“Copy” refers to written information that will be published in a book, newspaper, magazine, website, ad, or on social media sites. Copy is a silent but powerful medium through which clients, prospects, and other businesses are introduced to and stay connected with your business. Without this written content, your business’ ability to represent itself would be limited to images, your brick-and-mortar store (if you have one), and personal interactions. As you have probably guessed, professional copy is an important part of your business! Many small business owners are experts in their own right, but few are also talented, effective…
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If you’re anything like me, you’re an ambitious entrepreneur who—at one point or another—has felt sure that no one else can do your work better than you. Or that if you just work a little harder and a little longer you can get it all done. I have news for you: if you want and expect your business to expand, thrive, and be successful and sustainable, at some point it will (and should) become too much for one person to handle alone. Growth is great—burnout and overwhelm are not. Here are 6 signs that it’s time to outsource your work…
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Blogging isn’t just for emotional college kids and foodies any more! If you are serious about taking your business to the next level, you need to blog regularly via a professional, polished business blog. Here are my top 3 reasons why. 1. Blogging Makes You Visible OnlineConsistent blogging populates the web with your business name, the types of services you offer, and topics that appeal to your target market. This is important because when clients and other businesses conduct searches for these things, the likelihood of your business showing up in search results (and earning high rankings) goes up the…
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In today’s unpredictable economic climate, it’s more important than ever to put your clients first. Your clients ARE your business, so offering them real value is essential to the long-term financial stability of your business. Additionally, clients who do not feel valued themselves will not spend their hard-earned dollars on your products or services—period! Here are three big ways your business can put clients first. [Tweet “Clients who do not feel valued will not buy your products or services—period!”] 1. Meet Their NeedsInstead of racking your brain for new ways to improve your product or service to turn a better profit,…
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Despite the growing popularity of virtual assistants and employees, many business owners have never even considered hiring a virtual assistant because of budgetary fears, a desire to be the only steering their company, or one of many other reasons. The truth is that partnering with a virtual assistant can not only increase profits but can also offer you even more control over your company’s future. While US-based virtual assistants charge higher hourly rates than you’d pay an in-house employee, they also work less and work faster, so in the end you’re paying less money for better work. A virtual assistant…
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I learned a long time ago that I am the type of person who needs to exercise every day. I tend to be a workaholic, so exercising is something I need to do to keep my life balanced. It has been a life saver for me. I have always started my day with a workout routine, mostly a combination of weigh-training and aerobics at home. My body responds very well to this type of exercise–until it doesn’t anymore. This usually means that after a few weeks or months, I would injure my knee to the point where I am not only unable to…
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Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are no longer the only social media platforms businesses should have profiles on if they want to engage their market online. The past few years have seen a shift towards visual social media content—the kind that sites like Pinterest and Instagram provide. Savvy businesses have taken advantage of this shift by promoting their brand through visual content on all of the above platforms, as well as through impactful, relevant images, videos, and graphics on their website. There are two big reasons why this shift towards visual content is taking place and why your business will…
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Most small business owners go it alone—for a while. You probably spent (or are still spending) all of your free time, money, and energy working because you haven’t felt you could afford an employee. If you’re finding yourself burned out, it’s time to partner with a virtual assistant! Virtual assistants can actually save you time and money, making it possible to grow a successful business without neglecting your personal life. In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed the big reasons why you need a virtual assistant. Also, how partnering with one can strengthen your foundation. And don’t forget how a…
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Your business website is your online storefront, and the first impression you offer visiting and prospective clients. Obviously, it’s of utmost importance that your site is one that invites clients to visit and one they enjoy returning to. Here are my essential elements to include in your small business website. Functional and Easy to Use Your website MUST be easy to navigate and use and, of course, needs to be fully functional. Your shopping carts need to work and be free of bugs, links need to work, and your contact forms must send messages to the right place. Additionally, if…
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As entrepreneurs, we put enormous amounts of time, energy, and money into creating and building our businesses and creating a positive brand reputation. So why does our business sometimes struggle or experience unexpected dry spells? If you’ve stopped receiving inquiries from prospects and repeat business from existing clients, your brand reputation may be to blame. Despite our hard work and daily toil, even one bad review or negative comment on a blog can prove very detrimental to our reputation. Brand Reputation is Important As amazing as it seems that one or two pieces of negative information online or via word…
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