Nikki's Relationship Marketing Blog for Business

Everything is Simple. . . But What Makes it 'Easy' to Succeed?

2011-06-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that at it's essence, everything is basically really simple

. . . that may be true. If you break it down, things aren't really that complicated; especially marketing and sending out cards.

The difference is that Everything indeed may be simple, but things become EASY when you have the help you need.

That's the difference I've found with SendOutCards. Not only is the company rock-solid with an outstanding support department and great customer service, but when you couple that with the 1-on-1 coaching and attention that you receive by working with me directly - it's EASY to send out cards and even make a living as an Independent Representative with SendOutCards.

A World-Class Product is not enough

What first attracted me to the SendOutCards system? It was the product. There is nothing like it in the marketplace (I'll stand by that claim). For quality, convenience, and quality application / software interface nothing compares to this system. After all, every one of us needs to reach out in kindness to someone, and by making it more convenient, less expensive, and even prompting us to do it - SendOutCards has quickly become the market leader.

Even given that level of product and service, it still wasn't enough to make it 'THE business' to build a future upon. There's something else that is absolutely essential to succeeding with your own home-based or traditional business. It's the 'help' behind the product or service that matters most. The 'system' of the business makes the difference. . . and makes it all work.

What's the best hamburger sandwich in the world?

Quick - think of the best hamburger you can remember. I'll wager that it isn't from the local McDonald's franchise. Not to say anything against that business, after all they are the #1 hamburger brand in the world, but it's not because their burgers are the best. Remember - it's not about the product alone. What makes McDonald's #1? It's the system. The help behind the product makes the business. That's the beauty and power of a franchise model. McDonald's has their 'Hamburger University' to train their new owners the principles of success in their business. They have an ongoing training and support system in place to ensure a consistent and quality experience every time.

In the same way, I've found that SendOutCards has great systems and support in place to help regular folks like me succeed with our own home-based greeting card business.

The Secret Ingredient to Your Success

Ok, so great product, training system in place, - what's left? Help.

If we are to rely simply on 'plugging in' to business tools, seminars, conference calls etc. - we'll quickly find ourselves becoming just another network marketing statistic. Another one of those 'Yeah, I tried that once and it didn't work for me' stories. Why is this? Simple: it's the personal coaching and help that is needed to get your business off the ground - successfully.

Kody Bateman, the founder and CEO of SendOutCards realized long ago that the only way to build this world-class online greeting card company was to include that personal touch - that 'help' we're talking about here - into every customer and Independent Representative experience. It's that personal coaching that makes ALL the difference in your success!

Just this past week I had a good friend share with me their past experience with a direct sales company they were 'in' a few years back (a very reputable one, too). When I told her about the SendOutCards opportunity and how I would help her build her team - she was literally shocked! She even went so far as to say 'You would do that for me? - Why would you help me like that?'. Her past experience with network marketing was the opposite of 'help' - and as a result, she wasn't able to achieve the success she was looking for from that business.

To wrap this up, let me publicly say that I am here to HELP YOU. This business is as much a calling for me as a means to earn a living. When selecting the right home-based business opportunity for you and your family, be certain that you connect with and work with the RIGHT person to build your team and get you started right.

If you'd like to learn more about SendOutCards as a customer or stream of income for your family - let's talk! Scan the code here and I'll get right back with you!

Send me your questions or comments, what has YOUR experience been with your business? I'd really like to know!

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

-Nicole 'Nikki' Mancuso

Mother's Day ALERT

2011-05-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can go online TODAY and create a Mother's Day card - - and have it arrive ON TIME for that special woman in YOUR life?!!

YES, You Can!

Do it now - you'll get busy later and the day will fill up with it's own worries.

It's also way cheaper than the store (Because it's FREE!) :-)

That's right, for the first 20 people that click the link below, I'll pay for your card and stamp! After that, I'll run out of postage to give away - but if you need it, just call me and I'll take care of you.

I've got you covered, now go and send a special message via 1st Class mail. Our company will print it, Stamp it, Stuff it, and MAIL IT for you, too!

Go Here: CLICK To Send Free Mother's Day Card

My heart goes out this week to all the Mothers out there that are longing for appreciation, and to hear from those they love. Please don't let this special day pass without you telling the 'mom' in your life how much they mean to you.

I just love working for a company like SendOutCards that allows every one of us to reach out in kindness and express our feelings through the written word & photos (and now video cards, too!) anytime we are moved to do so. . . all for a cost that is 1/5 the market price and delivered directly to our family, friends, or clients.

I am such a Blessed woman! - And a Blessed Mother, too!! :-)

God Bless you and have a wonderful week.

Have you sent out a BIG card to a friend, client or family member yet?

2011-03-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have a question for you: Have you sent one of the new 'BIG' cards to anyone yet? Well I've been sending them out and they are just WONDERFUL!

I just wanted to spend some time encouraging you to send a BIG card to someone today. Yes, that's right - do it now! Image via Wikipedia

Why?
Well, here are the top 5 reasons to send a BIG greeting card via SendOutCards:

#5) BIG cards make a BIG impression!

The one consistent comment we hear from BIG card senders is that their recipients are BLOWN AWAY when they get the card!

#4) BIG cards are an easy way to get the phone to ring.

BIG cards mean BIG returns for your business - your client will pick up the phone and call to let you know they received your card - and ask you how you did it, too! Remember marketing 101 - it's all about 'differentiation', right? Who else is touching them with something BIG like this?

#3) BIG cards are perfect for BIG ideas.

You can fit 65% more information, images, text, etc. on a BIG card. This means your entire brochure, menu, photo collage, or prize-winning prose can fit an a single card! Think: 'Brochure', think: 'Newsletter', think: 'Letters to Home'.

#2) BIG cards lead to 65% BIGGER Smiles!

You think sending photos in your cards is cool? Wait until you see how they look on the BIG cards!! Kody has pixel-doubling software built into the printing process; this means your pics and graphics will look incredibly vivid on your BIG cards. These are 'Keepers' for sure, and since we all love to see photos of our friends & family members - it's no wonder we're seeing more BIG smiles out there!

#1) You've got to Dream BIG!

Remember all of the coaching you've heard over the years about your 'vision board / vision wall'? It's critical to your success in any business to keep your goals and targets in front of your eyes - to stay in the front of your mind. BIG cards make great CALENDARS and POSTERS. Go ahead, grab a photo of family, your favorite vacation spot, that special home upgrade you are working toward, a new car, a child to sponsor - whatever YOUR goals and dreams are. Now put that into a BIG card and send it to YOURSELF.

You'll be smiling, and remembering why it is you do what you do in your business. - And you'll see what all the BIG fuss is about, too.

I encourage you today to reach out to someone in a BIG way and show them ho much you were thinking of them.

BIG appreciation has never been easier than now with SendOutCards BIG cards.

As always, if you need help, we're here for you.
Let's setup some great brochures, campaigns, appreciation and special event BIG cards for you so you never miss the chance to grow your referral business - in a BIG way!

Remember: Dream BIG friends!

We're here to help,
-Nicole 'Nikki' Mancuso
P: 303-351-1404

The best way I've found for REALTORS to send out Christmas / Holiday Cards

2010-12-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a priceless tip for those of you in the Real Estate business (REALTOR, Title, Mortgage, Appraiser, Inspector - etc.): I'm going to share a 'secret' with you that you may not have seen previously. It's a great tool for your business for the following reasons:

1. It's FAST! Time is money - or so they say - right? In your busy profession the #1 reason given for not effectively following up or keeping in touch with clients is 'Too Busy'.
2. It's INEXPENSIVE! Let's face it, we are 'nickel-and-dimed' nearly to death in this business with website fees, marketing costs, affiliations, dues, and on and on it goes. The LAST thing we need to do is spend FULL MARKET PRICE on our Christmas and Holiday cards.
3. It's SIMPLE! Maybe it's just me, but complex is soooo last year ;-) I need things to just 'work', and work right the first time, too. Otherwise, the 'fast' and 'inexpensive' parts don't really matter - if I have to do it twice, what's the point really?

As many of you know, my lovely bride spent years as a Virtual Assistant and support contact for REALTORS. At the peak of that role she serviced 900 Real Estate Professionals in a 5 state market, assisting them with everything from farming campaigns to website editing. (Yes, she IS awesome, Thank You -- and yes, I married 'up'. :-)

One of the tools she often used and recommended to REALTORS turned out to be a great way to send out your Christmas Cards (Holiday Cards). It was so great in fact, that we have used it both personally and in our business for the past 2 years.

(Click Here for Examples: http://www.facebook.com/SendARealCard)

Here's how it works:

* Load your Contact Manager: You load your contacts from Outlook, Top Producer, Sharper Agent, Act!, etc. directly into the contact manager - a quick and easy import and you're done.

* Create your card: Using just your computer and this online system (no other software required), you create the perfect card for the occasion. Powerful image editing and layout software is included with the system, so it's EASY to load a custom photo, personal note(s), - anything you want to include (Click Here for Examples: http://www.facebook.com/SendARealCard)

* Click Send: Choose the contacts or group that you want the card to go out to, click 'send' to calculate the postage and cost - confirm and SEND. From there, everyone gets a personally addressed, 1st Class Mail Christmas Card from you - in YOUR Handwriting - (even with your signature), written to them by name. It's personal, powerful and effective.

Last year, Nikki created 2 separate Christmas Cards to go out - 1 for close family and friends, and the other for business associates, network contacts and clients. (Personal & Professional) In just over 45 minutes she had sent out over 200 cards - REAL Printed Cards via 1st Class Mail - and never left her home office desk to do it!

Now that's just cool...and now you know, too.

So, if you are considering sending out Christmas Cards in any quantity this year - you really must check out the system. A standard greeting card costs as little as 62 cents + a stamp, and a full-blown photo card with a family letter typed in (5 panels of full color printing and text) is just $1.24 + postage!

Yes, I may be cheap, but I'm effective, too. - And now that Nikki is using this system for our follow up and Christmas Cards, Santa is very very happy. :-)

For more information - send Nikki an email or FB message. You can also call her directly (her info is Here: http://www.Facebook.com/SendARealCard). Nikki is an expert user and trainer for the system, and can answer all of your questions! She also works with REALTORS to get their marketing paid for - making it free to send each month - via referrals. Be sure to let her know if you are interested in getting paid for referrals, too.

New get those Christmas Photos done and let's send out some GREAT cards to Family, Friends, and Clients this year!

-Tim!

Tim Mancuso is a musician, public speaker and the former VP Sales & Marketing for Social Media startup ViewMyLife. He is focused on training and coaching business owners and entrepreneurs on leveraging traditional and new media to Stay in Touch with their clients, prospects, and key influencers. Follow On Twitter @TimMancuso or connect on Linkedin.com and Facebook.com

Cost vs. Results - working out your ROI

2010-02-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Too often in marketing and advertising we focus on the 'cost' of the program or run. While this is essential to operating a sound business, the real consideration must be the question: 'What is my return on this investment / ad spend?'

As an example, I'll tell the tale of 2 Brokers (Real Estate - but you can fill in your own industry here as well). Let's call one Big Joe and one Little Joe. Big Joe and Little Joe both had the same need: marketing effectively to short-sale prospects. The solution they were presented was to automate a custom marketing campaign via postcard / US Mail to the weekly NED (Defaulted Loans) list in their local market area(s).

Now, the cost to set this up was fairly inexpensive, but it required commitment on both Big and Little Joe's part to engage with their target audience via campaign, over time.

Little Joe decided to send only the 1st mailing, and then determined that since he hadn't gotten a response he would discontinue his effort (the campaign).

Big Joe on the other hand, remained committed to his original plan and continued his campaigns over the course of 3 mailings (3 separate groups, with a 5-card campaign to each group member over a 6-week period).

Big Joe had the proper perspective: To fully assess the ROI on the program, he needed to allow the program to 'run it's course'. From there, he could later easily evaluate the effectiveness (ROI) and determine if it was worthwhile to continue with that specific marketing effort.

So what was his ROI you ask? Well, for Little Joe, the return was Nothing. In fact, considering his initial investment of time, money and effort, he actually LOST money with his campaign. Big Joe later shared that he 'earned a $4,500 commission from a 59-cent postcard' and that his continued marketing will be paid for in full for the next 24 months and beyond.

In actuality, Big Joe invested more than that 59 cents - but you see his perspective and the difference.

Making the phone ring and getting that ONE deal from your marketing is what the goal is - every time.

ROI is essential. Remember to count more than the cost when assessing your marketing plan. Count the Return on Investment as well.

Call Nikki today to learn more about 'what works' - - and also what doesn't. It will save you time, money, and trouble.

*****

Best to You!
-Tim!

Tim Mancuso is a speaker, trainer, and author working with business owners and real estate professionals throughout the US. He is the Co-Founder of the GLS, and is currently working on his upcoming book on relationship marketing for business owners.

Who is Following Up with Your Clients?

2009-05-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

There are essentially 2 key factors in a successful business. Really, here's what it boils down to:

Acquiring new business (read: Customers/Clients)
Maintaining / Retaining that business (read: Customers/Clients)

Now, for the sake of this discussion, let's substitute the term 'relationship' for 'business'. I won't get into the reasons for that in this writing, suffice to say we have covered that elsewhere. (note: if you've attended one of my husband's courses on Relationship Marketing you already know why).

So, to clarify, we now have the following 2 key factors for successful business identified:

Acquiring new relationships
Maintaining / Retaining those relationships

Everything else is a an offshoot of these 2 key business practices. If you are dropping the ball in either of these, it will manifest itself in your business in a multitude of ways. For example, are your referrals down? Orders lagging? Average ticket price falling? Service levels decreasing? Complaints on the rise? Is walk-in traffic down?

ALL - and yes, that means 'All' - of these are due to one or both of the above factors.

Period.

Ok, so we could end this discussion here and the majority of us would be convicted enough to work on those items, activities, and opportunities that we've come up with in just these few paragraphs. Let us instead, for illustration purposes, take a look at a recent example, taken from a conversation with a successful business woman - let's call her Sarah (not her real name).

Sarah was a successful business owner with a 6 year history of serving her clients in her local market area. Her business, like others in her area, had experienced it's share of what she called 'ups and downs'... mostly due to 'the market and the fickle consumers' according to Sarah.

I worked with Sarah to help her better understand that her 'business' and her 'customers' were really just relationships - and that by focusing on the relationship rather than the sale or transaction, she could not only maintain her business and profitability, but also grow it substantially - and simply.

One exercise that helped Sarah understand this concept was when I posed the question to her: "Who is following up with your clients? Literally, who is actually following up with them today, tomorrow, next week, next month - this year... and How?"

As we worked through the response, Sarah realized that her competitors were doing a much better job of following up (reaching out to) her clients than she was. In fact, once she'd attained a customer, there was little she did to retain that relationship - short of 'being open for business' should they decide to return to her store. All the while her competition was out focusing on #1 above: Acquiring new relationships. Advertising, sponsored local events, tastings, open houses, and leveraging referrals were all taking their toll on Sarah's business. We determined that if she increased her focus on #2 (Maintaining / Retaining Relationships) she could thwart the efforts of her competitors and build customer loyalty and referrals for the long term.

As business owners, we all need to remember that relationships are KEY and critical to our business. If you aren't continually in front of your customers or database, ask yourself this important question: "Who is?"

*********
-Nikki!

Tim Mancuso is a speaker, trainer, and author working with business owners and real estate professionals throughout the US. He is the Co-Founder of the GLS, and is currently working on his upcoming book on relationship marketing for business owners.

Fantastic Automated Mailing Service

2009-02-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

This is the system I was telling you about:

If you haven't gotten the URL, just Contact Me - then just Click on the 'Click to send a free card' and send out a card to a client, your mom, a loved one, etc. to see how the system works. (There's a video walk-through to help you if you need it).

Key points:
• Contact manager included, web-based, access it anywhere by computer
• Import contacts from Top Producer, Outlook, Act!, etc. – any tab-delimited file
• Automated Campaign system – customizable (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Just Listed, Just Sold, Seasonal, etc.)
• Short + large run mailings
• Actual 1st class stamp on greeting cards - not 'bulk-mail', but personal!
• ‘Your’ handwriting converted to a FONT, with 'Your' signature!
• In the time it takes to send an email, send a Postcard/Card instead
• Custom photo upload, create a custom mail piece with ANY image - or upload your business card, etc.
• 13,000+ existing cards – all can be postcard, greeting card, or tri-fold card

All at a cost that is far less than traditional mail. Very cool stuff.

'Down Market' Means it's Time to Market! - by Tim Mancuso

2009-01-24T09:39:00.001-08:00

I read a great post by Tim today and asked that he share it here with all of us. I think this information is timely and useful for helping us all grow during the current market conditions. We are implementing marketing strategies for all of our agents to reduce costs and increase effectiveness – call me for help and let’s get started building tomorrow’s success today!

-Nikki

Ph: 303-662-0237

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'Down Market' Means it's Time to Market!

By Tim Mancuso – Trusted Advisor and Consultant

With the current real estate market crunch many people have pulled back on their marketing spend. Successful businesses however are Increasing their marketing – here’s why:

* Less Competition: The downturn in the economy and marketplace tends to ‘clean up’ the industry, reducing the overall number of service providers and thereby increasing your potential ‘odds’ of gaining business.

* Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: As a general rule, only those providing a solid service and/or product will be able to ‘ride out’ the slow-down. Part-time players, ‘Johnny-come-lately’ types, and non-committed businesses will typically flock to other industries…or pull way back on their exposure and marketing…allowing the professionals to ‘shine’ through even more brightly.

* Marketing and Branding Increase: The reductions listed above result in a corresponding reduction in marketing and advertising hitting your core customer. This means that your marketing voice has an increased potential to be heard by your target audience.

* Lower Marketing Costs: The decrease in business marketing hits the segment of marketing service providers fairly hard – for example, as advertising inventories increase, you’ll find that the cost/M more affordable, and many other systems are offering significant discounts and special promotional pricing to bring in (your) marketing business. Basically, it’s a buyer’s market for marketing.

Remember, people haven’t stopped buying, selling, and investing – it’s just a slow down in a cyclical marketplace, a repeating trend which you can make it through. The best strategy to adopt is to determine if you are going to continue through the down turn, and from there recommit to your marketing and capture market share so that when the market turns upward – you are already there and well-positioned for long term success and profitability.

Find your niche, determine your plan and level of commitment to growing your business, cut unnecessary costs, track ROI for all spends, and grow your market share dramatically in this economic downturn.

Tim Mancuso is a Trusted Advisor and Consultant focused primarily on the Real Estate Industry. Mr. Mancuso is currently looking for opportunities, contract and full-time engagements while continuing his training and speaking within the Real Estate community. Mr. Mancuso was Co-Founder / VP Global Sales for MyREALTY.com and the GLS - Global Listing Service and has over 20 years experience as a Technologist, Trainer, Coach, Recruiter and Speaker.

'Where Market Knowledge, Solid Technology Implementation, and Great Service meet - you will undoubtedly find Success.' - T. Mancuso

How To Send Automated Cards and Letters to your Clients

2009-01-19T17:42:00.001-08:00

Sending cards and letters to your contacts at regular intervals is an essential business practice for success. Important events such as Birthdays, Anniversaries (both personal and 'of the sale/order, etc.') and Holidays can make the difference in your business relationships - and keep your business 'Top of Mind' with your clients.

One way successful businesses effectively manage such communications is by using an automated online system. The system we use and recommend to our clients features the ability to upload your contact database easily - from Outlook, ACT!, Top Producer, and others - and then create campaigns to send automatically to your clients.

Nikki hosts weekly calls and webinars to help you setup your system and create your campaigns - it's now simpler than ever to maintain your key business relationships without spending a lot of time and money. One of the top features of the system is that it costs LESS than manually sending postcards and handwritten notes.

More on the power of the Hand-Written Thank You Note next post. See y'all at the next Business Networking Luncheon!

Call me for help!
-Nikki

Nicole 'Nikki' Mancuso - Real Estate Marketing Made Easy - System for Business Relationship Marketing

2009-01-18T12:52:00.001-08:00

Relationship Marketing: A Valuable Tool for Businesses of All Types

Since 2001 we have been working with real estate agents, brokers, lenders, and title professionals to assist them with their relationship marketing needs. While there are many tools available to the market yourself to a specific 'farm' or sphere, even the best website or online strategy must be supported by a solid relationship marketing campaign.

One of the best examples of this is with a wonderful program called Connecting Neighbors. This neighborhood website program was highly effective, however required continual notification and marketing to the neighbors / neighborhood in order to succeed and achieve 'critical mass' levels of adoption by residents.

At the time, I was working with up to 900 Agents and Brokers in a 4-state area, and the most common request I received was "Can you show me an effective system to handle my postcards and mailouts?" There was not a simple online (effective) program available.