Series of Posts Helping YOU to Start YOUR Small Business. New Tools and Systems for Business Building discussed and presented. Let's Master Mind and enjoy the growth of Your successful Business
According to a recent poll conducting by a small-business Insurer, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc, nearly half of small-business owners do not use social media, feeling that it’s not necessary to their business.
Is that a surprise?
The results come from 304 U.S. business owners and managers – more than 200 of which are founders of their companies. All those surveyed have fewer than 250 employees.
Of those engaging in social media for business purposes, 28% have a company Facebook page, 18% have a company LinkedIn page or group, and 8% have a company blog.
In our own experience, working with small business owners, those who have designed a solid Social Media Marketing Strategy and applied a little Metal to the Pedal have been pleasantly rewarded with increases prospects, sales, and better customer engagement
Listening to our customers is a good way to build a business, and when they freely offer testimonies, be sure to share
My friend John Brand has built his Company over the past 30 years handcrafting quality leather horse tack and, more important, always over delivering and providing impeccable personal customer service.
Plus telephones that are answered by real people, unless on the other line and a small but creative craftsmen from the good old USA.
Even though I am still entrenched in the Dark Ages, I have found Social media a wonderful way to REALLY engage.
"Helping People" was one of the two Definite Major Purposes of my life I established in 1960, after reading Think and Grow Rich and Social media allows that to happen easier.
I read posts and follow up questions with offer to help..
Yes I post my phone number on all social media, when allowed.
This blog Post form a young Lady I did previously know explains what I enjoy doing with Social Media.
I personally feel the Country my parents immigrated to is moving in the wrong direction. Actaully the direction they Left to establish a life of Freedom here in the USA. Talking to friends and neighbors there seems to be a feeling of resignation that "we the People" have the ability to Be the Change. What do you think? http://amplify.com/u/bxjcg
This simple to use and very flexible Wordpress Premium plugin is a must for any serious Marketer utilizing the Power of Blogging. We, at 2 Gain Sales Matters, are offering it at very affordable price. Personal support is available if you the need for help, but this has been designed for Easy Application. Get yours today and start applying the results immediately
For the past 4 years I have enjoyed meeting with 1,000's of person form various walks of Life on our Weekly Talk Show, Focus Society of Overachievers. There are now over 285 archived episodes on file and available for Free download.
Most recent weeks have revisited Think and Grow Rich, focusing on the 6 Steps to Success.
The First Step is Establishing the Goal and you can listen to the podcast here
Over the past 50 years I have asked thousands if they have read Think and grow Rich. So many answer YES, but they felt they must have "missed" something.
I found it to be VERY clear in 1960, when I read at age 17
The simple guidelines have helped create a content comfortable Lifestyle, that I designed and implemented.
The link below will deliver to you, for FREE, 5 Audios and short text which may help one understand these Simple "Secret" steps to personal success.
I have known the Renegade Doc for several years and I also know this Bio-Defense Product works. There are many "pills and potions" around, but few seem to do the job! Give it a try
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/i667
I endorse this product very much and have seen the results with my oldest son who was suffering from MRSA and enjoyed relief form Bio-defense and has no relapse
This is Not an Affiliate Product
I also suggest you visit Dr. Jon's Blog http://medicalheretic.com
Blogging has become the choice of the Internet community to keep others informed and the Wordpress self hosted systems have allowed people of all experience levels to create pages for Blogging, Lead Capture, Membership and sales pages.
The following is an affordable Plugin that has increased revenue for my Wordpress systems
I won't waste your time repeating what is on the page
at the URL above, but here are a few highlights..
- Create time limited special offers for your website visitors.
Add timers to your One-Time Offer pages to heighten the sense of urge
Visitors never see the actual link to your one-time offer page, so they can't
bypass the limits you've set.
No ploys, no gimmicks, no scams, no tricks. Your customers will quickly realize that your one-time offers are the real deal and they'll take you up on your next One-Time Offer 'cause nobody likes to miss out!
Tracks user by host address (IP) and cookies! (Visitors can't erase their cookies and get another shot.) and much more!
I ususally don't tout products we have not created, but this plugin is Working for those who put it to Use. Buy it Today before the price goes up and it will every 24 hours.
If you are not using Self-hosted Wordpress Systems, you will enjoy the tutorials offered form our weekly Subscription based Webinar Series
(Disclosure:when you decide to order the above plugin, I will receive a $2.00 commission. That is why we advertise products that Work! Affiliate products allow our business to to grow, with more capital to invest. Funny concept, but it has worked for 1,000's of years, but the Nanny State wants to be sure you are not Hoodwinked in to spending a fortune on Bogus things. The same group that has bankrupted our children's Future)
Ever since arriving on this wondrous Internet scene, almost 6 years ago, I have been fascinated by the explosion of tools and systems available for Business Builders to apply to the Creation, Implementation and Growth of their Businesses, regardless the Venue.
My own ventures have grown with spits and starts; but overall, time has allowed the growth as predicted.
One thing always seemed to missing and that was the SYSTEM that could consolidate and manage the Products, affiliate activity, membership sign ups (and cancellations, autoresponse and provide content delivery properly.
Thanks to a good friend and associate, Mark Hultgren (MKWeb) his technical skill and ability to choose software well, I know use a state of Art system that is affordable and Powerful
Several Guru type Marketers are providing this service for 100's a month More.
One simple Payment per month, Opportunity to have Automatic Networked Blogs, Substantial commissions on referral for this system and all internal products. Create your OWN Joint Venture, Membership sites with timed product Delivery...
Disclosure:I am a principle in this marketing campaign and product. If you should make the wise decision and join us using this Super Software Package my associates and I will EARN money. I bet you already realized that..but we must keep the Nanny State Happy. PLEASE do not look further unless you are willing to invest small amount of Capital and Your Time and Energy to perfect the system for your Business Growth
Many aspiring Entrepreneurs have felt frustration of the "Market Conditions" of 2009 and may be suffering some shell shock when looking forward to 2010.
I came across this article by Heidi Cohen of Riverside Marketing Strategies
Seven Point Checklist to Get Your Marketing Back on Track
It's critical to adapt today's marketing to meet current market dynamics, but as Fleetwood Mac sang, "don't stop thinking about tomorrow." To get your marketing on track for the future, here are seven points:
* Listen to the conversation. Through the use of online social media tools, consumers are more willing and able to share their views about your products, brands, and organization. Use multiple forums to hear what's being said about you and your competitors and why. Remember the conversation is multidirectional. Use Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and other relevant social media forums to listen to your target audience. Also, don't forget to collect feedback from your own sales and customer service staff.
* Provide content related to your offering that consumers and prospects find useful. Use your Web site, blog, Twitter, and other vehicles to distribute information. Have a plan for distributing new, relevant content on a regular basis. Think like a media entity editor whose goal is attracting prospects when and where they're focused on needs related to your offering.
* Deliver continuous communications via a variety of distribution channels. This includes e-mail, social media, and mobile. Since your goal should be relationship building and engagement, move away from constant promotional blasts. Increase your informative content to promotion ratio. Think in terms of information rich newsletters and behaviorally triggered messages. Don't forget to include social sharing tools in your communications to encourage sharing and to extend your reach.
* Use events to connect with prospects and consumers to extend your relationships. These events can be live or digitally delivered. Consider the use of social media tools like Meetup, Video, and Webinars. Tap these events to provide more education about your offering, engage new prospects, and test new products. Remember that these tools provide the means to share content and comments after the event.
* Continually test different aspects of your marketing. This includes new tools. Since the market is continually evolving, you must constantly look for new ways to engage prospects and close sales. Remember to track performance to determine which promotions and tools deliver the better results.
* Use offline marketing to support your online efforts. This includes offline advertising, retail outlets, live events, and your product packaging. Consider how you can use each to extend and enhance your online efforts.
* Measure the results of your marketing efforts. This will help determine which programs are most effective in expanding your audience and closing sales. At a minimum, track traffic or participants, the number of prospects and customers, response and conversion rates, and revenues, costs, and profitability.
In the dynamic interactive marketplace, keep yourself in the know and continually adapt your marketing to ever-changing trends. Continually assess your marketing to determine whether it's cost effective, attracting the right audience, and effective at driving sales. Use metrics to stay on track and tweak your marketing to meet evolving needs.
Thank you, Heidi Heidi Cohen is the president of Riverside Marketing Strategies, an interactive marketing consultancy. She has over 20 years' experience helping clients increase profitability by developing innovative marketing programs to acquire and retain customers based on solid analytics. Clients include New York Times Digital, AccuWeather.com, CheapTickets, and the UJA. Additionally, Riverside Marketing Strategies has worked with numerous other online content/media companies and e-tailers.
Prior to starting Riverside Marketing Strategies, Heidi held a number of senior-level marketing positions at The Economist, the Bookspan/Doubleday Direct division of Bertelsmann, and Citibank.
Since 2002, Heidi has been a member of the faculty of NYU's master of science in integrated marketing program, where she received NYU's Outstanding Service award.
Heidi is also a popular speaker on current industry topics.
Back again today with some more insight on E-Mail marketing. Many on the Internet feel that it is a "dying method of Marketing" with all the filters and concern of SPAM regulations.
My 5 year history on the Internet has proved to me that correct E-Mail marketing practice is very rewarding and Effective in Building SOLID business relationships. Content delivered to your List as expected is a primary concern. If you offered a subscription to a newsletter regarding Fly-fishing it would not be beneficial to blast broadcasts about MLM marketing.
Here is an Excerpt from Bob's Post YOUR List is NOT an ATM
Today's lesson: Your list is not an ATM!
Every day, I get an email from somebody that promises to help me turn my email list into an ATM - something I can press a button and just get instant cash any time I want.
Usually, these wind up in the spam folder, where they belong.
Regardless, it's important for you not to take this line of thinking with your online marketing.
If you're like me (a former high school teacher with no professional training in sales or selling), you may feel funny asking people for money whether in person, on a website, or via email.
So when you're taught by gurus that your list is an ATM, you get this knot in your stomach, but you figure that's the way it is.
Well, it's not.
Sure, your email list is a revenue generating part of your business. And used wisely, can be responsible for more income each month than you ever made in a year in a previous job.
But you don't actually make that kind of money by treating your list like an ATM.
You get there by having a solution-based approach to your marketing, and recognizing that although you may have a list of 100 or 100,000, each email is read 1 person at a time.
And each person is unique, with responsibilities, bills to pay, vacations to dream of, and to-do lists a mile long.
People aren't looking to give you their money. They want to solve a specific problem, and they want to find people they can trust to give them those solutions fast and cost effectively (notice I didn't say cheap).
When you're writing an email to your list, think of this formula:
Serve Earn Serve Earn
First, you need to help them realize there is a problem that you can help them with. Serve
Then you earn their TRUST so they will listen to you. Earn
Then you help them solve their problem (either with your direct help, or a recommended resource that you connect them to). Serve
Then you earn your keep so to speak (i.e., get paid). Earn
In this economy, people are increasingly tight-fisted with their cash, and wary of people who are going to treat them like an ATM.
Think about this with every email you send to your list (or tweet your post, or status update on Facebook).
There's nothing wrong with getting paid what you deserve for helping people. But make sure your priority is your readers' priority, (i.e., connecting people to solutions to make a difference in their lives) and you'll do very well in the cash flow department as well.
As a result, you may find yourself enjoying generating revenue in your business instead of feeling slimy.
What do you think? Post a comment on my blog and let me know if this helps you...
Is it something to be regarded as a work of beauty or art? Is it clever slogans or amusing prose? Is it workmanship to be judged for an award or recognition?
It’s none of the above.
Advertising is salesmanship multiplied.
Nothing more.
And advertising copy, or copywriting, is salesmanship in print.
The purpose of a copywriter’s job is to sell. Period.
The selling is accomplished by persuasion with the written word, much like a television commercial sells (if done properly) by persuading with visuals and audio.
As Claude Hopkins wrote in his timeless classic, Scientific Advertising:
“To properly understand advertising or to learn even its rudiments one must start with the right conception. Advertising is salesmanship. Its principles are the principles of salesmanship. Successes and failures in both lines are due to like causes. Thus every advertising question should be answered by the salesman's standards.
“Let us emphasize that point. The only purpose of advertising is to make sales. It is profitable or unprofitable according to its actual sales.
“It is not for general effect. It is not to keep your name before the people. It is not primarily to aid your other salesmen. Treat it as a salesman. Force it to justify itself. Compare it with other salesmen. Figure its cost and result. Accept no excuses which good salesmen do not make. Then you will not go far wrong.
“The difference is only in degree. Advertising is multiplied salesmanship. It may appeal to thousands while the salesman talks to one. It involves a corresponding cost. Some people spend $10 per word on an average advertisement. Therefore every ad should be a super-salesman.
“A salesman's mistake may cost little. An advertiser’s mistake may cost a thousand times that much. Be more cautious, more exacting, therefore. A mediocre salesman may affect a small part of your trade. Mediocre advertising affects all of your trade.”
These points are as true today as they were when they were written nearly one hundred years ago!
So the goal then becomes: how can we make our advertising as effective as possible.
The word ACORN has really been in the news lately and that brought to mind the simple adage that greatness is naturally developed from small items. ACORNS are, of course, the seed, coded with the Genetic plan to develop into the ultimate Creation..the magnificent Oak Tree.
That genetic code can be altered by outside Influence and natural mutation and the Tree may grow to be stunted or misshaped. but the majority of all Acorns will mature to the Tree originally determined.
What does this have to do with Home Based Business development, Successful self-directed Lifestyles?
We are born in the Image and Likeness of Greatness. Naturally endowed with the Genetic code directed toward Success and Greatness.
It is not difficult for anyone to focus on the ACORN of Creativity and Entrepreneurship, plant it in a Fertile conscious and subconscious field, nurture it with massive action and awareness from increased knowledge and masterminding with like-minded individuals and enjoy the benefit of a Huge Oak Tree of Success.
On September 23, 2009 there are 100 days left in the current year...
How have your ACORNS grown this year?
Are you on track for you annual Goal?
What is needed to "increase the Fertilization program?
For years we have conducted a 100 day analysis with our sales associates and members of Mastermind Groups. If you would like a Free 1/2 hour Evaluation to help point you top solutions to accelerates the Growth of YOUR Oak tree, give me a call.
Let's enjoy this Productive Fall season and Grow our dreams with more acceleration.
You will enjoy this Helpful and affordable Book
we have just released. Click Here to Order I have found the simple premise outlined so clearly to be of Real value and has already helped Refocus my last 4th quarter direction
I was thinking, while enjoying my Orchard walk this morning, why so many of my callers mention the disappointment regarding Progress in the Starting Up of their Home Based Businesses.
Many are filed with excitement about the prospects of Unlimited Income and Lifestyle afforded by being involved in a Home based Business. Listening to the Professional Speakers on Webinars, in person at MLM Opportunity meetings, and reading the Glossy Advertisement, filled with glamorous pictures of the Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous can pump anyone's adrenaline quickly.
Decisions are quickly made to begin that Journey to Abundance... BUT the most important decisions are typically NOT made before they Start Up their home based businesses.
Wandering through the Almonds and Walnuts, I made a decision to share my thoughts on assuring the successful Journey, based on almost 50 years of enjoying a lifestyle provided by Being in Control of my Time, Energy and ability to Earn Income.
I believe the FIRST thing to consider is The Main Thing! Some Call it your WHY I call it:
The development and growth of the Entrepreneur Mindset.
The Mindset of a Business Person
The Mindset of a SELLER
Consider the Ideas found in this Video
Secondly: Spend time deciding the Business model and develop a Business Plan, develop a Realistic Budget and Cash Flow Projection. These Concepts are explainedin depth in our Beginners Marketing Class Membership Community, dedicated to mastermind with serious Minded Home Based Business developers.
You may find it helpful to read Vol 1 of The Beginners Marketing Class Workbook Click on the cover, save to your hard Drive and read at leisure.
Be sure to study the Templates for a simple Business plan and the the Cash flow Projection Excel Worksheet. There are resources included that I have found very Helpful. Look out for Volumes Two and Three soon to be released:
This post has been fun, and You can expect a continuous flow of Information on the Tools and Systems that have afforded me a comfortable 45+ years of Starting Up and Growing Home based Businesses.
Subscribe to the RSS feed and be assured of Updates or better yet, Our E-mail newsletter. Here are some related Links
Twitter this, Facebook That, Ning all day, Oh My! Is our Precious TIME being wasted?
Before you go any further. Join our Facebook Page and get in the swing of all this FUN Social Stuff!
I know, it seems that every minute we are talking about Social Media, Social Networking and How to Become an Overnight Success with all of these FREE Tools and Systems. Many are questioning does it really WORK?
Well it does for those who apply simple marketing strategies, Focus on the Main Thing and follow a simple Plan of action.
I was privileged this morning to interview a fellow Focus Society Mastermind member, Brad Parler.
Brad is a professional Internet Designer and Video advertising producer who has developed a Knack of Optimizing his Time spent Social networking, using the Social media.
So What did Brad do and what does Continental Airlines have to do with this?
Listen to the Audio and then Comment. We are going to be discussing more trick and tips for effective Social networking and Optimizing the Social media on our Talk Shows and Webinars at Focus Society Mastermind.
I am looking forward to a follow up Interview on the Progress of this unique Campaign. Also, Brad is co-hosting a Focus Society Mastermind Webinar with me Thursday, August 27, 2009. FREE to Lifetime members of Focus Society Mastermind. Non-members can subscribe for a paltry $9.95/monthly and have Access to total Webinar Archived Library
Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week. Charles Richards
There are Hundreds of Books written and seminars presented about TIME MANAGEMENT being the major Key to Success in any endeavor. We are instructed to carefully annotate Appointments schedules and minutes spent for each task and be sure that there is a continuous FLOW of Activity.
But here are some Health complications that rear their Ugly head for those who dwell too much on this Harried style of pursuing Increase. Most of us Overload the Daily Planner wit, many times Non-essential tasks.
Read what Mayo Clinic offers as Tip for Healthy "Time Management"
Effective time management is a primary means to a less stressful life. These practices can help you reduce your stress and reclaim your personal life.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects you have that need to be completed at work each day? Do you often feel the day flies by without your devoting the necessary attention to each assignment because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can't get it all organized? ......Read MORE
Here is a simple Video I have assembled to Share my Thought on the Subject of Time Management...Really a subject of SELF Management
In a previous Post, June 1, 2009 I mentioned my re-associating with a long time Friend and Business Associate James Strauss directly from The Powerful Engines, now classed as Social media.
Because of our memberships in such sites as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and You Tube
Jim and I have re-connected and are beginning to Share our talents with others. Each of us have developed "Followers" of our respective Vocations and talents and since we have a basic Like-Mind others seem to gravitate to our respective work.
Just this morning James Strauss posted this witty but candid report on an event "making History". His Take on it is Fascinating:
It's A wonderful Life: by James Strauss
They're back. Oh, not those two chicks who did whatever the hell they were doing on the border of N. Korea. No, I mean Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al arranged for the great swooping rescue by the great swooping rescuer (that would be Bill) so both of those two "whatever the hell they are now" guys are talking like crazy inside a private airline hanger to CNN and the world. Al has introduced Bill, telling us all what a heartfelt sacrificing individual the big galoot really is...to go over and save two young American women from the clutches of that horrid simian dictator. Al smiles that wonderfully vapid Gore smile (which certainly had something to do with his having his election as president stolen) and says great things about Bill. He then introduces the man, expecting, without a doubt, that the great rescuer will say great things back....Read more
Jim posted this and of course his Followers on Facebook saw it. I commented (an important habit to develop) and then Posted on Twitter a link to this article. 39 of the 2,000 Followers I have on Twitter opened the link and many of them re-tweeted it.
So through the Power of Social Media a Thought was delivered globally in just a few minutes to several thousand people of possible Like-Mind.
To learn more about HOW TO develop more Skill in optimizibng Social Media, join us on our Wednesday evening Live Talk Show
Or better yet Subscribe to our Powerful Weekly Webinar Series, Recorded and Archived) discussing with Hands on Application the use of these Tools and Other Time Tested Marketing Systems
Helping over 90,000 businesses like yours raise profits and build customer relationships using AWeber's opt-in email marketing software for over 10 years.
I have enjoyed a comfortable life-style generated from Creating and marketing exciting products, tools and systems.
Currently moderating three membership sites on the internet,the latest being You Can Build It
They focus on Creating, implementing and growing self-directed businesses.
I also enjoy consulting with several Small business owners, regarding the Optimization of their On-line presence of their Off-line companies.
Most of my client are small to mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies primarily in the Agriculture Niche
Two outstanding examples are MDBarnmaster and Buckaroo Leather Products
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