O On May 12 the Postal Service will adjust prices for its services. Postage for First-Class letters will increase by 1- cent to 42¢. Through the end of this week, you can still purchase the Forever Stamp @ 41¢ Forever stamps will always be valid, regardless of the price you paid for them originally. So, if you have a large mailing coming up or just want to pinch a few pennies, you may wish to stock up on these stamps now (they can be purchased online at http://www.usps.com/ )
Although the First Class letter increase is the most visible change, the Postal Service has several other changes listed on their web site and some even save you money:
Reduced Express Mail prices for items shipped to addresses closer to home
Lower online postage prices for Express Mail and Priority mail (domestic and international)
Volume Express Mail price rebates for frequent shippers
Additional flat-rate box prices for Priority Mail (Note: in my opinion, these Flat Rate Boxes are terrific business tools!)
Have you seen the new 42¢ Flag stamp series? These stamps were designed by Phil Jordan of Falls Church, Virginia and each feature a painting by Laura Stutzman of Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, of an American flag flying at a different time of day: sunrise, noon, sunset, and night. They are really beautiful and a nice addition to any mailing piece.
Every time a postage increase is implemented, people moan and groan, however, in today's economy, how many things can you do or buy for 42¢? In my humble opinion, it is still quite a bargain.
I am sure there are some of you who learned the song, "This Little Light of Mine" . . .
when you were wee little. It was and still is a favorite with the little munchkins that love singing their hearts out, especially if it involves hand motions!
Many of us, who fervently sang that song growing up, were taught to not shine the light on ourselves too brightly. Parents in the 50's and 60's tended to raise us to be humble, not bring attention to ourselves, etc. (which isn't a bad thing). However, when we grew up and started to position ourselves as business professionals, one of the most difficult things to learn was to "sell ourselves"; aim that spotlight directly on our eager faces . .it just didn't feel quite right! But, no matter what type of business profession you practice, you must believe and sell yourself first. If potential clients feel your confidence, sense a connection and feel comfortable with you, they are going to do business with you.
Working in the corporate world, I always felt that my strengths were in my customer service skills; going above and beyond what was expected. I really got satisfaction from a "job well done." Not so much for the praise, but rather the "good feeling" that I really was helping someone. It came easily when I was selling someone else's products or services; however, when I started my own business, it was a new ballgame. I had to place more focus on ME, which was out of my comfort zone. I had to learn that it was OK and necessary to toot my own horn if others were going to take me seriously and have confidence that I was the person to get the job done. After operating my own business for 10 years, I have gotten better at it, but it still feels a little funky; but today, I am going to "shine a little light on me."
We all revel in that "warm fuzzy feeling" that comes with being recognized and thanked. I recently received a thank you from one of my long time clients that just made my day, he writes: "Earlene, The cards turned out even better then I thought they might; the golden colors in the Lady Liberty photo actually "work" and look great. I love the high photo quality and most of all, the very original and unique look of it, something I constantly strive for and not always easy to find. But with your resourcefulness, it always seems to come through. I really appreciate that you go out of your way to offer multiple choices. That's one of many unique characteristics that make you stand above anyoneelse!Excellence! Thanks, Russ"
In today's business environment, with stiff competition, and many people selling the same products/services at competitive pricing, how do you make yourself stand apart? Each of us must find our niche, our comfort zone; whatever is our strong suit. We can't be "AllThings to All People"; however, it is critical to identify our very best attributes (whatever makes us stand apart, attractive to our audience and head and shoulders above the rest) and focus that spotlight to shine bright. "Put it under a bushel basket...NO! I'm going to let it SHINE!"
I would love to hear what makes YOU shine and stand apart from your competition!
As another example of these "forces at work" , I invited a new contact that I met on-line through another networking site. Her name is Jennifer Jones, photographer extraordinaire, from the LA/Santa Barbara, California area. Jennifer contacted me and we started a dialog which revealed how our paths have crossed in several ways.
She recently moved from Tampa, FL to Los Angeles, CA.
Several years ago, I moved from Santa Barbara, CA to Fleming Island, FL.
She has a large client base in Florida and frequently comes back here to visit family and do photo shoots.
I have a large client base in California and try to get back there once or twice a year to see friends and clients (my husband still works for his Santa Barbara company, so we have strong ties there.)
She does photo work with "Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Lenders and More" and is looking to find more clients so she can make them look "really good!"
I work with "Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Lenders and More" and work to make them "look really good" with their clients and business associates.
I hope you all will take some time out of your busy schedules to welcome Jennifer to the Active Rain network and take a look at her profile and web site.
I am a long time home owner and have bought a number of properties over the years (in both up and down markets). Reflecting on the past weeks of craziness in the stock market, the mortgage market meltdown and months of slowing home sales, etc.; I was thinking "just how did we all get here??"
Years ago, people scrimped and saved for years to buy their little piece of "The American Dream." The # 1 reason to purchase a house was because we wanted to make a house a HOME to live in ~ raise a family ~ enjoy life!
Somewhere along the way, we got off track. Money became easier to get and the priority seemed to change to "I want to buy a house and is this investment going to make me lots of MONEY?"
Don't get me wrong . . . I'm all for making money! However, in my humble opinion, this should not be the #1 goal for the average person to buy a house.
As with anything, people get caught up in the giddiness of the current "get rich" frenzi; some become greedy, some are encouraged to buy beyond their financial means and then the bottom falls out from under them and the pendulum starts to swing the other way. Hopefully, not too many people get knocked down during this process and can recover; but for many, it is devastating and many never recover.
If you are haven't done so as yet, check out these recent AR posts. They address some reasons of what has happened over the past few years that got us where we are today:
You would think that after the dot.com bubble several years ago; and then this most recent real estate frenzy, we would be a little smarter. I hope we all learn from the past and use common sense in the future (at least until the next HOT investment comes along!)
Professional Greetings ~ Your Client Connection ~ Building Client Loyalty, One Card at a Time!
"With a Show of Hands, How Many of You are Having an Affair?"I have used this line when giving presentations to prospective clients. It usually gets a few nervous chuckles; however on one occasion, a gal just about fell off her chair! I go on to explain that I am not trying to get personal and I'm not talking about an affair as in the "Hollywood or Political" variety; but rather about developing and nurturing their client, employee and business relationships. Every relationship, whether business or personal, takes work and constant attention, however, we all get busy or apathetic and neglect telling those who make our business successful, how very important they are.
There have been numerous blogs written here on AR about the power of the handwritten thank you note (see bottom of this post) and I am the #1 champion of writing those personal notes - nothing trumps the power of "wet ink" on any correspondence! However, keeping in contact with clients on a regular basis is difficult and most business professionals just don't have the time. When you outsource this type of task, with your direct input, you have the best of both worlds; a consistent, personal client contact mailing program and the time to devote to your business.
Since my "tool of choice" is the personalized business greeting card, here are some tips that will make your personal client contact mail campaign more effective:
Consistency ~ mailings should be at well-timed intervals. Don't over mail this type of piece (I have found quarterly to be the most popular). In today's society of direct mail, email, advertising, etc., we get sensory overload. You want your special card to get opened, appreciated and remembered.
Humor ~ many business professionals are very leery of using humor, however, it is one of the BEST ways to connect with people. Make it clever, not corny. It should bring a smile, a chuckle, a guffaw - not a wince or groan. If you use a clever image and message, it will tap into the "emotion quotient", have shelf life and be shared.
Quality vs. Quantity ~ When mailing a personalized card, remember it is a reflection of YOU. You don't need to spend lots of $$$, but make sure it isn't too generic, flimsy or cheap looking either. You may argue that "it's the thought that counts," and that is true; however, if you skimp on the quality of your mailing piece, your client may get the impression that they have little value to you. Remember, not all business greeting cards are equal . . . Choose Wisely!
Minimize Sales Pitch ~ the personalized greeting card should be used primarily for expressing, appreciation, thoughtfulness or to keep in touch. It can also be used for announcements and prospecting, but when used for that purpose, make your message short and sweet. One of the biggest challenges that I encounter are clients that want to fill every blank space on a greeting card like a billboard; advertise but with restraint. And always add some type of appreciation/thank you.
Special Holidays ~ the value of the "unexpected." Mail a holiday card at Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. It is the perfect time to express appreciation and few businesses mail at this time. Send a "Happy Spring", 4th of July, Halloween, or New Year's message. Non-traditional holidays give you a great opportunity to tap into what is going on in the "outside world.". Unless you know your clients VERY well, be cautious of mailing on personal holidays (Mother's Day, Father's Day, religious holidays, etc.) You may not always be aware what is going on in that person's life and the wrong card could trigger an unfavorable response.
Don't Save for a Rainy Day ~ when you purchase greeting cards, newsletters, brochures, etc., "MAIL THEM!" They arenot valuable heirlooms to be saved in a drawer. Get them in circulation so they can go to work for you! I have had a number of realtor clients tell me that they have spent "much moola" on fine printed items, set them in the corner of the office and by the time they got around to using them, they had out-dated information or were no longer relevant. . . what a waste!
Remember, personalized mailings should be done "in addition to" NOT "instead of" other types of marketing (i.e. business letters, direct mail campaigns, networking, phone calls, etc.)
Have you told your clients lately that you "LOVE THEM?"
If you are located in northeast Florida, Southern Georgia OR you just happen to be in the Jacksonville, FL area on Monday, June 25th, please consider stopping by the WCR EXPO scheduled to be held at the University of North Florida that afternoon.
Event Details: Jacksonville, FL WCR EXPO
WHERE: University Center, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL
WHEN: Monday, June 25, 2007 Time: 4 PM- 7 PM
Speakers include: Andrew Wooten, Safety & Security Consultant, Ron Stephan, Executive Vice President of the Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, and Deborah Thode, Business Coach.
Admission is FREE Refreshments will be available at a cash bar.
There will be a number of exhibitors including Professional Greetings ~ If you are attending, please stop by and introduce yourself!
Interested in being an exhibitor at the Trade Expo? ContactExpo Chair: Bassel Jadaa - 904-642-9005 bassel@basseljadaa.com or Go to WCR website for Application Info
School's almost out, graduation ceremonies abound and we are heading into the official "kick off" of summer vacation season. My family has enjoyed living and visiting a number of interesting places over the years and here are a few of my favorite vacation spots:
St. Augustine, Florida ~ since I live in the "sunshine state", we are blessed to be on vacation everyday ! Outdoor activities are enjoyed all year long (with possibly the exception of July and August - Yikes!) One of my favorite places to visit is only about a 30 minute drive from my home, St. Augustine, FL! The oldest city in the nation is a mixture of history, interesting architecture, art shops, fine restaurants and boutiques. If you haven't been there yet, put it on your "to do" list.
Washington, DC - One of my favorite parts of the country. You are within an hour or two drive to the mountains, the ocean, great historical spots such as Mount Vernon, Monticello, Williamsburg, VA. Take advantage of all our nation's capital city has to offer: the Smithsonian museums, monuments ( be prepared to shed a tear at the Vietnam Wall- it is quite overwhelming) and the center of the most powerful nation in the world.
New York ~ New York! What a fabulous town this is. I get giddy just thinking about going to a Broadway show (nothing like it!), take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, or just walking the city streets soaking in the excitement.
Santa Fe, NM - This is a really unique area. A mixture of challenging geography, wonderful culture and a history all its own. If you like bed and breakfasts, check out The Highfeather Ranch ; this is such a great spot and the innkeeper is a really interesting person and makes you feel right at home.
Asheville, NC - what a beautiful area. The cool mountain breezes waft nostalgia and take you back to another time. Of course, check out the Biltmore Estate, but there is so much more!
Pittsburgh, PA - this may seem like a strange choice, but it is a hidden gem. People still think it is a polluted steel mill town, but those days have all but vanished. The downtown area is made up of a rich mixture of ethnic neighborhoods populated with great little restaurants and people. Wonderful cultural resources like Heinz Hall (best acoustics ever), sporting events, and gorgeous terrain (go though the Ft. Pitt tunnels and view the emerging downtown skyline at night - you will think you are in a movie trailer!). A very fun city.
Seattle, WA - No it doesn't rain everyday in "The Emerald City". We were there a few years back for a week and I don't think it rained once! Again, beautiful hilly terrain and water, gritty urban city feel - great place to enjoy those coffee houses.
Ogunquit, ME - What a nifty little village this is. You will think you have stepped back to 1950. Beautiful rugged seacoast.
Santa Barbara, CA- This was home for seven years and has the most perfect weather ever! (sorry Hawaii) The proximity between the mountains and the ocean, make this truly "The American Riviera." Always something interesting to do, from the farmer's markets, to the outdoor cafés, beach days, or exploring the wonderful hidden gardens and parks of the city. This is a city of festivals and the best are The Solstice Day Parade (nothing quite like it), Old Spanish Days (beautiful dancing, delicious food for 2 weeks!) and the I Madonnari Festival
Bermuda - Just thought I would throw in one spot off the mainland. Bermuda is a very unique island - quaint houses, local charm with that bit of British formality, great sea escapes (ever try helmet diving?) all within a short plane ride from the east coast!
Wherever you go this summer, near or far or even "porchview," stop and smell the roses and stay safe. I hope you will share your favorite vacation spot.
WOW! We were blessed with a gorgeous day here in northeast Florida today. Sun shining, temps in the low 80's, low humidity and no smoke in our neighborhood. Of course we could use some rain in this "neck of the woods," and I think there may be some in the forecast tomorrow. But, it's days like this that make you sing!
We have quite a few homes up for sale in our area and they are selling, just at a much slower pace than what everyone had grown accustomed to. While I was in my yard working this evening, a car stopped by next door to pick up one our neighbor's 4-Sale flyers, so hopefully they will get some good news soon as they are heading for Raleigh, NC at the end of this month.
Over the years, I have bought and sold a number of properties around the country and seen the full spectrum of real estate markets. I had a home sell in less than a day, (before the realtor even put up their sign in the Washington DC area) and have also had a house on the market for 8 months when interest rates were in the teens. But in the end, everything seems to cycle around and work out. So even though the market isn't booming like it once was, it is probably a much more realistic market now.
Think positive and let the sun shine! Wishing all of your hard working realtors and mortgage lenders renewed activity and much success in the coming months.
In today's busy world, we have grown accustomed to unanswered phones and emails, people not showing up or arriving late without apology, etc. Good business manners and the customer service bar have been placed on the "lowest limbo notch." At my previous employer, we called this behavior "The Donnie Phenomena."
Let me explain . . . "Once upon a time" at ABC Company, there was a person on staff, by the name of Donnie, who didn't quite "get it" when it came to good service and quick response. He was a super nice guy but he was the world's biggest procrastinator. When his assistance was requested, he was always congenial and said he would "look into it"; however days and weeks would go by without a response. Frustrations would mount, tempers would flare, and hair was pulled from heads, as expectations sank lower and lower. When his associates finally got an answer, they were sooooooooooo grateful for the tiniest tidbit thrown their way; thus, "The Donnie Phenomena."
We all face similar situations in the course of a day. Articles and "blogs" galore have been written on this subject; however, there are many out there that still have not embraced the concept!
I am probably more sensitive to this issue, since I have been involved in customer service for so many years. When I find someone that REALLY ~ REALLY cares, values and responds to their clients, it makes a BIG impression! It is hard to describe my giddiness when a delivery or service person arrives on time OR when I actually get a real live human on the other end of a phone call. Even if I don't get the answer I want, the fact that they showed the courtesy of calling me back or answering an email, has me smiling all day ~ I'm in LOVE! If that person is empathetic to my needs and cares about doing a good job; it is icing on the cake. These small acts of courtesy, take little effort and few $$, so it just amazes me that they are so rarely practiced.
TIPS : Listen and promptly respond to your prospects, clients, employees and business associates. Sincerely convey your interest in what they have to say and understand their needs; insincerity and indifference are easy to spot and almost as bad as unreturned messages! Make sure your clients are satisfied and "happy campers" with consistent client follow-up. If you are not the right person for the job, be honest and offer possible alternatives, another resource, etc. A little attention and caring go a long way to long term results!
REALITY CHECK: : Do you practice outrageous customer service and "walk the talk" during your business day?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
On May 12 the Postal Service will adjust prices for its services. Postage for First-Class letters will increase by 1- cent to 42¢. Through the end of this week, you can still purchase the Forever Stamp @ 41¢ Forever stamps will always be valid, regardless of the price you paid for them originally. So, if you have a large mailing coming up or just want to pinch a few pennies, you may wish to stock up on these stamps now (they can be purchased online at 
"With a Show of Hands, How Many of You are Having an Affair?" I have used this line when giving presentations to prospective clients. It usually gets a few nervous chuckles; however on one occasion, a gal just about fell off her chair! I go on to explain that I am not trying to get personal and I'm not talking about an affair as in the "Hollywood or Political" variety; but rather about developing and nurturing their client, employee and business relationships. Every relationship, whether business or personal, takes work and constant attention, however, we all get busy or apathetic and neglect telling those who make our business successful, how very important they are. 
Wherever you go this summer, near or far or even "porchview," stop and smell the roses and stay safe. I hope you will share your favorite vacation spot.
;)
;)
