Featured Report: 5 Major Reasons People Still Use Email [Infographic]

Wall Street Journal

Social Media Spending is on the Rise But Impact Is Hard to Measure

Sept,03,2014

by: NATHALIE TADENA

According to new research from Duke University, spending on social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter currently represents 9% of marketing budgets and is expected to increase to more than 13% over the next 12 months. And in the next five years, that percentage is projected to rise to more than 21%. The study, which is based on responses from 351 top marketing executives, found that spending on digital marketing broadly is expected to jump 11% in the next year while traditional advertising budgets are expected to contract 3.6%.  Read More

 Socially Stacked

5 Major Reasons People Still Use Email [Infographic]

Sept,04,2014

by: Chelsea Hejny

We’re always stressing the importance of collecting data, primarily email addresses. That’s because email marketing is powerful. Powerful for information spreading and powerful for driving sales. Since email was born just over two decades ago, it has worked its way into millions of people’s daily routines. In fact, almost half of Internet users in the United States spend an hour or more reading their email every day, according to a recent report by myMail, a free mobile application that allows individuals to monitor all of their email addresses through a single inbox. With the rest of their study’s findings, myMail created an infographic styled in the form of an open letter to Email.  Read More

Social Media Examiner

How to Become a Twitter Influencer: Science and Practice

Sept,04,2014

by: Neil Patel

Do you want to be a sought-after resource in your niche? Do you need tips on how to become a Twitter influencer? To be a leader on Twitter, it’s important to understand the dynamics of Twitter conversations and the role of influencers.In this article I’ll show you the two most important types of Twitter influencers and how you can become one. Read More

Mobile Marketing Watch

Developing Your Mobile Marketing Moxie

Sept,03,2014

by: J. Barton

It’s the year for mobile if there ever was one.

The Mobile Marketing Association has made it known that 2014 will be a bang-up year for brands and agencies that move mobile into their marketing strategies.

Here’s why they should: Globally, mobile ad spend surged 105 percent in 2013, and is predicted to climb another 75 percent this year, reaching $31.5 billion.

But — says marketing analyst Jon Nolz — “The biggest drawback has been marketers getting the education needed for a successful mobile marketing and advertising campaign. It’s a totally new media channel that requires simplification, engagement, and quick response.” Read More

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars

Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!Karatbars AdvantagesKaratbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week! You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here

Featured Report: 7 Essential Habits of Successful Business Owners

Small Biz Club

5 Ways to Know You're Running an Obsolete System

Sept,02,2014

by: Scott Resnick

Unified communications systems blend networks, systems, and business applications, which improves how employees collaborate and communicate in virtually every aspect of a company. From synching meeting notes to closing a big deal, the benefits of UC systems are extensive. Furthermore, they are critical for success in the modern world of business. However, in order to maximize these benefits, you must have an updated, streamlined system that is running smoothly. The following details some of the most prominent indications that you're running an obsolete system and how to fix them: Read More

Small Business Newz

7 Essential Habits of Successful Business Owners

Sept,02,2014

by: John Jantsch

I’ve owned my business for over twenty-five years and I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to survive and, perhaps even, thrive as a business owner. Oh, I have lots left to learn and even struggle with doing some of things I have learned, even though I know better, but I’ve also acquired a few traits and developed a few habits that I believe serve me well. Some of these habits don’t come naturally to many folks, but one thing I will give us business owners, we’re an adaptable lot. Sure, maybe we can be stubborn and even slow to change, but change we will in the name of the beast we serve. Below are seven habits I’ve seen show up in most of the successful business owners I know.  Read More

Advertising Age

Brands: Consumers Don't Want to Be Your BFF in Social (They Want Help)

Aug,29,2014
by: Matt Rosenberg
Did you hear the one about the marketer wanting to be more human and friendly with its customers and using robots to do it? Well, it's not a joke. Welcome to "chatvertising," an attempt to update the chat bot idea from the old ELIZA (a natural language processing program) and Smarter Child days. Remember the hype? You could have a conversation with a computer program. Smarter Child was well named because talking to it, with its scripted responses to a short list of understood keywords, was both as fun (for the novelty) and frustrating (for the communication) as talking to an infant.  Read More

Harvard Business Review

5 Tips for Off-the-Cuff Speaking

Aug,29,2014

by: John Coleman

If it’s true that many people fear public speaking more than death, it’s equally true that businesspeople are condemned to a thousand small deaths in client pitches, in boardrooms, and on stage. And that death can turn slow and torturous when you are asked to speak unexpectedly with little or no time to prepare. One of the key demands of business is the ability to speak extemporaneously. Whether giving an unexpected “elevator pitch” to a potential investor or being asked at the last minute to offer remarks to a sales team over dinner, the demands for a business person to speak with limited preparation are diverse, endless, and — to many — terrifying. Read More 

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars

Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!Karatbars AdvantagesKaratbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week! You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here

Featured Report: The New Rules of Selling [SlideShare]

Duct Tape Marketing

Why Dark Posts Are the Best Facebook Advertising Approach Right Now
Aug,26,2014
by:  JOHN JANTSCH
Let me preface this post by highlighting the words in the title “right now.”  As with all things in this fast changing digital world, a killer tactic today may soon be worth very little when, for example, the network you’re using it on decides to change the rules or it simply becomes diluted due to the fact that everyone is doing it now.

For today one of the most effective advertising plays on Facebook is something being called ”dark posts.” The term, while sounding a tad evil, actually applies to the tactic of using news feed style ads that do not actually get published to the newsfeed of your page. Read More

Business News Daily

Square Announces Free Sales Analytics Tool for Small Businesses

Aug,27,2014

by: Brittney Helmrich]

One of the perks of using an enterprise point of sale service is the ability to track customer and sales data so you can see what works for your business (and more importantly, what doesn't). But what about small businesses that rely on mobile technology to process payments? If you're a Square user, there may be a tracking tool for you, too.

Square has added a new tool to their products: Square Analytics. The portable credit-card-processing provider announced the new sales solution last week on its website. The addition of Square Analytics turns the tiny credit card reader into a more robust (but still portable) point of sale service option for small business owners.   Read More

Hubspot

The New Rules of Selling [SlideShare]

Aug,27,2014

by:  Corey Eridon

"If you run a small company, then you're in sales. If you're a doctor or lawyer or accountant, you're in sales." That's how David Meerman Scott's new SlideShare, "The New Rules of Selling,"begins. The presentation's content is drawn from Scott's latest book, The New Rules of Sales and Service, and this quote in particular resonates with me. It harkens back to a lunch I had with our own VP of Sales, Mark Roberge, in which he told me that he thought every career could benefit from at least some experience in Sales. Like Scott says -- everybody, in some way or another, is in Sales.

In Scott's new book (and in this SlideShare), you can learn how Sales is evolving, redefining its own space, and shaping the world of Services along with it. If you're familiar with the inbound marketing story and the shift to a digital, consumer-driven world, I suspect much of this will resonate with you, too.  Read More

Mobile Marketing Watch

Hungry for Digital Media? No Doubt You’re Dining on Mobile Apps

Aug,28,2014

by: Michael Essany

Digital media consumption now constitutes a genuine multi-course meal, not just a snack. That’s the takeaway from a newly released comScore study, which also shows that Facebook is getting its just desserts. The comScore research shows that the majority of digital media consumption now takes place in mobile apps.  “That means mobile apps, including the number 1 most popular app Facebook, eat up more of our time than desktop usage or mobile web surfing, accounting for 52 percent of the time spent using digital media,” according to a story on the study posted at TechCrunch. “Combined with mobile web, mobile usage as a whole accounts for 60 percent of time spent, while desktop-based digital media consumption makes up the remaining 40 percent.”   Read More 

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!

Karatbars Advantages
Karatbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week!

You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!
No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here

Featured Report: The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Using Twitter for Business

WIX Blog

The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Using Twitter for Business

Aug,27,2014

by: Staff

Despite the fact that with more than 270 million active users, Twitter is consistently retaining its position as a leading social network; and despite the fact that more and more media scandals, news coverage, celebrity confessions and public debates take place on the platform, many small businesses still prefer to stay out of the Twitter game and invest their time and energy on other social channels.

To some extent, this is the result of widespread beliefs about Twitter that are common amongst newbies and non-savvy internet users. Twitter, unlike Facebook, has a more particular appeal that attracts a specific type of web user. Not everyone gets it, but a lot do. In fact, many people are such die-hard addicts of tweeting that it is mistaken to simply give up on Twitter without even trying.  Read More

Socially Stacked

How to Tell if Your Facebook Efforts are Paying Off Off

Aug,27,2014

by: Chelsea Hejny

Measuring the total return on investment of a business’ Facebook efforts is tricky, if not nearly impossible. There are lots of variables to consider, many of which businesses can’t really track.

Here’s an example of what I mean: It’s around lunchtime and a guy sees a Facebook post featuring a mouth-watering photo from Joe’s Pizza Parlor. He then suggests to his deskmate that they grab a slice of pizza at Joe’s. They end up spending $20 on slices and wings.

Even if Joe’s Pizza Parlor’s Facebook post didn’t get any engagement, it effectively earned the business $20. The point is, unless Joe himself asks every customer who places an order what inspired them to do so (which I wouldn’t recommend!) there’s really no way of tracking the restaurant’s exact return on its Facebook efforts. This is because once a user’s social media experiences turn into word of mouth, it becomes extremely difficult for the brand to track. Read More

VentureBeat

Pinterest rolls out analytics to reel brands in

Aug,26,2014

by:Ruth Reader

A couple of months ago, Pinterest said it would slowly start rolling out an fresh take on its analytics tool. It looks like that’s now happening. The updated tool gives more detailed analytics than its previous version, like what pins are getting re-pinned and how individual pins and boards are performing. Pinterest Analytics is just for Pinterest users with a business account — a feature the company rolled out a little more than a year and a half ago. Read More

Social Media Today

10 Ways to Deliver the Social Proof You Need to Win Business

Aug,23,2014
by: Barry Feldman

The happiest place on earth is a zoo. Actually, it’s a theme park. Disneyland, right? It has mice and ducks and all kinds of animals running around, but they’re uncaged. I call it a zoo because it’s crowded. The crowds don’t keep you away though, do they? In fact, they have the opposite effect.  Same goes for a restaurant. You peer into an empty one and quickly conclude the food must suck. The one next door has a waiting list and gads of people out front anxiously waiting to be summoned by their little buzzer. Must be the tastier of the two.

Psychologists, sociologists and new media marketingologists call this powerful dynamic “social proof.” Most of us less scientific sheeps don't call it anything. We simply choose to follow the crowd.    Read More

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!

Karatbars Advantages
Karatbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week!

You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!
No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here

Featured Report: 3 Tips to Improve Your Marketing from Doctor Who

Marketing Sherpa Blog

3 Tips to Improve Your Marketing from Doctor Who

Aug,22,2014

by: Jessica Lorenz

There are a lot of nerds in our office, and if you’ve read this blog for any length of time, this is probably not news to you. Recently, we’ve realized something nerds everywhere have known for a long time – we are not alone.

In our case studies, blogs and events, we’ve seen how other marketers utilize pop culture to help convey complex ideas – for instance, emergency alert systems provider One Call Now used “Star Trek” characters to represent its customer personas.

Since we have seen the success others have had, we wanted to try this idea out for ourselves using an office favorite: BBC’s science fiction cult classic “Doctor Who,” which is having its latest series premiere on August 23.   Read More

Inc.com

7 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make on LinkedIn

Aug,22,2014

by: ADAM FRIDMAN

LinkedIn calls itself the "World's Largest Professional Network" and it has established itself as one of the three biggest must-play properties on social media. If you're looking to expand your influence and network--especially important goals for entrepreneurs and startups--LinkedIn is one of the key place to see and be seen.

"It not only provides the latest information relevant to your industry news and its players, but allows members to showcase accomplishments and thought-leadership which may otherwise be left in the confines of an office wall or personal blog," Maya Mikhailov, LinkedIn pro and executive vice president of GPShopper, told me. As important as LinkedIn is, most entrepreneurs and startups are making mistakes in their approach to it.  Read More

Re/Code

Twitter Is Working With Payments Startup Stripe on Its Commerce Initiative

Aug,22,2014

by: Jason Del Rey

Twitter’s long-awaited plan to let its users make purchases right from a tweet is nearing, and payments startup Stripe will have a role in the business, multiple industry sources tell Re/code.

Later this year, Twitter is expected to unveil buttons within tweets that say “Buy” or some variation of the word; after clicking on the button, shoppers are expected to be able to enter in payment and possibly shipping information without leaving Twitter’s service. Sources say that businesses that want to sell products or services within tweets are being instructed to sign up with Stripe to process payments on their behalf. While Stripe is believed to be Twitter’s only payments partner now working on the e-commerce business, it’s not clear whether that will remain the case over the long haul.   Read More

WIX Blog

How to Find a Great Product to Sell Online

Aug,24,2014
by: Staff

Online business opportunities are constantly expanding. With commerce making big moves online, many people are finding mounts of untapped potential to sell & market goods in the cyber sphere. Depending on the available time and resources that you have, selling and distributing online can become a nice source for extra cash or even a lucrative venture.

Simply put, the eCommerce field can be divided into two categories: people who sell goods that they themselves produce and manufacture, and people who purchase goods from manufacturers and sell them to the end-consumer. This latter category of online retailers has the difficult task of finding the next big thing that’ll sell like hot cakes!  Read More

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!

Karatbars Advantages
Karatbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week!

You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!
No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here

Featured Report: How Consumers Engage With Small Businesses on Facebook

Marketing Proofs

How Consumers Engage With Small Businesses on Facebook

Aug,21,2014
by: Ayaz Nanji 
Most consumers say Facebook is the most useful social network for researching products and services before visiting a small business, according to a recent report from G/O Digital.

The report was based on data from survey of 1,000 adults in the United States age 18-29 who are interested in buying products and services from local/small businesses and who own at least a desktop/laptop computer and a smartphone or tablet.

Some 62% of respondents say Facebook is the most useful social network for researching small businesses before purchasing, compared with just 12% for Pinterest, 11% for Twitter, and 9% for Instagram: Read More

Small Business Trends

5 Key Principles to Design Effective Online Advertisements

Aug,19,2014
by: Marc Weisinger

Online marketing has never been more important. Today, people turn to the Web for even the most minor tasks. If something can be done online, that’s where people will accomplish it. And your business needs to be where the people are. But online marketing isn’t about creating a single standard campaign, getting ads on a few websites, and calling it a day. The process and strategies for successful online efforts have become incredibly sophisticated, especially with the growing demand for mobile options. Read More

Social Media Examiner

12 Twitter Marketing Tips From the Pros

Aug,19,2014
by: Cindy King
Are you using the latest Twitter marketing tactics? 

Do you want to raise the bar on your Twitter marketing? We asked top Twitter pros to share the tips and tricks they’re using to make a difference in their own Twitter marketing. In this article you’ll discover 12 Twitter marketing tips to help you get the most out of Twitter today.  Read More

Hubspot 

Think You Know LinkedIn? 7 Common Myths Debunked

Aug,21,2014

by: Lana Khavinson

Ever wonder what happens when you hit the magical "500+ connections" level on LinkedIn? Or how people connect with those outside of their immediate network? Or how to keep your entire network from seeing a tiny profile update? Though LinkedIn is a powerful tool for business professionals across all industries,there are still a lot of misconceptions about how it works. Read More

KaratBars International

Welcome to Karatbars Learn More About Karatbars!
Karatbars is an amazing opportunity that makes buying gold affordable AND offers an exciting way to earn a substantial income by sharing this program with others!

Karatbars Advantages
Karatbars International was founded in 2009, now in their 5th year, open in 120 countries and growing - The timing is perfect! Karatbars gold is assayed by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) - Certified for purity and weight!

Highest quality 999.9 gold currency bullion - Peace of mind knowing you own the very best gold! Refer others if you like who purchase gold and earn commissions - Create your future by helping others succeed and earn free gold! Commissions paid weekly to your personal Karatbars Mastercard  - No waiting for monthly checks in the mail, it's automatic each week!

You decide how much gold you want and when you want it -You're in control, no minimum requirement, no autoship! Choose free gold storage at High Security and Bonded Prosegur or have it shipped directly to you - Rest easy knowing your gold is safe and secure until you want it shipped  directly to you!

A variety of collector Karatbars cards available, including a Vatican approved card with Pope John Paul II - Karatbars make great gifts! Company will buy your gold back from you and sell it at market value, and put your funds on your Karatbars Mastercard!
No Enrollment Fee - Unlike so many other companies, with Karatbars there is no cost to become a member! Building wealth with gold!  You decide… To truly understand what you now have access to. visit our website Start Here