How to

How to Start a Facebook Page Step by Step | Social Media Help Links | Social Startup Guide

When Small Business folks find out I’m “in social media” I usually get one of 3 questions…

  1. How do I make a Facebook page?
  2. Is my Facebook page setup up correctly?
  3. What should I do on Facebook (or Twitter)?

So here you go, all the steps to getting started including answers to the most commonly asked questions – in one help-link-packed downloadable presentation. It’s even downloadable & editable for Pros free (Creative Commons)

Link for mobile: http://bit.ly/SocialMedia101SMBs

I hope this helps!
@richardbouchez

Richard A. Bouchez | Social Media Specialist | New Media Production Richard Bouchez is a certified Inbound Marketing professional specializing in Social Media Marketing & New Media content development. Richard’s web, audio & video work has been honored with Emmy, Promax & CBA awards.

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Good luck!

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WTF is Twitter?

January 11, 2010 in “New Marketing” tactics, Small Biz Social Networking, Your Website: Tips & Tricks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 comments (Edit)

…and why would (I) my business use it?WTF is Twitter? dark men classic t shirt

The same reasons that make Twitter so popular are those that make describing twitter problematic.

While that might not makes sense at first glance, once you realize that  Twitter has no real product direction or single “primary use” you may begin to realize just how difficult it is to describe (and figure out) Twitter’s relevance as a businesses tool.

Here’s a parallel challenge:

  • Come up with one blanket statement that clearly describes what our existing land line phone systom does.

Why is that a challenge? Well, in your description you will have had to include all uses of consumer land line phones such as fax transmission, internet connections, VOIP phone line connections, 911 ermergency services, automated home alarm warning services, etc. So, that being said, please consider the technology of Twitter just as complex.

That’s all great, but WTF is Twitter?

The direct answer: Twitter is whatever you can make of it.

That’s probably disappointing, but its absolutely the reason people say things like “I’m still figuring Twitter out” or “trying to get used to Twitter” or “I don’t get it.” The unfortunate fact is, once you create your account you are stuck trying figure out what to do with little to no direction and that takes time most people don’t have. Fortunately there are a lot of folks, like myself, willing to spend way too much time writing stuff like this and trying to help out:-)

10 things you can do with Twitter (for free):

  1. Connect with fans using Twitter by offering relevant information.
  2. Provide updates on your product for active Twitter users (millions & growing).
  3. Improve your website by posting updated information to your site via Twitter (RSS) fed widget.
  4. Offer scheduled information to anyone interested. May included daily, weekly or random information to customers which could include specials, coupons,
  5. Follow experts in many industries for fresh information as it happens.
  6. Post last minute deals, specials, emergency information, etc. to customers or other interested parties (because users choose to follow you we can assume they are “interested”).
  7. Update any RSS capable reader or product connected to the internet.
  8. Get found in real-time keyword searches. *Google, Bing and other search engines are adding Twitter search results to their own first page results and further integration is ongoing.
  9. Have your “tweet” reposted in the streams of organizations followed by tens, hundreds, thousands or even millions of passionate people.
  10. Publicly comment on anything.

So why use Twitter?Social Profile Business Card tfl 2.0 vertblank bak profilecard

First and foremost, because the simple act of posting information on Twitter significantly increases the chances of being found in search engines and because using Twitter as one of your marketing channels makes for a great introduction to using Twitter.

What did I miss? Got more ways to use Twitter? Do you disagree? Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

If you like this explanation, please link to it in your blog posts > Twitter

Good luck,

@richardbouchez

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The Chicago Small Business Tweet Up! 5/26

May 25, 2010 in Small Biz Social Networking, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Small Business Week In Chicago

City Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely invites you to her Tweet Up for Small Business Week in Chicago.

When:
Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm Where:
ING Direct Cafe
21 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Workshop:
5:30 – 6:00pm – One of the great secrets to social media marketing
A 60 second video that will change your business.

6:00pm – 6:30pm -Operating lean and efficiently. All you need to change your personal and business finances are “The Plan and $1.”

Social media is the wave of the future towards helping expand and grow your business.

Get started today by attending this FREE event.

expo logo

Join us at our FREE 9th annual Small Business Expo on Friday, July 16, 2010 at UIC Forum (Halsted & Roosevelt) from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Over 30 workshops, network with other small business owners.

Are you looking to exhibit or sponsor event?

*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

(312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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ENTRY ENDS SOON! 2010 Business Plan Contest and Important Updates

April 8, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Chicago City Treasurer Small Business Expo UpdateSpring is a very busy season for our Small Business Programs. We hope you can join us for one of our great contests or events including The Small Business Plan Contest, The “One-Hour-Mentor” Program and Small Business Expo. Happy Spring!

2010 Business Plan Contest to End Soon

Just a reminder that the deadline to enter your 2-page business plan template into consideration for the 2010 Business Plan Competition has been extended to Friday, April 9th.  Enter for you chance to share in $10,000 in prizes.
Deadline April 9th – Enter today!
Any questions call 312-960-0324.

Elevator Pitch Winner
Congratulations to our 2010 Elevator Pitch Winner “Second Act” Thank you to all of our outstanding contestants. Please consider entering our Business Plan Competition (see box above)

Small Business Expo

The 2010 Small Business Expo will be held on Friday, July 16th at the U.I.C. Forum. Join us for one of the best networking days in Chicago with over 130 exhibitors, 30 FREE Small Business Workshops, and 2,000 attendees. Sponsors, Exhibitors, and attendeess can find more information at FREE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO.

The “One- Hour- Mentor” Program for Chicago Small Business Chicago business leaders come together 4 times a year to help Chicago small business owners to brainstorm and problem solve. Workshops fill fast – NEXT One Hour Mentor May 26th at 10am.

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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Update 2010 Business Plan Competition: Time’s Tickin’!

March 26, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

There are less than 10 days to enter the City Treasurer’s 2010 Business Plan Competition. Submit your two page executive summary by April 5th, for your chance to share in $10,000 in prizes and be featured in the media. Visit www.chicagocitytreasurer.com BUSINESSCONTEST.

Winners will be announced at the Small Business Expo, July 16th at the UIC Forum.

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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Win Cash & Free Booth at the Chicago Small Business Expo in just 30 seconds!

March 5, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Will we see you at the top in Chicago business?

The 2010 Business Elevator Pitch Contest entry deadline is 3/18!

Can you write a: 30 pitch that clearly sells and explains your business?

Enter your :30 script:

http://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeechvideo2.htm

More information:

http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeech.htm

Expert feedback – winner gets cash and a free booth at the City Treasurer’s Small Business Expo, Friday, July 16th at the UIC Forum.

Get on the doors are closing!

Full details posted on www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

July 02, 2008 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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FOR CHICAGO SMALL BUSINESS

Chicago City Treasurer Small Business Expo Update

City Treasurer’s FREE Annual Small Business Expo is set for Friday, July 16th at the UIC Forum from 8:30am-3:30pm. Network with over 2,000 fellow small business owners, 120 highly selected exhibitors and a full day of free expert workshops designed to grow your business. Learn more at http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

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"New Marketing" tactics, How to, Small Biz Social Networking

How to Pitch Social Media: A New Client Presentation Outline for Digital Marketers

Compelled to answer this question on LinkedIn, I thought it would probably be pretty helpful to other too, so if you’re in marketing and you’re pitching social to new clients or up the ladder internally, I hope this outline helps!

Question:

What Social Media points would you cover in “45” minutes delivery to an audience of Business men?

Answer:

  1. Why Social Media (keep this short)
    • Demonstrate the dramatic growth of social channels such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
    • Demonstrate the growing adoption of social media by companies large & small (Coke, Bank of America, etc.)
  2. Why NOT Social MediaFree Tools Slide from Hubspot's presentation
    • You may have heard that social marketing is cheap or free. I have bad news. While the accounts and many of the tools are cheap or free, marketing via social will cost you time and it may cost you money!
    • Introduce “Myths/Realities of social media” – organic growth is actually pretty hard in social (Facebook wants you to pay so likes don’t come easy, Twitter growth comes through engagement, Social accounts actually come with an obligation to pay attention to them, etc.)
  3. Finding Success in Social Media
    • Forget about “social media” … it’s not about being social, it’s about generating leads, managing customer relations, providing customer service, generating buzz or a slew of other strategies. It’s the strategy that’s important, not the social channel – “social” is a tool not a strategy.
    • Introduce Targeting Ideal Customers
    • Introduce Content Development
  4. Case Study
    • Provide a simple case study. Consider customer service or channel growth strategies because these tend to show direct correlations between actions and understandable metrics. Examples: Company A uses LinkedIn to reach out to prospects and sees an increase in leads and conversions. Company B solves customer service issues in their channels and customers post testimonial’s thanking them.
    • If you don’t have case studies of your own, you might find a partner who can bring this experience or look to Hubspot or other Inbound Marketing folks for published case studies, usually posted to their blog or in a White Paper.
  5. Questions (the most important part):
    • Give ample question time. Try to wrap it up in 30 minutes, if you only have 45 minutes or an hour. This way the audience is sure to get what they came for and, probably more importantly, it’ll allow you to demonstrate your expertise and give you the opportunity to offer individual follow up conversations.
    • Wrap up questions 5 minutes before your out time to give your closing statement!
  6. Final Thoughts
    • -You don’t need a Social Strategy, you need a digital strategy!
    • -Jump in, but listen before you start chatting up the channels. Walk, crawl, run.
    • -Get help! A Social Strategist can get help walk you through the process, saving saving you time and headache by identifying results driven opportunities for your business online, optimizing your social sites, training you on the tools that will integrate social use into your (or your staff’s) day and help you set measurable benchmark’s so you’ll know if you’re on the right track.
    • -Social can help you generate leads, connect you with customers & help you grow your business.

    Walk, Crawl, Run - Content Curation
    Photo credit http://www.BethKanter.org

Let us know if you found this useful, I’d love to get your feedback, suggestions and tips on presenting social. Given a presentation you love or found one you want to share? Leave a link!

If you’re just sitting down to write one – good luck!

Richard

@richardbouchez

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"New Marketing" tactics, Video & Multimedia

5 Simple Tips That’ll Get Your Web Videos More Views

Creating web videos? A lot of folks seem to think “if you build it, they will come” but that’s far from true – in fact, making the thing is just the beginning. Now you need to promote it (or them) and here are 5 tips to get you started…

  1. Post your videos to your blog and (this is the important part) include a bullet pointed outline in text for folks watching your videos – this will help your search rankings on Google and give folks who can’t watch your video reasons to save your video for later!
  2. No blog? Email your vendors, for example, and ask them to use your video as a “guest post” on their blog or share it in their company email!
  3. Create a slideshow version of your video – include a link to the video in the slideshow.
  4. Submit your videos to YouTube, Vimeo and other social and bookmarking sites – using relevant keywords in your title, description and tags is extremely important!
  5. Come up with a marketing plan for your video – You may not feel like you have time for brainstorming and planning, but mapping out even a loose video strategy around each video will save you a lot of time & headache down the road. In fact, this is so important it’s the one area where I even recommend hiring a marketer to help if you really can’t make the time. Here are a few bonus tips for video planning:
  • Focus your efforts on 1 target audience.
  • Look for tie-in opportunities, such as holidays, product launches, local/national news or events, etc.
  • Embed your video in an email & send it out to your list – make sure you clearly ask for “likes,” ratings and shares!

Hope that helps!

Richard Bouchez
@richardbouchez
Social Media Specialist for EZWebPlayer.com

Originally posted on the EZWebPlayer blog

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Small Biz News

TV Time for Small Business Win $8500 in prizes, TV exposure, and expert mentoring.

(*From ScoreChicago.org)

“TV Time for Small Business” contest co-sponsored by SCORE Chicago – we are accepting videos where local business owners tell us, “WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS EXCEPTIONAL.”

Videos will be screened and judged by experts to determine who shares in $8,500 in cash prizes, wins 1 in 10 free TV slots on CAN-TV and expert business mentoring with SCORE Chicago.

If you would like to participate, please upload your 30-60 second video to “YouTube,” and then copy the link and submit it in this entry form. Please bear in mind that should your video be selected as a finalist, we will require the actual video file to be submitted.

Good Luck – Hurry contest ends at Midnight June 15th.

Interested in entering? Here is a link to get started.

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**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be anambassador for the 2011 City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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About Us, Small Biz News

ABOUT INOVEDIA Marketing

Inovedia puts the internet to work for Small Business and Start-ups

We specialize in putting Social Media to work for SMBs & Start-ups!

We build, manage, protect & promote brands.

Let us HELP:

  • Lead Generation & Customer Service via Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin
  • Social integration – we make it easy for you & your team to use social networks on a daily  basis.
  • Where should your business be? We’ll help you find the right tools to grow your business.
  • Got tweets or a Facebook page? Let us Launch, Optimize, Grow – Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and other social sites
  • Don’t guess. We provide Digital metrics Reporting
  • Social Media Training, Best Practices & Benchmarking
  • What should you post? We do Content Development & strategy for you.
  • Adwords, Remarketing & Display Network campaign management
  • Brand reputation management

OUR TEAM:

Richard Bouchez is a certified Inbound Marketing professional specializing in Social Media Marketing & New Media content development. Richard brings over 15 years experience telling stories using audio, video & print.   Richard’s web, audio & video work has been honored with Emmy, Promax & CBA awards.

Stephen Hebel, Web Content Coordinator, Multimedia Producer, Audio / Video SpecialistSteve Hebel, Social Media Coordinator / Dgital Media producer, is a social media enthusiast, blogger & multimedia savvy sports nut. Check out his work at *** and connect with him on LinkedIn.

OUR PARTNERS:

Ripson Communications – It’s no easy task to find the right words, the best tone. At Ripson Communications, we help deliver clear, concise, compelling messaging that is specifically tailored to your company. Whether it’s grooming a spokesperson as a thought leader, or handling a potential crisis, we craft engaging messages that connect with the media outlets your target audience values most.

Uncle Jake Media

Uncle Jake Media – 30 years of combined experience just waiting to explode onto the screen for you. Websites, Logos, Broadcast, Print. You name it. We’ll make it happen.

Our BLOG:

www.InovediaMarketing.com launched in 2008. We post helpful new media marketing & multimedia production tips for small business and we’re quickly closing in on 30k views!

Proud to be part of…

Member – Google Engage
Ambassador – Chicago Small Business Expo
Member – Linkedin Chicago
Member Inbound Marketing University

Sites we Manage…

"New Marketing" tactics, Video & Multimedia

How to: CREATE AMAZING LOW COST VIRAL VIDEOS THAT DRIVE QUALITY CLICKS!

Wish you could create that contagious viral video that instantly hits a million views and gets EVERYONE talking?

Me too!

The reality though, it seems, is that neither you or I have the budget or the time to pursue that strategy! So then what?

Well, let’s look at devising a more systematic approach to dramatically improving your chances of getting found & shared without purely gambling on success.

A note about YouTube videos.

Since YouTube is the big kid on campus, and you’ll probably spend a lot of time there researching, it’s important to note that the “view” number may seriously skewed by mentions on traditional media, links to popular websites, the age of the video or other “campaigns” implemented to boost the count. A site or video that is promoted to the front page of social news site Digg.com, for example, can get pummeled with a million hits, but the traffic is best described as “non-converting.” Users come for the content in droves, but they don’t don’t buy or even click around! If you’re Coke or Pepsi, this might be fine. You’ll add it to the “branding” line in your budget and call it a day, but we’re talking about driving clicks that count!

3 ways to using viral videos to drive quality traffic at a low cost.

  1. Benefit Driven Videos: Providing specific value to current & potential customers through “How to videos” or Podcasts is a great way to gain traction with your ideal customer! If you really know your customers, this one’s almost a no-brainer!
  2. User Generated Content: This is usually done with contesting of some type, perhaps with a product or other motivating factor can energize users  and compel them to upload their own videos per your request. If the prize is interesting enough, this could create quite a bit of buzz for your brand!
  3. Loud Cheap Different: Look very closely at all of your current videos, your competitors videos as well as everything you can find related to your category on YouTube and everywhere else. Then run the other way! Create something totally insanely different! Ensure that it stands out! Totally focus on creating a video geared solely toward making an impact on your target customer and, to ensure that this video “gets traction,” plan on promoting it using a keyword buys! Prepare to be loud & brash or prepare for disappointment!

As in any Word of Mouth Marketing campaign, the key to a successful viral video is in the impact it makes on customers. Viral videos need to drive emotion or offer significant value in order to be spread from person to person, but they do not need to be expensive to produce! There are great low cost / high impact examples in Cheap & Easy Web Videos You can do Too

Oh, btw, if you create a video and it “goes viral” with a million hits and it gets everyone talking…  let’s call it a bonus!

Also, here’s an amazing and well vetted resource for you > Marketers Need to Understand the Power of Viral Videos

Thanks for stopping by!
@richardbouchez

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Richard A. Bouchez | Social Media Specialist | New Media Production Richard Bouchez is a certified Inbound Marketing professional specializing in Social Media Marketing & New Media content development. Richard’s web, audio & video work has been honored with Emmy, Promax & CBA awards.

DAILY SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TIPS FOLLOW @INOVEDIA ON TWITTER!

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Photography credits

Got tips or tricks for creating killer videos? Sound off and share in the comments!

Good luck!

@richardbouchez

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WTF is Twitter?

January 11, 2010 in “New Marketing” tactics, Small Biz Social Networking, Your Website: Tips & Tricks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 comments (Edit)

…and why would (I) my business use it?WTF is Twitter? dark men classic t shirt

The same reasons that make Twitter so popular are those that make describing twitter problematic.

While that might not makes sense at first glance, once you realize that  Twitter has no real product direction or single “primary use” you may begin to realize just how difficult it is to describe (and figure out) Twitter’s relevance as a businesses tool.

Here’s a parallel challenge:

  • Come up with one blanket statement that clearly describes what our existing land line phone systom does.

Why is that a challenge? Well, in your description you will have had to include all uses of consumer land line phones such as fax transmission, internet connections, VOIP phone line connections, 911 ermergency services, automated home alarm warning services, etc. So, that being said, please consider the technology of Twitter just as complex.

That’s all great, but WTF is Twitter?

The direct answer: Twitter is whatever you can make of it.

That’s probably disappointing, but its absolutely the reason people say things like “I’m still figuring Twitter out” or “trying to get used to Twitter” or “I don’t get it.” The unfortunate fact is, once you create your account you are stuck trying figure out what to do with little to no direction and that takes time most people don’t have. Fortunately there are a lot of folks, like myself, willing to spend way too much time writing stuff like this and trying to help out:-)

10 things you can do with Twitter (for free):

  1. Connect with fans using Twitter by offering relevant information.
  2. Provide updates on your product for active Twitter users (millions & growing).
  3. Improve your website by posting updated information to your site via Twitter (RSS) fed widget.
  4. Offer scheduled information to anyone interested. May included daily, weekly or random information to customers which could include specials, coupons,
  5. Follow experts in many industries for fresh information as it happens.
  6. Post last minute deals, specials, emergency information, etc. to customers or other interested parties (because users choose to follow you we can assume they are “interested”).
  7. Update any RSS capable reader or product connected to the internet.
  8. Get found in real-time keyword searches. *Google, Bing and other search engines are adding Twitter search results to their own first page results and further integration is ongoing.
  9. Have your “tweet” reposted in the streams of organizations followed by tens, hundreds, thousands or even millions of passionate people.
  10. Publicly comment on anything.

So why use Twitter?Social Profile Business Card tfl 2.0 vertblank bak profilecard

First and foremost, because the simple act of posting information on Twitter significantly increases the chances of being found in search engines and because using Twitter as one of your marketing channels makes for a great introduction to using Twitter.

What did I miss? Got more ways to use Twitter? Do you disagree? Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

If you like this explanation, please link to it in your blog posts > Twitter

Good luck,

@richardbouchez

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The Chicago Small Business Tweet Up! 5/26

May 25, 2010 in Small Biz Social Networking, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Small Business Week In Chicago

City Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely invites you to her Tweet Up for Small Business Week in Chicago.

When:
Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm Where:
ING Direct Cafe
21 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Workshop:
5:30 – 6:00pm – One of the great secrets to social media marketing
A 60 second video that will change your business.

6:00pm – 6:30pm -Operating lean and efficiently. All you need to change your personal and business finances are “The Plan and $1.”

Social media is the wave of the future towards helping expand and grow your business.

Get started today by attending this FREE event.

expo logo

Join us at our FREE 9th annual Small Business Expo on Friday, July 16, 2010 at UIC Forum (Halsted & Roosevelt) from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Over 30 workshops, network with other small business owners.

Are you looking to exhibit or sponsor event?

*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

(312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

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add your Twitter name!

ENTRY ENDS SOON! 2010 Business Plan Contest and Important Updates

April 8, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Chicago City Treasurer Small Business Expo UpdateSpring is a very busy season for our Small Business Programs. We hope you can join us for one of our great contests or events including The Small Business Plan Contest, The “One-Hour-Mentor” Program and Small Business Expo. Happy Spring!

2010 Business Plan Contest to End Soon

Just a reminder that the deadline to enter your 2-page business plan template into consideration for the 2010 Business Plan Competition has been extended to Friday, April 9th.  Enter for you chance to share in $10,000 in prizes.
Deadline April 9th – Enter today!
Any questions call 312-960-0324.

Elevator Pitch Winner
Congratulations to our 2010 Elevator Pitch Winner “Second Act” Thank you to all of our outstanding contestants. Please consider entering our Business Plan Competition (see box above)

Small Business Expo

The 2010 Small Business Expo will be held on Friday, July 16th at the U.I.C. Forum. Join us for one of the best networking days in Chicago with over 130 exhibitors, 30 FREE Small Business Workshops, and 2,000 attendees. Sponsors, Exhibitors, and attendeess can find more information at FREE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO.

The “One- Hour- Mentor” Program for Chicago Small Business Chicago business leaders come together 4 times a year to help Chicago small business owners to brainstorm and problem solve. Workshops fill fast – NEXT One Hour Mentor May 26th at 10am.

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

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add your Twitter name!

Click image to add your Twitter name!

Update 2010 Business Plan Competition: Time’s Tickin’!

March 26, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

There are less than 10 days to enter the City Treasurer’s 2010 Business Plan Competition. Submit your two page executive summary by April 5th, for your chance to share in $10,000 in prizes and be featured in the media. Visit www.chicagocitytreasurer.com BUSINESSCONTEST.

Winners will be announced at the Small Business Expo, July 16th at the UIC Forum.

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

March 26th, 2010 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

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Win Cash & Free Booth at the Chicago Small Business Expo in just 30 seconds!

March 5, 2010 in Small Biz News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment (Edit)

Will we see you at the top in Chicago business?

The 2010 Business Elevator Pitch Contest entry deadline is 3/18!

Can you write a: 30 pitch that clearly sells and explains your business?

Enter your :30 script:

http://chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeechvideo2.htm

More information:

http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/events/elevatorspeech.htm

Expert feedback – winner gets cash and a free booth at the City Treasurer’s Small Business Expo, Friday, July 16th at the UIC Forum.

Get on the doors are closing!

Full details posted on www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

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*Information from:

Office of the City Treasurer

Stephanie Neely Treasurer Contact: Public Affairs

July 02, 2008 (312) 744-8122

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be 2009 ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information and daily Social Media Marketing tips for business!

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FOR CHICAGO SMALL BUSINESS

Chicago City Treasurer Small Business Expo Update

City Treasurer’s FREE Annual Small Business Expo is set for Friday, July 16th at the UIC Forum from 8:30am-3:30pm. Network with over 2,000 fellow small business owners, 120 highly selected exhibitors and a full day of free expert workshops designed to grow your business. Learn more at http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

ORDER SOCIAL MEDIA BIZ CARDS! Click an image below

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ORDER SOCIAL MEDIA BIZ CARDS! Click an image below

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"New Marketing" tactics, Amazing Business Cards, How to

Amazing SOCIAL MEDIA Business Cards and Concepts! Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Mobile and more!

*NOTE: Designs featured in this post are NOT sold by Inovedia Marketing, www.SocialMediaBizCards.com or sister Social Media Novelty gear company TwitterFunny.com.

facebook design business cardI had so much fun putting together Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW! I couldn’t resist doing another! This time around I’m adding a Social Media Twist to business cards and even including ideas for promoting your mobile initiatives! So, if you don’t already promote your Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc. efforts on business cards separate from your standard traditional BLAH business cards, let’s get you moving!

Now there aren’t a ton of social media business cards out there so bare with me as I try to walk you through ideas for creating your own social media cards using business card designs and images I’ve dug up from the web.

Already got great business cards? Please add your ideas to the comments or email me pics your amazing business cards and I’ll post them here! Seriously, you’ll find mine at the bottom and I’ll add yours too!

SOCIAL MEDIA BIZ CARDS >>

social media redirects on business cardA couple quick things to note about social media cards in-particular. Simple to remember URLs, like the ones used on the card above, are extremely important! If you’ve gone to the trouble of registering the same name across all of your social networks, good for you! It’ll help keep your card clutter free or let you pack in as many social networks as possible! Like this >

ultimate social media networks business card
Wow!
I am on Facebook business cardThere’s so much clutter in print, so I am a HUGE fan of white space!
Twitter and Blog business card
Business in front, Twitter in the back :-D
twitter follow me business card
Now THIS is a GREAT idea! Order "Post-it" notes with your Twitter link on them and stick them on your out going products and packages!
blog business card
Brilliant! Don't be afraid to be funny... but be very afraid if it's not funny:-D
Facebook knock off business cards
Ok, maybe it's not "amazing" but it is well done and practical!

IDEAS / CONCEPTS for creating your own cards >>>

clever twitter business card
Great design for social media! Especially if you blog!
virtual business card sample
Well, this is actually a virtual business card that would make an incredible real, multi-page, business card!
linkedin.com business card concept
Clearly this is a book and not a business card, but what a great idea for a vertical design! Do you offer information to your Linkedin connections? This would be a great way to showcase it!
web 2.O comment bubble business card idea
I don't think this is actually a business card, but it could be!
ms word notepad themed business card
Show off your best tweets or business info with a Twitter knock-off! This MS word knock-off is pretty clever!
clever google business card
Here's a clever Google search biz card, what about Twitter search or Facebook "friend me" cards?
great business card design for highlighting WIFI and mobile use
Offer FREE WIFI? Talk about PERFECT! I'd add copy asking free WIFI users to friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! This cut out would make any WIFI ad memorable!

unique business card design
Picture this: What if this card had a picture of a cell phone on it with your text/sms code? That extended design element would grab attention if it was the phone antennae! Twitter & Facebook info could go right there on the back!

amazing business card design
Your Social Networks would stand out on the top layer with your traditional info beneath!
cloud or wifi cloud shape business card
Cloud computing anyone? Wi-fi? This is too easy, and the list goes on!
google business card seo
If you have unique product, or you’re an SEO company with a huge set of… uh… “confidence” then this is the card for you!

coupon themed business cards
Offer deals on Twitter? Promote them, your mobile coupons or links to your web discount pages just like this!

Hope you enjoyed this post and run out to your printer (figure of speech) with some great ideas!

Good luck!

@richardbouchez

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"We’re @" on front & Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin on back!” width=”325″ height=”325″ />

Twitter & FB on front, Your logo & links on back!” src=”http://rlv.zcache.com/social_profile_business_card_tf_2_0_back_logo-p24092181286819102985h8_325.jpg” alt=”Social Profile Business Card tf 2.0 Back logo profilecard” width=”325″ height=”325″ />

Richard Bouchez is a certified Inbound Marketing professional specializing in Social Media Marketing & New Media content development. Richard’s web, audio & video work has been honored with Emmy, Promax & CBA awards.

"New Marketing" tactics, How to

Create Amazing Mind Blowing Business Cards NOW!

Business Card by kvanhorn.

Lately I’ve had business cards on my mind because I need new ones and

unless it’s your fist job you probably hate ordering them too. They’re boring and they just sit in a placeholder or pocket anyway.

Then it hit me.

When most folks are getting theirs on the cheap, figuring they just need “a business card” to hand out, you NEED to spend extra time and more money! Have brainstorming meetings with staff, friends and/or family, hire a designer and create business cards that are as bold as you want your business to be! Throw out the rules and make an impact! Keep it on brand, but come up with cards that are sure to be remembered and, even more importantly, get cards you are proud to give out! You can engage your customers through your business cards, you don’t have to settle for just informing them!

I know it sounds extreme, but consider this…

Front of New Business Card by Brian

Your reflection: There’s a good chance you have a stack of business cards sitting on your desk, counter or next to your cash register for customers to take as they exit. Shouldn’t that stack of paper be an incredible reflection on you & your business? Don’t you want your customers to take them because “they’re cool” actively and hand them out to friends / family? Isn’t that what you were trying to get them to do with your last batch of flyers? Why not your business cards?

An extra $100 goes a long way! Where else in your company expenses can you say that? Business cards are INEXPENSIVE and should be treated with more care and dignity than that last flyer you handed out! A quick Google search for business cards reveals amazing deals and with just a little clicking around you will be amazed by the options you will find!

As simple as a logo: You don’t need to have your information etched into a razor blade to make an impact (although that would be pretty impactful). An unexpected shape, clever design or intriguing theme could strike a memorable chord with your customers! For example, if appropriate, consider recycled paper with the symbol to show you’re engergy & cash conscious.

It’s advertising! How many times have you grabbed another business card on “the way out” of somewhere to remember the place you were just in? Perhaps you recommended a former vender to someone and handed over their business card?

Old Gallagher Irish Tavern business card by currybet.

Check this out, a business card that’s actually useful!

Didn’t you cut that…: billboard campaign? …last round of tv or radio spots? Maybe you passed on updating your sign? If you’re spending less, your face to face time with customers / clients needs to increased! Generally speaking, the lower you’re marketing budget the more of it you should invest in yourself!

Second impressions: When you’re not around and Joe Client pulls your business card out of their pocket, or digs it out of a desk drawer, they may very well be fuzzy on the details of your meeting or even on the fence about calling you. Now days, weeks or even months later they’re remembering you from your crappy boring business card!

Some Tips & Examples

Avoid cheap clip-art: This isn’t about handing out little computer cut-outs with your phone number on the screen if fixing computers is your business.  Keep it simple, clever & professional and get direct feedback from 10 people you don’t know if you’re unsure about your design.

Less is more: Unsure if “x” information should be on your card? Then it shouldn’t! Put that on your website!

Platonic Business Cards by cmpalmer.

Get as creative as origami! If you really want to go the extra mile, which you probably should, and you really really really want to wow ’em (I’m talking to you Designers, Consultants, etc.) at the bottom of this post I’ve included a number of links to AMAZING MIND BLOWING BUSINESS CARDS, yes – business cards!

How crazy should I get? I suggest getting a stack of your competitors cards, find the coolest & most impactful ones and kick up another notch!

Email me your business card designs & I’ll post them on the bottom of this article. Here is the front of my new card, I was going for clean & clever, how’d I do? Let me know what you think! Did I live up to my own advice?

Front
Front - phone # left off intentionally

Update! Check out this NEW POST! > Amazing SOCIAL MEDIA Business Cards and Concepts! Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Mobile and more!

Finally, here some incredible links to AMAZING MIND BLOWING BUSINESS CARDS, yes – business cards!

Good luck!

-Richard (@richardbouchez)

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Click here to connect to me on LinkedIn, using Richard at RABpromo.com as the email address. Please mention InovediaMarketing.com or follow me on twitter by clicking here (@richardbouchez).

Now What!? photo by Sara Frantzman
second biz card phot by by Brian “DoctaBu” Moore
business card with map photo by by currybet
origami business card photo by cmpalmer
"New Marketing" tactics, Uncategorized

Article Highlight: Use “Big Opportunity” statements to inspire your team

Over the years, the “big opportunity teams” I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of – those driven by vision, brand overhauls & complete business model makeovers – have been the hardest work, best experiences and the most fun. At the end of the day, we rallied around the passion for the goal, not the goal itself.

Briefly, here is the idea: a Big Opportunity articulates in language that is analytically accurate and emotionally compelling an opportunity that will move an organization forward in a substantial way. It is that exciting possibility which, if you can capitalize on it, will place you into a prosperous, winning future. It is related to vision and strategy in a very straightforward way: a strategy shows you what you need to get to a vision; a vision shows you what you will be doing if you get to, and are able to capitalize on, a big opportunity. ~Dr. John P. Kotter

 

A written statement of a Big Opportunity can be a very useful tool. It is short, like a vision statement, and unlike a strategy description which is often much longer.

 

Kudos to HBR & Dr. John Kotter for a great article, follow the link or click the image above… Forget the Strategy PowerPoint

 

Hope that helps!

Richard

@richardbouchez

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PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>
Social Profile Business Card tf 2.0 Back logo profilecard
"New Marketing" tactics, Small Biz Social Networking

Why Social Media? Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Blogs by the Numbers

Wondering what the latest social stats are? You’ll appreciate this compelling Slideshare 13 Killer Social Media Statistics from 2013 …and to show just how dramatic the growth is, check out the 2011 presentation created by former colleague (and super smart social media enthusiast) Diane Rayfield.


Hope that helps!

Richard

@richardbouchez

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>
Social Profile Business Card tf 2.0 Back logo profilecard
Small Biz News

Countdown – 5 Days to Chicago’s Elevator Pitch Contest – Win $$ – 2 other Major Events

Update 6/12: Elevator Pitch Deadline Extended to this Friday at 5pm!

Here’s our Elevator Pitch. What’s yours?
“Enter our contest to explain and sell your business in 30-60 seconds and you will receive expert feedback and maybe share in $8,500 in cash – TV appearances – and free expert mentoring.”

ScoreChicago

Elevator Pitch Plus Contest. Deadline June 9th

Enter Here

(Sponsored by SCORE Chicago)
Register here to attend a FREE Elevator Pitch video workshop hosted by SCORE Chicago, 6/20

SCORE Chicago: (312) 353-7724, www.scorechicago.org

Join our Business Expo Partners, The Chicago Innovation Awards for this seasons kick off event this Thursday at Threadless.

 Business Plan Competition Continues!

BMO Harris
Sponsor
JVS
Manager

 

 

 

 


Submit a two-page executive summary and you are automatically entered to win a share of $10,000. For details click here.

 REGISTER for our free Workshops.

Goldman Sachs

Applications now open for 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is now accepting applications for the Fall, 2013 cohort. All interested entrepreneurs in the metro Chicago market are invited to apply for our education program which was designed to help you grow your business. And, the program is free!

The program is designed for owners of small businesses with revenues between $150,000 and $4 million in 2012; business in operation for at least two years; and, at least four employees.

For more information, please visit www.ccc.edu/smallbiz

Full details and instant entry at www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

Good luck!

Richard

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be an ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>
Social Profile Business Card tf 2.0 Back logo profilecard
add your Twitter name!
Small Biz News, Video & Multimedia

Introducing Enterprise Level Video Hosting & Sharing with Unlimited Upload to Amazon Cloud

Client News: Introducing the EZWebPlayer White Label Package

Available only from EZWebPlayer, White Label Video gives you business features and capabilities at an affordable price. Full control, simple operation, real customer service, low price — that’s EZWebPlayer value.

QUICK FACTS about White Label:

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See all features

Serious about video? With White Label you fully control the user experience.

- Scroll down to watch the video -

Continue reading “Introducing Enterprise Level Video Hosting & Sharing with Unlimited Upload to Amazon Cloud” →

Small Biz News, Small Biz Social Networking

Free Seminar on How Social Media Can Help Your Business!

Once again, the City Treasurer’s Office and Constant Contact are teaming up to recognize your small business’ efforts and success with online marketing in the Third Annual Email Marketing & Social Media Contest.

Four free educational seminars will be offered to help you learn how Email Marketing & Social Media Marketing can help your business.

Register for the next event  on Tuesday, January 29th at the Chicago Cultural Center.  See the details below. HAPPY 2013.

Agenda*:

8:15 am – 8:45 am – Registration

8:45 am – Noon – Presentations:

* Agenda is subject to Change & Additions

Social Media Marketing Made Simple

This is not Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn 101. Instead, this session will cover some of the strategies and best practices to get the most out of your social media activities including time management and measuring the return of your activities. We will talk about what social media marketing really is, how to incorporate it into your business life without losing productivity and look at how other businesses are using these low-cost tools to gain visibility, develop relationships and drive sales and response.
We will discuss the various social media outlets that are available, how they interact together and ways to leverage their inherent strengths and to evaluate them for best use for your business or organization

Steve Robinson – Constant Contact – Social Media Marketing Made Simple

Social Media for Sales Success

We’ll address strategies and tactics for the small business owner, sales and marketing professional looking to tap into the full potential of social networks to create new profitable connections and generate leads. You will learn how to find your targets, how to build relationships through compelling content and dialogue and how to convert these new relationships into vetted leads. We will look at tools, tips, hacks, best practices and checklists that will help you build a process and a routine to do the most with your precious social media time.

mana

Small Business Online Marketing Contest logo

Got an email newsletter or social media campaign that you’re proud of-whether recent, or soon to launch-to promote your business? Send it in for consideration! It could mean great rewards for your business. Any small business can enter their email or social campaign.*
*You don’t have to use Constant Contact to enter
You could win your share of
$7,000 in cash prizes
$10,000 in free Constant Contact accounts
And more
What: Chicago City Treasurer’s Online Marketing Contest Educational Event Series -Social Media Marketing Made Simple -Social Media for Sales SuccessWhen: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 8am to 12pm

 
Where: 
Chicago Cultural Center
78 East Washington
Garland room
Chicago, IL 60602

Tweeting about the Online Marketing Contest? Use hashtag #CTCTchi

—

Good luck!

Richard

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be an ambassador for the City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>
Social Profile Business Card tf 2.0 Back logo profilecard
Small Biz News

It’s Small Business Week! Don’t Miss Chicago’s Small Business Expo

REMINDER FOR 2 MAJOR FREE EVENTS FOR  CHICAGO BUSINESS WEEK OCT 1-5
LogoNEW

Kick off Small Business Week on Monday, Oct. 1st with “Adventures in Running a Creative Business.”

We invite you to join the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for a one of a kind business forum for Creative Business Owners at the Chicago Cultural Center on Monday, Oct. 1st FREE
Expo 

Finish Chicago Small Week with Business Entrepreneur Expo Friday, Oct. 5th the at the U.I.C. Forum. (8:30-3:30)

                                                                                  att                        Marquee Sponsor   
70 of Chicago’s Brighest Business Stars speaking.
130+ Vendors, and Network with over 2,500 entrepreneurs
HOT OFF THE PRESSES – GOOGLE AND TECHWEEK TO HOST BUSINESS AFTERNOON FORUM.

Crain's

Expo is grand finale of

Crain’s Small Business Week Oct. 1- Oct. 5

Dozens of Events – Thousands of Networking Opportunities

#SmallBizWeek – Let’s light up the Twitter Conversation

 

Full details from at www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

Hope to see you there!

Richard

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be anambassador for the 2011 City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

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Small Biz News

TV Time for Small Business Contest ENDS TONIGHT!

“TV Time for Small Business” is your opportunity to create a video to showcase your business. Thousands of leaders, movers, and shakers from the business community will see our top 3 winning entries! The deadline is this TODAY, June 15th at midnight.

June is one of the hottest months for Chicago Small Business. Many of those who have it “Made in the Shade,” are successful because they have a great business plan. Attend free business plan writing workshops and enter our Chicago Business Plan Competition. Deadline is Friday, July 6th at 4:30 p.m.

We hope to see you Friday at “The Business Event,” and also plan on attending TECHWEEK Friday, June 22- Tuesday, June 26th.

TVTIME

In partnership with Score – Chicago, The Office of the City Treasurer is proud to offer Chicago Business Owners the opportunity to earn FREE TV TIME and share in $8,500 in cash prizes by telling us “What makes your business exceptional?” Enter here and send a link for your YouTube Video. $5,000 1st, $2,500 2nd, and $1000 3rd cash prizes.

Full details and instant entry at www.chicagocitytreasurer.com

Good luck!

Richard

**InovediaMarketing.com is proud to be anambassador for the 2011 City of Chicago Small Business Expo. Follow @inovedia on Twitter for updates and information! Please add us to your RSS reader here. >>click here for a tutorial on using RSS.

You may also be interested in these InovediaMarketing.com articles:

PROMOTE YOUR TWITTER & FACEBOOK!>>>
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