Taking Care of Your Business Like It’s Our Own

In the world of Facebook, change is the only constant. True to form, they recently announced yet another set of changes – this time relating to Pages. Here’s the 411 on what you need to know:

• Pages will be swiched to the Timeline format on March 30th. You can make the change now, or you can play with it now and make it live later in the month.
• You’ll have the large (851×315 px) “Cover Photo” image at the top of your page. Also, your profile picture can no longer be a long, horizontal banner – you’ll now have to squeeze it into a 125×125 px square.
• Your Cover Photo can no longer have a call to action or contact information listed. Big minus in my book!
• You can now make certain posts “sticky” for 7 days, forcing them to show up at the top of your posts.
• You can no longer force visitors to see a certain tab (landing page) when they visit your Page. Your custom tabs are still there though and you can highlight 3 tabs at the bottom of your Cover Photo.
• Your fans can now direct message you from the page – potentially a big plus for leads & customer service.
• You can add items & dates to your timeline, highlighting your company’s history and accomplishments.

Here are some resources for you to learn more:

• The official scoop from Facebook on the changes.
• A summary of changes from HyperArts.
• Ideas on using your Cover Photo creatively.
• Using your Timeline effectively.

My team & I love our work as Virtual Assistants and Online Business Managers and truly love all our clients. Once in a while, I hear stories of less than ideal VA/Client relationships. If you’re working with a VA or are looking to work with one in the future, here are a few tips that will help keep your relationship in calm waters:

1. We’re business owners too and will set our own policies and hours. Even though we sometimes choose to work on your project in the evening or on the weekend, that doesn’t mean you should expect it every time. We have families and personal lives too (just like you!).
2. Mind readers are only in science fiction. Seriously. As much as we’d love to anticipate your every move, sometimes we need you to be direct and tell us what’s on your mind or what you need from us.
3. Paying a rock bottom price per hour does not necessarily mean you’re getting a better deal. Will it take that person longer to do the same task? Are they proactive in looking out for your business and offering suggestions for improvement? Will they drop you the minute they get a full-time job offer?
4. We tend to be perfectionists and strive to meet that goal in all our work, but once in a while we fall just a bit short. Be gentle when pointing those items out and be assured that we won’t repeat the same mistake twice.
5. We hate asking why our payment is late. We love working with you and worry that non-payment is a sign of your unhappiness with our work. 99% of the time it’s simply a cash flow issue – communicate that and we’ll work with you to find an agreeable resolution!
6. We love to hear your praise once in a while!
7. Micromanaging is not helpful. We understand that this is your baby and you’re having a hard time letting go. Let’s work together to develop processes so you feel in the loop and we don’t feel our hands are tied.
8. Your referrals will not mean you’ll lose our full attention or your work will suffer. You’ll always be a top priority on our schedule.
9. Trust our areas of expertise. You hired us for specific skills and knowledge, don’t be afraid to trust our advice!

Facebook Secrets for Small Business:

10 Secrets of Facebook + 1 Critical Mistake You Need to Avoid

Join me on this free Teleseminar and discover:

10 reasons your business needs to be on Facebook

 The businesses that benefit most from a Facebook presence

 1 critical mistake to avoid when setting up your Facebook presence

 The difference between a Profile, a Page and a Group

 Tips on balancing the personal and professional use of Social Media

 10 Secrets of Facebook success

What our past attendees have said:

“Wow! You have a real gift for making the unknown look comfortable and approachable!” (Walt)

“Cindy – your “Social Media” seminar has already exceeded my expectations and we aren’t even half way through! You rock!” (Debi)

“Cindy’s approach to teaching is stealing away my fears and anxieties. This class is opening my eyes to the potential of Social Networking.” (Dan)

Join me on Friday, March 2 at 11:00 am MDT (1:00 pm EDT)

The class is free, but you do need to register below!

Can’t make the live call? Don’t worry - everyone who registers will receive the class recording at no cost!

As a bonus, you’ll also receive a free copy of our “Essential Guide to Facebook”.

Register below to reserve your place right now!

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I look forward to helping you expand your business’ online reach!

Cindy Opong