So I’ve just returned form 2009 Blogworld and New Media Expo and if I had to sum it up in one word it would be; YES.
Yes, you must have a blog. Yes, you must optimize your websites design. Yes, you must use email marketing. Yes, you must use social media. Yes, you must use search engine optimization. Yes, you must use video. Yes, you must use audio. Yes, you must be involved in online marketing your business. Yes, you must be involved in the online conversation. And, YES you must have a strategic plan to implement all of this today.
There is is no future for any business that is not utilizing these tools in strategic ways. This is not a secret and I will continue to shout it out to all. YOU MUST HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ONLINE MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS!
It was interesting to see people’s reactions when I told them I was with a yacht company. They wondered what I would be doing at a blogging and new media convention. The reason for me is simple; it’s the future of sales and marketing. As a business owner you have to be up to speed on these tools. Whatever ways you have historically used to get your message out, will be second to online marketing. Companies that leverage these available tools will be successful, those that don’t, won’t.
These tools are even more important to small and medium size businesses as it allows you very inexpensively to compete, even dominate your niche. In the last 24 months, Internet leads have become the second largest source of leads for our company. I have no doubt that given another 24 months it will move to first.
So, from a business owners perspective I’ve told you yes you need to be involved, but you should certainly ask, “why?”. Ill spend the rest of this week and more answering that question.
Also, I took a ton of notes at Blogworld and if you have any questions about how the event was, or anything else, leave a comment and Ill post the answers for all to see.
You can always email me too.
