Manage Social Media with One Tool

Social media is one of the best new ways to deliver your marketing message - and to show your business personality - to your target market. With so many tools like Facebook and Twitter to use though, how do you manage them all? How do you make time to do it all?

I use HootSuite, a free Twitter-related application that allows me to set up my various accounts and to write, manage and measure my marketing messages with one tool. It currently works hand-in-hand with Twitter, Facebook, Facebook pages, LinkedIn, Ping.fm and Word Press. You can even schedule messages to go out automatically - so you don't skip a beat when you're out of the office!

And what's even better, this tool is FREE! I love it - check it out and watch how easily you can transform your social media marketing plan into a manageable, measurable task.


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Virtually Yourz blog on hiatus

Due to other client and volunteer commitments, I am putting this blog on hiatus. If you find that you really miss it or have topics you'd like me to cover, please post a comment on this blog.

If demand is high, I'll return to the blog. In the meantime, you can find me on iLoveKent.net, SPJ's Region 10 blog, and SPJ's Freelance Blog.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz, iLoveKentWA, SPJWash
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Tweet Later - a great productivity tool

If you manage more than one Twitter account like I do, you know how time consuming it can be to follow your followers, reply with a Direct Message, etc. To help me manage multiple accounts, I use Tweet Later. This productivity tool is free and it allows me to manage all of my Twitter accounts from one place. I can even "vet" my followers. In other words, I can auto-follow or I can review each follower to see if I want to follow back. I can even mark those I don't want to follow - such as the numerous porn sites - as spam. It's a useful tool. Check it out.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Follow me on Twitter: iLoveKent

Face to Face Connections Remain Essential in Social Media World

Today I read a great article, the Meltdown Survival Handbook, in the August 2009 issue of Seattle Metropolitan (@SeattleMet for Twitter fans). This witty, refreshing article contained 20 ways to survive the recession while having a little fun. Tip #10 - Network the Smart Way - reminds us that social media networks like Biznik, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are wonderful ways to meet and connect with people, but old fashioned face-to-face connecting is still an essential tool to succeeding in the real world both, personally and professionally.

By connecting face-to-face, we are solidifying online connections, diversifying our contact base and having fun getting out of the house and away from the computer. Thanks to Dan McComb, co-founder of Biznik, for the much-needed reminder!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Seth Godin's Blog

I love Seth Godin's blog. Please check it out.


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Create a plan, draw yourself a map - Part 2

Continued from March 20, 2009 blog post:

2. Pick one goal at a time and think backward of how to accomplish this goal.
Increase number of subscribers to company newsletter by 10%.
a. Put a guest book in front of store asking people to sign up for email newsletter from the company. Also, post a printed display copy of the newsletter so that customers can see actual newsletter.
b. Add “Forward to a Friend” function to newsletters to encourage word-of-mouth referrals to newsletter.
c. Ask other respected business owners about their newsletter readership and trade ideas.
d. Track number of subscribers today and continue to check subscription numbers in order to see progress.

3. Add deadlines to goals.
a. Increase number of subscribers to company newsletter.
i. Put a guest book in front of store asking people to sign up for email newsletter from the company. Also, post a printed display copy of the newsletter so that customers can see actual newsletter. Complete by: April 2009
ii. Add “Forward to a Friend” function to newsletters to encourage word-of-mouth referrals to newsletter. Complete by: May 2009
iii. Ask other respected business owners about their newsletter readership and trade ideas. Complete by: June 2009
iv. Track number of subscribers today and continue to check subscription numbers in order to see progress. Complete by: Check number each month at the start of the month for the remainder of the year. Set reminder for 1st of each month.

I hope this helps you see that while it may seem daunting at first, but by writing out an actual plan, large, seemingly overwhelming goals are within reach. When you draw out a plan for your company, you are much more likely to achieve your goals and improve the health of your company.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Create a plan, draw yourself a map - Part 1

Think back to how you felt about your progress at the close of the year; were you happy, indifferent or disappointed? Did you meet your goals? Did you make any goals?

It’s easy to have vague, haphazard goals that never get met, especially when they exist only in the dark, forgotten corners of your mind. Why not consider making a plan for this year? Yes, it’s already nearly second quarter – who cares? Just like it’s never too late to quit a bad habit, it’s never too late to get it together and make a plan.

Start simply by making a short list of specific, measurable goals. Next choose one of those goals and think backward about how you will get there. Continue with each goal until you’ve created a path to your desired success. Be sure to consider factors like your busy times of the year and set deadlines.

Here’s an example for a small business owner:

1. Make a short list of goals.
a. Increase number of subscribers to company newsletter by 10%.
b. Create targeted advertising campaign for remainder of 2009.
c. Cut operating costs by 15%.

- continued in part 2 to be posted March 23, 2009-

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

The devil is in the details

I think this phrase originally came about because neglecting little details can ultimately cause a bigger task to fail. In today’s pervasive world of 24-hour connectedness and rampant social media, little details seem to be swirling all about us. However, the key is to distinguish between those details which are truly important and crucial to the completion of a larger task, as opposed to those details that are merely distraction. In a time when people are trying to do more with less of everything, including seemingly less time, it’s more important than ever to try and weed out those unnecessary details that divert our attention from what is truly important.

Think about your day and how you spend your time. Are you wasting away your time like a spendthrift bank executive, or are you frugal, taking care to avoid wasted time on unnecessary tasks? I can think of one huge time vacuum that many of us can work on; put down the “CrackBerry!” For an interesting read on how changes in technology are affecting our concentration and daily lives, visit Newsweek and read, “Will the BlackBerry Sink the Presidency?” http://www.newsweek.com/id/183719

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Wisdom from Microsoft's Bill Gates

"Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."
~ Bill Gates

Henry Ford's Secret to Success

"If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own."
~ Henry Ford

Working Together

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
~ Henry Ford

Creating the Perfect Profile or "About Me" Page

[Continued from last week...]

To ensure that you write the best “About Me” or profile page, follow these guidelines:

- Briefly describe your education and relevant experience. This section shouldn’t reiterate the specifics of your resume, but should highlight the projects, jobs and coursework that pertain to the work, clients, or customers that you seek.

- Devote a small portion of your text to who you are outside of your career. Are you a parent, volunteer, community leader, wine connoisseur or weekend hobbyist? Do you fish, scrapbook, or collect first edition books? It is important to include items of interest that will show to your reader that you are relatable and approachable.

- Add a picture of yourself, preferably close-range. Avoid pictures that have distracting backgrounds, large groups of people, or are not in focus.

- List items that set you apart from your competitors. Do you have special qualifications, certifications or affiliations that will enhance a client’s work? Have you landed an easily recognizable client like Microsoft, Starbucks or Google?

- Be consistent with tense and person terminology throughout your paragraph. I like using present tense where appropriate (e.g., Virtually Yourz offers writing, editing and marketing services to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the United States.) I also prefer using third person (Virtually Yourz instead of I or we)

While the “About Me” page of your website is intended to be personal in nature, maintain your professionalism. Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and complete sentences throughout to prevent the section from becoming too casual.

Above all, keep in mind that this section should be about YOU, and it may be your only opportunity to impress the reader with the person that they will hire, so use it wisely.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Using Your “About Me” Page as a Marketing Tool

Clients are more likely to commit to a purchase if they can relate to a real person, so make the most of your website’s “About Me” page or your blog’s profile. This is your opportunity to introduce your true self to potential prospects.

Of course, many people are reluctant to write about their successes because they don’t want to be perceived as braggarts. However, if you write your “About Me” page in a factual manner, it is the perfect venue to describe your professional and to tell potential clients more about the person behind the product or service.

See my next blog posting for tips on writing the ideal “About Me” or profile page!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Article Marketing - The Value of the Resource Box

While the quality of an article is critical to proving the expertise of an author in a given subject area, the accompanying resource box serves to further anchor the reader’s interest. The most persuasive resource box will explain how the author has become knowledgeable in a given field, providing information regarding experience, business pursuits and contact information.

As article submission and distribution sites typically limit the number of characters available to 500 or less, it is best to avoid résumé duplication and provide two or three sentences of information including the author’s name, website URL and business experience.

Inclusion of a free product (ezine, newsletter, quote or video) will also provide an additional incentive for the reader to visit your website, leading to a meaningful increase in traffic and potential sales.

Examples of resource boxes:

- Marty Marketer is the owner of ABC Marketing Services, a firm representing a combined total of 37 years of marketing experience. For more information regarding our services and how we can help your business grow and succeed, sign up for our free monthly newsletter at www.ABCmarketing.com. (301 characters)

- With 20 years of professional experience and a degree in business administration, Dana Blozis is the president of Virtually Yourz, a Seattle-based firm specializing in writing, editing and marketing services for small businesses and nonprofits. Visit www.virtuallyyourz.com to sign up for our free marketing newsletter. (341 characters)


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Boost Newsletter Subscriptions with these Quick Tips

Does your newsletter database need a boost? Here are some quick tips for growing your database of prospects and subscribers:

1) Offer a free report or gift for everyone who signs up in the next 14 days.
2) Give a $10 gift card to Starbucks to current subscribers who get 5 friends to subscribe.
3) Add your special offer to the signature block of every e-mail you send out.
4) Add a simple sign-up form on your website and/or blog to make subscribing easy.
5) Include your offer in the resource boxes of your online articles.


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Five Quick & Easy Social Media Marketing Tips

If you haven't already embraced the social media, consider adding it to your marketing toolbox to expand your online reach.

1) Facebook: Create a profile, invite colleagues and clients to join, and make regular posts and updates. This tool is easy to setup and use and is much more professional than sites like MySpace.

2) Twitter: If you are a fan of Facebook, you'll love Twitter where you can post frequent but brief "tweets" that will automatically be sent to your list of followers.

3) Blogging: Create a free blog to reach out to prospective clients. Add blogs 2 - 3 times per week. Make them interesting and visually appealing.

4) Biznik: I love this fun networking site which not only promotes online networking but face-to-face networking as well - a nice change of pace!

5) Linked In: This professional networking site is a great way to connect with colleagues. In particular, I love the Q&A section where you can get and give free advice. It's a wonderful brainstorming tool.


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

A strategy that can't miss

In marketing, I've seen only one strategy that can't miss -- and that is to market to your best customers first, your best prospects second and the rest of the world last.
- John Romero

The Value of the Referral

Referrals from colleagues, clients and friends are extremely valuable to my business. In fact, referrals are one of my top two sources of new business. Approximately 90% of the referrals that contact me, hire me.

To keep those priceless referrals coming, I do the following:

1) I ask each prospect how they found out about me (web, referral, business directory, etc.), so I know where to concentrate my marketing efforts.

2) I personally thank each person who gives me a referral. Sometimes it is a handwritten thank you note or a personal phone call, and other times I give the referrer a gift or gift card, or treat them to lunch, to thank them for thinking of me.

3) To encourage referrals from my existing clients, I include a referral offer in my business agreement. In exchange for every referral who hires me, I'll give two free hours of my services to that client. This provides them with a tangible, quantifiable reason to refer me to others.

4) I refer my favorite professionals (graphic designers, editors, printers, etc.) to colleagues, so they know I'm looking out for their businesses too. Because I often partner with referral sources on projects, these referrals benefit me as well. I refer professionals who are good at what they do and whom I enjoy working with.

What can you do to grow your referrals today?

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Make a splash with a world-class business card!

To some, a business card is just a small piece of card stock with contact information and a logo. To those who know how to sell themselves and their companies, it is a powerful marketing tool in a small package. A well-designed card will stand out from others and carry on your brand wherever you go.

If you'd like your business card to scream "save me," follow these tips.

1) Have your card professionally created by a graphic designer. It may cost a few bucks up front but, once complete, the design is yours to keep and reuse over and over.

2) Ensure that your card's design flows with your brand in terms of look and feel including fonts, logos, colors and messaging. If you aren't sure where to begin, take out a stack of business cards you've collected and lay them face up in front of you. Which cards do you notice first? Why? Jot down the things you like and discuss them with your graphic designer. She can use that information to design a card that's perfect for you and your business.

3) Include useful information on the back of your card to make sure people use it and remember you. If you're a stylist and nutritionist, for example, turn it into an appointment card. If you're a real estate agent, include home buying tips, home selling tips, key local numbers (utilities, government, schools, emergency) or a referral offer. Another useful option is to list your products or services on the back of your card.

4) Go for a clean, uncluttered design. I've seen business cards that were so crammed with contact information that it was difficult to read the tiny print. Others included every professional designation the person had. Stick to the basics: your company name, logo, marketing tagline and primary contact information. If you want to include your designations, include only those that will be easily recognizable to your clients or put them on the back of the card.

5) Consider upgrading your card stock or adding a glossy finish to your card. These little touches can make your card pop. My card is made from normal stock but it has a nice glossy finish which makes the card stand out among others, and it feels nice to the touch. People often comment on how great my cards look. If that's their first impression of me and my business, I've already succeeded in getting their attention.

The next time you have business cards made, follow these tips and you'll be thrilled with the results. Go out and make a splash with your new world-class business card!


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis

Remembering your clients & vendors this season

Regardless of what holidays or religions your clients and vendors observe, the holiday season is a great time to thank them for their business and their contributions to your success. Here are a few thoughtful and affordable ways to remember your clients this year:

1) Send personalized holiday cards between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. I go with a generic message such as Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings so they are all purpose, but I always sign each card personally and include a note thanking the client or vendor for working with me this year.

2) Send a gift of appreciation. I buy my ongoing and larger clients a small gift at Christmas - a nice pen & pencil set, a box of chocolates, a gift basket from Harry & David, or something else that I know that client would enjoy. For example, I have one client who prefers natural and organic products, so my gift to her will reflect that preference. For those who are far away, I ship the gifts. If they are local, however, I deliver the gift personally.

3) Make a donation on their behalf. This year because so many charities are struggling, I will make a toy or food donation on behalf of some of my clients. I know my clients will appreciate the gesture, and with so many people in need, this is a way for me to stretch my donation dollars too. To make the donation more personal, contact the client by phone or e-mail and ask for the name of their favorite nonprofit organization and make a donation to that charity in the client's name. Follow-up with a card noting the donation.

4) Present a homemade gift of cookies, chocolates or other gourmet treats that they can share. This is particularly nice if you do business with a group of people from one company.

5) Buy a gift card. If you know a particular client loves Starbucks or a local coffee shop or espresso stand like Kelly Latte's or Kona Kai (Kent, WA), buy a gift card in whatever amount you deem suitable. This way your client will think of you the next few times he or she purchases their favorite latte or mocha!

6) Offer free products or services as a thank you. If you aren't in a position this year to purchase gifts for your clients, consider offering them free products or services. Send them a gift certificate or coupon noting the freebie (Good for one free hour of marketing consultation to be used as you wish by May 1, 2009) along with a card thanking them for doing business with you.

7) Treat your client to lunch for a year-end wrap-up meeting, complimentary consultation or just to say thanks. If you space these out throughout the holiday season, this can be an affordable way to say thank you while also creating the opportunity to generate more business.

However you choose to remember your clients this holiday season, make sure the focus is on the client, not on you. Let them know you appreciate their business and hope to continue the relationship into the New Year.

Happy Holidays from the Virtually Yourz team - Dana, Gail & DeAnn!

Dana Blozis