19 May

3 Effective Ways To Foster Team Building

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 19.05.16 by John Meloche

Depositphotos_10825393_xsThe Toronto Raptors have a tough task ahead of them tonight as they prepare for the second game of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals. The heavily-favoured Cleveland Cavaliers, lead by all-star LeBron James, soundly defeated our hometown Raps by a score of 115-84 in the opening game of the series Tuesday night. Evidently, the Raptors will have to rally around each other and shake off the loss if they wish for a better outcome this evening.

All week long, we’ve been drawing parallels between the pro sports world and the Canadian small business landscape. Obviously, both worlds involve teams that must work together in order to perform to their best abilities and achieve success. And while it’s important to celebrate those successes, it’s just as important to work on team building whenever tough times are experienced. Much like the Raptors, you team is bound to go through hard days.

So what are the most effective ways to foster team building? Here are three ideas:

1. Clearly define each team member’s role. In many cases, people play positions that they are best suited for. Whether it’s on the basketball court or in the office, there are often particular team members who specialize in certain areas. Sometimes, it’s important to remind everyone on the team which position they are required to play. Working together means allowing each team member to fulfil the unique requirements of his/her role.

Dr. Sergey Dudiy explains the importance of making sure there is complete clarity in who is responsible for what on Time-Management-Guide.com. “Do your best to avoid overlaps of authority,” he advises, “For example, if there is a risk that two team members will be competing for control in certain area, try to divide that area into two distinct parts and give each more complete control in one of those parts, according to those individual’s strengths and personal inclinations.”

2. Give your team that confidence that they have your support. This past week, Toronto Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons was suspended by Major League Baseball for three games. The reason? He returned to the field during a brawl after he had already been ejected from the game for arguing balls and strikes. Later, when asked by the media why he returned to the field when he had already been ejected, he simply replied, “That’s my team out there”.

It’s of vital importance that your team knows that it has the support of its superiors. “Supervisors and managers play a key role in ‘keeping the learning alive’,” says Jennifer Britton of the UK-based Team Building Directory, “Ensure that supervisors, managers and owners are following up with staff regarding what their needs are, and how team building efforts can be enhanced. Managers also play a key role in ensuring that the learning from team building initiatives is brought back to the office.”

3. Involve everyone on the team in important decisions. It’s important to make each member of the team feel that his/her contributions matter. And that’s because they do! Don’t neglect feedback. Each team member has a unique experience representing your business and based on those experiences, they can likely provide you with valuable information about how to best please your customers.

“For issues that rely on the team consensus and commitment, involve more the whole team in the decision making process,” insists Dr. Dudiy, “For example, use group sessions with collective discussions of possible decision options or solution ideas. What you want to achieve here is that each team member feels his or her ownership in the final decision, solution, or idea. The more he or she feels this way, the more likely he or she is to agree with and commit to the decided line of action.”

Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to examine ways to effectively develop chemistry among your team members!

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02 May

Raptors Make It To Second Round Of NBA Playoffs!

Posted in NBA, News on 02.05.16 by John Meloche

Baskeball isolated on a white background as a sports and fitness symbol of a team liesure activity playing with a leather ball dribbling and passing in competition tournaments.In the past, the Synergy Marketing Blog has happily commented on the successes of the professional sports teams that represent the city where we are headquartered. Our beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors have given us a lot to celebrate (and even more to complain about) over the years, and usually, we enjoy discussing our views. Firstly, we often relate the ups and downs of a pro sports team to that of a company’s staff.

There are many similarities, of course. The most important similarity being that teamwork is a necessity in order for any business with several employees to flourish. Secondly, we just happen to employ a fair number of sports fans, here at Synergy Marketing. And some of the more superstitious ones think that – just maybe – blogging about our favourite teams brings them bad luck.

We certainly hope that isn’t the case today as we’d like to return to our trend of celebrating Toronto’s teams by offering the Toronto Raptors (and all of their amazing fans) special congratulations for making it into the second round of the NBA Playoffs last night! With their 89-84 Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers at the Air Canada Centre, the Raptors have booked their ticket against the Miami Heat – a series that begins tomorrow.

In the 21 seasons that the Toronto Raptors have been playing in the NBA, this is, astonishingly, only the second time in franchise history that the Raps have made it into the second round of the playoffs. The first time took place an incredible 15 years ago. Most fans will remember that season as the one when Vince Carter put up a jump shot at the buzzer in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a shot that would miss and end the Raptors’ hopes of a championship.

That isn’t to say that the Raptors were considered favourites to win it all in 2001. But with a superstar like Vince Carter at the helm during that time, Toronto’s young NBA team seemed destined for a better outcome. Fast forward a decade and half later and our city is now home to a team that has dominated the Atlantic Division for the past three years. The best team, by way of a regular season record, in Raptors history, this year’s squad appears primed to achieve greatness.

There are many fans, however, who remain sceptical that the Raptors have what it takes to do much damage in the postseason. And it’s hard to blame them. After all, the Raptors have been ousted in the first round of the playoffs the past two seasons – seasons when they were favoured to beat their lower-seeded opponents. This year was no different. And yet the Raptors made things excruciatingly interesting during their series with the Pacers over the last week.

In one game they would dominate and in the next they would get dominated. They came back to win an incredible nail biter in Game 5, only to get blown out in Game 6. Prior to last night’s contest, the winner of Game 7 was anyone’s guess. Now, there is no guessing necessary. The Toronto Raptors are in the second round and still maintain home court advantage against the Heat as the #2 seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

Needless to say, there is a lot of excitement in Toronto right now. We’d also like to point out that the Toronto Maple Leafs have finally given fans something to cheer about as they won the first pick in this year’s NHL Draft Lottery. Here’s hoping that getting the #1 pick will be the beginning of a brand new era of dominance in Maple Leafs history. But in the meantime…Let’s Go Raptors!

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27 Oct

3 More Ways To Grow Your Business Following Hard Times

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 27.10.15 by John Meloche

Teamwork statisticsIn yesterday’s blog, we visited the topic of rebounding from a business loss. Still reeling from the Toronto Blue Jays’ exit from this year’s postseason, we remain aware that sports teams aren’t the only groups who suffer big losses. Business owners go through it all the time. Needless to say, it isn’t easy. Financial losses hurt, but suffering the emotional stress with not being able to grow your business in the way that was intended can cause permanent damage to one’s company.

This is why it’s important to utilize ways to rebound from what may be perceived as a failure. Yesterday, we pointed out the importance of learning from mistakes. So-called “failures”, in fact, can be the best ways to learn how to steer companies in new and more profitable directions. If you’re a business owner who has suffered a loss of some kind, it’s important to remember that there is still great hope for your company.

Here are three more ways to grow your business following hard times:

1. Remember that you’re not alone. Think you’re the first business owner to ever face hard times? Think again. Many have come before you and many will follow. And all of them either have already experienced or are bound to experience some sort of loss as business owners. The best business owners, however, are the ones who realize that a loss is not the end, but instead, a chance at a new beginning.

On Entrepreneur.com, Martin Zwilling reiterates this when he states that “every human grieves over a loss.” The difference, however, lies in how the loss is handled. “Some never recover their confidence, and others continue to fall back on excuses, such as ‘I was a victim of the recession,’ or ‘My investors forced me to make some bad decisions,’” he writes, “After a few months, the best entrepreneurs are back in the game with a better plan.”

2. Understand that your customers are hurting too. If you’ve experienced bad dealings, don’t forget that you’re not the only one who has been hurt by them. Your customers are likely to be affected, as well. It’s important for you to be mindful of their needs and concerns and work to resolve any problems that may have resulted from their bad experiences. This just may be the first step in rebuilding your brand.

On OrapinMarketing.com, Robbi Robbinson highly recommends that you be empathetic towards your customers. Try not to get too defensive when you’re given negative reviews. “Your ultimate goal is customer retention and hostility is a surefire way to alienate new and existing customers alike,” she reminds us, “Instead, be empathetic and apologize for their negative experience– even if you weren’t in the wrong.”

3. Don’t take it personally. A strong theme that has existed throughout our past two blogs is that of learning from mistakes. One mistake that is important to not make is taking it personally when your business goes through a rough patch. Even if the rough patch is a result of an error you made yourself, don’t forget the old and very true adage: nobody’s perfect. Understand that dwelling on what you did wrong will not help you in the long run.

Zwilling insists that business owners remember that their failures are not “personal condemnations.” All businesses – especially startup businesses – are bound to encounter tough times. “Economic condition changes and high investor expectations are real but normal challenges facing every startup,” he says, “You have not been singled out for testing, and being overrun does not indicate a character flaw preventing you from being a successful entrepreneur.”

Just how important is a positive mindset in the business world? Be sure to read tomorrow’s blog to find out! And don’t forget to call Synergy Marketing to order promotional products to advertise your business at 1-877-748-9884!

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26 Oct

3 Ways To Rebound From A Business Loss

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 26.10.15 by John Meloche

Rebound word on a green 3d arrow to illustrate rising, improving or increasing and bouncing back to succeedIf you’re wondering if the staff, here at Synergy Marketing, is heartbroken…the answer is yes. Last week, our beloved, hometown Toronto Blue Jays were ousted from the postseason after a 4-3 loss to the eventual American League Champions, the Kansas City Royals. We would just like to express our thanks to the Blue Jays for their wonderful season, and for providing our fellow baseball fans across Canada with the most excitement we’ve had in 22 years.

With that said, we very excitedly look forward to a promising next season. The important thing to learn in this year’s falling short of getting to the World Series is that there’s always hope for greater success moving forward. All business owners should keep this in mind when they fall short of their own goals. You’re not always going to create a business plan that succeeds. However, learning from your mistakes can help you to win big in the future.

Here are three ways to rebound from a business loss:

1. Think of it as a new beginning. It’s important to start with your mindset when trying to rebound from a business loss. It’s easy to be depressed and angry when things don’t go the way you expected. However, so-called “failures” should be deemed as opportunities for growth. Consider the fact that had you not failed to begin with, you wouldn’t be aware of the changes that could be made to improve things with your company.

On Entrepreneur.com, Martin Zwilling writes that failure is not an end, but instead the start of a new beginning. “Generations of successful entrepreneurs, including Thomas Edison, categorized every failure as an experiment, and each one told him successfully what didn’t work,” he points out, “Despite a thousand light-bulb filaments that failed, he is remembered as one of the most success entrepreneurs of the century.”

2. Reach out to your disgruntled customers. If things haven’t exactly gone your way, it’s likely that you may have upset a few of your clients. It comes with the territory. It’s important that you reach out to them in order to make amends. At the very least, putting forth such an effort will help you to regain favour with even some of your most angered customers. By getting in touch and offering apologies, you can salvage some very important business relationships.

On OrapinMarketing.com, Robbi Robinson discusses the importance of responding to customers in timely manners when they post negative reviews online. “If a customer posts a negative review on your business’s Facebook page and it sits for a week unanswered, you’re sending the message that customer service isn’t a top priority,” she says, “Instead, try to respond to all complaints and concerns in a timely manner– ideally within 24 hours.”

3. Use competition to your advantage. When you started your business, you were surely aware that there were other businesses similar to it in existence. Having competition is inevitable. If you see your competitors as reasons to lose hope, you’re already steering your company in the wrong direction. Instead, consider the various ways that you can offer your customers something different than your competitors.

And there’s only one way to find out exactly what you can do differently to please them. Just ask! Getting customer feedback will always be valuable. “Don’t forget to ask how you are better, and don’t allow yourself to be counted out,” advises Zwilling, “Competitors may have scale and size on their side, but they usually aren’t nimble and tuned in to the latest trends. Every entrepreneur has strengths, but too many ignore them and fear their weaknesses.”

Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to explore ways that you can help your business to rebound from a big loss. And don’t forget to call Synergy Marketing to order promotional products to advertise your business at 1-877-748-9884!

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23 Oct

3 Steps To Take To Be A Winner In Your Industry

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 23.10.15 by John Meloche

Depositphotos_12389975_s-2015Tonight, Synergy Marketing’s hometown Toronto Blue Jays take to the field at Kansas City’s Kaufmann Stadium for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. You’ll notice that we completely avoided discussing this past Tuesday’s heartbreaking loss to the Royals in Game 4. The 14-2 drubbing was nothing we felt like remind ourselves about. But after a beautiful bounce back 7-1 victory on Wednesday night, the Blue Jays have proven that the title of American League Champions is still up for grabs.

As you know, the Synergy Marketing Blog enjoys highlighting the parallels between sports teams and businesses. There are many similarities. All businesses need to hire strong team members in order to pull off successful “wins” in their respective industries. Like the Blue Jays, putting in strong-willed efforts to achieve when the odds are stacked against you is often necessary.

So what steps can you take to be a winner in your industry? Here are three:

1. Let your customers be the boss. Sounds like a strange concept, doesn’t it? But in order to be an industry winner, you’ll need to think outside of the box. In truth, this step isn’t all that out of the ordinary. It simply encourages you to allow your customers the freedom to inform you of what they’d like to see from your company. Accepting customer feedback is an excellent way to help you make the best decisions for your brand.

After all, what’s your business if it isn’t guaranteeing customer satisfaction? On Business2Community.com, Susan Guinto suggests that you ask customers to take a survey in order to know how they truly feel. “Conduct a brief survey either through email, social media poll or a basic opt-in form on your website to generate you wealth of information that will help improve your product or service,” she instructs, “A survey also creates the impression that you are ‘all ears’ when it comes to your customers’ needs.”

2. Get a unique domain name. It’s no secret that the internet is often used as most people’s first go-to destination for information about all types of products and services. How does your website stand out from all of the rest in your industry? To be a winner, you’ll need to be unique. And it all starts with an original domain name. On Entrepreneur.com, Derek Newton writes that not everyone is going the .com route anymore.

“For many new companies, notably those primarily online, picking an unusual website or company name helps puncture the attention clutter,” he reveals, “This means shunning standard, stodgy ‘.com’ addresses in favor or more creative or descriptive options. The great news is that hundreds of new domain names are now available, with words like ‘.florist,’ ‘.photography,’ ‘.coffee,’ and more.”

3. Create excitement in your office. If your employees are not on board with your mission to be an industry leader, it will be pretty tough to win. As we alluded to earlier, you need a strong team in order to pull off championship victories. Newton writes that “often overlooked, though, is how an office culture can help your business stand out. Nothing is exciting about a bland office.” Guinto seems to agree.

She writes that your employees need to know that they are important to your business. “Let your employees, most especially your chat representatives, know that their contribution to your business’ operation is important to its success,” she advises, “Provide coaching programs that teach them to properly engage with customers without any sign of apathy. Customers are quick to sense a helpful employee from the one that is ‘just there’ but wouldn’t make any real effort to help out.”

Our promotional gifts are known for helping companies get ahead. To help you win in your industry, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 and attach your company name and logo to a great promo product today!

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20 Oct

3 More Ways To Make Your Business Beat The Odds

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 20.10.15 by John Meloche

Three red dice with the words Beat the Odds on their faces, symbolizing the risks and rewards of gamblingYes! Last night, the Toronto Blue Jays pulled off a hard-fought and well-earned 11-8 victory over the Kansas City Royals to draw closer to evening up the American League Championship Series. The Royals now lead the series 2-1. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the entire nation of Canada is pretty excited about their only Major League Baseball team possibly returning to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

Of course, in order for that to happen, there are many more hurdles to overcome. After all, it is a seven game series and there is a lot of baseball left to play before the World Series competitors are decided upon. In our last blog, we reminded business owners that running a business is not unlike managing a sports team. It’s important to find ways to help your business to work towards beating the odds. Are you looking for more ways to do just that?

Here are three:

1. Remember your calling. Many entrepreneurs forget the reasons that they decided to begin their businesses, in the first place, when things don’t go their ways. It’s understandable to get frustrated when your company is experiencing a downturn. Certainly, it doesn’t make your job all that much fun. But when you retrace your steps and remind yourself about what you love about your business to begin with, it may help you to refocus your energies in positive ways.

On FastCompany.com, Faisal Hoque recommends that you go back to your roots and follow your authentic purpose. “Acting fearlessly often means heading into uncharted territory, challenging conventional paths, or putting aside the need for safety and comfort,” he explains, “Where do you get the energy to do so? Usually from your authentic purpose—your personal calling in life.”

2. Give your investors something to believe in. Most small businesses are able to begin because their owners located some start-up money. Those who invested in you are certain to want to know how things are developing with the business. If you’re experiencing a tough time, you’ll need to reassure your investors. As mentioned, in step #1, you may have to rediscover your own purpose in your industry. Once you do that, be sure to get your investors back on board.

“When an investor is trying to figure out if an entrepreneur has what it takes, that ability to keep building the business is great evidence,” reads Entrepreneur.com, “Certainly the entrepreneur should not sit around and wait for a check in order to really start building the business. At some point if the company is showing meaningful signs of living up to the founder’s beliefs, it becomes very hard for investors to ignore.”

3. Be resilient. So you’ve reinvigorated yourself. And you’ve strengthened your relationship with your investors. Good job! Now what? Stick to it! Focus on your objectives and meet your goals by being diligent about all of the steps you plan on taking to become a leader in your industry. A positive mindset is very often the most important thing that a business owner can possess if being successful is the goal.

“Acting fearlessly means you have to be resilient,” insists Hoque, “Because if you are, you’ll develop a mental capacity that lets you adapt, with ease, when things don’t go your way. Like bamboo, resilient types bend but rarely break. You also have to let go. That ability to let go drives a constant process of change—it’s what makes people flexible and adaptable.”

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19 Oct

5 Ways To Help Your Business Overcome The Odds

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 19.10.15 by John Meloche

Time to Overcome words on a clock to illustrate beating, conquering or succeeding against a challenge, problem, troulbe, issue or adversityFor the second straight series, our beloved hometown, Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a hole. Down two games to none after dropping the first pair of games in their American League Championship Series with the Kansas City Royals, the Blue Jays take to their home field at Rogers Centre tonight in an effort to turn things around. In a seven game series, a 0-2 deficit isn’t the worst scenario in the world.

But it’s not the best one, either. Nevertheless, it can be overcome. In fact, 30 years ago, these two same teams squared off in this same series and it was the Jays who went up 2-0 after the first two games. Sadly, our hometown team ended up losing the series in seven games. So what does that mean for the 2015 version of the Blue Jays? It means that they are still very much in it! We know, here at Synergy Marketing, that the team certainly hasn’t given up.

As a business owner, can you remember a time when you felt like the odds were against you? If so, we’re guessing that you didn’t let a bad situation get worse by giving up. A strong-willed and determined attitude is necessary in any line of business. Even if things are worse than they have ever been for your business right now, there is a way to dig yourself out from under your bad situation.

Here are five ways to help your business overcome the odds:

1. Step out of your comfort zone. If your current methods of doing business aren’t working, it’s time to do something different. And this may require trying methods that may make you uncomfortable. Stepping outside of the proverbial box may be the best thing for your company. “Taking unconventional paths requires taking risks for a greater reward (financial or otherwise),” writes Faisal Hoque on FastCompany.com, “It takes courage to act differently than others might.”

2. Find a new investor. Is money the issue? Perhaps, you may need to partner up with someone who can invest in your business to get it to take off in a new direction. Entrepreneur.com recommends that you “figure out who in the world you know that can afford to put some money into the company and believes in you without caring much about the idea. Even if it is a small amount of money, this can be used to create more evidence that you’re building a fundable business.”

3. Turn obstacles into opportunities. It’s all about learning from your mistakes. This is where a positive mental attitude is necessary. When things don’t go your way, use the experiences as chances for you to learn and grow your business. “Fearless people work with what they have and turn obstacles into opportunities,” says Hoque, “They are at ease with challenges, disappointments, and rejections. Instead of setbacks, they try to see these events as gifts and find ways to utilize them to move forward.”

4. Partner up with experts in your field. There’s no shame in asking for a little help. Get in touch with those who have the experience that you may not have in your line of work. Entrepreneur.com advises that you locate those who have built successes of themselves in your industry and try to sell them on your ideas. “The more you can sell that person, and the more credible that person is, the better,” says the site.

5. Have the courage to make tough calls. Sometimes, this may entail relieving your company of particular employees who may not be pulling their weight. Often, you’ll have to make tough calls to bring about positive change. “It takes more courage to say no than to say yes,” Hoque reminds us, “But if you do it, you’ll protect yourself from making poor decisions. This tactic can help you stay focused and prevent unnecessary complexity and wrong turns. It can also keep you from getting involved with the wrong people.”

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16 Oct

3 More Ways To Put A Charge In Your Staff

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 16.10.15 by John Meloche

Thinking out of box conceptTonight, the Toronto Blue Jays will play Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals. It has all the makings of a classic series. Firstly, it represents a rematch from 30 years ago after the Blue Jays won their first-ever American League East title. Sadly, our hometown Jays ended up losing that series with the Royals in seven games and would not make it to the World Series until 1992.

In yesterday’s blog, we discussed just how important it is for team leaders to motivate the rest of the members of the team in order for them all to enjoy success. Whether on a baseball diamond or your company’s offices, strong teams are needed to pull off top-notch performances. As the leader of your team, it’s your job to constantly motivate your team’s members. So what else can you do to put a charge in your staff?

Here are three more ways:

1. Give them some power. As a business owner, you may recoil at the thought of letting up some of your authority. But it can go a long way in getting the results you’re looking for. In certain situations, it can be very beneficial to allow your team members to make some decisions. “Giving them the ball” is a great way to give them confidence. As well, accepting their feedback and implementing changes will communicate that you value their opinions.

On HuffingtonPost.com, Margaret Jacoby further explains the benefits of giving your employees some say in how they do their jobs. “Most employees have ideas about how they can be more efficient, but they may not share them with you unless you specifically ask them,” she states, “Use regular employee reviews to discuss these improvements, but don’t just ask. If you really want to empower and motivate your employees, you need to take their advice and implement it.”

2. Be considerate about work-life balance. Perhaps, one of the best ways to motivate your employees when they are on the job is to support them when they are not at work. Helping your team members maintain good work-life balances will help them to have more positive mindsets when they enter the doors of your place of business. A happy employee is one who is happy about the time he or she is able to spend away from the job as well as at work.

On Forbes.com, Victor Lipman writes that taking a genuine interest in the work-life balances of your team members will make a big difference in how they feel about their jobs. “Take a genuine interest in their work-life balance,” he advises, “To the extent that managers can offer some flexibility in schedules…and be understanding about family commitments, doctors’ appointments and so on – such sensitivity can be greatly appreciated.”

3. Offer incentives. Of course, everyone comes into work with the expectation that they will be paid, as a result. But, it never hurts to offer additional incentives to motivate the members of your team to do the best jobs possible. In many cases, our clients use our fantastic promotional products as prizes for in-office contests. Friendly team competitions in the workplace always seem to work in increasing productivity.

“Incentives are always motivation boosters – and they don’t have to be expensive,” says Jacoby, “You can offer incentives like an extra paid day off, gift cards, tickets to the movies, or other low-cost ways to show your appreciation. Of course, cash rewards are always good incentives as well.” And, of course, you can always offer our great promo gifts as rewards too. To place your order, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884!

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15 Oct

3 Effective Ways To Motivate Your Team

Posted in Synergy Suggestions on 15.10.15 by John Meloche

Business team celebrating a triumphThey did it! The Toronto Blue Jays have secured their spot in the American League Championship Series by defeating the Texas Rangers by a 6-3 margin last night. It just might have been the most exciting game in Blue Jays history. One of the many incredible happenings took place in the 7th inning when three errors made by the Rangers combined with a monster three-run home run from Jose Bautista capped off a win that sent the City of Toronto into a frenzy!

It’s a wondrous time for baseball fans all across Canada. And the team, here at Synergy Marketing, couldn’t be more excited. As usual, the excitement that comes along with sports – especially in the playoffs – reminds us of how important it is to generate excitement in the business world. You see, business owners have teams too. And to inspire top-notch productivity, it’s important to motivate their team members.

Here are three effective ways to do that:

1. Insist on face-to-face time. Don’t be that boss that employees only hear about, but never see. It’s important to get to know your employees by name. It’s just as important for them to feel like they can speak to you directly. The better you communicate with your team members in person, the more you’ll be able to encourage them to be happy to work for you. It’s often said that happy workers are productive workers.

On HuffingtonPost.com, Margaret Jacoby asserts this stance. “If you’re nothing more than a face on a newsletter or a name on an email, what motivation will your employees have to meet your goals?” she asks, “The importance of employee communications is often overlooked. You should communicate with them frequently, and actually speak with them face-to-face. Your staff needs to know they are valued, and communicating in person with them is the best way to show your appreciation for their hard work.”

2. Assist employees with their personal career goals. Not unlike sports, individual accomplishments are often celebrated along with team accomplishments. Your team is bound to include individuals who have personal career goals that could use your assistance. By offering your helpful hand – even if it’s a few words of advice, here and there – you can do a lot to motivate your staff members to perform at their best.

After all, the better your team members perform, the better it is for your business, right? “Take a genuine interest in the future path of an employee’s career,” recommends Victor Lipman on Forbes.com, “It does wonders for an employee’s attitude to believe that a manager really cares about where his or her career is headed. Mentoring, coaching, suggesting additional training or coursework – all of these can be helpful to employees, and highly valued.”

3. Lead by example. Arguably, the best thing you can do to motivate your team is to show them how your own efforts have paid off. If you want your staff members to exhibit particular attitudes towards their work, they will have to see you exhibiting those same attitudes. Hard working, dedicated and a having a positive mindset are excellent traits of a strong employee. Do you showcase that you possess those same traits in front of them?

Jacoby certainly agrees with this concept. “You can’t expect your employees to work hard or behave the way you want them to if you don’t lead by example,” she writes, “If you show your excitement about the company’s goals, your employees will get on-board and work to achieve those goals. Good moods are always infectious — especially in the workplace.”

Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s blog as we continue to provide these suggestions!

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14 Oct

3 Easy Ways To Get Your Customers Excited

Posted in Promotional Products, Small Business Advertising on 14.10.15 by John Meloche

Excited shopping women looking in a bagToday is a really big day in our country! No, the federal election won’t be held until this coming Monday. But at 4 p.m. EST this afternoon, our hometown Toronto Blue Jays will be taking to the field at Rogers Centre to host the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. It’s win or go home for our hometown heroes, and you can bet the staff, here at Synergy Marketing, is pretty excited about it!

Excitement, as you may have noticed, was the theme of our blog post yesterday. As a business owner, one of your top daily tasks is to find ways to get your customers excited. That way, you can pretty much guarantee that they will keep coming back. Customer loyalty isn’t something you should take for granted. Needless to say, the Blue Jays have significantly increased the size of their fan base thanks to their recent success. How can you do the same for your business?

Here are three easy ways to get your customers excited:

1. Make the first move after your last interaction. Just because a customer has decided to make a purchase from you, it doesn’t guarantee that he or she will be back. It’s up to you to provide incentives for your customers to keep returning to you. One way to do that is to follow up shortly after your last interaction. On BeSocialWorldwide.com, it is explained that the majority of businesses fail to do this.

“When someone makes the effort to reach out to you, it’s important to follow-up with them as soon as possible,” says the site, “No matter how they choose to communicate, phone call, email, or social media, they all expect a prompt reply. Would it surprise you to know that over 60% of businesses don’t respond to emails from customers? Showing your customers that you value their time enough to get back in touch with them is a real turn-on.”

2. Show honesty in your advertising. Customers have heard it all. Every last advertising pitch out there is one that has likely been heard hundreds of times. Simply turn on the radio and listen to the commercials for perfect examples. The majority of the voiceovers sound disingenuous and “over-the-top”. Everything is “amazing” and “exciting”. But, as Ryan Warren points out on FirstTrain.com, customers appreciate it when you’re more authentic in your advertising.

“Making an effort to avoid overused words can help you be more creative with your sales approach,” says Warren, “For example, instead of saying a product is new and improved, speak to its previous limitations and how the latest version is the answer to those challenges. One way to do this is by making a list of words you think may put off the client and stay focused on avoiding them during a meeting.”

3. Reward your customers. In yesterday’s blog, we revisited the concept of offering incentives to your customers. At Synergy Marketing, we have many of years of experience in providing Canadian business owners with the perfect answer to the question “how can I incentivise my customers?” The answer, of course, is the handing out of free promo gifts that can be used as rewards for customer loyalty.

On Wamda.com, Taoufik El Jamali discusses the importance of providing such incentives. “If you already have an amazing product, it’s time to come up with an incentive to thank your brand ambassadors,” he writes, “Whatever incentive you use, it needs to be relevant and meaningful to your customers and their contacts. For example, in the case of internet retailers, credits or coupons are the most valuable incentives for users and the most efficient for the brand.”

To order the best promo products to incentivize your customers, call Synergy Marketing at 1-877-748-9884 today!

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