May 31st 2009

Dear

Have you ever wondered about credit card fraud?  I know many people are afraid to use their credit card on the internet for fear that the site is not secure - or that somehow someone can get the number for the card and purchase something over er the internet without their knowledge.

This morning (Sunday), I received a call from Capital One - one of the companies that manages one of the credit cards I carry.  They asked if I had made a purchase this morning over the internet of $268.98.  I told them that I had not.  Someone had tried to use the card number over the internet.

Read the rest here.

Also, members, be sure to access the new members' only webinar in the member's area on identifying 'phishing' emails.

Overworked?  Spending too much time at your desk?

I saw this great message on the door of an entrepreneur's office recently.  If you a feeling a little overworked - this might just cheer you up! 

Have you said HELLO lately? (it's the HELLO contest!)

I have a challenge for you!  This week - contact ANY member that you do not know.  Then tell us your story.  We will feature the one story next week.  And the person who sends us the best story will win one month of free advertising on the site.

New Services - and easier to navigate!

Our services pages are so much easier to navigate.  You can easily choose the area you are interested in - and all the links to all the related pages are there.  Check them out:

All Business Services, All Coaching Services, All Member Services, Our Experts, Recommended Services and ROAR Boards

Have an adventurous and profitable week!  Remember - what you think upon grows... what will you focus on?

Mandie Crawford and the Roaring Women Team

Open for business?

Are you open for business?  Is your company still in business?  Do your customers know?

During tough economic times, many people cut back on their marketing efforts.  May think that they are saving money this way.  Unfortunately this has a negative effect on their cash flow.  What really happens is that people forget about you.  ( who was that painter again - hmmmm I thought I had their card here)

I frequently remind business owners that they need to stay in front of their audience.  Cutting back or completely eliminating your marketing has a negative effect on your cash flow. 

It's kind of like this.  The audience shows up for the show - but the main act (or supporting acts) never arrives.  So, what are you doing to stay in front of your audience?

Studies have shown that those companies that continue (or increase) their marketing efforts during recessions or tight times, increase their sales by 30% over their competition after the recession ends. 

 NOTE: The increase comes after the recession. 

The best way to continue your marketing efforts if you are feeling the economic pinch is to:

• Follow up with all your clients - even if it is just to say hello
• Survey your clients to see if there is any way you can help them
• Keep them informed of trends or changes in the industry you are in
• Ask your peers for referrals
• Ask you customer for referrals
• Network more.  That's right - get out there and let people know that you are still in business.  Read about networking in your area here

Following up with a thank you is one of the most effective ways to let your clients know you care - and to let them know you are still in business.

You can read more information about a customer follow-up product that you can access for as  little as $.85 a client.  (less than a cup of coffee!)

This means that to follow up with 30 clients you will only have to invest $25.50.  If only one person calls to purchase something from you - you have benefited even more. 

The question remains though.. are you open for business?  Unless you let your clients know you are still out there - they will forget about you.  So, keep marketing and stay in front of your audience!

Have a n abundant and profitable week!

Mandie Crawford
President
1 (888) 726-3361