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Is Your Customer Service Muddling Your Marketing?

Lauron Sonnier — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

No matter how great your external marketing, if your customer service team isn't upholding your marketing promises or taking advantage of prime marketing opportunities, you're missing out.

Explore this poignant list of questions to determine how well your customer service staff is advancing or muddling up your marketing impact. Use it to spur some stimulating conversation about how to kick up your customer's experience--and to capitalize on every customer interaction.

Share some candid discussions with your customer service team using these all-important questions:

--Do I look at everything from my customer’s perspective?

--Am I saying “no” to customers too often?

--Do I use the customer’s name when I speak to him/her?

--Do I treat my customer like I know him even when I don’t?

--Are my words polished, or am I always fumbling because I am not confident in what I’m saying?

--Do customers have my business card?

--Do customers ever get something from me that they have not asked for?

--Do I give more bad news that good news to my customers?

--Do my customers know I care about them?

--Do I dedicate quality time to my customers?

--Do I know more about my customers than their last job, order, purchase, proposal, or estimate?

--Do I tell customers how busy we are without saying, “but of course we always have time for important people like you?”

--Do I tell customers my personal troubles?

--Do I blame other people or departments for mistakes and hiccups?

--Do I share too much behind-the-scenes information?

--Do I share the right details about what happens to get their job done or product out?

--Do I ask the customer what is important to her?

--Do I listen for common comments from customers and pass those on to the proper people and departments?

--Do I take an opportunity to educate my customer anytime I can?

--Do I use the power of questions to market, understand, and further my relationship with customers?

--Do I tell the customer about our services and programs on a regular basis?

--Do I ask for the order?

--Do I offer my customers solutions even when I cannot help them personally?

--Do I get answers for my customers even when I cannot personally provide them?

--Am I apologizing to customers too often?

22-Nov-09 9:00 PM

Productive Networking

Lauron Sonnier — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Today business really is not just about who you know, but who knows you, and that means getting "out there" through networking. Here are five ways to make those activities more productive.

Choose smart venues. If your goal is to build business, go where your prospects and influencers are, not just people you like. The return on your time will be directly related to the prospect quality of those present. Definitely don’t overlook the online networking scene. People are gathering on popular conversation sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. If your targets are there, then you need to be there, too. Like all outlets, some provide more fun than business opportunity, so do your homework to find the best places to invest your time and attention.

2. Be prepared when someone asks, "So what do you do?" Your goal is to quickly establish whether there is a possible match between what you do and what they need. You can take a straightforward approach or get clever. If you’re an organizational consultant, for example, you could say, "I work with individuals to help them clear their clutter and live an organized, stress-free life," or you could say, "I help people find their keys every morning." Just be sure that the other person immediately knows what you do, who you serve, and a benefit of working with you. Also, be cautious in using generic statements like, "I help people achieve their dreams." We hear these far too often from all types of people—anyone from a career counselor to a financial consultant to a travel agent in this case. Craft your answer, relate a benefit, and give people just enough information to make them understand what you do but want to know more.

3. Go for quality, not quantity. It’s easy to spot the networking madman who’s zipping about the room looking for the next sucker to give his business card to. If you are a mass-appeal business like a restaurant, then sure, you don’t need to spend a lot of time explaining what you do. However, it is never your goal to be a business card dispenser, but to make connections and build relationships. Watch your pace. Spend as much time as you need to make strong connections, even if that means talking to fewer people.

4. Keep showing up. The power of networking, like all marketing, lies in consistency and repetition. People need to keep seeing your face to be reminded of your business. People who didn’t get to visit with you "last time" will be happy to have an opportunity "next time." Plus, people who want to make introductions for you can’t help you if you aren’t there. Choose a few, well-fitting venues and become a regular.

5. Keep the contact going. Follow up after the meeting with an email or personal note to strengthen the connection. Also, plan ahead. If there’s someone in the group you want to meet, send a note or make a phone call ahead of time to coordinate a visit at the next event.

15-May-09 1:00 PM

Know-Think-Feel-Do--A Handy Tool

Lauron Sonnier — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

I watch people stress over marketing communications all the time. Whether it's an email, brochure, web page, advertisement, estimate, proposal, or anything else, careful thought must be given to ensure that you're putting the most marketing value into (and getting out of) every communication, large and small.

To help me and you improve marketing effectiveness and ease of production in our business communications, here is a simple, but extremely useful tool to get all of us clear on what really needs to be done within each communication.

It's my Know-Think-Feel-Do Formula. Before venturing into any communication written or spoken, simply ask and answer these four questions:

In this communication, what is important for our target to KNOW about us?

For our target to THINK about us?

For our target to FEEL about us?

What do we want our target to DO as a result of this interaction, exchange, communication, or tool?

Now, turn it upside down and ask the same four questions from your target's perspective.

To DO what we are asking our target to do:

What does he need/want to KNOW about us?

What does he need/want to THINK about us?

What does he need/want to FEEL about us?

Sometimes answers will seem to bleed in the "think" and "know" categories, but no need to get too technical about it. Just decide on the issues that really matter and which points you need to focus on. Of particular importance are your answers in the "feel" category. Remember that people make decisions based on emotions and justify them with fact. If you determine that targets want to feel confident about something, use the word "confident" in your text and tell targets specifically why they're going to feel that way working with you.

Marketing doesn't have to be complicated—when you think like a marketer and you apply simple, but smart marketing techniques.

To make life and marketing extra easy for you, I've created a handy Know-Think-Feel-Do Form to guide you in this process. Download it now and pull it out every time you're crafting anything that goes before a prospect or customer. Remember, everything is marketing and everything presents a marketing opportunity, so don't leave any on the table—and make the most of them while you have them by applying this formula.

14-May-09 11:00 AM

Lauron's Survival Tips for Building Business in Bad Times and in Good

Lauron Sonnier — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Marketing is always a critical component of business success, but certainly when times are tight. If you aren't maintaining a smart, aggressive marketing effort, your business will always fall short of its potential, and that can become detrimental or even devastating in a stressful economic environment. Sometimes it takes a few buckets of sweat to kick us into the activities we should be doing all the time. View challenging times as an opportunity to clean up and perfect your marketing act. Eliminate the weak and the excess and then implement and hold firm to the principles, practices, and mindset that will help you weather the storm today and create growing and lasting success tomorrow.

Here are a few survival tips to help you protect and move business forward both in bad times and in good.

1. Think like a marketer so you'll act like a marketer. In my upcoming book, Think Like a Marketer: What It Really Takes to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition (July, Career Press), I address head-on the mindset that makes your company a marketing machine. One component is simply realizing that everything in your business—every communication, exchange, interaction, piece of paper, sign, policy, everything—makes an impression that can help or hurt you. In both good and bad times, you should be capitalizing on the myriad marketing opportunities that are inherent in the normal operation of your business every day. Accept that everything is marketing. Everything that is you and that represents you works to make customers choose you (or not) and choose you again (or not).

Therefore, thinking like a marketer means constantly asking, "What is the marketing opportunity here?" If you're on the phone with a prospect, ask the question. If you're sending a fax, ask the question. If you're working up a price quotation, ask the question. Everything presents an opportunity to sell, cross-sell, up-sell, and re-sell. If you are not making every moment in your business a marketing moment, then you are leaving money on the table constantly. In troubled times these could be the rafts and rescue boats that could save you from the storm. Put everything you already have to work for you. Constantly ask, "What is the marketing opportunity here?" and then capitalize on it.

2. Get your entire company operating from a marketing mindset.First, get sales and marketing teams talking. These players need to be in constant communication and collaboration anyway, but more than ever when times are tough. Get your power brains in a room and devise an aggressive action plan that can generate sales and make a difference in your business right now. Get everyone involved, including customer service representatives. Rough seas call for all hands on deck. Every employee who closely interacts with customers needs to be active in keeping tight connections and fostering business along, but they'll need specific direction from you on how to do that effectively, so don't leave them hanging.

Next, pull in the rest of your troops. Every single person in your company plays a significant marketing role, no matter what they do. Everything they do every day—what they do and how they do it—determines whether or not prospects and customers will choose you, choose you again, or spread good news about you. Any single person may be the very reason a customer does business with your company—or not. Keep staff mindful of the impact they have on the overall marketing of your company. Help them understand how they can improve the customer's experience by what they do and how they do it. Get everyone asking the question, "How can we make a great impression here?" and "What is the marketing opportunity here?" Encourage more by acknowledging, rewarding, and celebrating all good deeds and successes large and small.

3. Get up close and personal with your customers. Now more than ever, you need to know what's on the minds of your customers. If business is tough for you, it's likely tough for them, too. Ask how they're doing and how you can work together to keep business flowing for both of you. Demonstrate a "we're all in this together" attitude. Say thank you. Indifference and neglect are always customer killers, but the tighter the margins, the less you afford to allow them in your business. Take the lead to keep relations tight and communications open. Plus, you want a heads-up if bad news is coming.

4. Pick up the phone. There's no time to wait for customers to come to you. The greater the need for business, the more direct and personal your approach must be. You don't have time to wait for marketing to build, you have to go straight to the source, so pick up the phone. Call customers. Call prospects. Hire a telemarketing firm if you need to (just be extra diligent to choose a good company). Be aggressive, direct, and personal.

5. Crank up the volume. Get out there relentlessly. This is no time to cut back on marketing. I understand you have to have the funds to make it happen, but you're only putting yourself in more danger by being silent. Tailor back expenditures that aren't producing, but keep the best ones active. Get your entire company out there. Network more. Make phone calls. Send more notes. Follow up on the contacts you made 6 months ago. Tell everyone you meet who you are and how you can help them. Ask one more question about what else they need and how you could serve them. Whatever has been productive for you in the past, double your efforts in half the time.

6. Stand out. Get bold and creative with how you reach your audience. I have seen a ton more signs about town lately, and that's terrific. Add signage to your door, curb, street corner, and inside walls. Get extreme with a killer promotion or offer that really gets attention (like the car companies who say we'll let you return your car if you lose your job). There's no room for playing around. Do something really big, bold, different, or unexpected to get noticed and get attention.

7. Expand your reach. If you aren't getting enough business from your traditional circle, expand your universe. Can you reach into a neighboring geographic area? Can you go to a different market segment that you haven't focused on before? Can you use a new tool like email and other online campaigns to reach more people faster? Go where impact and results are the warmest and the likeliest. Also look to other centers of influence who can help you. What organizations or other industry groups can help you find business or make referrals for you? Reach out to them.

8. Do what you've hesitated to do to get in front of customers. There's no room for subtlety in tight times. Maybe you've resisted some less-desirable marketing activities because they just weren't fun. Certainly, you must always uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and human courtesy, but when business is starving, you may have to take some less than desirable measures. Maybe it's time to hire high school students to put flyers on doorknobs. Maybe you need to draw extra attention to yourself at networking meetings by wearing a button or interesting hat as you pass out colorful notices about your business. Maybe you need to ask other businesses to carry your business card or walk the halls of a large office building and make cold calls to introduce yourself. I personally wouldn't enjoy those activities either, but if my business were starving, I'd do it. Rough times call us to step out from our normal routine. Remember, you don't get it if you don't ask. The greatest flaw of salespeople is that they don't ask for the order. Go where your customers are and ask, ask, ask. Who knows what great things might come of it.

9. Take ultimate care of customers. There's no room for sloppiness. Make sure customers feel extra pleased and extra appreciated by paying attention to every detail. Again, you must eliminate the possibility of indifference at all costs. People make decisions based on emotions and then justify them with fact. Make sure you're creating positive (not just average) emotions in every customer in every single step and transaction. Remember, all impressions either help you or hurt you so pay attention to everything.

10. Keep positive. If you dwell in the negative, you only get more negative. Companies have defied tales of woe because they didn't listen to them. Countless salespeople have made record sales in the "down seasons" because they didn't know they weren't supposed to sell that much at that time. Keep a positive attitude and just keep talking to customers and prospects, offering incentives, making great impressions, and taking advantage of every moment and tool in your business to ask, sell, cross-sell, and up-sell.

Whatever you do, you must keep stirring the pot to keep the momentum going. Don't back down or slack off when business picks up again. Whatever delivers results for you today can deliver results tomorrow—if you maintain your pace. The best defense in rough times is an ongoing, smart, and aggressive marketing strategy. You can learn more about how to keep marketing automatic in my new book, Think Like a Marketer, available right now for pre-order at Amazon.com.

7-Apr-09 12:00 PM

Marketing Opportunities Here, There, and Everywhere

Lauron Sonnier — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:00:00 GMT

My family and I put a little magic in our holiday by escaping for a few days to Disney World in Orlando. It was terribly fun watching my 3-year-old’s head explode as she came up close and personal with all of her favorite characters and princesses. I was equally mesmerized with wonderful sights, but of a different kind.

As a marketing professional, I’m prone to scrutinize every detail of every place I go. I often remark on where a company missed or hit the mark in finding and capitalizing on marketing opportunities. (This drives my family crazy!) Definitely Disney wins the gold star in this regard for a myriad of reasons.

The one I’ll address today is the fact that everywhere you go, the Disney imagineers have given you something to marvel over. Of course we expect the rides and spectacles to be impressive, but I’m talking about the less-expected places--like waiting spaces and areas behind attractions. No matter where you go at Disney--and I do mean no matter where--you’ll find something of interest that makes you laugh or point and tell your companions to "look at that!" Everywhere you wait in line, there are wonderful objects and amusements to keep you occupied.

Disney wants you to look around. They want you to peek behind the pictures and under the carpets and they’ll never disappoint you. There’s even a popular game to find all of the "hidden mickeys" throughout the property begging visitors to pull out their magnifiers. As a tourist, these details kick up my experience manyfold. It’s another part of what makes Disney truly unmatched by anyone else of their kind. They pay attention to every single detail. No exceptions. I’m convinced they have staff whose sole purpose is to walk around looking for more opportunities to humor, inspire, and beguile their guests (as evidenced by this photo with my little Sarah and Cinderella's wicked step-mother and sisters who were unexpectedly lurking around to grumble at all children passing by).

Paying attention to every single detail is a big lesson we should all employ in our own businesses--that is, if we’re interested in being the best.

At Sonnier Marketing, we add surprises anywhere and anytime we can--such as with our invoices and even holiday cards. We work hard to find unexpected places to do something extra or give something unusual so we’re constantly stirring great emotions in our targets.

Today and throughout 2009, I encourage and challenge you to walk around your facility, click around your website, and step into every single process and protocol used by your company. Follow the flow of a prospect or target in every respect and see where you can add some humor, surprises, and other nuances that make people laugh, wonder, point, and look. (After you do it, send us a note about what you did so we can give you big kudos.)

Here are a few quick ideas to get you started:

1. Take advantage of wall space. Scrap the abstract artwork and add some "props" to acquaint visitors with what you do. Pictures of smiley, happy people with testimonials always work well, too.

2. Kick up your signage with creative and and playful sayings. Rude and stilted signs are everywhere barking commands like "no parking" and "no substitutions." Nobody gets a warm fuzzy from those. I saw a "no parking" sign at a bed and breakfast in Gruene, Texas, that said, "Elvis says anyone who parks here will be all shook up." Instead of getting frustrated, I laughed my way to another spot.

3. Incorporate lots of surprises in unexpected places like your bathrooms, invoices, deliveries, etc. All it takes is a little note or cheap gift from the party store to make you memorable.

4. Incorporate humor anywhere and any way you can. As the saying goes, the shortest distance between two people is a laugh.

5. Engage all of the senses to get your target involved. Consider how you can use music, scent, taste, touch, and interaction in everything you do. Obviously some things won't always be practical, but do what you can where you can. (The 4D shows at Disney World are by far the most popular.)

6. Get playful. Remember, "professional" doesn’t have to be boring, and fun isn’t just for kids.

14-Jan-09 1:00 PM

Stirring the Pot When You're the Pot

Lauron Sonnier — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Sometimes the most difficult target audience or "pot" I have to deal with is the client himself.

He will say that he wants to make things happen in his business, but when it really comes down to it, he doesn't want to stir things up. He's nervous, uncomfortable, uncertain, overwhelmed, paralyzed, stuck in the past, and afflicted with many other ailments that hold him back, along with his marketing and business success. Oh, he'll have good reasons to derail a marketing effort, but they won't be the right ones. Remember, as humans, our tendency is to make decisions based on emotions and then use facts to justify them. So, in the end, I'll hear about budgets or time schedules or changes in the marketplace or something else that makes him sound smart. But I'll know. Because I've seen it a hundred times. Because I'm a business owner myself with the same worries and concerns and uncertainties. But I know that nothing ventured is nothing gained. I know that I can't attract customers with something sitting on my desk.

So, let's stir the pot--starting with you! If today you find yourself in a similar situation (and you don't have to admit it out loud to anybody but yourself), then work through the 5 Stir Points to market the concept of marketing to yourself!

1. Stir Awareness
Remind yourself that marketing can help you be successful. Put it on paper. "Marketing can help me be wildly successful faster." Write it every day, several times a day. Develop any other affirmations you need to help you work through your marketing barriers.
"Marketing will help me achieve my business and life goals."
"I am a smart, confident marketer."

2. Stir Emotion
Take a few minutes to feel how great it will be when you achieve your marketing goals. Envision the spreadsheet with your monthly sales. See the number you want to see on the bottom line. Think about how great it will be to celebrate the success, money, comfort, confidence, and overall excitement of your business doing even better. On the flip side, think about the concerns, sacrifices, and worries that come from not marketing your business. Which emotion do you want?

3. Stir Mindfulness
"Marketing must be constant in thought and constant in action." Do whatever it takes to keep marketing at the top of your mind. Post marketing reminders and motivations around your workspace and workplace. (See my Marketing Motivations pack.) Follow my 12 steps to Maintaining a Marketing Mindset Throughout Your Company so marketing is always a hot topic. Start every day asking, "What do I need to do to stir the pot in my business today?" Finish every day with "What did I do today and what do I need to do tomorrow?"

4. Stir Conviction
Just as you must constantly tell your customers "what's in it for them" and "what you've done for them lately," you may need a little reminding yourself. Make a list of the reasons why marketing serves you (earn new customers, grow sales with current customers, realize a dream, keep your job, have opportunity for bonuses, grow and do new things, etc.). Talk regularly about what marketing has done for you lately. Acknowledge all successes large and small--a compliment from a customer, a great new account, a special project or alliance, media attention, record sales, survival through rough times, everything. Keep reminding yourself why you must hold firm in your faith and purpose in keeping marketing in motion.

5. Stir Word-of-Mouth
As with customers, when you've passed through the previous four stages, you've built up excitement and conviction of marketing as a key player in your success. The more excited and committed you are, the more others will share in your enthusiasm be they employees, co-workers, vendors, peers, associates, or anyone else. People will want to help you. They will make referrals for you. They will introduce you to people you need to know. The viral effect will take off. Success will come faster and more easily, and you'll reap the benefits of all that hard work along the way.

The cycle of smart marketing works for all targets--even yourself. Do whatever it takes to stir the pot in your business, even if that means starting with you first.

Check out Lauron describing her Stir the Pot method on Life, Business, and Money with Steven Kay (Houston 650AM) or click here to read the Steven Kay Newsletter featuring Lauron.

10-Nov-08 10:00 AM

The Good, Bad, and Indifferent Index

Lauron Sonnier — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Lauron explains how to reveal missed marketing opportunities in your business by asking the question, "Does this make a good, bad, or indifferent impression?"

Click here to listen!

10-Nov-08 10:00 AM

The SMAC Method to Marketing (and How It Can Make You Successful)

Lauron Sonnier — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:15:00 GMT

I think we all make marketing much more difficult than it needs to be. Send a good message to your target audience on a regular basis. That's essentially what marketing is all about. Certainly we can spend countless hours and dollars refining that message and analyzing our target audience--and we probably should. But, along the way, it's easy to neglect that core principle while we're busy strategizing, masterminding, planning, reviewing, producing, and reviewing some more.

The acrononym for Sonnier Marketing and Communications is of course SMAC. I didn't realize how fun that would be when I was naming my company, but later, when my marketing mind really kicked in, I discovered a new marketing opportunity. So, today, I love telling people that I'm going to SMAC (smack) them with my spoon! And I'm not joking...

SMAC, along with it's onomatopoetic benefit, has also come to represent my philosophy for marketing success--"Smart Marketing Applied Consistently."

That's what "stir the pot" is all about. That's putting and keeping marketing in motion, and as physics has proven, "an object in motion tends to stay in motion." That principle makes no exception for marketing. You can't build and maintain marketing momentum with a lot of starts and stops. As I always say, "To be an effective marketer, you must be a consistent marketer," and "Marketing must be constant in thought and constant in action."

When you think like this, you become attuned to the myriad marketing opportunities that are literally handed to you every day. When you act from this mindset, you build and maintain momentum that makes great things happen. It's just that simple. Might not be easy, but it's simple, and why would we want to make things more complicated than they have to be?

So, give your business a good SMAC with a spoon, and keep stirring!

10-Nov-08 9:15 AM

The 4 Questions You Must Answer Before Every Customer Communication

Lauron Sonnier — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

What do you need to share with the customer in every interaction you have?

Lauron tells you the 4 key questions you must answer to get you thinking like a marketer in every communication. Click here to listen!

10-Nov-08 9:00 AM

4 Secrets to Standing Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition

Lauron Sonnier — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Standing out is about taking conscious, deliberate action to get noticed, get attention, and get your desired results.

It's about going from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about shining in a way that helps you thrive. It's about being memorable--in a good way.

I could talk for a long time about this topic, and I do in my marketing keynotes, trainings, workshops, and of course in my books where I give you all the how-to's as well. For now I'll share the 4 secrets so you can start thinking--and taking action--on how you can stand out from the crowd, clutter, and competition. With a very noisy marketplace, it's more critical than ever to make "standing out" part of your business plan.

The 4 secrets to standing out of the crowd, the clutter, and the competition, or what I could also call "the 4 habits of highly memorable people" are:

1. Do something different. Do something no one else is doing and you're sure to stand out.
2. Do things differently. Put a different spin on a common product or service.
3. Stir emotions. Move people emotionally and you'll definitely break through the clutter.
4. Be consistent. Consistency tells a story that sticks. Turn great actions into habits so they become part of who you are.

These work independently and collectively. Each will help you stand out and get noticed and maybe even get attention. But you'll need to use them in concert to achieve and maintain your desired results.

So, how do you stand out today? How do you need to stand out to get noticed, get attention, and achieve your desired results with each of your target audiences? What can you do today to start doing that?

6-Nov-08 12:00 PM

Lauron's Radio Show on Voice America Business Channel Getting Standout Reviews

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Standing Out With Lauron Sonnier is now airing on the Voice America Business Channel at www.voiceamericabusiness.com. Available live at 9 Pacific, 11 Eastern every Friday, and downloadable at the Voice America website and iTunes a couple hours after airing, the show is delivering meaningful marketing content and a variety of guests chosen to help you and your business stand out from the crowd, the clutter, and the competition. Topics such as social media, Generation Y, networking, customer service, and business success stories have been covered so far with renown authors and experts who are interested in making sure listeners take away solid information. Sometimes Lauron even spends a few minutes to deliver her own mini marketing lesson. Fast-paced, interesting, and solid in content, Standing Out with Lauron Sonnier is sure to be one of your favorite new podcasts. Check it out at www.voiceamericabusiness.com.

Don't Miss Lauron on BEYOND THE HEADLINES

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Lauron Sonnier is featured alongside business experts Jeffrey Boney, Founder and CEO of the Texas Business Alliance, and Allen Shapiro, Management Counselor for SCORE, on host Kim Davis' Houston morning roundtable, "Beyond the Headlines."

The panel discusses how to start and grow your own business as more people look to entrepreneurship during tough economic times. You do not want to miss this fantastic and insightful episode whether you are just starting out or managing a mature business. Watch Lauron and her esteemed colleagues here.

Career Press to Publish Lauron's New Book, Think Like a Marketer

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

“Think like a marketer and you’ll know how to act like a marketer,” says Lauron. That’s the premise of her new book, Think Like a Marketer: What It Really Takes to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition, to be available summer 2009 by Career Press. In it Lauron gives you in-depth philosophies, models, methods, tips and techniques that can make your marketing practical, automatic, and effective. No business should run without this information. Of course we’ll keep you posted on its availability. To get more information, download the promotional PDF here.

Marketing Expert Lauron Sonnier Featured on Steven Kay Live Radio Show (Houston 650AM)

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Lauron was recently featured as a guest marketing expert on the Houston radio show Life, Business, and Money with Steven Kay (Houston 650 AM). Click here to listen to Lauron live as she teaches us the one question companies must ask themselves in every single thing they do: "What is the marketing opportunity here?"

Also, check out Lauron's addition to the Life, Business, and Money e-Newsletter.

Boost Your 2009 Success with Lauron's Daily Marketing Guide

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

In today's economy, smart marketing is more necessary than ever. Fortunately there's Lauron's daily marketing guide to help you. With 365 Ways to Stir the Pot and Put Marketing Into Action, it's like having Lauron on your shoulder guiding you day-by-day. You'll love how easy, practical, and effective your marketing can be. Click here for details on how you can get this tremendous business-builder today.

Big Thanks to Recent Attendees

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Sonnier Marketing extends a big thank you to the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Fusion Five of Lake Charles, and the Houston Heights Chamber of Commerce for recent invitations to speak at their events. We appreciate your tremendous hospitality and applaud you for helping your members be smarter marketers. Want Lauron to speak to your company or organization? Call or email Lauron today.

Southwest Louisiana Offers Big Opportunities and Incentives to Expanding Businesses

noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT

As a Cajun from Lake Charles, Lauron could talk all day about the great attributes of Southwest Louisiana. Of course there’s the food, music, culture, outdoor activities, and now lots of gaming, but that’s just part of the story. From a business perspective, the opportunities are many and the financial incentives more aggressive than ever. Some companies are saving millions of dollars in tax savings, deductions, contributions, and more, making expansion into SWLA both smart and profitable. If expansion is in your plans for today or tomorrow, take a closer look at what SWLA is offering you right now. For more details, email or call Lauron at 713-341-9350 today.

*Home Page- Stir the Pot

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:50:59 GMT

Learn 365 Ways to Stir the Pot! and Put Marketing into Action with Lauron's New Daily Marketing Guide. This attractive desktop guide serves you year-round as it helps you to keep marketing constant in thought and constant in action. It makes a perfect holiday or New Year gift for your staff, associates, and clients! Ask for bulk discounts--and for specials when you combine this with Think Like a Marketer for a powerful combination. It's like having your own personal marketing coach guiding you day-to-day! Marketing must be constant in thought and constant in action, says Lauron. Learn how to integrate marketing into the day-to-day functions of your operation so marketing gets done and gets results. Lauron breaks down her tips, techniques, and proven processes into 365 bite-size morsels that are easy to grasp and easy to apply....

See Lauron in Action

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:47:18 GMT

Get Lauron's new daily marketing guide. Its like having your own marketing coach guiding you day-to-day. Get more details! The feedback we received from our members was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying that you were one of the best speakers we have ever had. Thank you so much for presenting a topnotch program at the Gasket Fabricators Association's Semi-annual Meeting. You absolutely captivated the audience!-Peter Lance, Administrative Director, Gasket Fabricators Association, Wayne, PA See more comments on Lauron's programs in Testimonials. Watch Lauron give Standing Out tips on YouTube! Click here to view Lauron's videos! If you are a meeting planner or media representative interested in Lauron's videos, please contact us to request a DVD. ...

Home Page-Stand Out

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:43:26 GMT

Lauron's New Book Now Available! Get clear and confident in making marketing practical, doable, and successful with Lauron's new book, Think Like a Marketer: What It Really Takes to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition (Career Press). Click here to download a promotional PDF for all the details. Get your copy today at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, your favorite independent bookstore, or by calling Sonnier Marketing at 713-341-9341. Bulk orders and discounts available for your staff, members, and audience members! Also makes a terrific gift for clients! Learn How to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition. Standing out is what marketing is all about and it's a popular topic in Lauron's keynotes, presentations, television programs, and marketing books. ...

Marketing Workshops

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:41:31 GMT

Think, act, and communicate like a marketer in Lauron's new Marketing Machine workshop series! Get Lauron's daily marketing guide free when you sign up. Become clear and confident in your marketing just like Sue Kinane of Perceptive Marketing, a recent workshop attendee: I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful seminar. My head is spinning with ideas, and I am anxious to sit down and get organized. You are incredibly talented with your marketing abilities and ideas. Think Like a Marketer will be a hit!—Sue Kinane, Perceptive Marketing, Houston, Texas See more comments on Lauron's programs in Testimonials. Sign up today to learn proven processes to grow your business in Lauron's Marketing Machine workshop series. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur,...

Marketing Training

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:39:36 GMT

Get Lauron's new daily marketing guide. It's like having your own marketing coach guiding you day-to-day. Get more details! Clients and audiences describe Lauron as inspiring, straight-forward, and powerful. Her family calls her stubborn and a workaholic. And, yes, in case you're wondering, Lauron is a Cajun from Louisiana which means she couldn't talk if you tied her hands. Learn more about Lauron here. DOWNLOAD THIS TOOL! What does it take to build a marketing mindset throughout your company? Download Lauron's 12 tips now. Lauron teaches you how to turn your organization into a marketing machine. Being a marketing machine takes a marketing mindset and daily marketing actions from every single person in...

Keynotes and Presentations

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:35:24 GMT

Get Lauron's new daily marketing guide. It's like having your own marketing coach guiding you day-to-day. Get more details! The feedback we received from our members was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying that you were one of the best speakers we have ever had. Thank you so much for presenting a topnotch program at the Gasket Fabricators Association's Semi-annual Meeting. You absolutely captivated the audience!-Peter Lance, Administrative Director, Gasket Fabricators Association, Wayne, PA Your experience and enthusiasm make for a power-packed event! -Troy Trahan, Trahan Construction, Lake Charles, LA See more comments on Lauron's marketing keynotes and presentations in Testimonials. Lauron delivers high-energy, high-substance keynotes, break-outs, and seminars that...

Stand Out for Outstanding Results

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:54:37 GMT

GET LAURON'S NEW BOOK: Think Like a Marketer: What It Really Takes to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition You stand out right now, whether you know it or not or you like it or not. The question is whether or not you're standing out in a way that will serve you? Lauron teaches you how to get noticed, get attention, and get your desired results! It's easier than you think to stand out from the crowd, the clutter, and the competition. Whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, you stand out in some way. Just ask your friends, colleagues, co-workers, spouse, clients, or boss, what comes to mind when they think of you. You know they'll have something...

Think Like a Marketer with Lauron's New Book

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:45:45 GMT

Are you ready to be a marketing machine? Get Lauron's new book, Think Like a Marketer: What It Really Takes to Stand Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition (Career Press), available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and your favorite local bookstore. Unlike most marketing books, this one isn't boring or technical. It's about real-life marketing and making a real impact in your business. It's about what to do and how to do it. Big company, small company, or just YOU in the company, you'll love and appreciate how Lauron has rolled up her sleeves to help you put practical marketing into action, even on a budget. What Lauron Says About Think Like a Marketer: When people think like a marketer, they know how to act and communicate like one. People make marketing far too complicated and miss hundreds of marketing opportunities every day because they don't think like a marketer. This book is loaded with practical, tangible tips that make...

Meet Lauron, Marketing Speaker, Trainer, Author, Advisor

Wed, 27 May 2009 19:20:08 GMT

Get Lauron's new daily marketing guide. It's like having your own marketing coach guiding you day-to-day. Get more details! See Lauron in action! Check out Lauron's post-presentation interview at the 2009 ASI Show in Dallas! Lauron has also been a featured expert on the Houston morning roundtable show, Beyond the Headlines with Kim Davis. Click here to watch her episode on entrepreneurship. A Few Lauronisms: What is the marketing opportunity here? That question should be rolling around your brain 24/7. Everything is marketing and everyone's a marketer--even you. You're doing the world a disservice if you don't market yourself and your offerings. It's not just what you do that counts, but how you do it. Stop working so hard to be professional. Be personal! Marketing is just communicating well with people. Just...

Lauron's Upcoming Book, Think Like a Marketer

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:43:55 GMT

Get Lauron's new daily marketing guide. It's like having your own marketing coach guiding you day-to-day. Get more details! A Few Lauronisms: What is the marketing opportunity here? That question should be rolling around your brain 24/7. Everything is marketing and everyone's a marketer--even you. You're doing the world a disservice if you don't market yourself and your offerings. It's not just what you do that counts, but how you do it. Stop working so hard to be professional. Be personal! Marketing is just communicating well with people. Just communicating is a good start. Remember, you don't get it if you don't ask. Have a point. It makes it so much easier on the listener. What does that mean? ...

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noemail@sonniermarketing.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:13:31 GMT

Objectives:

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Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi.

Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci taion ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi per suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat.

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Release Date: 26-Nov-07 10:13 AM
Expiration Date: 26-Feb-08 10:13 AM

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Know who your ideal customer is and target your marketing efforts toward finding those well-fitting targets. Your business will be all the more wealthy for it, and you'll more likely maintain your s

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:11:31 GMT

Know who your "ideal customer" is and target your marketing efforts toward finding those well-fitting targets. Your business will be all the more wealthy for it, and you'll more likely maintain your sanity.

Every administrative tool is a marketing tool. Are you marketing yourself well on your invoices, fax coversheet, shipping receipts, everything? Remember, everything is marketing.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:10:36 GMT

Every administrative tool is a marketing tool. Are you marketing yourself well on your invoices, fax coversheet, shipping receipts, everything? Remember, everything is marketing.

Don't be afraid to stand out. If you offer something of value, you owe the world the benefit of knowing about it. Don't hold back. Tell your story everywhere you can.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:09:16 GMT

Don't be afraid to stand out. If you offer something of value, you owe the world the benefit of knowing about it. Don't hold back. Tell your story everywhere you can.

What you say on the outside should be perfectly aligned with what you are on the inside, and vice versa. That's having your image and identity in sync. That's authenticity. And that's required.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:08:26 GMT

What you say on the outside should be perfectly aligned with what you are on the inside, and vice versa. That's having your image and identity in sync. That's authenticity. And that's required.

Don't make them dig. Don't make them think. If they have to work too hard to find what they're looking for, or figure out what you're trying to tell them, they probably won't.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:07:12 GMT

Don't make them dig. Don't make them think. If they have to work too hard to find what they're looking for, or figure out what you're trying to tell them, they probably won't.

Never ever end a marketing communication without a call to action. Tell them what to do next.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:06:31 GMT

Never ever end a marketing communication without a call to action. Tell them what to do next.

Make your marketing materials scannable. If one just glances over your materials, can they understand your central message?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:06:11 GMT

Make your marketing materials scannable. If one just glances over your materials, can they understand your central message?

If you want them to talk about you, you have to give them something to talk about!

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:05:27 GMT

If you want them to talk about you, you have to give them something to talk about!

Build emotional connections with food, kindness, and good stories that people will want to remember and retell.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:05:03 GMT

Build emotional connections with food, kindness, and good stories that people will want to remember and retell.

Don't just make a great first impression. Make a great last impression.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:04:25 GMT

Don't just make a great first impression. Make a great "last" impression.

pic_standingout

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:23:48 GMT

File uploaded by Lauron Sonnier.

standingout_img

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:23:48 GMT

File uploaded by Lauron Sonnier.

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2007-11-26T16:13:31Z

Instructor: Instructor

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Sonnier Marketing & Communications, Inc. RSS Feed

Is Your Customer Service Muddling Your Marketing?

Productive Networking

Know-Think-Feel-Do--A Handy Tool

Lauron's Survival Tips for Building Business in Bad Times and in Good

Marketing Opportunities Here, There, and Everywhere

Stirring the Pot When You're the Pot

Sometimes the most difficult target audience or "pot" I have to deal with is the client himself.

The Good, Bad, and Indifferent Index

Lauron explains how to reveal missed marketing opportunities in your business by asking the question, "Does this make a good, bad, or indifferent impression?"

Click here to listen!

The SMAC Method to Marketing (and How It Can Make You Successful)

The 4 Questions You Must Answer Before Every Customer Communication

What do you need to share with the customer in every interaction you have?

Lauron tells you the 4 key questions you must answer to get you thinking like a marketer in every communication. Click here to listen!

4 Secrets to Standing Out from the Crowd, the Clutter, and the Competition

Standing out is about taking conscious, deliberate action to get noticed, get attention, and get your desired results.

Lauron's Radio Show on Voice America Business Channel Getting Standout Reviews

Don't Miss Lauron on BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Career Press to Publish Lauron's New Book, Think Like a Marketer

Marketing Expert Lauron Sonnier Featured on Steven Kay Live Radio Show (Houston 650AM)

Boost Your 2009 Success with Lauron's Daily Marketing Guide

Big Thanks to Recent Attendees

Southwest Louisiana Offers Big Opportunities and Incentives to Expanding Businesses

***Home Page- Stir the Pot**

See Lauron in Action

***Home Page-Stand Out***

Marketing Workshops

Marketing Training

Keynotes and Presentations

Stand Out for Outstanding Results

Think Like a Marketer with Lauron's New Book

Meet Lauron, Marketing Speaker, Trainer, Author, Advisor

Lauron's Upcoming Book, Think Like a Marketer

Lorem ipsum survey

Know who your ideal customer is and target your marketing efforts toward finding those well-fitting targets. Your business will be all the more wealthy for it, and you'll more likely maintain your s

Every administrative tool is a marketing tool. Are you marketing yourself well on your invoices, fax coversheet, shipping receipts, everything? Remember, everything is marketing.

Don't be afraid to stand out. If you offer something of value, you owe the world the benefit of knowing about it. Don't hold back. Tell your story everywhere you can.

What you say on the outside should be perfectly aligned with what you are on the inside, and vice versa. That's having your image and identity in sync. That's authenticity. And that's required.

Don't make them dig. Don't make them think. If they have to work too hard to find what they're looking for, or figure out what you're trying to tell them, they probably won't.

Never ever end a marketing communication without a call to action. Tell them what to do next.

Make your marketing materials scannable. If one just glances over your materials, can they understand your central message?

If you want them to talk about you, you have to give them something to talk about!

Build emotional connections with food, kindness, and good stories that people will want to remember and retell.

Don't just make a great first impression. Make a great last impression.

pic_standingout

standingout_img

Lorem ipsum

*Home Page- Stir the Pot

Home Page-Stand Out