Fit For Business

Business Sales

2012-01-30T08:02:00.001-08:00

Business Sales tend to be the lifeline of your business. No sales then you have no business.

To boost your sales for your business (new or experienced):
1. Be pro-active - make 5 new calls out today
2. Send out a group email (blind copy) to at least 25 people
3. Attend an event this week that has business owners or your target market
4. Check up on one business that is competition - what are they doing sales / marketing-wise?
5. Write down your sales process - what steps do new clients have to take in order to buy from you? Do they have to try something on? Do they need to read statistics? Do they need a coffeee meeting? Do they need to receive 3 newsletters?
6. Be confident that at least 1 out of the next 5 sales pitches that you do will turn into a client so any rejections just get you closer to a sale.

Fit For Business is hosting a sales workshop on Feb 16th. Check out www.fitforbusinesssales.eventbrite.com for details.

Cold Calls

2011-08-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Cold Calls -

Be prepared and your cold calls will not be so scary and will be more useful.

1. Have your own contact info written down and handy.
2. Confirm why you are calling - what results do you want?
3. What do you know about the client? Why do you think they should talk to you?
4. Why should they talk to you?
5. Write out a very short script for the start of the call and have notes about the other details handy.
6. Write down all questions and objections so you can learn for the next time.

You are ready - now make the cold call and book yourself a meeting!

Need help sorting out your script and notes - call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business for some suggestions.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
facebook / linked in / twitter

Sales and Marketing

2011-06-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sales and Marketing -

Sales and marketing are too different things. Marketing is how you find your clients, get their attention and get them in the line to buy. Sales is the process that takes your client from a curious propsect to a paid client.

Sales and marketing definitely interact and work very closely together. The better you know your target market and the better you plan your marketing, the easieir the sales are.

If your target market analysis tells you that your best prospects are looking to compare prices then why not give them a price comparison chart and speed up the process. They can not and will not make a decision without the price chart so if you are the best price then hand them the chart and they should be ready to buy.

Your market analysis will also tell you things about marketing online vs traditional marketing and even how your client wants to pay for your product or service. Many people who are on their computer all day will not buy anything online so if that is the only option then they may not purchase from you.

Need help sorting out your sales and marketing so you can grow your business to the next level then call me to book a free introductory session.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Network For The Future

2011-06-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

Network For The Future

When you network, if you are focused on results today you will usually be disappointed. If you network and focus on the future then you will make many more contacts and build better business relationships and in the long run get much stronger results. Networking can be the fastest and least expensive way to market your business but you need to focus on the future.

- talk to people to find out what they do
- tell people what you do (do not only talk about them buying from you)
- listen for things that others need and see if you can help them
- tell people how they can help you -- can they listen for a new client? Can they watch for places to post free articles? Can they suggest a group that needs a speaker?
- remember that most people need to meet you and / or get information from you at least 7 times before they buy from you.

Business Connection Exchange is hosting a tradeshow and networking event on Wed. June 8th in Mississauga. Come and practice your networking. Be sure to bring at least 100 business cards. www.business-connection-exchange.ca

To improve your networking skills, call Cheryl Rankin at 647-287-0320 to schedule a coffee meeting.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Tradeshows

2011-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tradeshows are a great way to promote your business to many new contacts at the same time. Small business tradeshows are affordable. Impress another business owner and you have a great chance that they will pass along your info to another business owner.

1. How are you going to get the attention of the participants?
2. Have at least one sign that is vertical. Could be an 8 1/2 x 11 flyer in a plastic holder; could be a display board that sits on a table or it could be a bannersign.
3. Why would anyone give you their name? Ask them to sign up for a newsletter or free handout. Have a contest.
4. What are you giving them? Definitely give them your business card or a flyer or a small gift. No matter what you give them make sure that they get your business contact info.
5. Be ready - wear shoes that will let you stand for the whole time. Have pockets so that you can have your own business cards handy. Smile and be friendly so that people want to talk to you.
6. Say "hello" first. Do not sell them anything until you have at least started a conversation.

Recently I have had booths at International Networking Day; The Ultimate Networking Event; Distillery Networking and Canada Job Expo. Everytime I make some wonderful contacts through the ideas noted above. Tradeshows are a great way to meet new people and to build on business relationships. One other note - do not forget to talk to the other vendors.

To get some help choosing events and setting up a successful booth without spending lots of money - call me at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
facebook / linked / twitter

Consistent Message

2011-04-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Branding is the consistent message for your business marketing. Branding includes all of the details of your business from how you answer the phone to your logo to your flyers to your website and of course to your sales process. Is your message consistent? Do you have a mission statement that helps to keep your message consistent? Do you have specific themes that are consistent from one marketing piece to another? Advertising the lowest price in one flyer and then the next flyer boasting of your years of expertise - do not have consistent messages. They may have the same colours and the same logo but the messages should match as well. You may change the words a little bit but keep the message consistent so that people will remember you. To create a consistent message for your business, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320 to book a consultation. Cheryl Rankin Fit For Business 647-287-0320 info@fitforbusiness.ca www.fitforbusiness.ca

Words - Marketing & Sales

2011-04-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

Words for Marketing & Sales - Use the words of your target market not your own words. Too many advertisements, presentations and articles are written in the words of the seller. Words that are jargon just to the industry, words that only certain people use in real life. Even if your target market company is using those words, is the decision maker of your product or service using those words. You may be selling technological advancements to upgrade a factory but the CEO is not a hands on technology person or an engineer -- use plain English words. use the words of your target market. When you use industry specific jargon or acronyms then automatically explain them as you go along. Not that you are insulting anyone but you just do not need them stuck trying to translate something that they feel they should know but they can not remember the word at the moment. Talk in a way that your client can easily understand you and your point and watch your marketing improve, your sales improve and of course the bottom line improve. For help with your content or editing call Cheryl Rankin at 647-287-0320. Cheryl Rankin Fit For Business 647-287-0320 info@fitforbusiness.ca www.fitforbusiness.ca

Pricing

2011-03-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Pricing -

Many business owners pick prices out of the air or just use the price that everyone charges. Pricing is a very important component of your marketing and your business.

Stop and calculate your price(s) correctly or you will lose money.

1. what are your costs to deliver the product or service?
product, shipping to get the product to you, any handouts that go with it, time to deliver, marketing directly connected to the individual sale, any packaging costs, did you include a warrantee that will cost you more time?
2. what does your competition charge for the same product?
3. is it a regular request or an urgent one?
4. who is your target market? would they pay that price?
5. what if your client decides to buy in large quantities? your bulk package has to make money as well so your individual price can not be your lowest price.
6. how is your client paying you? do you have to pay creditcard fees or bank fees?
7. when is your client paying you? when did you have to pay for the product or supplies?

To get help to calculate the price of your product or service, please call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business, 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
www.fitforbusiness.ca
info@fitforbusiness.ca
647-287-0320
twitter / facebook / linked in

Marketing Plan

2011-01-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Most businesses owners jump into business without a business plan which is not a great idea. Even worse is the number of business owners with no marketing plan.

No clients = no business

How do you plan to get clients?
How much is a new client worth to you?
How long does it take to get a new client?
How do you find your potential clients?
How do you get the attention of potential clients?
How do your potential clients make decisions on the purchase of products and services?
How do you get clients to buy from you again?
How do you figure out what to charge clients?

If you can answer all of these questions, then you have most of your marketing plan done. Congratulations!

If you can not answer all of these questions then check out the next two Fit For Business workshops -

No Dollars Marketing Workshop (includes breakfast)
Fri. Feb 11th
9:30 - 11am
Coras, 17 Ray Lawson, Brampton
$60+tax / per person
OR
$10+tax / per person when you tell 10 people about this workshop
Use facebook, linked in, your blog, your newsletter, emails, calls or announce it at a networking event...tell 10 people and save $50.

Shape Up Your Sales Workshop
This 3 hour interactive workshop uses a marketing template for the handout and walks you through some strategies that will help you grow your business to the next level. All participants get two - one hour consultations to help you put the new info and ideas into an action plan.
Fri. Feb 25th
1 - 4pm
GPO Network Offices
Airport Rd, Mississauga
$250 plus taxes

To register call Cheryl Rankin at 647-287-0320
Fit For Business
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
facebook - Cheryl Rankin
linked in - Cheryl Rankin
twitter - FitForBusiness
Sprouter

Sales vs Marketing

2010-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Having a tough time closing sales?

Go back to your marketing. Chances are you do not know enough about your client. The more you know about your target market the easier the sale is.

If your clients never go on the computer then do not market on the computer; do not send them quotes on the computer and do not ask them to pay on the computer.

If your clients are extremely busy then do not waste their time. Respect their busy life and ask for time and make it as useful as possible. Potential fitness members love to get a free workout when they tour a new facility. They get to do their workout and test the facility without having to go to their old facility after their tour.

If your clients are ladies who buy all of their food at the local health food store then start working out some marketing opportunities with the health food store.

If your clients are brand new business owners who think they can do it themselves then include that in your marketing -- get faster results than doing it on your own.

If clients that do their own home repairs are your clients then you may do something like - get the project done on time and get back to normal. How long did your last project take?

All messages throughout your marketing and sales should reflect your client and your conversations with a prospect.

Book Fit For Business to create a marketing action plan for your business so that your sales will be easier and you will close more deals.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Educational Events / Networking

2010-10-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes open for events where you will learn something that can help your business grow and you can network as well.

Last week I spoke at YMCA Markham Business Centre, so people could network and then they listened to my presentation on "Networking For Business Success".

SoHo International has a free all day workshop on Wed. Oct 27th in Toronto.

Alison Silbert, author or "Boost your Revenues by Turning People Away" is launching her book with a workshop on internet marketing. www.idealvisitor.com.

Need more ideas on where to network
- call me
- check out www.thenetworker.ca
- check out www.biznetworknews.com

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca

Boosting Cashflow

2010-10-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Boosting Cashflow

Cashflow is a serious issue for business owners.

When money is tight you really need to be super careful about all purchases.
1. avoid any long term commitments - do not sign up for 1 year of advertising; buy 1 month
2. start with urgent purchases
3. write down all upcoming purchases so you can put them in the correct order for payment
4. pay bills ontime when possible - save the interest; build up good rappore so if you need an extension some day they will trust you.
5. talk to the people you owe money so they know what is going on
6. collect outstanding payments
7. be sure all bills are sent
8. go get more clients

Do not stop marketing - if you have no money then market with no money.
1. phone old clients; current clients and potential clients
2. send individual emails
3. set up some joint ventures
4. use commission sales people
5. go door knocking - old-fashioned but it works well

If you have no cash in your business then how does your business function? How do you buy food for your home? Get your cashflow more predictable and under control.

Call for a free introduction to business consulting and let's see how we can fix your cashflow problem today.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Blogs, Newsletters & Email

2010-10-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Blogs, Newsletters & Email

We can communicate with potential clients and clients using a variety of online systems. Our marketing has expanded well beyond the traditional newspaper ads and posters.

E-mails - Usually emails are sent out indivdually. You should take the time to be polite and write like a business letter. Keep it short so that people will read it. Remember to tell everyone what you want them to do after they read your email.

Newsletters - you can still create and print a hardcopy (paper) version of your newsletter and distribute them to your contacts. You can also create emails that you will send a group. Be careful - you should blindcopy your group emails unless everyone has preapproved the distribution of the list. You save time by sending out the same newsletter to 25 people at a time. You do lose the ability to customize the newsletter. Be careful that it does not get too long. Really long newsletters in a regular email can be tough and bory to read.

Online newsletters - whether you use your website system to create fancy, online newsletters or a special program like Constant Contact -- you can send a more professional looking newsletter to large groups of people. It is easy to add pictures and your logo into these programs. Everyone can get their first name in the newsletter. Even though the received knows it is a group email; it is still customized with their name. You can use and track the usage of links to your website and create more traffic to your website. The best thing is that you can track which newsletter topics get people to open the newsletter and read.

Your choice of communication system depends on your budget, your target market and your time.

Call Cheryl Rankin, www.fitforbusiness.ca for help on choosing the best system. We can also do the newsletter for you if you do not have the time.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Sales Training - Mississauga

2010-09-01T16:16:00.001-07:00

Sales Training

Have you ever been surprised when a potential client said "no" to your services?

The most popular reason that people say "no" to services are that they do not understand the value for the money. They say it is too expensive or they picked someone less expensive.

- do they understand the value of your service?
- do they know that your service will solve your problem?
- do they understand why you are better than your competition?
- do they know what and how you will deliver your service?

Make a better connection with your potential clients and get more sales for your small business. Sign up today for Fit For Business' "Shape Up Your Sales" sales training workshop in Mississauga.

Check the website for details for the September and October dates.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Too much paperwork?

2010-08-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

If your office is overcrowded with papers and paperwork; you are slowly down your business and maybe losing some opportunities as well.

1. set up a system - files or online files and a calendar system
2. put the info where you need it - we save a full piece of paper so we have a phone number -- get the phone number in your contact list and throw away the paper.
3. take care of all of today's papers
4. get 5 pieces of paper off the top of a pile and put in the correct place.
5. block 15 minutes a day to focus on papers until you are under control.

In some cases, you may need to pull in a professional organizer to set up a great system that works for you and in other cases you may want to hirie an assistant or virtual assistant.

To set up business systems that work for you, call Fit For Business at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Blogs - why bother?

2010-08-05T17:07:00.001-07:00

Blogs are one of the very best ways to communicate with your clients, potential clients and people who might find you for the first time.

Tips for successful blogs
- try to blog regularly (at least once a month, maybe once a week or even more)
- talk about topics your clients are interested in
- highlight your products or services by using stories and examples (do sell through the blog)
- prove you are an expert by writing an article
- post pictures to show off your good work
- have some great clients post tesimonials through the comment feature
- use your blog until you can afford a web-site
- keep all messages short and sweet
- do not forget to use the catchy words / keywords in the message and post them in the labels section as well
- if you are promoting blogs as part of a marketing plan then put that in the message
- include a call to action
- include your contact information

Call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business to arrange for a free consultation concerning your current marketing strategies.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Fireflies - Prospects

2010-07-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

Fireflies and Prospects

Have you ever seen a firefly? These lightning bugs as some people call them flash on and off in the evening dusk and early darkness.

Your prospects for new clients are exactly like these fireflies. They seem to pop out of nowhere and signal you whether you are ready to catch them or not. Then when you want to catch the firefly (your prospect) the light goes out and you can not find them. Just when you start to walk away; they flash their light again and you start your new chase to get them.

To catch a firefly -
1. Watch for the firefly in the correct neighbourhood (forests are great).
2. Plan ahead - do you want to put them in a container? Is the container ready and handy?
3. Plan your strategy - are you going to catch them in your hands?
4. What other factors could affect your pursuit? Do you need to wear running shoes and jeans so you can walk freely through the forest and not get hurt on sticks and branches?
5. Focus - if you stop watching the firefly then you will loose them in the darkness.
6. Contact / catch your firefly when you get the chance because the chances come few and far between them.
7. Be happy but do not celebrate too much or you will scare away the other fireflies.

To get a new prospect -
1. Watch for your prospect in its correct neighbourhood (target market).
2. Plan ahead - what do you want your prospect to do? read a newsletter, check out a website, phone you or book a meeting.
3. Plan your strategy - how are you going to communicate with your prospect?
4. What factors could affect your pursuit of this new prospect? (competition, timing)
5. Focus - keep in touch with your prospect without scaring them off.
6. Contact your prospect to close the sale when you get the chance because the chances come few and far between them.
7. Be happy but do not celebrate too much or you will scare away other prospects.

To create your marketing action plan so that you can change your prospects into clients, contact Cheryl Rankin at Fit For Business for your complimentary introductory session.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
*sign up for our newsletter at www.fitforbusiness.ca

Tradeshow signs - easy decisions

2010-05-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

To make your decision on what tradeshow sign you need - answer these questions and then go see your sign contact. Fit For Business has some great signs available so please count us in when you look for quotes.
- How many people will be setting up the sign?
- Will it be outdoors, indoors or both?
- How big will the booth space be?
- Do you need a podium or table built-in?
- Do you need shelves for product built-in?
- Do you need lights?
- How often will you change the message on your tradeshow sign?
- Will different people / groups be using the sign and have different contact info?
- How often will you take down / put up the sign?
- How long will the sign be set up at a time?
- Where do you plan to store the sign?
- How do you plan to move it to the events and set it up? LOgistics companies can be hired to move, set up and strore your great display. We have these contacts as well.
- What kind of events will you be at? What kind of signage will everyone else have?
- Do you have graphic design done already?

To create your tradeshow presence and attract new clients, please call Fit For Business for help with your sign.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Do not Sell Anything!

2010-05-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Help your clients buy!

How do you help your client buy? What else can you do to help them buy?
- hours of operation
- price
- coupon for 1st time sale
- statistics
- references
- give them a taste / sample of your product or service
- guarantee
- package price so people know the final price
- testimonials
- comparison charts of the competition
- go to their place of business / home
- teach them how to use your services (google calendar, shoe box to off-site bookkeeper, checklist for an accountant)
- answer all questions
- tell them what questions they need to be asking
- payment plan
- accept creditcard payments
- fast service
- confidentiality guarantee

Small business sales training should actually focus on how to help the client buy. If you are having trouble getting people to close the sale / buy from you; then stop to see how you can help your client buy.

Call for a complimentary introductory session.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Perfect Voicemails

2010-05-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Does anyone return calls from a voicemail message?

1 - A - action - tell the person that you want them to call back. Many times we leave a message but do not tell or ask anyone to call back. If they have a busy day, will they squeeze you on to their list of things to do?
2 - B - benefit - what do they get by calling you back? Tell them the advantage of calling you back or hiring you.
3 - C - cutoff - do you want them to call back today? next week? soon? before you run out of stock? before your schedule fills up?

Be sure to have a positive feeling to your message. If you are tired or grumpy then take a break before making that call.

Remember that people do not want to buy from you, they want to solve their problem.

Write down the script for your basic voicemail message and practice it.

Say your phone number twice (SLOWLY!)

To get help with your voicemail messages, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320, Fit For Business

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca

Follow-up

2010-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Follow-up

Hot leads! Warm Leads! New Leads!
Do you follow-up correctly? Most business owners and sales representatives do not follow-up at all and when they do they do not do it correctly.

1 - use the same method of communication the lead used to contact you when you respond (if they sent an e-mail, respond by e-mail before you phone)
2 - respond in a timely manner? 24 hours is the traditional acceptible time period. Definitely follow-up within a week.
3 - respond with the information they want. If their question is how much then answer that question before doing the rest of your sales pitch.
4 - use a variety of communication tools to follow-up -- mail a thank you card, e-mail, phone and even visit.
5 - track your follow-up so you know when you last contacted them and if you actually connected or not.
6 - stay on top of leads so that you do not forget anyone but do follow-up on old leads as well.
7 - respect their requests -- not ready to talk for three month then make yourself a note to call in 2 1/2 months to book that 3 month meeting.

Check out the Shape Up Your Sales Workshop offered by Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business on Tuesday, May 11th. For details, www.fitforbusiness.ca or www.fitforbusinessspring.eventbrite.com .

This sales training in Mississauga includes 3 hours of sales training for small business owners and sales reps and a one hour consultation.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Targeting your Marketing

2010-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Targeting Your Marketing

All marketing workshops and books talk about target markets. They are important because the more you know about them - the more money you save, the faster you get clients and the easier it is to get clients.

If you are selling make-up and I sen you to one networking meeting:
a) 100 ladies - you might have a chance of getting the attention of half of the people
b) 100 men - you might have a chance of getting the attention of 1 or 2 of the people
c) 50 women / 50 men - you might have a chance of getting the attention of 26 people

Which event would you go to if you were only allowed to attend one? The event that has 100 ladies would be your best option for your time, money and effort.

You can target your marketing even more than that. I challenge you to list 20 details about your target market.
- geographical area
- male / female
- age
- size of business
- are they busy? are they slow?
- are they searching for your services or have no idea you exist?

Once you have 20 ideas then stop and read them outloud. Usually a great marketing idea will jump off the page at you. Try this and send me an e-mail with your new / revised idea that jumps off the page.

Having trouble coming up with a list of 20 - book a coffee session and let's do it together.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
***sales workshops on April 27th and May 11th

Marketing Plans That Work

2010-04-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Marketing Plans That Work

Everyone talks about having a marketing plan that works. The very best marketing plans include target market details, budgets, variety of communication strategies and of course creativity. The biggest difference between a marketing plan that works and one that does not work is the implementation.

If monthly newsletters are on your marketing plan - do they go out once a month or once in awhile?
If social media is on your marketing plan - do you work it a little bit daily or on the weekends when no one will see your entries?
If phone calls are on your marketing plan - do you make at least 15 calls to live bodies everyday? Do you make 15 pro-active calls a week?

Follow and implement your marketing plan and watch your results soar!

Need help creating your marketing plan and/or implementing it, then call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business for some marketing consultations.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
**next sales training Toronto workshop is April 27th in Toronto
**next sales training Mississauga workshop is May 11th in Mississauga

Shape Up Your Sales

2010-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Categorize your contacts and leads into three categories.

1 - cold leads - never officially met or talked
2 - warm leads - you have met and / or talked; they seemed interested to know you and or your products better
3 - hot leads - they expressed an interest in your product

Boost your sales to the next level -- sign up for the next "Shape Up Your Sales" Workshop. This sales training will give you a 3 hour workshop and a one hour consultation.

See a previous blog for more details or check out our web-site at www.fitforbusiness.ca

April 27th - Toronto / May 11th - Mississauga

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter: fitforbusiness

Marketing Money is Wasted

2010-04-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Marketing Money

Are you wasting your marketing money or actually using it?
1. Was it just a deal that you can not say no to?
2. Did you get any leads?
3. Would your money be spent better with another marketing strategy?
4. Do you have a plan so all of the marketing things you do create a brand?
5. Did you say "yes" just because of who was selling it?

Use your Marketing Plan to make good use of your money -
a. Do you have a chance of getting $10 for every $1 that you spend on marketing?
b. Do you have a marketing budget? (20% of your revenue)
c. Does it focus on your target market?
d. Track the results so you know whether or not to repeat that strategy.

To determine if your marketing money is wasted, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320 to set a complimentary introductory session.

Free marketing template - just e-mail info@fitforbusiness.ca and put "marketing template" in the subject line.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter: fitforbusiness

Making A Tradeshow Work

2010-03-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Making A Tradeshow work for your business takes some planning. Do not waste your time or money unless you plan for success.
1. Confirm that your target market will attend the event.
2. Ask what advertising the event has done to get attendees.
3. Be visible - have a sign that stands up (at least on the table) Make sure people can see your info from the other side of the walkway.
4. Create handouts that match your target market.
5. Figure out how to attract people to your booth - candy, draw, fun activity.
6. Collect names of potential clients - draw, newsletter sign-up.
7. You need to be visible - stand up as much as possible.
8. Be ready - offer a smile and say hello to everyone. Do not sit and read the paper. Ask a question that helps you decide if they are a potential client.
9. Talk to people - engage people in conversation. Booths with visitors attract more visitors.
10. Follow-up

Whether a tradeshow is $50 for a small business owner at a local event or $5,000 for a national level; being prepared will help the success of the event.

To create your tradeshow plan, marketing pieces and / or staffing for your event, please call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business at 647-287-0320,

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter - fitforbusiness
linked in / facebook

Shape Up Your Sales

2010-02-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Shape Up Your Sales

Just like a fitness routine that you have to do regularly -- you need to do your sales regularly. Making a few calls a week will result in extremely slow sales. Call at least 15 people a day. If you can not make these calls yourself, then it may be tiime to consider a virtual assistant or a sales assistant.

Sign up for the next sales workshop and learn how to grow your list, connect with clients and close more sales.

Shape Up Your Sales Workshop
3 hour sales workshop
1 hour consultation

Tues. May 11th
1 - 4pm
GPO Network
5925 Airport Rd, suite 200
Mississauga
$150 plus GST

Tues. Aprl 27th
1 - 4pm
401 Bay, 16th floor
Toronto
$150 plus GST

Call today to register
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

No Dollars Marketing

2010-01-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

No Dollars Marketing

Here are some helpful ideas to market your business without spending any money from Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business.

- use a signature block on your e-mail
- make sure your voicemail has your name, your business name and try to give them a reason to leave a message
- respond to incoming newsletters and advertisements (thank you, your ad or something to help them)
- put all of your contacts in your e-mail and phone lists
- send 5 pro-active e-mails and make 5 pro-active calls a day
- have coffee with a new contact every week
- call at least one previous client for a nice chat each week
- put your business cards in all stores, coffee shops and board of trades that will let you
- send out an advertisement / introduction to a business contact to everyone on your list in trade for them to send out an ad/introduction to their list
- offer to be a guest speaker at your networking group/other groups
- volunteer for any charity but remember to tell them that you run your own business (bet they ask what you do!)
- post your product or services on some other web-sites like kijiji
- put your business listing on any internet directories that you can for free
- update your profile on all member listings that you have in books and internet directories
- linked in / Facebook / twitter – use them for business only
- find 3 other people who have the same target market and create a mailer to be sent to your target market; divide the cost by 3 and you do the work
- be the contact person for the next event
- help at least one other business owner a week with no strings attached
- tell people what to listen for in order to find you referrals
- offer a referral fee to a few people who might promote your business
- trade with someone who can get you publicity or advertising in trade for your product or service
- go knock on doors
- be sure that your close friends and family actually understand and can talk about what you do….they are going to talk anyway make sure it is helpful
- hire someone on 100% commission sales
- create a helpful handout

To get help implementing this list into your action plan – call Cheryl Rankin at 647-287-0320 to book a Brainstorming Session for your business.

Fit For Business
info@fitforbusiness.ca www.fitforbusiness.ca
Twitter: FitForBusiness / Linked In / Facebook

International Networking Day

2010-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Learn how to make your networking more useful and more profitable.

I (Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business) am presenting a workshop on "connecting for better results" at this all day event on Feb 2nd.
- learn how to connect faster and better to your potential clients
- learn how to build on your connections
- learn how Business Connection Exchange helps business owners connect
- practice connecting and make some new connections during this session

International Networking Day
Feb 2nd 9am to 8pm
Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave, Toronto, M4K 2R6
* networking mastery / marketing mastery
* a full day of business networking
* all day pass includes: morning workshops, lunch networking, afternoon workshops and evening schmooze
For tickets: Jennifer Beale, Unleash PR, 416-865-3274, jenniferbeale@unleashpr.com

Looking for events and networking meetings - call Cheryl Rankin,
647-287-0320, info@fitforbusiness.ca, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

2010 - the year to make money

2010-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

2010 - how do you make this the year that you actually make money?

Everyone starts the new year with big plans to do better than the year before. Make this year the one that works by actually do it.

1. Set up a daily routine that matches your goals
2. Find a buddy to help keep you on track
3. Divide your time into three categories (today, two weeks from now, 3 months from now)
4. Track your progress on everything (calls out, meetings, proposals - marketing results)
5. Think positively!

If you do not believe that this is your year to be successful then quit now. Believe and then get out there and make it happen.

Call me if you want to have a Brainstorming Session and get you started on the right track.

Cheryl Rankin,
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Gift Ideas that are Fit For Business owners

2009-12-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

Good morning -
I would like to help all of my contacts find and give gifts that are a good 'Fit For Business' owners. Send me your ideas (info@fitforbusiness.ca) and I will post them in this blog and share them with my contacts.

Fit For Business (Cheryl Rankin) - a banner sign for your business (647-287-0320, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/)

Stitchsations (Shaheda Bhabha) - towels with your logo, order 1 upto 100 (call 905-454-1107, http://www.stitchsations.com/)

Dana Sewell Websites (Dana Sewell) - Give yourself a website to boost your business to the next level (call 647-349-9490, http://www.danasewell.ca/ )

StemsFlorals (Debbie Visser) - Centrepieces and hostess gifts starting at $20 (call 905-450-5512, http://www.flowersgta.ca/ )

Barry Shainbaum - Give a gift of hope this Christmas: Hope & Heroes, a coffee-table book, features 47 heroes of our planet, in photographs and biographies. $20.00 (call 416-362-8028 http://www.barryshainbaum.com/ )

Wheels Of Fitness (Gwen Rose) - Ball Chair (desk chair that is great for your back!) Regularly $159.95 but on special for $139.95 and free shipping in GTA (call 416-391-4646, http://www.wheels-of-fitness.com/)

Equilibrium Lifestyle Management (Leah Epstein) - Personal Training Gift Certificates (call 416-841-2196, http://www.elifestyle.ca/ )

TraciLee's Handmade Soal (Patricia Anne Birrell) - Traci-Lee's Handmade Soap is the home of "Girl Friendly" (SLS FREE) Bubble Bath and Old Fashion natural cold process soap. (call 905-702-2523, http://www.thekissbuyinggroup.com/ )

Mariposa Concierge & Errand Services (Tania Rose) - Buy yourself or someone else some extra time (call 416-841-9721 http://www.mariposaconcierge.com/ )

Independent Party Life Consultant (Karen Dinsmore) - Candles and centrepieces make great gifts (619-746-5519, www.partylite.biz/createwarmth )

Step Into The Spotlight (Tsufit) - Book - Step Into The Spotlight - A Guide To Getting Noticed (http://www.stepintothespotlight.com/)

Mango Tango Make-Up Design (Nicki Traikos) - custom gift certificates for makeup applications or make-up (call 416-561-9515, http://www.mangotango.ca/)

Victoria DeBrun from Centum One Financial has suggested http://www.youthfulbeautifulskin.com/ .

A & M Designs (Monica Blackburn) - Web-site gift certificates (call 905-502-8649, http://www.amdesigns.ca/ )

eMarketing Coach (Boris Mahovac) - Learn the basics of blogging for business (call 905-844-4247 , http://www.hottoblogforbiz.com/ )

Dradalm Promotions (Deb Taman) - Corporate Clothing (call 905-856-9323)

ACN (Rey Manipula) - Video Phone - IRIS 3000 for $99.00 - See the person you’re talking to with Revolutionary Video Phone (call 647-668-3077, http://www.rpmtelecom499.acnrep.com/)

Havoc To Harmony (Karen Sencich) - Laminated Information Guides that can be imprinted with your marketing and/or fund-rasing message. A great employee or client recognition gift (call 905-452-7008, http://www.havoctoharmony.com/ )

Clarity Assistants (Lyen Mortensen) - Give the gift of time! Purchase a set of 4 hours of time for someone else to do your bookkeeping, office administration or errands (call 647-205-9864 http://www.clarityassistants.com/ )

Rima Maamari suggested this idea - Gluten-free gift basket / wheat free recipe book (http://www.ecochefs.com/)

Passionate Web Creations (Alison Silbert) - Book - Winning Web-sites including a complimentary 30 minute coaching session (call 905-826-5714, alison@passiionateweb.ca )

Sharon Katz - Painting kits for kids or actual paintings for you (http://www.sharronsartat.blogspot.com/ )

Power Manners (Shannon Smith) - Book - Power Manners - How to use your personal skills for business and social success (call 416-324-8955 http://www.powermanners.com/ )

Stacey Grieve - Book - "Why Are You Weighting? It's Not The Food That's Making You Fat!" and discover a whole new way and a whole new you. (call 416-463-7070 http://www.whyareyouweighting.com/ )

Gift Baskets On The Shelf (Barb Wilson) - Red Poinsetta Gift Basket (call 905-785-1951 giftbasketsontheshelf@sympatico.ca)

eWomen Network (Darla Campbell) - 2010 Fundraiser Calendar "Dreams For Women" featuring world-class female athletes competing in Vancouver Olympics - $20 (call 416-562-9082, darla@amonavi.com )

Homewell Cares Mississauga (Donna Woods) - Moving Made Easy Packages - Get $20 off the moving package for seniors (call 905-848-2273)

Marilyn Garshowitz - her book - The Brutal Truth: A personal exposé of the corrupt and abusive Canadian Government and its legal system. A feisty non-fiction book dealing with bullying and misuse of power. $30 (http://www.thebrutaltruth.ca/ or Marilyn@thebrutaltruth.ca)

Kids Lane (Josephine Makoha) - safe and educational toys for babies and toddlers (Winston Churchill & Eglington, Mississauga; http://www.kidslane.ca/ )

Supper Encounters (Patricia Bianco) - Gift Certificate for meal shopping and preparation for similar cost to doing your own groceries. Go home with meals not groceries & save time! ( http://www.supperencounters.ca/ )

World Vision (Terea Suppa) - donate to World Vision charity for a great gift idea (http://www.worldvision.ca/ )

Your Marketing Magnet (Janette Burke) - Gift Certificates for marketing / PR coaching & consulting services, starting at $150 plus taxes (call 905-882-6893 ext 1, http://www.yourmarketingmagnet.com/ )

Janett Burke suggested movie passes, popcorn and movie memorabilia

Balogh and Partners (Gabor Balogh) - Gift Card Program - they shop for a gift ofthe correct value without ever knowing the card amount (call 647-340-5112, http://www.gbalogh.ordermygift.com/ )

Lyen Mortensen suggested Jewelry from Gypsy Jewelry, specializing in unique silver, costume and designer jewelry (Sherway Gardens Mall and Oakville Mall kiosks)

ELP Designs (Evan Pleet) Colour consultation

New Empowering Ways (Christina Demeester) - Goal setting session to create the life you really want and build the career you truly deserve (call 416-924-6087, http://www.newempoweringways.com/ )

Veronica O'Connor has a cookbook - Give the art of cooking "Veronica's Caribbean Dishes" cook book (call 905-799-2939, http://www.authorhouse.com/ )

Jennifer Neal suggested a Gift Card for all occasions. Most major brands are available (http://www.jneal.ordermygift.com/ )

Jashamy Inc - 50% off all our office chair products until Dec 31, 2009 (call 416-670-0778, http://www.jashamy.com/ )

AVON (Aniko Biro) - make-up products by AVON (call 416-451-3210, avon4sale@rogers.com)

Ajax Chiropractic & Wellness (Sandra Fattibene, RMT) - Massage Gift Certificates - give the gift of health! (http://www.ajaxwelleness.com/ )

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, Brampton (Elisabeth Anniehs) - gift certificates towards a cruise (eanniehs@cruiseshipcenters.com)

ELP Designs and Space Planning (Evan Pleet) - Interior Design/Decorating and colour consultation gift certificates or first meeting discount (call 416-565-7801, http://www.elpdesigns.com/ info@elpdesigns.com )

Jim Pagiamtzis suggested a Gift Card for any occasion (call 1-866-407-7601, www.jpagiamtzis.ordermygift.com/default.aspx )

Peter McCusker (Peter McCusker Photography) A full family portrait to create a milestone of a family record for the future. Done digitally and you receive all the images on the DVD to print a you desire and keep secure for the future. (call 905-580-0658, www.weddingpicturestoronto.ca)

Tracy Matthewman (Isagenix) - Give the gift of health - Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing - Lose weight, boost health. (call 416-602-9897, http://www.whyisagenix.com)

If you need help pulling together your ideas, call me Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business, 647-287-0320, info@fitforbusiness.ca, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Holiday Parties

2009-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Holiday Parties -

No matter what Holiday Party you are invited to, you need to be ready to network. "What do you do?" is your chance but an unprepared person will waste the chance.
- keep it short
- do not offer your business card until you are asked for it
- try to peak their interest
-best if you tell a story about a successful client

Business Connection Exchange is hosting a Holiday Party for business owners on Dec. 2nd. It is open to members and guests. Everyone is welcome! For details check - www.business-connection-exchange.ca ...earlybird prices have been extended.

If you need help finding events that sut your business, call me.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

December Marketing

2009-11-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

How on earth do you get your potential client's attention during December?

1. Review the details to describe your perfect client.
2. Sale - sales definitely get attention.
3. Benefits - be very obvious in telling everyone the benefits of being a client in December.
4. Can you team up with a company that is getting lots of attention in December and market together? (Alliance Marketing)
5. Do something good and include it in your marketing -- for every sale you will donate to a charity.
6. Donate door prizes for corporate and charty events and get publicity that will help you in the future.
7. Package your products and services in a new way to attract attention to your business.
8. Rename your services to match the season.
9. How can you use the internet to get the word out for free? (gorilla marketing)

If you have a tough time creating a last minute plan for December, call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business at 647-287-0320 and get a few tips for free.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter:fitforbusiness

Links

2009-08-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Incoming links

To check how many incomng links you have -
go to google search - type links: leave a space and then type "www.yourweb-site name and the quotes on the other side.
links: "www.fitforbusiness.ca"

Paul Tobey mentioned this neat search during a presentation in Oakville.

If you are not sure how to get more incoming links - call us at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Plan

2009-08-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

What are the top three (3) things you need to get done today?
Set yourself up for success:
- write them down
- tell someone else what you need to get done
- confirm you have everything you need
- can you schedule your day to help the plan?
- start one of the things right now (even 10 minutes!)
- can you delegate to someone else to guarantee that it gets done?
- what are the consequences if you do not get the 3 things done?
- do you need a reward to motivate you to stay on track?
- be very specific what you need to get done today (just making a grocery list does not get food in your fridge)

Have a great business day!

Sign up for the Fit For Business newsletter and get lots of tips.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
twitter (fitforbusiness)

Recession Marketing

2009-07-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Is the recession slowing down your business?

Be sure to adjust your marketing to suit the times and the changing needs of your clients.

- consider adjusting your target market
- can you package your product /service in a new way? Personal Training for golfers is still personal training but it is packaged differently
- can people pay in a new way? Buy 3 sessions and save.
- partner up with another business owner to get the word out
- try new communication methods (linkedin, blogs, newsletters, twitter,etc)
- can you sell something new to the same clients?

To get a marketing action plan for the recession - call Cheryl today at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter (FitForBusiness)
info@fitforbusiness.ca
647-287-0320

Stand Out - Get More Sales

2009-07-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

What are you doing to make your business stand out in comparison to your competition?

During a recent vacation to Montana, I noticed a few businesses trying hard to stand out:
- 70% off sale at Herberger's department store
- a huge Eagle statue at the entrance to a camp ground near Glacier National Park
- a real estate agent's office is in an Art Gallery / Gift Store
- a Toy Store rents strollers for the day to travellers
- a brewery called The Great Northern Brewery Company opened a restaurant bar and recently started doing tours....because of the tours we stopped to buy lunch and a beer sampler package for two and then souvenirs
- some stores in the tourist towns have public washrooms. When washrooms are hard to find it guarantees your store visitors

Now what about your business - what can you do to stand out in the crowd?
Stand out in a crowd and get more attention and get possible clients to check out your business and in the long run get sales. Boost your sales by using your marketing to stand out.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
* now on twitter (FitForBusiness)

Fit For Business

2009-06-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Tell me - is your business "Fit For Business"?

Is your business working at its best?

Is your business making as much money as you expected?

Are you living the life that you expected?

Take time today and write down your goals and expectations for your business. When you write things down remember that all successes are not many years in the future. If your business is going to be the one you dream of then you need to have a success today; you need to have a success this week and of course you need to have a success this month. It does no good to have a long term goal and not a clue which path to start on. The path to your success will change along the way but you need to start down the path today.

If one of your big challenges is 'sales' then please check out our upcoming sales workshops. As business consultants in the Toronto area, we focus on growing your business to the next level. www.fitforbusiness.ca

Cheryl Rankin

Fit For Business

647-287-0320

fitforbusiness.ca

info@fitforbusiness.ca

twitter: fitforbusiness / linkedin / facebook

Shape Up Your Sales Workshop / Consultation

2009-06-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Need more clients?
Need to boost your closing ratio?
Not sure if your sales process is working?

3 hour workshop - Discussion will include some sales and marketing tips to shape up your sales and make your profits more fit. Many tips and hints from her presentation at an international conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
* Create the optimanl connection with your client
* Improve the client's commitment to buying
* Use action provoking messages
* match media options to your budget and market

1 hour consultation - continue the discussion with all of the focus on your business.

Register Today and let's get you some more sales!

June 23rd
1 - 4pm
GPO Network Offices
5925 Airport Rd, suite 200

September 17th
1 - 4pm
GPO Network Offices
5925 Airport Rd, suite 200

Cheryl Rankin
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Business Consulting Boosts Business

2009-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered who can help you grow your business but not sure who you should ask for help?

If you are not sure what help you need then consider getting a Business Fit Test from Fit For Business and identify the needs of your business and the opportunities of your business.

Fit For Business consultants can help your business with everything from the business plan to activate the business, business cards (marketing design / printing) and consulting for your operations.

Our favourite service to deliver is "Brainstorming For Business". Book a one hour session to confirm who your target market is; how do we get their attention and how do we get them to buy.

Olympic athletes and pro-athletes have coaches so why don't you? Call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business to book a complimentary, introductory session today!

Cheryl Rankin,
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Newsletters

2009-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Newsletters -

Business owners are using newsletters more than ever in an attempt to keep in touch with their clients and potential clients. Just sending out something does not guarantee a positive response.

In order to help boost the usefulness of your newsletter:
1 - decide what is the purpose of your newsletter
2 - how can you be helpful?
3 - highlight one services or product
4 - tell the reader what you wnat them to do -- call you / buy something / tell a friend
5 - give them a deadline - call today! Come in this week....
6 - what is the benefit of them dealing with you? tell them -- if you want to grow your business then call Cheryl, Fit For Business at 647-287-0320; if you want better newsletters....

Avoid
- too much info
- a high pressure sales pitch
- only selling something everytime

To boost the effectiveness of your newsletter and/or grow your business, please call Cheryl, Fit For Business and arrange a business consultation to discuss your needs.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
info@fitforbusiness.ca
647-287-0320

Baskin Robbins has a great promotion

2009-03-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Baskin and Robbins .31cent Scoop Night is an abosultely great promotion to attract attention to their business. They have included everything - an unbelieveable price, connection to a charity and of course fun!

What are you doing in your business to attract attention? If you are not attracting attention then it is impossible to stand out above your competition. No one will find you.

Baskin and Robbins .31cent Scoop Night
April 29th 5 - 10pm

Bring your family and friends to the 3rd annual31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins(TM) to showyour support for firefighters and enjoy scoops ofyour favourite ice cream for 31 cents.
As a thank you to our customers and the firefighters who protect them, Baskin-Robbins is donating$10,000 to Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.All collected consumer donations will be used by CFFF to build the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa.
- 2.5 oz. scoops are 31 cents plus tax where applicable, limit three scoops per person.

To attract attention to your business, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320 to book a Brainstorming For Business session.

Cheryl
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Social Media / Networking

2009-03-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Putting a new spin on networking -

Whether you offer professional services, specialized products aimed at other businesses or consumer goods, social media can give you great visibility.
Social media is the term used for communities of people interacting through a website, by posting comments, pictures, videos or audio. Integrating social media into your marketing strategy can help keep you in touch with current and potential customers, with suppliers, colleagues and other stakeholders.

5 tips for effective use of social media
1. Set clear goals and processes
2. Focus on quality over quantity
3. Think give, not take
4. Put your best foot forward
5. Be linkable - Link to other sites, and make it easy for others to link to your site.

Business networking These networking sites are designed with professionals in mind. They allow you to make connections with people you know and make new contacts
gain visibility discuss issues, such as investment techniques, with other professionals
post jobs and hire personnel find business advice.
Examples of this type of site include LinkedIn, Ryze, FastPitch, and Naymz. There are also sites that are specially tailored for small businesses, such as My Cubicle Space.

This article was posted in the BDC newsletter for March 2009. To see the complete article -

http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/articles/social_media.htm?cookie%5Ftest=1

To get help including networking in your marketing plan, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin

Fit For Business

647-287-0320

info@fitforbusiness.ca

www.fitforbusiness.ca

Learn How To Brainstorm!

2009-03-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Is Your Business Stuck?

Not Sure Which Idea To Use?

How Can You Market And Cut Back On The Budget At The Same Time?

I have teamed up with Otto schmidt, Accents On Skills for a great workshop on Brainstorming or Business Owners.

Here is the flyer with all of the details:
http://iclaro.com/users/17237/downloads/Spring%20Training%202009.pdf

Tell us you saw this blog and save 50%!

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
6472-873-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Recession Marketing

2009-03-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Recession Marketing -
Marketing that is fit enough for the recession

Recession marketing is not the same as marketing in regular times. Is your marketing fit enough for the recession? Are your messages working? Are you attracting the attention of possible clients? Are they becoming clients?

Being aware of the challenges and opportunities of your business and industry will open the door for great possibilities. In a recession, clients are reluctant to enter into long term commitments. The fitness industry faces the challenge of getting clients to commut to memberships. Knowing this, a few fitness centres have adopted ‘pay as you go programs’ and are being successful at it. They have adjusted how they sell their service reacting to an opportunity that the industry created.

Your business is based on meeting the needs of your target market. What if your current target market no longer needs or wants your services. Do you close the business? If you always delivered long term personal training to people who needed your assistance to loose weight and get back into shape; you may need to adjust and do personal training for weekend athletes who think they can do it themselves.

The big thing about Recession Marketing is change or you will have no clients. Do not stop marketing or your clients will go to your competition. Adjust your marketing to keep your clients and attract new ones.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
www.fitforbusiness.ca
info@fitforbusiness.ca
*sign up for our free newsletter - www.fitforbusiness.ca

Database Management

2009-03-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I spoke to a great networking group in Newmarket - Executive Mentors. My topic was database managment. Do you have a business card collection in a shoe box? Do you have any idea how much money and time that shoe box cost you? Do you understand that if the only place that you have your contact information for those other business owners is in the shoe box then it is worth nothing.

Try to stay on top of inputting the contact info everyday. If you go to a big event and you can not deal with it at the time then I would suggest putting the cards in a baggie and labelling it so you know where you met those people.

Watch for e-mails that have new contact info.

Never give up on the contacts....go ahead and put them in your list. Just tell people where you met and then get on with building your business relationship.

Database management is important to get contact info and continues with your tracking on all interactions with a potential client.

Get your system in place to bring your database upto date. If you need help setting up your system or actually inputting your data - call Cheryl at 647-287-0320.

Speaking Opportunities

2009-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Do you have anything to share? Can you help other people by giving a presentation?

If you have something positive to share then get out there and do it. Have you spoken to your own networking group? Does your networking group have other chapters?

To get more speaking engagements:
1. Finish your speaking engagements by telling people that you would like more speaking opportunities.
2. Ask in your 1 minute introductions.
3. Tell people where you have spoken and it might help them think of a new opportunity for you.
4. Write about your speaking engagements in your blog, newsletter or web-site.

Recently I spoke for the City Of Toronto's Enterprise Toronto program and I am scheduled to speak to a group of business owners in the Town Of Ajax. When I told a business friend that I was excited about these opportunities, she booked me to speak to her group in March.

If you know any business groups that would like a speaker who can share ideas on how to grow your business, marketing and/or sales, then please pass along my name.

Thank you,
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
www.fitforbusiness.ca
info@fitforbusiness.ca
*sign up for my newsletter on my web-site

1 Minute Intro

2009-02-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Infomercial / Elevator Pitch / Business Introduction

A 1 minute introduction to your business is mandatory for your business. Include the basics like your name, your business name, what do you do and what problem do you solve for your clients. Add in some special things like 1) why you are better than your competition, 2) why are you different than your competition (unique selling proposition) or 3) who is your target market.

Use your 1 minute to try to get the attention of your audience. Do not sell anything!
Most business owners should use the 1 minute to buy enough time from their audience to get a coffee meeting where they can do their sales pitch.

What impression do you want to leave your audience with? Now write your 1 minute to give that impression.

Practice your 1 minute so it is automatic.

If you need help with your 1 minute introduction, please call Cheryl at Fit For Business to book a phone consultation. She can be reached at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Better than fine in '09

2009-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Business Owners want the prospects to choose them over their competition. If you are just fine then you will not get chosen and your business will not grow.

Start the year off right and be "better than fine in'09".

1. Stand out from your competition.
- is your tag line memorable?
- does your marketing stand out?
- how helpful can you be to your contacts?
- do you have a better price, better service, better product?
2. Make all parts of the business as professional as possible.
3. Promise what you plan to deliver.
4. Deliver what you promised and a bit more.
5. What do you do that impresses your clients? Do it again!

If you want to be "better than fine in'09" and grow your business, please call me for a complimentary introductory session.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Who are you calling?

2008-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Who will you be calling today?

The National Do Not Call list and your small business.

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) will launch Today September 30, 2008. Scott Kendall, The Technology Coach sent the following e-mail. I thought it was so helpful that I asked if I could share it with you.

The Do Not Call List is designed to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and faxes Canadian consumers receive. Key facts for Small Business Owners!Telemarketers are those who make calls or send faxes to sell or promote a product or service, or to request donations. Exempt telemarketers include registered charities, newspapers, political parties, as well as organizations that conduct market research, polls and surveys.

Are YOU a telemarketer?If you make calls or send faxes to sell or promote a product or service, or to request donations, then you are a telemarketer."But I only make warm calls, Follow up when clients / customers request it or I was calling because I was given your name as a referral!"According to the CRTC "Telemarketing" means the use of telecommunications facilities to make unsolicited telecommunications for the purpose of solicitation.But you might be exempt! Click here to read my Blog this week and find out if the rules apply to you and under what circumstances.

Scott Kendall

The Technology Coach

www.TheTechnologyCoach.ca

scottk@thetechnologycoach.ca

Office 905-366-8234

To discuss how to market your business without phone calls, call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business at 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin

Fit For Business

647-287-0320

info@fitforbusiness.ca

http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Do it right the first time!

2008-09-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

When we try to rush to get things done, many little things go wrong which slow us down. In the majority of situations like this we actually have to redo our work.

My son came home the other day very upset that the teacher did not like his title page that he completed in less than 1 minute. In the evening, when he started the project he said "it will only take a couple of minutes". We suggested he slow down and do it right the first time and not risk having to redo it yet again.

His finished title page looked great and it did not take as much time as he imagined.

Slow down!
Do it right!
Your attention will focus on the project!
Your productivity and accuracy will go up!

Whether it is recording a new business contacts phone number in the correct spot the first time or filing things in the correct place - do it right the first time and watch your business grow.

Check our web-site for upcoming info on "Shape Up Your Sales" workshop and consultation. This sales training workshop will help small businesses grow.

Cheryl
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Routines

2008-09-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is September and everyone is getting back into school routines, fitness routines, but have they also figured out their business routines.

Little things that can make a big difference in a business success can easily slip through the cracks whether life is just busy or whether things like summers and vacations get in the way.

This blog has not received any attention from me since the start of the summer. It is part of my marketing and communication plan so in addition to consulting my clients on routines sometimes I have to consult myself.

To get your business in a routine -
1. Determine how each duty impacts the big goal.
2. Clarify how often this duty is necessary.
3. Who is doing each duty?
4. What is the most productive time to do the duty? Phone calls at lunchtime and dinnertime usually produce lower results. E-mail newsletters sent on Mondays get lost in the weekend in-box.
5. Schedule in the duties - be sure to set any electronic schedules to repeat. Write it down for this week and all the weeks until Christmas.
6. Set up a reminder system - do you send yourself an e-mail whose delivery is delayed until the correct time? Do you have it in your daily schedule that you review daily? Do you have a business buddy who will check on you?

Routines can increase the productivity of all apsects of your business - start today! Do not wait for tomorrow.

Call Cheryl at Fit For Business if you need help clarifying your business plan for the next few weeks.

647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Great Promotional Product

2008-06-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

I attended 'Powernetworking' lunch meeting yesterday and won a door-prize. I was extremely impressed with my prize from Janet Auty-Carlisle of Living La Vida Fearless. Janet is a life coach who always says that she helps people talk about, deal with and plan for the 'elephant in the room'. In other words she helps you with your big challenges.

Now that prize - it is writing paper made from Elephant Dung. I am not joking - elephant dung. The purchase of this paper actually helps protect elephants in Thailand. There was even a pen that looks like a branch with an elephant on it.

Too many business owners never bother to find a good match for a give-away or a door-prize. Janet has found a product that totally matches her business and her philosphy.

Thank you so much for the gift Janet.

If you need help choosing the right promotional item, please call Cheryl at Fit For Business 647-287-0320.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Emergency Preparedness WeekEmergency Preparedness Week is May 4th to 10th. What do you need to do?

2008-04-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Good evening -

How ready are you for an emergency? Michael from Business Continuity & Recovery Services sent me this info that I want to share....

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4th to 10th. What do you need to do?

Once again Emergency Preparedness Week is coming up. This is a national, annual event that tries to make people aware that there are things that they need to do to prepare for an emergency.

The Canadian government publishes pamphlets and checklists that outline what steps families can take to prepare themselves to respond to an emergency event in their community.

The government suggests that you prepare to survive on your own for 72 hours. This means having enough food, water, supplies and other personal items that you need to continue without assistance for at least the first 72 hours after an emergency declaration.

I would recommend that you actually prepare for a longer time frame as the emergency services will be busy handling the emergency and restrictions of your mobility may be put into place. There will be difficulty in getting groceries and other supplies into the stores and you may not be able to get to the stores at all depending on the nature of the emergency.

Don’t forget your pets during an emergency, they need food and water as well. Also should an evacuation need to take place, you will have to consider where you will go and how your pets will be received and taken care of.

More information can be obtained at the Getprepard.ca website, including downloadable checklists and other information.

Michael Wilkovesky (http://www.continuityrecovery.com/)

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/

Tradeshows

2008-04-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Tradeshow booths can be very expensive for a small business budget. Have you tried just attending the tradeshow? Recently I attended two tradeshows as an attendee and I made some great connections and came back with some hot leads.

Walk the tradeshow floor slowly. Say Hello to every booth worker / owner. I sugges entering every draw. If you think one booth is a possible client for you then ask them for more details about what they do. Hopefully you get a chance to introduce yourself but if you do not then end the conversation with "I would love to talk to you more about your products and maybe at that time I can tell you about mine" and hand them your business card.

Any incoming e-mails or phone calls from the vendors, I always thank them for their information and then send them mine. I have started some great business relationships this way.

Be sure to phone any of those leads within a week.

If you can not fit a tradeshow booth in your budget then squeeze in the admission price and go as an attendee.

Call me if you need some help deciding which tradeshows to attend.

Cheryl Rankin
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Getting In Shape

2008-02-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Fit For Business helps people get their business in shape (grow it to the next level). Cheryl had an article published in Fitness Experts Magazine that gives everyone fitness tips and business tips so that both parts of your life get healthier.

To read this article - http://iclaro.com/users/17237/downloads/fit_for_business%20jan%2008.pdf

If you prefer you can go to our web-site - www.fitforbusiness and look under news for the article.

We would like to remind you that the better your health is the easier it is to grow your business and the better your business is the easier it is to squeeze in your workouts and relaxation time.

Please read this article and give us feedback on how helpful it is for you. In appreciation of your feedback, we would like to offer you a complimentary phone "Brainstorming For Business" session ($100 value). E-mail your feedback to fitforbusiness@rogers.com .

Have a great business day!

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Parties and Networking

2007-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

Parties and networking

Last night Business Connection Exchange and Biznetwork News (www.biznetworknews.com)teamed up to host a great corporate Christmas Party for small business owners - "2007 Small Business Holiday Party".

Nine chapters had members who attended the event. Wow! Check the web-site for some pictures - www.business-connection-exchange.ca.

Fourteen companies sponsored our event. Thank you for helping to make it a success. We have the sponsors listed below - please support our sponsors.

Networking automatically started since everyone in the room was either a small business owner or a guest of a small business owner. Lots of great business connections happened at the Holiday Party.

But, what do you do at a holiday party when it is not a business event?

- Have business cards handy but only give them out after talking about your business

- Be ready with a really short business introduction (30 sec or 1 min)

- Ask other people what they do and you will create the opportunity to tell them what you do

- Remember that you get the best connections when you help the other person

- Do not push your luck, if it is not a business event do not expect business networking.

Enjoy your parties and listen for the opportunities to network about your business products and services.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cheryl Rankin

Fit For Business

647-287-0320

fitforbusiness@rogers.com

www.fitforbusiness.ca

Workshops / Think Tanks

2007-10-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Reach a new Business level!
• F a l l B u s i n e s s T r a i n i n g S e r i e s
Fit For Business is teaming up with other great training providers to deliver a series of sessions that will help your business reach the next level. These topics are designed to provide you with new ideas, new information and new strategies to help revitalize your existing business and improve your profits.
• 1 session - $25 plus GST
7:30 am – 9:00 am, Four Points By Sheraton, 2501 Argentia Road, Mississauga
October 26th
e-marketing
(The Technology Coach/Fit For Business)
November 9th
blogging for business
(The Technology Coach/Fit For Business)
November 23rd
turning your
customers into
your sales force
(Willowtree Customer Service/
Fit For Business)

Business Think Tank Series
* 1 session - $30 plus GST (includes 3 course lunch); 11:30- 1pm, West 50 Restaurant, 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga
October 19th
informercials that work!
(Actors in Motion/
Fit For Business)
November 2nd
strategies to become
a business rebel
(Think Strategies/
Fit For Business)
November 16th
marketing magic
(Altimeter Design/
Fit For Business)
November 30th
how to get the most
out of your small
business technology
(The Technology Coach/
Fit For Business)

Pre-register by calling Cheryl at 647-287-0320, fitforbusiness@rogers.com; For more details, please see the web-site - www.fitforbusiness.ca.

New Networking

2007-10-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Networking is a great way to market your company thanks to the personal touch and of course the power of word of mouth marketing. Are all of the networking events the same these days?

It is up to you to make each networking event useful. The easiest and fastest way to get results from networking events is to help other people.

Find out what type of people they want to meet and help to introduce them to others in the room. You now have two people who will remember you and in tunr also try to help you. Sometimes a good idea for someone else is just as good as your sales pitch for your own business. They will remember you and in turn will try to use your services or give you a referral.

A happy client tells one or two people about your business, while a grumpy one tells thirteen people. Even a contact at a networking event who is pleased with your help will tell one or two more people about your business. Be memorable for good reasons - help other people when you see them at networking events.

Use networking to grow your business to the next level. In many cases, networking is faster, and less expensive than advertising.

Join Fit For Business for the current workshops and/or think tanks every Friday. Details are on the web-site - www.fitforbusiness.ca.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

No time for networking?

2007-09-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

I was telling someone about the business networking lunch that I am going to be chairing starting on October 3rd and their reaction was "I do not have time to network". Wow! I was impressed - too many clients to network - well actually no they do not have too many clients. They are too busy looking for clients to network.

I put on my trainer/teaching hat and decided to explain why I network --- here is how it went...

How often do your clients purchase your product or service based on your initial interaction? Never. Ok then, do your clients need to trust you and know you a little bit before buying from you? Definitely!

When you attend a networking event regularly you get the chance to safely develop a relationship with many other business owners. As their trust in you develops, they may consider buying from you. The best part about the repetitive nature of networking comes when the person trusts you enough to put their own name on the line and give you a referral.

To take full advantage of networking - tell people who your target market is and what types of things they should listen for. If you hear someone say - I have no plan then I want you to have them call me at Fit For Business.

Even though it takes awhile to start generating leads, connections and/or referrals; it is totally worth the effort. If you need any help in setting up your networking plan, call me and we will sit down and talk about it over coffee.

The group that I will be chairing on Wednesdays at lunch is Business Connection Exchange - Toronto Downtown. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 12 - 1:30pm; Town & Country Restaurant, 190 Queen's Quay at Sherbourne, $15 / buffet and free parking.

If you are available on Wed. Oct 3rd and/or Wed. Oct 17th, then please let me know and get it in your schedule. Make time for networking and in the long run you will save time searching for clients.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.blogspot.com

Grow your business?

2007-08-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to grow your business?

I have been invited to speak at a business networking event in Toronto - come and introduce your business and learn some helpful tips at the same time.

Come out to the Business Connection Exchange - Toronto monthly education series being held the third Friday of every month as part of our weekly meetings. On these weeks a guest speaker will talk for 30 minutes and give you practical business building suggestions. In addition, you will get an opportunity to do an infomercial. We meet at:
Coleman's Deli
3085 Bathurst Street
Toronto (one block north of Lawrence on the east side) from
7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
Cost is $11.00.
Our Guest Speaker on Friday, August 17, 2007 is Cheryl Rankin, President of Fit For Business (http://fitforbusiness.ca ). Her topic is Marketing Tips to Jump Start your Business. You will leave the meeting with at least one one tip / technique you can use to get new customers right away!

Future topics will include: Why do people buy what you sell?, a 3 man panel on How to Build Your Business the "Right" Way, meet an executive coach and learn the techniques he uses with his clients, learn how to double, triple, or even quadruple your sales and profits over the next year, learn how to use technology to work smarter and generate more leads and sales, and much more….

For more information contact:

Heather FreedGroup, Life & Health Insurance Specialist
"Insure your Freedom"Heather@Freed.cawww.freed.ca416-806-5478

Thank you for the invitation Heather - this invitation is open to everyone so please check your calendars and come to meet other business owners, promote your business and learn a tip or two so you can grow your business.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
www.fitforbusiness.ca
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
647-287-0320

Shape Up Your Sales!

2007-08-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have strong sales for your business?
Are your sales numbers going up as planned?
Do your sales go in cycles?
Do you have enough sales presentations?

Check out this helpful article about shaping up your sales - http://www.womencandoanything.com/content/view/361/71/. It is on the web-site - Women Can Do Anything.

Call Cheryl at 647-287-0320 to book a sales training session to shape up your sales.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

e-marketing workshop/networking

2007-07-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

E-Marketing Business Training –
July 12th 7:45am – 9am,
Central Library, Mississauga

Implementing an Electronic Marketing program is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies a small business owner can implement and manage all on their own.

Scott Kendall – The Technology Coach will present e-marketing from Contact Database and Customer Relationship Management Systems, to eNewsletters, Blogs, Podcasting and even Websites. Whether you are looking for hands on control or a completely automated solution, Scott will introduce you to eMarketing to stay in touch with current contacts, reach new ones and ultimately grow your business!

Cheryl Rankin – Fit For Business will present how to effectively integrate your marketing messages into your eMarketing plan. How often should you send out a newsletter? Who do you send your newsletter to? What do you put in a blog? How do you get people to go to you web-site? How do you get people visiting your web-site to call you? Cheryl will give you lot of tips and hints for your e-marketing plan.

Space is limited, register today! Call Cheryl at 647-287-0320

Summer Business Seminars

2007-07-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Reach a new business level!
S u m m e r B u s i n e s s T r a i n i n g S e r i e s

Fit For Business is teaming up with six other great training providers to deliver a series of
sessions that will help your business reach the next level. These topics are designed to
provide you with new ideas, new information and new strategies to help revitalize your
existing business and improve your profits.

• 1 session - $25 plus GST • 3 or more sessions - $75 plus GST

7:45 am – 9am, Central Library, Mississauga

For more details check www.fitforbusiness.ca
Call today to register for these great 1 hour training/networking sessions,
call Cheryl at 647-287-0320.

July 12th - e-marketing
(The Technology Coach/Fit For Business)

July 19th - new view on numbers
(Aldo Sistilli Accounting/Fit For Business)

July 26th - professional presentations
(Actors In Motion/Fit For Business)

Aug 9th - branding bootcamp
(Wildworks Graphic Design/Fit For Business)

Aug 16th - turning risks into opportunities
(Business Continuity & Recovery Services/Fit For Business)

Aug 23th - strategies to become a business beach bum
(Thinc Strategies/Fit For Business)

To register call
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Topnotch Ideas for Tradeshows

2007-06-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this great article by Carol and wanted to share it with everyone. Check below for a short version of the article and see her web-site for the long version. If you need any help designing your tradeshow plan, call me and then Carol can do the logistics side of things. Thank you for the wonderful tips Carol!

Tips for the Trade Show Exhibitor
By Carol D'Alessandro (http://www.logisticsassoc.com)

Exhibiting at a Trade Show offers a unique and powerful selling opportunity; a unique opportunity to begin a relationship with your potential customers. We want you to have a successful and enjoyable Trade Show Experience and hope you will find the following tips helpful.
Tips for the Expert and (First Time) Trade Show Exhibitor
· Pre-show preparation
a. Write down your tradeshow goals
b. Attract qualified leads to your booth;
i. through direct invitations with free passes;ii. pre-show promotion "visit our booth for an opportunity to WIN ,"Dinner for Two"
At the Show: CLARITY, CLARITY, CLARITY
Clarity is the most important point. You want to make it very clear...∙
WHO you are; ∙
WHY you are there, and ∙
WHY someone would want to stop and talk to you.
Within 4-7 seconds of spotting your booth people should know exactly ∙ WHAT is in it for them, and∙ WHAT you do
· Create your own unique space... use a table top display or a large 10" X 10" format print image to use as a backwall
The job of the backwall is:a. To attract the attention of people passing by
b. To project an appropriate image for your company,
c. To impress people and provide a quick glimpse of what you offer
· Be creative; you want to people to look and say WOW!
· Keep it simple …you want to keep the set–up and take down to a minimum; this is another reason to purchase a proper display; portability and WOW at the same time.
· At many events you will be required to set-up the day before. Arrive at the event early. When you are sure your booth is ready take a walk around the event floor. Be your own critic…..Can your booth sign be spotted from across the room? Does your space shout…WOW!! or is it only a "whisper"? Does it look attractive, snappy and funky? Ask a fellow exhibitor's opinion. Does he know instantly who you are and what you do?·
Now that you've got people at your booth have a give-away (pens; caps; brochures, anything with your logo and contact info on it.)
· Have a gift basket for a door prize or if the door prize is a "Dinner for Two" you will want to have a large enough sign; and always have a fish bowl or somewhere for attendees to deposit their business card.
· Remember why you are there!
Good Luck!

Strong Summer Sales

2007-06-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon -

I just got off the phone from presenting a tele-seminar for Women In A Home Office. The topic "Strong Summer Sales" was a very popular one because many businesses experience a slowdown in sales during the summer. Here are a few notes from our tele-seminar that may help you:
- don't give up on the summer, if you are pro-active you can help set yourself up for success
- your clients go on vacation but not all at the same time
- stay in touch with current clients with phone calls, newsletters and blogs
- create a special summer promotion to get them to buy now
- create some new exposure for your business by wearing clothing that advertises your business or donating a prize to a golf tournament
- can you give people samples so they can test it out
- find partners so that you can advertise their products and they will advertise yours (no cost!)
- do you have any new services that you can offer people?
- summer may be the perfect time for your client to buy so tell them why they should buy now (get them ready for September, save money, time to implement the ideas)

To listen to this tele-seminar then check the web-site www.womeninahomeoffice.com.

To book a Brainstorming For Business session for your summer plan, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320.

Enjoy your summer!
Cheryl
Fit For Business
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Volunteering that pays

2007-05-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning -

Have you ever wondered if volunteering pays or does it just feel good? Recently I have managed to get myself on five different committees which involve volunteer time commitments.

The biggest commitment has been to my networking group - Business Connection Exchange. I helped organize a business networking evening on May 16th. 175 people attended this event in Mississauga. We had Minister Takhar (Small Business & Entrepreneurship) welcome everyone and Donna Messer (Connect Us Canada) was our speaker.

In addition to inviting the speakers, I was the contact for the tickets and coordinating the set-up. All of our members were volunteering so I was not doing it along but when my phone did not stop ringing for three days straight and I had not made any calls for my business I started to second guess the value in volunteering.

The event was not over and I was already pleased that I had volunteered. #1 the event was a success which means our members are extremely happy. #2 I had booked a few meetings to introduce my business to some new contacts and 3# I had a referral for another good lead.

One week later I am still very pleased with the on-going results of my volunteer time. In the long run I think I will get more business from my volunteering than if I had spent the time marketing my business.

Remember - volunteering is positive marketing that helps you create relationships and trust with people who you may do business with in the future. I suggest that every gets involved in your networking group - not just as a participant but as a volunteer.

Have a great business day!

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Build your business through networking

2007-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Good evening –

Promote your business through word of mouth marketing. Save your business money and build it at the same time. You can be a good salesman for your business – just talk to people. All participants at a networking event will listen to your 1 minute business introduction if you will listen to theirs. It is time to try networking - you will like the results.

Here are some great networking opportunities:
1 - Business Connection Exchange – Mississauga
Meet & Greet – May 16th
Over 150 small business owners expected – we had 150 last time!
www.thetechnologycoach.ca/bcx
2 - Business Connection Exchange – Mississauga
Tuesday morning breakfast meetings
7:30 – 9am
Cora’s Restaurant - 4120 Dixie Road between Rathburn & Burnhamthorpe Rd on the west side
No charge for first time guests

3 – Business Connection Exchange – 10 other chapters
www.business-connection-exchange.ca

4 – Women’s networking event (WINGS-Oakville)
Tuesday, June 12th 9am

5 – Women’s networking event (Roaring Women-Mississauga)
Wednesday, June 13th evening

6 – Women’s networking event (Women In A Home Office)
May 17th, 9 am

For more details about any of these events, please call me at 647-287-0320. If you need to practice your one minute business introduction before networking or need to create a one page marketing flyer for these events, call me.
Cheryl RankinFit For Business647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.blogspot.com

Women In A Home Office

2007-05-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to Anne Stone from Women In A Home Office who invited me to be the guest speaker for their tele-seminar on Sales and Marketing For Small Businesses. We had a great discussion on how to improve your sales and marketing without spending alot of money. The really neat thing was that some people were in Ontario and there were people all the way to Calgary, Alberta.

I have never been to a networking meeting that covered so much distance. If you hate traveling to your networking meetings or training sessions, consider Women In A Home Office networking group and/or consider setting up your own tele-meetings. It was neat!

I think we may do another tele-seminar on June 15th - watch for details coming soon.

Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Target Your Marketing

2007-05-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon -

I am working with a new client on a marketing plan. Step 1 was to identify his target market. "He said businesses". Be really specific about your target market.
Is there a geographical area?
Male vs female?
Do they know your product?
Are they looking for your product?
What size of business?
Does the business rent a store location?
Who runs the business? (the owner or a worker)
Is there a time of year that they look for your product?
What problem do they have that you can solve?
Where do your potential clients buy other products?
Where do your potential clients network?
Who else sells to your potential clients?
How else do they solve their problem? (order on-line, order by catalog, read a book, etc)
Do you potential clients know they have a problem?

As you can see - the more information that you know about your client the better. Organize this information so that you can find some opportunities for marketing and some sales strategies to attract their attention to your business.

If you need help identifying your target market, please call me at 647-287-0320 to set up a complimentary introductory session.

Cheryl
www.fitforbusiness.ca

Shape Up Your Sales

2007-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share an article that I just had published in Fitness Experts Magazine, April 2007 issue. I posted it on my web-site - www.fitforbusiness.ca. Even if you are not in the fitness industry this article can help your business grow your sales to the next level.

I did include this article in my April Business Fit Tip/newsletter. If you would like to receive this helpful newsletter for small business owners, please e-mail me at fitforbusiness@rogers.com.

Have a wonderful day!
Cheryl, Fit For Business

Fit For Business

2007-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning -

I am Cheryl, Fit For Business. I am a business consultant who likes to compare myself to a personal trainer. A trainer takes care of your whole body from head to toe - that is what I do for your business. I shape up your sales; add muscle to your marketing; tighten your budget and make your business healthier.

I am going to use this blog to pass along useful information to business owners so that their business will grow and they will reach the next business level. You can ask questions that will help your specific business and when I share the answer, it may help many other business owners.

As a business consultant, I do suggest that my clients take advantage of any technology that will save them time, save them money and in the long run - make them money. I think that this blog will give me another opportunity to pass along this information at no expense to you or me.

My monthly newsletters / Business Fit Tips are also posted on my web-site - www.fitforbusiness.ca.

Do you have any business questions? Please post any questions here on this blog and I will respond to them through the blog and help your business reach the next level.

Hope we will cross paths often. Have a great business Day!

Cheryl Rankin,
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
fitforbusiness@rogers.com
www.fitforbusiness.ca