Successful Blog

Is your productivity productive?

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“Does it generate revenue?”

This is one of the questions that floated around the room during our Genius Shared retreat in Chicago a few months ago.

clock says time lost cannot be regained

We were discussing goals, productivity, and action plans (things that send a tingle up the spine of every productivity nerd).

But many of us forget to apply the “does it generate revenue” test to our actions.

If you’re running a business, this has to be the litmus test for everything we do during working hours. Not that every single thing you do has a direct line to revenue, just that you get those things done FIRST.

Yes, you can write a blog post (just make sure you’ve optimized it with a call to action).

Yes, you can Tweet (just track results…have you created a social segment in Google Analytics?).

No, you can’t keep your personal Facebook page open on your desktop all day.

Yes, you can attend a luncheon for people in your industry (just go in with a plan to chat with potential partners).

No, you don’t need to check email more than 5 times in an 8 hour work day.

Yes, you can go for a run after you accomplish that one big revenue-generating thing for the day.

On a day-to-day basis, make sure that you’re investing time in the things that will keep your business moving forward.

What are you doing FIRST today? Does it generate revenue?

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Photo Credit: gothick_matt via Compfight cc

Give Yourself Credit in Finding the Right Business Credit Card

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asuccessfull

When you run a business, you have a plethora of responsibilities that must be covered.

Hiring the right talent, keeping your company on budget, making sure your customers are happy etc. are just some of the things that can leave business owners counting sheep at night.

One area of importance that may oftentimes get overlooked is finding the right business credit card. Whether you are using a merchant card for customer transactions or one for business expenses that you and/or your team will use, means finding the right credit card provider that offers both stellar customer service and a price everyone can agree on.

Know the Numbers

First and foremost, make sure when selecting a card for your business that you do your research.

Keep in mind that not all cardholders are alike. Some may state they have great deals for you, but you will find after reading the fine print that it is not that great after all.

Ways to go about landing the right card include:

  • Research – Take to the Internet and review a half dozen or more card provider websites. Make sure the information they report jives with what you need. Also view their social media pages to see if they have courteous and prompt responses to customer inquiries;
  • Pricing – Look to see what their APR rates are (see more below). Given these numbers can and oftentimes change over time, you do not want to get locked into a card that will ultimately be bleeding you money over time;
  • Referrals – Check with others (family, friends, businesses you are on good terms with etc.) to see who they recommend. In today’s financial world, a business recommendation can go a long way.

According to Jeffrey Weber of SmartBalanceTransfers.com, for most consumers, especially those intending to use their new credit card for purchases, a 0% APR credit card for balance transfers and purchases can provide the best value. “Unfortunately, the number of credit cards offering a 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers has become somewhat limited in recent years. However, a few credit cards still offer these deals,” Weber noted.

For the man or woman running their own business, credit cards are all but a necessity in today’s financial world.

Online Shopping Continues to Grow

Take note that many more consumers are now turning to online shopping to make product and service purchases. If you don’t have a credit card option for them, you can be missing out on a substantial revenue collection.

Secondly, there is a very good chance when running a business that your employees will either need a business credit card to make purchases (office supplies etc.) or for when meeting with current and potential clients (meals etc.). Without a credit card in hand, these transactions can be made more difficult.

If you do not already have a business credit card, take the time now to shop around and sign up with the provider that offers the best service and prices.

When you do, take credit yourself for making a good deal for your business.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes for a variety of websites on topics such as human resources and running a small business.

 

The Wrong Way to Handle a Bad Fit

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By Lisa D. Jenkins

Near where I live, there’s a small independent boutique that’s always drawn my interest. The clothes in the window aren’t something you’ll find on the rack in a mainstream big brand store so I was excited to step in and check things out.

Glass slipper

The clothes on the inside matched the promise of the storefront; the cut and quality of clothing had me really excited to do a bit of shopping. As I browsed and added things to my dressing room, I talked with the owner about her choice of stock.

She’s filled her store with short runs of clothing from independent designers and that appeals to me on a number of personal levels. She stocks each garment in a single size run and when it’s gone, it’s gone. There are no new orders and if something doesn’t fit, there’s no ordering another size. That means that there’s little time for a customer to dither. If I wanted a specific piece for myself, I’d need to buy it then and there.

I love that she supports independent designers who aren’t able to mass produce their clothing. I can get behind her tactic of creating a sense of scarcity and exclusivity to drive sales.

Let’s shop!

As I tried clothes on, I found a couple of items I loved and had them set aside for me behind the counter.

Then I tried on the piece that brought me in the store. The fit was lovely, the sizing spot on but the color just wasn’t right for me. It washed me out. I knew it, The Husband knew it and the shop owner knew it.

As I turned to go back to the dressing room the owner said to me, in an exasperated tone, “You know it’s not the color of the garment, it’s your makeup. You need to wear more. Anyone in Europe could wear that color because they know how to wear their makeup.”

I don’t need to wear more makeup, what I needed what that same garment in a different color.

Reality Check

You are never going to have the perfect product or service for every prospect you come in contact with.

It is never your prospect’s job to fit into the constraints of your product or service. People don’t have an obligation to amend their needs or business practices to make your product or service right for them.

If anyone in the dynamic adapts, it should be you.

How to Move Forward

Here’s a tip: Don’t make your prospect feel badly if you don’t have what they need.

Instead, point them to a trusted colleague who can serve them fully. If an existing customer is outgrowing you, maybe it’s time to collaborate on a new product or service that will fit.

Whichever you choose, handle that person with care because the way you treat people when you can’t help them will color their opinion of you far more deeply than how you treat them when you can.

Think of It Like This

Everyone wants to go to the ball, but not everyone is going to fit your glass slipper.

Treat those you don’t fit with respect. Word gets around and when you’ve handled a bad fit properly, you’re far more attractive to others and they’ll come calling to try you on for size.

Tell me, how have you handled not being the right fit for a prospect or being outgrown by an existing customer?

Author’s Bio: Lisa D. Jenkins is a Public Relations professional specializing in Social and Digital Communications for businesses. She has over a decade of experience and work most often with destination organizations or businesses in the travel and tourism industry in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with her on Google+

Image via DeviantArt: http://orico.deviantart.com

Caveman SEO

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It’s like nailing Jell-O to a tree.

Google’s constantly shifting policies regarding site quality, authorship, linking, and search results are enough to make a business owner go crazy.

Cave painting

I’m here to cut through the SEO insanity with one simple tip.

If you want your website to move to the top of the search engine results, consistently fill it with information that is useful to your customers and prospects.

That’s it. A caveman could understand it.

Following that strategy will never hurt you, because the search engine’s purpose is to find useful information.

Yes, you can hire an SEO firm if you’re in a super-competitive space or want extra help. Google even provides some ideas on what to ask an SEO company during the hiring process.

Don’t let yourself get caught up with anyone who uses the word “trick” when talking about search. Those are the things that could come back to bite you in the next Google algorithm update.

What the heck is an algorithm?

It’s basically the recipe Google uses to bake search results. You don’t need to worry about the algorithm, because its only job is to find good stuff for people who are searching. All of the “algorithm updates” are focused on finding better and better stuff.

  • When you’re writing marketing copy for your website, blogging, posting images or videos, do it with your customers in mind. Write naturally, and use words they use when they talk to you.
  • Next time you’re on a phone with a customer or prospect, take some notes. Better yet, ask them how they found you. If they did a Google search, what did they type? Talk about valuable information!
  • Take it a step further and imagine you’re writing for a customer who is visually challenged. The Google robots can’t “see” any of those beautiful photos you’ve posted unless you properly identify them with descriptive ALT tags.
  • If you haven’t updated your website since Clinton was President, it’s time to add some dynamic information. Brochure websites are not OK anymore. You don’t have to blog, consider adding some user-generated content via forums or community, pulling in a news feed, posting some photos from around the office. Just make it something that adds value.

Stop stressing out about Penguins and Pandas, and focus your full attention on your customers. You’ll never go wrong.

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Photo Credit: williamcromar via Compfight cc

Ice More Business with Solid Digital Marketing

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amarketerUnless you crawled out from under a rock, you had to have heard about the recent ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

You may have known someone who participated. You may have even been challenged yourself. It was so widespread that you couldn’t miss it, especially if you spent any time on Facebook or YouTube.

Businesses should pay close attention to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

They can learn something about marketing from it. In fact, it was a brilliant way to promote a cause.

Here are some tips you can take from the challenge and apply to your own business….

1.  Single Goal

One main reason the campaign was so successful is that it focused on a single goal – to raise awareness and money for ALS.

The early expectations were not that it would go viral but that it would benefit a cause the originators cared about. They were personally involved and knew someone with the disease.

Businesses must set goals they care about and focus on those instead of getting sidetracked with too many ideas.

2. Simple Rules

The Ice Bucket Challenge was simple.

You didn’t need a lot of fancy equipment or to go to a special place. Just a bucket of ice water and a video phone would do. Since most people have a social media account, it was easy for them to participate.

Businesses must make their marketing campaigns simple with rules that are easy to follow. They can appeal to more people if the challenge isn’t difficult. It gives the mental message of “anyone can do this.”

3. Short Deadline

Perhaps one of the biggest secrets to the Challenge’s success was that you only had 24 hours to do it. This was long enough that anyone could find time to participate but not so long that it would be forgotten.

Businesses must promote a sense of urgency with their marketing methods. If there is no deadline, there will be little motivation to do anything. In the person’s mind, he or she can always do it later. This often results in not doing it at all. Any successful marketing campaign should include a deadline.

4. Make It Fun

As the article, “18 Reasons the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is Your New Standard in Digital Marketing”, says, it’s important that the challenge is fun. After all, who wouldn’t want to be doused with ice cold water on a hot summer day?

The fun doesn’t stop there.

Every participant can be a little creative in making the video as long as the basic criteria are met. And when it is over, you get to challenge your friends to do the same thing.

Businesses must remember that it is easier to get people to do something that they want to do. Convince them that your challenge is fun and they will get on board.

You may never achieve the level of success with any digital marketing campaign that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge had, but you can learn a lot from it.

Use those tips in your own marketing efforts and you will see better sales results.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including business and marketing.

Providing the Full Value of a Purchase

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By Lisa D. Jenkins

I’m building my backpack gear set and this past weekend I bought a sleeping bag. Not a regular “throw something on the floor because we’re out of beds” type bag, but a serious “keep me warm in the wilderness at zero degrees” type bag.

sleeping bags

I had no idea where to start, so naturally I began researching on the internet. I learned all kinds of important buzz words: R factor, temperature rating, fill power. These words were everywhere, the implication being they were important and should be factored into my purchase decision. The issue was that I didn’t understand HOW to factor them in.

I’m a newbie.

Armed with my fledgling knowledge I went out into the brick and mortar world to find someone with expertise who could help me choose the right bag.

My first stop was a well-known big name outdoor store. The clerk was mostly friendly but seemed a bit exasperated when I used the words I’d learned during research. I lined out how I expected to use my bag, explained I’d be backpacking with it and asked her to point me toward likely contenders and help me choose one.

She walked me to a rack of hanging bags pointed to one end and said, “The women’s bags are at this end. Each one is tagged with specs you can use to figure out which one you want.”

Tags. So basically, reading – like I’d done on the internet – before I walked through the front door of this store with the hope that an educated human could help me? Not what I expected.

We left and headed to another outdoor store. Where I hit paydirt.

The owner spent almost an hour and a half explaining everything I needed to understand about sleeping bags so I could choose exactly the right bag. I learned that, for me, loft was more important than fill, and that fill was more important than temperature rating. I also learned that fill power is misleading and that temperature ratings are incredibly subjective.

Then I looked at tags on roughly a dozen bags, and this time I understood how to filter the tag information. I took an hour getting in and out of two bags and deciding which one I wanted. It’s a bit heavier than I’d expected, weighing in at just under 3 pounds, but I am fully confident it’s the right bag for me.

On our way out, I realized the store had been closed for an hour and half. I was so embarrassed. I began apologizing and the owner told me no apologies were necessary. Then he said, “I don’t want you to be sorry about the time you spent here. That time let me give you the full value of your purchase. You let me teach you how to make the right choice for you and that’s important because you’re unique and your needs are unique. This type of sale is one of my favorites.”

And that’s when it hit me.

Buzz words are like sleeping bag tags.

We all use them – sometimes with irony and sometimes in earnest. What those of us who use those words in blog posts, presentations and website copy need to remember is that buzz words serve us, the holders of knowledge, not the customers who need the knowledge.

Customers come to us because they need our product or expertise. Tossing a bunch of jargon at them from a landing page or slide deck doesn’t let us speak to their unique needs. Nor does it help them truly understand how we’re the best fit for the gap they need to fill.

Get around the buzz words.

Every website has copy and the use of some words is inescapable because things like SEO matter. But there are ways to go beyond the buzz words and help customers feel confident in choosing our services or products over those of another vendor.

Follow the buzz words up with simple language that demystifies what you offer.

Install live chat on your website so prospects can communicate with a human.

Respond to inquiries with a phone call instead of an email.

At a certain point, our customers need to have some questions answered. They might not even know which questions to ask. It’s our job to help them learn what those questions are and how to prioritize the answers for themselves so they can make an informed decision.

When we give customers the full value of their purchase, they’ll convert with confidence.

Author’s Bio: Lisa D. Jenkins is a Public Relations professional specializing in Social and Digital Communications for businesses. She has over a decade of experience and work most often with destination organizations or businesses in the travel and tourism industry in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with her on Google+

Photo Credit: sdbrown via Compfight cc