Posts Tagged ‘Sandy Salmon’

by Michelle Tillis Lederman

In a big company, the ‘unlikables’ can stay hidden and never have any interaction with customers.

But if you’re the company, your personality becomes the brand. And if you’re not considered likable, it will hurt your sales.

Now this book doesn’t tell you to become something that you’re not, because authenticity is key. You’re instructed to emphasize the positive. And through the tips and tools, you’ll discover what character traits you already have that are likable and be taught to bring these to the forefront in all interactions.

FROM THE BOOK JACKET:
We all know that networking is important, and that forming relationships with others is a vital part of success. But sometimes it seems like networking removes all emotions from the equation and focuses only on immediate goals… whereas the kind of relationships that have true staying power, give us joy, and support us in the long run are founded on simply liking each other.
This book, featuring activities, self-assessment quizzes, and real-life anecdotes from professional and social settings, shows readers how to identify what’s likable in themselves and create honest, authentic interactions that become “wins” for all parties involved. Readers will discover how to:
* Start conversations and keep them going with ease
* Convert acquaintances into friends
* Uncover people’s preferences and tweak their own personal style to enable engaging, reciprocal interactions
* Create follow-up and stay in others’ minds long after the initial meeting
The worst thing we can do when trying to establish a personal bond with someone is to come across as manipulative or self-serving. Authentic connections go much deeper — and feel much easier — than trying to hit self-imposed business card collection quotas. This book presents a new paradigm that shows how even the most networking-averse can network… and like it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Tillis Lederman (South Orange, NJ) is founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs. She is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a faculty member of the American Management Association. She specializes in enhancing interpersonal communications and has delivered seminars internationally for corporations, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

By Sandy Salmon

A new study by Staples Canada and Angus Reid discovered that 76% of Canadians plan to do their research online before they shop for gifts. This number is up from last year, as consumers prepare to head out in search of business and personal holiday gifts.

Let’s face it—doing online research in advance makes sense. It will help you save time and money, even if, ultimately, you (like 91% of folks polled) plan to battle the malls.

Heading there fully prepared—with your definitive list in hand—is the best way to curb over-spending. After all, most of us have been there before—wandering aimlessly from store to store, not sure what we’re looking for, spending far more than we’d budgeted for; then dreading the inevitable flow of bills to pay in January.

And what tops our gift-giving lists this year, according to the survey? Gift cards, charitable donations and new technology. In fact, 71% of folks surveyed plan to purchase gift cards, followed by 71% who are considering buying some type of tech device while holiday shopping.

What we place under the tree isn’t all that matters either. The survey also revealed that 60% are considering giving the gift of a charitable donation—a popular trend for many businesses, both large and small. Gone are the days of beer-swilling lunches that carry on into the dinner hour and beyond. People the world over are making the right choices while showing appreciation for business.

Whatever your plans are for this year, here’s hoping they’re happy ones!

P.S. Make it easy on yourself this season by visiting Staples’ online Holiday Gift Centre for loads of great ideas.

Sandy Salmon is the Director of Advertising for Staples Canada.

By: Sandy Salmon

When you start thinking about advertising your business and building your brand – be it product or service-based – you have to know what it is about your business that makes people keep coming back. What do you stand for? If you don’t know, I have to wonder how you’ve made it this far. But, let’s say you’re just not very self aware – start asking your customers. They’ll probably be only too happy to tell you. Then, once you know what makes you a GREAT business – sell it in every piece of communication that leaves your office – be it a business card, letterhead, invoice or e-mail! And then make sure you live that promise in everything you do.

If you don’t deliver on your promise, you’ll lose a customer. Remember it’s not unlike the things your mama told you – don’t try to be something you’re not – people can spot a phony a mile away. Okay maybe mama didn’t say it quite that way – but I think you catch my drift.

So what are the 5 Easy Steps to Start Building Your Brand:

1. Know what you stand for! If you don’t know, do some research – even if it’s just one-on-one conversations with your 20 Best Customers. Feeling a little shy, why not hold a contest. It’s simple – make up a little ballot for a chance to win ‘”one of your services or products’ and ask the question, ‘You keep coming to me because ‘fill in the blank’’.

2.Take the top 3-5 things your business brings to the table and brainstorm – you don’t need a high-price agency to come up with a tag line. Let’s say your customers come back with ‘quick’, ‘good value’, ‘great/fun personality’. And you’re a plumber. Leaks stopped quick – no ifs, ands or plumber’s butt! See – it’s easy and can be a lot of fun!

3. Hire a freelance designer to create a logo! Can’t afford one – approach a Graphics Design School to see if you can hire a student, or better yet, you might just get it for FREE if you offer up printed samples and an endorsement for the kid’s portfolio!

4. Put your new logo on everything!

5. Live your brand – and ensure that everyone you hire does too!

Have a GREAT tagline you’d like to share? We’d like to hear it – how about telling us how you came up with it and how you live it every day!

 

Sandy Salmon is the Director of Advertising for STAPLES Canada. Sandy has been with STAPLES for over 15 years and brings extensive brand experience. Previously Sandy has worked at CFTR/680 News and Saffer Advertising.