Take Small Business to the Next Level

Since I’m from New England, normally I travel up north to Vermont a few times a year, and visiting the King Arthur Flour company store or taking their baking classes is on my bucket list. My friend from New Hampshire keeps saying she’s going to take me there one of these days.

Supporting small businesses, especially a local small business, has always been a priority of mine. Just recently I participated in Small Business Saturday on Facebook. My mother-in-law was a local small business owner of a cheese and gourmet shop back in the 70s, although the most she tried to expand her reach was to open a second brick-and-mortar store in an adjacent town.

As a Tastefully Simple independent consultant small business owner, I have a website where I sell specialty beer bread mixes, dips and sauces. Since I’m a mompreneur, I rely on social media networking communities such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to help with the web sales and internet marketing end of my mom-owned small business.

On the internet marketplace Bonanza, I’m also a small business owner and have a boutique website where I sell and offer vintage sewing and craft patterns and other home items for families.

Like King Arthur Flour, as a small business owner I’m trying to expand my reach via social networks, gain name recognition and develop a national customer base.

To attain my goals, I recently switched to using the Google Chrome web browser as my primary internet browser. After experiencing multiple browser crashes when using Firefox, I’ve found Google Chrome to be much more reliable than any of the other browsers I’d been using.

If you’re a small business owner, make it a New Year’s resolution to let Google Chrome help take your business to the next level.

This post is sponsored by Google Chrome

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

I’ve discussed here in my blogging tips and techniques section on What is StumbleUpon and how it benefits bloggers.  The Hot Topic of the moment by veteran bloggers and social media coaches right now is that users of StumbleUpon are seeing tremendous increases in their blog traffic if one of their posts goes viral.  Annie Shulz has written an e-Book on how to use StumbleUpon, spilling her and secrets and first-hand knowledge on how hitch a ride on the StumbleUpon phenomena.

How to Send StumbleUpon Shares to Auto Post to Twitter

•  If you don’t have an account at Stumble Upon, sign up for one HERE.

Complete your profile, and find your StumbleUpon public profile member name and URL.

Follow Moomettes on StumbleUpon: 

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Moomettes/

• If you don’t have a Twitterfeed account, you can open one HERE. Twitterfeed allows you to tweet the last posts published in a blog or site via the RSS feed
  

Enter the URL from your StumbleUpon profile.

You can then enter the schedule that you’d like to feed your Stumble Thumbs Up to Twitter.

You can also add a Prefix, or a Suffix to your posts.  Mine are set to say:

Prefix:  Thumbs UP!
Suffix:  Check it out!

You might want to add a Twitter Hashtag such as #FB  for Facebook or #LI for  LinkedIn and then be able to send your stumbles to Facebook.

I Stumble from the StumbleUpon  application on my smartphone if I’m a passenger riding in a car.  It’s a nice way to share and to pay it forward and generate some traffic to our blogs.

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

Anti Malware Spyware Protection Removal

If you use StumbleUpon to discover new websites or generate blog traffic and promote your posts as much as I do, you’re probably aware that it’s extremely important to have a reliable anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spyware system in place on your computer. Chica PC-Shield is a tool that allows you to find and remove the threats from your computer.

Technology Solutions and Software for Women

ChicaPC-Shield BLOCKS you from the nasty stuff so you can safely browse the web,  email, shop for gifts, bank,  Twitter or use Facebook, Google+ or other social media forums online. No longer let yourself, mom, daughter, sister, grandmom or BFF be helpless and a victim to malware and other internet threats.

If you want to try either of the computer  software programs, go to the Free Spyware Protection Downloads section to test them out.

For More Information Visit: ChicaLogic
© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

Think about all the photos, video’s, recipes, music, and memorable emails your mom has stored on her computer, they are her priceless possessions that cannot be shielded from a computer viruses, malware, and sypware attack.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Are you or your mom or grandmom the geeky tech computer type like I am? Perhaps your favorite person telecommutes to work, or is a WAHM or mom blogger.   If the answer to that question is a “yes” then here’s the perfect gift idea to either give or ask for!  And at this special BOGO price, it won’t break the bank!

Anti Malware Spyware

ChicaPC-fix extends the life of a PC by easily giving you the ability to clean and remove all the errors causing a slow performing PC. ChicaPC-Shield is a tool that allows you to find and remove the threats from your computer. In addition, ChicaPC-Shield BLOCKS you from the nasty stuff so you can safely browse, email, shop, bank, tweet, and, Facebook online. No longer let your mom be helpless and a victim to malware and other internet threats.

If you want to try the software, go to the Free Downloads section to test them out.

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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2. INTERNET MARKETING RESOURCES for your eBay Stores or WAHM eBiz eCommerce sites on Traffic Exchanges~CINNAMON HOLLOW TRAFFIC EXCHANGE | Moomettesgram’s Musings
3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

We can all tolerate a sluggish computer, but hardly anyone would want other people to have access to the selective information on our computers. When spyware or malware is plastered on our computers without our knowledge, that’s exactly what can happen.

Internet crime and security breaches are continually increasing. Anti-Virus programs and Firewalls are simply not enough to protect your computer from all possible threats. Malware, or malicious software, continues to infect even the most  well-protected computers.

Anti MalWare Spyware

Malware is a general term for malicious software including Worms, Trojan Horses, Spyware, and more. Malware infects your computer and can harm it and cause it to crash – without you even being aware of its presence. Your computer is constantly at risk for malware

As a WAHM blogger, I get hundreds of email pitches weekly from various companies and PR reps who are contacting me to promote their client’s products.  Often they contain links to websites.  Many of the emails are legitimate, but oftentimes they are not.  Although we’ve all been instructed never to click a link we’re unfamiliar with, as a blogger this is a chance I have to take, and why we need anti malware spyware protection.

Many of my blogging associates also use social media sites such as  StumbleUpon and Twitter for blog post promotion.  Whenever you’re stumbling websites or clicking shortened links from Twitter, increase your chances of acquiring malware, spyware or a virus from an unknown source.

ChicaPC-Shield

ChicaLogic has dedicated their resources to develop a more effective and more sophisticated program to provide you with the best anti-spyware and adware protection for your PC.

With a proven anti-malware technology  powered by Malwarebytes and designed  completely accessible by employing simple language and a no-nonsense approach with a woman’s needs and work flow in mind, ChicaPC-Shield actively monitors your PC in real-time to ensure that even the most hostile invasions are automatically blocked from ever reaching your computer.

ChicaPC-Shield: Critical Protection for Your PC

• Quick scanning program detects and destroys malware, and prevents  future attacks
• Removes even the most stubborn malware
• Safe, effective, and extremely easy-to-use software
• Real-time active protection module
• Schedule automatic or periodic scans
• Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7, 32 & 64 bit

You can Buy Now $24.95

As a special gift to my Subscribers, the first 5 people who comment and let me know your experiences with malware and spyware and why you feel you need and would like to try ChicaPC-Shield, I have one (1) complimentary Product/ID Key to give to you for anti malware spyware protection!

© 2011 C. Matthews

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

Many people like Tweetdeck, but I personally prefer to use HootSuite.

How To Add Social Networks Using HootSuite

There are many social media networks that can be added in HootSuite; however, in the free addition, you are only allowed to add 5 accounts. If you need to manage more than five, you can subscribe to the paid option, which is very reasonable. In this tutorial, we will be adding Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to HootSuite.

Step 1: Log Into HootSuite

Create your account and log in at HootSuite

Step 2: Navigate to Add Social Media

After you create your HootSuite account, you’ll need to add your social media programs. To do that, navigate to the social networks tab.
Click the owl in the top left of your screen to get a drop down menu. Hover over the “Settings tab” and click on the “Social Networks” tab when it appears. You will be taken to a new popup.

Step 3: Choose Social Media Networks

On the settings menu, click “Add Social Media Network.”

Step 4: Add Twitter

Click the Twitter button, uncheck any options you don’t want to include and click the “connect with Twitter button to add info about your Twitter account.

Add the Twitter user name or associated email addy and the password. Click “allow.” When you’ve added the account successfully, you will return to the settings screen. The new account will be listed there.

Step 5: Add Facebook

Click the Facebook button, uncheck any options you don’t want to include and click the “connect with Facebook button” to add info about your account.

Add the Facebook user name or associated email addy and the password. Click “allow.” When you’ve added the account successfully, you will return to the settings screen. The new account will be listed there

Log into Facebook, if asked. Click “allow” to grant HootSuite specific permissions.

When you have successfully added Facebook, you will see the option to “like” HootSuite. Click “finish” after you’ve made your choice. This account will show up on your settings page under the title Facebook.

Step 6: Add LinkedIN

Click the LinkedIN button, uncheck any options you don’t want to include and click the “connect with LinkedIN button to add info about your account.

Sign into your LinkedIN account and allow access when prompted.

How To Tweet/Post and Schedule Using HootSuite

Step 7: Add a Message

At the top of your screen, next to the owl, you’ll see an area where you can type in a message. Click in the box to add your tweet. The box will expand to show more options.

If you want to send the message immediately and from that account click the Send Now button.

Step 8: Schedule a Message

If you have more than one account or network where you would like the message to appear, select the accounts at the right by clicking on each account’s photo or by using one of the buttons at the bottom. A green checkmark shows on the images that you have chosen to include.

Note: When including Facebook, you have a total of 420 characters instead of the 140 in the Twitter network. You may want to post to Facebook separately to include more info.

Click on the calendar icon to schedule your message to post at a later time.

Your message hasn’t been scheduled yet. Notice that the “Send Now” button has changed to “Schedule.” Click the schedule button to complete the task.

Now that you know how to add social media networks, add messages, and schedule messages in HootSuite, there is no reason to shy away from social media. You can start socializing on HootSuite today!

Follow Me on Twitter: @Moomettes

© 2011 C. Matthews

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

Amplify The Web Social Networking and Sharing

Clipping Service

While Amplify’s goal is to make conversations on the web more enjoyable, I am using it as a news clipping service to share with my Twitter and Facebook followers posts that I find beneficial.  Amplify’s bookmark chicklet also enables me to use the clippings as a reference library of posts that I can refer back to and find helpful as a blogger.

While Twitter typically allows only 140 characters for posting an update, Amplify allows more than that.

Key features of Amplify are:

• Amplify is a free service to use

• Use Amplify to autopost to Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Google Buzz, Tumblr, Posterous, WordPress and more. I use Tumbler to aggregate all of my media and press coverage.

• Amplify can be used in any web browser or get the Amplify Firefox add-on or Google Chrome extension.

• Amplify can be used to share directly to or from Google Reader

There isn’t an Amplify application for the Android or iPhone smartphones or an app for the Apple
iPad at the moment but they are expected to be available shortly.

Sign up for Amplify by using your Facebook or Twitter account, and start your own clipping service of your favorite news or blog posts.

Follow Me at:   Moomettes on Amplify

© 2011 C. Matthews

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

Using Social Media

Social media is an amazing tool for anyone online, and especially for moms. One of the top reasons moms spend time online is to be social. They are looking to make friends, find information, share what they know, sympathize with others, and maybe even make some money.

Social media sites and online communities are set-up so moms, or anyone, can pop in and out and easily share. They are always busy with a ton of traffic and you need to direct some of that traffic to your blog. However, you need to make them want to come interact with you because your sign is so compelling; not be forced to drive past because someone has a whistle and white gloves.

If you want to make friends on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, here are 5 things you should avoid:

• Boring conversation about the details of your life
• Links in every update
• Constant bragging
• Only retweets
• Constant quotes

None of those things are terribly wrong. Actually, each of these things will appeal to someone, but not if that’s all that they hear from you.  Mix it up, keep it interesting – that’s what’s important.

If you think, “I’m blogging to make money, not friends” you won’t get anywhere online. Readers visit people they like and shoppers buy from people they know. The key to using social media sites the right way is honest interaction. Here are five tips that might help:

Be yourself. Don’t set up a persona.

Use your best level of conversation. Don’t talk like you’re at a sleepover with your friends; talk like you are at a networking conference.

Search for a topic that you like and talk to people about that topic.

For every tweet you post about yourself reply to someone else.

Strive to build people up and never tear people down publicly.

Don’t be intimidated by the unwritten rules of social media.  Rather watch, read, and learn how to go about things the best way so that you’re accepted easily and hopefully, spread around. You want people to associate good things with your name and brand.

Building relationships, gaining trust, becoming friends, honest interaction – all of these things take time and don’t happen overnight.  Remember that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well.

If you want to learn more about blogging, gaining more exposure in the blogosphere, building great relationships and incorporating new profit points into your content be sure to sign up for the Smart Blogging Skills 10 week course.

Follow Me on Twitter: @Moomettes

Image Credit: Biewoef

© C. Matthews 2011

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

UPDATED!

New! Upddated August 2010

If you’re new to being a WAHM or mommy blogger, or to twitter networking, here are some fast Twitter tips and Facebook Social Media using tutorials and guide to help you get started:

Be sure to also check out my Blogging Resource Tips and Techniques

How To Sell and Market An Info Product or eBook Online

Facebook Tutorial: Social RSS Helps to Promote Your Blog or Business

Tips To Define Your Facebook Page Goals and Purpose

How to Manage Twitter and Social Media Accounts Using HootSuite: Tutorial Guide

Facebook Tutorial Series: How to DIY Create a Custom Profile Photo Page Button for FREE

Facebook Tutorial Series: How to Create a Winning Facebook Fan Page For Your Blog or Business

Facebook Tutorial Series: How to Manage Facebook Page Navigation Updates Guide

5 Surefire Reasons Why Mom Bloggers Need To Be Skilled in Using Social Media

Free Easy Tips To Set Up A Specialized Content Daily Twitter Newspaper

Facebook Tutorial Series: How to Add a Business or Personal Facebook Application – Part 3

Tips To Set Up Your Facebook Account: Part 2 – Adding and Organizing Friends

Tips To Set Up Your Facebook Account: Part 1 – Setting Up Your Profile Page

Not At BlogHer10 This Year? Neither Am I – But No Need For a Pity Party

What is Social Networking and Why It Is Important If You Work From Home

Why You Should Use Social Bookmarking as a Business Tool For Your Blog

So You’re a New Blogger: What Makes Twitter so Hot?

Tips For Using Twitter for Blog Traffic

Reasons Why Twitter Can’t Replace a Blog

What is Facebook All About and Why a WAHM Should Have an Account

Tweet Your Brand and Message to Your Niche Easily With This Easy Tip

Twitter Profile Tip: Increase Your Technorati Authority

Earn Some Cash – Monetize Your Twitter Profile

Getting to Know Twitter and Your Fellow Tweeps – A Great Marketing Tool

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web

You can make your blog available to Kindle at Amazon.com. Kindle e-Book readers will be able to subscribe to your blog posts, and read them anywhere. Most Kindle blog subscriptions are 99 cents to about $2, and Amazon shares a portion of the revenue with you. Be aware that you aren’t exactly going to be making millions of $$ from Kindle subscriptions. However, every penny counts, and more importantly, this is a terrific opportunity for bloggers to market their blog and generate interest outside of the typical and familiar blog-writing circles.

eBook Kindle Reader

I’d like to introduce my readers to Meet My Friend, Rebecca MeComber, author of The Older Geek. While recently visiting, I saw that she had several blogs on Kindle, and thought that’s a great idea! I’ve met Rebeca through Entrecard as well as various forums and invited her to Guest Post on Moomette’s Magnificents, and fortunately she was available to share blogging tips and techniques with my readers!

Besides sharing an interest in all things technological and geeky, I’ve followed all Rebecca’s blogs, but the first one that caught my eye was NewYork Renovator.  Rebecca lives in upstate New York, which I’ve visited many times over the years as my brother lived in Rochester.  It’s interesting to follow her story of renovating an 1855 farmhouse, and look at her detailed photos of the house, weather and world outside her door!

Follow Rebecca on Twitter @Rebemecomber

If you have a topic of interest that you’d like to share and be a Guest Blogger on Moomette’s Magnificents, please contact me (see Contact tab above).

Before you submit a blog to Kindle, however, you must create a Kindle vendor account at Amazon. This vendor account is separate from the Amazon bookstore seller account.

Go to the Amazon Kindle sign up page. Here you are required to submit your name, address, and telephone number, as well as answer security questions for your account. Your only two options (as of this writing) for receiving payment for blog subscriptions is via a check that is mailed to you, or via direct deposit into your bank account. If you choose your bank account, you will need to submit your routing number and bank account number, as well.

Once this information is submitted, you can go on to the next step. It’s easy to submit your blog to Amazon. You will need a few things before you start:

• Your blog’s RSS feed. It can be your Feedburner url or the basic RSS feed url available through your browser. For example, I have a Feedburner RSS feed that I use, but my basic browser RSS feed is the simple http://theoldergeek.com/feeds. You can use either one, just as long as it is a viable RSS feed. You can verify your feed through the Amazon sign-up page.
• A screenshot of your blog homepage. If you have a Windows computer, you do this by pressing the keys “CTRL” and “PrtScn” on your keyboard. If you have Mac, press the Apple key, the “Shift” key and the “3″ key simultaneously. Then open up your photo-editing software program (Paint Shop Pro, Irfanview, whatever) and press “CTRL” and “V” to paste the screenshot into the program. From there, you can crop the image. I recommend that you crop the image as small as you can, as Amazon will reduce it considerably to display it on the subscriber page.
• A screenshot of your blog’s header, or “masthead.” Again, try to keep this image simplified. It will appear in black and white in the Kindle device.

When you are ready, go to the Amazon Kindle Sign Up Page. Fill in the information and upload the images. You can save your information to be completed at a later time, or see a preview of how your blog will look on Kindle before you actually publish your blog. I recommend that you take a peek at the preview to ensure your masthead looks appropriate.

Finally, place a check in the Terms of Service confirmation box, and click the “Publish Blog to Kindle” button. You will be directed to your newly created Kindle account page. Your blog must be approved by the Kindle Powers That Be. I have found that blogs are usually approved in 24 hours or so.

Once approved, you can log in to your Kindle account and manage it: view subscriptions, view the Amazon subscription page, access help forums, and more.

And finally, don’t forget to tell the world that you are on Kindle! You can create a nice badge to place on your blog. Make sure the badge links to your Kindle blog’s subscription page.

Helpful Links:
Amazon Kindle sign up page
Kindle Publishing Forums

Bio:
A former radio personality, Rebecca Mecomber is now a pro-blogger and freelance writer. She currently owns a dozen blogs of various niches. She’s been blogging and tinkering with electronics and computers for over two decades. She remembers the old days before VCRs, CDs, DVDs, and the WWW. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband, four teenagers, and five pets. Needless to say, she drinks a lot of coffee…

© C. Matthews 2010

New Year’s Resolution for Small Businesses | Internet Marketing Help | Chrome Google Web Browser is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Online Marketing Strategies for Home Based Businesses
2. INTERNET MARKETING RESOURCES for your eBay Stores or WAHM eBiz eCommerce sites on Traffic Exchanges~CINNAMON HOLLOW TRAFFIC EXCHANGE | Moomettesgram’s Musings
3. Tips to Amplify Your Social Media Presence on the Web