The internet is alive, connects some many people from all walks of life, from all over the world. Real people, not just the robots, spam machines, etc. (Although people have been known to act like spam machines) Each person is unique and has their own set of talents, gifts, areas of expertise, life experiences.

Lets say I want to find a answer to a question, I can Google it, ask in various forums, ask on Twitter (which is tied to Facebook), ask on Ryze, LinkedIn, etc. I don’t always find answers in the same places. I never know where the best answers are going to come from. I do find that places where my online friends hang out, I’m more apt to get an answer, as friends help friends.

It always surprises me when I ask something on Twitter and the answer comes through on Facebook.

A couple of questions I asked had the best answers from the WIN network on Ryze. I want to Thanks Bea Kunz for her answer on avoiding the West Nile virus. Faye Durham gave some great essential oil advice and some great suggestions for a herbal first aid kit.

Nice getting crowd sourced answers to questions.

Asking Questions to Find Answers on Social Media

I’ve always been told that the fortune is in the follow-up. One of my favorite newsletters is by Felicia Slattery, Communication Consultant, Speaker & Coach. Today I was pleasantly surprised, (well maybe not totally, I know she writes good stuff), to read Felicia’s article on how to ask for more business. For Felicia’s examples and tips on how to follow up and ask for more business, click on the more button and read her sage advice.

Want More Business? You Have to Ask!

As you get settled into 2008, you may be wondering the best way to get more of your ideal clients. Communicate with them through asking questions.

Recently, I posted a question on a forum about technology which drew a lot of helpful responses, some to the group and some privately to me. One of those private responses was exactly what I was looking for. A few days after that, she followed up to see if I had any more questions. After talking with her I decided to do business with her and purchase a product she offered. But the relationship didn’t end there.

A few days after sending me my order, she called to follow up, and ask me if I received my order and was it working ok? It was. And that was a nice bit of customer service through asking a question. Still, the relationship didn’t end even there.

About a week after that, she sent me another message asking my opinion about something she is working on. (Hint, people love to give you their opinions!). During that conversation, she added a quick aside that went like this “by the way, have you considered using an assistant for your scheduling needs?” That one question led me to ask more about her services. If she never asked I would never consider it. In your business you have to ask, too. Here are a few lessons you can learn from my experience with this excellent business person:

1. Follow up with prospects: When someone expresses an interest in what you offer, add that person to a “tickler file” to follow up with personally. A tickler file is what is known in the sales business as a simple way to manage your contacts. You can use your Outlook program, purchase a contact management system, or simply use an old-fashioned hand-written calendar. But set up a way to follow up with those who expressed an interest. Ask, “Can I help you with anything else?”

2. Follow up with current customers: When someone does business with you, ask them about your product or service. If it’s something you sent via mail, ask if they received it ok. If you deliver digital products, ask if the link worked for them. Ask, “How else can I help you?” You may be surprised at how many people tell you what other areas they need help with.

3. Follow up with past clients: Want to know the fastest way to get more business? Ask those who purchased from you in the past. These people are already familiar with the quality of your work. If you personally contact them regularly via phone or email, you’ll automatically boost your bottom line. It’s all about timing. When you call, express an interest in them as a person. Use your tickler system to record personal and business-related details such as birthdays, family notes, and work anniversaries. Ask, “How are you?” And LISTEN to the answer. Then, “What projects are you working on now?” “What is coming up soon for you?” And finally, “How can I help you?”

Asking questions is a powerful way to get new business, keep your current clients happy, and generate business from your past clients and customers.

This article may be reprinted with permission. Copyright 2007. Felicia J. Slattery

Enjoy the article? Head on over to Felicia’s Communication Transformation and learn more.

More Business? Just Ask

Christmas is fast approaching and you haven’t even started your gift giving. Very business season, and you haven’t had a chance to come up for air.

Yet you would love to send out gifts of appreciation, if only you could find an easy way to do such without hiring temporary help, which is in short supply come holiday season. I’d like to share a simple quick way to have your personalized gifts sent out quickly,

1. Set up a SendOutCards account.
2. Upload your database names and addresses.
3. Pick or create your own personalized Christmas card. If you hurry, you’ll have time to get your handwriting font on the card
4. Send card to each person on your gift list, adding a personal note. You can pick a gift card to be added to the card such as Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Blockbuster, Home Depot, Walmart, 5 Restaurants in 1, Old Navy, etc. If you prefer a physical gift, you can choose from a variety of treats such as carmels and chocolates, cookies, brownies, tea, gormet coffee, nuts, etc. Each of these gifts are packed to send priority mail, with your holiday greeting card placed in a clear envelope and placed on top.
5. Click Send. And your card and gift will be printed, packaged, addressed , shipped and mailed.
6. Enjoy a stress-free Christmas season!

If you’d like more info, please contact me, and I’ll personally see that someone walks you through setting up your gift giving account.

Sending out Gifts in the Mail Shortcut

These tips are for the rest, whether you are a new and quickly growing company, so busy expanding that you forgot to properly thank your business friends who helped you reach success, or those who simply prefer putting things together at the last minute.

• Check your corporation’s gift policy. Are you allowed to give gifts? How much?
• Check IRS’s gift policy, how much gift giving do they allow you to write off as business expense?
• Don’t stress, if you hurry you can still get your gifts out for Christmas. Just don’t wait any longer.
• Think about the person you are giving a gift to, what would they appreciate? Enjoy? What would make their day?
• Send gifts. (Be sure to check back tomorrow to learn a simple time saving shortcut to do all of this)
• Or be different, send out holiday cards now and give gifts throughout the year, a thank you gift for a referral, a one year anniversary gift thanking a client for using your services for a year, give gifts celebrating a different holiday.

Whatever you do, make sure that your clients, business associates, employees, know how much you appreciate them. Don’t take them for granted.

Business Gift Giving Tips for Procrastinators