It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Guest Host: Lisa D. Jenkins
Starting Out Can Be Scary
The first steps in starting an Internet-based business might be thrilling. They’re also the scariest. We’ll be talking tonight with an entrepreneur who’s making the transition to becoming her own boss now.
- What advice might you offer?
- What questions do you have?
- Does being in a small town make it harder?
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: burningwell.org
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?
Hi, Liz
I made it! My first Open Mic in I don’t know how long! Thanks, Liz, for reminding me. 🙂
I will shamelessy take every scrap of advice you offer – whatcha got?
Hiya!
Becky meet Lisa.
Lisa meet Becky!
You two have something in common … geographic distance from me. heh heh
Distance, like time, is an illusion (insert Douglas Adams reference here)
Lisa,
Tell Becky a little about where you are and where you are in your business.
How are you Becky?
Becky,
So perfect that you made it here tonight. Don’t forget to share the advantages of small business in a small town.
Hi Liz! Hi Becky! I haven’t been here in ages either. Miss you guys. Hi Lisa.
I work in a very small town that is literally on the border of WA and ID.
I’m still just in my infancy, business-wise.
Hi gals!
Liz knows I love the small town advantages, like how a chance encounter at the post office is a good thing, or how the support network is smaller but really cares about you. 🙂 I got a bunch of ’em!
Hi Mary! Hi Glenda!!
This is going to be a great one. I can tell already.
I’m discovering that I have a high educational curve to overcome before I will be able to truly market what I would prefer my services (Social Media Management) to be. I seem to do more seminar speaking than anything else right now. Has anyone else experienced that?
This is a lot of amazing talent in one crowd!
Lisa, that’s kind of the same path that Sheila Scarborough went through in the past 6 months or so. I think it’s fairly typical.
I own a small breakfast/lunch cafe in Lincoln NH (pop ~1500 in the heart of the White Mtns so seasonal tourism), work from home full-time (Bethlehem NH – approx 13 mi west of the famed Mt Washington Hotel) and trying to start a web-based business. I love being in the boonies.
What do you do, Becky?
Lisa,
I’m speaking more than ever. Take advantage of that and when you use ppt. put your talks on slideshare.net so folks can share them and on your blog so that folks don’t miss them.
Hello everyone
Nice to meet you, Glenda!
Liz is right – and if you can take advantage of YouTube. I’m finding lots of great talks there. Oftentimes slides just aren’t that useful without the actual text or an audio of the presentation itself.
Hi, Darrell.
Do each of you have a blog only, or do you use a blog and website in tandem?
Lisa, I own a liquor store and a cattle ranch in northwest Oklahoma. I also consult with small businesses and nonprofits on grant writing and project management. And I weave social media into all of that. 🙂
Slideshare.net – check. This job cracks me up. So much to learn, EVERY DAY. It’s what I love about, though.
Hey Darrell!!
Glad you’re here!
Hi Glenda, Hi Darrell. Still hoping you’ll roll into Lincoln NH one of these days.
I don’t weave, but I do knit and do fiber art in my spare time 😉
Have any of you found that it is hard to focus on publicizing your own businesses when you also have client work? How do each of you manage that?
oooh, fiber art. You should check out my friend Gerri Sayler!
If you come up with a solution, I’m anxious to hear it! Focusing is hard when you’re pulled in lots of different directions.
#23 Lisa I have a wordpress blog as a website and do podcasts as my blog, if that makes sense. 🙂
Gerri Sayler – will check it out. Is she on twitter? (@fiberartisan here)
Lisa,
Your blog posts do that well. Get your blog hooked up to http://www.twitterfeed.com
Meanwhile, do a guest post for me and for everyone who invites you.
So far my solution is working 7:30 to 5:00 on client work and 6:00 to sleep depravation on my own items. Ha!
Just popping in, my advice to new entrepreneurs is to find a mentor
Jill
twitterfeed.com Check.
Guest post for Liz (she types with really wide eyes). I would love to do that. Any special topic?
Hey lovelies…
I actually asked Chris Brogan to mentor me. My thinking, and the subject in my email, was “Because not asking is worse than hearing “No”.”
Ummm – he was just a bit too busy.
Ultimately, as you help promote others, you are promoting yourself. Your good work encourages others to spread the word with you. It takes a while to get to that point with momentum.
It does help to set aside an appointment with yourself, to focus on your business. You decide whether that needs to be a daily appointment, weekly, or something in between.
Liz, do you put EVERY ppt online? I’ve been reluctant to put my SOBCon online. Because it took months to create, I’d love to reuse it (or portions thereof). Is that possible/ethic/whatever if its online?
Hi Jill!
Great advice.
Hi Andrew!
Good to see you!
Hello, Andrew. Nice to have the chance to talk with you.
If the answer was no, I would ask who else they would recommend for the direction you want to go. Select the right Coach/Mentor for your specific Goals.
@JillKoenig
My two major lessons at the moment that I wish I’d known when I set up business all those years ago are:
~CASH FLOW! – keep a LOT of cash in your bank account – decide on a minimum amount – without cash, there’s no flexibility
~The day is really short and there are so many things you CAN do with your time, it’s doing the things that have the most (yuckwordalert) leverage that need to be prioritised.
That’s a great point, Becky. I one I support. But really, I don’t even have a website that utilizes XML yet. Or a head shot (witness my naked Twitter background). Or an “I’m in business press release.” Clearly I need to do some housekeeping.
#39
What am I? Chicken-tuna?
#39 What a great idea to ask. Even if they don’t have the bandwidth, you’ve opened up a line of communication that can’t hurt.
Great advice Andrew. When you start making money, reinvest it in your biz. Most ppl go buy expensive toys, then they don’t have the $$ available to expand where they need to.
@JillKoenig
#41
Glenda,
I’m almost free of ppt so its not an issue, but I don’t see a problem with giving the same talk whether the ppt is online or not. It’s YOU they came for.
#49 Mmmmm, toys…
Thank you, Jill. He was very kind, and truly is “not the guy” to help me. I couldn’t believe his daily schedule. He did say that I can email him some specifics about where and I am and where I want to be, at which point he will help me by suggesting a few people.
I was feeling rather sassy the day I sent the email.
Evening! Is there a hosted bar?
Either that (put PPT online) or get someone to video you and put THAT up.
Easy peasy on YouTube.
*makes not to take own advice*
Hi everyone. Liz, I met you a month ago after blogpotomac.
I live in a small town of 1200 people in the beautiful new river gorge of west virginia.
My advice? Be nice, work hard, always deliver. Same as in a city (I guess).
Relationships are easier, but salaries are lower.
*note
#45 Cash flow. I remember cash flow. Good times. Good times.
#52 Sassy is good…
Lisa, I haven’t had a real head short for a long time. And I sure don’t have an “I’m in business press release.”
Hi Liz, and happy birthday coming up for you. Heh. Picking up on Lisa Jenkins’ mention on doing more “social media”-related presentations. Been very active on that front recently. Finding that some program directors are now wanting the “next thing” to be presented to their business or network groups. Social media and personal branding is fast becoming “tired topics.” I do find that I enjoy the teaching and “revealing” of what’s ahead… been talking a lot lately about “social business processes” and models for managing social strategies into an integrated effort. Getting some interest there, at the C-level. Where the ROI concern lives.
#49 #51 I try to make sure all my toys are somehow business-related 😉 (computer, camera, software …) I love my geek toys.
Great Lisa, gotta go after what you want. 🙂
#45 Hyuh.
#29 Lisa, yes! I haven’t figured out to do both. But, I figure if I’m doing client work in this moment, then I don’t need to do marketing in this moment.
Strangely [or perhaps not], my past several paying gigs have come from past work, referrals. I’d love to see how much work I’d have if I did some actually marketing. But I don’t have time!
Hi Liz, Lisa, and everyone! I’m Diana in (humid and rainy) Florida.
#47
His sense of humor resonated with me. I’ve always viewed you as a perfectly tailored, highly educated, well-spoken, no-nonsense business woman. And you scared me.
Everyone say hi to
#53 Matt and #55 Ben
Snacks and drinks are in the sidebar.
Anyone want a Klondike bar yet?
#62 @Glenda
I’ve been amazed at how much work I get when I just put a TINY amount of work into marketing.
And by marketing, I mean thinking about where the work really really comes from (for me, meetings with decision makers) and getting more of those.
But not HUNDREDS. Just a couple.
*getting more of those = doing more of that
(my typing=RUBBISH this morning)
NB It’s morning where I am.
Man, this is harder than #journchat !
Hey Glenn and Diana!!
Now we’re rolling … great minds here all around!
#68
Hey Andrew!
How about an example of a small amount of marketing.
Hi Matt Ben Glenn and Diana (sounds like a 70’s folk group)!
#69
Where are you Andrew?
#70
Lisa,
Like I told, you it’s part conversation, part video game. heh heh
Thanks. Just here to support my e-friend, Lisa. Lisa, btw, is clever and funny if you haven’t picked up on that. She merely needs to get that personality distributed to throngs of peeps. IMHO.
Did you guys hear that #66
I am scary. heh heh
Hi Matt, Glenn, Andrew, Diana, and anyone else I missed!
I’m beginning to realize, as I watch the comments, that the best marketing I can do right now is educating everyone I know about social media.
What do you suppose would happen if I through a “Come make a Twitter profile for free” party and offered customized backgrounds as a loss leader to attendees?
Hey Matt,
Great to see you!
I agree. That why I invited Lisa to be here at Open Comment Night.
#62 Andrew, good point. Perhaps even a friendly note to old contacts to remind them I’m still here and to ask what they are up to?
#67 Ooh. Klondike bars.
MATT!!! Hello there!
#72 Small amount of marketing
Well – a friend of mine sat me down and asked where my business really came from.
I realised it came from one meeting with a senior person (senior in business, not senior as in Home For Active Seniors) who needed what I was offering.
So… I realised I needed to have more of those.
So…… I did a VERY small amount of looking around my contacts on LinkedIn, spotted a likely candidate, emailed my friend, got a meeting, we hit it off like a house on fire, I met his wife and kids, he met my husband, we’re all taking a house by the sea.
Or something.
The marketing was 10 minutes on LinkedIn and one email. Basically.
[swishes ice cubes in vodka tonic and worries about communal peanuts he just ate]
Guiness anyone?
Hi, Lisa! Don’t mind me. Just hear to learn from marketing peeps.
Klondike bars for everyone.
CATCH!!!
#85
those peanuts will go to your waistline.
#79 Lisa: You’d be swamped with people taking you up on that nice offer!
Similar was once I realised who I wanted to be having meetings with (HR managers/senior managers) I asked around.
One question = one contact with the guy who was organising the Asia HR Summit.
I ended up MCing a large room.
Met some of the keynote speakers at a dinner that night.
Got invited to speak at the Asia Professional Speakers Association.
One question. One (or two) emails.
Not a huge cold calling systematic referral searching ask everyone I know send out emails and cards and mail merge thing.
Hi Matt and all… yes, waiting for the 70’s folk rock look to become “retro.” I think flashbacks on the “Cold Case” TV show are helping.
My day-job friends include many people that newcomers often think of as unapproachable – the Chris Brogans of the XML document geek world. They’re just people. Granted, very busy people. Since the world of marketing, let alone social media marketing is very new to me, I oftentimes have to remind myself that the people with name recognition, thousands of followers, etc. are just people too.
#77 Liz, they just haven’t had a “face-to-face” moment with you yet. 😉 A SOBCon memory I’ll cherish for quite a while.
#87
Me, too.
#80 Thanks Liz. Great venue. Cool peeps. Great drinks.
*catches Klondike bar, realises he’s English and wonders what it is*
Andrew,
Sounds like the point is … know whom you want to talk to.
Lisa
I’m in Singapore.
Fetches a pix of Klondike bars for Andrew and others. They do have them in England – don’t know about Singapore – wasn’t there long enough to check.
#98
Very much my philosophy on Twitter follows.
I really want to focus on a small number of quality clients vs. a large number of “just” clients.
This probably a universal business view, yes?
#98 Makes perfect sense now that I hear you say it 🙂 Others have talked about creating an avatar of your perfect client down to the last detail. Do that, then find that person in real life.
Note to self to try that.
#92 How did I end up in a 70s folk band? Just because I dress like I belong in one? Not fair! [starts humming Duran Duran really loudly]
Andrew, *unrelated query alter* how do you feel about Marmite?
#98
Liz
Well, I take the next level up of learning from it.
It’s not so much knowing who you want to talk to, but working out where the business comes from and doing more.
For me, not much comes directlydirectly from social media and blogging.
For some people, they might find that being really active replying and RTing on Twitter gets them piles of business.
In which case the ‘marketing’ would be doing more of that.
I suppose I mean
~Find what’s working.
~ Do more of that.
~ Repeat.
#102
I just re-read that in Duct Tape Marketing. Very valuable stuff.
Klondikes by Candlelight at SOBCon09 Taken by @SheilaS
They’re ice cream covered with chocolate.
#103
@ Matt
Yeah, shows our age that early 80s is much more current…
*Hums Hunting High and Low whistfully…*
#107 Very nice. A Klondike shrine. Be careful it doesn’t get too close to the candles. They melt, you know.
#102 Great idea! I created an avatar of a perfect woman once, then my wife came in the room and I shut the app down without saving first. All that work down the tubes!
#107
There’s pictures. Neato!
@ Lisa
Marmite is given to the British by God.
Vegemite is the Devil’s reply.
#112 – Best response:
Nutella!!!!
#79 Lisa, what about a fun session on creating your own twitter background, record it, and use that as your freebie giveaway to build your email list???
#112
I guess that would make peanut butter the food of the people. Heh heh
#112
I love Marmite. Every time my friend, Alison goes back home to the UK to visit her mom she brings me a huge jar. And Twiglets. Because they are delicious!!
#114 Glenda, that is a great idea. Seriously. I can’t say I’ve seen a vid on creating Twit backgrounds.
#114
Great idea Glenda!
#116 MMMM TWIGLETS!!!
Lisa, I hereby grant you honorary status as a Brit.
May Queen bless you and all who sail in you.
#112 Once in a blue moon someone asks for Nutella in the restaurant (yes, we keep a jar on hand). A few more ask for peanut butter. In neither case are they ever from the good ol’ USA. Americans seem to prefer jelly. (I’m happy with nutella, peanut butter, or orange marmelade)
#114
Gosh, Glenda – that would require much more technical skill than I think I currently have at my disposal.
Maybe. I surprise myself daily.
ok lovely lovely people.
I’ve got to wade through a tropical storm to get to the gym.
I know.
(Liz – I’m still working on that ‘My age does not equal my waistsize’ project…)
Thanks for having me!
#114 Fantastic idea Glenda! I’d certainly watch. I have a plain vanilla twitter background. Oh, and remember to put a link on your twitter page to a special landing page on your website that gives a better introduction.
Note to self to do that.
Bye Andrew!
#119
“all who sail in me” Hilarious. I’ve been a Pirate Queen for almost a year now. Since I turned 40. Because I could.
#79 Lisa, that stuff works because people want to get beyond the social media speak and learn brass tactics on how to git er done.
#121 Lisa: It’s not too hard, really. There is screen recording software you can download for free. So all you have to do is script and rehearse the PPT/Photoshop steps and record until you get a good take. Spend a little money on a good microphone though.
Thanks, Andrew!
Great to have that lovely brain of yours with us. 🙂
All Pirate Queens have to meet Havi Brooks.
http://TheFluentSelf
or
@havi on Twitter.
She’s a goddess.
Need to drop out for a bit and work on my store price list. Thanks for the fun conversation, everyone! Great to see you all!
That’ll be:
http://TheFluentSelf.com
Crap.
Time to stop typoing and start lifting.
Laters!!
#123
Hmmm – maybe that would work. I will definitely give it my best shot.
(rolls her eyes at her own audacity)
Hi, folks!
Bye, Andrew!
@Liz
Anytime. 😉
#79 (oops missed that one!) Great idea. I agree. I spend a lot of time while doing my barista shift at the cafe on weekends talking to people about blogs, twitter, etc. Landed a client that way.
#130 Bye Becky. Good luck with the pricing changes. [I hate doing price changes]
Hi, Deb. Just checked your blog – nicely done.
Hi Deb!
Hey –Deb!
How are you?!!
#121 Lisa, even something like Camtasia to capture the screen, then a voiceover, and of course captions! I’m planning on trying that Thursday – the making of the SOBCon ptt. If I’m successful, you can definitely do it!
#127
That’s it? Hmmm – any suggestions?
#141
Your belief in me is unnerving. I’ve heard about Camtasia though – I think I could make that work.
I’m fine, thanks! Trying to sort through my library to weed out at least 1000 books. (Heartbreaking.)
Obviously, I haven’t gotten my freelance business going as strongly as I needed to!
#121 #141 Still waiting for Camtasia for Mac 🙁 I’ve used Jing (free from SnagIt – makers of Camtasia) to make some short screencasts. I think the limit is 5 minutes, but can certainly be used as a practice tool.
#144
My deepest condolences on the weeding of 1000 books. I couldn’t do it. I will, in fact, die literature poor.
#144 Why the book purge?
Lisa, you CAN do it! I know you can.
#141-#142
Yes, Camtasia is great software with many editing capabilities (I use it for software tuts), but there are also other recorders that are freeware/shareware with less features. If you think you will do a lot of screencasts, it is a good investment.
How many of you offer something of substance for free on your blog or website?
I buy books, read them, and then give them away. I have a decent library of ‘special’ books that will go to the grave with me, but I figure the books do much more good in someone else’s hands reading them than sitting on a shelf.
Now my fabric/bead/thread/yarn stash … that’s a different story 🙂
Lisa–I’m certainly trying to offer something of substance! I’ve got three blogs, even. A personal one, one for writing and freelancing, and one of knitting book reviews.
And, my book purge is because it’s pretty inevitable we’re losing our house and I won’t have room for my 3000-book library any more.
#148 Right on, Glenda. I have a friggin’ journalism degree and have worked as webmaster/web admin for a Fortune 500 company. Largely self taught.
Do any of you here this evening have experience with Radian6?
#150 I haven’t yet, but the plan is to have a free eBook as well as free eCourses (delivered via email autoresponder) that people can sign up for
#150 Lisa, besides the awesome blog content? 🙂
#152
Heartbreaking – on all levels.
What do you offer? And is there an upsell attached?
#154 Is that a name of a dancer?
I really need to do some video … Right now though I’ve graduated to podcasts. here’s the one minute promo … http://podcast-files.bitwiremedia.com/promos/llpromo.mp3
See the site
http://lizandlorelle.com
#152 So sorry to hear that.
#153
Matt, by the way, is a VERY smart man. Truly.
Mary–I totally understand about the yarn stash!
I haven’t put together an ebook of my own yet, but I did assemble an e-cookbook for a friend’s fiber farm to help pay for hay! (Now she just has to figure out how to put it up for sale in her store.) (Grin)
#152 So sorry to hear that.
#158
Yes. Yes it is. She opens for Tom Petty quite often.
#152 Oh –Deb
Is it really too late?
So sorry to hear that.
Matt, curious: does your journalism degree help with your blogging? Of course, that assumes you blog. doh.
#152 Deb, very sorry to hear about your house.
#159 Liz! Is that brand new? Congrats!
#159
I like it! Where do you host your podcasts? I’ve never uploaded one.
I used to offer free info for writers on my blog (specifically on how to write a book), then later packaged some of the advice into an e-book. But now my blog is totally focused on the non-profit side of what I do (stopping child trafficking), so not sure what I could offer free?? Would like to do that tho–good idea.
#152 Deb, is there anything we can do to help?
#154 I’ve seen people mention it before on twitter but never knew what it was.
Glenda, I’m starting a new blog (running locally on my computer at the moment), but I’ve had about 3 blogs in the past (going back to the late 90s). Also been teaching a blogging class at local college.
Sometimes I think I’m the only person who really doesn’t like podcasts … (grin) But then, I’ve always preferred reading! (Obviously, hence my Library problem)
#170
Diana,
I bet you know a lot about how to focus on a cause and get action. Lots of people would like to know how to do that. Let your blog be the proof when it’s not the whole product.
Glenda–thanks, but I honestly don’t know what could help. It’s just sad–we’ve lived in this house since I was 9!
#174 I think I remember that question on twitter 😉 I think for each podcast it would be *awesome* if a transcript were also available. I also like to know how long the podcast (or video) is before I start listening.
#174 Deb, I agree to an extent. I think people podcast sometimes when they might be better off blogging (text/pictures). Video/audio isn’t necessarily better.
Aww Deb, I’m so sorry. {hugs}
What is the one biggest misstep you made when starting out, so I can avoid it?
Matt–or back up the podcast with written synopsis so those of us who don’t have time to listen can at least get the idea of what was said.
#159 great Liz. You and Lorelle have that Abbott and Costello thing going on in the intro.. “Who’s on second?” That Bit Wire Media model is cool, lowers the barrier to get a podcast up, total turnkey production. Lorelle has a great broad(pod)casting voice. How to be authentic? Start when no one’s looking…
Matt, any journalistic tips for the blogger?
Liz, do you post you blog content through Feedburner?
Glenn – what do you do?
#184
Yes, my blog feed is offered through Feedburner. 🙂
Gotta go. Nice to meet you all. Best wishes and good luck, Deb. Great blog work. Keep doing the good stuff. Feel free to contact on my web site or via twitter at @webinetics or @IntegralHack
Hey Glenn,
We did some fabulous content in conversation at WordCamp … What I find is that some things are easier to discuss than to write up understandably.
Night Matt – thank you!
#180 for me, it’s perfectionism. I keep tweaking, tweaking, tweaking rather than just taking the plunge. Don’t be perfect, be authentic. I think Liz said that.
Hubby Darrell creates a transcript for each podcast. That way both the reader and the listener are happy. Its also an accessibility issue.
(Darrell, where did you go? )
good night Matt. Nice to meet you.
#175 — That’s good, Liz.
Deb, I wish there was something we could do. We send your our prayers and hugs.
#190
I do struggle with that a bit. It has killed me to “just do it” and get things out there. I’m just very aware that the internet has a veeeery long memory.
Perfectionism? No, no, that’s not something I understand at ALL (grin).
Back again. #143 Camtasia is easy to use, I can help anyone who has questions etc.
Good night, Matt.
It was a pleasure to have you!
Bloggers – do you map out a blogging strategy for the year, or do you blog what seems to come your way?
#185 I lead interactive, role-play workshops in personal branding and relationship management for social media marketing. I focus on the content development and strategy first. Tools and technology second. Attendees are non-technical business owners and people in career transition. I kill buzz words and hype to help people get something going in the social sphere.
I wrote my business plan to focus on targeting clients outside of my local area (our local economy is tied to a paper mill that Potlatch just sold). How many of you face the issue of wanting out of area clients, but having to start locally?
#188 Liz, the right words write themselves through “just talking.” In my workshops, I get the people talking, challenging each other across the table about their “brand” — passion reveals the golden nuggets that need to get on the paper.
Lisa, no, my blogging isn’t as organized as that. I write posts as the whim strikes! (Or, well, on the book-review site, as the books show up.)
#199
Wow. Clear and concise. Impressive.
#198 Lisa, I spent several days/weeks on a 2009 plan [for all aspects of my work life]. The first year I had an actual plan. Even had Becky’s nod of approval. Today is the halfway point and I’m so far off track! How do you plan yet be flexible for the unexpected?
#200 Lisa, that’s the trick, challenge, and blessing of the internet. You can sell services to people you personally know, who are local, or around the world. No limits!
(Well, obviously, there are for SOME fields like photography or house painting or whatever, but you know what I mean.)
I have spoken with several business people who concentrate on “converting” prospects into clients.
For myself,I really feel that social media prospects need to develop a relationship with me before they will choose to work with me.
Seems to be subtly different to me. Or am I just painting it to suit me view?
#203 Liz, the magic happens when someone in the workshop starts to “get it” and then contributes more to ideas on where they can take their “social brand.” You can actually see them change from glazed despair to hopeful eyes. Very rewarding actually.
#200 My focus is on 3 groups. The first is solely internet-based: artists and artisans (been a long-time member of internet communities). The other two start locally and then build online: bistros/cafes (based on our own cafe business) and specialty retail (think galleries, yarn/fabric shops). The target for the latter two are those who are in a tourist area and draw traffic from a much larger (oftentimes unknown) area. For instance we get quite a few Europeans at our cafe in late May/early June and Sept/early Oct. Leaf peepers from around the country in Oct. Skiiers/hikers tend to be more ‘local’ (New England).
#204
I know, right?!
#207 Actually to Lisa, but Liz knows that.
Okay, speaking of book reviews … I’ve got a couple I need to write, so see you later, folks!
#211 Bye, Deb – have a good evening.
#210
Liz – Lisa, tomAto – tomato 🙂
You guys are throwing out some awesome ideas!!
There is a very broad range of business represented here. How do you all connect?
#206 I’d like to think the prospects convert themselves. I have services to offer, but my main focus is building relationships. If one of those relationships leads to someone becoming a client, all the better. Sonia Simone and Naomi Dunford (ittybiz) just finished a 6-week Marketing for Nice People. Great for those of us who shy away from ‘selling.’
#209 Lisa, it was worth a shot. 😉
#206 Lisa, I move the semantics a tad from “convert” to “attract” prospective clients. The conversion is not an end point, as relationship management rides along before and AFTER a sale has been made. The relationship management piece, when you think about it, is a very social-related process. Brand evangelists for life I say.
Good night Deb!
#207
Glenn, do you find that many of your clients are completely unaware of their brand when you begin the process, or do they have a mis-understanding of their brand (or, I guess, what their customer sees as their brand?)
#218 very well put, Glen. What he said.
If you offer an irresistible product, customers will find it and once they do they’ll come back, bringing friends with them. 🙂
#216
Yes, yes, yes! I love social media, but I don’t believe it’s a fit for every business model. I’m not afraid to say someone’s money would be better spent in other media.
I don’t want to sell, I want to help.
#218
Thank you –
How many of you write your own copy?
How important do you feel it is to federally trademark your name?
Oh my, it’s quiet . . .
I don’t think you need to federally trademark your name, but I think you need to own it online!!
#223 Exactly. There’s a ‘regular’ at the cafe that runs his own business. Social media isn’t for him. He starts with a list of customers and then tries to convince them to hire him. His web presence is for validation rather than prospecting.
#228
I took the advice of a very smart woman, and bought it this morning!
#198 Lisa, I don’t plan out what I’m going to blog about because my posts are reactions/reporting on the latest news about child trafficking.
I have google alerts for various keywords (eg child trafficking, slavery, abolition) and a couple of search columns in Tweetdeck w/those same words. That helps me stay up on what’s happening @ the world, and gives me fresh fodder for blogging.
Interested to hear about others — do you plan out your posts? If so, how? And how far in advance do you plan?
Hi,
I don’t plan very far, but I like to know that I’m covered for a few days, in case I don’t have time. I keep a few drafts in a few stages of completion.
#229
What type of business is your regular in?
#231
Diana – I am such a newbie, I only have 2 posts. I developed an outline through December, but it’s already been sidetracked. I’m okay with it. (Thank you, Liz)
Ah Lisa,
Your start is fine!
#228 What about trademarking my business name?
#232 uslsc.com He and his partner get the lists from several states. They then have a team of researchers who try to find the people (typically not the actual person, but an heir, relative, or maybe even past landlord, etc.) and then contact them to let them know they are entitled to funds. They also have lawyers on retainer to make their way through the legal system. for a percentage of course.
In regards to blog content, do you always focus it toward benefiting your ideal client?
#236
High praise. I’ll take it!
#237
I see. Aren’t there state agencies that list that information for free? Is it the legal rep. your regular focuses on?
Lisa, I think you’ve got to do a combination of both — planning a little bit where you’re going, but still keep it fresh and relevant. Otherwise it’s a book, not a blog!
2 posts is a good start. You are on your way!
Signing off here on the east coast US. This was fun and informative! Thanks for hosting us, Liz and Lisa!
Liz and Lisa, thanks for a great conversation tonight! I’m off to help Darrell with dinner.
(Anyone seen Joe tonight? )
Good night, Diana – thank you for sharing with me.
#220 Lisa, I’ve found people’s perspective of their brand (or lack thereof) to be equal. Some have brands that merely “describe” what they do, rather than convey the value they deliver. I also help them get rid of meaningless job titles, and go for “interesting.” I took one client from “Community Activist” to “Gospel Singer of Good Causes.” (She happened to have started the Obama Glee Choir). Of course we dash with a sprinkle of keywords for the SEO stuff.
#240 I don’t know all the systems he has in place, but the ones he targets are not typically a 1-to-1 (contact Joe about Joe’s money) but instead a ‘Joe’s dead. do some detective work’
Same here. almost 10:30 edt. Lisa this was great – glad to make your acquaintance. Liz, another great example of your connecttress powers!
#245
Interesting. What type of education do you have in your back pocket, if I might ask?
#246
That would be a bad fit for social media.
Good night, Mary – thank you all your answers.
(listening to Liz and Lorelle…hmm…)
Thank you everyone. You were awesome!!
248# Journalism, commercial art, behavioral research, brand marketing. Now there’s some keywords!
Good night, thank you for the invitation Liz. I enjoyed myself, and will be back!
Thanks Liz. You and Lorelle: the new “drive time radio.” How to be authentic… happy birthday too. heh.
Thank you, Rainesman!!