How Do You Say - It’s a Pleasure to Meet You!
In my previous post, I shared Tweet Later; a Twitter tool that sends auto-responses to new followers either publically or through direct message. While I don’t subscribe to all “twitter etiquette” that many feel businesses should adhere to, there are a few common sense “rules” that should not have to be explained but it seems more often than not, it does.
So, how do you welcome your new followers on Twitter? Or, do you even acknowledge them?
When you set-up an auto-response to acknowledge a new follower, it should be just that. Links to your products or services should not be included. It is just simply not proper etiquette; it’s spam! If you have set-up your profile properly, then your website is listed. More times than not, a new follower has already checked out your website; unless they are the ones that have 1200 followings and only 100 followers; their intent then is to spam you.
Put it into perspective as it relates to your physical surroundings. If you are meeting someone for the first time, you wouldn’t be shaking their hand and asking them to buy your product. Would you?
The Point
Twitter is to socially connect with those that you have common interests in, whether it is personal or business. Yes, it is a great tool for internet marketing and promoting your blog; just not in a spammy way. Treat that your followers the same as you would if you were meeting and chatting face to face. Great them openhanded; a warm friendly thank you note is simple and genuine! It doesn’t mean you have to follow them, just be polite and say hello.
Photo by rumpleteaser
Do You Tweet? 9 Tools to Enhance Your Twitter Experience
Despite its critics, Twitter is a useful micro-blogging tool entrepreneurs can utilize in a social networking setting to build relationships, promote their blog and market their business. This post is not to debate the pros and cons of Twitter; whether it’s viewed as professional or otherwise; nor is it to cover proper tweeting etiquette or what is and is not considered spamming your followers. My intent is to provide you with nine tools that will simply enhance your Twitter experience.
Ping.FM
Do you have multiple social network profiles that you want to keep a daily presence without spending all day doing it? Ping.fm saves you the time and effort. Ping.fm will send a single post across 26 social networking platforms at one time. It utilizes the same 140 character limit as Twitter. Sites in addition to Twitter include: Facebook, Plurk, LinkedIn, MySpace, Google Talk, Delicious, and many more.
Tweet Later
Tweet Later works for you while you are away; whether you’re traveling, focusing on a project or simply living life. Tweet Later can be set-up to welcome new followers automatically either publically or by direct message. It will, at your election, automatically follow those that follow you. You can also schedule pre-scripted Tweets to broadcast while you’re away. Scheduled tweet is a great tool to alert followers of a new post on your blog.
What a Tangled Web We Weave with Web Analytics
Photo by josefstuefer As an entrepreneur in e-commerce, an enormous amount of effort and focus is placed on web presence. Countless hours can be spent on the aesthetics of your website, the cascading pages and catchy graphics. While you can have the snazziest website in your industry, if your visitors spend just seconds before bouncing elsewhere then it is all for not. So how do you know if your efforts are paying off? How can you discern where to make changes? Do you need a magic ball to see behind the scenes? No, a web analytics program will capture the data needed.
Web analytics provides detailed statistics that can assist with the analysis and fine tuning of your website or blog. By gathering data, it paints a clear picture of the visitors that find your site and provides the results from marketing efforts and website design. Here are four key areas to examine.
Discovering New Features in Old Friends
Photo by pigstyave
I am always thrilled when I find a new product, gadget, or program that makes being efficient ……. well, efficient. While doing research on a topic this week, I discovered that my tried and true friend Microsoft Outlook had a feature that I did not know about. It’s Outlook’s Post Reply to Folder (Post). Simple words, simple feature but filled with many possibilities towards being efficient.
Post’s intended purpose is to collaborate in public folders. This feature is located in the Actions menu tab of an opened email – Post Reply to Folder. It can also be activated from an Inbox and shortcut keys CTRL+SHIFT+S. Thinking that the feature has the potential to fulfill other needs, I tinkered around with it and did a bit of brainstorming.
Free Web Authoring Tool - Are you a KompoZer?
Photo by chrysti
Creating a website for your business can seem like a daunting task for those with little or no experience in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). For a small business business, the cost of hiring a web designer or purchasing an HTML/CSS editing program can put a heavy strain on most budgets. There are alternatives that work for not only for the experienced but for the beginner as well. I discovered a great resource - KompoZer. I used this program to create the website for my business and the big bang for your buck is ……it is free!
Effective Productivity - 7 Tips to Designing a Productive Day
Working from my home office, I find at times that my day can sometimes overlap into my home life and visa versa. By setting goals and designing a plan for my day, I accomplish more and feel good about the results at the close of the day.
Here are seven tips to assist in designing your productive day:
1) Early to bed – early to rise. Just like your momma said – it makes a man healthier, wealthier & wise. Get the amount of rest that is right for you. We all vary in what is the proper amount of rest and when we need it. If your business is structured that you do not have to be available during standard office hours and you’re a night owl then by all means, take advantage of it. Just get the rest that your body needs.
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Going Up! Free Resource to Create an Elevator Speech
Photo by annia316
As an entrepreneur, getting your name out there and making new connections is the name of the game. So how many times have you stumbled through introducing yourself and your business to a potential client? Have you walked away knowing you didn’t get your message across? Do you find yourself wanting another chance to make a better impression? I would venture to guess that you haven’t perfected your elevator speech.
Then it’s time to get in the game! It’s not as painful as you might guess. I have discovered a free resource to assist with developing your elevator speech and they’ve made getting started easy!
The 15SecondPitch describes itself as:
“n. An introduction that is concise, compelling and conversational. No elevator required!”
No Complaints Today …. Take the 21 day challenge.
Photo by Andréia
A few weeks ago, my husband and I, along with our 2 year old son traveled to Maryland to visit my brother and his family. My sister-in-law and I have had a very close relationship for a number of years. We generally only see each other two or three times a year, but we pepper the time in-between with calls a couple of times a month. Those calls usually last two hours, if not longer.
With the arrival of our son and my nieces reaching their tween years, it seems that those conversations have dwindled, not only in occurrence but in length. I knew we had a lot to catching up to do once we got together.
Looking in the mirror. What does your blog say to potential clients?
Photo by oceanflynn
I might as well state the obvious - - I am new at blogging, at least as it relates to business. I know I know, it’s the number of posts that gave it away. I said it was obvious. I’m also anal – I like to do things right the first time out of the gate. But there are so many ins and outs to blogging that it’s hard to get it right from the get go. There’s no standard blogging handbook that says Thou Shalt [just fill in the blank]. Everyone has a different opinion of what you should and shouldn’t do.
So my classroom is the window of observation. I observe those that appear to be successful, those I follow due to great content, and those that I stumble upon when doing research. Which brings me to today’s subject – how often do you blog and how does that reflect on your business?
What’s under your hood? Free Tool to Audit Your Computer
Photo by sandcastlematt
Whether you’re an entrepreneur who loves to get under the hood of a computer or one that breaks out in a cold sweat when you see a Windows pop-up error message, I have a great tool for you.
Belarc Advisor is a free tool that performs an extensive audit of your pc or laptop. In just minutes an audit profile is compiled and a complete report will be generated into your web-browser.
This comprehensive audit report includes:
- List of installed hardware from processor to circuit board and memory modules to external peripherals
- List of installed software including version number, license number, installation date, location on your hard drive and even key codes
- Status of Anti-Virus Software with last known update, revision number, and date of last scan
- Installation status of Microsoft Service Packs, Upgrades and Hotfixes and includes links to those yet to be installed
- Internet Security Status Benchmark Score and Report that includes Service Packs and Hotfixes, Account and Audit Policies, Security Settings
Gone are the days of not being prepared when calling a customer support desk to troubleshoot equipment or software issues. No more searching for versions numbers and updates installed. You will have vital information needed at your fingertips to answer questions and quicken the process.
The Point
Download Belarc Advisor. It’s a comprehensive tool that provides you with a wealth of information about your computer. You will be able to see where the weak points are in your computer system and how to address them. And best of all, it’s free!
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