Doing Away With Managers

Zappos.com has long been a beacon of "customer service done right."  They have an enormous focus on culture and taking care of the customer.  Zappos is also known for being "a little weird," which is a title that they like.

But this will be interesting.  Zappos is about to make a transition to flatten their organization by getting rid of managers.  This is not a lay-off.  It's a way to take out the hierchy. 

I am not sure how I feel about this.  What do you think?

Putting Goals on Paper

"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight." - Jim Rohn

Each year at this time, I spend some time and mental energy setting goals.  I want to make it a point to let my mind know what I want the coming year to look like.  Sometimes I achieve the goals I lay out for myself and sometimes I don't.  But most of the time, if they are specific enough, I do.

You probably know that studies show that people who set goals and write them down are more likely to reach them.  So why do so few people do that?

Let's do it this year.  We have a few days before the start of 2014.  What do you want to accomplish?  What do you want to do?

Write it down.  Put it in a place you can see it...everyday.  Look at it!  Now, let's go make it happen.

Becoming Your Own Superhero

The wonderful thing about the internet is that sometimes you come across something that is both funny and inspirational.  As we begin to wind down 2013 and get ready for 2014, I think this is a cool message. 

Check out this video (yes it's worth the time) that reminds us the power in each of us.

As you begin to set goals and objectives for the coming year, make sure you are ready to tap into the Super Hero in you!

Decide For Yourself

One of the things that I (and it turns out society) values a great deal these days is "original thought."  It becomes so apparent that this is rare when you skim through Facebook right now.  A large majority of people (it seems) define themselves by being either for or against the latest public controversy. 

Quick thought as we approach the holiday:

1)  Stop defining yourself as being "against" this or that.  Be PRO-stuff.  Many of us define ourselves by what we don't like, don't eat, don't believe in, etc.  Start to define yourself by what you LOVE!  It's amazing what happens when that is your focus.

2)  Stop getting caught up in the pop topic du jour.  These public media (and social media) storms do nothing but drain your time and energy about topics that have (literally) no bearing on your life.

So the challenge for today is to share a thought that is your own...about a topic that you choose.  Ready?  Go!

Never Too Late

One way to stand out in the crowd is to do something BEFORE everyone else jumps on board.  You get out in front of it and are the first to make an impression.  Sending out Thanksgiving Cards is a great example of trying to get across your message, but stand out in the process. 

Another way to stand out is to do it later.  This is not always a great thing to brag about I suppose.  But in the case of saying "thank you" to our customers and employees it is better than nothing. 

So if you just simply got to busy to recognize those folks that mean a lot to your business, late is always better than never. 

So consider standing out this year by thanking these folks AFTER the holidays.  You are sure to stand out!

Some Holiday Fun

For those that read this blog with frequency, you know we like to give you ideas and make you think.  But we also want to make you smile!  So with that simple goal in mind, please take a moment to enjoy this holiday video from us at Hasseman Marketing!

Please enjoy...and let us know what you think!

Top 5 Marketing Voices of 2013

It's time for the heavily anticipated, first ever, Hasseman Marketing "Top Marketing Voices of 2013!"  We have been combing the internet for the best of the best.  As a company, we have spent a great deal of 2013 looking for interesting voices from the business world to educate and inspire us.  Now we are excited to share our TOP 5!

Drum roll please...

5. Joe Pulizzi:  Joe is the author of Epic Content Marketing and the owner of Content Marketing Institute.  (According to his Twitter bio, he says he is also obsessed with the color orange...FYI).  Joe Pulizzi has been extremely important in the way Hasseman Marketing has just begun to go to business.  His book is full of great ideas on ways to use content marketing (a term he has helped to shape and promote) to build your business.

 4.  Jeff Haden:  In searching for great articles and content to share each and every day, one voice kept coming to the top.  Jeff Haden has a great writing style with a casual voice and is not afraid to have fun...and make fun of himself.  He tells stories from his experience and often takes on topics that provide insight...and a smile.  You can find Jeff Haden as a Linkedin influencer and writer for Inc.com. 



3.  Richard Branson:  The founder of Virgin, Richard Branson has been impossible to miss in 2013.  From the cover of business magazines, to his daily blogs of inspiration, to the best damn Airplane Safety video ever, Richard Branson is a great inspiration to anyone that is looking to push the envelope.  I look forward each and every time I see a new article written by or about him!  He inspires us to not think out of the box...but to think without the box!




2.  Seth Godin:  Seth Godin has been referred to as the "Father of Modern Marketing."  I am not sure if he wants that title, but his knowledge and vision is unrivaled.  His blog (which he somehow continues to churn out thought-provoking posts each day) is a daily motivational watering hole you should be drinking from.  He is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, mentor and compelling agitator.  One of the things we love most about Seth Godin is he is an original thinker...and he challenges.  Awesome. 










And the number one marketing voice in 2013 as determined by our panel of experts is...
 



1.  Gary Vaynerchuk:  Gary is the leading voice in Social Media today.  Gary is obsessed with hard work (he calls hustle), creating content, and establising context in the digital world.  His new best-selling book (Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook) is a must read for any business owner or business marketer that wants to break through the clutter.  But the brilliance of Gary Vaynerchuk, is that he gives SO much on the front end (he calls these Jabs), when he asks (his Right Hook), you trust him!  We feel like we KNOW Gary.  Seriously.  He has no idea who we are.  But he has provided so much content through videos on his YouTube Channel, blogs, etc., that we have a relationship with him. 

It's an All-Star Cast of business leaders and writers that are sure to provide education, inspiration and motivation for your business!  You're welcome!

We would love your feedback!

Create An Impact Through Joy

With a tagline and mission of "Delivering Marketing Joy," you might expect we get questions about where that actually came from!

Obviously we enjoy what we do...and enjoy bringing it to the people.

But here, our owner Kirby Hasseman explains where the idea came from...and how you can implement "joy" into your organization.  

What do you think?  Can we bring joy to the world?

No Grand Gesture Necessary

When someone does something for us we feel a cultural need to "do something" in return.  This is a real pull called the Rule of Reciprocity.  We feel the need to, at the very least, say "thank you" in a genuine way.

But sometimes the person, the family member, the customer has done so much for us that we feel the need to make a grand gesture to show our appreciation.  The challenge with this, especially this time of year, is that grand gestures are hard.  They are expensive and they take lots of time.

So in many cases we put off the grand gesture long enough that it becomes nothing.  We we do nothing to say "thanks" for the act that we were so appreciative of.

A grand gesture is not necessary...but a thank you is.

Don't put so much pressure on yourself to blow them away.  A sincere gesture of thanks will go a LONG way in showing your appreciation.  But do it today.

You will be glad you did...and so will they!

Put Down Your Phone...Be More Happy

I recently heard cell phones and social media sites compared to addictive drugs.  Though I immediately discounted the claim, after some reflection, I think there might be something too it!  You get a quick boost when you check in at the beginning.  You can become attached to "checking in" with the phone all the time...to the point of absurdity.  And as you are reading this, you are probably saying "Hey...I can quit any time I want!"

Sound familiar?

Well this study from Kent State says if we want to be more happy, we need to unplug. 

"A Kent State University study found that people who are constantly connected to their cell phone are less happy than those who can detach.

Intense cell phone use is also linked to heightened anxiety and a feeling of obligation to keep in touch."

Our very own Jeff Wickerham struggled with this recently when he challenged himself to "put the phone down."  As he said, it was harder than he thought.

So with the holidays nearly upon us, here is the challenge.  Make the commitment to be "more present."  Who knows, you might like the 3D people just as much as the ones on the small screen.

Enjoy!

Finding Your Sunshine

Growing up I always knew that I was more happy on sunny days.  I was able to be outside and play.  I was not a kid that wanted to be inside during a gloomy rainy day.  As I grew up I learned that there were scientific reasons that I was happy on sunny days.  Sunshine reduces stress and depression by causing a release in endorphins.  

So it was not just me! 

But later I heard Stephen Covey say that we did not need to rely on sunshine for a good mood.  As he said, we could "carry our own sunshine" with us.  I loved this because I was not interested in being tied to the weather for my mood and productivity.

I love what Jeff Wickerham is talking about here.  Jeff has found that music can be his "sunshine."  He points out that it lifts him up and boosts his soul.  Great stuff. 

What is the thing that boosts your mood?  What activity helps you "create your own sunshine?"  It's important to know because there will be times when the clouds roll in.  By taking part in your sunshine activity, you can boost your mood and productivity on your own.

Great stuff Jeff.  And yes, #smileon.  :)

Delivering Marketing Joy...It's For Real

It has become an “in thing” these days to take shots at the promotional products industry.  Respected business people, legislatures and writers have recently questioned the necessity for these items.  There have been proposed laws decreasing the amount that can be spent on these items (an $18 billion industry) and “controversies” questioning their place in budgets.  Mark Cuban (who I love) even wrote that startups should never invest “in swag.”

It’s all poppy cock.  (And I say that not just because it’s fun to say “poppy cock.”  It’s also true!)

The fact is Promotional Products are a proven advertising medium.  They work.  The best part is, more and more studies are not only showing they work.  These studies are showing they work more effectively than other advertising channels.  Organizations that want to promote themselves should be looking to spend MORE of their advertising buy on promotional products…not less.

What’s In A Name?

I can hear the skeptics now.  “You don’t need tchotchkes, or trinkets and trash.  Those are a waste of money.”  

These demeaning names frustrate me.  Forget the fact that these people discredit what I choose to do for a living.  That’s their prerogative.  What bugs me is that it affects their effectiveness.

So let’s start with the name.  First up, stop call them crap and maybe you will stop choosing crap.  When you stop choosing crap, these products might represent your brand better.  Some of my best clients have even taken to calling them “premiums.”  That’s great because it changes the way you brand yourself on these items.  Let’s face it, the products you choose say a lot about your company.  

So by taking a little more care in what you put your brand on, you will immediately have better luck with products that affect behavior.

Do They Work?

I am sure every form of advertising is accused of “not working.”  As I heard once, “Just because you can’t put the ball in the basket, doesn’t mean there’s a problem with basketball.  Maybe you’re just not good at it.”  

Promotional Products do work.  Many of us have known this for years.  But more studies are coming out all of the time that prove it.  That’s the best thing about marketers getting more interested in measuring ROI.  We are getting facts to back up the theory.  Here are just a few from a study released in 2010:

                *Of 1000 people surveyed that had received a promotional product, 89% could recallthe advertiser.  Say that out loudpeople.  The name of the game inadvertising is to create customer recall. Nearly 90% is a number that you might want to know when you are figuringyour budget.

                *14.7% of participants reported contacting the advertiser after receiving the promotional product.  That is nearly 3 times greater than other media. 

When done right, promotional products are incrediblyeffective.  The more the facts stack up,it’s just hard to argue.

Work Too Well?

The great irony is the other side of the coin is it can be argued these products work too well.  Don’t believe me?  Well look no further than the laws written to limit the amount of promotional materials that can be given in the healthcare industry to Doctors.  These laws were put in place because Big Pharmaceutical companies were creating “undue influence” over these Physicians.  Now some will argue that these laws were put in place because of free trips, game tickets, and extravagant dinners. 

 

Maybe so.

But then why legislate the kinds of products that can be given to doctors’ offices?  To put it simply, these laws were created because promotional products were having a huge influence on healthcare decisions.  

The goal of any marketing campaign is to affect behavior change.  When you can implement a campaign so effective that it needs to be legislated…you may want to consider that strategy to promote your organization!

Promotional products have been around since the late 1800’s and I think sometimes this is part of the reason the results are discounted.  Everyone wants to know the newest, hottest ways to reach customers.  You should!  

But don’t sleep on the power of promotional products.  Now more than ever, you need to include them in your marketing mix.   

Things to Say to Colleagues Today

There is really almost never a bad way to say "thank you" or to recognize someone for a job well done.  (I was going to say there is no way, but I am sure someone can screw it up!:)

Here Jeff Haden tells you a few things he wishes he "would have done."  No reason you can't do them today.  Really...today.

Making someone feel valued costs you nothing.  Make the time and lift someones day by letting them know how they have affected yours!

Be True To You...and Your Brand

There is so much venom in the business world today, it is sometimes over the top refreshing to see (or hear) someone handle themselves (and their competition) with dignity and grace.  Jim Koch did that recently on a radio talk show. 

This cool article tells the story of Koch recommending a competitors beer for a callers specific need.  Very cool and very genuine.

The great lesson this article gives is for companies to "know themselves."  It's tough because no one wants to lose a customer.  But both Koch and Southwest in this article understand that they can't please everyone.  You have to respect those brands that know who they are...and are genuine in their pursuit.

It's nearly enough to make me want a Boston Lager.  :)

3 Tips For Your Marketing Budget

There are two reasons that many businesses find this time of year crazy.  

The first, and most obvious, is the holiday shopping rush that is truly in full swing.  Whether you are a retail business or not, you know this time of year can really add excitement and stress to the atmosphere.  

The second reason your business might be busy right now is that budgeting is being done as well.  Many businesses and organizations are knee deep in getting the 2014 budget together.  It can be a stressful and overwhelming project...and you want to get it right.  So we want to give you some tips on making sure your marketing budget is in line with the market place.  

1)  Social Media:  Yes...you should be playing in the Social Media field.  As we move into 2014, you really need to realize that whether you like it or not, having a real and thought out social media presence is crucial.  This does NOT just mean posting a few pictures to Facebook and calling it a day.  You need to have a thought out strategy and budget for it.  

2)  Reconsider Budget Numbers:  Just because you have allocated certain numbers to certain media doesn't mean you should "copy and paste" those this year.  The world is changing extremely fast and you need to consider that when you allocate funds for the coming year.  Don't throw money into an abandoned media just because you always have.  Look at moving those dollars where they can be most effectively used.

3)  Don't Sleep On Promo:  That's right.  The interesting thing about measuring marketing ROI is that one of the oldest advertising media is still one of the most effective.  Don't take our word for it.  Studies show that advertiser recall (and isn't that one of the real goals here?) of those that receive a promotional product is 89%!  Nearly 9 in 10 people who receive a promotional product remember that advertiser.  Say that out loud.  Now ask yourself what your recall is on other forms of advertising. 

Creating that marketing budget is a huge process.  It's about forecasting the future...and that is always tough.  But with a little forethought, you can get ready to make 2014 the best year yet!

Thanks To You

In my experience this might be almost over said today (on Social Media), but almost never any other day.  Thank you!

Thank you to all the friends and family that help to make Hasseman Marketing go.

We sincerely appreciate you.

And during this time of Thanksgiving, we want to be extra sure that we do our best to make sure you know it!

So thank you!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Yourself Permission To Dream

I often find this little time right before Thanksgiving a little bit of "calm before the holiday storm."  I try to use this time as a little time of reflection and it inevitably brings me to the topic of goals for the coming year.  I take goals very seriously, and think they are a great indicator of future success.  

It’s time to work out those dream muscles folks! Unfortunately, many of us have forgotten how to dream. We have been told repeatedly by well-meaning loved ones that we should “be realistic” or “sensible.” These are loved ones who simply don’t want to see us be disappointed or hurt. But they are wrong.

No great thing came into the world without a big dream. No great thing can come without a little bit of risk of disappointment. But giving yourself permission to dream is the only way to truly drive the subconscious toward what you want. 

I am a big believer in the power of the subconscious. This is the personal computer inside each of us that works (without our knowledge) 24 hours a day. And it’s important to note that the subconscious mind does not know what is real or not real. So…it’s vitally important that you are “feeding” this part of your brain with “good thoughts.” 

I was out golfing with some family recently. One of the better golfers of the group continued to sabotage himself throughout the round. He was get over the ball and say “Okay…don’t hook this.” So of course he would hook his shot. Then he would say, “Don’t leave this putt short.” So he would leave it short. After about 9 holes of this I pointed out to him that he should stop saying the thing he didn’t want to happen right before he hit. He dismissed me out of hand. And quite honestly that is a normal reaction I get. But do you think it’s any coincidence that the last thing he told his brain is what he did? 

That is why it is so important to DREAM again! Start feeding your subconscious mind these things that you DO want before you go to bed and when you wake up! 
As I have also said before…write these goals down! This is such an important step! So few people actually take this into action. That is why so few people are living the life they desire! 

Finally, when you are “feeding” these into your mind, make sure you do so in the present tense. “I am a magnet for money.” This tells the mind that it is already the case…and you will start living your life accordingly!

So now is the time. Give yourself permission to dream today! Close your eyes and imagine what the life of your dreams would look like? What do you see? What do you hear? Smell? Use all of the senses to create this perfect life in your mind. 

Now get ready to go out and get it!

If you like what you read here, you might want to download the ebook (to the right here) Give Your Way To Success.  It's filled with information just like this!  And it's free!

Resting Face

Seth Godin describes here that we have a "default setting" to our face when we are not trying to show anything.  And often that face is actually quite grumpy looking.  He extrapolates here that your business likely has a similar face when no one is looking.

What does yours look like?

What can you do today to change that for the better?

10 Ways NOT To Describe Yourself

I love the idea of being more authentic.  I think that is a constant balance.  Because let's face it, you are not the same person with your customers as you are with your friends.  You are different with your aunts and uncles than you are with strangers.  This doesn't mean you are not authentic.  It means you are careful about your perception in relationship to your audience.

But are you being overly grandiose in describing yourself or your company online?  

That article made me smile.  And it's going to make me go and check my LinkedIn profile!  :)

Books We Should Read

I am not sure if I should find it ironic or just telling that one of my favorite writers (Jeff Haden) wrote this list of books that I should be reading in 2013.  I am proud to say that I read a lot, but excited to point out that I haven't read any of these.  I have a new list!

Let me know if there are any other books that Jeff missed!

Let me add one to the list.  For those of us that want to continue to grow in our Social Media presence, I recommend Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk.  I have it on the way and I can't wait to read it!

Give Yourself Permission To Be Happy

At church yesterday, the message discussed the idea that most people hate their job.  And when I say most, I really do mean most.  The study suggested that 8 out of 10 people "hate" their job.  That is amazing to me.  As the pastor discussed, if 8 out of 10 people in the United States had the flu, it would be an epidemic.  But we just continue to roll along each week as if this is the penance we have to pay to have a weekend.

And let's face it, this is not just something I heard in the church sermon.  If you pay attention to Facebook at all, you know it's true.  I have discussed here before that there is a percentage of people that post "I hate Mondays" every week.  

I found one of the solutions that was suggested equally interesting.  He suggested that in order to enjoy your work more, you should do "whatever you do" like you you are doing it the best you can for the Lord.  This struck me because it was saying that if we want to be happier at work, we need to, in essence, change our attitude. 

I think in some ways it really is about deciding that you are in charge of your happiness.  Here Seth Godin reminds us that we often defer to "authorities" when we really don't need too. 

So let's take control of our happiness today.  Give yourself permission to be happy.  And if you really "hate' your job that much, make a different choice.  Choose to leave that job.  Choose to do something different.  Or...just Choose to be more happy.

Good luck!

Hasseman Marketing is GOING Social!

(Coshocton, OH) – Promotional products distributor and video production company Hasseman Marketing is adding Social Media Management and Consultation to its array of services. 

“Clients have seen how we use Social Media to build relationships and brand awareness,” says Hasseman Marketing owner Kirby Hasseman.  “They have been asking us to do the same for them.  Now we are ready!”

Hasseman Marketing currently offers three different packages of Social Media services designed to work within the client’s needs and budget.  But Hasseman warns that Social Media is a different kind of branding effort.

“Most advertising and marketing is a “push” strategy,” says Hasseman.  “You spend money and time to push your message out to customers.  Social media is different.  You need to spend time to engage and build trust with potential customers in these platforms.  You have to provide value first…then look for business.  That’s a tough transition for most businesses.”

Hasseman Marketing has already begun working with a few clients in Coshocton County in order to ensure success and the results have been very good, according to Hasseman. 

Hasseman Marketing has been located in Coshocton County since its incorporation in 2004.  Collectively, the Hasseman Marketing staff has well over 60 years of experience in the marketing industry.  Since 2004, Hasseman Marketing has had a strong foundation in and around Ohio.

Hasseman Marketing & Communications believes in “Delivering Marketing Joy” and specializes in promotional products, video production and social media.  Established in 2004, Hasseman Marketing has been helping clients large and small increase their overall sales and profitability through targeted marketing efforts. 

For more information on Hasseman Marketing, you can visit them online at www.HMCpromos.com or you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/hassemanmarketing.

Showing Faces...Being Human

One of the most overlooked strategies in small business marketing today is "humanizing."  With technology expanding as fast as it is, we have a great opportunity to create a great deal of content (i.e. messages) to communicate to our customers.  But we need to make sure we are doing so in a way that "humanizes" our brand.

We want our customers (and potential customers) to feel a kinship with our company and our brand.  One easy way to do this is to show the "faces" of your company.  See this video here.

Humans are naturally drawn to other humans.  So when your advertising has faces as a part of it, the ad (or message) will gain more eyeballs.  More eyeballs=more impact.

So whether your are creating a video, social media post, or custom calendar.  Consider showing the "faces" of your company for more impact!

HASSEMAN MARKETING ADDS DARLING TO STAFF

(Coshocton, OH) – Promotional products distributor Hasseman Marketing is excited to announce that Nikki Darling has joined the internal team as a customer service representative.  Darling will be concentrated on helping the Account Executives at Hasseman Marketing coordinate customer orders.

“We are so excited to have Nikki join the team,” says owner Kirby Hasseman.  “She has a fantastic attitude and tons of experience in the promotional product industry.  She is going to be a great fit!”

Nikki Darling is a 1997 graduate of Galion Senior High School and has over 6 years of experience in the promotional products industry.   Nikki is married to Dennis and has three children Izek, Lydia and Sophia.

Hasseman Marketing has been located in Coshocton County since its incorporation in 2004.  Collectively, the Hasseman Marketing staff has well over 60 years of experience in the promotional products industry.  Since 2004, Hasseman Marketing has had a strong foundation in and around Ohio.  With the creation of www.HMCpromos.com  (their new e-commerce website), Hasseman Marketing hopes to continue to grow and expand its reach outside of the state. 

Hasseman Marketing & Communications believes in “Delivering Marketing Joy” and specializes in promotional products and video production.  Established in 2004, Hasseman Marketing has been helping clients large and small increase their overall sales and profitability through targeted marketing efforts.  For more information on Hasseman Marketing, you can visit them online at www.HMCpromos.com or you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/hassemanmarketing.

Does Everything Need To Be Groundbreaking?

Gary Vaynerchuk is coming out with a new book very soon called "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Cross."  Gary is one of my favorite thought leaders.  He speaks out passionately about Social Media, the digital business world and how to do business in today's (and tomorrow's) economy.  I like his style and his philosophy.

Recently he was featured in the New York Times and one of the "knocks" on him was that though he is constantly pushing out content, some of it is not "groundbreaking."  That comment struck me.

Does every piece of content you put out have to "groundbreaking?"  That seems like a daunting task...and a reason that many people just decide not to put out content at all.  This notion is silly.

Put out content that strikes you.  Put it out in your voice.  Be authentic.  I read (and hear, and see) content every day that is not "groundbreaking."  But it still speaks to me.  Sometimes we just need to hear the same advice from a different voice...at a different time in our life.  Then it will resonate and make a difference in our lives.

I would never have read Emerson if it had not been for Wayne Dyer.  Dyer pointed out the teachings of Emerson...so I went back and read them.  The new voice provided me insight so I could learn from an older one.

So don't feel like every piece of content has to be "groundbreaking."  Hopefully it will be good.  Hopefully it will resonate.

But first step...just make it happen!

The Power of Wrong

 

As business owners, we get paid to make predictions, don't we?  We have to predict the market.  We have to predict what marketing will work.  We need to hire someone we predict will be successful.  We predict all the time.

But we do it as individuals as well.  We predict behaviors for our children and children's friends.  We predict our favorite team's outcomes.

But what happens when you are wrong?  I think we need to embrace it.

So many times we work hard to prove we were right.  We are hard-headed.  We miss the point.  We can learn SO much from being wrong.

The fact is, we can learn from each time we were wrong...so next time...we can be right!

3 Tips to Curb Negativity

I am a positive person.  And hopefully, for the most part, we have a positive work environment.  But regardless of your attitude, place or work or family situation, you will encounter negativity.  And if you don't believe in the Law Of Attraction, watch a person come into a room with a venomous attitude and you will see it get reflected in a hurry!

Sometimes I deal with it better than others.

As a father of two (essentially) teenage daughters, I know there will be times that they will have that "negativity bug."  I am pretty sure I had it at 15 quite regularly!  Unfortunately, sometimes I act as the "mirror."  So when I get negativity, I reflect that emotion back and we have an unending (and non-productive) cycle. 

And that gets us nowhere.

So here are my (recently inspired) Tips For Curbing Negativity. 

1)  Take a Breath:  As I mentioned, so many times when someone comes at us with a hurricane of negativity, we blast back.  Stephen Covey taught us that there is a space between an action and a reaction that only we own.  Take a breath and consider.  Just a small hesitation can sometimes help to diffuse the situation.  It also gives us a moment to be more thoughtful in our response.

2)  Consider the Source:  Is this a person who normally is positive?  Or are they one of those people that always are like this?  Some people need to blow off steam and then they are fine.  Consider them as individuals...and it might help to plot your next move.

3)  Try To Figure Out The Root:  A fight with a spouse can sometimes lead to a blow up on someone else entirely.  Maybe this person is just stressed out about something else.  Figuring out what is REALLY wrong can sometimes be a great guide on how to deal with them.

Bonus:
4)  Don't be Afraid To Walk Away...For the Moment:  This is not about "walking away" for good and letting someone walk all over you.  Quite the contrary.  I do believe that people treat you how you train them to treat you.  But if you want to have control over your own response (and therefore have an intelligent one) you might need to walk away for the moment.  This is like an extended Take a Breath.

By breaking the Cycle of Negativity we can create a more productive environment...whether its your work place or your home (with teenage daughters). 

The Best Sales Technique...Be Yourself

As with nearly every sales organization, we are always looking for better ways to sell more.  And from being in sales for a while now, I have read many books, listened to tapes, gone to trainings, and worked to improve my "sales process."

The problem with some sales processes is, they leave out an important part...the human.

Check out this cool article from Jeff Haden that talks about his experience inside of the process.

To Jeff's point, I am still trying to find the perfect "sales process" for all of my sales team.  We do education, and exercises and discussions to grow.  But I have found that my best process involves hiring a really good, passionate person...and letting them be themselves.

Appreciating the Top 20%

I have said it before, you really do need to show appreciation for customers for doing business with you.  Why?  Because studies show that 69% of customers that leave you will do so because of "perceived indifference."  They will leave you because they don't think you care!

You don't want that to happen.

On the other hand, not all customers are created equal.  Most businesses have a group of customers that make up their top 20%.  These customers spend more.  They are more profitable.  Maybe they are even the ones that are easier to deal with!  You want to make sure and thank those customers!

Solution:  Create a simple program that "thanks" those customers once a quarter.  By limiting your group to the top 20% you can keep the budget manageable and still get them a "gift" that is nice.  Get something that has value (and your logo) and you have made that "gift" also advertise you long after you have said thank you.

This will help you ensure you don't lose your top customers to "perceived indifference" and will also often create more opportunities to do business with your top 20%!

Want more tips like this?  Check out this FREE report, 7 Proven Strategies For Growing Your Business.

JULIE ARNOLD JOINS THE HASSEMAN MARKETING TEAM

JULIE ARNOLD JOINS THE HASSEMAN MARKETING TEAM

(Coshocton, OH) – Promotional products distributor Hasseman Marketing is excited to announce that Julie Arnold has joined the team as an Account Executive.  Arnold will be focusing on helping clients in the Cleveland area grow their business.

“We are so excited to have Julie join the team,” says owner Kirby Hasseman.  “Her creativity and professionalism will be a great asset to our team…and to her clients.”

Julie Arnold graduated from Kent State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. After 5 years of agency experience in graphic design she opened her own business. Julie has had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients from local businesses to international companies. She has designed brochures, websites, annual reports, corporate identity packages, trade show materials, magazines, postcards, ads, event marketing materials and catalogs. Julie was honored by StoraEnso’s "What Teams Can Do" Design and Printing Excellence as a Finalist as well as winning an American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design: USA.  She has a keen to understanding of client needs for marketing to their audience whether that be through their website, print materials or promotional pieces.

Hasseman Marketing has been located in Coshocton County since its incorporation in 2004.  Collectively, the Hasseman Marketing staff has well over 60 years of experience in the promotional products industry.  Since 2004, Hasseman Marketing has had a strong foundation in and around Ohio.  With the creation of www.HMCpromos.com  (their new e-commerce website), Hasseman Marketing hopes to continue to grow and expand its reach outside of the state. 

Hasseman Marketing & Communications believes in “Delivering Marketing Joy” and specializes in promotional products and video production.  Established in 2004, Hasseman Marketing has been helping clients large and small increase their overall sales and profitability through targeted marketing efforts.  For more information on Hasseman Marketing, you can visit them online at www.HMCpromos.com or you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/hassemanmarketing.