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3 Marketing Things We Do Wrong That We Could Easily Do Right
Jan 3rd
“Know what the feel and heart of your brand is.” ~ Kelle Boyd, Founder of Ann Kelle Designs. It always comes back to a decision. Everything about our lives and businesses comes back to core decisions. What is your business? Who do you serve? How do you serve them? What is your customer service standard? What’s the best way to train your team?
When you answer these questions, there’s a new set waiting to surface. And that’s OK. It’s the questions that drive the business–and how you answer them can make you stand out.
After reading Visual Marketing, the new book co-authored by Anita Campbell, CEO of Small Business Trends, and speaking with Kelle Boyd, an artist who turned herself into a successful small business owner, I am inspired to pay closer attention to my company’s image.
When you’re solving problems for clients, creating products for customers, managing your staff and contractors or just trying to navigate all your mail, phone calls and email messages, it’s easy to miss some basic decisions when it comes to your visual marketing.
Decisions like:
- your visual message can and should reinforce your mission and your story,
- you can afford help sooner than you think,
- you’re not good at design and you need help sooner than you think,
These can’t be ignored and don’t have to be.
After talking with Anita and Kelle, it occurred to me that there are three marketing things that many small business owners do wrong that we could easily do right—on any budget.
#1. The Confused Vision. It’s Time to Get Clear.
Anita, along with her co-author David Langton, provides 99 proven ways for small businesses to market themselves with images and design. And as I read their book, Visual Marketing, I was inspired. I now have a list of ideas that I’m implementing one at a time.
But even the best ideas have little value if the vision is muddy.
Surface Designer Kelle Boyd says you have to “know what the feel and heart of your brand is” before you get started. If you don’t know who are you, what you stand for and whom your product serves, then anyone can redirect your business for their benefit.
The beautiful thing is vision doesn’t cost money, so any small business can afford it. Just decide to get to the heart of the business—take the time.
#2. The “I-Can’t-Afford-It” Excuse. It’s Time to Get Help.
Not everyone is an artist or designer. In fact, most of the small business owners I know just don’t have the “eye” or the skill to lay out their own visual designs.
When they do it themselves, they often end up with print items that look second-rate. And their rationale is, “I can’t afford to pay someone to do it for me.” But your visual message is directly related to the public’s perception of your product, and that impacts your bottom line.
You can’t afford to wait.
In a recent interview, Anita suggests that you spend your money on a quality logo. This advice makes sense because a good logo gives you a color scheme and an image that you can use on all your marketing pieces.
If you cannot afford to work with a design firm, Kelle suggests that you hire a college student who is studying and practicing design. That way, you save money, and the student builds his or her portfolio.
#3. The Inconsistent Message. It’s Time to Say What You Mean to Say, Every Single Time.
Establishing a clear vision and figuring out a way to deliver a consistent message can take time at first. And that’s OK.
I know that Apple wants me to “Think Different.” Many U.S. citizens know that Burger King wants you to “Have It Your Way.” And the blog readers at AnnKelle.com on some core level know that she wants “to see you smile.”
When you know the vision—spoken or unspoken—then it’s easier to establish a consistent message that your audience will respond to.
These three actions cost more time than money. But they can help you build a brand—a message, a marketing image (whatever language you choose)—that resonates with your people.
Decide to match your visual message with your core vision, and then run with it.
Oops Photo via Shutterstock
3 Marketing Things We Do Wrong That We Could Easily Do Right
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Getting the OS right (for the iPhone, the iPad and the Kindle)
Dec 10th
Stores went from being buildings to becoming websites… and now to devices. But Mr. Gimbel and Mr. Macy would be amazed and probably peturbed if they had to use an iPhone for more than a few minutes.
Some easily answered requests:
Why can’t I see my apps in alphabetical order?
Or in the order they are most used?
Why can’t I list the apps in text form, putting 80 on a page in two columns, instead of only 16 or 20 at a time?
Why isn’t there a suggestor/genius that allows me to find apps that others with habits like mine use? It could change over time and reward me for opting in.
On the Kindle, why can’t I see my archives organized by order of purchase? Date last read? Length? Popularity?
With ebooks, when shopping, wouldn’t you want to know what percentage of the people who bought the book, finished it? How about being able to opt in to circles of readers and sharing comments, progress and reading lists as you go?
All of these improvements help people use the apps they’ve chosen and read the books they’ve purchased. And none of them cost much at all to deliver.
But let’s not forget that some people actually like shopping. Are the online stores for these devices fun or exciting or social? Do they live and grow and change or are they static warehouses?
The seeds of what we buy and how we buy it are being planted with these early versions of the devices. I wonder if we’re being cheated out of discovery, productivity and a bit of fun.
View full post on Seth’s Blog
Show the Right Hustle on Small Business Saturday
Nov 22nd
It seems we like to name everything lately. So, if you didn’t know, the Saturday after Black Friday and before Cyber Monday is now Small Business Saturday. I was asked to write a post on promos and campaigns small businesses can run to capitalize on the special day, but something else is on my mind today.
I’ve been traveling a bunch lately, speaking at a ton of different events from San Diego to Atlanta to Chicago. As I fat-finger this post on my iPhone, I’m on a plane headed for Toronto. The reason I tell you this is because I just had a simple, yet profound experience during a layover in Philadelphia.
I had a few minutes to grab a bite to eat in between flights. As I surveyed my options in the terminal I noticed two restaurants, side-by-side, with drastic differences. One had a long line and the other had none. For that reason alone I decided to get in the long line. I figured the locals must know where the good food is.
After 30 seconds I realized why Eat At Joe’s had a huge line and next door they sat, waiting. Hustle. The right kind of hustle. That’s it. That was the secret. There was man behind the counter working the crowd. Every time someone would walk by he would shout out “Philly cheese steaks here! Don’t go home, don’t leave Philly without one.” His energy was contagious. People lined up at his command.
I began to wonder. We often get caught up in the latest tactics. We search high and low for the hottest tools. We get amped on our amazing technology. We’re connected day and night trying to make our businesses go. We’re hustling. But is it the right hustle?
All the SEO in the world doesn’t do any good, inbound marketing is a waste, and the latest email marketing trick is in vain if we don’t ask for the business. One wise man, speaking to parents, said “No other successes can compensate for failure in the home.” I also believe that for business owners, no other successes can compensate for failure to sell.
It might make you uncomfortable. It might make some of your prospects uncomfortable. But in the end, nothing can substitute for asking for the sale. We can keep ourselves busy, really busy, thinking we’re hustling and therefore the business should grow. But sometimes we avoid the right kind of hustle – asking for the business.
Why do we avoid it? It’s hard. It’s taxing. When people say no, it hurts. We hate rejection. We want success. But the avoidance of rejection causes us to miss out on success. The avoidance is illogical. When we sell successfully, it feels great. The bills get paid. It creates a euphoric high. But for many people, the fear is greater than the reward. So, we stay busy with less important things, convincing ourselves that we’re doing meaningful work.
Here are a few tips for getting serious about sales hustle:
- Focus on your higher purpose. You’re not selling just to make a buck. You have a product or service that makes a difference in people’s lives. Don’t let another person pass you by without the opportunity to improve their life with your product or service.
- Turn it into a game. Keep track of how many times you ask for the business in one day. Try to beat that number the next day. Keep track of how many accept versus reject. Try to improve your conversion.
- Find an accountability partner. If you’re having trouble actually doing it, find someone who will hold your feet to the fire and ask you on a daily basis how your progress is coming. If you have no one who will do this for you, comment on this post – I’ll check in with you regularly (and publicly).
- Practice. If you feel uncomfortable saying the words, practice. Sit in front of a mirror and say them to yourself over and over and over until they sound natural. Then practice with a friend. Practice until the words come out with 100 percent confidence. Nothing wavering.
So, on Small Business Saturday, whether you’re taking the day off or out there hustling, make a commitment to get back to the basics and ask for the business. It will probably do more good for your business than anything else.
As I picked up my order and walked away from Eat At Joe’s, I noticed a passer-by standing in between the two restaurants, reviewing the menus, trying to decide. I smiled as the man from behind the counter boomed:
“Hey man, you’re on the wrong side of the rope. Get over here and get you a Philly cheese steak.”
The man promptly obeyed. One more customer – just because he asked. He hustled the right kind of hustle. What about you?
Image from Yuri Arcurs/Shutterstock
Show the Right Hustle on Small Business Saturday
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Time May Be Right To Start Businesses Today
Nov 18th
Could the time be right to start a small business? With heavy competition and a challenging economy, opportunities are available, says Sir Richard Branson in our first link. Our roundup takes a broad look at entrepreneurship today. Are you ready?
Startup Fever
Branson: time right for starting businesses. Legendary entrepreneur Sir. Richard Branson says the time is right for starting new businesses. Branson says startups can take advantage of larger potentially bloated companies struggling to compete in tough times. Bloomberg Businessweek
Kickstart your business in 54 hours or less. That’s what it took for these tech startups to blast off into business during Startup Weekend, a three-day odyssey taking ideas from conception to concrete reality. Inc.com
Best Practices
If at first you don’t succeed… Recovering from failures and learning from your mistakes–these are valuable skills for everyone, especially entrepreneurs. But don’t lose your cool or let the fear of failure define you or stop you from pursuing your business goals. Seth Godin’s Blog
The “nurture” of your business is just as important as its nature. Being focused on “the launch” is great, but remember to consider your day to day operations, maintenance, and future growth. Youngentrepreneur
Myths & Heroes
Small business myth-busters. Ka-boom! Ten popular small business myths are blown to bits, freeing you from common misconceptions that could be holding back your success. American Express Open Forum
Business role models whose views resonate. Maintaining your inspiration throughout your entrepreneurial journey isn’t always easy! Finding a business hero whose story resonates with you is just the thing to bolster your determination while you fight the good fight. Small Business Trends
Events
Build mad skills for startup success! This free Webinar on Dec. 1 with journalist and entrepreneur Susan Solovic, will show you the ins and outs of starting a business and help prepare you for the challenges entrepreneurs face. Ventureneer
Strategy
Crowdsourcing platforms for tall ideas. From focus and feedback to funding, a community kickstart could be just the right the tack to take your business from conception to reality. Getbusy Media
Small business strength training to beat the “big guys”. Just because you are small doesn’t mean you have to be weak! Finding your niche, capitalizing on community connection, providing in-touch customer service, and thinking outside the box will flex your small business muscle and help you knock out your larger competitors. Angel Business Advisors
What Captain Kirk can teach you about entrepreneurship. Ronika Khanna takes us along for an evening with actor William Shatner and shows us how tenacity and the willingness to say yes to any opportunity can serve the entrepreneur even in tough times. Montreal Financial
Time May Be Right To Start Businesses Today
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
9 Tips for Finding the Right Mentor
Nov 10th
No man is an island, and every entrepreneur needs a support network. While it’s important to have a network of peers, friends and family, it’s equally important to have a mentor to act as a sounding board, hold you accountable and be the voice of reason. But finding the right mentor is about more than just finding someone you admire and asking them for advice.
So we asked members of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only nonprofit organization comprised of the country’s most promising young entrepreneurs, this question:
“As a Gen Y entrepreneur, what do you look for when seeking out mentorship from business leaders?”
Here’s what they had to say:
1. Failure Plus Success
“I want advice from people who’ve done it a few times, and seen failure and success along the way. Failure gives an entrepreneur a lot of insight into the raw process of building a business. Alongside a breath of experience I look for specific domain knowledge–someone who’s got deep insight into distribution, fund-raising or product development, for instance. Specialized insight is valuable.” ~ Derek Shanahan, Foodtree
2. Experience in My Industry
“You should select your mentors based on their lifestyle. For instance, if you want to run a big technology company someday, then it’s wise to choose a tech executive. On the other hand, if you want to become a professional speaker, you should go after an experienced speaker who can offer you insights and advice.” ~ Dan Schawbel, Millennial Branding
3. Someone Who Aligns With My Values
“There are tons of successful people in the world; however, only a few will truly align with your values and world view. Make sure to find a mentor who can truly connect with your vision of the company and how you are looking to change the world. Also, look to see if their track record is similar to the one you envision for yourself.” ~ Brenton Gieser, JoynIn
4. More Than Just Advice, Relationships
“I look for a successful individual in a complementary business to my own–someone who has established relationships with a network of potential partnerships. By involving a mentor in the process of building my business, he or she will take pride in it and want to see it grow and prosper. With their existing relationships, the access is just an introduction away.” ~ Benjamin Leis, Sweat EquiTees
5. A Track Record of Proven Success
“I look for great business leaders with a track record of proven success. I also consider their story, where they started, what they started with and what they have become. I like to connect with mentors who share a similar story to my own because those are the mentors who have truly been in my shoes. Of course, mentors with good connections are nice as well.” ~ Lucas Sommer, Audimated
6. Someone Who Recognizes That My Path Is Different
“When I decided to go out on my own, obviously my mentors were some of the first people I turned to with the news. If you’re lucky enough to have awesome mentors, they’ll know that the path they took is going to be different from yours but can still offer advice that can help you. If your mentors start trying to dissuade you or mold you into a younger version of themselves, find new ones.” ~ Sydney Owen, 3Ring Media
7. A Straight Shooter
“As a Gen Y entrepreneur, I look for business leaders who are straightforward to mentor me. I value the unedited, honest and sometimes brutal experiences and truths that they have to share. I don’t want them to sugarcoat their advice because their wisdom will undoubtedly make me a better businessperson.” ~ Lauren Maillian Bias, Luxury Market Branding
8. A Two-Way Street
“I look for someone who can not only bring value to me with their advice and connections, but also someone to whom I can bring value. The best mentorships are two-way streets. If you are just trying to learn from someone, they are a teacher, not a mentor. It should be a give-and-take relationship.” ~ Nathan Lustig, Entrustet
9. Someone Who Gets Where I’m Going
“It helps if we’re simpatico, if they ‘get me’ and understand where I want to go with my business. I also look at how they run their business. If they look like they’re happy and having fun, that translates into someone I’d love to learn from.” ~ Nathalie Lussier, Nathalie Lussier Media
9 Tips for Finding the Right Mentor
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction and Get the Right Things Done
Oct 29th
This is the third day in a row where I’ve started no less than three activities within 10 minutes and made little progress on any of them. I am distracted, I am frustrated and I am falling behind.
That’s the moment that I glance at my nightstand and see the book 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done buried under a pile of books. ”A-ha!” I think, “This is exactly what I need to get back on track!”
As I rifle through the book, it becomes clear to me that I’ve gotten trapped in the detailed tasks that make up my day instead of keeping my eye on the overall goals that I’ve set out to accomplish through the year. I quickly realize that I have been the thief of my own time and the main obstacle to not achieving what I’d set out to do.
If that sounds like you, then read on, my friend, and let’s see how we can transform our daily to-do list monster in 18 minutes.
18 Minutes is a brand new book written by Harvard Business Review’s most popular online columnist, Peter Bregman (@peterbregman). It offers a plan for getting the right things done in business and in life.
There are four primary sections to the book:
Section 1 – Pause – The examples in this section will prepare you for the rest of the book. You will get into a mind-set that will help you to see the possibilities of getting the most out of your time.
Section 2 – What is this year about? I’m a big fan of Chris Brogan’s “three words for the year” exercise where you pick three words that will symbolize your priorities and efforts in the new year. This is very much the same idea. In 18 Minutes, Bregman shows you four elements around which you should focus your efforts over the year:
- Leverage your strengths
- Embrace your weaknesses
- Assert your difference
- Pursue your passion
Part 3 – What is this day about? – this is where you learn how to translate what your year is about into a daily 18-minute plan. This isn’t really a new concept. The Franklin Planner folks had this figured out, as do most people who are on a mission to achieve something.
I have a friend who likes to say that most people know more about what they want on a pastrami sandwich than what they want out of life. Bregman is saying the same thing. Figuring out what your year is about is huge, but keeping that goal in focus day in and day out is even more challenging for most people.
In this section, Bregman delves deeper into how to combine those four elements of who you are into a more powerful, more fully self-expressed version of you. He relates a wonderfully telling story of how he repeatedly fell during a mountain biking trip because he found himself slowing down at a rock instead of plowing over it. I could immediately see his point and thought of how I become sidetracked by certain events in the day because I didn’t plan ahead and acknowledge potential obstacles and how I would handle them.
There is a terrific list outline in this section that you can use immediately. Just use those four or five things that your year is about as list categories; then put your tasks underneath. Bregman also recommends creating a category called “The other 5%- Mine.”
When I saw this, I had an epiphany! I’ve been using Google Tasks to keep track of my to-do lists and had created lists by Clients. Now I see that I can create my lists by these four categories.
In fact, if you read my review on Karmic Management, you’ll find Bregman’s system works just as well with the 6 time lists mentioned there.
An interesting benefit you’ll get from this arrangement of your lists is the ability to quickly see which categories have an abundance of tasks and which ones are a little thin. This is a terrific visual barometer that you can use to see if your day is the way you’d like it to be. If it isn’t, you can quickly make a change.
Part 4- What is this moment about? I’m sure you see a pattern unfolding in this book. Focus on who you are, what your year, day and moments are about, and keep your tasks focused in those areas–then you will certainly get where you want to go.
This section is all about being present moment by moment and noticing when you are about to get distracted. Bregman discusses tactics for managing distractions – those shiny objects that clutter our day, those siren songs that ultimately steal us away from our mission in life.
18 Minutes: advice that’s easy to adopt
Granted, my current situation motivated me to read 18 Minutes out of frustration. But I found the book to be engaging and Bregman to be a likable narrator. He didn’t come off as better or holier than thou. In fact, quite the opposite.
In the Mastering Distractions section he talks about going on an bike ride in the pouring rain because that was his exercise time and if his focus was on exercise, this was the only time he could do it. He shares his constant inner voice trying to convince him that he should retreat to the warmth and comfort of his apartment, and then he tells us how he stepped out into the rain and even then was thinking bout turning back, but only five minutes into the ride, the rain that seemed like an irritant turned refreshing.
I was inspired more by his “weakness” than his determination in this story. It showed me that I get to choose how the day goes and those choices determine how my life goes. That was a powerful moment for me.
Integrity about who you are in the world trumps distractions
Chapter 33 is titled “Am I the Kind of Person Who…” This is an incredibly powerful chapter because it brings to light that who we are in the world drives what we do, what we focus on and ultimately what we achieve.
Create a good story about yourself, and the actions you take throughout the day will flow easily and naturally.
Things I loved about 18 Minutes
18 Minutes is really well written. Bregman is so engaging, real and open that his time-saving and life-managing techniques are like that spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down. He uses personal stories, many of which are somewhat self-deprecating, to show you that he’s struggled with the principles he is writing about.
After giving it more thought I realize that 18 Minutes has the magic combination of qualities I like in a book:
- Fun to read
- Short
- Practical
- Immediately implementable
Who will benefit most from reading 18 Minutes?
If you’re a type A personality who wants to squeeze the most out of your day, this is a book that will feed your fire. And if you find yourself ending each day tired and feeling like you didn’t get to where you wanted be, then reading this book will help you pinpoint the time takers that leaves your days and spirit unfulfilled.
This book is an ideal holiday gift for business owners who don’t want to make New Year’s resolutions because they know that nothing ever happens as planned.
If you’re dedicated to living your life and running your business in a way that makes a difference n the world, then this is a terrific, easy and fulfilling read.
18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction and Get the Right Things Done
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Is the American Jobs Act the Right Course for Small Business Growth?
Sep 15th
While President Obama urged Congress to pass his $447 billion jobs bill combining tax cuts and new government spending, skepticism remains as to whether the package could kick-start the stalled economy and if it would indeed pay for itself as the President promised.
President Obama’s “American Jobs Act” proposals include a 50 percent cut in payroll taxes, incentives for businesses to hire returning veterans and people who have been unemployed for more than six months, and new spending on America’s infrastructure. The President said that the proposals would not increase the growing federal deficit, and that he has ambitions for long-term deficit reduction through spending cuts.
Although the President’s intentions are good, the plan is unlikely to have the intended effect and may not even pass Congress. The plan is well intentioned, but a little off the mark.
- The number-one issue right now is empowering entrepreneurs to start small businesses. To do that, they need capital. but banks simply aren’t lending. Many big banks have reserves on their books. President Obama should take a page out of Ronald Reagan’s 1987 playbook and vow to increase taxes on assets that are sitting idle if the banks do not reach certain small business lending plateaus.
- Although the President insisted that his proposals would pay for themselves, he did not say how. There is a high likelihood that the measures will add to the growing government deficit, which puts a burden on the economy and small businesses in particular.
- When government revenues don’t match its spending, it looks to increase revenue. My fear is that small business owners will suffer. Entrepreneurs don’t have lobbyists like big corporations do and thus are less likely to sway government leaders against taxing their businesses.
- Providing incentives for hiring returning soldiers is a worthy and sincere aspiration. However, the reality is that many veterans do not have the job skills to compete in today’s technology-driven economy. Any proposals should include some sort of training for veterans so that they can develop marketable skills – a 21st century G.I. Bill, so to speak. When people have skills they get hired. The same applies to long-time unemployed workers.
There are three things the President should have suggested, but did not:
1. Provide ncentives for small business lending. Tax incentives for hiring are nice, but if you don’t have capital to launch the business, they do no good.
2. Encourage foreign direct investment into new businesses. China has been very good at this. New companies create jobs.
3. Focus on reducing the deficit, which is a time bomb. Who will be most likely to pay the piper? Small business owners, who don’t have lobbyists and are an easy target for higher taxes and increased fees. (It won’t be the poor or the big corporations that pay.) A large government deficit limits access to capital for the private sector in general and small businesses in particular, as they do not have access to public markets. The deficit is exactly the opposite of what small businesses need to help bring America out of its stagnant economy.
President Obama is correct in saying, “Ultimately, our recovery will be driven not by Washington, but by our businesses and our workers.” In order to do that, small businesses need an environment in which they can grow. He also was right when he admitted that people cannot wait 14 months until the next Presidential election for the economy to turn around. While the new measures would likely spur employment (currently at 9.1 percent) and some growth, they are not enough to solve the country’s economic woes.
Is the American Jobs Act the Right Course for Small Business Growth?
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Getting the Google Plus Conversation Right
Aug 19th
Getting the Google Plus Conversation Right
This content from: Duct Tape Marketing
If you still haven’t joined Google Plus click here – 150 invites
Benson Kua via Flickr
One of the most interesting things about Google’s new social network, Google Plus, is the conversation that participation generates.
Some still attribute this to the newness factor, but it’s one of the things that really makes Google Plus exciting right now.
Posting is different
One of my first observations is about the kind of content that attracts the most interest. Simply republishing blog posts is not necessarily the best way to generate conversation. Publishing a somewhat divisive opinion contained in a blog post is. Posting images and videos is. Posting opinions is. Posting observations is.
There are essentially three ways for people to interact with your content on Google Plus. They can +1 it, share it and make a comment on it. In my experience so far, people +1 something as a way of saying – I like that. They share as a way of saying I want people that I’m connected with to see that (it’s one way people fill up their own stream.) They make comments when they want to agree or disagree or in response to a question.
Because of the way the entire content and conversation package is displayed on Google Plus the comments are a bigger part of how the conversation ends up then they might be on the more traditional blogging format.
Experiment with content
Noting some of the differences stated above has me playing around with getting the mix right, but I can say it’s a work in progress. Sometimes you make a simple observation and find the conversation wanders into considering your own mortality.
Here are a handful of posts that show the different kinds of engagement for different kinds of content with the engagement numbers for each.
Here’s where I asked people what they +1 or share – questions draw comments for obvious reasons – +4, 5 shares, 39 comments
Here’s where I suggested that we need prepare students better for the reality of a digital world – opinions can draw all three – +18, 17 shares, 26 comments
Here’s where I uploaded a photo that contained an interesting reflection my beer glass made on the bar – +38, 3 shares, 29 comments – including one telling me I was old and thought my life was over, but pretty amazing to think that an image, uploaded in real time would draw this much conversation – images draw lots of +1 and get comments if they are odd, but don’t draw many shares unless they are magnificent (photographers are finding a real home here)
Here’s a repost of a short YouTube video about giving referrals (another interesting thing about G+, videos, even ones you’ve previously posted elsewhere, do very well) – +31, 25 shares, 24 comments – short, inspiring videos can draw lots of attention.
Here’s another one that’s just an image from a photo shoot for a magazine – okay, it’s a pretty cool photo, but look at the conversation – +56, 1 share, 48 comments – again, another case of an image drawing +1 and comments, but not as many shares.
And lastly – Here’s where I created a graphic that stated something that the early users of Google Plus were all thinking, but I was one of the first to capture it I guess – The brutally honest guide to naming circles on Google+ +78, 2029 shares, 96 comments – one of the most shared images of all time mainly because it contained a powerful insight and the timing was right.
Here’s my advice
Shares are probably the most important if you want to build your audience and get more traffic. Thoughtful insights, useful videos and valuable how to content is what people share. +1s may help some day in search and comments are an important sign of healthy followings, but shares are where it’s at.
Traffic generation
Google Plus is often in the top three spots, and more than once the top spot, in daily traffic to my site. And yet, traffic from other social networks has not dropped. So, making the effort to get your posting on Google Plus right – meaning tailoring it to the Google Plus conversation – is not only worth the effort in terms of traffic, it will certainly be worth it one day in terms of search and is already worth it today in terms of stimulating conversation.
View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
Cinema School – Learn how to make movies right now
Aug 14th
Check our great products that converse like crazy – A how to guide to make movies. Low competition niche, cheap Ppc, easy keywords, 75% commissions. just send 20 targeted leads and see the result.
Cinema School – Learn how to make movies right now
Small Business Advice at the Right Price
Jul 27th
If you need small business advice, we’ve got it. And you can have it for free. We offer roundups everyday of the business week and ask only that you share something useful with someone else if you find it here. From startup to management to franchise and more, we hope to provide you always with the most useful news and information for your business. Let’s begin:
Simple Suggestions
Learning from your peers. What better way for small business owners to learn than from others who have experienced what they have, who have “been there done that” as the saying goes? This is one of the reasons for events like the recent #BBSMBchat on Twitter. If you missed the event go to the link above for highlights. Twitter Chat
Sandwich franchise leaves bad taste. If you think a franchise is somehow safer than starting a business from scratch, think again. Franchise expert Joel Libava tells the story of one franchiser that has proved this. Not all franchises are bad, of course, but each must be evaluated like any small business to find success. The Franchise King
Preparing for the Worst
Lemons into lemonade. Dr. Shannon Reece enlists the help of 47 entrepreneurs and small business owners who she says have come forward to help others with their small business goals and needs. How many times in your business have you been handed lemons and been asked to make lemonade? Strategies & Tactics for Women
Online tools for your small biz. From Drop Box to Box.net to Jungle Disk and more, here’s TJ McCue’s list of the top eight online backup tools for your business. They help you store what for many of us is our greatest asset in small business these days…our data. Don’t make the mistake of being caught unprepared. Open Forum
Growth & Change
Practicing at the art of compromise. This post comes by at a very timely moment as wrangling is still going on in Washington over a budget compromise that will solve a contentious debt ceiling issue. The resolution will likely not satisfy either side and you will likely have similar situations in business. Are you ready? Catarina’s World
Is your small business a luxury brand? Sometimes size isn’t important when it comes to growing your business even into a multinational business with locations around the world. Steve Abrams and his wife Tyra are the owners of Magnolia Bakery, maker of vintage cakes and deserts with just four locations in Manhattan and one in Los Angeles, but are now eyeing locations overseas. WSJ
Tips & Trends
Do you have an apetite for food startup? Traditionally not an easy business to get into, the food business has many barriers to entry and presents many challenges. But with many changes in attitudes about health and shifting tastes, it may also be one of the biggest opportunities out there for startup and growth. Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Selling tips from TerraCycle? Learning how to effectively sell your product or service is the first step to serious small business success, but, of course, there are challenges along the way. Many startup entrepreneurs may have little or no sales training and just a passion for their idea. Here are ten tips from Tom Szaky, chief executive of the Trenton-based bike company. You’re the Boss
New Frontiers
Tips for the social entrepreneur. There’s a new kind of entrepreneur taking the world by storm. If your small business has another purpose too, consider reading these important tips for the social entrepreneur. Indeed many businesses start out with a goal to change the world. Here’s how to put your world-changing idea into action. Inc.com
Stop looking in the rear view mirror. Keeping an eye on the competition from time to time can be a good business strategy. Becoming obsessed with your competition can ruin your business and your life. If you don’t know the difference, have we got a blog post for you? Jackie Purnell explains how to avoid competition neurosis. Respectfully Disobedient
Small Business Advice at the Right Price
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