Winter is fast approaching, are you ready?
Here are some helpful ways to get started.
http://www.ziprealty.com/blog/top-tips-furnace-cleaning-and-maintenance?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=20131026_1
For some of you with older homes, remember to cover your pipes. Caulking your windows can help too.
Stalk up on salt for those icy days ahead. Invest in a snow shovel. Make sure your batteries are charged and you have the flashlight handy.
If you are a candle collector like me, stay safe when lighting them.
Living in the northwest for years I learned that the best way to stay warm for the winter was to prepare in the fall. October is my favorite month and also my best time to do canning, making dinners to freeze (such as soup, chili, sauces) , clean out clutter and unpack for winter. The one thing I always seemed to forget, was waiting until it snowed, before trying find gloves for the kids to wear.
Don't forget daylight savings time ends this weekend Nov 3.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Gourds, Pumkins, & Butternut Squash, Oh My!
Are you ready for Halloween?
October is my favorite time of year. I love going to the pumpkin patch. It seemed to never wear off from when I was a kid. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes. From baking to carving.
Did you know that if you select a pumpkin that still has the stem, it lasts longer? One farmer told me "It's like Tupperware seal for the pumpkin".
Also if you love to make fresh pumpkin pies grab the smaller spiced pumpkins, or even better the butternut pumpkin. It has a smother soft taste.
Gourds are great for decoration, and I love to place them on my dining room table as a center piece through the holiday's.
Of coarse then there is the famous carving pumpkins. It is so cute to see children trying to find the biggest one.
Another idea if you like to make many dishes with pumpkin, try to find the green ones with stems. Look over your pumpkin carefully, making sure there are no dings, or abrasions in the skin. This will ensure that your pumpkin will last longer. Believe it of not, I have had them last through April.
So what do I do with all my plump pumpkins? Use them for decorations through the fall season of coarse. Then pick them off one by one, by baking them, and mashing the flesh once they are fully baked. I then put them in freezer bags and freeze. Ahhh pumpkin goodness through the winter months.
What do you like to do in October?
October is my favorite time of year. I love going to the pumpkin patch. It seemed to never wear off from when I was a kid. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes. From baking to carving.
Did you know that if you select a pumpkin that still has the stem, it lasts longer? One farmer told me "It's like Tupperware seal for the pumpkin".
Also if you love to make fresh pumpkin pies grab the smaller spiced pumpkins, or even better the butternut pumpkin. It has a smother soft taste.
Gourds are great for decoration, and I love to place them on my dining room table as a center piece through the holiday's.
Of coarse then there is the famous carving pumpkins. It is so cute to see children trying to find the biggest one.
Another idea if you like to make many dishes with pumpkin, try to find the green ones with stems. Look over your pumpkin carefully, making sure there are no dings, or abrasions in the skin. This will ensure that your pumpkin will last longer. Believe it of not, I have had them last through April.
So what do I do with all my plump pumpkins? Use them for decorations through the fall season of coarse. Then pick them off one by one, by baking them, and mashing the flesh once they are fully baked. I then put them in freezer bags and freeze. Ahhh pumpkin goodness through the winter months.
What do you like to do in October?
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Gandma's Chili with A Twist
Grandma’s Chili with A Twist
3 cans black beans 15 oz
3 cans kidney beans 15 oz
1 can garbanzo beans 15 oz
1 can of tomato sauce 106 oz or (7
cans of 15 oz)
1 can stewed tomatoes 15 oz
1 can tomato paste
1 lb ground beef
1lb ground turkey
2 large sausage links (skin removed)
4 whole bay leaves
1 garlic floret or 6-7 cloves
1 whole shallot chopped
1T dried basil or handful of fresh
basil
1T dried oregano
Handful of fresh cilantro chopped
(once chopped makes about a table spoon)
1T of agave. Can substitute 1T brown
sugar
½ red bell pepper
½ jalapeno
Take ground beef, turkey, and sausage
& crumble into crockpot. Add shallots, basil, oregano, bay leaves &
chopped garlic. Turn on med hi and brown meat until thoroughly cooked. (my
crockpot takes about an hour on hi) Once
meats look done, drain fat. Add tomato paste, & blend well with meat. Add
your beans, and tomato sauce, then turn crock to simmer. Meanwhile, in a food
processor add your cilantro, jalapeno, red pepper, stewed tomatoes, &
agave. Chop up until well blended. Add to crockpot. Simmer for 4-6 hours.
Serves 8-12
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Are You Priced To Sell?
Are you planning on putting your house on the market? There is a secret to selling your house quickly, and if your motivated chances are you will have a sale with in 15 days.
A quick way to get started with little to no money is start going to open houses. This will give you a feel for what your home might be worth, as well as decorating ideas. It will show you ideas for curb appeal, what updates people have done, and colors they are using.
Here are a few tips for a quick sale.
Curb Appeal:
Nothing says "buy me", more than an inviting front yard. Your yard sets the tone for the rest of the visit. Clean cut grass, shrubs and bushes trimmed, house painted a neutral color, vibrant colorful flowers, and swept sidewalk & driveway. Keep in mind too much curb appeal can shy people away as well. They may think too much upkeep. Less is more.
Keeping it Neutral:
One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is refusing to paint over the burgundy walls that match the Tuscany themed kitchen, or covering the mural that was painted for their child's bedroom.
Paint your house neutral colors. When buyers shop for a home they imagine themselves living in it. Bright colors, get them thinking of how much more work they will need to do. This can count against you. The buyer may, in return offer much lower than your asking price.
Paint does wonders to value of a home.
Kitchens & Bathrooms:
Ironically contrary to what you might think, kitchens and bathrooms pose as the biggest deal breakers in my experience. It is very true, what you might have heard rumored, kitchen and bathrooms sell homes. If you have a great looking home and gone neutral on colors, spruced the yard, put in new flooring, but did not update the kitchen, chances are your house will sit on the market. I can not tell you how many times I have shown homes to buyers and the first comment normally out of their mouth is, "the kitchen needs updating", Red Flag.....and we move onto the next home.
Here are simple ways to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money.
1. Paint - Simply painting your cupboards, or refinishing them.
2. Walls - Paint your walls a neutral color. (beige/white/cream)
3. Flooring - Use stick tile, it is easy to use, fast to put in, and done right, looks fabulous. No one would be the wiser.
4. Countertops - Buy Granite tile, or find a granite outlet. You can save a bundle by finding remnant granite pieces. Sometime your able to find a big enough slab with out having to worry about cutting and piecing together the countertop.
5. Hardware - Depending on the type of hardware, you can get away with little cost by just adding a touch to your cupboard doors and drawers. Be careful it can get costly, remember you just want the minimum to make your kitchen look sheik.
6. Trim- Do Not Cut Corners! Buyers will notice every little feature. Remember to dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" so to speak. So pay attention to detail, your buyer sure will.
Flooring:
If you have hardwood floors, refinish them.
If you have carpet pay to have it professionally cleaned.
If carpet needs replacing stay neutral. Tan and beige seem to be a common choice.
If you plan to replace carpet with flooring, I highly recommend real hardwood. Pergo flooring, although cheaper can ward off any potential buyers. Pergo flooring is great for the pet owner.
If you choose Pergo flooring, I propose finding a professional flooring company to put it in.
Price:
You have a higher chance of selling your home if it is priced right. How do you know if you have priced your house right? If within 15 days you have an offer on your house. Over pricing your home, will end up being the biggest problem in selling your home.
Over Priced:
House sets on the market. The seller has priced his/her house above the market value. This usually means they are out of the competitive market, and other homes are selling with better features at a lower price.
Right Price:
Seller should have an offer within 15 days. This pricing category means the house is competitive with other homes on the market, and has stood out among the other listings.
Under Priced:
This is a strategy usually suggested by the sellers agent, to bring in multiple offers. This is commonly used when a seller needs to move quickly and wants to place an aggressive price. This can also be used to the advantage of the seller in hopes to get a higher priced offer than their competitors. Be careful when doing under priced listings, sometimes this can backfire.
When you decide to put your house on the market, make sure you ask your Realtor to do a CMA (comparable market analysis). This will help you get an idea of what other sellers are pricing their homes. Another suggestion is to go look at the homes of your competitors. Firstly it gives you decorating ideas, and second it tells you what your competition is. If your neighbor has granite counter tops in the kitchen, and priced their home 10k less than you, chances are if your kitchen isn't updated, their home will sell first. So be aware of your competition, it will help you in the long run.
A quick way to get started with little to no money is start going to open houses. This will give you a feel for what your home might be worth, as well as decorating ideas. It will show you ideas for curb appeal, what updates people have done, and colors they are using.
Here are a few tips for a quick sale.
Curb Appeal:
Nothing says "buy me", more than an inviting front yard. Your yard sets the tone for the rest of the visit. Clean cut grass, shrubs and bushes trimmed, house painted a neutral color, vibrant colorful flowers, and swept sidewalk & driveway. Keep in mind too much curb appeal can shy people away as well. They may think too much upkeep. Less is more.
Keeping it Neutral:
One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is refusing to paint over the burgundy walls that match the Tuscany themed kitchen, or covering the mural that was painted for their child's bedroom.
Paint your house neutral colors. When buyers shop for a home they imagine themselves living in it. Bright colors, get them thinking of how much more work they will need to do. This can count against you. The buyer may, in return offer much lower than your asking price.
Paint does wonders to value of a home.
Kitchens & Bathrooms:
Ironically contrary to what you might think, kitchens and bathrooms pose as the biggest deal breakers in my experience. It is very true, what you might have heard rumored, kitchen and bathrooms sell homes. If you have a great looking home and gone neutral on colors, spruced the yard, put in new flooring, but did not update the kitchen, chances are your house will sit on the market. I can not tell you how many times I have shown homes to buyers and the first comment normally out of their mouth is, "the kitchen needs updating", Red Flag.....and we move onto the next home.
Here are simple ways to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money.
1. Paint - Simply painting your cupboards, or refinishing them.
2. Walls - Paint your walls a neutral color. (beige/white/cream)
3. Flooring - Use stick tile, it is easy to use, fast to put in, and done right, looks fabulous. No one would be the wiser.
4. Countertops - Buy Granite tile, or find a granite outlet. You can save a bundle by finding remnant granite pieces. Sometime your able to find a big enough slab with out having to worry about cutting and piecing together the countertop.
5. Hardware - Depending on the type of hardware, you can get away with little cost by just adding a touch to your cupboard doors and drawers. Be careful it can get costly, remember you just want the minimum to make your kitchen look sheik.
6. Trim- Do Not Cut Corners! Buyers will notice every little feature. Remember to dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" so to speak. So pay attention to detail, your buyer sure will.
Flooring:
If you have hardwood floors, refinish them.
If you have carpet pay to have it professionally cleaned.
If carpet needs replacing stay neutral. Tan and beige seem to be a common choice.
If you plan to replace carpet with flooring, I highly recommend real hardwood. Pergo flooring, although cheaper can ward off any potential buyers. Pergo flooring is great for the pet owner.
If you choose Pergo flooring, I propose finding a professional flooring company to put it in.
Price:
You have a higher chance of selling your home if it is priced right. How do you know if you have priced your house right? If within 15 days you have an offer on your house. Over pricing your home, will end up being the biggest problem in selling your home.
Over Priced:
House sets on the market. The seller has priced his/her house above the market value. This usually means they are out of the competitive market, and other homes are selling with better features at a lower price.
Right Price:
Seller should have an offer within 15 days. This pricing category means the house is competitive with other homes on the market, and has stood out among the other listings.
Under Priced:
This is a strategy usually suggested by the sellers agent, to bring in multiple offers. This is commonly used when a seller needs to move quickly and wants to place an aggressive price. This can also be used to the advantage of the seller in hopes to get a higher priced offer than their competitors. Be careful when doing under priced listings, sometimes this can backfire.
When you decide to put your house on the market, make sure you ask your Realtor to do a CMA (comparable market analysis). This will help you get an idea of what other sellers are pricing their homes. Another suggestion is to go look at the homes of your competitors. Firstly it gives you decorating ideas, and second it tells you what your competition is. If your neighbor has granite counter tops in the kitchen, and priced their home 10k less than you, chances are if your kitchen isn't updated, their home will sell first. So be aware of your competition, it will help you in the long run.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Chicken Pesto Pasta
1lb chicken breast
2c fresh basil (about 4-6 sprigs)
Hand full cilantro (about ½ cup)
1/3 c Slivered almonds
4-5 cloves fresh garlic
About 1c olive oil
1t salt
1 t pepper
2/3 c parmesan
16 oz pkg Pasta of choice
Set Crock pot on med hi and brown both
sides of chicken. While chicken is
browning, In a food processor add all remaining ingredients except pasta and
olive oil. Add olive oil as needed until you have a smooth blend of
ingredients. Once pesto is the consistency you want it, add to chicken and
simmer for 3 to 4 hours. Meanwhile in a separate pot prepare pasta Al Dante.
(save 1/2c pasta water) Once chicken falls apart or looks crockpot delicious
add prepared pasta and ½ of pasta water. Allow to simmer together 30 more mins.
Serve 6-8
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Dropping the Ball
How many of you, whether in real estate, accounting, marketing or any other business have been in a situation where someone dropped the ball, and jeopardized your deal?
<raises hand>
When I was new to real estate, I found myself in a situation that jeopardized closing a deal. This deal sat on someone's desk for 3 weeks before I finally got a clue that someone was dropping the ball. I was not about to let that happen. A few phones calls, set power in motion. I learned a very valuable lesson that day......Trust No One and Follow Through Sooner Rather Than Later.
The only one you can trust to follow through is yourself. Here are some helpful tips.
1.) Make a chart (meaning develop a timeline)
2.) Stay in constant communication with all involved.
3.) Use Email as a source of communication that way you have documentation of what is being conveyed.
4.) If you are getting, "leave a message" every time you call, OR (and this is a BIG clue) "I'll get back to you in a couple days", take your concerns to someone higher up. A couple days may be the difference of too little too late.
5.) Keep a daily log of all communications ie. Journal
6.) Listen to your gut. You have heard of the term if it walks, talks, and looks like a duck, then maybe it's a duck?
In conclusion to my experience communication with the other agent is what kept this deal alive. Oh did I mention this was also a bank owned property? I was paid on Dec 24th and the kids receive a visit from Santa. Talk about getting it done by the midnight hour!
Difficult and stressful experiences not only make us stronger, but better at what we do.
I tend to remember the tougher transactions, for that I am very thankful because I learned from them.
Please feel free to respond or ask questions. Have a great evening everyone.
<raises hand>
When I was new to real estate, I found myself in a situation that jeopardized closing a deal. This deal sat on someone's desk for 3 weeks before I finally got a clue that someone was dropping the ball. I was not about to let that happen. A few phones calls, set power in motion. I learned a very valuable lesson that day......Trust No One and Follow Through Sooner Rather Than Later.
The only one you can trust to follow through is yourself. Here are some helpful tips.
1.) Make a chart (meaning develop a timeline)
2.) Stay in constant communication with all involved.
3.) Use Email as a source of communication that way you have documentation of what is being conveyed.
4.) If you are getting, "leave a message" every time you call, OR (and this is a BIG clue) "I'll get back to you in a couple days", take your concerns to someone higher up. A couple days may be the difference of too little too late.
5.) Keep a daily log of all communications ie. Journal
6.) Listen to your gut. You have heard of the term if it walks, talks, and looks like a duck, then maybe it's a duck?
In conclusion to my experience communication with the other agent is what kept this deal alive. Oh did I mention this was also a bank owned property? I was paid on Dec 24th and the kids receive a visit from Santa. Talk about getting it done by the midnight hour!
Difficult and stressful experiences not only make us stronger, but better at what we do.
I tend to remember the tougher transactions, for that I am very thankful because I learned from them.
Please feel free to respond or ask questions. Have a great evening everyone.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
How Many Of You, Know Your Stuff?
Do you think you know as much as you think? Maybe you could use a "brush up"?
I cannot count on my fingers and toes how many times that I have gone into a business deal where the other agent is not as informed.
Know your stuff please! Backed by facts. Your client will not only think you have it together, but they will trust you, to guide them through the process.
Take classes, classes, classes!!! Take advantage in as many free classes offered as you can. If you think you need the knowledge of a class offered, but it's at a price, however financially you can swing it, then do it. Your business will thank you later.
I am not just talking about the required classes that is needed to renew a licenses. I am talking about more classes, more elective courses: Seminars, Community Functions, events held by your brokers.
Look at taking these classes as not a chore, but good insight to feeding your business.
I see so many people looking at their life and living in the now, and not thinking of the future. When running a business it is impossible to have one without the other. As a business owner, you have to look at both. Your short term needs, and long term needs. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be one step ahead of your business else it will be one step ahead of you.
This is why in the beginning I said have two goals, when beginning any business plan.
"Knowledge is power", by Sir Frances Bacon. Use that power to better your business.
I cannot count on my fingers and toes how many times that I have gone into a business deal where the other agent is not as informed.
Know your stuff please! Backed by facts. Your client will not only think you have it together, but they will trust you, to guide them through the process.
Take classes, classes, classes!!! Take advantage in as many free classes offered as you can. If you think you need the knowledge of a class offered, but it's at a price, however financially you can swing it, then do it. Your business will thank you later.
I am not just talking about the required classes that is needed to renew a licenses. I am talking about more classes, more elective courses: Seminars, Community Functions, events held by your brokers.
Look at taking these classes as not a chore, but good insight to feeding your business.
I see so many people looking at their life and living in the now, and not thinking of the future. When running a business it is impossible to have one without the other. As a business owner, you have to look at both. Your short term needs, and long term needs. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be one step ahead of your business else it will be one step ahead of you.
This is why in the beginning I said have two goals, when beginning any business plan.
"Knowledge is power", by Sir Frances Bacon. Use that power to better your business.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Strangers
If your like me I LOVE Starbucks. This is a perfect place to meet people.
Take your business on the road! Get in line, (and if you make this a habit; you may meet new people) get your cup of joe, and find a spot to do your morning business on your laptop. Free Wi-Fi in most coffee shops. If it is not posted, just go to the counter and ask for the internet password.
How about if you walk your kids to school? Eventually your face will become familiar with other parents. A great way to engage in conversation.
How many of you grocery shop? I would venture to guess just about everyone. Go to the same grocery store each and every time, to get yourself noticed as a regular. Then when they say "Hey your back! How are you today?", you reel them in with some type of conversation pertaining to your business.
Some of you may take your kids to the park. Take some time and observe where the other parents are. Especially if your child has made a friend, find the parent, and make a point to engage in conversation.
It's the weekend, and your friends are having a BBQ. But your reluctant to go, because you have so much work to do. Not only is this a GOOD idea to go, but another "in", on finding new leads for your business. 1) you can relax among friends and have fun, but 2) you have an opportunity to meet someone new.
5 ideas, on 5 hello's to strangers.
Take your business on the road! Get in line, (and if you make this a habit; you may meet new people) get your cup of joe, and find a spot to do your morning business on your laptop. Free Wi-Fi in most coffee shops. If it is not posted, just go to the counter and ask for the internet password.
How about if you walk your kids to school? Eventually your face will become familiar with other parents. A great way to engage in conversation.
How many of you grocery shop? I would venture to guess just about everyone. Go to the same grocery store each and every time, to get yourself noticed as a regular. Then when they say "Hey your back! How are you today?", you reel them in with some type of conversation pertaining to your business.
Some of you may take your kids to the park. Take some time and observe where the other parents are. Especially if your child has made a friend, find the parent, and make a point to engage in conversation.
It's the weekend, and your friends are having a BBQ. But your reluctant to go, because you have so much work to do. Not only is this a GOOD idea to go, but another "in", on finding new leads for your business. 1) you can relax among friends and have fun, but 2) you have an opportunity to meet someone new.
5 ideas, on 5 hello's to strangers.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Where Are the Prospects Hiding?
Last week was all about "Getting Noticed". This week we will talk about prospecting and how it is important to include this in your business plan, in the "20 Ways to be a Successful Real Estate Agent".
Where Are They Hiding?
They are hiding EVERYWHERE!
Here are some ideas to look for them:
Church
Children's schools
Local clubs you belong to
Parks
A friends party
Class Reunion
Internet
Social Media sites
Local community functions
kids game field
Grocery store
Everyone you set your eyes on, is a prospect. It is up to you how to handle that. Part of prospecting is setting goals with-in goals.
I strive for the 5, 5's, 5 days a week
5 phone calls
5 Text messages
5 Hello's to strangers
5 emails
5 mail outs (birthday, anniversary, thank you notes)
Most business people should do 10 phone calls a day, I broke this down to 5 texts, and 5 phone calls. It was just easier to me. 10 emails, same thing instead of 10, I broke this down to 5 emails and 5 mail outs. Then of coarse 5 hello's to strangers. Did you know that you have to interact with the same prospect at least 3 times (on average) before making an imprint on their memory?
This is why it is so important to continue these tasks each day.
Have a great Monday folks......
Where Are They Hiding?
They are hiding EVERYWHERE!
Here are some ideas to look for them:
Church
Children's schools
Local clubs you belong to
Parks
A friends party
Class Reunion
Internet
Social Media sites
Local community functions
kids game field
Grocery store
Everyone you set your eyes on, is a prospect. It is up to you how to handle that. Part of prospecting is setting goals with-in goals.
I strive for the 5, 5's, 5 days a week
5 phone calls
5 Text messages
5 Hello's to strangers
5 emails
5 mail outs (birthday, anniversary, thank you notes)
Most business people should do 10 phone calls a day, I broke this down to 5 texts, and 5 phone calls. It was just easier to me. 10 emails, same thing instead of 10, I broke this down to 5 emails and 5 mail outs. Then of coarse 5 hello's to strangers. Did you know that you have to interact with the same prospect at least 3 times (on average) before making an imprint on their memory?
This is why it is so important to continue these tasks each day.
Have a great Monday folks......
Friday, October 4, 2013
Day 5 on Getting Connected
Part 5
This week on how to make a successful business plan we looked at getting noticed.
Yesterday I clued you into the 6 free site that can help you launch your business.
Facebook: Social media center where you can chose who you want to interlink into your circle of friends. This is a great place to keep family up to date, but what about your business?
Make a Facebook webpage, connect it to your existing friends and family and invite the to like the page. Not only does it keep you engaging but it also lets everyone know your still in business for those people you have not kept in contact for years.
Twitter: Another social media circle, that you can inter connect to. At first I though this was a site where someone was literally following your every move. Not exactly. It is very similar to Facebook in a sense that you can still say what's on your mind, and even post pictures and advertisements, but it works more like a text message, in my opinion. The difference is, your also seeing what your favorite celebrities, friends, coworkers, companies, and any other people you like to read about post "live". You don't even have to twitter all the time to just stay in the loop. Although if you want to on the top of recognition, it's works like any other search engine. Post, post, post or in this case, tweet, tweet, tweet.
Pinterest: Caution if you have not ever gone to this site, it can be addicting. So those of you who do know this site; chores, school work, job duties first, do you all agree?
I use this site A LOT. But not just to pin. It's a great place that I know I can go, to quickly skim through my food recipe pins and see visuals of food I might like to cook for dinner, or ideas for my business, or different arts and crafts ideas I can do with my children. Not only are you pinning, but your getting followers. You have an option to put up a public bio that can revert you to your business. People will see this, when the go to your boards to see your pins.
LinkedIn: Is not just a site to look for jobs, but also a inter connection to referrals, and information. It is a way to interact with those in your community and also a way for that future prospect to view your credentials. Whether you own a business or just a stay at home parent, everyone should check it out. It is a great resource.
Blogger: That would be this, what I am doing. Blogging can help engage conversation. The more you blog, the more you show up on search engines. Some people have a recipe blog, others maybe a family site to stay connected, or for myself, a blog where I ramble on .....
It is another site to help you launch your business and get noticed. Another site inner linked to blogger is Google+ try it out.
YouTube: I admit this one I have not tried. But I have heard it can be very rewarding. Do your research. See how well it can help your business.
Great reasons to use these sites, are that they all inner link to each other. Which will give your viewer a circle of profiles, of you and your business. They cost nothing to get started, with a few of them giving the option to upgrade. So try them out, see what you think. If you own a business first rule is "keeping an open mind".
See you Monday have a great weekend, and don't forget Sunday is Cockpot Sunday, where I post my recipe of the week.
This week on how to make a successful business plan we looked at getting noticed.
Yesterday I clued you into the 6 free site that can help you launch your business.
Facebook: Social media center where you can chose who you want to interlink into your circle of friends. This is a great place to keep family up to date, but what about your business?
Make a Facebook webpage, connect it to your existing friends and family and invite the to like the page. Not only does it keep you engaging but it also lets everyone know your still in business for those people you have not kept in contact for years.
Twitter: Another social media circle, that you can inter connect to. At first I though this was a site where someone was literally following your every move. Not exactly. It is very similar to Facebook in a sense that you can still say what's on your mind, and even post pictures and advertisements, but it works more like a text message, in my opinion. The difference is, your also seeing what your favorite celebrities, friends, coworkers, companies, and any other people you like to read about post "live". You don't even have to twitter all the time to just stay in the loop. Although if you want to on the top of recognition, it's works like any other search engine. Post, post, post or in this case, tweet, tweet, tweet.
Pinterest: Caution if you have not ever gone to this site, it can be addicting. So those of you who do know this site; chores, school work, job duties first, do you all agree?
I use this site A LOT. But not just to pin. It's a great place that I know I can go, to quickly skim through my food recipe pins and see visuals of food I might like to cook for dinner, or ideas for my business, or different arts and crafts ideas I can do with my children. Not only are you pinning, but your getting followers. You have an option to put up a public bio that can revert you to your business. People will see this, when the go to your boards to see your pins.
LinkedIn: Is not just a site to look for jobs, but also a inter connection to referrals, and information. It is a way to interact with those in your community and also a way for that future prospect to view your credentials. Whether you own a business or just a stay at home parent, everyone should check it out. It is a great resource.
Blogger: That would be this, what I am doing. Blogging can help engage conversation. The more you blog, the more you show up on search engines. Some people have a recipe blog, others maybe a family site to stay connected, or for myself, a blog where I ramble on .....
It is another site to help you launch your business and get noticed. Another site inner linked to blogger is Google+ try it out.
YouTube: I admit this one I have not tried. But I have heard it can be very rewarding. Do your research. See how well it can help your business.
Great reasons to use these sites, are that they all inner link to each other. Which will give your viewer a circle of profiles, of you and your business. They cost nothing to get started, with a few of them giving the option to upgrade. So try them out, see what you think. If you own a business first rule is "keeping an open mind".
See you Monday have a great weekend, and don't forget Sunday is Cockpot Sunday, where I post my recipe of the week.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Get Connected Part 4
Part 4
The internet is probably the #1 spot to gain access, on "getting noticed".
There are so many sites out there where you can take advantage of your marketing with out spending a dime.
I blogged a couple days ago, on where to get these type of sites going. From what I have read the 6 mains sites that help a "getting noticed", business is:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Blogger
YouTube
All these site interlink to the other. Which gives YOU as the profiler a chance to market yourself and your business. Add these links to your business cards. If you have a website, put them up on your site as inner links.
The secret for this to work however, is to stay active, and no matter how busy you may get, continue to stay on top of these links.
Stay tuned to tomorrow and I will tell you how each of these sites has worked for me, and my business.
The internet is probably the #1 spot to gain access, on "getting noticed".
There are so many sites out there where you can take advantage of your marketing with out spending a dime.
I blogged a couple days ago, on where to get these type of sites going. From what I have read the 6 mains sites that help a "getting noticed", business is:
Blogger
YouTube
All these site interlink to the other. Which gives YOU as the profiler a chance to market yourself and your business. Add these links to your business cards. If you have a website, put them up on your site as inner links.
The secret for this to work however, is to stay active, and no matter how busy you may get, continue to stay on top of these links.
Stay tuned to tomorrow and I will tell you how each of these sites has worked for me, and my business.
Get Connected Part 3
Busy day for me yesterday so I will blog two days today.
3rd Step:
Network, Network, Network!
Go find people:
Call fellow business' in your field and meet with them.
Get involved with your community.
Take a time spot and find a business place that takes WiFi, and do work there.
Volunteer at a non profit (somebody knows somebody, that knows somebody)
Leave a business card at your favorite diner
Join clubs that are affiliated with your type of field work.
Walk your same block everyday.( This is good if you are able to walk your kids to school)
The idea here is to get your face recognized. People get used to seeing your mug everyday, and eventually these "everyday connections" become a potential lead instead of a prospect.
3rd Step:
Network, Network, Network!
Go find people:
Call fellow business' in your field and meet with them.
Get involved with your community.
Take a time spot and find a business place that takes WiFi, and do work there.
Volunteer at a non profit (somebody knows somebody, that knows somebody)
Leave a business card at your favorite diner
Join clubs that are affiliated with your type of field work.
Walk your same block everyday.( This is good if you are able to walk your kids to school)
The idea here is to get your face recognized. People get used to seeing your mug everyday, and eventually these "everyday connections" become a potential lead instead of a prospect.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Get Connected!
Part 2: Get Connected
Did you know there are 10+ ways to get your business up and running for free?
See my blog on 10 Advertising Places to Get Your Business Started.
Sign up and get going.....
Nothing gets you noticed faster than the internet nowadays. Add a connection from each site you start to your next new site so everything interlinks you.
If you have a company website, put all these links in your profile. The more connections, the more your are what I call, "Googleable".
Why?
All these sources have connections, to other connections. This is a perfect place to accumulate new leads and interact with your viewers.
Visit Pop Results. Found this link on Pinterest.
http://popresults.com/inbound-marketing-vs-outbound-marketing/
I linked this because it shows a perfect diagram of how, "out with old marketing and in with the new".
You can also follow me on Pinterest where I pin ideas on property investments.
http://www.pinterest.com/rachaelsan/real-estate-investment/
Did you know there are 10+ ways to get your business up and running for free?
See my blog on 10 Advertising Places to Get Your Business Started.
Sign up and get going.....
Nothing gets you noticed faster than the internet nowadays. Add a connection from each site you start to your next new site so everything interlinks you.
If you have a company website, put all these links in your profile. The more connections, the more your are what I call, "Googleable".
Why?
All these sources have connections, to other connections. This is a perfect place to accumulate new leads and interact with your viewers.
Visit Pop Results. Found this link on Pinterest.
http://popresults.com/inbound-marketing-vs-outbound-marketing/
I linked this because it shows a perfect diagram of how, "out with old marketing and in with the new".
You can also follow me on Pinterest where I pin ideas on property investments.
http://www.pinterest.com/rachaelsan/real-estate-investment/
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