Blog

G is for Google Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Use

G is for Google Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Use

Tips and Tools
Google has a goldmine of resources that just about any entrepreneur can use. We’re all familiar with Google search and Google for Work, but there are a ton of tools and resources provided by Google that you may not be familiar with. Google provides a host of resources to help you market your business, for FREE! Here are three Google tools you can use for free to help market your business. Google Trends Google Trends helps businesses choose an advertising strategy that resonates with your target audience. You can use Google Trends to complement your keyword research as well. Experiment and type in some of your terms into the Google Trends search bar to see how searches for these terms have changed over time. Why you need this: If you understand what search terms…
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Alternatives to Google Reader and Options For Your Blog RSS

Alternatives to Google Reader and Options For Your Blog RSS

Blogging
Looking for an RSS reader now that Google Reader is gone? You're in luck! Keep reading... *Updated post: As of July 1, 2013, Google Reader is no more. Bummer, I loved Google Reader. As I am often asked what I'm using or doing when it comes to digital changes, I figured, why not write this quick post to answer the question? I know tons of people have written posts regarding Google Reader alternatives. In an effort to save you as much trouble (and research) as I can, I've provided a few recommendations. Alternatives to Google Reader Option A: Specific Feeds Specific Feeds is an RSS reader that I hadn’t heard of until one of the founders tweeted me about it. (Yes, they know how to rock social media!) Ok, I have to say…
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Email Marketing Is Alive And Well [Infographic]

Email Marketing
Do you still read emails? Of course you do, and so do I! And I bet your current and future customer still read emails too. So don't forgo email marketing just yet! Don't believe the hype... Email marketing is not dead Email marketing, when integrated with your online and offline marketing initiatives, can greatly impact your business because people are specifically asking for your offers. This infographic, created by the good folks over at LeadPages, gives a great overview of email marketing best practices, along with some helpful suggestions you can immediately incorporate into your own email campaigns. With so many businesses touting the death of email marketing in favor of social media, I found this infographic refreshing. These stats and insights further illustrate the power of email as an…
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F is for Face Your Fear And Do It Anyway

F is for Face Your Fear And Do It Anyway

Tips and Tools
Fear is empowering, fear is good, fear is a state of mind. Embrace your fears! I often think we set up ourselves up to fail by simply being fearful. It doesn’t matter what your fear is, it could be fear of cold calling a prospect, fear of speaking in front of an audience, fear of raising your prices, or a fear of offering a new product or service. Have you experienced any of these fears? We have a  fear of something new, and we either chicken out and never try it, or we’re so nervous about it that we fumble along, fail, and then chide ourselves for thinking we could possibly be successful. Why do we drive ourselves crazy like this?! Why not embrace your fears? Fear is empowering! Fear forces change! It’s…
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D is for Dates and Deadlines

Tips and Tools
Dates and deadlines, two necessities in a hectic world. [caption id="attachment_3327" align="alignright" width="210"] Image Credit[/caption] As entrepreneurs, we need to schedule our time for everything, after all, there’s always something ELSE to be done. Do you schedule time to work on your blog, return client phone calls, and market your business, just as you schedule your kid’s doctor appointments and vacation time? I don’t mean theoretically schedule time, I mean use a calendar, pick a date, and block out enough time to get stuff done. Create deadlines for launching that new product, updating your website, or learning that new social media platform. Once you give a project a deadline, you can work backwards to create the action steps necessary for completion, and attach real dates to those action steps. That…
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Your Monthly Plan to Secure Social Media Success [Infographic]

Your Monthly Plan to Secure Social Media Success [Infographic]

Strategy
What entrepreneur doesn't have social media on the brain this year? I know, I know... your'e exhausted just thinking about all the different platforms, what to say, when to say it. Believe me, I hear you and yes it can feel too overwhelming... if you don't have a plan. What you need is a plan to manage your social media presence. This infographic lays out a great, easy to follow plan for the entire year! WARNING: If you continue reading, you will learn too much to turn back. Following this monthly social media plan from the beginning will yield optimal results. You can fast-track to get to where you are on the calendar today. The important thing is to START NOW and follow along the path to social media success!  via: Manage…
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C is for Content Marketing Strategy

C is for Content Marketing Strategy

Marketing Strategy
According to the Content Marketing Institute, “content marketing is the art of communicating with your customers and prospects without selling. Instead of pitching your products or services, you are delivering information that makes your buyer more intelligent.” So why is content marketing important for your business? I mean, you can do without a whole content marketing system, right? Here's the thing. No matter what industry you’re in, you have content to curate and share. You have a wealth of content at your fingertips, ready to be repurposed, including your website, blog, newsletter, images, videos, ebooks, and brochures. However, great content means nothing if your target audience can't find it. So you have to figure out how to share it all, as part of a multi-channel marketing plan. C is for…
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Twitter Chat with SWIBA Awards Founder Tuesday 2-19-13

Twitter Chat with SWIBA Awards Founder Tuesday 2-19-13

Events
UPDATED: Our SWIBA Twitter Chat was fast paced, high energy and total fun! Take a look  at the highlights! PS - if you can't read the text, click the image to enlarge it.   We're tweeting with the Founder of the null and Stiletto Woman Media on Tuesday, 2/19/13.  Have questions about the SWIBA Awards? Get 'em answered! null The SWIBA Awards take place on March 16, 2013 in Atlanta, GA. null.   Learn more about the Stiletto Woman In Business Awards Meet the 2013 SWIBA Speakers SWIBA 2012: We Laughed, We Learned, We Conquered 10 Things You May Not Know About the SWIBA Awards   Are you a Twitter chat newbie? No worries, I've got you covered with instructions below. Get there early to make sure you know what you're…
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