As told by Dan S. Kennedy

People who lived through The Great Depression kept a “Depression mentality” their entire lives. They stored and hoarded, they were debt averse, they squeezed the last drop from every tube, repaired rather than replaced anything that might be patched together and made to limp along just a little further. Such thrift is not necessarily a bad thing, and our modern society could benefit from a little more of it.

This kind of thrift taken to extremes, however, represents some inner, emotional scarring. It speaks of fear. In business a certain level of prudent paranoia, of considering worst-case scenarios, and intelligent scheming to avoid them or insuring against them is necessary, just as it is in ordinary life. (more…)

As told by Dan S. Kennedy

“Motion beats meditation.” - Gary Halbert

In the midst of one of his dark periods, when the news was filled with stories of his financial demise, Donald Trump talks about feeling like just staying hidden at home but instead strapping on his tuxedo and going to an important gala - because he knew he could not possibly gain by staying home. At a time, some 30 years or so ago, when I was captain of a company everyone in its industry knew to be in deep and dire financial circumstances, I considered skipping that year’s convention. But I didn’t. It might have been less stressful, less embarrassing, more comfortable to stay home. But I couldn’t possibly gain doing that. I went. I put myself in a place where it was at least possible good, productive, profitable things could happen - and they did.

Hopefully, you aren’t in the upside down financial condition I was, or Donald Trump was, at the above-mentioned times. But regardless of your circumstances, you have to make a point of putting yourself in places where opportunity can occur. My father passed on a pair of cufflinks to me with the letters: YCDBSOYA. They stand for: You Can’t Do Business Sitting On Your Ass

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So you’ve been wondering if this social media stuff is really popular.  Can it really influence my business?

Take a look at the new word for 2009 from the Oxford Dictionary.  

http://blog.oup.com/2009/11/unfriend/

It’s time to start thinking how can you take advantage of social media as one of your sources for marketing your business.

Recently, I’ve been posting about Twitter and I also have been active in other social media networks.  The BIG question remains to be answered and is asked of me several times:  Is Social Media a time waster or can you grow your business using it.

Well, it does depend on who is your target audience.  I know that is vague but let me try to take a stab at it here to explain it.

Previously, I wrote about an article in The Boston Globe of a new restaurant (B2C) that was trying to create buzz about themselves before they opened.  They posted items about building the restaurant, the menu offerings and built up an anticipation about the grand opening.  They had a successful opening week.

I have also observed where a company that sells B2B uses Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to let everyone know of their new products they developed and are now selling.

So what is the right mix for your business?

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I want to pass along a story today from the Boston Globe ‘Tweets’ on the menu are a sweet deal about restaurants using Twitter to increase business.  In the story a restaurant used Twitter to let everyone know of their progress of building and opening a new restaurant.  On opening night the place was packed and at least half the patrons from Twitter.

Since my last post I have received emails from followers doubting social networking can help to inprove their business.  Take a look at this article and leave me a comment on your thoughts about LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.   Tell me how you use them or why you don’t feel they are effective to market your business.

I know you’ve heard about this internet thing called:

1. It’s a way to stay connected with your customers. 
2. It’s a way to meet new contacts that may become customers.
3. It’s inexpensive.

So is it worth it?

In the last couple of months we have been using social media to reach out to other potential customers from outside our immediate market.  We have seen an increase in activity and interest in our services and products.  Using social media is becoming the new way for prospects 
that are looking for information on products and services you offer.  

It should be one of your tools in your sales tool box.

If you would like to learn more about social media give us a call to discuss how you can grow your business through social media at 508-226-4565. 

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JoeNorcott