Posts Tagged ‘Tampa networking Tampa Meet-up Tampa Web Design’

Redesign! Redesign! Redesign!

// September 30th, 2008 // No Comments » // Business

Now is a perfect time to redesign your website!! Have you bought a new computer since you last updated your website? Have you bought a new vehicle in your fleet? Have you moved to a bigger office? Well..don’t leave your website behind. I meet a lot of business owners who use the godaddy site builder as their company website, or better yet something they made in frontpage. Web Developers never use frontpage. How can you brand yourself with godaddy’s logo right there on the bottom of your website? Who is going to take serious as a legitimate business if you have someone else’s logo on the bottom? When is the last time you updated your website? Did you just build it and leave it..5 years ago? Search engine spiders will ignore your website if they never find updated content. People tend to also do the same thing. Business that don’t take their websites serious often have a difficult time getting out of the mom and pop stage a.k.a. start up. You can pawn it off as non important or one of those things you will get to later. But the reality of the situation is that everyone looks at your website before doing business with you. What is your website saying about you? Is calling you an amateur, or saying your the best in this industry?

21 Networking Hot Spots

// April 25th, 2008 // No Comments » // Business

21 Networking Hot Spots
by Shama Hyder

Networking is still the number one way to meet new prospects, get referrals, and build up your business. Here is a list of 21 networking hot spots:

1) Chamber of Commerce- A tried and true spot.

2) Any Business Journal Event- These are events sponsored by your local business journal. Think power breakfasts and educational seminars.

3) Meetups.com- There is a local meet up for almost every topic. Find one that you like or start your own!

4) Networking clubs- These exist for the sole purpose of giving and getting referrals. Hint: start by giving.

5) College alumni groups- You already share common ground!

6) Educational groups- Toastmaster’s, foreign language study groups, educational seminars. All great places to meet like minded individuals.

7) Civic organizations- Rotary, Elks, Kiwanis, Lions. Clubs named after animals. = )

8) Cultural events- Museum showings, library book clubs, symphonies.

9) Charity groups- Volunteer to help behind the scenes. You may be surprised at all the great people you meet.

10) Trade groups or professional associations- One place to learn about your company, your competition, and your clients.

11) The airplane- Get to know your seat mates. It’s great one-on-one networking practice.

12) Neighborhood associations- Get to know your neighbors…and gain access to who they know.

13) Happy hour- Good way to meet people in a relaxed environment…just don’t get too relaxed.

14) Parents of your children’s friends- Don’t overlook this important networking opportunity.

15) Health clubs- Don’t underestimate the power of a workout. You can lose weight and make friends.

16) Private clubs- Do your research and find one that attracts the type of clientelle you wish to serve.

17) Coffee or lunch- I always meet interesting people at Starbucks and Whole Foods. Don’t be afraid to say hi to new people.

18) Trade shows- A great way to find joint venture partners and learn more about what’s new in your industry.

19) Conferences- Conferences are educational and provide great networking opportunities.

20) Religious or spiritual organizations- Churches, synagogues, life-centers- establish yourself in the community.

21) Dog parks- Leverage your pets to meet with other professionals and fellow pet-lovers.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to ask me on the blog.

� 2008 Shama Hyder and AfterTheLaunch.com

WANT TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You may, as long as it remains intact and you include this complete blurb with it: Shama Hyder is an expert marketing consultant to independent professionals and professional service firms around the world. You can get her f’ree report, 101 Ways to Market your Business” at http://www.AfterTheLaunch.com.