Category: Small Business Market Research

As promised, I proudly present the first Summer Business School workshop: Social Media Branding for Startups, Freelancers, and Small Biz Owners.

Class size is limited to 15 people, so registration is required at:
http://www.skillshare.com/checkout/486470954

While most freelancers and entrepreneurs are already using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn in their daily/personal life, they may lack the strategy necessary to increase visibility for their business.

Whether you are seeking investors, clients, or customers, this class teaches the best practices of online marketing. We’ll cover business branding basics that can be used online and offline, as well as specific social media marketing strategies to grow your network. This class is best for:

• Start-up and small business owners who are just starting out, or within the first year of running their business

• Freelancers who are already familiar with the basics of Facebook and Twitter, and want to supercharge their online marketing strategy

• Anyone who wants to learn ninja social media marketing skills to gain more business

Class schedule:
6:30-7pm: Networking & Mingling
7-8pm: Lecture, including interactive discussion
8-8:30pm: Q & A

The goal is to leave this class with at least one new tactic that can be implemented immediately. Having a laptop, tablet, or smartphone is not required, and interacting with your classmates is encouraged!

Sign up for the class at:
http://www.skillshare.com/Social-Media-Branding-for-Startups-Freelancers-Small-Biz-Owners/214328302/486470954

If you Twitter, the hashtag for this class is #smbrand

It’s a funny thing, running a business. After working on Summer Business School for the past few months, I’m the one who got schooled!

While the original purpose of Summer Business School was to provide an online course for small business owners, I soon learned that I was missing out on the tribe of small businesses and start-ups based in NYC.  My new friends wanted Summer Business School lessons, but not necessarily online.  What to do, what to do?

Well, one of the words that I’ve heard a lot of lately is “pivot”. Hell, Skillslate.com is even having a “Pivot Party”:

In the vernacular of New York’s start-up world, to “pivot” is to acknowledge that the current model one’s company is using simply isn’t working, and thus, to change direction to try something new.

In other words, to pivot is to do something different with your company. To pivot doesn’t mean that you abandon your idea, or even your vision, although it may mean changing your business model. And that’s okay. Sometimes, we approach our business with such blinders that we can’t always see how our idea could be changed or even improved.

But it’s always good to get perspective. Often, that means listening to our customers and mentors. That especially means listening to the objections we receive. Not to say that every objection raised is relevant, but to pay attention for the nugget of wisdom that might be hiding behind it.

If you are thinking about pivoting, here are three methods to consider:

1. Pivot Your Target Market
   Maybe your original market was unable to afford your rates? Maybe you need to better define your target market.
2. Pivot Your Business Model
   Look at your product and service and brainstorm new ways to add value.
3. Pivot Your Marketing Strategy
   It might be time to switch things up, and choose a new marketing message. Or you could try new marketing methods, such as networking, public speaking, or creating online videos.

So Summer Business School has pivoted to become a workshop series for small biz owners, startups, and freelancers. After realizing that there were over 20 co-working spaces serving NYC freelancers, I booked an in-person workshop at The Hive at 55 for August 18th, and I’m excited by the possibilities.

I’d love for you to share your pivot stories and strategies!