To send or not to send? It is about now you might be tossing up questions regarding sending Christmas cards from your business. Why do you send them? Is it worth the time and money? Who should you send them to? What should you write? Read More
So you are sitting in front of a blank screen ready to embark on writing the content for your website. You want to make sure that visitors can find your site and stay long enough to see what your great business has to offer. This may seem a daunting thought. Here are a few simple tips that can guide you in the right direction. Read More
50 questions to ask yourself before starting into a new business
Before you go any further, ask yourself why? Why do you want to start this business? People start businesses for numerous reasons. Some want to be their own boss, others want to follow their passion, many expect to get rich. Some say it is too risky, you might go into debt and there is no such thing as a work/life balance. On the other hand, being in charge of your own business means each day can be full of new challenges and opportunities and you are the master of your destiny. Can you clarify why you want to take a leap and start your own business? Asking questions is an important part of building a successful business plan. Read More
Review of Melbourne Unconvention
I recently attended the Melbourne Unconvention along with 900 other entrepreneurs and business people. Hosted by The Entourage, the day was to be jam packed full of real life stories as well as advice on starting and running a business. I went along with an open mind to listen to the eight hours of keynote speakers as I am always keen to hear inspiring stories and pick up business tips. The host and MC, Richard Bell, promised in his introduction that the day would not involve any selling or sales pitch! Read More
So, what do you do? Can you tell me in 60 seconds or less? Can you define yourself professionally and present a value proposition? Have you got an elevator pitch? You could have the best product or service in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t sell in what you have to offer. Read More
Bring your brand to life
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” James Cash Penney
Your brand is who you are and, more importantly, who customers think you are. It is not just a logo or a tag line. Brand equity describes the value of having a well-known brand name. It is the commercial value that comes from consumer perception of the brand name of a particular product or service. Brand equity is made up of four key influencing factors: brand loyalty, brand awareness, brand association and perceived quality. Read More
Blogging is a powerful strategy for your business that can help establish your reputation, build authority in your industry and connect with your customers. Successful blogging takes work. Make sure you establish goals, clarify your audience and create a plan before you start publishing so your time is not wasted. Read More
When you make the choice to run your own business over paid employment, work doesn’t come in nice 9 to 5 chunks. There are days when you might be run off your feet and you have plenty to do. There are also days when you seem to be twiddling your thumbs and you wonder if the phone will ring, bringing you new business. These quiet moments are the perfect opportunity to work on your business. One job on the list is to review your marketing plan and consider what you can do to get that phone ringing more. If you are a bit stuck, here is a list of ideas for how you could be marketing yourself: Read More
What message are you sending with your business card? What message does it send if you don’t have one?
Technology has streamlined communication and the ability to connect with clients and businesses. I am often asked if business cards are still relevant today or are they becoming a thing of the past. They are still very relevant today and a vital part of doing business so don’t be caught without yours. Although your first contact with clients may be via email or phone, I believe you shouldn’t go anywhere without your cards. A business card is a miniature advertisement of your brand. Anyone who receives one will have a reminder of your business. You may be very well connected with lots of online social media accounts, but if you turn up to a networking event or a meeting with a client or potential investor, you need to have something to leave behind a reminder of you so you can stay connected. Read More
“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination” Earl Nightingale
Without a marketing plan, any time and money spent on marketing will be making stabs in the dark at drumming up business. For a truly effective marketing strategy, you must evaluate your business and its target audience then create a plan of action and follow through with it. This is something every business, no matter how big or small, needs to have in place. After all, you can’t expect business to just fall in your lap! Read More