According to data released

The free Google map listing service, Google Places has been around since 2009 and in that time things have changed a lot.  

In the most recent change, Google has removed the reviews from third party sites such as OpenTable, TripAdvisor and Yelp, and replaced them with reviews from Google users.  Links to the third party sites can still be found at the bottom of the place listing; however the content of the review is no longer shown.

This move follows complaints against Google from the third party review sites, for taking their content without permission. 

What Does the Google Places Update Mean for Your Small Business?

According to data released by Google, 93% of consumers looking for local businesses look online. With millions of people using Google Places to find these businesses; this update is likely to have a big impact on small businesses and how they handle the online reputation.

Chances are that if you are a tourism or hospitality based business, you are already monitoring review websites and encouraging customers to write reviews on your behalf; however for other industries this may be a new consideration.

With Google actively asking their users to review businesses through their shiny new ‘Write a Review’ button; it is likely that the small number of reviews on the site now will increase rapidly in the future.  It is therefore important for you to focus more on building and managing the reputation of your business by encouraging customers to write reviews and keeping an eye on the reviews that are posted.  Schedule a regular time to check on the reviews and to respond to any messages.  Remember to thank the reviewers which praise you and offer apologies or solutions to those giving negative reviews.  The more engagement you have with your customers the better.

As an added incentive, Google’s increasing focus on social sharing, now means that users can receive recommendations for places to visit, based on the reviews they have posted or reviews their friends have written. Therefore by encouraging and developing the customer reviews on Google Places, it will not only increase your presence in Google, but will help you find more customers for your business.

Quotes, estimates and hourly rates

1. Quotes, estimates and hourly rates. There is a significant difference between quotes and estimates. Quotes are firm prices and estimates are just that, an estimation of cost. Some firms may just quote an hourly rate. Ask how their pricing system works. What is their payment breakdown? Payments are usually broken up over the timeline of the project and the first payment is generally required to start the project.
    
2. Compare costs. Don’t be surprised if the quotes you get vary. The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” does not hold true in this instance. A more experienced freelance designer with very little overhead may be cheaper than a large firm and produce the same quality of work or better. Larger firms will likely charge the most, but does that mean you’re getting the best work? They could be breaking in junior designers on your project. The upside? Large firms may have access to resources that an individual designer may not.
    
3. Ask about the project scope. How many rough concepts will you see? How many opportunities will you get to make changes? An experienced designer will limit the number of concepts and revisions you get. This indicates they are used to hitting the nail on the head the first time. The premium price you pay for experienced designer is offset with intuitive, superb design and succinct project management skills. You know your project will be done right the first time and your time won’t be wasted with an endless parade of confusing proofs, phone calls and emails.
    
4. Ask about final deliverables. What is it that you’re actually taking home? This answer varies depending on the project:
   a.  Brochures: will you get a PDF copy to put on your website in addition to the 500 being printed?
   b. Logos: how many logo files will you receive and what types? When a logo is created, you should receive not one logo file, but upwards of seven to ten. Different logos are required for different mediums: process printing, digital printing, web, plus a version for dark backgrounds and black and white. Will you receive a guide that explains what each file is used for and how the logo should be treated to maintain a consistent brand?
    
5. Ask about file ownership. What is the designer’s policy on file ownership? What if you need something reprinted down the road? Must you return to them? Many designers retain the files as theirs, providing only the final deliverable. Some designers grant their clients ownership of the files but don’t hand them out unless requested, usually because there is never much demand for it. Knowing the designer’s position on this policy may be a determining factor in whether or not you choose to do business with them.

Graphic design is an investment and finding that designer you can build a relationship with, will benefit your brand and your organization for years to come. At the end of the day, what is most important is that you find a designer that you trust and feel comfortable with, who does work you feel is appropriate for your business.

HOW TO HIRE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hiring a graphic designer can seem like a daunting task. Some graphic designers have a more classical art background, whereas some double as website designers. Some have many years of experience, some only a few months. Each variable presents different pros and cons. How do you know who to choose and if they’re right for your organization?

Here are nine tips to help you navigate the world of graphic design.

 

1. View the designer’s portfolio. Any graphic designer worth their salt will have an online portfolio. This allows you to consider many individuals or firms before picking up the phone. Finding a designer with examples in their portfolio that you like is key. Without this, nothing else matters.
    
2. Inquire about a consultation. Some designers charge for an initial consultation and some do not. Some may credit you back the consultation fee if you choose to work with them. Make sure you check if they intend to charge before you book.
    
3. Ask about their experience. Although this question can generally be answered by their portfolio, it’s good to know the designer’s background and experience. If you see items in their portfolio similar to something you have in mind, quiz them about that project. Find out what their involvement was. Were they the sole designer or part of a team?
    
4. Personality check. Do your personalities mesh? You need to trust this individual and feel comfortable enough to ask questions and they need to feel the same way about you. A professional designer will take into consideration your vision and your message. If the two do not fit together, he/she needs to be able to suggest ways to bridge that gap.

Build Your Own Network

Build Your Own Network

Chances are you know some other folks who work in a similar industry to yours.  Without giving away all your secrets, sharing ideas and asking for feedback from people who understand the kind of work you do can be a really good experience.  I have a few people that I can call or email when I get stuck or need a second opinion.  They are honest, helpful, and kind in their feedback.  A couple of them have become mentors, having much more experience than I, and I value their input and interest immeasurably.  Find some of these folks to collaborate with to keep your creativity flowing.

Schedule Some Face Time

I communicate with my clients almost 100% by email or phone.  It works for me.  But occasionally I find it really helpful to sit across the table from someone at a coffee shop and have a real conversation.  Live and in person conversation has a different back and forth flow than electronic communication.  Ideas have a different energy when you look in the eye of the person communicating them. 

Social Media Crowd-Sourcing

When you work in an office environment with co-workers close by, it’s easy to ask for help when you get stuck on a project, or just need a second opinion.  I’ve crowdsourced on Facebook on several occasions and found it to be extremely helpful.  On social media, you get the added benefit of a diverse cross-section of folks, as opposed to co-workers who are in the industry and may already be familiar with your project.  I’ve held informal focus groups to select the most suitable logo out of several options.  I’ve tossed out a troubling phrase in a section of copy and asked for better ways to say the same thing.  With your client’s privacy in mind, crowdsourcing is a helpful and productive way to not feel quite so alone in your small business endeavour.

Of course, if none of these options appeal to you, Charlie highly recommends adopting an animal from a local shelter.  A furry friend is great company if you’re working long hours on your own! 

WHEN YOU JUST CAN’T DO IT ALL

While it’s a great problem for a small business to have, sometimes the workload simply becomes too much for one person to handle on their own.  I recently hired my first employee as a solution to this very situation.  His name is Charlie.  Not to make the HR professionals cringe, but I hired this particular applicant because he was the cutest of the candidates.  And he proved to be a great cuddler during his interview.  So far he’s been a real asset to the business; however, he does have a tendency to nap on the job, stroll across the keyboard at crucial moments, and distract the boss with repeated and urgent requests to throw toy mice.  I’ll deal with these items at his next performance review.

All kidding aside, if you’re not ready to hire an extra employee, but you occasionally need or want some extra help or collaboration, here are some options to consider.

Use Networking Groups to Outsource

Every community has these.  You can join your local Chamber of Commerce, or a formal business networking group like BNI.  Look around and see what opportunities exist in your community.  You’ll meet people who work in other industries, and have skill sets different from your own.  When you end up with more work than you can handle, you’ll know exactly who to talk to about out-sourcing various facets of your business.  As small business owners, we tend to try to do it all ourselves.  But you may reach a point where it’s time to consider hiring someone to do your bookkeeping, or marketing, or take care of some landscaping and maintenance chores that you don’t have time for.  Having an established network of professionals across all disciplines will make it easier to find the help you need.

RECEIVE UP TO $1500 IN FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

If you are over 19 years of age and have no formal post-secondary education, you could be eligible to receive up to $1500 in funding for business training.

The Micro-Business Training Program (MBT Program)

The MBT Program provides funding for training programs to help you improve your general business skills such as marketing, bookkeeping, operations and other areas.

 

The pilot program, funded through the BC/Canada Labour Market Agreement (LMA), runs until March 31, 2014. The program is looking to help a minimum of 1,200 participants.  Funding support is available to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis.

Are you Eligible?

Approval for the program is dependent on whether the business owner has less than five employees and has no university of post-secondary education or credits. Additional criteria include:
 

• A resident of British Columbia
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• 19 years of age or older
• Not a full-time post-secondary student
• Not a high-school student
• Not participating in another LMA funded program

How to Apply

To apply to be part of the MBT Program you must first complete an online application.

 

After you have submitted the form, a member of the customer service team will review your application and contact you with the next steps. Last applications will be accepted December 31, 2013, dependent on funding availability.

What Training is Included?

Training will be provided online, in the classroom and/or one-on-one. It will be made available through various universities, colleges, PCTIA accredited institutions and Private Trainers throughout British Columbia. Including your very own Small Business BC.

 

Examples of courses included in the MBT Program include:
 

• Leadership/Management training
• Marketing and Sales
• Social Media
• Computer Skills (e.g. Word, Excel, Simply Accounting, Photoshop etc.)
• Bookkeeping

Training not included in this program is training such as:
 

• Industry specific training
• Workplace Health, Safety or other mandatory training
• Training funded through another source and otherwise free to the Participant (e.g. adult basic education)