Is your business in need of more business? Get creative by thinking up innovative ways to advertise. Hire creative personnel to help you think of advertising slogans and logos that will catch peoples' eyes and make them want to give you their business.
Market online, by mail, on placemats, on banners at sporting events and anywhere else you can think of and afford.
Advertising might not always be cheap, but it can be very effective.
So start thinking and start creating ways for your business to prosper and grow!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
What's Blocking Your Progress?
Have you noticed lately that you and/or your business is at a stand still. As if nothing is happening, and you have become stale?
Consider some of these things that can hinder the progress of a person or a business:
1. Complacency. When we become complacent, we often give up trying new things or growing.
2. Undesirable personnel. Employees can cause a business to become stagnant, if they are treating customers badly, stealing from you, and if they've given up or don't care, etc.
3. Does your business need a fresh perspective? Perhaps you need a new advertising slogan or campaign, or maybe you need to advertise to a fresh group of potential clients and customers. Try advertising or social sharing your business in places you have never shared before.
4. Product inventory might be wrong or out of date. Perhaps you need new products or services to entice new customers. Explore what your current customers want, and try to think of new ideas to reach even more people.
5. Remind people of your goals, values and commitment to excellence. Keep personnel motivated and encouraged, and remind the public why you're doing what you're doing, and how you are committed to giving them the best possible product and service.
*Ask employees for fresh ideas and ways that they think your business can grow and profit. Ask them also, what you can do to keep them motivated and happy. Most employees want what's best for the company they work for, and they often have creative ideas. Do things within reason to keep them happy and content, and that should encourage them to always do their best for you.
Consider some of these things that can hinder the progress of a person or a business:
1. Complacency. When we become complacent, we often give up trying new things or growing.
2. Undesirable personnel. Employees can cause a business to become stagnant, if they are treating customers badly, stealing from you, and if they've given up or don't care, etc.
3. Does your business need a fresh perspective? Perhaps you need a new advertising slogan or campaign, or maybe you need to advertise to a fresh group of potential clients and customers. Try advertising or social sharing your business in places you have never shared before.
4. Product inventory might be wrong or out of date. Perhaps you need new products or services to entice new customers. Explore what your current customers want, and try to think of new ideas to reach even more people.
5. Remind people of your goals, values and commitment to excellence. Keep personnel motivated and encouraged, and remind the public why you're doing what you're doing, and how you are committed to giving them the best possible product and service.
*Ask employees for fresh ideas and ways that they think your business can grow and profit. Ask them also, what you can do to keep them motivated and happy. Most employees want what's best for the company they work for, and they often have creative ideas. Do things within reason to keep them happy and content, and that should encourage them to always do their best for you.
Friday, June 13, 2014
The Dreaded Interview Process
I'm not an expert at interviews. In fact I hate them. I don't like talking about myself or answering what I consider silly questions that don't even pertain to my ability to perform a job.
If I were an employer who had to interview people, I like to think I would keep things simple. Can you perform the tasks required? Do you have experience or education in the field? Are you dependable and trustworthy? And so on...
I'm probably not going to ask why you want to work for me. Most people want to work, because they need money. Let's be honest, here. There may be the rare individual who wants to work because they love a certain field or want to keep busy, but many of us are simply trying to pay our bills and support our families.
If I were asking interview questions, I would try not to make the perspective employees uncomfortable or put them on the spot. Perhaps some people enjoy doing that to see how someone performs under pressure, but from my own experience, I am a great worker, very dependable, and I do my job to the best of my ability every day. I'm not good at interviews. I'm not good at thinking of the right things that perspective employers want to hear, but I will work my tail off to make you look good, and you can sure as heck depend on me to get the job done and show up on time.
So if you are an employer, you don't have to interview people according to what experts say. Ask them what you truly want to know. Try to keep them comfortable, and remember that interviews are stressful, and people might not always be at their best during them.
If I were an employer who had to interview people, I like to think I would keep things simple. Can you perform the tasks required? Do you have experience or education in the field? Are you dependable and trustworthy? And so on...
I'm probably not going to ask why you want to work for me. Most people want to work, because they need money. Let's be honest, here. There may be the rare individual who wants to work because they love a certain field or want to keep busy, but many of us are simply trying to pay our bills and support our families.
If I were asking interview questions, I would try not to make the perspective employees uncomfortable or put them on the spot. Perhaps some people enjoy doing that to see how someone performs under pressure, but from my own experience, I am a great worker, very dependable, and I do my job to the best of my ability every day. I'm not good at interviews. I'm not good at thinking of the right things that perspective employers want to hear, but I will work my tail off to make you look good, and you can sure as heck depend on me to get the job done and show up on time.
So if you are an employer, you don't have to interview people according to what experts say. Ask them what you truly want to know. Try to keep them comfortable, and remember that interviews are stressful, and people might not always be at their best during them.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Are Your Customer Service Reps Personable?
Have you ever entered a store, or walked up to a counter or pulled up to a drive-through window and had people not speak, look sad or angry or be completely rude to you?
I'm sure the majority of us have experienced this poor customer service, and yet these people seem to maintain their positions with these companies. I don't get it. Perhaps the owners and managers are unaware of their behavior, or do they just not care?
If you own a business, and you have people working under you who are the first contacts your clients or potential clients will see, then you need to be involved and make sure they are representing you in the best possible way.
Before hiring, check references. Make sure you train your people adequately, and make sure they understand that complaints from customers and co-workers will be dealt with accordingly.
You can't risk losing business, simply because your employees are fed up, having a bad day, or simply don't care how they treat people.
Be involved in your business in every area, and make sure things are running smoothly and employees are doing their jobs properly. Don't expect others to do this for you. Successful businesses have owners who are involved!
I'm sure the majority of us have experienced this poor customer service, and yet these people seem to maintain their positions with these companies. I don't get it. Perhaps the owners and managers are unaware of their behavior, or do they just not care?
If you own a business, and you have people working under you who are the first contacts your clients or potential clients will see, then you need to be involved and make sure they are representing you in the best possible way.
Before hiring, check references. Make sure you train your people adequately, and make sure they understand that complaints from customers and co-workers will be dealt with accordingly.
You can't risk losing business, simply because your employees are fed up, having a bad day, or simply don't care how they treat people.
Be involved in your business in every area, and make sure things are running smoothly and employees are doing their jobs properly. Don't expect others to do this for you. Successful businesses have owners who are involved!
Monday, May 19, 2014
How Do You Measure Success?
Success means different things to different people. How do you measure success? Do you consider yourself successful if you make a lot of money? What about if you have a happy family? And is integrity important to you?
What makes a business successful?
I believe success equals honesty, integrity, making and keeping customers happy and quality products, as well as quality customer service. I think all of these equal success.
Yes we need sales, and we need people to purchase our products or services, or our business will more than likely fail, but if we have those without honesty and integrity, I believe we fail anyway. If we have great sales and make money without good customer service or caring about our clients, then I believe we fail, as well.
How do you measure success?
What makes a business successful?
I believe success equals honesty, integrity, making and keeping customers happy and quality products, as well as quality customer service. I think all of these equal success.
Yes we need sales, and we need people to purchase our products or services, or our business will more than likely fail, but if we have those without honesty and integrity, I believe we fail anyway. If we have great sales and make money without good customer service or caring about our clients, then I believe we fail, as well.
How do you measure success?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The Biggest Thing that Will Bring Success
What brings success to you personally and to your business?
- Hard Work
- Dedication
- Good Employees
- Top-Quality Products
- A Good Business Sense
But in my opinion, the biggest part of success is INTEGRITY! If you don't have integrity in your personal life and in your business, you are bound to fail one way or another.
Not everyone with integrity has success, but many successful people have integrity. At least the ones that last in their business.
If the public finds out you are dishonest, cheating, or putting out products that are of bad quality, they will most likely find someplace else to take their business.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Don't Give Up
I'm just stopping by today to encourage small businesses not to give up. Keep making your presence known anywhere you can.
Leave business cards at places, hand out flyers, advertise (if it's in the budget), and get social online. An online presence is just as important nowadays as an offline one.
Growing a business can be a slow process, but hard work and diligence will pay off in the end, so don't give up!
Leave business cards at places, hand out flyers, advertise (if it's in the budget), and get social online. An online presence is just as important nowadays as an offline one.
Growing a business can be a slow process, but hard work and diligence will pay off in the end, so don't give up!
Friday, May 2, 2014
What About Google+
I just read an interesting article about how many businesses, whether big or small, disregard Google+ as being important.
I know for a fact that it is important! I write for article marketing sites, and I have created many of my own websites over the years, and when shared on Google+, they rank well in Google search engines, and they get more traffic.
If you want your website noticed, start a Google+ business page, share posts on a regular basis, let people know what you offer, and watch your business grow!
I can help with any of those things, if you need me.
Here's the article I was reading:
I know for a fact that it is important! I write for article marketing sites, and I have created many of my own websites over the years, and when shared on Google+, they rank well in Google search engines, and they get more traffic.
If you want your website noticed, start a Google+ business page, share posts on a regular basis, let people know what you offer, and watch your business grow!
I can help with any of those things, if you need me.
Here's the article I was reading:
Are You Taking Google+ Seriously?
Monday, April 28, 2014
She Works Hard for the Money
Hard work usually pays off, but so does wisdom and knowledge. You can work as hard as an ox, but if you don't know what you're doing, it could all be in vain.
Do your research to find out what your customers want, what the best ways are to reach potential customers, and how to best spend your advertising/marketing money.
Seek advice and help from those who have had success in your area of expertise, and see how they do things. Many will offer help for free, and many have classes and videos you can watch for a fee.
Hard work combined with knowledge and wisdom will be your key to success!
Do your research to find out what your customers want, what the best ways are to reach potential customers, and how to best spend your advertising/marketing money.
Seek advice and help from those who have had success in your area of expertise, and see how they do things. Many will offer help for free, and many have classes and videos you can watch for a fee.
Hard work combined with knowledge and wisdom will be your key to success!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
People Power
The People Behind You Make All the Difference
Many businesses falter and even fail once their employees lose momentum, drive, trust and enthusiasm.
Are you doing everything you can to keep your people motivated and happy? If not, you should be!
If you find your business flourishing one moment and declining the next, check the attitude and work ethic of those under you. Have they lost their passion and drive for your business? If so, why? Figure out how to get them back into a position that will benefit your business, rather than hinder it.
If your employees are unhappy, that attitude will spread quickly and your business will suffer for it eventually.
Treat people right, keep them motivated and happy, and you will see your employees and your business blossom like never before!
Many businesses falter and even fail once their employees lose momentum, drive, trust and enthusiasm.
Are you doing everything you can to keep your people motivated and happy? If not, you should be!
If you find your business flourishing one moment and declining the next, check the attitude and work ethic of those under you. Have they lost their passion and drive for your business? If so, why? Figure out how to get them back into a position that will benefit your business, rather than hinder it.
If your employees are unhappy, that attitude will spread quickly and your business will suffer for it eventually.
Treat people right, keep them motivated and happy, and you will see your employees and your business blossom like never before!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Keep Your Stuff Up-to-Date
Is the information on your website and social sites up-to-date? If not, it can really make your business look bad.
Keep photos fresh and phone numbers current. If you move or change your phone number, make sure you update all your sites to reflect those changes.
Keeping your sites current and active is also good for SEO. Search engines like sites that are active and keep their content current.
If you need help with any of these things, let me know! The services I offer are found at Promoting Muskegon.
Keep photos fresh and phone numbers current. If you move or change your phone number, make sure you update all your sites to reflect those changes.
Keeping your sites current and active is also good for SEO. Search engines like sites that are active and keep their content current.
If you need help with any of these things, let me know! The services I offer are found at Promoting Muskegon.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
YouTube is Big!
YouTube Videos are Great Ways to Promote Your Business!
Many businesses today use YouTube as a means of promoting their business, and I believe that's a wise decision. YouTube is hot, and it's a great way to let others know a little about you and what your offer.
You can use photos, text and action videos to get your message out to the public.
If you are striving to brand yourself online and build a strong online presence, then YouTube is ideal for you!
I've made a few of my own Promotional Videos and would be happy to help you out, too! You provide the text and photos you want included in the video, and I will do the rest.
Here is my promotional video for my children's book...
Many businesses today use YouTube as a means of promoting their business, and I believe that's a wise decision. YouTube is hot, and it's a great way to let others know a little about you and what your offer.
You can use photos, text and action videos to get your message out to the public.
If you are striving to brand yourself online and build a strong online presence, then YouTube is ideal for you!
I've made a few of my own Promotional Videos and would be happy to help you out, too! You provide the text and photos you want included in the video, and I will do the rest.
Here is my promotional video for my children's book...
Monday, April 21, 2014
Is Your Website Enjoyable for People?
What is your website like?
Is it easy to maneuver? Does it contain pertinent information about your business, such as what you provide, hours and days of the week (if applicable), and prices?
If you have too much information on each page, it might turn the reader off. I know I like things that are simple and to the point. I like to find what I'm looking for easily, and I want the facts.
If a website is too busy or confusing, I won't stay on it for too long. I'll look elsewhere for what I need.
Keep it simple, both in looks and navigation. Make it appealing to the average reader, and provide the information people are looking for. Someone who has never heard of your business, should know what it's about by a simple and short visit to your website.
Is it easy to maneuver? Does it contain pertinent information about your business, such as what you provide, hours and days of the week (if applicable), and prices?
If you have too much information on each page, it might turn the reader off. I know I like things that are simple and to the point. I like to find what I'm looking for easily, and I want the facts.
If a website is too busy or confusing, I won't stay on it for too long. I'll look elsewhere for what I need.
Keep it simple, both in looks and navigation. Make it appealing to the average reader, and provide the information people are looking for. Someone who has never heard of your business, should know what it's about by a simple and short visit to your website.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Building a Positive Personal Brand
Is a personal brand really that important?
Yes, it is. Build a positive online reputation, gain customers' trust, and make a good name for yourself, and you can more quickly recover from any negative feedback that might arise from the rare customer here and there.
If you have a good reputation in your business, then you can regain any lost trust quicker, and keep customers coming back to do future business with you.
This "good" reputation must be real, and you must be honest, so make sure you and those who work with/for you do well at building and maintaining a good name for your business.
I found this article very interesting, and it will give you more details about building a personal brand for yourself:
Yes, it is. Build a positive online reputation, gain customers' trust, and make a good name for yourself, and you can more quickly recover from any negative feedback that might arise from the rare customer here and there.
If you have a good reputation in your business, then you can regain any lost trust quicker, and keep customers coming back to do future business with you.
This "good" reputation must be real, and you must be honest, so make sure you and those who work with/for you do well at building and maintaining a good name for your business.
I found this article very interesting, and it will give you more details about building a personal brand for yourself:
The Inbox Diaries: Video Pokes Fun at Ad Cliches, HBO Go Fails Game Of Thrones Fans, and a Personal Branding Infographic
Friday, April 18, 2014
Your Competitors Are Checking You Out
Your competitors are most likely checking you out, to see what they are up against. They are going to look for Facebook Pages, Google Plus Pages, Twitter Accounts and more.
Competitors will see how active you are online, and how others are connecting with you and the activity you are receiving.
What will they find when they search for you online? Are you known around the web, or hiding?
Read more here...
Competitors will see how active you are online, and how others are connecting with you and the activity you are receiving.
What will they find when they search for you online? Are you known around the web, or hiding?
Read more here...
Quick Tips on Gleaning Information about Your Competitors
Monday, April 14, 2014
Great Customer Service or Not?
I've seen so much poor customer service lately that it makes my heart sad. People act as if they hate their job, and everyone they have to deal with on that job. Why are they allowed to continue? I don't get it. Perhaps it's because their employer is not aware of their behavior, or they are too scared or "nice" to deal with the bad employees properly.
If you own a business, the people under you are a reflection of you. You need to make sure they are properly trained, and you need to make sure they know what you expect and are dealt with properly when they don't perform they way you expect them to perform.
Have you ever had a CS Rep or Cashier just look at you when you come up to their register? No "Hello," no "Thank you," nothing is said, and they look at you with a blank stare? I have, and it's not pretty!
I once asked a WalMart associate if she was having a bad day, because she began "barking" at me and being very mean and rude. She responded by nastily saying, "No I'm not having a bad day are you?" I should have reported her to management right then and there, and I regret not doing that. Believe me, the next time it happens, they will be reported! I'm tired of bad customer service, and you should be, too!
As a business owner, you need to make sure the customer is taken care of, and dealt with in a cordial manner. That doesn't mean they are allowed to be unreasonably mean or abusive to your employees (train employees how to deal with these situations, too), but it does mean the customers need respect and to know you appreciate their business. After all, without customers where would your business be?
If you own a business, the people under you are a reflection of you. You need to make sure they are properly trained, and you need to make sure they know what you expect and are dealt with properly when they don't perform they way you expect them to perform.
Have you ever had a CS Rep or Cashier just look at you when you come up to their register? No "Hello," no "Thank you," nothing is said, and they look at you with a blank stare? I have, and it's not pretty!
I once asked a WalMart associate if she was having a bad day, because she began "barking" at me and being very mean and rude. She responded by nastily saying, "No I'm not having a bad day are you?" I should have reported her to management right then and there, and I regret not doing that. Believe me, the next time it happens, they will be reported! I'm tired of bad customer service, and you should be, too!
As a business owner, you need to make sure the customer is taken care of, and dealt with in a cordial manner. That doesn't mean they are allowed to be unreasonably mean or abusive to your employees (train employees how to deal with these situations, too), but it does mean the customers need respect and to know you appreciate their business. After all, without customers where would your business be?
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Growing Your Business Online
I'm seeing first-hand how sharing your business online really does help it to grow.
I have a client who has an online business. It's fairly new, and she is just starting to market it heavily online, with my help.
We are sharing various pages from her website all over the web, and she is now found on page one of Google search for many keyword phrases!
For a business to succeed online and offline, it is very important to brand yourself online, and get word out there about your business.
What do you want to say to potential clients or customers?
I'm seeing first-hand how sharing your business online really does help it to grow.
I have a client who has an online business. It's fairly new, and she is just starting to market it heavily online, with my help.
We are sharing various pages from her website all over the web, and she is now found on page one of Google search for many keyword phrases!
For a business to succeed online and offline, it is very important to brand yourself online, and get word out there about your business.
What do you want to say to potential clients or customers?
What Do You Want Customers to Remember about You?
Think about your reputation. What do you want customers to think about when they hear your name?
Good customer service? Great prices? Dependability? Those are all important for any successful business.
Also keep in mind that customers today want to be able to find you easily and quickly. Most people don't use phone books anymore, but they search online for phone numbers, address and other information. At least that's what I do, and I tend to think I'm not alone on most things.
You need a strong online presence that will tell others who you are, what you offer, how they can contact you, and so on.
How do customers remember you? Do they remember that you were hard to find? Do they remember that your website information wasn't up to date? Do they remember they had to search long and hard to even find you?
Make your presence known online, and watch your business bloom!
If you would like my help, get in touch with me via my website, Promoting Muskegon.
Think about your reputation. What do you want customers to think about when they hear your name?
Good customer service? Great prices? Dependability? Those are all important for any successful business.
Also keep in mind that customers today want to be able to find you easily and quickly. Most people don't use phone books anymore, but they search online for phone numbers, address and other information. At least that's what I do, and I tend to think I'm not alone on most things.
You need a strong online presence that will tell others who you are, what you offer, how they can contact you, and so on.
How do customers remember you? Do they remember that you were hard to find? Do they remember that your website information wasn't up to date? Do they remember they had to search long and hard to even find you?
Make your presence known online, and watch your business bloom!
If you would like my help, get in touch with me via my website, Promoting Muskegon.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Social Media Shares Can Help Your Business
You can make a great name for your business by social sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest and more.
This article, The Truth About Social Signals and SEO explains the benefits of social shares by reputable people online. This helps build a customer base who will trust you more, and seek out your business for their needs.
Boost your business' credibility while building your business brand and increasing your website's signals!
Are you known? Is your business trusted?
This article, The Truth About Social Signals and SEO explains the benefits of social shares by reputable people online. This helps build a customer base who will trust you more, and seek out your business for their needs.
Boost your business' credibility while building your business brand and increasing your website's signals!
Are you known? Is your business trusted?
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Get Your Name Branded Online
Get your business name branded online. I am offering services to local businesses in Muskegon, MI at Promoting Muskegon for those who want to build a strong online presence.
However, I will gladly help promote your business outside of this area, as well, whether it's offline or online.
Message me HERE to get started.
Have you ever looked for a business online, only to find they have no website, no Facebook Page, no Twitter account and no Google+ page? I've found businesses both large and small who cannot be found online, other than in the online "yellow pages."
So lets get started today by getting your business known online and offline. People want to know more about you, and they want to be able to find you easily. Let me help you achieve success today!
However, I will gladly help promote your business outside of this area, as well, whether it's offline or online.
Message me HERE to get started.
Have you ever looked for a business online, only to find they have no website, no Facebook Page, no Twitter account and no Google+ page? I've found businesses both large and small who cannot be found online, other than in the online "yellow pages."
So lets get started today by getting your business known online and offline. People want to know more about you, and they want to be able to find you easily. Let me help you achieve success today!
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