In June I bought a well-known Internet marketer’s product offer, which I received for the cost of shipping and handling (no Ginsu knives). There were two additional continuity programs tucked into the package-not one but two. That becomes significant.

I canceled the subscription for the magazine immediately after receiving the magazine. Not a fit for what I wanted.

Following directions I called a number, listened to a recording and then filled out a form. I found it interesting you had to call to listen to a message directing the person to a website. But having canceled everything or so I thought, I didn’t think about it again until…

Checking my bank statement I noticed a charge from the Internet marketer’s company.

I placed an online customer support ticket. Was told by email to call the magic number again.

Called the magic number again. The recorded voice directed me to another website. There I filled out yet another form and was “told the second section or membership you chose when you signed up” was now canceled.

Customer Expectations Of An Experience

In retrospect, the value I received for the initial product was far in excess of what was charged for shipping and handling. I would have paid more.

But setting up a “customer service” or “help desk” system, which makes someone, jump through multiple hoops made me resolve never to do business with or recommend this marketer again.

I don’t believe the customer is always right. Sometimes they aren’t.

I wasn’t. I was impulsive and clicked through. I should have read each line, but I didn’t.

But if a ‘customer’ wants to leave, make it easy. Send them on their way and wish them well.

There maybe a better fit or product the next time. The customer may refer others who are a better fit for your product or services.

If you make it difficult you’ve made a former customer who will long remember the exit experience more than the initial pleasure of purchase.

It’s all about using Word of Mouse to promote your message,

Alysan

Videos are one of the hot trends in online promotion.  But a video without a plan is a waste of time, money and effort.

Now many business owners eyes glaze over when you say video promotion.  People start thinking of Hollywood production or indy producers.  Reality is somewhere in between. 

Video is another way of personalizing your reach to your customers and prospects. In the anonymous online world a video can give a voice and even a face to your business.

So where do you start?  Think about what people-your customers- would like to know about your business or services.

Some ideas you might want to consider:

• A how to: this could be how to use your newest product or some updates to your product line. Don't think commercial, think how to best use as a consumer of your product.
• Short videos from your latest event
• Interviews with experts in your field
• Interview with staff members

Online promotion is all about connecting with your customer or prospect. If you're not sure what to include, ask some of your current customers. Better yet, film them giving testimonials about your products or services.

Post these videos on your blog, upload them to the video sharing sites. Include links to the videos in your news releases.

Video puts a face on your business. Let customers and prospects see yours soon.

It’s all about using Word of Mouse to promote your message,

Alysan

Promotion is one of those realities all artists need to do in order to promote their work.  Patricia Z is a Kentucky based artist who works with gourds to create works of art with incredible colors and depth of color.

According  to Wikipedia,  A '"gourd is a plant of the family Cucurbitaceae, or a name given to the hollow, dried shell of a fruit in the Cucurbitaceae family of plants." When the gourds dry they become hollow. Their exterior surface is hard and non-porous making it the perfect canvas for 'painted' artistic design.

Patricia is the creator of Gourd Batik(SM). Gourd Batik is a resist technique using dried gourds which allows the layering of colors resulting in incredible depth of colors. 

This special layering technique not only gives a lustrous deep color, but the color does not fade like so many other gourd painting techniques. This leads to a long lasting work of art.

As an artist Patricia loves creating beautiful one of a kind works of art. She also shares her gift by teaching others the techniques of gourd painting and decoration.

To promote herself Patricia Z has a Squidoo page which showcases her artwork as well as explains the technique.  Search engines love Squidoo. Squidoo is a website which lets people use preformed module frames to design a mini website without charge. There are thousands of different topics, people and ideas shared on Squidoo with new ones being added every day.

Before starting the Squidoo strategy Patricia Z was unable to be easily found in Google. (Patricia goes by Patricia Z as her last name is frequently misspelled). She was not even on the first couple of pages of a Google search.  Most people when looking in a browser such as Google (or AOL, MSN or others) only look on the first page of results.  Now Patricia has the #2 spot  Updated May 20, 2008 to #1 position on Google and she has an easy strategy to use to promote her business and her art.

In addition Patricia Z has had videos made of the different techniques she uses in Gourd Batik. The videos will be released mid-May. She plans to bring her DVD's to the various arts and crafts shows where she exhibits.  She will also sell the DVD's on her website (currently under development). But while her website is being built  Patricia Z can promote herself easily ( and did I mention free of charge?) by using Squidoo.

It’s all about using Word of Mouse to promote your message,

Alysan

PS   If you are interested in learning how to set up  a Squidoo page (called a lens go to Squidoo Secrets. )Taught by Bob Jenkins, a former high school teacher turned internet marketer, Squidoo Secrets  will take you step by step through the process of setting up your first lens.