Business development

Gain valuable exposure by writing and speaking locally

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In good times and bad, businesses need a competitive edge. It’s easy to think of paid marketing efforts, but fortunately there are many options out there that cost nothing other than some of your time. Yet they offer you the opportunity to develop awareness and recognition as an expert in your field. Here are a … Read more

The power of networking

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In this day of electronic connectivity – cell phones (in all their variations), e-mail, the Web (“Internet”) – it’s easy to lose sight of a powerful yet dying phenomenon: the face-to-face meeting. Sure, staying in touch electronically is fine once the relationship has begun, but how do you meet that prospect initially?

Time was, networking functions were very common. Two previous employers were members of the local chamber of commerce. I and other employees often took advantage of the membership by showing up at the After 5 get-togethers. They were mostly social events for me, as I didn’t feel comfortable networking at the time. I always envied one former boss who would could work the room like a pro. He was well known, due to his position with that company, but still: why didn’t I feel as comfortable?

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How to be more productive in 3 easy steps

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Ever get the feeling that you’re just not accomplishing as much each day as you could or should? Sure, you have a lot on your plate. But you can still be productive and efficient. It requires being disciplined and following the three simple steps I present here. 1. Eliminate or minimize distractors. Close your e-mail … Read more

Use a to-do list to help manage your day

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Salespeople understand the value of daily to-do lists. Those lists are equally valuable to workers in non-sales positions, as well. To-do lists keep you focused throughout your day. It’s easy to ignore or forget tasks that aren’t written down. Much like goals, tasks are more likely to be completed if you keep a list of … Read more

How valuable are your posts?

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We hear and read a lot in the internet marketing community about the importance of providing value. About how generating great content on a consistent basis will help you build a following. You may advertise as well, but your posts are supposed to be predominantly of an informative nature. Keyboard for blogsMike Dillard says it very well: “You must be willing to give without want before you can have.”

Why is it, then, that people are relentlessly promoting their products and services in Twitter? (Facebook used to be just as bad, but has gotten better.) Forgive me for tooting my own horn, but you’ll notice from my Twitter account , this blog, and my YouTube channel that the vast majority of my posts have nothing to do with my businesses.

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