Better Business Results

How to Create An Effective Internet Strategy

In this episode of "Accelerating Progress" I interview Chad Barr, President of CB Software Systems and The Chad Barr Group, a Web, Internet and software development firms. Chad’s main focus has been in helping and consulting his clients to implement innovative web solutions, combined with practical marketing concepts while leveraging effective strategies. The company focuses on helping consultants, speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, small and medium size corporations leverage technologies and the Internet to dramatically grow their business. Chad and his innovative team create these dramatic results by developing web sites, blogs, e-commerce and e-business solutions, online communities - forum technologies, surveys, newsletters as well as consulting their clients on many areas and including the use of social media platforms. Chad has attracted clients from all over the globe such as: Pam Harper of Business Advancement Inc., Telarc International, Alan Weiss of Summit Consulting Group, State Restaurant Equipment, Suzanne Bates of Bates Communications, Patricia Fripp and many more. He devotes most of his time to writing, coaching, consulting, speaking, running his company and pursuing its vision. You may find him on his blog: www.ChadBarr.com or his web site: www.cbsoftware.com What do you do to synchronize your business and Internet objectives and what do you find to be effective? Please use the comment option below to let us know what you think. Thanks, Pam.

Accelerating Progress - Pam Harper Interviews Chad Barr

Listen to Pamela S. Harper “ Live ” on 8/21/09 “ Tom On Leadership ” Radio Show

What does John Caslione, co-author (with Philip Kotler) of the new book Chaotics have in common with Pamela S. Harper (me), author of the 2003 book Preventing Strategic Gridlock?

We'll both be interviewed on the topic of "Habits of Strategic Thinking and Planning" tomorrow morning, August 21, 2009, on the "Tom on Leadership" radio show on BlogTalk Radio.

To listen to the entire show, tune in at 10:00am EDT. My interview will be in the second half hour, starting at 10:30 am EDT.

How to Find Out What's On Your Customers' Minds

When I went to my neighborhood Starbucks last week, the Barista gave me a number to call to answer a survey about their store.  It seems like a simple request on one level, but so far I haven't called.  Why?  Responding takes time, and Starbucks is competing with requests from hotels, restaurants, auto dealerships - and even religious organizations - who all want to know what I think. 

Here's the problem: despite the obvious effort that was spent designing these surveys, no one has given me a compelling reason to respond to them.  The goodness of our hearts?  I don't think so.  And please don't insult us by implying that receiving a $1(US) bill can be considered compensation for taking the energy to give thoughtful answers. 

So to all service providers, if you really want to find out what's on your customers' minds: 

• Provide us with information before we go through the exercise of answering questions, regarding how and when you intend to use the information we give you.
• Keep us posted about specific steps that you�ll be taking to do things differently or better because we took the time and effort to respond (a special link on your website)
• Give us a gift that we will value (perhaps $5 on a Starbucks card, or one-time preferred check in at the hotel)  - something that demonstrates partnership.

The more that you make your customers feel truly valued for giving their opinions, the more likely you are to tap into what's actually on their minds.