Should you add social networking/media to your marketing strategies?
Posted on | August 31, 2010 | 1 Comment
Social networking is NOT new. I first found what could be called social networking back in 1995, but even then it was old. It starter out as Usenet I new it as alt newsgroups.
Back in 2004, it was the only way to meet others online; it just wasn’t used to often for or buy businesses. Think Prodigy Forums, think “forums” for any type of person or problem, think AOL Groups.
Fast forward again…
Today, all consolidated business, strategic, marketing, and financial plans should include at a minimum discussion about social marketing/media. Most should include integrated marketing and network strategies. Integrated = a variety of marketing strategies that build on each other that could be off line and online.
Depending on who your ideal client/target market is that could (and usually does) includes some type of social media strategy. Even if the strategy = putting your top executives profile on a few sites, that’s time consuming and should be on a plan.
My Social Ne working story.
I was a member of Ecademy and Ryze early on.
Being an early user, I created a LinkedIn Profile in 2005, even thought it made no sense for me to do so. Why not? Most users back then were male executives looking for jobs and recruiters. Why did I do it? Search engine rankings. Being around the Internet since 1994, I knew that the LinkedIn profile and links could help my company website rankings.
So I created my profile an put a note in my S.I.M.P.L.E. folder that reminded me to check Linkedin yearly to see if it was something I should spend more time on.
Each year I checked an in 2008 I saw that there were more women and B2B business owners on Linkedin. I updated my profile, and added information to the new section that LinkedIn added to their site.
In mid 2008, I checked again and it was now time to spend more time on LinkedIn while removing time I was spending elsewhere. In 2009 two new clients came direct from LinkedIn and many ezine subscribers.
I started a Group for Women Business Advisors and spent more time answering questions in the Groups and ANSWERS sections.
In 2010, I started speaking on using LinkedIn as part of your marketing strategies.
Recently I started answering less questions on Groups. Mainly because the discussion area in LinkedIn has become an an “ad fest” with folks posting their own blog posts there. Possibly the addition last week of a Promotions Tab in each group will help that. I am finding myself spending more time on Focus.com It also has a very business like demographics.
Monitoring your time and marketing efforts is so important!
More “No’s” Can Help Your Business Grow Faster
Posted on | August 31, 2010 | 1 Comment
by Maria Marsala
We do our best to avoid it- the dreaded "no." It usually means we didn’t lock in the business we wanted, or didn’t make a deal, etc. Chances are however, that you want to hear certain people say "no", you just don’t know it! Why? Because you want spend your time with quality prospects, who fit within your ideal client niche. Consider these six prospect types, and learn why sometimes hearing "no", or saying it to a prospect can save you money, time, and a nasty headache (or lawsuit).
Prospects You Want to Say "NO" To
Type 1 – Freebie Seekers
These individuals will attend everything you offer for free and seven years later, they’re still "doing business with you" this way. It’s likely that they use a free service email addresses to subscribe to your ezine, and will use your tips and handouts with little interest in ever paying for anything. IF they decide to pay for anything, they will take you up on your complimentary session, then request a proposal from you and shop it around until they find the cheapest person to work.
Type 2 – Excuse Makers
These folks love to complain, if only to hear themselves talk. As much as they may whine, they are the creators of the drama in their lives- they find it exciting! They’ll start a second business instead of working out the problems of the first business. They’re marketing to everyone who breaths. Issues? They don’t have any, because it’s always someone else’s fault.
Type 3 – Perfectors
These are the folks who research themselves out of making changes that could help them grow personally or professionally. They send you detailed information on what you’re doing incorrectly, not to help you but to judge you "wrong". They will never be satisfied with the work you do for them, even though you’re doing exactly what they’re paying for.
Type 4 – Pollyanna’s
They kinda, maybe know that they could use your services or product. But they’re lying to themselves about the extent of their problems and believe that given time, their problems will go away. Until they are willing to work on what they’re denying, and do something about it, they will waste your time.
If you’ve had "crappy clients", then those four types of prospects should sound familiar. They’ll make a complimentary session appointment, not show up, have a flimsy excuse why, and expect another session. OR they’ll join groups or programs that offer a money-back guarantee with one foot out of the door. Say a prayer of thanks that you’ve been able to weed these people out of your prospect process!
Prospects You Want to Say "MAYBE" or "YES" To
So what about positive potential clients? They’re waiting for you to recognize them!
Type 5 – Busy Bees
They have so much going on that they lack focus, and it’s hard to pin them down. They have the funds to pay you, yet they might not be as committed as you need them to be. But when they’ve found you, it means that they’re getting ready to make changes to the way they do life or business. So, if they ask you to call them back in six months, do so! Understand that they are striving to turn into client #6.
Type 6 – Clearly Leveraged
They know what they want, and what they don’t. And they’ll tell you! These clients are focused and know what’s what. They’re looking for updated skills or tools. They know they’re not doing "X" right; they could be doing "Y" more. They’re coming to you to help them make major changes to their world.
How do you attract more type 5 and 6′s?
- Make an honest self-assessment of yourself and take care of the areas of your life that need your attention. Whether you need therapy, a 12-step program, a gym, an increase in confidence, a new job, or additional experience- whatever help you need, get it.
- Create an ideal client profile and choose a target market. It takes time and effort to do this, but it’s well worth it if you can pre-qualify the right clients for your business. Professional organizers will tell that for every hour you spend planning/organizing you’ll save 15 hours of work.
- Create questions on your Intake Process forms and work your website to help you attract your ideal prospect. Weed out all but type 5 and 6 clients. This is where saying "No" will give you the time to get better clients — clients you’ll love working with and who will automatically refer others, like them, to you.
Once you know everything about your deal clients you will find yourself hearing and saying "Yes" a lot more. You can learn to put your business directly in view, and soon clients will come looking for you!
© 2010 Maria Marsala, Elevating Your Business. Brimming with over 25 years of business experience, Maria founded Elevating Your Business, a business development company dedicated to helping high-achieving women ready to grow business empires a size of their choosing. Create the business freedom you desire by targeting your marketing effortsand "Attracting More High-Quality Clients". Visit Economy Proof Your Business: Create An Ideal Market Profile today!
Envision Your Big(GER) Business
Posted on | August 31, 2010 | 1 Comment
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
at 10am PST / 11am MTN/ noon CST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST
Having a solid Business Vision Statement can help you work smarter (if you use it!) It also helps you narrow down what networking groups you attend and what social networking sites are worth your time. That’s because a formal vision statement includes some information about your target market and ideal clients. Don’t spend one more dollar marketing-until you develop a Business Vision Statement (BVS).
Do your BVS in 30-minutes with the help of an expert strategist and planner — Maria Marsala, a Senior Certified One Page Business Plan® Consultant and former Wall Street Trader. While on the teleclass you’ll redefine or create a measurable, reasonable, and attainable Business Vision Statement. Your vision will be ready to use immediately after the 30-minute quick-class.
What You Get For Showing UP
- Attend a 30-minute group session where I will walk you through the process and you will create your Business Vision Statement.
- Bring two pieces of paper and a good pen to the event.
- I’ll teach you some and then answer your questions about Business Vision Statements (only) on the call.
We start promptly on the hour. Watch for the phone number the day before the event and again the morning of the event. To register go to Look for the Light Bulb
Soupy Sales, Sonny Fox, Chuck McCann
Posted on | August 30, 2010 | No Comments
If these names sound famliar to you, then you’re from Brooklyn. Well maybe you watched TV in the Tri-State area in the 1950′s and 60′s.
Today, on PBS, there was a Soupy Sales special. I started singing songs that I haven’t sung in more than 40 years. It got me wondering what happened to some of my childhood favorite shows.
I found Chuck McCann on Facebook! How wonderful.
But most of the rest are in comic heaven.
Here are some links to what I found. Enjoy!
So who did I leave off of your childhood memory list?
Small Business chief sees small firms as vital to recovery
Posted on | August 30, 2010 | No Comments
Click to read article on USA Today. Small Business chief sees small firms as vital to recovery
What It Takes To Run A Sound Commercial Bank
Posted on | August 28, 2010 | 1 Comment
You may or may not think that is a strange topic for my blog. It was my strong financial background that intregied me enough to click on the link when I saw that title come aross my email.
A was created in 1999 and went through three different econonimc rough spots (dot.com, 9-11 aftermath and the current fiasco). It come through it all as a growing viable entity. The lessons learned?
1) go for what you desire the most
2) hire the best
3) determine your ideal clients early on in the game.
4) have a plan
Read the article “What It Takes To Run A Sound Commercial Bank” Forbes.com
God In America – Coming October 11, 12, 13 2010
Posted on | August 22, 2010 | No Comments
There was a question posted to LinkedIn Answers about What brings you back every week to your church? It was interesting to read all the different answers and opinions.
In October a new series is coming on Frontline, a long standing show on
PBS about America’s history with religion. The preview is worth watching. It’s a show not to miss!
The raccoons are at it again!?!
Posted on | August 21, 2010 | No Comments
I’m sure that the raccoons are at it again.
As I walked through the house I heard the sounds of birds outside. Doing their usual singing and flying around.
Then all of a sudden I was sure there was a bear in the yard. The yakking was out of control I had to see what all the fusing was about.
There was no bear.
It was a hawk, called a herrier, according to the bird book.
But what I also noticed was that there was a big pile of birdseed in the yard.
I’m sure it was “Rocket” the raccoon and her 3 children at it again. I’m also sure it was my fault for not putting the cover on the bird seed tight enough.
Well, the birds have been in the yard all day having a party. I’m sure they’ve thanked Mrs. Raccoon — for sure!
Why Would You Want To Change Your Niche/Ideal Client Profile?
Posted on | August 21, 2010 | No Comments
1) You want to make more money and you know that your current ICP can’t afford another raise.
2) You are ready for a challenge and create a new product or package of services is just what the doctor ordered.
3) You’re underpaid and the only way you can give yourself a raise is to get better clients.
4) Your market has no demand for what you offer.
5) The niche you’ve enjoyed is getting smaller or being replaced or merged.
6) You are getting referrals often, but you need a change in venue.
7) You’ve been attracting a higher-quality client for a while; now it’s time that your brand reflect it.
You’ve been targeting too many markets and you’re getting smarter about whom you work with the best.
9) You didn’t think that you were ready to work with the target you want to work with, and now you’ve built credibility in that area.
10) It’s time.
Not sure who your next target market will be? Let us take you through a step-by-step process that will help you choose the right ideal client for your next niche. We provide you with the audios, exercises, templates, and training to help you narrow your focus, do the right market research, and create your new ICP.
Watch our Attract Better Clients audio here and learn how hundreds of business owners have learnd how to market smarter here
Don’t do this on LinkedIn
Posted on | August 21, 2010 | No Comments
This week I received a message on LinkedIn from someone who will remain nameless, who said “I would be interested in making a connection with you and getting to know you. Is there a time that we could set up to connect?”
Short, sweet and to the point and included an email address. After checking his website, I saw that it made sense for us to talk and emailed him back some days and times I was available to talk. I too was interested in learning more about his company and the association he runs; it would be a good connection.
So far, really good, right?
However, instead of an email with a time and date to talk, I received a phone call from his assistant who was interested in me becoming a member of his association. That’s how I’d get to know him better. The person I spoke to didn’t even know what I did.
Some Don’ts
– Don’t contact someone and misrepresent what you’re trying to do.
– Don’t try to close the sale on the first call.
– Don’t do a switch and try to bait someone.
– Don’t send someone else on your staff to talk to your connection. You made the connection, you talk to them.
– Know who the person is that you’re calling. Take the time to go to their website.
On The + side
It’s good to know up front how people are going to treat you in the long run. If they start a relationship with you and your dealings with them appear disrespectful, that’s great to know up front.
Then you can let go and move on. Because how someone treats you in the first place, is how you’ll expect them to treat you in the long run.
(c) 2010 Maria Marsala
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