Using the Facebook Page Timeline to Succeed in Business

Using the Facebook Page Timeline to Succeed in Business

As of March 30, 2012, all Facebook Pages will automatically be switched over to the new Timeline format. Like any change, there are of course some new features to get used to. But by using your Page strategically, you can benefit your business which can help you build success. Here are some strategies you may want to consider:

What do you want your cover image to say about your business?
Much has been written around the blog-o-sphere about selecting a cover image. Whatever image you choose to use, make sure that the image tells the story you intend. If your business is primarily about cooking, perhaps you want to show people enjoying delicious food or having fun in the kitchen (this says you’re about making cooking delicious and fun). If your business is personal coaching, perhaps you want to include an inspirational saying along with photos of groups of people who seem connected (this says you’re about building people up emotionally and connecting them). If your Page is more about team building, perhaps you want to include enthusiastic pictures of your team (this says your team is a fun and active place to be.) The important thing is to think about what you want to express as a brand, and then choose or create a cover image that reflects that message.Here’s a useful article that provides some examples of Facebook cover photos (some by direct sellers): http://www.wchingya.com/2012/03/facebook-page-cover-photo.html

Keep the conversation alive. As an entrepreneur, one of your biggest advantages on your Facebook Page is the opportunity to connect with people personally, and engage in conversation. So be sure you’re continually checking out the comments that others make on your page, and responding in a timely manner.
Post engaging content. Just like with the old Page layout, the majority of interaction with your Page will occur within the News Feed (Facebook home page) and NOT on the Page itself. So be sure you’re using the type of content that engages. Here’s an article with 7 essential steps for writing updates on your Page that engage: http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/7-essential-steps-for-writing-engaging-facebook-page-updates/
Track your stats. The best way to improve something is to track it. And Facebook makes it easy to do just that with Insights for Pages. Click on “See All” next to the Insights snapshot on your new Admin panel, and take a look at the stats on each of your posts. This will give you a really good idea of the kinds of posts that resonate best with your Page community. (Do more of them!) Review the parts of the world where people talking about your Page come from. And so on. By understanding who is using your Page, and how, you can replicated the actions that are bringing you the most results.
Highlight your apps. Maybe you’ve got a tab set up on your Page where people can sign up for your newsletter, or a custom welcome tab. Even though you can’t set these up as default landing tabs anymore, you can still highlight them. Arrange them underneath your cover image (you can change the order), and choose custom photos for each. Here is a set of free custom Facebook app icons you may want to use: http://www.jonloomer.com/2012/03/19/facebook-timeline-for-pages-free-facebook-app-icons/

Change can often be a challenge, but like it or not the new Timeline is here to stay (for now!) Best to embrace the challenge and find ways to make the new format work for you.

What would you add? How are you using the new Timeline for Pages to build your business? Would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!

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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Fixing Your Marketing as Simple as 1-2-3

If you’ve ever seen the 1989 film Field of Dreams, you are familiar with the phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” Fortunately for Kevin Costner’s leading character, that was true. However, that isn’t exactly the case for small business owners. Customers won’t just find you; you have to market to them. The best thing we can do for our business is to learn from the mistakes of others, and then make better choices. Here are the most common marketing mistakes and how to fix them.

Underestimating the power of research – Think you’ve got that million dollar idea for a product or service? Well before you invest significant amounts of money into such an idea, it is of utmost importance to do some serious market research and test your product/service with a real customer base.
Overestimating the power of research – Although this may seem contradictory to the previous statement, it is crucial to remember that emotions play a large part in customers’ decisions. Yes, most consumers do their own research and respond well to the facts, but their emotions guide those decisions even more than they may realize, so connect with them on that level. Keep this in mind when creating a marketing plan.
Ignoring the tried and true – As entrepreneurs, we want to be innovative with not only our products, but also our marketing strategies. In your quest for originality, don’t spend too much time re-inventing the wheel. Instead, familiarize yourself with existing tactics that have been successful for others. Use these as the basis for your marketing techniques, and put your own twist on them so they are tailored to your particular business.
Fixing what isn’t broken – Your hard work and preparation have paid off, and you are enjoying a very successful promotion that you created yourself. In fact, you’ve been reaping the rewards of this promotion for nearly a year. It’s about time you switched it up and tried a different promotion right? Wrong! Just because you may be getting tired of it, don’t forget that an untapped market and new customers are discovering it for the first time. If you really feel the need to try something different, keep what you have while testing out your new idea. This way, you won’t lose out on time and profits if the results are less than satisfactory.
Lack of patience – Think of a memorable commercial you’ve recently seen. Did it make you literally jump off your couch and head to the store for that product? Probably not. Remember that customers don’t act quickly. When implementing a marketing strategy, patience is a virtue. Give it some time to reach an audience and produce results. Only then will you be able to tell if it is effective or not.
Casting too wide a net – You’ll never be able to be everything to everybody, so trying to be will only be a waste of time and money. Figure out who your ideal customer is and focus on your target market. By concentrating on a smaller niche, you will be able to satisfy unmet needs and wants of those customers.

Since marketing is such a subjective aspect of your business, it can be complicated and overwhelming. Avoiding common pitfalls will save you time and help grow your business. What else can you add to our list?

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DSEF & CBBB: Is It a Job or a Scam?

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

Is It a Job or a Scam?

By Carol Odell

Recently a friend called me about an employment ad on craigslist. She is retired and needs to supplement her income and fill some time with a part-time job. Not an unlikely scenario these days with the challenging economy and cost of living.

It’s also not unusual for some of these “employment opportunities” to be scams. My friend was calling about a work at home job where you send money to stuff envelopes for a company — and get paid. The reality is that it costs more money than you are being paid to accomplish the job. Here’s the real kicker, many times the mailings you are preparing are scams that are being mailed to potential victims!

Protect yourself and research the company with your BBB before engaging with the company. Any ethical company will provide information when requested. A company that will not answer basic questions or refuses to communicate any way other than email, may have something to hide.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently sent out information on another online employment scam. Here is what they sent out:

“The IC3 has recently received over 250 complaints reporting a new twist to the online employment scam. The scam involves individuals who responded to online ads or were contacted via e-mail as a result of their resume being posted on websites. The perpetrator posed as a research company and requested participants to complete a paid survey regarding services provided at wire transfer locations to improve the effectiveness of the company’s money-transfer services.”

Complainants were hired and then mailed a cashier’s check or money order. They were asked to cash a check/money order, keep a portion and wire the remaining amount via wire transfer. Victims are asked to send more information such as transfer number and amount wired, followed up by a questionnaire regarding the wire transfer. If not done, the victims receive threatening emails stating to respond in 24 hours or their information will be sent to FBI and they could face 25 years in jail.

Of course, after all this, the victims learn the checks are counterfeit and most victims now owe the bank more than $2,500.

If you need a job, make sure you are going to make money, not lose it. Paying an upfront fee is a huge red flag.

Do you have other tips?

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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Use Scripts to Increase Your Business

If you’ve ever been to the theatre to see a play, you probably have a good idea why actors stick to the script. The story is already laid out, the characters are already developed, and everything is organized in a way that the audience can understand and enjoy. Sure, unforeseen circumstances happen and sometimes the actors have to ad lib, but for the most part, everyone on stage has a clear plan as to what needs to be done. The same concept can be applied to direct sales and small businesses. Here are some ways in which you can use scripts to in a variety of situations and grow your business.

Situations Fit For a Script

Informal conversation – How many times have you found yourself talking to a stranger, an acquaintance, or even family member who asks about what you do for a living? Instead of letting this possibly golden opportunity go to waste, prepare a concise description of your business that is not only brief and informational, but also may prompt further questions and interest from others.
Follow-up calls – When calling customers to follow up on a transaction, you need to be prepared for both positive and negative feedback and questions. Having a few responses planned that will help solve a problem or lead to a future purchase will solidify your relationships with customers.
Collecting money – Possibly one of the most difficult aspects of being a business owner is having to be your own Accounts Receivable Department. It can be uncomfortable to ask others for money, even when it is rightly owed to you. Depending on the situation, a script can be extremely helpful for staying professional while getting to the point and being direct.

How to Use a Script

Map out your ideal conversation. Whether you’re meeting a potential customer for the first time or introducing a new product to a longtime client, actually write out how you would want the conversation to happen. Chances are slim that things will play out this way in reality, but having a goal to reach will help you navigate any obstacles that pop up when speaking with clients and colleagues.
Identify potential pitfalls. You know this magical ideal conversation won’t exactly be the one that is actually taking place, so identify where and how it might go astray. Consider using a flow chart format for anticipating responses from the person to whom you are speaking and how to handle those responses. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to fit your situation; for example, color coding a flow chart or using post-it flags to help you find what you’re looking for in a pinch can make a script more efficient.
Rehearse! Of course, you don’t want what you’re saying to sound scripted and/or rehearsed, but you do need to be well-prepared in order to be confident and exude competence to your customers. Practice what you want to say in front of the mirror, with another person, or even on a voice recorder. (Listening to yourself will enable you to analyze your tone of voice and how others may perceive you.) The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel, and the more successful you can become.

Using scripts to help you in networking, customer relations, and other business situations can be a real asset to your business. How have you incorporated scripts in order to grow your business? Please share with us in the comments section below!

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Sell What Customers Need

You may have an outstanding product line. It has amazing features and benefits. You’re in love with it. But if a customer doesn’t understand how your product meets her needs and wants, then you won’t make any sales. It’s that simple.

So how do you make sure a customer understands how your product meets her needs? It’s all about focusing on a customers needs and wants.

Ask questions. Don’t begin any customer interaction with a sales pitch. A sales pitch is about you. But until a customer knows that you understand him, your sales pitch won’t resonate.
Match benefits to needs and wants. Once you understand what motivates someone, you are much more prepared to offer an effective sales presentation. Focus on the features and benefits of your product that match what the customer has told you about what he needs and wants, and your presentation will be a lot more successful. You can do this even in a party setting. Begin the presentation by asking questions of the guests…what they do, what their concerns are…and probe those areas that you know your product can help. Then, when you’re sharing products you can focus on those specific benefits of your product line.
Listen online. Social networks can provide a tremendous amount of information. Before meeting with a customer, check out her profile online on sites like Facebook. Zero in on what she talks about, what bothers her, what she loves. Include those elements in your face to face presentation and you’ll find you have better results.

Even though you may think it takes more time to learn about a customer before offering your products, you will find it actually saves you time, because you only need to highlight the features and benefits that meet the needs of that particular customer. So be sure to understand your product line intimately, so you’re prepared to offer those features and benefits that best meet a customer’s needs.

How do you find out what a customer needs? What questions do you ask? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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9 Ways to Use Pinterest for Your Small Business

9 Ways to Use Pinterest for Your Small Business

Pinterest is the hottest new social network, with articles filling up the web about how fast it’s growing. And it’s little wonder…most people are visual learners, and the ability to capture and organize photos of the things we love online can be very addicting and satisfying.

And because people are sharing photos of products they love or want (along with recipes, dream vacation destinations, and so forth), you have an opportunity to add your product line to the mix and gain additional attention. But that’s not the only use! Here are some of the ways you can use Pinterest to benefit your business:

Share product photos. This, at its core, is the simplest way to use Pinterest. Share photos of your product line that others can share as well, and link to your sales page. Just be careful not to be TOO product-centered or you’ll annoy your friends and be in violation of Pinterest rules.
Create a vision board for your business. Pinterest is a great tool for collecting photos of where you want your business to be in 1, 5, 10 years. Is your eye on a car, a home, or a fabulous vacation? Collect photos and put them on your vision board on Pinterest.
Create a personality for your brand. Pinterest is a great tool to show people the personality of your brand. Do you have a sense of humor? Share funny quotes. Do you have a brand that leads to a luxurious lifestyle or high fashion? Share related photos. By being mindful of the brand image you want to project, you can share photos that help people develop a sense of your overall brand.
Share training resources you find on the web with your team. Come across a great blog article or training piece online that would benefit your team? Pin it! Then let your team know that you’ve got a board with great resources that can help them build their businesses.
Run a contest. Many brands are now experimenting with running contests on Pinterest. It’s a great way to promote viral visibility of your products. This article from PR Daily may give you some ideas to get you started: http://prdaily.com/Main/Articles/How_to_launch_irresistible_Pinterest_contests_11079.aspx
Collect inspiration for your own content. For example, you might collect recipes that inspire you to create your own recipes, or makeup or fashion looks that give you ideas about ways you can suggest customers use your products.
Do research about the things that excite your customers by checking out their boards. It can give you ideas for theme parties, specials you might want to offer, or prizes you might want to award in contests.
Give people ideas about additional ways to use your product line. For example, if you sell home decor items, you might show rooms and point out where your product would be perfect in the layout.
Create an opportunity board that highlights the benefits of your business opportunity, and share it with people who are considering joining your team. It could include your recruiting video, a link to your recruiting brochure, a video about your next incentive trip destination, etc.

Many retailers are finding that Pinterest drives a LOT of traffic to their websites. So it’s a great idea to check out this hot new social network, and find ways to put it to work for your business.

Your thoughts? Please share them in the comments! And be sure to follow us on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/thedsef/ We share a lot of great resources for your business!

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Top Ten Small Business Pitfalls

Did you ever hear the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.”? It’s easy to look back on our mistakes and identify what went wrong after the fact. It is of utmost importance to avoid common pitfalls made by millions of others before you. By learning from their mistakes, you can make smart decisions for your business and enjoy making your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Here are the top ten pitfalls to avoid in your business and how to avoid them:

Failure to educate yourself before you begin – There is so much that goes into owning a business that goes beyond knowing your industry. Small business ownership is a marathon, not a sprint, so stamina is the key. Since you will most likely be watching your pennies, take advantage of free resources, like those provided by the Small Business Administration .
A non-existent or hastily written business plan – Believe it or not, too many people start up businesses without a plan. Don’t worry; you don’t need an MBA degree to write up a business plan. An effective business plan should include a description of your business; information about your industry, competitors, suppliers, and target demographic; a marketing strategy; and finances.
Spending money unnecessarily – To control startup costs, consider the following: leasing any equipment you may need instead of buying, buying supplies second hand, purchasing a minimal amount of inventory to avoid overstocking, and dealing in cash as often as possible.
Not collecting payments promptly – Remember, you are held to a tight standard in having to pay your own creditors; hold your customers to the same standard. Always provide an invoice no matter how small the amount, follow up when necessary, and don’t be afraid to implement a cash upfront policy for delinquent accounts.
Forgetting to plan for a rainy day – So your efforts are paying off; inventory is flying off the shelves, you’re teeming with new customers, and profits are way up. Enjoy it of course, but don’t forget to save some of that hard earned cash for an unforeseen setback. Just like the overall economy, certain industries experiences cycles of good times and bad. Your business will be able to survive the hard times if you put away some money and have a contingency plan for if things suddenly go south.
Getting set in your ways – Even the most successful business owners can have a difficult time adjusting to new trends in the industry. Keep abreast of any changes, including innovative new products/services, a shift in customer needs/wants, price points, marketing techniques, and technology. Chances are that your customers are aware of what’s new, so don’t get left in the dark.
Doing it all yourself – If you have employees, trust in their abilities and delegate responsibilities. Trying to meet every obligation on your own and micromanaging are both recipes for burnout and disaster. Empower your staff by handing over certain tasks and projects; you’ll also find that they will become more invested in the success of your business when they know they are an important part of it.
Inability to step away – Once you have established your business, you should make decisions that allow it to run smoothly without you once in awhile. There will be times when you need to take a few days off for personal obligations, and let’s face it: who doesn’t need a vacation every now and then?
Poor marketing – From traditional marketing methods to those of the 21^st century, there are more ways to market your business than ever before. As with anything else in your business, do your research to decide what is best. It might be a good idea to only focus on one or two methods at first, such as targeted direct mail campaigns and an effective website. Collect information about what is working and adjust your marketing efforts accordingly.
Lack of discipline – This is especially important if you have a home-based business. Our households are rife with distractions such as laundry, cleaning, a ringing phone, and even our own children. These things take time away from your business, which in turn takes money out of your pocket. Create a strict schedule for yourself and stick to it, make a list of what needs to be done and when, and minimize needless distractions.

What pitfalls have you encountered in your business? Please share your problems and solutions with us in the comments section below!

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DSEF & CBBB: Take This ID Theft Quiz for National Consumer Protection Week

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

Take This ID Theft Quiz for National Consumer Protection Week

By Holly Doering

Hi everybody, and happy Monday. Depending on where you live, you might be celebrating Frozen Food Day, Mardi Gras, or If Pets Had Thumbs Day (at least according to an Internet list of “wacky holidays.”) But one thing everybody should be celebrating is our 14^th annual National Consumer Protection Week! Running through March 10, this holiday will shine a national spotlight on consumer safety in the U.S.

I thought it would be fun to take a little quiz on identity theft from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Answer to see what your risk is. I myself scored 45—not bad, but I could do better.

___ I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week. (5 points)

___ I do not shred the pre-approved credit offers I receive (cross-cut shredder preferred) before putting them in the trash. (5 points)

___ I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (10 points)

___ I use a computer and do not have up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection. (10 points)

___ I do not believe someone would break into my house to steal my personal information. (10 points)

___ I have not ordered a copy of my credit reports for at least 2 years. (20 points)

___ I use an unlocked, open box at work or at my home to drop off my outgoing mail. (10 points)

___ I do not have a P.O. Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)

___ I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times. (It may display my SSN.) (10 points)

___ I do not shred my banking and credit information, using a cross-cut “confetti” shredder, when I throw it in the trash. (10 points)

___ I throw away old credit and debit cards without shredding or cutting them up. (5 points)

___ I use an ATM machine and do not examine it for signs of tampering. (5 points)

___ I provide my Social Security number (SSN) whenever asked, without asking why it is needed and how it will be safeguarded. (10 points)

___ Add 5 points if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening nearby.

___ I respond to unsolicited email messages that appear to be from my bank or credit card company. (10 points)

___ I leave my purse or wallet in my car. (10 points)

___ I have my driver’s license number and/or SSN printed on my personal checks. (10 points)

___ I carry my Medicare card in my wallet at all times. (It displays my SSN.) (10 points)

___ I do not believe that people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information or for documents containing my SSN. (10 points)

___ I do not verify that all financial (credit card, debit card, checking) statements are accurate monthly. (10 points)

Ok, now tally up your points. Guess what? Each one of these questions represents a possible avenue for an identity thief. How did you do?

100 + points – Recent surveys* indicate that 8-9 million people are victims of ID theft each year. You are at high risk. We recommend you purchase a cross-cut paper shredder, become more security-aware in document handling, and start to question why people need your personal data.
50-99 points – Your odds of being victimized are about average.
0-49 points – Congratulations. You have a high “IQ.” Keep up the good work and don’t let your guard down now.

Remember, you cannot prevent identity theft. Criminals can commit identity theft relatively easily, but you can reduce your risk of fraud. One of the best things you can do is to check your 3 credit reports at least once a year. If you are a victim of identity theft, you will catch it early by checking your credit reports regularly. Your annual free credit reports are available from (877) 322-8228 or at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Over thirty different agencies are participating in providing great information for consumers this week, including the BBB, so check out National Consumer Protection Week information. Also, sign up for a daily tip from the BBB!

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Side Jobs: Your Way to a Successful Business

Although building a successful business involves knowing a great deal about a particular industry, the good news is that there are many ways in which to learn that don’t require expensive or time-consuming resources, such as a business degree. The following is a list of suggestions to help you learn about your industry and expand your network quickly with the goal of growing your business.

Volunteer your time. There are always people in need of extra help, especially the kind that comes free. Find outlets within your community to volunteer in some capacity that is related to your business. For example, if you want to start a home-based daycare business, consider volunteering your services to relatives, neighbors, and places of worship. This allows you to gain more experience in the industry, demonstrate your exceptional service, get your name locally recognized, seek referrals, and make contacts for potential customers. Think of this donation of time as a worthy investment in your business.
Become a temp. Many employment agencies specialize in placing workers in temporary positions and can even meet requests. Temp work not only allows flexibility to work with a variety of businesses, but it is also a very effective way to improve areas of weakness. For instance, if your business is lacking in customer service, consider taking a temporary customer service position. Most retail businesses have a corporate headquarters where customer service reps are trained and take calls from clients. Such a position would allow you to work on your interactions with customers and apply what you’ve learned to your own business.
Work as a consultant. If you have a specialized talent (web design, marketing, computer troubleshooting, financial projections, etc.), taking on a consulting position will help you make new contacts to bring to your business. You can start by contacting local business owners to offer your services for a reasonable hourly rate. Once they see what a great job you’ve done, they will be able to refer you to other business owners. Furthermore, you will have formed a professional relationship and expanded your business network.
Give back to your community. Local business schools and community colleges are chock full of motivated young people about to enter the workforce. Think about contributing your expertise and experience to their cause. For example, an owner of a business that provides classes in mixed martial arts can approach future graduates of local theatre and film programs. Lots of these students are about to move to a big city for the first time, so the owner decided to offer them a free self-defense class. Most of these students wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition for a normal class, but would eagerly take advantage of such an offer. Additionally, they would recommend the business to friends and family.

Taking on side jobs to build your business is a great way to stay motivated, improve areas of weakness, and build a network of potential customers and colleagues. How have you used side jobs to build your business? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

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Niche Markets: The Key to Success

Small business owners and direct sellers are lucky in that they have a major advantage over large corporate businesses: small businesses don’t have to be all things to all people. In a big business’s effort to reach a very large audience, there are several groups of people whose needs are being left unmet. This is where you come in; by defining and marketing to your niche, you will be able to focus on those needs and build a successful business.

Evaluate your products/services for unique qualities. Consider something you already offer to market in an original way, or create a new product or service completely based on something you already have. For example, if your business sells cookware, consider marketing a few pieces together with some recipes aimed at busy adults who need a “one-pot meal” for quick prep and easy clean-up. Something like this might appeal to both working and stay-at-home moms because both would benefit from such a convenience.
Do some target marketing. Marketing to your niche may require some education, especially with unique products and services. Some may not even know that such a niche exists or that they might have a need for it. Focus your marketing efforts on educating potential consumers about the product or service in general, and then demonstrate how you can meet that need. Some examples to get you started can be found here.
Set clear objectives. What do you hope to achieve in your business by creating a niche market? You may want to expand your customer base, increase your network, cut your marketing costs, or raise your profits. Make sure your goal is concrete and your efforts directing toward achieving it.
Test-market and size up the competition. You will need to know how you stack up against any potential competitors. In order to assess your competition, collect and analyze some of their products/services, brochures, print ads, websites, social media pages, etc. You should be comparing elements such as pricing, marketing strategy, and customer service.
Speak the right language. As with any type of marketing, niche marketing requires you to speak a common language with potential customers. Going back to the cookware example, when targeting that working mom, you are going to appeal to her needs by using words and ideas she can relate to. These words and ideas will be somewhat different from those used to appeal to the stay-at-home mom. For example, you might paint a picture for the working mom of what her typical day is like and how your product will make it easier; the full-time mom will have a very different mental picture, even though the product and need are the same.

Being able to focus your business efforts on niche markets, you will be able to reduce your overhead costs and acquire a new customer and networking base. How have you used niche markets to build your business? Please share your strategies and ideas below!