Corporate Cosmo Internet Marketing» Featured Articles

How To Use Your Website As The Ultimate Branding Tool

Nan Ross — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:04:44 +0000

Your website is your best marketing and branding tool. Awareness occur when your prospect first visits your website. When a prospect comes to your website, within seconds, they can learn everything about your business, products or services you offer. This introduction stage can make or break the future relationship between you and your visitors. The key is to establish credibility and display a positive impression on your visitors, whether they may be a potential customers or just someone who’s seeking informative content.

Last week’s show, “How To Use Your Website as the Ultimate Branding Tool”, we discussed some key features entrepreneurs need to implement on their website to effectively marketing their brand.

• Testimonial/reviews pages
• Portfolios or other visual elements of Your Work (Pictures or Videos)
• Opt-in Forms Requesting Additional Information from Visitors
- Registration form – “It’s not enough for you to introduce yourself to your visitors. Success and relationships building require your visitors to introduce themselves to you” – Relationship Marketing on the Internet – Roger C. Parker
• Links to media appearances, speaking engagement announcement
• Blog
• Social Media Widgets
• Personal Advertisement of Other Services You Provide
• Call to Action (Displayed on home page and within your pages)
• Audio podcast of interviews, commentaries.

Listen to internet radio with Nan Ross on Blog Talk Radio

Nan Ross – Speaks on The Art of Social Media Engagement

Nan Ross — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:03:20 +0000

Thanks to Karen Ervin, of Entrepreneur Enterprise, for inviting Corporate Cosmo to speak with her students on The Art of Social Media Engagement. The evening speaking engagement was delivered for the Marietta Continuing Education “Social Media Marketing” class located at the Marietta High School campus.

The Art of Social Media Engagement presentation discussed the following key points:

What is Social Media
How Conversations are Powered By Social Media
Whom Do Consumers Trust
Social Media Listening and Monitoring Tools
How to Build Online Relationships
What Are the Best Time to Share Content on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

Benefits of Social Media with Reginald Juzang & Rubin Ramos

Nan Ross — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:50:21 +0000

During this episode, (pre-recorded audio file) Rubin Ramos of Community Central interviews Reginald Juzang, VP of Corporate Cosmo LLC, on the benefits of social media for small businesses. Reginald addresses some questions many small business owners have on their mind about social media:

What exactly is Social Media?
How has technology change the way people do business?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?
How entrepreneurs are effectively using social media to brand their businesses?
How quickly can a business receive real results from social media?
Are there certain social media sites that work better than others?

Listen to internet radio with Nan Ross on Blog Talk Radio

The 5th Annual Morris Brown College Scholarship Walk-A-Thon presents Nan Ross, a Social Media Expert

Nan Ross — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:30:58 +0000

Please join me on May 27^th at Morris Brown College, Hickman Student Union Building, for “Social Media: Today’s Word of Mouth Phenomena”. I am pleased to discuss how social media has changed word of mouth marketing and how to use social media to create lasting buzz around your brand.

Title: “Social Media: Today’s Word of Mouth Phenomena”

Where: Hickman Student Union Building located @ 715 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Date: Friday, May 27th 2011

Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Refreshments will be served.)

Seating is limited, please register for FREE by reserving your seat today. Click here to register.

Nan Ross with Doug Lehman – The Power of Video Selling

Nan Ross — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:00:59 +0000

Listen to internet radio with Nan Ross on Blog Talk Radio

Businesses are always seeking creative ways of connecting with their customers to stimulate conversations and promote their brand. The power of video has become the social media gateway to attraction and exposure. Why? Consumers are shifting from watching television to online video sites via desktops and smartphones. According to YouTube’s press statistics, YouTube has over 2 billion videos viewed every day, while YouTube Mobile gets over 100 million views per day.”

With that being said, video is one of the best tools for connecting and engaging with people. This week on “Social Media with Nan Ross”, Doug Lehman of Lehman’s Terms of Business” discussed some interesting key points on how video can have an impact on product selling, how to use video to engage with customers and cost effective tips for creating video content.

Doug also presented some quick tips for creating quality video content; search engine strategies to increase video visibility and how to “socialize” videos – using other social media platforms to promote products or services. He also provided case studies of Zappos and Blentec , brands who have produced short and entertaining videos of their products, as an example of how video can increase conversions.

Overall, Doug Lehman provided some great information on How to Use Social Video Selling to Enhance Your Customer Engagement. At Corporate Cosmo, we encourage you to get out there and explore the video world. Be creative, showcase your brand culture, highlight your mission and educate your customers. Best of all, have some fun!!!!!

Corporate Cosmo, LLC: New Vice President

Nan Ross — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:59:41 +0000

Corporate Cosmo is proud to announce a new officer of the entity. Reginald Juzang, has been appointed as the Vice President of Corporate Cosmo, LLC and the Senior Account Executive of Merchant Services. Reginald has been an Independent Agent in the merchant processing field for 13 years and holds a strong sales background of 18 years. With his strategic mindset and creative tactics in sales, Reginald has dedicated enormous about of his time in building the Corporate Cosmo’s brand.

Reginald Juzang continues to show his passion and top priority for eliminating the facing struggles for new startup businesses. He has spread his message through the airwaves on WTAL 1450 AM Community Central. The topic of discussion was “Up Close and Personal with Reginald Juzang”, The Benefits of Accepting Credit Cards in the Small Business Community. This show was very informative for small business owners who are seeking information on how to increase sales by accepting credit cards.

The following key points were discussed:

• What is a Merchant Account?

• How Can A Merchant Account Benefit Your Business Credit Profile?

• How to Find Lower Interest Rate Processing and Quicker Funding?

• How to Receive a Merchant Cash Advance Loan?

• What are the Basic Credit Card Processing Rates & Fee?

• How to Avoid Charge-backs?

Click here to listen to “Up Close and Personal with Reginald Juzang” on Community Central

Reginald Juzang is also a merchant account blogger. Feel free to visit his Merchant Account and Business Finance Blog.

I am pleased to have Reginald Juzang abroad and I am looking forward to our future success!

Is Your Facebook Page Client Attractive? 3 Tips to Securing More Clients

Nan Ross — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:40:28 +0000

If you are familiar with social networking then you’ve probably heard of Facebook. Facebook is arguably one of the most popular social networking tools available for photographers and creative service providers on the Internet. As a creative marketing consultant I spend quite a bit of time exploring fan pages that I’m invited to by creative professionals. Unfortunately on many I find a very vital key of client attraction missing from their pages, and that is the topic of today’s lesson: 3 tips to creating a client attractive Facebook page.

1. Target carefully and with intention – For example, if you are a photographer that specializes in the portraiture of women – so for the sake of this illustration let’s say you specialize in photographing expectant mothers. If so, your goal should be to invite women that fit that target profile. You can typically find groups that fit your target audience via a simple search on Facebook. Join these groups and contribute to the conversation by providing useful content. Once you start developing a reputation as someone who is a contributor begin inviting members of the group to become fans your fan page.

2. Be informative – As your list of “targeted” fans grows make sure you continually provide useful content by sharing your knowledge and demonstrating your expertise. One way to do this is to post content that will not only educate but inspire your target audience. There are many opportunities to demonstrate your expertise via short articles, tip sheets, downloadable MP3 audio recordings, video slide show presentations, and behind the scenes videos or still shots with “diary” style journal entries.

3. Close with a strong call to action - Again clients hire you to solve problems and in order to do that you have to know what they are. All that is left is to communicate that you are “the photographer” who can solve it. One of the easiest ways to do this is craft what I call a “call to action statement” or mission statement, emphasis on “call to action”. Your call to action could include an invitation to sign up for a DVD or CD sampler or your work, or a downloadable screen saver calendar or a FREE phone consultation. Whatever it is make sure you provide something that is valuable and offers additional information that would entice “next step” in working with you.

This blog post was taken (with permission) from the e-book: Click Here to Purchase the Book." target="_blank">Eye On Marketing: 41 Days From Struggle and Confusion to Clarity & Profits written by Creative Marketing Strategist, Rodney Washington. Click Here to Purchase the Book." target="_blank">Click Here To Purchase The Book!

Cultivating a Loyal Customer Base

Nan Ross — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:48:57 +0000

Listen to internet radio with Nan Ross on Blog Talk Radio

How many new customers have you lost or gained in the last three to five years? Did you know that seeking new customers can cost five to seven times more than retaining current customers?

More and more businesses spend tons of marketing dollars attracting new customers instead of retaining customers after the purchase. If you seek what’s important to your current customers, then you can hone in their interest and save your marketing dollars. During this week show, Cultivating a Loyal Customer Base, I focused on why businesses should focus more on customer retention instead of acquisition and what strategies are effective for keeping customers.

Retention is the process of keeping the customer,

while acquisition is the process of getting new customers.

Why focus on cultivating a loyal customer base by retention?

According to the Harvard Business Review, an increase in customer retention by 5% could increase the value of your average customer by 25-100%. For example, if you earn $30,000 in profits each year, by increasing your customer retention rates by just 5%, you could increase your profit by $15,000-$30,000.

Focus on customer lifetime value during the slow economy

The slow economy has caused consumers to tighten their wallets and purses. But this is not the time to neglect our customers. We need to shift our mindsets and focus on profitability. Instead of focusing on a profit from a single sale to a customer, you must analyze the total profits one customer will generate over a period of time (5, 10, 15 years).

Example: $500 per month from a current customer x 12 = $6,000 per year x 5 years = Customer Lifetime Value of $30,000.

Increase in Referrals

If we stay in the minds of your customers and build a loyal relationship with them, you will generate word of mouth. Your current customers have first-hand experience with your services. Along with quality service and excellent customer service, they will recommend you to their network.

Higher Margins on Your Service

During the slow economy, a low margin causes businesses to struggle. Converting your present customers into advocates who will do your advertising for you will lead to higher margins.

How to Cultivate a Loyal Customer Base?

Identify your most profitable customers and focus your efforts on them
Seek out lapsed customers and find out why they left you
Provide excellent customer service (68% leave because of poor customer service)
Generate follow-up sales
Give them incentive to buy if they return – special discounts
Treat them special! – thank you letters, special discounts, loyalty programs
On-going engagement with social media and email newsletter
Offer feedback – blog Commenting, surveys, polls
Show them your support – Attend, participate or volunteer for their event or fundraiser
Educate them – provide valuable content and news in their industry

Cultivating a loyal customer base ensures a certain level of steady revenue, higher profit margins and free advertising. Focus on a campaign that put your best customer up front and personal. By retaining your customers, you will be sure to survive the stormy weathers.

I want to hear from you. Tell me, what strategies do you use to cultivate a loyal customer base?

3 Reasons Why Freelance Businesses Struggle

Nan Ross — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:00:33 +0000

Is your freelance business declining? Are you having trouble finding and retaining clients? Well if you answered, yes to either question then this podcast is for you. Last week show was so inspiring. My guest, Rodney Washington, a Creative Marketing Strategist and a freelance photographer, gave the audience three reasons why freelancers fail the first year of business.

Especially hard hit are those in the publishing industry, which employs the largest number of freelance photographers, graphic designers and illustrators worldwide. A weak economy coupled with rapid advancements in digital media and online delivery systems have left many freelancers scratching their heads wondering how to leverage their talents and remain relevant to clients.

Who is Rodney Washington? Rodney is a freelance photographer and 12 year veteran in the areas of web design and electronic media. He enjoys helping creative service professionals develop strategies to leverage their talent and attract audiences online and off. Washington wrote the book Eye On Marketing: 41 Days From Struggle and Confusion to Clarity & Profits a daily action guide designed to turn creative service businesses around in six-weeks or less. You may visit Eye On Marketing Success to purchase his book.

Click Here to Listen to the Show: Why 75% Of New Freelance Businesses Fail Within The First 12 Months

How To Embed YouTube Videos in Facebook Landing Page [VIDEO]

Nan Ross — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:07:56 +0000

Step 1: Create a Facebook Page

Step 2: Add the Static FBML Application
View our Facebook Static FBML Video: How to: Add An Opti-in Web Form to Your Facebook Page

Step 3: Find Your YouTube Video ID

Step 4: Insert YouTube Video ID

Step 5: Adjust Width and Height of Video, if needed

Step 6: Copy and Paste Codes in the FBML Box

Step 7: Add the Page Name in Box Title

Step 8: Click on Save Changes

Let me know how successful this video tutorial. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop a note in the comment box.

Corporate Cosmo Internet Marketing» Featured Articles

How To Use Your Website As The Ultimate Branding Tool

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Nan Ross – Speaks on The Art of Social Media Engagement

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Benefits of Social Media with Reginald Juzang & Rubin Ramos

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The 5th Annual Morris Brown College Scholarship Walk-A-Thon presents Nan Ross, a Social Media Expert

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Nan Ross with Doug Lehman – The Power of Video Selling

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Corporate Cosmo, LLC: New Vice President

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Is Your Facebook Page Client Attractive? 3 Tips to Securing More Clients

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Cultivating a Loyal Customer Base

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3 Reasons Why Freelance Businesses Struggle

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How To Embed YouTube Videos in Facebook Landing Page [VIDEO]

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