Dental Teams are using Social Media Successfully

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A Partnership Approach is the Root of Local Dentist’s Practice

At the intersection of cutting edge dental technology and a holistic approach to health care, one Sterling Heights dentist is finding solid footing for his growing practice. Patient visits involve state-of-the-art tech like laser decay detection and LED mini-cameras, served up with a human approach that recognizes the link between dental issues and overall health.

“Ideally, our patients want to be active partners in their own health. Dental health is a vital piece to overall wellness,” explains Dr. John Artemenko, DDS. Likening his role to that of a sherpa on the journey to wellness, he continues, “My goal is to be the best guide for the patient’s journey to a healthy mouth.”

Part of that approach involves an active social media presence; Dr. Artemenko often blogs about dental health. He stays in touch with patients and their families via Facebook, and even Twitters about new ideas and methodology in the dental industry.

This approach to “patient centered technology” means better communication, less discomfort and often less invasive procedures for his patients. For example, new computer designed milling of crowns and inlays means that patients can be scanned and fit with their new dental fixtures in the same visit, instead of waiting days or even weeks for traditional crowns to be built offsite.

Likewise, Dr. Artemenko’s office now uses a digital x-ray procedure that reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% over traditional methods. “We see these new technologies being made available, and we are always among the first to adopt them. The implications for a patient’s health are huge,” explains Dr. Artemenko.

Explaining the link between oral health and other issues, Dr. Artemenko points out that cardiac disease, diabetes, and other chronic issues often manifest as unhealthy gums. Even some common medications can needlessly aggravate mouth issues. Helping patients to understand this can be rewarding work. He will often work with a patient’s primary care physician to suggest treatment alternatives and approaches that can improve not just their dental health, but their general well-being.

At seminars, training and classes, Dr. Artemenko works hard to stay on top of what’s new, and create new ways to integrate it into his practice. Truly knowing the science behind the methodology used, he has a leg up over many in his field. “I look to the science behind the product or method,” says Dr. Artemenko. For example, while there are many bleaching products available on the market, he uses the only one that is accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA) for safety and effectiveness.

To become a “partner” with Dr. Artemenko, visit the website, www.drjohnart.com, or call his office for more information and learn how your health starts with a beautiful smile. Dr. John Artemenko, DDS, offers full family and cosmetic dentistry at 34210 Ryan Road in Sterling Heights. Call his office today at (586) 939-8000 to learn more about his partnership approach to dental health and overall wellness.

From Horses to Tweets?

We recently asked some of our clients to share their social media stories so that we could share them with our readers. Here is Marie’s Story:

About a year ago, I started actively using social media as a method to move forward in my business. With the help and patience of the InSights group, I have:

Developed a WordPress blog,
Written over fifty blog posts,
Created an e-mail newsletter,
Achieved over 2,500 Twitter friends,
Made nearly 500 FaceBook friends,
Created a FaceBook fan page, and
Uploaded numerous videos on YouTube

As a result, my LaRaedo horse farm management software business has been growing rapidly.

But I think the most valuable experience I had with InSights is the weekly Mastermind group meetings. It was here that I learned how important it is to work together with a close knit group to help each other grow in their business. One person can achieve much but working together as a unified group has really opened my mind to many new ideas.

What I have found is that it is not so much just attending various social media events but what I did AFTER I left. I received a lot of information that I then went home and started to experiment and figure out how to make it work for me. No one took me by the hand and created it for me which is what I valued the most. I listened, learned and then took action. That is the fun of it all, the adventure and the journey in business that we all talk about. It is not about arriving so much as the fun along the way.

My wish to every person starting their own business is to enjoy the journey, even the bumpy ride that it will present, because it is the ability to imagine and create that we are all after in the long run anyways.

With Great Appreciation,

Marie Taulbee

http://www.laraedo.com

http://www.laraedo.com/blog

http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaRaedo/

http://www.twitter.com/laraedo_lady

Drapery Designer is hung up on social media

We recently asked some of our clients to share their social media stories so that we could share them with our readers. Here is Susan’s Story of Social Media:

Susan Dorbeck of Susan’s Drapery Designs

I’ve been working as a drapery designer/creator for many years and knew that I had to get on board the technology train or get left behind. People want to see what you have to offer and what you can do before they call you. Referrals are great and most of my work comes from them but I realized that thru the web, referrals are far more effective. My work is so visual that it only made sense to be online myself and post my own pictures.

I took some classes learned some basics about social marketing, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter. I had my picture taken and posted it on all these sites as well as on my new business cards. It wasn’t long at all before the importance of my picture came to view. A client whom I had never met before googled me and had me come to her home to give her a quote. The first words she said to me when she answered the door was “you look just like your picture” I was already familiar to her. I took more classes on blogging then started a blogging site. Once I got proficient at blogging I took even more classes on setting up a website through WordPress. None of this was very difficult, I just took it one step at a time, found experts who could help me as well as family and friends. All of it is still a work in progress and probably will be forever but in less than a year I have almost 300 friends on Facebook, many of whom are clients of mine, over 6500 followers on Twitter and countless connections on Linkedin. Many of my clients only contact me through Facebook and Twitter has put me in contact with people all over the world. I’ve also learned how to automate all these sites together so that when I write a blog or a post on my website it automatically goes to the rest of my links.

What I’ve learned the most is that none of it is as daunting as it seems, it’s actually kind of fun. I’ve met countless new friends and am getting inquiries about my work that could have never been possible before.

You can visit Susan and her Drapery Designs at her blog: Susan Dorbeck.com

View Susan’s Case Study Here

Social Media Creates ROCKSTAR RESULTS

sarahrobbins Social Media Creates ROCKSTAR RESULTS We recently asked some of our clients to share their social media stories so that we could share them with our readers. Here is one of the amazing submissions:

By: Sarah “Rockin” Robbins

At the age of 22, I was living the American Dream- teaching kindergarten in the district where I lived, residing in a cozy home, married to my handsome husband….loving life! It wasn’t until shortly after that Michigan’s economy took a turn for the worst! I was now facing job loss. This immediate need for a secure source of income caused me to research further. I found an extraordinary business opportunity, and decided to pursue it!

I was one of the first in my company, so I was a pioneer. I decided to learn from other people in the industry who were already successful. I went to networking conferences and events, picked up books and CDs, and immediately learned about the importance of promoting my business through social media. Success leaves clues- I watched how all of them earned large incomes, by leveraging the power social media!

Right away, I connected with Sandy and Al at Insights Group and became a “student” of social media! I met others and learned from them as well! I got on Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter. I began to make some really powerful connections for my business!

Over time, my connections began to grow. I began receiving referrals and contacts from all over the nation! I began to watch my network…and my business EXPLODE!

Because I became a student of social media- and made contacts that spread across the nation, I was able to accomplish amazing things. In less than two years, at age 27, with no experience, I was able to develop an organization of tens of thousands of people, and earn more in a month than I used to earn in my previous annual salary!

With the right idea, a little professional development, a lot of personal development, and Social Media 101, you too can create “ROCKSTAR RESULTS”!

About Sarah Robbins

Sarah Robbins is a founding distributor and top earner in a young network marketing company. A former educator, Sarah uses her passion for teaching to help people build successful businesses. She and her husband live in Michigan and are now aiding children through a foundation funded by their network marketing business.

Contact Sarah and learn more at: teamrockinrobbins.com

http://www.facebook.com/fairless.robbins

How Twitter Changed My Life

Todd List

We recently asked some of our members for their take on Social Media. Here’s Todd’s take on Twitter:

I took advantage of an unplanned week off in February 2009 to meet a friend at a tea shop on a late Thursday morning. I was working on a side project (long since put on hold) at the time, and I talked to my friend about it. Henry (@balanon) listened to what I was doing then said, “You should be on Twitter.”

I created my account a few minutes later. I took a Twitter class at InSights Group a few days after that. I learned about “@-replies,” RTs, #hashtags, how to connect my (non-smart) phone to my Twitter account, and how to use a few tools outside of Twitter.

I began by following the few people I knew on Twitter. Then I started following people my friends were talking with. Guess what? Some liked to complain, some were smart, some were funny, but they were all people. And they were interesting!

I broke away from the limitations of Twitter’s web interface and started using other tools (I still like TweetDeck).

I attended my first #Tweetup, and I was hooked. Here were people who wanted to make new friends.

I shared my newly acquired Twitter addiction with a friend. I sat down with her for a few minutes and showed her some of the things I had learned. She played with it, and a few days later she said, “I see why you like Twitter. There are all these people, and they’re right there, smiling at you!”

As of this writing (18 months after my first tweet), I follow 794 people and I have 1242 followers, but I don’t measure success by these numbers.

Twitter has changed my life. No, I didn’t gain 30,000 followers or become a millionaire, but my life is much richer for it.

How? Here are some ways that engaging people on Twitter has directly enhanced my life:
* Attended scores of Tweetups, Meetups, Eatups, and assorted gatherings.
* I have seen at least five movies with a group of at least 5 or more other people.
* I went on two Photo Walks.
* Joined a couple of networking groups.
* Found several people who can help me with hard-core technical aspects of my fledgling business.
* Met a man who became my business coach for more than 6 months.
* Attended Karaoke 3 or 4 times. And I liked it.
* I found (and donated to) charities that I would not have known about otherwise.
* Had a Skype conversation with someone around the world. Olivia gave me advice and I gave her material for her blog.
* I found like-minded people to work on improving our sales skills.
* Tweeps (friends) have sent me funny stuff to make me laugh when I had a bad day.
* I have gone dancing.
* Adding Foursquare to Twitter helped me meet friends for an unexpected drink on three occasions.
* I have attended events at crowded bars and felt comfortable because I knew at least 20 of the people there.

The friendships I have made have challenged my thinking, broadened my horizons, and stretched my limits.

What is my “secret” for Twitter “success?”

Engage in conversation with other people. Read what they write, retweet things you find something funny, fantastic, or noteworthy, and reply to people. Jump into a conversation. People won’t bite.

In short, do the same things you would do when meeting somebody new at a party. You won’t mesh with everyone. That’s OK. You will have more in common with some than with others. That’s OK. You will follow some people who tweet three times then never log in again. That’s OK. You will follow some people who tweet Way Too Much and create a separate column for them in TweetDeck. That’s OK.

If you haven’t tried it, give Twitter a chance. You might have to ask for help at first. That’s OK. I did. I don’t regret it.

Social Media Coaching – building a strong foundation

Social Media has become a recent buzz term in the world of marketing. An effective social media presence can build your business and support your marketing efforts. It is the process of letting people know about you and your business via different social sites by communicating with people, instead of talking at them. It is a powerful way of creating relationships. When used correctly, it is a valuable online relationship marketing tool that can get you substantial online traffic and attention.

Online Coaching with the InSights Group

Self Paced Social Media Coaching with the InSights Group {SM100}

Have you been struggling to wrap your head around social media? Do you see other people building a business on Facebook and wonder how they do it? Have you tried to learn social media by studying, reading and trial and error?

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be hard, overwhelming or time consuming! Our winning self study training and coaching program for social media is designed for busy people who need to learn it, do it, and see real results. The businesses and individuals we have enrolled are absolutely raving about it.

“After spending hundreds of hours and countless thousands of dollars over three decades of dentistry trying to ethically market my practice, the “experts” with their marketing “formulas” were both unsuccessful and artificial.

Allan and Sandi offer a logical, yet revolutionary approach for promoting your
practice with integrity and unique personalization. Their concepts give you the
opportunity to present your authentic personality and services to a virtually limitless
audience, giving those in your community a true opportunity to beat a path to
your door.”

What makes this approach different?

We’ve broken down social media training into weekly email lessons that include:

Information — real insights from real social media experts
Action items — with full instructions so you can quickly do them yourself
Accountability — the missing link in so many “self study” courses
Live coaching — real social media experts at InSights Group

The weekly lessons are a combination of audio, video and written information, with tutorial-style examples. The action items are designed to get you working in social media quickly, and the accountability items give you that extra push so many busy people need to keep going. Direct feedback and personal coaching from your social coach helps you tie it all together and build a greater understanding of how social marketing drives today’s business engine.

Take a peek at one of our lessons, to get a better idea of what you’ll get:

Week 1: Social Media Getting Started

Week 5: Lesson 5: Facebook

At InSights Group, we use social media all day every day. We understand it’s a bit overwhelming at times for people who have full time day jobs — or full time businesses — to figure out how to maximize time and results. This system helps to simplify the process, and get your social media efforts focused.

It’s a great place to start building a foundation for the rest of your marketing efforts, and we’d love to get you started right away!

Meet one of our successful program graduates, Betsy Rackliffe

I use social media. I use Facebook and Twitter to market my company and to keep at time-of-mind-awareness. I use it to build my confidence and InSights program was the first thing I did, even with in the first week, when I opened my company. Sandi and Al are my business coaches; and the InSights community is my cheerleader. I have gone from a shy, self-sabotaging, want-to-be designer to the confident smiling eclectic designer. My name is becoming known in the area and my calendar is full. I am creating retail spaces, home offices, staging homes and warming up homes every day.

I have created a website based around a blog that showcases my interior design work, my design ideas, and other professionals I recommend for your home. Having the site has changed how I think about my projects. I think of them as ways to promote my business; “How can I use this project to showcase what I do?”

How much time is involved?

Expect to spend about an hour a week on the lesson and the action items – this is focused time actually engaging in social media, vs. trying to find out what you need to know. Learn it, then take immediate action. We’ve made it simple.

Start right now building a foundation for the rest of your marketing efforts. As a successful business owner or entrepreneur, you deserve the personal attention and expert training advice that will move your marketing efforts forward. Get individualized, expert coaching that helps you achieve your goals whether they are new client acquisition, an increase in bottom line revenue, or recognition in your local community.

Weekly Self Study Coaching Lessons {SM 100}

The self study online coaching program includes a weekly introduction to a new concept, online tutorials to demonstrate the concept, an action item or two to complete, and email follow up for your questions. You also have ongoing online access to a resource room full of on demand training information.

Here’s what we ask from you…

This is the important part. Online coaching is a two-way street. Just as we provide the training plan, we expect you to provide the feedback that will allow us to help you best. Throughout the program, we expect (and rely upon) consistent feedback.

Let us know the results of each training session, action items that you have completed, and questions you may have. This allows us to make any necessary adjustments to the trainings we provide, based on what you need. Each client we work with is unique; you’ll tackle each of the stages of social media at your own pace. Our program is continuously modified based on your feedback and with the results of each training, so it is your responsibility to keep us updated on how the training is going.

Unlike other coaching programs, we don’t limit the number of phone calls or e-mails from our clients. We wholeheartedly welcome and encourage your feedback as often as necessary, especially in the early part of the training schedule. Ask all your questions. Let us know how things are going – both for you and your team. We rely on your feedback to keep your program on the fast track to success.

Payment Options

Your coaching program may be purchased via credit card through PayPal (below), Monthly Coaching Agreement, or via phone consultation to 810-623-5839.

Subscribe today.

With our weekly self study online coaching program, you receive an email once a week with an introduction to a new concept, online tutorial that can come in written, audio, video or recorded lesson format, an action item or two for your to complete, and email follow up for your questions. You also have ongoing online access to a resource room full of on demand training information – and many other bonus recordings, trainings and CD’s are a part of the program. There are 52 lessons set up for your first year – stay on the program as long as you’d like. The content will continue to grow and change as social media does, so you’ll always have the best advantage!

As a successful business owner or entrepreneur, you deserve the personal attention and expert training advice that will help you move your marketing efforts forward. Our goal is to provide individualized, expert coaching that helps you achieve your goals whether they are new client acquisition, an increase in bottom line revenue, or recognition in your local community.

Additional Options:

Weekly Self Study Coaching Lessons {SM 100}

Self Guided Coaching with Individual Support {SM 250}

Enjoy the benefits of the self study program (above) with up to 2 hours of personal monthly assistance. With our weekly self study online coaching program, you receive an email once a week with an introduction to a new concept, online tutorial that can come in written, audio, video or recorded lesson format, an action item or two for you to complete, and email follow up for your questions. You also have ongoing online access to a resource room full of on demand training information.

Self Guided Coaching with Individual Support {SM 500}Enjoy the benefits of the self study program (above) with up to 4 hours of personal monthly assistance. With our weekly self study online coaching program, you receive an email once a week with an introduction to a new concept, online tutorial that can come in written, audio, video or recorded lesson format, an action item or two for you to complete, and email follow up for your questions. You also have ongoing online access to a resource room full of on demand training information. This option includes 2 Blogs Posted to your site/week and automated.

Interactive Coaching Program with Individual Strategy Support {SM 1000}

Enjoy a fully developed organic marketing evaluation, social media strategy, website funnel and implementation with this interactive coaching option. You can learn from our online coaching lessons as you choose, or we can provide you training on a need to know basis so that you have a fully functional campaign and you can focus on what you do best. With this option you have full access to email/phone support, team trainings, webinars and accountability. Includes 3-4 Blog Posted to your site/Week and automated.

Complete Custom Strategy, Website/Blog Development, and Social Media Deployment {SM Strategy}

Payment Options

Your coaching program may be purchased via credit card through PayPal (above), Monthly Coaching Agreement, or via phone consultation to 810-623-5839.

Subscribe today.

Subscribe today to get your personal coaching started. You will see results with a strategic, organized social media campaign that we will help you build. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Welcome aboard!

A note from Brett…

Case Study

On Being Found:

No, I’m not talking about a religious conversion, however, I’m not against that. What I’m talking about it being “found” on Google. (By the way, it’s amazing to me how fast that word and that tool has become embedded into our way of life!)

9 months ago I had no idea what “Social Media” or “Web 2.0” was. Absolutely none. I own an executive search firm (Sanford Rose Associates – Brighton, Michigan), and at that time had a traditional website and used a variety of recruiting tools and software. I was vaguely familiar with LinkedIn, and knew that my three kids were crazy with something called Facebook. Twitter was some goofy thing that I heard Hollywood celebrities were using to communicate with their fans. I didn’t know much about all this stuff, and didn’t care. If you typed “Brett Blair” into the “Google” search block, I didn’t show up anywhere. Not on page one, two, three….nowhere. Oh, there were many Brett Blair, more than I’d like to know, with lifestyles not at all resembling the one I’d like to show on the world wide web!

Through my very good friend, Mr. Synchronicity, I crossed paths with Al Curtis and Sandi Maki at the Brighton, Michigan-based “Insights Group.” Al and Sandi are social media experts and consultants for small businesses. After attending a “Social Media Boot Camp” in November, 2009, the lights went on in my head regarding social media and my place in it. With Al and Sandi’s help, I started a blog on January 1, 2010 (brettablair.com), and have since written/recorded at least one new blog each work day. I’ve connected my blog to my social media outlets (LinkedIn, Facebook, and yes, Twitter….as well as about 40 other less well known sites). Now, less than seven months later, with no money spent on web development or Search Engine Optimization (SEO), when I type “Brett Blair” into Google, I come up as the first five results…all on the first page! This is great for me and for my business. I also now have over 8,000 Twitter followers, 500 Facebook friends, and 1,200 LinkedIn level one connections.

I love connecting with people, and I love helping people. This is why my career as an executive search consultant is such a great fit for me. I also love reading, learning, sharing and writing….and this fits my new love of blogging. The cool thing about Social Media, is that it keeps on growing over time. It also keeps me growing. Friendships and connections and conversations, sharing, learning, and growing are all part of a web-connected Brett Blair community that adds to my life, and hopefully the lives of those I’m connected with.

I’m excited about this ride, and will continue to blog and connect, and see where this path takes me! Happy Trails!!

Thanks,
Brett

Brett A. Blair

President

Sanford Rose Associates – Brighton, Executive Search

132 East Grand River Avenue

Brighton, Michigan 48116

Office: 517-552-9230

Cell: 248-303-9994

brettablair.com , sanfordrose.com/brighton