Sadly, I returned from my Brian Tracy Seminar last week. I say “sadly” for two reasons. The first is because the seminar was totally awesome! I learned a tremendous wealth of information on how to run my business. I came back both motivated and ready to work. Second, the weather in California was incredible. Warm and spring-like every day of the year. I wondered why I don’t live there.

I had heard about Brian Tracy before, but never had the opportunity to hear him speak live. He was awesome. I truly enjoyed his lessons, examples and stories of how to run a business. He was comfortable enough to share his business experiences with us so we could learn from them. And all his insights were sprinkled with humor and fun! It made for a comfortable, interesting way to learn about our businesses.

What really impressed me about the entire weekend was that before I attended this seminar, I was unsure of the direction I wanted to take with my business, as well as how to accomplish the goals I had in mind. The seminar was held in a large conference room, and within it were about 25 tables with 5 business owners at each. Each person had their own work book that we used to write down our thoughts, ideas and goals. After each lesson we discussed the topic at our table, and came up with one goal that we plan to implement as well as a date of completion. By the end of the weekend, I had many ideas in mind, had written them down, and already had target dates for completion!

The amazing thing about the way the seminar was run was that it really provided us with a chance to brainstorm with others as well as reflect on our own ideas and thoughts. This was a winning combination for handing us the tools we need to grow our businesses in the way we want to.

Finally, I made some great new friends and had a lot of fun. While I was sad to get back on the plane to make my journey home, I knew it was only the beginning of another journey I had consciously chosen to make thanks to Brian Tracy.

That journey is to provide education and knowledge to others, while continuing to do what I love. I am looking forward to many interesting and profitable years running my business.

Today I unveil my new toy. Of course it’s not really a toy, but a Social Media Toy. The best kind, in my opinion. It is absolutely fabulous. I’m crazy about it.  I can’t stop looking at it. Why am I so crazy about it? Because it’s going to organize my Social Media Sites for me. And for those of you who really know me, this kind of thing truly makes me happy.  When I can organize my “stuff”. 

Curious? I thought so. It’s called a Social Media Hub. If you maintain a personal brand or even a brand for a company which has a presence across numerous social networks, you can now point your fans, followers, and customers to a specific domain name that you own that is personalized with your business name in it. This page can now be customized to blend in with your own branding by changing the background, the color, the font, and the layout. 

I really love it, and want to offer my clients the opportunity if they so choose to have one as well!  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

I can hardly wait.  My first business trip is finally here. On March 5, 6 & 7th I will be attending a business seminar hosted by Brian Tracy in sunny San Diego, California.  The name of the seminar is One Year Total Business Makeover Seminar. Being a huge fan of Brian Tracy, this is a wonderful opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I am alway eager to learn more about social media, but as a small business owner, it’s equally important that I have a solid plan that will take my business where I want it to go. I am excited to learn new ways to achieve my personal and business goals. 

I am sure that what I learn from Brian about business will only increase my passion for social media.  And my clients will reap the rewards. 

Stay tuned for my update on my trip~I’ll share my experiences with all of you!

To be prepared to give yours, here are some things you should consider:

1. What does your company do? (For example, begin your answer with “We provide.”)
2. Whom does your company do it for? (For example, begin your answer with “For small and midsized business owners.”)
3. Why do they care? Or, What’s in it for them? (For example, include in your answer “so that they can,” “who can no longer afford,” or “who are tired of.”)
4. Why is your company different? (For example, begin your answer with “As opposed to” or “Unlike.”)
5. What is your company? (For example, begin your answer with “My company is one that helps small businesses.”)

The main points of your “elevator” speech are to inform & start a conversation.  Tell others what you do, and in turn, ask them what they do. This concept directly ties into social media, which as well as know, is beginning to enhance more and more businesses today.

Are you prepared to start a conversation on your business?  What results has it brought you so far?

This year has been an inspirational year for me, and I caught the social media “virus” that has been going around the business world! Luckily for my clients, there is no cure yet, and I found myself enjoying each and every symptom that it gave me. I feverishly searched the internet for information on every detail provided to me. And once I found the answer, I still thirsted for more. Instead of feeling empty and anxious, it left me feeling driven and even more determined to learn more.

What can I make of this? I have found what I am meant to do. I can only hope to maintain this passion for the rest of my natural life!! I cannot get enough of it, and I sincerely hope I never do. I find some comfort in knowing that social media will only get bigger in the decade to come so I can ride this exciting wave of excitement into the distant future.

In closing, I wish you all health and happiness in 2010, but most of all, I wish for all of you to catch that “virus” that will have YOU yearning and hungering for more. It is a wonderful feeling that I can hardly describe but wish to share it with everyone I know. You just can’t beat it.

1. Tweet your coupons, promotions & events. Just a short sentence or two in addition to a URL can be very effective.

2. Use your Facebook Page to send out invitations to your special shopping days.  Create an event and email it to all your fans. It’s easy and only takes a minute.

3. Create emails that contain your discounts offers and coupons. If you have a monthly newsletter, include time sensitive materials to entice your customers to take advantage of your products or services.

Studies are indicating that this Holiday Season even more businesses will use social media to increase their profits. It’s easy, fast & fun.

It’s the Holiday tip that you can’t afford to ignore!

More and more businesses are now using Facebook to make valuable connections with their customers.  Did you know that more than 10 million users become fans of Pages each day?  Think about that.  What a great way to get your business involved with it’s customers for free~in addition to the exposure you are getting!  The number are growing and if you still don’t have a presence on Facebook, you are missing lots of opportunities to grow your business. 

If you have a Facebook page already: 

• take a minute to make sure you are taking advantage of what it offers.  Post your events, reference an article or create a short video.

If you don’t have a Facebook page:

• visit Facebook and type in the names of your competitors in the search box.  When their Facebook page appears, take a look around and observe what they’re doing.
• think about why you haven’t created a Facebook page for your business and  write down how much time you’re willing to spend to keep it active.

Remember:  Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Or even two days.  Social Media takes time and patience.  It is truly an investment in your business, not a cost to run it.  When you start thinking about Social Media in that way, it helps you think of it as more of a permanent connection.  That connection will be to your customers. 

Now isn’t that why you’re in business?  To connect to your customers on an ongoing basis?

Gamechangers Video

Being in social media doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re social.  But it helps.  As the owner of a small business I am exploring the opportunity of joining some networking groups within my community.  So far, the results have been amazing!  Is it about getting more clients and making more money?  Sure.  Is that the only reason why I participate?  Absolutely not.  Not only do I enjoy meeting new people but I am also eager to learn about other entrepreneurs and their businesses.  I can’t remember a meeting I went to that I did not discover something that I didn’t know.  I also think it’s important to explore different networking groups in your area so you can get a sense for how you will interact with others in the group.  Many times, these groups will allow you to join them once or twice as a guest so you can give it a try before making a committment.  I think it’s a great way to make new friends and colleagues!

I’ll provide you with an article I found which includes tips on networking for entrepreneurs.  It has great tips to ensure that small businesses are social connecting in person as well as on the internet.

Try it and explain the possibilites today!

Today’s small business has many more challenges than in the past.  We know the internet has changed the way we once did business.  There are so many more aspects to marketing that businesses have to think about in order to be successful.  Having a brand image in addition to thinking about how to get involved in all the social media tools that are out there can be overwelming.  The small business owner must take all this new technology into serious consideration or perhaps be left behind. 

Reaching out to others to gather ideas is something that I find to be a very valuable tool in my business.  Just hearing a word or two that gets my brain power going can be exciting and worth the conversation from which it came.  So my advice to all of you in small businesses?  Brand your image, find the social media tools that work best for you, and get networking with your collegues.  Success may be closer than you think!