Nyda's Blog

After Five…Your Brand Keeps Ticking

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:47:43 +0000

Greetings!

The professional image does not stop when the clock hits five. Frankly, the impression you make on others after work is just as important as the one you make between nine and five. Whether for a black tie affair, a company picnic, a movie with colleagues, or dinner with clients, dressing well is a must.

So now with the holidays upon us and parties and other events are lined up on the calendar, here are some tips for avoiding the embarrassment of showing up under or overdressed for the occasion.

When the invitation says “casual” it is best to call your hosts and ask them what they mean. Sometimes casual means slacks and a top, sometimes a sport coat and tie or a cocktail dress. The type of affair, the region of the country, and the people present will have a lot to do with dress requirements. If the affair is an company related open house it probably calls for a sport coat and tie for men, a dress, two-piece dress, jacket and city shorts, or, depending on the time of the day, dinner suit or cocktail dress for women.
For an evening function with cocktails at six or dinner at seven, consider these options. Women—A black or dark-colored dress or black or dark-colored evening suit, ultra sheer hosiery in dark tones, evening pumps or strapped sandals, dramatic jewelry, and a small handbag or clutch. Velvet is worn around the holiday season. Men—A dark suit in navy, black, or charcoal gray, tie, dress shirt in white or color with contrasting white collar, and black shoes.
For a black tie affair, consider the following: Women—Short, three quarter, or long evening dress in silk, chiffon, crepe, taffeta, organza, or velvet; dramatic jewelry, evening clutch, strapped evening sandals, and ultra-sheer hosiery. Men— Black-tie tuxedo, dress shirt, black hose, and black patent leather shoes. Women should avoid overly bright, flamboyant colors and designs, and men should avoid fur lined cummerbunds and extravagant ties. Stick to the basic black.
For those formal affairs such as a ball, consider these options. Women—A long gown (no pants), with or without sequins, in taffeta, silk, chiffon, or organza, with dramatic jewelry, clutch, strapped sandals, and ultra-sheer hosiery. Men—White tie and tailcoat. Black tuxedo is also acceptable.

Now is the time to review your closet and make sure the “after five holiday” clothes are clean, pressed, and ready to go. In addition to your outfit, remember to brush up on your etiquette.

Enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

Nyda

Business and the Impact of People

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:18:42 +0000

The People aspect of the business is really what it is all about. Think of customers as individuals. Once we think that way, we realize our business is our customer, not our product or services. Putting all the focus on the merchandise in our store, or the services our company offers, leaves out the most important component: the individual customer.
Keeping those individual customers in mind, here are ten easy, practical customer consciousness tips to keep them coming back!
1. Remember there is no way that the quality of customer consciousness can exceed the quality of the people who provide it. Think you can get by paying the lowest wage, giving the fewest of benefits, doing the least training for your employees? It will show. Companies don’t help customers… people do.
2. Realize that your people will treat your customer the way they are treated. Employees take their cue from management. Do you greet your employees enthusiastically each day; are you polite in your dealings with them; do you try to accommodate their requests; do you listen to them when they speak? Consistent rude customer service is a reflection not as much on the employee as on management.
3. Do you know who your customers are? If a regular customer came in to your facility, would you recognize them? Could you call them by name? All of us like to feel important; calling someone by name is a simple way to do it and lets them know you value them as customers.
4. Do your customers know who you are? If they see you, would they recognize you? Could they call you by name? A visible management is an asset.
5. Go the extra mile. Include a thank-you note in a customer’s package; send a birthday card; clip the article when you see their name or photo in print; write a congratulatory note when they get a promotion. There are all sorts of ways for you to keep in touch with your customers and bring them closer to you.
6. Are your customers greeted when they walk in the door or at least within 30-40 seconds upon entering? Is it possible they could come in, look around, and go out without ever having their presence acknowledged? It is ironic it took a discount merchant known for price, not service, to teach the retail world the importance of greeting customers at the door. Could it be that’s because Sam Walton knew this simple but important gesture is a matter of respect, of saying “we appreciate your coming in,” having nothing to do with the price of merchandise?
7. Give customers the benefit of the doubt. Proving to him why he’s wrong and you’re right isn’t worth losing a customer over. You will never win an argument with a customer, and you should never, ever put a customer in that position.
8. If a customer makes a request for something special, do everything you can to say yes. The fact that a customer cared enough to ask is all you need to know in trying to accommodate her. It may be an exception from your customer service policy, but (if it isn’t illegal) try to do it. Remember you are just making one exception for one customer, not making new policy.
9. Are your customer service associates properly trained in how to handle a customer complaint or an irate person? Give them guidelines for what to say and do in every conceivable case. People on the frontline of a situation play the most critical role in your customer’s experience. Make sure they know what to do and say to make that customer’s experience a positive, pleasant one.
10. Want to know what your customers think of your company? Ask them! Compose a “How’re We Doing?” card and leave it at the exit or register stand, or include it in their next statement. Keep it short and simple. Ask things like: what it is they like; what they don’t like; what they would change; what you could do better; about their latest experience there, etc. To ensure the customer sends it in, have it pre-stamped. And if the customer has given their name and address, be sure to acknowledge receipt of the card.

Remember that the big money isn’t as much in winning customers as in keeping customers. Each individual customer’s perception of your company will determine how well you do this and that perception will depend on the level of customer service you provide.

Nyda

How to Build a Strong Brand

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:05:05 +0000

How to build a strong brand is the $34,000 question isn’t it? Here are several key points that will help you to answer the BIG question.

Define the difference by answering the following questions:

How does it look different—what is the shape and color?
How does it sound different—what is the tone of voice?
How does it act differently—what is the personality?

As you answer these three questions, work them and work them hard.

Protect the difference:

Make sure everyone who uses the brand understands it
Have strict brand guidelines—inside the company and out
Be consistent and do not keep changing the brand

And I mean everyone in your company needs to be able to recite what is the brand, what do you offer to your customers, and what impact do each of your employee’s make on the bottom line. Be consistent in every way that you touch the customer; this will help guide you to success!

Make the difference:

Use the brand in every part of your business
Make your people proud of the brand
Make your customers love every experience of the brand

Gain feedback on a continual basis from both your employees and customers and LISTEN to what they said. Set up a group of employees representing all functional areas of your company, letting them be the eyes, hears, heart and soul of the organization.

This is how you build the brand, enjoy it!

Nyda

PS. You can see and listen to this blog at www.TheMagnolia.TV

Change, Spring, and Your Image and Brand

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:35:31 +0000

Greetings!

Unexpected change is law it seems. The recent economy is affecting us in a variety of ways. We read in the newspapers and hear on television that jobs are being lost, companies are not hiring, training and marketing are put on hold, homes are in foreclosure, debt is rising, and the cheese in the refrigerator is getting moldy. Yes, change is law is seems.

Spring time also produces change. The trees are becoming greener with each passing day, flowers are blooming and the scenery is beautiful!

Change can also be empowering, challenging and an invisible gift. Something good comes out of change most times, and we have to learn to embrace it as a part of our life. You must change your thoughts and actions.

How we react to change has an impact on our image. We see people complain, blame and hide from change…not a pretty sight! Here are six ways to embrace change and maintain, even enhance your image:
1. Accept responsibility for your past…in the business world, the definition of insanity is doing what you have always done, and expecting different results. Let go of any negatives from the past.
2. Accept responsibility for your actions. Erase “blame” out of your vocabulary. Blame is a negative energy and removing it will leave room only for the positive. When you are positive you will be better able to appreciate the good things you have, the good choices you make, and you will be able to look forward to the future with enthusiasm, knowing you are in charge of your future.
3. Develop a positive connection to your future. It is not too late. The attitude that it is never to late is an example that whatever you decide to do, the important thing is “to decide” and “do” something. There is no expiration date for taking action.
4. Each new day is a learning experience. Each new day is a present or gift; embrace it with a positive mindset.
5. Look at change as building blocks and begin with one or two changes and build as you go along.
6. Allow yourself time to be grateful because if we do this, it takes our mind off the negatives and what we do not have.

What are five things for which you are grateful for right now? Just thinking about them probably made you smile…and that is always a positive impact on your image.

Keep change coming!

Nyda

P.S. Check out www.TheMagnolia.TV and see and hear this blog May 6th.

Vegetables are Changing Colors…and so is Selling

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:57:54 +0000

Greetings!

Have you noticed that vegetables are changing colors? Tomatoes, potatoes, onions are more than just red and white, there are purple ones, and mixed variations. Similar to vegetables changing colors, so are the sales tools in today’s marketplace.

In recent years the world of sales has changed; let’s explore four of the major changes.

1. The mobile phone is now the main communication device.

Everyone has one even grandparents and young children…and your customers. It is fast, reliable, and gives you instant access to messages and the ability to respond.

2. The Internet is the new marketplace. I know you know this but it needs to be repeated.

Forget about focusing on how your website stacks up against competition; rather focus on how it exceeds customer needs and expectations. How easy have you made it for your customers to do business with you? Implement procedures to figure this out on a regular basis.

3. Your image is showing everywhere….and on Google and other sites.

Every way that you and your business communicate illustrates your image, including Google and any site on the Internet. You have heard this before but I will say it again, have a strategy for your communications. It does not matter if you own your own company or work for someone else, YOUR image is showing.

4. Your customers expect a response….and quickly.

If you wanted to buy your product or service what will be the experience with your staff? Can they answer questions, motivate a buyer, communicate with different styles and personalities, close the sale, and up sell (or do they even know what that means)?

Have you made adjustments in your vegetable garden and offer the colors your customers now want and desire? Or are you still offering a plain orange carrot? Look at how you have expanded the color of your carrots? Maybe a hot pink one would help or a purple one….think about stepping out of the box and into the new world of selling. Better start working the garden and getting ready to meet the needs of the new consumer.

If you need help, call me. I have a seed packet that contains an array of new vegetable colors!

Nyda

And watch and listen to this blog om www.TheMagnolia.TV

Announcement of the 2011 Spring/Summer Color Palette

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:33:30 +0000

Greetings!

In this economic environment we all need to gain insight into techniques and gain knowledge that will position us to succeed and how we dress plays an important part. Last spring the color palette was all about less seasoned champagne, honeyed hues and ice cream colors. These colors have been replaced with clever color combinations of warm and cool tones. Designers drew this year’s color inspiration from exotic foreign lands like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey to transport consumers away from the monotony of everyday life.

Yes, elements of the 50’s, 60’s, and oh those 70’s are back. Elements returning include the long tunic in a wide range of color combinations, bell bottom pants and jeans, the wide leg and Capri are still on the scene and short ruffle skirts. In fact ruffles can be seen in just about every type of clothing. Afew other hot items for 2011 include lace clothing, crochet and macramé along with tassels.

The 2011 Spring/Summer colors include:

· Regatta Blue, a cool vibrant teal-like blue.

· Coral Rose, a spicy, warm sophisticated orange influenced by the colors of Africa and Asia.

· Beeswax, a warm honeyed yellow reminiscent of saffron spices from the East.

· Peapod, a fresh spring like yellowy green which resembles the color of green shoots heralding the onset of spring.

· Russet, a soft deep mix of pink and beige reminiscent of the color of Spanish clay and a deep version like the Russet potato.

· Lavender, a romantic and subtle lavender hue which combines sweetly with Coral Rose and Beeswax.

· Silver Cloud is a timeless silver hue which is a quintessential neutral.

· Blue Curacao, a turquoise blue that evokes images of glistening Caribbean seas.

· Silvery Peony, a delicate pink silver hue which provides a backdrop to stronger spring colors.

And the number one color for 2011 is Honeysuckle. Honeysuckle is a combination of coral and pink that is playful and will flatter most skin tones and provide an instant pick-me-up. Honeysuckle is flirtatious and brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette. Men will be able to add this color to your wardrobe in shirts, ties, shorts and even sports coats.

Have some fun and why not hit your favorite shoppes this weekend to view the spring/summer color palette. Try on numerous outfits and colors and see what enhances your own color palette and might find its way into your shopping bag.

Enjoy and get ready for spring!

Nyda

P. S. Watch this blog on www.TheMagnolia.TV

Nine Rules to Accelerate the Sales Approach

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:44:27 +0000

The sales cycle and the questions people pose such as “How do I get prospects to buy faster?”, “Why don’t prospects respond to my emails, calls, and proposals? “, and “How do I shorten the cycle?” are heard often. Let’s explore nine rules to accelerate the sales cycle.

1. Develop a crisp, clear and compelling value proposition.

If you do not know how you are distinct, how will your prospect know? Ask your clients, your colleagues, and your network what they perceive is your value. Once you get an answer, refine the message, practice it, and then make sure it is in every communication.

2. Talk to the right person.

Stop talking to prospects that have neither the budget nor the authority to buy your services. Try to enter the company at the highest level possible. If you cannot start high, find out as quickly as possible who controls the purse strings and who makes the decisions. Then get in front of them. If you cannot do that nor see the possibility in the near future, you may as well move along.

3. Focus on the prospect’s needs.

How directly do you connect what you offer with the needs of the buyer and those of his/her company? Refrain from talking to the prospect rather talk with the prospect. Ask questions that will allow you to find the most pressing and compelling needs that your services can address. Be able to draw a direct line from their needs to your services.

4. Build trust and confidence in your company.

Prospects begin conversations with a long list of reasons not to buy. To overcome this obstacle, provide stories, case studies, and examples of how you have helped similar companies. Do not talk about how good you are, demonstrate it.

5. Deal with objections early.

Actually objections are helpful to the buying process. They are a signal that the prospect is interested in moving forward but there is a question that needs to be answered. The earlier objections come up, the earlier you have the opportunity to explore what is getting in the way, deal with it, and move the sale forward. What is worst is having a prospect nod in agreement while harboring major doubts.

6. Plan each conversation.

What do you want to have happen during and after the first conversation? The second? The sales cycle gets stalled more often than not because you do not have a plan. Make sure you have thought it through and are ready.

7. Have a firm, not fuzzy, next step.

Make sure to design a firm next step such as “I will send you the proposal and then let’s plan for next Tuesday at 10am to walk through it in detail.”

8. Provide value in your marketing.

When you sit down with a prospect would it not be great to hear them say “I have read your books, hear you speak, and read your blogs; I am glad to meet you.” How can you make this happen? Create and leverage value-based offers and experiences in your marketing efforts.

9. Be persistent.

The average sales closing takes five or more conversations to close. Keep the pipeline full, be patient, and be persistent.

Enjoy the sales process, it is always different with each prospect and that makes it even more of a challenge. Reward yourself when the process goes well!

Until next month,

Nyda

PS You can see and hear this blog at www.TheMagnolia.TV

Reinvention… Welcome the New Year

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:23:27 +0000

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were most enjoyable and you took time to be with family and friends.

The birth of a new year is also a time to consider reinvention, both professionally and personally. Some people decide to make New Year resolutions of exercising, eating better foods, being nicer, spending more time with family and the list could continue. All of those resolutions usually do not last very long and we are right back where we were before. I would like to suggest that we focus on reinvention. While the reinvention may work in lieu of resolution, it has a much better “ring” to it and you might just get it done!

Let’s look at the word reinvent and using each of the letters as a component of the progress of reinvention. As with any process or action plan, there needs to be defined goals and objectives as well as a method of measurement.

R is for recalibrate. Imagine yourself hovering over a football stadium where you can see every square inch. You clearly see yard lines and the end zones and all the potential for great play in between. Place yourself on the field and answer these questions. What is your positioning on the field? What has been your game strategy? Are you close to the goal line and about to score or are there obstacles holding you back? Where on the field do you want to be and what is the touchdown worth? Identify what strategic steps need to be put in place to position you to win.

E is for evolve. Sometimes you have to get away to think clearly. So find some time to do just that, get away and think. Answer the question, if I died today, what is the one thing I would regret not having done? Determine what you need to do to accomplish the response you gave to the question.

I represents inquire. Become your own research and development department. Do several informal 360 degree feedback sessions. Talk to 3-5 people who know you well for 15-20 minutes asking them what it is about you that have the biggest impact on them. Then, just listen. Make notes and then review the comments. Are there patterns or trends among the comments? What is missing that you would have liked to have heard from the people? Then make an action plan to change, adjust, or enhance one or two things to help make you better.

N is for needing people. This is one that I have trouble with myself. As we get to a certain stage in life we think we can go it alone. We do not need people. Maybe we think it makes us weak. Wrong.

We do need other people to help us, encourage us, introduce us, educate us, and lead us. Make it part of your plan to have coffee, lunch or dinner with someone at least 2 or more times a week. Go to this meeting with an appetite for learning about that person. Find out how they define success, what is their life’s mission or vision, how do they overcome obstacles and other interesting questions. Also make sure you are seeking the type of people who are upbeat, positive, and enjoyable, not those who wish to tear you down or keep you from moving forward.

V is for vision. Craft a vision statement for yourself, squeezing your thoughts into one clear, concise and compelling statement. Identify five action items that bring your vision to life and write them down along with your statement. Remember what your coach used to say, visualize the win.

E represents evaluating your personal barriers. Identify what barriers are standing in your way to accomplishing those things that you have set forth from this discussion. Be honest about them, write them down, and then identify one action step to overcome them.

N is for navigate. I always find that it is easier to travel with a co captain than alone. They can help find the directions on the map, get a soft drink from the cooler located way in the back of the vehicle, be another set of eyes and help sing songs. Plus it is more fun. Identify someone to be your co captain that will help you stay on the charted course.

T is to test the waters. Sip the water first and find out how it tastes. If it is delightful and you enjoy the taste, continue. Step outside your comfort zone and try a new flavor…maybe an art seminar that you have always wanted to try, ride a Harley to feel the wind in your face, write a blog, or read a new type of book.

What will happen? You emerge with new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives which may have a very positive impact on your life. Take it a step at a time; enjoy the journey and the opportunities a New Year brings.

Happy New Year!

Until next month,

Nyda

PS. You can see and listen to this blog at www.TheMagnolia.TV

After Five…your Professional Image does not stop but keeps ticking

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:59:51 +0000

Greetings!
The professional image does not stop when the clock hits five. Frankly, the impression you make on others after work is just as important as the one you make between nine and five. Whether for a black tie affair, a company picnic, a movie with colleagues, or dinner with clients, dressing well is a must.

So now with the holidays upon us and parties and other events are lined up on the calendar, here are some tips for avoiding the embarrassment of showing up under or overdressed for the occasion.

When the invitation says “casual” it is best to call your hosts and ask them what they mean. Sometimes casual means slacks and a top, sometimes a sport coat and tie or a cocktail dress. The type of affair, the region of the country, and the people present will have a lot to do with dress requirements. If the affair is an company related open house it probably calls for a sport coat and tie for men, a dress, two-piece dress, jacket and city shorts, or, depending on the time of the day, dinner suit or cocktail dress for women.
For an evening function with cocktails at six or dinner at seven, consider these options. Women—A black or dark-colored dress or black or dark-colored evening suit, ultra sheer hosiery in dark tones, evening pumps or strapped sandals, dramatic jewelry, and a small handbag or clutch. Velvet is worn around the holiday season. Men—A dark suit in navy, black, or charcoal gray, tie, dress shirt in white or color with contrasting white collar, and black shoes.
For a black tie affair, consider the following: Women—Short, three quarter, or long evening dress in silk, chiffon, crepe, taffeta, organza, or velvet; dramatic jewelry, evening clutch, strapped evening sandals, and ultra-sheer hosiery. Men— Black-tie tuxedo, dress shirt, black hose, and black patent leather shoes. Women should avoid overly bright, flamboyant colors and designs, and men should avoid fur lined cummerbunds and extravagant ties. Stick to the basic black.
For those formal affairs such as a ball, consider these options. Women—A long gown (no pants), with or without sequins, in taffeta, silk, chiffon, or organza, with dramatic jewelry, clutch, strapped sandals, and ultra-sheer hosiery. Men—White tie and tailcoat. Black tuxedo is also acceptable.

Now is the time to review your closet and make sure the “after five holiday” clothes are clean, pressed, and ready to go. In addition to your outfit, remember to brush up on your etiquette.

Enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

Nyda

P. S. If you, your company or a group of friends would like to participate in a Dining Executive Etiquette course, please contact me.

The Impact of “Bad” Habits

Nyda Bittmann-Neville — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:02:20 +0000

Your outward behavior is the truth, whereas your inner perception of your behavior is often an illusion. Many of our habits and quirks are invisible so we need to periodically examine them and see if we need to make adjustments. What habits do you have that may be holding you back? Holding you back from that promotion you want, holding you back from the relationship you want, and holding you back from achieving success, however you define it, in your life.

Once a new habit is well developed, it becomes own new normal behavior. Do we not want those habits to be beneficial to our image and brand?

You are probably conscious of a few right away and there may be others you do not even see. Let’s explore some common habits that have been observed.

Not returning phone calls on time.
Being late for meetings and appointments.
Poor communication among your colleagues and staff.
A lack of clarity about expected outcomes, monthly targets, goals, etc.
Not attending to paperwork quickly and efficiently.
Handling the mail more than once.
Not following through consistently on overdue receivables.
Talking instead of listening.
Hitting the snooze alarm several times in the morning before getting out of bed.
Not spending enough time with your family.
Eating at irregular times of the day.
Taking work home with you.
Socializing too much on the telephone.
Having you cell phone on ALL the time and placing it on the table in meetings and lunches.
Procrastinating on everything from filing taxes to cleaning out the garage.

I am sure you have others to add to the list, but you get the drift of my message.

So what is one to do about these “bad” habits? First we must identify what habits we have which are holding us back. This exercise takes a commitment of one hour (or longer) without interruptions. It is a worthy exercise and will give us a strong foundation for improving results. Take a blank piece of paper and analyze habits listing those that are considered “bad”.

Beside each that is listed write what the impact of that habit is on your image, brand and ability to move forward. Once you have completed the list circle 3-5 habits that you want to eliminate and/or diminish. What can you do to achieve this goal?

Make an action plan for each and work on them for the rest of this year. Just think how far you will have advanced in eliminating or lessening them by the end of the year and how great you will feel beginning the New Year without them coming along for the journey.

Let me know what habits you selected, your plans and the outcome. I am most interested in hearing from you.

Until next month,

Nyda

If you wish to watch this blog presented personally, check out www.TheMagnolia.TV.