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Quite often we get very involved with our business whether it’s online or offline that we neglect the ones around us.  I’m not talking about your family and friends, although they are very important, I am referring to your staff.  Now, you’re probably thinking to yourself, ‘I don’t really have a staff’ and that may be the case.  But I am not simply referring to full-time staff, but to the folks who have helped you.

If you have an online business, you may have outsourced some projects that you were not familiar with or simply did not have the time to devote to.  Although you may have paid the outsource folks, showing a sense of gratitude is always appreciated.  Many times a simple email, letting them know that you appreciate them and all they do is gratitude enough.  Perhaps you have a virtual assistant that helps you with scheduling, phone calls, emails, and more; a word of encouragement helps them get through the day and lets them know that you care.

Don’t think that you must wait until the holidays to gift those that help you in your business.  Sometimes a surprise card in the mail, yes the actual mail or a special treat delivered to their door will make a huge difference.  This practice is not new, but is one that has unfortunately been forgotten.  Take out a pad and pen and write down the names of the folks that help you daily.  They can simply be ones that give you words of encouragement or those that help you with projects and help keep your business running smoothly.  Think of ways that you can show them that you care.  As I mentioned above it can be as simple as an email, acknowledgment online, perhaps if you are both in the same social networks groups, a card, a gift card or a sweet treat.  Let your imaginations sore.

Remember they will feel more appreciated and you will feel a tremendous sense of gratitude.  Believe me, it works!

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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We’ve discussed several ways to promote your business online.  The ways we’ve discussed have been article distribution, blogging, videos and teleseminars.  Another way to successfully promote your business, product or service is by using a podcast.

Podcasts are perfect for self promotion as well as sharing information and educating.  Podcasts can be done with audio and with the popularity of videos you can incorporate a video into your podcast as well.  Technically a podcast is an online radio show that one can subscribe via RSS feed or via iTunes or by simply downloading from your existing site.

Podcasts can be recorded in advance and placed on your blogs or on blog directories.  One of the benefits of a podcast is that your listeners can download the episode to their mp3 players and listen at their leisure.

Lengths of podcasts vary depending on your topic.  Some podcasts episodes are short lasting 15 minutes and some may be as long as 1hour.  As long as you are providing information that will entice your audience your podcast will be successful.  Be creative and use your podcast to promote your services.  Some will use the podcast to promote others that may help in educating your target market, the possibilities are endless.

The podcast can also include sponsors that will pay you to promote their products.  In this scenario, you win with some cash and they win with exposure.  Consider the ease of including a podcast on your site.  The episodes can be recorded in advance and placed on your site with an easy plugin if you are using a WordPress type site.   If you don’t have a site you can still create podcast episodes and upload them to iTunes and other audio venues.

Be creative and consider adding podcasting to your marketing plan.  The more exposure you achieve in your marketing efforts the more successful you will be.  Remember folks will not go searching for you, you must make yourself accessible and podcasting is just another way to accomplish that endeavor.

Tags: Marketing by Carrie Wilkerson
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Internet Marketing is not as difficult as some may imagine.  I know what you’re thinking, but I’d like to you continue reading so you understand what is meant by that statement.  When beginning or continuing any business you must realize that it takes work.  Sure, some businesses require more work than others, but we can all agree that you must work for your success.  With that said, understand that internet marketing is not any different.  If someone tells you that you can make 6 figures in 30 days, run and don’t look back!

Internet marketing is different from an offline business but in some ways it is still the same.  It requires hard work, diligence, focus and a vivid imagination.  You must be willing to put all and every effort you can imagine to succeed but the results are worth it.

Let’s break down the word, internet marketing and notice that marketing is the main word.  Yes, internet is important but marketing is where you will find your success.  With an offline business you may market with business cards, advertisements, word of mouth, seminars, workshops and the list can go on.  The difference with internet marketing is that you can reach many, many people with your marketing efforts.  Some ways to market effectively are the following:

Article marketing – this has to be one of the easiest ways to market and the best part is that it can be ultimately free.  Sharing information that is relevant to your business is essential.  In order to market effectively with this method you must be consistent and make your articles interesting and useful.  Providing information that is relevant to your client or customer base will increase your popularity and will instantly expert status.  It is important to have your articles read, so be sure to submit to directories, and share on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to name a few.

Video marketing – one of my favorite ways to market to my audience.   Your audience can see you, hear you and connect with you instantly when you incorporate videos into your marketing plan.  Try to keep your videos short but impactful; you don’t want to bore your audience and that will happen if your videos tend to drag on and on.  Just as your articles, your videos must share pertinent information that relates to your market and business.

Once you have mastered the above simple methods you can branch out and add newsletters, teleseminars, webinars and off line meetings.  It is important to remember that as in any business, marketing involves your involvement and your persistence.  You can not merely set up a website and expect your target market to find you.  If by chance they do locate your site, be sure to have information that will attract them and keep them coming.  You can be successful at internet marketing with a little sweat and tears, all is possible.

Tags: Marketing, Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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In any business whether online or brick and mortar, customer service is important. Actually it’s more than important, it is a priority.

Let’s face it without customers or clients our business will not succeed.  The service we provide to our customers/clients should be impeccable from the moment they see you or hear your voice.  Nothing is more annoying than hearing a receptionist or assistant with a voice that lacks enthusiasm or professionalism.  When considering your customer service, it must be evaluated from all angles of your business.

You may provide the best service or have the best product but if everyone on your team is not on the same page it will not be reflected.  If you have a brick and mortar business, it is important to have your employees understand the importance of a positive attitude. The attitude can be heard in the voice as well; therefore a smile should be heard in the voice.

With an online business, the attitude is still important.  The assistant should have a pleasant voice as well as a manner of approaching prospective clients and existing clients.  Everything should be of utmost professionalism.  It shouldn’t matter where you work or where your business is located, professionalism is reflected through customer service.

To be competitive in the business world and continue to have a successful business, the number one priority should be to improve customer service.  Besides the quality of the product or service, customer service will set you apart amongst the rest.

Now is the time to evaluate your business, your staff and determine if a lesson in customer service is needed.  Too often we can get complacent in our business and neglect the simple yet most important aspect of our business which is customer service.  Make the changes today that will affect your business tomorrow, don’t wait.

Tags: Uncategorized by Carrie Wilkerson
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As you read that title you are probably asking yourself the same thing.  How is it possible to only work, work, work and not have down time?  Well, I’m here to tell you that there is no such thing.  We must, and I repeat we MUST make time for ourselves and our families.  Most importantly you must schedule ‘down-time’ for you.

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is the lack of scheduling time for themselves.  It is understood that you are building a business that requires many hours.  However, without down-time you will be spiraling downward very quickly.  Time is needed to let your mind relax as well as your body.  In order to successfully accomplish this incredible feat you should keep a schedule.  Yes, you’ve heard it all before but have you actually applied what you have heard?

Many times we are our own worse critics which of course is only detrimental to our health, our relationships and not to mention our business.  Consider this your pep talk and your reminder that you MUST take time to refocus, reanalyze and simply refreshen your mind.  In order to do this and be successful you must schedule the down-time as well.  As silly as it sounds we can get very occupied with our agendas and neglect to make time for the most important people in our lives.

One of the main purposes folks start their own business is for financial freedom, and success  as well as the ability to spend more time with their loved ones.  So, let’s not forget the later, our loved ones and you will indeed succeed.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Do you have a support system for your business?  It is important to have people that are either in the same field or have the same goals as a support system.

It is never easy to begin a business but if you are alone it is much more difficult.  It doesn’t have to be difficult however, because there are many have come before you or may be experiencing the same issues that can help you.  One of the major components in my business is a support group or as some others may refer to as a mastermind group.  Such groups are great to bounce ideas of each other and of course to learn from.  Why would you spend your hard earned money on a particular product or service without researching it first?  Having a support group makes that research time quicker.  Chances are the people in your group may have used the services you require and can recommend a reliable source.

As in everything in life, relationships included, a support system is vital to its success.  Your business is not any different!  To succeed in your business it is important to be surrounded by people who will support your decisions and believe in your mission and goals.  Nothing is more difficult that trying to achieve success all alone.  If you look at the  individuals that you look up to in your niche or market you will also find a group of like minded individuals.  You will quickly notice that in any business, in any field, a like group of individuals, be it a support group or a mastermind group is essential.

Seek out such individuals today!  It is true that you will not necessarily agree or see eye to eye with each and every individual but that should not deter you from finding a group that will.  You will notice once you have a group that is willing to help and support you, that it will make your life easier and your goals more attainable.  Don’t do it alone.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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All too often folks will make resolutions for the New Year that are simply too vague or better yet impossible to keep. That is why focusing on your goals is more important that mere resolutions that will only last 3 months if you’re lucky.

Let’s explore some techniques on how to focus on your goals and achieve more results.

Make a List

This is one of my favorites.   When writing a list it is important to include a timeline.  When determining a timeline be realistic and choose one that is achievable.  If your goal is to make more money that is too vague, but if your goal is to make for instance $6,000 in the next 4 months that is more achievable provided you have everything listed that will be needed to acquire that amount.   Your list would consist of for example, the projects you are going to accomplish in the 4 month time frame, the expenses, and the amount you will charge for said project.  As I mentioned this one is my favorite and keeps me completely focused on the target for each given goal.

Prepare a Chart or Vision Board

Charts are a way in which one can really focus and measure their ability to attain certain goals. If additional education is required; add that to the chart.  If an internship is needed to obtain a prime spot in an organization; add that as well. Charts are maps which not only give direction, but keep us on the right path to success. So often we are tempted to veer off, only to find we are lost and unable to navigate our way back. So too, a chart is a constant reminder of where we’ve been, and where we are going.

The vision board works in the same way but often has photos of something you may want to achieve.  For instance if your goal is to take a family on a cruise, you may place a photo of a cruise ship.  Or if you plan on some new office furniture, you can add photos of those, etc.

The next time you are determined to reach a new goal in your life, write down the steps that will guide you to it. Be specific in your detail, and use it as a roadmap to achievement.   Focus, apply, and become empowered and you will surely succeed.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Wow! Can you believe 2010 is here?  It’s time to celebrate this New Year with new goals, and new visions.  Sounds easy enough, right?  For some perhaps, yet for others it can be a time of confusion.

My advise to you is to first and foremost, write it down.  Yes, you read it correctly, write down your goals, visions, plans and mark them on your calendar.  Although it may not be clear at first, it is important to write all your thoughts down on paper.  Hold yourself accountable for your goals and if you need help, find a group of like minded individuals to hold you accountable.  This latter part is so important!  Having a group of people surrounding you with your same vision and goal is half the battle.  Don’t ever think that you have to go it alone in order to succeed.

Begin by decluttering, yes, start fresh.  While decluttering my office, my goals and vision became very clear to me.  Many feel lost and confused and clutter makes it worse.  You know that saying, can’t see the forest because of the trees?  The same applies to your business!  Remove the clutter, the trees in your mind and it will become clear.

This past year was a fantastic year and this year will be just as good.  Work hard, stay focused and be accountable for your decisions!  Happy New Year!

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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