Make Yourself Available Online!

How many physical sales appointments do you think is possible to run in one week? Well, there are a lot of variables that affect the answer to that question. In the earlier years of my consulting I remember running between 15-20 per week! That is lot of driving, talking, and eating fast food in between appointments. Now consider this. How would you like to present to 15-20 potential prospects all at the same time from the comfort of your own office?

Small businesses and organizations have to learn how to take advantage of advancing technology. In this case I'm eluding to the use of webinars. This isn't a new concept. However, many of you haven't taken the time exploring the possibility of hosting webinars on a weekly basis. Just do a quick online-research on webinars and you will notice that the cost-per-month to present large amounts of prospects is worth it when you consider gas cost these days! (Check out www.gotowebinars.com)

Take a moment and think about the potential of webinar use in your sales process.

Keep It High Touch!
-Ernie DiMalanta

Shhhh. Listen when you're Social Networking

Several days ago I attended a conference on eMarketing Techniques up in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, while working on my blogs, I remembered an observation I made at the conference that I wanted to share with my readers. It's nothing earth-shattering but I found it as a pleasant reminder for those looking to inbound their inbound marketing.

On separate occasions, every speaker encouraged everyone to "Listen." Now you may think that tip is a no brainer, but this is often the step that is skipped when engaging in social networking and is the one I like to begin with when I work with my clients. As you map out your social networking plan take a moment to listen to what's out there in your industry.

1. Read other blogs
2. Participate on forums
3. Follow key individuals on twitter
4. Subscribe to valuable RSS feeds
5. Join LinkedIn groups
6. Listen in on webinars

Whether you are trying to launch a blog, grow your twitter base, establish your fans on facebook, draw traffic to your Youtube channel. Remember to open your ears and listen. You will gain a better understanding of what your target will want to hear.

Keep it High Touch!

-Ernie DiMalanta