#likeablelocal

Q: What is the most hated thing in the world?

A: Possibly sales calls.

And yet, there are legitimately good products and services out there that consumers should know about, right?

How then, do you reach out directly to someone who could benefit from an affordable, innovative service, but in such a way that honors the time, autonomy, and priorities of the potential client?

Referrals from trusted friends, family, and colleagues, that’s how.

I have a new job. In an office. Doing something I really care about, that is also really fun! I’ve been trying to be a positive force in the workplace, fueling little revolutions from having a friend build me a standing desk, to starting a fund for healthy fresh fruits and veggies in the office, to offering free yoga for my co-workers. But I still can’t get around the outmoded idea that to sell something, you have to call a stranger out of the blue, unaware of any of that person’s unique situation, and try to convince them in 30 seconds that you aren’t one of dozens of hacks selling timeshares in Bermuda or a new printer or god knows what. 

I want to revolutionize sales, and so do you, and so does anyone else who has ever been called by a stranger at their place of business and asked to buy something with no context.

So let’s get started.

(you can book a demo now if you don’t want to read any more of my ranting)

Likeable Local is a very new company with a passion for helping small businesses, and fresh insight into the philosophy of social media and sales/marketing overall. The CEO, Dave Kerpen, truly understands the social web as a new means for real human connection, not just a way for businesses to spam your brain, and I’m proud to be helping him and the team share their innovative software, digital marketing expertise, and word-of-mouth business development amplified by social media.

So here’s where you come in.

I’m sharing this with you because I want to share Likeable Local’s services with only the specific people whose businesses could truly benefit from it, and on their time, with the utmost respect for the hectic and stressful life of an independent businessperson.

  Who are the core demographics of small business owners who can benefit from Likeable Local?

Independent medical, dental, and holistic healthcare practices (Mark Zuckerberg’s dad is a dentist and was our first client, and is still with us!)

Realtors and real estate agents

Jewelers, antique dealers, furniture designers, and interior designers

Dry cleaners, house cleaning services, car dealerships, bike shops

Business owners who understand the SEO, social media, and the mobile web are truly influencing consumer purchasing patterns

Business owners who are too busy for the upkeep necessary to produce and monitor multiple social media platforms and track their efficacy and return on investment

I’m sharing this with you because I know that you are actively connected to your community and would be excited to share the opportunity for your family, friends, colleagues, and community to get a free, no-obligation, 20 minute demonstration of the Likeable Local platform. There will be an opportunity to sign up for the service at the end of the demo, but it is not expected, and the demonstration of the product addresses the grander changing world of social media and digital marketing overall, and is hugely educational, even if you or the person you refer never continues a relationship with this company.

So I invite you to share this message with your dentist, the woman who sold you your house, the person who designed your wedding ring, your brother the pediatrician, your cousin who owns a yoga studio, your neighbor the nutritionist, your uncle who sells motorcycles… Because I think together we can prove that there is no need to bother strangers with advice from people who they don’t know or trust, when we as a community spanning the country can share relevant helpful information with each other directly and freely. No telemarketing necessary.

Links again in case you just scrolled to the bottom!

My new job:

http://www.likeablelocal.com/

Free educational demo sign-up:

I just wrote a story for Dave Kerpen's  likeable local contest.  It was a "what you love" about your business contest.  Here is what I said. 

Heartfelt is a store that sells tangible goods but behind all the lovely stuff on the shelves there is often a wonderful back story. Because i choose all the objects, there is continuity but more importantly we try and appeal to a wide range of folks.  I take pride that within our walls you can buy a $2.00 Pinkie Ball that gets knots out of your back,  a set of champagne flutes or a hand made pillow.  My staff knows that kindness is a priority with all customers and that folks are welcome to wander and just take it all in.  My current mantra with the launch of our online shopping site is that it is possible to "shop local and shop online".   We are determined to share that magic moment that you experience within our four walls.  Selecting cool objects, constant people interaction, creative display challenges and sharing my taste with the whole world…I do love my job.