Small Business Networking Chat Summary from May 11, 2010.

We chatted about Customer Relationships. How do you show your customers love?

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on May 18, 2010.
• 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.

bradfordshimp:	The halls are alive with the sound of typing – time for the #sbbuzz Twitter chat! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz:	Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz:	Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Hello all. Bradford S-H-I-M-P here. Looking forward to chatting with everyone here tonight! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Good evening all!Gina w/ WriteyTidy writing & content creation.Looking forward to learning networking techniques from all you pros! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp Hey – are you watching some Julie ANdrews in the background? 🙂 #sbbuzz
hashtager:	# 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!
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue and the moderator of #sbbuzz Let me know if you have questions or suggestions.
stellel:	Evening, all! Christelle here, customer Experience @batchblue #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Hi everyone! I’m the Content Mastery Guide for coaches (with a brand new website: http://www.contentmasteryguide.com) (Intro for #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m Michelle, Comms Director for @batchblue and I can’t wait to see the bee get wild up in here. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi all – Scott from the @batchblue customer experience team. Also blogger, music lover and knower of things. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	jody here a cpa #sbbuzz
jmpineda:	@pmohara Haven’t been on #sbbuzz in a while. Look forward to a great discussion. How’s biz, all!
ginabee:	@scoblitz Things…what things? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight’s topic is making the most out of networking opportunities, so lets make the most of this one. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Remember to send me any questions you want discussed with the group. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 How are you using social media to network with others? What types of relationships have you developed? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Twitter has been an amazing way to stay connected with people I met offline at the #wtlead conference in March. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	When I first started with social media, I hung with CPA’s cause it was safe…Now I’m finding end users of my product and I love it. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1 We’ve met many friends & made many biz deals thanks to social media networking. Friends with business benefits 😉 #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q1- I’ve used SM to be myself & talk about what I love to do. Lovely that I’ve found people who share themselves too & listen to me! #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	Making connections online and then taking it offline locally for my jewelry business as well as nationally. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Finding lots of great people via SM. At this point, I try to move the relationship deeper with emails, chat, and phone calls. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@mriggen “Friends with business benefits,” LOL!! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	#sbbuzz has been a big part of my networking strategy but I also do a lot of networking offline with ppl I meet online. That’s important.
lindadessau:	@JodyPadarCPA Great to hear of your progress – way to go! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – I have reached a point where I am looking to go deeper rather than wider with my social media contacts. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Btw I’m Desiree Scales with Bella Web Design and I forgot how to chat it’s been so long! Forgot the #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	Yes, making genuine friendships can lead to business benefits. Genuine is important. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	It’s opened a whole new world of education to me from different horizons…A lot of professionals get caught in only what they know. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	#sbbuzz Joe Cascio – independent software developer, armchair social media researcher.
desireescales:	@CharmedByDawn Hey you! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	I have heard that people begun made significant business relationships thru SM…Actually I have gotten biz thru it myself! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@JodyPadarCPA Really good point. This type of networking explodes our boundaries. I learn new things every day. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I find Twitter is good for making or following up on new connections. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1: I liked this article from @batchblue customer on combining real life w/online networking: http://bit.ly/cN81c0 #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@desireescales – I know, I keep on trying new things, thanks to you! Desiree is a friendship grown online! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1: I have some great relationships that were furthered via Social Media. Much of what I do today actually. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Facebook is too much information for someone I have just met. I don’t need to know your deepest secrets, yet. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	#sbbuzz Q1: Twitter has become the primary way I meet people. For someone like me who isn’t good at “working a room”, it’s been a godsend.
JodyPadarCPA:	I’ve met and done business with people from Twitter…But it always then go to an email or phone call. or even a flight to meet #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Feeling a little pyromania tonight? #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	My first chat tonight. I am Dawn Skowronnek, Jewelry Designer and Virtual Assistant for @desireescales #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 from @lindadessau Are business cards a must when you have an online business? #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	My first chat tonight. I am Dawn Skowronnek, Jewelry Designer and Virtual Assistant for @desireescales. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	Heck I feel like I know you all now at #sbbuzz. I think I’ve come to 4 meetings!
lindadessau:	Q2 The reason I ask is that I don’t have biz cards to match my new website yet & I’m attending an event in June 😉 #sbbuzz
desireescales:	LinkedIn is a good resource for me personally. Not too personal but you learn about people and their viewpoints and expertise. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@CharmedByDawn Welcome, Dawn! Great to have you here 🙂 #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@pmohara Most times, I agree. I use my personal FB, for personal. Then I have a business page. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@lindadessau Q2 – A good creative business card still goes a long way. I know because I just went to an event with crap biz cards. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	My first chat tonight. I am Dawn Skowronnek, Jewelry Designer and VA for @desireescales #sbbuzz /via @CharmedByDawn (This gal rocks!)
rongraham1:	Sorry to be late; had to launch @MARA_foundation on Twitter. Always fun to draw in someone new. Who isn’t a spammer. LOL #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@mriggen Thank you! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	When people want to connect on Facebook I let them in. I have pictures of my Kids in my Office #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q2 – I think so, you are always going to be meeting people and talking about your business. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@lindadessau Q2 I definitely think so, but they don’t have to exactly match website (you could do just logo) Check out moo.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – But even lame cards are better than no cards. However, the alternative is to set a goal for # of new relationships to start. #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@lindadessau I think business cards are a must. I don’t think you should attend an event without them. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	Anyhow, on Q2, yeah, I use ’em. Because I meet people other places than online. As do each of you. LOL #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@desireescales Thank you for a lovely compliment. It’s appreciated. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@desireescales It’s funny, I’ve more or less abandoned LinkedIn because there’s no socialization there. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	My husband has “blog” cards. Minicards with just a url #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@lindadessau We use @overheardatmoo cards w/all our soc media identities. And the backs have quotes from our Twitter stream. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@mriggen They don’t? Phew! I don’t have a logo – I have a banner (hard to fit on a biz card!) I will check out that site, thanks. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@lindadessau You can create a cool online business card with all of your links. http://templatic.com/demo/ #sbbuzz
CharmedByDawn:	@pmohara I love quotes from the Twitter stream on the back of biz cards. Neat idea! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q2 Hopefully now that I’ve consolidated all of my identities onto one site these will be the last set of cards that I need. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2 I read that 80% of biz cards collected are never followed up on. Also read not to end sentence in preposition. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@JodyPadarCPA, @banannie uses them little things too. Hers are cool – is she in this group? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@pmohara @desireescales Thanks for the sites! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	They are all at the bottom of my purse! RT @mriggen: @sbbuzz I read that 80% of biz cards collected are never followed up on. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@JoeCascio Did you join groups? Ask and answer questions? Engage? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2 I also predict that biz cards will be obsolete within a few years. Like calling cards from days of yore. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen Take the follow up into your own hands. Collect cards and make notes, and then follow up on. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@mriggen Grammar rules are different here on Twitter, so there’s nothing for you to worry about… #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen Obsolete when they are replaced by a digital counterpart. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@desireescales Can you double-check that link? It’s not working for me 😦 #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@mriggen, you’re right about calling cards, but I think it’s a darn shame that you are. That would be an etiquette to resurrect. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q2 I’ve created oversized 4 color postcards which stand out a little more than biz cards and show off our work. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@sbbuzz Q2 I also predict that biz cards will be obsolete within a few years. Like calling cards from days of yore. #sbbuzz /via @mriggen
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2 In the spirit of virtual networking, gotta recommend my Small Biz Web buddies shoeboxed.com to deal with biz cards. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Q2 How about taking a picture with your phone of the person holding their name tag or card? #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@desireescales I did try a group or two. Saw mostly spam, as I recall. #sbbuzz
ActiveIngreds:	Q1 How are you using social media to network with others? What types of relationships have you developed? #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Don’t you all just “bump”
rongraham1:	@desireescales, @DJFathaRamzee makes those postcards as a principal product. We never thought of using ’em to promote HIM. hmmm… #sbbuzz
ActiveIngreds:	Q2 from @lindadessau Are business cards a must when you have an online business? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 Where do you do most of your virtual introductions? Twitter, LinkedIn, e-mail, other? Why? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@rongraham1 People doing new things with them tho. Playdate cards for kids, senior pix for teens. New ways to present self. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@lindadessau http://templatic.com/demo/visitingcard #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@mriggen With apps like Bump, you don’t need cards as long as you have a Bump-worthy device. Electronic exchange so much better. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@desireescales I love that idea, very good for conference. We did that at PodCamp Boston and live-tweeted the photos. Fun! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	My droid and iphone have the app where you just “bump” phones and it transfers data…That will be the new card #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@mriggen, that occurred to me when the subject of the dinky cards came up. Several good ideas you’ve launched, and there are more. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 Guess I’m good for something after all… #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@CharmedByDawn Good point. But there’s a difference btwn customers finding @batchblue & people I am connecting with personally #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – Twitter, mostly. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@sbbuzz Q3 – almost all intros on Twitter. Can’t beat its personal touch. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@JoeCascio That’s what it will probably end up being, or something like it. Why not? It’s easier. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	On Q3, I do it wherever there’s someone I gotta meet. But since I lost my MySpace password about ten months ago, not much there. LOL #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Twitter – fun and quick! RT @sbbuzz: Q3 Where do you do most of your virtual introductions? Twitter, LinkedIn, e-mail, other? Why? #sbbuzz
ActiveIngreds:	Q3 #twitter #LI are the key ones for me #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q3 – Twitter for me too. Amazing what can be conveyed in so little. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 – I do introductions in e-mail. I find Twitter inadequate for conveying to each introductee the awesomeness of the other. 🙂 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 I think I have a Myspace floating in the ether. Hopefully they delete it after a period of no activity. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m going to say email for virtual introductions. Mostly for bizdev stuff that takes more than 140 to frame up. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q3: When introducing people to each other it is always email. For introducing myself – Twitter. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, I hope you’re right, because the MySpace procedure to kill your own is, well, byzantine. I mean complicated. LOL #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@mriggen Actually now that I think about it, I give/receive introductions thru email, too. They seem to carry more weight. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@scoblitz Yeah…what you said. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 Heck, I can’t even figure out how to find my account again, let alone delete it. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	I will say I always link to Twitter, LinkedIn & blog sites for the people I am introducing. Gives other person more insight. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@scoblitz, sometimes I can’t help saying even on Twitter, hey, have you met @iTaskVirtually or someone, y’know? Is that bad? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	#sbbuzz I play in the space that person feels most comfortable in. I usually pick up on that before making introductions.
ActiveIngreds:	do any of you use #linkedin at all? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@rongraham1 not really, guess it depends on the nature of the introduction. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 What is your favorite offline networking event? Are you making different connections at those than online events? #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@ActiveIngreds I do in fact just hosted a webinar on it today for @constantcontact I definitely get leads. #sbbuzz
cjdub:	Q2 – mobile apps and text marketing might replace business cards with “text XXXXX for my info” #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@desireescales Excellent point, Desiree. Meet your clients, prospective clients and colleagues where THEY’RE at & feel comfortable. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@ActiveIngreds, I do. I *should* use it more. LinkedIn has an amazingly powerful Q&A feature. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	My favorite offline networking event is my monthly Quickbooks user group meeting that I formed 3 years ago. #SBBUZZ
desireescales:	#sbbuzz Q4 I love spur of the moment Tweetups! We host them on a local level. Just had one 2 weeks ago in Woodstock all via Twitter. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	CPA’s make the best referrals to other accountants #sbbuzz
cjdub:	Q3 – Email and twitter respectively, and I agree with @bradfordshimp in saying go “deeper with your contacts, rather than wider” #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – Working up the courage to join a local network event. Don’t get a lot of great tweet ups around here. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Yet to find one I’m really comfortable with (sorry for the dangling preposition, @mrigggen) So much more comfortable virtually! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@bradfordshimp Absolutely Deeper! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 my fav offline event is Providence Geeks, but that is probably cause I already know everyone there from Twitter. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@scoblitz, for me, introductions should be based on the chance the two people will connect. Otherwise we have #FF for that. LOL #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@bradfordshimp, I’m with you: Akron’s been bad for that, and I started http://companies.to/socialmediaakron to change it up a bit. #sbbuzz
stellel:	I’m hoping to get to @JoeCascio ‘s meetup one of these Wednesdays… #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q4) Offline? What’s that? #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	On Q4, I love to attend professional meetings to preach Twitter and stuff. Used to do http://tcf-nj.org every year ’til I moved. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	@stellel: Glad you mentioned that. I find regular, *small* meetups to be much more relaxed, enjoyable *and* productive. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@bradfordshimp Create one even if it’s 2 ppl! DIY. I’d love to fly in! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@bradfordshimp I’ll come, too. Now you have 3! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q4 We have @providencegeeks (it’s tomorrow night, come if you can!) And coming soon…BatcHaüs! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 I usually find offline networking events disappointing – I’d rather go to something I’m interested in & network while I’m there. #sbbuzz
JoeCascio:	#sbbuzz I and a couple others started a weekly coffee hangout, gab-fest. No program, no agenda. Just folks. Quality over quantity my mantra.
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales @sbbuzz I would love that too. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 I think I may have just quoted an earlier sbbuzz conversation – sounded familiar 😉 #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 What is your best networking tip? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbuzz for offline networking, always put your Twitter handle on your badge. Sometimes we don’t look like our avatars (@sbbuzz!) #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@bradfordshimp by @sbbuzz I meant me, but you knew that, right? No bee costumes involved. 🙂 #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@JoeCascio Co-working Thursdays at our new office space brother. Stay tuned for details… #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	Involve yourself in their life not in yours #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@lindadessau Yes indeed!Networking events are like speed dating. You’re not in your element or comfort zone.Strike me as artificial. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q5 – Be yourself. And when that doesn’t work, pretend you’re Jack Donaghy (from 30 Rock). #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@ginabee @lindadessau – I agree. Networking should be natural – it won’t work otherwise. #sbbuzz
mskalyn:	RT @sbbuzz: Q5 What is your best networking tip? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q5 If you are outgoing, try & seek out people who look shy. Everyone has something interesting to share. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	The Wind Up – if anybody here runs a small blog and is looking to grow, I am starting a mastermind group (which is filling up) @me #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 Follow up – since most people don’t (as we’ve already established tonight), you’ll stand out and actually start a relationship. #sbbuzz
cjdub:	Do good work, ask for reccomendations, stay top of mind swith clients RT @sbbuzz: Q5 What is your best networking tip? #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@sbbuzz, the worst thing I lost when I moved was a laminated badge with my Twitter avatar and handle. Gotta get me another. <snif> #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen That works if you are shy, too. There is always someone who is more shy. (Its usually me). #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Need to create more masterful content? Idea Generator is now Content Mastery Guide http://www.contentmasteryguide.com (pitch time on #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Thanks to everyone for the lessons in valuable networking. This group leads by example! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	#sbbuzz Q5 Approach networking from the aspect of “Who can I help today?” and you always will and be remembered. Expect nothing back.
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I met a guy who was a witch hazel scientist (!!) at the last networking event I went to. Witch hazel! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	I’m a CPA we do Tax and Payroll and QB consulting. We are in Chicago but can work virtually anywhere. Our site http://ow.ly/1JSvJ #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	And the Pitch: Read my blog, http://allbizanswers.com, you won’t regret it. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@bradfordshimp Well, I would also come to your networking event. Put me on the guest list 🙂 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales I like that. Too many people go for the sell. Instead, go for the helping hand. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	RT @sbbuzz: Thanks to everyone for the lessons in valuable networking. This group leads by example! #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Thanks to everyone for the lessons in valuable networking. This group leads by example! #sbbuzz That’s the truth!
cjdub:	Content and strategy services, small to medium sized business marketing, http://www.contentandstrategy.com #sbbuzz Thanks for the chat tonight!
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m Michelle Riggen-Ransom with @batchblue and I think you’re all smashing! Thanks for coming by. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@desireescales, I like the helping hand thing too. In that spirit, I got a tagline that should go on the nametag and business cards. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	#sbbuzz Pitch time already? Goes fast! http://www.allbizanswers.com rocks!
pmohara:	#sbbuzz pitch – Pamela here from @batchblue, the social CRM that loves social networking. And wine trails!
sbbuzz:	Thanks, everyone. #sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
ginabee:	Appreciate the networking advice! Thanks to all! http://www.writeytidy.com. I’ve got words when you don’t. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Oh also – we’re launching something cool tonight, if you think scheduling meetings from within your CRM is cool 😉 #sbbuzz
desireescales:	@rongraham1 And it is? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen I do, I do. Now I won’t be able to sleep! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@desireescales I think he is busy writing it down. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	I’m gonna spend a pitch tonight on @MARA_foundation, because I think they are doing something good in the world. I’ll talk me later. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	The Final Throw: If anyone is looking for a great task management system, check out The Action Method and read Making Ideas Happen. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Good night all, and good luck. #sbbuzz
desireescales:	Joining #sbbuzz again after a few months was like riding a bike, you just remember how fun it is once you get back on it! @sbbuzz

Show Your Customers Some Love! Chat summary from May 4, 2010.

We chatted about Customer Relationships. How do you show your customer love?

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on March 30, 2010.
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

sbbuzz:	Welcome to #sbbuzz, a Tweetchat for the next hour of small biz talking technology on Twitter. Join us! http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
sbbuzz:	Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz:	Start off w/an INTRO: 1 message about you and your business and whatever else we need to know. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Howdy y’all – I am a small biz blogger and I also help small biz create their own blogs. Looking fwd to the chat! #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Hey everyone! I’m Mike & I do social media consulting for companies & small biz. How about u? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	I help coaches & other small biz owners write masterful content for newsletters, blogs, etc. http://snipr.com/t1pw5 (Intro for #sbbuzz)
ginabee:	Good evening buzz friends! Gina w/ WriteyTidy joining the group. I create written content for the web. Glad to be here tonight! #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Susan here from Selah Synergy, Strategic Innovation Partner to Small Business. Nice to be with you tonight. #sbbuzz
urbanamulets:	Deandra, developing a new small business, artsy handcrafted jewelry. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hello everyone! Pamela here from @batchblue and the host of #sbbuzz. Looking forward to a great discussion of miy favorite topic tonight!
stellel:	Christelle here, Customer Experience for @batchblue … where we show the customers love… ❤ #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Happy Tuesday – Scott, customer experience @batchblue, blogger, music lover, and chief dandelion ignorer. #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Hey there! I run a web maketing consultancy in La Verne, CA #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	@scoblitz “chief dandelion ignorer” Love that! #sbbuzz
cjservia:	Chris Servia, CBCP with Lighthouse Continuity Partners, LLC. We provide business protection services. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz To my kids, dandelions are wishes. So my yard is just full of wishes. Isn’t that nice? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@scoblitz At least you noticed that you’re ignoring them! #sbbuzz
stellel:	@ginabee hi Gina! See you soon! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Yeah, I *wish* the dandelions would go away! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight’s topic is customer relationships. Not talking about tools, yet – just goals. Send me ?s you want discussed with the group #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	We’ll use tonight’s chat re: goals for improving customer relationships to shape the discussion agenda for rest of the month. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Evening #sbbuzz – I’ll be hanging out here for a while to say howdy!
scoblitz:	@mikestenger I’m quite dedicated to the task! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@ginabee My neighbor’s yard is dandelion free, so I always feel bad that I have so many. Ah well! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	I’m with VerticalResponse these days – self-service email marketing for small to mid-sized businesses. We rock. #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	When it comes to relationships in business, “care like you mean it”…overheard at #sobcon #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 What do you enjoy most about your relationships with your customers? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Your neighbor – too much time on his hands? Life’s to short to sweat the d-lions. #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q1: The fact that they allow me to do what it is I do. They write the checks & I love helping them! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 One thing I enjoy about working with my customers is that the thing I love doing the most is the thing they hate doing the most. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	Their success #sbbuzz
cjservia:	#sbbuzz Q1 – Personalization. One on one time resulting in the feeling I’ve helped someone.
rzazueta:	Q1: I *LOVE* working with small businesses because they are BRIMMING with ideas and excitement. Best part of my job. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp My 5yo told me w/every dandelion she wishes a princess would come to our house. Anyone have a princess costume? #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q1 to quote Mother Teresa “I served and I saw that all service is joy”…JOY to help them succeed! #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	Q1. Their problems are our opportunities and assisting them is what we’re passionate about. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q1: These days, I get to help innovative companies do really cool development. Geek heaven. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 Another thing I enjoy about my customers is that most are coaches and so we have a common viewpoint plus they’re NICE people!! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Hi guys, Michelle from @batchblue joining a bit late. Q1: I love pretty much everything about our customers. I’m smitten! #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q1 – That they respect my talent, abilities & time. Nice to be treated like a professional! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q1 What I love most about our customers is hearing their stories. They are doing such amazing things. It’s really inspiring. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@rzazueta So true! Isn’t it awesome to observe the genius of entrepreneurs? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – I love that my customers want to improve their businesses. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1) I love how passionate our customers are about their work – it’s contagious! I also love when I can learn from them. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@ginabee Nice, yes, one of the qualities of my “ideal client” is that they value me and my work – so important to feel that. #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q1: The enjoyment of helping them reach their desired result. That’s TRUE satisfaction #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	Q1.Our Customers are authentic,hard-working,dedicated folks who R pursuing their passion in their own way.They’re inspiring. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q1 I think especially helping folks figure out how tech can help them succeed. They’re doing such awesome stuff out there. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@selahsynergy It is. I love the creative spirit and the can-do attitude that comes with. It’s infectious. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@lindadessau Amen. Appreciation is often as good as $. #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Q1 The mutual respect and desire to acheive a common goal. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@amyaddventure @selahsynergy @rzazueta Agree whole-heartedly! We thinks small biz folks are super heroes, truly. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What is most challenging about keeping good relationships with your customers? #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	@mriggen I like that, super heroes. Totally! #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@ginabee Yeah, but money’s good, too 🙂 Makes it much easier to keep showing up. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@pmohara I agree. Small biz is full of amazing, creative and inspiring people. U don’t have a pulse if u can’t catch the spirit #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q2 – Communication. Communication. And don’t forget communication. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – I think it is challenging when customers don’t communicate the same way you do – ie. phone vs. email / text vs. twitter #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q2: For me, it’s always been communicating back. I get so caught up in the work that I sometimes drop off. CRM tools help #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@lindadessau Well, I wouldn’t take it in lieu of $ of course, but it’s nice nonetheless. #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	Q2. The increasing demands on our time and resources. It is good but it’s hard until systems are ready to facilitate realtionships #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q2: I also find that setting future dates to return calls and emails or reminder task lists help me stay on top of things. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz sometimes I feel like I let them down. Even when not in my control.
mikestenger:	Q2: I think it’s simply being in consistent communication but there are LOTS of tools to help do so #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	@rzazueta yep. I know what you mean #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Ditto – clarity & communication are key to good relationships – I haven’t always gotten it right but I’ve learned each time. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@amyaddventure http://batchblue.com/super-heroes.html Planning this year’s contest…coming soon! 😉 #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q2 Clarifying expectations and requirements is the necessary evil of the job – getting communication structure in place #sbbuzz
amyaddventure:	@mriggen Awesome. Keep me posted! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@lindadessau Yeah, I’m constantly improving the process. Better now than ever before, but LOTS of room to grow. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@rzazueta Great! #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q2: I agree w/@selahsynergy & @lindadessau. Being clear & making sure both sides are on the same page. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q2 – I tend to worry more than I need to about details & consequently feel I’ve performed poorly when client is actually thrilled. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q2 #sbbuzz Most challenging is finding the time to just talk to customers (not customer service – just learning their goals & aspirations).
bradfordshimp:	I always feel like I am not doing enough. How do you find that out if the customer doesn’t come out and tell you? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2: Tracking conversation in so many places, making sure folks are getting heard. You can’t be everywhere, but you can try! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@ginabee Right there with you! #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Q2 Managing expectations. Things change. Sometimes the result desired is not the result delivered. A good relationship must last #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q2 – Trying to anticipate my customers’ needs to be proactive instead of reactive to better serve them . #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	@bradfordshimp I think it helps to ask questions when you maybe feel uncertain. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@ginabee That’s happened to me as well. It’s dangerous when I start thinking I can read minds! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp SO true. And often silence it the real warning bell, but hard to listen for that. #sbbuzz
jpwint:	@ginabee I can sympathize. It’s so important to have clear metrics for success #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@lindadessau Drawback of being a perfectionist with my clients, I guess… #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz. How do you transition. Work and still have that intimate relationshp
sbbuzz:	Q3 How has social media affected your relationships with your customers? #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@jpwint Yeah, it comes back to that simple communication thing. Gotta spell it out so I know I met (or exceeded) expectiation #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@ginabee Don’t be so hard on yourself – nothing wrong with being committed to delivering customer satisfaction! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Is it possible to have relationships w/customers without social media? Ha ha ha, I kid. Sort of. #sbbuzz
cjservia:	Q3 I feel better able to more broadly provide customers information to help them. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q3 – They know more about the “real” me than they would in a strictly business setting. Let my hair down & be real. #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q3: It’s really allowed me to keep more up-to-date with them & to answer quick questions. #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Q3 Absolutely. Clients see we are engaged with the community. Not the best lead generation tool for us though. #sbbuzz #socialmedia
lindadessau:	Q3 There’s a casual, informal rapport with people I’ve met via Twitter that warms up the relationship before we even talk business. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – Social media makes it easier to have deeper and wider relationships with customers in many ways. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q3: It’s a new line of communication that helps keep your message from being missed. It’s improved my comm. with customers. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz filter always on. Don’t know who’s watching. But much more touch points. Good/bad
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q3 SM opens new markets for new customers, opens new communication channels with existing customers #sbbuzz
leoraw:	Some clients I try to teach to use social media. Newer clients I’ve gotten because of social media. Different situations. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q3: But I don;t find it as appropriate for one-to-one communication. For that, nothing beats email or the phone. #sbbuzz.
ginabee:	@selahsynergy Never ashamed to do that! I just makes things difficult for me. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q3: Having said that, it opens a conversation to everyone who happens to be listening, and that’s where the value is in SM. #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q3: It’s allowed me to build deeper relationships at a much more rapid level. Lots of communication. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 #sbbuzz Social media has done so much – real time conversations, new insights into people, uhm, meet you fine people. 🙂
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Exactly! Multi-dimensional relationships can be formed thru SM. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rzazueta I think it provides doors for further communication, like you said, via email or phone or in-person. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	@bradfordshimp Excellent way to put it, I totally agree. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@JodyPadarCPA Because SM is well, social, I don’t say anything that I wouldn’t say in any public forum. Just more natural convos. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 #sbbuzz Back to time issue, quick interactions on Twitter mean I stay in touch w/more folks. But e-mail better for real communications.
mikestenger:	@ginabee Good point. We already have conversations, SM is just another place we do so. #sbbuzz
stellel:	Twitter is more fun, friendlier… #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 from @JodyPadarCPA How do you maintain your relationships as you grow? #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q3: Has helped me share info that can sometimes lead to faster responses and future conversations #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – Great question. One big problem is ignoring customers in search for new ones. #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q4: There’s the struggle. If you’re growing to the point of hiring, make sure EVERYONE has good customer relationship skills. #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Q4 A documented system for maintaining relationships is critical. You cannot rely on your brain. This is a good use of CRM. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – I would say that you need to put a premium on current customers. Do something every day for them, blog, email, new service, etc #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	Q4: I tend to think everyone you hire should be customer facing and be able to represent your company well in person. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 My earliest clients hold a very special place in my heart. I never forget that they put their trust in me when I was new at this. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@sbbuzz Q4 Communications plan in place to match my biz plan. I organize, weed, prune contact lists, nurture by priority. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q4) That’s the million dollar question there. There are only so many hours, only so much time you can spend. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – Also, always add a future task when you finish one for a customer (with your CRM (Batchbook, for instance)) – Maintain contact. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q4 #sbbuzz Can be harder to keep same level of personal interaction, so just hire amazing people who are equally awesome and personal.
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Yeah, there’s that “loyalty factor” you can’t turn your back on, even if you’ve moved on to bigger clients. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q4: Schedule a set amount of time (1 hr) everyday to work on and improve relationships with customers. Additional training also. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Am I allowed to say the same thing as @pmohara? #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q4: Have a plan to keep in consistent contact. Keep track. Hire those w/ur same relationship ideals. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	#sbbuzz Hmm, I think I just called myself awesome. I actually hire people MUCH awesomer than me. That is the real secret.
jpwint:	@bradfordshimp re: future task. Great recommendation. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen I try to repackage what she says – makes me look smart. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@jpwint Thanks. You also might want to assign certain days for certain tasks, so they don’t all go on one day. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@bradfordshimp Ah, so that’s your secret to success! Good to know 😉 #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@pmohara Hard to find in Accountants 😉 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen Actually, I do that w/ every smart person I know. That IS my secret, now that you mention it!! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@JodyPadarCPA Not for me. 😀 #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Q4: Remember that relationships are ongoing. No “set & forget”. More like “communicate & keep at it”. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@CASUDI #sbbuzz so how do you incentivize(pay) that skill?
sbbuzz:	Q5 What would you like to learn more about to help you with customer relationships? #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q5: Where to find awesome summer interns! Let me know if anyone knows anyone 🙂 #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@JodyPadarCPA Make projects /work fun (even accounting)~ organize so there are many wins (accomplishments) your ppl wil do you well #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@mriggen @bradfordshimp You guys are making me blush. #sbbuzz
selahsynergy:	@mriggen Paid or unpaid? Virtual? I am surrounded by college kids. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Q5 – Mind reading! (Ha!) But seriously, I’d like to learn more about how to gauge client expectation & communication style. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@mriggen #sbbuzz Try your community college…usually great but talk to professor and have them hand picked. I can find you a chicago one.
bradfordshimp:	@sbbuzz That is why you wear the bee mask. #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@sbbuzz Q5: When is it time to cut your losses ~ no longer try & make an employee work (who will never work:-) #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@bradfordshimp Yep. If only I could remember to take it off. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	Q5: More systems in addition to CRM (i.e. live chats via website, etc) that can help improve customer relationships. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	On the topic of customers, Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit is a great read. Review: http://tinyurl.com/esepreview #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@ginabee Yes – a good assessment, pre-selection process that helps everyone start on the same page. #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@pmohara So agree ~ build a team of players more talented & accomplished then you are #sbbuzz
cjservia:	Solidify disaster plans for your small business. Follow @cjservia to learn more. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	I’m taking a stand for the quality of your content! http://bit.ly/content-creation-manifesto (pitch time on #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@bradfordshimp I’d like to add speed of response ~ quick makes clients/ customers feel important ~ slow the opposite #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Read my small biz advice at http://www.allbizanswers.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@CASUDI Good point. That is something I have been working on, slowly… #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz I am your friendly customer service based accountant. We do Tax and Payroll and QB consulting http://ow.ly/1H3js
ginabee:	I write your web content so you don’t have to! http://www.writeytidy.com (Sorry – I don’t do dandelions!) #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	If you are interested in blogging for your biz, I can help. Design, coaching, and a course coming soon. #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	For dollar stretching & money-saving biz tips tune in to my show on Blogtalkradio, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stretchingadollar #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here from @batchblue – the social CRM that hosts this chat. Great, great discussion tonight. My favorite topic! #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@CASUDI But sometime they have not timely requests and are just itchy! How do you balance from your own work needs #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Thanks to everyone for all the great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
CASUDI:	Designing Success for Start Up companies ~ and having a lot of fun doing it esp. the team building #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m Michelle from BatchBlue and I try to put three year-olds to bed during SBBUZZ. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@bradfordshimp Oh, & here’s the “o” I owe you from an earlier “to” instead of “too!” Hate when I do that! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	#sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
bradfordshimp:	@BizMoneySaver Cool, I am going to check it out. If you do guest posts, that would be a great topic on http://www.allbizanswers.com #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@JodyPadarCPA My clients expect 24/7 response ~ even get back to you later works (always time for that via iphone 🙂 #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@ginabee I was feeling an “o” short. #sbbuzz
mikestenger:	Social media consulting, minus the self proclaimed expert or guru status? That’s me. http://www.mikestenger.com #sbbuzz
BizMoneySaver:	@bradfordshimp Thanks! I love guest posts and will definitely check it out :>) ! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@BizMoneySaver Wonderful, just Tweet me! Working on putting up a formal guest posting page, but not there yet. #sbbuzz

Tools for Managing Small Business Admin. Summary from April 27, 2010

This week’s chat covered small business resources for payroll, hr administration, office management.

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on March 30, 2010.
• 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:	Hi bee, thanks for hosting, hey everyone, I’m glad to be here! I help coaches write better content http://snipr.com/t1pw5 (intro for #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi all! Pamela here from @batchblue and the host of #sbbuzz Let me know if you have any special requests of the DJ tonight
wvpmc:	Hi bees – missed you all lately (Tues meetings) – Wendy from CT, I’ve been doing integrated marcom for >2 decades #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Jody here a cpa
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi everyone – Scott Blitstein, Customer Experience with @batchblue, blogger, sr. procrastinator of lawn moving operations #sbbuzz
beanie72:	Hey this is Adam, Blogging, twitter are my main focus #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight’s topic is small biz tools for the admin side of business management. Send me ?s you want discussed with the group #sbbuzz
stellel:	Hi twitter friends! Christelle here, Customer Experience with @batchblue. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q1 Do you manage your own payroll? What services/tools do you use? #sbbuzz
foodiegrl:	Hi there! Liz J. again from @VR4SmallBiz – in addition to email marketing, I do our BtoB campaigns and BusDev outreach #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Of course I do! I’m a cpa but I use saas software!
TheBottomRock:	A small candle company, selling on @etsy, starting craft shows and hoping to expand #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Gee, I was wondering that same thing on Twitter today and here it is the topic of tonight’s chat #sbbuzz #coincidenceor not
pmohara:	Some suggestions I got: ADP, Netsuite, Intuit Payroll, Trinet, Administaff ANyone have experience w/these? #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	Joining #sbbuzz for a little while – Evening all!
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Intuit Online Payroll is the best/ FKA Paycycle. ADP and Administaff will charge you an arm and a leg.
scoblitz:	@pmohara I reviewed Intuit Payroll back when it was PayCycle and it looked very good. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@JodyPadarCPA Interesting. Our CPA doesn’t do this. I’d been outsourcing to a payroll service, but too many egregious mistakes #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Intuit online Payroll is great for Small business. As a CPA I can resell it but a lot of people can do it fine on their own.
sbbuzz:	Q2 Do you provide staff benefits? Do you use a service to manage that? Any good online tools? #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz. People with more complicated payroll need help but if all you have is an IRA or health insurance you can do it yourself
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz CPA’s in general are scared of payroll. Because most are not tech savy and don’t know the SAAS solutions that are out their
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz I have a handful of hr consultant who I refer out. We can do simple plan (401k) in house.
stellel:	The CPA we use for my husband’s business does payroll. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz for me it the connection to my client that payroll brings…i am communicating with them all the time…
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz better relationship payroll provides because of the constant interaction. Makes my clients “sticky”
pmohara:	@JodyPadarCPA I’ll have to follow up with you to hear more – thanks for the info! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What part of your business operations do you outsource? What do you do yourself? #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz amazes me how many small business don’t
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz I just recently started outsourcing my technical writing. It’s so much better
lindadessau:	@JodyPadarCPA Funny, I was just going to say how I outsource my bookkeeping! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@JodyPadarCPA (In case you don’t know me, the reason that’s funny is that I’m a content writer/editor) #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q3 We outsource legal, accounting, payroll & use virtual assistant for travel arrangements. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	@lindaedessau Love it you are a Ghostwriter! too funny. #sbbuzz
beanie72:	Bookeeping at the moment #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz @lindaedesau Everybody thinks they can write. boy are they wrong. It’s amazing what a professional does. Who Knew?
pmohara:	@beanie72 oh yes, and bookkeeping. Tough one to let go. I SO enjoyed doing it myself. 🙂 #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@JodyPadarCPA So true, so true. And my books would still be a mess if I hadn’t called in a pro. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 Do you use a virtual assistant? What do you use them for? #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Bookkeeping a good one to let go. Then it will get done. We don’t do any bookkeeping in my firm except my own. I make referals out
gregelwell:	@sbbuzz I’m looking at doing strategic and generalist roles while outsourcing specialty functions. #sbbuzz
djbookkeeper:	Better to join late than never! Just a suggestion:there are less expensive solutions for payroll than ADP. #sbbuzz
beanie72:	@pmohara I had a Bernard form Black books type of system!! It had to be outsourced!!! LOL #sbbuzz
pmohara:	We’ve used our virtual assistant for travel arrangements, event planning, writing, editing – she’s an @chelpixie of all trades #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Who has a hard time letting go of anything?
wvpmc:	@JodyPadarCPA raises her hand 🙂 #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 What operations tool or service has been the best timesaver for you? #sbbuzz
djbookkeeper:	I’m very appreciative of Mozy, Dropbox, gotoassist and my dual monitors! They are all great time-savers. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz For us it’s using gotomeeting or hosted solutions. We use portals for tax returns and document exchanges…
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz Portals are great in theory but not every client is ready to use one.
AlaiaWilliams:	@sbbuzz A5: I love Toodledo for keeping track of tasks. RescueTime helps me keep on track in terms of how I’m spending my time #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@djbookkeeper Dropbox seems to come up frequently. What do you use it for? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@djbookkeeper Oops – everyone once in a while I forget to take off the bee mask. THat was me asking. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
djbookkeeper:	I use dropbox w/ some clients that have Quick Books & are uneasy w/ remote access. Easier than emailing files back and forth. #sbbuzz
JodyPadarCPA:	#sbbuzz I’m CPA. We do Tax and QB consulting and Payroll. Would like to be your full service accounting solution. http://ow.ly/1DWKJ
sbbuzz:	Thanks to everyone for joining in. A small but resourceful group tonight! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
lindadessau:	Free readability checklist that is guaranteed to improve your writing http://snipr.com/mbys9 (my pitch on #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	#sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
lindadessau:	@sbbuzz Thanks for hosting, thanks everyone! See you next time 🙂 #sbbuzz
djbookkeeper:	I have By the Numbers Bookkeeping. I love to clean up messes by small business owners! Quick Books ProAdvisor #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Pamela here from #sbbuzz host @batchblue We’re hiring RoR developers – help us spread the word! http://batchblue.com/jobs/
pmohara:	@djbookkeeper Good to know. I used to man our QuickBooks, but unfortunately developed an allergy. 🙂 #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Thanks everyone for the great advice tonight! Nice to focus on the admin side sometimes. #sbbuzz
wvpmc:	Pitch: posting good articles on marketing and soc med from around the web at http://www.wvpmc.com/facebook.php #sbbuzz

Guest Speaker @LeeHower #sbbuzz chat: Summary from March 9, 2010

This week’s SBBuzz chat featured guest speaker Lee Hower, early employee at PayPal, cofounder at Linkedin and now VC.

Our chat next week is on Tuesday March 16th  from 8-9 EST.  Want to join in and get (or give) small biz advice, here’s how it works!

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
decker_chris:	I’m an IT professional, web developer and entrepreneur based out of Eastern NC. Excited about my first #sbbuzz! #sbbuzz
DanNieves:	Hey everyone! Working with RootOrange, start up trying to grow the business, how can we grow with FB, Twitter, etc? #sbbuzz
TraceyHolinka:	I?m a web designr/developr @chaostoclarity. We teach small biz & freelancers how to work better in a digital world. #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi:	Hi, I’m Mike from Ruxter. We’re a universal mobile app for small biz & organizations. We combine free mobile websites & low-cost SMS #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Glad to be here! I ghostwrite and edit content for blogs and newsletters – I work with coaches and service providers (intro for #sbbuzz
merritto:	I’m a freelance writer and marketing/fundraising consultant to non-profit organizations #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi all – Pamela here from @batchblue and the hostess of #sbbuzz. Very excited to have @leehower speaking He’s WICKED smart!
stellel:	Hi I’m Christelle, I am a customer experience peep at @batchblue. Stopping by to hear the buzz #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	hello tech gang! I Find cool free online tools to help small business owners save time and money. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Hello All! Gina here from WriteyTidy.com writing/content creation. Looking forward to my Tuesday night education! #sbbuzz
cjservia:	I’m a business continuity consultant beginning business here in Eastern North Carolina. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi everyone – Scott Blitstein from eSeMBe. I’m a blogger, tech-guy, superhero, and music lover. #sbbuzz
familyfoodie:	hello all – Family Foodie and I love to cook for my family of 6. #sbbuzz #sbbuzz
ginabee:	@scoblitz Superhero, huh? Gonna tell the class about your superpower? #sbbuzz
leehower:	hi – I’m Lee, former tech startup entrepreneur turned venture capitalist. I look fwd to participating in #sbbuzz chat on small biz tech.
cjservia:	Hi Lee. Can’t wait to hear your story tonigh. @leehower #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Our guest speaker tonight is @LeeHower, early employee at PayPal, cofounder at LinkedIn & now VC. Welcome, Lee! #sbbuzz
foodiegrl:	Hi, I’m Liz – partner marketing manager at Vr4SmallBiz and a raging food geek. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	We will talking to Lee about early days at successful companies & how we can do the same. Send me any ?s you want included in chat #sbbuzz
wiseleo:	Good evening. It’s been a while 🙂 I am Leonid, a world-class computer expert #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Everyone – feel free to jump in with your own responses & follow-ups, but stay ON TOPIC! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q1 What are the common characteristics of the successful start-ups you have worked in/with? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q1: smart, passionate, capable founders / mgmt team – this is true of tech startups (what I focus on) but really all small biz
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q1: also a “maniacal” focus on customers… esp when trying to develop a new product or service, cust feedback critical
cjservia:	@leehower #sbbuzz How did they demonstrate their passion for the business?
leehower:	#sbbuzz be willing to work hard, take personal risk, and just visibly demonstrate an enthusiasm for building their biz
foodiegrl:	@leehower, when you’re small and busy, what r your favorite CX feedback tools? #sbbuzz
decker_chris:	@leehower Have you ever had to confront a partner that wasn’t demonstrating passion for a startup? If so, how did you handle? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz best ways to gather cust feedback depend a little on who your cust are… huge companies, other small biz, consumers, etc
leehower:	#sbbuzz but generally I like just talking to cust… also I personally put more weight on what cust do than what they say
ruxtermobi:	@sbbuzz @leehower, many ‘overnight’ successes have been in dev for years. What should start-up ‘stars-to-be’ focus on? #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@leehower how did you convenience people to jump on board with your startups? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@leehower Yes, people “vote with their feet,” don’t they? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz not easy, but as both an entrep & VC I’ve tried to be picky about who I partner with… choose not to work w/ folks not passionate
leehower:	#sbbuzz cust vote w/ the dollars as much as their feet 🙂 but totally agree w/ this sentiment
DanNieves:	Has your small biz had success utilizing a facebook fan page? if so, how did you drive people to the page? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q2 from @andrewnim Did you have your entire strategy at start or did you allow it to alter over the first few months? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q2 always worth planning out your strategy ahead of time, but have to be flexible to alter as mkt needs, financing, etc demands
familyfoodie:	What marketing methods do you recommend to small retail bus? Direct mail is so expensive. What is the best way to drive customers? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz my old boss (LinkedIn’s CEO Reid Hoffman) used to say starting a company is like jumping off cliff & assembling plane on way down
leehower:	#sbbuzz you have to sort of have a clear sense of plan initially, but most startups end up redirecting once or more in big ways
SeeboldMarCom:	@leehower ..and I’d say Reid Hoffman built a pretty darn good plane! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q3 from @foodiegirl as your startup grows, would you invest in tech resources or cx service if had to choose one? #sbbuzz
foodiegrl:	@familyfoodie – DMA reports email still has highest ROI: $44 for each $1 spent, but Social is gr8 tool. disclose: I work 4 email co #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q3 depends on nature of biz I suppose – also tech resources and cx service don’t have to be mutually exclusive
leehower:	#sbbuzz I’ve seen startups use tech for online cust forums, problem tracking, etc – e.g. cust svc being leveraged w/ tech and “labor”
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q4 Is their a cultural difference as the company grows? How do you preserve your culture? #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz culture undoubtedly evolves as company grows, either in terms of more people or people in different geographic locations
leehower:	#sbbuzz no magic bullet for preserving culture, but some elements include: trying to retain good chunk of founders / early employees
leehower:	#sbbuzz also establish core values that are as relevant when company is 5 ppl as when its 500 ppl – Netflix has done an awesome job of this
leehower:	#sbbuzz Netflix doesn’t track employee vacation time even though it’s huge company today – expectation is ppl work hard but are responsible
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q5 What if you don’t want explosive growth? Can you be successful without expanding? #sbbuzz
andreayap:	Q4 #sbbuzz culture needs to be genuine + organic, but also disciplined in that you reinforce it everyday #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz here’s a preez put together by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings on culture/values even as they grew to big company http://bit.ly/czTnBP
TraceyHolinka:	Way it should be: RT @leehower: #sbbuzz Netflix doesnt track employee vacation – expectation is ppl work hard but are responsible #sbbuzz
betaspring:	Betaspring mentor @leehower is the guest for tonight’s #sbbuzz chat. Small business wisdom from a dude who’s built some big businesses.
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q5 absolutely… the definition of “success” as a small business is based upon the founders goals and aspirations
leehower:	#sbbuzz my parents were entrepreneurs & owned their own small biz – never grew larger than them + their two kids helping them
leehower:	#sbbuzz they (and I) would consider their business absolutely a success, even though it didn’t grow to be huge company
andreayap:	@leehower how bout funding via customers vs. VC? Prefer revnues but speed/growth opp tempting me to VC #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz owning a small biz gave them freedom & independence relative to working for big company, plus time w/ their kids
leehower:	#sbbuzz growth is great too, and some businesses only work at large scale – but again success is in eyes of the beholder
leehower:	#sbbuzz I prob can’t fit the pros/cons of decision whether or not to pursue VC funding into 140 char, but I’ll take a shot 🙂
andreayap:	Q5 also you can grow margins and cash flows – efficiency not necessarily topline #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz pros – large amt of up front capital, advice from experienced professional investors + ability to tap their networks for hiring, etc
andreayap:	@leehower the vc vs. customer issue being both require fulltime warfare LOL #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz cons – having a funding partner means just that – take on partner’s opinions, expectations, etc
leehower:	#sbbuzz I think pursing VC funding path is a complicated topic – you’ve prob already researched but I’d suggest sites like venturehacks.com
sbbuzz:	@leehower Q7 from @ruxtermobi In today’s investment environment, what’s best way for an early-stage company to attract VC support? #sbbuzz
cjservia:	I’ve avoided partnerships myself because of “- take on partner’s opinions, expectations, etc “you mention. #sbbuzz
JohnFMoore:	Yes, clear VC con is they may push you to grow faster than desired, loss of cntrol #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz do search of venturehacks.com – some old articles I believe on pros/cons of VC, & lots of info on how to approach it if you puruse
JohnFMoore:	Q7. Great management team will attract funding, quality VCs, better than anything else IMO #sbbuzz
laowsmith:	@sbbuzz #sbbuzz in current climate is it more important to build out for scale or for profitability?
sbbuzz:	And now we near the end of our show. This is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz Q7 as others suggest, outstanding founders/mgmt is 1st thing VCs look for and a dimension VCs won’t compromise on
sbbuzz:	A HUGE thank you to @leehower for joining in tonight and sharing so much of your experience. Very instpirational! #sbbuzz
JohnFMoore:	No pitch here, just a thanks for an informative discussion #sbbuzz
leehower:	#sbbuzz other things we VCs look for – unique prod/tech that creates sustainable competitive advantage, big / rapidly growing mkt
TraceyHolinka:	@chaostoclarity helps small biz & freelancers take charge of computers & use social networking/media & the Web to grow their biz #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	And thanks to everyone for all the great discussion! We’ll get the #sbbuzz summary posted on the site soon at http://sbbuzz.biz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Thanks to @leehower for the chat – very informative. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Thanks @sbbuzz, thanks @leehower – my pitch: How to write a top 10 article – http://snipr.com/t1pw5 #sbbuzz
stellel:	@leehower Thanks for the chat! #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	What up #sbbuzz!!! I lurked a little tonight. If you’re going to be at #sxsw, come find us! VerticalResponse at booth 1223!
leehower:	#sbbuzz thx @sbbuzz and everyone who participated, I enjoyed it
familyfoodie:	Thank you for all the info. As a newbie, I was very impressed. #sbbuzz
TraceyHolinka:	Yes was a very interesting and informative discussion. Thxs @sbbuzz & @leehower #sbbuzz
decker_chris:	@digitalmints assists small biz owners with web development, digital marketing and social media #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Thanks Lee and everyone for awesome chat tonight! Pamela from @batchblue – the company who brings you #sbbuzz
P_Wannemacher:	I also want to thank @leehower for the discussion, good stuff! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Pitch: eSeMBe helps you choose and implement technology so you can work more efficiently and effectively. #sbbuzz
ginabee:	http://www.WriteyTidy.com does the writing so you don’t have to! Thanks for the words of wisdom from my small biz hoping to grow! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	#sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!
cjservia:	#sbbuzz Awesome chat tonight. Great insight.
foodiegrl:	I’d pitch, but @rzazueta is doing it for us – thx rob! @VR4SmallBiz #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi:	Ruxter is social networking for small businesses who wish to be mobile. Free universal app + low-cost texting to your customers. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
rzazueta:	FYI – #sbbuzz is the thing that showed me the TRUE power of Twitter. Every Tuesday night from 5 – 6 pm PST.
cjservia:	We assist all businesses with developing alternative management plans for disaster situations. http://www.lighthousecontinuity.com/ #sbbuzz
ruxtermobi:	Thank you @sbbuzz and @leehower for an excellent Tuesday night #sbbuzz chat.

Small Business, Finance Tools: Summary from March 2nd, 2010

This week’s @sbbuzz chat focused on money management tools for small businesses.

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on March 9th, 2010.
• 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:	Good evening, all! I help coaches and other small biz owners write content for newsletters and blogs. Great to be here at #sbbuzz
ginabee:	Good evening, Friends! Gina w/ WriteyTidy.com writing/content creation here. Looking forward to learning about $ tools w/ you! #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Find cool free online tools to help you save time & money. I do the work so you don’t have to! free tools, ideas, tips & reviews #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	Hi – I’m from Columbus, OH – doing video & internet marketing for local business owners from content creation to posting it all over #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Last week was such a whirlwind, I still haven’t caught my breath! #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	I’m a financial storyteller amongst other things incl. a CMA, ACMA, Toastmaster… #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Hi everyone, Brad here. I focus on helping small businesses with advice and websites designed to work. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Hi everyone! Scott Blitstein here – owner of eSeMBe and one of the Customer Experience superheroes at @batchblue. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Hi all – Pamela here from @batchblue and the moderator of #sbbuzz. Nice to be back in the bee seat. 🙂
bradfordshimp:	@finstoryteller I love you already! What a great tagline, “financial storyteller.” #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	Hi, I do publicity and marketing and have authored books on becoming a virtual assistant #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Hi it’s Jacqueline: Business Manager helping to manage, run and grow businesses #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	Hello! Steph here! Looking forward to #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@bradfordshimp thanks 🙂 I should also say I’m in Vancouver, BC and I help orgs tell their story with numbers 😉 (sorry 2 msgs) #sbbuzz
MECKids:	This is Nikhil Bonthapally, Network Coordinator at MECKids.com (Health and Fitness Program for Tweens). #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Tonight’s topic is tools for managing your money (invoicing, billing, budgeting). DM me ?s you want discussed with the group #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Hi all. Michelle from @batchblue. We make software for small businesses. #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q1: Quickbooks just love the overall program for financial management of any business #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	OK. http://claritystrategic.com/ is my company, helping navigate complexity is my business, and plenty of oxygen reaches my head. 🙂 #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@sbbuzz Q1. Freshbooks – I met the founder a while back, he was inspirational for small biz #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – I use Freshbooks for my new business. Love it because it is very easy, simple. #sbbuzz
JulieDAloiso:	Julie D’Aloiso here from SpiderCat Marketing – I help businesses use Social Media to market themselves – this is my 2nd week here at #sbbuzz
helpbusinesses:	Q1: Quickbooks is easy to use and easy to setup I think. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	I blogged last week about this very topic my fav is fresh books #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q1 – Use Quickbooks online pretty regularly for a client. It is much more robust and good for more established businesses. #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@bradfordshimp I just heard about Freshbooks for the first time last week! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 I use Freshbooks for invoicing – likes: online invoicing, easy integration w/ PayPal, I can track my hours & subcontractor hours #sbbuzz
cpcllerret:	Hello, its Terrence in the Merchant Services industry helping small businesses get the right merchant account. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@finstoryteller One of the great things about the new web, being able to meet some of these smart business owners. #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@bradfordshimp What is it that you like about Freshbooks? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@myscreenshare Nice, have you checked it out yet? #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1 I use Cashboard – it works like I do and is priced nicely. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz We use @freshbooks as well. @freshbooks can you hear us? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@myscreenshare Freshbooks gets you right to what matters, the invoice. You can get one out to a new client quickly, via email / mail #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 Freshbook dislikes: No easy way to handle deposits against future billing, also I’ve had some challenges with GST via PayPal #sbbuzz
JoelByronBarker:	I used to use #zoho for invoicing, but have recently switched to #freshbooks and really like it #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@bradfordshimp agreed. One day maybe @mriggen will make it over to the West. Be good to see @batchblue in YVR #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q1 We started with Quickbooks, but found it too confusing. Now use Freshbooks- easy & automated recurring billing. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Freshbooks is just one of those companies that get it, like Mailchimp and our own dear leader’s Batchbook. #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@bradfordshimp I have not checked it out, you know how it takes 3-4 exposures… LOL #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@lindadessau Right, if you want to get into detailed books, I suggest Qbooks. Much more in depth. #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	I use quickbooks too. For my billing I use cellcharge so I can process credit cards via phone. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q1: I compared Freshbooks to AMX new tool AcceptPay discovered you get more with free Paypal than AcceptPay #sbbuzz
MECKids:	After reading about #freshbooks , I think we will give it a try for sure. #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@DianaEnnen Ooohh, Cellcharge, great tip! #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Q1 I used to use Freshbooks but it got to be too much deleting clients to fit my plan limits. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	I would suggest Clarity Accounting instead of quickbooks – I think @dobesv works for them #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@myscreenshare It is so true. This chat should count for all of them though. You can set up a few free clients to give it a test run #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@bradfordshimp Can you explain more about Mailchimp? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q1 My bookkeeper keeps my books in QuickBooks. I keep my personal records in http://www.youneedabudget.com from @jessemecham #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	I love free tools and Freshbooks’ free version is not limited in features #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q2 What do you use to handle bill paying? Online or offline tools? Why? #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@DianaEnnen Do you use that because you are often in different locations when you want to accept payment? #sbbuzz
MECKids:	@myscreenshare MailChimp is a email marketing service. I heard really good reviews about it though. #sbbuzz
MECKids:	RT @RisingStarIdeas: I love free tools and Freshbooks free version is not limited in features #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@scoblitz What did you switch to? #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@sbbuzz Q2. Every effort made to pay electronically, i.e. paypal. If a big corporate send them a check, buys a couple of days 🙂 #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@MECKids Is mailchimp something like constant contacts? #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	RT @RisingStarIdeas: I love free tools and Freshbooks free version is not limited in features #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	@bradfordshimp I do. I do a lot of speaking too and sell my books while I’m doing it. It allows me to accept credit cards. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@myscreenshare Ha, you are getting me on my soapbox! Mailchimp is the company you must use for your email newsletter. #sbbuzz
marinel:	RT @sbbuzz: Q2 What do you use to handle bill paying? Online or offline tools? Why? #sbbuzz
MECKids:	@myscreenshare Yes. But with more features. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@lindadessau Do you use Qbooks online? That way you would have easy access to your records if someone else keeps them for you. #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	@bradfordshimp I use it back at the office too. #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	@bradfordshimp – how is Mailchimp better or different than Aweber? #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@sbbuzz Q2 My local small town banks actually offer great online bill pay. Huge time saver! #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q2 I do all bill paying through our online banking. Have also tried Bill.com and liked it, but haven’t made the full switch, yet. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@bradfordshimp I use @cashboard now – http://www.getcashboard.com/ #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@bradfordshimp Yes, we have that set up. It’s helpful (though not foolproof – a couple of times I couldn’t get in) #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q2 – I pay online when I can and if it is easy to do so. However, I still like paper bills (so I can remember to pay them). #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q2: Paypal cause what good is a digital invoice if the client can pay upon receipt!? Most small biz need to keep the cash flowing #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q2 Most services I use do recurring billing via credit card or PayPal. Otherwise I pay bills online through my bank. #sbbuzz
marinel:	Q2: I’m not a #smallbiz owner, but am planning in the future..somewhere down the line. I am an advocate for online payments. #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	I pay most of my bills online. Can’t remember the last time I wrote a check. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@DianaEnnen That makes a lot of sense. I bought a book from a speaker and had to write down my info. Not keen on that. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz My bank offers great online bill pay but most services I use are recurring credit card things. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Q2 Advantage of electronic bill paying is being able to assign categories at time of payment & reconcile budget instantly #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	Q2. Use Paytrust.com for most online billpaying needs. Keeps copies of all my bills for me. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@tinafalasca Well, there is the name, for starters. Haven’t used Aweber, but MailChimp is just plain fun and easy. #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	BIG advocate of online bill pay… can’t imagine life without it! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	For those interested in free, Mailchimp has a great free, full-feature package to get you started. One of my favorite vendors. #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@pmohara I get categorization and such through @outright / @expensify #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	@bradfordshimp Exactly! Also, I get to know if the transaction goes though. It’s amazing how many times it’s denied. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@pmohara Where are you tracking your categories? #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	Q2, Most of our bills are paid online via reoccuring subscriptions… plan to try out Noca Pay in the future tho to pay team members #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@myscreenshare No, I just love talking about my favorite companies. I’m a fan of them like some people are of Lost. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz Q2 (kind of) Anyone tried Square? https://squareup.com/ #sbbuzz
MECKids:	Being a network coordinator doesn’t help to talk when finances come in place. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@bradfordshimp You’re what they call a customer evangelist 🙂 #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	Plus with online bill pay, it goes through so much quicker for those months you need a little extra time. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@lindadessau it’s part of our bank’s online system. I can create categories with the invoice and it remembers them #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@mriggen square looks cool but it freaks me out. Still don’t trust people not to store my info for later use #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@mriggen I love the concept but only a small % is from credit cards. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@pmohara That’s great – I do that with http://www.youneedabudget.com and of course for my biz in Quickbooks. #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	Q2 we also just use standard online bill paying from our bank, really simple, love it #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@RisingStarIdeas @scoblitz I think it’s one of those people will be slow to adopt it things. Super userful but scary for folks. #sbbuzz
eastofprov:	@mriggen I’ve been trying to get on the beta for use over at @visualpost #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q3 What do you use to manage your budget? Why? #sbbuzz
cjservia:	I have a hard time using Quickbooks. Maybe I just don’t understand it #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@lindadessau I was using Qbooks but it was just too much. I will check out http://www.youneedabudget.com do they have a free version #sbbuzz
MECKids:	@RisingStarIdeas Free trial for 7 days. #youneedabudget.com #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@RisingStarIdeas YNAB has a lot of free resources but there is a one-time cost for the actual tool. Not very much, though. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@cjservia I had an expert explain a few things to me, and it opened up a lot of Qbooks potential. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@eastofprov Put @tsondermann on the case! That guy has betas for everything. He’s the alpha of betas. #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	Anyone use Mint.com for tracking spending / budgeting in their business?? #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@scoblitz Hey – I’ve heard of them. Funny, you forget to look in your own backweb sometimes. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@sbbuzz Q3: A lot of the time a spreadsheet is a good tool for budgeting – lots of flexibility, besides budgeting is a behaivour … #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q3 Whoops, jumped the gun. To manage my budget (personal) I use http://www.youneedabudget.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q3 – Right now, my checkbook. At various times I have used spreadsheets and online tools. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@MECKids Thanks, didn’t remember that! I loved the idea so much when I 1st discovered it, I bought right away! #sbbuzz
sueyoungmedia:	I find the best way to run my biz: Do what I enjoy & am good at (not Quickbks!) & delegate the rest. #sbbuzz #GIFB
marinel:	@blueskylocal Q3 I tried to use Mint.com personally, but didn’t keep up w/ it..although i did get alerts when funds were low =) #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@marinel Thanks! They should increase that to at least 30 days. Geez you need time to play around w/things b4 u can tell u like it #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@sueyoungmedia Sound advice. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	@RisingStarIdeas I agree on Quickbooks. I like handling the ins & outs online, then use a simple spreadsheet to see net results. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@sueyoungmedia AGREE but I need to get better at delegating. Sometimes its hard to let go. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Moneytrackin.com. That is one site I have used on and off to stay on top of my budget. Easy to set up and use. #sbbuzz
MECKids:	I think Qbooks is complex unless you have more stuff to keep track of. #sbbuzz
philfree:	@sbbuzz Q1 http://ofuz.com, because its simple, remind me the past due, online payment (I work for them). It will be open source. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	Q3 we do all our finances, including budgets, with QuickBooks #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q3 My bookkeeper keeps me in line and informed about my business budget (thank you, Lanel! http://snipr.com/ulu59) #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	Or put another way, budgeting should be used to help drive your business not just track it 🙂 #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Watching the budget is crucial. Whatever makes it easy to quickly see where projections are right/wrong is best. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@MECKids Qbooks is a tool of choice for accountants. Should tell you something. But it really is a good tool. #sbbuzz
sueyoungmedia:	@RisingStarIdeas Oh yes. It’s been 10 yrs for me in biz & delegating is a huge step, but also a huge relief! #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	Q3 Intuit supposedly acquired Mint.com for its #smb application. I also tried Mint, didn’t work out tho : ) @marinel #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q3: I use a simple spreadsheet. I have two easy to use templates from Google docs an events budget and the other a budget planner #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q3 just because it should be said, whichever bookkeeping software you use, your going to hate it. Everybody always does. #sbbuzz
canarymegan:	@sueyoungmedia Agreed. Our cash flow improved immediately once we hired a freelance bookkeeper & accountant. I couldn’t keep up. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q3 and the one to choose has to be the one that works simplest with the bank that has your checking account. Nothing more important. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	@bradfordshimp let’s be kind to our bean counters… #sbbuzz
foodtree:	@finstoryteller That is great ‘connotation’ advice, sir! #sbbuzz
marinel:	@RisingStarIdeas Oooh! I’ll have to check out those Google doc templates. thnx #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	for a 1-2 person business a spreadsheet is probably good. we like QB cause we can get all of our accounting without an accountant #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@sueyoungmedia I’m mentoring an entrepreneur & delegating IS a major step ~never realized how much ~(it’s easy 4 me) #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@finstoryteller Q3 My budget is also a barometer of what’s important to me, of what I value (or at least it should be). #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	In my experience the biggest challenges with budgeting in business have nothing to do with the tools used or not used #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	budget templates on Google Docs https://docs.google.com/templates?q=budget+planner&sort=hottest&view=public #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@MHBoys LOL. Not trying to be mean to accountants. A good accountant can do a whole lot of good for a small business. #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@Timberry Ha! Everyone was in love with @mint for a while there 🙂 #sbbuzz
MECKids:	I never heard of google docs templates. What are they? #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q4 What do you use for tax filings? Do you do it yourself? #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@MHBoys You’re brave. I have QB but still need an accountant AND a bookkeeper! #sbbuzz
Timberry:	@bradfordshimp just about every accountant and/or bookkeeper I’ve ever worked with always hate the software. Never good enough. #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	“for a 1-2 person business a spreadsheet is probably good. ” RT @MHBoys – agreed, keep it simple #KISS #sbbuzz
JoelByronBarker:	@ofuz My motivation was originally the organization of their free version, but I find it easier to use for me and my clients. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	without some kind of budget how do you know how much you can spend on sales/marketing? #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	@RisingStarIdeas I Love Google Docs – but never saw the templates. Can’t wait to check it out! #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@lindadessau barometer is cool – but how well does it relate to your long term strategy for your business #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q4 one of the dumbest things I ever did was doing my own taxes, assisted by software, instead of a CPA. Penny wise, pound foolish. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q4 My accountant files my taxes online but I don’t know how (there are some things I just don’t want to know too much about) #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@Timberry agree most start-ups try to get way to complex w accounting ~ check book/bank simple =works #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	Q4. Last year did Turbo Tax online – awful! Going back to their out of the box software this year for lack of anything better. #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@sbbuzz Q4 For 1099’s I used FileTaxes.com this year and last year. Quick, easy, useful. For tax returns, I use my tax professional! #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@myscreenshare Google docs has a ton of cool templates #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q4 – Every year I tell myself I am going to have a professional do my taxes, and then I just end up using TurboTax. #sbbuzz
sueyoungmedia:	That silly economic theory of trickle down economics and cash flow –connect that to the budgeting software…#sbbuzz #GIFB
DaleLittle:	A marvelous accountant / investment advisor! #sbbuzz
jpwint:	Q4 For taxes, I use TurboTax small business. Works fairly well, although I would prefer someone else handle it entirely 🙂 #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@finstoryteller Maybe not always that well! Still going one year at a time right – not yet doing much long-term forecasting. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	Despite being an accountant (ssshh!) – I use an accountant to file taxes. For the cost, the saving in time and returns are great #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry Yeah, I can see your point. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q4 I use a tax preparer. I can fax or drop my docs then pic them up when they are ready. i’m really good at delegating that task #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	Q4 – Feel like getting the receipts together is the hard part and I have to do that with or w/o an accountant! #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q4 LOL @bradfordshimp that strategy cost me $43K in the 1980s when it was still a lot of money. (altho not Turbo tax, a precursor) #sbbuzz
canarymegan:	@finstoryteller Good point. We mapped out our year & what we really need to bring in monthly. Good to know what to shoot for. #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@bradfordshimp U have no idea how much a pro might save you 🙂 #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	Q4 I keep my books using QuickBooks. Armed with accurate records I use a CPA to prepare the return. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	With 1-2 people and business in the house, the tax accountant will gobble up the job and let you stay focused on YOUR business 🙂 #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@canarymegan Yes, I also make sure I know what I need to bring in – how else can I set my rates and goals? #sbbuzz
blueskylocal:	Q4 ❤ TurboTax / expedient tax prep software #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q4 another trick I use is to pay everything with AMX. They pay me for paying bills plus they create an annual itemized report . EASY #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	In Canada the tax guys tend to be CGAs, mine http://www.sscga.ca have been really good #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@RisingStarIdeas YES Credit Card (if U PAY by month) can be Xcellent way of keeping records #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	@RisingStarIdeas to clarify AMX pays me with points, so I get points for paying bills. Use the points for rewards, gifts, trips, etc #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry Still alot of money? Heck that is still alot today. Ouch! Guess I need to change. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@CASUDI Debit card will also give you a paper trail. Maybe not as detailed as @RisingStarIdeas itemized report from AMX. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Q5 If you accept credit cards, how did you decide who handles merchant services? Did you compare rates? #sbbuzz
Timberry:	@bradfordshimp well I’ve never done my own since. Sort of a baby and bathwater problem, though. Too late. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 I accept payments online through PayPal. I used to have a merchant account but I like this much better – simpler, etc. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q5 we’ve switched banks handling our credit cards several times. Not just rates, but reporting, policies, etc. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	@sbbuzz Q5. where it applied I simply used paypal … better the devil you know on this ocassion #sbbuzz
sueyoungmedia:	I look at a lot of these “expenses” as investments in my biz & growth, not as “I can’t afford it, draining my budget” mentality. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Q5 I’ve had a couple of challenges with PayPal, e.g., that pesky GST thing (Canadian tax). #sbbuzz
tinafalasca:	Q5 – Paypal for now. #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	Me too. I use Quickbooks and then use an accountant. He saves me a lot by finding things I can claim that I would have missed. #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q5 I use to have a merchant account they want blookd just for the app. I had to pay if I didn’t process payments that month #sbbuzz
JulieDAloiso:	Q5 For credit card processing I use EMS – they are local in the area, offer a chamber of commerce discount and good rate! #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	@lindadessau What’s the difference between Online payments through Paypal and a merchant acct? #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	@sbbuzz credit cards! grrr! Like @timberry, I’ve switched services. But it’s such a complex mess, that I’m never happy. #sbbuzz
DaleLittle:	@marinel You’ve got to compare rates on everything. It constantly changes. If you don’t watch it, no one else will. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Q5 – Not really, on comparing rates. Used the built in system on Quickbooks and Paypal for quick hits (expensive, though). #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q5 as with bookkeeping software, in credit card accounts, compatibility with your systems (e.g. verisign, netsuite) very important. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@sueyoungmedia Absolutely! Business expenses are our tools that enable us to serve our clients. I like being a customer and a vendor #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Q5 the merchant account nickeled and dimed to much. Paypal made it easy only pay if you use it. Plus they give you a volume discount #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@mriggen This is why we have a big garden. Haven’t had to resort to Ramen or Spam … yet. #sbbuzz
JulieDAloiso:	Paypal has higher rates per transaction but no monthly fees #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@myscreenshare With PayPal I don’t pay a monthly fee, they take a percentage of each charge (which the merchant account does too) #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q5 speaking of grrr, there’s that tendency in banks and such to let the loyal longterm merchant clients pay more than newbies. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry My wife keeps saying. And really, its not that much more expensive to have them done for you. I really must this year. #sbbuzz
CASUDI:	@lindadessau Bank Bill Pay can print categories for a year ~ sometimes I use that to track #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@RisingStarIdeas Yes, exactly! @myscreenshare, what SHE said! #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Q5 our sales order processing people have lots of problems with paypal. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@DaleLittle Sweet! Keeping busy here, mostly on a marketing push. #sbbuzz
MHBoys:	don’t do much CC but need it as a service to customers – we compared rates and minimum monthly costs and we’re never happy with cost #sbbuzz
Timberry:	@bradfordshimp seriously your wife is right. You’re worth much more per hour than what you’d pay the CPA. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@Timberry What are the issues that come up most for you with PayPal? #sbbuzz
DaleLittle:	@bradfordshimp Name of the game. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@sueyoungmedia That is a great mindset, viewing them as investments. #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	For Q5: Here are some tips on comparing rates of accepting credit card payments: http://bit.ly/aD5ZfV #sbbuzz
Timberry:	@lindadessau I don’t actually do that job, (and hooray for that, because it’s annoying) so I just hear the grumbling. #sbbuzz
canarymegan:	#sbbuzz Curious about this of you who are service businesses. Did accepting credit cards help your cash flow? We still don’t take them.
sbbuzz:	And now it is what we affectionately call Pitch Time. Please tell us a little about your business. #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@Timberry LOL, I was just curious. #sbbuzz
Timberry:	@lindadessau although I think it has to do with downtime. Often. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry Yeah, that is a big grrr! Which is why I was surprised when my bank called me to offer lower rates. Go Keybank. #sbbuzz
cjservia:	Business continuity management services. You’re great at running your business, let us be great at protecting your business. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	No pitching from me other than to say check out my new site at http://flavors.me/stewart 🙂 #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Content Creation Capsule starts this Thursday – sneak peek video and details at http://snipr.com/ccc-enroll (pitch time on #sbbuzz
Timberry:	Pitchtime? Several star bloggers are here tonight. I’d love some reviews of my latest book, Sales Forecasting for Entrepreneurs. #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	Thanks all for the great discussion! I think we made a money management discussion fun! #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	I can’t believe the time weny by so fast #sbbuzz
DaleLittle:	@sbbuzz I help businesses save money & raise income hence higher profits I don’t believe in big expenditures Free 30 min wrk session #sbbuzz
scoblitz:	@sbbuzz Pitch: eSeMBe helps micro business choose & implement tech that allows them to work more efficiently. http://esembe.com #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@Timberry If you have any review copies after you send them to the stars, let me know. Maybe a podcast interview as well? #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Hey! @Timberry has a new book out called “Sales Forecasting for Entrepreneurs” – Sounds like something we all need! #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@sbbuzz Indeed, that was fun. #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	My company will be handling social media for @AkronHomes starting tomorrow and @DevotionalChef in a couple months. Who’s next? LOL #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Check out 101freetools.com Your Small Business toolbox I do all the work so you don’t have to #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	If you’d like a once-a-week e-mail reminder of #sbbuzz (including the topic) sign up at http://sbbuzz.net #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	@canarymegan For serv businesses (web designers,etc), invoice with Blinksale; embed “Pay by PayPal” button. Voila – fast payment! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	@Timberry I don’t know if I qualify 😉 But I’d love to have a look! #sbbuzz
DaleLittle:	Great discussion! Thanks for the invite @bradfordshimp #sbbuzz
canarymegan:	#sbbuzz We’re a PR, marketing & design firm-specialize in Drupal Theming for web, focus on arts, culture, nonprofit & mission-driven co’s.
CASUDI:	Sorry I missed 1/2 #sbbuzz~ I was Building Bridges Between People ~Designing Success >Nu Start Up.
bradfordshimp:	Pitcheroo: I blog business advice http://allbizanswers.com and build websites that work for small biz http://broadrivercreative.com #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	We’re launching soon! Audio/Video Streaming, Desktop Share, Lucrative Affiliate Program, more Spread the Word http://www.myscreenshare.com #sbbuzz
RisingStarIdeas:	Also check out my article 3 tools to help your small business get paid faster http://101freetools.com/articles #sbbuzz
BeckyMcCray:	Pitch: If you’re coming to SXSW, consider catching @lizstrauss and me: “How did this happen? I’m in business!” http://bit.ly/9LzuK5 #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	For those of you in NYC area (or who want to be), we’ll be having an #sbbuzz tweet-up after @smallbizsummit 3/16/2010
MHBoys:	helping businesses move to the cloud to save money on better technology – let me know if you have questions about cloud computing #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	@rongraham1 Cool on the AkronHomes gig. Real Estate social media sounds so much fun (and I am not joking). #sbbuzz
rongraham1:	@Timberry, I really wish I were a star blogger now. <sigh> But I DO blog and have other ways to spread the word… 🙂 #sbbuzz
smallbiztrends:	@Timberry Send us your book, Tim. We’ll gladly review it. Sounds like a worthwhile topic! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	AND for those heading down to SXSW this year, join our SXSBW party http://thesmallbusinessweb.com/sxsbw/ #sbbuzz
myscreenshare:	Thanks for the great tweetchat tonight! #sbbuzz
mriggen:	@sbbuzz I’m Michelle with @batchblue & also one of the spiders at thesmallbusinessweb.com http://thesmallbusinessweb.com/sxsbw/ #sbbuzz
DianaEnnen:	I offer publicity and marketing / social networking services for small businesses. #sbbuzz
pmohara:	Is it too late to pitch? I’m Pamela with @batchblue – the company behind #sbbuzz and small biz party planning machine! #sbbuzz
lindadessau:	Fantastic chat everyone, thank you! #sbbuzz
Patrysha:	@sbbuzz Patrysha, specializing in small businesses who market to a local community = love cooperative efforts http://bit.ly/3RABwJ #sbbuzz
MECKids:	It was good information here. Thanks everyone. #sbbuzz
bradfordshimp:	Good night all, except you West Coasters, too early for bed over there. Had a great time talking and meeting some new folks. #sbbuzz
JulieDAloiso:	pitch: I teach businesses how to use #twitter #fb #linkedin and especially #blogging – because we were not born knowing this stuff #sbbuzz
MECKids:	I sure will be going over the chat history tomorrow. #sbbuzz
finstoryteller:	The Small Biz Buzz discussion was fun tonight, tune in every week! #sbbuzz
sueyoungmedia:	@bradfordshimp Thanks for your feedback. Nice to chat #sbbuzz #GIFB
rongraham1:	There’s a lot of new people here since last I was in. It’s really cool! But <sigh> I miss @DesireeScales. #sbbuzz
JulieDAloiso:	@bubbalooch This is small business chat – every Tuesday night they chat about certain small business topics #sbbuzz – put it on your calndr
DianaEnnen:	@rongraham1 Thanks! #sbbuzz
sbbuzz:	#sbbuzz is a small business Twitter chat hosted each Tuesday night by the folks from @batchblue Come again soon!

Summary December 7, 2009: Small biz in 2010

Summary December 7, 2009

Topic: Small business in the coming year, 2010!

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

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on December 15h, 2009!
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

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

Summary December 1, 2009: Holiday Promotions and Celebration

Summary from December 1, 2009

Topic: Holiday promotion ideas, celebration and gifts.

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

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

Summary for November 24, 2009:

Topic: Tech you are thankful for.

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

Open Mic Night Summary – November 3, 2009

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

Your summary for November 3, 2009.

• We’re on every Tuesday from 8-9 pm EST.  The next chat will be held on November 17th, 2009!
• You can read the instructions on how to participate here: http://sbbuzz.biz/instructions
• Invite others to join in, help them get started.  We started this chat to facilitate conversation between small biz owners.

sbbuzz: Rules: 1)NO pitching till end 2)Be nice 3)Stay ON TOPIC! 4)Send ?s for group to me w/o hashtag 5)Use #sbbuzz in all messages 6)Have fun!
sbbuzz: Everyone PAYING ATTENTION? We’re doing things a little different tonight. Asking for 2 introductory tweets #sbbuzzsbbuzz: INTRO: 1st introduce yourself and briefly describe your business #sbbuzz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chocolate and Business : A chat with @sweetriot

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

Want to participate in #sbbuzz?

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

And now on to the summary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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