12 ways to create curb appeal for your business
April 14, 2011 by Barbara · 10 Comments
What is ‘curb appeal’ anyway?
It’s whatever makes you want to leave your comfortable place on the curb and go inside and explore.
Is it relevant for businesses without brick and mortar storefronts? Yes. It’s about making your business appealing to potential clients and customers.
What creates curb appeal? Consider these 12 things you can do to make your business appealing. Read more
Horses, emotions & marketing
December 31, 2010 by Barbara · 7 Comments
The economy has been tough on many of us. It has been especially harsh for horses who have been abandoned or sent to be sold at auction. The lucky ones found new (responsible) homes through the tireless work of horse rescue organizations.
I was inspired to write this post after reading a beautifully crafted story about horse auctions. This is not a happy subject: most horses at auction end up on a truck to Canada or Mexico where they are slaughtered for meat under less than humane conditions. You can read the article here. Read more
It’s all about the experience
October 7, 2010 by Barbara · Leave a Comment
An old friend died suddenly last week. This larger than life man was ever present in the traditional music and dance community in the Northwest and across the country. I miss him.
In less than a week, over 1,000 people had joined his memorial FaceBook page and poured their memories, reflections, and farewells all over it.
My friend excelled in many things, but what people mentioned most about him was his gift at connecting with people. With a few words of encouragement or welcome, with a big hug, a humorous look, a joke or sly remark, he made thousands of people feel like they just made his day. And they never forgot how good he made them feel.
Neither do our clients! Read more
When someone says they don’t have the money . . .
August 24, 2010 by Barbara · 3 Comments
When someone tells you they don’t have the money to do something, it can mean many different things. This applies to all relationships, not only to prospective clients and customers.
They might mean, “I don’t have as much money as I used to, and that makes me afraid even though I still have enough.” Or, “I can’t pay the mortgage and my credit cards are maxed out. There is no cash.” Or they could be saying, “If I understood the value of your offering, it would become a priority, but so far it isn’t.”
How can we understand their meaning more clearly and know how to respond appropriately? Read more
Selling the Invisible
June 24, 2010 by Barbara · Leave a Comment
Selling the Invisible – A Field Guide for Modern Marketing by Harry Beckwith
Mentioning this book in a conversation at an event resulted in an invitation to review it for the association’s newsletter. How could I refuse? I recommend this book about marketing more than any other. After rereading it to see how it held up after ten years, I was not disappointed. Harry Beckwith presents insights about marketing professional services in a way that is engaging, accessible, inspiring, and enduring. Read more
Sign up for the eZine
As a 25-year veteran of marketing professional services, Barbara Breckenfeld is a strategist and a storyteller. She helps helps businesses grow as a consultant, marketing coach, and seminar leader.
