4 Tips for Writing Emails That People Will Read http://ping.fm/ps4Qh

Key steps for developing customer loyalty http://bit.ly/gCG9y via @addthis

Starting Up 101 - Harnessing the power of analytics http://bit.ly/1aKNPA

Reading "Take Responsibility for Your Own Professional Development" http://ping.fm/Stsex

Why Blog Your Personal Brand? Read Road to Me 2.0: Free 52 Page Complete Blogging Guide! Dan Schawbel http://ping.fm/2cOTn

Reading this: Benefit from Grassroots Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities http://ping.fm/Yy1vI

Video: How to Stand Out in the Job Market : The Work Buzz - http://shar.es/rrpH

"How to Engage people to Hire You" on 6/29/2009 - The Business of Coaching show - You Can Coach on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/bDwvG

Listen to Gaining Visibility on 6/22/2009 - The Business of Coaching show by You Can Coach on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/LAY4i

What is the coaching game that you love? Join us on "Business of Coaching show - You Can Coach" on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/aReZf

I am listening to the CoachVille Caffeine show by CoachVille Caffeine on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/qsmVY

Transform your life ... transform your capacity to lead!

Dreams create their own pathways, if you don't try to force things. Taking action summons miracles, whether you recognize them or not.

It sure is hard to get really angry at someone, when you can think of all the reasons you love them.
And you can...

"Real Time Jobs in Demand" has information available on New Jersey's labor market to make smart career decisions. http://ping.fm/LBo7s

I am listening to the SHOW 13 - "You Can Coach" With A Twist show by You Can Coach on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/9mcv0

I am listening to the CoachVille Caffeine show by CoachVille Caffeine on BlogTalkRadio - http://ping.fm/HF3gp

Reap What You Sow: A 4-step plan to grow stronger customer relationships fore your business. http://ping.fm/m0rgi

The term “content marketing” is becoming extremely popular. Check out "7 Top Content Marketing Guides" http://ping.fm/I80O4

10 Soul-Searching Career Questions http://ping.fm/jxzp8

Looking for a job? Here's a new way to use your iPhone to search for employment. Job Search iPhone Apps http://ping.fm/gmBR5

Don’t you wish your résumé could write itself? http://ping.fm/T4p0i

Smart Career Moves To Help You Land The Job You Want http://ping.fm/qTWXf

Who's Got Your Back? Building Trust in Your Life http://ping.fm/P886Z

To everyone designing twitter themes for any purpose this is 65 cool twitter themes will help you. http://ping.fm/xydEK

6 tutorials to gain more twitter followers http://ping.fm/aUs8j

107 Twitter plugins for WordPress displays yours latest tweets in your WordPress blog http://ping.fm/SC78G

Here’s 62 of cool Twitter tools you can use to make your Twittying. http://ping.fm/njM5j

Advocacy Study Ranks Banks on Small Firm Lending, Hints at Current Financial Trends. Get detailed account at http://ping.fm/ARMXx

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. BT Washington

"There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up." -- Bernard Meltzer

“To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman

Thrilled! Finally completed team project of preparing 6-year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2010-2015) and FY 2010 Capital budget. Amen!

“Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.” ~ Voltaire

“Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom: How Online Social Networking Will Transform Your Life, Work and World.” http://ping.fm/Lb4Iq

Do not let what you cannot do interfere
with what you CAN do. - John Wooden

The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller Please enjoy Today!

watching short film "VALIDATION". Has anyone told you how amazing you are lately? Check out this video! http://ping.fm/KACcE SMILE!

No one would have crossed the ocean if he could have gotten off the ship in the storm. ~ Charles Kettering

The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success. ~ David Sarnoff

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. ~ Marie Curie

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~Voltaire~

�Trust is like a vase... once it's broken, though you can fix it, the vase will never be same again.�

�Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, & smarter than you think. C. Robin to Pooh�

Thinking about friendship: "Happiness is time spent with a friend and looking forward to sharing time with them again." ~ Lee Wilkinson

�Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.� ~ Ovid

PitchEngine is a social platform that enables PR to effectively package stories and share them via the social web. http://ping.fm/GkjLB

Business Owners, stay in front of customers. Take the Conversation on the Road http://ping.fm/OXyCL

How to Negotiate With Your Creditors - Entrepreneur.com - http://ping.fm/jee2z

Thought for today...“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” ~ Seneca

Thought for today: No woman or man ever really finds out what s/he believes in until s/he begins to instruct her/his children.

Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual. ~ Arthur Koestler

PLEASE HELP WITH MY SURVEY?
Has your local government privatized trash collection? If so, how is it working? I'd love to hear from you?

“A joy shared is a joy doubled” :-)

“Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.” Kahlil Gibran

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F Kennedy

Tips for Business Owners Dealing With Recession-Related Stress http://ping.fm/YyPzp

Facebook Goes International: Sees Impressive Growth Rates in Africa and Asia http://ping.fm/L8nhu

It's raining in Northern NJ. I'm glad past weekend was beautiful. Time to go to the library. Financial Administration case study due by 4/25

Do you want marketing help for your business? Take action with 115 Marketing Strategies For Small Business http://ping.fm/ZBhgr

Thought for today: "Success comes in cans; failure comes in can'ts.

It's time for lunch and errands. Must pick up shoes from repair shop; find a third course to take this summer, buy text books, etc.

How to Close More Sales and be in control of sales process? Listen to this Ultimate Presentation Podcast. http://ping.fm/vwmxV

Advice to Job Seekers: It’s About Doing the Job—Not Getting the Job http://ping.fm/GoQzp

Building Your Business Online Series Part 1 Choosing a Domain Name http://ping.fm/rogCB

Building Your Brand Series - Part 1 - Listening http://ping.fm/maXs9

The Art of Marketing - Part 1 of the 2009 Marketing Plan Series http://ping.fm/CgtmU

2009 Business Plan Series - Part 1 - The Art of Starting http://ping.fm/t5JBT

25 Unsung Tax Deductions http://ping.fm/vx7tF

Direct Marketing that Gets Results - Free Webinar http://ping.fm/634sg

Direct Marketing that Gets Results - Free Webinar http://ping.fm/634sg

The Ultimate Small Business Twitter List http://ping.fm/ZH5S1

Lost in the social networking jungle? These programs can help guide you through. http://ping.fm/sIaoW

Easter Blessings! May all of His Glory be with you this Easter! Shalom.

How to Protect Your Personal Brand When Your Company's Reputation Sucks http://ping.fm/V1IH4

Effective Federal Income Tax Rates Faced by Small Businesses in the United States -- http://ping.fm/3myhU

The Small Business Advocate. Advocacy: the voice of small business in government. Get your copy at
http://ping.fm/Eu01u

Good night, my friends. Its time to get some much needed rest. I'll chat with you later in the day.

Just submitted last final exam for Spring-09 semester. Thank God! Spring 09 is D-O-N-E! Now, I get to rest for a few days, do laundry, etc.

Small Business Marketing: 100+ Ideas to Get More Traffic, Leads and Sales

Marketing is all about satisfying customer needs. The following represents a comprehensive list of marketing ideas. Use the list of marketing ideas to help better understand customer needs and ways to satisfy those needs.

GENERAL IDEAS

• Never let a day pass without engaging in at least one marketing activity.
• Determine a percentage of gross income to spend annually on marketing.
• Set specific marketing goals every year; review and adjust quarterly.
• Maintain a tickler file of ideas for later use.
• Carry business cards with you (all day, every day).
• Create a personal nametag or pin with your company name and logo on it and wear it at high visibility meetings

TARGET MARKET

• Stay alert to trends that might impact your target market, product or promotion strategy.
• Read market research studies about your profession, industry, product, target market groups, etc.
• Collect competitors’ ads and literature; study them for information about strategy, product features and benefits, etc.
• Ask clients why they hired you and solicit suggestions for improvement.
• Ask former clients why they left you.
• Identify a new market.
• Join a list-serve (email list) related to your profession.
• Subscribe to an Internet usenet newsgroup or a list-serve that serves your target market.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Create a new service, technique or product.
• Offer a simpler/cheaper/smaller version of your (or another existing) product or service.
• Offer a fancier/more expensive/faster/bigger version of your (or another existing) product or service.
• Update your services.

EDUCATION, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

• Establish a marketing and public relations advisory and referral team composed of your colleagues and/or neighboring business owners to share ideas and referrals and to discuss community issues. Meet quarterly for breakfast.
• Create a suggestion box for employees.
• Attend a marketing seminar.
• Read a marketing book.
• Subscribe to a marketing newsletter or other publication.
• Subscribe to a marketing list-serve on the Internet.
• Subscribe to a marketing usenet newsgroup on the Internet.
• Train your staff, clients and colleagues to promote referrals.
• Hold a monthly marketing meeting with employees or associates to discuss strategy, status and to solicit marketing ideas.
• Join an association or organization related to your profession.
• Get a marketing intern to take you on as a client; it will give the intern experience and you some free
marketing help.
• Maintain a consultant card file for finding designers, writers and other marketing professionals.
• Hire a marketing consultant to brainstorm with.
• Take a "creative journey" to another progressive city or country to observe and learn from marketing techniques used there.

PRICING AND PAYMENT

• Analyze your fee structure; look for areas requiring modifications or adjustments.
• Establish a credit card payment option for clients.
• Give regular clients a discount.
• Learn to barter; offer discounts to members of certain clubs/professional groups/organizations in exchange for promotions in their publications.
• Give "quick pay" or cash discounts.
• Offer financing or installment plans.

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

• Publish a newsletter for customers and prospects. (It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.)
• Develop a brochure of services.
• Include a postage-paid survey card with your brochures and other company literature. Include check-off boxes or other items that will involve the reader and provide valuable feedback to you.
• Remember, business cards aren’t working for you if they’re in the box. Pass them out! Give prospects two business cards and brochures -- one to keep and one to pass along.
• Produce separate business cards/sales literature for each of your target market segments (e.g. government and commercial, and/or business and consumer).
• Create a poster or calendar to give away to customers and prospects.
• Print a slogan and/or one-sentence description of your business on letterhead, fax cover sheets and invoices.
• Develop a site on the World Wide Web.
• Create a "signature file" to be used for all your e-mail messages. It should contain contact details including your Web site address and key information about your company that will make the reader want to contact you.
• Include "testimonials" from customers in your literature.
• Test a new mailing list. If it produces results, add it to your current direct mail lists or consider replacing a list that's not performing up to expectations.
• Use colored or oversized envelopes for your direct mailings. Or send direct mail in plain white envelopes to pique recipients' curiosity.
• Announce free or special offers in your direct response pieces. (Direct responses may be direct mail, broadcast fax, or e-mail messages.) Include the offer in the beginning of the message and also on the outside of the envelope for direct mail.

MEDIA RELATIONS

• Update your media list often so that press releases are sent to the right media outlet and person.
• Write a column for the local newspaper, local business journal or trade publication.
• Publish an article and circulate reprints.
• Send timely and newsworthy press releases as often as needed.
• Publicize your 500th client of the year (or other notable milestone).
• Create an annual award and publicize it– as an outstanding employee of the year.
• Get public relations and media training or read up on it.
• Appear on a radio or TV talk show.
• Create your own TV program on your industry or your specialty. Market the show to your local cable station or public broadcasting station as a regular program. Or, see if you can air your show on an open access cable channel.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or to a trade magazine editor.
• Take an editor to lunch.
• Get a publicity photo taken and enclose with press releases.
• Consistently review newspapers and magazines for possible PR opportunities.
• Submit "tip" articles to newsletters and newspapers.
• Conduct industry research and develop a press release or article to announce an important discovery in your field.
• Create a press kit and keep its contents current.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS

• Ask your clients to come back again.
• Return phone calls promptly.
• Set up a fax-on-demand or email system to easily respond to customer inquiries.
• Use an answering machine or voice mail system to catch after-hours phone calls. Include basic information in your outgoing message such a business hours, location, etc.
• Record a memorable message or "tip of the day" on your outgoing answering machine or voice mail message.
• Ask clients what you can do the help them.
• Take clients out to a ball game, a show or another special event– just send them two tickets with a note.
• Hold a seminar at your office for clients and prospects.
• Send hand-written thank-you notes.
• Send birthday cards and appropriate seasonal greetings.
• Photocopy interesting articles and send them to clients and prospects with a hand-written "FYI" note and your business card.
• Send a book of interest or other appropriate business gift to a client with a handwritten note.
• Create an area on your Web site specifically for your customers.
• Redecorate your office or location where you meet with your clients.

NETWORKING AND WORD OF MOUTH

• Join a Chamber of Commerce or other organization.
• Join or organize a breakfast club with other professionals (not in your field) to discuss business and network referrals.
• Mail a brochure to members of organizations to which you belong.
• Serve on a city board or commission.
• Host a holiday party.
• Hold an open house.
• Send letters to attendees after you attend a conference.
• Join a community list-serve (email list) on the Internet.

ADVERTISING

• Advertise during peak seasons for your business.
• Get a memorable phone number, such as "1-800-WIDGETS."
• Obtain a memorable URL and email address and include them on all marketing materials.
• Provide Rolodex® cards or phone stickers pre-printed with your business contact information.
• Promote your business jointly with other professionals via cooperative direct mail.
• Advertise in a specialty directory or in the Yellow Pages.
• Write an ad in another language to reach a non-English-speaking market. Place the ad in a publication that market reads, such as a Hispanic newspaper.
• Distribute advertising specialty products such as pens, mouse pads or mugs.
• Mail "bumps," photos, samples and other innovative items to your prospect list. (A bump is simply anything that makes the mailing envelope bulge and makes the recipient curious about what’s in the envelope!)
• Create a direct mail list of "hot prospects."
• Consider non-traditional tactics such as bus backs, billboards and popular Web sites.
• Project a message on the sidewalk in front of your place of business using a light directed through words etched in a glass window.
• Consider placing ads in your newspaper’s classified section.
• Consider a vanity automobile tag with your company name.
• Create a friendly bumper sticker for your car.
• Code your ads and keep records of results.
• Improve your building signage and directional signs inside and out.
• Invest in a neon sign to make your office or storefront window visible at night.
• Create a new or improved company logo or "recolor" the traditional logo.
• Sponsor and promote a contest or sweepstakes.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• Get a booth at a fair/trade show attended by your target market.
• Sponsor or host a special event or open house at your business location in cooperation with a local non-profit organization, such as a women's business center. Describe how the organization helped you.
• Give a speech or volunteer for a career day at a high school.
• Teach a class or seminar at a local college or adult education center.
• Sponsor an "Adopt-a-Road" area in your community to keep roads litter-free. People that pass by the area will see your name on the sign announcing your sponsorship.
• Volunteer your time to a charity or non-profit organization.
• Donate your product or service to a charity auction.
• Appear on a panel at a professional seminar.
• Write a "How To" pamphlet or article for publishing.
• Produce and distribute an educational CD-ROM, audio or video tape.
• Publish a book.

SALES IDEAS

• Start every day with two cold calls.
• Read newspapers, business journals and trade publications for new business openings and for personnel appointment and promotion announcements made by companies. Send your business literature to appropriate individuals and firms.
• Give your sales literature to your lawyer, accountant, printer, banker, temp agency, office supply salesperson, advertising agency, etc. (Expand your sales force for free!)
• Put your fax number on order forms for easy submission.
• Set up a fax-on-demand or email system to easily distribute responses to company or product inquiries.
• Follow up on your direct mailings, email messages and broadcast faxes with a friendly telephone call.
• Try using the broadcast fax or email delivery methods instead of direct mail. (Broadcast fax and email allows you to send the same message to many locations at once.)
• Using broadcast fax or email messages to notify your customers of product service updates.
• Extend your hours of operation.
• Reduce response/turnaround time. Make reordering easy– reminders. Provide pre-addressed envelopes.
• Display product and service samples at your office.
• Remind clients of the products and services you provide that they aren't currently buying.
• Call and/or send mail to former clients to try to reactivate them.
• Take sales orders over the Internet.

(National Women's Business Center, Washington, D.C., 4/97)

Courtesy of Small Business Administration -
Small Business Planner

A thought to start your day: You cannot win if you do not begin. :-)

anna@annabanks.com Society is addicted to playing the victum. ~ Stephen Covey

Train to NYC 20 minutes. Apparently NJ Transit did't know I have an appointment with my hairdresser. :-(

Failure in people is caused more by lack of determination than lack of talent.

The secret of achievement is to not let what you're doing get to you before you get to it.

Well, it's time to get my "beauty sleep". Good Night and pleasant dreams. I 'll chat with you tomorrow.

Are you looking for a way to expand your local business using teleseminars? Ask @BobtheTeacher http://ping.fm/ELZ6v #MMQI

@bobtheteacher - loved ideas how authors can promote their book with teleseminars http://ping.fm/VpV1p MMQI

Listening to use teleseminars to make money for your business @bobtheteacher http://ping.fm/VpV1p #MMQI

Great call Masters of Marketing Qi, @BobtheTeacher speaking about teleseminar tips http://ping.fm/VpV1p #mmQI

Great low tech teleseminars strategies for on-line and off-line businesses check out @BobtheTeacher http://ping.fm/ELZ6v

Learning how to use teleseminars to make money for your business @bobtheteacher http://ping.fm/VpV1p

Masters of Marketing Qi, with tonight's guest @BobtheTeacher speaking about teleseminar tips - http://ping.fm/VpV1p

How to Create Teleseminars

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Discover the Compass Coaching Advantage - The Affordable Life Coaching for Women

By Anna D. Banks



Women everywhere are experiencing the gift of Compass. We invite you to join Kim Fulcher, CEO of Compass, to discover how Compass can help you...

Take Control of your life, Your Finances, Your Security and Your Confidence!

Please join us to learn about The Compass Coaching Network representative opportunity.

Compass combines personal development with world class training, dedicated leaders, and a generous profit plan to create an excellent Direct Sales opportunity for you. Help us take coaching to women everywhere and we'll pay you to do it! As an Independent Compass Representative, you'll have all the resources you need to build your own business from home.

Start by sharing Compass with women you know who want to live a life they love!

We look forward to "seeing" you on the call and webinar!

Title: Discover Compass Opportunity Event
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

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Did You Know...?

Twitter

Did you download this free training yet?

Super Bowl 2009 Half-Time Training Sale








Hi!


Do you know how we're always looking for ways
to move our businesses forward faster?


I just found this site about using the
telephone to create products and even
get paid before the product is made.


There's a full blown course available,
which I recommend.


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I know it's right for me, and I think
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p.s. I'm not sure how much longer
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Facebook: A Guided Tour by Mari Smith

Let's be friends on Facebook: Anna D. Banks

Let's be friends on Twitter: www.twitter.com/annabanks

Mari Smith Shares Tips on Improving your Facebook Profile Page

Let's be friends on Facebook: home.php?#/profile.php?id=1159861683&ref=name

Let's be friends on Twitter: www.twitter.com/annabanks

How To Create {Video Comments} on ANY Website

How to Put ALL of Your Links In ONE PLACE and Share Them {ShareTabs}

How To Twitter - Setting Up Your Twitter Account

Let's be friends on Facebook: AnnaDBanks

Let's be friends on Twitter: www.twitter.com/annabanks

Ready To Unleash The Power Of Blogs In Your Business?

By Anna D. Banks

It's been simmering below the surface for years and now this power shift has finally boiled over into simultaneous national recognition.

Like Goliath being slain with a lowly slingshot, the mainstream media (in the form of Dan Rather) came to the undeniable realization that they were no longer in control of information.

Within 30-minutes of that now infamous TV special on “60-Minutes II” broadcast bloggers were digging into the facts and questioning the validity of what had just been presented by the 42-year broadcast veteran. In less than one week, CBS admitted it could "no longer vouch" for the memos. And just weeks after the election, Rather announced his retirement and the blogosphere won another victory.

No matter what your political affiliation is, this incident is one very public example of the power of blogging. Blogging is quickly accelerating into a steeping, sloping growth curve of popularity and application. ABC News selected Bloggers as “People of the Year”, and Merriam-Webster declared “blog” its “word of the year.”

Putting the power of blogs to work for your business can have more an impact than you can imagine... and it's easier than you might think.

It puts the power of information and the impact of influence in the hands of the “average Joe”. It makes instant publishing a reality regardless of your technical skill level. And it’s a business growth tool that the savvy small business owner can no longer afford to ignore.

The world’s oldest, most effective form of communication and marketing on steroids!

So why is blogging gaining popularity so quickly? What's the attraction? And why is it so darn powerful?

The answer is quite simple when you consider history and human nature.

Blogging is an unstoppable technological force that exponentially multiplies the world's oldest, most favorite, and most trusted form of information sharing -- word of mouth.

Think about it. Who do you trust the most to give you advice, recommendations, and information about opportunities, purchases, or choices?

If you’re like the vast majority of people, it's the opinion of someone you know and trust. Someone who you feel is just like you. That type of trust comes from personal communication, social interaction, and the joining together of like-minded individuals.

Blogs and the blogging community deliver all that -- and more.

Now is the time to master business blogging and put it to use for you! Do it before other proactive business owners step into your ideal niche and muscle you out of this primetime opportunity.

CLICK HERE to learn more about blogs and business blogging!

Social Media Marketing Beginner’s Guide

By Jon Rognerud

Quick!

What is the hottest social media tool to emerge on the scene this year? It’s ‘Twitter’, and you may get hooked too…

I recently came back from a fully packed conference on social media marketing, the Danny Sullivan SMX show in Long Beach, CA, and all-the-rage was Twitter, a micro-blogging platform that many at first (typically) considered a ‘joke’ or maybe just a temporary fad. They (we) were all wrong, but most agreed that using any tool or technique without a reasonable strategy was a missed opportunity.

But, let’s not be too quick - learn how to research & leverage the social media space with planning and execution along the way.

I’ll show you that micro blogging and the other tools and platforms in this short SMM guide are things you might consider for your important social media marketing.

Furthermore, SMM can provide quality traffic, you can minimize the often laborious time by a little planning and it is possible to market into B2B marketplaces. It’s not just for kids anymore.

What is it?

“Social media marketing (SMM) is a form of internet marketing which seeks to achieve branding and marketing communication goals through the participation in various social media networks”. Social Media is a shorter top level term that describes the space overall, and covers the activities around social interaction, content, videos, images and audio exposure.

Where to start?

Many of us are so excited about the technology and web (hence my somewhat trite opening), that we forget key pieces to success: definition of business goals, objectives and overall process for execution. The old “fail to plan, plan to fail” comes to mind. While you need to create the roadmap for your online business - you must certainly decide on what goals and resulting metrics you want to attain.

Social media marketing can help you increase the activity around these top goals:

• Website traffic and user behavior (external and internal tracking)
• Conversion and sales tracking
• Page views, ad exposure
• Growing brand awareness (a softer value, takes longer to build)
• Creating a positive brand association and keeping it there (see also reputation management)
• Business development and a broader customer reach

How can you create and convert all this activity with social media?

Since the social web allows you to interact with others, create and promote content that can get links and viral attraction, you can - with the right strategy - reach key influencers using this medium. We all know what blogs alone can do, and they are pretty search engine friendly out of the box.

Social media expansion is important because this provides foundations for broader / faster mindshare, along with supporting your search engine marketing objectives. You *can* convert traffic if you target appropriately (research needed), and do not spam. Read each point below to get a deeper understanding.

Tip #1 - Assistance:
Limit talking about yourself, at least initially - provide ways to help others instead. This is probably the most important tip in the social media workplace. Say you are building your new del.icio.us profile, make sure to bookmark other useful resources and sprinkle yourself lightly. It’s about “them”, not “you”. Don’t forget this important rule!

Tip #2 - Process:
Don’t become a “me too” - establish a process and goals for how to get there. I recommend reading 5 pillars for one, and much like SEO programs that have a process (keyword research, competitive review, content analysis, etc), build out a similar map. Too many companies dive in too fast, with no real plan and they are simply peeing in the pool, and no good results come from that.

Tip #3 - Contribute:
Be the one to create (quality) content. While community is Queen in Social Media, quality content is still King, and always will be. Studies show that people are reading much online, but a much smaller group is contributing content. This can mean good opportunities for you.

Tip #4 - Connect:
Reach out to the influencers in your niche, be polite, honest, sincere, and you’d be amazed what brand advocates can do for you.

Tip #5 - Position:
Position yourself in front of consumers’ passions. It can and will create a powerful outcome for your brand.

Tip #6 - Blog:
Make sure you have setup a blog. These numbers are not to be overlooked. I think Technorati is tracking over 110 million blogs now, and growing at a furious pace, even excluding splogs (spam blogs).

Tip #7 - Links:
Don’t be afraid to link out to other blogs and websites in general. Links are what search engines and users make good use of - and search engines would not survive without them. Give others the love too.

Tip #8 - Videos:
Video consumption is growing fast. Create a “how to…” or “top tips…” videos and submit to YouTube. It has wide reach, and you could have millions of people see it. For even wider distribution, you should try tubemogul.com or vidmetrix.com, tools to help automate. In generating all content, make sure to keep #1 rule in check. It’s fine to brand with a URL at the end of the video, but no direct selling. Humor, controversy and weird stuff works very well, keep that in mind - don’t be afraid to test.

Tip #9 - Technorati:
You said you have a blog, right? Claim your blog at Technorati. This will ensure you are indexed in their search engines for blogs and updates are broadcast across the network, along with your own blog network updates. This happens behind the scenes from automatic “pings”.

Tip #10 - Analytics:
Open an account from list below, use your brand name as identifier. This will establish your brand or company name, and not let anybody else assume or steal your personality so easily. Then, work with one or two from the list below to start, and don’t go too fast. Look at your web analytics and track referring domains and review traffic movements daily, weekly.

Tip #11 - Feeds/Research:
Subscribe to feeds, and use iGoogle, My Yahoo Web or other favorite RSS readers. Watch for changes (use Google.com/alerts also), and be the first to comment and engage in your topic. First commenters often get more visibility and traction.

Tip #12 - MicroCommunities:
Locate and join microcommunities - they are social communities that are relevant to your business. Some examples are education.com, nowpublic.com, travbuddy.com, gardenweb.com, shoetube.com, yelp.com and care2.com (non profits). It is much easier to have your voice heard in these and similar markets, than trying a post to Digg that may go nowhere. Those are the perfect places for the “big fish in a small pond” rule. Create highly relevant and linkworthy content, research what others are writing about, and connect with the top players and influencers.

Tip #13 - Submit:
Review the resources below, and consider building out profiles over time. If you submit content, make sure it’s useful, unique and that the title of your post stands out. Pick one or two resources to start, and don’t overextend yourself. Some of the top social marketers in the industry spend 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. This is a lot of manual (social) labor, but you don’t have to go at it that hard. Make sure to ask friends to vote or comment on your postings, befriend others, but no spam. Make intelligent posts and do not have your company employees post from the same location (IP Address). The submission(s) will most likely be rejected, and worst case, your account blocked or suspended.

Tip #14 - Hosting:
Have a good hosting provider. If traffic spikes come, and your server instrastructure cannot handle it, you are toast. You don’t want a Digg server melt-down (fun pic). Here’s a first hand story and how to deal with it.

Tip #15 - Monitoring:
If you want to save time monitoring across many resources within the social networks, try the new Yahoo Pipes, it’s a social monitoring desktop in a browser.

Tip #16 - Advertising:
If you are an advertiser, you might want to check out socialspark.com and socialmedia.com - they both are showing promise from what I can see.

Your Top Social Media Starter Resources (not necessarily in order of importance):

1. Twitter *See more below - specific for twitter
2. Facebook (download toolbar)
3. YouTube (toolbar exists, but have not tried)
4. Del.icio.us (download toolbar)
5. StumbleUpon (download toolbar)
6. LinkedIn (tip: use the Q/A section to gain readership and clients)
7. Flickr
8. Digg
9. Reddit
10. Technorati
11. Secondlife (3D)
12. Meneame (spanish, translate title and synopsis before posting)
13. Newsvine
14. Tip: Subscribe (RSS) to Techcrunch!

Twitter bonus: (Thanks GrayWolf)

Web Browser Plugin: twitterfox
Desktop: twhirl, alertthingy
Blog Tools: loud twitter
Email: twittermail ((abc…@twittermail) - cool tip: schedule to post when you are not online)
Phones: twitterberry (BlackBerry), itweet (iPhone)
Other: tweetscan (alerts, keyword, user search)
Competitor: Pownce.com - check it out along with friendfeed.com

About Jon Rognerud

Jon Rognerud is a search engine optimization (SEO) consultant in Los Angeles, and is the founder of www.chaosmap.com. His new internet marketing book was launched in April 2008, the “Ultimate Guide to Search Engine Optimization”, currently on Amazon and available in bookstores nationwide.

New Technology for Small Business - What's Hot and What's Not with Alastair Hunte

By Anna D. Banks

Today’s guest on Strictly Business Radio is Alastair Hunte, President of Presario Productions, www.presarioproductions.com. If you’re a small business owner or professional who’s just starting out, you probably want to know how to build, promote and manage your business as effectively as possible. If you’re a seasoned business owner or professional with a growing client base, then you probably want to make sure you’re using your time as efficiently as possible.

Technology, used well, can help both new and seasoned business owners leverage time for business-building tasks, without significant cost. Used inefficiently, it can drain you further, both in terms of time and money. Alastair will review some of the hot technologies for small business and how do you use them to your advantage, particularly if you’re not a technophile or have much experience with technology.

ABOUT ALASTAIR HUNTE:

Mr. Hunte, is also the author of the e-book, “Guaranteed Secrets to Optimize Your Web Presence” as well as a free mini-book titled ’25 Must have Tips for Marketing Your Business. You can obtain both books at his website (http://www.presarioproductions.com).

Alastair started 1st business building computers at age 13, first web business at age 21.
- Landed first corporate job working in the IT field for BellSouth as a Junior in college.
- Over 12 years of experience in the Web Development / Graphics Design field
- Over nine years of experience running a successful business (Presario Productions)
- Teaches continuing education classes at Collin County Community College as a way to give back
- Gives presentations to small businesses about making technology work for their business and does motivational speaking for young entrepreneurs
- Provides brand consultation, web marketing advice, and team training for small to medium sized businesses, as well as corporations.
- Currently has over ten live traffic generating websites, with over 75 website creations under his belt.

In his own words…

I have a constant drive not only to be successful, but to help other people reach their peak potential as well. I am determined to bring as many people with me as I can on my way to the top, and help to elevate others once I get there.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Alastair Hunte, President/CEO
Presario Productions
1024 S. Greenville Ave. - Ste 130
Allen, TX 75002
Telephone 214-556-5316
Email alastair@presarioproductions.com
Website http://www.presarioproductions.com

GET ORGANIZED: TIPS FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELER

By Ramona Creel

Most people view business travel to be a stressful and time-consuming process. Preparation for any trip takes time out of your schedule. But imagine if you had to pack and unpack your suitcase several times a month! Business travel also opens the door for a unique set of concerns. If you forget something (a bathing suit, a toothbrush) on a personal vacation, you can usually replace it while on your trip. But if a business traveler forgets a presentation or an important report, it could have much more serious consequences. Business travelers also feel the constant pressure to be "at work" while they are away. They type away at their laptops at the airport, draft letters on the plane, and make cell phone calls in the taxi. Consequently, many business travelers never have (or take) the time to relax during their trips, and come back more stressed and worn out than they were before they left.

But planning and preparation can cut down on some of these concerns. Having a set of PROCEDURES that you follow each time you travel will alleviate some of your anxiety and reduce the likelihood of an emergency occurring.

PACKING FOR A BUSINESS TRIP

Problems such as running out of legal paper or misplacing an important phone number are stressful enough within the confines of your office. Without the safety and comfort of "home," feelings of unpreparedness and vulnerability are multiplied. But you can reduce the chances of forgetting something important if you SYSTEMATIZE your trip preparation.

If you often have to travel on short notice, keep a pre-packed overnight bag ready at all times -- including travel-sized toiletries, duplicates of important personal items (travel alarm, night light), and sleepwear. Then, when duty calls, all you have to do is pack your clothes just before you leave. And it is particularly important in business situations to simplify your travel wardrobe -- bring items that you can mix and match, that don't wrinkle, and that don't require special care. The last thing that you want to worry about as you prepare for an important meeting is hauling a lot of heavy luggage around. Of course you want to dress is appropriately for the occasion, but you can avoid over-packing by thinking through your wardrobe ahead of time.

You can also save a lot of time by pre-packing a travel briefcase. Keep this traveling office well stocked with office supplies -- pens, stapler, notepads, paperclips, a calculator -- whatever you tend to need on the road. Also create a travel folder for collecting those papers and materials (presentation overheads, reference items, unfinished work, travel information, etc.) you will need to take with you. Either fill your folder as you plan your trip, or keep a list clipped to the front of the folder. Then, make a note in your calendar to double-check your list and finish filling your folder the day before you leave. And once you have settled on an itinerary, record all of your pertinent travel information -- agenda, flight information, hotel reservation --on one sheet that you keep close at hand throughout your trip. There is nothing more frustrating than shuffling through a stack of papers trying to find your hotel's address with an impatient cab driver waiting!

TRAVELING FOR CONVENIENCE

The business traveler's main goal is to get to his or her destination with as few problems and delays as possible (well, I guess that's a major concern for every traveler!) Start by making all of your arrangements through a travel agent. This will save you time, worry, and possibly money, as many travel agents are privy to deals that the general public cannot access. When you are booking your flight, have the travel agent go ahead and request your seat assignment along with your reservation. Ask to be seated as close to the front of the plane as possible, so you can be one of the first off of the aircraft. Also, aim for the earliest flight possible to give you plenty of "buffer" in case of delays.

You can take a lot of the guesswork out of your trip by becoming familiar and loyal to a chain of hotels that offer extra services for the business traveler. What are you always needing while on the road -- a copy machine? Fax? Modem? Courier service? Then look for accommodations that provide these services directly at the hotel. Also keep an eye out for those free services that make mornings easier -- continental breakfasts, the coffee machine in your room (if you are a caffeine junkie like my husband), an iron in your closet, and a newspaper by your door. These small touches will save you a lot of time, help you feel more at home, and get you going quicker in the mornings.

THEY CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT YOU!

Some people have the mistaken impression that, if they leave the office for even one day, the entire operation will fall apart without them. Although some matters which come up will need your personal attention, very few will require your IMMEDIATE personal attention. By preparing your staff to deal with emergencies before you leave, you will reduce the number of times you must be interrupted while on your trip.

Take care of as many matters as you can before leaving town. Return phone calls, respond briefly to any outstanding letters, and inform important clients and colleagues of the dates that you will be unavailable. The fewer loose ends you leave, the fewer fires you should have to put out while you are gone. But if your staff should need to contact you, make it easy for them to reach you. Prepare 4 copies of a written itinerary before leaving -- for you, your secretary, your spouse, and the front desk at the hotel where you will be staying. Your staff will be less likely to panic if they have a clear idea of where you will be and what you will be doing each day that you are gone.

The most important step you can take is instructing your staff on how to handle situations while you are gone. Clearly define what issues warrant interrupting your trip and tell your staff how to take care of any other matters that pop up. Have your voice mail message direct callers to the appropriate party and assign urgent matters to a colleague. The goal should be to present a seamless service to your clientele. Customers don't want to hear that a problem can not be resolved because "so-and-so" is out of town. Your duty is to TRAIN your staff to head off problems that occur during your absence.

STAYING ORGANIZED ON THE ROAD

Once you have embarked on your business trip, you may find that you have a hard time staying on top of it all -- your schedule, luggage, paperwork, expenses. There are, however some tricks that will help you keep track of your belongings and prevent personal loss. If at all possible, only bring what you can carry onto the plane. Checking your bags wastes time and invites lost luggage. Pack two small carryon bags rather than checking a bag -- one for your work items and one for your clothes. If you do have to check a bag, check the personal items and hold onto your business materials. If you had to choose between losing your clothes and losing your presentation materials, which would be the more tragic loss?

Keeping track of your expenses can seem like a real chore -- but it's easy if you do your record-keeping as you go. Use separate credit cards for business and personal purchases, and keep all of your receipts in one place. Reserve a zippered pocket in your planner or a manila folder for all business-related receipts. Then, mark your expense form as you go along -- recording the item purchased, the date, and the amount -- and retype it when you return from your trip. You'll find this much easier than trying to remember where and when you paid $5 for parking -- especially on long trips.

And what do you do with the myriad of paperwork business trips seem to inspire? You may have brought some of this paper with you, but the vast majority materializes once you have attended that first meeting (and heaven help you if you are attending a lengthy conference or trade show!) Airline tickets, agendas, and presentation materials are all susceptible to being misplaced when you are in a strange environment -- so try to keep all of your important paperwork in one place in your hotel room. And be sure to put out a sign that says "Don't Throw Away" if you plan to leave papers sitting out while you are gone (those housekeepers can be a bit too efficient!) Take a few moments to review the materials you have received at the end of each day. Categorize the information in a way that makes sense to you, discard what is unneeded, and make notes while the ideas are fresh in your mind. And keep a notepad nearby so you can make a running "to-do" list of items that require your attention when you return.

SCHEDULING YOUR DAYS

Most people maintain a hectic schedule during business trips, running from one activity to another. Delays are unavoidable in life, particularly in travel. Unfortunately, very few people know how to deal with unscheduled gaps in their schedule. Rather than making good use of the time, they view the delay as a stressful event. So prepare for delays. Start by building in a CUSHION on either side of your appointments. Don't just leave enough time in your itinerary to travel from point A to point B -- assume that 43 different people are going to slow you down and you will have to make a detour to point C along the way! Also have a contingency plan in case an activity is postponed or cancelled -- bring work or reading material with you to fill the time.

And let's look at this scenario -- you've been in meetings all day from morning 'til afternoon. What do you do with your FREE TIME in the evening? More work? If you were at home, would you come home from a long day and immediately say, "Gee, I really should get more work done"? Well, some people do, but that's a completely different issue! Don't feel guilty about building room into your schedule for fun stuff -- sightseeing or going to a movie or having a relaxing non-business dinner. You are allowed some personal time on your trip, too!

WHEN YOU RETURN

No matter how well you prepare for a trip, how well you train your staff to head off emergencies, your return home will probably be punctuated by a barrage of telephone messages, a pile of unanswered e-mails, and a stack of unopened mail -- welcome to the information age! And this doesn't even include the work that you've brought back with you from your trip. Where do you start?

Sometimes just digging in will help you get a handle on all that needs to be done. Go through your mail, voice messages, and e-mail, making note of any issues that require your attention. Add these "to-do's" to the list you've been developing while on your trip -- then put your list in order of priority, with the most urgent items at the top. Now that you have evaluated each item and developed a plan of action, you can make the most efficient use of your work time -- starting at the top of the list and work your way down.

Also, take a few moments to put everything away when you return, both at home and at work. Nothing makes a business trip seem so unfinished as a pile of clothes waiting to be hung up or a stack of papers that you haven't taken the time to sort through. Go through the materials you have gathered on your travels and divide them into three piles -- "to delegate," "action items," and "to file." If an item needs to be passed on to someone else, do it ASAP rather than letting it clutter up your desk -- and the same is true with reference items that simply need to be filed away. Once you have cleared up these two stacks, the rest seems a lot less overwhelming.


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Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau -- and even get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all the tools you need to succeed. If you would like to reprint this article, you may do so as long as you include this full resource box. (Copyright Ramona Creel)
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PACKING MADE EASY

By Ramona Creel

Packing is more than just shoving everything you own onto a truck and hitting the road. While I don't believe you necessarily have to hire a professional for a successful move, you do need to know what you are doing before you start loading all of your belongings into boxes. Without a little bit of advance preparation, you could find yourself sorting through unlabeled boxes looking for your frying pan -- or worse yet, filling out damage claims -- instead of enjoying your new home!

HAVE A PLAN

I once helped a friend pack, and was shocked to watch her put food and dishes and medicine and gardening supplies all in the same box. I asked why on earth she did this, and her response was, "That's just how I picked things up." Unfortunately, once she got to her new home, she ended up spending two days hiking all over the house to put things where they belonged. If you will pack your treasures by room -- storing all of the items that belong in the bedroom in one box, those that will go in the bathroom in another, stuff for the kitchen in a third -- packing will go by twice as fast. And be sure to LABEL each box -- with both the room it belongs to and its contents ("books," "cookware," "towels," etc.) Taking a few minutes to create a master inventory list of all your boxes and their contents, according to room, will also help you make sure nothing gets left behind in the move.

PACKING BASICS

I've seen it before -- people either get in such a rush to move or so sick of packing that they just throw things in boxes, without giving any thought to how that container will travel. Of course, the same people show a lot more concern about the packing job when they find their treasures damaged on the other end! First off, try not to exceed 50 POUNDS in each packed container -- otherwise they will be impossible to carry and your belongings might be crushed. As you pack, place heavier items on the bottom of each box and lighter items on top. Your containers will be more stable and less likely to tip over in transit. Use strong TWINE or threaded packing tape to thoroughly seal your containers -- don't just fold the flaps in over themselves, unless you want everything spilling out as the truck is unloaded.

PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS

Many people are afraid to pack their own valuables -- preferring the expense and risk of hiring a mover to pack them -- simply because they are afraid they don't know what they are doing. But it's easy to pack fragile items so that they won't be damaged, with the right equipment. If you still have the item's original packaging, use that for storage during your move -- especially electronic equipment and knick-knacks that have their own specially molded styrofoam padding. If you don't have the original packaging, use clean crumpled paper, bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts for padding. Don't be afraid to use too much padding, especially when packing items that might get chipped or bent easily. You can always use compartmentalized boxes -- like the ones used for transporting stemware -- to keep fragile objects from bumping together. Try to sit items flat on one side or another -- packing fragile objects at strange angles is inviting damage. And be sure to pack your containers tightly to avoid SHIFTING, the number one cause of damage during moves.

PACKING FURNITURE

Moving furniture can pose a problem -- more because of an item's size and bulkiness than its fragility. With many pieces, you must also take steps to protect finished surfaces from mars and scratches -- which are easily avoided by covering each piece of furniture with a sheet, blanket, or paper. Be sure to pad corners with extra foam or blankets -- these always seem attracted to door frames and sharp corners! It's tempting -- and often an efficient use of space - to store clothing and linens inside of chests and dressers as you move them. But be careful about OVERLOADING, which can cause furniture joints to separate and collapse. To protect mirrors, pictures, and glass shelves, wrap each piece in a blanket, tape securely, and mark with a note not to sit anything on top of that package. And use only blank newsprint to avoid ink smudges on your belongings, especially lampshades and fabric-covered items.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Some items are difficult or dangerous to transport, unless you prepare them carefully ahead of time. And you can do serious damage to your appliances if they aren't properly stabilized for travel. Start by draining all fluids -- oil, gas, etc. -- from your power and yard tools so they won't leak. Dispose of all corrosive and volatile chemicals -- such as oil, antifreeze, paint, and gasoline. Once you have cleaned out your refrigerator and freezer, leave the doors open to decrease the humidity. And before packing these items on the truck, place a piece of coal or layer of baking soda in the bottom to prevent mildew and musty smells. You will also want to block your washer agitator to prevent damage during the move. If you plan to transport a piano, have a trained piano mover prepare your instrument for travel. You might also want to seek special advice from your local nursery about transporting any plants, and from your vet about traveling with your pet.

PACKING DOESN'T STOP WITH THE BOXES

So, you've successfully packed all of your stuff into containers -- don't take a break yet! Whether you are hiring movers or getting a U-Haul, you still need to make sure that your belongings are put on the truck the right way. Many people load their furniture on first, but this is actually counter-intuitive. Think about it -- when you are ready to unpack and get settled in, what should go into each room first? Boxes, or the furniture that will hold the contents of those boxes? Start by packing items you won't need right away -- holiday dishes, off-season clothes, memorabilia, boxes of books -- on the front of the truck (nearest the cab). Make sure to leave room for those things you will want to set up immediately -- the beds, the coffee pot, towels, sheets -- near the back or on top of other items. Don't be afraid to load your truck to the ceiling or tie items down -- a tightly-packed load is less likely to shift during transit, meaning less chance of damage.

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Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau -- and even get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all the tools you need to succeed. If you would like to reprint this article, you may do so as long as you include this full resource box. (Copyright Ramona Creel)

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