Tag Archive for: Rosewood Virtual Agency

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Networking Tips for New Entrepreneurs in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury

Networking Tips for New Entrepreneurs in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury

This may seem strange coming from online marketing specialists, however, in-person networking can be a great addition to an online campaign. Throughout our cumulative professional experience, Rosewood VA aims to inspire our clients in other methods of marketing including promotional marketing and, most importantly, networking. Why, you might ask? The more people you meet, the more potential clients who will visit your website. The more visits to your website increases your SEO. Then your website can close the deal!

I have been networking in the Newmarket, Aurora & East Gwillimbury communities for over 10 years.  If I can make one suggestion to new entrepreneurs and small business owners, it would be to NETWORK!  Step outside your comfort zone and get out there.

Our Networking Tips for New Entrepreneurs in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury

Marketing is all about finding the best streams for your business. For Rosewood VA, in addition to our website and online leads, the other stream has been networking. We are a member of several local groups, and serve on the Volunteer Board of Green Connections Networking group, which focuses on promoting “green” business practices. We also attend some events as guests; paying for the meeting to see if you’d like to join the group.

Here are our top tips for networking for new entrepreneurs.

Things to Ask Yourself Before choosing a Networking Group/Event:

  1. Who is your target audience? (Demographic Information such as age, sex, income level, etc.)
  2. What is Your Cost of Acquisition for a New Client?
  3. What’s Your Yearly Networking Budget?

Once you answer these questions, you can narrow down the list of possible networking events.

Go Where Your Potential Clients Are

This is the number one factor I consider when looking at which networking groups to attend. As an entrepreneur, your time is valuable, and this can help eliminate a few groups right away. After you’ve identified your target audience, use that to compare the potential networking group options.  You want to ensure that your target audience will be in attendance.

Attend First Meetings as a Guest

Networking doesn’t have to break the bank either.  Instead of joining several groups right away, first attend those meetings as a guest. It’s a great way to meet the group members and see if the attendees align with your determined target audience. If they have a website or Facebook page, send a message to the host asking to attend as a guest.

In addition to that, there are several groups that have small annual fees. I prefer these ones as a new entrepreneur as some other group fees can be steep.  Always remember to record your ROI from Networking groups.

Some great local options:

Giving Back is a Bonus

I feel that there is a new wave of networking groups emerging with a philanthropic twist.  Most of these groups have been around for some time, but the awareness is growing.

Some great local options:

If you would like to attend any networking groups with Rosewood VA, please contact us below. Here is a blog we wrote with more networking tips.

I hope you enjoyed these networking tip for entrepreneurs in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury.  Networking truly is a great way to increase your business’ visibility.

For more tips like these you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Good luck and happy networking!

Deanna

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How to Check If an Email Is Spam

How to Check If an Email Is Spam

Part of my service offering is acting as a Virtual Administrator for my clients. This means being there when they need someone who is technically inclined.  It can be anything from consulting, training and also just helping them with day to day tasks and questions.

Spammers Are Getting Better

Last week, a client was sent an email from GoDaddy, who she does have an account with.  The email was designed exactly like a GoDaddy email. And the from address appeared as “support@godaddy.com”. The request in the email was the validate her email address, a simple request.

How to Check Hyperlinks Without Clicking

At first, everything looked like it was an official email from GoDaddy.

Until, I hovered over the “Validate Your E-Mail” button.  As you can see in the screenshot, the hyperlink connected to the button was NOT directed to GoDaddy, but to a WordPress website.

When in Doubt, Ask for Help

Needless to say, my client forwarded me the email and asked if it was legitimate. No matter the request, if my clients have a strange feeling about an email, I ask they send it for my review.

Common Things to Check if an Email is Spam

  • Spelling Errors
  • From Address
  • Customer Number
  • Visual Formatting
  • Hyperlinks

1. Spelling Errors

This is the easiest tell-tale sign of a spam email, and you can tell right away. If the subject line or any of the content has spelling/grammar mistakes – proceed with caution!

2. From Address

This used to be another easy one to check for spam, however now spammers can “mask” this address, as in this case.

3. Customer Number

If the email is legitimate, it should note your Full Name and/or Customer Number somewhere within the email.

4. Visual Formatting

If you have received emails from this source before and you notice that the formatting does not look consistent, it could be spam. It’s important to check for the header, footer and graphics.

5. Hyperlinks

If everything is lining up, and you’re still unsure if this is spam or not – hover your mouse over any buttons or links they are asking you to click.  Then if the link directs you to anywhere except the supposed domain, this email is spam.

If you have checked all the above items and you are still unsure, you can forward the email to your virtual administrator or IT support representative. You can also call support of the supposed company and ask them if an email was sent to you. Make sure you get their email off of the website directly!

Don’t forget to join the conversation online on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for even more tips.

Until next time,

Deanna

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Welcome to Rosewood VA

Rosewood Virtual Agency - Online Marketing Firm Newmarket and Aurora - Social Media Marketing, Web Design, Graphic Design, SEO Services Newmarket

I am very excited to share with you my first blog post as Rosewood VA. I, Deanna Simone, have long thought about starting my own business in Online Strategies, but never did I think that this day would come so soon.

We meet people everyday and some may surprise us with the impact they have on our path in life.  I have been extremely fortunate in having been introduced to Joanne Burgess. Joanne is a Social Media Expert, having her own business in York Region for 25 years. It is now time for Joanne to put her feet up as she will be ending this entrepreneurial chapter of her life on December 31st and starting a new adventure in her well-earned retirement.  Joanne has genially taken me under her wing and entrusted me with some of her vast knowledge of online strategies.  She has also introduced me to several of her clients to whom I promise to uphold the same level of commitment shown by Joanne. Read more

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