February-March 2005

COACHINGTRAININGWORKSHOPS

Status of Newsletter . . .

You haven’t received a newsletter from me recently. That’s because I haven't written one. I combined the November and December, 2004 newsletter because of the Holidays. Then, January came and I was still getting organized after the Holidays. There were bills to pay and notes to write and I got a new computer and you know what a transition that can be and how time consuming it is! And, the hot water heater died. My e-mail got messed up in the computer switch. Etc. etc. etc.

By the end of January, I was very uncomfortable. I make a big deal out of keeping my word. I told you I would publish a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter, and I wasn’t doing that. I talk about how important business relationships are and I wasn’t doing well with my relationship with you, my readers.

Suddenly, it’s February! My work is pretty well caught up, the new computer acts like it’s been in the family for years, we are enjoying hot water and my head is clear. Life is good! I’m back on track. I’m writing this newsletter. And I feel a whole lot better! I hope your year is going well.

Donna M. Reed, Publisher of Tools For Achievers

Creating Business Relationships: A Tool For Success ©

"Buy three and get one free!"
"Offer good for a limited time only!"
"We beat our competition's prices every time!"

We have all heard and seen these phrases in advertisements. Do they motivate you to make a purchase? Maybe. Sometimes. It depends.

What does motivate you to give business to a person or a company? I recently heard the following comments as I was involved in conversation with two friends.

"I went there because it was close to my home but they had clients crammed in a crowded receiving area and were not friendly or helpful Now I drive twenty miles out of my way to a shop where they greet me, make me feel special, and work hard to meet my needs."

"I would love to give her my business but her prices are so high and I can find similar products at stores near me for much less cost. They know me and give me good service."

"I have gone to this shop for years. They call me when specials are coming up, send me notes, and give me very good service when I am there. I wouldn't dream of leaving them."

The introductory sentences are typical promotional offers aimed at recruiting you as a customer. The last three stories are from people who have established a relationship with businesses committed to meeting their individual needs and keeping them happy. The first sentences are hyper ad-speak. The last three stories are the result of businesses who listened to clients, dazzled them with service beyond their expectations, and kept doing it!

This is true for large chain businesses as well as small independent businesses. I will drive past one chain office supply store and go an extra five miles to purchase supplies at another store of that same chain because they treat me well and have a relationship with me.

When products were new and scarce, people would expend great effort to get what they needed including going long distances and putting up with shoddy treatment. We now live in a "product saturated" culture. The emphasis has shifted from getting the product to getting the product we want in a favorable environment that is supported by relationships.

Relationship building is the heart of networking! People buy YOU before they buy your products and services. What happens in transactions that are based on relationships? The vendor makes it easy for me, the consumer. I purchase my printer cartridges from the same business. I simply pick up the phone and tell them what I need. They put it on my charge card and deliver the new cartridges to me. They give me hints that increase the life of both my printers and cartridges. They even give me a price break when costs go down for a particular cartridge!

How does it work for them to have a business relationship with me? They know they can count on me to give them my business. They know if I have a problem I will discuss it openly and honestly with them. We know we can trust each other.

The cost of the printer cartridges? Reasonable. The cost of doing business through relationships? Priceless!

If you are ready to leverage your current business relationships to create more business, attend the workshop series described below.

Workshops In 2005

"Increase Business Through Relationships"

Our referrals are often our best source for new business. How can we increase the effectiveness of referrals? How can we increase our business through our relationships without appearing that we are “using” people or treasured relationships? It is possible to use relationships to increase business in such a way that everyone benefits and no one feels “used.”

The techniques and strategies for doing this are featured in an 6-session workshop series, “Increase Business Through Relationships ©” facilitated by Donna Reed, Trainer and Life Strategy Coach, Tools For Achievers.

This series will be offered Mondays from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at a central location (to be announced).

March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2005
April 4 and 11, 2005

Our relationships with our clients, prospects, competition and past clients will be explored in this series. Topics also include, “Guiding Relationships in Transition”, “Leveraging Relationships to Maximize Results,” and “Going To The Next Level Through Relationships.”

Snacks and beverages will be available at each session. Participants will receive handouts, a copy of the booklet, “Networking Tips That Build Power Connections” by Donna Reed and a comprehensive manual. Enrollment is limited in order to provide small group interaction, one-on-one coaching and individual attention to issues. The safe environment promotes trust and support.

This workshop series provides the tools to take your business to an entire new level! The cost is $375. Call (520)299-8199 for more information.

Registration:  Online, mail to P.O. Box 30636, Tucson, AZ 85751; or call (520)299-8199.

What people say . . . . .

“Donna Reed’s ‘Increase Business Through Relationships’ workshop series has yielded phenomenal results for me. Her focused discussions and handout materials helped me refine my relationship skills and increase my client base by 40%. By applying the relationship-enhancing principles she presented, ‘upsale’ revenues from current and previous clients have also increased.”

— Robin Peel, Robin Peel Marketing & Public Relations.

“Digging For Leads In Unexpected Places”

Date: Thursday, April 21, 2005

Location: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Kingfisher Restaurant, 2564 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ

Cost: $25. Includes workshop, lunch, comprehensive handouts, and "Networking Tips That Build Powerful Connections" booklet.

Registration:  Online, mail to P.O. Box 30636, Tucson, AZ 85751; or call (520)299-8199.

“Don’t try to be a Lone Ranger. Networking saves you from the hassles and impossibility of doing everything yourself.” — Networking Tips That Build Powerful Connections by Donna M. Reed

Marketing Tool

"Networking Tips That Build Powerful Connections", written by Donna M. Reed, Trainer and Life Strategy Coach, Tools For Achievers, contains 81 practical "how to" tips and guidelines that lead people into networking relationships quickly and effectively.

• Use it as a gift as well as a marketing tool. Insert your materials and business card in the back pocket.
• Be remembered for your gift as well as your marketing message.

Cost: $5.95 each plus Arizona sales tax
25% off for limited time!

Receive a free copy with every ten copies you purchase!
Call 520-299-8199 or order click here to order.

Are you . . .

Stuck?  Looking for direction?
Need guidance to go to the next level?

Let me partner with you to achieve . . .

Clarity, by designing a blueprint for

Direction, to get the

Results you want.

As a Life Strategy Coach, I specialize in guiding you to achieve clarity around professional and personal issues. Together, we get to the core of the matter and create strategies that move you forward in positive directions. Call (520) 299-8199 for a free thirty minute session.

Available in person and by phone (520) 299-8199.
Click here for more information.

Copyright © 2005 Tools For Achievers