Category: Columns
Collaboration is the Future for Small Business Owners
There is no doubt this past year has been a challenge for businesses of all sizes. Business models with a physical presence had to make huge shifts as the online economy became the only economy. And that online world opened a global economy through new software and new approaches. But in that global world how … Continue reading “Collaboration is the Future for Small Business Owners”
6 Steps to Telling Your Sustainable Business Story on Social Media
Patagonia sells quality, sustainable outdoor equipment and clothing, including everything from fishing waders to moisture-wicking underwear. Their products are made to last long enough to become hand-me-downs or they’re made out of materials that can be recycled. Even Patagonia’s buildings are designed to make the least environmental impact, and manufacturing processes are constantly refined to … Continue reading “6 Steps to Telling Your Sustainable Business Story on Social Media”
What steps can I take to increase my revenue and attract more people to visit my website?
Are You “Pin” It to Win It?
Want to boost referrals to your website? Pinterest may be your answer. This social media newcomer was the surprise smash hit of 2011. Pinterest users hit the 10 million mark, growing 430% in just three months. But here’s why business is getting in on the game: Pinterest directs more traffic to third-party sites than Google+, … Continue reading “Are You “Pin” It to Win It?”
New Twitter Means Business
Social media tweeps were atwitter in December when micro-blogging giant Twitter rolled out hot new features. Slimmed down and buffed up, new Twitter introduces business-minded expansions, including network-building tools, media embeds and—at long last—the Twitter brand page. Ready to make the twitterverse work for you? Connect with new tweeps The aptly-named Connect tab organizes your … Continue reading “New Twitter Means Business”
[VIDEO] Why your websites loves when people push its buttons!
“Share” this. “Like” that. The Internet is atwitter with ways to endorse your favourite businesses, posts, products and services. Half of the world’s top 10,000 websites link to Facebook or Twitter on their homepage. Does yours? Read this post. Buy this product. Shop here. Trust this company. Why let people push your buttons? Because it’s word-of-mouth … Continue reading “[VIDEO] Why your websites loves when people push its buttons!”
You ought to to be in pictures: video for business
Think YouTube is only about goofy stunts and music videos? Think again. Video marketing is on the rise. According to an April 2011 social media marketing industry report, three-quarters of those who surveyed intend to increase their use of YouTube and video marketing, making it the top area in which marketers will invest in 2011. … Continue reading “You ought to to be in pictures: video for business”
It’s time for your website to plug in and button up
They’re everywhere–buttons asking you to “Share” this and “Like” that. The Internet is atwitter with ways to endorse your favourite businesses, posts, products and services. Half of the world’s top 10,000 websites link to Facebook or Twitter on their homepage. Does yours? hy let people push your buttons? Because they’re delivering a call to action. … Continue reading “It’s time for your website to plug in and button up”
Welcome to my facebook page
Ever visit Red Bull on Facebook? A multi-coloured torrent of arrows points to their “Like Me” button. Did this welcome page work? Yup – a good 15 million times. It pays to create a good first impression with Facebook’s 500 million users. A clear and engaging welcome (or landing) page gives visitors an immediate sense … Continue reading “Welcome to my facebook page”
Leveraging your company’s LinkedIn profile
They say the early bird gets the worm; that early adopters get the business. Here’s a way to give your business a marketing edge on LinkedIn. What’s News? The world’s biggest business network recently rolled out exciting features and tools that can strengthen the impact of your LinkedIn presence and better integrate it with your … Continue reading “Leveraging your company’s LinkedIn profile”
Ramp up your Website Accessibility
Mortar and glue, bells and whistles: everything’s ready to launch on your new company website. Or is it? Did you know that, as of January 2012, all new Ontario websites must adhere to specific standards of accessibility? The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), passed in 2005, obliges all organizations—from provincial government to small … Continue reading “Ramp up your Website Accessibility”
Have you linkedup on LinkedIn?
If you haven’t joined LinkedIn yet, it’s about time you did. This social media platform hosts the biggest business network in the world — an astounding 85 million members in 200 countries. It shows phenomenal growth, adding one new member every second. Read my column in: Durham Business Times –
To friend or not to friend. That is the question.
Building business relationships today involves more than a handshake and a business card. It often continues or even begins, with social media. Instead of a one-off encounter, like-minded folks connect — and stay connected — using Facebook and other social media platforms. Building business relationships today involves more than a handshake and a business card. … Continue reading “To friend or not to friend. That is the question.”
Is Social Media The Superhero Of The Internet?
“Social media allows your organization to communicate with a large number of people very effectively.” Faster than a speeding e-mail. More powerful than a single website. Able to reach tens of millions in a single post. Look! Up in the sky! It’s a blog. It’s a tweet. It’s social media! Read the entire article via: Durham … Continue reading “Is Social Media The Superhero Of The Internet?”
BRANDED EMAIL ADDRESSES: Control, advertising & peace of mind
If you phone a company you’ve dealt with (or considered dealing with) and the phone number is “out of service”, you might hunt for their new number. But time is money. You might contact the person you met at yesterday’s breakfast meeting instead. Whether the business moved or changed phone numbers, your call represents a … Continue reading “BRANDED EMAIL ADDRESSES: Control, advertising & peace of mind”
PIPEDA: An Executive Summary
PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) requires that organizations covered by the Act adhere to its ten basic principles: (source: http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp) Accountability – an organization must clearly identify a person within that organization who is their in-house PIPEDA compliance officer. This individual will re responsible for ensuring that the organization in is continual … Continue reading “PIPEDA: An Executive Summary”
Webmaster or Wannabe: Look, Listen and Ask
With budgets as tight as they are, it is only natural for you to want to save on expenses where ever you can. If you are thinking of using an in-house person to create your company’s web page it is important to choose someone with a flair for design, who will have the aptitude to … Continue reading “Webmaster or Wannabe: Look, Listen and Ask”
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