SMBs Should Focus On Strong Marketing Tools, Not Celebrity Endorsements - Small Business Marketing News - Entrepreneur News - Entrepreneur Resources

http://www.gaebler.com/News/Small-Business-Marketing/SMBs-should-focus-on-str...

Thanks,

Jim Herrera
Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Are you "Socially Distracted"

This is an interesting study. Do you relate to this situation?

COLLABORATION & SOCIAL TOOLS DRAIN BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY, COSTING MILLIONS IN WORK INTERRUPTIONS Applications Designed to Save Time Are Major Cause of Distraction, Survey Shows Milpitas, CA. - May 18, 2011 – The proliferation of collaboration and social tools designed to increase productivity is actually costing businesses millions of dollars per year in lost productivity, according to a survey of more than 500 employees in U.S. businesses of all sizes conducted by online market research firm uSamp (United Sample) and commissioned by social email software provider harmon.ie. Nearly 60% of work interruptions now involve either using tools like email, social networks, text messaging and IM, or switching windows among disparate standalone tools and applications. In fact, 45% of employees work only 15 minutes or less without getting interrupted, and 53% waste at least one hour a day due to all types of distractions. That hour per day translates into $10,375 of wasted productivity per person annually, assuming an average salary of $30/hour. That is more than the average U.S. driver will spend this year to own and maintain a car. For businesses with 1,000 employees, the cost of employee interruptions exceeds $10 million per year. “This survey paints a picture of a highly distracted workplace with a particular irony: information technology that was designed at least in part to save time is actually doing precisely the opposite. The very tools we rely on to do our jobs are also interfering with that mission. We’re clearly seeing what psychologists call ‘online compulsive disorder’ spill over from our personal lives to the work environment ,” said Yaacov Cohen, co-founder and CEO of harmon.ie. “For all of us, it’s time to take back the Internet and find ways to control our digital addiction.” Among the survey findings: MOST WORK DISRUPTIONS ARE ELECTRONIC While traditional activities such as phone calls, talking with coworkers, and ad hoc meetings account for 43% of work interruptions today, the lion’s share of distractions are now electronically based. Users reported getting sidetracked in email processing (23%), switching windows to complete tasks (10%), personal online activities such as Facebook (9%), instant messaging (6%), text messaging (5%) and Web search (3%). Multiple devices on the desktop contribute to the problem, with 65% of respondents reporting that they utilize up to three additional monitors and/or mobile devices simultaneously with their main computer screen as they work. DOCUMENT SEARCHES DRAIN PRODUCTIVITY Users also spend an average of 2-1/2 hours per week trying to find the documents they need in multiple local, corporate and cloud repositories. That adds up to 16 work days annually, costing businesses $3,900 per $30/hour employee per year to subsidize inefficient document management. The problem is exacerbated by the use of email attachments instead of posting documents to a central repository where they can be easily located. The survey found that: The user’s email inbox is the #1 location searched, with 76% of respondents reporting email as the first place they look. Other locations include the desktop (69%), file server (52%), shared workspace (34%), portable storage device (18%) and/or cloud storage (9%). The average user emails two or more documents per day to an average of five people for review, increasing email-based document volume by up to 50 documents per week. The fact that these attachments are stored on multiple local computers complicates the challenge of finding the latest document versions as well as merging feedback from multiple reviewers. WORK OUTPUT & QUALITY SUFFER The actual cost of distraction is even higher than $10,375 per person per year in terms of the negative impact on work output, work quality and even client relationships. Users report that the continuous interruptions cause: Difficulty working/producing (33%) No time for deep or creative thinking (25%) Information overload (21%) Missed deadlines (10%) Lost clients/business (5%) REFUSAL TO DISCONNECT LEADS TO RUDENESS The perceived need to stay connected at all times has reduced civility in the workplace as well as interfering with the ability to focus on the task at hand. The survey found that: Two out of three users will interrupt a group meeting to communicate with someone else digitally, either by answering email (48%), answering a mobile phone (35%), chatting via IM (28%), updating their status on a social network (12%) or tweeting (9%). Relatively few workers disconnect to focus on a task (32%) or during virtual meetings or teleconferences (30%), webcasts (26%) or lunch (12%). A majority of workers turn off their devices only when their boss asks them to (85%) or during one-on-one meetings (63%). MORE THAN 2/3 ADOPT STRATEGIES TO REDUCE DISTRACTIONS Despite the attachment to their digital tools and devices, both companies and end users recognize the productivity challenges created by these technologies and have implemented a variety of tools and strategies in an attempt to limit digital-related disruptions. 68% of respondents reported that their employers have implemented policies or technologies to minimize distractions, while 73% of end users have adopted self-imposed techniques to help maintain focus. The #1 corporate strategy used to discourage digital diversion is blocking access to public social networks such as Facebook and/or other non-business websites (48%). Other corporate techniques used to promote digital efficiency include tracking online usage patterns (29%), training (25%), deployment of an enterprise collaboration and social platform that aggregates information in a single window (13%), No Facebook Fridays (6%) and No Email Fridays (3%). In the case of end users, 51% try to minimize distractions by reading emails in batches, 28% by working outside the office, and 25% by disconnecting from IM/email and phone a few hours a day. Findings are based on a March 2011 uSamp survey of 515 email users working in sales, marketing, human resources or legal departments for U.S. companies of all sizes. A complete list of findings can be found at http://harmon.ie/news/i-cant-get-my-work-done-enormous-impact-distractions-wo.... More information about the causes and impact of workplace distraction can be found at http://DistractedEnterprise.com . Download the Survey from: http://harmon.ie/Downloads/DistractionSurveyResults. About harmon.ie harmon.ie (pronounced ‘harmony’) is a provider of social email software that brings document collaboration to every business user by transforming the email client into a collaboration and social workspace. Thousands of businesses already use harmon.ie social email to vastly increase user adoption of Microsoft SharePoint or Google Docs for document sharing, collaboration, and social networking. Formerly known as Mainsoft, the company has been building cross-platform enterprise software since 1993. For more information, visit http://harmon.ie/ All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies. Press contact: Jenna Dobkin Ph: 415-652-2185

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

NHORA-Property ID Luncheon

Legal requirements for property disclosures can really impact an agent's or buyer's decision. Thanks to Mailana Mavromatis legal counsel for her expertise.

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Creativity

We are born creative, experiencing childhood from the creative, right side of our brain. Our early years are about exploring this creativity as well as learning how the world works by developing the logical and analytical left side of the brain. As adults, concerned with matters of survival and success, we allow our creativity to fall into disuse. But, creativity remains a sharp and powerful tool that we can use to enhance our personal and professional lives. We can’t afford to ignore it.

Each of us has the ability to be creative when we know how to tap into this deep well within us. By harnessing the power of your creativity, you will discover new solutions to familiar problems and realize your highest dreams.

So, how can you get more creative? Let's examine a few of the ways.

Well, one of the myths of creativity is that a burst of insight is accompanied by trumpets and fireworks and choirs singing. That’s not always the case. These bright illuminations often come in calm moments in the quiet circle of your life: while driving your car, sitting in the bath, or right before you fall asleep.

By paying attention to these small moments that occur between the big ones, you gain access to a gold mine of small, precious nuggets of creativity. Keep a notebook handy and write down these small ideas that can have big effects in your life.

How about "living in possibility"?

When you see the world as black or white, win or lose, either/or, you view reality along a 180-degree axis of extremes. When you expand your view to include the vast region between these opposites, you open your vision to the full 360 degrees of perception. Living creatively means seeing the world as “both/and” – problems as challenges and as magnificent opportunities; being spiritual and wealthy. This is where possibility lives.

Answer the Voice Within

There’s a reason the voice within you is nagging at you like a young child pulling on your sleeve. It wants attention. It’s asking, “When is it my turn?” Your inner desires and burning passions are that child within, craving your attention. Living creatively means answering that voice and giving it expression. You don’t have to abandon the vigorous pursuit of your goals; just allow for that inner voice to be heard in the context of your whole life. Living creatively means you can pursue your profession AND your passion.

You also might try short periods of meditation or simply sitting silently by yourself, watching, listening, reflecting – and simply feeling. Any way you can find that enables you to experience the present moment is an extremely powerful way to silence the noises of your thinking mind and open yourself to creativity.

These are just a couple of ways. Can you think of more?

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Handling Adversity or Denying Reality

In this week’s Mindset Moment, we looked at the story of the Fennville Blackhawks and how they rallied for a district basketball championship after one of their star players died the previous week. I wrote about their resolve and willingness to move forward, deal with the grief, and seize life. Out of that brief post came a question that I want to try and answer here.

"I’m wondering PJ how you can tell the difference between moving through adversity with strength and moving on without having dealt with the grief?"

The answer seems simple enough, but it requires the highest honesty with ourselves. Moving through adversity with strength is distinguished by the marks of Purpose, Gratitude, and Forgiveness. Moving on without having dealt with the grief is marked by the noted absence of those three Elements of Personal Choice.

When dealing with adversity in a healthy way, we aren’t afraid of the thoughts of the adversity. The death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or being fired from a job are all traumatic events that can bring heavy emotions. If we maintain or regain our sense of Purpose, we can embrace the emotions and see our way through. Gratitude shows up in our willingness to take the good from the situation and choose it over the bad.

This is important!

via themindsetmaven.com

A very dear friend of mine lost his 18 year old daughter in a car accident. I'm struck by the magnitude of this situation. I can't begin to understand the trauma and angst he and his family must feel right now. Ironically enough, this post was in my inbox. I thought I'd pass this on to those who have to deal with grief. Let us all remember the frailty of life. God bless you, my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Learn Branding From The "Big Boys" - Marriott Case Study

Did you know that Marriott started out in 1927 as a root beer stand? Since then, the company has reinvented itself time and again. In 1983, it introduced the Courtyard by Marriott brand, then added Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn in 1987. In 1995, Marriott acquired a 49 percent interest in Ritz-Carlton. Today, Marriott is active in timeshares and assisted-living communities.

Yet through it all, Marriott has maintained a consistent brand identity. Here's what you can learn from the company:

• Know who you are and tell your story consistently.Over the years, Marriott has consistently emphasized customer service in all its advertising. So remember that your company is not just a product or a service. Your company is a set of values that will be the backbone of your brand through any changes that lie ahead.Example: If you are a home security company, you can position yourself as a family-run company that protects families — and you can trumpet that message for years to come.

• Build your brand through logical extensions. If you are a family-centered home security company, for example, you can partner with local police to offer safety seminars in schools, sponsor town sports teams, or donate safe playground equipment.

• Keep your message consistent. When you introduce new products or services — or target new groups of customers, like Marriott — be sure to reinforce your core brand message. The result will be a consistent company identity that, like Marriott's, could endure for the better part of a century.
  

   

How are you building your brand?

Let me know.

Best regards,
 
Jim Herrera
Principal
Perceptive Insights
 
408 - 409 - 6475
jim@perceptiveinsights.com
 

_______________________________________________________

Follow me on
Blog - http://perceptiveinsights.com
twitter - http://twitter.com/jbherrera
facebook - http://facebook.com/jbherrera
linkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/jbherrera
plaxo - http://jbherrera.myplaxo.com

About me
google profile - http://www.google.com/profiles/jbherrera

 

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Jim Herrera wants to stay in touch on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jim, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - Jim Herrera Jim Herrera President at NHORA Santa Clara County San Francisco Bay Area

Confirm that you know Jim

© 2011, LinkedIn Corporation

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Three Tips for New Entrepreneurs

Every time a grocery bagger said paper or plastic, Margaret Moss would cringe, envisioning the stashes of used bags in her car or kitchen.

Her yearning to go green eventually led to a business idea: a set of reusable bags that fit into a handy pouch. In 2009, after investigating consumer camping gear and experimenting with an old sewing kit, the mother of triplets launched Repax Bags LLC with partners Sammie Bohn and Valerie Fischer.

The Metairie, La.-based company is still tiny, bringing in annual revenue of about $30,000 in 2010. But it has succeeded in winning shelf space in Whole Foods Markets, Louisiana supermarket-chain Rouses and other U.S. grocery stories. Sets retail for about $20 and include four machine-washable bags, which can each hold up to 20 pounds.

As with many new entrepreneurs, every day is an adventure and brings new learning experiences, Moss says. Here are three lessons from her journey she shares with other new business owners. 

1. Don't look too far ahead. 

It's important to let your inspiration for the idea keep you motivated toward successfully creating the final product. For Repax, each new step brought big challenges but also brought creative solutions. If you look too far ahead, it can be overwhelming, so stick to the task at hand and find the best solutions for now. 

2. Be prepared to make sacrifices.

Aspiring business owners should know that getting a business off the ground is often a demanding endeavor. Moss says: Whether you want it to or not, your life will soon revolve around your budding business so make sure you are tied to something that you strongly believe in. 

3. Believe in your mission.

The Repax team's passion and perseverance is driven by a vision: to help reduce the number of plastic shopping bags used in the U.S., which annually reaches into the billions and decrease carbon-dioxide emissions. The goal is to help make the planet healthier and happier. Every small step helps, and every person with Repax on their shoulder is not bringing home plastic and paper bags. That counts for something, says Moss.

Photo: Repax founders Sammie Bohn, Valerie Fischer and Margaret Moss (left to right)

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Don't Fear Entrepreneurship!

Serial franchise owner and former Kentucky Governor John Brown advised a packed ballroom of fellow entrepreneurs that now is the perfect time to find an opportunity in the world of small business.

"While corporate America is busy making excuses and not getting anything done, that is when you'll find opportunity for yourself," said Brown, who kicked offEntrepreneur's 2011 Growth Conference in Atlanta. 

The corporate business mentality, Brown said, is "about holding onto jobs, meetings, conferences, forming committees, having more meetings -- they don't do much of anything." The exact opposite is true for small-business owners, who "are always working, and never give up.

"Don't be fearful about competing with big companies," he said. "The most important asset is your own inner confidence."

Brown knows a thing or two about entrepreneurial spirit and confidence. During his career, Brown has helped develop more than half a dozen food and restaurant businesses and has opened over 4,000 national and international franchise companies. At age 29, he and a partner purchased the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation from its founder, Colonel Harland Sanders.

When it comes to launching a startup, Brown offered three bits of advice:

▪ Look for an unfair advantage. "You wouldn't be in business if you didn't have an edge."

▪ Learn from competitors. Find out what others are doing that works.

▪ Go with your gut. "When you know the opportunity is right, go for it."

Brown also reminded attendees that while it's great to have a big dream, at the end of the day, running a business is about making a profit. "If you don't make a profit, you won't be in business very long, right?"

It's also about maintaining credibility. "If you don't have any [credibility], find someone who does," Brown said. "That's what people are going to believe in."

Sage advice from an experienced, successful entrepreneur.  The question is, where are you in your journey? Are you building your business with these ideas in mind?

Let me know what you think.

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

WCR Toolbelt audience

Great group of people.

Posted via email from Perceptive Insights

Sales Are Bad: A Cry For Attention? http://ping.fm/0rbnG

Small Business News: Building Better Strategy http://ping.fm/xyhPh

Want Business Opportunities to Find You? Follow These 4 Steps on LinkedIn http://ping.fm/USvVt

Is Your Business for Sale? Here are 4 Bad Buyers to Avoid http://ping.fm/mIsk0

Building a Company Culture of Respect http://ping.fm/imSDy

Small Business News: Twitter Tycoons http://ping.fm/WXcNZ

Web 2.0 Pays Off for Businesses http://ping.fm/xaEEZ

6 Reasons You’re Being Social Media Ignored http://ping.fm/Bf9FI

Small Business News: The Taxman Commeth http://ping.fm/sFuKt

10 Old New Rules for Business Emails http://ping.fm/606eH

Share Your Business Location With BatchGeo http://ping.fm/2Zz2v

Five Things Learned From Twit-Stalking Competitors http://ping.fm/jUkn0

Small Business News: The Management Game http://ping.fm/v8e7g

Social Media Analytics: 6 Steps to Measuring What You Care About http://ping.fm/XDMJw

The Great Recession Isn’t the Only Reason Why Sole Proprietors are Earning Less http://ping.fm/UcTeb

Biz Owners to Google: Give Us More Online Technology and Education http://ping.fm/aHQLv

2011 Awards and Contests for Small Businesses http://ping.fm/YY9X1

Strategic Speed Shows How to Execute Business Strategy Fast and Well http://ping.fm/K2RDO

Small Business News: Big Branding Benefits http://ping.fm/vNrTU

Five Green Business Trends for 2011 http://ping.fm/rilw3

Google Analytics: One Terrifying Little Dot http://ping.fm/TkMOi

Small Business News: Small Biz Funding Fundamentals http://ping.fm/atBjZ

5 Steps to Help Your Small Business Save Money in 2011 http://ping.fm/gmnTR

How Fresh Are You? http://ping.fm/cwQhL

A Peek Behind the Angel Curtain Reveals 3 Secrets to Attracting Money http://ping.fm/JfbKu

Small Business News: Recommitting To Social Media in 2011 http://ping.fm/JG38D

Is Crowdfunding the Next Big Financing Thing? http://ping.fm/mBtJb

Creating Better Business Goals in 2011 http://ping.fm/wxFwF

Small Business News: Your Legal Brief http://ping.fm/50F2i

Top 10 Tax Trends for 2011 http://ping.fm/F0Ups

5 Reasons Your Website Isn’t Attracting Leads http://ping.fm/xLLqG

Small Business News: Starting Your New Business In A New Year http://ping.fm/NWNA5

50 Places to Find Images for Every Small Business Need http://ping.fm/S0MVi

What Does the Average American Business Look Like? http://ping.fm/GAxwt

2011 Trends Driving Rural Small Business http://ping.fm/d5eka

How Companies Win: Transforming How You Look at Supply and Demand http://ping.fm/gAz1Y

Small Business Conferences, Events and Webinars for the New Year http://ping.fm/lLzcz