Posts Tagged ‘social media’

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Build Buzz Online!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Clip art Graphic of a Honey Bee Cartoon Character

The monetary benefits of online marketing have recieved a lot of attention lately. Sure, online marketing can increase your ROI and expand your market share–but there are other benefits to taking your marketing to the online world. Marketing online vastly increases the scope and diversity of your audience, but decrebeemoviepromojpgjpegases their attention span. So here are a few quick tips to make generating buzz about your compay online a breeze.

1. Bee Consistent

Make sure that everything from your branding to your content is on point. Since audience members have many different opportunities to interact with your brand, you want to make sure that your brand message is clear, concise and consistent. You don’t want to confuse your audience by sending mixed signals!

2. Bee Everywhere

With so many new online outlets and networks, it can be hard to keep up! But it’s crucially important to use as many marketing channels as possible to your advantage. Determine what platforms are right for you, and be sure to keep updated and relevant information on all of them.

3. Bee Engaging and Interactive

Online marketing provides you with the opportunity to engage with your customers on their turf. Don’t be afraid of this unfamiliar territory. Dive right in–explore, interact and, most of all, have fun getting to know your consumers! They’ll appreciate your time and attention.

4. Bee Unique

With so many other brands out there, you want to make yours stand out! Your audience now has the power to determine their brand experience, so creating a fresh, unique and relatable perspective is key. Following these tips will help your brand bee a winner on the online market!

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The Cents (and Dollars!) of Using Online Marketing

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

piggy-bank-on-money-md1As we constantly move towards a society where daily tasks such as paying the bills, ordering food and shopping for clothes are being performed online, new opportunities to approach, reach and target your clients are beginning to emerge. Online marketing has a number of benefits, especially for small business owners. It’s fast, efficient, environmental friendly, but most of all, it’s cost-effective!

Besides the obvious benefits of eliminating mailing and printing costs, here are some important factors to take into consideration.

The two-way communication process. The feedback from your consumer makes it easy to adjust and update your online campaign. If you notice that certain copy or images needs to be changed, this is an easy fix. Imagine doing a print campaign and realizing along the way that you’re not getting the results that you’re looking for. The cost and time it would take to make the necessary edits would probably mean a financial setback for your business.

To receive feedback from the consumers while doing an offline marketing campaign requires the consumer to mail or call. People don’t have the time to do this and valuable information gets lost. Online marketing allows clients to have an ongoing communication with the actual company, and most importantly the company can very fast adapt according to their audience.

Another way to track the results of your campaign is to set up SEO keywords. The campaign can get customized and constantly updated based on your consumer’s reaction and feedback.

There are numerous communication channels to be utilized in online marketing. The primary channel is  the web, but also e-newsletter, social media platforms audio and video. Speaking of email marketing, there’s nothing easier for a potential client to forward and/or share the email that is being sent out. Today, an increasing number of companies are integrating social media with e-marketing. TopRank’s online marketing blog featured an interesting post about the so-called “Share to Social” (S2S) link tonlinemkt3hat can be imbedded in an email marketing campaign. When sending out an email simply include this link, which tells the receiver to instead of just sending or forwarding the email, he or she should also make sure to share it with more people by utilizing social media platforms. Links to the platforms are imbedded in the email, which makes it easy for the receiver to spread the word about your products and/or services!

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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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Public Speaking

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

picture-2Last evening I had the pleasure of speaking on the PR Professional Panel hosted by the NYU Women in Communications Club and the NYU Comm Club.  Accompanied by a lovely dinner and scintillating conversation with professionals from such esteemed PR firms as  Quinn & Co. and FerrenCom, the event was a wonderful evening centered around sharing thoughts and ideas. The discussion covered a range of topics from the affects of digital media and the current recession on the PR industry to tips and advice to landing a job and navigating today’s fast-paced PR landscape.

Have you ever found yourself speaking on a panel and nervous about what to say? Here are a few quick tips to make your next public speaking experience successful.

1. Do your homework.

Before you arrive at the speaking engagement, make sure you have researched the hosting organization, as well as the other panelists.  Ask your contact for a list of questions and a list of the other panelists, as well as any other information that you may need to know before you speak. If this information is not available, focus your research on the hosting organization and topic of the panel, so you can anticipate the types of questions that may be asked.

2. Find your key points.

Make sure you walk into the panel or speech with your three main points selected. Figure out the three key things that you can not leave the panel without addressing. That way, if you don’t have access to any information prior to the panel you at least know what you want to weave into your answers. Don’t forget to remember who your audience is, and include information that may be interesting and relevant to them in your notes.

3. Listen to the other panelists as they speak.

It can be easy to let your mind wander when it is not your turn to speak. Stay engaged as all of the other panelists take their turns speaking. Bring blank note cards and a pen to jot down any thoughts or questions that may be sparked by what your fellow speakers say.

4. Be personable and energetic!

Approach your speech with passion and enthusiasm. Engage your audience by asking rhetorical questions and providing real-life examples. Look directly at the audience when you speak. Being a dynamic speaker not only reflects wells on the company you represent, but also makes you feel confident! Answer all questions asked to you thoroughly, and address that speaker by name whenever possible. Be open to one-on-one questions and networking after the event. And don’t forget to bring business cards–you never know who you might meet!

Next time you find yourself in a public speaking situation, keep these tips in mind and your speech will be smooth sailing. Don’t be too nervous, your confidence in your abilities (or lack thereof) will be reflected in your speech, so hold your head high and speak up!

And finally, a big thank you to the Women in Communications Club at NYU and the NYU Comm Club for hosting such a wonderful event!

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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.
facebook2
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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Twitter: Launching Your Small Business in the Social Networking World

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Posted by Sumontro Roy.

With the growing popularity of Twitter and major brands already interacting online, it’s important for Small Businesses to understand the value of “becoming social.”

How important is it to be socially active?twitter-network

Ah, but it is extremely important! Building strong relationships with your target market is more important than ever before. Having the chance to listen, stay in touch and connect with thousands of people instantly is the real value of this new channel of instant communication.

However, you must clearly outline how to launch your brand in this social world before you jump on the social media bandwagon. Here are some key things to remember and ask about your business before going “live”:

  • Treat your brand as a
    person, define your personality
  • Identify your values and beliefs (Brand Identity)
  • What does your brand say that is different from others? What conversations can you join and make a real contribution? (Differentiation)
  • How can you make your conversation relevant to your business? (Promotion Strategy)

Remember, that, as human beings we like people who know how to listen to us, those that show us how much they care – that ultimately wins our trust. Building relationships is about having a rational and emotional connection and this is what your business now has the chance to do: Socialize and build loyal, lasting relationships with your customers, without even picking up the phone!

Importantly, social media is an extremely cost-efficient media selection for small businesses. And, given that a lot of such small businesses need to make the best possible use of their limited funds, it becomes that much more important to select, develop and implement an effective social media strategy.

Check out these Twitter tools that can help you identify your target market, join conversations that you want to be part of and deliver content based on your business strategy and expected ROI:

http://www.smbceo.com/2009/03/25/top-27-twitter-applications/

Video Link: http://smallbiztrends.com/2008/10/how-why-twitter-small-businesses.html

Feel free to contact the Team at Perks for developing an effective and efficient social media strategy for your business – we look forward to hearing from you!

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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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Out with the Old, In with the New: The Perks of Online Press

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Print newspaper is dying, its on the brink of extinction and will soon be a distant memory.  The Associated Press reports,

“Newspapers’ financial woes worsened in the second quarter as advertising sales shrank by 29 percent, leaving publishers with $2.8 billion less revenue than they had at the same time last year. It’s the deepest downturn yet during a three-year free fall in advertising revenue — newspapers’ main source of income. The magnitude of the industry’s advertising losses have intensified in each of the last 12 quarters.”

While we mourn the death of flipping through the Sunday Times, we must look to the future of press onlonline-press-smine.

With social media being all the rage, pursuing online press opportunities is the only logical thing to do to merge the two and reach your target audience and spread your company’s identity.

Unlike traditional media and waiting extensively to go to print, online press allows for a quicker, almost instant turn around. And because everyone is online due to the outburst in Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and other social media platforms, everyone is online. With online press, you instantly have a global audience at your fingertips. By focusing in on where your audience is, what they are visiting, what they are reading, you can strategically place online press publications in the appropriate channels to reach your niche consumer.

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Maxamize Your Blog

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

blog-boardPeople read blogs to learn, for entertainment, for news, or simply to see what’s going on. With that in mind, it’s important to keep things current in your blog. Make your content engaging, interesting, topical and thematic. Using credible links can add validity to your blog and attaching images creates visual stimulation for your viewers.  When attacking your blogs be sure to include buzz/key words that will generate ultimate SEO.

Ultimately, your blog is a channel used to expand your professional network and it allows you to develop a status of expertise in your chosen field. To do that, you must familiarize yourself with your audience and write what you know.  Creating a successful blog can lead to new clients, more business, and it allows you to establish a name and credibility in your respective business. So get out there, captivate your readers, make it a must-read, and have fun doing it.

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