by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Sep 10, 2013 | Entrepreneur, Small Business, Social Media
Social media isn’t merely about creating profiles on various platforms to broadcast your best content. It has become one of the cornerstones of marketing. It is your opportunity to build a trusted and loyal community. In this community exists partners, colleagues, collaborators, customers and friends. Treat them with the respect and courtesy they deserve and that which you expect in return.
Every day you read about etiquette, best practices and thousands of different tips to engage and build your following. What I find interesting is that much of this content is disseminated from alleged social media experts, marketing and PR firms or social media managers who don’t always follow their own suggestions. Their tweets and posts offer real life recommendations on engagement and proper “politeness” yet they do not care to practice what they preach. I am not sure why, but if they are writing and sharing the content, do they not believe they should follow their own advice?
Acknowledge the voice of your network.
If you want to build a credible authentic network, engage in conversations, thank people for sharing your content, ask questions, post rich and valuable information, don’t ignore anyone, unless of course they are bots, spam or porn.
Simple rule of thumb: treat others the same way you want to be treated. Sure, this is so cliché, but it is common courtesy. Would you just walk away from someone at a networking event or cocktail party after they asked you a question or tried to engage you in a dialog? I think not.
Since you have taken the time to be online, then make the time to learn about your audience. You have the potential to meet and greet some pretty incredible people but only if you choose to actively participate.
We are all a brand: whether it’s personal or business, we have an online reputation to develop and construct if we want a strong presence and ROI. Maintain your relationships. Be authentic. Be human. Be professional.
Sharing: refrain from overselling yourself and your products or services. Constant self-promo is a sure fire way to generate a mass exodus. Make your marketing mix diverse. Share relevant content that is of interest to your network. Solve problems. Be cognizant of trending topics. Repost and respond to the content of others. Share the love with a retweet. Always give back. Be a resource.
“In a recent article about brand identity, Digiday argues that brands need to loosen up and act more human instead of focusing on expertly tailored mass market messages.”
Provide the personal experience: interact with your fans and followers. If they ask a question or have a complaint, respond immediately. Find out what is wrong. Don’t ignore them. Troubleshoot, create trust and provide impeccable service. Social media is your conduit for making human connections. Acknowledge all contact.
“The absolute best way for companies to stay relevant in social media and to effectively engage their followers is to listen to what their fans are saying. Don’t try to steer the conversation; instead, listen to what customers are saying and respond. Reply to user’s feedback and jump into conversations that are already happening.” Lisa Parkin
“Stories that resonate on an emotional level, that put a human face on a global business, drive engagement and amplification.” Brian Pember.
Read: actually click on the links shared in your social media channels. Don’t just blindly repost them. You are probably missing out on some fabulous content. Be able to make a comment or engage more deeply regarding the article. Seriously, don’t just spew it because it is a “pay it forward” thing to do. If you are going to retweet or share, be real about it.
Invest: your digital footprint can be far reaching but it will only be what you make it. Consistency and frequency are two key points to remember. Don’t desert your followers. Be present and invest in the time to generate interest in your brand. You get back exactly what you put in.
Strategy: know your goals and reasons for creating your profiles. Who is your market and what do they need? Create your content and set a schedule for fresh ideas, retweets, quotes, contests and conversation. If you are all over the board, people won’t understand your brand or may question what you actually do.
These are some pretty staggering numbers from Jeff Bullas: 10 Social Media Facts, Figures and Statistics You Need to Know exemplifying exorbitant growth and opportunity to establish trusted relationships with your network.
- Facebook has over 1.15 billion active users.
- Google+ has 343 million active monthly users.
- Twitter has over 288 million monthly active users.
- LinkedIn has now reached 238 million users.
- YouTube has over 1 billion unique visitors every month.
- Instagram has now reached 130 million users.
- Pinterest has 70 Million users.
Don’t just create an account or promote yourself. Meet your community. Generate interest. Engage. Enjoy your network. Be personal – show your human side. Social media isn’t rocket science, although many would like you to think it is. A large portion of it is purely being social, not DOING social.
It is common sense, active participation and thoughtful interactions. Just like you would do in the “real” world.
Don’t trade off personal communications or hide behind a digital persona. Get out there, listen, shake hands, measure, and extend a virtual hug to your network. If you want to see the payoff, just be a human brand.
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Sep 3, 2013 | Entrepreneur, Productivity, Small Business
I was listening to a podcast this weekend about sales and service. There is always room for work and personal development when you own your own business. It never stops. Personally, I am always on and eager to learn more for both you and me.
Back to the podcast: You want the best service and products and we want to deliver. That goes without saying but being the best customer goes beyond signing an agreement or clicking pay now.
This post isn’t about creating your buyer personas and identifying the ideal customer. It is about BEING the best customer to ensure complete satisfaction and deliverables.
As the vendor, your vested partner, we have a job to do and most of us strive to be the pinnacle of providers. Our business depends on it because if we don’t, there is someone else who will. Your needs are to be met, better yet, exceeded. But we need YOU to do your part as well.
In your mind’s eye, what characteristics represent your own best client? The kind you love to work with? The one that is so productive, enriching and fun, making your job so much easier?
Sure, there can be daily challenges or differences of opinion, but those can be easily seen as strengths to develop a strong working relationship. It takes two to make it work, efficiently and effectively.
The 4 Cs of being the ideal client:
Cultivation:
Doesn’t it feel wonderful when you establish a new relationship, feeling the vibrancy and synergy? You know it is going to work out. You are excited to move forward. Don’t lose this feeling because of the daily grind and pressures of running your business. A successful partnership, like any connection, requires effort and mutuality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or schedule strategy calls if you have new ideas or ventures you want to discuss. We welcome that interaction and want to serve you.
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” Lewis Carol
Communication:
It goes beyond just telling us about your plans and visions, which of course are vital to our success ratio, but we also need open communications, transparency and feedback. Creating the initial foundation after the sale, especially when in the service industry, is paramount to our long-term partnership. Clear and succinct details and desired outcomes are important to us. Feedback is necessary on our deliverables.
There are many times we also require more information from you, enabling us to do our best and meet your expectations, but if we as service providers are met with an untimely response or lack thereof, we are unable to give you the service you want and deserve.
- Keep the communication lines open.
- Respond in a timely fashion.
- Provide honest feedback.
Collaboration:
Our partnership requires collaboration, a give and take for us to achieve your goals. In the Virtual Assistant industry, you have contracted with us to assist you with your business management and operations. We need to work closely together, using tools and clear communication to achieve your desired objectives. You may have given us project to complete and to create a sturdy foundation for success, we need to collaborate and discuss the details. We will use a variety of tools to streamline the process, and while you have delegated to us, you are still considered a facet of the job, when and if, we need additional information or approval. When we are able to work together, bounce ideas, outline criteria, and act as mutual associates, the outcomes far exceed expectations. As your vested partner, we drive AND thrive to do our best for you. But again, it takes two.
Let’s work together to master your operations and scale your business to the next level.
“LOVE the WE because as I said before we are a team! :)” Recent quote from an ideal client.
We are a team.
Commitment:
You possibly chose your vendor based upon interviews, recommendations, online brand reputation and research. You selected the best company or person for the job. In doing so, you trust them to provide you with remarkable products and service. You made a commitment to the partnership. Commitment is a big word, reflecting on your trust and value in the service provider. If you have made this pledge, why not be the best you can be, so we can be the best for you?
No one likes to be disappointed or to have to repeat the process to find a replacement. Invest in this partnership in order to see your desired results.
Commitment is also the catchall for:
- Cultivation
- Communication
- Collaboration
This post is NOT to put the onus on you. It is about US!
In your quest for the best, you found a provider who exemplifies each of the characteristics above and is fully accountable for their half of the equation. As entrepreneurs, we opened our doors to provide and serve. To be unsurpassed and please you with our goods and services.
“For us, our most important stakeholder is not our stockholders, it is our customers. We’re in business to serve the needs and desires of our core customer base.” John Mackey
Let’s do this together. Are you ready?
What character traits make you the best client?
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Aug 29, 2013 | Entrepreneur, Small Business
Wandering aimlessly in the entrepreneurial desert generates a destination unknown. You need processes, procedures and best practices to instigate change and growth in your business. Successful entrepreneurs aren’t about being willy nilly but instead, implementing systems for a well-defined and productive business machine: The Company.
“Business System Planning (BSP) is a method for analyzing, defining and designing an information architecture of organizations. The result of a BSP project is an actionable roadmap that aligns technology investments to business strategy.” Wikipedia
- Direction and clarity will ensure a positive journey to your success.
- Systematizing your business flow and daily operations is only part of the expansion channel.
- Systems and plans help build momentum.
- Systems help you to uncover your low-payoff activities
- Systems allow you to teach others to do many of the daily tasks so you don’t need to wear all of the hats.
- Systems save time and money
It is easy to get caught up and manage your business on auto-pilot; just taking care of whatever comes your way and some of yesterday’s hits but unless you clearly outline your objectives, something is bound to get lost in the shuffle.
“A system breaks down your businesses processes and sets verifiable checkpoints with expected outcomes for each task. Bulletproof business systems that boost profits while freeing up time and expenses.” Nick Reese
2 things you should have:
- Systems: Documentation of your processes/procedures for general structure and policies as well as your online activities
- Planning: Goals/action steps
Some may believe that this kind of structure is too rigid but being the architect of your life and your business, is the road to achievement. Systems create routine work in a standardized way with implementable action steps to scale your company.
Systems are your framework to outline expectations for yourself and those your work with. Embrace organization to achieve excellence. Once you invest your time and energy on the foundation, your day becomes more simplified. More productive. More profitable.
“A business without a commercial sales/marketing system is the same thing as trying to drive from Chicago to New York without a map, while blindfolded. The chance of getting to where you want to be is next to none!” Michael Trow
Creating Systems:
- Make a list of your systems: sales, marketing, social media, accounting, customer retention…….
- Record the procedures that are vital to your everyday operations.
- Note who is responsible for each step and level within your organization.
- Make sure your team follows through with their processes as well.
- Anticipate problems and solutions as part of your methodology.
- Document the desired outcomes with answers to different potential scenarios and how to handle them.
- Use flowcharts and or spreadsheets
- What systems or procedures can be automated?
- How will you implement your automation (document it)?
- Track your digital automation procedures/successes
With a system in place, you will know exactly what needs to be done, how, when, and why.
“The development of internal processes and systems is vital for defining the parameters by which specific tasks are to be accomplished. The trick for the leader is to not get caught up in weighty process and the metrics they produce, but to authentically be aware of the activities on the front line that contribute to happy customers.” Patti Blackstaffe
When you systemize your business, you learn how and what to automate enabling you to also delegate routine tasks so that you can grow faster and focus on doing what you love. Imagine the time you save with your systems in place. Your day would flow with greater ease. You would have more structure and a deeper understanding of the daily processes. Your team would have clarity and accountability. Your business would be positioned for growth and increased profits.
Jump start your business with systems. After you have completed this process, the next step is your planning of goals and action steps for each day, each month, for the year.
Make it happen.
Image credit: Pixabay.com
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Aug 8, 2013 | Entrepreneur
How do you value or measure your success? Many place financial gain as their metric for success but does this really encompass all that you strive for? It is certainly one component but is it the “be all” to gauge your accomplishments?
There is always going to be someone else with more: more money, more things, more status, more friends. You name it; we are a society of more and that is unfortunate. This mentality leaves some in a state of inadequacy, never feeling secure, successful or complete.
When you are able to turn inward and discover your own strengths it becomes a healthier motivation for achievement. Remove the emotional tickers and learn what is good for you. How you can be better at your career, relationships, parenting, and in your community.
The desire to grow should be a daily goal but based upon you and not your perceived success of others as you are a unique individual. Sure, be inspired for change, realizing it on your terms, your gifts to make a difference in your unique value proposition.
Just the other day I was speaking with a client about measuring success against the success of others and she told me: “You have arrived.”
Did I dance a bit? Heck yes.
Did I believe her? Yes, I did.
Have I compared my success level to that of others in my industry? Honestly? I have. It became a powerful learning tool for me as I was able to look deeper into my company, what I am doing, what is different, what is the same, what is (isn’t) working, what are my strengths and where can I improve. I set my intentions, manifested goals, and knew what needed to be worked on.
Am I a success? YES and on many levels: as an entrepreneur, a mom, a caregiver, a thought leader, a friend, and even an X-wife. I love what I do and do what I love. I am a passionate business owner driven to help others succeed.
I think my greatest accomplishment is being the best mom in the world or so I have been told. My daughter recently graduated college with a degree in forensic science from VCU and I still get the calls: “I love you so much, mom. You are an amazing role model.”
My most personal empowering experience? During my daughter’s sophomore year in college, she wanted home closer than 12 hours away. Twitter directed me to North Carolina: a quick flight in August 2009 to find an apartment and then the solo 16-hour drive from NH to NC in October to begin my next adventure.
The most impactful would be caregivers for my mom and sister while they battled breast cancer. As my sister and I were leaving Dana Farber after her stem cell transplant, she looked at me and said: “I never could have gotten through each day without opening my eyes and seeing you in that chair.”
Treasured notes: one from my dad telling me how proud he is of me, my accomplishments, and my company. I love my dad.
Business successes are numerous: they can be counted, measured, and shared. “I have arrived” and I know this from the recommendations on LinkedIn, website testimonials, word of mouth referrals, shout outs on social media, growth of my client base, the client calls I receive just to hear their successes because they partnered with Ace, the positive network of other virtual assistants and colleagues, the expansion of my community, earning the trust and respect of others, and the recent opportunities for interviews, guest author posts, and podcasts.
This is my view of success or at least part of it.
Life and business are constant opportunities for growth. If we stop learning, we stop living: we stagnate. Create richer value to share and assist others. Look for ways to instigate change (the infamous words of Chery Gegelman of Giana Consulting).
Have I achieved everything I want on MY terms? Not yet but that is why I have goals and action steps.
Do I facilitate daily growth and change? YES. I have a thirst for knowledge and a quest for learning to benefit myself and my clients.
Am I ready to buy my private plane or oceanfront home? Not yet but it isn’t always dollars it’s YOUR view….
More importantly: Am I satisfied and content with my place in this world? A resounding YES!
“The joy of life consists in the exercise of one’s energies, continual growth, constant change, the enjoyment of every new experience. To stop means simply to die. The eternal mistake of mankind is to set up an attainable ideal.” Aleister Crowley
The day isn’t over and I am still breathing.
Watch out world because I have arrived.
What is your measure of success? Is it only financial gain or are there other more intrinsic metrics to exemplify your growth achievements?
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Jul 29, 2013 | Entrepreneur, Life Thoughts, Small Business
How often do you step away from your office and take a break? Just shut down for a bit to refresh your brain matter and gain clarity? We all need a respite or as Jennifer V. Miller of the People Equation says, a “staycation.” It is a short mental holiday from the hustle and bustle of our information overloaded lives. We are constantly on overdrive, meeting extensive demands and teetering on a tightrope.
Whether at your home or office take a break and slow down a bit. Life won’t stop if you do, but it may if you don’t.
Say YES to you.
Learn to give back to yourself; rewards, small pleasures, time to do nothing, time for YOU. A few simple steps toward SELF will reduce your stress, give renewed focus and refresh your whole soul to keep pushing forward.
ME time can be anything you want or need it to be, but just do it.
You may be thinking that ME time is being selfish. On the contrary!! Please don’t believe that you are a superhero and can only give to others. While that is a commendable quality, you can’t continue to empty your tank. You must make deposits to refuel. Aren’t you worth it?
If you are a solo-preneur, you are fortunate to be able to create your own stress breaks, but if you are an employee, you may need to implement some of the suggestions in Jennifer’s blog post above.
In either case, you still have other hours to choose from, so schedule ME time.
- You are entitled to it.
- You earned it.
- You deserve it.
Get More Out of Life: 5 Tips to Focus on You
My ME TIME is my mornings to lift at the gym. My phone does NOT go out on the floor with me. It is locked up. I put my earbuds in and tune out everything else around me.
This afternoon’s brain break is the image above: homemade watermelon sorbet with my Champion Juicer. I needed to step away from the computer for a bit. It didn’t take long to make. I could still check my Smartphone if needed, but the world didn’t stop while I cleared my head.
How will you gift yourself today?
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Jul 25, 2013 | Entrepreneur, Small Business, Virtual Assistant
A code of ethics and honor exists amongst most Virtual Assistants, at least with the tremendous women in my network. As entrepreneurs we pride ourselves with strong character and morals, not just because we are business owners and great human beings, but we are also trusted with managing our client’s business. We are privy to logins, credit cards, proprietary information and other business “secrets.” We treat these components with the utmost confidentiality, similar to HIPAA.
I recently discovered another Virtual Assistant who copied some content from one of my blog posts. I was irate of course. I labor over my blog posts, hoping they are rich and valuable to you, the audience. I immediately became incensed with anger and frustration. Those were not her words I was reading, but mine. Her title was even taken from a different post and she also stated the upcoming content of her next post, which of course can found on my blog. Maybe it was her idea, all fresh and new, but it certainly appears a little suspect. She is even a “Certified VA” with a badge on her website and a link to their code of ethics.
VAs are trusted with so much and if one is going to steal another’s content, what else may she consider? I feel very strongly about my industry and the trust from my client base. It is always an honor when Ace is chosen as remote business manager. My reputation stands for itself as does the other Virtual Assistants I know and follow. We work hard and earn our place in the business world. When I see something like this, it just makes me question someone’s business sense and character.
“Character is the firm foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character.”— R. C. Samselat
As soon as you publish original content, it is protected by the copyright law, even without the symbol. This translates into the fact that people can’t repurpose or publish your content without consent.
- If you want to do a little research about your site and content, try CopyScape. It is a simple tool I discovered many years ago which will clearly display what content has been copied.
- Using Google Authorship also helps to reaffirm what is owned and protected by you.
- Make sure you take screenshots of the offending content.
- Email the perpetrator with the exact details, including the images, requesting that all copyrighted content is removed.
- If your correspondence is not successful, you can also contact the search engines directly under the DMCA Law or Digital Millennium Copyright Act
A little permission goes a long way. Ask. Give credit. Share honestly and professionally.
Know the laws and your rights.
