MVBizX

No Soliciting = Committed Cave Dweller

2011-10-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

I'm one of the hundreds of thousands business types that knock on doors drumming up business. When it rains, I know that most small businesses are slow, so when it rains, I go out drumming.

On many of the business doors I see a notice 'No Soliciting' (which of course means 'If you are a lawyer, then don't bother knocking') and I generally make a quick decision on whether to ignore the notice or not. If it reads 'Please, No Soliciting' then, generally, I thank them in my mind and move on, courtesy always pays.

Then it happens! I miss the 'No Soliciting' notice on a door covered with ads, 'Yes We're Open' signs, opening times, member of the local chamber, 'protected by...' etc. and I walk in to a store occupied by the one person behind the counter. Remember, it's raining, business is probably slow!

A polite introduction and quickly get to the point of my visit while inquiring how business is doing etc.

Then it happens! the occupant starts to rant and rave about "Didn't you see the No Soliciting Notice on the front door? You People come in here and waste my time, I don't care what you are selling, get the *^*^& out of here"

Of course, I apologize and wish them a nice day heading confidently to the exit, it happens! .. Next!

Ok, so you have the scenario, but let's look a bit closer at this situation.

What just happened?

Well for one, their bad attitude would not have left a good impression (do they count?). So would I be likely to recommend their business or even mention it positively to any of the other businesses that I visit... Duh!
(Or as we might say in England, am I one that just gave away my last Gorm?) (think about it!)

And another thing: They missed the opportunity to inform me about their business, and that's part of networking! So now, not only am I more likely to have a bad taste about their business, I don't even know anything positive about it.. This is not a Win Win for them.

Perhaps it's worthwhile reconsidering the placement of a No Soliciting notice on your business front door.

Now consider how to make the most of a visiting sales person.

Welcome them! (Start with a good impression)
Ask them if they would be interested in learning about your business in exchange for you learning about their's, something along the lines of "Ok, I'll listen to your business introduction if you'll listen to mine"
Consider that the visiting sales person is a potential networker, and that they will be visiting many other businesses and might get the chance to refer to you!
Make sure the sales person leaves with your business card, perhaps some of your company literature, but most of all, make sure they have a good impression of you and your business!

Please read this before I knock on your business door!

Thank you.

Expanding your business with MVBizX exposure.

2011-10-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Getting your business included in online business search engines is a great way to expand your exposure on the web. Normally very low to no cost (just time) and if it's a well constructed and managed database, then your exposure will quickly improve.

So get your business online, but track the activity with Google analytics so that you know where to put your effort.

And if you want to see a really cool alarm video, click on the link above.

Forewarned is Forearmed: The Grandparent Scam

2011-09-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Forewarned is Forearmed: The Grandparent Scam: Have you heard about the Grandparent Scam? Not a new Crime but an often used scam that we all need to make sure we are aware of, and that ou...

Tweets - not what I expected.

2011-02-15T04:29:00.000-08:00

It has been a surprise! I expected a bunch of jibber jabber and useless minute tweets to be just urging access to my day. But it's so much more.

One of the articles I read recently suggested: Social Media will be the cause of your needs finding you instead of you finding your needs. That is so true!

If you are a cave dweller, then you probably don't get many visitors, and those may well consider you to be a dead end (your network stops here.) But if you are open to visiting others and encourage visitations, then others may well consider that you are worth knowing (they will be expanding their network).

Similarly, if you are in a cave and have no visitors, then you would have to go out and find those things you need (Ok, so a cave dweller may not need much, but then they don't give back much either.) Whereas, if you invite people to visit (join social networks) then you'll receive info that may well contain the leads to the things you need.

So. This morning I was looking through my new and found some great articles from Inc. Magazine, articles that I would have searched for had I thought of the need. And this was the surprise! The social media brought some needs to me instead of my having to go out and dig out those needs.

Now, it may work out that after a while, my thoughts may change, but for right now, I'm impressed!

So open the door to your cave (duh!) and start inviting others, you'll find that your needs are reachable right at your doorstep (oh oh, another duh! no doorsteps!)

Let me know if you tweet.

Paul.

Expanding your network via multiple networking groups

2011-02-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Many of you that know me, also know that I'm out there networking on a regular basis. You'll see me participate at the Integrity Networking Group, Rotary Clubs where I speak about the future of the Internet, at other networking groups where I'm asked to talk about Effective Networking, and anytime I'm inline at the local Coffee shop. I quit the cave a few years ago for the benefits of meeting other business people who are out and about.

But there is a potential ethical dilemma when networking: The object of networking is to increase business, the route is by the creation of valuable business relationships with others, the hope is that they will refer business to you and, of course, you'll refer business to them. I certainly do that! One of the advantages of being outside the cave is that I find others that could use the business services by those in my networks.
The ethical issue is in committing to give referrals to a particular business owner. How can you commit to refer business to, say, a Printer, in one group and yet do the same for a printer in another group?

Last week at a networking group in Fort Lauderdale, I met with the current chairman of the Forte Networking Group and discussed this issue. They (another member of the group participated in the conversation) brought some insight to this matter that is really worth exploring.

The solution appears to be simple: Sorry to use a glib expression, but it's a matter of horses for courses!

I know several very good computer repair companies, reaching from West Palm Beach Florida down to the deep south (Miami Dade). However, they each have their specialties, and so when I meet someone that needs a computer repair contact, then I can determine which of my network are best suited their needs. So if it's a large Corporation, then my Miami contact would be the best fit, if it's a Mac system need of some TLC, then my contact in Fort Lauderdale would be the best fit, and if it were for a small office/home office system or network, then my contact would be from Coral Springs.

Let's face it: If your long time neighbor is a landscaper and has provided you services since Noah's ark touched down on dry land, then you'll probably refer business to her. But if you get a referral opportunity in another state and your neighbor will not work outside of your county, then you'll need to find another landscaper! You can be that you neighbor has a network of landscapers so that she can redirect someone when she needs to. So you should too!

So don't be bashful of establishing networking relationships with people in the same profession. I would go so far as to suggest that if you needed a referral contact for a project that your current network does not support. Then ask those in your network who would they recommend! And then ask for an introduction!

Soliciting Critical Reviews - why would you want to do that?

2011-01-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

While stood inline at my favorite local coffee store, (they keep the country running!) I overheard a conversation about quality of service. It was easy to join in and so it became a three way conversation.

The topic was the value of the customer in the eye of the salesperson. One of the women mentioned the absurdity of the Customer saying 'Thank You' when the Salesperson delivers the goods or services. "Why isn't it the other way around?" She has a good point.

When you pickup your Chicken meal at the drive through, do you say 'Thank You' and does the Cashier return the thanks? Probably they do not.

Another comment suggested that we live in a high density city, there is a McD's on every corner with a Chicken drive through opposite and a dinner between them. Consequently, the competition for customers is pretty high, and it's a numbers game. The more customers you get, the less the other companies get!

However, if you go to a more sparsely populated rural area, the sales person is likely to stand at the door and welcome you into the store before you even turn towards the entrance!

So what's the difference? Does it really take too much time for the salesperson to say 'Thanks for shopping with us today" and if it was uttered as an automated instruction that all salespeople must obey, would it have any value?

I would suggest that it should be normal to say thanks no matter which side of the counter you are standing. It's a personality thing. I certainly hope that it doesn't deteriorate downwards to just another extension of the corporate 'Customer Greeting Policy'

The conversation turned to discussing customer feedback, now we were in an area in which I'm well practiced.

Most people will comment on their experience to a friend or neighbor, but they are more likely to spread the comment when it's a negative experience. So why would you solicit a Critical Review? Of course, you know the reason, many don't and few really value that type of review!

If you go into a bar that has a long tradition of serving customers, you might see dollar bills stapled to the wall with a positive comment on the bill. But you'll rarely see a bill with a negative comment. Ok, so you might have read one of those messages that states "Jim and Jane got trashed here" but it was probably a positive comment. You're unlikely to see a dollar bill stapled to the wall with a message like "The Beer was Flat, the bathrooms dirty, we'll never come back again", not even if it was cool to have flat beer and the bathrooms were over 200 years old and authentic.

The positive review makes the business feel good, and they do tell others the positive aspects of the business. But even the best business misses the mark sometimes, and the whirlwind of negative comments around the local condo swimming pool could make a significant dent in the companies business.

So how to you avoid that kind of negative publicity? It's not that tough to do.

First: You have to solicit the Critical Review... So make sure that you are open to any review, good or bad or anything between.
Second: Do not penalize a sales associate if they get a review that is anything but totally positive! If you have been to any of the major car dealerships or appliance sales departments of the major stores, you have probably been coached by the salesperson in how to complete the customer satisfaction survey. Is there a plus side to that concept for anyone?
Third: Respond to every review... A simple thank you for the positive reviews, but a considerate thank you for the critical review. The critical review is the most important. It helps you recognize weaknesses in your processes from the customers viewpoint.
Now, if the customer rips the salesperson to rags, then it really could be that the customer was having a bad day, we all know it happens. However, it's really important to use it as an educational moment, not only for the employee, but for the HR office. Perhaps the sales team needs an update on customer appreciation. And Yes, it could be that a rouge sales person really did a bad job of interacting with the customer and it might not be the first time. But if you did not get the customer feedback in the first place, then you would not know about the problem.

But what if the Critical Review was not about how the sales person? Perhaps it is about the products, or the delivery system. Now the review might have a clearly defined financial value.

In all cases of a critical review, follow up with the customer. You can probably ensure that the customer is satisfied with the follow up process, even to the point where they spread the word that "Something was wrong , but they fixed it and thanked me for pointing out"

So, solicit the critical reviews, they always can pay off positively

First Rule of Networking

2010-12-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

Not another '1st Rule'?

Yep, because I see this so often that I feel it has to be written again.

Having belonged to various networking groups, all of them being based on the concept of getting referrals, I have often met with people that are new to networking.

The smart folks ask the existing members to explain the concept of referral networking, but some figure they have been around in business long enough to know how to network effectively.

So, what is the first rule of referral networking?

Easy: The last thing you want to do is SELL!

Maybe that answer is not what you expected? So let me explain why I believe it is so important.

The basic concept of referral networking is to build relationships with others that will lead to you getting referrals. It's not SELLing your products or services to those fellow networkers!

If you build a good relationship with another networker, then they are more likely to refer business to you. But similarly, you are more likely to refer business to them!

Notice, that in both of those cases, neither you nor the other networker sold any business to each other!

However, even though it seems pretty obvious when you read it, it's not so obvious in practice.

How often have you seen a guest at a networking group trying to SELL their products or services to the group members? Probably too often.

So what is the right way to address the need for sales to the members of a referral networking group? It's simple: LISTEN - ASK - LEARN - REFER!

Listen: (Unless they are trying to SELL to you!)
Ask: about what they do, what they specialize in, what kind of customer they are looking for.
Learn: how you can help them grow their business and how your client base matches theirs.
Refer: Find one of your clients that you can refer to the other networker (but not until you have established a good relationship, you do not want to give a referral to someone that is flaky!

It's pretty obvious that you cannot safely give a referral unless you know that the recipient will treat your referral with the respect it deserves. If you pass one of your clients as a referral and that client is not dealt with in a satisfactory manner, it not only sours the relationship (was there one?) with the other networker, but it could also sour the relationship between you and your client.

So if rule #1 of networking is "Don't try to sell!" what's rule #2

Rule #2: Never give a referral without discussing it with the referral first!
Just think about it. You have known Jane Dough for years and she has often done business with you. You tell a recently met networker, Doug, that he should contact Jane Dough. He does, and Jane wonders who the heck is this calling me for my business?

That scenario makes you look bad to your client Jane, it makes Doug look bad to Jane, and you look bad to Doug! Everyone loses!

Instead, if you think that Doug has some product or service to offer Jane, then ask Jane if you can give Dough her phone number. Now, when Doug calls, it's not a cold call, and things can go much better for everyone.

I would cover the many other rules of networking, but it's nearing the new year! I have to keep something warm for the start of the new year!

So happy new year one and all.
Have a Happy and Prosperous 2011.

Are you a selfish business owner?

2010-10-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Seriously, would you admit it?

During a course with a select group of business leaders, we discussed the concept of Cave Dwellers, you know: People in business that hide in their cave in fear of success or meeting other people.

Well, just as the consequences of being a Cave Dweller, being a selfish business owner is probably just as expensive.

So, what do I mean by Selfish Business Owner?

Simply a business owner that only focuses on their own business. You have probably met the type at a networking event. They are the ones that try to sell you on their products or services right out of the gate. You probably regretted asking them 'So, what do you do?' as they tried to sell you an alarm system, or power drink, or some insurance service.

It's easy to avoid the pitfalls of being a Selfish Business Owner, just take time to learn about someones business and then let someone else know what you learnt! It's a powerful service that normally pays back far more than the cost (does it cost you anything)

How do you tell someone else about another's business? You do have to use caution, follow a few simple rules.

Be honest! If you have not experienced their products or services, don't oversell them.
Be candid! Explain why you are suggesting someone else's business.
Be correct! Don't talk about their business details unless you really know them!
Suggest they check it out. If you suggest that someone checks out another's business, then you have put the burden of due diligence upon them and not upon yourself.
Ask for feedback! Plain and simple! Ask if they would let you know how things turned out. You could give that feedback to the business owner that you are suggesting.

Of course, MVBizX provides a way for you to do much of this process. If you create an MVBizX Group that is limited to people you know and trust, your personal network, then when you hear someone ask 'Do you know a Plumber (or other business)' then you can suggest they go check out your network!

So, don't be a selfish business owner, learn about others business and when the chance arises, then share the info.

If you think about it, you'll really appreciate it when someone does this for you....right?

My Network

2010-09-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

Talking with Steve Jolly from SRJ Marketing, the idea of 'My Network' evolved. We all have our own network of people and their businesses that we know well and would recommend to others, that's 'My Network'

The concept is simple: Use MVBizX to build a 'My Network' group and allow the members of My Network to use it as a resouce to market their own business and for me to recognize them publicly as people I would recommend.

You have your own network, it might be your hair dresser, your local dry cleaner, perhaps the local coffee shop that you frequent and the owner knows your name and business. Maybe you have someone that maintains your home landscaping, or painted your office, any of the myriad of business owners that you would go back to in a heart beat.. they are the kinds of business that you would recommend when someone asks.. Do you know a (fill in the blank) that you trust to do a good job?

For most of us, it might be that 'My Network' includes only those businesses that we know really well, so it will probably be a small select group.. that makes the value of 'My Network' greater!

But some professions, such as Realtors, where you cannot recommend a 'single' business, then 'My Network' would need to have multiple businesses of the same ilk. eg. you would probably want to list multiple plumbers.
In this case 'My Network' would be businesses that you wanted your clients to know about but without the explicit direction that they should use any of them.

Using the group feature in this way makes it easy for you to add or delete businesses from 'My Network', after all, sadly, even good reliable businesses go out of business for a variety of reasons.

When someone asks if you would recommend anyone, you can just send them an email with a link to the group, let them make their decision. Easy, quick, efficient, and you have put the decision in their hands.

For me, 'My Network' is a short list of people that I really know well and trust in their business ethics and practices. Not all of my clients will end up in 'My Network', it's not about their business, it's about my personal experience with them, and many of my clients have never crossed my office threshold or I have never shaken their hand.

Not including everyone I know in 'My Network' increases the value of the group. So don't be offended if you are not invited to 'My Network', but, just in case I didn't invite you, you're free to ask, that might be awkward!

I hope that you'll only invite me to be part of your own 'My Network' if you have shaken my hand or have some good experiences with my company, but that is up to you!

'My Network'

Growing pains

2010-03-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I met a couple of girls at a Starbucks this afternoon, couldn't help overhear their conversation about marketing. Turns out they were having their first networking meeting to see if they could become strategic partners, from their body language it's pretty obvious that they felt comfortable discussing how they could cooperate in buiness.

Those meetings can be painful, I have met with a few other business owners that should stay in their cave, but on the positive side, many such meetings end up being extremely beneficial to all concerned.

One such meeting occured a few years ago. I met with Steve Jolly from SRJ Marketing Communications. Obviously a professional and dedicated business owner, and I'm sure he has had his share of growing pains. I respect his dedication sufficiently to include a facebook fan link.

Paul Alcock is a fan of

SRJ Marketing Communications

Create your Fan Badge

You can also find Steve's company via MVBizX.com

It takes effort to get listed

2010-03-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

The basis of our concept in the development of MVBizX was to offset the major costs for small businesses spent on advertising for a bit of effort.

Some of our subscribers get it, others are taking a bit of persuasion, so we are planning a few incentives.

It seems that everyone likes to get something cheap or at a discount. And we wanted to benefit those subscribers that work the system, our plan is simple. Clever, but simple.

We are going to send all of our subscribers a message in the weekly update email that will indicate that we are having a Discount on Ad Points! During the following week, we will offer a substantial multiple of Ad Points during 'Discount Days', so for example, if you had an Executive Account and Logged into the system, thus earning 15 Ad points (compared to a Basic Account earning 5 Ad Points and Pro Accounts earning 10 Ad points) then on the 'Discount Days', they will earn triple points!

Of course, the 'Discount Days' will be randomized, so if you miss a 'Discount Day' then... oh well, at least you earned some Ad Points that day, so Login every day to make sure you don't miss out.

This won't affect those subscribers that get the concept and login each day, because they will still login each day and still gain the extra points, but for those subscribers (are you one?) that don't login every day right now, they could see a big advantage (triple points versus None!)

So make sure you login to your MVBizX account every day and rack up those Ad Points!

Where are the Ads?

2010-02-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

We have been bucking the trend amoungst online Business Directories by not having 'Ads' show on our site.
True, we do have a spot on our home page for a Paid Sponsor's Ad, and when we have a million hits on our site each month, then that spot will gain value, but we're not pushing it yet.

So why don't we have Ads on our pages?

You may be surprised! But think about it... our site is designed to promote businesses to the public and to other businesses, and if we littered the site with paid ads that were not our Subscribers, then it would certainly impact our subscribers negatively.

We may start to show Ads on our Business Category Directory Pages if the Category only displays Basic (Freebie) accounts, but we believe that our paid subscribers are only too happy to get their listings shown without competitive ads or ads that leak off visitors.

We really do believe that we (the owners of MVBizX.com, LLC) will be able to make sufficient profit from our site by offering low cost services and not dilute the quality of the service for the sake of a few extra bucks.

It's kinda neat really when you think about it. But I guess it all stems from our original plans... provide a cost effective service that really will be beneficial to all concerned.

So enjoy the Ad free venue, better still! Get your business included in our Nationwide Business Directory, just visit http://www.mvbizx.com/

Getting feedback is a good thing ... right?

2010-02-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

We have been really busy building new features to enhance MVBizX.com, and feed back helps keep our ego's in place while pointing out the good the bad and the ugly bits of development.

We're a pretty down to earth team here, very much in tune with the small business owner and acutely aware of the effect that the current downturn is having on business development. We feel it, so when a subscriber tells us that something sucks, then we listen and yet still feel it. But that kind of feedback is so important. We have adopted the concept of letting our subscribers talk while we listen. Maybe we had a particular intent when we designed a feature, and the subscriber does not see the purpose.

Well that kind of feedback is the type you want. Kudos makes you feel good, but you cannot just sit back and bathe in it.

So we kept the feedback in mind when we redesigned the Business Directory Listing Layout. 'Why can't we link to our Virtual Card from the listing?'
'Why can't we link to our MVBizX page from the listing?' and 'Why don't we see the ad points we have earned in our listing so that we can compare with others?' (I think they mean 'Compete with others!')

Now our Business Directory Listings have a link to the virtual business card and if a subsriber has a Professional or Executive Account, and have published their MVBizX page, there is a link to that too.

Now our Business Directory Listings have an indicator of points earned. The more points earned (ie. the more activity the subscriber has performed) then the more points indicators are shown in their listings.

So feed back is a good thing ... right!

Tell us what you think, check out mvbizx.com

State of the Union

2010-01-28T05:28:00.000-08:00

Like the President, I thought it time to give an insight into the development of new features on MVBizX.com

The new Groups feature is about to be launched! This is the first of a series of planned updates to our Online Business Directory System that will increase the exposure of our advertising service.

So what are Groups within MVBizX?

We have been approached by several organizations enquiring about using our system to assist their members. They include Chambers of Commerce, Networking Groups (BNI, PNA, Professional Associations, etc.) and Not For Profits (Rotary Clubs, etc.)

Basically Groups will allow those organizations to build their business directory online with reduced MVBizX branding. We gain by the increased exposure to new members, our Directory will include organization's members, and they all benefit by virtue that their members get to manage their own Directory listings. Plus the members get all of the regular benefits of membership in MVBizX.com

We intend to roll out the first Group by February 14th (yep, Valentines Day)

Have you figured out that we love doing this stuff?

It's Cold in South Florida - Let's go to the coffee shop.

2010-01-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

After living here for over 20 years, this is the first time I have seen a frost on the cars in the morning. It's unusual, different, out of the norm, and you get to see a different side of things while wrapped up in several warm layers. And according to the forecasters, we're going to be chilled all this week. So how will that affect business?

The sales forces will be a bit reluctant to go door to door and coffee shops will do well. Maybe a trip to one of the many local coffee shops is in order with the intent, of course, to expand my network.

How do you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger at a coffee shop? (you're welcome to comment)

Being from Britain where talking about the weather is a national pastime, it's an easy intro, but I like to practice my networking skills, so here's a few opening lines...

"For me it's too cold to be knocking on business doors this morning, how about you?"

"Do you think business owners will take pity and let me show them what I have because it's so cold out?"

My purpose is to solicit a response from them while letting them know that I'm out there pushing. I want to give them the chance to let me know what they do, or to invite me to give my elevator speech (see an earlier post), so my off the hip icebreaker is intended to act as a segue for both of us.

So when I go for my morning coffee at the local Dunkin or Starbucks, I'll be prepared for that chance meeting with another business.

Do you make chance happenings or do you wait for them?

Oh, first post of the year. Have a Happy, Healthy, and Wealthy 20Ten.

Networking at the beach

2009-12-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

You would think living in South Florida, that I'm talking about networking down at the beach, sorry, going a different direction.

I'm thinking of those folks I know that act like an Ostrich. Burying their head in the sand and expecting to find networkers down there.

(Visions of business suits on the beach, head down in the sand, brief case at their side...)

I speak to quite a few business people when I'm out and and about pushing MVBizX, and so many of them insist that they don't network and networking doesn't work!

If I ask them if they ever mention their business in conversation, they always affirm. If I ask them if they have ever got any business by doing so and most times they affirm that too.

"So you were networking" (No we were not! they insist) "and you got business from it"

So why not practice the art of networking?

Pull your head out of the sand and go talk to those other suits on the beach!

Of course, (and you knew I was going to say something like this) you could use MVBizX to send them a Virtual Business Card inviting them to a coffee.

60 Second Commercial - Elevator Speech

2009-12-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

What's yours?

Start the Clock (Seriously!)

I manage an online Virtual Business Directory that provides Earn Per Click viral marketing to small businesses. MVBizX.com, as in "Most Valued Business Xchange".

Our subscribers, even the Free Accounts, can create an online Virtual Business Card and be included in our Directory within a few minutes. Their position in the listings is determined by how much they promote their listing. I can send you an invite to post your business if you give me your email address.

Stop the Clock.

How did I do? I figure it's about 20 seconds, that leaves me 40 seconds to enter their email address in my smart phone and exepand my network.

http://www.mvbizx.com/

The Success Pill

2009-12-08T03:27:00.000-08:00

You can get a pill to fix most illnesses, but how about a 'Success Pill', Wow! the drug companies couldn't make them fast enough.

Take 1 Capsule each week day before breakfast. Break the capsule and stir into any beverage of your choice or an 8oz beaker of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to disolve then a final stir and drink. Success will follow as your day proceeds. May take a few weeks to realize maximum effect. Side effects: Your business will grow, at a pace you set and in the direction you desire. Do not discontinue taking the daily dose unless you are prepared to suffer a decrease in business growth.

Just think about it for a moment. You would probably be prepared to take that pill, wouldn't you? It's does require that you spend 5 minutes each work day to work on your success.

The point I'm making here is that if you spend just 5 minutes a day working on your success plan, you are far more likely to achieve it than if you don't spend that time.

And how am I going to weave MVBizX into this topic?

Duh! It only takes 5 minutes to use the MVBizX contact system to send someone your virtual business card, in fact, in 5 minutes you can send out a dozen!

Of course, you know that a success pill would not come cheap! unlike an account at MVBizX.com

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and...

2009-12-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

What about Networking Thursday?
Not a bad idea when you think about it.
Monday you have all the standard office and business functions to keep on track for the week.
Tuesday is the most popular day for reps to stop by (ever thought about that?)
Wednesday - Some people consider it hump day, I like to think of it as review day - how's my week going and how can I make the most of Thursday and Friday.
...
Friday - Pay day, Kudos day, and for many, wind down for the weekend.

But Thursday! Now that's a great day to network! (any day is, but why not make a point of it!)

On Thursdays, I like to meet with my network, either in person, luncheon, or by phone, at the minium by email. Here's how my networking thursdays go.
Email to my referral partners, just to keep in touch.
Lunch time I meet with my Rotary Club, primarly community service, but who better to network with than a bunch of community minded business owners.
Arrange for a PM coffee break, the goal to improve our networking relationship.
Call at least 10 people in my network to see how they are doing, and ask if they have any new services or products that I can keep in mind when meeting or talking to others.

The best part of networking thursday is that it make Friday Sweet for all concerned. What a great way to start the weekend.

Of course, you could dedicate a part of any day to networking, and that is the idea! Set up a networking goal and a time to implement the activities that lead to that goal.

Decide it, Set it, Do it!
(Ready, Set, Go!)

Asking for the testimonial

2009-11-28T14:40:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have provided clients with services, the vast majority were satisfied with my work for them. I never used to ask them for referrals, but virtually all of my clients were from word of mouth referrals. So I never used to be a big proponent of asking testimonials and would rather get a good referral any day.

But having said that, I was suprised how often my clients received unsolicited testimonials for the products that had made for their clients. It makes you feel good when you get a testimonial, but are they really an effective marketing tool and should you ask for them?

Reality is that most people are swayed by the responses of others ... just look on most big company webstores for 'testmonials' ... Have you decided not to buy something because of the experience of another? I sure have, but due to the point made in the testimonial, such as 'It doesn't come with the widget' but other brands do. So the content of a testmonial has to be considered too.

So perhaps the question should be 'Is it worth asking for a testimonial?'

Remember, I would rather have a good referral than a good testimonial. I'm pretty sure that I always do my best to do a good job and do not need my ego stroked.

So if you want to ask for a testimonial then think about how you would use it and what you would do with it.

I'm going to suggest that the best testimonial is the active recomendation of your services by another. So ask your satisfied clients if they would put your brochures on their counter, a link to your website on theirs, a link to your website in their email signature.

Much better to ask for a referral! "I'm really glad you liked what I did for you! Perhaps you could recommend me to your clients/customers. If I send you the image and link to my website, would you put it on your site? I could email it directly to your webmaster and ask them to contact you for confirmation, if that is ok would you give me your webmaster's email address?" "I can do it from my smart phone via MVBizX.com"

You knew I was going to tell you that MVBizX.com had that feature didn't you?

Cave Dwellers can network too!

2009-11-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I completed an eight week Professional Networkers Program, it was eye opening even for this cave dweller.

There are millions of business owners in a similar situation to mine.. make sales, now do the work, and while working, how on earth can you be networking too? That was one of the reasons for developing MVBizX, not to replace any of the well established business networking agencies around the country, but to supplement them. We expect that many members from BNI, PNA, and other networking groups will become members of MVBizX, our service makes it easy to manage your referrals, both inbound and outbound.

So, are you a Cave Dweller? You know, spend most of your time at your business, stuck behind a counter, in front of a keyboard, on the phone, and not surrounded by a corporate business support team? Sounds familiar?

To be effective at networking, you have to set a time daily to work your network. That's tough when you are pulled back to your regular tasks, then networking gets relagated to the bench.

Even if you are not a cave dweller, using MVBizX is a great way to work at extending your network. Remember, it's not the people you know, but the people they know. Using the MVBizX contact system, you only need the name and email address of a contact to send them your virtual business card or a link to your MVBizX web page. You can send your virtual business card to half a dozen contacts in less than four minutes. Now that is efficient networking.

Plug your cave into MVBizX

What a difference a graphic makes

2009-11-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

We sent the first part of the Executive Accounts upgrade to beta testing today. So far looking good. The most suprising thing was the difference that a custom background makes to the Virtual Business Cards. We used a couple of Logo's from existing directory members just to see how they would look, and wow!

Don't get me wrong. We have literally hundreds of background images to choose from for the Basic and Professional Accounts, everything from simple solid colors to photographs of landscapes, stella pics, and a variety of abstract images and all of them have a second version that has an opaque overlay. However, some companies need their logo on their card, the Executive accounts provide the ability to upload a custom background. So we're looking pretty good so far.

The goal is to get the Executive accounts online PDQ, we have a bunch of members that want to upgrade, the additional features are well worth the upgrade price.

Ok, less of the sales pitch, back to the keyboard to add more features to the MVBizX Executive Accounts.

And we're working on video tutorials, just busy busy busy.

Point of View

2009-11-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

After spreading the word about my new blog, responses started pouring in, at least directly by email. So thanks guys for your feedback.

The number one issue was the color of the page and text. Hope you guys like the new layout!

I saw a kindle recently, very nice piece of technology, and as a sailor, having all those books in such a small device is very enticing. A bit pricy at the moment, kinda suprised that Amazon has not come out with a subcription where you get a kindle for free. My netbook came from Radio Shack and cost $79.00 but I had to sign up for a 2 year AT&T wireless plan (it has a built in sim card!) A good deal for me, and AT&T probably likes that I pay every month. Hey Amazon! you guys listening???? (Or perhaps some of you tech price diggers know of something already?)

Of course, my netbook comes in handy! I can demo MVBizX anywhere I get a wireless signal. I can also access it from my Google Phone ( #1 Techy item in my list!) Now I can send a Virtual Business Card to anyone with an email address from my mobile phone. Very cool.

Todays project? I'm working on allowing our Executive account holders to use an image of their choice in their Virtual Business Cards, my intent is to let them have their own background image and to place their logo on the card. Cool programming as always.

Best networker

2009-11-21T04:54:00.000-08:00

I was asked today to describe the attributes of the ideal networker (Actually I was asked 'who would make and ideal networking buddy')

How would you answer that question? As you know, I'm a programmer, so logic is pretty much ingrained into the way that I figure out things.

So I started to describe Dale. Dale is a close friend and business associate (he owns ACT Security), we speak on business concerns daily, share lunch at least every other week, and discuss our own business progress or issues frequently. Dale knows what I do! Dale knows what I'm looking for in a referral. And Dale knows that I know what he does and what he wants in business.

When I'm out meeting people and discussing MVBizX with them, perhaps doing a bit of coaching on networking techniques, you know that I'm also being aware of their situation regarding security both at home and office. I will probably mention Dale in the conversation and that he owns a home and residential security alarm service. And I'm absolutely sure (it's been proven repeatedly) that Dale is doing the same for me.

So Dale is a great networking buddy.. I want more like him! And that is how you find your best networkers.

As a consequence of recognizing who is my ideal networking associate, I make a point of duplicating them.
So Bruce from Cool Mirror, Francis from Miami Carpet are just a few of the bussiness associates that are not only on my good 'friends' list but I know they promote my business and I promote them.

Of course, many of them are members of MVBizX which means that I can easily manage the referrals that we can send each other through the referral manager .. and more importantly I can keep track of those referrals.. but that's a whole new blog post.

So! Have you identified your best networking associate?

Football - Thank goodness for Laptops

2009-11-20T05:04:00.000-08:00

Dolphins played Carolina Panthers last night but I had work to do... Got my laptop out.

The snag with football on TV is the commercial breaks, I normally Tivo the first 30 minutes of a game that I want to watch (not many) so that I can skip through the commercials, last night I pulled out my laptop to get on with my biz work.

I heard a Clinical Hypnotherapist talk at our Rotary Club yesterday, really good Speaker! And she explained how our Conscious mind can only do one thing at a time (so much for all you who think you multi-task - what you really do is switch very effectively between tasks so it looks like multi-task) so you know that I was putting around with that in my (conscious) mind as I watched the game and worked on MVBizx.

So I got to thinking about 'Multi-tasking' and 'Networking'.

I think that you can Multi-task! You're still only doing one thing at a time, but it accomplishes 'multiple tasks'

When we actively network, what tasks are we completing?

Expanding our business network
Meeting new business aquaintences
Learning about what other businesses do
Creating an environment that encourages referrals

We are probably doing a few other things too, please chime in.

So as I clicked away on my laptop keyboard between game segments, I finished the new MVBizX feature for allowing our Executive members to upload their images for use on their MVBizX web pages. Have to admit, it looks very cool and functions really well. Multi-tasking - yep! Watched the game, got some work done, gave myself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Gotta love Thursday night football and having a laptop!

You have to love networking

2009-11-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

My quote of the day "If you're not networking, then you're not working!"

Some people get it, newbies might take a while to figure it out, so here's my view of it.

So I know this Plumber .. Steve. Steve owns his own business and does all the things that you would expect a plumber to do. Of course, things don't always go smoothly, and sometimes the job requires the effort of other trades. So Steve has a little book that he keeps the business cards of other trades that he often needs. Such as Flooring, Kitchen Cabinets, Carpentry, Dry wall, and Handymen. When he sees that a job involves one of those other companies, he promotes them to the customer knowing that they do good work (because he's used them before) ... That's Networking!

Of course, ideally those other guys in his book will also promote him to their customers. When they are on a job and find that they need a plumber, they'll recommend Steve. That's Networking.

But it's reactive networking..

Active networking reaches much further and pays big rewards.

John (you may have heard of him.. last name Dough!) does custom Cakes, special orders, works in a different sphere from the plumber, cabinet maker, etc.

John joins the chamber of commerce and mingles with a wide range of other businesses, but he concentrates his mingling with people in his business sphere... Printers (they print wedding invitations), Confectioneers, Party planners, Photographers. That's networking, but it's active networking. John can promote their business to his customers and vica-versa.

But you can go even further. Just remember rule one of networking.

Tell them what you do!

Tell them what you want!

Phew, Pro accounts all done

2009-11-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Finished the Professional Accounts Update, looking good and getting good feedback from the Beta Team. So all Premium Accounts have been upgraded to the Professional Account, includes the new Hub menu, in page gallery image management and on the fly image uploads. Looks really good. Between Markkus' Designs and my programming I think we deserve a oh Yea!

Now it's on the the Executive Accounts. We've had enough requests for the features that it has moved up the priority list. I must admit, getting feedback from the members is a great asset. We have introduced so many of the features from member requests, and they are keeping us on track for even better things. So Thanks Guys!

Actually taking some time off this evening to go see a movie with my family. Not a clue of what their choice will be. Sometimes it's good to just go with the flow.

Great day - no finger blisters

2009-11-17T02:39:00.001-08:00

Finished the coding for the new MVBizX web page editor (Professional Accounts and up) with just a couple of issues to take care of later (completed them this morning - it's 5:40am EST.)

Now for the testing on live data. Our Beta Testers have to jump in here. They are a great team. We know that they understand the power of networking, not only are they beta testing, but they are using the system in earnest. Kudos to our Beta Team (Any member of MVBizX can request to become a beta tester. We ask a few questions as we want a broad spectrum of computer skill levels, and a couple of our Beta Testers will be the first to admit that they are digitally challenged, while others are serious users of both PC's and Mac's. One of our Beta Testers is very keen eyed and finds most of our typos.. thanks Pam!)

We're gearing up for the Business Directory to go live.. stay tuned.

On the keys(board)

2009-11-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hitting the keys today - what's new!
After a team discussion last week, we are implementing a change in the account types on MVBizX. Our whole site is 'Business' so we decided to adopt more business terms and concepts.

So our new Account types will be Basic - no change here. Professional (old name was Premium) and Executive. Along with the nomenclature changes, we are expanding some of the features in the new Executive Accounts. The biggest change will be a Business Blog. Unlike this blog, comments will only be published after selective confirmation by the Account holder. MVBizX was never meant to be a 'social' site, but we are getting feedback from our members that want to expand the amount of material they can include in their account. This is a plus as far as we are concerned. Adding a Blog to MVBizX will allow Executive account holders to build ongoing coverage of development within their business, their profession and their products.

The Executive accounts will be available in the next few weeks.
Here's a preview of the Account Hub (early version)

We have to expand the options in the Hub, so it will change quite a bit. Just wanted to let early viewers see the direction we are headed as far as your account management and your business promotion are concerned.

Stay tuned....