When is Going "The Extra Mile" Too Much?

Recently, I met with a prospective client. She asked me for my credentials and I verbally went over them and later sent her some links to sample writing. This was not enough to convince her to do business with me. So she asked me to write a sample for her based on information about her product.

I am trying to build my business and do not have very many clients, therefore I obliged. She sent me some links and some ideas she wanted in the writing and I sent her my sample. It took me about an hour to write the sample; every word has to be just right. 

Starting a business is tricky in this regard. Everyone tells you that you have to build a solid reputation and follow through, but what about working for free? Potentially, I will get this job and then I will be paid to complete the rest of the work, but as of now, I'm not visiting the bank. 

What things have you done to gain or keep a client?

Taking a break after working for free 

Business Networking International

Through my mentor, I was introduced to BNI Santana Row. Last week I attended my first meeting and met some fellow entrepreneurs. As soon as I walked in, I was handed a huge stack of member's business cards and encouraged to leave a stack of my own business cards for members to have themselves. Who likes a networking event where you gain contact information without actual contact? Me. Me.

The group has a family feel and the premise of the organization is to get to genuinely know people in the group so you can refer them to clients and friends. In turn, you gain referrals from other members. There are some quirky sayings like, "givers gain" and slips to show that you have been meeting face to face with members and making referrals. Overall, I thought it is pretty organized.

I'm not sure I will be joining this particular group because they have someone that has a similar business to mine already in the group. To preserve the integrity of the group, only one person in each field can join. I was assured that another group probably has room for me.

The community has been nice in the virtual world as well. My LinkedIn has blown up with added contacts. 

The G

What Google analytics looks like when you first set up and no one loves you...

Unless you live under a rock, you know that to be anything on the web, you have to kiss The G, caress The G, and send him your first child. Who's The G? None other than Google.

Google has requirements to gain Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on the mighty search page. Lots and lots of complicated requirements. You have to figure out how to cut and paste code and place them on your website so Google can find it, but no one else can see. You have to figure out if you want to track the visitors to your site (I opted out). You have to figure out a plethora of other things as well.

Does The G know I exist? Hardly. One day I will figure out the algorithm and share it with you. In the meantime, don't hold your breathe :)

Visionary Circles

Since my first networking event, I have been matched up with a mentor through Promote Her Business. My mentor is another "creative" and works with me to build my business. 

This group is focused on helping women be more successful in their entrepreneurial quests and hosts monthly meetings where VIP mentors give advice on various topics. I attended my first event last week. As a newbie, I filled out a worksheet and was given business pointers and suggestions. 

Lynnea Hagen speaks about business goals

I'm pretty much failing at articulating my difference and my vision. Hooray! At least I'm starting to understand this complex world a little more.

The important thing is that I am learning. That always makes life worth living.

Startup Grind: Chrys Bader-Wechseler

Last night was my first Startup Grind in Redwood City. I networked with a handful of people before the speaker, Chrys Bader-Wechseler came on. Networking is still awkward, especially in a crowd of techies. Chrys spoke of his new social media site, Secret. It's only available on iPhone right now so it was a bit of a let down to hear about something I couldn't use immediately. They are working on the android app.

Derek Andersen and Chrys Bader-Wechseler at Nest GSV

My favorite quote from Chrys is:
"I like to make things simple--distill them down so you can just pick it up."

This is my goal in my writing business. In a world of endless choices, people just want to pick something up and know what to do with it.

Social Media, Oh My

For months I have been collecting infographics to publish on my social media walls. This is part of my branding process to further establish my field knowledge. 

Last week I thought I had added a bunch of pictures to my Google+ page and even referred to the page in business conversations. Imagine my dismay when I realized that none of the postings were actually on my page.

Needless to say, Google+ and I made friends this morning as I searched the help section to figure out how to make the page do what I wanted. Feh. Click below to view the page:

JKommunications Google+ Page

Now I need to work on my Facebook and Twitter pages. Social media does not stop, therefore you must always be thinking of topics to introduce. One of the best ways, besides strong content writing, to increase your SEO (Search Engine Optimization (higher rank on Google, et al)) is to link social media accounts to your website.

Networking and Confidence

Whenever I go to a networking event, I have a mantra that I say, "People come here to meet people." This gentle reminder helps me to come alive a little more. Knowing that everyone feels a bit awkward about going up to a stranger, talking for a few minutes, and handing them a card with your business information is somewhat reassuring as well.

The card itself is a bit of a conversation starter. The printer notice the embossing, the English major notice the witty use of "wordsmith", and the engineer liked the use of my initials in my company name. It was all great fun.

I even met some people who were actually interested in my business and some potential clients. This boost to my ego was worth the minutes of uneasiness when transitioning between new people. It also gave me ideas as to what I needed to be better at articulating about my business and services.