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.
Yeah it is already 2013 – but we have a long way before it is over. Thank Goodness!
When you look back on it, in 2014, what do you want to see?
In the video below I share something I find very exciting – genuinely!
Is this how you want to start?
Now the reason I share this is I Love how it feels.
Giving, Connection, Sharing and Playing with others.
Yes that is what 2013 will look like when I look back.
A Year of Paying-It-Forward, Creatively.
Thank You to Michael Drew co-author of Pendulum In Action for sharing it. It found me.
At the time of writing this – it was page 4 of the 365 pages I’m writing in the Book “My 2013″.
So far I really like this book – the theme “playing with interconnectedness.”
2012 was a Great sampling year for me. Maybe it was for you also.
I tried new things – all the way from foods to people.
I’ve picked various things and people that get to accompany me through out 2013. Those that add quality to my life.
I did the smile test. Yes, that simple – if it makes me smile – I’m keeping it – to some degree.
What are you bringing with you into 2013?
I invite you to come, play and share. Enjoy 2013!!!
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 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.
Hi! I know I don’t know you. We just met – well not really, I asked you to be a friend online. Well now that we are online together, I want something from you. Since we have mutual friends I thought you would…. Oh I should really ask that in another way. My goal is to tap into your network (yes I see you have more friends then me). So here it is….
Have you ever had someone introduce themselves to you – in one of these ways?
Guess What!? It doesn’t work with me. Does it work with you?
Couple things – You are asking someone for their time, which is limited and You are asking for their social capital – which is invaluable.
Instead of making a mess out of the introduction, Here are some tips:
#1 Ask a friend to introduce you to the mutual friend.
#2 Find out what you can do for them, Pay It Forward
#3 Learn how to ask for help – requesting the least amount of effort from that person.
#4 Be Respectful and Grateful. Not everyone is going to saw Yes – nor should they.
Any introduction made is a reflection on the person making an introduction. If you do not know the person well – it will show.
“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!
I’m making a recommendation on a price point for an online product launch. So I did a bit of research.
My research was asking people, online, these two questions:
1. What are your thoughts of or feelings when you see or hear “21″?
2. What are your thoughts when you see or hear “Shipping And Taxes Included”?
Now before I tell you my opinion I want to share with you that I believe I am a Millennial. What is a Millennial?
Some believe it is an age group (a person born in the 1980s or 1990s – according to Merriam-Webster). Others believe that it is a mannerism – the way a group of people in society act and what they value.
Since I was not born in the years mentioned you can guess with side of this debate I’m on.
Flowtown – Social Media Marketing Application
Why is it important to recognize a Millennial? They are driving Consumer Trends.
In summary Millennial share attitudes, priorities, the way they access technology, how they interacted with others and what they value as important.
They believe that technology makes life easier and that the most important thing in life is being a good parent. Their news comes from the internet and they visit their social networking sites daily.
As Millennial they have an efficiently running BS meter. I first heard this from Michael Drew in January of 2010 – at the Pendulum Presentation.
So for this discussion – lets assume the launch was set to be marketed with a price of $7 however the shipping and taxes were not mentioned and the International shipping cost upon reaching the payment screen, brought the product to a price of $20.
Here are some of my thoughts:
-Rather than having a product marketed at a very low price (bait) – I would like to know what I’m going to be paying in total. No surprises. I would like the answer the question: “What is it really going to cost?” before it’s asked.
-Why not make it $19.97 – All In? I would even say 21, however there is mixed feedback on the number 21.
When I think of 21 – I think of 21 days to change a habit -which is also up for debate.
Feedback on the number 21 was – Black Jack, youth, rebellion, partying and gambling. The question then becomes – will the product be shadowed by these thoughts. Does it come to -if that’s the price point of the product it had better be light and fun vs serious, educational and intended for the business minded.
So use $21 delivered and reframe. Less than $1 a day to a more successful business.
Seems there is a debate on everything these days. Anyone following the U.S. Presidential Debates? Personally I could not be bothered.
If there were not already a well developed relationship here – I would have been put off. Since there is an important relationship here – I want to do everything I can to be helpful.
Today I received an email related to shipping. “Hello. Just a quick note to let you know that we are temporarily suspending our free shipping promo (coupon code: FREE).
Why? Simply put, Economy Shipping is too slow for Halloween delivery at this point. So we no longer want to push it as an option.
After the Halloween season, we will push it once more.
Thank you for all you do! This has been an amazing Halloween season! Keep up the great work!”
Like I mentioned the relationship here is what matters.
However this might go over like a “Tick, Tick, Ticking Time Bomb”.
