Getting Started with Social Media – A Small Business Checklist

One thing I've learned from my work with clients and my presentations to thousands of audience members in dozens of industries, is that most small business are just getting started with social media. And their concerns with using it cover a range of challenges, with an equal number of associated emotions.  Mostly, they want to […]

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Illuminate the Unknown with Social Media

One of the challenges with many buying decisions is the fear of making a poor choice.  This was especially true prior to the Internet. However, even today you can search the Web and still not find the honest information you need to make your best decision.   This is an opportunity for any small business.  […]

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Lighten Up Your Social Media Life

There is an emerging trend on the social networks to lighten up or simplify your approach, methods, and even your content.  One very plausible reason for this is to be consitent with the times. This economy is teaching us to be efficient.  This means developing more sustainable methods in all that you do, including social […]

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Beta Your Small Business Innovations

One of the trends that has emerged in recent years is the concept of beta testing new product and service developments before they are ready for prime time.  Software and technology companies in particular focus on intensive development efforts in order to release their latest technologies on a timely basis. You can do the same. […]

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High School Reunions – The Ultimate Social Meet-Up

This past weekend I attended my high school reunion.  Naturally, the conversation often drifted to Facebook – who is using it and those that still refuse to embrace this social platform. I walked away from this experience realizing that high school reunions may well be the model for social community meet-ups. Social Meet-Ups If you […]

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Social Engagement Works

We all know that engagement is the key to success with social media.  Now consider translating that to your work off of the social networks. This year I selected three words as reminders for driving my business.  These three words are:  Strong, People, and Energy. What I have discovered is that taking a little more […]

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Social Media Emotions

Given that social media networking and marketing is largely a human experience, it is logical that one can use it to tap into those common human emotions that we all share, which naturally includes needs and wants, and everything that is associated with them. Next week I'll be presenting a social media program to an […]

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Small Business Lessons from the BP Flap

Click image to enlarge. The fiasco involving British Petroleum's response to the unfortunate oil rig accident – and the catastrophic environmental impact that followed, is a case study that all of us can learn from.  And we should learn from it, because accidents can and do occur every day in many different industries – involving […]

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You Cannot Be a Little Bit Social

Does social media take an investment in time?  Absolutely.  I am often asked how much time is required.  The answer I would like to give is …as much as you can give it.  Though I know that's not what most people want to hear. What Do You Really Want to Know? The truth is if […]

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The Social Media Convergence Strategy

If you are going to achieve results for your small business with your social media networking and marketing, there is one thing that you have know. This is not a linear game where you can expect results by following a predictable formula.  Nevertheless, there is some predictability in its apparent randomness that you can take […]

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