Category Archives: Getting Customers

Is a Loyalty Program Right for Your Business? Part 2

  By E.T. Barton | March 28, 2012 - 12:39 am | Getting Customers, Increasing Profits, Money Making Tips, Money Saving Tips, Small Business Advice
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Yesterday, in the article “Is a Loyalty Program Right for Your Business? Part 1,” I discussed what a loyalty program is, and how it can bring back repeat customers, which should appeal to any business looking to stay afloat.  I then went over four different loyalty programs that any business can utilize, as well as examples of those programs and the Dollars and Cents of the program.  Those programs were:  Buy 10 Get 1 Free, Free Gift with Gift Card / Loyalty Program Purchase, Collusion Programs, and Try Before You Buy.   Today, however, I am going to discuss four other … Continue reading →

CASE STUDY: A Coffee Ship with a Kick Part 1–A Job Well Done

  By E.T. Barton | February 14, 2012 - 11:04 pm | Case Studies, Getting Customers, Small Business Advice, Spotlights
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In previous case studies, I said that I wouldn’t call out the name of any businesses that I named in my Case Studies.  I said that because I do not wish to inadvertently harm any businesses that I discussed.  I am about to break that rule, however… but for a reason.  I am naming this business because I think they are doing so much right, they deserve the accolades.  However, no matter what business you are in, there is always room for improvement.  So today, I will name this business, point out everything they are doing right, and then make … Continue reading →

The New American-Style Customer Service

  By E.T. Barton | January 31, 2012 - 10:43 pm | Getting Customers, Small Business Advice
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As I’ve begun my year-long journey around the world, my mind has transitioned from constant worker to constant customer. Yet at the same time, my researcher’s brain has shifted into high gear. Every town and attraction I’ve visited, I have analyzed, weighed and compared that location to “what we do back home.” Because I’ve done market research for so many years, I can’t help but notice what these attractions are doing wrong, what they are doing right, and what they could be doing better. Through all of this constant analysis, there is one themed-thought that has been uppermost in mind. … Continue reading →

Growing Your Business in a Screwed Up Economy

  By E.T. Barton | January 24, 2012 - 10:35 pm | Decreasing Expenses, Getting Customers, Increasing Profits, Small Business Advice
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I don’t know about you, but I am SOOOOO tired of hearing about the screwed up economy. I see it on TV shows and in movies. I hear about it on the radio and in casual conversations. I even read about it in books, newspapers and on blogs. Everyone – no matter where they are in the world – seems to be freaking out about the worst economy that has happened in nearly a century.  This panic seems to lead to more panic until finally, all I can think is, “How is the economy going to recover if no one … Continue reading →

A Surefire Way to Get Your Bookkeeping Clients to Agree to Your Rate Increase

  By Linda Hunt | January 18, 2012 - 5:01 am | Bookkeeping, Getting Customers, Increasing Profits, Money Making Tips
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In a recent article, I shared how a bookkeeper can face their fears and have the “money conversation” with clients about raising rates. Today, I want to share some practical ways to approach this touchy topic with clients. Over the years I’ve come up with what I call a price increase formula. I have never had a bookkeeping client object to my rate increase since I began implementing it. I discovered that the key was to be prepared. I recommend that you script out what points you want to cover in a verbal conversation as well as written communication in … Continue reading →