Running an Effective Facebook Promotion?

It is always interesting to watch and see which social media promotions seem to work and which seem to not generate as much interest as the promoter would like.  What are some of the keys that a company or individual should keep in mind when starting  a promotion and how can they increase the odds of effectiveness?  Let me use a promotion that I currently am taking part in to demonstrate some key principles:

1) Keep it simple

I decided that I would enter in a promotion that the Sofitel Miami Hotel is sponsoring in an attempt to win a weekend getaway.  I am getting married soon and thought that it would be a fun promotion to try to win.  The rules of the promotion were fairly simple.  They requested that all the interested parties email a picture of Miami to them.  That picture would then be displayed on their website and the picture that is “liked” the most would be the winner of the weekend getaway.  The.benefit to going this route is that it allows Sofitel Miami Hotel to have the contestants recruit followers to the site and then increase it social media base organically.

2) Be engaging

The second critical element to an effective social media campaign is that it needs to be something that is engaging.  People have to become and remain interested in what you have offered to them.  In the Sofitel Miami Hotel campaign, it has been interesting to following how engaged its participants have been.  There really has not been a high level of promotion of the contest by the participants so far.  They did have a two week window for “liking” the photographs, so a lot can still happen, but you need to make sure that if you want the promotion to work, that the “promoters” that you have are fully engaged in the process.

3) Offer a reward

In this instance of the Sofitel Miami Hotel campaign, the reward is a weekend getaway at the hotel.  What the reward does, is that it gives individuals further incentive to promote your product.  The reward could be discounts, free merchandise, or other contests.  The reward is what helps people to become more engaged in the process and feel more committed to the promotion process.

 

I recognize that this is a bit self interested, but here is my photo for the contest: Robert Rogers Photo Link.  If you feel so incline, I would love the vote.  Also, feel free to leave a comment about what you think are good techniques for a Facebook promotion.

South Florida Small Business Spotlight: Legens Publishing

This week, the spotlight is on local publishing company, Legens Publishing.  Enjoy getting to know this Miami small business.  If you or someone you know should be spotlight, feel free to send me a message at: www.corallaw.com.

What is your business name?

Legens Publishing

How long have you been in business?

One year

What industries do you serve?

Bookstores and Internet-Interactive children’s website

What motivated you to start your own business?

Business development is a talent that I have always possessed. The lack of employment opportunities in the present  economy served to remind me of how much I have enjoyed entrepreneurship in the past, and it propelled me to take on another business endeavor.

If there is one aspect of your business that sets you apart, what would it be?

Involving and nurturing needy children. Guiding them to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams. Grooming them for their future careers.

What is your favorite part about owning a business?

I enjoy growing a business; it offers me an opportunity to provide others with the chance to expand their talents and develop their dreams. I enjoy mentoring others and seeing them excel.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Children age five to twelve, their parents, and grandparents

What is something that you have learned as a small business owner that could assist other small businesses?

Entrepreneurship affords one opportunities to serve the community outside of the boundaries and limitations that large organizations implement.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your business? 

Legens’ vision is to establish a not-for-profit foundation for needy children in which the children will have a hand in the operation of the business. The hands-on opportunity for learning, by having children earn a seat on the “Chalk Board of Directors” of the company, will give children the opportunity to learn the basics of marketing and promotion, business skills, and virtual teamwork as they strategize and communicate with each other via the internet.

Legens is planning to create a repertory acting/performing company designed to entertain as well as to educate children. We will offer youth a wholesome outlet for their imaginations while simultaneously grooming them for their future careers as they deal with the challenges of growing up.

 

Additional Information:

 Legens Publishing was just awarded a $5,000. government grant. The funds will be used for current and future promotional and marketing plans, to make the website more educational and interactive, to offer children a club membership and an opportunity to learn the basics of marketing and promotion by earning a seat on the “Chalk Board of Directors” of the company. The grant was offered by Miami Dade Community Action Agency as a Micro Enterprise Grant and it was my first attempt at grant writing!

Over its lifetime, Legens Publishing hopes to accomplish the establishment of a foundation for needy children in which the children will have a hand in the operation. I aspire to create a repertory acting/performing company to entertain as well as to educate children to pursue spiritual and personal growth as they deal with the challenges of growing up.

We have held two book signings at Borders Books at the Dolphin Mall (picture above) and already have a long list of future regional events planned. Barnes & Noble has purchased the book for their New York store and I expect it will be available in all the Barnes & Noble and Borders' stores very soon.

Entrepreneur Profile: Robert Rogers

I was recently profiled on GablesHomePage.com, a local site about Coral Gables businesses and events.  I had a great discussion about entrepreneurs and small businesses and ways to improve their impact on the city.  Here is a link to the article:

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2010/05/13/entrepreneur-profile-robert-rogers

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Small Business Work Week More

I think all of us would like to get a little more enjoyment out of the sometimes more mundane things that we face on a daily base.  All too often work moves to the top of the list of things that people dislike.  Here are 5 ways that you can enjoy your business week more.

1) Incorporate One Passion Into the Work you Do-

Everyone has things that they love to do or information/ideas that they love to follow.  Our workload becomes far more interesting when we can find a way to bring that passion in to the things that we are doing in our jobs.  Take some time to make a list of the things that are most interesting to you.  Then make a list of some of your responsibilities or tasks at work.  Compare the two lists to see if there are some things from the first list that you can merge with the things that you are doing on the second list.  You would be surprise to see how you attitude about those tasks changes when you incorporate things you are passionate about.

2) Find a Way to Serve-

Service has an amazing way of invigorating the mind and motivating us to become more engaged in the work that we are doing.  Don’t discount the impact that it can have in making the work that we do become more meaningful.  Service can happen in a couple different ways: 1) plan projects with co-workers to build up  your community or 2) find ways to do something extra for clients, neighbors, co-workers or friends.  Set aside some time each week to do something entirely focused on someone else.  It will enrich your work week.

3) Cut Out the Unnecessary-

Take careful stock of all the tasks that you have on your to-do list.  What items are necessary?  What can be cut out or delegate?  When we do a better job of managing our time and our responsibilities, it can go a long way to giving us peace of mind and more enjoyment because we are doing more of what we enjoy and less of the mundane.  Now, unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to cut out all the mundane tasks that we have on our plates, but better time management will allow us to minimize the time wasters that we so often engage in.

4) Make a Friend-

People are really social creatures and it is critical for peace of mind to develop meaningful relationships.  This is especially true in business.  Your week will become more enjoyable as you find clients, customers and co-workers with whom you can have interesting conversations.  Be engaging with those around you and take some time to learn more about others.  Invite someone new to lunch this week.  Ask a client about their family.  Have a conversation that you wouldn’t normally have.

5) Stay Focused-

Finally, do your best to stay on task.  Work is most meaningful when it is done properly and with full energy.  Remove the things that normally distract you and focus on achieve all that you desire from your workday.  Be persistent and actively engaged in your tasks and they will become more enjoyable as time moves along.

The Power of ‘Us’ in Business

One of my least favorite business phrases is: “What’s in it for me?”  Business… real business… is about establishing and maintaining relationships, not just unilaterally deriving a benefit from another party.  Too many business owners get too focused on a winner take all mentality that they lose sight of the power of collaboration with business and the benefits that come with it.  When business owners change the question to: “What’s in it for us?”, business becomes more meaningful.  Here are three reasons why “us” is a more powerful form of business:

1) “Us” focuses on the relationship-

The best kind of business is one that persists.  When you are able to retain a client and do work for them year after year, it maximizes the initial investment that was made to secure the business.  Also, if you have development a good relationship with a client/customer, that will more often than not translated into additional business in the form of referrals.  Also, it will allow you to generate a better reputation, especially if that individual or company provides a positive review or testimonial.

2) “Us” leads to negotiation-

When you are focused on consensus and collaboration, it is far easier to negotiate a beneficial deal for all involved.  It also makes it more likely for parties to be able to openly and frankly discuss current and future opportunities without fearing that information would be “used against them.”  This type of disclosure would leave to more meaningful and informed business decisions and allow for business owners to create more effective and profitable business ventures over the long term.

3) “Us” minimizes conflict-

If both parties are focused on us instead of acting self-interestedly, they are more apt to seek resolution of their problems in collaborative ways instead of through litigation.  Parties will be more flexible and make reasonable adjustments because they know that it is better for all involved.  People are more willing to create payment plans or alternative requirements when they are committed to a collectively beneficial agreement.

 

What are some of the pro’s and con’s that you see to a more “us” focused business?

5 Ways to Minimize Litigation in Your Small Business

No business wants to have to deal with litigation, especially not a small business.  The cost of initiating or defending a lawsuit can be crippling to a business owner.  While not all litigation is avoidable, here are 5 ways you can seek to minimize litigation risks for your small business.

1) Do you homework

Doing your necessary due diligence before entering in to a deal is a great way to minimize litigation risks to your small business.  What is the nature of the other party?  Have they been involved in litigation in the past?  What is their capacity to do this deal?  What is your capacity to do this deal?  How are they structured?  When you take the necessary time to properly evaluate the deal before you, you are more likely to make an educated decision which in turn often minimizes risk.  This helps weed out the bad parties or individuals that are most likely not going to perform adequately.

2) Clearly define relationships

A well-drafted contract or agreement can go a long way in protecting all parties to a business deal.  Critical to this is using clarity in defining what the duties and responsibilities are of all involved.  When each party knows and understands their duties and those of the other party, it is less likely that there will be confusion down the road about what should or should not be happening in a business deal.  It also helps to clearly outline what the penalty is for failure to perform under a given deal.  When you have done your homework as outlined above, it allows you to better be able to define duties and responsibilities of each business party.

3) Be flexible

Especially in an economy such as this, once you are engaged in a business relationship, it is critical to have a necessary level of flexibility.  Sometimes unforeseen things happen and people are going to need to make adjustments to the original agreement or payment schedules.  Be willing to engage in reasonable changes to the agreement and be clear about what those changes do and do not entail.  People are going to be more likely to work with you now and in the future if you are flexible and understanding in how you deal with them.  If your due diligence has sufficiently removed bad actors from the pool of clients or customers, it is less likely that you flexibility will be inappropriately taken advantage of.

4) Stay level headed

Also, it is critical that you as a business owner keep a level head and resist the temptation to make things personal and become excessively confrontational.  It can be frustrating when a deal falls through or other individuals fail to perform as they had agreed.  If you are level-headed and solution-oriented in your approach to the situation, you can more often than not come up with an amicable settlement and a new plan going forward.  Ultimately, this route is also just better for your peace of mind.

5) Seek alternative resolution methods

Businesses also have access to alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration.  You can set these up through formal mechanisms and via contract or you can also create a more informal structure with each individual party.  Setting up a day when both parties can re-evaluate their position and communicate about concerns can go a long way to diffusing a difficult situation.

Although, not all litigation is avoidable, doing the above with help to minimize litigation risk for your small business.

Native Gardens Promotion and Chocolates for Mother’s Day

Who doesn’t love a client who sells chocolate?  Here is a great product to get for the mothers in your life.  This is a special sales event on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 in Miami.  For more information on the chocolates, or if you are unable to attend the event but still want chocolate, visit the Native Gardens website.

Native Gardens @ Walgreens

Greetings! 

Please support Native Gardens by sampling and purchasing our delicious Dark Chocolate Truffles at Walgreens on 123rd & Biscayne, Saturday May 8, from 11:00 - 1:30.

The success of this event (sales) will determine additional opportunities with Walgreens. Thank you.

Cordially,

Cynthia Hill

Mother's Day Truffle Sampling

Everybody loves chocolate and Mother's Day
is the perfect time to give the gift of chocolate.

Made solely with plant-based ingredients,
Native Gardens vegan truffles are Dairy Free,

Low Sugar and Gluten Free.

Hear the Native Gardens story and learn about the
health benefits of dark chocolate. Say Happy Mother's Day
with love and Dark Chocolate Truffles!

Where & When
Walgreens
12295 Biscayne Blvd.
Saturday, May 8th
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Small Business Happenings in South Florida:

Here are some events coming up for small business owners in the greater-Miami area:

 

Miami Herald: Business Agenda

 

Latin Business Club of America: Networking Event-

Join Latin Business Club of America
for another fantastic
Networking Event
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

20 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami FL 33132
Where Flagler Meets Biscayne
www.MIABiscayne.com

FREE ADMISSION

COMPLIMENTARY DRINK & APPETIZERS

Over $1000*  in Cash Raffle and Prizes will be given away
Valet parking available: $10
Our last cash winner went home with almost $500

In 2009, we gave away over $15,000 in cash and prizes
*$1000 refers to the combined value of cash and prizes that will be given away

Expo Moda 2010 Colombia-

 

FIU Alumni Networking Event-

SAVE THE DATE!
MAY, 19 2010 I 6:30PM
VICEROY MIAMI
485 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
The FIU Alumni Association &
The FIU Frost Art Museum
invite you to a complimentary event
Diversity in Art and All Things Artistic
Special Guest:
Professor Juan Martinez
Author and FIU Chair of the Department of Art and Art History
Professional business networking, Cocktails,
Light hors d'oeuvres, Music,
Raffle and more....
For more information call 305-348-3334
RSVP (with your contact info.) to alumni@fiu.edu

 

Miami Finance Forum: Networking Event-

 

US Commercial Services: Europe Export Event Miami-

At a time when millions of Americans are out of work, boosting our exports is a short-term imperative. For this reason, 2010 marks the launch of the National Export Initiative—an ambitious effort to marshal the full resources of the United States government behind American businesses that sell goods and services abroad. The National Export Initiative is a single, comprehensive strategy to double American exports in the next five years and create two million new jobs.

Explore European Markets

Transatlantic trade between the United States and Europe is the single largest trading partnership in the world, with U.S. bilateral trade with Europe totaling nearly $600 billion. European markets offer significant opportunities for U.S. businesses, whether small or medium-sized, new-to-export, or new-to-market.

Export Now! European Business Opportunities Forum

The U.S. Commercial Service, the global trade promotion organization of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, is pleased to welcome you to this event with 28 of our Senior Commercial Officers from U.S. Embassies across Europe. Via a program of seminars and individual counseling sessions, the U.S. Commercial Service will educate you about tools and opportunities available to help you reach foreign buyers and export your products and services with an emphasis on the markets of Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.

All U.S. manufacturers and service providers participating in this World Trade Month kickoff event will benefit from sessions on:

• Export Basics—Keys to Success in Overseas Markets

• Export Financing and Logistics

• Overview of Market Opportunities in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe

• One-on-one counseling sessions with U.S. Senior Commercial Officers to help you identify market opportunities for your firm

Register Now! buyusa.gov/florida/exportnow.html

Venue: Hyatt Regency Miami 400 SE 2^{nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33131-2197 (305) 358-1234}

^{Date: May 6, 2010}

^{Cost: $129/person}

^{Registration includes:}

^{• All Export Now! conference sessions}

^{• Individual counseling sessions with Senior Commercial Officers (minimum three countries)*}

^{• Breakfast, lunch, and breaks}

^{• Conference program with 28 European country overviews}

^{* Choice of countries and additional individual appointments subject to availability}

^{Europe is waiting for your business!}

Information to Jumpstart Your Small Business

Here are some articles to take a look at this week to help out your small business.  As an extra treat, I have included the link to the blog post that I did for The Small Company Blog.  Enjoy!

Waiting on the Recovery Isn't an Option: Bloomberg BusinessWeek “Today’s Tip”-

Real recovery is going to be generated by small businesses and individuals taking the necessary initiative to go out and find opportunities.  Here are some basic ideas about generating that recovery in one’s own small business.

How to Manage Without Micromanaging: The Daily MBA-

Leadership and management skills are critical for any small business owner.  Here are some thing that you can do today to improve your small business management.

Lead Generation: What Works Today: MyVenturePad-

Here are some tips on small business marketing and lead generation for small business owners.  Key: incorporate online marketing to your small business marketing plan to level the playing field.

Basic Training: Unwritten Agreements--Are They Valid?: Entrepreneur Daily Dose-

Small Business owners need to know the impact of all types of agreements and contracts on their company.  Here are some insights about unwritten agreements.

The Challenges of International Collaboration - Us and Them: Ezine Article-

International small businesses need to be aware of potential pitfalls with partnering internationally.  These principles can be applied to all small businesses seeking out a new collaborative relationship.

Should Small Business Give Twitter A Twirl?: America’s Best Business Practices Blog-

How one of the most popular social media sites, Twitter.com, can benefit the marketing practice of your small business.

- and -

My Article-

5 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Small Company Operation

Tips to improve your small business operations.  Have a great week!