MEETING MINUTES
 Friday, July 9, 2010
Volume 17; Issue 22

Leads & Introductions
Members introduced themselves and announced leads and thank you's.  Members also gave us an idea of where their business numbers are at now that we are half way through the year.  There was a good mixture of highs and lows.  "It's all about attitude!"

Member Spotlight
This week's spotlight is Tim and Brad Green.  Please keep this member top of mind this week for referrals. 

Membership
We have two insurance agents that will be visiting our group in the next few weeks.  They have both applied for the Insurance category.  

Meeting Schedule
July 16 - Sandro Menasci
July 23 -
July 30 - Member Spotlights

Today's Program:  "News you can use: Testimonial Tips" Marketing Strategy, ThreeDames Webworks
Peggy Deal, Amy Steeby and Rose Werther

The Dames have 45 years combined experience.  They have had all the bad experiences the rest of us have had finding a reliable webmaster.  Their frustrations led them to start ThreeDames Webworks.  They each bring a key element to the company (design, code and management). 

Today they are going to talk about the power of testimonials.   Peggy began by giving a testimonial about the wonderful lunch she had at the Landmark yesterday.  The power of a testimonial is enormous and widespread.  Testimonials are referrals that you can share. 

Capturing your concerns... What hesitations do you have?

  • Not believable

  • Too many

  • Over filtered

  • Legitimate?

  • Expectations of giver

  • Asking client for too much

We have found that people are very happy and even flattered by being asked to provide a testimonial.  It also ensures their loyalty back to you.

Tips on using testimonials...

  • Ask your client for feedback and permission to use it for marketing.  Don't use the word testimonial, may be overwhelming.

  • Use testimonials that fit, align.

  • Too many?  Arrange testimonials according to what potential clients are looking for.

  • Address objections.

  • Never fake them.  Its very obvious when you do.

  • Encourage specifics.

  • Include photos.  Video testimonials too.

Q&A...

  • The longer your content stays the same, the lower you will rank on search engines.  You need to keep the content fresh.  You don't have to hire a firm to do it.  You can do it yourself.

  • If a SEO company offers a guarantee that you will be on the first page, back away.  Algorithms change all the time.  There are no guarantees.