TheCEOMamma Blog

How to Outsource Your Social Media Marketing

Andrea Bolder — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:40 PST

One of the most common questions I get from busy entrepreneurs – who are not only trying to build a successful business but may be working a job, balancing baby, kids and a husband all at the same time – is how do I find someone to do my social media marketing for me?

Many will agree that there are just not enough hours in the days to get everything done and as an entrepreneur building what will hopefully be a thriving business – you will one day come to the realization that “I just can’t do this alone.”

So how do you outsource your social media marketing?

While I understand fully that you can hand off your social media marketing tasks to anyone who has a computer and an internet connection, I am going to take a stance that may be a little bit controversial here.

I do not suggest you outsource your social media marketing?

Why?

What makes social media so powerful for small business owners and solopreneurs is that you get to connect with potential customers, clients and partners in a way that showcases your authentic self.

People come to know, like and trust your business by way of knowing, liking and trusting you first!

Your voice, your message, how you articulate and communicate with others through social media is unique. It is not something that can be replaced or easily swapped out by some virtual assistant who may not know anything about your personality, your style your products or your services.

Easing the Burden With Automation Tools

There are a number of tools and strategies you can implement to streamline your social media activities – ensuring you are getting the most out of your online marketing time.

Use tools like Hootsuite, Socialoomph and Social Plum – many which are free by the way – to but your social media content on autopilot. Pre-schedule status updates to Facebook, tweets to Linkedin and posts to LinkedIn.

Take 30 minutes, one day a week, to map out your content distribution schedule.

You will find that you’ll be able to promote your products, services and content without ever logging in to your social media accounts.

While you will have to take time to engage on social media – you have to be present on social media to build a following – implementing these simple, easy to use automation tools can cut down the time you spend on your overall social media marketing routine by 20-30 minutes a day.

When outsourcing is the only option.

If you just can’t get around hiring someone to take care of your social media needs, here are a few things to consider.

Think, Who Can Be Me?

Or at least who knows me the best?

It definitely isn’t going to be some virtual assistant you’ve never met before, who is unfamiliar with your personal style or company culture.

If you have to outsource, consider hiring a member from your company who knows your products or services and what your business is all about.

Consider a family member or friend who has insight to your personality and is good at communicating.

Communication is key when it comes to social media and it’s important to outsource your tasks to someone who can communicate your overall message first, not necessarily trying to find someone who is “techie”.

The technical aspects of navigating social media can be taught, but remember no one can represent you and your company better than you!

While outsourcing can be great in saving you time, think about what you might lose by not allowing your clients and customers to connect with the true voice behind your brand.

2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Felicia N. Bennett

CEOMamma — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:00:12 PST

Full Name: Felicia N. Bennett

Company Name: Higher Heights Travel Agency

Position: Owner

Website/Blog: (Launching Soon)

Year Founded: 2011

Tell us about yourself and your business: I’m a business entrepreneur who loves to travel. I hold a BBA degree from Jacksonville University in Management with a minor in Marketing. I’m married with a teenage son who graduates this year and will be attending college in the fall.

I’m a Full Service Travel Agency, specializing in Cruises, Land Vacations, All Inclusive Vacations, Honeymoons, Destination Getaways, Team Builders, Girlfriend Retreats, Las Vegas Parties, and School Trips with availability to concierge services.

What inspired you to start a business? From a very early age, I’ve always researched and planned vacations for myself, family and friends. I was told by many people I have a vibrant personality and the people skills to start my own business.

In addition to me having a management degree, I’m also a certified life coach who has shown other women how to position themselves in life to go after their dreams and not just exist in life but to start living. I wasn’t taking my own advice. After much thought and entrepreneurial spirit I decided to start my own business.

What is your favorite quote or saying? “It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish”

What is one business goal for this year? To connect with Fortune 500 organizations and be there premiere travel agency for all their corporate group trips and meetings.

What would you say contributes to your success? Networking has been very beneficial for me. Also, my professionalism, genuineness and warmness toward others seeking advice and learning about different travel destinations. I keep the lines of communications open with all of my clients and go above and beyond to keep the repeat client.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Don’t give up on your dreams to be your own boss. Position yourself around positive like-minded individuals who will support you in your dreams.

Also, learn as much as you can about the business so you will be well versed when speaking with potential clients. Having a mentor that is willing to support and guide you is also a great help to guide you through the process.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? Yes; Honeymoon Vacations, Family and Friends Cruises, Family Reunion Trips and Business Group Trips.

How can people connect with you online?

http://www.facebook.com/HigherHeightsTA
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/felicia-bennett/13/b35/b60
Email: Felicia.n..bennett@gmail.com or (904) 472-9245 (Office)

Brand and Market Yourself NOT Your Direct Sales Business

CEOMamma — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:46:04 PST

You did it! You have finally started your own business so you can work from home. You have received your start up materials, great tips to launch your new business from your sponsor and you are excited and ready to go!

You have a grand opening launch event and even made your first few sales…you are on a roll! You have big goals and an even bigger vision knowing you can expand your business by using the internet to market your business online.

So, you take all the training you’ve learned from your sponsor and company and use it online armed with your beautifully designed company replicated website. And then…

You Make the BIGGEST Direct Sales Mistake Most Representatives Make…

You start promoting the “H.E. double hockey sticks” out of your company products and business opportunity.

You post to your Facebook page (and every other social network you belong to) informing everyone you started a new business.

You also let everyone know you are in a “challenge” to do “( you fill in the blank) ” and have a goal to complete it by (date) and would like to know who wants to “help” you complete the challenge.

Or better yet, you want to share this month’s amazing ‘Special’ with all your friends and followers.

Does this sound like you? Are you wondering how in the world do I know all this? Well, it’s because that used to be me too. It took a rude awakening for me to finally realize what I was doing was not working at the capacity I had hoped. But, that’s a whole other story…(I share it in my free ebook here.)

Now, before you get all mad at me, I want you to understand that I’m not telling you NOT to promote your business online, what I want to share with you is that there is a much more effective way to go about it.

That way is to Brand & Market YOURSELF!

I want to give you a few tips to help you actually start to reap the reward of all your hard work and effort online. Before you apply these tips, I want you to grasp the fact that you are an INDEPENDENT business owners. You may promote someone else’s products but this business model requires you to build an independent business, aside from the company you represent.

With that being said, you have to learn how to brand yourself based on your skills and talents, to attract customers and clients who will in the end, benefit from the products you recommend. Trust me when I tell you, the harsh reality is…no one really cares that you are an XYZ Rep with such-and-such company.

Ask yourself a few questions: What makes YOU different than every other Representative of your company? Why should someone buy from YOU instead of another Representative? What will people learn about YOU when visiting your company website other than the products you sell?

If you are constantly offering the same promotions that everyone else is…what makes you unique? Nothing.

Tip # 1 – Consider your skills in relation to your business. More than likely you partnered with your company because you feel a connection to their mission and love the products and services they provide. So, if you are with a cosmetics company, what are you most passionate about that attracted you to the company? Do you value skin care? Have a love for color?

Take that passion and share it with others about skin care or color. Build Brand YOU.

Tip # 2 – Stop identifying yourself as a rep of your company. Shift your focus to marketing what you do for others instead of what you sell. Start introducing yourself to people as someone who can help them achieve a desired result. Whether that is to get clear skin, have a chemical free home, or lose weight naturally, you have to start letting people recognize you have the answers or solution to their problems.

Become a source of knowledge and information. Build Brand YOU.

Tip # 3 – Show prospects the benefit of working with you. If you are looking to build your team and leverage your earnings, help potential prospects see the value of partnering with you in business as opposed to starting a business with your company. Direct Sales is a people business and people do business with other people – ones they like, respect and trust.

Be willing to teach others how to do what you do. Build Brand YOU.

Tip #4 – Be consistent, passionate and committed. This is a big one. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your Direct Sales business. Work your business every day by setting attainable goals and building quality connections to start experiencing network marketing success. Be fully present by consistently building ONE business to the point you are making a steady and growing income…which is easily achievable by following tip # 3 – building a team and mentoring them along their journey.

Commit to your business growth and gain credibility online. Build Brand YOU.

Tip # 5 – Create your own platform to market yourself. Having a company website is great but before you send people there, build a relationship with them first. You can do this by building a blog for your business. As an independent business owner, you have to build a network of prospects on a regular basis, your blog is a way for you to 1) Build your brand 2) Share your expertise 3) Establish credibility in your industry, and 4) Create a network community of dedicated followers and loyal customers.

Set yourself apart to display your expertise. Build Brand YOU.

When you begin to learn how to brand and market yourself online by aligning your passion to serve others with the products and services you offer through your direct sales business, you will find this to be a more effective avenue of creating the kind of income you desire.

If by chance your company was ever to close up shop, you can rest assured you will still have the ability to sustain a thriving and solid business because you took the path to building Brand YOU.

Are you interested in learning more about how I empower the every day woman and women entrepreneurs to live to their greatest potential? Click Here to discover if partnering with me in my direct sales business, would be a good match for you!

How to Create a Simple Twitter Business Strategy

CEOMamma — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:36:15 PST

Should Twitter be considered an important social media tool for business? I would have to say, yes! I have been using Twitter since 2009 but no where in the capacity of how I use Facebook. Twitter has always generated a decent flow of traffic to my blog, but even without having a strategy in place, I’ve acquired some quality clients who found me on Twitter.

In 2012, I decided to spend a bit more time using Twitter to meet more people and grow my business. I came up with a simple strategy that didn’t require much more of my time and must say, I’ve been pleased with the results so far.

By increasing my Twitter networking…

I gain a minimum of 20 new followers each day.
ReTweets of my tweets have nearly tripled.
Twitter traffic to my blogs have increased.
I’ve connected with some new awesome women in business.

This is only from being consistent daily over the last 2 months. As I mentioned before, I didn’t want to spend to much more time on social media each day so I have incorporated a few tools and strategies that are working for me.

My Twitter Strategy

Before I implement any marketing strategy in my business, I plan my process and set up my systems. I use a social media dashboard – HootSuite, to manage mostly all my social networks but use it mainly for Twitter.

I brag about HootSuite often because it has been a huge part of how I manage the amount of time I spend on social media marketing. I wrote a post a while back about why I love HootSuite and the benefits of using it for your business.

My process is simple, I add my RSS feed to HootSuite so my blog posts will automatically post to my Twitter feed. I also use it to schedule important tweets I want to go out automatically in a particular week. Having these set up allows me more time to use Twitter to engage and interact with my followers.

I incorporate Twitter into my day…as I come across great blog posts and content across the web, I tweet what I find. I also use the lists feature to keep up with some of my favorite people to follow, those in my network circle and those who share valuable information that would benefit my followers and ReTweet their posts.

I spend about 15 minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening interacting with my followers and I take advantage of my “in between time” and can jump on for awhile using my favorite mobile Twitter App – UberSocial for Blackberry.

Another great way to meet new people is participating in a Tweet Chat or Twitter Party as I like to call them. I host a twitter party the last Friday of each month using the hashtag #TheCEOMamma and we focus on different topics related to small business marketing.

Important tips to remember…

Automation is a great fill in but absolutely nothing will replace your presence and interaction with others to build relationships and solid connections.
Take time to get to know others, be a “connector” when appropriate.
Make sure your profile is public (not set to private), you have a photo of yourself and a descriptive bio letting people know what you are all about.
Take the initiative, follow people who are interesting and share great tweets and have similar interest or are in your industry.
Be yourself, be authentic and be consistent

Follow these tips and you well be well on your way to building your Twitter network and growing your business. For additional tips on how to use Twitter, check out this post by one of my Twitter Buddies – MissKemya

Do you have a strategy for using Twitter? I’d love to hear about it:

2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Andrea Bolder

CEOMamma — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:00:23 PST

Full Name: Andrea Bolder

Company name: SocialMediaConnect360

Position: CEO

Website/Blog: www.andreabolder.com and www.socialmediaconnect360.com

Year Founded: Blog (2011)

Tell us about yourself and your business: Olympian & Multi-passionate entrepreneur Andrea Bolder, CEO of SocialMediaConnect360 and founder of The Go Guide, is an Expert Trainer on Online Marketing Strategies, Winning Mindset, and Passive Income Creation. Author and visionary of the popular blog Marketing.Mindset.Money she shares insight and step-by-step strategies that show solo-entrepreneurs and small business owners exactly how to build a successful business leveraging the power of social media.

Integrating the same winning principles that allowed her to become a 2000 Sydney Games Olympic Gold Medalist, Andrea is a rising star in the industry, specializing in Personal Branding and Lead Generation for small business owners.

What inspired you to start a business? As a wife and mom, my first priority and focus are on my family. I wanted more than anything for my family to have everything we desired, the financial freedom, the time freedom. I wanted my husband and son to be able to experience traveling the world, experience a lifestyle with no boundaries, no constraints, experience a life of being able to work when you wanted to, doing what you wanted to.

My goal is to coach others to success, just like someone coached me. My goal is to help as many online entrepreneurs and small business owners as I can to develop a Gold Medal Mindset, develop the skills necessary to compete with the GIANTS, and to WIN in this industry by sharing proven strategies that are relevant, up-to-date and effective in today’s internet and technology generation.

What is your favorite quote or saying? You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What is one business goal for this year? To build a successful 5 figure a month business from home by helping others do the same.

What would you say contributes to your success? Success breeds success and having a mentor, a mastermind group that can support and help you grow is essential. I have the heart of a champion and I am disciplined and driven in my quest to achieving my goals. Those winning principles and the mindset I have just won’t allow me to quit!

My goal is to empower, inspire, encourage and share my knowledge with others. This is What I Do! And This is What I Love. And I do this with faith, passion, professionalism, and joy; and what makes me happy in life is having a positive impact on others and assisting them in the realization that they are Champions, that they have been given a great life and that they can do great things with the life they have been given if only they unlock the GOLD MEDAL potential within and believe that they are deserving and worthy of success.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Rule 1: Have a Game Plan (Get a Coach and Implement Their System for Success)
Rule 2: Master Social Media and Social Marketing
Rule 3: Master the Art of Blogging and Article Writing
Rule 4: Breathe, Live, Become Your Vision
Rule 5: Invest In Yourself ( Be of Healthy Mind, Body and Soul) – Work On Your Personal Growth Everyday
Rule 6: Don’t Be A Dang Quitter – They Never Prosper
Rule 7: Train Harder, Longer, and Faster Than Everybody Else!!
Rule 8: Don’t Let Anyone Tell YOU, What YOU Can’t Do! – Be More Than a Conqueror
Rule 9: Keep Your Eye On the Prize – Believe in What You Are Doing, Stay Focused and Determined
Rule 10: Share Everything You Know With Others – Being of Value is Ultimate Success!

Are there any projects you are currently working on? I am currently relaunching my blog (complete redesign), building my speaking platform and promoting my new business Socialmediaconnect360.

How can people connect with you online?

http://andreabolder.com
http://facebook.com/thegoldmedalmarketer
http://twitter.com/andreabolder
http://gplus.to/bolder
http://about.me/andreabolder

Become an Expert in Your Niche

CEOMamma — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:38 PST

What does it mean to be an expert in a particular niche? What are people looking for in an ‘expert’? When people start looking for an expert in a particular field, they are looking for valuable information. Information that is valuable to them. They want to be taught something that they do not know.

Why do you want to be viewed as an expert within your niche? Expert status is a tool to increase the number of people who patronize your business. Creating expert status may be the missing step in taking your business to the next level.

So how do you become an expert within your niche?

1. VALUE WHAT YOU KNOW

How many times have you heard these questions…”how did you do that?”, “can you show me how”, “how do you know that?” If people are asking you how to do something or how you did something, guess what? You have something of VALUE and you can charge people to learn from you because they value what you know. They want to know what you know and it doesn’t really matter what that knowledge base is. It could be recipes, organizing tips, how to discipline your children, etc. The facts are this…everyone knows SOMETHING. Start with you and value what you know!!

2. VALUE YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES

We all have experiences that have shaped where we are today and where we want to go. Everyone has life experiences that they can draw upon to connect with others. Some have life experiences that some would call dysfunctional and guess what? Many others have had bad experiences or may be in a bad situation right now that you can impact by sharing your stories. Some have great knowledge around specific subjects that can help others in their personal and business life. Don’t be afraid to share your life experiences with your audience…it’s one way people connect with you!

3. IDENTIFY YOUR NICHE

What does your knowledge base revolve around? Who do you want to share it with? Who would be interested? Don’t say no one because, trust me, as I said above, EVERYONE knows SOMETHING that is valuable to someone else. You simply have to figure out what that is and who wants what you know.

Do some research and find out who would benefit from what you know. That is your potential customer base!

4. TAKE ACTION

Start putting your knowledge into a format that can be consumed by your audience. This could be an eBook, blog posts, conference calls, videos, a webinar, etc. There are tons of ways to disseminate knowledge.

Think about …have you paid to learn before? Most likely you have and many others do as well! You can be THE voice within your niche!

5. GETTING YOUR MESSAGE OUT THERE

Much of marketing is about how you share your message. I am sure you have heard this before but it bears repeating because it is so true! STORIES SELL. If you can tell a story, you can sell what you know. You share how your knowledge can benefit them. Remember stories spread; people love sharing good stuff!

You goal should be to serve others and help them either personally, in their business or both.

6. KNOW YOUR WORTH

What are others experts charging for their knowledge? You are worth more than you think and you need to project that value to others. How much time and money can you save your prospects by sharing what you know? That’s VALUABLE!

7. DEVELOP MORE WAYS TO SERVE

Always be on thinking of other ways to serve your niche. The most important part of being an expert is to realize that is is not about you…it’s all about who you serve!

This article was first published by Social Media Branding. To receive Kim’s “30 Fun and Creative Ways To Increase Your Facebook Likes”, go to kimgarst.com and claim your free eBook NOW!

How to be a Successful Business Blogger

CEOMamma — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:32 PST

Are you looking for easy to follow steps to creating a blog that will get you MORE clients & increase your income…even if you don’t know the FIRST thing about blogging?

Do You Want To:

Use a Blog to Attract Your Ideal Clients?
Generate Quality Traffic That Converts?
Fill Your Pipeline With High Target Leads?
Increase Your Profits With Your Blog?
Enjoy Less Work But Make More Money?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you may be interested in learning more about my Business Blogger Bootcamp Program!

Over the course of 12 weeks, you will be guided through the most effective and profitable ways for solo-preneurs, network marketers and service professionals to create and market a traffic generating, income producing blog for business.

You will be taken by the hand through every step you need to start establishing a credible brand, producing content that attracts quality prospects and start earning a steady, and increasing, stream of income. From getting crystal clear on your niche market to designing a system on autopilot – you will develop the skills to recognize the needs of your market and how to deliver compelling content that converts.

Click Here to watch a brief video presentation and learn more!

2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Ronda Y. Fisher

CEOMamma — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:16 PST

Full Name: Ronda Y. Fisher

Company Name: MoonHaven 2 Studios Designs

Position: Web Designer/Owner

Website/Blog: www.moonhaven2studiosdesigns.com

Year Founded: 2006

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am small web design company and design web sites for small businesses that are looking to advertise their goods and services online. I also create packages that will fit their budget.

What inspired you to start a business? I love to design and wanted to be able to design websites that customers wouldn’t have to pay an arm and leg for.

What is your favorite quote or saying? The only way to bring customers to your website is to advertise.

What is one business goal for this year? My goal is to be more successful.

What would you say contributes to your success? By networking with other business women.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? You have to work you business as if you walked into it everyday. Your business site isn’t going to customers unless you let people know you’re around.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? I am currently working on 3 web sites.

How can people connect with you online? Email: ronda@moonhaven2studiosdesigns.com Phone:801-682-9989 web site www.moonhaven2studiosdesgins.com

How to Find Social Media Content to Share

CEOMamma — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:38 PST

Are you trying to find a balance between building your brand while being seen as a thought leader in your industry?

Watch this video presented by Social Media Examiner TV. In this episode, Mari introduces you to the concept of curating content and how it can help your business. And Mari also reviews 8 content curation tools to help you find the best information for your business.

Can’t see the video? Click here to watch it.

How to Become a Professional Certified Life Coach

CEOMamma — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:03:14 PST

Are you the person everyone comes to for advice? Can you envision a career where you help others, and earn a living while doing it? If so, you may have considered a career as a Life Coach.

The Compass School of Coaching is the industry’s most comprehensive, accelerated, and cost-effective path to becoming a Professional Life Coach. With Compass you can complete your training, pursue your professional industry certification, and begin earning an income within one year.

The Compass School of Coaching offers Comprehensive and Affordable Training and Exclusive Benefits unparalleled in the Industry of Coaching.

For a complete overview and to discover how you can make a great living by impacting the lives of others, click here for more details >>