5 Useful Tips to Help Grow Your Business 2012

I hope you are enjoying your holidays with family and friends. Some of you are back to work; others are getting things in order to start a new year.

I’m in the latter group and thought I’d share a post that will come in handy for all of us.  It’s my “handy tools of the trade” post.  While we’re not all in the same trade or type of business, the fact that you’re reading this online means that we are at least connecting in a an online “way” that is shared by millions – including YOUR customers.

To help you hit new goals for your business using the power of the Internet and strategic online marketing, you’ll need the following key tools/resources.

Get the Scoop on how to Utilize WordPress

If you’re not already using WordPress as the content management platform for your website, you ought to seriously think about the benefits of switching in the new year. As small business owners with lots of tasks and projects to manage, you really don’t want to be spending hours and days fiddling with website technical challenges which are highly likely if you are NOT using WordPress.

One of strongest things going for WordPress is that it is widely used which means you can find plenty of affordable self study programs so you can create, edit and update your website yourself. In fact, for those of you who coach, teach or offer online services, becoming a pro at WordPress can be a very lucrative part of your business. You can teach others how to use this powerful but accessible resource!

One of the best educational programs available for busy small business owners is Website Design Mojo. The next course starts January 16 so sign up now!

Content is King…and Profitable

How you attract customers and engage the marketplace is with content. It’s not enough to just put your product or service out there, you have to use language and smart design to help your prospective customers understand why your product or service can fix their problems and satisfy their needs.

That’s really easy to say and explain but harder for many people to actually “do.” So in 2012 why not ensure that your website and marketing material presents your business in a way that is professional, engaging and attractive to YOUR target market.

Write to Type is an online content and marketing service that can create blog posts, articles, web page content and webdesign for a price that fits the solopreneur’s budget. Don’t delay any longer and learn more about how this service can help your business.

Your List is Your Greatest Asset

You’ve likely heard/read in many places that “the money is in the list.” It repeated often enough because it’s true.  Your prospective customer list is extremely valuable and you should be building that list every waking moment.  How do you that? Easy you use one of the great automated tools available to small business owners like you. There are many out there but I like to recommend the tool I use as it’s been around for some time and is used by many business owners. I am of course referring to Aweber.

Evernote Keeps You Organized When Mobile

I’ve had Evernote saved to my system for at least 2 years, but I never really used it until 2011. Now I can’t imagine being without it because I like to be productive while I’m mobile.

Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t text while driving or anything like that, but when I’m waiting in line at the bank or sitting in the doctor’s office, I love that I can jot down a few notes or ideas that are critical to my business.

I know some of you are thinking “How crazy is life today that we can’t just sit (or stand) with our thoughts?” Why must we always be productive? All I can tell you is that I enjoy being able to write down my thoughts, or add to a list using this tool. It’s not stressful for me and in fact I feel energized once I’ve recorded something I think important into my handy Evernote file.

I use Evernote on my laptop, desktop and of course my trusty iPhone.

Sometimes the Company of Others is Just What You Need

It really is exciting to be able to be running your business from the comfort of your home office.  Some of you are doing it part-time when you get home from work.  Others are doing it full-time, making steady and sure gain with your dedicated efforts.

Regardless of your particular circumstance, one thing is for sure: you can achieve so much more with the “strategic” support of others. For example, you might be stumped and in need of some vital information – what do you do? Sure you could spend hours and months searching for the right solution but in business so often what you’re struggling with has been experienced by others who’ve reached goals you’re only dreaming of right now.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to save yourself months of lost income by connecting with that person who has achieved success? It’s possible when you’re involved in a successful peer mentorship group.

Perhaps you have an idea for something but no means of connecting with the very audience who would love your awesome product or service. This is where a partnership can be invaluable. But where might you meet someone with the degree of trust and resources you need to join you in a joint partnership venture?

You got it…a peer mentorship group.  These kinds of groups are about connecting with others and are truly invaluable and enjoyable – even for the most die-hard hermits among you

The key is to join a peer membership group with a proven track record. I’m going to recommend the group from which I’ve learned so much about my business and myself. Solo Masterminds is a tremendous, professional mentorship group specifically for the online solopreneur (an entrepreneur without any employees).  I’ve been a member since 2007 and I can tell you that I visit the forums and library there at least 5-6 days out every week. No kidding.

Growing your business in 2012 will no doubt involve the use of strategic online marketing strategies. Using the tools above you’ll ensure that you have

• Professional Online Presence
• Clear communication with your audience
• Inspiration to drive you towards reaching profitable goals.

Best wishes for the New Year!

Warmly,

Sharon