If you are like me, you are continuously looking at the advances in new technology and wondering if you and your business can keep up with it. But what if you turned your thought process the other way around? What if, by using technology you actually saved money and time?
Here is a list of tips that may help out any small business owner to save money by using a small amount of technology
1. Recurring Expenses – look at your recurring list of monthly expenses. By upgrading to a yearly plan or paying for the full year in advance, can you save you some time and energy?
2. Your website – any business without a website is really a waste. But when small business first took on the whole idea of the website they also took on the high monthly fee for SEO and a big flashy template. Now that blogs and websites are meshing together it is not necessary to have just a website. If your traffic suggests, re direct your URL to a blog or another site where you have better traffic and less expense.
3. Your land line phone – do you really need a land line? If you said yes because I have a fax machine then your answer is wrong. You can get internet fax service for as little as $7 a month. On the flip side, a scanner is also considered legal for documents as well. If you can’t bear to give up your telephone then ditch some of the unnecessary things such as call waiting and call forwarding. The first time you put someone on call waiting is usually the last. That is what voicemail is for.
4. Your mobile phone – take a look at your bill and see where your money is actually going. Call your provider and have a conversation with them every quarter. Most companies won’t tell you they have a new special or a new package unless you call or visit in person and ask.
5. What are you paying for your anti virus program? – most expensive antivirus programs have fees to renew each year. Try using a free antivirus program like Avast. It may be missing the bells and whistles of the built in firewall and email spam filter, but most Windows programs now have these built in anyway.
6. Use Google – Google has all of these great free applications that are awesome for the small business. Google calendar, task Manager, alerts, real-time, desktop and analytics. If you can figure all of these out, they are free!
7. Never impulse buy technology – if you are like me, I get about 3 calls a week from some American firm wanting to sell me some sort of lovely real estate program that will make my life easier and give me thousands of leads that are ready to buy a home yesterday. Have them send you an information package and then do your own home work.
8. Ask for help – instead of spending hours on hold with tech support and getting people who may or may not be in India and use English as their second language, ask your friends of family for help. Do you want to set up a face book business page for yourself? Chances are the teenager down the street can do it in ten minutes, plus he will work for a gift card to Best Buy.
9. Don’t send out Refrigerator magnets - seriously, how many times do you go to the fridge to see the date? Even use an old fashioned calendar? Carrying a business card may become obsolete soon. Try different forms of marketing to get to your clients, and download bump on your I-phone. Then you can just bump phones and the information has been shared. How easy is that!
30 September 2010
29 September 2010
This Week's Presenter Is...
José Juan Ordóñez, Owner
Minuteman Press
BNI Connections' go-to full service printer José Juan Ordóñez treated members and guests to an informative and enjoyable presentation which included:
· a bit of personal background (A married father of three boys, José speaks Spanish, English, German and French. Prior to embarking on his printing career, he managed an amusement park, voted by Applause Awards as the world's best from 2008 to 2010!)
· an overview of the Minuteman franchise (With over 950 locations worldwide, Minuteman was rated Number One in the industry by Entrepreneur Magazine in its January 2010 issue.)
· a brief history of print (Developed by Johann Gutenberg, the printing press has been declared the most important invention of the second millennium. Take that, IBM!)
· an explanation of how offset and digital printing differ (Offset printing involves an inked image being transferred - i.e. offset - from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. The digital process applies a digital based image directly to various media; it's a great choice for short run jobs in monochrome or colour.)
· a comprehensive list of products and services, which run the gamut from business cards to catalogues. Click here for detailed information on over 60 products and services.
· a magic colouring book (You just had to be there!)
Whether it's announcements or annual reports, postcards or posters, contact José and discover why Minuteman Press is "the first and last step in printing."
Website: dtvancouver.minutemanpress.ca
Email: jjordonez@minutemanpress.com
phone: 604.685.0016
fax: 604.685.0216
1348 Burrard Street · Vancouver, BC
Minuteman Press
BNI Connections' go-to full service printer José Juan Ordóñez treated members and guests to an informative and enjoyable presentation which included:
· a bit of personal background (A married father of three boys, José speaks Spanish, English, German and French. Prior to embarking on his printing career, he managed an amusement park, voted by Applause Awards as the world's best from 2008 to 2010!)
· an overview of the Minuteman franchise (With over 950 locations worldwide, Minuteman was rated Number One in the industry by Entrepreneur Magazine in its January 2010 issue.)
· a brief history of print (Developed by Johann Gutenberg, the printing press has been declared the most important invention of the second millennium. Take that, IBM!)
· an explanation of how offset and digital printing differ (Offset printing involves an inked image being transferred - i.e. offset - from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. The digital process applies a digital based image directly to various media; it's a great choice for short run jobs in monochrome or colour.)
· a comprehensive list of products and services, which run the gamut from business cards to catalogues. Click here for detailed information on over 60 products and services.
· a magic colouring book (You just had to be there!)
Whether it's announcements or annual reports, postcards or posters, contact José and discover why Minuteman Press is "the first and last step in printing."
Website: dtvancouver.minutemanpress.ca
Email: jjordonez@minutemanpress.com
phone: 604.685.0016
fax: 604.685.0216
1348 Burrard Street · Vancouver, BC
22 September 2010
This Week's Presenter Is...
Claire LeLacheur - Realtor, Prompton Real Estate
For someone who, by her own admission, has been known "cuss like a sailor", realtor Claire LeLacheur unfailingly delivers a lively, informative and PG-friendly presentation. It was easy enough to understand Claire's frustration and its attendant vocabulary restraint as she debunked myths and discussed the media's alarmist approach to all things Vancouver real estate.
One media-perpetuated misunderstanding centers around the term "HST free". Advertising re-sale style property (e.g. a previously owned house as opposed to one that has yet to be built) as "HST free" is like pitching water as "calorie-free", Claire explained. The various services involved with buying real estate, however, are subject to the new tax, as are newly built properties.
Another popular issue is the much-hyped 30% decline in sales. While there is some truth to sales having declined significantly over the past several years, what these articles fail to emphasize is the fact that property prices remain stable.
For a particularly insightful take on the Vancouver housing market, see Claire's blog post "Doom and Gloom and Bursting Housing Bubbles Again?" It contains a Vancouver Sun article by Chris McInnes whose last paragraph is, Clarie maintains, the best and most realistic:
Is a three-point increase in interest rates over the next few years more likely than a major price correction? I think so, but lacking a crystal ball, I still believe the best advice is to give up trying to time the ups and downs of the housing market. I think the best advice is to buy a home when you can afford it and you find one you like. After a few decades, you'll still have a home, no matter what kind of investment it turns out to be.
So, thinking of buying a home? Don't be ruled by fear. Click here to receive a free copy of Claire's book, A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Any Confusing Market.
Ultimately, whether you're looking to buy or sell real estate, it's a great idea to contact Claire. Remember: In any market, experience counts.
Website: www.thinkclaire.com
Email:claire1@shaw.ca
phone: 604-649-9253
fax: 604-255-1510
For someone who, by her own admission, has been known "cuss like a sailor", realtor Claire LeLacheur unfailingly delivers a lively, informative and PG-friendly presentation. It was easy enough to understand Claire's frustration and its attendant vocabulary restraint as she debunked myths and discussed the media's alarmist approach to all things Vancouver real estate.
One media-perpetuated misunderstanding centers around the term "HST free". Advertising re-sale style property (e.g. a previously owned house as opposed to one that has yet to be built) as "HST free" is like pitching water as "calorie-free", Claire explained. The various services involved with buying real estate, however, are subject to the new tax, as are newly built properties.
Another popular issue is the much-hyped 30% decline in sales. While there is some truth to sales having declined significantly over the past several years, what these articles fail to emphasize is the fact that property prices remain stable.
For a particularly insightful take on the Vancouver housing market, see Claire's blog post "Doom and Gloom and Bursting Housing Bubbles Again?" It contains a Vancouver Sun article by Chris McInnes whose last paragraph is, Clarie maintains, the best and most realistic:
Is a three-point increase in interest rates over the next few years more likely than a major price correction? I think so, but lacking a crystal ball, I still believe the best advice is to give up trying to time the ups and downs of the housing market. I think the best advice is to buy a home when you can afford it and you find one you like. After a few decades, you'll still have a home, no matter what kind of investment it turns out to be.
So, thinking of buying a home? Don't be ruled by fear. Click here to receive a free copy of Claire's book, A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Any Confusing Market.
Ultimately, whether you're looking to buy or sell real estate, it's a great idea to contact Claire. Remember: In any market, experience counts.
Website: www.thinkclaire.com
Email:claire1@shaw.ca
phone: 604-649-9253
fax: 604-255-1510
10 September 2010
This Weeks Presenter Is....
Naz Degan, Matchmaker
Divine Intervention Matchmaking
Matchmaker extraordinaire Naz Degan brings to Divine Intervention a worldly sensibility and a resolve to search "anywhere and everywhere" to find those perfect someones for her clients. After graduating from university with a major in Psychology, she moved to London, England to pursue post-graduate studies in Events Marketing.
Inspired by European joie de vivre, Naz found herself pondering that there was more to life than the fast-paced, career-driven pursuit of success so prevalent in North America. After all, where's the fun in success if you have no one to share and enjoy it with?
Determined to help busy professionals find meaningful, long-term relationships, Naz returned to Vancouver and established Divine Intervention with her business partner, Susan Semeniw. So why would successful, attractive, busy professionals need matchmaking services? The answer is in the question: Because they're busy. Even online dating is time-consuming, and frustration ensues when, after that investment of time, the parties meet in real life only to find their chemistry amounts to zilch.
Divine Intervention meticulously screens and follows up on their clientele. Armed with knowledge of exactly the qualities they're looking for, the matchmakers attend a host of events and fearlessly approach ringless individuals. Highly discreet and discerning, Divine Intervention offers services that include unwavering personal coaching and support to build self-confidence.
With a 60% success rate (i.e. matches resulting in long-term relationships), Divine Intervention is an infinitely better choice than your "mother's neighbour's unwed cousin." So send your busy single friend to divinematchmaking.ca. Who knows? You might be dancing at his wedding soon!
Naz Degan
Web: www.divinematchmaking.ca
Email: naz@divinematchmaking.ca
Tel: 604.649.9564
Fax: 604.564.0866
Divine Intervention Matchmaking
Matchmaker extraordinaire Naz Degan brings to Divine Intervention a worldly sensibility and a resolve to search "anywhere and everywhere" to find those perfect someones for her clients. After graduating from university with a major in Psychology, she moved to London, England to pursue post-graduate studies in Events Marketing.
Inspired by European joie de vivre, Naz found herself pondering that there was more to life than the fast-paced, career-driven pursuit of success so prevalent in North America. After all, where's the fun in success if you have no one to share and enjoy it with?
Determined to help busy professionals find meaningful, long-term relationships, Naz returned to Vancouver and established Divine Intervention with her business partner, Susan Semeniw. So why would successful, attractive, busy professionals need matchmaking services? The answer is in the question: Because they're busy. Even online dating is time-consuming, and frustration ensues when, after that investment of time, the parties meet in real life only to find their chemistry amounts to zilch.
Divine Intervention meticulously screens and follows up on their clientele. Armed with knowledge of exactly the qualities they're looking for, the matchmakers attend a host of events and fearlessly approach ringless individuals. Highly discreet and discerning, Divine Intervention offers services that include unwavering personal coaching and support to build self-confidence.
With a 60% success rate (i.e. matches resulting in long-term relationships), Divine Intervention is an infinitely better choice than your "mother's neighbour's unwed cousin." So send your busy single friend to divinematchmaking.ca. Who knows? You might be dancing at his wedding soon!
Naz Degan
Web: www.divinematchmaking.ca
Email: naz@divinematchmaking.ca
Tel: 604.649.9564
Fax: 604.564.0866
09 September 2010
Intra Facebook Inbound Links - You Should Just "Like" Us!
Have you ever notice once you have "liked" a fan page on facebook, that once they start posting you have the option to comment on their post or to "like" it as well.
There are reasons for this and not just because we want to hear from you and your comments. (We really do like your coments!)
Google views these likes and comments as intra facebook inbound links. The more of these you have on your facebook fan page the more Google will see more reciprocal links between your Page and your Page’s fans. Google sees this as a stronger bond and creates a virtuous cycle of improved link weight from the indexed profile page stubs to your Page, and vice versa. Translation - Google likes it and makes your SEO (Search Engine Optimization Ranking) even bigger, meaning you get more fans who are not your Mother!
I have created a list of BNI Connections Members who have a facebook fan page. Go on! Click through, read the content and show the "like"!
Craig Boyd - Precision Athletics
Claire LeLacheur - Prompton Real Estate
Rowan Smith - The Mortgage Centre
Shannon Larson - Accupuncture
Erika Siverston - ERKA Interior Design
Kristie Thomas - Cranberries Spa
Sandy Huang - Pinpoint Tactics
Bart Bubak - Equilibrium Chiropractic
Christine Turner - The Frugal Traveler
Naz Degan - Divine Match Making
And of course not to forget - our own BNI Connections!
There are reasons for this and not just because we want to hear from you and your comments. (We really do like your coments!)
Google views these likes and comments as intra facebook inbound links. The more of these you have on your facebook fan page the more Google will see more reciprocal links between your Page and your Page’s fans. Google sees this as a stronger bond and creates a virtuous cycle of improved link weight from the indexed profile page stubs to your Page, and vice versa. Translation - Google likes it and makes your SEO (Search Engine Optimization Ranking) even bigger, meaning you get more fans who are not your Mother!
I have created a list of BNI Connections Members who have a facebook fan page. Go on! Click through, read the content and show the "like"!
Craig Boyd - Precision Athletics
Claire LeLacheur - Prompton Real Estate
Rowan Smith - The Mortgage Centre
Shannon Larson - Accupuncture
Erika Siverston - ERKA Interior Design
Kristie Thomas - Cranberries Spa
Sandy Huang - Pinpoint Tactics
Bart Bubak - Equilibrium Chiropractic
Christine Turner - The Frugal Traveler
Naz Degan - Divine Match Making
And of course not to forget - our own BNI Connections!
02 September 2010
The Power of Written Testimonial
I wanted to share this interesting little story about Testimonials from Ivan Misner, founder of BNI.
We’d been meeting about two months, and at the end of one meeting the chiropractor in our group came to me and said, “Ivan, I haven’t gotten a single referral yet. Now, I know it takes time, but here’s what concerns me: Nobody has even come up to talk to me or ask a question about chiropractic care. How can they refer me?”
I said, “You’re right. You’ve got to get them to use you so they can refer you. Why don’t you offer a free initial consultation to get them to come in and see what you do and how it works? Then they’ll be able to refer you.
“Here’s what you can do. At next week’s meeting, just stand up and offer everyone a free first visit—even throw in an X-ray and do an adjustment—so they can see what chiropractic care is all about.”
Of the chapter’s couple dozen members, only one guy said he’d visit the chiropractor.
The chiropractor came up to me at the end of the meeting and said, “Brilliant idea, Ivan. They didn’t exactly flock to me.”
The following week, the meeting was moving along nicely, we were passing referrals, and it came around to this guy who visited the chiropractor. He stood up, hesitated, looked at me, and said, “Ivan, I don’t have a referral today, but I don’t want to pass I’d like to say a few words.”
He said, “Well, I just want to talk about Dr. Rubin. I had an X-ray done. He showed me all around his facility, explained all the things that he did, and then he did an adjustment.
“I’ve had lower back pain for about seven years,” he said. “Nothing incapacitating, just a nagging ache that bothers me when I stand too long.
“For the first time in seven years, my back doesn’t hurt! You all are crazy if you don’t take him up on this offer! “I just wanted to say that,” he said, and sat down.
I looked around the room and saw people picking up pens and filling out referral slips for the chiropractor.
Looking at at the power of the BNI testimonial, it can work wonders for your business, but there are some key components to making it work for you:
1. Focus on One - don't share a laundry list of people's services that you have used. Focus on the one person and their attributes.
2. Be Specific - generalities does no one any good. Be very specific about the person and the services that you used and how it made your life easier, and what the member did right.
3. Give a First Person Endorsement - tell the chapter what it did for you. Tell people about how good you feel about what they did right.
4. Give it in Writing - there is nothing better then walking away from a BNI meeting with something in your hand that says you did good. Also it looks like the person giving the testimonial as put some thought and energy into what to say about you and your business.
Bonus Tip: Wouldn't it be great to take that written testimonial and put it on your linked in site, website, blog, twitter and facebook fan page?? That is the perfect marketing tool.
We’d been meeting about two months, and at the end of one meeting the chiropractor in our group came to me and said, “Ivan, I haven’t gotten a single referral yet. Now, I know it takes time, but here’s what concerns me: Nobody has even come up to talk to me or ask a question about chiropractic care. How can they refer me?”
I said, “You’re right. You’ve got to get them to use you so they can refer you. Why don’t you offer a free initial consultation to get them to come in and see what you do and how it works? Then they’ll be able to refer you.
“Here’s what you can do. At next week’s meeting, just stand up and offer everyone a free first visit—even throw in an X-ray and do an adjustment—so they can see what chiropractic care is all about.”
Of the chapter’s couple dozen members, only one guy said he’d visit the chiropractor.
The chiropractor came up to me at the end of the meeting and said, “Brilliant idea, Ivan. They didn’t exactly flock to me.”
The following week, the meeting was moving along nicely, we were passing referrals, and it came around to this guy who visited the chiropractor. He stood up, hesitated, looked at me, and said, “Ivan, I don’t have a referral today, but I don’t want to pass I’d like to say a few words.”
He said, “Well, I just want to talk about Dr. Rubin. I had an X-ray done. He showed me all around his facility, explained all the things that he did, and then he did an adjustment.
“I’ve had lower back pain for about seven years,” he said. “Nothing incapacitating, just a nagging ache that bothers me when I stand too long.
“For the first time in seven years, my back doesn’t hurt! You all are crazy if you don’t take him up on this offer! “I just wanted to say that,” he said, and sat down.
I looked around the room and saw people picking up pens and filling out referral slips for the chiropractor.
Looking at at the power of the BNI testimonial, it can work wonders for your business, but there are some key components to making it work for you:
1. Focus on One - don't share a laundry list of people's services that you have used. Focus on the one person and their attributes.
2. Be Specific - generalities does no one any good. Be very specific about the person and the services that you used and how it made your life easier, and what the member did right.
3. Give a First Person Endorsement - tell the chapter what it did for you. Tell people about how good you feel about what they did right.
4. Give it in Writing - there is nothing better then walking away from a BNI meeting with something in your hand that says you did good. Also it looks like the person giving the testimonial as put some thought and energy into what to say about you and your business.
Bonus Tip: Wouldn't it be great to take that written testimonial and put it on your linked in site, website, blog, twitter and facebook fan page?? That is the perfect marketing tool.
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