"It's all about image." "Focus on social media."
"The only real way to success is through networking."
"Everyone knows that you have to have at least 1,000 followers on Twitter to get noticed."
"You need to set aside at least $1,500 a month for adwords to get top positions in the search engines."
"You can't get results with organic SEO and marketing alone. You have to advertise with Google. "
"This is serious. You need to stop 'helping' and start selling."
Will you all kindly SHUT UP?!?!
I am so tired of hearing the opinions of everyone who thinks that they have THE answer, the one-solution-fits-all-businesses method of using technology (the internet) to drive sales. IT DOES NOT EXIST! There is NO single solution that will fit every business model for every client in every location at all times. Not gonna happen! I have researched scores of claims over the past three months; marketers who contacted me wanting Star Power Connections to partner with their companies to sell their products / solutions for website business promotion. Some had great things to offer but every single one of them lost the focus: individual business owners have unique, individual needs.
If a company offers you a solution without ever offering to sit down with you and learn about YOUR business - RUN!!! Unless you have purchased a part of a franchise, your business is as unique as you are and so are your marketing needs.
We have experienced the struggles, the successes, the frustrations and the unexpected expenses of self-employment. We have, ourselves, tried many of the products being offered out there to market our own businesses. I know I drank my share of 'snake oil' when I first started my design studio; trying to get to the top using the prescribed easy route before learning that it isn't supposed to be easy. Being an entrepreneur is not for the lazy or faint of heart. It takes tenacity, patience, perseverance, passion and a lot of discernment.
Some of our clients have fallen prey to the claims of 'guaranteed results in 24 hours' and have had disastrous results. I feel so sad for them and somewhat responsible.
Let me explain... In the first few months of our new business, Star Power Connections, Jerri and I fell into our old habits. We started accepting jobs to do FOR others rather than training and working WITH others, empowering them to be self-sufficient. As a result, we were so busy working on projects for a few businesses that we did not have time to dedicate to educating many businesses.
How did that happen? We had such noble intentions to 'go forth and educate'.
We went back to what was familiar. We shied away from the challenge. We missed the opportunity to warn others of what we, ourselves, have experienced and teach them how to navigate the vast sea of information that is available.
So, what's a gal to do when she realizes she took the wrong turn? Well, if you're a Southern girl you pull back on the reins and turn that horse around, of course. In 2010, we are back on the trail.
We have the experience. We have the desire. We want to share it with you. There is nothing like running your own business and seeing your goals reached time and again.
Our 2010 schedule of training opportunities, seminars, books, videos, conferences and webinars will be posted on January 20. Come share the excitement with us. (Each session will offer an open Q&A session so that you can get the answers to your questions.)
Happy New Year to all. If you have any questions or would like us to come to your office for a training/strategizing session, email me.
I will post more frequently this year to let you know what we are trying, the results and anything that we find along the way that will help your business grow.
Talk to you soon!
