Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
    • Books/Workbooks
    • LifePlanningJournal
    • 30 Day Fast Start Program
    • Become Your Own Boss Course
    • Become Your Own Boss Bundle
    • Fix Your Business Masterclass
    • Write A Business Plan Course
    • One-on-One VIP Coaching
  • Subscribe to Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
    • Write For Us
  • Contact
You are here: Home / SmallBizChat Live+ / How to Stand Out in 2019: Business Awards, Facebook Ads, and Market Disruption

How to Stand Out in 2019: Business Awards, Facebook Ads, and Market Disruption

January 17, 2019 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

business awardsThis week on #Smallbizchat LIVE our show featured three guests: Enhance the Visibility, Reputation and Branding of Your Business via Awards Programs with Becky Wilson, @WDSPRMaven, 3 Questions About Facebook Ads with A. Fitzgerald Hardnett, @FitzSpeak, and How Can You Disrupt Your Competition—and Maybe Even an Entire Industry with Shep Hyken, @hyken.

I pulled three of the best questions from each of them to share with you. Every third Wednesday of the month, Smallbizchat LIVE is broadcast on my SmallBizLady Facebook Page, YouTube channel and on Twitter @SmallBizLady.

Becky S. Wilson is the Chief Visibility Officer at WDS Marketing & Public Relations, a competitive branding (awards), media relations, and milestone marketing agency based in Overland Park, Kan. WDS has assisted clients in receiving more than 300 business awards, honors and accolades, locally, regionally and nationally and being featured or profiled in a variety of business publications, too. Contact Becky at (913) 362-4541 or bwilson@wdspr.com. The agency website is www.wdspr.com.

SMALLBIZLADY: How can entrepreneurs truly differentiate their enterprises from the competition and also gain the attention of prospective clients and consumers in the marketplace?  

business awardsBecky Wilson: I believe the key to accomplishing these two goals is based on one primary marketing aspect—continuing to build a positive business reputation on several levels. However, because of the current congested social media arena we have today, following this agenda is enough to give an entrepreneur an Extra Strength Tylenol® headache! With the decrease in magazine and newspaper coverage for businesses and the rise of social media channels, reputation management has changed 100 percent in the last 5 years alone and continues to do so.

One option in enhancing the reputation of an enterprise is what I term as “Competitive Branding.” I am referring to participating in business awards programs in which honorees are recognized for their achievements by a group of judges from the business community. Busines awards offer the opportunity for greater credibility and visibility, two things that attract interest of prospective buyers in a very positive manner. For example, when a company is recognized by its peers as an outstanding enterprise, it helps to draw attention to the success achieved. It generates positive buzz, increasing awareness and adding validation. There is additionally print media attention, social media coverage and celebratory events. Business owners and leaders can really elevate their businesses and show their competitive grit by throwing their hat in the ring and vying for top honors in a variety of categories. As people take notice, it builds the reputation in a positive manner.   

SMALLBIZLADY: Are there specific things to consider when applying for business awards?

Becky Wilson: I recommend first determining the specific branding messages the entrepreneur would like to convey about the enterprise to the business community or within the industry.  For example: Has innovation helped in garnering market share? Is there pride about the high level of customer service the team has achieved? Do they want to be known for offering a positive work environment or for inclusion and a diverse workforce? Are they leading a family business that has a unique culture? Or, could they be a successful woman or minority business entrepreneur with a great story about their climb to success?    

The good news is that there are business awards programs for nearly all categories and sizes of businesses. Nearly every industry, business organization, chamber of commerce and business publication seeks to shine a light on top companies via award programs. There are specific honors for woman-, veteran-, and minority-owned enterprises. Other business awards programs recognize sustained growth, innovation, leadership, workplace diversity, customer service, and excellence in employee development. These specific honors help to achieve the branding goals and boost reputation, too. However, each award program has its’ own protocol and criteria for selection, so you must read the application rules very carefully.

The Internet is also a wonderful resource for researching recognition opportunities. Utilize your favorite public relations agency, too. They can develop a profile of each award, including the judging criteria, application requirements, benefits of participating, and media exposure. They will also help you write some compelling copy. This information will help you determine if your business should apply or not. Your PR person or agency can also create media and branding campaigns to optimize the honor when you win.

SMALLBIZLADY: Why are business awards so effective in branding, promoting and reputation management?

Becky Wilson: Competitive branding offers a unique opportunity toward increasing visibility which can be locally or nationally. Then, there is the added credibility component, too. Both of these help to out-leverage the competition. I can tell you that awards help in the sharing of business accomplishments and result in positive buzz, while building a brand as an outstanding, desirable company. Positive award coverage is excellent in drawing attention to the business in a way no traditional advertising can do. It educates prospects about positive aspects of the company, which can open the door for the sales team, too. And, as an honoree, you get to meet other top entrepreneurs at the awards events and build relationships with them.  

And, if you are feeling just a bit uneasy about vying for business awards and consider it blatant self-promotion, remember this. Building a reputation is no time to be shy, reserved, or to fly under the radar. Being modest leaves the door wide open for rivals to walk across the stage into the spotlight and accept the award you could have won!  

business awardsA.Fitzgerald Hardnett (Fitz) is Americas #1 Faith-Based Strategic Marketing Consultant for hyper-local small businesses and service professionals that are in need of customized marketing plans that deliver increased visibility and bring more customers directly to your business. You can learn more about him at https://localmarketauthority.com/.

SMALLBIZLADY: Do Facebook ads work?

A. Fitzgerald Hardnett: That is like asking ‘do hammers work?’ Hammers work, but they will seem like a waste of time if you try to use a hammer to write a book. Facebook ads absolutely work—if you know how to use them.

SMALLBIZLADY: What if I tried Facebook ads before and didn’t get any results? What could be wrong?

A. Fitzgerald Hardnett: There are several areas that can make a Facebook ad seem not to work and they are:

  1. Not having a clear ATTAINABLE goal for your ad.
  2. Using the wrong objective to accomplish that goal.
  3. Trying to make the ad do too much.
  4. Not using the ad for its primary purpose. (What is the ad’s primary purpose? To STOP THE SCROLL and get attention.)
  5. Targeting is off.
  6. Image doesn’t help #4.
  7. Copy doesn’t persuade people to take action.
  8. The click destination isn’t congruent or it looks sketchy.
  9. People are busy and get distracted; before they finish the process.
  10. Not retargeting them to remind them to finish the process.

SMALLBIZLADY: What is retargeting and do I need it??

A. Fitzgerald Hardnett Retargeting is like a post-it sticky note…it is a piece of code that allows you to tag and follow a site visitor around the internet. Have you ever been on the web and looked at a product, and then went to another site, and that same product seemed to follow you? If so, that happened because of retargeting. The 2 most popular retargeting methods are the Facebook pixel and the Goggle Tag manager.

You need retargeting because, although, you have done a good job in getting a person to visit your site, that is no longer enough. What happens if they visit your site and don’t sign up for your juicy lead magnet, or perform an action that enables you to contact them, once they leave? Before retargeting, all hope would have been lost… but not anymore. With the installation of a pixel, you now have the potential to follow that visitor around the internet, which allows you to interrupt them later and make them another offer! Just like Nat Cole says in that famous song: “Unforgettable, that’s what you are.” In my opinion, retargeting is way more powerful than email, but when you combine it with email, its cha-ching.

SMALLBIZLADY: What is the #1 visibility tool going into 2019?

A. Fitzgerald Hardnett: Consistent Value Adding Videos originating from Facebook and re-purposed throughout social media!!!

business awardsShep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert and the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations.  He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in the speaking profession. You can learn more about him at https://hyken.com/.

SMALLBIZLADY: How can you disrupt your competition – and maybe even an entire industry? 

Shep Hyken: Be convenient! Whether you’re trying to out-service a competitor or disrupt an entire industry, creating less friction and being more convenient for your customers should be your strategy. When you raise the convenience bar, you create the next level of amazing customer experience. And, when you do, your customers will reward you with their money, their loyalty, and their referrals.

SMALBIZLADY: Subscription services seem to be becoming more and more popular in many industries. What do you think of this business model?

Shep Hyken: I think the subscription model works well. Subscription services have expanded from magazines and newspapers to include all kinds of products and services. Amazon, the leader in convenience, offers a subscription service for a myriad of consumable products. Annual maintenance contracts are a form of a subscription model. If you go to a hardware store to buy an air conditioner or furnace filters every six months, many now make it easier by offering the option of automatically sending you the new filters when you need them. And when they show up, it is also a reminder to change them. Netflix disrupted the video industry when they offered a subscription model that made it easier than driving back and forth to the video store.

SMALLBIZLADY: You talk about the importance of access for customers to companies. What do you mean by that?

Shep Hyken: If you’re not easily accessible, you face some stiff competition. Websites are available 24/7. Walmarts are everywhere; in fact, 90 percent of U.S. residents live within 10 minutes of a Walmart. Think about your location and hours of operation. Are they designed to be convenient for your customers – or for you? Could you disrupt your competition by offering nighttime or weekend hours?

Want to watch this Facebook Live #Smallbizchat on Facebook by clicking HERE or yYou can check it out below:

Do you think you have what it takes to be a guest on #Smallbizchat? Click here to submit your pitch.

Join us every Wednesday from 8-9 pm ET; follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter to stay up to date on our upcoming guests.

Here’s how to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/1hZeIlz

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Featured SmallBizChat, Q & A Interview, SmallBizChat, SmallBizChat Live+ Tagged With: business awards, Facebook ads, small business, SmallBizChat, SmallBizChat LIVE

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America's leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine named her #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs. She also publishes a resource blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com Melinda is also bestseller author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. Her latest ebook, How To Become a Social Media Ninja; 101 Ways to Dominate Your Competition Online was released in 2012.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let me send my best blog posts to your inbox each week.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Get 2 FREE Chapters of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss"!

Become Your Own Boss Download Two FREE Chapters

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

“12 Principles of Highly Profitable Businesses with Melinda Emerson” from Sonia Dumas
October 2020

#SmallBizChat LIVE from NYC
May 2017

MSNBC Interview
Top Tip: Never Let a Customer Down

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference 2016

Tune in to Exhale, Wednesdays at 9 pm EST, only on ASPiRE. Join the conversation at #EXHALETV

Fox Business
Five Steps to Becoming a ‘Social Media Ninja

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Google
Best Practice for Social Media

Testimonials

Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

SmallBizChat

  • Twitter

Latest #SmallBizChat

Solving the People Problem with Brett Cooper 1200 x 1200

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Solving the People Problem with Brett Cooper

Brett Cooper is an HR expert, business advisor, keynote speaker, and executive coach. Over the years, he has assisted government branches, non-profit organizations, and corporations to work together more effectively and promote working relationships. As the President and Co-Founder of Integris Performance Advisors, Brett helps clients increase employee engagement and improve business efficiency. He is […]

Recent Comments

  • Bada Business ibc on 5 Tips for Getting More Online Reviews for Your Small Business
  • Justin Marble on TikTok vs. Snapchat: Which One Is Better for Marketing? [Infographic]
  • sathya on 15 Mistakes Not To Make In Your Digital Marketing Approach
  • Agency Platform Ebrandz on TikTok vs. Snapchat: Which One Is Better for Marketing? [Infographic]
  • Sejal on 15 Mistakes Not To Make In Your Digital Marketing Approach

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

  • Products
  • Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • Write For Us
  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2019
Quintessence Group
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in