In a high tech world where it is virtually possible to survive and run a business over the web without ever leaving your bedroom, does in person, face to face networking still make sense?
Of course some will argue that in person networking is now obsolete and is completely unnecessary. Certainly with social networking and how comfortable people are now with doing business via their mobile devices you could still make great connections purely via the Internet and never have to step foot out of your home. In many ways you could say that it is definitely more cost effective and better time management not to do face to face meetings or attend networking events.
However, in a new business environment dominated by the web and Internet companies it is clear that those who do get out from behind the curtain and embrace real world engagement with other real people can gain a major advantage over the competition. You may have the best prices in world, the coolest outsourcing network set up that allows you to run staff on three different continents, 24 hours a day and the catchiest slogans, but at the end of the day people buy people, not slick websites. If you are the only one out there making a personal connection you could have a major advantage over the competition regardless of price.
You do need to be careful about budget when getting out and doing in person networking. If you aren’t watching the bottom line it is easy to blow a lot of money and time on unprofitable meetings, not to mention gas, fancy restaurants, bar tabs for entertaining and more. However, when people are able to put a face to a name they are much more likely to bite on big ticket sales items, forge new strategic partnerships and sign checks much faster, all which can mean much bigger profit margins and taking your business to the next level much faster than you thought possible.
So, yes in person networking definitely still makes sense in a lot of industries. Be sensible about it, but if you block out even a couple hours a week to attend networking functions at the Chamber of Commerce, put together mastermind luncheons or even hang out with the right crowd you will find it can have a huge positive impact on your business and enable great growth. Worst case scenario, getting out will at least provide a better balance in your life and open the door to new inspiration for fueling your venture to new highs.…
Anyone can use video marketing to reach their goals. The more you know about this technique, the better off you will be. If you study the advice that follows, you will be well-equipped to move forward.
Optimizing your videos is very important. When you upload to various sites, the titles and descriptions for your videos must be different. Also, add in your keywords. Finally, you can put in your email, phone number or website address so that viewers can get in touch with you if they want to know more.
When you are making a video, do not focus on what it looks like. High production values do not mean getting good returns back on your investment. Even large companies have used cost-efficient videos to generate a high number of sales.
The most popular type of searches online is finding out how something is done. Having tutorial videos creates an avenue for those who search in your niche to find you. If people see you as an expert in your niche, then they are more likely to return to your videos and website.
Include an opt-in form for your mailing list on every page where your videos are posted. People may want to sign up to get more information on the topic the video is presenting, and this is the perfect time for you to slip in your sales pitch.
Use video marketing as a way to show your potential customers that you’re a person just like them. One way to help your customers to relate to you is by making a video about your business. This will provide everyone with a more personable side to your business.
Use video marketing on a variety of social media websites. If someone happens to stumble across your YouTube channel, it would be in your best interest to direct them to your Facebook and Twitter pages. When you cross promote, you’ll build traffic. When all of your social sites are linked in to your video site, you will drive your traffic and sales higher.
Don’t let being camera shy keep you from using video marketing to promote your business. Hold a contest with prizes where people can enter their own videos. You can choose the winning video to promote your business on your sites.
Although lots of YouTube videos go viral, you can’t expect to just post a video onto YouTube and have it go viral by itself. You need to get it out there using social media and email marketing. Nobody will watch your video if nobody knows it exists!
Keep videos informative and short. Keep in mind that your viewers will more than likely have a very short attention span. Work on making videos of less than five minutes in order to hold people’s attention. You might have great content, but it won’t help you if you lost viewers before the video is over.
Everybody knows just how powerful a good video marketing campaign can be. Without proper information and ability, …