Small business success tools on the shelf will be replaced frequently.  Here is news of the day about technology changes that will affect your small business:

Mozilla Firefox 4 Beta 1 Has Been Released

Firefox plus add-ons and plug-ins is one of the powerful Push Button Tech Tools to follow the very effective "10 Steps About I" customer connection process.

More Smartphone Owners Using Local Search And Social Networking

Local search.  Learn now.  Google Places and Google Maps at the very least must be on your list of free marketing.

Read more:  Small Business Success Tools News 7-8-2010

 

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Businesses who use the Hubspot software are listed in a competitive ranking which shows those enjoying the most success with Hubspot software.  To see more of the Top 100 customers, check out the listings on the HubSpot All Stars page. 

 For the third month in a row www.michaelhartzell.com remains in the top 100 (at #63)  This is because of you, not so much because of me.  A website needs readers, feedback, interest and participation.  

The HubSpot All Stars for July, 2010

Read more:  Business Success Story: Hubspot Announces All Stars for July 2010

 

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Do you believe that by using video you can duplicate yourself over and over and have your business product and services available 25/7, 365 days a year?  Would you prefer to stick with business cards, a pencil and pad to connect with customers only when your business is open?

Read more:  Optimizing your business video presence on YouTube

 

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Knowledge Empowers so Learn & Teach ™  This is the foundation for the day.  I do not pitch, I teach.  I do not sell, I share.  I do not close, I invite.  I do not script, I illuminate.  If you are illuminated and feel that you have learned enough, then more power to you and use it well.  Pay it forward so that the community will be a better place for us both to live.  If you have learned from me and get hungry for more then it is "go time" so be prepared to suit up and get something done.

If you are having a barrier to success, I believe it can be broken down to either of two areas:  Skill or Will.  You come to me and say:  "Mike, I don't know how" or "Mike, that is too hard, too far and too much, and I just don't want to."

No, it is not because of resources, money or fame.  Everyone has a talent that just needs to be flamed.

If you want to work on skill, I assist at times for free and sometimes for a fee.  If you want to work on "Will", be prepared to make a case that your "wanna-be" is more than just talk. 

To remain perpetually positive regardless of the high resistance and low skill, I remember each day:  Knowledge Empowers so Learn & Teach. ™

Read more:  Knowledge Empowers so Learn & Teach validated by the last of Seth Godin

 

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Let's face it.  Your business website is boring.  You want someone to pay attention and listen but you say the same old things.  Business success is a dream that maybe, just maybe, you will realize...20 years from now. 

To fix this?  Here are my two bits worth.

1. Consider being a master of all things import export and learn logistics and compliance. (Especially export compliance.)  You can learn at www.importexportgeeks.com
2. Watch the video from Import Export Geeks.  Hire the same person to make a video for your business.  They have a knack for keeping it simple and telling a story. 

Read more:  Import Export Geeks video says it all about your business website

 

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Do you own a business?  Do you think social media is time consuming?  Does the idea of creating success with social media tools such as Twitter seem daunting to say the least?  Here are a few questions and answers about Twitter and tips about how to use it better for business (or personal).

Question:

Can you follow as many people as you want?

Answer:

No.  Twitter limits the number of people you can follow and relates it to the number of people following you.

Read more:  Twitter for business tip using Friend or Follow

 

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Is your business confusing?  Do you use words that don't make sense?  In the age of database and search engines it is very important for you to say exactly what you mean.  Foot can mean a rule or a body part.  Tall can refer to a beer or a tree.  The more abstract your title and content becomes, the more your business will suffer.  You will hear that to capture the hearts and minds of readers, you will need to tell a story.  If the story is too abstract or a metaphor, no one will find you via search engines.

This was learned a dozen plus years ago on eBay.  "Say what you mean, mean what you say." so that people will find exactly what they are looking for.  In person you might get excited and use analogies but the content on a blog, article or press release better stick close to what is relevant to your business.

Read more:  Video: John Cleese Rants and Mean What You Say Marketing

 

 

 

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Even with the Internet and libraries full of information about how to start a business and make it profitable, your business may still suck.

Leave it to Neil Patel at Michael Bowers On-Line to cut to the chase and point out why business success is but a dream.  Get your notepad out and write down which points apply to you:

1. You’re not making a profit.

2. You haven’t talked to a potential customer.

3. You don’t love what you do.

4. You can’t take criticism.

Now, how are you going to fix it?  Do you know?

Read more:  15 signs that your business might suck

 

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Big small business success tip for you today.  Came straight to me from the internet sky above.

Product launches happen all of the time in the real world...

---> Everytime Steve Jobs comes out with a new Apple product, there is a major launch campaign in place

 ---> Microsoft used to dominate product launches with Bill Gates

 ---> New movies go through a very orchestrated

launch process as do new book launches

Read more: Business Success Tip: The 3 Phases Of A Successful Product Launch

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Can you share your business and marketing expertise?  Please tell me which video you like better:

Import Export Compliance Training - In the Dark

Read more:  How to Learn Import Export Compliance from Import Export Geeks

 

 

Google Information to improve online marketing for your business.

 

Google Discussion Forum on WebPro World

Read more:  Google automatically changes language based on IP limits online marketing

 

 

Google says:

"A popular question on our Webmaster Help Forum is in regard to best practices for organic link building. There seems to be some confusion, especially among less experienced webmasters, on how to approach the topic. Different perspectives have been shared, and we would also like to explain our viewpoint on earning quality links."

Response and thoughts: 

Did you know there was a forum?  If Google is being used by 70% of those searching, then why would you not be a part of this?  It is free and as close to the horse's mouth as you can get.

How do you define "less experienced"?   One year?  Two?   I see those with 8 years experience struggling because they are not unlearning quickly enough to adapt.  Maybe "experience" is not the best term.

Google Says:

"If your site is rather new and still unknown, a good way marketing technique is to get involved in the community around your topic. Interact and contribute on forums and blogs. Just keep in mind to contribute in a positive way, rather than spamming or soliciting for your site. Just building a reputation can drive people to your site. ..."

Read more:  Business Blogging | Organic Link Building and Google Says How

 

 

Advertising a small business via just one phone book has turned into at least 69 directories online.  This does not include the directories that are specific to your type of business.  Due to volume and authority, business directories are very difficult to out rank in the search engine results for a small business.  Fortunately listing your business will be free (with upgrade options for most to a premium product).

How will you know which to list on first?  Google the common key words YOUR customers and potential customer will be using in their search.  Note on the first couple of pages any directory website that appear in the search engines.  They will  become obvious first choices.

Here is a list of 69 online business directories to start with:

1. ALK
2. Allpages.com
3. AOL
4. Ask Local
5. Assist Guide
6. Beanpool.com
7. ByteIT
8. Citysearch
9. Collarity
10. Deep Data
11. Denso
12. Dex
13. DexKnows
14. Disney
15. eLocalListing
16. Fave Media

Read more:  Super Directory: Advertise with 69 Online Business Directories

 

 

Here is an excerpt from a blog about business, philosophy and deep thought. Who said these words?    

....  When someone encourages you to avoid the magic lottery, they're not criticizing your idea nor are they trying to shatter your faith or take away your hope. Instead, they're pointing out that shortcuts are rarely dependable (or particularly short) and that instead, perhaps, you should follow the longer, more deliberate, less magical path if you truly want to succeed. If your business or your music or your art or your project is truly worth your energy and your passion, then don't sell it short by putting its future into a lottery ticket.   .......

Read more:  Starting a Small Business and Willy Wonka Chocolate Bars

 

 

In this video you see guerrilla marketing in action with Willie Dixon playing the saxophone.  His new tune: "Willie Dixon In Action". 

You are the first to see this video of Willie Dixon III before I post it on Youtube.  He has inspired me to think of a few marketing ideas.  Why would you not want to hire Willie Dixon III to play for you?  Are you having an event or a special day to celebrate?  Are you opening a new section?  Will you be doing a presentation that needs an introduction? 

Willie Dixon III plays in the Auburn, WA area and does everything he can to keep playing.  You will find him even outside a business using his saxophone as a guerrilla marketing weapon, giving away samples that make each passer-by pause and appreciate.

Read more:  Willie Dixon with Saxophone is Guerrilla Marketing in Action

 

 

The eNews email about transforming or starting a business came my way today.  Doesn't the inbox seem to be more full each week?  This one however served as a reminder that the inbox can have value.  SCORE is a non-profit organization which has a multitude of business forms, business plans, training, advice, and consultants.   If you are starting a business on a shoe string and trying to invent the wheel.  Stop! 

First, buy Terri Dunevant's book: 

GO! How to Start and Run Your Own Business Advisory Group

Then, use the business support website SCORE and see what they have to offer.

SCORE, America's free and confidential source of small business mentoring and coaching. SCORE is a nonprofit association of more than 12,000 business experts who volunteer as mentors. SCORE offers free mentoring and low-cost workshops nationwide. A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE has helped more than 8.5 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE office near you or visit online at http://www.score.org.

Shoestring or not, you have the opportunity to have support.

Below is the email I received.  (They say to forward to a friend so I am fowarding it via blog.  Please go to www.fastereasiersimplerfunner.com and be my friend.)  

Read more:  Free Business Forms, Webinars, Training and Counsel at SCORE

 

 

 

 

It is time to take advantage of the moment and meet  Richard Gabel, John C Erdman & Pete DiSantis, CMC.  If you had a meeting with these three business success experts, you would be digging into your wallet very deep. 

I know how you can get them for a couple pennies on the dollar. 

The answer is:  An event on Tuesday via Biznik. 

No worries, Biznik is free to join and a couple clicks has you a member.  No strings, no commitments.

On June 8th you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and rub shoulders with three who are passionate, experienced and savvy. 

Read more:  Business Success by Rubbing Shoulders with Richard, John and Pete

 

Posted by Michael Hartzell 

Pictures are worth a thousand words.  Pictures with words are worth 2,000 words don't you think?  As you sit in your business chair, thinking about your business website and reading this business blog I know you are wondering what kind of business would have the word 'business' in the blog article one too many times.

 

Read more:  Stop Advertising Business With These Websites

 

 

Businesses who use the Hubspot software are listed in a competitive ranking which shows those enjoying the most success with Hubspot software.  To see more of the Top 100 customers, check out the listings on the HubSpot All Stars page.  It looks like www.michaelhartzell.com remains in the top 100 (at #47)  This is because of you, not so much because of me.  A website needs readers, feedback, interest and participation.  

 

The HubSpot All Stars for June, 2010

Rank	HubSpot Account	CHI Score ?
#1:	HubSpot	270
#2:	Signiant	265
#3:	Vico Software (Case Study)	265
#4:	Idea Paint	264
#5:	ProofreadNOW.com	262
#6:	InstallFree	262
#7:	ethoca	260
#8:	SRS Crisafulli	260
#9:	Avanceon	258
#10:	Shoplogix Inc.	258

Read more:  Business Success Story: Hubspot Announces All Stars for June 2010

 

 

If your business did what Matt Cutt's talks about in this video?  Would you see better success?  Is everyone too wrapped up in search engine bots and failing to ask enough about what real people want and need? 

Isn't there a problem in that change is an absolute and the chances of knowing which technology will do what is yet to be determined.

 

Read more:

Business Success Story Video from Matt Cutts: Google SEO Report Card

If you are struggling with business success online (or offline) and believe that your email inbox provides the solution, please think again.  Those who email you every day trying to sell you a widget, program, opportunity may not be around in year.  

These videos require you to introduce yourself with an email address but otherwise they are free.  Pick your topic and schedule one or two a week.  (Yes, I have already shared this resource with you but as you can see, this resources goes deep)

Read more:  Learn how to have business success: Practical eCommerce Webinars

 

 

We often get asked, "How can I find a good SEO consultant?" as well as "How do I know whether they're doing a good job?" It can be difficult-- no government certifications exist for SEO consultants.  A few of us at HubSpot sat down together and developed a guide and some questions to ask search engine marketing consultants that you are consider hiring.

7 Steps for Hiring a Good SEO Consultant

1. Determine your goal for hiring an SEO consultant - What do you hope to accomplish?  Are you looking for more long tail keyword rankings?  Are you looking to rank better on specific keywords?  If you aren't specific and don't have realistic goals, it's hard to determine whether you're getting anywhere.  It also makes it extremely easy for someone to take your money and run or just keep on asking you for money.  You might also discover that you don't really need a SEO expert to accomplish these goals.

Read more:

HubSpot's Inbound Internet Marketing Blog - Hiring a SEO Consultant

 

 

To push your paradigm, challenge your business meeting processes, here is a recent article based on an interview of experts.

May 2010

The Meeting of the Future

To get some probable answers, Meetings Media spoke with an assortment of industry gurus who have witnessed their share of cycles and changes affecting meetings and events. They are business and marketing consultant Stan Aaronson, CSEP, owner of S M Aaronson Marketing Strategies; demographics expert Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of the new book <>; meetings management consultant Daphne Meyers, CMM, of the Red Barn Group; meetings technology consultant Corbin Ball, CSP. CMP, of Corbin Ball Associates.; and trade show and event marketing consultant Charles Allen of C.W. Allen Group.

Will virtual technology have much more of an impact on meetings than it does now, perhaps reducing the size and number of face-to-face meetings?

Read more:

Business Meetings of the Future - Virtual or Face to Face?

 

 

 

BE Daily Blog

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May. 24, 2010 at 9:51am

Pierce County Library System now sending notices via text messaging

If the Library does it, Why Can't Your Business for Marketing?

 

 

	We Now Offer A Free 7-Day Trial! A very wise business coach (one of our clients ;-) recently told me that our services are so fantastic that if we offered a free trial -100% of the people who tried us would become life long clients. Well, I have decided to put his theory to the test! We are so confident that you will be thrilled with our services that we are willing to offer you a 7-day Free Trial to prove it! You will be partnered with one of our assistants who will provide you with up to 5 hours of free support during the 7-day free trial. If you are satisfied after the first week (and we know you will be!) you will be charged the monthly retainer fee and we will continue to assist you. If you are not 100% satisfied with our service, then you are free to walk away at no cost to you. You will not be charged until you have had a chance to try our services for a full week! Learn More and Get Started Today! Have a GREAT weekend, <!--[if gte vml 1]--> The Virtual Guru (a.k.a. Jen Rai) Today's Admin http://www.3stepcontact.com/app/app/link.cfm?id=42555749405E465C54435D57&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2ETodaysAdmin%2Ecom http://www.3stepcontact.com/app/app/link.cfm?id=42555749405E465C54435D57&link=mailto%3Ajen%2Erai%40todaysadmin%2Ecom 203-461-8850

Read more:  No Team = No Business Success | Try a Team Free at Today's Admin

 

 

While you concentrate on business success, do you hear rumblings about the many opinions about "what are the best seo tips"?  Here are 10 great tips by SEO Journal.  (excellent resource by the way)   Application and execution of the information in hand is the next step for you.  

Top Ten Google SEO Ranking Factors

by AbsoluteJered 13. May 2010 10:23

From SEO Journal:

People don’t really understand that there are many different factors that fall into place when determining where a website ranks in the Google search engine results. Some things to keep in mind when you are wondering why your site doesn’t rank well. It is not always just the obvious reasons that are holding it back.

Over the past years by reading Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, Google SEO Starter Guide, many other industry blogs and by actually doing professional SEO and internet marketing since the late 1990’s, I have gathered data and come to a boiled down short list of the most important Google search engine ranking factors.

Here is the list of my top 10 of important Google SEO ranking factors to consider:

Read more:  Top Ten Google SEO Ranking Factors to Create Business Success

 

 

Which businesses are having success?  Which business can be the top dog on the list for Hubspot?   Can they be beat?  Below is a CHI list. (CHI = Customer Happiness Index.)  You can just as easily Google: "success hubspot all stars" and find the list as well.  There is data that shows better CHI means more traffic, more leads and more business success.  

Measuring success at every step can be inspirational.  The Hubspot system continues to find ways to reward, award and celebrate. More than a software company as they also provide, education, support and as you can see, acknowledgment.

Take a look.  You will find this website (www.michaelhartzell.com) on #60 spot for May.

I hope this truly represents the CHI of those I assist.  Always let me know how your personal CHI can be better.

The HubSpot All Stars for May, 2010

Read more:  Business Success Stories | Hubspot Announces Top 100

 

 

Do you want to get your business seen on the internet?  Are you a internet marketing business waiting to be found?  Go to those with authority and write for their blogs.

Here is an example of an outstanding site where you can be a guest blogger.

Created by SEOmoz readers, the YOUmozblog features subjects of discussion that are of interest to our members. Anyone can contribute and the best submissions are promoted to the main SEOmoz blog.

Now its time to read a recent article that was submitted to YOUmozblog and then highlighted on the main page of SEOmoz.  Great information for you business about what is happening on Google webmaster tools.  

Ever wonder how to do more in a day?  It's time to dig into my bag and share the tricks and tips few know in the upcoming webinar series.  Sign up.   It's guaranteed to make you think twice about where you spend your time and money each day. 

If you are a business owner or manager who is putting in extra time to do twice as much because the pinch is on?  There has never been person yet who I have not been able to offer tips to get it done.    Your invitation is below.   As you can see, Texas On the Go is the sponsor and facilitator.   

If you are a tech geek.  Skip this.  Or if you are and need validation that you know all there is to know?  Welcome!  

Bring on those questions which have confounded you. 

Times are tough and I am on a mission to serve.  Sign up.

Read more:  Business Webinar: Push Button Tech Tools, Doing Twice as Much in Half the Time

 

 

Business decisions are better made with information.  Bad decisions = No Busienss Success.  Here is a good example for how to improve business:

Take the Survey: Which Google Products Do You Use Most?

Search engine giant Google provides dozens of online products and tools for free, and we want to know which of them you use most often. We also wonder how much you trust Google with your personal and business information. Take the May 2010 Practical eCommerce Survey and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.

Take the Survey...

The above is in the newsletter.  As you can see, it is only a paragraph.  The link takes you directly to the survey. 

Read more:  Create Business Survey for Free | What do you think of example?

 

Videos can be powerful tools to motivate, inspire, educate, edutain, and of course for marketing a business. 

Kate Ray created a story about the Semantic Web

Interviews with:
Tim Berners-Lee
Clay Shirky
Chris Dixon
David Weinberger
Nova Spivack
Jason Shellen
Lee Feigenbaum
John Hebeler
Alon Halevy
David Karger
Abraham Bernstein

Here are two interesting videos.

 

Read more:  Videos | Will the future business owner depend on the Semantic Web?

 

 

Posted by Michael Hartzell on Tue, May 11, 2010

The rules of business are changing.  This new service can add to your success.  With Square, anyone can accept credit or debit card payments by downloading the app and plugging a little plastic cube into the headphone jack of an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android phone. After a quick swipe of the card through the reader, the merchant turns the device over to the customer to sign his or her name on the touchscreen using a finger instead of a pen. The customer can add a tip, either by percentage or a particular amount, and then enters their phone number or email address. In the best case, the receipt message will buzz in the customer's pocket as an email or SMS text message while walking away with their purchase.

Read more:  Square: Business can take credit card payments with no merchant account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your business can have better success from positive word of mouth.  Word of mouth comes in the form of online product reviews.  If your business sells on Amazon or eBay then you know they have been using various forms of feeback and reviews for years. 

A new program is rolling out as a partnership with industry leader Bazaarvoice, which will provide Google with the user-generated ratings and reviews the company gathers on behalf of its clients.  Google’s plans to display product ratings and reviews in its search results and through its advertising programs. 

 

Read more:  Business and Product Reviews Future Consideration in Google

 

 

 

Business success stories are always interesting to read.  It is much easier to make an evaluation of your own business when there is a model for which someone else has already done the hard work of research.  Since Hubspot software is not for every business, this is my second choice:   xSitePro.

Paul Smithson the Founder of xSitePro has this announcement:

Last month we held the 'XSitePro Design Competition 2010'.

I was hoping to have all the judging completed a couple of weeks ago, but instead I ended up being a refugee in Spain due to volcano Eyjafjallajökull or "The Plume of Doom" as some people are now calling it.  Who'd have thought a volcano in Iceland could disrupt air travel in such a major way.

But I'm back now and my very first job was to see how our illustrious group of judges had got on with the hundreds of entries that had flooded in for the XSitePro Design Competition 2010.

Read more:  Winner of XSitePro Design Competition 2010 - Business Success Stories

 

 

What is your business model online?  How successful will you be if each of the tasks you see on the business models below were on your personal to-do list?  Can you be an expert in each of them?  How long will it take to become proficient? The Internet is not simply a phone book and is much more complex than you may realize.

Below you will see a variety of business models which you may be in your business model.  As you look at each type of these business models, understand how these might match your business. 

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What do I have expertise with?
2. What do I love?
3. What can I learn in a short time?
4. What do I avoid?
5. What can I delegate?
6. What can be outsourced?

Read more:  Online Business Model Checklists for Your Success

 

 

Understanding the trends and patterns of decision making by your customers is a must.  If your business includes selling technology, mobile devices or cell phones then pay attention to this:

How Consumers Prepare to Purchase Mobile Devices
As smartphones steadily take over the US mobile market, features and capabilities become more important to users whose decision-making relies increasingly on online research for new models.
Full Article

Read more:  Small Business Marketing for Technology Graph for Mobile Devices

 

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Business Success Alert:  Free training online. 

OMS 2010 23-City Tour and Virtual Summit

OMS is coming to you!  This year, OMS will visit 23 cities across the U.S. and Canada and will include 400 expert speakers, exclusive OMI training workshops and countless peer networking opportunities.  Additionally, ClickZ and OMS are offering an exclusive Online Marketing Virtual Summit, where attendees can learn online from eight educational tracks - for free!

Read more:  Online Marketing Summit 2010 | Free Training for Inbound Marketing

 

 

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Is your business concerned about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)? (This is the new health care law)

Do you believe this?:  "There will be no more business success because there is more taxes, more laws, more paperwork and more obstacles." 

It is time to shift gears and think again.  Changing with the ebb and flow of the culture and providing new products and services to meet the new demands is the way of the entrepreneur.  It was once said that computers would mean less paper. (It's true, they said this)  New requirements will force you to look differently about your business.  If you believe that you can continue to operate a business the same year after year then you need to read up about the history and demise of the fax machine.

Read more:  Health Care Law vs. Business Success | Articles and Videos

 

Sam Richter helps you find things.  Sam Richter helps businesses get leads and do the homework which he says where cold leads become warm leads.  When you understand how to find the information you are looking for?  Your business will be much more successful and you will then use the same information to have your business get found as well.  I am a fan, supporter and reader of Sam Richter's.  He approaches the internet not quite like anyone I know.  It would be well worth your time and money to attend one of his online webinars (for free or a fee).  When you calculate the amount of time you spend searching now, the next decision will be an obvious YES should he extend an invitation.

Here is but a small part of his latest article about the changes in Google.

Read more:  Google vs Google | Business Success Tips from Sam Richter

 

 

My purpose here is simple:  I am going to make a case.  The case is:  Have an online presence without coding, without programming, and without big money.  In less than an hour and for about $10 a month, you can have an online presence.  Even if your business does not have a website, even if your business does not do twitter, Facebook or Biznik.  I am going to show you how to take advantage of local search with an investment of an hour of your time and $10 a month.

Ready?  Here goes:  

How much more business success would you have with 10 more calls a day?  10 more calls a week?

How much does it usually cost for a customer or lead?  In my world it has been about $5 for each person walking in the door.  If your sales cycle is longer and product or service has a higher cost then each lead or customer could cost $30, $50, $250 or more.

There are people searching for your business.  They will not be successful if you do not have an online presence.

Can your business be found online?  Is it listed in the directories and maps of Google, Bing and Yahoo?   If not, why not?   I am about to share a way to do each at low cost and in under an hour at the very tops.

Here is a list of directories you can list your business with:.

Read more:  List Business Local Search | Get Found in Search Engines $9.99 a Month

 

 

Business success depends on more than just clicks but the added clicks can't hurt.  There is a new button and more pages.  Facebook has a like button.  (You will see one up in the right hand corner, go ahead and give it a click).

Read more:  How to Have Business Success when Facebook Changes the Game

 

 

How can you find yourself or your business find its way to the first page of Google in hours?  First follow the advice that the Benjamin Franklin quote gives: 

Either write something worth reading about or do something worth writing about.  - Benjamin Franklin

Brad Swartz the CEO of Vision Quest Sport and Fitness club in the Pacific NW of Washington state does exactly that.

This is more than a business success story, it is a story about overcoming the hurdles and helping others do so.

If you are keeping up with my www.biglosermike.com blog, you already know I decided to get a little more serious about weight.  Creating business success and having weight loss are parallel in many respects.  Even Jeffrey Gitomer has written about the similarities in weight loss to creating sales. 

Read more:  Brad Swartz | World Champion | Business is 1st Page of Google in 7 Hours

 

 

"No vision" translates into working hard perpetually with no target.  "No measurements" equates with no real business success.

Once a person understand their vision, how the big world works, how to lead people and has a foundation of principles to make better decisions, they will have to DO Something.

This is why David Allen's Getting Things Done is so popular.  It takes thinking to action stage.  It takes knowing to doing.

www.gettingthingsdone.com

This may be the most important link I can give you ever:

http://www.gtdiq.com/

It may be your next best step.

Read more:  Business Success Plan and the Right Coach

 

 

It will be simple enough to talk about The Referral Engines written by John Jantsch.

Duct Tape Marketing owner John Jantsch has done inbound marketing before the word was popular.  If you look at www.ducttapemarketing.com, it as almost 200,000 inbound links.  (here is another) and almost 3,000 pages of information at your disposal.

If you were to use Hubspot's Website Grader you would see the www.ducttapemarketing.com has a grade of 98.4 / 100.

If you were trapped in a room for 3 months with a computer and only Duct Tape Marketing Website available,  you would have business success oozing from every brain cell.

Read more:  Business Success with Duct Tape Marketing | The Referral Engine | John Jantsch

 

o·ver·a·chieve  (vr--chv) intr.v. o·ver·a·chieved, o·ver·a·chiev·ing, o·ver·a·chieves To perform better or achieve more success than expected.

There are some who try to achieve business success by trying to be an overachiever.  This may not help achieve the business goals.

Overachievers can be selfish.
(What is the agenda if there is more given than the request made?)

Overachievers may not be truly helpful.
(Which means the reason for giving more than what is asked can be for self indulgence.)

Overachievers are about being great which is more about themselves than others.
(They have to be right, have to be best.)

Read more:  Business Success Tip: Don't be an Overachiever

 

 

Take yourself away from business for a moment. (or from the TV)  Listen to this audio by Seth Godin. As usual, he offers a different way to think about busienss success.  If you are unemployed, it will make you pause to consider what is the reality of your current situation and your potential success. If your business is worse off than in prior years, you may be inspired to rethink your strategy.

Read More: Overcome Business Barriers: Listen to the April Linchpin Session

 

 

I love to share this type of information with business owners.  That is because it is free, from one of my favorite companies and all about inbound marketing.

Analyzing information to cut the fat and focus more on what works is one of the many benefits I have by using the Hubspot software.  Companies of the 21st Century know that to move forward more quickly, education and support at every step is necessary.  Without smarter customers, then who would be able to purchase the more advanced products or services?

Take advantage of the free marketing charts and graphs.  (more fun than text) and maybe even take a peek under the proverbial software hood at Hubspot.  Free trial after all. 

Read More:  Inbound Marketing: Hubspot Shows How and Gives it Away for Free

 

 

Posted by Michael Hartzell on Thu, Apr 22, 2010

News for your business today from Google.  Google Places now offers new features:

Read more:  Inbound Marketing Tool: List Business Locally Free at Google Places

 

 

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