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Where the virtual meets the irresistible force of Liz Strauss

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Terry and Liz - SOBCon

Terry “starbucker” St. Marie shared his thoughts about Liz during “Gathering Stardust for Liz Strauss.”  You can watch the video of the gathering here. Terry also sent us a copy of his speech so that we could share it with you here on Successful Blog.

 

Hi everyone, I’m Terry “starbucker” St. Marie talking to you from smoky Portland, Oregon.

I was blessed to go on a 7 year journey with Liz as a business partner.

Liz inspired me from the very first time I read her blog way back in 2006.

It was a post entitled – “The Ferrari Analogy for Organized Writing”.
In it she said,

“A great blog post is like a car date. We spent time together sharing your view. I follow your logic and then, if we connect, we talk about it.”

I was intrigued to say the least by this very unique insight, so I very shortly thereafter participated in one of Liz’s Open Comment Nights

It was classic Liz, Macguyver-ing her comment box into a real-time communications platform and inviting everyone to join the spirited conversations, led by her selflessness, kindness, and passion for learning & growing as a human.

This was before Twitter or Facebook mind you, so as usual she was way ahead of her time.

We quickly became online friends and as one lively comment night led to another, in late 2006 someone put “it” out there.

The “it” was a simple musing – “hey, wouldn’t it be cool if all of us could get together in person?”

That was the official birthing of what became SOBCon – the Successful and Outstanding Blogger Conference.

Because with Liz, it couldn’t “just” be a get-together. She figured, if people were going to spend money to for travel and lodging they should get something more than just a few happy hours. “We should teach them something meaningful, and we could all teach each other”

So we somehow, someway cobbled together the first SOBCon in May of 2007. Some of you were there, and I’m sure you felt the same way I did after it.

75 people hung out together for a weekend, and talked about their craft, their passions, and their lives.

It turned out to be magical. Trust was high. Candor was abundant. Egos were checked at the door. There was a depth to the dialogue that prompted many to declare how “life changing” it was.

There were no barriers to learning. And it was good. It was magic.

And where did this magic come from? Who was capable of conjuring up the ingredients of this potent mixture of trust, humility, and candor?

It was Liz, who lived and breathed those qualities. She deeply believed in the basic generosity of the human spirit, and the magic came from her belief.

When she entered the room at that gathering in Chicago, and every other single SOBcon after that – and we did 10 of them, in Chicago, Boulder and Portland – something wonderful happened.

She was the catalyst of a powerful enabling force that unlocked that same generous spirit from everyone there.

Liz Strauss WAS SOBCon – I just had the unique opportunity to be her partner in the venture and have a front row seat for all that magic.

It wasn’t all a walk through the park – putting on conferences was a bit like walking a tightrope without a net. But somehow, Liz would rise to the occasion and just in the nick of time pull in one more sponsor, or sell a few more tickets, to get us to the across the chasm and to the finish line.

I learned SO much from her during those 7 years, and also had so many laughs and experiences. Our SOBCOn parties at South by Southwest were absolute blasts.

But what was always extraordinary to me as I went on this journey with her were the one on one conversations she would have with people that could leave such a deep mark.

I lost count of the times friends, and total strangers for that matter, would walk up to me after having a “Liz Conversation” and tell me that their minds were blown – for the better.

She just had that way of clearing through all the clutter that most humans put in front of themselves and getting right to the heart and soul of the matter.

And she was relentless in wanting to make sure that every single person who attended an event of hers was going to get something meaningful out of it.

And she was relentless as a business partner in pushing me to help her succeed with that goal.

And you know what, I believe she succeeded, hundreds and hundreds of times over.

That was her supreme gift, her superpower – helping others find meaning in their lives, and be, in her words, “irresistible”.

The tagline for SOBCon used to be “Where the Virtual Meets the Concrete”

That was wrong, actually – it should have been –

“Where the virtual meets the irresistible force of Liz Strauss.”

Love you Liz, and farewell my dear friend.

And to all of you, I will quote from a great rock band that the SOBCon community was particularly fond of –

“Don’t stop believin’”

Book Review: Killer Visual Strategies, by Amy Balliett

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Killer Visual Strategies, by Amy Balliett, is a rapid fire compendium of design and marketing advances, taking the reader all the way from cave paintings to Snaps.

The structure of the book includes real-world examples and exercises, intended to reinforce each design rule. And as you’d expect for a book about visual design, there are helpful graphics and “key takeaways” to assist the text skimmers. Amy is able to weave her considerable experience as an entrepreneur, communicator, and agency owner into the stories that illustrate each key rule.

I read this book as a PDF, but it would really lend itself as a hard copy reference, sitting on your shelf next to Everybody Writes (Anne Handley’s indispensable guide for copywriters). You will probably want to refer back to the step by step design process, or the guide to color or font selection, when you start working on future visual projects.

Should most projects have a strong visual component? It turns out that our brains are wired to respond faster and more deeply to visual content, so unless you’re writing the next War and Peace, you can benefit from the art and science contained in this book.

The chapter on data visualization works on two levels. First as an amateur designer, you come away with a much clearer methodology for presenting information. Second, as a consumer of data, you are a much more informed customer. After reading this book, you’ll never look at Buzzfeed charts the same way again.

Many marketers or solo entrepreneurs have to occasionally dabble in design. The strategies offered by Balliett act as guardrails, gentle nudges to keep beginners on the right track. Entire books could be written on each of the topics she covers, but there is enough meat on the bones to be a valuable resource.

I’d recommend this book for marketers, entrepreneurs, or anyone whose work brings them in contact with the visual arts. It’s a quick read, but deserves a permanent spot on your reference shelf.

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is a writer, speaker, and Co-Founder of Social Strata, makers of the Crowdstack community platform.  You can also find Rosemary on Twitter as @rhogroupee.

Disclosure: I was given a digital version of this book for review purposes. 

Why Influencer Marketing Is More Important Now Than Ever Before

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By Kayla Matthews (Guest Author)

The concept of influencer marketing is far from new. In fact, modern influencer marketing dates back to 1920 when Coco Chanel became one of the most transformative influencers on fashion. However, this branding strategy didn’t experience a rise in popularity until the late 1990s and early 2000s as bloggers and content creators grew in number. 

Now, brands are connecting with popular social media influencers on any and every platform in a rather successful attempt to promote their services and products. As more people flock to social media, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, brands will likely invest even more in this marketing strategy. For influencers, the future is bright, to say the least.  

People Hate Ads

Advertisements have been bombarding consumers for years. From commercials on TV to billboards to ads on Facebook and Instagram, brands are vying for your attention. Meanwhile, most consumers are actively blocking these ads or completely ignoring them, even when the algorithm uses a person’s browsing history to target them and pique their interest. These traditional ads simply don’t work like they used to. Why you might ask? Consumers don’t trust brands that self-promote and they’re tired of all the noise. 

Enter the Influencer

Then, influencers entered the scene. Popular people — like Kim Kardashian and Donald Millner— with huge social media followings began to partner with both small and large brands to promote their products. This marketing strategy proved quite effective since followers viewed their recommendation as authentic and trustworthy. On Twitter, nearly 40% of users report purchasing a product because of an influencer and 60% of YouTube subscribers would follow the advice of their favorite creator. Evidently, influencer marketing is working. 

Even those without huge followings, like TikToker Lauren Godwin and beauty Instagrammer Daniel Jewels, boast an impressive engagement rate and frequently partner with brands. While some most enter these partnerships as a way to make money, many are choosy about which products they endorse. After all, they want the brands they tout to be trustworthy and legitimate so as not to tarnish their reputation and lose followers. 

COVID-19 and Online Engagement

The coronavirus has changed influencer marketing in huge ways. When the pandemic first hit America, ad budgets decreased and, with them, the financial compensation to many influencers. However, since then, budgets have increased and some are making even more off promotional posts than ever before. This increase is largely due to the rise in social media consumption during shelter-in-place orders and quarantine. 

Since the pandemic, web browsing has risen by 70% and social media engagement has increased by 61%. Of course, this level of online interaction has lent itself well to influencer marketing. Content creators have more time to increase their output, connect with followers and experiment with new platforms while followers now have the opportunity to engage more than ever. Consequently, many ad agencies and brands are investing more in this effective marketing strategy. 

The Future of Influencer Marketing and How to Get Involved

As the pandemic drags on and social media continues to surge in popularity, it’s likely brands will invest even more in influencer marketing. Thus, since celebrities and macro-influencers can only rep a few brands without losing engagement, companies will likely begin partnering with more micro-influencers and those with only a few hundred followers. 

If you’re one of these creators who has a smaller, dedicated following, it may be time to seek out a partnership with one or two of your favorite brands. Odds are your audience will love them, too and you might be able to make a commission from affiliate links and posts. Begin by creating genuine relationships with your followers. Then, reach out to brands and explore new platforms, sharing your for different products and services wherever you go.

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

How to Save on Taxes When You Are Self Employed

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By Kayla Matthews

Self-employment means a lot of freedom and flexibility in your work — but being your own boss isn’t cheap. Unlike a worker on business payroll, you’re responsible for paying your own Medicare and social security tax in the form of a 15.3 percent self-employment tax.

It’s a big expense, and one that leads many freelancers to think about alternative career options. Fortunately, it’s possible to seriously cut down on those extra taxes that you have to pay.

The tax code is full of lines that provide deductions for business and the self-employed. While the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act nullified a number of these tax write-offs, there are still many write-offs you can use to lower your taxes. Below, we’ll cover the best ways to save on taxes when you are self employed, plus other strategies you can use to save on taxes.

1. Take Advantage of Above-the-Line Deductions

Since 2017, standard deductions have been higher than usual, even for single filers. The size of these deductions, combined with the labor needed to track expenses, means some taxpayers skip keeping track of potential deductions. It may seem like there’s no way you can spend enough to have itemized deductions that beat the standard deduction.

Even if you don’t itemize your deductions, you can still write off certain expenses on your tax return.

Above-the-line deductions, sometimes called business deductions, reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI). Your AGI is the sum total of your annual income, including wages, business income, capital gains, unemployment and so on.  You can take these deductions even if you don’t itemize.

There is a variety of above-the-line deductions that you can use to cut down your AGI. For example, you can use retirement plan and HSA contributions. You can also deduct many self-employed business expenses, like office rent, utilities and legal fees.

2. Deduct Travel-Related Expenses

Business travel is a deductible expense, so long as it lasts longer than a work day, requires you to sleep or get rest and takes place out of your tax home. You can also write off many travel-related expenses.

The cost of transportation to and from your destination is deductible. So is the cost of transportation at your destination. You can also write off meals and lodging — so long as they’re not considered “lavish” or “extravagant,” per IRS guidelines.

Typically you can only write off 50 percent of the cost of meals, but there are exceptions that let you go over this limit.

3. Save Purchases for the End of the Year

IRC Code Section 192 allows taxpayers to deduct the cost of personal property in the year you put it into service — so long as you use it more  than 51 percent of the time for your business. So long as you buy a business asset and start using it by December 31, you can probably write off the expense on your tax return for the year.

Normally, you’d have to depreciate the expense over several years, splitting up your savings.

4. Write off Interest

If you’ve taken out a business loan, interest paid on those loans can be fully deductible, so long as you’re spending loan funds on business expenses.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the loan needs to come from a real lender. Some banks and financial groups offer loan options for self-employed professionals. If you take out one of these loans, you can write off the interest on your tax return. If you borrow money from a family member or friend, however, you can’t write off the interest.

5. Write off Publications and Subscriptions

Any business-relevant publications you buy or subscribe to can be written off on your taxes.

Not all subscriptions can be written off. You may have a hard time justifying a subscription to your local paper, for example. Relevant industry publications, however, can be written off. Reference materials are also a deductible expense.

6. Deduct Your Home Office

Have a space in your home dedicated to work? You can write off the value of that space on your taxes.

The space has to be dedicated to work, however. If it’s serving another purpose — like a bedroom — it won’t be deductible. The IRS may request documentation of your home office space.

Even if you can’t write off the costs of your work space, you can generally write off the cost of utilities. Your internet connection and phone line are may count as fully- or partially-deductible expenses.

Tracking and Applying These Deductions

You can connect personal finance software to your bank account and automatically log expenses. This can help you keep track of your annual expenses.

You may also want to start looking at long-term tax saving strategies. If you don’t have a HSA, retirement fund or self-employed defined benefit plan, opening one can provide additional opportunities for savings.

 

 

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

 

Photo by StellrWeb on Unsplash

20 Unique Places to Find Qualified Employees

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By Kayla Matthews

The search for the best talent can be tricky. You need to balance your company’s needs with unique job applications to draw in as many options as possible. Finding resources can be difficult, too. Luckily, the following places will help you conquer it all.

1. Job Boards

Job boards like LinkedIn, Monster, Glassdoor and Indeed are some of the most popular places to find employees. You can start your search with these options and informative job descriptions for each position.

2. Professional Organizations

If your company is a partner of any professional organization or other company, you can reach out and ask to advertise on their platforms.

3. Social Media

You should try to use all social media platforms possible — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube — to create different kinds of content. For example, you can send quick updates about jobs through Twitter, but longer, video content with YouTube. Social media advertising can turn a passive candidate into an active one for any position.

4. Email and Newsletters

If your business uses email and newsletters to connect with customers, clients or the surrounding community, you can send out information about your job search.

5. Employee Referral Program

With an employee referral program, you can ask your employees or coworkers to look for potential talent. If you end up hiring the person they recommend, they then receive a reward from the program.

6. Job Fair

A job fair is a great place to meet new people that are already looking for opportunities. Remember, job fairs can be in-person or virtual — keep your eyes open for both options.

7. Promotions

Sometimes you don’t need to look for new talent because you already have someone for the job. If a current employee doesn’t mind switching their role, they might be able to fulfill the opening.

8. Specific Job Boards

While the bigger job boards are popular for finding employees, they can flood your inbox with spam applications. Niche or industry-specific job boards can help you reach out to talent that’s looking in lesser-known places.

9. Write to Impress

Your job applications and descriptions need to be transparent, accessible and easy to follow. You can hire a writer to help your descriptions stand out and draw in more talent.

10. Networking Events

You’ll likely attend different events for business. Whether it’s a fundraiser or meeting, you can network during these events to find new employees. The people you meet are already in similar industries, so they may have some helpful insight.

11. Company Website

Your company website is crucial to the application process. Many job-seekers go directly to company websites to apply. You’ll need to make sure your website is user-friendly and accessible with pages for open positions and applications.

12. Streamline the Process

Sometimes, job applications can be clunky. If they carry on for too long, people may lose interest. If you shorten the process to get the basic information you need, you can follow up later with the most qualified candidates.

13. Advertisements

You can advertise online on different websites, from corporate websites to job boards. Indeed allows you to sponsor your listings, for instance, if you want to stand out.

14. New Technology

Within the tech industry, there are exports of $1.5 billion every year. Tech is so expansive that it can now help you find new talent through artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and machine learning. These machines can also sort through applications and weed out ones that don’t meet your standards.

15. Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are where emerging students are ready to find jobs. You can talk to professors or advertise on their job boards to draw in the fresh generation of talent.

16. Talent Pool

A good candidate sometimes slips through the cracks if you have to hire someone else. However, you can keep their information and call them back when another position opens up. That way, you already have the connection and you know they qualify.

17. Old Fashioned Way

Most things are digital these days, but you can still take notes from the older methods. You can advertise in newspapers and on bulletins in places like supermarkets or cafes.

18. Recruitment Firm

If you’re not having any luck or simply need more help, you can work with a recruitment firm. These firms specialize in finding talent through every platform possible.

19. Loosen Restrictions

To get more applications, you can loosen restrictions. Not every job should require a degree, so you can adjust to fit experience in some instances.

20. Customers and Clients

You can talk with your customers or clients about potential hires. They are part of your network. Ask them for help!

Finding the Best Talent

When you use these resources, you are putting yourself in the right spot to find qualified employees. Once you implement them, you can focus on picking from all the qualified candidates.

 

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

 

Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski on Unsplash

5 Benefits of Using Chatbots for Business

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By Kayla Matthews

If you want to stay ahead in today’s business world, you need to leverage technology. AI is one of the most promising aspects of technology today, and chatbots are an excellent way to use it. Chatbots for business is a growing field and one you should consider looking into.

The word “chatbot” may make you think of the robotic, monotone voices you’ve heard on calls in the past. Today’s bots are far superior, though, and are a handy resource for any company. Here are just five of the ways you can benefit from a chatbot for your business.

1. Increased Profits

Traditionally, you’d answer customer questions with an employee, either a dedicated customer relations agent or whoever’s free. This model can end up being costly, though. You may not be able to afford a dedicated service agent, and answering questions can distract employees from their regular work.

If you automate the relations process with a chatbot, you avoid these expenses. Chatbots don’t need a salary, and you allow your employees to focus on their other tasks, accomplishing more at once. Some researchers even suggest that chatbots will save businesses $8 billion a year by 2022.

2. Unlimited Availability

Chatbots are also available at any time on any day. You can only work for so long, but you never know when your customers may have questions. With a chatbot, you can help them get the answers they need whenever they need them.

Even during regular business hours, traditional customer service systems can have trouble keeping up. If you have more callers than you have service reps, you may have to put people on hold. Chatbots, on the other hand, can talk to multiple people at once, so everyone gets immediate service.

3. Versatile Customer Service

When you use a chatbot for your business, you also create a more versatile customer service platform. For example, 64% of consumers prefer texting over calling, so you want to provide the same experience across both. Since the same chatbot system can handle both calls and texts, it can deliver consistent service for all customers.

Chatbots also allow for multilingual support. Finding an employee who’s fluent in many languages is challenging, but finding a robot that is isn’t. That way, you can help your customers no matter what their needs are.

4. Fast Responses

Your consumer base may be just as busy as you are. They want information as fast as they can get it, but traditional customer service systems can be slow. Since AI works so much faster than people, chatbots can offer almost instant responses.

There are many reasons why a human employee may be slow to answer a customer. They could have to think about the answer, think about how they’d phrase something or they could be distracted. Chatbots don’t experience any of those pauses, so they can work faster.

5. Fewer Errors

Another benefit of chatbots for businesses is that they reduce the risk of human error. If your employees are tired, distracted or have a momentary lapse of judgment, they could accidentally tell a customer incorrect information. Chatbots don’t have this problem.

Chatbots don’t forget anything, and they don’t get distracted. They will almost always give the right answers. That kind of reliability is hard to ignore as a business.

AI Will Drive Tomorrow’s Business World

The potential of chatbots for business is substantial, and it’s growing as the technology gets better. If you want to improve your customer service, you should consider investing in chatbots. Not only will it help your customer more, but it’ll save you time and money.

AI applications are driving industry, and will likely shape the business of tomorrow. Resources like chatbots will become standard practice before long, and you can see that trend is already starting to take place. If you want to move your business into the future, consider chatbots.

 

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash