5 Reasons Why You’re Missing Out

Are you still not sold on social media as a great way to boost your business? Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter are extremely important for any kind of business today, whether online or off. There are a number of important benefits to using these sites, so it’s time to get on board.

Everyone’s Getting Social

One good reason to be on social media is the simple fact that hundreds of millions of people all over the world are there. Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are among the most frequented sites on the Internet. Creating a profile for your business and reaching out to users on social media gives you tremendous reach for gaining new customers and spreading brand awareness.

1. Your Customers Are There
   No matter what products or services you offer, your customers are on social media. People are increasingly using social media sites to find products, services, and brands they love. Customers use these sites to connect with local businesses they frequent.

   Even if you’re a restaurant, plumber, shoe repair shop, or something else not at all tech-related, people are looking for what you offer on social media. Offline businesses can leverage these sites to offer coupons and exclusive deals.

2. Direct Communication
   Social media gives you a chance to communicate directly with your customers, which is an absolutely priceless opportunity. When a customer follows your business, your updates, posts, and other content appear on their news feed. Social media gives customers a place to contact you directly and allows you to have authentic conversations with them.
3. Engagement and Retention
   Through social media, you can get your customers to engage directly with your brand, which leads to retention. They’ll stay with you and always choose you over your competitors if they feel that they’re a part of your business. You can accomplish this through contests, giveaways, crowdsourcing, and any kind of content your fans can interact with.
4. Branding Benefits
   Because it offers another touch point with your market, social media is an excellent tool for branding. You can use it to broadcast your message and establish your reputation. 
5. Valuable Customer Data
   Social media is the answer to marketers’ prayers because it gives them valuable data about their target market. On sites like Facebook, users put various kinds of information on their profiles. This information ranges from demographics like age and location to highly personal data such as their likes, dislikes, and feelings about the brands they love.

Social Media Best Practices

Once you start exploring the world of social media, you’ll find that there are hundreds if not thousands of sites you could potentially join. Look for sites where your target market is already present and where there is a great deal of activity going on.

Designate an employee to manage your social media marketing. Oversee what they do and keep admin data in case they leave the company. Choose an employee that already has experience using social media. Consider creating a Social Media Policy that outlines your companies values, policies and standards for this person to adhear to as they post.
 
Finally, it takes time to maintain a social media presence, so set aside a bit of time each day to post content, answer messages, reply to comments, and interact with other businesses.

For the best results, make social media a part of your daily routine.

The post 5 Reasons your Business Needs to be on Social Media appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

In October I invested in myself and my business by hiring a (seriously expensive- skin in the game) business coach for a full year. We talk regularly. I’ve gotten magnificent guidance.  I am being held accountable.

I truly believed when I signed up that I was ready to focus – that success would come with experienced guidance.  I was so tired of getting the same miserable results from my own efforts.

As she has me work this new plan, I’ve been bumping into many challenges and personality attributes that make me “me”.   I am in the process of “clearing out” those limiting beliefs and behaviors that do not serve me while fully embracing those that do.

Kinda like finally cleaning my desk or that closet… these limiting beliefs were holding me back and cluttering up my ability to find and do what I needed.

I had the most interesting dream last night.

I was on this amazing train ride. There were tons of people on board, chatting and talking and enthusiastically interacting. We were going quite a distance through beautiful country sides and towns. The seats were full. People were standing and milling about interacting. The sun was out, windows and doors were open, colors were warm and tropical. Vivid greens, oranges, reds, and yellows.

And as always in dreams, things were very fluid – morphing from one space or person to another.

The destination did not materialize in the dream, I just found myself after an unknown time, knowing I was returning on another train. This time the train was also open at ground level and meandering through the country side. As I moved through the train I would soon discover I had wandered off the train into a magnificent town or adventure.

Eventually I would become aware that I was no longer on the train, look around to get oriented and then see the train in the distance moving on without me.  I knew it had another stop up ahead so I would “rush” through the present adventure, briefly seeing what I was missing (a wonderful concert, a breath taking hike, elaborate party), excusing myself for my rudeness with “I have a train to catch!” and rushing to meet it at the station.

Sometimes I would catch it. Then once again I would find myself outside the train on another adventure, only to become aware once again I had a train to catch and repeat the sense of urgency to catch the train.

I noticed myself as I persisted in repeatedly getting back to the train that was I was assuming was  going to take me to my “destination”. A destination that never quite made itself evident. All the while missing the full experiences of what  had happened along the way. 

Life is a journey, not a destination. 

My thoughts – The dream seems to be connected to my opening thoughts above.

So I’ve been working with my coach. I believe I will become more successful if I listen and implement what she tells me to do. It appears to be a rather simple formula – Take Action and just do it. Yet life keeps throwing in adventures that take me off the train to success.

Why am I not able to stay on the train when it could create more financial freedom in my life so those adventures are part of the train ride? Not a distraction?

Some of the “distractions” demand immediate attention (servers crashing, hackers in the website) – they are not of my making. Others are choices that feed me as part of a healthy lifestyle (Yoga and sleeping in). And then there are those that just need to be swept away, released and not done any more – the ones usually done in “secret” when no one is watching but me – (random TV watching, unnecessary time in Facebook)

I’m not talking about those things in our lives that replenish us, fill up the reserves so we can continue to go out and do good in the world. The chance meetings that turn out to be those wonderments of Wow!

Having sufficient cash flow allows the freedom for more of that “freedom” – traveling – taking an afternoon off – wandering spontaneously through a local market – playing with the kids.  Balancing it all out.

As one friend said: “Interesting that you felt panicked in your dream. Couldn’t you have just taken the next train? There is always another one coming.”  

Balancing the focus, the enjoyment of life and the clearing of the limiting beliefs.

2013 – Time to step into the full YES of who I really am.

What do you think?

The post Clearing Limiting Beliefs appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

I am already feeling the power of putting into action some great ideas this year -

I’ve implemented some Bold Action Steps

One of those brilliant ideas (duh!)  is to learn from the experts and not try to recreate the wheel. Like many solo entrepreneurs, the temptation is there to  continue to do it all by myself!

Last October I started working with a business coach – Kathleen Gage.   The direction and information she shares is taking me from wandering, (good intentioned) business confusion to purposeful, passion driven confident expert. She reviewed the product I mention below and that is why I jumped on it.

My first action step for 2013?

Do more blogging.
Post valuable, helpful content more frequently to my blog.

Blogging with John Chow

 Do you have the intention to blog and are still a bit confused about all of it? I want to change that for you and me this year.

Are you blogging consistently? If not, why not? What is stopping you?

For me it is not having a disciplined system so I’m not getting satisfactory results or experiencing the financial benefits I would like to see. I have tons of ideas and then I just don’t get it done. I tend to get distracted. I wasn’t setting the time aside towards the success of my business and that is because I did not understand how easy it could be.

Blogging with John Chow is the program I purchased. I am excited enough about how good it is to want to share it with you.  Now I am forming a mentoring support group with active bloggers so we do it successfully together.  Selfishly, I won’t be blogging all alone!

Blogging with John Chow, is user friendly for beginning and experienced bloggers. It presents a successful system to get us over any resistance and procrastination. He actually makes what I call very good money blogging. That sounds great to me. I want to know how to do that.

One of my big bold New Year action steps is to blog more consistently this year and I  invite you to join me.
 
And because for me it is more effective to be held accountable with the support of others, I am forming a Blogging Group. In this group we can encourage each other to follow through with the strategies taught in the program and watch as our blogs become successful. We can help each other follow through with this part of our plan for 2013.

Inspired? Challenged? Motivated to be more successful in your business this year? Then join me.

Here is the link to the program I purchased. It is only $37. Skip right by all the other products he will offer you after the first one. You don’t need all of those.
 
http://ow.ly/gElDV

To receive access to the support I am offering in the group, purchase the product, then email me with your receipt.

You will receive an invitation to be part of a special support group for at least the next 30 days as we implement his 30 day plan. I can answer any questions, help you through any confusion and best of all, read what you write and recommend it to others! It will help us all be more successful.

I want to get the group started by Wednesday, Jan 16. Don’t miss out! I am already getting started!

Terry
web.lovingvisions@gmail.com

The post Blogging into 2013 appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

Does your business have a Google+ Page (It used to be called Google Places) listing?  If you answered “no,” then you need to get on the task of setting it up. I’ve recently seen the value of making sure my business is listed; especially because I love to work locally.

There are a number of very compelling reasons to include a Google+ Business Page as an integral part of your business marketing plan.  If you need some convincing, then you should look over this list of reasons for why having your business on Google Places is so important:

The Yellow Pages are obsolete. 

Studies show that 97 percent of all consumers use the Internet to search for and choose local businesses.  Most of those people haven’t touched a Yellow Pages book for years.  Look at it this way: if 97 percent of your potential customers are searching the web for businesses just like yours and you are not there, you are missing out – plain and simple.

Your Places listing will work for you, even when you are sleeping. 

The Internet never sleeps, and your page is always accessible to potential customers, even long after you shut-down your shop.  You can even link your Google Places page to your website, so that customers can make transactions while you catch your Z’s.

Branding. 

Google+ Page is especially effective when it comes to your business branding (which, in today’s market, is essential to your business’ success).  By uploading photos and videos, and customizing your content to speak for your unique niche, you can go a long way in strengthening your brand.

Reaching your target market. 

You can create content for your Google Business listing that speaks specifically to your target market, and then count on the Google search engine to deliver targeted traffic straight to your virtual-reality door.  There are very few types of advertising that enable you to reach exactly who you want to by means that are within your control, and Google Places is one of them.

Google Places is free advertising. 

Regardless of how successful your business is, you have a business budget . . . and you simply cannot argue that many of your business choices come down to the bottom line.  Unless you have a limitless marketing budget (and who does?!), you need all the free help you can get.  It just doesn’t make any sense not to take advantage of such a powerful marketing tool when it won’t cost you a single cent to get involved.

Take advantage of everything Google+ has to offer by enlisting the help of competent professionals like Seattle Local Marketing.  We can be reached by phone, at 206-200-0914, or by email: web.lovingvisions@gmail.com.  Or use the convenient web appointment form to secure your time with us.

Download your free report - 
5 Reasons Your Business Needs a Google Plus  Listing Today!

Terry Loving –
http://Seattle-Local-Marketing .com
Google

The post Google+ Business Page appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

Its been a few nights now… a light scrambling noise that starts then stops then appears someplace else for just a moment. I wonder if I am hearing things and yet resign to the knowing that a mouse has taken refuge in the warmth of the house.

Just a few months ago, when Ram Dass the cat was my (spiritual) companion, I wouldn’t have had this problem. He was a magnificent hunter – following the instincts that came so naturally to his feline species. He’d bring me presents often, half eaten. Once I had thworted his play by distracting him and setting the mouse he was pursuing free in another direction. He continued to search for him, sure it was under or behind any object. I miss Ram Dass’s determined persistance, his single minded focus on the goal. He would only stop when he’d achieved his goal, captured the prize, and presented it with pride.

Now that he is gone, the four footed rascals have moved in leaving their tell tail delicate tracks of unmistakable mouse poop. I don’t see the critters – just hear a rustle once in awhile. These little grey furry critters with big pink ears are adorable – really. But trap I must (they get into EVERYTHING even the impossible). Not the snapping traps – I can’t do that – I will get the “can’t escape” traps. Just one or two should do it for now.

Even that is going to give me the willies. There are somethings I know I have to do while not particularly “liking” doing it. At times it will be just plain hard.

Sometimes I bump into this fear as I do my work. And you know what? When I face it, step into what I know I have to do and do it, make the tough choices, it actually feels good.

I am grateful for life’s daily challenges. I get to say Yes! The challenges bring out the best in me when I am living my life consciously.

How about you? What challenge are you facing today?

Terry Loving –
http://Seattle-Local-Marketing .com
Google

The post Facing Challenges appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

I’ve learned a lot from you, bought products, read fascinating articles, and learned so much about what you do in your life and in your business.  As a business account, I try to follow those who are “in my niche” so after awhile I have unfollowed some that just didn’t fit in with the direction I wanted to go. I also have created lists of followers – those whose tweets and comments have made a difference in my world and I want to hear more!

Is Twitter working for your business?

I’d like to hear specific stories of how it is working for you and your business. Would you be willing to share a story or a connection in the comments below?

The reason I ask is there are still people out there who aren’t sure that Twitter would work for them. They hear that it is a good thing and yet just can’t see how Twitter can add powerfully to a successful business marketing plan.  If you’ve had a good experience with Twitter, the “newbies” need to know!

• What is one success story, one connection, one result that keeps you tweeting.
• Have you developed a Twitter strategy that is working for you and your business?

In the beginning, Twitter was a popularity contest – people were going for numbers of followers.  there was a day when I had more Twitter followers then my developer son, Adam Loving who was writing programs and ebooks professionally.

Today those of us using Twitter for our businesses, choose to follow (or not) because it allows us to build lasting relationships, connect and share value with others – We get to work with those who add value to our bottom line.  Cultivating relationships, partnering with conscious business owners, connecting with people I know, like and trust is what makes it all worthwhile.

As I work with my connections, I want to know if you are a person I would like to know better. I want to know if you are a person with whom I’d like to do business with – someone I can trust, who is helpful and provides value with their content.

I’ve made some pretty awesome connections on Twitter and love to Re-Tweet and recommend them on Follow Fridays. How about you?

If I am a match for you – Please follow me and let me know what you are up to.  Also, let me know if there is any way I can be of help!

If you have business friends still on the fence about using Twitter for Business – Send them my link for a free training to get them started.  Thirty “look over my shoulder” videos that will jump start you into Twitter for business confidence!

@TerryLoving

Twitter 30 Day Challenge

Terry Loving –
http://Seattle-Local-Marketing .com
Google

The post Twitter for Business – Is it meant for you? appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.

You are not alone figuring this out. There are many people offering lots of different services, packages, strategies and pieces of advice to small businesses. Who do you believe? Who do you trust? What are the pieces that will work for your business and stay within your budget?

Is a Facebook Page required? What about Twitter? What is Google + and how will that help my business? And now everyone is talking about Pinterest. What is the best way to market my business on line?

To begin the conversation, I created this video and have presented the information to small businesses all over the State of Washington. It is about 25 minutes long. Grab a pen and paper and take a few notes. Call me with your questions when you are done. I would love to work with you!

Terry Loving –
http://Seattle-Local-Marketing .com
Google

The post The First Step appeared first on Seattle Local Marketing.