Serena's Blog

New Clients for Christmas!

Serena Bautell (Marketing Solutions by Serena) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:22:11 -0800

Give yourself the gift of new clients for Christmas. You've been good all year and deserve it. Unfortunately, there is not a Santa that will bring you new clients on Christmas morning. There might not be a client Santa, but there are plenty of client elves though. There are plenty of resources to help you get new clients. It starts with marketing though. If potential clients are unaware of all that you can offer them, how can you expect to gain their business? Marketing might remind you of annoying jingles and commercials that you would rather fast forward through. However, it is simply communication. It can be direct (one-on-one), or mass, but it is still communication. Sharing yourself with your target market. They will only know what sets you apart from your competition because you tell them, and then show them. Marketing might even be the first budget you look to cut back or cut out all together during an economic hardship. However, if you want new clients, you'll need to continue marketing. When the market is down and things are tight, getting more creative, and making your money go farther is in order. For example, choose smaller ads in your local paper, or try advertising in the classified "homes for sale" section instead. There are plenty of options out there, and I encourage you to explore those options before you quit spending money or time on marketing all together. Marketing Solutions by Serena www.SerenaMarketing.com

Sometimes it takes an out-of-towner

Serena Bautell (Marketing Solutions by Serena) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:04:55 -0800

Last night, at our house we had company from out of town. It's always nice to get together with people who have never been to this area before (Pinehurst, NC) because we get to show them around. We walked around downtown before dinner and I found stores and places that I didn't realize were here. After listing the many perks of the area, (43 golf courses within 15 miles, great restaurants, horse country,safety, great people, and unique shops) I found myself remembering all the things I love about living here. No matter how large of a city you live in, I encourage you to 'be a tourist' from time to time. There are undoubtedly great places you haven't been before. I have a greater appreciation of Pinehurst, and I am excited to check out some new places, just down the street. There are usually some great local websites that list unique places to go and things to do if walking around isn't appealing or feasible. Get out there and enjoy your town! Marketing Solutions by Serena www.SerenaMarketing.com

Shout out to Active Rain

Serena Bautell (Marketing Solutions by Serena) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:03:28 -0800

Recently I called Active Rain to make a change to my account due to my error. I didn't think it could be changed, but not only did they help solve my problem quickly, they did it with a smile. The woman who answered the phone (yes, not computer or answering machine) was so pleasant that I almost hope I have to call back in the future. That is rare! How many times have you gotten off the phone with any company and thought you can't wait to talk to them again? For me, that's never happened; typically it's the complete opposite. I know when you have a bad experience, you tell more than three times as many people, but I would like to see that changed. I had a great experience, and I am going to tell as many people as possible. So here is my shout out- Active Rain- you hit the nail on the head once again! Thanks for the best customer service I've had in a long time. Marketing Solutions by Serena www.SerenaMarketing.com

If it's the all the same product, how can we be different?

Serena Bautell (Marketing Solutions by Serena) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:23:51 -0800

We've all been to restaurants, stores, or hotels and had a bad experience. You remember the bad, and you tell more people. There is endless supply of companies selling the same thing. One might be selling a service, another a product, but those services and products don't often vary widely to their direct competition. Take casual dining for instance. They offer similar foods, at similar prices. One might have a certain menu item you might prefer, but essentially, they have few differences. What might be the main one that would keep you coming back for more then? Customer service. They can't vary widely in their food selection, because they are limited by cost, so what can they do to get repeat and satisfied customers? Treat you right; I know that's how they get my business. Real estate agents are working with the same products too. You are providing services in real estate, and you all have the same group of products in your local market to serve to your customers. So what can make you different than all those other agents? Work commission free? Give away free cars to people who sign with you? Customer service... you can offer more experience, more technology, or more education than another agent, but ultimately, people can buy that house on Main street from you just as easily from your competitor. Consumers have a lot of choices today, ALOT. They are taking their business to companies who can provide them with the service they deserve, sometimes at a slightly higher premium. When you hire somebody, you want the job done, and you want it done right. The "doing it right" part is not only your competence, its the customer service behind it. Its your attitude, your availability, flexibility, empathy, and drive to go above and beyond for your clients. Marketing Solutions by Serena www.SerenaMarketing.com SerenaBautell@gmail.com

Creative Marketing Consulting

Serena Bautell (Marketing Solutions by Serena) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:52:34 -0800

Do you feel like you have enough time to create the kind of marketing materials that are not only effective, but are creative and professional? Unfortunately, we all wish we had more time. More time to accomplish professional goals, and more time for our loved ones. When I worked at a real estate agency, creating marketing materials for the agents, I noticed two things. Agents don't have time to create all the marketing materials they need to take them to the next level, or they aren't familiar enough with the programs to best create those materials. I saw in a lot of cases, it was a combination of the two. Here at Marketing Solutions, we have the time create effective marketing materials, and we love doing it. We can help you save time, and achieve your professional goals. Our ultimate goal is your satisfaction and success. Check out our services and rates at www.SerenaMarketing.com, and contact us for a free consultation today. Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business!