Tuesday Quik Tip: Automatic for the People
December 23, 2008 by admin · 3 Comments
Couldn’t resist the obvious nod to the 1992 release of R.E.M.’s album by the same name, Automatic for the People. But, given the ever-connected nature of today’s society, it just seemed appropriate.
The truth is, in order to keep up in today’s marketplace, you simply must be willing (and able) to automate certain portions of your business.
Otherwise, you are simply trading time for money. What is the point of having your own business if you are a slave to it?
I am always surprised at the reactions of clients when we express this simple truth to them. They are typically solopreneurs that are hoping to get out of the rat race. That said, they are truly wearing all the hats. And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with that. But sooner or later, if you don’t find ways to lessen the constraints on your time, you’ll quickly burn out.
Consider this — you have a limited amount of hours each day. You can’t work 24/7. Even if you work 16, or even 18-hour days…there will always be a limit on how much you can do. And guess what? That also limits your earning potential.
The good news is that there are a great many tools, software applications and products that can help you get more done in less time. One of my favorite such tools is a web-based software application called DLGuard.
DLGuard has a comprehensive arsenal of features — it serves as a shopping cart, and integrates with a whole host of payment gateways. It can automate the delivery of digital products, and does so in a matter that is secure — eliminating the theft of your products. No more illegal ebook downloads! The DLGuard can also serve as the hub of your membership websites – managing the subscriptions, downloads, renewals and expirations. If the need arises to block ISP numbers or specific customers, these features are quick and simple to implement.
One of the things that impressed me the most about this software was that it was extremely easy to install. Typically I enlist my husband, John (aka tech support) to help me with such endeavors, but I was able to fly solo with DLGuard. If you find yourself in need of support, there is a user forum that can help you get over any hurdles you encounter.
Sam Stephens, the developer of this product, is one in a million. He personally responds to inquiries, and treats every customer like a friend. He continually works to improve the program and implement new features, and welcomes the input of his customers — something that really resonated with me as a fellow small-business owner. Sam’s loyal customers and raving fans are a testament to his superior service — and something that we can all learn from and aspire to.
What kinds of things can you run through the DLGuard?
- Trial offers
- Wholesale catalog or information requests
- Teleseminar reservations
- Ebook sales
- White papers
- audio books
- seminar materials
- E-course materials (syllabus, assignments, etc)
- software trials
- software sales
- Website template sales
- PLR products
- Video tutorials, and much more
Even if you don’t need the DLGuard yourself, you may want to pass along the information to friends or colleagues in your discussion forums and mastermind groups. This is one of those rare time-saving tools that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.
It is amazing how some businesses (large and small) are practically in the stone age when it comes to providing (or not providing) customer online self-service.
I dropped a life insurance company a couple of years ago because their online “customer self service” web site was practically useless. The most logged in customers could do was check their balance and policy amounts and cash values. Customers couldn’t even pay their bills online. What a joke!
After I brought it to the attention of their customer service team, I got the standard “thank you for your concern” response without any real justification for the spartanness of their customer web site or any indication more functionality was to come in the future.
Some companies just don’t get it – it seems some firms swing to one extreme or the other in terms of offering customers “self-service” web options. Some provide too little online – like the insurance company – others are so adamant to push customers to use online service features to the exclusion of personal attention.
While it’s usually more cost-effective to handle customer transactions through online channels, there still needs to be an easily-accessible option to reach a competent live human being for assistance. It’s tricky to balance providing the right mix of availability of online options vs. live agent assistance.
Brian:
Excellent points, and very helpful insights!
Over the holiday week, our power was out for (3) days. One thing that was very frustrating was how difficult it was to get updates on the progress of those working to restore our power. It wasn’t until the 3rd day that we actually were able to get any live folks to speak to. The truth is, we would have been happy with a recording, so long as it was being updated with any regularity.
Anyone else have thoughts on this?