The Timesaver

I follow The Blog Squad (Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff). Today’s email from them was about social networking. They’re holding a teleseminar this Wednesday (4/23) on how to use Web 2.0 and social networking sites to get more traffic and grow your business. You can register for the teleseminar here.

And here’s an article Dense and Patsi shared about social networking you’re going to want to read!

Social Networking - What Is It And Why Your Business Needs It
by Michele PW

Social networking. Social marketing. Web 2.0.

You may have heard these terms bandied about and wondered what exactly they are and (more importantly) what they mean for your business.

So let’s dig right in and get some answers. First, some definitions.

Social networking is actually a pretty broad term. It basically means any type of relationship-building amongst a group of people with a common interest (business or personal). However, that term has taken on a whole new dimension online, where social networking sites (MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook) are popping up faster than you can say “Will you be my friend?”

These Web sites are designed around helping people network and build relationships via online, instead of the more traditional face-to-face networking meetings.

Which leads us to Web 2.0. No, it’s not a technical upgrade of the Web (I can hear all the sighs of relief as people everywhere realize they don’t need to be downloading or learning new software). Rather, it’s a new way to use the technical aspects of the Web to build better relationships with people. So it includes blogging, podcasts, social networking sites, video, webinars, etc.

Actually, what it really is is a shift in mindset. Rather than using these tools because they’re cool new tech gadgets, we’re using them to bring a more human element to the Web.

Now social marketing is used interchangeably as social networking, but that’s actually a misnomer (according to Wikipedia). Social marketing is an old term, which refers to marketing for the good of society or for social causes and has nothing to do with any of this.

So, back to social networking. This is wonderful news for business owners out there because it fits right in with how customers buy. Namely, people buy from people they know, like and trust. So building relationships using Web 2.0 techniques is a fabulous marketing strategy.

And many Web 2.0 techniques are either free or very low cost. All the social networking sites have free accounts (some have paid upgrades, but it’s still low). Podcasting can be free (or you can pay a very low fee to do the recording via the phone). Blogging can be free. You get the picture.

Now there is a downside. The downside is it does take time. So if you’re already feeling overwhelmed and frazzled, yes this could feel like another huge to-do on your list.

Which is why I’m going to tell you right now not to go there. There is help. Virtual assistants (also known as VAs) can assist you with these social networking tasks. Also, some marketing professionals offer social networking packages to do it all for you, so you don’t have to manage it or even learn much about it. In other words, you don’t have to go at it alone!

And you also don’t have to spend hours and hours on these tasks either. Pick ONE thing to do, then spend 1-2 hours a week on it. Once that’s mastered, then add a second task. (Or get it into a system so you can outsource it and then bring on a second task.)

Obviously the more time you (or someone on your team) can devote to social networking, the faster you’ll see results. But I don’t want you to beat yourself up if you don’t have a lot of time to do it or money to outsource. Do what you can and let the rest go.

The other thing to keep in mind is it also takes time to start seeing results. None of these techniques is for immediate results or a quick infusion of cash. These techniques are long-term strategies. They’re very effective, but they’ll take some time.

As for what to start on first, that’s up to you and what appeals to you (and what you think will appeal to your target market) but I’ll give you a quick summary of a couple of the major ones along with pros and cons:

1. Blogging.

Pros — This is a terrific way to build traffic to your site. My blog gets a tremendous amount of traffic and much of that spills over to the rest of my site. Plus, I have a Wordpress blog, so it’s built into my Web site and it comes with RSS and pinging and everything else a good blog should. (Did I mention it was free?)

Cons — You need to do some writing. And it does take time. (Either yours or someone on your team.) You should plan to post at least a couple of times a month — more is better.

2. Podcasting. (Podcasting is like having your own little radio show, except the audio is downloaded into an iPod rather than broadcasted.)

Pros — This is a terrific way to add credibility and build trust with your customers. Audio, especially when listened to on a podcast, is very intimate. You end up building a tighter bond with your customers than through reading alone. Adding audio to Web sites has been shown to increase conversion rates. (I.e. more people will buy when there’s audio involved.)

Cons — Time (you got to make time to do your podcast, and once you start, you need to do it regularly). This is also a bit more technical than blogging — you need to upload it to your site, to podcast directories, etc. Unless technology comes really easy for you, I would suggest finding someone to help you out (at least to get you started). And if you have a really dreadful voice I would think twice about doing a podcast.

3. Video.

Pros — Like audio, adding video to your site is great for increasing conversion rates. It adds a level of intimacy and helps your customers feel like they really know you.

Cons — Technical and time. For audio, all you need is a phone. Video you need a camera, a video editor, etc. Of course, once it’s done, you can use it in a lot of places, but getting it done may feel overwhelming. [Note from Glenda: Video is EASY now with the Commercial Creation Center found at AroundLancasterCounty.com! Check out the free trial until May 1!]

4. Social networking sites. This is fast becoming a great way to find customers, form relationships and drive traffic to your site. However, before you dive into this, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are some 200 social networking sites out there and I’m sure that number continues to grow. But, MySpace enjoys a whopping 80 percent of that traffic. So it only makes sense that 80 percent of the time you’re devoting to social networking sites should be devoted to MySpace.

And don’t think MySpace is just for kids! I’ve only been playing around with it for a couple of weeks and I’ve already made some pretty good connections, plus I’ve noticed a spike in my traffic and sign-ups for my newsletter. My friend Nancy has as great primer on how to use MySpace for business purposes.

The other two social networking sites I’m on are LinkedIn.com and Ryze.com. What I like about those two is they’re more focused on business, plus they don’t take a lot of time (so they fit nicely in the 20 percent of my time for the other sites). MySpace can be a time sucker, so just be aware of that.

Pros — Great for building relationships and appears to be good at driving Web traffic.

Cons — Takes time (Sensing a pattern here?) Also it’s very easy to waste a lot of time on MySpace as well.

My suggestion is to pick one of these techniques to start with, do it for awhile and see what happens. If you start seeing leads and results, stick with it and maybe add another one. If it looks like it’s not worth it (takes too much time and you’re seeing too few results) try another.

Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting, marketing communications and creativity agency. She helps people become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.michelepw.com. Copyright 2008 Michele Pariza Wacek

Networking events used to scare me to death (due to my introverted nature). But over the years, it’s become much easier for me to attend an event where I know practically no one, and come out having met some valuable contacts.

So what do you do AFTER the networking event to follow-up with the people you’ve met? I found an article by Felicia Slattery on just that very subject. I first met Felicia in an online coaching group, and she has lots of good insight on this and other subjects. Enjoy!

Networking Follow Up Tips for Solo-Professionals So You Don’t Feel Like You’re “Bothering” Anyone
By Felicia Slattery

Networking is one of the best ways for a solo-preneur to get out from what can easily become your lonely office. At networking events you meet other business people and can introduce them to your products and services. You also get to make some important connections to help others. If you look at networking events as your opportunity to help others, you’ll attract more people. As a result your communication will have a different feel to it.

Instead of contacting people after a networking event to sell them on your product or service, you can connect with them in order to provide information that will be useful to them. By providing useful information, you will stand out in that person’s mind. When they need that type of information again or information they know you offer — you can bet your phone will ring!

Your follow-up actually begins while at the networking event. Pay attention to what others tell you. Ask what they need. Listen attentively. If you know a person or business who can fill that need, share the information and promise to follow-up with contact details.

After the networking event here are three ways to follow up so you don’t feel like you’re bothering someone:

Read the entire article here.

The International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce is proclaiming September 17 – 21, 2007 as Hire-A-Businesswoman Week.  It will coincide with Shameless Promotion Month, International Strategic Thinking Month, Update Your Resume Month, International Women’s Ecommerce Days (18 - 21), and American Business Women’s Day (22) to offer business and professional women a week of online power networking, coaching, and mentoring.

Hire-A-Businesswoman Week will offer over 30 mini seminars with Q&A sessions delivered in a teleconference setting and daily online networking events for women seeking strategies to grow and expand their companies into multi-million dollar ventures.  Business models, business plan makeovers, franchising a company, securing a SBA loan to morph a home-based business into a small business, blogging and video casting for business, re-branding, and more will be covered.

International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce Uses Its Site to Introduce Women Around the Globe to Each Other

March 20, 2007, will serve as “A Day of Virtual Introduction” online for women around the globe in honor of Women’s History Month. “A Day of Virtual Introduction” will build a virtual bridge for business and professional women to cross over to create win-win relationships. It’s a startling fact that 48% of women-owned businesses generate less than $10,000 in revenue annually; and 87% of ALL women-owned businesses generate less than $100,000 in revenue annually. It’s time for women to stop selling and start partnering if they want their businesses to sustain them.

The goal of “A Day of Virtual Introduction” is to make it easier for business and professional women from different business organizations, states, and countries, to find each other online so they can share information about their interest in partnering. The special business day is being organized by the International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce (IVWCC). IVWCC was founded in 2002 by metro Atlanta businesswoman Jerrilynn B. Thomas to facilitate lucrative strategic alliances, cross marketing partnerships, and joint ventures between business and professional women from around the globe. 

Women interested in participating in “A Day of Virtual Introduction” are asked to register as a guest by visiting http://tinyurl.com/zlatt to get on the chamber’s mailing list. Then they should submit a request by visiting http://tinyurl.com/2sq2qk to receive the introduction format they should follow in order for their introduction to be published on the chamber site. Participants will be able to share key details about their business and the types of companies they desire to partner with.

There is no fee to participate. Chamber membership is not a requirement. Introductions can be submitted in advance. The link to view the introductions will be posted on http://www.ivwcc.org/ on March 20, 2007. IVWCC reserves the right to not publish an introduction. Due to the number of direct sales companies online, the first 10 introductions per company will be published. Please share this announcement with all of your female business associates.

Networking Event Scheduled for “A Day of Virtual Introduction” Participants
A 24-hour online networking event, “Smart Women Partner & Grow Rich!,” will be conducted on March 20 for “A Day of Virtual Introduction” participants who want to put their partnering plan immediately into action. The fee to participate is $12 for non-chamber members. You can register via PayPal by visiting http://tinyurl.com/2sgocm.

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Glenda Watson Hyatt, author of I’ll Do It Myself, to the Heartland of America on her 40-day Virtual Book Tour. Glenda and I met through the International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce (IVWCC) and immediately noticed one another because we share the same name (come on now…you know it…there aren’t many “Glendas” out there!) Imagine our surprise when we discovered we have the same initials too…how funny!

In this interview, I will be referred to as GlendaLH and my guest will be referred to as GlendaLWH. Now, on with the interview…

GlendaLH: What inspired you to write your book? Have you always been interested in writing?

GlendaLWH: When I was about 10 years old, I read books like Ice Castles about a talented figure skater who became blind but continued competing by hiding her disability, The Other Side of the Mountain about an Olympic-bound skier who broke her neck during a qualifying competition, and Joni (pronounced Johnny) who also became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident. Since then, I have dreamt of writing my autobiography one day to share my story with others and hopefully inspire or motivate them in some way.

Yes, I have always enjoyed writing; that has always been my main means of communication with the outside world. When we, my family, went camping where there were electrical hook-ups, I packed my Smith Corona typewriter and an extension cord so that I could write letters to my friends. That was long before laptops and wireless internet connections!

GlendaLH: I know you won the Marketing Makeover Contest last summer. Tell me how that made a difference for you getting your book launched, etc.

GlendaLWH: Last summer, I began working my way through the prizes from the various contributors. However, in order to get my book out according to my schedule, I needed to put the Mega Marketing Makeover aside for a bit. Now that the book is done and printed, I can now get back to the makeover. Before heading out on my virtual book tour “40 Blogs in 40 (Business) Days,” I launched my new Do It Myself Blog, designed by contributor Sharilyn Horne, with the banner designed by contributor Nancy Cleary. I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the makeover contributors.

GlendaLH: What tips do you have for solopreneurs who have a dream and want to see it to fruition? How do you stay on track?

GlendaLWH: I would say keep at it. Even though the road may be long, with potholes, unexpected twists and turns, and the occasional detour thrown in, keep going. The journey is as rewarding as is reaching your dream.

Break your dreams into manageable steps. For me, that was writing one chapter at a time; sometimes that was one page, or even one paragraph, at a time.

Set aside time to work on your dream. I tried to set aside two or three writing sessions per week. It didn’t always happen, and I tried not to beat myself up (too much) if it didn’t happen. But I kept at it.

Set a deadline. Boy, when I announced on my blog that I wanted to launch my book on my 40th birthday, that sure got the ball rolling!

Share your dream with others. Some will be naysayers, but some will be amazing supporters in ways that you can’t imagine!

When your dream becomes reality, which it will if you are persistent and passionate, it is such an amazing feeling. When I opened the first box and saw my book for the first time – something I had dreamt of, planned for, prepared for, researched, and worked off my left thumb for, for 30 years – an emotional wave hit me and there were a few tears. I had done it! I had written my book!

Go for your dream! Make it happen. To quote Dr. Robert Schuller, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”

GlendaLH: I had the pleasure of “meeting” your husband Darrell at a Team 100 online networking event last summer. How did you two meet?

GlendaLWH: Back in 1996, I was taking a pre-employment program for people with disabilities. I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the program; it was amazing how many people had work because I, a person with a disability, was looking for a job. Strangely enough, when the program was over, I wasn’t ready to leave. I sensed I was on the verge of a personal growth spurt and, if I left, that growth wouldn’t be actualized. I volunteered to be the teaching assistant for the next group. The first day of class, in wheels Darrell and….you’ll need to read I’ll Do It Myself for the rest of the story! (wink)

GlendaLH: Do you have more books in the works? What’s your next step?

GlendaLWH: Funny you should ask! Darrell says he knows I will write five books, at least, but he doesn’t know the other topics. I don’t know either…at least, not yet! But I’m sure more books will come.

For now, I want to do all I can to promote this book. I still have six boxes of books sitting here, and I would love to do several more print runs before I consider the promotion completely done.

I also want to develop an e-course, “Accessibility in Action.” Over the years, I have found that people have fears when interacting with those with disabilities because they simply don’t know what to do and they are too embarrassed to ask. I want to address those fears by providing practical information and a safe place to ask questions. The e-course would include topics like what language to use when referring to people with disabilities, tips for communicating with people with disabilities, ideas for choosing a gift for a relative/friend/colleague with a disability, suggestions for how to include a classmate with a disability at your child’s birthday party, and many other topics. My goal is to include hands-on and practical information that people can use in everyday life.

And, amidst all that, Darrell strongly suggests that I take a break fairly soon before I burn myself out. I tend to agree.

GlendaLH: You’ll be so famous you’ll have to hire a team of Virtual Assistants to keep track of all your book signings, appearances, and such! (Or maybe you already have!) Congratulations, Glenda, on publishing your book and thanks for stopping by The TimeSaver on your Virtual Book Tour!

GlendaLWH: Glenda, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today. It has been fun chatting with my virtual twin!

Join me on Wednesday, February 7, as Glenda Watson Hyatt brings her Virtual Book Tour to Lincoln, Nebraska! I’m pleased to host Glenda as she tours the world talking about her autobiography, “I’ll Do It Myself,” living with cerebral palsy, and being a solopreneur. I’ll be asking Glenda questions about why she decided to write her autobiography, tips for solopreneurs, and other interesting topics.

It might be interesting interviewing Glenda since we both have the same name, but we’ll devise a system to keep it all sorted out! Stop by and post your comments about the interview.

(Lincoln, NE)—Podcasting is taking the Internet by storm, and women worldwide are seizing microphones and creating their own internet broadcasts covering a wide range of topics. Many of them will converge next weekend in virtual, audio visual web conference rooms and exhibitor booths and share their favorite subjects with interested ladies from around the world.

The Business Podcasting Expo, set for January 19-21, has already attracted an impressive and diverse lineup of speakers and exhibitors, according to Glenda Hinz, member of Co-OpWorld, co-sponsor for this live, interactive Internet event.

“All are invited to register at here” says Hinz. “Simply explore the website and view the schedule of events and activities. They do not have to be familiar with or even interested in podcasting.”

There are interactive exhibits, online shopping and networking events galore, plus three free seminars open to the public. There will also be ongoing podcasts taking place in the “Studio Livecast” room around the clock to which everyone is invited.

Main feature online seminars, covering topics about podcasting, will be held in Co-OpWorld’s audio-visual VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) web conference rooms. Attendees who purchase a $49.95 ticket may access all of the events and may download all of the seminar recordings following the event.

Hinz said, “To get maximum benefit from the Expo, Internet access, a PC or Macintosh, speakers or a headset, and a microphone are needed.

“I have personally enjoyed participating in many Co-OpWorld sponsored web conferences, and I didn’t have to be a computer ‘techie’ to get set up the first time.”

“The three free seminars will close once the room capacity of five hundred is reached, so register free of charge early,” Hinz added.

Business Resources Podcast Directory (BRPD)
presents
“Designing a Compelling 30-second Pitch”
co-hosted by Cristina Favreau

My colleague and fellow podcast directory owner, Rima McDonald of Business Resources Podcast Directory, is hosting a networking event this week you won’t want to miss! 

Is one of your resolutions for 2007 to do more networking? What about clarifying your marketing message?

Good for you! And now what???
 
When you answer the “So, what do you do?” question, do you get blank stares or lose your audience?
 
How would you like to evoke this reaction instead: “WOW! That’s exactly what I need! Can you give me more details?”
 
The secret to successful networking lies in PREPARATION and FEEDBACK!
 
Join Cristina Favreau on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007, at 6pm CST/ 7pm EST/ 4pm PST as she co-hosts the next BRPD’s MEMBERS ONLY business/ networking event with Rima McDonald.
 
Her theme is “Designing a Compelling 30-second Pitch.”
 
And what better way to launch such an event than by highlighting a priceless networking skill: crafting your own 30-second introduction.
 
Not only will you use this introduction during networking events, but you’ll also use it on your website, membership profiles, marketing materials and so much more.
 
Here’s how it works….
 
Cristina will share with you her own successful recipe (as featured on her blog) as well as some new tricks. But she won’t be doing all the talking…
 
After she showed you how, you will be introducing yourself to the group, using your own compelling introduction.
 
Doing it this way accomplishes two important goals: testing your new introduction and networking with the other participants.
 
Want to get even more out of the event? Come prepared with these elements:
 
*Your target audience (who, specifically; not just “small business owners” or “accountants”)
*Your specialty (again, be specific)
*The main challenges/pains your target audience faces (no more than 2 or 3)
*How you help them overcome these challenges/pains
*What is the main benefit? Can it be measured?
 
Having this information ready and in front of you during the presentation will help you pay close attention to the crafting process, instead of coming up with this information on-the-spot.
 
Admission is FREE.
 
This event is exclusively for registered users (members) of the Business Resources Podcast Directory, so please register as a user (member) of the directory to attend this event. You will receive an email about the event and a link to reserve your spot upon your registration.
 
There’s no fee to register as a user (member) of the directory.
 
Note that this is an online event, you will need a computer headset plugged in your computer to attend this event.

VANetworking.com – the website devoted to promoting Virtual Assistants and their businesses – is proud to announce registration of its 3,000th member. In celebration of this event, a special VA Advent Calendar contest is under way with prizes given away each day in December.

Since June of 2005, membership in the VA Networking Forum has more than tripled from 970 members to its present total of over 3,000. For all you Virtual Assistants – highly skilled professionals who provide administrative support and other specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs and executives – here’s your opportunity to join this VA family for advice, mentoring, and to share in the camaraderie. As the Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) forum theme goes, “Hey, Hey, The VA Gang’s All Here,” and they are, supporting one another and striving to promote the Virtual Assistant Industry.

As a member you’ll have access to over 53,000 posts full of information, correspond with experts on work-related topics, participate in weekly VA chats, take part in the monthly contests, sign up for the VANA Newsletter, get discounts on products and services, and join a growing listing of VAs in 14 countries and the U.S. in the VA Service Directory, not to mention being able to shop at the VANA Shop. And it’s all for free.

Current members and new members can enter into the VA Advent Calendar daily contests everyday during the month of December with prizes totaling over $3000, consisting of everything a VA needs including:

· VAdala earrings, bracelet and necklace – the official symbol of Virtual Assistants. (valued at $27.95).

· 3 month membership to VA Revolution (valued at $75.00).

· Get Clients NOW!™ 28-Day Marketing Program donated by University of VAs. (valued at $225.00).

· A copy of VAnetworking’s Virtual Business Start-up System (valued at $495.00).

· PLUS all kinds of other prizes from e-books to a baking holiday basic for that busy entrepreneur.

The Grand Prize – One free registration for the Virtual Assistant Training Program from Mary-Lou Ashton (valued at $1275.00).

Tena Kinsel of Your Ideal Office, has been volunteering her services at VANetworking and is leading the initiative to bring more donors to the forum. Kinsel says, “Being a member of VANA allows me to network with other virtual assistants. I get great advice and detailed information on how to run my business more efficiently and face the daily challenges of being a VA.”

So join the fun and stop by the VANA Forum today. You’ll see just how much better your business can become and also have a great time doing it. And for those looking for a VA, you won’t be able to beat the professionals you’ll find here.

Women Business Owners Network (WBON) held its 5th annual WBON on Display on November 8, 2006, at HiMark Banquet Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. Featured vendors were women-owned businesses offering services, products and ideas to energize your end-of-year business plans, preview your holiday shopping, and ignite your creative juices. Hors d’ouevres and our specialty drink, WBON-Bon, were served.

My colleague, Paula Fehringer of blueship.com (right) and I shared a vendor table again this year. Visitors learned about Paula’s web site and marketing design services, along with learning about virtual office assistance/outsourcing and an exciting new way to send your Christmas cards (and any other card, for that matter…click on the banner below) from HINZtime Virtual Assistance (that’s me!)

Once again, the evening proved to be a wonderful networking event showcasing the unique businesses of more than 30 southeastern Nebraska businesswomen.