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TECHNOLOGY TODAY


5 ways 2 build UR biz w/ soc med S


ocial media is a new way of communicating and making money. It requires certain dex-


terity and new methods of marketing. As you embrace these for your busi- ness, you gain more and can be much more profitable. Here are some of the action steps


you can deploy now with your busi- ness-building tools for increased pro- ductivity and profit: • Focus on specifics — Think specificity in all you do. Focus on a specific market. Focus your product. Write timely, practical notices. You don’t have a lot of time (neither do your prospects and customers) so be succinct. • Prioritize for your business —


• Social media are here to stay


• Provide business- specific content


• Keep it real!


Each business is different so you have to focus where you’ll get maxi- mum results. For many, Facebook and Twitter are the two key compo- nents. For me and many other serv- ice-oriented businesses, having a conversational Blog is critical. Pack your Blog with relevant, must-read articles, fun, informative and enter- taining videos. Also provide knowl- edge-rich audio that generates results for listeners. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with job seekers and others who need specific re- sources. YouTube is a must-use for sending video. Get to know all the so- cial media tools and consider which combination is best for you. • Provide value to get business


—Yes, it is nice to have a cute quote of the day. However, seldom are peo- ple going to hire you because you dis- played a cute quote on your Facebook page. Instead, provide solid, industry-specific (see #1, above) results and solutions. Produce


business-generating videos and point people to those resources with Face- book and Twitter. This is a model that can generate revenue for you. • Use the right tools — Social


Media has a lot of power but using the native applications like Twitter.com and Facebook.com can be cumbersome. A host of third party applications like HootSuite, Tweet- Deck and others have emerged to provide more capability. • Be human —Hey, the key word


here is SOCIAL. Those doing the best are those who let others get to know them as people, not just busi- nesses. Even with a strictly business presence that some companies have like Southwest Airlines, Starbucks or Zappos, they communicate as real, live humans beings. This enhances the bond and takes marketing to a new and deeper level. It is also more profitable. Oh, and here’s an extra bonus for you — learn those shortened, goofy


BY TERRY L. BROCK Technology/marketing specialist


symbols and terms to communicate better on this new media. Instead of “your” it is “UR.” Instead of “to” it is “2” as in “2day I’ll C UR Biz.” Get it? Have fun with the new way of communicating — and making money!


n


Terry Brock is an international mar- keting coach and professional speaker who works with businesses to generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terry- brock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter ad- dress: @TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at www.face- book.com/SpeakerTerryBrock.


Bell & Gossett sets next course schedule


MORTON GROVE, ILL. – Bell & Gos- sett announced its training course schedule for the first quarter of 2011. The training seminars are offered at the Bell & Gossett Little Red School- house Education Center in Morton Grove, a suburb of Chicago. They are open to engineers, contractors and fa- cility maintenance professionals, but limited to 40 per class, so early sign up is suggested. The seminars are tailored to vari-


See contact information on page 98 • Be sure to visit www.thewholesaler.com for web exclusive articles and videos! •


ous industry occupations and cover a wide range of important topics. The lead instructor is a LEED Accredited Professional. Upon completion of the three-day seminars, CEU credits are awarded to graduates. The 1st quarter Schoolhouse semi- nars include: • Design and Application Seminar – January 24-26 • Service and Maintenance Semi- nar – February 7-9 • Modern Hydronics Basic Semi- nar – February 14-16 • Modern Hydronics Advanced Seminar – February 28 – March 2 • Design and Application Seminar – March 14-16 • Steam System Design Seminar – March 21-23. Visit http://schoolhouse.itt.com or www.bellgossett.com.


•THE WHOLESALER® — JANUARY 2011


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