What tips would you give a new business owner who wants to get their business off on the right foot?

There are many issues that a new business owner must tackle during startup.  These items generally fall into 3 categories.

1. Things that must be taken care of now (either because they are legally required or must be in place before the next item can be handled).
2. Things that need to be taken care of soon, like creating show term marketing plans, creating a unique selling proposition, ideal customer profile and goals
3. Longer term issues like creating operating procedures, having a growth plan, detailed marketing plan, an employee handbook and more are last on the list.

Obviously my startup list is very short and leaves out many items that must be addressed. The focus of this article is not about all the myriad of items and details a new business owner has to tackle. No, this articles purpose is to guide a new business owner in finding help and support that will expedite their businesses growth. That’s right, growing their business and getting help at the same time. We will be killing two birds with one stone.

What the best Social Media site for a Small Business.

A common question I get is; what is the best social media site for me to be on?  Alternatively, they will ask; what social media site will bring me the most internet business?  My answer to this question may surprise you, but here it is.  There is no such thing as "what the best" social media site for a small business. A small business should create a presence all on as many platforms as they have time for.

You need to be everywhere if possible

I tell people they need a presence on all the top platforms. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Google+, etc.... More if they have time to set them up. These connections will all provide back links and traffic to their website which most businesses already have.

Making the most of your next Networking event.

By Hector Cisneros

Your BNI Networking Summer Social is coming up, are you ready? Here are some tips to get the most out of that next social or any networking event.

Always go to any networking event with a plan. Ask yourself these questions. Who am I looking to be introduced to? What new businesses have I been working this month? What professions often send me referrals? Also are you there to get referrals just for yourself or for others. I will often bring 3 business cards of one member of my BNI chapter and work to specially get them referrals that day. Using these questions should help you produce your list of at least 6 to 12 names or categories of people.

Creating a Strategic Word of Mouth Marketing Plan

Bt Hector Cisneros

As an experienced Networker and BNI Director I come across many people that I consider top notch networkers. I also take the time to meet with them and ask what has contributed to their success. Many times their answers are similar, some time what they tell me is blinding obvious yet no one does it, except them (which is why they are top notch). In this segment I am going to discuss “Creating a Word of Mouth Marketing Business Plan. In a futures issues I will cover implementing your plan, how to keep it on track and how to adjust it if its not working. Now let’s talk about what should be in your plan. Here are 6 items that I found were in all of the top notch players plans.