Archive for July, 2008

It was inevitable…in other words, it wasn’t just the release of the iPhone 3G and all the talk of the Blackberry Storm…when you have two gadget-centric-geeks like Robert and me, that we would eventually do a BusinessCast podcast about popular gadgets for entrepreneurs.

But, unlike other gadget discussions – on the web, on television, in print, etc. – that are determined to sell you gadgets regardless of whether they’re right for you, we have a much more relevant goal: clear-cutting through the tech-gadget jungle so that you use the technologies and devices that help you achieve your business goals.

Show #65 – Gadgets That Help the Bottom Line will be posted this weekend. Listen to it before your next business gadget purchase.

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

When Robert and I decided to devote an episode of the BusinessCast podcast (# 63- Good Deeds that Drive Business) to helping entrepreneurs determine how best to apply their passion towards community initiatives that deliver a measurable return-on-investment, we hadn’t anticipated the tremendous interest it would generate.

We knew that there was demand for such advice. But, we were surprised when our research revealed that there were few resources available for small- and medium-sized business entrepreneurs that were effective and truly impartial.

Because we always aim to provide practical and relevant tools – rather than referencing consultants who have agendas beyond helping entrepreneurs succeed – we have pulled together a short but focused list of resources to help you initiate and optimize your efforts:

1. Listen to the BusinessCast podcast # 63 – Good Deeds that Drive Business.

2. Plan out a rough budget of the amount you are prepared to invest, your desired expectations and requirements. 

3. Develop a plan of action. 

4. Research charities that may make sense for you – visit www.ImagineCanada.ca.

5. Work with your chosen cause, charity or community organization to agree on measurable goals and how they will be confirmed.

6. Look to adapt relevant marketing ideas: http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/charity.shtml

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

Should you really ‘give’ to charities?

As an entrepreneur, you are passionate about your businesses. And, if you’re like most business owners/managers, your enthusiasm spills over to community organizations and causes – whether they are local or International, social or environmental.

But, how do you truly harness your commitment and apply resources in a way that makes you feel rewarded as well as gives you some meaningful business payback?

In show #63 – Good Deeds that Drive Business – our special guest, Shanan Spencer-Brown, Kinark Foundation’s Executive Director (www.kinark.on.ca) provides some rare advice so that owners of small and medium-sized firms, just like you, can achieve real benefits such as the following – without having to break the bank:

• Increased community profile
• Branding yourself a ‘good corporate citizen’
• Making yourself more attractive to potential employees
• Boosting your employees’ morale
• Exposure to new networking opportunities

Listen and enjoy!

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

But the truth is that “giving” can be a very powerful – and rewarding – way of actually ensuring your business’ success.

In show #63 – Good Deeds that Drive Business – Robert and I discuss the business importance of supporting worthy causes with our guest Shanan Spencer-Brown the Executive Director of Kinark Foundation (www.kinark.on.ca).

We address: 

• Why entrepreneurs should give to their chosen causes/organizations
• What expectations about return-on-investment entrepreneurs should have before “giving”
• What entrepreneurs should have in-place prior to giving to their chosen causes/organizations

After listing to this episode, chances are you’ll want to make sure that you include “giving strategies” into your business sooner rather than later!

Chances are if you’re reading this post, you’re wondering how best to start your own blog for business.

You’ve listned to the BusinesCast show #64 and you’re ready to begin blogging to strengthen your business’ revenues and reputation! That also means that you’ve heard the ravings of Paul and Matt from Next Gen Player (www.NextGenPlayer.com) as well as Robert and me about the benefits and ease of blogging.

Now, you’re itching to get underway….cautiously of course. After all, you’re a business entrepreneur – not a blogging maniac.

So, you start looking around and you soon discover that the amount of stuff on how to blog is truly overwhelming! That’s why Robert and I sifted through dozens and dozens of links, reports, book reviews and articles to find some strong articles to get you off on the right foot!

Find below a handful of essential articles that will you give you plenty of confidence as you step into the blog-o-sphere.

Step 1: Understand the high-level process of pulling together a blog

Here’s a great article describing what’s involved in blogging. Don’t get lost in the detail (or the fact that sometimes this page doesn’t render properly). Just skim it to get an overview of the topics involved in developing a blog: http://www.masternewmedia.org/independent_publishing/blogging-how-to-blog/guide-to-publishing-first-blog-20071104.htm.htm

Here’s a great one page chart that helps you get a sense for the features of each of the major blogging softwares. Choose one or two of the programs and go to their sites and look at their features and costs: http://www.ojr.org/ojr/images/blog_software_comparison.cfm

Step 3: Determine what you’re going to write about and how you’re going to say it

You’ve got something to say! And a blog can be a great channel. But, make sure you follow some well proven rules to make sure that your audience can digest your brillant insights: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2007/04/02/blogging-is-about-writing/

Step 4: Promote your blog so that others learn about your wisdom, products and/or services

In online marketing, Seth Godin is considered a pioneer. Here’s one of his articles that outlines some practical tips that can help you promote your blog:http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2006/06/how_to_get_traf.html

Step 5: Monetize Your Blog

Since your blog is an open forum, why not consider looking for ways it can generate revenue?! Here’s a concise article on 10 ways to monetize your blog: http://www.conversionrater.com/2006/08/05/10-ways-to-monetize-your-blog/

Then, try this article, which gives far more detail: http://www.insidecrm.com/features/101-ways-monetize-blog122007/

Finally, take your time! Get comfortable with these articles. And then, get blogging! When you start your own blog, please do let us know.

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes