List | Home Wealth Project

4 Tricks for Building Your Email List

Oct 25th

Posted by Home Wealth Project in Business Trends

Email is not dead. Using email newsletters to stay top of mind with your audience and keep them up to date on what’s new and exciting at your company remains a great way to build new and repeat sales. However, before you can use email marketing as a way to leverage visitors and direct them to your website, you first need their email addresses–and you need to build up a certain amount of trust and interest to make them feel comfortable handing over their inbox to you.

How do you sell the benefits of your newsletter to make customers and potential customers feel comfortable signing up?

Below are four handy tricks I recommend.

1. Create a Compelling Offer

If you want a visitor on your site to hand over their personal email address, you need to give them a compelling reason to do so. We’re (rightfully) protective over the sanctity of our inboxes. We don’t allow just anyone in there. For you to get entrance you’ll need to explain to your audience what’s in it for them. What are the benefits they’ll receive for becoming part of your email list? How will it improve their day, life or user experience? Make it worth their time and the invasion of their privacy.

2. Give Them a Little Something-Something

OK, so you’ve gotten their interest. They’re thinking about it and considering whether the offer you just outlined is worth their time. Sweeten the deal by giving them a little something extra upfront. Maybe it’s a free download of a white paper you wrote, maybe it’s a tool or gadget they can download, or maybe it’s a coupon to your site or one of your partner’s stores. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate gift, just something to make their trigger finger a little itchier. We could all use an extra push.

3. Show Them What’s at Stake

Part of encouraging someone toward a desired action is showing them what’s at stake and how your newsletter or your company will help them achieve their goal or eliminate a need. That’s really what they’re signing up for – the answer to their problem. Not only must you show how you’ll be able to do that (as mentioned in the first step), but you should also be able to show what they’ll lose out on if they don’t take the action you suggest.

4. Be Open About How Their Information Will Be Used

This is really important. For someone to feel safe giving you their email address, you need to be really clear and transparent about a couple of things.

How their email address will be used
The process for unsubscribing should they want to stop receiving messages
That their email address will never be sold to other parties

These are huge concerns for the average user, and if you don’t address them, you’re going to have a difficult time getting someone to subscribe to your email newsletter. You should also include information about how often visitors can expect to receive messaging from you. This helps them feel confident that you won’t spam them the death the minute you get their email address.

Your email marketing relationship with a visitor starts when they’re still deciding whether or not they trust you with their email address. By focusing on just a few points like creating a clear call to action and calming any privacy concerns, you increase your odds of getting that email address and opening up a whole new relationship with that visitor.

From Small Business Trends

4 Tricks for Building Your Email List

View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends

building, email, list, Tricks

Autumn Small Business Events List

Oct 9th

Posted by Home Wealth Project in Business Trends

No comments

Every two weeks we put together a list of key events for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The following Small Business Events List for Autumn 2011 contains worthwhile events for those wanting to grow their businesses:

******

Small Business Technology Tour

October 12 – Salt Lake City
October 18 – Boston
November 2 – Atlanta
November 10 – Chicago

Smallbiztechnology.com is excited to bring you the second annual Small Biz Tech Tour. This event is a full day of information, insight, energy and fun. I’ve got some complimentary tickets for the Mountain View, CA event on Sept 27th – get them here!

Attendees will learn:
How to boost sales with website analytics
How smart companies are using mobile technology to be more productive
Why many small businesses are not getting results with social media and what you must do
How to stop selling and start publishing content for more sales
Why websites and email marketing are not dead, and how to get the most out of yours
How local companies are getting more local customers using technology
How to increase sales by segmenting your customers

SocialCrush
October 10-11, Nashville, TN
November 14-15, 2011, Washington, DC

SocialCrush is a 2-day, hands-on social media business conference for small to medium size businesses. SocialCrush brings industry leaders from such noted companies as Google, Bing, Facebook, Edelman Digital, just to name a few, who provide everyday businesses the know-how, tips, advice and skills to effectively build business through social channels.

Grow Your Business With Government Contracting
October 18, 2011, Dallas, TX

American Express’s Victory in Procurement event is going to be in Dallas. This event is for business owners thinking of getting into government contracting, or for those already in government contracting who want to know how to get to the next level. This event is also designed to help business owners network and make connections with teaming partners, prime and sub contractors, and government officials. Topics to be explored in detail include:

Government Contracting 101
Getting on the GSA Schedule
Leveraging certifications for a competitive edge
Researching the right opportunities
Developing effective teaming relationships
Creating a powerful capabilities statement to pitch successfully

This is a free event but you must register in advance at Vipgovtcontracting.com.

Western Mass Business Expo
October 18, 2011, Springfield, MA

As the region’s business publication, The Business Journal of Western Massachusetts believes the businesses and communities that comprise Western Massachusetts should be represented at a region-wide trade show to better promote buying and doing business locally. The day begins with breakfast at 7:30 followed by the Expo’s official opening at 9 a.m. and will feature seminars, speakers, lunch and a high-energy, end-of-day networking event featuring music, food and drink.

Media and Entertainment Investing Conference
October 27, 2011, Coral Gables, FL

Sponsored by The Launch Pad at the University of Miami, this conference will cover trends in early-stage investing, the factors that are most important to Investors when they are considering an investment, the best and worst things an entrepreneur can do to get investors’ attention, strategies to grow their businesses, additional advice for entrepreneurs and, of course, the best ways to reach these and other investors.

Local University by GetListed.org
November 1, 2011, Western New York

Local University by GetListed.org Some of the nation’s leading online marketing experts will be in Ellicottville, NY to offer an intensive crash course in Internet marketing. These 4-hour sessions feature experts such as Web design and search consultant Mike Blumenthal; GetListed.org co-founder David Mihm, a Portland, Ore.-based search engine consultant; Mary Bowling, a search engine specialist and corporate trainer since 2003; Matt McGee, executive news editor for Search Engine Land and an independent online consultant specializing in small businesses; Ed Reese, a Spokane, Wash.-based Internet marketing consultant specializing in organic SEO, local search and analytics; and Cecelia Stewart of Google Places.

This is a purely educational event and no sales pitches will be made. Attendees may sign up for free website reviews by the speakers. Get more details and register. Use code MB2011 for a discount.

Fast Company Innovation Uncensored
November 2, 2011, San Francisco

A mixed agenda format will offer attendees a variety of ways to engage with and employ the innovative ideas that come from the scintillating content and unexpected environment.

The event content is aimed toward anyone who thinks of themselves as an innovative business leader including but not limited to the fields of technology, design, marketing, entertainment, venture capitalism, energy, infrastructure, non-

BlogWorld & New Media Expo
November 3-5, 2011, Los Angeles

BlogWorld & New Media Expo is the first and only industry-wide conference, tradeshow and media event dedicated to blogging, podcasting, social media, social networking, online video, music, Internet TV and radio. BlogWorld conference attendees enjoy more than 120 cutting-edge educational sessions presented by leading bloggers, podcasters and content creators, while the New Media Expo provides the only industry-wide new media marketplace for networking, online business and marketing resources.

Register with the promo code SBTVIP20 to save 20% off any conference pass, or use code SBTVIP50 to save 50% off Expo Passes (which include access to the Exhibit hall as well as all keynotes and parties, just like the conference passes).

Recession Proof Sales Training Seminar
November 7, 2011, Woodridge, Ontario

Recession proof your career with this sales training seminar. You will learn how to increase sales, effective communication, customer retention, marketing strategies and how to attract new customers. Location: Paramount Conference and Event Venue, in Vaughan – minutes north of Toronto, Ontario.

Social Media Makeover Forum at Digital Atlanta 2011
November 8, 2011, Atlanta

This half-day, innovative business conference will take place during Digital Atlanta 2011 – a week-long (November 7-11) calendar of events that will focus on the digital and social media scene in Atlanta. The SMB Social Media Makeover Forum will feature three panels of social media experts from leading brands and agencies. These experts will provide advice to three small and mid-sized businesses who will be selected for social media makeovers.

Are You Ready for Walmart?
November 14, 2011, Miami

Getting a product onto the shelves at Walmart could be the biggest thing to ever happen to your business. But with so much at stake, it’s important for you to understand if you are really ready, before investing the time and money in this relationship.

“Are You Ready for Walmart?” workshop is designed to help companies measure their readiness to do business with the world’s largest retailer, then develop a plan. In addition to instruction in the classroom from people who have tremendous experience selling to Walmart, participants will spend time exchanging ideas and information during multiple question & answer sessions.

NY XPO For Business
November 16, 2011, New York City

On November 16th, business leaders from across New York will gather at the world famous Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for the 6th Annual NY Xpo for Business. This highly acclaimed show is expected to draw upwards of 15,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors as the largest business-to-business marketplace in the region. Free education will be offered throughout the day and will include over 30 quality information sessions covering sales, marketing, advertising, business growth, best business practices, social media and much more!

Future of Entrepreneurship Education Summit

November 17 – 19, 2011, Washington, DC

The Future of Entrepreneurship Education Summit is the world’s largest, invite-only event that convenes top leaders from the entrepreneurship ecosystem (government, foundations, education, corporations, media, entrepreneur support organizations, and entrepreneurs).

This year’s Summit is being held in Washington, DC during Global Entrepreneurship Week at the US Chamber of Commerce.

America’s Small Business Summit 2012
May 21-23, 2012, Washington, DC

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual event—America’s Small Business Summit—unites small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to learn, network, and discuss common legislative and management concerns. Past speakers include former President George W. Bush, former General Stanley McCrystal, Small Business Editor of the WSJ Colleen DeBaise, and many more. Attendees help influence our nation’s economic and political agenda by advocating for pro-business policies through the Rally on the Hill portion of the program. The event will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., on May 21-23, 2012. For more information and important dates, check the Summit website, www.uschambersummit.com.

To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit the Small Business Events Calendar.

If you are putting on a small business event or contest, and want to get the word out, please submit it through our Events & Contests Submission Form (it’s free). Only events of interest to small business people, freelancers and entrepreneurs will be included.

Brought to you as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.

From Small Business Trends

Autumn Small Business Events List

View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends

Autumn, business, Events, list, Small

New List of Small Business Events

Sep 25th

Posted by Home Wealth Project in Business Trends

No comments

Every other week we compile a list of great events to help you with your business. The following Small Business Events Guide is worth a close look:

******

Small Business Technology Tour
September 27 – Mountain View, CA
October 12 – Salt Lake City
October 18 – Boston
November 2 – Atlanta
November 10 – Chicago

Attendees will learn:
How to boost sales with website analytics
How smart companies are using mobile technology to be more productive
Why many small businesses are not getting results with social media and what you must do
How to stop selling and start publishing content for more sales
Why websites and email marketing are not dead, and how to get the most out of yours
How local companies are getting more local customers using technology
How to increase sales by segmenting your customers

Free NYC Workshops: Prepare Your 2011 Holiday Season Marketing Campaign
September 28 to October 12, 2011

Held in local neighborhoods, workshops provide businesses the cost saving and increased effectiveness of buying and running marketing together. Build a campaign using the full range of individual marketing options as well as break out into groups to develop joint promotions. This collective marketing power results in a big sales driving campaign with a low marketing budget.

BizSmarts Expo 2011
September 28, 2011, Washington DC

On September 28, join the Washington Business Journal, sponsors Capital One Bank and WTOP Radio, and hundreds of business owners, entrepreneurs & decision-makers for a full-day of networking, workshops and exploring our diverse expo!

Featured speakers: Disney Institute • Harvey Mackay • Anthony Pica & Joseph Prezioso from Capital One Bank • Bill Hanbury from United Way of the National Capital Area • Lynn Miller from 4GreenPs • Barbara Lang from DC Chamber of Commerce • Bridget Bean from SBA Washington Metro Area • Joe Andronaco from USA Technology… and more!

PPC Remarketing Strategies For Google & Facebook
September 29, 2011, Online

Remarketing, also known as retargeting, is a technology that allows business owners to target visitors to their websites with display ads. Companies such as Google, AdRoll and others now make it easier than ever to tag specific sections of your site, and then deliver targeted ads to those visitors as they browse sites across the web.

To help small business owners learn the fundamentals of remarketing, American Express OPEN’s SearchManager team and SEMPO are offering a free online web conference, which will teach small business owners about:

Common remarketing options available today for their businesses;
Segmenting their site visitors for retargeting;
Creating an effective remarketing experience to nurture and convert;
Integrating remarketing with their existing keyword and Facebook Ads campaigns.

The Summit for Women in Business
October 6-9, 2011, Pigeon Forge, TN

The Summit for Women in Business is providing and showing you how to implement the needed strategies and tools to remain competitive and current within today’s evolving business climate. Created by women business owners for women business owners, this Summit is designed for SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) entrepreneurs, independent and self-employed professionals.

SocialCrush
October 10-11, Nashville, TN
November 14-15, 2011, Washington, DC

Western Mass Business Expo
October 18, 2011, Springfield, MA

Media and Entertainment Investing Conference
October 27, 2011, Coral Gables, FL

Brand Power! Are You Building It? What’s Your Wow?
October 29, 2011, Hillsdale College, Moore, OK

Women's Empowerment Series - OKL The Women’s Empowerment Series Business and Leadership Conference celebrates its 4th anniversary with the addition of an Oklahoma event. Women entrepreneurs and leaders will gather for a fun but full day of discovery, interactivity and learning in a module format at Hillsdale College Barber Business Center in Moore, Oklahoma. ??The theme of this conference will be Brand Power! Are You Building It? What’s Your Wow?

This one day event will bring together some of Oklahoma’s most savvy, accomplished business leaders, authors, speakers, professionals and entrepreneurs to share how they are accomplishing their goals, honing their leadership skills and utilizing social marketing tools. Register here.

Local University by GetListed.org
November 1, 2011, Western New York

This is a purely educational event and no sales pitches will be made. Attendees may sign up for free website reviews by the speakers. Get more details and register. Use code MB2011 for a discount.

Fast Company Innovation Uncensored
November 2, 2011, San Francisco

A mixed agenda format will offer attendees a variety of ways to engage with and employ the innovative ideas that come from the scintillating content and unexpected environment.

BlogWorld & New Media Expo
November 3-5, 2011, Los Angeles

Recession Proof Sales Training Seminar
November 7, 2011, Woodridge, Ontario

Social Media Makeover Forum at Digital Atlanta 2011
November 8, 2011, Atlanta

Are You Ready for Walmart?
November 14, 2011, Miami

NY XPO For Business
November 16, 2011, New York City

America’s Small Business Summit 2012
May 21-23, 2012, Washington, DC

To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit the Small Business Events Calendar.

Brought to you as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.

From Small Business Trends

New List of Small Business Events