When thinking about soft selling there are a few things to consider when using this approach. Soft selling allows the client to take the time to think and make an informed decision about the product or service they are purchasing. Instead of just simply selling a product, time is taken to teach the client and ensure that they are properly informed about how your product or service will benefit them prior to them making a decision. A client will be more willing to accept the price tag of what you are selling when they see the added value that they are getting by buying your product or servic…
Flapping Our Traps
Soft Selling in a World of Hard Selling
Posted December 15, 2011
Comox Valley Tradeshow Tonight!
Posted November 24, 2011
Be sure to check out the 4th Annual Comox Valley Women’s Business Network (CVWBN) Tradeshow & Networking Mixer tonight (Thursday, November 24th) from 5:30 to 7:30pm!
We'll be there with bells on (OK so probably not actual bells) hanging out at the Better Mousetrap Marketing booth and mingling with all the amazing business people in the Comox Valley. So if you see Jason Clayton (one of the partners here at Better Mousetrap Marketing and our booth man for the evening), make sure you say hi! And yes, both men and women are encouraged to join!
When: Thursday, November 24th from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Evolution of Web Design
Posted November 1, 2011
Looking back at old website designs is fun and nostalgic, not unlike looking back at old photos of yourself and laughing about the hairstyles. What did your hair look like in the 80's? Honestly, mine looked something like this.
Early websites were very plain - often a white background, and black text with blue links. They evolved - we added images, more text, changed the colour of text (not always for the better) and learned how to use frames to have things show up in a particular place.
The first website was built and published in 1991 by Tim Berners-Lee. In 1992 it looked like this:
In …
How to Build Your Dream Team
Posted October 27, 2011
#1 - Hire people who are smarter than you and GET OUT OF THEIR WAY
Marketing is not a solo act. With constant changes in technology, it's key to hire people with strengths in areas where your current roster is lacking. Next, allow them to have the ability to do what you hired them to do. Micro-managed staff are typically NOT happy staff.
#2 - Don't hire a Yes-Man / Yes-Woman
As much as I like to be told I am right, hiring staff members who have different perspectives on things helps to enrich the depth of how you can serve your clients. Leaders are always stronger team members than Followe…
Irons In the Fire: October/November Issue Deadline
Posted October 6, 2011
Value? Priceless. Cost? Nothing.
Here at Better Mousetrap, we've teamed up with the Comox Valley Business Gazette to give local businesses a chance to shout from the rooftops... er, I mean a page of the paper. So if you have a new business, merger or acquisition, hire, or award that you want people to know about, let us know! Our half page column is prominently featured, giving you prime, FREE space for your business announcement.
So if you're looking for a low-cost (actually, no cost) way to advertise your Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, or other Comox Valley area small business, look no …
Appetizers for Facebook Pages: Small Updates Before the Main Event
Posted September 22, 2011
Facebook's annual developer conference took place today and if you missed it, Mark Zuckerberg announced a big ol' overhaul coming very soon to profiles (you may have noticed our "quick & dirty f8 highlights" on Facebook today). And of course, all this happens around the same time Google+ opens its social network doors to everyone (oh the drama).
Check out the Google+esque, feel-good video introducing the soon-to-be-launched Facebook profile layouts, called Timeline.
The big announcements today (ie Timeline) had more to do with Facebook profiles (which are designed for individuals, not c…
Retrotastic Packaging: Talk About a Resilient Design Trend
Posted September 8, 2011
If you follow us on Twitter or like our Facebook page, you're probably familiar with Flashback Fridays, or basically our love for outrageously hilarious or inappropriate vintage ads. So in lieu of a true flashback this week, we're taking a look at a few fakers and revivals.
I was walking down the skin care aisle at the drugstore the other day and noticed a new (well, to me at least) brand on the shelves, Soap & Glory. Their packaging and branding is well, retrotastic and cheeky, and it got me thinking about how long lasting this trend has become. Companies use it for a variety of reasons, …
How to Hire a Graphic Design Team: 5 Tips for Success
Posted September 7, 2011
Every business owner has to do it at some point. Whether hiring an independent graphic designer or a graphic design company to create a logo, a business card, or other marketing materials for your business, correctly hiring a graphic designer is an important task.
Here are 5 things to consider:
1. Professionalism. Hiring your neighbour’s grade 12 nephew to design your logo may seem “good enough for now” but try to think further into the future. Is this logo going stand the test of time? Professional graphic designers do more than put words and images together. They understand colour, font…
Are Business Cards Still Relevant?
Posted August 29, 2011
Let’s
face it, there is an unwritten expectation that every business owner have a
business card, but in this technological age where everyone has laptops, iPhones, and Blackberries, are business cards still relevant?
If you have any doubt about this question, try going to your next business networking event without your business cards. One of the first questions I get asked at these events is, “Do you have a card?”. Imagine saying, “No, actually, I’m running my business without business cards. You can contact me through my website or find me in the yellow pages.” Really? What does that say a…
Irons in the Fire
Posted August 25, 2011
How would you like to get the word out about something new and exciting happening at your business? But wait! There's more! This great opportunity could be yours for the low, low price of FREE!
Yes, this is a shameless plug. But it's one that helps you out too! Here at Better Mousetrap, we've teamed up with the Comox Valley Business Gazette to give local businesses a chance to shout from the rooftops... er, I mean a page of the paper. So if you have a new business, merger or acquisition, hire, or award that you want people to know about, let us know! Our half page column will be prominently fe…
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