Why Branding is Important for Belize Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

In Belize brand building seems to be strange term or not a priority to some entrepreneurs or small business owners. So I would like to share a bit about what branding is and why as an entrepreneur and small business owner it is very important to establish.

For those of you following the Belize Apprentice show you will notice how much one of teams focused on branding for one of their challenge in Episode 2. I found it quite fascinating since I had just finished writing this post about the importance of branding.

Now you don’t have to be a big bank or business like the Belize Bank to be focusing on branding, now is the perfect time to start building your brand.  I recently shared this post and it’s quite informative so feel free to check it out after you’re done reading this post.   Why Entrepreneurs Need to Brand Themselves First.

What is branding?
It is the reputation behind your business name and logo. It is what people connect with when the see your product, services or logo.
“Definition: The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.” (entrepreneur.com)

To put it more simply it is about who you are and what you want to be known for.

Why is branding important?

Your brand is what sets you apart from others. You get to create the impression you want people to have about you or your business.
Think for a second. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Builder’s Hardware, Love FM, Courts Belize?

What will people think of when they hear your name, your business name, see your logo, our product? This is why it is important.

Building your brand can help you encourage customer loyalty, build your business credibility,  set you apart from your competitors.

Having a solid brand helps you as the competition for customers are getting fiercer daily. Your brand is what your customers should be thinking of when having to make a purchase.

Now that you have a basic idea of what is branding and the importance of it it’s time to take action.

Do you have a brand? What is your brand’s story?

If you are interested in building your personal brand or a business brand feel free to contact me at socialmediaconsultingbz@gmail.com

Click here to find out how you can win a free session.

 

About the Author, Andrea Rodriguez

Andrea Rodriguez is a social media consultant passionate about helping small business owners and mompreneurs  in Belize get their business online and achieve success!

“Taking Your Business to the World”

You can connect with her at:

Twitter

Facebook

Google+

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Why You Should Start A Blog.

In my last post I hinted about the importance of blogging and so here I am again following up on that. I read an article today that mentioned that there are over 200 million blogs worldwide and about four million blog posts per day! Whew that’s a lot!
It may even seem more insurmountable for us here in tiny Belize. You may be asking why bother with a blog if most blog posts go virtually unread? Let’s look at a few benefits of having a blog…

•   Attract new clients to your business.
•   Gain Influence
•   Give you a huge reach
•   Improve your SEO
•   Sell a Product
•   Hosts contests and promotions

Check out these posts for more benefits: Biggest Blogging Benefits and Benefits of Business Blogging

So now that you’ve seen some of the benefits why not give it a try? Majority if the blogs in Belize are from within the tourism industry from what I have seen, promoting Belize and its adventures. What do you have that is different that you want to share?

Here are a couple of tips to get you started:

• Target your blog post to reach your target market
• Write down topics you think your audience will be interested in
• Practice writing  killer headlines
• Be consistent

…and you are on your way. It’s not as easy as it sounds but it’s worth it in the long run.

A good read – The 5 E’s For Successful Blogging in Belize
Here’s another excellent post with 5 tips to help you write successful blog posts.

Do you have a blog? Want to share what works for you? If you don’t have a blog, feel free to post questions you may have.

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Hello My Name Is Andrea

“Big Dreams Happen One Step at a Time.” ~Alexandra Levit

I have been taking a 30 Day  Mompreneur’s Challenge and one of the challenge is to introduce yourself… so here I am. 

I’m always curious to know who’s behind a brand and maybe some of you are like that too, so you should enjoy this post.

My journey began about 10 years ago when I met the man who I couldn’t even dream of, he’s way better than the one I dreamed up .

Soon after we were married I became pregnant and both of us decided that I would stay home with the baby. I promised that I would find something that I can do from home so that the burden wouldn’t be too great on him. So from then on I was thinking about what I could do. It was hard because I wasn’t sure what I was good at.

Two years later another sweet baby, our son, was added to the family and I was busy as ever raising our children, then it happened! A major blind side! My husband lost his job unexpectedly and boy was it hard. It literally turned our world upside down, after that I was more determined to find something, do something!  I applied for several jobs but my heart wasn’t in it, I wanted to be at home with my kids so when I didn’t get the jobs I was secretly relieved.

I had always loved decorating and planning events for my friends and for church. I started to actively pursue that but always ended up working for free. I told myself it was like training for me.  I had some really good friends who saw what I didn’t see in myself and kept pushing me to step out and pursue my dreams.

We had two kids in school and my husband was still without a job.  I remembered one of our good friend telling me about a part-time job at an Internet Marketing company and he recommended me. I went for the interview and got the job. It was a new and exciting experience for me, I discovered a whole new world and I loved it. I really enjoyed working with Heitha & Richard Beane from Belize IM.

Then I discovered that Baby #3 was on her way and I knew from past experiences that I would not be able to keep on working. So I had to leave that job and began preparing for the baby! While at home I began researching ideas about stuff that I could do at home. I tried a bunch of stuff, crafts, Avon, selling food etc… I then discovered social media marketing and I was like “this is awesome, I can totally do this!” My very good friend Mervin Budram from TAS Belize really pushed me and believed in me and gave me many opportunities to work with him which has been invaluable to me.I remembered going to meetings in Belize City with my baby because she was exclusively breast-fed and juggling nap times and consultations with clients for TAS Belize! It was exciting. That was what led to Belize Social Media Consulting!

My husband was and is my biggest fan, he has supported me and given me advice and help when I needed  it. There has been countless meetings where he would go along just to watch the baby. I’m sitting in a meeting for 2 hours and he’s out exploring with the baby nearby. Who could ask for a better man? Without him and the support of my family and friends I wouldn’t be where I am now and I wouldn’t be writing this post.

Last but not least, my faith in God has been my guiding light. I believe that all my creative ideas comes from the Lord, He’s the One who guides me daily. I have purposed in my heart to be an obedient daughter, to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. With Him all things are possible!

So I just got back from a spontaneous outing to the park planned by my 20 month old daughter, she won’t take no for an answer. She keeps me balanced for sure.  I am so blessed that I am able to work from home and get to spend time with my children and my husband. It’s not an easy task and often times filled with frustration or feelings of failure and doubt, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!  This is my story, this is my life.

So that’s my story! I would love to hear how you got started!

Fighting the “Crab eena Barrel” Mentality

We’re already 37 days into 2013 and I’m very excited to move forward this year. I want to go further than I’ve ever gone and defeat a few giants this year. I have lots of plans!

Speaking of plans… I’ve been thinking a lot of ways to get connected with other entrepreneurs in Belize and to form a support group/community. I have been a part of some amazing Twitter and Facebook communities that have been extremely supportive and motivating. However, it seems that  it’s a bit harder to do so in Belize.

Many believe that the  “crab in a barrel” mentality which simply stated is “if I can’t have it, neither can you.” is why it is hard for business owners or people in general to join together and support each other.

” The analogy in human behavior is that members of a group will attempt to “pull down” (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy,^[4] conspiracy or competitive feelings.” (Wikipedia)

I want to change that, I may be naive or too confident but I have decided that I will try! My first step is launching  a Facebook Fan Page Party on my page for all Belize business pages on Facebook.  It has been said numerous times that networking helps small businesses to thrive!  I want to see that happen in Belize.

So will you join me?  If you live in Belize and have a business page on Facebook I am inviting you! Visit my page for the launch this Friday!  https://www.facebook.com/BelizeSocialMediaConsulting

Facebook Fan Page Party Rules

• Please post your business page link from your personal profile, not your business.
• Feel free to write a little about what you do and what can be expected from your page updates. Encourage others to follow you!
• You may only post once during a party.
• After you have posted your link visit the pages you decide to like and leave a message  or a post let them know how you found them, eg. “Visiting from Belize Fan page Party”and leave a link to your own page.

Want to know more about what a Facebook Party is? Check out this article

Facebook Fan Page Parties: What’s all the fuss about?

 

 

Pay Yourself… Right After You Read These Tips!

I have been refraining from writing a new post because I realized that my blog needs to uplifting. It needs help and I need to learn some graphic design tips or something. So in the meantime I want to share with you all 6 tips I came across the other day that I felt we all could relate to as business owners in Belize.

6 Leadership Tips For Small Business Owners

1.Work on your Business, Not in It-

What would happen if you had to take an emergency leave or go on vacation? Would your business suffer or would it continue thriving?
You need to be able to work on your business and lay a good foundation so that it will continue to grow and move forward with or without you there.

 

2.Have a Plan and Work on it-

Do you have a plan? Long term? Short term? This is such an essential part of  your business. It reminds of my post about Real time. Don’t get so caught up in the now that you forget to plan long term or vice versa.

 

3. Find a Mentor -

Do you have a mentor? If you don’t now is a good time to find one. It is very helpful to have someone who you can share your ideas with, be accountable to and know you have his or her support. Be sure you find someone who will be straight up with you.

 

4. Keep an Eye on the Future-

James Martell says “A positive attitude is crucial in succeeding in your business.”  There are many tough days for business owners but if you think about what made you go into business and the goals you had set it will help you to remain focused. Hang in there! It will get brighter!

5. Honesty and Integrity

This is one of the THE most important aspects of any business, big or small. This is something that is seriously lacking in our country and it makes it harder for those who practice honesty and integrity in business.

 

6. Pay Yourself!

You heard me! Did you go into business to start a charity or to make money? If it’s money how are you going to make it if you’re not paying yourself? Here’s what  James Martell said : “There would be months when I wouldn’t pay myself because I always needed something else for the business. You are always going to need something new. Make it wait and pay yourself.”

BONUS TIP: Stay Balanced! -

It’s easy to get caught up in working on the business that you start neglecting family time, rest and relaxation. You need to prioritize the things and people that are most important to you so that you can lead a balanced lifestyle. Your family and friends will thank you.

So if you liked these tips be sure the click the link above or here to read the entire post. It’s a good read!

You have any tips to add? Leave them below, don’t be shy. I won’t bite

 

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Belize Time or Real Time?

 

Belize City, Belize (Photo credit: Hickatee)

 

 

In August of this year, I attended a marketing seminar hosted by the Belize Tourism Industry Association. The seminar was aptly names “Real Time Marketing & PR Masterclass. The guest speaker was David Meerman Scott.

 

You may be wondering what is real time marketing? Well the answer is pretty simple. Real time marketing is responding to events and/or opportunities as they occur.

 

Now the definition is pretty simple but the implementation for many can be difficult. In Belize we tend to operate on a different time which is locally known as “Belize time”. I found an interesting definition here…. “Be prepared for promises the job will be finished by Monday 8 a.m. Belize Time really means the job will be delivered Monday evening if you are lucky or more likely Tuesday morning.”

 

The more time I spend online the more I see the “Belize time” marketing taking place.  I have personally had to step in several times and respond on others behalf because it was excruciating waiting to see how long it would take for a response, if they did respond…

 

If you have a Facebook page or Twitter account, you have to develop a real time mindset. People will expect you to deliver what they are looking for, or what they need on demand. If you’re not prepared to do this well according to David Meerman Scott, you can forget social media and take up fishing!

 

I discovered this really great article  Speed Summary | Real-time Marketing and PR – 9 Practical Tips

 

You need to click this link and read this, really! There’s some really good information here and if you can, buy the book! In fact I’m pretty sure you might want to buy the book after you read the summary.

 

If you want to be successful and gain a competitive edge you will need “speed and agility”.

 

I want to hear from you! I really do!

 

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Survival Tips for Belize Small Business Pages

It’s October! A new month, you get to set goals and continue to work on making your business successful! Look back at last month’s insights and strategies and see what worked and what didn’t work.

This is also a good time to ask why certain things worked and why some didn’t. After that you have something to work with. Choose a day this week to brainstorm! Also take some time to observe what other successful brands are doing here in Belize and abroad; get inspired!

Today I stumbled across  an article that shared some really good tips and I felt that Belize small business owners could benefit from some of these tips when it comes to marketing on Facebook.

17 Survival Tips for Facebook Marketing by Mike Maghsoudi

#3  – Always write back – I have to agree with this, as a small business it is very important to connect with your customers. Be sure to make that a priority. If you fail to respond, the message you might be sending to your fans is that they’re not that important to you. Try it! The results might surprise you.

#4 – Don’t Oversell – This is a biggie! I see so many Belize business pages totally overselling daily, my feed gets clogged up with their posts. “More sales-y posts doesn’t equal more sales.” I agree!

#6 – “Focus on Engagements – Not ‘Likes’” – So important to take note of this. Many times we stress about not getting enough ‘Likes’ on our pages, it can get pretty frustrating right?  But what happens after they like the page? Did you know that most fans never return to the page? According to Mari Smith “Some studies show that a whopping 90% of Facebook users don’t return to a fan page once they click the Like button.” So focus on those who are on the page, engage them, build loyalty with them.

There’s more tips that I found very useful, so click on the link and jot down some notes. Remember you need to implement! Take action!

Check out this other article that shares some very important insight about engagement and edge rank and your fans behavior after liking a page.

http://ariherzog.com/facebook-likers-and-lurkers/

 

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Must-Have Tips to Help Your Small Businesses Use Social Media (Belize)

 

The purpose of this blog is to help small business owners in Belize, especially, get the resources they need to help them succeed. Many of you don’t have the time to be searching online for tips, ideas etc… that’s where I come in. Feel free to ask questions or say what type of information you’re looking for.

In the meantime, if you’re just starting up this article below is worth the read.

Must-Have Tips to Help Your Small Businesses Use Social Media – Small Business HUB – Small Business New Zealand – New Business.

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Simply Creative – A Belizean Story

Today I am very excited to share with you an idea that I think was genuis! If you live in Belize I’m sure you’ve heard the name Rebecca Stirm, a very talented fashion designer. However she is not only know in Belize but her name is spreading all over. She has been in the spotlight for quite some time now after she made her debut on a TV show called Mission Catwalk.

She has certainly put Belize in the spotlight as well. She is full of creativity and passion and it comes out in her pieces and in her marketing. When I saw this video A Fashion Tribute to History, I was simply amazed.

It’s such a wonderful idea that not only highlights her fashion line, but it recognizes great women of the past that has made a significant contribution to Belize.

What great idea are you sitting on? How can you market your business in a creative way? Watch this video and be inspired.

You can follow Rebecca Stirm on her Facebook page or visit her website.

Check out her amazing photographer who she partnered with to pull this off; Monica Gallardo at MG Photography

Must also mention History Student Cherisse Halsall who partnered with these two ladies. 2 thumbs up ladies!

4 Tips to Help Small Business Succeed in Belize

I am always sharing information that I find across the web that I think would be helpful to small business owners in Belize. So I thought why not choose 4 articles  every Thursday and compile it into one post. So that is what I will attempt to do today.

In my last post I mentioned about how important it is to engage on social media networks so that will be the first one that I will choose to start with.

#1 Andrea Vahl from Social Media Examiner wrote a great post about engaging on Facebook. Her first point was “Get Personal” – she said people want to know YOU. This will help them to be able to relate to you and your company.

Her last point was “Love your Fans” -  Be creative in how you do so, be sure to let them know you appreciate them in creative ways, don’t assume that they’ll always be your ‘fans’ , as Andrea said, “don’t take your community for granted.”

Click here to read the rest of the article. Be sure to take notes and start to implement. You won’t see results if the knowledge stays in your head!

#2. I read an article from Mashable about a study that was done that showed “53% of parents with children ages 13 or under use mobile technology to calm their children”. That’s a lot, and  I’m pretty sure you would be in that 53% too. I would!  Anyways, I’m using this to help motivate you to start looking at this area. What app could you develop? What is one thing you would say “I wish there was an app for that?” So I hope this stirs your creativity a little. You can read the full article here.

#3. Trends! If you’re like me, I’m always looking at what the latest trends are especially in social media.  Jeff Bullas puts out awesome content. In his article about the Top 10 Trends in Social Media, the first trend was “Social Mobile”, similar to what I had mentioned early. Take advantage of this if you haven’t already and start creating content that is mobile friendly.

One of the other points was “Location Based Marketing with Social”, take advantage of this as well and offer a reward for fans who uses their “check-ins” this will bring more exposure to your business.  Read the entire article here,  it is packed with really good tips. Choose the ones that fits your business and run with it!

#4. I really like this one, 3 Worst Ways to Use Social Media to Grow your Business.  The #1 way is “Creating too many social networks”  Remember that in my post yesterday, I shared one of my favorite tips about this? You don’t have to be everywhere!  The advice was to “Invest MORE resources into LESS tactics.”
This an excellent article by Brad Smith, click on the link to read it.

Well that’s it for today! I hope you will find some helpful information to help your small business or organization succeed online and offline.