Re-Energize Your Business; Re-Think Your Marketing

It's 2021 and what are your new year plans?? Don't you think it's time that you finally reach out and make some changes in your marketing plan like most of your competitors are doing? Read below and be re-energized for the upcoming months!

http://lamotheservices.com/

Entrepreneur's Journal: How to Sell When No One is Buying

What to do? Here's a look at some strategies to get the business of long-term frugal customers (Especially in the Infertility field):

Rethink Marketing: While social media has been hyped up, it is still critically important. Let's face it, customers typically first go to the Net before making a purchase. And, if you're company does not show up, you're certainly in trouble.

To this end, you need to get savvy with search engine marketing, blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter and so on. They will not only engage potential customers but also build a growing digital footprint.

Some excellent books on the topic include The Social Media Bible and The Facebook Era: Tapping Online Social Networks to Build Better Products, Reach New Audiences, and Sell More Stuff.

Value Message: Who doesn't like a bargain, especially for a good product or service? Even those who are looking at luxury goods are trying to get a good deal.

But, when crafting your value offer, you need to put much thought in the message. Just look at Stuart Frankel. He operates several Subway shops in southern Florida. Desperate to drum up business, he came up with a simple idea to sell $5 footlongs on Saturday and Sunday.

Interestingly enough, the result was stunning, as sales spiked. At the same time, profit margins remained stable.

Customer Feedback: During tough times, your customers may be looking for alternatives. This means you need to communicate more and perhaps even provide enhanced offerings. In fact, this may help increase "word of mouth," which could result in getting more customers.

Also, ask your customers some questions, such as: What do you value the most? What else would you want?

This can be extremely valuable in terms of targeting new customers, as well as fine-tuning your marketing.

Be Upbeat: In light of the negative media, it's not easy to be positive. But you need to. It's critical for motivating your employees and building confidence with vendors and potential customers.

Tom Taulli provides a variety of financial services to business owners, such as business plans, cash flow management, and taxes. You can reach him at taulli.com.

Modernizing the Patient Experience in Reproductive Medicine: Part 13- What Else Should You Consider?

I started out in Part 1 talking about customer service and I am sure you know by now that when your customer service fails then no matter what you do to gain new clients or appease current ones you are not going to be in business for long.



I also posted about the following ways to help your client or patients find you:

●        Using the Internet

–        Social Networking

–        Pinterest

–        YouTube

–        Blogging

–        E-Newsletters

–        Webinars

        What’s Left?

●        Pod Casts

●        Radio shows

●        TV interviews

●        Seminars and exhibiting

●        Community specific marketing

●        Out-reach education

All of these can be used interactively with your social networks, websites and blogs

 Although all of these external marketing techniques are ways to reach new patients and educate current clients, great customer service along with a warm, compassionate attitude from you and your entire staff can never be replaced.

Obviously I have not elaborated nearly enough throughout this 13 part series on reaching and supporting your patient or client,  however that is because each  company is run differently and addresses issues in a very unique way. This is because we all have a different reasons why we are in the Third Party Reproductive field and have different ideas regarding  how to actually achieve our business goals.  This is where a knowledgeable consultant like LaMothe Services, LLC can come in and assist you in redefining your business plan and helping you implement a few of the ideas I have outlined in this blog. Feel free to contact me via e-mail at Sharon@LaMotheServices.com or call 727-458-8333 to set up a free consultation!

Transitions: You Are Not Alone! Let LaMothe Services Help Answer Your Most Pressing Business Related Questions!

Are you going through a transition? I have to admit that I am going through a bit of a transition myself! My website(s) are in the middle of a redesign, I will soon have some new,  time saving, applications in place and I'm learning something new every day, one being that the only one who can set limits for me is....me! And the same goes for you, my friends!

What are your most pressing business questions? Please share them in the comments or contact me through any of the social media listed below. I will take each one and write a blog post and do my best to answer your question or reflect on your comment. 

You can always e-mail me at: Sharon@LaMotheServices.com
I invite you all to add me to your LinkedIN connections: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamotheservices
I also invite you to friend me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SharonLaMothe
Let's not forget about Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lamotheservices
and then there's twitter https://twitter.com/SharonLaMothe 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sharon LaMothe

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. 

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 business, 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.

Blogging Tips, Ideas and Simple Topics

Hello and welcome again! Have you done anything to promote your business this week? Because I am on social media everyday for my clients I, of course, spend time working on my own online presence.

I also blog.... I spend quite a bit of time blogging for others. Usually I write 4 blog posts at a time and my clients either schedule them on their own blogs or have me post them directly to their sites. Either way, I enjoy writing on a multitude of topics.  Of course I am also promoting what ever services or products my clients tell me are on special for that month. But that can't be the only thing your blog is about. You need to have a variety to keep people coming back and interested.

At times small business owners are stumped as to what to write about. So here is a short list of possible simple topics to get you started. You will quickly notice that many of these posts can be written in a few minutes.

Meet one of our employees 

Meet one of our customers 

Here’s an upcoming event you might be interested in. 

A quick tip 

One of our clients sent us this photo 

Something I read that you might find useful 

A couple of websites that can be helpful 

An industry trend we see developing 

Why did we start this company. 

What it is like to work for our company 

Something we are doing to support our community 

How our business was founded 

We had a client ask us this yesterday 

A new service we are offering 

A new product available 

How we make the ordering process simple for you. 

Meet our customer support team 

Find us on Facebook, LinkedIN, Pinterest, Twitter etc

Visit us at ________event

Sign up for our newsletter

In the News

Quote of the day

In the comments please share some of the blog tips/ideas you are currently using. If you simply don't have a blog or don't like writing, you can always contact me at www.LaMotheServices.com or email me to set up your own free 40 minute consultation!

CONFESSION--I spend so much time blogging for others my own blog is a little behind...like 2018 behind...I'm trying to make up for that now! 

Social Networking is Great for Your Business!

Today I am going to share with you one of my most popular services: Social Networking. If you hate spending time on Facebook or Twitter then I can help! Especially if you just KNOW that the more you put yourself out there, the more exposure you and your business can get, the better!

Social Networking is the fastest and easiest way to stay in touch with colleagues, co-workers, industry professionals, family, and friends. But learning how to navigate a site by yourself can be frustrating especially if you would rather be spending time doing other things. Networking in any form is a great way to keep your business in the forefront of everyone's mind and lead you to a better position in your industry or field.

Package #1 includes:

Facebook~LinkedIN~Twitter~etc.

Setting up your social networking site with your e-mail and contact information

Posting your bio and other relevant information

Feed your blog to your networking site if possible

Showing you how to invite friends from your address book to your site

Teaching you how to navigate the site easily and quickly

Package #2 includes:

(paid monthly)

Everything in Package #1 and

Maintenance of your social networking sites

Posting on your sites 2/3 times per week

Networking with other relevant groups on your site

Keeping you informed of events posted on your sites

I believe most here have already set up all of your online social networking sites but if not, I am here to help. The posting, however, is what often takes up the most time.

I just want to say that it's ok to post a meme or a quote or something personal once in a while. It shakes things up and will allow your readers to get to know the personal you!

What types of information do you post on your social networking sites? Please share your ideas in the comments. Local events? Specials? Memes? Personal photos? Your blog? (Do you have a blog? I think I will write about that next!)

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!

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.

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

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

17 Twitter Tips (as found, in part, on DoshDosh)

As most of you already know, I 'do' social media for people in the Reproductive Industry. They are trying to reach out to other professionals (like I do) as well as potential egg donors or surrogates, intended parents and donor egg recipients. Sharing information and educating the public is another great reason for people to turn to social media in the first place. I set up businesses and individuals on the road to social networking success by placing bios and information about their business on places like Facebook, LinkedIN, Pinterest, and Twitter to name a very few. Needless to say they still have to USE these tools to get the most out of them. (but Lamothe Services can do that for you too!) Below is a segment on Twitter that I found that should catapult even the busiest executive into posting a 'tweet' once in a while.  

Twitter gives you a fragmented experience of opinions, events, news, ideas and feedback largely because its structured to accommodate non-contextual usability: You can easily follow thousands of users and listen in and enter into conversations conducted among multiple users at any point. And this is usually the case.

On the other hand, Twitter can be actively used as a tool to push out messages that capitalize on the attention you’re receiving from other users. Yes, I’m talking about self-promotion and marketing. This involves active user engagement.


1. Personal Branding. Twitter is a social media platform you can use to build your personal brand. It has the primary benefit of developing a casual persona and establishes you as a social personality that is connected and approachable. As Twitter adoption increases, new users will be drawn towards well established Twitter personas.

2. Get Feedback. Need an alternative perspective on how a website looks or the right course of action to take? Blast out a message asking for advice and you’ll receive replies from other users. This collective intelligence can be used as fodder for articles or projects.

3. Hire People. Need a good logo designer, marketer or programmer? Send out a message asking for recommendations. This is a very quick and easy way to hire freelancers or even companies based on familiar recommendations.

4. Direct traffic. Twitter can be used to get traffic to your websites or the sites of friends. If you ask your friends to tweet about it, the message will spread faster and further as other active users pick it up. There is a viral nature to all types of news, even on a site like Twitter.

5. Read News. Twitter users often link to useful sites or articles and can be a source of scoops and alternative news. You can also subscribe to Twitter feeds for specific websites/conferences, which allows you to receive and view content quickly. This is very useful for active social news participants.

6. Make New Friends. Like any other social network, Twitter has a built-in function for you to befriend and track the messages of other users. This is an easy way for you connect with people outside of your usual circle. Make an effort to add active users you find interesting. A Twitter acquaintance can be developed into a long lasting friendship.

7. Network for benefits. Twitter can be used as a socializing platform for you to interact with other like-minded people, especially those in the same industry. It can be used to establish consistent and deeper relationships for future benefits such as testimonials or peer recommendations.

8. Use it as a ToDo list. Use Twitter to record down what you need to do while you are away from the computer. Mark the tweet as a favorite to file it for referencing. Another alternative is to use an Online task management service that is synced with Twitter. One example is Remember The Milk.

9. Business Management. Twitter can be used as a company intranet that connects employees to one another. Workers can liaise with each other when working on group projects. Particularly useful when certain workers go out often in the field. Updates could be set to private for security reasons.

10. Notify Your Customers. Set up a Twitter feed for the specific purpose of notifying customers when new products come in. Customers can subscribe via mobile or RSS for instant notification. Twitter can also be used to provide mini-updates for one-on-one clients.

11. Take Notes. Twitter provides you with an easy way to record important ideas or concepts you want to explore further. Include links relevant to ideas you want to explore. Note taking can also be done offline via mobile applications.

12. Event Updates. Businesses can use Twitter as a means to inform event participants and latest event happenings/changes. This is a hassle-free way of disseminating information, especially when you don’t have the means to set up a direct mobile link between you and the audience

13. Find Prospects. Twitter can be used as a means to find potential customers or clients online. Do a search for keywords related to your product on Twitter Search and then follow users. Tweet about topics parallel to your product and close prospects away from public channels by using direct messages or offline communications. Discretion and skill is needed in this area.

14. Provide Live coverage. Twitter’s message size limit prevents detailed coverage of events but it can allow you to provide real-time commentary which may help to spark further discussion or interest on the event as other Twitter users spread the message. Very useful for citizen journalism.

15. Time Management and Analysis. Twitter can simply be used to keep a detailed record of what you are doing every daily. This might be boring for others but this type of usage is useful when you want to analyze how you spend and manage your time.

16. Set Up Meetings. Twitter can help you organize impromptu meetups. For example, you can twitter a message while at a cafe, event or art gallery and arrange to meet fellow users at a specific spot. It’s an informal and casual way of arranging a meeting.

17. Acquire Votes. Send a link to your stories you’ve submitted in other social news sites like Digg. Sometimes your followers will vote up the stories because they agree with it. This allows you to acquire more support for your efforts on other social media websites

5 Essentials When Advertising Your Small Business

I am stuck in business mode....not only am I sharing ideas that work for all small business but what can work for an agency. Needless to say I am using "small business" loosely because look at the new numbers out there...the Infertility Industry is boasting that it's now a 4 BILLION DOLLAR business! Who is getting all of this money and are you feeling like all you are earning are the crumbs off this huge buffet? I think we are all aware that to actually be effective in the agency segment of the infertility business puzzle you have to have a few altruistic cells in your body...no one is going to be rich running an agency but a comfortable living can and should be expected. No one wants those looking for third party help to be viewed as Mr. and Mrs. Money-bags, because most IPs are far from rich especially after all of the treatments they have undergone on themselves! It's all so expensive! However, we as business owners need to find ways to reach out to our clients. Once they know of our existence then we can show them why we are the best "partner" for them to hire. Below are some advertising tips that you can put to work for you now or planning ahead for the holidays!


5 Essentials When Advertising Your Small Business
Posted by Suzanne Vara

Advertise your Business! Now is the time to plan to plan ahead and take your advertising campaigns off life support.

Advertising sets out to persuade people to buy your product or service by effectively targeting them where they reside. Traditional media (print, radio, TV) has often been called noise as it interrupts people when they are not wanting to watch or listen or see ads while relaxing. The same can be said for banner ads and pop-ups on the internet. While the internet does allow for targeting a specific group more closely, ads will reach people who have no need or interest in your product or service.

5 Essentials for Advertising Your Business:

1. Identify target market. Who wants and needs your product or service? Find out where they hang out and develop a plan around this. Use multiple mediums to see what work best. Teens still watch tv as they talk about the show they just wanted with their friends on Facebook!

2. Determine Budget. Be reasonable here. Remember you need a good balance of reach and frequency to get people to identify with your product/service and the make the decision to buy. Being top of mind never hurts!

3. Research and Determine Mediums. Get media kits and read through proposals you receive. It is very easy to get caught up in the number of spots and not realizing that half of them are in the middle of the night and on a sister station that is the lowest rated station.

4. Create Single Message. Focus on 1 product or service and how it will add value to the consumers life.

5. Design/Produce. Best advice here is to higher someone unless you are a graphic designer. Designers have the experience with where to best position, which fonts work best and overall layout. Your ad whether it is print, radio, tv or on the internet, is a reflection of your brand and the company overall. Let's make it a good one!

Taking the time to look at all the various mediums that are available will go a long way. Tight budgets do not allow for trying something and hoping it will work. Researching where your target market is will go a long way. Once you have that information, be sure to really look at the medium. If you don't make changes in your marketing now you may be left behind by your competition!

Psychological Triggers That Win Sales and Influence Customers/Clients for Your Surrogacy or Egg Donation Business: Trigger 6 Scarcity

Scarcity the least favorite tactic in our field of egg donors and surrogacy. We are already struggling with "Scarcity" of qualified surrogates and although there are more women willing to be donors, Indian, Jewish, Asian and Red headed-blue eyed girls may be few and far between! Because the field is already flooded with Intended Parents waiting for that perfect egg donor or surrogate, there is no need to start a panic. Most of our clients are well aware how hard it is to find someone that they really feel a connection with to carry their baby or find that donor who has the genetics they long to have within their own child's DNA. Having said that, "specials" still can bring more clients to your door. "Free" psychological evaluations for a limited time, Lowering agency fees for National Infertility Awareness Month, Exhibit Booth specials if IPs sign up during a conference. All of these have expiration dates that compel people to make a decision and hop on board.

On the donor or surrogacy side of things, offering referral specials and certain times of the year that may be higher then the norm sometimes attract more attention. (Extra money for the holidays, education or a special family vacation anyone?) The point here is not to use smoke and mirrors or tricks but to genuinely show how far your business is willing to go...for a limited time.

The flip side of this "tactic" is if you have to many clients waiting for surrogates or donors, you will need to slow things down. Removing all offers or specials from your website, post the waiting period time frame to the public and then just work with the clients you do have and make them as happy as possible. When you are back to full speed, you will receive testimonials from delighted clients and a stronger reputation to share. Being as upfront as possible will keep your integrity in place and a smile on your client's face. 

Be sure to check out Triggers 1: Reciprocity, Trigger 2: Commitment and Consistency, Trigger 3: Liking, Trigger 4: Authority, Trigger 5: Social Proof!

Psychological Triggers That Win Sales and Influence Customers/Clients for Your Surrogacy or Egg Donation Business: Trigger 5 Social Proof

Social Proof really does come with years of experience. This is what helps clients/customers feel that you are honest, trustworthy and reliable. Testimony on your website can assist with this. Reviews about your published works or your involvement in speaking engagements, webinars, and other industry related work will highlight the best of you and your services. When you are considered "trusted" you and your business can go a long way.

How do you start getting this "Social Proof"? If you are changing careers you can have past employers or your employees write a few kind words about you for your testimonial page. This is similar to asking for a reference. The next step is to build a great reputation through your good works with your clients and business associates. When you feel you have made a positive impact then ask for a review or a testimonial. Once people see that you have positive responses to your business acumen they will be more likely to want to work with you or hire you to assist them. 
             

Don't forget that volunteering on a board or joining a society like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and attending meetings will also bring exposure to you and your business. Networking is a must as well. Remember, you will always need positive"Social Proof" and having a great reputation is 100% part of that!

Be sure to check out Triggers 1, Reciprocity, Trigger 2, Commitment and Consistency, Trigger 3, Liking and Trigger 4 Authority!

Psychological Triggers That Win Sales and Influence Customers/Clients for Your Surrogacy or Egg Donation Business: Trigger 4 Authority

What is the definition of Authority? "The power to influence others, especially because if one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something" is the best definition to fit a business like a surrogacy or egg donation agency. But who runs that business? You do.

Surrounding yourself with professionals in the third party reproductive field is a must in any case. We need to work with Reproductive Attorneys, Reproductive Endocrinologists and clinical staff, Mental Health Professionals, Escrow Agents, Hospital Staff, Insurance Companies and sometimes even the Pharma companies. Their expertise and positions of Authority speak well of our own businesses and reputations. 
      

Your personal position of Authority comes from your experiences in your chosen field. You may be an Intended Parent and had a successful yet stressful surrogacy experience and now you want to not only share your knowledge but help other's through the surrogacy journey. Maybe you are a past egg donor (six times!) and feel that you know enough about the process to start your own agency. I know of quite a few Gestational Carriers, who feel that starting their own company and tweaking a few of the services to better appeal to others like themselves, are certain that it will lead them to a lifetime of fulfillment now that they no longer are carrying children for others.

All of these scenarios are about people with real life experiences. If they continue to learn and grow and watch other's in their chosen area, they could be considered an Authority or Expert in their field.    

Be sure to check out Triggers 1, Reciprocity, Trigger 2, Commitment and Consistency and Trigger 3, Liking!