Zero Cost Tech Tools

Gosh, I love the internet. It's a wealth of information (maybe too much) on all things technical. Here's a resource that Diane Levin first mentioned her blog that I scooped up for you.

Zero Cost Business Tools

The website is called Bootstrapper.com It's filled with all kinds of articles and success stories for us poor entreprenuers.

In August, they featured a wide variety of zero-cost software from productivity to office suites to accounting to marketing and sales. No bad, huh. Of course, I suspect the really good stuff is under password-protection and can only be unlocked by giving up your email address. (The URL suggests Bootstrapper is a mini-site for businesscreditcards.com - don't be discouraged, just be careful)

Why Invest in Software?

Even though this stuff is without cost, it isn't free. You'll have to invest your time to learn how to use the software. So, don't just download everything.

If you're a solo entrepreneur, and most mediators are, it makes a lot of sense to invest in the type of automation that this software can offer. Your time is limited and precious. Spend it doing mediation marketing tasks that require your creativity and unique abilities like writing articles and connecting with peers. I find that my time tracking program combined with Quickbooks sends out invoices better than I ever could - on time without guilt!

Which Software?

Take some time to think about what is going to be user-friendly and easy for you. The most robust program won't do anything to help your mediation practice if you never use it. I learned that lesson when I tried to write articles using a speech recognition program. I still like the idea, but I realized the software required too much from me and stressed me out too much to be truly called a time-saver.

Get some help making tech choices until you feel more comfortable. CNET.com is a good resource. I also like Tucows.com as a shareware resource. Better yet, get advice from a guru. Sandy De Freitas, the Tech Coach for Coaches (and other folks, too) has a terrific blog filled with tips. Best of all, Sandy will be my guest for a teleseminar next week.

You can get tech recommendations live from Sandy on Friday, Sept. 28th at 1 p.m. EST. It's simple. Just register then send me an email with your burning question. Sandy will do her best to answer your questions all during our 60 minute teleseminar.

Pretty tech savvy? Hey, there's always more to learn. Scheduling conflict?
Register anyway. The audio will be delivered straight to your mailbox so you can listen when it's convenient for you.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!
Dina

Say What? Marketing Feedback for Mediators

Got a note recently from Herbert Ong of Kudosworks.com, the referral and testimonial tool I profiled last year. He let me know that they had addressed my original concern (see prior post) and how much they appreciated the feedback. That got me thinking about how tough it can be to ask for referrals or testimonials yet how essential they are.

Testimonial Software

Kudosworks.com allows you to easily capture testimonials from clients and provide guidance for those who want to make referrals. Best of all once you set it, you can forget it—until it’s time to turn the leads you collect into new clients. You can get similar results with AskDatabase.com, Surveymonkey.com and others.

How It Works

Kudosworks offers an indirect way to collect referrals and testimonials from those people who know or have worked with you. It’s easy to do. I got a test program up in less than 30 minutes and it actually worked. This might be a good option to add to a website instead of a ‘tell a friend’ software. How many ways could you worm Kudosworks into your marketing plan?

What Can You Do with It

Put it in all your marketing collateral, online and off. Let’s see…you could include it:

• on your website
• in your blog
• in your ezine
• in you email signature
• on the back of your business card
• on the bottom of your intake form
• on the bottom of your feedback form
• in your brochure

Why it Matters

Feedback loops, like Kudoworks and Zoomerang, are important because they help us hone our craft and build our spirits. Loops can become a recurring part of every ‘touch’ or communication you have with a client. That means clients have multiple opportunities to share you, and the value you’ve given to them, with their friends and family. What used to be an ugly, awkward task becomes easy and automated…who doesn’t want that.*

Remember, word of mouth referrals are a main source of clients!

Ongoing Feedback Loops

What I like best about software like Kudosworks is that it enables us to check in with our clients about their interest, needs and how they value us in a consistent, comprehensive way. I love the idea of knowing for sure what works and growing from it. Nothing breeds success like success.

What does this mean to you? Ask for feedback as often as you can. Try some testimonial or referral software. It can only make you a better provider of mediation services and a better businessperson.

*Thinking Like An Entrepreneur Warning- Feedback can be a powerful thing. Turn on the spigot slowly… invite as much feedback as you can respond to-i.e. fix- in a timely, generous way.

Meeting Wizard is Magic

One of the things I recall with less enthusiasm is chasing multiple clients to schedule meetings. You know, you call with dates and times. They don't respond. You ask again; they offer totally different dates. It's a nightmare that can consume your time and energy.

Recently, I found an online solution to scheduling woes that works pretty well called Meeting Wizard It's web-based software that enables you to set meetings quickly. You can either designate a specific date and broadcast that to attendees; or, you can propose several dates and times and poll attendees for the best one.

What I like most about MW is the ease of use and it's cost- free. I've tested it with several meetings and it works, although there are a few glitches. Namely, the software doesn't ask if you want to make a distribution list from the names you entered. Consequently, if you want to send a follow up message you need to reassemble the list from the online address book. Also, if you can miss notification of RSVPs if you set it to tell you once everyone has responded. If one person forgets to respond, you don't get any notice.

All in all, this is a good tool for automating one of the more time-consuming tasks of being a mediator or case manager. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

PS Things are blossoming over at ADRPracticebuilder.com --great new members are connecting in exciting ways and Getting Referrals - the 37 Cent Solution on 3/8 is filling up quickly. My wish is that each of you manifest your vision into reality-- it's too much fun!

Bodywork IS a Business Expense

Yep, I consider bodywork- you know, massage, acupuncture, reikki, etc- to be a business expense. I'm not kidding, and I'm not alone in this thought. (of course, check with your accountant first)

Companies know that keeping employees healthy is critical to enjoying increased productivity, limiting absenteeism and reducing burn out. In fact, every dollar spent on wellness yields a minimum of $1.81 in health cost savings.

Ok, so I hear you saying, "but I'm not a huge company." Right, but as a solo entrepreneur you're probably doing all the pieces that create business success. You get tired, frustrated, tense from exerting so much effort. To me, that means your pressures are even greater than employees who, albeit very busy, have the support of a larger organization. Taking care of you, otherwise called 'self-care', actually can help you be more effective in your business.

How did I come to this startling realization? It came to me while I was lying on my tummy on the table of a fabulous acupuncturist, Karen Kirchoff, who has helped me increase my energy, flexibility and relaxation over the past year.

As Karen applied the first few needles my 'monkey mind' shifted from its frantic pace to something close to quiet. It's akin to putting a car into neutral and letting it coast. Ah, nirvana! (By the way, I hate needles, but love acupuncture. I doesn't hurt at all.)

What does this mean to you? Try bodywork today. If you're new, start with a massage or pedicure. If you're more adventurous, try more Thai massage, in which practitioners move your fully clothed body in marvelous ways to release tension.

If you can't do it for yourself, I understand. Do it as a gift to your clients (current and potential) and your family. Once you empty your vessel, you'll be able to serve them even better.

Namaste

Try. Fail. Learn. Relax!

Dina