The Barzel Group Blog
Why Do They Do What They Do?
Years ago, I was stuck in a conflict with a colleague. As often happens with conflict, both of us thought we were in the right. Looking back, we were probably both right on some issues, and in the wrong on others. But at the time, both of us chose to stand our ground and not…
Generating Referral Leads
I recently read an article about the value of building a client referral network. The author was so convinced that referrals from clients are the most effective lead source that he recommended marketers allocate 80% of their marketing budget to developing a customer referral program. While I’m not ready to recommend that 80¢ of every marketing…
Use What You Already Have –Increase Your Marketing ROI by Not Wasting “Latent” Sales Leads
I wrote the following post a few months ago for a marketing services firm. Thought I’d re-post it here…. — The slow economic recovery has caused many executives to tighten belts and slash budgets. Anyone with budget management experience knows that when budgets need to be reduced, marketing is often the first area to be…
So, You Want To Be Happy?
Last week, I read an op-ed piece in the New York Times by Arthur C. Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute. In his editorial, Mr. Brooks’ does an amazing job of weaving together historical anecdote with recent research as he helps his readers to consider the answer to the question, “What is the key…
Why Won’t You Develop Me?
A few months ago, I was speaking with a marketing director at a mid-sized company about potentially entering into a coaching engagement. After finding out about her company, her role, and what she had hoped to gain from coaching, I submitted a proposal. She told me everything looked good, that she’d have to run it…
Field Trips, Junior Highers and Engaging the Buyer
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to chaperon 3 school field trips with my children. All three trips were overnight: one with 5th graders, one with 8th graders, and one with seniors. And I have to admit…I love going on these trips. I get one-one-one time with my kids. I get to hang…