Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Anonymous

Are you Living up to Your Eulogy?

By     1 comment:
This morning I browsed through a long list of blog ideas looking for inspiration. While this list had obviously been created by someone who had been staring at that blinking curser for too long, one idea did intrigue me.

"Write the eulogy you aspire to be read at your funeral."

That's not something I would like to write, although it did make me ponder what whoever was charged with the task, would say about me. Would they comment on how hard I work to make my business a success? How many hours I spend promoting my skills, doing quotes, going to meetings, offering advice and creating? Considering that most of my day is dedicated to running and promoting my own small business I would like to think they would. But deep  down in my gut, I know they are more likely to say that "she lived her life to the full, never letting the opportunity to try new things pass her by."

I'd like to say, the moral of this story is to forget about spending the majority of your life working yourself into grey hair and a coffee addiction. Just go out and live life to the full. Unfortunately, the reality of living life requires us to keep working, and as a small business, that means I'm still tied to my computer for most of the week writing, promoting and creating.

So if I can't change what is said about me in my eulogy, what can I learn from it? Before it's actually read out.

1. Find a rich benefactor to fund my thirst for the crazy
2. Win lotto
3. Rob a bank and go on the run
4. Sell one of my artistic creations for millions
5. Even up my play and work time
6. Combine my work and my passion

There's really only two practical options available, and I think I've nailed them.

--------------------------------------------

Andy Kahle is available for motivational speaking at your next networking event, club function or event. http://www.andyk.com.au/ 

    

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Anonymous

How to STOP Overspending on SEO

By     2 comments:

It's an all too familiar story ... 



Running a small business from home, seems like such a great idea when you're first getting started. Just the option of being able to control the type of work and clients you prefer to deal with, is an exciting step forward. At least until one of your friends offers the kind advice ...

        "You should really have a website."

This piece of advice is then quickly followed up with ...

       "I have a nephew who can make websites."

So you decide to take your friend up on their kind offer, and after 3 months of pestering the nephew, your website finally appears. It's not exactly what you expected, but it's better than nothing, right? As he shows you how to make updates, you start to consider the viability of doing a computer programming course at night school.

Surely having a website doesn't have to be this difficult?


Over the next few months, you tell everyone about the new website, asking them to spread the word. You post it up on facebook, tweet about it, stick a business card up on the community noticeboard, and even send out a newsletter to a handful of clients. But nothing happens. It's not even listed on google.

After reading some of those spam emails that arrive in your mailbox each morning ... Affordable SEO ... #1 Page Listing ... Website Promotion ... SEO Proposal With Authentic Results!! ... and not even being sure what "seeyo"is, you call a company with a reputable looking website. They have a professional and friendly phone manner, seem to use all the right jargon, and are very convincing that their promotional package is all you need. It will only cost you $1000 per month, but you'll get that back 10 fold with the amount of work coming in. You feel pretty proud when you strike a deal for $500 per month on a 6 month contract, and sit back, ready to be inundated with work.

The first month brings in a heap of enquiries, but they're not really related to your business. Apparently this is quite normal to begin with, and next month will be better. But as the months go by, you're spending more than you're making, even though the monthly report shows 100 website hits per day. So you start to wonder if working for yourself is really all it's cracked up to be.

Sadly this is a very common scenario, and while the promotional companies aren't doing anything wrong, they are much better sales people than they are promoters.

And what do you do once you've found yourself in this situation?

  1. Stop pouring good money after bad
  2. Review your website from a customer's perspective. If you need to remake it, then have a look at a DIY WIX website.
  3. Choose a product or service that you wish to promote. Just the one. And focus on it.
  4. Work out the reality of what you are capable of spending on promotion NOW...
    If it's $1 per day, then don't be convinced otherwise.
  5. Work out where your hard earned dollar is best spent. Where is your audience? Facebook? Twitter? or are they searching Google? Then create yourself a small advert but very specifically targeted soas not to overspend on unlikely clients.
You won't get new work in overnight, there is no quick fix. But with regular maintenance, your self promotion will start to build, and the work will follow.

FREE Useful Tools

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Unknown

Time to spruce up your Facebook business page

By  
Whether you are just starting out or have had your Facebook page for a while, there is no time like the present to spruce up your page.

Why now, you may ask?
Facebook is testing a new feature which has the potential bring you or your competitors a lot of business.  Check out the new Best Professional Services which is described as "Find local businesses with the best Facebook reviews and ratings".  While this is only in the test phase and is not yet available on the mobile app, my guess is that it will be and it has huge potential!

If that isn't reason alone, reviews in general are becoming so important from a customers point of view.  We all trust the reviews of others over what the company is saying about themselves.

Convinced?  Lets get started:

To turn on the "reviews" feature:
  • Go to About and then Page Info.
  • Go to Category, change to "Local Business" then choose your business type.  They are fairly broad but just find the closest you can.
  • Save Changes.
  • Next go the the address section and edit.
  • Type in your address.  If you are a home based or mobile business and would prefer not providing your full address, just type in your town or city.
  • Then tick "Show map and check-ins on the page"
  • Save changes.
Now go back to your page and you should see Reviews feature on the left hand side.  Once you see it there, don't forget to ask people to give you a little review.  Most are keen to lend a hand.
Don't delay, grab a cuppa and get started!

Other ways to ensure your Facebook Page is optimised:
  • Choosing 3 sub categories (under you name in the about section), These are vital for describing your business and helping you be found.
  • Your short description is complete using as many key words as possible
  • Your hours of business is up to date.
  • Your website and email address is included.


You may also enjoy:
Facebook Marketing - Not as easy as it used to be
Someones knocking at your door - A guide to letting clients in...just a little
How to have an online presence without a website
or Download our FREE ebook - Easy Digital Marketing Strategies To Help Your Business Grow





Need a little help optomising your Facebook page?  Feel free to get in touch, we'd love to assist.

Alternatively you can engage Askew to set up and manage your Social Media for you.  How easy is that?

Sue Whittaker

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Unknown

Six quick tips to kickstart your Small Business Marketing

By  
Are you persevering with your old marketing methods but not getting anywhere?  Here's a few tips to kick start your business, create more interest and increase sales:



Social Media Marketing
Correct use of Social Media can be highly effective both in the short and long term, but which platform is best for your business?  The answer to that depends on a few factors, firstly who are you marketing towards, is it business to business or to consumer?  Another major factor is the industry in which your service is related to, for example technical and Engineering type fields do well on Twitter where as service related tend to be more effective on Facebook.  Keep in mind the other major platforms like Linkedin, Youtube, Pinterest and Instagram, these all have their place within for business marketing. The main objective of using Social Media is to engage and inform your prospective client, the key being to demonstrate that you are interested in them and would like to help.  To be successful at Social Media Marketing, you need to find the right platform and followers, then be consistent with your posting while networking and helping others.

Online Advertising
Have you ever Googled something then found relevant ads appearing for the next week or so? Creepy isn't it, how do they know what your are thinking?  Don't worry Google isn't reading your mind but it is tracking what you are searching for, thus likely to purchase soon.  This advertising is highly effective when done properly as it targets those who are already looking for your type of product/service and keeps your name in their minds eye, hopefully until they make their purchase.

Email Marketing and Newsletter Campaigns
Contrary to popular belief, this method is certainly not dead.  Done correctly and legally, email marketing can be extremely effective.  There are several platforms which can help you compile relevant lists, allow for unsubscribers, create attractive designs and provide analytics.  Similar to Social Media marketing, email marketing must inform and engage your potential client, not just sell to them, genuinely give them a reason to open and keep reading your newsletter.

Exhibiting
Having a booth at a Tradeshow, which is a good fit for your business and staffed with the right people can provide you with excellent exposure and networking opportunities.  Look for the type of event that your potential clients are likely to visit, then plan accordingly to target this market.

Internal Events 
Think about ways that you can connect with and inform potential clients in person.   Depending on your type of business, a free open day with fun activities, information and discounts could be an option.  Open Days are ideal for bringing people in who can then talk to your staff and look at what you do in a relaxed, no pressure setting.   See what this client achieved at their Open Day.  

Revisit your Website
How long has it been since you had a good look at your website?  Have you viewed it on a mobile phone?  The web has changed dramatically in the last few years with 50% of visits now coming from a mobile device. Visitors expect the information to be up to date, easily found and to book or purchase on the spot while they are keen.  Sorry, a simple email enquiry form is no longer enough :(, while they are waiting for your reply they may have purchased from your competition or lost interest completely.   Giving visitors an easy way to share your material through "share buttons" is also a great way to encourage others spread the word for you.  To assist with SEO, we suggest your site is Mobile Friendly and kept fresh with integrated feeds from your Social Media channels.

You may also enjoy:
Having an online presence without a website
Can your customers find you on a mobile device?
How to waste $10000 on a tradeshow booth


We hope this has given you a few ideas to kick start your new marketing plan.  Where will you start?










Sue Whittaker
Eclectic mix of Bookeeper and Social Media MarketeriManage Professionals


Need a little help with your Social Media Marketing?
Please feel free to drop by iManage Professionals











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Unknown

Five easily avoided DIY website fails

By  
Making your own website used to mean that you'd either have to learn another language (HTML) or buy expensive software that would be usurped by something else after a few months.
But now you can make a fantastic looking mobile friendly website using something like WIX websites, without even having to ask the teenager at home for assistance.

But before you do get too excited, there's a couple of little mistakes that can be easily avoided.

Webpages can have lots of movement now, which is cool when you're making them. But too many flashing images can drive your customer away from the message.

If you tell your clients everything on the website, then they have no reason to contact you.

Just like with a newspaper advert, make sure you have a "call to action" on each page. Tell your client what they need to do next.

Keep the website focused on one specific goal. Bring the client in, and direct them towards that goal at every opportunity. eg: buy here, call us, email us, etc...

You know your business and product too well, so ask a friend who doesn't to give you an honest review before you start promoting.





Andy Kahle
Need a little help with your Marketing?
Please feel free to drop by Askew 

Andy is also available as a Keynote Speaker.





This blog article has been inspired by the easy way you can make your own websites using WIX websites.

Askew Vision is a Reseller/Affiliate of:
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Unknown

How to have an online presence without a website

By  
I know it's a bit odd for a digital marketing company which creates websites to recommend against one.... but in some cases they really aren't the ideal option and we believe in finding the best fit for the client.

So how do you join the online marketplace without a website?

Facebook
Social Media is the obvious option, but finding the right platform, then doing it well is vital.  We recommended Facebook for this client as he worked within the racing and enthusiast's vehicle modification market and we knew that there was already strong car loving community on Facebook.   The business page took off almost immediately with people commenting and sharing the images and messaging for quotes and more information.  Unlike a website, a Facebook page enables the client to interact with the audience in a fun and informative manner in a place that they are already visiting.

Google Business Page
Everyone talks about getting their website to the top of Google but often neglect this simple and FREE method.  A Google business presence is easy to set up and doesn't require a lot of ongoing posts or maintenance.  Once you have set up your business page, you will receive a confirmation postcard, yes that's right folks Google uses good ol' snail mail.  This ensures that your physical premises is legitimate, so please follow the instructions on the card to optimise your page.   Another big bonus with registering your business on Google is that you will appear on Google Maps, so whenever someone is using a map in your area, your business will be highlighted.
Note: You may already have a basic business page on Google through registering with another platform but it's important that you claim as your own so that you can update the information, monitor the reviews and keep it current.  There are several horror stories of businesses being destroyed through having their page claimed and hacked.


Other online listings
If you have been in business for a while, chances you will be listed in several places that you may not be aware of.   These are often taken from the phone book or other online directories so may not have the current information.  As with Google's business page, it is very important that you claim all the listings so that you can control them.  The easiest way to find existing listings is to Google your business name and see what comes up, then go through and claim each one.  It will vary depending on the field you work within, but I suggest you start with Yelp, Hotfrog, WOMO, Start Local and True Local, and Bloo, along with platforms like Urban Spoon, and Trip Advisor if you work within hospitality.
               Haven't got time to muck around?  We can claim the online listings for you!

 Blogging
Blogging as an expert in your field is a great way to get started online and to create more detailed content which can be shared via Social Media and email.   We recommend you start with Blogger, as it is free, user friendly and operated by Google.

Other Social Media Platforms
The other platforms we suggest you explore depending on the nature of your business are Twitter, Linkedin Company Page, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, SnapChat and Vine.
                                               Drop by to see how we can help



Can you duck the online world any longer?


You may also enjoy:  How to use Social Media to let clients into your world



Download our FREE ebook - Easy Digital Marketing Strategies To Help Your Business Grow



If you need a little help deciphering which is the best option for you, please feel free to tap into our expertise.  We love to help :).  

Alternatively you can engage Askew to set up the Social Media and online listings for you.  How easy is that?

Sue Whittaker






Askew Vision is a Reseller/Affiliate of:







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Unknown

Love your work - Lessons from a Restroom Attendant

By  
After a few weeks in the harshness of New York City where I discovered that Seinfeld's Soup Nazi was not a one off exaggeration, a brief encounter with a Restroom Attendant showed me that you can love your work whatever it is that you do.

With an 11 hour flight behind us, a seven hour transit stop and facing another 12 hours on a plane, we decided that the entry fee to the Business Lounge would be money well spent.  On arrival, I went straight to the Ladies, as you do.  I was greeted by a cheerful lady who could speak very little English and as my Arabic is limited to one word, most of our interaction was via gestures and smiles. During my four visits (okay it was a long flight and these were very palatial toilets) I went from thinking how awful it would be to work in a toilet all day to realising that any job could be enjoyable if you made it that way.

How to enjoy your work:

Be pleasant to everyone who enters your workplace
From the moment I walked in the lady was happy, pleasant and helpful.   When dealing with the public your previous encounter may not have been a good one, but sometimes you just have to say in your head "NEXT!", then put it behind you and move on with a smile.

Become an expert on everything and gladly share this expertise with visitors
As we all know, using a toilet and shower is not that complicated, I would have eventually worked out that the door needed to be pushed not pulled DOH!.  Along with how to turn the lock, wave my hand across the sensor to turn the tap on and know where to put the hand towels, but she was there at every point, reveling in being the expert.

Be proud of your workplace
On my second encounter I enquired about the showers, the lady proudly informed me that yes there is a shower and showed me that it comes with towels, soap etc.   After one of the best showers of my life, the lady beamed with pride when I thanked her and remarked on how beautifully clean it was.

Go the extra mile
The Attendant could have just sat on her stool, read a book and cleaned in between visitors, instead she chose to take ownership of her work space and make all visitors feel welcome.   The approach to your work can be the same no matter what role your role.  Take control, enjoy the job and demonstrate your ability.

Money is not your only reward
On my final visit I turned to her, nodded and said "Shukran" (Thankyou), yes my one and only Arabic word!  It was only a small gesture but she seemed to genuinely appreciate my effort.

Vacant or Engaged?  You get to choose...







Sue Whittaker
Online Marketer and Fulltime Traveller Wannabe














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