Reviews — Your Secret Resource

Happy Thursday readers!

Looking for a way to easily boost your business? MiNeeds has a quick tip you can implement before you head out for the weekend — check it out!

Did you know In the US 62% of people read online reviews? Reviews (along with referrals discussed on Tuesday) are two of the most important tools a business owner can use to boost and legitimize their business. As a business owner you want to provide your customers with ease and excitement about your products and services right? And as a customer you want to feel educated and informed on your choice of professional correct? The answer to both is yes.

Reviews provide your potential customers with a testimony of your service. They are a powerful motivating force which will increase a customer’s likelihood to hire you over another professional.

This being known, it is essential that as a professional you are asking your customers to write reviews on your behalf. A common concern posed by MiNeeds professionals is that when they are creating their profiles they don’t have any previous jobs booked through MiNeeds where their customers can post reviews. We say no problem!

Past clients who have used your services outside of the MiNeeds arena are welcomed and encouraged to post reviews on your behalf. Our goal is to help you build your business and encouraging reviews is one of the best recommendations we can give to our professionals.

Quick and simple, reviews are an easy way to show your prospects the amazing services you have to offer. Before you power down your computer and leave the office for the weekend, send an email to some of your favorite clients asking them to review your services on MiNeeds.

Here’s how:

1) Log-in to your account

2) Click on “My Profile” in the upper right hand corner

3) Click on “Get Reviews” –> enter the emails of your previous customers, and your work is done!

Not only will this improve your profile, but your previous customers will be flattered that you remember and value them even without a check on the line.

Enjoy your weekend, but first take a few minutes to implement our suggestions and watch your business flourish

~ Julia
Send blog post ideas, questions, and comments to julia@mineeds.com

The Power of Referrals

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Happy Tuesday Readers! I Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and wonderful Mother’s Day.

Many subscribers have been asking MiNeeds customer service representatives about the power of referrals, posing questions such as: Do referrals really make a difference? When is the best time to ask for referrals? How can I get more referrals?

The answer is clear. Referrals are one of the MOST IMPORTANT aspects of building and growing your business.

A study conducted by BNI.com reveals that over 50% of respondents receive 70% or more of their business by word of mouth and referrals. So the power of referrals is clear—now let’s discuss when and how to ask for referrals inorder to increase your earnings!

How? Just ask. It’s that simple! If your customers are pleased by your exceptional service and excellent performance, which you of course most certainly provide, then they will be happy to refer other customers to you! Gaining referrals is nearly effortless when you offer a combination of professional and personable service.

So now the question remains, When is the best time to ask for referrals? Many professionals have expressed concern over being too pushy with their clients. The key to nailing a referral is asking once your prospect has recognized or experienced the value of your service. Even if you do not book a job with with a customer, but they are able to see the value you can provide, you have nothing to lose by asking for a referral.

For example–
Customer: “Well your service sounds great, but unfortunately I am not in need right now”
Professional: “I understand. Do you happen to know of anyone who would benefit from the services I have to offer?”
Customer: “Why yes!”

If the customer does not have any referrals you should still leave a few business cards with them and thank them for their time. Referrals are an excellent way to build relationships and can be equally beneficial for both the customer and professional. Did you know MiNeeds will send a $10 check to you in the mail when you offer us referrals? Check out our Refer a Friend program for details. Clearly we see the value in our customers and their referrals. So get to work! Start networking, referring, and asking for referrals. You will be surprised at how quickly your business grows!

To sum it up – referrals are one of the easiest and quickest ways to build your business. The more you network, the easier it will be to serve a consistent and happy customer base.

~ Julia

Send your questions to julia@mineeds.com

How to Plan a Perfect Mother’s Day

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Happy Tuesday!

Check your calendars everyone, THIS Sunday May 12^th is Mother’s Day. Whether you have been planning something or not, MiNeeds is here to help you put together the finishing touches. Rather, if you are in the 18% of Americans who say they wait until the last minute, we’re here to help you start planning.

Check out the different gift ideas we compiled. Don’t be afraid to mix and match because we know there’s no one quite like the mom in your life.

Every moment’s a Kodak-moment Mom

Is your mom constantly snapping pictures? Begging for you to pose one last time? “No turn this way… yes, right there” We’ve all been there. For the mom who can never have enough pictures, satisfy her urge for a picture “suitable for framing” by planning a photo session with all the loves in your life. Simply post your photography need and a local photographer will contact you shortly!
Bonus: If your mom is an animal lover surprise her by including the family pet. If your beautiful face doesn’t make her tear up, including the beloved family pet will guarantee a center spot on the mantel.

The Working Wonder Mom

Got a busy mom who manages to juggle every aspect of HER life and YOURS? Sounds like it’s time to treat mom to a little pampering of her own. The best way to do so? Obviously start off with breakfast in bed, and then as every girl knows, the best way to be pampered is with a spa day. Schedule a massage or mani pedi (that’s a manicure & pedicure gentlemen). If you’re really feeling generous, surprise her with a clean house when she gets home—you can either do this yourself, or join her at the spa and book a local cleaning service today! Show your mom how much you appreciate all her hard work by giving her a day off.

Fit and Fab Mom

Many moms love mixing up their routines with fun fitness classes. Give your mom the gift of a personal trainer here or a pass to that hip new yoga studio down the street (she doesn’t mention it every time you pass by for nothing!) I always like to tie in a little something to go along with gift certificates or vouchers. In this case I would recommend a cool new water bottle, a workout top, or even some sporty headbands to go along with her new gift.
Tip! If you’re going to give a gift for your Fit and Fab Mom make sure she knows it’s because you know she looks good as is

Modest Mom

Does your mom claim to want nothing at all? Nearly 36% of mother’s ask for something handmade on Mother’s day. If you’re like me your mom has NO idea what she is in for by asking for a handmade gift. Really, no idea. While you slave away trying to make a piece of construction paper and nearly dried up washable markers from the 4th grade into a handcrafted masterpiece why don’t you order a surprise delivery of flowers to match the ones you “drew”? No woman denies flowers. Ever.
Your mom will love the extra consideration and the flowers will surely brighten her day!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner–This Sunday May 12^th if it’s already slipped your mind — make sure you plan something for the Mom in your life today! Don’t let it slip your mind, take the next 5 minutes to show her how much you care and appreciate all she does for you! Find any of the above ideas for Mom,or those of your own, here!

~ Julia

MiNeeds & MIT know the best time to contact leads

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Happy Monday Readers!

Can you believe it is already May?! Spring has finally come into bloom here at the MiNeeds Seattle office, and I just love watching how the sun and warm weather brightens everyones’ moods. Hopefully the same goes for you wherever you may be.

It has been a few weeks since I posted for FAQ Monday (send me questions!), but the MiNeeds office has noticed a trend from professionals who have received their leads but are now wondering, when is the best time to contact leads?

The answer: Immediately! No not tomorrow, not even 30 minutes from receiving their information, but now– Immediately!

Customers LOVE feeling valued. Translate the importance of their business to you by responding to their need the moment you receive the lead. Your prompt action offers customers an insight to your professionalism, organization, and customer service. A study conducted at MIT shows that if you call the customer within 5 minutes of their posting a lead, they are 20 times more likely to choose your service.

It is for this reason MiNeeds is constantly updating our system and making improvements to facilitate a better flow of communication from professional to customer.

Bottom Line: Connecting immediately with leads will pleasantly surprise your prospective customers and demonstrate your outstanding professionalism. Increase YOUR business’ bottom line by making use of all the tools MiNeeds provides, to establish meaningful connections with all potential customers.

Until next time!
~Julia

Send in your questions to julia@mineeds.com

Co-founder Deniz Erkan & his SOHO street style

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Meet one of MiNeeds‘ co-founders Deniz Erkan! Not only is he the brains behind our product and technology development, but Deniz also caught the eye of one New York City style seeker while walking the streets of SOHO on his way to the MiNeeds NYC office. Similar to MiNeeds, Deniz seeks to promote and support small businesses in his purchase decisions. Check out the awesome Soho Street Style blog for all the details! ~

What Your Business Could be Missing!

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Happy Thursday readers!

The MiNeeds database has done it again. According to our statistics gathered from over 100,000 professionals, we discovered that 1% of local professionals use Facebook as their official business page! The effects of Facebook are a no-brainer, but in case you need reminding let’s highlight a few reasons to take advantage of this internet superstar.

Traffic. Facebook was the second most visited website of 2012 (Google topped the charts). Promoting your business on a site of such magnitude gives you access to over 1.06 billion active users each month!
Connections. Family and friends will be able to help promote your business by sharing, liking, and posting about your page. You can also connect to other businesses you work with. Link to your MiNeeds profile and connect with the MiNeeds page which will provide potential customers with even more information about your business and expand your reach!
Cost — or lack there of! You can easily create a business page for free, honestly, what could be better? Most web hosting sites charge monthly fees to create a website for your business.
Advertising. The money you save avoiding web hosting charges can be redirected to advertise on Facebook! You can set a daily or lifetime budget to monitor spending.
Admin Panel. When you create a page on Facebook, you will have access to lots of helpful information. Your admin panel will appear at the top of your profile (visible only to you) and contains notifications, recent likes, page tips, and my favorite tool, Insights.

Insights is an awesome tool because it provides you with details on your reach, demographics, and recent activity. FOR FREE

Take advantage of all that Facebook has to offer, make sure you link your Facebook page to your MiNeeds profile which will allow customers to contact you instantly! Complete your MiNeeds profile with albums, reviews, and articles. Customers crave information– give them what they want! And finally, track your reach on the Admin Panel and engage your family and friends in the promotion of your business by encouraging them to like your page. Your online presence is one of the most important assets you have in building your business. Take a few minutes to ensure you are giving the best impression you can!

~ Julia

Part V: The Finishing Touches

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Hello readers! I hope you are all having a fabulous day! Today MiWedding Needs will wrap up our 5 part series, Engagement Onward, and focus on the finishing touches of planning your Wedding!

First let’s recap what we’ve already discussed

Part I: The Wedding Planner. JLo didn’t star in this movie for nothing. Choosing your planner is extremely important because they will be with you every step of the way!
Part II: The venue. Keep in mind practicality and aesthetic appeal as you search around town to find the perfect setting for your ceremony and reception
Part III: Entertainment. Party time! Be careful not to overload your agenda and choose a DJ with great energy who exemplifies your personal style. Refer to our Do’s and Don’ts for more details.
Part IV: The Photographer. Be prepared when you meet with photographers. Keep in mind questions about their style and the services they offer to ensure you know what you’re getting into.

And finally! Part V: The Finishing Touches

You’ve done it, take a deep breath, some of the hardest hurdles have been overcome! It is now time to focus on the details. Let’s discuss what needs to be done next to ensure a magical Wedding day

The cake. Yum! If you’re like me and have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit, this is the day you have always dreamed of, cake tasting! Okay, all jokes aside, choosing the cake is a great way to add some fun to your planning activities. Research local bakeries and schedule tastings for you and your honey to sample the selections.
Flowers and centerpieces. Again, Pinterest is a great resource when planning floral arrangements for the big day. Browse different blogs, magazines, and other sources to gain inspiration. When you have an idea of what you are going for contact local florists or post a need so you can get in contact with a professional who will make your Wedding come into bloom.
Décor. When planning décor keep in mind it is the smallest of details, which will bring your event together. Shannon Lassen of Sublime Events stresses the importance of lighting. Lighting provides ambience and sets the mood. You can spend all the money in the world on table settings, floral arrangements, and favors, but without the proper lighting your reception will lack the atmosphere you intended.

With these 5 steps in mind, from your Engagement Onward, planning the big day will be a lot easier than you initially expected. MiWedding Needs is here every step of the way to bring you ease and assistance during this special time of your life.

Stay tuned for more posts and send any requests you have to julia@mineeds.com
Have a fabulous weekend!

~ Julia

Engagement Onward Part IV: Picking Your Perfect Photographer!

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Happy Tuesday readers!

Selecting the perfect photographer is one of the most important preparations you can make while planning of your Wedding. You’ll want to have photos which truly capture the emotion of your Wedding Day and that you will be proud to share with your family and friends for years to come.
MiWedding Needs recommends taking these 5 simple steps to ensure you pick your perfect photographer!

1. Plan ahead.

It is important you understand time is of the essence. If your Wedding date is during peak season (a Saturday in the spring or the summer) you’ll want to start looking no later than 6 months before your date. The best photographers can be booked up to a year in advance so don’t put off this important aspect of your wedding.

2. Do your research.

In Part I we recommended you find a Wedding planner that suits the style of you and your love. Your planner should be there to help you make informed decisions during every step of your planning process. Ask your planner for referrals of awesome photographers!
Beyond your planner, look at friends and family’s pictures to see if they have any recommendations of photographers whom they have had positive experiences with.
ALWAYS ask if the photographer will show you previous albums of their work. MiNeeds photographers are able to upload albums which allows for easy browsing of past work. Check out this Colorado photographers awesome Wedding album!

3. Know your style.

Pinterest is an AMAZING resource for exploring different photography styles. Follow photographers, bloggers, wedding magazines, and of course MiWedding Needs to have access to different types of photos which you can pin and keep in mind for your special day.

4. Communicate with photographer.

Communicating with a photographer when you meet with them is extremely important to ensure you receive the services you need.
Questions to consider:
- Film or Digital?
- Does the photographer have experience at your venue? (Selecting a venue as we recommended in Part II, before selecting a photographer will allow you to communicate about the special circumstances of your location)
- Does your photographer work well with videographers?
- Will your photographer bring an assistant?
- Will you be charged extra if your pictures are edited?
- Is the photographer you speak with the person who will be working your wedding day of? (Especially important if working with a larger company)

5. Sign a contract.

Signing a contract with your photographer ensures the requests you have made and the communication between you and your photographer is clear and understood.

By following these 5 simple steps MiWedding Needs is confident you will find a photographer who fulfills your needs and leaves you with wonderful lasting memories of your Wedding Day.

~Julia

Engagement Onward Part III: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Entertainment

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Happy Friday Readers!

MiWedding Needs is here to help you plan the perfect entertainment for your wedding. Read up for more info!

As you may know MiWedding Needs has been writing a 5 part series Engagement Onward focusing on the 5 major steps in planning your wedding!
In Part 1 we talked about choosing a wedding planner and in Part 2 we focused on picking a venue.
Today let’s focus on Part 3 as we discuss the do’s and don’ts of wedding entertainment.

First the Don’ts:

As tempted as you may be we suggest you refrain from hiring a friend as your DJ. A DJ can make or break the post ceremony reception, the time when you really let loose and enjoy the evening after all the hard work and planning you’ve put in. As easy as it may be to hire your ex Fraternity bro who jammed all night long in college, leave it to the professionals to DJ your wedding. Feel free to hire friends as musicians for the ceremony, but the reception is when you should celebrate with your guests!
Don’t overload your agenda. Couples can become concerned with keeping guests occupied, but don’t! Your guests will enjoy socializing and talking about how beautiful your wedding is.

But more importantly, the Do’s!

Everyone loves to hear their favorite tracks. Pick a DJ who is happy to play your selected playlist or your guests’ requests. It’s your wedding, not their party and someone is footing the bill for it!
Do choose lively music! Your wedding is a celebration so don’t be afraid to play an upbeat song as you and your love walk down the isle and definitely don’t be afraid to party in style at the reception!
Above all us choose a style that portrays the connection between you and your darling. Conforming to the ideas of relatives and friends will leave you feeling like the day has become their event. Cherish the opportunity to celebrate you and your love!

Stay tuned for Part 4 when we’ll discuss how to choose a wedding photographer!

~Julia

Engagement Onward Part II: Choosing a Venue

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How do you picture your perfect day? MiWeddingNeeds can help you make that dream your reality!

Hi Readers,

Last week I discussed the first of 5 steps, finding your perfect Wedding Planner, in our series Engagement Onward. This week we will focus on Part 2: The Venue!

Every couple imagines their perfect day and the image that builds in their minds’ is usually cast in a specific setting. Is your dream ceremony intimate and personal or do you imagine you and your love pronouncing your union in front of hundreds of guests? What about location? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? Traditional or unexpected? These are all questions you must ask yourself and ponder over as you prepare to select your venue.
I consulted with wedding planner, Shannon Lassen of Sublime Events to get the inside scoop – so listen up!

When choosing a venue, Shannon recommends the couple focuses on practicality (number of guests, ability to host special performances, cost, etc.) and also aesthetic appeal. Keep in mind what exemplifies your relationship, not what is necessarily the “trendiest” location.

Another important element to consider when choosing between venues are the catering options. Will your potential venue allow you to hire outside caterers if you so wish? What are the menu options? These and other questions are important to brainstorm when visiting potential sites for your wedding. Remember, the professionals have heard it all so no question is unacceptable!

Finally, the couple must decide if they wish to have their ceremony and reception at the same location or host them at different venues. If a couple chooses to use two different locations then transportation, parking, and proximity are all important elements to consider.

Shannon believes a venue has the ability to transform your wedding and make your day extra spectacular! Yet, what will really keep your guests in awe is the love between you and your darling. As I mentioned in Part 1, focus on choices that will bring out the best in you and your love. With proper preparation and genuine care, there is nothing that will detract from the love you share with your special someone.

Stay tuned for Part 3 when I discuss the details and insights in Wedding Entertainment! And check out MiWedding Needs for more help in planning your wedding and contacting local professionals in your area!

~Julia