Location-Based Networking & Small Business

As we noted in a previous post, location-based apps and games (FourSquare, Gowalla, MyTown, etc.) are all the rage in the social media realm. But as with many new tech's and trends, it is still unclear why and how these tools should be used by small businesses. That said, a number of small businesses are leveraging these tools to drive more business and increase customer engagement. It may not be for all SMB's, but a few specific types of businesses that should take a hard look include:

• Retail - Because these apps focus on location, they make for a perfect match for retail businesses. Uber-local promotions can be offered to consumers who are checked-in at nearby locales. Imagine the power of receiving a notice of a 40% sale for a retail shop next door while sitting in a Starbucks. 

• Bars, Restaurants & Coffee Shops - Think of it as a digital version of a buy-10 get 1 coffee card or the mug club at your local bar. These tools allow owners to track and incentivize their most loyal customers for checking in frequently. Some shops are going as far as offering free drinks to the person who has checked in the most (or the mayor as foursquare refers to it) 

• Direct Sales - Any SMB who relies on networking and outside sales to create new business can benefit from these tools. By engaging prospects with location-based tools online, a bridge can be created between real-world and online footprints. A sales-person attending a conference or networking event can use the tools to create additional opportunities for dialogue with prospects while on-site at the event. 

 

Aptela - 1. Snowpocalypse – 0.

Why the DC area's big snowstorm isn't getting in our way of doing business!

The east coast was hit by a serious snowstorm this weekend. I know many of you that live up north or out west are shaking your heads at us rookies. But, this was a significant storm. And while I was out shoveling this weekend, I said to a neighbor, "How do people deal with this all winter long?" My neighbor then reminded me of the obvious...they're prepared and it's the norm.

While we're enjoying the beauty (and novelty) of this storm, which dropped about 32 inches of snow over a 24 hour period here in the DC area, it has definitely impacted our normal routine, including our ability to get into the office. Here at Aptela, we knew the storm was coming. We already had a plan in place for situations like this storm and we quickly put it into action. The great thing about our phone service is that we are all connected - whether we're sitting a cube away, a county away or even a few states away! Here's how we stay connected:

Read the rest of this post.

Cheap Back-up Tools for Small Businesses

These days, more and more of our work takes place virtually. If you are a small business owner without an IT department like I am, backing up your computers may not always be top priority. With just a few minutes though, you can set up a system that will help in the event something happens to your machine or worst, your office. Three tools I use:

• Time Machine - An automated back up tool from Apple, Time Machine backs up my laptop to an external hard drive each time I plug it in. I strive to be sure I've connected and backed up least once a week using my 500 GB LaCie Rugged Hard Drive.  PC owners should check out the Windows Backup and Restore Center.
• Dropbox -  With Dropbox, users simply choose or create a folder (or folders) to sync. Any time a file is added, edited or deleted from the folder on your computer it will be synced with your Dropbox account online. Dropbox is much more than a back up tool, and could warrant a post in itself. Take a look at their demo video to learn more. Up to 2GB of storage is free, with 50 GB running $10/month. 
• Mozy - Similar to Dropbox, Mozy backs up all your files on the web. It's ideal for those looking to back up large amounts of files or media (photos, music, etc.). Mozy has free plans (up to 2GB) and paid plans for as little as $5/month with unlimited back up storage. Mozy also allows the user to back up his or her files at specified times such as during off hours or over the weekend, meaning your network won't be strained during business hours.

For me the most crucial component of a backup tool is its ease of use.  All of the options mentioned above are simple to use, and happen mostly behind the scenes. I'm able to back up without interrupting my work. Spend a few mintues getting set up properly, and you'll barely notice a difference in your workflow. Then rest easily knowing you're covered. 

3 Small Business Tools for Finding Local Leads

In the ongoing battle between SMB's and the "big guys" small businesses have a number advantages that can help even the odds a bit; not the least of which is their local market. While many are using the social web to create new connections, many are missing the opportunity to create powerful relationships with those within their local community. There are a slew of sites and tools that can help. A few that I find most helpful:

• TwellowHood - A twitter search tool that allows users to see the most influential twitter users within their city or town. This is a great starting place for businesses who are new to twitter. 
• Meetup - A listing tool for local group meet ups, Meet Up allows users to see which groups are meeting locally. You'll likely be surprised with the number of activities that are happening within your local area that provide relevant learning and networking opportunities. 
• PlaceBlogger - Similarly to TwellowHood, PlaceBlogger searches for local bloggers within a particular area. 

In many cases, a shared local tie with a prospect breaks down many of the barriers that can arise when attempting to connect with new leads on the web. When leveraged properly these tools can be used to enhance your network both on and offline. For a more comprehensive list, check out this post from John Jantsch (@ducttape) on the Open Forum. 

SMB Resolutions for 2010

2009 has been a challenging time for most SMB's. Credit was tight, as were most customer & prospect budgets. It's been a year for bottom lines, ROI, and lead-gen. In the coming year, it's important that we remember to focus on a few areas we may have neglected as business owners in 2009. A few I'll be focusing on in the coming year.

• Innovation - A real focus on improving your product, service, team, or business as a whole. Dedicate time to finding ways to improve in ways that may not have an immediate tie to your bottom line. Treat it like a project, real deadlines will help ensure improvements happen.
• Continued Education - For both yourself and your team. Hopefully 2010 will be a year where the phone is constantly ringing, but be sure you continue to arm yourself and your employees with access to new smarts.
• Gathering Feedback - From customers and partners alike. It's amazing how sometimes we forget to ask how things are going.  Simply asking how you or your product could be improved creates an amazingly powerful dialogue. 

What about you and your business? What will you focus on in the coming year?

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