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When Should You Ask For A Referral?

By Rocky Cipriano   |   July 25, 2010

When is the best time to ask a client for a referral for work done? It’s a question many of us overlook when working with a new client, but is so important in keeping the pipeline of new business opportunities flowing.

It has been my experience the best time to request a referral is just before the completion of a project. It would be presumptuous to ask for a referral in the early stages of a business relationship. Likewise, if you wait until the project is completed, your client may have emotionally moved on. Read More »

The Importance of Hiring A List Players

By Rocky Cipriano   |   July 11, 2010

To grow your small business, you must find and employ ‘A List Players” – employees and potential business partners who perform at the top of their game, not just some of the time, but every time.

You can’t get to the top with a mediocre team!

With my agency, whenever we had an opportunity to hire an ‘A Player’ versus a ‘B Player,’ we found the  ‘A Player’ would deliver ten times the results than the ‘B Player.’ And even though they often demanded a premium in compensation, they were more productive, responsible, and effective in their performance. Read More »

Why You Should Talk To Your Customers

By Rocky Cipriano   |   June 25, 2010

Many small business owners think they know more about their product or service than anyone else. And while they certainly may, to truly find out about your business, the last person you want to talk to is yourself.

If you really want to gain real insight about your business, product, or service, there’s only one person to ask: the customer. Understanding why your customers buy from you will give you a solid understanding of your target market, and identify ancillary markets as well. Read More »

5 Social Media Marketing Tips To Get Started Today

By Rocky Cipriano   |   June 11, 2010

Back in the good ol’ days of the web (circa 2004), it was so easy for businesses to market via the internet; all that was necessary was a functional website. But the advent of social media has made a dramatic impact with online marketing— and in a good way.

Social media is, for the most part, free, saving many marketing dollars. But just because it is free, doesn’t make it easy or cost-free, if your time is valuable. So before you jump into the social media frenzy, do your research and discover where your time and resources are best spent. A little research on the front end will save you a lot on the back end. Read More »

Don’t Be Impulsive With Social Media Marketing

By Rocky Cipriano   |   April 25, 2010

“Social media is like teen sex. Everyone wants to do it. No one actually knows how. When finally done, there is surprise it’s not better.” – Avinash Kaushik

Social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) is in vogue among connected consumers and many companies are hoping to capitalize on this marketing avenue to promote their business. I was curious to know how effective (or not) social media has been for Read More »