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How to Give to the Needy Through Your Business

Tyjuana Wilson — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:57:32 +0000

Nope, I’m not referring to charitable contributions. (But yes, you should also consider giving back whenever possible.) The people in “need” that I’m writing about today, are those lost prospects and one-time customers of yours, who are on the edge, are reluctant to return your phone calls or emails, or are looking at a PayPal screen with debit card in hand, and skepticism in their hearts.

For some, the economy is still not where it should be and every penny counts. This means he or she is only interested in spending money on what they need. Well my friends, with some creativity, oh baby you, you’ve got what they neeeee-eeed!

The Coach Outlet had three purses I needed to have just the other day. I am so serious right now. We’re talking bags that will never go out of style, never call for replacing, will require little maintenance and one of the bags will put a smile on my daughter’s face when she graduates middle school next month. Yay!

So I needed to take advantage of the sale-on-top-of-a-sale sale they had. If Coach, who doesn’t even need my money in the first place, can create a need for me, then you can develop needs for shoppers, too. Here is how you can give shoppers what they need through your business:

Ask questions on top of your questions. If Product X costs more than Product Y, why? It’s not enough to answer one question and go for the kill (the sale). You must get to the heart of the matter with follow-up questions.

For example, “X costs more than Y because it includes _____. Now, when was the last time you had ______?” You’ve now launched what is known as a needs assessment, and you’re smart if you create a list of these questions to keep handy for your next prospect.

Give them the answers. We all could use help in the thinking area. Prepare a survey with multiple choice answers for prospects to choose from. If you know your business, you already know what to include as choices. Think there might be others answers you should be made aware of? Leave a blank space for “other” answers. The answers are their needs. Aha!

Embrace the complaints. Don’t be so quick to brush off complaints as “hating” or anything less than concerns. Our beloved United States is built on freedom of speech, remember? Hear out the rants, because you’re likely to discover hidden necessities. Necessity is the mother of invention.

By giving them what they need, they can’t turn you away. Their doubts will be replaced with “how do I pay” while you will feel good knowing that you’re doing more than making an extra buck. Do you know what your customers, prospects or social media followers need? If not, what steps will you take to create their needs for them?

[photo credit: smallbiztrends.com]

Tyjuana Wilson

Tyjuana Wilson is a freelance writer, copywriter and consultant who provides to small business owners: articles, press releases, website/blog content, newsletter copy, and more. More importantly, she is also watching her 14-year-old diva, Tyra, grow before her eyes. Click here and check out her e-book, “What to blog about...” for free.

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How to Fearlessly Create Free Products to Give Away, Generate Leads and Build a Responsive Email List

How to Get in Front of The “Right” People for Less Than $100s

Tyjuana Wilson — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:55 +0000

I’ve only been freelancing, officially, since last year. For years I have been known as the go-to gal for writing, from bosses who’d let me edit a letter or design a newsletter — in which I could only work on “when I’m not working”, to family members who needed, shall we say, assistance with their college papers.

I had always wanted to be a writer, but always needed a “job”, so I focused on working. It was safe and secure. Are you laughing, too?

When I relocated to Charlotte in March 2011(which is a story in itself!) I gave my life a complete overhaul. Going natural was the second thing I did. For the first, sorry, but you’ll have to wait for my book, which will be released by year’s end. But I will say that the move prompted me to give freelance writing a try, whether I would have to return to working a regular job, or not. Now before I moved south, I knew that getting in front of the right person would be the key to landing a job. In between packing clothes, shoes and hair (I was the weave queen until I went natural) I’d spend hours online sending my resume and cover letter to everyone, to no avail. Still, I trusted God, filled my gas tank and bee-lined it through I-95 anyway.

Here I am today, with several few clients waiting for work.

How on earth am I now receiving pay, to write in a Starbucks, with house music oozing from my earphones, or in my bed with Lifetime movies playing in the background? Keep reading. And I did it without spending $100′s. (note: moving costs don’t count, since you shouldn’t have to move to do this, unless you live on Bouvet Island, the most remote island in the world!) Here’s how:

Get away from the wrong people. Price: free. It’s not enough to surround yourself among the positive of the positive. The most common form of negativity, hate, comes out of the mouths of the wrong people. Identify them and remove yourself. Do not pass go. If you cannot move permanently from under their clouds of gray, try this: I’m really swamped with (the kids/work/watching paint dry) right now. This statement should work to eliminate the nosy, gossiping, nay-saying gnats for a substantial amount of time.

Get a WordPress blog, and your own dot com. Price: varies, but definitely not $100s. WordPress has countless free templates which allows you to compete (read: hang out) with the giants. Additionally, the platform gets great exposure online with it’s ability to accept your keywords in a variety of ways. I’ve found that Google is in love with WordPress. Tamyka can explain why, much better than I will ever try.

Give something away, selectively. Price: free, unless you choose to pay someone to help with the gift creation. Before you invite every Tom, Dick and Leroy to grab your freebie, ask yourself how many friends or followers do they even have. You’ll want to selectively share your gifts with popular people, those who will spread the word throughout their network. Someone tweeted my free blogging e-book offer to over 50,000 followers. I’ve just been exposed to thousands, all over the globe.
* blushing *

When meeting, plan short, under 30-minute phone calls. Price: free, if using Skype or if you have a mobile to mobile plan. Reach more people, and eventually the “right” person, by cutting down your meet and greets. You’re not only reaching more prospects and saving money with a shortened phone conversation, but think about your precious time. Do you really need to email, so that you can text, pick up the phone, decide on a lunch date, find the restaurant, wait on someone, eat, and meet? Nope.

Quit looking for Oprah. Price: varies, depends on the event, opportunity, etc. Still doable on the cheap. Everyone is familiar with the Oprah effect. Even though the talk show no longer fills our late afternoons with raving reviews of authors and Spanx, the effect is still there if you can get to her. Sadly, most of us never will meet her, fact. Meanwhile, there are influential people in your own backyard or social network just waiting to hear your ideas. Again, someone with over 50,000 Twitter followers isn’t shabby to me at all. To me, she is a “right” person. You’re likely to already know several right people, like office executives, thriving business owners, and pastors. Think about it: Oprah didn’t have an Oprah to get in front of.

I promise, I don’t remember spending $100′s on seminars/coaching/books/conventions in order to get to the “right” people. It’s reached a point now where my work precedes me. I get “Oh, you’re Ty!” quite often these days. Just received another copy-writing job this morning, on LinkedIn. My first Aussie client, and my second job from him. G’day, mates!

Tyjuana Wilson

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Why Being the Best in Business is Overrated

Tyjuana Wilson — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:18 +0000

Thank goodness my mom still loves me in spite of myself, and my failure to be the best at anything. And yes, even as a highly sought-after writer, I can easily list a number of better writers, counting with both hands and a foot. Anyway, like other doting parents, my mom has always wanted the best for my siblings and me. The best education. The best job. The best spouse.

Well, perhaps she’s giving up on the best husband for me. It is what it is.

Molly Fletchter, author of The Business of Being the Best: Inside the World of Go Getters and Game Changers writes, “The best never stop striving for something far greater than the goals they have already reached.” Whoa, Nelly; that’s a mouthful. According to this statement, to me, being numero uno means sleepless nights and constant worry. As a former B-student who has gotten by in life thus far, with two college degrees, a laptop, a Coke and a smile, I’ll pass on Ms. Fletcher’s definition, thanks. Here are three reasons why being the best, could possibly bring out the worst in us:

Your best gets unnoticed most of the time.

The best pole dancer speaks volumes in the gentleman’s club, and means absolutely nothing at a women empowerment luncheon. In other words, being the best in any field of work is only as good as the field you’re in. Outside of your chosen industry, you’re just like everyone else. Do you feel any worse because of this fact? Of course not. Would you stop striving to be who you are designed to be? I hope not.

Too little focus on what’s important.

Tiger Woods was the golf professional of all golf professionals. He not only raised the bar, he eventually purchased his own. But while he was busy perfecting his golf gift, he neglected other aspects of his life. Anyone with basic cable already knows what I’m referring to.

There is always someone better than you.

Think about the transition from high school to college, or from college to full-time work. For many of us, there was always someone better waiting in the wings. Someone waiting to remind us who’s the boss, or the bigger sorority sister. Still we pressed on, survived, and now look at us!

I would never discourage you from being what God has created you to be. Nobody has a right to do that. But we have to get to a point when we have done all we can, and just stand, as Donnie McClurkin once sang. So stand proud, knowing you’ve excelled at many things and will accomplish much more soon enough. Do you struggle with being the best?

Tyjuana Wilson

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Keeping on Track with Your Business Goals

CEOMamma — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:45:11 +0000

It’s not unusual for us to start a new year off with a ton of motivation, high hopes and big goals for our business. Then before we know it, a new quarter is here and many of us start to wonder…where did the time go?

We look back over the past 3 months and start to realize how far away we have drifted from our most highest priority goals. Did this happen to you this year?

If so, know that it happens to the best of us and it is not to late to get back on track! Here are a few tips Finance Coach & Consultant – Antonina Geer, suggests to help you reassess and get back on track with your income goals:

1.) Take note of your total sales and costs for the Quarter – which month produced the most income and profit?

2.) Are you on track to meeting your financial abundance plan (budget) and other business goals?

3.) Were there any financial surprises (opportunities or risks)?

4.) Did you make a profit in Q1? If so keep track and let your CPA know as the IRS will base your quarterly tax payment on that number.

5.) Project the remainder of the year based on Q1 results and what you have in the pipeline (those sales, costs, projects that you are aware of that will happen in future months).

6.) Think hard before following the crowd and discounting your products for “End Q1 sales” in an effort to hastily meet your first quarter goals. Discounting could negatively affect profitability and cash flow for future months

7.) Based on the story that your numbers tell you, keep an eye out for hidden opportunities and create a plan for creating services & products around those opportunities.

As a new business owner just starting out or building a business online, it can be a challenge to stay on top of your business goals, especially if you are a solo-preneur managing on your own.

It can be too easy sometimes to become distracted and lose focus but there are resources and help available, should you need support and direction.

My Inner Circle Mentor Club is a great place to start to receive encouragement and support through regular motivation and empowerment, experience growth by guidance and accountability, gain valuable knowledge and effective skills and have access to recommended business building tools and resources.

Our focus is on helping you create freedom in your business through personal development, mindset and marketing while teaching you the skills you need to run a profitable business.

To learn more about my Inner Circle Mentor Club, visit here today!

CEOMamma

Tamyka Washington is a wife, mother to six, Founder/CEO of TheCEOMamma Network, marketing strategist, coach and mentor. Tamyka empowers new and seasoned women entrepreneurs to business breakthrough by blending powerful attraction marketing methods with effective social media strategies to establish a CREDIBLE brand and profitable freedom based business online. Visit here website below, to learn more:

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Why You Must Dismiss the Naysayers

CEOMamma — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:12:51 +0000

Photo Credit: www.lenonhonor.com

That’s an easy answer, you must dismiss the naysayers simply because they are negative. Cut them out, let them loose, do whatever you have to do to remove them from your space.

It sounds easy, right?

So, what do you do when ignoring them can be a challenge because those naysayers just so happen to be family members? The dynamics may have to change a bit.

Here are a few tips to help you dismiss the negative naysayers in your life

Recognize it for what it is. Often times, people may say hurtful things without realizing that in fact, their words do hurt. Other times it is simply a matter of ignorance or lack of understanding. For instance, think about when you first told your close family member you were starting a business and they responded in a negative way.

Maybe they tried to dismiss what you were saying or tell you it wasn’t something you should do. Even if they responded in an unsupportive way…you have to see it for what it is so you can move past it.

Some people are just naturally negative about everything
Some people are afraid to do what they truly want to do
Some people simply don’t understand entrepreneurship

Whatever the case may be in your situation, recognize it for what it is so you can dismiss it.

Know your limits. Let’s be real for a minute, we all know that person who is NOT going to support our vision and our dream no matter what it is. So, don’t set yourself up for hurt by getting caught up in your excitement and wanting to share your goals and ambitions with that person.

*NEWS FLASH*, some people are just not going to be happy for you or care about what you are doing. Leave them be, establish your personal boundaries and keep your plans to yourself and find someone else to share with.

Upgrade your circle of influence. We can’t choose who our family is and sometimes we are born into a family that stands firm in a particular way of thinking. As we grow into our own selves and begin to discover who we are, some of us begin to change and adopt a different way of thinking or being.

Unfortunately, as we choose our own path for our lives, sometimes family members may not understand why we are trying to be so different and silently feel offended by our actions. Their attitudes towards us, however intentional or not, can begin to hinder our growth if we allow it to absorb our minds.

If this is the case, and as hard as it may be for some…you have got to learn to separate yourself in order to live your life the way you intend too. You may not realize how the most significant influencers in your life are family. Whether we realize it or not, their thoughts and opinions of us, do affect the choices we make.

You must make a decision

If you want to live a fulfilled life, pursuing your passion and purpose, understand the decision is yours. You have to upgrade your circle of influence, surround yourself with people who will support you instead of judge you.

It’s okay to Do You!

What did you think about this post? Share your comments:

CEOMamma

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Making Money from Your Blog through Affiliate Marketing

Sharon Fiberesima — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:00:01 +0000

Most blog owners dream about how they can earn money from their blogs without having to sell their souls in the process.

You’ve spent a lot of time crafting fine blog posts; posting on social media and generally doing all you can to make sure that as many people read your really helpful blog content. Steadily, you’ve watched your blog traffic increase as more people discover your blog. Your readers begin to interact with you by leaving comments and sending you mails thanking you for one post or for a resource you’ve recommended.

Although you were satisfied with this level of interaction, after a while, you started wondering how to successfully make money from your blog without losing focus of why you started the blog.

Making Money from Your Blog

If you ask 10 successful bloggers how they make money from their blogs, you will probably get 10 different answers. There is really no good or bad way; it’s just that not every method is a good fit for you or for your blog.

One method that seems to be quite popular among some bloggers is product reviews. They receive free products in exchange for positive reviews. While this might be okay for some bloggers, you might not be particularly comfortable with this method of making money. And that’s fine.

And even if you’re okay with product reviews in theory, it might not be right for your blog especially if yours is a business blog.

So how can you make money from your blog without compromising your conscience or bringing down the value of your blog?

Two words: Affiliate marketing.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Simply, this is selling someone else’s product or service for a commission. Almost all pro bloggers incorporate some form of affiliate marketing or the other. At the very least, you’ll see some links to Amazon.com products; these are Amazon Associate links – the affiliate program for the Online store.

So, Why Affiliate Marketing?

Well, there are several reasons why you might want to consider affiliate marketing as your method of monetizing your blog.

1. You don’t have to create your own product. Some blog owners prefer to create their own information products and a lot of work goes into product creation but that’s a topic for a different blog post.

2. You have a choice on the products you want to promote and can pick products that compliment your niche. This is really important if you offer a service or a product for sale; you don’t want to promote a competing product or service, however you need to offer relevant value to your audience.

3. You make money on every person you recommend who makes a purchase. This is why affiliate marketing is often referred to as passive income because most times you place your affiliate link on your blog and go about doing your own thing while readers click on that link even when you’re asleep. However, it doesn’t always work that way. You need to put in some effort before your income from affiliate marketing becomes ‘passive.’

4. You add value to your readers. If you have a wedding blog for instance, you could promote a book on wedding flower designs. Most of your readers would be brides or those planning a wedding – at least that’s what we hope. When they come to read your tips, they might be interested in an eBook on wedding flowers.

Let’s narrow it down a little.

If your blog is about budget weddings, it is highly likely that your target audience would be interested in DIY wedding flowers.

Where to Find Products to Promote

Okay, so you’ve thought about affiliate marketing for your blog and you’re maybe thinking it might be a good fit. But how do you find products to promote on your blog?

Below is a list of places where you can find affiliate products to promote:

Amazon.com
Clickbank.com
Pepperjam.com
Commission Junction
Paydotcom

There are several others but these are the more popular ones.

Affiliate marketing is something I really recommend if you are looking for how to monetize your blog. There are right and wrong ways to do that but I’ll save that for another post. If you like, you could read my thoughts on affiliate marketing.

Sharon Fiberesima

Sharon Fiberesima is a mom to a sweet 5 month old boy and a precocious 2 year old girl. She lives on caffeine and blogs about her journey as an online entrepreneur. Passionate about helping others succeed, she teaches and encourages. Learn more about internet marketing by clicking this link.

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2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Regina Lewis

CEOMamma — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:48 +0000

Full Name: Regina Lewis

Company Name: Red House Consulting

Position: CEO & Owner

Website/Blog: www.IWantToWorkFromHomeToday.com

Year Founded: 2007

Tell us about yourself and your business: My name is Regina Lewis, CEO of Red House Consulting. Initially my business provided solely virtual assistant services to solo entrepreneurs. However, I have recently added services to include social media management.

What inspired you to start a business? In 2007, I was a single mom with 3 boys and I was working outside of the home. We were living in a cramped apartment and I was struggling financially and physically. I was up at 5am each day, dropping my boys off at daycare, rushing to work, working all day, picking up the boys and rushing back home. I was having babysitting issues and the boys’ behavior was becoming a bit much. It was time to make a change. I went on a leap of faith and turned in my resignation to my supervisor. She refused it and suggested I work from home. I have not looked back since.

What is your favorite quote or saying? “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow.”

What is one business goal for this year? My one business goal is to launch The Work from Home Classroom.

What would you say contributes to your success? Treating others the way I want to be treated, putting myself into the shoes of my client, seeing things from their point of view. Effective networking is paramount. A positive online presence is key. Share and comment and don’t just put out links, expecting immediate results. Develop an online rapport and come across as a caring individual.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? The advice I have for new and aspiring entrepreneurs is to provide the best service possible. It may take some time to realize a profit so patience is critical. Treat your clients and employees as you would want to treated. Have a passion for your business. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and be prepared to eliminate negativity from your life. Above all, believe in yourself!

Are there any projects you are currently working on? My passion is to help others work from home so after lots of prayer, I am launching The Work from Home Classroom. The class will consist of 13 weeks of lessons and teleconferences. I also send out weekly job listings to those who sign up on the mailing list (http://IWantToWorkFromHomeToday.com). The class is an Approved Partner Program of the WAHMs WIN/CEO Mamma Network. I am very excited to offer this course!

How can people connect with you online?
I am on Twitter at wfhclassroom
You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Work-From-Home-Classroom/333407103366481
My LinkedIn profile is: linkedin.com/in/redhouseconsulting

CEOMamma

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Business Need a Boost? 5 Steps to Impact in a Crowded Niche

Andrea Bolder — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:00:44 +0000

We all want our businesses to grow and to be profitable. I know I do. But when you are one among many and a newbie among vets, getting seen and heard is more than a notion.

It is getting more and more difficult to make an impact online, particularly in industries that are saturated with tons of quality content and top notch entrepreneurs.

But it never fails – a few online marketers bust onto the scene, claiming their spots amongst the greats while establishing themselves as an authority to be reckoned with.

How do they do it? How can a novice – with no special skills or super human powers – rise to the top so quickly?

There are a few key traits that all successful entrepreneurs possess that have given them that extra “secret sauce” to make an impact and build a large audience in no time flat.

1. No Holds Barred

You’ll find this holds true over and over again with successful people. They are not bound by restrictions or limitations. They play the game by their own rules and simply do more (much more) of what everyone else thinks that they should be doing to create a successful business.

You have to be relentless, you have to play harder and tougher than anyone else and you have to be committed to getting things done.

That means writing 2-3 blog posts a week, attending meetups for 3 nights straight, connecting with 25 influencers a month. If it means bringing in more clients they’ll find a way to do it. You might need to pull an all-nighter to get your project finished on time. You may have to give more of yourself without an immediate return because that is what is going to bring success.

2. Overpromise but always Overdeliver

There is an old adage – you get what you pay for. Well in a society where fluff and hype run rampant, people are surprisingly refreshed when they pay for something that not only lives up to their expectation, but exceeds it.

Before you put out a piece of content, create a new product or simply right a status update on Facebook, ask yourself…is what I’m putting out of value to someone else. If the answer is no, don’t write it, don’t make it, don’t post it.

As an industry leader you have to please your audience in a way that no one else can. You must find ways to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your industry and the only way that happens is if you know you stuff and you deliver it on a silver platter.

It’s your job to constantly raise the bar.

3. Be A Teacher First

When you can transition from being the student to the teacher, finding ways to articulate solutions in a way that your audience connects with, there is a great chance you’ll find success.

The ability to help others solve their problems in a way that is easy for them to understand is an undervalued gift.

You must be detailed and meticulous when you teach – put yourself in the shoes of your inexperienced students. How would you like someone to teach you?

Taking techniques, applications, practices and strategies, breaking them down in such a way that anyone can understand is the mark of a great teacher.

4. Don’t be a Jack of all Trades

Know what you’re good at and what you need to leave alone. A mark of a successful marketer is that are not known for being a master of many. Define your passion, find your purpose and aggressively pursue your niche without distraction.

I’ve talked about this over and over again to my students.

A “jack of all trades, is a master of none”.

Once I determined what I was passionate about – I was able to run my business with laser focus. No longer was I distracted by hype, the next “big opportunity” or the “shiny things” others had or where buying.

If it didn’t fit into my overall message or success map, I did not pursue it.

5. Engage, Inform, Entertain

The problem with many marketers and business owners is that they do not know how to draw an audience. It doesn’t matter how much you know if no one ever reads your content.

It’s important to understand how to attract people to you, how to pique the interest of your target audience in a way that will not only grab their attention but hold it until you are done sharing your message.

Take the time to craft hypnotic headlines. Spend an extra few minutes engaging your fans and followers on the social media networks. Do a little more than the norm –vanilla is great on a cone, but it doesn’t work when it comes to marketing your business and brand. Make a statement, be bold, stand out, go against the grain – but most importantly be you!

Understand that progress is on purpose and once you know how to relentlessly harness your strengths and share it with other people in a way that is beneficial you will be at the top of your niche in no time!

Andrea Bolder

Author and visionary of the popular blog Marketing.Mindset.Money, Andrea Bolder, a former professional athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist, shares insight and step-by-step strategies that show solo-entrepreneurs and small business owners exactly how to build a successful business leveraging the power of social media.

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How to Outsource Your Social Media Marketing

Andrea Bolder — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:40 +0000

One of the most common questions I get from busy entrepreneurs – who are not only trying to build a successful business but may be working a job, balancing baby, kids and a husband all at the same time – is how do I find someone to do my social media marketing for me?

Many will agree that there are just not enough hours in the days to get everything done and as an entrepreneur building what will hopefully be a thriving business – you will one day come to the realization that “I just can’t do this alone.”

So how do you outsource your social media marketing?

While I understand fully that you can hand off your social media marketing tasks to anyone who has a computer and an internet connection, I am going to take a stance that may be a little bit controversial here.

I do not suggest you outsource your social media marketing?

Why?

What makes social media so powerful for small business owners and solopreneurs is that you get to connect with potential customers, clients and partners in a way that showcases your authentic self.

People come to know, like and trust your business by way of knowing, liking and trusting you first!

Your voice, your message, how you articulate and communicate with others through social media is unique. It is not something that can be replaced or easily swapped out by some virtual assistant who may not know anything about your personality, your style your products or your services.

Easing the Burden With Automation Tools

There are a number of tools and strategies you can implement to streamline your social media activities – ensuring you are getting the most out of your online marketing time.

Use tools like Hootsuite, Socialoomph and Social Plum – many which are free by the way – to but your social media content on autopilot. Pre-schedule status updates to Facebook, tweets to Linkedin and posts to LinkedIn.

Take 30 minutes, one day a week, to map out your content distribution schedule.

You will find that you’ll be able to promote your products, services and content without ever logging in to your social media accounts.

While you will have to take time to engage on social media – you have to be present on social media to build a following – implementing these simple, easy to use automation tools can cut down the time you spend on your overall social media marketing routine by 20-30 minutes a day.

When outsourcing is the only option.

If you just can’t get around hiring someone to take care of your social media needs, here are a few things to consider.

Think, Who Can Be Me?

Or at least who knows me the best?

It definitely isn’t going to be some virtual assistant you’ve never met before, who is unfamiliar with your personal style or company culture.

If you have to outsource, consider hiring a member from your company who knows your products or services and what your business is all about.

Consider a family member or friend who has insight to your personality and is good at communicating.

Communication is key when it comes to social media and it’s important to outsource your tasks to someone who can communicate your overall message first, not necessarily trying to find someone who is “techie”.

The technical aspects of navigating social media can be taught, but remember no one can represent you and your company better than you!

While outsourcing can be great in saving you time, think about what you might lose by not allowing your clients and customers to connect with the true voice behind your brand.

Andrea Bolder

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2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Felicia N. Bennett

CEOMamma — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:12 +0000

Full Name: Felicia N. Bennett

Company Name: Higher Heights Travel Agency

Position: Owner

Website/Blog: (Launching Soon)

Year Founded: 2011

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a business entrepreneur who loves to travel. I hold a BBA degree from Jacksonville University in Management with a minor in Marketing. I’m married with a teenage son who graduates this year and will be attending college in the fall.

I’m a Full Service Travel Agency, specializing in Cruises, Land Vacations, All Inclusive Vacations, Honeymoons, Destination Getaways, Team Builders, Girlfriend Retreats, Las Vegas Parties, and School Trips with availability to concierge services.

What inspired you to start a business? From a very early age, I’ve always researched and planned vacations for myself, family and friends. I was told by many people I have a vibrant personality and the people skills to start my own business.

In addition to me having a management degree, I’m also a certified life coach who has shown other women how to position themselves in life to go after their dreams and not just exist in life but to start living. I wasn’t taking my own advice. After much thought and entrepreneurial spirit I decided to start my own business.

What is your favorite quote or saying? “It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish”

What is one business goal for this year? To connect with Fortune 500 organizations and be there premiere travel agency for all their corporate group trips and meetings.

What would you say contributes to your success? Networking has been very beneficial for me. Also, my professionalism, genuineness and warmness toward others seeking advice and learning about different travel destinations. I keep the lines of communications open with all of my clients and go above and beyond to keep the repeat client.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Don’t give up on your dreams to be your own boss. Position yourself around positive like-minded individuals who will support you in your dreams.

Also, learn as much as you can about the business so you will be well versed when speaking with potential clients. Having a mentor that is willing to support and guide you is also a great help to guide you through the process.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? Yes; Honeymoon Vacations, Family and Friends Cruises, Family Reunion Trips and Business Group Trips.

How can people connect with you online?

http://www.facebook.com/HigherHeightsTA
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/felicia-bennett/13/b35/b60
Email: Felicia.n..bennett@gmail.com or (904) 472-9245 (Office)

CEOMamma

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