If, like most Alberta business owners and marketing managers, you’re on the wiser side of 30 years old, you probably remember Bob from Sesame Street singing about the people in your neighborhood. From the policeman to the dentist, his songs introduced you to everyone you could expect to see in the real world around you, and the list was always growing.

I think back to those songs at times, especially when I’m explaining the Internet, social media, and online marketing. In fact, I like to bring up Bob in my speeches and presentations. I have two good reasons for doing this. For one thing, whether I’m speaking to authorities in the Alberta provincial government or a group of entrepreneurs in Edmonton, almost everyone seems to remember Bob and what it’s like to meet “a person in your neighborhood.” And on the other hand, it’s a great analogy for the way the Internet has grown.

In its earliest days, the World Wide Web was mostly populated with a handful of young geeks who understood the basics of HTML code. In a relatively short amount of time, however, programmers started to appear as well, and then web designers who made pages more visually appealing, followed by coders who came up with custom apps and languages. The Internet just kept growing and growing – more and more people moved into the neighborhood – until we reach the point where we have search engine optimization specialists, social media advisers, online marketing gurus, community managers, and a lot more.

As the neighborhood has gotten bigger it has become more important than ever for the owners and managers of Canadian companies to know how these different types of professionals can help them grow their organizations and compete online. Just as we have reached a point where we realize the value that comes with having the right accountant, lawyer, or IT professional, having the right online marketing team on your side isn’t a luxury… it’s just good business.

The Internet has grown in complexity to the point where it’s difficult for any business owner, manager, or executive to know everything they need to master the subject. Luckily, you don’t have to – you just have to know who the right people in your neighborhood are.

Want to learn more about Internet marketing professionals, or have David come speak to your group? Get in touch with us today to talk about your event or business situation.

That’s actually a little bit of a trick question; the reality is that they have been for a while. With major search engines like Google, they are factoring in real-time results from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media sites, the trend of merging SEO and social networking began quite a while ago. And now, with Facebook’s introduction of more search features, Google’s +1 rollout, Google Buzz, and the gaining popularity of public profiles, it’s starting to show itself in a way that the average web user can recognize.

So what should you do with this knowledge?

There are two definite courses of action. First, you want to be absolutely sure that all of your content – including and especially social media profiles and updates – is optimized just as a webpage would be. That means paying attention to your keywords, using filenames that can increase your search positioning, constantly adding new updates, and generally paying attention to the ways people can find you. Google alone figures more than 200 factors into their algorithm for each and every search; you can bet they’re paying attention to what you post on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites, and will continue to do so going forward.

The second thing you can do is get full leverage out of your social media profiles. In other words, since search engines are going to factor them in and point to them anyway, make sure that potential customers can find lots of great things about you and your LinkedIn profile, Facebook fan page, and other social networking destinations. In a perfect world, one of your social profiles would do just as good a job selling you as your company’s home page would.

The lines between SEO and social media are blurring, but if you get into the habit of optimizing your content on both ends, that can be a great thing for your business.

Is your business falling behind on search engine optimization and social media marketing? Work with Calgary’s best to get back on track – contact eKzact Web Design And Internet Marketing for free consultation today!

Recently, we wrote about community managers – dedicated professionals who update your social media profiles, post new content, and respond to inquiries. While this is still a new position in most organizations, and one with evolving responsibilities, it’s becoming clear that having one, even on a part-time basis, can be incredibly helpful.

So the question is: does your small business need a community manager to keep up social networking?

Truthfully, probably not… at lease not any more than you occasionally need a plumber, an accountant, or a dentist. That is to say, you can definitely get by without one in the short term, but is it really worth it to do all of that work for yourself?

In most of the cases we see, it’s not. For one thing, there are just too many sites, with too many new features being added all the time, to stay on top of everything. But what’s more, community managers are becoming increasingly important because of something a lot of small business owners don’t even really think about: their online reputation.

Besides just posting pictures and generating tweets, one of the most valuable things a community manager can do for you is take a look at what other people are saying back to you, and about your business. Because the Internet is becoming more interconnected – not to mention updated in real time – and it only takes one or two negative remarks to put a long-term dent in your company sales. For all of the opportunities that exist for finding new business online, it’s more than prudent to have someone who’s looking out for potential threats to your marketing, too.

So if your company is planning on profiting from social media anytime soon, and it should, make sure you plan on including community managers in the mix. They can make the whole process easier and more efficient… but more importantly, they can help protect your reputation online.

Get the most out of social media marketing by working with Canada’s premier web design and development company, eKzact. Call us today and setup a free consultation – it might turn out to be one of the best things you’ve ever done for your business.

Many business owners have approached Bulletproof InfoTech over the past few months as the recession shows it’s ugly head here in the province of Alberta sharing the challenges with doing business in today’s new economy.  However, many of us are committed to maintaining the Alberta Advantage in our business and demonstrating to those around us that Alberta is still a wonderful place to do business in Canada.

Small Business owners have shared frustrations around the major US banks getting hand out after hand out.  The Big 3 getting bailed out and others with their hands out wanting more and more.  What about the small business owner in Alberta?   Who is helping them?  Bulletproof InfoTech with offices in Red Deer and Calgary is doing our part to help the Alberta Small Business owner out.

The Small Business Technology Stimulus Package has been designed to  assist a small business in each of Bulletproof’s core markets of Red Deer and Calgary.  The successful candidate who applies online at http://www.whataboutme.ca will receive much needed computer hardware, software, stuff for play and training needed  and also web marketing services to ensure and maintain the Alberta Advantage.

We are not doing this alone, many of Canada’s leading IT firms including DELL Canada, Microsoft, SonicWALL, Research in Motion, OperiTel Corporation, Scorpion Software, eKzact Solutions, Wi-Band Communications have come forward to help Bulletproof InfoTech help Alberta Small Business which contributions of services and product to help Alberta business.

What exactly will the successful candidate receive?

·         DELL OptiPlex Business Computer System
·         DELL Laser Printer
·         SonicWALL Security Appliance
·         AuthAnvil Security Token
·         Blackberry Smartphone
·         5 Microsoft based courses
·         Web site review from eKzact Solutions
·         Free pass to Blackberry Training in the Fall
·         Discount on Wi-Band Internet
·         One year free netSHIELD Basic (up to 5 systems) from Bulletproof

Bulletproof will be accepting online applicants at http://www.whataboutme.ca starting today and running through June 30, 2009.  Each business will be judged by a team of judges and the successful candidate will be award in July 2009.

For more information, please do not hesitate to call Stuart at 403.206.2233 or email stuart.crawford@bulletproofIT.ca

Cheers

Stuart Crawford,
Guest Blogger to DavidAWest.com

This Thursday a very special networking event is happening in Calgary.  Every month a group of Calgary Entrepreneurs link up to share business stories, ideas, concepts, relationships, build new friendships, network with each other, build strong alliances and learn from other entrepreneurs in the City of Calgary.

This month is no different!

On Thursday, April 9th, 2009 join Calgary Entrepreneurs for another wonderful and fulfilling evening of business to business networking, relationship building and learning.

Phil DaSilva of Investors Group will be sharing some great insight on areas of our businesses that many entrepreneurs overlook.  This one included.  The importance of protecting your assets, your business and your family.  As entrepreneurs we are so wrapped up in the day to day business activities that we often overlook those things that are important.

• What are you going to do later in your life?
• What is your succession planning?
• What happens if you become sick?
• What happens if you die?

Some soul searching questions and Phil will have some answers on where you can turn.

Cost to attend is only $5.00 and you can register at our Calgary Entrepreneur Networking Group site.

Event Date: Thursday April 9, 2009
Time: 18:30 to 20:30
Cost – $5.00
Location – Calgary Coast Plaza Hotel, Horizon’s Restaurant in the big room

10 years ago it was a tough sell to convince a small business that they should get a website. Today, most business owners and entrepreneurs turn to online marketing, and a website is usually first on the list.

There is more to online marketing today than just your business website. Are you missing the boat?

Read the recent post at my article on Web 2.0 & Missing the Boat here where we write about Calgary website design, marketing and other business related topics.

Web 2.0 & Missing the Boat

eKzact is sponsoring a new Calgary networking opportunity for Entrepreneurs who are blogging for business. This is not just another “bloggers” group…  Our focus is very much on business.

Who is this Calgary networking opportunity for?

If you are a Calgary business blogger or if you think you would like to better understand the power of blogging, then this group is for you.

Blogging for Business is a powerful way to generate valid traffic to your marketing efforts. By brining together a large group of Calgary bloggers we plan to work together by sharing ideas and by blogging about common topics. Furthermore, by blogging about each other we and help our members to leverage the power and ease of cross-optimization for each others blogs and marketing efforts.

Come and share writing ideas, tips and tricks. Build relationships and start cross-optimization of your blogs and business websites by writing about common topics!

This meetup is being co-hosted by me, David West a Calgary website design company owner and Stuart Crawford of Bulletproof Info Tech, a Calgary IT computer support company.

All people who Blog around a “business topic” or are interested in becoming a “Business Blogger” are welcome!

To learn more and join this group – click here and start blogging today!

Join Stuart Crawford from Calgary’s Small Business Specialist, Bulletproof InfoTech and George J Sierchio from Action Business Partners as we discuss one of the most difficult areas of business today, Partnerships.  Partnerships can help your business succeed in new areas with business partners and also allow you a bit of a safety net with others to share your risk.  Water dangers lurk beneath the surface when you go into unchartered waters?  George and Stuart will discuss and share some of our experience with business partnerships, what works? What doesn’t? What to do when you are doing all the work?  We will also share tips and tricks to bring your partnership back up to the surface or when you decide to abandon ship.

Listen live to Small Business Radio on Friday, March 13 at Noon Eastern/9 AM Pacific Time.  Listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smb.

Miss an episode, catch up on back editions online today.

Are you interested in being interview and sharing your story, email Stuart today at radio @ stuartcrawford.com

We presented the first Blogging for Business seminar in Calgary on February 19^th and received excellent feedback from the attendees. In fact one of the participants was so pleased by the value and quality of the training that she insisted on sponsoring another session for her networking group.

So, on March 19^th, 2009, we are re-running our Blogging for Business seminar and are proud be be presented by Ronda Bertram and Carman LeFrance, both Publishers of WOMANITION in Alberta.

Here is what Ronda Bertram wrote;

“Do you know what google alerts, keywords and adwords are? I attended Dave’s course on February 18, 2009. It was hands down the best business course I have attended on the most up-to-date information available about blogging. This one course alone can increase your business ten fold if you follow the easy steps that Dave gives you to create your own blogs, and how to cross market yourself on the internet, search engine optimization for the lay person and how to increase your ranking on google….”

If you are not blogging for business, you really should consider joining me and the group from Womanition on March 19^th at 10:30 am.

To learn more about me and the seminar, please visit the “Blogging for Business” seminar page.

Business Networking Works…

When I started our website design company over four years ago, the concept of networking meetings was something quite new to me. When the first networking group contacted me and invited me out to a lunch meeting, I actually turned them down. Thankfully, they were persistent and after a few weeks I attended my first meeting. I joined my first networking club.

I had a tough time understanding how meeting the same dozen people every week would bring me new business. The focus of the network referral club was to bring leads to other members. It worked fairly well in terms of my business, most of the referrals received were actual club members.  I really appreciate these early clients.

As our business grew, and as our website began generating more and more leads, my attendance at networking meetings declined. I no longer attend a regular weekly lunch meeting. Having said that, the early start we got through networking continues to pay off today. I gained a lot of new clients in the earlier years through these clubs. The relationships that were fostered continue to work for us. I consistently receive new business leads from the neworkers that I met years ago.

Great Leadership = Great Growth

The Calgary Entrepreneur Meetup is one of the greatest opportunities for business to business networking in Calgary today.  Stuart Crawford is the founder and current chair of this meetup. Stuart’s passion for the community is stronger today than ever before. His approach to giving prior to getting is admirable.

When do they meetup?

The Calgary Entrepreneur Meetup currently gets together formally one time per month. We have plans to increase this to include more frequent meetings including breakfast and lunch meetings. While the current meetings are held in the evenings, the odd alternative time will likely bring more members out. At last count there were over 500 members in the group – making this one of Calgary’s largest networking group.

What is it going to cost you?

The fact that the meetup is run 100% by volunteers is admirable.  The token fee of $5.00 per meeting is taken on a drop-in basis. There is no annual membership fees.

What will you experience at a meetup?

You will meet like minded entrepreneurs. Many of us own our own successful businesses. Some will be in the start-up phase. Some will be representing larger organizations. One thing that is common, we all come out to learn from each others experiences.

Where to you network for your business? Visit the Calgary Entrepreneur site today.

Tell me your thoughts on this… I would love to see your comment added below.

Cheers -
David A. West

2008 Calgary Extreme Office Technology Makeover

ekzact Solutions is pleased to be participating as a technology sponsor the the 2008 Calgary Extreme Office Technology Makeover. Organized by Stuart Crawford of IT Matters, Calgary’s leader in technology consulting and services, the Technology Makeover event is launching on Friday to correlate with the start of “Small Business Week” in Calgary.

“IT Matters would like to announce the launch of our 2008 Calgary Extreme Office Technology Makeover contest. This event will see one lucky Calgary Small Business win $50,000 in new technology and support from IT Matters and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. This contest is open to all small businesses throughout the city of Calgary who feel it is time for a change on how they use technology inside their business.”

With great sponsorship from:

DELL Canada
Microsoft Canada
SonicWALL
Acronis
Kapsersky Lab
itControl Suite
APC
Research in Motion
Syspine
eKzact Solutions
Clearpath SEO
Abcan Audio Visual and
many more great sponsors

The winning Calgary small business will have the ultimate small business computer network and business solution to drive them forward in 2009.

Solutions ranging from:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 (officially to be launched Nov 12, 2008)
Windows Vista
Office Professional 2007
Blackberry
DELL Vostro Workstations
DELL PowerEdge Servers
Syspine Response Point Telephone Systems
Internet Security and Spam Filtering technologies
Website Overhaul and Search Engine Optimization package

The Extreme Office Technology Makeover contest will bring one lucky Calgary Small Business into the modern era of technology. Flyers are available today. For complete rules and to enter, visit our website at http://www.extremetechmakeover.ca

Watch our blog or subscribe to updates to learn more about this topic.

I’ll see you at the Chamber on Friday!

Cheers -
David A. West

Stuart Crawford, a good friend of mine and someone I look to as a mentor in business, released his free eBook “Connecting the Dots to Business Success in Today’s IT Business”.  While the booklet was written for IT Professionals, it can really be used by anyone.

Stuart talks at length about the rapidly changed IT industry. He talks about customers and the role of a service provider. You need to understand where the market is today, and this is what the eBook is about. It is about “Connecting the Dots” today, so you can be successful right NOW!

Stuart wrote “Why is this book free?  …I am not charging anyone for this eBook, it is completely free.  Life is about helping others and providing assistance to our colleagues in the marketplace.  Life is about giving back to the community.  So pick up your eBook today!”

I enjoyed reading Stuart’s report and found many parallel’s between his thoughts on the IT Business and our business of website design and development.  Thank you Stuart, for sharing your thoughts and advice.

Get your free copy here – http://blog.itsuccessmentor.com/connect-the-dots

Hey – why not get Skype now and give me a call?

Cheers -
David A. West