Bill Gluth, Creative Business Strategy Blog

What Social Media Channels Waste Time

Around 2003 social media starting kicking up. Back then I became aware do a group called Ecademy. Then there was Ryze and an upstart called LinkedIn.

I started playing because I enjoyed it. It was fun to interact with people all over the world. 

As we now know, LinkedIn won social media prominence because they offered something people wanted. And they offered it in a way that small business owners responded to.

Fast forward to 2011- 2012. 

If you're like me, I'll bet you get invitations from people you know (primarily in your loose network) that want you to join them on any number of social media channels. 

It's amazing to me how many emerging channels continue to open.

If you try to keep up, none of them can really work. Your efforts are too diffused. 

To make sure you're not wasting time on social media, find the channels that work for you and use them daily. 

I like to stay with the "Biggies", e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Why?

Because that's where the crowd is. 

For my 60 minutes per day of social media activity, those channels provide me with the best opportunity to educate, engage, give value, stay informed and meet like-minded people.

The secret is to focus.

Don't spend time investigating every new social media channel that comes up.

Stay where the crowds are. Then engage, share and give consistently.

You'll find better results for your efforts and will not waste time on channels that are here today and not very popular tomorrow. 

What Are You Avoiding Today

 

Yesterday we talked about building awareness and focusing on TODAY, instead of someday, the past or the future.

Right now is the only time you can actually control.

Listen to this short podcast that will help you gain awareness on what you may be avoiding today and how that is impacting your business and revenue building success. 

 

What Are You Missing Today

Running time: 2 Minutes 4 Seconds

 

 

Are You Missing Today?

As small business owners it's easy to worry about the past and be concerned about the future. For many people, it's their default setting. 

Sure, you can lament about the past and what you could have, should have, would have done.

Or you worry about the future and what maybe, perhaps could happen.

But what about right now?

Whatever you're doing right now will dictate the results you gain in the moments ahead.

Right now is the only time you can actually control. 

So just for today I'd encourage you to focus on the power of right now. Don't let it slide and don't miss today.

Stop worrying about a past that has already occurred.

End the stress created by thinking about the future. Whatever happens in the future is actually predicated by your actions right now.

Focus on this moment. Ask yourself:

"What can I do right now to impact my life in the positive way I am looking for?"

By answering and acting on that question your future will be much brighter and you'll be much happier. 

Just for today, don't worry. Control the moments as they occur to create the results you desire tomorrow. 

Try it. Focus on today. Remain aware of your actions right NOW. See the difference in this moment and the moments ahead. 

Image courtesy: Foxtongue

Facebook Changes; Simplified

 

Facebook has a new look and some new features. This video gives you a simple overview that should help you navigate your way around Facebook comfortably again.

69 Top Negotiating Tips for Businesses

Today, on the Carol Roth Blog 69 experts gave their best advice on how to negotiate for business. 

I provided tip # 57. You can enjoy them all at http://bit.ly/oL5YTE 

 

 

 

How Experts Ezine Works

 

Earlier, I did an interview about social media and the power Experts Ezine gives to small business social media campaigns.

Today, I'll show you one powerful way the tool works to make social media easier - even if you're not a techie.

Learn more about Experts Ezine here

Visit my profile on Experts Ezine here

Are You Suffering From the Terrible Too's

 

In 2001, I was VP of Sales and Marketing for a company in AZ. Then one day, POOF, the company sold. 

That was the moment I realized I was suffering from the terrible too's.

I had too much experience

Was making too much money

And was living in a market with too few VP opportunities available at the time.  

I had to solve the problem, so I started my own business using my strengths; helping people use their talent, knowledge, passion and experience to add value to the life of others. 

What is your terrible too right now?

Maybe you feel like you are too young ... not credible enough.

Or too old ... seen as having dated ideas.

Perhaps you're too overwhelmed ... don't know what to do or where to start so you stand frozen.

Or maybe you have your own too, such as ... ______ (fill in your terrible too here).

Whatever your terrible too is I'd like to assist you.

You can get focused on what you need to do to move foward instead of being stuck where you are right now.  

It will help me as well by giving me a look at challenges small business owners are facing.

Set up a time for us to meet by telephone.

We'll discuss your situation, goals and potential blocks.

I'll provide you with steps you can take to begin to resolve the issue.

We'll even record the session so you know exactly what to do to move forward. 

Schedule your complimentary Terrible Too's meeting here. 

You'll see your small business clearer and discover the #1 thing that is stopping you from having the business success you want and deserve. 

Social Media Marketing Results for Non-Guru's

I had a great time talking to Jason Verdelli, Founder of Experts Ezine in this video interview.

We talked about simple and powerful strategies and tactics that you can use right away to dominate the online game using social media.

The best part is, you don't have to be a Guru to succeed.  

Listen in and learn how social media can build sales and increase client satisfaction.

Here's the interview link. Enjoy it!

Listen to this brief video to learn how you can position your expert status on Experts Ezine here

The Biggest Sales Process Mistake

In its simplest form, the sales process is the plan you follow to market, create sales from qualified leads and manage the client relationship ongoing. 

The biggest sales process mistake that MANY small businesses make is not having a sales process to follow at all. 

I'm not sure why unprepared small business owners would not develop a plan for perhaps the most important step in their business.

But if you ask 10 small business owners, 7 of them will not have a documented sales process plan to follow.

If you don't have one, get the help you need to create your personal sales process plan now.

Or check back on the Creative Business Strategy Blog for new ideas on how simple the sales process can actually be. 

Graphic Courtesy: Insideview

Planning Completely Sucks

It's very true. Planning for a small business, whether it's for marketing, sales or operations, takes time, mental energy, focus on what you want and the true desire to really achieve results. 

But without planning you run amok in an unfocused state (that feels just like confusion). You are overwhelmed constantly. You feel stressed every moment due to lack of focus.

Many people just throw in the towel because they lack the strength to plan. 

"It's too hard," they say.

So you have to make the choice. 

Will you expend your mental energy, learn new things and expand your comfort zone by creating and following a plan?

Or will you remain stuck where you are now without a plan to guide you?

Those are the 2 choices you can make.  

Planning takes the worry and stress out of running a small business day-to-day. It's worth the effort.

If you don't know how to plan on your own, ask for help and guidance. 

No matter what you do, just remember, planning is always worth the effort.

Photo Courtesy: Dan Foy