Productivity: Tools I Use

With all the mobile devices available today, seems like we all use at least 1 to connect to our businesses on a daily basis.

There are some apps and plugins that I've used to save time so I can work smarter and not harder. See if any of these can help you be more efficient.

WordPress  - if you have a site or blog built with WordPress you can set up a post-by-email feature so you can make updates on the fly. Find it under Settings/Writing/Post by Email.

Facebook app - get the Facebook app for iPhone, iPad or Android to access and update a mobile version of your Facebook or business page. The app also allows sharing of photos or videos. If you use text messaging, you can set up your account so that you can post updates from your smartphone via text message.

GMail - I like this web-based email service better than my old Outlook. It's easier to access no matter where I am. Get GMail using your Google account or sign up here.
Warning: I don't have this automatically sync to my device. I don't want to be that connected! But if I need to access email on-the-go, I have the option.

Evernote - I have this add-on to my Firefox browser as well as an app on my mobile devices. It allows me to save my notes, ideas or a web page. This free service is available for your computer and almost any phone or mobile device. Bonus = the things you save are searchable by keyword even if the text is within an image! Really handy way for me to keep notes since a large part of what I do for a living is consume, distill, write and share information.

LogMeIn - when I go to a meeting or travel, some times I need something from my computer at home. I use this free service to log into my computer and get what I need (your computer at home has to be on in order for you to use it remotely). If that's not practical, try DropBox. You can save any file using this free online file storage service and access it from anywhere.

Woobox - free Facebook app that allowed me to create a custom tab for one of my business pages on Facebook. Use it to personalize your Page with additional tabs. It can be hard to find within Facebook. Go to your business page, choose "edit page", then choose "Apps" from the left-hand menu. Use the search bar to find it. You'll have to walk through some permission steps to install it to your page.

What types of tools do you use to improve your business efficiency? Share them here!

Ciao for now, Paula

Tips to Build Customer Loyalty

Most local businesses know the value of customer loyalty and the relationship to profitability. It costs significantly more to gain a new customer than to keep an existing one.

Small businesses realize that it's more about building relationships than being a good sales person or even having a good product.

Inc.com's Goeffrey James shares ways to build customer loyalty simply by putting your customer's needs ahead of your own.

--find a unique niche and be the expert to your customer
--help your customer build their own business (B2B)
--deliver what you promise
--deliver IMPECCABLE service AFTER the sale

Most of this is common sense, but the last bulleted item is where nearly ALL businesses fail. In my opinion, very few local small businesses provide "impeccable service after the sale". This is critical to customer loyalty. It keeps you top of mind and lets your customers know that you truly value their business.

Challenge: What way(s) can you implement an "after the sale" service? It can be as simple as a series of follow-up emails or a phone call. You know what's best for your business--just pick one thing you can do easily and do it!

Ciao for now, Paula

Generate Leads with QR Codes

Have you been seeing QR codes everywhere? I sure have! They are on everything from ads to business cards to building signage.

Check out this article at HubSpot to see if you can find ways to use them in your business!

Ciao for now, Paula

I've been busy closing out my 2011 books, preparing data so taxes can be done, planning my goals for Quarter 1, and many other things one does with the onset of a New Year.

I don't make New Years' resolutions, but I decided to be mindful and intentional about shutting out, powering off and taming all the electronic devices I have that keep me "connected" to my business. I've overhauled my email inbox and massively unsubscribed to everything that doesn't match or fit my goals. Whew! Feels good. Now I can focus...

Have you made any business resolutions that will make you more productive in the New Year? Share them below. You never know  - your thoughts may inspire someone else!

I left Corporate America back in 1997 and I've never looked back or regretted it. Being on my own has taught me to be patient. That's a word that I'm still working on, but I'm much farther along than when I first set out.

Quarter 4 of each year is rather busy for me, personally and professionally. And then Quarter 1 hits and I have that moment (or several moments) of panic - where will my next project come from? Will I be able to pay my bills this month? Ah - the downside of being a soloprenuer - the ebbs and flows of income. One freelance writing job came to an end; another is beginning. Several contracts have reached their conclusion; there are more on the horizon.

Oddly enough, even though I've had a few moments of panic, I'm relatively calm about my bank account in the New Year. After all these years, I know that something ALWAYS comes together. It's a matter of harvesting the seeds I've planted over the years. Everything happens for a reason and exactly when it's supposed to. The best part? The requests for work just keep getting more interesting!

I methodically work in areas that I'm passionate about, to the exclusion of all else. When you do this, the work comes from the most unexpected sources! And it rarely feels like "work".

So as the New Year rolls on, I'll enjoy reaping the benefits of successfully serving my clients and partners for 15 years. The hard work pays off in the way of some pretty amazing referrals. If you are among my clients or partners, I extend a grateful THANK YOU. You've allowed me to continue doing what I love!

Ciao for now, Paula

Hello all! I'm still on blog vacation until next week. Until then I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stay tuned for more Small Biz updates soon. In the mean time, I'm considering a partnership with a company that builds apps and I NEED YOUR INPUT, please.

Has your business ever considered an app? I need your input to help me decide whether or not my business should make the investment. Would you be willing to spend $1,000-$3,000 to have an app built? This would be initial design and build cost only. The monthly hosting fee (like your Web site) is approx. $40/month plus an annual app license renewal fee of $200.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Let me know if you would consider an app for your business. If you would not, please tell me why. Leave your comments below or email me directly at bonellienterprises[at]gmail.com.

Ciao for now, Paula