Thursday, July 22, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Social Media Marketing... Do you know what to do?
Today's world is moving faster than ever and sometimes I just don't know if I'm keeping up or if I even know how to keep up... Is this you?
Since 40 is the new 30, I don't consider myself old, however I did begin my knowledge of computers on a Commodore.. so maybe I'm a little old. As the social media world revs up, the social media marketing world is more important than ever.
Throughout the years business marketing has relied on 4 top methods:
Since 40 is the new 30, I don't consider myself old, however I did begin my knowledge of computers on a Commodore.. so maybe I'm a little old. As the social media world revs up, the social media marketing world is more important than ever.
Throughout the years business marketing has relied on 4 top methods:
- Television
- Radio
- Print Ad
- Word of Mouth
The method of advertising, is of course, dependent on the budget of the company. Big Brand Companies could afford the best and the brightest while the mom & pops, small businesses and medium businesses were dependent on good word of mouth, limited radio time, maybe the late late night TV commercial spot and the occasional Sunday paper ad.
WOW, has this changed! Welcome to the World Wide Web!
Yes, the Big Brand Companies can still afford the best and the brightest but with MILLIONS of people talking to each other about everything possible, I do believe the playing field is even-ing out a bit.
So the question is... CAN YOU DO THIS MARKETING YOURSELF?
YES & NO! Just like any other forms of marketing being done for your company, there are social media professionals to make sure your message is on target and saying the right thing. This is leaving you to run the successful business you are working for.
Now in the world of constant information it is more important that the wrong message not go out and the right things are being said to the right people and groups.
In the world of meta-tags, seo, pay per click, ad words and more - the big brand businesses may still be able to pay top dollar to ensure they are at the top of the page. But in the Social Media world, it's all about the relationships you are developing. Facts tell and stories sell - in the land of conversation you want your story told everywhere! The stories that make the biggest buzz are the funny stories, the feel good stories and the stories that bring value.
How will you tell your story? Who will tell your story? Consider a Social Media Marketing Group to do it for you, to do it right and to do it consistently. But, at the end of the day, make sure your story is being told!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Are you on a Statue of Liberty Journey?
In today's economic climate, we are inundated with marketing, advertisement and publicity about rebuilding credit.
Two very popular TV shows are: Hoarders & Intervention
In my favorite book there is an entire section dedicated to Job; a man who's entire life was stripped of everything he found valuable, important or comforting, including family, friends and his own health.
Each one of these has a common thread - RESTORATION!
Throughout my life I have heard people quote and stand on the passage, Joel 2:25 as a promise of what was destroyed or removed from their lives will be restored to them.
I myself have quoted 'most' of that passage as a promise. The passage states, "I (God) will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm"...that's it.. we stop there, but here is the rest..." my great army which I sent among you."
One detail of this passage indicates the destructive process is over a period of YEARS, but I think the toughest portion is recognizing that the destroyers were SENT to us.
I truly believe in restoration. I have not only seen it in the lives of others but I myself have experienced the restoration of things that have been devastated.
Maybe you are in a place where restoration is necessary. Let's consider a few details of the restoration process:
Nothing can be restored to new from its current condition, it must be dismantled and stripped down:
When the Statue of Liberty was restored there were a few significant steps taken in the project:
Two very popular TV shows are: Hoarders & Intervention
In my favorite book there is an entire section dedicated to Job; a man who's entire life was stripped of everything he found valuable, important or comforting, including family, friends and his own health.
Each one of these has a common thread - RESTORATION!
Throughout my life I have heard people quote and stand on the passage, Joel 2:25 as a promise of what was destroyed or removed from their lives will be restored to them.
I myself have quoted 'most' of that passage as a promise. The passage states, "I (God) will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm"...that's it.. we stop there, but here is the rest..." my great army which I sent among you."
One detail of this passage indicates the destructive process is over a period of YEARS, but I think the toughest portion is recognizing that the destroyers were SENT to us.
I truly believe in restoration. I have not only seen it in the lives of others but I myself have experienced the restoration of things that have been devastated.
Maybe you are in a place where restoration is necessary. Let's consider a few details of the restoration process:
Nothing can be restored to new from its current condition, it must be dismantled and stripped down:
When the Statue of Liberty was restored there were a few significant steps taken in the project:
- First, she was closed to the public and scaffolding was put up all around her covering her from sight.
- Then the restoration began on the INSIDE, removing 7 layers of paint and 2 layers of coal tar.
- Once all the paint and tar were removed the 1,350 inner support panels that keep the integrity of the exterior "skin" were removed, cleaned and replace.
- Her right arm was reinforced, a new elevator was installed and an up to date climate control system was installed.
- On the exterior she was furnished with a new set of stairs and a new torch.
- This process began in 1984, commencing for reopening in 1986 - two full years!
Take heart, now you know what to expect:
- Over time the wind, rain, rust, locust caterpillars, etc. are damaging your intended beauty.
- The destruction is out in the open were others are watching
- When the restoration begins, that is done in a secret place.
- A true restoration is not just patching up the outside, but it is rebuilding the inside.
- You will not just be restored to your original position, but rather updated and more efficient.
- You will possess new, more attractive features that draw people to you.
- The time frame is unknown, but the designer will not stop early, leaving nothing undone.
Where are you in this operation?
Maybe you're feeling weathered and dull - don't worry, the process will be worth it.
Maybe you're in the secret place and the interior work has begun - don't fight it, learn in this position.
Maybe you're updates have begun - don't rush it, let them be fully installed before you start operating again.
Maybe you're unveiling was just accomplished - don't take the credit.
None of this procedure is comfortable, but non of the results are ordinary. It will be worth the journey!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
It's Good To Be Needed!
In September 2009 our oldest son Austin moved out of our house and into his college apartment.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "you look too young to have a child old enough to be in College"... hahaha
When Jim and I began our family we planned it so we would still be relatively young when the empty nest happened. So I was not surprised except that it was a year earlier than planned.
Austin was scheduled to graduate High School in 2010. This meant I had another year to prepare my mind and emotions for the big 'move out' day.
However, when we relocated to a new city in Dec '08 the kids started new schools after the holiday break. In Austins' new school he would graduate in '09 rather than '10.
Aaaahhhhh!!! Oh NO, this was not the plan!! I am not ready!!
So it happened.. he graduated in May '09 and moved to College in September.
This is uncharted territory! Why didn't anyone tell me how this would feel? Are there books about your child going to college? I didn't find any. Suddenly I feel, left.
He moved out and must be having an amazing time because I don't hear from him. When he lived here, he was mine. I could call him and he would call back, I could text him and he would text back but now I'm beginning to think that was just to keep getting allowance or avoid any sort of lecture. He's on his own now and he has forgotten.
Well, here it is, 4 months later. He's been home nearly every week to wash his laundry and eat a meal that was not served out a window. When we talk about things he tells me the whole story in some detail and not the usual teenager conversations where I have to guess most of what happened. He's affectionate, even in public, and when we talk on the phone he always tells me "I love you mom."
But Today, today was the best! He needs me to buy him long johns. Yep, long johns! Maybe because he doesn't know where those are sold, or maybe he's embarrassed to buy them, or maybe he wants me to spend my money so he can keep his.... whatever the reason is... He called and asked me to pick up long johns for him...And of course I'm gonna do it! Why? Because they are always your babies and it's good to be needed :)
Now, I know what you're thinking, "you look too young to have a child old enough to be in College"... hahaha
When Jim and I began our family we planned it so we would still be relatively young when the empty nest happened. So I was not surprised except that it was a year earlier than planned.
Austin was scheduled to graduate High School in 2010. This meant I had another year to prepare my mind and emotions for the big 'move out' day.
However, when we relocated to a new city in Dec '08 the kids started new schools after the holiday break. In Austins' new school he would graduate in '09 rather than '10.
Aaaahhhhh!!! Oh NO, this was not the plan!! I am not ready!!
So it happened.. he graduated in May '09 and moved to College in September.
This is uncharted territory! Why didn't anyone tell me how this would feel? Are there books about your child going to college? I didn't find any. Suddenly I feel, left.
He moved out and must be having an amazing time because I don't hear from him. When he lived here, he was mine. I could call him and he would call back, I could text him and he would text back but now I'm beginning to think that was just to keep getting allowance or avoid any sort of lecture. He's on his own now and he has forgotten.
Well, here it is, 4 months later. He's been home nearly every week to wash his laundry and eat a meal that was not served out a window. When we talk about things he tells me the whole story in some detail and not the usual teenager conversations where I have to guess most of what happened. He's affectionate, even in public, and when we talk on the phone he always tells me "I love you mom."
But Today, today was the best! He needs me to buy him long johns. Yep, long johns! Maybe because he doesn't know where those are sold, or maybe he's embarrassed to buy them, or maybe he wants me to spend my money so he can keep his.... whatever the reason is... He called and asked me to pick up long johns for him...And of course I'm gonna do it! Why? Because they are always your babies and it's good to be needed :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
When the student is ready, the teacher appears... Be Ready!!
'WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEARS' has been one of my favorite quotes for many years. When I learn something from someone I am reminded that, "I must have been ready."
So for this reason I was not surprised when Jim and I came together with one goal in mind and WHA-LA a teacher appeared. An opportunity presented itself at the exact time we were open and a more-than-capable mentor was driving it.
The challenging thing about considering someone as a mentor, teacher, coach is that you are willing to hand them your proficiency and allow them to strengthen weakness and correct wrongs. The opportunity itself is not a strong enough teacher.
Of course this is for your own benefit and if their instruction is graciously taken and implemented you are better for it... BUT IT HURTS!!!
I am a Pleaser.. I want to please people. I want to help people. I want to be LIKED. This is a strength and a weakness. So of course, with a mentor, I want them to like me and I want to be doing things that make them happy with me... Proud of me.
It is this very quality that keeps me from truly being the success I know I am made to be.
Another favorite quote is: A man who has himself as a coach, has a foolish coach.
I have been my own coach for too long. I have been easy on myself. I have allowed excuses, whining and good intentions to take the place of goals, strategy and achievement.
After spending 45 minutes on the phone with my coach, I have been called out! He asked if I was ready to give up what people thought of me in order to win. He said I wasn't doing enough... and he knew that because I wasn't talking to him everyday. He started telling me about other people he's coaching who are lapping me...that just ticked me off!!
I am ready!! I have had HUGE dreams and wimpy goals for too long! I can't get where I want to be with wimpy, sick action taking place. My dreams have been like wanting to explore the moon but using a bottle rocket to get there.
It's time! I have the right support system and coach in place. Someone I respect, someone who is where I want to be and someone who does 'like' me and is willing to have valuable conversation while kick'in my butt a little too.... Thank you Scott!
What about you? Are you coaching yourself? Is your spouse coaching you? Either way, you can not get where you want to go in that vehicle. Be willing to submit to an outsider and then BE READY! No one wants to hear that they aren't cutting it, but take it, process it and move on it. You'll be better for it!
So for this reason I was not surprised when Jim and I came together with one goal in mind and WHA-LA a teacher appeared. An opportunity presented itself at the exact time we were open and a more-than-capable mentor was driving it.
The challenging thing about considering someone as a mentor, teacher, coach is that you are willing to hand them your proficiency and allow them to strengthen weakness and correct wrongs. The opportunity itself is not a strong enough teacher.
Of course this is for your own benefit and if their instruction is graciously taken and implemented you are better for it... BUT IT HURTS!!!
I am a Pleaser.. I want to please people. I want to help people. I want to be LIKED. This is a strength and a weakness. So of course, with a mentor, I want them to like me and I want to be doing things that make them happy with me... Proud of me.
It is this very quality that keeps me from truly being the success I know I am made to be.
Another favorite quote is: A man who has himself as a coach, has a foolish coach.
I have been my own coach for too long. I have been easy on myself. I have allowed excuses, whining and good intentions to take the place of goals, strategy and achievement.
After spending 45 minutes on the phone with my coach, I have been called out! He asked if I was ready to give up what people thought of me in order to win. He said I wasn't doing enough... and he knew that because I wasn't talking to him everyday. He started telling me about other people he's coaching who are lapping me...that just ticked me off!!
I am ready!! I have had HUGE dreams and wimpy goals for too long! I can't get where I want to be with wimpy, sick action taking place. My dreams have been like wanting to explore the moon but using a bottle rocket to get there.
It's time! I have the right support system and coach in place. Someone I respect, someone who is where I want to be and someone who does 'like' me and is willing to have valuable conversation while kick'in my butt a little too.... Thank you Scott!
What about you? Are you coaching yourself? Is your spouse coaching you? Either way, you can not get where you want to go in that vehicle. Be willing to submit to an outsider and then BE READY! No one wants to hear that they aren't cutting it, but take it, process it and move on it. You'll be better for it!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Make Motivation a Habit!
Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip. ~ Zig Ziglar
A majority of the work I do is from my home office. Unfortunately my home office is at my home. The same location as children, dirty laundry, dishes, carpet that needs vacuuming and much more. No matter how much motivation I start the day out with these things are always waiting to attempt to suck it right out of me or at least distract me from being motivated to advance my business.
Do you have a similar scenario? Maybe you end up in the office answering email for too long and miss great field time. Maybe you own a store that keeps you inside too early and too late so there is no one reaching out for new clientele. Maybe you’re the business ‘firefighter’, spending so much time each day putting out fires that business advancement gets lost in the smoke.
When distractions become a habit your growth is stunted. Allowing distractions to distract you may not show the effects on your business that day and it may not show for several days, but eventually there is a gap in the productivity as a result of this habit.
If any of this is you make the change immediately. I am most productive if I take notes of my productive thoughts, leave my home office, take up residence at a local coffee shop and get uninterrupted work done. Whatever it takes for you, change this bad habit today. Being distracted slows progress and creates frustration.
Take the advice of Zig Ziglar ~ Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip.
A majority of the work I do is from my home office. Unfortunately my home office is at my home. The same location as children, dirty laundry, dishes, carpet that needs vacuuming and much more. No matter how much motivation I start the day out with these things are always waiting to attempt to suck it right out of me or at least distract me from being motivated to advance my business.
Do you have a similar scenario? Maybe you end up in the office answering email for too long and miss great field time. Maybe you own a store that keeps you inside too early and too late so there is no one reaching out for new clientele. Maybe you’re the business ‘firefighter’, spending so much time each day putting out fires that business advancement gets lost in the smoke.
When distractions become a habit your growth is stunted. Allowing distractions to distract you may not show the effects on your business that day and it may not show for several days, but eventually there is a gap in the productivity as a result of this habit.
If any of this is you make the change immediately. I am most productive if I take notes of my productive thoughts, leave my home office, take up residence at a local coffee shop and get uninterrupted work done. Whatever it takes for you, change this bad habit today. Being distracted slows progress and creates frustration.
Take the advice of Zig Ziglar ~ Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Are you a Hugger?
In the physical sense, I am a hugger! I am touchy/ feely. I have even had to mentally say to myself, "get out of their space."
So no matter what type of person you are, touchy/ feely or not, you should read the book -
Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell.
I was told this is required reading for the management of Starbucks. (kudos to them)
This book has really made me think about the way I interact with friends, family and clientele. After an encounter with me, do they leave feeling hugged, whether we've touched or not?
Do the people I meet with leave feeling that I care about them?
When our time together is over, do I know more about them than they know about me?
This book has made me want to be a better woman!
I am a stationary addict! It is time to start using some of those cute thank you cards and note paper to send out a hug.
Get a copy of - Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell - weather your a business person or a stay at home mom. It's an easy read but the impact may just be life changing... for you or someone you touch.
So no matter what type of person you are, touchy/ feely or not, you should read the book -
Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell.
I was told this is required reading for the management of Starbucks. (kudos to them)
This book has really made me think about the way I interact with friends, family and clientele. After an encounter with me, do they leave feeling hugged, whether we've touched or not?
Do the people I meet with leave feeling that I care about them?
When our time together is over, do I know more about them than they know about me?
This book has made me want to be a better woman!
I am a stationary addict! It is time to start using some of those cute thank you cards and note paper to send out a hug.
Get a copy of - Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell - weather your a business person or a stay at home mom. It's an easy read but the impact may just be life changing... for you or someone you touch.
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