Make A Foursquare Deal of the Day; Your Customers Await!

What will YOU find on Foursquare?

I was in the neighborhood by one of the entrance's to the PGA Barclays Golf tournament at the Plainfield Country Club yesterday and through my iphone I can see that ZERO local businesses within 3/4 of a mile were utilizing Foursquare's "deals" to invite potential customers to their store!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCIpFEOS-II

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Posted in: barclays,challenge,foursquare,Networking,nj,pga,relationships,Small Business Marketing Tools,Social Media,Twitter,video,Virtual Assistant,wilner,youtube

Restaurant Owners - Invite Your Customers To BE Your Brand Ambassadors!

Restaurant owners, keep your brand clear and easy to find online. INVITE your customers to be your brand ambassadors. Let them know your on facebook, twitter, or foursquare with a simple sign in the window of your store.

Here's a short video of a great little place I found in Stirling, NJ. With my facebook "check-in " my friends local to it decided to go out to eat there too. Pretty powerful and budget friendly if you ask me!

http://youtube.com/nBfDZRLu6io

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Posted in: Facebook,foursquare,jenniferlwilner,nj,paulies calabria,Social Media,Twitter

A "Foursquare" Find Success !

Day 5 of our video challenge- and I'm excited to share a "Foursquare Find Success" with you!

If you don't have flash, just click on the link below to watch this 1.37 min video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6nOtK-BDWs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

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Posted in: Facebook,foursquare,jenniferlwilner,jenniferwilner,Social Media,Virtual Assistant

Customer Service

Today while visiting IKEA (a large self-serve home
furnishings store), I noticed this twine dispenser in their loading area
outside.

Wow, I thought, what a great idea! Even after you’ve spent money, (and a lot of time walking through this giant store) IKEA finds a way to HELP you get your merchandise home.

That leads me to wonder — how many times does that happen in business? Do you continue to GIVE to your clients, either in the form of going above and beyond their expectations, send a LinkedIn referral or find a way to offer them value in your services that will undoubtedly bring them back?

The thought of feeling good about IKEA still remains with me now while I’m being a carpenter of sorts assembling my daughter’s new bookcase purchased there. Although I may not have needed their offer, it was there.

And, THAT’s what counts.

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Posted in: Entrepreneurs,Social Media

Do you spend enough time learning for business?

How much time to you honestly spend learning how to improve your business? The answer is probably NOT ENOUGH.

Most of us just go about running our business in “the same old way”, because we just don’t have the “time” to learn anything different and never consider improvement. But, there are more innovative ways to successfully improve your business.

Firstly, with all the advances in technology, help is only a keystroke away. One helpful tool is softwareadvice.com – this website helped thousands of organizations find the right software to help them run their business smoother and more successfully. Another business lifesaver would be to attend a Webinar – http://www.cfids.org/webinar/what-is-a-webinar.asp – so much more effective and efficient than sitting in a classroom all day; in a couple of hours you can learn a lot about taking your business to the mobile level. Web-based live-training can rival live in-person courses in content retention and learning application. Webinar training exceeds live courses also in ease of access and lower costs. A great example is: Monday June 6th, a live and FREE event called “How to Rapidly Grow Your Business With New Social Media Strategies.” The free seats are limited to the first 1000 people. Be sure to go here and secure your seat now before they’re gone: http://bit.ly/iTRjZ

AND, let’s not forget MARKETING to improve your business; no matter what avenue you use, marketing is like paying your bills on a regular basis and is the key to success for your business. So, devote time to marketing your business; because it is an intangible, most people don’t take the time they should to market their business, but then, their business doesn’t grow. The average business owner doesn’t really know how to market, but one way you can learn is by using your network of business associates and mentors – try asking the question on Facebook and see how many instant helpful responses you will get. Also, there are many online courses that offer simple marketing skills for all levels of business experience. Regardless of how you improve your skills, you need to commit time to marketing – the “time” spent will be well worth the effort.

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Posted in: Entrepreneurs,Facebook,Mentoring,Small Business Marketing Tools,Social Media,Webinars

My favorite multi-tasking tools are mobile!

Grocery shopping at the super market is my least favorite thing to do, but unfortunately, I have to eat (I guess – although I might lose some weight if I didn’t) so therefore, a couple of times a month I have to make the jaunt to the Super Market and spend endless time shopping and handling each item at least 6 times – 1) take it off the shelf and put in the basket 2) take it out of the basket and put it on the check- out counter 3) take it off the counter and put it back in the basket 4) take it out of the basket and put it in the trunk of your car 5) take it out of the trunk and carry it into the house, 6)take it out of the bag and put it away – whew – I’m tired just writing about it!! Personally, I have much better uses for my time than dragging myself up and down the length of each isle and standing in endless lines. Every spare moment is precious to me and I can’t see spending time in the Super Market waiting to be checked out. So, I‘ve been thinking – possibly, The advantages of shopping on-line significantly outweigh the disadvantages – especially in a money and time saving consideration. These are the points I’ve come up with:

• · You can see the total price of your shopping cart at any given moment which gives you the opportunity to make changes to your order.
• · There is no spontaneous or impulse buying – especially one of those items at the end of the isle put there purposely to entice you; you can really stick to your shopping list.
• · You can check your inventory right in your home and not have to guess if you ran out of something and avoid unnecessary buying.
• · Avoid Super Market “tricks” which draw us in. You are shopping from your home in a controlled environment.
• · Comparing prices of similar products is easy and convenient.
• · You can change your mind and eliminate items or add – you can see the dollar balance before you check out.
• · Get your shopping done very quickly – none of that endless walking around the store and dodging other shoppers to boot.
• · You can decide when you want to place your order and when you want your order delivered – arrange it according to your own schedule.
• · With the high prices of gas today – a big one is saving on Gas!! You can also include car related expenses.

Even though you may sometimes lose out on special pricing and spend a bit more on items, it will still be, in the long run, economically and financially sound to shop online

Remember – shopping online can be done anywhere – from your smartphone or even iPad – you can build your list during the week and set the delivery date you prefer – can’t get more efficient than that. Multi-tasking has never been easier. We are all so busy running our lives that it is so great when we can find a few tasks to set on “Auto Pilot”.

There is so much available to us in keeping our lives organized: Scheduling Twitter comments using web-based applications like Tweet Deck or Hoot Suite are truly fantastic. It’s a wonderful way to get your social media feeds out there in a timely, efficient manner.

Okay then – what’s your favorite way to multi-task; what kinds of systems do you prefer to keep yourself organized whether on or offline? AND, of course, then have more precious time to enjoy with your children and family or just yourself doing the things you enjoy.

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Posted in: Administrative,Mobile Apps,Multitasking,Small Business Marketing Tools

Sound business advice comes in small packages

“Be respectful, and they’ll respect you back”, “Do the right thing ; even if you really don’t want what the reward is” she said. Thats what she learned.

While my daughter was assisting me during a 3 night photo event for her sports league, it occurred to me how children learn & process what’s occurring in their environment.

I asked her what she learned from our duties as photo coordinator(s), and I honestly was not expecting THAT to be her response. Wow!

Sometimes in business as a service provider, we find there are instances where we have an idea for a client. Even if this is not our expertise, we want to share it with them to get their opinion.

The “reward” as my daughter put it , may be the acceptance of your project idea (just be careful and have a backup plan to fulfill it), and the respect of your client for being forward thinking!

In life, we are constantly learning. Sometimes we are just too busy to realize it. Slow down, and think about your day. You just might get a good tip from someone unexpectedly along the way.

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Posted in: Creative Thinking,Mentoring,Volunteerism

Cloud Technology Rocks!

Cloud technology is a lifesaver when you need to refer to files on the go. I use Google Doc’s to update and share files with clients and colleagues. Here’s a handy YouTube video explaining just how simple it is: ” Google Docs in Plain English” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA

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Posted in: Administrative,Database,iPhone,Small Business Marketing Tools,Technology

Twitter and LinkedIn for Social Media - Quick Tips for the Novice

Getting your message delivered to the right audience is important. Not everyone on Linkedin wants to read my full twitter feed. I get it, really, I do! Since I’ve recently learned I can select which twitter posts I can share on Linkedin, I wanted to share this Linkedin 101 lesson with you! It’s Pretty cool !

Here’s how:

1- Login to Linkedin

2- At the upper right hand corner you’ll see your name and dropdown menu select ”Settings“

3- At the bottom of the page you will see “Manage your Twitter settings” (see that below)?

4- In this box, you’ll want to choose “Display your twitter account on Linked in”

and “Share only tweets that contain #in (#li also works) in your LinkedIn status ”

And Voila! Now, your twitter feed will only selectively be shared to your Linkedin contacts. There’s a time and place for everything, right? Happy tweeting!

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Posted in: LinkedIn,Social Media,Twitter

Social Media’s Role in Real Estate Marketing

Today I met with a client, who, is really pumped about learning social media. She’s really just not sure how to incorporate it into her marketing campaign. We got to discussing Twitter and Facebook specifically, and I showed her some examples of how her colleagues in her industry are embracing it. More often than not as a business owner because you’re connected to every aspect of your business you don’t have time to be objective or creative for matters like this.

So this client eagerly asked “where do we start”? I suggested she read a handful of professional blogs (and twitter posts), to get an idea of what to talk about, dictate it on her Blackberry through an app like Dragon and then email me the file.

After reviewing her campaign, I can tell she is just absolutely overwhelmed. Who wouldn’t be?

So, I take 10 steps back and suggest she talks about some obvious topics her clients would want made known to lead into selling their home.

Its Springtime, topics are just blooming out of my brain for her…

If you find that you need a virtual “extra set of hands” for your business, let me know. You can write to me at: jenhwilner@gmail.com

Tell me, what would you like to hear about from yours truly? Feel free to comment below. Thanks!

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Posted in: Administrative,Facebook,Real Estate,Small Business Marketing Tools,Twitter,Virtual Assistant

Taking cues from the weather…..for business

Today’s beautiful Spring- like weather gave me the itch to open some windows and think thoughts of spring. To me, spring means flowers, warmer weather, and longer days enjoying fresh outdoor air.

Oh, and spring cleaning too. Yuck. Cleaning. Who enjoys that??

I’ve noticed a trend recently of colleagues discussing computer issues, and how after a few unfortunate crashes they fess up to admit the last thing they “clean” is the very tool in which their livelihood is based. Myself included. A few weeks ago, my laptop was running really HOT, even though it was really really cold here in NJ, I knew that was not supposed to be a source for heat in my home (ha ha). My brilliant husband very gently vacuumed out the fans, applied an air compressor, ran a couple diagnostics, a quick restart and voila! She’s running just the way she should. Ahhh….

As a Virtual Assistant, a lot of the projects I work on for my clients are stored in cloud technology, but there are the occasional brainstorming notes, and behind the scene docs that don’t get shared. These things have to be protected, so whether I backup with my Seagate external hard drive or a flash drive, I know our work is safe & sound.

So, let’s all listen to the signals Mother Nature is giving us. Spring is around the corner, but please don’t wait any longer to spring into cleaning your pc!

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Posted in: Desktop Maintenance,Mac,PC

How A SuperBowl Dinner Party Inspired Me

Last Sunday during the Super Bowl; an evening traditionally spent hanging with your friends around the TV and rooting for your team, we invited some colleagues over for dinner. We’re not exactly what you’d call football fanatics in our house, but, to stay connected I watched the game hoping I’d learn a thing or two.

During dinner my friend was attached to her Droid, checking her twitterfeeds & trending topics. Considering she’s works in social media I didn’t mind, I actually appreciated the sidebar conversation This made me think of how connected some of us have become to our online friends, and how having an online presence can makes us feel that we have to share “what’s on your mind” so to speak.

This all came rushing back to me when I sat down with a client and we discussed implementing social media into her marketing plan. I got that deer in the headlights look. After discussing her online marketing strategy for facebook & twitter & the importance of Linkedin (in her industry) she “got it” and was so excited to see results, she immediately downloaded all the apps to her Droid. (LOVE it! )

So the next time you “Google” something, and a blog, facebook page, twitter @name or any 1 of a myriad of social media show up in the results, chances are one of us Virtual Assistants are cyber-connected.

** a little factoid…we are avid techies (iPhone, ipod, Droid…)users in our family. Our 8 yr old gave her grandfather a tutorial (over the phone) on how to navigate his iPhone recently. Proud Mama!

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Posted in: Facebook,Networking,Social Media,Twitter,Virtual Assistant

Embracing Social Media for our Kids

Surprise surprise… A couple weeks ago I volunteered to handle the social media for our local nonprofit baseball/softball league. For no reason besides, helping them to attract players & build their buzz. Now mind you, I don’t solicit my virtual assistant biz as being an expert with social media, but I can manage to get my message out.

Just recently I’ve decided to ask my online friends Jessica Levin and Hilary Morris to share my message to their networks. I’m so glad I did!

Now, if I can just reach those middle school kids with cell phones to “like” their favorite baseball/softball league on Facebook I’d be ecstatic! By the way, the league is North Edison Baseball & Softball(NEBS) if you feel like being neighborly, stop by on Facebook & twitter (@NorthEdBBSB).

Social Media NEBS

PLUS

Makes for LOTS of happy ballplayers!

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Posted in: Facebook,Social Media,Twitter,Volunteerism

Introducing…..A New Me !!

Drum roll please…. thank you, thank you…. In the creative and exciting world of marketing/branding, we’re taught to always be ”on” to make sure our brand identity is out there. A colleague of mine brought up to me that possibly, my name for my business is “too much” for potential clients to remember. Gasp! Well, not taking offense to that (he has my best interests at heart after all) I put on my creative cap and got to thinking…. and without further ado… Ladies & Gents, welcome to…….. “Virtually By Your Side” !! Thank you ,thank you…. applause fades… Have a super weekend!

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Posted in: Small Business Marketing Tools,Virtual Assistant

Why you need a Virtual Assistant

In your busy day as an entrepreneur, you’re juggling a million things.

Clearly, your objective is to service your clients, increase your bottom line and grow.

So, why do you need a virtual assistant?

A skilled, reliable virtual assistant can help you with you multiple internet projects, calendar management, social media, etc…. They won’t be late to work (imagine that) can’t use weather conditions as an excuse for calling out; and as a fellow entrepreneur, I’d like to say we’re very creative and have great time management skills!

So, how do you find a VA that fits your business? I believe a good ol’ fashioned Google search is a good start, but there are also a plethora of VA networking sites online as well.

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Posted in: Entrepreneurs,Mentoring,Networking,Small Business Marketing Tools,Virtual Assistant

At your service. Virtually that is!

Recently in conversation a colleague asked me, “What exactly do you do?” To which I answered, “I’m a Virtual Assistant to Entrepreneurs!” “A what?” was her reply. So, for the rest of you who may have the same curiosity, here’s the basic definition of what a Virtual Assistant is.

Virtual Assistants are independent contractors who (from a remote location, usually their home or office) support multiple clients in a variety of industries by providing administrative, creative and technical services. With Jennifer L. Wilner Virtual Assistant Services, you can expect professional assistance to your business, including: Creating, Managing & Maintaining your MS Outlook database, setting up your appointments, managing your calendars, correspondence to Clients/Prospects with greeting card software, Research Projects, Social Media Marketing i.e.: Linkedin, twitter Facebook, YouTube and good ol’ fashioned mailings.

Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and small businesess owners can all benefit from the services of a Virtual Assistant. On a full time, or even temporary basis, there is V.A. that will suit your needs, professionally.

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Posted in: Entrepreneurs,Office Support,Small Business Marketing Tools,Virtual Assistant

Another New Years Resolution?

We’re all asked, what is your New Years Resolution? Ugh… so much pressure I say! How about instead, What if you are the sort of person, you want to be .. will you do to help another?

In addition to running a busy Virtual Assistant business (that I really enjoy), I’m a Mom, who enjoys volunteering in our community. Whether its with Cheerleading, Softball, or religion… I enjoy it. I feel good assisting other people, businesses & organizations, doing what I can , when I can.

Life has taken a big turn in the past 365 days for sure here in our house, between closing a business, starting another, burying our dear dog Dutchess and learning what I’m good (and not so good) at.

I believe if we can all take the time and include some sort of volunteerism into our day (as little as an hour a month) we’d all be helping someone else in a really big way. So my “resolution” is to keep it up, do what I can and encourage others to do the same.

You never know what an amazing difference you can make for someone else.

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Posted in: Mentoring,Virtual Assistant,Volunteerism