This last week I ran an online marketing workshop where no less than 140 people attended – primarily marketing managers – on the subject of word of mouse marketing. With marketing budgets decreasing or at least being under pressure, business leaders are realizing that they need to integrate an online marketing strategy to attract more leads to their business. One business owner I spoke to had also recognized that their business needed to be online to help them with cash flow. Some of their customers were waiting 120 days before paying them. However, making their products available online eliminated the…

Advertising can be a very big topic among small business owners.  It is not uncommon for small business owners to feel a little lost when it comes to advertising.  There are so many choices out there that it can be a little confusing when trying to figure out the best advertising options. Some business owners may feel that paid advertising will be their best option and seek out those choices.  Others may be on a small budget that does not allow for much paid advertising.  Because of this, they turn to free advertising. Each group may be wondering if they…

As a business owner you know there are many ways to increase your income. Some take time while others can happen relatively fast when done correctly. One of the quickest ways to increase your profits is by branding your business. Yes, I know branding may seem time consuming and boring. Let me be the first to tell you, creating a brand for your business can result in amazing growth. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on branding your business either. I don’t know about you, but when I can quickly and…

It is exactly these economic times that branding importance comes into play. When I sit down with corporate branding teams, the very first component of my Brand Navigator Process, is to establish the firm’s Corporate Brand Values. The exercise consists of the entire team’s input outlining potential values that exemplify the company’s culture. This brain-storming typically results in dozens and dozens of potential values. From here we whittle it down to a hand-full which are the foundation of the company’s brand. Feeling quite proud of themselves, the next step is validation. One of the questions is: Can these values remain…

Most of what I’ve learned in business were things I stumbled upon and gained experience from. A key example is when the newspaper sales man comes knocking on the door wanting to do some lunch with you to help you decide what ads you need to post in their newspaper. I had a few failed ad campaigns before I realized that a huge giveaway saw bigger results than an ad for my specific market. Discovering tons of people lined up at the doorway before the mall even opened, showed me exactly what worked for my business. There are so many…

Once or twice a week, I walk into my neighborhood dry cleaners with an armful of shirts. As the clerk (and it doesn’t matter which one) approaches the counter, they hopefully ask “just dropping off?” And I always reply, “Nope, I need to pick up as well.” Then, as if it was a choreographed part of their business, they take in a little breath and turn back to walk to the computer, to look up my order number. I’m pretty sure they’re completely unaware that they do it. Or that it is so embedded in the culture of the company…

When writing a business plan one of the first things you’ll be asked to do is to write a vision statement. This isn’t a trivial moment.  In fact, your vision statement can guide your success for years to come.  Here’s how to write a vision statement that will help you accomplish your business dreams and goals. Your vision statement is defined as what you want for your business. It is different from a mission statement because your vision is all about you. Your vision statement defines what you want your business to become. It may answer the following questions: *…

Writing a business plan is the first step to developing a successful and profitable business however once you have it written putting it in a drawer to yellow with age is the last thing you want to do.  Your business plan is powerful!  It will help guide your every decision and strategy, and your business plan isn’t a commandment set in stone, it’s a plan, which means it changes as your business changes.  Your business plan is an ever evolving business tool, and one of your best assets. Once you’ve created your business plan, it will: * Guide your decisions…

Affiliate marketing is a wonderful way to make a living.  Finding and promoting products you believe in can earn enough to make it possible to work from home or your moneymaking website can be a source of extra money to save, spend on travel or whatever your heart desires.  And of course, the more affiliate sales you make, the better.  Let’s take a look at a few ways you can make more affiliate sales. #1 Consistently publish content. Whether you have a blog or a website, the key to drawing attention and earning top page ranking is through content.  It’s…

Newsletters are your key to regular communication, and promotion, to your company’s prospects.  Getting your information in front of them on a regular basis increases the odds they’ll turn to you when they have a need.  It increases front of mind awareness.  However, in order to profit from your opt-in list, it’s important to grow your subscribers.  Here are just a few ways to get more newsletter subscribers: #1  Post back issues on your website. This will help both with your search engine optimization and you’ll give potential subscribers a taste of what you have to offer. Don’t worry too…