Effective Online Engagement For Small Business

Effective Online Engagement For Small Business

How do I get people to interact with me online?

How do I build an online community?

Like most things in the beginning, you have to get traction and then build momentum. Consider pushing a big piece of furniture across the room. It requires more effort at first, but once you gain momentum it becomes easier. It’s the same online. Once you’ve get traction you can build on that momentum to accomplish your goal of reaching your target market in your online community.

Here are several effective ways to gain traction and build your online community for business.

To start, invite business-related people you know in person to your online community and use your online presence as a way to keep in touch and nurture your relationships.
Do what you would do if you were meeting someone in person:

Say hello
Ask simple questions
Share your interests
Share current events
Listen and be responsive
Let it be about them

Invite people to share:

Their business
Their interests
Their passions

Give people a call to action:

Join me
Sign up for specials or a newsletter
Like me
Comment and please share your thoughts

Keep your updates/post/comments:

Positive
Interesting and appealing – use photos, videos, etc.
Relevant
Short and concise

If you start by promoting your business or advertising you will not be able to establish engagement or build an online community. You must be engaging and earn the interest of the people you want to reach.

A successful online presence is more than just pretty tabs. Engaging updates are what determine your online success. So focus on writing post that are interesting and engaging, and you’re a lot more likely to see engagement and establish an online community that speaks to your target market. And once you gain traction, it will be easier to capitalize on that momentum and build a thriving community.

What advice would you give about establishing an online community? Please share in the comments!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

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DSEF & CBBB: TaxMasters File for Bankruptcy: What You Should Know

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

TaxMasters File for Bankruptcy: What You Should Know

By Greg Hudson

TaxMasters, the Texas-based company that claimed to provide services to settle taxpayers’ debts for less and recover property seized by the IRS, has filed for bankruptcy, according to CBS News.

The firm, whose commercials you’ve probably seen, is also being sued by the State of Texas for violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Texas alleges that its TV commercials encourage people to call for a free consultation with a tax specialist but the calls are answered by salespeople unqualified to provide tax advice, CBS News reported. They also allege TaxMasters delays providing its services until it collects all of its fees, even if it causes the taxpayer to miss important IRS deadlines.

What to do if you have paid fees to TaxMasters:
If you used a check or a debit card, you’ll need to file a claim as a creditor and wait for the return of their money. You may only receive some of your money. If instead you paid the fees using a credit card, all you need to do is to contact your credit card company and dispute the credit card charge, stating that the services were never delivered as agreed.

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

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How to Follow Up Better

Think about how many faces you see and how many people you interact with in a typical day. It would be impossible to remember each one…unless, of course, that person followed up with you by phone call, email, or handwritten card and reminded you how you met as well as what you discussed. You would definitely remember that person then. Improving your follow-up can have a tremendous effect on your bottom line. Read below for some practical tips to making follow-ups a priority in your business.

Don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten note. We live in a world where technology is everywhere, almost all of our communication is completed via electronic means. Because of this, people really appreciate the thoughtfulness and time it takes to write a note by hand. Writing a thank you card or other kind of follow-up note doesn’t have to take an extremely long time; many services are available on the internet, such as SendOutCards.com. Just tweak them to fit your situation. Another advantage of the handwritten note: people tend to keep them longer and then act on them immediately when going through paperwork or paying bills.
Do make follow-up calls within 24 hours. This is the optimal window in which to make a call, especially one in which you are following up with a lead. You want to make contact while the original meeting is still fresh in your prospect’s mind. Furthermore, follow-up calls accomplish two important things: offering good customer service, and providing a call to action. When a prospect receives a call, it begins building that essential relationship upon which a good business is built. The follow-up call also gives the prospect information about what to do next. Sharing your business is great, but sharing alone will get you nowhere. Following up promptly with a phone call is a crucial part of increasing your sales.
Be persistent. Sometimes it takes more than one follow-up gesture to continue the relationship. Did you send a card a month ago and haven’t heard anything? Consider sending a quick email or Facebook message to check in or ask a question. Did your prospect say she’d call and never did? It’s okay to make that call yourself. Without being a nuisance, be persistent and consistent with your follow-up methods. Showing your customers that you are committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship can be as simple as reaching out to them on a regular basis.
Build it into your regular schedule. Following up with prospects and customers can be a daunting task, not to mention ineffective, if it’s only something you do once in a while. Put it into your regular work schedule, such as daily or weekly. Once you commit to following up regularly, it will become habitual, and you can begin reaping the benefits of building better business relationships.
Connect socially. Try to connect beyond doing business. Many of your clients are your neighbors. You may have similar interests or have mutual friends. A lot of times in business it’s who you know that gets the sale. Reaching out and developing friendships is the ultimate way to follow up better.

Small businesses and direct sellers have the unique opportunity to interact with their contacts on a more personal level. Getting there begins with the follow-up. How do you follow up better? Please share your ideas with us in the comments section below!

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DSEF & CBBB: Decode Fake Customers’ Reviews Online

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

Decode Fake Customers’ Reviews Online

By Caitlin Vancas

Consumers researching businesses, products and services may find more than just reliable reviews on the web. Recent research by Cornell University indicates that some feedback is actually planted. Prior to purchasing, don’t be persuaded by phony praise. When searching for real reviews, testimonials and posts, consider the following:

Who?

Ideally, reviews will come from actual customers. However, some companies hire writers to place positive reviews on themselves; while others employ staff to post negative, damaging comments on competitors. Search reviewers’ names online. See what other companies they are writing about. If it is limited to one industry only, it is possible that responses are rigged. Be suspicious if customers’ names resemble company officials or brands. In some cases, authors can be verifiably tied to companies they are complimenting. The FTC’s Endorsement and Testimonial Guide requires transparency and disclosure. Be doubtful of overly complex or simple screen names, such as “johnsmith123.”

What?

Take a good look at wording and tone. If it is filled with marketing messages, scripted taglines or product plugs, it is most likely from company representatives. Don’t trust overly subjective compliments and puffery, such as “life-changing” and beware of false allegations, insults and disparaging attacks from competitors. Look out for identical phrases or similar verbiage from different users. Cut and paste suspicious sentences into search engines to see what is on other sites.

When?

If similar messages and posts were placed around the same month, week or day, allegedly by different reviewers, it is likely a “paid” effort.

Where?

Beware if all comments are limited to companies’ blogs or testimonial pages. Don’t just read reviews from one site. Consider numerous sources and always check BBB Business Reviews on www.bbb.org.

Why?

Business leaders know that consumers rely on online reviews so it may be tempting to mimic favorable feedback. Read “customer” comments with skepticism.

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CEO Spotlight: Dave Wentz, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

CEO Spotlight: Dave Wentz, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

From the DSEF: We’re excited to introduce a new blog series today! We’d like to introduce you to the top executives of some DSEF-supporter direct selling companies. Every few weeks we’ll introduce you to another CEO, and they’ll share their thoughts on Direct Sales, Ethics, Social Good, and why they support the DSEF.

Today we’re thrilled to kick off this series with Dave Wentz, the CEO of USANA Health Sciences, Inc. USANA has been a big supporter of the DSEF for many years, and we’re thrilled to have Dave Wentz share his thoughts with you today. Enjoy!

CEO Spotlight: Dave Wentz, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

I have the pleasure of serving as the CEO of USANA Health Sciences, Inc. My father, Dr. Myron Wentz, founded USANA in 1992 after years of developing diagnostic tests for infectious diseases at his laboratory, Gull Laboratories. I helped create USANA in the summer of 1992, prior to the formal opening of the company, helping to develop the company “look,” establishing product formulas, and preparing USANA for an impressive and strong debut. Because I’ve been involved with USANA from the very beginning, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve in many capacities, including vice president of strategic development, senior vice president, executive vice president, and president.

What did you do before you got involved with your company?

USANA has been, and will always be, an incredibly important and all-encompassing passion of mine. Before USANA, I earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from the University of California San Diego. I feel very lucky to have been able to help form USANA from its very early stages into the half a billion dollar global company it is today.

What do you love about your company?

What really stands out for me is the integrity of the products and the integrity of the people, both our employees and our incredible Associates worldwide, that are all part of USANA. Without the high standards we place on ourselves, in terms of both product quality and the way in which we conduct business, we couldn’t be as successful as we are. I also love our continual innovations. Our scientists and our scientific partnerships elevate our products and the science behind them to a whole new level. I love this aspect of our business, and it truly distinguishes us from others in the market.

What makes your sales force amazing?

I am continually in awe of our home-based business owners. The work they do every day to share USANA’s message of true health and true wealth with friends, family, and everyone they meet is inspiring. The best part for me is that working together with our Associates, USANA has the ability to change other people’s lives for the better. USANA Associates truly care for one another, and they also care about people they’ve never met. They do this work because they believe in the message, and they believe in the products. Seeing them in action gives me even more motivation to continue to make USANA a better company. We really are a family.

Ethics is an integral part of DSA membership. How do you ensure your company maintains the highest level of ethics?

On a company level, USANA holds its employees to a very high standard of integrity. We have systems in place that allow for employees to report incidences of misconduct anonymously, so they can be honest without any fear of being reprimanded or creating any type of backlash from managers or others who may be involved. Our compliance and regulatory departments make sure that everything we say in any of our publications, videos, and even on stage is both factual and within all lawful regulations. As for our Associates, we hold them to high standards as well. We regularly inform our Associates regarding what they can and cannot say about our products and how they can lawfully run their businesses. Any Associate found to be acting outside the rules may be subject to a business termination.

Social good is another essential element of direct sales. What kind of social good campaigns does your company participate in or run?

USANA and Children’s Hunger Fund have a long-standing partnership that has led to more than $12 million in monetary donations and Usanimals (Children’s Vitamin) donations to those in need. All proceeds from The Healthy Home, the best-selling book my father and I wrote, went to Children’s Hunger Fund as well.

This year, we decided to expand this partnership and our giving in general by establishing the USANA True Health Foundation. This foundation will continue to support Children’s Hunger Fund while also collecting funds to help meet immediate needs, such as those created from natural disasters. Additionally, the foundation will support organizations like HealthCorps, which provides much needed health information and education to young people.

Every year at our International Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, we have several fundraising activities throughout the four-day event. We have a 5K run/walk, and also raise money during USANAfest, a party with entertainment, food, and games. This year, the funds will go to support the USANA True Health Foundation.

Your company is a Direct Selling Education Foundation supporter. Why do you think the DSEF is important?

When my father decided to start USANA Health Sciences, we had so many options on how we could sell our products. We very well could have sold our products to stores. We could have gone the conventional route. But we believe the direct selling model has the distinct ability to benefit more people in more ways than simply selling a commodity to consumers. There are countless success stories in USANA, with Associates taking initiative in their own lives and, in the process, creating lives they could only dream of in the nine-to-five world. People need to know that direct selling can change your life, not only through financial freedom, but through time freedom; personal development; the joys of family and friends and teamwork; and most of all, creating a meaningful life with intention and purpose. By supporting the DSEF, we support spreading the message that direct selling can positively impact people and communities.

Thank you, Dave, for sharing your inspiring story with us. We are grateful for the support of companies like USANA, that help us to spread the message of ethics, entrepreneurship and integrity around the world. We appreciate you!

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Positive Self Talk Helps You Succeed

Have you ever noticed how positive people are often more happy and successful? How do they do it?

Imagine a coin that helps you decide how you will perceive your world. One side represents negative self-talk and the other side represents positive self-talk. Most people go through their day flipping this coin and allowing the flip of the coin to dictate their self-talk. Successful people flip the same coin, but if they get the negative side they simply keep flipping it until they see the positive side.

The characteristics of positive self-talk are a can do attitude, attractiveness to others, the ability to see more possibilities and an empowering mind set. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Commit to listening to your positive self-talk. Many of the obstacles we face in life and limits we put on our abilities have been placed there by us. Remember that flip of the coin; you have the choice between the two. Which will you choose? Self-talk is that internal GPS that will keep you on the right path and help you reach your destination.
Recognize and replace the negative. Catch yourself in the act of negative talk and replace it with a positive pep talk. Acknowledge that you can work through this, learn from it and ask yourself how you can make the most of it.
Practice makes perfect. It might feel strange at first to feed your mind with confidence boosters and little cheerleaders. Anything new feels strange at first, but the more you do it, the easier and habitual it will become. Positive self-talk is especially useful when you have a lot riding on something, such as a big presentation or an important networking event, and this type of internal coaching will help minimize your nerves.
Create a mantra. Mantras are meant to be repeated over and over to put one in a meditative state. The purpose is to focus one’s mind and clear out anything else that might get in the way. Consider coming up with a mantra that can be your go-to phrase whenever you need an extra vote of confidence or when you catch yourself thinking negatively. Read more about the use of mantras in business here.
Embrace your new power. Only you can control your self-talk; no one else can. There are and will continue to be people out there whose actions and words can make you second guess yourself. Don’t let them. Remember, you can only modify your own behavior, not the behavior of others.

Understand that your experiences are represented by that coin and that you will always have two sides to choose from. You have the choice. You have the power. With this great new power comes happiness and success.

How have you used positive self-talk to succeed? Please share your ideas below!

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DSEF & CBBB: Watch Your Event Explode When You Use These Three Promotion Paths

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

Watch Your Event Explode When You Use These Three Promotion Paths

By Lance Trebesch

TicketPrinting.com and TicketRiver.com’s global customers do such a great job promoting and hosting their events we thought we would share some of their most powerful tips with you.

Today, advertising is a multi-tiered task. Modern event planners need to use all the tools available. After all, you can’t sell tickets if no one knows you have tickets for sale.

Word of Mouth: Before you go viral, go verbal!

The Australian music and events PR company Pretty Like Money wanted to sell event tickets to “uni students and urban music lovers” for their recent Hip Hop Halloween. They spread the word that their event would be “a different scene.” Those in search of novelty couldn’t help but get excited about a unique event in the area.
In America, Denise Johnson, who coordinated the Alex Johnson Memorial Concert, told us never to overestimate the value of word-of-mouth advertising. She found that she could sell more tickets “one-on-one” than she could through paid advertisements.

Traditional Media: There’s still room for print in a visually- jumbled world.

The Swanage and Purbeck Hospitality Association in the UK wanted to promote their village with a comedy festival and our print products helped them spread the word in the area: They used “professional flyers printed and circulated locally plus posters and roadside banners.”
In Australia, the Professional Women’s Wrestling Alliance also drums up interest in upcoming matches with printed material. Besides hanging posters, they “hand out fliers to draw the initial attention of the local surrounding areas to where we will be holding events,” combining word-of-mouth with print advertising.

Online Promotions: Share content on your sites and on those of others.

Written or videotaped interviews uploaded to allied sites or YouTube work before and after the event. According to UK band Bombskare, “Social media works best,” for spreading the news to their plugged-in fans. They also use QR codes to help bridge the gap from one type of media to another.
David Reynolds of Blue Heron Productions in the U.S. understands that not everyone has the know-how to jumpstart an online campaign. That’s why he encourages the musicians he promotes to help him out: “The younger bands see the benefit of Internet marketing and are generally better at it.” Since his advertising budget is limited, he loves this low-cost, high-tech option for promoting acoustic music.

So use these tips to get the word out, get folks through the door, and watch your event attendance explode!

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Questions that Increase Sales

Questions that Increase Sales

One extremely important element of a successful business is the relationship you have with customers. In order to build that relationship, you need to connect with them on a somewhat personal level, and the best way to do that is by asking questions. Even more important, however, is learning how to ask the right questions. Asking effective questions leads to better relationships, which in turn leads to increased sales. Here are some suggestions for refining what types of questions you ask your prospects.

Ask questions that will give you insight into the person’s particular situation. Customers may already have an idea of what they need or want, but they may also require and even be in search of some guidance to help them find the best product or service to suit their circumstances. For example, a woman comes into your retail accessory shop looking for a new bag. “What do you like or dislike about your current bag? What role does your bag play in your typical day? What do you mainly use it for?” These are questions that get the person really thinking about his or her needs/wants, as well as talking about her life. Once you can get a prospect to share something personal, you have made a connection on which a relationship can be built. The more information you have, the better the chance you have of closing the sale.
Ask what problem needs solving. Remember that you are a solution-finder for your customers. Whether the person wants to satisfy a want or a need, there is most likely something missing in his or her life, however major or minor it may be. Once you find out this information, you can offer your expertise to present the customer with an option that solves the problem.
Ask for a commitment to meet. Depending on your type of business, it may be appropriate to schedule a follow-up meeting or phone call. Some people tend to be vague and give broad answers when asked when a good time would be to call. If the person says, “Any time is fine,” follow that up with, “Is Tuesday at 2 a good time?” Then confirm the day before if the meeting is scheduled a week or more in advance.
Ask for a referral. This doesn’t just mean asking customers who have actually patronized your business. Even if a prospect says no, if you are confident that you can truly be of service to someone else, take the initiative to ask for a referral. This will increase your network and your chances of landing more sales.
Ask them to elaborate on hesitations or concerns. Even the smallest of purchases comes with some level of risk. If a prospect says, “I’m just not sure I want this right now.” Ask the person to clarify what exactly is holding him or her back. When you have a high quality product or service, most times those fears can be alleviated with your honest word and strong guarantee, especially if you are extremely knowledgeable about what you are selling.

Remember, you have everything to gain and very little to lose by digging a little deeper and asking certain types of questions. What else can you add to our list? Please share your comments below!

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Common Sense Business Tips

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, or even if you already are an entrepreneur, there are certain common sense business practices that apply to any industry. Check out the following list to see how many you currently incorporate into yours.

Keep accurate records. This includes not only records of transactions, but also receipts from purchases, invoices for services performed or products sold, and all tax documents. You can choose to keep hard copies, electronic copies, or a combination of both. However, don’t forget to have a backup somewhere for anything electronic. The more accurate and organized your records are, the easier it will be to correct a problem if or when it arises.
Organize your desk/office. Wherever your main workspace is, it should be well-kept area; a cluttered, disorganized area will inhibit your productivity. Even worse, you may be unable to locate an important document or product you need when you actually need it.
Treat customers and employees/colleagues with respect. You’re bound to encounter difficult situations involving the people with whom you do business. The way you handle such issues speaks a lot about your character and business ethic. Sometimes problems cannot be avoided, but handling them calmly, professionally, and respectfully will help you maintain relationships that are important to your business.
Create a budget and stick to it. Even when you’re doing well and money is rolling in, it is important to be frugal whenever and wherever you can. Actually put your budget in writing, and revisit it frequently to see where changes need to be made so you can adjust accordingly based on your business’s evolving needs.
Cut down on the multitasking. It’s inevitable that there has to be some level of multitasking involved in being a small business owner. However, don’t make it the norm. Start and finish one task at a time to prevent you from losing your train of thought and forgetting important details. Practice the self-discipline it takes to complete one task at a time and do it well.
Seek help, advice, and education. Identify some industry experts and read their materials, take their workshops, subscribe to their blogs, etc. There are countless successful entrepreneurs who have come before you; use their experiences to continually learn about how to run and grow your business.
Have a positive outlook; expect challenges. Of course, you want to maintain a positive attitude about your business. That is why you should always challenge yourself to be the best that you can be, but at the same time, be prepare for the challenges that may arise. For example, before sinking every last dime into that new marketing plan, figure out what you would do if it falls flat. Being financially and emotionally prepared will help you move past any setbacks.
Get involved in the community. Connecting with other businesses and organizations within your community is extremely beneficial. It shows that you are vested in the best interests of the community and that you have something valuable to contribute. Furthermore, it is a great way to network and meet the very people you hope to do business with. Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce for ideas about how to get involved and who to contact.

How many have you implemented? What other common sense business tips do you think need to be added to our list? Please share your ideas below!

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DSEF & CBBB: To Pin or Not to Pin: Four Ways to Boost Your Social Media Presence

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

To Pin or Not to Pin: Four Ways to Boost Your Social Media Presence

By Lance Trebesch

Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media sites. What’s so great about it? It can help promote your business and services for free. Unlike other social networks, Pinterest has a reputation for sincerity. Sarcasm, irony, and disdain are largely absent from the collections of images that users think are wonderful. Here’s the lowdown on what Pinterest can do.

Follow the Leader
Pinterest lets you follow people, and allows them to follow you back, but instead of following verbal status updates, Pinterest follows images you find interesting.

You can pin images or items onto boards—anything from nail polish colors to pizza to blog articles—to form collections with common themes. If you want input, just change the board setting to allow others to contribute.

Pin Us Together
Not only does Pinterest tell you exactly how to add a “Follow” button on your website (so people can follow you on Pinterest), they also make it very simple to add a “Pin it” button as well. This means Pinterest users can Pin your work to their boards, translating to free exposure.

If you have items for sale, add a price tag to an image and Pin it to your board. It’s like a free online catalog.

4 Ways to Promote with Pinterest

· Diversify your Pins: The more diverse your pins are, the more viewers you attract, opening up the demographics beyond your business’s current parameters.

· Combine Business & Personal: Don’t just Pin images directly related to your business: you’ll limit the range of users you can reach. Do Pin images and items that appeal to you. Pinterest interviewed one small business owner who connected to others with similar interests by sharing pins, enabling her to launch the business of her dreams.

· Pin Often: The Internet provides an endless source of images, so you can keep pinning. Pinterest had 103 million hits in February 2012 alone, which means you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a high number of users.

· Repin Even More Often: Repinning is a quick and easy way to affirm others’ interests and connect them to your own. Repin images from within the Pinterest site to actively engage with others, and watch your following increase.