Do you follow up with the people you meet? This is where it generally starts to break down—and where differing thoughts about proper follow-up etiquette shows up. I have heard it pointed out that if you are not following up on these leads, it begs the question “Why are you networking?” I know I have been on both ends of this. People I have met who I have told “Please Continue reading
When you think about any really well known company, the logo is more like the tip of an iceberg. The shapemarks and textmarks that make up well designed logos become subconsciously linked to the whole experience of the business it stands for. Supporting it are carefully chosen colors, specific fonts, the company values, how they treat Continue reading
It used to be that finding a good name for your business was a fairly simple matter— Does it fit your business? Do you like the name? Is it different from the competition? Easy to remember?
Then websites, internet marketing and search engines came along and things get a bit more complicated. Meet the URL. Some basics to Continue reading
One of the reasons I offer business coaching as part of my services is that I have observed a lot of small business owners are missing some of the basics. In addition, when new developments like social media are added to the mix, it is easy to lose sight of those basics even when Continue reading
When you think about Twitter, do you throw up your hands in overwhelm? Most business owners I speak with tend to echo this, saying that they just don’t understand it, discounting it as fluff. I felt the same way until I attended a presentation by Laura Fitton ‘@pistachio’ at Webvisions in Portland, Oregon in 2012. Her “Whither Twitter” talk Continue reading
The majority of small business owners I speak with are struggling to incorporate social media into their marketing. The general attitude is one of overwhelm, saying that they can’t imagine how to fit it in. You might be able to relate to the solopreneur who told me that if I could explain to her why Continue reading
It’s a best kept secret! Most small business owners have their hands full and are often in constant scramble mode. This is particularly true if you are new in your business. This can lead to perpetual long hours, disorganization, things falling through the cracks and potential burnout. Not a pretty picture.
Some of us are lucky enough to have Continue reading
Who will be responsible for keeping the site updated? If you would like to maintain your own site and be able to make your own changes, are the time and technological resources available to support this?
One of the reasons WordPress sites have become popular is that the Administrative “back-end” to the website is a user-friendly dashboard. This means Continue reading
I wrote the title to this and then started making a list. It immediately became clear that they have a LOT in common. For starters, there are the parallels of their roles and functions—skyscraper/corporate site, office or shop/business site, house/personal blog or portfolio.
They both require planning. A building begins with Continue reading
As small business owners it only stands to reason that we want our business to be as perfect as possible. The logo and branding should all look professional and serve as an authentic representation of our products, services and our individual spin. All of the marketing—website, emails, Continue reading