Entreprenuers Have Bills Too! Buyer Pay Your Fare.

Video by Scofield Edit Copyright 2009

(posted by zgeorge497 thanks!)

I have a fellow Dorsey High School Alumna that owns a mobile manicure & pedicure business.  She specializes in the care of nails versus merely making them pretty and glossy.  She will come to your office, home or party.  If you prefer to come to her beautiful studio, the fee is slightly lower. However, she still serves tea, treats and cocktails and strives to make her customers very comfortable.  She has little take home packages for your upkeep.  She also specializes in the rehabilitation and care of the nails for the elderly.  Often, older people cannot care for themselves as they once did. Her mobile service and attention to nail care is the perfect answer.  I think it is awesome.  Her service is accessible and affordable.   I applaud her for the time, care and dedication she has put into building and sustaining her business.  Kudos for creating a niche in very saturated market.  Smart lady.

While she is usually quite upbeat and compassionate on her posts regarding her business (another quality I appreciate about her as a business woman), the other day she had a Facebook posting expressing a very common frustration. One of her clients questioned her fee.  Her prices are beyond reasonable.  What she charges for a home/office visit is what some high scale salons charge in-house, without giving the care that she delivers.

Too often customers of self owned businesses and establishments do not want to pay the set price or pay at all!  This is so common in the world of the entrepreneur.  I still experience people calling me for advice (in the entrepreneurial world this is called a “consultation”) on how to market their website. “Kiera how do I get my website to first page ranking,” as if this can be explained in one sentence or executed in one fell swoop.  I often times give a few tidbits of advice.  I then sell the keyInsights offerings.  More often than not the response is, “Oh.  No, I was just hoping you could tell me so I can do it.  I can’t really afford to pay you.”  Sometimes I want to say:

[insert sarcasm here]“Oh, yeah, right, right. Okay.  And I was just hoping that I could ask the gas station attendant to tell me where he gets his crude oil so I can go dig up my own.  Also, ‘Mr. Filling Station Attendant, what is the process for making the gas again?  Because I really can’t afford it.’ ” 

I mean, seriously?  Get outta here.

The same way people pay for services in establishments that have prices listed or tags, is the same way customers should treat people who work for themselves.  Actually, probably more so.  It is no easy walk in the park to work for yourself.  As Scofield’s video illustrates (see the beginning of this post), no one would haggle a waiter or video store clerk for a lower price.  Why do it to hard-working entrepreneurs?  The price quoted is the price that should be paid.

Bottom line, if you use the service, pay for it.  Entrepreneurs have bills just like you.

Every Entrepreneur Needs a Website

If you are in business for yourself, you need a website.  Long gone are the days where you could operate merely by networking and passing out cards.  The first thing potential clients do to determine if they want to work with you is “Google” you and/or your business.  These days, “Googling” is a verb.  People use the term like Kleenex, Xerox and Vaseline.  As soon as you meet someone new, they are off to Google you!  If your website doesn’t show up in the search engine results, it could potentially be a strike against you.

“But Word of Mouth Works for Me…”

This is not to say that WOM (word of mouth) and social media are not effective.  Both Social Media and WOM are part of the keyInsights’ Organic Marketing strategy.  Here is an example of a scenario where word of mouth isn’t enough to help you get potential new business:

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Let’s say you own a cake making business. You complete a cake order for a two-year old’s birthday party. A guest at the party is there with her children (ages two and four).  

She loves your cake and wants to order the same flavor, (your trademark organic banana peanut butter surprise) for her two-year old’s party next month.  Her children don’t usually like cake but they both love yours.

The parents are much too busy chasing toddlers around the party to fully exchange your information and she only gets a mention of your name.  She thinks to herself, “It’s okay, I’ll just Google it.”

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It’s hard to perceive kids not liking cake.  And, this may be an oversimplified way of explaining the point.  Just stick with the example for a bit longer. If you don’t have a website, you not only missed out on the two-year old’s upcoming party, you may have missed out on her four-year old’s party as well.  What about other referrals from the party?  Shall we even mention the possible bragging to co-workers about how healthy, delicious and different your organic cakes are, thus missing out on even more potential referrals.

 

“Isn’t Social Media Enough?”

Some people believe that having a Facebook Page, Tumblr or Pinterest is enough.  You could argue that it gives you a web presence.  There are many companies that use this tactic successfully.  But remember, these social sites are not your dedicated real estate on the web. If you are a small company or sole proprietor, social media can be a time consuming challenge, especially without a website.  The odds of someone conducting an internet search for you, finding a result from Facebook and getting distracted are high.  Social sites are a competitive platform.

Possible distractions on Social Sites:

• notifications
• newsfeeds
• cute pictures of cats in dresses
• cute pictures of cats in dresses in animated gifs
• new music
• pictures of new babies
• memes (those pictures with clever quotes) that are begging to be shared

The list could go on and on regarding the layers of distractions with social media.  With a dedicated business website, it is more likely that your potential client’s attention is held.  It is also more likely that you will even be found online.

So, the bottom line is, times have changed and every business needs to secure a domain name and a website. Potential clients and/or customers will see your dedication and sincerity.  A website is your personal spot on the World Wide Web to show off your brand.

So now you may be asking, “How do I get a website?”

Twitter Drops LinkedIn Partnership

Twitter Drops LinkedIn Partnership.

Do you think your information is safe on “The Cloud?”

Do you use “the cloud” to store your personal files or business data?  Services such as iCloud, Dropbox and countless internet based collaboration software stores your info online.   Do you feel that your information is safe?

Constant Contact has more FREE Social Media Workshops June 7th – 27th!

 

 

Yesterday my blog covered Constant Contact‘s Go Social + Mobile + Network workshop and networking event on May 24th at Santa Monica’s Museum of Flying. The event was a great opportunity to network with other small business owners, hobnob with some social media mavens and increase your social media knowledge to help give your business a boost.

 

The workshops are free (with exception of a few that are $99 for more interactive instruction and lunch).  

 

To check out the sessions go the event registration webpage.

 

Here are some of the  Southern Cali events:

 

»Corona - Social Media Marketing Made Simple Plus The Power of Email Marketing – Leveraging Social Media (Free)
Thursday, June 7th, 2012 @ 10:00am   •Register here!

 

»L.A. - Social Media Marketing Made Simple Plus The Power of Email Marketing – Leveraging Social Media (Free) Thursday, June 14th, 2012 @ 3:30pm  •Register here!

 

»Torrance - The Power of Email Marketing (Free)   »Plus Email and Analytics Laptop Bootcamp ($99)
Friday, June 15th, 2012 @ 10:00am  •Register here!

 

»Ventura – Supercharging Your Facebook Marketing  (Free) »Plus Optional Let’s Get Social Hands On Workshop + Lunch ($99) Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 @ 10:00am  •Register here!

 

»Long Beach – Small Business Tour 2012!  **Attendee cost $79  **Networking Only 2:30 – 4:00 (FREE) Wednesday, June 27th, 2012 @ 7:30am – 4:00pm  •Register here!

 

 

 

Related articles

• Constant Contact Offers Free Event to Help Small Biz Social Media Efforts (Plus Free Lunch, Cupcakes, Prizes & a Hootup Happy Hour) (thekeyinsights.wordpress.com)

 

Constant Contact Offers Free Event to Help Small Biz Social Media Efforts (Plus Free Lunch, Cupcakes, Prizes & a Hootup Happy Hour)

{{Or, I could have just made the title “Greg Gunn!”  But that would be me crushing on HootSuite.}}

Constant Contact‘s “Go Social, Go Mobile & Network” was chock full of informative and experienced presenters.  Kelly Flint, Constant Contact’s Regional Development Director, emceed the event.  It is great to have her present because she is a valuable resource.  She also has a friendly, approachable demeanor, which was basically what the event was all about – making your business more approachable by using  Engagement Marketing.

I registered for this event well ahead of time and was hyped to get out and network with other small businesses for SBW (Small Business Week).  I must admit, anytime I can hobnob and prey on, yep I said it – I am out to get your business – fellow entrepreneurs/freelancers/contractors and get a free lunch, I get excited.  Unfortunately, my daughter was feeling under the weather. Thanks to technology, I didn’t have to totally miss out – Constant Contact had a Live Stream and even included anyone viewing virtually to participate in the Q&A.  I was,  however, bummed about missing the cupcakes and the Hootup at the Spitfire Grill at Santa Monica’s Museum of Flying.  They also gave away some really nice prizes like an Xbox 360, the Microsoft Office Suite and copies of Gail Goodman‘s Engagement Marketing.

Some background on SBW: On May 21st, the President set forth a new proclamation, May 20 – 26th is National Small Business Week.  Now with February 5th being Nutella Day, some may shun yet another random day (or week) to recognize yet something else!  It seems like there is a celebratory day, week or month for just about anything you could imagine.  However, especially now, small businesses are very important.  Many people I know have taken the leap of faith to branch out on their own because it was just too challenging landing a decent job, manage a family while trying to climb the corporate ladder or to supplement their income.  It can get rough out there.  If you are a person braving Small Business ownership, read on and visit the links provided in this blog for more information.

“Engagement Marketing is growing the 99% of your business that comes from repeat sales and word-of-mouth (WOM) referrals” (Gail Goodman).   How we use social media affects how we engage with current and potential clients.  Greg Gunn, VP of Beards & Business Development at Hootsuite, explained engagement as using the social enterprise to monitor and respond to your audience (clients, customers, followers, etc.) to create a collaborative relationship.  He also stressed the importance of analyzing your efforts.  There are many tools that are available to assist business owners with analyzation.  Facebook’s “Insights”  for “Pages” is an excellent example of  an analyzation tool.  If you have a website, which all small business owners should have, Google Analytics is a must use tool.

Like I said, there was so much information that I don’t want to bog you down with it all in the blog.  So be sure to check out the recording of the Live Stream from Constant Contact here.

Here are some main points that I have from my notes:

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
~Albert Einstein

Please Share This Video & Gap Will Donate $1 to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. :)

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Pooh and Lisa Shaw; Let It Ride & Get It Done

To know the Way,

We go the Way; 

We do the Way

The way we do

The things we do.

It’s all there in front of you,

But if you try too hard to see it,

You’ll only become Confused.

I am me, 

And you are you,

As you can see;

But when you do

The things that you can do,

You will find the Way,

And the Way will find you.

Pooh Bear, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff ©1982

I am in a zone.

I am working on 50 different tasks (as usual), researching 60 different topics (as usual), with 100 different tabs going on 3 different browsers with God knows how many pages up on each browser (as usual), testing module positions, extensions and plug-ins on my being-built website (that’s why it looks so kooky!) and writing this quick blog post.

Alright, I’m exaggerating on some of that stuff.  Seriously though, my tab and browser page count is just ridiculous.  Still, today is a good day.  I am actually getting a lot checked off of my list. When I get like this I am like a machine. Nothing distracts me. It feels good in this space because at the end of the day (or night really), I know I gave it my all.  Some days I feel like I’m churning but gettin’ no butter.  Lisa Shaw sang such a sensible chant in Let It Ride, “…you have to let it go sometimes, when it all comes down, let it ride…so clear.”  In the Tao of Pooh, Pooh puts it like this, “You will find the Way, And the Way will follow you.”  Basically, don’t stress.  If you are saying,”…easier said than done,” you could possibly be in Eeyore or Rabbit mode.  Yesterday, I was a little of both!

Everyone has their thing that helps them to just let it ride and get the checklist checked.

Two things that help me to relax and focus are hot tea and vibe music.  You know, “feel good” music.  The low-key stuff helps me the most, especially if I am writing, coding or studying.  Today Lisa Shaw’s, “Let It Ride,” queued on my Cloud Radio station on Pandora.  I had to post it and share.  Maybe it will be inspiring to you as well.

Let it ride and get it done. ♥

Kiera

the keyInsights website built with Joomla CMS. {sweet!}

Finally! I am very excited about my new site!  After looking for just the right web platform solution, I decided to use Joomla.  Joomla is a CMS management system (CMS is short for Content Management System). While I am not totally a newbie to CMS (formerly, I attempted to use Business Catalyst’s now defunct Good Barry, currently owned by Adobe).  I loved the CMS concept. My first site was created in 2006 on GoDaddy’s Web Site Tonight.  I was psyched! I found that I could create my own site for a minimal price, about $5 bucks a month.  After fellow freelancers and entrepreneurs saw my site, they too joined in the fun.  However, they would constantly call me to ask how I customized my site using the template. Basically, it took patience and a desire to make the site look exactly how I wanted.  At the time HTML was a foreign language to me.  But with some determination and research, I made some simple design changes.  So, I started doing websites for my friends because they just didn’t want to be bothered with the details. I still create template sites for clients using Website Tonight.  It is a low cost and simple solution for a small business, freelancer, or entrepreneur.  It is also easy enough for clients that want to maintain their own site if they so choose. I now know what was at one time for me a foreign language. HTML is actually kind of fun…or is it XHTML or is it, HTML5 now?  Lol.  What I learned is code changes, the web changes, and web standards change so fast that it can be a challenge to keep up. Joomla uses WYSIWG. What You See is What You Get (WYSIWG) in web terms is to display a web page being edited exactly as it will be displayed on the Internet. I have the feeling Joomla will be the new wave of how a lot of websites will be designed.  For one, it is free!  That’s right, I said free to use.  Joomla is Open Source software.  Now, you still need a server/hoster and that could mean a monthly payment.  However, it is still very affordable, like GoDaddy, about $5 bucks a month for a small page and ticket support via e-mail. So far the ticket support via e-mail has worked out great for me with CloudAccess.net.  Support was prompt and very helpful in setting up my domain name change and with billing as well (I made a mistake and it was fixed almost immediately.) There is a free 30 day trial for testing and development. There are a lot of nice free templates from reputable developers on the web, or if you are so inclined you can create your own layout in the Joomla back-end.  My site template was created by JoomSpirit. Even though I have code and web building knowledge, I am a sort of neo to Joomla.  After I complete this site, I plan to create my own template for another. In the upcoming weeks my site should be complete.  In the meantime, check out my progress! Well wishes. Kiera