(Snatch Your Coin) Follow up...

The web is a great thing. One of my regular readers from down-under, Robert Kingston commented on my "How To Snatch The Golden COIN!" article over at Small Business Branding Blog, and brought to my attention - Zentact - an automated service that does exactly what I am discussing in my article. Although I do this effort manually, Zentact is doing it using your address book for the basis of whom is contacted. Filling out a profile of each contact, gives Zentact the data it needs to flag information that might be of interest to that contact of yours. Here I thought I was being clever :) From the reading I've done on Zentact, it is a great tool for your brand relationships.

Snatch Your COIN!

I just wrote an important little article on the importance of COIN (Circle Of Influence Networking) over at Small Business Branding. Essentially I discuss why it is valuable to your brand to keep an eye out for opportunities that might benefit your clients and other contacts. It's easy to do and is a great way to stay in touch with clients. Personally, I enjoy the concept of clients doing business together. You become a conduit or a "Connector" as Mark Brand so nicely put it in a comment on my article.

How To Make Your Blog Mobile!

A quick note if you'd like a fast way to get your blog on mobile phones.

First off, I bought the domain, "TheBrandCorral.mobi over at goDaddy.com and then forwarded it to the feedburnerlink of my existing blog.

Now when a reader enters www.TheBrandCorral.mobi in their mobile phone, up comes a list of my articles. Clicking on an article (in my BlackBerry) gives them two choices. View Description or Read Article. Choosing Read Article, gives a terrific mobile friendly version of my blog including graphics and all my side bar information.

That's it.

5 Steps To The Motherlode!

That next telephone call or email could be the mother lode of opportunities. If you're anything like myself, you're fiercely proud of what you've accomplished to date. The relationships built over the years have not only delivered happy customers but rewarding business friends that have turned into advocates for you.

Of course, if the mother lode is to fall into your lap, it would come not by happenstance, but a concerted effort. You know as well as I, that you can never take your eye of the goal.

Put together a "Re-Acquaintance Package". This is a program that has you sending out promotional correspondence to past customers that have dropped off your radar after many years. You'd be surprised how many would love to reconnect and benefit from your accumulated experience.

Develop a "Referral Kit". You know that many of your customers are indeed advocates for you, but you have no control over what they are saying about your brand. By putting together a little package of materials to hand out and a story outlining the types of business you are looking for, they will be more effective in generating more profitable leads for you. The kit should contain branded items such as pens, notepads, business cards and of course the letter of intention. Make sure your kit is as professional as you can to make it. Be sure it compliments your brand image. Send these to advocates that have the greatest influence among your target audience.

Participate in open networking events sponsored by various groups in your business community. This gives you the opportunity to exhibit a presence locally.

Getting involved in online promotional efforts that position you as an expert. Things like bogging and social networking are great avenues to spur opportunity. Blogging especially has a huge impact from a business perspective. Chance are good that the mother lode of opportunity could hatch from this effort alone. Very powerful.

Building an opt-in business email database. Email marketing puts your message directly into the hands of your target market. Because they are opt-in, your message is welcome. A great place to nurture your brand. It is also a great opportunity to provide valuable free advice. Become a free resource which leads to a paid resource.

What the heck - one more. Be sure that what ever you do, you are extremely consistent in tone and brand image. Consistency pay dividends. Opportunity only comes to those who are willing to earn it and ready to accept it when it calls. "You've got mail" - this could be the one - brace yourself!

Did You Get My Latest Newsletter?

I just released the 53rd issue of my FREE newsletter,
USEFUL INFORMATION. In this month's issue the articles are:
• Santa's Branding Checklist
• Advertise Your Online Business
• Joint Venture Benefits
• Great Meetings Are No Accident
• Networking Follow-up Tips
• The Power Of Packaging

Regular features: • Guess the ICON • Interesting links • Novel website

If you're interested in getting on my list, JOIN HERE!
I'd love to make all this information available to you each month.

The Brand Called You

I'm reading a pretty good book on personal branding called, The Brand Called You. So far it's filled with pretty good information and action plans. I'll deliver a proper review when I'm done. I thought if you were considering it right now, I think you'll find it useful.

The link above will take you directly to Amazon, where you can look inside the book.