Projects Schmojects ... Getting work done!

You have an awesome idea and want to make it happen.

Your business plan is complete and you are in the process of putting you plan into action... and whether it is a product or service you want to launch there is no possible way that you can or should do everything alone...for obvious reasons.


 
So from graphic designers, copywriting, public relations and marketing, fundraising and web design there will be a multitude of tasks that you should outsource to professionals who actually know what they are doing .... making sure you have the proper team should not be an issue.

Websites like Craigslist allow you to post classifieds online for everyone to see.  I myself, use Craigslist at times for apartment searches and maybe to laugh at random personal ads (don't judge me).  But the problem with Craigslist, other than the killer, is that there's no exclusivity, there's no way of knowing if people you meet are honest and skilled, and, it's just plain creepy sometimes. 

For large projects I prefer to use notable gig-posting sites like Elance.com to post items that you need to get done pertaining to your business.

Elance.com makes sure that all of its freelancers take prerequisite "exams" to ensure they have the proper skillset needed to complete jobs they apply for.

And for all of my Freelance friends out there, Elance.com assists you in making sure you get paid for the work that you do ... those days of waiting until your clients reach success to get paid, no more bounced checks or late payments.

Check it out, tell me what you think of the process and Get Work Done!

WAKE UP! Make-up! Contest Alert!

STONEnyc and Heidi D Cosmetics has partnered with Live Nation and The Fillmore Detroit to bring the ultimate beauty, fashion and music sweepstakes for one lucky winner. The grand prize consist of 2 tickets to see Marsha Ambrosius and Miguel live on October 28, 2011, $75.00 from online jewelry and accessory boutique STONEnyc, and six lip gloss from the Heidi D Cosmetics Bossy Collection. For your chance to win this please log on to Facebook.com and enter here. Remember to visit STONEnyc and Heidi D Cosmetics for your accessory and beauty needs. Good Luck!

Entry Period: The Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 PM ET on October 19, 2011, 

and ends at 12:00 PM ET on October 26, 2011.

PRIZES: One (1) Grand Prize

• consisting of two (2) general admission tickets to Marsha Ambrosius and Miguel concert at The Fillmore Detroit in Detroit, MI scheduled to take place on October 28, 2011; 
• six (6) lip glosses;
•  and one (1) $75 StoneNYC gift card. 
• Gift card redeemable on http://www.mystonenyc.com/ only and expires on April 30, 2012. 
• Transportation and accommodations are not included. 
• Approximate Retail Value of Grand Prize is: Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Dollars and Zero Cents ($276.00).

   Courtesy of Love Publicity | Detroit * Atlanta

How to Get What You Want ... in business

SO I was delighted this morning when one of my best business owner buddies hit me up on Facebook. She had a need, and new what she wanted her solution to be ... she just needed a little help devising a way to get what she wanted. As a business owner, especially a small business owner, we're often faced with tasks that can be a little bit out of our reach. But not in all cases.

My one method I take to get what I want for my business,

#1. Ask and you shall receive

THE ISSUE:
You want to host a promotional event.

THE FACTORS:
Your expenses are low. However, you have an excellent following and know that you've kicked a ton of money into advertising and creating the proper product.

THE SOLUTION:
Ask the best, most fab locations that you can to host the event. Often times hotels they'll donate a room or lobby for a few hours if they can see that you've done your work, and are sure to be able to gain some new and lucrative contacts in exchange.

Entertain the idea of hosting an event at a Bed & Breakfast or model apartment, in exchange the owners can give a small presentation concerning their establishment.

In 2010 event spaces were being leased for thousands of dollars, while the housing market almost halted. Don't be selfish, use cross-promotion and list-sharing as a bargaining tool. The more highly ranked locations will definitely require a better addressed patron list from you, don't ask for a room in the Ritz if your demographic couldn't afford it, even if they've just got their tax refund.

Recognize the need

By writing a proposal and listing everything that you have, need and planning to do you can better make your case for an unconventional partnership.

Formulate your address

Whether you are asking for a corner in the lobby or entire suite to host a photoshoot, make sure you know the person you are supposed to talk to. Don't just write an email, I suggest finding out who's in authority to answer your request and meeting with them face to face.

Communicate dual benefits

Be honest. Explain what you are getting out of this request as well as what they'll be getting in return. Will you publicize their good deed? Are you willing, and able to share contacts list? Will pictures be taken and promoted via social networks?

Emphasize the request as a solution to their problem

Businesses like to get as much as they can, for free. Isn't that what you are doing. In cases where you are making requests it will be easier to get the solution you desire by offering convincing and tempting benefits, sort of like a Return On Investment for the love. Think promotions, media, reach and profits. Let them know just how lucrative this opportunity will be in terms of increasing their business.

Maintain the relationship

Don't forget the follow-up. And don't be cheap. You've convinced them that you have a specific need, a specific patron list and a specific product that has longevity in its market. More than likely the move they've allowed you to make will benefit you enough for you to send a thank you gift their way. Price range questions, try spending a 15-20% of what the "favor" would have cost if you had paid for it... this could be a flower arrangement for their office, a surprise delivery lunch for the staff or a promotional/thank you banner on your website.

...so, take note of what it is that you have, but never think that you can't get what you want in business.

Shoutout to Kesha Williams, owner of Smooth As Ice, all natural body scrub & butters for the inspiration in this blog post.

• Check out more about Smooth As Ice on Facebook

So, what are you looking for that will give your business the boost? What products do you need that will put you over the top...

• Proposal and Media Kit
• Demographic and Marketing Plan
• Social Media Relations
• Outreach and Sourcing

Contact me via facebook or twitter ... check out About.me/chrisbethany

TTYL

Social Networking and Marketing for your small business

I gotta get the panel members for this panel, my minicomputer was acting up. They seem powerful and extremely well-put together.

The dollar doesn't turn around once in the Black community, that means, when a black person gets a dollar, they spend it and more than likely with someone of an opposite race. Out of approximately 6000 businesses that start every year, less than 19% of those businesses are started by blacks. Small business is a major aspect in revitalizing the national economy.

Okay, here are the panel members
Ken Blanks Harrell
Ed Foxworthy
Hajj Flemmings (moderator)
there's a few more, but I am doing this LIVE and I am not keeping up with the names like I should...email me chrisreed07@gmail.com
1. HOW DID YOU IDENTIFY THE BUSINESS THAT YOU ARE IN (marketing)? What was your AH-HA moment?
-Forget about what you think life is and figure out what you enjoy doing and put a dollar sign on it.
-After making so many mistakes, and having self pitty parties, you begin to realize that your loyalty needs to be with you. Maximize your time, improve your skill and make your activities co-inside with your goal. If you say you want to make $1 million, then make it.

Ms. Gillian Blackwell, one of the benefits of the internet, they have leveled the playing field for small businesses and the connections that they can make. But one of the downfalls is that everyone is claiming to be an expert. However, it trying to organizing who is best at what. In my last post I mentioned that small business owners need to find those that are perfectionists in their industries and can help you run your business. But take your mommas advice to heart, You can tell a tree by its fruit. Look at the relationships that your colleagues may have created, take a peek at their e-networking history, listen to what they have to say, do your research..don't go int a situation completely blind.

@ Mr. Ken Blanks Harrell, he demanded that we take notes. He speaks on his success and what prevents them from being successful (making money)
1. There is no need for your service
2. There is no money
3. There is no trust
Staying consistent with your message is very important with how your business lives
Stay relevant with the audience you want, get a website, build your following, be in the face of your audience. Promote yourself. Create a plan that you will be able to make you money.

I am really enjoying this forum, especially when they are talking about FREE methods of social networking and finding leads for your business. It all comes down to building a base, and then using those connections. Thats what facebook, myspace, twitter and the such are for, they are to be used to better define your audience, getting your specific message to the people and most importantly, LISTENING TO YOUR AUDIENCE. Although there are a ton of things to get on sites like ebay and amazon.com, but if you look close enough you can find the things that people want. When building your social network make sure you keep thinking about who you want to meet, what you want them to know about you and why they should want to continue to know you.

Branding - Developing a Professional Image and Polishing Your Brand
All of your information needs to be available to potential clients/customers. Your customers should constantly see it so that when people they know need something, you are the first person they think of it. Gaining HOUSEHOLD BRAND status is very important and very easy, just stay out there, all the time and everywhere. Your branding strategy includes the entire experience a customer has when dealing with you, the way you answer the phone, the presentation of your product, your follow up, the price versus the feel of purchasing your product or service. Develop what it is that is going to be your image.

JUST GOT A LITTLE INSPIRATION, I'ma post this on TWITTER (darealchrisreed) NEWSLETTER COMING SOON

Thank you to Mr. Harrell for "Own your own, or be owned by someone else." Corporate America is frustrating and I am pretty sure that you feel me on this, let it frustrate you so much that you start your own and do it as good as you can.