Getting Your Foot In the Door

Maybe you're wondering how to drum up business - get your foot in the door at major corporations or among prospects that can benefit from your products and services. One technique that has always been effective for generating new business and marketing partnerships is networking.

That's right... since the beginning of time, people have been networking to expand their business and broaden their horizons. the key with networking is getting started and carefully choosing how you are going to make connections. Today, with the help of the Internet and applications like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, your job is easier than ever.

Start by identifying the group or "groups" you want to target. Search for these groups online and off. Start with the major online social networks and join respective networking groups. You can often do so by sending an email or sending a request to join.

After you've been accepted into a group, don't enter like a bull in a China shop. Rather, make comments on occasion, try to connect with a few individuals vs. everyone, and provide value through comments or information that may be relevant to the group.

Consider advancing your networking strategies off line as well. You can call your local chamber of commerce or search online for groups that meet locally to discuss your expertise or area of influence. Networking face-to-face can pay huge dividends.

No matter what type of networking you're most comfortable doing, get started. The key to any successful networking strategy is to try a number of things until you determine what the best fit is for you and your business.

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Posted in: networking

How To Generate Thousands Of Return Visitors

Wondering how to keep your web site visitors coming back for more? The good news is that there are lots of resources to improve the rate at which visitors frequent your website.

Today's marketing tip is about adding a bookmarking button to your Web site. Bookmarking is simply giving your visitors a way to mark your web page, making return visits as easy as selecting from your browser's "Bookmark" button.

Here's how you can quickly add bookmarking to your Web site. Start by visiting the AddThis Web site and selecting where you would like to place your bookmarking button. Select from a website, Blogger, WordPress, or MySpace page. The next step is to choose the type of button you would like to use. There are a variety to choose from. Simply select the one you prefer.

The last step is to determine if you want to add analytics to your button. Analytics allow you to see how frequently your button is used. This is helpful if you want to keep track of your visitors and their activities. You can also test multiple buttons to determine which one is more effective.

Once you've chosen all of your options, "get your button". By clicking on this option, you are provided with html code that can easily be added to your website. If you need help adding the button to your site, don't hesitate to ask a programmer or find one using eLance or some other type of online service.

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Posted in: bookmarking

Marketing Tip #192: Twitter What?

Have you been thinking about all of this social media that seems to be the latest craze? I've got to tell you that all of this social media talk is making me crazy. It seems that the phrase "social media" or Twitter is part of just about every conversation.

Are you using social media?

Are you one of the millions that are already using social media? Or, are you someone sitting on the sidelines? You may be thinking that it's too late to start or that social media doesn't impact your business. However, I believe the contrary. That is to say that it's never too late and in fact, tapping in to social media can do a lot for your business.

1. Social media is how more people are choosing to communicate. If you aren't providing access to your company via social media, then you may be missing the boat. Companies that are more in tune with how people communicate are more successful.

2. You could be overshadowed by your competitors. Are your competitors everywhere? Social media helps from a branding perspective that simply can't be overlooked. Make your presence known with content on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites.

3. Companies are automating their social media. With tools designed for Twitter automation and sophisticated content management systems, companies are outsourcing or automating much of their social media - making the process effortless and cost efficient.

4. Social media is growing every day. More and more people are going social media sites every day. This allows for segmentation and targeted messaging. Consumers want to work with companies that know what they're doing online. If you aren't present, you may be impacted by a lack of trust.

5. Sites like Facebook are adding new features everyday. These features can improve the dialog with your customers and prospects. If you're not using these tools already, you could miss out on some of the most advanced opportunities to have a one-on-one dialog with your customers.

If you're not using social media already, get started today. Put together a plan or simply start with a specific goal. What sites will you join? For what purpose? How often will you participate in the dialog? What are you striving for? It's never to late to get started so start today.

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Posted in: twitter