Business Strategies That Work!

Why are you in business?  Some people say it’s to get rich. Others say it’s so they can be their own boss. Why do you do what you do?

Do you enjoy your work? Do you bounce out of bed in the morning eager to begin the day, tackle a project, or solicit new business?

Business owners typically have a vision for the future of their company. More often than not the path to achieving that vision may become blurred or even rocky on occasion.

What do you do when that happens? Here are alternatives used by some business owners:

1. Consult a mentor.

2. Take a class or check out some online forums.

3. Take a break. Go for a walk. Read a book.

4. Initiate a brainstorming session.

5. Doodle, Squiggle, or Journal thoughts and ideas. Don’t be concerned if they’re random. Any one of them could produce the solution or alternative.

That’s been revisited… now let’s build the business.

1. Log on to all of your established professional networking sites and post something about your business. Promote yourself!

2. Write one article or web press release… and Publish It!

3. Refer an associate or colleague to a business professional that will benefit from their services.

You haven’t joined very many professional sites? That’s okay. There’s no better time than now. Check out Twitter Not sure what to do with Twitter? Take a look at this article. Linked In is a great site for networking. I highly recommend joining Linked In Groups that focus on your peers (You can learn from them.) and your target market. Entrepreneur Connect offers options for networking and article publication.

Writing articles and press releases can be intimidating. Social Media consultants like Lisa Cole, owner of Cole Communications, can teach you the tricks of the trade. Already know how to write the articles and releases, but not sure where to post them? Take a look at this list.

No one will promote like you will!

No one will extol the virtues of the products or services you offer with the same excitement and intensity that you will. The internet opens doors for publicity and marketing that were once either inaccessible or non-existent for business owners. In addition to your current sales and marketing plan, begin a strategy of writing and posting informational articles and press releases about your company.

Your articles and press releases should, of course, include big news but are also for all occasions (i.e. new staff member on your team, business event your company is sponsoring, new product being offered, your personal review of developments in your industry, etc.). It is beneficial to target journalists on occasion, and some press release sites only target journalists, but don’t forget about the interests of your target customer. Include offers that compel your target audience to respond to your press release. Include links that drive traffic to your web site and/or blog. Add social media tags so your release can be found. Optimize your releases with keywords relevant to common searches for your business. It’s up to you to blow your own horn louder and longer than anyone else will. The following list offers some options and opportunities for you to get the word out about your business.

Free media leads

http://www.PitchRate.com

Free list of all the US Newspapers

http://www.usnpl.com

Free Press Release Sites:

http://www.pr.com/promote-your-business

http://www.free-press-release.com/

http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/FreePressReleasePostingSites.htm

http://www.newswiretoday.com/index.php

http://www.1888pressrelease.com

Publish your articles online:

https://publish.associatedcontent.com/signup.shtml

http://www.articlesbase.com/

http://biznik.com/