The Scratching Post

Strategic insights and real-world examples that help you fix what’s actually costing you leads and sales.

Differentiating yourself during a crisis

By Nicole Gallant / March 24, 2020

So here we are. Just like that, we’re in a new environment. Many of us have been doing business online so working from home is not new. But knowing this is your only way to reach people … well, that can make you uneasy. Wondering how you’re going to acquire new clients when you don’t…

4 Essential factors for better coffee meetings

By Nicole Gallant / March 7, 2020

Can coffee meetings be authentic if there’s an agenda? The simple answer is “yes”, if the agenda is beneficial to both parties. Many entrepreneurs engage in business as a transaction, whether we are networking, following up, or having sales conversations. Meeting someone for the first time may not be the opportune time to relinquish everything…

Uncovering client needs – the modern effective salesperson

By Nicole Gallant / December 5, 2019

If there was a magic wand that would bring you the perfect client, what would that client look like? I bet this is something you’ve thought of. The reality is, there is no magic wand. There is no secret formula. There is however, proven methodologies that do help you attract clients. It’s called speaking your clients…

How your “Why” makes you money

By Nicole Gallant / November 7, 2019

My story starts about a year ago. I can’t remember the exact date I met Ali Breen, co-founder of Blog Jam, but I do remember getting to know her better when we were part of a ten-week advanced social media class by Anita Kirkbride in September 2018. We took a few lunches together, drove to…

5 Tips to drive high-quality traffic to your blog

By Nicole Gallant / July 10, 2019

Blogging. You’re either doing it, have done it, or have not tried it yet. Writing blogs is about sharing yourself and your knowledge in hopes of attracting like-minded people. You most likely want to attract people who will pay for your unique knowledge, a service you offer, or a product you create. You”ll want to…

Are people buying what you’re selling?

By Nicole Gallant / June 25, 2019

In order to determine what you should be selling, you need to understand your customer. Yeah, I know. You’ve heard this a bunch of times. Ask yourself an honest question. Are people buying what you’re selling? For people to buy your product, they need to be aware of it, have a positive impression of it,…

What is the value of a marketing and sales strategist?

By Nicole Gallant / March 9, 2019

If you’re running a business, you’re no stranger to some absolutely instrumental pieces to success: active sales and effective marketing. Every business requires these two important pieces be in play at all times. However, it’s very common for business owners to either confuse sales and marketing for each other, or assume they are basically the…

Working with the right business

By Nicole Gallant / December 19, 2018

As entrepreneurs and business owners we have a lot on our plate. Looking after day to day operations and managing staff take up most of the day. Your own clients take precedence and your focus is getting things done right for your customers. As a solo-preneur you’re wearing all the hats, or least trying to. You’re…

How much does a website cost?

By Nicole Gallant / November 29, 2018

10/10 times this is the question I’m asked about websites. Often clients are looking for a single answer, but of course, answers can vary. In this post, we’ll identify the factors to consider that directly affect website costs. 1. Let’s put this into perspective. If you wanted to build a house, would you approach a contractor…

3 Mistakes to avoid as an entrepreneur

By Nicole Gallant / September 26, 2018

Being your own boss has its perks. But it also comes with a level of pressure to get the job done and wear every single hat while doing so. Secretary, IT specialists, events planner, appointment planner, follow-up master, and revenue generator …the list goes on. I remember leaving the corporate world, and it was scary.…