Comments for Big Red Tomato Company http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk Advice to Grow Your Business Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:25:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Branson backs loans for student business plans by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/branson-backs-loans-for-student-business-plans/comment-page-1/#comment-34000 Matthew Needham Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:25:05 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6692#comment-34000 Hi Yolanda, thanks for sharing your story. What a great idea. That's a fair point. If you follow the principles of Lean Start Up then that would be to create a minimum viable product the sale of which would then fund further development / production. However, for single events like your Rock 'n roll Marathon, a lean start up approach wouldn't work. So as you say, it makes it difficult to decide how much money is enough. What I do believe is that however much you think you need it's never enough and always takes much longer than you think to break even. Absolutely agree with your last statement. Thanks again for the comment! Hi Yolanda, thanks for sharing your story. What a great idea. That’s a fair point. If you follow the principles of Lean Start Up then that would be to create a minimum viable product the sale of which would then fund further development / production.

However, for single events like your Rock ‘n roll Marathon, a lean start up approach wouldn’t work.

So as you say, it makes it difficult to decide how much money is enough. What I do believe is that however much you think you need it’s never enough and always takes much longer than you think to break even. Absolutely agree with your last statement. Thanks again for the comment!

]]> Comment on Branson backs loans for student business plans by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/branson-backs-loans-for-student-business-plans/comment-page-1/#comment-33998 Matthew Needham Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:16:57 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6692#comment-33998 Alex, thanks for the comment. I agree with you, I think it will get some great ideas off the ground. I don't think there's any intention of replacing student loans, although I do think that higher education isn't for everyone. Within the UK over the last few years there's been a big growth in degrees like media studies, or photography, producing graduates who have no chance of securing a job when they graduate. If the alternative of a loan to kickstart a business was offered instead, then these young people could have saved themselves some time and a shed load of expense. Thanks again for the comment, Matthew Alex, thanks for the comment. I agree with you, I think it will get some great ideas off the ground. I don’t think there’s any intention of replacing student loans, although I do think that higher education isn’t for everyone. Within the UK over the last few years there’s been a big growth in degrees like media studies, or photography, producing graduates who have no chance of securing a job when they graduate.

If the alternative of a loan to kickstart a business was offered instead, then these young people could have saved themselves some time and a shed load of expense.

Thanks again for the comment, Matthew

]]> Comment on Branson backs loans for student business plans by Alex Aguilar http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/branson-backs-loans-for-student-business-plans/comment-page-1/#comment-33985 Alex Aguilar Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:03:46 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6692#comment-33985 While this is a nice gesture by Branson and will probably generate some great ideas by enterprising young people, it should in no way replace traditional student loan system. Three to five thousand pounds is just about enough to kick-start an online business venture with very little overhead, or buy a top of the line MacBook. This is a good idea and should be tried out – but I sincerely hope Cameron’s government isn’t going to pretend a one-time £3000-5000 business loan is a viable alternative to higher education. While this is a nice gesture by Branson and will probably generate some great ideas by enterprising young people, it should in no way replace traditional student loan system.

Three to five thousand pounds is just about enough to kick-start an online business venture with very little overhead, or buy a top of the line MacBook.

This is a good idea and should be tried out – but I sincerely hope Cameron’s government isn’t going to pretend a one-time £3000-5000 business loan is a viable alternative to higher education.

]]> Comment on Branson backs loans for student business plans by Yolanda http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/branson-backs-loans-for-student-business-plans/comment-page-1/#comment-33943 Yolanda Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:56:58 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6692#comment-33943 I think it depends entirely on the business. I had a great idea about 10 years ago to produce small car magnets for finishers of the Rock 'n Roll Marathon. Many runners have stickers on their cars but I thought magnets would offer folks the opportunity to remove them if they wanted, put them someplace else and not lose them if they sold the car. Boy was I surprised at the cost of getting that off the ground! At the time producing the magnets in color in a quantity that made sense in several different sizes and of course, marathon and 1/2 marathon versions PLUS the cost of buying a booth at the expo the day before the event. Well, it was more than I could afford. My little idea never got off the ground. I suspect the same applies for most product related businesses, even small ones. To start with minimal investment means a service style business without a hard-product aspect. So consulting and e-products. That you can start small. Software development provided you had the necessary tools already. It really is hard to say... BUT it's a great question and one that requires lots of consideration before jumping into a business feet first. I think it depends entirely on the business. I had a great idea about 10 years ago to produce small car magnets for finishers of the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. Many runners have stickers on their cars but I thought magnets would offer folks the opportunity to remove them if they wanted, put them someplace else and not lose them if they sold the car.

Boy was I surprised at the cost of getting that off the ground! At the time producing the magnets in color in a quantity that made sense in several different sizes and of course, marathon and 1/2 marathon versions PLUS the cost of buying a booth at the expo the day before the event. Well, it was more than I could afford. My little idea never got off the ground.

I suspect the same applies for most product related businesses, even small ones. To start with minimal investment means a service style business without a hard-product aspect. So consulting and e-products. That you can start small. Software development provided you had the necessary tools already. It really is hard to say… BUT it’s a great question and one that requires lots of consideration before jumping into a business feet first.

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33733 Matthew Needham Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:31:24 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33733 Hi Steve, thanks for the comment. Yes, you're the organisational guru! But you take action! I think there's probably some mathematical equation you can do based on how many fingers you stick into your business plan pie, with complexity increasing disproportionately to the number of fingers!! I agree, a general plan is best. Take your trip to Europe, you knew where you were going, but not to the extent that every hour of every day is planned in detail. Hi Steve, thanks for the comment. Yes, you’re the organisational guru! But you take action!
I think there’s probably some mathematical equation you can do based on how many fingers you stick into your business plan pie, with complexity increasing disproportionately to the number of fingers!!

I agree, a general plan is best. Take your trip to Europe, you knew where you were going, but not to the extent that every hour of every day is planned in detail.

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33732 Matthew Needham Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:15:17 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33732 Diane, I love the comment "our creativity thrives at the threshold of chaos". You're absolutely right, too much structure can also mean that you fail to pivot when the market changes or it's clear that your customers want something else and you fail to meet their needs. I've also seen though the other way round where a business changes course so often it never actually achieves anything. Thanks for the comment! Diane, I love the comment “our creativity thrives at the threshold of chaos”. You’re absolutely right, too much structure can also mean that you fail to pivot when the market changes or it’s clear that your customers want something else and you fail to meet their needs.

I’ve also seen though the other way round where a business changes course so often it never actually achieves anything.

Thanks for the comment!

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33731 Matthew Needham Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:12:32 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33731 Hi Alex, thanks for the comment. You're absolutely right. Although I have seen some people spend so long in the business planning stage that they never actually get started! Hi Alex, thanks for the comment. You’re absolutely right. Although I have seen some people spend so long in the business planning stage that they never actually get started!

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Alex Aguilar http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33729 Alex Aguilar Sat, 03 Mar 2012 06:13:51 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33729 A lot has to do with management. They have to be nimble enough to push through their vision across all levels of the company and get everyone working towards a common goal. Unfortunately most companies are structured in such a way that makes them top-heavy and slow to react to quick market changes. This is also the reason why startups with a skeleton staff are quick to pounce on market openings where established companies are slow to act. A lot has to do with management. They have to be nimble enough to push through their vision across all levels of the company and get everyone working towards a common goal. Unfortunately most companies are structured in such a way that makes them top-heavy and slow to react to quick market changes. This is also the reason why startups with a skeleton staff are quick to pounce on market openings where established companies are slow to act.

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Diane Kern http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33358 Diane Kern Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:14:25 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33358 Great advice Matthew, Our creativity thrives at the threshold of chaos. Too much structure gives rise to stagnation. Too loosely goosey gives rise to chaos-but there is that point when you're moving along and surprise, surprise, here's a new idea, surprise, surprise, here's a new opportunity. So business ideas? Yes. action? Yes. Some planning? Yes. Not a bad way to do life, eh? Great advice Matthew,
Our creativity thrives at the threshold of chaos. Too much structure gives rise to stagnation. Too loosely goosey gives rise to chaos-but there is that point when you’re moving along and surprise, surprise, here’s a new idea, surprise, surprise, here’s a new opportunity.
So business ideas? Yes. action? Yes. Some planning? Yes. Not a bad way to do life, eh?

]]> Comment on Why the best plan is to have no plan at all by Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/why-the-best-plan-is-to-have-no-plan-at-all/comment-page-1/#comment-33348 Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:31:44 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6013#comment-33348 Matthew, This seems to make perfect sense to me. Although I love good planning it is certainly easy to "overplan" and I would assume it gets even worse every finger you stick in the pie. It is far better to have a more general plan that allows for those unforseen circumstances and is nimble to the changes. Matthew,

This seems to make perfect sense to me. Although I love good planning it is certainly easy to “overplan” and I would assume it gets even worse every finger you stick in the pie.

It is far better to have a more general plan that allows for those unforseen circumstances and is nimble to the changes.
Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips´s last [type] ..13 Ways to Use Fiverr.com as the ULTIMATE Link Building Service [Niche Affiliate Income #4]

]]> Comment on 7 Time Saving Tips for Entrepreneurs by Jennifer http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/7-time-saving-tips-for-entrepreneurs/comment-page-1/#comment-31898 Jennifer Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:55:27 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6402#comment-31898 Thanks for sharing. Very interesting and informative post. In everything we do it is very important to manage our time well. Sometimes due to busy schedules and other unexpected things, we don’t accomplish everything we need to accomplish in one day. Time management and focus in our work is very important. Thanks for sharing. Very interesting and informative post. In everything we do it is very important to manage our time well. Sometimes due to busy schedules and other unexpected things, we don’t accomplish everything we need to accomplish in one day. Time management and focus in our work is very important.

]]> Comment on 20 Days to a Better Business: What changed for you? by TelesalesTeri http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/what-changed-for-you/comment-page-1/#comment-31718 TelesalesTeri Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:54:18 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=5470#comment-31718 This is a great 20 Days! This is a great 20 Days!

]]> Comment on 52 Business Books to Read in 2012 by Lelin http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/52-business-books-to-read-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-31224 Lelin Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:01:49 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6531#comment-31224 OMG...52 books in 52 weeks?? I'll be checking out how you do ;) Nice list though! OMG…52 books in 52 weeks?? I’ll be checking out how you do ;) Nice list though!

]]> Comment on 52 Business Books to Read in 2012 by V S http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/52-business-books-to-read-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-30567 V S Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:57:42 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6531#comment-30567 My top five would be 1. Bribery and Corruption: Navigating the Global Risk - Brian Loughman 2. The End of Business as Usual - Brian Solis 3. The Trustworthy Leader - Amy Lyman 4. Undercover Boss - Lambert Holzman 5. The Performance Pipeline - Stephen Drotter My top five would be

1. Bribery and Corruption: Navigating the Global Risk – Brian Loughman
2. The End of Business as Usual – Brian Solis
3. The Trustworthy Leader – Amy Lyman
4. Undercover Boss – Lambert Holzman
5. The Performance Pipeline – Stephen Drotter

]]> Comment on SEO For Business Owners: What you need to know by Laura Betters http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/seo-for-business-owners/comment-page-1/#comment-29933 Laura Betters Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:37:49 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=5036#comment-29933 To my opinion, the absolutely best opportunity at the moment is Local internet search Marketing for small businesses. Local Search Marketing? will be the by using Affiliate marketing to advertise Small enterprises. In the states there are more than 30 million smaller businesses lots of which are in dire straits, expecting a prospecting miracle to survive. These businesses take into account over 50% on the country’s GDP (> $7 trillion). What number of these thirty million businesses could you help? Kind Regards Laura Here is My blog <a href="http://www.yadayadamarketing.com/" rel="nofollow">Google Adwords</a> To my opinion, the absolutely best opportunity at the moment is Local internet search Marketing for small businesses. Local Search Marketing? will be the by using Affiliate marketing to advertise Small enterprises.

In the states there are more than 30 million smaller businesses lots of which are in dire straits, expecting a prospecting miracle to survive. These businesses take into account over 50% on the country’s GDP (> $7 trillion). What number of these thirty million businesses could you help?

Kind Regards
Laura

Here is My blog

Google Adwords

]]> Comment on 52 Business Books to Read in 2012 by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/52-business-books-to-read-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-28729 Matthew Needham Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:12:40 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6531#comment-28729 Todd, thanks for the comment and the suggestions. Some great book choices, I'll check out the ones I've not already read. The ebook looks really great too, thanks for sharing it. Matthew Todd, thanks for the comment and the suggestions. Some great book choices, I’ll check out the ones I’ve not already read.

The ebook looks really great too, thanks for sharing it.

Matthew

]]> Comment on 52 Business Books to Read in 2012 by Todd Sattersten http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/52-business-books-to-read-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-28627 Todd Sattersten Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:13:35 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6531#comment-28627 Here are a couple more ideas to consider: My favorite 11 books for 2011 were: 1. Steve Jobs 2. Lean Startup 3. Reality is Broken 4. Read This Before Your Next Meeting 5. I Moved Your Cheese 6. Practically Radical 7. The Big Thirst 8. Thinking, Fast and Slow 9. Poor Economics 10. Great by Choice 11. Boomerang I also just published an ebook called 5-4-3 that looks at the best business books of the last five years. You might enjoy that: http://scr.bi/weNx1A Here are a couple more ideas to consider:

My favorite 11 books for 2011 were:

1. Steve Jobs
2. Lean Startup
3. Reality is Broken
4. Read This Before Your Next Meeting
5. I Moved Your Cheese
6. Practically Radical
7. The Big Thirst
8. Thinking, Fast and Slow
9. Poor Economics
10. Great by Choice
11. Boomerang

I also just published an ebook called 5-4-3 that looks at the best business books of the last five years. You might enjoy that: http://scr.bi/weNx1A

]]> Comment on One lesson you should learn from annual reviews by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/one-lesson-you-should-learn-from-annual-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-28496 Matthew Needham Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:49:45 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6518#comment-28496 Hi Patricia, thanks for the comment. I'm glad that you liked the concept of weekly reviews. I think they are really powerful and will certainly help anyone who uses them. Great news on your blog revamp! I look forward to hearing your success in 2012. Matthew Hi Patricia, thanks for the comment. I’m glad that you liked the concept of weekly reviews. I think they are really powerful and will certainly help anyone who uses them.

Great news on your blog revamp! I look forward to hearing your success in 2012.

Matthew

]]> Comment on One lesson you should learn from annual reviews by Patricia http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/one-lesson-you-should-learn-from-annual-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-28360 Patricia Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:48 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6518#comment-28360 Hi Matthew I have to agree with you about those posts. And I like the idea of doing a weekly review. At least that way there is a way to track progress and achievements. Last year, being the first year of my blog I did one of those posts about what I had learnt and what I wanted to achieve in 2011. This year I have put my time to better use and launched a new site and revamped my blog. With the help of a techie friend of course lol Patricia Perth Australia Hi Matthew

I have to agree with you about those posts. And I like the idea of doing a weekly review. At least that way there is a way to track progress and achievements.

Last year, being the first year of my blog I did one of those posts about what I had learnt and what I wanted to achieve in 2011.

This year I have put my time to better use and launched a new site and revamped my blog. With the help of a techie friend of course lol

Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia´s last [type] ..Changes at Lavenderuses.com

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-28328 Matthew Needham Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:10:39 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-28328 Hi Steve, pic is just great isn't it! I'm sure readers of BRT won't hold it against you that you're not a Mac guy :-) Just before Xmas my little boy dropped my wife's iPad on the floor which caused the screen to shatter. We went to the Apple store the next day expecting to have to buy a new one, but the Apple staff very graciously sorted us out with a new one for the cost of the repair. That's the sort of thing that really makes customers take notice. Glad you like the CARE strategy/model. I think that could work well for most businesses in generating the connection you mention. Thanks, Matthew Hi Steve, pic is just great isn’t it!

I’m sure readers of BRT won’t hold it against you that you’re not a Mac guy :-)

Just before Xmas my little boy dropped my wife’s iPad on the floor which caused the screen to shatter. We went to the Apple store the next day expecting to have to buy a new one, but the Apple staff very graciously sorted us out with a new one for the cost of the repair. That’s the sort of thing that really makes customers take notice.

Glad you like the CARE strategy/model. I think that could work well for most businesses in generating the connection you mention.

Thanks, Matthew

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-28301 Matthew Needham Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:34:41 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-28301 Alex, you're absolutely correct. Apple is indeed an anomaly and I don't think it can be easily replicated and probably not by most small businesses. Although it would be great as a small business owner if you could garner the same types of raving fans that Apple has and that's really what I'm trying to get at here. Glad you think the CARE strategy is a good one :-) I think that stock photo is Willy Wonka meets Apple.... Matthew Alex, you’re absolutely correct. Apple is indeed an anomaly and I don’t think it can be easily replicated and probably not by most small businesses. Although it would be great as a small business owner if you could garner the same types of raving fans that Apple has and that’s really what I’m trying to get at here.

Glad you think the CARE strategy is a good one :-)

I think that stock photo is Willy Wonka meets Apple….

Matthew

]]> Comment on One lesson you should learn from annual reviews by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/one-lesson-you-should-learn-from-annual-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-28300 Matthew Needham Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:30:07 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6518#comment-28300 Hi Natalie, thanks for your comment. I'm not against taking time out to set your goals. I think that in itself is a very useful exercise. However, I do believe that once you've set your goals you should monitor and track progress religiously so that you get the results that you set out at the start of the process. Too many people I meet never achieve the goals that they set themselves at the start of the year, simply because they don't commit the time to working on them. Many of the entrepreneurs I work with spend all of their time working in the business and not on the business, freeing up time weekly will allow them to focus on the longer term and thus make their business that more successful. Chris Guillebeau is a great inspiration and as you say he has achieved tremendous success, I'm just arguing for more regular reviews than annual :-) To your success in 2012! Matthew Hi Natalie, thanks for your comment.

I’m not against taking time out to set your goals. I think that in itself is a very useful exercise. However, I do believe that once you’ve set your goals you should monitor and track progress religiously so that you get the results that you set out at the start of the process. Too many people I meet never achieve the goals that they set themselves at the start of the year, simply because they don’t commit the time to working on them.

Many of the entrepreneurs I work with spend all of their time working in the business and not on the business, freeing up time weekly will allow them to focus on the longer term and thus make their business that more successful.

Chris Guillebeau is a great inspiration and as you say he has achieved tremendous success, I’m just arguing for more regular reviews than annual :-)

To your success in 2012!

Matthew

]]> Comment on One lesson you should learn from annual reviews by Natalie Sisson http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/one-lesson-you-should-learn-from-annual-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-27899 Natalie Sisson Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:41:42 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6518#comment-27899 Really valid points Matthew although this year will be my first ever Annual Review. I'm usually too busy planning for the next year and how my goals will merge into the new year. So I for one will be conducting it, partly because my community deserve to know how they have impacted my progress this year, where I failed and where i succeeded. A big part of my `popularity' on line is because I have no issues with telling it how it is and where I went well and went wrong and people always take the lesson out of this and apply it. Also because it's really important to me to get an overall perspective of my entire year and look at what I really did achieve vs what I think I did. I'd also note that Chris Guillebeau who's Empire Building Kit you support here on your blog - and it's an excellent course - does an Annual Review each year on his blog, but more than that he heads away for 10 days to really nut out how the next year will look too. And he's super successful in business for this very reason - he's always thinking about the next steps and how to get them. I like that you review each Friday for 2 hours. I shall be implementing a similar weekly review in 2012 too Natalie Really valid points Matthew although this year will be my first ever Annual Review. I’m usually too busy planning for the next year and how my goals will merge into the new year.

So I for one will be conducting it, partly because my community deserve to know how they have impacted my progress this year, where I failed and where i succeeded. A big part of my `popularity’ on line is because I have no issues with telling it how it is and where I went well and went wrong and people always take the lesson out of this and apply it.

Also because it’s really important to me to get an overall perspective of my entire year and look at what I really did achieve vs what I think I did.

I’d also note that Chris Guillebeau who’s Empire Building Kit you support here on your blog – and it’s an excellent course – does an Annual Review each year on his blog, but more than that he heads away for 10 days to really nut out how the next year will look too.

And he’s super successful in business for this very reason – he’s always thinking about the next steps and how to get them. I like that you review each Friday for 2 hours. I shall be implementing a similar weekly review in 2012 too

Natalie
Natalie Sisson´s last [type] ..How to Set Up Your Business to Accept Mobile Payments

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Alex Aguilar http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-26236 Alex Aguilar Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:16:32 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-26236 Apple is something of an anomaly when it comes to a tech company garnering such loyalty among its customers. Even though most people use Microsoft Windows at home and work they do so begrudgingly. Even Google fans would switch in a heartbeat if a search engine with better search algorithms or a free email service more convenient than Gmail debuts tomorrow. No tech company, to my knowledge, has such vocal and loyal following like Apple. Sure, a lot of it is marketing, but it also comes down to always innovating and releasing consistently great products that work well. I don’t think it makes sense for small business owners to model themselves after Apple in an effort to imitate its success, although common-sense things like the CARE strategy mentioned in Matthew’s post can certainly help. Finally, that stock photo of the unibrowed Apple fan is incredible. Apple is something of an anomaly when it comes to a tech company garnering such loyalty among its customers. Even though most people use Microsoft Windows at home and work they do so begrudgingly. Even Google fans would switch in a heartbeat if a search engine with better search algorithms or a free email service more convenient than Gmail debuts tomorrow. No tech company, to my knowledge, has such vocal and loyal following like Apple. Sure, a lot of it is marketing, but it also comes down to always innovating and releasing consistently great products that work well.

I don’t think it makes sense for small business owners to model themselves after Apple in an effort to imitate its success, although common-sense things like the CARE strategy mentioned in Matthew’s post can certainly help.

Finally, that stock photo of the unibrowed Apple fan is incredible.

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-25260 Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:25:16 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-25260 Matthew, Love that "Apple" pic. :) I am not a mac guy...but I have always been impressed with the way they are able to create such a loyal fan base for their products. As you pointed out there is a really a lot that we can learn from this attitude and approach. Your CARE method is really a good way to begin to build that form of connection and caring that can generate that type of fan base Matthew,

Love that “Apple” pic. :)

I am not a mac guy…but I have always been impressed with the way they are able to create such a loyal fan base for their products. As you pointed out there is a really a lot that we can learn from this attitude and approach.

Your CARE method is really a good way to begin to build that form of connection and caring that can generate that type of fan base
Steve@Affiliate Marketing Tips´s last [type] ..119 Free Internet Marketing Tools to Grow YOUR Online Business or Blog

]]> Comment on Where will you be 5 years from now? by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/where-will-you-be-5-years-from-now/comment-page-1/#comment-24604 Matthew Needham Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:36:10 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6455#comment-24604 Hi Tracy, thanks so much for taking the time to hop over from Chris' site. Glad you like BRT :-) Rich Dad Poor Dad is such a good book. It shoudl be essential reading in schools. The buck absolutely does stop with you! Thanks again for the comment! Matthew Hi Tracy, thanks so much for taking the time to hop over from Chris’ site. Glad you like BRT :-)

Rich Dad Poor Dad is such a good book. It shoudl be essential reading in schools. The buck absolutely does stop with you!

Thanks again for the comment! Matthew

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-24474 Matthew Needham Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:20:04 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-24474 Hi Natalie, thank so much for the comment (and insight). I think some things are more shareable than others, certainly I can't imagine some products going viral (although they might within their individual niche) but certainly solving problems well, is a big plus in my book. Which is why I say to anyone starting a business, when competition already exists, if your product solves a customer's problem better than the competition for less money, then your product will sell. Thanks again for the input, Matthew Hi Natalie, thank so much for the comment (and insight). I think some things are more shareable than others, certainly I can’t imagine some products going viral (although they might within their individual niche) but certainly solving problems well, is a big plus in my book. Which is why I say to anyone starting a business, when competition already exists, if your product solves a customer’s problem better than the competition for less money, then your product will sell.

Thanks again for the input, Matthew

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Matthew Needham http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-24473 Matthew Needham Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:15:59 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-24473 Lori, thanks for adding a comment here. I think that's a really good point. That's exactly how raving fans are created and what a great example from your own business. I'm reminded of Nordstrom's employee handbook which for many years employees were given (according to Wikipedia): Welcome to Nordstrom We're glad to have you with our Company. Our number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. Set both your personal and professional goals high. We have great confidence in your ability to achieve them. Nordstrom Rules: Rule #1: Use best judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules. Please feel free to ask your department manager, store manager, or division general manager any question at any time. I'm sure they create many raving fans. Thanks again for the comment Lori. Matthew Lori, thanks for adding a comment here. I think that’s a really good point. That’s exactly how raving fans are created and what a great example from your own business. I’m reminded of Nordstrom’s employee handbook which for many years employees were given (according to Wikipedia):

Welcome to Nordstrom

We’re glad to have you with our Company. Our number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. Set both your personal and professional goals high. We have great confidence in your ability to achieve them.

Nordstrom Rules: Rule #1: Use best judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules.

Please feel free to ask your department manager, store manager, or division general manager any question at any time.

I’m sure they create many raving fans. Thanks again for the comment Lori.

Matthew

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Lori Gosselin http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-23933 Lori Gosselin Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:02:37 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-23933 That's the goal - create a raving fan. I think the best way to create a raving fan is to correct a mistake well. Do the unexpected. Recently a customer emailed to cancel her order because she was helping a friend with unexpected medical bills. She intended to return her product but I told her to keep it and immediately refunded her money. She was speechless. I didn't do this to create a raving fan. I did it because she needed it and she DIDN'T need to worry about returning a package. I tell this story not knowing if she became a raving fan. For sure; she has a good feeling about my company! Mistakes are often the best opportunities to create fans for life. We just need to remember it when the mistake arises! Lori That’s the goal – create a raving fan. I think the best way to create a raving fan is to correct a mistake well. Do the unexpected. Recently a customer emailed to cancel her order because she was helping a friend with unexpected medical bills. She intended to return her product but I told her to keep it and immediately refunded her money. She was speechless. I didn’t do this to create a raving fan. I did it because she needed it and she DIDN’T need to worry about returning a package.
I tell this story not knowing if she became a raving fan. For sure; she has a good feeling about my company!
Mistakes are often the best opportunities to create fans for life. We just need to remember it when the mistake arises!
Lori

]]> Comment on How to create raving fans like Apple by Natalie Sisson http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/posts/how-to-create-raving-fans-like-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-23861 Natalie Sisson Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:54:13 +0000 http://bigredtomatocompany.co.uk/?p=6501#comment-23861 Great post and I have always admired Apple's abilities to make every person I meet who finds out I don't have a MAC, tell my why I should. I mean you can't pay people to become that kind of a raving sales person. Caring is definitely a great defining factor, making people feel they are special and understanding their needs goes a long way. On the viral idea front I think people have got a little too obsessed by this recently but in short you want your message to go to the right people and really resonate with them. And one way to do that is to solve their problems, intrigue, educate and entertain them and make it ridiculously easy to share your stuff. Great post and I have always admired Apple’s abilities to make every person I meet who finds out I don’t have a MAC, tell my why I should. I mean you can’t pay people to become that kind of a raving sales person.

Caring is definitely a great defining factor, making people feel they are special and understanding their needs goes a long way. On the viral idea front I think people have got a little too obsessed by this recently but in short you want your message to go to the right people and really resonate with them.

And one way to do that is to solve their problems, intrigue, educate and entertain them and make it ridiculously easy to share your stuff.
Natalie Sisson´s last [type] ..5 Reasons Thailand Is A Great Destination For The Suitcase Entrepreneur

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