Steve Marr.org

Sometimes we consider a sanction to be a penalty for breaking a rule; thus, something negative. However, a sanction may also be positive.  It can also mean that you receive approval to do something. Most people respond better to positive sanctions than to a penalty.

Some websites make it difficult to ask questions.  This sends the message to the customer, “Just make the order and send me money.  Don’t bother to ask me anything; just trust me.”  You may be able to generate some sales without providing a way to ask questions online, but encouraging questions will boost your bottom line.

Many restaurants struggle today. Sometimes the struggle is difficult enough to cause them to go out of business, and they don’t have a clue why. A simple survey could help restaurateurs understand why customers come to their restaurant and return.

A common issue I encounter is poor quality advertisements. Any advertisement, business card, or hand-out is a reflection of your businesses. When customers see misspellings, fuzzy or poorly lit pictures, or badly worded ad copy; the message to a potential customer is that the business is low quality and has no money.  Instead of encouraging business, it tells prospective customers to stay away and find somewhere else to put their money.

I received two questions recently from people who target classes to home-schooled children. The first was from an art teacher; the second taught piano. My advice may help others targeting similar markets.