Kaizen Sigma

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, expectations can be as volatile as cryptocurrency prices. Allow me to share an episode that unfolded at Kaizen Sigma, revealing nuances that both agency owners and clients can learn from. (3 takeaway lessons at the end of this post) We had a client—let's call him "The Apprentice"—who was keen on understanding Google Ads, not just outsourcing it. A noble endeavor, sure. The contract was signed, including a section detailing our duties on Google Advertising Optimization. The Apprentice wanted to run HIS OWN parallel campaign. Something we don't normally do (and this scenario is a classic example of why), but flexibility is a hallmark of a good agency. ...So, we agreed, even though our contract didn't explicitly state we'd be offering Google Ads tutorials. Like clockwork, the lines between 'guidance' and 'instruction' blurred. Our Ads specialist found himself in hour-long sessions, transforming from a G-Ads Specialist to a full-time mentor. Time is money, and this level of involvement was affecting other projects. The Apprentice was unimpressed when we mentioned additional fees for these extended coaching sessions (in fact, he was upset we had the audacity to even ask). He argued that we hadn't fulfilled our original duties, pointing to the very section in the contract that we believed we had honored—by running our separate, well-optimized campaign. Ah, the irony! 😵💫 So, what did we learn? Firstly, flexibility is a virtue, but CLARITY is a savior. In an industry where time is finite, defining the scope of work can't be overstated. Know your services, set your boundaries, and make them crystal clear—whether you're the client expecting specific results or the agency defining its deliverables. Secondly, communication is the lifeblood of any successful project, but it's only effective when it's a two-way street. Both parties felt they were fulfilling their end of the bargain based on their understanding of the agreement. Listen, it's easy to think you're on the same page when, in fact, you're reading different books. Ask questions, seek clarifications, and...DON'T ASSUME—whether you're the agency trying to decipher a client's needs or a client interpreting service offerings. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a well-drafted contract. The Apprentice wasn't wrong to seek value, but his understanding of what was contractually owed was, let's say, divergent. And here's where a contract can save the day. It's not just a bureaucratic formality and red tape; it's the rulebook of engagement. This wasn't just a lesson in client management or contract drafting; it was a reminder that the world of digital marketing is not just about numbers and algorithms. It's about people, expectations, and the delicate art of managing both. Mastering this art is the difference between a campaign that soars and one that sinks faster than you can say "Google Ads."

So, we've got big businesses like AT&T and Panasonic Connect using AI to streamline their operations. They're using AI chatbots to automate tasks like coding, summarizing calls, and even filling out forms. And the results? Increased productivity and more time for employees to focus on complex tasks. Game changer, for sure. But here's the kicker: this secret weapon isn't just for the big guys. Even if you're running a small business, you can still harness the power of AI to make your operations more efficient. And that's where the right software comes in. Imagine having a platform that offers a suite of tools designed to help small businesses automate their operations and improve their marketing efforts. Imagine having your own personal AI assistant, ready to help you streamline your business. For example, you can use software to automate your customer service. Instead of spending hours each day answering customer queries, you can set up a chatbot to handle common questions. Now you've got free time to focus on other aspects of your business. But here's where it gets really exciting: lead generation. With the right software, you can AUTOMATE your lead generation efforts. You can set up automated campaigns that send out personalized messages to potential customers at the right time. Attract more leads and grow your business on autopilot (mostly). We can see that AI is not just a tool for the big players. Even small businesses can harness the power of AI to streamline their operations, improve their marketing efforts, and supercharge their lead generation. And with the right software, it's easier than ever to get started. So, why not give it a try? You might just find that AI is the game-changer you've been looking for.

First: Follow me to stay on top of trends for your business. https://lnkd.in/g-2gMf9G Second, let's talk about the "Twitter Killer": Threads. I know what you're thinking: "Great, another social media platform to keep up with," but hold up a second, there's some interesting stuff here that could be a game-changer for business owners. First off, Threads is built on a decentralized model, a fancy way of saying it's designed to work with other platforms that use the same protocol, like Mastodon. This means that content can flow between platforms, opening up a whole new world of audience reach. For business owners, this could mean a broader audience for your content and potentially, a wider customer base. Secondly, Threads is designed to elevate replies to the same level as original posts. 🔑 That means more interaction and discussion, which is great for businesses. It means your customers and followers are more likely to engage with your content, leading to a more vibrant and active online presence. 😱 So, how do you take advantage of this? ✅ Get on Threads early As with any new platform, the early adopters often reap the biggest rewards. Establish a presence on Threads early, and you can secure your brand's name, start building an audience, and position yourself as a forward-thinking business. ✅ Leverage the cross-platform potential If you're already on platforms like Mastodon, you can potentially reach your audience across multiple platforms with the same content. Is this the end of managing multiple social media accounts? 🤷🏻♂️ ✅ Encourage engagement Since Threads is designed to promote discussion, make sure your posts encourage this. Ask questions, seek opinions, and make sure to reply to comments to keep the conversation going. ✅ Keep an eye on content moderation One of the potential downsides as of now is the risk of inappropriate content appearing on Threads from other platforms. Make sure you're aware of this and have a plan in place to manage it. Threads could be a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and engage with them in a new and exciting way. So give it a shot and tell me if you plan on joining!

First, Happy 4th to those who celebrate! 🇺🇸🎇 Enjoy the Wednesday hangover. Now let’s dig into today’s learning about the social media platform we all know and love (or love to hate now): Reddit. They’ve been going through some things lately, to say the least. They made changes to their data API, and let's just say it didn't go down as smoothly as a cold beer at a July 4th BBQ. So, what went wrong? Well, Reddit decided to change their API pricing, which would have cost someone like Christian Selig, the developer of a popular Reddit client called Apollo, a minor $20 MILLION per year to run his app. Yeah...no. This led to a lot of third-party Reddit app developers sharing similar concerns about their future. And rightfully so. It was like a domino effect of worry and protest. So, what does this have to do with you as a small business owner? The key takeaway here is the importance of communication and considering the impact of your decisions on your stakeholders, e.g. your customers. Reddit made a significant change without effectively communicating with the developers who would be most affected. This led to protests, app closures, and a whole lot of unhappy people. So, if you're a small business owner, ALWAYS consider how your decisions will affect those who rely on your business. Before making a big change, communicate with your stakeholders, whether they're your customers, employees, or partners. Get their input, address their concerns, and make sure they feel heard. And remember, timing is everything. Reddit's changes came into effect on July 1, leaving developers scrambling. When implementing changes in your business, give people ample time to adjust. Keep the lines of communication open, consider the impact of your decisions on others, and always, always, always make sure you've got the timing right.

🚩 Hot take: Monthly reporting, the 'gold standard' we've all been following, is a ticking time bomb in your business. It's not just flawed, it's a disaster waiting to happen. (All credit to Kasim Aslam from Solutions 8 for this) Here's why monthly reporting is a disaster: It's Arbitrary: The 30-day cycle has no relation to your unique business operations or sales cycle. It's a one-size-fits-all approach in a world where one size rarely fits all. It's Misleading: Monthly reporting can give you a false sense of success or failure. A slow month doesn't necessarily mean a failing strategy, and a good month doesn't always indicate a winning one. It Ignores the Sales Cycle: Every business has its own sales cycle. Some close deals in days, others in months. Monthly reporting completely ignores this crucial aspect. It Overlooks Long-Term Value: Monthly reports focus on immediate results, often overlooking the long-term value of customers and campaigns. So, what's the alternative? Here's a better approach: 1. Determine Your Impact Window: The Impact Window is the time from spending money (e.g., on marketing) to seeing a result (like a sale). It varies based on your business and offerings. To determine it, track and analyze the time from spend to result. This informs better decision-making over arbitrary monthly reporting. 2. Understand Your Sales Cycle: Align your reporting with the time it takes from the initial customer interaction to the final sale. 3. Consider Conversion Lag and Sales Cycle Awareness: Conversion lag is the time from awareness to customer conversion. Sales cycle awareness is understanding the stages from initial contact to sale. Both guide effective marketing decisions. By understanding these aspects of your business, you can make more informed decisions and improve the effectiveness of your marketing and sales efforts. 4. Calculate Lifetime Value (LTV): Look beyond the immediate sale. Consider the potential for long-term customers when calculating LTV. Agree? Disagree? Still expecting a monthly report from your marketing agency?

Ever wondered what makes Mr. Beast's videos so irresistible and how he amassed billions of views? Want to decode the same strategies and apply them to your own business for sky-rocketing success? Well, the answer is right here in this video! Discover the psychology behind #MrBeast's success and learn how to recreate it for your business! #leadgeneration #smallbusinesstips #marketing

Looking for a way to stand out in the business crowd? 🚀 This latest video is all about identifying your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and using it to attract quality leads. Inspired by the recent ruling on the #AmericanAirlines-#JetBlue alliance, I explore the importance of understanding and highlighting what sets you apart from your competitors. 🎯 #Leadgeneration #marketingtips #kaizensigma

Ever feel like you're caught in a never-ending game of 'Hide and Seek' with quality leads? Or feel like a hamster on a wheel when it comes to follow-ups? Yeah, I've been there too. If you don't know, I'm Voltaire, the person behind Kaizen Sigma. Just like you, I've wrestled with finding the right leads and got swamped in the never-ending cycle of follow-ups. But trust me, there's a way forward and I'm here to share what I've learned. I've helped businesses generate millions of dollars, and helped whip marketing teams into shape at some big-league companies. In doing so, I've picked up a few tricks of the trade that I think might help you out. First off, let's talk about quality leads. They're like gold nuggets in the wild west of marketing. So, instead of spraying and praying, why not try hitting the bullseye? Figure out who your ideal customers are - the ones who benefit the most from what you do. They're your target. Next up, those pesky follow-ups. Yeah, they can be a pain, but they're a must-do for our businesses. Now, imagine having a clone doing this work for you - that's what automation feels like. Set up email scheduling, automated reminders, social media posts once, and let them do their thing. It not only saves time but also gives your customers a consistent experience. Remember, this is all about working smarter, not harder. Getting quality leads and using automation for follow-ups - they’re your ticket to sustainable growth. Sure, there are tools like Kaizen AI, and many others, that can help us in this journey. They're like a Swiss army knife for businesses. If these tips sound helpful, I'd love to connect. Let's navigate the complexities of lead generation and automation together and turn our businesses into well-oiled machines.