Category: philosophy

This is 2009. If you don’t have a website for your business, you’re missing a lot of opportunities. If any part of your target market is under 40, chances are when the need a good or service they’re going to head to the web and Google up their need and see what comes up. Personally, I only use the Yellow Pages when I need to double check the address or phone number. For new things, like a business insurance provider, or the right carpet cleaner, I’m going to check the web. (Well, yes, as a business owner, I’ll also check with my network, but I’m still going to want a website to confirm a recommendation.)

It’s the cutting edge. There will never be fewer people online than there are right now.

Are you using the full capabilities of the web? A web designer of my close acquaintance likes to say “Putting your brochure on your webpage is like putting your radio ad on television.” The web has an amazing capacity for interactivity that a lot of businesses are missing out on.

Do you have a blog that connects to your site? Are you establishing yourself as a subject matter expert? If you provide a ‘soft’ service like consulting, you should. If you provide a ‘concrete’ service like carpet cleaning or plumbing you may not need one, but you should definitely provide some tips on how to choose a provider in your field (which oh-by-the-way proves that you’re the best choice).

Does your service lend itself to a forum? If you offer any kind of service that lends itself to a community of regular members, it could be the value added that launches you to the top of the Google rankings and increases your word of mouth.  Offer your clients a members-only forum where they can discuss things with each other as well as with you. Some kinds of information can be sensitive, like budgeting or financial advice, but with the current internet security capacity, there’s no reason anyone but you the site owner ever needs to know who they really are. Use the anonymity offered by the internet to your advantage and the advantage of your clients.

Is your content up to date? A website isn’t something you can slap up and ignore. People want to know the content is fresh and the site isn’t a place holder for a business that went under last year. Add a thought for the week, a seasonal special, and make sure that the copyright dates are current. Show that you’re an active presence. If you have a blog, post regularly, or post about that vacation you’re taking for 3 weeks and all the things you’ll have to share when you get back. Be current and be present.

And of course, your website should connect your other social media endeavors. but that’s a topic for another day.

In this day and age I believe I’m supposed to encourage everyone to take all their notes in their Blackberry and save time and create efficiency by storing all notes and data electronically.

Except if I did that I’d be a complete hypocrite. I am an unrepentant note taker.

Taking notes on the computer doesn’t do it for me. It doesn’t set the information in my brain the right way. That’s not the first place I’m going to look for that phone message I took Thursday. To me it actually seems more cumbersome than just picking up a pen.

And you know what? Thats OK. Because being efficient isn’t always about using the latest and greatest technology. Sometimes is just about having a system that actually works without too much redundancy. A great system you won’t actually use is pointless.

I have 3 kinds of notes. Notes I pass back and forth with customers are all emails and are therefore filed under said customer. I have 2 small note pads I keep by my keyboard in 2 different colors. Quick work notes and personal schedule items on one color, household items on another. No confusion. And then there are my post-its.

These are one of the greatest inventions EVER. All sizes, all shapes, all colors, I have a post-it for every purpose. Need to add a note to a paper file? Put it on a post-it and stick it to the file folder, it will not fall out. Need to note the directions or phone number of a new prospect? Stick it on a post-it and stick it to the prospect note book. Leaving a note for someone who isn’t in the office yet? A nice neon color stuck to their computer monitor is likely to get their attention when they arrive, and yet not leave tape residue on the computer. Absolutely must not forget an item of paperwork before a meeting? Leave yourself a post-it on the door-going-out. That little sticky-but-not-too-sticky strip makes these little guys versatile yet dependable in most circumstances.

The simple, low tech tools can still be really valuable.

This year we decided that it was necessary to find a new accountant who could do our extremely simple (s-corp, 2 schedule k’s, no property) taxes for less than the national debt.

In the past, this task has been very daunting. Sort through the phone book, read websites…but what do those really tell you.

Now that I’m hooked in to the local business community I’ve learned how to make those connections benefit more than just my client list. I called 3 of my favorite well connected people and said “Do you have an accountant you can really recommend?” and of course they all answered “Absolutely!”

The next step is to make calls. What kind of response do I get from the front desk? Do they answer their own phone? If I leave a message, how long does it take to get a call back? Once you get a chance to chat, do they sound grounded? Do they get your personal brand of humor? Are they willing to invest some time in chatting to win you over?

Next step is an office visit with the one you like best so far. How big and fancy is the space? What are the business’s aspirations? Do they want to be huge? Expensive real estate? Nothing wrong with that, but it might not be the best choice for a small business. Do they spend a lot of time detailing their rates? (Free advice. You do not want an accountant you aren’t willing to call with a quick question because the fee is too high. Been there, done that. Ask straight out what they charge for quick questions.) How long have they been in business. Do they take the opportunity to skim through the copy of last years paperwork that you brought? Do they ask sensible questions? Are they rushing you?

Do they have a good vibe? Do you have anything in common? Because seriously, if someone is going to be rifling through your financial dirty laundry basket, you should pick someone you’re comfortable with.

We had great results. We had a meeting. Turns out our first interview had a very interesting background in a small business himself, and he shares our taste in tv. We had plenty to talk about, he was comfortable in chatting, and he found me amusing, which always improves my business relationships.

Once we decided we like him we handed over the 2007 paperwork we’d brought along for copying and shook hands.

I’m delighted. And since I don’t believe in procrastinating, we’ll be handing over the paperwork as soon as the rest of the documentation comes in the mail. Should see a refund by March.

I have plans for it!