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Actual for You - Testimonials: Get More, More Often
Business Records Destruction they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to themEffective June 1, 2005, the FTC’s Disposal Rule requires any business or individual that utilizes credit report information to properly dispose of that information to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the information. The Rule can be found at www.ftc.gov/os/2004/11/041118disposalfrn.pdf.Examples of consumer reports include credit reports, credit scores, reports businesses or individuals receive wit * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant abou Small Businesses When it comes to testimonials - or any other marketing tool, for that matter - we're all pretty good at asking "What's in it for me?" For example, you might use testimonials because:Freedom, flexibility, and financial control. Those three ideas sound pretty attractive. More than 23 million Americans think so. They’re the people who have created independent businesses. These entrepreneurs have chosen to design a life as well as make a living. You’ll find them working in offices, studios, lofts, homes, garages, even outdoors, across our nation, from the largest urban centers to demote rural settings * Testimonials are much more believable, more credible, than advertising * They can be used to say things about you, or your products or services, that you could never say yourself * They resonate with your prospects * Testimonials give people a reason to do business with you * Your testimonial writers will uncover, and then point out, some ‘off-the-beaten-track’ benefits of your products or services * And did you know that people who write testimonials for you often become your most loyal, long-term customers? And the cost? Virtually nothing. Very few marketing tools give us this kind of return on investment. Yet very few solopreneurs use testimonials effectively. (And many don't use them at all.) Why? In my experience, the biggest reason testimonials are under-utilized is that we feel uncomfortable asking for them. So let's look at building our confidence. I suggest you start by asking a slightly tougher question: "What's in it for them?" Be sure you ask yourself this question before asking anyone to write you a testimonial. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What will they get out of writing a testimonial for you? * To start, they'll get the satisfaction of helping you out * They'll be flattered that you singled them out, and asked for their feedback * In writing the testimonial, they will review everything they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to them * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant about 6 Steps to Re-inventing Your Career ur prospectsMeaningful work honors the deepest part of your being. It is the embodiment of your gifts and talents and all that you value. Finding it in a safe, smart way requires these six steps:1. Soul Searching. Your journey begins with some intriguing self-examination. This step goes beyond looking at your work experience and skills. You also consider your values, interests, and personality preferences. This can * Testimonials give people a reason to do business with you * Your testimonial writers will uncover, and then point out, some ‘off-the-beaten-track’ benefits of your products or services * And did you know that people who write testimonials for you often become your most loyal, long-term customers? And the cost? Virtually nothing. Very few marketing tools give us this kind of return on investment. Yet very few solopreneurs use testimonials effectively. (And many don't use them at all.) Why? In my experience, the biggest reason testimonials are under-utilized is that we feel uncomfortable asking for them. So let's look at building our confidence. I suggest you start by asking a slightly tougher question: "What's in it for them?" Be sure you ask yourself this question before asking anyone to write you a testimonial. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What will they get out of writing a testimonial for you? * To start, they'll get the satisfaction of helping you out * They'll be flattered that you singled them out, and asked for their feedback * In writing the testimonial, they will review everything they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to them * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant abou Why Are You Not Doing The Work You Love To Do? s kind of return on investment. Yet very few solopreneurs use testimonials effectively. (And many don't use them at all.)Life is short on this planet for all of us. Even if you live to be a hundred years old, it quickly passes by. I recently turned 40 and 2006 seemed to have passed much more quickly than years past. It is as if time moves faster as we get older.Why am I telling you all this? If you have been caught up like 85% of the people who don't like their job, it is time for a change! I guess it is more significant to me now t Why? In my experience, the biggest reason testimonials are under-utilized is that we feel uncomfortable asking for them. So let's look at building our confidence. I suggest you start by asking a slightly tougher question: "What's in it for them?" Be sure you ask yourself this question before asking anyone to write you a testimonial. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What will they get out of writing a testimonial for you? * To start, they'll get the satisfaction of helping you out * They'll be flattered that you singled them out, and asked for their feedback * In writing the testimonial, they will review everything they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to them * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant abou How Do You Want To Be Rewarded On The Job? Be In The Drivers Seat >Be sure you ask yourself this question before asking anyone to write you a testimonial.Gone are the days when a pat on the back for a job well done or a gold watch after 25 years of service were enough to keep employees happy , productive and in the end profitable.Different employees need to be rewarded in different ways. You may wish to rewarded in different ways at different times of your life and career.For example if you are a person who is newly married and saving for a home the best Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What will they get out of writing a testimonial for you? * To start, they'll get the satisfaction of helping you out * They'll be flattered that you singled them out, and asked for their feedback * In writing the testimonial, they will review everything they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to them * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant abou Part Time Franchise Opportunities they've gained in working with you, or using your product – and this in itself is of value to themThere are many franchise opportunities for people who would like to work part time. They range from consulting franchises to childcare businesses.Many people can not afford the luxury of a full time business or employment. Rather then seeking a part time job, they would rather be in control of their lives. The problem with most businesses is that they are only profitable if run full time.This begs the quest * They get recognition by being listed on your website, or in your brochure or advertisement * And they may even get more business – since readers may follow the link from your site (or advertising) directly to them, their company, and their products So the next time you're a bit hesitant about asking for a testimonial, look back at this list. Forget for a moment about why you want or need the testimonial. Think instead of all the ways the person you're asking will benefit from writing one. Make the shift, and then ask for the testimonial. Walk the talk, I say If you ask your customers for testimonials, please also be willing to provide testimonials for products, services, and businesses that you use and like. When you write them, take the time and effort to do a great job. And be sure to include your full name, along with your credentials, contact information, website address, and so on – so that people can link from the other websites back to you. One caveat, however: Never, never endorse a product or service that you haven’t actually used, or that you’re not totally enthusiastic about. Your positive words about a ho-hum (or worse, defective or unprofessional) product will instantly damage your credibility with your customers and prospects. Sometimes irreparably so. Make it a habit Once you get started, you’ll find that getting testimonials is actually quite easy. And totally gratifying. So make a habit of asking for testimonials. Do it often. Do it consistently. And then use your testimonials to build your business!
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