Saturday, August 7, 2010
Noticing Small Changes Early Helps You Adapt To The Bigger Changes That Are To Come
By now, Haw had let go of the past and was adapting to the present.
He continued on through the Maze with greater strength and speed. And before long, it happened.
When it seemed like he had been in the Maze forever, his journey - or at least this part of his journey - ended quickly and happily.
Haw proceeded along a corridor that was new to him, rounded a corner, and found New Cheese at Cheese Station N!
When he went inside, he was startled by what he saw. Piled high everywhere was the greatest supply of Cheese he had ever seen. He didn't recognise all that he saw, as some kinds of Cheese were new to him.
Then he wondered for a moment whether it was real or just his imagination, until he saw his old friends Sniff and Scurry.
Sniff welcomed Haw with a nod of his head, and Scurry waved his paw. Their fat little bellies showed that they had been here for some time.
Book: Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson (Over 12 million copies sold worldwide)
Posted by Michelle @ 8:03 PM
In the world of product creation it is easy to see some people struggling to get a single product up and running when some others keep churning out one product after another with great success.
It is not easy to keep afloat one product idea unless you know the tricks and can remain creative. It is being able to look into the corners and little known areas that others are sure to miss. Its a bit like winning the race before others are able to see the post.
Keep a pen and paper handy so that you can note down an idea the moment it surfaces. Begin with whatever you are good at or enjoy. Do not be put off if there are already a number of applications that cover the subject that you are comfortable with. You may have a fresh take on the subject and be able to highlight areas that others have missed.
Before you realise what you have written, your idea in the form of an iPhone or iPad application can start making waves. People love to read and know about a different version of the same topic and idea. If you can provide fresh tips and insight, you can have a money spinning product on the iTunes App Store.
You could do some extensive research on two different product ideas and combine them to create a completely new and advanced product. It could be the best of both while ironing the negatives out. Think about bring new ideas and innovation to original ideas. Thinking about the green agenda might be a could place to start.
Posted by Michelle @ 5:18 PM
How to Productise Your Expertise for the iTunes App Store
1) Create a unique identity: Give your app a name that your customer can remember and talk about.
2) Make it easy to understand: Create a website detailing exactly how to get the best out of your application.
3) Support your brand: Make your application to compatible with your company brand, provide support material.
4) Make it repeatable: Create a service manual, standardise your procedures and tools.
5) Design with customers: Learn from your customers experience and develop your application with your customers.
6) Educate: Educate employees and partners, create training material, collect and distribute knowledge.
7) Keep it flexible: Create a service platform with modules that can be combined to meet individual needs.
Posted by Michelle @ 4:45 PM
Feasibility Analysis and Tool Strategy
A specific tool is feasible when you get measurable benefits from a repeatable process in your business. Consider the following questions:
1) Are clients experiencing similar problems or challenges that could be met with a similar approach?
2) Is there a way to define the problem and solution in a structured way?
3) Does enough knowledge exist about the subject matter in order to turn it into a systematic method?
4) Is there a large enough, even a global market for the tool?
You iPhone or iPad app strategy is the answer to the basic question: who is the customer? What is the problem that your app intends to solve? How will you do it?
 
Posted by Michelle @ 4:16 PM
If you could productise your expertise would your product offer a solution to your customers?
Explore possible solutions for your iPhone or iPad application. What will you customer need on the go?
How will improvements in communication methods change the way that you work with your customers?
How could your customers obtain the benefits that they get from your unique service in another way?
How do your competitors set about getting business?
Are your competitors quick to respond to your customers changing needs?
What are the implications of new technology for training?
Identify new openings in your market and Productise your Expetise.
Posted by Michelle @ 2:56 PM
Monday, July 5, 2010
A Faster Learning Opportunity
In order to get the things you want out of life, you will probably have had to succeed on a course of some sort. Unfortunatly, many learners are challenged with large study guides and text books. If only these students knew about the benefits of using flashcards, they would spare themselves hours of frustration.
Flashcards have been acknowledged by educational researchers as the fastest and easiest way to learn and remember new information. Furthermore, flashcards condense and simplify information so that you only learn the important facts and ideas. Too often, books and study guides go off on tangents that may be interesting however may not help you to learn the specifics of the information that you need.
Flashcards have been stripped down to the essence of the message in a format that is easy to read and understand. Another problem with books and study guides is that they take too long to deliver the necessary information. If you read a fify-page chapter on a difficult topic, it is likely that you will not remember information from the first few pages as well as you should. Research shows that in order to be effectively consolidated into long-term memory, new short-term memories need to be reviewed fairly soon after they are learned.
Will you or your customer have time to go back and read all fifty pages again? This is where flashcards come in, all of the most important information can be condensed into a set of flashcards that can be reviewed rapidly a number of times. Flashcards speed the passage of information from short to long term memory.
Is your learning material supported with flashcards as an option?
Application Development for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad mean that there is no need to worry about issues such as printing, payment methods or distribution. Your flash card can be easily mobile and have the potential to engage your customer with any number of interactive option.
Why not productise your expertise on the iTunes App Store?
Posted by Michelle @ 5:33 PM
Learning Styles
One of the major innovations in education over the past few decades has been the discovery of various learning styles. Researchers have determined that there are neurological reasons why some people learn best through their sense of sight, while others learn best through their sense of hearing.
This insight has led many people to wonder whether the playing field is level in education, or whether some kinds of learners are naturally better suited to traditional academics. Luckily, there is a learning tool that is appropriate for both visual and auditory learners - the flash card.
The iPhone, iPad and iPod touch application now mean that there is an advanced way of producing your flash cards. There is no limit to the number of applications you could produce without the worry of printing and distribution.
Your iPhone or Ipad flash cards can combine elements of visual and auditory learning in a seemless way that makes them appropriate for students and learners of all types. Visual learners need something in front of them before they can truly understand it. A teacher can lecture all day to visual learners, but until the information is written down they will not begin to consolidate it into memory.
An iPhone or iPad flashcard is the perfect medium, then, for a visual learner, because it presents the essence of an idea or concept in a clear and precise image. Whether your flashcard contains text, pictures, or a combination of the two, it is an ideal format for visual learners.
Visual learners are not alone in reaping the benefits of flashcards, however, Auditory learners are those people who need to hear something out loud before they can really understand it. These kinds of students may pass their eyes over a page of text without registering a thing, however may immediatly comprehend once the same information is spoken out loud. For these learners, using an iPhone or iPad flash card is as simple as reading out loud. Instead of quietly rehearsing the information on a flashcard, an auditory learner needs to practise saying the question and answer to him or herself in order to learn it.
Research indicates that auditory learners thrive when they both speak and hear information while learning. Auditory learners with a voice option on an iPhone or iPad flash card could derive great benefit. In any case, auditory learners will discover that flashcards are not just for people who learn with their eyes.
The possibilities in productising your expertise in the for of an iPhone or iPad Application are many and varied. At ProductiseIT we delight in talking through your Product Creation Options. Bring your ideas to life.
Posted by Michelle @ 2:49 PM
Users can purchase subscriptions and extra content from within your applications.
Flexible Payments
In App Purchase gives you the flexibility to support a variety of business models. You can offer your customers additional services and content within your app.
For example, you can create a subscription magazine app where you ask for payment on a monthly, yearly or periodic basis of your choice. Sell extra levels to extend the experience of your game. Build a general-purpose city travel guide app and let your customers pick the city guides they want to purchase. This new capability opens up many new business opportunities.
You create the app, we'll bring the cash register
The new Store Kit framework provides the functionality to process payments via the iTunes Store. You submit items to the store and set your price. When a customer chooses to purchase an item, your app creates a payment request and sends it to the iTunes Store for processing. After the iTunes Store verifies and approves the payment, your app is notified so that it can provide features or additional content.
Familiar business terms
In App Purchase uses the same business terms used for apps sold on the App Store, no credit card fees apply.
The choices available to productise your work are many and varied. Call ProductiseIT for a no obligation talk though the possibilities for your iPhone or iPadApplication Development. Bring your ideas to life.
Posted by Agnieszka @ 1:33 PM
Thursday, June 17, 2010
More and more traffic is coming from mobile platforms lately and it seems that the smartphone or internet in your hand is something that can't be ignored.
The growth in the market share of the iPhone as well as the continual replacement of the traditional mobile phones with Internet enabled phones like Android and Blackberry are driving traffic to sites at an increasing rate.
Here are some numbers.
Comscore announced that 45.4 million people in the U.S owned smartphones in an average month during December to February period, 2010. This is up 21 percent from the three months ending November 2009.
Android phone app downloads to hit 800 Million in 2010. The iPhone will continue to be the leading app platform, with a database of over 200,000 applications offering niche localized content. Apple iPhone downloads have exceeded 3 Billion at the start of 2010.
ABI Research reported that just under six billion mobile applications will be downloaded in 2010.
Smartphone OS-based phones will grow at more than 30% compound annual growth rate for the next five years globally.
Bloggers and corporate website owners cannot continue to ignore the smartphone app markets compelling growth. So what should you keep in mind when considering an opportunity whose time has come.
1) If you develop an iPhone App let everyone know about it through email, website, SMS and Twitter.
2) Add more value by including content and functionality that are location based or time sensitive.
3) Just like social media don't sell but provide content that adds value to people's lives.
4) Develop a Mobile App that becomes a part of a persons life and hopefully becomes indispensable.
5) Remember that with an iPhone or mobile app your website or blog presence is just one or two slides or touches away on that persons phone anywhere anytime.
6) Consider convenience.
7) You can use the App to drive traffic to your bricks and mortar store.
8) Engage your potential customer with a taste of your expertise.
9) The mobile internet market is growing at a much faster rate than fixed internet.
10) The developing world's connection to the internet is much more mobile centric than the Western world's fixed line communication infrastructure.
11) 75% of our planet is still not connected to the Internet so potential over the coming decades is substantial.
12) It will differentiate you from your competition.
13) You create deeper engagement.
14) Drive more loyalty.
15) You get to put your branding on your customers phones.
16) Your business is provided with great feedback.
17) It is going to drive more revenue and ultimately more profits.
18) It enables easy sharing of your content between mobile users.
19) Reduce costs to your business through automation.
20) Benefit from annuity based revenue streams.
So what sort of Mobile App could you develop for your website or blog that adds value to your readers, customers or prospects?
Posted by Michelle @ 12:17 PM
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The importance of workplace learning is growing day by day. Learning is now part of the management strategy to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Workers would benefit from a toolbox that contained a variety of networking communication tools.
One such tool is the iPad. What could an iPad Application do for workplace learning?
1) E-Books
The size will appeal to workplace users, with a screen that measures 9.7 inches, the iPad is slightly smaller than a magazine. With the provision of audio, video, animations and interactive elements the iPad enhances message delivery and learning experience. The reader is able to view one page at a time in vibrant colors with sharp text.
Electronic performance aids like manuals, user guides, etc. and will make for easy browsing and reference on a tablet device like the iPad.
2) Multimedia Presentations
The iPad can certainly enhance the learning experience. It provides for custom graphic styles, elegantly designed themes, stunning animations and effects. It provides the capability to enrich quality, precision and responsiveness of existing interactions. The iPad's multi-touch interface is based on revolutionary technology. The iPad provides a wide interaction palette for designers planning an iPad application.
An iPad application can be used as a company brochure, small catalog, workplace induction, manuals and guides, the list goes on for the facilitation of fast and easy access to information for employees.
3) Games
The iPad allows for the deployment of learning games in the form of an iPad application. With the advantage of the fastest Wi-Fi networks it is possible to develop multi-player or single user learning games. The iPad has a robust processor. It has an A4 chip which is extremely powerful yet extremely power efficient.
Learning types of games may be effective especially when used for providing soft skills training e.g. sales, customer service, leadership, teamwork etc.
4) Simulations
Hardware that works for games works just as effectively for simulations. The iPad's fast Wi-Fi network brings about collaboration from learners to achieve simulation outcomes.
Simulations can be used for teaching the use of tools, equipment, applications or for exploring complex technologies e.g. graphic design, technical drawing etc.
5) High Definition Video Libraries
An iPad application allows for total user engagement, the large, high resolution screen with no distracting key pad buttons is perfect to bring about effective learning. There are built in powerful speakers for a rich full sound.
Workplaces can create their own HD video libraries showcasing product demonstrations, conducting HR induction training, the list is extensive.
6) Shared Collaborative Environments
An iPad Application can help in mobile collaborations. A good example is a shared note taking space with easy operation for jotting down notes. The iPad provides the ability to draw effectively with your fingertips versus a stylus or mouse.
Workplaces can digitally link all participants in various departments of the organization to create, capture and share knowledge, on an enterprise-wide level.
7) Psychomotor Skills
An iPad Application is perfectly suitable for teaching certain types of psychomotor skills with it's multi-touch capabilities.
An application can be used for teaching the use of tools, equipment, applications or for exploring complex technologies etc. through repetition and imitation.
Posted by Michelle @ 3:16 PM
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
There has been a huge growth in the number of mobile applications. From valuable content to entertaining games, there really is something for everyone in the modern mobile phone world, when it comes to finding an application.
Over the years, leading mobile handsets have given a new shape to application development by creating demand. No one can come close to the Apple iPhone, which has revolutionized mobile phone application development on a huge scale. Almost anything is possible when it comes to application design. There are so many advanced feature and innovative functionalities, iPhone have carved a niche in the market. With the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, almost any idea can be developed into a product.
The iPhone has broken the record for mobile phone sales. It's no wonder there has been a surge in iPhone application development in the business market. Planning for an iPhone application is similar to any software development project in that it has a development lifecycle.
Each phase of the iphone application development lifecycle ensures that the development team can organize resources and establish clear goals. Here is an overview of the four predominant development phases of an iPhone mobile application:
Scope: An iPhone application development company defines the scope of the iPhone application development project. The company appoints an expert development team comprising of a project manager, who selects the team members based on relevant skills and expertise.
Planning: The planning stage includes identification and assigning each task until the completion of the application development project. The development team also conducts a risk analysis so as to ensure the successful completion of each deliverable.
Execution: This phase is important to accomplish the project requirements. It involves using the iPhone SDK to build a unique application. The development team becomes involved in the final production and testing the application in the live environment. Tools used in the execution phase include scorecards and business plans.
Completion: The project manager makes sure that the project is executed efficiently. The newly developed application is then submitted to Apple for approval.
Once approved, the application is immediately available for purchase in the iTunes App Store.
The perfect residual income stream combined with a great PR opportunity.
Posted by Michelle @ 11:46 PM
Monday, June 14, 2010
Apple's most talked about technology Apple iPad went on sale after months of anticipation. The iPad 3G released on April 3, 2010, sold about 700000 units in just a single day. It is expected that Apple will sell 7 million iPads during the remaining months of the year and about 14.4 million next calendar year.
According to the analysts, 60-700 thousand iPads sold on the first day of release. This number includes the pre-orders. The analyst also noted that there were longer than expected lines at five Apple stores surveyed, including the iconic 5th Avenue store in New York City, where 730 people were in line at 9 a.m. Purchases were limited to two per person.
Experts predict that Apple iPad will grow in popularity in 2011, when the benefit of this process may play a change in price and functionality of the device. It is predicted that, the supply of the iPad next year could grow to 14.4 million, and in 2012 reach 20 million customers.
Posted by Michelle @ 11:12 PM
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How easy is it to buy from you?
Imagine you go into a shop. Inside there are lots of beautiful objects, artistically displayed. You can't see any price tags, and because of the way that things are laid out it's hard for you to distinguish between what's actually on sale, and what is simply part of the display. There is one item in particular that you really like but you don't want to pick it up in case it's not on sale. Or it might turn out to be too expensive and then you feel embarrassed. There is an assistant standing nearby, but you're too shy to ask because you're worried about looking foolish. Also, sometimes in the past when you've gone into a shop and asked questions, you've felt a bit pressured to buy.
So after hanging around, not sure what to do, you reluctantly and sadly decide to leave.
I'm willing to wager that there are lots of people who are already attracted to you and what you're offering, yet they are failing to become paying clients because they feel like the customer in the scenario above.
Notice that in this scenario both parties miss out. The customer doesn't get there needs met, and the shopkeeper fails to make a sale.
What a shame for both parties.
It's your responsibility to make it as easy as possible for people to buy from you. That means making it easy for them to make the buying decision, preferably without you.
Lots of people in service businesses fall foul of 'bespokeitis'. It's great that every client is different. And it's great that you taylor your service to your clients. But you are missing out on opportunities if you fail to 'productise' your offerings.
What do I mean by 'productise'? I am not necessarily talking about creating physical products, but making your service offerings more tangible by putting them into packages. Here's how:
1. Sell the solution, not the means of attaining it. For example, a weight loss coach might offer one-to-one coaching, but would find it much easier to sell a 90 day weight loss package. Coaching is just a means to an end. It's easier to sell, because you have made it easier for the customer to make their buying decision. Providing a package makes the service more tangible.
2. Clear Pricing. Products usually have price tags, however services often do not. When you buy a sofa, you know the price upfront, you pay it and take the sofa home. When you need decoration services for your apartment, the price depends on the quality, size, timing and experience of the designer. When services do not have fixed price tags, or guarantees, the customer can feel very uncertain about their purchase. If you can package certain aspects of your service with clear price points, this will help the customer feel that they are in control.
3. Quantify the benefits. If you 'productise' your services, it's easier to quantify the results a person can expect. Your testimonials have more credibility, because they come from clients and customers who have experienced that same package. When you 'productise' your services, you can expect business to take off, simply because you are making it easier for the customer to make a buying decision.
Bernadette Doyle (www.clientmagnets.com)
Posted by Michelle @ 11:30 PM
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A commitment to an integrated marketing plan will increase your probability of a sustained advantage in the marketplace.
1. Leverage existing presentation and sell sheets.
Append your company's PowerPoint presentations and sell sheets to include a mention of your new App.
2. Direct mail.
If you're already sending direct mail to customers and prospects, set aside some real estate on your next mailer to include your new App.
3. Promotional items.
Create branded promotional items T-shirts, pens, mugs, cards, etc. for your customers and prospects. Promote both your company and your new App.
4. Word-of-mouth.
Tell friends, relatives and colleagues. Give them a small stack of business cards whose design and sole purpose is to specifically promote your App.
5. Voice mail and on-hold messaging.
Change your outgoing voice mail message to include a mention of your new App. Encourage associates at your company to mention the new App as they are in conversation with customers and prospects.
6. Free-standing portable banners.
Design a roll-up banner to promote your new App at your next trade show or within your establishment.
7. Host an App launch party.
Celebrate your launch with friends, associates, prospects and customers. Many bakeries now offer edible photo cakes, the cake icing will include your iPhone App icon. Order custom balloons with your App logo.
8. Branded promotional items with a mobile theme.
Give away imprinted cell iphone shaped mint tins with your company and App information.
9. Auto-responder promotion.
Append your email auto-responders to include a mention of your new App.
10. Create wallpapers and backgrounds.
Create wallpaper/background image made of columns and rows of your App's icon and use on your profile pages in MySpace, Twitter, etc.
Posted by Michelle @ 6:20 PM
An integrated marketing approach is most cost effective, with all components complementing and leveraging one another.
1. Blog Promotion.
Post an announcement about your new App to your blog. Create a blog if you don't already have one. Wordpress or Blogger are good choices and they're free!
2. Facebook fan page.
Setup a Facebook Fan page to showcase your new App. It's free and easy and your page can be found publicly in the search engines.
3. Create trial and paid App versions.
Offer a free trial version with an option to have more functionality in the paid version. The new approach is to offer a free App with an option to up-sell within the App.
4. Content optimization for improved search engine rankings.
Using Google Adwords keyword tool or Google Insights for Search, research search terms that are most relevant and popular with your target audience and populate your App description with those terms.
5. Email signature.
Add a description about your App below your signature line in all of your emails. Have others in your organization do the same as appropriate. Provide a URL link directly to your App within the App Store.
6. Showcase your App in a new website.
Create a new website to pre-market and showcase your App. Include screen shots and describe the features and benefits.
7. Newsletter campaign.
Mention your App in your monthly newsletter. Be sure to describe the benefits of using your App.
8. YouTube promotion.
Create a YouTube video about your new App. Set up an account for free. In your video, highlight the ease of use, features and benefits.
9. LinkedIn promotion.
On LinkedIn, join up to 50 of the 280,000 plus groups that meet your target audience criteria. Within those groups, click on the News tab and post a link to your press release or blog posting about your new App.
10. Forum participation.
Identify forums that meet your target audience criteria. Participate in discussions and promote your new App as appropriate. Be sure to follow each forum's protocol.
Posted by Michelle @ 5:31 PM
A nearly perfect mobile marketing plan with follow-up execution will increase your probability of a sustained advantage in the marketplace.
1. Pricing strategy.
You can drop the price of your App for a 3 day promotion. Such a strategy requires effective publicity around the promotion.
2. Create a presentation walkthrough of your App.
Create and upload a slide show walk-through with screenshots of your App and a description of features and benefits.
3. App launch sponsorship.
Secure a launch sponsor and co-promote. Within your pre-launch marketing materials, promote and provide clear instructions for those who might be interested in being a launch sponsor. Explain the benefits they'll receive in terms of publicity exposure, placement within the App and other perks.
4. Tell-a-friend in-app feature.
Within your App, include a conspicuous Tell a Friend feature and leverage the users' personal iPhone's contacts directory for text messaging or email.
5. Twitter in-app feature.
Within your App, create a Twitter update feature so that users can easily tweet about the awesomeness of your App. Suggest a few pre-canned complimentary messages and append with a TinyURL that links to your App in the App Store.
6. Exclusive app content.
Include and promote exclusive content within your app that is unavailable elsewhere.
7. App improvements over time.
Add new features to your App over time. Feature updates create new publicity opportunities and updated ranking by Apple within the App Store.
8. Collaboration.
Find business who target similar markets to yours, but are not considered to be competitors. Reach out to the influencers that specialize in the field that relates to your App.
9. Social networking.
Announce to friends, associates and connections across your social networks: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, etc.
10. Search directory registration.
Get listed in free online directories such as DOMOZ. DMOZ powers core directory services for some of the most popular portals and such engines on the web.
Posted by Michelle @ 5:02 PM
A commitment to an integrated marketing plan will increase your probability of a sustained advantage in the marketplace.
1. Get noticed in the App Store.
Chose a unique, catchy name for your app so that yours can be found in the app store easily and within Google searches.
2. Submit to App review sites.
Submit your Apps for review. Provide a promo code so that the editorial staff can review your app without having to pay for it.
3. Public Relations.
Establish yourself as a subject matter expert and develop a mutually rewarding relationship with the media.
4. Customized postage stamps.
Customize your business postage stamps using your new app's icon design.
5. Promote from ads within other Apps.
Promote your app in interactive ads contained within other iPhone Apps. iPhone ads offer very high levels of engagement including click to call, click to video and click to app store.
6. Share using AddThis.
Where ever you promote your App online, increase your traffic and page using an AddThis button. It's easy to install on your blog or website pages and it makes it easier for your visitors fot your visitors to share your content.
7. Select targeted advertising outlets.
Choose your advertising targets wisely. Ask yourself these questions: Who are my best customers? What are their demographic and lifestyle characteristics? Where do they gather? How do they consume media? What do they read, listen to and watch?
8. Promote your app within current customer touch points.
Store receipts, packaging, shipping flyer insertions, apparel tags, shopping bags, invoices, monthly statements, envelopes, packing slips, POP displays and posters, the list goes on.
9. Q&A participation.
Participate in targeted app topic-specific Q&A discussions and provide links to learn more about your app. Become a trusted participant by providing answers to others.
10. Email marketing.
Send out a highly targeted email campaign to customers and prospects.
Posted by Michelle @ 4:29 PM
The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 was a revolution in mobile computing and internet connectivity. The number of apps that individuals and businesses could create for use with the iPhone also opened new windows of opportunity. Have you taken advantage of these opportunities? iPhone apps are easier to design than you think.
An iPhone app is written and designed to be used with the unique iPhone operating system, and creating iPhone apps for small business use is surprisingly uncomplicated.
Come Up With A Great Idea
All iPhone apps start from a concept. Creating iPhone apps for small business use starts in the same way. Perhaps you have an idea that can solve a problem or provide a service. You may even have a game idea that will promote your business.
Get your idea on paper. Make drawings. Write the text. Get as much as you can ready for your developer to productise.
Who Will Use Your iPhone App?
Before you develop your iPhone App, make sure you do market research to determine whether it will work for your intended audience, your customer.
Create Your App
Once you have your content ready, your iPhone developer will work with you on the application functionality design.
Get Your App into Your Customers' iPhone
The next step is to market your app to your customers. With your business app in use, you can benefit in many ways. Here are just a few:
1. Make money selling your app.
2. Create a "viral" promotion with your fun app.
3. Allow customers to contact you easily.
4. Let customers set up reservations at your reservations at your restaurant.
5. Allow customers to make instant orders of your products.
6. Allow employees to remotely access your business database.
Even with all the iPhone apps in existence, this market is still in an infant stage. Creating iPhone apps for business use can greatly benefit yours, especially when you consider the announcement of the iPad, which will have even more uses as it gains popularity.
Posted by Michelle @ 1:32 PM
In an ever-competitive marketplace, how can organizations leverage the iPhone to get themselves an edge over the competition?
From an organizational perspective, iPhone applications have shown among business users:
1. Faster awareness and response times to market updates and enterprise information.
2. Improvements in workflow efficiency and flexibility.
3. Increases in revenues and corporate competitiveness.
Did you know that since iPhone's inception in 2007, over a billion applications have been downloaded online by iPhone and iPod Touch users? The right iPhone application can penetrate the iPhone community at a high percentage and can go a long way to make an impact on your company's bottom line.
From a retail consumer perspective, with over 15 million users worldwide and growing, how do companies bring their products and services to this growing demographic?
Customer iPhone application development is the answer. Companies have the ability to further diversify their products and services lines and connect with new markets and demographic groups through custom iPhone applications.
iPhone applications Add Value to your business in multiple ways:
1. They can generate revenue through purchases made by retail consumers in the iPhone applications store.
2. An iPhone application can be marketed as a new product or be packaged as an accompaniment to another product that is sold to your clients.
3. A dynamic and creative iPhone application adds another dimension to your organization's visual brand identity and brings the mobile advertising space to your company.
We expect iPhone application development to continue to rise and gain greater importance as businesses will rely more and more on mobile devices to solve their business needs.
Posted by Michelle @ 12:28 PM
It appears that many companies have an iPhone application or one in development. Small businesses are no exception. A company website, Facebook page, and Twitter handle are now givens. Having an iPhone application is the next "exclusive membership' that elevates a company to a bigger, faster, and farther reaching levels, and the potential for tapping into new consumers.
But does every small business need an iPhone application?
A good barometer for measuring an application's potential for financial success is to consider:
1. Reuse value. Is this a tool that you keep coming back to or a business utility that you use on a daily basis?
2. Virality. Is this an app that you show to your peers who then go out and buy it themselves right away?
While there are plenty of pointless applications out there, there are also a plethora of really interesting applications extending excellent products and services.
Here are a few questions to ponder.
Would your customers appreciate the option of accessing your product or service via their mobile device? Some customers find it most convenient to do many things via their phone. If your customers fit this description, having a mobile application shows that your company is meeting its customers' needs.
Does your company want to be in sync with its competitors? Being a member of the cool mobile application club is a cheap and quick way for a small business to go head to head with the bigs and access other markets. An iPhone application will allow your company to compete with established leaders in your genre, you can reach a phenomenal audience.
Do you want to save your company money? An iPhone application allows a small business owner to reach millions of potential customers for a fairly minimal cost. A business owner can spend from £500 to £10,000 depending on the application's technical sophistication. The application may be used as a complimentary source of advertising for a business, or as a revenue generating business in its own right.
When you join that privileged iPhone App club, distribution is part of the package. Every iPhone user gets their apps from the app store so you just need to figure out a way for your app to standout there using keywords, PR, advertising, etc.
Posted by Michelle @ 11:51 AM
Saturday, June 5, 2010
So, how do you create a media buzz? The fist key is finding a newsworthy angle. Here's a four step guide to coming up with something that the media will find interesting:
1. Think about what's happening in the news right now. How can you become a part of the story? For example, the global economic downturn continues to dominate the headlines so now more than ever, media outlets are looking for angles that help their audience cope. There are stories about how to shop on a budget, how to get the best mortgage deal, where to find the cheapest white goods, how to cut your power bill - the list goes on. Think of a solution that your business could provide to people during tough economic times and then make this the basis of a media release.
2. Think about current consumer trends. Where are customers heading? Are they more interested in the environment, latest fashions, home renovating, self improvement, technical gadgets, or social media? Journalists love to be the first with news about the latest trends. In fact, often they already have a story in mind so they're just looking for someone to provide a quote and be featured - why not make that person you?
3. Provide a comment. If there's a story in the news that affects your business or impacts on your customers, put together some considered opinions and include them in a media release on the issue. Often, a media outlet will want to feature a story again and will need a new angle to keep it going.
4. Make the news yourself. If you have a decent-sized database, run a regular poll of your clients on issues that relate to your business and then create a news story about it.
Generating free publicity is not that difficult, especially if you come up with a plan for the next few months on how you will go about it, and then diarise time each week to implement your plan.
Author: Sue Papadoulis
http://homebizchicks.com
Posted by Michelle @ 3:24 PM
When it comes to small businesses, PR is everything you do. If you're interacting with the public then you're doing PR. How you answer the phone, how you respond to e-mails, the design and message of your website, your advertising everything you do that the public can is a promotion of your small business.
The best way to promote your business is to give them something valuable for free. If you own a coffee shop, I'm not saying give away free coffee. Though I'm sure it would grab peoples attention and bring people into your business. But when it comes to building a strong customer base, there's a fine line between providing something of value that engages your customer base and straight-up buying them or bribing them to patronize your business. Giving away free coffee is a bribe and won't necessarily create repeat customers. (Though I do like the idea of those coffee cards where you buy 10 and the eleventh is free.)
Now think about it. If you're a small business owner, what can you provide for free that is valuable and engaging? A great example would be a small coffee shop providing an after-hours class on how to make professional-style lattes, cappuccinos, espressos you name it to anyone interested.
They could publish there very own iPhone App.
What's great about something like that is the owner and staff would be able to interact with the community, provide value and really engage them. They would be able to talk to their customers, show them how it's done and receive feedback.
The most important thing a small business should focus on is how it can serve rather than what it can get. List all the places and platforms where your company interacts with the public. Are there any opportunities you're missing where you can engage people?
The small business is a great vehicle for creating a motivated community. It will give your business a higher purpose, will be more rewarding for you and your customers, and the most fun part will be when the media picks up on the story, covers it, and peaks the interest of others who didn't have any idea what you were up to. Now that's big PR for your small business.
Author: L Drew Gerber
Posted by Michelle @ 2:45 PM
Looking for ways on how you can create best-selling products? Then, let me help you excel at product creation through these 6 effective ways:
1. Bank on your expertise. When developing product ideas, I highly recommend that you consider what you do best. List down your hobbies and other areas of interest, things that you are most passionate about, your areas of expertise, and the fields that you simply excel at. If you are a ghostwriter, you may consider creating Apps on how to make money through article writing. If you are good in tennis, you can offer audio Apps that contain effective tips and techniques for beginners.
2. Determine the marketability of your product ideas. The next thing that you need to do is to know if your product idea will sell like hotcakes online. Do a keyword research and determine how many relevant searches are made online. You can also visit relevant forums to know if your potential clients are looking for the kind of products that you would like to offer.
3. Talk to your customers. It would also help if you can talk to your potential clients directly. Let them know about your product ideas and ask them if they are willing to spend their money on your offerings. While you are at it, take the opportunity to ask these people about certain features and selling points that they would like to incorporate on your products that make them more enticing and saleable.
4. Create your products. When developing your products, make sure that you keep your potential clients and their needs on top of your priority list. This will help you adjust all the elements you are using in product creation to make sure that your offerings will be highly targeted to the needs and demands of your customers.
5. Test your products. Before you put your products up for sale, ensure that they are perfectly made and that they can offer your clients exactly what they are looking for. Have them tested on a small group of people (preferably a combination of experts on your chosen niche and members of your target market) to ensure that they are working as designed.
6. Promote your products online. Now it's time to make money from your creations. Advertise them online using tried and tested marketing tools like PPC advertising, banner ads, article marketing, search engine marketing, etc.
Author: Naveen Feb
Posted by Michelle @ 12:30 PM
With traditional businesses suffering due to the economic recession, more and more people are opting for the internet to create a product that could be a surefire winner. If you have a hawk's eye of the goings on as well as what is making waves at the market place, you can also come out a winner. There are many products that are floundering due to lack of innovation and fine tuning to the requirements of the increasingly demanding customer.
If you can chance upon one of those and repackage it, you can come out with a successful product.
Knowing what sells and what is hot at the moment can easily be done by watching TV and surfing the internet. You can also do it by leafing through lifestyle magazines that have stuffs that are in vogue lined up on all the pages. You can grab an idea like weight loss without the side effects or depression without the reliance on over the counter drugs and medicine and create an App.
With a fresh take on the topic you can weigh in with your ideas that could be effective enough to turn traditional perceptions on their head. People are opting for more natural products even for beauty treatments and looking for cheap, safe and effective remedies for problems that have dogged them for ages.
If you can provide new insight, then money would flow in.
Author: Jeff D McQueen
Posted by Michelle @ 11:44 AM
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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