Got Mobile & Social Media

Got Mobile?
Shopping is changing. The market place is changing. What was new 2 years ago gets old very fast!

All this has to do with mobile devices. About a month ago, I was in a bookstore on a mission to get several copies of "Strength Finder 2.0" by Tom Rath. I use this with new clients and groups - great book. While wandering the store as all old librarians are destined to do, I spied an interesting fiction title, started reading and was hooked. Since I was given a Kindle a year ago, I've made it a habit to purchase fiction on the Kindle. So, I grabbed my mobile device, did a quick internet search at Amazon found the book was indeed Kindle available, purchased it and within seconds not only was it waiting on my Kindle when I got home, it was also on my mobile device if I wanted to start reading after making my business purchases.

Mobile devices are becoming the ubiquitous tool for customers. It took 100 years for telephones to reach 80% of the countries in the world - wireless has just taken 16 years! The phone in your pocket is 10 times more powerful than the desk top commuter that was on your desk in 1999. Many of us have our devices with us 24/7 - I've been using mine as an alarm clock since 2006.

How are your customers using their mobile device to work with your business? And I don't have the answer, yet, but it sure it is fun to think about it! Look for QR Codes (sample below) as the next wave for mobile devices to learn about your business or get a coupon. Maybe you should do a SWOT analysis to get thinking about the future - that is where you will be directed with your mobile and the below QR code.

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!

Scan with Your Mobile Device

Social Media and Your Business
So how does the social media space look for business as it stands at the end of 2010? If you are looking to really drive new prospects and lead generation you may be disappointed. Some of the larger multinationals who already have a strong established brand throughout world markets have been able to extend their share of wallet with Social Media campaigns, BUT, for small to medium business, at this stage Social Media really kicks the biggest goals in terms of building brand recognition, brand loyalty and extending customer service avenues to new and existing customers through additional 2 way communication channels.

That being said, Social Media is here to stay for all size business and in the near future will represent a channel for driving additional revenue. In the interim, plan your entry into the social media waters and take a well executed dive but before you do remember some final points.

• Social Media is exactly that. Don't look to automate your involvement where possible. Be a real person and communicate directly with your customers and prospects. Automated responses are like Voice Response systems, --Press 1 if we have just lost your business:-)

• Marketing in this space is the same as all other forms of Marketing. Don't just hire someone to manage your campaigns because they are 'good at using Twitter & Facebook' and or 'has a lot of followers'. Make sure whatever resource you hire or allocate to your campaigns understands your products and business and that you are confident can represent your brand in the best light possible.

See you out there in Social Media Space:-)

Brent Lupton
Internet Marketing Manager
Essential Brands Group

Holiday Season - Ready, Set, Go

Even though the traditional holiday season starts this week with Thanksgiving, the stores are ready and the commercials on TV have already started.

As a business owner, one of my important business holiday jobs is to refine my business plan for 2011. Even though I regularly update my plan during the year (I analyze it monthly, tweak it quarterly), I like to start the new year with a fresh plan. So November and December are the months that I identify what worked; what didn't work; and what can I finish by year end. In these economically challenging times, here are some end of the year tips to get your plan in order and make the most of this holiday season:

1. Review expenses including inventory and supply levels. If your business is retail and holiday sensitive, make sure you have the right inventory levels so that you finish the year with "just enough".

2. Monitor your Receivables. During the holiday season, other businesses can be distracted by their own vacations, staffing and holiday parties. Don't let them think you can wait for your cash so they can have a more lavish holiday.

3. Remember Your Staff has holiday plans, too. Proactive planning and scheduling for all will make the work load better for everyone.

4. Manage Cash. Cash is king and during the holiday season even if your business is NOT typically affected by the holidays, banks are. Having an emergency fund will always bode well during the holidays and throughout the year.

5. Holiday giving. Know your employees and give what they will value. In economic hard times, scaled back parties have been the norm. Tips are available at Biz Know How - Parties. Whatever you give, be clear if it is tied to merit or a thank you for just being an employee. There is a big difference.

6. Say Thanks. If you don't like to do holiday cards, saying thanks to your customers, vendors and others that have made a difference in your business could be just that - a thank you. Thank you notes are never out of season or out of fashion.

And don't forget to get that plan for 2011 in order before it happens!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!

Saying Thanks to your Staff
Unexpected recognition for a job well done is very, very validating for your people. Whilst you are busy, you are also developing habits that, well, just creep up on you. This means that you do things; behave in a certain way - and now is the time to redress that. If you find there are some of your people you have instant, deep rapport with, it's just human nature to hang out with them more. Respect them and treat them well. Yet you could be missing a trick. And a trick that takes but a little focus to make the most of, this is about specifically targeting those who you don't have an instant relationship.

Make time for those you avoid and engage both in conversation as well as 'catching them doing something right and thanking them. Spending time with these folks might, to start at least, not be your favorite way to spend your time - but you may be surprised. You will also up the stakes in motivating a bunch of people who you've missed out on in the past. So, today, make a very special effort to say 'Thank you' to people you wouldn't normally. It will make a difference, both to them, you and your business.

Copyright 2005-6 Martin Haworth
http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com/

Thrive and Freakeconomics

Making Better Choices in a Still SLOW Economy

Most small business owners have done what they can to squeeze expenses, tighten receivables and manage growth of new expenditures. This recession will end as all rececessions do, yet in some pockets of the United States it still may languish for many more months.

Here are some simple ideas for your business to try during the final months of this recession which may enhance survival leading to thriving in the future.
1. Prune your customers that are not profitable to your future. These are of two varieties.
     a. Low NET revenue - these are the customers that have a low price point and often the staff time is the same or more than your other customers
     b. NO referrals - your current customers should be your best sales people.
2. Check your credit card statement carefully because many of those automatic payments can be eliminated and when you need them again, you just re-join or use them on an as needed basis.
3. Say "bye bye now" to underperformers. This is a hard decision but you and the underperformer will feel better after the fact.
4. Review your marketing and KNOW what is working, what brings in customers. All marketing should be an investment in your business and an investment means it needs to have a return which is MORE than you spent.

Staying vigilant now will lead to more success in the future. Strive to Thrive!

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!

Taxes and Lame Ducks
Back in 2005, professor Steven Levitt and reporter Stephen Dubner published Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything. The book became an instant bestseller, spawning a 2009 sequel, SuperFreakonomics, and the popular Freakonomics Blog hosted on the New York Times website. On October 15 -- the final deadline for filing this year's Form 1040 -- the blog asked four smart tax people a simple question: "What's the biggest potential tax policy mistake that might be made this year?" Their answers are especially relevant now, as Congress prepares to convene a lame-duck session to address lingering uncertainty over:
1) this year's tax rules, and
2) the imminent expiration of the Bush tax cuts -- issues they failed to resolve before breaking for the upcoming election.

Joel Slemrod, professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan, says the biggest mistake would be to lose sight of the long-term issues that surround public policy -- particularly considering the depth of the recent recession and fragility of the current expansion.

William G. Gale, co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Center, says that policymakers have already made the biggest mistake they could by ignoring the imminent expiration of the Bush tax cuts.

Clint Stretch, managing principal for tax policy at Deloitte Tax LLP, echoes Slemrod and Gale in citing "inaction" as the biggest mistake.

Donald Marron, also co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Center, says policymakers will be hard-pressed to top the tax policy blunders they've already made this year -- specifically, failing to decide what this year's tax law should be.

Those are certainly interesting philosophical responses. The problem is, the debate isn't just theoretical. The answers literally mean billions for individuals and businesses across the country.

Perhaps Donald Marron put it best:
"Will our leaders really allow the alternative minimum tax to hit 27 million taxpayers this year, a whopping 23 million more than in 2009?
Did the estate tax really expire back in January, making 2010 the year without an estate tax?
Will companies really receive no tax credits for their investments in research and development? Under existing law, the answer to each of these questions is yes."

Remember those old black-and-white movies where the villain ties up the damsel on the train tracks and cackles cruelly before the hero swoops in to rescue her? Well, those were just movies. Not real life. And in today's bitterly partisan Congress, too many members seem content to just watch the train barrel down the tracks towards the damsel. We can't afford to wait for a hero -- and that's why proactive tax planning, difficult as it may be, is even more important than usual. So call us with your questions. We'll give you your best shot at getting off the track before the train cuts you in two!

Copyright 2010 Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/

Focus Now and Thanksgiving

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." -Buddha
Focus on Now
My intern, Val, told me about "the game" where if you think about "the game" you've lost the game. You are always playing the game and you will play until you die. That's it - I'll let you google it to learn more as I've lost the game right now.

This game, I realized is much like what I've learned in many programs that strive to help participants work in the present as yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. This is not a fatalist view of the world, but a reminder that the more we work and live in the present, the more productive we will be and being productive usually gives a person energy!

So, here is the game as I see it for business:
- Got to have a plan - a big doable dream with BHAGs - Big Hairy Audacious Goals.
- These goals will have a series of projects that have tasks and due dates.
- Tasks lead to your strategic next actions and during an average day, this is where you will be working with your business - on strategic next actions.

Being present often means making some mindful decisions so you can stay in the business game. Tips that help you be present:
1. Smile more - really, it makes a difference for you and others.
2. Appreciate the moments when something comes together.
3. Forgive past resentments towards others even if they were wrong, get over it!
4. Love what you do - okay, if you don't, that should be a clue to what your business is NOT doing for you.
5. Acknowledge your dreams AND work hard on the Strategic Next Action to reach that dream today.
6. Don't dwell on the past - the good or the bad.
7. Identify worry and address it with action.
8. And as MOM would say "eat right, be kind to others, and get a good night's sleep" will give you the physical energy to be present.

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!

Have you read "Think and Grow Rich"? If not or you want to share a copy with a friend, here is an opportunity for a free copy - just pay the shipping and handling of $4.59. This book is currently selling for $12.95 on Amazon. Just go to: http://www.FreeTGRbook.com/ChangingLanes  and follow the directions.

Awakened Entrepreneurs Are Thankful . . . for Everything!
Thanksgiving is this month! It's easy to be thankful for the blessings in our life, but what if we also took the time to be thankful for the things that we perceive as problematic.

You see, it's all good! According to the Law of Polarity, everything contains its opposite. For example, black and white, good and bad, Yin/Yang, up and down. We can't define something without having its opposite also present. So for everything that you perceive as negative in your life, the positive side of that event and all the shades of gray in between are also available to you if you take the time to perceive it.

This Thanksgiving find something you aren't happy about and be grateful for the good that is going to come out of it, even if you don't understand what that is right now.

Copyright 2010 Pat Altvater
http://pattiperfectsperfectionismblog.com/
www.facebook.com/pattieperfectsays

Now What & Halloween Lessons

Root Cause Found - Now What?Once the root cause of a problem is found, correcting is often more than a quick fix. In case studies of problems, the Tylenol Crisis of 1982 is one that shows many good choices. One of Johnson & Johnson's core values was "protect people first, property second" and when it was discovered that cyanide was placed in capsules AFTER the product was delivered and Johnson & Johnson was not to blame, they still assumed complete responsibility, recalled all capsules, and later re-entered the product with the "safety cap" we all know.

Contrast this with the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill where Exxon NEVER took responsibility for what happened and dragged the cases through the courts for over 20 years. Exxon was found at fault with insufficient supply of trained crew and inadequate equipment on the ship.

Taking responsibility for a root cause is not the same as taking blame although the reaction is often similar.

When the root cause is found and you are ready to act, take a couple deep breaths and look at the opportunity to really make a difference. Simple steps to get started will include:
1. Document the cause
2. Come up with possible solutions
3. Test to find the best solutions
4. Create a procedure to follow
5. Test the procedure
6. Roll out the solution - make a fanfare!
7. Evaluate after the solution is implemented.

Solutions are often easier than we think and Johnson & Johnson shows that by taking responsibility, you can come out with new "social capital".

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!

Have you read "Think and Grow Rich"? If not or you want to share a copy with a friend, here is an opportunity for a free copy - just pay the shipping and handling of $4.59. This book is currently selling for $12.95 on Amazon. Just go to: http://www.FreeTGRbook.com/ChangingLanes and follow the directions.

Halloween Business Lessons from my Two Year Old
My daughter and I just got back from Trick-or-treating and I'm not sure who got more out of it. First, she handled herself better than some of the adults. And second, I'm absolutely amazed by the maturity of children when they have no fear. I couldn't help but compare how she acted with how some people approach their business.
We've been practicing saying "Trick or Treat" for about a month. She has a pretty good "Thank you" when she stands still long enough. While we were out tonight she showed patience, perseverance, and tenacity. Some would notice that these are things that her elders sometimes take for granted.
So here are the invaluable lessons that she taught me:
1. Dress for success. 2-year old Lady Bugs are adorable. She played the part with enthusiasm.
2. Practice. She knew what to say the moment the door was opened.
3. No Fear. Just Action.
4. Tenacity. She didn't get upset when a door didn't open. She just shrugged like she couldn't fathom why the door wouldn't open to someone as cute as her AND she moved on to the next door.
5. Salesmanship. She looked the person straight in the eye and waited while candy was put in her bag. THIS IS IMPORTANT: She never closed the bag until the other person was done putting candy in it!
6. She said "Thank you" clearly and sincerely.
She raked in the candy and that taught me my final lesson for the night. A Kit Kat and a 3 Musketeers, even of the mini variety, can keep a 2-year old up WAY past her bedtime.

Copyright 2010 Todd Pillars teaches business owners and sales professionals how to create a network of endless referrals, easier and faster than they ever thought possible. Contact him today at 419-855-2273 or todd@toddpillars.com. You can also find out more information about his Endless Referrals Workshops and FREE Mastermind Groups at http://www.toddpillars.com/