First Steps in Postcard Marketing

Kate — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:18:13 +0000

Postcard marketing is a practical way to familiarize yourself with direct mail marketing and present your products or services to potential customers. Postcards are economical, uncomplicated to manage, and they provide an excellent avenue to deliver your focused messages. Postcard marketing also helps you to stay in touch with established customers, or remind inactive customers of your products and services, keeping you first in mind.

If you want to increase website traffic, improve awareness of your company and brand your business in the minds of prospects with successive mailings, postcard marketing is an excellent starting point. Postcards are easily read and often kept for future reference. Postcard marketing can create a terrific first impression for you and your business. Postcards are very economical because they can serve dual purposes, by soliciting repeat business from existing customers while at the same time securing orders from new clients.

With postcard marketing, you have to have a strategy for your campaign to ensure success. It is important to define the primary objective of each mailing and decide what you want to accomplish. You need to prepare an organized approach to successive mailings that makes sense and builds upon previous messages. Your first postcard mailing can be concentrated specifically on introducing your business and, depending on the number of services or products you are offering, the subsequent mailings can describe each product and service individually and their benefits to the consumer. As you progress in your postcard marketing campaign, you can enhance your message to generate additional sales, as well as establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Testing the marketing waters is a snap with postcard marketing since you can start small and build upon your direct marketing efforts with each mailing. Every time you communicate using your mailing list, you are building brand recognition, which will make the recipient comfortable and familiar with your name, your business and the products and services you offer. This familiarity will make the purchasing decision simpler for the consumer and will encourage repeat business and referrals for you and your business.

The biggest mistake you might make is trying to include all of the information about your company on your postcard. As stated above, it is critical that you establish a strategy and stick to it. Be focused on one specific message with each postcard you send and build upon it as you grow your direct marketing campaign. Also, ensure that with each postcard, a call-to-action that summarizes your product or service and what the recipient should do next is included. It does not have to be a complex dissertation of your services offered and qualifications, but rather just a short statement of how to contact you, visit your website or purchase your service. You want to make it easy for people to purchase your products or services, to get additional information or have their questions answered.

Postcard marketing is an excellent way to get into direct mail marketing and introduce yourself and your business to potential clients. It is also an exceptional way to maintain a connection with existing customers and remain first in mind when they need your products or services. If you are interested in trying postcard marketing or direct mail marketing with your client list, contact Connecticut Secretary today by calling 203.488.8192, emailing kate@connecticutsecretary.com or through our contact form. We can design a powerful and appealing postcard for you and we can mail it out to your customer list, which will make your job so much easier as you will be able to concentrate on running your business!

Direct Marketing

Kate — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:13:27 +0000

The economy and present-day marketplace is more challenging than it ever has been. With all the marketing messages sent to us each day, it is essential that you maintain contact with your customers and reach out to create new relationships with prospects. This is a never-ending routine that has to be carried out to remain strong in today’s economy. Connecticut Secretary can help you to maintain contact with existing customers and make new connections affordably and effortlessly with our direct marketing and mailing services.

Through the previous few years, we have seen the rise in non-print marketing, such as emails, ezines, online newspapers, flyers and online blast delivery of promotions. Today’s consumer has become numb to the endless flow of email and online marketing messages. The time is now to get back into direct mail marketing! We advise that if you’re new to direct marketing that you start small and build your direct mail program as you gain confidence and start to see results. As you receive new connections, realize sales and see increased profits, we suggest that you continually expand your direct mail marketing program.

Sending your message or introducing your service to a potential customer through the mail is a significantly more personal way to contact someone than randomly through email. Good mail and promotional materials are commonly something that people keep on hand to refer to in the future. It’s a lot easier to remember where your brochures are kept in your office than it is to search through thousands of emails to trying to find that one message that caught your eye days or weeks earlier. Direct marketing to consumers elicits an entirely different emotional response on the part of the recipient.

Do you want a personalized letter mailed to any number of recipients? Connecticut Secretary can personalize your letter and mail it to your mailing list. Do you want to try mailing out a brochure or postcard to 250 or 500 of your current customers? Connecticut Secretary can assist with preparing your design, typesetting your message and mailing it for you. We can even establish a telephone number where respondents can call, so you can track the success of your marketing program.

Connecticut Secretary can assist in simple flyer, brochure, postcard and marketing material design and printing. We can also take your mailing list and mail your promotional materials for you! No more sitting at the conference table folding, stuffing and sealing your envelopes and applying postage. Confidentiality is always our top priority at Connecticut Secretary. We work for individuals and organizations throughout the United States and we work on your projects from our Branford, Connecticut headquarters.

Connecticut Secretary can also assist you with designing your own postcards, letterheads, envelopes, rack cards and other marketing materials! Contact us today to let us know what you have in mind and we’ll email you a quotation!

Today, when every penny counts, Connecticut Secretary is the right decision when you need direct marketing services!

Virtual Reception Overview

Kate — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:30:08 +0000

Business Coaching for Success

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:45:04 +0000

No matter how large or small a business you operate, hiring an executive coach is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity in today’s highly competitive business environment. No matter what your management and personality style, there’s an executive or business coach for you.Let’s face it, most business owners’ stick to the tried-and-true methods. We’ve all discovered, by trial and often costly error, what works best for our companies. However, a business owner stuck in that mentality may be missing out on great opportunities just by keeping the status quo.

“You’ll face issues that you hoped would never see the light of day.”

That’s where a coach comes in. A business coach is a trained third-party professional who helps clarify a business owner’s goals and helps chart a path to meet them. A coach will offer a fresh perspective to your daily challenges and hopes for the future.

Coaching may seem like a frivolous expense, but at least one study has shown otherwise. A study of 100 executives, primarily from Fortune 1000 firms, who employed coaches from Florida-based firm Manchester, Inc., found that return on their investment was nearly six times what each firm spent on coaching. Companies retained executives, had fewer customer complaints and saw more productivity from their coached employees. What business owner doesn’t want that?

“…a business owner stuck in that mentality may be missing out on great opportunities just by keeping the status quo.”

So how do you choose the right coach? The key is to find one you trust and who challenges you without having unrealistic expectations. Some business owners see the stereotypical coach as a slick, motivational manipulator who will seek to turn them into a business mixer schmoozer. The truth is there are as many styles of coaches as there are people. Here are some tips to help you find yours:

* Know yourself and what you want. Before you even begin the process of looking for a coach, ask yourself some honest questions. What do I want? What do I expect? Are there some things about my management style that probably need to change? Am I willing to consider making these changes? What am I willing to do? What am I not willing to do? Where do I want to be in five years? In 10 years?

* Call several coaching firms and individuals. Talk to others in your field to get referrals.

* Meet with at least five possible coaching candidates. Find out how they work.

* Don’t’ be too concerned if your coach candidates don’t “get” your business immediately. Sometimes it’s best to have a coach that knows absolutely nothing about your field so that you can get some fresh approaches and ideas.

* Be sure your coach is willing to be honest with you. In fact, if a coach candidate isn’t willing to tell you things you don’t want to hear, you probably haven’t found the right coach.

* Tell your coach candidates what you perceive your goals are right now. Also tell each candidate what you are willing, and not willing, to do to meet them. Ask them what they can do to help.

* Discuss upfront how you and your coach will work together when you don’t agree. A good coach will push you in directions that you don’t agree with or that make you uncomfortable. Sometimes a good coach will tell you about certain negative behaviors you have that you don’t necessarily want to change. Ask how you and the coach will deal with these issues.

* Trust your gut. Some business owners prefer a coach with a similar style, while others want to possess characteristics they observe in a coach who has a different personality. Go with the one you think you can best work with.

So you’ve selected your coach. What comes next? Most coaches will want to re-evaluate your goals with you first. You’ll also discuss strengths, weaknesses, problems and concerns. Next you will likely develop a plan of action. Here are some things to remember when working with a coach:

* Nothing will change overnight. Commit to at least a year of coaching before you re-evaluate its effectiveness.

* Make coaching a priority. Business owners tend to put the business at hand over every other function. However, coaching can help you cut down on the time it takes to do business. Make coaching the priority.

“…both you and your business will grow in ways you never thought possible!”

* Be willing to consider doing things differently. Note that I’m not saying to actually DO things differently. There’s a difference between that and considering the possibility. Most of us need to ease ourselves into transitions and changes. Being willing to change is the first step.

* Be honest with your coach. You’ve chosen a coach who you feel will be honest with you, and you must reciprocate. In fact, not being honest will most likely be a waste of time for both of you. It’s important that you develop trust with your coach.

* Take crisis issues to your coach. As the top person in your organization, your coach can be your sounding board for dealing with tough problems. It never hurts to get a different perspective.

Working with a business coach is a rewarding experience. You’ll learn about gifts and talents that you never even knew you possessed. You’ll face issues that you hoped would never see the light of day. And both you and your business will grow in ways you never thought possible!

Kate Smalley
Connecticut Secretary
http://www.connecticutsecretary.com
kate@connecticutsecretary.com

What We Are

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:45:03 +0000

UPDATE: As of February, 2012, Connecticut Secretary is not taking on new reception customers as all of our slots are filled at this time. Thank you for your interest. We welcome you to check back in the future, should we be able to take on more reception work.

Connecticut Secretary is a small business, by design. We’re engaged in the business of helping other businesses become more productive, more efficient and more profitable by assisting them with general secretarial, transcription, reception and scheduling services when they need extra help.

We’re affordable, easy to deal with, and flexible enough to assist any industry or individual.

What We’re Not

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:34:53 +0000

Connecticut Secretary’s Virtual Reception and Scheduling Service is not trying to be everything to everyone. We service a select group of businesses, so that we can provide the very best service and the very best client satisfaction. By providing personalized service, we get to know your business, your services, and your customers. The same person will be answering your phones every day. Because of this, Connecticut Secretary will only provide services to a certain number of businesses, depending on their call volume, to ensure the best quality reception services can be offered to each of our valued customers.

We do not subcontract our services overseas in order to provide 24/7 live reception services. We believe there is value in having your phone answered by the same person every day, and that your callers and valued clients will have peace of mind knowing that their call is being handled by someone who values their business and holds their information confidential and is a true member of your team.

If you need 24/7 live answering support services, Connecticut Secretary is not the solution for you or for your business. If you do need flexible reception support services or additional coverage, Connecticut Secretary is an excellent choice for you and for your business.

The Right Solution

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:19:18 +0000

Connecticut Secretary’s Virtual Reception and Scheduling Service is a convenient and smart solution for business people who don’t have the time or ability to take incoming calls during the day, when they are away on sales calls, conferences, trainings or traveling.

We can be a valued part of a solo practitioner’s team, aiding and scheduling their clients while they are taking care of their core business. All you need to do is create a Google calendar, indicate your available times, share it with us, and we can assist with scheduling services.

If your skilled employees are constantly being pulled away from their tasks to answer phones or schedule appointments, overall client service and satisfaction will suffer as a result. Connecticut Secretary can answer your calls and schedule your appointments while your skilled employees do what they do best – provide service to your clients.

There are many benefits to using Connecticut Secretary’s Virtual Reception and Scheduling Services. Your company will not only appear larger and more professional, but you won’t be required to deal with the extra expense of hiring additional employees when you need extra help.

Live Reception Hours

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:49 +0000

Connecticut Secretary does not offer 24/7 live reception services. We do offer flexible, convenient reception services where your phone will be answered by the same person every day, so your clients and callers will get to know your “office staff” personally. We will answer your phone professionally with your name or your company name, as you prefer, and assist customers by either taking a message, answering questions, scheduling an appointment, or forwarding the call directly to you if you indicate you wish to speak with someone immediately. We can forward any incoming call to your cell or office phone, just like an interoffice telephone system.

Our live reception hours are typically weekdays from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM EST. We can answer your calls, schedule your appointments or forward important calls through to your phone no matter where you are. If we are out of the office or assisting another caller, messages can be left and we can return the call. We’re also often available outside of the live reception hours, and will answer your calls whenever we are able to, providing extended hours of live reception services.

Whether it is order taking, appointment scheduling, list management, or providing general information to potential clients, Connecticut Secretary’s Virtual Reception and Scheduling Service can help!

Connecticut Secretary’s virtual reception rates are very affordable. You can either choose to use the number we provide you or you can simply forward your phone during times you wish reception services. You pay only for the monthly cost of having a number on our system (required) and the per-minute fee for our live services.

Connecticut Secretary

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:04:13 +0000

Connecticut Secretary has been providing transcription services to organizations and individuals since 1999. We service a variety of industries and organizations, as well as graduate students, researchers, educators, CEOs and board members. Whether you need us to transcribe five minutes every other week, a one-time focus group, a corporate board meeting or a thirty-hour dissertation project, we’re ready to step in and provide you with quality, confidential and timely services.

Whatever your transcription needs, contact Connecticut Secretary today to discuss your project.

Your Team

Kate — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:32:41 +0000

The importance of working with an effective and cohesive team who are specialized in their field is demonstrated by the contributions to the bottom line of the business and with the increased productivity of each team member. Your business becomes stronger, more efficient and more rewarding when each member of your team can concentrate on their core competencies.

Having Connecticut Secretary on your team allows your skilled workers to focus on their areas of expertise while the administrative, reception and scheduling services are taken care of efficiently and professionally by someone who has chosen to specialize in administrative services.

Morale within the organization is strengthened when each employee is allowed to laser focus on their particular skill set rather than being constantly interrupted and pulled away from their jobs to provide telephone and secretarial coverage as needed. While it is true that small business people do wear many hats, consider the impact that these interruptions have over time on your employees and how it might affect their attitudes toward the jobs they were hired to perform as specialists.

Skilled employees often come to resent the daily interruptions of their jobs to cover administrative tasks.

Show your skilled employees how valued they are and allow them to do what they do best, while Connecticut Secretary handles the secretarial, reception and scheduling services for you. Contact us today to learn more.