Really you need a lot more than just a website.
Why?
Websites are like billboards without a highway.
You actually need a (Small Business) Framework.
What is a framework?
It’s the combination of Systems that help build a route to your website. Like a highway.
5-6 bare bones basic Systems every business needs – in the very beginning of business, can you name them?
Send me a note with what you think they are – or with what you have.
Let’s see how close you are.
This blog was inspired by a video.
I wanted to share my feelings about a video.
Firstly, I stumbled upon it – well sort.
I do not know the people behind the blog that the video was originally featured in
nor do I personally know the creator of the video.
What I do know is how it made me feel.
Here is the video.
I am grateful that I was surfing facebook this morning before getting out of bed.
I was tried from being up late and not ready to get out of bed yet, however there was my iPhone, right by the bed.
So some light reading was my first choice. Scrolling through my feed – there it was.
Why was it even in my feed? Yesterday while I was returning messages on facebook, I watched the sidebar on the far right. By watching it I could see a sorts of activity that my friends were par taking in – that does not show up in my feed.
Doing this on a regular basis – gives me ways to engage that I would not normally see.
For example:
Catherine liked Simon’s link – I don’t know Simon – but I can take a look and see if I might like his link.
Carrie commented on Andrea’s status. Who is Andrea? Maybe I’d like that status too. If so I could comment, follow, message or invite Andrea to be my friend on facebook.
Why does this matter? It was a “like” a friend made on someone else’s status, that I noticed and the noticing of it lead me to follow that person. That person, this morning posted the link to the video above.
It’s all connected.
Why am I sharing this? There are so many ways to engage and connect.
My hope is that you find ways to do this more and that you will share this blog. I would like the video to reach more people. People that could use a little help – after being affected by the December 2012 event that occurred in Newtown, CT and shook the world.
This is not to discount the event that occurred on the same day in China.
We are all connected, we all felt it.
I see a huge gift of Love in the above video. The time and energy given to create a video that will help us all, yet especially designed for teachers and shared freely.
How could I keep myself from sharing? Please share in the hope that this reaches those that could benefit – especially teachers.
English: Graph of social media activities (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We all have a story about how social media has changed our lives.
A Facebook friend, Koos de Jongh, that I would not know if it were not for social media, posted this question:
What has social media brought you in 2012?
For some it’s day to day connection and a way to meet people we would not have otherwise.
When I asked Koos for his permission to include his name in this blog, he was grateful that I had asked. My heart opened wider when I continued to read his words.
“…..you are one of the persons I trust although we know each other only from FB.”
As you reflect on 2012
and decide what to take with you into 2013
consider these stories.
Streakers Love Story
How LinkedIn changed my life in one year
How a Tweet became $1 Million
In the Video below
Richard Branson shares his highlights of 2012
and comments their Social Media Campaigns
(Caution -language not appropriate for all viewers)
Various Versions of Auld Lang Syne found here
Happy New Year!
I recently sat down for dinner with a friend. As we were catching up, we got on the topic of Business. One of my favourite subjects 
.
As it turns out they were looking at starting a business. Through the conversation I learned that the business idea was sound and that this individual had tonnes of passion behind this new venture. What is fabulous is that they are also coming from a place of heart – they truly wish to help others. Earning money doing that would be a perk.
A great idea, backed by passion and a heart in the right place, while they definitely help are not where business begins.
Business begins and ends with people. It’s about your relationships.
Upon starting a new business – who do you tell first?? I would say Family and Close Friends. Being an Entrepreneur can be lonely at times, you’ll need a support group.
Who are the 10 people you would put in that group? Ask them for their help.
Do I feel honoured to have heard about this new venture, my friend sharing it with me over dinner?
They have bigger dreams and I get to be included. YOU BET I DO!
Now as exciting as this can be – it can also be terrifying. Where to begin?
I recommend you begin with those you chose to share with, first. Your Close Friends and Family. The 10 people you have decided that you can ask for help.
On average an individual has over 600 ties to people and of those ties approx. 200 are Facebook Friends.
*The average number of Facebook friends was recently report as 229.
So when it comes to business – especially launching a new venture it makes sense to get the word out via your top 10 support network first.
Once the word it out – it’s time to keep track of connections and communication. For the purpose of developing those connections into relationships, seeing the opportunities for engagement, nurturing your networks and knowing how these are progressing.
This system is the most important one in your business. For this use Nimble. Try it Free.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius
This quotation is the basis behind Entrepreneurship. The majority of Entrepreneurs decided that they wanted to do what they Love and created it. Even being resourceful, insightful, innovative creatures some times the bootstrapping results in revisiting employment.
Employee and Entrepreneur Mindsets are Different
Click here to find out how Employee vs. Entrepreneur
Being an Entrepreneur is not easy. Many have admitted that they did not test the water – before diving in.
If you are not an Entrepreneur already and you are considering it, Caution it can get HOT!
If you are an Entrepreneur you may already know how this feels under your collar. You may even be reconsidering your decision or seeking temporary employment.
What you need to know
#1 YOU ARE NOT ALONE
#2 Searching for work has changed
#3 There’s Help!
Before you throw in the towel here are some Business Resources.
Know the Business Systems You Need – What Most Business Owners Don’t know
If you are jumping back in the Employee Pool, here are some Employment resources
to make the swim easier.
#1 Resume - I want my resume on top – Please!
#2 Find companies that are hiring – they are online.
#3 Apply - Employment Sources for Calgary, Alberta Canada
#4 Connect within 72 Hours.
#5 Keep Track- Use a System to record the Who, What, When, Where and How’s that goes on with each company.
#6 Prepare for the interview
Source: Pinterest
The above infographic is also helpful information for business meetings.
Remember – talk to your friends and family. Let them know what you are going through and looking for. We all need Support!
Plus the Pool is A Lot more Fun – when there are other People in it
TO PLAY WITH!
Are you everywhere online?
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+
Does it Look like this?
SystemsGirl | Promote Your Page Too
Jennifer Palmer Cockton | Create Your Badge
Are you signing in to each one daily to tweet, post and reply?
Oh Yes then there is email.
Trying to keep up with everything is exhausting.
You may have even tried Hootsuite or TweetDeck to track the conversations.
Used Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule tweets and share your links on all the other sites.
Now if you have a business and you are marketing your solutions – well, likely you are not.
You are trying to but spending so much time on social media means you are left with very little time to “Do What You Love.”
Your Business is your Passion. Let’s get back to it- shall we?
The Ultimate Social Listening Tool is going to be your new best friend.
Why? Because you can now listen and engage on a whole new level.
Those of you with Teams and Business Partnerships – will LOVE IT!
Want to know what others say first before having a look?
Tabitha Davis of TeenbizDynamics “WOW!!! Really amazing!! I never thought of something like that, where you can bring all of your contacts to one place..very unique!”
There is no risk – there is a 30-day free trial for business owners and the Individual Version is Free.
Watch Videos about the product and it’s founder.
Welcome to Online Connection Simplified.
