by Michael | Oct 22, 2013 | Blog
In the celebrant world, there is a certain amount of competition, but I think we’re a close-knit bunch. I was certainly delighted, earlier this month, as my friend and colleague Judy Mansfield gained a huge boost for her business when she was profiled by the “Guardian Professional”.
Judy trained with me last year and we have met at subsequent training courses, as well as at quarterly FOIC meetings. She is a lovely and supportive person, and I am so pleased that she has had this success.
Judy’s article has also done a lot to put celebrancy on the map, so I am delighted to highlight it as my blog of the week. Here it is in full. Enjoy!
Marketing and PR excellence: Cherish Ceremonies
“It’s vital that my clients connect with me – after all, I’m involved in huge events in their lives”
- Guardian Professional, Wednesday 9 October 2013 17.01 BST
Judy Mansfield connects to potential clients via YouTube videos. Photograph: PR
Name: Cherish Ceremonies
City: Southam
Website: www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk
I launched Cherish Ceremonies in January to design and deliver heartfelt ceremonies for all life occasions, including weddings, vow renewals, baby namings and funerals.
The question I get asked most is, “What is a celebrant?” I decided to harness the power of YouTube and made some short videos to introduce myself and what I do.
It’s vital that my clients connect with me – after all, I’m involved in huge events in their lives. The best advice I’ve had is not to be afraid to let the passion for my business shine through, and it seems to be working.
Social media opens doors that would remain closed trying to connect through more traditional ways. But it is vital not to spam.
Building relationships is key, and as well as my blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube have been fabulous at enabling me to do this. It takes time, it takes energy, it takes commitment, but it is doable. The uppermost thought on my mind when I interact online is, “How can I be of help to you?”
Sharing what I’ve learned through online Q&A sessions has been amazing too. ‘Givers gain’ and ‘paying it forward’ works. It’s like sowing the seeds – the harvest in the form of sales will come (and is already happening).
Judy Mansfield is the celebrant at Cherish Ceremonies
Judy has clearly worked very hard and she is an inspiring lady. I am looking forward to seeing her again later this week near Northampton, and congratulating her in person on her achievements.
I shall be following her example – in fact, I film my first video next week, so YouTube, watch out!
Michael Gordon can help prepare and conduct a tailor-made life-cycle ceremony in or around London or, indeed, in Europe.
by Michael | Dec 21, 2012 | Blog
This recent blog by Michael Oliver encapsulates one of the important philosophies of a business like mine. It’s not enough to make assumptions; it’s important to delve a bit deeper and find out how to really render service.
It’s my last blog of 2012, and I would like to wish you all the very best for the festive season, and I look forward to being with you in the first full week of January.
Do You REALLY Understand?
Thursday, December 13th, 2012 at 12:05 am
There is a story that a farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and nailed it to a post on the edge of his yard.
As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls.
He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.
“Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”
“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back off his neck, “These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.”
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer.
“I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?”
“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. “Here, Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.
The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.
Slowly another little ball appeared this one noticeably smaller.
Down the ramp it slid.
Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up….
“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.”
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”
The world is full of people who need someone who understands.
Do You Understand?
Do you make the effort to really understand the people you’re talking with… or are you like that well meaning but narrowly focused farmer, thinking conventionally and…
- Assuming your potential customers are looking for the same things as you and for the same reasons… instead of asking and finding out?
- Telling people what they should do, instead of getting the facts first and allowing them to tell YOU what they want?
- Interpreting everything based on your own life’s experiences and point of view, instead of first discovering theirs?
- Qualifying them based on your own rigid and fixed set of criteria, instead of being open to discovering far reaching potential possibilities?
- Judging people based only on what you think you see, instead of no judgment at all?
There is a happy ending to this story…
With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.
“How much?” asked the little boy.
“No charge”, answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”
The farmer was a quick learner!
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About the Author
Michael Oliver is an internationally recognized trainer, speaker and author and the founder of Natural Selling, the only sales training program designed to really eliminate rejection and objections. Visit his blog and signup free to get blog updates by email, along with the latest news, free advice, additional resources, and a lot more! Go now to http://michaeloliver.com. While you’re at it, check out and get loads more!
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Filed under: Oliver’s Twist on Selling
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