Is the Content Marketing World Driving You Crazy?

The content marketing world is frustrating, isn't it? Tell me about it. If you are one of my clients or a small business owner or entrepreneur yourself, you probably know what I am talking about. But before you get a good grasp of what content marketing truly is and what it involves, and you think you've nailed down your content marketing strategy, just like the waves of technology, content marketing shifts again.

The last quarter of 2013 took a huge jump into the content marketing world. Then, 2013 ended on a strong note for content marketing, and promised that the beginning of 2014 would be the same. This forced many small businesses to take the giant leap with it, unsure of what was on the other side. They were taking a leap of faith that they'd hopefully come out on top.

Now the we have finished the first quarter of 2014 and are well into the second, the content marketing landscape is shifting again. So what is on tap for content marketing this summer?

Over the last six to nine months I've had the privilege of working with a lot of great clients, providing them more content marketing services and assisting them with their copy writing, web content writing, and blogging. Then, a few months ago, everyone all at the same time came to a grueling halt. It was then I realized that the content marketing sphere must be shifting again, and we are all sitting waiting to see what takes shape, and, yet again, revise our content strategies accordingly and reach customers and our target audiences in new, fresh, unique ways.

Each week I spend several hours doing research on content marketing, carefully studying the trends, the news, and brainstorm and create interesting, compelling topics to write for my clients. In many cases, because I spend so much time watching web trends and content trends, I am able to consult them whenever they are stuck or are experiencing "writer's block". The thing I have found in my research is that there seems to be many inconsistencies in content generation and marketing. Or...it depends on your industry, your target audience, product, service, niche market, etc. 

Here are just a few examples of inconsistencies I've found:

• Blog on a regular basis...but only when you have time.
• Long-form content writing is IN...but we read less than 600 words and retain only about 28% of the content we read.
• Short posts are highly effective...but deep data is crucial.
• Keywords and meta tags are still really important...but SEO is supposedly dead.

How does anyone have the time or patience to keep up with it all? How does one find what strategy works for them? A HUGE piece of content marketing, however, is creating buyer personas, knowing your audience, and reaching and hitting your target in the most creative and compelling ways. It's tough...I'm not going to lie.

The best way I can describe it is waiting for that new Smartphone to come out. You spend months and months researching, diligently doing your homework and watching for reviews on the new technology, planning financially, and maybe even investing a large amount of resources into purchasing several Smartphones for your small business team. Finally, the release date comes out, you're pumped and maybe you are even one of those crazed customers waiting outside in line in the hot sun or bitter cold for forty-six hours waiting for the doors to open to be one of the first to grab the latest and greatest phone. Then, after several months of really learning and adapting to your new phone's functionalities and usage, and maybe even training your team on how to use it for your business, you then find out there's a newer, better one coming out in another six months. Yes, content marketing is THAT kind of frustrating.

So what does he future really hold for us small businesses and content marketers? Some believe that content marketing will eventually replace public relations. Content marketing is a form of "self-publishing". Instead of hiring a publicist to write marketing materials or publish press releases or white papers, a content marketer can take this over instead. A content marketer can also handle the media end of it, posting releases, announcements, and any other publication via social media in order to effectively get the word out.

What is on the horizon for content marketing this summer? A focus on big data to increase and boost sell-through, and really marrying your brand. Getting your brand into customers' faces, making them remember it, react to it, and become dedicated to it. So while content marketing is and can be incredibly frustrating (trust me, I'm frustrated too!), embrace it and make it happen for your business.



Image credit: © baluchis - Fotolia.com

Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2012 J. H. Language Solutions 

Play on, Play off: The Game of Digital Marketing

Today I attended another seminar at Bryant University. This seminar was on understanding online marketing trends in today's technologically and digitally-driven society...and how this shapes business marketing trends and strategies.

To the average user, sounds riveting, huh? I can imagine...however, to a small business owner and entrepreneur, online marketing is the very essence of what keeps businesses alive today. In fact, today's digital landscape looks a little something like the image you see here in this blog post. This chart was provided in our hand outs. As a fellow attendee humorously claimed, this looks more like the map of the T than our digital landscape.

But the fact is, each small business owner with any level of online presence needs to consider these channels and avenues to play the game of digital marketing. If you are a start up small business operator and entrepreneur that doesn't have an online presence, the chances of you being around in five years is slim. This is the hard and fast truth we all deal with today. Part of the game of digital marketing is keeping ahead of the competition with only one drive: to come out on top and win.

Within minutes from walking in the door, I was greeted by a friendly and engaging instructor, who asked me to introduce myself and what my purpose was for attending the seminar. I explained that I owned and ran my own business and this topic was something I was super excited about and thought that it could really help me to increase my online presence as well as help my clients with their content management and marketing goals. She asked me what types of services I offered, to which I explained translation, content and web marketing and management, and editorial services. After chatting for a few more minutes, I grabbed some breakfast and coffee, and the presentation began a short while later.

Then, in the middle of the presentation, the instructor called out, "Julie operates a services entity that offers a translation service...so if anyone is looking for that, reach out to her" ...which I responded graciously with my dashing smile and beauty queen wave. And while I very much appreciated the shout out, as well as the opportunity to talk to some great prospects after the seminar was over, I realized on my drive home that I learned two important things today: 1) My digital program should be thoroughly planned out and should involve more on how I provide "translation" solutions, and 2) my listeners and audience only pick up on one or two of my services.

But why is this? Is it because translation is "foreign" and "interesting", which is why it easily resides in audiences' minds? Or is it because it's the only real "service" that I offer that they understand? So whenever I give my pitch on my services in content marketing and web management, in addition to translation, as I did when I first met the seminar instructor, I realized that most of my audiences really aren't sure on what "content marketing and web management" really is. But the truth is? While I provide translation services in the conventional sense (Spanish to English, English to Spanish, and localization), I also spend a great deal of time "translating"...meaning translating clients' content ideas for their blogs and websites into written copy, and "translating" customer requirements and specifications into a physical product, and even "translating" what it is J. H. Language Solutions actually does into a tangible service that also provides solutions.

 

So, in closing, my digital plan? Spend more time learning, understanding, and really getting to the root of clients' challenges, and REALLY think about the words I use to describe my business and services in my pitch, and how I seek to provide more translation solutions rather than just "translation". Let the games begin.

Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

J. H. Language Solutions: "Behind the Music"

Just like the professional musicians do at the end of a rock concert, I'd like to start this post off by thanking my fans, clients, and anyone out there who has taken the time to read through my blogs and services. I am proud to work with such a diverse clientele and workload on a regular basis. This allows me to grow and learn as business owner and entrepreneur in how better serve my clients...spoken from a true musician at heart.

Regardless of what role you play in my "audience", I want to share with you the true tale of J. H. Language Solutions and what sparked me to start my own business, the challenges I faced and currently face, and where I am now as well as my plans for the future. Here’s the story of J. H. Language Solutions.

The year 2010 was one pivotal year in my life. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it meant “change” in every area. Prior to 2010, I moved from one dead-end job to the next, of no fault of my own, endured financial strain and stress as a result, and was just trying to find my corner of life where I was meant to be. I was on the journey in search of something that made me “me”, or “finding myself”, if you will…just like everyone.

After months and even years of stress, and a period of “bad luck”, I knew I needed to start doing something different. I knew I needed to make a change, but I wasn’t sure how. Like anyone would, I started with money. I needed to make extra money to pay down my debts and ensure a healthy financial future. By taking some advice from a former supervisor, I began looking for freelance work. I signed up with oDesk, a freelance website. I immediately began bidding for jobs, but nothing fell through. After almost three straight months of bidding, I landed my first “job” proofreading an eBook.

Then, also around the same time, I headed to Boston for a full time offer as an Associate Editor with Pearson. With over an hour’s ride by train each way every day, and my newly found freelance work, I knew I had my word cut out for me. But with a very promising and aspiring career in publishing, I knew Pearson was the place to go. I would just make it work. However, Pearson is not the easiest company to get into, but even there, the chips began falling into place. I got to meet and work with some of the most amazing people and my love and interest for publishing grew and developed into a love and appreciation for project management. In 2011, I was promoted to Associate Project Manager, and in 2013 I was promoted to Senior Project Manager and became an assistant manager, and another potential promotion on the horizon.

From 2010 on, I was able to take my full time experience, as well as the experience I gained from working with different clients on a freelance basis, and tie them both together. I began applying my skills and experience in both places, and was finally lucky enough to say that my hard work was starting to pay off. Then, since my freelance workload had dramatically increased over only a period of six months, I began to see a huge demand for what the services I was currently offering, which was only proofreading, copyediting, and English/Spanish translation at the time. By the end of January 2011, I registered my DBA, J. H. Language Solutions (which stands for “Julie Anne”, my first name, and “Helen”, the first name of my last surviving grandparent) with the state of Massachusetts.

It was official. I owned my own business. I felt on top of the world. One of my lifelong dreams finally came true. One of the first things I did was buy a laptop and opened a business checking account. I spent an hour each morning on the way in on the train and the hour home doing work, getting my name out there, trying to establish a good online and social media presence. Then as time went on, the two to three hours per day wasn’t enough. I began working at home in the morning, at night, and even at a local Starbucks in downtown Boston on my lunch breaks. I established a small business office in my home, which I learned comes along with some pretty nice tax benefits. All in all, it was hard work and I was SO tired every day…but I hit the pillow every night feeling accomplished.

Over the next two years, my business work load grew to an unimaginable amount. Each year I set my own “sales goals”, and exceeded them every time. Each year I also set “business goals”, and have begun meeting and exceeding those as well. One year I developed my blog and website, one year I bought all new technology to help me keep in contact with clients since I certainly spend a lot of time “on the go”. Another year I started attending seminars, networking events, and trying to meet other people in business and get my name out there.

In 2012, I went back to school for my Master’s in Project Management, which also comes with a PMP certification upon program completion. Presently I’m about halfway through the program, with an estimated completion date of spring 2015. Oh, and to date I have a 4.0.

This year, which was probably the biggest hurdle yet, I became insured. After nine long months, I am so incredibly proud to say that as of August 2013, J. H. Language Solutions is a fully insured entity. Next year will be another larger hurdle, and that is to project myself and my business intellectual property and establish legal contracts to work with all my clients.

So now here I am, at the close of 2013 pushing four full years “in business” (though it is officially three under my DBA), and I think about how much I have grown, both my business and as an entrepreneur. I have grown from small proofreading, translation, and copyediting jobs to copywriting, managing blogs and websites, managing content strategies and marketing plans, managing social media marketing and email marketing…and it all started with $5 to open a business checking account, a girl in her mid-20s, and a dream.

So how do I do it all? Whenever people ask me that, I grin and say, “I have excellent time management skills”. And I do. I have to. Some people ask me if and when will I quit Pearson and work as my business full time. And the truthful answer to that is I don’t know. While business is doing well, I have a long way to go before I can open a separate office space and live off what my business brings in after all expenses and taxes are paid. But would I love to? Hell yes. But that is still a long way off, and also a huge risk that I’m not quite ready to take.

But through it all, the ups and downs in business, the challenges and the successes, I can honestly say that through the years I have developed a deep and passionate love for my business. It’s a ton of work, and it’s hard work, but I love each and every second of it. Not because of my own personal and professional success and achievements, but because of the difference I truly believe I make each day in my clients’ projects and in their lives. I am truly thankful for each and every client I work with and have worked with through the years, and I just only hope and pray that it continues. I’d be nowhere today without them. So let the show continue, because I don't want the music to stop.

How Running Business Can Be Your Heart's Desire...or Give You a Heart Attack

Do you own or operate your own business or have you ever thought about it? Sure. Most people would love to say they run their own business, but the truth is, it's fear that stops most people from jumping in with both feet. It's a big risk, especially financially. The sad fact is most start ups don't last longer than five years. However, if you've got a great idea or offer something that others need or is otherwise in high demand, now is the time to run with your business idea.

Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Of course. Who wouldn't like the extra income or surround themselves with success? We all would. But there are definite drawbacks to owning your own business. While many businesses can be started on virtually nothing, there are some start up costs that just can't be avoided. Some of the major costs may include a computer or any special software that may be required, whereas some of the minor costs may include office supplies, a permit to operate in your current city or town, or even a small amount to fund a bank account.

Taxes. Depending on how business owners handle this, taxes can either be a positive or negative experience. When owning and operating your business, especially out of your own, you are able to claim a lot. You can claim a portion of your rent or mortgage, a portion of your car, office supplies, a portion of your utilities, travel expenses, equipment, insurance, and many other things as they apply to doing business.

While there are definite benefits to this, on the flip side, business owners must also pay taxes on revenue, just like any part or full time job. Nope...Uncle Sam doesn't forget about the self-employed individuals or the sole proprietorships or corporations. In fact, the self-employment tax just increased and affected those businesses or self-employed individuals who filed business taxes for 2012. 

Time. The other factor one must consider before jumping into his or her own business is time. If you are able to dedicate to developing and growing your business full time, more power to you. In fact, your business will most likely grow faster since you have the time to dedicate to it. However, most start up business owners hold down at least a part or a full time job while working on the side. In these cases, setting aside time for business planning, speaking and setting up conference calls with clients, recording and keeping track of revenue and expenses, and doing the actual work can be extremely challenging.

Oh...and forget free time. Once you've established your business and you are getting regular work and business, you've sold your soul. The thing with your business is you take it everywhere with you, whether it's your email, iPhone, your business cards, or even having it on your head, it's always with you. This is also the test to see who your true friends and family are. Those who are annoyed with you pulling out your phone every five minutes when you feel/hear the email buzz, text, or even phone calls clearly don't get it. Is there a point when it reaches an obnoxious level? Well, yes. There obviously is a time and place to be dealing with business, and a definite line between "personal" and "business"...but when you run your own business, that line is a little more difficult to define.

Travel. Depending on the type of business you run, this may mean more travel. Travel in the sense of around the country or even the world attending seminars, trade shows, and client meetings, or travel around town for errands. 

Traveling for business can mean more time away from families, friends, or another full time job. This can be exciting and an excellent networking opportunity for those who may not have as many home obligations or who are single and living it up. Either way, love it or hate it, traveling for business is in fact tax deductible, even if it means running errands for office supplies, making trips to and from the bank, or meeting with clients in public places.

Networking. On the other hand, running and operating your own business certainly opens up a lot of networking opportunities. It gives entrepreneurs the ability to meet and work with various companies and clients from all over the world. If your business is really shaping up to be successful, then this paves the way for more exciting opportunities as an entrepreneur and even within business itself and sales.

So how does one go about beginning the networking process? The good news is it is easier than ever today with the ability to take advantage of social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are just some social media networking sites that have proven to be huge networking assets for businesses of all different shapes and sizes.

In addition to online marketing, print advertising isn't exactly dead. Business cards still proven to be just as successful and a vital component that no business owner should be without. They are still used in trade shows, networking events, or other social gatherings.

Success. All in all, being an entrepreneur does mean success. Regardless of the size or mission of your business, it still spells success. If you are one of those business owners who also holds down a full time job, having your own company listed on your resume is a HUGE plus. This no doubt impresses your interviewer. Running your own business certainly speaks volumes about a particular person: their motivation, drive, and desire to succeed and make a difference.

Clearly there is good and bad to being an entrepreneur and running your own business. It certainly doesn't come without its stress, sleepless nights, and time management requirements, but like anything, if you're smart and take your business seriously, the hard work can pay off.

So what's the best advice from one business owner to another? Before starting your own business, do your homework. Ask what people think of your idea, do your market research to see if there is a demand for what you want to create or offer, and think long and hard how you will fund your business up front, if you need to, and if you are willing to sacrifice free time, hobbies, and maybe even relationships to give it the time it requires. Remember, your business is only grow as much as the time and money you put into it.





© Egidijus Mika | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J. H. Language Solutions

Project Management and Gathering Project Data: The Three “V’s”

Gathering project data can be a difficult task for project managers. This takes knowing your projects and knowing your customers. Before assigning a project or delegating project tasks, there are a few steps project managers should master to make sure all relevant project data is gathered properly.

So when project managers first take on a project, how does he or she know what questions to ask customers and if all project data is sufficient? Project managers can follow what I like to refer to as the three “V’s”: Verify, vet, and validate.

1)   Verify requirements. One of the first crucial areas to gathering project data is to verify project and customer requirements from various individual sources. This may involve identifying those sources from where the requirements originated. You may want to double and even triple check these requirements with the customer or client and make sure they accurately correspond to the customer’s needs.

If you are unsure of how to gather customer specific or project data, project managers can always create a client intake form or “wish list” of some kind which would include a break down of the customer’s needs, wants, or any specifications or policies that would directly impact how a project is managed and its outcome. 

2)   Vet problems. Finally, the last step in gathering project data is recognizing the problematic areas. While project managers typically do this when identifying and responding to risk, there is also an initial step in viewing potential problematic areas. This can involve omitting or clearing up vague or ill-defined scope or data, recognizing the conflicting views or lack of understanding between users and customers. Close the gap in communication.

3)   Validate requirements. The next step in gathering and verifying project data is ensuring that all specifications are consistent. When analyzing projects, project managers should pay attention to any inconsistencies or “red flags” that don’t typically coincide with typical customer specs. This is usually the area and the stage in which project risks are found and addressed. All in all, any inconsistencies should be brought to the attention of the source or customer immediately.

Once requirements have been verified and the consistency of the specs has been checked and triple checked, requirements should then be verified. One way to do this is to pay attention to the words customers use in their specifications: “clear”, “quick”, “detailed”, or “brief” are just some examples.

It goes without saying that gathering project data is an important step in project management and in assigning and delegating projects and tasks. Furthermore, spending the time and effort up front in properly gathering project data also minimizes the time and effort spent if project specifications change or are found to be incorrect through the project.

This not only causes project managers and team members unnecessary stress, but it also costs extra time and money to change project specs at later project stages. This can also inevitably lead to schedule delays, additional errors, and ultimately, unsatisfied customers. Project managers should memorize and implement the three “V’s” when gathering project data and recognizing customer requirements.

 

Written content: © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 J.H. Language Solutions

*This topic was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. This article has been altered to fit this blog accordingly.  J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above. Topic posted by third party permission. 

Small Business Ideas for 2013

Have you ever thought of starting your own business? Maybe you have but you weren't sure what to do or what service to provide. After the country's economic recessions which resulted in job loss and never ending unemployment rates, many have looked to other employment and career options. This includes business start ups and online entrepreneurships. So if you fall into any of these categories, here are some great small business ideas and trends for 2013.

1) Design a mobile app. Mobile apps are still where it's at. However, the market has become flooded with them. There is an app for just about everything imaginable, even down to the most ridiculous. The advice here? If you've got a good idea for an app, run with it. But take the time and do research and invest in proper programming and development.

If you are unsure of where to start your market research, consider using social media. You can post general updates or questions on Facebook or Twitter and get feedback from fans. You can even create a Facebook fan page devoted entirely to your app. This will help give you some idea to your app's potential popularity, reviews, and revenue.

2) Tech start ups. Although this seems like another area that has flooded the market, companies based in both the U.S. and overseas are still looking to outsource IT departments and and even looking for consultants to help them with their technical needs...especially with the constantly changing technology.

Also, a recent article published on the New York Times states that tech start ups are worth billions and are most definitely in high demand for 2013. Of course this requires a background and education in a technical or related field, but if you've got a technical background, make it happen. You can't afford not to.

3) Personal training. Who doesn't want to get in shape today? Personal training is another area in high demand. Although it may seem like most people can't afford to feed themselves let alone hire a personal trainer, there are many out there desperate to get in shape and are seeking out reputable and affordable personal trainers. Personal training does require some knowledge and background. There are several certifications and trainings required, including CPR, but it is not as vast as what is required to establish technical training, knowledge, and expertise.

All in all, personal training is said to be one of the least stressful jobs out there. Not to mention you can make and set your own schedule, you have the choice to work at a gym or visit clients in their homes, and you would be working in a field that helps and makes others feel good about themselves. What is better than that?

Advice for your new start up.

Becoming an entrepreneur and investing your time and money in a start up is definitely something to give careful consideration to. It takes time, money, research, and even a little business savvy up front. However, regardless of what kind of start up you choose or in what industry, here are some areas of additional advice to consider:

1) Consulting. If you've got to jump into business with limited or no capital, consider becoming a consultant. This can be accomplished in just about any field, whether you are a lawyer, teacher, a project manager, human resources, or a health care physician of any kind, you can most certainly use your skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise and work independently.

The only out-of-pocket expenses you may incur is for any necessary certifications, insurance (such as a professional liability insurance), and/or having business cards printed up. However, if you choose to really function as a business, set up and register a DBA, and you will be able to claim any out-of-pocket expenses when you file your yearly income taxes.

2) Use social media and start a blog. In order to promote your business or your start up idea, consider creating a Facebook fan page or other social media site or medium to share what you are doing. You can also write and start a blog and post articles, share information, or write press releases on what's going on in your business or even in your industry.

If you aren't a writer, you can always hire a freelancer or ghost writer to write and post content for you. You can write and post content as often as you want, but be sure it is on a regular basis. At least once or several times per week. This will keep visitors returning to your site, which will increase your site's overall traffic as well as your Google rank. Taking advantage of social media will also increase your audience, your fans and "likes", and even your client base.


3) Take Copyright seriously. Yes, I saved one of the most important bits for last. Copyright is no joke. Regardless of whether you are creating or designing an app, putting together a website, using a logo or any photo, or even writing your own blog, please, please, please consider Copyright laws. Most think when they are posting a blog post, or using a photo or logo on their social media sites, or even "sharing" photos on Facebook or Pinterest that it's okay. It's not. Just because it's online doesn't mean it's free. In fact, there are many laws out there that now protect businesses, particularly online businesses from plagiarism, or "borrowing" material.

My advice? Use your own photos, write your own material, research logos before you use them, and register your own published work through the official Copyright office. Protect yourself, protect your business, and respect others' works.

The moral to this story? If you've ever thought about creating your own start up, what are you waiting for? There are many new start ups and small businesses on the market more than ever before. Regardless of what product or service you offer, you are bound to offer something unique that others will find valuable. Make 2013 count for your business.



 © Photo credit: Anatoliy Babiychuk | Dreamstime.com

 © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Content written and owned by J.H. Language Solutions. Usage by permission only.

How to Select Your Type of Gutter? Different Types of Gutters!

You may be a homeowner who needs to install gutters or replace the existing gutters on your home. If you’ve never had to replace or update them before, how do you know which ones to choose? What are the different types of gutters available, and how do you know what type of gutter is right for your home? Minneapolis gutter services can help!

Do I Even Need Gutters For My Home?

Are gutters even necessary for a home? Of course! Gutters help direct water away from windows, entranceways, paths, and even help avoid flooding or water damage to your home. However, while it may seem easy to choose any type of gutter for your home, there’s actually more behind the type of gutter you choose and what would suit your home best.

What Gutter Styles Are Available?

Before choosing a type of gutter, the following factors that should be taken into consideration include: material, profile, size, production, and coating. The blend of these factors depend on if you are replacing or updating your current gutters or if you are installing brand new ones from scratch.

Like any material or item built for your home, gutters are available in a wide variety of materials, styles, colors, sizes, and coatings. Some of the materials include copper, steel, aluminum, and zinc. Some of the styles include K-Style, Fascia, Half Round, Seamless, and Sectional.

What Gutter Style Should I Choose?

The most common type of gutter used on homes—particularly on the homes where you are replacing gutters—are sectional. The sectional gutters are screwed together and sit on a bracket that is mounted and screwed to the actual house structure. On each corner of the house, an end cap is installed in order to add sections for the water to channel down along the house and direct it away from your home in order to avoid flooding and other water damage. You can even add gutter screens afterwards in order to minimize the amount of leaves, sticks and twigs, and other elements that may clog up your gutters and prevent them from functioning the way they are designed to.

In regards to gutter styles, the “Fascia” style is the most popular and the most commonly used. This style is probably the most plain of all gutter styles but this is due to the fact that they can hold more water since they typically appear boxier than the curved gutter styles.

K-Style gutters are another popular gutter style. They have a little more design to them, which often resemble the crown molding that is popular among many homes today. Although they don’t hold as much water as the Fascia style, they are still just as effective are one of the most reasonably priced gutter styles available.

What is This Going to Cost Me?

Next to gutter style and type and the right one to choose for your home, the next item to consider is cost. Gutter installation costs vary from home to home, depending on the style you choose. The costs are broken down into basic material costs and gutter installation costs. Typical gutter installation and material costs are broken down to cost per linear foot. The costs all depend on the zip code you are located in as that is where materials to do the job will be purchased.

In addition, it is always best to hire a professional, experienced, and competent Minnesota gutter contractor to help you with your gutter installation. A contractor should be reputable, licensed, and insured.

All in all, gutters are an extremely important item that no home should be without. While most gutter installations are relatively reasonable and affordable, it can cost more money to your home and property if you do not have them. Water can be a very damaging element not only to your home, but to your foundation and property. Consult with a knowledgeable and helpful Minnesota gutter contractor for some advice on gutter information and installation.





Cover image: OLD WEATHERSTRIP
© Genarosilva | Dreamstime.com

*This article was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above. Written for and posted by third party permission.

The Pleasures and Pains of Dealing With Clients

As entrepreneurs or business owners, we have the pleasure of dealing with clients on a regular basis. This does not necessarily have to be sarcastic. Dealing with clients is a part of running any successful business. But some days are surely more difficult than others...that's just the nature of the beast (pardon the cliché).

Some of your clients are lovely. They are personable, humorous, and respectful...and hey, they recognize that you are a person too! Some clients are just easy-going and just all around easy to get along with. If only they were ALL that easy, right? In the business world, we all know that there are going to be those clients that are just difficult to deal with and may even ruin your day. All in all, here are some tips or advice on how to deal with clients.

• Be patient. Again, as most of you probably have read in my other blogs, this one is not easy for me. I really have to work at keeping my cool and listening to others' problems rather than jumping in with my own attacks. However, I have learned that when a client is upset or angry or is frustrated because you aren't getting or understanding what he or she wants, just let them vent. Let them get their anger or frustrations out. As long as they aren't abusive in any way, just let them go. It's even a good idea to take notes while he or she is going off, that way you can address each of his or her concerns in a professional, respectful, and patient manner once it is your turn to talk.
• Don't take it personally. Another biggie. It is very, VERY difficult sometimes to not let clients ruin your day. Sometimes they will say exactly what gets you revved up or what pushes your buttons. If you need to, or if you can, step away, count to ten, and then refocus on the conversation or situation at hand. Try not to take whatever he or she says personally. Nine times out of ten, they aren't out to piss you off or hurt your feelings intentionally, they just want help or want something specific and they are having trouble communicating how to get it or how to get through to you.
• Work with them. Although this may seem obvious, it's always good to remind ourselves of this: avoid getting into arguments. Remember that the name of the game is to not win over your clients. It's not about winning a battle, placing blame or determining who is right or wrong. It's about reaching a common goal...providing a service, selling a product, and generally meeting the client's needs and expectations.
• Find a common ground and negotiate. Sometimes you may disagree with a client in providing a service to them. For example, they may ask to hire you for one of their services or purchase a product, but they may ask you to do different things that may be outside of the scope of what you particularly provide. All in all, provide them with a quote. If the quote is outside their budget, then try to negotiate and find a common ground...one that helps you collect the revenue needed to provide the service, and ultimately one that the client is happy with and will keep him or her coming back to you.
• Avoid illegal schemes or misconduct. You'd be surprised how many scams are out there these days. There are those sketchy organizations out there that are looking to scam others and want to enlist your help. Regardless of what benefits or pay they offer, it's always best to stay away from these situations. You don't want to risk jeopardizing your company's reputation at all. In responding to him or her, you don't have to be rude or judgmental, you can clearly say in a professional manner that you are not comfortable engaging in such an activity or service or engaging your staff in it as well. Nine times out of ten they will understand, and just look elsewhere. Crisis averted.
• Clear-cut communication. Finally, one of the best success tools in dealing with clients is communication. Like any relationship, communication is one of the best keys to make it work. Often times if you are providing a service, a client may have skimpy or sketchy instructions for their project, or there may even be a language barrier. It is always important to get the scoop up front before agreeing to something. There is nothing more embarrassing than receiving directions up front, doing the project, then finding out it was completely wrong...in that you either made a mistake, or you misinterpreted something that was or wasn't in the original instructions. It's up to you to clarify.
• Keep records. This is probably another biggie. From the very moment that you either receive a call or an email about a specific project, service, or product, start recording. Take down detailed notes; record calls, either via cell phone or Skype, if necessary; make copies of instructions, quotes, etc. Keep detailed records and files on each project and client. If there is any dispute later on or with payment, having your records and files organized with help you.

Just recently I had to work with a difficult client. It was actually my inspiration for writing this blog. Last week I had to work with a client who wanted various travel posts on his website. It didn't seem like a difficult job. I quoted him a certain amount for the number of posts that he needed. He then came back with a lower number claiming that was all he was authorized to offer. So after some negotiation, we reduced the number of posts needed so that the revised amount was fair. So I kept copies of his instructions via our Skype chat and followed them to a T when I started working on them the following day.

After I finished the first few posts, I sent him the links of the first few so he could get a feel for what they looked like before I continued. Then, in the most inappropriate way, he started telling me they were in the incorrect format, they looked horrible, etc. I struggled not to get angry. But I went over with him the instructions that I had. All he kept claiming was to "follow the other posts", "look at the other posts", which I'm sorry, were not clear instructions. In my eyes, I had. However, rather than argue with him, he I tried to clarify the instructions and get him to give me detailed specs on what he wanted and how he wanted them to look. Again he kept claiming, "Look at the other posts". I tried to tell him that those instructions were not detailed enough, but he wouldn't listen. At that point he said, "Fix them!" and just signed off Skype. I was so incredibly angry at that point that I had to take time away and collect my thoughts prior to trying to diffuse the situation. Unfortunately, this isn't so much a success story as we were unable to finish the project together. However, it was absolutely a learning experience.

Then I had another client where he wanted me to be at his beck and call pretty much 24/7. When I bid or quote projects for potential clients, I factor in the resources needed to complete the project, any research needed, as well as my time that has to go into it. Unfortunately, there are the projects, which just take way more time than I budgeted, well, that's what losses are for. However, I won't treat it as a loss if the client hires me for other projects or services. I realize my situation is a little unorthodox. I work full time as well as run this business on the side. Some clients understand, others flat out do not. They send email after email, Skype message after Skype message, and then flip their lid when I don't answer right away. I had this one client who wanted me to work on a PowerPoint presentation with him. Okay, sure. So we would spend an hour or two each day working together via Skype and then I would put together the pieces needed from our call. Only that wasn't enough. He wanted me available through Skype the second I walked in the door after work through the night. When I explained that the project was not properly budgeted nor do I have the capacity for that kind of time, he decided to look elsewhere. Again, not so much a success story, but another learning experience.

Then comes my all time favorite...the woman who never paid. I've learned that this is an unfortunate realization when it comes to running a business. There are losses and they happen. There are those out there who just don't pay. I wrote on the better half about a hundred articles for this woman, and she never paid a dime. The project was to write 300 articles total. After writing 100 and communicating with her on a daily basis, she never even paid me after the first 100. I can't even talk about how much money I lost. After delivering her the first 100, she kept pushing me to write more and that she would pay. There came a point, and I hated to do this, when I said, "I'm sorry, I cannot write anymore articles until the first 100 are compensated for." She agreed and I gave her my PayPal account info. After that she took off and I never heard from her again. Fortunately, as another learning experience, I've learned to do research on a client before agreeing to work with them, look at feedback provided by other contractors or businesses, ask for upfront payments or deposits for high-paying, long term projects, as well as provide official invoices...which is all something I never did before.

Finally, the last point I want to touch on is sexism. As a female entrepreneur, you would be shocked at how many times I have encountered this in my two to three years in business. I have had made arrangements with potential clients that in the middle of an interview or Skype chat have...seriously...asked me out, asked me to "cyber", or have commented inappropriately on my appearance. And I'm sorry to say, I am not racist or showing prejudice by any means, but this seems to be mostly with men from other countries. Again, no prejudice, just facts. I realize that women are treated differently in different cultures and in different countries, however, in the United States women are respected and are becoming more immersed in higher level and executive positions, and even becoming entrepreneurs. Obviously there is still the issue of equal work and equal pay, but that's a blog for another day. All in all, particularly women entrepreneurs should be on alert for this.

I think we can all agree that there are all different types of clients out there. There's the tech-savvy, the not-so-tech savvy, the picky, the vague, the fun, the difficult, you get the idea...and if you have been in business long enough, you've probably seen at least one of each. In running or operating a business, it's important to recognize and deal with each type of client and how to respond in a manner that will guarantee you their business and keep them reaching out to you.





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