Always Be Prepared

Last week during the SBBuzz session, we learned a little about how to improvise when your technology fails you.  Bradfordshimp (@bradfordshimp) put it best when he said that “community trumps technology” because we were able to quickly rally the help of an sbbuzz friend to carry out the chat without Twitter.  Damon Cortesi (@dacort) used his RowFeeder.com to throw together a quick Google Doc capturing the #sbbuzz messages we were posting – even though Twitter, TweetDeck and TweetChat could not.

We’ve heard so much recently about the devastating effects a natural disaster like the earthquake in Haiti can have on on a community – and yet it is the community that will ultimately recover it.

So we thought this would be a good chance to work as a group to look at our own business preparedness plans, be they official checklists or a series of mental notes and make sure we have a good plan.  We’ll talk about the best information to include in a plan and how to maintain it.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST with your thoughts on keeping your business prepared for the large or small roadblocks.

@sbbuzz Roadmap for 2010: Summary for Jan. 5, 2010

Happy New Decade @sbbuzzers!  Welcome to 2010.  We spent last week’s chat laying out a roadmap for small business for the next year.  We got some good ideas (and some interruptions by Twitter).  We’d like to hear your thoughts.  What would you include in a roadmap for small businesses this year?

Want to join the next @sbbuzz chat?  Join us Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.
• 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.

sbbuzz:	Happy decade & welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions #sbbuzz
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 messages 6)Have fun #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@Timberry oh rats – well hi to the family! we’ll miss you (and might hit you up for advice later) #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Hi #sbbuzz! I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters, blogs and article sites. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi All – Scott from eSeMBe – I rushed home to be here with you all. Am I late? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@scoblitz Glad to hear I’m not the only one who plans my Tuesdays around this awesome chat #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	Happy 2010 ! Susan from Selah Synergy here excited to discuss the new year. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	Hello, Michael here with On-Site Technical Solutions – support SMB technology. Did it hit 80 today? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Hi everyone, Gina with http://www.writeytidy.com. Glad to join you all in the New Year! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Happy New Year! Hope you all had a relaxing holiday. Missed you guys/gals! #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight we’re talking plans for a 2010 Roadmap to Success yearlong project for planning and documenting small business success #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	The idea is to work as a group to outline and then document a step by step roadmap to success – innovative ideas needed! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 What topics would you include if drawing a map for a new business owner from start-up to success? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1 Do you mean things like funding, marketing, finding first client etc? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And FYI – if want to see the lady behind the bee check out @pmohara. I’m on the backup machine tonight – different OS is killing me #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q1 A destination is required. A vision. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Yes, exactly! RT @scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q1 Do you mean things like funding, marketing, finding first client etc? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 Start-up success necessities: Profile of your ideal client and a list of their most pressing problems #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Business plan, marketing and sales systems, business systems, collaboration #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz You’ll love it eventually. We podcasted about it today on http://bit.ly/3ih1ct #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Plan is a new topic each month, set goals for ourselves, document progress and leave breadcrumbs for those following behind #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q1: Guts, a sense of humor and the smarts to know when to ignore people who tell you it can’t be done. Do it anyway! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@selahsynergy Absolutely – the destination is key – but it’s all the stops along the way make the trip so much fun. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q1: A good website is very essential. ; ) #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q1: Choose a niche & try not to be distracted by other shiny things. Not to be inflexible, but try to stay on your own track. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Looks like TweetChat is lagging behind #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	Q1 assuming a business plan/vision, a marketing/sales plan regularly updated seems to be missing from many SMB #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What is the best way to present or communicate a business roadmap to a new business? (geeky ideas welcome!) #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@scoblitz So, so true. It is the process, the journey, the mileposts that brings the vision to life. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – I think in some kind of workbook, step by step fashion, with checklists #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2 I’ve been doing some mind-mapping the last month or so – can be very helpful to see things laid out graphically #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	Q2 What is the best way to present or communicate a business roadmap to a new business? (geeky ideas welcome!) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Any other ideas – a project website, a video series, on-demand podcasts? Brainstorm away! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz All of the above. I think we can all do this. We’re already doing stuff like this on http://bit.ly/ikLiA #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q2 I prefer a Quarterly (3-5 yr) or Monthly (12-18 month) timeline – tool can be simple as spreadsheet, complex as PM softwr #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz Q2 I Think Mind maps maybe a little buzzy right now, but I love them.
MHBoys:	we use a customer solutions roadmap for internally – spreadsheet/powerpoint listing our customers and who has what solutions so far #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q1 – a well-prepared business plan should BE that roadmap the small-business owner seeks. If that owner can’t make one, we can help. #sbbuzz
NewBusinessHawk:	@sbbuzz #sbbuzz Remember in any presentation its better if its a show! format and style count as much as content! http://bit.ly/1YMWZs
sbbuzz:	Q3 – If we collectively map our success (and challenges) – any metrics we could track as a group that would help a new business? #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q2 – are we talking about presenting a roadmap to a business owner from outside the business? Somehow that doesn’t sound right. #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz Q2: We use a 3-D pyramid for our projects, base = foundations, side 1- marketing, 2- operations, 3- transactions, 4- crm
rongraham1:	@sbbuzz, I just can’t get away from the business plan then. this is one of a good plan’s most critical roles. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@rongraham1 we’re mapping out year for ourselves (esp. those of us in charge of organizing this) & documenting journey for others #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@rongraham1 by mapping out the year, I mean of #sbbuzz chats. So looking at topics and then how to best document them
sbbuzz:	Q4 Any other suggestions for capturing the brilliance of the #sbbuzz community for our fellow small biz friends?
rongraham1:	@sbbuzzz, OK. I must’ve mis-read that – sure looked like Q1 read different. But for what you describe, a wiki can serve there too. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	what is and how to structure a workable sales/marketing plan #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz Q4: There’s a map for that. Brilliance that is. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz An Sbbuzz blog where we all share our brillance. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz A Buzzup and a Ning Group for us to participate in. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	to @bradfordshimp point earlier, systems available to SMBs #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Regarding explaining #sbbuzz – I envision the Qs in a medium gray with colorful answers of others indented below with avatars in fun format
rongraham1:	@lindadessau, @desireescales, there already IS an #sbbuzz blog… isn’t there? And if there is, is it not already brilliant?
desireescales:	@lindadessau Actually, we already have the blog set up at www.sbbuzz.biz we just need to formalize it. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@desireescales Awesome ideas all! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 There’s so much potential there. Right now, its one person posting our brilliance. They need to hear it from all of us! #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	I have been experimenting with short courses over Twitter and am encouraged by the early results. We could do that! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	OK – I think we have some great ideas to work with. Thanks for the jam session everyone! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@rongraham1 That sounds really interesting! “Short courses over Twitter.” #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 How about webinars done by one of us each month or something similar? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Now it’s our favorite Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz w/topic sign up at http://sbbuzz.net (mailings start next week) #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales, actually, the same material can of course be organized in many forms. We do a short course on Twitter, then –> FB. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	On-Site Technical Solutions provides Cloud Computing solutions to SMBs (and still supports legacy technical solutions) #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 Keep going….you’re on to something. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Pitch time already? Where DOES the time go? Clarity Strategic, http://claritystrategic.com/, business strategy and support. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Pitch time on #sbbuzz: How to write a top 10 article that will demonstrate your expertise to prospective customers http://snipr.com/t1pw5
wvpmc:	Hoping to make http://www.wvpmc.com/facebook.php more robust in 2010 – your comments, suggestions welcome! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here revealing my secret identity at the end tonight. I’m @batchblue and @sbbuzz and excited for another year with you all!! #sbbuzz
aneclecticsoul:	I help small biz, individuals and non-profits reach the Hispanic market in USA and Puerto RIco #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Anyway, if you are on #sbbuzz and are interested in the dynamics of a short course, I will run one on “prototyping” in a few days.
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz So slow tonight, I missed Q’s 3, 4 +. I will try to make sense of the chat after reading the notes. Until next week! #sbbuzz
hacool:	@wvpmc I just fanned you there. I think making regular posts is key. here’s mine http://bit.ly/1a0rBx #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@rongraham1 using a webcam? posting on slideshare? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@selahsynergy I was having the same problem. Too much technology fail for me tonight. I need chocolate! #sbbuzz
shashib:	#sbbuzz pitch time : Happy New year from Network Solutions & pls follow @nsoffers & check our free websites at http://bit.ly/8MVCZD
wvpmc:	@hacool absolutely agree – critical mass of diverse fans helps #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@wvpmc, no, actually, over twitter. A course on any subject can be split into sentences. Hopefully even at below 140 characters. LOL #sbbuzz
hacool:	@wvpmc true, it takes awhile to build them. Another handy thing is adding FBML to make a custom tab w/ more info #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@wvpmc Just threw it out there. I’ll talk to @pmohara about it soon. #sbbuzz
aneclecticsoul:	Can u share an example? RT @scoblitz: I’ve been doing some mind-mapping the last month or so – #sbbuzz

SBBuzz Roadmap to Success: the Planning Party

When we at BatchBlue first started sbbuzz, our goal was to create a safe, comfortable place for small business owners to come and talk about the new (and old) technologies that are working for our businesses.  We’ve been overwhelmed by the success and by the amazing community that has developed here.  Now that we are approaching our 1 year anniversary, we’ve decided to kick it up a notch.

Our goal for 2010 is to work with the accomplished community of #sbbuzz members to not only meet and discuss issues relevant to our businesses, but to start building a roadmap to help all small businesses find the right path to success.

We’re kicking this project off tonight with a planning party.  Our thought is to work as a group to come up with 10 or 12 topics (one for each month) that we will work into the schedule over the coming year and discuss the best format and tools for documenting our “roadmap”. We can decide metrics we might want to measure, speakers who can address certain topics, and any other ideas that will help us all learn and succeed in various parts of our business.  It’s a flexible and evolving plan, but then shouldn’t all plans be?

Please join us tonight from 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST with your most innovative and inspired ideas for making 2010 the year of small business success!

Small Business, Management and Technology: Summary from December 15, 2009

We all have systems for managing our business communications, contacts and workflow.  This week’s @sbbuzz chat focused on technology and how small businesses use it to manage things a little better or easier.

Happy Holidays everyone from the @sbbuzz team!

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on December 22h, 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.

sbbuzz:	Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. 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:	Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Hi everyone, Bradford here from AllBizAnswers.com. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	I play music, a lot of weddings, and I am co-founder of web dev/media company, @m2volt. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi all, Scott from eSeMBe. I’m ready to talk tech tonight! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Good evening, all! Gina with WriteyTidy.com writing services/content creation. Glad to be back. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue and the moderator (as the #sbbuzz bee) for the chat. Don’t laugh if I start repeating myself.
sbbuzz:	@scoblitz I thought we’d get you jazzed with this topic. Hope you’ve got some nimble fingers! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight we’re talking about ways of connecting your different small business technologies to make them more useful #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz I’m ready! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 What are you doing on your blog/website to connect to other systems (social media, e-mail marketing, etc.) & how? #sbbuzz
shashib:	Hi everyone participating in #sbbuzz hope your week is going well
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Plugins like Tweetmeme and services like Feedburner help connect my blog with other services. #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q1: We’re about to switch out site to connect to all the social network out there. Redesign it to fit our new marketing for 2010 #sbbuzz
Squashberry:	#sbbuzz
shashib:	I am the Social Media Swami of Network Solutions @netsolcares #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	Also going on tonight, “ways of connecting your different small business technologies to make them more useful” #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
shashib:	#sbbuzz Q1 What are you doing on your blog/website to connect to other systems ?
Squashberry:	#sbbuzz, I am a cofunder in an advertising company
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1) I link to my twitter profile and capture email addresses for a newsletter. On my personal blog I have a twitter page. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	There are so many “To-Dos” but in my mind “To-Dont’s” are as critical to keeping readers. No autotweet, no auto responders, etc. #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	Q1 We have FB, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr & Slideshare in the sidebar of our blog & our blog posts automatically post 2 Twitter & FB. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	I help business owners become empowered through technology #sbbuzz
Laurimufson:	#sbbuzz /via @sbbuzz Is it always good idea to connect with your Twitter acct on your website?
adriarichards:	Q1 Streamling my lead process using Highrise and Google Apps, centralizing images on Flickr, videos on YouTube and blip.tv #sbbuzz
DeeMcCrorey:	Greetings! I am the Chief Risk Guru of Risktaking for Success #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	I agree with @bradfordshimp for the useful ones, Tweetmeme and feedburner. Don’t Forget Email Newsletter/Tips like @mailchimp #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@shanemacsays I agree, I don’t do any auto-tweets. If I post it, it comes direct from me. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	My favorite WordPress plugin is the Flickr display. I think the pictures add a lot of life to the blog/ #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I push my blog to Twitter, but don’t include my Twitter feed on my blog. #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	A1: blog/website has our social media links/twitter feed. allows ppl to share our website content on social media networks #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	@Laurimufson I find if you speak directly in your tweets and not autofeed from rss usually higher CTR. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara I always wanted to do that but I never take any pictures of anything. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz I do send some auto-tweets. When I share something on Google Reader, it goes to FriendFeed and Twitter. #sbbuzz
AmyDesmarais:	@IACEZ how do u like slideshare? Havent played with it but read an article about it’s biz utility today #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	@bradfordshimp @scoblitz There is value is auto sharing useful articles but when automated its easy to forget and over share #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@scoblitz I bet if you publish them you’ll take more. I think a frequently updated Flickr stream reveals a lot about a business #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	@AmyDesmarais I love slideshare.. think its one of the most awesome tool out there! #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	@AmyDesmarais Love it! We use it to make tutorials of common processes our clients may need help with in our application. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What are you doing w/e-mail to connect to other systems (social media, CRM, etc.) & how? #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	The most useful tool on my blog? Contact form is an embedded Google form so all inquiries go right into an online spreadsheet #sbbuzz
ImagineGraphics:	A1: Labor intensive personalized cross pollination is my strategy. Automatic cross posting loses the authentic ‘voice’ & annoys. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – Using Mailchimp which connects to Twitter and Batchbook (also Highrise). Contacts move through easily. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara For WordPress Tweet Blender lets you filter @replies from what you display on your blog. Very nice. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Collect on CRM, send to email list, publish to Twitter. #sbbuzz
ImagineGraphics:	A2: email newsletter with frequent links to FB pg and blog. And BTW, I love MyEmma e-mailing provider. #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	Q2 always include links to social media in email signature-use wise stamp or a similar product #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I use Gmail & have it synced to my CRM (BatchBook, of course) and my Blackberry #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz I use email to populate both CRM and To-Do list. I love being able to convert emails to other formats easily. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 plan workflow on paper, define functionality, identify tools to save time or centralize data, test it #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q2: @BizIncubation I find many ppl follow or view my social network link in my email signature. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 Rememberthemilk can turn starred email onto tasks #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	@helpbusinesses A lot of times ppl don’t realize that you are on the social media sites. its a nice gentle reminder. #sbbuzz
ImagineGraphics:	Not sure how many people follow us on multiple platforms but I try to post content in slightly different ways to not bore. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2: I also connect Twitter to other apps – I can add to-dos, appointments and set timers all through Twitter. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 I forward or bcc lead emails to @37signals Highrise app #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	@pmohara I haven’t had any issues with wise stamp yet.. unfortunately it doesn’t work in google chrome only with firefox #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 I manage support requests with @zendesk via email #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Coming in late…installed Sexy Bookmarks WP plugin and it’s great for easily sharing a post. #sbbuzz
DeeMcCrorey:	A1: #sbbuzz Use FB, Twitter (blog/vlog/website), YouTube, Flickr. Figuring out how to add our new virtual learning site to the mix.
shanemacsays:	@adriarichards Heard about @zendesk a while back… Might check out again. thanks. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 I manage projects on @activeCollab and Basecamp via email #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@BizIncubation other problem is I have several identities – @pmohara @batchblue@sbbuzz so I just point to URLs (dont pull feeds) #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@adriarichards I love Zendesk, especially now that I can view ticket history in my CRM #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What are you doing w/your mobile phone to connect to other systems and how?#sbbuzz
leoraw:	@ImagineGraphics also post differently on varied platforms. Audiences + expectations vary. Easier to discuss on FB but fewer ppl #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@shanemacsays They’re releasing new features all the time. @Twitter uses @Zendesk athttp://help.twitter.com #sbbuzz
jescarter:	Q3: Sending emails, docs and clips to @evernote; a great way to keep track of miscellaneous stuff. #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q2 Use my phone to post to Posterous and then auto post that to other outlets #sbbuzz
AmyDesmarais:	@BizIncubation in additions to creating presentations – do u find slideshare drives traffic #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	Q3 I have sm apps on my mytouch.. it’s the best thing I could have done.. i take a pic, put it on facebook, twit pic+flickr #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 – I sync BlackBerry w/gmail. I also use Tiny Twitter to access Twitter. I need to find more BBerry apps, but who has time? #sbbuzz
ImagineGraphics:	A3 hard to post content when I’m away from the office, so I just use mobile phone to listen to others (FB & Twitter) periodically. #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	Q3 if i go to a conference, i blog about it there and then and tweet all via my phone! #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	@AmyDesmarais absolutely.. it helps me explain my expertise, share my knowledge. I do get hits from slideshare back to my website #sbbuzz
DeeMcCrorey:	Q2 #sbbuzz I use Google docs and wikis for collaboration / managing projects with dispersed teams.
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q3: Goosync keeps my Gcal and Google contacts up to date with my mobile. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Mobile is so broad and so many apps for everything. Im going to just say, iPhone. Works great. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q3 Arrived late & catching up. I don’t have a smartphone yet but I’m saving for an iPhone – I do have TweetDeck on my iPod, though. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I also have my CRM system as a contact in BBerry, so I can copy all messages into it. #sbbuzz
mercutiom:	Q3 – I upload photos to Flickr tagged with my URL, tweet a ton, and check-in with Foursquare and connect to others #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q3 Google Apps for domain email on your iPhone, Blackberry, Android a must have #sbbuzz http://google.com/a
AmyDesmarais:	Q3 I’m on tweet deck mobile right now! En route to a soccer game (don’t worry not driving) mobile is key when rushing around #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara I love Tiny Twitter – I do post pics from my phone with it to Twitpic. #sbbuzz
mercutiom:	Q3 – cont’d, I also have email and GCal synced to keep me on task throughout the day. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz I think it’s so cool that our data is so transportable – can use almost anywhere and keep in sync. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	I track my billable time on the iPhone with @harvest #sbbuzz http://getharvest.com
pmohara:	@scoblitz @adarowski once told me to learn to do that (instead of e-mailing him pics to post on our site). One day I will… #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	Q4 Contractors are naturally self-driven people- that’s why they’re contractors. #sbbuzz
DeeMcCrorey:	A3 #sbbuzz: I blog and tweet using phone…great for event coverage. But interested in other tools folks are using (lots of gr8 ideas here!)
adriarichards:	There is an iPhone app for Highrise CRM called Top floor #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 What else are you duct taping together? Browser plugins, Google gadgets, what makes your life easier? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 What else are you duct taping together? Browser plugins, Google gadgets, what makes your life easier? #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	I use @getclicky to monitor blog traffic in real time and there’s a great mobolie interface #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Twitter DM’s go to iPhone with “push” technology #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Skype mobile for phones #sbbuzz
BizIncubation:	Q4 browser plugins like wise stamp, website analytics like google analytics, word press plugins like twitter feed… #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Calendar for iPhone syncscwithbGoogle calendar #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q4 I’m hooked on browser bookmarklets that let me capture, file, and blog what I find online really quickly and easily. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Using twitter to communicate more and more I use Tweetie 2 for iphone all the time. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Use @Timebridge to schedule appointments with folks. iPhone app also available #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 I use @TimeDriver for scheduling, and it links with my Google Calendar to see when I’m busy and free. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Use Flickit to post photos directly to Flickr #sbbuzz
leoraw:	A4 A fan of Google Alerts – plug something in, and then read news on that topic later. Currently have “Small Biz” as alert #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 We’ve (and by that I mean the tech team) have set up greasemonkey add-ons for firefox to grab/link data in dif sites #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	If you use Tweetmeme on your blog or website, it will auto generate short urls for mobile folks #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I have anything with an RSS feed (BatchBook feeds, blogs, forums) go to Google Reader for quicker reads. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	I prefer to get my reads in email or in Twitter. I never look at Google reader or anything like that anymore. #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	@AmyDesmarais You can find a couple here: http://www.slideshare.net/iacez #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	We build websites and work to tell people about it! Some call it Social Media, we call it communication. http://www.m2volt.com #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Aw, a little late for conversation. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	That went fast (b/c I was late)! Pitch: Create free advertising that brands you as an expert in your niche http://snipr.com/t1pw5 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Pimping out my blog in 2010. Giving away some free ads to build momentum. Check it out at http://bit.ly/7quy7d. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Don’t forget #sbbuzz! If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz chats sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Pitch: eSeMBe helps you make sense of and use all the neat techie stuff that got discussed tonight! http://esembe.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I provide advice for small business owners on All Biz Answers and am co-building a collaborative biz community at Idea Anglers #sbbuzz
leoraw:	If any of you are Facebook users, would love to have you join my FB page for Websites for Small Biz http://bit.ly/5L9vS5 #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue small business CRM. We stir up great #sbbuzz conversations and organize the new connections in BatchBook.
sbbuzz:	Thanks to everyone for another great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
BizIncubation:	Pitch: Co founder of a new media consulting firm-work with businesses & nonprofits to help them realize the power of social media. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Pitch: I also run a music / photo blog at http://sensorydispensary.com – I’m currently reviewing my albums in haiku. #sbbuzz
shashib:	#sbbuzz great conversation favorited tips Pitch : enter this fun #nsbiztip contesthttp://bit.ly/5ktq3Z by giving your own tip
shanemacsays:	I’m also a wedding singer/entertainer playing shows all over the country. http://www.mac-live.com/weddings #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Will there be a chat next week or holiday break? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Pitch: WriteyTidy turns out tidy text! Words I can do…Thank goodness I’ve got a tech guy!http://writeytidy.com #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Thanks everyone – I’m traveling next week so happy holidays and I’ll see you in two weeks! #sbbuzz
bigcloudmedia:	@sbbuzz. Big Cloud Media provides web services that increase ROI. Web design, development, seo, etc. Http://www.bigcloudmedia.com #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	Thx for a great chat everyone! Pitch: IAC-EZ is an easy-to-use online accounting SaaS app for small businesses. http://bit.ly/1Thru8 #sbbuzz

Connecting Your Technology

We’ve been straying away from the technical topics recently.  While it is great to swap stories on business planning, marketing and promoting with the highly talented sbbuzz crowd, we thought it would make sense to focus tonight’s session back on the technology tools that help us with all of the above.

So tonight’s discussion will focus back on technology, and more specifically on what small businesses are doing to connect different systems to each other to make their business management easier.  From cell phones to spreadsheets, social media to POS systems, what are you doing to connect your systems together for better data management and easier business workflow?

Please join us tonight from 8:00-9:00 PM EST to learn more about making your technology work for you.

Summary December 7, 2009: Small biz in 2010

Summary December 7, 2009

Topic: Small business in the coming year, 2010!

Know a small business owner who could use the advice from other small businesses?  Join us!

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on December 15h, 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.

sbbuzz:	Q1 What will a successful 2010 look like for you? #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Hello, Shane here from @m2volt, thinking about already being 2010 is ahhhhh! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@sbbuzz Q1 – Clients! #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q1 – a successful 2010 will see me better integrating my many lines of consulting and technology business. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 A successful 2010 for me would be full of more joy, more rest, more perfect clients and more income. #sbbuzz
spaceflight:	RT @sbbuzz: Q1 What will a successful 2010 look like for you? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Goals include turning my blog into a business and opening up a member community for entrepreneurs helping each other. #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q1 – more clients, more profits, increased efficiency and smooth company performance #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q1 A successful 2010 will mean more clients and finishing another book or two #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q1- My biz coach has given me an assignment to identify my next goal – pick a client & pursue. Gotta get that process down! #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q1 – Goals include increasing social networking while working on products. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q1 Hmm, so many things. I’d like to see more resources available in #sbbuzz & the small business web. And more customers not a bad idea
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: 2010 will see a shift towards more business and less consumer. More projects and less hardware. #sbbuzz
Jillfoster:	Launching a new service + cultivating new community online & offline @sbbuzz re – Q1 What will a successful 2010 look like for u? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@Patrysha Q1 I’d also like to create more books/products in 2010! #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q1 – I’ll also add an emphasize on more technology in the workplace, more integrated communication #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1: I want to do more things to surprise and delight our customers. #sbbuzz
Jillfoster:	Some’a this! RT @lindadessau: Q1 A successful 2010 would be full of more joy, more rest, more perfect clients and more income. #sbbuzz
StarSpangledGrl:	Just getting back on my feet financially will be a success for me. @sbbuzz re – Q1 What will a successful 2010 look like for u? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1 It’s time to step up, step out, and really make things happen. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q1 Success in 2010 will see me tighten my focus on what I’m really good at vs what I can do #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@Jillfoster Hi lady! So nice to see you. Grab a blanket and settle in. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@mriggen Sounds fun, I can’t wait! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for 2010? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@adriarichards And how about adding what we LOVE to do!! #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Q1 More gigs, write book, speek at colleges about careers. #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	RT @sbbuzz: Q1 What will a successful 2010 look like for you? A1 Prosperous in every way… #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@mriggen Might I suggest donut cake for everyone? #sbbuzz
SweetSoaps:	#sbbuzz Ellen owner of SweetSoaps handcrafting dreams via soap,using humor to draw u in!
Jillfoster:	@scoblitz Good to be here at #sbbuzz (from new #sbbuzzer in DC)
lindadessau:	Q2 My Big Hair Audacious Goal (BHAG) for 2010 is to pay myself to take a vacation #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – Just one? Well, I’m leaving behind a steady paycheck, so I guess its simply to succeed. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	q2 BHAG – I think that would be the new book I’m working on with @barrymoltz. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q2 If I could get at least one more community running a version of the promotion I developed this summer #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@scoblitz Were it that I could!! #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q2 Biggest goal is to make 2010 the year online endeavors reach the level of income that self-employment reality not dream. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@BeckyMcCray Hi Becky – congrads about the book, that’s awesome! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q2 – Feel like a jill of many trades now (out of necessity) – would be a real BHAG for me to create a tightly focused career path. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Q2 To figure out “What’s Next” #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@lindadessau I’m already doing what I love so that’s marked “DONE” #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q2 – Reaching my preferred level of work flow automation. Wouldn’t take rocket science but it’s quite a journey ahead. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@adriarichards Awesome! #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@BeckyMcCray Howdy Becky.. this can’t be your first time on #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q2 Travel to 3 locations outside the US — Q2 What is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for 2010? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2 I have a goal, but there are many paths to “it” and just what “it” is could take many forms. #sbbuzz
Jillfoster:	@pmohara Thx you so much! Great seeing you. It’s great too being with the #sbbuzz mojo finally. Thx for helping us all convene.
pmohara:	My BHAG would be triple size of @batchblue & an office space on the boat (so I guess a boat needed, too…) #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@JoeCascio I’ve been to just a few #sbbuzz chats. I was even the guest once!
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz Sounds like my kind of goal. Finding that I just have to bite down on a thing or two and see if it tastes good. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@adriarichards Well, let me know if one of them is Toronto, Canada – we’ll meet for coffee #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@lindadessau Cool I knew I was going to like this chat #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q2 – whatever the BHAG is, it will take time and money, something not always easily available to the small biz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What are you going to stop doing in 2010? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@lindadessau Toronto. You’re just on the other side of the lake from me. Too bad about that fast ferry. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q3 Stop giving away too much for free and stop wasting time on doubts… #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@pmohara Q2 I know a VP of Technology that would +1 for the boat #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q3 – What am I going to stop doing in 2010? Great question!! Saying to yes to the wrong things, just for the $ or out of habit. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – Going to stop working at the family business. Also going to stop making excuses and wasting time. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q3 Stop accepting work simply because someone will pay. New Factors: enjoyment, strategy and client fun level #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q3 I’m cutting down on standalone websites for clients, in favor of more integrated marketing projects. #sbbuzz
Chris_Hendricks:	My 3 BHAG is to remodel home, buy a new car, and travel to Norway… #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@bradfordshimp Yeah, that ferry was cool – I took it once on a drive to Pennsylvania. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@lindadessau we’re matching on that answer! #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q3 – Definitely will do more analytics to identify inefficiencies and hopefully come up with thoughtful solutions to stop waste #sbbuzz
Jillfoster:	To launch video/audio series on the funny + fearful “adventures” of public speaking, RT @sbbuzz: Q2 What is your BHAG for 2010? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen I think the gentle rocking of a boat would put me to sleep every afternoon. Come to think of it, great place for an office! #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q3 – Stop wasting time with fun online things that don’t really help further goals. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@adriarichards Very cool. I could also relate to what you said about what you’re really good at versus what you can do. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q3 – To stop worrying about things that are beyond my control & utilizing the energy for working toward my goals. Real zen, huh? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q3: What a great question – we focus so much on adding more we don’t think about what we can take away. #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Q3 What are you going to stop doing in 2010? Using Sharepoint or MS Office. Google Apps all the way! #sbbuzz
shashib:	BHAG for 2010 is to get 50k fans for our facebook page http://bit.ly/nsfb #sbbuzz
nyasha:	RT @adriarichards: Q3 Stop accepting work simply because someone will pay. New Factors: enjoyment, strategy and client fun level #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	RT @ginabee: Q3 – To stop worrying about things that are beyond my control & utilizing the energy for working toward my goals. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I think I’ll add another BHAG – to find more ways to team up with people to bring about mutual success. I love doing that! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 Stop trying to solve new problems in old ways. Need to come up with new ways more often. #sbbuzz
shashib:	@ginabee good advice #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 How do you communicate your goals to your team? #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Doing #sbbuzz for the first time. Interesting Twitter + crowdsource + businesshttp://sbbuzz.wordpress.com/instructions
lindadessau:	RT @pmohara: Q3 Stop trying to solve new problems in old ways. Need to come up with new ways more often. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@adriarichards Loving your answers! If work isn’t fun, what’s the point? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@shashib Thanks – now comes the hard part…implementation! #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q4 Communicate Goals: write them down daily, tell people, repeat them aloud, review daily, RememberTheMilk.com #sbbuzz
jescarter:	Checking out #sbbuzz. Interesting conversation going on now.
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – I just kinda put my goals out there. Sometimes I have to adjust. Having feedback on them makes them more realistic. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q4 I have this amazing telepathic connection to my team, I just think it and he knows about it right away. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	RT @adriarichards: Q3 Stop accepting work simply because someone will pay. New Factors: enjoyment, strategy and client fun level #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	@bradfordshimp I agree finding more people w/similiar biz that want to share/network would really help further goals. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q4 Since I work with other independent contractors, I need to improve how I communicate goals to the whole team. #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q4 – meeting or personal communication; working on more formal methods and cloud-like solutions #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@mriggen yes, you die in life if work isn’t fun #livingdead. I quit my job cold turkey. Never looked back #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q4 – My team is all virtual…so communication is via webchat, phone and email oh except the kids I just yell at them or IM them #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@annaleeblysse Yeah, this is a big growth generator and something that more of us need to tap in to. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 I’ll be setting up some phone meeting to chat with team members about 2010 goals. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@BeckyMcCray Have you tried Basecamp, Activecollab or RememberTheMilk to communicate team goals? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@leoraw Leora, there you are! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@adriarichards Ah, thats about where I’m at. Looking forward to not looking back! #sbbuzz
TammyMunson:	My intro – Tammy , social media director for Jane Wayne gear and freelance social media content producer , army wife #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@lindadessau Hi – got distracted by family life – then I saw it was way past 8 pm! Enjoying reading all the ideas. #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	@beckymccray Google Sites might also be a nice company portal through which to communicate to employees #sbbuzz
jescarter:	Q4: Team is independent contractors, geographically dispersed, so mostly use email, chat and sometimes phone to stay connected. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@TammyMunson Hi gf! We have to take time to catch up soon! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@TammyMunson Hi Tammy! Just jump in, we’re rolling away talking about goals etc. for 2010 #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 Start by opening up a discussion, so I just added an agenda item to next week’s team meeting RE: 2010 goals. #sbbuzz
TammyMunson:	@Patrysha absolutely!!! its been AGES!!!!!!!! lol #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q4 – As a solo biz, I still have to go thru the process of identifying & articulating my goals to myself & doing things toward them #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 How are you going to track progress on achievement of your goals? #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@shanemacsays I like the idea of using Google Apps to replace other software! Told this to someone using expensive custom software. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 I’m going to stay accountable by working with a coach and other support team members. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q5 Do I have to track progress? Can’t I just get the boat? #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q5 – through customer satisfaction rates, employee satisfaction, and analytical measures #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@ginabee Amen. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q5 I have a monthly check in with my Board of Advisors, a group of peers. We cheer each other on, and hold each other accountable. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q5 My goals are on my blog’s “About” page. I move items from “To Do” to “Completed” for all to see #sbbuzz
TammyMunson:	we use conf calls, basecamp and virtual conf rooms to establish goals and communicate on their progress #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Q4 No such thing as overcommunicating. Group Dump > Email Recap > Indivdual follow ups > Group dump, again #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q5 Toodledo allows me to attach tasks to goals but I’ve not used that function – should dig in to it before year end. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q5 – I plan to look monthly at where I am at. If I am not where I want to be, I will need to figure what to fix. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@adriarichards I like that! I’d like to see your ‘About’ page and how you list your goals. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@BeckyMcCray that sounds great – how did you form that group? Is it virtual? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q5 Regular review is critical – so easy to lose sight of goals in day to day grind. #sbbuzz
KevinShopTab:	Q5 – ShopTab prides itself on its direct customer relations for customer service and app help! using social media to stay in touch!! #sbbuzz
jescarter:	Q5: Using short- and long-term plans. Periodically evaluate progress against them. For online goals, google analytics. #sbbuzz
RubisSolutions:	Check out hashtag #sbbuzz for conversations about Small Business Chat http://fb.me/6jfjTS8 (via @netsolcares)
TammyMunson:	Q5 surveys, social media metrics, and customer satisfaction #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q5 My big gaudy thermometer, monthly review sessions & my bank account #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q5 – I’m already pretty adept at goal setting. The kick in the pants to achieve them will come from coach & myself working together. #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	.@leoraw http://butyoureagirl.com/about/#goals #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q6 Who do you ask to help you achieve your goals? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@beckymcray That does sound good indeed. One of my goals is to develop out a group that can encourage each other. #sbbuzz
StuffSmart:	@sbbuzz Q5 surveys, social media, and customer satisfaction surveys #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q5 – I use POD company @Zazzle services and they keep great recorts I just keep basics off line. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@ginabee How did you find your coach? Any suggestions? #sbbuzz
StuffSmart:	sbbuzz Q6 other people in my field #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@pmohara The advisory board came out of SOBCon08, and is all virtual. http://bit.ly/YYnHN #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q6 – employees, personal contacts, family, God #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q6 Life Coach, SCORE mentors, peer mentors, God, Twitter — Who do I get help from to achieve goals? #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@adriarichards Nice! Long. I like your goal to visit Jerusalem – well worth it! I also do web technology work. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q6 – Ah, not enough people. I tend to try on my own when I should be asking for help at every turn. There is power in collaboration. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q6 Who do I ask for help to achieve my goals? God, my coach, and other support team members. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	Q6 – Everyone…lol…lots of ppl I tap for expertise, support, inspiration…whatever I need #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@bradfordshimp The board is very, very positive. Highly recommended! #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q6 husband, friends, current clients, new ppl I meet via Twitter or in person in New Jersey – sometimes my kids help me! #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q6 – Friends, relatives … word-of-mouth … Example: if I send you a mug will you tell people where you got it. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q6 – Not enough people! I tend to isolate myself. Well, just my wonderful sweetie @scoblitz & he’s probably tired of it by now! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q5 Getting proper metrics reporting in place, pulling data from various different places to make it easier to analyze. #sbbuzz
crussell6481:	@sbbuzz #sbbuzz mentors
jescarter:	Q6: For help to achieve goals? I ask God, peer mentors, myself and wise friends. #sbbuzz
TammyMunson:	Q6 — depends on the area that needs to be address… usually someone with real expertise iin that area #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Me, too! RT @bradfordshimp: Q6 I tend to try on my own when I should ask for help at every turn. There is power in collaboration #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q6 – Interesting theme. Most of us don’t ask other people to help us achieve our goals. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q6 @ginabee helps me out a lot. We make a good team. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q7 Lastly, how did you do with your 2009 goals? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@scoblitz, @ginabee, you guys are lucky #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@scoblitz Yeah, mushy stuff aside, we really do compliment one another. #sbbuzz
StuffSmart:	@sbbuzz Q7 Lastly, how did you do with your 2009 goals? Met and exceded them #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@sbbuzz Q7 Went in a completely different direction than I intended, but richer for it #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Hey! I want to point out we haven’t discussed any technology items yet #lastquestion #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Q7 – I did really well with 2009 goals, topped most of them. A few I just barely made. And one is going to go down to the wire! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q7: I was hoping to plan them in tonight’s chat! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q7 – Didn’t go far enough fast enough, but got a good start on things in 2009. Really a year of learning. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Q6 customers , really – my goals start and end with customers #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q9 How did I do with my 2009 goals? I fell short on the earnings – got very distracted mid-year and took some time to bounce back. #sbbuzz
ChrisKrysinski:	Q7 – goals were achieved slower in 2009, would blame the restrictive economy #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Quick hello to #sbbuzz tonight … I wish I could be there , I miss it, but at least I can wave on my way between places … best wishes!
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz Nice. I was going to go for something like that, but you nailed it! #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Q7 In some ways I did great in 2009, with new clients and networking, but wish it were more. So I give myself a B+ for goals #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@bradfordshimp Q7 That’s just what I was going to say – I learned TONS in 2009 and grew a LOT (including some growing pains). #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@Timberry Hi Tim! Bye Tim ! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry Hello. Could have used your wisdom on planning for 2010! See you around. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@Timberry Thanks for checking in! Nice to see your smiling face. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@adriarichards Some nights are more tech than others. Sorry if you expected something else – feel free to make suggestions for next #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	Q7 How did I do for Goals in 2009? #walkingonsunshine #beyondwildestdreams #sbbuzz
annaleeblysse:	Q7 – I met level of sales/growth that I’d set. Seemed like a lot at the time. Chipped away one month at time & made it. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	2009 goals? Wait, let me twitters search what they were again… #sbbuzz
chadweinman:	Hello – i’m tragically late. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@Timberry Howdy! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q7- Goal was status quo & ended up with a load of unrealized potential !Never could have guessed this is where I’d be at this point! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Pitch: How to write a top 10 article that will demonstrate your expertise to prospective customershttp://snipr.com/t1pw5 #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q7 2009 was a challenging year, but one of learning and one of good progress in a few key areas. Bring on 2010! #sbbuzz
adriarichards:	@pmohara ah. will do. This was fun. I’m just a geek so I love to talk techie! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I am CSO of Idea Anglers. I want to invite everyone here over to the new site and the free beta membership - http://bit.ly/7AiCfm #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	President of @m2volt (web dev and marketing) and I am a wedding singer/musician on the weekends.. #sbbuzz
AegeanLou:	@sbbuzz Q6 I ask those who have practical experience in leading from the front. #sbbuzz

Summary December 1, 2009: Holiday Promotions and Celebration

Summary from December 1, 2009

Topic: Holiday promotion ideas, celebration and gifts.

sbbuzz:	Tonight we are sharing ideas for holiday promotions, celebrations and gifts. Send me any ?s you want included in the chat. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@andreayap where? I’m in SW Fairfield County #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@pmohara Haha. When you say it like that I think maybe I should start a restaurant chain with that name. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Yet to be seen, I guess… #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 What holiday promotions or giveaways are you doing? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 I’m sending out a special audio surprise (shhhh – it’s me singing a holiday tune) #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Is it December all ready? Dang, that sneaks up an a person! Especially a marketeer #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz Q1 What holiday promotions or giveaways are you doing? Free Shipping Is King
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp I have a Bubba Gump image on that for some reason…. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	I’ve already mailed gifts to my clients w handwritten note, success book and notebook with company logo. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	ah, Ripple100 Will Design Your Micromarketing Campaign In 30 Minutes, Free: http://bit.ly/8wt5NR#sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1 We’re doing custom-designed hot beverage transporters. Also trying to work something up with a cool card company… #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1 In the past I’ve tried to tie promotions to new PCs and such but with little success so I don’t really market the holiday #sbbuzz
iheartdesign:	@sbbuzz free shipping for sweet tooth jewelry with code freeship09 online at sweettoothdesigns.com #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@merylevans I think you are at the wrong chat. This one is for the procrastinators! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Not sure yet. Thinking I will come up with something on Christmas Eve when I do the rest of my Christmas shopping. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Hello #sbbuzz ers! Sorry I’m a little late. Desiree Scales from Bella Web Design here.
merylevans:	@pmohara Heh! I did food early on, but feared food allergies and special diets. So try to do books. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Hi Desiree, you look different. Maybe its just my glasses. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@bradfordshimp Brad you need to smile in your picture! I like the glasses though #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	@pmohara @merylevans I think you are at the wrong chat. This one is for the procrastinators! #REDtime for an over achiever flag #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q1 I think we’re going paperless this year and sending videos to our clients via http://is.gd/59txT Any thoughts? #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@sbbuzz Q1 Gearing up to promote a small biz marketing year plan program #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Oh LOL. Very funny. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen Hey, that is a smile. Oh, and would you like to borrow a razor? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Supporting World AIDS Day today. Doing my part. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	Q1 cookies if I get them done – if not, clients want to know why I didn’t LOL #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@mriggen @bradfordshimp or grow a mustache – they seem to be all the rage #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@mriggen I agree, a smile would be a very nice addition to the glasses. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q2 Do you do anything special for your customers at the holidays or on anniversaries? What do you do? #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@merylevans I like that idea. I usually do food but should have thought of allergies. Making a note for next year – books! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Oops – Q2 Do you do anything special for your customers at the holidays or on anniversaries? What do you do? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Surprise visits from Santa would be great for your videos. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Bring your suit! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@desireescales I like the idea of a video. We did a fun one last year on our blog. Going to try & do something like that again. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	I’m tempted to put up the picture where I’m not smiling… #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@bradfordshimp @scoblitz I guess it’s change my avatar night! #Movember is so yesterday! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@mriggen Very cool. We might give a donation to a great cause in our client’s names. Thinking aloud here. Well, over here that is. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@sbbuzz Q2 Cards for everyone and little personalized gifts for the ones I am close to #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@mriggen Let it be known I was following you and I am again. I never meant to leave you! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@desireescales That’s such a nice idea (and good to see you, by the way!) #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz FYI, babies make terrible interview subjects (though cute!) http://bit.ly/8WaWjI #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What plans do you have for holiday celebrations or gifts for your staff/vendors (we promise not to tell)? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@lindadessau Nice to “see” you too? (Read you?) #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@pmohara I think everyone stopped to watch the video! CUTEEEE!!! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@desireescales Read you – loud and clear (?) #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q3: Healthy Christmas bonuses! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@desireescales Thanks for letting it be known! I don’t worry about that stuff too much, so no worries #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – I am not really a fan of parties. And I hate secret santa, sorry. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@lindadessau Get it? Read not see… ha ha #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz Q# staff/consultants are getting prepaid wii cards, since I know they all have one.
pmohara:	@desireescales I know I did! #sbbuzz
lovingunme:	@lindadessau Get it? Read not see… ha ha #sbbuzz: @lindadessau Get it? Read not see… ha ha #sbbuzz http://bit.ly/6U0PqG
desireescales:	@mriggen Now I’m wondering if @pmohara got “unfriended” too. I’ll have to check! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q3 My boss doesn’t give me anything – he can be sort of a scrooge… #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz At least he smiles in his picture… #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@lovingunme Nice. Yer blocked. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@scoblitz Are you kidding? My boss already bought my present and I deserved every diamond in it! Tee hee! #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q3 – I once worked for NASA. Their annual holiday calendar one year excluded Christmas but included “Bodhi Day.” #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q3 We’re hoping to work with Providence Geeks to do a food drive again this year as a team. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales I don’t think she was smiling either. Thankfully TweetChat can block those out. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q3 For my “staff of one”, perhaps a few days off and some spa time – well-deserved. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q3 – My organization at NASA had a Christmas party that year that took up most of the building – it was join in or take vacation. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 – you saw our annual holiday party. Cookie baking with the kiddos. We usually to do a grown-up celebration post holidays. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Been trying to send annual gifts earlier in the year to show I appreciate them year-round, not holiday season. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Salvator will be flowing friday, dec 18 at stroke of 4. my latest find and now fave beer: http://bit.ly/4Q3rEv#sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp It was kind of funny though in a sick sort of way. Still deserves el-blocko. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q3 – this year, as principal of my own start-up, I have tweets that, if RTd, will lead to a free gift. “Holiday” gift though. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@mriggen I love that idea. Thoughtful ways to mark the holidays are much more meaningful and make better memories than “stuff” #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Its weird spam. It seems to be triggered by certain phrases. What a waste of everyone’s time. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q3: Its hard with people working in different states. We’re going to try and have a get together after the holidays, in spring. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	4 comments down – oh how i love thee – a man’s testimonial on how bocks converted his wifehttp://bit.ly/4Q3rEv #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@andreayap Ooo, beer recommendations! That’s a good one! Thanks for the tip. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@desireescales Way to go, that’s the spirit! Diamonds are a girl’s best friend #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q5 What do you do to personally & professionally to re-energize this time of the year? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Ack – Q5 What do you do to personally & professionally re-energize this time of the year? #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q5 I don’t think I’m gonna re-energize this time. Hubs laid off, so constantly on edge as freelance sole-breadwinner. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales seems to want a free gift. Wrong one to RT though. LOL #sbbuzz
shipwire:	q3) Given the economy & need…we are going to make a donation in vendor/customer name. lottery to pick the charity. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Q5 In fact, I felt guilty throughout Thanksgiving break for not working. It would not be the case if he hadn’t lost his job. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q5 – This time of year is all about family. Spending time with them, especially the kids, re-energizes and re-focuses me. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Is this me or what? http://is.gd/59upF #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 I look back at the gifts, accomplishments and lessons of this year, and ahead to my goals for next year #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 At least you got this joke. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@merylevans Sorry to hear that you’re feeling so much pressure #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Dang. Missed Q4. There’s a separate discussion of Q2 started at http://bit.ly/bizbasics – but I bet it’s everywhere. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Bring on the bling!! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q5: I knit, get a massage, rinse, repeat. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales, THIS joke? There have been others? #sbbuzz
AndrewNim:	@sbbuzz #sbbuzz This is my first year as a company, so thinking about best way to send out cheer, newsletter, cards, ecards….
desireescales:	@merylevans DM me and let me know what he’s looking for. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q5 – Professionally, I am changing gears on focusing much more heavily on my blog, so its not all play, no work this holiday. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q5 – there is only one thing I want. Only one thing that can re-energize. A day or two with my kids. That present, I may not get. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@rongraham1 Actually – here’s Q4 Do you participate (as a business) in any community events during the holidays? #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Q5 write every greeting card like i mean it, no hallmark cliches #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q5 I’m feeling re-energized by the start of my brand new freelance writing biz, WriteyTidy. Should keep me focused thru holidays! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q5 We put a lot of thought and effort in to our family holiday gifts which gives us a lot of joy this time of year. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Q4 is a good question. I wish I were doing more. There are a couple soup kitchens. Maybe I can pitch in. Yeah. Not a bad idea. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@ginabee Congrats and good luck on your new venture! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@merylevans Sorry to hear that Meryl. What line of work is he in? Maybe we can help… #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	Q5 heightened awareness to reach out and offer help, support, joy to others #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q4 #sbbuzz We donate a day to cook and deliver for elder care meals.
rongraham1:	@ginabee, I’d be interested in hearing more about your venture – maybe outside of this. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@TNSinc Nice! Tomorrow is my first shift (this year) playing music for an Out of the Cold program – my 4th or 5th year now. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	@merylevans what can we do to help, Meryl? (been there done that – you both will be in our prayers) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Sorry for rapid fire Q4 & Q5 – this shortened time slot has me packing them in. #sbbuzz
merylevans:	@mriggen Thanks, all. He’s IT mgr/PM/sys engineer who has done it all except software development. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q5: Our church does a Kidsmas for Women’s Shelters in the area for kids who are “hiding” from abusers. We always volunteer. #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q5 #sbbuzz I personally recharge after the holidays, since my retail clients suck my brain dry at this time.
merylevans:	@TNSinc I love that! and @desireescales kidsmas. Very nice. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@desireescales Thanks so much! It’s my gift to myself, a long time coming. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q5 Sending coffee to local troops, donating coats, clothes, food, delivering meals. And lots of family time. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q5 Holidays mean lots of crafts projects (that will be presents) with the kids & holiday baking. That re-energizes me. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@ginabee Owning a business is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Its hard work but worth every minute. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@mriggen, you must be doing that coffee thing via Borders. They’re selling a bag ten feet away from me now. LOL #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@rongraham1 That would be great! I look forward to hearing from you. What’s the best way to connect? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Agreed! RT @desireescales: Owning a business is one of greatest gifts you can give yourself. Its hard work but worth every minute. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@desireescales @ginabee She saw all of the fun I was having… #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@ginabee, follow me and let me return follow, for starters. LOL #sbbuzz
andreayap:	this year miami and key west – want to road trip via Charleston, Savannagh, but wife wants to jet blue it from JFK #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@desireescales Absolutely, especially when you feel the work you’re doing is your true calling. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@scoblitz Funny! My daughter asked me if I was glad I was done working today. I said, nope, I was having fun. She about fainted! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@andreayap I like your plan better. Cookies shmookies. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@rongraham1 okey dokey #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Wow – we’ve already hit Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about you and your business. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@rongraham1 No, my mom’s coffee company actually (brownjenkins.com) But if I were there, I’d drink Borders (don’t tell my mom)! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz went quick this week! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Pitch: eSeMBe offers efficiency focused technology solutions for micro-biz http://esembe.comWe help you get things done! #sbbuzz
andreayap:	@pmohara @TNSinc the problem with road trip is the drive back. auto train? hmmm, honey! #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz I have to go do some client care, All of you writers on here please DM me, I have a project in the works launching in 6 wks.
bradfordshimp:	http://AllBizAnswers.com provides advice for small biz owners. Now offering advertising with a twisthttp://bit.ly/7P3nCk #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@scoblitz Sure did – my first but I’ll be back! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	How to write a top 10 article that will demonstrate your expertise to prospective customershttp://snipr.com/t1pw5 – pitch time on #sbbuzz
janapyx:	@sbbuzz little office, specialized in procurement and promotion abroad. trade shows, events, services from and to Brazil. 5 year old.#sbbuzz
desireescales:	I’m pitching @rongraham1 tonight. Entrepreneur, Writer, Engineer, Teacher, Big Talker, Joker. Great bloghttp://is.gd/59ve2 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	This 1 hour stuff is a piece of cake. I am used to pushing through the tired to stay up for the great content for 2 hours. #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@sbbuzz an integrated marketing consultant specializing in small town small business and cooperative marketing efforts #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Me 2! But I’m glad its shorter. I can go knit now! #sbbuzz
merylevans:	Pitching my husband was plenty #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Pitch: WriteyTidy’s my name and turning out tidy text is my game. I have a passion for prose – Let me write for you! writeytidy.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	If Desiree is pitching Ron, then I’ll pitch her great Media Connection interview. Watch it here and learn -//-http://bit.ly/8GjN2J #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@merylevans Aw! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales I can’t believe you knitted that sweater. You’ve got the skills! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Pitch-o. I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom and I make up words to confuse @andreayap. Plus work @batchblue software. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Pitch. OK. I finally have a start-up of my own, and the Web site in a day or two. In the meantime,http://companies.to/SHS on FB. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Good night everyone. See you next week! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue – social CRM for small businesses & Twitter conversation starter. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Thanks….7 years of mad skillz dude. I might make you a hat one day if you’re nice… #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Thanks for another fun chat, everyone! Good night! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales Oh, I’m nice, its badboyshrimp you need to watch out for. #sbbuzz

Summary November 24, 2009: Tech We’re Thankful For

Summary for November 24, 2009:

Topic: Tech you are thankful for.

sbbuzz:	Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	The #sbbuzz small business chat is starting – topic is tech you’re thankful for. Seehttp://sbbuzz.biz/instructions for how to participate
shipwire:	Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz#sbbuzz
TNSinc:	#sbbuzz TNS – Small Business Marketing Mentor.
jasondetar:	Hello everyone, new to twitter, hosting company small business owner, SCORE counselor #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	This is Anita Campbell, Editor of Small Business Trends – nice to join you all tonight. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Hi I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom from BatchBlue Software. We make BatchBook, a social CRM for small businesses & entrepreneurs. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@jasondetar Hi Jason, welcome to the Twittersphere! #sbbuzz
shipwire:	hey all. U.S. and international ecommerce order fulfillment provider. Nate G is manning twitter right now for #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi All – Scott Blitstein of eSeMBe – small biz solution provider, tech and blogger guy. #sbbuzz
SharonMc:	Hi everyone work in PR, previous chamber of commerce staffer, my biz:marketing and education for solopreneurs/small biz owners #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	INTRO: I’m Cathy Larkin PR Pro of 20 yrs lets her inner geek girl out to help promote your business & make technology easy #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	#sbbuzz Nate Robertson founder of Ascend Technology Services supporting IT for small biz
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue and the hostess of #sbbuzz chat. Welcome all!
dmourey:	Hi all, this is deborah I am a SCORE counselor and principal of consulting co, help small biz every day #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@CathyWebSavvyPR We love inner geek girls #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	#sbbuzz Craig here, based in Auckland, in the business of business development and new media and still on the never ending learning curve
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@mriggen I often say Social Media allowed me to let my inner geek girl out of the closet to play…ahem work ; ) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight’s episode is inspired by last year’s “What I’m Thankful For” article by favorite tech writer @scoblitz http://bit.ly/zWHI #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	Hi all! I’m Dave, partner in DesigningInteractive.com and Prfessor.com (hopefully tech someone is thankful for). #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 What business technology are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
gdevore:	Hello, Greg DeVore from Blue Mango Learning Systems, we develop ScreenSteps #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	Laura here from @virtualbiz4u founder of Virtual Business Solutions Joomla and WordPress Consultant who helps small biz everyday #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q1: I’m most thankful for the internet & computers. #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@craignetworker nice site, reminds me that I’m very thankful for online webinars & being able to connect virtually very easy now #sbbuzz
OnSiteStudios:	@sbbuzz I’m most thankful for the internet – a most amazing communications network. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Well, I’m thankful for Prfessor, @dgoerlich! #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q1 – #sbbuzz I am thankful for open source CMS platforms.
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1 Well Twitter is an obvious one, right? Also gmail & Google in general. We use tons of their stuff @batchblue. #sbbuzz
SharonMc:	Most thankful for mobile technology – allows me to work anywhere, better life balance #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	#sbbuzz the CRM software would have to be the greatest asset to any business, without it we would be endlessly chasing tails (tales)
shipwire:	agree @mriggen Very happy for google apps 4 domain. More thankful for that when a laptop fails. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I’m thankful for my Blackberry. I could not run my business on my own schedule without that mobility. #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	Q1 – #sbbuzz Over the last few months I’ve really learned to love @Xobni
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz wow – honored to have inspired an sbbuzz chat. My choices from last year still stand – with one addition. #sbbuzz
cjdub:	Q1 – I couldn’t survive without my Google Calendar’s email and SMS updates. #sbbuzz
gdevore:	@sbbuzz – I am a big fan of Zendesk right now. Really works well for help desk. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	Top 3 for me: Basecamp, AgileZen and HootSuite. Wouldn’t be nearly as effective without those tools. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A1: I’m thankful 4 WordPress, Twitter, Cell Phones/Skype, Gmail/Google cal. ping.fm, http://bit.ly, www.Delicious.com #sbbuzz
jasondetar:	Well I’d have to say the Internet as it’s what allows me to have my business, and to work anywhere (even #panerabread)! #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	Most thankful for remote technology like google docs,pcanywhere to name a few so I can work anywhere #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@natecrobertson what’s @Xobni? #sbbuzz
shipwire:	Thankful for user generated content. Blog posts, forums and the ability to get the story out or flesh the topic out. #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	We are also finding Google Wave to be a very useful tool as well. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	A1: I have become a big WordPress fan – love setting up WP sites for clients. #sbbuzz
brightbiz:	Most thankful for my iPhone and mobile technology in general, means I can work on the go and clients are always taken care of! #sbbuzz
shipwire:	Also really thankful for Atlassian’s Jira. Great project management technology. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Also agree w/@shipwire & @mriggen that google apps and cloud apps come in a close second. Hardware shmardware. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	@dgoerlich how do you use Google Wave? I am new to playing with it. #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@dgoerlich got any extra invites (you saw that one coming didn’t you?) #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	@CathyWebSavvyPR @Xobni is an Outlook addin that helps you organize your email and integrate with social media sites #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A1: also I think Batchbook looks very interesting Cust Rel Mngr meets Social Media connections. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@dgoerlich REALLY! Very interesting. I still find Google Wave to be a bit..crushing. Did it take long to get adoption? #sbbuzz
gdevore:	@dgoerlich How do you use Google Wave? We have started using it as a wiki of sorts. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@dgoerlich Agree, It will be more effective once more people get invites and up to speed on Google Wave #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@dgoerlich Are you using wave in your business? What are you using it for? #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	@leoraw We are using it for team collaboration that isn’t directly project or product related. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	First question in #sbbuzz chat: what technology are you thankful for? Answers include: CMS, mobile tech, Google Apps, Zendesk, Basecamp
dgoerlich:	@shipwire Sorry – no invites yet. But yea, saw that coming.. hehehe. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz re: Google Wave. Came across this week at Web 2.0, good for starters: completewaveguide.com #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	@CathyWebSavvyPR http://bit.ly/6WCd8F #sbbuzz
shipwire:	For the service industry/hourly billing types I’ve been hearing great stuff about @freshbooks for invoicing #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@pmohara I am just startig t use Google wave in it’s simplest form to collaborate on editing documents with clients. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: For technology in general – my mobile broadband card gets me connected anywhere – lets me at the web tools I use. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@natecrobertson Thx, but I don’t use outlook. I use Gmail on my PC laptop and Entorage on my older MAC destoop. #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	@mriggen Headline post on our blog right now- 10 Tips to Better Google Wave Conversations.http://ow.ly/FnF3 #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	#sbbuzz first impression of Google Wave was underwhelming, good collaborative tool and ahead of its time six months ago. but…
natecrobertson:	I can confirm that @freshbooks is a great product that makes invoicing and billing SO much easier #sbbuzz
shipwire:	Very thankful for the SaaS business model. Without it Shipwire wouldn’t be in business. Paying for what you use…Great model! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@shipwire We use @freshbooks & love them. Of course, they’re a biz partner of ours but we wouldn’t partner unless product was great! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What business advice are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@dgoerlich Thanks for link! Favorited to check out ! #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Tech I love includes iPod Touch (personal entertainment system when traveling) and HP MIni netbook (easier than lugging full laptop) #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	@shipwire totally agree on SaaS model. That’s what our business is founded upon. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	A1 “Do a little for each client to make them feel like you hear them when you have a lot going on” #sbbuzz
andreayap:	My thankyou funnel: web > google; open source; LAMP; mantis; social media; > ripple100 #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	@smallbiztrends agree -mini netbook is so much easier to lug then full laptop #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Just joining in #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1 Also love Skype – allows me to see & talk to my kids every morning when I’m traveling. Hugely important. #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q2 – #sbbuzz The most meaningful advice I ever received was the simplest, under promise and over deliver.
dgoerlich:	@hootsuite just deployed some really cool updates this AM. Heck of a tool. I’m using it exclusively as my twitter client. #sbbuzz
gdevore:	@mriggen can you use Freshbooks for recurring billing on a SASS product? #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	A2 That Microsoft was built during a recession so think BIG #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
shipwire:	KISS – Keep it Simple Stupid. words to live and design by. @tnsinc bravo “under promise, over deliver” #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	A1 tech I love-iPhone, paperless doc mgrs #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	Best Advice: When you own the business, you don’t do what your business does. You are in sales first and foremost. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@gdevore Hmm..not sure. @freshbooks, you listening ? #sbbuzz
SharonMc:	Best biz advice I received: seek out an experienced mentor #sbbuzz
jasondetar:	Q2: The best advice I ever got was to be completely honest in everything, and to never allow bridges to be burnt. #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	A1 Quickbooks Online for keeping up with billable hours #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	#sbbuzz Q2: Achieving goals by dusting off the strategic plan. Make it relevant and make it part of your daily business activity
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A1 advice from @GetResults a client,/friend/mentor (30 yrs biz exper). “keep the pipeline full” always have work in the pipeline #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@mriggen agree on Skype…saves a fortune when we’re dealing with overseas customers. Also great for customer support. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2 Selling is like shaving, if you don’t do it every day you’re a bum #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	@CathyWebSavvyPR absolutely – pipeline is your lifeline! Another Q2 answer from me: “Coffee is for closers.” #sbbuzz
pmohara:	My favorite advice came on #sbbuzz from @MikeMcDerment who said business success comes from “1000 tiny victories”
andreayap:	Q2 – Best biz advice came from pops: find what you love and don’t worry about money #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Second question posed in #sbbuzz small biz chat: What business advice are you most thankful for?
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2: At Amazon.com, was told to “go explore the Internet” (in 1997). Haven’t stopped since. And agree with @andreayap #sbbuzz
shipwire:	Great answers @andreayap @scoblitz (lol, loce that one), @cathywebsavvypr (very very true) #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	A2- best advice, don’t let ‘em see you sweat. If you act confident, client will have confidence in you. #sbbuzz
gdevore:	Q2: Winston Churchill – “Never, never, never, never give up.? Unless of course you run out of money #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	A2 – It’s not what you know but who you know. Not who you know but who knows you. Networking is a very powerful tool. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	@curtisgray and @RGreenberg – so you two are both MiFi fans. They are handy, aren’t they? #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Yeah, but money can be found RT @gdevore: Q2:Churchill-”Never, never, never, never give up.? Unless of course you run out of money #sbbuzz
mikesekine:	@sbbuzz Q2 Keep it simple and don’t be afraid to outsource! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What business decision are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
shipwire:	BRAVO PART II RT @mikesekine: @sbbuzz Q2 Keep it simple and don’t be afraid to outsource! #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Q3 To leave the world of being someone’s employee and go out on my own full time for good. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	“Find your passion, not $” transcends tactical, even strategic – the only reason i can endure is i LOVE my work/vocation #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	A3 – The decision to leave my full time job and run my business full time #sbbuzz
gdevore:	Q3: Focus on one thing and do it better than anyone else. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q3 Deciding to work with a biz / marketing coach right when I started. Got me focused and helped define my message. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 that’s a tough one (& I knew it was coming : ). I’d say starting the business, finding my co-founders & finding the right staff. #sbbuzz
shipwire:	Couldn’t find a way to say this better. RT @gdevore: Q3: Focus on one thing and do it better than anyone else. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A2: fav quote: The greatest good you can do 4 another is not just 2 share yr riches but 2 reveal 2 him his own Benjamin Disraeli #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q3 Leaving corporate job when they shut down a new moms’ group I started. They’re out of business, I’m still a mom #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	I’ve gotta agree with the others that have said this – quitting the job and being a full time entrepreneur. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	A3: to keep focusing on my business while almost everyone else I know is job-oriented. And to keep learning, studying. #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Totally Agree Nate RT @natecrobertson A3 – The decision to leave my full time job and run my business full time #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Q3 Pricing my services appropriately. As much as I truly want t o help smbiz, they need to pay for the value I give them. #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Q3 – As startup CEO, best decision is to decide decisively daily #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	@scoblitz Same for me except deciding to take a sales/bd class early on. Helped in so many ways #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A3: Starting my blog. It gives me a way to showcase my knowlege/expererience while helping others and attracting potn’l clients #sbbuzz
dgoerlich:	A3: a close 2nd for me would be the decision to be rabidly protective of ownership of my business. Don’t take on a ton of partners. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A3: also finding the right partners – am working with/forming a couple of virtual agencies. working together as needed on Projs #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Best biz decision for me was to stop consulting part-time & focus on growing my publishing business. Can’t serve two masters forever #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	A3 And continuing to teach. Some of the most fulfilling work I do, and it usually results in a client down the road. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 What business mistake are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
AmyDesmarais:	Q3 – to be persistent and bug my now co-founder @andreayap #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Oops – haven’t made that mistake in a while…try again #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 What business mistake are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	Q3 – Collaborating with others who in the past were regarded as competitors #sbbuzz
shipwire:	A3 making the tough choice not to take a tough customer #sbbuzz
jasondetar:	Q4: failing at my first business, because then I wouldn’t have succeeded at my second. haha #sbbuzz
lutherlowe:	#sbbuzz A1: http://yelp.com/business A2: Don’t solicit feedback; focus on great cust service. It will come organically.
IACEZ:	Oh no, I’m so late! #smbiz #sbbuzz
leoraw:	A4 Difficulty with an early client has helped me be upfront about expectations, clarify before problems arise #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Participating on #sbbuzz so excuse the frequent tweets.
mikesekine:	A4: What mistakes? LOL #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A1: 15 Features of Google Wave| Step by Step: http://bit.ly/8ediLf/ [had 2 find it] #sbbuzz
mariaduron:	#sbbuzz A4: I’m most grateful for the mistake of biz partners – learned what I like, don’t like + what to look out for.
craignetworker:	Q4 – The biggest mistake in business is not admitting you have made a mistake, you fool only yourself #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	Participating on #sbbuzz so excuse the frequent tweets. join us: http://is.gd/52ZJf small biz & technology
IACEZ:	Q1 I am thankful for the Internet in general because without it I would not have my wonderful job! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 My last gig before starting @batchblue was a consulting job to find a good small biz CRM. I failed, so we developed one instead. #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	A4 #sbbuzz The mistakes have been many and everyone has been a learning experience. Pricing services too low @ 1st was a huge learning exp
cpaboise:	A4 Biz mistake really was not-quitting my job right after the big recession bagan in Oct 2008 #sbbuzz
SharonMc:	Q4: Taking on more than I could handle and outsourcing ineffectively. I now take outsourcing very seriously. #sbbuzz
leoraw:	15 Features of Google Wave| Step by Step: http://bit.ly/8ediLf/ via @CathyWebSavvyPR #sbbuzz
jsbagain:	joining late following @CathyWebSavvyPR here…hello! #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q4 – #sbbuzz Mistakes are the best learning tools I have, I make them often!
mariaduron:	#sbbuzz A4: And, the next biggest was taking on ANY customer instead of targeting+ getting only gr8 customers, which is what I do now
TNSinc:	@CathyWebSavvyPR #sbbuzz thanks for finding the google wave step by step guide.
jsbagain:	@mariaduron yes, I call it a carefully currated collection of clients – be picky! #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	A4 Also slacking on collections at first-I don’t do that anymore. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q4 In past, coming in at too low of a salary. I tell younger women to ask for more $. Gives you room to negotiate. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara that one worked out well for me also #sbbuzz
mariaduron:	@jsbagain EXACTLY! Yet, that’s hard to do when UR wanting a client – period. Best lesson – hardest to learn! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	We’ve also made some costly outsourcing mistakes. We now know to understand our need better before outsourcing it . #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A4: “mistake” of spending a year learning/absorbing/reading/experienting w/ ocial Media B4 launching new biz phase. #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@TNSinc no problem, that’s why I love www.Delicious.com – I jsut had to log back in & search. @jsbagain welcome #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	Finding out that everyone DOESN’T know what you do. You have to tell your story, clearly. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 What business resource are you most thankful for? #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@mariaduron Agree. We have a free trial so pull in quite a lot of interest; that doesn’t mean we are not client selective #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@mriggen Agreed, the best time to negotiate a slary is in the hiring process, if done carefullly. there is usually a range #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Taking on too much too soon – and being humbled into relentless focus, 1 battle at a time #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	A4 – Mistake not getting in2 Social Media sooner. hard to imagine that in NZ a huge percentage of SME still dont even have a website #sbbuzz
mariaduron:	#sbbuzz – that’s easy! A5: Computer+the internet =I can do biz anywhere! w00T!
cpaboise:	Q5 No question, it’s my network of biz colleagues and cleints. #sbbuzz
mariaduron:	@shipwire Good point – free trial doesn’t mean UR not selective – I like that! #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Business Resources – Twitter, Facebook, and of course @sbbuzz #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A5: Twitter – I find clients/prospects, biz partners, useful info to keep me up 2 speed,links 2 grt blogs, conversation & friends #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	#twitter has been a blessing. #facebook is who I already know, #twitter is who should I know. #twitterhas been a major resource #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@documaker and @pmohara any tips or exercises that we can teach for people thinking about outsourcing? #sbbuzz
natecrobertson:	A5 My network of contacts/centers of influence/mentors They make doing biz much easier and much more fun #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	Q5 – Most valuable business resource would have to be external advice and mentors. #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	A5 Also SCORE!!! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q5 It’s the people I’ve met through social media. Connecting online and then in real life has been amazing for us. #sbbuzz
shipwire:	q5 – our partners! Without them we would have no where near the effectiveness. We do our piece of the puzzle and so do they. #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	A3 Telecommuting for the last 20 years back when no one knew what they word even meant #sbbuzz
cococompany:	@smallbiztrends #sbbuzz re: biz advice/thankful 4: always have ur atty look things over no matter large or small….
shipwire:	Nice!!! RT @shanemacsays: #facebook is who I already know, #twitter is who should I know. #twitterhas been a major resource #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@shipwire @documaker @pmohara I see a great blog post in the making #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	A5 – blogging” @copyblogger & problogger; small biz @smalbiztrends [client] @SmallBizChat (I’m co-host but I learn a lot) & clients #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q5 Twitter has been huge for me – have met some amazing people and have learned so much from them. #sbbuzz
craignetworker:	@CathyWebSavvyPR have to admit Twitter is a great biz tool. Had a love hate relationship with it for a long time, over that now #sbbuzz
TNSinc:	Q5 #sbbuzz – The most valuable resource I have are my mentors.
jsbagain:	Q5 ease of connection via SM – expanded universe of contacts/other brains! #sbbuzz
andreayap:	@AmyDesmarais – slow, i just GOT your A3 – ya it all started with your bug! #sbbuzz
shanemacsays:	@craignetworker I hear ya, then realize every experience on twitter is unique. Try tell someone the value then they follow garbage #sbbuzz
shipwire:	@mriggen @documaker @pmohara I’m game for that blog post. Lets do it! Learnings to determine if you are ready to outsource! #sbbuzz
jasondetar:	Q5: Well I’m a little biased, but I’d have to say SCORE #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@jsbagain That’s mine too #sbbuzz
virtualbiz4u:	A5 client referrals have been a great resource of continued business #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Now it is our Pitch Time – quick message about yourself and your business, puh-leeze #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	@craignetworker Not me, my inner Geek Girl found Twitter & fell in love. I’ve had 2 get a Twitter restraining oder a few times.. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 For my niche market of coaches, the biz resource I’m most thankful for ishttp://www.newcoachconnection.com #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@mriggen I need to do more of the real life meetups – move the connections away from just online. #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Love these chats, but I gotta go-husband sez dinner’s ready! Til next time… #sbbuzz
shipwire:	thx for a great chat everybody. Plz partner with us for #ecommerce shipping & product fulfillmenthttp://www.shipwire.com/partner #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Sorry to have been so late tonight, was on a conference call – will catch up when the summary is posted! #sbbuzz
lutherlowe:	#sbbuzz A1 same as A5. http://yelp.com/business Great tips/best practices for local businesses & starting point for unlocking free listing.
mriggen:	@scoblitz Definitely, Scott! You are one of our fave “Internet friends”! Need to meet up IRL for sure #sbbuzz
CathyWebSavvyPR:	Pitch: Social Media/PR coach with 20 yrs PR experience, blogging strategy & set up. I can translate from geek speak 2 easy English #sbbuzz
cpaboise:	Pitch-I’ the Boise area’s small business source and resource, Help smbiz grow survive and thrive-tax and smbiz planning a specialty #sbbuzz
IACEZ:	Q5 I agree!! RT @mariaduron: #sbbuzz – that’s easy! A5: Computer+the internet =I can do biz anywhere! w00T!

International Small Business – Summary for November 10th, 2009

With our bee camping out in London this week, we had a very special international guest appear on @sbbuzz chat last week.  James Hallow (@jameshollow) braved the 14 hour time zone difference to tell us a little about international small businesses and to relate his experience with the differences in the Japanese market for products.

Know a small business owner who could use the advice from other small businesses?  Join us!

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on November 17th, 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.

sbbuzz: Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. 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: Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz

• lindadessau: I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters, blogs and article sites http://snipr.com/t1pw5 – Intro for #sbbuzz
• IACEZ: Also joining #sbbuzz tonight for a chat on international small biz efforts!
• lindadessau: @helpbusinesses Hi Jacqueline, nice to see you! #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: We help manage, run, and grow business via onsite & phone consultation #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Hello, Amy here. I do creative services (graphic design, writing, SM, etc) for clients in utilities, education, tech, prof services #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @lindadessau Hi Linda nice to be here, I’ve missed many weeks. Glad to see regular team in place. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Scott from eSeMBe – introducing efficiency focused technology solutions to micro biz. I also write about tech and business. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz Michelle Riggen-Ransom from @batchblue. Did TweetChat get all fancy? “Toggle font”? Must be a British term #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Pamela here from @batchblue and the real life person who dresses up as the bee each week to moderate this chat. #sbbuzz
• IACEZ: Hello everyone! Jessica Routier, IAC-EZ- the online bookkeeping app for small biz. Happy to be here! #sbbuzz
• CSuiteAdvisors: Nancy from @CSuiteAdvisors. CSA supports profl practices and sm biz owners achieve successful growth transitions. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: INTRO: My company alien-eye is a Tokyo based web marketing + localization specialism. I come from UK, 7 yrs in Japan + counting #sbbuzz
• AndrewNim: Hi everyone, I do technical project management, web, systems and some social media for smb’s in NZ. #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: Hi everyone, I’m Tuyen, founder of TeamWork Live, a project tracking tool that helps people juggle a lot of projects. #sbbuzz
• merylevans: Content maven aka writer and editor from Plano, TX, and meryl.net, who helps clients build relationships & pubs inform readers. #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans how are you? #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Tonight’s topic is small business international efforts. Send me any questions you want included in discussion. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Now we will be directing ?s to our guest @jameshollow, CEO of http://alien-eye.com Welcome, James! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz: Everyone feel free to jump in w/thoughts or follow-up ?s (but stay on topic!) #sbbuzz

jameshollow: thanks guys. very cool to be meeting you all like this. fire away! #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q1: What are the greatest challenges to offering your product/service to international customers? #sbbuzz

• merylevans: @helpbusinesses Well, you want the honest answer or the typical answer? You? #sbbuzz
• lamikey: @pmohara turn on your webcam ‘cus i’m not buying it. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: while you all think where to start, I want to highlight the reason that anyone would ever take on another market… #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: Q1: Ours is language barriers at times when the owners do not speak english or their english is not so great. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Opportunity! There is a chance that what you offer has the same or higher value in another market than it does at home. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @jameshollow Q1 interested to hear your perspective. For us it’s timezone for CS; currency; keeping up w/changing countries! #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans I prefer honesty, it does the everyone good. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: I have a client where the CEO/exes are in US; marketing/sales HQ in the UK. Some challenges. Each group thinks “I’m right”. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q1: language is the first one for sure. It creates at least one more step in every process. before that there could be a culture gap #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @helpbusinesses I’m not sure about that… hubs has been laid off. I know he’s not the only one, but we need to get him back to work #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @mriggen Q1: We take all payments on credit cards so that helps out a lot. Some charge int’l fee but U know what U charge #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: depends on the context – translation might be adequate, but usually re-contextualizing the issue into the local culture is better #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @mriggen Q1: I also find many international customers use Amex. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @helpbusinesses Our issue was displaying different currencies within our app. We sorted it out after int’l customers pointed it out! #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: case-stdy: iTunes in japan cannot rely on card payments – manyyoung Japanese don’t have them. here business driven by pre-paid cards #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans In all out troubles there are many opportunities & chances to start over. Look past the trouble & see the answers. #sbbuzz
• AndrewNim: Language is possibly the smaller concern, there are large overseas english speaking markets. Then its contest as @jameshollow says #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans Look far enough and that’s all U’ll see promise. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q2: How do you maintain multilingual translations of your site/product? Any special tricks or tools? #sbbuzz

• mriggen: @jameshollow Re-contextualizing sounds tough. Imagine many small biz can’t open onsite operations, or pay to hire local folks. #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: @jameshollow re-contexualizing a site would be the dream but it seems creating a translated site is an already big undertaking #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @jameshollow I have a client in Russia and I do their editing for them so they can sound good to English speakers. #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: Q2: While we should we dont have our site translated into other languages by click of the option. Most come via reading site as is #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q1: @mriggen recontextualizing is tough. but in many cases it is necessary, even at the business model level. but rewards canbe huge #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @mriggen Glad you worked that out. I can see how it could be over looked. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: Q2 We’ve had requests for Japanese, Spanish and other languages for our help docs etc. May have to do that at some point – others? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @jameshollow joining a bit late. We over storage and shipping for SMB’s in the U.S., Canada and UK. Very familiar w/ these issues #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: Q2: Our market has numerous opportunity on a national level but we R happy to receive the international crowd. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @sbbuzz re q2. I often counsel ecom merchants with inventory in different countries to use store categories to internationalize #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: the language barrier is coming down. #mygengo is an online translation community with very professional service + ‘good enough’ #sbbuzz
• AndrewNim: Sbbuzz are we missing the first question, why are you going overseas? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @mriggin outsource your international “local” storage and shipping. Then you have local people in the market and get local shipping #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: a ‘good enough’ translation might be the first step – will not satisfy all, but still makes you more visible in other languages #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: re:Q2: I know Facebook has a tool that allows their users to create translations for them. Anyone know of such a tool to allow this? #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q3 from @collectivesoft Are there any tools/services out there that help to localize your site/product for specific countries? #sbbuzz

• helpbusinesses: I’ll put them in my prayers but the need to ask what’s the next step I need to take in my career & focus on THAT not getting a job #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @shipwire Ah but we sell a virtual product #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: here is the ‘good-enough’ translation service again: mygengo.com #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans The universe seeks efficiency not desperation. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @andrewNim ecom is global. Intern’l shipping is hugely expensive. Store product in local markets and operate like local busines #sbbuzz
• AndrewNim: @jameshollow #sbbuzz would that work okay if the context was right? #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz The bee is going to London, in fact! To talk about Twitter, fancy that. Plus @batchblue has lots of lovely int’l customers. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @jameshollow Are you seeing fewer differences among customers in different countries as social media use grows? #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @mriggen fantastic, you just have the currency, language and support issues and not physical delivery. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q3: i do not know any to be honest. with a localization to Japan i doubt they would work, but maybe they could elsewhere #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @BlakeGroup good question. in japan the big patterns trend in the same way, but the details differ:details are the differentiators! #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @jameshollow how do you counsel businesses for local VAT/GST compliance? Any tips? #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: e.g. moba-ge + gree are gaming based mobile communities here that are huge. you get virtual credits for game based interaction #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @jameshollow Details as in: types of products available, methods of advertising, pricing, packaging, target audiences? #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @AndrewNim in principle it works – depends on the margin of the product you are selling! #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @shipwire for japan you need to set up a Jp legal entity and get a good tax lawyer. no tool for that yet that i know of. #sbbuzz
• IheartLSI: don’t rely on google translations!! find a native speaker to edit the translations so that it will read well and make sense #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @jameshollow yup I’m seeing the same in Canada and the UK. I’ve got some how to guides with the links to the gov’t agencies. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @BlakeGroup yes – unfortunately all those. but don’t forget the opportunities – there has to be a value advntge. e.g. whiskey #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @BlakeGroup throughout the Jp bubble Moet Hennessey sold scotch whiskey as the biz gift of choice. they literally made billions. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @IheartLSI Do you have any recommended services for translation? Liked @jameshollow’s mygengo.com suggestion. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: agree with @iheartLSI take time 4 real translation. Anybody know a service like Mechanical Turk to submit blogs for transl’tn? #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: @jameshollow mygengo looks interesting. thx. do you have personal experience with them? #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: customrs are the same everywhere. they will put up with bad service (e.g. machine translatn) if the value back is enough. if not… #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q5 How should a small business do sales/marketing/pr in another country? All online & local efforts, too? #sbbuzz

• shipwire: @jameshollow…yes myg looks very compelling. #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @jameshollow Yes…do diff branding than in US based on culture. Important to recognize, incorporate into biz/PR plans. Great opps! #sbbuzz
• IheartLSI: @mriggen sorry, we’ve just used people in our network… haven’t tried any professional service #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @tuyen_truong mygengo: yep – it rocks. i know the founders. their dual service model is smart: “high quality” and “good enough” #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: @jameshollow your whisky comment made me think of Lost In Translation: “For relaxing times…Suntory Times!” #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: Q5: I believe sml biz should focus on their niche local market first & expand as they master & move to other markets in other areas #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup are you saying full product/company branding or just “localization”? #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: another eg is online learning community smart.fm they have a dual model for Jp vs US. (Jp are hardcore adult students). same backend #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @shipwire Definitely locally. I see this w/ global client. We change promo materials, ads for @ continent. But could go deeper. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @shipwire i think both are viable. case by case. but usually you want to keep you ‘foreigness’ and use it to your advantage. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @sbbuzz q5 for product companies they can leverage local country marketplaces (ebay, Amazon, etc) to test price points. #sbbuzz
• IheartLSI: @BlakeGroup Danon yogurt is an example, in France Danone- to market to americans they changed the spelling & focus #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: even if you introduce a new service to a market you can be copy-catted quickly by locals. so your foreignness should have a +value #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q5: if at all possible find a local shop that knows the market but is also savvy enough to know what you are back home #sbbuzz
• shipwire: q5. if you have product that sells $$$ you have rebranding options; many SMB’s want to deploy a small amount of inventory and test. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q6 from @andrewnim How useful have Govt export agencies been in helping? #sbbuzz

• BlakeGroup: Must go–thank you @sbbuzz and @jameshollow for great chat! Thanks @shipwire @lheartLSI for RTs + great ideas! #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: if you cannot afford a local angency then try to build advocacy in your user base in that market and let them market it for you. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: @BlakeGroup thanks for great ideas and questions – c u next time! #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @sbbuzz Q6 I got bought a cup of coffee once I’ve heard some local manufactures were helped by the SF office…I have doubts #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @merylevans I’m following u. I’ll check again. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @blakegroup @helpbusinesses nice to meet you #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q5: the local user-base advocacy route could be taken further by making them affiliates, providing them with tools etc. where possbl #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: Q6: NYC has several great import/export assistance program, begging for business to join in #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @jameshollow if you can’t afford local agency try to build advocacy in user base in that market & let them market it for you (yes!) #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Time flies! It is now what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Everyone – please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz

• helpbusinesses: @shipwire nice to meet u. International ecommerce order fulfillment, shipping, warehouse, logistics company. #business #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: Q6 in jp there is a gov’t run forum to match-up jp companies with foreign ones both ways. it might be the quickest way. #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz: Thanks to @jameshollow & everyone for the great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
• lindadessau: Didn’t have much to offer to the chat tonight Browser problems plus not much relevant experience to share. #sbbuzz
• IheartLSI: ah ok! financial planning software, SurvivalWare, keeps track of cash flow and makes financial projections with graphics #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: How to write a top 10 article that will demonstrate your expertise to prospective customers http://snipr.com/t1pw5 – pitch time on #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @helpbusinesses thank you for the shout out. following you, very interesting. thx @jameshollow @sbbuzz @iheartlsi #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: thanks everyone. if you want to look more closely at Japan + other asian markets you know where to come! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz @jameshollow Thanks – I didn’t have much to share but I listened and learned a lot! #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz @jameshollow Thanks guys! We’re @batchblue & we make BatchBook, a CRM software for small (& international!) businesses. #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: TeamWork Live: project management and collaboration tool for people who manage a lot of projects: http://www.teamworklive.com #sbbuzz
• tuyen_truong: @jameshollow and all. thanks for all the great discussion! Learned a lot! #sbbuzz
• shipwire: Shipwire #smb product fulfillment on demand in the U.S., Canada and UK. Free Trial, usage based service. partners wanted #sbbuzz
• helpbusinesses: @shipwire Just showing I know who you are and what you do. #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: i didn’t have the chance to get my head round the various businesses here tonight- but hope to follow up with you all later. thnx! #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Pamela here from @sbbuzz and @batchblue We stir up conversations on Twitter & then organize them in our CRM BatchBook #sbbuzz
• jameshollow: BTW Jetro is the forum for finding your favourite Jpese JV partner by the way… thanks @pmohara – great fun. big fan of batchbook! #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Thanks again @jameshollow – I learned a ton here tonight. #sbbuzz
• shipwire: @helpbusinesses hope we can work together. http://www.shipwire.com/partner #sbbuzz
• shipwire: Thank you everybody and especially @sbbuzz and @jameshollow #sbbuzz
• IheartLSI: @sbbuzz: def. enjoyed my first chat! ditto to @tuyen_truong, learned a lot! #sbbuzz

 

Open Mic Night Summary – November 3, 2009

We took the chat to the community on Open Mic Night to see what was on SBBuzzers minds. Financials, social media and time management were all topics of the evening.

Your summary for November 3, 2009.

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on November 17th, 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.

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: Everyone PAYING ATTENTION? We’re doing things a little different tonight. Asking for 2 introductory tweets #sbbuzzsbbuzz: INTRO: 1st introduce yourself and briefly describe your business #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: TOPIC: 2nd tell us an interesting topic you could lead the discussion on (this is “Open Mic” part – see more @ http://sbbuzz.biz) #sbbuzz

• lindadessau: I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters, blogs and article sites http://snipr.com/t1pw5 – Intro for #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz: An example from the bee: TOPIC: Using new Twitter lists to organize different groups in a Twitter chat #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz Hi Buzzers! I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom of BatchBlue Software, maker of BatchBook social CRM for small businesses. #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: #sbbuzz Chris, Help It Crashed Again, Computer repair, small biz web design/branding/building/networking
• KPIOnline: @lindadessau I’m Fernando Labastida and KPI Online provides a hosted business intelligence app. for small business finances #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Intro 1: Scott Blitstein of eSeMBe – we provide efficiency focused tech services to micro-biz. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: I’d be happy to help others on #sbbuzz chat to brainstorm article topics you can write that will get you noticed & help grow your business.
• merylevans: Content maven aka writer and editor who plays with words for a livin’ to help clients build relationships and pubs inform. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @KPIOnline Hello! I owe you an email #sbbuzz
• mcolacurcio: @sbbuzz Intro I – Hi, I’m Maria, a co-founder of Smartsheet, online collaboration with a built-in workforce (crowdsourcing) #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz TOPIC: Using social media for customer service. #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline: @mriggen he he…;-) take your time! #sbbuzz
• calcBob: Our focus is on companies that use email marketing. They often struggle with using spreadsheets to manage their email lists. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: #sbbuzz Desiree Scales here with Bella Web Design. Is this the Halloween Candy Edition? Ok, who’s eating it right now?
• leoraw: Intro: I build websites – for libraries, for small businesses, and for a Rutgers department. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Good job team, getting some good topic ideas! Let’s start w/Q1 @lindadessau how do you brainstorm article ideas? #sbbuzz

• merylevans: SM for customer service depends on if your customers use SM, regularly and for business. Otherwise, use it to network, find new cust #sbbuzz
• desireescales: Q1 We get article ideas from everywhere. Books, online news, friends. Keep your ears open at all times. #sbbuzz
• leoraw: Q1 Here’s an article idea – how to teach someone to use hashtags to make Twitter more useful. How would u approach that? #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Topic: My current kick is task and time management. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: Q1 I would divide it into bite-size chunks as if someone has never heard of hashtags, then build up from there. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @KPIOnline Absolutely but I don’t want to cover things other bloggers have necessarily covered. Try to be different. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz Q1 I sometimes use Twitter to crowd-source ideas/interest levels/research etc. It’s a blogger’s best friend! #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @leoraw Too often I see people try to put too much information into one article #sbbuzz – better to publish more articles!
• desireescales: @KPIOnline Yes, lots of buzzing going on it seems. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @desireescales I think it’s ok to be writing on the same topics as others, as long as you’re bringing your own slant to it. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: Forgot my intro – Pamela here from @batchblue and co-founder of @sbbuzz Trying extra hard tonight not be an echo of the bee #sbbuzz
• leoraw: @mriggen Yes, sometimes 1 can ask a question on Twitter and get lots of responses…other times, silence. Lots of responses=interest #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @lindadessau Do you find your article topics, or do they find you? #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @lindadessau I agree with you on that. You want to bring your own opinions and view to the table. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @pmohara HA HA HA! Good one! Its like finding a pet…do you choose them or the other way around? #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q2 for @mriggen How do you handle customer service in Twitter? Challenges? Advantages? #sbbuzz

• lindadessau: @pmohara A little of both – I look to FAQs, new things I’m learning, and I also look down the line at products I’m developing. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @KPIOnline We use contests for bunch of stuff and always do write about them mostly b/c it’s fun #sbbuzz
• desireescales: Q2: Most people call me or email if they have an issue. I’ve not really had many use Twitter for issues. #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: I tend to get an eerie silence when asking questions online *tumbleweeds* could do with hints for getting better feedback from ppl #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @pmohara I love when article ideas spontaneously present themselves. Most times it takes a lot of refining to an initial idea. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz Q2 If it’s a short question, I try & answer but otherwise I redirect to our support email. Too hard to trouble-shoot in 140 #sbbuzz
• KPIOnline: Topic: how can SMBs keep their financial house as tight as possible during the fast growth stage? #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @helpitcrashed You’re just not connected to the right ppl LOL! Ask us every Tuesday and I promise you’ll get an answer! #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz Q2 Customers can be quick to sing your praises and/or voice frustration via Twitter. Need to ABL (always be listening!) #sbbuzz
• leoraw: @helpitcrashed Easier to ask within a chat group like this one. When do you go online? I find ppl responsive at dawn. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @lindadessau Agreed. I like the finders best. The ones I must go looking for resemble a blank piece of paper for a long, long time. #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: Not been here for a while but will try and get more involved with #sbbuzz again
• lindadessau: @pmohara Absolutely, you can’t force article ideas – but you CAN help them along and increase your “fertility.” #sbbuzz
• leoraw: Regarding articles, I waiver – should I write for the technical audience? or the business audience? Or somehow capture both? #sbbuzz
• nrohrbach: TOPIC: Cross Promotion for Small Biz using social media #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @lindadessau Hey now, I think this might be getting a little personal. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Q3 for @scoblitz Show us the time savings! What are you finding helpful for task and time management? #sbbuzz

• mriggen: @sbbuzz Q2 Curious, how many folks here are doing CS via Twitter? #sbbuzz
• flabastida: @nrohrbach What do you mean by cross-promotion? #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @leoraw I wouldn’t try to address both audiences in the same article – make each one feel like you’re addressing them specially #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @leoraw Which audience do you enjoy the most? Who is your ideal client/reader? #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @pmohara LOL!! #sbbuzz
• flabastida: Is Twitter slow right now or #sbbuzz?
• lindadessau: @DesireeScales Especially someone like you – you have such a natural flair that sets you apart! #sbbuzz
• leoraw: @flabastida I think it’s Twitter. I got “over capacity” fail whale twice. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q3: I’m recently fascinated by the Pomodoro Technique of Time Management http://bit.ly/1Rs9Lm #sbbuzz
• merylevans: @leoraw You should write for whomever is reading the resource. Or do you not know who that is? #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: #sbbuzz things are slow/not working/posting
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz yes – search seems off again, and my tweets seem to be missing entirely from #sbbuzz ;-(
• leoraw: @merylevans I just started a new tech/biz blog so I could write for either audience. So I am working at developing the audience. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: I’ve been using http://bit.ly/MjRm1 to manage my time. I learned I could do much better today. #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: Ok, on the bus again – whats the first question on #sbbuzz tonight?
• mriggen: @scoblitz Pomodoro is one of my favorite words! Don’t know how they help w/Time Management, unless you are eating them in the sun! #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @leoraw What’s your new blog URL? #sbbuzz
• flabastida: The focus for 25 or 45 minutes thing is something I have yet to do – always having Twitter and email on totally distracts! #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @finstoryteller Hi Stewart – we’ve covered brainstorming article ideas, customer service on Twitter & time management. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @desireescales Rescue Time is amazing. Seeing the disconnect between perceived time and actual time – wow! #sbbuzz
• desireescales: Rescue Time will allow you to block all social media and distractions for as much time as you want. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: The program can alert you if you’ve spent too much time on social media or distractions. Its funny. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @scoblitz I know. I had a real eye opener today when I finally looked at my numbers. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: Time flies when you’re being social! #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: @pmohara Thx – that’s save me time and given me an idea for an article #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @KPIOnline GTD? #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @mriggen just time yourself while you eat them and you’ll be all set. I’ve been thinking of alternate names but nothing has clicked. #sbbuzz
• pmohara: @finstoryteller glad I can help #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @scoblitz Whoa, Pomodoro is yours? You rock! #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @KPIOnline I’ve read the book and have incorporated some of the concepts but am not fully on board. It’s a big commitment. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Last question (my time is flying!) from @sbbuzz Anyone trying the new Twitter lists? #sbbuzz

• wvpmc: Hi bees – sorry I’m late tonite – just back from a board meeting #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @KPIOnline That’s sad because I’ve read that book. #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @KPIOnline I haven’t read it, but have heard it’s a great technique for some. I think I’m going Pomodoro, if just to say the word! #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @wvpmc Hi Wendy! Welcome to the show #sbbuzz
• flabastida: @finstoryteller just now got your pun! Ha ha! #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @wvpmc Hey Wendy! Hope you’re well. Haven’t seen you in awhile (haven’t been around either!) #sbbuzz
• chadweinman: Good evening – Just joining for first time. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @sbbuzz I set up a new Twitter list, but quickly lost steam b/c I’d have to scroll through 3,000+ to choose ppl (drat auto-follow) #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Jumping in late–had a meeting tonight–hello all! #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @desireescales missed yoyu last week – everything good? #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @scoblitz I just realized my error. A good Italian invented that technique. LOVE IT! #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @chadweinman Welcome to you, Chad #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @chadweinman Welcome Chad! Glad you’re here. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @wvpmc Couldn’t be better…just busier than a bee! : ) #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @desireescales I think @chadweinman likes wine. That means we like him, right (Hi, Chad!) ? #sbbuzz
• wvpmc: @chadweinman Great to see you! #sbbuzz
• chadweinman: Its true. Whats current topic of discussion? #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz I’ve set up a couple. Your sbbuzz list is better than mine, I’ll be switching to it: http://twitter.com/sbbuzz/sbbuzzcrew #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @mriggen I noticed that as well. Rock climbing too! @chadwinman you fit right in here! (Raising glass!) #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: Sorry folks – lot of problems with Twitter. Our new schedule has us wrapping up now – anyone else feel like we just started!?! #sbbuzz

• desireescales: @scoblitz How about the Red Wine and Chocolate Technique? That’s where you have to indulge every 25 min. #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @sbbuzz AWWWW! We were just getting going! #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @chadweinman We’re discussing time management tools. #sbbuzz
• lindadessau: @sbbuzz Yeah, but this schedule works better for my bedtime #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: Catching up on the chat for the past hour—twitter is so slow tonight I don’t think I can chat with anyone in “real” time! #sbbuzz
• leoraw: @sbbuzz Oh, that is too bad. I liked the first half – lots of good questions. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @DesireeScales I’d give it a shot – seems like it would work for a little while! #sbbuzz
• sbbuzz: And @scoblitz beat me to mentioning our new lists – http://twitter.com/sbbuzz/sbbuzzcrew & http://twitter.com/sbbuzz/sbbuzzspeakers #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @mriggen I responded to this but it didn’t come through. Absolutely! #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @sbbuzz Love those lists! I’m honored to be included. #sbbuzz

sbbuzz: And if you can read this – commence w/Pitch Time. Please tell us about yourself & your business. #sbbuzz

• merylevans: Sorry — had to multitask with the kiddos. Have a good night all. Connect with me @merylkevans, main ID. #sbbuzz
• scoblitz: @sbbuzz oops – I ruined the surprise… #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: bah, too much lag #sbbuzz
• desireescales: I have my own #sbbuzz list at @desireescales/sbbuzz Ping me if I’ve missed you!
• desireescales: Desiree Scales, owner of Bella Web Design. Web design-main meal Social Media-side dish Hosting-Where it cooks #sbbuzz
• finstoryteller: @flabastida looks like I arrived too late for #sbbuzz tonight – must have been GTD or writing an article or something
• lindadessau: Pitch time on #sbbuzz: How to write a top 10 article that will demonstrate your expertise to prospective customers http://snipr.com/l6f5h
• sbbuzz: @scoblitz No prob. Prime time chats on Twitter are thrills enough! #sbbuzz
• desireescales: More on Twitter Lists at http://bit.ly/3ih1ct #sbbuzz (Unabashed pitch)
• BlakeGroup: @DesireeScales Would love to join your sbbuzz list! Sorry I was late to the chat tonight– twitter was too slow to let me join in! #sbbuzz
• mriggen: @sbbuzz BatchBlue Software – we just launched a Sales version of our social crm and it rules! Go sales! http://bit.ly/inaC2 #sbbuzz
• desireescales: @BlakeGroup Consider your handle added! Thanks…yes Twitter was a pain…. #sbbuzz
• leoraw: Pitch time: Leora Wenger, builder of websites for businesses and orgs, also new tech/biz blog: http://biz.leoraw.com/ #sbbuzz
• BlakeGroup: @DesireeScales Thanks for the add–see you at the next #sbbuzz !!
• wvpmc: @desireescales – nice post on lists – thx #sbbuzz
• helpitcrashed: Thanks for tonight and for tweet adds, will reciprocate, look forward to good content! #sbbuzz Help It Crashed Again http://bit.ly/oBMTX
• leoraw: Thanks for everyone who answered my questions about articles – I hope I get over my writer’s block and move forward with more posts. #sbbuzz
• wordpost: For any #sbbuzz or #smallbiz tweeps: “Details of Obama Small Business Conference Remain a Mystery” (Huffington) – http://bit.ly/2aw7Pn