These days your Google search results are your resume (or so some would have you believe). I use Gravatar to add a photo near my comments, and I keep my online profile up-to-date on most of the channels Claimid.com/monicadear. Here are ten steps to managing your online identity and protecting your personal and professional identity, reputation, credit score, and bank … [Read more...]
Creating Systems to add Value to your Customers
I heard the good news yesterday that a friend and her husband's company is in the midst of a $600 million buyout. Over the years I've seen how they have navigated through major challenges in what their products are, how they capture consumer interest, their market share, and their distribution channels, and I'm inspired (and at the same time amazed and a little awed by) their … [Read more...]
8 Steps to Setting up a Web Presence for under $150
One of the ads in my Facebook feed said that 16 of the 30 companies in the current Dow Jones were started in a recession. Ladies, let's get to work! And don't let the lack of funds deter you! I detail below 8 steps to setting up your own web presence for low to no budget. There is no reason for you to delay on getting your website up. Just get started! Just do it! If it's a … [Read more...]
Using your Website to Process 5 Basic Business Functions
As entrepreneurs, we're always thinking of the next Big Thing and what we may do in the meantime to create a system and process to handle the work generated in our businesses. For many of you, this will mean using your website to handle basic business functions. Here are some ideas for how to implement your process on your website and to use the site to do the work that … [Read more...]
Why it’s Important to Be Specific
I'm in my fifth year of business, which I've heard is a milestone-- if we've made it this far, we must be doing something right. One recurring instance that I've found --in my humble experience-- to be a deal shaper is the skill involved in hiring the right person to do the specific job. Do not hire a plumber to do electrical repair. Do not hire a photographer to do web … [Read more...]
The Big Picture: Thinking Smarter, not Working Harder
In today's economy, many of us in business demonstrate hope and look forward to the opportunities that the market will bring. In a downturn, we remember that people still need to purchase products and services; however, many people will be looking for added value to their purchase. Now is an excellent time to differentiate yourself and your business. Now is also an excellent … [Read more...]
Social Networking: Can Someone Else do it for you?
This post is for women business owners who want to expand their brand using social networking tools. In my last few posts, I've talked about LinkedIn for business (link), Facebook for business (link), and social networking in general. Use social networking as a powerful way to engage your audience, share your expertise, increase your "validity" as a provider in your chosen … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Social Networking will Save the World
For posterity. Here are three logos you have never seen this close to each other: MySpace, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and The Wall Street Journal. They're teaming up in a classic case of "old school" meeting "new school" for an initiative to bring a young person to the Davos forum (the contest is on MySpace and ends January 16, 2009). As someone following … [Read more...]
Using LinkedIn Effectively: 7 Tips to Make the Most of your Profile
LinkedIn.com continues to grow. This is such a beneficial tool for online networking, and I continue to use it for strictly business use. As of October 2008, the site had more than 30 million registered users spanning 150 industries. If you do not yet have a profile, it's worthwhile to review the components of a complete one. These include: 1) a picture 2) a list of past … [Read more...]
Social Networking for Business: Does it Really Work?
More than anyone, I despise spam, unwanted messaging, and relentless commercialism. How, then, do I maintain a robust network of people who continue to like and care for me, as well as a list of referrers who literally feed me by sending me leads, partnership opportunities, writing positions, and paid gigs? I keep on message, I network, and I make my network work, for me and … [Read more...]