Captivate Your Audience Today

Making Friends on Social Networks

2010-09-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world of Social Media and Social Networks. I'd like to share a powerful tip that will help you brand yourself and develop stronger connections.

Let's talk about customizing your invitations to connect on Social Networks.

Social Networks will allow you to invite people to connect with you. Facebook, Linkedin, and other Social Networks have a default invitation. In fact, the default for Facebook is just a plain notification. It doesn't even have a polite one-liner like the one used by Linkedin.

You can do better. Whenever possible, take the time to personalize your invitation.

For example:

"Hi Jane. I really enjoyed your description of your product at yesterday’s Success Through Collaboration Meeting. I’d like the opportunity to learn more about your business. Would you like to connect as Facebook friends?"

Avid Networkers can get 10 to 30 Friend Requests per week (or more!). Set yourself apart by making a personal statement.

The same premise applies to Linkedin. By clicking a few buttons you can invite dozens of people to connect with you. Each person you invite to connect gets a default message:

"I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

It's a polite statement, but it is both sterile and boring, particularly after the 300th request with the same line. Make a strong first impression. Customize the invitation with content that creates a mental image for the recipient. Allow them to "place" you.

For Example:

"John, it was great meeting you at the IACC Global Conference last Thursday. Thanks so much for sharing tips on local restaurants with me. I was really impressed with the way you presented your business and I'd like the opportunity to learn more about your services. Are you open to connecting on Linkedin and staying in touch?"

Sounds a lot warmer and reflects more genuine interest than the impersonal, empty default invitation.

I know that it is so much easier and faster to just click the buttons. Resist the urge to take that short cut. Think of invitations to connect on Social Networks as an opportunity to brand yourself. Investing a few minutes on making a proper connection can lead to higher rates of acceptance and stronger relationships. It's worth the time.

Happy Connecting!

Liz

Q&A About Business Writing

2010-01-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

What type of businesses hire you to write for them?
I have a very diverse client list ranging from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. Anyone who is in business needs to communicate a message. Most need to reach potential and current customers, but others have to engage with their employees, board of directors, venture capitalists, etc.

Everyone knows how to write, why pay you to do it?
I have found there are three main reasons why businesses use an outside writer:

Time: Businesses exist to make money. They make the most money when they focus on their strengths. Writing business letters, material for a website or information for a brochure can be time consuming, especially when you are not used to writing in a business context. This is time they can use to meet with clients, work on their product etc…

Talent: Yes, pretty much everyone in business is able to write on some level. However, many entrepreneurs and business managers recognize that they don’t have time to fully cultivate the imagination, vocabulary, technical skills and discipline it takes to create well-written materials for their business. The wrong words on a website or business letter can turn away customers rather than attract them. Also, savvy owners know that strategically written content can enhance the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts for their website.

Brand: Many business owners recognize the critical importance of brand. They want more than content that is just informative. They understand the need to have a powerful and memorable message that is consistent throughout all their communications. They need strategy. A good business writer will create an intelligent layering of material that creates an identity and a lasting impression.

Do you encounter businesses that want the service, but hesitate to spend the money?
Sure. Every specialized service provider faces that challenge. I encourage everyone who needs material created for their business to at least consult with a professional. Most business writers will provide a free consultation (I offer 30 minutes). The great thing about hiring a business writer is that you spend money once, but reap the benefits indefinitely. The content is yours to use for as long as the material is relevant to your business. When you buy material that gives you a brand, it can support your success forever. Of course, every penny counts and business managers need a carefully designed spending plan. I see businesses spend thousands of dollars on ads and websites with poorly crafted messages or worse – visible errors. They would save money and get better results with the right message.

What do you write for your clients?
I work in two primary arenas: Business Writing and PowerPoint Presentations

In the business writing world I have worked on a variety of projects such as: Website Content, Blogs, Articles, Business Letters, Brochure Content, Flyers, Professional Bios, Resumes and more.

I also create custom designed PowerPoint presentations. My clients realize that in this day of high competition you cannot go into an important meeting with a generic template. That is the equivalent of handing out a handwritten Post-it Note and calling it your business card. It can cost that critical first impression. Plus, the visual richness of PowerPoint provides a perfect landscape for reinforcing a brand. I have created custom presentations for: Entrepreneurs selling their products, executive job applicants who want to impress the hiring manager, businesses who want to launch webinars, CEOs who need to present business results to Board of Directors, Managers who need to train and/or motivate staff and many more.

What is the core value of your business?
I am 100% dedicated to promoting the success of others.

Tips on Writing About Your Business

2009-12-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Allow me to ask you -

Have ever had to write a few sentences describing yourself or your business?

Did you have a rocking good time thinking of what to say?

Or did you find it to be a little challenging?

Maybe really, really challenging?

Telling your story doesn’t have to be torture. I am going to share tips that will help you create your story whether you are writing a presentation, an ad or a business listing.

Okay, here is the first ultra sophisticated, golden nugget, super secret recipe for success -

1. Write Something. Write Anything!

They key is to start writing. Your first draft doesn’t have to be your final product. Resist the urge to reach for the 25 cent words right off the bat. It does not have to be fancy; it just has to be honest.

Think about your identity. Who are you and what does your business do?

Keep it simple and build from there. Remember, this is a process. Let it flow.

2. Be Consistent

What do your other marketing materials say? Your business card or your website? Do you have a logo or a tag line that you have been using?

Folks, it is both legal and smart to plagiarize from yourselves!

There is no need to recreate the wheel. You might say, “Liz, I don’t have a wheel. This is my first time writing about my business!”

Think about this:

How do you want to be remembered?

What is your vision for the reputation of your business?

Let that guide you. Doing that is what allows you to captivate your audience.

3. Create a Call-to-Action

You have their attention, now what? Use action words to invite your audience to do what you want them to do. For example:

If you are creating a promotional certificate instead of saying “Good For A Free Consultation” say “Call Today To Schedule Your Free Consultation”

Make sure your phone number is on the certificate. Know the outcome that you want and invite your audience to participate in your outcome.

Let’s summarize:

First, write something. Start with who you are and what you do,

Second, be consistent in what you say about your business. This makes you memorable.

Finally, create a call to action. Invite your audience to do what you want them to do.

These steps will keep it simple and make it fun. If you find you are still having trouble, ask for help. You will find that people looooove to give their opinion. If you need big help, reach out to a professional business writer who can help you form your brand identity, create a trustworthy message and close with a strong call-to-action.

Write On!

Liz