Following Mashable’s Advice On Marketing Your Small Business With No Budget

 

The steps in this post are pretty simple, no rocket science here. But, for giggles, I wanted to see how I stacked up against their HOW TO.

There are five pieces of advice given in the article; Become an Expert, Cultivate Super Users, Ensure People Can Find You on the Web, and Offer Ad-Funded Payment Options.

Become an Expert

This may be a good time to answer the frequently asked question about “What do you do?” The short answer is I build software. The long answer is, I’ve been in the technology industry for over 20 years. I’ve worked for large companies, and I’ve worked for boot strap startups. I have filled many different roles, and have a love hate relationship with many of them.

I can say I’m an expert in my field, and I know I can do a better job showing you. The article uses YouTube as an example of a place to show off your talents, and I have to agree. I don’t use YouTube in that manner, but I am going to try and make an effort to utilize it more. I can also stand to do more blogging. Services like Twitter and Facebook have pulled me away from blogging. So it’s my own fault.

You can always learn more here.

Cultivate Super Users

OK, so this piece of advice works well if you have a product, but what if you’re a freelancer? What if you don’t have a tangible product that others can gloat about?

I understand the person when a project is completed to a clients satisfaction they will be happy and tell a few people, but it’s nothing like a few million people gushing about your cool service or widget.

I’m trying to change that by doing less freelancing and more product development. Software and Information products. Something I can offer customers, which will allow me to cultivate super users.

Ensure People Can Find You on the Web

This isn’t a problem for me. Google my name or company and you’ll be directed to the right resource. Since I run a virtual company, I have no physical address. Maybe that is a con for freelancers?

Offer Ad-Funded Payment Options

Again, this is really a benefit for a company offering a product. I’m also not keen on this “buy something from someone else and get my widget for free”. I want to think my products have more value than that. Besides, I don’t have the marketing channel in place to manage this.

Wrap Up

Of all the advice this article lays out, the one thing of value to me was the Become an Expert, which isn’t really something earth shattering or new, it’s just a reality check.

There has to be something better than this. A good solid plan. Share with us your budget mindful marketing ideas.

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FourSquare Finally Makes Sense

If you're on Twitter or Facebook, you've probably seen posts like these "Thom A. @ Sonic (123 Main) at 9:30PM". This interesting app let's users "check-in" at some location, and share that with their online friends. No one should feel left out because they offer an iPhone, Android and BlackBerry version.

At first I didn't get it. Fact is, until this afternoon, I still didn't get it. But then this little message popped up when I checked in at Chick-Fil-A in Sandy, Utah.

After I saw this, it hit me, the untapped value of an application like FourSquare. What a strategic opportunity for businesses or events to push an announcement to the person checking in. Here I am checking in at Chick-Fil-A and I get a note to check out Fudruckers, about 50 feet away. I could possibly have been given a code to use for a discount on a meal.

I'm going to target a few places and see what I can come up with. My first attempt will be to add information on PodCampSLC 2010. If you check in at places around Neumont University, I'm going to suggest you check out the site.

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8 Great Tips On Marketing For The New Year

Today Laura Beulke (@VPG_Printing) on Twitter, zinged out 8 great marketing ideas for the new year. I wanted to share them with you. I'm not a marketing expert, but these are pretty good.

1. Update your image with a new business card
Funny, I just did that a few weeks ago. I added some social links like my Twitter name and LinkedIn profile URL.

2. Send out your new business card to potential clients or customers
This is a great idea. I'm adding it to my marketing plan.

3. Hold a weekly drawing on your blog or website
Hmm, this one may be a challenge. I will have to take some time to thing about what to offer. Maybe partner with another site or company.

4. Refresh your website by adding a special area for first time visitors
Doing this too. Great idea Laura. People are always interested in learning more about you and your company, make sure you have a place to blow your horn.

5. Reward return business
I really need to do this. As I looked back on 2009 that is one area I failed miserably. I really need to treat my customers and partners much better. And I will.

6. Launch a new direct marketing campaign
Since I'm not a marketing guru, I'm not sure how to implement this, or if it's even an avenue for my business. I think it could be, but I need to map it out better.

7. Help your customers with their resolutions
Another great idea. Giving before getting. There will be plenty of karma left over after you have helped others to succeed. My friend Donny Biorge is all about that. I've never met a person who has been so concerned about those around him succeeding. He lives what he preaches.

8. Expand your reach; look for clients in places you didn't think you could find them
This is on my list of things to do for 2010. Try to expand my customer base while streamlining my focus.

These are all great ideas, thank you for sharing them Laura. In full disclosure, I did win a contest Laura had a few months ago. I would have shared these tips in any event.

What are your unique marketing ideas for 2010?

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Book Review: TwittFaced

Twitter is something I know pretty well. I've been a user for 2 years. While I don't have tens of thousands of followers, I understand the power of Twitter. When I learned Josh Peters wrote a book out on Twitter, titled TwittFaced, I thought I would give it a read. I gave Josh my money and off I went.

It's not a long read, 156 pages or so, but man, this book is packed to the rafters with information. Even if you think yo know Twitter, or several other social networking platforms, Josh and his co-author Jacob Morgan do a great job of outlining the hottest tools and applications you should be looking at. And the most important part of each chapter is explaining why and how to use the services successfully.

The cover reads "your toolkit for understanding & maximizing social media". I would agree. I have marked several chapters for re-reading. Chapter nine is chalk full of statistics on social media. Chapter five talks about Facebook and the many applications which can make your experience better. And chapter 21, how to keep from being overwhelmed. I really like all of the chapters but one, the chapter on MySpace. Maybe I'm being a snob here, but I don't see MySpace as having any relevance in social media. But Josh and Jacob give it some love in chapter six.

This is a great book. Easy to read, lot's of statistics, and some great examples explaining how to get the most out of these social media platforms.

Buy the book here. It's a link to Amazon, and if you buy the book, I get a few pennies.

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Show Me What You're All About

During this time of year political candidates feel like they are actually making an impact by putting a few signs around town, displaying their name and nothing else. When I see these types of signs I think what a waste of money. I don't know this person, its presumptive I would know you only by name.

Here is an example of someone who paid a large sum of money for a political sign and failed. This sign had to be 5 feet wide by 3 or 4 feet high.

[singlepic=31,320,240,center]

What's he running for? What does he stand for? Where can I find more information?

Opposite this sign, on the same fence, was another sign, only it speaks a different tune.

[singlepic=30,320,240,center]

This person has given me a couple of things, a slogan with some standard political rhetoric like leadership and change, a picture, but most important, he has his web address on the sign. Now I can look this person up on the Internet and see what he stands for and what his platform is.

If you are a political candidate and you have spent money on signs that tell me nothing you deserve to lose. People expect to be able to find you on line. They want to know what you stand for and why they should vote for you. It's not good enough anymore to just pitch your name and hope I remember you on election day, because I won't, and I hope no one else does either.

Does your personal brand make it easy for me to find you, or get to know you?

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American Girl Is The Perfect Lovemark

I'm sitting here watching Oprah with my daughter. I hardly ever watch Oprah, but this particular episode she was spotlighting a company called American Girl. If you own a company you would be doing your customers a disservice, if you didn't spend as much time as you can, learning how American Girl is a true Lovemark.

Dolls are big business and American Girl seems to have taken it to a whole new level. I'm learning the lengths this company is going to create a life long customer. Here are some examples:

1. Each doll comes with a real book, not a brochure, about its life, based on some period of American history.
2. When you purchase a doll you can have a professional portrait taken with the two of you
3. American Girl has what they call a Doll Hospital. When your doll has an accident this department performs all the medical procedures necessary to fix the problem
4. Your doll's lifestyle would not be complete without additional clothing, furniture and accessories.

Here's where the Lovemark comes into play. They make buying an American Girl doll an experience beyond the customers wildest expectation. There is a social aspect to the products. The company is 100% dedicated to making sure their doll owners get the red carpet treatment. The value of one young girl convincing her friends to buy an American Girl doll is priceless.

Take time to wow your customers. Take time to listen to what they want. Take time to give them what they want. Learn from your customers. Use what ever social and viral marketing is available.

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ProBloggers Birthday Bash and $54,000 in prizes

Yes, you read that right, $54,000 in prizes are being given away for ProBlogger's Birthday Bash. Personally I'm excited at the chance to win 2 20" LG USB Monitors. Hey, what have I got to lose.

Darren does a great job of generating traffic to his site, and giving his sponsors more traffic too. I've followed Darren and ProBlogger for a while and I don't think I know anyone better at showing their readers how to make a living by blogging. He walks the walk. If you've ever wanted to see a blog that makes money and isn't just a bunch of lists and links to other sites, add ProBlogger to your feed reader.

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Review: I’m on LinkedIn Now what???

I've had the opportunity to review the new book from Jason Alba, founder of the wildly successful JibberJobber.com, called I'm on LinkedIn Now What???

This is the first book I've read which focused solely on LinkedIn. When I first found out Jason was writing a book about LinkedIn I wasn't real confident it could be pulled off. I did a quick search of sites and other resources on LinkedIn to see what was already out there and if there seemed to be a need.

I have to say I've read the pre-release version of the book twice. I wanted to make sure I understood the premise of the book, what Jason's direction was and whether it hit the desired mark.

This book is definitely for someone who is just joining LinkedIn and isn't very familiar with other networking services. LinkedIn has a specific purpose and it may take a n00b (that is gamer speak for newbie) some time to figure out how to make LinkedIn work for them.

What you will get is a solid list of ideas and recommendations for using LinkedIn right away. There are plenty of suggestions, guides to the various sections of the application, and where you should focus most of your attention.

I really appreciated the recommendation to be patient and build your network, and not be tempted to connect with every invitation that is sent to you. I admit I made that mistake early on because I didn't really understand what LinkedIn could be.

Jason covers searching pretty thoroughly. It's important to understand how this feature works. It will really make your LinkedIn experience better when you know what you can find.

The book could stand to use a few more visual examples from successful LinkedIn users in the key areas. For example, I would have really liked to see some solid profiles. Personally I think this is where most people fall short on LinkedIn. They worry so much about past and current employment they forget about the profile. I'm guilty of that.

Overall this is a great book. I think Jason did an excellent job. I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting to build a LinkedIn network or for someone who has been a member for some time but is just now seeing the advantages LinkedIn provides.

You can visit my LinkedIn profile here.

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Put Your RSS Feed Above The Fold

There is an old media phrase "above the fold", basically meaning any material that is printed at the top of the paper. This is the most read and usually the most important news in the paper. Your website/weblog has a fold too. It's the bottom of a visitors screen, or somewhere near there. Your most important links and content should be above the bottom of the screen.

It may be just me but one of the first things I look for when I am visiting a site is the RSS link. If I think a site is one I want to continue reading after I leave I add them to a my RSS reader. But I hate having to hunt for it. Everyone who writes a blog wants return visitors. The most common way to do this is provide an RSS feed. But more importantly is that you make it as prominent as possible. Most readers look for an icon like this.

RSS feeds are important and I'm not going to get into the mechanics of RSS because it's been written about thousands of time. But help your readers out. Encourage them to subscribe.

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Giving Props To My Peeps

Janet Meiners just posted about giving sincere thanks to those who have helped you along the way. There are a few people I wanted to thank that have really helped me over the past few weeks.

Janet Meiners. She spent some time with me the other day helping me see some opportunities for moving my new business forward. Janet is an Internet Marketing coach and is very easy to talk with. While she really doesn't work with people like me, she didn't hesitate to at least give me her point of view. Thanks Janet. [website]

Ash Buckles. Thanks Ash. I sincerely mean that. Ash doesn't mess around. He knows what he wants. He works real hard. I watch what he does and how he applies himself. [website]

Jason Alba. Thanks Jason. You really need to get to know Jason. Jason helped me this week with setting some priorities for my new business. One of the things I appreciate about Jason is his simple no nonsense attitude. Always do the right thing. [website]

Chris Brogan. Thanks Chris. I'm not real sure yet why I feel such a connection with Chris, but I do. He also doesn't know me from Adam, although we have posted comments on each others blogs and we are Friends on Twitter. Chris gets it. Chris is the kind of guy that is always thinking about the next thing. He's like 5 moves ahead. I've told Chris before, he has my dream job. You may be wondering how Chris helped me. Well, Chris is always motivating; always asking questions; always moving forward. [website]

Jason Calacanis. Thanks Jason. I have been following Jason on Twitter for a while. Jason doesn't know me from Adam and thats too bad. I know he can't possible befriend everyone. I did managed to catch a segment on a satellite channel where Jason was giving his response to a couple guys trying to make a go of a new Internet Business. The one liner I took away from his segment was "If the CEO showed up late to an investor meeting, I'd fire the CEO". Something like that. It was great. I'm the kind of person that insists on being 15 minutes early. I'd rather wait to get started than show up late and have to make up an excuse. It shows a lot about a persons integrity and passion. [website]

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Seth Godin has true fans in Utah

Ash Buckles, author of BridesClub.com, has gone above and beyond to spread the word Seth Godin is coming to Utah. There is a pretty strong grass roots movement for the Godin event on May 24th. If you haven't heard about it or want to get more information, please visit the Wordmob.com website.

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Still pushing for Seth Godin in Utah

OK, so there are a number of people who have pledged their support to get Seth Godin to come to Utah. Thank you very much. But there is a lot of work that still needs to be done. We have to have serious momentum (i.e. pledges of support) by Monday or we may lose our projected date of May 24th for Seth's visit.

I've talked to many of you about Seth in the past. Some of you know who he is and others don't. Please take the time to learn a little more about Seth. He's one of the most incredible writers/speakers/marketers I've come across.

You may also think the cost of the engagement is a little steep. Normally I would agree; however Seth is throwing in 5 copies of his latest book with the purchase of a ticket.

I also recognize there are many who think this is a bad idea, that he's not worth the money or that it's a marketing ploy. Some of that may be true, but it doesn't diminish the value of seeing Seth live. You will now be able to share Seths knowledge with others. Giving away the copies of his books will be welcomed by everyone that receives one.

So please, you won't be disappointed. Get over to pledge your support. If you would like to know more, click here and read the message from Phil Burns. Thanks.

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Pushing to get Seth Godin in Utah

There is a drive to get Seth Godin to come to Salt lake City, Utah. If you are in Salt Lake regardless of your business background you need to be there, Seth always has something exceptional to say. If you don't know who Seth Godin is, please visit his website and then get some of his books. One of my favorites is Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable. He has great names for his books.

Phil Burns started the push, and there is a pledge page to show your support. We need 50 people to commit before he will come. We need you. Invite all your friends to pledge.

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