|
We love entertaining, and though we’ve
been busy lately with Make-it-Fly® activities,
we’ve also enjoyed having friends and clients for dinner
in our “new” living/dining area, artfully arranged
by Geri Bigum of Staging
Denver.
|
 |
Sharon Gibson is our wonderful new, high energy Make-it-Fly®
franchisee for NW Denver and the foothills areas. She is doing
well—she is to speak at several events this month. Read
more about Sharon on her website, www.make-it-fly.com/sgibson.
Check out Sky-Place.com
our online social networking site is gaining traction. We invite
you to visit and sign up today!
|
Our very best regards,
Dave and Victoria
|
| Darleen
Bowman
Next Chapter, Inc.
Moving can seem overwhelming.
Where do you start? What all needs to be done? The thought of
having to pack and haul a lifetime of belongings can hinder progress
toward the ultimate goal. Darleen Bowman opened Next Chapter in
August of 2002 to help ease the process. Next Chapter is a move
management company that assists people who are moving from one
residence to another and/or downsizing.
|
 |
| “We handle all
the details of a move as if it were our own,” says Darleen,
“from sorting to packing, to overseeing movers, getting
the client settled into a new residence and the disposition of
excess possessions.”
Q: What do you find most fulfilling
about running your business?
DB: I love helping
people who are overwhelmed with the details of a move. We organize
and create a sense of order where chaos reigned before. What is
most fulfilling is when we close the door of the previous residence
for the last time, knowing it is completely cleaned out, and then
open the door of the new residence and get a client settled in
with the possessions that are precious to them.
Q: What motivated you to start
this business?
DB: I had been laid
off, and because of age could not find a job. I had determined
I wanted to start my own company when I became aware of the move
management industry. While many people across the country had
been doing move management for quite a while, it really was a
new industry. The challenge of doing something new to Colorado
appealed to me.
I had cleaned out my parents’ home in Rochester, N.Y.
Other than that, I had moved 12 to 14 times myself, three times
across the country. I had also helped many friends prepare for
their moves.
Q: What book has been most helpful
to you in your business?
DB: The
Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.
Q: Who has influenced you most
in your life?
DB: Actually
two people. One was a lady 30 years my senior who started me in
sales many years ago. She believed in me and convinced me that
I could be anything I wanted to be. Another is a man who was my
boss for two years, again who believed in me. He always told people
if they wanted me to do something, simply tell me what it was,
and then get out of the way so I could do it.
Q: What has proved to be your most
successful marketing strategy?
DB: Word of mouth
has been the best marketing for me. This is such a personal business
for clients, in that we see many facets of a client’s life
when they are under the stress of making a move. They have to
know they can trust us completely to handle everything efficiently
and discreetly. When that trust factor is there, clients then
refer others to us.
A second strategy that’s proved successful is giving talks
at service clubs and churches.
Q: What have been the greatest
challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing,
in your business?
DB: The
first challenge was educating the community of the need for move
management. I talked with a talk show host early on who basically
said, “What’s so great about that? Get the grown kids
to help with the move.” I’m here to tell you that
idea doesn’t work well usually.
Currently the challenge is linked with the downturn in the housing
market. Baby boomers might want to move or downsize, but are unable
to sell their current houses. Another challenge is the influx
of competitors.
Q: How did you benefit from participating
in a Make-it-Fly® board?
DB: The
greatest benefit is realizing I’m not alone. If I don’t
know how to handle a situation, I have met people that can help
me. There are resources that I can tap into.
Q: What would you
say to other business owners who are contemplating getting involved
in a Make-it-Fly® board?
DB: Just
do it. It has been most helpful to me and well
worth the investment.
Darleen Bowman can be reached by
phone at: 303-757-4124, or visit her website at: www.ColoradoNextChapter.com.
Forward
this email to a friend. |
Back to Top
|
 Dave’s
Networking Nugget:
When
you take someone’s business card at an event, immediately,
write any follow-up commitment you make on the back of
his or her card. As soon as you get back to your office,
do what you promised or make a note to yourself to do
so as soon as possible. |
|
 Grow
Your Business Through Relationships:
Ten Top Tips
By Victoria Munro & Dave Block
People choose to do business with
those they know, like and trust. Business owners
who’ve worked in the corporate world often find it challenging
to adjust to the reality that small business
is built on relationships.
Studies reveal that the majority of customers leave not because
of problems with services or products, but because of perceived
indifference. Plan to build and
nurture great client relationships to grow your business!
| 1. |
Clearly
define your ideal client,
then study to understand their industry or profession and
the challenges they face, especially the possible problems
that your service or products solve. |
| 2. |
It’s difficult
to build good relationships over the phone and via email,
so arrange times when you can meet face
to face with current and potential
clients. |
| 3. |
Take time to
talk with your current clients, ask questions, listen and
learn from them about their needs and frustrations. Keep
your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help them
and advance their interests whenever you can. |
| 4. |
Clients who know
and trust you are much more likely to recommend your services
or products to others. Ask
for referrals. |
| 5. |
View
complaints as opportunities to position
yourself as a candid, committed problem solver. Research shows
that when customers have a problem with a company and have
that problem spectacularly solved, they become more loyal
to the company than customers who never experienced a problem.
Time and energy spent solving a client's problem reaffirms
and strengthens the relationship and any trust that was broken. |
| 6. |
Keep
in touch regularly via newsletters
(print or electronic), calls, emails, notes, letters and “Raving
Fan Celebrations.” (Call Dave, at 720-962-8888, to learn
how this can increase your bottom line). If you don’t
already have contact resource management (CRM) software, such
as ACT, Gold Mine or Maximizer, consider investing in one,
and keep
it current! |
| 7. |
Employ
the power of personal, handwritten notes
to say ‘thank you,’ emails to
share something that will be of genuine value to them, or
just to let them know that you appreciate and value their
business and their friendship. |
| 8. |
Learn about what
is important tothem – their family, favorite sports
team or hobby – and remember to ask about this. Focus
on what matters most to them. |
| 9. |
Look to the future
and build
long-term relationships with your current
clients, then turn them into loyal fans. This won’t
happen overnight, but it will yield big dividends! |
| 10. |
Always,
always, always be sincere! Be real, authentic and true to
who you are! |
Click
here for printable version.
Click
here to read more articles like this one.
Forward
this email to a friend.
|
|
Marketing
in a Down Economy – Tip #2 of 5
Choose networking events
wisely. Continue to network
and build relationships. Don't be a victim of "out
of sight, out of mind." When choosing events ask:
What types of businesses will be in attendance? Are they
your target market and/or potential professional referral
partners? How many will
be in attendance? What does it cost?
Marketing tip by Beth Boen of CreativeXchange
Marketing
|
Back
to Top
|
The Riverfront specializes in well
crafted, richly satisfying occasions that balance
aesthetics, personality and party. The site is versatile, accommodating
groups from fifteen to five hundred. Features include: two dance
floors with professional sound and lighting, a fireplace nook,
three bars, outdoor patio, and gazebo. Our personal chef, custom
menus, and full suite of inclusions rank us paramount in our industry.
Call 303.865.8500
today
and schedule your holiday event!
www.riverfront-center.com
We
manage your email marketing,
YOU run your business and increase profitability.
We make your email marketing easy by offering consistent,
reliable, managed email implementation.
|
 |
|
The Email Works
brings 25 years of marketing experience to its creation
of high-impact, professional-looking emails that build strong,
successful, and lasting relationships with customers, clients,
or members.
Cheryl is offering a free
30-minute phone consultation,
plus ask about the discount
for In-Flight Refueling readers.
Visit www.TheEmailWorks.com. |
 |
Do
you want to promote your business on the net but haven’t
a clue where to start? |
Online
Social Networking Made Simple
A step-by-step strategy for increasing your web traffic
and online visibility. Set up available at an additional
charge.
Mary Walewski, Buy The Book Marketing, www.buythebookmarketing.com,
303-725-9313 |
Wanted: People with a Passion
and Heart to Help
Small Business Owners
Have you ever wished you could work with like-minded
business professionals to grow your own business, while doing
work that results in major positive changes in lives and businesses?
Make-it-Fly®, Your Small Business
Board of Advisors, has been changing the lives of small business
owners and professionals in the Denver metro area for six years
through peer advisory boards. We are now looking for franchisees
with heart and passion to do the same in their communities.
After testing and perfecting our advisory board
system with more than 800 clients, we are expanding. If you
have a sales and/or marketing background, outstanding people
skills and want to invest in your own business with a team committed
to your success, we’d like to talk to you.
Contact Dave Block - 720-962-8888.
|
READING
THIS AD? THEN WHY NOT PUT YOURS HERE TOO? The
In-Flight Refueling Ezine reaches more than 2,700
entrepreneurs, small-biz owners, consultants and marketers. Reserve
your advertising spot today in the next In-Flight Refueling
Ezine,
http://www.make-it-fly.com/ezineads.html.
Paid Advertising Disclaimer: Make-it-Fly®
LLC does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability
of any of the paid advertisements above or the quality of any
products, services, information, or other materials displayed,
purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection
with any ad. It's common sense to do your own due diligence before
purchasing any product.
Back
to Top |
The
Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101
Each
Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 program
consists of 12 non-competing business owners who meet once a month
for three consecutive months. In the spirit of giving, they offer
each other solutions, ideas, resources and encouragement. Dave
and Victoria facilitate each group and share powerful tools to
assist business owners in reaching their goals and living more
balanced lives.
If you have experienced a Make-it-Fly®
program, please share the following openings with other business
owners who need support. Call Dave for more information at 720-962-8888.
Programs are held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Current program openings in Denver:
- Thursdays - April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2
- Mondays - April 20, May 18, June 15, September 20
- Fridays - May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7
Click
here to sign up for Advisory
Boards.
Or call Dave at 720-962-8888.
Alumni
Boards are groups of 12-14 small business owners who have
participated in at least one Make-it-Fly®
Advisory Board 101 and wish to continue the support and accountability
with a group of like-minded, giving business associates. Members
meet once a month for a three-hour meeting.
If you completed the initial Make-it-Fly®
Advisory Board 101 and are interested in more information on Alumni
Boards, call Dave at 720-962-8888.
Make-it-Fly®
Café 
High altitude networking, where exceptional people help each
other.
Next
Café:
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time: 4:30 to
7:30 p.m.
Cost:
$10 online, $15 at the door
Click
here to sign up now.
Location: The
Riverfront
2852 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton (One block west of Santa Fe)
Forward
this ezine to a friend.
|
|
Back
to Top
|
Click
here to read previous issues of Make-it-Fly®'s
email newsletters.
Contact
Make-it-Fly® - Dave and Victoria:
email: info@make-it-fly.com
voice: 720-962-8888
web: www.Make-it-Fly.com
Reprint
Permission:
Please email or call Victoria if you'd like to reprint any information
contained in this newsletter. Thanks! © Copyright 2009. All
rights reserved.
Back
to Top
Make-it-Fly®
LLC
720-962-8888
355 South Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80226, USA
http://www.make-it-fly.com
|
|
