I don't know about you, but as a b-to-b marketer who focuses on telesprospecting and lead nurturing, even I'm a bit overwhelmed by the fervor around social media marketing.

Don't get me wrong. I've blogged for five years, and I've been Twittered, LinkedIn, Facebooked—and I'm waiting to be Pownced. But I think all these activities specifically in terms of lead generation can be “mis-leading” us to think that the amount of time we spend connecting virtually translates into successful lead nurturing and boosted sales.

Blogs have passed their fad stage and are now accepted as serious business tools, but far too many people have entirely the wrong idea about making money blogging. Making money because you blog is a much more common than making money from blogging.much
more common than making money from blogging.

Like the Industrial Age, the Conversation Age (often referred to as Web 2.0) requires businesses to change and recognize that the status quo is unproductive and unacceptable. If your company is to remain competitive, increase market share and grow its business, the time to reinvent yourself is now. That means it's time to invest in social media, specifically blogging, and add it to your marketing and branding toolbox.

As a coach and consultant working with all kinds or entrepreneurs wanting to grow their businesses, I am always looking, always studying, always paying attention to what creates success beyond basic business acumen.

What is it that makes one financial planner, professional organizer or image consultant successful, and another of equal talent struggle? I have noticed one significant principle that I am compelled to shout out loud. I sincerely believe it is the barrier between having a good business and having a phenomenal business. Take a look at yourself as you read on.

There’s a quiet revolution going on in the world of business. A 2005 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that 81% of business executives believe that “corporate citizenship” should be a priority, and 75% report their businesses are actively involved in bettering their communities. In a 2006 survey of MBA students by Net Impact, 81% thought businesses should work toward the betterment of society.

Is there such a thing as practical podcasting? Enter Tom Webb of F & H Solutions Group. After taking part in the podcast, he used his appearance to open doors to new business for his company, calling attention to his appearance to position himself as a recognized expert in his industry.

Ever respond to one of those pizza flyers hanging on your doorknob? They’re an effective marketing tool utilized by the major pizza chains as well as local restaurants. Of course, the business of printing those flyers is extremely competitive and price-driven. So when the printing company Print And Deliver wanted to stand out and gain bigger clients, they turned to online press releases.

Women make, or influence, 80 percent of all consumer purchases in the United States, constituting a powerful market segment that requires special attention. But, to effectively market your product or service to women, it takes more than changing your website’s background color to pink and adding photos of smiling