Numbers Are Better Than Bullet Points

I believe in setting meeting agendas and following up with notes containing action items. Over the course of my professional career, I have lead teams in a variety of industries with all levels of staff. What I have found from testing is that numbering discussion items to be more effective than using bullet points.

Participants have commented that they are able to focus on the items better. Not feel overwhelmed by a paper or digital screen with a variety of dots. As a result, participation is higher due the attendees engagement with the items at hand.


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Best Task Management Platform

I have tried a variety of task management platforms (techniques) by creating my own excel document, Google task manager and a variety of online platforms. But nothing seems to stick or be exactly what I am seeking. So now, I leave it up to my network of contacts for suggestions, recommendations and insight into what they have used and find to be the most efficient task manager platform to use for success.

Please comment below with your best task management platform.


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Marketing, You Can Only Predict And Measure

Marketing is strategic, creative and measurable. Marketing imitates sales in addition to supporting. Both are equaling important to the bottom line. Yes, there are exceptions to the rules, but these are only rare in frequency.




Michael Newhous
 WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Trust Your Designer

One of the best lessons I learned, was to allow and build trust with my designer. In the beginning, I tried to control the entire graphic design process, even to the point of creating my own design concepts. with the expectation of following my exact design. A presumptuous error on my behalf.

Designer: Joe Roces

My approach to the design process included research and data analysis then developing solutions based on the data that included the creative design. Even though in the creative brief, I would request designs independent from the creative brief. Basically, I did not trust my designer. As a result, it would at times affect the efficiency of the creative process.

The break through entailed years working with a variety of graphic designers. That experience has taught me to let down my barriers and be my designers’ biggest fan. Each graphic designer is different and you must adapt to their personality and creating working style. The graphic designer is the key to the strategic success.

Find the time to evaluate your approach when working with the creative team and make the necessary modifications. The results will be worth your investment and finally, be your graphic designers’ biggest fan. 

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Make False Marketing Claims, Go To Jail

Kevin Trudea was sentenced to 10 years in jail for bilking customers through his infomercials. Infomercials are known (hopefully by most) to make generous claims about the product benefits. The process then follows with testimonies from actual users then an urgent call to action (Act Now!). To seal the deal the information that offers a deal you can't beat (not only do you get this product but well throw in another.
*Note - the color pantone utilized along with the instant ordering are brilliant forms of direct sales.

But what is a viable marketing sales channel for companies, Kevin decided to take it too another level by extending the product claims. Being convicted previously did not stop Kevin from continuing his scrupulous ways until now.

In a world that is demanding more authenticity, Kevin should not be your role model. If you make a marketing claim, back it up  with verifiable substance. Even down to your customer service, it you claim to have 24 hour service, deliver it. If you need a business role model to follow, follow Gary Vaynerchuk, he will show you the way.

Gary Vaynerchuk

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Mazzanti Makes Only 5 A Year

Mazzanti introduced the Evantra high performance car in April 2013. Amazing lines in the design, a power source that delivers 0-62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with a body made of your choice of either aluminum or carbon fiber laid over a steel chromoly chassis. This is an Italian design that embodies both classic with modern design features.

Mazzanti marketing communication describes the car as a "tailor made" super car. That should spark interest from the exclusive target market that this car is geared towards. The marketing better be laser focused with business/sales developed with pre-existing contacts and prospect leads. To support this type of business model (only 5 made a year) the guaranteed sales orders must be at the minimum, two years out.

Laser focused marketing begins with research and data that is then analysed for key trends and opportunities (branding, marketing, strategy). Mazzanti must be confident with executing this business model. Here is a marketing example of how to write a press release for an exclusive demographic.

Check out this exquisite beauty. The Mazzanti Evantra V8.


Extra Note: The company has already exercised is licensing outreach with a partnership with Ennebi watches.




Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

What's Missing in Sales

Sales is tough for anybody, I do not care who you are but for the rest of us 99%, meeting the constant sales production goals (objectives) is a major challenge. Those that have researched the data and analytics of their sales outreach efforts and have identified marketing objectives to increase the effectiveness, are at least confident that they have strategies to face this never ending cycle.

Starting from having a paper route then proceeding to my current position, I participate in sales encounters with a high level of confidence by having well honed marketing and business development tools. These marketing tools have taken years of trial, research, constant education, and testing. What I find missing most in the sale process is well developed professional communication skills.

Client: Precision Aviation Training Heli Expo 2014

Professional communication encounters ranges from email, social media, text, phone, group interactions and direct face to face. I have observed poor communication skills in all levels of a company from entry level employees to CEO's. And when in the business environment long enough, you will question how somebody was being successful in their position. Being able to successfully professionally communicate during the entire sales process is critical for having a high level of success.

Sales by definition is the building of a relationship where services or goods are exchanged for money or other compensation. Sales need to be treated with dignity and respect which will organically result increasing repeat sales, loyalty, referrals and positive testimonies.

Developing professional communication skills and deliverables requires a commitment to identifying data and tools used to collect. The data will then be analysed for trends and conversions paths. Mid size market companies and up are utilizing CRM systems with marketing automation software.

Follow my blog for further details into each communication encounter and the tools I recommend for success.



Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com