Posted by: Chet Woodside on February 11th, 2009
Category: Blogging, Marketing, Social Media
Viewed: 1,060 times
Many small growing businesses in BC are about to take their first steps into the Social Media world. There is lots of information available online to help small businesses understand how to approach social media in fact there is so much information that everything can get a little confusing.
Below is a collection of articles and videos that I have stumbled on, they are solid reads and should help to answer some early stage questions that any small business entering into social media may have:
1. Becoming More Social
An overview article that discusses marketing and preparing for marketing online using Social Media.
2. When Your Business Gets Trashed Online
You work hard to make your customer happy but sometimes things go offtrack. This article discusses how to prepare and handle a poor review of your company online.
3. Whipping the Social Media Beast in 30 Minutes a Day
The name says it all, many business owners feel that Social Media will take all their (or an employees) time. This blog post will help you to understand that venturing into social media doesn't require a platoon of dedicated people chained to their seats for 8 hours a day.
4. Giant Cocktail Party: Social networking – good for small business?
A video snippet with Seth Godin describing the social media landscape and how to use the tools out there effectively. I also suggest looking at other video snippets from the "New Perspective on Business" discussion that Seth was involved in, some very informative video.
5. If I Started Today
Chris Brogan reflecting on how he would approach Social Media if today was day one for him. The first point about listening is great, many businesses overlook this aspect when planning for social media.
You may notice that many of the articles I have mentioned live at OpenForum.com a few weeks ago I found this website. There are some interesting articles and videos at openforum.com and it's well worth the look.
E-business Connections is also hosting our very first Social Media Seminar on February 18th at 1pm, the seminar is being delivered by Jess Sloss a Vancouver based Social Media Strategist.
Tags: Social, Media,, Small, Business,, Social, Networking,, Marketing,, Blogging,,
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Posted by: Chet Woodside on July 7th, 2008
Category: General eBusiness, Blogging, e-Business Basics
Viewed: 1,381 times
The average small business does not know how to find a web designer or web developer. However, with some initial planning and careful preparation, you will be able to find a web development professional to meet your business needs.
1. Evaluate the Needs of Your Online Business Presence
Setting clear, concise goals will help you understand what your business wants to achieve from the website. Create a "Request for Proposal," or RFP, to write these goals down and determine which website features are essential and which ones would be nice additions. A website RFP is also useful when you are recruiting and communicating with web development professionals. Download the following document to help you develop your proposal: Create an RFP for Your Website.
2. Narrow Down a Group of Web Designers/Web Developers
After creating your website RFP, you will need to shortlist a group of web development professionals. Below is a list of websites that will help you assemble your potential shortlist:
Additionally, a Google search for "Vancouver freelance web design" or "Vancouver web designers" will give you many different local web designers to consider.
When looking at the portfolios of potential web designers, think about the following questions:
- Do I like the look and feel of their previous work?
- Do they have quality references?
- Have they created websites similar to what I need for my website?
- Do they have all the technical skills required to complete the job? It's important that whoever you choose to work with thoroughly understands the technical requirements necessary for your website.
3. Email Your Website RFP
Email your website RFP to the entire list of potential web designers you have shortlisted. Here is an easy way to do so:
- Compose a new email address it to yourself.
- Add all your potential web designers to the BCC field of your e-mail
- Create a clear subject line, such as "XYZ Business is looking to have a website created (RFP attached)"
- Write a brief introductory sentence describing your business and yourself
- Attach your website RFP to the e-mail, send and then wait for feedback
4. Review, Negotiate and Get Comfy.
Next you'll be reviewing the feedback from you website RFP. There will likely be a mix of good, not-so-good and standout replies. If possible, call and make a one-on-one appointment with the candidates that stood out. Meeting the potential web designer is very important, especially since you will want to feel comfortable working together. Consider the following points when meeting a web designer:
- There is no need to pay for an initial meet and greet
- If you do not already have a domain name or web hosting, let the designer know you will still need to do so. It is ideal to have both registered in your business name
- Ask for references to websites that the designer created with similar requirements to your own needs
- It is okay to ask for a list of past clients to contact. If you do contact a reference, the only question that really matters is whether the client would work with the designer again. The only answer that matters is "Yes."
- It is not common that a quality web designer will develop a website mock-up for you as a free pitch to get the contract. This approach will often scare away quality talent
- A quality web designer will listen to your plan, assess your needs, and provide constructive feedback regarding any areas of your website plan that may need improvement
5. Get Everything in Writing
After picking a web designer, commit everything about the project to writing, including:
- Financial terms and payment schedules
- Any legal requirements that need signing off
- Itemized list of what and when deliverables will be provided to you by the web designer
- Itemized list of what and when deliverables will be provided by you to the web designer
- A project timeline outlining key milestone and final release dates
Having everything in writing provides both parties with a clear blueprint of what is expected.
Following this process will help to make the process of finding a web designer an easier task. The time spent planning your website needs will make for an organized, well-communicated working relationship between yourself and the designer you choose to create your website.
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Posted by: Allan on October 9th, 2007
Category: General eBusiness, Blogging, Marketing, Internet Marketing, e-Business Basics
Viewed: 2,474 times
by Lindsay Smith
CEO of Massive Technology Show
Facebook, the world’s second largest social networking site, only after MySpace, has captured the attention of hundreds and thousands of Canadian; majority of them are between the ages of 25 and 35. Originally created as an online copy of the print facebooks handed out at Harvard University, this online tool has now develop features that can be used to strengthen business relationships and broaden one’s client base.
1. Professional Online Profile
Overview: Each user creates a profile for himself/herself. This profile is then made available on their “friends” list and includes both personal and career information. Users have the ability to only reveal limited public information to certain members if they choose.
Tip: Take the time to fill out your full career resume. This will provide an overview of your experience, expertise, and where you currently work. And be sure to use a professional looking photograph.
2. Finding and Adding Friends/Contacts
Overview: By using the Facebook member search you can find people that you know or simply have heard of by typing in their first and last name. When you find your search target, you can send them a request to become their “Facebook friend.” As you broaden your search, your online network of business contacts grows and can even potential clients.
Tip: make an effort to connect online with people that you have met face-to-face events, meetings, and at the office. Meeting online can often be just as effective as the relationship building that you’ll do over a networking lunch or an after work drink. It allows both parties to break down awkward barriers and connect on a neutral playing field.
3. Special Interest Groups
Overview: These are networks created by members who share a common interest. Creating a network can be done in as little as 3 minutes and can be a great way to connect with and even generate new business contacts.
Tip: Identify a topic related to your business that you that you are passionate about and create a network around it. Then invite other members to participate in discussions surrounding that topic. For example, a local gym would start a network on fitness and then invite their clients to participate in online discussions related to general health and working out.
4. Sending Messages
Overview: Facebook allows you to send private messages to people in your friends list or to groups of people on your list.
Tip: Send private message to your business contacts from time to time. This allows you to connect in a more personal manner and discuss private business matters.
5. Events
Overview: Post and advertise for upcoming events and invite everyone on your friends list with just one click. Create buzz by inviting invitees to RSVP, comment, and even post pictures on your event page.
Tip: This is a fantastic way to get the word out fast about events that your company is either hosting or involved with. If you are holding a seminar for your clients, post it! If you are attending a tradeshow, post it! If you are participating in a corporate fundraiser, post it! And of course, tell everyone about it.
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Posted by: Andy on August 21st, 2006
Category: General eBusiness, Blogging, Success Story
Viewed: 1,642 times
eBusiness Connection is proud to launch eBizBlog Version 2.0. This new look and new technology wil enable us to continue to post articles in a user friendly and spam free enviroment. Earlier this year we made the decision to disable commenting on eBizBlog due to the overwhelming amount of comment spam that we had to filter on a daily basis. (See Jeremy Zawodney’s article on the increase in comment spam )
We would like to thank our faithful readers and welcome new ones too!
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Posted by: Andy on June 7th, 2006
Category: Blogging
Viewed: 1,199 times
When I tell small business people about this blog, its great commentary and tips on e-business, they are always excited to read more. But I know that most of them are secretly wondering what a blog is, how it works, and why we're using one? When asked, I explain what a blog is and why it is an excellent publishing and marketing tool… but that is not always good enough. The wonderful thing about the Internet is that you can research and learn more about any topic at any time. One of my favorite resources for reliable explanations of how everything around us actually works is How Stuff Works. If you're still wondering how blogs work, I suggest you check this site out. While you're there you can learn how aircraft carriers work, how sequential gearboxes work, and how digital cameras work. They say knowledge is power.
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