Ask yourself this: "Of all the networking events I've been to, how many of those people have I followed up with a phone call, email or other contact?"  

I know the answer. Almost none. I can say that with certainty because in over two years I've only had four people ever follow up with me.

This seems to be a major problem.

A local business man who needed some work done complained that he called a number of vendors to come out and ... << MORE >>

How do you make a presentation that keeps the client's attention, answers his questions, and makes things happen?

That is the real subject of this excellent post by Guy Kawaski on the correct use of PowerPoint in your presentations. Take it to heart. So many PowerPoint presentations do nothing but bore people to death. Here is the remedy.
   

The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint

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Are you going insane?

Someone described insanity as doing the same things over and over again, yet expecting different results.

Are you stuck doing the same kind of marketing over and over again, but hoping this time it will bring you better results?  Well, join the club.

Many businesses just don't know how to market their products or service. So they look around and see what others do, then copy it. Unfortunately, many of those being copied are also copying yet another somebody else. ... << MORE >>

Ever been to an event and get stuck talking with someone you can't get away from and who bores you to death?

I'm sure we all have.

What makes that person such a bore?

The same thing that makes your business or service such a bore. And it's the reason why many potential prospects and customers don't do business with you. Correct this one thing and you'll see a big difference in how your message is received.

So, how ... << MORE >>

(This blog is about marketing your business with the power to get results. Well, this story today is about new efforts to bring more business to the local merchant. It's a worthy topic every local business person should want to join.)

Which three local businesses would you miss if they closed their doors?

Maybe it’s that deli on the corner where you grab the best sandwiches. Perhaps it’s the video store down the street ... << MORE >>

Life can have its tough times.

When the expenses go up and the revenues go down it's tempting to throw in the towel and discard your dream of being an entrepreneur or working for yourself. But don't give up. Success could be just around the corner.

It could be that you've been working so hard in the business you haven't had time to work on the business. Sometimes a fresh perspective from a trusted friend or consultant is all you need to energize your business again.
... << MORE >>

Many changes in marketing have occurred in recent years as a result of our changing culture.

People used to hand write letters in a flowery cursive style to communicate. Then we migrated to email. The art of cursive writing was left behind and many of the younger generation can no longer read it.

Yet, today if you predominately use emails it could be sign that you've again been left behind as the world shifts to the new communication of texting and social media such as Facebook, MySpace, and ... << MORE >>

Studies show that over 80% of new prospects and your future customers search first on the internet. The question is, "Will they find your there?"

Ask yourself when was the last time you looked for the newspaper or a sales flyer when it came time to purchase an item. Do you know where your Yellow Page book is?  Probably not and neither do your future customers.

So it is imperative you get your name "out there" on the 'net.

And you need to ... << MORE >>

In real estate we hear the key to success is "Location, Location, Location."  But here on the internet it is something else entirely different.

What do your potential customers want?

Information, Information, Information.

Plain and simple.  People are on the web to find information.  They want trustworthy information.  Information that is timely and relevant.

How have you supplied what your potential future customers want?

So many web sites are devoid of any real content to ... << MORE >>

There's a big dirty secret about the internet no one likes to discuss - and it's costing you a fortune.

The number of small business web sites which fail to become a profit center has climbed to nearly 99% !

"But", you object, "my site was built by professionals who've won awards for their graphics and designs."

Doesn't matter.

"I have a beautiful flash page."

Doesn't matter.

"My menus are interactive and change color."

Doesn't matter.

"I have pictures that change automatically."

Still doesn't matter.

While these things may add to the overall experience of a visitor to your site, they are garbage when it comes to getting someone to ...<< MORE >>