The importance of celebrating fellow bloggers
Image by fredcavazza via Flickr
The last post I had on here was celebrating a fun post by my good friend Kelly Cain Smith. Her blog is always creative, personal and inspiring! Today I’m going to highlight another blogger who is always good about celebrating the people he meets!
Bruce Brown has become a local legend in our community for his early adaptation of social media, particularly in video form. He is also a skilled networker, attending up to 3 events in one evening if he can! At each of these events Bruce is on hand with his camera and small video camera ready to capture faces and the feel of the event. We all groan and laugh when the camera is aimed at us, but secretly I know we all love it! It makes you feel important while he takes it and the next day when he shares it on his blog. That’s right the next day! He quickly edits all the pieces together and writes a review of the event. How does he do it so quick? Well for one thing he’s up around 4am every day, sharing positive thoughts, encouragement, and more!
I have begun doing some work in Internet Marketing, or Search Engine Marketing (SEM) as the new term has been coined. Several of the blogs and podcasts that I have been reading suggest you visit blogs relevant to your area of expertise or that are of interest to you. You then comment on the blogs with a link back to your website or Twitter account with the hope that this will build your ranking in the various search engines. But I think something is missing. If you really enjoy a blog or article, don’t just comment on it, share it! Post it to Twitter with your comment, post it on Facebook or hit the “Like” button. Even better, share a quick link on your own blog and mention why you like them.
You can check out Bruce Brown’s Blog here. There are several events that you can read up on, video blogs of Bruce, and more.
Related articles by Zemanta
- 8 Ways to Get Inspiration as a Blogger (famousbloggers.net)
- 11 Habits Of “A” List Bloggers (shoutmeloud.com)
Fonts, oh how I love thee!
Image via Wikipedia
Ok peeps! I love fonts! I don’t get to do as much design work as I would like, but when I do, I like to play with the shape of letters. Typography was my favorite course, after I got through it. Thank you Blair Ligon for the education!
So here it is my shameless plug of a friend’s site where she shares a bunch of great handwritten fonts! Check out Kelly Cain Smith at KCS Designs for this and other great ideas! I really love her refurbished furniture!
For some other amazing fonts that are just plain fun check out this site from Delicious.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Font Madness and Finding Frustration (arnoldit.com)
- Typography or “How a font can redefine an idea…” (moebiusadventures.com)
The Benefits of Free Seminars
Image via CrunchBase
Today I was fortunate enough to sit in on a free seminar offered by local Action Coach Reggie Shropshire. This program titled “So you have a website, now what?” was a 3 part presentation. Reggie provided basic information on websites and the importance of placement on Google. Then Kent Millholland with NeoNexus gave a presentation on web marketing and link building. Lastly Matt Davis of Your Best Sales Person gave a presentation on web videos and testimonials. Each section was informative and clear with good visual examples.
This was FREE! Reggie regularly offers seminars on a variety of subjects that can boost business and sales. They are sometimes after work, or like this one on a Wednesday morning. There are several other companies and businesses in town that offer classes. The local community college brings in experts to teach seminars on a regular basis once a week.
What offerings are in your town? Are you waiting around till you raise enough money to pay to go to a sales clinic or other program? Stop and search online. Not only do you get some amazing education, but you will meet other local business owners and get to network!
I learned several tips and tricks today that I’ll be applying to my website, so look for changes!
Outsourcing: The new trend
Image via Wikipedia
We used to hear the word “outsource” and cringe. It was the sound of jobs leaving the area and possibly going overseas. It was the idea that instead of a friendly southern accent when you called the cable company, someone far away with little idea of your lifestyle would answer the phone. Is this still occuring? Of course. But now to “outsource” for your business is the new way to save overhead and produce results.
Marketing firms used to be large corporations, taking up multiple floors in a building, or even the whole building. They had HR departments to handle all the employees and mail rooms were a foot in the door. Now, a marketing firm can be as few as 3 people.
My firm is just one person, me. But I have a team that I rely on to help my clients. I am a professional when it comes to outsourcing. I spend the majority of my time connecting my clients with skilled professionals. Sometimes I find someone to complete the task at hand and bill my client. Other times if the job is bigger I refer them to the company and sit in on some of the initial meetings. This is my strength, making connections.
I have several weaknesses, but I have worked hard to not only identify them, but find individuals and companies that can fill these gaps. You need a simple website, I know a guy. Going more complex with ecommerce, I have a web design firm. You haven’t had a vacation in years because you can’t close your business or leave it to employees, I know someone who is at your Bec and Call. Looking for someone to write a few press releases, or polish up the content on your website and brochures, check out my site for proof of my contact’s skills.
It is this team that allows me to operate as a large promotions firm. It gives me an edge, while I work at home with little overhead. I am able to personalize my service to each client because I am not relying on a single contact for each task. Every one of my clients has a unique personality, and I am able to place them with individuals and companies that match that personality.
How are you running your business? Are you hiring part time and full time employees for simple tasks that could be outsourced? Are you building a unique team of qualified individuals that you can call on as needed?
There are more benefits to outsourcing than just reduced overhead. Using individuals and small firms to help with design problems and promotions gives you a new outlook on your business. They are looking from the outside in, and are not held back by concerns of losing a job. They want you as a client, but their reputation is on the line as well. This allows them to provide you with a fresh, direct perspective on your business and the best way to promote it and advertise it.
The next time you head out to a networking event set yourself up with a new mindset.
Image via Wikipedia
Don’t go out looking for new clients. Go out looking for a team to support your business. Look for individuals that could help you as needed on special tasks. Look for businesses that would be a good partnership for yours. A mobile car detailing service should look for lawyers and financial advisors, they can offer them special discounts for their clients. A retail store can look for other service businesses to put together promotions with them to bring out new customers.
Build up your team and you are sure to find success.
Related articles by Zemanta
- 8 Tips for Using Virtual Assistants and Personal Outsourcing (sixrevisions.com)
- Yes, You Can Outsource Social Media (hightalk.net)
- Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your Social Media Marketing (verticalmeasures.com)
- How to Outsource Your Blog… Or Part of It (problogger.net)
Wilmington Twestival
- Image via CrunchBase
Here’s our short commercial for this year’s Twestival at The River Room.
On Thursday 25 March 2010, people in hundreds of cities around the world will come together offline to rally around the important cause of Education by hosting local events to have fun and create awareness. Twestival™ (or Twitter Festival) uses social media for social good. All of the local events are organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go direct to projects.
Wilmington’s Twestival will be held at The River Room from 5:30 to 10:00 pm on March 25th. Follow the link above to learn more!
Related articles by Zemanta
- IoF National Convention 2010 – the role of Twitter in fundraising (slideshare.net)
- What Exactly Does Twitter Want Us To Fly To? (techcrunch.com)
- Town Plans Foursquare ‘Foxhunt’ (thenextweb.com)
The Ticking Clock
I recently saw an ad while watching Hulu that was extremely effective but also a little anxiety inducing. You can watch it here:
Image via Wikipedia
What a great way to represent not only the importance of acting now but for whom we act. Why is this unnerving? Easy, just the sound of the ticking clock. It makes me think of the crocodile from Peter Pan, and Captain Hook. Now he had a real reason to be afraid of the sound of a ticking clock, but me I just don’t like to be rushed!
I’ve learned that to be effective in any effort you have to take your time. Rushing through a project because of a time crunch or because you just want it to be over will only result in one thing, a half done project.
You see this all the time in business Stores rush to put together a sale, when customers come in, there isn’t enough signage and half the staff doesn’t know what’s going on. You rush a proposal, and you can lose the job to someone who’s more prepared. You rush the growth of your business, and you end up providing poor service because you can’t accomodate the increase.
The fan in my home office where I often work, has a habit of making a ticking noise. One of the chains taps against the light fixture. I often put on music, or a movie I’ve seen, to drown out the noise. This allows me to stop thinking about how much time is passing and focus on my project and doing it right.
How can you stop the ticking clock in your life? Do you need to step out of your surroundings more? Maybe take 15 minutes everyday where you just enjoy the business you’ve built, the employees and the customers. Step out of the office or your store and take a stroll, get a new perspective. Go visit your competition and get ideas!
Related articles
- Knitting time into a comfy scarf with ’365 clock’ (greendiary.com)
- Scatterbrained Timekeepers – The ‘On the Fritz Wall Clock’ Runs on its Own Schedule (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)
Cheshire Cat
Image via Wikipedia
There’s a lot of buzz out about the new version of Alice in Wonderland. My favorite character was always the Cheshire Cat. I loved how he slowly dissappeared and reappeared, and his singing and laughing.
Lately I’ve been a bit of a Cheshire Cat with my business, appearing when I feel like it, and fading away when it’s super hectic. I need to be more of an Alice, curious about everything, and ready to take little leaps of faith. Growing and shrinking my business as the opportunities arise. What about you? Which character do you feel you’ve been lately?
Related articles by Zemanta
- Wisdom From Lewis Carroll (iflizwerequeen.com)
- Adventures in wonderland (sfgate.com)
- Projects ” Creations ” Alice In Wonderland Inspired Bracelet (cutoutandkeep.net)
Are you still there?
I was checking my voicemail today, and one in particular required me to write a reminder to myself in my calendar. As I wrote, the dulcet tones of the voicemail lady (who wants that job?) instructed me on my many options as to the storage and disposal of the message. When I did not enter in a numerical response, she politely asked “Are you still there?“.
Wow, did that get my brain turning. Of course I was still there, but was I really there in my mind. I had already begun planning the return call, the steps to complete my task, and the possible solution. I entered in the code to delete, hung up the phone and began contemplating the larger question.
So now I’m going to pose this question to myself, my clients, and you the reader. When you started your business where did you want it to go? How did you feel about the endeavor in the early stages (first weeks, first months, first year)? Are you still there?
We’re taught early on in life to plan things in advance. Set goals, reach for the stars, have a desired outcome. Yet somehow once we reach these goals we suffer a huge letdown. After the first dollar bill is framed,
First Dollar Bill Frame
the grand opening party over, 
or the first profit shown on the books we feel deflated. We set other goals bigger numbers, more success, but often these don’t live up to that initial fervor. Is it just a fact of life? I don’t think so.
There is a hunger that all of us feel in the first few days of a new job, new project, or other activity. Over time that fades with the monotony of the activity or the lack of stimulus or improvement. The goal is to remember that feeling, to keep that dedication, to strive to improve and excite. Every week, month, year you should be asking yourself Am I still there? In essence, you have to continue to promote yourself to yourself.
The definition of promote is: to contribute to the growth or prosperity of . Don’t you want to contribute to your own personal growth and prosperity? As a promoter I often have to coach clients to think big, set goals, and move forward when they’re unsure. I never ask them to do something I wouldn’t do myself. The hardest goals to set are stretch goals. We all set a vision for ourselves and our companies. But to truly attain that vision we have to stretch ourselves and set bars high. We can set quantitative goals, weekly goals, or even recognition goals but they must be large enough that they challenge us and excite our minds to dream.
Find some time for yourself, sit down and come up with a vision for yourself and one for your company/job. Then stretch your mind and set some great stretch goals. If it’s a quantitative goal, add 10% to what you think you can do, or even 20%. If it’s a weekly goal, challenge yourself to complete it before the week’s end. If it’s a recognition goal, double it! You’ll set smaller milestones for yourself that may need to be accomplished in order to reach these stretch goals, but each one will give you the sense of accomplishment we all crave.
So did you come up with an answer? Are you still there?
Related Links
http://www.leadershape.org/home.asp
Related articles by Zemanta
- How to Set Goals That are Meaningful (socyberty.com)
- Tips for Staying Focused on Your Goals (bloggingtips.com)
- Goal Setting, Whats In It For Me? (realgoalgetter.com)
To Survive a Recession, Become Cauliflower
Image via Wikipedia
Ah Cauliflower, the often overlooked, delicious alternative for so many vegetables. That’s right cauliflower. I know what you’re thinking. Does she mean the boring white vegetable that I sometimes eat becomes it comes in the bag with the frozen broccoli? Yes I do, and look again. It’s not white, it’s a wonderful shade of ivory with tints of green in the stem. It’s the combination of broccoli and cabbage. A wonderful nutty flavor, with a smooth texture, it’s no wonder restaurants have started substituting it for mashed potatoes.
How does this help your business? Easy, go to the store, buy some cauliflower, follow one of the recipes at the bottom of this blog, and be pleasantly surprised. Don’t you want your customers to be pleasantly surprised when they visit your store or use your services? I do, and that’s why I am becoming cauliflower.
Branching out is one of the easiest ways to turn your business around. Just as cauliflower is made up of several branches of yummy clusters, your business can also offer many alternatives to it’s client or customer. Many times I hear clients talk about new avenues they’ve thought of in the past or always wanted to try, but they then shake it off as if it was an incredulous thought, too grand for their business. Sometimes it is these ideas that could open new roads and possibilities. A bar that puts in a kitchen, a salon and day spa that treats every customer as if they are there for the full treatment.
Are you one of many of a type of business, a seemingly plain vegetable among the many colorful ones? Sure you could be flashy and change your logo, or your ad strategy. Or you could focus on being consistent, and letting the quality of your business speak for itself. Spending your time and money on flashy new ads and out of the box promotions are not the way to invest in a business. You can bring in all the new customers you want, but if you can’t keep them coming back and you’re losing your regulars, then you’re not making any money. It’s the one in one out strategy that bars use to keep numbers down for the fire marshall. They hate seeing the one leave, because he was spending more money to keep the party going, then the new one who is walking in will spend all night. The new clients you bring in aren’t as loyal as the ones that have been sticking by you in these rough economic times.
Now to the best part about cauliflower! It’s an amazing anti-cancer vegetable. It has at least 2 identifiable chemicals that fight tumor growth and cancer in general. I didn’t even know that until I researched it for this blog! No I’m not telling you to fight cancer, I’m telling you to surprise yourself and your customers with what you are capable of. Pitch some of your new ideas to your most loyal customers and see how they react. Want to add a new service or product? Offer it to your best customers or the ones who would benefit the most from it. Just one positive experience could be what you need to make the decision to offer it to everyone.
The recipes below are simple and surprising. They accentuate the natural goodness of the cauliflower. Try one out and while you eat make a list of products or services that you can add to your business that will only improve the nature of your business, without changing your quality. I myself just ate a delicious dinner with cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Brussel Sprouts? Oh yes, but that is for another day and another blog.
Recipes
Roasted Cauliflower (what I just ate)
Cream of Cauliflower and Stilton Soup
Related articles by Zemanta
- Cruciferous Vegetables – Good Health and Great Taste (lifescript.com)
- Oyster and Cauliflower Stew (notecook.com)
- You Are What You Eat: The forgotten flower (ballardnewstribune.com)
- HW Pick: Super-Easy Cauliflower Soup (harlemworldblog.wordpress.com)
Leave the Fires for the Firefighters
Image via Wikipedia
Often clients take for granted that their business is clearly defined or understood by the general public. If someone doesn’t know what you do, or has the wrong impression, why would they use you. The key is to always be educating them, and sometimes that means hiring a teaching assistant. That’s where a promoter or marketing firm comes into play. Let them become your gardner, they can sow the seeds of new business. Trying to fight a fire when you’re not a firefighter is an exercise in futility and dangerous. So is wading into the world of promotions and marketing without any training. Every day new companies pop up that promise quick results. Your company is not a product on an infomercial so why hire someone who will treat it like one. A good client/marketer relationship is key to succeed where others will fail.
How do you know if you’re picking the right one? Well some of it is a gut instinct, if you don’t like someone or the way they talk about their business or yours, don’t hire them. Just because they are successful, doesn’t mean they’ll be successful for you. A promoter or marketing firm should be as excited about your business as you are. They should be invested in its performance. Local companies are going to be more effective as well, because they know the market and live in the community.
Can you get online, post your info, and sign up for several sites? Sure. But do you have time to manage the information once it’s out there? Take what you make in a year (if you own your company and don’t take a salary, use your gross profit) and divide it by 8,760 (total hours in a year) that is how much you are worth on an hourly salary. Want an even bigger number? Divide by 2920 (total work hours based on an 8 hour day). Is it worth your time to sit at the computer online all day, or would you rather pay an expert in the field who can maximize their time and your money with targeted posts and pages.We are beyond the age of websites. Everyone has a dot.com name. I just bought my own name as a domain today, it was still available, so why not? It doesn’t mean that now I’m famous or that my business is going to grow exponentially. Navigating the mine field that is Social Networking, is not for everyone. It’s like the old adage sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
Other Resources
PR Sarah Evans
Behind the Creative Curtain
Open Forum by American Express
