If you’re a Linkedin member, it has already been established that you are looking for events and conferences where you can meet business-minded people.

On Saturday, September 25th from 10am to 6pm, Dahlys Hamilton, Founder/CEO, and Janelle Hamilton, Managing Partner of Metro Atlanta Business Network will host a business expo for Linkedin members. Linkedin Corporate will also be in attendance to present a seminar with a Q&A Session. The Expo is exclusively for Linkedin members and provides a forum for Linkedin business leaders to meet face-to-face with their Linkedin connections and build strategic alliances.

WHERE:

SunTrust Garden Offices Atrium
303 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

Guest speakers will include:

* April Kelly, Program Director, Linkedin Live, will discuss new Linkedin features and events
* Ingo Wolf, Owner of Grid-TV, will announce the launch of Grid-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. Grid-TV is the oldest, largest internet protocol company in the world, with headquarters in Germany and Switzerland and satellite offices in Russia, Spain, and France. Realtors can sign up for free channels on Real Estate HDTV, Grid-TV’s real estate channel.

The Expo will include an exhibitor hall with 30-40 exhibitors, a Business Fashion Show featuring Dillards Department Store and Etcetera (women’s fashions), “15 Minutes of Fame” where Linkedin members will showcase unique products services on stage, and a “Business Dating Game.”

R.S.V.P.: Details and Tickets: Click Here to Register!
Tickets are available for $35 to Linkedin members. $10 discount available when using the above link. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Not a Linkedin member? Sign up for free at http://www.linkedin.com We look forward to seeing you there!

Listen to Dahlys Hamilton talk about Linkedin.

Have you ever watched the Indy 500? Billed as the “greatest spectacle in racing,” it is one of the most famous motor-sport events in the world. The beginning is always dramatic. The audience cheers when it hears, “Gentlemen . . . start your engines!” These four words announce the start of something big.

Putting together a promotion plan is the start of something big, too. Essentially, it means putting down on paper a well-thought-out sequence of events leading to a desired outcome for your business, product, or service. When done right, a promotion plan helps you focus on your market, streamline your advertising activities, and ensure that you portray a consistent, high quality image in the business world.

When done wrong, a promotion plan will keep you awake at night, not net you the results you expect, and drain you of human and financial resources.

If a promotion plan can do so much, why aren’t more women-owned businesses, especially small ones, taking the time to write one?

Top 5 Reasons Women Business Owners Put Off Writing Promotion Plans

1. They aren’t comfortable promoting.

Women think there is something wrong with promoting their businesses. They see promoting the products and services of their business as promoting themselves. And they consider promoting themselves as outstandingly poor form.

2. They don’t know who their market is.

Women don’t often take the time to really know who their niche market is. Identifying and knowing how to reach the kind of people who would be most interested in their products or services, however, is critical to their business success.

3. They’re in too much of a rush to get out there and make money.

Thinking they will get around to it later, when they’re not so busy, many women business owners simply don’t take the time to come up with a clear and compelling vision for their business. This makes it difficult to put together an effective promotion plan.

4. They don’t know what they can do to promote themselves.

With so many possibilities to consider, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and confused about what’s best and where to start. This is why it’s important that women not rush to get a product or service out there. This will give them the time they need to thoughtfully consider the best ways to promote their businesses.

5. They don’t have much money to spend.

Starting up a business and growing it takes money. Many women business owners either don’t have much money to spend on promotion or don’t understand the value in allocating resources to do so.

If you have been putting off doing your promotion plan, here are some ideas to get you started.

7 Affordable Things You Can Do to Jump-start Your Promotion Plan

1. In 25 words or less, identify and describe the number one thing you want your prospects to know about what you do and how it will be of benefit to them.

2. Come up with a unique sales proposition that is clear, concise and compelling.

3. Call or e-mail everyone you know and bring them up-to-date on what you are doing! Leave no family member, friend, colleague, or customer in the dark.

4. Put together an inventory of 5 to 10 well-written articles, reports, or tips sheets, authored by you, each of which addresses a specific solution to your target market’s challenge. Aim to inform and educate, rather than sell.

5. Build your 30-mile sphere of influence list. Record the name, contact person, address, email, phone number, and website of every business, organization, and media outlet that would be beneficial to your promotion plan.

6. Join a professional business networking organization, and go to the meetings.

7. My favorite: Have lots of one-on-one breakfasts throughout the year. As Jim McCraigh says, “Breakfast means business.”

One of the most significant things you can do for your business success is develop a promotion plan. A promotion plan covers all phases of communication between you and your potential customers. It is especially useful when you are rolling out a new product, establishing or changing your company image, or want to promote special services or events. A promotion plan can do many things for you, including positioning you as an expert and leader in your industry, cultivating new markets, and enhancing your reputation.

So, what are you waiting for? Ladies . . . start your engines!

Note: If you noticed, there’s not much about social media in this article. Sometimes you need to go back to the ABC’s of business promotion.

______________________

Susan L Reid is a successful Small Business Start Up Coach, Consultant, & Author who takes the fear out of starting up businesses by providing value, inspiration, and direction to entrepreneurial women transforming lives and making a difference in the world. Accidental Pren-her™ Blog is where entrepreneurial women come to embrace their Inner Samurai.

On May 26, we provided the business professionals in the PYNTK Network with some more blockbuster exposure for their organizations at the Celebrate Women 2010 Luncheon held at Sugo Restaurant’s John’s Creek location. Once again, when we made this tour stop, we gave out many of our widely circulated publications.

After the attendees feasted on an aromatic, appetizing and mouthwatering lunch, Ms. Tana Torrano, President and Founder of OSBO, (Organization Supporting Business Owners) gave a dynamic and content-filled presentation about “Marketing on Shoestring Budget.”

She encouraged the attendees to continue to market their business in this current economic downturn, so when the market bounces back, their companies won’t be invisible like those who stopped marketing during the recession. She also reminded us to make sure that all of our marketing material is consistent, from business cards, websites, flyers, logos, etc.

Among other valuable information, which was imparted to her audience regarding “Marketing on a Shoestring Budget,” Ms. Torrano urged the attendees to consider partnered marketing with other organizations as a strategy to help grow and strengthen their business.

Today we’re highlighting one of Atlanta’s Business Superstars in the People You Need to Know Network, Ms. Lori A. Manns.

Ms. Manns has been a marketing and sales professional for over 20 years. The company was formed after Ms. Manns recognized a strong need for an agency that understood the sensitive needs for small to mid-size businesses looking to expand their footprint in the marketplace, no matter the industry.

Prior to founding Quality Media Consultant Group, she was Senior Account Manager for CBS Radio-Atlanta for 13 years. Ms. Manns also has career sales and marketing experience with Cox Radio-Atlanta, WYHY Radio-Nashville, Superior Cable, The Women’s Yellow Pages and The Democratic National Convention.

Ms. Manns is an expert at developing multi-media marketing and advertising campaigns designed to produce a profitable return on investment. She is an accomplished and skilled sales professional known for building key strategic partnerships both locally and nationally.

Ms. Manns has extensive experience developing key strategic marketing and advertising campaigns for Fortune 100 Companies. Her experience in selling radio, print, events, internet and cable TV provides her a wealth of knowledge in various mediums. In addition, she also has freelance media buying experience for small and large businesses in the top 100 U.S. markets.

Currently, Ms. Manns is working on a project that’s near and dear to her heart … Live Healthy and Thrive Expo.

Live Healthy and Thrive Expo is a healthy living total wellness green event designed to educate, activate and motivate people to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Live Healthy and Thrive Expo is the premiere consumer family oriented event for individuals who love eating healthy, cooking, entertaining, exercising and enjoying an active lifestyle at the highest form of wellness; all while saving our environment and protecting the community in which we live.

The event on the 26th and 27th of June features up to 100 exhibitors, corporate sponsors, live cooking demonstrations, celebrity showcase, a youth summit, restaurant row with free samples, workshops, health screenings and panel discussions. There will be specialty pavilions including: Green/Eco-Friendly, Mind, Body & Spirit and Organic.

Live Healthy and Thrive is a life-changing event. Save the dates!

Everyone knows that entertainment and business celebrities generate a lot of revenue. I believe all business owners who adopt the “celebrity model” can boost their businesses to the next financial level.

I once heard a famous speaker say: “No matter what goals you’d like to achieve in life, there’s really only about three or four things you need to do in order to make them happen.” For instance, if you want to lose weight you’ll have to cut back on your sugar – drink lots of water – exercise – and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Do these things and, like magic, the pounds will begin to melt away. If you want to be a better spouse, you’ll need to spend more quality time with your mate and family – help out around the house – and be more respectful of your spouse’s time. If you accomplish each of these interim goals, you’ll reach the larger one, too.

Your business is no different. Setting and reaching a few simple interim goals can lead you to the larger one — a recognizable business that soars above all others in your field.

Here are a few simple tips that can make a huge difference . . .

The Academy Award nominated , Don Cheadle stated in an interview, “… mediocrity is rampant, but excellence is rare.” If you want to stand out, always strive to produce a top quality product or service. If you’re printing T-shirts, use top-notch images or photography. Your attention to detail will speak volumes about you and your business. Quality always beats quantity – and your prices can reflect your demonstrated expertise and concern for your clients. Companies such as Porsche and Rolls Royce promote quality and performance over everything else.

Secondly, if you advertise in print, try to spring for a full page or the front cover if available for sale, so that you’ll make a large and lasting impression. Most business owners are satisfied with business cards or quarter-page ads. To achieve celebrity status for your business … a full page is a must because it screams success.

The third way to stand out is to fall in love with taking risks. You’ll separate your business from the rest of the pack when you take just one extra step off the beaten path. If everyone else is doing it, then you won’t stand out. You stand out when you blaze your own trail. Ask yourself what can you do that others in your field are not doing at the present time. Now, go out and do it!

My fourth tip is to promote your business as an expert source. You know your strong points. Accentuate those attributes. Tell everyone what makes you an authority in your field. You can position yourself as the number one whatever it is you want to be. Donald Trump isn’t the biggest builder in New York City, but he’s the only one bold enough to say it. What are you bold enough to say?

Tip number five: stick to your niche. It is better to dig one deep well than many shallow ones. If you’re in the printing business, for example, set goals to increase your business progressively. You might start with your own printing press and progress to offering graphic design while planning to establish a full-service distribution company. As you add more services within your niche, your revenues will grow, allowing you to offer even more aligned services.

And finally, network, network, network. Promote your brand image as often as you can. Attend trade shows, health fairs and other events. Talk about what you do with as many people as possible.  Increase your web presence. Make social media WORK for you. Pitch a TV or radio show. Write a blog, book or an e-book to establish yourself as an author and an expert in your field.

Stay on this “celebrity model” course to brand your business and the public will certainly remember you when they need your services. And increased revenue? That’s a natural by-product of celebrity.

- Jacqueline

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Kathy Garland is known as the Make it Happen Business Coach. She has worked with and spoken to thousands of women to help them discover the pearls, or undiscovered assets, in their businesses and careers that can bring them success and increased income.

Her approach is to bring those pearls of genius, or assets that the business or the individual has to the surface and polish them through coaching and consulting. In other words, she looks for the talents, opportunities and directions that aren’t being used or maximized in the business and helps the business owner plan and implement new strategies for growth.

In addition to her practice, Kathy is a popular speaker, national radio host and columnist. She has spoken to organizations including eWomenNetwork, General Electric Women’s Network, Texas Business Women, Women of Visionary Influence, Metro Area Professional Saleswomen, National Association of Women Business Owners, Business and Professional Women, WorldWIT International Conference and IABC and PRSA, on branding and leadership topics. Kathy creates unique experiences for women at all levels to ignite their imaginations to envision a new future.

Before starting her business, Kathy developed a track record of generating innovation and results. While Vice President of a nationally known design firm in Minneapolis, she led sales, marketing and the development of new markets and services for the company, resulting in nearly 1000% revenue growth. Kathy’s keen understanding of branding and market trends as well as her ability to develop new markets and services contributed to her success in leading company growth.

She supervised the account team that served the leading cruise line Royal Caribbean International, bringing ideas and strategies to them to manage their brand. Kathy also worked with the 3M identity team to strengthen the 3M brand and consulted with Northwest Airlines to build their reputation in the Pacific and the U. S.

Kathy offers pro-bono brand consulting to one non-profit per year. Her professional affiliations include the World Future Society, American Society of Training and Development, eWomenNetwork and Speaker Coop.

Whenever she is not working or spending time with her family and friends, Kathy takes Haidong Gumdo lessons, a Korean sword art. She is currently developing a speech on taking a big leap in business and life by using lessons she’s learned from Haidong Gumdo.

Take a moment to read Kathy Garland’s insightful article on Personal Branding and how it can bring you success!

Though it seems to make sense to cut expenditures in lean economic times, 80 years of data proves that cutting marketing to save money is a losing proposition.

Way back in 1927, the Harvard Business Review published a report tracking 200 companies from the beginning of the 1923 recession. The results were clear. The companies that didn’t cut back on marketing – those that advertised the most during that period – enjoyed the biggest sales increases.

Another later study measuring the effects of business-to-business advertising looked closely at the recessions of 1949, 1954, 1958 and 1961. In these tough times, sales and profits dropped for companies that reduced their advertising. In addition, when the recovery came about (as it always will) those same companies lagged behind those that did NOT cut back.

That was proven again by McGraw-Hill Research when examining the financial performance of 600 companies in 16 industries during the recession of 1981-1982. The report, published in Laboratory of Advertising Report 5262, showed that sales for companies which aggressively marketed during the recession rose 256% over those that cut back – and stayed growing for up to three years AFTER the economic downturn.

A Cahners Publishing Company study in 1980 and a Center for Research and Development study in 1990 both concluded that those companies which maintain or increase their advertising during recessionary times stand to gain the most market share during that period (an average of 1.5 points.)

Coopers & Lybrand and Business Science International put it this way in their joint report published by Penton Media in 1993: “Businesses that maintain aggressive marketing programs during a recession, outperform companies that rely more on cost cutting measures. A strong marketing program enables a firm to solidify its customer base, take business away from less aggressive competitors, and position itself for future growth during the recovery.”

There is a book of such research findings entitled Advertising in a Recession by Bernard Ryan, Jr., published in 1999. But these examples will probably suffice to tell the story.

The word “recession” has its origins in the Latin for “move backward.” In an economic recession, when those around them “move backward,” smart marketers do just the opposite. They STEP FORWARD.

By BBlackwood – Longtime creative director and marketer.

Looking for some small business marketing

Marketing Cafe owner, Melanie Robinson, is a guiding light for small business owners, no matter their challenges, no matter their budget. With an MBA and a passion for entrepreneurship, this Atlanta Marketing guru, along with her team of professionals at Marketing Cafe bring over 40 years of experience from major corporations, ad agencies and marketing firms. Her team will put their years of corporate experience to work for your small business and help you move to the next level.

Ms. Robinson believes real marketing success requires that a company understand your company at its core; who you are, your core values, your company’s personality and your short and long-term goals and expectations. Her company does this through a unique set of activities that translate into a four-step approach:

1. Educate: arm entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge by constantly educating them on the many layers of marketing.

2. Strategize: plan for success by developing sound marketing strategies that meet the needs of the business and are flexible enough to accommodate marketplace shifts.

3. Systemize: develop a marketing system to support the strategic vision and goals that is easy to follow, understand and measure.

4. Support: provide needed support and guidance via coaching and mentoring along the way.

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