Expert perspective: Seven (7) Social Media Marketing “Musts” March 23, 2011

Seven (7) Social Media Marketing “Musts” (or you’re destined to bust)

Some companies see Social Media marketing the way Paris Hilton sees “bling”.

A bright, shiny, sparkly new distraction that has people fixated on
something they just HAVE to have.

Why? Because Social Media and viral marketing are buzz words being thrown around throughout the media with the promise of “FREE” marketing.

But just having a presence on Social Media won’t ensure your business will thrive. In fact, if your business or product sucks, or if you treat your
clients or employees badly, Social Media will be your worst enemy.

Save yourself and your business. Follow these seven “MUSTS” or you’re
destined to bust.

1. You MUST begin with a strategy.
Set out benchmarks on what you want to achieve before you begin. As the
Cheshire Cat remarked to Alice In Wonderland, “If you don’t know where
you are going, any road will take you there”.

2. You MUST integrate your Social Media marketing plan across all
departments.
From sales to operations, from the Chief Cook to the Bottle Washer, every
person who works for your company is a representative of your brand. Make sure that all departments are aligned and educated with your Social Media policy so messaging is consistent and customer service is paramount.

3. You MUST listen first.
Are people talking about your business/industry? What are they saying?
Where are they spending their time online? You can’t solve your clients’
problems if you don’t know where they are and what they want.

4. You MUST reply when it’s appropriate.
The strength in Social Media is the engagement factor. Gone are the days
when you would send one message to many people. You are now empowered with having a dialogue with your customers and acknowledging that they are important to you.

When people provide you with feedback (good or bad), THANK them. Negative feedback can be tough to take, but there may be an opportunity to learn from what they are sharing. Travelocity has thousands of reviews; both good and bad. People will ultimately decide for themselves, but how you handle the negative responses will speak volumes.

5. You MUST give more than you receive.
You want to be considered the expert in your industry so you have to start
by providing insider tips, tricks and information. On Twitter, the rule of
thumb is 70/20/10 = 70% sharing relevant information, 20% sharing someone else’s information (i.e. re-tweet) and 10% should be self-promotion. Be sure to post regularly and authentically to build trust.

6. You MUST build relationships built on quality, not quantity.
This is one of the biggest areas for “shiny object syndrome”. Having thousands of followers or fans doesn’t amount to anything if they don’t convert into sales. Ten loyal high paying customers are better than a thousand followers who don’t buy a thing.

7. You MUST measure metrics. Set benchmarks at the beginning. Measure what is working and what isn’t. Repeat.

Social Media marketing is really quite simple. Behave online the way you would in person. Introduce yourself, listen to the needs of your client, provide value, build trust and provide excellent customer service.

And stay away from bright, shiny objects. Especially if you can’t tell a diamond from a Cubic Zirconia.

Graduate of Group 31, Leslie Hughes is the Principal of PUNCH!media. With over 10 years of experience showcasing brands such as Weddingbells Magazine, Fashion Magazine, Visa Canada, Novartis and Prozac. A passionate follower of all things media related, Leslie has been involved with online marketing and sales since 1998.

For help with your social media or more information: Leslie Hughes
PUNCHmedia | Public Relations and Social Media Strategies
fan page: http://www.facebook.com/punchmediadotca
twitter: punchmediadotca
blog: www.punchmedia.wordpress.com

Vendor Perspective: Top 10 Tax Saving Ideas for 2010 March 23, 2011

Top Ten Tax Saving Ideas for 2010

1. Deduct home office expenses for self employed individuals, commission employees and T2200 employees.

2. Deduct automobile expenses if eligible

3. Deduct tax credits for

• Medical Expenses
• Public Transit
• Child Fitness Tax Credit
• Tuition and Education Credit
• Charitable Donations

4. Deduct Child Care Expenses

5. Deduct Carrying Charges

6. RRSP Deductions

7. Apply business losses (if any) against employment income or carry them back against prior years.

8. Consider RESP for your children.

9. Keep your receipts.

10. Avoid scams and “too good to be true” offers.

For more information or help with your accounting please feel free to contact www.summitcma.ca

Vendor Perspective: What business owners need to know about AODA! March 23, 2011

Check out more about Colin McCarthy and Accessibility Professionals of Ontario here:

http://accesspros.ca/blog/

http://www.accesspros.ca/

March 23, 2011

FREE Marketing Consulting at Local Biz Expo March 21, 2011

Promised to be a highlight of the Annual Local Biz Expo and Trade Show Marketing experts will be providing free consultation to entrepreneurs. Bring your marketing materials, questions and concerns for a one on one sit down with any of the following experts:

Leslie Hughes, PUNCH!media
Punchmedia.ca

David Cohen, Technicolour Umbrella
smallbusinessbigideas.com

Tiffany St-Germain, On Top Marketing
Ontopmarketing.ca

Andrea Moffat, DivercityConsultants

Consulting is FREE and will be on a first come first serve basis.

Expert Speakers 2011 Local Biz Expo March 17, 2011

As in past years the Annual Local Biz Expo and Tradeshow offers a wide range of experts and professional speakers. This year we are proud to announce “No Dollars Marketing Workshop ” with Cheryl Rankin and Ian Kennedy on “Engaging in the Career You Dream Of”.

Join Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business for an interactive workshop on “No Dollars Marketing”. Get lots of ideas and strategies to market your business without spending lots of money.

For more information about Cheryl please visit: www.fitforbusiness.ca

Essential Communications’ own Ian Kennedy will be helping guests determine if entrepreneurship is right for them. In this changing marketplace get the tools you need to transition from a job to living your dreams.

For more information about Ian visit: www.essentialcommunications.ca

Be sure to visit tomorrow for more information about FREE consulting on site at the event! See you there!

Update on the Local Biz Expo March 16, 2011

We’re ready to go!!!

The Local Biz Expo is Thursday, March 24th from 4p.m. to 8p.m. at
Carruther’s Creek Golf & Country Club.

We need your help spreading the word and are calling all volunteers!

We are happy to inform you that the Trade Show advertising is gaining
momentum; and during these final days approaching the event a huge marketing drive is now on to ensure the success and promotion of this event. We would like to thank More Cents Designs for organizing the flyer that you can see on this blog and share with friends or post in areas of high visibility (if you require the flyer in a higher resolution file, please let us know). Please be sure to email details to all those in your local Durham e-mail address book. If you are a participant, encourage people to support you at your first trade show unveiling. If you are a past grad planning to attend, kindly help us out by doing the same!

If you are a vendor please encourage your guests to show a pass with your contact info on it, there is a prize for the person who brings the most referrals to the show!

First prize is $75 to go towards a night out on the town (details to be discussed with the winner afterward). There will also be a random draw with the prize being a $50 gift card towards office supplies. Get the word out!

Remember good marketing is the key to success, so help us ensure yours by taking the time to self promote this fabulous show.

Social Media Links

Another way to provide support for this event is through your social media channels. We are working on getting the message out through all mediums so please let us know what channels you are using so we can work together.

Sharing this blog is a great way to share all the details about this event. We are looking for people that have or are willing to create pieces to be shared here. If you are interested in helping, have a special offer or want to submit a piece please contact andrea@divercityconsultants.com

We currently have a Facebook event for Local Biz Expo that we would love for you to check out. If you already are a member of ‘Essential Communications -
OSEB Circle!’ the invite should have reached you. If you have yet to be a part of this group and you’re on Facebook, please join us! Not only will you receive future Facebook invites but you will also be able to stay in touch with other OSEBers throughout the year. You can also visit the event directly at

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167814763267770

If you’re on Twitter help with the buzz! We’re using #localbizexpo to find each other. There are already a few of us tweeting about it. Hopefully you can join us!

Calling All Volunteers!

We’re relying on your generous personalities for some help …

We already have some fantastic volunteers in place but we could always use another pair of hands! If you would be willing to give up some time to come out and volunteer that day, let us know. You can help for the full day or any portion of the day. Thank you in advance. Please contact Susan Legare by email before Monday, March
21st, 5p.m. at susan_essentialseb@bellnet.ca and she’ll pass along more details.

Exciting Vendors and Businesses that will be at the 2011 Local Biz Expo! March 15, 2011

Support local businesses in Durham and enjoy a great selection of shopping and networking for all!

2011 Registered Vendors & Businesses:

Amanda Bradshaw – Green Apple Events
Andrew Nicol – Handy Home Repair
Anna Kowan – Auto Bon Bons Inc
Arlene McFarlane – Fabric Sewlutions
Arnold Helbert – Aqua Wave Innovations
Ashley Topping – Ashley Topping Photography
Chris Jarrett – Top Watts Roofing
Chris Wulff – Delta Sanitizing Solutions
Cindy Zuntzie – Homerun Disc Solutions
Colin McCarthy – Accessibility Professionals of Ontario
Corey Powell
Corey Sweeney – Prestige Painting and Property Services
Crystal Sanchez – CE Design & Creations
Daniel Broome – VR+
Dave Ellis – Fast Track Paralegal Services
Debra Welsh – PTAKapparel
Donna Gourley – Touch of a Paw Spa
Doug McGee – lifeshuttering photography
Ed Worona – Clarington Exteriors
Farnoosh Tavakkoli – TechnoWeb
Gord Somerville – It’s Worth repainting
Heather Morrison – Healthy Books and Recovery
Ivan Shaw – Mentoria Computer Consulting
Jackie Ferrier – Noetic Media
Jack Seary – Digital Arts Print Studio
James Abbott – Summit Certified Management Accountants
Jenn Humphries – J.C. Humphries and Associates
Jennifer Zamanis – Shear Motion
Jennina Wesseling – Curve Appeal
Joe Lawrence – More Cents Design
John Miller – Collision Centre Forensics
Joseph Annan – Global Property Management Services Inc.
Jude Allison – Judeful’s Vagabond Cabaret
Karina Mougeot – Hibiscus Bookkeeping Services
Ken Kukay – CopperRidge Property Management
Ken Tobias – The Total Fit
Kerri Davis – Images By Kerri
Kristen Carr – Balancing Act
Larry Shanks – EMI-Eco Minded Innovations
Laura Green – Pro-Tekt Mouthguards Inc.

Laura-Lee Donaldson – Whites On Wheels Mobile Dental Hygiene
Laura Vaillancourt/Louise Fradet-Clark – A Turn of Events
Les Caswell – Les and Terry Caswell
Lia Bathurst – Walkies
Lisa McLatchie – Practical Fashionista
Lisa Smith – Frosting & Sprinkles Cakery
Matt Ash – MDA Overhead Doors
Michael Crowley – Silver Stream International
Nicole Richards – The Makeup Coach
Patricia Headley – Stunning Impressions
Paul Christensen – Final Say
Paul De-Roo – DeRooCanDo Renovations
Peter Pouzar – Home Fitness Services
Ryan Brouckxon – Hobby Ninja Inc.
Sean Newell – Celebration Studios
Shawn Fuoco – At Home Heating
Stephanie Mann – the pink umbrella
Steven Katsikaris – Beech Footwear
Sue Martin – Smartin-Op Consulting
Susan Parsons – Crossroads Family Solutions
Tom Edwards – Edwards Electrical Services
Veronica Stoute – Admin on Time
Virginia Ogilvie – Frosted Sensations
Willy Mamaril – Quality Strokes Painting

Tips for being a vendor in a tradeshow March 15, 2011

TRADE SHOW TIPS
Brought to you by Essential Communications

Whether you are a vendor in the upcoming Local Biz Expo or an entrepreneur with other tradeshow opportunities these simple tips will help you get organized and turn your set up into success!

Plan in advance
 Make a list of all the items you will need on the day of the trade show and check this list on the day before the show.
 Items you may require may include business cards, name tag, product(s), samples, ballot box, brochures, prizes, display, pens, tape, change, SWAG/giveaways, food, water, hand cream/sanitizer, cell phone, breath mints and someone to help you!

Consider your attire
 You are a part of your business, ensure you dress for success. Make it a rule to dress more professional than those who will be attending your trade show.
 Ensure your clothes, hair and nails are tidy.
 Ensure your shoes and clothes are comfortable for a day of standing.

Prepare your booth content
 Have products, samples and/or promotional material.
 Try using different levels to attract attention. Keep your display organized & tidy.
 Ensure material is up to date, prices are clearly marked and that you have lots of stock.

Staffing your booth
 Try and bring a volunteer to help you.
 Never leave your booth unattended, get to know your neighbours and help each other with coverage if you are working alone.

Actively engage visitors
 Give people who approach your display a friendly welcome, be sure your body language is friendly; don’t stand there with your arms crossed over your chest.
 “Chat” with booth visitors, and find out what aspect of your business they’re most interested in.
 SMILE!

Pull a crowd to your trade show booth
 Use an interactive display, such as a quiz or game on a computer, a contest draw, or a demonstration. You may want to have ‘giveaways’, freebies.
 You may want to use your volunteer to draw the crowd, have them walk around with samples or giveaways.
 Maybe even plan a demonstration at your booth at a couple of times in the day and promote it by walking around letting people know.

Use a prize draw or contest
 Having some kind of prize draw or contest is a great way to collect contact information from booth visitors. Ensure your prize is something of value and try to tie it into your business.
 You may want to give away promotional items to encourage people to participate.
 Follow up right away.

Making Contact
 Send out email, regular mail, or make the phone calls to follow up on the contacts and leads you made during the trade show as soon as possible.
 When you meet someone of interest note on the back of their business card a specific detail that will ensure you remember them.

Be ready to do business
 After all we are here to do just that! Make sure you have a good supply of product, order forms, pens, credit card slips, change, or anything else you need to conduct sales and keep track of people’s orders.

Market your participation
 This is an exciting opportunity for any new business. Promote the fact that you will be participating in this tradeshow. Email or call friends, family, social networks encouraging them to come see you in action.

THINGS TO REMEMBER TO BRING WITH YOU
 Extension cords (yes, plural … the venue does not supply power bars nor extension cords)
 All booth supplies
 Cart/dolly to bring in supplies easily
 Business cards
 Bags
 “S” hooks for hanging signs/banners
 Safe carpeting/Floor Covering for your booth (optional)
 A spare pair of shoes
 Door prize, if applicable
 A float if you are selling anything
 Pens and paper