Marla's Answers to. . .THE INTERNET. . .WHO NEEDS IT?!!!

It's no secret, business executives, sales professionals and  marketing leaders are everywhere saying it and the numbers show it. Millions are on the internet exchanging ideas, recommending services and products to each other and shopping. If you're in business today and intend to be competitive in the short and long run, the internet offers plenty of avenues for free access to your prospective customer.  So, who needs the internet? . . .any business wanting a share of the staggering number of customers (millions) surfing the 'net daily!

SCORE-Ventura is well aware of the hotness of this topic so has included in its on-going workshop series a two day workshop covering several aspects of internet marketing starting with the basics and moving on through topics like keywords, adwords, pay-per click, content management, driving traffic, converting visitors to customers and much more. This one, of an ongoing series of workshops, is titled. . .

WEBSITE MARKETING, STRATEGY, SOCIAL NETWORKING
(Nov 5th and 12th, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA - Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Should you or someone you know attend this workshop? I put a few questions out to the collective of SCORE-Ventura Counselors to hear what they have to say about why one might want to show up. Here is what long-time Accounting/Bookkeeping Professional and Business Owner Marla Blanchard had to say. . .

 Is Internet marketing for business really important? If so, why? 
ANSWER: Yes, internet marketing has the potential to reach an expanded audience that needs your product or service. One can market for free or for lower cost than print media. It is more viral than print.

Why should I even have a website when most of my business comes from referrals? I've already built a clientele based on my quality work and trust in the marketplace. 

ANSWER: More people are using the internet for finding what they need. If your existing clientele will refer you online, you might see even more business.

I'm too busy running my business. Where would I even find the time to tend to Internet marketing? 

ANSWER: Most businesses have “seasons”, the peaks and the valleys. During the valleys, why not set up a free page a day at one of the search engine sites like Yahoo, Google, or other sites like Yelp, Manta, Foursquare, there are hundreds. The more web presence the more prospects can locate you. Perhaps you have staff that it is internet savvy, or you might want to consider hiring a social media person for $50 a month.

There is simply too much out there to consider - websites, facebook, twitter, 4square, myspace, linkedin. . .where would I even start? 

ANSWER: Not all sites are good for every business. Do you like sharing your business expertise? Have you discovered quality content you think others might like? Try Facebook, or LinkedIn, a Blog, or Twitter. Try one at a time to see what works for your business.

I've done just fine advertising in the YellowPages and local Newspaper over the years. Why should I fix what's not broken by switching to the Internet to get customers? 

ANSWER: By using internet marketing for free or low cost, you can divert some of your advertising budget to another part of your business and save.

Again, this 2 part workshop happening Nov 5 & 12 digs deep into the subject of Internet Presence. If this discussion peaks your interest, get details or sign-up at:

 http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4vljwr401477f70&llr=9ke9fycab

Contact: phone: 805-204-6022   email: info@scoreventura.org   visit: www.http://ventura.score.org/

be on FACEBOOK with SCORE-Ventura where you'll find real-life client testimonials on the Video Page, learn about specific programs by clicking through the photos; keep up to date on special offers like the presently available Veterans Coupon Program