November 17, 2009

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

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

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under small business, summary

Tags: , ,

November 17, 2009

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

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

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

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under small business, summary

Tags: ,

November 10, 2009

International Intrigue: Small Business Offerings Abroad

So this queen bee is heading over to London next week to speak at Jeff Pulver’s 140conf.com conference.  Inspired by the trip, we will be spending the evening tonight discussing the opportunities the Web, social media, cloud computing and the extra George Bush hour are giving small businesses in international markets.

Our guest tonight is James Hollow (@jameshollow), a British entrepreneur in Japan, the Co-founder and CEO at alien-eye, Inc a Tokyo based production company that helps international brands localize their product offerings to the Japanese market.  James will be joining us from 14 time zones away to discuss the particular challenges a small business faces when offering their product or service internationally.

Please join us tonight from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST to learn more from James and the rest of the #sbbuzz group about building, marketing and supporting a small business overseas.

Leave a Comment

Filed under marketing, networking, small business

November 3, 2009

Open Mic Night

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

November 2, 2009

We Are Community – Summary from October 27, 2009

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

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

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

Here’s the summary from last week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under small business, summary

Tags: , ,

October 26, 2009

Chocolate and Business : A chat with @sweetriot

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

Want to participate in #sbbuzz?

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

And now on to the summary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • desireescales:Q6: For those of you who don’t know me, knitting is my other passion. #sbbuzz
  • Reconcilecon:I have to depart but nice to spend first ngt or morn with you. Good
  • article desiree. I have foll you all so pls follow back ! #sbbuzz
  • sweetriot:Q6 our model is to build in from the very beginning – eg, we source and
  • produce in Latin America to promote an ‘equitrade’ model. #sbbuzz
  • pmohara:Bye everyone. I’m crawling back under the dunce rock now. #sbbuzz
  • rogersanchez:Q7: I would say it isn’t. Those that could use your product for FREE,
  • find you. Giving is the easiest policy. With resources #sbbuzz
  • desireescales:Q7: Being taken srsly. I think ppl cn have the impression that a
  • “social mission” is just a gimmick 2 get ppl 2 buy products. #sbbuzz
  • jmpineda:@pmohara I think it’s hard to make a social mission your top priority, but it should be woven into work ethic and culture. #sbbuzz
  • sweetriot:@reconcilecon For sure you can be creative & innovative w/out being socially responsible. I advocate being all 3 with values! :) #sbbuzz
  • desireescales:@pmohara Aw, don’t go away! We love both personalities! #sbbuzz
  • desireescales:@Reconcilecon Absolutely, have a great day whilst we sleep here in Atlanta! Have a cup of coffee for me (or tea!) #sbbuzz
  • sweetriot: Q7 All businesses have trade offs so it is no different except intent and stakeholders and change are always in the framework. #sbbuzz
  • rogersanchez:Q7:Having a social mission early on, helps build a community,
  • translates to customers, and loyalty. But its risky. Wait for success. #sbbuzz
  • scoblitz:@sbbuzz I would think demonstrating authenticity, and the perception that altruism and profit can’t be cooperative. #sbbuzz

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

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

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

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

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

       

    Leave a Comment

    Filed under business start-up, marketing, small business, summary

    Tags:

    October 20, 2009

    Social Entrepreneurship: the Business of Doing the Right Thing

    Sarah Endline, CEO and Chief Rioter of Sweetriot

    Sarah Endline, CEO and Chief Rioter of Sweetriot

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

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

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

    Leave a Comment

    Filed under business start-up, environment, small business

    October 13, 2009

    Small Business Big Change

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

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

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

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

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

    Leave a Comment

    Filed under environment, small business

    October 9, 2009

    Networking : Summary from September 6th, 2009

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

    Want to participate in #sbbuzz?

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

    And now on to the summary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Leave a Comment

    Filed under networking, small business, summary

    Tags: , ,

    September 29, 2009

    All about SEO : Summary from September 22, 2009

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

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

    • Sbbuzz-ups are every Tuesday, next up is October 6th, 2009 from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Join us – We’re here to facilitate the conversation between small business owners.
    • Know small businesses that need help? Let them know when this chat happens, help them get started on Twitter and let’s talk!
    • Instructions for participating are at http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
    sbbuzz: Welcome one and all to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for next 2 hours of small biz talking about technology. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
    sbbuzz: Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
    sbbuzz: To start off we have introductions: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: Bradford Shimp here, I help small businesses with web solutions … and more. Also write a blog. #sbbuzz
    smallbiztrends: Tweet chat starting on small business and technology, for next 2 hours. Search for or use tag #sbbuzz to participate.
    Kmacopy: #sbbuzz Hi all. Freelance marketing copywriter, SEO articles, web content, and more. Haven’t been on an sbbuzz chat in a while.
    MHBoys: Michael Boys with On-Site Technical Solutions, Inc., IT Department to small and mid sized business in Southern California, 1st time #sbbuzz
    pmohara: Hi all – Pamela here from @batchblue and your hostess with the mostest here on #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @sbbuzz Scott Blitstein – Owner of eSeMBe, blogger, tech go-to guy, music lover and all around good guy. #sbbuzz
    merylevans: Content maven aka freelance writer and editor here from Plano, TX and my online office at www.meryl.net. #sbbuzz
    Whistletree: @Whistletree here. We provide free and toll free conferencing, webinar and podcasting services. #sbbuzz
    NateRich: Howdy! Nate Rich here, Video Editor | Motion Graphics artist | Creative . What up! #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Our discussion topic for #sbbuzz tonight is SEO. Please send me any questions you’d like discussed with the crowd.
    deneki: Hi guys! Andrew with Deneki Outdoors – I run fly fishing lodges. #sbbuzz
    black_hattitud: http://minurl.fr/yoq Our discussion topic for #sbbuzz tonight is SEO. Please send me an.. http://bit.ly/48tyg #seo
    emergeformen: Hi all – EMERGE For Men here – we offer a product that will enhance hair for those suffering from male pattern baldness #sbbuzz
    natecrobertson: @natecrobertson Hello! Founder and president of Ascend Technology Services, IT Support and consulting for small biz in Washington DC #sbbuzz
    pmohara: @scoblitz @bradfordshimp Identity crisis, guys? I hardly recognized ya. :) #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: Hi all – Wendy Van Parys Marketing Communications from CT #sbbuzz #smbiz
    rjleaman: Hi all – Rebecca (blogger) here. I’ll be mostly lurking tonight, loads of work to do – but didn’t want to miss another one entirely! #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz What’s shakin’? Rob Z – Web Develope to the stars here.
    emergeformen: @sbbuzz – how do we send you questions? Just to the #sbbuzz hashtag? Sorry, this is my first tweet chat! #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz but a horrible typist, apparently.
    colderICE: Hi all – Joining in on the fun tonight, be nice cause I am a newbie ;-) #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: @pmohara That’s what Scott really looks like in real life. #sbbuzz
    virtuallyideal1: Hello everyone. Kyra here. Fun VA :) #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @rzazueta Ha! We figure you are a developer or you’ve developed ;) Stars? Like the sun or whom? :) #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @bradfordshimp @pmohara I think it’s a striking resemblance actually #sbbuzz
    selahsynergy: @sbbuzz Hi All! Susan here from Selah Synergy hoping to learn about SEO tonight. #sbbuzz
    atonti: MoFuse helps small businesses to have a mobile website for less time and money. We can help you understand your mobile audience #sbbuzz
    njtwtads: From AZ, love tweeting and want to help those that don’t. Started njtwtads w/ sister #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @pmohara my old avatar was lost in the great twitter update of ‘09 #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @merylevans Half developed, still developing. And all my clients are stars, dahling. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Greetings everyone. Lisa here from IT Mechanic. Interested in learning something new. #sbbuzz
    selahsynergy: @colderICE Welcome colderICE! #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @sbbuzz – I’d like to know what cost-effective ways a small biz can do SEO. I know it can be expensive, capital is tight :) #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q1 How are you keeping up with SEO efforts? DO you do it yourself? Have staff? Outsource? #sbbuzz
    pmohara: @scoblitz I’m liking the half gloves! #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q1: I do it myself (but that’s my job ;-) I’m VERY wary of so-called SEO experts.
    Infusionsoft: Need help with SEO? join #sbbuzz for next 2 hrs of small biz talking about technology http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions (via @sbbuzz)
    emergeformen: Depends on what qualifies as “SEO”. I’ve used Google Webmaster tools, but we don’t have staff..so I guess it’s just “us” :) #sbbuzz
    deneki: Q1: doing my best to keep up with it myself! #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q1: It’s all me, but my efforts haven’t been too significant beyond some basics. #sbbuzz
    colderICE: All of our SEO is done in house…and ummm I AM the house its in LOL #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: I do my own SEO to save money and it’s also my job. I setup Google Alerts and RSS feeds to stay on top of new SEO trends. #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: Q1: @scoblitz – yes, same here. Can’t see many small biz owners going the full SEO route – it’s a tough ROI IMHO #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz I’m very zen on SEO. Build good online relationships, exchange links with relevant, solid sites and it takes care of itself.
    sanjeevaggarwal: Does anyone use tools like LotusJump or WebCEO for SEO? #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: Q1 – Do my own SEO, but focus more on quality and quantity of content than anything else. Working on backlinks, etc. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Write blog posts, share your links on Twitter, FB, etc. get the word out there. Let your fans talk you up.
    Whistletree: Q1 We’ve outsourced SEO, but question doing so. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz form good joint marketing ventures, do some guest blogging, whatever… all of that extends your reach and helps Google find you.
    pmohara: Q1 we use @hubspot to find keywords, monitor rankings.The hard part is @mriggen’s work speaking keywordese in a natural way #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @rzazueta – that’s helpful info – we’ve got a twitter site, but haven’t yet considered blog posts or FB…yet #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @rzazueta I don’t do any formal link exchanges but I do benefit from some high profile quality sites that link to mine. #sbbuzz
    chuckCGAZ: From AZ financing business owners through FACTORING A/R’s. Need to lrarn SEO. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q2 from @emergeformen What cost-effective ways can a small biz do SEO? #sbbuzz
    smallbiztrends: @sanjeevaggarwal We have used LotusJump for purposes of identifying places to get visibility online. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Q1 Found that online press releases work along with other social media (i.e Twitter, FB, etc.). #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @emergeformen If you write good content that useful to your customers and keyword-laden, that’s a HUGE SEO boon. #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: Q2 – I think one of the best ways to do SEO is to blog regularly. Also, guest post. #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @pmohara I use some of the free tools that @hubspot provides – they are very helpful. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q2: Write a blog, blend SEO into your other mktg efforts (online joint ventures, etc.), get involved in relevant online communities
    deneki: Q2: provide quality content and update it regularly. That’s rule #1 for sure. #sbbuzz
    deneki: Agreed with @bradfordshimp – regular blog posts are key. #sbbuzz
    NateRich: Q2 I also find blogging to be my best friend. It really pushes relativity and gets nice results. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz One thing that hasn’t changed since the early days of the web – Content is King.
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q2: Also, make extra certain yoru site is built to be easily indexed by the search engines.
    emergeformen: @bizmoneysaver – will press releases help a consumer oriented biz? #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Sites done in all Flash = invisible to Google.
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz don;t hide navigation in JavaScript, Flash or images with ALT tags, etc. Do a “View Source” on your site to see what spiders see.
    scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q2 – Google Webmaster Tools are free can give some good info on keywords and how your site is indexed. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @emergeformen I hard link key word phrases in press releases #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: @smallbiztrends I’ve used LotusJump as well. I liked it, just couldn’t keep up with it. But very nice for pointing out options. #sbbuzz
    MHBoys: @bizmoneysaver do you have good sites to publish online news releases? #sbbuzz
    chuckCGAZ: Q My web page is a ourc copy? How can I SEO this site? or is it a wasted effort? #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @rzazueta – I followed this advice with our site. No FLASH, and indexed to Google within a week! #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: If you have a local business, try blogging about local news and events, and tie in offers to sports events, etc. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @scoblitz Exactly – I look at those and think, “Wow, how can I get OTHER people to link to me?” #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Press release can help consumer oriented businesses. It helps raise awareness about your business. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: Q2 blogposts, press releases and weaving keywords naturally into your site copy are some of the easier “free” ways to boost rankings.#sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: @rzazueta Right, its my understanding that you should keep the coding simple and clean. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Make sure every trade org or whatever you’re a member of links to your site – including chamber of commerce, etc.
    Kmacopy: Q2 generally press releases done for SEO purposes don’t have to be as newsworthy as traditional releases #sbbuzz keep forgetting my hashtag!
    KelsonV: All-Flash sites are also invisible to smartphone users, even with iPhone & Android. @rzazueta #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz And try to convince them to not use the nofollow tag – it no longer really affects your Google juice.
    Kmacopy: Q2 do have to be careful that you don’t “stuff” keywords into your copy. Spiders don’t like that. #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @bizmoneysaver – thx, must be the corp marketing person in me. Always thought those were just for the wires (am I dating myself?) :) #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @bradfordshimp Precisely. Another trick is to code for the blind – add useful ALT tags to images, make sure text is in HTML, etc. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @KelsonV And to anyone behind a strict corporate firewall. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: @MHBoys I use prweb.com a lot. As well as some free ones. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q3 Why does SEO have such a bad rap? #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @BizMoneySaver which are your favorite free ones? #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: Q3: ‘Cause there are a LOT of shady folks who will take your money with few results. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q3: in SEO, a lot of folks focus on traffic. But traffic that doesn’t convert into paying customers is worthless.
    merylevans: @sbbuzz It’s more complicated than many think, rules keep changing and spammers abuse it. #sbbuzz
    shipwire: To save shipping costs place your best sellers in multiple warehouses geographically close to your buyers #sbbuzz http://www.shipwire.com
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Using a variety of tactics – both shady and kosher – I can get you TONS of traffic. But most SEO folks won;t help with conversions.
    BizMoneySaver: @wvpmc Some of my favorite free ones are free-press-release.com, prlog.com, and pr.com to name a few. #sbbuzz
    NateRich: Q3 – Because people try to make irrelevant content relevant. They try to cheat the system. Easier 2 fake it than actually b rel. #sbbuzz
    black_hattitud: http://minurl.fr/yoq #sbbuzz Using a variety of tactics – both shady and kosher – I can.. http://bit.ly/3HLiq5 #seo
    shipwire: @wvpmc we hardlink our press releases too. Great tip. #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @rzazueta Mine have mostly been a result of the relationships I’ve built. Links are never the goal but sure can be a nice benefit #sbbuzz
    chuckCGAZ: Q4 My page is a purch site. Can I SEO this? #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @merylevans SEO is far simpler than most people think. If you have great, fresh content and are active online, SEO just happens. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: Q3) Hi all, how’s everyone 2night. Question is really about the people not the practice. Well optimized sites are just good business #sbbuzz
    shipwire: @rzazueta do you think that Video will “soon” be the new king of “content”. Thinking about Bing placement #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @merylevans speaking of spammers – SEO talk sure brings the Twitter bots out in full force. #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @rzazueta Many folks (me too) have fresh content, listen and participate… yet search engines continue to not reward us. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @scoblitz I think this is the best way to get custoemrs. Build relationships, make it worth linking to you. SEO follows. #sbbuzz
    SweetBizNews: Joining in late to discussion. I keep hoping that “content is king” #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Google Analytics is a good free tool to help determine what’s working on your site as well as SEO. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @rzazueta thoughts on how email (newsletter, for example) links to website affect ranking? #sbbuzz
    colderICE: Q3 SEO is like magic, magicians do tricks & only other magician know how its done. Slight of hand, camera angles, smoke and mirrors #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @shipwire Sure seems like it’s going to be, but it will never replace written content. Video is too difficult to deal with. #sbbuzz
    mattgillooly: @sbbuzz – Q3 – because their rhymes aren’t tight. #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @bizmoneysaver – we use Google Analytics as well #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @merylevans Are you getting a lot of links back to your site? Are you making your content easy to share? Do you encouraging sharing? #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: @shipwire Because spiders don’t index video, it would be hard for video to become the new king in terms of rankings #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @rzazueta Si, oui, ja. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc Newsletter links do little for SEO unless that email is posted somewhere accessible to Google. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: I’ve found that writing articles and adding a link back to my website helps with SEO as well as linking building. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @Kmacopy Plus, have you ever tried to get something like a recipe off a video? Great for showing technique, lousy for research. #sbbuzz
    SweetBizNews: Should we all start writing shorter posts? #sbbuzz
    colderICE: Q3: The real deal is simply to go to http://ow.ly/qB4x #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @merylevans Are you getting a lot of linkbacks to your content? Do those links contain the keywords you’re targeting? #sbbuzz
    MHBoys: @merylevans how do you make the content easy to share? #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: @rzazueta Yeah. Great point! lol Still have to match content with the right medium. #sbbuzz.
    joemagennis: @Kmacopy @rzazueta .. my understanding is that there are attempts being made to index flash content. Is that fact? #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @rzazueta – +1 – video is also more time consuming. How many SMEs can devote time to developing something worthy? #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @rzazueta is bing creating new rules for SEO? how about getting ready for web 3.0? #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q4 How do you balance writing good copy with getting good Google juice? #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @rzazueta Yes — I’m fortunate to write for some good sites and often have linkbacks on correct topics. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @sbbuzz Creating semantic, relevant copy for people and Google will follow. (pun intended) #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc Ha, what’s your definition of Web 3.0? Mine is ubiquity. I don;t think Bing is really changing the game too much… #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @MHBoys Blog has sharing tools. Ppl RT links. My main ID is @merylkevans. Might help to see that. #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: Q4 – The balance is weighting far more on the side of good copy. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: @emergeformen Video is also pricier 2 if you’re having to outsource; I’m not talking You Tube videos. Cheaper to write a content pg. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz However, Twitter is… Google, Bing and others are now looking at freshness and relevance to current events and trends as a marker.
    wvpmc: @rzazueta web 3.0 > semantic web #sbbuzz
    colderICE: Q4 Your copy should be written to SELL while you ads can be written for GOOGLE and neither of the two should be confused IMHO #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: Q4: Wow – alhough I’ve been published, writing good copy isn’t easy…I’d say focus first on copy, get the “juice” later #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @joemagennis That’s a fact, but it’s not easy. Not all Flash content is stored as readable text… #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @joemagennis My inderstanding is that Google is still trying but it’s not as big a focus. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: @joemagennis I would imagine indexing flash is likely to be around the corner, but I don’t know for sure. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: Q4 I’m partial of course as a writer, but good writing always prevails, in customer’s eyes and in Google’s. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Don’t forget to send me a DM or message w/o the hashtag with questions you want discussed with the group. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc The semantic web theoretically makes it easier to index information, but I don;t think it will change things too much… #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: A good publisher monitors their Web stats; bounce rates are a close indicator that show relevance to visitors. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc At the end of the day, it’s still about good content placed in a readable format. The semantic web gives more control… #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc …over how a site is read, but the spammers will still game it. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @rzazueta The semantic Web also helps people logically follow a piece of copy. Headings, Lists, Alt/Title attributes, etc. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: @colderICE A good copywriter should be able 2 write copy that sells (or compels people to act) and which features keywords naturally #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz It’s my opinion that SEO is really kind of dead. You’re best off putting your links directly in front of your customers.
    scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q4 I just write my copy and let the rest take care of itself. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz SEO relies too much on serendipity. It’s still important, but the competition is just too tight.
    JoeManna: @rzazueta But spammers can’t game the consistency of a fresh Website with good content. I see weak tactics from their part. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Identify blogs and sites where your customers are and get involved – guest blog, write articles, etc.
    pmohara: Q4 Compelling writing has been our focus, but we do pay attention to a consistent us of keywords and it has paid off. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @JoeManna That’s not really the semantic web doing that – you can also do it with CSS. It’s less for readers and more for browsers. #sbbuzz
    CompeteSEO: @rzazueta #sbbuzz How is SEO not putting link directly in front of your customers searching what you have to offer? Unless your SEO is weak.
    rzazueta: @JoeManna Spammers constantly game the system this way. This is why pagerank relies so heavily on linkbacks from trusted sites. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: @rzazueta I agree about Dead statement. Universal & personalized search makes ranking relative. Focus on converting content #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz It still amazes me how often I see my writing on some spammer’s site because they stole it.
    colderICE: I think I will add this to the conversation that a good Title will TRUMP good Copy ;-) #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @SEM_SEO_SMO It does do that, but in a very slapshot way. You’re there next to competitors and presumably relevant links… #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @rzazueta But trusted sites have become aware of their PageRank and have nofollowed user-content. It minimizes abuse. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @SEM_SEO_SMO IS a link on Google better than a link on, say, a trusted site in your industry that contains an article you wrote… #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @SEM_SEO_SMO proving your expertise in the field? #sbbuzz
    nrohrbach: Running late, fish weren’t biting #sbbuzz
    CompeteSEO: @rzazueta figures you would talk down about SEO when your homepage has PR0. If you had any SEO success, you would be pro-SEO. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz To be clear: I don;t think SEO is not worthwhile, I just think it’s been played up as far more important than it really is.
    wvpmc: @rzazueta @SEM_SEO_SMO what matters is being where your best prospects, customers are #sbbuzz
    writerobrien: #sbbuzz Q# Becauze companies farm out SEO to cheap writers who write cheaply. Pay good writers, get good writing. Period.
    rzazueta: @wvpmc Precisely. And I like the halo effect that comes from being on a trusted site better than Google. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @rzazueta I agree, a lot of hype in the industry. Writing content for a robot will only net so much return; write for people. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @rzazueta do’t you think SEO is most helpful in long tail biz mktg? #sbbuzz
    writerobrien: @colderICE #sbbuzz I agree. A good title catches the search engines more quickly than the content.
    CompeteSEO: @rzazueta #sbbuzz Want to see results? Get a bunch of bookmarks to your next blog post, on any site. I can get you 1200 social bookmarks.
    sbbuzz: All – don’t forget this is a friendly discussion. We love hearing everyone’s opinion as long as it is constructive. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc Only if you have a big catalog that serves the long tail. Otherwise, you’re talking about a niche. #sbbuzz
    nrohrbach: @JoeManna exactly, write for people! Those backlinks are pretty valuable in the equation as well #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc Better to target and nail that niche – get to know exactly where they are. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @sbbuzz A little conflict never hurt anyone. ;) It builds character. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @wvpmc I think SEO in the long tail really only helps bigger companies like Amazon or eBay. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q5 How much attention do you pay to keywords? How often do you review them (if at all)? #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Local search SEO is not new, it’s just more common now to search for local establishments. It’s hot because ppl ignored it so long. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Q5: All the time, and not just for SEO. Great way to get marketing and business ideas as well.
    leoraw: @rzazueta yes, I agree – often one is writing for a niche and not to be found by anyone in the whole wide world. Perfect that niche. #sbbuzz
    writerobrien: @colderICE #sbbuzz What I mean is start with a good title and, of course, make sure the content is fantastic. Good writing is a given.
    JoeManna: Q5: I monitor several major phrases to monitor changes and activity. Brand awareness/monitoring and Monthly SEO/SEM volume, too. #sbbuzz
    nrohrbach: Q5: I pay a lot of attention to keywords, use them as a thesaurus, review them quarterly. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @leoraw Yup, and if you REALLY get to know that niche, they’ll learn to trust you and recommend you to others. #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: Q5 You should review keywords periodically because the way people search and the terms they use change over time. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: Q5 every few months I go through sites and work on keywords. For some sites (like library) I don’t bother – they promote locally. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @colderICE Whenever I land on a larger Web property that has long-tail products, I immediately leave. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Q5: Google Alerts can help monitor keywords as well. I use it all the time in addition to my web logs and Google Analytics. #sbbuzz
    colderICE: @wvpmc @rzazueta SEO over TIME carries more weight than any other factor used by the SERPs (search engine rank pages) #sbbuzz
    leoraw: @BizMoneySaver I have used Google Alerts a bit; you are right, should use it more for keywords! Automated. #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: Q5: for our biz, keywords are highly relevant. Think of how many baldness remedies exist – you want to know what terms are searched #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @colderICE Don’t apologize – it’s my opinion and I may be wrong. How do you make it work for you? #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q5: While not SEO, it relates to the human aspect of content relevance — monitoring social media spaces is useful for buzz-tracking #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @colderICE Good point… I think I was confusing long tail SEO with long tail selling… But I still say targeting a niche is best #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: Keywords are more important for me with business sites, don’t worry about them as much on my blog, because I write what I want to. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @colderICE Plus, if it’s truly a long-tail type niche and you’re one of the few targeting it, SEO ought to be a natural. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz Yikes – I gotta run home. I apologize for dominating this discussion like this – SEO is a hot button topic for me.
    rzazueta: #sbbuzz But, as always, I feel like I learned a lot. You guys flippin’ rock!
    colderICE: @rzazueta I just put out so much junk that it gets shelf life, LMAO #sbbuzz And I have been doing the same lines on some sku’s for years
    sbbuzz: q6 from @Whistletree Does SEO work for dynamic websites? We are always upgrading our website, how does that impact SEO? #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: @rzazueta See ya! #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Keyword relevance is becoming more important, I’ve seen more long-tail searches more than before. 2-4 word phrases = dominance. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @rzazueta Thanks for participating. It’s my first #sbbuzz tweetchat. #sbbuzz
    rzazueta: @JoeManna WHOA! Welcome, then! Look forward to seeing you at the next one! #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: Q6 I think dynamic sites have an advantage, because spiders want fresh content. #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: I think good reviews and write ups are just as important for a web product, such as Whistletree, as any SEO. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: @Whistletree make sure you have a good permalink structure in place at the start. Don’t break backlinks by changing site too often. #sbbuzz
    bradfordshimp: @joemagennis Great advice! I broke my backlinks once and learned that lesson. Luckily I wasn’t too far in. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @JoeManna welcome! #sbbuzz
    colderICE: Q5: I try to monitor about once a quarter or 4x a year diligently, and we amp up everything in the 4th Q to maximize traffic #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Dynamic sites gain equity the more they update. Should make use of all on-page SEO elements (titles, meta desc, headings, etc.). #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: @joemagennis Great point! This is so important with blogs. WordPress does a good job of handling this for us. Just have to be aware. #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @joemagennis Yeah, good advice. Unfortunately, I started blogging in 2000. Was too far along for any changes. Dislike dates in URL #sbbuzz
    Kmacopy: #sbbuzz. Alright everyone. I’ve gotta run now. Enjoyed chatting and learning!
    joemagennis: @merylevans @BizMoneySaver .. right. WP lets you custom structure. I also dislike dates and use keyword rich permalink structure #sbbuzz
    Whistletree: @JoeManna Thanks, that makes sense. #sbbuzz
    MHBoys: #sbbuzz thanks and a pleasure meeting everyone. see you next time, lots of useful information
    leoraw: @merylevans If you don’t have numbers in your permalinks and you have large blog, you could have slow site. So dates=good. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: A nice clean URL structure helps dynamic sites grow logically; Agreed to not make URL changes (even if 301′ing it). #sbbuzz
    leoraw: I need to write a post about permalink structure and why for large blogs it is good to use numbers like post num or date. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @joemagennis What’s your preferred mix? I enjoy “category/postslug” in WP. #sbbuzz
    deneki: @JoeManna 301′ing it? #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q7 from @scoblitz What do peple think of recent info from Google that keyword meta tags are ignored http://bit.ly/NEPkP ? #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @deneki 301 Redirect … a permanent redirect, passing along PageRank. Often causes Google to sandbox a URL to be safe. #sbbuzz
    deneki: @JoeManna Gotcha – thanks. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q7: I think meta tags are completely abused as an industry and Google paid minimal benefit to it. Meta description is where it’s at. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: @leoraw would love to see post so I can re-consider the process. @JoeManna .. that’s the format, but I’ll tweak the slug at times #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Oops- misspelling credited to the bee, not the scoblitz. :P #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q7: cont’d – Google has way too many factors to weigh in a site’s quality; meta tags aren’t on the top of the food chain. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: Q7 – keyword meta tags – one less thing to worry about – title tag most imp, then description tag; what’s in your H1 and H2 also #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: @JoeManna – I agree, although I haven’t used meta description, the meta tagging was so abused, Google had to ignore. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Announcement: No #sbbuzz chat next week. We will be in DC attending the #growsmartbiz conference http://tinyurl.com/gsbiz #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @emergeformen Meta descriptionsare golden, especially if it supplements titles. About 180 characters as a lede for the page. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: Q7) I thought that was already a discounted factor, didn’t realize it was a new update. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: @joemagennis Meanwhile you can read this geeky post to understand the permalink problem http://bit.ly/eAIRg #sbbuzz
    colderICE: #sbbuzz Q7: I think Google ignores meta keyword, but NOT meta descriptions so not all tags are completely irrelevant… http://ow.ly/qBjZ
    merylevans: @joemagennis It was WP — but it was just too late when I realized the date problem. #sbbuzz
    merylevans: @leoraw Well, not that big. About 3000 posts in nine years. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @joemagennis Google has long held ‘no comment’ on Meta Tags, but officially they ruled them out. But we all know it had little rank. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Alt tags that contain relevant keywords are also important. I also include relevant keywords with my image file names and others. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @merylevans A well planned, big 301-redirect would be OK; penalized temporarily but all backlinks would pass along juice. #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: @leoraw thanks for that. Very interesting. I need to study that some more. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q8 Who do you trust to give you SEO advice? #sbbuzz
    colderICE: I gained alot of knowledge…Great chat guys, gotta run, but I will b back in 2 weeks for the next one! #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @colderICE Have fun, nice to meet you on #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
    leoraw: @joemagennis I got it off the WordPress Codex http://bit.ly/TO40L (Read the Manual, it helps! :-) #sbbuzz
    deneki: Q8: I’ve learned a lot about SEO from @problogger #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @sbbuzz Q8: I trust no one source, specifically. I prefer experience over practice, results over theory. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @colderICE glad you could join us tonight! #sbbuzz
    leoraw: @colderICE thanks for joining, nice to meet you! #sbbuzz
    leoraw: Q8 I read 10 different posts on one topic and try to figure out what makes the most sense. Like Permalink Structure! #sbbuzz
    scoblitz: @sbbuzz Q8 My fellow sbbuzzers of course… am learning a lot tonight! #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q8: To be honest, I follow the blackhats so I know what I won’t do. Generally, Google targets blackhats –with reason. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: Q8 @manikarthik has a nice SEO blog http://www.dailyseoblog.com/ #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: @leoraw I just never considered the site loading factor as it relates to permalink structure. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: @joemagennis It might be that it has to get REALLY large for it to be a problem. And maybe they’ll fix it? #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @leoraw I think the culprit is when you have duplicate post slugs; with caching, performance is a tiny problem. :) #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Q8 http://www.seomoz.org/blog along with http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs are two that I read pretty often. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: Q9: Any other resources you would recommend for learning more about (or keeping up with) SEO? #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q8: Test, ask around, trial and error is the best learning tool. Not all SEO pieces of advice is relevant to every industry. #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: You can setup a Google alert for SEO or SEM and choose which information you would like to read further. This is what I do. #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @JoeManna curious about your comment re: industry specificity – please elaborate #sbbuzz
    BizMoneySaver: Q9: I would also suggest finding podcasts on SEO or SEM. I like them because they are FREE :>). #sbbuzz
    Chris_Hendricks: I like Ed Taylor’s tactics on SEO just watched his latest video http://www.edtaylor.com/ashland.html #sbbuzz
    emergeformen: Q9: attend a sbbuzz-up! #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @wvpmc Example… what works great for an carpet cleaner in SEO might not work for a graphic designer. Bottom line: relevance. :) #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: Q9: Google around where you have deficiencies and see if SEO/SEM would improve it. Many great articles/minds out there. #sbbuzz
    leoraw: Q9 I learn a lot from looking at Google Analytics and Google Webmasters stats. Just remembering to take a look can give ideas. #sbbuzz
    ImmersionIT: @AcquireCom interesting discussion tonight on SEO, do a hash search for #sbbuzz
    pmohara: Q9 I mentioned @hubspot before – they have a TON of great content on creating great content. Figures, huh? :) #sbbuzz
    wvpmc: @JoeManna are you referring to different keyword phrases – or different techniques #sbbuzz
    joemagennis: Q9) I subscribe to email newsletters from WebProNews http://bit.ly/6R93L & WebProBusiness http://bit.ly/1474l5 good insights. #sbbuzz
    JoeManna: @wvpmc All the above. On-page SEO is relatively the same, but at different angles of attack. #sbbuzz
    sbbuzz: That ends tonight’s SEO throw-down. Thanks all for the passionate discourse. Great to have so many new faces! #sbbuzz

    Leave a Comment

    Filed under small business, summary, tools

    Tags: , ,