The Wax Blog

I’m straying way off course and off schedule in honor of the 7th anniversary of Wax Marketing – today! My biggest lesson? Dealing with the big GWF – the gut wrenching fear that comes with owning a small business. I don’t think it’s good marketing strategy, or business acumen, or networks that makes or breaks a small business. I think it’s the ability to deal with fear.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, right?So the next time you wake up in the middle of the night worried about that big check you need to cover payroll – or  when half your customers decide your service is a “luxury” they can do without – try these and see if they work. Here’s how I’ve learned to deal with GWF  over the past seven years. I hope you’ll add your own fun tips and ways to get around it too! (more…)

I got a message on LinkedIn today that pretty much shows what you should never, ever do on LinkedIn – or on any social media. Before you read it consider this:

1. I have over 500 contacts on LinkedIn -( if you want to link to me click here but let me know it’s cuz you read the blog)

2. I’m an active member of many groups on LinkedIn

2. I have never met this guy

We can learn more from these kinds of posts than any tip post I might do. Add a comment and tell me why YOU think this is bad – would you buy from this guy’s company (or him?) How much damage do you think he’s done, assuming he spammed this everywhere?

Here’s the email text…of course I’ve deleted his name and company.

Dear Bonnie:
I’m LinkedIn! Are You? I took the plunge and joined LinkedIn. I’m not certain if you already have a profile on LinkedIn, or if you are even using LinkedIn, but if you are, I’d like to take this opportunity and add you to my professional network.

If you’re not already using LinkedIn, what are you waiting for? Relationships Matter! Your professional relationships are key to your professional success. LinkedIn strengthens and extends your existing network of trusted contacts.

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 25 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.

Thanks for your consideration!

Thank You,

The concepts of right and wrong are completely subjective in the blogosphere - a big reason  I like it so much. Although online pundits like David Henderson would like to define the “rules” for us it’s really a bunch of people making up stuff as they go.

Which brings me to an email I got this morning from the blogger Lisa Reviews. Lisa, a stay at home mom in Illinois, has decided to throw a “virtual baby shower” for her sister and asks us all to contribute product.  Here’s what she says…”My sister is due to have a baby in May (a little boy), and I’m trying to find the newest and greatest things for babies.  For the virtual baby shower, I am looking for any baby related items for mom, dad, and/or baby.  Nonreturnable samples are appreciated and do increase your chances to get listed.  All samples will be given to my sister to use… You will be given a review post on my blog.  (Stats can be provided upon request)  I will also be doing a roundup post, and my sister will also be doing posts on her favorite items on her blog after she has the baby.”

Okay, Lisa’s site is fairly reputable and has a decent Alexa ranking. Not to mention the fact that she’s being terribly honest here unlike alot of fake bloggers I know who’s primary reason to blog is to acquire free samples.

It’s a very clever idea and Lisa is being enterprising by addressing her sister’s alleged need for baby gifts with her need to review items. But is this request totally legit? Do you think it’s ethical for Lisa to use her blog to get samples or is it kind of sleazy? And does she get “points” for being upfront – after all, she could have just announced she was reviewing products for baby.

You be the judge. Tell me what you think.

P.S. And Lisa, just promise us you won’t make us play those stupid games if we do participate.