We all have them. Stories about how long it took to get paid. For creative business owners it can take months and months to see receipts come in long after a project is complete, in the clients hands and active.

Lucky for me, knock on wood, every single client has paid their invoices in full. Although, not all necessarily with 30 days. But, other creatives aren’t so lucky. And, not being paid on time is not restricted to creative service firms only. When Gary Bohringer, of Bohringer Creative, mentioned to me that he’d written a book about how to collect outstanding invoices without using a collection agency, I was intrigued.

Because Gary’s book, Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Collection Agency, covers how to do that, I won’t give away all of his secrets. But, being the clever creative person he is, Gary’s come up with a way to identify the outstanding debt in a way the whole world [hint: search engines] can see.

Did you know collection agencies can keep up to 50% of the amount owed to you?

When Gary realized hiring a collection agency would only recover half of the outstanding invoices, he decided to test out a new approach. He wrote down everything he did, illustrated the system and packaged it like a graphic novel into a book you can buy online.

Gary even includes example emails and site templates so that the project is simple and foolproof. I must admit it would take some bravery for me to undertake this method, but it works. At least it has for Gary – three times!

To give you an idea of what’s in the book, here’s some information from the site.

Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Collection Agency is designed for any business owner who is frustrated by deadbeat clients not paying their bills and

• Can’t get clients to pay through normal channels, such as repeated follow-up and adding interest charges to overdue balances.
• Does not want to hire a collection agency, which often requires you to reduce your fee and give a percentage of the collected balance to the agency for their services
• Cannot repossess the item that was sold to the deadbeat client, such as a business owner who provides professional services

At $27, Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Collection Agency, is an investment worth making – anytime you need to get your outstanding invoices paid.

FTA Disclosure: Links in the post are affiliate links, which means my company will receive compensation if you buy this product. I only recommend products and services I believe in and trust. Before you make any purchase, please consider the value and relevance of the product to your business.

Question: How about you? How much time would you wait before considering using a collection agency to get your invoices paid? 

LinkedIn keeps getting better and better. And that’s why I like sharing these updates. Have you used LinkedIn’s Card Munch App, updated event interface or the group statistics feature? If so, I’m interested in your impressions.  Tell me – what did I leave out?

LinkedIn’s Card Munch iPhone app Digitizes Paper

Am I the only one out there who misplaces business cards? Maybe I have too many pockets. It’s time-consuming to search and rescue all the cards I pick up at events when I get back to the office.

Cards play hide and seek in my business card case, in my pockets, in my briefcase, in my car – and sometimes even in my wallet!

I love to meet people and exchange cards, but if we don’t continue the connection, what’s the point?

How quick would it to be scan one and you’re done? That’s what you can do with the free Card Munch iPhone app.

When to Use . . . While You’re There

1. at networking events – scan while you’re there and either toss or return the card, preferable, while you’re there
2. on appointments – scan, impress the client and send them a LinkedIn invitation, while you’re there
3. at a trade show – input new connections right away, while you’re there

Why to use the Card Munch iPhone app

1. automatically adds to your contact list
2. shows how you’re connected via LinkedIn
3. lets you recycle paper and preserve information

Side, but Big, Benefit: You don’t have to worry about whether or not you mistype when you input contact information on your iPhone.

Want more information? Join the group for members using LinkedIn mobile apps.

LinkedIn Events Gets More Social

I love the look of LinkedIn’s new event interface and I like the comment section. Now the event dialog can start before the event begins.

But, I do miss the option to confirm whether you’re a presenter or an organizer. Now you can only be an organizer. Since I set up events for clients and often add events where I’m speaking, I’d rather not be listed as the one in charge.

Also – it looks like, right now, that there is no way to delete an event.

Have you found any other kinks in the new interface?

While we don’t use LinkedIn as a primary registration site, we do use it as a promotional outpost. Why? It’s easy to set up, our event is in LinkedIn’s search and we can easily share – to twitter and Facebook – and invite people from LinkedIn.

Your event will stand out because there’s less competition for listings. In fact, the number of events that have a listing here is much lower in comparison to what’s really going on in Chicago. How do the number of listings match what’s happening in your area?

How to set up a LinkedIn event page:

1. Go to the more tab on the top nav bar. Click on events in the drop down menu. Click on create a group in the box at the top of the right column.
2. You’ll need the basics: time, date, place, registration site
3. Compose an event description that starts off with the most important details first, like names of speakers. You only have 200 or so characters to work with in the preview section, but you can add more detail in the complete description.
4. Write a great headline or event title that includes keywords.
5. Think about industries and titles: you’ll include those in the listing.
6. Add an image or a logo
7. Share the event via email, on networks, etc
8. Invite key people to visit the page and click attend so that they show up.

LinkedIn Group Statistics Reveal Dynamics

These beauties popped up on the eve of one of my LinkedIn webinars. That’s why I always check the LinkedIn blog right before I go on. It’s fun to “break news.” People love being the first to know – and I like to be the first to tell them.

To find statistics in groups you already belong to, click the more tab in the vertical nav bar. Look for statistics in the drop down menu. It should be the last item.

For groups you’re checking out, but don’t belong to yet, look for the group statistics icon on the right hand side of the page.  Click on it and you’ll see them.

smc-chicago-linkedin-group

What you get with LinkedIn group statistics:

Demographics snapshot of the members by level, role, location, and industry

Growth over time

Activity shows what’s going on inside the group

Information about groups your group can connect with for cross or co-promotions, event invitations and broader community discussions.

What do you find most interesting about group statistics?

Why you need group statistics:

1. Decide whether or not to join a group based on demographics
2. Target communications: to execs or entry level to save time and be direct
3. Track growth: if you’re the owner or manager you can see how your group is shaping up and how activity is flowing

Thanks for sharing your thoughts – how do you use LinkedIn as a marketing tool?

Want more information? Browse the wiredPRworks LinkedIn archive.

Would you like to connect with me on LinkedIn?

It’s the time of year when you have more buying power than ever. You can choose where to spend your holiday budget: big box or small business.

Thanks to American Express, Saturday is being declared “Small Business Saturday.  President Obama is a big promoter:

“From the mom-and-pop storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our Nation’s promise. Through events such as Small Business Saturday, we keep our local economies strong and help maintain an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century.” President Obama via ABC News

When do you shop small? How to Participate in Small Business Saturday from American Express

Like the “Small Business Saturday” page on Facebook and pledge to shop small

Use these hashtags in your tweets #ShopSmall, #SBSPer

Tell your friends where and why you love to shop small

Follow @shopsmall on twitter for the latest Small Business Saturday News

BUY PRODUCTS, SERVICES and GIFT CARDS from Small Businesses

Keep in mind that a small business may still be online.

When I won a $25 American Express gift card as a Klout perk, I was inspired to create a special Small Business Saturday offer for small businesses.

As a small business owner for over 20 years, I like to give back to the community.

From now through cyber Monday, November 28, I’m offering a $300 discount on my December Lock In LinkedIn course for people and their companies.

Instead of paying $497, the Lock In LinkedIn Workshop price drops way down to $197.

That’s like having a $300 gift card! After that, the price goes back up to $497.

Lock In Linked Power Strategies Workshop teaches

what you need to do to raise your visibility and influence
why you need a social media strategy that supports your small business
how to maximize your efforts and minimize your social networking time
where to find connections that get you closer to your goals
leadership strategies that position you as an expert

To register for the December Lock In LinkedIn course click here on the orange LockIn LinkedIn box and use code smallbizsatli for a $300 savings.

Thanks so much to American Express for leading this effort and to all of our small business clients who give us the honor of managing their marketing and messaging.

When was your most recent purchase from a small business?

Felicia Slattery - Steve Sipress - Barbara Rozgonyi

Here’s an invitation to join me and a room full of Chicago’s sharpest entrepreneurs on November 19. Join GKIC [Glazer Kennedy Insider's Circle] Chicago for a day of learning, networking , and taking action.

I’m excited to be one of five small business experts who will present ways to rethink, reorganize and reroute your business plans.  That’s me with Felicia Slattery and Steve Sipress at a Peak Performers mastermind group event.

You will leave with new ideas, contacts and plans. It is all free, but reservations are required. Hosted by Steve Sipress, leader of GKIC Chicago and Chicagoland’s Sharpest Entrepreneurs.

Register online at http://celebration-rsvp.com

GKIC Chicago Entrepreneurs and Marketing Event Speakers

Dov Baron, best-selling author and international business building expert on “The 5 Foundations of Building Wealth in the New Economy.”

Joe Cross, the Comeback Coach, will present “The 5-1-7 Principle: How to Become the top 1% in Your Industry.”

Barbara Rozgonyi,3D marketing results expert, on “3D Business Development Strategies to Stand out and Be Sought Out.”

Steve Sipress, small business-building expert, on “How to take advantage of the Holiday Season to accomplish more in the last six weeks than you have the entire rest of the year.”

Felicia Slattery, communications expert and M.A., M.Ad.Ed, on “The 3Cs of Credibility: How to Confidently Increase Your Business.”

.::. .::. .::. .::. .::.
Join GKIC’s Chicago chapter for a day of learning, networking and taking action.

Make your 2011 holiday season the best ever. And, get a head start on 2012 success. You deserve it!!

GKIC Chicago Entrepreneurs and Marketing Event Promo Video

Steve suggested I make a promo video. It was fun and easy to do – especially after enjoying an evening of improv at Social Media Club Chicago’s third anniversary party.

Can’t make the program, but want more information about GKIC [Glazer Kennedy Insider's Circle]?

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that commissions are paid when sales are made. I only recommend products and services I believe in and use personally. I joined GKIC in July, met Bill Glazer in September and am delighted to discover so many other successful people credit Bill and Dan Kennedy as mentors.

What’s your take on this topic?

We’re all in the same club: #MsTech on Facebook, a small group of women technology enthusiasts in Chicago. While we help each other out every day, it’s not often that we get to hear each other speak.

Thanks to Hope Bertram, Social Media Masters Summit organizer, I got to hear three of our members, all small business owners, talk about what big brands can learn about social media from small business. Disclosure: Because I participated in the summit’s seven day video challenge [more on that in another post], my admission ticket was complimentary.

Here are my notes with apologies in advance to the speakers for any inaccuracies.  

Small business, Small budget, BIG results

Gabrielle Tompkins of  Crain’s Chicago Business did an excellent job as panel moderator. Here’s a quick retake on what each panelist had to say.

Katy Lynch, Owner, Social Katy

Everyone loves Katy’s charming Scottish accent. The first time I met Katy was on a Chicago River cruise. As we glided past the city’s glittering sights, Katy told me about what it was like to manage a community of 8 million people.

Katy comes across as being bubbly and friendly – and she really is. What we found out is how organized, efficient and productive her business is. She said she makes time every day to make a few sales calls and checks in with clients to give them ideas. And, she loves numbers.

Social Katy is a pure play firm – they just do one thing and do it well. They stay on that road and don’t do anything else. Katy suggests being flexible and pivot when necessary. So when things change, it’s not the end of the world. You just tweak a few things.

How can your business focus more on doing one thing really, really well?

Mari Luangrath, Owner Foiled Cupcakes

I remember when I met Mari. She was delivering cupcakes. My first thought was: Wow –that’s a lot of work. Cupcakes, for most moms, start out as a plastic bag inside a big cardboard box.

Every one of Mari’s cupcakes came in its own cardboard gift box. And, they were all wearing tags. Lucky for me I grabbed a few extra boxes. My kids were soooo happy to see me when I got home that night.

Mari says consumers get bored of doing the same thing over and over.  She suggests thinking this question: how can your business more exciting?

Try on shocking, sexy, cute or cats. Take inspiration from popular culture, bring it down to your level and convert it.

One idea that Mari tried at a Bright Pink event: take a poster along. Have people sign it. Invite them to tag themselves in the picture of the poster on Facebook.

Mari shared this advice she got from Genevieve Thiers CEO of Sittercity : “Pay more attention to sales than marketing.” 

How about you – when do you give in to being distracted by marketing so you don’t have to make sales? 

Shannon says business is about accessibility. To do that, make yourself more human. She says, “What attracts people to me is that they know when they reach out to me I’ll be there.”

She also likes to create opportunities for people to meet each other, “It’s nice to see people get together and make things happen.”

What one tool should a small business invest in? You may be surprised by this answer to that question from the audience: an accountant. Because whatever you don’t like to do, you don’t do.

Maybe the shortest, but most profound, message for businesses of all sizes comes in the way of a sign that hangs in Shannon’s office:  ”Evolve or die.”

How is your business staying alive and evolving?

Image: Katy Lynch, Shannon Downey and Mari Luangrath by Barbara Rozgonyi for thesociallens.com

Want to know what #MsTECH is talking about on twitter? Follow the #MsTECH Twitter Stream, created by Nicole Yeary