Kamron Karington's

The kids are lookin’ sharp in their Little League uniforms…thanks to you.  That sick lady who needs the kidney transplant is going to have it…thanks to you.  The whole town is talking about the new nature trail at the park…and that is thanks to you too.

You – yes, YOU – can be an engine of improvement in your community.   A hero!

And it’s all because people like your restaurant.

Let me explain….

Imagine for a minute that a tornado has ruined the High School’s music department and now they need new brass instruments…to the tune of $3000.  So they send their star Band Booster Mom to ask for your donation…

Band Booster Mom:  The band needs money. Could you pledge $25.00?

You:  I’ll do better than that…I’ll raise all $3000 for you. You won’t  have to go anywhere else.

Band Booster Mom (after a moment of stunned silence):  OMG!  Thank you! How?

OK, Restaurant Blog-Buddy, here’s how.   Just click to check out this important Community Connections info…

Then the next time someone asks you for a donation, you can offer them real help AND painlessly recruit NEW customers.  Yes, with this loyalty program you can help others while increasing your own sales.

You can tell Booster Mom that you will…

• Build a FREE donation website so all of their members can keep track of progress
• Get ‘em on Facebook so they can spread the word faster
• Send special emails to their members to encourage participation
• Donate a certain percentage (you choose how much) of EVERY sale made to the Booster Club members
• Continue to donate until a certain amount (your choice) or date (your choice) has been reached

The Booster Club alerts all their members.  You get NEW customers because, whenever a Booster member wants to dine out, they come to your restaurant, because YOU are helping their cause.

And with every purchase, you are tracking the details of their visit so you can continue marketing to them long after the band has purchased their new instruments.

Restaurant Blog Buddy, our NEW Community Connections is a win-win rewards program.

In fact, why wait for charitable organizations to contact you?  Call your favorite charity and offer your help.  They will call you their ‘hero.’

Good news for  Repeat Returns “Premier” subscribers…you already have Community Connections.

GREAT News for “Pro” Subscribers…You can try this NEW powerful sales and community-building feature FREE for 3 full months – that’s 90 days!  Just call the office and say… “I want to be a prosperous hero too.  Give me Community Connections.”

If you’re stuck between a rock and hard place, still wondering whether to fish or cut bait, can’t decide if you should keep the doors open or say ‘the hell with it’, here’s Debbie Taranto’s solution in her own words…

Kamron:  So, Debbie…what happened at Taranto’s Pizzeria?

Debbie:  The old saying, “pizza is recession proof”… that isn’t the case anymore.

I had been in business for over 20 years when the recession hit – and, man – did it hit me hard!  I lost almost ALL my corporate business immediately, then the households.  People were holding on to their money and were scared.

I was scared too.  Literally everything changed overnight.  I was working in a whole new world and business.

Kamron:  What solutions had you considered?

Debbie:  I wasn’t considering any solutions other than meeting with my lawyer and seeing how I would close my business.  It was a very scary time.

Kamron:  So what did you do?

Debbie:  I committed a monthly payment that I wasn’t sure I could afford to Repeat Returns.

With Repeat Returns and some creative advertising, I got back on track and did not have to close my doors.  I have increased sales by over $3,000 a week and get to see my “regulars” on a even more regular basis now.  They absolutely LOVE this program!

Kamron:  Can you describe what happened next?

Debbie:  I have seen a significant increase in sales of over $3000.00 to $4000.00 a week.  My customers remind “me” to make sure they get their points.  The response has been overwhelming for this program.  I love the personalized emails and even the sense of humor the emails project.  It’s not a “typical” email program.  Very personalized and unique.  It definitely stands out in the crowd.

Kamron:  Any other thoughts?

Debbie:  I took a chance on Repeat Returns.  I’m so glad I did.

By Janis Vazquez

When the Saints are on TV or playing in the Dome, you can shoot a cannon down Canal Street and not hit a soul.

Your town is probably the same way.  Everybody is at home watching the game.  You can’t close up shop though…your hours are posted for the world to see.

It doesn’t have to be slow like that.  Here are a few solid ideas to get the cash register ringing on game day…

Especially for Convenience Stores…HALF-TIME SPECIAL

You have a heckuva good advantage over grocery stores and sit-down restaurants on game day.  You have parking right in front of your door.  They’re in – they’re out.  And real quick too!  C-Store Owner, this one is just for you…HALF-TIME SPECIAL!

Here is how it works:  Fans grab their cell phones immediately at half time.  Use this moment to run a Half-Time Special on chips, dips, beer, and fried chicken.  Make sure you mention ease of parking.  Use Twitter, Facebook, and our On Demand feature.  Give ‘em extra points.  And get away from your front door before the stampede knocks you over.

Nail Salons…FABULOUS FINGER TIPS

You have two kinds of clients…

1. Ladies who like football
2. Ladies who don’t give a hoot.

Here’s what to do:  Run a special the ENTIRE WEEK BEFORE the game offering a great deal on football logo manicures to the ladies in group 1.

For the ladies in group 2, use Twitter, Facebook, and our On Demand feature on the day of the game.  Offer a super special deal – GOOD DURING THE GAME ONLY – on manicures, pedicures, and anything else you do.  Lots of gals want to relax and get away from the football mania at home.  Mention ‘football-free experience’ to ladies in group 2.  Don’t forget to pile on the extra points.

Full Service Restaurants…FOOTBALL CATERING is a touchdown!

If you have not yet entered the highly lucrative catering arena, football season is the time to dip your toe in.  You don’t need a new menu, you don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary.

Just this:  Review your menu to see which full-sized food can be turned into party trays of hand food.  Do you serve a hamburger?  Cut several into quarters …now you have a ‘Burger Bite’ platter. Same thing with your other subs and sandwiches.  How about deep-fried veggies, cheese, and pickles?  Mix ‘em up on a sampler tray.  And don’t forget your special FREE dipping sauces.

Send an On Demand  email a week before the game.  Put your football special on Facebook and Twitter. Offer your sweetest deal, maybe a complementary bottle of soda pop, and a big bunch of extra points.  And best of all, you will know how busy you are going to be, even before the teams run onto the field.

For most, gaining new customers is frustrating and expensive… useless radio spots, invisible print ads, and over-priced mailers produce virtually nothing.

You feel like you’re just flushing cash down the toilet… but you know you need to – no “MUST” attract more “new” customers. Your business will die without them.

Did you know…

Your Repeat Returns Program will automatically attract all the new customers you can handle… while simultaneously earning the admiration of the local community?

That’s because, we’ve taken what used to be a one-time sales pop… and automated it into a permanent sales increase you count on to pay your bills and increase your personal income.

And now, the fast approaching holiday season offers you a fantastic opportunity to deploy this “competitor killing” customer acquisition machine to add mobs of new customers, and avoid the dreaded January slump… altogether.

I’m talking about Community Connection and here’s how it works…

Next time a community group or charitable organization approaches you for a cash donation (or use  Repeat Returns to attract them), you can offer them something even BETTER… and actually make money on the deal too. Lots of it.

You will offer them an ongoing donation from each and every sale to their members – for a certain period of time, PLUS…

• A club webpage so they can launch and monitor their fund-raising program
• Facebook links so they can tell their army of friends
• Special emails to encourage even more visits

And since group members MUST join your rewards program to help the group… the group builds your loyalty database for you.

They do all the work…

Better yet… once the community group has reached its goal, guess what? The new customers have already been hearing from you… getting email messages… earning points… and “getting close to earning a reward.”

Bingo! A new “habit” is formed.

So, instead of that one-time pop where you give away 20% and never see these people again… this becomes a “permanent” lift in overall business…

Plus, your good deeds turn into good business.

And don’t forget… charitable contributions are tax-deductible, too.

So, deserving charities will get a good ‘bump,’ you’ll be the toast of the town, and you’ll feel warm ‘n’ fuzzy all the way to the bank.

It’s a win-win program.

Repeat Returns automates this for you… and provides everything you need to get started… today!

Click to read ALL the juicy details. And remember… this is a permanent sales booster that keeps the “new” customers coming back again and again and again…

Best,

Kamron
702 966-3001
CEO, Repeat Returns

PS: If you’re on Repeat Returns “Premier” you already have Community Connection. If you’re on “Pro” I’d like you to try Community Connections for 3 full months – that’s 90 days – absolutely FREE. Just call the office to try this powerful sales building feature.

By Janis Vazquez

Is your website mobile-friendly?

If it isn’t, it should be.  And if you’ll give me a minute, I’ll explain why.

Out of every 100 adult Americans, 91 of them own mobile devices.  Most of those phones are not plain old cell phones any more, but ‘smart’ phones – phones that have operating systems, connect to email, and accept apps – just like regular computers.  In fact, smart phones now outsell PC’s.

Just think of it.  Your customer has a computer in her pocket.  It’s connected to the Internet.  She never turns it off.  She uses it as much as 8 hours per day.

So…what happens when she searches for your website?  Is it a rewarding experience?

Mobile devices search for mobile-friendly content.  Your website may be a marvel of flash and video on a PC monitor, but it’s not so easy to view on a mobile platform.

Call your web person right this minute and tell ‘em to optimize your site for mobile search.

Here’s what’s in it for you when you do…

• Ranking:  There are zillions of sites that are not yet mobile-friendly.  Optimizing your site today means you will be competing in a much smaller field of players.  Your site will rank higher in natural search in the mobile universe.
• Ease:  Mobile-friendly sites are easier to view and navigate on smart phones.  Your customer will be pleased to find you, rather than dissatisfied at the hassle once she arrives on your cyber-doorstep.  And dissatisfied viewers mean lost opportunities.
• Traffic:  This huge market is growing every second.  Why waste time?  Go get them now.
• Click-thru-rates:  People love to fiddle around with their gadgets.  Mobile ads can get as much as a 15% click-thru rate…compare that with 2% on regular online ads.  Mobile marketing is here to stay.
• Crack the ‘Crackberry’ crowd:  You’ve seen them in restaurants…a table full of people talking, but not to each other.  They’re all on their phones.  Nowadays, people are more likely to get information from mobile devices rather than traditional computers, TV, or printed materials.

When you combine mobile marketing with credit cards and your mobile-friendly site, you have a recipe for success.

Oh, by the way… we’re getting ready to release the Traffic Driver Pro Mobile App.  You’ll be able to connect with your customers like never before.  You can be among the first to find out about it by entering your email address in the box on the top right.

By Janis Vazquez

Q:  Is there really gold in them there hills?

A:  Who knows…but here’s a guy who can tell you how he found gold in that there customer list.

Jim Steele purchased the Sky Hi Grill in November 2010 from an operator who had a negligible email list.  Jim said, “I knew that growing a customer database would be crucial to our future.”  He implemented several plans to increase his database – one of which was to have monthly competitions among the servers.

After only 9 months, Jim collected a whopping 2600 names and continues to add at least 200 new V.I.P. members every month.

Today, Jim Steele’s weekly sales average $12,400 – an increase of nearly 29%.  And still growing!

You may think your financial success depends upon your excellent products, friendly service, and beautiful décor.  All important, for sure.  But those things pale in comparison to the ONE thing you must have.

It’s the list,  Blog Buddy.  The list.

Building your list is paramount to building your bottom line.

If you want to replicate Jim’s success – and of course you do – collecting names and email addresses will shoot your profits skyward, while your competitors are stuck in the mud.

Sounds good, huh?

Here are a few more list-building tips…

• Invite every customer to join your V.I.P. list – explain the benefits: special deals, private events, and extra incentives for loyal customers.
• Get your workers involved.  Employees who receive tips or work on commission instinctively understand that repeat sales will increase their incomes as well.
•  Ask people for their business cards when you are in social situations.  Just say, “I’d love to have you visit my establishment.  May I put your name on the list?”  People who have been expressly invited by the boss WILL open your emails and respond.

Get busy!  Send them enticing messages, birthday offers, and incentive points.  Build loyalty and shoot for the stars.

Jim knows the sky is the limit.  It won’t be long before you know it too.

Hey there jewelry store owner, is September a slow month for you?  Wracking your brains for a way to bring ‘em in?  Here is a marketing idea that has your business name engraved upon it…

September is ‘Women of Achievement Month’.

Good news, huh?

Here’s even better news:  your mailing list comprised of exactly 2 kinds of people…

1. Women
2. Men who are related to women

And every last one of those women has achieved something.  Maybe as a mother, a daughter, a teacher of life’s lessons, a professional person, a friend.  There is something to celebrate and praise about every woman’s life, and what better way to do it than with jewelry?

If you are looking to make the cash register ring over the next few weeks, contact all the folks on your mailing list with a terrific offer and extra points.  Repeat Returns has a cool feature called On Demand to do just that.

Need a headline to get started?  How about this….

September is Women of Achievement Month

Get DOUBLE POINTS when you honor the Achiever in your life with Diamond Earrings

By the way, this month-long event would make an excellent promotion for all kinds of businesses that appeal to women, including restaurants, gift shops, and beauty salons.

Bonus marketing tip!  The more often you contact your customers, the more often they will return to your store.  Anytime a great idea pops into your head, make it a vehicle for increased sales with an instant On Demand message.

If you haven’t tried On Demand yet, it’s easy and fast.  Click On Demand, and bring in the bling.

PS:  Why am I so sure about all this?  I’m a woman!  

By Janis Vazquez

When my daddy walked this world, I used to visit him in the remote Appalachian kingdom of Wheeling, West Virginia.  If you have never been to wild, wonderful West Virginia, it’s a beautiful place of mountains, trees, and not much else, where white-tailed deer outnumber the people umpty-leven to one.

The coal mines were mostly worked out years ago.  The steel mills are gone now too.  Many young people have moved away to find other jobs.  Most of the folks who remain are older than you are.

But…even though there are no movie theaters or malls, the population of retirees has plenty to do.  There’s watching TV, chasing the deer away from the rose bushes, and… going out to eat.

Yes, my Blog Buddy, Daddio and his lady friend ate every single meal in a restaurant.  Every meal.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

And they weren’t the only ones.  Everybody in West-by-God-Virginny eats out all the time.

All the restaurants are constantly packed. Chain restaurants, pizza joints, mom ‘n’ pop places, swanky dinner houses.  You name it, they’ve got a wait list.

Except when it rains.

When the rain comes down, the folks stay in, but the restaurants are still busy.

Why?

Because the peeps call and order take-out meals and send somebody like yours truly to pick it up.

Yup, even in a downpour there are still long lines in every restaurant…at the take-out counter.

So why am I telling you all this?

Not because you should move your restaurant to Wheeling, West Virginia.  It’s because no matter where you are, people are dining IN but ordering OUT more than ever.

Yes, you can reap the big buck benefits of take-out orders (not the white-tailed deer kind of bucks, the green-back dollar kind of bucks).

Enjoy HIGHER check averages, INCREASED customer satisfaction, and ZERO ordering mistakes.

Nope it’s not a dream…it’s a dream come true.  Check out Highspeedwaiter .  You can thank me later.  

PS:  West Virginia peeps, this is for you too.  Tame those long lines at the take-out counter and make a mighty pile of dough when you contact Highspeedwaiter.

By Janis Vazquez

If you want NEW customers and you don’t want to pay for billboards, print advertising, and TV or radio spots, put your business on Facebook.  It’s FREE and it works.

Here’s why…

Suppose each and every one of your customers had 130 friends.  Now suppose that each of those customers told all of their friends about the great time they had at your business.  Wouldn’t the likely result be NEW customers who had heard about you from their friends?

Well, guess what?  That’s exactly what happens on Facebook.

Facebook gets more hits every day than Google.  So it’s a great place to let the world know about your products and services.  And an excellent way to channel traffic to your own website.

There are now over 750 million active users of Facebook.  The typical user has 130 friends.  Every one of those folks spends an average of 55 minutes per day reading about and responding to their circle of FB acquaintances.

Shouldn’t they be talking about you?  You betcha!  Here’s what to do…

• Go to www.Facebook.com and sign up.  Just follow the directions.
• Upload a good profile picture.  It should be something colorful and eye-catching so people will recognize it and read your posts.
• Invite people you know to be your FB friend.
• Start posting pictures and other interesting things about your business.
• Respond to people when they comment on your posts.

Your Facebook ‘Wall’ is the internet equivalent of your restaurant’s dining room, your pet store’s sales floor, or your stylist chair in your beauty salon.  It’s the place where you chat and interact with folks individually, even as others listen in.  So, be nice!  

Before you know it, you will be inviting people to your events, seating newcomers at your tables, and welcoming more people into your business than ever before.

Got a good Facebook tip for other folks?  Post it here – your comments are welcome.

While many business owners obsess with ‘How can I make life easier for me’,  many flip the page … ‘How can I make life better for my customers?’

Which model do you think will grow the quickest… and ultimately make life better for the owner?

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day… after a while you own a long string of years that add up to less than you expected.

Only by taking a fresh look at your business through the eyes of those outside the bubble, will you be able to catch the issues holding you back.  That’s why sharp franchisors send inspectors out to take a fresh look at the local shop.  That’s why sharp chains hire secret shoppers or conduct random surveys…

…to catch what’s right, and what’s wrong – before the bank account brings bad news.

Welcome negative comments.  Fix the problem.  Move forward.

Best,

Kamron