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SMALL BUSINESS LEADER
ISSUE # 62
May, 2004
Greetings,
When I started publishing Small Business Leader over 5 years ago, I had no idea how it would serve me. I wanted it to be a way to stay in touch with my network of small business owners, to continue to attract newcomers to the network and to gain both visibility and credibility within that community. To that extent I believe it has served me well.
E-newsletters are everywhere and used by many for similar purposes. The Feature Article this month captures the perspective of other publishers, both those who have been publishing for a long time and those who are just starting out. This is feedback from the trenches and isn't full of hype. If you use e-mail as a means to stay in touch with your contact list you'll find this information helpful.
This month I'm going to be the "expert" on the Telephone Roundtable and will share with you the Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon and How to Use It. Entrepreneurs are a special breed, with our own strengths, challenges and opportunities. Join us for a lively exchange of information and ideas..
Also Lena West and I are offering another complimentary Teleforum, "The #1 Reason Your Business Isn't Growing: Psst...It Isn't About Money", scheduled for May 26th. Details are below.
Got an urgent issue you'd like to get off your plate? As an incentive to encourage you to give coaching a try without a long term commitment, I'm offering Just-in-Time Coaching at a Half-Price rate during May. The details are below or you can go directly to http://primestrategies.com/just_in_time
Have a great month!
To your success,
Marian Banker
Publisher
Small Business Leader
marian@primestrategies.com
www.primestrategies.com
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FEATURE ARTICLE:
E-Newsletters : News from the Publishers
It's hard to believe I started publishing Small Business Leader more than 5 years ago. I asked myself why it has prevailed and realized the main reason is because I like creating it and sharing it with my subscribers. The list has grown over the years, but I have not made it a priority. It has mostly been a vehicle for me to share, learn and grow and to build a community of people who understand and value what I have to say.
The art and science of e-newsletter publication has evolved substantially, especially since the advent of big-time spam.
There is a lot of super-hype "how to" information available on e-newsletter publication. There are experts within our subscriber base so I wanted to tap that wisdom and share it with those of you who are either already publishing some type of periodical or are considering doing so.
I interviewed two senior publishers and two new publishers.
Abbie Drew, publisher of DEMC Magazine, http://www.demc.com, has been publishing the weekly DEMC E-magazine since 1995 and currently has 175,000 subscribers. She uses her web site as a magnet for the search engines to drive traffic to her site where people are encouraged to subscribe.
Abbie believes her newsletter has been around so long primarily because she enjoys publishing it. She works to produce the best publication she can with every issue. Focusing on e-mail marketing strategies, DEMC complements and is an introduction to the autoresponder and hosting services she offers. Publishing the newsletter makes her an expert on e-mail marketing and that opens other opportunities. This also prompts her to stay on the cutting edge of her field.
Nancy Roebke, http://www.profnet.org, has been publishing Network Ink, a well-recognized e-newsletter on networking, since 1999 and currently has about 10,000 subscribers. By offering a niche publication, she has branded herself as a networking expert. She also writes using a Q & A style which keeps her subscribers engaged.
Robert Levin just started publishing the New York Enterprise Report as an online publication in the Fall of 2003 and is going to a print version in the Spring of 2004. His target audience is the small to mid-size business owners and managers in the New York City metropolitan area.. He hopes to create a great resource for small businesses, and gain market recognition and a viable business for himself.
The first issue of Elisa Balabram's Women & Biz e-newsletter was published in September, 2003, and is currently published every two months. She is spreading the word about Women & Biz through networking and word of mouth. In seeking career direction for herself, she searched in vain for a print magazine targeting women business owners. So she decided to start her own, using the online format for budgetary reasons. She has always wanted to be a writer and now wants to provide a vehicle that will offer the opportunity for women business owners to learn from each other.
I asked these publishers how they are addressing the spam issue. As an e-mail recipient, we all hate the drudge of weeding through spam. As an e-newsletter publisher, getting past the spam filters and getting your publication read is now the challenge.
Abbie offers five tips gleaned from her own experience.
1) Confirm subscribers.
2) Inform subscribers of the "From" address that the e-mail will show so they can "whitelist" your publication and it will pass through the filters.
3) Assure your IP and mail servers are properly configured so as not to fall into "blacklist" status.
4) Use a content filter checker.
5) Test deliverability to a small group at major ISPs. She offers her own deliverability checker at http://www.sendfree.com/dchecker.html.
Nancy stays current on both spam laws and spam cases so she knows what the spam filters are cutting out "today". She also continues to use a text based format because HTML is more highly filtered.
Robert is using opt-in with confirmation and content checkers to avoid being classified as spam. As a start-up with low volume, Elisa is still able to send individual personalized e-mails.
Arlene Rosen, President of ARA Media Solutions, http://www.aramediasolutions.com, is a direct marketing specialist who helps many of her clients use e-mail as a communication strategy. She does not produce a newsletter herself, but works with many clients who do. Here are some highlights from her list of tips for creating an effective e-newsletter.
- Provide unique and insightful information so readers will anticipate your next issue
- Survey your audience to learn what is relevant
- Keep the audience engaged
- Develop and state clear objectives and include an editorial calendar.
Jane Tabachnick, http://www.janetabachnick.com, an e-mail marketer and e-mail virtuoso, started using the Web when it was in its infancy. She offers the following tips for avoiding spam filters.
1) Hyperlink Format Counts - Some spam filters will be triggered by number IP addresses or links without http:// at the beginning.
2) Color with Care - Avoid hidden letters, non web-safe colors, colored backgrounds, non-black text.
3) Use an Email Signature - Most spammers do not use signatures.
4) Watch Your Wording -Use a content checker for potential "spam filter triggers", so you can edit your email before you send it. A lot of people are writing spam filter triggers with * or ^ characters in place of vowels. Free would be written fr^e or Fr*e. It seems to pass the spam filters, for the present time at least. Test your words (no charge) at http://www.ezinecheck.com/. Also check out Jane's SaniSpam presend Spam Checker http://www.sanispam.com
5) Write Your Subject Lines Carefully - Avoid lots of white space, "hello", no subject at all, all capital letters, exclamation marks, "to" and FREE in all caps.
According to Howard Penn Hudson, publisher emeritus of The Newsletter on Newsletters, newsletter publishing is the fastest-growing business in the US with one million publications in circulation (in print and online).
E-newsletter publication doesn't have to be an onerous task, but it is a commitment. Get expert help if you need it, but don't let the new challenges keep you from using this low-cost way to stay in touch with your network.
Many thanks to those who shared their wisdom on e-newsletter publishing.
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Special Program:
Details at
http://primestrategies.com/brp_pressrelease
Business Reconnaissance Program
Business Intelligence (You) + Specialized Leadership (Us) = Winning the Business War (Goal)
It's a battlefield out there. And, no business succeeds alone.
The Business Reconnaissance Program was created to help business veterans take charge, get lean, be strategic and march their businesses to success. Gain the advantage of structure and discipline to take the lead and assure that your business is poised to strike during the economic growth spurt that's just ahead.
The Business Reconnaissance Program uses business leadership and technology coaching to help small business owners bring together their operational, financial and technical strategies to eliminate wasted resources. Are you ready to propel your business to the next level?
Program details at http://primestrategies.com/BRP.
BUSINESS RECONNAISSANCE TELEFORUM:
"The #1 Reason Your Business Isn't Growing: Psst...It's Not About Money"
Hosts: Marian Banker and Lena L. West, creators of the Business Reconnaissance Program
Get ready to take your business to the next level! This teleforum is specifically designed to help you understand what may be holding you back and what you can do about it. After the teleforum, registered participants will be eligible to receive a complimentary, one-on-one, half-hour consultation that will address issues specific to their business.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004, 1-2 pm, EDT
There is no charge for this Teleforum.
To register and receive the call-in number, send an e-mail to marian@primestrategies.com with the Subject as Teleforum 5-26-04
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MAY SPECIAL:
Just-In-Time Coaching - HALF OFF during May!
Facing a critical business decision? Feeling stuck and at a loss for direction? Why struggle with important issues alone? Get help NOW!
Just-In-Time Coaching is designed to be a fast fix, where you need it, when you need it. It's available on a one or two session basis when quick problem solving or decision-making is needed.
Details and special MAY Half-Price RATE at http://primestrategies.com/just_in_time
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May Lunchtime Telephone Roundtable
Moderator and Discussion Leader: Marian Banker, MBA, Business Leadership Coach
Topic:
"The Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon and How to Use It"
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2004, 1 to 2 p.m. EDT
There is NO CHARGE for the Roundtable.
To register and receive the call-in number,
send an e-mail to marian@primestrategies.com
with the Subject as Roundtable 5-20-04.
You've chosen to be an entrepreneur to earn a living on your terms, to express yourself in your work, to gain recognition in your industry and to make a difference in the world. Instead you're feeling scattered, overwhelmed and often unproductive? Why are you not getting what you want from your business?
Maybe it's time to dust off your Secret Weapon and put it to work for you. This Secret Weapon is the composite of spirit, behaviors, attitudes, innate talents, and other (secret) factors that make you a unique individual and a valuable resource to your business. Frequently these qualities just need to be identified, developed and put into service with a clear and focused plan.
Those who know how to use their Entrepreneurial Qualities will find joy in their work, have things fall into place much easier and be financially rewarded.
In this Roundtable we'll explore what makes the entrepreneur unique, what challenges are faced and how your Entrepreneurial Qualities can be structured as a foundation upon which to build the business you want. We'll share stories, get feedback and learn from each other.
As a bonus for being on the call you'll receive my basic Star Assessment tool to help you access your Entrepreneurial Qualities.
Marian Banker, MBA, is a Business Leadership Coach and President of Prime Strategies. Marian has called upon her own Entrepreneurial Qualities to create and produce virtual and in-person events that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from each other and build community. Her Roundtable events have gained recognition and reputation as a valuable format for exchange of expertise, knowledge and experience.
There is NO CHARGE for this Roundtable.
To register and receive the call-in number, send an e-mail to rhonda@primestrategies.com
with the Subject as Roundtable 5-20-04
Here's just one of the many Testimonials about our popular Roundtable.
"I enjoyed getting the perspective from the various [Roundtable] participants and how all the various components relate. I liked the forum and the ability to share ideas. It's wonderful to have an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice."
Joan Renner, Interactive Marketing Strategist
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Special Program
"Business Goal Roundtable" Next one starts Monday, May 10, 2004, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Would you value the brainpower and support of other small business owners helping you achieve your most urgent and important goal?
If so, join the next Business Goal Roundtable.
"As I mentioned on the [Roundtable] call, I am a member of Marian's real-world business roundtable and I have found it incredibly helpful!! In fact, as a result of some of the strategies I learned from Marian, March was a great month for 15SecondPitch. We got a mention in the Financial Times and I was invited to be the guest speaker at the National Association of Women Business Owners breakfast last week."
Laura Allen, 15SecondPitch
"If you like our Telephone Roundtable, you'll LOVE our monthly face to face Business Goal Roundtable!! This in-person Roundtable brings you together with five other business owners, each of whom is working on a short-term critical business goal.
The objective of the series is for you to achieve your chosen goal in the specified time period (3 months). To do that you must strategize and plan your best course of action and tactics. The Roundtable members and leader will help you stay focused, structured and accountable -- and cheer you when you reach your goal.
The next Business Goal Roundtable starts on Monday, May 10th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Special Promotion - Sign up with a friend and you each get a 25% discount. Details at http://primestrategies.com/bgrt
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Quote:
PRESENTATION POINTERS by Steve Atlas
From Selling Power Presentation Newsletter, http://sellingpower.com
- Don't try to be everything to all customers. Find a niche in which you excel.
- Ask questions about your prospect's needs and priorities, and listen to their answers.
- Avoid talking too much or answering your own questions. Concentrate on your client.
- Look for ways to build rapport and friendship with your prospect. Friends buy from friends.
- Focus on your client's needs and goals and how your product or service can satisfy them.
- Be willing to turn down a client, if price becomes a problem. Offer to be a backup if their present supplier lets them down.
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Articles:
Build Pride, Create Engagement
Fast Take's new Editor-in-Chief, John A. Byrne, shares stories of how building pride and creating engagement with employees was able to accomplish significant tasks using alternatives to more pay for more work. For those with big ideas but limited capital, this is a must read.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/73/leadnow.html
Self Leadership
"Self-leadership doesn't require super-human strength; it requires only discipline and commitment." Gerhard Gschwandtner acknowledges the challenges we face and inspires us to the discipline and commitment needed to become more self-directed as business leader.
http://www.sellingpower.com/html_newsletter/motivation/article1.asp
Leadership Lessons From the Marines
Wharton students from the Center for Leadership and Change Management visited the Marine Officer Candidate School in Quanitco, VA hoping to understand how to apply military leadership lessons to today's business environment.
http://www.inc.com/articles/2001/06/22817.html
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Special Offer
We are pleased to announce a valuable new resource for you.
As a Small Business Leader subscriber, you are eligible to receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to The New York Enterprise Report, a brand new magazine that features how-to articles written by experts for small and midsize business in the New York tri-state area.
Each issue of The Report contains thousands of dollars in actionable advice --practical ways to increase revenue, reduce costs and build value. It provides businesses with tools to help them thrive, not just survive.
Following its successful website debut, The Report, http://www.nyreport.com , was featured recently on Bloomberg TV, NY1 and The New York Times. The print magazine will cover a wide range of topics from marketing to taxes to human resources. Register for this special, limited-time opportunity (8 issues, a $55 value) at http://www.nyreport.com/prime, a webpage exclusively for subscribers of Small Business Leader.
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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Marian Banker has been publishing Small Business Leader since January, 1999. Her focus is on bringing to the busy entrepreneur a quick look into the current world of small business from the perspective she's gained from coaching, consulting and training entrepreneurs in both service and product based businesses.
Marian offers individual coaching, business support groups, seminars and workshops on topics of critical interest to small business owners. Her monthly Lunchtime Telephone Roundtable has proven to be a popular way for business owners to come together around a specific business topic without leaving their office. See notice about this month's topic in the content above.
To learn more about her services, visit www.primestrategies.com.
FEEDBACK:
Your feedback is always appreciated. Please write to marian@primestrategies.com.
If you've enjoyed this issue of SMALL BUSINESS LEADER and aren't already a subscriber, now's the time to subscribe. To Subscribe or Unsubscribe go to www.primestrategies.com/newsletter.
COPYRIGHT 2004 SMALL BUSINESS LEADER
A publication of Prime Strategies, 333 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010
http://www.primestrategies.com
Notice and Disclaimer:
Small Business Leader is published the first week of each month. You are receiving this message because you have specifically requested it through our web site or requested to be subscribed by e-mail. In addition to the monthly newsletter you may receive invitations and special offers made available to our subscribers. We will not share your e-mail address with any third party.
Of course, I'm open to your including my content in your publication with proper credit. You must, however, obtain my written permission first. Thanks!
Content in the SBL is for information purposes only and should not be construed as specific advice.
