ToddTalks 17: Email is still alive— and more important than ever
Almost everyone in the modern technological world today has email. Text, social media, apps, phone, and most definitely email. We use the email on a daily basis to communicate with family, friends, or at work. Certainly in a work environment we see sometimes hundreds of emails a day. So creating quality emails that get attention and truly get the job done are much more important today than ever.
ToddTalks 16: What real help looks like. How to best-serve creative clients.
When it comes to client services, you want to nurture, nurture, nurture. Provide the best service you can, no matter what. THAT is what you do. The adage— the customer is always right “sort of” applies here. They are not always right, so let’s re-phrase that to “the customer is always most important no matter what.”
When it comes to client services, you want to nurture, nurture, nurture. Provide the best service you can, no matter what. THAT is what you do. The adage— the customer is always right “sort of” applies here. They are not always right, so let’s re-phrase that to “the customer is always most important no matter what.”
My version of real help looks like this: Caring more for the other than for your self. No ego, no attitudes. Simply putting that person in #1 position to help them. That’s what I believe, that’s what I do. When it comes to running a creative agency— virtual, in person, or otherwise requires that you provide a service to others and apply your God-given talents to others. It’s what you do. You either hire, or outsource others that are the best in their field. Thus, surrounding yourself with an excellent team. That team now serves clients.
I have applied these principles to everything I do in life, especially professionally for now running my own micro-virtual creative agency for over 20 years. I lead with kindness, respect, honesty, humor, and caring. My expectation is that they are #1—always. I disregard things like “revision rounds,” too many edits, problems, budgets, and concerns. All of these things can be worked around, fixed, and resolved. Every client and every project wants the same ending. High quality, fast, and affordably. So how we get there is (in my opinion and method) dependent on the guide—the leader. If you provide a safe haven, a catcher’s mitt mentality that you catch every ball thrown— open that glove and take the hits. You are not only one of the best players or catchers in the game, but will be relied upon, trusted, and established as a valued partner. And THAT is what’s most important. Be a valued and trusted leader.
There’s far too many greedy, selfish, arrogant, and thoughtlessness in the world, so why not provide the better side? By living these values and virtues, or acting upon the best core values you can personally, and then provide that outwardly, you are creating the best service available. The ideal relationship. And that is what real help looks like in any business.
Let me give you a few examples of how I suggest helping creative clients:
1. No problem, I’ll take care of that
2. YES! I will do that, no problem
3. Budgets and cost are always flexible. Let’s come up with a cost that fits the best need and budget.
4. I’ll fix it as much as we need to until we get it right
5. I’m sorry about that, let me fix that quickly
6. This is VERY important, let me take care of that
7. How soon do you need it?
On top of that, one of my beliefs is putting your literal money where your mouth is. And this is a valuable question: Are you willing to do it for free? I sure have… I have probably provided just as much free work as I have paid work. Why? Because I do what I love and love what I do. And my core belief is providing a service to others as an obligation and honor rather than a way to “get money from others.”
Now obviously wisdom, experience, discipline, and boundaries all come in to play here. Running a fiscally-responsible business require a lot of common sense. So you also need to practice your Zen… your protective instinct to maintain a solid business. That goes without saying.
But valuing what’s most important should not be money first, or profit first, or “things.” Those things always come and go‚ and eventually go away. So by valuing your talents and your customer’s needs first— providing a great service to others, you will NEVER run out of or provide enough of. And because of that— you in turn run a more sustainable business. Remember, at the core, your “DNA” or your genetics and cellular structure is what you are, so build up a solid foundation based on those inner values first. And ask your self what those things are to you.
But before you “help” others, really ponder why you are helping them in the first place?
ToddTalk 15 - Millennials, attitude, and sales
Just a simple conversation with my Dad, Father in Law, and brother on modern day sales and business.
ToddTalk 14 - Pandemics and fear
Sometimes life serves you some real curveballs. And unlike life events that affect YOU, sometimes it affects humanity. And how we face fear as a common people… that’s what matters most.
ToddTalk 13 - Pandemics and the meaning of life
What a year! 2020. seeing 20/20. No one expected a pandemic year, but it really had a lot of positivity as well…
ToddTalk 12 - Dreams and sensing things
What do your dreams mean to you? Are they telling you something? It’s a real mystery and controversial. I had some real freaky dreams after the passing of my Mom.
ToddTalk 11 - Do you “need” web design classes?
Do you need web design classes? You only “need” what you need for success. You might have the skills and abilities, may need to train to attain a certain level, and then depends on how bad you want it! Be it college, training courses, classes, or any other tool or process… so “do you NEED website classes?” It depends. Keep the end in mind, and then how you get there. I can tell you this— people want results. Awesome experiences. No matter how you get there. Listen in!
ToddTalk 10 - Thinking vs. DOING!
Thinking vs. doing. Let’s face it, getting it done is what really matters. Thinking allows us to plan and prepare. It’s simple, cheap, and often done WAY too much. Anything existing was done though, not just thought about… Listen in!
ToddTalk 9 - Branding is king
Branding is king. Everything is branded. Products, businesses, and YOU. Yes, personal branding is important as well. Knowing who you are and what you are about has an effect on your own well being, and everyone you deal with. Branding companies and products have an effect on how successful it is and should be consistent, professional, and relevant! Listen in!
ToddTalk 8 - How does the master say no
When does one become a “master?” Or when does pone attain “mastery?” And then, when you reach that level of expertise when does the master know when to say “no.” With wisdom and experience, one begins to know how to respond naturally. Here are some ideas on how to say “no” when you are at a more experienced level of expertise.
ToddTalk 7 - Freebies for family and friends?
When it comes to sharing with friends and family, it’s always a good thing to do as long as it’s honest, heartfelt, meaningful, and appreciated—but what about when it’s a talent, skill, or specialty? Here are some ideas to help prevent being taken advantage of, frustrated, or to simply know how to handle it if you aren’t sure.
ToddTalk 6 - Don't be a bully
Inspired conversation about a cousin’s kid being bullied gave me some thoughts and ideas on bullying.
ToddTalk 5 - Opportunities to up sell
Opportunity may be right in front of you. Learning to recognize it helps you to easily, organically, and comfortably create MORE opportunity, up selling, and generate more results, more movement, and more sales.
ToddTalk 4 - How to price a project
Pricing can make, break, or nullify your product or service. Learning how to deal with pricing can have a very positive effect. Listen in and get some tips and tricks on pricing.
ToddTalk 3 - How YES will change your world
Want to see a huge difference in your world? The power of “YES” can have profound effects on your life— your business, your relationships, and your overall well being. Listen in on one of Todd’s car-ride ToddCasts as he talks about how YES will change your world!
ToddTalk 2 - How to be a kickass creative business
ToddTalk on kicking ass in a creative business. This ToddTalk is for all my recent interns— sharing ideas for kicking butt in a modern creative space. If you’re a new freelancer or creative type that wants to start a business, or get in the creative space, start here…
ToddTalk 1 - How philosophy shapes your world
Quick ToddTalk on philosophy and what impact it has on your life, your business, and the outcome of everything you do in life.