Felicia Slattery: Top 6 Ways to Communicate the Hot Trends in Your Business

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Earlier this week I was participating in an online networking chat and someone mentioned helping people with their “Web 2.0 presence.” I’d been reading about Web 2.0 and seeing it mentioned at many sites I frequent, but honestly had no idea what it is all about. So I asked,

“What the heck is Web 2.0?”

I found out it’s taking your website and adding some of the newest technological bells and whistles. For example, adding audio, video, or interactivity to a website. Well, I have a recorded greeting on my home page. I also have an interactive quiz where visitors can answer some questions and then click to see their score and a description of that score. Who knew!? I’m on the cutting edge of web design and had no clue.

What does this mean for your business? It means if you use terminology that is cutting edge, that is the biggest “in” thing… make sure you describe it somewhere along the way. You can bet I’ll be in contact with the person who finally described Web 2.0 to me if I have any questions about it. That’s the kind of connection you want to make when communicating with others about your business.

There are plenty of people not familiar enough with your business or what you do to either (1) never have heard of the latest and greatest, or (2) have briefly heard of it, but don’t want to look stupid asking what it means. Luckily for me I realize that in any given situation I’m the “average” person, meaning if I don’t get something, others there won’t get it either. So I always ask whenever I have a question.

Here are a few tips for communicating the trends associated with your business:

1. Have a FAQ page on your website. Define all of the basic terms specific to your industry, even those you think “everybody” knows. Those who know the information will skip it and those who do not know it, will be grateful. Also this will showcase your knowledge, build your credibility, and add more keyword rich content to your site. Win-Win-Win!
2. Write a white paper, free report, or free e-course. Offer your website visitors and people you meet in person at networking events free information about what you do. Once people sign up, you’ll have their information so you can contact them in the future for offers of your paid products and services.
3. Teach a free teleclass. Set up a free teleclass to offer the information. Use a free conference call service and announce it on Craigslist, to your networks, and via websites. You’ll draw participants who are interested to learn more about your business and topic.
4. Write an article. Write and submit a 500-700 word article to free sites. Highlight the important aspects of your topic. Those who want to learn more will find what you’ve written and can follow a link back to your website.
5. Prepare a Signature Speech. Put together your thoughts and provide helpful information. Then make sure you get the word out in your community that you’ll offer a free presentation. Be sure to ask the attendees for their info so you can follow up with the article, FAQ information, or, free e-course on the topic.
6. Blog about it. Create a blog and present details about the latest and greatest trends. You can easily update a blog. If there is anything about your business in the news, for example, you’ll have a way to comment on it quickly. Depending on how major the news is, if you blog about it, journalists may find your work and you could easily get local, national, or international exposure.

However you decide is best to communicate with your ideal clients, make sure you don’t forget about the basics. Not everyone is an expert in your field like you. Freely sharing your knowledge will go a long way toward building your credibility, showing people you are trustworthy, and getting more customers and clients as a result.