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Market Yourself The BookAre you ready?

If you’ve been dragging your feet about launching into the deep recesses of social media, now is the time.


Market Yourself: A Beginner’s Guide to Social Media explores all the big dogs of social media, breaking down each account into an understandable and easy to manage marketing tool. You’ll learn how to set up accounts, how to manage your subscriptions, effectively communicate with your peers, and determine which channels are appropriate for you.

Business Beware LogoJP Jones was recently selected to become a member of the expert panel for the Business Beware Show.  They are thrilled to have her!  As an expert, she will be creating videos and answering questions from viewers.  Check out the show HERE.

 

EDIT: Business Beware has now published their first video featuring JP as a guest!  Watch it HERE.

 

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"In today's world of social media, it is more important than ever to adequately market yourself."

Such begins an article written by JP Jones for D-Mars.com Houston Business Journal entitled "5 Keys to Unlock the Social Media Maven Within". In the article, JP shares some of her starter tips for those who desire to get started on the road to social media marketing success.

"Social media marketing doesn't have to mean bragging," writes JP. "(...) It simply means putting your best foot forward and showcasing your talents and abilities."

To find out what steps JP recommends and to read the rest of the article, click HERE and download the 57th issue.

CareerIntelligence.com LogoJP Jones was recently mentioned in an article titled "Workarounds for Management Minefields", written by Robin Madell for Career Intelligence. The article discusses three potentially uncomfortable management situations, including managing a former colleague. JP gives her thoughts on the subject:

Address resentment. JP Jones, owner of Paige1Media, can relate to this situation, having managed former colleagues in two previous positions. Several conflicts immediately came to the forefront directly related to her new role. "I found that after my promotion, the real work began,” says Jones. “I had to strive twice as hard to create a peaceful environment, while at the same time enforcing the dictates that were necessary in the workplace.”

The biggest challenge that Jones had to overcome was resentment. “Whether conscious or not, resentment tends to run rampant in these situations, and often will express itself in rebellion against assignments and directives given by the new leader,” says Jones. One of the most effective ways that Jones found to smooth ruffled feathers was through frequent open communication. “I tried to make it apparent that I felt no 'superiority' to my former colleagues, but was simply trying to do my job effectively and keep things running smoothly.”

Read the full article HERE

Calahan Solutions LogoIn a Calahan Solutions article entitled "12 Quotes to Get Them to Take Action", a number of business entrepreneurs were asked for favorite quotes that inspired, motivated, and helped them to stay focused. Among those asked to share was our very own JP Jones! The following is her excerpt from the article:

The quote that has most resonated with me over the years comes from none other than Thomas Edison. He said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

I can attest that truer words have never been spoken. So often I see my peers start off in new ventures and give up with the going gets rough. I have this quote displayed prominently in my office as a reminder when I too get caught up in the stress of the job.

Read the rest of the article HERE.

Advance LogoJP Jones was recently quoted in an Advance Web article entitled "An Important Link in the Job Hunt Chain".  The article discusses LinkedIn, a new social media tool that can essentially help you create an online resume.  JP explains why she thinks LinkedIn is a smart choice for professionals:

"Unlike many other social media outlets, the primary purpose of having an account on LinkedIn is having a professional profile outlet...When it comes to job searches, you want to do any and everything you can to make it easy on a potential employer. One of those things is creating and maintaining a professional account on LinkedIn."

Read the full article HERE.

Business Beware Show asked business owners: "What business book changed the way you do business or gave you a jump start?". JP was one of 37 small business owners to recommend a book to their peers. You can see what other books were recommended by reading the full post here.

JP was recently interviewed by WE Magazine. The interview discusses the book, Market Yourself: A Beginner's Guide to Social Media, along JP's plans for writing in the future. Here is a sample of the interview:

"...Did you ever expect to be an author?

Absolutely not. I am definitely an ‘accidental’ writer. Unlike many authors I write out of my passion to teach, which is how the book came about in the first place. While teaching at a University, another instructor and I were discussing the lack of training for the students (Communication Majors) in the field of Social Media as it pertained to business. I began working up a curriculum for a new class and the next thing I knew I was getting the book published!

What do you enjoy most about writing now that you’ve taken that plunge?

For me it’s still about helping others learn the skills and techniques that I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way-to be able to be successful themselves..."




Click here to read the full interview.

JP Jones was one of the featured Entrepreneur's sharing tax tips with their peers on The Entreprenette Gazette. See her tip below or read the full article here.

 

JP Jones was asked to write a 4 part series for Dr Shannon Reece on her blog, "Strategies & Tactics for Women". JP's series ran once a week and explored the circus-like environment that many entrepreneurs find themselves in.

JP Jones was one of 50 female business leaders polled about women's roles in office politics for The Glass Hammer, and online portal for business women. The article states that "Studies show that when women adopt certain behaviors believed to be essential to successful leadership, they are evaluated more negatively than men. Women continue to be perceived as less qualified than men in most leadership roles."

JP's thoughts were used on the site and can be found here.

Barnes and Noble has recently picked up Market Yourself: A Beginner's Guide to social media as one of the newest editions to their Nook eBook library. Nook readers can now enjoy JP's social media strategies within a few clicks! Marketing Yourself has never been this easy!!

The Nook edition of the book is available for $4.99. Visit BarnesandNoble.com today and pick up your copy!

JP Jones was a guest blogger on Austrailian Writers Susannah Freeman 's blog, "Write it Sideways" on June 13th.  Here is a sample of the article:

"Unfortunately, I have met a lot of authors who frown upon the idea of having their own website. They seem to think if they’ve already written a book, they have done the hard part.

It’s my job to break the news that their work is just beginning.

I’m in a unique position to do that, owning both a publishing company and a website company (insert shameless self-promotion here). However, when I work with my clients on their marketing strategy, I’m quick to tell them, as they say down south, that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

Nowadays, having a website doesn’t necessarily mean having to sink a lot of money into it. Heck, it doesn’t even have to mean sinking any money into it, but it is one of the deciding factors in the success of an author..."

Click here to read the full article

Customize Your AccountRegardless of what you’re trying to sell, it’s important to at least LOOK like you know what you’re doing.  When it comes to social media, a great way to tell the “men from the boys”, is to see who has personalized their account and who hasn’t.

Custom avatar

Above all, use a custom avatar. In case you are not familiar with the lingo, the avatar is the small thumbnail or tiny picture that represents you on the web.  Whether you wanted to be an actual photo of yourself or not, use something that can represent you or your business. It could be a logo, a book cover, anything that represents who you are. But, I am begging you do not leave the generic avatar in place. That’s the first sign  of the social media noob.

KeyboardKnowing that the entire premise of “social media” is to actually BUILD relationships, commenting on others online items is a great way to get conversation going. On the other side of the coin, as you write blog entries, post images or make witty comments online, you will want your followers to “comment” on your work. Whether it’s a blog, facebook, twitter, or anything in between, knowing when to engage and when to turn the other cheek is key to a successful online reputation.

There have been numerous discussions about whether or not a single person can become a ‘brand’. While there are definite points to both sides of the equation, I think the most important thing to remember online is that you ARE a person.  A person? Yes. Just like the rest of us, with thoughts, feelings and emotions. Unless of course, you’re a sociopath, which would be a different blog topic all together.

Whoever said, "the best things in life are free" was probably referring to Word of Mouth advertising. Few things go farther and have a bigger impact that a positive referral from a client, colleague or friend. As a designer/web designer it’s important to me that my clients always feel like they can refer me and my work to their friends.

So far, so good. Since I’ve been in business, I’ve spent very little money on advertising, instead I’m constantly receiving a steady stream of clients through "the grapevine". Someone in Oklahoma knows someone in Alabama who knows someone in England. Yep! Word of Mouth advertising is so powerful that it even crosses the big pond!

The secret to positive referrals and good testimonials? Treat the customer with respect and integrity, both in business and personally. That’s it. It’s very simple. If you give your word, bust your butt to keep it. If you make a mistake, admit it. If you miscommunicate, pay for it yourself.

Above all the client should never be charged for a mistake you make.  But what about the clients that just don’t seem to like you and can’t be pleased? Evaluate yourself. If you’ve done everything you knew to do, and worked with integrity, shake the dust from your feet and go on.

I heard recently some interesting statistics:

  • 25% of people will like you, but could be persuaded not to
  • 25% of people will NOT like you, but could be persuaded to
  • 25% of people will like you and stand by you till the end

and finally

  • 25% of people will NOT like you no matter what you do.

So chalk those clients up the that last 25 and continue to do what you know is right!

Recently I heard an insightful illustration about 2 business owners in the early 90s. Both businesses were fairly successful selling the same product: Radios.

Joe, the owner of the first store, knew everything there was to know about the radio business. He sold them, repaired them and could rattle the brands off without even thinking. When asked "What business he was in" he would throw his shoulders back, stand a little straighter and reply, "The Radio Business."

Sam also owned a store that sold radios. He too, could be considered a radio expert. However, when he was asked, "What business are you in?" he would smile broadly and reply, "The Communication Business".

It’s finally here! A book that was birthed from a course curriculum I was preparing for a class at the local University that I teach at, has FINALLY been released! And whether you’re a student, a designer or just someone interested in taking the next step with Social Media, this book is for you!

Rather than talking “about the book”, I’m going to include a short excerpt for you to enjoy:

Social Media and You
So you wanna promote your brand? Drive traffic to your site? Get noticed on the Web? Sounds a little overwhelming doesn’t it?

 

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