Matt About Solutions Weekly Link Roundup
Each week, I collect the 10 best posts that I've read and share them with you here.
These posts focus on either choosing, or using, small business solutions online (or both!).
Enjoy!
Matt Mansfield
How Are Small Businesses Using Social Media Effectively?
Link: http://www.newbizblogger.com/social-media/how-are-small-businesses-using-social-media-effectively
My Take: Learn the sweet spots for social media for small businesses.
Numbers, Rankings, and Why I Think Alexa Is Big a Waste of Time
Link: http://www.thesaleslion.com/numbers-rankings-alexa-waste-time-stupid/
My Take: A hard look at Alexa ratings and their importance.
INFOGRAPHIC: How Much Does Social Media Really Cost?
Link: http://www.scribbal.com/2011/05/infographic-how-much-does-social-media-really-cost/
My Take: Love those infographics! This one looks at the true cost and value of social media campaigns.
10 Resources Small Businesses Are Forgetting to Use
Link: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/small-business-resources-1330/
My Take: Basic but solid uses of different resources and methods.
4 Tips for Listening to Your Audience Online
Link: http://succeedasyourownboss.com/05/2011/4-tips-for-listening-to-your-audience-online/
My Take: Are you being talked about online? What are folks saying and thinking? Find out with these tips.
Landing Page Optimization: 36 articles and resources to help you complete your next LPO project
Link: http://www.marketingexperiments.com/blog/research-topics/landing-page-optimization-research-topics/36-articles-and-resources-to-complete-lpo.html
My Take: A bit on the analytical side, but if you want your landing pages to convert, lots to learn here!
5 Easy Things You Can Do to Improve Website Conversions Right Now
Link: http://searchengineland.com/5-easy-things-you-can-do-to-improve-website-conversions-right-now-77950
My Take: Continuing on the theme of conversion, here are 5 actionable steps to take.
10 Principles At Work In Creating Buzz In Social Networking
Link: http://www.jeffbullas.com/2010/01/31/10-principles-at-work-in-creating-buzz-in-social-networking/
My Take: Creating buzz leads to better launches, stronger sales and more staying power. Learn how it all works in this post.
The Complete Small Business Marketer’s SEO Toolkit
Link: http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/2011/05/26/the-complete-small-business-marketer%E2%80%99s-seo-toolkit/
My Take: A list of really handy SEO tools.
What if someone says something bad?
Link: http://www.tourismcurrents.com/may-2011-what-if-someone-says-something-bad
My Take: Handling negative social media in a mature manner - refreshing!
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Memorial weekend Brag Basket
One of our traditions at Small Biz Survival is the Brag Basket. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one May 27-29, 2011.
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
brag basket
The Second Question You Should be Asking about Your Website
How’s your website doing? Did you answer that thorny question that Becky and I talked about at the end of last year? (No, seriously, that question is really important – it is the first question you should always answer before building or changing your website. Go on, re-read it if you have to, we’ll wait patiently here.)
Today I’d like to talk to you about the second question you should be asking yourself about your website. But only after you’ve got a good answer on that first question.
Ok, ok, I’ll get to the point: the second question is:
What does your customer want your website to do?
This might seem like an obvious question, but have you actually asked your customers this question?
It might be an eye-opener of an opportunity to provide your clients with the information and resources they are looking for. But it’s hard. It’s hard to ask awkward questions like that, especially when you might hear about problems you were hoping to avoid.
It’s also a bit awkward because sometimes the answer to the question about what you want your website to do might be different than what your customers want.
I’ve scoured up a few real examples of people I’ve worked with, either directly or indirectly. What would you do if this was your business?
Boutique soap/candle shop:
Couple who offer custom walking maps and guided hiking tours:
Unique 16-room hotel near city center of small town:
As you can see with these examples, sometimes you’re just a few steps short of providing what your customers want. And other times, your interests clash with theirs. The magic is deciding what to do about it. But you won’t know what is missing, if you don’t ask.
Andy Hayes is the author of Why Your Website Sucks, which helps small businesses answer the tough questions about their own websites to help them sell more. He also publishes SHERPA Magazine, a FREE (and beautiful and informative) monthly to what’s hot in small business.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Today I’d like to talk to you about the second question you should be asking yourself about your website. But only after you’ve got a good answer on that first question.
Ok, ok, I’ll get to the point: the second question is:
What does your customer want your website to do?
 |
| "Wha...?" Photo by CarbonNYC (I let Andy pick his own photos.) |
This might seem like an obvious question, but have you actually asked your customers this question?
It might be an eye-opener of an opportunity to provide your clients with the information and resources they are looking for. But it’s hard. It’s hard to ask awkward questions like that, especially when you might hear about problems you were hoping to avoid.
It’s also a bit awkward because sometimes the answer to the question about what you want your website to do might be different than what your customers want.
I’ve scoured up a few real examples of people I’ve worked with, either directly or indirectly. What would you do if this was your business?
Boutique soap/candle shop:
- Business owner wants to promote special deals.
- Customers want a listing of the full inventory as well as tips and suggestions on what to buy as gifts.
Couple who offer custom walking maps and guided hiking tours:
- Business owners want to get potential leads to pick up the phone and call.
- Customers want a lot more detailed information about what the walks are like, how to decide their fitness level, what to pack. (In other words, their customers do not want to call. Oops.)
Unique 16-room hotel near city center of small town:
- Business owner wants to attract more search traffic to help sell off-season rooms.
- Customers want to get a good deal and find out more local tips and recommendations.
As you can see with these examples, sometimes you’re just a few steps short of providing what your customers want. And other times, your interests clash with theirs. The magic is deciding what to do about it. But you won’t know what is missing, if you don’t ask.
Andy Hayes is the author of Why Your Website Sucks, which helps small businesses answer the tough questions about their own websites to help them sell more. He also publishes SHERPA Magazine, a FREE (and beautiful and informative) monthly to what’s hot in small business.New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
entrepreneurship,
marketing
Using your content to reach customers in the Weekly Link Roundup
Matt About Solutions Weekly Link Roundup
By Matt Mansfield
Each week, I collect the 10 best posts that I've read and share them with you here.
These posts focus on either choosing, or using, small business solutions online (or both!).
Enjoy!
5 reasons and 5 ways to contact your customer base
My Take: These tips and tools will help you build relationships with your customers.
How To Launch AND Let Go
My Take: What happens when your launch is not as successful as you hoped?
First Page Google Ranking Tips that Work 60% of the Time, Every Time
My Take: Solid, actionable SEO tips.
How to Turn Your Local Customers Into Raving Fans
My Take: Social marketing tactics that really work for local businesses.
Can social media success be measured?
My Take: Reminds me of my SMART goals days - very relevant.
30 Days With...Google Docs
My Take: The adventure of one man as he gives up Microsoft Office cold turkey and goes 30 days with Google Docs.
Your Top Content Marketing Challenges Solved
My Take: How to take action in using content to bring customers to your doorstep!
Marketing the Old Fashioned Way: Earning It
My Take: Useful content on content marketing for small business - a collection of audio files and posts.
100 Awesome Marketing Stats, Charts, & Graphs
My Take: Need some fact-support (or just some filler) for your next presentation? Then you'll love these slides!
3 Keys To Ditching The Marketing Speak and Developing Relevant B2B Content
My Take: The third link regarding content marketing this week - seems to be finally catching on!
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
By Matt Mansfield
Each week, I collect the 10 best posts that I've read and share them with you here.
These posts focus on either choosing, or using, small business solutions online (or both!).
Enjoy!
5 reasons and 5 ways to contact your customer base
My Take: These tips and tools will help you build relationships with your customers.
How To Launch AND Let Go
My Take: What happens when your launch is not as successful as you hoped?
First Page Google Ranking Tips that Work 60% of the Time, Every Time
My Take: Solid, actionable SEO tips.
How to Turn Your Local Customers Into Raving Fans
My Take: Social marketing tactics that really work for local businesses.
Can social media success be measured?
My Take: Reminds me of my SMART goals days - very relevant.
30 Days With...Google Docs
My Take: The adventure of one man as he gives up Microsoft Office cold turkey and goes 30 days with Google Docs.
Your Top Content Marketing Challenges Solved
My Take: How to take action in using content to bring customers to your doorstep!
Marketing the Old Fashioned Way: Earning It
My Take: Useful content on content marketing for small business - a collection of audio files and posts.
100 Awesome Marketing Stats, Charts, & Graphs
My Take: Need some fact-support (or just some filler) for your next presentation? Then you'll love these slides!
3 Keys To Ditching The Marketing Speak and Developing Relevant B2B Content
My Take: The third link regarding content marketing this week - seems to be finally catching on!
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
tools
Inspire others in the Brag Basket
One of our traditions at Small Biz Survival is the Brag Basket. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one May 20-22, 2011.
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
brag basket
Useful links from Matt About Business
[Readers frequently ask me how to keep up with all the developments in technology and the online world. That's why we've introduced a new feature: a weekly link roundup curated by Matt Mansfield. This week, I'm allowing him some leeway to feature his own collection of excellent material. -Becky]
Weekly Link Roundup
By Matt Mansfield
In honor of the relaunch of Matt About Business, below are some handpicked links to the site. :)
The usual weekly roundup will return next week.
Enjoy!
Start Pages:
Why Run Your Business Online? a consolidation of my 10-post series plus a post on online security
Top Small Business Software: learn which online tools are best for a specific business function or process and how to use those tools to manage your small business
Marketing and Social Media Tools: learn which online tools are best for marketing your business and how to use those tools to reach your target markets
Websites and Blogs: learn which online tools are best for building different types of websites and how to use those tools to build, manage and enhance your website
Selected Posts:
How to Market Research on Twitter: this video demonstrates how to use Twitter to find out what questions your target markets are asking so you can discover what is is they need
Why Does a Business Like Mine Need to Be Online?: In this webinar recording, Shayna Walker and I reveal the benefits that offline small businesses can reap by having a presence online
The Race to the Top of "Social CRM": Who's in the race to become the top social media management and CRM tool? Meet the players and learn what's at stake
Minimizing Your E-Mail With Google Reader: Phil Simon demonstrates how to stay on top of the latest news and information using Google's RSS reader, "Google Reader"
5 Successful Marketers Reveal Their Favorite Public Relations Tools: Learn what works (and what doesn't)
The "Guide to Twitter Chat" Edition: A Twitter chat provides great opportunities to learn, network and promote your own brand and expertise. Learn more in this guide
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Weekly Link Roundup
By Matt Mansfield
In honor of the relaunch of Matt About Business, below are some handpicked links to the site. :)
The usual weekly roundup will return next week.
Enjoy!
Start Pages:
Why Run Your Business Online? a consolidation of my 10-post series plus a post on online security
Top Small Business Software: learn which online tools are best for a specific business function or process and how to use those tools to manage your small business
Marketing and Social Media Tools: learn which online tools are best for marketing your business and how to use those tools to reach your target markets
Websites and Blogs: learn which online tools are best for building different types of websites and how to use those tools to build, manage and enhance your website
Selected Posts:
How to Market Research on Twitter: this video demonstrates how to use Twitter to find out what questions your target markets are asking so you can discover what is is they need
Why Does a Business Like Mine Need to Be Online?: In this webinar recording, Shayna Walker and I reveal the benefits that offline small businesses can reap by having a presence online
The Race to the Top of "Social CRM": Who's in the race to become the top social media management and CRM tool? Meet the players and learn what's at stake
Minimizing Your E-Mail With Google Reader: Phil Simon demonstrates how to stay on top of the latest news and information using Google's RSS reader, "Google Reader"
5 Successful Marketers Reveal Their Favorite Public Relations Tools: Learn what works (and what doesn't)
The "Guide to Twitter Chat" Edition: A Twitter chat provides great opportunities to learn, network and promote your own brand and expertise. Learn more in this guide
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
tools
A lucky Brag Basket
One of our traditions at Small Biz Survival is the Brag Basket. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one May 13-15, 2011. Since it's Friday the 13th, why not make it a lucky Brag Basket. :)
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
 |
| Basket full of lucky horsehoes. Photo (cc) by Leo Reynolds. |
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
brag basket
IRS Small Biz Webinar May 18
Glenna Mae sent along this IRS webinar notice:
Meeting: Small Business Advantage: Put Our Knowledge to Work for You (Webinar)
Date(s): May 18, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m. (ET); 1:00 p.m. (CT); 12:00 (MT); 11:00 a.m. (PT)
Location: Your Home or Office
Contact: Internal Revenue Service Webinar; E-mail: sbse.webinars@irs.gov.
Event Information: This FREE webinar is for:
Please note: CPE credit is not available for attending this webinar.
Learn about:
To register for this event, visit the Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Web Site.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Meeting: Small Business Advantage: Put Our Knowledge to Work for You (Webinar)
Date(s): May 18, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m. (ET); 1:00 p.m. (CT); 12:00 (MT); 11:00 a.m. (PT)
Location: Your Home or Office
Contact: Internal Revenue Service Webinar; E-mail: sbse.webinars@irs.gov.
Event Information: This FREE webinar is for:
- Small business owners
- Self-employed persons
- Independent contractors
- Tax practitioners
Please note: CPE credit is not available for attending this webinar.
Learn about:
- The new IRS brand for small business resources
- Discover multiple resources to help small businesses thrive
- What are the benefits of using Small Business Advantage?
- Find out about opportunities available now for small businesses
To register for this event, visit the Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration Web Site.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
events,
tax matters
What to do about aging small business owners?
Part of our community here is sharing discussion and ideas with each other, so here's a question for all of us:
I don't know of anything, but I'm happy to hear your suggestions!
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
 |
| Succession planning affects farms and rural small businesses. |
"Hello from British Columbia. I work with rural communities in BC, many of whom are worried about what to do when their aging small business owners retire. Has anyone come across innovative solutions to address business succession?
Cheers,
Niamh"
I don't know of anything, but I'm happy to hear your suggestions!
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Small town profit/nonprofit partnerships
Long ago, Rebecca Leaman asked me about nonprofits in small towns.
At the time, I told her that small town business people are always volunteering in their local nonprofits. In fact, I’ve worked as a nonprofit staff member myself. Of course, we have a ton of things in common between small businesses and nonprofits. We’re all working on the same management, people, financial, and regulatory issues. We face the same problems of finding qualified people. and on and on. Another connection with nonprofits and small town businesses: our small communities need us both. We have to work together on the critical problems small towns face. We can’t solve our workforce shortages without cooperation of business, education, and government agencies. Our local economy won’t grow robustly by accident; we have to cooperate to make it happen.
When I ran across this discussion in my files, I thought it was worth bringing back. I posed a question in the newsletter, and long-time supporter Johnita Crawford answered:
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 |
| Profit/nonprofit partnership is essential in most small towns. |
"A lot of your thoughts on small-town and small-biz development seem to apply well to nonprofits, too - certainly to the grassroots groups that keep rural communities (I live in one) rolling. Your thoughts?"
At the time, I told her that small town business people are always volunteering in their local nonprofits. In fact, I’ve worked as a nonprofit staff member myself. Of course, we have a ton of things in common between small businesses and nonprofits. We’re all working on the same management, people, financial, and regulatory issues. We face the same problems of finding qualified people. and on and on. Another connection with nonprofits and small town businesses: our small communities need us both. We have to work together on the critical problems small towns face. We can’t solve our workforce shortages without cooperation of business, education, and government agencies. Our local economy won’t grow robustly by accident; we have to cooperate to make it happen.
When I ran across this discussion in my files, I thought it was worth bringing back. I posed a question in the newsletter, and long-time supporter Johnita Crawford answered:
I work with several community organizations and we all have the same problems, looking for money to support the things we want to do, and good volunteers to do it. I have some great people in our community that volunteer for so many things.How is your community partnering between profit and nonprofit groups? Anything others might learn from?
Our beautification committee runs under our city umbrella so for the project we're doing now (raising $150,000 for street lights) we can offer tax deductions for charitable donations. We are working on fundraisers to raise some of the money and we are letting people buy poles and they get to put a brass plaque on it in memory of a family or loved one. We hope to raise at least half the money that way. We are also working with our local telephone company to give an inkind donation of the use of thier boring equipment which would save us lots of money on running the electric lines.An engineering company has donated a person to lay out the poles and things and did a scematic drawing so we can see what it will look like.
Getting help from professionals for free is one of the things we work on. This works in all kinds of situations.
We have a great Chamber of Commerce who puts on our Watermelon Festival every Labor Day weekend. This has been done every year for 111 years. It used to be a day activity and now it's 3 days and people come from all over and lots of old hometown people come back to see friends and family. Our small town of 700 grows to 3000 to 4000 people. It's a wonderful fundraiser for our chamber and gives them money for the whole year.
All the businesses in our community are basicly family owned and operated so we're all small businesses. Everyone works together to get things done, and we all benefit from that work.
Hope this is some information you were looking for. Glad you ask if you want to know anything I haven't added let me know.
Johnita
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Keep up with the social media trends in the Roundup
[Readers frequently ask me how to keep up with all the developments in technology and the online world. That's why we've introduced a new feature: a weekly link roundup curated by Matt Mansfield. -Becky]
Weekly Link Roundup by Matt Mansfield
Each week, I collect the 10 best posts that I've read and share them with you here.
These posts focus on either choosing, or using, small business solutions online (or both!).
Enjoy!
How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media For Customer Service
My Take: A look at methods and tools that can be used by all for success!
How To Deal With Social Media Feedback
My Take: Great tips on self-management that go beyond social media!
Top Ten Best Online Time Tracking Software
My Take: It's worth setting aside some time checking these out to find a great tool!
5 Questions to Diagnose Your Website Bounce Rate
My Take: This post looks at ways to hook your website visitors in and keep them there!
How to Turn Anything from Adequate to Amazing
My Take: You can be amazing and cool and unique no matter what business you're in!
Top 5 WordPress Plugins For Creating An E-Commerce Site
My Take: Looking to sell from your WordPress site? Here are 5 ways to do just that!
How to Use Game Mechanics to Reward Your Customers
My Take: I've looked at this in the past and the tools just keep getting better and better.
26 Ways to Use Social Media for Lead Generation
My Take: Social media CAN lead to sales - here's how...
Why Social Isn't Helping Online Retailers Find Customers
My Take: Is social media "all that"? Maybe it can be, but for some, not yet...
Managing Your Social Media Contest Using An Online Form Builder
My Take: Solid approach, even if it is from the vendor. :)
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Weekly Link Roundup by Matt Mansfield
Each week, I collect the 10 best posts that I've read and share them with you here.
These posts focus on either choosing, or using, small business solutions online (or both!).
Enjoy!
How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media For Customer Service
My Take: A look at methods and tools that can be used by all for success!
How To Deal With Social Media Feedback
My Take: Great tips on self-management that go beyond social media!
Top Ten Best Online Time Tracking Software
My Take: It's worth setting aside some time checking these out to find a great tool!
5 Questions to Diagnose Your Website Bounce Rate
My Take: This post looks at ways to hook your website visitors in and keep them there!
How to Turn Anything from Adequate to Amazing
My Take: You can be amazing and cool and unique no matter what business you're in!
Top 5 WordPress Plugins For Creating An E-Commerce Site
My Take: Looking to sell from your WordPress site? Here are 5 ways to do just that!
How to Use Game Mechanics to Reward Your Customers
My Take: I've looked at this in the past and the tools just keep getting better and better.
26 Ways to Use Social Media for Lead Generation
My Take: Social media CAN lead to sales - here's how...
Why Social Isn't Helping Online Retailers Find Customers
My Take: Is social media "all that"? Maybe it can be, but for some, not yet...
Managing Your Social Media Contest Using An Online Form Builder
My Take: Solid approach, even if it is from the vendor. :)
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
tools
Honor an important woman in the Brag Basket
One of our traditions at Small Biz Survival is the Brag Basket. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one May 6-8, 2011. In honor of US Mother's Day, why not share a story of an important or powerful woman?
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it's not really about bragging. It's about sharing. It's here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend. Don't hold back because of that word, "brag." When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
 |
| Mother's Day basket. Photo (cc) by Awoodvine. |
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others' stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It's a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Categories:
brag basket
Building Your Own Entrepreneurial Communities
Many of you loved the information from Dave Shideler in Building Entrepreneurial Communities. Now you can participate as Shideler presents two webinars on the same subject, plus one on youth entrepreneurship.
These three webinars are presented free by Oklahoma's Rural Enterprises, Inc.:
Building Entrepreneurial Communities Part I: What are they?
May 11, 2011, 9am CDT
This first session will focus on "what communities can do to support, cultivate and enhance entrepreneurship" in your community. Expect to learn a lot about entrepreneurs and what goes into an entrepreneurial climate.
Building Entrepreneurial Communities Part II: How do you build it?
May 25, 2011, 9am CDT
Now that you know more about entrepreneurial climate, what policies can be put in place? Shideler has a long list of policy examples from around Oklahoma. He will also talk about ways to build the entrepreneurial climate and support systems that don't require policy changes.
Youth Entrepreneurship: Building a pipeline
June 10, 2011, 9am CDT
Want to keep more of your town's kids engaged and involved in the community? Help them become entrepreneurs. Shideler will also share the 4-H curricula on youth entrepreneurship.
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| Hutchinson, Kansas, is an entrepreneur friendly community |
Building Entrepreneurial Communities Part I: What are they?
May 11, 2011, 9am CDT
This first session will focus on "what communities can do to support, cultivate and enhance entrepreneurship" in your community. Expect to learn a lot about entrepreneurs and what goes into an entrepreneurial climate.
Building Entrepreneurial Communities Part II: How do you build it?
May 25, 2011, 9am CDT
Now that you know more about entrepreneurial climate, what policies can be put in place? Shideler has a long list of policy examples from around Oklahoma. He will also talk about ways to build the entrepreneurial climate and support systems that don't require policy changes.
Youth Entrepreneurship: Building a pipeline
June 10, 2011, 9am CDT
Want to keep more of your town's kids engaged and involved in the community? Help them become entrepreneurs. Shideler will also share the 4-H curricula on youth entrepreneurship.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
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Value your town characters
Small towns are full of characters. Sometimes, we feel a bit embarrassed by that, but what if we started to value our town characters? It might be a savvy tourism opportunity.
Here's how one town did it, catching the attention of a travel writer.
A few town characters from Waynoka, Oklahoma: the Dog Creek Gunfighters.
Source: Trippin' with Perk: Eric travels to Hendricks
I am thinking there isn't a travel writer on Earth who could resist the lure of a list of characters like that. Imagine if you kept such a list, if you shared it with writers, if you gave regular visitors the chance to meet them.
Thanks to Mike Knutson for sharing the link.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
Here's how one town did it, catching the attention of a travel writer.
A few town characters from Waynoka, Oklahoma: the Dog Creek Gunfighters.
Eric [Perkins] recently contacted dozens of Chamber of Commerce offices around Minnesota to see what was unique about their community. Not only did Hendricks email back to let him know but they sent a list of about forty different "characters" for Eric to interview.
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Hendricks [is] on the border of South Dakota. It may only have a population of 725 people, but it's a community full of characters.
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Eric also met the town's strongest man, a guy named Bobby Kanz who is the town welder. He demonstrated his strength to Eric by lifting a 15 pound sledgehammer by the very end of the handle.
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Eric also met the town's mayor, a local dairy farmer who collects bib overalls (more than 100 pair and counting), a 71-year-old grandma who rides a mean snowmobile, and a guy who collects more aluminum cans for recycling than you could possibly count!
Source: Trippin' with Perk: Eric travels to Hendricks
I am thinking there isn't a travel writer on Earth who could resist the lure of a list of characters like that. Imagine if you kept such a list, if you shared it with writers, if you gave regular visitors the chance to meet them.
Thanks to Mike Knutson for sharing the link.
New here? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Subscribe.
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