I have been buzzing around the on and offline world networking my butt off this week – oowww yeahr..Just the way I like it!

Networking on and offline is a MUST for any successful business owner and these two puppies will keep you super connected with your target market , enabling you to listen to their needs, emotionally connect and then provide! SHAZAM!

Let’s Refresh’s target market right now are not utilising this power space called Social media to the max - hence our blog! They seem to be  either curious to find out what all the buzz is about, are pumped and ready to dive in, or are sceptical of what social media can provide for their business.

That in mind, over the next few posts I’m going to introduce you to some super switched on biz people who I totally respect, and who are utilising the online networking world to the max AND  are reaping the rewards too!

Meet Kirsty Wilson

 http://www.interimbusiness.com.au/

I first met Kirsty on Twitter and decided to follow her as she gave out some quality tips, seemed open, warm and cheery (which added to the flow of my day) and she really knew how to connect and listen to her followers. I wanted in!  From here our relationship grew pretty quickly (that tends to happen on twitter if you choose to put in the hours). We were fizzing together so much that the next step forwards was to meet  face to face. I hooked up an interview with her as I believed Kirtsy’s story would assist my clients and readers  to “get this space” even more.

This video is totally transparent. I decided not to edit it as I wanted you to see the real Kirsty and hear all she had to say. Lap it up guys!

 I’m guessing you will take something from Kirstys sharing’s, whether it’s inspiration, evidence, knowledge or a great big smile – I know I certainly did!

If you would like to hook up with Kirsty on twitter and connect real time then hit this button now! She’s GOLD and more GOLD!

Well groovers, I hope you enjoyed the post…GET READY for the next installation of talent – see part 2! Wooharrr for Social Media …wooharrr power to the people at last! Was this post of value to you…I wanna know!

I’m in England right now – God save the Queen…and all that Jazz!  (If you are curious to know why – then click here – Sam’s youtube video  ).

Any how, I have many friends in the UK that own their own businesses, from small business start ups to companies increasingly expanding. Now, I must say, if I’m passionate about something and know it works then you can’t shut me up….I’ve been told I can be a little full on at times! FULL ON…come on…..if you’re passionate about something and know it works then why not share, especially if you know it’s going to boost their business and gain them more exposure!

Right now,  one of the strategies I am utilising with my clients (to gain exposure and push them up the Google rankings) involves blogging. I luuurve da blog –   INNIT!  (said in a cockney London accent!).

Why???? Well, I’ll go into that on my next post, yet firstly I’m guessing some of you may not know what a blog is, so I will break it down.

What is a business blog?

A business blog is also known as a web blog. It’s basically a journal with software that is installed into your computer.  It has a content management system (a system where you can control the content) and uses a data base and a scripting language….blah blah. Yet, the main feature of a blog is that YOU can contribute messages (posts) into this and have full control over it. POWER TO THE PEOPLE – AKA – WEB 2.0!

A blog is like a website yet far more powerful (in my eyes) as it’s interactive and engaging (Web2.0), that’s if your website hasn’t been all web2.0ed up yet!

Your business blog is like a diary. It can contain tips about your products, success stories about your clients, quality information about what your target market would like to read, who is in your team (a personal version from the heart..with pictures or video) etc.  It’s you – you are your brand! Remember, you are helping people and engaging them in the conversation, you are giving them previews of what’s new and what’s coming up – there are so many exciting things a business blog can write about. I’m going to burst!

So why blog?

As mentioned above, a lot of my friends run businesses, and the usual questions they ask  me are :  “what shall I do to increase traffic to my business web site” and  “what shall I do to let people know my business exists” “how can I sell more  and position myself as an expert, whilst banding  myself”, to name just a few! My first answer..honestly…  START A BLOG!!!!

So, why am I so aweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee  about  blogging?

Ok, think about a normal website for a sec, (static website) that has not been web2.0ed up…by us  :-) ! It’s pretty much like a brochure, wouldn’t you agree? So many websites we upgrade are like printed brochures in an online form (web 1.0). BORING! There are usually a few pages that describe what the business does, how they do it and their vision/mission along with the services they provide. The language is usually in marketing speak; you know the ones, right? Can I be honest and straight to the point?  People get bored and distracted by this; they’re more interested in how you can help them (what’s in it for them), how can you relieve their pain! Or fulfil their pleasure!

Think about this..then read our “Why blog?” and “How to blog for business success” in the next coming blog posts – be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave comments below (you can leave comments by clicking the comments link under the tweet this link) – I can assure you I will get back to you in the shake of a lambs tail …or something like that!  (Also share this on facebook and/or tweet it)  if you believe it’s a great post using the buttons below!) I will be tracking these!  :-) Whoop whoop!