The Gift We Give to Others

When Sharing Our "STORY"

by Sue Graber

This past week has been a real reminder to me of how God gives us the opportunity to share "our story" in order to reach out and encourage someone else. 

I believe God places people in our lives when we need them most.  I do not believe it was a coincidence yesterday where I attended a baby shower and met a new friend (who just happened to have gone through breast cancer recently).

Very early in the conversation, I truly "knew" that God had placed this individual in my life for me to encourage, and at the same time He was reminding me how the challenges of our lives become an experience that will lift someone else up.  There was an instant connection that I know in my heart was a gift from above.

Not only was I able to encourage this new friend, but she was able to "see" something in my life where I needed some support and encouragement, acknowledged that and thus blessed me as well.   I am so grateful and amazed at how God brings people in our lives at just the right time — how he allows us to share our story if we are willing!

It wasn't just about sharing a breast cancer diagnosis – but something much deeper than that — it was the matter of sharing a faith that sustained us through a very tough time.  It was the gift of sharing the emotions and being transparent.

It was realizing that each day we can make a difference in someone's life if we are willing to share our experiences – our story, and then to have empathy – to show compassion for others that is a reflection of our faith and love for Jesus.

Let's face it – we all have challenges in our lives and at times a burden on our hearts;  having a support system to help us through these times is nothing short of a blessing.   Some days, you will be the blessing to help someone through a tough day, and other times, God places someone in your life to bless you!

The question is:  Are you willing to share your story?  and… Are you willing to acknowledge the pain of others, to reach out to encourage and support someone who needs to tell you their story?

Earlier in the week, I attended  a Breast Cancer Symposium in my city where I was able to spend the whole day (a luxury) with a friend who helped me through a tough time in my life, having had gone through the same diagnosis a year prior to me.  God had placed her in my life at a time when I needed someone who understood what I was going through and offered emotional support. 

He then blessed me with a brand new friend during my treatment process – someone to "instant message" in the middle of the night when we were having side effects from our chemo – someone who truly could relate to any emotion whether it was fear, loneliness, anxiety as well as gratefulness!  

A highlight of the Symposium was listening to a panel of two very young women who heard the same scary words: "You have breast cancer" during child-bearing years; one at the age of 24 while being pregnant; the other, just a day after her 2nd miscarriage.  Both of these young women were willing to share their stories to be an encouragement to others.

The last speaker of the day provided some real time laughter, reminding us all that there can be "joy" in the middle of the tough times if we reach down into that place and find gratitude in the midst of our tough times.

Each one of these people I had the pleasure of being around this week were a reminder that God places people along our path to help us through the tough times.  Each one of them in sharing their story,  reminded me of the "gratefulness" within them that helped them  through a very tough time!

What STORY is on your heart that someone needs to hear?   It may be a financial struggle, divorce, relationship issue; whatever it is,  if we're honest, we will admit that we carry a burden that is heavy if we carry it alone.   I'd love to remind you that there is Someone who cares for every burden you are carrying –  God will never forsake you, and He will not only provide an encourager for you, but He will help you be that special friend to someone who needs you in their life, if you are willing.

Stop over and say Hi on my Facebook page; feel free to Private Message me if there's something on your heart that is a burden that you need to share with a friend.  

Sue Graber is happily married with 3 grown children & 2 grandchildren who keep her focused on her priorities in life.  She loves helping people realize the importance of relationships both personally and professionally .  She loves sharing  Social Media tips to  build and  nurture relationships and also provides a solution using a  simple tool  to keep those relationships intact.

The post The Gift We Give to Others When Sharing Our Story appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

Need an extra dose of hope?

Do you ever feel a bit discouraged and maybe "lose hope" for a minute or two, or maybe even a little longer??   Maybe it's not that you feel hopeless, but you feel OVERburdened and overwhelmed because of certain things that you are facing.    Or maybe just you get overwhelmed because you have too much to do….I know I do!

It's easy to feel that way when we're  facing a challenge,  but if we LOOK AROUND,   usually we will find someone who is facing something more challenging.   We end up counting our blessings instead of our trials.

The bottom line is life is a journey – it's not EASY - It's a roller coaster ride with UP's and DOWN's.  The UP's are great and the "DOWN's" hurt.     When we see someone who is going through a DOWN time, it's a time to reach out and offer them HOPE.  AND, we can't really offer them HOPE without having it ourselves!

WHERE IS YOUR HOPE?

Funny how God places us in the lives of others just at a time when we need to be there and they need us there!  No coincidence!!     The HOPE that we can offer them is the truth that God loves us all , He sent His Son to die for each of us, and He wants us to have peace and JOY and HOPE in our lives.   We can never fully have that without realizing how much we need our Saviour.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life..  

John 3:16 

MAY EASTER GIVE YOU THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM

KNOWING JESUS DIED FOR ALL SINNERS

AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD!

JESUS  paid for our sins….what a gift!!

In Chuck Swindoll's book,  "Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade.," he writes:  

"(Hope) is something as important to us as water is to a fish, as vital as electricity is to a light bulb, as essential as air is to a jumbo jet.Hope is basic to life….Without that needed spark of hope, we are doomed to a dark, grim existence. How often the word "hopeless" appears in suicide notes. And even if it isn't actually written, we can read it between the lines. Take away our hope, and our world is reduced to something between depression and despair….hope is more than wishful thinking.

Hope is a vital necessity of life–a gift that God wants to give to you. And in a world that regularly writes dreams off as foolish and drains thehope from the heart with dark pessimism" (Biblical hope) "is a voice crying in the wilderness…a word of enthusiasm for life in the midst of any difficult situation you are in….If you want to smile through your tears, if you want to rejoice through times of suffering, just keep reminding yourself that what you're going through isn't the end of the story…it's simply the rough journey that leads to the right destination…Solid, stable, sure hope. Hope to press on. Hope to endure. Hope to stay focused. Hope to see new dreams fulfilled"  

WHATEVER challenge we are facing right now,  we have a God who loves us exactly where we are and wants to walk alongside us EVERY STEP OF THE WAY if we let Him.    That is NOT wishful thinking…that is the truth! 

 May your EASTER be HOPE-FILLED knowing Jesus took care of the sins of the world..

When we have faith in God, we claim His promises..  We have HOPE!!!!

   HAPPY EASTER  

Do you face certain challenges in your life?   Feeling like you need an extra dose of hope?  Would love to hear from you on Facebook and get to know you better!

-

Sue Graber is happily married with 3 grown children & 2 grandchildren who keep her focused on her priorities in life.  She loves helping people realize the importance of relationships both personally and professionally .  She loves sharing  Social Media tips to  build and  nurture relationships and also provides a solution using a  simple tool  to keep those relationships intact.

The post Hope appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

Why Customers Need to Know You Care

by Sue Graber

In our present world, with the emphasis on good relationships in business, it's more important than ever that  that we have a plan of action when it comes to being first rate at great customer service – customers need to know you care!

It's not realistic to expect that customers will faithfully come back for services or products to a business that doesn't in some way show interest to them. Be the business that sets itself apart!

With Social Media being such a dominant form of engaging with customers, it's critical that you take the time to get to know your customers on a  personal level and interact with them enough to know what they like and dislike. Don't let $ signs get in your eyes.

When you truly CARE about people and what's going on in their lives, they will WANT to do business with you and will make sure others do too.

If you take the time to really "listen" to what they want, you will be able to build a relationship that creates loyalty. 

Regardless of the profession that you are in, your customers WANT and NEED to know that you really care about them.

Here are some keys to unlock any barriers that may be there.  These will keep you on the right track to have the very best possible relationship with present customers, and to build a a great referral business.

• Are you providing VALUE to your customers? If you are a car dealership, do you only get excited when someone comes in to purchase a new car, or do you take the extra steps to provide shuttle service back and forth for servicing, a great customer service team that responds immediately to their concerns, and maybe gives you a free car wash "just because" they appreciate you.  You get the picture!

• Make sure your customers know that you care about them as a friend!  Take the time to send them a birthday card.  I truly know people who don't get ANY cards on their birthdays.   We ALL want to feel special and this is a great way to nurture the relationship you have with your customers.
  

• Always be positive with your customers and respond to any  questions or concerns they may have.  What your customer has to say about their experience with you and your business will set the tone for future referrals.

• Make things as easy as possible for customers to communicate with you.  Is your phone system easy to  navigate?  Nobody likes being transferred multiple times in order to leave a message or get an answer about something. 
  

• Make sure you are providing valuable information to your customers.  Depending on the industry that you are in this could be a list of schools/doctors/churches for new people in town talking to a realtor or carpet cleaning advice for a flooring company.   We all APPRECIATE it when someone shares something that makes our lives easier!
  

• Take the time to stay in touch.  Four to six times a year, drop a note to your customer.  Whether you are sending a thank you note for a product they have purchased from  you, sending a note of appreciation for a referral or simply providing something of value to a customer, YOU & YOUR BUSINESS will remain on the "tip of their tongue" when someone is looking for what you have to offer.  By keeping yourself "in front" of them in a friendly way, you are ensuring their loyalty to you AND the friends they send your way.  Word of mouth referrals can explode your business.
  

Whatever type of business you have, taking a few action steps to let your customers know you truly care will be key to your business and their loyalty.

Are we connected on FB?  Drop by and let me know if you have any challenges as a business in reaching your customer.  I'd love to help!

Sue Graber is happily married with 3 grown children & 2 grandchildren who keep her focused on her priorities in life.  She loves helping people realize the importance of relationships both personally and professionally .  She loves sharing  Social Media tips to  build and  nurture relationships and also provides a solution using a  simple tool  to keep those relationships intact.

The post Why Customers Need to Know You Care appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

The Daily Gratitude Exercise Starts Now!

by Sue Graber

Have you ever run into someone in your daily routine who you are inspired by, someone who practices  this "daily exercise of gratitude"?  

These individuals may be going through a challenging time, but still they seem to have that "peace" even in the midst of a storm.  Do you know what I'm talking about?  They are "grateful" in the midst of their troubles!

These past few weeks have been a bit bumpy ones in both my personal and business life.    These ups and downs have affected my attitude in a big way, which in turn can affect relationships.

Reflecting over the last few weeks, I have come to realize that my attitude has been a direct result of focusing on the negative instead of the positive, and also NOT taking the time each day to be grateful.

Today, I'd like to share a few quotes I have found recently that have helped me change my negative attitude & caused me to get back into journaling in my "Gratitude Journal" all the things I have to be grateful each day.  As I do this journaling and start reflecting on what to be grateful for, I find myself at peace.

I'm hoping these special quotes which have been found in a variety of places will be a positive in your life as well.

I've decided to intentionally share with you here some quotes that revolve around the exercise of GRATITUDE.  My hope is that it will help you take a bit of a different look at your life in a way that helps you make each day count!

• I was feeling sorry for myself the past few weeks because I was working so many extra hours at work; as I wrote in my gratitude journal I instead THANKED God for allowing these opportunities for extra work to come up  – by doing so, it has answered a different prayer of how I was going to proceed with something in my business life – and now the $ are there.

• A bit disgusted about the cold wintry weather this week until I saw the news story about some homeless people in our city who are living in tents. This definitely put things into perspective; another entry in my gratitude journal.
  

• Wishing that I had the $ to be able to help some individuals I care about as well as some charities close to my heart.  Then realizing that I have the potential to do just that if I am committed and disciplined in my business that I am passionate about; grateful that God has given me this dream and grateful for friends/business associates who want to help make this a reality.
  

I'd love to hear from you.  What challenges are you facing that may start out in only a negative way but by being grateful in the midst of the situation, you have found peace?

Would love to connect with you more.  Stop on over and say "hi" on my Facebook wall.   I am grateful that you stopped by and looking forward to getting to know you better!

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day

The post The Daily Gratitude Exercise appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

by Sue Graber

New Year's Eve ….  It's the eve before THE DAY – the day of new beginnings – new resolutions – new goals – new hopes and dreams.

Why do we put so much emphasis on JANUARY 1?

For many, it's a natural way of thinking that if you wait until the first of the year, or first of the month, or even first of the week – THAT will be the time that something is going to change — but in reality – you have the ability to START RIGHT NOW …

Whatever it is is that you are dreaming for this year — you CAN make it happen.  First, you must believe.

Let's get busy!

Write down your goal(s).   Being "all out there" will get you nowhere!  You need to focus.   You need to be specific as to what it is that you are desiring to accomplish.

Set up an action plan that will help you accomplish your goal(s)  If you are wanting to lose 20 pounds, be realistic as to how much  you will achieve each week, and then write down the action steps that will get you to your goal.  Break your goal up into smaller chunks to start with.

For changes  that move you toward better health:

Consider starting out by simply eating less and exercising more. Do this consistently and persistently and you WILL see results.

If you are an entrepreneur building a team in network marketing, figure out how many customers/distributors you have as a goal each week or month and then set your action plan to reflect what you need to do!  

If you choose not to pick up the phone or talk to anyone during that time period, your results  will certainly reflect your efforts.

REMEMBER – WISHING FOR SOMETHING will not move you toward achieving your goal.   Planned action steps will move you toward your goal when done consistently.

Be accountable.  Some individuals are able to be accountable to themselves by coming up with a form of some sort that they fill out each day.  Most individuals do better by having an accountability partner. 

What better time than now to hook up with someone who has similar goals in mind; spending 5 minutes daily to check in with this individual will keep both of you accountable. 

This can be done on Facebook,  or by texting, emailing, or on the phone.  The important thing is having that accountability with someone who wants you to succeed as much as you want them to.

Accountability is important in all areas of our lives – physical, emotional and spiritual.  Many times we will  relate better  in one area than another with a certain individual as an accountability partner.

For instance, the individual who keeps you accountable with healthy eating and exercise may be someone entirely different than the accountability partner you need in business — to stick to your plan of action for goals.   Find that like-minded individual in each area  where you have set goals & stay accountable.

The important thing is to get started!  There's no better time than now!

What specific goals do you have for 2013?  Write them down along with your action steps and find yourself an accountability partner. 

You can do it — Stop on over to my Facebook wall  and let me know what you're going to accomplish in the new year! 

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day

The post What are you Waiting for? appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

The Joy of Giving

by Sue Graber

It's Christmas –  what better time of the year to encourage someone by doing something out of the ordinary to bring them joy.

This might be nothing more than a phone call, a "listening ear," or TIME spent with someone who simply needs a friend.  It might be something more concrete, like helping provide a meal to the homeless, buying toys for a family where the parents are unemployed, or shoveling the snow for a family whose husband is serving our country overseas.

Helping a friend through this special season of the year when they're going through loneliness or grief is another "gift" that will touch their heart.

The possibilities are endless.  Why not think of something every day in this Christmas season that might be "out of the ordinary" for you to do?  I can promise you it will lift not only the spirits of the person you are gifting, but it will bring you incredible joy.

This morning I came across a note from someone in one of my Facebook groups requesting a card be sent to someone who is going through a tough time — someone diagnosed with cancer, with two kids, needing to stay in a motel as the hospital isn't close to where they live.  The simple request was to encourage us to send a card to offer hope to this family.  The responses I read brought a lump to my throat as many "strangers" were willing to reach out in this way.

It's really so simple – Every day God puts opportunities in front of us to be that person who brings joy to another.

The question is:  How will we respond?

We have a choice every day, to make a difference in someone else's life in a positive way.  Let's choose today to bring JOY to someone unexpectedly.

It IS the season of giving! And by giving, you will receive a joy and peace that will brighten many lives, including yours.

What unexpected joy can you bring to someone today?  Come on over to my Facebook wall and share.  Let's start an epidemic of joyful giving as a daily habit!

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day

The post The Joy of Giving appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

 Christmas Gifts Made from Memories

by Sue Graber

Do  you have "stored" up hundreds to thousands of pictures on your memory card just waiting to be found AND used?  Dont' be discouraged if that sounds like you – I promise you're in the majority! 

This is the perfect time to take those memories & create some unique Christmas gifts.
  

Don't let all those precious memories of family, friends and special times get lost forever inside your camera. It' time to "bring them out" into the open and create something unique and special for those you care about.

With Christmas just a few weeks ago, and limited time for shopping, you can very easily create some very special gifts right from the comfort of your own home or any computer for that matter.  These are gifts that are unique — made out of love — made from memories — priceless!

It's fun – it's easy – and it's economical.    Be the giver of the gift that stands out because it's made of memories.   YOU will have fun creating the gifts and the recipients will love receiving them.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking!

• Picture Mugs – Create unique mugs for family and business associates that show special pictures of individuals or events.  I created one for my husband with pictures of the grandkids and him – priceless and I know it will be used!

•  Canvas Prints - Take those special wedding pictures, pictures of a new baby, or family pictures and create an awesome canvas print. Scenery from a special family vacation also makes a beautiful and memorable gift. 

• Playing Cards - This is a fun gift for any age. A card game is a fun family activity and having a personalized set of playing cards with your own pictures on the cards makes it even more special.  Let your kids help you make a set of cards for Grandpa & Grandma who love gifts from the heart.  Believe me, I know!!

• Calendars are always a big hit and something very useful. You will be able to make every month unique with pictures that celebrate special events - You can use one picture or make a collage for every month!  You can also place headshots of the birthday being celebrated right on the date.   

• Iphone and Ipad covers, as well as those for the Androids, are great ideas for that hard to buy for person.  These can be switched around so it's fun to have more than just one.  Definitely fun to create & will be well received.  Create in just a few minutes!

• Give a gift that keeps on giving   – a subscription that allows someone to send greeting cards and gifts online; for as little as $9.80/mo (you'll be allowing someone to use their creative juices to stay in touch with special people in their lives and send up to 10 cards a month!!)  Subscription can be cancelled at any time but great value for someone who likes to stay in touch.  Compared to cards that cost upwards of $3.00 each, it makes sense to have something you can do from the comfort of your home that is so cost efficient.

• Memory Books are fun to create and are great to keep all those memories of special times  close to your heart. .  Whether you're creating a baby book, special anniversary memory book, or maybe creating a special book for your grandkids about them, it's full of memories that will never be forgotten. 
  
• Personalized holiday oraments are great gifts to give; let your kids get involved and make some special picture ornanments for grandparents, special teachers, or that hard to buy for person.  A treasured gift that will be brought out each year!

• Gift cards are always a hit at our house.  Give the gift of creativity when purchasing a gift card from the SOC Photo Store.  This gift card will allow the recipient to create any of the gifts that we've listed above and more. 

• Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Amazon, restaurants, can be sent right along with your individual Christmas card this year.  It's an easy way to shop and sure to make a hit with those on the receiving end.  You'll be able to attach the gift or gift cards to you greeting cards right from the website (real cards that go through the mail – not e-cards!)

Whatever the occasion, keep taking those pictures and creating memories that last a lifetime. 

Are we connected on Facebook?  If not, stop on over and introduce yourself!  Hope you are enjoying this special season with your loved ones – remember, time spent together is the BEST gift you can give !

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day

The post Christmas Gifts Made from Memories with Digital Pictures appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

Someone's Missing at our Table this Christmas

By Sue Graber

Today I hope you don't mind if I reflect a little bit on a day that will forever be ingrained in my heart and mind.  Hopefully this can be an encouragement to you if someone is missing at your table this Christmas season.

December 2, 1995

Our youngest daughter was 7 at the time.  We were starting to prepare for Christmas with some decorating and all the other activities that happen throughout the Christmas season.  I remember thinking how fun it would be to plan  a big family get-together with extended family….taking TIME and spending it together for a day or maybe even weekend at a central location for everyone.  Presents from the store are fine but we were all realizing how much more of a gift it would be to simply spend time together and really enjoy each other's company for longer than just a couple hours.

As it turns out, that special time with "everyone" in our family present to enjoy such a time would not happen here on earth.  That same weekend my brother died in a tragic farm accident.  Today, 17 years later, in some ways it seems like just yesterday; in other ways, it seems like he has been gone forever.

It happened just a few weeks before Christmas. 

I remember walking around basically in shock for days.  These are the kinds of things that happen to other people, not our family.   I had always prayed for protection and safety for all family members.  I couldn't understand why this had happened.  My heart ached for his wife, their 3 children, my parents, sister and all of our family who loved my brother so deeply.  He was only 40 years old.  In the prime of his life.

I was reminded then, as I am now, that our time is not our in our hands, but in God's.   He knows when each of us will be born and when we will leave this earth.

It was not what I wanted to happen.  I still miss him and have an ache in my heart for his wife and kids who had to go on without him in their lives.

That one day has taught me some valuable lessons:

• Never take for granted those you love.
  
• Take every opportunity you have to tell those you love how you feel about them.
• Spending time with loved ones is the greatest gift you can give them.
• Don't sweat the small things.
• Look for the good in people, for if that's what you look for, that's what you will find.
• Honor your loved ones who have passed on by doing something in their memory – start a fund raiser, scholarship fund, do a family project together for the homeless.  Be creative.  It will do your heart good!
• Be sensitive to what others are going through – it can be a lonely time; a simple hug or "I care about you" gives them hope.
• Count your blessings every single day. 
• Pray for opportunities each day to make a difference in the lives of others, and be willing to be used in such a way that will impact them positively.
• Do an unexpected kindness every day… make the world a better place.

This Christmas, as the past 17 have been, our table is missing someone special – not only my brother, but also my dad who has since passed away.

Maybe there are loved ones missing from your table as well.    Today I am praying that the memories that you have of those special people will bring a smile to your face and give you the motivation to reach out to someone else who might be hurting.

Today I am grateful to have had such a special brother and father in my life.  I am grateful that both of them knew Jesus as their Savior, and grateful that I will be with them again for eternity.

If you'd like to share a special memory of someone who is now missing at your table, feel free to comment below or send me a note on Facebook.  We all need encouragement in our lives.  

Your story may be the encouragement someone else needs!

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home as an administrative assistant and a fund-raising specialist. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day!

The post Someone’s Missing at our Table – A Note of Encouragement appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

How to Keep Your Customers Happy & Loyal

by Sue Graber

It's not rocket science that our customers want to feel appreciated.

Do you ever struggle with HOW to make them feel appreciated?.

If you truly want to keep your customers happy, you need to be serving them — you need to provide a solution to their problem – something of value. 

Never underestimate the power of your relationship with your customers.

Your relationship with them is your key to success.

Customer retention is critical in keeping your business going in the right direction.  Statistics show that it is  easier to "retain" a current customer than to continually look for new ones to replace those who move on to a competitor who understands the importance making them feel appreciated.

Set yourself apart by building a good relationship from the first association you have with them and then NURTURING that relationship simply by STAYING IN TOUCH WITH THEM.

When my husband and I have a good customer service experience with a business, rest assured that we maintain that loyalty to them.  AND,  we will tell others about that experience.  The same holds true for a bad experience.

Do you see why you want to keep your customers happy?

 It's amazing how many businesses overlook this very critical part of their business.

We aren't likely to return to a business where we feel as though we are nothing but a $ sign for their business.

Here are a few quick tips to get you started in building a good relationship with your customers and then nurturing that relationship..

• Get to know your customers — their interests and a little bit about their families.  Genuinely care about building a good relationship with them.
• Stay in touch  on a regular basis.
• Provide helpful information through tips that you send them, sharing valuable information.  For example, if you are  a realtor, provide information on local services that they  may use such as carpet cleaners or handyman services.
• Pay attention to their personal life; if you notice that one of their kids is being recognized for some specific talent, send them a personal note of congratulations. 
  
• Stay in touch by using campaigns; a way for you to regularly schedule communication with them.  This allows you to stay in touch but when set up correctly, you it's easy and very cost efficient.
  

Here's a quick "campaign" idea that a car salesman might use to stay in touch with a customer:

1.  Take a picture of your customer in front of their car.  Immediately send them a "thank you" card for their business with this picture as part of the card.  Include a Starbucks card or some brownies as a special thank you.

2.  Send a postcard a few weeks before it's time for an oil change and include a $ off coupon to help them with this first service.  OR, if it's something you provide free the first time, send them a reminder card to that effect.

3.  Find out when their birthday is so you can celebrate that day with them.  They will be impressed that you remember them.

4.  Always send notes of thanks for any referrals they may send your way.  One of my clients includes a gift card with his thank you card for every referral he receives — and he receives many!   He shows his appreciation in a very real way. 

  Keep your focus on BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP AND THEN HONORING THAT RELATIONSHIP BY SIMPLY BEING A "GIVER."

YOU want to remain the first person who comes to mind when your customer is "looking" for a product or service that you can help them with OR if they have a friend who is looking. 

Your customers love to refer their friends to businesses where they feel appreciated.

What are some of the ways you show appreciation to your customers?  Stop by on my Facebook wall and share stories of how a business has shown appreciation to you

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home as an administrative assistant and a fund-raising specialist. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day!

The post How to Keep Your Customers Happy and Loyal appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.

Social Media Is A Big Deal!

by Sue Graber

For the past couple of years, my husband and I have been exploring the world of online business.  This wasn't something that was necessarily planned.

Several years back  our lives were fairly "normal" whatever that means!   My husband worked 50+ hours a week in a stress-filled job and I worked from home doing a variety of jobs including medical transcription, being a personal assistant, and data entry, to name a few. 

Even though I worked from home, I was essentially  "working for someone else", so the amount of money that I was able to bring home was really nothing that I could change, unless I wanted to increase the number of hours in my work week. (NOT)!

When that scenario changed, and my husband was downsized from his management position that he had worked years to get to, we were faced with a decision —

The question:  Should he go back to the corporate world of stress spending his life in a stressful job at a company whose loyalty to employees was uncertain, or was it time to try something different?

We were both ready for a change. We felt this was a nudge from above telling us to look for something better. 

Not only did this allow us to have more freedom to do the things we were passionate about doing, it gave us more time to spend with our family, and to prioritize those things in our lives that were the most important to us.

My husband did a lot of research about online business and we became part of the network marketing industry, and have  continued to "study" and learn as much as we can about network marketing and doing business online.

Through this process, we have come to the conclusion that the Internet is here to stay – Big revelation, right?   

Even though most individuals would totally agree with this statement, there is still a very large number of businesses who are not doing anything to capitalize on this truth.

But the one thing that is certain –Social Media allows us to meet individuals from all over the world that we would not otherwise have the opportunity to form relationships with. 

The old way of doing business is over.  Customers know what they want and they don't have to settle for less than the best.

We must have a good relationship with our customers, provide value, a solution to their problem,  and excellent customer service.   When we take the time to do this, they will want to endorse us and our product or service on Social Media — this is HUGE!

So, here are a few steps to get you going in the right direction using Social Media in your business.

1.  Use the Social Media platforms to connect with people.  Start by first setting up a Facebook and Twitter account and "engage with people" on a daily basis — this simply means carrying on a conversation with them.  Don't try and sell by pushing your product/service on them.  Simply get to know them.

   FORM A RELATIONSHIP!!  

2.  Provide something of value to your readers.  If you have a website and are blogging regularly, share information that will provide a solution to a problem that your potential customer has.  Set yourself apart from your competitors; stay connected!

3. Figure out what your passion is — what do you have to offer your customer that sets you apart from your competition?

Whether you are a social media expert, an author of children's books, or a copywriter, just to name a few –  each of us has "SOMETHING" significant that we know about & have experience with — to offer to our ideal client.

Social Media has become a place where like-minded individuals can form communities and work together to build not only their businesses, but build better relationships.

And, really, isn't that really what's most important in life?   Your relationships with others?  

I can guarantee if you take the time to get to know people  in a real and genuine way — without any expectation of what they can do for you – YOU will stand out in a way that causes them to want to be your customer!

Social Media is here to stay.  Within the last two years, I have formed new friendships from all around the world because of the ability to simply strike up conversations with others through Social Media. 

It is possible to have a "community" here that provides encouragement, motivation, and genuine friendships.  And who doesn't like to refer others to good friends?

Let Social Media work for you!  Make friends, nurture those relationships and watch your business grow!  Are we connected on Facebook?  I'd love to carry on a real conversation with you there!  What's your favorite Social Media platform?  

Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home as an administrative assistant and a fund-raising specialist. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day!Sue Graber has been happily married for 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home as an administrative assistant and a fund-raising specialist. She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day!

The post Social Media – What’s the Big Deal? appeared first on Helping You Make Connections.