Is your Customer Always Right?

Customers....we love 'em right? We're in business to deal with customers and clients (no customers = no business) but sometimes it can be frustrating figuring out exactly what they want. And just when we think we have our customers nailed down...they still don't buy! What's the deal?

Customers...Lie!

Without sounding too harsh, ask a customer about pricing, competition, satisfaction and what they tell you...is probably not true. Why? As humans, we don't like confrontation and your customer is no different. Put someone on the spot and they are likely to give you the answer you want to hear. Most customers don't want to admit that your product is too expensive or that they like your competitor better or that your specials are on the products they don't need.  They won't say a word but they also won't buy or renew or upgrade. So what do we do?

[Infographic] 10 Ways to Split Test Your Marketing for the Outdoor Industry

Want more clicks on your website? Want more email subscribers?
Want more likes on Facebook? Not having success with your print advertising? Odds are you’re message needs fixing. How? Try split testing which means that you change just one aspect of your marketing to see how people respond. As you do this over and over - you will soon see what message gets the most return on investment!

Sold Out Season is the Premier Outfitter Marketing System offering do-it-yourself training through 5 phases of internet marketing including website positioning, SEO, Facebook, YouTube and email marketing. Like us on Facebook for free tools, offers and resources to grow your own business!

Having a Hard Time Getting People to Sign Up for Your Newsletter?

"You need to grow your database!"

Just about every marketing pro will tell you that your list of emails - past customers and leads included - is your key to growing your business and establishing more passive income.

How do you get more emails/people into your database?

As we walk around the conventions every year, we notice that most outfitters, guides and lodges offer attendees a way to stay connected...and usually its an offer to "Join our newsletter."

When we ask exhibitors what their "subscribe" rate is - it's usually about 30% (3 out of 10 people) - but what if you could increase that to 80%? Would that benefit your business? YES! Of course!

How to Include Social Icons & Links in Email Signatures

Using a social icon in your email signature can help spread the word to everyone you send a message to that you're social! The process of adding social badges and links to your email signature will vary depending on your email provider. This will cover the basic steps but feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Step 1 - Gather your social links
You will need to know the URL of the social media pages or website you would like to link to. (hint: URL's start with http:// or https://) Have these handy in a text document so you can copy and paste.

Learn from the World Series and Super Bowl to Motivate Your Outfitter Business to Win!

Rooftop View of the 1903 World Series in Boston - WikiCommons

Millions of people tune in by radio, television and streaming feed to watch SPORTS. The 'big game' draws more attention than other events such as a political debates, breaking international news or even a natural disaster. As a country, we're probably not ashamed to say it - we're sports obsessed. We applaud and celebrate the shot, the stop, the drive...the winning play that made history. Some even experience agony when their beloved team does the unthinkable...they lose.

There are critics who argue that sports pay homage to inflated salaries and offer a distraction from real life but when it comes to business - sports might have a few points worth taking notice.

Goal Oriented Excellence

Every year, thirty-two NFL teams compete for the chance to be in the Super Bowl (one of the most watched televised events ever). Thirty MLB teams take aim at a shot of playing in the World Series. For Basketball, it's all about the Finals and for Hockey, the Stanley Cup reigns supreme. The winners receive praise, parades, record book titles, tons of confetti and possibly a shower from a cooler full of Gatorade.

How does this translate to business? These teams all set out with a very clear goal in mind. Sure, for some teams it's a more reachable achievement but even for the lowest ranking team - it's a tangible and measurable objective. Does your business have this kind of focus every quarter? year? Do you give your team (employees, staff, managers, sales force) clear direction to achieve excellence? Most businesses just focus on the daily, weekly or monthly sales figures but employees are more likely to work together and perform consistently (or even raise their level of performance) if there is a substantial goal in sight. AND the reward has got to be worth it. People don't perform for a pat on the back. They like to feel like their efforts are appreciated and important.

Should I Post My Hunt & Fishing Trip Prices?

Pricing your hunts or fishing trips can be a tricky task for any outfitter but once you do decide on that magic number - you have to put on your marketing hat and decide when to show it and when not to.

Reasons you might want to 'HIDE' your prices from initial 'investigators'...
• You want to build an initial strong desire and demonstrate affordability - this is where your marketing is focused on the features of your product or service to dazzle a prospective buyer with everything they'll enjoy from the purchase.
• You want to show how the personal value of the product or service is greater than just the price value - this is where your marketing is focused on the emotional value of the sale and addresses the needs your potential customer has.
• You want to change the potential client's perception of the price - sometimes referred to as 'price conditioning.' - it can be tough but price conditioning is an art hihg end companies like Apple, Audi, Tiffany and Co. and Ethan Allen have mastered. Customers of these businesses believe that the special nuances of products purchased from them are WORTH the additional cost. It's still a computer, a car, a diamond ring and a chair that does the same things as the ones you could get at Kia, Kmart or RC Willey but their customers want to pay more because their perception of the price in terms of value is different.

Why Your Clients Lie...And How to Get them to Buy Instead!

Customers....we love 'em right? We're in business to deal with customers and clients (no customers = no business) but sometimes it can be frustrating figuring out exactly what they want. And just when we think we have our customers nailed down...they still don't book with you! What's the deal?

Problem: Customers...Lie!
Without sounding too harsh, ask a customer about pricing, competition, satisfaction and what they tell you...is probably not true. Why? As humans, we don't like confrontation and your customer is no different. Put someone on the spot and they are likely to give you the answer you want to hear. Most customers don't want to admit that your hunt or trip is too expensive or that they like your competitor better or that your specials are on the services they don't need.  They won't say a word but they also won't buy or re-book or refer. So what do we do?