Disqus - Latest Comments for beckymccray

Re: I’m getting all verklempt: The Nashville Technology Council Awards

beckymccray — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:43:15 -0000

This is a well deserved honor. Your blog, and your many other presences online, have been a huge inspiration to me for years. And that has to be the coolest trophy I've ever seen! Congratulations, Rex.

Re: Overnight Success 3 – No Excuses

beckymccray — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:36:20 -0000

Liz Strauss keeps repeating this one:

"Argue for your limitations, and they are yours."

When you listen for it, you will hear people not just accepting limits, but actually arguing for them, making limits into excuses. I've slipped into it in some ways, more than I like to admit. But I'm changing my thinking. I'm re-focusing on the possibility, the plan, the action.

And the 100 miles made me laugh.

Re: Wish hard enough and Google will deliver

beckymccray — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:43:18 -0000

oooooooooo...... interesting....

Thanks for the heads up.

Re: The Audacity of Free

beckymccray — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:26:13 -0000

"Memorable experiences are the ultimate scarce commodity." That's what I scribbled while driving, listening to Chris Anderson's Free. As the marginal cost of digital distribution falls toward nothing, the marginal cost and the value of memorable experiences continues to climb. That's why we charge for conferences, consulting, personal contact, and even initial meetings.

Drawing the line between free and paid is a continuing discussion point for small businesses. Most recently, we had a great comment thread on what to do when a prospect stands you up. The first response? Never do a free consult. Maybe not practical in small towns, but certainly an interesting discussion.

Re: Join us for the blogworld & New Media Expo Photowalk 2009

beckymccray — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:03:27 -0000

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it!

Re: Join us for the blogworld & New Media Expo Photowalk 2009

beckymccray — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:10:41 -0000

Aaron, that's a good point. My idea of a big camera bag is bringing the DSLR vs my little point and shoot. :)

Really like your photos! The stairway is particularly evocative.

Re: Join us for the blogworld & New Media Expo Photowalk 2009

beckymccray — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:30:51 -0000

I'm in. (Mentally resigning myself to bringing the big camera bag...)

Re: 5 Things Small Business Owners Should Do Today Online

beckymccray — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:57:05 -0000

I'm glad Keith Burtis brought out the need to be findable in local search. My liquor store's Google Local profile usually gets more views than its website.

Overcoming the "I don't have time for one more thing!" objection is tough. So help them reclaim some time by using that new blog to answer customers' frequently asked questions. You'll prevent some phone calls that way. Use video to show how to use your products, like United Linen showing how to change the roll in the new automatic paper towel dispensers. It's simple, but it saves a lot of customer service rep time.

Re: Matriarchs, Patriarchs, And The Grandest Parents Of All...

beckymccray — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:49:51 -0000

My own grandparents were Mema and Granddad, Nanny and Bud. I went to visit Mema today. She's my last surviving grandparent. She's 90, living in an almost-assisted living place. Know what's in her fridge? Margaritas. :D

Re: The Truth About Star Wars and the Matrix

beckymccray — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:18:18 -0000

"But I ain't never been to Nacagdoches."

Re: Wordless Weekend – Framed

beckymccray — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:50:48 -0000

Nicely done.

Re: It Doesn't Take A Village When You ARE The Village!

beckymccray — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:52:02 -0000

Jeff, this is so sweet. I appreciate every one of your kind words.

By the way, when you click on the Alva, OK, link, you see a picture of the mayor. He was also my Jr. High science teacher. It's a small town. :)

Re: Not Rocket Science

beckymccray — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:40:43 -0000

Back when my husband did welding, people would bring things in for repair, and say:

"I could do it myself, but I just don't have time."

They wanted to seem like they had the necessary skills and equipment, whether they did or not. These are the same folks who would say:

"It will only take you 5 minutes."

In both cases, they were trying to play down the value of Joe's time and skills. These are the same type of people who tell you that what you do is not rocket science. They could do it themselves in five minutes, if only they knew how and had the setup to get it done. But they don't.

And that is where the skilled craftsman comes in.

Re: A Thoroughly Read Review of Trust Agents

beckymccray — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:51:17 -0000

And this is why I ordered two copies. I'm giving them both away at upcoming events where I'll be outside the usual crowd. I'll be looking for the people who most need to read it, and putting it in their hands.

Me, I'm holding out for the audio book for my personal copy.

Re: The Myth of Brand Loyalty

beckymccray — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:46:18 -0000

So Apple can't remember that you own a Mac. But they emailed me today, saying "Mac owners like you." (unless you count that iPod Touch, no, I'm not.)

So some how, they are trying to track this, but failing to get it right.

I guess it really is easier to be a small business and actually know your customers individually.

Re: Facebook Marketing for Businesses

beckymccray — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:57:47 -0000

Woohoo! Way to put that experience to work, not just for you, but for all of us! Congratulations, Justin.

Re: Has “Social Media” Worn Out It’s Welcome?

beckymccray — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:01:54 -0000

I'm going to take some liberties with Sheila Scarborough's content (www.sheilasguide.com). She wrote this for Liz Strauss's 25 Words Project:

'No one is all that crazy about the term “social media.”

I like “social Web.”

It’s a new world, so no one can really disagree.'

Personally, I work with a bunch of very small local companies. They don't care what I call it. They don't hear the phrase "social media" from me. But we do talk about specific tools. I'll let you folks who deal with big corporations fight out the right generic term, so pick a good one. In 2006, it was still "New Media."

Re: Quid Pro No

beckymccray — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 10:16:43 -0000

Being in business means saying no, a lot. We've just discussed some of the myriad of requests we all get. There is no way to do it all.

I can never control the reactions of others, but I can continue to improve the way I say no gracefully. Saying no can be a positive thing. It keeps me focused on my business. It frees them up to look for a better match.

There is a whole truckload of advice on how to do this well. Like any other business skill, it takes practice.

Re: Sunday Guide to Social Networking

beckymccray — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:44:44 -0000

Congratulations, Todd. You've put together some excellent posts, and it could really help people get through the learning period much easier. Like Chris, I found some new gems in there, too.

Re: Local recession indicators

beckymccray — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:03:17 -0000

For the local business confidence, I count my local help wanted ads.

For consumer confidence, I watch my store sales. I've seen people moving back up to slightly higher priced items. (I'm calling it the Crown Royal Reserve Index.)

I heard about a construction contractor who would check the prices for used bulldozers to check the local economy. I think everyone can find some metric that is trackable, reasonably accurate, and hyperlocal.

Re: Saddleback Leather is Just Delicious - video review

beckymccray — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:28:17 -0000

I am a huge fan of Violette. :)

Re: Brag Basket Sharing Highlights

beckymccray — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:59:21 -0000

Todd, congrats on starting your own brag basket, and for having such a terrific turnout on your first one! I can hardly wait to see how you change it, and make a brag basket that is truly your own and your community's. And I see you've inspired another of your community to start his own version! Congrats!

Re: Blog Oklahoma - Blog - Host a blogger invasion of your town

beckymccray — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:26:46 -0000

Thanks for the shoutout, K!

It was a great tour, and I hope lots of Oklahoma communities will take this idea and run with it.

Re: 9 Blogs Entrepreneurs Must Read

beckymccray — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:43:22 -0000

Joe, I'm honored that you included Small Biz Survival on this great list. You've picked an outstanding list of resources for entrepreneurs. Thank you!

Re: Small Business Owners Unite!

beckymccray — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:45:19 -0000

Greg, you have a great idea. There are so many variations of shop local campaigns, all built around helping make people aware of their own local merchants. I hope you have great success!