From the Horse's Mouth
A blog about marketing for professional services and small businesses punctuated by my adventures with social media and occasional posts about horses.
AEC marketing survey
September 14, 2011
In January as I read economic forecasts and industry surveys I got curious, and decided to create and conduct my own. I wanted my colleagues’ perspectives about the AEC industry in the Puget Sound region. read more »
What Jetexas taught me about patience & persistence
June 28, 2011
We have an elderly visitor at our house this week. His name is Jetexas. He is an elegant, sweet-tempered black Labrador retriever. He is bright-eyed and glad to be alive, even though his body doesn’t work as well as it used to, especially his hindquarters.
He spends most of his time sleeping, but when it’s time to get up for a meal or a trip outside, he needs help, and getting his balance those first few steps takes time.
Today as I helped him get up and guided him gently towards the outdoors, I had to wait several times for him to come along with me. Yes, I can carry the 65-pound dog, but forcing him doesn’t help him or me. So I wait, guide, wait, call him, wait, help him balance, and wait some more. Patience with persistent guidance gets him safely and happily down the steps to the lawn and back up again. read more »
LinkedIn for business-to-business marketing
May 12, 2011
The most used social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Some would say that YouTube is quickly joining that trio.
I am often asked about using social media for business-to-business (b2b) marketing. “Do I have to use Facebook and Twitter?” they moan.
There are two parts to the answer.
First, when you are networking on behalf of your business, you want to go to where your prospective clients are. The same applies to social media. If your clients are on Facebook and Twitter, then go figure out how to be there in a meaningful way. read more »
12 ways to create curb appeal for your business
April 14, 2011
What is ‘curb appeal’ anyway?
It’s whatever makes you want to leave your comfortable place on the curb and go inside and explore.
Is it relevant for businesses without brick and mortar storefronts? Yes. It’s about making your business appealing to potential clients and customers.
What creates curb appeal? Consider these 12 things you can do to make your business appealing. read more »
On the fence about social media?
April 7, 2011
Perhaps I’m feeling more social now that we have daylight savings time and warmer days. Or maybe it reflects the conversations I have been having about social media with Puget Sound AEC firms.
I see a definite shift from two years ago when I moderated a panel on social media for SMPS and most people replied to the question, “How is your firm engaging in social media?” with answers like “We’re too busy, and don’t know how we’d add anything to our plates;” and “I’m not sure how social media applies to what we do.” read more »
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As a 25-year veteran of marketing professional services, Barbara Breckenfeld is a strategist and a storyteller. She helps helps businesses grow as a consultant, marketing coach, and seminar leader.
