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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Kent Writer Elected to the National Board of the Society of Professional Journalists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kent, Washington, September 6, 2009 – Last week freelance writer Dana Neuts of Kent was elected to the national board of the Society of Professional Journalists during its annual conference. Serving a two-year term, Neuts was named to the position of regional director for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. She will serve SPJ chapters and members in those states as well as act as their representative on the national SPJ board. She has also been asked to serve on the national freelance committee.
Previously, Neuts served as the president of the Western Washington Pro Chapter of SPJ, which was named Large Chapter of the Year for the third time at last week’s conference. In addition, the chapter received Circle of Excellence awards for its work in diversity and campus relations. Hilary Reeves, managing editor for The Business Examiner in Tacoma, succeeds Neuts as chapter president.
“Our industry is changing rapidly with new business models and communication tools emerging daily,” Neuts said. “At the same time, journalists are concerned about the future of our industry and our continued ability to serve as a valuable ‘check and balance’ for democracy. I look forward to contributing what I can to those challenges while also renewing the public’s trust in quality journalism and its role in open government.”
Dana Neuts is a freelance journalist based in Kent, Washington. Her work has appeared in publications including Seattle Business, the Business Report, Kent magazine, Renton magazine, The Seattle Times, South Sound magazine, Seattle Metropolitan and more. She is also the owner of Virtually Yourz, a writing, editing and marketing firm that serves small businesses and nonprofits, and the owner and publisher of iLoveKent.net, a community-based news and events website. She is a member of the Kent Downtown Partnership, serves on the board of the Halo Network Foundation, and recently founded Kent Connects, a local “no rules” networking group.
For more information, please contact:
Dana Neuts
Virtually Yourz
360-920-1737
dana@virtuallyyourz.com
www.VirtuallyYourz.com
www.iLoveKent.net
###
Kent, Washington, September 6, 2009 – Last week freelance writer Dana Neuts of Kent was elected to the national board of the Society of Professional Journalists during its annual conference. Serving a two-year term, Neuts was named to the position of regional director for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. She will serve SPJ chapters and members in those states as well as act as their representative on the national SPJ board. She has also been asked to serve on the national freelance committee.
Previously, Neuts served as the president of the Western Washington Pro Chapter of SPJ, which was named Large Chapter of the Year for the third time at last week’s conference. In addition, the chapter received Circle of Excellence awards for its work in diversity and campus relations. Hilary Reeves, managing editor for The Business Examiner in Tacoma, succeeds Neuts as chapter president.
“Our industry is changing rapidly with new business models and communication tools emerging daily,” Neuts said. “At the same time, journalists are concerned about the future of our industry and our continued ability to serve as a valuable ‘check and balance’ for democracy. I look forward to contributing what I can to those challenges while also renewing the public’s trust in quality journalism and its role in open government.”
Dana Neuts is a freelance journalist based in Kent, Washington. Her work has appeared in publications including Seattle Business, the Business Report, Kent magazine, Renton magazine, The Seattle Times, South Sound magazine, Seattle Metropolitan and more. She is also the owner of Virtually Yourz, a writing, editing and marketing firm that serves small businesses and nonprofits, and the owner and publisher of iLoveKent.net, a community-based news and events website. She is a member of the Kent Downtown Partnership, serves on the board of the Halo Network Foundation, and recently founded Kent Connects, a local “no rules” networking group.
For more information, please contact:
Dana Neuts
Virtually Yourz
360-920-1737
dana@virtuallyyourz.com
www.VirtuallyYourz.com
www.iLoveKent.net
###
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Twits, Tweeps and Tweetups - Virtually Confused?
If you're like me and having a hard time with all of the new language inspired by social media - particularly Twitter - than you'll love this Twitter Fan wiki site. Filled with information, you can not only learn the lingo but what to do with it. Like this post? Retweet please, my tweeps!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Follow me on Twitter: iLoveKent
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Ten ways to market in a recession
Late last year I reconnected with an old business contact of mine, a financial planner. This man has been in business for 20+ years and has always been successful because he is a stand-up guy with a unique niche in his business. He is the financial adviser who takes the time to get to know his clients and to really learn what makes them tick before helping them design a financial plan. He is happier if he has helped a businessman or a family get closer to their long-term goals than if he gets a big fat commission check.
Unfortunately, the economy has hit his business hard, and he isn't seeing many of those checks. People are either afraid to invest or don't have the assets left to do so, so his business has dropped significantly. He came to me to help ramp up his marketing efforts, something he's been able to avoid doing for a long time.
I thought I'd pass along some of my suggestions to those of you who might find some of yourselves in a similar position:
1) It is tempting to cut marketing expenses in a recession, but according to an SBA expert in Seattle, marketing is the last expense you should cut when the economy is down. In fact, if your year-round marketing efforts are consistent, you may only have to increase things a little bit (greater advertising frequency, for example) or maintain the status quo until the economy evens out. Bottom line: do not cut your marketing now.
2) Take advantage of the social media surge. Leverage sites like Stumple Upon, Digg, Facebook, Twitter and Squidoo to get your message out there. There is no "hard cost" to using these sites, but be cognizant of how much time you spend on them and be sure your message is consistent across the board.
3) Remember that the "hard sell" turns off many of today's consumers. Instead, take your time by offering them tidbits for free with a blog or posting tips on Twitter.
4) Position yourself as an expert in your field through article marketing, blogging, tweeting or commenting on others' blogs.
5) Interact with others online and through face-to-face networking without the expectation of a sale and, while doing so, remember to be yourself. If they need you down the line, they'll remember you or perhaps refer you to someone who might.
6) Keep your marketing efforts consistent. We all know that it takes 7+ times for a prospect to see our name, brand, product or service before it sticks or becomes top-of-mind. So make sure you get in front of your target audience on a regular basis (e.g., advertising 1x/week in local paper, 4 radio spots/day during rush hour, weekly blog posts, daily Twitter & Facebook updates, etc.)
7) Try "new" marketing tools. When finances are scarce, people are afraid to spend money so "doing what you've always done" may no longer work. If that's the case, try new (or new-to-you marketing tools - advertise in a different publication, try a TV ad, join an online network, join your local Chamber or downtown organization, investigate PPC or CPA advertising, place an ad on Facebook - whatever will put you in front of prospective customers.
8) Keep the customers you have. It costs less to keep a customer than it does to acquire a new one, so make sure your existing customers continue to have the great selection and service they are used to. Continue to woo them with special offers, free newsletters, thank you events, etc. to make sure they feel appreciated.
9) Be flexible. I know it is hard to be open-minded when business is slow, but you have to be flexible in order to adjust your marketing mix to what will work for you during a recession.
10) Perhaps most importantly, make sure you can measure whatever marketing tools you are using. That's the only way to see if what you are doing is working. If you are using online marketing tools, make sure you check your website or blog stats frequently to see what keywords, referral sources, days, times, etc. are bringing you traffic. For advertising, be sure to include a specific Coupon or Offer code so you can track the origin of the promotion and, if all else fails, ask your new customers, "How did you hear about us?" or "Who can I thank for your business?" You'll need this information when determining the success of your efforts.
Still not sure where to begin? Contact me to discuss your situation. My initial phone consultation is complimentary.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Unfortunately, the economy has hit his business hard, and he isn't seeing many of those checks. People are either afraid to invest or don't have the assets left to do so, so his business has dropped significantly. He came to me to help ramp up his marketing efforts, something he's been able to avoid doing for a long time.
I thought I'd pass along some of my suggestions to those of you who might find some of yourselves in a similar position:
1) It is tempting to cut marketing expenses in a recession, but according to an SBA expert in Seattle, marketing is the last expense you should cut when the economy is down. In fact, if your year-round marketing efforts are consistent, you may only have to increase things a little bit (greater advertising frequency, for example) or maintain the status quo until the economy evens out. Bottom line: do not cut your marketing now.
2) Take advantage of the social media surge. Leverage sites like Stumple Upon, Digg, Facebook, Twitter and Squidoo to get your message out there. There is no "hard cost" to using these sites, but be cognizant of how much time you spend on them and be sure your message is consistent across the board.
3) Remember that the "hard sell" turns off many of today's consumers. Instead, take your time by offering them tidbits for free with a blog or posting tips on Twitter.
4) Position yourself as an expert in your field through article marketing, blogging, tweeting or commenting on others' blogs.
5) Interact with others online and through face-to-face networking without the expectation of a sale and, while doing so, remember to be yourself. If they need you down the line, they'll remember you or perhaps refer you to someone who might.
6) Keep your marketing efforts consistent. We all know that it takes 7+ times for a prospect to see our name, brand, product or service before it sticks or becomes top-of-mind. So make sure you get in front of your target audience on a regular basis (e.g., advertising 1x/week in local paper, 4 radio spots/day during rush hour, weekly blog posts, daily Twitter & Facebook updates, etc.)
7) Try "new" marketing tools. When finances are scarce, people are afraid to spend money so "doing what you've always done" may no longer work. If that's the case, try new (or new-to-you marketing tools - advertise in a different publication, try a TV ad, join an online network, join your local Chamber or downtown organization, investigate PPC or CPA advertising, place an ad on Facebook - whatever will put you in front of prospective customers.
8) Keep the customers you have. It costs less to keep a customer than it does to acquire a new one, so make sure your existing customers continue to have the great selection and service they are used to. Continue to woo them with special offers, free newsletters, thank you events, etc. to make sure they feel appreciated.
9) Be flexible. I know it is hard to be open-minded when business is slow, but you have to be flexible in order to adjust your marketing mix to what will work for you during a recession.
10) Perhaps most importantly, make sure you can measure whatever marketing tools you are using. That's the only way to see if what you are doing is working. If you are using online marketing tools, make sure you check your website or blog stats frequently to see what keywords, referral sources, days, times, etc. are bringing you traffic. For advertising, be sure to include a specific Coupon or Offer code so you can track the origin of the promotion and, if all else fails, ask your new customers, "How did you hear about us?" or "Who can I thank for your business?" You'll need this information when determining the success of your efforts.
Still not sure where to begin? Contact me to discuss your situation. My initial phone consultation is complimentary.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Four Differences Between Websites & Blogs
Some clients have asked me why they need a website AND a blog. There are a lot of good reasons to have both, but here is a quick rundown from my perspective:
1) A website is a great place for an online store. A blog is a better place to promote individual products.
2) A website is useful for containing information that doesn't change often (products, services, contact info., About Us, etc.). A blog is an ideal place for information that changes frequently.
3) A website is ideal for presenting a "brand" to prospective clients. A blog is better for creating and solidifying connections with prospective clients.
4) Websites are formal and professional. Blogs are casual and interactive.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
1) A website is a great place for an online store. A blog is a better place to promote individual products.
2) A website is useful for containing information that doesn't change often (products, services, contact info., About Us, etc.). A blog is an ideal place for information that changes frequently.
3) A website is ideal for presenting a "brand" to prospective clients. A blog is better for creating and solidifying connections with prospective clients.
4) Websites are formal and professional. Blogs are casual and interactive.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Monday, July 27, 2009
Three Ways to Get More Twitter Followers
So you've jumped on the Twitter bandwagon and you know the difference between a Tweet and a #hashtag. Now you just need followers. Here are three ways to ensure that you get faithful followers who are interested in what you have to say:
1) Post regular updates to Twitter, but not too many. Some suggest that two to four updates per day is sufficient. To me, it depends on your purpose for tweeting. If you are a news organization, for example, regular updates are expected. If you are updating your status while on vacation, one or two a day should do it.
2) Interact with other Twitter users. Twitter is popular because it connects people to each other. It isn't just about what we as individuals have to say; it is also about contributing to other conversations and replying to popular threads or trending topics. It also means participating in Follow Friday (#FF) and Music Monday (#musicmonday).
3) Offer useful content. If you are constantly selling your products or services via Twitter, people will get tired of your updates unless you offer something else useful...like advice, links to interesting articles., etc. Post links to helpful articles, breaking news and pithy quotes in addition to your own updates.
By using these three techniques, your number of Twitter followers will grow and you'll not only receive interesting updates from interested followers but you'll grow your own online community. Happy Tweeting!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
1) Post regular updates to Twitter, but not too many. Some suggest that two to four updates per day is sufficient. To me, it depends on your purpose for tweeting. If you are a news organization, for example, regular updates are expected. If you are updating your status while on vacation, one or two a day should do it.
2) Interact with other Twitter users. Twitter is popular because it connects people to each other. It isn't just about what we as individuals have to say; it is also about contributing to other conversations and replying to popular threads or trending topics. It also means participating in Follow Friday (#FF) and Music Monday (#musicmonday).
3) Offer useful content. If you are constantly selling your products or services via Twitter, people will get tired of your updates unless you offer something else useful...like advice, links to interesting articles., etc. Post links to helpful articles, breaking news and pithy quotes in addition to your own updates.
By using these three techniques, your number of Twitter followers will grow and you'll not only receive interesting updates from interested followers but you'll grow your own online community. Happy Tweeting!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Appreciate Your Customers
Every customer wants to be appreciated, so make sure you thank yours regularly. Thank them verbally each time they visit your store, whether or not they make a purchase, and treat your frequent buyers with extra TLC. Here are a few ideas to show your customers how much you appreciate their business:
- Holiday or birthday cards
- A frequent buyer or customer appreciation program
- Monthly specials or coupons
- Special events like an anniversary or customer appreciation party
- A monthly email newsletter that gives them unique promotions, coupons, etc.
- Reward them for referring potential customers to you
By embracing your customers, you will make them feel special and appreciated so they are more likely to shop with you again soon. Good luck!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
- Holiday or birthday cards
- A frequent buyer or customer appreciation program
- Monthly specials or coupons
- Special events like an anniversary or customer appreciation party
- A monthly email newsletter that gives them unique promotions, coupons, etc.
- Reward them for referring potential customers to you
By embracing your customers, you will make them feel special and appreciated so they are more likely to shop with you again soon. Good luck!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Consistent Contact: The Beauty of Email Marketing
To grow your business, you need a steady flow of new clients and prospects. To achieve that you need to get in front of potential customers an average of seven times before you become "top of mind." This can be achieved through consistent contact...either through advertising, a website, blogging, press releases, or a combination of methods to reach out to potential customers.
One of my favorites is email marketing which is easy and affordable to do. Start by creating an email list of potential customers by collecting names and addresses on your website or blog, setting an email sign-up sheet out on your store counter or collecting email addresses on drawing or sign-up slips. Next, choose an email service like YourMailingListProvider.com or ConstantContact.com, and set-up a regular email marketing campaign to reach out to prospects and existing customers.
Not sure what to write about or how often? Review my blog for ideas or contact me for a complimentary consultation. I'd be happy to help.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
One of my favorites is email marketing which is easy and affordable to do. Start by creating an email list of potential customers by collecting names and addresses on your website or blog, setting an email sign-up sheet out on your store counter or collecting email addresses on drawing or sign-up slips. Next, choose an email service like YourMailingListProvider.com or ConstantContact.com, and set-up a regular email marketing campaign to reach out to prospects and existing customers.
Not sure what to write about or how often? Review my blog for ideas or contact me for a complimentary consultation. I'd be happy to help.
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn
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