Showing posts with label Sharon LaMothe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharon LaMothe. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Getting Out From Behind Your Computer; In Person Networking!


So today I want to share with you some tips to networking in person! So often we are stuck behind a computer screen or the phone and not really interacting with people in person (missing out on that all important body language anyone?). That can make you feel isolated if you don't make it a point to get out and actually shake hands and look someone, anyone, in the eyes!

Here we go! If you have anything to add please share in the comments!

Radiate Confidence 

Even if you are shy or nervous, keep your poise and have a confident attitude as you walk into any meeting or conference. This will attract others. As you do so, you need to be prepared to carry on an intelligent discussion.

Study what is going to be discussed during the meeting. When people understand that you are serious about participating in the discussions in a meaningful and useful way, they will respect you and seek you out.

Do Not Dismiss Small Talk
 
Small talk is a vital part of business communications. By making small talk, you will make other people feel comfortable in your presence, and also slowly build up a level of trust with them.

You can start your sales ‘pitch’ after you have come to know something about the likes and dislikes of the other person. Serious discussions and negotiations will eventually be conducted, but small talk has its place in interactions between business people.

Observe the Other Person

When you are talking with other people, observe their reactions and their body language. You might find that a particular person is more interested in hearing details about you and your small business. You can then focus on that person, since you will have already captured their interest.

This strategy will save you from wasting time on people who are not interested in your company or your products. Limit the amount of time you spend trying to convince someone, before you move on to the next group or person.

Wasting your time on someone who is clearly not interested in what you have to offer will only leave you with less time to converse with others.

Keep Your Business Card Ready

You should not give your business card to each and every person, but you should give it to anyone who displays even the slightest potential of becoming a customer.

Follow-Up Is Important, Too

Call, email, or fax the people you’ve had a good interaction with during your meeting. This will indicate to the other person that you enjoyed meeting him or her, and that you are now interested in conducting serious business.

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Do not be afraid of what the other person might think about you. You can expect to have a few misses before you find an approach that works. Until then, keep on trying and attend as many networking events as you possibly can so that you can meet a wide variety of people. A few setbacks should not stop you from meeting new and interesting people that can help advance your business goals.

Use the above tips to better networking, and you will turn into a networking specialist in no time. In addition to getting increased business, you might also make some new friends - and it is this combination that makes networking fun and profitable.

What do you that makes you feel special or confident when getting ready to attend a business function or meeting? Please do share! I would love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at Sharon@LaMotheServices.com! Take me up on the Free 40 minute consult. You never know what will come out of talking to someone else about your goals. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Customer Service: How To Work With Your Customers to Take Your Business to the Next Level


Let's chat about costumer service. Where has the customer service gone people ask....maybe department stores can ignore the importance of customer service these days but "service related" industry's simply CAN NOT afford to allow their clients to believe they are not special, unique and cared about. Your clients are your number ONE marketing and networking tool. If you have a happy client they are going to spread the word about how wonderful, compassionate and caring you are...have a client who is disgruntled, unsatisfied and ignored will cost you more then money when THEY start telling their story! Customers need to know that you care...that they mean something to you other then a paid invoice. Treat them as you would like to be treated and watch your business grow!



It comes down to this: You may have the best product or service out there, but that alone won't guarantee your success if you haven't built loyal bonds with your customers. As I've already said, your existing customers are your best customers. They will thank you with their repeat business and send you business referrals. And they will think of you when they're ready to buy -- in good times and in bad. But customer loyalty must be earned.

Unlike big busin
ess, small organizations are uniquely able to cater to customer needs and earn their loyalty. How do you do that? By being 100% customer focused every day, with every interaction, in every aspect of your business. What are the best ways to show that you care about your customers/clients? Here are a few suggestions:

~Extend invitations for customers to give you feedback at every opportunity. If you have a physical store, put a suggestion box at the counter -- alongside your email sign-up list.

~Include an open-ended question at the end of every email marketing communication asking, "How are we doing? What could we do better?"

~Survey your customers to find out what they want and need right now. Ask them, if they're not buying from you now, why not? What would it take to get their business back? Report on that feedback to your mailing list in your future email marketing communications.

~Write a Question-and-Answer column in your blog inviting customers to sound off and tell you what's on their minds. Offer free advice. Use customer feedback to inform your email marketing content and drive your campaigns.

What are you currently doing to show your customers how much you care about their business? Please share with the rest of us in the comments below!

If you have any comments I would sure like to hear from you! Feel free to PM me or email me at Sharon@LaMotheServices.com or visit www.LaMotheServices.com.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Getting Motivated! What does it take?

Who else finds winter so UN-MOTIVATING? There are days when it's so dark and dreary it's hard to stay focused on what you need to do vs what you might want to do (stay in bed, book a trip to Hawaii, or just binge watch Netflix). That's one great reason to hire a business consultant. Someone to be accountable to. Someone who helps you stay on track. Someone who wants you to reach your goals as much as you do!

Here are a few more reasons to invest in a business consultant:
  • Do you have new projects that are under consideration?
  • Are you currently working with business clients that are difficult or complicated
  • Are you exploring options for additional services
  • Do you need advice regarding best business practices
  • Do you need marketing solutions
  • Are you interested in brainstorming and idea generation sessions
The reality is that NOW is the best time to get your business running as smoothly as possible. To have a plan in place, one that will hopefully will give you more PERSONAL time when the weather gets better and the sun is finally shining! 

I invite you to visit my website for a list of services that I offer at www.LaMotheServices.com I do have a free 40 minute consultation so that you have time to share with me what your greatest concerns are and what type of help you might need before you even consider purchasing a consulting package. Let's talk! What do you have to lose?

In the comments, what motivates you to being an entrepreneur? Is it the flexible hours? Is it because you are doing something you love? Is it because you have always wanted to be your own boss? Or is it something else? Please share!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Business Coaching for Surrogacy Related Companies

Do you feel overwhelmed with some aspects of your business? Are you a sole owner and need occasional support? Or are you dealing with a new problem that you have never encountered before? It may be time to ask for help! Sharon LaMothe has been working in the field of surrogacy for over 18 years and she can help you navigate through any problem or situation you may have. If she doesn't have the tools needed to help you solve your situation she can refer you to a professional who can. 


This service is aimed at professionals who:

  • Have new projects that are under consideration
  • Working with business clients that are difficult or complicated
  • Are exploring options for additional services
  • Need advice regarding best business practices
  • Want recruiting advice 
  • Need marketing solutions
  • Interested in brainstorming and idea generation sessions
  • Packages can be purchased in 10 or 20 hour increments. 

Please call 727-458-8333 for details. The first 40 minute consultation is free.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Updating Website Design and Content with LaMothe Services, LLC

Doing business in the 21st century requires every company to have a website in one form or another. Whether your site is interactive or simply informational, there are steps you can take to ensure you're on the right track to creating a successful web presence.

Overall, LaMothe Services will be reminding you that your website is not just a marketing tool, it's a business tool, and it should be generating a revenue stream for your business.

Call LaMothe Services today at 727-458-8333 and learn all the details with a free 40 minute consultation. With this package your business can take advantage of a free banner ad placed on one of the many sub-pages of www.InfertilityAnswers.net. 
 
This package includes:
 
Total overview of your current website including content review, design, testing links, key words and meta tags.
 
Rewriting (with client approval) problem or stale content
 
Adding or consolidating pages
 
Adding photos, group boxes or other design elements
 
Updating client bios
 
Evaluating visitor statistics and making suggestions to better market your website

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Own Your Own Surrogacy Agency Special!

Are you interested in owning and operating your own Surrogacy Agency but don't know where to start? Do you live in a surrogacy friendly state? Have you been entertaining the idea of becoming your own boss? Are you a 'people person' and have knowledge of the third party family building field? (Past Surrogate, Intended Parent or other A.R.T Professional) Do you believe that NOW is YOUR your time to take control of your own career path? If the answers are a resounding YES to all these questions then LaMothe Services, LLC can help you formulate a plan and assist you in building your business to it's full potential. E-mail LaMotheServices@aol.com to set up your free 40 minute consult and learn more about our Own Your Own Surrogacy Agency SPECIAL!                                                                                                                                                           
This SPECIAL for NEW SURROGACY AGENCY Owners includes the following!                                                                                                                   
20 Hours of Consultation:
This includes mainly phone and some e-mail communication. Discussing the viability of a surrogacy program, what it might take to begin, what issues and road blocks maybe in your path, etc. This package is based on what issues you want to explore.  Below are just a few of the topics we will discuss. As you can see, often more time is needed to have your business up and running smoothly: 
  •    Website    
  •     Marketing Materials    
  •     Forms (Intake, Applications, Retainers etc)
  •     Packet Information
  •     Recruiting Protocol
  •     Program Flow and Procedures
    •     Matching Procedures
    •     Clinic, Psychologist, and Attorney Relationships
    •     Hospital Risk Management Relationships
  •     Financial Tracking
  •     Surrogate Education and Support
  •     Intended Parent Education and Support
  •     Customer Service
  •     Networking with other professionals
  •     Staff development
Marketing Materials and  Agreements:                                                                                                                                                                
35-40+  ”samples". These  include a retainer  agreement, sample contracts, reimbursements for surrogates, anticipated fees and  costs, check lists, agency forms and documents, educational information for IPs and Surrogates etc. Some of this information can also be used in the website, social media, and marketing materials                                                                                                                                                                
Website Development:   
Total overview of what you would like on your website including content, design (colors), links (resources), key words
Client provides all content for the website including Logo.
Designing your website and adding content provided by client  (Home Page, Services, About Us, For Surrogates, For IPs,  Testimonials, Q&A for example) plus adding photos, group boxes or other design elements
Setting up a e-mail address to go from the site to the address of your choice
Teaching you how to take control of your site once it is completed so that you can add, remove and update your site as needed on your own
(Your credit card will be charged directly from the hosting company $19.99 per month once the site is activated.)
                                                                                                                                                                                          
Business Card and Brochure Design-Client pays for all printing and shipping directly to their office/home. Client provides logo and content (Content can be found and used from the website)
                                                                                                                                                  
Banner Ad Assistance
1 banner ad ready to post on Internet sites for visibility of your new company
Your Banner Ads on InfertilityAnswers.org for 12 months FREE   
                                                                                                                                                         
The cost of this package is $6,000.00 and is offered in 2 instalments of $3,000.00 each-30 days apart. If you choose to pay in full, you will receive 10% off the entire package! (That's a $600.00 savings!)
                                                                                                                                         
Contact LaMothe Services today to get all the details! LaMotheServices@aol.com or call 727-458-8333. (Please note that our main office is located in Seattle, WA)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Extra hourly add-on packages are available for an additional charge.
**No Refunds

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Winners Announced for the NIAW book drawing of A Surrogacy Helps Make a Family Grow!



A copy of Surrogacy Helps Make a Family Grow! will be sent out to the following 5 lucky winners:


M.C. of Fresno, CA

J.H. of Redmond, WA

T.B. of Lake St. Louis, MO

N.C. of Rockport, ME

and

S.W. of Streetsboro, OH



Thank you to the 182 participants who entered this contest! I will be doing it again very soon!



Monday, January 30, 2012

Why Blog at ALL? Top 6 Reasons By: Sharon LaMothe


I have had several people ask me about blogging...after all, setting up blogs is one of the many services I offer on LaMothe Services, LLC http://lamotheservices.com/. I thought it would be a great idea for me to post my answers here (on MY blog) for all to read...and decide if they, too, want to join the blog craze!


Why Blog at All? Top 6 Reasons
By: Sharon LaMothe

1) Think of a Personal blog as an on-line journal that you can share with your family or friends. You can post pictures of your latest vacation, your newest family member and chat about how the garden is growning. Whatever your interest you can blog about it!

2) A Business blog is a great FREE marketing asset that is a must have in this economy. Its a wonderful way to introduce new products or services or give Kudos to your best employees. You can run polls, have contests, and ask your clients for input and comments.

3) With almost everyone in the business world having computer access, there are a large number of people reading blogs. From professionals to potential customers or clients, blogs are here to stay and are even accused of taking the place of newspapers a crossed the country!

4) A blog offers credibility to you and your business. It also shows that you are on top of technology and not the "dinosaur" that some may accuse you of...

5) Blogs are viral (in a good way!) They attract regular visitors and subscribers...your blog can be RSSed (Real Simple Syndication) into your website and social networking pages.

6) Blogs not only offer a voice for you and your company but you can think of it as a form of communication of epic proportions along with the ability to "publish" anything you want at any time you want.

If you have any questions regarding blogging and how you can set one up, just contact me at SurroMatchFL@aol.com.

Sharon LaMothe
LaMothe Services, LLC

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A New Book by Sharon LaMothe for the Children of Surrogates: Surrogacy Helps Make a Family Grow!

I am thrilled to announce that my book, Surrogacy Helps Make a Family Grow!, is available on Amazon.com for those living and working in the world of surrogacy. This heartwarming story is written for the children of surrogate mothers who want to explain to them just how and why they are carrying a baby for another family.
I was a surrogate myself when my own kids were ages 3 and 13 and there were no books out there to help me explain this wonderful selfless act to them. Surrogacy Helps Make a Family Grow! is only 30 pages long and filled with colorful illustrations and makes a perfect 'welcome gift' from agencies, clinics and IPs. For women becoming surrogates themselves, this is a great tool to teach their own children about Gestational Surrogacy and how the whole family makes the dream of a baby come true for those in need.



Anyone wanting to buy 20 books or more please e-mail me at SurroMatchFL@aol.com  for discount details!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It's Time to Plan Your ASRM Annual Meeting Agenda! Put These Suggestions on Your List!

Have you looked at your ASRM Program yet? If you have attended this great conference in the past then you know that all of the courses and roundtables fill up fast! The post grad course I am participating in is offered on page 15, Course PG1 offered on Saturday the 10/15. The Psychology and Ethics of Marketing a Mental Health Practice in Infertility. William Petok, Ph.D, and Jeffery E. Barnett, Psy.D. are also on the faculty with me! Not to be missed opportunity to learn about marketing your practice or business! Turn to page 50 and you will find #RTT19 Demystifying Gestational Surrogacy luncheon roundtable hosted by me as well! This is found under Mental Health! Remember these roundtables include lunch and are limited! This one is offered on Tuesday October 18th! I hope to see you there!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tune IN!! On October 21, The Surrogacy Lawyer Radio will Interview Sharon LaMothe, Author of “Surrogacy Helps a Family Grow,” and Tracy Armato, Conceptual Options Program Director

The Surrogacy Lawyer Radio Program Presents “Talking about Surrogacy to the Children of Surrogates”

On October 21, The Surrogacy Lawyer Radio will interview Sharon LaMothe, author of “Surrogacy Helps a Family Grow,” and Tracy Armato, Conceptual Options Program Director

When a woman decides to become a surrogate mother, she will have many conversations: with members of the surrogacy agency team, the intended parents, the medical and legal professionals involved in her care and with her spouse or partner and other adult relatives and friends, to name a few. But one of the most important conversations she will have is with her children, so she can explain the surrogacy process to them.

On the Thursday, October 21 episode of The Surrogacy Lawyer: Your Guide to IVF and Third Party Reproduction, Theresa Erickson, Esq., will be discussing how surrogate mothers should talk to their children about their pregnancies for another family. Ms. Erickson will interview Sharon LaMothe, a former gestational surrogate and author of the upcoming book Surrogacy Helps a Family Grow, and Tracy Armato, program director of Conceptual Options, The Surrogacy and Egg Donation Center and past surrogate. This episode will air on at 11AM PST/2PM EST on Voice America.

Sharon LaMothe is currently the owner of Infertility Answers, Inc., and the creator of two blogs about third party reproduction. She also owns LaMothe Services, LLC, an assisted reproductive technology business solutions service. Tracy Armato is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Conceptual Options. Having been a gestational surrogate, Tracy has viewed third party reproduction from both angles and is a key support figure for surrogates.

“As a surrogacy lawyer and owner of a surrogacy and egg donation agency, I am excited about this new tool to help surrogate mothers talk to their children about the amazing gift they are giving another set of parents,“ says attorney Erickson. “Having open and honest conversations about third party reproduction is essential, whether you are a surrogate or egg, sperm or embryo donor. I look forward to advancing the conversation about this important topic.”

About Theresa Erickson, Esq.

Ms. Erickson is the managing partner of Erickson Law and the founder and chair of Conceptual Options, The Surrogacy and Egg Donation Center. In addition, Ms. Erickson is the author of the newly released Surrogacy and Embryo, Sperm, & Egg Donation: What Were You Thinking? Erickson was motivated to write her second book so she could educate potential intended parents, as well as the women who become surrogates and egg donors, about what all parties need to know if they are going to become involved in third party reproduction.

Attorney Erickson is a globally recognized expert in this specialized area of law and is a board member of the American Fertility Association and the legal director of Parents Via Egg Donation. For more information, please visit www.ericksonlaw.net and www.conceptualoptions.com.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Sharon LaMothe of LaMothe Services and Infertility Answers to Attend the ASRM Meeting in Denver

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine is holding it's 66th annual meeting in Denver this month! I will be attending and arriving in Denver this Sunday the 24th and staying until Wednesday the 27th. I am thrilled to be attending the Opening Ceremony Sunday evening and networking with some of the most hard working and knowledgeable professionals in the Infertility Field. Some of the great seminars I will be attending include Open Vs Closed Gamete Donation, Wrinkled Parents; Medical, Ethical and Psychological Issues of Parenting at an Older Age, and Infertility as a Public Health Priority. There are so many opportunities to meet people that I have "friended" on Facebook or accepted into my network on LinkedIn. If you would like to meet with me, just send me an e-mail at SurroMatchFL@aol.com or give me a call at 727-458-8333.

As for MY clients that I consult with, know that I attend these events, meetings and seminars around the country so that I can share what I have learned with you through my blogs, posts, and conversations. In this time of social networking, spending hours online and answering e-mail, I believe that it is so important to have face-time with clients and other professionals in this ever growing field of infertility.

Please contact me if you plan to be attending the ASRM or visiting Seattle, WA where my offices are located. If you need my consulting services remember that our first conversation is free so that we can assess how best to use my expertise to help you reach your goals.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Sharon LaMothe

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year from LaMothe Services, LLC



Happy 2010 from Sharon LaMothe
Wishing you great success in the year to come!

For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"
 
The Business of A.R.T.
LaMothe Services, LLC

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays from LaMothe Services, LLC


Happy Holidays from
Sharon LaMothe
The Business of A.R.T. and
LaMothe Services, LLC

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you…Thinking of you this holiday season!


-- T.A. Barron

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

"He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart."
-J.A. Shedd


Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving
Sharon LaMothe
LaMothe Services, LLC

Monday, November 23, 2009

LaMothe Services, LLC is Announcing the Launch of the Redesigned Blog, The Business of A.R.T.


LaMothe Services, LLC is announcing the launch of the redesigned blog, The Business of A.R.T. Found under the URL http://theagencyangle.blogspot.com/, the Business of A.R.T. is aimed at professionals in the Assisted Reproductive Technology industry who don't have the time to scour the internet looking for ways to improve their visibility within the current market.


Not only does The Business of A.R.T. blog share articles regarding social networking, branding, marketing and self promotion written by some of the top gurus in the marketing industry, Sharon LaMothe also writes about her own experiences as a surrogacy agency owner sharing tips on starting an agency, working from home, and business structure just to name a few of the more informative posts.

" Whereas LaMothe Services, LLC is designed for clients who desire to hire an assistant, of sorts, who is an expert within the infertility industry to guide and advise them, the blog, The Business of A.R.T. is a perfect compliment for those who simply need to catch up with the newest marketing and networking opportunities available." says Sharon LaMothe

For those not familiar with Sharon LaMothe, she is the Past Owner of Surrogacy Consultants of Florida, LLC and most recently the Owner of Infertility Answers, Inc. (http://infertilityanswers.net/) and is the author of the blog(s) Surrogacy 101 (http://infertilityanswers.typepad.com/surrogacy_101 and http://surrogacy101.blogspot.com/).

Sharon's responsibilities as an agency owner included interviewing new Surrogates, educating and assisting Intended Parents and Surrogates, managing relationships, writing packet forms, intake sheets, brochures and website content, marketing and advertising. Prior to owning SCF, Sharon worked with an adoption/surrogacy attorney. Sharon has also been a Gestational Surrogate, giving birth to twin girls in March of 2000 for a Florida couple, and in January 2005, gave birth to girl/boy twins for a New York couple.

Sharon's educational background includes a Social Services major which encompassed classes in Crisis Identification and Intervention, Interviewing and Counseling, Communication in Groups and Organizations. Sharon's continuing education classes include Total Quality Management (TQM) and Shared Decision Making. She has offered her unique perspectives and expertise by holding round table discussions and speaking on the topic of Surrogacy for SMART ART, RESOLVE, American Fertility Association, Fertile Dreams and by arranging staff development luncheons and meetings with various clinics, hospitals and law offices. Sharon is married with two children and currently resides in Seattle, WA.

Says LaMothe "I encourage anyone who is interested in growing their company, especially in our current economy, to subscribe to The Business of A.R.T. at the http://theagencyangle.blogspot.com/. This blog will most certainly save you time and money and will most likely motivate you to try out new marketing and networking opportunities."