I tough financial times, many businesses scale back. This is understandable since resources, money in particular, are scarce. Also in tough times, small and independent business owners have an advantage. The technology we need to successfully lead our businesses costs next to nothing in dollars and cents. This boils profitability down to something everyone can afford.
While you may have to temporarily go without a virtual assistant or delay a planned move to a larger facility, you can use technology to make a welcome and consistent online appearance on your customers's lives, wherever they may be. This is risky. Putting yourself yourself out there always is. But there are no rewards without risks.
It's also time consuming, and that's one of the chief complaints I hear. That's a lame excuse for anyone who calls herself an entrepreneur. Time is limited for everyone, but everyone also has priorities.
The fact that it takes more focused effort to manage those priorities is what is holding so many people back. Maybe I can help with that.
Turn off the television. Cut back on leisure activities. Let someone else fix dinner a few times a week. Stop making products that don't sell well. Get at least three supremely important things done each day. Limit your time on FaceBook. The time you could save each week by doing these types of things can be used to be where your customers are, which in turn will increase sales.
I'm not just preaching here. I know first-hand what it's like to have to do more with less. But my business is thriving in part because I have beefed up my customer outreach. I blog almost daily. I work social media diligently and consistently. I have channeled my FaceBook engagement so every minute I invest (not “spend”) there is maximized.
It's about making yourself available to your customers.
Be visible. Be ubiquitous. Unashamedly, consistently, relentlessly ubiquitous.
Take the risk, put yourself out there. Open yourself up to criticism. Invite people to disagree, oppose or poke fun. Business leaders become good at handling all three over time. It's scary, but what's the worse thing that could happen? Whatever it is, it's not worse than what will happen if you don't lead the way for your customers.
Your customers are everywhere. You can't be everywhere, but you can be everywhere your customers are.
Let me repeat that, because it's worth repeating so it sinks in. (And you should Tweet it, for extra reinforcement …)
”
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, Indie Business Network
How? With technology. Technology allows you to do things all by yourself in your living room that only large companies with massive numbers of people and dollars could do just a few years ago. It lets you quickly marry your offerings with the ideas and needs of your customers.
Be with your customers. Dwell with them. Ask them what they want and then, give it to them.
Be everywhere your customers are.
Question: How do you use technology to lead your business?
This is a great post…although it took me some time to see the value in creating a FAN page, I truly believe it to be beneficial in the long run…just recently I have actually acquired quite a few new customers from the fan base since them signing on. I mean I don't know where they are coming from because some of them are not in my friend base so they have located me through other means virally.
I also am constantly updating and visiting my FAN page to keep fresh and to interact with those that comment to keep things happening and engaging.
Thanks for confirmation of the importance of this crucial tool for social networking.
dM, this came at such amazing timing. I'm closely looking at ways that I 'waste' time and becoming aware of all the time I truly do have to use wisely for my business.
Thanks for the extra inspiration you tossed into my day today :).
dM, this is a terrific post. No one said being an entrepreneur was easy! I think it's a common misconception that you have more time (or are making more $) than a previous job. It takes a serious commitment and hard work to and make those important connections with your current and potential customers. Technology IS your best weapon to do so! It's important to remember you don't have to do it all at once. Dive in where you feel comfortable, take a risk and it's surprising what can materialize from it!
In the dorky un-useful comment department, I just want to say “yes!” I love this post. Thank you for sharing it, and for your perspective. I'm a new subscriber. : )
I enjoy connecting using the Fan Page option too. I think “fan page” is an unfortunate choice of name for it, but it does serve a fantastic purpose, and it does it efficiently. And you cannot beat FREE!
The pleasure is all mine, Gina.
Taking it in chunks is essential to not losing your mind!
Welcome, Chris. Thank you for visiting and subscribing to my blog. I do not take your attention for granted. I have learned much from you.
Donna Maria – where would I be without you? My first few formula's came after diligently absorbing everything you said in your first book. You talked to me on the phone (little 'ol me!) and told me how important social networking was. I love this post first of all because I see that you can actually re-post blogs that you've written months before – I've wondered about that. But a quote from this blog: “Be visible. Be ubiquitous. Unashamedly, consistently, relentlessly ubiquitous.” I love this! You will without a doubt go down in the annals (hate that word LOL) of history as an important “force” in the small business, entrepreneurial field. A LOT of us owe a LOT to you. I think, really, what you and other leaders in this industry, such as Kayla, have done is set an example of what we should look like – and I like that. I know I sound all “gushy”, but you know – it's really how I feel about it – unashambedly.
Yes, Ann! Yes! You got it — put it out there, and then put it out there some more. With technology, you can create a system that works for you. Remember: The Media Is You! Think about people like Martha Stewart. You can get the pie recipe on the blog, then on the site, then on the FB page, then on the TV show, and then on the radio show. Then you can get the “best of” pie recipes. Then you can get it on the morning show when she's a guest. Keep it exciting and keep it real. Care about the people who show that they care about your ideas. The business is the sweet reward and the relationships are the whipped topping, cherries and sprinkles on top! Go! (Thanks for liking my little 'ol book!)
Awesome post! Of your suggestions I have to say these two make the biggest difference. The first one will free up amazing amounts of time and the second one will free up time and money.
1. Turn off the television.
2.Stop making products that don’t sell well.
Thanks — and the television, well, that’s a very very big one!