It Doesn't Have To Be Fancy, It Just Has To Work

I totally admit that I am computer-stupid.  My 10-year old grandson is more technology adept than I am.  So when it comes to things like funnels and tripwires and chatbots and YouTube channels with amazing videos...well, I'm a little behind the times.

My social media posts don't have cool animated images.  My blog doesn't have tons of plugins.  My emails are usually pretty simple.

I don't worry about algorithms or the number of followers I have.  I don't stress if someone unsubscribes from my list (so no, you won't get anything from me asking why.  I don't care.).  

There is absolutely nothing fancy or complicated about my marketing.

And yet, I make money.  All day.  Every day. 

How is that possible?  Because what I do works!

My Website

I am completely, authentically me...on my website, on social media, in my emails.  My videos are shot in my home office with my phone.  They may not be polished, but they get my message out there.  My website isn't full of flashy banners and shopping carts and 29 ways to purchase.  But you can find the info you want pretty quickly.  And I do share info...lots of it...for free.  My story is there, front and center, for everyone to read.  I want people to know who I am.  I want them to know what I know.  If you do want to purchase one of my products, I use PayPal.  It works for me.

If you want to make an impression with your website, tell your story.  Add some how-to's that address your customer's problems.  Include some short and sweet videos that spotlight your personality and what your company is all about.  That will do more for your business then all the bells-and-whistles.

Social Media

Everything I post on social media has a purpose.  I am either trying to entertain you or inform you.  Sometimes I try to do both at once!  I'm clever like that!  So when I say to post on purpose, that is what I mean.  I don't try to create posts for maximum engagement.  And I certainly don't post inane questions just to get comments.  I'm in marketing and health and wellness.  I don't care what movie you saw last or if you prefer your toast to look like a charcoal briquette.  What I care about is...will it make you laugh?  Will it make you think?  Will it teach you something?  If I can say yes to any of those, that's all that matters.  Because that's what builds an audience.  If 100 people tell me they like chocolate ice cream better than vanilla, how does that help my business?  Ice cream lovers probably aren't interested in weight loss products!  Chances of them actually buying anything from me are slim.  I would rather have 5 comments on a post from people who are genuinely interested in what I am sharing.  Because they are my audience.

The same is true with followers.  I do not have a large Facebook following.  But I'll match my 2300 followers against your 5000 any day.  Because I know and interact with mine.  And if they don't engage with me, I unfriend them.  I'd rather have 1000 loyal, raving fans than 5000 people who don't really know who I am or what I do.  So I don't spend a lot of time looking for people to "friend."  And while my Twitter following is much larger, I don't play the games there either.  You know the one.  I follow you.  You follow back.  I unfollow you so now it looks like I have a lot more followers than followees (is that a word?)!  While that actually is true for me, it's because I also only follow people I am genuinely interested in.  It is a huge disservice to follow someone, or like their page, just because they asked, if you are not at all interested.  Algorithms notice these things!

Stop trying all the fancy, complicated tactics to game the algorithm.  Just be yourself and focus on informing and entertaining your audience.  The rest will come!

Keep It Simple

Here's what you need to build a business:

An online presence.  It could be a website or a blog. You might also have a YouTube channel, social media profiles, or a combination of any of those.  Which ones you choose will depend on your business, your skill set, and your experience.

A mailing list.  You can use an autoresponder (which I do recommend) or maintain it yourself...although an autoresponder will definitely make it much easier.

A way to reach your audience.  Social media is by far the easiest and cheapest.  Don't try to build a huge presence on all of them at once.  Pick the one or two that you truly enjoy using and master it.  I like Twitter and Pinterest.  Coincidentally, that is where I also have my largest following.  I am also on Facebook and Instagram, but not to as large a degree.  Twitter is my home!

A way to capture your audience's contact info so you can get them on your mailing list.

Don't worry about bots or apps or automation.  You don't need funnels and tripwires.  Just share your story, your knowledge, your value.  Make your audience laugh,  Make them think.  Make them ask questions.  Teach them something.  Get them to know, like, and trust you.  Be authentically you.  The rest will follow!



 
      

What If You Were a Great Friend?

I admit it. There was a time I struggled to build close friendships. As the nerd-girl misfit for most of my life, I practiced being as invisible as possible. I definitely did not reach out to make friends. Sure I longed to embrace close, authentic relationships. But I didn’t know where to start or how to approach others.

Fortunately, everything began to change once I left home for military life. CT's are a relatively small community. And because of the nature of our work, we are perceived as being different from the rest of the Navy. I knew that feeling all too well. (Perhaps that's what drew me to the rate). So whether it was the fact that I was now surrounded by other people much like me, or the fact that it was new environment where no one had any preconceived expectations of me, I suddenly found myself making friends!  It wasn't overnight. And I learned some things along the way.

Building relationships and friendships is a key part of your business growth. In the new digital world of online marketing, being able to get your prospects and customers to know, like, and trust you can be the difference between success and failure. If you struggle to form close relationships, here are some things to try:

Do Activities You Love in Group Settings

Think of activities you love where potential friends might hang out. Think about this way. If you want to make friends with crafters, go to a local knitting circle, take a cake decorating class, or try attending one of those wine and paint clubs.

This also works with your online relationships. Facebook is focusing lots of attention on Groups. It is where the bulk of interaction seems to be happening right now. And there are groups for everything. I belong to marketing and wellness groups of course. But I also belong to a Jewelry group (earrings...my weakness), an Octopus Fan Club (yes I find them fascinating), a group for people who RV with their dogs (getting ready to do so. Might need some tips), two that focus on holistic and natural pet health (I have a houseful), one for those who appreciate a fine bourbon (Maker's Mark!), one for those who are trying to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, a cooking group, several inspirational, motivational, and support groups, one for authors, several shopping VIP groups, and one that posts funny cat and dog videos and memes (we all need a laugh now and then). As you can see from this list, there are groups for just about anything!

Building a friendship around a shared passion is an easy place to start. But don’t feel like you have to find your BFF during your first group hike or make everyone like you right away. Lasting friendships do take time to build.

Pay Attention to Details

As you get to know others, learn about their details, the little things that make them unique. I have a friend who always wears a "whatsit", some very noticeable pin or scarf or shoes that are sure to attract attention and start a conversation. It might be a statement necklace, her hedgehog printed scarf, or her favorite bright red heels. Knowing this detail, I try to pay attention and compliment the item of the day.

Again, this also works with your online friends. As you get to know them, you will learn the things that make them unique. Use that knowledge when commenting on their posts, or conversing on messenger.

Whether you’ve known a friend for just a few weeks or four decades, study her and what she likes. What’s her favorite flower? How does she like her coffee? What does she collect?

Set Reminders for Important Dates

Put your friend’s birthday on your calendar. If you’re using a digital calendar, set up notification for 2 weeks in advance. This gives you plenty of time to find a gift or come up with a way to honor your friend.

Fortunately, Facebook and LinkedIn will remind you of the birthdays of your Facebook friends and LinkedIn connections. Take a minute to send them a quick birthday greeting. 

But don’t stop with birthdays. Write down other dates that are important, too. Wedding anniversaries, business anniversaries, "Got" days for animal lovers who adopt rescues...try to learn what dates are important to them and set a reminder to reach out on that special day.

Remember: You Have Something to Offer

It’s natural to want community around you. It’s normal to desire close friendships. Life is more fun when we have people who “get” us. And it definitely helps make your business more fun and profitable.

But keep in mind as you search for friends or strengthen your relationships that you bring something to the table, too. It might be your quirky sense of humor, your ability to see the silver lining in every situation, or your spot-on knowledge of fashion.

Don’t hide your quirks or avoid hanging out with others because you’re worried they won’t like you. Be willing to step outside your shell so you can meet other people who think you’re amazing (because you totally are!)