Nancy Boisvert, Author at Agapi /NEXsteps

Elegant Simplicity – Keep Your Clients Connected!

So what the heck is elegant simplicity, anyway?

This is the topic that Frank Thomas and I discussed on the most recent episode of our broadcast on the Small Business Tips Show.

Elegant simplicity is the art of developing and creating your product or service that is simple and easy for them to understand and connect. There is nothing worse for client or prospect than having to maneuver and negotiate complex roadblocks to attain what it is they are looking for. Indeed, if you make it too difficult for them to understand or connect with your product or service, you will lose them to your competitors. Read more

Crowdfunding: How To Make It Work!

November 10, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Newsletter agapi marketing, building your business, communications, crowdfunding, marketing, online marketing, product videos, prospecting for clients, referrals, small business marketing, video marketing

Today, let’s talk about crowdfunding.

I’m sure most, if not all of you are familiar with what crowdfunding is. Over the past few years, several sites have appeared, giving variety and choice to anyone looking to raise funds through the generosity of the public at large.

Simply put, crowdfunding consists of an idea that is posted on a crowdfunding site with the intention of raising funds through connections, connections of connections, and the public at large. Sounds simple, right?

In theory, yes it is. However, just like every other form of marketing, planning and appropriate strategy around the delivery of your project is crucial to your success or your failure.

I actually had a different topic plan for today, but was asked to check out a crowdfunding venture for a friend of mine on Indigogo. At first glance, the project seemed to have followed a plan for execution. But, unfortunately, I believe the project has executed itself before it really got off the ground. Read more

The Secret to Winning in Unsettled Times!

November 5, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Newsletter agapi marketing, branding, building your business, communicating with clients, communications, marketing, marketing strategy, oil and gas marketing, small business marketing

Want to know how to win in unsettled times?

Yesterday marked the transition of the Canadian Government. Our Prime Minister of just under 10 years officially resigned his position and the new Prime Minister, along with his Cabinet, were sworn in. Of course, until Parliament convenes, the new Throne Speech is read, we are left wondering what this Liberal government means to our businesses and our economy.

There are still many of folks in the oil and gas industry who remember the devastating effects of the policies enacted by Trudeau the elder, especially the NEP from 1980 – 1985. We can only hope that Trudeau the younger understands that we exist in a global economy, and as such we must participate in a way that is economically viable and progressive for the country. The stated positions by the Liberals on the oil and gas industry and the new trade deal throughout the election were very broad, allowing much wiggle room should they win. Aside from stating that they would launch an immediate review of Canada’s regulatory process for oil and gas projects, they mostly made generic statements that they support various pipeline projects and the need for infrastructure. However, how they support this remains to be seen. As for the new TPP, the only comment made by the Liberal leader was that they were pro-trade. Read more

No, The Sky Is Not Falling! 5 Marketing Tips For Slow Times

November 3, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Newsletter agapi marketing, building your business, communicating with clients, marketing, marketing during an economic downturn, oil and gas marketing, small business marketing

What? Me worry?

Ok, I know the economic climate has changed out there. I know that oil prices are still low, companies are cutting back on their operating budgets, and people have been laid off.

But I refuse to take the “Chicken Little” approach.

Anyone who has been in business knows that there are economic cycles to every industry from time to time. So what I am suggesting is that this, too, shall pass.

Instead of focusing on the slower economic growth, look instead at the opportunities that this cycle can provide.

One of the first things that businesses seem to cut when revenues are tight is their marketing. Yes, you’ve heard it before, but it is the truth; when times are tough, you must keep marketing your products and services. You may have to adjust, you may have to adapt, but you must keep marketing.

Here are some tips to help you weather this current price slump and position you to do even better once prices recover:

1. Work on your client relationships. How strong are your relationships with your current clients? We all know that people prefer to do business with others who they like, know and trust. Are you that person to your clients? Have you developed a strong rapport with them? If so, you are already ahead of the game. If not, it’s time to take a look at how you build relationships now and for the future.

2. Become more visible. Don’t hide in your office waiting for prices to rebound. Your clients and prospects just might forget about you. Be sure to keep in touch with them and attend networking events. Stay visible!

3. Communicate in ways that allow you to capture business in the easiest way. Consider more email marketing to your existing clients and prospects. Be sure that your content is well written, and you may wish to present a compelling offer to those most loyal to your business.

4. Get noticed for free. Marketing does not have to cost money, although you do have to commit to spending some time. Do you use social media? Find out which online forums, message boards and blogs are relevant to your business and consider joining the discussions. You can also consider using social media methods such as video blogs, and social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Use these online methods to encourage conversation about you and your business, and showcase your products.

5. Finally, don’t believe everything you hear. Back to my original comment; don’t focus on the negative media attention. Lots of analysts have predicted terrible things, not just during this downturn, but over the course of many economic cycles, and few ever turn out as bad as predicted. How you look at things will play a huge role in how you weather this storm. True, it can be difficult to stay positive, but it is essential to stay focused on your goals.

One thing you can be sure of, the economy will continue to have its cycles. While business may be more challenging right now, stay focused, work smarter, and above all – keep marketing!

A variation of this article was originally published in the Oilfield Pulse Newsletter in February 2015.

Until next time…

Are you ready to grow your business now? If you’re ready to take the next step and make your business more profitable, contact us today.

If you like the information you are receiving, please consider forwarding this post.

Marketing In Everyday Life!

October 29, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Newsletter agapi marketing, branding, business, marketing, marketing strategy, marketing success, networking, small business marketing

Marketing makes the world go ‘round!

Today, I’m going to address the perception of marketing. When the word “marketing” is used, most people immediately think of advertising. And, as I continually point out, advertising is merely one part of a complete marketing strategy.

But stop and think for just a minute. We all market different things every single day. When we meet someone for the first time, we are always trying to put our best foot forward and make the best impression possible. The same applies when we’re having discussions with our friends and family members; we use various strategies to promote our point of view.

And that, folks, is marketing! Read more

Entrepreneurship – Overcoming Challenges

October 27, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Audio Blog agapi marketing, building your business, business, communications, entrepreneur, marketing, small business marketing

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

Or, do you already classify yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you ever think it would be great to be an entrepreneur and be the master of your own destiny? What is entrepreneurship?

Last month, Frank Thomas and I discussed these issues for a podcast for the Small Business Tips Show. Both of us have worked for employers in the past, and both of us have had experience as entrepreneurs. And, of course, both of us have had successes and failures in building our own businesses over the years.

I think everyone dreams of being their own boss at one time or another. But like all dreams, they often differ from reality. The learning curve can be steep, and the initial costs in time and money can be a challenge. Read more

Marketing Your Small Business – Going Deeper

October 22, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Audio Blog agapi marketing, branding, building your business, business, client retention, communicating with clients, communications, how to communicate with clients, marketing, Podcast, small business marketing

How do you market your small business?

Last week, we shared a podcast with you that was recorded earlier this year with Frank Thomas of the Small Business Tips Show. Well, it ended up that that was one of the most popular podcasts on the small business tips show to date, so last month Frank and I decided to do a follow-up podcast, going deeper into the subject of marketing your small business, and diving into advertising.

In this episode, we begin to dissect the whole concept of marketing. We discuss and identify key components to marketing your small business. These include such things as:

What is marketing?
What is the difference between a marketing strategy and a marketing campaign?
How does advertising fit in?
How do I measure the results of my marketing efforts?

Getting More Clients – Part 2

October 20, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Video Blog agapi marketing, branding, building your business, business, client retention, communicating with clients, marketing, prospecting for clients, small business marketing

Part 2 of getting more clients.

Last week, we shared part one of a video series that was recorded with Frank Thomas, host of the Small Business Tips Show. Today we continue with part two of this discussion about getting more clients – especially in a down economy. This chat was live-streamed on October 15th.

As you know from a previous post, I was recently invited to co-host the Small Business Tips Show with Frank. Over the past several months we have recorded several podcasts and recently decided to add the element of video to our discussions. This gives the flexibility for interested parties to either listen to or download the podcast and simply listen to that, or to engage fully by watching the video. Read more

How To Market Your Small Business

October 15, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Audio Blog agapi marketing, branding, building your business, business, communications, marketing, Podcast, small business marketing

What are you doing to market your small business?

Earlier this year, I was an invited guest on the Small Business Tips Show. The host of the show, Frank Thomas, brought me in to share my three decades of marketing experience with his listeners.

In the episode, we discussed some of the big – and costly – mistakes that small business owners often make when they’re trying to promote their business.

This episode addresses such key things as identifying your ideal client and what, exactly, marketing is. Contrary to popular belief, it is not advertising. Advertising is a component of the implementation of a marketing strategy.

This past September, I was invited to regularly co-host the Small Business Tips Show with Frank, and this past Tuesday I posted the first part of our first ever video presentation. I’m honored to be a permanent fixture now on the show, and invite you to visit my YouTube channel to see what other resources are available for you there.

Meanwhile, please enjoy this podcast and see if it helps you identify how you can better market your small business.

Until next time…

Are you ready to grow your business now? If you’re ready to take the next step and make your business more profitable, contact us today.

If you like the information you are receiving, please consider forwarding this post.

Getting More Clients – Part 1

October 13, 2015September 5, 2023 Nancy Boisvert Video Blog agapi marketing, branding, building your business, business, client retention, communicating with clients, marketing, prospecting for clients, small business marketing

Are you looking for more clients for your business?

That’s kind of a silly question really, isn’t it? Of course you do! Nearly every business is always looking to attract new clients, unless their goal has been to attain a specific level and they have attained that level. How to get more clients can be a challenge, especially in an economic downturn.

Some of you who have been following me for some time are aware that I am now co-hosting podcasts with the Small Business Tips Show. Frank Thomas and I have recorded several podcasts already, and we recently decided to add something new to the mix.

The podcasts have proven to be very successful, so we thought, “Well, people are liking the audio and it’s working so well, maybe we should do some video broadcasts”. So, a couple of weeks ago we recorded our first broadcast. While the nuances of the recording software had not quite been worked out yet and the video isn’t the prettiest, we thought it was an important topic to share with you.

So what is this topic? Well, it’s about how to get more clients.

And, in fact, we found that there was so much to say about this topic that we actually broke it into two parts. Part one is being shared with you today. Read more