I was asked recently about SEO and its importance for my home-based business. SEO? Is Search Engine Optimization important for my business? To be honest I'm not really sure. I think SMO is more valuable. What is SMO? It's Social Media Optimization. And for my home-based business I'm much more interested in the ROI on my social media efforts. [ROI? That's Return On … [Read more...]
So, you have 500+ connections in LinkendIn?
So, you have 500+ connections in LinkendIn? A few weeks ago, I posted an article about networking as a marketing tool for one’s products or services – or even oneself, in the pursuit of new career opportunities. That had to do with in-person networking. On-line networking is another valuable tool. Before I delve into it, let me credit Seth Bogin for the idea for this … [Read more...]
Top 10 US Cities to Capture Small Business Recovery Act Dollars
Uncle Sam wants small business entrepreneurs to lead the nation to economic recovery--and has billions of dollars to make it happen. Small business owners are in line to receive low-interest loans and government contracts through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To secure your little corner of the recovery, you'll need to be at the right place with the right … [Read more...]
Breaking the “Instant Response” Cycle
Perhaps it's because of women's hard won reputation as excellent multitaskers. Or perhaps its because we all panic that if we don't put in our two cents instantly, we'll be ignored. But whatever the reason, too many of us have gotten into the nasty habit of being "overly responsive." As soon as our Blackberrys vibrate or we hear the ping of a new email arriving in our … [Read more...]
Winning at the New “Mommy Track”: The rise of the “Mompreneur” Part III
Becoming the Media & Reaching the Most Elusive Have you been staring at that list you made of Powerful Connections to keep in touch with, trying to figure out how you should reach out to them next? (See last Tuesday's blog for a refresher on who your Powerful Connections are) Do you need a new and unique way to connect with them? Become the media. One great way to … [Read more...]
Pitching the Media Correctly
Part 1 of 7 It doesn't matter whether you're a seasoned PR professional or a newbie, you'll need to know how to pitch the media correctly if you want to get publicity, interviews, articles and write ups about your business. With all the bad pitches and PR spamming, it is time to teach you how to do it the right way. By pitching the media correctly, you will see your … [Read more...]
How to Create a Squeeze Page that gets Strong Results
The Internet is saturated with content, sales pitches and products. As a result, you have to make your business standout from the rest of the businesses out there. Squeeze pages are one of the best ways to do this. They are mini web pages with opt in forms to catch the name and email addresses of prospects. They are used to build email subscriber lists. Your squeeze … [Read more...]
The Marketing Mix Made Easy to Understand and Use
While creating your annual marketing plan, using a combination of elements (4 from the marketing mix) is the key to success. The marketing mix contains four elements. The combination of the four elements is used to satisfy consumer needs and company goals, stimulate consumer interest, and generate sales. 1. Product/Service - what are you trying to sell? 2. Price - … [Read more...]
Want that job? You have to leave a good impression after that interview.
You finally landed an interview for your dream job. You practiced the interview questions several times in the mirror and with a friend to make sure you have all of your answers down pat. You finally went on the interview and you think you did well. At this point, many times job seekers think the interview process is over, but it’s not. To make yourself memorable from the … [Read more...]
Asking the Right Questions for your Website Process
When you're doing any new process, it can be difficult to understand the correct questions to ask. We are often called to give estimates on website development, including web design, customization, functionality, social networking integration, ongoing maintenance, and search engine optimization. There is so much information in this field -- as I'm sure there is in yours --- … [Read more...]