Need Help Growing Your Business?

In April 2009, Facebook, the social network of choice by over 300 million users, became cash flow positive. After 5 long years Facebook, Inc. finally turned a profit. Twitter is poised to finally make a profit this year with the launch of it’s @anywhere platform only 4 years after its debut. How long will it take for your business to become “cash flow positive?” . . . only time will tell. It’s what you do before that time that prepares you for success.

My Blogging Short Story

I’ve been blogging for a year now and I have yet to turn a profit from my online endeavors. Yes, I’ve made a little money here and there from Google Adsense and success coaching specials that I’ve run, but the fact remains; I don’t make enough to cover my expenses and go full-time. However, that’s definitely something I’m working towards.

You may not have the capital you want, the cash flow you desire, or that downtown office by the ocean you’ve dreamed of, but neither did the founders of Facebook or Twitter early on!

Today, I want to share a few things that I’ve done, am doing, and think you should do before your business generates a sizable return on investment. Here are 4 easy ways to grow your online business. . .

Establish Your Brand

A brand is what a potential customer thinks of before they dial your number, sends you an email, or requests your services. It’s not just a slogan or eye catching logo, it’s the problem the customer thinks you can solve for him or her before they meet you face-to-face. Facebook’s brand is that which connects you with people you care about [or don't know for that fact] and Twitter’s objective is to help you share what’s happening anywhere in the world. How can you establish your brand? I’m glad you asked!

Offline – Web 2.0 is flourishing and web 3.0 has its foot in the door, but don’t forget about “old fashioned” methods of branding that will never retire.

• Create a Logo – Your logo should be your business incarnate [Figuratively speaking]! It’s an image of what your business represents. A custom logo is best for trademarking and a “template” [or pre-designed] logo is cool for temporary use. I hear, Logoworks does good design work, so check them out if you need one.
• Nice Business Cards – Yes, people still pass out business cards so, yes, you still need them. It’s a snapshot of who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer. Try having yours printed double-sided and include where people can find you online such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. Add a picture of yourself and make it harder for people to toss your card into the trash.
• Google Voice Number - I used Google Voice to secure my own name as a phone number—> 1-415-ROD-KRBY Is it because I’ve got a big-head? Not at all! It’s simple, if you stick your name everywhere, people will remember it [and you] easier than any catch phrase you can come up with. I’ve got friends that can’t remember my local phone number, but they remember my business number at the drop of a hat.

Online – The web is a breeding ground for success simply because you can create your own opportunities. Establishing your brand online is no different. Here are a few tips on what to do.

• Secure Your Name as a Domain – Remember the last offline tip I gave? The same rule applies here as well. My domain name is rodkirby.com because when people look to be successful online [or off] I want them to find me. Get it? To brand oneself you have to be consistent in your delivery.
• Start a Blog – Blogging is a great tool that can reinforce your brand by helping you to expand your message, start conversations, and grow community. Of course, you can start a free WordPress blog. But, I highly recommend dropping a few bones and self-host your blog. When you spend money on your site you’ll be more serious about it becoming successful. Check out the guys at Woothemes for awesome WordPress blog templates to get you started [proud affiliate link - where do you think the Success Center's look came from?!].
• Set-Up Outposts - You’ve got a blog – and that’s nice – but, where are your readers? An outpost is where you go to reach blog readers, potential customers, and make connections. Get on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube, Digg, Delicious, etc. Don’t go over-board and join every site, but pick at least 2 that you’d be willing to invest some time in developing relationships there. I highly recommend jumping on the twitter band-wagon for connecting, sharing, and building community.
• Need Help? Download my free e-book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Twitter Success, for help maximizing Twitter for your business. Are you a real estate professional and new to social media? Download Naomi Trower’s e-book, Social Media Marketing for Real Estate & Mortgage (aff link) This book is actually pretty awesome for real estate professionals and social media newbies alike. Check out my video review for more information.

Generate a Marketing List

Why tire yourself out going door-to-door asking for sales when you can build a list of people that want to hear what you have to say? Marketing lists aren’t new, but the way you build them determines how successful you’ll be with them. You could buy a list from a marketing company that will deliver you one based on your target market (sales results will vary). Or, you can start your own. Here’s how;

• Start a Newsletter – Establish a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly newsletter and give your best advice, tips, or “how-to’s.” I use Constant Contact (aff link – signing up will get you and me a $30 credit added to our accounts.) as my email marketing provider of choice. They even have a tool that lets me capture contact info from my computer when I’m at events.
• Create an E-book – It’s super easy to do and you can gain new email contacts by offering it at the point of subscription for your newsletter. Read 7 Lessons Learned from a Successful E-Book Launch for my best advice on creating one. Also, check out 10 Steps to Success with E-Book Publishing from my bi-weekly newsletter.
• Host a Seminar or Workshop –  Feeding a man by teaching him to fish has always been more valuable than simply feeding him. Feed participants knowledge, wisdom, and understanding and they’ll gladly give you their contact information.

Build Credibility

When I transitioned from being a graphic designer to speaking and coaching I didn’t have any clientele. So,I built credibility by volunteering my time, energy, and resources and I was paid in testimonials. Twitter didn’t become a credible service until it debuted at the SXSW conference in 2007. By the time, Oprah sent her first tweet the service was a credible global phenomenon. But they did it by offering the service to the public for free and letting users make it their own. Follow Twitter’s example and build your own credibility before your business goes before the global spotlight.

Quick Tip #1: If your clients or customers are signed up with Linkedin have them write you a testimonial after using your product or service.

Quick Tip #2: Record video testimonials for greater effect and to use Youtube to post them on your website or blog.

Create buzz

Become your own PR and marketing machine and get some “buzz” going for your business. It’s not hard but it’s not easy either, here are a few suggestions;

Offline

• Reach out to the Local Media Outlets – Contact radio stations, TV stations, newspapers, magazines and offer your expertise on specific subject matters. Become a valuable asset by offering story ideas and becoming a credible source for information.

Online

Reach out to Your Networks – Writing guest blog posts or being interviewed on blogtalkradio can extend your reach, generate traffic, and win you new fans. These activities increase your credibility and are viral forms of word-of-mouth marketing.

Quick Tip #1: Don’t save your best work for your own blog, offer it to other blogs (big ones and small ones). The more links that point to you in a search engine the easier it is for others to find you.

Quick Tip #2: When being interviewed relax and be yourself, stay on topic (no rambling!), and speak in sound bites. These are the keys to a great show and will get you more interview requests.

Final Thoughts

Facebook and Twitter weren’t always house-hold web 2.0 names, but they stayed in the trenches before they became profitable. You’re going to have to do the same with your business. Did I miss anything in this guide? What would YOU add? How are you maximizing online social networks and offline tools to grow YOUR business? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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