In The Spirit of The Holidays You Have to Believe
Do you question your decision to become a business owner?
Do you question your capabilities compared to your so called competition?
If you do PLEASE STOP!
As business owners we all have a few things in common a drive that compares to no other individual, a passion and fire that cannot be put out. We have to take that knowledge and passion and make it our driving force, you have to feel it in your soul and know you are doing the right thing. Don’t dwell on competition. Have a healthy knowledge of what they are doing but keep focused on your goals.
Some things you can do that can help people pay attention to your business are so simple! Facebook; EVERYONE tells me it doesn’t work, IT DOES when you have friends and family sharing your information it’s just as good as a client referral (we all know referrals are the best types of customers) however you are not going to get clients/customers from Facebook unless you are active. Get on every local business page, every school parent page, every event page you can. Is it time consuming YES but it is free and its word of mouth marketing. Which will in turn creates “Brand Loyalty” for you. Let’s face it we are local businesses we are not big box companies word of mouth referrals are our friends! OUR BEST FRIENDS!
Twitter: Here are 10 Twitter for business tips…
Follow people who are active themselves.
Retweet their tweets if you like what they are saying
If something good happens, tweet about it!
Share articles of interest and link the authors twitter name. (You are guaranteed at least one Retweet from that) Also, this member will reciprocate and share your articles so we are all assisting one another.
Tweet at least a day, preferably a few times per day though, at different times. (morning, lunch, evening, night) I find this most effective.
Ask people how they are…..be positive and offer your opinion if they ask for it. (However, keep away from controversy)
There are lots of hashtags out there that actively promote business. Use them to build your network and following. e.g. #bizitalk #foodie #longislandbusiness #marketing #FPSbs #tweeturbiz #sbs #wow
Be yourself. Be interesting – it’s very easy to ‘unfollow’ so keep your content interesting, funny and consistent. Be known for certain things. Use a twitter name that raises brand awareness.
Build your twitter following by actively looking for people who interest you or share your interests. Show support for them and let them know you like what they doh
credit to smallbusinesscan.com
I won’t overwhelm you with too many social media outlets in this post BUT my other favorite way to reach customers is the BLOG.
Without getting crazy into the details of SEO (search engine optimization), a blog can provide fresh content for your website prerequisite if you want to drive quality traffic to your website and boost your rankings. Use your blog to talk about anything from your amazing employees, or a hot product launch anything. When you update your blog with valuable content search engines will pick up on your website, in turn sending important leads to your contact pages.
Getting back to my main focus of this blog none of this is possible unless you believe! You HAVE TO quiet the voices of all the people who are doubting you! You have to put your head down and focus! I started my business with a laptop and a dream and have yet to have a “slow time” because I will not allow myself to feel defeated! I have moments yes, but when I do I remember I am different from the “regular” person that is ok with a 9-5 job that makes me special that means if I apply myself I will succeed. As a startup business owner you will succeed if you just stay focused, use your tools, and remember you are special! Most importantly YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE!
Blog by Carlene Dittrich
