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.
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!
Testimonials and Raving Fans are like Magic for Business, a lot like the Knot Genie is for hair.
When done right testimonials can double or triple a business. 3rd party endorsement goes a long way. Buyers want to know what other people are saying, especially people they know and respect.
Here one of my testimonials.
“We Love this Brush, it is the Brush we reach for every morning.”
Hi I’m Jennifer Cockton. I live in Calgary, AB Canada and I have a Beautiful Daughter.
One day visiting, my Mom was talking about this brush and how she wanted to give one to my Daughter. Mom explained how her friend got one for her Daughter and they loved it. I’m thinking a brush is a brush. Not long after we were visiting again and – Nana (Grandma) had found the brush and gifted it to us.
Are you Frustrated with your child’s tangled hair?
I really did not know the gift it was – until using it.
Jennifer Cockton
Mom was right!
We Love this Brush, it is the Brush we reach for every morning. It takes less time in the morning and My Daughter can brush her own hair. It really makes her feel good.
This Brush is called the KNOT GENIE – and it has my endorsement.
$14.99 – $19.99 plus S&H worth every penny.
Thanks Mom!!
I wrote the testimonial after reading an article from Mindvalley. I understand the power of testimonials. When I was a Financial Planner – there were 3 testimonials that were very near and dear to my heart – I loved sharing them.
The article from Mindvalley shared tips on what makes a good Testimonial.
I wonder how I did with the tips?
I’ve been following Mindvalley for years. I will be following them more closely over the next year. Apparently this one tip changed a business over night.
There is more to my story about this brush - When I got the Brush and decided I liked it – I became an affiliate for the product. If I Love it – Other’s will too.
Now MindValley – I’d like to be an affiliate for…. Next!
Everyone Loves Raving fans – who are yours?
I recently read an article on promoting your blog.
I’ve been writing them at random for a while now and have irregularly shared.
Yes I could Write more and be more consistent.
So when I went through the infographic – I did a bit of a check.
Do I have the following social media accounts?
I encourage you to check out more of the infographic and see what will help you promote your blog.
Below is a new addition Evan Carmichael and it encouraged me to write the article
“Get on the Phone – Making Contact”
it maybe a couple of days before you can see it
- there is normally a 48 hour review period.
I was lead here. Yes there is a story, but first have a listen.
I Love “You can not lead form behind…” – did you hear it, feel it?? Did you get the AHA?
Summarizing some of what I listened to:
Not sure about you – but this was exactly what I needed.
The great thing about all this is that I followed a monkey here. HAHAHAHA!
Seriously….
I was playing with Mailchimp and ConstantContact - while I drafted a couple of newsletters.
I was looking at both of them as I’m a Solution Provider for ConstantContact (one of a few partnerships) yet I wanted to see how Mailchimp integrates with Nimble.
I partnered with Nimble as it is the only solution on the market that integrates the “4 Cs” — contacts, calendar, communications and collaboration: Social Media, Email, and Address Book all in one place.
I can tag a list of my contacts in Nimble and have their information sent to Mailchimp- so that I can then create an email campaign that goes out only to that list.
So I’m in there playing with my lead generation systems and on the top right is that Monkey. “jenn, sometimes you just need to xpress yourself…” with a link to a funny monkey video on youtube. Yeah – I could not help but click on the link.
Well after watching, I stumbled upon the one shared above. I like how that works….
Creating this blog lead me to more goodies that are worth exploring.
Here is where I’m heading
I ask you “Would you want the cake if it did not come with icing?” My Daughter’s immediate response is “NO!”
However responses vary as much as individuals do.
However, if I liken the writing of a book to a “cake” and bestseller status to the “icing” and ask Writers/Authors alone, they want the “icing” on their “cake”.
It’s as if the cake is not finished with out the icing.
There are even those that will make and remake their cake- to get the icing that says the cake is finished properly.
If the book is the cake (substance) does the icing (bestseller status) determine if the cake is worth eating (reading)? For some it does.
For some Writers/Authors it is not enough to have written the book – they need the icing (bestseller status) or they feel the cake (book) is not finished. The icing is like a crown that sits a top the cake.
Writers/Authors – I have a few questions to ask you….
You wrote the book to share a message with the hope that it would help or entertain others, correct?
Does bestseller status mean that it reaches more people?
Does it mean that your book made money?
Does the type of icing really matter or will any icing do?
What length would you go to – to make sure that your cake had just the right icing?
My suggestion: go to book publishing myths sign up and watch the video,
I think you’ll get a ton out of it.
Whether you are introducing yourself or getting an introduction… The Rules are the same.
Keep it in context.
Lead with the topic everyone knows about – them. You are the audience.
Listen.
The words of Jeff Haden “The best connections never come from speaking; the best connections always come from listening.”
Relationships go through stages.
According to Michael Drew Co-Author of Pendulum: In Action with Roy H. Williams
the stages are the”12 Steps of Intimacy” and they apply to personal and business relationships. Yes there is a System to Building Relationships.
Just like kissing on the first date can make or break a relationship – missing a step in building the relationship, may have you back at the introduction (if you’re lucky).
Know the steps and why they are important, today, in your marketing.
