|
Articles ...
|
|
Lights, Camera, Action…and Cast Your Vote
by Jennifer Ross
Lights, Camera, Action…
I recently purchased a small video camera. I wanted to be part of the whole youtube phenomena
and enhance my existing written newsletters with video – to help inspire entrepreneurs to network,
learn and mentor on their feet (instead of sitting in their seat)! My idea was to videotape
a diversity of activities from hiking to skydiving and also bring to light the inspiring and
‘active’ entrepreneurs that are behind promoting these activities. I began by recording myself
on a hike. And then started interviewing some fellow ActivEntrepreneurs who have inspired me
along the way. I began calling local business owners and telling them about what I was doing.
So far 100% welcomed me in to videotape them and their business – hey, it’s another free way
for them to market their business, so why not!
Over the past few weeks, I have connected with over 20 new local business owners. Now that
number may not sound like a huge number, but I know these entrepreneurs way beyond what it
says on their business card. I know about what inspired them to become an entrepreneur, about
their passions and hobbies, details about their business vision, marketing strategy and product
or service – beyond what their website reveals. These details were not just from the videotape.
They are from the conversations we had before the taping and after the video stopped. And these
business owners have also connected with me and my business.
Well, my youtube adventure has turned into a great way to connect person-to-person. And it also
turned into a weekly show called
‘Active on Long Island’ that is being produced and broadcasted by a Long Island Online TV
station called MyLITV.com. This video adventure definitely displays
the power of connecting and how online video can be effectively used to connect people, in person.
So I challenge you to think about how video can be integrated into your business – as both a
marketing and networking strategy.
Cast Your Vote…not just for the Presidential Election…for
StartupNation’s Home-Based 100!!
I am a big fan of the
StartupNation website for entrepreneurs. I signed up for the Home-Based 100
contest about 1 month ago on the very last day of enrollment. After I signed up, I needed to
get the word out and get some votes. Well, in a matter of 2 weeks, I must have connected with
people from every facet of my life – from childhood, high school, college and fraternity friends,
to babysitters, relatives, financial advisors, accountants, clients, and former coworkers. At
first it was an email about what I was doing, but then it turned into additional emails updating
each other about our lives, phone conversations and follow-up luncheons and walk & talks. What a
great way to connect and re-connect with people. And as you are connecting with everyone, they
are passing on your information to their network.
Viral contests are a terrific way to make connections while networking and branding your business.
They allow you a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and family as well as current
customers and clients – who are usually more than willing to pass along your information to their
networks. The Home-Based 100 contest is over on October 31st so I will let you know the results
after the contest is finalized! But there are several online business-related contests that you
can sign-up for. So don’t forget to Cast Your Vote!
##
Jennifer Ross is the co-founder of ActivEntrepreneur and a strategic marketing
professional with more than 16 years experience. During her career, Jennifer has held senior
strategic marketing roles at JPMorgan Chase and has consulted for startups, solo entrepreneurs
and large corporations. Jennifer has also served as a certified speaker with a division of
Monster.com called “Making It Count,” volunteers at the Stonybrook University Career Development
Center and the Sachem Student Business Alliance, and is a certified Global Career Development
Facilitator. Jennifer is focused on creating a flexible and successful work life, strives to be
active and healthy and will continue to inspire others to do the same.
|
|
|
"I am thrilled to be a part of ActivEntrepreneur and not the traditional ‘sit down and eat’ groups."
|
Bobbi Ann DePierro, Holistic Health Counselor, ISSA- Personal Trainer, Zumba Instructor
|
|
|
