Todays post is by Sarah Kouse and account manager at SafeSourcing

Before the internet, smartphones, and social media, marketing was all about word of mouth and advertising through mailers, phonebooks, signs, etc. That was fine with the resources that we had, but today there are much more technical and creative ways to market yourself and make yourself a brand.

Today, no matter how small or large the company, websites are a necessity. When you first hear about something, where company, service or product, what is the first thing you do? If I could take a guess, I would say you would go on the internet and do a search about it and learn about what it is all about. The internet is a very popular way many people get their information today.  It also reaches a larger audience.

There are three important factors to a successful website.  A company’s website should be detailed with information about the company, contact information, what the mission of the company is, etc.  Another important factor to a successful website is having the company logo be big and visible and the website should be eye catching with colors that stand out.  Lastly, the website should be easy to navigate through and facile.

As important as a website is to help make a successful company, engaging in social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. are also very important. The social media networks have exploded in the professional environment just over the last five to ten years and it is only going to continue to grow.  For some people these types of services come easy to them and they know how to perform them on their own, but for others it is almost like speaking a foreign language to them. For the people that need assistance with these types of services, outsourcing this type of work so that it is performed properly and is looking the best it can look is a great option.

You may be thinking where do I even start, there are so many types of companies out there that do this type of work, and should I go with a local company to help or would a national company be more experienced, etc. SafeSourcing can help you find the best company for you to perform these types of services to help market your company in the best light.

If you would like to learn more about how SafeSourcing can help, contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments

Many of you have attended self-improvement seminars over the course of your career. This author and has attended dozens if not hundreds. The fact is that in most cases the underlying message regardless of who is leading the session is simple and to the point. There are all sorts of quotes that come from these sessions.

Here are a few, and I paraphrase here as I’m working from memory

1. Goals are nothing more than dreams with a deadline.

2. If you don’t write down your goals they won’t happen.

3. Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe he can achieve.

4. You are what you think about most

5. If you think you can you can and if you think you can’t you’re right.

During this time of year, we get the benefit of a do over from our failures from the past yea’s goals and resolutions. Most businesses close their books in December. So 2012, is over and if we were not successful, we get a do over in 2013. That is if we kept our jobs.

Every company, or at least those that want to be successful, develop an annual plan. This represents their wishes and goals. This normally takes months and follows a format of developing a strategic plan that is rolled out tactically by functional areas within the company such as finance, operations etc. Where most workers are concerned, the tactical plan is where you will interface.  In fact your boss has most likely already reviewed your departments plan for 2013 with his or her team.

So here’s an interesting question for you. Have you developed your personal plan to support your departments plan? Has your boss even asked you too?  I’m sure the answer to both questions is no for at least 90% of you. And there in is the reason I say that most of you will fail to achieve your goals or resolutions. The fact is that 80% of all New Year’s Resolutions have failed within a week and 98% have failed within 6 weeks.

The reason for the above is because the resolutions are typically to grandiose, not well defined or thought out and not written down. If this is the case with personal resolutions or goals, it’s safe to assume that it will be the same for your business goals or resolutions. Let’s hope not.

Typically each year I take a day to kind of free form my ideas and thoughts for the upcoming year. I do this for my personal life first and then for my business life. I basically write everything that comes into my head down. I then convert it to a permanent document that I can refine from high level thoughts to actionable items. This is a hugely important step as writing is a psycho neuro muscular activity that locks these thoughts into your brain and gives one a reference point to come back to. Now thoughts and resolutions can be turned to goals with actionable tasks. Success at this point is just a matter of time and energy.

If you’d like to discuss how SafeSourcing can help you realize your business goals and resolutions for 2013, please contact a SafeSourcing customer services account manager.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.