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Marketing Tips From Boss Lady: Part 3 & 4
Mar 02, 2019
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Furthermore, I’ve found that being in charge of your own operation brings about challenges to previously-held norms. In other words, there are plenty of “known truths” that we all think are virtually unbreakable. However, when you’re thrust into the spotlight as your own CEO - it doesn’t take long before your perspective on many subjects starts to change.
So, one question that I’ve been wrestling with recently is - what do I believe? More specifically, having faced a number of unique challenges at Sisu - what does it take to re-evaluate your own point of view?
In the latest edition of my “Boss Lady’s Marketing Agency” blog series, I’ll take you through two scenarios that represent challenges to my personal and professional outlook.
3. Friends and Family Should Not Be Your Clients - Period!
If you have a big heart like me, it’s very easy to seek opportunities to apply your skills in helping those who mean the most to you. However, even if you have the best intentions - working with loved ones can lead to more headache than positive results. First, there’s a tendency to over-promise people that mean more to you than words on an invoice. In other words, you either give them white-glove service for next to nothing - or you assure them that their wildest dreams will come true.
As a result, you’ll put yourself in a no-win situation. For example, you’ll either underdeliver or overcharge - both of which will lead to awkward conversations at Thanksgiving or during your next happy hour. Take it from me - mixing business and relationships with those who you care
about most can affect your ability to keep things on an even keel with people who mean more to you than getting paid. As great as it is to work with people you like, it’s best to treat your “work friends” and your “friend friends” as separate groups.
Simply put, keep your friends and family as friends and family - not as clients that are keeping the lights on for your marketing agency.
4. It Is Okay To Say No!
Throughout my career, I’ve always been known as a workhorse. For example, if something needs to get done or is asked of me - I’m going to find a way to get it done. Ultimately, having a reputation as someone who says “yes” and finds a way is never going to hurt. However, there are limits to saying “yes”
to everything. As I’ve learned, part of being a true #bosslady is learning how to say “no” more frequently.
That said, I don’t want to suggest that you turn into a walking “negative.” Instead, the art of saying “no”
represents operating with selectivity and never straying too far from what you can execute. For example, I’ve been faced with difficult situations involving clients who want to expand their services. Furthermore, I’ve had to turn down promising new clients because I can’t support the workload requirements. In many ways, this is a great problem to have. However, you can’t go down the path of always saying yes to these requests.
If you do, you’ll start to miss the mark and will get away from what you do best. Ultimately, you have to stay on target with your values and never get too far away from what made you successful in the first place.
Okay - I realize that this blog may seem like it had way more “no’s” than “yeses” in it. However, my intent is not to make you believers in the negative. Conversely, it’s important to balance your professional aspirations with the demands of others - and making sure that you’re not stressing out over maintaining personal relationships or stretching yourself too thin. Rest assured, if you learn how to keep your friends in check and strategically say “no,” it won’t be long until the lemonade starts to flow.
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Google Updates Google Search Algorithm May 2020 Update Small businesses need to be on the lookout for impacts on their local SEO. Early data shows the update is ranking directories and aggregate listing sites higher while reducing search positions for pages with minimal content. BUT... as with any update... give it a few weeks to see how the algorithm learns and adjusts. Until then, you may see a fluctuation in search rankings. One thing to keep in mind is the continued focus on search intent with this update. If you haven't shifted your blog content to focusing on user intent keywords, then now is the time to do so! Google Surfaces - Product Listings Free For years it was only possible to have your products listed on Google Shopping through paid ads. Google announced they are allowing brands to feature their products through Google Surfaces for free. This is huge for small businesses! You can opt into Surfaces by creating a Google Merchant Center account. Google Local Inventory The next awesome release from Google is the ability for local retail businesses to list their local inventory on Google Surfaces for free. Buyers will be able to shop local inventory without having to visit the store.