I'm not a fan of 'new years resolutions', since that always seems to imply I should make another things-I-should-do list, not things-I-can't-wait-to-do list. What do you WANT to do for your business this year? What would bring you joy? What kind of risks are you dying to take or is it a good year to let your business mellow into a comfortable state? 

Here are a few major things from my 2012 business bucket list:

• Prepare new material for group social media workshops
• Explore two new target markets
• Take nextstepYYC through the year successfully
• Make time for my own health (yes, that affects my business!)

What's on yours?

Tracy Blaine (The Write Support) is offering her expert advice on editing and writing your own business correspondences. I will be providing some guidelines for shorter online writing and social media posts. There will be an introduction by Kim Page Gluckie of IAMPTE on how the right message can make your business more money, so there's something for every entreprenuer. Plus, you can rely on great marketing tips from Kim!

Well, I'm looking forward to it. We will be providing breakfast snacks and hands-on help for your biggest writing questions. Everyone welcome!

To warm up your writing muscles, be sure to read my article, "Three Online Writing Myths You Must Know."

Wish you were a better writer? If you are a small business owner, you probably tend to do a lot of DIY. If you aren't in a position to hire a copywriter, or if you just want to improve your writing skills to better represent your business, you should join me in my upcoming workshop.

I am co-facilitating the business writing and editing workshop, "Making Your Messages Make You Money" through IAMPTE with Tracey Blaine of The Write Support. Kim Page Gluckie (IAMPTE Founder, best-selling author and owner of MPowered Marketing) will be introducing the workshop with an overview of marketing and why writing well is important to your business. Then Tracey and I will be teaching you rules, style, tips and tricks to writing everything from 140 characters and up! This includes blogs, social media, brochures, ads, e-books, emails, letters, website text and more.

Bring your ideas, business cards, notebook and a writing or editing project that you are working on. There will be time in the workshop to get feedback, ask questions and start some work on your own projects. The venue is unique and intimate, so there is limited room for about 30 people! For this price, they'll go quickly! Here are some event details:

• Saturday, October 29; 9am-12:00pm
• $35 for Early Bird Pricing (offer ending October 3)
• Held at Visual Hues Photography Studio, Marda Loop (Calgary)
• Everyone welcome (you don't have to be a small business owner, even!)
• Refreshments and snacks provided
• Warm atmosphere - let your hair down

Register now to hold your seat. 

See you there,

Kali

 <---Ever seen one of these jobbies?

Yep, they're called QR Codes. Here are some quick pointers on what they are, why they are around and how your business might use them in your marketing materials.

Who are they for?

Generally speaking, QR codes are for your customers or potential users who are in a hurry.

What do they do?

They're essentially a barcode that tells your mobile device what to do or where to go. You then have instant access to things like:

• detailed product information (technical specs, information on a new home, nutritional info)
• location maps
• event registration
• purchasing an item
• a link to a video
• instructional text
• participating in a contest (link to a hidden contest URL)
• downloading full contact information

How do you use one as a customer?

If you see a QR Code, you are supposed to scan it with your smart phone or mobile device. Your phone has to have a camera. There are a number of downloadable Apps to "read" the codes for free.

How do you use one as a business?

Create your own QR Codes using a free generator. You can support a Calgary business by using QGen or do lots of nifty customizations using QR Stuff. Here are my best tips for starting out with QR codes:

DO use QR Codes to cut down on ad space & be creative.

DO use QR Codes to save your customers time & hassle.

DO use QR Codes to provide useful information.

DO tell your customer what the QR code will do or where it will take them.

DON'T use QR Codes on absolutely everything.

DON'T use QR Codes in place of typing a simple phone number or website.

DON'T use QR Codes just because you want the appearance of "keeping up with the times."

DON'T put a QR code and nothing else on an ad. It's kind of like spam and it's not trustworthy.

Have you seen a QR Code used in an interesting way? Click here to read about one company in Korea that's doing it right! Good luck out there.

System Sizzler: Using Hootsuite to Make Your Social Media Life Easier

Enjoy!

Social media basically gave birth to my business. Yep, really. I'm very much a technology person, but even I started Twitter as a cynic. Now I see that my business wouldn't be nearly as successful without it (and I have launched the online presence of two clients since last year who might say the same). What I truly didn't expect was discovering that there is a uniquely human and organic power in social media. Yes, it's about marketing and fascinating analytics occasionally, but it's essentially a tool to build relationships, break down social barriers and share with others. The social media crowd is engaged and smart enough to see through gimmicks (and spam). It's a grassroots marketer's dream! I'm just making friends and offering my help. Really, that's all it is when you boil it down!

I'm happy that more businesses are realizing that social media isn't a fad. It can be a lifeline, when done well. It can show who you are as a human and as a community member. It's a chance to share your brand AND your unique personality. As a small business entrepreneur, your ability to build credibility through good customer service and outstanding people skills is what sets you apart from others. Social media has certainly done this for me. Plus, it's a very positive atmosphere, which makes it an easy place to be.

Want to know a staggering fact about Frontstep Communications? More than 90% of my clients, partners and inquirers find me through word of mouth and social media. It's amazing. I hope you've begun to experience this wild ride!

What are your successes and challenges when you use social media for business? How has social media impacted your sales, relationships and marketing? Drop your questions here and I'm happy to answer!