Get Organized | 5 Essential Tools to Get the Job Done this Spring

It’s that time of year again!  You have the bug to get organized and get your business in order.  Now is the PERFECT time to take advantage of free tools that will help you stay more organized and more productive.

Here are a few tools that I have adopted into my business recently that I just can’t imagine living without.  Some you may have heard of already…now is the time to use them!

1. CamScanner
   
   Hands down this is one of the BEST mobile apps for business to have on your mobile devices.  Quickly and EASILY make multi-page PDF files from ANY photo taken with your devices camera.  This app optimized text in documents, trims and enhances images before converting, and is FREE.  Get it!!Example: Take a photo of any paper document and convert it to a digital format that you can email, upload, and share instantly.iPhone/iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camscanner-free/id388627783?mt=8

   Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner&hl=en

2. join.me
   I have posted this one before.  Now, more than ever, conversations and client connections are becoming more virtual.  Conferencing and screen sharing simply has to become part of your business model.  Join.me lets you phone conference and screen share for FREE.  I have used this app to solve technical issues, walk someone through a new tool, and to show someone how to use my website.No download necessary.  Simply visit join.me and get started
3. Mailchimp
   Want to easily send newletters on a regular basis to your clients? OR give potential clients the opportunity to find out more about you while capturing their information?  Use Mailchimp.  This system lets you create newsletters from predesigned templates for FREE.  You can also create newsletters directly from your blog posts – automatically!  There is a bit of a learning curve but once you have it down there is no going back!
4. Twitter
   If you haven’t thought about using Twitter for your business, you should thing about it now.  As a tool to distribute quick, short bursts of information Twitter is invaluable.  Many busy people have jumped ship from Facebook to Twitter…make sure you are connecting with those potential clients!  Do your research and learn how to use HASHTAGS.
5. Google Plus Profiles
   Are you a Gmail user?  If you are, did you know your Google Plus profile can act as a business card between you and the people you email?  It can.  Fill out your Google Plus profile with your business information including ALL of your contact information.  You will be surprised how many people will comment on what you do for a living after you do!https://www.google.com/intl/en/+/learnmore/index.html

   https://plus.google.com/authorship

Google Contacts and Your Mobile Devices

Did you know that Google contacts can act as your contact database across devices?  You can seamlessly sync and manage contacts added to your Google Contacts account on ALL of your mobile devices.  Here’s how:

1. Log in to the desktop version of Google Contacts

2. Organize your contacts into groups making sure that they are all added to the main DEFAULT group “My Contacts”.  You can organize your contacts even more by applying additional groups to individual contacts.  *Contacts in filed under “OTHER Contacts” will not show up or sync on additional devices.  You must add them to “My Contacts”.

3. Add your Gmail account to your mobile devices.

4.  To add a syncing Gmail account to an Android device simply add the Gmail address to your phone accounts.  Make sure that you check the box that says “Sync Contacts” under the Sync settings of that account. *If you do NOT want to share photos taken with your Android device with your Google Account make sure “Sync Photos” is UNCHECKED.

5.  To add a syncing Gmail account to an iOS device your MUST add the Gmail address as a CardDAV account.  If you do not, contacts will NOT sync with that device.  INSTRUCTIONS HERE  *CardDAV is a recent feature added to Gmail for syncing devices.  Any device previously using EXCHANGE to sync contacts will still function however after Jan. 30, 2013 NEW devices syncing with Gmail must use CardDAV.

  

  

That’s it!  It is pretty simple.  Don’t forget to use ALL the features that come with your Google Contacts including Notes, custom fields, and birthdays.  Google Contacts can be a fully functional database for you to use at home and for business.

To find out more feel free to contact iN REACH MEDIA directly at info@inreachmedia.org.

3 Google Tools Your Small Business Needs Now

Google is making a push to get on the business bandwagon in the social media space.  Google Plus Business pages launched earlier this year, Google Drive is being rolled out as we speak, and along with the announcement of Google Events last week Google is off to a running start.  Although Google still does not compete with Facebook in number of users, for small businesses its products are worth a look.

Since Google products are so closely tied to Google Search, including your business info, events, and social posts could potentially reach a broad range of Google product users.  And let’s be honest, all of these tools are still FREE…if you are a small business owner your best bet is to take advantage of “free” whenever you can.  As always Google products are mobile friendly.  In some cases Google can even be MORE mobile friendly than Facebook.

Below are some examples of uses of these new Google products for your business:

Google Plus Business Pages:  “Google+ pages help you build deeper relationships with customers by sharing your thoughts, links, photos and promotions with the right people at the right times. For example you can offer a behind-the-scenes look at your product team in action or highlight a unique sale or promotion.”

There are lots of ways to promote your site and Google+ page. Promote it yourself with Google+ Direct Connect and the Google+ badge, and let others recommend you with the +1 button. Including the Google+ logo in your marketing materials, directing users to ‘Follow you on Google+’ and using other media outlets to let people know you’re on the platform are also great ways to grow your followers. Learn more about our Google+ brand guidelines.

Google Drive: (replaces Google Docs) In Google Drive, you can create new documents, spreadsheets and presentations instantly. Work together with other people in your company or with collaborative clients at the same time, on the same doc, and see changes as they appear.  Store invoices, receipts, presentations, etc. and access them on any device from ANYWHERE.  Your client needs a copy of the order invoice but you are on vacation?  No problem, access the invoice on Google Drive from your mobile device and send it to them with a click of a button.

Google Plus  Events:  Create an event and invite all of your customers with one click, seamlessly integrates with Google Calendars, Real Time sharing of event info including images and video with all attendees.  Great idea for broker open houses in real estate, grand opening of a new business, sale events, etc…

The How-Tos:

Google Plus Business Pages |How to Create a Google Plus Business Page

Google Drive | How to Set Up Google Drive

Google Plus Events | How to Create a Google Plus Event

As always, if you have any questions about what you have read feel free to contact me directly at info@inreachmedia.org.

Chris Pierce
iN REACH MEDIA

Your 4th of July Guide | South Of Boston

Here is a guide to upcoming events for the 4th of July in the Greater Boston Area as well as on Cape Cod!

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The Boston Pops show on July 4th, like the show on the 3rd, begins at 8:20pm with the National Anthem and flyover, and lasts an hour and a half.

WBZ-TV Boston begins its broadcast of the show begins at 8pm, half an hour before the concert.  CBS begins its national broadcast at 10pm, 35 minutes before the fireworks begin.

The music is terrific, and then comes the finale – Tchaikovsky’s explosive 1812 Overture, ending with dramatic drumrolls and real cannon fire, while church bells ring throughout the city.

More info: http://www.july4th.org

Hingham 4th of July Celebration 2012

Saturday, June 30th - Fireworks over Hingham Harbor sponsored by the Lions Club (Rain Date, July 1)

Wednesday, July 4th, 7:00 AM - Road Race sponsored by the Hingham Recreation Department

Wednesday, July 4th, 1 hour before and after Parade - Old Ship Meeting House Open House

Hingham 4th of July Events Hotline: 781-804-2399

Weymouth 4th of July Celebration

The annual Fourth of July fireworks display will be launched over George Lane Beach on Friday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m.

Read more: http://www.weymouth.ma.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/05/weymouth-4th-of-july-celebration/2012_July4.pdf

Plymouth 4th of July Celebration

Fireworks - July 4, 2012
Fireworks will begin @ 9 pm on the Plymouth Waterfront!

Parade - July 4, 2012 – 9:30 am
Begins at Hedge Rd, North Plymouth

Concert - July 4, 2012 – 7:30 pm
Plymouth Waterfront- FREE to the public

More info: http://www.july4plymouth.com/

4th of July on the Cape

FALMOUTH, MA FIREWORKS
Date: July 4, 2012
Time: Dusk
Place: Falmouth Heights Beach
Insider’s Tip: Do you have a portable radio? Be sure to bring it with you, and tune to 92.7 WMVY to hear the music that accompanies the fireworks display.

MASHPEE, MA FIREWORKS
Date: July 2, 2012 (Rain Date: July 3, 2012)
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Place: Mashpee High School
Insider’s Tip: The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a family style picnic and carnival. Get there early and enjoy a whole evening of food, rides (including pony rides for the kids!), games, music, and lots more.

HYANNIS, MA FIREWORKS    
Date: July 4, 2012
Time: Dusk
Place: Lewis Bay
Insider’s Tip: The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and stake out your spot in late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a restaurant on Main Street or by the Harbor, then walk to the beach for the fireworks. (Don’t forget your cover-up clothes. It gets chilly on the beach after sunset, even in July.)

ORLEANS, MA
Date: July 2, 2012 (Rain Date: July 6, 2012)
Time: Dusk
Place: Rock Harbor
Insider’s Tip: You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham. They’ll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.

PROVINCETOWN, MA
Date: July 4, 2012
Time: Dusk
Place: Provincetown Harbor
Insider’s Tip: For a very special experience – watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet offers whale watch plus fireworks cruises at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., as well as a fireworks only cruise at 8 p.m. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early. (Dolphin Fleet: 1-800-826-9300)

ONSET, MA
Date: July 7, 2012
Time: Dusk
Place: Onset Harbor
Insider’s Tip: The town of Onset is on the “mainland” side of the Cape Cod Canal, just over the bridge. It’s an absolutely gorgeous little town, and well worth a visit!

Promoted Posts on Facebook

Facebook rolled out a major change to PAGES this week. “Promoted posts are a simple way to reach more of the people who like your Page and their friends. Visit your Page to try promoting a post.  Every business has different goals, and we encourage you to promote posts when you’d like to reach a greater number of the people who like your Page and their friends.”  What this means is that even though you have “LIKED” a page and are a regular follower, you may not see that page’s updates in your newsfeed.  You would have to visit that page directly.  Here’s what to do to help work around this issue:

If you are a Facebook user, please visit the page directly that you would like to see in your newsfeed and do to the following.

a) Mouse over the “LIKE” button even if you have already liked the page  

b) Make sure the “SHOW IN NEWSFEED” option is checked.  This may help to ensure that you continue to see the page’s posts in your newsfeed even if they are not promoted. 

Time will tell if this will really work…but for now, it’s the best option you have.  If you are the ADMIN of your own business page, please send the same instructions to your followers.  Also, remember to include this step when you are asking new followers to “LIKE” your page.  This change has not rolled out to ALL pages yet.  You may still have time to alert all of your current followers.

Watch the Video

 

If you would like to use the Post Promotion feature to generate more visibility for your page’s posts, you can set a budget similarly to the way you set up Facebook Ads.  To find out more about Promoted Posts and how to use them to market your page on Facebook, visit this link below:

http://www.facebook.com/help/promote

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at info@inreachmedia.org .

Your Social Media Checklist | A Small Business Guide

Now that the summer market is in full swing, getting your social networks up to date and connected with your customer base is more important than ever.  Below is a checklist of SIMPLE tasks that can help you easily market yourself on your professional networks.

1. Update your contact information on ALL networks AND email signatures.

Have you recently changed email providers?  Did you begin using Google Products such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs?  Did you change mobile service providers has your cell # changed?  Do you now have a texting plan?

Make sure you have updated your contact info on each network you manage.  Make it CLEAR to potential clients that you can be contacted via mobile #, text, email, facebook messaging, etc…    Be sure to include this information on all of your email signatures (computer and mobile devices).  The easier you make it for potential customers to contact your the more business you are going to get.

2. Create a Google Profile

Build out your Google Profile to reflect your current area of expertise, target market, and up to date contact info.  Google profile results are shown at the top of Google searches.  Google is still the #1 search engine.  Make sure your business information is included in Google search results.

3. Does your industry provide reviews and ratings for your consumer base?

For example, the real estate industry provides services that enable consumers to review and rate a REALTOR’s performance on different sites such as Incredible Agents.  If you industry provides a similar service to the consumer base, be sure to visit these sites and monitor what the public is saying about you.  Make sure that your contact and business information is accurate on these sites.  Your local Better Business Bureau can also help consumers find out more about your business reputation.  Contact them to see how they can help.

4. Update your LinkedIn account

Consumers WILL search for you on LinkedIn.  It is the #1 Business and Professional network.  Make sure to keep it updated.  LinkedIn is designed to work like your digital resume.  Keep it updated, current, accurate and use the profile wizard to be sure you are not missing any key elements of LinkedIn.

5. Add Social Media

Once you have gotten a handle on your digital profile and contact information begin adding social media to your business marketing.  Social Media marketing is a commitment.  If you are not willing to commit to marketing yourself on a regular basis using Social Media it’s best to leave it out.  For example, businesses that create a facebook business page, post to it for 2 weeks, then do nothing more will die on the social media vine.  If you are willing to put in the time Social Media can be an invaluable tool to your marketing efforts.

Marketing Resources for Small Business

For more information about Looking Professional on Your Social Networks, feel free to contact me directly.  info@inreachmedia.org | www.fb.com/inreachmedia | www.linkedin.com/in/christinepierce

And The Winner Is….

 

Congratulations to Robert Cutting (http://jonesagents.com/robert-cutting-2) of Jones Group Realtors – the winner of the “Free Social Media Makeover”!  Robert is a realtor in the Amherst area of Western Massachusetts.  Look for Robert’s updated Professional Social Networks coming soon!

Chris Pierce

iN REACH MEDIA

http://www.facebook.com/inreachmedia

REMINDER to ENTER to WIN!!

{DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TOMORROW} Make sure you enter to win a FREE Social Media Makeover worth $350!! Remember, timelines for all as of today! Click the link below to enter…

ENTER NOW

Two Tips to Update Your Business Page Timeline

In 4 days your business pages will all be converted to the TIMELINE format.  Here are 2 tips to help get your page looking GREAT.

1.  Make sure you format your logo and cover image to the correct sizes.

Your LOGO should be 180px X 180px

Updating your logo to this format ahead of time will eliminate the possibility of your logo being hidden or illegible. Facebook will automatically reformat your logo to a smaller size when uploaded but these dimensions will allow for the best resolution.

Your COVER IMAGE should be 851px X 315px.  Facebook will allow you to reposition a LARGER photo if you want to use one that doesn’t exactly fit these dimensions.

*Important*

When choosing your cover photo it is important to follow Facebook’s guideline. Your cover photo cannot include:

A. Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”.
B. Contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or information that should go in your Page’s “About” section.
C. References to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features.
D. Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”.

Covers must not be false, deceptive or misleading, and must not infringe on third parties’ intellectual property.  Please read the updated help files for Facebook Page TIMELINES: http://www.facebook.com/help?faq=%20276329115767498

2.  Make sure you have updated the ABOUT, CONTACT INFO, and BASIC INFO sections of your pages profile.

This information will now be prominently displayed in the new page format.  You can find these settings by clicking on the ABOUT text link in the new format or by clicking on MANAGE from the new Admin Panel on your page.

As always,  feel free to contact iN REACH MEDIA directly at info@inreachmedia.org or www.facebook.com/inreachmedia .

Win a FREE Social Media Makeover!

Need a new look for spring for your business?  Enter to win a FREE Social Media Makeover! You must enter by March 31st…

ENTER NOW