BLAST Tool: Need an 800 number, check out Grasshopper

All of you know that when I come across a great product, I will stand up and let everyone know about it. BLAST Tool #1 is Grasshopper. I personally use this service and came to learn about them when they were still GotVMail. For my Ice Cream Cake delivery service, I use Grasshopper to give my small business a professional edge with an automated phone system that I and all my employees can access at anytime and on anyphone. Here is their story.
Grasshopperbegan in 2003 as GotVMail Communications after identifying the need for an easy-to-use virtual phone system for entrepreneurs that would provide them with a solution to 800 numbers, multiple extensions, professional voice over and seamless execution without breaking the bank.

In, May 2009, they changed their name to Grasshopper. Why the change? Quite simply, the name “Grasshopper” evokes the power to propel forward. And that’s exactly what their service does for entrepreneurs like you: gives you the tools to propel your small business forward.
As small business owners, you most likely eat, sleep, and breathe your small business. That’s why Grasshopper went above and beyond to deliver the most powerful new tool for entrepreneurs – an upgraded virtual phone system.

Grasshopper lets entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses anywhere, using any phone. With a virtual phone system from Grasshopper, callers can reach you wherever you are—on your cell, in the office, or at home. With Grasshopper, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to sound professional and stay connected.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing company with multiple employees, Grasshopper works for you. Create extensions for all of your employees, regardless of where they’re located. Forward calls, receive faxes by email, and get voicemails on your mobile device without installing a single app. Grasshopper puts the power of your virtual phone system right at your fingertips. With our easy online interface, you can set up your account, tag or search messages, and view calls by geographic location and more.

For only $49 a month, there's no reason not to get Grasshopper and get connected today. For special discount or to learn more, click here

Recession Escape Plan – 7 Strategies to Make the Recession Irrelevant

According to Bill Glazer, of GKIC the number one mistake businesses make is that they assume everyone knows their business and knows them when the reality is, if you are not consistently in front of your customers and prospects – they won’t remember who you are or what you do! In today’s environment, competition is fierce and you want to deploy new strategies that will help you survive and thrive in this recession and beyond.

Here are Bill’s 7 strategies to move your business forward in these tough times and in future years. Give some of these a try and watch your business soar:

1. Sell to Someone Different
Expand your boundaries to sell to a new market. With the internet, it is easy to take your local business global. For example, a retailer can put a catalogue of their merchandise on line and now sell it globally. Look for other niches and choice multiple niches that offer you a quick way to more money.

2. Sell Differently
The industry has changed so change the way you are selling. In a recession, people are looking for it to be “okay” to spend money so figure out a way to make it okay. For example, an exclusive travel company in the past would never offer “try before you buy” packages because it wasn’t their business model. Now they do and because they made it okay to buy – their customers continue to purchase from them.

3. Sell Something Different
Take a look at your resources and see if there is something you can add to your product or service line. For example, can you create special packages, training classes or group tours? For example, a local restaurant now offers customer day trips and wine schools to add to their product line.

4. Create More Value
In a recession, it is more important than ever to create additional value for your customers. What can you add to your offering that would bring additional value to your customers? For example, I usually block out xx of days for my coaching clients and to add value, I have increased the number of days available to them. I also make myself available for quick chats and email question – all included in my normal fees.

5. Strategic Status
Be the expert, the authority, the specialist and the must have advisor to your customers. People want to work with the best and want to be associated with the best so maintain your positioning in your field and be at the top of your game. Integrity goes a long way in a recession and your customers will remember.

6. Association
Napoleon Hill introduced us to mastermind groups in his book “Think and Grow Rich”. The basic concept is that you are only as good as the people you know. You want to associate with those who will propel you forward, not hold you back. Take a look at your groups, vendors, employees and friends and decide who you should associate with in business, who will challenge you to grow.

7. Use Direct Response Marketing Systems
Direct marketing allows you to reach to your customers in a variety of different ways. Being outrageous is a proven technique that Bill teaches and his concept is on the premise that if doesn’t matter how much advertising and direct mail you do if it doesn’t get opened and read, it is worthless. People like outrageous because they are bored, overwhelmed, like to be amused and respond to something different. For example, In Bill Glazer’s book “Outrageous” – he talks about a postcard he sent out with a picture of him on a donkey with the headline “Who do you think is the biggest ass?

For additional examples, check out Bill’s book here and if you are interested in exploring these themes in your own business with a proven business coach, contact me at info@kelliedandrea.com.

Gain the Ultimate Edge by Working With a Business Coach

As business around the world has become increasingly competitivethe demand for innovation, quicker service turnaround and compressed pricing models, has created an environment where business owners must be creative, develop new solutions and manage stressful transitions. They must remain focused on moving their business forward without eroding into their profits, keeping their customers happy and their employees motivated. This great demand for immediate results is a classic precursor to seeking a small business coach.

A small business coach is an independent and objective partner who provides one-on-one interaction, guidance and motivation to a business owner or executive who is looking for feedback and guidance on how to reach a desired goal. A coach is similar to having a partner who holds you accountable, keep you on track, and keep you progressing forward. Coaching is effective for business owners who know what they want to get done, are open to feedback and change but aren’t sure the path to take to get there. A small business coach will work with their clients to help them find the answers and offer them the support and motivation to take the necessary steps.

Some additional benefits of working with a strong business coach are as follows:

·Objective Point of View: One of the biggest benefits of working with a business coach is that they are independent and not linked to the organization; they are linked to only you and where you want to go. Sometimes those that are closest to you cannot provide a truly objective assessment of your situation and won’t be able to guide the business owner effectively. According to an ICF survey, 28% of those surveyed commented that an independent point of view was the most valuable result.

·Idea Sharing, Creativity and Brainstorming: Information is one of the most powerful assets a person can posses and having the ability to leverage a coach’s knowledge and experience is exponentially better. Having the ability to brainstorm and be creative with a coach who is focused on helping you solve a problem is one of the biggest benefits you will experience from a business coaching. 28% of those surveyed commented that brainstorming was the most valuable result.

· Sustained Improvement: Working with a business coach focuses around a goal or a series of goals that will provide a foundation for continuous improvement. A coach helps you leverage your strengths and to become more effective at process and communication improvements and holds you accountable for the results. According to an ICF survey, 15% of those surveyed commented that being accountable to the coach was the most valuable result.

· Motivation: A successful coach will be able to ignite the passion inside and to help you create the positive change necessary to move forward towards your goals. It is a motivational process that brings you through a series of discussions to help find that passion and focus. According to an ICF survey, 15% of those surveyed commented that an encouragement and motivation was the most valuable result.

Business coaching is one of the most effective ways of achieving growth, change and development in both people and organizations. It involves a process and a sounding board for decision making and helps give you more clarity and focus in your day to day operations. Lastly, it will improve your interpersonal skills and your ability to handle tension between business, family and personal needs. When a business owner feels like they are on an island by themselves, a business coach will motivate them to build the raft to get them to safety.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates

Want to use this article in your newsletter or web site?You can, just include this complete blurb with it: Kellie D'Andrea is the creator of the “BLAST 90 Day Coaching Program”and publishes "The Marketing Edge" a FREE award winning ezine for small business owners who want to gain the competitive edge with strategic marketing and branding techniques that actually work. For a limited time she is offering a FREE 5 part mini course on entrepreneurship offered at http://www.kelliedandrea.com/.

BLAST Marketing Tip # 2: Give Something Away

Do you know the old saying “there is no such thing as a free lunch”, well the same holds true for marketing but in this case, you offer a free gift to entice people to your business in exchange for the opportunity to “Wow” them with your services. People love free stuff! Byoffering a small taste of what it is like to do business with you gratis, you are reducing any perceived risk that potential customer may have. It is sort of a “try before you buy” approach and Internet marketers and retailers have been doing this for years.

How many times have you seen a free e-book or video series in exchange for your email address? or How many times were you given a sample of the newest flavor at your local ice cream store in exchange for you trying their product?

In all of my businesses, both on line and off line, I often give away something to sweeten the pot. For example, in our Ice Cream Cake Business, we would give away free cake cutting knives and calendars – each with our logo, phone number and website address. In my Coaching Business, I give away a free 5 part mini series on starting your own business and a free report 23 mistakes entrepreneurs make.

People these days still remember the simple gestures. Next time your customer comes to you, throw in a little something extra and watch your revenue soar from referrals and repeat business!