2009 September — Get In Front Communications

Small Business Owners Miss Out on Stimulus Money

by Susan Young at 9:52 am Leave a Comment

Cold hard truth- reality check: Small business owners, coaches, trainers, speakers and entrepreneurs: I hope you have not spent the past few months anxiously running to the mailbox waiting for your bailout check. Santa Claus ain’t coming to you. Or me. The only stimulus we will get will be self-imposed.

What to do? ”You do what you have to do.”

Here are 7 tips to stimulating your own economy, business and attitude.

1. Stick with what you know. Placing limited funds into new projects or areas may bring frustration and little return on investment. Focus on your expertise.

2. Dig deep. Think about a vertical niche market and drill down. Look at the tip of the funnel and not the wide open part at the top. Then market, market, market.

3. Go back to basics with human networking. Attend networking events, trade expo’s and conferences to not only reconnect with other human beings but to learn as well. Don’t hide behind technology–especially if you are frustrated or business is slow.

4. Connect with your contacts and database with electronic marketing. If you have an e-zine that’s stale or hasn’t been updated in a while, give the format a new life. Maybe it’s time to actually start an electronic newsletter, or “Tip of the Week” that can reach lots of people with little or no expense. Use Social Media to share links and Tweets. Spread the word.

5. Reach out to people in allied fields. Be creative and consider strategic partnerships with others who do similar work but don’t compete with you. Brainstorming is important in business development. Don’t go it alone.

6. Speak and write. Share your expertise by being a guest speaker at a professional association meeting, contributing an article to an industry newsletter or website, or being a guest blogger. Widen your circles with traditonal media/PR and social media.

7. Stay positive. I am guessing that if you’re an entrepreneur you have some fire inside that sparked your business. I’ve owned my public relations and communications training company for nine years. It certainly is not for the faint hearted. At times it can feel like you’re on a roller coaster. Don’t lose sight of why you started your business. Go back and look at testimonials, reference letters and awards that will remind you of your past successes. Stay focused on your vision.

You do what you have to do. Be your own Santa Claus.

(Photo Credit: Kevin Dooley)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, Online Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: Blogging, coaches, communications, e-zine, economy, entrepreneurs, Marketing, networking, PR, small business owners, Social Media, speakers, stimulus money, strategic partnerships

The Two Skills You Need For Success

by Susan Young at 4:30 pm Leave a Comment

When it comes to professional and personal development, the two most important areas of study are communication and self-confidence. Mastering these two skills will have a huge impact in every single area of your life. Yes, this even includes blogging, Social Media, writing and marketing.

Think about it. If you have superior communication skills, it affects all of your interpersonal relationships. Outstanding communicators are motivated leaders who have positive attitudes, charisma, and vision. It will be evident in your written words as well as your spoken words. Emotional Intelligence (compassion, congeniality, empathy, self-awareness and assertiveness) is directly linked to strong communication skills.

Similarly, self-confidence is the key to success. Individuals with low self-esteem and self-worth are not leaders. You can blame everyone and everything under the sun for your lack of self-confidence. We’re all adults and each of us is in absolute control of our thoughts, behaviors, actions and habits. Again, self-confidence will be evident to people who read your blog posts, articles and e-zines. Consider this: if you want to position yourself as a leader and an expert in your field, you definitely need self-confidence!

Dr. Maxwell Maltz was a prestigious plastic surgeon in New York City in the 1960′s and ’70′s. In his classic self-development book Psycho-Cybernetics, he wrote that he could repair the outer wounds of people but felt more compelled to study the inner emotional scars of low self-esteem. He said the cornerstone of success is to see yourself as a confident and competent human being. In fact much of his work focused on visualization techniques and making “mental movies.” We must acknowledge our self-worth and build our self-confidence. No one can do it for us. It’s an inside job.

If you want to supercharge your life, your blog or your business, study communication and self-confidence. The rest will follow, like a miracle.

PS- Expect good things to happen:)

(Photo Credit: botheredbybees)

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: blogs, Business, Communication, communicators, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, Emotional Intelligence, leader, Psycho-Cybernetics, Self-Confidence, Success, Writing

Tips to Writing with Emotional Intelligence

by Susan Young at 12:57 pm 3 Comments

Ninety percent of people are fired from their jobs because of attitudinal or relationship problems. Only ten percent lose their jobs due to lack of skills or ability. That’s according to a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report.

A huge part of our success is based on our attitude, communication and mindset. This certainly applies to our written communication- our blogs, articles, white papers, memo’s, reports, press releases and books.

Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is very different from your IQ. Emotional Intelligence, or what I call street smarts, can be learned. Author and psychologist Daniel Goleman is a fascinating expert on EQ.

He says people with high levels of EQ are generally compassionate, empathetic, patient, assertive, confident and congenial. These traits shine in their verbal and nonverbal communication (body language, posture, gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact). EQ is also evident in the content they write and share with others.

Here are 3 Tips to Applying Emotional Intelligence When Writing:

1. Come from a positive mental space. If you’re in a bad mood, it will leak into your keyboard, computer or notepad. The poison may be subtle but it will be obvious to the reader. Don’t write if you’re in the wrong frame of mind.

2. Watch your language. People with strong Emotional Intelligence are able to articulate and convey their opinions, recommendations, feelings and thoughts in writing in a confident and even style that is considerate and respectful to everyone. They don’t blame others. They choose their words carefully, especially in controversial or potentially divisive situations. They also take full responsibility for their actions and behavior.

3. Write the way you speak. Use words and phrases that are genuine and “sound like you.” By doing this and expressing yourself in a congenial and engaging style, you will in essence be inviting people into your world. It’s there that you can include a story, example or message that reveals not only your expertise, but your compassion, empathy, and assertiveness.

The bottom line is don’t write to impress, write to express. Your personality and Emotional Intelligence can shine in your writing, just as it can shine in your conversations.

(Photo Credit: iwona kellie)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Writing Tagged With: Attitude, Business, Communication, compassion, Daniel Goleman, Emototional Intelligence, EQ, press releases, Writing

Integrating Public Relations, Social Media and Networking to Grow Your Business

by Susan Young at 12:22 pm 2 Comments

Your presence affects your prosperity.

It’s that simple.

Despite the dour economy, you can not only keep your current clients but you can make more money by attracting new business and building new relationships. Call it a mixed bag of traditional PR, sprinkled in with Social Media and plain old-style networking.

It’s not one aspect of this marketing mix or another. When you use all three approaches (and toss in paid advertising or direct mail), you gain velocity in the marketplace. The key is to always market, market, market.

When you are consistently proactive and visible to mass numbers of people who have buying power, you will not only withstand this difficult economy, but you will thrive.

Countless business and nonprofit professionals here in San Antonio and across the country tell me they are “the best kept secret.” My immediate response is, “You don’t want to be a secret! It’s time to let the cat out of the bag.”

Here are 5 fast and affordable tips to increase your visibility, credibility and revenues:

1- Focus on your expertise and how it impacts the public. Write a tipsheet or short article (formatted like this one!) to position yourself as an expert in your field. Address the pain/problem of the public and offer solutions. Then post the information on your blog, website, e-zine or Facebook profile. E-mail copies to your clients and prospects. Let them know you’re thinking about them and can help.

2- Learn the power of technology. You don’t have to be online 24/7 to supercharge your marketing and visibility. It’s critical to understand how Social Media, blogs and other technology can be an integral part of your marketing plan. Make a commitment to learn about online opportunities. Sign-up for a free teleseminar or webinar, take a class at a local school, or ask a college student to provide some quick tutoring. If you dedicate 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening to social networking, you will reap the benefits of your investment. It won’t happen overnight. Be committed that this is a long-term investment of your time, brainpower and energy.

3- Speak. Volunteer to provide a free presentation at your local Rotary Club, church, library or professional association. This is an excellent way to get in front of a group of potential customers who are interested in your topic. You’ll be able to help people while building your credibility and name recognition. A few weeks before the event, send out a calendar listing or promo to your local business journal and newspapers.

4- Pay attention to the news. Read the papers, watch and listen to the TV and radio news. Develop relationships with reporters so when they need a source in a particular field or industry, they will contact you and quote you. Send them press releases, letters to the editor and calendar listings.

5- Get out from behind the computer. As helpful as Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and technology can be, we must still leverage the “human factor” of business. A cold keyboard can not replace a warm handshake. Determine where your ideal clients spend their time and go there. Attend a few networking events, conferences or trade shows every week or month. Face-to-face connections, smiles and human conversations are priceless.

When you decide to be proactive and use a strategic combination of public relations, Social Media and networking, your presence will increase. So will your prosperity.

(Photo Credit: akasped)

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: blogs, buisness growth, Marketing, networking, News, nonprofits, Public Relations, Social Media, technology, visibility

The Grateful Blogger

by Susan Young at 12:55 pm 5 Comments

This may sound strange but do you truly appreciate your blog? Do you know the benefits of blogging?

Here are 10 reasons you can be grateful for blogging.

1. It allows you to openly and freely express yourself.

2. It allows you to use your organizational skills, vocabulary and writing talents.

3. It allows you to tap into your creative side.

4. It requires that you observe life, people and situations with a fresh perspective.

5. It allows you to share your expertise and experiences.

6. It helps you to become a better storyteller.

7. It allows you to reveal your personal side even when it comes to a business issue.

8. It helps you improve your communication skills.

9. It helps you relate to others with a new level of self-confidence.

10. It helps you to think and write with clarity.

Writing consistent posts that provide value to people requires discipline. For “non-writers” who are new to blogging, it may be a bit frustrating. Your blogging (and any writing in general) will improve over time if you stick with it. It can be a powerful marketing tool that engages people, showcases your business and increases your revenues. You may not win a Pulitzer Prize, but the benefits will carry over to many different areas of your life.

(Photo Credit: Gregory Hogan)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, Online Marketing, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: blog posts, Blogging, blogs, Business, Communication, Marketing, Self-Confidence, Writing

The Experts Weigh-In On The Value of Writing and Blogging

by Susan Young at 10:42 am 15 Comments

“It’s changed my life.”

That’s how Internet marketing guru and author Tom Peters describes his experience with writing his blog. In a fascinating “Entrepreneur’s Forum” organized by American Express, Peters said, “I wrote my first post in August 2004. No single thing in the last 15 years professionally has been more important to my life than blogging. It’s changed my life perspective, it’s changed my intellect, my outlook, my emotional outlook and it’s the best damn marketing tool by order of magnitude that I’ve ever had. And it’s free.”

Seth Godin, also a best-selling author and Internet marketing expert, shared the platform with Peters. I agree with both of their perspectives on how writing a blog can impact us.

According to Godin, ”The humility that comes from writing it…how do you explain yourself, how do you force yourself to describe in three paragraphs why you did something, how you responded? If you stick with it you’ll get better. You force yourself to become part of the conversation.”

Both men admitted that they literally had a few scant readers at the beginning, but as time passed, they honed their writing skills and the people came. It didn’t happen overnight. They were committed to sticking with it.

How about you? Are you willing to make the long-term commitment to this free micropublishing platform to grow yourself and your business? I have. I hope you will see the value in it, too.

Filed Under: Blogging, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: American Express, Blogging, blogs, Business, entrepreneur, experts, Internet marketing, Marketing, Seth Godin, Tom Peters, Writing

Corporate Leaders Must Be Willing to Say Something to Build Business

by Susan Young at 5:47 pm 2 Comments

There’s a lot of talk these days about whether companies and bosses should allow employees or PR firms to blog for them. Even if the CEO writes his own blog, the buzz seems to be that many corporate leaders are rejecting blogging (and other traditional PR opportunities) as a viable marketing tool because they are afraid of putting themselves out there.

If you want to increase your visibility, you can’t hide in the background! Granted, there are industries that are highly regulated, like financial services, insurance and law. But opportunities are still available.

I’ve owned a public relations company for nine years and have spent the past 25 years surrounded by news reporters and journalists.

Consider these two points from my years of experience:

1. You must be willing to say something. Leaders who are afraid to make any kind of statement, or offer an opinion on a current industry trend or news event will not get the attention of a reporter. Living and breathing does not constitute a news story. It certainly doesn’t make for an exciting blog post in business. If you are willing to say something of value and add to the online dialogue, it can be a magnet to attract readers to your blog.

2. You don’t have to be controversial. It’s understandable that CEO’s and top management need to protect the reputation of the company. You don’t have to jump into a crisis or fray to blog or get PR. Identify a topic or issue that can reveal something of value to your readers or insights into your company culture (your values) and run with it.

If your company or the decisionmakers who render your Social Media policies are shy or introverted online, then blogging may not be ideal for them. It’s like going to a networking function, cowering in the restroom until it’s over and complaining the event was a dud.

Blogging and other forms of publicity and communication (networking and media interviews) require us to be proactive, engaged and charismatic. Your presence affects your prosperity. Silence = zero.

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, News, Online Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: Blogging, blogs, building business, Communication, corporate leaders, Marketing, media, News, PR, publicity, Social Media

20 Years of Communication and Relationship Lessons

by Susan Young at 9:55 am 1 Comment

Today, September 10^th, my husband Andrew and I celebrate our 20^th wedding anniversary (our engagement picture-1988).

To me, relationships hinge on three key qualities: Communication, compromise and laughter. I promise not to play marriage or dating counselor, but it is important to apply these three qualities to our interpersonal relationships at work and at home.

With the onslaught of technology, the ways in which we communicate have changed but they have also led to a new level of miscommunication. Texting and e-mails are often misconstrued, misinterpreted and cryptic. Settle differences before they get blown out of proportion. Pick up the phone or arrange a quick face-to-face conversation when possible. Keep the lines of communication open. Festering leads to resentment, anger and frustration.

Compromise in all relationships is also critical. Avoid looking at disagreements as a win/lose situation. Don’t keep score. Be open to the opinions of others and be accountable for your actions. Every comment or conflict does not require a response. Know when to step back.

As difficult as any situation may appear, try to find some levity or silliness in it. With all the up’s and down’s of being married for 20 years and raising two children, Andrew and I still enjoy a good laugh together. Some days we have to look harder than others. But the laughs are always there. Find the laughter.

Relationships, whether they are human-to-human, or in Social Media circles, require effort. Are you paying attention to your relationships or can you do more to nurture them?

Filed Under: Business

Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and The Power of Blogs

by Susan Young at 5:23 pm 4 Comments

Can you imagine if you woke up tomorrow with permanent laryingitis and could never speak again? You were fine and healthy in every other way but you had no voice. Your mute button was on for good.

Your blog is your universal microphone; your podium to the world. Too many small business owners and entrepreneurs have silenced themselves by not taking advantage of blogging. You’ve stifled your voice; cut off the cable to your keyboard. Listen closely. The silence is deafening. There are power and energy in your microphone and keyboard.

Writing regular posts is an important part of a marketing and business strategy. Your presence, both online and in your community, affects your prosperity.

Here are some common arguments, excuses and bits I have heard from small business owners who don’t have active blogs.

1- I don’t have the time

2- I can’t find new topics all the time

3- No one will care what I write

4- I have a local/regional business so I don’t need the Internet to market

5- I’m doing ok without it

6- We just started a Direct Mail campaign or website overhaul or print advertising or….

7- I need fast results and this will take too much time and staff (where’s my Return on Investment?)

And so the microphone and keyboard are muted and disconnected. If you’ve uttered the above statements in the past few months, I encourage you to seriously re-think your marketing and PR approach. Yes, blogging takes creativity, time, humility and courage. So does being an entrepreneur. I have been self-employed for ten years. I know that there are either Results or Reasons. Another word for Reasons is “Excuses.”

Read some of my previous posts. Get free tips on how and why you should blog and leverage Social Media. If it’s not for you, don’t worry. Your competition’s just a few steps ahead of you.

Filed Under: Business

Creating social media storytelling, content, and brand journalism for businesses

The Two Skills You Need For Success

Tips to Writing with Emotional Intelligence

20 Years of Communication and Relationship Lessons

Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and The Power of Blogs

Susan at Ragan Communications

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