Agree.com Blog

New Payment Processor

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:24:00 GMT

Our New Payment Processor is Live!

A few months ago we transferred to a new payment processor for a few reasons.

Better support and processing rates for you and your clients
Bank transfers (e-check) for .25% which is available now.
Ability to pass along the processing fees to your clients (available next month).

It's very easy to get setup. Simply log in to app.agree.com and go through the new merchant form which takes less than 5 minutes and all your current and future payments will be transferred automatically.

To get started click here and go to your finance section .

I'm always here to help if you need anything,

Simple Invoices

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:52:39 GMT

Create a simple invoice in seconds.

We have just released our newest feature which allows you to create a simple invoice in seconds.

You can do this from any device, anywhere.

These simple invoices are great for quick jobs where you don't need an entire contract. No signature is necessary and the client can click on the invoice and pay you with cash or credit card.

Click here and give it a try today!

Digitally signed anytime, anywhere.

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:46:52 GMT

Your contracts can be digitally signed anytime, anywhere.

We redesigned the signing flow into a simple 4 step process that can be done on any device in less than a minute.

Your client will review the contract.
Then they will be guided along to sign and pay.

It's and incredibly simple and beautiful process that your clients will actually enjoy!

Your contracts are safely saved online so both parties can review them later and you can also download them as PDF's.

Give it a shot and let us know what you think!

Check Out Our New Contract Creator Tool

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:25:44 GMT

Create contracts and send invoices in under a minute.

The new streamlined contract creator tool is here!

No more clicking through each section or going through undesired steps. Simply click on the section of your contract that you want to add/edit/change, move onto the next, and you're done. That simple!

Create contracts much faster and with the ability to view your full contract during the creating process, making edits and additions much simpler.

Now go get started!

Payment Plans Are Here

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:18:34 GMT

Payment Plans are here!

Over the past year we have completely rebuilt Agree.com from the ground up and over the next month you're going to see the new features and new designs come to life!

Right now we are so excited to share with our Agree community that the highly requested payment plans are here and ready for you to use!

Ready to implement this awesome new feature today? Read the simple how to's below and get started!

To learn about the new and improved contract creating process see article, Check Out Our New Contract Creator Tool.

Payment Plan How To's:

From the payment detail section of your contract, after adding your total amount and taxes, simply click the (+) button to add how many payments you'd like beyond the Due at Signing payment

Start by adding final payment date first and amount, then work backwards

Complete your contract and send

Once your contract is signed and if digital payment is chosen, payments will auto process on dates chosen

After contract is signed changes:

To change the final payment date, send a ticket into our Agree Customer Support team using the chat bubbly from your dashboard and include the contract name and the new final payment date

To cancel any or all future digital payments simply choose "Amend Contract," from viewing the contract in your dashboard and choose the payment(s) you want to cancel

We hope you and your clients will love this exciting new feature as much as we do and please reach out with any questions!

3 Simple Rules for Small Business Communication

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 15:09:41 GMT

Launching a small business is a lot like a scavenger hunt. In order to find success, you have to uncover and experience a series of scattered pieces to achieve the larger goal.

Communication is one of the fundamental skills required to put your business on the path to success. The best part about collecting all of the communication pieces to your small business scavenger hunt is that there aren’t that many. With just a few simple rules your business is guaranteed to find instant results and rewards, thanks to effective communication.

1. KNOW YOUR LIMITS

In order to communicate with others, you must first understand your business inside and out. Who are you? What do you offer? Who is your target audience? What is the problem your brand helps them solve? How are you different? What processes are in place to maintain your boundaries and task efficiency?

When I first started my business as a wedding photographer I had one major pain point: After working 6 hours on my feet I would always be the last vendor plated at the reception. This was problematic, because if the guests were all done with their dinner, then the DJ would go into toasts and I’d be expected to photograph that event, regardless of grumbling stomach and growing hanger.

I quickly acknowledged that this problem needed to be resolved and that correction was in the form of educating my clients. At the end of each new client consultation I would educate the engaged couple on the importance of informing the venue and catering staff I would be plated at the same time as the wedding couple. That way we were eating in sync and then I would be recharged and ready for table photos and toasts when the couple was done eating. I also added this small, but important, topic to my contract and wedding day timeline so that the couple knew their expectation and the impact it would have on the wedding day timeline. Did I still have to wait on occasion? Yes, but it reduces the issue dramatically and my couples were never unhappy with me for the delay, because I set the expectation up front.

Know your limits. What is most important to you, your business, and your personal life? Jot them on paper and incorporate them into your processes so your clients have clear understanding of your boundaries in every step of the client experience.

2. UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER

As a small business owner, you’re wearing a lot of hats. Trying to manage tasks, pay bills, juggle home life, and complete deadlines is a lot like having 10 departments in one role. Managing the stress of business ownership can be alleviated in leaps and bounds when we accept one basic truth: Under Promise, Over Deliver.

Under Promise, Over Deliver. The key to any successful business model lies in this one mantra. When we give our clients clear and realist expectations up front, we can accommodate their needs and provide a better overall customer experience.

When you go on a cruise and you book the cheapest cabin on board and they upgrade your booking to a balcony suite… They OVER DELIVERED! This is Marketing 101 and one of your best strategies for word of mouth referrals. When we set realistic expectations with our customers upfront we are increasing the likelihood of return business and that is the number one goal.

3. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING & ASSESS FREQUENTLY

It’s always wise to build honest and strong relationships with your customers, but it wouldn’t be real life if ‘issues’ and miscommunications didn’t spring up from time to time. If you’re business is based on ongoing client communication across multiple platforms: face to face, phone, text, Skype, email, etc. it is always best to recap what was shared in your various conversations in email form. This gives the client the opportunity to agree with what was shared and acknowledges any outstanding tasks from both parties.

It’s also encourages to keep a private record of communication and concerns for each client to ensure your business is safeguarded from problems down the road.

As you begin to grow your small business, you will quickly learn to pivot your communication styles and systems to best align with your needs. There is significant value in taking a few moments each month and assessing how you could have communicated better, based on the trends of that previous month.

Once you’ve nailed down these basic rules to communication you’ll be on constant alert looking for opportunities to educate your clients and improve your client experiences. Remember, don’t beat yourself up too bad, we are all growing together and there is a never-ending learning curve to the entrepreneurial life cycle. Good luck in your journey!

The Secret to Booking More Clients

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 23:26:15 GMT

The secret to booking more clients

I’m a people person and one of my favorite things is getting to know new clients. When I first talk with a potential client I love asking them questions about themselves, their family, what they love. By nature I am a people pleaser, I try to not rock the boat and just want to make everyone happy. But, as we all know, at some point during the conversation it’s important to actually get down to business.

Beyond getting to know a potential client, and dreaming with them about an amazing photo shoot, the “money talk” is always the part of running a business that weighs heavy on my heart. As my business and family have grown, valuing my time and art has taken a forefront in my success. I simply can’t make it with my business if I don’t confidently talk to them about packages and pricing. Fortunately I can now easily navigate this conversation with ease and confidence thanks to a solid business plan and a few tools that help me along the way.

My portrait sessions are around $950 - $1,600 depending on the package. What I’ve learned over time is that regardless of how great conversations with a potential client go, they are the most excited to book shortly after our first point of contact. This is the best time to convert them into clients with a retainer and booking. I never feel like I am capitalizing on anything but exactly what I want them to feel through the whole process, excitement. I have found that when I delay sending along a contract they often get cold feet and back out. That’s where Agree.com comes in and has been a game-changer on so many levels. With Agree I am no longer redesigning/reworking Word doc contracts to email or having to make frequent trips to the bank and post office. Instead it takes me just a few minutes to create and send a contract, and my clients are able to sign and pay me right away. Agree also automatically takes care of reminding them, and processing the transaction, for their final payments. The ease of this process allows me the opportunity to spend less time on talking about money and more time about them, this is essential for my people pleasing side. This past year I booked over $60,000 through Agree and am now using the time it saves to get to know my clients better, helping them style their outfits and finding the perfect locations.

Word of Mouth Referrals

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 23:26:02 GMT

Marketing is hard, and if you’re new to the business world, it can seem especially intimidating! When you’re knee-deep in trying to run a small business, the last thing you want to think about is how to market yourself to potential clients. This is where word-of-mouth referrals can be a lifesaver. Since people tend to network within their own industries, the ability to tap into an entire audience with minimal effort on your end is priceless. So, what do you have to do?

Provide an Exceptional Service

If you’re good at what you do, people are likely to talk about it. You want to make such an impact, that your clients can’t resist telling others, and it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Maybe your client said something off-hand about being unavailable Tuesday due to a relative’s surgery. Stepping away from business long enough to genuinely talk about those things that affect your clients on a personal level can mean everything. Are they well enough to be focused on the project on Wednesday, or should you push it off? Maybe you picked up on their favorite flower during a conversation, and are incorporating that essence into a photo or design, however applicable. When you provide a service, you’re dealing in people as well as in business.

Everyone Loves a Good Deal

Passing on information is much more fun when people can benefit from it. Offer existing clients the opportunity to earn a percentage off their future services when they refer someone, and offer a discount to newly-referred clients, too. If existing clients continually bring in new people, you can consider offering them additional discounts, special services, or even a unique thank you gift, as a way to acknowledge their referrals. There are many ways to reward word-of-mouth referrals and encourage people to keep talking about you!

Put Yourself Out There

If you’re looking for referrals, let your current clients know. Pass along business cards or emails that can be easily traded among colleagues and friends. A nudge to others that you’re looking to grow is likely to bring in business. It never hurts to ask.

It’s a Two-Way street

If you’re asking others to be a talking billboard, you should be willing to do the same. Maybe one of your clients offers a service that you know could be valuable to someone within your network. Refer people in your network to your clients who offer needed products and services. When you show that you’re willing to put in the footwork for someone else, the chances of the favor being returned improve.

Say Thanks

Offering gratitude is a win every time. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and if a client or colleague has done you the favor of a word-of-mouth referral, the least you can do is send a thank you note. Someone took a moment to vouch for you and your business, and your gratitude will make continued loyalty more likely.

It’s one thing to refer someone to a great business; it’s another to refer someone to a great person. Build strong relationships and deliver excellent service, and you’ll impress others enough to speak on your behalf.

Delivering Great Client Experiences

hi@warmwelcome.com (David Jay) — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 22:42:12 GMT

"A certain level of stress worked it's way into my business that in essence started breaking down the client experience"

As a wife, mother to 4 young babes, and a full-time traveling photographer I’ve learned first hand that it’s so important to have the workflow and “businessy” side of things taken care of so I can focus on my client’s experience and building a healthy relationship with them.A few years ago....somewhere between emailing agreements, formatting programs, scanning checks, post office visits, numerous back and forth emails with clients and then waiting for payment a certain level of stress worked it's way into my business that in essence started breaking down the client experience. Even the simple but mostly awkward moments of accepting a check at the end of our session shifted the experience back into business mode. I desperately needed two things to take my client experience and business to the next level...Balance and Ease.

“How extraordinary the ordinary person is if we get to know them well”

"I believe the client experience starts from the first point of contact & must be handled with great care"

One of the main things I learned that helps me make sure my client’s get the best possible experience is that the client experience starts immediately. This is one of the most important aspects of my business and why I believe my clients keep returning and are willing to invest at my price point. I value them deeply and respect their investment by returning my full attention and heart to their every word and story during the planning process. I believe the client experience starts from the first point of contact & must be handled with great care. Immediately its of the utmost importance that I begin building trust with them, not only for the eventual exchange of money but most importantly for them to feel comfortable to open up in front of my lens in a way that will allow me to to tell their story through emotion, vulnerability and joy. Once a potential client contacts me I’ll email them back as soon as I can to ask them a few questions about their life, I have phone appointments with each client and during that time I listen…that’s truly what most people in this busy life want, to slow it down, to be heard and valued. That is exactly what I try to do, and through this process I begin to start getting a true feel for how to vision and plan our session… including location scouting, styling and making sure each member of the family finds comfort in our time together.

One thing I always keep in mind when talking with people (regardless of if they’re clients or not) is “How extraordinary the ordinary person is if we get to know them well”. That mindset of believing the best about people makes me want to get to know their story. It helps me to sit, and listen, and get to know them. I’ve found that when I take the time to immediately invest in potential clients, they usually have no hesitation about booking a session with me.

That brings me to the next thing I’ve learned which I’ll talk about in my next post, it’s to not delay sealing the deal...

Thanks for reading, I’m excited to share more soon!

- Erin Witkowski