140 Conference Coming to Boston

If you’re familiar with VoIP, you may have heard of Jeff Pulver, Internet entrepreneur and VoIP technology pioneer. If not maybe you’ve heard of some of his work: co-founder Vonage and founder of FWD, the VON Coalition, PrimeTimeRewind.TV and Vivox. He’s definitely someone to watch on the technology scene.

One of his latest endeavors is the 140 Character Conference, Exploring the State of Now.  It’s a high level look at emerging technologies and real-time internet. Started a little over a year ago in Washington DC, the conference has expanded to include international participation and growing notoriety among interactive thought leaders. Jeff is bringing his conference to Boston this fall, on September 17^th.

In keeping with the conference theme, the event format is most decidedly, brief. In fact, it’s almost twitter-like in its ability to expose attendees to new ways of thinking, doing and being.  All in laser like sharpness. Presenters bring their viewpoint to light in amazingly short, 10 minute time segments. Key note speakers get a few more minutes – they get 15.  It’s enough to bring out the ADHD in all of us.
Read more »

Make Gains While Others Lose Ground

Even in the worst of markets there are businesses that not only survive, but prosper. Although many factors may contribute to their success, one factor in particular that can make a significant contribution to a company’s longevity is the ability to carefully monitor the market in search of opportunities and then successfully capitalize on those opportunities to make gains while others lose ground.

Market information abounds, but understandably finding the information that’s important to you may be a bit overwhelming given the hundreds of sources online, in print and on television. So, what do you look for when sifting through the tons of tidbits and data?

There are sector and regional areas that could give you insight to potential market opportunities, so be sure to watch for them. Let’s take a closer look at each one and see how your company could benefit.
Read more »

Make It Easy For Customers To Do Business With You

As we all know from our own experience, people do business with companies that make the encounter an easy and pleasurable one.  It just makes sense.

Naturally then, simplifying the customer interaction to make it as pleasant and effortless as possible is worth the undertaking.

Transaction Process: First, take some time to review your company’s transaction process from your customers’ perspective.   Whether you sell products, or offer more consultative types of services, every sales cycle has identifiable stages and desired customer outcomes.  Review this cycle.  Maybe even draw it out in a chart or diagram so you fully understand how people do business with you.

Now look for gaps in the process where customers lose interest, get frustrated, or truncate the transaction.  Each individual step is an opportunity to improve or streamline how you and your customers interact.  When you review each step look for ways to make it easier for customers to get what they want.  The more simple the steps, the easier it is to make the sale.
Read more »