Business-Building Action From Terry Brock

In the old days (read, “last year”), many thought of Twitter as just a silly little way for kids to stay in touch and talk about “my cat is sleeping” type of messages.  In other words, it was certainly not for business (at least in the minds of many people in business) and only for kids.

Things are different today. If you’re not using Twitter, you are already not only passed by but you are being lapped on the track!  Twitter is a force to be reckoned with in today’s business environment.  It can give you a decisive edge in connecting with customers, employees and fellow stakeholders.  It can also help you find out the “inside scoop” on what is happening now.

How Businesses Use Twitter Today

Southwest Airlines is using it to let people know about flight changes, conditions and more.  They also use it to find out what passengers are saying.  If a delay or disruption occurs on a given flight, Southwest knows about it as they have dedicated people monitoring Twitter regularly.

Zappos is a great online shoe company.  They monitor what customers are saying and what they want.  They also use it to grab customer feedback — good and bad — and respond accordingly.

Even General (Government) Motors is using Twitter.  They want to keep up with what people are saying about them and (at least in theory) help solve customer problems.

If your business is not using Twitter you are at a big disadvantage.  You don’t have the instant access to what is going on that is relevant to you.  You won’t be able to stay on top of problems and solve them before they become massive.

Filtering Twitter

A big complaint from many is that there is so much information they can’t keep up with it all.  I understand and agree with that.  This is why experienced Twitter users (called “Twitterers”) use tools to process the filtering.

TweetDeck (www.TweetDeck.com – free) is a commonly used tool to monitor key streams.  You can set up a search for your company name or your competitors’ names and receive notifications whenever something is said.  This helps to manage the torrents of information coming through Twitter.  With TweetDeck I can monitor not only important Twitter mentions but also update and monitor what is happening that is relevant for me on Facebook and Linkedin.  This gives me a “command module” to keep up on the important things in my world.

HootSuite (http://hootsuite.com/dashboard – free) is another tool to monitor what is happening.  It is also useful to schedule messages you’ll send to others (called “Tweets”).  This way you can schedule a message to go out a few times a day.  Hey, the cable news networks repeat the same stories because they know their audience changes every 20 minutes — or less.  Yours does too and a tool like this helps to reach more people with your message – when it is convenient for them!

Ways You Can Use Twitter In Your Marketing

There are several ways you can use Twitter but here are some which can help you immediately:

1. Build An Audience.  This is most important as you want to build an audience of followers (that’s the Twitter term for people who subscribe to your posts) who are interested in what you’re doing.  Have a special going on?  Send a Tweet.  Is there an important news event in your industry that you wrote about?  Send a Tweet pointing to that article.  Give lots of value and make conversation, not selling, your goal.
2. Monitor What They Say About You.  Find out what people are saying about you and your industry.  This is one of the best ways to stay on top of what is really happening (not just what you think is happening).
3. Monitor What They Say About Your Competitors.  You need to be aware of what is happening in the world.  Using Twitter is one of the best and fastest ways to keep up with what is going on today.
4. Become A Resource, Not A Screaming Salesperson. One of the cardinal rules of marketing with Twitter and other Web 2.0 tools is to be a resource of information and not an annoying, pest selling stuff.  Hey, there’s nothing wrong with selling and I believe everyone is selling something.  However, today you have to do it in a conversational, problem-solving way.  Provide lots of valuable information (valuable as defined by your market) and people will want to be around you.

This is a beginning.  Twitter is a serious business tool.  Wade into it slowly and get familiar with the territory.  You’ll be glad you did.  And who knows, maybe even your cat will sleep better!

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc.  Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results.  He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.  Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock

 

 Twitter For Marketing- WAY Beyond "My Cat is Sleeping" [10:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (97)

Here’s a delightful video to start your week. The Space Shuttle Endeavor successfully launched this (chilly) morning. Watch it from the view I had in Orlando, Florida at 4:14 am as it takes off. This is truly a marvel of what brains can accomplish when focused on a single task.

Endeavor, we wish you a safe and profitable adventure!

Find out some of the important concepts and tools used today for successful farmers.  These guys know what they are talking about and share their ideas and secrets with you on these videos.

If you have further questions, please leave a comment here at www.TerryBrock.com

Watch and enjoy.

Terry

Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE

www.TerryBrock.com

Gregg Halverson

Carl Larson

Alan Baucom

Business-Generating Ideas From Terry Brock

Capture Vital Information With This Hand-Held, High-Quality Scanner

When you’re in sales (and aren’t we all today?) you need all the competitive advantage you can get. Recently I encountered a technology that can help you in many ways to gather vital information.

Read this article and listen to the audio (8:25) below for more information on how you can use these tools to build your business.

The technology tool I’m referring to is the new Docupen X series from Planon. This is a handheld color scanner that can scan an 8.5 X 11 inch paper. Yet, it is small enough to carry in your coat pocket and weighs only a few ounces.

The people at Planon gave me this scanner to examine and I’ve been very pleased with it. I’ve used this to scan business cards, full-page letters (color or gray-scale) and more. One of the more practical items for me is scanning library books. I read a lot of books from the library and I find it very helpful to scan select portions of ideas for later reference.

It does take some work to get used to the way to scan properly. If your hands are shaky when you do the scan, the ultimate image will be less-than-ideal. I’ve botched up a few scans because I didn’t do it just right.

However, with a little practice you’ll be amazed at how vivid and accurate the scans can be. This is great for accumulating a ready-reference of quotes, ideas, business cards and more that you can accumulate. For the traveling professional, or the professional who just needs to run to a meeting across town, this is an ideal tool.

You can vary the quality from 150 dpi to 300 or 600 dpi. You can choose color, grey-scale or configure it for output to the Planon portable printer, the PrintStik. You can use Bluetooth or a USB cable to transfer to your mobile phone or computer. This handy device will give you a decisive advantage when you need to capture information and you’re on the road — or just in a competitor’s office!

(DocuPen X-series, Prices range from $150-$350, www.PlanOn.com)

Send Your Message With Crystal-Clear Audio

The Internet has provided a powerful way for you to deliver your message. It has made audio delivery something that is available for education, training, promotion and more today.

Yet, too many are using microphones that sound poor in quality. This can affect the perception of prospective buyers. A quick and easy way to project the best possible sound is to get a high-quality microphone, spend a little time learning how to use it, and then let your message resound with brilliant quality.

I’ve been using the new Yeti microphone from Blue Microphones. I do a lot of podcasts and video work so audio quality is extremely important. As an old radio guy from way back, I know how important it is to get a good quality, professional sound when you’re delivering your message.

This Yeti produces sound quality that is nothing short of the high-quality professional sound that you’d expect to pay thousands to achieve. It also has the ability to switch from cardiod to directional and more. I don’t understand all the technical audio terms. But, I do recognize superior sound when I hear it. This microphone delivers — abundantly.

It also has a headphone input with volume control so you can monitor your sound as you record. This one professional feature can help you in your audio messages and podcasts to convey that “extra” to achieve more business results.  It plugs into a USB port for easy installation.  For the $149 price tag it can’t be beat.

The folks at Blue Microphones have loaned me this mic and I’m tempted to abscond with it and run off to Brazil. It is that good. You can hear the difference on a podcast I’ll do about this post at http://bit.ly/DocuPen_Yeti.

If you’re not using a podcast now to promote your products and services, this is something you should consider. Audio is portable. Your customers can listen to your educational message and get to know you more while they are occupied with other activities. For busy, on-the-go people audio is a great way to connect at a convenient time. A microphone like the Yeti can help to separate you from others who aren’t using the same quality.

The unit is designed for studio use more than on the road. Think of this one as the microphone for producing that important audio message to that big, prospective customer. You won’t regret getting a Yeti from Blue Microphones.

(Yeti Microphone, $149.00, www.BlueMic.com)

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock

 

 Capture Info and Send Your Message Professionally for Marketing [8:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (119)

Here’s something where I need your help. This is a slide that I’m using in an up-coming presentation. I describe what I feel is the essence, in a nutshell, of Social Media and Social Networking

If you’re wondering how you can implement it or take it to the next level for your work, this could be just what you’re looking for. You’ll get the answer in a very short video.

Watch this video (2:39) and let me know whatcha’ think. I look forward to hearing from you.

Terry

www.TerryBrock.com

Discover how you can blend social media into your marketing and make it work. This is serious business and it is how you can attract a following for your products and services.

Listen to this short (11:59) audio where Trey Pennington interviewed me and asked about how Relationship Marketing, or what I call R-Commerce (about Relationships) blends with social media. Discover how tools like Twitter, Facebook, and more can help propel your business forward.

To get more specific information on how you can use Social Media in your work, check into our business help that we offer through the coaching system. You can click on the button at the bottom of this page to get more information.

Enjoy the audio! I look forward to hearing from you.

Terry

Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com

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 Social Media and Your Marketing [11:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (133)

Discover what TNLA members are doing to market their business in today’s economy.  Find what works and what you should consider in your own marketing.

Mark Chamblee talks about how they have diversified their marketing (good thing to do today!).  He also stresses how they have been “green” for a long time and now the market is accepting that more.

John Allen with Berger talks about how they have incorporated testimonials into their work to maximize marketing. See what he is doing as he explains it here.

John and Gayle Smothers discuss the marketing they are doing through technology and how this is helping them build their business in Lubbock, Texas.

My thanx to all the wonderful people who contributed their time and ideas for these videos. You helped to make TNLA’s Management Conference successful.

For more information on what works in today’s market for marketing, see more videos at www.TerryBrock.com or contact me directly. Just leave a comment below and I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for visiting my site.

Terry

Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com

Get Business Help Now

Print Tools For Small Business

And Mobile Professionals To Succeed

Business-Building Ideas From Terry Brock

PlanOn PrintStik

If you are on the road and need to get a hard copy of important information, you know it can be a hassle.  Sure, you can try to send a copy to the front desk of the hotel, then go downstairs to get it, etc.  However, sometimes you just need a quick note printed from some directions or notes.

The Planon PrinStik could be just what you’re looking for.  Recently the company gave me one of these to try out.  It is light-weight (about 2 lbs.) and connects via a USB cable or Bluetooth. Using Bluetooth enables you to print directly from your Blackberry (iPhone soon) and avoid the hassles of cables.

PrintStik from Planon

The unit uses thermal paper.  At first I didn’t like this as I wanted regular paper.  However, for on-the-road use I see the advantages now.  You don’t have to carry or use those pesky ink cartridges.  You don’t have to worry about them breaking and spilling (on the road, this can be a challenge).  You can purchase the rolls at your office supply center.  One roll gives you about 20 pages, which should be enough for most on-the-road trips to print urgent and must-have communication.  Two, maybe three rolls, should be more than adequate for most trips.

The prices for the PrintStik range from $199 to $350 depending on the features you get.  The speed is fair at 3 pages per minute.  For brief, on-the-road printing this will be sufficient.  If you need to print 100 copies of something you’ll be better off at your local print-shop or office center at the hotel.

For today’s mobile professional, this is a great tool to help you when you have to have that printout.  It is easy to carry on board a plane for those 1-2 day trips.

(PrintStik, www.planon.com, $199-$350)

The Printshop 2.0 Lets You Design Without Being A Graphic Designer

I love to see what programs like PhotoShop produce.  However, I don’t have the time to learn that extensive (and wonderful) program. Well, the people at Encore USA must have been thinking about me when they came up with The Printshop.  It is easy to use and comes with several templates for producing fliers, brochures, business cards and other printed material.

In an age when it seems everyone is sending out email and PDFs instead of printed material, you can get an advantage.  Think of how you could send some physical pictures of that last convention to a prospect.  Consider sending them in a nice frame for long-term memories.  Print them on your own card stock using The Printshop and you’ll be able to stand out from the barrage of email that your prospect receives.

You can see an informative video interview I had with Jennifer Smiczek, the Product Director for The Printshop 2.0 at http://bit.ly/theprintshop.

The Printshop comes in three price levels from $29.99, $59.99 and $89.99.  You can start with the entry level and gradually move up if you choose.  Yet, for less than $100 you get a very nice, comprehensive package that can deal with many, if not most, of your printing needs.

I saw the templates and looked at what this can do.  It is a nice product and for a small-business or a large company that thinks flexibility and agility, this is an excellent product to use.  It can give you a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.

This is also a good product to consider if you have been laid off and are looking for a good way to generate income.  Using the templates they have (particularly in the $89.99 edition) you can develop some nice graphics and help to dazzle prospective clients with what you can do for them.  This is a way for you to innovate your way out of any recession and generate the kind of income you want.

(The Printshop, 2.0, Priced from $29.99 to $89.99, http://ideas.printshop.com/)

Comment about Tech Tools from Terry

I love technology.  You can tell from my website here how I use them.  I believe that the right use of the right tools can greatly enhance what you do in business and in your personal life.  However, the most important aspect of the tools is not the tools — it’s about the people.

That might sound counter-intuitive but it is absolutely true — and vital for your success in business.

I’ve seen many people through the years who focus on the “right technology” and think that just buying the right equipment will make them successful.  Well, if it were that easy, everyone would be successful in business and no one would ever fail.  Unfortunately, you have to do a lot more than just get the right equipment in business.

You have to get the right attitude to support others and help them.  Think of the technology tools as ways in which you can serve customers more.  Leverage tools like those I ilustrate here, the PrintStik and The Printshop, to help people.  For instance, the PrintStik is great to make your commitments more firm with other people.  It is great to remember appointments, important notes and ideas and more.  This is what Relationship Marketing is all about.

Leverage the technology to help people.  As you do that, you’ll be able to increase your business.  Yes, the technology is good and there is always a new gadget or gizmo that we love hearing about.  However, keep it straight and always focus on people first.  That is the key to business success.

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc.  Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results.  He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.  Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock

Social Media is one of the strongest forces in business today.  It is generating a lot of business for those who do it right.

Recently I had an interview with Trey Pennington on Blog Talk Radio where we talked in depth about the similarities between using Social Media and how it relates to Relationship Marketing.  I’ve talked about R-Commerce (Relationship Commerce) for a long time.  In this interview I was able to share some specific ideas on how this can work for you in your business.

Listen to this audio (32:37) and learn.  You can listen to it streaming or download the MP3 file for your information.

Leave a comment (below) and let us know what you think and what works for you.  This will be a great way to share your information with others who can benefit.  By doing that, you’ll also benefit.  I look forward to your comments!

Terry

Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com

 

 Social Media and Relationship Marketing [32:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (128)

The Printshop is a very simple, easy-to-use graphics program that is ideal for home-based businesses or those who don’t want to be graphics design experts. This tool gives us mere mortals the ability to create fliers, brochures, business cards and more with easy templates.

Watch this video interview I did with Jennifer Smiczek, Product Director of The Printshop.