Public speaking is a phenomenally powerful marketing tool.  I often tell clients to join local and trade associations - which is a good marketing strategy in of itself.  But the power of belonging to a group is multiplied tenfold if you can share your knowledge, get up and speak in front of the groups you belong to.  Public speaking provides a golden opportunity to market your business - but it’s often overlooked as a marketing tool because people fear public speaking.  You have to rem... Read Full Story

The other day I was using Adobe Illustrator to design a logo.  Normally, I pass on this work to one of my go-to graphic designers (always a good call) but this was a special project and I had a strong idea of what I wanted.  I’m not a bad designer, but I’m a slow one.  Seriously, I’d make about $1/hour if I did graphic design myself.   You have to know what you’re good at, right?  I can whip out a press release or a case study in no time, but design - nope, I belabor e... Read Full Story

Looking for a little creative inspiration to spice up your marketing efforts?  The whole Mighty Optical Illusions website is pretty fascinating, but particularly their attention-getting ads and billboards sections. You may not be advertising on billboards, but certainly you can get some good ideas for thinking “out of the box” and getting creative with your marketing.  Optical illusions create memorable marketing!  If you want to see more pictures like this one:             ... Read Full Story

You know I’m a big fan of “systems” - accounting systems, marketing systems - pretty much anything that will make life faster, better and more organized. I feel compelled to share this brilliant marketing / operations strategy Walgreens just deployed.  When I went to pick up my prescriptions this month, I was offered an auto-refill service.  What a idea!  It’s so brilliant and completely obvious that some Walgreens executive is probably knocking his or her own forehead... Read Full Story

VARs, Systems Integrators, Solutions Providers, IT Consultants, and their Channel Partners should enjoy a good laugh watching this video.   It’s Friday.  You deserve it! When I grow up, I want to be a CRN Channel Champion… Read Full Story

How many times has this happened to you?  You discover an urgent need with one of your customers or prospects.  They have budget.  They’re raring to go.  They are a qualified lead in every way - EXCEPT the product or service isn’t something you can deliver.  You either don’t have the training, you don’t love doing it, or it’s just not part of your business model.  What do you do?  Sometimes, you can refer that client to someone you already know and trust.  Of co... Read Full Story

Businesses are constantly trying to balance marketing hype with reality.  Of course, you want your marketing materials to grab your prospect’s attention, but you also want to set some expectations — because after all, you have to deliver on your promise, right?!   Request a copy of our marketing kit! Head on over to HP’s Small Business Marketing Guide to see the article I wrote on creating incredible, credible marketing materials.   I gave readers seven practical tips for cr... Read Full Story

Today, Abra Gilman from Borek Business Solutions is writing a guest post.  Borek Business Solutions is a Microsoft Dynamics GP partner in Bend, Oregon.  Abra Gilman is their Existing Customer Sales Manager.  I used to work with Abra, and I can tell you she’s one of the best.  She’s deeply committed to her customers, and in return, they trust that she’ll lead them in the right direction. So for all you Microsoft Dynamics Partners, here are some tips for a strong year-end. Mic... Read Full Story

I’m speaking around Orange County in several public venues this month.  If you’re available, I hope you can join us. If you’re in the Orange County area and you’re interested in learning more about how to use Twitter, the popular micro-blogging tool, to grow your business, come join us on April 29 for margaritas and networking at El Torito in Laguna Hills.  The cost = $10 bucks.  To get more details or register, visit the OC Small Business & Entrepreneurs Group. Al... Read Full Story

My friend Richard, who has a blog at http://rddinmv.blogspot.com sent me this beautiful and timely quote today. I will be like the rain drop which washes away the mountain; the ant who devours a tiger; the star which brightens the earth; the slave who builds a pyramid. I will build my castle one brick at a time for I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking. – Og Mandino When we realize the power of consistency, we can do anything we set our mind to.  When you d... Read Full Story