My Blog

Taking Advantage of What's Out There That's FREE

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:02:00 GMT

There are a large number of functions and seminars out there for small business that are FREE.

The question should be asked why don't more small businesses actually attend? Is it that free content isn't as valuable as paid seminars and events? Is it that some networkers have over exposure or poor skills that lead to lack of success?

I challenge you to attend a free event and participate and find the value. In tough times you can't get a better deal than the cost of your own time.

Attend a workcover seminar and you may qualify for a grant. Attend a networking function and you may gain new business and improve your profile.

Take advantage of what is free and pay for what you can't find offered free - you may find that you just need to invest your time rather than your funds...

Blogging For Results

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:14:00 GMT

There are a range of reasons shy we blog. The most beneficial one for most is to increase traffic to a website. Even in industries which have traditional marketing channels Blogging works.

Just one of our Blogs is receiving hits and increasing traffic to our site by 35% which is resulting in enquiries.

If you would like to know how you can blog up business - contact us

Fresh is Best

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Many businesses search for ways to increase their SEO without paying large fees for agencies to rank their site.

One of the most important components that Google looks at is fresh relevant keyword rich content. When was the site last updated? If your website has been sittting without change for a while consider updating your content. blog, post an announcement and watch your site rise in the organic search rankings.

Blogs Increase SEO Rankings and Hits

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:26:00 GMT

The Blog is a pwerful tool for business.

In reviewing site stats for several websites over the past 2 days a constant trend is appearing with Blogs being highly hit and driving business to websites and ultimately shopping carts. Given this information and that most people know a Blog is good for their website the question must be asked why don't we blog more for our businesses? If you would like a Blog on your website to drive your online business further contact us

Customer Relationships...

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:14:00 GMT

While explaining to a client why we should look after our existing customers I stopped and wondered why so many businesses chase after a new customer rather than looking after the one that you already have... So please when formulating a promotion keep the following in mind...

It is really important to offer your current clients the same or better than what you offer to a new customer... If you don't your existing customers can become disgruntled. It costs 7 x as much to get a new customer as it does to keep the ones you have so it makes good sense to have great communication and strong relationships with them.

Database

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:07:00 GMT

I constantly find that businesses simply don't understadn that their database is the lifeblood of their business.

Keeping an effective and accurate database means that your organisation can target your communications, manage your supply chain and be cost effective in your business.

If you haven't stopped and looked at the database which brings money into your business lately perhaps now is the time.

Effective communication with existing contacts is far more likely to lead to business than a costly campaign to find a new contact that may or may not lead to business.

Blogging Up Business

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:23:00 GMT

I attended a fascinating seminar at the Department of State and Regional Development. The Western Sydney IT Cluster event in North Parramatta was well attended and had some great presenters.

As I listened to the presenter speak about Blogs and other new web based communications I realised that many people haven't made the jump to Blogging. But when you get down to it Blogging can create business or break a business.

Have you ever looked at some of the articles posted about an appliance or a car you are thinking of buying? Have you ever wanted to scream in frustration when a company doesn't take your complaint seriously? Blogs can give you a way to scream louder and be heard by more people than ever before. It can influence people and create real life conversations about how good bad or indifferent a business, its people, products and services are. Remember that the only control that you have over what gets Blogged about your business is by providing excellence in quality and service.

A series of positive consumer Blogs can lead to greater business. Think of it as a real time unsolicited testimonial which people can read confident in the knowledge that you have not had the opportunity to edit, change or remove the customers comments.

Want to Blog but don't have the technology? Our content managed websites have easy to use Blog and Forum tools built in. Create a Blog and get people talking. Call in the team at BayView Group (Aust) today and exploit the opportunities that Blogs and other Web 2.0 technology offers to your business.
Marian Sampson

Nelson Bay and District Business Chamber

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:10:00 GMT

I have recently been accepted as a committee member for the Nelson Bay and District Business Chamber. I trust that my participation on this management committee is of benefit to the business community.

The Chamber offers businesses on the Tomarree Peninsula a range of resources and events. It will be launching a new website in the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Marian

Networking

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:42:00 GMT

Due to our recent relocation I have found myself back where I started to a certain degree when it comes to networking.

OK so it is easy to find out what's on and where... but I had forgotten what it is like to walk into the room and not know anyone at all! After building networks and networking at least 2-3 times a month in groups where I was a known face and often the one to help a new person by making introductions I now find the shoe is on the other foot once more.

Networking for beginners can be hard work and even for a seasoned serial networker like myself it can be daunting.

There are many different networks out there and you need to know that they are not all the same. They can be divided by gender (there are some great women in business networks out there), industry, business size and more....

When you find the network that's right for you and your business you will know it. It is important to remember that we are there to network - that doesn't mean to get at least 2 new clients or sell X amount of dead stock!

Networking is a very useful tool for business and it can result in sales of products and services but more often than not they are not instant.

I like to think as networking as an opportunity to meet other like minded business people who are working in the same environment as our business is. We often face the same challenges at the same times and we predominantly share information with each other.

At a recent Women in Manufacturing Lunch hosted by the NSW DSRD I met a group of inspirational women all in the world of manufacturing - one woman was there about to start out on her business - still in the R & D stages. It was really great to see all the women around the table offering valuable assistance to this fledgling enterprise. I know we enjoyed the chance to help and the the knowledge and advice was well received.

Department of State and Regional Development Mentoring

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:41:00 GMT

I am about to once again venture out into the world of mentoring. The Department of State and Regional Development offers several excelent mentoring programs. I will be participating in the Hunter Women In Business Mentoring Program.

The program matches experienced business persons with people who want to grow their knowledge to grow their business. As a mentor it is not to do or to tell it is to guide and advise and share the journey of success that comes from a well executed plan which is timely and goal oriented.