10 Ways for Small Businesses to Dominate Local Markets.

Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26, 2016) is an American shopping holiday that aims to promote shopping at local businesses. Last year, it generated $16.2 billion in spending for small businesses which was a 14 percent increase from 2014. While it’s great to use Small Business Saturday as a way to increase sales, most small businesses need more consistency throughout the year to survive in the increasingly competitive marketplace. Fortunately, there are several ways small businesses can better position themselves to compete in the local market.

1. Small business tips online.

According to a study from Bazaarvoice, roughly 39 percent of in-store shoppers research a product online before buying at a physical location. This means that your small business must have an online presence in order to compete locally. How can your small business improve its online presence?

2. Improve your local SEO.

Focusing on improving your small business’ local SEO will help generate more traffic to your website and ultimately, more leads and sales for your business. With roughly 97 percent of consumers going online to search for local businesses, why wouldn’t you make SEO a priority? Additionally, Google is placing more emphasis on local search with prominent local results floating at the top of targeted search queries. With that said, Google has altered their local results to focus on the top three businesses for a specific search. This means, while difficult, getting your small business inside the top three results can result in tremendous return on investment. To get started, make sure you register your business with Google and Bing Places. Other considerations to improve local SEO include, hyper-local content creation onsite and offsite, outreach and publisher partnerships with local websites, optimizing your website (NAP, keywords, etc.) and strategic social media management among others.

3. Increase online reviews.

Online reviews are a critical part of your local search rankings, not just on Google and Bing, but also sites like Yelp and Facebook. Additionally, online reviews are the modern version of word-of-mouth advertising and can persuade new customers to use your small business, or to not use your small business. In fact, roughly 67 percent of consumers reported that their purchasing decisions were influenced by online reviews. Thus, it’s important to perpetuate reviews from your customers, especially if you know they had a positive experience. Consider adding calls-to-action on your receipts or training your employees to ask for reviews on your Google+, Facebook and Yelp page.

Check out the full covergae on Entrepreneur.com

How to Craft a Sales Conversation.

 

Salespeople tell me, “I just can’t prospect because I’m uncertain as to what to say, or what to do.” It’s painful!

This is one of the big reasons why people don’t prospect. However, I’m on a mission to help you become a master prospector. I can give your 6 easy building blocks of any successful sales conversation.

**This blog is part of the 15 Reasons Holding Salespeople Back series**

1. Focus on the customer. 

Not you. Focus on the customer. 

What do you think the customer wants?

What do you think the customer is looking for? 

2. Ask questions and then ask more questions. 

You see, the best presentation ever given is the presentation never given— because all you’re doing is having a conversation. You’re asking questions, and whatever they share with you, you ask more questions about it. 

When uncertain of what to say or afraid to pick up the phone, instead ask them about their business, what’s going on.

In future videos, I’ll break this down even further for you, but I’m trying to get you over this hurdle right now to just to pick up the phone and start the process. 

3. Listen and follow up. 

You may have received one piece of information from the prospect. Ding ding ding! That’s your follow up. 

“Hey, by the way, last week you told me this… or I see that you did this…or your company just announced this….” Just follow up, follow up, listen and follow up. 

Need more tips? Read this blog on How to Follow Up With Prospects.

4. Create a follow-up routine. 

Don’t lose sight of that prospect. You haven’t talked to that prospect in a couple weeks. Why? Pick up the phone. Call them. Follow up with something they’ve shared. 

I do this all the time. I’m continuously following up. And chances are it’s just a voicemail!  “Hey, last time we talked….. “ I’m just sharing something with them, but it’s part of my prospecting routine.

What happens you fall out of ‘the groove’? You become more flustered. Then you’re caught in situations like, “I haven’t talked to them in six months. I haven’t emailed them in three months. I don’t know what to do.” You avoid that by staying in your routine. Your CRM can help with this.

5. Relax. 

It’s only a conversation. You don’t have to worry about having all the technical aspects, or all the details. You’ll get into that later on in the sales call. 

Too many times people say, “I can’t prospect because I don’t know enough yet about what I’m selling.” Wrong. Neither does the customer! So what? Have a conversation. You’ll learn the technical aspects, all the attributes and all the nuances of what you sell later on. But don’t let your lack of knowledge upfront stop you. It’s only a conversation. 

Get the full coverage of the post on Thesaleshunter.com

26 skills to have to succeed as a cold caller to convert customers.

Cold calling is an influential sales strategy for generating quality leads and building customer relationships. Studies show that 82% of engaged buyers agree to meet after calling. Also, 75% of online buyers prefer at least two calls from the representative/cold caller before they intend to buy. So, the market has an ongoing demand for skilled cold callers. 

The baseline cold-calling strategy has only a 2% success rate, meaning that traditional cold-calling techniques must be fixed. On the other hand, starting a conversation with a warm introduction has a 10.01% success rate. These insights showcase the urge for development, creativity, and good behavior in cold-calling practices. 

Here, we will discuss the skills necessary to acquire as a modern cold caller. So, let’s begin. 

1.  Goal-Setting and Self-Motivation

Setting SMART goals and being self-motivated will enhance your potential in both your personal and professional life. To get performance insights, keep track of your dials, connections, leads, sales, and revenue. 

Develop your skills by pushing yourself beyond the barrier. No one but you can keep you motivated. Stay positive that you have the skills and confidence to close the deal. Avoid daydreaming about achieving final goals; take micro steps and celebrate every small win. 

Keep your distance from people who constantly complain and spread negativity. They keep you feeling demotivated and drag you down. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid cold calling. Remember that being surrounded by knowledgeable people will enhance your productivity. 

2. Research Skills

Before dialing, research your leads and their preferences to execute a resourceful cold-calling campaign. Driving sales through calling is a challenging task. You should make the opposite person feel valued to purchase the product or service. 

Inspect the lead’s current business trends to make informed decisions. Knowing their information lets you relate your product/service to their business process. This will help you enrich your discussion and increase the chances of a sale. 

3. Great Prospecting Skills

You should create prospect lists with which you’ll interact. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be with your service. Ask as many questions as possible during the call to understand the prospect’s situation, challenges, and requirements.

You can start by following tips while calling:

• Make your prospect’s time count, and keep your call concise.
• Mention the prospect’s name to start. 
• Give a quick introduction of yourself.
• Be friendly and interested in the prospect’s words.
• Add urgent details to apply the FOMO technique.
• Don’t force them to buy. Instead, inspire them to learn more.

4. Scripts Writing

Writing call scripts for attending cold calls reduces information delusion and helps hold the conversation’s direction. A script also allows the cold caller to improve their language and decrease stress. You can communicate effectively with well-written cold-calling scripts while introducing your service or product. 

Get the full coverage of this post on Callingagency.com

How to set a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for your project.

Introduction to Crowdfunding in the United States.

Crowdfunding has revolutionized how you can secure funding for various projects and businesses in the United States. This innovative approach allows individuals, startups, and even established companies to gather small amounts of capital from a large number of people, typically via the internet. With the rise of digital platforms, crowdfunding has become more accessible, democratizing the fundraising process.

In the U.S crowdfunding platforms. have diversified, catering to different needs from creative projects to tech startups and social causes. Understanding these platforms is crucial for anyone looking to leverage this funding model. Whether you are an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea or a non-profit seeking donations for a cause, crowdfunding offers a viable solution.

This article will guide you through the landscape of crowdfunding in the US, providing insights into various platforms, types of crowdfunding, and best practices to ensure your campaign’s success. As you explore these opportunities, you’ll discover how crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for realizing your financial goals.

How Crowdfunding Works: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Embarking on a crowdfunding campaign might seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the journey from idea to funded project.

• Define Your Project and Goals: Clearly outline what your project is about and set a realistic fundraising target. Consider the costs involved and the minimum amount needed to make your project viable.
• Choose the Right Platform: Evaluate different crowdfunding platforms based on their fees, audience, and crowdfunding-models. Select one that aligns with your project’s nature and your funding goal.
• Create a Compelling Campaign: Craft a captivating story that resonates with potential backers. Use engaging visuals, such as videos and images, to illustrate your project’s vision and impact.
• Promote Your Campaign: Leverage social media, email newsletters, and personal networks to spread the word. Engaging with your audience and keeping them updated is crucial for building trust and support.
• Manage and Fulfill Rewards: If you’re running a reward-based campaign, ensure timely delivery of promised rewards. Keeping backers informed about the progress demonstrates accountability and enhances your reputation.

Following these steps can significantly increase your chances of running a successful crowdfunding campaign and achieving your financial goals.

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Marketing basics for business and the 7 Ps.

 

Defining marketing

Marketing is about planning and executing the development, pricing, distribution and promotion of products and services to satisfy the needs of your customers.

The main role of marketing is to deliver customer value to attracting new customers and keeping existing ones. This is achieved by:

• knowing what customers need
• coming up with solutions to meet these needs.

Marketing is about the principles that guide your customer-focused actions.

It is a comprehensive process that determines how to go to market with your products and services. For your marketing to be successful, you'll need a strong understanding of your brand positioning and the needs of your customers.

Marketing challenges

Many businesses find it challenging to do effective marketing because of:

• lack of time and resources (like staff and money)
• the growing complexity and continuous change in the world their business operates in, including
  • new technology and new channels, which require new skills and specialisation
  • increased competition, which has given customers an abundance of choice.

Technological advances have made customers more connected, informed and empowered than ever before. To meet the changing expectations, preferences and behaviours, your business must be:

• brand driven
• customer focused.

In practice this means that you should start with strategic thinking, marketing strategy and planning before getting into the tactics (the steps and activities).

By understanding your current situation, you'll be better able to recognise gaps and make improvements. To get more out of your marketing efforts, answer the following questions:

• What role does marketing currently play in your business?
• Does your marketing strategy align with your business strategy?
• Does your business have the right marketing skills and resources?

The 7 Ps of marketing

Marketing is delivered through a combination of elements—the 'marketing mix'. These elements are also often referred to as the 7 Ps of marketing.

This popular and practical marketing model can help you to:

• do a marketing audit
• refine your value proposition
• do a competitive analysis.

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McDonald's Franchise Costs, Fees & FDD.

 

Note: FDD pages are provided for informational purposes only. This page is only a brief overview of what is contained in the full franchise disclosure document, which is to be given to the prospective franchisee by the franchise—and receipt of which must be formally notarized between the parties. Independent legal and professional advice should be sought before undertaking any investment in a franchise.

Year Business Began: 1955

Franchising Since: 1955

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

Estimated Number of Units: 44,115

Franchise Description: McDonald’s USA, LLC is the franchisor. The franchisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of its parent and predecessor, McDonald’s Corporation. The franchisor develops, operates, franchises, and services a system of restaurants that prepare, assemble, package, and sell a limited menu of value-priced foods under the “McDonald's System.” A grant of a McDonald’s franchise authorizes franchisees to operate a McDonald’s restaurant business at a specific location and to use the McDonald’s System in the operation of that restaurant business for a specific period of time. The franchisor offers four types of franchises:

1. Traditional Restaurant: Franchisedirect.com offered is located in freestanding buildings, storefronts, food courts, and other locations. The franchisee operates a full-menu restaurant, offering the public a high standard of quality and uniformity in food and service.
2. Satellite Locations: The franchisee is granted the right to operate the franchise in a retail store, strip center, airport, universities, hospitals, and other diverse locations. These restaurants serve a scaled-down menu of a traditional McDonald’s restaurant and, in some cases, may also serve non-McDonald’s trademarked products.
3. STO and STR Locations: “Small Town Oil” locations are situated in fuel stations/convenience stores and operate a full-menu McDonald’s restaurant within the shared space. “Small Town Retail” locations that anchor a small retail center in rural communities.
4. BFL Franchises: For “Business Facilities Lease” franchises, the franchisor grants franchises with leases that include the business facilities. These are limited cases.

Training Overview: Franchisees must complete the training program successfully before signing the Franchise Agreement or paying any money to the franchisor. The franchisor operates Hamburger University (HU), the international training center for the McDonald's system. 

All courses and learning events are offered at frequent intervals and are designed to give franchisees specific skill sets in the various facets of the conduct of a McDonald's restaurant. The basic minimum core training, which franchisees must complete to be qualified to operate a McDonald’s restaurant, is known as the Candidate Development Program. 

The Candidate Development Program is deployed through Campus and Fred, which allows franchisees to complete and track the progress of their assigned learning online. It can take six months to two years to complete all learning plans, from Shift Leader through Restaurant Leader. The complete training program and materials include many elements. 

As part of the training program, franchisees must perform and master all of the crew and management functions at the restaurant. At the opening of the restaurant, a franchise business partner will spend time with franchisees providing assistance and refinement of previous training and instruction. Annual meetings, conventions, various workshops, and other training sessions may be conducted on an ongoing basis within each field office, and McDonald’s may require franchisees to pay for the costs associated with that ongoing training or participation. Additionally, optional courses may be offered to franchisees or their employees for a fee.

                                  

Get the full story:  Franchisedirect.com

How to set-up a long term marketing strategy to brand a business.

What Is a Brand?

A brand is a product or a business with unique products and services that distinguish a company's identity among competitors. A brand is created through design, packaging, and marketing that create the uniqueness. A successful brand communicates qualities that resonate with consumers, giving it a competitive edge over others in the same industry.

A company builds brand equity through its efforts, which is the value the brand adds. Due to the value a brand can add, many companies apply for and receive trademarks to legally protect their brands.

Diving into Brand Identity: Key Features and Examples

A brand is a specific feature that identifies a company's products and services. This feature can be a name, slogan, logo, or design. Some common examples include the Nike swoosh, the Golden Arches, or the Maxwell House slogan "Good to the Last Drop." When you see or hear these, there's a very good chance that you'll identify the company and its products and services.

Companies spend a significant amount of time and money developing and maintaining their brands, which is why there is a great deal of research and marketing involved. Once established, companies seek legal ways to protect their brands, such as trademarks, as they become valuable assets.

Brands convey a message that a product is more effective, easier to use, better tasting, cheaper, classier, hipper, or more environmentally sound than its competitors. This is especially challenging when the product has cheaper alternatives. For instance, Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen. Through effective advertising and packaging, its parent company attempts to convince consumers that Advil’s ibuprofen is a better choice than the cheaper generic versions.

Newer brands face a great deal more urgency in establishing themselves with consumers. To build customer loyalty, a brand needs to convey how it can deliver its product, whether it is making it enjoyable to buy, functional, valuable, and memorable to customers. A core part of building a brand is understanding the customer base to know how to deliver each of these aspects.

Mastering Brand Marketing: Strategies for Success

Successful marketing keeps a company’s brand front and center in people’s minds, at least at the moment of decision-making. That’s why the brand is considered to be one of a company’s most valuable and important assets. It carries tremendous monetary value, affecting both the bottom line and, for public companies, shareholder value.

A company can become inseparable from its brand. Coca-Cola, the soft drink, is synonymous with the company itself, even though the company now owns Schweppes, Dasani, and Hi-C, among hundreds of other brands.

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