- Marketing + Design + Websites + Tech + Strategy
- 410.505.4186
The Brand Builder Toolbox Blog
January 2, 2022
Everyone goes through periods of not wanting to do something. But if you’re stuck on an important business task, your path to profits is blocked. Try one of these 8 practical ways to improve self-motivation. It happens to everyone – you know what you SHOULD be doing, but you just can’t get yourself to get it done!
August 9, 2021
As an Entrepreneur, do you have a mind swirl of new ideas all of the time? Of course, some of these are going to be golden nuggets, but most are going to be bright shiny objects that distract you if you let them. Since it can be hard to filter your ideas, here are 5 steps to help you find the gold but leave the rest.
May 5, 2021
Is your current TO-DO list: Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, SEO, teleseminar, live event, write a book…?
May 1, 2021
Keeping yourself in a good place and maintaining a healthy mental state brings lots of benefits, so whether you're just starting up or you're beginning to focus more on your small business, meditation is a useful way to enhance it.
April 20, 2021
Staying focused on one thing at a time seems to be a recurring challenge for many business owners, including myself. My TO-DO list was endless. Can you relate?
April 19, 2021
Springtime is the perfect season for planting the networking seeds that will grow your business all year long…and you can ENJOY doing it! Networking has a huge impact on your business’s cash flow. But it’s also easy to operate in an all or nothing mode.
April 13, 2021
A business plan will provide you with a focused path, which ultimately saves you from spending your valuable time, money & energy on the wrong things AND maximizing your profits.
April 10, 2021
It's easy to feel overwhelmed as an Entrepreneur. Networking events, invitations for coffee or lunch, partnership opportunities, business ideas, new projects and more...Even though you have a full schedule, do you feel guilty when you say NO?
February 11, 2021
Are you spending a lot of time, money & energy on your marketing and networking efforts, but you aren't finding your ideal clients?
February 2, 2021
Many times Entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed and scattered because they are trying to sell a wide variety of products and services. Focus on your best offerings to ease your stress AND be profitable faster.
January 1, 2021
It’s that time of year again, another new year, aka “the time to set goals.” Why is it, then, that people we all know (maybe you included) fail to achieve new year’s resolutions? If you’re like most of us, you rarely keep your New Year’s resolutions longer than a few weeks. Here's some tips to help.
December 31, 2020
If you're stuck—professionally or personally—the solution is to MOVE. Each time you do, it will be a step towards where you want to go.
December 27, 2020
The new year is a great time for Entrepreneurs to reaffirm their goals and boost their motivation. The new year can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself, your schedule and your business's systems. It's the perfect time to start anew. There are three things about the past year that need reviewing.
December 20, 2020
I meet a lot of people that spend valuable time, money & energy networking, yet they never use LinkedIn. Then there are those who quietly go about building their LinkedIn presence, using sound strategies, an understanding of their target subscribers – and of LinkedIn, its mission and its unique advantages. They easily generate solid leads and grow their business. Here's some easy ways to get started.
November 26, 2020
The Thanksgiving Dinner behavior the same thing I see with many Entrepreneurs when creating their business and marketing plans. It's easy to get excited about the many ideas you have for marketing tactics or potential revenue streams for your business. Think about them like your Thanksgiving Dinner buffet – all so tempting…and it seems like you have to do them all at one time.
November 7, 2020
Remember that document that is supposed to be the foundation of your business? Well, I also know that MANY BUSINESSES never actually got around to completing this. THE BAD NEWS - That saying, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Well, it's true. THE GOOD NEWS - Define Your Strategy by with my Simple Process
October 20, 2020
Do you find that you're constantly thinking about the list of all of the marketing things you "SHOULD BE" doing, yet feeling guilty for not doing them? I know the voice inside your head. I hear it, too. If you are in the cycle of feeling guilty for not doing more, here are a few examples that have haunted me or my clients.
August 11, 2020
You are most likely aware of the alarming statistics regarding the possibility of your business failing. These 10 tips are your first line of defense in ensuring that you do not become a statistic yourself.
June 2, 2020
“No time” is a common excuse for not setting up or using social networks regularly. However, they can be a great way to find more time in a busy schedule. Here are a few key reasons on why this is a smart investment for business networkers.
May 10, 2019
This statement sounds so simple, but I could give you dozens of examples of people NOT putting it into practice. I've been guilty of this same cycle myself. But now I've stopped my networking overwhelm!
May 1, 2019
Everyone can open up a business, but not everyone can develop their business successfully. Have you ever wondered what someof the reasons for failure are? Keep reading to learnfrom these mistakes!
March 30, 2019
Your business cards are a valuable marketing tool, but are often overlooked for more complex marketing methods. Here are some easy tips to boost your connections. TIP 1: Keep them with you always. Put a few extra cards in your wallet, gym bag, car and suitcase right now so you have them.
March 20, 2019
If you’re like many Entrepreneurs, you want more clients. So how many? There are 45 days left in 2013. So how many new clients can you actually take on during that time? Now it is a great time of year to ask yourself this important question.
March 2, 2019
Yes, it's great to think about where you'll want to be at the end of the year, but if your goal is too big, you won't get there. Let's say you want to make 6-figures this year. Instead of focusing on this end result, shift your focus to the smaller, do-able things that will result in your larger goal.
February 4, 2019
Most people never think about it until it happens, and the consequences can be deadly. One day your site goes down. For every minute that your potential customers can’t find out about your business online… YOUR BUSINESS IS CLOSED!
January 7, 2019
Between emails, social media, pressing problems, never ending tasks and distractions, it can be difficult to get things done. Sometimes that looming task or project, just doesn't seem to. Try these ideas to get refocused now.
December 7, 2018
What to consider when trying to select what services are right for your business... right now, and in the future.
November 19, 2018
I'll tell you a secret...it takes some effort to feel confident, both personally and professionally. These tips are easy and will boost your spirits so you can feel great when you network.
November 9, 2018
Have you ever been pounced on by a sales person the second you stepped into a store to browse? Did you make an immediate decision to buy? Probably not...so don't think social media will lead to immediate sales.
November 2, 2018
Often we think of marketing as something new & complex that gets promoted to the masses. But effective marketing builds on relationships over time.
October 1, 2018
Have you ever noticed different businesses that popup and then before you know it, they are gone? One of the reasons this happens is a lack of proper marketing skills.
September 23, 2018
As a busy Entrepreneur, you need to find ways to save time, money & energy. This doesn't always mean hiring help. One of my FAVORITE tools makes it easy to organize your recipes, plan meals, and make grocery lists.
July 21, 2018
Does the idea of BUSINESS NETWORKING make you cringe and seem like a chore? Many people are shy or intimidated by face-to-face networking. Here are some tips to make it easier…
June 22, 2018
Pick your highest priority goal – I recommend one linked to your fastest route to income – and dedicate just 15 minutes a day to working on it. Schedule it on your calendar & work with no interruptions for a amount of short time.
June 1, 2018
You never know where your next great connection will come from! Use these easy pointers to help broaden your network today. Always be networking and be prepared!
May 9, 2018
Need to plan around important business & life obligations? Create multiple Google calendars that can be viewed together to easily find time for your priorities (and help you say NO to over-booking!)
April 10, 2018
Balancing your work & life is no easy task, especially when you have a million TO-DOs. Trello.com will revolutionize how you stay organized. Multiple lists with detailed cards for each task have checklists, due dates, files & more.
December 15, 2017
Buy variations of your name, business name, misspellings, tagline, products, etc. This prevents misrepresentation of your business, or even legit businesses that sound similar. So you are investing time, money & energy into building your online brand. How would you feel if suddenly someone hijacked it?
December 15, 2017
Your target audience in is NOT EVERYONE! By focusing your energy on who you most want to work with, you will transform your business from being frustrating to freeing.
September 24, 2017
G Suite is a cloud-based productivity suite that helps you and your team connect and get work done from anywhere on any device. It’s simple to setup, use and manage, allowing you to work smarter and focus on what really matters.
September 22, 2017
Use as your a “Registrar” to purchase your domain name (a.k.a. “what you type into the address bar of your web browser to view your site”). Make sure to add on Privacy.
September 16, 2017
Choosing a good webhost is critical to your success. Here are several options for you to pick from.
May 17, 2017
Dropbox is an online virtual storage utility that allows you to bring all your photos, documents and videos anywhere, and share them with other people in just a couple taps.
December 28, 2016
One of the biggest hurdles to posting regularly on social networks is being online to post during the peak times your target audience is also online. Schedule posts as you read articles, or set aside time to do updates for the week from your browser or your mobile device.
October 15, 2016
The biggest target I can think of finding is another Earth-like planet with life. The approach that scientists took can be applied to your business to find the ideal client you are looking for. It's a common mistake is to say that "everyone" is your target market so you begin the search looking everywhere.
September 20, 2016
Many Entrepreneurs will work at a part-time or full-time job as they launch their business venture. I highly recommend this, as it's a great way to have cash flow while you are developing your other business model.
May 20, 2016
Next time you are feeling less than, or feeling like a failure for not doing more, take a moment and look what you have accomplished.
February 24, 2016
High-quality, professional images will make your business appear more credible. Here's my roundup of the best stock photo resources and tips to find the PERFECT image to communicate your message!
January 7, 2016
Saying NO to people that aren't a good fit for your business is best for everyone—including the people you turn away. Here's 5 reasons why you should sometimes say NO, thank you.
January 6, 2016
Just because someone gave you their business card, it does not mean they gave you permission to added to your email list. You need to follow the CAN-SPAM Act as a business, and spamming people isn’t a relationship builder.
November 21, 2015
Use these essential skills to boost your marketing effort. Mastering the art of communication can mean the difference between success and failure for an entrepreneur.
August 14, 2015
Your time each work day is very limited. And with our tough economy, it is even more important to spend the bulk of your time closing the sale, not qualifying leads.
June 24, 2015
I was prompted to write this blog post because many people with a goal to get a lot of LIKES are struggling to make a profit.
June 16, 2015
Hyperlocal marketing can be focused on a specific city, county, or even a specific neighborhood within a community. Regardless what kind of small business you have, you can benefit from a hyperlocal marketing strategy.
March 10, 2015
All Entrepreneurs go through periods of not wanting to do something that is critical for their business success. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to positively influence your level of motivation.
March 8, 2015
Think beyond business tips – try recipes, wine recommendations, travel tips & more. Mention it during a conversation, then send the PDF (with your biz info) as a follow-up to build relationships. 80% of the conversation in social networking (and in-person networking) is not about business. This gives you a great opportunity to think outside of the box when creating "compelling content" to share with your network.
February 15, 2015
Ask people to connect to your social networks, get a free report or do an intro call in a conversation & with info printed on your business card. Take a look at your business card. Is it helping you to build your online brand? If not, you are missing a simple and inexpensive way to attract people to your website, social networks and email newsletter!
February 2, 2015
Both interviewing an expert or being interviewed present exceptional opportunities to expand your credibility, authority & respect to grow your business. Let's take a look at interviews in a little more detail.
January 24, 2015
If you are connected to business contacts on Facebook via Groups, Events, on Pages or as Friends, make sure they can learn about your business from your Profile info. Leaving this info out is like going to a networking event without business cards. One of the fastest ways to build your business social network is to connect with business contacts with your PERSONAL PROFILE.
January 20, 2015
Every single blog post you write tightens up your marketing message. Thinking about my message on a regular basis mean that I've asked myself over and over "what does my target audience want to hear about?" This is the core of marketing.
January 14, 2015
Testimonials from other users attest to your professional abilities. They tell others that you're a person worth knowing, building your reputation and online brand. Learn why you need LinkedIn recommendations and how to get them.
November 7, 2014
Keywords increase search engine optimization (SEO) and make sure you are “speaking the language of your audience. This is essential, BOTH online and in conversations.
October 9, 2014
You know the end result of taking tasks of your plate is a great reward, but the though of getting help can actually ADD to your stress level. This easy tip will give you an IMMEDIATE BENEFIT of saving brain power AND prepare you to outsource.
July 17, 2014
Use the cloud as an online virtual storage utility to bring all your photos, documents and videos anywhere, and share them with other people in just a couple taps.
March 20, 2014
Are you feeling overwhelmed with your long list of online marketing TO-DOs? How will you ever find the time to get them all done? I know how you feel. I’ve been able to greatly reduce my stress level by setting up business systems with various tech tools.
March 7, 2014
Enhance your personal brand by creating a custom URL for your LinkedIn public profile. This makes it easy to share the link on business cards and in email signatures.
February 16, 2014
A simple way to deliver winning proposals to your clients. Streamline your proposals in the cloud to close deals faster.
February 7, 2014
Groups let you connect with like-minded people in public, private or secret forums. Use them to connect with business contacts from a specific networking organization or a strategic alliance. You will be interacting through your PERSONAL PROFILE. Get to know other Group members by sharing, commenting & liking on a regular basis.
January 16, 2014
Increasing website traffic is just one of many marketing tactics that a business might opt to use. Whether or not it's a good strategy for your business depends on your business model.
January 2, 2014
Previously, I posted about 3 critical reasons to register multiple domain names. Here are some strategies for deciding what domain names you'll need to register. Review my tips & some case studies of how to use domain names wisely.
November 30, 2013
Get started today by taking a photo with your mobile device at the next networking event you attend. Of all of the types of content that you can share on Facebook, photos will give you the best results because they engage your contacts and reach the most people.
September 22, 2013
The business owned by Cousin & founded by my Uncle & his brothers, burned in a 4-alarm fire. Here are some lessons I've learned from seeing the business grow during my whole life.
June 25, 2013
Your blog is an important part of your business. It connects your audience to your business. It provides value and information. It sells, promotes, and increases awareness. But creating content can be time consuming. The key is to learn how to write effectively and efficiently – consistently. Learn some of the top tips and steps to make this happen.
January 15, 2013
Visual marketing is a major trend online that's only growing more and more popular. Marketers who use visual content get more customer engagement, more leads, and more followers, which naturally result in higher earnings.
January 2, 2013
Happy 2013! What does this mean for your business?! Five years ago today, I did what every Entrepreneur dreams of. I made the decision to quit my job & to believe in myself enough to launch my own business full-time. Can you see how happy I was at that moment? I want to hear about your journey! Please share about it the comments!
April 26, 2012
Include a combo of your key info – business name, phone, email, social networks, logo or a short call-to-action. You can even add functionality like showing your latest blog post or upcoming events. With every email you send, you are promoting online brand.
December 30, 2011
Many businesses think they "need" a complicated social media strategy or search engine optimization. However, the easiest way to start using building your network is to focus on your friends and contacts to expand your circle of influence.
October 1, 2011
Close your eyes and imagine yourself connecting to others to share your PURPOSE. How are you currently letting others know about your vision and passion? When you take a trip, you can map it out or you can head in a general direction and course correct along the way.
June 9, 2011
Your social networks are an extension of your brand. The best practice is to use the same name across all channels. Here are some tips to pick the best name.
May 10, 2011
Think about what your target audience would find helpful & engaging. Keep a list of your favorite sources so it’s quick & easy to find links when you do status updates. Do you find yourself at a loss when it comes time to making updates on social media?
December 1, 2010
Your USP is what sets you apart in a crowded market. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your USP.
October 21, 2010
WordPress is built on 2 different types of content: pages (static content) and posts (blog content) = “Your PR Machine”
August 30, 2010
A unique selling proposition (USP) is a statement that explains how your business is different from everyone else in the market. It tells your customers how you can better meet their needs and what makes you special. Your USP answers your ideal client’s most important question – “What’s In It For Me?”
June 16, 2010
Privacy lies with YOU, not a major corporation. Here's why and 3 rules that will keep your information safe, regardless of the revised privacy rules. Also includes a funny video, so take a break and have a laugh!
June 14, 2010
VIDEO - The Dashboard is a tool to quickly access the most used areas of your blog's Administration and to provide glimpses into other areas of the WordPress community.
April 30, 2010
Defining your keywords is critical for a successful search engine strategy. Keywords are either a single word or a phrase.
January 21, 2010
Royal Caribbean faces criticism as it resumes travel to Haiti. Their blog opens the communication channels between the company, customers, investors and the media.
June 15, 2009
Are you looking to boost your shares on Facebook? Instead of trying complex marketing makeovers, I suggest trying small "course corrections" to adjust what you are already doing. Here are 14 simple ways to get started.
May 29, 2009
Do you know where your website’s traffic should be coming from? I get a lot of requests for increasing this. Let's take a step back and look at the most popular sources. This infographic endeavors to explain where this traffic comes from and a few tips to increase your traffic as well.
May 15, 2009
One of the best ways to market to your network is by using email marketing, also called your "email list". However, if you've never done it before, the process and the technology involved can seem daunting.
May 2, 2009
What do you do once you build your list and you have subscribers in your database? This is where the next step comes in!