Cathy Stucker - The Idea Lady

Attract Customers and Make Yourself Famous

Dealing With Business Setbacks

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I got an email recently asking for some advice. The question is one that I think all of us face from time to time, especially with a new business or during lean times, so I thought it would be a good idea to share the question and my response with you. Details have been changed for privacy reasons, but the problem is universal.

I am feeling so discouraged right now. I spent a lot of time over the past month trying to sign a new client. There was a proposal followed by questions, meetings, emails, conference calls and more questions. Just when I thought I had the job, I found out it went to someone else.

I was counting on this work and really put everything I had into it. I really need the money I would have made. What do I do now? I don’t have any other prospects. I feel frustrated and sad and I just want to quit.

Wow. Been there, done that. We have all had times when things didn’t go our way. Sometimes big things, like this. Rejection at any time can feel like you were punched in the stomach, and it is especially hard to take when you really need the work (and the money–mostly the money!).
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Dealing with Difficult People

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In business, not all your customers will be pleasant. In fact, some of your customers may be downright mean, insensitive, or harsh. While this may seem like a headache or a problem, if you are prepared for these types of customers, you might actually make more money or take your business to the next level. It’s all about how you play the hand dealt you.

No one has the right to be abusive to you or your staff. I have dealt with a few of those types, and the sooner they are gone, the better. There is no reason to put up with customers who are abusive or threatening. However, most difficult people are not sociopaths, they are just…difficult. They may be more demanding than the typical customer, or require more hand holding. Some will want everything done yesterday or make round after round of changes. Most difficult people want to be treated as though they are special—the most important person in the universe, or at least in your universe.
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Why I Don’t Sign NDAs – And Why You Shouldn’t Either

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This is a guest post from Dan Janal. I agree with Dan on this: Non-disclosure agreements are not a good way to begin a relationship. If you do not believe you can trust the people you are working with, you shouldn’t work with them. Period. What do you think? Do you require or sign NDAs? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

A new client asked me to send him my NDA – Non Disclosure Agreement – and he’d send me his.

I don’t have an NDA. I don’t believe in them.

Here’s my promise: I won’t divulge confidential info.

Plain and simple.

I’ve been in high tech for many years and have seen a zillion NDAs, all of which: [Read more…]

Just Say No to Free

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A while back I got an email from someone who wanted to meet with me so he could ask some questions. Think about what he was asking: He wanted me to get in my car and drive somewhere to meet up with him, so I could give him answers–for free, of course–that he could have gotten by buying my book. But the book would cost him a few bucks, so that was not a good solution.

I thought I would be nice, so I asked him to email a couple of questions that I would answer for him. He insisted that we had to meet and discuss this in person. Well, I don’t even do paid consultations in person any more, so I told him we could set up a telephone consultation and told him my rates. His response? “Well, if you are going to charge me, forget it!”

That is the kind of “customer” that I am more than happy to see go. In fact, I would gladly have given him the names of a few of my competitors so he could waste their time instead of mine. (Nah, that would be bad karma. ;o) )

There is nothing wrong with giving away some things for free, whether you are establishing a new business or you have been around for ages. [Read more…]

Testimonials – Get Them and Use Them

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Testimonials tell potential customers that you are a good person with whom to do business trustworthy. They let potential buyers know that your product or service fulfills its promise. Testimonials build your reputation and credibility. And they tell them what they needto hear – that you really can solve their problems.

Testimonials are an effective buying trigger because they offer information about your product or service that you just can’t offer yourself. It’s like a personal recommendation, and it’s worth the effort to get quality testimonials and to use them.
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