Happy Holiday's from Sweet Spot Marketing

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Wishing you a fantastic holiday and all the best in 2011.


My Best,
Nancy Beth Guptill, Founder of Sweet Spot Marketing

How Facebook Savvy Are Canadian Politicians?

As politicians using social media to connect, engage and communicate with citizens and voters, Robert Ghiz (PEI Premier) has 4,906 friends on Facebook, while Olive Crane (leader of the opposition) only has 832.  Comparatively speaking, Stephen Harper has 37,964 Facebook friends, while Michael Ignatieff has 32,835 and Jack Layton has 31,341.



As of today's date, according to Facebook geo-targeting metrics, there are approximately 16,017,840 Canadians that have a personal Facebook profile, while there are 62,680 Islanders with a personal profile.  It seems Canadian and Island politicians are under utilizing and overlooking this untapped community.



Meanwhile, the topic of politics is very popular on Facebook.  Already, there are private citizens setting up business pages and groups in preparation of the 2011 elections.



Given Social Media will play a strong role in the 2011 elections, the political parties, official campaign accounts, private political supporters and the politicians themselves that learn to master Facebook as a political communication channel will likely see the greatest campaign results.  Take a look at Barak Obama, who has been minted the king of on-line campaigning.  During the most recent presidential election, Barak Obama had 2.2 million people 'friend' him, while John McCain had just over half a million.



As 2011 approaches, and political parties start strategically planning their political campaigns, it will be interesting to see which party and politicians will best utilize social media channels, and become the Political King or Queen of Facebook.



Authored by Nancy Beth Guptill, founder of Sweet Spot Marketing

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/inv1

In 2011, it is very likely PEI voters will be faced with two elections - both federal and provincial. Politicians and candidates that plan to run political campaigns during these elections will need to sharpen their social media and micro-blogging skills / knowledge, as voters are already out there creating groups, networks and micro-blogs across the various social networks to influence these political campaigns. Sweet Spot Marketing will be offering 'Campaign Using Social Media' Workshops. Details to come before Christmas. http://amplify.com/u/ijim

Social Media Has Matured, Mobile Marketing Set to Explode

Hard to believe that in 2011, Social Media Marketing will mature, while Mobil Marketing is set to explode.  Knowing how to integrate the use of both will be fundamental in running successful social media marketing and mobile marketing campaigns.


As owner of Sweet Spot Marketing, I am looking forward to embracing this new technology and offering integrated solutions to the North American Market.


Stay tunned for further announcements as we finalize new strategic relationships with leading global software development companies.


Have a great week!
Nancy Beth Guptill
Founder, Sweet Spot Marketing

Tips On Using Facebook For Business

HI There,

Here's a link to our recent E-news. The main focus this week is 'Tips On Using Facebook for Business".

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tips-on-Using-Facebook-For-Business.html?soid=1101911428809&aid=WAuzujTgZnI

If you are interested in receiving training, coaching and guidance on how to establish a Facebook Strategy and Presence, with assistance in developing your Business Page or Group, Please call Nancy Beth Guptill, President of Sweet Spot Marketing at 902-724-3330 or email nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca

Nancy Beth Guptill

Nancy Beth Guptill: "I connected Blogger to my http://flavors.me page - http://flavors.me/nancybethguptill"

Facebook for Professionals

Yesterday we hosted Facebook for Professionals. This workshop is in high demand.

Facebook for Professionals

View more presentations from Sweet Spot Marketing.

We had a full house at our Facebook for Professionals this afternoon. This
is one of our workshop participants...do you know who this is?

Facebook For Professionals

This afternoon, I am hosting Facebook For Professionals at Spectra Media Communications in Charlottetown.

Really looking forward to this event.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

The Cool Tools In The Android Market

I now have a Blogger Android app that allows me to publish blog posts from my phone. This is the first post.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Happy Birthday to Jo-Ann of Meeting Convention Partnership PEI. Since we didn't sing the B'day song at CoolTools this morning, here's a virtual birthday cake. Good seeing you today.

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

Testing ping

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

If you haven't heard of f-mailing yet, you might want to read up on it: http://amplify.com/u/fbff http://amplify.com/u/fbfm

Which Social Networking Sites Are Best for Me?

Listen to Podcast and Download MP3

By Nancy Beth Guptill, Founder of Sweet Spot Marketing

Which Social Networking Sites Are Best for Me?

 

This is a common question I get from clients and audience participants all the time.  They want me to recommend the best social networking sites for their business.  I can confidently say that in pretty much every single interaction I have with new clients and audience participants, the two most frequent questions I receive are:  “Which Social Networking Sites are best for business?  Are there specific social sites you prefer and recommend over others?”

In answering these questions, I could be foolish in my approach by rattling off the top social sites like Facebook, Linked-in and Twitter, and advise people to start building their online presence within these sites.  While these are some of the more popular sites, it would be completely irresponsible and unprofessional of me to recommend them without gathering some marketing intelligence.

A word of caution to you:  If a marketing or social media consultant starts telling you where to build your online community and presence without first understanding your business goals and objectives, who your customers are and where they hang out online, I recommend you RUN LIKE THE DICKENS because they are lacking a very key part of social media intelligence – and that’s the marketing strategy you put behind building your online social media presence.

Amazingly enough I see this happen all the time. Individuals and companies claiming to be marketing and social media experts, advising their clients to jump in and get their feet wet and start building a presence on Facebook, Twitter, or Linked-in, without any thought or care as to finding out whether or not their client’s customers are gathering and collecting on these social sites. 

So the question becomes, how do individuals, companies and non-profits looking to use social media as a way to market, brand and promote their business online, determine which social networking sites are best suited for them?

The best way I can answer this question through an article and podcast, without having the opportunity to speak with you directly, is to provide you with a list of questions you need ask yourself.  Find a place where you can give some serious thought and consideration in answering these questions, as they will help guide you through the process of determining and selecting the best social networking sites for your business intentions:

1)     Do you have a business plan or a marketing plan with well defined target markets, customer types and business development objectives?

2)     How do you see using social media to help you reach these customer types, and achieve your goals and objectives?

3)     Have you observed the social channels your customers are using to connect with you?  Is it through email, making comments on your blog, connecting with you on specific social sites?

4)     Have you observed or questioned your customers to find out where they are gathering online?

5)     Is there a large crowd of your ideal customers gathering on certain social networks that warrant the time and financial investment it will take for you to build a presence, become connected and engaged in conversations on these social sites?

6)     What are your products and services?  Are there specific niche sites that you should be on versus general public sites?

7)     Have you observed your industry to see what some of the most successful companies are doing online within different social sites?  Where are they hanging out, how are they engaging, and are they having any success?

There is a whole lot more to social media than ‘Just Talking’.  It goes back to marketing 101.  The social networks you build your presence on will be determined and driven by where your customers are collecting, gathering and hanging out online.  Find large hungry crowds that are interested in what your business organization offers, and build your online presence within communities they are a part of.

In November, I'm co-hosting "Facebook for Business", "Facebook for Professionals", "Cool Tools for Business" with @Moekerr. http://sweetspotmktg.blogspot.com/ http://amplify.com/u/eip2

Social media marketing best practices form Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SMMBestPractices http://amplify.com/u/eikt

There are approx 1.2 billion desktop computers and 3 billion cell phones. Twitter has potential of reaching 300% more people than traditional internet marketing

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

Regardless of whether you are active in social media, or not, the reality is you are being talked about on social networks.

Businesses that remain passive and do not take an active role in managing their,online reputation may loose business. This is the same for individuals.

Online reputation management should be one of your key reasons for using social media and social networks.

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

I really found this to be very interesting - good tips for Newbie's in getting started in Social Media - I like point one the best: http://www.readwriteweb.com/start/2010/04/social-media-marketing-overloa.php http://amplify.com/u/eigh

Upcoming Facebook for Business sessions are hands-on learning. You will actually set up or enhance your facebook account. Check workshop dates here: http://sweetspotmktg.blogspot.com/ http://amplify.com/u/ei4k

Here's a great article on developing a Social Media Marketing Campaign: http://www.ivanwalsh.com/social-media-strategy/social-media-marketing-campaign-facebook-strategy-tactics-business-plan/4262/ http://amplify.com/u/ehzw

Great Research Report for Tourism Operators: http://tinyurl.com/Hospitality2015 Title "Hospitality 2015 : Game Changers or Spectras" http://amplify.com/u/ehym

Here's a great article on "22 Social Media Marketing Management Tools"http://www.toprankblog.com/2010/09/22-social-media-marketing-management-tools/ http://amplify.com/u/ehpr

Podcasting Is Much Easier Than You Think

 

Well, I finally did it!  I started podcasting - something I have wanted to do for ages and finally took the time to educate myself on some of the tools and technologies out there.

I've started by a simple message which you can access below or to your right - this is an introduction to myself and Sweet Spot Marketing to provide some background information on who I am and what type of information I share here on my blog. IntroFromNancyBeth-SweetSpotMarketing.mp3

Looking forward to sharing meaningful and valuable information on Marketing, Business Development and Online Social Media Marketing with my clients and online friends,

Here's to you and your marketing success!

Testing My First Podcast

This is all a test to see if I can get a podcast going on my website.  Lets see how I do.


NBGVoiceTest.mp3

I just received an email to book a new Social Media workshop in February 2011. It's in a really neat industry and the Guest Speaker for the workshop is extremely well known to PEI, likely beyond. Can't wait to share the details late November. http://amplify.com/u/e7k4

In this New Marketing Era, the most powerful form of advertising and promotions is Share of Voice and Conversation. In fact, Markets are Conversations and these markets exist online across the different Social Media Networks.Current 2010 statistics published by Nielsen Company and eMarkter, indicate that nearly 75% of all Internet Users are regular users of social networks. Further, 93% of internet users active in Social Media, expect a company to have a social media presence, plus they expect to actively engage with that company online. Social Media is a component to your overall marketing plan, and if you do not have a Social Media presence, you are missing significant business opportunities because you have an incredible gap in your overall marketing program. This gap is called leakage and missed opportunities that your competition is likely capitalizing on, or soon will be.Nancy Beth Guptill, Founder of Sweet Spot Marketing http://amplify.com/u/e7c5 http://amplify.com/u/e7cd

Here's Why You Need A Social Media Strategy AND a Content & Engagement Strategy: "93% of Internet Users active in Social Media EXPECT a company to have a social media presence PLUS they EXPECT to ACTIVELY ENGAGE with that company. source: Sally Falkow http://amplify.com/u/e541

In less than 24 hours, Cool Tools for Tourism Operators sold out. We used Email Marketing and some Facebook and Twitter. How cool is that! #EventMarketingOnline made easy. That's my new workshop being released late November 2010. http://amplify.com/u/e4qf

Social Media for business is more than just talking. Your success in social media depends on two key factors (1) The quality of your content and (2) engaging people based on good content that has meaning and relevance to your audiences. Bottom Line: You need a well thought-out content strategy. http://amplify.com/u/e4pt

In 2010, the most powerful form of marketing, promotions and advertising is 'Share of Voice and Conversations'. You need to be measuring and monitoring the word of mouth conversations and online viral buzz about you, your products, your brand, your company. Bottom line, your share of voice leads to increased market share. http://amplify.com/u/e4nv

Working on Social Media Strategy proposals this morning, and some potential new Social Media Marketing training opportunities. People like that I offer #SocialMediaAssessments as a starting point, before even developing the strategy. http://amplify.com/u/e4jm

Take Your Retail Business to the Next Level with Thrive Retail Success System

Sweet Spot Marketing and Thrive Retail Success System have teamed up to provide marketing and business development solutions for independent retailers, which includes any business that has a retail component.  Get Your FREE Retail Review Today

WHAT IS THRIVE :

Thrive is a revolutionary retail success system designed to show independent retailers how to achieve measurable, profitable, results from their sales and marketing activities.

The Thrive Retail Success System is a proven, easy-to-use web-based application that provides independent retailers with an expert review of their operations, a customized step-by-step retail success plan and the controls to manage their business like an expert.  For an investment of $997, independent retailers wanting to take their business to the next level will gain the tools and confidence to overcome the tough challenges associated with today's retail market.

Thrive Retail Success System will show you how to:  

  1) Find, attract, and retain more of your best customers   

  2) Select products your best customers really want   

  3) Increase your average sale and improve your margins   

  4) Monitor the most important "numbers" in your business   

  5) Gain confidence in managing your marketing, sales and operations.   

  6) Create follow-up strategies that maintain buying interest.

HOW THRIVE WORKS:

STEP 1:  Your Retail Review ... gives you the direction you need to achieve success. Thrive's thought provoking questions will analyze your business from a fresh perspective. The result? A FREE customized report that introduces you to the Three Critical Factors that control your potential for retail success.

Step 2: Create Your Retail Success Plan ... shows you how to grow your business in just minutes a day using the Three Critical Factors. Set goals and get focused; identify your best customers and start working smarter; get the guidance and expert insight you want through easy-to-read recommendations that work for you.

Step 3: Manage Your Success ...apply your plan to attract more of your best customers and manage your sales and marketing growth like an expert.Increase your average sales and improve your profit margins. Ensure consistency of your operation, even when you're not there.

Get Started Today with a FREE Retail Review   or email Nancy Beth at nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca.

Facebook for Business - November 16, 2010

With 500 million people using Facebook, if it were the population of a country, it would be the biggest in the world. According to CBC, 900,000 Canadians signed up for the first time to Facebook in May of this year.

Even more important, taking it close to home, Facebook statistics for Prince Edward Island and Canada, based on July 1st 2010 population counts: Approximately 42% of PEI's population and 45% of Canada's population are using Facebook.

Without any doubt, it has become an integral part of our culture, communication and communities. And with statistics like these, how can you NOT have a presence?

While these statistics may be great, the question YOU have is: "How do I use this for my business?" This is where Nancy Beth and Maureen step in.


In our Facebook for Business workshop you will learn:

  - how Facebook generates revenue
  - how to create a targeted advertising campaign
  - examples of local and global companies using Facebook
  - how to set-up a fan page
  - how to set-up a group page
  - what the difference is between the two
  - how to communicate with potential clients
  - how to drive traffic to your website

This workshop is designed to get you up and running on Facebook using a viable social media marketing strategy. You may have attempted to use Facebook for your business already and have been disappointed with the results. Come and join in on our Facebook for Business workshop and learn how to use this massive social networking platform strategically for your business.


Register today for Facebook for Business with Social Media Marketers, Nancy Beth Guptill and Maureen Kerr, a workshop extension from the popular "Cool Tools: Social Media for Marketing" workshop which is on Tuesday, November 16th at 9am. 


"Facebook for Business" begins at 1:30pm - 3:30pm on the same day. Attend both for $125 or just "Facebook for Business" for $75.

TO REGISTER: 
http://tinyurl.com/FacebookForBiz-ChTown

HOST LOCATION:

Century 21 Colonial Realty in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.  We will be meeting in Century 21's Boardroom

Cool Tools Social Media Marketing workshop, facilitated by Nancy Beth
Guptill of Sweet Spot Marketing, and Maureen Keer, introduces 10 cool
tools that business, associations and non-profits can use to brand, market
and promote their organization.

"Well presented - do it" Steve Reaman, Innovation PEI

Cool Tools Social Media - November 16, 9 AM - 12 Noon, Charlottetown

There was such a wonderful response to the Cool Tools Social Media workshop hosted in September, we had a wait list in Charlottetown for those eager to attend.   For those who couldn't make it or have heard the buzz about the great value of this workshop, come join Maureen Kerr and I on November 16, from 9 AM - 12 Noon.  

HOW TO CREATE A MARKETING PLAN USING SOCIAL MEDIA
'Cool Tools' Social Media Workshop
November 16, 2010, Charlottetown, 9 AM - 12 Noon
http://tinyurl.com/CoolTools-Charlottetown-PEI 

"For anyone trying to figure out which tools to use for online presence, this workshop was very helpful. The seminar/workshop accomplished exactly what was advertised: A discovery of Cool Tools to use for Social Media" ~ Paul Allan, Magic 93 Radio

"A lot of information with very useful bits embedded. Very useful introduction to the use of social media for business, regardless of the type of business you have." ~ Denise Lockhart, Family Service PEI

"Very well presented - Do it!" ~ Steve Reaman, Innovation PEI







ABOUT COOL TOOLS SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP:

This 3-hour workshop will introduce you to some of the most popular (and easy to use) social media tools and web applications that you can use to create your marketing plan. You will learn how to use these 'cool tools' to market, promote and brand your business.

Social Media has exploded into our world and from a marketing perspective, it is unprecedented. Never before have there been so many ways to connect to customers, clients and communities. Every second of the day, more and more people are engaging in conversations online and companies that are not paying attention to this glaring trend are missing out. Making connections, building your brand, getting referrals, creating value, advertising for significantly less – are all attainable through using social media and incorporating this phenomenon into your marketing plan.


WHAT WE WILL INTRODUCE:
  * What social media actually is
  * How to make a social media presence
  * How local companies are using social media
  * What web-based technologies are out there
  * How to use social media for research
  * How to use social media in your marketing
  * How to extend the personality of your brand online
  * How to build credibility and strengthen reputations through the use of social media
  * Potential funding for your social media ideas


 

TO REGISTER: Visit Our Event Registration Page  http://tinyurl.com/CoolTools-Charlottetown-PEI

Here's what others have said from September 2010:

"Perfect balance of portraying existing and new types of social media"
~ Ellen MacPhail, Vessy Seed's

"Informative, Great Speakers, Eye Opening"
Tracy Corrigan, Vesey Seeds

"Great Eye Opener - very knowledgeable. Lots of new apps that are out there" ~ Marsha Doiron, Holland College

Facebook Statistics for PEI & Canada

Facebook Statistics for PEI & Canada:  

Based on July 1st,  2010 population counts, approximately 42% of PEI's population and 45% of Canada's population is using the Social Network - Facebook.  

I get asked all the time by businesses, associations, non-profits, government and independent consultants if they should create a facebook business page or group for their organization. With statistics like this, coupled with a proper Facebook For Business Strategy, how can you NOT have a presence? 

At Sweet Spot Marketing, we can help you use Facebook for Business.  Based on your current business purpose, we will review your business marketing plans and strategize on how you can use Facebook to help you accomplish your overall business goals and objectives.  

We can create custom Facebook Profiles, including custom Facebook Business Pages and Groups.  We can help you publish meaningful information, plus show you how to interact with your audiences so you are engaged in two-way conversation.  We can show you how to build an online community, while creating positive, talkable experiences that will create raving fans.

Always Remember - your online social media presence provides an opportunity for your different target audiences to experience the personality of your brand online.  It's important to allow for engagement and relationships building through two-way conversations, while setting the expectations of what it is like to do business with you.

Facebook provides a wonderful opportunity for you to build online relationships and networks, you just need to know how to effectively build a proper business page that engages your different audiences, and we can show you how.

If you are ready to start building a Facebook Community of raving fans for your organization, email nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca

The power of Google Tools blows me away! Sitting here in my Gmail account
chatting with people across North America at no cost. Now this is a really
cool tool! I love skype as well, there's lots of branding features,
however, free calling exists only between skype users.

Looking forward to sharing this information tomorrow at our Cool Tools
Social Media workshop.

Avoid Being A Chatty Cathy With Pointless Tweets, Peeps and Updates

Since 2007 I have been teaching small business owners how to use Social Media for business.  One of the most common misconceptions I have come across is people thinking that Social Media Marketing is as simple as 'Just Talking' on online networks.  This is a very limiting view of how to use social media for business.  In fact, restricting your use of social media to 'just talking' can wind up as you being perceived as a Chatty Cathy ... and pointless chatter will annoy and bore  most of your followers and friends when you use it as just another 'water cooler'.

Learning to harness the power of the internet takes time.  Having a Twitter profile and a Facebook page are good places to start, but once you get your feet wet and feel comfortable with using these platforms, you need to take a more strategic approach to using social media for business.


Like any other marketing medium, Social Media is a platform for you to get your message out.  For this reason, you need to look at building content rich, education based information that educates your market place about the goods and services you have to offer, and the value you bring to the market place.

The foundation to your social media marketing program is your ideal customer.  It is critical for you to understand how your ideal customer uses the internet and social media to seek out goods and services so you can be found when they conduct searches.

Social media provides the opportunity for your ideal customer to experience the personality of your brand while setting the expectations of what it is like to do business with you.  With this in mind, you need to consider your online persona, the information you want to share,  and the type of conversations you want to have online with prospective buyers, existing customers, strategic partners, and business colleagues.  You also you need to ensure your online persona matches that of your offline personality.  There needs to be complete integration of your online and offline strategies so they are seamless.

Being strategic also means having clear goals and objectives as to why you are using social media for business.  There are a number of good reasons to use social media for business.  You could use it for customer service, promotions, recruitment, brand management, online sales, and so much more.

It's a matter of learning where your ideal client hangs out online, how they are searching for your goods and services, populating the social media platforms with content rich education based information, developing a marketing funnel so you stand out from your competition, having list building strategies that includes lead capture at different customer touch points, targeting your efforts towards your ideal client, creating positive (and talkable) online experiences, and integrating your social media program into your overall business marketing strategy.

Remember - in marketing, the number one rule is Strategy Before Tactics - Always!  and that includes your use of Social Media and Social Networks.  To be successful at Social Media for business, it takes a lot more than 'just talking'.  It takes building a strategic social media marketing plan and then executing on that plan.
 
If you are interested in learning how to use social media for business, I invite you to attend an upcoming workshop I am hosting with Maureen Kerr of Kerr Consulting called  Cool Tools Social Media Workshop.  To learn more about this workshop and to enroll please visit:  http://tinyurl.com/CoolTools-PEI

Video Resources:

1. Social Media for Business Success:  http://tinyurl.com/Be-Strategic
2. Social Media Revolution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng

Blogroll
     1. Seer Interactive - http://tinyurl.com/GroupieChattyStrategist

Do You Still Think Social Media is a FAD?

Recently I have been challenging my friends and colleagues to watch the Social Media Revolution video by SocialNomics.    It's the video you see here on my blog, and trust me when I say, it is worth watching. 

If you are still in doubt whether or not you should engage in Social Media,  watch this video.  This is a video that all economic development practitioners, small business, entrepreneurs, and any support organization to SMB's and entrepreneurs, need to watch. 

 

Some people have been asking me:   "WHY are you challenging people to watch this video?"  Simply put ... some people still think social media is a fad.  A big trend. Something that is going to burn out.  Further, some people can't seem to see the value in social media.  They are really intimidated by the time factor and I can certainly understand this.

The problem is, many people, when they think about social media, they automatically think about the most popular social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook .... and they panic over the idea of spending time (or should I say ... wasting time)  on two-way conversations.  The typical thought process is "I am busy enough as it is - how can you possibly expect me to tweet, beep and update my facebook status, while also engage in online conversations?  I'm already working over 9 hours a day, and you expect me to layer in more?? Holy Bleeeeepppppp???

OK, I can totally get where most people are coming from - put me back in November 2006, and this is what I would look like:

YUP - that's exactly how I looked.  Confused, frustrated, overwhelmed.  I made a lot of mistakes, and ticked a few people off in the meantime.  I can recall using a tool called Evite for Ladies Who Launch socials.  This was back in 2007/2008, and I was really new to social media.  I was hosting a few  events in PEI, and I sent out invitations to various women entrepreneurs I thought would be interested in attending.

 

Well, let me tell ya - I was WAY AHEAD of my time on this social media thing!  PLUS, I was really new and made some awful mistakes.  In Evite (which is a really great tool) I set up auto-responder reminders that were supposed to go out once a week, but in my newbie approach, I made a HUGE mistake and the auto-responders went out daily.

WELL!  You can just imagine the flack over that!  I was so embarrassed!  So before I go any further - I send out a BIG SORRY!  to all those I ticked off at that time.  It was a total mistake!  BUT I certainly did learn from it. 

Much has changed since the early 2007's.  The Social Media landscape has really advanced.  That's what my gal pal, Maureen Kerr of Kerr Consulting, are here for!  To share our knowledge and experience with local entrepreneurs.  Between us, we have over eighteen years experience! 

During the week of September 20th, we are hosting our  'Cool Tools' Social Media workshops!  We are really looking forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with PEI entrepreneurs and Island Business.  We are hosting the workshop in four Island Communities, at three different times during the day to meet different schedules.  We really hope to see you at one of the workshops! 

You can enroll online for this 3 hour workshop, or call me at 902-724-3330  by phone, or by email at nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca

We look forward to seeing you there!

'COOL TOOLS' Social Media Workshop

So my gal pal Maureen Kerr and I have teamed up to deliver a  'cool tools' social media workshop. With so many social media tools and web applications out there, it can be pretty confusing determining which ones to use and how to use them for business.  

 'You don't know what you don't know' and our objective is to introduce you to our top 15 list of cool tools, show you how they can be used for business, and give you real live examples of how local companies in PEI have mastered using these tools for their business.
 

The 'Cool Tools Social Media Workshop'  will be delivered in four Island Communities.  We go beyond the basics of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  We'll show you How to Create a Marketing Plan Using Social Media.

DATES and LOCATIONS:

To enroll or learn more about the 'Cool Tools' social media workshop, click on the community nearest you:

Tuesday, September 21st          ...  Pooles Corner

Wednesday, September 22nd   ... Charlottetown

Thursday, September 23rd         ... Hunter River

Friday, September 24th              ... Summerside 

Before spending money on advertising know your ideal client and where they hangout. ALWAYS ASK for reader, listener and viewer profiles for print, radio and tv. Ask for participant profiles for tradeshow and exhibits. Ask for web visitor and email subscribers for online and email marketing. If the media supplier can't... provide the profile stats, be cautious, maybe your ideal client isn't spending time there.

MUST SHARE LINKS:
http://ping.fm/qSOCN Summerside PEI Film maker, Susan Rodgers of BlueMountain Entertainment, is producing 'Drummer Boyz' featuring two best friends from The College of Piping http://soitsy.com/k0

I will be silent for a few days - it's crunch time. Not accessible by phone - but taking text messages to cell phone for urgent matters. Time to turn it off for a wee bit.

Ahhh,.the wonderful aroma's of rural PEI.

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

I am having a great day. Thankful. Can I get a 'yes' and 'amen' to that.

This email sent from my HTC smartph

Sister and fam from Ontario are here! Gonna have some fun over the next week. Looking at spending some time with my nephew - he's four and such a blast!

So after having a tough day yesterday, which all small business owners have on occasion, I went out for coffee last night with a great friend of mine who is also a small business owner.

I shared the ups and downs of my day, and as usual she had great words of wisdom for me.

The reality of life is this, things change, market needs and demands change, relationships change. This is all normal and is part and parcel of doing business. We should never fear change, we should actually be thankful. Change takes us to new levels and allows us to go deeper with our business. It provides the opportunity for us to evaluate what worked (and didn't work) so we can 'polish and edit' our business and it's product/service offerings.

So I welcome the change that is coming my way. I am thankful for the relationships of the past and the experiences that were shared. I welcome the New!

Today is certainly not going down the way I had anticipated. All the planning in the world and you can still get blown out of the water with unexpected events.

Time will soon tell - big conversation #1 happening any minute. #2 happens later today.

Debate of the day: To PING or not to PING, that is the question. Your opinions please.

Here's the Debate: To PING or not to PING from http://ping.fm ... what is the answer? Opinions please?

In running a business, you will encounter peaks and valleys. When you peak, enjoy the moment, be thankful and grateful. When you hit the valley - remain calm and confident, evaluate the options, dig deep, press in, and make the hard decisions that need to be made.

Re-evaluating the options.

Today, I an spending time with my daughter. One of our favorite past times
together is driving with our favorite music playing loud. I love days like
this.

Quality, versus quantity? What's your preference in your friend and followers in social media? http://ping.fm/FLM7l

There's debate out there regarding preference of 'quality' versus 'quantity' of followers. It's a combination of both. Ultimately it goes back to marketing 101 - what's your core purpose and marketing strategy for using social media? If you are in a niche market where interpersonal relationships make the difference in closing a sale, then quality is important. If you are in a business that has wide appeal and the more people you can touch with your marketing the better, then your strategy just may be to have a large following and hungry crowd for your goods and services. Think about why you are using social media - it's all in your strategy and how you intend to engage with users. One important question to ask: Where does my ideal brand customer hang out? Are they even spending time on social media? I have a client and we surveyed 20 of his ideal clients and not one of them spend any time on social media - they think it's a waste of time. So before you invest time peeping and tweeting, put your strategy before tactics.

Mobile Commerce & Retailers: http://ping.fm/a2EiO

50 Marketing Ideas for Retailers: http://ping.fm/k8Cfr

If there's one piece of advice that we all know is true but most small business over look ... it's staying focused and remembering to target all our marketing efforts towards the interests, needs, desires and wants of our ideal brand customers. Release and surrender all clients who do not fall within your ideal.

Sitting in on a tele-meeting with global marketing experts. We're discussing Lead Generation Strategies for Marketing Coaches amd Consultants - these best practices aren't rocket science but make a lot of sense!

If you operate a retail business, this e-news has some great advice for Independent Retailers: http://ping.fm/Idj9b

On my way to Charlottetown for a full day of meetings. Going to Right off the Batt Pottery tonight for the PEIBWA Mixer. Then off to Newfoundland tomorrow to meet with Thrive Retail Marketing. Great things are happening!

Back from a 10 day trip. In the office for a few days, then heading to Newfoundland to meet with THRIVE Retail at their head office at Pippy Place. Looking forward to the trip to meet with this innovative company plus going back to my roots - I was born in St. John's and only back once since parents left when I was an infant.

Off to a day full of meetings. It's going to be great!

Had two great meetings today, plus got a lot accomplished on some client files. Even managed to get some house work done and spend time with my daughter. I love begin a marketing coach.

This email sent from my HTC smartphone

We are Certified Thrive Partners: http://ping.fm/UzmLh

Thrive Retail Marketing is a web application that helps retailers take their business to the next level.

If you are an Independent Retailer and are ready to take your business to the next level, take the FREE Growth Assessment, it takes less than 10 minutes.

Connect with us on facebook: http://ping.fm/2cdq4

Connect with us on Twitter:
http://ping.fm/aRoVb

I am recruiting professional commissioned sales representatives that have experience recruiting joint venture partners and selling professional services to Small Businesses via tele-sales. Please send resumes to nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca Closing date July 30, 2010.

Sweet Spot Marketing is a Certified Thrive Partner. We work with Independent Retailers to take their business to the next level. It all starts with our Free Growth Assessment tool: http://ping.fm/eZ58w Take the Assessment, Invest in your Marketing Action Plan, then call us to help implement your MAP - we'll coach you through the process.

http://tinyurl.com/FollowUp-Retail-Webinar Here's the follow up to the FREE Retail Webinar hosted by THRIVE Retail Marketing

On June 11th, Thrive Retail Marketing hosted a Free Retail Webinar - here's a follow to that webinar.

'Follow Up to FREE Retail Marketing Webinar'

Latest E-News sent to PEI Retailers: 'Follow Up to FREE Retail Marketing Webinar'

It is important to be persistent and consistent with your messaging. It is
also important to keep focused and remember the reasons why you are in
business.

Road blocks will come your way, however, go back to your plan and figure out
how to move positively forward for the betterment of yourself, your business
and the ideal customers you serve.

As you mature in social media, you will come to realize it's not the end and be all to your marketing, you still need to have a good mix, and you still need to look at generate new leads using different marketing mediums. You also need to look at investing in experiential and relationship marketing that focuses on conversion and loyalty. We are a full-scale marketing company that helps retailers attracts, convert, and keep ideal brand customers for your business.

Off to teach class #3 of social media for leaders 'content as lead generation". Scott jay if your digital coach is guest facilitator.

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If you are a retailer in Prince Edward Island - you should attend our 1/2 Day Retail Sales Bootcamp this Thursday, June 24th - it is a great way to kickstart the tourism season. For $85 per person, here is what you get: (1) 4 hours of retail sales training (2) E-Book on top 20 Retail Sales Strategies (3) Free Marketing Growth Assessment and (4) 60 minute onsite consultation. For more information call 902-724-3330

Convert More Shoppers To Buyers 1/2 Day Bootcamp. June 24th, Charlottetown. For details: http://ping.fm/9N14K

A link to our Weekly E-News. We discuss "The Internet Has Changed Successful Marketing Forever":
http://tinyurl.com/Internet-SuccessfulMarketing

Over the past few months birds have been nesting in our clothes dryer vent. We heard them all the time and it sounded really interesting. Twice we removed nests because we are afraid of the nest catching fire. The last time we removed a nest was approximately 4 weeks ago. Over the past few days, we could smell wood burning and today we pulled the air vent off the back of the dryer and discovered a very large birds nest with these four eggs in them. We had to remove the nest...my daughter wants to save them. She asked how we could incubate them...does anybody know?

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If you do email, text or mobile marketing, never take it personally when
someone unsubscribes. This gives you more time to focus your efforts on
those who truly value you.

Wishing I was at the peitweetup ... however family has to come first. Daughter is applying for some youth leadership programs this summer and applications are due. We're away most of July so have to get them done. Hope you peers are having fun."Big Hugs" and a 'smooch' to ny closer friendly...you know who you are :-)

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CONVERT SHOPPERS TO BUYERS
1/2 Day Retail Sales Bootcamp 

Thursday June 24, 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Charlottetown

 http://tiny.cc/RetailSalesBootcamp 

Attend This Event

Most Retailers spend too much time and money on advertising and promotion activities to only convert about 20% of new store traffic to new customers. Retailers need to start spending more time on converting more shoppers to buyers and optimizing relationships with existing customers.

CONVERT MORE SHOPPERS TO BUYERS is a ½ day interactive Retail Sales Bootcamp that will teach your front line sales staff how to to convert more shoppers to buyers. Your sales management and staff will learn how to engage and build positive rapport with customers, decipher between serious shoppers and the looksy-loo's, qualify on the spot, close more sales and create positive talkable experiences that keep customers coming back.

   When:        Thursday, June 24^th 

   Time:          12:30 PM – 4:30 PM 

   Location:   Charlottetown, Holland College Culinary Institute 

   Cost:          $85 per person, pre-payment required

                       We accept cash, cheque and credit card payments 

  Facilitator: Nancy Beth Guptill of Sweet Spot Marketing

For $85, Here's What You Get :

• 
  
  
  
  4 hours of Retail Sales Training
• 
  
  
  
  E-Book “Top 20 Retail Sales Strategies”
• 
  
  
  
  Free Marketing Growth Assessment Tool
• 
  
  
  
  60 Minute Onsite Follow Up Session

Increase Your Conversion Rate

Stop Spending So Much Time and Money On Promotions.
Spend More Time Converting Store Traffic To Customers.

Course Content

Quantify Your Objectives Condition Your Mind Budget Your Time 6 Minutes Per Customer	Customer Types Types of Shoppers Hot or Not
Ready for Action First Impressions – Dressing the Part Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication The Gap Between Men and Women	Rules of Engagement Making the Connection The Retail Stance Engaging & Approaching Techniques Building Trust & Rapport
The Retail Sales Cycle Engage & Approach Introduction – Opening Liners Qualifying Sales Presentation Closing the Sale - Asking For the Business Follow-up and Ongoing Marketing	Retail Sales Skills Retail Sales Etiquette Asking Questions – Types of Questions Overcoming Objections Closing the Sale: Ask for the Business / Different Close Techniques Lead Capture & Permission Based Marketing

We will motivate and inspire your Front Line Retail Sales Team while providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, confidence and attitude to build positive customer relationships, increase sales and create long-term customer loyalty.

ENROLL:   
http://tiny.cc/RetailSalesBootcamp

WOW - that was an awesome Retail Marketing webinar hosted by Bill Jackman of Thrive Retail Marketing. Some very excellent tips: 

(1) Know who your ideal customer is so you can attract the right people to your store
(2) Increase your conversion rate of those coming through
(3) Retain these ideal customers and build your database through email marketing
(4) surrender those who are not your ideal - let these customers go because they cost you too much - let them buy from the big-box retailer.

We Are Retail Marketing and Sales Experts, and we can help you achieve your marketing and sales goals. Come to our Retail Sales & Marketing Bootcamps this month.

June 22 - Summerside: http://tinyurl.com/RetailBootcampSummerside

June 24th - Charlottetown: http://tinyurl.com/RetailBootcampCharlottetown

We'll show you how to use the THRIVE Retail Marketing Technology, plus help you build your strong foundation so you attract the right customers, generate higher daily traffic levels, convert more customers, grow your customer base and surrender unprofitable customers.

Ready to Grow You Retail Business? Email: nancybeth@sweetspotmarketing.ca today.

'Free Retail Marketing Webinar Tonight - 7 PM EST' http://ping.fm/wiNGd

'Free Retail Marketing Webinar Tonight - 7 PM EST'

'Free Retail Marketing Webinar Tonight - 7 PM EST'

Free LIVE Webinar

HOW TO TAKE YOUR RETAIL BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Learn How Retail Business 'House to Home' Increased: Traffic By 43%, Average Transaction Values By 25% And Overall Sales By 83% In The Last 12 Months.

Date: Thursday, June 10

Time: 7pm EST

Join this FREE webinar on June 10