Struggling Entrepreneur

 

 45- PhoneTag can be good for the Entrepreneur [14:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of The Struggling Entrepreneur, we include a review by Tim Sullivan of a service called PhoneTag. Tim is a podcaster that has a show called The Selling Geek–this is a series that provides reviews of all the tech devices, gadgets, services and products that can provide productivity for the sales professional and delivers a potential competitive edge.

The Phone Tag service that Tim Sullivan reviews is part of podcast episode number nine from The Selling Geek podcast series. With written permission from Tim Sullivan, we are including an excerpt from this episode that provides us with his review of the service.

The value to the Entrepreneur that may have 4 or more voice mail messaging systems from various providers is quite substantial. Although Tim Sullivan targets this podcast series for sales professionals, this review is helpful for anyone that is an entrepreneur, small business owner or involved in any way with sales as part of the job–or even as a profession.

What is attractive to us is that PhoneTag is offering a free 30-day trial of the service to the listeners of the Selling Geek podcast. That is 3 weeks longer than what is generally offered at the PhoneTag web site. All you have to do is go to http://www.sellinggeek.com and look at the comments to the show, so that you can get the link for the free 30-day trial of the service.

What is interesting to note is that, as a busy sales professional who knows that time is a precious and sacred resource, Tim Sullivan was able to save about 2 hours per week as a result of the service. He tells you how in this episode. Also, as you will see, should you decide after your test period to adopt the service, the rates are not onerous.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Excerpt from episode 9 of The Selling Geek included by written permission from Tim Sullivan.

 

 44- Response for requests about Free values at New Media Expo 2008 [23:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of The Struggling Entrepreneur, we respond to the many email and other requests to receive more information about the FREE events, presentations, etc., at the New Media Expo during the August 14-16, 2008, time frame at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In our previous episode number 40, we discussed what the New Media Expo means to an aspiring entrepreneur.

We are grateful to all those who communicated their thanks and interest with the request to get more details about the free offerings at the Expo (for those who are limited by tight budgets, but who still want to participate and learn from other entrepreneurs about the latest in New Media, Podcasting, Blogging, Videos, etc.).

This business show and exhibition is the hallmark, central event for podcasters and New Media Titans.

As you will discover, this event is the result of the work from Tim Bourquin and his brother, Emile Bourquin, who have a podcast called The Podcast Brothers.

While this podcast series spends a bit of time in giving details about the highlights of the New Media Expo, it also delivers valuable content in the area of the Business of Podcasting, Video, blogging and New Media. In fact, the latest episodes deal with the attempt to standardize on metrics for podcasts and other new media channels for advertisers.

In this episode, we detail all the free attractions and events, which will provide you with 2.5 days of full education, presentations and entrepreneurs in action:

- Free Keynote Addresses for every morning;

- Free presentations in the Exhibit Hall Learning Theatre Stage Area that go on all day during the conference; and

- Free admission to all the booths and resources in the Exhibit Hall.

Please remember that the Keynote Addresses will take place in location N250 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In addition, we also mention the Concert at Bally’s Hotel that is scheduled for Friday night, August 15, 2008–however, please note: this event is not free; there is a $28 charge to get a ticket.

We plan to be there, at the Expo, at the PremiumCast.com booth, in which we will be describing to others how we became finalists in the Podcast Secrets 2008 Challenge.

In addition, we will be bringing you a daily report and update from the conference, including the Podcast Secrets Reunion on August 13th, as well as what’s new and interesting in the conference sessions, the exhibit hall, the booths, the buzz, and the presentations in the Exhibit Hall Learning Theatre Stage. They will be delivered to you as Special Episodes of The Struggling Entrepreneur.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

 43- YourLocalCity.com can promote your business and brand [37:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of The Struggling Entrepreneur, we discover an organization dedicated to promoting an entrepreneur’s Brand, Business, Products and Services by means of:

- referrals;
- word-of-mouth marketing tactics and campaigns;
- web and electronic syndication
- representation and promotion at events and shows;
- e-chambers via local Chambers of Commerce
- etc.

To get the details of how this team can assist Entrepreneurs in promoting and growing their reach and business, we spoke with Trish Beach, who is the District Ambassador of Your Local City.

In speaking with Trish, it is difficult to imagine that she had considered herself timid, shy and petrified at the thought of presenting to others or that she would have a set of polished communications skills. However, her enthusiasm for her business –from which he has converted into a full-time enterprise from a previous part-time venture– comes through very strongly in the discussion.

For small business owners or entrepreneurs that do not have background or experience in marketing their brand and business, this organization can be the “promotion and marketing arm” that may be needed. For instance, if a small business owner really should be exhibiting at a local Entrepreneur Expo, but cannot take the time away from the business to prepare and then exhibit all day and get the leads and referrals–well, then, this group can represent the entrepreneur, promote the business and its products or services, as well as get the leads. It can also develop and support the business with a back-office support program, banner ads, click-throughs on a supported web site–and much more.

What was interesting to note is that Your Local City is starting to grow nationwide–as the districts are starting up in states like California, New York, West Virginia (and not just in Texas any more).

This group offers free consultations to answer any questions for inquiring small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Copyright (c) 2008, Matrix Solutions Corporation. All Rights Reserved.