ActionBites: July 2008
Getting found on the internet is obviously a big thing for anyone in business to want to promote in the best way they can. So many options... organic search, pay-per-click advertizing... and one of the reasons I like the setup on Merchant Circle.
Well here's a contender from the Google camp that looks set to open the doors to Local Search for business in a way that has been largely overlooked until now. Enter Google Local Search Center.
I've added some info and photographs and some coupons, for my business, and I'll be interested to see if there is any response, and what form that might take, and how long it might take to start appearing in the searches for business coaching in my areas.
If you've had some success with Google Local Search, I'd love to see your feedback.
And for those who still think small business doesn't need to be visible on the net. You're right. It isn't for you. It is for your customers.
Labels: business coaching, coupons, google local search, listings
Twitter is a bit of a recent commitment for me, and the same for MyBlogLog. Actually, the whole blogging, micro or otherwise is something I'm still finding my way around, or perhaps "finding my voice" as they say.
So anyway, I've added this pic to my profile on Twitter for now, since it seemed silly not to have something that was at least a bit informative on my profile there. This will probably change over time, since I like variety, and no doubt I'll want to "say" more things over time.
For all my new Followers, thanks! And for all the new people I am following, I look forward to learning more about you, and from you, and perhaps return the favour in some small way.
Labels: business coaching, Followers, MyBlogLog, new friends, Twitter
I was delighted to meet Hans Anneveld this week and learn about his great work that he's doing over at ArtKids.
This is brilliant in several ways.
Firstly, the great visual impact these pictures have and how joyful they are to look at. Absolutely inspiring! And I love the spin off benefits to those involved to. Very nice working model and you can read about how they turn a drawing by a child into precious art
at ArtKids website
Secondly, how inspirational to see how a simple everyday thing that we might see on any day, stuck to someone's refrigerator, can be captured forever - and turned into a vibrant business idea too!
What are YOU staring at everyday, that might be a product that you could use to enhance your business?
Labels: ArtKids, business coaching, business ideas, inspirational
Bye Bye Olive!
'World's oldest blogger' dies at 108
News just in that Olive Riley, has Gone To God, as they say.
108! Amazing. *sniff* Just goes to show those complaining about being "too old"
are just making excuses.
Olive, you've been an inspiration and the world is a better place for your having passed this way.
Read about Olive here
Labels: business coaching, oldest blogger dies Olive Riley inspiration
Posted by lindyasimus at 12:55 PM 4 comments
It has come to my attention over the years, moreover and in such a manner in recent days, that it seems but fitting to address some issues which have been seemingly passed-over by many and in such case, as has allowed certain assumptions to go without challenge, in the world of small business and those who would run one.
This letter seeks to address but some few of these issues, but issues nonetheless, that need some light shone upon them, in the interests of the health of small business, the sake of the customers that small business serves, and the staff who are tasked to work therein.
In short, it is for the benefit of everyone, since our society is built on the back of, and needs to maintain, a healthy and vigorous and profitable small business sector.
1 Your Customers Are The Biggest Asset In Your Business
2 Serving Your Customers Is The Essence From Which Will Spring The Health And Prosperity Of Your Business
3 You Cannot Serve Your Customers Superbly When Your Business Has No Standard For Procedures And Policies
4 Your Business Will Stumble Until Your Systemize And Streamline Procedures, Responsibilities, Accountabilities And Processes.
5 Your Staff Is (Or Should Be) The Other Single Greatest Asset In Your Business.
6 Your Staff Cannot Be The Best They Can Be...If You Fail To Provide Them With The Instruction, Skills And Feedback They Need To Do So.
7 If You Are Indeed, The Best Worker In Your Business, You Are Failing Your Staff, Your Customers And Your Business.
Consider these points carefully. If they apply to your business, then you have the power to do something about correcting them.
Please do so. For the sake of us all.
Labels: business, business coaching, healthy, procedures, protocols, standards
Speaking with an accountant client, the subject comes up that the economy is tightening up and small business are starting to feel the pinch. I'm sure they are, and what is more, I'm sure it isn't going to get better any time soon!
When small businesses report difficulty, then it is likely that that's when it becomes very clear, that the broken parts of their business are going to be come apparent. When the bills stop getting paid and the wages bill becomes an issue to pay, and the rent is past due, it is going to be all too clear that the business is suffering a systemic failure and all it's 'vital organs' are going to be affected.
Too bad. From an accountant's point of view, that is the time when the client also doesn't have the money to pay for help out of the situation. When your business is falling apart, what will you do to fix your business? Who will you turn to, and how will you pay them? ...Or does it follow, as some small business people seem to think... that someone should help them out of it (even if it is possible) with no real prospect of being paid for their efforts?
That the accountant wasn't assisting to manage the business and avoid this mess, is another issue for another post.
It can't stressed enough, that the time to get help in your business is before it is on the verge of collapse!.
Any time is a good time to get a review done of how your business is travelling. Do it now...do it often! There is never a time that people typically "want" to spend money on preventative measures to ensure the health of their business. Nevertheless, that's probably the only time someone can help.
Labels: business coaching, review measure health business help