Categories
Writing and Publishing

Using a Book Advance for Marketing

Some publishers strongly suggested that authors use their advance for marketing their book. Though this sounds reasonable, my advice is not to do it unless you have a long-term reason for it. First, let’s talk about advances. An advance for a book was originally intended as money for the author to live on as they […]

Categories
Business

Align Marketing Tactics with Sales Skills

When the Execution of Your Plan Falls Short, It Might Be Time for a New Plan By Peter Lyle DeHaan In the book-publishing community, it’s no secret that most authors would rather write than promote their work. In this regard, I am like most authors. Yes, some writers are extroverts and love the activities around […]

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Business

Sales and Marketing

Promote a Product, Service, or Idea to Achieve a Desired Outcome By Peter Lyle DeHaan Every business or organization has a sales and marketing function. It’s only the details that vary. They may have an existing department, or two, to address this need. Or the sales and marketing functions may fall under the purview of […]

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Business

Promoting Customer Churn

Disrespecting Customers Is the Fastest Way to Lose Them By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Though not as frequent as our biennial cell phone migration from one carrier to another, my family and I have all too often found ourselves forced to change entertainment providers due to escalating charges. These companies have the same mentality as […]

Categories
Business

Marketing Options

Know Your Options to Craft an Informed Promotion Strategy By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD We’ve never had more marketing options available to us than we do now. It’s an exciting time to be a marketer. It’s also a confusing time. There are so many options it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Each channel provides an opportunity […]

Categories
Healthcare Call Centers

Coordinate with Marketing

The Call Center Should Be the First to Know, Not the Last By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Too many call center agents learn about the launch of their healthcare organization’s product, incentive, or promotion from callers, not management. I hope your operation is different, but I fear you, too, have found yourself in this unenviable […]

Categories
Telephone Answering Service

What Does Your Website Do for You?

Make the Most of Your Online Presence to Better Serve Customers and Grow Your Business By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Does your telephone answering service have a website? I hope so. What does your website do for your business? Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of TAS websites, from severely lacking to impressively […]

Categories
Business

Email Insanity

By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Several years ago, I ordered an inversion table online. Part of the ordering process was to give them my email address. Once they had my email address, they did the logical thing and began sending me email messages. One or two of them were offers for complementary health devices and exercise equipment, […]

Categories
Business

Stop Selling and Start Serving

By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Once when I needed to order some ink cartridges for my printer—the kind I can only buy directly from the vendor. There was a problem with the website, so I picked up the phone to place my order. I told the agent I wanted to order two black ink cartridges. […]

Categories
Business

The Side Effects of Discounts

By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD I recently shared my experience with my office supply chain’s enticing coupon offers. The result was a short-term increase in my buying habits, followed by a prolonged lull. In like manner, years ago, my Internet hosting company embarked on a similar strategy. Their approach was offering discounts. Depending on the […]