It’s Twitter Time

November 28, 2011 in Tips with 0 Comments

Twitter
Most small businesses are very comfortable when it comes to Facebook, but Twitter on the other hand is a whole other animal.  I’m pretty sure the reservations around Twitter have a lot to do with the fact that when you visit the website a whole bunch of people are talking and so it’s hard to figure out what is going on.  Twitter takes time it’s not as straight forward as Facebook and Linkedin.  You have to spend time developing an audience and it takes time to figure out what to say and who to engage with.  In spite of the extra effort though, Twitter is an awesome tool for small businesses.

Forrester Research published a report in 2010 stating that on average Americans spend more time online than they do watching TV.  The average American spends 13 hours a week online and 1/3 of that time is spent on social networks. Seeing as how the top social networking websites in America are Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin it’s highly likely you can reach the customer you’re targeting via one of these platforms.

When Twitter started in 2006 the only people paying attention were college students and bloggers.  In business circles many people didn’t understand the value of Twitter and how it could be leveraged to grow their business.  Five years later not only is Twitter still around, but it’s one of the fastest growing social networks in the world (yes, as in not just America).

Twitter has 200 million registered users (52% of users log in daily), 82% of users are between 18 – 49, and 43% of users say they follow brands on Twitter for special offers (Forresters Research).

So here is the big question- is your brand on Twitter? 

Why Social Media Marketing Scares Some Businesses

November 18, 2011 in News with 0 Comments

As a marketer I’ve been shocked by the number of small businesses I’ve personally come across that are not engaging with their customers’ online.  In some cases, the businesses have taken time to set up social media accounts for their brand, but they are not active on those accounts.  They tweet once or twice every blue moon and that’s it…minimal engagement.

Frustrated

I got curious about why some businesses have not embraced social media so I did a little digging.  I reached out to business owners in Oklahoma City who aren’t online and popped these questions.  How come you haven’t set up a Twitter account? Why aren’t you advertising online?  The responses I got were mostly questions.

For example I heard back what would I say?  I’m not even sure what sites to be on. How often do I need to be talking? How do I use social media to push traffic to my store? I know I should, but I’m busy. And a client of mine shared this comment “it’s going to suck up all my time so I’d rather not get involved with that social stuff.”

Why the apprehension? Why the fear?

The businesses I spoke with were running away from social media for the same reason my Mom doesn’t like shopping for a cell phone!  There are too many options and considerations to take into account and so the whole process is overwhelming for her.  She’d rather I pick a phone out for her based on what I know her needs to be or she prefers for the sales representative to narrow down her options and recommend two or three phones for her to pick from.

With Social Media there are so many options, in fact almost too many options, so instead of picking something some businesses pick nothing.  At the end of the day when you boil it all down, it’s not that these businesses don’t want to leverage social media the problem is knowing how to leverage social media and where to start.

 

4 Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read

November 16, 2011 in Tips with 0 Comments

Black Girl Reading

As a teenager I used to think that being successful was about being at the right place at the right time, but I’ve learned through personal experience that is not entirely true.  Success is about planning, preparation, and follow through.  If you want to retire “young” and make an impact in your community as an entrepreneur it is essential that you take up reading as a hobby.  Reading allows you to learn from other peoples’ successes and failures and it saves you the time of having to learn things the hard way.  Here are several books I strongly recommend you read.

1. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Success is a mentality and in order to be successful with any venture you take on you need to learn to think differently.  Jeff Olson’s book explains logically why it is important to think differently and how to change your thought process so that you can achieve success.

2.  How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Frustration is a part of success and the majority of the frustration you experience as you grow your business is dealing with other people.  Carnegie’s book will give you perspective on how to deal with different types of people, but most importantly it teaches you how to be likable which is key to being successful in business.

3. Purple Cow by Seth Godin

At the heart of every business is good marketing.  You need to be dynamic when it comes to positioning yourself, your product, and your brand in the market place.  Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow is a short read that highlights how to standout and market your company in the Information Age.

4.  The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

Sometimes when you have a dream the people you least expect to doubt you will be the ones who doubt you the most.  The key to success is having a dream big enough that nothing and no one can knock you down.  Magic of Thinking Big will help you master the art of positive thinking and it will give you refreshing perspective on how to handle the trials that come up along the road to your dreams.

This list is by no means exhaustive so if there is a book you recommend let me know!

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