Click's Cafe

Consider QR Marketing

2011-11-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

In my observation I am noticing a movement in marketing to more focused use of QR codes. QR, Quick Response, is not new but is still very early in its application to marketing your organization' products and services. It is a two dimensional bar code detectable by your smart phone. When your phone reads the code you are connected to your special web page where you display useful information to the reader about your products and services. They are an easy and virtually free way to increase sales with very little effort. You can grow mailing and text messaging list, too. They attract attention and they are unobtrusive to your prospect. I'm suggesting you read up on this technology and experiment a little to see how it can help you grow your business.

Resource: http://ezinearticles.com/?QR-Codes-and-How-They-Can-Benefit-Marketers&id=6572322

Join the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's grow our economy and businesses together as we make Tucson a kinder and friendlier community. Visit: http://Fans.JimClickBPN.com

The Getaway Place - Time-Out to Refresh

2011-11-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Everyday it is good to take time-out and getaway from the daily grind. This is good to help lower your stress, sharpen your focus, and go back to work RERESHED. You owe it to yourself and those you care for.

Enjoy a brief getaway now and try this one. http://riddles.com/all-kinds-of-riddles/riddles/idiot-test-2009072466778/

Visit and connect to our Jim Click Business Preferred Network. http://fans.jimclickbpn.com/

Nothing Beats a Handshake

2011-10-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Social Media has proven to be a strong method for reaching and communicating with prospects and customers. The virtues of Face book, Twitter, Linkedin, and such, are undoubtedly priceless. (Even if they are basically free) I am pleased to share in the many conversations and keep in touch with new friends and old. However, I think there is no better way to be engaged with building market-share than face-to-face contact. Relationships take time to build and meeting the people you want to earn trust in your organization requires a continuum of Social Media elements. I find that our Jim Click Business Preferred Network's mobile coffee breaks has brought us closer to our customers and prospects. We bring the coffee, pastries, juice, and fruit to your location to show our appreciation. We are even willing to do it for you and your own prospects and staff. You pay a catering company what we do for free. And, we do it because we want your organization to prosper too. Let's help each other keep the economy growing. Become part of our free network and we can help you prosper! Visit us at Fans.JimClickBPN.com and let me know how we can partner with you..

Quality of Care Index

2011-06-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that my success or lack thereof, is in direct proportion to my "Quality of Care Index - QCI) Let's take my effort to lose weight. The more I care about my health and energy level, the more I commit to exercise and nutrition. I'll rate my QCI for weight loss at 72. When it approaches 80, I start getting into action by swimming, walking and eating fruits and vegetables.

Almost all organizations measure quality of care. Health care providers, automobile dealerships, and any one who provides customer services of any kind.

How about this. What if we were to measure the QCI of employers in the way they care for their employees? And this would appear on financial statements for the public to know more about the way an organization treated their employees. A high QCI would most likely result in higher productivity and more people wanting to do business with them. It would certainly help their recruiting and employee retention.

What is your personal QCI for the several most important areas of your life, like relationships, contribution at work, or in hobbies and sports? And, if you had to rate your employer, what is the QCI you would assign?

Join with us in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's improve the QCI for our Tucson community.

Authentic Customer Service

2011-04-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Starbucks is a business model that any organization can learn from. Feelings about the company run from "not-interested" to "I'll stand in line for 20 minutes to get my espresso."

Howard Schultz, CEO, in his latest book, Onward has provided critical information concerning a method to make any organization more successful. It is about the soft-side of business skills. For sure, efficiency in the financial aspects of business are mandatory and require constant attention; but his message will give your organization the kind of soul that will have you thriving.

The essence behind "ONWARD" is romance. This is a romantic business book. The love affair and passion of people who have learned that coffee is much more than the glorification of the bean to the cup.

Much of this 400 page book is self-glorification and it's real value to a shrewed business person could have easily been delivered in about 120.

There is nothing new about the basics concerning customer service; quality products, guarantees, easy to purchase, and a feeling of, "I want to do more business with you".

Whatever your product, service, or mission it needs romance and spice. My mother drank coffee every morning but I never saw her get excited about that black liquid. Starbucks was able to accomplish this in a way never achieved by any other company in the history of coffee.

Howard, made a big deal about coffee after visiting an Italian coffee house. He saw something few others did and applied his vision to his own little coffee shops. The result being that there are thousands of stores globally producing revenue every hour, just so he can buy a new $45 million jet and enjoy some of the finest experiences that money can buy.

Twenty-five years later, from another shop owner in Italy, he learned anew the value of taking pride in what you do and doing it to its finest and best purpose. If you do this and create passion for your organization great things are coming your way. Get his book and read diligently and searching between the lines for ways to apply his understanding to your organization. Onward is a small investment that will bring big rewards. http://www.amazon.com/

One other great thing is to get involved in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's create something that will stir your soul.

Marketing Tips To Increase Sales

2011-04-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Business is starting to pick-up. I think we will continue to see an increase in economic activity. To help make this true will require some effort on your part. These five suggestions are basic to increasing your gross sales. And, that means you have to commit to doing them and persevere. Rewards will come but it takes time. The sooner you commit, the sooner the rewards.

Tip 1. Who are the people most likely to buy what you sell? And, where you can most likely find this prospect.
Tip 2. What are their most important issues. Target how your product/service will provide a solution to their desire, pain, worry or concern. The more in need they are, the more likely you will sell them.
Tip 3. The hook, make them an offer they can't refuse like deep discounts or even free. Hook them and then start building the relationship.
Tip 4. Speak to them in their language using phrases and terminology they understand. For them to hear you, they have to understand you.
Tip 5. Make it easy to buy from you and trust you. Offer guarantees and make it simple to reach you on their terms. Digital offers a method for constant contact 24/7.

Article Source

http://EzineArticles.com/6162752

Connect & Refresh Mobile Coffee Break

2011-03-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

This is an invitation to any partner in our Jim Click Business Preferred network. As an act of goodwill and kindness we will provide a free Connect and Refresh Mobile Coffee Break for your organization.

You can show appreciation to your staff, prospects, or customers. We bring premium Arabic coffee and fresh baked mini muffins and scones from our own cafe to you.

This is interactive marketing at its best. We want to create a friendlier kinder Tucson. Join with us and let me know when we can schedule yours.

If you are not yet a Business Preferred Network partner join now at www.JimClickBPN.com.

Face-to-Face Marketing - Kindness at Work

2011-03-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

The two basic aspects of successful marketing has been and will always be, Face-to-Face relationship building and the absolute necessity of providing exceptional customer satisfaction.

It matters not, how proficient we become in the use of digital development. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and any others are effective tools for telling our stories. However, nothing is stronger than backing up your product or service value through a good old conversation over a cup of coffee.

The humanistic side of business is key to success when building trust and brand loyalty. Build your brand on this foundation and you will succeed. Caring about the needs of others creates the glue that holds it all together. We call this "Goodwill"! Believe me, Jim Click did not build a great business just because he had some great cars and values. Mr. Click, from the heart, knew that a generous pocketbook along with a generous heart creates over thirty years of goodwill that serves him and our Tucson community well.

Join with us in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's build some community goodwill for you and your brand. Kindness is a tough minded business tool. Use it. Put kindness to work.

Goodwill - Branding Yourself

2011-03-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

According to accounting principles, Goodwill, is the intangible part of total assets that exceeds book value. If you sold your company for $100K and the value of all the assets was $90K, the excess of $10K is Goodwill.

How much more is your company worth than your combined tangible assets? I think this is the most important aspect of creating a successful company. What are you doing today to make your business worth more than its equipment, inventory, liquid assets, and etc.?

This can be the determining factor in "Branding Yourself". The term synergy comes to mind. Synergy is a term meaning that total value is worth more than the sum of all parts. Just like good financial investments, your efforts can gain appreciation in its value.

We sometimes lose sight of the fact that we contribute to overall success, not just this quarter's profitably. We accept our hourly wage, commission, and salary as if that is all we are entitled to. However, we should receive a regular bonus for the Goodwill we create! That's my branding of myself every time I go the extra step to make my company successful.

My W2 states I earned X amount but I actually earned X amount plus the Goodwill I created. If you decide to leave your company, you better believe you will be selling your next employer on the value of your personal brand and its Goodwill.

The Jim Click Business Preferred Network is our community effort in Goodwill. We want everyone of you to succeed. It's good for you, the Tucson community, and all of your friends and family. Join with us in our BPN and invite a guest to become involved in building their Goodwill.

Internet Marketing Strategy Made Simple

2011-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

The path from understanding that the Internet can increase opportunities to do business to actually doing it is filled with many obstacles. I am discovering that many of our BPN partners do not have the time or inclination to use this most effective Interactive Marketing tool.

Sometime in March or April, our Jim Click Business Preferred Network will host our first "Coffee Break Seminar". "Internet Marketing Strategy Made Simple will be presented by Jerry Lankin of National PC Solutions. This is a learning opportunity and a method to meet some of our 1,000 business partners. (at least those who attend) For more info contact me at Jpoore@JimClick.com.

Be kind to yourself, your family, and grow your business!

Let's Make Digital Marketing Easy

2011-01-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you may feel overwhelmed with all the conversation about Social Media and Digital Marketing. Most of us are acquainted with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, My Space, You Tube, and etc. Some of us use these fairly regularly. And, few of us have any effective strategy on how to employ these venues for marketing our products.

So, what do we do? Nothing! We say, “It’s good and sometime I’ll start using it.” We at the Jim Click Business Preferred Network want to help. We are seeking qualified “experts” to help us all learn and implement our marketing strategy. Few of us can pay a consulting fee and really we would be smarter understanding and doing it ourselves.

I have a couple of experts and I think they will help us by giving a free seminar/workshop for our 1,000 business partners. This will be our very first Business Preferred Network meeting. If you are reading this and have an interest in attending, let me know. It won’t happen before the end of February and most likely early March.

And once you begin to know how to implement your new-wave marketing, the key to success is in the doing. Your return on your time invested will be extremely high.

Don’t forget to “Be Kind”!

Kindness & Civility

2011-01-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

This has been a tragic few days here in Tucson. This quote is from Steve Kozachik, Council Member, Ward 6. It is profound.

"The prayers of all of us who work in the Ward 6 office are lifted up on behalf of the victims and their families who are suffering through the senseless events that occurred Saturday.

I want to believe that this does not reflect how far we have slipped in terms of our ability to carry on political discourse in this community, and in this State.

I want to believe that this incident represents the indefensible actions of one troubled individual and is not a picture of the larger ethos of our community.

And I want to invite the fringe on both ends of the political spectrum to exit stage left and right and allow those of us who are still able to carry on political debate in a civil manner to take center stage and discuss the issues of the day in a manner that respects the rights of all."

Thank you Steve.

Dress Code

2010-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Are dress codes good or bad? Beginning November 1st, our dress code changes to "winter wear". That means more formal attire. White dress shirt, nice conservative tie, and sharp looking dress pants. The polo shirts will get stored until Spring.

Image is important and can set the tone for your next sale. A successful image and favorable first impression make a lasting impact. It sometimes doesn't matter what you know, a bad appearance will speak so loudly your customer won't be listening.

Make sure each day and during the day you do all that is possible to keep a fresh sharp appearance. You will feel more successful and you will be more successful

Be successful and join with 700 other Tucson area businesses in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network as we help each other thrive!

Process and Service

2010-10-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

You and your organization will be most successful when you view selling as a process. Every organization sells something. Not-for-profits sell image and the benefits of their services. Educational, religious, governmental organization must do the same. The ability to see that gaining support for your entity requires continuous follow-up and is a long term process is absolutely necessary. Building relationships take much effort over a long period of time. It is necessary to have a sense of urgency as that motivates you to act now for what you need later.

The one basic aspect that has not changed in successful marketing is the quality of service and value of products that you provide. No matter how effective you are in building relationships, if your customers don't like and value your products and services they are not coming back. Further, they will tell a lot of people, via the social media not to use you. That is the worst that can happen; using the power of the social media against you.

Therefore, it mandates more than ever that we take care of our basic business and make sure we offer something that definitely has a competitive edge, like our free Jim Click Business Preferred Network which is available to any of our Tucson community friends. Join with us and make Tucson the best place to grow a business!

Expand Your Resources For Success

2010-10-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our Jim Click Business Preferred Network is continually looking for ways to help its associates grow their organization to the fullest. I believe each of you have a least one idea or experience that would be useful to the rest of our almost 700 partners. Share one here now.

For instance, one of you casually mentioned that they found an answer to a business problem by reading an ezine article. I had heard of ezine but never fully checked it out. I know more now than I did and want to encourage you to use this excellent resource.

It is www.ezine.com and it is free. Here you will find articles, well written, on any subject you can think of. From social-media to how to save the Spirit Bear. It is both educational and entertaining.

Knowledge is one tool we can't get enough of. And becoming a partner in our Business Preferred Network is something we want more of. Please tell your business peers and friends to join with us as we help build a thriving business base in the Tucson, AZ community.

Too Much Information

2010-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

I was reviewing the information I have assembled concerning social media. All of it is interesting and maybe useful. However, I am feeling overwhelmed with the thousands, yes thousands, of well written documents concerning this subject.

I have way too much information and that makes it more difficult to set into action a good marketing plan. Luckily, Jim Click is a recognized brand in Tucson. Awareness of our products is not an issue. Conversion of customers to purchase is the issue. They have many choices and they are as knowledgeable as any of our salespeople, maybe more so.

The key is having a relationship with the prospect that breeds trust. Some people are good at building an almost instant rapport and the rest of us must invest some time to earn that trust.

That is why the current digital communication technology is relevant. It helps us build relationships, in numbers never imagined before, that create the modern opportunities to do business. (OTDB)

If you are feeling overwhelmed about social media, you are among the majority of business leaders. The savvy ones are jumping in and testing the waters. Don't let your fear of doing the wrong thing keep you from getting involved. On the job training is the most efficient way to get started. (OJT)

Heed this advice. Whatever you do make sure that honesty, civility, and respect for those you contact are the uppermost virtues that you employ. You can always fine tune your methods, skills, and strategy but you can't afford to create unfavorable situations from which you will never recover.

Join with us in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network as we all work together to build the best business possible.

Accentuate the Positive

2010-08-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

The Jim Click Team was faced with a huge task. Move 1200 cars to the Tucson Convention Center, set up to receive 4,000 visitors, complete loads of paper work, plan to work 12-18 hours each day, secure the place, and welcome guests as they arrive.

The practical side of me said prepare for a tough time. I, along with others, was dreading the week long event.

On the first day of the "show" I met Paul and was about to commiserate with him. However, his first words were, "Wow, I've been waiting for this all year. I can't wait until the doors open. It is such an exciting time!"

His enthusiasm and positive spirit changed my whole outlook and energized me all week. I was astounded at how I felt by adopting his attitude. It was contagious.

I'll always remember to accentuate the positive and look for the good in all challenges.

And, when you join with us in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network, you will feel the same!

Selling From the Heart

2010-08-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

I read in "Simple Truths" that the most effective salespeople have a similar trait, they all sell from the heart. In other words they care about the people they sell to. They care about the products they sell. They relate to their customers needs and problems and find ways to solve them.

I find the greatest obstacle to successful selling is a lack of honest communication. When you sell from the heart you always are an honest communicator. If both sides of a sales transaction can see each others needs, there is a strong chance they will find common ground in which to complete the transaction.

Honestly, we want you as a Business Preferred partner so we can help each other do more than we could ever do alone. Everyone in our Tucson network is selling from the heart!

What we Were in the Past Does Not Matter

2010-07-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

I read this interesting statement. "What we were in the past doesn't matter, it is what we are now that is important." Each day can be a new starting point. Hanging on to old baggage is stressful and energy draining. It stifles our creative ability and keeps us stuck in the old ways.

If you are a person who can change what happened yesterday I would like to hear from you. We will both get rich. You can atone for mistakes but you can't change the action already completed. Give it up and move on to the positive possibilities you now can create.

Help us help each other as we try to build businesses that grow and are good for everyone. Join with us in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's create a future with meaningful results. It takes all of us working together to accomplish this.

Summertime & The Selling is Easy

2010-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Jeffry Gitomer, high profile sales trainer thinks summer is a great opportunity to get more sales. Competition usually slows down due to vacations, relaxing, and sort of in neutral until cooler weather comes.

Take advantage of working harder and getting out to see more people. Stretch yourself like a rubber band until you can't do more. The pay-off will be much greater in a "slow" period. Find out what your customers need. Do something for them that is different. They may have the summertime blues and you can be just what they need to get moving again.

Don't let summertime give you an excuse to take it easy. Get tough and get going. Sing the song, "Summertime and the selling is easy"! And remember, it's easy to participate in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network where the giving is easy.

Consider This: Discipline

2010-06-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Thomas Huxley said, "There are a thousand principles of success, but none will work without self-discipline". How true this is for me as I sit and recall how many times I did not make the effort necessary to achieve my goals.

Yes. I have valid excuses and that is all they are, excuses. So now I have excuses and no achievements. Most likely, everyone is guilty of this at one time or another. Getting motivated everyday and having a plan, a focus, on what you want to accomplish is a difficult task.

What can we do to become disciplined and yet flexible and spontaneous? Partly, discipline is better achieved when considered over a period of time that is longer than just the day or week or even month.

I believe that staying focused and being disciplined requires you to be aware of the times that you need some breathing space. Take the break for yourself. You will be healthier and in the long term more productive. If you get angry with yourself you may get discouraged and give up all together.

Have long term goals and stay focused on them. And, also make one of your goals to join with us in the Business Preferred Network and it will help you succeed at whatever you decide!

Affinity or Cause Marketing

2010-06-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, it became popular to align your product and service with a group that supported a meaningful purpose. Organizations such as the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Nature Conservancy, or any better known purpose could give you creditability that consumers favored.

When you support a cause it becomes a part of the culture of your company. You and your employees support it through contributions and action. There is significant benefit to doing this. The public will be impressed that your company has interests in your community in addition to selling their products.

It is my opinion that a company support a single entity or purpose. In this way your message gains creditability and does not have dilution of effort.

A single cause could be as simple as "Spirit Lifting" for people facing life-limiting challenges. The Spirit Lifters Network finds people who could use encouragement and sends them a Spirit Bear, which is a warm and fuzzy stuffed animal. The Spirit Bear comes with an inspiring story card. Although the Spirit Lifters Network is not well known, it has Spirit Bears worldwide.

Join a cause and make your business world a better place for all. Join the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's help everyone become a Spirit Lifter!

I Don't Have Time

2010-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

If there is only one most important aspect of any person's life, it has to be time. Time is all we have. The spending of time, our most valuable resource, is mostly done without an appreciation for its worth.

I asked one of our managers to attend an event with me where we would meet new people and build new relationships. His response was, "I don't have time". What he meant was, "I don't think it's worth my time". When business begins to slow down, then he might think it's worth his time.

My suggestion is that we set our time priorities with more careful thought. Anyone reading this, know how much time they have left? Each of us has the right to decide what to do with our time. However, you may want to spend some of that precious time re-evaluating how you use it.

Take time to join with us here at the Jim Click Business Preferred Network. It's past time that you did something good for yourself and your business!

Building Relationships

2010-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Social-media is not the cure all for business development. Building relationships is. Yes, you use all of the proponents of social-media to help find and create relationships. However, good relationships that build trust can give your products and services the best opportunity to be purchased.

The purchase pathway is first making people aware of your products. Then the potential consumer can consider the value or benefit that would motivate them to buy. Social-media helps promote the benefits and provides a platform for others to give their experience in using it. Once a consumer is convinced that they should buy your product, or something similar, they decide where the purchase should be made.

If you have done your job of building a personal relationship with them or someone they know, it is more likely they will be using your organization to consummate the purchase.

You can never build too many relationships. Prospecting and building should be a regular part of your activities. The more time you have for doing this, then the more likely your opportunities for prospects to convert to customers.

There is no such thing in this approach for having a slow day. A slow day just means you spend more time prospecting and building new relationships or strengthening old ones.

Join with us in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let us help you create more relationships and business.

FEAR, Our Most Popular Emotion

2010-05-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

It has been my experience to observe, in myself and others, that the greatest obstacle to success is fear. Most of the times we don't recognize it as fear as it usually is a little deeper, psychologically, than the surface emotion we recognize.

Make a list of some possibilities of your fears. I fear getting sick, not having sufficient funds, not being accepted by others, and the list goes on. What do you fear?

The antidote to fear is knowledge, learning more about your situation, and finding new options and possibilities. Discipline yourself to accept that you have to handle many of life events that are distressful or distasteful, or painful. However, our despair can make us strong and help develop our confidence and self esteem.

My challenge each day is to look for the good in all things and meet the tough tasks of the day with action. The greatest obstacle to development of human potential is the fear of leaving our comfort zone!.

Be comfortable with people just like you who are determined to succeed and get active in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network.

Managing For Success

2010-04-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Our executive vice president asked his managers why we were so lucky in being successful? Each of them gave good reasons. Most businesses succeed, however, because they are well managed and not because they are lucky. Lucky wins lotteries.

The four principles of management are POAC: Plan, Organize, Actuate, and Control. A well thought out plan organized in such a way to keep focus and efficiency when activated will most likely succeed. Metrics are the key to control. When you know precisely what you are measuring you have the basis for getting the results you forecast.

Get the results you want for your organization and become one of the Jim Click Business Preferred Network partners. Working together we can help each other achieve a better Tucson community.

Listen and Learn and Succeed

2010-03-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Many times I find myself too eager to tell my story when I should be listening to hear your story. I think if I don't hurry and tell my message I will miss the opportunity. Sometimes, it's impossible to get your story told due to limited time constraints or it's not the appropriate time. We forget that there will be other opportunities and if we keep building on the relationship the perfect time will come for us to be heard.

This holds true for conversations in business and family. And, thanks to social-media, we have unlimited sources for communicating. I realize there is much pressure to get a sale made, get a point across, or defend yourself. Next time you're in that situation, think longer term and listen to learn how you can succeed with this person or group.

Listen to me and become active in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network and you will have many others listening to you.

Attractive Valuable Incentives on JimClickBPN

2010-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

New incentives are coming your way soon. We have approved some very attractive employee benefits for your organization. Our webmaster is in the process of posting these to our V.I.P. Incentives menu. You can find this by visiting http://www.jimclickbpn.com/ and use the drop-down menu. under amenities. Go here often as we keep finding new ways to keep you interested and make you successful.

Join with 51, 283 other Tucson community organization as we connect to help us thrive in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network.

Did You Know?

2010-03-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8

Did You Know if you click the link in the heading you will learn some of the latest facts about our social-media world? Did you know if you don't click the above link that you will be in the majority of people - all uninformed and all not really caring? Did you know that the world you live in has changed in ways as dramatic of discovering the world to be round? Did you know that whether you know or not your life is affected anyway?

Jump on the bandwagon and become informed and click that link above. And, join with us in The Jim Click Business Preferred Network as we ask other Tucson businesses, "Did you know we have the best and highest technology to steer our Jim Click Business Network?

Did you know the Wildcats just lost to UCLA and I'm not real happy about that?

Social Media

2010-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Social-Media is a strategy of business development. You are already participating whether you know it or not. Become active in the conversations concerning your brand. Social-Media is conversation using the worldwide web and digital input.

Social-Media allows the customer to be heard and the customer is really the one person who can fire you by not ever using your brand.

This is the era of customer driven business philosophy according to Harvard Business review. Listen and respond to what the customer is thinking, saying, and doing and your brand will be successful!

Come on Tucson Business friends and jump on the Social-Media bandwagon and partner with us in The Jim Click & Holmes Tuttle Automotive Team Business Preferred Network!

Civility in the Workplace

2010-02-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

For someone like me, civility is what my Mother taught me. Good manners and respect for others is an important contributor for more cheerful daily living. Cheerfulness is an important contributor to health. And, for whatever other reasons, I like doing it because it feels good to be nice to people.

My experience says that more civility in the workplace can also bring many more rewards. Too often I see employees treat each other with a lack of respect and tolerance. It seems as if everyone is too busy to be nice. It seems as if we treat those we engage daily as if they are not important to us. Personal reflection on this usually occurs after we have lost a relationship, a loved one, friend, or customer.

Do yourself a favor. Reflect now, honestly, on your relationships and see if you are satisfied on the way you contribute to making them positive. The rewards are outstanding when you use principles of civility like manners and respect.

I invite you to participate in our Jim Click Business Preferred Network where everyone is treated as the valuable relationship it is.

One Step at a Time

2010-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

I attended an inspiring breakfast this morning. Good food and good people. The speaker talked about several ways to be successful. The one thing that I related to was the idea of being focused on the task at hand. Having a goal is important but making sure you are taking the journey one-step-at-a-time is the joy. Knowing that your actions have a purpose and you are giving it your best effort is the prize. If that brings you the winning trophy so be it, but, if it doesn't you will still be content and happy in the knowing that you have given your all and you have no regrets about the effort you put forth. By giving your best, you are the best! And, that is a feeling well worth having.

Help us have the best Tucson area business network and partner with us in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network as we try to live up to our potential by helping others and ourselves.

Today's New Customer

2010-02-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

In case you're not looking the customer is becoming the driving force in this era's new business model. In 1934 entrepreneurs, like Henry Ford,set the stage for how business would be conducted. He directed the philosophy that most other companies followed. It was management from the top down.

In 1973, about the time of the oil embargo, we were learning that great inventors and entrepreneurs were not necessarily the best managers. So we initiated the professional management philosophy. Our philosophy was geared to get the highest return on investment for the owners.

Now, Harvard Business review reports we are in a new era of business philosophy and it is being driven by the needs and wants of the customer. Enter the complexed world of social-media. The new customer expects much more from his/hers vendors. And they now have the technical resources for talking and investigating our products and services. Learn more about this affects you, from sales guru Jeff Gitomer, by visiting his website at: www.salescaffeine.com/. It is an eye opener.

And, partner with us through our Jim Click Business Preferred Network. We will do our best to keep you informed about ways to help your business thrive and at the same time give valuable incentives to your employees.

The Purchase Funnel

2010-02-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

The classic purchase funnel has been modified to reflect the information technology advancements over the last several years. When you advertise you make people aware of your products and services. Next the prospect considers it. Then they decide its a good thing for them and they purchase. This is where things change in today's marketing scheme. Now, they talk about it and what they say is trusted by those who hear it. And, using social-media they have more ways and greater reach than at anytime in history.

FaceBook, Twitter, Linkedin, Texting, Websites, Webinars and etc now connect millions of people when they want information about your product or services. Whether you are pro-active in this modern phenomena or not doesn't matter - you are involved! And, it would be good for you to learn how you can use this to your advantage.

Join our Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's learn together how we can thrive together. It is an exciting adventure!

Winter Time Rain

2010-02-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

It isn't a beautiful Tucson sunny day today. It looks like thos seldom-seen clouds are going to bring us a grey rainy day. Most of us enjoy these days as we know soon the sun will shine again.

I think life is like that. All of us have rainy days bringing challenges of health, finances, loss, relationship problems, and you can name your own special worry. It helps to remind ourselves that these challenges will diminish and we will thrive again when the sun shines later in our life.

Be hopeful. The rain brings strength and the sunshine harmony. And, I'm hopeful I'll see you soon at our next Business Preferred Network meeting.

The Bookends of Prospecting & Follow-Up

2010-01-20T12:10:00.001-08:00

Bookends are useful for holding your books in place. Not many people would give much consideration to the aesthetic aspect when choosing them. To me, however, I like to consider something unique in buying bookends. Bookends keep in place the books I have chosen to keep and these books are very special. I take the lesser value books to Bookmans when I am through with them. The books I keep I call my personal classics. Something I would want my children to discover and read. They are important at least to me.

That is how I look at the bookends of prospecting and follow-up. They hold something valuable between them. Prospecting generates the opportunities to do business. And follow-up assures your capability to sustain and grow. These two pillars hold within them the products and services that your customers value. And prospecting and follow-up help assure that they become aware of what you have and who you are. It is in that awareness that they consider the potential to purchase.

Consider letting the Jim Click Business Preferred Network help you grow your business. Just like my personal classic books, I value you and your business to partner with us.

Discipline, The Best Gift

2009-12-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm stressed just using the word discipline. Most of us review our status at the end of each year and begin to make promises of what we will do in the new year to improve.

I see three tasks of life, work, love, and play, as tasks I could improve and I think make myself more satisfied. Yet, to fulfill even a reasonable goal I must first commit to improving my discipline. It is too easy for me to make an excuse and justify my actions.

The best gift I can give and receive is to myself. Assuming, I will do the things necessary for optimal health requires discipline. After that, I have set goals for work accomplishment, goals for my golf game and other leisure, and goals for improving my relationships.

I have found that setting long-term goals is best for me. Then, when I fall off my ideals I can encourage myself to get back on track as I have time to meet my goals. It worked for me in 2009 and I hope I will be more disciplined in 2010.

One goal you can set is to become more active in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network. With discipline it could be the best gift you give yourself.

Thank You

2009-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

My mother taught me to say, "Thank you", and this habit has served me well. People like to know they are appreciated. They like the acknowledgement of a positive response from those they help.

What you don't say may say more about you than what you do say. I have had the unpleasant experience of walking through the sales floor area of a department store and no one acknowledges that I am there. In fact they seem disturbed and unhappy that they are there. Oh, how much a nice smile and a, "Thank you for coming in", would have made me feel happy and appreciated. I might even have bought something if I had been engaged by anyone.

Engage the people around you both familiar and the stranger. You will feel better for it and maybe even create more business. And those you engage will certainly have a favorable impression of you.

Thank you for reading my Jim Click Business Preferred blog. I appreciate you.

Are You a Leader?

2009-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

It isn't necessary to be a leader to be successful. Every leader needs the help of his or her followers. Sometimes it's necessary to be the leader and sometimes the follower. Choose wisely for your success in life depends on it.

Leadership occurs when you persuade a person to take an action that is in your mutual best interest. Manipulation occurs when you persuade a person to action that benefits only you. The choice is yours. I think it's apparent that the leader will enjoy more success and for a much longer time than the manipulator.

Something of mutual benefit is an association with the Jim Click Business Preferred Network. I hope my blog leads you to the same conclusion.

Something to Smile About

2009-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

Want to feel better? Then smile more often. It is astonishing what a smile can do. I have seen the most disgruntled people become agreeable after a smile and a few kind words acknowledging their concerns.

I've never understood, and probably never will, why people don't use this free gift to get what they want or at least live in a more agreeable and harmonious environment.

When you think some one's impossible to please, just smile and say,"I'd like to hear your story". It has been researched and concluded that a smile lowers stress and creates happiness. We all know, that happy people are healthy people. Want to be healthy, smile more!

And, I'll smile more when you become one of our valued partners in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network.

Dreams, Discover Yours!

2009-12-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

I find the best way to become energized is to follow my dream. Young people have more dreams and visions about what they would like to become than older people. And, just look at the energy they have.

Think, for a moment, what you dreamed of as a youngster. Did your dream come true. For most of us the answer is no. Maybe we didn't have the skill, the opportunity, or just found something else either more practical or more to our liking.

A wealthy couple lost all interest in life because they had it all. Their imagination couldn't come up with anything they looked forward to or enjoyed. In their suicide note they said they no longer had a dream!

This world is to full of purposeful things to do from the mundane to the exhilarating. Use your imagination and discover or commit to your dream. You will be happier and healthier for it.

Commit to helping others in our Jim Click Business preferred Network and you will be greatly rewarded.

The Art of Prospecting

2009-12-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

The secret to growing your organization is found in the strategy of prospecting and growing your business is no secret to those who implement their strategy by faithful prospecting.

One of our BPN partners sent a card to me that read: 48% of people never follow-up with a prospect, 35% stop after the second contact, 12% stop after three contacts, and 10% after four contacts. Statistics report that sales are made only 2% of the time on the first contact, 3% on the second, 5% on the third, 10% on the fourth and 80% on the fifth through twelfth.

WOW! Don't give in keep in contact and you will win. And, thanks to Sheila Chonis at sheilachonis@gmail.com for sharing this wisdom!

Remember, our Jim Click Business Preferred Network can help you stay in contact and for the benefit of everyone.

Cheerfulness

2009-12-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

From time-to-time I will share with you some quotes to help lift your spirit. If your spirit is already high, hopefully it will lift higher. Here we go...

"Man unlike the animal has never learned that the sole purpose in life is to enjoy it." (Butler)

"Taking your work seriously is imperative but taking yourself seriously is disastrous." (Fonteyn)

"The happiest people are those who do the most for others." (Washington)

"Happiness is the simple harmony between a person and the life they live." (Camus)

All of our partners in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network help make me cheerful and happy. Let's get the rest of Tucson involved.

Grateful

2009-12-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

My wife tells me there is an adage that "horse people" use. It is, "Work with what you have". The horse is the way it is and if you want to succeed with such a large animal you just can't trade him in. You have to become friends by working with what you have.

In life we sometimes want more. There is nothing wrong with wanting more except when you want more because you think you'll be happy - then there is a problem. You might not get more and then what?

Be grateful for whatever you have and whatever your circumstance. You can always find something to be grateful for. I'm grateful for being able to write in a blog. It's kind of fun. Actually it's a lot of fun.

And, I'd be grateful to have you be our partner in the Jim Click Business Preferred Network. Be grateful and you will be happy!

Spirit Lifting

2009-12-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

One of the worst losses we can have is the loss of an energizing spirit. At this time of year we hear the phrase, "The spirit of Christmas or the spirit of the Holidays." This is meant to be a positive and good thing. Yet, the holidays can be stressful for many of us. Even depression dances around our efforts to be cheerful.

This holiday you can be a "Spirit Lifter" by reaching out to others. The greatest gift we will receive is the inner feeling of pureness, a goodness we can never purchase. Reflect on the idiom, "It is better to give than to receive." When you make this a part of your daily life I think you will indeed be a true "Spirit Lifter."

We offer you the gift of becoming a partner in our Jim Click & Holmes Tuttle Business Preferred Network. Here we can all be spirit lifters for each other.

Sharing Happiness

2009-11-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

I remember asking a group, "What makes you happy?" Some responses were, reading a book, playing golf, shopping, and dining out. Yes, these are pleasures that can help make you happy but true happiness is not gained by pleasures.

Happiness is a state of mind that is difficult to define as it is different for each of us. However, much happiness is always gained whenever we do something good for others. It could be a compliment, a spirit lifting card, homemade cookies, or just a smile. The more we help others to be happy the more we are happy.

Being a partner in our Business Preferred Network would make me happy and I think you too. Give someone a smile today and let's change the world!

Why Worry?

2009-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

"Life is much like Christmas. You're more apt to get what you expect than what you want." It is suggested that 92% of what we worry about never happens. One person says, "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of it joy." And on the positive side, the more we allow our belief system to focus on the positive, the more likely we will get what we want.

Doubt fuels worry while confidence fuels success. It's always a choice. When in doubt, get more knowledge and uncertainty is diminished. And when you do worry, set some time aside and worry for 10 minutes and then go back to being hopeful.

You never have to worry about being a partner in our Business Preferred Network. You can be confident it will help you and your business succeed. As our partner Pogo says, "What me worry?"

Have No Regrets

2009-11-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...and not when I came to die, discover I had not lived." Thoreau wrote this about his reason for his stay on Walden Pond. I find these very simple words exploding with healthy wisdom for life.

I have had the privilege of working with terminally ill people and what I learned is well said by Thoreau. The people who died most peacefully and without regrets were the ones who had lived their life deliberately. They had so many fond memories to hold on to and to keep them joyful even in their dying.

Make sure you too, stop and smell the roses and choose wisely those things you'll never regret. I think, also, you would never regret belonging to our Business Preferred Network where the people you meet have a positive outlook for living their life deliberately.

Attitude is a Mandate For Success

2009-11-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

Dave Anderson, a respected authority on the fundamentals necessary for achieving our highest level of self-development says, "A positive attitude is not not an option, it's a mandate. Skills, product knowledge, hard work, good intentions, having the best product or service, won't give you the edge that a positive attitude provides. Everything other than a positive attitude is like having paper, kindling and firewood all neatly stacked and ready to burn. It is your attitude, however, that becomes the match! You can't start the fire without it."

Many ingredients go into what makes up a positive attitude. However, the one most necessary is having an attitude of possibility. If your imagination can come up with an idea for a positive outcome you have the right attitude for making anything work. When you believe in the possibilities your efforts to make it happen increase. Defeat is not a word in your vocabulary. Imagine the possibilities of an association with our Jim Click Business Preferred Network. We have many partners and we want you to be one of us. Working together creates many more possibilities than working alone.

Great Ideas Need Hard Work For Best Results

2009-11-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

"Genius produces great ideas and hard work produces results", so says Zig Ziglar. I'm much better at the great idea part than the hard work part. Over the years, however, I have made an effort to revitalize myself when the vision was clear enough. Like many others, I have a strong resistance to change. I've been told that people will always change if one of three things occur in their daily life. One, people will change when they become bored enough. Two, people change when the pain becomes great enough. And three, we change when the vision is clear enough.

The vision of Tucson businesses working together for a better community through our Business Preferred Network is very clear. The more people I meet and talked to and listen to, the more clear this vision and the more energy I have to help make it happen. It is fun. It is good. And, for sure it is a win-win situation that will help us all..

The Best Time to Do Something Significant

2009-11-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

The best time to do something significant is between yesterday and tomorrow! Yes, there are times when it may be beneficial to procrastinate. Doing the things you need to do give the possibility for best results. The person who can prioritize effectively is the person who usually sleeps best at night. Procrastinating can sometimes be unhealthy as the body's immune system is under stressed concerned about the unfinished work. Further, waiting just one more day may result in a lost opportunity. Do you wish you could do the necessary things each day and not find an excuse to put it off? I know I do. However, I am determined to start right now to do the significant things each day and know I did the best I could. When I have done the best I could I can quit worrying about the things that are not under my control. Do something significant today and join with us in our new Business Preferred Network!

Building Trust

2009-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Our company, The Jim Click & Holmes Tuttle Automotive Team would like to engage in conversation with more people in our Tucson community. We want to know you better so we can serve you better.

One of the ways we do this is through our innovative Business Preferred Network. (BPN) This Network will be made up of Tucson community businesses large and small who would enjoy the benefits of this unique program.

The BPN is for your benefit as well as ours. On our secure website you can access coupons for discounts on vehicles, oil changes, tires, and sometimes a free latte at one of our Click's Cafes! These benefits are available to you, your employees, and others you may have a relationship with.

We have community meeting rooms for your use. We offer the Jim Click speakers bureau for your club or organization.

We will have scheduled events at our locations for you to attend that hopefully will be of interest to you or your business.

You are invited to learn more by contacting me at jpoore@jimclick.com or calling 520.690-3441.

This blog will record on a regular basis friendly conversation about special interests in the Tucson community. Like, wow, the Wildcat football team is now nationally ranked. Wonderful and let's keep winning.

And our special website will have the details of all the program's benefits. You will get the website address when you become a part of the Jim Click & Holmes Tuttle Automotive Team's Business Preferred Network!

Say hi. Make comments. Follow our blog. Offer your suggestions and opinions. Let's have fun, gain friends, help our community, and best of all GROW YOUR BUSINESS!