A huge thank you to VA Classroom. I actually won this from them. It’s been awesome and I do use it for certain things at certain times… let me explain…

First off let me say, I am not an Apple fanperson. Never have been, never will be. The iPod touch is my first iPod device ever. I cannot say that I am in love with it, but I will definitely say that it is has proven nifty in more ways than one since I got it.

Ok, let’s get this out of the way: Video and Music. Videos are clear and smooth. You can use the built-in Wi-Fi on your home or office network to browse the web and YouTube directly. That itself is pretty smooth. You can also purchase music directly from the iTunes store over Wi-Fi and load them directly to the phone. Overall I’d say this is pretty similar to the experience I have on my Palm Pre.

One thing the iPod Touch has over my Pre, however, is the huge amount of applications available for it. I’ve been able to download apps for many things: Math Quizzes for my children, Duke Nukem 3D for my husband, oh, and also for toting around and viewing work related documents.

Another feature of the iPod Touch is that you can use iTunes to sync with your calendar. The iPod will already check your e-mail automatically for you whenever it detects an available Wi-Fi network. The ability to sync your calendar can be pretty useful, but I still prefer the automatic sync that my Palm Pre offers.

Over all I rate this device as 4 stars. If it was billed as only a game, music, and video device I’d probably have given it 5 stars. But with all the hype I was really hoping for something more useful for business use.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

Despite the recent influx of self-styled social media ‘experts,’ very few people can predict the future of online connections, social communities, or marketing platforms. While the latest developments in the open web have attracted thousands of gurus and consultants, each more likely than the other to pitch their abilities, it seems that the vast majority of social media users are diving into the platform as a marketing resource without any idea of how to adapt to future changes, developments, and trends.

It is behavior that is remarkably similar to that of the late 1990s technology bubble. Companies kept going up and up in value, despite no real long-term outlook. Eventually, the bubble burst and the self-proclaimed ‘experts’ ran away, seemingly unable to admit that they were wrong about some things. While social media is unlikely to end the same way, primarily thanks to the massive amount of audience and user participation that is taking place, the marketing strategy applied to social media should reflect the events of the late 1990s.

That means that instead of being remarkably optimistic without reason, companies should be relatively cautious and conservative when embracing social media marketing. Rather than looking at the short-term possibilities, companies should be looking at the long-term implications for their brand, should they sink time and money into a form of marketing that does not offer any long-term solution. Instead of hiring the latest and greatest social media consultant to develop a web strategy, businesses should be looking at their own strategy, and incorporating social media platforms as tactics, not as a replacement.

In short, the focus should not be on social media itself, but on the results that it can bring. As much as we have heard about the myriad ways in which Twitter can change the world, there has been relatively little evidence to support any such theory. Sure, brands are making it big on Twitter and plenty of companies are making some serious marketing income, but there’s yet to be anything to suggest that businesses should discard every marketing method pioneered before 2007 to jump on board the social media train.

If your business is looking to incorporate social media marketing into its strategy, there are several questions you should be asking yourself before you invest the time and money. Is your brand compatible with social media audiences? Are you a business that inspires conversation and discussion? Can you build a reliable, solid community around your business? For most, the answer is no, and a social media presence is not the most effective solution.

For some, the answer is yes, and for them it is wise to look at social media as a piece of the puzzle, rather than as the solution. While Twitter can help you sell products and Facebook can help you generate positive feedback and PR, neither can fix a broken business model or a poor product. Social media thrives on discussion, and when there’s none to be had, there’s nothing but resources to be wasted. Study the social media platforms before you dive in, and invest time and money cautiously.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

You’ve seen favicons; you know, those little logos that appear before the site name or URL in your browser window.  These little icons (they’re 16×16 pixels) may seem irrelevant, but they can have a tremendous impact on your website.

Consider your own navigating habits. If you’re anything like me, you probably have a handful of tabs (or more!) open in your browser at any given time. I use a Firefox add-on that shifts my tabs vertically to the left-side of my browser window. So, many times, all I see is the little favicon.

When I go to jump to a new tab, if a site is missing a custom favicon, I have no idea what the site is without clicking or mousing over the tab. It may not seem like much of an inconvenience, but it’s a major fail, in my opinion. Not to mention if you don’t have a favicon for your site, you’re missing out on a quick and easy way to add to your brand.

Here’s a simplified look at the process of creating a favicon:

1. Use an existing logo file or create a graphic from scratch using a generator
2. Reduce the file down to 16×16 pixels
3. Export as a .ICO file (favicon.ico) with your software
4. Upload to the root directory of your website

Ready to create your own? Here are some more in-depth tutorials to give you some guidance:

• Favicon Basics, Mark8t
• Tutorial: How To Create Your Own FavIcon, Essential Keystrokes
• Video: How to Create an Install Favicons, Butterscotch.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

In passing, one of my clients asked me if I’d ever heard of ABC Company, and had I done any business with them.  Not only had I done business with them, they had been a client, but I severed both relationships because I found them to be very unethical.

They not only dealt unfairly with me, as a service provider, but their approach to serving me as a client was very questionable.  I really wanted to give my client all the gory details, and tell them to steer clear of them, but my ethical conscience just wouldn’t allow it.

“I’ve had a client and customer relationship with them in the past, but haven’t really worked with them for quite some time.  I can tell you that I’ve recently started working with DEF Company, and have been very pleased with their services.  Their services really fit my needs,” I replied.

Of course, their next question was unavoidable.  “So did you have problems with them?” they asked.  Okay, so now what?  How do I maintain my ethical standards, but provide an honest answer to a good client?

It was very hard not to bring my personal and emotional feelings to the surface about how I’d been treated by this company.  I could certainly justify it by saying it was to save this client from having to experience the problems I’d had, but I just couldn’t…the words, “do no harm” kept sneaking into my subconscious.

Although this company had certainly not taken those three words into consideration where our relationship was concerned, I most assuredly do not want to lower myself to their standards.  .I knew that I shouldn’t say anything bad about them.  Who knows, maybe ABC Company had new owners or management.  Maybe they figured it out and started working more ethically.

My response?  “I had a problem with them some time ago, but haven’t really done business with them for a long time.  It certainly could have been something unique to my situation, and I imagine that they should be able to provide you with references, should you be concerned.  At any rate, I would certainly encourage you to at least look at ABC Company and DEF Company, compare them, check references, and make the decision you feel will be the best one for your needs.”

I answered honestly, but provided them with enough information for them to consider all their options.  It actually turned out exactly as it should have.  They looked at both companies, and reported back to me that ABC Company provided them with two references, both of which declined to provide information.  They used DEF Company and were very pleased with the results.

Even though I didn’t say what I would have liked to, I maintained my ethics, left the client with enough information to consider all their options, and everything worked out for my client.

There’s nothing magical about business ethics, it’s just that final piece of the puzzle that can make or break your business.  Don’t break your business, use good business ethics!

Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services, a VA practice, is an author, writer, speaker and VA Business Coach specializing in providing professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s).  For her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”,  a 2-month trial in her Insider group coaching program, or 1-month trial of her coaching club visit:  http://www.VAbizcoach.com; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

Did that title give you pause?  Many people struggle to answer this question.  Sometimes referred to as your elevator speech, or infomercial, having a smooth and easy to understand response will really go far in helping people to know who you are and what you have to offer.

Here are five things to consider in crafting your 60-second infomercial:

1. Who is your target market?  While I can open my informercial by saying, “although I have clients in almost every industry…” – you still want to focus on your niche or target market to help people think of who they know that could benefit from your services.  If you’re still not sure, analyze your current client list and see if there is a particular industry, or type of client that seems most logical to your offerings.
2. What problems does your target market have that you can solve?  Keep it simple.  Come up with one or two things – don’t overdo it – less is more!
3. How do you solve these problems?  Again, don’t come up with a laundry list of products/services, just enough to whet the appetite so they’ll want to find out more.
4. Mention something specific that speaks to results, like: ‘many of my clients say their sales increased at least 20% as a result of working with us’.
5. End with either a memorable tagline, or a question – like – ‘is that something that might be of interest to you or someone you know?’

Once you have it setup, print it out and practice it (and time yourself) several times until you have it pretty well memorized.  You don’t want to come off sounding too scripted, but you will need to get comfortable with all the aspects so that you’re sure to hit all the points you need to in your time allotment.

Once you have this mastered, you will want to cut the content even more, for a true elevator speech – which is usually only 30-seconds in length.

Finally, especially if you attend networking events regularly, you will want to have several different versions for answering the questions numbered two, three, and four above.  This gives people the opportunity to hear more about the additional services/products you provide.  If you only talk about one specific product or service, they’ll believe that’s all you offer and you could be leaving potential sales on the table.

With a little bit of work, and practice, you’ll have the perfect 60-second infomercial that helps people immediately recognize what it is you do, and who they need to refer to you.  Word of mouth marketing is the most cost-effective way to market your business.  The infomercial is the best tool to close the sale!

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA,  EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA).  ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing support and consulting to busy entrepreneurs.  Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit:  http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

I’ll show you mine if you show me yours

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

Happy 2010!  It’s still amazing to me that we’ve finished the first decade of the 21st century.

So, if you’re like millions of people around the world you resolved as the new year came in to get healthier.  And, if you’re trying to get moving and watch what you eat what better way to help you with that then some apps for your BlackBerry to help you along.

Most weight loss experts will tell you (and most people who have successfully taken off weight will agree) that keeping a food journal is a great help in watching your food intake.  Being the geek that I am I have a few requirements for my food journal:  1.  It needs to be “techy cool” 2.  It needs to have a web and blackberry sync 3.  It needs to be easy to use.  I’ve tried some computer based applications, I’ve tried BlackBerry only applications but I want something with both options.  Well, I found one and it’s FREE:  Calorie Counter by FatSecret.  FatSecret has an iGoogle add-on or you can use the website.  It also has apps for the iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and iPod Touch.  I love this app (and website) for helping me track my food.  Calorie Counter is available for free at the BlackBerry App World.

FatSecret also keeps track of your exercise and calories burned but to help me track my walking, cycling, and running I use Bones in Motion.  It has a website to track your cumulative mileage, etc.  But, the BlackBerry app (also free) uses the GPS capabilities to track your average speed, distance, time spent walking, and the amount of calories it estimates you’ve burned.  It can also give you audible warnings at certain mile markers if you desire.  One cool feature (if you like to go on long excursions) is a tracker online that you can give your family.  It’s password protected so it’s not like anyone can see where you are but if you have the app running your family can track where you are on your walk/run/ride (I will admit that I haven’t used this because I haven’t had a need to have someone know where I am — but it is a cool feature — I wouldn’t mind if my friends who do the Ironman triathlon had this so we could figure out where they are).   Bones in Motion is free and available at BlackBerry App World as BiM Active.

So, here’s to a healthier, happier, and thinner 2010!

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

As we get ready to dive into 2010, we’re making our resolutions, identifying our goals and getting ready to make the year a great one. One common resolution small business owners make is to find a way to spend more quality time with their family. This is a big challenge, especially for those of us who work from home and constantly fight the work/life balance issue.

But there is a way to merge the two facets of your life — family and work — to create a harmonious solution. Depending on their age, your children may have some understanding about what you do, at least from an observer’s perspective. By opening the door to them and giving them an opportunity to get involved in your work, you are sharing an important part of your life and letting them see a whole new side of you.

Here are some of the biggest reasons to let your kids have a hand in your work:

• It lets them see how you work.
• It teaches them responsibility.
• It lets them experience the pride that comes with completing a project.
• It gives them an opportunity to learn about business.
• It helps them appreciate what you do every day.
• It allows them to spend some quality time with you.

A toddler can…

• Put paper in the recycling container
• Carry files to your desk
• Help you open and close file cabinet drawers
• Stack books in piles

A school-age child can…

• Fill your pencil holder with new pens and pencils
• Alphabetize your files
• Collate and staple reports
• Stamp letters and seal envelopes
• Count pages and inserts

A teenager can…

• Shred documents
• Type letters and memos
• Mail packages
• Enter data in a spreadsheet
• Purchase supplies
• Complete online research
• Scan photos and documents

• Paying them for their time
• Letting them pick what they would like to do in the office
• Creating “work hours” especially for them, once or twice a week
• Telling them what a great job they are doing

You can even set up an area in your office where they can do their own homework while you work. And don’t forget to turn off the business mentality and remember it’s not about getting as much done as possible; it’s about learning more about your kids and sharing a special time…just between you and them.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

Using an eZine (Electronic Newsletter) as a part of your overall Internet Marketing plan can be a powerful way to achieve your marketing goals. Less experienced marketers commit a number of common mistakes that may cause your targeted list to opt-out.  Here are several common mistakes to avoid in your eZine campaign.

1) Sending Out Promotions Rather than News

All Internet marketing, including your eZine, should focus on building long-lasting relationships with your subscribers over time. If your eZine message is consistently aimed at prompting an immediate sale, you’ll find a steady stream of subscribers opting out.

To build a loyal following, design your eZine campaign to provide content and resources that will help spark interest in your product or service by subtly providing them with topics that show the benefits of your offerings.  For example, if you’re a business coach, sharing information that your target market could benefit from, will quickly show them you are an expert in this field. This will eventually lead to a positive action on their part, i.e. contacting you for professional business coaching.

2) Not Focusing on Subscribers

When organizing your eZine campaign, provide relevant and up-to-date content written in a way that speaks to your subscriber’s needs, never on your business offerings. People don’t care much about what your business can do for them, but what they can gain by building a relationship with you, that may ultimately lead to working together.  Using our coaching example above, sending valuable resources and information about challenges your ideal client may face would be better than just an announcement about your next program. By providing relevant content in a timely manner, subscribers are more likely to be loyal to your eZine campaign.

3) Making it Difficult to Opt Out

Your eZine success is not driven by the number of subscribers on your list.  The quality, not the quantity of your subscribers is far more important.  Making it difficult for people to unsubscribe can potentially lead to disaster.  Beyond annoying and alienating potential prospects, it will be more difficult to track your eZine results.  Allowing people to easily unsubscribe keeps your reputation intact and allows you to achieve optimum response rates.

It is perfectly understandable for you to want to make the most out of your eZine campaign as quickly as possible, but don’t let that allow you to defeat its entire purpose. Realize that it takes some time for eZine marketing to produce optimum results by making sure it’s implemented correctly. To keep you focused on the desired result, avoid these mistakes that eZine marketers often commit when running their Internet campaign.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA).  ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs.  Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to:  service@accbizsvcs.com or visit:  http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post

A happy BlackBerry is a happy BlackBerry user.

So, how can you keep your BlackBerry happy?  QuickPull.  One quirky thing about the BlackBerry is that it needs a soft reset every once in a while to keep it running at it’s best.  To do a soft reset you have to do a battery pull which isn’t fun when that means peeling off your cool case and pulling the battery out.  Well, there’s a super cool free option — QuickPull.  You can schedule a soft reset when ever you want it (mine is scheduled daily at 3AM).  QuickPull is available at BlackBerry App World (which if you don’t have that on your BlackBerry get it NOW).

So, what is BlackBerry App World?  It’s the official store for BlackBerry Apps.   There are 100s, heck maybe 1,000s of apps for your BlackBerry on here.  You can download it to your phone to browse at your leasure.  Some apps are free some have a fee.  The nice thing is that most have reviews written by other users so you can see what people are saying before you try it out.  You definitely want it on your phone, though.  Nothing like being on a long car ride and needing a new game for your nephew (or yourself) and being able to click-click your phone and provide some quick entertainment.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tweet This Post