Networking is still important, even with social media.
With the advent of social media sites, a lot of business owners think this is all they need. They mistakenly believe that good old fashion person to person networking is dead.Nothing could be farther from the truth.
The fact is it is more important than ever to make these human connections. It actually will make connecting online more powerful when you have met your online friends face to face.
Networking has been a really important part of my business – the connections have kept my business alive and well. A lot of people get the wrong idea about how to go about networking with groups. It isn’t the immediate sale that you are looking for it is long lasting relationships. Being know for you expertise and building trust with other movers and shakers in you communities is priceless. These are the types of people you want in your circle of business friends. Read the rest of this entry »
Negative Impressions WILL Kill Your Business
Being a designer I know the value of a good looking – and eye catching web site.
However, unlike some designers I also know the value of good content it is extremely important.
It is like first impressions – when you see someone you judge them within less than 3 minutes of meeting them. Whether you want to admit it or not – it is the truth, it is human nature.
Then if you decide to stick around and get to know this person your impression can change radically – you may find your judgment was right spot on, and you are impressed with them inside and out –or- you may find they 
are not what you though and they are superficial without any depth.
The same is true for your website.
The first page of your website should capture your visitor’s attention – highlight the positive aspects of your service or product. Capture the essence of what it is you are trying to convey.
Your home page should not be long winded with all the details you can find. It will bore or even turn off potential clients who will feel they do not have time to read it or just feel overwhelmed.
We all lead busy lives and don’t have time to read a novel on the first entrance to a website.
Once your visitor reads what you can do for them – the essence or spark of your service or product you want them to think “wow that is just what I need! Or I really want to know more!
At this point, they will go deeper into your website. They are hooked – That is where you can take the time to explain the benefits they will receive – and what your product/service is all about.
So many times I have a client who wants to put everything but the kitchen sink on the first page
– resist this temptation -.
The truth is the simpler and more descriptive the first page the better – always focus on your visitor – what it will do for the customer or how it will solve client problems…
It makes you visitors want to go further and investigate what you have to offer. However, if your content is too long winded – watered down or just grammatically incorrect, I will guarantee they will not stay on your website to see what you have to offer.
Once someone likes what they see (and read) – they will go further and want to know more details…
So think about it – do you need to refurbish you website – simplify the copy on your home page and make it more appealing to visitors who stop by???
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Sexual Fearing
Do men sabotage successful women? I think some do. I think some men just can’t understand the essence of this very common phenomenon.
Much has been written about the new generation of young men – the “millennials” as they are called – that they have been coddled by over protective mommies of my generation; that they have been helicoptered and micromanaged to the point of perennial adolescence and now are ensconced in “Peter Pan syndrome” for the long haul. It is said that their female counterparts are soaring ahead in education and career, even in this down economy.
But what of the mommies? Do we “ baby boomers” fight off male angst while our daughters tackle apathy? Read the rest of this entry »
How to ask for what you want…and get it!
Asking for what you want is the necessary first step in getting what you want. That’s the way it works! If you don’t ask, you don’t get – simple.
Simple. Really? Read the rest of this entry »
Flash Web Sites are Beautiful – But – Are They For You?
I often have people asking me can you do a flash site for my business ? They love the flow, modern look and elegance that can be obtained.
I will ask them “are you sure?” You will pay much more to develop the website and it may not be profitable.
They don’t always want to listen to that – but I owe them the truth! I could say oh yes (because I would make a lot more money) that is exactly what you need. But that is not what 99% of online businesses need. Read the rest of this entry »
Think You Don’t Need a Logo? Think Again!
One of the most basic things you need for your company is a logo.
A logo is an image that represents your company. It can be an illustration, a symbol, a name, or a combination of these. A proper logo works to project your desired company image.
You may be one of those people who think a logo is not a big deal, I beg to differ.
I run into people all the time that think having a logo designed is a “waste of money” but nothing can be farther from the truth.
Why is a logo important in the grand scheme of things? Read the rest of this entry »
A Woman’s Definition of Success
Women are redefining the meaning of success – on their terms. They’re giving it a much needed makeover. Well-defined success factors or keys to success are important to a woman’s identity, to her sense of accomplishment and to her total acceptance of her success.
Women have defined success, particularly business success, according to other people’s rules.
Read the rest of this entry »
Never Underestimate the Persuasive Power of a Woman!
The influential woman consists of an array of qualities that are not mistaken for anything other than influential. She is strong. She is confident. People take notice when she walks into the room. She commands the respect that she has earned.
Every woman can be an influential woman. But it doesn’t happen without effort on your part. Where do you start? How do you recognize influential traits? Read the rest of this entry »
Driving Free Traffic to Your Website
I am often asked “what is the best way to drive traffic to my website”. There are so many ways to market your website and get results some take a lot of time to cultivate and some can produce traffic right off the bat.
In order to drive traffic you need to know the options available – and then plan your strategy.
There are free ways – you don’t have to pay money but you do have to spend time to get where you want to go. Those of you on a shoe string budget may not have the cash to advertise or use Pay-Per-Click methods.
Remember even the best designed websites will not produce income unless there is traffic directed to it…
. Free traffic, as the term suggests, implies that you drive traffic to your website free of charge. The most common method of obtaining this involves usingSearch Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques. When you optimize your website, search engines view your site as being useful and relevant. This in turn, leads to increase in rankings for your keywords, key phrases.
Read the rest of this entry »
3 Things to Know About the Truth Behind Your Influence
Being influential can mean the difference between success and failure. Yours.
Influence is touted to women as an outer or external component as a means of getting what you want.
This is logical IF you accept influence as how to exert power over someone or a situation. James Ford (article) instructs leaders on the five sources of power to influence people: reward power, coercive power, legitimate power, expert power and referent power. Read the rest of this entry »
