Live Wealthy

Last weekend, as I sat out on the deck on a warm summer evening with a couple friends, a conversation about life broke out.  One friend, 34 years young, homeowner and making around $60K a year commented that he was not “living wealthy.”  He had sought out the “American dream” of getting a good job and owning a home, but had he known what he knows now, he may have done things differently.

It is a story of tradition; you go to school, get a good job, maybe get married, own a home, have a couple kids and ultimately start living beyond your means.  Our drive is to continue making more money to acquire all those things we were programmed to believe were indicators of success.  However, I wonder if the coined mid-life crisis isn’t merely the realization that we’ve worked for a dream thought up years ago by someone else only to miss out on, well, “life.”

My friend said that if he could do things differently, he’d still go for the good job, but trade in the house for a small condo, not worry so much about material items, and focus his funds forwards having more fun and early retirement.  I think that’s a good point for all the young professionals out there, just getting their start.  Wealth is not in that which you possess but rather in having the experiences that enrich your life, only then will you “live wealthy.”

To all the seasoned professionals working 60 hour a week to keep up with the “Jones” take a minute to reflect.  Focus on what makes you happy about your job regardless of the pay and what you really need to be happy and feel successful.  There is no need to strive for someone else’s dream, when yours is within your grasp.

Digital First Impressions

I am sure you are no stranger to the fact that first impressions are key in the business world.  In the 1970s it took a person a matter of seconds to form an opinion of you.  In the 1990s women had judgment on lockdown and could size you up in as little as eight seconds.  Today, a person will spend an average of four minutes researching you online before deciding to meet you.  Forget fancy ties and business acumen, you better have a top notch profile picture and website to make it these days.

Not too long ago, I gave a workshop on the importance of Linked In and creating a polished profile.  You can't control everything that's on the web, even content that includes you.  Since you have full control over your Linked In profile, it's a great opportunity to show your expertise, experience, and create a great first impression.

Blogs are also a great resource to make you more searchable and again show off your expertise.  With so many free resources available, I recommend taking the time to invest in enhancing your online image.  Your prospects are definitely taking the time to research you, give them something worth finding.

Business Networking Tips

The first networking event I attended, was one I coordinated.  Well unless you count the cocktail hour I walked by swiftly in preparation of planning my event, only to b-line straight to the ladies room where I strategically planned my escape route.  I was in the building maybe ten minutes before I was running back out, filled with complete anxiety. 

 

In the Spring of my adolescence, when those around me transformed into social butterflies, I remained in my reclusive cocoon.  I guess you could say I'm a contradiction, an anti-social marketer.  So as part of my coined "Better Plan" which is just my general life plan to, well, do better, I decided to look up some networking tips that might ease the stress of walking into a room of strangers.

 

For those of you attending your first networking event to those veterans who may not be winning the war, please enjoy these "10 Tips for Successful Business Networking" written by Stephanie Speisman from Business Know-How.

 

Effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another.

 

1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.
9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

Resource: Stephanie Speisman. Business Know-How. www.strategiesforchange.com

New Facebook Timeline....What a Milestone!

Alright, first off, I'm a couple months behind on the newest "timeline" layout for Facebook's business pages, but boy am I impressed with the upgrades.  Unlike most changes that make FB harder to use, like moving all the applications so you can't figure out how to edit anything, the new layout is really slick.

First of all, the Cover Photo is a great way to showcase more about your business.  Most companies would reserve the Profile Photo for a logo, which they should, but there is alot of flexibility with the Cover Photo.  Make your business local with a well-known landmark, show off a product or service, or make it personal with a snapshot of your staff.....the possibilities are endless!  I used this space to include our tagline which was buried in the "About" section.

Cover photos are 850 pixels by 315 pixels.  I used Photoshop to create a custom graphic but heard that there are several free online programs available.  Also I suggest taking some time to format your logo for your Profile Photo, the dimensions are 180 pixels by 180 pixels.  72 dpi is fine for web resolution.

If you love customization like I do, you'll be thrilled about the changes to the tabs.  Unlike the old page tabs, applications like "Photos" and "Events," now appear as thumbnail pictures at the top of your profile.  You can edit these titles and thumbnails for each and rearrange.  Only four show at a time but the drop down arrow makes the rest easily accessible.  My only complaint is that you can't eliminate the "Likes" app from the list but overall the new features are favorable.

The posts are now arranged from side to side.  It looks a little busy at first but you do have some control.  Posts can be "highlighted" which spans the post the full width of the screen.  You can also "pin" a post which will keep it all the top of all posts regardless of date for a full week.

Lastly, the pun in my blog title, the Milestone's feature.  Now this is fun!  Since the new layout is indeed a timeline, you can add back-dated content with descriptions and photos.  You can add when the business was founded, when a new location opened up, and other "milestones" as it were.  I pulled out a couple old photos to add to our timeline which really adds a special touch to our page.  The old cars and buildings are enjoyable to look at just to see the changes that have happened locally.  I think customers will like seeing the history and the strong foundation of the business.

All and all, homerun Facebook!

Profiles That Pop!

I have joked that my Linked In profile might be a little obnoxious.  While many folks are still without a picture, I've been adding new widgets that showcase my work.  I wanted to share with you some of the available applications that can make your profile really pop!

By scrolling down to the bottom of your homepage, you will find a little plus sign beside "Add an Application."  By clicking on this you will see all the awesome elements you can add on to your profile making it just a gaudy as mine :-)

Due to my occupation, the three applications I chose where "Events," "Blog Link" and "Creative Portfolio Display."

The Events application allows you to create and display events.  This is great for any event that is open to the public.  Not only is it another resource to get your message out but your connections can see all the events you post and it promotes conversation and engagement.   Plus you can easily share your event on your wall, to groups, or individual connections with a simple click of a button making it a very efficient tool.

If you are a blogger the Blog Link is a must.  You can display not only a feed from your personal blog but also receive feeds from your connection's blogs.  Stay better informed of what's going on without leaving Linked In.  Also give your connections and prospective connections the added convenience to read your posts from your profile.

Designers, the Creative Portfolio Display is a great addition to showcase your work.  Include photos and videos of your work with descriptions on an easy to organize platform.  You will have to register for a Behance account but it's free and intuitive.  Based on some of the articles I've read, it's becoming the favorite site among graphic designers to display their work.

Happy editing!

Connecting with QR Codes

Recently I attended a QR Code Seminar to see what the latest and greatest usage trends are.  Although the mention was brief, the take away for me was using QR codes to direct users to your v-Card.  This is a wonderful use of the codes for networking events. 

I created a QR code for every sales person on our team which links to their v-Cards.  When scanned by an Android user, the code allows them to automatically download the v-Card to their phone.  i-Phone users will be able to email the v-Card to themselves which once emailed will download the contact information to their phone.   

It took less then 15 minutes to create the codes for an entire sales team and create stickers for them to attach to their cell phones.  They may forget their business cards but I guarantee, none of them will be caught without their phones. 

Since QR reader apps are free and there are multiple free code generators available, I don't see why every company won't start doing this.

SCAN ME!

 

The New Look of 2D Barcodes

QR codes are so yesterday!  Well at least that is the word from Microsoft who has developed a flashier version of the Quick Response Code, referred to as "The Tag." If you ask me, it looks alot like something you'd find in Southwestern decor.

The QR code, originally designed for the automotive industry due to its large storage capacity compared to the standard UPC barcode, caught the interest of marketers to deliver information, well for lack of a better word, quickly, via Smart phones.

The Microsoft Tag is the latest format of 2D barcode scanning and you'll have to download a new app to be able to scan them.  This is sure to result in a negative consumer experience.  What's fast about downloading a new app?  I doubt many consumers will bother especially when QR codes are already so widely used.

As with anything new, the critics are furiously blogging.  My initial question....will this be much like Google's attempt to out do Facebook with +1?  Sorry, Google, nice try but no cigar.  Unless the product has fabulous new features, slapping on a new name won't promote a large draw.

Also the Tag must be in color which limits printing options.  With tightening purse stings, I doubt businesses will be running to the presses to print full color just to accommodate this new alternative.   

I don't want to be a Negative Nelly, so here is a video from Microsoft talking about their product so you can form your own opinion.  As always I encourage and appreciate your feedback.