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Archive for the ‘Networking for Small Business’ Category
Friday, April 10th, 2009
Why are blogs appealing? When they’re done right, they give you great information, insight and direction. You can read a blog in five minutes or less–and then go on with your day. Small businesses are perfect for blogs. Why? Because you’re a customer expert. All you do all day–online or in a brick-and-mortar store is talk to, sell to, and think about customers. You are driven to be effective. You already have that natural tone, candor, and appeal customers are looking for.
Secrets to Writing a Great Blog:
Name your blog something that has to do with your company name. Make it easy for search engines to find and connect you to your line of work. How? Know your keywords and use them in your header and in your blog.
The old KISS rule. Keep it Simple, Sweeheart. Blogs are not supposed to be complicated. Short–250-500 words. That’s it. Simple–Keep your focus simple. Talk about one thing. A promotion, a discount, feature a customer, a helpful suggestion. Don’t leave the topic.
Write Tight–Lots of white space. Keep your paragraphs down to 4-5 lines. That’s it.
Make sure your headlines say it in a nutshell. If that’s the only thing that gets read, will it makie sense? Make those headlines slightly larger–or bold to catch the eye.
Don’t go crazy with expressions. Emoticons don’t look professional–and neither do misspellings, exclamation points, or abbreviated words (4 for for, 2B for to be).
Use bullet points for how-tos. Bullet points tend to get read when nothing else does.
Simple words and simple sentences. Online viewers scan. They don’t really read–they’re busy. Their blackberries buzzing, they have 2 monitors going, a pile of paperwork next to them, and three files open. You’ve got seconds to grab their attention and if you’re lucky, you’ve got 3-4 minutes for them to “get” what you’re trying to say.
Think nouns and verbs. You’re the noun (your business) and what you’re offering is the verb–sale, promotion, upgrade, help hints.
Online readers like images. Use a few to allow their eyes to rest–and associate you with a visual.
Link–link back to your website and other pages. Try to keep them with you as long as possible–have good content to refer to. These deep links help get you indexed, which means search engines can find you and point others your way.
By creating a clear, dependable writing style, your blogger gets to know and trust you. You can still show personality, tell a crazy story, and be personable with your audience. Blogs are long enough and have enough content for you to express who your company is and what you have to offer–and that it’s more than just hard sales–it’s a relationship.
Tags: blogging for small businesses, Business Writing, internet marketing for small businesses
Posted in Blogging for Small Business, Business Writing, Networking for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Tools for Small Business, search engines | 1 Comment »
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
Things are starting to happen. President Obama’s stimulus package is now in place, and people are just plain tired of being miserable. Besides, it’s spring. We’ve endured the winter, the economic kick in the gut, the financial fall out–but life goes on. Some people are fortunate enough to get new jobs, and even the real estate market showed a small sign of life last month. If you’re a small business and you’ve been limping along, it’s time to make some plans.
Eveyone has had to tighten the reigns, and even though it’s going to be a slow comeback, it’s time to think about the future. We had to nix those three and five year goals we made back in 2007, 2008 because it’s a “new economy.” But that doesn’t mean that you can’t regroup and make more realistic plans.
Stage Your Comeback by Asking These Questions:
What have we learned?
What are we really good at?
What’s the meat and potatoes of our business?
What areas can we specialize in?
How can we protect our business financially?
How can we best care for our employees and meet our financial goals?
What online and traditional marketing techniques have worked in the “new economy,” and what has proved less useful?
Who are we networking with–and who should be we networking with?
Are we using our tools (website, blog, e-newsletter) to build an online presence?
How can we incorporate “green” practices in your business and personal life?
Everyone’s office is leaner. Perhaps you moved your small business home, or had to cut your staff. Perhaps you sold off some of your product line or tailored your services to meet the market. Maybe you’re now offering maintenance to your customers more than you’e selling them new products. That’s okay. Now you know–what works and what doesn’t.
Begin to stage your comeback. Most likely, it’ll be a bit more conservative than those goals you made back in 2007/2008, but we’re different now. We’re all grateful to work, grateful to have a business, and we’re adjusting.
Your small business could make a difference–in your community, your online community, with your loyal customers who have stood by you. As you move forward–know that as our country rebuilds, you’re part of the new foundation.
Tags: online marketing for small business, Traditional Marketing for Small Business
Posted in Business Writing, Networking for Small Business, PR for Small Business, Reputation Management, Tools for Small Business, Traditional Marketing for Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
“Do you really want everyone to like you?” That’s what I told my teenagers when they were feeling the need to cave into peer pressure. Sometimes trying to fit in costs you your true identity. It’s the same for small businesses. Sometimes we try to cover too much territory. Our true power lies in what we’re good at. You’ve earned the right to call yourself an expert–by hard work, dedication, and doing one thing well.
If you haven’t honed in on your area of expertise, ask yourself:
What makes my company unique?
If I had to only do one thing, sell one item, what would it be?
If I had to let go of one line of service or product, what would it be?
What do I do/sell that no one else does? (Or very few)
What services do I offer that fills a real need or void?
If someone introduced me/my company at a party, what would they say?
What other business is the most like mine?
Does my website really state your expertise?
Do my keywords reflect my products or services accurately–or are they only close but not spot on?
What segment of the market have I not quite tapped into yet?
What do I enjoy doing the most? What’s easy for me?
Once you answer a few of these questions, then make sure you input these changes into your online marketing, local marketing, and traditional marketing plans. What good does it do to specialize and then not let people know what you’re good at!
Ways to promote your expertise:
Do a news release (also known as a press release)
Start a separate website that focuses on your expertise–and list is as a separate page on your main site. Besure to list your new site on the various directories. Go to OpenDirectory.com and register your site. Now that you’ve learned a thing or two about websites and SEO strategies, implement your knowledge.
Begin to blog about your expertise–what you have to offer, how you got to be good at this one area, and focus on how you can help others.
Change or add pertinent keywords and keyword phrases
Pitch yourself to a radio show. Start using your voice and stating that you’re an expert in a given field. Don’t consider it arrogant. If you’re really good at something, then it’s a service to offer your advice and direction to others–as long as it’s presented in a way that’s helpful.
Do a search on your area of expertise and check out the competition. You should have less now that you’ve narrowed your focus. What are they doing right? How can you tweek your site to offer something slightly different?
Mention your expertise when it’s appropriate on your social media–especially in your profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Author Marcus Buckingham reminds us in his book, Now, Discover Your Strengths, is that we shouldn’t try to be good at everything. Our brains are even hardwired at birth to begin to pull away from the less strong connections, and that our neurons bundle around one strong cord–that’s how we begin to specialize–and why some of us can play the piano and others can whiz through calculus. By fleshing out and then promoting your expertise, you begin to define your small business and discover your true market.
Tags: expert, internet marketing for small businesses, Social Media
Posted in Blogging for Small Business, Local Internet Marketing, Networking for Small Business, SEO for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Traditional Marketing for Small Business, website development | 2 Comments »
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
You always want to show yourself in your best light–online or in person. So why limit yourself on LinkedIn? Did you know that how you present yourself can make a big difference? This is important whether you own a a small business, work for a large corporation, or own a company. LinkedIn is about connectivity, so make sure people have something to connect to.
An important hint to making the most connections on LinkedIn is to take the time to fill out your whole profile–much like a resume–be sure to include past companies, education, affiliations and activities. Most people who sign up for LinkedIn only list the their current employer, or company they own. This limits your contacts. You want lots of ways for people to identify with you–from your recent award, to where you went to college–to your love of kayaking.
Another smart thing to do is to include a link to your profile as a part of your email signature. Make it easy for people to check you out. That way, you don’t have to brag–just “point.” Walt Whitman said, “it ain’t braggin’ if you really did it.” But there’s no need to toot your horn when you can simply link to see your credentials and get to know more about you.
Another benefit of LinkedIn is that it makes your profile information available to search engines. In fact, LinkedIn ranks high on PageRank. So when someone Googles your name, your LinkedIn page will come in high. That’s impressive. Be sure to click on “full view,” and not private setting. And all you had to do is fill out your profile and start connecting with co-workers and business associates. Make sure you customize your public profile’s URL as your real name (or whatever name you use for business) so that it doesn’t use the default. Take it one step further and use your LinkedIn profile link when you comment on blogs or other internet activity. This will strengthen your rank as well.
LinkedIn is all about connections, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Tags: LinkedIn, social media networking
Posted in Networking for Small Business, SEO for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Tools for Small Business, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
You’ve probably heard some statistics about who’s on LinkedIn. The “average” LinkedIn subscriber is a 41 year old male, with a median household income of $109,703. And while statistics might be skewed, it does tell me a few important things. People who sign up are using LinkedIn for business and networking purposes. So it sounds like LinkedIn is a great business party that’s online and a perfect place for small businesses to connect with other professionals.
LinkedIn has even more relevance in today’s economic light. Male or female, everyone is scrambling to either keep their job or find a new one. Networking is more crucial than ever. Small businesses need these connections to diversify, make stronger ties, and locate new marketing opportunities.
LinkedIn has many uses, and when handled correctly it’s quite appropriate to make business contacts through this social media network. And you should–there are over 8 million professionals on LinkedIn, and they represent over 130 industries. Nowhere else do you have this kind of chance to work your way up or over the ladder of success. You can ask for an introduction, form a partnership, or find out about an employment opportunity–all while increasing your online presence.
You have to do more than sign up for a LinkedIn account and then set up a profile. You have to learn how to “work” it. Increasing your visibility is crucial to making LinkedIn work for you. Type in every business associate name you know. Go down your rolodex, get out all those business cards you never use–and start typing in names and asking for a connection.
But I already know these people! Yes, I’ll give you that, Do you know who they know? Bingo.
That’s where the connectivity really starts. You can “name drop” on LinkedIn. “I’m a business associate of Joe Bob, will you join my LinkedIn network?” That’s how easy it is. Not only will you connect with Joe Bob, you’ll also be privy to all of his friends and networking associates. Hundreds of names for you to peruse–many of those people will agree to connect with you because of their association with Joe Bob. It’s well known that people in the business world like to have a reference for a future employee, or business partner. LinkedIn, when handled appropriately can will have something in common with you.
So to continue with our party analogy, don’t just agree to show up at the LinkedIn social networking party–and don’t just grab a drink and stand in one corner–get out there and mingle.
Tags: LinkedIn, Social networking for small businesses
Posted in Networking for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Social Media, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Who can afford to go to a conference or workshop these days? And who has to?
Teaching an online workshop or webinar is a great way to offer your small business services in a comfortable, affordable format your clients will appreciate.
Seminars, webinars, and online workshops run the gambit from streaming videos, podcasts, PowerPoint presentations, and interactive forums. There’s software that can do anything you want, as complicated or as minimal as you desire. Universities and many teaching or service based companies have jumped on this bandwagon and now offer distance learning degrees and certificates. Students and participants can view classes from a remote location, interact with other students on message boards, watch a streaming video, upload their own videos and papers, and even take tests–all from the comfort of their home in their pj’s.
The benefits for online webinars and workshops are:
It’s a promotional tool.
You can partner with other sites and be promoted there for days and weeks prior to the event.
You can promote your webinar/workshop on forums and discussion groups–which also promotes your website in an acceptable way.
It deserves a e-release/press release, which also promotes your site and business in a reputable manner.
Others will advertise for you. Don’t forget to contact online calendar sites. You might be able to spin your helpful seminar (even consider offering it at little or no charge) so that it’s considered a community service–which means even more sites will promote it for you (as well a contacting TV or radio).
You can send out e-queries to other sites because you have a reason to–your webinar.
You get to expand your database of contacts.
All seminars have you register, which means that you can ask for pertinent information such as email address, mailing address and other information.
Webinars and online workshops don’t need to be live. In fact, if they’re text based, you can collect questions and then respond over the next 12-24 hours, which is a smart way to avoid live chat or streaming broadcast problems. Text based seminars also allow you to hold the copyright, which means you can take the information you’ve gathered and use it in future e-books, brochures, newsletters or website content.
With an investment in software and a little brainstorming, you can take your own conference and workshop notes and turn them into a dynamic webinar or online workshop that engages your current clients and reaches out to your potential target audience. And in today’s climate, online webinars and workshops allow you to offer your services to the online world.
Posted in Networking for Small Business, Tools for Small Business, Uncategorized, Video Marketing | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Keeping your customers satisfied in these economically hard times is the smartest investment of your time and efforts. As a small business, you are in a unique position–you can show you care. Larger businesses don’t have the one-to-one relationship you do. Now is the time to think about your customer’s needs and take the time to reconnect.
Four Keys to Connecting With Your Customers:
1. Send an email or pick up the phone. If you have clients you’ve known for years, now is the time to check on them. Don’t solicit new work. Ask if how they’re doing, and if they’re satisfied with your product or service. Take the time to listen. If they’ve recently been laid off, they might appreciate someone who lets them vent for a few minutes. This is about support and connection. Ask if there’s anything you can do to provide them better service. It’s much harder to let a service go if there’s a strong connection.
2. Redefine Your Focus. It’s time to get really good at what you’re good at. By that I mean, let go of what isn’t working. It’s time to streamline. Upgrade, update, and become relavant to the new market. What’s in? For some businesses, it’s all about going green. For other businesses, it’s on specializing. Find out what’s relevant for you.
3. Join forces. Partnerships just make sense. You have products, services, and business goals in common and complimentary to other businesses. You might find them in your own or nearby community, or you might find them online as you blog, do keyword searches, or on a forum. Get to know them and find out what’s working and where you can join forces. When forming a partnership, be clear. Know what you have to give, and what you expect in return. Start small and build. Trust is built one rung at a time.
4. Get active on the ‘Net. It’s time to shore up holes in the wall. You may not be booming with new customers, so when you’re not, use your time to finish your web pages, adding content, keywords and links to every page. Consider your next online step. Start with direct customer interaction. Consider an e-newsletter, or regular emails with coupons, discounts, and helpful how-to hints.
Yes, these are economically challenging times, but don’t lose heart. Many economic gurus believe that small businesses will come out on top when it’s all said and done. It requires a crazy mix of taking one day at a time and having a really solid game plan. Connecting with your customers might just be the determining factor–so be consistent, call or email. Be of help, and do all you can to keep your small businesses name on your customer’s mind for all the right reasons.
Tags: internet marketing for small businesses, Local Internet Marketing
Posted in E-mail Marketing for Small Business, Networking for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Small businesses provide services and products that keep the world going ’round. Many small “potatoes” later grow into big businesses because they were ahead of the curve and provided something new that filled a need. Enter the World Wide Web. You’re a small business, but now, you have the chance to be viewed by millions. That’s impressive, by small business standards. People have questions, and you’ve got answers, and one of the best cites for people who have questions is Yahoo Answers–and that’s where you come in.
Yahoo! Answers is a great place to share what you know and help folks out. It’s an active communitiy and it does have a devoted following. Yahoo! Answers is now the the second most popular Internet reference site–second only to Wikipedia.
On Yahoo! Answers, people from all over type in a question, and it’s categorized on Yahoo! Answers, and people like you find those questions and answer them–and these are your potential customers who have just “found” you–because chances are, if you have one question, you might be in need of a product or service. These questions are short and to the point–and your answer should be as well. You can spend as little as a half hour to a couple of hours a week answering a few questions, which will lead people back to your website/blog where they can learn more about you.
Yahoo Answers is easy, and many people use it as an alternative social media site–for networking purposes. As on any site, be polite, be helpful, cite your sources (including your own website and blog)–and be professional. Also check under varying categories. People are supposed to ask questions and then place them in the appropriate category, but let’s face it–things get misplaced, so check around.
Yahoo! Answers Basics:
You must open Yahoo! ID, using either a Yahoo! avatar or Yahoo! 360° picture. You can also create a profile that will contain your website, email, and other info such as your blog.
You can ask a question by having a Yahoo! account–but you have to have at least 5 positive points. Questions are open for four days–unless the poster takes it down–and it can be up for as long as 8 days.
Another interesing aspect of Yahoo! Answers is that you can earn points. The best questions are featured on Yahoo!’s 360° blog page. The points system is weighted. This is meant to help encourage users to answer questions. There are levels that have point thresholds, which then allow great site access. give more site access. “Best Answer” for a question answered gets 10 points, which is voted on by the comnunity, and yeah, you can vote for your own answer. All this is meant to encourage involvement. If you do really well, you’ll receive an orange badge and named “top contributor” in that category–which means your answers are respected.
Is all this worth it? Yes, it is. While some people follow Yahoo! Answers as a social network, other people are really there just to get a questioned answered. There are many categories, and it’s quite likely that you can drop by and answer a few, and then watch your small business website and blog traffic increase–and that’s not a bad thing.
Tags: internet marketing for small businesses, social media marketing, yahoo
Posted in Networking for Small Business, Small Business Internet Marketing, Social Media | 1 Comment »
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