Cow- . . . Er . . . Blogtipping

Filed Under Customer Think, Links, Marketing, Successful Blog | 5 Comments

I Know Cowtipping

Where I grew up, some kids would go out cowtipping in the summer. They would drive out to 1-Mile Road or 2-Mile Road to find a farm where cows were sleeping, sneak up on a cow, and push it over. Then they’d run back to their cars laughing.

I didn’t do it. I’d like to say that was because I am a humane soul. I am a humane soul. That’s true, but that’s not the reason I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it, because I make a habit of not disturbing sleeping beings, especially those that are larger than I am. The risk is more than I care to take on.

But Blogtipping?

This morning when I went to check my links at Technorati, I saw one from Easton Ellsworth at KnowMoreMedia called It’s A Great Day For Blogtipping. Needless to say I was a bit concerned.

I stood up to look at my computer to make certain it was upright. Then I viewed my homepage to be sure that it wasn’t sideways. Whew! What a relief to see it looked fine. Those two things out of the way, I could then click the link without fear to find out what Easton had in store for me.

Blogtipping Easton Ellsworth Style is a great example of showing readers that you value them.

He’s right. It is a great for blogtipping. Will you tip a blog today?

–ME Strauss

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Spring Cleaning Your Blog

Filed Under Basics, Marketing, Successful Blog | 14 Comments

Spring Comes Twice a Year

I highlighted this post last October, when it was spring in Australia. Still, I think the information is worth bringing forward now that it’s spring in North America. It’s an article by Duncan Riley from the Blog Herald called, Quick spring cleaning tips for your blog. Here’s what I take from Duncan’s article and pass on to you.

    1. A splash of paint–Add some new color or something colorful. Curb appeal is great promotion for your blog, your business, and your brand.

    2. New header–If you haven’t noticed, new headers are sprouting like spring flowers.

    3. Clean up your links–Sad to say some of those folks on your blogroll may no longer be blogging.

    4. Edit old posts–Update old posts and add references so folks will go read them.

    5. Take a walk around the blogs. Spring walks are always invigorating and inspiring.

Duncan also suggests signing up for an affliliate program. I don’t see any reason not to . . . It just didn’t feel very springy to me. :)

Got any to add to my list, since I already have the mop and bucket out?

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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There’s No Putting ME in a Box

Filed Under Business Life, Customer Think, Marketing, Strategy, Successful Blog | 9 Comments

A Heartwarming Story

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One more story–this one will explain the last. You may already know it. It’s inspiring and heartwarming. I’ve encountered it more than once myself.

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry.

They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back……every one of them. One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.

It’s a lovely read, but it’s not what happened. Read more

Do You Know a Customer When You See One?

Filed Under Business Life, Customer Think, Marketing, Strategy, Successful Blog | 21 Comments

True Story

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I was in my mid-twenties. I had left teaching and had an executive job in downtown Chicago. I was a young professional with a disposable income, who needed some business suits. My mother had taught me the value of investment dressing–now that I’d finally quit growing. She had said it was worth buying classic, expensive clothing that fit well, because the investment never went out of fashion. A 36-inch inseam meant off-the-rack clothing wasn’t an option for me anyway.

It was a Saturday afternoon when I arrived at the storefront on Wabash Avenue. This was the kind of place where CEOs sat on embroidered couches reading Forbes magazine, while a wife or current affair of the heart decided which 7 or 8 suits and dresses she simply could not live without. Then he paid and, they both left happy.

Three women, all at least 10 years older than my mother who was 30 years older than me, were standing at the elegant counter when I walked in. I was wearing my baby blue, down-filled ski jacket with the torn pocket, a bright red ski sweater with a bicycle tire embroidered on the front, and my blue jeans that came complete with frayed bell bottoms, a patch on each back pocket–have a good day/have a nice night–and a drawing in ink up the inside right thigh that I had made while talking on the phone the night before.

All three ladies, who worked on commission, looked up when I came in. I was the only other person in the store.

I wasn’t the usual vision that walked through the door.

Hoity Hoity Meet Saloonkeeper’s Daughter

Two of the ladies–hoity toity is the only word to describe them–frowned and immediately went back to talking. They had tried to intimidate me right out the door. It was sort of like that scene in the movie, “Pretty Woman.” That didn’t bother me. I was a saloonkeeper’s daughter. Obviously they’d never seen one of me. Read more

Just Say YES!

Filed Under Branding, Business Life, Customer Think, Marketing, Successful Blog | 9 Comments

Unless There’s a Really Good Reason Not to

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When someone asks for a favor, just say yes. Most favors don’t take as long as thinking up a reason to turn them down would. Doing one feels better than turning one down does. You might be surprised at the ways that the favor comes back to you. I was reminded of that twice just this week with a lovely gesture and a clever response to a request for a critique. Take a look, if you have the time. I’d love for them to get them your comments.

There’s no rule that says you can’t run a business and have a heart. In fact, I look for a heart in the people I do business with.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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