Innovation for Small Businesses: Chat Summary from 8/31/2010

Posted on August 31, 2010 by admin

How do small businesses work “outside the box”? What are the approaches small businesses take to innovation? Our chat focused on new ways to innovate and get the job done.

  • We’re on alternate Tuesdays (in the summer) from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on September 14, 2010.
  • You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
  • Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.
sbbuzz: Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz: Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
BeckyMcCray: Right now, you can join in on #sbbuzz and/or #agchat !
sbbuzz: Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
VR4SmallBiz: Hi, I’m Poppy the Social Media Manager at VerticalResponse, an email marketing service for small and medium sized business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Tonight we’re talking about best practices for small biz innovation. Let me know what you want included. #sbbuzz
stellel: Hi! I’m Christelle, part of the @batchblue innovation team… ;) What’s the buzz? #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: Hi, I’m Mike from Ruxter. We’re a self-service mobile marketing application for SMBs #sbbuzz
KitBook: Hello everyone, I’m David, co-founder of Edamar. We make and market the innovative KitBook for K-12 science classrooms. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Hi all! Pamela here from @batchblue and the hostess of #sbbuzz @mriggen brought us some pumkin beer for some extra innovationiveness :)
mriggen: @sbbuzz Hello all – I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom from @BatchBlue. We make software for small businesses. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: And hello to #sbbuzz, I write about small town business at SmallBizSurvival.com
bradfordshimp: Hi – Bradford here, trying to keep one eye on the chat tonight. Nice to see familiar and new faces. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @pmohara I innovate better with delicious ales ;D #sbbuzz
KitBook: Hey, Bradford. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @BeckyMcCray Hi Becky! Nice to see you here. Will have to check out #agchat at some point! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q1 What does innovation mean for small businesses? #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: #sbbuzz Good evening. Joe Cascio, software developer. Lately, I’m interested in independent restaurants as small businesses.
KitBook: Q1 Often innovation means differentiation. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @agchat @beckymccray – She’s two-timing you ;) ! #agchat #sbbuzz
willdogs: #sbbuzz This is Will – former small business marketer, future Social Marketing Manager (9/1/10!). Sorta lurking in the chat this evening :)
bradfordshimp: @KitBook Hey David, nice to see you! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: Q1 – Innovation can equal survival. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: @sbbuzz Small businesses can innovate better than big biz because they’re agile and not so damned risk-averse. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q1 For us, innovation has meant creativity, flexibility and trying cool new things we’re not sure will be successful. #sbbuzz
EddieMill: #sbbuzz Q1 Man, does the established hierarchy of business bother me. Small and social businesses really have the advantage in innovation!
stiggy1: testing, exploring, evolving and never settling for good enough. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: @sbbuzz Q1 I think @bradfordshimp got it right: Innovation means the future for small businesses. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q1 (cont.) Coming from a big corp., I LOVE how owning a small business gives you the freedom to try exciting new things. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @EddieMill I agree! Used to hate getting ideas approved by Legal, who half the time never even wrote back. Where’s the fun in that?! #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: Re: Q1: It means SMBs leveraging tools in a way that has been previously unavailable to them. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q2 Do you think small businesses have an advantage in innovating? Why? #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I think in general terms SMB are more agile #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: Re Q2: Faster decision making. Fewer voices. Usually less risk. Certainly less legal. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: Q2 – Yes, in that they have more flexibility and are closer to the pulse of their customer. No in that they have smaller budgets. #sbbuzz
willdogs: @sbbuzz Q2: Small businesses have the advantage of not having to struggle with red tape and stiff hierarchies. High Flexibility. #sbbuzz
JoeCrockett: @bradfordshimp Those smaller budgets can drive some very inventive solutions #sbbuzz
EddieMill: Happening on twitter: #barackobama speech on Iraq, #agchat weekly farm SM talk, #sbbuzz for small business. Meanwhile, I’m fixing a bike.. E
CathyWebSavvyPR: Sorry 2 b late – 20 yr PR pro who let her inner geek girl ou of closet to helpother small biz owners; just started @ChatHelp #sbbuzz
willdogs: @JoeCrockett Sort of a “starving artist” effect. Having no marketing budget turned me on to social media. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: Q2. Small businesses may have an advantage in listening that leads to innovation, as well as speed of execution. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A1 Innovation 4 small biz means that you can take new %26 creative approaches to solving problems #sbbuzz
pmohara: I think small budgets are the root of much innovation. You have to do next thing before mainstream catches on. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q2 I think so, but also means higher risk. Good to be conservative with spending until proven to help you meet goals. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: Q2 RT @JoeCrockett: Those smaller budgets can drive some very inventive solutions #sbbuzz
EddieMill: #sbbuzz I worked for a few small business bosses that don’t listen to suggestions. If they are open to new power then yes definitely. Q2
jamesdalman: Smaller businesses also have a better mindset to listen, change, adapt. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
JoeCrockett: Small biz owners have to listen, brainstorm, work hard in ways that large co’s often don’t feel the need to #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A2 -in this market a small biz can adapt %26 innovate like a sports car vs big co which is like turning a cruise ship #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A1 – however in thsi economy – smll biz can be close to the edge,if you inovate 2 far ahead, may lose custmer base #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q3 What is the most innovative thing you have done in your business? #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I am a bit late tonight, What is the Q and topic? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: @JoeCrockett That is true. Creativity thrives on a budget. #sbbuzz
kimatkmh: Smaller businesses have less politics and red tape to get things moving faster. #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: Q3: Launched! #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A2 Innovation %26 small business are an exploration of balance – forging ahead %26 keeping true 2 customer #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: @sbbuzz The most innovative thing I have done is to focus on really taking care of client’s needs. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @kimatkmh I hear that #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @mentormarketing Q3 What is the most innovative thing you have done in your business? #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q3 Well…we started a chat for small business owners on this thing called Twitter :) #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: I think when you put your client or customer first, it builds your brand. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @mentormarketing RT @sbbuzz: Tonight we’re talking about best practices for small biz innovation. Let me know what you want included #sbbuzz
mriggen: @jamesdalman In new ways? Or do you just feel that that is rare? #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: Hi @CathyWebSavvyPR, @bradfordshimp, @sbbuzz #sbbuzz
pmohara: Hi @mentormarketing! Topic tonight is Innovation. Current ? is asking for the most innovative things you’ve done in your business? #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: Q3. I have no idea what the most innovative thing I’ve done in my businesses is. Is that good or bad?? #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A1 – help a client start a twitter chat, (@smallbizchat Weds notes) %26 really connect w/ clients #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: Innovation, I am writing a press release on my 1st innovation It has to do with hands on marketing training in a production site. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @jamesdalman I agree – too many small biz start from “what is trength of founder” not what do clients need/want #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: @mriggen I believe that some people have just forgotten that your customer is the reason for your business. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @BeckyMcCray From seeing your tweets over time, I’m sure that you have done some innovating things! no question #sbbuzz
KitBook: There are two kinds of innovation 1. Product (or Service) and 2. Process. Process innovation is generally internal. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @BeckyMcCray Hmm, I think it warrants some thought. Maybe help see what’s worked, what hasn’t, what else you can do going forward… #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: We can talk innovation or technology, but what often gets forgotten is solid principles that have stood the test of time. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: @pmohara Hey TY for the update #sbbuzz
EddieMill: #sbbuzz talking innovation and networking, take some time to meet some local food policy folk meet #futureoflocal is another hash tag check^
BeckyMcCray: @mriggen That may be my new review question. What have we done that’s innovative? #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: back in the day, we took a 360 virtual tour panoramic of one of our newsrooms. it was one of a kind to our viewers. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: 1of my biz peeps is making a biz out of innovating – how 2 creatively connect brands w/ bloggers – not in same old same old ways #sbbuzz
pmohara: @jamesdalman we’ll make “solid principles” topic of the next discussion. :) #sbbuzz
mriggen: @jamesdalman Agree – although I would say “some companies” rather than people… #sbbuzz
mriggen: @BeckyMcCray I like that – would add “Was it successful? Why or why not?” I’m ready for my review :) ! #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: My innovation is to focus on what seems to have been lost. True customer service, relationships, pride in our work, etc. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @JulieDiazAsper Hi there – glad to see you here! #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: @mriggen We want to hear your answers, too! #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: A great read – Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: @jamesdalman That’s a small town attitude, isn’t it? ;) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q4 As a small business, do you focus on product or process innovation? (per @kitbook‘s point) #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: .@jamesdalman @ComcastCares has been a pioneer of that one – Twitter 4 custmer service = innovation #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: @BeckyMcCray Amen! That’s one reason we should learn from small towns and communities. :) #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: @sbbuzz isn’t each situation different though? #sbbuzz
mriggen: @BeckyMcCray I think our most successful innovation has been to co-found thesmallbusinessweb.com because of the great partnerships. #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: Q4: Product, always product. Process changes can come later. Sorry Mr. Deming. #sbbuzz
JulieDiazAsper: Done work around involving the customer in product development. Making them the co-creator. SM offers a gr8 opt to do this! #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: @CathyWebSavvyPR I think one should focus on improving their product and their process innovation equally. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: A4 ideally both – but product innovation often comes 1st – when u see oppty/bizlandscape shifting #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: @mriggen I think thesmallbusinessweb.com may be one of the biggest things ever. It’s a game changer. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @JulieDiazAsper don’t forget the question #! :) #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: @ruxtermobi But often it is processes that modify products. #sbbuzz
JulieDiazAsper: @ruxtermobi sometimes your product is a process change. its what drives your value #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: @ruxtermobi But if you have a great product and your process is horrible, you may not keep customers for very long. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q4 We focus mainly on product to respond to customer needs. Would love more process innovation as well to tighten things up. #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: Q4 part of my job as a consultant is to help my clients be innovative in their approach. that’s the fun part! #sbbuzz
EddieMill: A hashtag is a way to categorize twitter updates try #agchat #sbbuzz or #futureoflocal – what’s #barackobama up to? -EM
JulieDiazAsper: @CathyWebSavvyPR will do. nice to ssee you here too! #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q4 Innovation is a mindset not an exercise. We try to look at everything creatively – from product features to office furiture. #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: @CathyWebSavvyPR isn’t that such a fun discovery phase ? seeking seeds of innovation is such a thrill regardless the product. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @BrandDynamite that’sa ni intriguing idea – developing an innovative way to – innovate sm biz process #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: @JulieDiazAsper putting my past consultant hat on, most definitely. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: A4: We try to focus on product deliver process, for example creating a new way to deliver marketing training. #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: Every company big and small should have an innovation hall…a chamber of limitless innovation, brainstorm and no biases. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: Q4 – for service based biz, the product is often the process. They are at least tied very closely. Fun area to innovate. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q5 what can we do as small biz owners to foster more innovation within our companies & with each other? #sbbuzz
JulieDiazAsper: @ruxtermobi ex-consultant too. like being a more hands-on small biz gal now #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: Q5. I have to go with @pmohara ‘s point about mindset: you want more innovation? Make it a part of everything. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @sbbuzz Q5 I think forum’s like the more than 170%2B Twitter chats http://bit.ly/chatlist are a great way 2 foster innovation #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: A5 Honest and open communication can help us to foster more innovation for biz – as well as listening to our community. #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: @rotolo thx for the RT. #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: @JulieDiazAsper absolutely! #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: A5: Innovation as a primary goal, Ask yourself at every step, is there a way to turn this upside down w/o slowing the process. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz Q5 Share your stories w/others, communicate in different places, support & encourage others who are trying something new. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: Q5 management needs to listen to front office staff as well as dept heads. Often the front line knows customer’s needs #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: Q5 – Communicate. With each other (employees, network) and with customers. Blog, tweet, go to events, etc. Get out of your head. #sbbuzz
pmohara: @BeckyMcCray Exactly. Everything you do is innovative, Becky. Its like asking you to pick your favorite cow. :) #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: And now I must run! Thanks both #agchat and #sbbuzz for letting me chime in!
jamesdalman: See you later Becky! #sbbuzz
JulieDiazAsper: Q5: look at relevant models from other industries. adapt them for ur biz. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q5 If you want to be innovative, hang around w/@mriggen & @beckymccray. They set the standard. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @BeckyMcCray Good to see you! great info as always #sbbuzz
pmohara: Ooh – I also like @bradfordshimp‘s “get out of your head”!! #sbbuzz
JulieDiazAsper: Q5: Talk to new people to get new ideas. Meet up w/ local biz contacts to swap ideas. Someone totaly not in ur biz ! #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @pmohara Another example of innovation – @Peterhankman %26 @HARO – www.HelpaReporter.com – new biz model worked #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @pmohara I agree – #sbbuzz
mriggen: @CathyWebSavvyPR Totally agree, @haro is brilliant! #sbbuzz
EddieMill: #sbbuzz my new industry is- sheep and goats for homeowners! Do you have a fenced in backyard and a need for family food security? @eddiemill
sbbuzz: Thanks to everyone for all the great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
sbbuzz: If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
mriggen: @pmohara Thanks!! @Beckymccray, we’ll have to toast the Bee at #140confsmalltown #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp: I provide advice and ideas for savvy small biz owners over at http://allbizanswers.com – Check it out. #sbbuzz
mriggen: @sbbuzz I’m going to promote two very innovative young Providencian filmmakers: Flick & Flack! http://bit.ly/bGTS0F #sbbuzz
KitBook: KitBooks are innovative, award-winning, hands-on science products for K-12 classrooms http://www.KitBook.com #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: Pitch: New site %26 Twitter acct @ChatHelp – hosts: send topics/date/time 4 RTing; peeps – send newbie chatters %26 find a new chat! #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: Need Personal Attention? Jump-start your online business? We work with you 1on1 http://bit.ly/eMentorMrktg #sbbuzz
mriggen: @bradfordshimp I’m a big fan of your work ;) ! #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: The 140 Pitch: Ruxter makes mobile marketing available to any budget with free mobile optimized websites %26 low-cost texting. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Thanks all – I love this topic. Great to hear everyone’s creative ideas! Please come again next week! #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: @CathyWebSavvyPR Wow Your service sounds like it will be super useful. #sbbuzz
jamesdalman: I write the songs that make the whole world sing! LOL #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @sbbuzz @pmohara: – have you listed @SBBuzz / #SBBuzz on the big chat list – if so I missed it: http://bit.ly/chatlist #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: #sbbuzz will be resuming the weekly schedule next week. Goodbye summer, our old friend.
jamesdalman: Great ideas, people, and input here! Thank you for letting me be a part. #sbbuzz
willdogs: @pmohara It was certainly interesting! I’ll try to keep up. Next week, I’ll be further south and at my new job. Thanks! #sbbuzz
UTMfgExt: KitBooks are innovative, award-winning, hands-on science products for K-12 classrooms http://www.KitBook.com #sbbuzz /via @KitBook
sbbuzz: @CathyWebSavvyPR No – thanks for the tip! #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi: @sbbuzz Goodbye summer, but thanks for another great chat! #sbbuzz
gardenofwords: RT @mentormarketing: Need Personal Attention? Jump-start your online business? We work with you 1on1 http://bit.ly/eMentorMrktg #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR: @pmohara %26 @SBBuzz thanks for a great chat – innovation %26 small biz – a great fall warm up… #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: #sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night 8-9 PM ET by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
CathyWebSavvyPR: @sbbuzz no problem – the big chat list was created by @spkrinteractive @twchat – I’m trying 2 gather more info 4 it #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: Yeah! @batchblue, A solid platform. I should do an interview with you all, Look me up this week. #sbbuzz
BrandDynamite: I provide niche Brand You storytelling and writing for clients. Over already? I thought it went to 10PM Eastern. #sbbuzz
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Innovation Nation

Posted on August 31, 2010 by admin

We’ve had a short hiatus the past few weeks as the @batchblue crew took some time off for wilderness travel and new baby welcoming.  But we are are back at it with our creative juices flowing ready to talk about the approaches small businesses take to innovation.  From product development to marketing efforts, innovative approaches to running your business can mean niche differentiation, cost savings, and increased publicity.  Plus trying new things tends to be much more fun.  So join us tonight as we brainstorm ways to think, act and live outside the environmentally unfriendly, constrictive and boring old BOX.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 – 9:00 PM EDT to discuss creative ways to get innovative with your small business.

Posted in business start-up, Leadership, small business | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Vacation Strategies for Small Business Owners: Chat Summary from 8/10/2010

Posted on August 10, 2010 by admin

How do small small business owners take vacation time? How do you enjoy it and keep the business running while you are gone?

  • We’re on alternate Tuesdays (in the summer) from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on August 24, 2010.
  • You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
  • Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.
sbbuzz: Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz: Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz: Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: from ContentMasteryGuide.com and author of the upcoming Write Your Way to More Clients Online (Sept 2010) –> intro for #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Hello, all! Long time no talk! My name is Rob Zazueta and I handle partner developer relations at VerticalResponse. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Hi all – Pamela here from @batchblue and the hostess of #sbbuzz. Returning from fabulous vacation in last week in Maine!
ginabee: Good evening, All! Gina here from WriteyTidy.com creative content creation. I’m glad to join in the festivities tonight! #sbbuzz
smitty1966: Hi all hope to jump in for a bit. #sbbuzz. Jeff here from @edupros. I’m the technology guy.
stellel: Hi, I’m Christelle, Customer Experience for @batchblue. I hope everyone has been enjoying their vacations! #sbbuzz
samuraivt: #sbbuzz I’m Anthony owner of Samurai Virtual Tours we help businesses be more successful by capturing, creating, and communicating.
mentormarketing: I have no pitch tonight, the site is down, but you all shuld follow me, I have 8 new blog posts ready to publish this week. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Tonight we’re talking about small biz owner’s vacation time – how to enjoy it & keep the biz running while you are gone . #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Hi everyone – Scott from the Customer Experience team @batchblue #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @sbbuzz perfect I am doing a post on keeping your biz running while you are on vacation for later this month #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Please send me any questions you would like included in the discussion. #sbbuzz
RevAngela: Hi everyone @RevAngela of Blessings All Around (Mobile Officiant) in Long Beach #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I am hoping that my mrktg associate will be up to speed in time for my vacation. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: And now, on with the show. Q1 How often do you take vacation? Do you make it a priority to get away from your work? #sbbuzz
RevAngela: Is there a way to post to more than 1 twitter account at once? I want to post to my personal, biz & church account at the same time #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q1: When I was independent, we broke our vacations down into weekends. Also all we could afford. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @RevAngela One choice to post to multiple social medial places is to use Ping.fm #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: @RevAngela you can post from more than one Twitter account at a time using Tweetdeck. See, it’s like seeing double! :) #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I take 2 weeks in April, I take 2 weeks in Sept or October and I take 2 weeks at year end. #sbbuzz
pmohara: @RevAngela you can post from more than one Twitter account at a time using Tweetdeck. See, it’s like seeing double! :) #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I lose my mojo if I don’t step away. #sbbuzz
samuraivt: A1 #sbbuzz Don’t vacation as often as we’d like. We make it a priority to get a least one day per week away from work.
RisingStarIdeas: Q1 I haven’t had a “real” vacation in 3 years. Really meaning no laptop or mobile phone , just plain ole relaxing #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q1 – I think you have to if at all possible. We used to be pretty consistent but not as much lately. #sbbuzz
RevAngela: @pmohara Yes, I’ve been using Tweetdeck. Didn’t know if there was something else out there. Looks like I’m on the right track. Thx! #sbbuzz
ginabee: Q1- Back when I was a daycare provider, no workey meant no $. Now that I’m a freelancer, I have more freedom, but no time! #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @mentormarketing I love your vacation schedule. #sbbuzz
RevAngela: Going on vacation next week. I promised myself to only check my mail once a day. Twitter – cant keep away fr too long…LOL #sbbuzz
pmohara: I take 5/6 weeks per year & require staff to. I think it is hugely important to take a break – and set the precedence for my team #sbbuzz
RevAngela: @risingstarideas Thanks for that idea. I will look into it. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Getting away helps me regroup & helps the company cope w/o me. Same for the team – we appreciate people more when they are gone. #sbbuzz
RevAngela: @samuraivt Me too. I feel it helps me appreacite both work and away time. #sbbuzz
rzazueta: It’s SO easy to get burned out on your own. The long term value of a vacation is probably more than if you had worked the week. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q2 from @risingstarideas Do you delagate tasks (like answering email, tweeting, answering phones) to a VA or other team? #sbbuzz
gardenofwords: I’ve started taking Saturdays off. Makes a HUGE difference to my quality of life. #sbbuzz
gardenofwords: I’m dreaming of a trip to Peru, Mexico or Costa Rica WITHOUT INTERNET to REALLY get away from it all. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Jumping in hello! I do long weekends or go away Weds to Weds–then not gone a complete work week. #sbbuzz
rongraham1: There’s really only one thing that takes precedence for me over work: time with my kids. Which I don’t get enough of, because… #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @BlakeGroup What do you like better about going away from Wednesday-to-Wednesday? #sbbuzz
pmohara: Tough for service business- not working means not billing. So charge double the week you’re back since work will be much better :) #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q2: I don;t, but I’m interested in the idea of a VA. Never sure I can afford one, though… #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @BlakeGroup Nice, I see! #sbbuzz
rzazueta: (bring on the @ replies from the VAs in the audience ;-) ) #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Q2 With iPhone + laptop, usually little need to delegate. But if in middle of big project, hire back-up so clients feel secure. #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q2 Vacation never meant getting away from those things. They could sometimes be delayed but never avoided entirely. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q2 Rather than auto-replies, I ask our CS team to monitor my incoming messages from customers So they still get personal response. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I am a master delegater #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @scoblitz but are you really on vacation if you don’t get away from the email, phone, internet, etc? #sbbuzz
pmohara: @scoblitz I agree – and have been known to check in from afar just to prevent a huge backlog. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @RisingStarIdeas I was just typing the same thing! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q3 When on vacation, do you completely disengage? If not, does it count as vacation? #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @RisingStarIdeas It depends if we’re doing it because we enjoy the connection (e.g., Twitter) or out of anxiety (email piling up). #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @RisingStarIdeas maybe not as much as I always would have liked to have been – but it was unavoidable. Things couldn’t just stop. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @sbbuzz Some days, Twitter IS my vacation! #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Q3 As an indie, I’m rarely out of contact for more than a day. Price I pay for much more day-to-day freedom + worth it! #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q3 – I’ve done both. Depends on what is going on at work & my connectedness. If I do check in, it is very limited. #sbbuzz
rongraham1: @rzazueta, I know what @iTaskVirtually charges. But I’m not sure I’m allowed to say openly. You could check her out… :-) #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q3: I do my darnedest, but there are things that need my immediate attention no matter where I am. Amen for “smart” phones. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I usually check in 1x a day to make sure I have everything delegated. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @BlakeGroup Maybe sad, but true :) #sbbuzz
ginabee: Q3 – When my biz was at home & I wasn’t, there was nothing to miss. Haven’t had a vacation yet as a freelancer when biz continues… #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @lindadessau great minds think alike? I say it doesn’t count as a vacation if you do work. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @JodyPadarCPA Hey Jody! Yeah, I guess I am! #sbbuzz
ryankuder: @sbbuzz We call it a “work-cation”. #sbbuzz #q3
lindadessau: @RisingStarIdeas Then there’s the whole “a change is as good as a rest” theory. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @ryankuder Sounds too much like work to me ;) #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: A3 the problem is we are so connected now. Smartphones are both a blessing and a curse. How do you disengage with a smartphone? #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Q3 Yes, we all need to refresh mentally but if U love what U do, working isn’t punishment so OK to work a bit on vacation. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: @RisingStarIdeas I made a point not to have a smartphone, all i can do on my phone is talk. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: A3 BTW, I just purchased a Droid. What does that say about me, I want to be more connected or better connected? LOL #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @RisingStarIdeas That’s why I didn’t get a smartphone. I got a netbook for when I truly have to work remotely, but NOT in transit. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @BlakeGroup Nice, yes! #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q4: Anything that can be scheduled ahead of time (email campaigns, tweets, etc.) should be set up before you go. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @mentormarketing Hey, me too! I even made them shut off the text messaging – phone neanderthals unite! #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q4: Tweetdeck makes this easy for social media stuff. VerticalResponse *ahem* can do it for email campaigns. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Totally agree! Rt @lindadessau @RisingStarIdeas Then there’s the whole “a change is as good as a rest” theory. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: But there are times when you are away its nice to do a little work. Like at US Open watching tennis ( my annual treat) not a vaca #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @BlakeGroup I like to vacation a bit while at work – is that the same? #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q4 My Droid Incredible & the cloud. Hmm, I guess I only need 2 things. :) #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: @lindadessau @mentormarketing WOW I can’t imagine being that cut off. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I don’t even have cell service at home RT @RisingStarIdeas: @lindadessau @mentormarketing WOW I can’t imagine being that cut off. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @RisingStarIdeas @mentormarketing Well, I don’t get out all that much, so it’s okay ;) When I do, I’ll be back soon enough. #sbbuzz
stellel: @sbbuzz: Q4 from @risingstarideas What are the top 3 tools solo/small biz need to keep things running while away? #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: well Guys it was good touching base this week, but I am going to jmp off early to work on the site. Ciao #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q5 What are your tricks for catching up after a vacation? How do you get back up to speed quickly? #sbbuzz
lindadessau: Q4: I like HootSuite for pre-scheduling. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Q4 smartphone, laptop or flash drives, good person for backup just in case (can even trade this w/ another indie)! #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q5: Accept your limitations – you’re not going to get it all done in a day. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @sbbuzz Q5 I use the Email Triage technique from @CharlieGilkey – I used it tonight to quickly clear 50+ emails before the chat. #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Q5: Block out a couple of hours first thing in the morning to do nothing but return calls an plow through email. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: Excellent point! RT @rzazueta: Q5: Accept your limitations – you’re not going to get it all done in a day. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Q5 If I’ve kept up w/ email, not a bad re-entry. Go thru snail mail, contact clients + suggest meeting (to emphasize I’m around). #sbbuzz
ginabee: Q5 – I list my transition plans & ease back in as gracefully as possible. It’s all about the lists & prioritizing what’s on them. #sbbuzz
stellel: RT @lindadessau: what’s the Email Triage technique ? #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @rzazueta Yes, I think it’s key to block out time the first day back – no appointments, gentle expectations. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q5 I use Gmail stars to first read through ALL my messages and then prioritize. Helps me tackle urgent stuff first. #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q5 I’d rather spend a little time on vacation keeping up than face this upon return. Much less stressful overall. #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @stellel It’s a four-step process to get through a ton of email when it stacks up on you (http://ht.ly/2nQFX). #sbbuzz
rzazueta: @lindadessau Exactly – try to save the vacation buzz for as long as you can. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Believe it or not, we are at the end of our chat – what we call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
ginabee: @rzazueta ooh…vacation buzz! I smell a new twitter chat coming on! #sbbuzz
lindadessau: Need to create more masterful content for your newsletter or blog? http://www.contentmasteryguide.com (pitch time on #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: A5 Outlook rules to seperate emails & a different email for personal stuff & other alerts. This way no pressure to review everything #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Wow, all good things come to an end… #sbbuzz
lindadessau: @sbbuzz Thanks for having us, this was another great chat. Good night, everyone! #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: Amy here–I provide creative services (design, writing, soc med etc) for clients in utilities, healthcare, high tech, education. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: A5 sometimes we (espeically women) forget “Just because it has to get done, doesn’t mean you have to do it!” Delegate- no catchup #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Sorry there was no #sbbuzz blog post/e-mail reminder today – one of the things that did not make my post-vacation top priority list. :)
sbbuzz: Thanks to everyone for all the great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
RisingStarIdeas: My biz.. show you how to spend less and make more online for your small biz #sbbuzz
rzazueta: Pitch: Provide email marketing services to your clients? Check out the VerticalResponse partner Program! http://bit.ly/dcRI3T #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: #sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night 8-9 PM ET by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
lindadessau: @sbbuzz Good example of prioritizing – more important that we had YOU here! #sbbuzz
stellel: Great chat everyone! Good night! #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup: TY to @Sbbuzz + @pmohara for great #sbbuzz! Thanks to @lindadessau @scoblitz + everyone for super convo!
pmohara: Thanks all – hope you enjoyed this Twitter vacation tonight! :) #sbbuzz
ginabee: Content creativity can be yours! http://www.writeytidy.com/ I use my words to tell your story! #sbbuzz
rzazueta: G’Night, everyone! Great Chat!!! #sbbuzz
Posted in small business, social media | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Small Business Sales Best Practices: Chat Summary from 7/27/2010

Posted on July 27, 2010 by admin

What are the best practices for a small business sales effort? How do you get the best results? Read some new ideas in the chat transcript from our discussion.

  • We’re on alternate Tuesdays (in the summer) from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on August 10, 2010.
  • You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
  • Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.
sbbuzz: Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz: Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
ginabee: Hello everyone! Happy to join the chat. Gina w/ your content creativity solutions here! Tonight I learn. http://www.writeytidy.com #sbbuzz
lindadessau: Hi folks! I help small biz owners write masterful content for their newsletters and blogs http://ht.ly/1Z0o0 (Intro for #sbbuzz)
pmohara: Hi & welcome to all! Pamela here from @batchblue and hostess of #sbbuzz. Having network probs, so rebooting. Hope I come out the other side
TraceyHolinka: I?m a web designr/developr @chaostoclarity. I show small biz & freelancers how 2 take advantage of the web. #chaostoclarity #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Hi there! Liz J here, Partner Marketing Manager @VR4SmallBiz – I work on the BusDev team & I support our partner sales team #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: Hello, all! I’m an entrepreneur in Oklahoma. Long time no #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: hello everyone I need more info abou sales. You can follow me for T.I.P.S. Tools for Improved Profit and Success #sbbuzz
PreciseAgency: We an advertising, PR company influencing pop culture through advertising. #sbbuzz
stellel: Hi, I’m Christelle, Customer Experience for @batchblue #sbbuzz
PintopPro: Hello everybody! Arelthia of @PintopPro, wordpress designer/developer/teacher. #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Scott Blitstein – Customer Experience at @batchblue – prepared to be all salesy and stuff tonight. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I am Chief Mentor and Bottle washer at emenotrmarketing.com, looking forward to tonights chat. #sbbuzz
ryankuder: Nice to meet you #sbbuzz. My name’s Ryan and I’m VP of Marketing for @Bizzy. First time here, so I’ll probably do a lot of listening.
JoeCascio: #sbbuzz Does anyone use Personalized URLs for marketing? These are essential personalized landing pages.
mentormarketing: New Customers, trick 1 find out where they hang out, trick 2 fill a need. #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: re: Q1 – referrals are most valuable. 1 Happy customer is better than 500 cold-call numbers (sorry for all the typos) #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray: @JoeCascio define “personalized URLs”? I create specific urls for specific landing pages, but not sure what else you mean? #sbbuzz
ginabee: @foodiegrl I love referrals too! In their absence, I resort to networking with fellow writers. Amazing what they can provide! #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: Q1 Everything comes to me via Twitter and my social networking connections. #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: @ginabee “The Referral Engine” is a must-read – by @ducttape #sbbuzz
ryankuder: For the new guy–what kinds of small businesses are here? I imagine there are different needs based on type of business. #sbbuzz
ginabee: @foodiegrl Thanks – I’ll track it down! #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: A1: I pick pocket new customers for my consulting gig, by finding projects in distress and hijaking them, My #1 lead to close ratio #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: @BeckyMcCray Per-customer urls like: http://mysmallbiz.com/beckymccray #agchat #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: @joecascio – agreed re Q1 – Happy customers are the seed, but social networks are the soil (and the water and the sun)! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q2 What is your process for educating prospective clients about your product or service? #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: @foodiegrl Great analogy. You can’t expect overnight results. You’re planting seeds and good thing come to you in time. #sbbuzz
stellel: @sbbuzz Screencasts, webinars, super friendly Customer Service peeps… ;) #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q2 Lots of up-front data online if desired, coupled with quick response path if they just want to talk to someone. #sbbuzz
ginabee: Q2 Talking their ear off. Letting them see the value of what I can provide and how I can help them. #sbbuzz
pmohara: #sbbuzz Q2 our process is largely educational. IE, best way to teach our customers advantages of Twitter is to host a weekly chat #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q2) Nothing better than experience. Provide a positive result in every interaction. #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q2 Also, a super-awesome education site with extensive videos and new webinars every week #sbbuzz
JoeCascio: Q2 Give them a little free advice or help without any expectation or sense of obligation. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q3 How do you communicate with existing customers? How do you encourage their help in “word of mouthing”? #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q2 – archive everything – educational materials (whitepapers, recorded webinars, etc) are durable and scalable #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q3 Twitter for main corporate identity, but also empowering employees to do it on their own (hence why “@foodiegrl” is here) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Sorry for technical difficulties earlier – didn’t get a chance to mention topic is sales efforts best practices – send me any ?s #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Please stick around after #sbbuzz tonight to catch my live Twintrview at #twtv or http://twintrview.com (9-10 PM ET)
aptuscollab: @JoeCascio We do use PURLs in several companies. #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q3 also, enable viral at every turn- social share ur email contents, package tweets 2 b optimized 4 RTs, FB links in signature, etc #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: Q3 communicate with customers newsletter and social networking #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q3 my fave is to embed a “tweet this newsletter” link in my content and prepopulate the text for the reader-it’s a pretty easy hack #sbbuzz
stellel: @foodiegrl Good idea! #sbbuzz
scoblitz: @RisingStarIdeas Newsletters are a great way to inform and get eyes on your content #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Q4 Do you communicate with ex-customers? #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: A4: yes, they even do a decent job of sending referrals. #sbbuzz
prestonode: @sbbuzz Q2: Yes, I am partners with an ex-customer after 20 years #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: @prestonode wow – that is an awesome story #sbbuzz
prestonode: Oops I mean Q4: not 2: #sbbuzz
pmohara: Q4 who’s to say just because you were not the right for someone once, you won’t be next time. We get a LOT of returners #sbbuzz
ginabee: @mentormarketing Great point – who else knows the quality of your work better than those you’ve served before? #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: Q4 – what better way to learn for next time? We do periodic “churn surveys” – some have even resulted in “win-backs” #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: All – we are coming to a close soon. Sorry again for Twitter challenges, but thanks to everyone who stuck with us tonight! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
ryankuder: They’re not “ex-customers.” They’re just customers who haven’t come back yet. #A4 #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Don’t forget to come see my my live Twintrview at #twtv or http://twintrview.com starting soon #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: I provide a comprehensive resource for business pros who want to learn about online marketing – My newish video http://bit.ly/cP2EaO #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: #sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night 8-9 PM ET by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
scoblitz: @foodiegrl of course not – was great to get your insights! #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas: The Web Tools Wizard–Small biz tools guaranteed to save time & money. Gets, ideas, tips & reviews to grow your biz like magic! #sbbuzz
ryankuder: At @Bizzy, people create a list of their favorite businesses and get updates on deals, offers, tips, etc. Video at http://bizzy.com. #sbbuzz
pmohara: Thanks all for coming tonight! Come see me get Twintrviewed at #twtv or http://twintrview.com starting soon #sbbuzz
foodiegrl: @VR4SmallBiz provides award-winning direct marketing for SMB’s. We also partner w/ Salesforce, Intuit + others http://bit.ly/dBYAy3 #sbbuzz
ryankuder: Thanks for my first #sbbuzz chat. See you all again next Tuesday night. #sbbuzz
ginabee: Pitch: http://www.writeytidy.com I use my words to tell your story. Creative content creation for web, newsletters and much more! #sbbuzz
ginabee: @ryankuder I believe we are on an every other week summer schedule, so next one is in 2 weeks. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Yes – that’s right! RT @ginabee: @ryankuder I believe we are on an every other week summer schedule, so next one is in 2 weeks. #sbbuzz
mentormarketing: @ryankuder You asked what types of Biz we run, I run a handful. ecom consult, biz strategy, ORM, @MentorMarketing, menu consultant #sbbuzz
stellel: Night all! #sbbuzz
Posted in customers, sales, small business, summary, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Small Business Sales Best Practices

Posted on July 27, 2010 by admin

As a part of July’s month long Sales topic, tonight we will be chatting about some of the best practices for a small business sales effort.  We all know what we DON’T want our sales efforts to look like – the over zealous sales guy, the spray and pray numbers games or the sleestack conversion methods.  So we will spend the hour tonight discussing the things WE DO WANT TO DO.  And which ones get the best results.

And the rest of this week we will be publishing a few guest posts from #sbbuzz members with special insight into the small business sales process. Watch here from some creative ideas and sales tips.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 – 9:00 PM EDT to discuss best practices for your small business sales efforts.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment