Virtual Environment Options for Business of any Size

There is an increasing interest in the virtual world and how it may apply to the business environment.  In the virtual arena, businesses can offer a low cost, time-saving solutions to the problems associated with long-distance communication.  A home office may be the perfect startup business but if you need a professional address, meeting room or receptionist to impress clients, there are virtual offices.  REGUS VIRTUAL OFFICES.  Not every business is suited for the virtual environment; however, if you desire to operate more efficiently and move forward as a tech-savvy business, you may want to consider the possibilities.

Social Networks that Support Video Chat

• SKYPE : Make internet calls for free with Skype.  (The most highly rated FREE service!)   Call friends and family on any phone with Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly subscriptions.  *Will need to download Skype 5.0 or higher to make group video calls.
• Google Hangouts: Make free internet calls.  Send photos or emoji, see when people are engaged in the Hangout and message friends anytime, even if they’re not connected right now.  You’ll need to install the Google voice and video plugins to get started.
• Facebook: Video Chat is a fairly new addition to Facebook, look for  video camera icon at the top of each Chat window. Facebook’s Video Chat is powered by Skype.
• More FREE VIDEO CONFERENCING OPTIONS

 Powerful Virtual Conferencing

Better than web chat.  Ease of interaction and security ensures the participants feel  fully engaged.   Previous technology may not have provided the best results, but today’s experience is much more user-friendly and reliable.  Actually, there are handfuls of choices out there, some free and others requiring small annual fee.(Depending upon the options you choose.)  Especially for business with remote locations, virtual meeting tools are excellent for training and role-playing scenarios, facility tours, and 360 views of products.  Smaller business can also benefit from virtual meetings and phone conferences, online collaboration and screen-sharing tools.  Some virtual web conferencing meetings can be recorded.  Many work with iPhones, iPads, Android Phones and 800 numbers, and there are even options for receiving audience analytics.  There are of the below services below are FREE, may offer free 30 day trials, may or may not need software… and others have a small annual fee.  But, ALL rank high in customer satisfaction! 

• AnyMeeting.com FREE, with ads.  It allows for meetings of up to 200 people, and has essential functionality like screen sharing, VoIP and phone conferencing, meeting recording and it even has a follow-up functionality.  Free 30 day trial.
• Gotomeeting.com  Strong  international features and several audio options that make it useful for business with clients or satellite offices in other countries. It has very high ratings and is a commonly used service.  However, there is a small annual fee.
• Adobe Connect Based in flash, no software needed.  Great tool, similar to Go To Meeting, for video and VoIP conferencing. Can have numerous people on the call, and give control to a single presenter or transition.
• Business Conferencing S0ftware compare & see reviews here! 

Leaning Tree Marketing, LLC

Ten reasons why your business should have a digital strategy

Marketing is about reaching people.  Technology aids in getting that  job done.  Technology advances have led to, and continue to mark major marketing milestones.  The printing press, radio, and TV are examples of technology breakthroughs that changed marketing forever.  At their highest points, they were cutting-edge technology that ONCE HAD the capacity to reach the largest numbers of people.

By far, however, the most impactful marketing inventions included the computer, internet, high-speed cables, and software applications.  These new developments have created a fragmented market of new choices and mobility.  The mainstream adoption of digital technology allows the connection to networks and people just about anywhere, anytime they want to use it.  Today, more than 1/3 of the global population had access to the internet, and that number continues to grow.   As technology pushes forward, the world of marketing has become far more complex, and exciting at the same time.   The most important piece of advice:  “If the audience has become digital, so must the business!”

Why you need a digital marketing strategy

#1        Only the internet has the capacity to broaden reach and narrow target at the same time.

#2        Digital marketing is less expensive, easier to track, and more productive.

#3        Nothing spreads “word of mouth” faster than the internet.

#4       Without a digital tie-in, traditional media will not work like it used to.

#5        Internet offers unmatched tools, techniques and tactics to engage with customers.

#6        A relevant website, SEO and/or SEM, is what displays your business in search results.

#7       Social Media is the best way to build, retain, and reward customer relationships.

#8        Mobile Marketing, email marketing, content marketing and display are all digital.

#9        Internet platforms builds authority, legitimacy, public relations and brand perception.

#10      Without one, you will miss opportunities, become less competitive, and lose business

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About The Leaning Tree Marketing, llc:  The Tree was established late 2009 to offer local business many years of advertising, marketing, sales, research and promotions experience.  Today, The Leaning Tree has become an expert in branding, bridging the gap between traditional and digital while harnessing the unlimited potential of digital marketing for business success.

Social Media position in the Sales Funnel to your Website

Social media can be used a variety of ways depending upon your business, amount of time you can dedicate, it’s relevance to your audience, and how creative you are.  Social media is not a “one-size” fits all application;  every channel has unique strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.  One thing you can count on for sure?  Constant change!  If you’re a business who wishes to unfold the many benefits of social media and become part of the emerging trend, you must be prepared to change….and update…and monitor…and tweak….FREQUENTLY!

Social Media is Complementary:  There are plenty of myths out there regarding how to use social media for business.  In my opinion, social media should neverreplace what your website is designed to do.  Social media is complementary to your website, your brand, and any other major media or ad campaign that you implement.  As a matter of fact, social media can stretch out your dollar to create a much broader reach and frequency.   Don’t play copycat.  Put your creative hat on.  Those businesses that lead the way will benefit most from new ideas on how to harness the power of social.

Social Media is New Word of Mouth:  Maybe it hasn’t replaced face-to-face completely, but it is undoubtedly a BIG change from traditional networking.  Friends+Customers+Vendors+Family+Community+Brand+Products+Services+Employees = a great way to communicate!  You couldn’t possibly reach all these people as quickly in person as you can online.  It’s that simple.  In addition, social media is a great way to learn about your customers.  Unveiling the information behind it will allow you to plan better, and make adjustments to keep your business aligned with what people want and need.

Social Media is on Google Radar:  Yes, it does help your organic ranking for search results.  That ranking is dependent upon a few factors we know, and many that we don’t.  Your digital competitors, keywords, content, comments, followers, friends, links, reach, and relevance are a handful of likely influencers.  You can find out how your current social media strategy is working by doing a simple search for your business.  Be sure to ‘clear your history’ by removing ‘cookies’ from your browser prior to each trial.  Type some key search terms into a search engine and see how your business appears differently in each.  *Leaning Tree Marketing Social Success for Local Business

Social media in the Sales Funnel:  Social media platforms and the impact each has on the path to a sale will vary greatly.  (See chart.)  Convertro used multi-touch attribution technology, reviewing 500 million clicks, 15 million conversions, and three billion impressions in 1Q14 to build this report.  The middle of the sales funnel is where social media has the biggest impact. It’s an excellent influencer, a great way to deliver brand messages and build awareness in the research phase.  It’s also a great way to push out your competitors and prevent them from stealing your lead.  (That’s a big bonus!)

Research has shown that investing money on social channels will create a significant lift in conversions to your website.  Maybe try a few creative ideas organically, before investing a bunch of money?  You really can build your business using social media.  Remember to use it as a compliment or enhancer if you will, to other strategies, set realistic goals and keep your eye on the prize!

Leaning Tree Marketing, LLC

Free Survey App: Survey Monkey

Basic free features of Survey Monkey:

• Easy Question Creation.  15 different choices regarding types of questions, (rating scales, multiple choice, etc.)  Option to use templates and certified questions from their question bank. The free version offers 10 questions per survey and up to 100 responses.
• Custom Landing Page URL.  This is pretty cool…you can create your own survey URL destination to use as a promotional landing page.  Get creative with the URL so that it’s picked up in search results & add it to your website and social media outlets.
• Response Collection & Reports.  Real-time survey results are sent right to your email, social site, weblink, or embed directly on to your website or blog.  (Easy viewing from any device.)  Or, login to Survey Monkey anytime to view them.  (Can’t download though.)
• Customer Support.  Email only.

Advanced “Pro” features include: 

• Custom Branding.  Add your logo, company info, color choices, etc.  More options depending upon the Pro Option you choose from.
• More Robust Reporting.   Real-time charts, graphs, and filters with cross tabs to download in a variety of export options.
• More Legitimate Answers:  Questions and response validation, random assignment (A/B testing) and randomization.
• Interactive Surveys & Downloads.  Use “skip logic” and question piping.  Download results in Excel or PDF format.
• Access to Millions of Respondents.  Choose from the Survey Monkey general U.S. population audience respondents, or narrow down more closely to your desired demographic or geographic areas.
• More Security.  Including SSL/HTTPS and HIPPA compliant features.
• Better Customer Support & “Thank You” Page.

One more thing…here is a quick little article regarding the significance of adding photos to your surveys.  Interesting!

Download free app from reputable locations:   

Mobile or Tablet:   mobile or tablet download here!

Loss of Entrepreneurial Spirit?

It’s interesting, with popular shows like “Shark Tank” on broadcast TV, millions of people may be under the impression that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, but the opposite is true.   Unfortunately, there are more U.S. businesses dying than being born.  Venture capital investment declined considerably in 2008 and 2009, but the problem really became apparent at in 2010.  Since then, the problem has worsened significantly with each sub sequential year.

Recovery from this issue will continue to be postponed until new policies, and support for small business is placed a priority in the United States.  As another small business closes down in my community, this is clearly not a good time to start new businesses, so what can we do?

Support Small Business today! 

Collectively, we can make a difference.  It all starts with appreciating the small businesses that are in your communityright now.  Visit sites like “INDIE” search website where you can search for or add new local favorites.  (It’s a donation based site, and will cost you nothing.)

• Eat less at chain restaurants & more at a locally owned and operated restaurant.
• Visit the farmer’s Markets or buy groceries from a local grocer.
• Buy a car, your coffee, beer, gifts, etc. from a local business.  Many are found in downtown areas. 
• So all can hear, write good reviews for your favorite local business!  (This is HUGE!)
• Tell Congress how online-only businesses are hurting your community.
• Teach your children about the American Dream and why it’s important to do the same. 

Congratulations!  Your participation will encourage the return of economic wealth and stability to our beloved USA!

ROI, What's Working hard for your Business?

It’s important to be sure that money invested  on advertising is leading to solid profits for your business.  Use the abundance of information from your website analytics to help determine ROI, and tweak campaigns that could use some improving.  Google analytics provides the most plentiful data so be sure to attach the Google analytics to your business website.

Cool Google Analytics Apps you can download: https://www.google.com/analytics/apps/results?category=Reporting%20Tools

ROI:  Use ROI information for future planning, so you can spend your budget according to what’s working best for your business. ROI is the ratio of your net profit to your costs.  The exact method you use to calculate ROI depends upon the goals of your campaign, but one way to define ROI is:

 (Revenue – Cost of goods sold) / Cost of goods sold. 

Conversions:  Another great way to determine the return on investment is to pay close attention to conversions. So, impressions are great for branding, but if you have a million website impressions and no sales, then how are they really working towards the growth of your business?  A conversion is basically a customer ‘action’ that you find valuable.  (In business, we like action!)  A conversion action could be a purchase a website lead, a phone call, an e-mail, a download of some sort….you get the idea.  A conversion is an action.  What actions you decide are best to measure are completely up to you.  To determine ROI from conversions:

(Revenue measured by conversion – your overall costs) / your overall costs

**If you do paid search advertising with AdWords, you’ll need to link your analytics account to your AdWords account before information will be made available.  Also, the information you receive from your website analytics may differ slightly from the analytics you receive from AdWords.  Note from Google regarding differences in data 

Identity Thieves are on the Rise

Business name Hijacking.  Recently, a Beloit, WI business reported that it was a victim of a “name hijacking.”  The hijack was in the form of a duplicate website being created, nearly identical to the business website.  The criminals behind fraudulent website scams use the online storefront of your business to collect data, make threats and ultimately collect money.  They will sometimes use a website like yours, but with a different suffix.  (Instead of “.com” they will use “.net”)

• Be vigilant.  Start by monitoring your company name and address on the internet.  Do this on a regular basis because if you find fraud in early stages, you’ll be more likely to recover.  Your reputation and future business is at stake.  If you don’t have time to do this on your own, hire a professional.
• Report cybercrime.  File a complaint with your local police departmentand the FBI’s cybercrime division.  They can investigate and have the scam site shut down.  In the meanwhile, put a “scam alert” on yourown website.  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is another valuable resource.

Investigate Suspicious Activity such as requests to verify orders you didn’t place, receiving phone calls to verify business details, and invoices for things such as storage and shipping charges that don't make sense.

Credit Cards vs Debit Cards. Your business credit card offers far more fraud protection than a business debit card. With debit cards, if you wait too long to report the fraud, your bank account could be cleaned out and your bank might not reimburse you.  Credit card or debit, use caution when purchasing from an ATM, even to purchase gas “Skimming devices” are very difficult to detect!  

• Avoid using ATMs which are poorly lighted. 
• Choose a bank ATM over standalones.
• Protect your pin by covering the keypad with one hand.
• If anything looks unusual, give it a wiggle.  (Loose parts, suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage are all red flags.)

Identity thieves are on the rise.  The best prevention is education.  Be aware and stay square!

The marriage of Yext and MapQuest

A few months ago, Mapquest and Yext tied the knot.  From the outside, it seems  like a strange partnership, but I'm sure they have their reasons.  (It's obvious that one reason is to make more money.)  I have tried Yext and found it's reports to be incorrect and misleading.  However, MapQuest has some nice features.  Most importantly, 3rd party sites such as MapQuest are especially important for small business to increase online visibility.  

The new marriage has confused MapQuest listing generation, claiming, and updating.  You will now find it difficult to create or update a MapQuest listing without it looking like you have to pay for it.  (Key word, "looking like.")  Let's be clear, you don’t have to pay for a MapQuest listing for your business if you following my advice below.  Good luck!   

First-hand advice, “follow this method, and you won't be charged”

#1  Search to see if you have an existing listing for your business:  http://www.mapquest.com/

#2  If you find it, claim it.  You’ll need to go BACK to http://www.mapquest.com/ and ‘sign in.’

#3  ‘Sign in’ is in the upper right corner.  When you get there, you’ll see how an account can be setup using your Facebook account.

Important:  If your claiming process comes to a request for payment, you are on the wrong path....go back!

 Side note:   I researched the results of my business Yext report and found the data to be incorrect and misleading. Yext is a computer program, not a person.  The best way to manage your online reputation is to do it yourself, (if you have an extra 10 or so hours per month).  Google, Yahoo and others have some nifty online tools.   Your online reputation is at stake...if you don't have the time, hire a professional like The Leaning Tree Marketing.

How the weather affects business profitability

Last week, news and authorities urged people to stay indoors to avoid life-threatening cold conditions.  Schools closed, businesses closed, and most of us went into a hibernation state of living.  The last time a city in Wisconsin was close to -18 below wind chill was 1979. 

Although this extreme weather is not typical or frequent, there is still a legitimate concern regarding how harsh weather conditions effect business.  (Both positive and negative.) While it's true nothing can be done to prevent the weather, the way consumers and businesses react is quite interesting.   

According to Bloomberg Blizzard Business, these businesses are in higher than usual demand:

·         Home Depot, Lowes

·         Energy Companies

·         Generator Companies

·         Hospitals & Care Clinics

·         Snow Removal Companies

·         Online Retail

More than the weather the affected BonTon's sales, here's an interesting article:  

When people postpone buying, it can be a real mess for retail.  “Bon-Ton says stores stung by bad winter; warns of possible 2013 loss…”

Article from The Wall Street Journal:  The Weather Channel forecasts what consumers will buy and where advertisers should place spots.

There just isn't a good amount of research to share regarding the effect of weather on small business, but I could speculate that the experience is far more extreme.  For many businesses, the influence of weather is very real.  If the same weather doesn’t repeat itself each year, sales results will fluctuate.  So much so, that it’s often built into sales forecasts along with potential economic and specific marketplace conditions. Because weather absolutely affects the bottom line, companies big, and small, must constantly prepare and react to the changes and challenges that come along with it.

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