Posted By Amanda Collins on December 31, 2011

From December 26th to January 15, we typically start to think about our New Year’s resolutions. We’ll lose weight, eat better, exercise more, spend more time with family and friends, be more focused on our business…. Everything we resolve becomes an exercise in reflection and often helps us to get on the right path. But what if you could go one step farther?

Cruising through my Facebook wall the other day, I saw that a friend mentioned reading his 2011 letter to the universe, noting that he had received everything he had requested, albeit not always in the way he expected. That got me thinking: Why not write a New Year’s letter to yourself? It’s a great way to get in the right mindset to achieve excellence, and it will serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come when you reflect back on it next year.

Last year, I created a series of 3×5 cards with daily affirmations: I’m a great friend, I am loving, etc. This year, however, I’m going to follow my friend’s lead and create a letter to myself. Whether you believe in a higher power, the universal law, or just your ability to have a say in how your life progresses, there are some basic guidelines when writing out these kinds of things:

Write it in present tense.
This isn’t a planning exercise; this is an “I am” exercise. Write your letter as if what you are saying is happening now. There is much more power in “I weigh 120 pounds” than there is in “I will lose 15 pounds in 2012.”

Be specific.
I know a writer friend who believes in the Law of Attraction, and when looking to attract a man into her life, she wrote on her affirmation list: “I am dating a man who is rich.” She got him alright: a penniless, car-less, unemployed man with the NAME Rich. She got what she said she wanted because she wasn’t specific. Reread your list looking for loopholes. If there are any, clear up your language.

Write it in longhand.
This is a tough one for me because I type much faster than I write, but there’s something to be said for the power in putting pen to paper. Draft it up first, if you need to (especially to work out the kinks), but then copy it on a sheet of paper with your own hand. This is a similar exercise to writing down what you need at the grocery store on a scrap paper. You always tend to remember handwritten notes better than those you keep in your head.

Be thorough.
Just as you should be specific, you should look at your life as a whole. Is this the year in which you’ll kick up your business to the next echelon? Will you buy that second home you’ve been wanting? Will you complete a new degree or certification? Don’t silo your life into just work or just personal; look at the whole package. You are a complete person with different goals, and you never know how they’ll overlap.

Be open to the results.
By nature, I’m a positive cynic. I don’t believe in much mysticism, but I figure it can’t hurt either. My house has some feng shui components because it’s a better way to decorate and organize. I follow Law of Attraction because I would rather think positive thoughts than negative ones. And because of my willingness to receive, things appear. That’s the approach you should take as well.

There’s a story about a man who is in a flood and lets a number of saving devices pass him by, asserting that his god will save him. When he shockingly dies, he is upset with his god, but upon meeting him is reminded that many people and devices were sent to save him. Don’t mistake a golden opportunity because it doesn’t present itself exactly as you thought it might.

Be grateful.
No matter what you have or don’t have, be thankful for it. I don’t have an abundance in the bank, but I have what I need, including a wonderful son and supportive friends. Focus on the positive results and you’ll soon see that you probably already have everything you’ve ever wanted, so you’re just opening yourself to have more in 2012!

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Posted By Amanda Collins on December 5, 2011

When you head to a networking event, what is your goal? Quarterly, NetworkingPhoenix.com holds Signature Events, where 1,000-2,000 people converge on an area resort’s ballroom to mix and mingle. It is definitely THE place to see and be seen if you’re a business owner or looking to generate more leads, but so few people know how to maximize their attendance.

At each of the past four events I attended, I have generated at least one great contact: One bought a résumé the next day, one became a good friend, one became both a friend and a business collaborator, and at this last event, I met two potential clients through an existing client who talked me up. My time is well spent if I just get one wonderful client or connection; I don’t have to sell to everyone in the room. And that’s where many people seem to be missing the idea.

Although I certainly meet a number of people at these events, my goal is never to sell anything—at least not right then. Naturally, new connections will ask what I do, and I tell them: “I help small businesses get in front of—and stay in front of—their target markets through concise, effective content marketing.” If they ask more, I share a bit more. Sometimes, it’s good to be next to someone who knows what I do, because he or she will often elaborate on my short answer by giving me an instant testimonial. At the latest event, I was with a current client, who shared,” Amanda does all of our marketing, including social media, blogs, and writing awards. Without any SEO, we come up first when you type in anything about our industry, and we are consistently at the top of Ranking Arizona.”

What a great testimonial! If I heard that about someone, I would want to learn more for sure. It’s a great idea to approach any event with a buddy, preferably a client. In this case, I know so much about that client, that I could give a reciprocal testimonial, which perked up the ears of new folks.

So, when it’s time to head to your next large networking event, remember that you just need to meet one good person. Introduce yourself to a bunch, but hone in on one or two that look like they could be potentials. Have good conversations and, for goodness sake, don’t try to sell anything. In the end, you’ll likely find that you’ll make a lot more than just some quick cash.

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Tags: building relationships, Business Development, networking

Posted By Amanda Collins on October 25, 2011

Do you remember when social media really caught on? At that point, we often spoke in third person, leading with the name and starting the sentence from there: “Amanda Collins is getting ready for a trip to Europe.” Since then, however, we’ve taken first-person ownership of our posts and really found a voice in social media updates. Well, at least most of us have.

One of the most important components about social media status updates that many people forget is that they are social. The goal is to engage your audience in conversation and get them excited about what you’re saying. If you’re only saying something about what you’re doing—and in third person, no less—you won’t have much engagement.

Social media, whether Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Google+, should spark a conversation. Try a picture, a link, or a question. Tap into what’s happening in the news. If you think of social media updates as part of your complete marketing and media relations campaign, you may find that you’re more likely to think about them in a broader sense. You wouldn’t just put out a press release to say that you showed up for work on time; instead, you’d share something that would capture an editor’s eye. Take the same approach with your social media.

Of course, sometimes it is good to show that you’re human and let people know what you’re doing. You may find some commonalities with the fact that you share the same favorite restaurant or are at the same event. Just don’t let that be your driving message.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on September 2, 2011

Earlier this week, I attended the Networking Phoenix Signature Event. Roughly 2,000 business professionals and job seekers filled a ballroom at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale for this quarterly networking mixer. It was 113 degrees outside (thankfully not that warm inside!) and the heat must have clouded the attitude of many attendees because the energy was a bit different than at previous events.

The danger at an event like this is that too many people walk in with dollar signs in their eyes. Thank goodness for Dave Sherman, who has been on the local speaking circuit for years training networkers on the proper etiquette needed to maneuver a mixer. He launched the Signature Event with his trademark Networking 101, imploring attendees to strike up conversations and begin to build relationships rather than walk up to people card extended, hoping to receive a payment on the spot. Still, there will always be a few who miss the message altogether.

The best example of what not to do came courtesy of a pet-sitting professional. In the midst of a three-way conversation, this woman busted in and started her spiel. I’ll admit I don’t listen much once someone starts trying to sell me something, but she was talking about how she cares for pets in their own homes and managed to hand a card to the other two folks in the group (I kept my mouth shut, although I do have a cat and dog). As she walked away, one of my colleagues said, “I forgot how rude people can be.”

I’m thinking that the next time this happens to me, I need to completely turn the tables. “Sure, I have pets, but do you know a better way to get your message out? I can write your brochures, website content, and even articles to position you as the industry expert.” I have heard friends who’ve successfully done this on the phone when being cold-called, so maybe it will work in person as well. Get out those checkbooks, you bad networkers! I’m coming for you!

Category: Business Development, Communications | 1 Comment »
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Posted By Amanda Collins on August 9, 2011

Remember when your mom made spaghetti for dinner, and to test if it was done, she’d throw it at the wall to see if it would stick? If it stuck, it was done and ready to be served. These days, it seems like many companies are using the same strategy when it comes to their marketing initiatives: they just keep throwing things at the wall to see what sticks.

If you have an unlimited budget and just want to spend money like it’s water, you can stop reading now. However, if you’re like most of us and you need to watch every penny you spend and track ROI, read on.

Strategy should drive everything you do. While there will inevitably be some things you’ll hope will work and you’ll try them to see, be sure you have some kind of strategy before you move forward. That should start with knowing your target market. So many times, I speak with clients who have no idea who their target market is—and then they can’t understand why they don’t get a return on their efforts. Once you know your target, figure out where they are. If you’re looking for office fronts in a small town, social media won’t reach them. However, if you want to reach small-business owners, blogs and Twitter can be great outlets.

Then figure out what you’ll do first, second, third, and so on. How many “touches” do your clients need? What kind of drip system will you build? Will you only use social media or will you incorporate phone calls, mailings, and newsletters as well? What’s your budget for this endeavor? What is your ultimate goal? As you can see, there are many questions you need to ask yourself before you build your plan…and you need a plan before you start your efforts.

If you’re not quite sure how to create your own marketing-communications plan, we can help. Contact us to set up a strategy session. You don’t know what you don’t know—and without that strategy, you might only end up with a bowl of pasta.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on June 30, 2011

Often times, people get good ideas to start a business and just go forth full tilt. This can happen more frequently in a down economy, when jobs are scarce, especially if your business idea takes little to no start-up capital. But just creating a company doesn’t necessarily mean anyone will want to do business with you.

I saw this recently with a prospective client who had a decent idea but no traction or strategy to it. He just got an idea and decided to create a business around it. He then considered using social media and perhaps some SEO to promote it, but he didn’t have the idea fleshed out yet. When I asked him what the mission was and who he was targeting, he couldn’t answer. The fundamentals of business success were missing.

That’s not to say that a great idea can’t become a great business. It happens all the time. And you don’t have to wait years to cement your business and marketing plan before you can let it go. But you do need to have something in place. A building is rarely successfully completed without a plan, and you should look at your success in the same way.

Some ways to test if your business idea is viable:

• Be prepared to tell people in 15-30 seconds how you can help them. If you can’t sum it up that quickly, you probably aren’t quite sure what you do.
• Know your target market. Without a goal of whom you need to reach, how will you know if/when you’ve succeeded?
• How will you monetize it, both now and in the long term? Some really great ideas remain ethereal because there’s no way to make money with them.

For more on the nuts and bolts of business viability, you may want to look at these six points to consider.

Whether you are just considering starting something or you’ve been in business for years, it’s always a good idea to review your business in terms of the current market. Remember, it’s a living entity, so keep it fed with new energy.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on May 28, 2011

I’ve been talking to a lot of people lately about the power of the blog. Thankfully, some understand how important it is to get yourself out there and talk up the fact that you’re an expert in your industry. But some wonder, “Now that I’ve blogged, do I have to go to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to post them all up there?” NO! There is a much easier answer. If your blog is on WordPress (and why wouldn’t it be?), it’s extremely easy to connect it to your social media world in just a few clicks.

For Facebook and Twitter, go to your Facebook account and look up NetworkedBlogs. Click the button to register your blog and then just follow the steps. You either need to install a bit of code on your site or have a handful of  friends verify your blog to make sure it’s from you, so content won’t feed right away. However, once you’re verified, this will automatically pull your blog over to Facebook. It can take anywhere from one to five hours for it to populate, but it will. When you’re linking to NetworkedBlogs, look for the link to post it on Twitter as well. This one app actually posts to two outlets.

Then head over to LinkedIn, and in the edit profile mode, add the application for WordPress. Instantly, your blog posts will populate on your profile.

Within 15 minutes, you can make it so your WordPress blog will show up in your feeds on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It’s as easy as that! If you get a little stuck, let me know; I can set this up for you quickly and easily.

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Tags: post blogs to social media

Posted By Amanda Collins on May 9, 2011

The other day, I came across a call-out for contributions for a story entitled, “Is Your Husband Your Boyfriend?” I was intrigued and read the pitch to learn a little more. The reporter was pointing out that a woman may have a husband who does chores, helps with the kids, and fixes things, but does she have a boyfriend with whom she goes on dates and shares all that pre-marriage excitement? While that certainly is fodder for a more relationship-based blog, it also got me thinking about business relationships. Are we courting our clients?

The idea of dating your spouse can easily be applied to dating your clients (no, not in the unethical way). It seems that we often spend so much time getting clients that we forget to stay in touch with them or nurture that relationship once they’ve signed the contract. The thing is, it’s much easier to keep a client than to secure a new one. It follows, then, that we should be spending time wooing those people already in our database.

By the way, this isn’t just for the business owners. When I used to work in college admissions, we developed a number of programs to help students once they started school, instead of just in the application process. The idea of maintaining communications can apply to any industry, whether you’re in charge or not.

So how do we court our clients? In my world, it’s called drip marketing. Send a regular newsletter, interact through social media, drop a direct email, or mail a cute card. I met one business owner who sent smiley-face stickers to random clients just to brighten their days. If that works for you, I’m pretty sure the people on the receiving end would be appreciative.

I encourage you to schedule time into your week to reach out to your current customers and say hello. It certainly can’t hurt and it may turn into some wonderful benefits.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on March 22, 2011

Regularly, I can be heard “pitching” newsletters to audiences: when I give my 30-second commercial or talk to people in one-on-one meetings. I’m sure they think it’s because I will make money off their business, and while that’s part of it, the benefit to the client is HUGE!

If you’re not familiar with Constant Contact, you should be. They were one of the first online newsletter services. One of their best speakers is Ron Cates, based here in Phoenix. Ron speaks to audiences around the country on social media and email marketing, and he always shares amazing success stories using the medium. Businesses that do this right can drastically improve their profits, sometimes with just one email.

Each time I send out an email, I see nearly immediate results. Because I include a number of links (to blogs, social media, and my websites), I can track my click-throughs on Constant Contact. My website hits spike for a couple of days after I send a newsletter. I also get responses to them, usually about the monthly picture of Patrick or something personal I’ve shared. For instance, my January newsletter went out as Patrick and I were driving to Disneyland for my 40th birthday, and I received a number of birthday wishes from my clients and prospects.

Newsletters don’t always turn into immediate business, but because people are hearing from me regularly, I remain top of mind. In January, two prospective clients who had been receiving the newsletter for a year or more called and became clients. Then, in March, the newsletter was shared by a prospect—and the person who received it became a client.

If you’re not putting out a monthly e-newsletter, you’re missing an amazing opportunity to connect with your client database. I see results monthly in the form of new business, repeat business, and referrals. It’s a cost-effective method of marketing, and you can create a number of lists with unique content and calls to action. If you’re confused on how to get started, let me know! A monthly newsletter written, designed, edited, and sent is just $99 (plus the cost of your Constant Contact subscription).

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Tags: constant contact, cost-effective marketing, monthly newsletter

Posted By Amanda Collins on March 9, 2011

I love Facebook. I’m on it all day long when I’m on my computer, and I check it when I’m on my iPhone outside of the office. However, the quick updates sometimes make for lazy typing. But wait…is that laziness or ignorance? I’m starting to think it’s the latter. I’m talking about how commas are just ignored on Facebook.

Poor commas. They used to be one of the most OVERused punctuation marks with people using them way too often. These days, though, it seems as if people are forgetting these little hooks that add clarity to your sentences and make reading easier. Nowhere on Facebook is this more evident than on the wall of your friend who’s celebrating a birthday.

One of the best things about Facebook is its ability to connect us with friends far and wide. With that, we get these great reminders of upcoming birthdays. This is where I see most of the issues with commas. Here are two examples where the comma is MIA:

Happy birthday Joe!
Thanks Amy!

In each instance, there should be a comma prior to the name. Why? These are fragments, meaning they’re lacking a subject, verb, and object—which add up to a complete sentence. If you read them as if the missing part is replaced, you may get:

I say happy birthday, Joe! (correct comma)
Joe thanks Amy! (still no comma and incorrect)

Unless you’re speaking in third person (“George is getting angry!”), you probably won’t speak the way the second is written. Instead, you’ll say “Thanks, Amy!” which is correct.

Grammar is confusing; there’s no doubt about it. But if you just remember that a name in a fragment like this typically requires a comma, you’ll be good. One way to do that is to put the name first, which is pretty clear (kind of as in a letter):

Joe, happy birthday!
Amy, thanks!

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Tags: commas, grammar