Community Forum

Email marketing and its digital counterpart, content marketing, can play a big role in business success. Targeted emails build relationships, increase brand awareness, and promote products or services. Content marketing focuses on blog posts, videos, and relevant content to entertain and educate your audience. It can establish you as a trustworthy authority in your field. Both methods can help expand your business reach, generate leads, spark conversations, and ultimately increase customer business and loyalty.

There’s this tendency today to do everything online, even if you’re a local brick-and-mortar. (And especially if you’re not.) But, face-to-face networking still has great value, within both your community and your industry. Of course, COVID-19 changed the game, and face-to-face networking opportunities are still not as abundant as they once were as the world recovers from the pandemic. Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities to network in unique ways, even when traditional face-to-face interaction isn’t possible. After all, this is the era of Zoom videoconferencing, and while it’s not quite the same as genuine face-to-face interactions, it’s the next best thing – plus, you can network with professionals in any industry around the world with videoconferencing tools.

When it comes to business strategies, capitalizing on short-term plays can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to make a quick impact. Starting scrappy and focusing on short-term gains can pave the way for long-term success.

One key aspect to consider is the importance of seeing Return on Investment (ROI) sooner rather than later. This early ROI can provide the necessary momentum and cash flow to fuel larger projects, long-term plays, and sustainable growth models.

While tactics like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are valuable eventually, they may not be the best starting point for immediate results. SEO strategies often require time to build and may not deliver noticeable returns right away.

It's essential to diversify your approach and not rely solely on long-term strategies. Identifying short-term plays that have the potential to yield quick returns is crucial. For instance, if there is clear evidence that potential customers are actively searching on platforms like Google with the intent to make a purchase, investing in paid advertising could be a lucrative short-term play.

Balancing short-term plays with long-term strategies is key to a well-rounded business approach. By focusing on quick wins and early returns, entrepreneurs can establish a solid foundation for sustained growth and success in the future.

Small gestures can go a long way in building strong relationships with clients. One effective way to show appreciation and strengthen connections is by acknowledging special occasions such as birthdays. By simply saying “Happy Birthday” to your clients, you can make them feel valued and cared for.

One impactful way to celebrate your clients' birthdays is by offering them a discount or a special offer as a gift. This thoughtful gesture not only shows that you remember and care about them, but also provides them with a tangible benefit that enhances their experience with your business.

Research has shown that personalized gestures like birthday discounts can significantly increase customer loyalty and satisfaction. By taking the time to recognize your clients' special day and offering them a gift, you are creating a positive impression and fostering long-term relationships that can lead to repeat business and referrals.

The beauty of a running a giveaway or contest on your social media accounts is that it’s easy and, depending on what you offer, can be very inexpensive. Obviously, you can give away your own product or service but, if that doesn’t lend itself to the model, you can give away related collateral. For example, if you’re a social media manager, consider running a giveaway for a camera or phone (with a great camera) that your clients could use to generate their own images.