Internet Marketing Tools

Your Twitter Bio is the most important ingredient for successfully using this social networking program. After people look at your picture, they turn to your Bio to see if they are interested in following you or having you follow them.

Here are three reasons why you want to put time and energy into the your Twitter Bio:

1.  Your Internet Billboard

Your bio is your billboard on the internet highway.  Like billboards along the freeways, you never know when someone is going to take notice of your billboard.  No matter what purposes you have for using Twitter, getting noticed by others is essential.  Your Bio needs to be constructed in such a way that it becomes a billboard that others will notice as they travel the internet highway.

2.  How People Buy

You are always selling on Twitter.  Whether you are looking to advance your business, looking for business resources, or looking for new customers for your business, you’re selling on Twitter.  The fundamental rule of selling is that people buy from people they know, like and trust.  Your Twitter Bio is where people get to know you, get to like you and get to trust you. Construct your bio, not only to show your business expertise, but also your personality as well.  Remember people buy from people not a business.  You want your personality to be expressed in your Bio.  People buy from people they know and they like!

3.  Building Your Brand      

Your Twitter Bio is the marketing expression of your brand.  (I will talk more about branding in the next post).  Your brand is the expertise you bring to your customers.  It’s the special something that connects with your customers.  It’s the one idea that expresses what they can get from you that they cannot get from your competition.  If your Bio is like every other Bio in your industry, why would a person want to follow you? Your Bio offers an opportunity to establish your online reputation that will draw others to you.   You don’t want to overlook this opportunity.

I‘m not going to detail the basics of creating your Twitter account. Go to www.twitter.com and follow the simple instructions. This takes about five minutes of time. We will come back to many of these elements to show how you can make them more effective for marketing purposes. For now, use your real name, a brief 160 character bio, including a link to your website and add a real photo. When completed, you can go to www.Twitter.com and log on to your account. Type into the box, “What are you doing?” any brief message. Click Submit and you have made your first Tweet.

If you want help with this go to http://internetmarketingllc.com/tsg20.pdf for a free Guide on how to get set up on Twitter by Al Ferretti and Skeeter Hansen.

Here are some basic concept you will be using on Twitter.

Tweet—when you write and submit a message less than 140 characters is called a Tweet.

Follow—when you add someone to your list of people you are following on Twitter. Your Tweet show up on their home page.

Handle—Your Twitter name @alhanzal. This is like your URL on Twitter.

Replies—when a person directly replies to you at your handle. @alhanzal nice job, etc. Usually this is done to engage another person in a conversation.

Retweet—taking someone’s Tweet or other materials and passing it on to others. This is a great way to share content with Twitter followers.

DM—this is a message sent directly to another person on Twitter. They must be following you to use the DM function. It is a way of keeping a message private.

Hashtags—by putting the # before a message, it’s a way of tagging the message much like tags on a blog. So it might look like #small business marketing and by using this you can search for all small business marketing Tweets.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

Taking the time to answer other Linkedin participant’s questions not only allows you to contribute, it also builds credibility and expertise within your network.  Years ago, when I left my carpeting business, I volunteered for one of those “Ask an Expert” websites as an expert regarding carpet.  I answered 50-60 questions per year.  It’s been several years, since I left that program.  I still get emails from people I have helped with my knowledge.

Click on Answer a question and you will get a drop down box that also indicates what recommended Categories are most likely for your expertise.  These are based on the groups you belong to and the information in your Profile.  You will also see a heading, New Questions from Your Network.   In addition, you can click on any of the Categories listed on the right side of the page and answer questions from these Categories.

Your Options

Use one ofthe above options to see a list of current questions.  Click on an appropriate question.  You will have two options.  

• You can answer the question Answer Yourself  
• You can Suggest an Expert and provide the person with a connection or a resource that can help

While Answering the question yourself bring some immediate attention to your own expertise, connecting other people resources is also a powerful way of building relationships.  Do you remember the last time someone hooked you up to the right person?  You felt good that you had a solution to your problem.  The expert felt good that they were recognized for their expertise and could now establish a new relationship with you.   And the connector felt good because they were helpful even though they did not have the immediate answer.

This Week’s Expert Status
 

You will also see a list of  This Week’s Experts with a Star logo behind their name.  The person asking a Linkedin questions gets to select the best answer to their question.  When you are choose as the best answer you get a “Point” from Linkedin.  After several “points” you are given Expert status of the week—just a little extra bonus of recognition.  Here are the Linkedin rules for getting Expert status.

Earning expertise is easy:

1.    Find questions in the areas you know–Browse questions to find categories familiar to you

2.    Answer those questions–Remember, private answers won’t help you earn expertise

3.    Every time the questioner picks your answer the best, you gain a point of expertise–The more points of expertise, the higher you appear on lists of experts.

To be continued, your comments are always welcomed…

Al Hanzal

Your Choice Quality or Quantity Network

There are a number of choices you will make before you actually start creating and expanding your network.  Your first choice involves quality verses quantity networking.

At first blush, you want as many connections as possible on your Linkedin site to be a part of your job searching process.  If a hundred connections are good; a thousand is better.  Going for as many connections as possible is one strategy.

Choosing to build a large quantity of network connections is popular.  In sales, the expression goes, “The money is in the list!”  Statistics show that at any one point in time, only 3% of any group is ready to buy, with another 7% considering a purchase.  A network based largely on numbers probably has the same percentages of people helpful to your job search.

With the quantity strategy you build as many contacts as possible.  Some job searching strategies are built on “the numbers game.”  Go for as many numbers as possible and there will always be a certain number of jobs that will fit your situation.

Another strategy is the qualitative approach to networking building.  In this approach you seek a more limited number of connections.  Using your own criteria, you carefully select who to connect with on Linkedin.

If you have a hundred connections on your network and 30% of them are strong connections, then that number equals 3% of 1000 weaker connections.

Different people use different strategies.  Qualitative verses quantitative.  You choose the strategy you believe and feel comfortable using in your business.  You can start with a quantitative strategy and switch later to a qualitative strategy.

Linkedin Networking Strategy—Active Verses Passive

This is another strategic decision.  You can take a very active approach to expanding your network as part of your job searching efforts.  You will see the tools that Linkedin provides for this purpose.

Or you can use a passive approach.  You passively invite others to connect with you by adding a Linkedin Icon to your email signature or your website or your blog.  Anywhere people can click and connect with you.

Some people will click and will invite you to connect with them.  They take the action; you respond.  That is why I call this passive network building.

Linkedin Networking Strategy Other Considerations

Many people make the mistake of waiting to build a network only when they need it.  It takes time to build a Linkedin network.  Start expanding now for your job search but also see this as a future network that can help you once you are in a new job.

Manage your network.  You will need to sort your network, remove dead wood, repair emails, find missing people, etc.  A strong network needs to be managed.  This takes time.

Allow enough time and energy to create your network.  It is work.  It can be fun.  As part of your job search, plan to expand your network daily.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

Let’s now apply the information about making powerful testimonials to the Making and Receiving Recommendations for your Linkedin Page.  I’ll start with Making a Recommendation.  If this is your first Recommendation, it is always good to spend a few minutes reviewing what other people are using for Recommendation.  You can learn what you like and dislike about these Recommendations by looking at the work of others.

You can initiate a Recommendation from your profile, from the profile of the person you are recommending or in direct response to a request you receive from the other person.  Here are the directions from Linkedin for using these three options:

                                          To recommend a person from your profile: 

1. Click the ‘Get Recommended’ link found in the ‘Recommended By’ section of the profile.

2. You’ll be taken to a page that allows you to ‘Mange recommendations you have received’ or ‘Make a Recommendation’.

3. Under the ‘Make a Recommendation’ section, enter a contact’s first/last name and their email address or click the ‘Select from your connections list’ link. Scroll to the lower part of the page.

4. Choose a category: service provider, business partner, colleague or student.

5. Follow the instructions provided based on the category you selected. 

                                              To recommend a person from their profile: 

1. Click ‘Recommend this person’ found in the upper right hand corner of the profile. You will also find a recommendation link in the Experience section under the position for which you want to recommend them.

2. Choose a category: service provider, business partner, student, or colleague.

3. Follow the instructions provided based on the category you selected. 

                                        To recommend a person in response to a request: 

1. Open the message in your email client or from the Received Recommendations page in your LinkedIn inbox.

2. Click ‘Write Recommendation’.

3. If this is an original request, you will be directed to a page where you can compose and submit your recommendation.

4. If this is a request to replace an existing recommendation, you will be taken to a page where you can edit the previous recommendation and submit the revised text. 

Once you have completed the name the person and identified your relationship with them (you are given a number of choices), then click on Continue and you are taken to series of questions to complete before you write your recommendation.  

What to Say?

Write the recommendation using the framework discussed in previous posts.  Make it exciting.  Be specific about the work done by the person, the strengths and responsibilities demonstrated by the person and the results or benefits produced. 

A message will be sent to the person through Linkened sharing the Recommendation you have just written.  You can customize this message that goes along with your recommendation.

If the person you are giving the recommendation for is not on your first level network, check the box “Invite XYZ to join your professional network.  When you send this you will be sending a Recommendation and an invitation all at the same time.

Click Send and submit your Recommendation to the person.  They will have the opportunity to review it, accept it or ask for revisions.  Most people will accept what you write, however, they can ask for revisions to clarify points they want in the Recommendation.

Email or Call

I’ve found the best method is to email or call a colleague and offer to exchange Recommendations.  They supply one for you and you supply one for them.  In this way, you can specify what each person would like in a Recommendation.   You can always send an email with a draft of your recommendation.   The other person can send it back to you with the changes they would like.  Then you put the revised Recommendation through the Linkedin process.  This is an easy way to quickly generate recommendations.  

Withdraing a Recommendation

You can Withdraw your recommendation.  Situations changes; jobs may change.  You are allowed to withdraw your Recommendation.  When you do this, it is permanently removed from Linkedin and the recipient is not notified.  To withdraw a Recommendation go to your Managing your Recommendations and click on Withdraw Recommendations.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

The Linkedin Mindset…

Let me share with you a story to illustrate the mindset that will make your Linked In experience more successful.

For five years I was associated with the business networking group, BNI.  I participated as a member, served in various officer positions, and even performed as a regional ambassador to other BNI business networking groups.

Over these five years, I learned the basic rules of effective business networking.  Here are the basic:

•    Networking is about building relationships
•    Find the right group suitable to your business goals
•    People need to know, like and trust you before they refer to you
•    You need to build your credibility within the group
•    You need to show up to the meetings
•    You need to participate and  assume responsible roles within the group
•    You need to give more than you get
•    Business networking is not a quick fix or magic bullet

Doing these basic will help you be an effective traditional business networker.

Even though, Linkedin is an internet based social networking group, the same networking rules apply to be successful.  Linkedin is a conduit for building relationships and communicating with others.  It is not a magic bullet.  It requires a commitment of time, and participation.  It requires that you build a trust level with others and give more than you get.  It makes you choose the right groups with whom you want to participate.

Follow the basic rules of business networking in your Linkedin program.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al

Marlon Sanders is one of the internet most respected professionals.  By his own admission, he is a late comer to Twitter.  He blends together his internet experience with the new realities of Twitter.  Enjoy.

Twenty-One Tips for Using Twitter

Subtitle: Two New Conversion Formats You Can Use To Promote Affiliate Offers Or Your Own Products By Marlon Sanders

In this article I’m sharing my cheat sheet for profiting from Twitter.

I want to share with you how to obtain joint ventures, meet people you can produce products with, get people to promote your products and jump start your business — all without forking over even a dime.

And you can do all of this starting 60 minutes from now — even if you don’t know anyone to start, even if you don’t have any sort of list to begin with, even if you’re a newbie, even if you’re a Mac user, even if you can’t attend seminars, even if ….

You get the idea. By using Twitter, you will:

* Meet people who have lists and can promote your product.

* Meet people who have the know how to move your business forward.

* Connect with people like you, so you don’t have that feeling you’re in this all alone.

* Avoid the bickering, arguing junk that goes on in forums.

One thing I hate about forums is a few people post all the time and become power brokers — even if they’re obnoxious, don’t have any clue what they’re doing and so forth. Forums also attract a lot of negativity.

Twitter is a totally different and refreshing experience.

I’ve officially been on Twitter hard core for a few weeks now.

I still have lots to learn. But let me share the amazing things I HAVE discovered about it that can benefit you greatly and almost immediately.

==> You’ll meet and connect with wonderful people

I’ve met some really neat people I normally would have never connected with.

==> You’ll get to discuss things with people you might not know about them in other venues.

==> You can interact with a lot of people quickly.

==> Your Twitter list builds virally

People will retweet (explained below) things you say. This virally spreads your info through other people’s networks. This is the most powerful aspect of Twitter.

Now, here are my best tips on getting the most out of Twitter.

1. Sign up at Twitter.com

That’s step one, of course. It’ll take you about 30 seconds.

2. Download Tweetdeck

It’s a freebie download for pc’s and Macs from Tweetdeck.com.

Tweetdeck will make your tweeting an unbelievable experience.

3. Keep the negative junk off Twitter

Don’t use Twitter to try to get that refund or resolve disputes.

The purpose is marketing. Use it to bring positive energy and meet people. People have asked me, “Marlon, why can’t I publish info if someone rips me off?”

The reason is because the PURPOSE of being on Twitter is to network with people who can promote your products for you. When you complain about other people, it REPELS positive people, exactly the ones you are hoping to ATTRACT.

4. Follow people who are in your niche.

Go to Twitter.com. Click on “find people.” Type in names of people who write blogs in your niche, who have affiliate products and who are influencers.

Click the “follow” link under their photo. This will let you see their tweets with other people.

5. Make friends

Do NOT go onto Twitter pitching people. Make friends. Be a sociable person.

6. Learn the art of the RT

RT stands for “retweet”. There’s a little icon that says RT.

When you retweet someone’s messsage, you’re passing it on so the people on your list can see it. This is the ultimate form of sharing. You give before you get. Even if you only have 10 people on your list, use the RT. But watch how others do it first. Don’t just jump in.

7. Observe for a week

Spend a week or so just watching others and learning what happens on Twitter before you jump in head over heels.

http://www.marlonsnews.com/?p=197

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Now that we have focused her purposes and her brand for Face Book, Nicole and I were ready to tackle the ways to use the tools of Face Book to improve her business.

There are three important ingredients to successfully using Face Book for a business.

First, your bio and picture

70% of the people who become your fans do so because of your bio and picture. Nicole, you are a business. Either use a professional business picture of you or your business logo. Forget the cute or unprofessional looking pictures. They don’t work.

Write your bio to support your business brand. You can do this in way that is both helpful to the search engines that search bios and to prospects for your Fan Group. For the search engines use plenty of key words that people use to find photographers who do baby photos.

For prospects, write your bio so that people see how they will benefit from being part of your fan group. Tell people about yourself as a mom. Share with them some of the experiences you had with other moms and taking pictures of their children.

Just like a good resume, you need to make the content of your bio relevant to the reader. It’s not about you; it’s about the reader.

Second, start creating your Fan Club or list

You have already indicated you wanted to start your list with family, friends, and existing customers. This is a good place to start because they already know you. Create a list of people you know and want to invite. Then take 10 minutes each day to make 5-6 invitations. One in three will join your fan club. At a later date, you can go back to this list and contact again those who did not join in this initial process.

Go to your business contacts and create a list of those business people you want to invite to your Fan Group. Do the same process, inviting a number of people each day.

A third way of adding people to your Fan Group is to go to other groups and other lists on Face Book. Join those groups that would be appropriate candidates for your Fan Club. Make some invitations to the members of these groups to join your Fan Group. Face Book has Applications to help you identify where to find these groups.

Always respond back to people who respond to you. It does not have to be a lengthy response. It is part of the relationship building process.

The third area–what type of messages do you send to your Fan club?

You should plan on sending 3-4 messages per week to your Fan Group. For you this will involve sending photos—only 1-2 at a time. You will also want to give them some updates about your business.

For example, you got a brand new backdrop for photo shoots. Write on your wall about this. “I am so excited. I just received my new backdrop. It was hand painted so it is totally unique. Now parents have another unique option to use with their child’s picture.” You have shared what is happening with your business. Always relate it to how it benefits your audience. Do you see how that works?

If you do have some special offers you can send them to your Fan Group. Face book is not a hard sell social media so be careful with the number and the intensity of these offers.

If you use Face Book this way. You will have about 2 hours a week involved in this process. It will not be an overnight magic formula. You are building relationships. This is part of your on going marketing efforts. You can do these efforts at off peak hours of your business when the rest of the world is sleeping.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

How to Get Started?

So where and how do you start with social media to make it effective for your business? Think of yourself as taking a trip. Before you jump on the airplane, you need to know where you are going, what your want to accomplish with your trip, how long it will take, how much money you will need and other details about the trip. Social media is a trip!

Start by creating a plan on how you want to use social media in your business. This will be different agendas and goals for each business. There is no right or wrong about goals. You will want to select one or another social media programs depending on the goals you want to achieve for your business. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself to help shape your social media plan:

What is my primary purpose? Am I looking for exposure for my business? Do I want this exposure to be the widest possible (many people) or am I looking for exposure from a deeper and narrower focus (specific groups of people)?

Is my purpose to demonstrate and create my expertise?  How can I make comments and connect with specific types of conversations where I can show my expertise to others? What expertise am I demonstrating and what are the various ways I can show my expertise?

Am I looking for answers for business questions? These may be general business questions or they may be business questions particular to my business. Which social media is the best place to find answers?

Am I looking to establish joint ventures or affiliate programs with other businesses? If so, what types of businesses do I want to find and how will I connect with them?

Am I using the social media to search for a specific job or a new career?

Am I looking for other resources to help my business or my customers? These could be articles, videos, audios or other forms of resources that could build up my business or keep me current in the market place?

Am I looking for support from other business people or motivational ideas? If so, I want to connect with these types of people on social medias programs where such items flourish.

One expert suggested to write a branding policy. This policy would include what you wanted to accomplish with your social media participation and who your want to accomplish it with. For example, this person never includes people who did not supply a real photo or includes anything on their social media bio. By having a set of established criteria, you can use your time more wisely. The branding policy help foster your agenda rather than becoming a time waster.

Be very clear on what you want to accomplish from the social media and who you want to accomplish it with and know how this tool fits into the broader goals of promoting your business. As you work with one or more of the social media, you can always modify your agenda. Without having an agenda, the social media can be more harmful than helpful to your business.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

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Conclusions

Can social networking benefit your business? Absolutely. Today more than ever, it is important for small businesses to get exposure to large groups of people that are good fits for their business—groups not bound by space and time. Social networking can do this for you. With social networking, you are totally in control of what you say and who you connect with.

One example: you can get six times the response rate from a Tweet sent than an email sent? Why. With an email you must first get the email through the spam checkers; then the person must decide if they want to click on your email from their email box; and then the person must decide to click on the link in your email to go to the information you are sending.

With a Tweet, it arrives immediate at your twitter site with no spam filters; it is already opened for you to read; all you have to do is decide if you want to click on the link that is in the Tweet. One decision verses three decisions involved in emails. What would do you think is going to win?

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al