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Social Media for Small BusinessCalgary Chamber of Commerce

How do you become the local expert and build trust in your community?

Stuart R. CrawfordVP, Business DevelopmentBulletproof InfoTech403.206.2233

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Before we begin

What social networking/media sites you use today?

FacebookLinkedInYouTubeTwitterBlogsOther

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Introduction to social mediaMore than just Facebook!

Is social media ready for business?Is business ready for social media?

What is Social Media?• Allows people to connect, share and

influence those around us• Allows us to help others• Allows us to promote others• Allows us to reach others

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Why Social Media and Why Now?

Why is social media so important?Old marketing tricks are becoming extinctPeople are looking for someone they can trust

Why is it important now?Prospects are turning to search and web communities to find information

The evolution of business The Industrial Age The Information Age The Participation Age

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Small Business in changing!

Changes in the way business is doneChanges in the way customers interact with usChanges in the way prospects find usChanges in the way people share informationChanges in the way people talk about usChanges in the way we approach the market

Change is coming, change is here and the old way doesn’t work unless combined with new mindsets!

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Remember this…before we begin

Information is a commodityIf you search hard enough, someone has posted something online for free Information we previously charged for! Everything is free!Don’t believe me, just do a Google search for “Calgary mortgage brokers”We need to change and change to survive!

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Google search

Calgary mortgage brokers

Oct 13, 2009

How do you compete?

Where can you get an immediate advantage?

Where can you build trust?

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What resources are available? What we will cover today

5 Social Media tools you can use nowBlogsLinkedInYouTubeBlogtalkradioTwitter

There are many more…

Lets get started

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Getting recognized The thought leader in you is born

Talk about everything around youBuild a followingOffer real adviceBuild relationshipsFollow eventsAdd commentaryAct as if…Demonstrate daily - you are a leader

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Should you start a blog? What would you say?

Why a blog, what is so important about blogging?

Many industry thought leaders blog dailyThey are viewed as an expertCommunicate with clients and prospects

You start to build trustTalk about stuff around youHuman side of your business

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Tips for a business blogSet up shop (Call to action, contact, how to work with me)Think like a business (sales, marketing, service)Build a consistent brand (brand awareness)Extend your platform (what’s next beyond blogs)Build powerful networks (the right people)Equip your clients (give the tools to serve themselves)Focus on the relationship (know, like, trust)Make trust a must

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Where do you start?

Plan, Plan , PlanFind your nicheDetermine your goals

Then…

• Find a professional• Your blog must match your website• Start writing and write again

Resources Available

• calgarybloggers.ca• wordpress.org• blogspot.com

• Blogging support groups• chrisbrogan.com• stuartcrawford.com

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Build a professional network

Stop using FacebookStart using LinkedIn

Why LinkedIn?

• Business to Business• Professional groups• Answers to questions• Professional image

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LinkedIn success tips

You need to be onlineYou must have a complete profile, it is you!Have a detailed summary of those you serveProfessional picture (no logos)Pay it forward (recommend others)Add passion to everything you doBe open and reachableSolve problems and join groups

Tip

Add your email address to your name or your description

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Start now with LinkedIn

Setup an account @ linkedin.comUpload your pictureWrite your summaryRecommend three colleagues weeklyJoin three groups

Linking CalgaryCalgary EntrepreneursChamber of Commerce

Why video?

People have short attentions spansRather watch than readCan be easily sharedYouTube is one of the top search engines

Why type of video works?• YouTube – embedded video• Walk-on video• Have others talk about you

Your own TV Channel All it takes is a camera and creativity

http://www.youtube.com/bulletproofIT

Video Tips

Ensure you add text with your videoGoogle can’t index video without text

Embed video on your website or blogTake your handy cam everywherePractice, Practice, Practice

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Online radio Do you have a face for radio?

Online radio is freeand fun

Reach new audiencesShare easily with your clientsPromote your partners and your clientsStart small and work your way up

Blogtalkradio.com

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Twitter…connects everything

Use Twitter to link everything togetherMore than just a tool to share “what you are doing”Blogs, YouTube, online radio can all connect via Twitter

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Twitter…it is about sharing info

Start the viral spreadingShare interesting stories and ideasPromote others, clients, colleaguesEngage with your community

Follow Calgary Chamber at @calgary_chamberRemember your hash tag (#YYC)

Who is on Twitter?

Get on Twitter today

Setup an account at twitter.comCustomize your page

Upload photo – no logosSetup a wallpaper, this can be your companyWrite your short bioInclude links

Start following othersUse services such as hootsuite.comRemember, share information others would be interested in

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Conclusion It just maybe too late!

Social media is here to stayThe old ways need to be blended inYou must start to use the tools now!

Create a blog, share your insightsUse LinkedIn daily, answer questions and provide valueStart leveraging Twitter to promote your businessConsider video and audio

Find a support group to help youThis is just the tip of the iceberg

Meetup.com, slideshare, tripit….plus more!

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Most importantly

Create something, do things, create your own impact….

most important

BE MEMORABLE

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Now what are you going to do?

What are you going to do next?Start BloggingCreate a LinkedIn accountUse Twitter to promote your businessCreate a YouTube channelHost your own radio showNothing at allother

Questions Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn…

www.facebook.com/stuart.crawford.calgary.computer.service

www.linkedin.com/in/stuartcrawford

www.twitter.com/stuartrcrawford www.twitter.com/bulletproofITwww.twitter.com/calgarybusiness

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Q & A