We at OED are in full on planning mode for our Small Business Symposium June 9, 2011, cohosted by the NJSBDC of Northwest New Jersey. While the event is NJ-based, many of the topics, resources, and programs to be discussed can readily be leveraged by entrepreneurs in ALL states and territorities. Our Town Hall Meeting kicks of the day, and we are very pleased to have representation from the Small Business Administration on hand for our panel.
Beginning immediately, and running straight through our Town Hall Meeting, you can ask the SBA rep whatever you like. Submit your question here as a comment or tweet us @oed4smallbiz using #OEDSBA as a tag for quick view. We'll be tweeting live from site during the event and will be posting Q&A on line afterwards for refernce and follow up.
So.... what do you want to know from or about the SBA?
Fostering the entrepreneurial spirit!
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, September 24, 2010
Advice to New Business Owners: Part 1
Each OED500 applicant is asked for advice to people starting a business. In the OED spirit of "entrepreneurs supporting entrepreneurs," we'll be passing along some of the best feedback received. Some will be a healthy reminder to us all, and some may make you smile. In all cases, they are words to live by for people starting out. Read on and pass along to those you know who are making a go of it!
Jennifer A. Garcia
Logicreative Design (on twitter @ LogicCreative)
1- clarify your target audience not only who needs your products/services, but who can afford them
2- be very clear on your own business goals
3- utilize social media
Check out Eyal Bino's post on small business Social Media to get started on #3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adele Ann Taylor: Adele's Literacy Library (on twitter @ ALLforbooks)
Plan accordingly and project your expenditures as far out as you can. Know that your dreams take a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Well said, Adele!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Kendra Von Achen
DB Pros Consulting (on twitter @ dbpros_crm ) Make sure you're committed to it before diving in. It is hard work running your business, and as they say, not very profitable for the first 3-5 years. I have virtually no overhead, but I'm not making what I made in corporate America.... Stick with it through the ups and downs and try not to get in your own way through negative thoughts, etc.
Thanks for the candid feedback, and the realistic expectation-setting reminder, Kendra. It's very easy for people passionate about a new business to get swept up in the energy. Grounded expectations are key to their businesses as they launch.
Jennifer A. Garcia
Logicreative Design (on twitter @ LogicCreative)
1- clarify your target audience not only who needs your products/services, but who can afford them
2- be very clear on your own business goals
3- utilize social media
Check out Eyal Bino's post on small business Social Media to get started on #3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Adele Ann Taylor: Adele's Literacy Library (on twitter @ ALLforbooks)
Plan accordingly and project your expenditures as far out as you can. Know that your dreams take a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Well said, Adele!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Kendra Von Achen
DB Pros Consulting (on twitter @ dbpros_crm ) Make sure you're committed to it before diving in. It is hard work running your business, and as they say, not very profitable for the first 3-5 years. I have virtually no overhead, but I'm not making what I made in corporate America.... Stick with it through the ups and downs and try not to get in your own way through negative thoughts, etc.
Thanks for the candid feedback, and the realistic expectation-setting reminder, Kendra. It's very easy for people passionate about a new business to get swept up in the energy. Grounded expectations are key to their businesses as they launch.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Social Media for Small Businesses: Engage, Convince, Become!
OED Certified Advisor Eyal Bino shares Social Media tips with small businesses enagegd in B2B marketing.
According to BizReport.com, 86% of B2B firms are using social media, compared to 82% of B2C firms. However, only 32% of B2B firms engage consumers daily via social media channels, while 52% of B2C firms do.
B2B firms are eager to jump on the social media train before it takes off (has it already?), but they're forgetting what it means to have a social media strategy. While many are successfully engaging consumers, it's clear that most of them could take some clues from B2C firms' strategies.
B2B firms probably have a more daunting task than B2C firms when it comes to social media: B2C firms have to engage and convince; B2B firms have to engage, convince, and establish themselves as thought leaders. B2B firms aren't entering relationships with consumers; they're exploring partnerships with other businesses and have much more than reputation at stake.
The rewards of dedicating time to a focused B2B social media strategy are plenty. Here are some tips to leverage your B2B firm's online presence.
Twitter & Facebook
Share content that is valuable to your followers & fans. That is, your current and potential customers. Here is your chance to share interesting articles, links, websites, and news that are relevant to them. Ask them questions and invite them to engage with you, and each other! You can engage them by crowdsourcing for suggestions, or polling them on their opinions.
Linkedin
Many firms are using Linkedin as a vital piece of their social media strategy. Discussion boards are the meat of the tactics here, providing ample space for exchanging ideas and giving tips & suggestions. What's best is that you're engaging a network of professionals, who are likely to refer you once you've established yourself as a thought leader.
Blog & Website
The final piece of the puzzle. All of your social media efforts have been driving traffic to your website, and it is here that they shall be convinced! Clear, efficient, and to-the-point copy is a requisite; avoid wordy descriptions. A slick, simple, and intuitive website will make for easy navigation.
Ultimately, your blog should serve as a platform for current and potential customers to exchange information, and more importantly, to receive valuable information from you.
Tip: if your B2B firm is a one-man or one-woman show, make sure your profile is personal, so your customers know they are communicating with a human being. It makes the whole "online world" less devoid of personality, and ultimately more engaging.
Make sure to join our mailing list at http://www.born-global.net/ for more tips and suggestions on becoming a successful entrepreneur!
For more small business promotion strategies, visit OED's online community.
According to BizReport.com, 86% of B2B firms are using social media, compared to 82% of B2C firms. However, only 32% of B2B firms engage consumers daily via social media channels, while 52% of B2C firms do.
B2B firms are eager to jump on the social media train before it takes off (has it already?), but they're forgetting what it means to have a social media strategy. While many are successfully engaging consumers, it's clear that most of them could take some clues from B2C firms' strategies.
B2B firms probably have a more daunting task than B2C firms when it comes to social media: B2C firms have to engage and convince; B2B firms have to engage, convince, and establish themselves as thought leaders. B2B firms aren't entering relationships with consumers; they're exploring partnerships with other businesses and have much more than reputation at stake.
The rewards of dedicating time to a focused B2B social media strategy are plenty. Here are some tips to leverage your B2B firm's online presence.
Twitter & Facebook
Share content that is valuable to your followers & fans. That is, your current and potential customers. Here is your chance to share interesting articles, links, websites, and news that are relevant to them. Ask them questions and invite them to engage with you, and each other! You can engage them by crowdsourcing for suggestions, or polling them on their opinions.
Many firms are using Linkedin as a vital piece of their social media strategy. Discussion boards are the meat of the tactics here, providing ample space for exchanging ideas and giving tips & suggestions. What's best is that you're engaging a network of professionals, who are likely to refer you once you've established yourself as a thought leader.
Blog & Website
The final piece of the puzzle. All of your social media efforts have been driving traffic to your website, and it is here that they shall be convinced! Clear, efficient, and to-the-point copy is a requisite; avoid wordy descriptions. A slick, simple, and intuitive website will make for easy navigation.
Ultimately, your blog should serve as a platform for current and potential customers to exchange information, and more importantly, to receive valuable information from you.
Tip: if your B2B firm is a one-man or one-woman show, make sure your profile is personal, so your customers know they are communicating with a human being. It makes the whole "online world" less devoid of personality, and ultimately more engaging.
Make sure to join our mailing list at http://www.born-global.net/ for more tips and suggestions on becoming a successful entrepreneur!
For more small business promotion strategies, visit OED's online community.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)