Posts Tagged ‘small business’

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Tips To Organize Your Business Processes

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Creating your business process involves a lot of trial and error, but, when done correctly it can be the key to your success. Small business owners and entrepreneurs have so much flexibility and freedom in shaping their business, that sometimes the process gets overlooked. Organizing your processes in a consistent, streamlined manner is essential to understanding how your company works and where you are capable of going in the future.

To begin creating successful processes, begin with tracking what each employee is doing and how long it’s taking to complete. Having a solid understanding of where time is being spent and on what will help you to plan out deadlines and estimates for the future. Take a look back at projects that didn’t fall within the average time you estimated for completion and ask why this happened. Were you working with a particularly demanding client? Did an employee come across a roadblock that might lead you to change your estimation for the future? These learning’s should be considered into new projects so that you can properly live up to your employee’s and your client’s expectations.

In addition to understanding how much time is being put into running your business, it’s helpful to create repeatable processes from success stories. Once you know what steps need to be taken to complete specific projects, write them down and implement this process for similar programs that come up in the future. The goal is to create a system that can be repeated again and again until you and your employees become efficient at it. Having repeatable processes in place eliminates the need to create a brand new plan-of-action for every new client and helps you to develop a sense of mastery over the work that you do.

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The Power of Online: 2010 Marketing Trends

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

2010 is the year that online marketing trends really take off. Businesses, moms, companies, vendors, consumers are all out there cruising the web. Twitter, Facebook, Google, iPhone apps, Bogs, YouTube: are the new vernacular and everybody using it and doing it. If you are out to market your goods, turn on your computer and get to work.

With real time benefits, more interaction and connectivity, and audience engagement, online marketing has become more hands on than ever before. For the first time, business can begin to understand their audience in an up close and personal manner. Who they are, where they spend their time online and how they spend their money–and use that knowledge to create strategy accordingly. Business have already started to employ SEO, RSS syndication, bookmarking, pull marketing, and audience sourcing through Social Media platforms to get their products/services directly to their market.

It is important to remember, although marketing is taking a turn to digital, creating synergy between online and traditional campaigns is still crucial to effectively reaching your marketing aspirations. By employing traditional techniques like using a consistent brand and message identity across all channels and understanding objectives and metrics, utilizing these tools to the online sphere will boost any marketing campaign.

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Clearing off Your Desk for the New Year!

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

herald-messy-desk1Holiday shopping is calling, your dry cleaning is waiting and you are ready for VACATION! But wait, before leaving for the holidays, roll up your selves, dedicate some time and clean your desk to start the New Year off organized and ready to be productive.

•    As simple as it sounds: file your papers! While most of your documents may be digital, those papers stacking up on your desk are there for a reason (and if they are not, recycle them and get rid of them). Categorize those that do serve a purpose; put them in folders and make them accessible.

•    Do a quick inventory of what you are missing and what you may need for the New Year. Staples, tape, screen cleanser, you name it, make a list and inform the appropriate people in charge of supplies.

•    Get rid of clutter. If the business cards you obtained from all your networking meetings are scattered, its time to enter the data into your contact management system and store the cards in a particular place. If they are transferred digitally, you may even be able to toss the card to eliminate even more clutter.

•    Look at your computer desktop. Is it overflowing with documents that can be placed elsewhere in more specific files? You be the judge, but having a clean computer desktop makes finding folders easier, not to mention it is aesthetically pleasing.

•    Make a quick reminder list of meetings, phone calls or any other follow-ups that you have to do after the holidays.

•    Last but not least, wipe-down your workspace: desk, computer screen, keyboard, chair, and anything else you want squeaky clean.

Now go enjoy your holidays!!

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Hosting the Perfect Office Holiday Party

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

eviteOffice holiday parties are an excellent way to boost employee morale and head into the New Year revived and passionate about your company goals. To be the hostess (or host!) of the mostest, follow these simple tips and get your party on:

•    The first thing you must determine as host is your budget. After analyzing your budget and working out what you can afford, determine whether this is a formal or casual party. From there you can ascertain where to host it, what to serve and begin sending out invites to your guests informing them on the shindig’s vibe.

•    If you are planning on serving alcohol, it is vital that you provide transportation for guests to get home safely. Whether you create a designating driving system or offering pre-paid cabs, you don’t want to worry about how your fellow employees are going to get home.

•    When considering decorations, be conscious of your employees’ beliefs and keep the holiday theme neutral.

•    Music should not be too loud. After all, you want your guests to be able to interact without shouting.

•    Make sure to take photos at your party and post them on your company website.

•    It’s your party, enjoy yourself, engage, mingle with your guests and have fun!

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Get on your Boss’ “Nice” List at the Company Holiday Party!

Monday, December 7th, 2009

the_office_partyCheer, merriment and good spirit are circulating the chilly air and the company holiday party is right around the corner. This is a perfect opportunity to socialize with your co-workers, make great impressions on your superiors and get to know the people you work with outside of business small talk. You get that invitation, first things first: RSVP and utilize these tips to be a great gracious guest.

•    It’s a holiday party, dress festively. That does not mean sporting a Santa suite, but a classy, generally semi-formal, company appropriate outfit should be your go-to.

•    These are social events, so by all means socialize, laugh, sing a holiday tune if the opportunity presents itself, but keep in mind that you are at a company function and the decisions you make should be responsible and respectable.

•    With that in mind, no one likes a stiff at a party, so enjoy yourself. Don’t structure all talk about work, deadlines and bosses, but rather, use this as a way find other common interests with your fellow employees. How are your kids? Did you see that game? We go skiing in Vail every year, how about you?

•    Bringing a tasteful gift is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for the party and for being a part of the company.

•    Showing a genuine interest in co-workers and involving everyone in conversation will keep the party going. No one likes to feel like the odd ball out, save that for Jr. High dances.

•    Use the holiday party as a venue to speak with those who you don’t usually interact with. Schmooze with the President or other departments, look at this as an opportunity to network within your company. Making a connection on a personal level, in some cases, can give you an advantage.

•    Don’t go overboard with the free drinks and food. Especially if you are going to use this as a networking forum, moderation is something to tactfully employ.

•    Most of all, have fun! Take advantage of this treat and be thankful for it!

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Dressing the Part for Networking Events

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

picture-1Everyone’s feeling a little spunky around this time of year. Those of you who are still in touch with their inner child are looking forward to Halloween and dressing up. Those who have children are busy buying and coordinating costumes. We all look forward to this day to put on our wildest and enjoy the anonymity. However, this isn’t the mentality you should use when dressing for a networking event.

Uncertainty of what to wear plagues even the most seasoned of networkers. You want to be comfortable, but you want to make the right impression. You don’t want to be overdressed or worse, under-dressed. Finding that happy medium can be difficult, but there are a few tricks that may turn your next event into a real treat!

The first clue you can use to dig into your closet is the location of the event. Ask yourself: What is the setting? Is it at a bar? A five-star hotel? An office? Each of these locations presents different wardrobe options. For example, if you’re going to the second floor of a bar for a happy hour networking event, the dress code is more casual and relaxed. That being said, never dress below business casual. Remember, you are looking to meet people to do business with in some capacity, you want to present yourself in a professional manner.

Depending on your dress code at work, office wear can sometimes become tiresome. Networking events are a great, and an important, place to market yourself within the company. Feel stifled by your everyday wear? Accessorizing for events is the simplest way to spice up your wardrobe and add your own unique flavor without looking like a clown.

Happy Halloween and Happy Dressing!

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Give Your Network the News

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

resizedimage430215-plant_growYou’ve built an amazing network of contacts, potential clients and business partners. Great! But, think of your network like a plant–it only grows when it is fed and nurtured. Don’t go sprinkling MiracleGro on your contacts just yet. Networks are fed by information and engagement. So how can you engage your network?

Of course, you can use social media for quick updates and day-to-day engagement. But, don’t forget the power of a newsletter.  You can send a mass online newsletter to your entire contact book or you can opt to send a print letter to your inner-circle. Either way works as long as you understand how to effectively position and utilize your newsletter. Here are a few quick tips and benefits to keeping your network in the know. A newsletter can be used for:

News and Information

Keep your network up to date about your accomplishments. A newsletter gives your compmailbox1any a chance to shine and showcase its success. Also, keeping your network in the loop about your current projects may peak their interest and they may even lend a hand (or a contact!)

Education

By including relevant links and resources in your newsletter, you make it more interesting and, thus, engaging.  Your network will want to read your newsletter if you include interesting facts or links to articles written by yourself or well-known sources in your field. This also reminds your network that your company is a credible resource, with your finger close to the pulse of the industry.

Outreach

Sending out a cheerful and informative newsletter to a wide audience can help you expand your network. If your newsletter is effective and well-written, members of your network may pass it along to their friends and colleagues, allowing you to cast a wider net, increase brand awareness and explore new markets.

Reinforcement

Don’t let your network forget about you! Popping a monthly newsletter in their mailbox (electronic or not) reminds your network that you’re an innovator and expert that is constantly looking out for their interests.

Think newsletters are a thing of the past? Has social media replaced newsletters? Perhaps. But, there is something special about getting a personalized piece of mail that no tweet could replace.

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Link in to a whole new network!

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

linkedin4Linkedin is based on a simple philosophy, “Relationships matter.” In today’s competitive and tough economic landscape, it has become more important than ever to maintain and cultivate your relationships. Linkedin is considered to be the #1 social media platform for professional networking. Launched in 2003, Linkedin has grown into an online network that only a few days ago surpassed 50 million users from around the world representing 150 industries. The goal is to connect with former colleagues, potential business partners and/or old classmates to uncover business opportunities. Keep Linkedin’s philosophy in mind when you’re networking on Linkedin. Make sure to keep it professional and act as if every relationship is of great importance. This means that if you meet someone at a networking event make sure to follow up with this person and when sending out the request to connect, do not send out the standardized message. Make sure to include a short but personal note from your first meeting.

The most important on Linkedin is your profile. It needs to be perfect! In this case, perfect means completely filled out, flawless with no grammatical errors and preferably with additional Linkedin tools implemented. Think of your profile as your resume in depth. There are a number of tools and tricks that can be utilized to improve your profile so that it stands out and increases your business opportunities.

Enhance your search engine results by implementing strong key words. Both recruiters and individuals often use the search function. You will increase your chances of having your profile appearing if you make sure to spread out keywords on your page.

Update your status. By using Ping.fm or hellotxt.com your status can be pushed to all of your social networks at once. Just remember that Linkedin is not a place to write that you’re craving Jell-O. The status should reflect your work and provide the other users with the latest updates of what is going on within your company.

A great way to build your brand is to utilize the “Answer” function. Here is where you show your expertise by answering, but also by asking questions. By sharing knowledge within your network you’ll earn expert status and increased credibility.

Create and join groups. They are free to join and you’re allowed to join more than 50 groups. This is an easy way to explore and get access to a number of connections. By joining a group you can connect with the other group members, which might end up being your future business partner, customer or investor. Every group also has a discussion board where everything from tips and job postings to new opportunities and expert comments are displayed.

Ask for recommendations. There is nothing wrong in requesting a recommendation from previous colleagues, employer or clients, as long as you’re clear about your intentions. Remember that the more recommendations you write, the more people will recommend you.

This brings us back to one of the key points when utilizing any social media platform: you have to give in order to receive the benefits!

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Facebook: Building your Brand Online

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Social networking is on everyone’s lips nowadays. No wonder. Not since the Internet took over people’s minds, money and time have we seen such a boom in the world of social and business networking. Social media is free and for everyone. What differs though is how people choose to utilize the social media platforms. Take Facebook for example. Some people like to take quizzes that tell them what animal they will be in their next life. Others choose a different approach: the approach that will increase their business, connections and career opportunities.

So what are the tricks for turning Facebook into a networking tool that will bring success to your company?

facebook1First of all, remember that social media works best when there is synergy. Simply put, social media comes best in pairs or more! Cyberspace is huge, but by utilizing multiple communication channels you will increase your chances of attracting people’s attention and interest.

When you set up a Facebook account, make sure to combine this with a blog and/or website. Wordpress offers a tool that will link your blog to Facebook. Every time you publish a new post your Facebook friends will be notified.

Keep your Facebook page professional, but still personal. Adding a personal touch will build trust and create a more personal relationship between you and your clients. There is nothing wrong in adding pictures of family and friends. This shows your clients that you’re more than just a company.

The Flickr2Facebook uploader is an easy tool that allows you to upload your photos and then easily connect them to Facebook.

Add applications selectively. The applications should be related to your field and if they don’t say something about your business or what your business (not you as a person) is looking to achieve, you probably do best in not adding that application.

Sendible is another useful tool for business owners that want to schedule their updates. You can schedule status, feeds, comments, emails and much more. It’s perfect when you want to connect with all your social network contacts, but you don’t have the time or access to a computer.

From a business perspective, keep in mind that there is no reward for having 500 friends on Facebook. You’d rather have 80 qualitative business connections versus 700 where none of them work in your sector or share the same interests.
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Edit your news feed preferences in a way that is beneficial to your business. You may not need to know every time your news feed gets updated, but if someone your looking to do business with posts something you would want to know so that you can respond. That brings us to the last and one of the fundamental things when it comes to Facebook and any other Social media. Be active! It’s all about sharing your thoughts and ideas. Respond if you see an interesting comment, relevant question or feed. Let people know what you think. Only then will you experience increased engagement and conversation about your company!

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The Aftermath: Post-Networking Event Follow Up

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

people-networking2So, you did your research and attended a networking event that you were well-prepared for. What’s next? Networking doesn’t stop when the cracker plate is empty and everyone has gone home. The steps you take after a networking event are an essential part of effective networking. Next time you return from a networking event, follow these steps to make the most of your new found contacts.

1.      Reflect on your experience. Make note of what you did well and what you need to improve on. Networking events can be a great learning experience!

2.      Add all new contacts and their info into your Rolodex or contact management system. All details that you remember are important such as where they work, how long they have worked there, any common connections and noteworthy attributes.

3.      Send a follow up email to all new contacts and reach out to them on social media. Further explore their networks on social media to see if your networks overlap by looking for your new contacts on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. Also remember to send a thank you to the host of the event if applicable.

4.      You can also post about the event on your blog or tweet about it.  Post any photos you may have taken from the event as well.

5.      Begin to strategize on how you can make the most of your new connections. What can you do for them? Can they do anything for you? Perhaps you can work together on an upcoming project. The possibilities are endless.

6.      Begin you plan of attack for the next networking event you are attending. If you don’t already have one scheduled, now is a great time to do some more research and start networking!

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