Daily Tasks Don’t Have to Be Boring

Daily Tasks Don’t Have to Be Boring

Tips and Tools
Has your mode of operation become predictable and lackluster? When is the last time you tried a different way of doing things? I don’t mean drastic changes, I mean little tweaks in the way you do seemingly ordinary tasks. Take the blah out of your day. Daily tasks don’t have to be mundane. Finding new ways of doing seemingly simple tasks can ignite your imagination. (more…)
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Don’t Point That QR Code To Your Home Page!

Don’t Point That QR Code To Your Home Page!

Tips and Tools
For those of you that don’t know, a QR code is a Quick Response code that is primarily used to direct people to a particular web page. You can use any number of sites to generate the code. Most are free; some are paid if you want a fancier looking QR code. But don't let that QR code stand alone and try to do all the heavy lifting for you. You have to tie a QR code into a marketing campaign to get real results! QR Code Basics You provide the content, usually a web page address, and presto, you get a QR code. You can then insert the graphic image of the code on your printed materials or anywhere you choose to. QR codes are for smartphone users. You…
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How Much Time Does That Meeting Really Take?

How Much Time Does That Meeting Really Take?

Tips and Tools
What is time to an entrepreneur? Time is a precious resource, much like cash dollars. As you go about building your business, I know you participate in your share of meetings. To what do you charge your meeting time to? If it’s for a current client, that’s part of the cost of doing work for that client, so that’s a no-brainer. But what if you’re taking meetings with prospective clients, how do you figure the cost of your time? Do you know how to identify the real time associated with a meeting? Let’s use this example: I have a lunch meeting that I’ll label as networking/business development with a potential client that I have never met before. I’ve talked to them on the phone, and decided to follow-up with a…
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5 Tips To Supercharge Your Business

5 Tips To Supercharge Your Business

Marketing Strategy, Tips and Tools
As we are all aware, we have lost a global icon in Mr. Steve Jobs. I was saddened at the news of his passing, but as I reflect on the impact this single person has had on my life, and on humanity as a whole, I can’t help but smile. How can I be sad when my life has been forever changed because he chose to share his genius, his vision with all of us? So you know what, I pulled myself together and started to think about the impact Apple has had on my life. Here’s why I was personally distraught: I realized Apple has been my silent partner for 24 years. I started using an Apple computer before most people actually knew what computers were. I learned computer programming on an Apple.…
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Define Your Target Market First, Then Decide Where To Market

Marketing Strategy, Tips and Tools
Many times business owners shell out cash for marketing and then wonder why they’re not getting business. Before you throw another dollar in the wind, ask yourself: who is your target market? Then you need to figure out how much time and money you have to spend to reach them. I made that sound real simple didn’t I? Here’s the two-fold scenario: First, define your target market. This includes Key decision makers for purchasing your product or service Where your customers look for and buy your product/service Customers' buying habits and buying cycles Factors that influence purchasing decisions – don’t just assume price is the primary reason Next, determine how much money and time you have to spend to reach your target Can you reach them by joining industry organizations?…
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Handwritten Notes, Smartphones, and Marketing Basics

Tips and Tools
It’s time to recharge your business! As a Digital Marketing Strategist, I blog about marketing related topics like social media, branding, networking, etc. However, I find it just as challenging to manage my time with working on my business and in my business as you do. In other words, doing it all! So I figured, why not get back to the marketing basics, a business refresher of sorts? So many professionals focus exclusively on pushing sales that they neglect basic behind-the-scenes details of running a business. Here are few basic to-do's you can work on today. Handwritten Notes, Smartphones, and Marketing Basics 1.  Make sure your business card/marketing collateral is up to date and keep stashes everywhere. If you're tired of looking at that same biz card, buy some new ones! There…
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Lay the Groundwork to Define Your Brand

Branding, Marketing Strategy, Tips and Tools
Let’s define the word BRAND as it relates to your company. In a nutshell, a brand has to convince me to spend my money, time and effort with you and not your competitor. Think about iconic brands like Starbucks, Ferrari, ESPN, and Neiman Marcus. When you hear the names of these companies you immediately think of a host of attributes for each of them. Well, it’s their BRAND you’re thinking of! Now do you understand why your brand is so important, and why you need to manage your company’s brand? Good, we’re on the same page. Consider these criteria to start defining your brand: Company name: does it say anything / mean anything to your ideal client? Is it easy to remember? Hard to pronounce? Keep in mind, you can leverage…
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Working Full Time and Part Time Can Work!

Tips and Tools
I try to start every work day by reading a thought-provoking business article of inspiration to get me motivated. This morning was no exception, and I was inspired to deliver this quick post. I work at a full-time corporate job while running my consulting business part-time and have done so for several years. It is with this arrangement that I have been able to meet some fascinating people and explore so many opportunities that I wouldn't have been able to leverage as easily otherwise. All the while I have been able to hone my leadership skills while managing other people's schedules, projects, and implementing their strategic objectives. I still find time to volunteer time as a mentor, committee member, etc. as I connect the dots between my day job, consulting biz, and personal passions. You'll never…
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