Archive for the ‘news’ Category

Trust – The Way to Secure a Solid Base in Business

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

One of the unique attributes of Applause is that we build long term, trusting relationships with our clients.

Although cost is always a key element in any business transaction we consider that, in most cases, it isn’t the primary element because people want to do business with people they like, trust and can rely on. Of course they also want competitive pricing!

To illustrate my point, two clients with whom we have built such a relationship have just commissioned us to rebuild their website.  One originally developed in 2004 the other in 2006.  Sure proof of their trust in our reliability, competence and value for money.

Specifically they are using our services again because:

  1. Doing business with us was a very positive experience.
  2. The original work was of a quality and design to last 3 and 5 years respectively.
  3. Mutual trust has developed over time because of our reliability, attention to detail and the level of support we have provided.
  4. The price was right for the project both times.

Sceptical?  Check out our linked in profile where you will find testimonials from clients we have been working with for up to 15 years.   http://uk.linkedin.com/in/applause

There is just one way to create such a relationship and that is to build it. And a good place to start is with a phone call – 0117 933 4416.

Here are some of the ways we build trust and get Applause!

  1. We do what say we say going to do.
  2. We follow up and ensure you are happy with things.
  3. We are interested in what you do.
  4. We find out what you want and exceed your expectation.
  5. We stick to the price.
  6. We set out an understanding of requirement.
  7. We communicate, communicate, communicate.
  8. We are always helpful, the reward is always worth the time.

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Tips on How to Build your Social Media Network

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Once you have embarked on social media networking one of the hardest things in the beginning is building your network because at the start you don’t know anyone.  Networking to your existing clients and colleagues is gets you going but what you really want is to find new people, who you may have something in common with, be able to give or share information and ultimately who may help you find new business.

You have probably already acquired a Linked In, Facebook, mySpace or Twitter account established your profile and put up a photo of yourself or your business logo so that people who find you will get an idea of who you are and what you do.  You may also have fed your email address list into the social media software application to see if anyone you have emailed has a profile; and signed up for some groups that you feel are relevant to your business.  All of these techniques will build your network and set you on your way but in some instances can be very time consuming.

Here is a method that you may not have considered which involves querying Google with some structured search requests aimed at the specific networking software you use.  The idea is that every profile page contained on the web will have key interests listed.  Say for instance you run a small business selling rare formula 1 posters and catalogues, by searching for ‘Formula 1′ you will pick up anyone who lists Formula 1 in their profile.  You can locate people who may have an interest in your business that you would not easily be able to find in any other way.

Of course having found this information you will need to consider how you might introduce yourself.  You need to avoid being regarded just as a spammer and rejected, and of course in many applications there are penalties for this.  LinkedIn for instance will terminate your account of you persistently have people returning ‘I Don’t Know This Person’ in response to your introductions.  Perhaps in this example offer some free historical information or a list of rare posters you have to offer – just use your imagination to come up with an approach that will attract the person you want to connect with.  At the end of the day everyone registered with a networking facility is looking to expand their network, gain new information and connect with people.  Provided your approach is honest, respectful and does not amount to 500 words of ‘buy from me buy from  me’ people will respond to you.

Here is a list of search terms you can google.

Linkedin: site:linkedin.com inurl:in ‘formula 1′

Facebook site:facebook.com/people ’silverstone’

Twitter site:twitter.com inurl:status ‘grand prix’

MySpace site:profile.myspace.com inurl:myspace inurl:fuseaction ‘cosworth’

Bebo site:.bebo.com inurl:profile inurl:bebo ‘vanwall’

For more information on web marketing call Applause 0117 933 4416

Posted in Social Marketing Media, internet and web, news | 1 Comment »

Special Offers on Web Hosting & Domain Services

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

We are currently running a summer special offer on web hosting and domain services.

This will be a particularly useful cost reduction for small businesses wanting to move up from blueyonder, hotmail, yahoo etc web accounts to a more professional business .co.uk domain and email address.  Or to move existing accounts to a more cost effective host that combines professional hosting and web services with a personal client relationship.

We provide a wide range of options from simple blog hosting and personal domains to high bandwidth video streaming, e-commerce and business applications and are looking to build trusting and long term relationships with new clients.

Click this link for details of the offer

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