Saturday, March 26, 2016

Why have your Business on Social Media? Facebook vs. Twitter, and the rest? Growing your business.

Do you Use Twitter? Facebook? Instagram? or Snapchat? What's a business owner to do? When selecting a Social Media platform for "advertising" your business services or as a means of attracting clients, Which Platform should you pick? 

Unfortunately there isn't the one end-all-be-all answer. But there are several ways to pick and choose OR integrate the platforms. I am going to help tackle the basics here, and then Ill keep posting on added resources  - so come back often to see more. Look for labels under Social Media Tips.



Meanwhile be sure to visit our NEW BLOG HOME at JoanneKleeMarketing.com today.


"Do you Use Twitter? Facebook?
 Instagram? or Snapchat? What should
you select for the greatest impact? Is
there just ONE right answer?

I have already written in detail Why Blog for Business? And you should! here is a link to all the related WHY BLOG posts is here. But beyond blogging, these other social platforms serve there own purpose as well. 


Like these posts? SEE MORE at our New Blog Home JoanneKleeMarketing/Insights


Why Use Social Media at All?

You already provide a service. You are already excellent at the service your provide. So why not tell the world about it? AND Why not get even better at what you do? As technology changes, depending on your tech savvy grade (A or a D?) you might LOVE all these new ways of communicating or you just loathe it! 

Whether a Lover or A Hater, as a Business Owner you simple cannot ignore it! Social Media IS one of THE ABSOLUTE ways to talk to customers. And since you already pride yourself on being the best at what you do, you really need to stay on top of new trends to remain the best. Becoming familiar with the ways clients communicate keeps you in the conversation, it keeps you "on trend." You do not have to be an expert, but you do need to be familiar. 

The Marketing Example:

As a Marketer I do not build web pages. I do not write code. (I do dabble, in both, tho.) However I am an expert in conveying the clients message. Taking your goal and objectives and turning them into a campaign or piece of collateral so you can reach your audience. I am also an expert in managing a project. And managing the agency or the people you hire to complete the project. That means I need to understand the methods that are available to your message reaching your audience. Staying on trend with social media means understanding the audience of these platforms, understanding how they have competitive advantages, And the cases where they WON't work for what you need to accomplish. Sometimes expertise is knowing what NOT to do.


"I am an expert in conveying the clients
message. Staying on trend with social media
means understanding the audience we want to
reach and the cases where Twitter or
Instagram WON't work for what you need to
accomplish." 

The Answer

Once upon a time in my career we hired an Independent marketing consultant to help me with my project load. This gentleman was a self made man. He was flashy, and energetic, and very knowledgeable about his craft. I walked away with my #1 income lesson about being a business owner, "you want your business to work for you 24/7." If you can figure that out, your business will work for you, and not the other way around."

"You want your business to work
for you 24/7."

Beyond increasing your reach, beyond "free advertising," there is the aspect of service excellence and being available to clients when THEY need you. Sometimes we get stuck thinking "inside the box." We live in our own world, in our arguably "closed" network, unless your are doing business overseas? Outside your timezone? Then yes, you are in a closed environment, with limited clients. And if that is all you can handle, then kudos. But if you want to grow and expand exponentially, then social media is your tool.


Which Social Media platform is right for your business?


The Difference Between Social Media Tools

Here is a rough, in english, no tech jargon here, breakdown of these social media channels that are easily accessible to you. My approach to understanding them from a business persepective is: 

- ease of use
- who is the audience
- HOW to use them
- best vehicle for your message


Facebook

Facebook is a place where we can interact with friends and clients. For business use you can set up a PUBLIC business page. (Personally the main differentiator is you have to give people access to your page. Unless you select making your content and posts public.) 

Facebook is generally viewed as the place where I see what my family and friends are up to. However, sometimes my friends and family are a portal to business. So I don't "sell" my JK Marketing and Events page to them, but I occasionally share a blog post or page and share it on my wall. It's a subtle reminder here is what I do - and the encouraging support is appreciated in return. 

Marketing Strength
Facebooks "opt in" feature - click like on pages you want news from - allows business owners to stay in front of clients, and subscribers. Facebooks competitive edge comes from the ability to let you get "deeper" into the conversation. Twitter is the fastest news breaking access (to millions), facebook let's you discuss the news. Facebook doesn't limit your character count like twitter does, so you can post in detail.  And as new platforms grow on the web, this aspect keeps Facebook as a leader in Social Media. As a business owner know that people on Facebook are not in a "buying mindset." This is NOT the place for a hard sell. But it is a place to "be you, be the brand."  They are here to socialize, catch up on some news stories from pages they "like" and see what going on in there social circle. Or business circle.

- in Summary
Since Facebook is still #1 for traffic that they are the only platform you need to use. However, there is tremendous weight to be added to the value and how it plays a role in business growth. Facebook has some limits, like searching posts, and someone "finding you" organically is limited. That's where twitter plays an enhanced role in your business reach.


"Facebook allows you to
share in depth in ways the
other platforms don't."

- ease of use
Facebook is easily accessible. Theres an app for your phone. Once set up - which is easy! - you can begin by posting photos from your business, ask a client post a testimonial, and link to your website, blog or other platforms. Facebook is a nice tool where you can "manage" comments, as most business owners are concerned about image, yes, it allows you to delete.

- who is the audience
Usually family and friends use this to stay connected and share photos and news. Businesses don't discredit it as a tool! Clients who have a comment about your business, a testimonial, or will use it as a means for people to find you. 

In demographic terms facebook is used across generations. Counter to popular belief younger 18-24 demo uses it for the same reasons the 30+ crowd does. Ease of use, ability to share in depth, and the list/sorting features seeing news from who is relevant to you. Individuals are able to "like" business and organization pages and see IN ONE PLACE what there inner social circle is doing along side upcoming events and news relevant to them.

However the younger demos - when wanting to share with friends - do lean towards "snap chat" for the quick hello or sharing a pic. And if beautiful photos is your business edge, then instagram may be you tool, that you integrate into facebook?

- HOW to use them

Post business photos of your work. Link to articles your followers may find interesting. Link to your other resources and as a way for clients to find you. You can schedule multiple posts for the future, again allowing your business to work for you even when you are sleeping. 

For business owners who carry multiple products, facebook allows you to create pages specific to content. You can has a page specific to use for event updates, and a separate page for content related to your product updates. Allowing users to customize what information they get from you is appreciated and users don't get bogged down with what they don't want to see.

Create excitement and Marketing around a place or event using Facebooks feature for a location or checkin. Users in your area will see this as an option pop up while using Facebook. It is another tool for Marketing that creates immediate presence and is long lasting. You can create a "history" here allowing users to get a great sense of your brand.

- best vehicle for your message
Testimonials go a long way on Facebook. Similar to YELP, however you are able to delete content you feel is inappropriate. Want to share insight on a trend? Want to provide feedback? Facebook allows you to share in depth in ways the other platforms don't. 

Twitter

Twitter is amazing! Fast access to news and events at your fingertips. When CNN entered the cable news market as 24-hour news access around the world is was a game changer. When iPhone was invented to have the "internet in your pocket," or CD's "to hear an entire concerto uninterrupted" - yes, it is that level of game changer! 

Twitter is fast access to any content because of the use of Hashtags - you know that little pound symbol "#" followed by key words. In twitters search field, you can see the "Top Trending" hashtags for news in your area. You can also search key words, persons, places, events, and get tweets relevant to that topic. As opposed to Instagram hashtags which are usually more unique, twitters hashtags are generally more common so your tweet and content is easy to find.

Along those same lines twitter can be overwhelming. Searching thousands of tweets is not anyone's definition of a good day. Perhaps for political junkies who can't get enough of a news story? 

For business twitter gives you access to the 24/7 audience to grow your business! I credit twitter as the #1 increase for my blog readership (up over 50%) and for increased document sales by far! My scribd document store is approaching 100,000 page views (including sales increase) and that growth came in a 2 year period since I started tweeting for business!

Twitter allows Marketers to search content on the competition, on trending topics, and get instant feedback from clients, both wanted and unwanted!

Twitter DOES NOT allow you to go in depth in your tweets, being limited to 140 spaces to write your post.  However it does let you post information to a relevant audience using Hashtags specific to your message. Later users can search the hashtags to get more of the same type of information from you. or if you come up in their news feed they can click thru to your page to learn more.  

- ease of use
Twitter is easy to set up an account and also has an app for your phone. You can post on the go and tweet, retweet and become part of the news feed 24-hours a day. 

- who is the audience
Twitter is heavily used by people wanting that 24 hour access to news and events. Information that is "trending" is on twitter. Users on twitter want to say something and be a part of the trend. 

The key audience here is those that are not in your "closed network" that I mentioned above. Twitter exposes you to users beyond your reach. Additionally, twitter makes you relevant by having a presence - see next paragraph. 

- HOW to use them
Immediate long lasting content. Event and area specific relevance. Twitter also gives you access to a worldwide audience. 

Apple, the largest company in the U.S., does NOT have a twitter page. Mentions of Apple are either hashtags #Apple or just mentions. Apple chooses not to use twitter as a vehicle and they can do that. I would argue however that in the "small business" under $1 million in revenue having a presence is better than not. 

Create hashtags or comment on those trending to have a presence in a global market place. Encourage blog readership by linking to articles and creating organic content.

A frequent twitter use is to generate excitement around events. Create a hashtag for your wedding, similar to a Facebook check-in. 

- best vehicle for your message
Link to articles, news stories, events and great access for your client network. I posted extensively on How to use twitter for business here. I encourage you click through and give it a read. And more tips on tweeting for business are in this post on Social Media for Business and Using Twitter.



Instagram
Did someone say photos? Instagram is an instant avenue to search - in Photos - a person, place, news story or event. Do you make a beautiful product that you sell on etsy? Yes, instagram is the place for you. So it twitter so you can have buyers beyond your area code. Instagram also has a search feature so users can get to content that want to "see" fast.

Frequently celebs are on Instagram showing their day to day life, experiences and outings. However for those of us selling a product that can be shown, Instagram is an excellent method of showing off your work. 

Hashtags "#" on Instagram are generally unique. Long hashtags capturing how we feel and commentary on the item. Altho for business purposes, I would include some standard common Hashtags so your photo can be easily found. 

The first two tags are common and the unique on at the end: for example an etsy jewelry designer #beautifuljewelry #custommade #Chicagoskylinespeciatly 

- ease of use
Yes! Easy account sign up, an app and access to your smart phone camera for on the go shots. 

- who is the audience
Lovers of photography. 

- HOW to use them
Post photos of your work. Be included in the conversation where users like to see what's being discussed. In a celebrity related business or selling beautiful things, clothes, or the like - then instagram is a must alongside twitter. 

- best vehicle for your message
If you use photos. 


Snapchat

Chitty chitty chat chat. Like to talk about your work. Have time on long commutes to "hold a conversation" about a product or service. Like interacting with people about your message on their time and at length. Then Snapchat is a tool you can use. While Facebook allows for an in depth feature on your service, snap chat allows for the in depth conversation.

Similar to reddit or twitter for holding a conversation, however you need to sign up for snapchat to be a part of the conversation. Where as twitter allows users to pose more questions and reddit allows more of a dialogue in a forum.

- ease of use
Yes! Easy account sign up, an app. Post a pic along side your conversation with access to your smart phone camera for on the go shots. 

- who is the audience
Mostly the 18-24 age demographic, and those celebrity types and service providers wanting to access this audience. 

- HOW to use them

For having a conversation around your product or trend. 

- best vehicle for your message
Depending on your time commitment.


Linkedin

Linkedin is a stationary place for your resume and business networking format to connect with work colleagues and vendors. It is your business profile in one place. You can connect or "link in" with colleagues in your field and co-workers. A way to stay connected as the years pass and see what jobs people are in. Update your online resume easily. Link to your organic content from the blogs, tweets or facebook pages you create. 

Linkedin is a Professional tool as you business face. A feature O love to encourage use of is asking clients to write a Testimonial. They can also "endorse you" for a service aspect you provide. Endorsements also service as a way for you to stay "in front" of clients and network opportunities for you. 

- ease of use
If you have a resume or a professional profile it needs to be on Linkedin. It creates credibility for your business. 

This tool however takes time to build. Fill in the professional resume layout noting work history. Take time to write you content and revise it regularly to stay fresh. Don't expect to be done with everything Linkedin can do for your in one day. This is a place to build presence like Facebook, however it is very specific to your Business Resume - the Brand in detail.

- who is the audience
The theory of 6 degrees of seperation is a power house behind LinkedIn. You start by connecting with people in your network, workplace or email contacts. The exponential growth goes from there. People you know have contacts, and you can connect with those potential clients. Yes, I know, I am telling you that you have a tremendous networking tool at your fingertips... when used correctly. 

- HOW to use them
Post your resume, and add people and co workers to your network. Keep adding and expanding your network. Post articles, and relevant content to your groups and audience. 

- best vehicle for your message
A well worked on resume and links to your work. 

Pinterest
I remember the days of keeping a cork board full of ideas clipped from magazines. Or those articles thrown into a folder. Well now we have an electronice version of that. A Pin board platform. 

Pinterest allows you to search pins others have pinned. You have multiple boards to keep ideas sorted by interest, subject or any method you choose. Pinterest is a nice way to interact with clients by sharing articles, color schemes, locations or other ideas via a shred board.  

- ease of use
Easy to sign up and get started. Has an app for the on the go addiction. 

- who is the audience
Everyone uses pinterest. Artists, designers, marketers. Now there is a selling component for those etsy designers or document seller ;-)

- HOW to use them
Post your blog articles to a business board you have created. Keep track of ideas for a project your working on. Share relevant content to others in your audience. Especially nice to share ideas with clients to help build a concept. You can pin directly from web searches too. So you are not limited to what others have pinned already.

- best vehicle for your message
If you have photos related to your work, or articles, you can have a pinterest board for easy sharing.


Regardless of the platform you choose, there is a method available for your to manage easily and comfortably.

Thanks for reading,


From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 
Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events
Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions


Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook 
WebSite | Blog


Monday, March 21, 2016

What Does a Wedding Consultant Do? Event Planning Services you Didn't Realize

When you run an event management business, you can determine to a certain extent the types of services to provide. Some consultants live on simply managing the day of your event (a.k.a. day of coordination). And the reason we can survive on that task is because there is SOOOOOO much to do in one day. 

I applaud women who take the time to think thru their big day, and who want the ability to not have to talk to vendors and manage all the logistics. You want to be thinking about you and your partner, not if the music will start on time or if a late arrival needs assistance finding their seat.


Be sure to visit our NEW BLOG HOME at joannekleemarketing.com today.


But an event manager can do so much more than coordinate the big day. Some planners will do anything and everything you need, and they will return the value of their work 10 times over their price. And the peace of mind you get is simply priceless. Event planning is a finely-tailored collaboration of several people who are all coming together for your event. I manage the process and the details, and find the contacts you need to make the event a success.  

Some folks think they will assign duties to the bridesmaids or family and friends. When the big day came, my bridal party was, well, partying. Our champagne toast was late, the father daughter dance started late (because Dad was off somewhere) and even tho these tasks were assigned - to trusted friends - it just didn't happen. our friends and family are at your event to enjoy themselves, and work is the last thing they have in mind.



Event Managers and their many value added roles

"Event planning is a finely-tailored
collaboration of several people who
are all coming together for your event.
I manage the process and the details,
and find the contacts you need to
make the event a success."  


When someone tells you that you can manage you event alone, let's ask them a few questions...


  • Are you going to manage the job of sending out invitations and collecting RSVP's from 500 guests?
  • Are you going to stay with me while I interview all of my vendors?
  • Are you going to help me plan seating for my 500 guests?
  • Are you going to be with me when my bridesmaids have their fitting?
  • Are you going to be there for me when I feel overwhelmed (and believe me, all brides feel overwhelmed at one point or another).
  • Are you going to highlight ways where I can save money and still have my dream wedding?
  • Will you review my contracts and make sure everything I have been promised is included?
  • Will you review my DIY plan and build a time line for getting it all done?
  • Will you review my budget and see if there is any cost savings that we missed?
  • Will you manage the experts I have hired and handle last minute details?
  • Will you manage getting my shot list checked off with the photographer?
  • What do you mean the
  • Are you going to find that vendor with a snow machine so I can have pretty Chicago snowflakes in mid-June?


JK Marketing and Events

...well... you get the idea. Event planners do more then plan. When all is said and done they Produce and Manage the big day for you.


Think thru your day. Think thru what you want to manage. Then decide if you want to work that hard.

Thanks for reading! 


From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 
Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events
Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions


Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook 
WebSite | Blog


Monday, March 14, 2016

Steps to Getting a Catering Proposal: Logistics and the Flavor Guide

What better examples to give than those that are real? My personal white glove approach with clients extends to making what could be a challenging task a little easier to handle. 

Such is the case with my Favorite Tapas couple. I am totally biased, I love tapas! When enjoying this style for dinner, versus its traditional pre-dinner appetizer light course - the journey is long: Sit, eat, drink, eat, repeat, repeat, repeat,... And of course the excellent conversation that extends into the long meal. 


Be sure to visit our NEW BLOG HOME at joannekleemarketing.com today.


However at a wedding a meal that would take over an hour is simply not acceptable. UNLESS the meal is pre-planned and structured like an "activity" at the event. Dinner with dessert and the starter course needs to fall under an hour in most cases. 


"Serving multiple plates means multiple servers, per table, making many returns. That means more kitchen prep staff, servers, logistics, etc. That means more money for labor." 

A couple of service specifics for a Tapas menu:
- Review which types of tapas to serve
- Consider the dinner timing
- Advise on cost savings (in a tastefully presented way)
- Address tapas concerns (to be tackled in a later post).

First, the couple completed my "flavor guide" questions. Which restaurants do you frequent, and pull your top 3 apps, and entree from each.

Second, discussion on absolutes: absolutely NO preferences, some people Hate skirt steak, others cannot stomach greens beans, or heavy sauces, or fried food, or "fill in the blank ____". Tastes from person to person vary - and the couple MUST love whats served. MUST! 

Third, budget. Yes, I will always think about budget because everything (yes really everything) impacts budget. Do you want the best cuts of meat (filet mignon or t-bone) or will poultry or pork fit the bill? Shrimp or tilapia? Your talking $3-6 for shrimp versus $1-2 for anything other than shrimp. (Use my MIL trick: Say your allergic and it kills the "shrimp are a must" convo).

[Seasonal Menus Along these lines, in season veggies, sauces and ingredients help lower the price. Serving mango salsa in mid winter is a price variant going from summers $1 per piece to winters $3-4 per piece (and an up charge for already ripe). Same for asparagus and those fancy "cantaloupe melon Hors D'oeuvres on cream cheese canapés and chives," save it for summer! See the email below on using seasonal sauces, veggies, etc. ]

Lastly, plating. Serving multiple plates means multiple servers - per table - making many returns. That means more kitchen prep staff, servers, logistics, etc. That means more money for labor. Price increase ranging $1,000 and up (yes, increased labor by a thousand dollars). How to serve tapas AND not increase the labor expenses? For that tip, your have to read the email below under "Main Menu"....

Happy Reading!


"Quick cost saver: Catering sauces, veggie choices, etc. will be seasonally based and feature caterers special touches."


Actual Content from Planning Sessions
================================

Email to catering post initial phone call/proposal request. 

"Thank you ...  [Insert your cordiality]... Per the pricing we discussed (insert here) the following is the couples "flavor guide" for planning the menu.

As discussed our couple prefers a Spanish/Spain food theme, tapas style. Please use the ideas as a guide, however our Price Points as discussed are priority.

I asked the couple to pull together some starters and meals they like at their favorites tapas restaurants. This way we are on the same page with flavors. Those are listed at the end.

The couple is aware your final menu will be tailored to the couples likes, but not exact copies of dishes. Catering sauces, veggie choices, etc. will be seasonally based and feature caterers special touches.

Absolutes: 
No allergies. However we insist on grilled not fried and a "Fresh and light" fare.
Grilled not fried.
Not heavy meats. 
Poultry is welcome
Seasonal fish.

A variety of savory and sweet choices to be served.

Passed Hors D'oeuvres: Tapas Flavor starter bites:

A variety of items.
- bacon wrapped dates
- Tapenade on crostini (toast)
- Spains cheese/s and olives
- Soup shooters unless those are table served. Caters proposals.
(Manchengo, wine infused cheese, goats and sheeps milk variety, etc.)


Main Menu:
Instead of a large serving of 2 tapas, we are leaning toward mini entree service on a trio, followed by a duo plate. (The couple is opposed to buffet and family style). We realize individual portions will not be large, instead "filling up" in the 5 individual tapas size courses.


Seated Menu:
- Starter Soup Gazpacho or Seasonal Seafood Soup. Served as a shooter or cup.
- If a salad is needed (for timing). Or alternative single tapa service.
- Trio service on the final plate.

Dessert:
No Cake Service, No cake cutting. No cake gifts.
Couple has selected: 
Gelato Station and Expresso Bar
Vendor TBD. 



Ideas Lists / Favorite Flavors from the couple

Some Tapas Starter Ideas:
*Stuffed Olives with peppers
*Catalan bread or crostini with ripe tomatoes and goat cheese
*Artisanal Cheese Selection
*Spinach and manchego stuffed mushrooms
*Empanadas
*Bacon wrapped dates
*Cured sausages
*Meatballs and spicy sauce  

Main Meal ideas:
*Wood oven roasted veggies with pinenuts
*Beef Tenderloin and blue cheese
*Citrus cured salmon
*Grilled Octopus
*Spicy potatoes with a tomato aioli
*Skewered chicken and chorizo sausage
*Seafood or vegetable paella
*Gazpacho or Seafood soup
*Mussels

# End of List # 

Thank you, we look forward to your questions and ideas.



ChiBeria Chicago to Las Vegas Fancy Itinerary and Non-Gambling fun

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 
Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events
Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions


Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook 
WebSite | Blog


Monday, March 7, 2016

Planning for Catering Service, Customize the Proposal to meet your needs. Do you need a full bar of glassware or just Beer and Wine ware? And Other tips.

When planning that last party, do you remember looking at the catering service and thinking why did we have 2 bartenders, but only 1 server? Or why was there an extra fork at the table. 

Any item above and beyond your needs, used or not, came out of you pocket at the time of payment. And this is where planning experience and expertise plays a role. As a planner I look for the details in a proposal to make sure all the clients needs are met. And we scale back any unnecessary services that go above our needs.



Be sure to visit our NEW BLOG HOME at joannekleemarketing.com today.

"As a planner I look for the details in a proposal to make sure all the clients needs are met. "

There are loads of articles that get you good tips and advice. And this is one I send my clients for their bar and liquor considerations. Its several industry secrets how we can manage the event and make budget.

Starting with a good list of cost savers for food and bar. If you can implement these, that's a huge savings (15%+)


  • we will find out minimums for catering and bar
  • bottles of wine on tables not poured (saves $1,000)
  • choose mid level wines for dinner and a more expensive on for cocktails (or not)
  • skip champagne toast
  • we talked about a signature drink or two and serving wine and beer.
Save on lots of liquor variety! Or have shots of only 1 booze type?


  • also cut booze hours?: 
  • 1 hour open bar at cocktail hour
  • 1 hour wine at dinner
  • back to open bar for 2 hours instead of 3 (close for the last hour so people sober up?)
More tips and ideas than I can count are listed here...


Happy reading


ChiBeria Chicago to Las Vegas Fancy Itinerary and Non-Gambling fun

Posted by Joanne Klee, JK Marketing and Events. We are happy to help.
From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 
Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events
Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions


Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook 
WebSite | Blog