How to Create a Small Business Marketing Strategy

How to Create a Small Business Marketing Strategy In order to have lasting success, small business owners must be dedicated, persistent and smart. While opening your own business is still a fundamental part of the American Dream, it requires an uncommon level of commitment to your craft, product or service. This will make you an expert in your field, but that expertise does not always lead to success in business. You will also need effective marketing strategies to let people know about the product or service you provide. Like most small business owners, you may have little to no experience in marketing.  And you rarely have the time to focus on it. With so much on your plate from day one of building your business, you have probably not been able to learn how to properly market the company. This is why so many small business marketing strategies appear to be a general mish-mash of fragmented ideas and tactics from a variety of in-house and external sources. While some of these simple marketing techniques can be slightly effective, they are still not achieving nearly as much as they should, unless part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. This article is designed to help small business owners understand the importance of an effective marketing strategy and provide some simple steps to begin creating one. Keep It Simple Many small businesses create overly complex marketing strategies which only lead to lots of confusion, headaches and eventually throwing the whole thing out. Your initial marketing plan does not have to be a complicated collection of statistics, spreadsheets, presentations, charts and graphs. The main function of your marketing strategy is to provide a guide that you and your team can follow to grow your business. In order to follow the guide, you have to be able to understand it. The best way to begin is by asking some basic questions. Who are you? The first step in building a marketing strategy is referred to as situation analysis. All this means is an overview of your company.  Thats who you are, what product or service your provide and what makes you stand out from the competition. It should include the strengths of your business as well as some weaknesses upon which you can improve. Who are your customers? The next step is determining who you hope to reach. Your marketing efforts will always be more successful if they are geared to a small demographic that should be interested in your product/service. This group will be your target audience. What are your goals? You will need to create some realistic, clearly defined goals for your marketing efforts. The more specific you can be with your goals, the better.  These statistics will be the only way to really know how successful your marketing strategy is. This should also include your budget and how much you can spend to reach your goals. How can your reach these goals? This is where things get more complicated. Once you have your situation analysis, your target audience and your marketing goals, you need to begin the actual marketing techniques. If you have no experience in marketing, you will almost certainly need outside help at first. Once you have your basic strategy, small marketing firms, web design firms, video production companies, content writers and others can help implement the techniques that bring your strategy to life.

No Time For Twitter How to Tweet Less, But Tweet Quality - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

No Time For Twitter How to Tweet Less, But Tweet Quality In preparation for an upcoming  call to  a new client prospect,  I Googled his name. My search revealed that, along with a complete profile, this CMO in telecommunications had a Twitter account. I was impressed. It’s unusual for the c-suite executives I work with to pay any attention to Twitter. But then I took a closer look at his Twitter profile. He had only one tweet . . . from about a year ago . . . and was following fewer than 10 people. When we spoke, he explained his lack of activity. My daughter told me I had to be on Twitter, so I signed up, but I didn’t have any time for it, and I didn’t know what to do with it. I cautioned him that, in his job search, recruiters and hiring decision makers at his target companies would be Googling his name, just as I did, and would land on his Twitter profile, and make some kind of judgement about him because of it. Merely having an account wouldn’t prove that he was social media savvy, which was his goal. In fact, a Twitter account with no activity could be detrimental to him. An excellent job search tool, Twitter is a powerful place to: Build credibility, visibility, and evangelism for your brand and ROI value to your target employers, Extend your online footprint, Conduct industry and company research for due diligence, Position yourself in front of employers and hiring decision makers. Connect with new communities of subject matter experts and thought leaders, and Uncover opportunities that may lead to landing a job. This CMO’s complaint is one I hear often from executive job seekers â€" Twitter is a time-waster. Sure enough, unless you have a realistic strategic plan for your social media and brand communications, you’ll get distracted and waste way too much time. I reassured him that he would benefit from using Twitter if he could devote just 15 to 20 minutes a day . . . or even every other day or so. Some tips to limit your time on Twitter: Don’t waste time tweeting about personal issues or where you’re going today. Keep your tweets relevant to your brand and ROI value as a job candidate. Use Tweetdeck or another Twitter app to help you organize and manage the list of people youll follow, and to set up tweets in advance to post throughout the day. Do your thank you’s for retweets, #FollowFridays and mentions all in communal tweets, once a day or only every few days. No need to thank each person in a separate tweet. In a word, one of the best and quickest ways to tweet is to retweet (RT) others, but retweet with a purpose. When you RT, always give attribution to the originator by including their @username. You’ll stay top of mind with them because they’ll know when you retweet them. And a few ways to find quality tweets to retweet: Search Twitter  for your target list of companies and key decision makers, follow them and retweet their tweets. Search for, follow and retweet thought leaders in your industry. Search hashtags (#) on Twitter for tweets that include your relevant keywords. Set up Google Alerts  for your relevant keywords (including your target companies’ names,  services, products and c-suite executives’ names). Google emails you links when those keywords show up online. Tweet those relevant articles and blog posts. Related posts: The Biggest Mistake Twitter Newbies Make How Twitter Helped Me Build My Personal Brand 14 Reasons I Won’t Follow You On Twitter photo by Rosaura Ochoa 00 0

How to keep your social media profiles clean but captivating - CareerEnlightenment.com

How to keep your social media profiles clean but captivating You’ve read the stories of bosses scouring social media for lazy or offensive employees. You’ve culled your profile and removed anything controversial. Your bio looks fantastic. But how do you keep your personality shining through, without jeopardizing your job hunt?Share content you love, but make your responses count tooAfter a heavy social media cull, when your profile feels ready for any employer to browse, you can become too ‘safe’ in your sharing habits and status updates. The result is a bland profile where you’re afraid to express your opinions. All you can manage is repeatedly sharing business-related articles with bland endorsements such as ‘interesting read’ or ‘great stuff’.What would make you more employable? If you actively got involved. If you read a controversial article about your industry, or you find a ‘top 10’ listicle that misses out a key point, challenge it.Also, reply to the brands and industry influencers you love â€" answer their quest ions. Inc.com suggests reaching out to people you admire on social media can be valuable; just don’t expect a reply straight away, especially from someone with thousands of followers.Don’t be an overzealous tweeter at a live eventWhen a popular conference or industry event comes up, it seems like the perfect opportunity to boost your social media following and job prospects. You can live tweet to your heart’s content, right? Well, yes, within reason. Nobody wants to follow the person tweeting every speaker’s sentences. You’re basically the autocue.The key here is balance. Firstly, warn your followers that you’ll be tweeting from an event, as they might want to mute you if they’re not interested. Use the event hashtags and @-mention the speakers, but only tweet when you really need to, because overenthusiastic tweeting can annoy your followers and everyone attending the event.Save your tweets for the very best quotes or questions, interact with others on the hashtag, an d please don’t upload a picture of every PowerPoint slide. It’s annoying. Put down your technology in between Twitter sessions, to actively listen and give the speaker your full attention. As Carolyn Thomas, a.k.a. The Ethical Nag marketing blogger, says of live-tweeting, ‘it is simply impossible to both pay attention to a speaker while at the same time frantically composing, editing, and rewriting my tweet’. Want to Read More Articles Like This One?Sign up here to receive weekly updates from Career Enlightenment, and never miss another powerful job searching tip! SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed!We hate spam too. Unsubscribe any time. Only use terminology you understandMost industries come with their own set of jargon, or they at least use some of the weirdest business-speak phrases doing the rounds right now â€" ‘let’s get our ducks in a row’ is just one example of the most hated office jargon terms. But using these phrases in the wrong context can mak e you look out of touch, which won’t help your job search, even on social media.Brush up on the terminology used in your industry, or in the industry you’re transferring to, and check to see if influencers think a certain word or phrase is no longer relevant. For example, in the marketing world, technology expert Daniel Henriksen has warned of ‘shiny object syndrome’: brands become obsessed with chasing the latest innovation, such as AI (artificial intelligence) without knowing what to do with it.The same could apply to you, if you’re writing about technology and you want to talk about it in applications and interviews, but can’t back up your opinions. Use social media as a tool to research those industry terms, and find out whether the latest buzzword is a fad or a permanent concern.Make your pictures countPictures are important for Twitter engagement, but they can also undermine your authority if you don’t use them properly. When Career Builder recently surveyed empl oyers about the social media habits that stopped them hiring a candidate, 39% of employers said the candidate had posted ‘provocative or inappropriate photographs, videos or information’.Yes, you might have 25 carefully crafted recent Facebook posts about sunsets and healthy living, but if you’re also tagged in bar crawl photos on week nights, your work ethic could be questioned. To make life easier, you need to change your settings. On Facebook, make sure you can’t be tagged without approval, and check what appears as ‘public posts’. On Snapchat, pictures may disappear, but remember your friends could screenshot what you’ve posted, so don’t publish anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see.On Twitter, you can ban photo tagging altogether: well worth doing if your friends love taking drunken selfies and uploading the evidence for all to see. Log out of your profile and try searching for your own name: this is what an outsider would find. The pictures you do pos t can be fun, such as team-building day images, but nothing that would make you unpopular with your future boss.Congratulations your social media feed is now job-ready, and you’re one step closer to your next role.

Client Show Tell Crafty Fanny on Baby Steps Surprising Yourself

Client Show Tell Crafty Fanny on Baby Steps Surprising Yourself I’m on vacation this week early next, my clients are doing some Show Tell! Today it’s Crafty Fannys turn, she decided to post in video form! Must be all the videos weve been forcing having her do for Spring as our newest co-host (and yes, even though we were working together at the time of the contest her entry was a complete surprise!). Make sure you visit her amazeballs blog brand new Etsy shop! In fact, Tiffany will be offering When I Grow Up readers a 20% discount on all shop items through July 20. Just enter the code Michelle Rocks! in the message to seller upon checkout and the 20% will be refunded through paypal. Yay! When I Grow Up Guest Video from tiffany moore on Vimeo. ************************************************************************************************************* Delicious Discounts Great Giveaways for When I Grow Up Readers! Through July 20th: 20% off of Crafty Fannys shop enter to win a virtual room makeover from Maggie Rose. Through July 24th: enter to win a  custom scrapbook from  Tara Sroka. Through Aug 31st: get a $25 discount for any $250 purchase from    Tara Sroka. As Gwen Stefani would say, What You Waiting For? Get Danielle LaPorte’s Nuggets of Genius in your own home, on your own time. The Digital Firestarter Sessions from my “cult leader” have launched! What’s your Joy Equation? Find out with Molly Hoyne’s Pay-What-You-Can-Afford Program!

Tips On Computer Skills Resumes Writing

Tips On Computer Skills Resumes WritingComputer skills resume writing is one of the most important skills when it comes to applying for a job. This is because this is what all applicants to use in order to find out whether they are going to get a job or not. The reason why this is true is because many candidates need to possess certain things in order to come up with good resumes and computer skills are no exception. One should note that no matter how good the skills and experiences that one possesses are, it is still important to mention them in a resume because if one gets a job, then one will be the one benefiting the company as well.Computer skills resume writing is important in terms of getting better at your job. If you want to get ahead in your career, then your resume has to reflect your skills and abilities in a more positive light. With so many resume writing jobs available on the internet today, you can definitely find one that suits your needs and skills. However, when it comes to choosing the best one, there are certain aspects that should be taken into consideration.o How will the resume be formatted? In order to look professional, it is recommended that the resume that you will be writing will be professionally formatted. It is also important that the resume that you write should have a clear structure, one that is simple and easy to read. The wordings of the resume should also be brief and concise. This is an important aspect of making sure that your resume has enough space and is not too long.o In order to be truly impressive, you have to include computer skills in your resume. When composing a resume, you should mention all of the essential things that are necessary for the company. You should also mention about your work history and details about your previous jobs as well. So, you can ensure that the impression you are giving off is what they are looking for.o When composing a computer skills resume, you should mention in detail about your s pecific computer skills. When writing about these things, you should give an account of the abilities that you have. Do not leave out details that are necessary. Remember that just because you have computer skills does not mean that you have all the skills that the company requires. That's why when you write about your computer skills, you have to make sure that you include details that are relevant.o In terms of the amount of information you are giving in your computer skills resume, this is also important. In the case of most employers, they will be asking for a lot of information. You may not have enough time to put together a resume, but you can still tell them about all of the information that you know about computer skills. Also, you should also note that you can use some free computer skills resume writing resources online that will allow you to write a computer skills resume without spending too much money. This is because there are many professional resume writers online wh o are looking for computer skills resume writing work.When it comes to computer skills resume writing, it is recommended that you try to write in a way that can attract the attention of the employer. Remember that it is their first impression that they will be reading. This is why you have to make sure that your resume includes everything that the employer will need to know about you. Then, take your time in putting everything that you know into your resume.

The Core Strengths Writing Resume Trap

The Core Strengths Writing Resume Trap New Ideas Into Core Strengths Writing Resume Never Before Revealed You are able to look back at the work listing to find a feeling of the job requirements. If you're looking for such a position in a leading IT company, you should draft an ideal job winning resume. It isn't necessary to to be aware each job which you have ever had. For instance, suppose you're seeking a job as a Retail Manager. Finding the correct employer demands diligence and research. Customer service representative jobs demand a person who has excellent communication abilities and other relevant skills. Employed as a customer service representative, you'll have to interact with distinct customers. My customers experience OUTSTANDING. Definitions of Core Strengths Writing Resume Whether you're a student or entry-level candidate, evolving demands of the social networking sphere need a profile which not only engages but compels. A professional resume writer can cre ate a dynamic and effective core strengths section depending on the very best industry particular keywords for your career objective. Marketing your abilities and highlighting your achievements will provide you with a strong advantage over your competition and help you stick out from the crowd. Resume headline is a short phrase that highlights your value for a candidate. Understanding Core Strengths Writing Resume The resume sample has a strong ability to keep a reader's interest over the span of the whole document. You are able to make your resume stand out by producing a highly effective career summary at the very top career flash including a core strengths section right underneath. Even though you may incorporate a dedicated section to highlight certain abilities, a possible employer needs to be in a position to find out what you could do by looking at what you've already done. The 2 sections also utilize different bullet point styles. The 30-Second Trick for Core Streng ths Writing Resume The more you are able to quantify your qualifications, the better your odds of being selected to interview. At the close of the day, our purpose is to help you accomplish your career targets. You would like to sell your skills in a way that will garner an interview. Submitting a resume to reveal you're a valuable education leader is very important to securing interviews. The Nuiances of Core Strengths Writing Resume You have to avoid belittling different people or past work colleagues during a work interview. When you're a candidate with lots of of experience, go for a headline. Leadership skills ought to be included only in the event that you have sound work experience to prove them. Even in the event you match 37 core competencies, it's better to opt for the top 9 or 10. Aside from choosing where to bring a core competencies section on your resume, it's also wise to list down professional competencies that are related to the job you're applying for. Based on your career, in addition, there are core competencies specific to your industry.

3 Reasons You Should Pursue Passion AND Work - Work It Daily

3 Reasons You Should Pursue Passion AND Work - Work It Daily Working is part of your life, but it does not have to consume your WHOLE life. In fact, if you are not making time for your hobbies and other interests, you might be hurting your career. Here are a few reasons why you should pursue your passions in addition to your work: 1. You will have more time for the things you love. Erik Freeman is a benefits advisor representing Aflac insurance. His role as an independent agent not only allows him to excel at work, but it also allows him to do the things he truly enjoys outside of work, including cooking, camping, and hiking with his wife and their dog, Jameson. He also enjoys playing music and is currently working on his fourth studio album with a group of friends. “It’s pretty simple,” Freeman said. “Almost all of us need to make money, and it’s very rare to find people making money doing things that don’t feel like work ... a.k.a. the ‘dream job.’ So, if you find something like Aflac that allows you to be happy without giving up your life, then you’re darn straight I’m going to stay at it and I’m going to do it well.” 2. Your passions will carry over into your work. Research shows that hobbies allow you to reduce stress levels, ignite creativity and boost your health - all of these things allow you to be your best (and most productive) self at work. According to Freeman, it is important to do more with your life than just work. In fact, he agrees that having the ability to follow your interests outside of your job actually has a positive impact on your work performance. “If people have passion in their lives, it’s going to carry over into their jobs,” said Freeman. 3. You will be more productive when you need to work. Shyla Syverson is a benefits advisor at Aflac. When she is not working, Syverson enjoys traveling to new places, getting lost in a good book, and playing sports like volleyball, dodgeball and softball. Having the flexibility to do all of the things she enjoys drives her to be a better employee when she needs to get things done. “Being independent [and] pursuing my passions come down to how much work I want to put in,” said Syverson. “Knowing that if I work harder and I am compensated for that directly correlates to my productivity.” Do you want to pursue passion AND work? Are you looking for a role that allows you to pursue your passion? Aflac offers flexible, independent contractor (or agent) roles that will give you the power to do the things YOU want to do. If you are interested in finding a job that allows you to do these things, check out opportunities with Aflac. This post is sponsored by Aflac. Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!