Trent365

Just because what they want and what you want seems to be very far apart, doesn't mean that you still can't meet in the middle.

Sometimes we are so focussed on what we want out the deal that when the other side wants terms significantly different to ours, we feel the only option is to walk away. No deal.

But if you're going to walk away anyway, why not put your counter-offer on the table?

You never know, the other side may just be testing you.

You can always walk away from the deal if they won't budge. But first, be sure to try the counter-offer strategy.

#counteroffer #negotiationtips #dealmaking

It seems like everyone is a content creator these days. 

That's great...but it also means there's so much content out there that it can be really hard for you to break through with yours.

But you don't have to break through all that noise.

Instead, focus on making content that is relevant and of interest to your existing customers/clients/markets.

#contentstrategy #contentmarketing #contentcreator

One of my least favourite sayings is...

It's all about the Journey, not the Destination.

I'm a Destination guy. Just get me there.

But that doesn't necessarily mean I'll take a straight line to get there.

Sometimes, it's the less direct route that can actually end up being faster.

On the less direct route you can sometimes pick up different information, tools and resources that can help you travel quicker.

A straight line isn't always the fastest route.

#destination #journey #lifelessons

When most of us think of a Lifestyle Brand, we think about Apple or Nike or maybe at the higher end, Luis Vuitton or even Chanel.

But ultimately every brand is a Lifestyle Brand on some level, according to branding/marketing/content guru Steve Babcock.

And I think that makes a lot of sense.

Every brand that you have in life represents some element of your lifestyle on some level.

Where this gets super exciting is that we often chose different brands depending on which specific phase of our lifestyle we're in at the time.

In our 'Home Lifestyle' we might use a Bic Ballpoint Pen, whilst in our 'Work Lifestyle' we might prefer the Mont Blanc brand.

So when it comes to your marketing message, make sure it connects at the Lifestyle level.

#lifestylebrand #marketing #branding

You can put all the time, effort and money you like into Customer Acquisition, but you still can't control it.

Ultimately, the choice to buy is mine - the customer.

When it comes to Customer Retention, however, that you can control.

You can control how good your product or service is. You can control the experience I have with your brand. You can control how you communicate with me once I become a customer.

All of those elements, plus many more, are things you, as the business can control.

So focus on what you can control.

How much?

I'd say about 80 / 20.

#customerretention #customeracquisition #customersatisfaction

Generating new ideas of your own is difficult for many people.

So here's a simple way to leverage other people's ideas, add your perspective to them, and ultimately come up with your own unique ideas on the subject in the process.

The Contribution

Take an idea that you agree with, then add a 'Yes, and...'

eg: Yes, and...here's how it could apply to my industry.

The Contradiction

Take an idea that you disagree with, then add a 'Yes, but...'

eg: Yes, but...this is why that wouldn't work in my industry.

Apply this simple process and before you know it you'll be seen as a true Though Leader in your industry.

There's lots more interesting insights like this in the book - The Thought Leaders Practice 

Here's a link to the website where can download a FREE copy of the book - https://bit.ly/30pr7e1

#thoughtleader #thoughtleadership #ideageneration

Hope for Best - Plan or the Worst.

Always have a Back-up Plan.

You need to have a Plan B.

I believe in all of that. It's very much the way I approach life.

However, there is a risk that if you know you always have a Plan B, that you may not put quite as much effort into ensuring that Plan A succeeds.

If you don't have a Plan B, you have no choice but to make sure Plan A succeeds.

Some people simply function better knowing that there is not Back Up Plan.

So just be careful that you don't let your Plan B be the excuse for Plan A not succeeding.

#planb #backupplan #contingencyplan

Many of us today are thinking Local-First.

With many international and even some interstate borders closed, we can't travel to seek out experiences like we once could.

That presents an opportunity for you to leverage this new customer sentiment towards local products, businesses and experience.

Dinner can be an experience. So too can a Spa treatment. Or maybe a hike around a local park area.

One way to benefit from this prevailing sentiment is to form a local network of businesses who offer experiences.

Cross-promote each others businesses to your customers.

Even if this doesn't directly get your business more customers, it will help position you in the minds of your customers (and others) as a Local-Friendly business.

And at a time like now, such a position would be GOLD!

#localfirst #localcommunity #marketopportunities

The concept of Red Team vs Blue Team originated in the military when they decided the best way to prepare to fight the enemy was to fight against them.

So they assigned the Red Team to play the role of the enemy. 

Their job, simply put, was to destroy the enemy...the Blue Team. The good guys.

The same approach could be used in your business.

Create the Red Team whose job it is to play the role of the competitor that could crush your business.

If done with vigour, it will make your business stronger and better prepared to tackle your competitors.

It might even be a good recruitment strategy. 

As part of the interview process, challenge the candidates to create a strategy that would destroy your business.

#businessstrategy #competitiveedge #redteamthinking

If you have a business where customer service is important - and let's face it, that's every business - and you have repeat or return customers, Voice Notes could be a great tool for you.

Recalling specific customer preferences and various other bits of customer information requires you to make notes. That takes time.

Voice Notes are quick and easy and effective.

Do you use Voice Notes?

If not, maybe you should give them a try.

#voice #customercare #customerengagement