what to do

I came across a website on LinkedIn that gave 10 items to do to become a millionaire. I liked it because there is one item on it that I feel is important and I wished to pass it on.

Rule of 500

Simply put, if you wish to become a millionaire, make contact and reach out to 500 people a month. I post this mainly for a reminder to myself, to reach out to "the 500". This makes sense if we're wanting to make money. But I'm not looking at the money angle so much. I want to make contact with a lot of people. But wait..... "the 500" a month does not mean a different set of 500 people per month. It can be the same people.

Now.... the article states to reach out by phone or email. I originally thought of social media when I saw the heading. I'm spinning my head to begin an email campaign. I'm going to have to glean my social media contacts to get a list of 500. I'll do that. I'm starting tomorrow morning. If you're interested to hear from me on a regular basis, email me to follow this blog. The submit area is at the bottom of the right-hand column of this blog.

I'll most likely send them blog post info and other items of interest. That's where my work comes in, to find the right "500".  I'm not going to be a pest. I wish to be of help. That's more for me to do.

I urge you to do the same thing. Remember...... email or phone. I suggest email first.

The article tells us that to expect at first a 5% conversion rate when reaching out. That's OK. Remember to concentrate on building relationships. That's where to start.

I tend to think email as a social media channel. To me, Facebook Messenger is glorified email. Same with Twitter. That's me though...... to make email a bit more social.

blog about it

A blog is an extremely powerful tool for awareness and engagement. It assists in driving more traffic to your website, and is also a place to build your relationship with visitors. Similar to your homepage and other site pages, be sure to include a clear call to action at the bottom of each blog post. You can encourage the visitor to read a related post, signup for your newsletter, or register for a webinar or event. Whatever the case may be, use the blog to support that goal.

Be sure to get updates to this blog via Email. Signup - bottom right-hand column of this blog.

value and engagement

You might be wondering what the difference is between value and engagement.

Engagement is visible social media reactions. Comments and "likes" on Facebook are examples.

Value can be entertainment and information. 
News is a subset of information and stops to be informative after a limited time.  

High level social media advice given by consultants can be summarized to:

• Provide value.
• Get and grow engagement.
• Grow your audience and increase return on investment (ROI).

We don't get to decide what value is.
Our social media plan is about the value we provide to our audience. 
But what audience? The TARGET AUDIENCE. The target audience really is the key to unlocking social media success. Value is a goal and our job is to provide a lot of value.

What is target audience and value exactly?
The target audience is who you want to reach. Say males from 25 to 34 years of age. Value is information that is useful to your target audience.

Let's say you sell diapers. You could blog how to best use your products. Or perhaps about children's toys or toy safety. Another subjects is tips on handling a busy life with a child. Let's assume that your audience already knows you sell diapers. Your not blogging about your product to give value to the audience. Blog about items that are related to your product or to the people who use your products.

What is exactly the right item to blog about?
Well, that's a challenge. We really don't know for sure. It's up to trial and error. If your blogging to a niche market, initial data helps. 

We can only measure.
But what? 
Engagement is an indicator for value.
Engagement. Traffic. Sales.    

Look for engagement within the context. 

Relate to your audience. Personalize your blogging. Try to anchor your audience with the initial information they receive. 
 

 

interest and inform

Blog posting can be a challenge. Although not difficult, posting an entry deserves attention so it gets noticed and read.

Posts should be carefully thought out so it develops and builds your brand. Promotion is important, but don't overdo it. If you do come back with informative posts in which you put selling on hold. Do your research. This pays off. Perhaps not immediately, but for long-term growth research is very valuable.

Content is king. Remember that. Keep your content focused on what you do. Don't get too far off your path to success. Develop and care for the interest you've created. That a content goal of yours.

biz plan

You may or may not have a business plan. It's essential. It maps your territory, whether you've blazed a trail or not. I've put together a list of items to have in mind when you create a plan or review your current one.

A business plan gives you an advantage. It puts you in the position of knowing your limitations and what to expect for future growth. Don't be afraid..... the knowledge you'll gain will give you all new perspective.

1. Know your competition.

Stand for something, even if it means standing alone. Often the one who stands alone has the strongest wings. You'll learn creativity. Be an oak.... oak tree that is. Take care of others and others will take care of you. You'll automatically continue your journey and know that what you do is more important than what the competition is doing. But you'll learn who your competition is too.

2. Know your audience.

When you do what you do with passion. You want much and you have given much, but to who? Did you pay attention to that? You should have. That's your audience. How old are they? Where are they from? What gender? Pay attention and keep track of this.

3. Have proof to backup claims.

Enough said.

4. Be Conservative in all your financial estimates and projections.

Don't make a mess. We all seem to think we'll do better do we actually do. Apparently that's a human condition. Speak less and listen more.

5. Be realistic with time.

Ask yourself what you want. If you want something you've never had before you'll have to do something you've never done before. That means you'll have to venture outside your safety zone. Not easy, and it'll take time. Use that time wisely, it's a precious commodity.

6. Be loyal and write what bankers want to see.

Create a plan you can be proud of. Let your confidence come through. If your business plan is good it shows that you are worth every risk and you'll pursue every opportunity that comes your way. Pay attention and the banker will pay attention to you.

These may help you to get organized to produce your plan or review what you have. Go get what you're after.

This article from inc.com was inspiration to write this post: 18 Business Lessons