SHAKING THE TREE #2
Three useful links and a story about the importance of shutting up and listening
Since last week I’ve clocked up 25 reads, a new subscriber or two, and a resolve to write less and say more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. A useful HTML format stripping tool
2. An English language and usage website
3. A super useful image compression site
4. 400 words about selling …
A useful HTML format stripping tool
At some point you’ll probably need to strip the HTML or formatting from a text document.
When formatting gets in the way it can screw up the way a piece of text looks online. The less formatting a piece of text has when you’re adding it to a text box, the fewer problems you’ll have with the text when you’re setting up a webpage or even a Word document.
I like and use a super simple site called StripHTML.com (I’ve used it twice in writing this edition of Shaking the Tree!).
It’s ad supported but other than that, it does the job. Simply paste your text into a box and away you go.
You can then copy the stripped text and paste it into your site or page.
Learn more here: https://www.striphtml.com/
A handy English language and usage website
Let’s be honest.
Every writer needs help at some point.
I know I do.
And when I’m stuck, when I’m not sure about a specific turn of phrase or when I’m confused about a certain element of written English, whether it’s a point of style or grammar, I turn to the English Language & Usage Stack Exchange, a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
Learn more here: https://english.stackexchange.com/
A super useful image compression site
Squoosh is a free, open-source image optimization tool developed by Google.
It’s a web-based application that allows users to compress and resize their images while preserving their quality.
The application supports various image formats, including JPEG, PNG, SVG, and WebP.
Squoosh offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to upload and process images.
Users can drag and drop their images into the application or upload them from their devices or cloud storage services.
The application provides a real-time preview of the compressed image, allowing users to compare the original and compressed images side by side.
One of the most significant features of Squoosh is its advanced compression options, which allows users to adjust various compression settings, including the image quality, color depth, and metadata.
Learn more here: https://squoosh.app/
ARTICLE:
The Importance of Listening in Marketing
The most important business strategy skill any of us can develop is the willingness to listen.
Instead of talking about your products, it's important to ask prospects and clients pointed questions about their problems, fears, and frustrations and to then listen to their answers.
This simple act will help you gather valuable information about their needs, preferences, wants, dreams, and desires than any survey or focus group.
By learning how your prospect thinks about you, your products, and your competition, you can reengineer their perceptions about the outcome they'll get from doing business with you.
It's their perceptions and beliefs that shape their experiences and preferences, not your pitch or your sales presentation.
Remember, marketing isn't about convincing people; it's about gently persuading them to see what they want for themselves and for the people they serve so you can help them get it.
3 Questions Every Marketer Should Ask Clients
When meeting with clients face-to-face, ask these three questions to gather valuable information:
What do you like least about dealing with people in sales?
This question will help you learn how your prospect prefers to be messaged. You might learn that they prefer morning meetings or talking on the phone instead of meeting in person. Whatever you learn, make a note of it and don't do that thing.
What could I do better to meet your needs?
This is the "How can I win more of your business?" question. If you learn that your prospect appreciates punctuality, show up on time. If they prefer prompt follow-up, follow up promptly. If you hear your prospect prefers guaranteed pricing and free shipping, offer those benefits.
Who do you serve, and how can I help you serve those people better?
This question connects you to your client's clients by showing you have their needs at heart. Few marketers ask about their client's clients, but by asking this question, you show your client that their client's interests are your interests.
Learning From Successful Salespeople
As a marketer, it's important to learn from successful salespeople.
One question to ask clients is "What has a salesperson done that impressed you?"
Remember that serving your clients is your main role, and serving them better is your ultimate goal.
By listening to your clients, through gathering valuable information, and by using that information to improve your services you’ll win more business.
Thanks for reading.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/GaryBloomer
and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/garybloomer/
Next time on Shaking the Tree … three more links and an article you might find interesting.