Open Mic Night

Tonight’s #sbbuzz we’re taking it to the people.  We’re inviting all participants to bring your expertise and share it with the crowd.

During the introductions tonight we will ask each participant to throw out a current (and specific) topic on which you feel comfortable leading a short discussion.  For example, if you are an SEO consultant you could offer up the topic “What does Google search in Twitter mean for your SEO strategies?”  We will go through these topics one at a time letting the group ask questions of the “expert” and discuss amongst ourselves as a group.

Our hope is that shifting topic suggestions from the askers to the answerers might unearth some new golden nuggets of insight for the entire group.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT to share and learn from fellow small business owners.

We Are Community – Summary from October 27, 2009

A huge thanks goes to Scott Blitstein @scoblitz for handling things when our Queen Bee had a family emergency last week.  Pam wrote a post about the significance of the SBBuzz community coming together over on the BatchBlue blog if you’re interested in the details.

We’re lucky to have a community full of worker bees.  Thanks everyone!

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-10 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on November 3rd, 2009!
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

Here’s the summary from last week:

• wvpmc: Hi bees- Wendy Van Parys Marketing Communications from CT – looking forward to tonight’s open mike buzz #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Amy here: I do creative services including graphic design, writing, saying hello to everyone at #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: Twitter searches not working too great for me while at a Twitter conference. Irony. Sorry #sbbuzz, consider this a postcard from Hollywood.
• jonedm: Hi all. David here. We’re a small biz that makea and marketa hands-on educational products. #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @jonedm for what target age group(s)? #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: Susan here from Selah Synergy looking forward to the chat, learning everyone’s small business expertise. #sbbuzz
• jonedm: science products, not typing products! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: Scott from eSeMBe here. Go-to-guy and blogger at myesembe.com. Have we seen our leader bee? #sbbuzz
• jonedm: @wvpmc First product is geared to the 7-13 age range. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @jonedm lol – classic! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @scoblitz Hmm, did someone swat the bee? #sbbuzz
• garyasanchez: I’m Gary. I help businesses innovate to identify marketing opps (strategy) then help to implement marketing programs (tactics). #sbbuzz

scoblitz: OK – I guess open mike means improv – so let’s go with it. Who wants to jump up here first and take some questions? #sbbuzz

• merylevans: Open mic, eh? Why do I feel a karaoke coming on? #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @scoblitz Hmmm, are we all dressed up with no place to go tonight? Is that what open mic means? #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @selahsynergy sure – we’ll wing it… anyone read any good books lately? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @scoblitz highly recommend “Three Cups of Tea” really moving story of a true entrepreneur working in HARSH environment. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Anyone have thoughts about bartering/trading prof services (like design for PR)? #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @shipwire That sounds great. Thanks for the heads up. Looking it up. #sbbuzz
• mattharrell: I’ve started The Four Steps to The Epiphany. A must read for anyone considering a startup; especially software http://bit.ly/WZbEu #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: Books: reading Crush It right now, by @garyvee – interesting look at branding your way to success. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @BlakeGroup Bartering can work, when both parties have a real need. But you can’t make a living on it. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: I’m a big fan of the Unclutterer blog so am thinking of putting this on order http://bit.ly/238zpO – Unclutter your life in one week #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup I’ve never been a big one to trade services; but, it could work if you know the other’s work well and track time. #sbbuzz

scoblitz: @BlakeGroup Great Question – anyone have thoughts on bartering services? #sbbuzz

• BlakeGroup: @bradfordshimp @shipwire I do some trading for services I don’t do myself. But doesn’t take the place of a real client! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: I think instead of straight up bartering, you might be better off offering discounts to each other. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @bradfordshimp great point – the need really has to be there on both sides. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @BlakeGroup If the trading is of equal (cost) services, it makes a lot of sense. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @bradfordshimp @scoblitz Way for small biz to access prof services (ex: logo design for legal servs, which I’ve done) #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @mattharrell thanks Matt – looks interesting. I always finish these chats with 30 open tabs of people and things to look at later. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @scoblitz I have bartered only with very close friends or associates. I knew their work, visa-versa and no need for contract #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup remember all those dotcom barter services that crashed? Bartertrust, etc. big exchanges failed; 1to1 better…<3 cash #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @BlakeGroup I’ve bartered for haircuts, plumbing, and even my sister-in-law gives me lunch when I do work for her. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @shipwire I think barter works better as pers relationship than as big biz. SM could help link people. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @shipwire Oh yes! I remember hearing about “Three Cups of Tea” — good to hear about it again. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @scoblitz unclutterer! thank you for that blog recommendation #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Another question: interns? I find they take too much time for me. Any luck, anyone? #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Most of my barters are with people I know well. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @selahsynergy that can work well, but I’ve found you need to check in regularly and make sure everyone feels it is still working. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @scoblitz I agree — still important to do check-ins. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @scoblitz No doubt about it. Accountability and tracking systems are still critical. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @BlakeGroup my wife just wrote about a company that has had great success with interns http://bit.ly/4b7l1G #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @merylevans I tend to barter/share ideas and expertise more than services, via mastermind team and other associations #sbbuzz

bradfordshimp: Q: What kind of professional consulting, training, or other education is worth paying for? #sbbuzz

• nrohrbach: I’ve bartered for high performance truck parts, people ask me how much my mods cost. “2 websites and some t-shirts” #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp Good question. I’m actually taking an online class from a writer with more experience than me. Short & not too $. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup I used to hire interns at a past company. Mark Cuban’s blog just paned how feds tax interns http://bit.ly/3XsOv2 #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @BlakeGroup I have clients who have mixed results with interns, seem harder to manage if your biz is micro, easier in 5+person offic #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @scoblitz wondered what your wife does – checked blog link – About Us is the Latin gibberish placeholder – her to-do list? #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @bradfordshrimp We pay big % of revenue for good tax prep. Had been audited 3 times–not since current acct! #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @shipwire Mark Cuban’s blog just panned how feds tax interns http://bit.ly/3XsOv2 Absurd!! #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @bradfordshimp I can’t stand the day long $1000 seminars for SEO, etc. I’ll take personalized and targeted anyday #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @wvpmc not really a real blog, more of a storing house for content to be syndicated. We’re launching her new web site this week! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @shipwire I think a personal consult from someone who knows what they are doing can make a big difference. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup absurd blog post or the tax handling? Less of a risk for an SMB; but, I’m sure enterprise have to consider. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @shipwire I prefer online classes as I can’t miss anything (unless they use webconferencing). Hard to sit in 20+ min/keynote talks #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @bradfordshimp I look at it on case by case. What skills do I need to fill in gaps or prepare for desired project? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @merylevans @bradfordshrimp I agree. personalized or online. I’ve even gotten nice tidbits from vendor webinars that are targeted #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @shipwire Tax liability is absurd for unpaid interns : ) I know so many people who got great jobs b/c they did an internship. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @BlakeGroup thanks for the info. my son was looking for internships, many are unpaid but we didn’t realize it was illegal #sbbuzz
• merylevans: As a writer, reading books and online articles can only go so far. Sometimes you need formal class & live teacher to go next level. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @bradfordshimp I get tremendous benefit from time spent with a thoughtful marketing person — every few months if I can. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @selahsynergy Blog is via @shipwire — and is excellent info for all biz! #sbbuzz

wvpmc: @scoblitz what are the chief benefits you get from that sitdown? #sbbuzz

• shipwire: @merylevans I totally agree that sometimes you need a class and of course the school of hard knocks #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Maybe government’s concerned with unpaid employment abuse as more folks do it. But I did an internship in college that made big diff #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: Anyone have any questions on sales or marketing? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @scoblitz does your personalized marketing consultation cost a flat fee or hourly or ??? #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp I’m struggling with finding good recent articles on mktg vs sales communication and cooperation. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @wvpmc It helps validate my good ideas and reconsider the others. Keeps me thinking about business focus. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans As in marketing and sales working together?? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @bradfordshimp do you market to attract SMB customers? If so where have you gotten good response/conversion? #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp Yes. I have to seek three articles per month on that topic. It’s unbelievably hard. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @shipwire it depends – usually it’s hourly but sometimes it’s done in a block or a program. Varies by person and their specialty. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Must sign off–thanks for great chat + RTs! @bradfordshrimp @shipwire @selahsymergy @scoblitz (will read blog later!) #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @BlakeGroup thanks for joining us! #sbbuzz

• wvpmc: @scoblitz how many consultants are you using? diff one each time? all face2face? #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @BlakeGroup good night, thanks for the links and tips! #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp Titles like The Neglected art of internal communication and Focusing on Customers starts from the inside #sbbuzz
• shipwire: Need to signoff & will check back in a bit. Thx @bradfordshrimp @blakegroup @selahsymergy @scoblitz @merylevans Cheers #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans Its a shame that there is such a separation between the two. They should go hand in hand. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @wvpmc length varies – some for a long time and others for specific needs. Usually virtual / phone. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: If anybody ever wants fulfillment, shipping, logistics, #ecommerce advice please feel free to reach out over twitter #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp Exactly. The publisher wants to point to article on them working together. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans Salespeople should become good at marketing, and vice versa. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans Hmm, will have to write something on this. Talk about it a bit in my new Sales Tactics newsletter. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @shipwire thanks for checking in and sharing your thoughts. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans There should be no disconnect between sales and marketing, should work together to tell one story. #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @merylevans big problem I see is ppl think mktg=sales, or mktg=promotion (lose product, price, distribution channel functions) #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: I think officially we were only on for an hour this week – are we in for more or should we start to wrap it up? #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: Well, both my batteries are running low (laptop and body). #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @bradfordshimp ok – we’ll do quick pitches and reconvene again next week. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: Great informal chat with everyone this week. Thx for taking the lead @scoblitz & 4 the insight & tips from all. ‘night #sbbuzz
• jonedm: Any good tweetchats coming up toomorrow night for small businesses? #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: Ok – I provide small businesses with advice and services through http://allbizanswers.com and http://broadrivercreative.com #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @selahsynergy I’m sure our bee will be buzzing again next week to get us back on track – but this was fun! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @jonedm I’m the guest at #smallbizchat tomorrow at 8pm, talking sales alt. to cold calling. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @bradfordshimp We agree with that — we just need to point to articles every month to keep readers informed on the topic. #sbbuzz
• jonedm: @ bradfordshimp sounds like a chat we won’t want to miss. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @jonedm @bradfordshrimp is right — #smallbizchat by @smallbizlady is a great one every Weds. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @merylevans Right, wish I could point you to some specifics, nothing comes to mind, even from my blog. #sbbuzz
• brandingexpert: @jonedm #brandchat is at 8AM Pacific…. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: Ok – thanks everyone for our attending our informal open mic, spontaneous free-form jazz version of sbbuzz. See you all next week! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp: @scoblitz See you maestro! #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: thanks everyone – and thanks @scoblitz for filling in for the bee – hopefully she’s ok #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @bradfordshrimp is that 8pm tweetchat manana EST or PST? #sbbuzz

 

Chocolate and Business : A chat with @sweetriot

We all love chocolate and @sweetriot is working to give us more to love.  Last week we chatted with her about her company…..and well chocolate.

Want to participate in #sbbuzz?

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-10 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on October 27th!
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

And now on to the summary!

sbbuzz: Inspirational @sweetriot is guest on #sbbuzz tonight 8-10 PM discussing social entrepreneurship and chocolate. Mmm… http://sbbuzz.bizsbbuzz: Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay on topic 4)Send ?s directly to me 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun! 7)Bring friends
sbbuzz: * free peaces of chocolate to anyone who can identify the new rule #sbbuzzsbbuzz:  And to start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz

• bradfordshimp:@sbbuzz Hmm, bring friends. And if there is chocolate, it should be easy! #sbbuzz
• TheShoeDawg:Retail shoe store in the #Hamptons NY #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Bradford Shimp here, small biz blogger and philosopher. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:Happy Tuesday night everyone! Jessica Routier here from IAC-EZ, the online bookkeeping app for small biz. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@desireescales Speaking of friends, hello! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:I beat you Shimp-boy! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz I would bring friends but Lifehacker tells me I don’t have any http://bit.ly/39hFgN #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@desireescales At least I used a complete sentence!! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Scott Blitstein – blogger, techie, music lover and proud new owner of myesembe.com – Hi All! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@scoblitz Oooh, that’s rough. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:On-Site Technical Solutions helping SMBs use #cloud computing for better technology at better prices #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Desiree Scales from the world of Bella Web Design. I’m a curious social media, online marketing, web designing woman. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@bradfordshimp Yeah yeah. When I hear chocolate, my sentence structure goes down the tubes. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@sbbuzz Should I check my email? How do I print it out?? #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@sbbuzz Whoohoo! Thank you little #sbbuzz bee!merylevans:Content maven aka writer and editor who makes a livin’ playing with words here from Plano, TX & www.meryl.net. Main ID @merylkevans. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Oops – almost forgot my alter ego. Pamela here from @batchblue & #sbbuzz hostess extraordinaire!sbbuzz:@bradfordshimp Later in the show I’m going to ask @sweetriot to hold it up and you can lick the screen. #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:Excited to speak with everyone more during the Q&A at 9 pm EST… let’s riot! Viva, small business! #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz:For the 1st hour we have an open discussion – send me any questions/topics you would like to discuss. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q1 What are you doing to gain the trust of your customers? #sbbuzz

• strategystew:Hi all sorry I’m late, Ivana Taylor DIYMarketers and StrategyStew – How-to marketing strategies that get you chosen #sbbuzz
• merylevans:Q1 Sharing information they can use without expecting anything in return. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q1 – I gain trust by providing a stream of quality content and by engaging in conversations. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:Greetings all. This is my very first time so it is good to be here #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@sbbuzz I would, but I am pretty sure at least one of my kids already has, either that or sneezed on the screen. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@Reconcilecon Welcome, you have found a great group. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q1: By under-promising and over-delivering. That’s how we’ve gained customer’s trust. We also surprise them with chocolate. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:#sbbuzz @bradfordshimp is on a roll tonight!desireescales:@Reconcilecon Nice to have you on #sbbuzz! Welcome to the discussion tonight about chocolate and social capital!pmohara:Q1 #sbbuzz We try to be as open as possible. We are on same journey as many customers, so sharing the good & bad keeps us honest.sweetriot:Q1 For r recent bday, I sent a personal note 2 r customer list. No
• survey-simple questions – what do u love/not love bout sweetriot. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q1: Acting in their best interests during our engagement, and being genuine and honest. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:Well, for me, in South Australia, it is 10.49AM on the 21st ( not tonight ) #sbbuzz
• desireescales:RT @pmohara: Q1 #sbbuzz We try to be as open as possible. We are on same journey as many customers, sharing the good & bad keeps us honest.desireescales:@Reconcilecon Good morning! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@sweetriot I bet you send chocolate too! #sbbuzz
• merylevans:RT @pmohara Q1We try to be as open as possible. We are on same journey as many customers, so sharing the good & bad keeps us honest. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:Q1 Letting them know we are here to help anytime w/ quick responses and by giving their issues our utmost attn. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q1 #sbbuzz
• we offer some FREE advice and service – we want to be our b2b customers
• trusted technology advisors – not screwing up helps, too!IACEZ:@Reconcilecon Welcome to #sbbuzz! svcathy:@sbbuzz Hi – Independent PR from Silicon Valley here. First time; I?ll observe this time! #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:RT @desireescales: Q1: By under-promising and over-delivering. That’s how we’ve gained customer’s trust… #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q1 – Knowing what you are talking about, believing in what you offer, and passionately educating all builds trust. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q2 How do you involve your customers in the development of your business or product? #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:Q1 Using social media to remind them that there are real people behind your company name helps build trust too. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@svcathy don’t just observe – jump right in! #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:As a sole proprietor, it is easy to be more adaptable , flexible and personal. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Welcome to all of the new folks! Feel free to weigh in. This is a very supportive group and we love to hear from everyone! #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Oops – Q2 How do you involve your customers in the development of your business or product? #sbbuzz

• Reconcilecon:If people are genuinely interested in what I have to offer, I meet with
• them over a cup of coffee ( rather than phone or email ). #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:Q2 So important. We prototype whenever we can & take product ideas
• straight to our consumers to taste, touch, feel, react! Yum!! #sbbuzz
• shanemacsays:A little late but i will catch up… Glad to be here! Q2 #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q2: No one is perfect and if things go wrong, there is a gift in it for all biz owners if you listen. #sbbuzz
• merylevans:Q2 Create short surveys, hold a drawing for those who do the survey, ask them when you connect with them. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q2 – I try to offer solutions based on needs. I craft my services around the results that customers need. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Apparently I am mentally incapable of remembering to switch between me & the bee in TweetDeck. Doh! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q2: Sometimes its not in listening to what is said, its listening to what’s not said where you get the best feedback. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:Q2 We use UserVoice to collect suggestions- it’s great because users can track the progress of their requests. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@desireescales Good point. Customers sometimes hesitate to be critical to your face, even if you ask for it. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:In Conflict resolution presentations, I personally meet with the client and discuss the content he would like included #sbbuzz
• Chris_Hendricks:Q2 How do you involve your customers in the development of your
• business or product? Communication is key to any relationship… #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q2 principals consistently meet with clients so they don’t only talk to
• help desk. Quarterly meetings with select staff of clients #sbbuzz
• desireescales:RT @bradfordshimp: Q2 – I try to offer solutions based on needs. I craft my services around the results that customers need. #sbbuzz (YES!)desireescales:@sweetriot Can I be a taste- tester? Just kidding LOL! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@IACEZ Website please? #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q2 My favorite trick is good old fashioned phone. We have a real phone
• number & we actually answer it. Get best feedback that way #sbbuzz
• shanemacsays:I try to involve all parties in the process so we can all answer the question “Why” and everyone is on the same page. #sbbuzz
• leoraw:Like @Reconcilecon I like to meet new customers in person, if possible. But have developed good relationships by phone, email, too. #sbbuzz
• strategystew:Q2 My favorite way to involve customers in the business is by forming an informal advisory board #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q2: Let’s not forget social media channels such as this one. I get
• feedback on our podcast and blog all the time. Great insights! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q2: Each interaction is unique and their requirements determine what we provide for that encounter. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:@desireescales http://Uservoice.com You can go to http://features.iacez.com to see how it works. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@strategystew I love this idea and have advocated for small biz. Its amazing how little we talk to our customers outside sales. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q2 We also have our forums, customer advisory groups, e-mail, Twitter,
• Webinars and Onboarding consultations. To name a few. #sbbuzz
• shanemacsays:@desireescales Social media reviews I find way more straight forward than others #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@IACEZ Awesome, thanks! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@shanemacsays You can’t pussyfoot around in 140 characters, you get right to the point ; ) #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@pmohara Wow! You love feedback, don’t ya! #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q3 from @couponbootcamp How does one find a business partner? #sbbuzz

• desireescales:@IACEZ I voted for the iPhone app btw…LOL! #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:Q3 Whew. Never easy. Our manufacturer is a key partner. Think
• chemistry… it’s a relationship…a marriage of sorts. Trust is key. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:@desireescales You’re welcome! Thank you!! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q3 – By networking and being willing to put your ideas and thoughts out there. Can’t find a partner by hiding your ideas. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@desireescales yeah, some call us obsessive. In a healthy way, I’m sure. #sbbuzz
• shanemacsays:Online I find events, events I meet people, online to read their ideas.
• If What you present backs up what you’ve done, step 1 #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q3 find businesses with skillsets we don’t have in common, share
• customers and revenue for products we won’t develop internally #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q3 Business partners are like sweethearts. Hard to know how you’ll meet
• a good one until you do. So just keep going out & trying. #sbbuzz
• strategystew:@bradfordshimp a customer advisory board is like PR, buzz building, customer research and loyalty insurance all in one #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz I look for business partnerships everywhere – you never know where you’ll connect with like minded folks. #sbbuzz
• strategystew:Q3 finding a partner involves laying time, money , and skin in the game commitment #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:@bradfordshimp So agree with you on openly sharing ideas. Remaining ’stealth’ never helps you gain momentum for your dreams. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q4 As business owner, how do you balance your personal brand vs your business one? #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Doh again. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q4 As business owner, how do you balance your personal brand vs your business one? #sbbuzz

• bradfordshimp:@sweetriot So many good ideas die because we are afraid someone will steal them. This is something I want to explore more. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@sweetriot I think collaboration can unleash great ideas. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q4: Sometimes I’m not sure which one starts and ends the day. I see myself coming and going often… #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@pmohara Don’t worry, I don’t read the Q’s when you send them as yourself. (So as not to ruin the suprise) #sbbuzz
• shanemacsays:Life is becoming more about the 2 coming together but for the random pic on facebook, lists and filters. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q4: Seriously, our company brand is important, but my personal brand
• more so because people connect with me on a personal level. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q4: My personal brand builds trust, the company stands right behind it and becomes part of me. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@sbbuzz Q4 – just started reading Crush It, and Gary V starts of by saying your personal brand is what matters most. #sbbuzz
• BeckyMcCray:Q4 Balance your personal brand vs your biz brand by first thinking
• about how you want to define them. What differences do you want? #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q4 – In other words, develop a personal brand that is your business,
• that takes it to new levels, and that opens opportunities. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q4: I don’t necessarily make a distinction but I am working to promote the “business me” a bit more than I have in the past. #sbbuzz
• leoraw:Q4 Some customers like working with me bc they can relate to me
• personally, for ex. – working mom relating to working mom (or dad) #sbbuzz
• merylevans:Q4 I’m lucky I keep my business to a one-person biz — so my personal brand matters to my business. After all, you get me. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q4 the business has to be able to back me up flawlessly – our brands are tied! #sbbuzz
• zerocredit:Q3 from @couponbootcamp How does one find a business partner? #sbbuzz http://bit.ly/5gBE7
• pmohara:Q4 I don’t think much about my personal brand. Not sure if that is laziness, shyness or brilliance (not modesty, though!). #sbbuzz
• zerocredit:Q4 As business owner, how do you balance your personal brand vs your business one? #sbbuzz http://bit.ly/10QyXK
• shanemacsays:If the man behind the biz is not respected the business is lost. I say personal brand is more important. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy:@sbbuzz Q4 for me, personal and biz brand are the same since I left corp world – my biz is founded on my personal values. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q4: There does need to be a visible mix though – your product or service is only a part of why I would work with you. #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:Q4 I don’t use the word brand (feels artificial) & I don’t separate
• me & the business. It’s intertwined. The more real, the better. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Q4 I think we’ve focused more on giving the business brand our personal values. Not on defining a personal brand. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:@scoblitz Right – the product or service shouldn’t be the brand. #sbbuzz
• merylevans:RT @bradfordshimp @pmohara Perhaps, but your personality comes through in everything you do … yes, sah! That’s what makes us orig! #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Q4 – I agree with @tpentrepreneur that you should build your business around your personal mores, you make your business what it is. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:I think when I am working on my own, my personal brand is my business brand. Would you guys agree ? #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q4: There is no real competition out there. The only one you compete
• against in business is yourself & how you showed up yesterday. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@Reconcilecon Yes, I agree because people hire you, not your brand when it comes down to it. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Now we will be directing ?s to our guest Sarah Endline, CEO, Chief Rioter & brains behind @sweetriot. Welcome, Sarah! #sbbuzzsweetriot: Great to be here! #sbbuzzsbbuzz: Everyone feel free to jump in w/thoughts or follow-up ?s (but stay on topic!) #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q5 What does “social entrepreneurship” mean to you? #sbbuzzsweetriot: Q5 Entrepreneurship to make a difference. Marshalling resources to make an impact in the world. Making change a part of your agenda. #sbbuzz

• desireescales:Q5: Giving back consistently, holding nothing back, expecting nothing in return. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@sweetriot Love the idea of making change a part of the agenda. It’s too easy to think that we’ll “give back” when we “get big”. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:Q5 I S.E Are we talking about businesses being socially responsible or being cutting edge and creative ? #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q5 I try to stay away from anything that could be remotely construed as
• political or religious – have customers of all stripes… #sbbuzz
• IACEZ:Q4 @desireescales Re competition- I don’t think that’s just 4 biz, it’s for life in general. Aim 2 better yourself, not beat others. #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz:All – don’t forget to send me your ?s for Sarah (DM or send message w/o the hashtag). #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q5 except that climate change is real and accelerated by human activity and be nice to animals #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:
• If you are committed to some form of social change, I advocate it being
• embedded in your business model at the very beginning. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q5: We did free web design work for non-profits starting our very first
• year in biz. It felt wonderful even though we were small. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q5 I’m sorry – I got distracted. Busy reading about and shopping for chocolate. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q5: We continue to do free non profit sites each year, its part of who we are now, both personally and professionally. #sbbuzz
• mattharrell:Hey folks! Q5: Never heard the term, but to me it means starting “something” but using social media to help! I sure have. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@scoblitz Hah! I was doing the same thing! #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:So what do you think about having values-based ‘Mission’ or ‘Vision’ statements – Useful or a waste of time? #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@IACEZ I agree…be a better person each day to your family, friends and colleagues. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@Reconcilecon My loose understanding is model akin to charity org. (w/defined causes), but relying on profit, not just donations. #sbbuzz
• bradfordshimp:Need to bow out early. It was nice to be back. See you fine folks around! #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:Q5 we do some free and discount work for non-profits #sbbuzz some of our customers we couldn’t have in the same room, though…

sbbuzz: Q6 from @desireescales How does your business give back to the world? How do you follow your social conscience? #sbbuzz

• desireescales:Q5: I also believe in supporting other business like @sweetriot who give back to others. Its a nice circle of giving! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@bradfordshimp Great tweeting with you tonight on #sbbuzz Hope you have a great week!desireescales:@Reconcilecon Interesting article on that http://twurl.nl/88qswp #sbbuzz
• rogersanchez:Hi guys, What are we talking about #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q6: I unashamedly follow, but hesitantly quote the words of Bill and Ted – “Be excellent to each other.” #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q6: I give people “peace and happiness” on Twitter. JUST KIDDING (as I just got a DM to that effect!) #sbbuzz
• rogersanchez:Q6: For startups, the giving back comes later. So far we’ve donated product. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:We donate to kiva and blog, tweet and donate as part of BlogAction day.
• And work w/the local food bank on social media strategies. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:I think that is different than having a “social mission” as the core of the business strategy, though. #sbbuzz
• mattharrell:@rogersanchez I second that . #sbbuzz
• MHBoys:is it off topic to whine about the spam followers I get when I use #sbbuzz, or any hashtag for that matter?selahsynergy:@sbbuzz Q6 Giving is personal for me. We give as a biz and personally 4 the joy of it, not to forward a platform or gain profit. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q6: A company with a social mission is one like Malabrigo Yarn. They
• teach women how to spin, dye and create jobs. Lovely yarn. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@MHBoys A little. Join the club. Just ignore ‘em. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@pmohara I agree – our efforts are really just being a responsible part of our community – they aren’t a part of our business. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q7 What is the biggest challenge to putting a social mission first? #sbbuzz

• desireescales:Q6: For those of you who don’t know me, knitting is my other passion. #sbbuzz
• Reconcilecon:I have to depart but nice to spend first ngt or morn with you. Good
• article desiree. I have foll you all so pls follow back ! #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:Q6 our model is to build in from the very beginning – eg, we source and
• produce in Latin America to promote an ‘equitrade’ model. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:Bye everyone. I’m crawling back under the dunce rock now. #sbbuzz
• rogersanchez:Q7: I would say it isn’t. Those that could use your product for FREE,
• find you. Giving is the easiest policy. With resources #sbbuzz
• desireescales:Q7: Being taken srsly. I think ppl cn have the impression that a
• “social mission” is just a gimmick 2 get ppl 2 buy products. #sbbuzz
• jmpineda:@pmohara I think it’s hard to make a social mission your top priority, but it should be woven into work ethic and culture. #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:@reconcilecon For sure you can be creative & innovative w/out being socially responsible. I advocate being all 3 with values! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@pmohara Aw, don’t go away! We love both personalities! #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@Reconcilecon Absolutely, have a great day whilst we sleep here in Atlanta! Have a cup of coffee for me (or tea!) #sbbuzz

• sweetriot: Q7 All businesses have trade offs so it is no different except intent and stakeholders and change are always in the framework. #sbbuzz
• rogersanchez:Q7:Having a social mission early on, helps build a community,
• translates to customers, and loyalty. But its risky. Wait for success. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sbbuzz I would think demonstrating authenticity, and the perception that altruism and profit can’t be cooperative. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: @sweetriot Tell us more about your social mission and how else you are putting it into practice w/in your business. #sbbuzz

• sweetriot: Latin sourcing. Emerging artwork on packaging. Reuse recycle direction. Natural healthy products. Open book democratic workplace. #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@scoblitz Many are skeptical if a charity makes a profit or a business is charitable. Yet that is more sustainable way to help. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q8 Profit must be a driver of the social mission. How do you balance the two?#sbbuzz

• scoblitz:@sbbuzz Q8 – you hit it right on – the profit is required to sustain and even expand the effort. #sbbuzz
• desireescales:@scoblitz No but it sure is quiet. #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:
• Q8 For sure to be a sustainable business, you must be sustainable.
• Profit is part of the equation for growth & long-term existence. #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline:Hi, sorry we’re late – just got in from Houston! #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@scoblitz It’s all just a ploy. My attempt at subliminal tweets. #sbbuzz
• sweetriot:PS – anyone else experiencing Twitter molasses?!!! #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline:so as I’m coming in here at the 11th hour, the question is how to
• balance profit with a social mission at a company or non-profit? #sbbuzz
• rogersanchez:@sweetriot yup yup #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@pmohara I am suddenly feeling a tremendous craving for ice cream – is that you? #sbbuzz
• scoblitz:@sweetriot it usually happens at least once during our chats. #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz:@KPIOnline we’re talking about companies – socially minded ones! #sbbuzz
• pmohara:@scoblitz yum yum #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline:@pmohara @scoblitz ice cream sounds cool – oooh, that was bad #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline:wouldn’t profit support the mission? Without profit you can’t support the cause, right? #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline:SaaS BI Tool for QuickBooks, MS Dynamics, Sap B1 and AccountMate owners #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Thanks so much the Sarah for joining us and wrestling the Twitter tar to chat with us. You are doing amazing things! #sbbuzz

• marfranclean:I really don’t know how u do that we all want to address social issues but right know making a profit is so hard #sbbuzz – staying focusscoblitz:@sbbuzz eSeMBe offers efficiency focused technology solutions. Follow our new Byte Sized Blog at http://myesembe.com #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz:And thanks to everyone for joining in and not laughing at my redundancies. #sbbuzz

 

Social Entrepreneurship: the Business of Doing the Right Thing

Sarah Endline, CEO and Chief Rioter of Sweetriot

We are thrilled to have the inspirational Sarah Endline (@sweetriot) as our guest speaker this week on #sbbuzz. Sarah is the CEO and Chief Rioter of SweetRiot, a NYC based start-up company using small bits of chocolate to make the world a better place. Sarah started the company with a social mission to “create a more just and celebrated multicultural world for our next generation” and a personal goal to create a “healthy, natural and fairly traded product”. She has done just that and is now selling sweetriot chocolate covered cacao bits at Whole Foods, Wegmans and other great stores across the country. And apparently she has some high profile fans – Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria have been spotted by the tabloids munching on the healthy chocolate treats.

We will be talking to Sarah about the challenges of starting a business that prioritizes the social mission as well as the bottom line. While starting any business is challenge enough, her commitment to her customers, community, and staff are awe-inspiring.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT to learn more from Sarah about social entrepreneurship, building a big business on a small budget and saving the world in the process. Not to mention find a new reason to eat chocolate!

Small Business Big Change

This week we’re trying something a little different. Like saving the planet.

As part of the annual Blog Action Day happening this Thursday, October 15th and organized by the nice Change.org folks, thousands of bloggers (last count was 6,000) will be blogging about this years topic: Climate Change.

To contribute, we will be dedicating tonight’s #sbbuzz chat to discussing ways that we as small businesses can help to combat climate change. We will spend the session brainstorming different things that we can do as global citizens, social entrepreneurs and just good people.

We will then ask all #sbbuzz participants to contribute a blog post to the Blog Action Day effort and to continue to spread the word about #BAD09 on Twitter.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT to discuss ways that we can all help. And please help us spread the word about the Blog Action Day efforts.

Networking : Summary from September 6th, 2009

Networking.  We do it to propel our businesses and spread the word about what we do to other people, as humanly as possible.  From face to face on to virtual events, we discussed how to get the most out of tweetups, conferences and virtual meetups.  How do you use networking to help drive your business?  If you missed the chat, share your tips in the comments!

Want to participate in #sbbuzz?

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-10 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on October 13th and will feature using small businesses to fight global climate change.  Check out blogactionday.com for more info.
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

And now on to the summary!

• lindadessau: I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters, blogs and article sites http://snipr.com/friz9 – Intro for #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: #sbbuzz Hello all! I’m Rob Z., a man in transition business-wise but an expert in all things web.
• chelpixie: I work with small business as a personal assistant, project manager, WordPress fanatic and more. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Content maven aka writer and editor who plays with words for a living. eHome is www.meryl.net and main ID @merylkevans #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: I’m a financial storyteller, I help organisations tell their story through numbers. I also provide contract/Part-time CFO Services #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Hi all! Long time no tweet. I’m Pamela from @batchblue, co-founder of #sbbuzz & the one pulling the strings behind the #sbbuzz bee tonight
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Scott Blitstein of eSeMBe, blogger, tech-guy, music lover and good egg. #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: Neal here, Co-Founder and CCO of @ideaanglers and Art Director for Outdoor Channel Outfitters, stoked for the usual great discussion #sbbuzz
• rongraham1: I, too, help small biz owners and start-ups: Web sites, content development, strategy, full-service. http://bit.ly/FhAcw #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @sbbuzz Hi All! Susan here from Selah Synergy dashing in before a late meeting. I am a business strategist and coach. Happy Tuesday! #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: Hi all – Wendy Van Parys Marketing Communictions from CT #sbbuzz
• pmohara: So many friends here tonight – great to see you all! #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Topic tonight is networking events & how to get the most from them (as attendee, sponsor, speaker) Please send any ?s you want asked #sbbuzz

• selahsynergy: @rzazueta congrats! how exciting. #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz: Q1 What types of events do you regularly attend? Local, far away, big, small, online, offline? #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @rzazueta so we’ll be hearing all about it next week????? no sneak preview for us bees? #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: @selahsynergy Thank you! I am excited. #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q1: Chamber mixers have always been the best events for me. Anything that lets me actually meet people.
• lindadessau: Q1 – Mostly doing online networking right now (like right now with occasional live events if there’s a speaker I’m interested in. #sbbuzz
• rongraham1: Q1 – if I have to travel further than, say, 10 miles, there must be some sort of attraction. Went twice to @garyvee’s, for instance. #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: @wvpmc Not sure I can REALLY publicly sneak preview it yet. But next week, oh yes. #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: @wvpmc Having said that, I did blog about it… but I immediately second guessed it… #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Q1 Mostly online as it’s free of barriers. I’ve been to sxsw.com a couple of times. Thinking about it for 2010. #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q1: I also do seminars for the local library and SBDC. Those are also great networking events.
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q1. Networking events tend to be offline, I host a monthly breakfast session for CMAs http://tr.im/AV4z and use meetup …
• whatmakesexpert: Tell Us? IN 140 Char #sbbuzz Hello all! I’m Rob Z., a man in transition business-wise but a.. http://bit.ly/vXHz6
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q1: Online and some local events – looking to branch out and do more in the city proper. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Q1 I do a lot of regional travel (NYC, DC, Boston) to events. I especially like to go to events where I know #sbbuzz friends will be
• DIYMKTchat: Q1 I’ve been combining “live” events with online. I meet someone then connect on LinkedIn #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: Q1 I’ve been to a lot of Podcamps for some reason. Mostly offline, some bigger, but most smaller. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @sbbuzz Q1 “regularly” attend online but targeted events ie. conference or such pull me out of office, dislike “cattle call” events #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: Q1 online + offline prof orgs, some more general networking events – we have a multitude of chamb of comm in this area #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: Q1 interested in recommendatins for really good conferences #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q2 For in-person events where do you get the most value (ie from the speakers, exhibits, networking, social events)? #sbbuzz

• merylevans: Q2 Vibrant speakers whom I can lipread well and don’t walk behind me. Networking. #sbbuzz
• rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q2: Definitely from the networking. I like talking to people about their businesses. Gives me ideas and let’s me prepare a pitch.
• pmohara: @DIYMarketers Agreed – best times for me are when I combine online network with offline events. Either with tweet-ups or follow-ups. #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: Q2 speakers depending on subject. I want speakers to teach me something or I’m dissatisfied. Social events are secondary. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q2. Speakers help attract the people I want to meet, but their speeches tend to hold less value.
• chelpixie: @merylevans I’d love if events would provide screens with captions or headsets for amplification. #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: Q2 speakers, networking about equal “social” eventrs tend to get too noisy, hard to hear convo #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: Q2 I get inspiration from hearing speakers who have great business stories to tell. Then I feel more alive & confident to network! #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @chelpixie You know I “amen” that! Amplification won’t help me — but it will help many others. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q2. Social/informal tend to be the best for being able to speak to new people. To make new connections.
• selahsynergy: @sbbuzz Q2 for me it is all of the above & the energy of the event itself which brings a nice change of pace & inspiration #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q2: I do best at informal / social events, less “pitchy” and more conversational. #sbbuzz
• strategystew: Q2 Love the comments about speakers at networking. They provide great ice-breakers for meeting new folks #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: @chelpixie #sbbuzz Q2. Sounds like you are talking about events, rather than networking? Noisy = buzz (btw: it’s quieter at the fringes)
• chelpixie: @merylevans hearing aids only do so much. College gave me a mic for my teachers and a special headset so I could hear them in ear. #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: Q2 – Usually get the most value from panel-based session with array of experts weighing in. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Q2 #sbbuzz I like speakers who are not just pimping a product. I’ve seen some great panel discussions recently.
• chelpixie: @finstoryteller bigger events for those two suggestions but networking events are loud. yes I do seek the fringes for conversation. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys: we like speakers that attract our target demographics if there’s time/place to talk after #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @chelpixie Oh the FM. That didn’t work for me. Would a cochlear implant work for you? Sounds like you have better hearing than I. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: I also love following an event I am attending live on Twitter. It’s like getting the color commentary while at the ballgame. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @mcolacurcio Agreed – it’s nice to have shorter presentations from a variety of people – better for our short attention spans! #sbbuzz
• strategystew: Tweet chats are an awesome networking event. You get to meet great people in a smaller more intimate setting #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: @lindadessau Exactly! A variety of perspectives in one foul swoop. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @pmohara When I went to an event that had wireless I’d forgotten my iPod, and then the next one didn’t have the wifi. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q2. if it’s a networking event my focus is always on networking, regardless of speaker, they tend to go on too long generally
• merylevans: @finstoryteller Appreciate it when speakers limit to 30 mins (tiring to lipread that long) and interact for rest. Keynotes torture. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q3 from @wvpmc What are your recommendations for really good conferences? #sbbuzz

• mcolacurcio: I just did 4 guest posts for @smallbiztrends on planning TweetChats if that helps: http://bit.ly/kAkXs #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: @merylevans #sbbuzz If it’s a Networking event, 30mins is too long for a speak. Max 15mins. 5mins to thank sponsors, next events, 10mins …
• pmohara: @lindadessau I tend to go to social media centric events, so there’s a wifi frenzied crowd. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Q3 Depends on conf type. sxsw.com attracts a wide variety including many bloggers and social media folks. #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: Q3 Podcamp for beginners/intermediate to podcast and SM. MarketingProfs events, Inbound Marketing Summit. #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: Q3: I love specialized content at conferences that you can’t get elsewhere. Ragan.com’s conferences are great. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q4 from @lindadessau Do you prefer to network with your colleagues (potential referral sources) or your prospective clients or both? #sbbuzz

• wvpmc: @sbbuzz Q4 both #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Q4 Both. Never limit yourself. Meet new folks, stay strong with current folks. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: Q4 For me they’re often one and the same – my clients make the best referral sources, and I am a member of my own target market! #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: Q4: I’ve seen networking with colleagues lead to more potential clients than mingling with potential clients themselves. #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: @sbbuzz Definitely both. Most of my business is referrals, so introductions help. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q4. Both.
• lindadessau: Q4 I also like what @finstoryteller said earlier about speakers who attract you, because then you’ll meet like-minded people #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @chelpixie Hey, this is our 1 year anniversary – I met you at #IMS last year! See how awesome combo offline/online networking is!! #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: @merylevans #sbbuzz Q4. Agreed! Nuturing your network is just as important if not more so than building it!
• lindadessau: @nrohrbach Me too! So now I’ve come to appreciate and plan for that. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @sbbuzz Q4 I prefer networking w colleagues as it gets me out of home office. Clients are natural by good relationships/referrals #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: Q4 – both, but somehow I always end up chatting/trading war stories with competitors. Always fun to talk to! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q4: Both – either can be productive and lead to good things. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @selahsynergy I was just thinking today that I could use a “field trip” (I was passing a school bus while walking my dog #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: @pmohara Oh wow. You’re right. I’d met @mriggen already but not you! Such good things come from conferences #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Q4 #sbbuzz I usually go to network with colleagues, partners & friends. Any time I go trying to sell just feels too salesy. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @lindadessau so true. that is one way to put it…field trips. Maybe without the school bus, eh? #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q5 How do you follow-up after events? #sbbuzz

• smallbiztrends: Small business chat going on right now, until 10 pm New York time. @sbbuzz #sbbuzz
• pmohara: OK – I’m literally getting too caught up in this conversation. I keep forgetting to post the next question. :/ #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Q5 Connect! LI, Twitter, FB. Email and get in touch depending on connection at conference. Review notes. Act on 1-3 tips @ a time. #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: Q5: My most successful after event follow-ups have been invitations to another casual meeting: lunch, round of golf, etc #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: Q5 I follow up by email and/or Twitter and/or LinkedIn, continue conversation, send link to 1 of my special reports if applicable #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: Q5 – we typically get online events transcribed (castingwords is great) and post to our Web site (great for SEO) #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @mcolacurcio I wish more would do that! But then again, I have enough to read as is. #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @mcolacurcio tell me more about that #sbbuzz
• smallbiztrends: Q5 How do you follow-up after events? A: Via email and Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Flurry of new “connections” post-event. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: I try to e-mail everyone I met w/in a few days of the conference, but it’s hard since I’m usually behind in work from being out. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: RT@merylevans:Q5 Connect! LI,Twitter,FB. Email &get in touch depending on connection @conference.Review notes.Act on 1-3 tips @time. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys: follow up with email, LinkedIn and phone calls – less so Twitter and Facebook #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: @wvpmc Sure. We get audio or video files transcribed into the text of the convo (HTML file) and post to our web site. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys: phone calls work well because people rely so much on email now #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: @merylevans It is really handy for participants to access what was said after-the-fact. Great for interviews as well. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q5. My most important tool for following up after an event http://twitpic.com/kjoo1 (the back of my business card)
• lindadessau: @pmohara Yeah, that’s a good point. How do you follow up from conference and catch up with your work at the same time? #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Q5. Connect! LI, Twitter, FB. Email and get in touch depending on connection . Review notes. . (via @merylevans) -That covers it!
• spideas: @smallbiztrends Using a survey tool (Survey Monkey, etc) is a way to understand the value delivered. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: If any social media follow-up, I’ll do LinkedIn and Twitter. And sometimes send a good old fashioned note. #sbbuzz
• selahsynergy: @mcolacurcio thanks for the tip. I have used a VA for transcription but will have to check it out. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @mcolacurcio Indeed. I just remember sxsw-i producing a LOT of content online and just couldn’t read it all even a little each day. #sbbuzz
• MHBoys: we schedule event follow up in our marketing plan #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q5: It depends on the event and person, what we discussed and their expectation of next steps. #sbbuzz
• smallbiztrends: @spideas Good point, Scott. If you’ve hosted the event, a survey will help understand value and ways to improve next time. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q6 Do you sponsor any events? If so, what type of return do you hope to get? #sbbuzz

• finstoryteller: #sbbuzz Good Night all, I have to sign off and attend a networking event here in Vancouver See you all next time!
• lindadessau: @finstoryteller Nice meeting another Canuck, Stewart, goodnight! #sbbuzz
• thebrewcrew: Plan how U will follow up BEFORE the event. Yr engagement at the event shld take into account yr post-event campaign #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @finstoryteller great to see you – hope you have a productive evening! #sbbuzz
• chelpixie: @sbbuzz I follow up by following on Twitter. Researching to find out more about the people I’ve met and add to appropriate socnets. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @thebrewcrew Great point – why invest the time and money without planning adequate time for follow up? Same with taking courses. #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: I gotta jet guys, last minute road trip in the morning, will be up in the @desireescales neck of the woods. #sbbuzz
• thebrewcrew: @lindadessau Thx Linda. Apparently 79% of leads are never followed up. Because we don’t plan before event & after event swamped? #sbbuzz
• pmohara: We do sponsor some small, more personal events. Spending $10K plus to spray CRM in people’s faces as they walk by just isn’t fun. #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: it’s not just the initial follow-up we need to plan for – also succeeding contacts – all too often is once and done #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @thebrewcrew Yes, I’ve heard over and over again that it doesn’t take much to stand out because so many never follow up. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q7 What are you favorite events for online networking? (no, we are not just fishing for compliments) #sbbuzz

• dothewoo: Re event sponsorship, important to set Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely objectives. #sbbuzz
• thebrewcrew: #Event sponsorship is not just about the time at the event. Imp to leverage activity with pre- and post-promotion #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @dothewoo @pmohara Can you say more about sponsorship? Even on a small scale – how to decide where to put dollars? #sbbuzz
• smallbiztrends: Q7 What are you favorite events for online networking? A: Twitter events are interactive and foster the most networking. #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: Q7 – I like it when Web casts or in-person events are summarized on Twitter. I’ve found the combos work best (webcast + Twitter) #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q7 Twitter chats are the only online events I participate in. I do quite a bit of networking in user forums though. #sbbuzz
• LogicommInc: @pmohara Besides, spraying CRM in peoples’ faces can get you punched. Ask certain very large CRM outfits:) #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Q7 #sbbuzz I find webinars great for learning and Twitter chats great for networking. That real time thing makes a difference. #sbbuzz
• LogicommInc: Twitter chats and LinkedIn groups are our two main events..and like @scoblitz, some user forums from time to time #sbbuzz
• smallbiztrends: Webinars accompanied by a Twitter back-channel are ideal. Nice combo, in my opinion. Information + networking. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q8 How do you measure your success at a networking event? #sbbuzz

• LogicommInc: BTW – I’ve found most webinars to be too long. 30 mins is all I have time for…most tend to be glorified PPT shows #sbbuzz
• LogicommInc: Success at a networking event – I measure by new relationships formed and by current ones energized. Both often lead to new biz #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: All- join next week as part of #blogactionday.com we will be using our small biz superpowers to combat global climate change! #sbbuzz

All about SEO : Summary from September 22, 2009

Last week’s #sbbuzz chat opened the door for us to have a discussion about a mind bender for many: SEO.  We focused on the best and low cost ways small businesses can do SEO effectively.

This week we’re not having an #sbbuzz chat (as mistakenly noted in the last summary), our very own @pmohara will be presenting with @mriggen at Web Inno in Boston!  We’ll have more #sbbuzz next week, so stay tuned!

• Sbbuzz-ups are every Tuesday, next up is October 6th, 2009 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Join us – We’re here to facilitate the conversation between small business owners.
• Know small businesses that need help? Let them know when this chat happens, help them get started on Twitter and let’s talk!
• Instructions for participating are at http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions

sbbuzz:	Welcome one and all to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for next 2 hours of small biz talking about technology. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz:	Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz:	To start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Bradford Shimp here, I help small businesses with web solutions … and more. Also write a blog. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Tweet chat starting on small business and technology, for next 2 hours. Search for or use tag #sbbuzz to participate.
Kmacopy:	#sbbuzz Hi all. Freelance marketing copywriter, SEO articles, web content, and more. Haven’t been on an sbbuzz chat in a while.
MHBoys:	Michael Boys with On-Site Technical Solutions, Inc., IT Department to small and mid sized business in Southern California, 1st time #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi all – Pamela here from @batchblue and your hostess with the mostest here on #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Scott Blitstein – Owner of eSeMBe, blogger, tech go-to guy, music lover and all around good guy. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Content maven aka freelance writer and editor here from Plano, TX and my online office at www.meryl.net. #sbbuzz
Whistletree:	@Whistletree here. We provide free and toll free conferencing, webinar and podcasting services. #sbbuzz
NateRich:	Howdy! Nate Rich here, Video Editor | Motion Graphics artist | Creative . What up! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Our discussion topic for #sbbuzz tonight is SEO. Please send me any questions you’d like discussed with the crowd.
deneki:	Hi guys! Andrew with Deneki Outdoors – I run fly fishing lodges. #sbbuzz
black_hattitud:	http://minurl.fr/yoq Our discussion topic for #sbbuzz tonight is SEO. Please send me an.. http://bit.ly/48tyg #seo
emergeformen:	Hi all – EMERGE For Men here – we offer a product that will enhance hair for those suffering from male pattern baldness #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	@natecrobertson Hello! Founder and president of Ascend Technology Services, IT Support and consulting for small biz in Washington DC #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@scoblitz @bradfordshimp Identity crisis, guys? I hardly recognized ya. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	Hi all – Wendy Van Parys Marketing Communications from CT #sbbuzz #smbiz
rjleaman:	Hi all – Rebecca (blogger) here. I’ll be mostly lurking tonight, loads of work to do – but didn’t want to miss another one entirely! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz What’s shakin’? Rob Z – Web Develope to the stars here.
emergeformen:	@sbbuzz – how do we send you questions? Just to the #sbbuzz hashtag? Sorry, this is my first tweet chat! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz but a horrible typist, apparently.
colderICE:	Hi all – Joining in on the fun tonight, be nice cause I am a newbie #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@pmohara That’s what Scott really looks like in real life. #sbbuzz
virtuallyideal1:	Hello everyone. Kyra here. Fun VA #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@rzazueta Ha! We figure you are a developer or you’ve developed Stars? Like the sun or whom? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@bradfordshimp @pmohara I think it’s a striking resemblance actually #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Hi All! Susan here from Selah Synergy hoping to learn about SEO tonight. #sbbuzz
atonti:	MoFuse helps small businesses to have a mobile website for less time and money. We can help you understand your mobile audience #sbbuzz
njtwtads:	From AZ, love tweeting and want to help those that don’t. Started njtwtads w/ sister #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara my old avatar was lost in the great twitter update of ‘09 #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@merylevans Half developed, still developing. And all my clients are stars, dahling. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Greetings everyone. Lisa here from IT Mechanic. Interested in learning something new. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@colderICE Welcome colderICE! #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@sbbuzz – I’d like to know what cost-effective ways a small biz can do SEO. I know it can be expensive, capital is tight #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 How are you keeping up with SEO efforts? DO you do it yourself? Have staff? Outsource? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@scoblitz I’m liking the half gloves! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Q1: I do it myself (but that’s my job I’m VERY wary of so-called SEO experts.
Infusionsoft:	Need help with SEO? join #sbbuzz for next 2 hrs of small biz talking about technology http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions (via @sbbuzz)
emergeformen:	Depends on what qualifies as “SEO”. I’ve used Google Webmaster tools, but we don’t have staff..so I guess it’s just “us” #sbbuzz
deneki:	Q1: doing my best to keep up with it myself! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: It’s all me, but my efforts haven’t been too significant beyond some basics. #sbbuzz
colderICE:	All of our SEO is done in house…and ummm I AM the house its in LOL #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	I do my own SEO to save money and it’s also my job. I setup Google Alerts and RSS feeds to stay on top of new SEO trends. #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	Q1: @scoblitz – yes, same here. Can’t see many small biz owners going the full SEO route – it’s a tough ROI IMHO #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz I’m very zen on SEO. Build good online relationships, exchange links with relevant, solid sites and it takes care of itself.
sanjeevaggarwal:	Does anyone use tools like LotusJump or WebCEO for SEO? #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Do my own SEO, but focus more on quality and quantity of content than anything else. Working on backlinks, etc. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Write blog posts, share your links on Twitter, FB, etc. get the word out there. Let your fans talk you up.
Whistletree:	Q1 We’ve outsourced SEO, but question doing so. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz form good joint marketing ventures, do some guest blogging, whatever… all of that extends your reach and helps Google find you.
pmohara:	Q1 we use @hubspot to find keywords, monitor rankings.The hard part is @mriggen’s work speaking keywordese in a natural way #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@rzazueta – that’s helpful info – we’ve got a twitter site, but haven’t yet considered blog posts or FB…yet #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@rzazueta I don’t do any formal link exchanges but I do benefit from some high profile quality sites that link to mine. #sbbuzz
chuckCGAZ:	From AZ financing business owners through FACTORING A/R’s. Need to lrarn SEO. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 from @emergeformen What cost-effective ways can a small biz do SEO? #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	@sanjeevaggarwal We have used LotusJump for purposes of identifying places to get visibility online. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q1 Found that online press releases work along with other social media (i.e Twitter, FB, etc.). #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@emergeformen If you write good content that useful to your customers and keyword-laden, that’s a HUGE SEO boon. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – I think one of the best ways to do SEO is to blog regularly. Also, guest post. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara I use some of the free tools that @hubspot provides – they are very helpful. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Q2: Write a blog, blend SEO into your other mktg efforts (online joint ventures, etc.), get involved in relevant online communities
deneki:	Q2: provide quality content and update it regularly. That’s rule #1 for sure. #sbbuzz
deneki:	Agreed with @bradfordshimp – regular blog posts are key. #sbbuzz
NateRich:	Q2 I also find blogging to be my best friend. It really pushes relativity and gets nice results. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz One thing that hasn’t changed since the early days of the web – Content is King.
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Q2: Also, make extra certain yoru site is built to be easily indexed by the search engines.
emergeformen:	@bizmoneysaver – will press releases help a consumer oriented biz? #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Sites done in all Flash = invisible to Google.
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz don;t hide navigation in JavaScript, Flash or images with ALT tags, etc. Do a “View Source” on your site to see what spiders see.
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2 – Google Webmaster Tools are free can give some good info on keywords and how your site is indexed. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@emergeformen I hard link key word phrases in press releases #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@smallbiztrends I’ve used LotusJump as well. I liked it, just couldn’t keep up with it. But very nice for pointing out options. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	@bizmoneysaver do you have good sites to publish online news releases? #sbbuzz
chuckCGAZ:	Q My web page is a ourc copy? How can I SEO this site? or is it a wasted effort? #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@rzazueta – I followed this advice with our site. No FLASH, and indexed to Google within a week! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	If you have a local business, try blogging about local news and events, and tie in offers to sports events, etc. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@scoblitz Exactly – I look at those and think, “Wow, how can I get OTHER people to link to me?” #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Press release can help consumer oriented businesses. It helps raise awareness about your business. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	Q2 blogposts, press releases and weaving keywords naturally into your site copy are some of the easier “free” ways to boost rankings.#sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rzazueta Right, its my understanding that you should keep the coding simple and clean. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Make sure every trade org or whatever you’re a member of links to your site – including chamber of commerce, etc.
Kmacopy:	Q2 generally press releases done for SEO purposes don’t have to be as newsworthy as traditional releases #sbbuzz keep forgetting my hashtag!
KelsonV:	All-Flash sites are also invisible to smartphone users, even with iPhone & Android. @rzazueta #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz And try to convince them to not use the nofollow tag – it no longer really affects your Google juice.
Kmacopy:	Q2 do have to be careful that you don’t “stuff” keywords into your copy. Spiders don’t like that. #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@bizmoneysaver – thx, must be the corp marketing person in me. Always thought those were just for the wires (am I dating myself?) #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@bradfordshimp Precisely. Another trick is to code for the blind – add useful ALT tags to images, make sure text is in HTML, etc. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@KelsonV And to anyone behind a strict corporate firewall. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	@MHBoys I use prweb.com a lot. As well as some free ones. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 Why does SEO have such a bad rap? #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@BizMoneySaver which are your favorite free ones? #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q3: ‘Cause there are a LOT of shady folks who will take your money with few results. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Q3: in SEO, a lot of folks focus on traffic. But traffic that doesn’t convert into paying customers is worthless.
merylevans:	@sbbuzz It’s more complicated than many think, rules keep changing and spammers abuse it. #sbbuzz
shipwire:	To save shipping costs place your best sellers in multiple warehouses geographically close to your buyers #sbbuzz http://www.shipwire.com
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Using a variety of tactics – both shady and kosher – I can get you TONS of traffic. But most SEO folks won;t help with conversions.
BizMoneySaver:	@wvpmc Some of my favorite free ones are free-press-release.com, prlog.com, and pr.com to name a few. #sbbuzz
NateRich:	Q3 – Because people try to make irrelevant content relevant. They try to cheat the system. Easier 2 fake it than actually b rel. #sbbuzz
black_hattitud:	http://minurl.fr/yoq #sbbuzz Using a variety of tactics – both shady and kosher – I can.. http://bit.ly/3HLiq5 #seo
shipwire:	@wvpmc we hardlink our press releases too. Great tip. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@rzazueta Mine have mostly been a result of the relationships I’ve built. Links are never the goal but sure can be a nice benefit #sbbuzz
chuckCGAZ:	Q4 My page is a purch site. Can I SEO this? #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@merylevans SEO is far simpler than most people think. If you have great, fresh content and are active online, SEO just happens. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Q3) Hi all, how’s everyone 2night. Question is really about the people not the practice. Well optimized sites are just good business #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@rzazueta do you think that Video will “soon” be the new king of “content”. Thinking about Bing placement #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@merylevans speaking of spammers – SEO talk sure brings the Twitter bots out in full force. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@rzazueta Many folks (me too) have fresh content, listen and participate… yet search engines continue to not reward us. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@scoblitz I think this is the best way to get custoemrs. Build relationships, make it worth linking to you. SEO follows. #sbbuzz
SweetBizNews:	Joining in late to discussion. I keep hoping that “content is king” #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Google Analytics is a good free tool to help determine what’s working on your site as well as SEO. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@rzazueta thoughts on how email (newsletter, for example) links to website affect ranking? #sbbuzz
colderICE:	Q3 SEO is like magic, magicians do tricks & only other magician know how its done. Slight of hand, camera angles, smoke and mirrors #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@shipwire Sure seems like it’s going to be, but it will never replace written content. Video is too difficult to deal with. #sbbuzz
mattgillooly:	@sbbuzz – Q3 – because their rhymes aren’t tight. #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@bizmoneysaver – we use Google Analytics as well #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@merylevans Are you getting a lot of links back to your site? Are you making your content easy to share? Do you encouraging sharing? #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	@shipwire Because spiders don’t index video, it would be hard for video to become the new king in terms of rankings #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@rzazueta Si, oui, ja. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc Newsletter links do little for SEO unless that email is posted somewhere accessible to Google. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	I’ve found that writing articles and adding a link back to my website helps with SEO as well as linking building. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@Kmacopy Plus, have you ever tried to get something like a recipe off a video? Great for showing technique, lousy for research. #sbbuzz
SweetBizNews:	Should we all start writing shorter posts? #sbbuzz
colderICE:	Q3: The real deal is simply to go to http://ow.ly/qB4x #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@merylevans Are you getting a lot of linkbacks to your content? Do those links contain the keywords you’re targeting? #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	@merylevans how do you make the content easy to share? #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	@rzazueta Yeah. Great point! lol Still have to match content with the right medium. #sbbuzz.
joemagennis:	@Kmacopy @rzazueta .. my understanding is that there are attempts being made to index flash content. Is that fact? #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@rzazueta – +1 – video is also more time consuming. How many SMEs can devote time to developing something worthy? #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@rzazueta is bing creating new rules for SEO? how about getting ready for web 3.0? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 How do you balance writing good copy with getting good Google juice? #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@rzazueta Yes — I’m fortunate to write for some good sites and often have linkbacks on correct topics. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@sbbuzz Creating semantic, relevant copy for people and Google will follow. (pun intended) #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc Ha, what’s your definition of Web 3.0? Mine is ubiquity. I don;t think Bing is really changing the game too much… #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@MHBoys Blog has sharing tools. Ppl RT links. My main ID is @merylkevans. Might help to see that. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – The balance is weighting far more on the side of good copy. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	@emergeformen Video is also pricier 2 if you’re having to outsource; I’m not talking You Tube videos. Cheaper to write a content pg. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz However, Twitter is… Google, Bing and others are now looking at freshness and relevance to current events and trends as a marker.
wvpmc:	@rzazueta web 3.0 > semantic web #sbbuzz
colderICE:	Q4 Your copy should be written to SELL while you ads can be written for GOOGLE and neither of the two should be confused IMHO #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	Q4: Wow – alhough I’ve been published, writing good copy isn’t easy…I’d say focus first on copy, get the “juice” later #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@joemagennis That’s a fact, but it’s not easy. Not all Flash content is stored as readable text… #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@joemagennis My inderstanding is that Google is still trying but it’s not as big a focus. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	@joemagennis I would imagine indexing flash is likely to be around the corner, but I don’t know for sure. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	Q4 I’m partial of course as a writer, but good writing always prevails, in customer’s eyes and in Google’s. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Don’t forget to send me a DM or message w/o the hashtag with questions you want discussed with the group. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc The semantic web theoretically makes it easier to index information, but I don;t think it will change things too much… #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	A good publisher monitors their Web stats; bounce rates are a close indicator that show relevance to visitors. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc At the end of the day, it’s still about good content placed in a readable format. The semantic web gives more control… #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc …over how a site is read, but the spammers will still game it. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@rzazueta The semantic Web also helps people logically follow a piece of copy. Headings, Lists, Alt/Title attributes, etc. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	@colderICE A good copywriter should be able 2 write copy that sells (or compels people to act) and which features keywords naturally #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz It’s my opinion that SEO is really kind of dead. You’re best off putting your links directly in front of your customers.
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q4 I just write my copy and let the rest take care of itself. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz SEO relies too much on serendipity. It’s still important, but the competition is just too tight.
JoeManna:	@rzazueta But spammers can’t game the consistency of a fresh Website with good content. I see weak tactics from their part. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Identify blogs and sites where your customers are and get involved – guest blog, write articles, etc.
pmohara:	Q4 Compelling writing has been our focus, but we do pay attention to a consistent us of keywords and it has paid off. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@JoeManna That’s not really the semantic web doing that – you can also do it with CSS. It’s less for readers and more for browsers. #sbbuzz
CompeteSEO:	@rzazueta #sbbuzz How is SEO not putting link directly in front of your customers searching what you have to offer? Unless your SEO is weak.
rzazueta:	@JoeManna Spammers constantly game the system this way. This is why pagerank relies so heavily on linkbacks from trusted sites. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@rzazueta I agree about Dead statement. Universal & personalized search makes ranking relative. Focus on converting content #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz It still amazes me how often I see my writing on some spammer’s site because they stole it.
colderICE:	I think I will add this to the conversation that a good Title will TRUMP good Copy #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@SEM_SEO_SMO It does do that, but in a very slapshot way. You’re there next to competitors and presumably relevant links… #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@rzazueta But trusted sites have become aware of their PageRank and have nofollowed user-content. It minimizes abuse. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@SEM_SEO_SMO IS a link on Google better than a link on, say, a trusted site in your industry that contains an article you wrote… #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@SEM_SEO_SMO proving your expertise in the field? #sbbuzz
nrohrbach:	Running late, fish weren’t biting #sbbuzz
CompeteSEO:	@rzazueta figures you would talk down about SEO when your homepage has PR0. If you had any SEO success, you would be pro-SEO. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz To be clear: I don;t think SEO is not worthwhile, I just think it’s been played up as far more important than it really is.
wvpmc:	@rzazueta @SEM_SEO_SMO what matters is being where your best prospects, customers are #sbbuzz
writerobrien:	#sbbuzz Q# Becauze companies farm out SEO to cheap writers who write cheaply. Pay good writers, get good writing. Period.
rzazueta:	@wvpmc Precisely. And I like the halo effect that comes from being on a trusted site better than Google. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@rzazueta I agree, a lot of hype in the industry. Writing content for a robot will only net so much return; write for people. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@rzazueta do’t you think SEO is most helpful in long tail biz mktg? #sbbuzz
writerobrien:	@colderICE #sbbuzz I agree. A good title catches the search engines more quickly than the content.
CompeteSEO:	@rzazueta #sbbuzz Want to see results? Get a bunch of bookmarks to your next blog post, on any site. I can get you 1200 social bookmarks.
sbbuzz:	All – don’t forget this is a friendly discussion. We love hearing everyone’s opinion as long as it is constructive. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc Only if you have a big catalog that serves the long tail. Otherwise, you’re talking about a niche. #sbbuzz
nrohrbach:	@JoeManna exactly, write for people! Those backlinks are pretty valuable in the equation as well #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc Better to target and nail that niche – get to know exactly where they are. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@sbbuzz A little conflict never hurt anyone. It builds character. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@wvpmc I think SEO in the long tail really only helps bigger companies like Amazon or eBay. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 How much attention do you pay to keywords? How often do you review them (if at all)? #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Local search SEO is not new, it’s just more common now to search for local establishments. It’s hot because ppl ignored it so long. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Q5: All the time, and not just for SEO. Great way to get marketing and business ideas as well.
leoraw:	@rzazueta yes, I agree – often one is writing for a niche and not to be found by anyone in the whole wide world. Perfect that niche. #sbbuzz
writerobrien:	@colderICE #sbbuzz What I mean is start with a good title and, of course, make sure the content is fantastic. Good writing is a given.
JoeManna:	Q5: I monitor several major phrases to monitor changes and activity. Brand awareness/monitoring and Monthly SEO/SEM volume, too. #sbbuzz
nrohrbach:	Q5: I pay a lot of attention to keywords, use them as a thesaurus, review them quarterly. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@leoraw Yup, and if you REALLY get to know that niche, they’ll learn to trust you and recommend you to others. #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	Q5 You should review keywords periodically because the way people search and the terms they use change over time. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q5 every few months I go through sites and work on keywords. For some sites (like library) I don’t bother – they promote locally. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@colderICE Whenever I land on a larger Web property that has long-tail products, I immediately leave. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q5: Google Alerts can help monitor keywords as well. I use it all the time in addition to my web logs and Google Analytics. #sbbuzz
colderICE:	@wvpmc @rzazueta SEO over TIME carries more weight than any other factor used by the SERPs (search engine rank pages) #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@BizMoneySaver I have used Google Alerts a bit; you are right, should use it more for keywords! Automated. #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	Q5: for our biz, keywords are highly relevant. Think of how many baldness remedies exist – you want to know what terms are searched #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@colderICE Don’t apologize – it’s my opinion and I may be wrong. How do you make it work for you? #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q5: While not SEO, it relates to the human aspect of content relevance — monitoring social media spaces is useful for buzz-tracking #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@colderICE Good point… I think I was confusing long tail SEO with long tail selling… But I still say targeting a niche is best #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Keywords are more important for me with business sites, don’t worry about them as much on my blog, because I write what I want to. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@colderICE Plus, if it’s truly a long-tail type niche and you’re one of the few targeting it, SEO ought to be a natural. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz Yikes – I gotta run home. I apologize for dominating this discussion like this – SEO is a hot button topic for me.
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz But, as always, I feel like I learned a lot. You guys flippin’ rock!
colderICE:	@rzazueta I just put out so much junk that it gets shelf life, LMAO #sbbuzz And I have been doing the same lines on some sku’s for years
sbbuzz:	q6 from @Whistletree Does SEO work for dynamic websites? We are always upgrading our website, how does that impact SEO? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rzazueta See ya! #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Keyword relevance is becoming more important, I’ve seen more long-tail searches more than before. 2-4 word phrases = dominance. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@rzazueta Thanks for participating. It’s my first #sbbuzz tweetchat. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@JoeManna WHOA! Welcome, then! Look forward to seeing you at the next one! #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	Q6 I think dynamic sites have an advantage, because spiders want fresh content. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I think good reviews and write ups are just as important for a web product, such as Whistletree, as any SEO. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@Whistletree make sure you have a good permalink structure in place at the start. Don’t break backlinks by changing site too often. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@joemagennis Great advice! I broke my backlinks once and learned that lesson. Luckily I wasn’t too far in. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@JoeManna welcome! #sbbuzz
colderICE:	Q5: I try to monitor about once a quarter or 4x a year diligently, and we amp up everything in the 4th Q to maximize traffic #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Dynamic sites gain equity the more they update. Should make use of all on-page SEO elements (titles, meta desc, headings, etc.). #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	@joemagennis Great point! This is so important with blogs. WordPress does a good job of handling this for us. Just have to be aware. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@joemagennis Yeah, good advice. Unfortunately, I started blogging in 2000. Was too far along for any changes. Dislike dates in URL #sbbuzz
Kmacopy:	#sbbuzz. Alright everyone. I’ve gotta run now. Enjoyed chatting and learning!
joemagennis:	@merylevans @BizMoneySaver .. right. WP lets you custom structure. I also dislike dates and use keyword rich permalink structure #sbbuzz
Whistletree:	@JoeManna Thanks, that makes sense. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	#sbbuzz thanks and a pleasure meeting everyone. see you next time, lots of useful information
leoraw:	@merylevans If you don’t have numbers in your permalinks and you have large blog, you could have slow site. So dates=good. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	A nice clean URL structure helps dynamic sites grow logically; Agreed to not make URL changes (even if 301′ing it). #sbbuzz
leoraw:	I need to write a post about permalink structure and why for large blogs it is good to use numbers like post num or date. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@joemagennis What’s your preferred mix? I enjoy “category/postslug” in WP. #sbbuzz
deneki:	@JoeManna 301′ing it? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q7 from @scoblitz What do peple think of recent info from Google that keyword meta tags are ignored http://bit.ly/NEPkP ? #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@deneki 301 Redirect … a permanent redirect, passing along PageRank. Often causes Google to sandbox a URL to be safe. #sbbuzz
deneki:	@JoeManna Gotcha – thanks. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q7: I think meta tags are completely abused as an industry and Google paid minimal benefit to it. Meta description is where it’s at. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@leoraw would love to see post so I can re-consider the process. @JoeManna .. that’s the format, but I’ll tweak the slug at times #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Oops- misspelling credited to the bee, not the scoblitz. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q7: cont’d – Google has way too many factors to weigh in a site’s quality; meta tags aren’t on the top of the food chain. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q7 – keyword meta tags – one less thing to worry about – title tag most imp, then description tag; what’s in your H1 and H2 also #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	@JoeManna – I agree, although I haven’t used meta description, the meta tagging was so abused, Google had to ignore. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Announcement: No #sbbuzz chat next week. We will be in DC attending the #growsmartbiz conference http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@emergeformen Meta descriptionsare golden, especially if it supplements titles. About 180 characters as a lede for the page. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Q7) I thought that was already a discounted factor, didn’t realize it was a new update. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@joemagennis Meanwhile you can read this geeky post to understand the permalink problem http://bit.ly/eAIRg #sbbuzz
colderICE:	#sbbuzz Q7: I think Google ignores meta keyword, but NOT meta descriptions so not all tags are completely irrelevant… http://ow.ly/qBjZ
merylevans:	@joemagennis It was WP — but it was just too late when I realized the date problem. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@leoraw Well, not that big. About 3000 posts in nine years. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@joemagennis Google has long held ‘no comment’ on Meta Tags, but officially they ruled them out. But we all know it had little rank. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Alt tags that contain relevant keywords are also important. I also include relevant keywords with my image file names and others. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@merylevans A well planned, big 301-redirect would be OK; penalized temporarily but all backlinks would pass along juice. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@leoraw thanks for that. Very interesting. I need to study that some more. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q8 Who do you trust to give you SEO advice? #sbbuzz
colderICE:	I gained alot of knowledge…Great chat guys, gotta run, but I will b back in 2 weeks for the next one! #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@colderICE Have fun, nice to meet you on #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@joemagennis I got it off the WordPress Codex http://bit.ly/TO40L (Read the Manual, it helps! #sbbuzz
deneki:	Q8: I’ve learned a lot about SEO from @problogger #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@sbbuzz Q8: I trust no one source, specifically. I prefer experience over practice, results over theory. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@colderICE glad you could join us tonight! #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@colderICE thanks for joining, nice to meet you! #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q8 I read 10 different posts on one topic and try to figure out what makes the most sense. Like Permalink Structure! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q8 My fellow sbbuzzers of course… am learning a lot tonight! #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q8: To be honest, I follow the blackhats so I know what I won’t do. Generally, Google targets blackhats –with reason. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q8 @manikarthik has a nice SEO blog http://www.dailyseoblog.com/ #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@leoraw I just never considered the site loading factor as it relates to permalink structure. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@joemagennis It might be that it has to get REALLY large for it to be a problem. And maybe they’ll fix it? #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@leoraw I think the culprit is when you have duplicate post slugs; with caching, performance is a tiny problem. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q8 http://www.seomoz.org/blog along with http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs are two that I read pretty often. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q9: Any other resources you would recommend for learning more about (or keeping up with) SEO? #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q8: Test, ask around, trial and error is the best learning tool. Not all SEO pieces of advice is relevant to every industry. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	You can setup a Google alert for SEO or SEM and choose which information you would like to read further. This is what I do. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@JoeManna curious about your comment re: industry specificity – please elaborate #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q9: I would also suggest finding podcasts on SEO or SEM. I like them because they are FREE :>). #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	I like Ed Taylor’s tactics on SEO just watched his latest video http://www.edtaylor.com/ashland.html #sbbuzz
emergeformen:	Q9: attend a sbbuzz-up! #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@wvpmc Example… what works great for an carpet cleaner in SEO might not work for a graphic designer. Bottom line: relevance. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	Q9: Google around where you have deficiencies and see if SEO/SEM would improve it. Many great articles/minds out there. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q9 I learn a lot from looking at Google Analytics and Google Webmasters stats. Just remembering to take a look can give ideas. #sbbuzz
ImmersionIT:	@AcquireCom interesting discussion tonight on SEO, do a hash search for #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q9 I mentioned @hubspot before – they have a TON of great content on creating great content. Figures, huh? #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@JoeManna are you referring to different keyword phrases – or different techniques #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Q9) I subscribe to email newsletters from WebProNews http://bit.ly/6R93L & WebProBusiness http://bit.ly/1474l5 good insights. #sbbuzz
JoeManna:	@wvpmc All the above. On-page SEO is relatively the same, but at different angles of attack. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	That ends tonight’s SEO throw-down. Thanks all for the passionate discourse. Great to have so many new faces! #sbbuzz

Podcasting Advice : Summary from September 15, 2009

Uber podcasting geniuses Bernie Borges (@berniebay) and Joe Cascio (@joecascio) joined us for this week’s @sbbuzz chat on podcasting.  What followed was some excellent advice on getting started, tools, funding and challenges.  At the end of the night, everyone pitched in their favorite podcasts, so be sure to check those out at the end of the chat!

Ready to join us for the next @sbbuzz chat?   Leave a comment or join us next week September 22, 2009 for the next @sbbuzz chat.Here’s how it all works:

• Sbbuzz-ups are every Tuesday, next up is September 22th, 2009 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Join us – We’re here to facilitate the conversation between small business owners.
• Know small businesses that need help? Let them know when this chat happens, help them get started on Twitter and let’s talk!
• Instructions for participating are at http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions

sbbuzz:	Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for next 2 hours of small biz talking about technology. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz:	Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz:	To start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz What advice would you give to a small business just starting to use Social Media? Please use the hastag #ccseminar (and please RT!)
rzazueta:	Hi all! I’m here for, like, 2 minutes – I’m Rob Z. of TechKnowMe and I’m on my way to teach smbiz owners online marketing tonight! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Hello, Bradford Shimp here. No, that cutie pie isn’t me, that’s my 4 year old. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	@sbbuzz I focus on b2b marketing and biz dev, founded an agency in Feb and starting a web show w/podcasts #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Hi I’m Jacqueline: Business Pipeline Solutions is a global biz mgmt & professional training firm helping manage run & grow companies #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Hi I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom with BatchBlue Software. We make software for small businesses e.g. BatchBook, our social CRM. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi all – Pamela from @batchblue and @sbbuzz here. You probably know me better as THE BEE. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	@pmohara props for continued commitment to doing this! #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Howdy, all. Content maven in TX behind www.meryl.net & @merylkevans who plays w words to help businesses connect and readers learn. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	I’m Joe Cascio, and for some inscrutable reason, Pam and Michelle wanted me to hang out w y’all tonight. Wuzzup? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@b2bspecialist Thanks, Chris! My 7yo now calls Tuesdays “Buzzdays”. Uhm, yeah. I think we are all in. #sbbuzz
consultsonja:	Greetings from Mission Inc. (@missioninc). We provide start-up, management and fund services for non-profits and small biz. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@JoeCascio We wanted to celebrate your birthday with you! Or, your birthweek I guess (Happy birthweek!) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 from @rzazueta What advice would you give to a small business just starting to use Social Media? Use #ccseminar & #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	Howdy sbbuzz friends. Just popping in for a bit tonight. Susan here from Selah Synergy, business strategist. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@pmohara Ha. I just tell my kids I’m in a meeting (because my mtgs are always online). Now they ask, “Are you in a meeting?” #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q1 Listen, learn, patience. Build up content (ie tweets) before you start following as few follow back when there’s no content. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@mriggen Happy to contribute any way I can. ps. Michelle and I got this sushi thang goin’ on, y’know? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Get someone to show you the ropes (even if you have to pay) if you are a biz just getting into social media. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1: Find where you customers/potential customers are, listen to the conversations there, join in by being helpful, real. #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q1 Focus is key, you should have a purpose and execute it with great precision. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	@sbbuzz Q1 find out where your target audience gathers online and learn how they are engaged in social media. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Also, have a plan. Social media needs to fit into your marketing plan. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	All- we are helping @rzazueta demo a chat in his webinar tonight (so #ccseminar and #sbbuzz for Q1). Everyone smile and wave at the Twamera!
consultsonja:	Chatting on Tweet Chat #sbbuzz Mission Inc (@missioninc) provides assistance to small biz and non-profits
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – This may be self-serving but helpful, have been doing a series on Twitter and small business here http://ow.ly/py8z #ccseminar #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q1 Find someone already using the media (Twitter, FB, etc.) and pepper them w/questions as you try it out yourself. #sbbuzz #ccseminar
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – To find out where your potentials are online, start by asking your current customers where they are, then join in. #sbbuzz
consultsonja:	@sbbuzz Q1:: How do you advertise for clients on guru.com and similar sites? What are some key tips for entry? #sbbuzz
berniebay:	Do you research. Find people with common interests. Tweet them up (within reason). Visit lots of blogs. Takes time. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1: Great books coming out now on this topic: Trust Agents by @chrisbrogan & @julien, Marketing 2.0 by @berniebay #ccseminar #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q1. It’s all about the customer. A plan is essential. http://tinyurl.com/d6wdzr #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – You can find others in your area of interest by searching on Twellow.com #ccseminar #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q1 This tool from Forrester may help tell u where folks are online: http://bit.ly/35S3S #sbbuzz #ccseminar
berniebay:	Don’t limit yourself to most immediate “universe” of your target. Find people who touch your universe and engage them too. #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	@sbbuzz Q1 Start with ONE network, get comfortable w/ a routine b4 moving on, #ccseminar #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 How much of your social media time do you spend reading blogs vs Twitter vs. chats/forums vs. podcasts/webinars? #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	#sbbuzz Jumping in late. I’m Kristen and I implement marketing plans for elite life changers.
merylevans:	Q1 List of articles and videos related to Twitter and business. Disclaimer: by me. http://cli.gs/NTDWq #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Mix of social media varies for most. Some people don’t do Twitter. Some focus on LinkedIn. Focus on relationship building. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2 Probably spend the most time on Twitter/blogs, but starting to get into podcasts. Easy to listen to while multi-tasking! #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q2 Most time on twitter, blogs and chats. Forums more of a weekly or monthly thing. I do as much as I can to connect w folks. #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	I’m a Twitter/Facebook junkie, so 75% of time there. 24% on newsgroups & blogs. 1% podcasts #ccseminar #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q2 Twitter more often then blogs at the moment.. process needed though #ccseminar #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – Twitter mostly – blogs when I have some time. Forums is an area where I want to spend more time. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	Q2 have seen some good stuff about process – how to divide up time between platforms – too easy to park on favorites #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	I attend a local biz meeting here in CT of all small biz people. Social Media crops up at every meeting now. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q2: Twitter points me to blog posts that are usually of high value interest to me #ccseminar #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	@bradfordshimp Forums are how I originally built my biz, but that was pre-Twitter. Lol! #sbbuzz #ccseminar
sbbuzz:	Q3 As a business, do you “host” events (ie a webinar, a Facebook group, a Twitter chat, etc.) or participate? #sbbuzz
consultsonja:	I find Twitter and Facebook to be time consuming thus concentrate more on client work. For marketing and biz advice only. <2hr/wk #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	Small biz people are actually in a better position to use social media than big biz. And stand to profit more!! #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q3 I cohost a chat. Planning to start up a different chat. Don’t do webinars for obvious reasons. Participate in many chats instead. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@life_enthusiast Nice. I just need to take some time to find some interesting ones. Twitter is powerful, though. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q3: I participate but also am experimenting w/ meetups, starting a webshow and brought productcamp to Toronto #ccseminar #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q3 I like to participate in events on rare occasion I host one. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 Well, I host and participate in a Twitter chat. At the same time. And answer my own questions. Which might be a little weird. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – I participate enthusiastically. Will be rolling with hosting in the future, though. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q3 We host webinars every other week. And we do this thing called sbbuzz? With bees? Thinking about small biz roadshow… #sbbuzz
marfranclean:	@sbbuzz See what i mean still learning the social medial thing #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	@sbbuzz Q3 Occasionally I host tele-classes. I do attend many virtual education opps. I am a guest on some too. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Why looky-loo, speaking of @chrisbrogan he just wrote a post about our Q1! http://tinyurl.com/qyxw3p #ccseminar #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@b2bspecialist A fellow Torontonian at #sbbuzz – woohoo! Sorry I’m late, I was at a MeetUp in downtown TO #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@life_enthusiast Great to see you here, Kristen! #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	Sometimes doing 2 twitter chats at the same time + reading blogs. SM makes multi-tasking too easy! #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q3 I host webinars and participate in all forums you mentioned. I have also created groups within my webinars. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 Seriously tho, hosting #sbbuzz was a huge dive in the Twitter deep end. Couldn’t do many pools at once, but great way to learn this one
life_enthusiast:	@lindadessau Hey Linda…nights are tough, but Hubby’s watching some boring show he recorded, so I’m playing on Twitter. LOL! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@BrentLeary He writes like 165 posts a day, it doesn’t surprise me to find one that is exactly what we are talking about ! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@pmohara Such a great vehicle for you guys to plant yourselves in the middle of a community of your ideal customers #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@selahsynergy + @JoeCascio: Yes-SM makes small biz “feel” big! And are more responsive so do it better! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 How do you measure the success of your social media efforts? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@pmohara I know what you mean about not doing too many pools at 1ce, like @chrisbrogan said – I’m choosing Twitter over FB for now #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4: I’ve had clients hire me directly from our meeting on Twitter, so that’s been a clear measure of success #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	@mriggen i gave you guys a shout-out on a post i did for @pgreenbe’s ZDNet blog this week too – http://bit.ly/Cy74s #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz measuring starts with your goals. Use at least 3 diff tools to aggregate metrics, correlate to goals. Start w/a baseline. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – I measure my social media success with a spoon. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz re: Q4. Damned if I know!! But you can’t be too focused on numbers. In small biz, it’s personal relationships that matter #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q4 It’s about building relationships. Can’t measure. But if you’re not getting replies or responses, need to revisit. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@lindadessau Excellent! How long had you been tweeting w/ people b4 they hired you? #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q4 – I’m sorry to say I’m not ready to answer that question yet. Please ask me again sometime around Thanksgiving. LOL #sbbuzz
HireMeee:	(@lindadessau) Q4: I’ve had clients hire me directly from our meeting on Twitter, so that’s been a clear measure of success #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	Q4 Followers, Traffic, dir contacts, & relationships w/ other biz owners that directly put me in front of pot. clients. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q4: Tough one. Right now quality connections, RTs …longer term: conversions #ccseminar #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q4. You can measure relationships. Measure outcomes over long run. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Soon we will be talking to our guests about podcasting. Send me a DM or message w/o hashtag w/questions or topics you want discussed #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@BlakeGroup Everything just kind of flowed, with focus on relationships as others have been saying. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@bradfordshimp So you pour your social media into a cereal bowl and eat it up? #sbbuzz
life_enthusiast:	But none of those numbers mean anything compared to the amazingly cool people I have added to my biz life. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q4: Agree with @b2bspecialist. Look at things like RTs, followers etc. but mostly value connections we’ve made, not numbers. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Sorry I have to run early but will catch the notes on podcasting later this week. Cheers! #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	OBSERVATION?: Are more women using twitter to connect and engage then men? #sbbuzz #ccseminar
wvpmc:	@merylevans or maybe @bradfordshimp is talking about DIGG #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@merylevans lol :-} #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@lindadessau SM is great for building relationships. Most small biz growth is relationships. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@b2bspecialist Hmm, I would say its pretty even. The women are just smarter so it may seem like that. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@b2bspecialist I just saw statistics someplace that said yes, more women than men. Will see if I can find it… #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Now we will be directing ?s to our guests @berniebay & @joecascio Welcome, guys! #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@b2bspecialist I believe the statistics confirm that. #sbbuzz #ccseminar
sbbuzz:	Everyone feel free to jump in w/thoughts or follow-up ?s (but stay on topic!) #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@wvpmc Haha – maybe – its a mystery (even to me). #sbbuzz
hollynester:	Anyone use buzzstream or batchblue, if not what is better for socialCRM. Did you cover? I’m late… #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz I’m warmed up from the great conversation! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 Why did you decide to do a podcast? How did you get started? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@BlakeGroup Agreed! #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	@DonnaPapacosta: if you’ve got time head over to #sbbuzz for tweetchat about podcasting
bradfordshimp:	I love this. Tweeting about podcasting. Later, lets podcast about tweeting! :-} #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@helpbusinesses Good night Jacqueline! #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz started podcasting for fun. Came to realize it’s a “show.” A great platform to build a loyal community. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz So exciting having podcasters here – they’re like the Venus Flytraps of social media (the TV guy not the plant!) #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz Our podcast (PushMyFollow.com) started out as a late night bull session. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@b2bspecialist More women (55%) than men use Twitter. More of each follow men. http://tinyurl.com/neev4m #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@bradfordshimp We’ll dance about singing, sing about dancing! #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q5. I chose the interview format for my podcasts. My audience enjoys hearing success stories. I feel like Larry King. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@JoeCascio How long have you guys been doing it? A while, right? #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz One of the participants, @starmike, already had a podcast, and thought convo would make another good one. #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@mriggen Q5. I’ve only been podcasting about a year and a half now. Took some time to settle on a strategy. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@mriggen Yeah, just checked. April 2008 was our first officially recorded session. #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q4: I like the portability of podcasts. Makes the workout go by fast. #ccseminar #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen That would be something you wouldn’t want to watch or hear me do (unless you wanted a good laugh!) #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@b2bspecialist Q5. I listen to a lot of podcasts. 100% of them on my iPod. It’s time shifted content (like the VCR). #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz In true Web 2.0 fashion, we never set out to please anyone but ourselves. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q6 When should you do a podcast vs. a blog (or facebook group, or Twitter chat)? #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz But I think whatever popularity we have stems from that “just please yourself” attitude. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@berniebay @JoeCascio How do you get feedback from your podcasts? #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q6 if you do a podcast you should also do a blog. You can write a blog post about each podcast w/play and download buttons. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@BlakeGroup Ooo, good question ! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	#sbbuzz Sorry I’m late! Podcasting is awesome. People are really responding to ours. Q6: We combing our blog and podcast into 1.
desireescales:	#sbbuzz and I still can’t type tonight after all those piano lessons…
berniebay:	@BlakeGroup I get feedback 1) on blog post summary, 2) I insert questions in the podcast and ask people to comment or email me. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@BlakeGroup We’re notoriously unconcerned. Ha ha.. Srsly, we have a web page which provides most feedback. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	I have a friend who could do an awesome podcast. She has a beautiful voice and the gift of gab. Still trying to convince her. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@JoeCascio @berniebay I love being notoriously unconcerned! But the web page + summary are good, too! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@DesireeScales Welcome Desiree! Another brilliant podcaster. You were my first podcast interviewer – I bought a microphone for you! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Podcasting is a great way to reach people both visually and audibly. Touching many senses at once and yes, very portable. #sbbuzz
berniebay:	I also track which podcasts are most popular, then plan more podcasts on popular topics. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@pmohara Ah, Desiree was my first interviewer too! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@pmohara Cool! I loved having you on our podcast. We had a great time! You’re a great lady to interview. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q from @bradfordshimp: What tools are available to record a voice chat (Skype, etc.) for a podcast? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@pmohara and I hope you’re still using it! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Is it pretty easy to publish podcasts to iTunes (non-official, non-sanctioned question)? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Hah! That’s too funny. You and @nrorhbach finally heard each other on our podcast after months planning @ideaanglers #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Yes, just ask @joemagennis who produces our podcast each week. #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz podcast recording tools vary. I use Skype w/external recording app for simplicity. Interested in hearing fr others on this. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz @bradfordshrimp Our podcast master, @starmike uses GarageBand and Skype, I think. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	We use Skype and Pamela to record our podcast. Joe and I just record a conversation we’d have anyway each week and go from there. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	#sbbuzz sorry to butt in, but I just checked and WHEW! Great ideas for #ccseminar! THANK YOU!!!
desireescales:	Enjoying the #sbbuzz chat right now. www.sbbuzz.biz for more details. Talking about podcasting. Join in!
sbbuzz:	Q8 from @b2bspecialist: What ways are there to sponsor/fund a podcast? #sbbuzz
berniebay:	Idea for you small biz owners. Start a podcast and interview your clients. They’ll love it (and you). #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales, so Skype CAN record a conversation? Not meaning to be thick, but I haven’t figured that out. Who’s Pamela? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	I personally listen to podcasts when I run. Best time for me to take in good information. #sbbuzz
ImmersionIT:	Drop.io works great for recording podcasts, especially for interviews. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@berniebay Small biz owners: Start a podcast + interview your clients. They’ll love it (and you). #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@desireescales That is one of the great things about podcasts. You can listen *and* do other things! We have exercise, driving fans. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 Pamela is the software that is a plug-in for Skype. http://www.pamela.biz/en/ #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q8. How to monetize a podcast. Most common is through sponsorships. Need to have metrics to sell sponshorships. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q8 Does it really cost much $ to do a podcast? @adarowski and I were going try one on the cheap. We have a mic! And a barn! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q8: I’m very interested in this question myself. We’re trying to find a sponsor right now for the podcast. #sbbuzz
AVPpodcast:	Idea for you small biz owners. Start a podcast and interview your clients. They’ll love it (and you). #sbbuzz (via @berniebay)(I agree 100%)
desireescales:	@mriggen All it costs is a little time. About an hour per week. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@mriggen, where I am right now (SK), I think I could get a barn. What would be my advantage? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@berniebay What kind of metrics? How do you know if your numbers are magic? #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@bradfordshimp she just finished a sweater, 3 sets of booties and an afghan while we tweeted #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@mriggen Q8. A $100 microphone (or cheaper) is all you need to record a podcast. Also need editing software like Audacity (free). #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q8: I’m seeing $25 per episode per CPM but that’s old school thinking? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@berniebay Great, and love the idea of interviewing clients/customers! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	If you want a live audience, start a radio call-in show on Blog Talk Radio. www.blogtalkradio.com #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@berniebay, I will second Audacity. Not only is it free, it’s not hard to use. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	The recording tripped me up from my first foray. Had a great guest lined up and everything! Will have to reset and try again. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	You could also do a videocast if you’re brave enough like our friend @aronado at www.startuplucky.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Right, great suggestion. I think you can do that with just a phone, right? #sbbuzz
ImmersionIT:	@mriggen Audacity + Drop.io. No microphone needed. Just a phone call and with Vonage/nights-weekends that costs close to nothing. #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	first mic was a Audio Technica 2020 – http://bit.ly/8JBr #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, that suggests it’d be a good idea for us to always have a dry run before bringing in the guests. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@jreck Hey, Jim. I’m participating in a live Twitter chat on the tag #sbbuzz (Small Biz buzz) Join us!
berniebay:	@ImmersionIT I’m not a fan of the audio quality of recorded phonecalls on a podcast. That’s why I spent $100 on a quality mic. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q9 What is the ROI of podcasting? Do you get new business/clients from it? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 Indeed. I never got past the dry run, though. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@berniebay I agree. Pamela and Skype does a great job though…we use Audacity to edit. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Only the best! #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	moved up to the Electrovoice RE20 – http://www.electrovoice.com/products/91.html. but I’m an audiophile. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Side question for you – do you use licensed music (one time fee or recurring)? #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q9 ROI of podcasting is what you make of it. Could be sponsorships, could be new relationships, new clients, etc. Endless. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales, obviously you know @blogtalkradio. Is it possible to record a show in advance and upload it? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q9: I think 1 of the biggest ROIs of podcasting is the credibility it lends, especially if its a quality podcast with great topics. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@berniebay Audio quality is incredibly important and often overlooked. Don’t scrimp!! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@BrentLeary You have a whole studio, don’t you? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q9: Our podcast has also allowed us to meet some wonderful business-owners and learn from their stories. #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	Lee Aase, Mayo Clinic SM leader, uses video posts to tell patient stories, medical news. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q9: Another wonderful ROI is the ability to introduce our guests to a new audience and help them gain new clients and fans. #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	use adobe audition 3.0 for editing #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@bradfordshimp we use Podsafe Music Network, royalty free music for Bella Buzz @desireescales #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	@bradfordshimp yeah. i’ve been at it since 2006. #sbbuzz
shashib:	How are folks doing at #sbbuzz tonight?
BrentLeary:	my pride and joy is my Roland MV-8800. http://bit.ly/RsYEJ. yes – i’ve gone overboard… #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@DesireeScales Re: credibility: Yes!! But only if you’re not constantly pitching. Have an honest conversation!! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@shashib Shashi you better not be driving! We need to make that an official @sbbuzz rule #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, let me weigh in on the music. There’s a huge pool of indie artists who’d love to have their music on your podcast. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@shashib Great! Talking about podcasting. Do you podcast? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp No @brentleary has a big giant web where he sits in waiting… http://bit.ly/TxpLy #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q9: Podcasts are ranked 5 and 3 in top five mediums used by b2b buyers in the awareness and consideration stage of buying cycle #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 Interesting take. How to find them? Let me guess – Twitter? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@rongraham1 We would love indie artists on ours! How would we tap into that? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@JoeCascio My guests are the type who don’t pitch. We’re picky about who we invite on the show. #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	i’ve had @pmohara, @shashib and @desireescales all on with me. all three were great guests! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Here’s @brentleary in action in the web http://bit.ly/XHxnJ #sbbuzz
shashib:	@DesireeScales @mriggen utterli.com is a good way to start podcasts while driving #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	@rongraham1 + all: Many indie musicians would love to provide music. Then you can interview them! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q10 What are the biggest challenges to hosting a regular podcast? #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@b2bspecialist what’s the source of the B2B podcast stats you mention? How recent? Would love a link to it if you have it. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, I had no trouble getting Spiraling, Communipaw and Danger von James to contribute songs. No luck with Melody Gardot. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, @mriggen, some indie bands you can find on Twitter. But you can find them ALL on MySpace. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 I think I would want to find a bluegrass band. #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	@desireescales in action here…. http://bit.ly/3PWTCO. check out the video of her singing at the bottom! #nmatl #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q10. Time commitment. Lining up good guests. Scheduling. Editing. Blog article summary. Otherwise, it’s a piece of cake! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q10: Unless we’re both having a particularly busy week or are on vacation, there really are no challenges. We schedule every week. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@joemagennis Joe, can you link up that music network for us? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@BrentLeary Thanks for sharing that. What’s good for the goose right? LOL! #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, I always go for local artists, but that’s just me. Search MySpace for your genre favorite. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@rongraham1 I am too old for MySpace. They shut the doors when they see me coming! #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Q10 biggest challenge is staying committed to a consistent recording schedule. Knowing when to expect next episode grows audience #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	ioda promonet has some good music too. http://www.iodapromonet.com/ #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz Re: Q10: For us, it’s trying to get 6 people in 3 different time zones together. Like herding cats!! #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@mriggen, I feel you. But MySpace is, nevertheless, the social media platform of choice for musicians – all genres, all ages. #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@bradfordshimp Looks like they’ve had a re-branding but it’s still the source http://www.musicalley.com/ #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales You truly are a Renaissance women!! – loved the song #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q10: People really do expect the show to come out the same time each week. I think our subscribers look forward to it too… #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	@pmohara coming to the studio for a conversation – http://bit.ly/1CAGbZ #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@b2bspecialist thanks for the access to the data on podcast use in B2B. http://bit.ly/3Zr7M #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q11 All – what are some of your favorite podcasts? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Thank you, thank you very much…. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@DesireeScales yes, you’re right about being dependable. We should be much more so!! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@hollynester Hi Holly – we @BatchBlue host this chat, so it’s not really an impartial crowd! We think it’s really good, though #sbbuzz
shashib:	Q11: Tengoldenrules.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q11 – http://www.thebellabuzz.com/ And I’m not just saying that. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	One of my favorites is the @miketechshow, http://www.miketechshow.com/ . #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Also enjoyed a great one on Napoleon awhile back #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	Q11: Marketing over coffee http://bit.ly/koVO #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@BrentLeary Ah! Smiley miley me again! You and @desireescales do have a lot of fun with your mics. That’s why you are so good. #sbbuzz
shashib:	#sbbuzz Hope you will check out #growsmartbiz Small Business Summit Sept 29 http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz A lot of #sbbuzz ers are attendin …
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Q11. Fav podcasts are DishyMix with @susanbratton, @HubSpotTV w/ @mvolpe and @karenrubin. I also like mine. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz @brentleary’s Friday Nite Mix! http://www.flickr.com/photos/batchbluesoftware/3729171691/ (look at that set-up!) #sbbuzz
desireescales:	I like http://befluid.com/wp/ called Overflow. I’m partial to @joemagennis #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz you totally stole that one from me but I wasn’t sure if #fridaynitemix was a podcast! #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Q11 Many shows on the GeekCast.fm network are great, Marketing over Coffee, try The BeanCast for pure Advertising talk, TWiT Network #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@desireescales Q11 I’m counting it as one because it’s so good! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q11: I love anything on NPR. Also, for those knitters in the group www.cast-on.com is awesome. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@aronado ’s http://www.startuplucky.com is a videocast and a hoot to boot! Very entertaining. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Other good podcasts – @brentleary’s CRM Playaz http://crmplayaz.com/crm-playaz-shows/ #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q11: Agree @cspenn’s Marketing Over Coffee is great: http://www.marketingovercoffee.com/ #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	@mriggen thx! #fridaynitemix is my best work, since you never hear my voice! #sbbuzz
hollynester:	@mriggen #sbbuzz Too funny, had no idea BatchBlue hosts sbbuzz //DM me on whether you can have standing searches or backlink strategy
BrentLeary:	@smallbiztrends radio @ blogtalkradio.com/smallbiztrends #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@hollynester Roger, dodger! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	And @susanbratton DishyMix – awesome interviews of entrepreneurial elite! http://blogs.personallifemedia.com/dishymix/ #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz I recently interviewed @mriggen on my podcast. She wasn’t too shy. http://budurl.com/batchbluepodcast #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	@desireescales Thanks! I’m totally blown away & thankful that people listen to Overflow on a regular basis #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Not sure on the knitters, but I love CarTalk, Prairie Home Companion, and Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me from NPR #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	#sbbuzz this site has a lot to offer… http://www.toolkit.com/
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp I like Wait Wait too! #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	One thing I will say (sorry if already mentioned) Podcasts are evergreen content. Old episodes are always discovered by someone new #sbbuzz
shashib:	@desireescales on the subject of NPr hope you will take my poll http://cli.gs/Umg3LT #sbbuzz
desireescales:	I’m pitching our podcast tonight http://www.thebellabuzz.com Internet marketing strategies for small to mid-sized business owners. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	The wind up, the pitch: I am a writer and small biz advice giver. Check out my blog at http://allbizanswers.com #sbbuzz
b2bspecialist:	@sbbuzz I’m a b2bspecialist helping IT companies build their brand & businesses in Canada. Formed an agency in Feb called MI6. #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz Yeah pitch time! I know a really cool social CRM company with awesome customer focus, @batchblue w/ @mriggen and @pmohara. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Which is crying out for a good podcast to enhance it my friend… just sayin’ #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom with BatchBlue Software & we’re gonna give this podcasting thing a whirl http://www.batchblue.com #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Goodnight everyone! You Talk, I’ll Write, imagine the relief! http://www.youtalk-iwrite.com #sbbuzz
BrentLeary:	i’ll pitch for folks to check out @pmohara & @shashib next week on webinar w/ @smallbiztrends – http://bit.ly/smbmobility #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@mriggen Yay! Good luck. You have one more listener now… #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	Offline & Online advertising & marketing business adviser… #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@berniebay Thanks Bernie! This is when you can pitch yourself, too! The bee will not sting you! #sbbuzz
BlakeGroup:	The pitch: I have a marketing comm shop (writing, design, etc), specializing in water utilities: public info, education. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Come hear inside scoop on what #sbbuzz has meant to our business at @smallbiztrends & @brentleary webinar on 9/23 http://bit.ly/1OqmXt
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales So, I thought Start Up Lucky was Start Up Plucky. Must say, little disappointed that it isn’t. #sbbuzz
berniebay:	I was a guest on DishyMix w/@susanbratton. Susan’s the best. http://budurl.com/dishymixbernieborges. #sbbuzz
consultsonja:	Mission Inc. serves non-profits and small biz. Check out our client 2B Groomed www.2bgroomed.com. www.missionincdevelopment.com #sbbuzz
joemagennis:	Pitch: I’m with Fluid Media & we help clients develop content for the web. Podcast junkie all the way #sbbuzz.
sbbuzz:	Thanks to @berniebay @joecascio and everyone for the great chat tonight! Summary will be on the site soon http://sbbuzz.biz #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz Very happy to be part of it. Thanks for inviting me! #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@sbbuzz It was fun. I learned something. I knew I would. Thanks. I’ll be back. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	And see, I can even answer my own questions and then retweet myself. I am so spiraling down in the rabbit hole … #sbbuzz
shashib:	@bradfordshimp @DesireeScales thanks for taking my NPR poll http://cli.gs/Umg3LT hope u will check out http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz too #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@b2bspecialist Thanks! We have fun and that’s what makes the podcast successful… #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	What advice would you give to small biz owners just starting out in Social Media? Use #ccseminar hashtag and PLEASE RT!!! Thanks! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Thanks @shashib & @BrentLeary Looking forward to our webinar next week and #growsmartbiz on the 29th! http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz #sbbuzz
berniebay:	@DesireeScales it was great to meet you at #sbbuzz. I’ll check out your podcast. Please do the same. http://budurl.com/batchbluepodcast

How Hard Can It Be to Cast a Pod?

We tweet, we chat, we blog, we ping. But how many of the #sbbuzzers have taken the plunge into podcasting? We’ve invited some of our smartest friends to come share their experiences in producing a podcast for their small business. We’ll be talking all aspects of podcasting; tools needed, important interview skills, what works and what doesn’t.

Our guests include Bernie Borges (@berniebay), CEO of Find and Convert and author of Marketing 2.0. He interviews an impressive array of business owners and experts and publishes them on his Find and Convert blog. Also joining us is Joe Cascio (@joecascio), a social media darling and contributor to the Push My Follow podcast series.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT for #sbbuzz to learn and share more about podcasting for small business.

Summary from September 8, 2009: Small Biz, Saving Time

We all need advice on saving what precious little time and energy we have running a small business.  This week our community talked a little about their experiences saving time, shared some advice and techniques to help each other.

Left with questions about time management?  Leave a comment or join us next week September 15, 2009 for the next @sbbuzz chat.

Here’s how it all works:

• Sbbuzz-ups are every Tuesday, next up is September 15th, 2009 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Join us – We’re here to facilitate the conversation between small business owners.
• Know small businesses that need help? Let them know when this chat happens, help them get started on Twitter and let’s talk!
• Instructions for participating are at http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions

sbbuzz:	Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for next 2 hours of small biz talking about technology. Join us!http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz:	Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz:	To start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
designleap:	Design Leap provides print & web, one-on-one design for small business owners and start-ups. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Scott Blitstein, owner of eSeMBe, technology go-to guy, blogger, music lover and good egg. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	Hi I’m Michelle with BatchBlue Software. We make software for small businesses. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi #sbbuzz friends. Pamela here from @batchblue and lady behind the @sbbuzz bee for the evening.
MichaelColemire:	Hi, I am Michael with Prestige Designs. We specialize in screen printed apparel. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Hi, Tim here, Palo Alto Software, I’ll be in and out because of timing … #sbbuzz
deneki:	Hi everybody. I’m Andrew and I run fly fishing lodges. Happy to be back! #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive:	Robert Swanwick from Speaker Interactive and twebevent where its free to mash video with Twitter Chat #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Hi, brad here chiming in from my new iPod touch #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight we are talking time management techniques. Q1: as a small business owner, where do you think you “lose” most of your time? #sbbuzz
jonedm:	Hi all, I’m David, we make and sell the KitBook for the K-12 market. #sbbuzz
totalitnow:	Hi all, Brian Hindman here from total IT. We provide IT services for small business #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive:	This chat and 62 others are listed on the Twitter Chat Schedule: http://bit.ly/oXBBu #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I lose time when I don’t schedule my day to a T #sbbuzz
designleap:	A1 Responding to email and keeping up with social media status updates #sbbuzz
deneki:	Q1: Interruptions of all kinds making me too reactive re: how my time is spent. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	#sbbuzz Q1: I think most of my time is lost in e-mail. I wish I spent more time in blogs and Twittter. I know I miss a lot.
jonedm:	I agree with @bradfordshimp. Without a schedule, shiny things and interruptions kill productivity. #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	#sbbuzz Q1 hard to say, “losing” time is so subjective. I’d say we spend a lot of time reading blogs though and responding to emails
bradfordshimp:	Also, unscheduled meetings #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive:	A1: “lose time” when not goal oriented. Spend time on tasks that do not have good return on investment #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1: Definitely email. I know there must be better ways to manage it, but it’s kind of an endless stream. #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive:	@bradfordshimp Can’t you say no to an unscheduled meeting if it is not a productive use of time? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: Tough question, perhaps too much time spent to complete tasks of low importance. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: … and scheduling. I spend far too much time arranging meetings, briefings, service calls, etc.. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q1 I’ve been concerned with what Fred Graham called maker time vs. manager time … different jobs & needs. http://bit.ly/FMkZE #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	#sbbuzz its all matter of ROI I think. Nothing is ever lost of there is a long or short term return for the time invested
bradfordshimp:	@spkrinteractive sometimes you can. Some meetings have no clear agenda and are time Easters #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q1 I check email too often. It may be because I spent all these years not getting phone calls, so it’s like I want to hear from ppl. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q1 – my biggest time-waster is uncertainty. Sometimes, even after planning and some knowledge of the biggest payoff items, I hedge. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	When I was managing it was meetings and interruptions all the time … but for writing and software, I need blocks of focused time. #sbbuzz
deneki:	Knowing I have an email problem, @tferriss ’s “don’t check email before 11am rule” has been a huge help. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	#sbbuzz I also get stuck in the administrative stuff. Always seems to be some form, or bill, or call that needs my attention.
blueskylocal:	#sbbuzz @rongraham1 that’s interesting. Do you mean indecision or uncertainty?
Timberry:	Q1: I suspect that most of us rationalize to spend more time on what we like to do than on what we ought to do. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 Let’s tackle the big beast first: what do you do to manage your time in e-mail correspondence? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara Is time on admin lost time? It needs to be done. Perhaps done more efficiently? #sbbuzz
designleap:	Q1 Keeping my email off until I’m done with my priorities has helped me a lot on time management. #sbbuzz
wanart:	#sbbuzz administrative tasks – and these days catching/keeping up with social media updates, blogs, industry news
pmohara:	@scoblitz That’s true. I guess “lost” is the wrong term. Just seems I frequently spend more time than I budget on the paperwork. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Thanks to those of you who advocate waiting on e-mail. I often go after that first, and guess where the new tasks come from? LOL #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q2: Doing a review, delete, read and quick answers. Do longer ones later or last. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2: I filter out 60-70% of it before I even see it. Can’t distract me if I don’t know it’s there. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I use tags and various accounts to try and stay on top of my email, but it’s hit and miss #sbbuzz
wanart:	#sbbuzz Q2 set aside chunk of time to read/respond to emails and training myself not to look at it every 5 minutes
mikesax:	@Timberry Check out “Maker’s, Manager’s Schedule” http://is.gd/33em8 #sbbuzz The challenge for small business owners is to have both.
gwickes:	Q2 re email. Set up rules that automatically route emails so can get to the important ones first #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive:	Has anyone read about @elsua effort to not use email. Here is one of his posts: http://bit.ly/29Y8vq#sbbuzz
jonedm:	Q2: I try to get the Inbox down to zero at the end of each day. Often have to be a ruthless deleter. #sbbuzz
deneki:	Actually set aside time for email, and clean out the inbox every session. But only after 11am! #sbbuzz
Whistletree:	Hello everyone, it’s been awhile! Can’t wait to catch up on #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I liked a post @chrisbrogan had recently on how time spent answering email pays others; creating something pays yourself. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q2 – I’m not trying to evade my own responsibility, but I’d love to see people give me more descriptive subject lines. Helps a lot. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@gwickes I have set up rules to route all messages into the appropriate folders of newsletters, unread emails, other folders. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	My big problem is finding the time To deal with emails that need a thoughtful response #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@jonedm Q2 I rarely have more than 10 messages in my inbox between the quick review and the email filtering. #sbbuzz
spkrinteractive