Tim Bursch

Today a reminder to just be.

(via @chrisbrogan)

Here’s to some peace in your week.

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Do you ever get a sales pitch by email? I received one recently that totally missed the target. It was confusing, had too much information, and did not compel me to any action. I wonder how many pitches get deleted or ignored daily?

How do you get people’s attention in an email?

• Be clear. Start with clarity in the subject line. Let the reader know what you are asking.
• Be concise. Don’t waste people’s time. Get to the point quickly.
• Call to action. What do want from me? Ask. I have a yes and a no.

What else would you add? What works for you?

Image by: madmolecule

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Part of my work is managing online communities. I would hesitate to call it management. It’s more like development. Mostly relationship development.

When you sell something people are going to have complaints. There will be mistakes. Right? And people are being more public with their beef.

So, how do you handle complaints?
Here are a few ideas:

• Acknowledge. Respond to the person’s issue and take it serious. This usually relieves the tension.
• Be quick to act. Be the first one to comment. Think real-time customer service.
• Use this as an opportunity to show your great customer service. Other customers are listening too.
• Follow up. Make sure the person’s issue is resolved.

How do you handle public complaints?

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Have you ever walked away from a meeting or sales presentation and wondered what the heck was that about? I did today. I learned a lot about a little, and went away confused. I don’t have anything to remember.

Idea for your message to customers, colleagues, or readers: One takeaway. Give them one idea to remember.

Image credit: Mrs_Logic

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I’ve been thinking about standing. What does your business stand for or against? Do you know?

It seems like the businesses and stories that catch our attention are the ones taking a clear stand.
- 37signals stands against complex software
- Annie Leonard is taking a stand against our throw-away culture
- Zappos is taking a stand for customer service

What are you standing for?

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When you want to find something, you Google it right? You don’t pick up the Yellow Pages.

So, if the first impression for your business is your website, how does it look?
Here are some questions to get you thinking:

• Is your store hard to find? How does your site rank in search?
• What is the first impression? Simple or cluttered?
• What draws people in? Do you have good content that calls people to action or helps them look around?
• If someone stops, what are they looking at? Is it easy to navigate? Can they contact you easily?
• What about after they leave? Will they remember your site? Why?

If you want your store (site) to stand out, it might take some work. It does not have to cost a fortune, but it should be intentional.
Need help thinking through your online presence? Contact me.

Photo by: Vintage Collective

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Building your own engaged community is important. Maybe essential for business today.

I would add: So is building up your surrounding community. Giving back and being socially responsible is becoming less of an afterthought. It is not only about being sustainable, but it’s the right thing to do.

How can you invest in the bigger community?

• Invest time or money in a local social venture
• Look for a way to mentor someone. See through obstacles together.
• Share your knowledge. Help someone get online and build connections. 
• Be aware. Pay attention to your surroundings. What can you learn? Or make better?

What would you add?

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In business today, it’s really noisy.
Do you email while on the phone, tweet while emailing or text while talking? 
Here is one simple gift you can give every single customer and get yourself above the noise:

Drop everything else and give that person your presence.

I wonder what would happen if more companies and people gave their undivided attention. What do you think?

Image credit: MarcinMoga / Lolek

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When you are in transition, out of a job, debt-challenged or just struggling, how do you practice generosity? It is challenging.

If you ask and take repeatedly in business, you look desperate or greedy. Giving signals that you have something to share instead.

So, you really don’t have money to buy everyone a coffee or a book. That’s okay. We all have valuable assets to share. Try these:

• Share your knowledge. If you need more, start reading.
• Give away your connections.
• Help others get ahead.
• Listen. Your attention is a gift, especially with all this noise.

We reap what we sow. Applies to being generous in business too. And it will fill you up.

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When life throws a challenge at you, what do you do?

I was in a car accident almost a year ago. It happened at the peak of my training for a marathon. Suck.
I was not able to run the race or run period. I’m still dealing with back and neck pain. Running is something that I discovered I love to do. It helps me stay healthy, clears my mind, and more. Except I can’t do that right now. I’m missing out on something I love. That’s a challenge.

Don’t give up. Stay in the game. If you can’t run, then walk. Find something new you love.

I’m working on it.

Photo by: iowa_spirit_walker

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