Handy Tools for Online Marketing and More

Happiness is working alone and being sociable online Last week, Anita Campbell of Small Business Trends released the results of an informal poll, asking me and 16 other business owners what social media site they preferred.

My choice was Twitter, as I talked about not too long ago, but there are other tools I find beneficial to counter working alone.

Facebook - Here’s where I present my biography/background, learn about and participate in teleseminars, and promote my latest blog posts and online videos, all in a space that’s free of charge and full of marketing potential.

Skype - This Internet telephone tool lets me connect with overseas friends and customers for free. You not only talk with them through a headset connected to your computer, you can also provide live tutorials to more than one person through the built-in video feature.

Ryze - I’ve not only met great business owners here but also expand my knowledge about other people’s marketing requirements and potential collaborations. Ryze isn’t lauded as much as current “noise makers,” but it still creates connections.

Gmail Talk - I can’t tell you how handy a side conversation becomes with someone who’s available to talk immediately, as the green dot next to a person’s name within Gmail confirms. This isn’t for everyone, as you won’t want some people to see that you’re accessible, but it has been an “I have an emergency question” lifesaver for me.

Why are these online networking tools and sites on my favorites’ list? They:

1. Let me quickly learn about other solo marketers’ projects, which gives me perspective on what to add, subtract, or consider for my own.
2. Allow me to connect quickly to ask a question or find help where I didn’t know it exists.
3. Keep me grounded, helping me to take a break during tense projects that are often draining when you work alone.

There are many more social media sites which you’ve probably joined. What’s appreciated about all of them is that they’re available when needed without disturbing your solitude.

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