If you are are new to your business or just looking for a way to gain visibility, then being seen as an expert in your field is an invaluable way to earn trust, gain respect and increase attention to your business. Before I tackle the "how" to be seen as an expert, I have to first say this very, very important thing: You can not be seen as an expert if you are not already an … [Read more...]
Nine steps to developing a social media plan
Social media is not longer an option for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It is a must. Just as having a website establishes credibility and provides information to potential clients, social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn do the same thing, as well as show you are in touch with the latest technology and coolest tools. How does an already overwhelmed business owner … [Read more...]
What’s all the chatter?
One of my favorite things about Twitter are the chat groups. On any given night, you can join dozens, or even hundreds, of other Twitterers in a lively discussion about a specific topic. Not only can you learn from others in the field, but you can establish yourself as a leader and expert while gaining new followers. How does a Twitter chat work? The moderator of the group … [Read more...]
Six tips to creating a business that means something
Stop a minute and think about the impact you have on your clients and the industry you serve. Are you presenting yourself as a leader in your field, full of great ideas and providing valuable resources to everyone who comes your way? Are you making a difference in the lives of the people you meet, either online or in person? Sure, the goal of every business is to make money- … [Read more...]
Who is telling your story?
Whether you realize it or not, you are telling a story about your business in every thing you do. Question is, does that story accurately reflect who you are, what you do and the clients you serve? Every page on your website, every sales letter, every elevator speech, even every tweet you send - all of these communications tell the world about your values, attitudes and … [Read more...]
You can’t do it alone
Last Thursday, I jumped in the car and took a road trip to Atlanta with three of my favorite, and most inspirational, female entrepreneurs to attend a seminar on mindset. While the seminar was amazing, it was the three-hour car ride that still resonates with me. We each took turns talking about "stuff" we are facing. It helps so much to have a strong support system, … [Read more...]
Running your business with soul
I recently met a life coach that I had admired for many years. She wanted to talk about ways we might be able to work together. I was honored and excited about the possibilities. She is one of those people I could just listen to for hours. So wise, authentic and passionate. She said one thing that has really stuck with me and is making me rethink how I run my … [Read more...]
Four questions about core values and your business
Value is defined as something intrinsically valuable or desirable (human rather than material). The word can also be used to rate usefulness, importance or general worth. Values in business often relate to the business strategy of a large company and usually describe its commitment to shareholders, customers and employees. For example, Zappos lists their core values on … [Read more...]
The value of integrity
I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago about being in integrity. Basically, I was feeling very stuck and heavy in business and in life, so I made a list of everything I was intentionally avoiding or blatantly ignoring. It was a long list and included everything from returning overdue library books to deciding to drop a couple of clients with whom I no longer wish to work. After … [Read more...]