Well, we’re in the home stretch of the holiday season. What was that? Could I have possibly heard a collective sigh of relief? I wouldn’t be a bit surprised. Still, I hope you and yours found the holidays full of surprises, joy and happiness.
The New Year is just a couple of days away, but now is not the time to slack. Plans have to be made and put into motion to guarantee your success in 2009. With a solid plan of attack, 2009 can indeed be one of your best years yet. But where do you begin?
First, the list. I know, it seems a bit archaic, writing a list, but it still works. If it makes you feel better, boot up your laptop and type it there just to give it a more 21st century feel. Comprise a list of all the goals you want to achieve in your business in the New Year. Next, break down that list into priorities; what goes where, what will my budget afford (more on this in a moment), etc… Then, break it down further into steps that you need to take to achieve each goal on your list. Look at that, you have a plan for 2009! Congratulations!
Now, if your plan veers off course, don’t panic. Life happens; even in business. And even if you do get off track, just figure the best way to get right back on it. Sticking to the plan is the key to the success of your business. Don’t let minor, mundane things derail your path to the top.
Okay, so we have a plan in place, we know what we need to do to make it happen, we have it in priority order… Seems like a good start right? Well why not ride this new “wave of momentum” to the next level; budget.
Budget is one of those “dirty” six-letter words. There are a few folks that like it, but for the most part a budget inspires the same amount of enthusiasm as cleaning out the garage. Still, you must have a budget. Determine what you made last year, what you’d like to make this year, how much you need to cover expenses, overhead, labor, whatever. There has to be enough money coming in to compensate for money going out; plus a little left over to pay down those holiday bills.
Our next entry will be in the New Year. Wishing you and yours all the best in 2009!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Planning Your P.R. Attack for the New Year
Greetings!
The holiday season is in full swing! After a weekend of braving the malls and dodging shoppers, I was actually ready to come into the office, hunker down, and plan the rest of the year. While the prospect may seen a bit late, there actually is no such thing as too late to plan. 2009 is just a couple of weeks away, and you are going to want to hit the floor running.
Today we are going to talk a bit about e-Marketing, and how you relay information to your clients. If I were to say RSS, or podcast, would you have any idea what I was talking about? f you're a gadget person like me, you most definitely would. If not, we'll break it down for you.
RSS is the acronym that can mean either Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Summary, depending on who you ask. Used to describe the de facto standard for the syndication of Web content, RSS is an XML-based format and while it can be used in different ways for content distribution, its most widespread usage is in distributing news headlines on the Web. A Web site that wants to allow other sites to publish some of its content creates an RSS document and registers the document with an RSS publisher. A user that can read RSS-distributed content can use the content on a different site. Syndicated content can include data such as news feeds, events listings, news stories, headlines, project updates, excerpts from discussion forums or even corporate information.
The beauty of an RSS feed is that information provided to it is almost instantaneous. Subscribers to your RSS feeds receive a notification that there is new information available to hear, and can direct them immediately to the download area of your site. It's great because it's a simple, fast and economical way to relay important information to your client base.
Southwest Airlines use of RSS is a great example. Their program is simply called "Ding!" because it does just that. When there is a fare sale or special deal available, subscribers received an audible tone through their computer letting them know that there is an update available. For a frequent business or leisure traveller, this is a must have tool! The service is free, but at any cost it would more than pay for itself by the business it generates for Southwest. Go to their website and sign up for the service just to see how it works. I am certain you will be sold.
If you clients have been worried about giving their name and email address to subscribe to any newsletter, the RSS feed has come to the rescue. Subscribing to an RSS feed does not require your clients to provide any information they don't feel comfortable providing. Your clients privacy is assured, and as we mentioned they will get updates automatically on the blogs that they have chosen to subscribe to. Not sure about that "Blog" thing? That's okay, we'll talk about that in our next entry!
So check back for our next entry, and we'll talk about how RSS ties in to you becoming part of the Blog Generation.
The holiday season is in full swing! After a weekend of braving the malls and dodging shoppers, I was actually ready to come into the office, hunker down, and plan the rest of the year. While the prospect may seen a bit late, there actually is no such thing as too late to plan. 2009 is just a couple of weeks away, and you are going to want to hit the floor running.
Today we are going to talk a bit about e-Marketing, and how you relay information to your clients. If I were to say RSS, or podcast, would you have any idea what I was talking about? f you're a gadget person like me, you most definitely would. If not, we'll break it down for you.
RSS is the acronym that can mean either Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Summary, depending on who you ask. Used to describe the de facto standard for the syndication of Web content, RSS is an XML-based format and while it can be used in different ways for content distribution, its most widespread usage is in distributing news headlines on the Web. A Web site that wants to allow other sites to publish some of its content creates an RSS document and registers the document with an RSS publisher. A user that can read RSS-distributed content can use the content on a different site. Syndicated content can include data such as news feeds, events listings, news stories, headlines, project updates, excerpts from discussion forums or even corporate information.
The beauty of an RSS feed is that information provided to it is almost instantaneous. Subscribers to your RSS feeds receive a notification that there is new information available to hear, and can direct them immediately to the download area of your site. It's great because it's a simple, fast and economical way to relay important information to your client base.
Southwest Airlines use of RSS is a great example. Their program is simply called "Ding!" because it does just that. When there is a fare sale or special deal available, subscribers received an audible tone through their computer letting them know that there is an update available. For a frequent business or leisure traveller, this is a must have tool! The service is free, but at any cost it would more than pay for itself by the business it generates for Southwest. Go to their website and sign up for the service just to see how it works. I am certain you will be sold.
If you clients have been worried about giving their name and email address to subscribe to any newsletter, the RSS feed has come to the rescue. Subscribing to an RSS feed does not require your clients to provide any information they don't feel comfortable providing. Your clients privacy is assured, and as we mentioned they will get updates automatically on the blogs that they have chosen to subscribe to. Not sure about that "Blog" thing? That's okay, we'll talk about that in our next entry!
So check back for our next entry, and we'll talk about how RSS ties in to you becoming part of the Blog Generation.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Web Marketing (pt. 1): Time to Blow Your Own Horn
Marketing and branding your business is all about maximizing relationships. To build relationships requires some efforts designed to generate awareness that your business even exists. And you generate awareness by making a connection with your client, closing a sale, or providing exemplary service to a customer.
Lesson learned. Let’s pack it up and head home. NOT!
If it were only that simple. In reality, the rules of the marketing game are constantly changing. The trip is to find a niche, and stay ahead of the game. While in theory it may seem a bit impossible, with the ever-changing internet, well, ever-changing. But if you look at your web based marketing efforts as a skirmish, it can seem less like work, and more like fun.
The first step is to put your “assets” on display. No, not those embarrassing bachelor party photos or the pictures of your drunken water skiing trip to the lake. I mean your business assets. If you take a good look at your organization, you may find a number of assets that you haven’t discovered as of yet. Ever heard the saying about “hiding your light under a bushel?” Well, now is NOT the time to do that! Examine aspects of your business that you feel sets you apart from the competition. Is it your follow-through with your clients? Do you have a channel of strategic partnerships that your competition can only hope for? Is your sales approach irresistible to your marketplace? We all have a unique business talent, and there is no shame in promoting it.
But let’s take a quick step backwards for a minute. You do have a web presence don’t you? Well, of course you have access to the web (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this entry), but does your business have a presence? Sure, you may have a home-made web site that you put together over a weekend, which might serve you well. But if no one knows you are out there on the World Wide Web, why bother?
The key to a great web site is search-ability, and quality content. You site is only as good as the content, and how search engines direct web searches to you is paramount. Now I’m not going to give you a long lecture from “Web Sites: 101,” but I will give you a few basics. First, learn the term “meta tags.” It will serve you well when creating your web site or enhancing your existing one.
In essence, meta tags are the trigger that search engines pick up on to direct traffic to your web site. You may have heard the terms “enhanced text” or “text optimization,” which are basically the same. If you want folks to find your site, it’s a good idea to have your text optimized. If you aren’t a savvy web master yourself, there are a number of guys and gals that can work magic. Whether your site has been on the net for a while, or you are just heading that direction, I would recommend at least consulting with a web master, just to make sure you are on the right path.
Okay, so where were we? Ah yes, displaying your assets. The content of your site should be dynamic, entertaining, informative, thought provoking, be a call to action… You get the idea. Ultimately the idea is to make your site copy as compelling to your market that you can. The goal is to make your site, in conjunction with your business, an expert resource for your customer base. If you can promote your site as a value to your market, you’re in.
In future entries, we’ll talk about other ways to enhance your web marketing aspirations. And remember, don’t be shy! You, and your business are great, and have a lot to offer to your market. Don’t be afraid to let them know it!
Lesson learned. Let’s pack it up and head home. NOT!
If it were only that simple. In reality, the rules of the marketing game are constantly changing. The trip is to find a niche, and stay ahead of the game. While in theory it may seem a bit impossible, with the ever-changing internet, well, ever-changing. But if you look at your web based marketing efforts as a skirmish, it can seem less like work, and more like fun.
The first step is to put your “assets” on display. No, not those embarrassing bachelor party photos or the pictures of your drunken water skiing trip to the lake. I mean your business assets. If you take a good look at your organization, you may find a number of assets that you haven’t discovered as of yet. Ever heard the saying about “hiding your light under a bushel?” Well, now is NOT the time to do that! Examine aspects of your business that you feel sets you apart from the competition. Is it your follow-through with your clients? Do you have a channel of strategic partnerships that your competition can only hope for? Is your sales approach irresistible to your marketplace? We all have a unique business talent, and there is no shame in promoting it.
But let’s take a quick step backwards for a minute. You do have a web presence don’t you? Well, of course you have access to the web (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this entry), but does your business have a presence? Sure, you may have a home-made web site that you put together over a weekend, which might serve you well. But if no one knows you are out there on the World Wide Web, why bother?
The key to a great web site is search-ability, and quality content. You site is only as good as the content, and how search engines direct web searches to you is paramount. Now I’m not going to give you a long lecture from “Web Sites: 101,” but I will give you a few basics. First, learn the term “meta tags.” It will serve you well when creating your web site or enhancing your existing one.
In essence, meta tags are the trigger that search engines pick up on to direct traffic to your web site. You may have heard the terms “enhanced text” or “text optimization,” which are basically the same. If you want folks to find your site, it’s a good idea to have your text optimized. If you aren’t a savvy web master yourself, there are a number of guys and gals that can work magic. Whether your site has been on the net for a while, or you are just heading that direction, I would recommend at least consulting with a web master, just to make sure you are on the right path.
Okay, so where were we? Ah yes, displaying your assets. The content of your site should be dynamic, entertaining, informative, thought provoking, be a call to action… You get the idea. Ultimately the idea is to make your site copy as compelling to your market that you can. The goal is to make your site, in conjunction with your business, an expert resource for your customer base. If you can promote your site as a value to your market, you’re in.
In future entries, we’ll talk about other ways to enhance your web marketing aspirations. And remember, don’t be shy! You, and your business are great, and have a lot to offer to your market. Don’t be afraid to let them know it!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Welcome to the SPR blog site!
Hello, and thanks for taking the time to look in on Sundance Public Relations new and improved web site. We are very excited for the re-launch of our site, and hope that you will come back time and time again to check for updates and new information. We are confident that your P.R. and advertising needs can be met with the help of Sundance P.R. Just give us a try!
We also hope that this blog will prove to be helpful to you as well. Our intent is to offer you simple ideas and information on how to brand your business better, how to advertise on a shoestring budget, as well as cost effective offers for the services of Sundance P.R. So we hope you will visit our site often!
With that said, we’ll start with a simple tidbit about business image. Personally, I am a stickler for business image. I am referring to those simple items such as letterhead, stationery, business cards etc… You get one shot to make a first impression. And you owe it to yourself and your business to make that impression as good as you possibly can. If you are currently printing your own business cards and letterhead on your home printer, please stop immediately! While I understand how cost effective it can be, the quality of the output carries far less weight with your customers than a professional set would do.
But let’s back up for a moment. Think of a can of Coca Cola, or a Nike running shoe. What is the first thing that comes to mind? The logos of course. We are a visual species, and visual stimulation is a very powerful tool in branding your business. A great, eye-catching logo that represents your business stimulates the mind of your market. And applying that logo to your business image materials, and your clients (not to mention potential clients) will have no choice but to remember you, and return to you as well.
So that’s just a taste. Come back often for our blog updates. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you soon!
We also hope that this blog will prove to be helpful to you as well. Our intent is to offer you simple ideas and information on how to brand your business better, how to advertise on a shoestring budget, as well as cost effective offers for the services of Sundance P.R. So we hope you will visit our site often!
With that said, we’ll start with a simple tidbit about business image. Personally, I am a stickler for business image. I am referring to those simple items such as letterhead, stationery, business cards etc… You get one shot to make a first impression. And you owe it to yourself and your business to make that impression as good as you possibly can. If you are currently printing your own business cards and letterhead on your home printer, please stop immediately! While I understand how cost effective it can be, the quality of the output carries far less weight with your customers than a professional set would do.
But let’s back up for a moment. Think of a can of Coca Cola, or a Nike running shoe. What is the first thing that comes to mind? The logos of course. We are a visual species, and visual stimulation is a very powerful tool in branding your business. A great, eye-catching logo that represents your business stimulates the mind of your market. And applying that logo to your business image materials, and your clients (not to mention potential clients) will have no choice but to remember you, and return to you as well.
So that’s just a taste. Come back often for our blog updates. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you soon!
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