1-604-288-2938Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
The Company-Client Relationship
Monday, May 14th, 2012
In any close relationship, trust and communication are important for its success – and this goes for business relationships, too. We learned the value of this relationship while we were working with Margery, the owner of The Compassionate Parent Coach as we worked with her to create her company’s website and identity.
Margery came up with a very good point during the collaborating process: that her vision couldn’t truly come to life until she was ready for it to blossom. For her and many of our other clients, it was important that she was ready to begin the process of turning her ideas into a fully branded image; once she realized this, she was able to play a huge role in the creation of her website and the identity that came along with it. With that first step achieved, it was easy for Margery to cultivate a relationship with us at Cucumber Marketing Inc. as she was truly in-tune with what was happening with her business.
It’s pretty easy when you’re hiring someone for a service to check out, allow them to make all of the decisions, but by doing this you’re missing out on what could be a beautiful thing! Just like any other project, this process takes time but clients who offer their ideas, are clear with their visions, ultimately receive a better product that is in line with what they want.
Take the leap and build a new relationship with Cucumber Marketing Inc. – we’ll make sure your vision is created.
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Creating The Basics Of Your Online Presence
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Running a small business can be challenging and when you throw maintaining your internet marketing into the mix, things begin to seem overwhelming. Fear not! We’re here to help decode a few essential things that will drastically improve your efforts.
When someone is looking for a company or service, they rarely haul out the phone-book anymore; what do they do? Search Google! If you already have a domain name, the first step is to set up a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) provider or copywriter and, though this does cost some money, it will be well worth it. Using SEO will ensure your business ranks high on Google and shows up right at the top of the page.
Once customers reach your website, you want them to stay – which, if it’s dull or ambiguous, can be difficult. Many website hosts offer well-designed templates that are not only pleasing to the eye, but functional as well. With an attractive website on your side, all you need to do is link to it your social media applications (which are a great tool for you to initiate engagement!) and you have the basics of your internet marketing plan. If you don’t know where to start with social media, start simple with platforms like Facebook and Twitter and, when you’re feeling more adventurous, go from there.
Though at times tedious, internet marketing is important! It’s good to remember that being successful at internet marketing takes time and effort; in order to see results, you must maintain your online presence by posting articles, writing blogs, updating information and interacting on social media.
Let us know how it goes!
Tags: Business, internet marketing, Marketing Plan, SEO, tips, Twitter
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5 Wise Business/Life Pointers from Ellen DeGeneres and others
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
Vancouver was fortunate to host some of the most inspiring and powerful women. Eight honest and unstoppable women of various backgrounds and industries came to speak at Power of Women August 12, 2011. This year’s speakers included Ellen DeGeneres, Suzanne Somers, Marlee Matlin, Jessica Holmes, Courtenay Wolfe, Loretta LoRoche, Leigh Anne Tuohy, and Amilya Antonetti. All had a different story to tell, a different life discovery. And together, we, as humans and women, are able to piece it together and apply it our lives, whether it is business, relationships, health, how to achieve your life’s goal or how to take on your daily life.
Below are my top 5 takeaways that resonated with me.
- Extend an act of generosity everyday and value everybody equally
Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose family was the basis of the story of The Blind Side, iterated the importance of kindness and treating every individual equally. Everybody has a value in society and sometimes all people need is opportunity, love, and hope to achieve their full potential. Give everybody a chance, respect or you’ll never know what his or her potential is to accomplish in life. You could be the changing factor! - The power of “no”
One of the most determined and business-minded individuals I have met was Amilya Antonetti, founder of Soapworks. She created her business after discovering regular cleaning products were seriously harming her son’s life. While building her line of safe soap products, she learnt the many ins and outs of business. One to always keep in mind is the power of no. Saying no ensures you are not overextending yourself and performing at an inadequate level. It avoids disappointment and allows others to move on. - If you love something, run to it and never be discouraged
Marlee Matlin was diagnosed as deaf at a very young age. She was turned down multiple times in Hollywood and was told she would never become an actor. But she never let this put her down. Through working hard, being determined, and surrounding herself with people who supported her, she has won an Academy Award, performed in the L Word, Celebrity Apprentice, The West Wing, and much more. - Have fun. Laugh!
Do people even laugh anymore? Boisterous and comedic, Loretta LaRoche, a stress management expert, hammered the importance of laughter to manage your stress. Learn to laugh at yourself and with others (go ahead, just laugh for 30 seconds). It will change your attitude and your interaction with the world. - Find your calling
When Ellen DeGeneres finally came on stage at the end of the day, I first noticed her down-to-earth quality. She didn’t come form the most ideal youth, but what has brought her to her place today was her discovery of comedy. She turned one of her modes of expression into something more and shared her talent. Finding your passion lets you share yourself with others and attain a higher level of fulfilment.
Let us know what’s your passion?
These tips can be applied to your personal or business life. Oftentimes business is personal, as is the case for many of the speakers. They took their passion and what they believed in and created the driving force of their business.
What takeaways do you have or what advice can you give to other women from your experience?
Leave us a comment below. To find more advice from entrepreneurial and motivational women, check out our Video Fridays for amazing interviews.
Have a story to share? Contact us!
Tags: Business, business tips, Entrepreneurs, Women, Women in Business
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5 Steps to Create your Customer Profiles
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
Creating updated and accurate customer profiles is absolutely necessary for any marketing plan. With the Internet, customers are demanding customization and personalization more than ever. You’ll find that you can divide your market into many segments. Your profiles may differ between:
- potential customers and long-term patrons
- service and sales levels
- communication outlets (your website vs. direct mail)
- and of course, your different goods and services
Before you begin writing your marketing plan, changing your website, or any creating any marketing material, put in the time to define your customer profiles. This will transplant you into the shoes of your customers and anticipate their reactions. Let’s start!
1) First, brainstorm all of the possible customers that you may have. Use the above points of differences as a guide. The main one would be to divide amongst your goods and services. You may then further sub-divide within each group (great for determining specific tactics).
Stuck? If you’ve hit a stumbling block, ask your sales team or view which products and page views were most popular on Google Analytics. Remember a good target market is one that can be easily accessed and is large enough that you can make your return.
2) Get creative and visualize. Once you have your main segments, imagine what the typical customers look like. Write down notes, doodle, and make an image board. Be super specific and don’t forget to even give your customer a name.
For example, I may have “Charlotte” who visits the local grocers every Sunday morning to buy fresh French bread. She enjoys organic food and values time with her family.
3) Demographics. Top level information you should know about your customers is their demographics. This includes age, sex, income, education, occupation, and culture. Gather information from Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and any possible form they had to fill out.
4) Psychographics. So, now you have general profiles of your customers. To really pinpoint how they’ll react, create their psychographic profiles. This is their behaviour, personality, needs, wants, values, and what they like.
5) Adjust your marketing messages. Once you know to whom you are speaking, you can figure out exactly what to say and how to say it.
Now you have your customer profiles! Knowing your customers is especially advantageous for Internet marketing, which is full of two-way conversations and interactions. Also, remember to watch for any changes and always look for opportunities.
Need help communicating to your customer? Check out how we can find and deliver your message.
Tags: Customer Profiles, Customer Relations, Customization, Marketing Plan, Target Market
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