Business Women Network
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
WE HAVE MOVED
Ladies! Don't miss out! We have moved our blog to www.businesswomennetwork.com, and unfortunately the blogger followers and wordpress don't transfer. So, come on over and subscribe to the feed ( no charge ) and you can continue to follow our great blog. You are already missing out! We love you all and will see you there!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Social Networking, it's Hot!
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, cry if I want to.... Whatever!
Social Networking is so hot right now, it is almost ridiculous. You need to join and frankly host the party. But as we wind our way through the social networking maze, there are some great tips to remember.
#1 Don't over commit.
So, yes, I have joined too many social networks..... so many in fact that I am wasting my time away and not maximizing my business effectively. Pick 5 of your favorite social networks and do just that, network. At Twitter Wahm we have a printable spreadsheet that allows you to write the networks down that you want to keep up with and allot the amount of time (15-30 minutes) you want to schedule towards each network. You don't need to join 25 networks and fail miserably at providing a platform for your business, just pick five and commit to doing a fantastic job at each. Social Networking is a great free tool to get your business out there, but it is not the only tool. There is much more work to be done.
#2 We don't want your business, we want to get to know you.
If you plaster your business all over your tweets and posts, it doesn't really do it for me, but if you make a joke, let me get to know you better, then I am more apt to listen about your business, and better yet, refer it! It doesn't mean you shouldn't always link to your blog or business page, but you do need to talk about something else at the same time. Be personable. Let me in, I will bite.(that is a good thing)
#3 I know you will cry if you want to.....but do you want to?
Stay away from negativity. If we don't know you and don't have the passion or interest in your complaints, we will stop listening. Yes, in politics and celebrity, negativity and rumor sells, but for lasting customer relationships, it doesn't. We have enough on our own plate, why do we want your plate too?
#4 Remember who your friends are.
Just because you said "hi" to someone on a post or tweet doesn't mean they will remember you. Talk with those that reply to you over and over. This is your customer service angle. Just because they aren't a customer yet, they will be your friend. And good friends make great customers. Don't forget, a lot of business is about perception, the more people you talk to and respond to, the more friends and customers you are perceived to have, thus the more successful you look. If they are buying, then why aren't I? I probably should.... I will....give me 5. (See how this works)
Remember to work the network, don't let the network work you. Personalize all of your profiles with links, emails, quotes, anything that allows another person in your network to attach to you.
Go out there and get your network working.
And as always if you would like to comment on this blog or would like to contact me with questions about your business, don't hesitate to email me at info@businesswomennetwork.com.
DON'T FORGET OUR "HOW TO MAKE MONEY ON TWITTER" report.
Social Networking is so hot right now, it is almost ridiculous. You need to join and frankly host the party. But as we wind our way through the social networking maze, there are some great tips to remember.
#1 Don't over commit.
So, yes, I have joined too many social networks..... so many in fact that I am wasting my time away and not maximizing my business effectively. Pick 5 of your favorite social networks and do just that, network. At Twitter Wahm we have a printable spreadsheet that allows you to write the networks down that you want to keep up with and allot the amount of time (15-30 minutes) you want to schedule towards each network. You don't need to join 25 networks and fail miserably at providing a platform for your business, just pick five and commit to doing a fantastic job at each. Social Networking is a great free tool to get your business out there, but it is not the only tool. There is much more work to be done.
#2 We don't want your business, we want to get to know you.
If you plaster your business all over your tweets and posts, it doesn't really do it for me, but if you make a joke, let me get to know you better, then I am more apt to listen about your business, and better yet, refer it! It doesn't mean you shouldn't always link to your blog or business page, but you do need to talk about something else at the same time. Be personable. Let me in, I will bite.(that is a good thing)
#3 I know you will cry if you want to.....but do you want to?
Stay away from negativity. If we don't know you and don't have the passion or interest in your complaints, we will stop listening. Yes, in politics and celebrity, negativity and rumor sells, but for lasting customer relationships, it doesn't. We have enough on our own plate, why do we want your plate too?
#4 Remember who your friends are.
Just because you said "hi" to someone on a post or tweet doesn't mean they will remember you. Talk with those that reply to you over and over. This is your customer service angle. Just because they aren't a customer yet, they will be your friend. And good friends make great customers. Don't forget, a lot of business is about perception, the more people you talk to and respond to, the more friends and customers you are perceived to have, thus the more successful you look. If they are buying, then why aren't I? I probably should.... I will....give me 5. (See how this works)
Remember to work the network, don't let the network work you. Personalize all of your profiles with links, emails, quotes, anything that allows another person in your network to attach to you.
Go out there and get your network working.
And as always if you would like to comment on this blog or would like to contact me with questions about your business, don't hesitate to email me at info@businesswomennetwork.com.
DON'T FORGET OUR "HOW TO MAKE MONEY ON TWITTER" report.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Radio Schmadio
Well, I have made my radio debut on Blog Talk Radio. I am partnering with WAHM Addicts for a WAHM 101 radio show. It is amazing the comments that I have received about the program and hope you can all follow along. You can check it the past programs out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WAHM-Addicts.
Our first show was about analyzing your business and customer base. My second show was on financing and budgets.
Wow! Can I tell you how much I hate talking about money. It is never easy to budget and manage your business, but necessary.
If we like it or not, the most important step to success is organization. I am not talking just about blackberries, outlook and calendars, but also spreadsheets, Quickbooks and understanding where your money is coming from and going.
One of the biggest mistakes that one can make when running their business is co-mingling their funds. If you have thousands in your business account or $30, keeping the funds separate can only help you and your business, separate receipts, accounts, accounting sheets, etc.
It is easy to lose sight of your financial stability when funds are moving freely between your business and checking accounts.
If you are organizationally challenged and the task seems too daunting..... take a deep breath.
Give yourself a few goals every week to take your steps towards understanding you finances. Dec. 31st is a long way away.
But just as importantly, give yourself a break. Once you have made the steps to keep your finances in check, you need to relax. Yes, some of us may have debt for years, but as long as we are paying our payments and not continuing to spend, there is nothing else to do but to live your life. Don't let your business finances ruin the time spent with your loved ones.
Get your work done, then go live your life.
Our first show was about analyzing your business and customer base. My second show was on financing and budgets.
Wow! Can I tell you how much I hate talking about money. It is never easy to budget and manage your business, but necessary.
If we like it or not, the most important step to success is organization. I am not talking just about blackberries, outlook and calendars, but also spreadsheets, Quickbooks and understanding where your money is coming from and going.
One of the biggest mistakes that one can make when running their business is co-mingling their funds. If you have thousands in your business account or $30, keeping the funds separate can only help you and your business, separate receipts, accounts, accounting sheets, etc.
It is easy to lose sight of your financial stability when funds are moving freely between your business and checking accounts.
If you are organizationally challenged and the task seems too daunting..... take a deep breath.
Give yourself a few goals every week to take your steps towards understanding you finances. Dec. 31st is a long way away.
But just as importantly, give yourself a break. Once you have made the steps to keep your finances in check, you need to relax. Yes, some of us may have debt for years, but as long as we are paying our payments and not continuing to spend, there is nothing else to do but to live your life. Don't let your business finances ruin the time spent with your loved ones.
Get your work done, then go live your life.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This is America, I want a bailout!
Absolutely, this is America, and I am sure all of us would welcome a bailout, but at what price?
As you turn to the news, you see bank after bank, company after company getting bailouts. I have come to wonder, if one of my businesses were close to bankruptcy who would offer me a bailout? No one.
When starting or trying to grow a business, fiscal conservancy is paramount. Yes, there will be time you will have to take a risk. There will be a time when your business may have to borrow money.
Don't do that now. Pounding the pavement for free advertising is a lot of work, but worth it.
Don't rush to borrow money for your business.
If you have a local product or business, then get out there locally first.
Join groups, invite those you want the attention of to lunch, make yourself known to be the first customer and cheerleader for your fabulous business.
Don't feel that it would be a stretch for individuals to be interested in you or your business. Your confidence is essential in sales.
Don't be made to feel like you are imposing, the fact is, everyone has an agenda, if they admit it or not. Just make your imprint on individuals a positive one. If someone you know isn't interested, don't be offended, say thank you and move on. It isn't your problem that they will miss out. This works online as well.
Once you have tried every physical and digital option to market your business for free, then you can consider a loan or line of credit.
I knew a woman that had a successful sales pitch, her own board of investors, and needed to grow her business further to maximize its potential worth. But, every time she wanted to expand or try a new concept she would ask for more money from her board. Or, she would ask new investors to participate. Rather than build her business the hard way with less debt to repay, she would keep hiring and expanding off of borrowed funds, eventually those funds will run dry and she will have less profit and capital at the end for herself.
To me that is silly, yes, business takes time, good business takes even longer time. But when an investor does come in to look at your company, you need to show them the lengths you have gone to to build a customer base and profitable business.
Easy money, is as likely as winning the lottery. Don't sell your abilities short. You have a lot more to offer than a borrower. You have a goal and the will. Show 'em you can take the reigns and run with them. That is the most attractive and impressive of all.
As you turn to the news, you see bank after bank, company after company getting bailouts. I have come to wonder, if one of my businesses were close to bankruptcy who would offer me a bailout? No one.
When starting or trying to grow a business, fiscal conservancy is paramount. Yes, there will be time you will have to take a risk. There will be a time when your business may have to borrow money.
Don't do that now. Pounding the pavement for free advertising is a lot of work, but worth it.
Don't rush to borrow money for your business.
If you have a local product or business, then get out there locally first.
Join groups, invite those you want the attention of to lunch, make yourself known to be the first customer and cheerleader for your fabulous business.
Don't feel that it would be a stretch for individuals to be interested in you or your business. Your confidence is essential in sales.
Don't be made to feel like you are imposing, the fact is, everyone has an agenda, if they admit it or not. Just make your imprint on individuals a positive one. If someone you know isn't interested, don't be offended, say thank you and move on. It isn't your problem that they will miss out. This works online as well.
Once you have tried every physical and digital option to market your business for free, then you can consider a loan or line of credit.
I knew a woman that had a successful sales pitch, her own board of investors, and needed to grow her business further to maximize its potential worth. But, every time she wanted to expand or try a new concept she would ask for more money from her board. Or, she would ask new investors to participate. Rather than build her business the hard way with less debt to repay, she would keep hiring and expanding off of borrowed funds, eventually those funds will run dry and she will have less profit and capital at the end for herself.
To me that is silly, yes, business takes time, good business takes even longer time. But when an investor does come in to look at your company, you need to show them the lengths you have gone to to build a customer base and profitable business.
Easy money, is as likely as winning the lottery. Don't sell your abilities short. You have a lot more to offer than a borrower. You have a goal and the will. Show 'em you can take the reigns and run with them. That is the most attractive and impressive of all.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Reciprocity
Give and you shall receive. The beauty of reciprocity is the mutual respect or action taken toward another individual or in our case business.
Now the mom blogger's of the world have this step down pat. But we need to understand the steps and importance to being reciprocal and how to do it effectively.
Some businesses out there would say, "I'd rather pay a large site with more traffic to put my ad on", or "I want someone to pay me to put their advertising on my site or in my comments".
Here is the deal, yes you can make money by others advertising on your site, but two paid ads with blank or "advertise here" space won't give your site the credibility that 7 free ads will. With your site advertising for 7 others, it makes your website look more read, more visited, therefore more credible, transversely, 2 ads may have made you $50 for the month but made the site look new, not desirable, or lower traffic. And, although posting other blogs that you read is fun and sweet, I would only post the ads for blogs that tie in a business or service, again a credibility issue. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good blogs out there, but in the business world, the perceived success is how much money you are bringing in from advertising, products, etc.
You may need to try this step for a few months to make sure people are seeing and believing your presence online.
Obviously once you are contacted for advertising that pays, then you send a thank you note to those free ads that will be replaced for paying ads and maybe make a mention of how much you like the products/blogs from the free advertisers in a post or two.
REMEMBER, there is no reason, other than the other advertisers themselves, that the public needs to know those ads are free. In addition you should have an ad rate card ready from the beginning so you are prepared when you receive these requests.
It is all about the give and take, with the nagging reminder of perception. Do another business a favor, they will almost always return it.
Other ways to reciprocate other than advertising space, is mention of other businesses in posts, comments, thank you's, etc. Or, try a partnership for a giveaway. I am not talking about a $10 cooler, but with two or three of you partnering, you can afford a more comprehensive giveaway. Even if it is a compilation of all the partners products tied up with a bow. The way to make that work would be that all three partners would advertise the giveaway with a tile ad, a few posts and links to the other partners. Work together. There is no reason to go it alone, especially if you are a new site, that does not matter, if your information is smart and actionable, you will start to see the response.
Business is all about working the outlets you have available, and reciprocity is usually a free or low cost way to build visibility, confidence and credibility. If someone turns you down, go onto the next. Don' waste your time on those that have the huge numbers, focus on those that will appreciate and return your business, because they see the value in the partnership too.
Good Luck!
Now the mom blogger's of the world have this step down pat. But we need to understand the steps and importance to being reciprocal and how to do it effectively.
Some businesses out there would say, "I'd rather pay a large site with more traffic to put my ad on", or "I want someone to pay me to put their advertising on my site or in my comments".
Here is the deal, yes you can make money by others advertising on your site, but two paid ads with blank or "advertise here" space won't give your site the credibility that 7 free ads will. With your site advertising for 7 others, it makes your website look more read, more visited, therefore more credible, transversely, 2 ads may have made you $50 for the month but made the site look new, not desirable, or lower traffic. And, although posting other blogs that you read is fun and sweet, I would only post the ads for blogs that tie in a business or service, again a credibility issue. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good blogs out there, but in the business world, the perceived success is how much money you are bringing in from advertising, products, etc.
You may need to try this step for a few months to make sure people are seeing and believing your presence online.
Obviously once you are contacted for advertising that pays, then you send a thank you note to those free ads that will be replaced for paying ads and maybe make a mention of how much you like the products/blogs from the free advertisers in a post or two.
REMEMBER, there is no reason, other than the other advertisers themselves, that the public needs to know those ads are free. In addition you should have an ad rate card ready from the beginning so you are prepared when you receive these requests.
It is all about the give and take, with the nagging reminder of perception. Do another business a favor, they will almost always return it.
Other ways to reciprocate other than advertising space, is mention of other businesses in posts, comments, thank you's, etc. Or, try a partnership for a giveaway. I am not talking about a $10 cooler, but with two or three of you partnering, you can afford a more comprehensive giveaway. Even if it is a compilation of all the partners products tied up with a bow. The way to make that work would be that all three partners would advertise the giveaway with a tile ad, a few posts and links to the other partners. Work together. There is no reason to go it alone, especially if you are a new site, that does not matter, if your information is smart and actionable, you will start to see the response.
Business is all about working the outlets you have available, and reciprocity is usually a free or low cost way to build visibility, confidence and credibility. If someone turns you down, go onto the next. Don' waste your time on those that have the huge numbers, focus on those that will appreciate and return your business, because they see the value in the partnership too.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ERROR!
Well even the people that know about business have an error even now and then. Yesterday I posted information about our new FREE Twitter Tutorial.....but we had an error on the sign up sheet! If you are interested in maximizing your visibility on Twitter and the effective use of time, please try again. We have fixed the bugs and you can now sign in with ease. Just go to Twitter Tutorial, or copy and paste the following link. www.businesswomennetwork.com/Twitter.html
And thank you all for the comments on this new blog. We look forward to providing you with new information that will assist your business.
And thank you all for the comments on this new blog. We look forward to providing you with new information that will assist your business.
Monday, March 23, 2009
TWITTER!
Well, I try not to always just plug what we are doing, but this time I am so excited, why not?
Twitter is hot, even if you don't know what it is, you have definitely heard of it.
Have you also heard of the Twitter time suck, or the Facebook time suck? When time, applications, or mere confusion overwhelms your time and before you know it, your day has been whizzing by!
So, a major portion of us not only want to be on the latest trend, but we want to master it. There are literally over 30 Twitter applications, some better than others. And then there is the question, what do I say? Again, some tweets are better than others, or the "why would they follow me"....because that is the point.
Well, we did it! Business Women Network put together a free 10 page tutorial on Twitter. Not only on tweeting, but the best applications, what to tweet, how to conference and network, how to get a bigger network, how to monetize Twitter, etc. You can print it out, mark it up and give your business that leg up on Twitter that you have been wanting for that last 4 months.
Check it out here! Its Free to sign up and then we will email it to you!
Sign up at www.businesswomennetwork.com/Twitter/html.
Twitter is hot, even if you don't know what it is, you have definitely heard of it.
Have you also heard of the Twitter time suck, or the Facebook time suck? When time, applications, or mere confusion overwhelms your time and before you know it, your day has been whizzing by!
So, a major portion of us not only want to be on the latest trend, but we want to master it. There are literally over 30 Twitter applications, some better than others. And then there is the question, what do I say? Again, some tweets are better than others, or the "why would they follow me"....because that is the point.
Well, we did it! Business Women Network put together a free 10 page tutorial on Twitter. Not only on tweeting, but the best applications, what to tweet, how to conference and network, how to get a bigger network, how to monetize Twitter, etc. You can print it out, mark it up and give your business that leg up on Twitter that you have been wanting for that last 4 months.
Check it out here! Its Free to sign up and then we will email it to you!
Sign up at www.businesswomennetwork.com/Twitter/html.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Top Social Media Sites
Ning, Twitter, Blogger, Flckr, Facebook, and the list goes on and on. So, I have my favorites like Twitter, TwitterWahm.com, Facebook. But when listing your business, networking and making friends, what are the Top Ranking sites Obviously some social sites we visit are more because we like the nature and people of the site, rather than their popularity, but in our marketing arsenal we also need to know what sites get the most traffic.
ALEXA.com was my new best friend today as I researched the top social networking sites. While I was there I came across the top 200 most visited sites, in those 200 I found 15 social networking sites (english speaking).
(If you don't know what alexa.com is, it is a ranking website for websites all over the globe and it ranks each sites traffic.) Yes, I was totally intrigued....or bored, I really couldn't tell.
So here are the 15 sites in the top 200:
Youtube.com,
Myspace.com
Facebook.com
Blogger.com
Hi5.com
Photobucket.com
Flickr.com
Friendster.com
Skyrock.com
Perfspot.com
About.com
Bebo.com
Digg.com
Imeem.com
Linkedin.com
Now, we all know how popular Twitter is and with all the press lately, I am sure it will shoot up the list in the next 5 or 6 months.
So I would include Twitter.com a must.
Yes, I know no one would be perfect in implementing all of these social networks, but how about trying one network for each media source. A balanced portfolio for Social Networking would look something like this, Twitter (real time chat/party), Facebook, actual friends and associates, Youtube.com for how to's and webinars (invite friends to view), photobucket.com, post pictures and share with your old and new network, Imeem.com pick and share music, and Blogger.com (every good business and networker needs a blog). To recap, we have chat, video, photo, friends, and blogs, then include one specialty site like ActiveRain.com if you are in Real Estate, or TwitterMoms.com if you are focusing on mothers, etc.
I know this looks daunting, but some of these networks take more time then others, like for photos,videos, or songs, just post your favorites, then move on, Twitter and Facebook however are definitely time suckers, so you have to regulate your time spent on each site.
With each of these sights the goal is to make friends, meet more people and link, link, link to your blog and main website.
Are you not entertained? (I always wanted say that)
Ok so get ready..get set...GO OUT AND GET STARTED.
P.S. Often when businesses are started, or are just barely surviving, we make choices that are not always effective. Sign up for this free news letter to free yourself from the guessing game of social media, SEO, marketing and keeping your focus. Click here for your free Newsletter http://www.businesswomennetwork.com/ .
ALEXA.com was my new best friend today as I researched the top social networking sites. While I was there I came across the top 200 most visited sites, in those 200 I found 15 social networking sites (english speaking).
(If you don't know what alexa.com is, it is a ranking website for websites all over the globe and it ranks each sites traffic.) Yes, I was totally intrigued....or bored, I really couldn't tell.
So here are the 15 sites in the top 200:
Youtube.com,
Myspace.com
Facebook.com
Blogger.com
Hi5.com
Photobucket.com
Flickr.com
Friendster.com
Skyrock.com
Perfspot.com
About.com
Bebo.com
Digg.com
Imeem.com
Linkedin.com
Now, we all know how popular Twitter is and with all the press lately, I am sure it will shoot up the list in the next 5 or 6 months.
So I would include Twitter.com a must.
Yes, I know no one would be perfect in implementing all of these social networks, but how about trying one network for each media source. A balanced portfolio for Social Networking would look something like this, Twitter (real time chat/party), Facebook, actual friends and associates, Youtube.com for how to's and webinars (invite friends to view), photobucket.com, post pictures and share with your old and new network, Imeem.com pick and share music, and Blogger.com (every good business and networker needs a blog). To recap, we have chat, video, photo, friends, and blogs, then include one specialty site like ActiveRain.com if you are in Real Estate, or TwitterMoms.com if you are focusing on mothers, etc.
I know this looks daunting, but some of these networks take more time then others, like for photos,videos, or songs, just post your favorites, then move on, Twitter and Facebook however are definitely time suckers, so you have to regulate your time spent on each site.
With each of these sights the goal is to make friends, meet more people and link, link, link to your blog and main website.
Are you not entertained? (I always wanted say that)
Ok so get ready..get set...GO OUT AND GET STARTED.
P.S. Often when businesses are started, or are just barely surviving, we make choices that are not always effective. Sign up for this free news letter to free yourself from the guessing game of social media, SEO, marketing and keeping your focus. Click here for your free Newsletter http://www.businesswomennetwork.com/ .
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What do you do when there is no one there?
So, as much technical and financial startup new businesses can require, there is also the emotional.
You may read this and think that this post is a little touchy feely. It may be. But, if you haven't experienced real disappointment yet, brace yourself, it will come.
In my varied background, I have experience as a realtor. Someone once told me, "Dont get in this business if you can't take it that your Grandma may list with someone else."
It's true. As it is with web, retail, design and any other business.
What do you do when your support system has let you down. When those you have trusted are no longer reliable, or worse yet, they try to sabotage your business in some way.
Hurtful? Yes. Life changing? Maybe. A sign to throw in the towel? No, definitely not.
There is nothing that knocks the wind out of you more than a little betrayal.
But, here is the solution to your new found suffocation...... So what? So what if your closest friend throws you in front of the bus. Who are they? Why do we care? Because we are human, women, and possibly emotional (totally, me), that is why we care. But, no one is your bigger advocate than yourself. Your friends betrayal.......(listen to me closely)...... it is their problem!
You need a confident sales person for your business, and that person should be you. Business brings about many obstacles and it is when we pass the first one, that we gain the courage to jump over the next. "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again".
Really, no one can get in your way but yourself. Show those that doubt you, that they really are as stupid as they have acted. Remove them from your life and get going again.
You may read this and think that this post is a little touchy feely. It may be. But, if you haven't experienced real disappointment yet, brace yourself, it will come.
In my varied background, I have experience as a realtor. Someone once told me, "Dont get in this business if you can't take it that your Grandma may list with someone else."
It's true. As it is with web, retail, design and any other business.
What do you do when your support system has let you down. When those you have trusted are no longer reliable, or worse yet, they try to sabotage your business in some way.
Hurtful? Yes. Life changing? Maybe. A sign to throw in the towel? No, definitely not.
There is nothing that knocks the wind out of you more than a little betrayal.
But, here is the solution to your new found suffocation...... So what? So what if your closest friend throws you in front of the bus. Who are they? Why do we care? Because we are human, women, and possibly emotional (totally, me), that is why we care. But, no one is your bigger advocate than yourself. Your friends betrayal.......(listen to me closely)...... it is their problem!
You need a confident sales person for your business, and that person should be you. Business brings about many obstacles and it is when we pass the first one, that we gain the courage to jump over the next. "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again".
Really, no one can get in your way but yourself. Show those that doubt you, that they really are as stupid as they have acted. Remove them from your life and get going again.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
3 things you need if you want more customers
So, while thinking of content for my blog I do a little research, and one of my favorite blogs to read is Seth Godin's, he is a marketing genius. So, I thought I would share some of his thoughts with you:
"Three things you need if you want more customers
If you want to grow, you need new customers. And if you want new customers, you need three things:
1. A group of possible customers you can identify and reach.
2. A group with a problem they want to solve using your solution.
3. A group with the desire and ability to spend money to solve that problem.
You'd be amazed at how often new businesses or new ventures have none of these. The first one is critical, because if you don't have permission, or knowledge, or word of mouth, you're invisible.
The Zune didn't have #2.
A service aimed at creating videos for bestselling authors doesn't have #1.
And a counseling service helping people cut back on Big Mac consumption doesn't have #3."
- Seth Godin
"Three things you need if you want more customers
If you want to grow, you need new customers. And if you want new customers, you need three things:
1. A group of possible customers you can identify and reach.
2. A group with a problem they want to solve using your solution.
3. A group with the desire and ability to spend money to solve that problem.
You'd be amazed at how often new businesses or new ventures have none of these. The first one is critical, because if you don't have permission, or knowledge, or word of mouth, you're invisible.
The Zune didn't have #2.
A service aimed at creating videos for bestselling authors doesn't have #1.
And a counseling service helping people cut back on Big Mac consumption doesn't have #3."
- Seth Godin
Sunday, February 15, 2009
It's never the right time to start.
So, when you have an idea in your head, but can't seem to shake it. What do you do from there? It never seems like it is the right time to start. But, it always seems like that, with every major decision. Never the right time for a baby, or change your job, to ask for a promotion.
The only thing holding us back is fear. So, lets squash that fear. Whatever it is you are trying to accomplish, what ever business you are trying to start.
It is the time..... if you find yourself too busy to get a hold on your business, first make a list of the top 10 things you need to do to get started. Then schedule 10, 15, 20 minutes a day towards each task. Once you get going and hopefully a little addicted you will find a little more time each day towards the beginning of your business.
Have you ever known a homeschool family? I know quite a few. It amazes me how quickly they get their work done during the day. How is that possible? My kids are in school 7 hours a day and still accomplish the same thing.
It is all about effeciency. There is more time wasted in a day then most might suspect. Don't provide your business with the excuses to fail.
Now is the time to start.
Life needs to either progress or regress but it never stands still.
The only thing holding us back is fear. So, lets squash that fear. Whatever it is you are trying to accomplish, what ever business you are trying to start.
It is the time..... if you find yourself too busy to get a hold on your business, first make a list of the top 10 things you need to do to get started. Then schedule 10, 15, 20 minutes a day towards each task. Once you get going and hopefully a little addicted you will find a little more time each day towards the beginning of your business.
Have you ever known a homeschool family? I know quite a few. It amazes me how quickly they get their work done during the day. How is that possible? My kids are in school 7 hours a day and still accomplish the same thing.
It is all about effeciency. There is more time wasted in a day then most might suspect. Don't provide your business with the excuses to fail.
Now is the time to start.
Life needs to either progress or regress but it never stands still.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Cool Applications for Your Iphone
It sometimes seems a little daunting to hunt and find that applications for your Iphone. The BWN has found a few that are genius in helping us balance their life a little better. Here are a few tools to aide you in all of the aspects of juggling your life.
Women Calendar: This application from Apptism tracks your monthly visitor. No more guessing or being unprepared for that time of the month.
Emergency Info: The ICE iPhone application provides emergency personnel or EMT's vital information that might save your life.
Here's a really cool application for the iPhone: Heart Monitor uses the iPhone microphone—especially the one built into your headphones—to record and track your heartbeat from your chest, wrist or neck.
Now you can control your computer from your iPhone or iPod Touch. Install a VNC server on the one you want to control and setup the details in your device by downloading VNsea.
Do you find yourself in dark allies or like me walking out into pitch blackness with no light source? This easy application for a flashlight is a great way to ensure that you don't do what I do and literally run into my car in the dark.
Are you a Twitter Geek. Great news! Iphone has made an application to help you in your social media experience. Now you can Twitter from anywhere!
Women Calendar: This application from Apptism tracks your monthly visitor. No more guessing or being unprepared for that time of the month.
Emergency Info: The ICE iPhone application provides emergency personnel or EMT's vital information that might save your life.
Here's a really cool application for the iPhone: Heart Monitor uses the iPhone microphone—especially the one built into your headphones—to record and track your heartbeat from your chest, wrist or neck.
Now you can control your computer from your iPhone or iPod Touch. Install a VNC server on the one you want to control and setup the details in your device by downloading VNsea.
Do you find yourself in dark allies or like me walking out into pitch blackness with no light source? This easy application for a flashlight is a great way to ensure that you don't do what I do and literally run into my car in the dark.
Are you a Twitter Geek. Great news! Iphone has made an application to help you in your social media experience. Now you can Twitter from anywhere!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tools for Twitter
Social media is the new frontier to marketing and advertising products...with this new phenomenom comes MANY applications. One of the most used and successful tools which help you to microblog and "feed" your many other social networks is Twitter. So if you hear things like "I tweeted it" or "retweet" rest assured that these things do exist. And, yes you heard them correctly.
The best way to look at Twitter is as "group texting". You sign up for an account and "follow" people with the same interests and businesses. As you begin to follow people they in turn will follow you back. What does this do for you? Well it provides you with a social network of people who want to hear what you have to say. The number one pointer when using Twitter for marketing is to make sure that you have a balance of personal information to business information so that people feel a personal connection to you and your company.
As you become more familiar with Twitter you will learn that there are MANY applications within in this one corner of social media. Below is a list taken from mashable.com to help you use Twitter effectively. Be sure to follow us and we will follow you back!
Good Luck and happy Tweeting!!
Brabblr - With Brabblr, you can post to all your micro blogging services including Twitter, Pownce, Jaiku, Tumblr, Jabber, Frazr, and more.Autopostr - This service lets your friends in Twitter know when you post a new picture on Flickr.
EmailTwitter - With this service, you can send tweets to Twitter from your cellphone without incurring SMS charges.
GroupTweet - Allows you to post private message to a group of Twitter friends.
Hashtags - You can add tags to your Twitter posts with this service.
HelloTxt - This service enables you to update Twitter, a host of other micro blogging sites, and social networking sites with one click.
LinkBunch - Need to share more than one link in a tweet? LinkBunch puts together all the links and provides you one link that you can share on Twitter. As you might have understood, this can be used not just with Twitter, but also with emails, IMs, SMS, etc.
LiveTwitting - Helps you cover a conference live on Twitter. Similar to liveblogging, only cooler.
MicroRevie - Post reviews on twitter accs and this service will turn them into microformats.
Mobypicture - A service to post to your blog and micro-blogging sites like Twitter through your mobile phone.
OutTwit - A tool for Outlook that will send the latest tweets from your friends as incoming email messages.
SecretTweet - Post to Twitter anonymously. If you really need to.
SnapTweet - Allows you to post your Flickr pictures to Twitter.
Snitter - an Adobe AIR based desktop client for Twitter compatible with Mac and Windows. The Linux version is in testing.
Twhirl - Twhirl is a popular desktop client based on Adobe AIR. It has a lot of impressive features including multiple Twitter accounts, connect to Friendfeed, post image to Twitpic, post to Pownce and Jaiku simultaneously, and search using Tweetscan.
TweetCube - This service allows you to post files on Twitter. Files that can be shared include .zip, .rar, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3 and .txt.
Tweetr- an AIR based Twitter client for MAC and PC. You can use this to send files upto 100MB.
Twibler - posts your ebay listings to Twitter automatically.
Twideeo - You can post videos to Twitter using this service that lets you upload the vid to their site and then generates a link to your video.
Twit+ - You can tweet pictures, videos, and files using this service publicly or privately among your friends on Twitter.
Twitxr - Another neat way to post a picture on Twitter, Facebook, or Picassa.
TweetChannel - You can add TweetChannel as your friend in Twitter to help you channel your various posts.
TweetLater - An useful service to schedule your Twitter posts for the future.
Twitpic - Share pictures on Twitter using Twitpic.
Twitsay - You can tweet an audio recording to Twitter using this new and popular service.
Twits Like Me - You can use this service to find people on Twitter who share your interests.
TwitterCal - This service allows you to post events from your Google calendar to your Twitter accounts.
Twitter Feed - This tool allows you to send your blog atom or RSS feed to Twitter.
TwitterGram - Post an mp3 on Twitter using this service.
Twitteroo - This is another popular desktop client for Twitter.
TwitterIM - Using this tool, you can tweet from Windows Live Messenger and ICQ.
Twitterlights - This tool allows you to highlight snippets of text from any webpage and send it to twitter. The url of the page also gets converted into a tinyurl and gets included in your tweet.
Twitter Reply - With this tool, you can send your Twitter updates on a secret email address, or through Windows Live Messenger or ICQ.
Twittershare - This desktop/web application also allows you to post pictures on Twitter. Works on Mac as well.
VisualTwitter - Allow you to post pictures on Twitter.
Reading
TopTweet - This site provides you updates from the top Twitter personalities. Yes, it took us a lot of tries to take a screenshot without Scoble in it.TweetWire - TweetWire grabs the freshest links posted on Twitter and displays them Yahoo News page style.
Twitter100 - Just like in your personal start pages, this tool will allocate a box to each of the people you follow on a single page and display their latest tweets.Twitterator - Twitterator enables you to follow a group of people at one go.
Twitter Digest - This tool allows you to subscribe to a message stream from a Twitter user of a group of users on the web or through an atom feed.
Alpha Twitter - This site provides you with the top links on Twitter.
EmailTwitter - With this service, you can send tweets to Twitter from your cellphone without incurring SMS charges.
GroupTweet - Allows you to post private message to a group of Twitter friends.
Hashtags - You can add tags to your Twitter posts with this service.
HelloTxt - This service enables you to update Twitter, a host of other micro blogging sites, and social networking sites with one click.
LinkBunch - Need to share more than one link in a tweet? LinkBunch puts together all the links and provides you one link that you can share on Twitter. As you might have understood, this can be used not just with Twitter, but also with emails, IMs, SMS, etc.
LiveTwitting - Helps you cover a conference live on Twitter. Similar to liveblogging, only cooler.
MicroRevie - Post reviews on twitter accs and this service will turn them into microformats.
Mobypicture - A service to post to your blog and micro-blogging sites like Twitter through your mobile phone.
OutTwit - A tool for Outlook that will send the latest tweets from your friends as incoming email messages.
SecretTweet - Post to Twitter anonymously. If you really need to.
SnapTweet - Allows you to post your Flickr pictures to Twitter.
Snitter - an Adobe AIR based desktop client for Twitter compatible with Mac and Windows. The Linux version is in testing.
Twhirl - Twhirl is a popular desktop client based on Adobe AIR. It has a lot of impressive features including multiple Twitter accounts, connect to Friendfeed, post image to Twitpic, post to Pownce and Jaiku simultaneously, and search using Tweetscan.
TweetCube - This service allows you to post files on Twitter. Files that can be shared include .zip, .rar, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3 and .txt.
Tweetr- an AIR based Twitter client for MAC and PC. You can use this to send files upto 100MB.
Twibler - posts your ebay listings to Twitter automatically.
Twideeo - You can post videos to Twitter using this service that lets you upload the vid to their site and then generates a link to your video.
Twit+ - You can tweet pictures, videos, and files using this service publicly or privately among your friends on Twitter.
Twitxr - Another neat way to post a picture on Twitter, Facebook, or Picassa.
TweetChannel - You can add TweetChannel as your friend in Twitter to help you channel your various posts.
TweetLater - An useful service to schedule your Twitter posts for the future.
Twitpic - Share pictures on Twitter using Twitpic.
Twitsay - You can tweet an audio recording to Twitter using this new and popular service.
Twits Like Me - You can use this service to find people on Twitter who share your interests.
TwitterCal - This service allows you to post events from your Google calendar to your Twitter accounts.
Twitter Feed - This tool allows you to send your blog atom or RSS feed to Twitter.
TwitterGram - Post an mp3 on Twitter using this service.
Twitteroo - This is another popular desktop client for Twitter.
TwitterIM - Using this tool, you can tweet from Windows Live Messenger and ICQ.
Twitterlights - This tool allows you to highlight snippets of text from any webpage and send it to twitter. The url of the page also gets converted into a tinyurl and gets included in your tweet.
Twitter Reply - With this tool, you can send your Twitter updates on a secret email address, or through Windows Live Messenger or ICQ.
Twittershare - This desktop/web application also allows you to post pictures on Twitter. Works on Mac as well.
VisualTwitter - Allow you to post pictures on Twitter.
Reading
TopTweet - This site provides you updates from the top Twitter personalities. Yes, it took us a lot of tries to take a screenshot without Scoble in it.TweetWire - TweetWire grabs the freshest links posted on Twitter and displays them Yahoo News page style.
Twitter100 - Just like in your personal start pages, this tool will allocate a box to each of the people you follow on a single page and display their latest tweets.Twitterator - Twitterator enables you to follow a group of people at one go.
Twitter Digest - This tool allows you to subscribe to a message stream from a Twitter user of a group of users on the web or through an atom feed.
Alpha Twitter - This site provides you with the top links on Twitter.
Multi-tasking
So here we go again, 4:30 am let dogs out, 4:35 let dogs back in, go back to sleep, 6:30 get up, shower, breakfast for 3 kids, feed 3 dogs, get kids ready for school, makeup, carpool, morning hot chocolate, work 8:30 am.
Recently, my husband had to take a job out of town, he is gone 4 days out of the week, this makes things tough. Don't get me wrong. I know there are a lot of single moms out there and all I have to say is.....great job! But, for me, my 3 kids, 3 dogs, my 3 businesses, (apparently I like 3's), and my community involvement, my lack of husband is taking a toll.
Anyway, this brings me to my topic on multi-tasking. I really am a "fly by the seat of your pants" girl, but lately my seat has been getting smaller and smaller ( only in a metaphorical sense, sadly).
So, I am needing to schedule, actually writing things down in my calendar at the beginning of the week and not forgetting it by Tuesday. Of course we schedule, the obvious, School, Work, Doctor, but do we schedule the Gym, American Idol, Meal planning, Bunco, Bills, Schedule time for scheduling?
Of course, women are better at multitasking than men, but at some point the straw breaks the camels back. (wow, metaphors are hot today)
Do yourself a favor take the time, promise yourself you'll stick by it for two weeks, see how it works, there is really more wasted time in a day than you may suspect. I know it doesn't seem like it.
The best blessing you could give yourself, your spouse, your children, is your clear and focused mind. So, don't lose it by cutting yourself and time short. Start your calendar today.
Recently, my husband had to take a job out of town, he is gone 4 days out of the week, this makes things tough. Don't get me wrong. I know there are a lot of single moms out there and all I have to say is.....great job! But, for me, my 3 kids, 3 dogs, my 3 businesses, (apparently I like 3's), and my community involvement, my lack of husband is taking a toll.
Anyway, this brings me to my topic on multi-tasking. I really am a "fly by the seat of your pants" girl, but lately my seat has been getting smaller and smaller ( only in a metaphorical sense, sadly).
So, I am needing to schedule, actually writing things down in my calendar at the beginning of the week and not forgetting it by Tuesday. Of course we schedule, the obvious, School, Work, Doctor, but do we schedule the Gym, American Idol, Meal planning, Bunco, Bills, Schedule time for scheduling?
Of course, women are better at multitasking than men, but at some point the straw breaks the camels back. (wow, metaphors are hot today)
Do yourself a favor take the time, promise yourself you'll stick by it for two weeks, see how it works, there is really more wasted time in a day than you may suspect. I know it doesn't seem like it.
The best blessing you could give yourself, your spouse, your children, is your clear and focused mind. So, don't lose it by cutting yourself and time short. Start your calendar today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Why Not Me?
So, there are a lot us that see a new idea or product and think to ourselves "I could of done that" or "I am already doing that". Immediately following with another thought to the tune of "Why not me? Why didn't I get to do that".
Really?... So, here are the answers...... you didn't, not well enough, and why not you?
The first 2 obstacles that we face are mostly inner conflicts with ourselves. First, you don't really believe your business is possible, or you don't have enough money. Well, luckily you have a brain. So, at least we are ahead of the scarecrow.
We put together ten steps to start getting your business to work for you. Of, course there are more than 10 but we thought this would be good beginning.
1. What is your business? Sometimes there are a million and 1 things you want to do and sometimes there is only one. But the idea that usually keeps boiling to the top of your mind, that you can't forget, that comes to you in your daydreams. That is the one. Now we can start.
2. Take a deep breath. This is not the time to empty your bank account starting a business. There needs to be planning involved. Sit down, take a deep breath and classify exactly what you services or products will be. It is much more beneficial to start with fewer good products than 20 mediocre ones. Services as well. You may want to offer the services you know well, then when you further your training and experience you can expand your services with confidence.
3. Get the basics. Whether it is through a community college, small business workshops, seminars, etc. You need to know the principles of owning a business, this doesn't mean you have to take every available business course. If you feel comfortable with accounting for example then spend your time on business licenses and law for your state. This doesn't have to be overwhelming, there are many local business organizations that provide low cost or no cost mentoring in business startup.
4. Learn from the best. There are millions of business in the world. There are more than likely other businesses out there like yours. That is fine. But, what you can do is learn from the best of those businesses. Watch where they have evolved, their clientel, where they advertise, branding, etc. Then take the best of those qualities and put your spin on it. The best of you and them, there a unique brand. None other exactly the same.
5. Branding. Branding the image you put out to the world. It is the face of your company, fonts, logos, images, colors, they should all have the same look. This is how past and future customers create a following for you product or services. Put your best face forward. That would be your one of a kind brand.
6. Goals. You need to have short and long term goals for your company, with a specific timeline attached. Some immediately think of monetary goals. These are necessary, but so are tangible goals. For instance, expansion of a product line, how many customers, how many stores are your products in, sales totals, etc. Keep your goal especially your short term goals realistic. Don't set yourself up for failure with unattainable goals.
7. Website. This does not need to be costly. There are many build-your- own companies available that keep the cost down. But, this is where your branding is important. Will you website bring in instant business, no, probably not. But, it does give those interested in you and your company a place to get to know you.
8. Networking. This is what will get you your business. If your company performs a service, outside the tech industry, this kind of companydoes better networking locally. If you have a product or service that doesn't require close proximity, then the internet should be where you start networking, but you underestimate the value of local support. Locally, get to know people, attend clubs, groups, community meetings, once people get to know you it will be easier to get them to look at your company. Online networking is important, join facebook, myspace, get a blog, twitter, make friends with these people, linked in, create a family with these contacts, chat with them, then present your product.
9. The price is right. Research similar going rates, remember if you have a product it is not only about your company making money it is also about the stores that carry your products that need to make money. So, don't outprice yourself. This concept may seem simple but there are many small businesses that don't always heed this advice.
10. Swag. If you know or have heard of those people that talk to much (not in a bad way),get them your product, free. Perform your service for free. Be strategic with who you comp to. You need them to talk about you and your company. And say good things. :)
These are just some pointers. But what is most important, that if you are surrounded by those that tell you you can't. Then go somewhere else. The reason alot of businesses succeed is they stick it out. They ignore the naysayers and they work until their hands or brains bleed. Welcome to the world of entreprenuers. You will do great.
Really?... So, here are the answers...... you didn't, not well enough, and why not you?
The first 2 obstacles that we face are mostly inner conflicts with ourselves. First, you don't really believe your business is possible, or you don't have enough money. Well, luckily you have a brain. So, at least we are ahead of the scarecrow.
We put together ten steps to start getting your business to work for you. Of, course there are more than 10 but we thought this would be good beginning.
1. What is your business? Sometimes there are a million and 1 things you want to do and sometimes there is only one. But the idea that usually keeps boiling to the top of your mind, that you can't forget, that comes to you in your daydreams. That is the one. Now we can start.
2. Take a deep breath. This is not the time to empty your bank account starting a business. There needs to be planning involved. Sit down, take a deep breath and classify exactly what you services or products will be. It is much more beneficial to start with fewer good products than 20 mediocre ones. Services as well. You may want to offer the services you know well, then when you further your training and experience you can expand your services with confidence.
3. Get the basics. Whether it is through a community college, small business workshops, seminars, etc. You need to know the principles of owning a business, this doesn't mean you have to take every available business course. If you feel comfortable with accounting for example then spend your time on business licenses and law for your state. This doesn't have to be overwhelming, there are many local business organizations that provide low cost or no cost mentoring in business startup.
4. Learn from the best. There are millions of business in the world. There are more than likely other businesses out there like yours. That is fine. But, what you can do is learn from the best of those businesses. Watch where they have evolved, their clientel, where they advertise, branding, etc. Then take the best of those qualities and put your spin on it. The best of you and them, there a unique brand. None other exactly the same.
5. Branding. Branding the image you put out to the world. It is the face of your company, fonts, logos, images, colors, they should all have the same look. This is how past and future customers create a following for you product or services. Put your best face forward. That would be your one of a kind brand.
6. Goals. You need to have short and long term goals for your company, with a specific timeline attached. Some immediately think of monetary goals. These are necessary, but so are tangible goals. For instance, expansion of a product line, how many customers, how many stores are your products in, sales totals, etc. Keep your goal especially your short term goals realistic. Don't set yourself up for failure with unattainable goals.
7. Website. This does not need to be costly. There are many build-your- own companies available that keep the cost down. But, this is where your branding is important. Will you website bring in instant business, no, probably not. But, it does give those interested in you and your company a place to get to know you.
8. Networking. This is what will get you your business. If your company performs a service, outside the tech industry, this kind of companydoes better networking locally. If you have a product or service that doesn't require close proximity, then the internet should be where you start networking, but you underestimate the value of local support. Locally, get to know people, attend clubs, groups, community meetings, once people get to know you it will be easier to get them to look at your company. Online networking is important, join facebook, myspace, get a blog, twitter, make friends with these people, linked in, create a family with these contacts, chat with them, then present your product.
9. The price is right. Research similar going rates, remember if you have a product it is not only about your company making money it is also about the stores that carry your products that need to make money. So, don't outprice yourself. This concept may seem simple but there are many small businesses that don't always heed this advice.
10. Swag. If you know or have heard of those people that talk to much (not in a bad way),get them your product, free. Perform your service for free. Be strategic with who you comp to. You need them to talk about you and your company. And say good things. :)
These are just some pointers. But what is most important, that if you are surrounded by those that tell you you can't. Then go somewhere else. The reason alot of businesses succeed is they stick it out. They ignore the naysayers and they work until their hands or brains bleed. Welcome to the world of entreprenuers. You will do great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
