February 28, 2011
Guest post by Tracy Matthewman
I’ve seen it on the web and when I do, I cringe. Large paragraphs of black and white text followed by another large paragraph of black and white text, followed by another….well, you get the point. :)
I’ve been helping a number of clients with their blogs lately and one thing that has come up a number of times is the formatting of a good blog post.
People read differently on the computer than they do when reading in a book, magazine or newspaper. Not only is the screen hard on the eyes, but the mouse is literally under their finger and they are just waiting for a reason to click away. Give them reason not to and use the following tips to keep their eye interested and scanning for more.
1. Keep it conversational… as if you were actually speaking to the reader, not writing an article for some glossy magazine. If you want to use one word on it’s own like with ellipses (…) after it..then go for it. Keep the formalities for books and magazines.
2. Use very short paragraphs. This is important because most people scan web pages looking for something that interests them. Small paragraphs are much more inviting cause the reader knows that if they aren’t getting into something long and drawn out. Large paragraphs are daunting.
3. Use bold, italics, strike-through, highlighting to enhance important parts of your post. This draws people’s attention to certain words of phrases that you really want them to read…even if they skip the rest of it.
4. Use smileys and ellipsis often. This just makes reading more emotional. You can tell when someone is being fun 
, sly 
or sad 
. Online writing can be, not always, a very non-emotional way to communicate. I try to add smilies to almost everything I write so people know I’m saying things in a friendly, or sometimes sad, way.
5. Use lists. Top 3, Top 5, Top 10…. Actually I read that a Top 13 list will always pull in more readers. Not sure why but some testing has show this to be more effective. Bullet points also work well. Be sure to bold the most important part of the numbered list item or bullet (as I’ve done here). This way people who scan the post will still get the essence of it.
BONUS TIP: Write AWESOME stuff. Sometimes people ask me how often should they blog. How often is really not a concern. The concern should be “how awesome” it is. If you write a blog post daily and it’s mediocre….you’ll have less people reading it AND you’ll be spending a lot of your time writing. If you post something once every 6 weeks and it’s absolutely amazing, it’s got a good chance of being read a lot more because people will be more likely to share it with their friends and associates.
Tracy Matthewman helps small business owners understand and implement 21st century marketing strategies via the Internet and social media. Sign up for Sprout, her weekly “digestible” internet marketing training newsletter. Website: TracyMatthewman.com
February 24, 2011
Do you know about
Digg? It’s basically the number one traffic machine of the internet. It’s a collection of user-submitted links that get voted up or down by users, and hitting the front page means hundreds of thousands of eyeballs as well as tons of new backlinks (important for
search engine optimization)to your website. Hitting the front page is no easy feat, but even if you don’t make it to page one you can still benefit from the traffic of Digg’s large user base.The first step is to sign up for an account. Do that by visiting
Digg.com and clicking on the “connect with
Facebook” button in the top left corner. Due to some upcoming changes on Digg that will look at your overall “social footprint” to determine your influence, I strongly suggest connecting with your Facebook account. This also makes it easy to find more friends and therefore distribute more links. So go ahead and allow Digg to add your Facebook friends as friends (don’t worry, it won’t spam your friends who are not on Digg).
After your account is ready to go, start Digging your blog posts! Yes, you are allowed to do this and in fact you should be. After you’re logged in, click on “submit new” at the top of the site and choose whether you’re submitting a new story (blog post), image, or video. Next put in your headline and description. Remember your goal is to get people interested enough to click! So make these juicy and compelling. Take the time to submit three articles to Digg, then see what happens!
February 23, 2011
If you’ve been trying to use facebook to promote your business with meager or zero results – listen up – this free webinar is for you.
Finally, you have the ability to untangle your personal profile from your “business life” on facebook. On this free webinar you’ll learn how to interact on facebook as your business and leave your profile just for friends and family.
These changes are CRUCIAL to successful facebook marketing and I don’t want you to get left in the dark.
In this completely FREE one hour video you’ll learn:
- Why your facebook page will look totally different (whether you’re ready or not!) on March 1, 2011 and how to leverage these changes
- How to completely separate your business life from your personal life on facebook (finally!)
- The truth about if you’re allowed to promote your business on facebook WITHOUT ponying up for advertising
- The groundbreaking new “off-page” way to market on facebook
- The bottom line on pages versus profiles versus groups and which one is the MOST effective for promoting a business
You’ll also learn more about my in-depth online seminar Zero to Facebook.
February 21, 2011
Guest post by Djanira Cortesão
Four years ago my boyfriend and I packed all of our possessions in our car and drove from London, England to Barcelona, Spain, leaving behind our jobs, friends and family.
We didn’t know a soul in the city and neither of us had jobs, but we were hungry for adventure and in search of better quality of life.
Barcelona is a fabulous city combining historical architecture with beaches and mountains, but even the most amazing place in the world can be dull without friends to enjoy it with. My boyfriend was lucky enough to get a job within weeks of arriving so I was left alone to hustle, make friends and find a job.
My experiences in these first few weeks taught me three valuable lessons in life which have since helped me enormously in running my own marketing consultancy.
Lesson 1: Fake it til you make it!
I’d heard of networking groups before I moved to Spain but I had never attended a meeting. Out of desperation for someone to talk to I went along to my first event. Walking in to the crowded room that first day I was full of doubts and insecurities.
What do I say?
I wish I had someone to introduce me.
I wish I were more confident.
I decided to use the old “fake it ‘til you make it” principle and considered what a confident person would do in this situation. They’d walk up to someone with a smile, hold out their hands and introduce themselves.
How hard could that be?
I found a couple of people that looked approachable, held out my hand (trying not to smile too maniacally) and introduced myself. Within minutes I had forgotten all about being nervous. The people I spoke to were incredibly friendly and they introduced me to others in the room. I left a couple of hours later with a handful of cards from nice people and I’d had a fun time.
After that first positive experience I went to several other networking events. I soon realised that everyone was shy and nervous and so they were grateful that I approached them first.
This is something that I’ve used many times since when trying new things. I look at how the ‘experts’ do it and follow their cue. Rather than copy them I search for the underlying principles that I can apply in my own way.
Lesson 2: Feel the fear, and then carry on anyway
Even with practise, the fear of putting myself ‘out there’ hasn’t gone away, but I have learned to not let that stop me. This habit of feeling the fear (of exposure, of insecurity, etc) and carrying on anyway has helped me since in so many ways.
I used it when I quit my well paid job so that I could help my mum set up a holistic wellness centre in Barcelona; then again when I later began my own business helping entrepreneurs to market their services, and I now use it every time I’ve had to do something which takes me out of my comfort zone.
When I first started my business, “going out of my comfort zone” meant pretty much everything: reaching out to groups to offer free talks and mini workshops; asking for the sale at client meetings; and ‘going pro’ and hiring my first external support. I’ve felt nervous every time but I’ve reframed it as a positive thing, an adrenalin rush without having to go to a theme park or jump off a tall building!
Lesson 3: Don’t be too hard on yourself
Moving to a new country is difficult. Even when things were going according to plan it was still difficult. I realised that there will be times when you’re physically and emotionally exhausted but it’s important to try not to let things overcome you. The same applies when running your own business. Don’t be shy about asking for help or support, there are plenty of people who have been there before and can help.
The small amount of effort that I put in to getting to know others in the area when I first arrived, proved vital as source of support and tips on local customs and culture and later proved to be the main source of clients.
What is the big picture I want you take away from my experience? Don’t think that socialising (online or in person) is time wasted; it’s what makes a new country/being an entrepreneur feel like home.
Why don’t you?
These lessons have really helped me. I’ve settled in Barcelona, I have loads of friends, my business is growing day by day and my boyfriend is now my husband. I learned the lessons the hard way by moving abroad, but you can put them into practise in your business without having to pack your bags!
As you know nothing happens unless you take action. So, to conclude I’d like you to think about how you can apply one (or all) of the lessons to your own business. Leave your comment below or contact me directly. I wish you the very best of luck!
Djanira Cortesão helps extraordinary service providers reach their ideal clients, unlock hidden revenue streams and grow their businesses organically. She offers group workshops and 1-on-1 mentoring, as well as insightful marketing newsletters and articles. Design a life of abundance with Djanira — online at: DjaniraCortesao.com + @djaniracortesao
February 17, 2011
Guest post by Pace Smith
If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve always got an eye out, scanning the skies for ways to increase your profits.
Idealism is probably not smack dab in the middle of your sights. It may not even be on your radar.
Well, it’s time to put in a call to Air Traffic Control. Idealism can be a big boost to the bottom line of your business. Here’s how.
Idealism inspires.
In the modern world, most of your customers’ basic needs are met. They’ve got food, water, and shelter. What they’re yearning for is something deeper — something meaningful.
Wear your ideals on your sleeve.
Share your values from your soapbox.
Post your principles on your blog.
Even if all you want to do is solve some tiny little fraction of your customers’ problems, as long as your work makes the world a teensy bit better, that’s still worthy of celebration. Small-scale idealists are still idealists, and idealism inspires.
Here’s an example.
Ray sells widgets. Ray tells you how widgets will make your life better.
Marie also sells widgets. Marie tells you how widgets will not only make your life better, but if everyone started using widgets instead of sprockets, we’d save 120 acres of rainforest per year, people would have more free time to pursue their dreams and do what they love, and wouldn’t that be a beautiful world?
Do your customers see you as Ray or Marie?
Remember: People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
People can smell insincerity.
If your primary motivation is your own profit, yes, people will still buy from you as long as you’re solving a problem they care about and as long as you have no competition. But the instant your customers have the opportunity to buy from someone they know, like, and trust, they’ll be on the next flight out of town and you’ll never see them again.
Before the internet and social media, businesses could get away with a lot. Those days are numbered. Remember ten years ago when a business could thrive without a website? Ten years from now they’ll be saying “Remember when a business could thrive without being sincere, authentic, and idealistic?”
Are you building relationships on social media because Laura told you it’s important for your business? Or are you really talking with people, getting to know them, and making meaningful connections?
People can tell the difference, you know. And if you get called out as an insincere schmoozer, that reputation has a way of spreading. Social media is a powerful force for your business. You want it working for you instead of against you.
When you do put your ideals first and your profit second, you’ll get both. Social media will lift you up. You’ll get referrals, rave reviews, and rabid fans — and that’s money in the bank.
Profitable Idealism
This is why I’ve teamed up with Johnny B. Truant to teach a course on Profitable Idealism — the philosophy that profit and idealism aren’t at odds, they’re complementary.
In this course, we’ll teach you what we (and 6 other profitable idealists) have learned about running a business in a way that creates both money in the bank and good in the world.
You can learn more at ProfitableIdealism.com.
Pace Smith is the co-leader of the Connection Revolution, where she and her partner Kyeli teach people how to change the world through connection. She’s a spiritual geek, a peaceful entrepreneur, and is proud to be a profitable idealist.
February 14, 2011
Guest Post by Nathalie Lussier
When you’re running your own business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day running of it. As time goes by, you evolve, and so does your business.
Unless you set some time aside to work on refreshing what represents your business – like your web site, your communication pieces, and your systems – your business might feel a little neglected. You know, like when you forget to buy your sweetie an anniversary present.
Let’s take a look at how you can show your business some love, and how this will translate to more business, happier clients, and a happier business owner – that’s you!
1. Make your checkout process more enjoyable
When you’re first setting up your online ordering process, it’s more important to have something that works than to spend time figuring out all your options.
Look for ways to make the checkout experience more enjoyable by reducing extra steps, writing heartfelt thank you email responders, and adding visuals to create trust. Tell them exactly what happens after they order: how they can access their product, or book their time.
2. Polish your autoresponder emails
If you have a sequence of emails that orients new subscribers and provides valuable content, it’s a good idea to set aside some time to review them periodically. If don’t yet have one, now’s the perfect time to set it up!
Taking the time to add a little personality to your welcome emails and other autoresponders will really set the tone for new subscribers. It shows you’re serious about your business, and you care about the quality of your communication.
3. Rewrite your about page with customers in mind
Another area that often needs updating is the dreaded “About” page. The problem with the about page is that it’s all about you.
Let me give you a new perspective to write from. Instead of focusing on why you started this business, or what you want out of it, focus on what you want to contribute.
Writing about what you do from the customer’s perspective puts them first, and takes the pressure off you to be perfect. You’re here to help people with your business, so why not make that front and center on your about page?
4. Update copyright dates, and test contact forms
It’s a new year, and unless your web site is built on a system that automatically updates your copyright statements it means you should update your dates! While you’re checking your site for things to refresh, double check that your contact forms are working as expected. You wouldn’t want to miss an email from an interested customer!
5. Add new testimonials
Adding new testimonials to your web site is something that you want to do regularly. You need to reach out to your clients and ask them how it’s going.
Don’t be shy: ask people who bought your products how they’re getting along. It may lead to repeat business if they find themselves needing more help, and it may give you some great testimonial material.
6. Look at your keywords
Look for the keywords that people are using to find your web site in your site stats. This will give you an insight into how people think, and what they’re searching for.
You can then write more in depth follow up articles on these subjects and reach even more people. One article often isn’t enough to answer big complex questions, so creating more content is a great way to increase your search engine traffic and to solve people’s problems.
When you solve someone’s problem, it’s a lot more likely that they will trust you and want to learn more about what else you can do.
7. Look at that part of your business you’ve been avoiding, and fix it
This may be the toughest part of showing your business some love, but it’s the most rewarding.
Here’s what I want you to do: spend some time thinking about the parts of your business you feel the least confident about. It may be that you don’t have a good system in place for bringing in new clients, or that your web site makes you feel ashamed, or that you still haven’t filed your taxes.
Whatever part of your business is subtly, subconsciously bugging you… name it. Think about it without shying away from it, no matter how uncomfortable it feels.
“No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking.” -Voltaire
If it’s something you can fix right away, do it. You will feel so relieved, your business will most definitely take on an upswing because of it.
If you can’t solve the problem immediately, schedule some time in your calendar to take care of it. It may mean you need to hire some help to get things in order, or that you have to postpone releasing a product because there’s something not quite right with it. Whatever it is, this inconsistency is going to drive you nuts and sabotage your business success unless you take actions to fix it.
Show your business some love, and get some back in return!
Nathalie Lussier is a business strategist, specializing in technology and online marketing. She’s the creator of The Magick Menu, a drag and drop solution for creating healthy meal planners for busy people. You can sign up for her free weekly tech + biz + wellness tips called The Cue here.
February 10, 2011
What is googling yourself? Don’t worry, it’s nothing naughty! I just mean searching your full name in google to see what comes up. A lot of people seem to feel silly about googling themselves but it’s actually really important to your business! What you find is what potential customers see when they search for you.
Start by going to google.com and searching for your full name “in quotes like this”. Also search for any common mispellings of your name. Take some time to look through what you find – the search will give you a general awareness of what kind of online activity your customers are finding. For example, you might be surprised to find comments you’ve left on other people’s blogs in the search results. If you need more results to boost you higher in the search ranking, you can use what google has already found to guide you in your efforts. If google found it once, they will find it again.
This also can be time to re-evaluate and do damage control – if there’s anything inaccurate or untrue about you, start a conversation with the website owner or leave a civil, respectful comment. If all of the results are about someone different with the same name as you, it’s time to step up your SEO efforts. Even if there’s something you can’t change, it’s good to be aware so that you’re ready to address any issues with potential clients, or do more to differentiate yourself from others with the same name.
February 7, 2011
Guest post by Laura Petrolino
Almost anyone can develop a great idea, few can turn that idea into a successful and sustainable business. The line between a great idea and a great business can be clear in some instances and blurred in others. Typically though it comes down to four fundamental questions. What? Why? How? and Who?
The Why? Why must be the pre-step for any tangible movement from idea to strategy. If you can’t answer the why with 100% defensibility, you don’t have a business to begin with. Great ideas don’t necessarily come with “whys”, especially at the early stages. They often need to be crafted into a form that leaves nothing to the imagination. This is an exercise that is very difficult for many entrepreneurs, who tend to be a bit idealistic about their ideas. Often this becomes the sticking point that prevents a great idea from transforming into a great business. The unquestionable logic of doing a feasibility study prior to starting any business, is precisely to see if an objective why exists.
Why is your business needed?
Why is it better than the existing options?
Why do I (we, they, whoever) care?
If you don’t have a why, your concept doesn’t have a chance.
The What? What are you selling? What service are you providing? The what should be the easiest question to answer. This is the base of your idea. The most important part of the what is to never get too attached to it. The what will always need to be dictated by the why and the who, and often modified by the how. Realize that your original what, is like a stick figure, the why gives it flesh, the who gives it clothes and the how makes it walk. The what needs all of it’s curious partners to be able to come to life.
The How? A rather odd phenomena tends to affect otherwise perfectly intelligent people when ignited with the passion of a business idea. They forget that there is a roadmap needed (aka, their ‘strategy’) that takes you from concept to business. As wonderful as it would be to miraculously transform your idea into a successful business without lifting a finger. Unfortunately, there is no magic, the how is hard work if you do it right.. Every idea needs a strong and detailed how that takes into account it’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (the SWOT). Even the strongest concept and the most talented team, will sit idle with out a how.
The Who? Both an English rockband and the people who will ultimately make your business profitable. The who is your market. Know them, love them and mold your idea to meet their needs. The who is motivated by the why, attracted to the what and recruited by the how. They are the nexus of your business and if you don’t operate around them and their needs you will spin out of orbit (and perhaps out of the entire solar system!).
It is vital to throughly research your who and truly understand their needs, motivation, concentration and overall behavior. Too many entrepreneurs make the mistake of ‘guesstimating’ their who in a way that conveniently makes the outlook more favorable for their business. Know your numbers, business planning needs to be based on fact, not hypothesis!
The Why? the What? the How? and the Who? four questions that make the difference between a frustrated entrepreneur and a thriving one.
Laura Petrolino is Managing Director of Flying Pig Communications, a communications and business consulting firm which focuses on the needs of startups, small business and non-profits. She also serves as Chief Communications Officer at Ignite Venture Partners, which brings together consulting, capital, and concept incubation to build value in businesses of all sizes and stages, and across industries.. Find her on twitter @lkpetrolino and @365startups
