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Evan Vitale

Business Tips, Tactics and Updates by Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Blog

Evan Vitale – Protecting Your Online Reputation

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By Evan Vitale

Word-of-mouth can mean everything about a business.

But certainly can everything on the Internet as well! Businesses, and business owners, should constantly keep a close eye on and monitor their online reputation.

What is online reputation?

Online reputation is the process of how your business (or you as an individual) is presented on the Internet when searched by users. This is important since many studies show customers will conduct Google searches on your company name (or your individual name as the owner) to see what type of reputation you have on the Internet.

The best way for you to check your business’ online reputation is simple: just enter the full business name into a Google search bar and review the search results.

For businesses, negative search results that may be harming your business include:

Negative business reviews in Yelp, CitySearch, Manta, Angie’s List and many others.

Newspaper articles or other media-generated news stories that might show your business in a negative way, etc.

Business or personal blogs that may reflect something negative about your company.

Legal matters, such as a business lawsuit or a court case.

When checking your company’s online reputation, dig deep and review the Top 30-50 search results in Google (3-5 pages should be plenty with 10 search results appearing per page).

Record, track and monitor any negative search results that appear between the 6th page and the 10th page in Google search results.

Due to visitor traffic and other search engine optimization elements, these negative results might eventually move up in search results and cause you harm later on.

Negative search results appearing within the first three pages of Google search results should be handled immediately.

Respond to negative reviews and try to work with customers and solve their complaint. Most of the time, helping the customer will go a long way in getting a negative review removed or converted into a positive review.

If there are any false blog posts or articles about your company, seek legal advice before contacting the website owner. Many times a letter from your attorney might get the blog removed.

News stories and legal matters might be a tougher task and may be impossible to remove from the Google index. Here, instead, work on creating more positive news for your company. Write and publish a helpful blog on a regular basis. Take and publish pictures. Create simple, helpful videos and publish them on your YouTube Channel. Lots of positive content will help “push down” the negative content within Google’s search results.

Evan Vitale – Small Business Myths

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By Evan Vitale

Starting and owning your own business can be an extremely exciting adventure. However, before you start to dream of endless beach vacations and expensive cars, let’s take note of a few common business myths.

Myth No. 1: If everything goes as planned, my business should be turning a profit within six months.

Guess what? It never goes as planned and, sometimes, businesses don’t truly turn a profit for several years.

Myth No. 2: The government is always handing out grants and money to small businesses.

Nope, not true. An Small Business Administration (SBA) loan is not a business loan or grant. It is a loan that is “backed” by government funds. You’ll need to apply for one through a local financial institution, just as you would apply for a regular business loan.

Myth No. 3: I can pay myself as much as I want!

Unfortunately, this myth isn’t true either. In fact, the more cash you put in your pocket, the more it might hurt your business down the road. Yes, you should pay yourself a regular salary, but you should invest a great deal of any profit back into your business. A friend of mine paid himself once a month, but only after expenses, invoices and employees were paid. Even then, he paid himself a very small amount and invested back into his company. Later, after being in business for several years, was he able to pay himself a decent salary and, if all went well, a little bonus at the end of the year.

Myth No. 4: My product or service will set itself.

False. No product or service sells itself. You’ll need to constantly work on marketing your products or services year round, even if your company is doing well. For example, think of how many ads and television commercials you see, read and hear about every day. Products that are No. 1 in their market continue to advertise and inform customers.

Don’t fall for business myths. If you think something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!

Evan Vitale – Generating Business Ideas

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By Evan Vitale

The first step in starting a new business – and sometimes the first question we ask ourselves – is to determine what type of business would we like to start? And, of course, can we generate revenue with this business idea? What if our idea is new, with little or no competition?

In coming up with an idea in starting a new business, begin by asking yourself (and others) questions and spend time doing business research on the Internet. These two factors alone will help get the juices flowing and help you generate and focus on an idea for a new business.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help launch your research:

What can be done better?

If someone is already offering a service or producing a product, can it be done better? Is there something you can do that can save time or, better yet, save money and generate the same (or better) service or product to customers?

What else can be done?

If you can help people solve a problem, help them save time or money or effort (or a combination thereof), then you might have a good idea worth pursuing. People will spend money to save time or solve a problem. For example, a landscaper, lawn care, pool care, pet care, auto mechanic, etc. Try to generate ideas to help people.

Finding product or service gaps

Instead of offering many things to many people, focus on individual niche services or products. For example, instead of offering website design and search engine optimization services, focus specifically on a part of the industry, such as social media or link building services.

Create the best service or product

Perhaps, you can combine the best features and benefits of one product and transform them into a better and lower-cost product that offers the same results. See if you can take a high-cost item (or service) and transform it into a more affordable one without losing quality.

Ask lots of questions and do tons of research before you begin any new business venture. And, as always suggested, talk to your team: your attorney, your lawyer and your banker.

Evan Vitale – What Is Success?

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By Evan Vitale

No matter what we do in life – college, a career, family or owning a business – we want to be successful.

However, that’s the $64,000 question!

How do you measure “success” and what does it mean to be truly successful?

Of course, as we strive to achieve goals, earn high marks in education or generate a profit every year with our business, we certainly don’t want to be considered a failure or be associated with a failed venture. To reach success, many hours are spent and it takes a lot of hard work. Unfortunately, many people never reach the success they desire.

Ask 10 different people what they consider to be the meaning or definition of success and you’ll likely receive 10 different answers and opinions.

Most will say that success can be measured by reaching a goal. It’s something that you can see and feel, such as being named to the Dean’s List at college or earning a monthly sales award from your company.

As far as business is concerted, the term “success” is usually tied to sales figures, net profit, business expansion or the sale of your business prior to retirement.

Regardless, at times, we tend to place too much emphasis on reaching success which can cause problems down the road. We either fail to reach our goal in a preset time period – and we consider ourselves to be a failure – or we suffer a “letdown” after we have reach our success plateau and wonder “what’s next?” in setting future goals.

Instead of trying to define and measure success, you’ll be happier in setting personal and professional goals in all aspects of your life.

Set short-term and long-term goals. Create a step-by-step plan on how to better pursue and reach your goals. Then, celebrate your success!

Evan Vitale – Earning PR For Your Business

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By Evan Vitale

There are many ways you can put your business in the local, regional or national spotlight by utilizing public relations techniques and strategies.

What are public relations (also known as “PR”) and can it really help my business?

PR is the process by which you build more positive awareness of your company. This can be through television, radio, newspapers or even writing guest articles and blog posts for other websites. Don’t let anyone tell you PR is dead. In most cases, small businesses don’t take advantage of many PR opportunities and some companies totally miss great changes to put their business in the spotlight.

For example, a friend of mine had a client who owned a heating and cooling company. Since local area was expecting record-setting frigid temperatures, he called the local television stations and suggested a piece on how home owners could stay warm and make sure their furnace ran properly during the cold weather. The TV station came to his location; filmed an interview and it was broadcast on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news. Immediate PR.

No matter the size of your business, local media outlets are starving for news, features and human interest stories. All have experienced staff downsizing and now rely on reader-submitted content and ideas for stories.

One of the best ways to establish your firm through public relations is to being compiling a list of local writers, broadcasters and televisions reporters. Contact them. Introduce yourself and tell them a little bit about a possible story idea. They are not interested in how great your company is or how awesome your products are. Instead, they want to know tips, techniques and other things of interest that can impact their viewers (i.e., saving money, staying healthy, upcoming events, etc.).

It might take a little while for you to get some media attention, but continue to submit ideas and keep your contact list up-to-date on your business and your industry.

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Evan Vitale – Starting A Business On The Side

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By Evan Vitale

We’ve all heard the line “don’t quit your day job” when someone cracks a one-liner joke at the water cooler.

Well, actually, there might be some truth in not quitting your day job when it comes to starting a new business venture. In fact, here are some suggestions in how you can continue to work as a full-time employee at your current job while you’re working on getting a business started at the same time.

In all the steps and ideas mentioned below, remember: never work on your new business venture while you’re on the clock for your current employer. And, never, circumvent your current employer by becoming a competitor or luring away current customers and clients. In both cases, you may be violating terms of your employment contract or employee handbook and may face pending litigation.

Now that the legal matters are out of the way, here are some things you can do during your evenings and weekends in order to get started on creating your own business:

  • Develop a detailed business plan. Obviously, this is important for every business. However, as you are going to be in “startup” mode, you can simply start your business plan by stating goals, objectives, strengths, weaknesses, etc.
  • Research the competition. While this will be part of your business plan, you should spend some time looking at your top competitors. Why are they the best? How long have they business in business? What products or services can you offer that your competitors don’t currently offer? Study them very closely.
  • Study the market. Now is a good time to make sure your business can survive in the current market. Are you seeking local, regional, national or international customers and clients? Are there enough customers in your market based on market size and competitors?
  • Join business networking groups. Many networking functions and events take place during “Happy Hour,” so use every opportunity available to network and meet other business owners.

Also during this time you can work on your legal business name; meet with your attorney to determine if your business should be a DBA, LLC, Inc., etc.; open a business banking account, create a website, print business cards, etc.

Keep your day job and build your business slowly. Remember, once you cut the cord from your employer and a regular paycheck, you should be prepared to open your business immediately and start working on sales or client projects.

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Evan Vitale – Solving Business Problems

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By Evan Vitale

Problems – big ones, small ones and difficult ones – are going to pop up in any business environment from time-to-time. How you approach and solve business problems is going to be an important factor in how your business succeeds along the way.

Business problems aren’t fun. They can slow you down, burn billable hour,; cause stress, create tension in your company and more. Some owners and members of the management team are better problem solvers than others. If someone comes to you and needs a problem solved, don’t think for a moment that the problem is your fault. Instead, you might be asked to solve a problem because you’re an excellent problem solver!

Lots of people solve problems every day. Doctors, for example, solve medical problems. Lawyers solve legal problems. Mechanics, car problems, etc.

However, problems facing you and your business will differ depending on the industry and size of your business.

For example, a client of mine served the manufacturing and metals industry, where most of their problems had to do with meeting construction deadlines, deliverables and, sometimes, a shortage of needed stainless steel products in order to meet customers’ demands. Sometimes, unfortunately, someone’s problem might become your next problem (a shortage of raw materials might mean you can’t produce enough goods or meet production goals).

Another client was growing at an incredibly fast pace, so he hired many temporary staff members to help with the client load. However, the amount of time he had to spend in training new staff, he may have been able to service his clients and save a ton of expense in training and human resource issues.

One of the best ways to handle a problem is to meet it “head-on.” Start communicating. Talk to your team. Talk to vendors and customers. Pick up the phone and call them (it is much better to be verbal when dealing with a problem than it is to send an e-mail).

Never ignore a problem. It won’t go away. Dealing with a problem today will be better than sleeping on it tonight. Tomorrow, the problem might be worse.

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Evan Vitale – Be Patient When Growing Your Business

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By Evan Vitale

We all want our businesses to be successful and grow…and we want it right now. The sooner the better right?

The idea of making more money, having freedom and enjoying the perks of owning a successful business is truly a dream-come-true for a few business owners. However, many others fall short and shutter their doors within the first three years of being in business.

Be patient young grasshopper. Don’t expect immediate growth and success overnight. Here are some steps that will help you and your business as you try to achieve growth and success:

  • Remember to have a business plan in place. A good business plan is one that lays out your mission, your financial goals, how you will market your business, etc. Research and create a business plan that will help you follow a road map to success. This is a very important part of every business. Without a business plan, you’ll find yourself jumping from here to there and ignoring important steps that are needed along the way.
  • Do the work first and reach your success goals later. Think and do all of the important things that need to be accomplished in order to earn new customers and clients and then get the necessary work done on time in order to produce deliverables to your customers (and keep them happy so they continue to be regular customers). You’ll need to market your business, join networking groups, build a mailing list, participate in social media networks (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), write a blog and more.
  • Be patient. Remember, there’s no such thing as instant success. Put in the hours and work hard. Be determined, confident and motivated.
  • Have a work-life balance. While owning your own business is like a second family, don’t forget about your spouse, children, relatives and friends. Spend time with them and give yourself a break from the day-to-day grind. Don’t get burned out. Rest and relax on holidays and weekends. Enjoy life!

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Evan Vitale – Home Business Success Tips

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By Evan Vitale

Working from home definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some tips to help keep you focused; avoid distractions and help your home-based company grow.

  • Set specific goals for sales and expenses. Set a budget and follow it.
  • Ignore things that will cause you to become unproductive. For example, turn off the television and radio so you can focus on getting important tasks accomplished. Avoid running personal errands or doing yard work.
  • Dress for success. Even if you’re working at home and you’re not planning on seeing customers or clients, by following a “get started” morning routine that includes “getting ready for work” puts you in a professional frame of mind.
  • Know your customers. Understand exactly what your customers/clients want and need from your company. What do they want/need? How can you help them?
  • Have a great marketing strategy. You don’t need to spend a lot of money in order to successfully market your home-based business. Your marketing plan can include e-mails, social media posts (in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), brochures, newsletters, blogs and much more.

Don’t put yourself or your home-based business down. Stay sharp and professional. One of my clients told me once that whenever a potential customer or client would ask him where is his office located, he would answer “I work out of my home. It helps me keep overhead down and my fees low.”

Evan Vitale – What’s Holding You Back?

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By Evan Vitale

As 2015 begins to close and 2016 starts a new year, a good question to ask yourself is “what’s holding you back” when it comes to growing your business in 2016?

Here are some reasons why business might be slow or why 2015 wasn’t the greatest year you had hoped.

Have a good, workable business plan

While you should have a business plan in place before you start a business, most business owners don’t realize a great business plan is one that is constantly changing and should be updated on a regular basis. What is your plan for the new year? What changes should you be making now in order to plan for a better year for your firm? Do you have plans in place in case of a business crisis?

Do not under-estimate your competition

We all like to think our business, products and services are the best in town, county, state, country, etc., but truth be told, we may not be keeping a close enough eye on our competition (and, yes, your competition is a real threat). Always be aware of your competition; their advertising and marketing techniques; how are they positioning themselves, etc. Do not ignore your competition.

Better marketing

Many business owners still have no idea how their products and services get sold every day. They believe the “if you build it, they will come” marketing strategy. Unfortunately, these myths will soon fail and you’ll find yourself one day worrying about low sales figures and wondering how to pay bills. All businesses need to invest quality time and money into marketing so new customers can find your company and buy from you.

Better customer service

Take better care of your customers and clients this year. Help them. Thank them. Appreciate them.

Invest in your employees

This might come as a surprise to you, but some of your employees may not like working for you. They arrive; punch a clock; do their job and go home. However, a happier employee is a more productive employee. And, believe it or not, a pay raise isn’t always the best way to motivate an employee.