Just Kidding! Almost better is this article on getting customers to leave online reviews that can significantly boost your business's reputation and visibility. Here are some strategies to encourage customers to give you reviews:
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1. Ask at the Right Time:
   • Request reviews after a successful purchase or positive interaction.
   • Follow up with customers via email shortly after their experience with your product or service.
2. Make It Easy:
   • Provide direct links to your review pages (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.).
   • Include step-by-step instructions if necessary.
3. Offer Incentives:
   • Provide discounts, coupons, or entries into a giveaway for those who leave a review (ensure compliance with review platform policies).
4. Use Automated Systems:
   • Implement email or SMS campaigns that automatically send review requests after a transaction.
   • Use CRM software to streamline the review solicitation process.
5. Engage on Social Media:
   • Ask for reviews on your social media channels.
   • Share positive reviews and thank customers publicly to encourage others to leave their feedback.
6. In-Store Requests:
   • If you have a physical location, ask customers in person to leave a review.
   • Provide QR codes on receipts or business cards that link directly to your review pages.
7. Educate Customers:
   • Explain why reviews are important for your business.
   • Assure them that their honest feedback will help you improve your services.
8. Respond to Existing Reviews:
   • Show that you value feedback by responding to reviews, both positive and negative.
   • This engagement can encourage others to share their experiences.
9. Highlight Reviews:
   • Showcase positive reviews on your website and social media.
   • This can motivate other customers to add their reviews.
10. Personalize the Request:
    • Tailor your request to each customer, mentioning specifics of their experience.
    • A personal touch can make customers feel more valued and likely to respond.
11. Follow Up:
    • If a customer hasn't left a review after your initial request, send a polite reminder.
    • Ensure the follow-up is gentle and not too pushy.

Implementing these strategies can help you gather more reviews and build a stronger online presence.

Knowing if people like your Facebook page is crucial for understanding audience engagement and the effectiveness of your social media strategy. When individuals like your page, they are signaling interest in your content, brand, or cause, which can translate to increased visibility, credibility, and potentially, business growth.

To determine if people like your Facebook page, you can utilize Facebook Insights, a comprehensive analytics tool provided by Facebook. This tool gives detailed information on various metrics, including the number of likes your page has received over time. By accessing the "Likes" section in Facebook Insights, you can see not only the total number of likes but also track trends such as spikes in likes after specific posts or campaigns, which helps in understanding what type of content resonates most with your audience.

Furthermore, monitoring the "People" tab in Facebook Insights offers demographic information about your followers, including age, gender, and location. This data helps in tailoring your content to meet the preferences and interests of your audience, ensuring more relevant and engaging posts.

Beyond the raw numbers, engagement metrics like comments, shares, and reactions to your posts also provide valuable insights. High engagement rates often correlate with a growing number of page likes, as engaged users are more likely to share your content with their networks, attracting new followers.

Additionally, regular interaction with your audience through responses to comments and messages can foster a sense of community, encouraging more people to like and follow your page. Running targeted ad campaigns on Facebook can also boost your page's visibility and attract more likes, especially if the ads are well-crafted and aimed at the right audience segments.
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In closing, knowing if people like your Facebook page involves tracking likes through Facebook Insights, understanding engagement metrics, and actively engaging with your audience. This information is essential for refining your social media strategy and ensuring your content appeals to your followers, ultimately leading to sustained growth and success on the platform.

by: Joel McClish
SCORE MENTOR
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How hard can it be?
When we start out creating a new business idea, we think about the ability of that creation to provide income and maybe some joy or satisfaction, we are energetic, motivated and have the “can do” attitude.

Before you go any further with planning a new business, you should ask yourself a few questions, these may include; “why do I want to start this business, do I know anything about the industry of this business?”, “do I think I will make lots of money in this business because someone makes it look easy?”, “have I ever worked in the industry of this business?”, “what time frame am I expecting to start this business”, “how much money do I have to start the business.”

Being positive is the best frame of mind and most difficult to maintain, especially when the reality of how difficult the task of creating new business with all the rules, regulations, logistics and negativity from our
closet’s family and friends. If you keep the positive energy you have when start the project, working through all aspects of your endeavor, positive and negative, will help you push through and no the outcome, you will know you made the best choice for you.

While the Business Plan is one of the most important ‘tools’ you can have, the most important is understanding the P&L (Profit and Loss) for EVERY aspect of your business. Know all of your costs including the cost of having you working the business, (keep track of all of your hours creating the business and assign a realistic hourly cost per hour, minimum wage, how much you would make if you were working for someone else or having someone you pay to do what you are doing).

Now that you figured all of the “little stuff” out, you can move forward, set you timeline, watch the trends, find your target market, straddle the line between a paying job, your new job (developing your business), while balancing your personal life with your work life all while keeping that positive can-do attitude!

If you decide that the business plan just looks too complicated, you should ask yourself some realistic questions, like; “who will buy my products”, “if someone else was selling my product”, “how many and how often can I sell my product or services”, “does my product have a shelf life?”, “how can I reach more people and how much will it cost?”

Where to go from here? Look at the business realistically, answer as many questions on a business plan template you can answer, project your sales and figure your costs and possible profitability.

Business referral and networking groups are vital tools for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking growth and opportunities. These groups foster a collaborative environment where members can exchange leads, referrals, and insights, significantly impacting their businesses. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Increased Referrals and Leads: Networking groups provide a steady stream of referrals and leads. Members often come from diverse industries, offering access to potential clients and partners that might not be reachable through traditional marketing channels. The trust built within these groups ensures that referrals are genuine and of high quality, leading to higher conversion rates.

2. Enhanced Credibility and Trust: Being part of a reputable networking group boosts credibility. Members vouch for each other, creating a trust-based system. This credibility can significantly enhance a business's reputation, making it easier to attract and retain clients. Trust within the group also means that referrals are given with confidence, ensuring that all parties involved benefit.

3. Knowledge Sharing and Learning Opportunities: Networking groups are rich in knowledge and experience. Regular meetings and interactions allow members to share insights, industry trends, and best practices. This continuous learning environment helps businesses stay updated and competitive. Additionally, guest speakers and workshops organized by these groups provide valuable educational opportunities.

4. Business Development and Partnerships: Networking groups are fertile grounds for forming strategic partnerships. The relationships built in these groups can lead to collaborations, joint ventures, and other business opportunities. These partnerships can open new markets, streamline operations, and enhance product or service offerings, driving business growth.

5. Support and Mentorship: Networking groups offer a support system where members can seek advice and mentorship. Experienced members often guide newer or smaller businesses, providing insights that can help navigate challenges and achieve goals. This mentorship can be invaluable, especially for startups and entrepreneurs.

6. Increased Visibility and Marketing Opportunities: Regular participation in networking groups increases a business’s visibility. Presentations, sponsorship opportunities, and hosting events allow businesses to showcase their products and services to a captive audience. This consistent exposure helps in building brand recognition and attracting potential clients.
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In closing, business referral and networking groups are indispensable for business growth and development. They offer a platform for generating leads, building credibility, sharing knowledge, forming partnerships, receiving support, and increasing visibility. Joining such a group can be a strategic move for any business looking to expand its horizons and achieve sustainable success.

Offering discounts is a common strategy used by businesses to attract customers and boost sales. However, the impact of discounts on a business can be a double-edged sword, with potential benefits and drawbacks that must be carefully considered.

On the positive side, discounts can drive immediate sales, clear out old inventory, and attract new customers. They create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to make a purchase they might otherwise delay or skip. For new businesses, discounts can serve as a valuable tool to build brand awareness and attract an initial customer base. Regular customers may also appreciate the occasional discount, enhancing their loyalty and increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases.

However, the downsides of offering discounts can be significant. One major concern is the potential erosion of profit margins. If discounts are too frequent or too deep, the reduced revenue per sale can make it difficult to cover costs and achieve profitability. Additionally, customers may begin to expect discounts and become hesitant to buy at regular prices, which can devalue the perceived worth of your products or services. This shift in customer behavior can undermine long-term profitability and create a reliance on promotions to maintain sales volumes.

Moreover, excessive discounting can impact brand perception. Premium brands, in particular, may suffer from frequent discounts, as it can erode the exclusivity and perceived quality associated with higher prices. This can lead to a diluted brand image and make it challenging to maintain a premium market position.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider strategic discounting practices. Offering discounts on a limited basis, such as during specific sales events or for first-time customers, can help balance attracting new customers without consistently undermining profitability. Additionally, focusing on value-added promotions, like bundled offers or loyalty rewards, can provide incentives without directly cutting into profit margins.
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In conclusion, while discounts can be an effective tool for driving short-term sales and attracting new customers, businesses must carefully balance the frequency and depth of discounts to avoid long-term negative impacts on profitability and brand perception. Strategic discounting, aligned with broader marketing and financial goals, is key to leveraging this tactic effectively.