The Jilly Two-Step...no it's not a dance!

I'm not a "DYI-er"..."Do It Yourselfer". I subscribe to the "Jilly Two-Step" philosophy. If I want something done, I do two steps: Pick up the phone, and write a check. Voila. It's done and I didn't have to take a night class or rent a large piece of machinery to get it done.

As a self-proclaimed Non-DYIer, I have learned to watch for particular talents of those around me and I lean on them when I have a particular need or problem. For instance, my friend Carmen, she has a great brain and a fantastic business sense. I lean on her for professional and creative guidance. My friend Ray is a killer landscaper, I watch and learn from him instead of HGTV.

So what exactly do I bring to the table in terms of talents? I don't have a strong fashion sense, nor can I sew/stitch/draw/cut/create ANYTHING with my hands--no arts and crafts or scrap booking for me. Alas, I am not devoid of talent....in all honesty, my passion, good or bad, is my work.

Sounds odd, but yes...I am passionate about on-hold marketing. Sexy isn't it? But seriously, as your "friend" let me share some tips with you. I realize you didn't ask me--but indulge me nonetheless:

• Don’t play some canned, off-the-shelf, for your industry message.
• Don’t have platitudes reminding the caller he/she is on hold (i.e. “Thank you for holding, someone will be right with you.)
• Callers do listen and they do form an opinion about what they hear. Rely on a professional to deliver copy that will meet up to that expectation.
• Music alone is a missed opportunity—add timely, relevant messages.
• Don’t ever ever EVER play the same greeting month after month, year after year, no matter what you do or who you work with!

Keep your on-hold ears on. You might be surprised at what you hear!

Is it a "CYA" Economy?

Whatever you want to call the current economy, things have changed and continue to do so. I saw a sign on a local business the other day that said “The Future Aint What It Used To Be.” Clever.

Then I read an article in my local chamber newsletter about how the buying process has changed. Understanding this will help us position ourselves properly.

It goes like this:
What used to be was logical; identifying a need, building awareness, consideration and then the purchase.

What’s new, according to Enquiro Research, is emotion.

“Ninety-nine percent of b2b buying is about covering your butt.”

Are you thinking about ways to lower the risk for your prospects? Do you understand the true value and ROI of the America On Hold offer?

If not, lets talk. AOH IS a low risk, high return investment.