December reflections – looking back at 2010
December 31, 2010 by Barbara · 14 Comments
With the new year upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on the year just ending and look ahead at what we want to create in 2011. If we don’t take time to evaluate and learn from our experiences, we are more likely to miss new opportunities or repeat our mistakes. Reviewing the prior year gives us a chance to connect the dots in our own business (and life) and to notice the pattern of changes from year to year. This process keeps us up-to-date with ourselves as well as the changing marketplace. I offer some questions and invite you to carve out a few hours of quiet time for this valuable practice. Read more
Guidelines help companies implement social media
November 4, 2010 by Barbara · 8 Comments
I sense a sea change regarding the A/E/C industry’s use of social media. Everywhere I go, I ask, “How is your firm engaging with social media?”
I used to hear “We just don’t know how it would help our business,” and “We’re too busy to add anything.” Now I hear “We are getting ready to implement _____ ,” as often as the first answer. The tide is turning.
How are you or your firm engaging with social media and networking? Read more
Social media ABCs
November 1, 2010 by Barbara · 12 Comments
A small investment of time to explore and get familiar with one social media site will open doors of understanding into social media in general.
Even though we now understand that social media is just another place to network, you may be frustrated if you don’t also consider that for most of us over the age of 40 (and many under) there is a learning curve involved. The workings of social media aren’t entirely obvious, especially if solving simple technical challenges online is not something that you consider fun.
As you begin engaging with social media and networking, here are a few points to keep in mind: Read more
Taking your first steps into social media
October 30, 2010 by Barbara · 6 Comments
As a marketer, social media fascinates me. I am enjoying my adventures of discovery, even as I fear being sucked into a vortex of unending links and loops. The best approach has been to schedule times to check in and post on my social media profiles. Social media offers ample distractions, but it is possible to be quite effective in a few hours a week.
Social media has a learning curve, and I have found that only by getting my feet wet can I see my next steps.
Need a guide?
Here are some first steps to take: Read more
A tool, not a trend
October 28, 2010 by Barbara · Leave a Comment
How social media can support your marketing strategies
Using social media to network, you can cultivate and communicate with a targeted audience about your area of expertise or passion. The credibility and connections developed through regular communication can translate into relationships, opportunities, and business.
Marketing is communication and participation; in other words, it’s about sharing yourself with another person. When we look at social networking as being for dialogue and posting useful content (vs. self-promotion), we find great potential to access a huge number of people across the globe, or a way to reach people locally you would not otherwise encounter. 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.
