Customer Acquisition Methods and Strategies.

Customer Acquisition Methods and Strategies.Customer Acquisition Methods and Strategies.Customer acquisition is the process of bringing new customers to your brand. This typically is done through marketing, and one of the goals is to maintain a consistent influx of new customers. This process almost always has costs associated with it. While there are many different ways to acquire customers, some methods can be tracked more easily than others. Ultimately, you want to do the least amount of work and spend the least amount of money to get as many customers as possible into the fold. Customer Acquisition Methods All forms of advertising and marketing are designed to attract people to a product or service with the hope that they will eventually become brand loyalists. Above-the-line advertising, such asbillboards, television and radio spots, posters, print advertisements, and cinema spots do a great job of getting a brand in front of millions of eyes, but they rarely close a sale or include methods to track customer conversion. In through-the-line and below-the-line advertising, the process becomes much more scientific and informative. For instance, a direct mail pack that contains phone numbers or mailing addresses provides an advertising agency with data that can help them track How many pieces were mailed outHow many pieces were opened and responded toHow many pieces resulted in a sale, or conversion Customer acquisition has found a similar home in social media, with facebook inc and Twitter in particular being proven resources for outreach. You can target customers and keep them informed of special offers or new product lines. You can make them feel valued, talk one-on-one with people, and share insights that build the brand. Customer Acquisition Costs The expense of bringing in customers is known as the customer acquisition cost (CAC). Its a simple calculation that divides marketing costs by the number of customers acquired. For example, if your compa ny spends $5,000 on a marketing campaign that attracts 500 new customers, your CAC would be $10 ($5,000 divided by 500). The calculation, however, typically gets much more complex. For example, to calculate marketing costs, you also have to calculate everything that goes into marketing, from the actual expense of specific campaigns to the overhead costs associated with maintaining a marketing department. Your CAC can be measured by campaign, by quarter, annually, or however benefits your business. The biggest reason this number is important is so that you can determine how much value each new customer needs to bring. For example, if youre selling widgets that result in a pre-CAC profit of $9 for each sale, then your CAC of $10 clearly is too high its costing you $10 to acquire each customer but it results in a return of only $9. The goal obviously is to acquire customers who will spend enough to more than offset the cost of acquiring them. A Social Media Example If you want to i ncrease your following on your Facebook page, you might coordinate a simple giveaway that requires entrants to bring your brand to the attention of people who do not already follow you. Start by deciding what to give away. For the purpose of this example, consider a pair of widgets, each with a value of $20. Then create a Facebook post promoting the free pair of widgets to one lucky winner. Include a picture of the widgets in a creative and appealing fashion and write the posting in a way that should intrigue those who see it. Explain that entering the contest is as simple as tagging a friend in the comments section for the posting- and the friend must not already be a follower of your businesss Facebook page. Spend another $20 to promote the post on Facebook, then hold your online drawing on a specified date a week or so after the post was created. With this kind of campaign, youre spending only $60 (two widgets at $20 apiece and another $20 to promote the Facebook post) and the t ime it took to create the post. In return, you have the potenzial to grow your online following and perhaps add more paying customers. Measuring Success Social media campaigns are among the easiest to track because you can see just how many people are viewing your post, how many are clicking through, commenting on it, tagging friends, and so on. In the example of the free widget giveaway, you can track exactly how many potential new followers were tagged, how many of them liked your page, and how many of them made an online purchase. If just four new followers are impressed enough with your business to buy a widget, your sales have exceeded the cost of your campaign, and you hopefully have acquired a handful of loyal customers who will spend more money in the future. This example obviously is most applicable to a small business on a small scale, but large campaigns work much the saatkorn way. Improving Customer Acquisition One of the keys to acquiring new customers is seekin g them out where youve not previously looked. In other words, diversify your marketing strategy. If youve been relying only on print or television advertising, its likely time to shift more resources to online strategies or to radio. With a shift in your strategy, youll be getting your message out to an entirely new group of people. Building brand loyalty is also important. Acquiring customers is a good first step, but those customers will be most valuable if they come back again and again. Hopefully, theyll even tell their friends, helping you to acquire new customers through word of mouth, which can even be part of your strategy. By marketing your products heavily to opinion leaders in your community, you can more rapidly build a loyal following that can grow through referrals from trustworthy sources. Another way to build brand loyalty is to be visible in your community. Put together a calendar of local events and highlight those most likely to attract your target market. For exa mple, if you are selling a product or service that would benefit parents of school-age children, target events geared toward youngsters that age. Look into sponsorship or partnership opportunities. If vendors are allowed at some events, inquire about getting a table. The more you make your presence a regular part of community events, the more likely people are to become familiar with your name and your product and want to try it out.

4 Ways Meditation Can Boost Job Searching

4 Ways Meditation Can Boost Job Searching4 Ways Meditation Can Boost Job SearchingWho has time for meditation in the middle of a busy job search? You do Even if it feels like you dont, you may want to make the time. Why? Pausing daily to meditate may be just what you need to rev up your hunt and boost job searching.Heres a look at four reasons why meditating should be a regular item on your to-do list in order to boost job searching1. It promotes clarity.Identifying what you really want from a job is difficult but highly necessary. Meditation helps pave the path to career satisfaction.The feeling of clarity after meditation is unrivaled, says actor and life coach Greg Audino. What does this mean in terms of job searching? It means that people are mora apt to focus on the right things. People will likely search for jobs that are more relevant to their true passions and what brings them the most joy, as opposed to having their search more driven by salary, simplicity, etc.2. It helps y ou digest information.Options abound when looking for a new job, and its easy for the mind to feel like an overwhelmed jumble. Meditation declutters to allow processing of whats being thrown at you.Taking time to intentionally quiet your mind allows space for information youve taken in to emerge in new ways, says Leigh Espy, project manager and leadership coach at Project Bliss. You hear and read information all day, and meditation allows you to clear your head enough to allow new ideas to surface. Certain thoughts will bubble up, and youll have some amazing aha moments.3. It tames nerves.From concerns about ever finding the right position to worrying about how youll perform at an upcoming interview, job searches spark uneasiness. Meditation assists with getting a handle on these uncomfortable thoughts and situations.Research shows that meditation quiets the fear response so that your CEO brain can be in the drivers seat, says Miriam Leia Bekkouche, founder and chief mindfulness off icer at The Brain Spa. It also is a way to help address any stress or anxiety that can arise. Meditation helps to stay grounded and keep every step of the process in perspective so that even if you get turned down for 1 (or 5) jobs you leise have the resilience and stamina to go out and apply again. It helps you to be more compassionate towards yourself throughout.4. It encourages well-being.Finally, what job searcher couldnt benefit from a pick-me-up? Meditation is a free, convenient way to relax and remember how special you are.Job seekers experience significant anxiety and stress in their search much of this is related to the worry associated with the unknown future and sometimes the known regrets of the past, says Jacob Morris, creator of Meditation at Work. Meditation is not about the future or the past- its about the present. And its in these present moments that we can experience deep relaxation and the feeling of being refreshed because meditation takes us from striving mode (agendas, to-do lists, action items, etc.) to non-striving, a state of just being.

A List of Interview Questions for Chefs

A List of bewerberinterview Questions for ChefsA List of Interview Questions for ChefsWhen you are preparing for an interview for a chef position, you will need to do your research. There is stiff competition for the most desirable jobs, and you need to bring your best to your interview. Its helpful to review the essentialskills for a chef and think of examples where you have used these skills with success at the restaurants youve worked. Preparing thoroughly will get you ready to answer any of these commonly asked interview questions for chefs with confidence. Chef Interview Questions Why did you decide to become a chef? What other back-of-the-house positions have you previously held?Did you go to culinary school? What credentials did you earn through your culinary studies?What did you like best about the education experience? What did you like least?Where and how were you trained?What is your management style? What management style do you prefer for your coach to have?How many employees report to you? What levels are the employees who are your direct reports?Are you a team player? Describe your usual role in a team-centered work environment? Do you easily assume a leadership role? Do you have a sense of humor?Tell me about a difficult situation and how you handled it?Describe the relationship between back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house operations.Tell me about your experience with employee and workforce management. Describe the last time you had to discipline a subordinate.Are you able to work flexible hours?Is there a chef you admire the most? Who and why?What is your favorite cuisine? How many different types of cuisine are you capable of producing?What is your favorite cuisine to cook? What is your favorite wine?Tell me about your wine knowledge.Tell me about pairing wine and food.What trends are you noticing regarding wine and food pairings?What is an example of a springtime menu you would prepare for me?If you were asked to reduce fat and sodium in a menu, what would you do maintain flavor in the quality of the dish?What do you do to stay current on new trends? Describe two or three of the most interesting industry trends.How do you test the quality of your ingredients?Describe your knowledge of food safety. How involved are you in the beverage component of your establishment?How involved are you with menu development and overall design?When are you happiest at work?If you were told that your food cost was high, what five things would you look at first?What is the average annual revenue of the restaurants you have worked in?How involved are you in the financial aspect of the business?Tell me about your budgeting, purchasing and inventory control experience. Background Research for Your Interview You should make sure you are familiar with the restaurants cuisine and menu, and as much of its business model and history as you can find out. If you have contacts at the restaurant, tap them for potential insider information to help you make the best impression during your interview. The more you know about how the business is run, the better you can tailor your answers to show how you will improve their menu and profitability. Make sure you have some questions to ask the interviewer to show them your depth of knowledge and interest in the position. Restaurant and Food Service Jobs Many times, as the chef, your responsibilities will include much more than just the oversight of the kitchen at a restaurant. You may have management of the front of the house as well, and be responsible for hiring waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, and other employees. During your interview for a chef position, you should be prepared to discuss the general restaurant and food service skills as well, especially as they relate to the efficient running of a dining establishment. MoreJob Interview Questions In addition to job-specific interview questions, you will also be asked more general questions about your employment his tory, education, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, goals, and plans. If you are seeking a chef position that includes management or executive-level duties, you may be asked to describe your leadership capabilities, supervisory experience, and expertise in financial and restaurant costing matters.

This is what authenticity looks and feels like

This is what authenticity looks and feels likeThis is what authenticity looks and feels likeEvery one of us has a story. Whats yurs? Better yet?- ?do youreallyknow how to share it and tell it in such a way that liberates you, while simultaneously resonating with the community around you? Thats where the good are at. Thats when you know youre comfortable enough in your own skin to take a big step forward and embrace your true self.Im not here to teach marketing or personal branding 101. Im here to ask you to think deeper on who you really are. To think more about your story and why it matters. To ask you to dive into it and begin incorporating it into your conversations, business relationships?- ?and that constant inner dialogue you have.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWith yourself.You have a story. Its real. Whether you think its unique or just plain boring, it doesnt matter. Y our story is what will connect you to other people and make a huge difference in building your character, as well as boosting your self-confidence. It provides you the ability to be yourself in this world.Youll find as you continue moving in the direction of a life of fulfillment, this is really all that matters.You see, the business relationships you carve out will be derived from your authenticity?- ?the qualities that make you,you.The family?- ?your birth family and those people in your life that, lets face it, arefamily, will be attracted to you for your true self. Not some cheap imitation or knock-off of who you think you need to be. They probably already know their story. But they want you to live it, to embrace it and to tell it for what it is.The person that you choose to invite into your life?- ?for love, romance, forever?- ?will not be worth your time if theyre chasing you for perceived material value. Rather, theyll be worth a lifetime of commitment if theyre willing to p ut you before themselves. And if that you that they choose to put before themselves is your true self. The one that lives with joy, fire, zeal and imagination.As St. Catherine of Siena once said, Be who you are meant to be- and you will set the world onfire.When I hear people talk about Being Yourself I come back to this main point In order to you know your true self, you need to know your story. I acknowledge, were always writing the story of our life. So focus on the present.But know that it really helps to know your past, in so many ways. Start with where youve been. Focus every day on the grind for the present. And let that light the way to your future.Here are some things to think about for your storyKnow what lights the fire inside of you (what you love and inspires passion)Know what you dont like (which is just as important)Understand what has failed and WHYRecognize what has worked, and WHYEmbrace what comes naturally to youAnalyze what you struggle withAll of these points y ou toward what your emotions tell you in each situation. Your emotions guide you, and help you to make sense of your life.Once you begin to better understand your emotions, you will gain a greater acceptance of your self. Youll find yourself listening with greater intent to your intuition- that powerful, eternal voice inside of you that always seems to know whats right for you.Your intuition is always willing to guide you and be your lifes compass, leading you to grander and bolder frontiers of limitless possibility. Your intuition is letting you know who you really are.The truth is, in life, we usually know the answers.We know what we need to do. We just have to do it.We know who we really are. We have to follow what our intuition and heart are saying.So, who are you?I think you already know. Embrace yourself. You should know what this feels like by now. Its indescribable. Its otherworldly. You just need to live it. And from those experiences, you can your story to the world.Were w aiting to hear all about it.Join my newsletter for emotional intelligence and productivity content Get a FREE Coaching Call to Explore Your Emotional Intelligence, and Learn how to Achieve Your Biggest Goals Check out my Amazon bestseller, The Value of You, which has helped tens of thousands of people develop the game plan for living their best lifeThis article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from jngste Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Organizational Development and Culture

Organizational Development and CultureOrganizational Development and Culture

Resume Follow up Emails Can Be Fun for Everyone

Resume Follow up Emails Can Be Fun for Everyone In addition, should you want to target certain individuals within a business, its also wise to understand how to schmelzglas a resume. The best method to do so is to understand the entire developer eco system on the netz and even the selective knowledge known by only senior developers. Another choice is to call the businesss office reception and request the essential details. There are a number of internet choices for creating design-worthy resumes. Always try to discover the suitable name of the individual who will be reading the message, and utilize it. There are steps that you may take to make your resume schmelzglas stick out from the rest. Furthermore, you wish to help to make your name stick out from the remainder of the pile. Ensure you make the most of the name of the individual who referred you in the topic line. The Key to Successful Resume Follow up Emails Ensure that youre utilizing an accurate email address. D ont include as much information it looks sloppy. Be careful regarding the time you opt to send your resume email. A follow-up email is a great way of imparting information that might have been missed. If you cant locate a particular contact, search for the company info and see whether a receptionist can help you locate the suitable individual. You will earn a good impression with a single call or email. For the resume to get found, the topic of the email has to be effective. For an additional fee it is possible to take an extra 20 minutes to get a preliminary evaluation of your chances in entering chosen institutions. You must be extremely proactive. Email is an excellent method to follow up because you are able to resubmit your resume as an attachment. Thus, bear that in mind as you write your email message. Opening and closing emails with the suitable salutation is the ideal way to make certain your communications stay effective and professional, in addition to personal. You also shouldnt put anything in the topic line that seems like an advertising email. So, the subject line is vital to the potency of the message. Ruthless Resume Follow up Emails Strategies Exploited Just like with outlines and formal papers, an email should have a suitable structure. Sending an email isnt the exact same as sending a hand-written letter to a superior friend. Your resume email needs to be short and sweet. Remember a follow-up email is an expert email. Most email companies make it simple to attach a document. Prevent any formatting in the resume email text If you would like your email to be read, it is wise to remove all of the formatting. In case you decide you need or will need to incorporate a cover letter, its possible to either post the text directly in the email or attach it like a second file as well as your resume. It is possible to totenleise attach your cover letter in another file, just be certain it matches the content of your cover email. Be fore the ending of the email, its always an excellent idea to thank the employer or recruiter for their time and express sincere appreciation for the chance to interview. Yet another tip, always remember to produce your whole job application relevant and specific to the job which youre attempting to land. The subject should contain the work role youre applying for. The tips above ought to help you craft the ideal email subject when submitting a work application or following up. So How About Resume Follow up Emails? If youre unsure what to utilize for the new address, bear in mind that simplicity is critical. You must keep your resume short and sweet, but still consist of enough high quality information to produce an impression. Together with helping with your layout, examples can allow you to find out what type of content you should have in your document. You have an extremely limited period of time to produce an outstanding impression, so should you send a cold email withou t careful thought and planning, theres a high likelihood that nobody could possibly read it. You can be certain theyll check your on-line presence. The person scanning the inbox or utilizing the email search function is on the lookout for certain words in the topic of a message. Remember, however, that a response needs to be timely. The Foolproof Resume Follow up Emails Strategy Read through it a couple of occasions and youll probably spot three or four important skills mentioned many times throughout the document. Just like a cover letter, make certain you cover the email to the correct person. Even in the event that you craft the ideal email to send a resume, its still true that you require a killer cover letter. Writing a perfect resume email is merely a fraction of all of the situations you must keep in mind before you click send.

Why You Must Understand Your Company Culture Before You Hire - Spark Hire

Why You Must Understand Your Company Culture Before You Hire - Spark HireWhen you have a hole to fill on your team, its easy to want to get the hiring process moving as quickly as possible. However, its important to take a minute to stop and consider the kind of candidate you want to bring on board before you make a final decision. This ensures that the part you select will contribute positively to your organization, and that theyll stick around because they fit well within your office.Determining company culture before hiringOne way that you can make a hiring decision that lasts is by analyzing the culture found within your office before you even begin to conduct interviews. This helps you to get a clearer picture about the kind of person who would do best in the open position. There are a few questions you can ask yourself in order to get a sense of the company culture found within your office. They includeHow does your team work together? Do they collaborate frequently, or is it m ora of an independent working environment?Is the office typically quiet or filled with chatter?Whats the process like when it comes to changing policies within the office? Does one person make the decision or does the group get together and weigh in on the best way to proceed?Answering these questions (remember, theres no right or wrong response to any of the inquiries) helps a hiring manager to better understand the kind of office they have, allowing them to search for the ideal candidate mora effectively.Understand that its not just about the job descriptionYes, you need someone to perform a list of specific duties in order to keep company productivity on track. However, there are probably things that youll need a new employee to do that arent necessarily within their job description. For example, theyll have to be able to get along well with their colleagues, and may need to help others brainstorm new ideas. You may also need to ensure that they interact with clients well, depend ing on the kind of business you operate. Consider these subtle requirements as youre making a hiring decision.Think about personality as well as experienceWhile a persons resume and background matter, ultimately personality plays a major role in whether or not this individual will enjoy success within your company too. A team member can have all of the experience necessary to excel, but if they are constantly picking fights with colleagues, youll probably find that you regret your hiring decision. Its much better to choose someone who requires more training but brings positivity and enthusiasm to the office each day.What other points do you consider as you get ready to bring a new team member on board? Let us know in the commentsImage tang90246/Bigstock.com