FAQ

Q: What’s the point of using technology tools for business?

LOTS. just to name a few:

1. cut personnel costs: outsourcing means no worker’s comp, no 1099, no payroll taxes, need i say more?
2. cut operational costs: one example –  instead of paper contracts, you can now use electronic faxes and e-contracts. you save money from buying paper and extra ink jets. you also save trees
3. environmentally friendly: many tech tools now allow you to access to things 24/7 and everywhere in the world. you are no longer tied to an office. less commute = less gas = less cost = less carbon footprint
4. efficient: there is nothing more efficient than “cloning” yourself by leveraging your virtual assistant or other web tools that allow you to automate your business
5. professional: c’mon, technology is the wave of the future. my 84-year-old grandma has a cell phone and an easy pc. my friend’s 6-year-old writes his own blogs and uploads his digital photos. you gotta get on with the program.

Q: So I read that you coach and teach people about technology…

Yes, I do all those things. I coach people about how to leverage technology and web 2.0 tools for their businesses. I also created and teach a technology course where stagers can earn designation as an eStager. The eStager program was commissioned by Certified Staging Professionals but it is open to any stagers who are interested in learning more about technology. The course is geared more toward beginners. I am also a guest lecturer at Interiority Complex University. We have our first seminar starting in June.

I also coach privately either one-on-one in 3-month blocks or individual session that you can ask me any questions.

Q: Why should I blog?

Blogging has been an amazing tool for my business. It is great for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It is also great for establishing expertise and soft selling your potential customers into buying from you. Moreover, it helps to break the ice and convey your personalities even before you meet your potential clients at their doorstep. The best part is that it is 24/7, so it even works for you while you are sleeping!

Q: Are social networks really necessary? I don’t see the point of Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/Yelp/…

Depends how long your career is going to be and where you want it to go. If you think you won’t be in business in 5 years and just wants to do your thing on the weekend, well, this is not for you. But if you are serious about your business, you should at least learn the basics and leverage these tools. Facebook is no longer for college kids. Its #1 fastest growing demographics are now people who use them for business, and are those 35 years old and older. So don’t give me that look that you are too good for social networks. You could be leaving serious profits on the table.

Q: What is the best advice you can give to a newbie?

1. Don’t be scared. The worse case scenario is you can always get a new online handle (name) and identity.
2. Play with it. Emphasis on play. Like any sports, for you to get good, you need to practice and play. Have fun with it.
3. Manage your time, identity and audience. Online marketing is what you make of it and how much time you devote to it. BUT, your online activities should not substitute any in-person networking you already do, or taking out your existing marketing plan completely. There needs to be a balance of traditional and new marketing methods for you to achieve success. Having 1,000,000 friends on Facebook is not going to sell your houses for you if you are a realtor, although the chances of selling may increase since you can potentially broadcast your listing to 1,000,000 + their spheres. Know that you still need to do work!

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Brief Disclaimer:

anything said on this website needs to be verified.

why? because technology, rules, or whatever changes all the time. what i said last week may be true, then next week it changes. changes happen. you have to check.