El Dorado Promise

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Dr. James C. Fouse directs El Dorado Promise. The promise... go to school, graduate, get a scholarship. He was the guest speaker at the NWOSU Foundation annual donor appreciation dinner, and I asked him about the promise, about how small business can play a role in education, and about El Dorado, Arkansas (population approx. 25,000).

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Why is Cart-Away at BlogWorld Expo?

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Cart-Away showed up at BlogWorld Expo with a concrete mixer. Were they just in the wrong place, or what? No, they were there to learn, to learn social media, blogging, and related skills.


Standard advertising just didn't work for them, so they've given that up, in favor of exploring the world of online community.

Bruce and Tom are great guys. Keep up with them at the Cart-Away blog. And we'll check back with them to see how it goes.

And if you are looking for a new business idea, take a look at their concrete, rental and landscape store franchise opportunity.

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Video: Social Media Explorer Jason Falls

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Jason Falls grew up in a small town and works in marketing and new media. He shares some advice for small town small businesses, how social media can level the playing field. Right after he establishes his small town cred. Find more from Jason at Social Media Explorer.


This interview took place in the speaker ready room at BlogWorld Expo, part of a daisy chain interview that went all the way around the table.

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Home Video Marketing: For Small Business

Guest Post by Steve Schaffer, Triporia


The internet has given small businesses a platform to gain exposure to millions of prospective customers from around the world. Video is a very effective way to gain the attention of these users. Many small businesses do not have the budget to produce a professional video - this is where home video marketing comes in. What is home video marketing? It’s the simple use of your home video camera to film and produce a promotional video for your business. Home video marketing for small business is an effective, inexpensive option for any advertising budget.

There are many advantages to using home video marketing. Here are a few:

• It is an easy, low cost way to give prospective customers a glimpse into your business.
• Recent research into video advertising shows that viewers feel that they are seeing a truer representation of the business in question when they view a home video as opposed to a professionally made video. 
• You have full control over what you want prospective customers to see.
• You can shoot and produce the video and have it on the internet in less than a day.

Guided video tours of a business are a very popular format for home video marketing. Other ideas for home video marketing include the following:

• A video of customers enjoying themselves at your business 
• Comments and video testimonials from previous guests
• Footage that shows off your signature dish, room or attraction.

Have fun creating the video, and show the world what makes your business unique. Programs like Windows Movie Maker allow you to edit, insert titles and add your artistic flair to your video.

Now that you have your video produced, what do you do with it? There are a number of free sites, such as Youtube, where you can upload your videos. For tourism related businesses, such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, tours, and attractions, there are sites like Triporia.com, that not only allow you to upload your video, but to make your own page that includes a video, a write up on your business and a link to your website.

So film your tourism related video, upload it to Triporia.com, and increase the exposure of your business to potential travelers using the internet.


Steve Schaffer is Co-Founder and Marketing Manager of Triporia.com. In 2007, wrote a Point of View article for Small Biz Survival.

Small Biz Survival: Small town advantages

Running a small business is tough enough. But if you're running a small business in a small town, there's a secret you need to know... it's more fun than being in the big city!

You don't believe me? Well here's the top 5 small town advantages ...
1. You don't need GPS Navigation
2. Out network is smaller, but we care about you and your business
3. No “rush hour” - only “rush moment”
4. Random encounters are good for business
5. People are helpful

If you recognized your small town in that list, then join us for more articles, tools, resources and more fun at Small Biz Survival, The Small Town, Small Business Resource

Cast: Becky McCray, Laurie Reyes, Jeanne Cole, Glenna Mae Hendricks, Jodell Durkee.
Music by Frenz, from Pod Safe Audio.

Mobile post sent by BeckyMcCray using Utterz. Replies.

Feedback?

We can refine this now through May 2, so I would love your feedback! All I ask is you find something positive to say, along with suggestions, ideas, and criticisms. :)

Promote your business in a new way

Reader Laura Fisher "Mitten" from Michigan offered a terrific idea for promoting your works anywhere you go.

This is a bit specialized, but my husband is a filmmaker and he puts clips of his work (his 'showreel') on his PSP (this would work with iPhone/iPod/Zune, too, I think). He'll stuff it in his pocket when he goes out somewhere he's likely to meet people and can just show people his work right there in hand. (The PSP's screen is gorgeous!)

And while that's specifically for film, I would think anyone who does visual work - design, web design, whatever - could put together a little slideshow that could be shown on an iPod or Zune or PSP or whatever. A 'showreel' for designers!

So if you can take a picture or a short video clip that depicts your work, that's how you can carry it with you. What a terrific way to connect your online promotions to people who aren't online!

Need ideas for videos? We have a few small business video ideas for you.

[Photo by Josh Bancroft on Flickr, of a Dell X50V and Sony PSP showing mobile video playing possibilities.]

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Small Biz Startup TV Ep. 3 - Borrowing and Recordkeeping

Networking with many new media folks, I realized that lots of people are starting businesses. Since helping people start a business is the full time job of my co-author "OkieJ" Jeanne Cole, we decided to present a live internet TV miniseries on small business startup issues.


Problem with the player? Watch it at Operator 11.

Becky McCray and Jeanne Cole live from the Small Business Development Center in Alva, taking your small biz startup questions live in the chat room or by video. Today, Jeanne talks about how to get financing, and Becky discusses basic record keeping. We also talk about what a Small Business Development Center can do for you, and where to find one. Lots of great questions from the chat room, including business structures, pricing your services, and taxes on online businesses.

Want free confidential small business counseling before or after the show? Sign up with us at http://urltea.com/1god

One more episode to follow on Oct. 29.

Links:

Annual Credit Report
Improve your credit
Advice for the Startup Entrepreneur
SBA - Small Business Development Center locator
SBA - downloads on finance and recordkeeping



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Small Biz Startup TV: Getting started and business structures

Networking with many new media folks, I realized that lots of people are starting businesses. Since helping people start a business is the full time job of my co-author "OkieJ" Jeanne Cole, we decided to present a live internet TV miniseries on small business startup issues.


Problem with the player? Watch it at Operator 11.

Becky McCray and Jeanne Cole live from the Small Business Development Center in Alva, taking your small biz startup questions live in the chat room or by video. Guests include small biz experts and real-world entrepreneurs. Today, Tatsuya Nakagawa tells how to start your business before you quit your job, and Bill Gregory talks about business structures. Adam Jochum asks about what to watch out for when buying a building.

Want free confidential small business counseling before or after the show? Sign up with us at http://urltea.com/1god

More episodes to follow on Oct. 22 and 29.

Links:

Tatsuya Nakagawa's article, How to build your business before quitting your day job
Adam Jochum: www.crowrivercoffee.com, www.cafn8ed.com

Our SBDC downloads
More downloads from Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers

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Small Biz Startup TV: hiring, business plans

Networking with many new media folks, I realized that lots of people are starting businesses. Since helping people start a business is the full time job of my co-author "OkieJ" Jeanne Cole, we decided to present a live internet TV miniseries on small business startup issues.

Problem with the player? Try playing it at Operator11.

Becky McCray and Jeanne Cole live from the Small Business Development Center in Alva, taking your small biz startup questions live in the chat room or by video. Guests include small biz experts and real-world entrepreneurs. Appearing on camera were Jim Long, Adam Jochum and Cammon Randle.

Want free confidential small business counseling before or after the show? Sign up with us at http://urltea.com/1god

More episodes to follow on Oct. 15, 22, and 29.

Links:

Jim Long: www.vergenewmedia.com, www.craftynation.com
Adam Jochum: www.crowrivercoffee.com, www.cafn8ed.com
Cammon Randle: www.copperrain.com
Vaspers: www.vaspersthegrate.blogspot.com
Becky McCray: twitter.com/beckymccray
Jeanne Cole: twitter.com/okiej

Hiring Resources

www.elance.com
www.guru.com
Delegate Without Hiring

Downloads:

Business Plan Guide
More downloads from Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers
My Simplified Business Plans



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Small Biz Startup TV

Networking with many new media folks, I realized that lots of people are starting businesses. Since helping people start a business is the full time job of my co-author "OkieJ" Jeanne Cole, we decided to present a live internet TV miniseries on small business startup issues.

This is the footage from our first test. Now, it was really a test, and we fought through some technical issues to get there, but we ended up with some good info for anyone considering starting a small business.

Guests Phil Campbell and Nic Butler (Loud Mouth Man) talk about their experience starting a small business.

*Note: there is no audio for the first few minutes while we prove that this really was a test!*



Mondays, October 8 through October 29, at 10:30 am, we'll broadcast live at Operator11. Join us!

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Small town contest at IKEA Business

Is your small business growing? Do you have a vision to keep your town growing? Consider entering the Small Businesses, Big Dreams contest at IKEA Business and you could get the chance to redesign your business.

This is a community contest. You and nine other local businesses need to cooperate to enter a video explaining your vision for your town. Together, you could win the Main Street Makeover, and IKEA designers with "transform the physical space" of the 10 businesses.

Be sure to read the guidelines for a good entry, because you will be judged on your creativity and how you present your vision.

The deadline is July 26. Found at Duct Tape Marketing.

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How to use video to promote your small business

This post was nominated for a SEMMY Award, for search engine marketing.


Any small business could use simple online videos for promotion. Video builds relationships and can be very persuasive. You can make simple videos with just your digital camera and some free software. Need some inspiration for how to use it?

You don't have to start a daily or even weekly show. You can create individual videos that stand alone to post on your site.

Here are some different ways you can build your business with videos.

• Have a tourism business? Shoot some video of your area attractions.
• Do you create a product? Film the production process. Emphasize your quality, safety, uniqueness.
  
• Selling products? Demonstrate them on film. I just watched a short video of a carry on bag at ebags! It was really persuasive, and I wanted to see more of them for other products. So film your products; it sells!
  
• Providing services? Introduce your people!
  

Any business could:

• Profile your customers.
• Show how you solve problems for customers.
  
• Tell your founding story.
  
• Talk about future plans.
  
• Share your vision and passion!
  

Let's get more specific. Here are some ideas for real businesses.

• Hotel: Show rooms, common areas, and the attractions nearby. Introduce your people.
  
• Accountant: Profile some customers, and let them tell how you've solved problems with them.
  
• RV Campsite: Show your beautiful setting, the fun activities, the peace and quiet.
  
• Bakery: Take us behind the scenes in the kitchen, or to your suppliers. Could you go all the way to the wheat fields?
• Dune buggy maker: Let's hit the dunes! And, let us see how much safety and strength goes into each one.
• Dry cleaner: Teach us about different fabrics, treating spots, or even fashion trends.
  
• Lawn mowing: Show us your most ambitious project, your best lawn, or your trusted workers.
  
• Artist: nah, that's too easy. Besides showing your art, why not feature a glimpse of the creative process?

Now, here's the challenge. You name a business, and I'll come up with some ways to use video!

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How to do simple videos for your business

Video can be a terrific small business communication tool. It is best for sending visual information, building a relationship with the viewers, and yet most entrepreneurs don't take advantage of it. You've asked me how I do simple videos, so here's my tips.

Camera

I don't have a fancy video camera. I do have a terrific older Olympus C-765 still camera with a movie mode. Any camera with a movie feature will work.

Preparation

Prepare your outline or script before you start. The more you prepare, the better you'll do. For easy editing later, stick to one or just a few different shots. I usually start with an idea, work it out in my head, and rehearse a few times before taping. Also, go take a look in the mirror. You may need a bit of personal preparation to look your best.

Pick the Right Spot

Start by getting into great light. Natural light works very well. In my store, I like to get by the big windows for some bright and even lighting. Turn on all your lights, and bring in some extra lamps.

Pay attention to your background. Look for a relatively uncluttered background, and make sure you don't have a lamp or plant that appears to grow out of your head. You can check easily by snapping a sample photo first.

Tripod or Handheld

Either way, stay about an arm's length from the camera. That will give you better sound from the built in mic. Not great sound, mind you, but better sound.

If you have a tripod, use it! No tripod? Improvise! Set the camera up on a bookshelf, or stack up something flat for it to rest on. You can just hold the camera in one hand, at arm's length. It's hard to be steady that way, but it works OK for impromptu filming.

Film It

Make sure the camera is on movie mode and sound is turned on. Press the shutter button to start, pause just a moment then begin. You want to pause to make sure the camera starts filming and then to give yourself a bit of extra space when you edit.

Feel free to record two or three different times. In fact, it's digital, so feel free to retry as many times as you want. And pause a few seconds after you finish before you trip the shutter again.

Copy It

Now hook up your camera and copy the movie file or files to your computer. My Olympus makes .MOV files and I use Windows Movie Maker, so I need to convert the files to edit them. I use MP4Cam2AVI to do the conversions. It's very simple.

Edit It

The best way to learn to edit, for me, was to practice some editing. Simple one shot films are easier than multi-scene pieces. Even cutting to a close up takes a bit of finesse to keep the audio correctly in sync. Trust me, though. If I can figure it out, so can you! Start simple, and learn as you go.

Post It

I use Blip.tv, and I have had good luck. I had trouble with sound quality on Google and You Tube. Blip was easy to use. If you'll tell them about your blog, they'll automatically cross-post for you. Otherwise, they'll let you have a simple HTML code to copy and paste to your blog.

So, go try it! Make a video, and share a link with us!

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Video: Prune your products and services

UPDATE: Read more on this idea at Chuck Huckaby's Work At Home Business Opportunities.

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If you haven't pruned lately, your line of products or services may be holding back your business. The four factors to consider when pruning and adding to your product lines to revitalize your business:

• sales
• seasonality
• customer requests
  
• keyword trends
  

This also applies to those entrepreneurs who run multiple small businesses to make a living.

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Promote tourism with audio tours and videos

UPDATE: new tour sites now listed!

You can now attract savvy tourists to your area with audio tours and videos.

Record an MP3 audio file for visitors to listen to as they walk or drive through your area. Mention the sights, tell the old stories, direct them to businesses. Post it on your community or business website.

Upload it at AudioSnacks, and try to get it listed at Soundwalk, TourCaster, or Tourist Tracks. (I found those sites listed in an article from SpringWise, included in the E+Action newsletter.) Update: Ali Karbassi stopped by to mention city-surf.ca for Canada. Another reader mentioned the meta-directory of audio tours at Tourdio.

Visitors can download it to their audio player or burn it to a CD so they can listen while they walk or drive. Heck, many cell phones can now accept and play MP3 audio files, giving visitors another option for listening to your audio tour.

You could even post a regular series of podcasts on your website, describing the many wonders of your area.

Which brings us to the inevitable topic of video. Almost any digital camera will now take videos. Blip.tv makes it easy to post and share them. Why not post videos of those wonders? Why not present video on your small business website? Why not show off your products?

[Photo from my Flickr: Alva's murals, a natural target for an audio tour.]

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Video: Helping customers pick a product

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In a product based business, it can be tough to pull together items from many different manufacturers. To help customers make easier buying decisions, Becky McCray recommends three tips:

• Simplify
• Standardize
• Add ratings

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