29
Jun
09

My first ride at Blog Carnival!

By Gloria Bell 1 Comment
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I was extremely honored when a lady that I respect immensely, Lani Rosales (@laniar), co-founder of New Media Lab,  approached me to be a “judge” for this week’s edition of Social Media Blog Carnival.  Of course, I accepted immediately!   For anyone who is not familiar with Blog Carnival, it is a compilation of blog posts submitted over a set period of time (usually a week) and then a selected “judge” is invited to review all of the submissions and chose their favorites for the week and host them on their blog. (I encourage you to click the link and explore not only the Social Media Blog Carnival, but all of the other Blog Carnival categories.) SMBlogCarnival

Over the last week, multiple submissions appeared in my email inbox.  I poured over them, reading most at least twice, some more than that.  I wanted to make sure that I not only gleaned as much information as possible from the submissions, but that I gave fair consideration to the efforts of all of the participants. I wish I had room on my blog for all of the fantastic entries, but time and space make that an impossibility, so I chose the two entries that “spoke” to me the most.  I hope you enjoy both of these articles as much as I did! Your comments are welcome and encouraged.

How Twitter is Teaching Business the Lost Art of Conversation

Monday, June 22, 2009 Posted by Isaac Yassar

So it’s happened. Twitter has gone mainstream. As Twitter users, we knew instantly when Mumbai came under terrorist attack. We laughed at the photo of Stephen Fry stuck in an elevator when he tweeted his predicament, we were there when Ashton Kutcher beat CNN to 1 million followers, we caught the first glimpse of passengers being evacuated from the ditched plane on the Hudson River and we all suffered the lag time when Oprah Winfrey sent her first ever tweet on live TV.

Industry pundits and bitter journalists regularly diss Twitter as a time-wasting, “look at me” fad, destined for Forgottensville in 2 years. In fact New York Times reporter Maureen Dowd is quoted as saying to Twitter founders Evan Williams and Biz Stone:

“I would rather be tied up to stakes in the Kalahari Desert, have honey poured over me and red ants eat out my eyes than open a Twitter account.”

So is Twitter really just an emergency beacon and “a toy for bored celebrities and high-school girls” as Dowd gleefully claims?

Thankfully, no. The latest wave of Twitter users are business executives. They range from home business owners, SME’s, middle and upper management, marketing executives, brand evangelists and CEOs. Take a look at ExecuTweets and you’ll see some well-known names with very active Twitter accounts: Richard Branson of Virgin, Lisa Stone Co-founder of BlogHer, Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos and Steve Case Co-founder of AOL, to name a few.

It’s not just individuals either. Some of the world’s most recognized brands are Twittering. I found a number of super brands on Twitter and asked my followers which of these they were following:

Read more here

Re-defining ROI in the age of social media.

Posted by Matt Stigliano on 06/20/2009 06:27 PM

What’s the return on your investments?

After attending, the SABOR Town Hall Meeting and listening to Sean Wood and Rich Teplitsky of KGBTexas speak on the topic of social media, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about some of the things I noticed while I was there as well as some of the snippets of conversation that my ears overheard from other people’s small groups as they were gathering and getting ready to go.  Some of the audience was there to get an idea of what social media was, some were there to get more out of it, some where there just to see what the craze is all about.

Return on investment (ROI), is the ratio of gain or loss on an investment relative to the money invested.  In real estate, you often hear the term ROI being referred to around the hours and/or money we spend on any particular activity in order to generate business.  In terms of social media, I have heard many people question what the ROI is on it.  Whether it be blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or even ActiveRain itself, social media is all around us, but there has been some serious conflicts over the quantifying of the actual returns of using it based on the investment you put into it.  There are plenty of success stories of transactions closed thanks to the many different forms of social media, but I think there’s something else to look at.

Interaction.

As agents we spend much of our time looking to get in front of people.  To talk to them, to share our experiences, to tell them what we do, and to hopefully make them our clients (or at least a great referral source).  Agents are doing this all day long.  The girl at the grocery store, the guy pumping gas, the small business owner that you know through BNI – no matter where we go, we’re interacting and building relationships which we work to turn into business.  Occasionally, the business falls in our lap – “You’re a Realtor®?  I have a house I need to sell, can you stop over tomorrow?”  Other days, it takes a growth process of going from “that agent guy” to “my Realtor®.”  We hear the word cultivation a lot when referring to the people we meet.  Cultivate the relationship, build the trust, get the business.

Social media is really no different.  Strangers will talk to you, friends will tell others about you, and building a sphere of influence is the name of the game.  As many people discuss over and over again, the trick is not to sell.  I definitely believe this to be the case, but this is not the point of this post.

So what is the ROI on social media?

Read more here

04
May
09

SPARK!

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
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Gloria Bell invites you to participate in an exciting upcoming event called Spark! on June 1st from 5-9 p.m. at The Hub at Cira Centre.

Unlike any other Philadelphia entrepreneurship event ever before, Spark! offers a fun and fresh new take on networking. With interactive conversation, idea generation and solution-based workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to network with inspired entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to make connections that will help build their businesses. A variety of idea sparking activities will take place throughout the evening including:

·         Idea sharing events (Bloblive) providing the forum for entrepreneurs to voice their business idea and get live feedback from other attendees.

·         Solution-based workshops designed for interactivity and practical education

·         Free-form networking where non-traditional methods of connecting will be utilized

·         “Spark! rooms that involve interactive community projects and provide a private location to help foster new ideas right at that moment

Visit the Spark! web site for more information and to Register.

Follow SPARK on Twitter and Facebook

04
Mar
09

Are you running your business or is it running you?

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
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As entrepreneurs, freelancers, small business owners – take your pick of what you want to be called – we are called upon to not only wear many differents hats, but shoes, shirts and pants too.   In seconds we may have to go from being the receptionist to the CEO to the janitor.  Then, somewhere in the midst of doing all of that, we also have to do the things we get paid to do, the things we are passionate about, the things that we took that risk and started our businesses to do.

When a business fails one fairly consistent response from the owner, if they are being honest, is “I was overwhelmed. There was so much to consider”.  There is a lot to consider and a lot to do.  The key is to stop your business from running you and turn to running your business.  This means spending significant time identifying just what your goals are and a solid, realistic plan on how to achieve them.  It also means accepting your limitations and knowing when to ask for help.   We are not all good at everything, as much as we might like to be or think we are.  Most of us have gone into business for ourselves because there is one or a few things we are really good at.  One of the keys to making sure we are running our business rather than it running us is to acknowledge what we are not good at.  You may be The Rock Star graphic designer, but if you are lousy at writing, your proposals will suffer and so will your business.  If you are the world’s best writer, but you are lousy at math, your books are going to suffer and so will your business.

Almost as important as what we are not good at, is what we don’t have time to do.  The bottom line to having our own businesses is exactly that – the bottom line.  Primary in our decisions should be the lifestyle that being an entrepreneur allows us to have, but if the bills are not getting paid, there is no lifestyle.  If you are spending too much of your time running your business and not working on the things that build your business and bring in the money, you are losing out on opportunities.

So how do you make sure that you are the one in charge of your businesses destiny?  Start with identifying your end goal and your plan to get there.  Then take a long, hard, probably soul-searching look at yourself and, if necessary, your team.  What are you good at?  What do you like to do? What are you passionate about?  If a team, what are your combined and individual strengths, and more importantly, what are your weaknesses?   Once you have honestly assessed what you should be doing – the things you are good at and passionate about – now you can begin to evaluate the things you are not good at or don’t have time for.   Is your bookkeeping piece the one that needs work?  Do you fall behind on new contact/potential lead follow-ups?  Are you bad about remembering appointments or your clients’ birthdays and company anniversaries? Are you lost when it comes to marketing or think that social media is filming your friend’s birthday party?    Once you know what you don’t know, you can begin to develop a plan to overcome the gaps in your knowledge or your processes.

Maybe the answer is something as simple as taking a quick class and re-learning skills you already had, maybe you need to reallocate the resources your team already has to better play to their individual strengths, maybe the answer is to turn to a professional.  For everyone and every business, the solution will be different.  One key thing to remember is that occasionally spending money to hire someone to do the things you don’t like to do or are not good can ultimately be a savings.  It is a savings in the aggravation, wasted time, worry and lost billable hours you would otherwise experience.  Now this does not mean turn over the reins to your business to someone else!  It is still your business and you should always be actively involved in every aspect of it.  What it does mean is you find someone with skills you do not have to be your partner.  Make sure they understand your business and your vision as clearly as you would have your team or employees understand them.

So now, the question for you is what do you need to do to stop your business from running you? Or more importantly, away from you?  I’d love to hear your answers – so please keep the comments coming.

03
Mar
09

They are starting to “Get” the power

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
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The estimated number of companies currently on Twitter is in the thousands. The businesses are immensely diverse but their basic goals remain the same – to leverage the “Power” of social media for the betterment of their bottom line. While not every company on Twitter has found the magic formula that leaves that warm, fuzzy, “I’ve got to do business with this company” feeling with its followers, there are a few who either have gotten or are starting to “Get” the power the medium can hold. One such company that popped up less than two weeks ago in the Twittersphere is Maggiano’s. A family-friendly chain restaurant whose apparent mission is to provide it’s customers with bountiful, consistently good Italian food in a Little Italy style atmosphere.

The evidence that Maggiano’s is learning to harness the power of Twitter is clearly illustrated in the story of my lunch last Saturday. Beth Harte, Li Evans, Mayra Ruiz and I had plans to meet at the Maggiano’s in King of Prussia, PA. Mayra and her husband had driven up from West Virginia for the the day and we ladies were gathering to share, not only some food, but some sparkling discussion on the state of social media. Mayra was also interviewing Beth and Li about their upcoming Online Media Boot Camp. I was driving from my home in South Philly (Thanks Philly Car Share!) out to the ‘burbs when almost to King of Prussia, I realize I could not remember which side of the mall Maggiano’s is located on. So, Twitterholic that I am, I send out this tweet: @GloriaBell: Quick someone – Maggiano’s in King of Prussia, which side of the mall is it on?
Before I received a response, I sighted the restaurant, parked and joined the ladies inside. We were seated and I, again Twitterholic that I am, stole a quick look at at my replies (so I could thank anyone who had sent me directions) prior to starting our conversation. Imagine my pleasant surprise to see this tweet:
@Maggianos: @gloriabell Enjoy your lunch at Maggiano’s King of Prussia!
It had been posted less than ten minutes after my request for directions. The other ladies were just as pleasantly surprised so I sent out a “joint” reply: @Maggianos I am having a lovely lunch with some brilliant ladies @marketingmisfit @bethharte & @storyspinner
Within minutes we received @BethHarte @storyspinner @gloriabell @marketingmisfit Glad you’re enjoying your lunch! Cheers!
Enthusiastic social media evangelists all, we waited a bit and checked our new followers. Sure enough, @Maggianos was now following all four of us. Curious about the man/woman behind the mask (ok, the avatar, but mask flows so much better), I asked @Maggianos to direct message me with his/her name.
After exchanging a few direct messages, I learned that the man behind our “conversation” was Michael from Maggiano’s Marketing Department. They had only been on Twitter for approximately eight days and, to use his own words “We think it will be a great way to build a relationship with our Guests. Lots of potential uses, from informing them about Maggiano’s news and special promotions, to checking in to ensure we’re delivering a great experience.”

Now there are many questions still to be asked of Michael/@Maggianos such as – Did they receive a recommendation from a PR or Marketing person or agency to establish a Twitter presence or was it an internal decision? How did he learn about managing/leveraging Maggiano’s Twitter account? Was it from personal experience, for example did he have his own Twitter identity prior to establishing the Maggiano’s account? However, even with these unanswered questions, a quick review of @Maggianos Twitter stream shows a sincere willingness on their part to utilize the “Power” of the Twitterverse to inform their customers, obtain feedback, as well as enhance the customer’s experience with the Maggiano’s brand. Maggiano’s is demonstrating the understanding that, in today’s ultra-competitive climate, businesses have to utilize all the tools available to generate that magic combination of customer service and brand recognition that ultimately generates our revenue. Maggiano’s is far from being the only company that has recognized the inherent power of Twitter to help generate customer loyalty and business. What is impressive is their quick grasp of the “proper” use of the medium. Their use of the secret sauce of broadcast messages, monitoring traffic for their name and, most importantly, interaction/conversations with current and potential customers. Well done, Maggiano’s! Thanks for not only a fantastic lunch, but a great lesson as well.

05
Dec
08

Geeks Who Give

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
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On the morning after the first, very amazing  BarCamp Philly, some still very excited BarCampers were gathered for Sunday brunch at the Philly tech scenes favorite bar, National Mechanics . The mood was still electric and the discussion centered around how many wonderful things had been happening in the Philadelphia tech and creative communities over the last few years.  From this simple conversation about the good the community has experienced came the idea for Geeks Who Give  .   The goal of Geeks Who Give is to provide Philadelphia geeks an avenue to further demonstrate their caring natures and assist them in spreading that goodwill and support to the local organizations and charities who can use our help.   Geeks Who Give  is a  dynamic, community driven organization that hopes to opens more pathways for Philadelphia area geeks to return the good that has come our way. 

In the spirit of this giving, Geeks Who Give  is holding its first event, a Tweet-up/Food Drive on December 9th from 6pm to 9 pm at, where else but, National Mechanics.   Admission to this fun-filled inaugural event is 5 or more non-perishable food items that will be donated to Philabundance .   Along with the friends and fun and good feelings of helping out our less fortunate neighbors, there will be drink specials, a live cooking demonstration by ForkYou and a raffle of some really amazing foodcentric prizes!  Hint: the more food items you bring, the more hungry people Philabundance can feed plus the more raffle tickets you get.  So increase your warm fuzzy feelings and your odds of winning a great prize and bring lots!   Be sure and check out the Geeks Who Give website for all of the details. 

So come out on December 9th, bring your non-perishables and your desire to mingle & party, then stick around for Techkaraokephl and all the extra fun.

21
Oct
08

Red Stapler Consulting welcomes Common Sense for your Biz

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
Categories: Uncategorized

The blog, Common Sense for your Biz, has joined with Red Stapler Consulting to bring freelancers, independents and small businesses information, hints and tips on running their businesses more efficiently, effectively and productively.  Red Stapler looks forward to the nuggets of wisdom and experience that Common Sense for your Biz brings to the our clients and readers.  Welcome Aboard!

29
Sep
08

How can we help?

By Gloria Bell Leave a Comment
Categories: Uncategorized

Want to find out how can Red Stapler can help you run your business better?  Contact us about how we can help you free up time to be creative, run your business more efficiently and make more money!

04
Sep
08

Red Stapler Consulting needs your vote!

By Gloria Bell 3 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized

Red Stapler Consulting has been submitted to Ideablob.  We need your vote!  Can you help us out please?

http://ideablob.com/ideas/3136-Business-services-for-freelance?tab=advice

Thank You!

03
Sep
08

Red Stapler Consulting

By Gloria Bell 6 Comments
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I am thrilled to announce the official formation of Red Stapler Consulting.   Yes for those of you asking and chuckling, that Red Stapler!   For those of you who are saying, huh?  Go rent the movie Office Space.

The name is not only a bit of silliness from one of my all time favorite movies, but I think it helps relay the message that the goal in both this blog and Red Stapler is to eliminate the silly, redundant, impractical and nonsensical aspects of running your business.

Red Stapler Consulting was developed to serve the different needs of independents, freelancers and small businesses.  We provide all of the services that they would receive if they had the money and resources to hire a full office staff, office manager and Operations Director.  The services we provide include:

Scheduling / Time Organization & Planning

Write / Type / Proofreading Services – white pages, contracts, proposals, press releases, thank yous, etc…

Accounts Receivable - Invoicing

Accounts Payable — Bill Payment/Tracking - can include checkbook balancing and income/expense tracking / reporting

Contract, Lease and Agreement review and negotiation // Insurance, utilities, services analysis, agreement review and follow-up

File Organization & Maintenance

Client Maintenance & Recognition – keeping contacts current, client follow-up, recognition (birthdays, company anniversaries, gifts, holiday cards)

Travel arrangements

Mailing

Marketing – mailing/processing

Personal Assistant Services

Having been born of experience working with and knowing several indies and freelancers, Red Stapler has a unique model for providing these services.  We recognize that the average independent would hire office staff or an assistant if they could afford it.  The problem is that generally they can’t.   So they are left with no option but to find the time to get leads, pitch to new clients, produce the work or make the sales plus handle all of the day to day aspects of running their businesses.   What do they do when there is an aspect of running that business that they either are not good at, don’t like or just don’t have the time for?   That is where Red Stapler comes to the rescue.  If the one thing that the freelancer needs help with is making sure the invoices get out the door on a regular basis, we’ll do just their invoicing.  Or their file maintenance or their contact follow-up or whatever services fill the need of that specific individual.  We provide a full service menu of work in an ala carte format.  Take one, two, three or all of our services, customized to the specific needs of the particular business.

Red Stapler is also there to “save the day” when that huge project comes along.  The one that the independent knows is going to be their entire life 24/7 for the next ____ amount of time (weeks, months, etc..)   Red Stapler can handle the basic necessities of keeping the business running to allow the freelancer or independent to be their fullest, most creative, most productive selves.

That is the sole purpose of Red Stapler – to relieve the indie of the day to day, occasionally mundane, repetitive tasks that take them away from being artistic, gifted, prolific, producing those billable hours and finishing projects.

The business idea and model developed from experiences working with and watching/listening to the experiences of several brilliant, hardworking entrepreneurs, freelancers and independents.   I was privileged to be there to share the joys of their successes and the frustration of some of their failures.  A good friend, who is also an entrepreneur was my first inspiration, “cheerleader” and sounding board.  He listened, debated, advised and supported as the idea behind Red Stapler (which went through several name and model changes along the way) incubated.   Along the way, I discovered Twitter and a whole new world of inspiration and support.  I read innumerable tweets from so many amazing people who had found their skills and passions and taken the leap to build a life with those things as the base.  Each one made me feel that tug of entrepreneurship a little more and a little more each day.   A chance encounter with Tara Hunt, the infamous missrogue,  ( http://www.horsepigcow.com/ ) led to a dialogue that made me realize the only thing standing in the way of pursuing my own rainbow was me.   Tara, Connie Reece, Susan Reynolds, Laura K, Laura (Pistachio) Fitton, Ann (AnnOhio) Miller , Michelle (chelpixie) Wolverton  and so many more phenomenal women and men (too many to list, unfortunately) exhibited ambition, enthusiasm and transparency that gave me a new understanding of what it meant to be a successful entrepreneur in today’s world.   My final excuses were pushed away by watching the amazing growth and success of the tech and creative communities and coworking movement here in Philadelphia.   I remember reading the Independents Hall website ( http://www.indyhall.org/ ) one day and finally saying, if they can do it, why can’t I?  So here I go!  And Red Stapler is born.

I’m excited about the future.  I am excited about the opportunities.  I am excited about the new life Red Stapler will provide.  But I am most excited by the prospect of what Red Stapler can do to help those brave, exciting, creative independents and freelancers take their businesses into the stratosphere of success.

Twitter Updates

 

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