Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Facebook, Twitter, Google, Amazon, Apple--that's just the beginning. Then comes LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and more than you can keep track of.
You have many avenues open to your growing your small business. Many find it confusing. But there's a way to thread your way through all the possibilities.
It's simple. Think of your trip to the supermarket. You pick your way through the fresh fruits and vegetables, the dairy displays, the cereal aisle, and so on. Soon your shopping cart is full and you check out. You have the things you need for the next few days.
The easiest starting point with social media is Facebook. Go on the site, follow the quick and easy steps and your business shines forth. You post pictures (see yesterday's blog) and a FEW words. It can take less than five minutes and you're done with your advertising for the day.
Example: Lori runs a hair salon. She snaps pictures of every hair style and curl she completes (no faces). Then she posts them on her Facebook page with a very brief comment. (Sometimes the comment is just "Wow!") The pictures get passed around and they attract more clients.
Example: Joe runs a bakery. He snaps pictures of his hands preparing a cake in stages. The pictures tell a story and he posts on Pinterest--no words, just the pictures. Lots of interest is generated and additional clients show up.
Example: Diane is a photographer. She published an e-book on Amazon at no cost to her. Then she regularly posted "tease" pictures on LinkedIn, pointing people to her Amazon e-book. There were a few sales of the book, but importantly, more people called her to arrange for her fine photography services.
The possibilities are endless for using free social media to promote your business. The key is to use all those pictures you continually snap. Pictures attract attention and point people back to your operation (store, website, e-book, blog, newsletter).
Instead of that extra trip to the supermarket, get some of those pictures working for your business. Post on social media and track the results. Figure out what works best for you.
With all the options available to you, your advertising becomes a breeze. The easiest place to begin is Facebook.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Picture snaps
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
You've taken a zillion pictures with all this new technology. But how many have you used to promote your small business?
It used to be that you had to hire a professional photographer to take pictures you could use in your business. Those days are gone.
Today, professional photographers are still available. They take pictures that meet high quality standards--event and product photography are two examples that require professionals.
But promoting on social media is a different world. People see your pictures for a few seconds only--and hopefully, they pass them on to their friends. Also, most viewers are using smaller screens that can have trouble handling high quality professional photographs. Further, social media emphasizes the thought behind the picture--not the picture quality, and maybe not even the subject matter.
Example: Yolinda is a certified acupuncturist. She opened her place and attracted a growing stream of clients. To promote the therapy, she decided to devote a room to community acupuncture where people could walk in, spend 20 minutes is a quiet, darkened room and relax. It served as an introduction to acupuncture. She posted close-up pictures of her work on social media at least twice each week. She now has more clients.
Example: Mike is a contractor specializing in creatively designed and built decks. To promote his work, he takes pictures of his jobs in progress and posts the detailed photos on social media. His multi-level decks attract lots of attention, and the close-ups of details of his work clearly show his expertise as a carpenter. Recently, he posted pictures of a tree house he built for neighborhood kids. From those pictures, he scheduled several new projects.
Example: Susan is an interior decorator specializing in window treatments. She, too, takes pictures of all projects underway and posts on social media. Her drapery arrangements have created quite a buzz on social media, but nothing attracted more attention than the picture she posted showing open drapes with a cat curled up on the window sill.
Pets always attract attention. You don't have to be a pet groomer to use cats and dogs in your promotions. Hey, you take pictures of them all the time anyway. Why not use them to get viewers to pay attention?
Start by punching up all the pictures you have taken and have stored on your computer. Select those that can be used and start posting on social media. Just don't use any person's face without permission.
The value of pictures on social media cannot be overly emphasized. It's one of the chief reasons social media works so well. You are missing opportunities if you don't use pictures in your business promotions.
to help you better manage your small business
You've taken a zillion pictures with all this new technology. But how many have you used to promote your small business?
It used to be that you had to hire a professional photographer to take pictures you could use in your business. Those days are gone.
Today, professional photographers are still available. They take pictures that meet high quality standards--event and product photography are two examples that require professionals.
But promoting on social media is a different world. People see your pictures for a few seconds only--and hopefully, they pass them on to their friends. Also, most viewers are using smaller screens that can have trouble handling high quality professional photographs. Further, social media emphasizes the thought behind the picture--not the picture quality, and maybe not even the subject matter.
Example: Yolinda is a certified acupuncturist. She opened her place and attracted a growing stream of clients. To promote the therapy, she decided to devote a room to community acupuncture where people could walk in, spend 20 minutes is a quiet, darkened room and relax. It served as an introduction to acupuncture. She posted close-up pictures of her work on social media at least twice each week. She now has more clients.
Example: Mike is a contractor specializing in creatively designed and built decks. To promote his work, he takes pictures of his jobs in progress and posts the detailed photos on social media. His multi-level decks attract lots of attention, and the close-ups of details of his work clearly show his expertise as a carpenter. Recently, he posted pictures of a tree house he built for neighborhood kids. From those pictures, he scheduled several new projects.
Example: Susan is an interior decorator specializing in window treatments. She, too, takes pictures of all projects underway and posts on social media. Her drapery arrangements have created quite a buzz on social media, but nothing attracted more attention than the picture she posted showing open drapes with a cat curled up on the window sill.
Pets always attract attention. You don't have to be a pet groomer to use cats and dogs in your promotions. Hey, you take pictures of them all the time anyway. Why not use them to get viewers to pay attention?
Start by punching up all the pictures you have taken and have stored on your computer. Select those that can be used and start posting on social media. Just don't use any person's face without permission.
The value of pictures on social media cannot be overly emphasized. It's one of the chief reasons social media works so well. You are missing opportunities if you don't use pictures in your business promotions.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Father's Day
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
It is notoriously difficult to buy a gift that fathers truly appreciate. So, the upcoming Father's Day presents problems. It's barely two weeks away--Sunday, June 21, 2015.
Moms will not like it when you buy her a new microwave oven for Mother's Day. The latest vacuum cleaner is not something she has in mind--that sends the wrong message. She wants something personal.
That can be a key to thinking about gifts for dad. Most dads like tools and gadgets of all sorts. He might just love a new weed wacker or a new computer game or anything from Apple.
Example: Oscar raises buffalo where the animals roam the farm. Every year he culls the herd, and he sends these animals off to a butchering operation. Back comes wrapped buffalo steaks, other cuts of meat, along with buffalo burgers. All the meat goes into Oscar's big freezer, ready for customers who come to his farm store or who order from his website. For Father's Day, Oscar makes a big push on social media and the orders come in. Cooking up a batch of buffalo burgers turns any grilling into a special occasion.
Example: Jon runs a collectibles operation. He specializes in sports memorabilia--baseball cards, football posters, golf videos, autographed anything, and the like. He has a small store, but mainly, sales come through his website. He promotes on social media--especially leading up to Father's Day. It is one of the biggest days of the year for Jon. Giving dad an autographed baseball will be treasured for years.
Example: Edith runs an auto/truck accessories store. She stocks wheels, mats, truck caps and tool boxes, hitches, waxes and paints, and dozens of additional products. Leading up to Father's Day, Edith posts products and comments on social media. Orders arrive from people who have never thought about such gifts for dads. It has become one of Edith's big days for sales--from walk-ins and from her website.
Small businesses frequently miss sales opportunities on Father's Day. The key seems to be that they don't put themselves in the shoes of those who want unusual gifts for dad.
Gift certificates for dad might be easy for the giver. And dad can appreciate your thought while shopping for the things he hankers for. But nothing means so much as when dad points to the new shiny wheels on his truck and says to his friends: "My daughter gave me those."
Small business owners need to think about the gifting problems people have. Not just for Father's Day, but other times as well.
to help you better manage your small business.
It is notoriously difficult to buy a gift that fathers truly appreciate. So, the upcoming Father's Day presents problems. It's barely two weeks away--Sunday, June 21, 2015.
Moms will not like it when you buy her a new microwave oven for Mother's Day. The latest vacuum cleaner is not something she has in mind--that sends the wrong message. She wants something personal.
That can be a key to thinking about gifts for dad. Most dads like tools and gadgets of all sorts. He might just love a new weed wacker or a new computer game or anything from Apple.
Example: Oscar raises buffalo where the animals roam the farm. Every year he culls the herd, and he sends these animals off to a butchering operation. Back comes wrapped buffalo steaks, other cuts of meat, along with buffalo burgers. All the meat goes into Oscar's big freezer, ready for customers who come to his farm store or who order from his website. For Father's Day, Oscar makes a big push on social media and the orders come in. Cooking up a batch of buffalo burgers turns any grilling into a special occasion.
Example: Jon runs a collectibles operation. He specializes in sports memorabilia--baseball cards, football posters, golf videos, autographed anything, and the like. He has a small store, but mainly, sales come through his website. He promotes on social media--especially leading up to Father's Day. It is one of the biggest days of the year for Jon. Giving dad an autographed baseball will be treasured for years.
Example: Edith runs an auto/truck accessories store. She stocks wheels, mats, truck caps and tool boxes, hitches, waxes and paints, and dozens of additional products. Leading up to Father's Day, Edith posts products and comments on social media. Orders arrive from people who have never thought about such gifts for dads. It has become one of Edith's big days for sales--from walk-ins and from her website.
Small businesses frequently miss sales opportunities on Father's Day. The key seems to be that they don't put themselves in the shoes of those who want unusual gifts for dad.
Gift certificates for dad might be easy for the giver. And dad can appreciate your thought while shopping for the things he hankers for. But nothing means so much as when dad points to the new shiny wheels on his truck and says to his friends: "My daughter gave me those."
Small business owners need to think about the gifting problems people have. Not just for Father's Day, but other times as well.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Finding employees
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Finding the right new employee to hire can be frustrating. Most of the frustration is your own.
All of us know that good employees are hard to find. This is understandable. Good employees already have jobs. To get them to work for you means hiring them away from some other business. Or training them to do what you want done.
Today, social media is available to find that person you are looking for. But, first, you must decide just what that new employee will be doing for you.
It's one thing to look for a certified massage therapist to add to your wellness center staff. That is a narrowly defined and targeted addition.
But it's quite another thing to look for that special person who can help you grow your hair salon or your law practice or your printing operation.
Example: Jeanie is a chiropractor who has built her practice into a wellness center. The massage therapist who saw clients at the wellness center has decided to move away, leaving an opening in the center's staffing. Jeanie put the word out for a certified massage therapist and interviewed several candidates. One of the therapists was a good fit, and Jeanie made the decision. Quick, easy, and done.
Example: William had a private law practice and wanted a specialist in elder law to join him. Without committing to anyone, William began a quiet, under cover search of young, aggressive lawyers in his circle of friends and acquaintances. He was looking for someone who was eager, open to new challenges, compatible with himself and his plans. He found a likely prospect and proposed a relationship. It worked. Today, William is looking for his next partner.
Example: Amanda runs a small health food store. She is growing the operation with both walk-ins and website sales. The store is well-managed and staffed, but she needs to find another employee who can handle website sales and expand that end of the operation. She interviews several prospective people who have technology and computer backgrounds, but she felt they didn't know enough about either health foods or marketing to be able to do the job. Amanda looked around. One of her store employees had great knowledge of the store's stock but little knowledge of computers and social media. But she was energetic, eager to learn, and handled all her assignments quickly and professionally. Amanda proposed training her in website sales, social media, and follow-up. The employee eagerly took the job, and Amanda went looking for an in-store clerk to replace her.
Sometimes, the answer to your problem is right under your nose. Finding new employees can be as easy as thinking through the problem.
You always want to hire someone who shows up on time, knows the language, has a good attitude, and gets along well with others. The rest you can teach them.
Putting an ad in the newspaper or on social media might be the answer for big companies. But a small business is a different sort of animal.
to help you better manage your small business.
Finding the right new employee to hire can be frustrating. Most of the frustration is your own.
All of us know that good employees are hard to find. This is understandable. Good employees already have jobs. To get them to work for you means hiring them away from some other business. Or training them to do what you want done.
Today, social media is available to find that person you are looking for. But, first, you must decide just what that new employee will be doing for you.
It's one thing to look for a certified massage therapist to add to your wellness center staff. That is a narrowly defined and targeted addition.
But it's quite another thing to look for that special person who can help you grow your hair salon or your law practice or your printing operation.
Example: Jeanie is a chiropractor who has built her practice into a wellness center. The massage therapist who saw clients at the wellness center has decided to move away, leaving an opening in the center's staffing. Jeanie put the word out for a certified massage therapist and interviewed several candidates. One of the therapists was a good fit, and Jeanie made the decision. Quick, easy, and done.
Example: William had a private law practice and wanted a specialist in elder law to join him. Without committing to anyone, William began a quiet, under cover search of young, aggressive lawyers in his circle of friends and acquaintances. He was looking for someone who was eager, open to new challenges, compatible with himself and his plans. He found a likely prospect and proposed a relationship. It worked. Today, William is looking for his next partner.
Example: Amanda runs a small health food store. She is growing the operation with both walk-ins and website sales. The store is well-managed and staffed, but she needs to find another employee who can handle website sales and expand that end of the operation. She interviews several prospective people who have technology and computer backgrounds, but she felt they didn't know enough about either health foods or marketing to be able to do the job. Amanda looked around. One of her store employees had great knowledge of the store's stock but little knowledge of computers and social media. But she was energetic, eager to learn, and handled all her assignments quickly and professionally. Amanda proposed training her in website sales, social media, and follow-up. The employee eagerly took the job, and Amanda went looking for an in-store clerk to replace her.
Sometimes, the answer to your problem is right under your nose. Finding new employees can be as easy as thinking through the problem.
You always want to hire someone who shows up on time, knows the language, has a good attitude, and gets along well with others. The rest you can teach them.
Putting an ad in the newspaper or on social media might be the answer for big companies. But a small business is a different sort of animal.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Goodbye corporate
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Leaving a cushy corporate position is not easy. I did it, and I can tell you that it is scary.
Suddenly you're responsible for your own paycheck. That's a biggie. But there are other things to consider as well.
In a corporate position, you have a whole organization to call on. Your computer is giving you problems--call the IT department. You want an electrical receptacle moved--call maintenance. You want a raise in pay--prepare your boss for a conversation.
When you say goodbye to corporate, you leave all those resources behind. You're on your own. You handle everything. Instead of asking your boss for a raise, look in the mirror.
Example: Mary handled customer service for a manufacturing operation. She was very good at it, and she regularly got commendations and raises and promotions. But she wanted her own business. One of the accounts she handled asked her one day why she was working for someone else. "Why aren't you running your own business?" the man asked her. The question was a life changer for Mary. The more she thought about it, the more she came to the same conclusion. Handling customers was the key to any business, she came to realize. It's all about the marketplace and the customers. Today, Mary runs her own firm which represents a growing base of manufacturers. The key to her success is her appreciation for and insistence on jam-up customer service. Her reputation is such that new clients call her asking to be represented.
Example: Gene went to law school because that's the career path that was common in his family. He got a position in a big law firm and was on his way. But the thing that he really enjoyed was going home and experimenting with cooking. Finally, Gene made the big move. He left the law firm and opened a small bakery. It has not been easy, but Gene is happy now baking fancy cakes for all sorts of clients.
To leave corporate, concentrate on the thing that you're interested in and good at. Turn it into a business. You will find yourself jumping out of bed every morning and you won't mind the long hours.
Before you give notice, however, make certain that you do your own business plan. And make certain that you have enough funds to support yourself while you get the business off the ground.
Saying goodbye to corporate and starting your own business is a major move. If you are not ready to take out the trash yourself or worry your way through all those computer problems, think twice.
to help you better manage your small business.
Leaving a cushy corporate position is not easy. I did it, and I can tell you that it is scary.
Suddenly you're responsible for your own paycheck. That's a biggie. But there are other things to consider as well.
In a corporate position, you have a whole organization to call on. Your computer is giving you problems--call the IT department. You want an electrical receptacle moved--call maintenance. You want a raise in pay--prepare your boss for a conversation.
When you say goodbye to corporate, you leave all those resources behind. You're on your own. You handle everything. Instead of asking your boss for a raise, look in the mirror.
Example: Mary handled customer service for a manufacturing operation. She was very good at it, and she regularly got commendations and raises and promotions. But she wanted her own business. One of the accounts she handled asked her one day why she was working for someone else. "Why aren't you running your own business?" the man asked her. The question was a life changer for Mary. The more she thought about it, the more she came to the same conclusion. Handling customers was the key to any business, she came to realize. It's all about the marketplace and the customers. Today, Mary runs her own firm which represents a growing base of manufacturers. The key to her success is her appreciation for and insistence on jam-up customer service. Her reputation is such that new clients call her asking to be represented.
Example: Gene went to law school because that's the career path that was common in his family. He got a position in a big law firm and was on his way. But the thing that he really enjoyed was going home and experimenting with cooking. Finally, Gene made the big move. He left the law firm and opened a small bakery. It has not been easy, but Gene is happy now baking fancy cakes for all sorts of clients.
To leave corporate, concentrate on the thing that you're interested in and good at. Turn it into a business. You will find yourself jumping out of bed every morning and you won't mind the long hours.
Before you give notice, however, make certain that you do your own business plan. And make certain that you have enough funds to support yourself while you get the business off the ground.
Saying goodbye to corporate and starting your own business is a major move. If you are not ready to take out the trash yourself or worry your way through all those computer problems, think twice.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Customer relations
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Customers are a gold mine. Mining your customer relations can bring them back again and again. As a plus, they will refer others to you.
Example: Gina operates a women's clothing and accessories business. She sells to walk-ins and through her website. She attracts customers through regular posts on social media. Every time a customer spends more than $100, Gina sends a personal thank you. When someone spends more than $500, she sends a gift certificate.
Example: Ed runs a garden center. During the spring and summer, Ed regularly hosts an event, free and open to the public, showing people how to lay pavers and bricks, how to build walls and fences, etc. He brings in representatives from suppliers--they are glad to contribute their time. These events have built Ed's reputation and expanded his customer base far beyond its previous reach. Even local landscapers and contractors attend the sessions and refer others.
Example: Eve is an accountant. She sees many of her clients only once each year--at tax time. She regularly spends time with each client, showing them how to simplify their bookkeeping and be aware of the tax implications of what they are doing in their businesses throughout the year. This has solidified Eve's relationship with clients, expanded the amount of work she does with them, and attracted more clients.
Example: Frank is a caterer. He helps each client make the most of their affair by showing them how to take it to the next level. This sometimes means suggesting a black tie affair or setting up a big tent with a dance floor and band to create spectacular gatherings. Frank's operation has moved from handling backyard events to managing large affairs for corporate clients.
The idea is to create good customer relations with your clients. Educate them. Show them how you can do more. Make sure they understand the complete range of your services and products.
Offering free information is basic to developing good customer relations. Your clients expect you to be there for them and this includes the free flow of information between you and them. It costs you only your time. But it can turn a single sale into a customer who returns again and again, refers others to you, and sings your praises on social media.
Every customer represents more than is first apparent. Dig deeper. Get to know every one of them. Expanding a conversation beyond the subject at hand will pay off in the future.
to help you better manage your small business.
Customers are a gold mine. Mining your customer relations can bring them back again and again. As a plus, they will refer others to you.
Example: Gina operates a women's clothing and accessories business. She sells to walk-ins and through her website. She attracts customers through regular posts on social media. Every time a customer spends more than $100, Gina sends a personal thank you. When someone spends more than $500, she sends a gift certificate.
Example: Ed runs a garden center. During the spring and summer, Ed regularly hosts an event, free and open to the public, showing people how to lay pavers and bricks, how to build walls and fences, etc. He brings in representatives from suppliers--they are glad to contribute their time. These events have built Ed's reputation and expanded his customer base far beyond its previous reach. Even local landscapers and contractors attend the sessions and refer others.
Example: Eve is an accountant. She sees many of her clients only once each year--at tax time. She regularly spends time with each client, showing them how to simplify their bookkeeping and be aware of the tax implications of what they are doing in their businesses throughout the year. This has solidified Eve's relationship with clients, expanded the amount of work she does with them, and attracted more clients.
Example: Frank is a caterer. He helps each client make the most of their affair by showing them how to take it to the next level. This sometimes means suggesting a black tie affair or setting up a big tent with a dance floor and band to create spectacular gatherings. Frank's operation has moved from handling backyard events to managing large affairs for corporate clients.
The idea is to create good customer relations with your clients. Educate them. Show them how you can do more. Make sure they understand the complete range of your services and products.
Offering free information is basic to developing good customer relations. Your clients expect you to be there for them and this includes the free flow of information between you and them. It costs you only your time. But it can turn a single sale into a customer who returns again and again, refers others to you, and sings your praises on social media.
Every customer represents more than is first apparent. Dig deeper. Get to know every one of them. Expanding a conversation beyond the subject at hand will pay off in the future.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Train your employees
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
You help your clients and customers. It's part of doing business. But do you help your employees?
You depend on your employees. They depend on you. Employees are a vital link between you and your future.
It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Some employees are simply looking for a long-term home. Others are passing through. Either way, it's up to you to train and cross-train every one of them.
Example: Jon runs a printing operation. Mary came on board with some computer experience and lots of ambition. Jon trained her in the activities he had planned for her and then he cross-trained her in other jobs in the operation. Mary absorbed everything and demonstrated a desire to learn even more. Jon called her aside for a private conversation. He began by telling her that she had quickly become his most valuable employee, and that he hoped that she would stay with the operation. However, he told her that she had abilities far beyond what he would ever be able to offer. If she would stay, he would be grateful, but if she wanted to move on, he understood and would gladly help her find and move into a better position elsewhere. Mary stayed on for a while, but subsequently left. Today she works in a large corporation and refers all her printing work to Jon.
Example: Sue took over the family hardware business she inherited. Three of her employees have been with the store for more than 10 years. They know the customers, the hardware business and the products. Sue called everyone together and announced that she was putting in a better retirement plan and added other benefits so that the employees would know that she was there for the long haul--and appreciated them.
Example: Darryl is a hair stylist with an active salon. To expand, he looked for ambitious employees and sent them to a top school for stylists. It paid off. Darryl's salon attracted many clients from a wide area because of the top-flight staff he had put together.
Training and cross-training your employees helps them and helps you. They might stay with your operation for the long term, or they might move on. Either way, it's up to you to help them find themselves.
Business is a living, breathing undertaking. You will not be around forever, and neither will your employees. Make the most of the time you have together.
The secret to having good employees is in the training and cross-training and knowing that they will not be with you forever.
to help you better manage your small business.
You help your clients and customers. It's part of doing business. But do you help your employees?
You depend on your employees. They depend on you. Employees are a vital link between you and your future.
It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Some employees are simply looking for a long-term home. Others are passing through. Either way, it's up to you to train and cross-train every one of them.
Example: Jon runs a printing operation. Mary came on board with some computer experience and lots of ambition. Jon trained her in the activities he had planned for her and then he cross-trained her in other jobs in the operation. Mary absorbed everything and demonstrated a desire to learn even more. Jon called her aside for a private conversation. He began by telling her that she had quickly become his most valuable employee, and that he hoped that she would stay with the operation. However, he told her that she had abilities far beyond what he would ever be able to offer. If she would stay, he would be grateful, but if she wanted to move on, he understood and would gladly help her find and move into a better position elsewhere. Mary stayed on for a while, but subsequently left. Today she works in a large corporation and refers all her printing work to Jon.
Example: Sue took over the family hardware business she inherited. Three of her employees have been with the store for more than 10 years. They know the customers, the hardware business and the products. Sue called everyone together and announced that she was putting in a better retirement plan and added other benefits so that the employees would know that she was there for the long haul--and appreciated them.
Example: Darryl is a hair stylist with an active salon. To expand, he looked for ambitious employees and sent them to a top school for stylists. It paid off. Darryl's salon attracted many clients from a wide area because of the top-flight staff he had put together.
Training and cross-training your employees helps them and helps you. They might stay with your operation for the long term, or they might move on. Either way, it's up to you to help them find themselves.
Business is a living, breathing undertaking. You will not be around forever, and neither will your employees. Make the most of the time you have together.
The secret to having good employees is in the training and cross-training and knowing that they will not be with you forever.
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