2 Maximize, Inc.

10 essential tips for companies new to Twitter, or those that are already tweeting:

1. Even if you’re not interested in Twitter and you think you’ll never participate, claim your Twitter name now before somebody else does, like your competitor.
2. If you’re actively tweeting, let your customers know where they can follow you. Post your Twitter name everywhere – at your website, on your invoices and receipts, on product packages, and in paid advertising.
3. Don’t worry about amassing thousands of followers. Attracting fewer quality followers, like people in your target market, is more important than attracting many followers who don’t care about what you have to say.
4. Avoid the “what I had for lunch today” tweets which only add to the noise. Concentrate on sharing helpful tips and advice. Link to quality blog posts and news articles.
5. Follow the “12 to 1 rule”. For every tweet that talks about you or your company, write 12 more that refer your followers to someone else. If you pass along helpful resources, it makes YOU more valuable to your followers.
6. View Twitter like a giant cocktail party. You’d never start promoting your products or services the minute you meet someone at these events. You can promote, but no more than 5 percent of the time.
7. Spend more time listening than you do talking. Ask people how you can help them.
8. Use keywords in your tweets, so people who are searching for the kind of information you’re providing can find it.
9. If you’re using Twitter primarily for business, steer clear of topics like politics and religion, which can be divisive.
10. If you’re confused about how to use Twitter, ask people who are following you. They’ll be happy to help.

I found this fascinating quote today:

Social Media Marketing.There is no mistake that the last word in this phrase is MARKETING.SSSHHHH! Keep that a Secret!socialnetworkinglifestyle.com, Social Media Marketing., Jul 2009

You should read the whole article.

Everyone loves referral business for two reasons. One: because they are typically pre-qualified. Two: they are usually free leads. But there is a fundamental flaw in the way most businesses go about getting referrals which usually equates into them rarely getting one. If we’re honest with ourselves, we’d have to admit that most businesses do not receive many referrals because they flat don’t deserve them.

The first thing you should be doing NOW to earn referrals in the FUTURE is working on yourself and your business so that you are referable. What I mean by that is do you do what you are supposed to do for your clients? If you said yes, then just be happy you got paid because you got what you deserved and nothing more…just like your client got. But, if you said you go above and beyond for your clients then you are working in the right direction. Read the rest of this entry »

A recent survey by Hallmark Business Expressions found that by sending business thank you cards, you can increase consumer loyalty. Approximately two-thirds of consumers surveyed said that when businesses send greeting cards to show appreciation for a purchase or referral, the consumers are more likely to do business with the company again. Almost 75% said that they appreciate the gesture and they feel like the company really cares about them. Read the rest of this entry »

I saw a great article today for anyone who networks…Enjoy

Here are some helpful tips on what to do after a networking meeting:

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Relationship building is one of the most important elements of success in business. Giving people a reason to remember you pleasantly helps develop positive rapport with prospective associates, clients, referral sources and employers, and you have a marvelous opportunity to begin the process with a thank-you note and follow-up correspondence.

In this hectic world, taking the time to follow up can make you stand out from the pack. How many people remember to thank you or take the time to keep in touch? I go to numerous networking events and I’m constantly amazing at how many people don’t bother to send an email, let alone a thank-you note to the people they meet! Why did they go even go to the event? It’s mind boggling. Read the rest of this entry »

• When was the last time YOU took the time to tell the someone you loved how much you care about and appreciate them?
• When was the last time YOU express sincere appreciation for a client that gave you referrals?
• When was the last time YOU express gratitude for those that helped YOU get to where YOU are today?
• When was the last time YOU recognized someone for their extra efforts on a given project, the referrals they gave you or simply for their support?
  

Read the rest of this entry »

The use of postcards to increase the effectiveness of your marketing efforts is an ideal way to cost effectively stay in contact with your clients and prospects.

As marketing costs go up, we need to find better ways of achieving maximum marketing results without spending our entire marketing budget. The postcard is an inexpensive proven method of: Read the rest of this entry »