Dr. CK Lin | Productivity. Innovation. Entrepreneur Profiles

Ready this if you are interested in free wi-fi spaces in the Orange County area

With my new focus on internet marketing and publishing, I found myself in a lot of meetings that require everyone to have wi-fi.

Unfortunately, not all wi-fi is free and not all wi-fi locations are created equal.  It’s quite frustrating at times to find the perfect  meeting spot that works for not only me but everyone I work with.  Would you agree with me?

Since I live in the Orange County area, I decided to compile a list of locations suitable for business settings.

Here is my criteria:

1.  Free wi-fi.  You may be surprised by the lack of access in cities as a whole.  Restaurant and coffee shop owners, why wouldn’t you install them at your business place?  Free wifi=free traffic and more goods and services.

2.  Quietude.  Ahh..yes.  But not too quiet where business discussions can’t happen without other patrons give you the look.

3.  Comfortable seating/standing options.  If you haven’t tried working standing up, try it.  You’ll be amazed by the amount of focus and energy you will have.

4.  Whiteboard.  Visual learners and list builders, this is for you.  Like my living space, I need space for brainstorming and action items.

After scouring the internet, here is the compilation other people recommend:

• Boudin Sourdough Bakery 2803 Main St, Irvine
• UCI University Library 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
• Champps Americana 51 Fortune Drive Suite 500 Irvine, CA 92618
• Corner Bakery Cafe 91 Fortune Dr, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
• Earth Cafe 5409 University Dr Irvine, CA 92612
• Java City 18100 Culver Blvd. Irvine, California 92603
• Cha for Tea Cafe 4187 Campus Drive Irvine, CA 92612
• Tully’s Coffee 4610 Barranca Pkwy Irvine, CA 92604-4735
• Diedrich Coffee
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea
• Panera Bread

I am going to evaluate these entries based on my criteria and let you know.

Where do you work?  Do you settle for uncomfortable, noisy places for your business meetings?

Go write down your criteria.

I’d like to know what criteria you use to find the perfect spot for your productivity.

open mouth by piecemeal

Word-of-mouth Marketing: the importance of protecting your reputation

Today’s fast-paced business sphere demands that we aim for quick and efficient results.

It is easy to assume that spreading information via word-of-mouth is the most ideal solution, however there is a very important variable: your integrity.

This becomes especially volatile regarding referrals for other companies.

Who you recommend reflects on you.

Ivan Misner explains that your reputation Read the rest of this entry »

Marketing Must-Dos: Tips (in bullet-form)

Times are tough. Economic challenges have required marketers to change their approach. Ad teams are being forced to get smarter.

If you are struggling to keep pace, don’t fret. There are numerous cost-effective programs and basic strategies to expand your reach that won’t break the bank.

For starters, White Horse, a digital marketing agency with a proven business-to-business (b2b) strategy, is inviting marketers to attend a live Webinar, entitled “Going Global without Going Broke: An Evolutionary Path to a Global Web Presence” on Feb. 4th.

Their round table discussion will show you some inexpensive tactics to expand your existing repertoire of global Web marketing practices through first-hand testimonials and case-studies.

Here’s a list of very basic things every business should consider and re-consider for the New Year.

• Website. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld you must be the “master of your domain.” Be sure your Web site includes all pertinent information on how to locate and contact you. Your site should be easy to navigate, simple and aesthetically pleasing. No more Dreamweaver.
• Keywords. Maximize your chances of being found. Identify popular keywords that your target audience would most likely be searching for. Integrate these words or phrases throughout the content of your website.
• Database. Don’t forget your existing customers. Keep in contact and remind them how great you are. Use your database of e-mail or postal addresses to communicate with customers and at the same time reduce the cost/need for advertisements. You have an idea, based on past history, how to better target each customer’s needs.
• Social Media. Collaborate. Give your people a way to interact with one another, either on your Web site or on a third-party site. Also give them something to talk about. Keep things fresh and interesting. These include- chats, mailbags, Twitter, podcasts, videos, photos, bulletin boards, blogs, wikis and webinars (like the one White Horse is offering next week).

Marketing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Just be smart about it. Know what works, do what works and eliminate what doesn’t.

Keep up. Innovate your marketing strategy.