“What an amazing time to be alive in business!” Article by Tina Zawila

The Internet gives us access to more information than ever before in history, and access to more customers than we could ever dream of.  So how can we use technology to our advantage?  How can we reach more customers and ensure that our message isn't lost in the sea of sameness on the World Wide Web?

Research has shown that blogging is probably the best way to develop your brand online.  Writing about why you do what you do, why you offer your product or service, sharing your experiences, and helping people by answering their questions is a great way to promote yourself and your business.  Google loves blogs so blogging will elevate your brand online.

However, people online relate best to other people - not words or images.  So to really promote yourself and your business get out of your shell and start taking more photos and videos of your work, your advice and your customer interactions.  A recent study cited in a Forbes.com article showed that video was a better producer of sales leads than white papers, e-books, and even live demonstrations from sales reps! 

As humans our brain function is naturally drawn to faces, motion and sound.  Susan Weinschenk, PhD uses brain science to predict, understand and explain what motivates people and how they behave, and she says there are four reasons why online video is compelling and persuasive:

1.            The fusiform face area of the brain forces us to pay attention to faces so we connect more readily with what is being said.

2.            The human voice conveys rich information.  The tone of your voice will impact on what viewers hear.

3.            Emotions are contagious.  Video captures your excitement and passion in a way that the written word simply cannot convey.

4.            Movement grabs attention.  We generally listen to any message when movement is attached to it.

So don't be shy, get online and share your business, your passion and your enthusiasm with a world-wide audience by Vlog (Video Blog).  At Sothertons we are passionate about providing you with information and advice to help you achieve your goals in business and life.  Call us on 4972 1300 to talk about how we can help you.

"Networking for Success" Article by Tina Zawila

Did you know that of all the professions, Pilots must undertake the most professional development every year, followed by those in Medicine and in third place are Accountants/Financial Advisors?  I guess it's pretty important that the people in these professions know what they are doing!

So I am writing this article as I travel to an annual Professional Investment Services conference. 

Continuing professional development forms part of what we do and who we are, but these conferences are not just an opportunity to increase our knowledge, they offer a unique opportunity to network with other professionals. 

I read a quote recently, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organisation."  Businesses and careers are built on relationships and relationships form when people meet and interact with each other.  Quite simply, it's been proven time and time again that people prefer to do business with people that they know, like, and trust.

So how are your networks?  Do you have strong relationships with advisors, colleagues and clients?  Remember networking is much more than just meeting people.  It is following up and following through, continuing to connect and reconnect.  It is building relationships.

Networking can create referrals and increased business, expand your opportunities, and create connections.  The old saying "It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know" still rings true.  You never know who you might meet, who they might know and where it might lead.  Networking is also a great way to tap into the experiences of others and to get advice and expertise that you otherwise might not have access to.

So next time you have an opportunity to attend an event and meet new people, remember that "Your network will determine your net worth", so take the opportunity to build new relationships and nurture existing ones.

At Sothertons we are always keen to meet people, to hear about your expertise and experience, and to share ours.  Call us today on 4972 1300 to make a time to meet.