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QR Codes – The How and the Why

Posted by Rebecca on June 8th, 2011

After a recent winery trip I was surprised and excited to see QR (Quick Response) codes on the wine bottles! A QR code is essentially a bar code, readable by a special reader, that directs the user to a specific URL.

It’s become a new way to communicate in the world of social media, and frankly, it’s taken me forever to clue in as to how to use it and why. But that’s starting to change.

When I saw that, I decided to finally download a QR reader. I simply went to the iPhone App store and picked a free one. I chose QR HD – it doesn’t do anything but scan and go to the website. I probably should find another one that will book mark sites I’ve been to using the reader and so on, but for experimental purposes, this works. Other smartphones have readers as well.

(Once you’ve downloaded a reader, go ahead and test it with the QR code above – it should link to my Bit of Momsense blog!)

Scanning the codes on the wine bottles was easy – the reader picked up the code and sent me to a page that the winery had programmed. Done.

Why have a QR code?

Now I’m starting to notice the use of the codes more, and I can see why.

On business cards it becomes such an easy way to access your site – no typing, no waiting to get to a computer, just scan and there is it.

On signage, at events or in businesses, people can instantly access your site. How many times have you been out, see a website and think “I’ll check it out later”, but never remember to. A simple scan will do it for you now.

On your store products it would be an easy way for a customer, when the product is running out, to reorder more.

It could be set up to a discount page, or special event page. It could be fun to be really creative with this.

There are a lot of applications, and I think we’ll start seeing the use even more. I want to add them to business cards and other materials I may use.

How to make your own QR code for business site or blog:

Making one couldn’t be easier – there are likely many different sites that do it, but I just discovered that the link shortening site, bit.ly, makes one automatically when you shorten the link.

Simply go to www.bit.ly
Type in the website address you want to point to (this can be your home page, or a specific event page, product page etc.)
Enter to shorten.
Select the ‘Info page+’ link.
In the top right hand corner, there will be a code! Click on it and save it to your computer.

Do you see the benefit of QR codes? How do you think your business or blog can use it?

Update: I went shopping for plants today – and look what was on their tags!!

QR codes that go to AllRecipes to get recipes for the vegetable I was looking to buy – a genius partnership!

The Elevator Pitch

Posted by Rebecca on June 1st, 2011

Yesterday I spent the day at the first Women in Biz conference in Toronto. Over a hundred women who were in business for themselves, for others, interested in social media and business and other fields came together for a day of learning, networking and planning.

Topics included branding, business planning, public relations, social media and marketing. Panels and fantastic speakers lead the day and I suspect most of us left motivated to do something for our own businesses, or to move business ideas forward. Don’t worry, I took notes and will be sharing on this blog!

As part of the day, we had the opportunity to set up a one-on-one coaching session with business coaches and leaders, other entrepreneurs who have been through what many of us have. My coach, Roger, has been involved with many corporations and recently just sold one business and is starting another. He was extremely nice and did his homework about my blogs, my brand and my questions. It was extremely worthwhile (and side note: he was really complimentary on my branding and logos and where I’m going, but because I am super professional I won’t do happy claps too much).

But he did ask me one question that completely stumped me: “Okay, Rebecca, give me your elevator pitch – tell me a bit about what you do”. Insert my best deer-in-headlights face here and you’d have an idea of how I looked in my chair.

What DO I do? And how could I sum it up quickly, concisely and effectively? I run A Little bit of Momsense (and love it) and have branched into A Little bit of Foodsense. I started Sense and Community to have an umbrella for my non-mom/food thoughts as I started thinking about blogging as a business. I’ve been taking on some consulting jobs – mostly training and coaching others with their small businesses (mostly moms) and creating their online presence like I have. I do a lot of charity work but does that fit somewhere?

I was lost and confused instantly and while I have always had a sense of where I wanted to take my ‘sense’ brand if you will, I realized I really need to be able to sum up each of my activities, figure out if they fit together and how, and be able to share that.

So, an elevator pitch. A few sentences about what I do, or what my online brand is, why it’s something people should be interested in and more.

I have a feeling this may take some time.

But I will ask you: Do you have an elevator pitch? Want to share it so I can have an idea of what to expect? Please share and let others read about your business!

Or, are you like me and need to come up with one?

(side note: on Twitter, follow the #womeninbizconference hashtag for tweets from the conference. There were some great tid bits)

image credit: stock.xchng

More on Facebook – The likes, the dos and the don’ts

Posted by Rebecca on May 20th, 2011

Ah, Facebook.

I wrote in my last post about my love/hate relationship with it. I think many of us feel the same at times.

A conversation I keep coming back to, over and over, with many people is ‘how do I use it to promote my Page’. You may be the Admin for a blog or for a small business. But really, the general terms of use apply to both.

The almighty getting of the ‘Likes’

I’m from a school of thought that believes slow and steady wins the race. Naturally, we all want more likes. I’d love that. But I don’t want fake likes, if you will. The readers that are best suited for you page are the ones who are interested in it’s content, want to be engaged and want to engage back. Numbers may look great, but if your page remains uninvolved or worse, gets hidden or un’liked’, then numbers and that fluctuation don’t hold strength.

I also see ‘liking’ a page as a personal commitment for some. Is it an endorsement? Do I want my full name in view of this page? Facebook seems to have people (possibly because of privacy issues) more hesitant to just click that ‘like’ button. At the end of the day, before clicking ‘like’ most people will think ‘why do I want to like this page’? Can you answer that question?

A lot of people use contests to get more likes. The problem? For starters, it goes back to engagement. If they are only signing up for contests, will they stick around? Will they care about your content? The other problem is that Facebook has strict rules when running contests. Read more about the rules of contests here and here to ensure your page isn’t at risk.

Read more about how to get likes and keep likes here - it’s an excellent article.

And this link is excellent (thanks for sharing Lara!)

Sharing my Page on Other Pages

Tagging in Facebook is common. This allows you to ‘tag’ another Facebook Page and by doing so, it appears on that Wall. It makes sense at times to tag a page that you are working with, or sharing information about to your readers. And it does offer new visibility. But tagging or posting your Page all over people’s walls promoting ONLY your Page can be read as spam.

If you have a Page, you own the content. If you feel a wall post is spam, you have the right to remove it.

Make sure your tagging and wall posting makes sense. Don’t over use the ability to tag and you don’t want your page to be read as spam. Another way to get exposure for your page is by participating in other Pages. Facebook now lets you comment on other wall posts and questions as your Page.

What Content?

When thinking about your content, think about what your readers will want to see, what is relevant and in some cases what may be fun.

Questions (and the new built in Facebook question function), links that are not only yours, but relevant to your Page and pictures are great ways to make your Page engaging and user friendly. Going back to what I mentioned in ‘likes’ – what are you offering? What will make people click the like and stay?

What do you think? How do you find success on your Facebook Page?

My Love/Hate Relationship with Facebook

Posted by Rebecca on May 14th, 2011

The more I use Facebook, the more I like it. And the more I hate it.

I can’t seem to find a happy balance. One day, I am readily posting to my personal site and my pages that I admin (currently three) and whether I am using my laptop or iPhone I have no difficulty.

Then, other days, I can’t comment on my Admin page unless I am posting as the admin, (although recently, this feature has changed), I can’t tag other pages unless I personally follow them, and some new privacy setting has changed.

It’s frustrating.

But I continue to use it. Why? Because I completely recognize that there is value in Facebook. From a business perspective, it’s a great way to connect with potential clients/customers. It offers a chance to communicate on a more direct level company messaging, deals and receive customer feedback.

More and more businesses are dedicating time and resources to Facebook (if you have a page and don’t monitor it, you run problems!)

I also know that people use it. Some of my personal blog’s major traffic comes from Facebook, and some of my pages that I Admin have more traffic from Facebook than other referring sites (like Twitter).

The more I develop my pages, the more I use them, the more I like it. The more I see it’s potential.

But that doesn’t mean I still don’t run into a love/hate feeling with Facebook. Maybe as time goes on I will grow to love it more. For now though, I do see it’s value and like seeing how people respond to different pages.

Over the next posts, I will be writing a bit more about Facebook – what I think about ‘likes’ and getting them, some etiquette to help as you start your page and I’ll provide some links to great reading about it (because, if you ask me about technical stuff and Facebook, I will run!).

How do you like Facebook? Love it? Hate it? Both? Are you the Admin for a Facebook page? What do you think about it’s functionality?

Women in Business: Gymboree Ottawa

Posted by Rebecca on May 7th, 2011

Tanya Lalonde-Desjardins has an obvious drive and desire to be a mom and entrepreneur. After a brief phone conversation a few weeks ago about owing a business, being a mom (of 3 young children) and working in the community, her energy and commitment struck me.

I was happy she offered to answer some questions about being an entrepreneur – the good, the difficult and the unexpected.

For more information about Gymboree visit the website or Facebook page.

What is ‘Gymboree’? When did you open Gymboree in Ottawa? What made you decide to do it?

Gymboree Play & Music is the global leader in classes for children 0-5 years old for over 30 years. There are over 600 sites in the world. (you can also consult www.gymboreeclasses.com for great descriptions about the GPM philosophy and programs.) We opened our site in Orleans in August 2006.

I am a social worker and worked as a child protection social worker for Children’s Aid Society, worked as a Child Life Specialist at CHEO and as a social worker for the Victim Witness Assistance Program for the Attorney General. Our daughter was 16 months and we wanted to open a business which combined my love for children, was family oriented and that I could use my knowledge from my University studies. (BA psychology, social work, master etc.) Our daughter was also a member of the Gymboree Play & Music in the west end of the city and loved it. We fell in love with Gymboree’s philosophy and concepts.

Have you always been interested in being an entrepreneur?

My father also owned his own businesses. I never saw myself as an “entrepreneur” and never thought I would…however I LOVE it and enjoy every moment. It’s such a “proud feeling” and “personal satisfaction” to know that you bring smiles to little ones every day and you give the opportunity to have fun and learn with their parents. My husband is VERY entrepreneurial…he’s the one with the millions of ideas and aspires to create the next Facebook!

How do you balance time with family vs working and growing the business?

Unfortunately this is always an ongoing challenge…especially with three young children and my youngest being only 9 months. I constantly remind myself that it’s quality not quantity that matters most. When I am home and my children are awake and present with us we do not talk about business and ensure that they get our full attention. I enjoy organizing special “mommy & me hot dates” and fun activities together. Even at a young age our children are already very much involved in the business. My 6 year old daughter will come up to me and tell me if a teacher was not as bubbly as she thinks they should be or forgot words to a song. They (4-6 year old) also come up with great ideas for our drop off programs, art classes etc. “Mommy I loved doing this craft at daycare…you should get your Gymbo friends to do it too”.

What are some challenges with running your own business?

As anything else there is many challenges. When you love what you do and want it to succeed to its full potential, it’s difficult to “let go” and learn to delegate. It’s not a business that can be run by only one person, we manage a staff of ten. Although it’s truly wonderful to see other team members share your excitement and value their involvement it can bring some additional challenges at times as well.

What are some of the highlights with running your own business?

Many! After almost 5 years I still drive to the site and look at it and go “really this is ours”. (I often do a little happy dance when no one is looking) Seeing happy grand-parents and parents appreciate the time they get to share with their little ones in class. Hearing all the cute and funny story about little ones teaching classes in their living rooms with bed sheets, dolls and Gymbo. Also being able to give back to the community with donations to a variety of organizations, schools etc.

For other moms thinking about going into a franchise or starting their own business, what pieces of advice would you give them?

“Call me and let’s go for tea”. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and help of other mompreneurs and other Gymboree Play & Music owners. You need to make sure that this is what you truly want and that you are ready for the highs and lows. The highs will surpass the lows. You just need to stay focused and be patient. The learning curve can be painful…I would lie to say that I haven’t shed many tears and haven’t spent many sleepless nights but at the end of it all…it’s all worth it and have no regrets what so ever.

What are 3 words to describe how you feel about being a mompreneur?

Proud, happy and passionate

The App that is a Custom Magazine

Posted by Rebecca on April 30th, 2011

I am still learning about the cool Apps that make my iPhone and iPad better experiences.

I look for ones that help me stay organized (although have yet to find the best task manager one – ideas?) and the Quick Office App means I can read, review and change Office documents on the road easily.

But probably my favourite App I have found is Zite.

Zite is a customizable online magazine. The more you like articles, the more you ask for more from certain sites, the more it gets to ‘know’ you. Within a few uses, I ended up with an online magazine that was giving me the latest, greatest links about Social Media, Entrepreneurship, Food, Ottawa and Parenting (plus more).

There is nothing better than browsing these articles and soaking in the new information. The easy share function means that I can tweet the articles or email them to myself for later reviewing.

The articles that Zite pulls for me are ones that I may have missed on Twitter, or may not have ever seen. It’s different each day (depending on the new feeds) and is a wealthy of knowledge.

Check out Zite on iPad. You won’t be disappointed.

There’s a few iPhone ones I’ll share soon that I am liking too!!

What’s your favourite App?

Innovation: Talking with Awesome Ottawa

Posted by Rebecca on April 28th, 2011

One of the most exciting usages for Twitter is finding new links, businesses and ventures happening all around us. When I happened to stumble on the Awesome Ottawa tweets I was immediately intrigued.

The premise: If you have an awesome idea and need some money to get it going, Awesome Ottawa, and it’s board of Trustees, will provide you with $1000.

What kind of projects are getting funded? Some really interesting and unique ones. April’s grant recipient will be turning old phone books into edible mushrooms. Read more about the project here.

I was lucky enough for Awesome Ottawa to answer a few questions for me. Take a read and think about what innovative ideas you may have. Be sure to check out their application page for information on how you can become a grant recipient (and pssst: the interview below gives you some detailed tips on helping get your project funded!)

When did Awesome Ottawa begin Granting?

The Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences was founded in Boston in June 2009 and has now spread to 20 cities. The Ottawa Chapter (Awesome Ottawa), founded in April 2010, awards $1,000 grants monthly to projects that advance the interest of Awesomeness in our universe and in particular in our city. There are no requirements for applying, no definite criteria for deciding the winner, and no limitations beyond the necessity for being awesome. Awesome Ottawa awarded its first grant in May of 2010 to Project Y for an Art Flash Mob. Most applicants submit a written proposal but Project Y sent this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9RKU2aJkkE&feature=player_embedded

How does the program work?

The Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences is an ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe.
The Foundation distributes a series of monthly $1,000 grants to projects and their creators. The money is given upfront in cash. The Foundation provides these grants with no strings attached and claims no ownership over the projects it supports. It is, in the words of one of our trustees, a micro-genius grant for flashes of micro-brilliance.

Who can apply?

The Awesome Foundation is open to all people and organizations. There are no prerequisites to apply (beyond, of course, being awesome).

What are some examples of past projects funded?

Projects have included efforts in a wide range of areas including technology, arts, social good, and beyond.
Ottawa has funded an Art Flash Mob, a photography exhibit of 100 strangers (www.100strangers.com), environmental projects like “transplant”: the creation of a living sculpture, a vuvuzela musical appearance, a 10/10/10 global party, experiments for school children, a murder mystery dinner party, among others.

If someone applies one month and isn’t accepted, should they continue to apply in future months?

Yes! Never ever give up! If you have wonderful ideas that will impact our community in a positive way then keep submitting applications for these ideas.
My recommendation is that the applications be specific about their goals and explain how these objectives will be reached with $1,000.
Who are the ‘trustees’? What is there role?
There are 10 trustees who agree to participate in the selection of the grant winner and give $100 of their own money to support it each month.
The list of trustees and their contact information can be found here: http://awesomeottawa.ca/trustees/

**Sense and Community note: Interested in becoming a trustee? They are looking for a new one!

What do you hope to see for Awesome Ottawa in the next year? In a few years?

I hope to see much more brainstorming of ideas in the years to come. The more applications Awesome Ottawa receives, the better. Lets get people talking, thinking and getting creative! Our whole city will benefit from the enthusiasm and power that comes from innovative and creative thinking. I hope Awesome Ottawa continues to inspire people in our community to come up with original projects and support awesome ideas.

Anything additional to add? Or tips to help those considering applying?
While the Awesome Foundation keeps an open mind about projects, we’ve found that there’s generally a few types of submissions that chapters have been less willing to fund. However, these are just guidelines–if you think we’d be interested in your awesome project even if it flirts with one of these types, there’s no penalty for submitting anyway!
–Purchases for personal use: we think you’re really awesome, but we’re probably not going to just give you $1000 for a car/vacation/rent payment/pony…unless it’s the crucial component of a bigger project that also benefits others!
–Maintenance fees for established charities and foundations: While we may support the goals of your established organization, we’re primarily interested in funding projects or new ventures and not the continuation of an existing organization. If your organization/foundation/charity still wants to apply, think of a specific, creative ~$1000 project that our money could go directly towards!
–Vague causes and applications: That is to say, the more specific you are in your application about what you’ll use the money for and why, the more likely we are to fund it!

______________

Thank you Awesome Ottawa for being, well, awesome in our community.

Get your thinking caps on readers and become awesome too!

Investing in Education

Posted by Rebecca on April 19th, 2011

Even though I have been out of the formal school system for many years, I still believe that investing in my personal education is important.

I’ve written before about the benefits business books have, but reading in general – on topics that you can learn something from, is truly necessary to grow.

I would argue that to become a true ‘expert’ in something doesn’t mean you aren’t still learning. I think everyone still has something to learn in their field of topic of expertise.

Some people do continuing education in adulthood – going back to school (online or in person) to get a certificate or diploma.

Others do workshops on niche topics or areas that would help them in their career/planned career. Most workplaces budget and plan for their employees to have some education plans.

There are a variety online courses for blogging and writing that I constantly look at and consider. For example, this Problogger series looks especially interesting.

The internet has opened up the world of education, and gives all of us a chance to invest in our own.

Up and coming for me are two conferences: The Women in Biz Network Conference in May and Blissdom Canada in October. Both will offer me ideas to grow my brand, meet other women who have successfully started to work from home, and generate ideas to grow my writing and blogging.

In addition, I’m excited to be a part of a committee in Ottawa of people working to bring a social media conference to Ottawa. Giving beginnings and those who have been working in social media for sometime, a chance to learn and grow and knowledge share.

There is one thing I know for sure: I still love learning!

How do you invest in your business? How do you plan and budget for it?

Online Charity Auction – Giving Back Virtually

Posted by Rebecca on April 14th, 2011

The internet is not only opening doors for small businesses, bloggers and social networks but also for non-profits. Charities are embracing opportunities to capture volunteers, promotion and funding from online sources.

One such idea is an online charity. As a volunteer and former president of The Christmas Exchange, I am already familiar with their organization. This year, they have turned their 3^rd annual Caring and Sharing auction into an online auction. This not only saves costs (meaning more funds go to the charity – this year the event is raising funds for targeting school supplies for those in need) but it opens up the auction to anyone with online access and a credit card.

I’ve bid on items already and what I like is how easy it is to bid and how many different item options there are.

Items include museum passes, jewellery, hockey jerseys, restaurant gift certificates and more.

I spoke with Marilyn Matheson, Executive Director of the Christmas Exchange, and Nicole Bedford, Communications Coordinator, about the changes to this year’s event and why the online format is working for them:

Is this the first online auction you’ve done? What made you decide to try this format?

This is the 3^rd Caring and Sharing Charity Auction. This is the first online auction that Christmas Exchange has done. We chose to venture into the world of online auctions because we felt that we could reach more people this way. It’s much easier for people to get involved and help us raise money for this great cause when they can do it from the comfort of their own homes. Having the auction online also means that people can spread the word with a simple click of the “forward” button when using email.

How is the online auction better/different than one that would be in person?

For our charity, it means that we don’t have the expense of renting a hall, providing food to the guests, entertainment etc. which means that almost all the money raised from the auction will go to where it’s needed most—the children who need school supplies.

Who are your sponsors and how are they working with you?

Our presenting sponsor is Scotiabank Group. The sponsorships we have received from Scotiabank Group and Dynamic Funds, our gold and bronze sponsors, have helped us to set up the snazzy website we’ve created for the auction. It is a website we will now be able to use for any future online auctions we hold. Our community partners and our media sponsor, OttawaKiosk, The Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, and The Ottawa Citizen respectfully, have helped us with spreading the word about the auction. This contribution is really important as we will not get bidders to our site if they don’t know that our site exists!

Who can/should participate in the auction?

Anyone who has a passion for helping others, and more specifically, for helping children! All the proceeds raised from our auction will go directly towards providing Ottawa children from low-income families with school supplies for the upcoming school year. This contribution to the lives of these children will help them to take pride in their school experience, and will allow them to access the same educational opportunities as their peers. And being able to fulfill their children’s needs will give the parents of these children a real sense of relief and happiness too!

Of course, if you’re planning on participating in the auction, you need access to the internet (try the local library!) and a credit card. It’s also good to note that a lot of the gift certificates apply to businesses in the Ottawa area, but there are also a lot of neat items that aren’t gift certificates, such as hockey jerseys, jewelry, and art.

To participate in the auction, check out http://www.caringandsharing.ca and bid by April 18^th.

For more information on The Christmas Exchange and their School Supplies program, visit their website.

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The Elevator Pitch

Women in Business: Gymboree Ottawa

Innovation: Talking with Awesome Ottawa

Investing in Education

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