Category Archives for Podcast

The AI Advantage

The AI Advantage – How Smart Tech Can Simplify Your Marketing

Marketing your business shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—especially when you already wear a dozen different hats. But let’s be real: It often does. Between content creation, social media management, email marketing, and follow-ups, the workload piles up fast.

That’s where AI-powered tools come in, offering a serious game-changer for small business owners and network marketers who want to work smarter, not harder. If you’ve ever thought, I’m just not techy enough for AI, I’m here to tell you—you don’t have to be! AI isn’t about replacing the personal touch in your business; it’s about streamlining the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters—building relationships and growing your brand.

Why AI Is a Must-Have (Not Just a Trend)

AI isn’t just some passing trend—it’s a competitive edge. Big companies have been using AI for years to automate customer interactions, analyze data, and personalize marketing efforts. Now, these tools are more accessible than ever for small business owners like you.

Imagine being able to:

  • Generate social media content in minutes instead of hours.
  • Automate follow-up emails without losing the personal touch.
  • Use AI-driven insights to know what your audience actually wants.
  • Streamline scheduling, lead management, and even customer service.

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make AI work for you. You just need the right tools and strategies, which is exactly why Todd Falcone’s AI Advantage exists—to help entrepreneurs like you use AI to supercharge your marketing without the overwhelm.

How AI Can Make Marketing Easier (Even If You’re Not Techy)

Here are just a few ways AI can simplify your marketing workflow:

1. Content Creation on Autopilot

Struggling with what to post on social media? AI can generate content ideas, captions, and even full blog posts (like this one) in minutes. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI help you create engaging, on-brand messaging while saving you time.

2. Smarter, Automated Follow-Ups

Following up is key in network marketing and small business success, but let’s be honest—it’s easy to drop the ball. AI-powered CRM tools can help automate personalized follow-ups, ensuring no lead falls through the cracks while keeping your messages warm and engaging.

3. AI-Powered Email Marketing

Struggling with email sequences? AI can craft compelling subject lines, suggest high-converting copy, and even help you schedule emails at the perfect time for your audience.

4. Social Media Scheduling & Engagement

AI tools like Canva’s Magic Write and Hootsuite’s AI scheduler can help create posts, suggest the best times to publish, and even engage with comments automatically—so you can stay visible without being glued to your phone.

5. AI for Market Research & Trends

Want to know what’s trending in your industry? AI-powered analytics tools can gather insights from social media, customer reviews, and online discussions to give you a pulse on what your audience wants—without hours of manual research.

Let’s Make AI Work for YOU

AI doesn’t replace you—it amplifies what you’re already doing. The key is knowing how to use it to your advantage, and that’s where hands-on guidance makes all the difference.

Every Tuesday, we break down powerful tools like these in our Marketing & Tech Tuesday sessions. If you want real-time walkthroughs, AI tool recommendations, and practical strategies tailored for small business owners, you don’t want to miss these calls!

Your Next Step:

👉 Sign up for Marketing & Tech Tuesday and let’s make AI work for you—not the other way around https://www.strategiesforsmallbusinesses.com/mtt/

The future of marketing is here, and it’s simpler than you think. Let’s make it happen, together!

Need Support? Take The Guessing, The Hoping, The Unknown Out Of Your Marketing!

  • Are All Of Your Marketing Efforts Working Together And Creating Your Intended Results?
  • Are You Doing All You Can To Nurture Your Current Client/Customer Base And Keep Them Looking To You For Products & Services?
  • Do You Know What Tools You Need And What You Don't Need For Your Marketing?

Get The Big Picture Of Your Current Business!

Register Today for Your Marketing & Client Care Analysis
SCHEDULE YOUR ANALYSIS

Remember you are not alone!  The team and I are here to help you.  If you have any questions, please use the link to get on my calendar and let's get your business plan filled out or updated!

Use this link to schedule a complimentary session today.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!

We LOVE questions so please feel free to use one of the two modes within this website to reach us!

1. There's a “questions” form right here, use it and send us a question. We will get back to you within 24 hours!

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

Business Messaging – Speak So Your Audience Listens

Business Messaging – Speak So Your Audience Listens

If your marketing message isn’t landing, your audience won’t take action. Clear, compelling messaging is what separates thriving businesses from those struggling to get attention. Your message should be so simple and direct that your ideal customer immediately knows they’re in the right place. Let’s look at three essential messaging strategies.

  1. Be Crystal Clear
    Your potential customers should immediately understand what you do and how you help. If they’re confused, they’ll move on. Avoid industry jargon or vague statements. Instead, create a one-liner that clearly states your value proposition. For example, instead of saying "I provide business solutions," say "I help small business owners simplify their marketing so they can attract more customers with less stress."
  2. Speak to Their Pain Points
    People don’t buy products or services. They buy solutions to their problems. Are you addressing their biggest struggles? Your marketing should answer the question: "What’s in it for them?" Identify the frustrations your audience faces and position your offer as the solution. When people feel like you understand their problems, they’re more likely to trust and buy from you.
  3. Stay Consistent
    Your messaging should be the same across your website, emails, and social media. Repetition builds trust and recognition. If you constantly change your language or value proposition, people will be confused. Develop a brand voice and stick to it so your audience always knows what to expect from you.

Need Support? Take The Guessing, The Hoping, The Unknown Out Of Your Marketing!

  • Are All Of Your Marketing Efforts Working Together And Creating Your Intended Results?
  • Are You Doing All You Can To Nurture Your Current Client/Customer Base And Keep Them Looking To You For Products & Services?
  • Do You Know What Tools You Need And What You Don't Need For Your Marketing?

Get The Big Picture Of Your Current Business!

Register Today for Your Marketing & Client Care Analysis
SCHEDULE YOUR ANALYSIS

Remember you are not alone!  The team and I are here to help you.  If you have any questions, please use the link to get on my calendar and let's get your business plan filled out or updated!

Use this link to schedule a complimentary session today.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!

We LOVE questions so please feel free to use one of the two modes within this website to reach us!

1. There's a “questions” form right here, use it and send us a question. We will get back to you within 24 hours!

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

Cracking the Code on Effective Business Systems

Cracking the Code on Effective Business Systems

Does your business feel like organized chaos? If so, you’re not alone. Many small business owners struggle to keep up because they lack solid systems. The truth is, success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. When you create effective systems, your business runs smoothly, your clients are taken care of, and you free up your mental bandwidth for growth and innovation. Here are three key systems every small business needs.

  1. Track Your Finances the Smart Way
    If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business. Many small business owners avoid looking at their financials because they feel overwhelmed or unorganized. However, financial clarity is key to making smart decisions. Use accounting software like QuickBooks, Zero or FreshBooks to keep track of income, expenses, and profitability. Set a weekly time to review your financials and identify any areas that need adjustment. Having financial visibility means fewer surprises and better planning.
  2. Systematize Customer Interactions
    A simple CRM can track leads, follow-ups, and client communication. Your customers should never feel forgotten or lost in the shuffle. If you rely on sticky notes and scattered emails to manage your client relationships, things will inevitably slip through the cracks. Implementing a CRM like our Make It Happen Marketing Machine along with a follow-up/check in process can help you nurture leads, stay consistently, and maintain relationships that drive long-term revenue.
  3. Automate Your Marketing Efforts
    Marketing consistency is crucial, but let’s be honest—you don’t have time to create content and follow up with leads every single day. That’s why automation is a game-changer. Batch-create content, schedule emails in advance, and use automation tools to nurture leads. This ensures that your marketing machine keeps running even when you’re busy with other aspects of your business. Automation can be used not only in emailing, texting, but also in personal touches. Let the systems and platforms work FOR you. 

    4. 💡 Want a personalized plan? I’m offering a special of 75% off on a One-On-One strategy session to help you find ways you can  implement strategies in your business. MUST register for a session by the end of February to get special price.  Sessions can be booked through March! Let’s talk! 🚀 Register here for a session: https://workwith.strategiesforsmallbusinesses.com/

Remember you are not alone!  The team and I are here to help you.  If you have any questions, please use the link to get on my calendar and let's get your business plan filled out or updated!

Use this link to schedule a complimentary session today.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!

We LOVE questions so please feel free to use one of the two modes within this website to reach us!

1. There's a “questions” form right here, use it and send us a question. We will get back to you within 24 hours!

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

The Small Business Growth Formula – How to Scale Without Overwhelm

The Small Business Growth Formula –
How to Scale Without Overwhelm

Scaling a business is exciting, but it can also feel like a fast track to burnout if you don’t have the right systems in place. The key to growing without overwhelm is simple: automation, delegation, and smart marketing. Without these elements, you can find yourself stuck in the weeds, spending more time putting out fires than actually growing your business. Let's break it down into actionable steps.

  1.  Automate the Repetitive Stuff

    Take a good look at your daily tasks. Are you still manually sending emails, following up with leads, or processing payments? Tools like CRMs, email marketing automation, and scheduling software can handle these for you. Automating repetitive tasks frees up your time for higher-level activities like strategy and relationship-building. The goal is to create a system where essential tasks happen without you needing to manually intervene every single time. I can recommend free limited platforms and a cost effective full all-in-one platform. Reach out to me and I am happy to share the differences and make sure the tool you start using is right for you.

  2. Delegate What You Shouldn’t Be Doing
    If you’re spending time on tasks that aren’t directly generating revenue, it’s time to delegate. Whether it’s outsourcing bookkeeping, hiring a virtual assistant, or bringing on a social media manager, getting help frees you to focus on what actually moves the needle. Many business owners hesitate to delegate because they think no one can do it as well as they can—but the truth is, holding onto everything is a surefire way to cap your growth.  I have recommendations for different outsourcing people, groups, and systems that will help you with delegating and Make It Happen!

  3. Simplify and Focus Your Marketing
    Too many business owners try to be everywhere at once. Instead of spreading yourself thin, identify where your audience is most active and double down on those platforms. Consistency beats complexity every time. Rather than juggling 10 different strategies, pick two or three marketing methods that work and optimize them. This will help you attract more of the right customers without the overwhelm. We have a process for a marketing calendar I can share with you!  Reach out to me and I can share it with you!

Remember you are not alone!  The team and I are here to help you.  If you have any questions, please use the link to get on my calendar and let's get your business plan filled out or updated!

Use this link to schedule a complimentary session today.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!

We LOVE questions so please feel free to use one of the two modes within this website to reach us!

1. There's a “questions” form right here, use it and send us a question. We will get back to you within 24 hours!

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

Audio – Video – Podcasts Oh My! Insights on Getting Started with Kay Suthar, Make Your Mark Agency

Audio – Video – Podcasts Oh My! Insights on Getting Started with Kay Suthar, Make Your Mark Agency

Welcome to the Make It Happen Podcast, brought to you by Strategies for Small Businesses. 

Podcasts Podcasts Podcasts… are you ready? We are going to have an amazing guest today. Her name is Kay and she is a good friend of mine that I've met through my entrepreneurial journey. No, that was not easy to say. And she is amazing working with people in their podcasts  and getting them through certain different  hurdles along with getting them prepped to publish their podcasts.

I asked Kay to share more about herself and the one key thing that inspired her to start her podcast business and she let us know:

I'm super super excited to be here Now to answer your question  Honestly, it was a mixture of different things that happened by accident...  I didn't ever have the intention to build a podcast agency. But, there were two things. Number one,  I wanted to be famous,  right? As weird and kind of typical as that sounds, I did want to be famous!

And then the second thing was when I started speaking at events and to potential clients... They would turn around and say,  "Wow you have done so much with your podcast, I see you everywhere."  And at that point I was like, Oh my goodness. Yes. They want to work with me. They want to hire me. They would refer to me as the world's best kept secret. My heart was full and at the same time, my face dropped because I was realizing... Hold on. I'm not trying to build a business to be a secret! Right.  I want to be known everywhere. I want to be famous. Like what's going on here.  And then it was during lockdown. When I was like, Okay, somebody's got to change here.  But at that point, nothing was happening. Everything was on lockdown.

Everything was closed off from face to face, in person, meetings/gatherings/events. I've got to do something. I can't just go silent. And then I was like, okay, let me try this whole podcast and marketing myself.  People are talking about it. I'm listening to it. Like, let me see how this goes. And so I decided, let me try and set up being a guest on podcasts first and see how that goes. 

In the beginning, nobody would have me on their show. I wouldn't even get a no, like I just wouldn't get no responses at all. Just crickets.  I sat back and I told myself, well, what's going on here? Cause I know people are getting on podcasts. Why can't I get on anything? And then I kind of tweaked and strategized for about two to three months.

And then I got booked on a hundred podcasts in 60 days,  which was completely possible then, cause we're all stuck at home doing nothing anyway, right? So I was quite happy going on one podcast and another and another,  It was pretty easy,  but then the podcasters were turning around and saying to me, what's the name of your podcast?

Oh, darn it. I don't have one. Okay. Let me go create one.  I managed to create a podcast in 14 days.  Right. And at that point people were like, hold on a second. You're everywhere. What's going on? Like we see you on these different podcasts. Now you have your own podcast. You did it in 14 days. How are you doing this?

At that point I was like, oh, people need to know how to do this and be educated on it. And that's where the podcast agency came from, the Make Your Mark Agency. Right, so that's how it all came about. Now, all of a sudden, I'm everywhere, and I'm loving it, and yes, fame! I achieved my goal! AND my passion is helping others achieve theirs!

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

I love her story, and I shared a little of mine with her... You see, you're talking to a California girl, that, you know, Hollywood and all that stuff and I worked in Animation/Entertainment for 20 years, so, wanting to be famous, I totally get that dream.  A lot of people/entrepreneurs have the "I want everyone to know about me" dream, the difference is you made it happen. I mean, you wanted it, you might want to say, well, I'm not famous, but you are because girl, you are everywhere. Even today, I see you everywhere. And I love it because one of the best things is you don't let an obstacle stop you. I mean, since we've met and we've been friends for over a year now and we're secretly in each other's business, kind of poking around in things, you don't let something stop you. And what you just talked about was tribute to that.

You wanted something, you went after it, this happened, you got no's, you didn't give up. You didn't give up. And that's,  It's not typical and you didn't look at it as a negative, you looked at it as a challenge that you then jumped in head first.  And starting your own podcast in 14 days, you know what you're talking about when you advise people who come to work with you.

I continued asking her...  so when you say 14 days, what all do you count got completed in that 14 days....  Concept, design and recording one episode or was it even more than that? Kay responded

I'm not saying that it was a perfect podcast. Not at all, right? I was literally winging it. And it was not until more time went by that I started making tweaks and changes and fine tuned how it should work. I started seeing things that I shouldn't have been doing and all of this and so I got it out there in 14 days with a "starting" mentality and took it from there and it evolved to the successful podcast I have today.

I advise people to just put something out there. Look, I didn't even have my face on mine. My branding was completely different. The name was different like everything was completely different. I had to START somewhere so I recorded something like three or four episodes.  I just put it out there and I was like, let's just see how this goes and I'll just work the rest of it out. So as I put things out there and I said to myself, oh  This person noticed and this person noticed and oh now this person's asking me about how I did all of this.

Okay, let's just keep going. In the beginning, I was just doing guest episodes where I interviewed them. I would just ask people to come on my show and I could interview them. Very similar to what we are doing right now. I found that it was easier to get me started and some episodes recorded and content for my show because at that point I didn't really have any products or anything to sell…

I was determined and I was ready! I did my first episode and said, OK, let's get this podcast out. Once I started interviewing people, not only the people I interviewed but ones that were seeing me take action started asking me, how could I do this for them? And, and that's where the agency came from because I started doing it myself and then people were asking me how I did it and I became a person of influence!

Out of the need of others, I had things to sell. Just remember when I started, my goal and purpose was just about networking and bringing other guests on and building my network. In addition to building my audience, it also  how I've built my professional network, built my email list. Also it brought me loads of friendships and relationships where people are now partnering with me, JVing, collaborations, affiliates.

And that's important. One of the things that I'm a true advocate for is don't wait for it to be perfect because it will never be perfect. I mean, it's like people saying,  I'm waiting to have children until I can afford it. You will never be able to afford it. I promise you, starting over by adopting baby 4 years ago who is already eating like she's a 13 year old, you'll never be able to afford it. But It's  fear entrepreneurs have where they put off starting things and they stop in their tracks. That is what we both look to help them push through and DO IT.  Look, you did it, going back to you not letting it stop you. Let me put it out there because we can always make it better,  just start it - touch the program that you fear and do it. I encourage people when they're working with me. Touch it. Push the button. You won't break the program. You may not love it, but you can change it the next time. It's okay if you sent an email and you forgot to put their name in it. Just don't let it stop you. And I totally commend you for not waiting for it to be perfect and I value that in you. I know, you get people to take action and you walked that walk yourself.

It was a journey. Let me put it that way.  And my episodes in the beginning, like I was an awful host. I thought all I had to do was smile. And it was a creepy smile. That's all I did while the guest spoke, right? And I was like, I've gone back looking at them like, Oh my God, this is so creepy and it's so robotic, right?

What a great chat with Kay…. to hear more about her first episodes, her mistakes, AND how great it is now… Listen in or watch the video.  

AND Register for her upcoming Challenge - working with her is AMAZING!

By Opting in you are agreeing to receive communications from Strategies For Small Businesses.
You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time you feel we are not a good fit.

We encourage you to not only create that one-page business plan but to be sure to revisit it and set "evaluation" times throughout the year. Suggestion, consider participating in our "Have-Need-Do" Business Check-In. This is a 5-day business check-in program designed to help you align your actions with your business plan effectively. These are conducted throughout the year allowing for sufficient time to focus on evaluating what you "planned" and what is happening, the good and the not-so-good. We look forward to assisting you in refining your business strategies and achieving your goals. You can register for the 5-Day Have-Need-Do Business Check-in HERE 

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

Strategies for Small Businesses is an agency with a laser-focus on strategies supporting small businesses both online and offline. Our support ranges from Brand Strategy to Marketing Strategy, to Task Implementation Strategy, to Team Management Strategy.

The Power of a One-Page Business Plan and Continuous Updates

The Power of a One-Page Business Plan and Continuous Updates

Welcome to the Make It Happen Podcast, brought to you by Strategies for Small Businesses. 

In today's podcast, we will delve into the significance of a one-page business plan and how consistently reviewing it and if needed updating it can benefit you in various ways. Many entrepreneurs may think that once they've created a business plan at the outset of their venture, they're finished with that aspect of planning. However, over time, the dynamics of your business can evolve significantly, making it crucial to revisit and revise your business plan periodically.

At the end of each year, we recommend that our clients review their business plans to align them with their upcoming goals and strategies for the new year. However, we also advocate for more frequent reviews, such as quarterly assessments. Regular reviews not only ensure that your plan stays relevant but also contribute to enhancing clarity and focus in your business endeavors.

One of the key advantages of a one-page business plan is its simplicity and accessibility. It serves as a concise roadmap that can be easily referenced and shared with stakeholders, including potential partners or investors during networking events. This document contains essential aspects for you to keep in mind while building your business, such as your business goals, target market, products or services offered, and financial projections.

Flexibility is another crucial aspect to consider when working with a business plan. Recognize that your business environment and strategies may evolve, requiring adjustments to your plan. Embracing this flexibility allows you to adapt to changing market conditions and opportunities effectively.

Decision-making becomes more streamlined and strategic with a well-defined business plan. It acts as a guiding framework, helping you evaluate new ideas or opportunities by assessing their alignment with your core business objectives. This process aids in prioritizing initiatives that contribute most effectively to your long-term vision.

Effective communication is facilitated by a clear and concise business plan. When you have a well-articulated plan, you can convey your business goals, strategies, and value proposition more confidently and persuasively to stakeholders, clients, and team members.

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

We provide a simple one-page business plan template that is easy to fill out and encourages clients to craft a narrative around their business goals and strategies. Whether you prefer a structured format or a more narrative approach, the key is to have a documented plan that guides your actions and decisions throughout the year.

By Opting in you are agreeing to receive communications from Strategies For Small Businesses.
You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time you feel we are not a good fit.

We encourage you to not only create that one-page business plan but to be sure to revisit it and set "evaluation" times throughout the year. Suggestion, consider participating in our "Have-Need-Do" Business Check-In. This is a 5-day business check-in program designed to help you align your actions with your business plan effectively. These are conducted throughout the year allowing for sufficient time to focus on evaluating what you "planned" and what is happening, the good and the not-so-good. We look forward to assisting you in refining your business strategies and achieving your goals. You can register for the 5-Day Have-Need-Do Business Check-in HERE 

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

Strategies for Small Businesses is an agency with a laser-focus on strategies supporting small businesses both online and offline. Our support ranges from Brand Strategy to Marketing Strategy, to Task Implementation Strategy, to Team Management Strategy.

Organization Removes Stress and Brings Success

Organization Removes Stress and Brings Success

Welcome to the Make It Happen Podcast, brought to you by Strategies for Small Businesses. 

Hi, I’m Christina Littrell-Williams and today I am going to talk about how easy it is to get overwhelmed working ON your business; setting up marketing plans, communicating with your database, creating content, and building out products/programs/offers.

Each of those areas need your direct focus, and when you are trying to juggle them all at once it can become messy!

ORGANIZATION is key!  

To create a strong sense of organization in your business you should have the following:

  • A marketing plan/calendar in place that reflects the paths noted in your plan focused on achieving the goals you set for your business. In creating your marketing calendar, begin with a big overview for the year, indicating where you are starting and where you want to end up. Then you will break it down by quarters, where you’re starting that quarter and where you want to end up at the end of that quarter. All of this will lead up to your year-end goal. THEN… detail out one quarter at a time focusing on your starting point and your ending point. You will create paths to reach each “end of the quarter” goal. When you start the next quarter you might have to adjust the starting point based on the results from your prior quarter but you’ll have guidelines in place for action to be taken.
  • Maintain records of all of the places your business appears, all of the tools you have collected, all of the marketing paths you have taken and are taking now, and results from those efforts.

It sounds like a lot of “stuff” to put together and I won’t kid you, it is, BUT once you have the notes in place and processes setup, moving forward will be A LOT EASIER and less stressful. You will feel more in control over what is going on IN your business allowing you to work with clients and customers.

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

I want to invite you to join us for our upcoming 5-Day Challenge, “Have, Need, Do” This challenge is focused on helping you organize all of your business assets. 

By the end of the Challenge you will know what you HAVE, what you NEED, and what you should DO to move your business forward. It’s best to attend live, but if the time doesn’t work for your schedule you will have access to the replays. There will be handouts to help you organize and plan! There will also be a Q&A day where you can join LIVE or send in questions.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

By Opting in you are agreeing to receive communications from Strategies For Small Businesses. You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time you feel we are not a good fit.

(Register to get text reminders is recommended but completely optional)

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

We look forward to hearing from you so you can work with an expert to help you grow your business!

Message Marketing Series – Direct Mail

Message Marketing - Direct Mail

Welcome to the Make It Happen Podcast brought to you from Strategies for Small Businesses (#SFSB).  We are continuing with the Message Marketing Series. Through this series I have covered an introduction to Message Marketing , Email Marketing, Text Message Marketing and Social Media Message Marketing. Today we will focus on our final piece in Message Marketing, Direct Mail and using it for Marketing Purposes.

YEP, Direct Mail ... Snail Mail… Pony Express…  it is still valuable and it does increase revenue along with expanding your email marketing lists & text messaging lists.

In this digital age, people look forward to messages and notes in the mail. Of course not the junk mail, but an actual meaningful message. 

You can send flyers or promotional offers that resemble advertisements you currently receive, but they don’t generate an increase in response or engagement. 

Break the marketing mold!

You can change it up and create heartfelt, useful information, special content postcards and greeting cards to your current clientele and even prospects. They become GAME CHANGERS, I promise!

Response Rate

The response rate for direct mail is 4.4 percent, compared to a 0.12 percent response rate for email (Dec 2020), and you can increase this percentage with heartfelt messages.

 

What is a “heartfelt” message?

A Heartfelt message is one that contains a true investment with the receiver. 

Examples:

  • Happy Birthday
  • Happy Anniversary
  • Sympathy
  • Congratulations–not only on their successes but also when you see successes in their families since people share moments in Social Media freely.
  • Reminders about services clients and prospects might need to come back for. Hey have busy lives. Help them out, but don’t be too pushy.
  • Check in just to say Hi, and remind them you are there if they need anything.
  • On-boarding steps to be taken for new people to your business.
These are just a few of the reasons for sending heartfelt messages to your list.

What businesses can benefit the most from Direct Mail? The simple answer is ALL, but some businesses can see a greater exchange in engagement than others.  

I recommend the following small businesses use direct mail to connect with their current clientele, and I would even risk saying it is a must:

  • Insurance Offices
  • Realtors
  • Personal Care Providers, i.e. Massage Therapists (privately owned and also massage facilities)
  • Hair Care Specialists
  • Estheticians
  • Home Cleaning Technicians
  • Sales Offices
  • Locally Owned Restaurants
  • Food/Supplies - private supplies, i.e., local farms to their buyers
  • Activity/Event Locations, i.e. Dance Studios, Play Places, Golf Courses, and so on.
  • Coaches and Consultants

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

Several businesses I have worked with  have increased their revenue just by taking a moment to reach out to their clients and prospects.

“Yes,” you might be saying, “but this is so time consuming and I’m already short on time or Where will I find the time to send cards/postcards?”

The brilliant part of this is using an automation tool to do it for you. Using an amazing tool that you can set up and let work for you is another way to leverage your time, while also building your engagement and revenue.

I recommend Mailbox Power 

 It is a tool I use and also recommend to my small business clients. MailBox Power has plans that can get you started on the right foot using their tools to build your business. Theory system helps you automate communications and still retain the personal feel with your prospects, business connections, and customers/clients while spreading positivity and joy!

Create a card, insert a personal message and the tool will then merge in your recipient’s info–such as name and key other points you know about – to complete the message. 

The next step is to personalize by designing the cover image including pictures inside, along with your message. You can even create a QR Code if you want the recipient to see something. Personalize your message even more by sending gifts along with your card. Choose your gifts from a well-stocked catalog. Larger businesses can have your own swag stocked to ship with your messages!

Some recommendations for business specifics:

Insurance Agents:

  • Stay in front of your clients, reach out to them to see if they would like you to review their current policies to see if there is anything that can be updated or changed to benefit them.
  • Do a check-in before summer asking, “Hey, did you get any new toys for the summer that might need to be covered so your investment stays safe?”
  • Check in if you have any new services you offer - like you started offering health care along with other insurance policies you write.
  • If you know your customers have a small business,send a card asking if they have small business insurance. If they do, ask if they’d like you to do a complimentary comparison to see if you can save them money. If they do not have a policy in place, explain why such coverage is important.
  • Business personalized swag


Realtors:

  • Connect with people when they are going through the “pending sale/purchase” process, consoling them that it is a waiting period and reassuring them you are here.
  • Congratulate your new buyers with a perfect 5x7 frame-able image of them in front of their new home, memorializing the moment.
  • Congratulate your sellers on the move they made to sell their home wishing them well in their new adventure and ask if there is anything you can help them with in the future. Again, remind them you are there for them.
  • Check in with your buyers and sellers telling them you would love to hear what they are up to these days.
  • Connect with your sellers and buyers asking for referrals and testimonials.
  • Ask satisfied clients for Yelp reviews
  • Business personalized swag.



Local Small Businesses/Restaurants:

  • Thank customers/clients for visiting
  • Offer Birthday Specials during their birthday month
  • Discount for special meal or buy one-get one
  • Ask for testimonial/review with a link or QR code in it to a form page to take the testimonial/review
  • Invite a friend to join you to shop or eat here discount for the meal (this will add to your list)
  • Business personalized swag.



Auto Repair:

  • Welcome new customers to your service center
  • Send out 6-month reminders for oil changes
  • Specials on tiles/oil changes/other services
  • Introduce prospects to all you do at your service center
  • Invite new customers to give you a review
  • Business personalized swag.

Online businesses will benefit just as much from this form of connection with prospects and current clients. This brings the “virtual” relationship to a more personal friend level.

I can remember back when I started my business, I was taking a training class on 1Shoppingcart to expand my knowledge. It was a great class! We had to take the training then do the homework and turn it in so the instructor would make sure we were getting what she was teaching. 

It was a 6-week class. I made every class until my sister fell ill. It was sudden and within 3 days she passed. I missed a session and two homework turn-ins. The instructor noticed I was not there. It was out of character and so she reached out to me to “call me to the carpet” for being MIA… I apologized for not having time to reach out to her and explained what happened and she extended my training BUT she also took it further.  he sent me a card with a heartfelt message and peaceful thoughts for the loss of my sister.  

This was 15 years ago and I STILL remember this and it is still an emotional moment that someone that I have never “met” took the time to support me. Still today, I fully support her business and training and recommend her to those who might benefit from what she teaches.

No matter what business you are in, these small gestures go a long way!

Take the time to invest in those that support you and your business no matter what that is. You have the chance to build relationships, loyalty to you and your brand, and create a buzz that leads to building your database. 

Just remember the key to success is a heartfelt message! If you would like to try using MailBox Power for Direct Mail please go here and register for $24 ($14 monthly and $10 to get your wallet started to send)  

The amazing part of this program is this: not only can you send a heartfelt message, but also personalized gifts. 

If you need help with integrating direct mail into your personal marketing plans/funnels, reach out to us. We at Strategies For Small Businesses look forward to helping you build and support your community/tribe/database.

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

We look forward to hearing from you so you can work with an expert to help you grow your business!

To gain access to more free strategies for small businesses, or to stay connected, visit our website at StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com. Connect with us on Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/sfsbagency

If you have any questions, need any support, or you need any ideas, feel free to reach out to us on the form provided HERE. We're here to support you.

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


The biggest thing to make note of and always remember is this: don't hesitate to reach out when you need support! You don’t have to do it all alone, or become an expert on every working item, marketing plan, nurturing cycle, and tech piece in your business. Focus on your clients and get help with the rest!

Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

We are here to support you!  Schedule below to have a Marketing & Client Care Analysis completed on your business.  Receive a full detailed report with the findings in consistency across your marketing platforms.  You will also receive several suggestions you can take action on to improve what you are doing now and increase engagement and revenue. 

Register Today for Your Marketing & Client Care Analysis
SCHEDULE YOUR ANALYSIS

Message Marketing Series – Social Media Messenger Platforms

Message Marketing - Social Media Messenger Platforms

Welcome to the Make It Happen Podcast brought to you from Strategies for Small Businesses.  Hi I’m Christina Littrell-Williams and we are continuing with the Message Marketing Series. Through this series I have covered an introduction to Message Marketing , Email Marketing, and Text Message Marketing. Today we will focus on Social Media Messaging for Marketing Purposes.

It seems that just about everyone is on one Social Media platform or  several of them. Social Media started out MANY years ago with just a couple platforms and has grown to include a wide variety of places to "be" and "things to do".

It can be confusing which platform is better than the other, which one should you focus on, or which one is the easiest one to use. 

My first piece of advice is don’t force it!  Don’t force yourself to be on a social media platform just because it is the “trend” and it seems like that is where everyone is at.  You need to be true to who you are!  Though you do need at least one social media platform, it needs to be one you are comfortable on.

Two very important questions to ask yourself: 

Where do you currently “social” interact with your prospects?  

Where are your current clientele spending their time on Social Media?

Truth: Social Media is not going away!

Each of the social media platforms have a public connection along with the ability to private message people.  You want to use all methods of connecting with the right people, methods that are available to you. Having said that, you will also want to not overdo it!  There is a thin line here: be sure you have your boundaries set before you start.

There are 3rd-party programs out there that can assist in automating your messages within different social media platforms.  Be very careful using any 3rd-party program, the different social media platforms have set up strict rules to “messaging” people to avoid spamming and I respect that, I know personally I do not want to end up on someone’s spam messaging list, do you?

What are some of the rules we have to adhere to?

  • First and Foremost, you have permission to message them
  • Limit the number of messages you send to a receiver in a specified amount of time
  • Be sure the content of the message is relevant to the receiver
  • FB/IG  has a 24 hour rule, to send an automated message there needed to be an exchange between you and them within the last 24 hours
  • NO SPAMMING

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

Some of the platforms are:

ManyChat - they are great to use to start an engagement from your website or an offer or event. They do a great job at educating you on best practices and give you suggestions on how to best use this tool.  They also teach you to engage people in messenger through Email or Text if you needed to get people back into an automated series.

Hyperise - is a platform that has tools that work with your LinkedIn account, website, and some other social media platforms. 


If automating is not in your near future, you can manage your social media exchanges personally or have a team member dedicated to managing/watching it for you.  Though if you have a team member managing it, I recommend that they give you what messages/posts/comments came in and YOU give them a reply to those to post on your behalf.  You do not want to be removed from your Social Media altogether - it is supposed to be PERSONAL one-to-one.

Suggestions for using Message Marketing:

  • Ask a question about how they are doing and start an engagement and then bring them to a platform that is easily managed to give them the information that best fits what they need based on how they are doing.
  • Share new content you posted - a short blurb with a link
  • Suggest connecting with a link to a calendar scheduling application.  Only do this if you know the person/people and can give them a reason why they should schedule to meet with you.
  • One simple message announcing a new free event/training/offer you are doing.

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

We look forward to hearing from you so you can work with an expert to help you grow your business!

To gain access to more free strategies for small businesses, or to stay connected, visit our website at StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com. Connect with us on Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/sfsbagency

If you have any questions, need any support, or you need any ideas, feel free to reach out to us on the form provided HERE. We're here to support you.

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


The biggest thing to make note of and always remember is this: don't hesitate to reach out when you need support! You don’t have to do it all alone, or become an expert on every working item, marketing plan, nurturing cycle, and tech piece in your business. Focus on your clients and get help with the rest!

Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

We are here to support you!  Schedule below to have a Marketing & Client Care Analysis completed on your business.  Receive a full detailed report with the findings in consistency across your marketing platforms.  You will also receive several suggestions you can take action on to improve what you are doing now and increase engagement and revenue. 

Register Today for Your Marketing & Client Care Analysis
SCHEDULE YOUR ANALYSIS

Message Marketing Text Messages

Message Marketing - Text Messages (SMS)

Welcome back to the #SFSB Podcast -  Message Marketing Series. Today we will be discussing Text Message Marketing.

In the past two podcasts I have shared what Message Marketing is and shared tools along with best practices in detail for Email Message Marketing.

To recap, Message Marketing is marketing using any and all messaging tools available. The most familiar and used set of tools consists of: 
  • Emailing
  • Social Media messaging
  • Text Messaging
  • Direct Mailing

In the next few podcasts, I will continue to break down these different tools and share “best practices” you should be using in your marketing efforts in order to achieve the best results.

In the last podcast I went into detail about Email Marketing, still the most effective marketing tool to date, and I listed best practices along with Spam triggers to avoid.

Today we are moving on to the next tool, Text Messages, or SMS - Short Message Service.

Text messaging became mainstream around 2002 though it actually started around 1992 with the very first text being sent. The popularity of texting grew with increased mobile phone sales and texting limitations lifted from the phone service providers. These messages are delivered instantly (for the most part), they have less to compete with in reaching your audience, and they are relatively easy to create and send.

There are roughly over 6 billion text messages sent every day throughout the world.

WOW! This number includes text messages sent by both adults and kids.

Most people own a mobile device that is on their person all waking hours. This makes it  the most used implement around by far. In a report it is noted that out of those polled, 70% of customers say Text Messages (SMS) marketing is a good way to get their attention. Text message marketing works for both Business to Consumer and Business to Business marketing efforts. It is quick, easy for the consumer, and makes that needed connection.

The downfall to Text Message Marketing is the limited number of characters allowed in a single text. They are great to use for awareness of something you sent via email or to send a message about an offer expiring with a link they can click to take action.  Text messages can be great reminders of an upcoming event people are registered for, and if you have an image that outlines your special offer you are not limited to characters. Fragrance.net, Harbor Freight and other companies use the image method with a link noted as the text. I recommend using the image method only if you have a well known brand and relationship with your audience. 

Like email marketing, text message marketing has a list of best practices…

  • You MUST have permission.
  • Be courteous to your database and do not send TOO many messages.
  • Be consistent with the number of texts you send for a specific reason
  • Make sure you have a way to respond to any replies to your text messages and be responsive, even if you have a team member monitor this aspect.
  • Incorporate personalization in your messages (most services have merge fields).
  • You MUST add any disclaimers.
  • You MUST add directions about how people can opt out of receiving messages from you

I invite you to go over to StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com and download the Branding and Purpose Checklist. This will help you work through the questions you need to answer and really helps you have a focused dive into all of your Branding.

If you have any questions, remember we're always here for you. Just utilize the question button on the website and will get back to you.

Thank you

if you want more from Strategies For Small Businesses, #SFSB, stay connected by subscribing to our list and connecting in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency 

When assisting SFSB clients set up a Marketing Plan we work through marketing strategies that fit their business along with the personality of the business. 

Here are a few tactics that will support a good text message marketing plan:

  • Offer Incentives
  • Have CLEAR CTA’s (Calls to Action) in your message. Include links for the recipient to use or a phone number can be clicked on.
  • Keep your messages short and easy to read.
  • Have a sense of urgency in your message, giving it more of a purpose.
Though text message marketing is very successful as far as delivery and interaction, remember, you don’t want it to be your only marketing outlet.  

Use this method alongside other tools like email message marketing and social media message marketing.

This is another place you do not want to be using your private phone to manually send out messages to your audience.  You want to use a tool made for this! There are several on the market today and many of them integrate with your CRM/Email Marketing platform. Some of the text message marketing tools are: Twilio, Simple Text, PlusThis (used with Keap/Infusonsoft alongside Twilio), FixYourFunnel (used with Keap/Infusionsoft for texting). Each of the systems will provide you with a specific phone number to send and receive from, and they walk you through the setup and any integration you might need. 

As always, we at SFSB are here to help! If you are not sure whether you should be using text message marketing, or wondering which platform you should choose, or what kind of strategy you should start to implement, we are here for you! Set up your complimentary “meet and greet” meeting here and we can support you!

If you need help choosing which platform would be a better fit for you, your needs, and your wanted growth, reach out to us and we can help you choose one in a complimentary “meet and greet”. You can get on our appointment calendar HERE.

We’d love to work with you in building your support team, whether it's SFSB or another company. We specialize in working as part of a team and building those relationships.

We look forward to hearing from you so you can work with an expert to help you grow your business!

To gain access to more free strategies for small businesses, or to stay connected, visit our website at StrategiesForSmallBusinesses.com. Connect with us on Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/sfsbagency

If you have any questions, need any support, or you need any ideas, feel free to reach out to us on the form provided HERE. We're here to support you.

2. You can also use the button and set up a quick call with me. It's absolutely free. I'd love to talk with you if you have questions about anything.

Schedule your info call today!


The biggest thing to make note of and always remember is this: don't hesitate to reach out when you need support! You don’t have to do it all alone, or become an expert on every working item, marketing plan, nurturing cycle, and tech piece in your business. Focus on your clients and get help with the rest!

Connect with us on Facebook as well: 
https://www.facebook.com/sfsbagency

We are here to support you!  Schedule below to have a Marketing & Client Care Analysis completed on your business.  Receive a full detailed report with the findings in consistency across your marketing platforms.  You will also receive several suggestions you can take action on to improve what you are doing now and increase engagement and revenue. 

Register Today for Your Marketing & Client Care Analysis
SCHEDULE YOUR ANALYSIS
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