“Should I be on FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter…?” When I hear this question, I get flashbacks from a decade ago of people asking me, “Do I really need a Web site?” (Believe it or not, I occcasionally still get this question!)

Just as I believed ten years ago that the a Web site will be necessary for businesses to compete in the fierce marketplace, I won’t be surprised in a decade from now if every viable business engages in some form of social media interaction. This could be the means of communicating with customers, suppliers, employees, and the community. 

During my brief exposure to social media, I have found all three sites to be advantageous for various reasons…

• LinkedIn has been very helpful in connecting online with folks that I’ve met in person. I find it quite helpful when researching prospective clients and industries, as well as learning information from the knowledgeable groups that I’ve joined.
• Facebook has grown to be more than connecting with former classmates and collegues. There are various helpful groups and “fan” pages to join.
• Twitter has been an opportunity to connect with people with similar interests, and has proven to be effective in developing business relationships.

Although it does require time to nurture the relationships (instigated both online and offline), to me it has been a positive and beneficial experience. I know that I still have a LOT to learn about using these sites. These really are amazingly useful tools for any professional and business (both small and large).

With that being said…even though life has been hectic lately, I’ll have to carve out more time to devote to social media!

“Overcoming hurdles is an adventure in life’s journey.”

Identifying goals is easy for many of us…reaching them may be a different story. If you’re finding difficulty in reaching your goal or dream, take comfort in knowing that many renowned personalities have walked in those same footsteps.

1. Albert Einstien could not speak until age four or read until age seven. He was once described as “mentally slow, unsociable, and adrift forever in foolish dreams.” Yet he emerged as one of the most respected scientists in the world.

2. J. K. Rowling was on welfare and unable to pay her bills when she began writing the best selling Harry Potter book series. She is the first person ever to become a billionaire from writing books.

3. Bill Gates, who dropped out of Harvard University, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s wealthiest people. He is known for being an entrepreneur in the personal computer revolution, and co-founder of Microsoft.

4. Walt Disney was once  fired by a newspaper editor for his “lack of ideas.” He also went bankrupt several times before building Disneyland. (Imagine a world with no Disney World or Disney movies!)

5. Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, was afraid of the dark. As a child, his teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything.

6. Babe Ruth, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, had hit 714 home runs, but he also stuck out 1,330 times.

These famous individuals faced more than their share of obstacles. However, if they chose to give in to their weaknesses or adversities, just think where the world would be…(definitely not in Disney World).

A Business Writer organizes and creates communications for any type of business or organization.  In contrast to a Marketing Communicator who develops copy mostly to market or promote a business, a Business Writer writes marketing copy plus a whole lot more.

Below are examples of projects that Business Writers work on.

• Business Plans
• Website Content
• Online Research
• E-mail/Newsletter Campaign
• Business Proposals
• PowerPoint/Keynote Presentations
• Speechwriting
• Technical Documentation
• Employee/Training Manuals
• Online Help Applications
• Marketing/Promotional Collateral
• Media Kits
• Editorials/Article Writing
• Blogs
• Proofing and Editing

By contacting a professional Business Writer, your messages to customers and employees will be consistent and aligned with your business objectives, which is important in building your brand.

Building Your Brand–hmmmm….sounds like a good topic for a blog post

For more information about business writing, visit www.MarichelleRocha.com or email info@marichellerocha.com.

“Advertising is a business of words, but advertising agencies are infested with men and women who cannot write.”
~David Ogilvy, Advertiser

Right or wrong, many of your potential customers will judge the quality of your product or service by the quality of your message on a website, brochure, business card, or blog post. I believe that “Choosing your words wisely says a lot about your business.”

Since you never know where your next lead may come from, it’s always in your company’s best interest to be professional in all that you say, write, or present. Take the time initially to craft your message and communicate it most effectively.  Contact a business writer or other communications professional for help.

“There’s no good idea that can’t be improved upon.”
~ Michael Eisner, fomer CEO of The Walt Disney Company

If you think you have a “good product or service,” don’t just settle. Smart business owners know that there’s always room for improvement. If you provide a service to your customers, consider the following are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Partner with Other Business Owners (who cater to a similar target audience). For example, if you are a graphic designer, look up area printers to develop a referral program.
• Offer Different Price Levels. Providing services at different price points gives customers the opportunity to try your service, especially if your service is unique. You may even consider offering a “free trial.”
• Network, Network, Network. Despite having a heavy customer workload,  it is critical to create a pipeline. Set aside at least an hour or two each week to network with local businesses. Get your name out by joining local chambers, other  business networking groups, or consider volunteering your services to a non-profit organization.
• Bundle your services. If you’ve done your homework or market research, you should have a good understanding of your customer preference. Try creating different packages that bundle your different services and that make sense for your customers.
• Communicate with Customers. Ask your current customers for feedback. There is probably no better way to improve your business than to ask them about their likes and dislikes. This can be a few casual questions, a feedback questionnaire included in your invoice, or an online survey sent via email.

Above all, don’t be afraid to try something new!

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Albert Einstein

I’ve always felt that this quote holds so much truth, both personally and professionally. As a business owner and professional, if the tactics that you’re using today aren’t delivering the results you want, then it’s time to stop and rethink.

Ask another professional, an objective set of eyes, to look over your current brochure, website, email, or sales letter. You’ll probably find insight about ideas you never even considered.

“If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word of mouth is very powerful.”
Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder

So what are some ways you can reach more people through existing satisfied customers? Here are a few ways to get you started:

1. Take Advantage of Social Networking. The social networking sites have created a simple and effective way to obtain customer testimonials. LinkedIn makes it quite easy to ask for recommendations from your connections. Go to Account & Settings. Select Manage Recommendations and the Request Recommendations tab. Following steps 1, 2, and 3.
2. Surveys. Create an online survey and include an area for more detailed description for customers’ satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) of your products and services. There are several easy-to-use tools, including Zoomerang or Constant Contact. Remember to develop succinct and easy-to-follow questions. Consider offering an incentive, such as a discount off their next purchase.
3. Website Feedback. Provide an easy way for customers to provide feedback through your website. Don’t bury the link deep in your site, place a button prominently on your home page. Similar to “Drop Your Business Card Here” fish bowls found at physical storefronts, offer a monthly or quarterly drawing.
4. Ask for Testimonials. Although some people may find it difficult to do, why not directly ask your best customers for a written testimonial? This could be something as simple as an email or short letter. If your customers are truly satisfied, many times they are more than willing to comply.

Have you found other successful ways to build referrals and testimonials? Please share them.

Welcome! I hope you find the information on this blog helpful. My intent is to provide insights on communications for business owners. As a diverse business writer, I hope I post information that you find helpful in path to success! Feel free to leave comments, questions, or suggestions for topics. I love knowledge sharing!