The Business Builder - Vol 2 Issue 17

Fake Reviews, Robot Voices, and Your Next 5 Moves

Author

Bill Brelsford
September 06, 2024

In partnership with

K.I.S.S.

Maybe it’s human nature.

But we sure like to overcomplicate things, don’t we?

Particularly when it comes to growing our business.

Take defining your target market, for example. Or customer persona. Ideal Client. Audience. Whatever.

We have all sorts of templates, exercises, courses, books, and now AI to help us define our ideal customers…

… Demographics. Psychographics. Online behavior. Affinity groups.

But simple is always better, which is why I love this quote from David A. Fields

❝

The single most important characteristic of your target is simpler and more direct:

You can reach them!

Even more to the point: you can draw them into a one-on-one conversation with you.

David A Fields

Super-practical advice - that I rarely see taken into account in marketing plans.

Yes, learn all you can about the people you serve. But remember, to serve them, you need to be able to reach them and start a conversation.

Enjoy this week’s picks below.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. - I’m excited that 1440 is our sponsor today. I have been a subscriber of theirs for a little over 2 years now. I found them when looking for a news source that wasn’t biased - straight news without the “entertainment.” Check them out below.

What Is Social CRM?

Does your CRM help you stay in touch with clients and prospects on social channels? This article outlines social capabilities to look for in a CRM.

Nimble CRM isn’t on the list, which I found strange since Nimble started the whole Social CRM thing years ago. Include them on your list if you're looking for a CRM. Link →

WordPress Security Lockdown

WordPress announced two improvements that will help protect the integrity of all plugins and themes and themes. These changes apply to developers, but make sure you keep your themes and plugins updated so you will get the benefits of these security improvements. Link →

Why A.I. Isn’t Going to Make Art

Here's an interesting essay in the New Yorker about the shortcomings of AI when it comes to creating art. I found this line particularly interesting -

"Generative A.I. appeals to people who think they can express themselves in a medium without actually working in that medium." 

Read the essay and let me know if you agree. Link →

FTC’s Rule Banning Fake Reviews & Testimonials

Even if you outsource your marketing and advertising, it’s important to know the rules. Here’s a quick summary of things you (and your agency) can’t do related to reviews and testimonials.

1) Buy or use fake social media followers to make products or services look more appealing; e.g. you can’t inflate the like count of a business Facebook page with nonexistent people,

2) Pay for positive or negative reviews to help yourself or harm a competitor,

3) Collect reviews from business employees, or

4) Suppress negative reviews if you’re publicly displaying them on your website.

There are other no-nos to be aware of. Learn more here, Link →

And this…

ChatGPT is getting some new voices (who named them?). You can preview them on X. Let me know if you have a favorite. Link →

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Successful entrepreneurs and chess grandmasters share the ability to anticipate their next five moves, according to Patrick Bet-David. He promises to translate this ability into a valuable methodology to help you understand what to do next.

LinkedIn analytics made easy. Track and measure organic posts and personal profiles in one simple dashboard

photo credit - Bill Brelsford

Like this newsletter?

Let me know. Just hit reply (I read every reply), I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business.

1) Get a Growth Map

The first step towards predictable growth is understanding and documenting “How Clients Happen” in your business. Reply to this email with "Map" if you want to learn more.

2) Close more deals with a Visual Sales Sheet

Win new clients and projects using a visual path to success that answers the key questions they have about your service. Reply with “Visual” to learn more.

3) Work with me One-on-One 

If you'd like to work directly with me to achieve predictable growth in your business... just reply “Let’s Talk.”