Purple Wren

Do You Need MinuteFix?

Sometimes you just need a little computer help - especially if you're a solopreneur or a small business. The big guys have tech support on staff or hire a service company by the hour. But you just need ten minutes...

Now there's a solution. Have you heard about the new community-based tech support company called MinuteFix? They provide live support to people on a per minute basis. And they guarantee that if the question or problem is not resolved the session is free. It's available 24-7.

Not quite sure? Head on over to MinuteFix and check them out. There's no cost until March 15.

Wordless Wednesday: Is this Iowa?

After enduring another snowstorm this week, when I ran across this photo it spoke to me. That's how I feel, jumping across the puddles and ice chunks...

Penguins can't fly!, originally uploaded by nick_russill.

 

Wordless Wednesday: Is It Where You Least Expect to Find It?

Do you want to increase your business sales? Maybe you need to reach out to your current customers instead of looking for new ones. Try keeping in touch on a personal level.

Sometimes what we're looking for is where we least expect to find it ...

Photo on flickr by Marc Shandro

Wordless Wednesday: Snow Angels

I have to write about my experience with 'snow angels' last week. Many of you suffered with me through the sleet and snow that never seemed to end. A couple times I mentioned - to anyone who would listen - that is wasn't like the 'old days' when the neighbor kids came around and earned some spending money by shoveling.

Wednesday I was shoveling our driveway. There must have been close to 10 inches, although I didn't ever hear for sure. I was just getting started and noticed how wet and heavy it was and wondered whether I would get done in time for a meeting. When I looked up there was a white pickup coming down the street. They stopped, asked if I needed help, and offered to unload their snow blower and clean it off (for a small fee). I felt like the snow angels had appeared.

Now the sticky part - and how this relates to branding and marketing. Who do you think I will remember when we need our driveway cleared, or when someone asks me who can handle their moving and storage needs? Of course, it will be Finnemore-Harris Moving. They're out of Grimes. Never heard of them before, but I'll never forget them now. Probably not their biggest sale of the day, but it made a huge difference to me. How is your business sticky?

That's what I was thinking about when I selected this photo!

Photo on flickr by melomane

Wordless Wednesday: Snow and Choices

We've been hit with a big winter storm again. When I look at all the snowflakes it reminds me of the number of choices a consumer faces every day when it's time to make a buying decision. You can help customers/clients decide whom to call by shoveling a path to the door of your business.

How? Communicate with your clients!

My two favorite tools are blogs and greeting cards. They are both excellent ways to keep your name in front of your customers and continue the conversation. Then, when your customer needs a service or product that you provide, your name will be first on the list.

What's your plan for staying in touch this year?

Photo on flickr by .HS.