What is key in any business success story is an adequate networking plan--a plan that can help launch your small business from the ground up.Generally, it is hard for a new business to become noticed, and even harder to gain your first few clients without any success stories to back up your claims. Your formal marketing plan should therefore project the right networking mix. The right networking mix is about being proactive-in a sense that you leverage your business and personal connections to bring you regular supply of new customers. The whole idea about business networking involves relationship building-and it must be strategic and focused on networking for business growth.Professional Network ServicesWith business networking, you step up to the challenge to find avenues of opportunity that you may have otherwise never discovered. You really do not want to start your business to fail due to the decisions that you the owner makes. In other words, for your enterprise to grow, you have to be prepared to work hard, make decisions, and spend money where it matters. For instance, you may consider using a few prominent networking organizations who have successfully created models of business networking activity. A few notable examples of professional network services include LinkedIn, Viadeo, XING, and WiseStep. Using these professional network services can, in fact, be most effective in terms of generating business opportunities than advertising or public relations efforts.Online business networking can also be a cost effective method of launching your small business. Businesses are today increasingly using social networks as a means of growing their circle of contacts and promoting themselves and their business online. And with the global expansion of businesses, social networks make it easier to keep in touch with other business contacts around the world.Small Business AwardsFurther, face-to-face networking through referral business clubs also have the potential for higher quality business relationships. There are also a vast majority of awards given to businesses locally, countrywide, and globally. The different type of these awards, such as, but not limited to, small business awards, innovation awards, new business awards, local and entrepreneurial awards, are a great way to project your business accomplishments to a wide range of community of prospects. For instance, for more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding achievements of America's small businesses for their contribution in their local communities and to the nation's economy. The range of National Small Business Week award categories include:
· Small Business Person of the Year Award· Small Business Exports of the Year Award· Small Business Development Centre Excellence and Innovation Award· Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award· Women's Business Center of Excellence AwardThe US Chamber of Commerce also hosts the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards Program sponsored by Sam's Club. The other National Small Business Awards you can win cash for, gain national recognition and valuable networking opportunities include:· The SCORE Awards· The American Business Awards· Inc. 500/5000 Awards· Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Women Awards· Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award· The Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust· The SVN Innovation AwardsApplying for some of these awards is crucial when it comes to recognition. Research is vital when trying to find awards you fit into. Researching far ahead of time and making a list is probably the best way to enter into as many awards as possible. Even though some awards have fees, enter any way, because the reward for your business would be huge. And when you get any awards, you get to put the award on your website and social sites as show of early accomplishments.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
The Zen of Networking: 10 Rules to Follow
Whenever you think of someone who's a "consummate networker", you conjure up an image of a person who has a busy social calendar, someone who's popular at cocktail functions and knows how to work a room.That might be one definition of good networker. Another definition is someone who is a "go-to person" whenever you need an important contact (whether it be the name of a doctor or accountant, or the name of a key player in your industry). They may not seem to be the most popular person at a cocktail function, and may even appear low-key and subdue, but they have an extensive list of solid social and business contacts built up over decades of interactions, referrals, and business exchanges.I emphasized two phrases: solid contacts and decades. By "solid contacts", I mean relationships with people who know you are, and know your reputation. They are people who might give (or accept) a referral, supply you with a contact, or accept an invitation for lunch or coffee.I use the word "decades" because building up a network of meaningful contacts takes years. It doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly doesn't happen because you went to a business reception and managed to collect 20 business cards.We network because we don't work and live in a silo. Due to human nature, we tend to trust doing business with people we know or who are referred to us. People often think of the need to network whenever their jobs are in jeopardy, or whenever they're in search of new business. You hear them say, "I need to go out and start networking!"But as mentioned above, building up a good network doesn't happen overnight. Business professionals need a better understanding about what networking is, and isn't. Here are 10 rules worth remembering:Networking Isn't:1. A "one-off" activity, or something that you can "switch on" whenever you need new customers or job contacts. It's something that you do on a continuous basis. It's a mindset, a holistic way of thinking about people and relationships. (See Rule 6 below.)2. About creating a huge number contacts over a short time period. It's about developing quality relationships over the span of your career. Take the time to find out more about the people in your business or social circle. If you think that two people in your circle might benefit from knowing one another, don't hesitate to make introductions. That's what a "good networker" does, and people will remember you for it.3. About attending business functions simply to find new customers or pitch for new business. This is the wrong approach. People don't like being "sold to" at cocktail receptions, even if those events are industry-related.4. A one-way street, where the sole purpose is for you to capitalize on your contacts. You might hear a person telling a networking success story about how he got his new job through a contact he knew. What you don't hear is that this person was either incredibly lucky, or relied on a contact whose relationship took years to cultivate. For networking to work, you must give, which means giving referrals, making introductions, and supplying helpful contacts to acquaintances.
5. About relying solely on social media. Facebook and LinkedIn make it easy to build up contacts, but this isn't the same as meeting someone in person. You need to be seen and heard, and you need to create an impression. Yes, social media has its uses − such as helping you stay in contact with friends and associates − but for you to build a relationship, it starts with meeting people in the flesh.Networking Is:6. About taking a keen interest in people and what they do. Some say that in a social setting, people don't want to talk about work. Nonsense. Why should talking about work be limited to just industry cocktail functions? People like to talk about themselves and, generally, the work they do. Try to make connections on a personal and professional level.7. About carrying business cards everywhere you go. I can't remember the number of times that people forget to carry their business cards when I ask for them for one. In Asia, people always carry their business cards, and aren't shy about handing them to new acquaintances. In Hong Kong, where I worked for 13 years, people understand that networking doesn't just happen at cocktail functions, it happens everywhere you go.8. About joining an organization, association or committee outside of work, where the mandate, activity and people interest you. Your aim should be to seek enjoyment and fulfillment from your participation. Contacts will come naturally, if you practice Rules 6 and 7.9. About attending a business reception or cocktail event at least once a month. There are some who aren't crazy about attending networking functions. They might be put off by crowds, or feel hesitant talking to strangers. But it still gives you a chance to get out of the office, and meet people whom you otherwise wouldn't talk to in your normal course of business. If you make it an objective to meet at least one or two interesting people, and limit yourself to staying an hour, then you might find yourself enjoying these events. If there's an open bar, even better!10. About staying in touch. If someone has made an impression on you, drop her an email to say "Hello". This helps solidifies your bond, and even if you don't meet up again for the foreseeable future, your email will help her remember you. Every so often, reach out to acquaintances who normally aren't part of your "inner circle," and go out for lunch or coffee. Maintain your presence out there, no matter how busy you might be.Building up a strong network is really a life-long pursuit and work-in-progress. A strong network is a reflection of your reputation and what you mean to others in your social and professional circle. The more you nurture and grow those relationships, the stronger your network.See you at the next business chamber cocktail!Resume Services Vancouver
5. About relying solely on social media. Facebook and LinkedIn make it easy to build up contacts, but this isn't the same as meeting someone in person. You need to be seen and heard, and you need to create an impression. Yes, social media has its uses − such as helping you stay in contact with friends and associates − but for you to build a relationship, it starts with meeting people in the flesh.Networking Is:6. About taking a keen interest in people and what they do. Some say that in a social setting, people don't want to talk about work. Nonsense. Why should talking about work be limited to just industry cocktail functions? People like to talk about themselves and, generally, the work they do. Try to make connections on a personal and professional level.7. About carrying business cards everywhere you go. I can't remember the number of times that people forget to carry their business cards when I ask for them for one. In Asia, people always carry their business cards, and aren't shy about handing them to new acquaintances. In Hong Kong, where I worked for 13 years, people understand that networking doesn't just happen at cocktail functions, it happens everywhere you go.8. About joining an organization, association or committee outside of work, where the mandate, activity and people interest you. Your aim should be to seek enjoyment and fulfillment from your participation. Contacts will come naturally, if you practice Rules 6 and 7.9. About attending a business reception or cocktail event at least once a month. There are some who aren't crazy about attending networking functions. They might be put off by crowds, or feel hesitant talking to strangers. But it still gives you a chance to get out of the office, and meet people whom you otherwise wouldn't talk to in your normal course of business. If you make it an objective to meet at least one or two interesting people, and limit yourself to staying an hour, then you might find yourself enjoying these events. If there's an open bar, even better!10. About staying in touch. If someone has made an impression on you, drop her an email to say "Hello". This helps solidifies your bond, and even if you don't meet up again for the foreseeable future, your email will help her remember you. Every so often, reach out to acquaintances who normally aren't part of your "inner circle," and go out for lunch or coffee. Maintain your presence out there, no matter how busy you might be.Building up a strong network is really a life-long pursuit and work-in-progress. A strong network is a reflection of your reputation and what you mean to others in your social and professional circle. The more you nurture and grow those relationships, the stronger your network.See you at the next business chamber cocktail!Resume Services Vancouver
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Why Your Company Needs CDN Services
What is a Content Delivery Network?Traditionally, web objects are hosted in a single location forcing visitors who reside at great distances to wait for packets to load while they move across the Internet. Greater distance equals slower communication and higher chances of losing data. Content delivery network (CDN) is an interconnected system of computers on the Internet that provides Web content rapidly by duplicating it on multiple servers and directing the content to users based on proximity. Users experience optimal website load speed, regardless of time, day, and location. There is no delay or time-out.How it WorksContent is delivered to the CDN servers in different parts of the Internet and then determines which server to send content to the user. Various special algorithms were developed to determine server response based on the task - to minimize network traffic (selecting the closest server), minimizing the cost (server selection, standing in a cheap hosting), minimizing the time (the selection of the most powerful servers). Optimization algorithms are complex and varied.CDN providers come in different sizes - some work for smaller clients and their regional audience, for example, only one small country, others are guided by the distribution of content to major global broadcasters and have their servers in almost all countries of the world.Three Types of Content Distribution for VideosCDN services most often are used when dealing with three types of content distribution:1. Downloading - downloading large files, such as software distribution. CDN in this case is used to secure access to the service and to promote a fast download from http or https. Additional requirements may be for example, the ability to resume if the connection is lost, or download huge chunks of files.2. Progressive Downloading - this happens when a file is not only swinging on the user's computer, but starts playing almost immediately after a little buffering. The user does not have to wait for the file to load to start watching, so this format is widely used for feeds. For example, companies post the video on their sites or large text that a site visitor can immediately begin viewing.3. Streaming - the file is not stored on the user's computer with the exception of a small buffer that compensates for the uneven IP- packets. CDN must provide uninterrupted delivery of packages to adjust to the speed of the channel to the client. If the video broadcast in not in real time, CDN allows users to quickly and seamlessly begin viewing (listening) from different points of the file.CDN and Online Shopping
The effectiveness of the use of content delivery networks for online shopping increases the speed of loading pages and increases the number of buyers.Aberdeen Group study found that a 1-second delay in page load decreases the conversion of 7%, the number of page views - by 11 %, and customer loyalty - 16%. The company Amazon.com, Inc. conducted similar studies in 2007 and found that with each additional delay of 100ms, a company's website was losing 1% of sales. It is obvious that the higher the speed of loading pages that feature products from the online store, the more satisfied the customer.The decision to speed up the online store involves caching static content (pictures of goods, services, advertising). Additional stores may be interested in sending traffic via HTTPS, especially in the later stages of the purchase when it is necessary to ensure secure transmission of data for the registered user.However, online stores are a complex service as there are pages that are not cached (for example, the payment page). To accelerate their usage, special solutions, such as Application Acceleration is needed, hence clients need to shop around for a hosting provider that includes ADN service within their CDN.CDN and Slow Website SpeedOnline audiences expect a fast website experience. 47% of consumers expect a webpage to load in 2 seconds or less; 40% of which abandon the site if it takes longer than 3 seconds. Many brush off CDN services thinking that their website does not need it, but beware - slow websites, no matter how beautiful they may be, discourage users from further browsing.What causes slow website response time?1. Online Content is Increasing in Size
Media files, applications, software are growing in quality and complexity. Delivering large files on the Internet puts great pressure on your website's organizational infrastructure. Inadequate server volume, storage space, and bandwidth causes your site's performance and user experience to suffer greatly.2. Large Website Libraries = Traffic Jams
As websites grow with the new addition of quality audio, video, and text files, more visitors are driven to view recent content resulting in traffic jams that noticeably slow down the network. If one website's heavy data blocks streets in the network's infrastructure, it has a domino effect on the rest of the network.3. Online Access Through Mobile Devices
Global users are now accessing online content from a variety of devices, even if you have adequate capacity, upload/download issues and internet congestion can result in page abandonment.
The effectiveness of the use of content delivery networks for online shopping increases the speed of loading pages and increases the number of buyers.Aberdeen Group study found that a 1-second delay in page load decreases the conversion of 7%, the number of page views - by 11 %, and customer loyalty - 16%. The company Amazon.com, Inc. conducted similar studies in 2007 and found that with each additional delay of 100ms, a company's website was losing 1% of sales. It is obvious that the higher the speed of loading pages that feature products from the online store, the more satisfied the customer.The decision to speed up the online store involves caching static content (pictures of goods, services, advertising). Additional stores may be interested in sending traffic via HTTPS, especially in the later stages of the purchase when it is necessary to ensure secure transmission of data for the registered user.However, online stores are a complex service as there are pages that are not cached (for example, the payment page). To accelerate their usage, special solutions, such as Application Acceleration is needed, hence clients need to shop around for a hosting provider that includes ADN service within their CDN.CDN and Slow Website SpeedOnline audiences expect a fast website experience. 47% of consumers expect a webpage to load in 2 seconds or less; 40% of which abandon the site if it takes longer than 3 seconds. Many brush off CDN services thinking that their website does not need it, but beware - slow websites, no matter how beautiful they may be, discourage users from further browsing.What causes slow website response time?1. Online Content is Increasing in Size
Media files, applications, software are growing in quality and complexity. Delivering large files on the Internet puts great pressure on your website's organizational infrastructure. Inadequate server volume, storage space, and bandwidth causes your site's performance and user experience to suffer greatly.2. Large Website Libraries = Traffic Jams
As websites grow with the new addition of quality audio, video, and text files, more visitors are driven to view recent content resulting in traffic jams that noticeably slow down the network. If one website's heavy data blocks streets in the network's infrastructure, it has a domino effect on the rest of the network.3. Online Access Through Mobile Devices
Global users are now accessing online content from a variety of devices, even if you have adequate capacity, upload/download issues and internet congestion can result in page abandonment.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
5 Marketing Tips For Your Local Area
With the increased national presence of many brands, it is even more important now than ever to use your local resources to reach out to and grab local sales. This is even true if you have an online presence because unless you're Amazon or eBay, you'll likely make the majority of your sales through your retail location. And what better of a way to reach local customers than by networking and using your neighbors to help you do so?1. Who are the local businesses that are the busiest? They don't have to be big retail chains. They can be franchised businesses and smaller mom and pop shops around you.
Reach out to these local businesses and give their employees a great offer
Create an enticing flyer to put into the businesses' break room for their employees to see (and pick up)
Create a secondary flyer and ask to put it in the front of their store for customers to pick up
Find out if there is a way you can cross-promote with the business to create marketing and advertising that benefits both of your companies (at half the price... or less!)
2. Build relationships with these businesses. Don't just drop in and hand them some flyers.
Take the owner of the other businesses out to lunch to discuss marketing and advertising opportunities
Find out what they are doing right to bring customers into the store
Share best-practices with each other
Visit with them on a regular basis - make it a normal part of your business day
3. Setup a table within their business occasionally (and allow them to do so in your business, if appropriate).
Hand out flyer, coupons, or small novelties to your potential customers
Reach a customer base you wouldn't normally reach
If appropriate, bring your product or service to sell to customers on the spot
4. Reach out to local community colleges, apartment complexes, community centers, and HOA's to promote your business.
Create a coupon, discount, or promotion specifically for that group or community
Set up a table in their place of business to promote your business and the promotion to that group of customers
Hand out flyers, coupons, or small novelties to your potential customers
5. Dress and act appropriately - I know that most of you will do this, but it's just a reminder for those who may have forgotten.
Dress for success - slacks, shirts with your company logo, dress shoes, dress shirt and tie when appropriate - let them know you mean business
Be organized with your documents and who you are meeting with
Take notes so you can remember what you spoke about with the owner in future conversations
Always have business cards with you to hand out
Build relationships that will benefit you and the other businesses, always be ready to network your business, and always look for ways to increase your sales.
Reach out to these local businesses and give their employees a great offer
Create an enticing flyer to put into the businesses' break room for their employees to see (and pick up)
Create a secondary flyer and ask to put it in the front of their store for customers to pick up
Find out if there is a way you can cross-promote with the business to create marketing and advertising that benefits both of your companies (at half the price... or less!)
2. Build relationships with these businesses. Don't just drop in and hand them some flyers.
Take the owner of the other businesses out to lunch to discuss marketing and advertising opportunities
Find out what they are doing right to bring customers into the store
Share best-practices with each other
Visit with them on a regular basis - make it a normal part of your business day
3. Setup a table within their business occasionally (and allow them to do so in your business, if appropriate).
Hand out flyer, coupons, or small novelties to your potential customers
Reach a customer base you wouldn't normally reach
If appropriate, bring your product or service to sell to customers on the spot
4. Reach out to local community colleges, apartment complexes, community centers, and HOA's to promote your business.
Create a coupon, discount, or promotion specifically for that group or community
Set up a table in their place of business to promote your business and the promotion to that group of customers
Hand out flyers, coupons, or small novelties to your potential customers
5. Dress and act appropriately - I know that most of you will do this, but it's just a reminder for those who may have forgotten.
Dress for success - slacks, shirts with your company logo, dress shoes, dress shirt and tie when appropriate - let them know you mean business
Be organized with your documents and who you are meeting with
Take notes so you can remember what you spoke about with the owner in future conversations
Always have business cards with you to hand out
Build relationships that will benefit you and the other businesses, always be ready to network your business, and always look for ways to increase your sales.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
The Truth About Network Marketing - Is It A Real Business or A Pyramid Scheme?
What is Network Marketing?When you hear the term "Network Marketing" do you feel uncomfortable, afraid or confused?Do you think that it's a pyramid scheme, or some sort of get rich quick scheme?In the beginning I did too, but today you can put your fears aside, as I am going to help you understand what Network Marketing (MLM, Direct Selling) really is.We will prove wrong all those myths about what Network Marketing is not. So I just want you to relax, maybe get a cup of coffee, and enjoy the lesson.No pressure, No fear, and No confusion.Debunking Myths That You May Have Heard About NetworkingSo what is Network Marketing? The truth is, it is a business; a very easy and lucrative business.But before I get into how easy it really is, I want to explain what network Marketing is Not.Network Marketing is not a Pyramid scheme. Don't get me wrong, pyramid schemes do exist, they are very real, but they are not Network Marketing Businesses.One of the major differences between a network marketing business and a pyramid scheme is,that pyramid schemes promise to give you money without the sale of a product or any work involved.There is no such thing as money for nothing! If anyone promises to make you money without you having to put in effort, or without having to promote a product, that's a pyramid scheme!A pyramid scheme says, "You don't have to make any sales, you just have to sign up and you'll make money".That's a lie and it's a scheme and it doesn't work! A Networking Business is based on direct selling; meaning that you get paid for sales that are made because of your referral.Depending on the product, it might be a purchase of Makeup, Coffee, Health Vitamins and supplements, or a specific service of some kind. I personally only like to sell services, and there is a reason for that, but we will get to that later.For now, what I want you to understand is: Network Marketing is based on sales just as any other business, that's how cashflow is made.But there are benefits to Network Marketing, because you don't only get paid for the sales you create, but you get paid as your Network/Team continues to grow!There Is No Such Thing As Get Rich Quick!Get rich quick people will tell you, "join today and you will make $1,000 by the end of the month", or, "Buy this product that has all of the secrets to 'making money online', and you will make up to $2,500 a month, every month".All that is BULL! Those products don't work! Those people don't want to help you, they are just after your money; and to me it's disgusting!In a true network marketing business every one wins, everyone makes money, not just the person who sells the product or a team leader.
Please understand this, a true network marketing business will take some time to grow!I will never promise you $2,500 by the end of the month, but I can promise you success and growth if you dedicate yourself to truly investing your time and efforts in a real Network Marketing Business.Find Out How You Can Become a Network Marketing Professional.How does Network Marketing Work?1-Multilevel Marketing (MLM), or Direct Selling all mean the same thing.This business model began a very long time ago around the 1800's, although it has become very popular in recent years.Some direct selling companies that you may know are: Avon, The Kirby Company, Mary Kay, Amway, etc.Companies that use the Network Marketing Business Model promote their products by word of mouth, and give commission checks to their representatives.2- You should know that every MLM company has it's own compensation plan and perks.They all are a little different, although they use the same business system.The reason why these companies can pay people like you and me for promoting their products is because they do not use traditional promoting strategies such as Television, Radio, NewsPaper, and Heavy Ad Campaigns.Because they save a lot of money by not promoting in traditional ways, they can use that money to pay their reps for promotion.Their money is well invested because they know that word of mouth is a very effective and inexpensive way to receive promotion.3- So this is how it works: You enjoy the product(s) of a given MLM company, you join as a representative or affiliate, you begin to refer the product(s) to others, and when other people purchase the product or join as a rep you receive a commission.If someone that you refer decides to join the company, in most cases, you will receive a percentage of every sale that that person makes as well.You see how that works? Everyone wins, It is not a scheme, it is a real business.As your MLM team grows you grow!Once you have developed a faithful team of people who understand Network Marketing and the freedom and benefits it provides, that is when the money really begins to come in at a very fast pace. How much time will it take?There is no right answer for that question. For some people it only takes a couple of months to start making a significant amount of money; for others it can take up to more than a year. It all depends on your efforts and how much you really want to change your life and your financial situation.All I can really say for sure is that if you are truly dedicated and determined to grow in this business,and make money, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY!
Please understand this, a true network marketing business will take some time to grow!I will never promise you $2,500 by the end of the month, but I can promise you success and growth if you dedicate yourself to truly investing your time and efforts in a real Network Marketing Business.Find Out How You Can Become a Network Marketing Professional.How does Network Marketing Work?1-Multilevel Marketing (MLM), or Direct Selling all mean the same thing.This business model began a very long time ago around the 1800's, although it has become very popular in recent years.Some direct selling companies that you may know are: Avon, The Kirby Company, Mary Kay, Amway, etc.Companies that use the Network Marketing Business Model promote their products by word of mouth, and give commission checks to their representatives.2- You should know that every MLM company has it's own compensation plan and perks.They all are a little different, although they use the same business system.The reason why these companies can pay people like you and me for promoting their products is because they do not use traditional promoting strategies such as Television, Radio, NewsPaper, and Heavy Ad Campaigns.Because they save a lot of money by not promoting in traditional ways, they can use that money to pay their reps for promotion.Their money is well invested because they know that word of mouth is a very effective and inexpensive way to receive promotion.3- So this is how it works: You enjoy the product(s) of a given MLM company, you join as a representative or affiliate, you begin to refer the product(s) to others, and when other people purchase the product or join as a rep you receive a commission.If someone that you refer decides to join the company, in most cases, you will receive a percentage of every sale that that person makes as well.You see how that works? Everyone wins, It is not a scheme, it is a real business.As your MLM team grows you grow!Once you have developed a faithful team of people who understand Network Marketing and the freedom and benefits it provides, that is when the money really begins to come in at a very fast pace. How much time will it take?There is no right answer for that question. For some people it only takes a couple of months to start making a significant amount of money; for others it can take up to more than a year. It all depends on your efforts and how much you really want to change your life and your financial situation.All I can really say for sure is that if you are truly dedicated and determined to grow in this business,and make money, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Email Marketing Importance In 2013
When we discuss email marketing importance in 2013 we have a lot of things to consider. For many Internet marketers it is more important then ever. For others it is not important at all.Let me offer a few of my own thoughts.1. Internet assets. As Internet marketing continues to grow as an Industry developing assets in your business is becoming more important.An email list when built correctly is an asset. It is an asset because you can continually go back to your subscribers and sell things to them.I read once where many successful Internet marketing gurus refer to email marketing as printing money on demand. That's why a quality list can be a long-term asset.Think about it this way.Websites can rank or disappear on Google almost immediately. The same thing with your blog.There are many things about Internet marketing that you really have no control over. This is not true for your email list.As long as you're not spamming your list you are not going to lose the ability to send out emails to it. This makes it one of the most valuable, if not the most valuable, Internet asset you will ever build.2. Branding. One of the most important things that can come from email marketing is branding yourself and your business.When a person comes to your website they are going to leave. They may or may not ever remember you in the future.This makes it hard for you to brand yourself as an expert on the niche that your business is involved in. When you have their name and email address it totally changes everything.
You can now send out email messages to them because they've given you permission to do so. Repetition makes for good learning and so it is with the email marketing and branding.Over time your subscribers begin to know you as a person they can trust. You become a credible expert on the topic that you're sending out email messages for.Your email messages can actually complement your website or blog. You accomplish this in a couple of ways.One thing you can do is put your header at the top of every email you send. People get used to seeing this header and associate your business with it.Another thing you can do is send out snippets of information in an email message that requires the reader to click on a link that sends them back to your website. This is a great way to increase your website traffic as well as enhance your reputation a little bit more.Every message that goes out is a potential branding email message. You don't even have to make money on every message when you're sending someone back to your website.The great thing is when they are ready to purchase something they will do it from you. This is actually top of mind awareness advertising which is an important part of branding.Email marketing importance is not changing and is actually increasing. The successful Internet marketer is the one who is building an email subscriber list and using it as a profit center both today and in the future.
You can now send out email messages to them because they've given you permission to do so. Repetition makes for good learning and so it is with the email marketing and branding.Over time your subscribers begin to know you as a person they can trust. You become a credible expert on the topic that you're sending out email messages for.Your email messages can actually complement your website or blog. You accomplish this in a couple of ways.One thing you can do is put your header at the top of every email you send. People get used to seeing this header and associate your business with it.Another thing you can do is send out snippets of information in an email message that requires the reader to click on a link that sends them back to your website. This is a great way to increase your website traffic as well as enhance your reputation a little bit more.Every message that goes out is a potential branding email message. You don't even have to make money on every message when you're sending someone back to your website.The great thing is when they are ready to purchase something they will do it from you. This is actually top of mind awareness advertising which is an important part of branding.Email marketing importance is not changing and is actually increasing. The successful Internet marketer is the one who is building an email subscriber list and using it as a profit center both today and in the future.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Top Six Effective Networking Tips
Looking for Networking Advice?If you'd like to grow your business or start one of your own, it's time you started networking. Going to networking events can be a big boon to business or a big waste of your time. If you've never networked before, or you think your networking efforts could be improved, keep the following business networking ideas in mind when you head out to your next event.Top Six Effective Networking Tips1. Listen FirstThe best way to start a conversation is to listen. While you may think what you have to say is the key to effective networking, what you really should do is think about what someone might have to share with you. Chances are the conversation will bring to light new ideas and opportunities that you may have missed by talking about yourself.2. Be HonestNobody likes a braggart. It's great networking advice to ditch your pitch, and just talk openly and honestly. While it may be tempting to sell someone on how great your business is, discussing challenges and processes can often lead to great business relationships. The business networking, tips and tricks that come out of a conversation can take your business to new places.3. Be OpenIf you're not an extrovert, networking with a bunch of strangers might make you nervous. The good news is, most attendees are in the same boat and everyone's looking for someone to talk to. Remember, everyone has some knowledge to share. Don't assume that someone in a different industry won't have something valuable to teach you. One of the best business networking ideas is to step outside your circle. This will give you access to a world of new thoughts, ideas and opportunities.
4. Share Your InformationHave your business cards handy so you can easily exchange contact information. Don't have a business card? One of the best business networking tips and tricks is to create one of your own. Don't have a business? Create a personal card with your contact information. The whole point of business networking is to increase your visibility in your field and build relationships, and you won't get very far without leaving your contact information behind.5. Go Online to Learn MoreOnce you've made a connection, do a little digging and see if they have a website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn page. When it comes to effective networking tips, learning about a prospective client or business partner can better prepare you moving forward.6. Follow Up and Follow ThroughThis piece of networking advice is so simple and important yet often neglected. If you promise to make a call, do so. If you said you'd send information, send it. And don't lose that business card you were given. The best business opportunities can fall through the cracks because of poor follow up.Keep these business networking ideas in mind throughout your business journey. Following these simple business networking tips and tricks can make your business endeavors more successful, providing you with great bits of advice and pushing you to do something outside your comfort zone.
4. Share Your InformationHave your business cards handy so you can easily exchange contact information. Don't have a business card? One of the best business networking tips and tricks is to create one of your own. Don't have a business? Create a personal card with your contact information. The whole point of business networking is to increase your visibility in your field and build relationships, and you won't get very far without leaving your contact information behind.5. Go Online to Learn MoreOnce you've made a connection, do a little digging and see if they have a website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn page. When it comes to effective networking tips, learning about a prospective client or business partner can better prepare you moving forward.6. Follow Up and Follow ThroughThis piece of networking advice is so simple and important yet often neglected. If you promise to make a call, do so. If you said you'd send information, send it. And don't lose that business card you were given. The best business opportunities can fall through the cracks because of poor follow up.Keep these business networking ideas in mind throughout your business journey. Following these simple business networking tips and tricks can make your business endeavors more successful, providing you with great bits of advice and pushing you to do something outside your comfort zone.
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