To email or not to email. that is the question? What do you do to overcome the request to simply click the mouse and hope your design and proposal sticks to the wall when a customer asks you to email them the design and proposal instead of setting an appointment to review? Read more…
Posted by Mark Richter on February 5, 2010 at 7:05am
In real estate it's all about location, location, location. In pool sales it's all about presentation, presentation, presentation. Presentation is EVERYTHING. It is the difference between winning or loosing and staying relevant in this tough economy. What presentation tools are you using to tell your story and promote your business or service? Do you use a photo album, presentation book, marketing slicks, powerpoint presentation or have you created a custom laptop presentation to assist potential clients in choosing you as the pool builder of choice? How do you separate yourself as a presenter and how has it assisted you in closing more sales? What's in your presentation?
Posted by Mark Richter on December 21, 2009 at 12:24pm
I am declaring Phone Wars on PGN. What is your favorite mobile phone device? Why is it the best, and how does it help you in your business and personal life? How are you using mobile devices in your business?And may the best mobile phone win.Thanks for your comments. Mark Richter
Read more…
Posted by Mark Richter on December 15, 2009 at 6:11am
Most likely other than loose change, car keys and pocket fuzz you will find your favorite personal electronic device your cell phone or the new smart phones.With new smart phone technology and expanding faster networks we will be using these devices in many new ways to assist us in our personal and business lives. Just think how your life has changed since the first cell phones were introduced, how did we even function without them?The new smart phones are taking over as mobile web use and mobile marketing and advertising explodes. Mobile is the new Internet, the new dot.com. With 4.5 billion active mobile phones in the world and 1.2 billion sold in the last 4 quarters in a recession you need to go where your customers are going. Have you taken your business mobile yet? If not it’s not a matter of if you will; it’s a matter of when.Among the devices making up the heaviest use of the mobile web are the iPhone and it’s non-phone counterpart the iPod Touch. The data traffic created by these two handhelds has increased nearly 19 times since September 2008. They also account for nearly 48% of smart phone web traffic worldwide and in the US.Apples exploding popularity as a mini hand held computer isn’t just because their cool and fun, but because of the opening of development of it’s applications to developers. Developers can develop and market their applications through Apple's iTunes App Store. There you will find unlimited applications to assist you for FREE or minimal cost.Wow! Since September 2008 when Apple opened up the App Store there has been over 100,000 apps developed and over 2 billion downloads of everyone’s favorite apps.So if you haven’t looked at mobile lately you better reach into your pocket and see how your website looks mobile. You may want to change your format for mobile devices to harness the power of the new Internet because that is where your customers are.You might also go to Apples business website and view the company profiles on how mobile is changing the way we do business. Also don’t forget the silent giant iPod Touch, which does everything the iPhone, does excluding GPS, phone, video and camera.See how it can help you in your business at Apples website and explore the new ways to market your company and provide interactive customer management with mobile devices.Please comment and let everyone know how you have gone mobile and how mobile devices have assisted you in your business. I am working on a list of what mobile can do for you and would like everyone's input on that list to share.Mark RichterPool Pro Office
Read more…
Posted by Mark Richter on December 12, 2009 at 3:45pm
Mobile technology is exploding. Have you put together a mobile strategy? Have you looked at how your website looks on your mobile phone? Have you looked at how your mobile device could assist you in your business?These are all good questions to get you thinking of the future in interactive customer management in the new dot com of mobile marketing and mobile customer care.I would like to put together a list of all the ways mobile devices can assist all users in their day to day business activities and how you are using mobile technology to assist you. Please comment on how you have gone mobile. Thank you Mark Richter
Read more…
Posted by Mark Richter on September 8, 2009 at 1:15pm
What is a database? A database is a structured collection of records and data stored in a computer system.Most pool builders try to keep their information organized by using spreadsheets, email programs, sticky notes or constant pushing of paper and forms. Some try to operate on multiple disconnected programs that don't communicate with each other. This approach will soon prove inadequate and not as efficient as a great database program.Most if not all pool builders, even those owner operator companies with no employees, will benefit significantly from managing with a database. The benefits are not only financial but also effect the quality of life for you and your employees.WAYS SMALL BUSINESSES USE DATABASES1. PROCESS MANAGEMENT; This type of database will allow the user to track key processes andstatus of all projects in real time.2. STORAGE OF INFORMATION; This database electronically stores all information and documents tobe accessed with the click of a mouse.3. ACTIONABLE REPORTING; This database will analyze data and create reports based on informationneeds.KEY BENEFITS OF HAVING A DATABASE1. A database can streamline your processes and eliminate lost time and effort in a business. Thestatus of everything is no longer unknown or only to a few, but available in seconds at yourfingertips.2. With a good database, all of your businesses key information is in one and only one place, meaningthat no one has to wonder if what they are looking at is the latest, most up to date information.3. A database can add lots of productivity gains by reducing multiple entries and tasks. It can alsoeliminate mundane automate-able work . It will also reduce costly mistakes due to improperpaperwork.4. A database lets you scale your business up or down while maintaining maximum efficiency.5. You and your managers have access to the information they need to make critical decisions.6. A database can automatically contact customers, employees and subcontractors by email providingthem with the necessary information and creating a log of all communications. No more he said, shesaid.7. A database gives the owner the piece of mind even when on vacation. They can quickly view what'sgoing on in the business and when things are not going well.8. A database will provide an immediate ROI, and adds long term financial value to your business- it isan awesome investment. If all the knowledge about your business is in your head, not only will it hurtbut your presence is required for your business to have value. If the knowledge and processes areoutside your head your business becomes something that can be run or sold without your presence.WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DATABASE1. Ability to have multiple users with needs-based permissions, and from multiple locations.2. Web-based, can access from anywhere. Check in on things while on vacation.3. Security logins and role based permissions.4. Capacity to keep and store any type of information you need including images, Word documents,PDFs, plans, marketing materials, customer files and anything and everything.5. Capacity to send email alerts to team members and customers.6. Notes, notes, and more notes to everything.7. The ability to create reports on information needed to manage your operation.8. Automatic off-site backup9. Ease of use, ease of implementation, and ease of customization.10. Database structure designed, built and maintained, and supported by experts who understandyour business.My next blog will be on the different ways you can get started on using a database to manage your pool business to increase your success. Thank You. Mark Richter, Pool Pro Office
Read more…
