Join us for a no cost MSP marketing business Webinar on August 17.

Ulistic, a leading MSP Marketing, search engine optimization, social media and online marketing firm invites you to take part in their upcoming webinar on August 17th at 1 PM Eastern/10 AM Pacific.

This 40 minute session internet marketing webinar we cover the fine line between Social Media, Social Circles and the impact these user contributed websites have on search engine optimization.  Our goal is to share information to help your MSP marketing achieve success through basic online marketing strategies.

David West, Senior Advisor and Partner at Calgary, Alberta based Ulsitic (specialists in MSP Online Marketing) will discuss the state of social and search as it is today and theorize the future when social influences will potentially impact search results. Every business owner needs to have some understanding of social media and search engine and how social search results will influence your potential customers.

About David West

David began working with Internet technologies initially as a freelance website programmer. He later formed a full service website design and development company in Calgary, Alberta. David has employed Internet Marketers, Designers, Programmers and Project Managers to work together to create dynamic and effective websites. He firmly believes that quality traffic to a website is better than quantity and uses a “coaching” approach to collaborative development of an online strategy for all Ulistic MSP business clients. David positions his clients for success online.

Title: Where the Roads Cross Between Social Media and Search Engine Optimization
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MDT
Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/426743328

The buzz around the CompTIA Breakaway conference this week in San Antonio varies from circle to circle but there are some consistent themes being discussed in the breakouts, keynotes and hallways of the JW Marriott Resort in San Antonio.

• Healthcare IT is one of the hot topics this time around.  Every US MSP is looking at Healthcare and why not, it is almost like the perfect gift.  Now, this Canadian blogger and MSP Marketing Professional needs to learn more about US Healthcare but from what I can understand many Doctors are now mandated to make the move to some sort of EMR solution.  I am sure there is more to it, but a good start for me.
• The next topic is the CLOUD.  What is cloud computing?  How will it impact my MSP business and what do I need to do now.  I know Arlin Sorensen has talked for a couple of years on cloud preparation and I firmly believe the time is now to act on getting cloud solutions integrated into your overall service offering.

What does it take to succeed with MSP marketing especially in these verticals?

Having a plan, strategy and action items are important and a must for every MSP looking at jumping into these new worlds or even simply just getting into managed services….but you also need clients.

How do you find or attract new clients?

Marketing and effective, targeted and well thought out marketing strategies.  Your MSP business needs a marketing coach and someone who has walked a mile in your shoes.  You need to do your homework and get the right solution that meets the needs of your business and meets the needs of the market you are going after.

How do you attract new opportunities?

Simply put…speak their language.  Your marketing must speak the language of the market your going after and your online marketing crafted to attract those looking for exactly what they are looking for.

Keyword Research, Online forums and special interest groups are where you must start.  Having the perfect business blog that attracts and retains those interested in learning from you and buying from you is crucial as well.

Then you must execute!

Need a hand, give me a call at 403.775.2205.

Ulistic and Heartland Technology Solutions Forge Strengthening Relationship

Two leading content creators join forces to help MSPs and IT VARs craft their message and win new business opportunities through online business newsletters, social media and search optimization.

Ulistic, a leading MSP Internet consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and an organization focused on delivering valuable online marketing services and education within the IT VAR and Managed Services Community, today announced their strategic partnership with Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS). HTS is a very successful IT reseller located in the Midwest that also provides marketing services through its popular e-Newsletter service for resellers throughout North America…it’s known as the e-Newsletter produced by a reseller for resellers.

This strategic partnership will offer the IT VAR and Managed Services community a robust, complete and well-rounded online marketing solution leveraging HTS’ newsletter and content library services with Ulistic’s Search Engine Optimization, Social Media and Internet Marketing and consulting programs.

Ulistic will offer in-depth social media, corporate blogging and search engine optimization services built on proven SEO best practices to HTS and their community of newsletter marketing clients. This will allow each member to leverage advanced web marketing and coaching services geared at positioning their businesses ahead of their competition in online search and provide a foundation to take their Internet Marketing to the next level.

“Marketing your MSP and IT VAR business online is no longer a fad,” states Ulistic Senior Partner and 15-year MSP veteran Stuart Crawford. “Online marketing must be a core component of your overall marketing strategy, no matter the size of your business. Our partnership with HTS will help the technology community increase their overall visibility in their communities and with their clients, aiding in their overall creditability in the marketplace.”

HTS will offer their very popular e-newsletter to Ulistic clients. This proven service produces over 170 newsletters each month for VARs across North America who want to maintain a “soft touch” with their customers. HTS e-newsletters are highly customizable with a robust content library for VARs to utilize.

“VAR customers appreciate the mix of personal news, tips and tricks, and education on technology trends that appear in our e-newsletters. We’re excited to expand our market to assist Ulistic clients as well,” says Jane Cage, COO of HTS.

About Ulistic Inc.

Ulistic (www.ulistic.com) focuses on assisting leading Information Technology organizations, technology manufacturers and their partners plus the Managed Service Provider market. Ulistic’s services help position their partners and clients to achieve success by leveraging the latest Internet Marketing trends and services. Ulistic is a progressive Internet consulting firm founded by David West and Stuart Crawford who offer a combined 30 years of IT experience. Ulistic is the definitive organization for firms wanting to lead in their markets. Ulistic has global results with companies looking to dominate search results, lead their markets and leverage social media and advanced web services. Ulistic are a team of Internet Consultants with a fresh approach to doing business online by empowering clients through education.

About HTS

Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) has been providing business solutions to clients throughout the Midwest for over 25 years. HTS has offices across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma with a regionally based staff of almost 80 IT professionals including 30 industry certified engineers and experienced business consultants. HTS also provides marketing services through its popular e-Newsletter service for resellers throughout North America. (www.heartlandtechnologies.com)

Calgary Search Engine Optimization Specialist hits the road for CompTIA Breakaway.

I value my time out of the office and I truly love being a road warrior.  Travel and seeing new parts of the country and combine this with an opportunity to serve small business across Canada and United States is what truly gets me up every morning.  This is what we are all about, service and making sure our clients get the right social media, search engine optimization and online marketing consulting, education and result their business craves. This is what Ulistic is all about.

Ulistic is off to one of the IT communities leading trade shows in San Antonio.

Visit us at booth 417

From coast-coast-coast-coast we cover North America helping small business (managed service providers, real estate professionals and general small business) use the right social media strategies and get real benefits from search engine marketing and optimization services, no fluff and no BS…we shoot only for results.  Our unique approach of educating and mentoring small business owners and teams throughout Canada and the United States has allowed many entrepreneurs and business owners to really make an impact in their business by blending online marketing strategies with their existing marketing solutions.

Who said the Internet would cut down on travel? I would like to meet this person.  Business in North America still requires the “human element” and this sometimes requires travel.  If it is a quick trip across town or a flight across the country, we will need to meet people and thoroughly understand their needs.

What does my portable office look like?

• Mobile Phone – My mobile smart phone is an essential part of my portable office.  Having the correct plan is also essential.  Having freedom to work from anywhere is crucial in my business where clients can call on us at anytime with any need.  A great mobile phone with a flexible plan is essential.
• The Right Laptop – I currently use a MacBook simply because it works without a hitch and if I have an issue with it, well I can take it to any Apple Certified repair shop and get it fixed.  Having the right equipment is very important whether it is a MacBook or DELL Latitude laptop running Windows 7, you need to have something that work and works for you.
• Cloud Technologies – My company Ulistic is a firm that teaches people to leverage the Internet therefore we need to have access to technologies no matter where we are.  The right cloud solution is just as important as your mobile phone or laptop.  There are many great solutions out there, do your homework and get one that works for you.
• Mobile Internet – Last but definitely not least is the importance of  mobile Internet.  Hotels, Airports and Coffee shops offer Wi-Fi however for me I need something fast and reliable.  My TELUS Mobile Internet service gives me the reliability that this road warrior requires.  I may forget my phone or my server maybe down, but without my mobile Internet from TELUS I would be crippled.

No matter where you work you need to right tools to do your job.  For this Alberta-based road warrior without my tools…well I would be lost and lose my competitive advantage.  What would hurt the most…I wouldn’t be able to serve my clients and take care of them.

This post is written for Calgary Real Estate Professionals however it applies to every business model

Each week Ulistic, your local Calgary Internet Marketing and Search Engine Optimization team hosts a series of webinars to help Calgary business understand online marketing, social media, Internet Technologies and help debunk some of the myths associated with social media and general online marketing.

This week, our team at Ulistic hosted a webinar for a number of Calgary-based REALTORS® on the power of social media and Internet marketing to help them market their listings more efficiently online.  This was not a hyped up social media discussion and actually social media was just a sliver of what we discussed during the 60 minute REALTOR® webinar.

Here are some of the highlights and what you can do as a REALTOR® to help place your Real Estate business online.

Success online takes commitment, this is the first crucial step towards success in anything we do.  REALTORS® who demonstrate commitment in applying the principles of effective online marketing make great success stories versus those who pay it “lip service”.  This is not something you simply set and forget.  Online Marketing success takes effort, it takes commitment and it takes time. Set up a schedule and commit to keeping that schedule.  For those who were on the webinar, remember F + V = C.

Does your REALTOR® website welcome and convert visitors to potential qualified buyers and sellers?  You don’t need another virtual billboard on the Internet highway.  Personally, I would rather have 10 solid buyers and sellers visit my site each week versus having thousands of visitors who never engage with me.  Does this concept make sense? Your marketing online must attract qualified prospects to your business or why are you doing it?  Numbers don’t matter if no one engages with you.

Experiment with new ways of doing the old things.  We discussed services like Microsoft Tags and other new technologies can offer the same information to a new audience.  Consider attaching tags or bar codes for those interested in learning more about your listings.  With smart phones, a potential buyer can easily research your listings with a click of their camera.  Microsoft Tag is a great way for you to showcase your listings.  Almost everyone today has a smart phone, let’s leverage this for our benefit.

And finally, don’t forget about video.  If a picture says a thousand words, then video must say millions.  Start using video now in your business and use it for your advantage.

These are just a few of the items we covered during our REALTOR® webinar this week.  If you would like to learn more about Social Media for REALTORS® give me a shout at 403.775.2205 and our team at Ulistic would be more than happy to work with you or you can click here to contact me directly online.

Is Social Media for Marketing an effective strategy for your Calgary business?

As your Calgary social media specialist I am often thinking about how social media communications impacts my peers and those Calgary business our team at Ulistic works with each day.

This weekend has been a weekend where I caught up on some blogs for my clients that needed a refresh on their design and also some quiet time to plan where the social media consultancy market is heading.

A quick review of the Google Keyword Research Tool shows that there isn’t as many folks searching for a social media consulting firm in Calgary and throughout Canada.

What does this mean?

Does this indicate that Social Media is really a passing fad?  This professional is beginning to wonder.  Are Calgary small business tired of all the so-called Social Media Guru’s out there?  Is business finally tired of all the social media hype?

The good thing is this, Ulistic focuses more on Internet Marketing as a whole.  Social Media does play an important piece of a complete online marketing strategy however it is just a piece of the pie and not the entire pie.

How does your outside signage enhance your online marketing?

Where is the market heading?  Is business finally saying enough?

I am not one to throw in the tool just yet but I fully believe the market is shifting just a bit and business executives are getting tired of all the social media hype and want real numbers based on real returns.

How about you?

Once again I get to work directly with my good buddy Erick Simpson and his team at MSP University.  This week Ulistic released this press release outlining how our team is expanding the reach of our Calgary Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Consulting services into the Managed Services community.

Ulistic and MSP University announce Strategic Partnership

IT VAR and Managed Services Providers win as two marketing leaders join forces to offer a comprehensive, effective online marketing solution to the channel

Ulistic, a leading Internet consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and an organization focused on delivering valuable online marketing services and education within the IT VAR and Managed Services Community, today announced their strategic partnership with MSP University. MSP University is the largest consultancy and online resource dedicated to business transformation and improvement strategies for information technology (IT) professionals and managed services providers globally.

This strategic alliance will offer the IT VAR and Managed Services community a robust, complete and well-rounded marketing solution leveraging MSP University’s traditional and website marketing services with Ulistic’s Search Engine Optimization, Social Media and Internet Marketing and consulting programs.

Ulistic will offer in-depth search engine optimization services built on proven SEO best practices to MSP University’s channel of over 7,000 members. This will allow each member to leverage advanced web marketing and coaching services geared at positioning their businesses ahead of their competition in online search and provide a foundation to take their Internet Marketing to the next level.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for managed services providers and IT professionals globally to have a well-rounded marketing solution that balances traditional marketing techniques with today’s required and often overlooked search and social strategies,” states Ulistic Senior Partner and 15-year MSP veteran Stuart Crawford. “MSP University continues to lead the IT channel in business improvement education, strategy and fulfillment services for the technology community. It is wonderful to be part of the MSP University team going forward.”

MSP University provides IT business operations, sales and marketing and technical service delivery improvement education, training, fulfillment and consulting services to IT service organizations in over 100 countries worldwide, and trains thousands of attendees each year at its international IT Solutions and Managed Services Boot Camps.

“Adopting and integrating Ulistic’s proven approach into an IT solution or managed services provider’s marketing strategy greatly improves their results and ROI”, said Erick Simpson, Vice President, MSP University. “MSP University’s member channel looks to us to continually seek out and engage with strategic business partners whose products and services will add value to their businesses, and our alliance with Ulistic is yet another example of our meeting this expectation.”

About MSP University

MSP University (www.mspu.us) provides IT business operations, sales and marketing and technical service delivery improvement education, training, fulfillment and consulting services to Fortune 50 manufacturers, distributors, membership organizations, vendor channels, franchises and thousands of independent IT service organizations worldwide. MSP University is the ultimate resource for IT solution providers, whether preparing to transition to an annuity-based Managed Services delivery model, or who are already delivering Managed Services, and wish to increase their knowledge of IT and Managed Services vendors, services, solutions and business, technical and sales and marketing best practices to drive revenue and increase profitability. MSP University helps solution providers succeed…period.

Once again I get to work directly with my good buddy Erick Simpson and his team at MSP University.  This week Ulistic released this press release outlining how our team is expanding the reach of our Calgary Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Consulting services into the Managed Services community.

Ulistic and MSP University announce Strategic Partnership

IT VAR and Managed Services Providers win as two marketing leaders join forces to offer a comprehensive, effective online marketing solution to the channel

Ulistic, a leading Internet consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and an organization focused on delivering valuable online marketing services and education within the IT VAR and Managed Services Community, today announced their strategic partnership with MSP University. MSP University is the largest consultancy and online resource dedicated to business transformation and improvement strategies for information technology (IT) professionals and managed services providers globally.

This strategic alliance will offer the IT VAR and Managed Services community a robust, complete and well-rounded marketing solution leveraging MSP University’s traditional and website marketing services with Ulistic’s Search Engine Optimization, Social Media and Internet Marketing and consulting programs.

Ulistic will offer in-depth search engine optimization services built on proven SEO best practices to MSP University’s channel of over 7,000 members. This will allow each member to leverage advanced web marketing and coaching services geared at positioning their businesses ahead of their competition in online search and provide a foundation to take their Internet Marketing to the next level.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for managed services providers and IT professionals globally to have a well-rounded marketing solution that balances traditional marketing techniques with today’s required and often overlooked search and social strategies,” states Ulistic Senior Partner and 15-year MSP veteran Stuart Crawford. “MSP University continues to lead the IT channel in business improvement education, strategy and fulfillment services for the technology community. It is wonderful to be part of the MSP University team going forward.”

MSP University provides IT business operations, sales and marketing and technical service delivery improvement education, training, fulfillment and consulting services to IT service organizations in over 100 countries worldwide, and trains thousands of attendees each year at its international IT Solutions and Managed Services Boot Camps.

“Adopting and integrating Ulistic’s proven approach into an IT solution or managed services provider’s marketing strategy greatly improves their results and ROI”, said Erick Simpson, Vice President, MSP University. “MSP University’s member channel looks to us to continually seek out and engage with strategic business partners whose products and services will add value to their businesses, and our alliance with Ulistic is yet another example of our meeting this expectation.”

About MSP University

MSP University (www.mspu.us) provides IT business operations, sales and marketing and technical service delivery improvement education, training, fulfillment and consulting services to Fortune 50 manufacturers, distributors, membership organizations, vendor channels, franchises and thousands of independent IT service organizations worldwide. MSP University is the ultimate resource for IT solution providers, whether preparing to transition to an annuity-based Managed Services delivery model, or who are already delivering Managed Services, and wish to increase their knowledge of IT and Managed Services vendors, services, solutions and business, technical and sales and marketing best practices to drive revenue and increase profitability. MSP University helps solution providers succeed…period.

This post may ruffle a few feathers especially here in our Calgary Social Media consulting world.  But what the heck, sometimes I learn from Vladville and gotta upset the apple cart from time to time.  I am only writing this because I care enough about Canadian small business to raise a flag on all the “so-called” gurus out there ready to take your money and give you nothing in return.  Buyer Beware and do your homework before giving your credit card number or writing a cheque.

How does the average Canadian small business see Social Media? What does your business think of those feverishly running around or continuous tweeting looking to pitch their services?  $100 off a strategy session here and promises to manage a company’s social media there. There is still a lot of promises about experts looking to fill the pipelines of Canadian small business with endless referrals become of their social media activities.

Sorry, I have to throw my BS flag here. Just because you have a website and sent out 5 tweets doesn’t make you a marketing expert.  Our team at Ulistic are serious and professionally trained consultants and a team who works strategically with business across the globe.  We take an exception to those social media gurus out there who think they can save the day with a simple Facebook Page and Twitter account.  Sorry, social media success is part of a greater marketing strategy and business plan loaded with KPIs and objectives.

There are some markets our team has a wealth of experience and some we simply have a basic understanding.  We know our strengths and appreciate our weaker areas.  I can’t promise that we will fill your pipeline with gobs of referrals.

What if no one is looking for what you are offering?
What if your sales team can’t follow-up on leads?

What if…what I can promise if you do things right and follow the new rules of marketing you can position yourself to win new potential opportunities, but I can’t promise you the phone will ring off the wall.  Those who promise this, sorry I simply don’t understand it.

With that, more and more social media consultants are popping up on the landscape claiming to save the day.  It is almost embarrassing.  The social media consulting space here in Calgary and across all of Canada is becoming extremely crowded.  Crowded  with social media consultants and self-proclaimed experts.  Those who have a family businesses to former golf ball and promotional products experts flying in to save the day with Social Media.

Wait a second here!

Here are a few things to watch out for when hiring a social media consultant for your business:

• Is your social media consultant going to educate you and your team.  Your team must own your strategy.  A great consultant will share everything they know and use to help position your business for success.  Speaking from experience, our Ulistic Social Media Coaching program is in hot demand simply because we coach and work with the clients we serve to position themselves and be in the right spot, hopefully at the right time.
• You as the business owner or leader must own the strategy, outsource the tactical but the business owner must own the strategy.  I can’t tell you what going to happen in your market.  But I can help you formulate and then execute a plan based on your own business intelligence.
• Do your research.  When finding a firm to work with check some basic things.  Does their website look like some cheap or free template?  Does your social media consultant have a professional image?  How do they show up at your office?  Suit and Tie or T-shirt and shorts.
• Never, Ever hand over any money without doing your background check.  Ask for references, talk with those in your industry and most importantly do your own Google search on the firm you are looking for.  If your social media expert is going to position you for online success, they better be high on the first page of Google.
• Does your social media professional have deep strategic relationships?  What industry groups do they have membership in?  Who endorses their work?  Do your homework and ask the right questions.
• Ask your social media expert for their P and L and income statements to prove they are a legitimate business.  Nothing wrong with asking for proof they are running a successful enterprise.

Real business needs real world consulting. Not someone who will tweet your specials and start a fan page on Facebook.  Your business is not going to win with social media alone, social media must be integrated into your overall marketing strategy.  A strategic marketing coach with specialities in online marketing, social media and search engine optimization can help your business understand this part of the strategy but also have resources outside of the online marketing world to help with the overall marketing strategy and business execution.

That is the end of my rant…here is my last tip to the business owner…Do Your Homework and Buyer Beware!

What a pleasant surprise at today’s Mind Over Marketing day here in Calgary.

Greg from “The Engaged Entrepreneur” was a pleasant addition to the speaker lineup at the Mind Over Marketing boot camp today and shared some great strategies on marketing for our small businesses.  Greg had a great question on “Why is so much marketing screwed up?” What a great question!

I shared this belief with a number of my fellow Canadian small business owners on why our marketing simply doesn’t work.  Here is the main issue…we are all focused on “IMAGE MARKETING”.  You know or maybe you don’t know.  Drive down any highway and you will see classic examples of image advertising…just look for all the billboards.  The biggest challenge with image-based advertising is this…you can’t measure it.  Lesson of the day – If you can’t easily measure it…DON’T DO IT!

Here are a few great small business marketing ideas I learned from Greg.

Never drive traffic to your main website – David and I talk about this all the time.  Domain names are cheap and people who specialize in Internet Marketing are plentiful.  When you run a campaign or do some marketing, register a special domain at godaddy.com or your favourite registrar and then have everyone go to that specially registered domain name.  Why?  So you can measure how effective your marketing is.  Ulistic can help with strategy around this.  There are many ways to implement this, so before you spend a dime…call me at 403.775.2205.

Not everyone is your target market – Most entrepreneurs are afraid of limiting their target market.  Well, the opposite is the reality.  With Ulistic, we focus on hi-tech organizations, IT Professionals, Real Estate Agents, Real Estate businesses and keep our focus aligned on what we do best.  Not everyone is in your target market.

Keep it simple – Avoid high prices imaged-based marketing.  Keep your marketing simple and targeted.  Always think about the target market that you are serving and think about them some more.  People are always asking “Who cares, what is in it for me?”. Simple marketing works, put yourself in the heads of the market you are looking to serve and then serve, serve, serve them.

What does this have to do with social media or online marketing?  Lots!

As I mentioned in my talk yesterday at Mind Over Marketing…the barrier to entry is extremely low and never before has access to the market been so affordable for small business.  Don’t bring in the mistakes of image-based marketing into the online world.  Put yourself in the shoes of your prospect and market and then serve them.  Position your marketing, your blogs, and social media to serve and offer great advice and service.

If you need some help with online marketing and position yourself online as a servant to your community give me a shout at 403.775.2205.