I have had the pleasure of having Marty on several of my industry chats as well as being a part of his class on designing brochures. I could go on and on about how wonderful he is and how much information he has to share, but there are only so many days in a year. If you would like to hear some of his musings and learn some great new things, then visit his blog at http://soulproprietorblog.com/.
Angel
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Has the R word gotten you down?
If you were to pick up a newspaper or watch the news or listen to the radio, it seems that most people have this tone of "I'm just throwing in the towel" about the situation around them. Yes houses are going into foreclosure and grocery prices are rising and more autos are being repossessed and the world as we know it just seems to be crumbling at our feet, but if we take that attitude, we go down with the sinking ship. I don't know about you, but when I watched Titanic, I wanted to be like Rose and Jack and do what I had to do to survive.
You can survive too. Sure those in the service sector are feeling the pinch, but when I am at a mall, grocery store, or just driving around the streets, there are still cars filling up the parking stalls. That means people are still spending money. You just have to convince them to spend their money on you. Create a compelling message of why they need you just as much as you need them. (Just don't sound desperate on your part!) Talk with your current customers. If they are talking with friends, employees, co-workers, and clients, they have an idea of who has money to spend and who doesn't. Referrals will be the key during this time.
You will still need to attract new clients as well. If I was standing at a kiosk in a mall and I was down to my last $20, but you were able to explain to me what this product will do for me and how I could save money or time or save something else or be able to do more of something else all because I purchased your product, I can bet you with 98% probability that I would part with my $20. Your message has to compelling and you have to demonstrate why your product or service should be regarded like it is the Hope Diamond and you just have to get your hands on it.
So grab a lifesaver and swim to shore.
You can survive too. Sure those in the service sector are feeling the pinch, but when I am at a mall, grocery store, or just driving around the streets, there are still cars filling up the parking stalls. That means people are still spending money. You just have to convince them to spend their money on you. Create a compelling message of why they need you just as much as you need them. (Just don't sound desperate on your part!) Talk with your current customers. If they are talking with friends, employees, co-workers, and clients, they have an idea of who has money to spend and who doesn't. Referrals will be the key during this time.
You will still need to attract new clients as well. If I was standing at a kiosk in a mall and I was down to my last $20, but you were able to explain to me what this product will do for me and how I could save money or time or save something else or be able to do more of something else all because I purchased your product, I can bet you with 98% probability that I would part with my $20. Your message has to compelling and you have to demonstrate why your product or service should be regarded like it is the Hope Diamond and you just have to get your hands on it.
So grab a lifesaver and swim to shore.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat
If you want to get started in the right direction or you have started your business and need some additional support, then join me for this one day intensive retreat. You will have my undivided attention from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning. You can ask any and all questions you have during this time. For someone who has been in the industry for 10 years, I will be providing a wealth of information for you during this time.
DATE: May 30-June 1, 2008
TIME: 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday, May 31, 2008 for seminar
LOCATION:
Pali Mountain
30778 Highway 18 Running Springs, CA 92382
The facilities feature a refreshing swimming pool, challenging hiking and jogging trails, numerous sporting fields and basketball courts, and a plethora of exciting adventures.
PRICE: $375.00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Five meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
Accommodations for two nights (Check in is Friday at 4 PM)
One day of intensive training
Errand Guru Workbook
AGENDA:
The Basics
Day to Day Operations
Pricing
Customer Service
Marketing and Advertising
Proposals and Contracts
Websites and Software
Staffing Your Company
Niche Services
Minimum of 25 people and maximum of 40 people
Angel Wilder reserves the right to cancel the Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat if there are fewer than 25 participants registered as of May 16, 2008. Angel Wilder will accept responsibility only for the reimbursement of the Retreat registration fee and does not reimburse for purchased travel tickets or other expenses in the event of cancellation. If you will need to purchase travel tickets to attend the Retreat, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance in case of cancellation. Your early registration is appreciated and helps to avoid cancellations. Refunds will not be made for cancellations received after May 16, 2008.
Click here to pay: http://tinyurl.com/47d63f.
DATE: May 30-June 1, 2008
TIME: 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday, May 31, 2008 for seminar
LOCATION:
Pali Mountain
30778 Highway 18 Running Springs, CA 92382
The facilities feature a refreshing swimming pool, challenging hiking and jogging trails, numerous sporting fields and basketball courts, and a plethora of exciting adventures.
PRICE: $375.00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Five meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
Accommodations for two nights (Check in is Friday at 4 PM)
One day of intensive training
Errand Guru Workbook
AGENDA:
The Basics
Day to Day Operations
Pricing
Customer Service
Marketing and Advertising
Proposals and Contracts
Websites and Software
Staffing Your Company
Niche Services
Minimum of 25 people and maximum of 40 people
Angel Wilder reserves the right to cancel the Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat if there are fewer than 25 participants registered as of May 16, 2008. Angel Wilder will accept responsibility only for the reimbursement of the Retreat registration fee and does not reimburse for purchased travel tickets or other expenses in the event of cancellation. If you will need to purchase travel tickets to attend the Retreat, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance in case of cancellation. Your early registration is appreciated and helps to avoid cancellations. Refunds will not be made for cancellations received after May 16, 2008.
Click here to pay: http://tinyurl.com/47d63f.
Special Teleseminar Wednesday!
Join Danette and I for a special teleseminar on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET. We will be discussing ways to help you grow your business.
-Pricing have you stumped?
-Unsure how to get attention for your business?
-Undecided what to put in a proposal?
-Wonder whether it is better to have IC's or employees?
We will be covering all of these questions and more!
You can listen online at Errand Guru Talk Radio or call in at (646) 478-4999 to listen in on the phone.
Don't worry if you can't be there live, you can listen in later to the archived segment on the website. If you have a question that you want answered, just email me at info@ecsuniversitytraining.com.
We will have an online chat available during the segment so you can ask your questions off air or you can ask your questions live on the air if you call in!
-Pricing have you stumped?
-Unsure how to get attention for your business?
-Undecided what to put in a proposal?
-Wonder whether it is better to have IC's or employees?
We will be covering all of these questions and more!
You can listen online at Errand Guru Talk Radio or call in at (646) 478-4999 to listen in on the phone.
Don't worry if you can't be there live, you can listen in later to the archived segment on the website. If you have a question that you want answered, just email me at info@ecsuniversitytraining.com.
We will have an online chat available during the segment so you can ask your questions off air or you can ask your questions live on the air if you call in!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Newsletter overload!
I have enjoyed receiving different newsletters over the years from various business people regarding different topics. During the last six months, the number of newsletters has steadily increased, as in I receive over 10 a day, as people have sent me referral after referral for a new and exciting newsletter they think I should read.
While I have enjoyed some tremendously (I sit next to my computer waiting for them to come in. OK, not really sitting there waiting, but will open them immediately when they do come in), there are others that I have read through and tried to enjoy, but they just were doing nothing for me. Some cover topics I really want to know about and some of the others cover topics that just don't interest me now or anymore. Most of the time I have just been forwarding the newsletters I like and hoping that I can read them at some point in the future.
Today was my breaking point! Instead of just deleting the newsletters I don't want to read anymore as usual, I decided to take a stand. I started to unsubscribe myself from the newsletters. As of last count, I unsubscribed from six of them. The list will continue to dwindle as I continue to decide which ones are helpful and which ones are a waste of my time.
For the ones that I like, I have been taking the main points and compiling them into a document for future reading. For those newsletter where the article is a long one, but one that I enjoy, I am holding on to those. I have a Yahoo account and folders set up within the account where the newsletters go. This has helped me to cut down on the ones I save and the ones I hit the delete button on.
While it is always good to educate yourself and learn from others, there comes a time when too much information will put your brain into overload and then nothing makes sense. You need to figure out which newsletters work for you and focus on the material contained inside each one specifically when it comes in. If it is something you enjoyed and may come in handy at a future date, then you can save it.
From this point forward, I am going to be spending the next few weeks weeding through hundreds of newsletters that I have not had the chance to read yet. I will be opening all of the newsletters I want to read each time they come in and read them on the spot. I will either put the information in my document or forward it for future reference. I refuse to be a victim of newsletters anymore!
While I have enjoyed some tremendously (I sit next to my computer waiting for them to come in. OK, not really sitting there waiting, but will open them immediately when they do come in), there are others that I have read through and tried to enjoy, but they just were doing nothing for me. Some cover topics I really want to know about and some of the others cover topics that just don't interest me now or anymore. Most of the time I have just been forwarding the newsletters I like and hoping that I can read them at some point in the future.
Today was my breaking point! Instead of just deleting the newsletters I don't want to read anymore as usual, I decided to take a stand. I started to unsubscribe myself from the newsletters. As of last count, I unsubscribed from six of them. The list will continue to dwindle as I continue to decide which ones are helpful and which ones are a waste of my time.
For the ones that I like, I have been taking the main points and compiling them into a document for future reading. For those newsletter where the article is a long one, but one that I enjoy, I am holding on to those. I have a Yahoo account and folders set up within the account where the newsletters go. This has helped me to cut down on the ones I save and the ones I hit the delete button on.
While it is always good to educate yourself and learn from others, there comes a time when too much information will put your brain into overload and then nothing makes sense. You need to figure out which newsletters work for you and focus on the material contained inside each one specifically when it comes in. If it is something you enjoyed and may come in handy at a future date, then you can save it.
From this point forward, I am going to be spending the next few weeks weeding through hundreds of newsletters that I have not had the chance to read yet. I will be opening all of the newsletters I want to read each time they come in and read them on the spot. I will either put the information in my document or forward it for future reference. I refuse to be a victim of newsletters anymore!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Grocery Shopping 101
Danette Moss, owner of LAD Concierge Group and Live Life Outsource The Rest, has a new e-book out for $19.95! It is called Grocery Shopping 101. Visit http://www.ladconciergegroup.com/ for more information.
Here is what her introduction has to say:
Everyone needs groceries in their house. Last year U.S. households spent $3,240, on average, for groceries according to the American Express Everyday Spending index. The study also found consumers' consumption of fast food increased by 43% over the past year, bringing the average amount spent up to $720 per household. Food expenses represent a substantial percentage of household budgets.
This book was created to show you a way to provide a solution to consumers by providing this wonderful niche service to them. Since everyone has to eat, grocery shopping has become one of the top 5 niche markets in the Errand and Concierge Industry.
Not only will you “give your customers back time” or “make their life easier”, but you will show them that the benefits go deeper than time and an easier life. You can help them keep food expenses from going through the roof, save them from impulse shopping, dragging children in the grocery store (which can sometimes be a nightmare), and shopping after a long day at work by incorporating new ways of smart shopping into their regular routine by putting them on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule that will change their life forever.
In this book Stocking Break Rooms and Kitchens, I will discuss everything you’ve always wanted to know about from how to set up your services to pricing. So take a leap into this wonderful Niche Mark et where you will not only provide wonderful services to your clients, but you will benefit monetarily (Chi-Ch’ing).
Here is what her introduction has to say:
Everyone needs groceries in their house. Last year U.S. households spent $3,240, on average, for groceries according to the American Express Everyday Spending index. The study also found consumers' consumption of fast food increased by 43% over the past year, bringing the average amount spent up to $720 per household. Food expenses represent a substantial percentage of household budgets.
This book was created to show you a way to provide a solution to consumers by providing this wonderful niche service to them. Since everyone has to eat, grocery shopping has become one of the top 5 niche markets in the Errand and Concierge Industry.
Not only will you “give your customers back time” or “make their life easier”, but you will show them that the benefits go deeper than time and an easier life. You can help them keep food expenses from going through the roof, save them from impulse shopping, dragging children in the grocery store (which can sometimes be a nightmare), and shopping after a long day at work by incorporating new ways of smart shopping into their regular routine by putting them on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule that will change their life forever.
In this book Stocking Break Rooms and Kitchens, I will discuss everything you’ve always wanted to know about from how to set up your services to pricing. So take a leap into this wonderful Niche Mark et where you will not only provide wonderful services to your clients, but you will benefit monetarily (Chi-Ch’ing).
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat
If you want to get started in the right direction or you have started your business and need some additional support, then join me for this one day intensive retreat. You will have my undivided attention from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning. You can ask any and all questions you have during this time. For someone who has been in the industry for 10 years, I will be providing a wealth of information for you during this time.
DATE: May 30-June 1, 2008
TIME: 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday, May 31, 2008 for seminar
LOCATION:
Pali Mountain
30778 Highway 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
The facilities feature a refreshing swimming pool, challenging hiking and jogging trails, numerous sporting fields and basketball courts, and a plethora of exciting adventures.
PRICE: $375.00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Five meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
Accommodations for two nights (Check in is Friday at 4 PM)
One day of intensive training
Errand Guru Workbook
AGENDA:
The Basics
Day to Day Operations
Pricing
Customer Service
Marketing and Advertising
Proposals and Contracts
Websites and Software
Staffing Your Company
Niche Services
Minimum of 25 people and maximum of 40 people
Angel Wilder reserves the right to cancel the Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat if there are fewer than 25 participants registered as of May 16, 2008. Angel Wilder will accept responsibility only for the reimbursement of the Retreat registration fee and does not reimburse for purchased travel tickets or other expenses in the event of cancellation. If you will need to purchase travel tickets to attend the Retreat, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance in case of cancellation. Your early registration is appreciated and helps to avoid cancellations. Refunds will not be made for cancellations received after May 16, 2008.
Contact me at angel@angelatyourservice.com for more information.
DATE: May 30-June 1, 2008
TIME: 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday, May 31, 2008 for seminar
LOCATION:
Pali Mountain
30778 Highway 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
The facilities feature a refreshing swimming pool, challenging hiking and jogging trails, numerous sporting fields and basketball courts, and a plethora of exciting adventures.
PRICE: $375.00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Five meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
Accommodations for two nights (Check in is Friday at 4 PM)
One day of intensive training
Errand Guru Workbook
AGENDA:
The Basics
Day to Day Operations
Pricing
Customer Service
Marketing and Advertising
Proposals and Contracts
Websites and Software
Staffing Your Company
Niche Services
Minimum of 25 people and maximum of 40 people
Angel Wilder reserves the right to cancel the Errand Guru One Day Intensive Retreat if there are fewer than 25 participants registered as of May 16, 2008. Angel Wilder will accept responsibility only for the reimbursement of the Retreat registration fee and does not reimburse for purchased travel tickets or other expenses in the event of cancellation. If you will need to purchase travel tickets to attend the Retreat, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance in case of cancellation. Your early registration is appreciated and helps to avoid cancellations. Refunds will not be made for cancellations received after May 16, 2008.
Contact me at angel@angelatyourservice.com for more information.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Insider Secrets of Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking
If you're not using social networking sites for your business, you could be missing out on a lot of valuable traffic. You can learn how to use Web 2.0 tools and social networking sites to do just that. And you know you need traffic in order to have the opportunity to ask visitors to subscribe to your newsletter, get your white paper or buy your products and services.
Hot on the heels of their successful teleseminar on how to use Facebook for Business, my colleagues, The Blog Squad, are hosting a brand new class on how to use Web 2.0 and social networking sites to drive more traffic to your business. It is the "Insider Secrets of Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking to Get Thousands of Warm, Hungry Visitors to Your Web Site".
The Blog Squad grills Michele PW, Your $Ka-Ching! Marketing Strategist, and Mary Pat Kavanagh, Queen of Connections, on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Registration: $20 includes live event and mp3 audio file
Register here >>> http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2372929
During this teleseminar you'll learn:
* The psychological reasons why people are using Web 2.0 and social networking in the first place (understand this and you are LIGHT YEARS ahead of what most marketers are doing with it so you'll be FAR more successful)
* How you can use those psychological triggers to position yourself above your competition (and reap more traffic and sales in the process)
* What are the different social media and Web 2.0 sites and which ones are right for YOUR business
* The best way to position yourself so you will continue to get high quality traffic REGARDLESS of what's happening in the social media landscape
* Time-saving tips so you CAN get the most of your social networking without it sucking all your time.
* And much more!
Register today.
Find out what you'll learn about using social networking sites for your business and secure your spot now: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2372929
To your continuing success online,
Angel Wilder
Hot on the heels of their successful teleseminar on how to use Facebook for Business, my colleagues, The Blog Squad, are hosting a brand new class on how to use Web 2.0 and social networking sites to drive more traffic to your business. It is the "Insider Secrets of Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking to Get Thousands of Warm, Hungry Visitors to Your Web Site".
The Blog Squad grills Michele PW, Your $Ka-Ching! Marketing Strategist, and Mary Pat Kavanagh, Queen of Connections, on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Registration: $20 includes live event and mp3 audio file
Register here >>> http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2372929
During this teleseminar you'll learn:
* The psychological reasons why people are using Web 2.0 and social networking in the first place (understand this and you are LIGHT YEARS ahead of what most marketers are doing with it so you'll be FAR more successful)
* How you can use those psychological triggers to position yourself above your competition (and reap more traffic and sales in the process)
* What are the different social media and Web 2.0 sites and which ones are right for YOUR business
* The best way to position yourself so you will continue to get high quality traffic REGARDLESS of what's happening in the social media landscape
* Time-saving tips so you CAN get the most of your social networking without it sucking all your time.
* And much more!
Register today.
Find out what you'll learn about using social networking sites for your business and secure your spot now: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2372929
To your continuing success online,
Angel Wilder
Sunday, April 20, 2008
David Neagle's Just Believe event
I had so much fun at David's event yesterday. I met lots of new people and came away with some valuable information and a new prospective on things I have been doing in my life and business. It was an all day event and I was tired at the end, but it was well worth the push I gave myself to go. I wanted to share a few photos of myself and some people that I was excited to finally meet. If you recognize some of them, it is because I am either affiliated with them, mention them in my seminars and radio show, or use some of their guest articles in my newsletters.
Alexandria "The Ezine Queen" Brown
David Neagle
Alexandria "The Ezine Queen" Brown
Lorrie "Red Hot Copy" Morgan-Ferrero
David Neagle
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Have you taken advantage of my sale yet?
There are only 13 days left until my sale ends!
I currently have my best selling book, Starting Your Own Errand or Concierge Service, on sale for $25.95. That is a savings of $14! I probably won't have book on sale again for a long time. Purchase it now!
Spring 2008 Book Sale
I also am giving those that are interested in my Ultimate Package a chance to pay for it in 4 payments. The cost of the package is $1100, with four payments of $275 each. I am also offering FREE SHIPPING to those that take advantage of this special!
Ultimate Package Payment Plan
Visit http://www.angelatyourservice.com/ for more information.
I currently have my best selling book, Starting Your Own Errand or Concierge Service, on sale for $25.95. That is a savings of $14! I probably won't have book on sale again for a long time. Purchase it now!
Spring 2008 Book Sale
I also am giving those that are interested in my Ultimate Package a chance to pay for it in 4 payments. The cost of the package is $1100, with four payments of $275 each. I am also offering FREE SHIPPING to those that take advantage of this special!
Ultimate Package Payment Plan
Visit http://www.angelatyourservice.com/ for more information.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
The gas pumps are guzzling my money!
OK, I was born and raised in Southern California. Why I choose to stay here is a mystery. I was at the gas station today and saw that the most expensive gas is now at $4 a gallon. It is now $4.25 per gallon for diesel. Pretty soon I am going to have to buy a bus pass or get a scooter to take care of errands for my clients. I think I might just stand at the side of the road with a sign that says "Will work for gas money!" As an industry that requires us to drive, drive, drive, there has got to be a way to not gouge our clients, but still make a profit. Here are a few tips to help you out:
1. I work in a square. I use my office as my starting point and work my way in a square. Because my service area is split into four quadrants, I can have four people take care of my entire service area at once. This way no one is going back and forth and wasting gas or time. You can also split your service area into several zones. Each zone would have a specific radius.
2. Schedule as many clients as possible in the same area for the same day. For example, I have one staff member who completes five dog walks in the same neighborhood on the same day. She drives out to the first house, parks, takes care of all of the dogs, walks back to her car, and then drives home. One drive to and from. This same method can include taking care of several employees at once at a particular office to provide a similar type of service. For example, I took three cars to a local car wash in one afternoon.
3. Charge a temporary fuel surcharge. I received a newsletter from my travel agency I am associated with and several cruise lines are increasing their fuel supplements. All of the courier companies, including FedEx and UPS have a fuel surcharge in effect. FedEx is charging a 20% increase for the month of April for their Express service and UPS is charging a 20% increase for their international services.
Whatever you choose to do to help you out in your business, make sure that it is right for your customers and your business. After all, we all go in to business to make a profit.
1. I work in a square. I use my office as my starting point and work my way in a square. Because my service area is split into four quadrants, I can have four people take care of my entire service area at once. This way no one is going back and forth and wasting gas or time. You can also split your service area into several zones. Each zone would have a specific radius.
2. Schedule as many clients as possible in the same area for the same day. For example, I have one staff member who completes five dog walks in the same neighborhood on the same day. She drives out to the first house, parks, takes care of all of the dogs, walks back to her car, and then drives home. One drive to and from. This same method can include taking care of several employees at once at a particular office to provide a similar type of service. For example, I took three cars to a local car wash in one afternoon.
3. Charge a temporary fuel surcharge. I received a newsletter from my travel agency I am associated with and several cruise lines are increasing their fuel supplements. All of the courier companies, including FedEx and UPS have a fuel surcharge in effect. FedEx is charging a 20% increase for the month of April for their Express service and UPS is charging a 20% increase for their international services.
Whatever you choose to do to help you out in your business, make sure that it is right for your customers and your business. After all, we all go in to business to make a profit.
Concierge Service guides editorial
As the owner of an errand and concierge service, and as an expert in the industry, from time to time I will purchase other guides out there to see how well written or poorly written they are. I recently purchased four e-guides and would like to provide my opinions on them.
1. The FabJob Guide to Become a Personal Concierge Business Owner
I was truly impressed with this guide. To begin with, the layout of the guide was user friendly and helpful. There were instructions to direct you to each part of the guide. After giving it a read over I found that it was full of helpful information and I felt someone could learn useful things about the industry reading this guide. Well worth the money.
2. Style Career.com’s Breaking Into and Succeeding in Concierge Service
I was not impressed with this guide at all and requested a refund, which I promptly received. The information, in my opinion, seemed like it was gathered from various places on the web along with a few interviews and then put together. The information contained in it was very basic and did not have as much meat as I thought it would have for the price.
3. 125aday.com Publishing’s Start Your Own Concierge Service!
This guide is a total scam. It did not mention once how to start your own concierge service. It was basically a how to start a (you insert whatever industry you want) business guide because the information contained in it was about starting a business in general and not the how to’s in regards to any particular industry. I was appalled that they would try to sell this information as a step by step guide. Because they have strict return policies, I could not get my money back, as I downloaded it as an e-book, but I did write two scathing emails that were never answered. Stay far, far away from this guide. It is so not worth the money.
4. Concierge and Errand Service Business Startup Guide from www.doit-4-u.com
RIP OFF!!!!!!!!! I had to contact Paypal after my claim was denied and found a nice gentleman who heard my story and gave me a refund on this guide. I sent numerous emails to the owner of the website over a several day period and did not receive one response. He states that he has been in business for 15 years, but I don’t see any of it in this guide. His “forms” are taken from Microsoft Office. While he has gone in and cleaned up the look of the website, my dog could have written a better guide. Do not waste a penny on this guide.
These are just my opinions, but for someone who has been in business for a decade and continues to run a successful business, I think I have an idea of what makes for helpful information and what doesn’t. The final decision is up to you, but I wanted to give you a heads up on what is available for those in the industry.
1. The FabJob Guide to Become a Personal Concierge Business Owner
I was truly impressed with this guide. To begin with, the layout of the guide was user friendly and helpful. There were instructions to direct you to each part of the guide. After giving it a read over I found that it was full of helpful information and I felt someone could learn useful things about the industry reading this guide. Well worth the money.
2. Style Career.com’s Breaking Into and Succeeding in Concierge Service
I was not impressed with this guide at all and requested a refund, which I promptly received. The information, in my opinion, seemed like it was gathered from various places on the web along with a few interviews and then put together. The information contained in it was very basic and did not have as much meat as I thought it would have for the price.
3. 125aday.com Publishing’s Start Your Own Concierge Service!
This guide is a total scam. It did not mention once how to start your own concierge service. It was basically a how to start a (you insert whatever industry you want) business guide because the information contained in it was about starting a business in general and not the how to’s in regards to any particular industry. I was appalled that they would try to sell this information as a step by step guide. Because they have strict return policies, I could not get my money back, as I downloaded it as an e-book, but I did write two scathing emails that were never answered. Stay far, far away from this guide. It is so not worth the money.
4. Concierge and Errand Service Business Startup Guide from www.doit-4-u.com
RIP OFF!!!!!!!!! I had to contact Paypal after my claim was denied and found a nice gentleman who heard my story and gave me a refund on this guide. I sent numerous emails to the owner of the website over a several day period and did not receive one response. He states that he has been in business for 15 years, but I don’t see any of it in this guide. His “forms” are taken from Microsoft Office. While he has gone in and cleaned up the look of the website, my dog could have written a better guide. Do not waste a penny on this guide.
These are just my opinions, but for someone who has been in business for a decade and continues to run a successful business, I think I have an idea of what makes for helpful information and what doesn’t. The final decision is up to you, but I wanted to give you a heads up on what is available for those in the industry.
Monday, March 24, 2008
What's blooming in your garden?
April is just around the corner. With that comes National Gardening Month. Have you ever just spent an afternoon taking out weeds in your garden and planting seeds or small plants in some fresh, rich soil? Watering every day to make sure that whatever it was bloomed, whether it was vegetables or a flower bush? Weren't you bursting with pride at your accomplishments?
What about your family or your clients? Do you take the time to care and nurture them the same way you would your garden? I have a teenage son who drives me nuts. I know his hormones are raging out of control and he acts up from time to time, kind of like weeds that start to grow in your garden, but when I nip the problems in the bud, I continue to cultivate a fine flower, or in this case, son. If I wasn't taking care of my son the way I would my garden, the garden would become overgrown with weeds and the flower would start to wither away. Not taking care of my son could cause his problems to escalate to the point where they become out of control, which can lead to other problems in the future.
The same thing is true with your clients. If you don't take the time to build that relationship with them and take care of their needs, they can shrivel up and die. Just as flowers and plants need different types of food, different amounts of water, and different amounts of sunlight, your clients need different amounts of attention. Some may need more handholding than others. Some may have certain quirks or peculiarities that you will need to deal with. Others may be very wishy washy and you may have to remove them from your garden of clients because they are not fitting in well. How you treat your clients will be reflected in how your garden looks to others. Take care of them well and you receive a blue ribbon. Take care of them not so well and your garden becomes an eyesore.
Look at your own gardens and find out how you can take care of them properly so that they can fully bloom all year long.
What about your family or your clients? Do you take the time to care and nurture them the same way you would your garden? I have a teenage son who drives me nuts. I know his hormones are raging out of control and he acts up from time to time, kind of like weeds that start to grow in your garden, but when I nip the problems in the bud, I continue to cultivate a fine flower, or in this case, son. If I wasn't taking care of my son the way I would my garden, the garden would become overgrown with weeds and the flower would start to wither away. Not taking care of my son could cause his problems to escalate to the point where they become out of control, which can lead to other problems in the future.
The same thing is true with your clients. If you don't take the time to build that relationship with them and take care of their needs, they can shrivel up and die. Just as flowers and plants need different types of food, different amounts of water, and different amounts of sunlight, your clients need different amounts of attention. Some may need more handholding than others. Some may have certain quirks or peculiarities that you will need to deal with. Others may be very wishy washy and you may have to remove them from your garden of clients because they are not fitting in well. How you treat your clients will be reflected in how your garden looks to others. Take care of them well and you receive a blue ribbon. Take care of them not so well and your garden becomes an eyesore.
Look at your own gardens and find out how you can take care of them properly so that they can fully bloom all year long.
My apologies!
I realized this morning that I have been neglecting my words of wisdom. Not because I don't have any, but because life came along and took me on a wild ride for the last few weeks. For this I apologize.
While I understand that you can only truly connect with others if you interact on a regular basis, I hope that those of you who have been waiting with bated breaths will continue to look forward to my future words of wisdom as I learn everyday about what can happen in life in general.
My mom collects Mary Engelbreit items. She loves to purchase different Mary items and share them with others. She also loves handwriting notes of wisdom and love to those in the family, as well as share her $1 words with everyone else, even those she is writing a complaint letter to.
Our words share emotions with those we are communicating with, whether it is happiness, excitement, anger, or fear. While a person can be much more pronounced with their feelings when they are visually in front of you, the written word, whether it is a poem or book or newsletter article, can evoke people to stand up and petition for what is right or wrong or get them to look at a situation in a different light or even bring joy to their life.
Use your words wisely when speaking with someone. You never know when you may spew your own words of wisdom.
While I understand that you can only truly connect with others if you interact on a regular basis, I hope that those of you who have been waiting with bated breaths will continue to look forward to my future words of wisdom as I learn everyday about what can happen in life in general.
My mom collects Mary Engelbreit items. She loves to purchase different Mary items and share them with others. She also loves handwriting notes of wisdom and love to those in the family, as well as share her $1 words with everyone else, even those she is writing a complaint letter to.
Our words share emotions with those we are communicating with, whether it is happiness, excitement, anger, or fear. While a person can be much more pronounced with their feelings when they are visually in front of you, the written word, whether it is a poem or book or newsletter article, can evoke people to stand up and petition for what is right or wrong or get them to look at a situation in a different light or even bring joy to their life.
Use your words wisely when speaking with someone. You never know when you may spew your own words of wisdom.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Valentine's Day....
As I sit here pondering Valentine's Day tomorrow it has me wondering why we have to have just one day a year to say how much we love each other. Do you take your love and bottle it up somewhere only to open it up one day a year? Guys stress out each year knowing that they have to raise the bar for gifts as the years go on and women get heartbroken if a guy forgets or does not perform to her expectations.
Let's face it, most guys are not into the mushy displays of affection in order to prove their love to you. Most women demand proof of a guy's love in a tangible form. Why don't the little displays of affection, such as breakfast in bed or a single rose just because, count? Why do people have to pour billions of dollars, over $15 billion to be exact, into one day of the year? I would rather have 365 days of little displays of affection than just one big one.
And why is it that guys are somehow obligated to spend more than women? Do women feel that when you were born that you have a price sheet that comes with you for gifts and that you are not allowed to go over that quota? I can't count the number of times that I was out on a date and paid for it or purchased gifts just because with no expectations for something in return because I don't want to keep track of what I have or have not done for the opposite sex.
When someone feels an obligation to do something, somehow it seems to me that it then cheapens the thought and feeling behind the gift. When someone offers a gift to someone else, it should be because they felt compelled to want to show the recipient how they really felt, whether it is excitement over a new baby or proud of someone's graduation or their love for someone.
What does Valentine's Day mean to you?
Let's face it, most guys are not into the mushy displays of affection in order to prove their love to you. Most women demand proof of a guy's love in a tangible form. Why don't the little displays of affection, such as breakfast in bed or a single rose just because, count? Why do people have to pour billions of dollars, over $15 billion to be exact, into one day of the year? I would rather have 365 days of little displays of affection than just one big one.
And why is it that guys are somehow obligated to spend more than women? Do women feel that when you were born that you have a price sheet that comes with you for gifts and that you are not allowed to go over that quota? I can't count the number of times that I was out on a date and paid for it or purchased gifts just because with no expectations for something in return because I don't want to keep track of what I have or have not done for the opposite sex.
When someone feels an obligation to do something, somehow it seems to me that it then cheapens the thought and feeling behind the gift. When someone offers a gift to someone else, it should be because they felt compelled to want to show the recipient how they really felt, whether it is excitement over a new baby or proud of someone's graduation or their love for someone.
What does Valentine's Day mean to you?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Are you reading the fine print?
Today I showed up at Office Depot about 10 minutes before it opened in order to purchase a new printer. There were several people there to purchase a laptop that was supposed to be on sale for $299. Once the store opened, there were about 20 people there for the laptop. Turns out that the price is over $400, you receive a $100 instant rebate and then a $75 mail in rebate. In addition, you cannot pick up the computer in the store, you have to order it and then wait about 10 days to receive it. In addition, you need to tack on an additional $100 to cover tax and shipping. Boy were people pissed to say the least. Office Depot is going to catch some heavy backlash on this one. I picked up the ad and started to read it while my husband was picking up a few items. Most of the information was in fine print.
The problem with fine print is that most people do not read it. Even when it comes to agreeing to terms and conditions on the web, people don't take the time to read them, they just click on the "I Agree" button. I admit that I have been guilty of this before. I just want to finish what I am installing or doing and hit that button without even glancing at the words. I guess for small purchases most people don't care, but when it comes to big purchases, I hope that you do read the fine print. Even when it comes to electronics or even cell phone plans, there are many loopholes that the companies create for themselves so that they can get out of any sort of binding contract if it doesn't suit them.
Do you do this with your clients? I don't have any fine print on my contracts or other places. I try and make everything noticeable and when I go on consultations, I will go over all of the paperwork so that everything is understood. This way a client can't come to me afterwards and say that they don't want to pay something because they didn't understand or they don't want to pay because they think I am nickel and diming them. If they have to follow my rules, I need to follow them as well. I don't try to create loopholes, but people always look for one.
Make sure that whenever you are dealing with your prospective and current clients that all of the terms and conditions are laid out for all to see. Once they start dealing with you, they don't want to break out their magnifying glass to see what the real deal is and you don't want to deal with backlash like Office Depot is going to, even if on a small scale. People talk and I know because my husband went into Petco and saw a couple we had just seen at Office Depot who had been trying to purchase that laptop. Needless to say, they had nothing but negative things to say about Office Depot and stated that they will not be shopping there any time soon.
What will your customers say about your fine print?
The problem with fine print is that most people do not read it. Even when it comes to agreeing to terms and conditions on the web, people don't take the time to read them, they just click on the "I Agree" button. I admit that I have been guilty of this before. I just want to finish what I am installing or doing and hit that button without even glancing at the words. I guess for small purchases most people don't care, but when it comes to big purchases, I hope that you do read the fine print. Even when it comes to electronics or even cell phone plans, there are many loopholes that the companies create for themselves so that they can get out of any sort of binding contract if it doesn't suit them.
Do you do this with your clients? I don't have any fine print on my contracts or other places. I try and make everything noticeable and when I go on consultations, I will go over all of the paperwork so that everything is understood. This way a client can't come to me afterwards and say that they don't want to pay something because they didn't understand or they don't want to pay because they think I am nickel and diming them. If they have to follow my rules, I need to follow them as well. I don't try to create loopholes, but people always look for one.
Make sure that whenever you are dealing with your prospective and current clients that all of the terms and conditions are laid out for all to see. Once they start dealing with you, they don't want to break out their magnifying glass to see what the real deal is and you don't want to deal with backlash like Office Depot is going to, even if on a small scale. People talk and I know because my husband went into Petco and saw a couple we had just seen at Office Depot who had been trying to purchase that laptop. Needless to say, they had nothing but negative things to say about Office Depot and stated that they will not be shopping there any time soon.
What will your customers say about your fine print?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Are you very social?
Social networking is the buzz word for 2008. Yes, we know all about the old fashioned networking events we have subjected ourselves to in the past. The ones where we show up with our pile of business cards and hope to find new leads. While those types of networking events are still good, if you know the right way to work a networking event, there are others ways to network with others outside of the small confines of a room.
Myspace and Facebook are two of the big ones, but there are so many other social networks out there. There are ones specific to gender or age, ones specific to hobbies, musical tastes, careers, and so on. I am a part of LinkedIn and Plaxo. Once you join these networks, take the time to add contacts, post thoughts on a subject, comment on someone else's posts, or even drop notes of encouragement or just to say "Hi".
With the internet allowing us to move our boundaries outside of our city limits, networking with others online allows us new opportunities to meet new clients or build relationships with vendors or even to visit new places and do new things.
Take the time to jump on the social networking bandwagon as you never know what opportunities may pass you by if you don't. If you don't at least give it a try, you will be like that little kid who always watches the other kids outside having fun from their bedroom window because they are afraid to join in.
Myspace and Facebook are two of the big ones, but there are so many other social networks out there. There are ones specific to gender or age, ones specific to hobbies, musical tastes, careers, and so on. I am a part of LinkedIn and Plaxo. Once you join these networks, take the time to add contacts, post thoughts on a subject, comment on someone else's posts, or even drop notes of encouragement or just to say "Hi".
With the internet allowing us to move our boundaries outside of our city limits, networking with others online allows us new opportunities to meet new clients or build relationships with vendors or even to visit new places and do new things.
Take the time to jump on the social networking bandwagon as you never know what opportunities may pass you by if you don't. If you don't at least give it a try, you will be like that little kid who always watches the other kids outside having fun from their bedroom window because they are afraid to join in.
Does pricing scare you?
No one likes to talk about money. Whether it is how much money you earn each year or what you charge per hour. For many people they are uncomfortable or fearful when asked information about their pricing. In turn, the people asking can sense your fear and uncomfortableness with the situation. Some will take advantage of you while there are others who won't, but they also may not give you a chance either.
So what are some of these fears that you may have? Do you feel you lack the experience to match your asking price? Do you think you are charging too much? Do you think that if you charge the price that you do that your prospective clients will move on to someone else who is cheaper? Are you unsure how to overcome objections?
I have people tell me all of the time how pricing is one issue that they have when it comes to running their business. They are unsure how much to charge or what to tell people who inquire about their prices. If they tell someone a price and that person objects to the price, they don't know how to tell them that they are worth it. When I started my business, I didn't want to price myself out of the market, yet at the same time I wanted clients. I was not very confident with my pricing and it showed in the type of clients I had at the beginning.
There are several things you can do to help you overcome your fear or uncomfortableness when it comes to discussing pricing.
1. Post your pricing. This is a topic for debate with many on one side saying that they post their prices on their website and in their materials, while others only reveal their pricing during their conversations with a prospective client. There are pros and cons to both sides. If you reveal your pricing you scare away those that can't afford you in the first place, but at the same time if you reveal your prices, you might miss out on an opportunity to share with a prospective client how you can take care of their particular needs. Also, once pricing is revealed, that is what a prospective client will focus on. Your other words will go in one ear and out the other.
2. Act confident. I have a take it or leave it stance when it comes to my pricing. When you make excuses for your pricing or discount your pricing immediately, your prospective client then can use this to their advantage to negotiate with you. I have had people state their price and then in the next breath lower it when they hear hesitation. I was guilty of it when I began my business. Be proud of your pricing structure. If you are on the phone or communication via email, be firm with your pricing in the tone of your voice. When talking face to face with someone, look the person in the eye when you state your price.
3. Get training. If you are unsure what pricing is like for the industry, get information from those in the industry who are considered experts or who have years of experience. They will know what it is like to have not been confident with their pricing at some point when they started and they can share with you some tips and hints about what you can do with your pricing.
Once you have decided on your pricing structure, practice over and over out loud talking about your pricing so that you can overcome your fears and have a new found confidence when speaking with prospective customers or even your current customers. Remember, if you don't have confidence in yourself, how do you expect others to?
So what are some of these fears that you may have? Do you feel you lack the experience to match your asking price? Do you think you are charging too much? Do you think that if you charge the price that you do that your prospective clients will move on to someone else who is cheaper? Are you unsure how to overcome objections?
I have people tell me all of the time how pricing is one issue that they have when it comes to running their business. They are unsure how much to charge or what to tell people who inquire about their prices. If they tell someone a price and that person objects to the price, they don't know how to tell them that they are worth it. When I started my business, I didn't want to price myself out of the market, yet at the same time I wanted clients. I was not very confident with my pricing and it showed in the type of clients I had at the beginning.
There are several things you can do to help you overcome your fear or uncomfortableness when it comes to discussing pricing.
1. Post your pricing. This is a topic for debate with many on one side saying that they post their prices on their website and in their materials, while others only reveal their pricing during their conversations with a prospective client. There are pros and cons to both sides. If you reveal your pricing you scare away those that can't afford you in the first place, but at the same time if you reveal your prices, you might miss out on an opportunity to share with a prospective client how you can take care of their particular needs. Also, once pricing is revealed, that is what a prospective client will focus on. Your other words will go in one ear and out the other.
2. Act confident. I have a take it or leave it stance when it comes to my pricing. When you make excuses for your pricing or discount your pricing immediately, your prospective client then can use this to their advantage to negotiate with you. I have had people state their price and then in the next breath lower it when they hear hesitation. I was guilty of it when I began my business. Be proud of your pricing structure. If you are on the phone or communication via email, be firm with your pricing in the tone of your voice. When talking face to face with someone, look the person in the eye when you state your price.
3. Get training. If you are unsure what pricing is like for the industry, get information from those in the industry who are considered experts or who have years of experience. They will know what it is like to have not been confident with their pricing at some point when they started and they can share with you some tips and hints about what you can do with your pricing.
Once you have decided on your pricing structure, practice over and over out loud talking about your pricing so that you can overcome your fears and have a new found confidence when speaking with prospective customers or even your current customers. Remember, if you don't have confidence in yourself, how do you expect others to?
Why are you in business?
There are many reasons that people give for going into business. They want to be their own boss, they want more time with the family, they want to earn some money to help with the family, they want to create their own schedule, and the list goes on and on.
These are all wonderful reasons, but I also find many are in business sort of as a hobby. They want to experiment with it like some people do marriages. They have the mindset, "If it doesn't work out, I will just walk away." They don't take it as seriously as others who want this to be their career or they want to put as little effort and money into it as possible, but still expect great results.
When the results they want don't happen, they get frustrated. I had a person ask me if they would be able to make what they did in their old job within the first year of their opening up their business. By the way they were earning $250,000 per year. I tried not to laugh out loud, but some of the misconceptions people out there have only hinders them.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it takes work, determination, patience, as well as money to turn your business from a hobby into a successful running company. You have probably heard this saying at least once in your life, "You get out if it what you put into it." This saying goes for a lot of things in life, personal or business.
If, for example, you want to be a tennis player, it will never work if you don't put out the money to buy the right equipment or put in the time to practice your serve or your swing. Going to the courts a couple of times a week isn't going to do it. You have to be willing to put in several hours a day, every day. There are parents who would rather drive around an older car then buy a new one just so they can purchase a top of the line racket or tennis lessons for their child. The passion and willingness to sacrifice has to be there.
I know someone in the concierge industry who had a great job making money, but left it to start her own business. She isn't rolling in the dough, but she is working hard to make her business a success. From some of the stories she has told me, I don't think some of her clients could function without her help.
I get emails and phone calls from new mothers on an almost daily basis who want a job where they can make money, yet be there for their new baby. Deep down, their main focus is that new baby and the business will not work if that is where their focus is. A baby takes a lot of your time. After all of the feedings and diaper changings and caring for their other needs, how much time is really left for a business?
If you are ready to jump into entrepreneurship, don't stand at the shoreline dipping your toes in the water. You'll never get far. You need to dive right in and see how far the tide takes you.
These are all wonderful reasons, but I also find many are in business sort of as a hobby. They want to experiment with it like some people do marriages. They have the mindset, "If it doesn't work out, I will just walk away." They don't take it as seriously as others who want this to be their career or they want to put as little effort and money into it as possible, but still expect great results.
When the results they want don't happen, they get frustrated. I had a person ask me if they would be able to make what they did in their old job within the first year of their opening up their business. By the way they were earning $250,000 per year. I tried not to laugh out loud, but some of the misconceptions people out there have only hinders them.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it takes work, determination, patience, as well as money to turn your business from a hobby into a successful running company. You have probably heard this saying at least once in your life, "You get out if it what you put into it." This saying goes for a lot of things in life, personal or business.
If, for example, you want to be a tennis player, it will never work if you don't put out the money to buy the right equipment or put in the time to practice your serve or your swing. Going to the courts a couple of times a week isn't going to do it. You have to be willing to put in several hours a day, every day. There are parents who would rather drive around an older car then buy a new one just so they can purchase a top of the line racket or tennis lessons for their child. The passion and willingness to sacrifice has to be there.
I know someone in the concierge industry who had a great job making money, but left it to start her own business. She isn't rolling in the dough, but she is working hard to make her business a success. From some of the stories she has told me, I don't think some of her clients could function without her help.
I get emails and phone calls from new mothers on an almost daily basis who want a job where they can make money, yet be there for their new baby. Deep down, their main focus is that new baby and the business will not work if that is where their focus is. A baby takes a lot of your time. After all of the feedings and diaper changings and caring for their other needs, how much time is really left for a business?
If you are ready to jump into entrepreneurship, don't stand at the shoreline dipping your toes in the water. You'll never get far. You need to dive right in and see how far the tide takes you.
Where have all the names gone?
I have a HUGE pet peeve. Maybe I shouldn't care about these people, but I do. I am part of an industry association. I check in on a weekly basis to see who is still a member and who isn't. One trend I am noticing, is that many of the members do not put their name and/or their location in their profile. Some of them don't even list their phone number.
I try to look at their listing from the viewpoint of a potential client or media person. If I have to struggle through your profile to find out who you are, I will walk away and move on to someone else. If as a media person I am doing a story on several companies in the Dallas area, but I can't find anywhere on your profile or even your website where you are located, I won't contact you. There are so many missed opportunities because someone does not want to reveal who they are in some fashion. I can't understand why they would hide, unless they are in the witness protection program.
If I have a referral for Florida, for example, and I plug Florida in the search box and your name does not come up because you either left out your location or abbreviated your state name, then I will turn the referral over to someone who I can find during my search. If I do a search for California to pass on a referral, but I have no way of contacting you, outside of filling in some page where I have to hit the submit button, I will move on and hand that referral to someone else. I may even find someone who is not a member to pass that referral off to.
I have also noticed when I visit websites that many are vague on their About Us pages. I don't care to know how ABC Errand Service will use their experience to help me with my life. I want to know how Jane Doe or John Smith, who have a background as a hotel concierge or who used to manage 200 people, will be able to handle my needs. I want to know if you won an award or volunteer your time. I want to know why you have the ability you do to help me. This helps establish credibility. Whether the target is individual clients, corporate clients, or a combination of both, the About Us page does not have to be so sterile. Loosen up and share something about you.
Share who you are with the world, or at least your potential clients. You never know what opportunities may come your way.
I try to look at their listing from the viewpoint of a potential client or media person. If I have to struggle through your profile to find out who you are, I will walk away and move on to someone else. If as a media person I am doing a story on several companies in the Dallas area, but I can't find anywhere on your profile or even your website where you are located, I won't contact you. There are so many missed opportunities because someone does not want to reveal who they are in some fashion. I can't understand why they would hide, unless they are in the witness protection program.
If I have a referral for Florida, for example, and I plug Florida in the search box and your name does not come up because you either left out your location or abbreviated your state name, then I will turn the referral over to someone who I can find during my search. If I do a search for California to pass on a referral, but I have no way of contacting you, outside of filling in some page where I have to hit the submit button, I will move on and hand that referral to someone else. I may even find someone who is not a member to pass that referral off to.
I have also noticed when I visit websites that many are vague on their About Us pages. I don't care to know how ABC Errand Service will use their experience to help me with my life. I want to know how Jane Doe or John Smith, who have a background as a hotel concierge or who used to manage 200 people, will be able to handle my needs. I want to know if you won an award or volunteer your time. I want to know why you have the ability you do to help me. This helps establish credibility. Whether the target is individual clients, corporate clients, or a combination of both, the About Us page does not have to be so sterile. Loosen up and share something about you.
Share who you are with the world, or at least your potential clients. You never know what opportunities may come your way.
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