And it is planned to use Twitter, texting and the new exciting Cinch, which allows telephone messages to be up on the website immediately.

Mike Leahy said "I was involved in a similar scheme called The Gainers Club back in the sixties in London but the cost of regularly printing updated directories and sending our information by post was prohibitive and the club only lasted for 18 months or so. The Internet and automated e-mail newsletters brings the cost down to peanuts and we are just charging something to cover our overheads. We are giving a top-line service to both cardholders and sellers. Just ten pounds a year for the card and two pounds per week to advertise as a merchant is not going to break any bank. Most people will save that on a single purchase and many merchants will recoup the annual cost in less than a week. In addition there is no commitment. I just want a card that is easy to get, simple to use and guarantees the user something extra. Something that helps everyone through the current economic climate and beyond."

Mike went on to say "And it is not just shops. I am looking for entertainment such as clubs bowling, racing and theatres, restaurants, hotels and health clubs, internet businesses and business-to-business.

In fact the scheme was originally created to work between businesses but the demand has opened the floodgates. So there will be web designers, sign makers, graphics designers, stationers, plumbers and electricians and many others. I have designed the scheme to be simple without any need for unnecessary paperwork apart from registering. A scheme that will be good for both shoppers and sellers."

When you Carrie your card you can be sure of a great deal.

There are already sellers signing up in Swansea but this will become much bigger and nationwide through franchising. In fact the first new area has been signed up just today so Carrie can be used in Lincoln too. The Local Business Card is the only card you need.

kind regards

Make a movie and promote your business

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The L2 Leisure Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.



Videos are great. Easy to make and put your message across with effect. Watch out for a short "How to" movie that will get you taking action I hope.


Don't forget your future is in your hands.
If there is anything I can do to help your promoter your business then call me.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Use automated e-mail newsletters for success

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The L2 Leisure Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Use your camera, some free software, get a blog and auto-e-marketing newsletter started and encourage visitors throughout the year. Do watch the video.

I'll be running some seminars and e-seminars on how to make the most of free and low-cost resources to benefit your business. Interested? I'm sure you are. Watch this space.

Have a look at http://www.marketmailer.co.uk/.You can have a free trial. I've found it particularly good because there's no high monthly fee, just a low cost per transmission. For Just £4.95 a month you have 1000 transmissions and that could be a single newsletter or message to 1000 or say 4 newsletters to 250. In addition you can have as many groups so you want, so there could be for example "prospective customers" and "existing customers", both wanting different info. I use the system all the time. It's easy and you get all the stats you could possibly want. So you know who opens your e-mails, who clicks on links, when they open etc.



Don't forget your future is in your hands.
If there is anything I can do to help your promoter your business then call me.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Marketing Mix Roadshow

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The LC, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.

I'll be there answering your questions and giving you tips on how to use no-cost and low-cost marketing ideas that work. Talking about simple ideas that will work in your business and bring in more customers, paying guests or visitors. So come and visit my stand.

Do you spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds on marketing your business? Do you need to be more effective? Come along and join us at the Marketing Mix Roadshow. This ‘Roadshow' will take a closer look at the marketing opportunities that are available to businesses, with a focus on the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Industry.

There will be presentations, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from both the public and private sector that offer business support / advice and marketing services. Jonathan Jones, Director of Tourism and Marketing and Roger Pride, Director of Marketing both from Visit Wales will give an overview of tourism marketing from an international perspective.

Other presentations include - the City and County of Swansea tourism marketing team, use of multi-media with South Wales Evening Post and Swansea Bay Business Life, meet our Google Guru from IT Wales and some of the regions most successful businesses - giving you some top tips -‘how did they do it?'

Reasons to join us!!
· Collect ‘Top Tips' for marketing your business
· FREE Breakout sessions with experts at Marketing Wales
· Exhibitors include organisations and businesses from both the public and private sectors that provide business support and services to marketing your business.
· The largest ‘Networking Event' organised for the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality industry
· Presentations packed with information from some of the regions most successful businesses.
· Admission is ONLY £5 per person and includes lunch, tea and coffee - providing you with an excellent networking opportunity.
· Parking is free if you arrive and register by 10.45am
· FREE - Stay after and enjoy the Water Park and Climbing Wall at The LC - let us know when you book.

BOOKING IS ADVISED FOR THIS ROADSHOW

To book please click here

Summers just about over

The summer has been busy and I've sadly fallen behind with my blogging. Although we've had a few drops of rain it hasn't been all bad weather and I've had some beachtime. Take a look at some of the photos here.

You'll see that this is Tenby, taking me back to my lost youth. reminiscent of that era. Not that I went to Tenby but it is reminiscent of that era. The guy with horse and cart has been running for years and he always seems busy. Probably many want to ride when they return as a tradition.

Now you may think that the two guys in the bottom picture are traffic wardens but they are Salvation Army members wbo have been working with the kids on the beach and in their band by the harbour.

I'm now back on the ball again so watch out for plenty of marketing tips and information. If you have anything that you want to add or that you would like to comment upon, then please do so in the "comment" box. Your input is always welcome.

The Local Business Forum is growing and has we have a reall

y exciting programme coming up.
You can now join through a monthly standing order. send an e-mail for details.

If I can do anything to help your success let me know.

Mike Leahy

Following on from being faceless within the Business, here's a short video I put together this morning. Seems that there is something wrong. Viddler just removed all my videos - can't see any reason - can't get a reply from them. I'll switch back to Youtube

Enjoy.


Do you agree that you are the face of your business?

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

People buy from People

Face the facts. You can't afford to be faceless in business.

I've been looking at the "people" factor in business over the last few weeks and can really agree that "people buy from people".

And how people interact . . . .

or don't . . . .

When did you last even notice someone sweeping the street? Remember the face of the person who served you in a shop? Can visualise the attendant when you paid for fuel at a garage you don't call at?

Often it is irrelevant but sometimes it is because of the other attitude of the other person. Maybe they were talking to a colleague, perhaps they didn't give you any service.

On the other hand, if they took notice of you and were polite you are more likely to remember them. Why? In simple terms probably because next time you call you would like the same again. We all want others to talk to us, look after us and give us a little bit of personal attention. Next time you are out having a coffee just spend a few minutes watching how people are served. notice a difference between Tesco and Aldi. In Aldi the till staff always ask how you are in just that way that you don't mind it when they tell you they don't provide carrier bags.

And that personal touch goes deeper. Do you have staff out facing up to consumers? Do they wear a name badge? If not then try it our for a month. You'll find it does work. Make the names big enough for everyone to be able to comfortably read. Introduce a "lets smile at our more customers" campaign. If you smile at someone they'll usually smile back and suddenly both of you are relaxed.

And make your business personal too. Get your name on your website. Why not have a mini video of you welcoming people to the site and telling them you want to give them a good personal customer experience too. They'll see you and that makes all the difference. If you include your name they feel even better. I've just tried to speak with the manager of owner or a hotel to tell them about the Local Business Card but not even their e-mail address was on the site, just an impersonal form. When I tried to get their name I was stone walled and just gave up. An opportunity they might have appreciated and used for additional business . . or . . a prospective guest who just had a query but didn't want to speak to the receptionist.

Well. You won't believe this but as I write . . .

. . . . I've just had an e-mail that is very personal and begins "I am Michelle Furse and I am the new Sales and Marketing Officer for Afan FM. I have been brought into the station to increase both sales and awareness. I am very passionate about taking the station forward to the next level and want to form relationships with all local businesses.

I would also like to thank you in advance for reading this email.

Afan FM is a new style of radio station. We are Neath & Port Talbot's first and only dedicated radio station. We want to work with all local businesses throughout Neath & Port Talbot and find ways in which all residents of Neath & Port Talbot and both ourselves can benefit. . . . . . . • To establish a station for all people with a focus on young people aged 11-25

• To give a local entertainment, news & information service

• To provide training and experience opportunities to those interested in working in radio broadcasting, production and broadcast journalism. This gives avid media fans a first step to a new career

• To support, nurture and provide a promotional platform for local bands, DJs and artists

• To provide cost-effective advertising packages to all local businesses Afan FM is the radio station that is proud to be different because:

• No cheesy DJs – real people speaking in a real way!• No Hidden Agenda – we’re a not for profit company so we’re here to help make Neath & Port Talbot great!

• We pick the best music because it is the best music – not because our friends at the record company bought the last round.

• We’re 100% independent and impartial – we are honest to all! This is what makes us unique; we aim to provide high-quality programming whilst giving back to the local community Why choose Afan FM?Whether you want to create awareness for your business, generate footfall, increase website traffic or promote a product launch we can tailor an advertising package that can really separate your business from your competitors."

So I phoned and we had an interesting call that I feel might give us both some business.

If she hadn't mentioned her name in the e-mail probably wouldn't have called. So if you sfacetart getting personal - stop being faceless - and concentrate on being available then I promise you that your business will do better things.

Follow me on http://twitter.com/mike_leahy

If can help you become a better communicator call or text me on 07976 364681

Bang that Drum!

Drumming up business is an old expression meaning go out and find some new customers.

Did you know it originated in the Wild West. When a travelling salesman arrived in a one-horse town he'd park up his chuck wagon and walk up and down the main and only road banging a drum to draw attention to himself. He'd shout out his message and draw a crowd to his wagon where he'd then sell off the back.

We should be doing the same. Not shouting and actually banging a drum, although this might work, but showing our face to potential customers or prospects. Getting that message about and if we can use modern technology, great. Add in a little light humour and away we go. The following videos were taken in seconds, straight off, one take. Not perfect but perfectly good to put your message across.

Why don't you sign up to become a Merchant, make a mini movie and send it to me. I'll put it up on the site. Don't feel confident? Don't like appearing on film? Think you make a lousy picture ? So do we all: we all think that about ourselves. What makes you different. I challenge you to make something short about your offer on the site. Make it funny. Be original but most of all just do it.

Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. You must do everything necessary to get in front of new people who might buy from you. Some ideas are targetted whilst others are scatter-gun. Use a mix.

Most of all do basics like foot canvassing or telephone selling. Remember you are building up knowledge and relationships, not usually selling, unless you have a bag of cleaning products, and you need to keep your eyes and ears open and shut your mouth. Just open your mouth to ask questions and breath. Most of all take action. You won't get business sitting on a chair in the office thinking and planning mid-morning. If you need to use time planning and thinking get there an hour earlier than usual.

And another simple way to drum up new business is to sign up to the Local Business Card. Don't even think about it - just click here and transform your sales results - it takes one step to start a successful journey.

If can do anything to help you be successful call me.

regards

Mike Leahy

Get it FREE. Here and Now

Good News!

Here is an exciting new FREE OFFER . FREE card and Merchant service until end of December.

So that we can grow fast and you can benefit immediately we are looking to populate the site.

Register now for a FREE card, valid until the end of the year. You can check out that there are real deals there: that you will save money or get something extra. All you need to do is go to the site and register. There is no need to go onto the Paypal account.

And in addition the first 50 businesses that register to become Merchants will be put on the website, in the Directory for FREE. This is a real give-away. That will give you chance to see the marketing opportunities we are giving you without you having to spend a penny.

Lets repeat that:
Register now and get a card FREE that will be valid until after Christmas.

So go to the site:

www.localbusinesscard.co.uk

Your card will be sent out by post within no more than 48 hours. We'll try same day!

Become a Merchant for FREE until after Christmas. This will give you the chance
to know it works for you and to take advantage of the run up to the end of the year - Xmas and the beginning of the Sales.

So go to the site:

www.localbusinesscard.co.uk

We'll send out your window sticker or drop it in to you. There is also a widget for your website with a link to us, some general information and any help you want to talk to us about.

So don't hesitate, do it now. Register and get either a FREE card or FREE Merchant account.

So what happens then?

The website will show all orders and the fortnightly e-newsletter will be packed with offers, either regualr to remind you, new merchants and special short offers. Just look up what you want, go out and save or get that little extra.

I believe that the card will be a valuable resource and save you real money, not just now but when the economy evens out. This will be the card that will make a real difference.

Get on the website and sign up. Your welcome pack will be posted straight out.

The Website has gone live today

Today is a big day for the Local Business Card.

The website has gone live. We have tested it and made changes over the last few days and there are more to come but take a look and get a feel of the Beta version.

You can join as a merchant and add in offers. And you aren't confined to just one. We want to site to be dynamic and work for both Merchants and cardholders. After all there is no point in having a card if you can't use it: and it's not worth going to the trouble of putting up offers if nobody comes to you as a potential customer.

The first newsletter will go out when we have had some response. So watch out.

Sign up and you can cancel anytime in the first 3 months but I am confident you will save much more than your initial card fee. And it's free to be either a cardholder or merchant if you are a Local Business Forum member, or join. So join now and take advantage of the many associated benefits. There should be a link page in place within a day or so .

The Local Business Card is a great marketing tool, so if you run a business come on board right now and take advantage of the low low fees. These will be held if you sign up now but newcomers after September may see an increase. And, of course, it's a really powerful monitoring tool because you can see instantly if a new customer came in because of your offer or widow sticker.

You may wish to know that we'll be working really hard to promote the Local Business Card because we have a real believe in keeping trade local and helping local trade.

Watch out for the first window stickers

Watch out there's a Local Business Card Sticker about. The first went up last evening at a the Zaal Indian restaurant at Sketty Cross. This is a really great eating place and the feedback has been consistent "The best Indian food I've ever tasted". Well! You can't beat that. Cards will be available within a few days so order yours on the website and you'll start eating and saving. Better still . . .

So why not call Zaal's today and book a table now on 01792 203526. You can even sign up for your card at the restaurant.

Zaal are offering a 10% discount plus a free papadom & chutney tray to card holders. A meal for 4 people will give you a great saving . Just four meals throughout the year will probabaly pay for your card. So whenever you use the card again at Zaal's or elsewhere you'll see real savings.

The website is coming along really well. You'll be able to resister as a Merchant on line and put up your offers. You'll be able to apply for a card on-line with a credit card or Paypal. All offers will be there together with a Merchant Directory. Ben Wheeler of Beach Software has produced a great site based on the hard work put in designing by Matt Pugh of Star in a Jar. If you want a real marketing team that can handle on- and off-line marketing from concept to completion contact one of us in the Local Business Team.

Watch out for great offers in the coming few days on accountancy fees, the Market Mailer automated e-marketing system which will give you free transmisssions, web design, banners and other graphics, phography, accommodation and much more. This isn't just another card. This is the real McCoy. This is THE card.

Local Business Card arrives

So much has happened in a short. Where do I begin.

Before I recap here's a cautionary tale. Wanting to cut some costs I decided to move one of my phone lines to another service provider: and as I have free broadband dwon a BT line that is whom I changed to. So I cancelled and ordered. So far so good.

Now for the fun bit. The wrong line was terminated and so nobody could get hold of the family on the family number. That took 3 phone calls and 3 days to rectify.

Then I needed to inform the broadband company of the change. "No! We can't do anything until the number is active and then it'll take up to 10 working days" So I am without one number that most people use - ad I hope they all know my mobile 07976 364681. And I'm almost out of internet contact. Luckily I've borrowed a mobile internet dongle so I'm partially up and running. Planning doesn't help. Low tech lets us down every time - human intervention. On the other hand when you find someone who give great customer service then your problems are solved or at least diminished and you come away feeling better. The morals of the story are firstly plan your move carefully, don't expect anything to go to that plan, check to see if any element isn't right, be persistent in getting it put right, respect good customer care staff.

As a recap the Swansea Business Show was a great success. Don't take my word for it. Buy the cd now: you'll see and hear over 20 exhibitors talking about their businesses and giving live feed-back from the exhibition hall. I will put some of this up on the show website - click here.

We has a Uni-Bus meeting at Swansea University on 20th May and the two speakers talked about available funding for business either through the flexible funding scheme or university channels. It was a great meeting. Click here for the website

And now I'll move on to the Local Business Card. This is a privilege card focussing on business but that will benefit card-holders in all aspects of their life. The card was originally created for members of the Local Business Forum so that they'd benefit from each others services but it has become something bigger and better. It's a priviledge card that is available to anyone for a small fee. It will give the holder discounts and other incentives from a wide range of businesses ranging from car rental, through having a meal out, web design, accountants, signage and chauffeur services, and much much more. The card is a small plastic keyfob so you'll always have it with you, suppliers will have an easily recognisesable window sticker or web logo and there will be a regular newsletter and special offer broadcasts. It is the card to carry. And the huge benefit to suppliers will be the advertising and getting their message out through the website and newsletters. To become a founder supplier is easy and costs less than £1 a week. How is that for value? The card will give suppliers a great marketing tool that will help them through these difficult times: and we are all looking to save or get better value where we can.

From a germ of an idea this will spread rapidly because it's a simple low-cost concept that'll really benefit everyone involved. Want to be in at the beginning? Apply online in a few days, watch out for the completed website. Or just drop an e-mail now and you'll get an information pack by return. Watch out for window stickers appearing in shop windows near you.