Over the past five years, I have learned a lot about social media marketing -- and I am still learning. It amazes me, though, how many believe that social media marketing is more like "magic" than true marketing, thinking that social media will create instant, abracadabra-like results.  Social media marketing can be extremely effective, especially for small businesses, but it certainly isn't magic. It requires consistent effort over a period of time.    What are a few of the biggest mistakes I

"I'm not sure I really need a website," a small business owner recently told me when I approached him about developing a website for his shop. "If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, how do you find more information?" I asked. "I search online." "Where do you find the phone number for a local business?" I questioned him. "I use my phone or tablet to search online," he said. "So, how are most people going to find your business if you don't have an online presence?" I asked. "Good

I remember hearing a story many years ago about a corporation that paid a world-famous photographer $1 million to do a photo shoot for a print ad.  With the shoot scheduled for 1 p.m., the photographer's numerous assistants arrived hours earlier, ensuring the set was prepared, including all of the photographer's lighting.  When the models arrived, the photographer's many assistants spent an hour or so working with the models, adjusting their clothing and positioning them for the shoot.  A few