Better Business Blog

Are You Missing This Critical Piece?

Do you ever look sideways at really successful people and think to yourself:  

“I’m as smart as they are. I’m working as hard as they are. I’m doing everything I should be doing. I’m checking every box…and I’m still not getting the results and success I see them enjoying! Why?!?”

You are not alone. 

Master Money Mentor, David Neagle used to wonder that himself. Eventually he realized that 99% of what he “knew” was wrong – and that his current level of thinking and believing was never going to get him the success and abundance he dreamed of. 

Then one day David says he discovered “The Confidence to Be Who I Really Am”, and he embraced the universal principle, “Success is not OUTSIDE of you. Success is an effect of who you are being.” 

David made an excellent video exercise to show you how you can make the same shift he did.

Check out the video by clicking here: 

Not only did David make the shift for himself, he helps his clients and students make them too! One client is Angelique Rewers, the founder of The Corporate Agent. She was trapped in the same mind set. Angelique was most-often the smartest person in the room. But she was suffering from “intelligent with the wrong information.”

Angelique’s business was stuck at 10,000 bucks a month. And she was working really hard to make that money. With David’s help she finally discovered “The Confidence to Be Who She Really Is”. In a few months she went from $10K in thirty days to $10,000 a one-day! 

BUT what does it really take to own who you are?!? 

In David’s video exercise The Confidence to Be Who I Really Am he shows you the same secret principle of the universe that he showed Angelique. 

Check out the video by clicking here:

How To Master Content Marketing in a Month

Do you want to attract a steady stream of new customers?

Are you looking to create better content, but you need fresh ideas?

A lot of marketers are still unclear about what content marketing means.

This article will explore the benefits of content marketing and preview an exciting new opportunity from Social Media Examiner to help take your content marketing to the next level.

Smart Content, Big Rewards: An Example

Today, businesses of all sizes are using content marketing to slay the competition, attract large followings of loyal customers and explode their business’ growth.

But when tiny Magnolia Hi-Fi started using content, the Internet wasn’t even around. Did that stop them? Heck no!

Magnolia used content marketing to grow from a small audio store to an $87 million brand.

Back then, they had just transitioned from a neighborhood greeting card and photography store to an audio specialty store. Competition was fierce and they didn’t even have a marketing plan. So they hired a salesman (who knew a lot about educating prospects with great information) to develop a solid profitable marketing plan.

The plan was to give prospective buyers something to focus on other than price – content.

They created a series of stereo buyer’s guides, which offered educational content that answered prospects’ questions about buying audio equipment. These were distributed as newspaper inserts (remember there was no Internet at the time!).

But the guides were quarterly and Magnolia needed to nurture their audience by keeping the story alive throughout the year. So they invested in weekly distribution channels and different content formats. As resources grew, they scaled content velocity to achieve broader distribution and broadcast frequency.

Within 18 months, the small, out-of-the-way store was joined by a huge store in Seattle’s high-traffic University District, followed by two more stores and finally expanding to Washington, Oregon and California.

In 2000, the father-son business sold to Best Buy for $87 million! Today, there are over 350 Magnolia Home Theater Locations in Best Buy stores throughout the U.S.

Here’s a question for you. You have all the advantages of the Internet, right? What’s stopping you from growing your business?

Content marketing is simply creating and sharing information that solves buyers’ problems or makes their lives easier. The result is that you build a platform that draws in ideal customers, increases your exposure and achieves sales growth for your business.

Content Marketing Use and Adoption Statistics

Want to know how successful B2B marketers are using content marketing?

Here’s some research from Content Marketing Institute and MarketingProfs with the latest findings:

• 91% of B2B marketers are now using content marketing
• 79% use content marketing for brand awareness, 74% for customer acquisition and 71% for lead generation
• On average, B2B marketers are spending 33% of their marketing budgets on content marketing, which is up from 26% last year
• 54% plan to increase their content marketing spending in 2013
• Large companies use an average of 18 content marketing tactics while small companies use an average of 11 tactics

These numbers demonstrate the huge investment B2B marketers are making in content marketing.

Don’t you think you should invest a little to learn more about content marketing this coming year?

Are you interested in learning how to create awesome blogs, podcasts, video, webinars and other forms of content to keep customers focused on your brand?

Social Media Examiner Announces Content Success Summit 2013

One of the biggest challenges marketers face is not knowing if their tactics are effective (according to Content Marketing Institute).

In response to this challenge, Social Media Examiner is bringing together 22 of the world’s leading content marketing experts to present at the first-annual online Content Success Summit 2013.

It’s an online conference spread over an entire month to meet your busy schedule.

This conference is designed to help you build your own platform, market your products and grow your business.

“Content is what makes social work, and it is at the core of all that we do here at Social Media Examiner,” says Michael Stelzner, CEO and founder of Social Media Examiner. “We have one of the largest business blogs in the world and a successful podcast. This summit is about teaching people how to do exactly what Social Media Examiner has always been doing.”

Why a Content Marketing Summit?

Unlike the early days of Magnolia Hi-Fi, we live in an era where everyone has the opportunity to build any kind of platform they want.

Business owners can develop and use their own platforms to publish great content for marketing the products or services they’re trying to sell.

Content Success Summit is the first virtual conference created to help marketers figure out exactly how to build their platform. By attending this conference you will:

• See how successful content producers operate and how you can achieve similar results
• Learn how to grow a loyal following via blogging, video, podcasting, email marketing and webinars
• Discover how to sell your products and services using content
• Gain a leg up on your competitors, helping you stand out
• Pick up new content marketing strategies that will bring you more exposure

Designed to accommodate your schedule, the conference will be conveniently spread over a four-week period starting February 5, 2013.

You will receive recordings and transcripts of all live sessions. And because it is fully online, you can attend right from your home or office, thus eliminating long-distance travel expenses and hotel bills.

Meet Your Presenters

Our first Content Success Summit features the most experienced leaders in the industry. Many of them have written a book about content marketing or are founders of successful businesses fueled by content. Among them are:

• Joe Pulizzi – founder of Content Marketing Institute and co-author of Get Content Get Customers
• Ann Handley – chief content officer of MarketingProfs and co-author of Content Rules
• Michael Hyatt – chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and author of Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
• Michael Stelzner – founder of Social Media Examiner and author of Launch
• Amy Porterfield – co-author of Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies
• David Siteman Garland – founder of Rise to the Top and author of Smarter, Faster, Cheaper
• Gini Dietrich – co-author of Marketing in the Round
• Heidi Cohen – president of Riverside Marketing Strategies
• Pat Flynn – founder of Smart Passive Income
• Marcus Sheridan – founder of the popular blog, The Sales Lion
• Mark Schaefer – author of Return on Influence
• And many others!

Is This Summit Right for You?

Perhaps you’ve been focusing a lot on social media, but not much on content marketing. You’re wondering if you could learn something new that might be a game-changer for your business. Ask yourself the following:

• Do I have a content marketing plan for 2013?
• Are there some content tactics that I’m not aware of that could be useful for my business?
• Could I use some advice to build my platform, market my products and grow my business using content?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then sign up and learn from the leading content marketing authorities in the industry.

Want to Save Money?

If you reserve your spot right now, you will save 50%. Click here for details.

Over to You. Are you interested in learning how to create a content platform that will successfully grow your business? Please share your thoughts and comments in the box below.

Click Here to Read More or Sign Up:

10 Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving at Tech Events

Tech events can be lots of fun, very interesting and bring great business outcomes. Other times, they can be exhausting, overwhelming and result in negative ROI. Many times we choose to blame the venue, organizer, fellow participants and such, but the truth is that most times the reason for the difference between these two scenarios is in ourselves – the way we prepare and the attitude we bring to the event. Here are some tips to make sure you do make the most out of every tech event you attend. 

10. Wear comfortable sneakers and clothes, even if they're ugly. If you use your time like you’re supposed to, you’ll be standing all day.

9. Carry a portable charger. Even if you won’t need it, you might be able to help out an investor, a journalist or someone else attending the event . “Do you need a charger?” is a winning pick-up line in many cases ;-)

8. Wear something unique so people will easily identify and remember you.

7. Buy a local SIM card with a data plan. Don't count on the conference WiFi. Ever.

6. Don't be the first to arrive or the last to leave. Don't worry, you won't miss anything important and you should use the time for some good rest.

5. Use the time to meet and connect with interesting people. Most stage talks can be viewed online after the event is over, and usually are not the main reason you chose to attend in the first place.

4. Go out at night with the people whom you really want to connect with. This is where the real relationships are built.

3. Reach out to people without hesitation; you might not get a second chance. Like our motto in Bizzabo: Don't be shy - be social! Use Twitter, LinkedIn, Bizzabo or your own interpersonal charm.

2. Remember to follow up, preferably in less than 48 hours, when everything is still fresh in your mind.

1. Enjoy, relax, and project positive energy. It’s addictive! 

Do you have other event tips that create miracles? Do share in the comments – we’d love to hear them. Make sure you join the Bizzabo community on Twitter and Facebook for more events tips and best practices. 

Post by Alon Alroy, Co-Founder & CMO, Bizzabo

Visit Bizzabo Online by Clicking Here: 

 

NYCBNG Fall Business Networking Mixer

You're invited to join members of The NYC Business Networking Group (NYCBNG) for our Fall Networking & Expo event. 

Meet business professionals and executives, business owners and entrepreneurs from a diverse group of industries. Network with members and interact with our sponsor companies who will showcase their business-related products and services. 

We look forward to seeing you at this event!

VENDOR TABLES AVAILABLE:  
 

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Square-top vendor table for your marketing materials (flyers, brochures, etc.)
• Company promotional paragraph (100 words), logo & URL posted on our website
• Company promo sent to over 10,000 NYCBNG members until event date
• Company promoted on Social Media (Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter)
• Promoted on NYCBNG Business Blog

VENDOR TABLE SIZES & COSTS:

• 24 in. x 24 in. Square-top table: $200 + PayPal fees
• 48 in. x 24 in. Two connected square-top table: $350 + PayPal fees
• Booth Section: $400 + PayPal fees

 

Interested in a vendor table at our event? Please fill out the form by clicking here: 

WHEN: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Chelsea Manor, 138 West 25 St, Between 6t& 7 Ave 

COST: $10.00 per person prepaid (only 100 available) / $20 per person cash only at the door

RSVP:  Click Here to RSVP or for more info. 

 

THIS MONTH'S VENDORS INCLUDE: 

CLEVER CHOICE GROUP

Clever Choice is a multimedia web solution agency located in the fast-paced NYC area. We offer website development and design, marketing services, in-house development, business strategy and consultation and so much more. Our goal is to give the start-up community the resources to succeed in an extremely difficult business market. Our marketing services include SEO, social media and press releases. Our web development team is proficient in HTML 5, Java, J-Query, Flash, Photoshop, Visual Basic and more. Clever Choice specializes in modern development standards such as WordPress and BuddyPress.  Visit Clever Choice Group Website:

 

COFFEE CUP DESIGN STUDIO

Coffee Cup Design Studio creates custom graphic designs and promotional material for business and personal use. Established in 1991, the small NYC shop offers eye-catching graphics, fine typography and quality printing at reasonable rates. Anything-you-need can be designed, printed, delivered to your door. Ads, brochures, invitations, logos, newsletters, catalogs, booklets, annual reports, letterheads, business cards, flyers, postcards, hangtags, tent cards, menus and wide-fomat posters. Need an art department? Visit Coffee Cup Design Studio:

 

ORGANO GOLD

Meisa Bonelli, President of Millennial Ventures endorses Organo Gold. We are so proud of the healthy innovation Organo Gold is bringing to the world. Currently in 33 countries, Organo Gold is expanding to Australia, Brazil and Africa in 2013. Poised to gross $375 million this year, Organo Gold is on track to become a $1 billion company in the next 24 months. Meisa is a finance professional, speaker and success coach.  Millennial Ventures is an innovative investment firm for niche Gen-Y projects. We sponsor seminars and workshops to educate entrepreneurs on aligning tax strategies within their business models. The underpinnings of Meisa’s well rounded perspective are her versed background in private equity and tax lien investing. Visit the Website:

 

VENUE SPONSOR:

Enter Chelsea Manor! Your lounge, restaurant, and event space located in Chelsea, a few steps from the Flatiron area. Chelsea’s newest 3,500 sq ft lounge boasts a vintage Miami vibe with plush white couches, long glass bar, and crystal chandelier. Late nights are perfect for birthdays, bachelor/ette parties and girls’ night out. The venue is open for full dinner, late night partying, sporting events, and private corporate functions. There is a full DJ setup, 12 plasma TVs and an 84-inch projection screen. Definitely check out Chelsea Manor! Visit Chelsea Manor Website. 

Top Tech Events in November in Europe & the US

 

 

With most of 2012 behind us, the event industry is gearing up towards two of its most packed months of the year. November is one of those months, with a wide variety of fun social media and marketing events running alongside innovative tech and Internet conferences. We rounded up the most interesting events taking place this November across the US and Europe – all easily accessible from the mobile event networking app Bizzabo (iOS & Android).

Which of these events will you be attending? Would you like to add another event to our list? Please share the details in the comments section below or reach out on Twitter (@Bizzabo).

NOAH Conference London, Nov 6-7

NOAH Internet Conference is a gathering of the very best of Europe’s Internet CEOs, executives and investors. The conference offers you the chance to gain insights, network with top executives and establish new business relationships.

Internet Summit, Nov 6-8

Internet Summit offers you the latest in digital media and marketing. You can choose from various tracks including: Tech track, Startup Summit, Intensive Workshops, and the IS Rocks Music Festival.

How To Web, Bucharest, Nov 7-9

How to Web explores how tech innovation changes the world! With talks by leading experts on global web trends, product & business innovation and new technologies, this is a top event for European tech innovators. Don’t forget to check out the Startup Spotlight program and competition where you’ll catch a glimpse of the most progressive startups in Central and Eastern Europe!

Open Mobile Summit, SF, Nov 7-9

Now in its fifth year, the Open Mobile Summit hosts world class speakers ranging from eBay CEO John Donahoe to Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley. Attend ‘Plus Appcelerate’ and learn from the hottest app developers around!

Global Social Business Summit, Vienna, Nov 8-10

This annual summit, now in its fourth year, assembles worldwide social business pioneers to generate groundbreaking ideas with the power to change the world. Using a combination of powerful technology and accessible communication tools this summit will empower you to make your cause heard. Key speakers include including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

INTV, Jerusalem, Nov 11-12

A first of its kind in Israel, INTV introduces a fast-paced two-day event with keynote talks, fire-side chats and interviews. Hosted by Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem and Keshet CEO Avi Nir, the audience will include international guests as well as Israel’s growing television and media community. Join global industry leaders in discovering the future of the screen!

The Market Research Event, Boca Raton, Nov 12-14

TMRE brings you more than 140 sessions and more than 175 speakers to explore the most critical issues in market research today.

WOMMA, Las Vegas, Nov 12-14

WOMMA Summit 2012 highlights the hottest trends in word of mouth and social media marketing. It’s a chance to network with and learn from the best and brightest brands, agencies, and marketers in the industry.

E2Innovate, Santa Clara, Nov 12-15

The E2 Innovate Conference unites strategic business professionals with industry influencers and next-gen enterprise technologies to explore the changes in enterprise applications. Come and learn how to build a smarter more agile enterprise.

Internet Week Europe, London, Nov 12-15

Internet Week Europe is five days of web-focused events taking place throughout London. Events are crowdsourced, which enables organizations of all sizes to host events ranging from breakfasts and conferences to parties and meetups throughout the week. There’s something for everyone!

Global Entrepreneurship Week, Worldwide, Nov 12-18

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of innovators that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. The week hosts more than 37,000 events in 115 countries. Find out what’s happening near you!

SIME, Stockholm, Nov 13-14

SIME Stockholm invites you to reimagine success! Learn what works from leading business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers.

UK Social Marketing Conference, London, Nov 14

The UK Social Marketing Conference is dedicated to promoting good practices and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of methods in social marketing. The conference offers attendees a chance to learn about some of the best new case studies and projects being delivered and evaluated in the UK.

Defrag, Broomfield, Nov 14-15

Defrag offers a unique focus on tools and technologies that are taking advantage of the social aspect of software. Be a part of this growing community of software innovators.

Monaco Media Forum (MMF), Monte Carlo, Nov 14-16

MMF, now in its 7th year, is an invitation only event hosted by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This conference brings together leaders of new and old media to discuss the future of online, broadcast and print communications.

Silicon Valley Comes to the UK, Nov 14-18

SVC2UK 2012 is a not-for profit series of events designed to improve the network and drive viable growth for free enterprise in the UK, Europe and beyond. This year’s conference moves beyond internet and mobile to highlight medical and educational technologies.

Social Gaming Summit, London, Nov 15

The Social Gaming Summit is where games meet the social mobile web. Here industry leaders will unite with emerging startups in the gaming industry for one day of engaging keynotes, panels, and discussions to acquire tactics that will drive game value, traffic, and scalability.

Digital Hollywood NYC, NYC, Nov 15-16

Digital Hollywood NYC is one of the foremost entertainment and technology conferences. Each day offers diverse tracks which attendees are free to explore. Tracks are diverse and range from the ‘Multi Screen Universe’ to ‘Digital Media Investing.’

SLUSH, Helsinki, Nov 21-22

SLUSH is the largest tech, design & startup conference serving Northern Europe and Russia. The conference seeks to help emerging startups in the region by using their network of companies, investors and media.

European Social Marketing Conference, Lisbon, Nov 27-28

The first ever European Social Marketing Conference, in Lisbon, will explore the value that social marketing adds to the development and delivery of social programs. Join academics, policy makers, and practitioners from the private, public and NGO sectors as they gather to explore how social marketing can be further developed in Europe.

Social Media Results for PR & Comms Conference, London, Nov 28

This one-day conference and networking event offers attendees a selection of sessions that will help PR and communication professionals optimize their social media communications. Topics range from increasing engagement to dealing with crises.

 

Go ahead and download the Bizzabo app to stay updated on tech events and conferences taking place around you.

Post by Alon Alroy, Co-Founder of Bizzabo

One Easy Trick To Increase Your Facebook Page Reach

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had several emails and messages from people wondering why their Facebook page exposure is so low.  Facebook has always used Edgerank to determine who to show posts to, but it appears a recent tinkering with the algorithm has left some pages feeling lonely as their reach drops to new lows.  Some people are speculating that it conveniently coincides with the addition of Facebook’s new paid Promoted Posts and Offers features.  Yes, it does sound convenient, but, as I’ve always said, Facebook is a free method for us to grow our businesses, so we have no room to complain.  How can we fault them for trying to make a buck or two?  After all, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do ourselves?  All we can do is take it for what it’s worth and work their system to the max.

In previous posts, we’ve discussed methods you can implement to increase your Edgerank and get your updates seen by more of your fans.  While those tricks are very helpful, one area they don’t particularly help you out with is when you post links.  Links are not heavily weighted in an Edgerank score, so when you have a link to your website, blog, sale, etc. to share, it won’t be shared as much as say a photo or a video.  This is a problem for many mompreneurs who want to share these types of things to get traffic to their sites and blog.  I know I’ve had that issue-until now.  I recently stumbled upon a trick that literally nearly tripled the exposure I received compared to an average linked post.  The best part….it’s super simple and something you can start doing RIGHT NOW!

Click Here to Read More:

5 Ways to Improve Networking at Events

 

 

Conferences, meet-ups, business networking events – They can all be lots of fun. Time off from the office, great food, interesting discussions and lots of booze, but we cannot forget what is really important about these events – Networking.

In order to be successful in business you need to be your own marketing agent and the best representative of your company. Socializing, talking about you and your company, building relationships is all part of marketing yourself and your business. Conferences and networking events provide the opportunity to get away from the work environment meet like-minded professionals in a casual atmosphere.

But why is it so important?

It is estimated that anywhere from 50-80% of business is generated from networking and word of mouth. This is quite a significant statistic.

Here are 5 easy ways to increase the effectiveness of your networking:

1. Be Genuine

While you should always prepare and practice answers to expected questions like “So what do you do?” you have to make sure they aren't cliché and fake. On the other end of the spectrum, you want to make sure that your answers don't sound pretentious – this is a huge turn off. Your goal is for every person you talk to, regardless of their industry, to understand and connect with what you’re saying.


2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

When doing sales, this is one of the first things you learn. In order to get the person talking, ask questions that cannot be answered by a simple yes or no; let the other person open up and talk about themselves – who doesn't like talking about themselves?

As a general rule of thumb, “why” questions generate the most interesting answers and conversations.

3. Don’t Appear Desperate

Just as in dating, neediness is an incredible turn off when it comes to networking.  So no matter how badly you need this partnership or strategic client, you’ve got to set that aside when interacting with others.


4. Don't Be Selfish

All too often, entrepreneurs, sales people and job seekers go into a networking event thinking it’s their one shot to get X, Y or Z. By setting the stakes so high, you suck all the fun out of the event and put an inordinate amount of pressure on your shoulders.

Remember that you are there to add to the event, help others or just learn what other people are doing in their fields. This slight adjustment in thinking will increase your sense of purpose and pride. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself having a good time, developing strong relationships and attracting loads of referrals.

5. Meeting the Right People

While all of these tips are well and good, the question remains, in the sea of faceless walking networking opportunities, how do you find the right ones in the short amount of time you have?

Networking at an event is no easy task. These types of events can number from 200 to 2,000 people, how are you supposed to find the right connections in the short period of time you are there?

Well, actually there is an app for that!

Bizzabo lets you discover interesting attendees and connects you with the right contacts for you. The app cross references your LinkedIn profile with other event attendees and suggests who will be the most beneficial contact for you; it truly socializes the event experience.

All you need to do is download the app and discover upcoming popular events in your area or use the search bar to find a specific event. Bizzabo will allow you to communicate with other attendees both before and during you events, but most of all Bizzabo will help you make the right connections with the right people, saving you time and helping you build a network of beneficial contacts from all over the world.

So download the app now and get started with your networking right away.

Post by Alon Alroy, Co-Founder of Bizzabo

 

The Key Planets of the Social Media Universe – Infographic

There is a myth circulating that if you have a Facebook page for your business then that is all you to need to succeed at social media.

If that is your paradigm then you need to rethink your social media strategy.

The reality is that this is only one piece of the puzzle and you are starting from the wrong end. This misconception is especially paramount if you are operating in a B2B business (business to business).

If you are just publishing short updates to Facebook, then your business is going to look a little cheap and fluffy and not that substantial. If you playing with Twitter and just tweeting 140 character little nothings with no links to content of substance then you will look just a tad adolescent.

So it is time to grow up and get serious with your social media marketing.

The Center of the Social Media Universe

This is the blog where you reveal your exceptional understanding of your industry and stakeout your claim as a thought leader.

The blog should have so much content with gravitas that it attracts other planets to your business as close members of your orbit and solar system. Other phrases that are synonymous with this are:

• Inbound marketing (the content is so good that people are drawn and attracted to your blog. They want to download it, link to it, talk about it and share this content on social media networks)
• Content Marketing (same idea really, just a different way of phrasing it)

So get serious and build this hub for your business universe.

Click Here to Read More:

Facebook is Fine, But Here Are 10 Ways to Network in the Real World

Linkedin, Facebook, and other social networking tools are fine, but they don’t do the work for you.

To put real value in your network (and stay connected to people who are not online) you also need to think about your network in the real world.

Getting comfortable

I am an introvert. People are often surprised by that because I regularly get up on stages to speak, and I am loud and expressive and Italian. But, I’m also an introvert.

One hazard of being an introvert is that we are not natural networkers — especially in the real world. I went through most of my career thinking that I was the only one who was bad at networking.

Over time, I have learned a few important things that make networking more doable and comfortable (even for introverts).

• Most people consider themselves bad at networking - so if you are struggling, know you are not alone.
  
  
• You can get good at networking if you are not good at it today. But you get good at it by doing it, not by reading about it. It gets easier and gets more comfortable with practice. The more you do it, the more sense it makes and the more valuable it gets.
  
  
• You can build a network without going to uncomfortable networking events and eating cheese cubes and collecting stacks of business cards. You can do it by meeting a few people you genuinely like each year — and then staying in touch with them.
  
  
• You build your network by giving genuine value and kindness to others. The more you do this, you will experience gratitude, fun, and benefits. People who are skeptical about reaching out to people for no other reason than to say hello or express kindness are always telling me how glad they are they tried it — and how surprised they are at the great response.
  
  
• Be the one to make the effort to stay in touch. Maintaining contact is a key form of giving to your network.

Your network only has as much value as you put into it.

Click Here to Read More:
 

Please Visit Our New Blog

Hi Business Peeps.

We are beta testing our new website. We are now publishing our articles on our new blog. Please visit us at B3 Global by clicking here.

We'd love to see your feedback and suggestions on our new website so keep us posted.

 

Cheers, ilana

The NYC Business Networking Group
B3 Global

 

Entrepreneurs & Startups Apply For: IBW#3 | International Business Week | Israel

IBW | International Business Week is a "boutique" and very special one week program for chosen entrepreneurs from around the world, in Israel.

The program exposes the participants to Israel's unique eco-system of entrepreneurship and innovation. IBW is a business oriented program, as we provide participants with the opportunities to pitch to investors, receive exposure in Israel's high tech industry, extensively expand their professional network, visit leading start-ups and tech centers, receive professional know-how by leading mentors, and more.

IBW is organized by StarTau - Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Center. More information about IBW could be found here: http://www.startau.org/ibw

Join us in a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity to visit Israel's high-tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The International Business Week is hosted by StarTau - Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Center.

APPLYNOW:
http://www.startau.org/ibw

The Agenda Includes:

• Visiting cutting edge hi- tech companies
• Networking with venture capitalists and angel investors
• Lectures from leading entrepreneurs
• Excursions and events: Global Networking Forum, Pitch Night
• Tel Aviv nightlife

 

StarTau - Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Center

Picture Your Business. Now Bigger. Make It Happen Before August 3

THE BEST THINGS COME IN SMALL BUSINESSES

So, you've done it. You came up with the best idea — ever. You told all your friends. Your mom — totally on board. More than 100 people "Like" it on Facebook. Now what? It sounds like you need a break: in the realm of big.It's time for DailyCandy's third annual Start Small, Go Big Contest. We're looking for designers who are on point, chefs who bring the heat, tech mavens with a vision, and much more. The best part: It’s free.

A round-trip ticket to NYC and lodging for you and a guest this fall.

Exclusive one-on-one sessions with famed mentors — after all, mentorship is key. These include, among others: Jonathan Adler, Rebecca Minkoff, Christiane Lemieux (DwellStudio), Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg (Fresh), Lauren Moffatt, and Alison Pincus and Susan Feldman (One Kings Lane).

Entrance into the DailyCandy Academy in NYC, including shop talks with industry experts and lab sessions with influential marketing, venture capital, PR, and finance professionals.

A bash in your honor.

A write-up in a coveted DailyCandy email.

Exposure to DailyCandy's audience of 1.5 million consumers on social media.

A constant presence on dailycandy.com, proven to build small businesses.

GO BIG NOW. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION

 

Content Marketing 101 – Essential Questions & Answers

By Lee Odden 

Who hasn’t wrapped their arms around content marketing yet? Believe me, plenty of companies are still navigating the pros and cons, ins and outs of how to better implement content in their digital marketing mix.  In a recent interview I was asked about content marketing basics and what companies should consider. I thought it would be useful to share some of those insights here as well.

If you’re new to implementing content marketing as a productive complement to your paid, earned and shared media efforts, check out the basics below on starting out, measuring success and where content marketing may be headed.

What is the one key thing that marketers need to know to kick-start a successful content marketing program?

Most importantly, to realize that it’s not about you, it’s about the customer.

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10 Ways Social Media Technologies are Adding Value and Productivity

 

Social media technologies have touched humanity in a primal way. You only need look at the adoption rates of Facebook and Twitter to realize that the web is indeed connecting human consciousness.

At almost no cost we can connect with like minded tribes globally at scale and speed. We can share ideas and knowledge in words, images and with the virtual face to face technologies of  online video that transcends time and place.

Knowledge transfer is almost instantaneous. It is transforming humanity deeply at the personal and business levels.

Social technologies are unlocking ideas from isolation and allowing them to be free to roam and add value to our lives.

This process is also being accelerated and amplified by the wide adoption of the smart phone.

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The Reality TV Show that Wants Your Offscreen Ideas Too

Most reality TV shows are all about theatrics -- showing the drama of battling fashion divas or the thrill of negotiating a bargain. The more drama, the better price the show can get for advertising. We all know that's the bottom line in TV.

But there's one reality-TV business show producer whose show is just the beginning of the opportunities for entrepreneurs and inventors. Everyday Edisonscreator Edison Nation is a seven-year-old hub for offscreen contests and initiatives designed to encourage innovation beyond what you see on the show. Edison Nation estimates helping commercialize products that have sold 13 million units and are in more than 25,000 retail stores.

There's a serious cut in it for Edison -- they take 50 percent of revenue if they help you commercialize your product. But if you've struggled to get in front of the elite retail buyers who could make your product happen, Edison definitely has the connections.

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How to Move Your Brand from Invisible to Visible

Geoffrey Rush the Oscar winning actor said he has strived to accomplish two things in his life…”Credibility and Visibility“. 

If you are a job seeker then standing out is important in securing that next job.

Business owners and entrepreneurs need to be noticed to obtain funding and sell their products and services.

To succeed as a musician and artist your work obtains visibility as it is played, displayed and seen.

Authors have the challenge of writing a book that has to stand out in a mountain of 15 million books that will be published in 2012.

If you want to stand out, Seth Godin recommends “Purple Cows”

Do something unique and different.

Pick Yourself

We live in an age where we have the means and the machines to self publish and self market. Technology is democratising publishing and marketing.

The Gutenberg press has been superseded by the digital press. The written word has been set free from the confines of time and space.

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72 Fascinating Social Media Marketing Facts and Statistics for 2012

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Social media and inbound marketing techniques have been a boon for marketers. Not only do leads generated through social and content marketing cost half as much as traditional outbound-generated leads (see below), they also close at higher rate (again, 

And social media isn’t just about lead generation of course. While prospective buyers are using search and social to research products and services before making purchase decisions, marketers and PR professionals can use those same tools to research buyer wants and needs. And their competition. And…even social media itself.

Which brings us to this post. Wondering which social network is most effective at generating b2b leads? What marketing technique generates leads with the highest close ratio? What the best day of the week is for Facebook posting? Which U.S. city produces the largest share of “pins”on Pinterest?

Find the answers to those questions and many, many more in this collection of 72 fascinating social media marketing facts and stats for 2012.

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The Most Powerful Blogging and Content Marketing Image I’ve Ever Seen

I think there are always moments in the life of a blogger when, regardless of how many comments, tweets, and shares you’re getting, you wonder whether or not your stuff is really making an impact to change lives and businesses.

Personally, I’m no different. Yes, all the social media “mentions” are nice, but action is what gets me worked up. Movement. Results.

Such was the case when I received this recent email from a reader and new friend Des Williams, who was kind enough to talk about the impact TSL and the eBook had on his developing business. When I read his email, I responded with a question I often ask– “I’m thrilled to hear it Des! Tell me, have you got that list of blog articles ready to go yet?? ”

As most of you know by now, since the moment The Sales Lion was born I’ve been preaching one essential blogging strategy– Write down every question you’ve received from a prospect/client and make each a title of a blog post.

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7 Ways Marketers Can Benefit from Participating in LinkedIn Groups

Earlier this year, a HubSpot study found that when it comes to generating leads, LinkedIn is 277% more effective than other social networks. But before you start hunting for leads, you need to create prospects. That’s why this post will delve into the benefits ofLinkedIn Groups—gathered from HubSpot’s extensive use of LinkedIn Groups—to help you make the most of this social network! 

1. Join Groups Pertinent to Your Industry

Run a few LinkedIn searches to discover groups that would benefit your industry. If you’re in the business of recruiting, try joining networking groups. If your business falls under a     more general industry, look for associations. Here’s some example groups for learning more about effective marketing:

• Social Media Marketing
• Inbound Marketers
• Marketing Innovation with LinkedIn

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5 reasons email marketing makes smart business sense for you

Constant Contact's Email Marketing tool is the perfect fit for a small business like yours. It doesn't cost much. It doesn't take a lot of time. And it's effective. That's why 300,000 plus small businesses, nonprofits, and associations are using Email Marketing to drive repeat business... get more referrals... and boost their business success. Here's why Email Marketing makes smart sense for your business, too:

	It's Affordable
	With plans as low as $15 a month, Constant Contact's Email Marketing is sure to fit your budget, and stretch your precious marketing dollars. Compared to your other promotional options, Email Marketing really measures up.

	It's Effective
	With Email Marketing, you can communicate with your customers regularly, making it easy to stay in touch, stay connected, and build your business. And because it's permission-based, your customers will look forward to, and really read your email communications.

	It's Easy
	A wide selection email templates and step-by-step, point-and-click Email Wizard makes it easy to create high-impact, professional-looking emails in no time, and with no technical expertise.

	It's Measurable
	Thanks to our information-packed, easy-to-read reports, you can see, and learn from your email results - who opened your email, what links they clicked on, and more.

	It builds brand
	Your emails will reflect your business's logo, colors, and messaging - reinforcing your brand look and feel with your customers Try Email Marketing FREE for 60 days! Click here. http://nycbiznet.constantcontact.com/index.jsp

How to Build Your Small Business Customer Base

As a business owner, you should always be on the hunt for new customers and seeking methods to bring them to your door. If you are not consistently looking for opportunities to build your customer base, your business could fall off of the growth track. There are lots of ways to reach your prospects. I offer you these tips that will help you keep your business out in front of your target customers:

Start using one new social media site. If you have been spending all of your time on Facebook, it might be time to branch out to Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or LinkedIn. It all depends on whom you are targeting for business. Figure out where your best target customers spend time online, and go become part of the conversation, too. Share generously and remember content is your currency. Go for the relationship, not the sale right away.

Do more face-to-face networking. It might be surprising, but old fashioned in-person networking still works well. Why? Because people do business with people they know. Your goal at any networking event should be to develop five quality contacts. Don't be one of those drive-by networkers trying to give your business card to everyone. Arrive at the event on time for the reception, and have a plan for who you want to meet. Keep in mind, everyone is worth your time. If you build a relationship with someone, you can quite possibly turn them into a customer or a referral. You never know who they know or who their brother is in business.

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How Facebook Becomes the Biggest Player In Advertising's $540 Billion World

Facebook will replace online display advertising as we know it. It will save digital media by reversing the commodity pricing trend. And it will become the highest grossing media property in history.

Believe me? If you're one of the investors who was burned by Facebook's disappointing IPO, you might not be so bullish. At a multiple of 28X last year's earnings, Facebook's offering price presumed fast-growing and scalable revenue streams. But the reality of Facebook's advertising trajectory has been lagging, and continued percentage growth isn't going to make it up.

Facebook needs a huge discontinuity in its advertising revenues to make that math go round.

Fortunately, I think we're about to see a huge discontinuity. Facebook's great opportunity is to create an advertising product that the world has never seen. And it can be done.

The key is in a single idea, and Facebook is singularly able to deliver on it: SELL RELATIONSHIPS, NOT IMPRESSIONS.

The first 100 years of brand advertising was built on the paradigm of a captive audience with interruption advertising in TV, radio, print, and online. That created a $540 billion market to reach a mostly-right audience at the mostly-right time, with a sometimes-right message delivered via occasionally-great creative. The basic idea being that if you reach those people with enough frequency and decent creative, they'll eventually hear your message.

But never, ever, ever has any brand had an advertising platform that could create a relationship with a consumer before she makes a purchase.

Until now. 

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16 Tips to Build a Social Business, Entrepreneur & Life Game Plan that Rocks!

This morning my son was telling me about his plans to be an orthodontist, worship Pastor and an “agency guy” with his parents. As his eyes lit up and his excitement filled the room, I couldn’t help but be excited with him. His vigor was addictive and it made me want to draw close, listen and feel what he was feeling.

It reminded me how as business leaders, entrepreneurs, marketers, product managers, CEOs, CIOs, volunteers, moms, dads, and people we lose our “ummmph!”  We let life get us down. We let mean bullies poke holes in our dreams. We let doubt of self stop us in our tracks or distract us from the goals.

We must learn from our youth. They have the confidence as nobody has told them they can’t succeed or be anything they want to be. How are they different than us? How are they any better? Why should my son be able to achieve being an orthodontist, worship Pastor or “agency guy” any more than you or the guy next door that has the same dreams? The truth is he shouldn’t!

The difference is that kids believe in themselves. Many of them have not been pushed down by the bullies or the hard knocks of life quite yet.

It’s time you do the same. Put back on your “kid confidence.” Put on your game face, get on the field and play the game like you haven’t done in years. Play the game to win and win big!

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Here Are the Top 50 Small Business Influencers You Should Follow on Twitter

What better way to start a holiday weekend (For all our international readers (especially the UK and India!), 4th of July is Independence Day here in the U.S.) than with some light reading?

Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corp, provider of credit building and credibility solutions for businesses, has released its now annual Most Influential Small Business People On Twitter.

Before you check out this year’s list of the Top 50 Small Business Influencers on Twitter, check out last year’s list of Top 68 Small Business Influencers on Twitter.

The list is a who’s who of online celebrities that you probably haven’t heard of in the offline world (another reason many write a physical book to get in front of late tech adopters), but you should definitely get to know them and their craft.

SEO specialists, social media strategists, PR/Marketing experts and writing/blogging coaches dominate the list, which is great for small business owners and professionals interested in boosting their brand online.

Grab an ice-cold beer and a hot dog and check out the influencers below to see how they can help your small business.

Here Are the Top 50 Small Business Influencers You Should Follow on Twitter

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Marketing Strategy for Lean Start-Ups

It’s all about being creative. You can build consumer brand awareness and enhance your brand’s image by selectively implementing some low cost sales and marketing strategies:

Pluck Low Hanging Fruit

 1. Develop interesting and relevant content. Most of the time developing content that is relevant to your target audience is more affordable (and more effective at getting you new users) than advertising. Develop interesting content that will drive your users to learn about your service and your brand. Unique and relevant content can have legs of its own and can get you more exposure and eyeballs online than you ever thought possible.

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