Keeping In Touch

One area that I am seeking solutions for in my business is the art of staying in touch with potential and current clients. I say art because there really are no rules to satisfy everyone. Some people are online folks, some people would prefer a phone call, others really like the personal one-on-one chat, while others just want a handwritten note every once in a while. Some people want to hear from you on a regular basis while others would rather hear from you with major news only (which is not good for business). The worst thing business owners could do is to not contact their customers at all.

I actually have a good idea of how I want to keep in touch with my customer base and have been playing with solutions to do it well and efficiently. Of course, I consider this blog a tool. Since I'm currently working on multiple business ventures, I'm considering a blog for each of them. They are not only good for keeping in touch with customers, they also present a good way to journal this journey of business ownership and to keep up with new discoveries I

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Do You Know What Your Customers Want?

A few months ago, I developed a market research survey and shared it with a few organizations to see if I thought of an idea that would fill a market need. I had this grand idea to expand my business offerings in a way that would combine the talents of me and one of my neighbors, an event planner. I did not get many responses to that survey but the answers I received confirmed the need in a way that was greater than I expected. People would be willing to pay more for the service than I initially assumed and would put more time into it as well.

This type of market research simply justifies any ideas you may want to take to market. It is good to do to see if there are people in your target demographic who will pay for it, how much they will pay for it, and what they will expect out of it.

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Online Tools To Nurture Your Business Connections

There are many online tools for the beginning entrepreneur to use to warm up your business connections. I am learning about more every day since I am actively seeking ways to build this forum and help others understand how to best grow their firms in ways best for them. Currently I am using using Facebook, Twitter, Blogger and a few more tools I will mention below.  Most of these resources have free versions with the ability to upgrade and take advantage of more features.

One tool that I have used for a while is Survey Gizmo. I love the flexibility it has versus other survey sites I have used in the past. You can create and send out an unlimited amount of surveys (only receive 250 complete responses per month though). Also you can create reports, print them, and have continued access to them for an unlimited amount of time. This is good for staying connected to your current and potential customers.

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Video of the Week: Seth Godin & Tom Peters on Blogging

I'm going to start posting videos once a week in relation to the topic at hand.

I chose this clip because I just saw it and totally agree with it... it puts into perspective why I should keep this up! It is related to the topic of relationships because blogging connects you with others. It establishes you as an expert in your subject matter and allows people to get to know and trust you. You just have to be consistent.

Check out the video, think about if you agree with the speakers, and let me know what you think.



Thanks to Janet of TheAbundantAllianceBlog for the inspiration!

Create Your Own Community

Today I met with one of my favorite budding entrepreneurs, Dorian Bolden of Beyu Caffe'. Whenever we have a conversation we each get something out of it - inspiration - which is always good! I love talking to positive, driven entrepreneurs... its along the lines of the August Turak lecture, in which he encouraged surrounding yourself with a community of positive people in order for you to be more successful in your goals.

The theme of posts I will be doing for the month of October will be on building relationships such as through networking. With networking, you can create your own community of positive people which will help your business goals and other goals soar! One of the best methods of entrepreneur support, a community of like-minded people, can help anyone be successful in what they are trying to accomplish.

You can find a community of people with similar interests online and in person. A few online forums that I'm checking out include:

• Young Entrepreneurs - provides good reviews and resources for budding entrepreneurs
  
• Startup Nation - a group that proclaims "for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs"
  
• LinkedIn - there are several groups to connect with people with similar interests. Also, participating in the answers forums could help you identify others that are good to know.

More online networks for entrepreneurs can be found in the article "Top 10 Social Networks for Entrepreneurs"

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Women Entrepreneurs

I have met some great woman business owners over the last couple of years in a vast variety of industries. From demolition and electrical contracting to child hair care and day care, women are doing great things and uniquely contributing their skills in interesting ways. One of my colleagues was actually contacted by an Asian economic development agency to be visited and interviewed by one of their employees - to get her perspective as a woman business owner. That was so cool!

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Cardinal Business: M Portrait Photography

This area will highlight businesses owned by people from across the country and in various sectors. Please read a little about these driven entrepreneurs and check out their company websites by clicking the company name.


M Portrait Photography 

     Our goal is to allow you to be comfortable, beautiful, and to create memorable portraits.

 M Portrait Photography is owned by Monique Harris and based in Raleigh, NC.  It was created in response to her love of photography and providing people with beautiful images that enables your personality to shine.  She specializes in non-studio portraits that are captured in the comfort of your home or location that holds special meaning to you.

In her words:
I've always held a life-long love with all aspects of photography.  Whether it is attending a new museum exhibit, reading yet another photography book or magazine, practicing new techniques, immersing myself in classes, or simply engaging in conversation with other photographers. Photography has constantly been front and foremost in my life.

With M Portrait Photography you will not worry about waiting in line or feeling the pressure of a rushed photo shoot.  Our goal is to allow you to be comfortable, beautiful, and to create memorable portraits.

It is my wish that affordable, professional portraits be assessable to everyone.  Why not hire a professional photographer to capture your newborn's precious first moments, family reunion, business portrait, club members, or to simply create an amazing online profile picture. Whatever your photo needs, M Portrait Photography will capture the essence of you, your family, or event.