Preparing for Podcasting News

Podcasting complements most marketing plans As I get ready to attend Podcamp NYC 2.0 next week, I’ve been reviewing my post from last year’s event and the small notebook I took with me to document tips and ideas.

The first page, from Greg Demetrick’s Podcasting 101 class, shares reasons why this audio application fits into a solo marketer’s plan.

Use podcasts to:

Read a chapter of your book

Repurpose written content

Try out jokes before going on stage

Give a list of your upcoming speaking engagements

Respond to questions about your products/services

Provide updates to previously-written instructions

What I realize about podcasting is that its automatic delivery fits the business model I’m forming. Once you record and upload it, no more work is needed outside of placing a link to the content on sites or blogs and creating new podcasts when necessary.

Learning how this tool has evolved in the past year and how podcasters deliver their messages is my first priority, which I’ll share here after the event.

Technorati Tags: solo business marketing, Podcamp NYC 2.0, small business marketing, podcasting

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April 16, 2008 | Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment

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.

Technorati Tags: small business marketing, Small Business Trends, solo business marketing, Skype, Ryze, Twitter, Facebook, Gmail Talk, solo entrepreneur

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April 15, 2008 | Filed Under Social Media | Leave a Comment

Niche Magazines Fill a Grand Void

Looking within smaller niches to find your audience Last week I met with a friend to brainstorm ideas on where she can promote her new blog and associates services.

I immediately suggested niche magazines that, as proven by statistics, are read by her potential customers.

A light bulb seemed to shine above her head the same way one lit above mine during a meeting with a different friend at a tea room.

As I mentioned the niche magazines that were familiar to me, I began thinking about how many of us only pursue well-known publications when promoting. However, when peeling back layers, you will find many new options to reach a specialized audience.

For example, I’ve sought and received exposure in Costco Connection, which reaches thousands of solo business owners. Getting press in that publication was a coup which brought me many sales throughout that year.

Be sure to find and contact lesser-known magazines that put you directly in front of your prospects. This one light bulb will brighten your vision to see new paths for great promotions.

Technorati Tags: small business marketing, niche magazines, solo business marketing, Costco Connection, solo entrepreneur, solo business owner

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April 14, 2008 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Offline Ideas | Leave a Comment

Marketing Planning 101 - A One Year Update

One year ago I talked about marketing planning and shared insightful excerpts from the book, Multiple Streams of Income, by Robert G. Allen.

I’m looking back at that post because I like to measure what I’ve planned versus how much I’ve progressed through my own advice.

It’s very easy to take market planning for granted, doing whatever task floats to the top without considering the long-term benefit of unglamorous projects that automate business in order to enjoy a more-fulfilling life.

My score card from one year ago? About a B-.

I’ve planned many of my business projects throughout 2008, and I’ve also created a streamlined process for organizing my receipts to make monthly reconciliations less taxing. That’s a huge change for the better, but it’s not enough.

One task that I will soon complete is automating more of the predictable marketing dilemmas. Not doing so has wasted a lot of my time.

There’s more on my agenda, but I’m still searching for the right solutions.

How has your marketing plan progressed since last year? What grade would you give yourself?

Technorati Tags: small business marketing, solo business marketing, marketing plans

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April 10, 2008 | Filed Under Solo Housekeeping | Leave a Comment

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