How I'm enhancing Client Relationships using my ActiveRain blog and iContact
How I'm using my ActiveRain blog to enhance my existing relationships with clients and prospects! Bob Stewart proposed this question. So... How am I using my library of content? The answer is I haven't been getting as much out of it as I could.
If I could come up with an idea what would it be?
In the last two months I've taken two core course for the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation and I am in the midst of implementing some of the key strategies I've learned in those two classes. That's it. That's my idea - Come up with a way to use my blogging on ActiveRain in conjunction with the CRS systems and my database - sphere of influence - book of business.
How I'm enhancing my Client Relationships using my ActiveRain blog and iContact! Key points from CRS class that I want to implement:
Stay in the flow with my clients and referral system (including vendors and service providers)
People will pay for two things: 1. Solving their problem 2. Making them feel good about the decision they make
Send them something of Value
People do business with people they know, like and trust
The key is in the SYSTEM - systematic continuous repetitious
Creativity - unique, compelling, value proposition
defines who you are - defines what is important to you - begin at personal level
biggest mistake is to try to convince the public you have a better product than your competitor - they care who is more unique compelling and valuable
Spaced repetition - do not become obnoxious - but must be repeated for them to get it (vary the delivery phone, blog post, card, etc.)
FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIP NOT TRANSACTION!!!
Steps to integrate CRS techniques with my ActiveRain Blog:
Prioritize my database
Segment my database
Create Blog Posts targeted at Segments
Use iContact (email marketing software) - to deliver targeted posts to the appropriate segment
Follow up with a phone call to go over, connect or explain
Repeat
Potential Target Segments:
Clients that like to golf
Clients that like to fish
Clients with kids or grand-kids
Clients that like computers and technology
Clients who are GREEN and eco-conscious
Clients that like to sail or boat
Clients who like to garden
Clients who like dogs - cats - horses
Clients with birthdays in Jan - Feb - Mar, etc
Clients with Closing Anniversaries - in Jan - Feb - Mar etc.
Add your own - you get the idea
Example: - Halloween event at Emerald Isle NC Community Center send post to my Clients with Kids Segment of my database
Create my database segment in iContact for Client-Kids
Open my ActiveRain blog post and copy the HTML code- click edit - click html tab - click+hold+drag to highlight and copy the HTML code
Go to iContact - create - then paste the HTML code
Send it out via my iContact software to only to my Client-Kids segment of my database
Note: Obviously you will use whatever email marketing software that you have or choose. I chose iContact for several factors: price, features, easy edits, customizable and trackability. I can track not only the number of sent, bounced, opt outs and number of opened I can also see exactly who opened the email. If you are not currently using a email marketing software I would recommend iContact.
If you have an iContact account or sign up for iContact watch this video for step by step procedures for creating your custom fields and custom segments within a list.
A few ideas for Targeted Blog Posts in my ActiveRain Blog to be later transmitted to specific "segmented" clients:
Kathryn, Joel's definitely right, this is a very comprehensive post. Gosh, I loved those CRS classes. I've gotten lazy about my systems and you have now reminded me to get back on track. Every day I read something here that helps me do a better job.
Re: iContact -- I downloaded a free trial a few weeks ago, but didn't have any time to really work with it. In my very quick review, it looked like I could only mail-merge plain text messages, no RTF or HTML. Since you've worked with iContact much more, what is your experience in sending fairly rich content?
Bill, I've never done anything but HTML posts in my iContact account. I create everything in other programs and then just pasted the HTML in iContact.
Now there is a limitation on scripts - but that is NOT an iContact limitation it is an email limitation and you will encounter that in all email marketing programs.
I love the idea about a post regarding things for Kids. Tanner can help if you get stuck. A lot of people don't realize how much we actually do have for children. You have some great ideas up there, I may mimick a few! And you can steal mimick my ideas anytime.
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Kathryn -
Very comprehensive post. Good information. I hope you the best in your efforts to implement the ideas. (I snagged a few to work on myself.)