While you may know the importance of claiming your business in top search engine’s listings, such as the Google Local Business Center, having your business found with multiple online references is also important as it is going to help increase your overall online presence.  D.McKenzie at EZLocal writes:

When you claim or create your profiles on each of the smaller sites individually your profile will be more prominent on each of the sites. A more prominent place on these sites usually means you will be moved closer to the top of the link hierarchy on these websites which, in turn, increases the likelihood of your profile page being crawled and indexed by the search engines. When your robust profile is indexed by the search engines, you have another reference to your business. Keep in mind, there are around 16million businesses in the United States alone. If Superpages has 16million not-very-robust profiles provided by Localeze, how long is it going to take before your profile is crawled by Google? In short, claim your business profile on all of the smaller directories for the maximum effect.

via All posts tagged ‘citiations’ | EZlocal Blog.

For broader online exposure, not only claim and register your business in the major search engine directories, but also be sure your business is properly registered in at least five well known but smaller directory review sites like Insiderpages, BestOfTheWebLocal, and top sites niched to your profession, specialty or industry.

What is an “Elevator Pitch”?

An “Elevator Pitch” is a concise, carefully planned, and well-practiced description about your company that your mother should be able to understand in the time it would take to ride up an elevator.

What your “Elevator Pitch” must contain:

1. A “hook”
Open your pitch by getting the Investor’s attention with a “hook.” A statement or question that piques their interest to want to hear more.

2. About 150-225 words
Your pitch should go no longer than 60 seconds.

3. Passion
Tell your story with energy — passion, enthusiasm and confidence are infectious.

4. A request
At the end of your pitch, you must ask for something. Do you want their business card, to schedule a full presentation, to ask for a referral?

An Excerpt from The Art of the Elevator Pitch By Robert Pagliarini of SeekingCapital.com

Pictures tell a story — about you, about your business, about where you’re located, about what you do. They help people remember you easier by providing a visual image to associate with your basic information. Pictures can often help explain and describe in a moment what would be awkward or lengthy to try to accomplish in words. Images used with your local search marketing also help to build a stronger online presence. Consider not only showing people your location, product and services through pictures but don’t be shy about including yourself, staff and even customers in your pictures. People will not only have a better understanding of who you are and what you do, but will sense a more personal connection to you by being able to relate to another human being they can see — a good foundation for building better relationships with your customers.