Successful Blog

Words Matter

by

by
Rosemary O’Neill

The Words Matter

The words you use every day surrounding your customers do matter.

Are you “driving eyeballs to a squeeze page?” Or how about “shutting down a trouble ticket?”

Used over and over again, these images start to permeate our corporate culture. And how do you think the “traffic” feels about being a tiny cell on your spreadsheet? Yes, they can tell.

Even the kitchen lunchtime conversation can have a long-term impact. Are you constantly hearing “war stories” about crazy or stupid customers? If you’re hearing that on a regular basis, it’s time for some vacation and re-thinking. Was that customer stupid to give you her credit card number?

Inject Positive Energy

The best way to address this issue is to start injecting different words and mental images into your daily conversations with colleagues.

Think of how beautiful Guy Kawasaki’s word “enchantment” sounds (and his book is full of good ideas). Instead of “trouble tickets,” what if you had “rescue missions?” What if you hung up photographs of your customers’ faces in your hallway?

Today, as you go about your business, try to capture the negative, destructive words and think of alternatives that uplift, inspire, and energize.

How do you talk about your customers when they’re not in the room?
Do your words matter to them and to you?

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Thank you, Rosemary!

You’re irresistible!

ME “Liz” Strauss

Should I Borrow Money from Family or Friends to Start a Business?

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With the national unemployment rate still hovering around 8 percent, many individuals have found themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to wanting to start their own businesses.

Whether they are looking to get out of the daily corporate world or have been laid off and are thinking of trying a new means by which to make money, the idea of starting one’s own business comes with many challenges. The most daunting challenge is oftentimes coming up with the money to set out on for what many is the dream of a lifetime.

As someone that has fallen victim to the layoff bug twice in seven years, the dream of owning my own marketing business has always been biting at me. Do I have the time and patience to go out on my own in the business world? Do I have the necessary financial resources or am I better off looking for a regular job with a steady paycheck? Lastly, can I make a go of it when there are so many other people doing exactly what I want to do and be my own boss?

I’ve had to come to terms with those questions recently in light of a company layoff, so now seemed as good a time as ever to consider these things.

While I have a very supportive set of parents, along with some true friends that are there when I need them, I would never once think of asking for financial assistance to start my own business from any of them. My feeling has always been that I would and could do this on my own should I choose to go that route.

Given that I am likely touching on some thoughts that others have had, I would recommend considering the following should you be thinking about reaching out to others for financial assistance in hopes of starting your own small business:

* Get it in writing – If you do come to an agreement with parents, other family members or friends to assist you in getting a small business off the ground, by all means get it in writing. Too many people work out deals where nothing is in writing, then all hell breaks loose when it comes time to start paying the loans back. Whether it is a parent or your best friend, produce a legal document that shows exactly how much will be loaned, when the money is expected to be paid back, and what the terms are regarding any missed payments;

* Are there alternative sources? – While it is easy to turn to family and friends for funds in hopes of opening a small business, are there other sources for the funds? Although the economy is still struggling along, a good credit record and a good mission plan can get you in the door for a bank loan, etc. While bank loans can be scary because of penalties, interest etc. that can accrue, at least you avoid the potential for a family blow out should you fall behind on payments;

* Will this put family or friends in a bad financial spot? – One reason I have always been hesitant to ask family and/or friends for loans for such a business venture is because I know they have bills just as I do. Knowing this,I find it hard to simply reach out for a loan, feeling like I am taking away needed funds from them when emergencies can crop  up at anytime;

* I can do this on my own – We all have streaks of stubbornness in us, myself especially at times. The last thing I’d want to do is ask someone close to me for a business loan when I know that many people  out there, including family and friends, are having just as tough a time as myself  meeting daily financial needs. One of the great things about doing it on your  own, even if that means a number of struggles along the way, is recognizing  that all your sweat and tears were worth it over time. I’m still weighing my business options now some three weeks after a company layoff.

While I have drafted a business site and begun marketing myself to potential clients, I am not at the point yet where I am in need of financial assistance to get things off and running.

When that time comes, you can bet that going to family and friends will be a last option for me. Not because they would not help me, but because I’m one stubborn person at times.

Then again, being a little stubborn never hurt the best of business owners.

Photo credit: theatlantic.com

Dave Thomas has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer, covering marketing, SEO, press releases, social media and more. Contact Dave at: http://beemoresocial.wordpress.com/





12 Ways to Focus Your Email Marketing


 by   
by

Tara Hornor


cooltext443809602_strategy


Get Off the Fence! Focus Your Email Marketing!


Email marketing is an excellent way to reach out to customers and promote a brand. It’s cheaper, easier, and more effective than many offline marketing methods such as catalogs or posters . Unfortunately, this makes email marketing a prime target for abuse by unethical marketers. The result is that many emails get ignored by potential customers, but there are several tips, tricks, and secrets that can increase the success of email marketing campaigns:


    

  1. Subject Lines Matter
    
Don’t use spam phrases, capital letters, or exclamation marks in the subject line. Your emails will end up in the trash if they read like spam. Be ready to test and adjust your campaign as you go. You’ll find certain subject lines are more effective than others.
    2. 

  2. Fulfill Expectations
    
Provide readers with whatever product or service they might be searching for. Targeting specific readers with focused messaging makes this much easier. Coordinate carefully with operations to ensure that the promises made in any email campaigns can be kept. Nothing is more frustrating than to get excited about a product or service only to find that the email was wrong or even deceptive.
    3. 

  3. One Size Doesn’t Fit Everyone
    
Collect subscriber information and send targeted information instead of generic messages. Effective messages are always personal. If at all possible, include a first and last name – even in the subject line when practical.
    4. 

  4. Don’t Hide the Sender
    
Successful email marketing campaigns begin when senders ensure that receivers know where the messages are coming from. If recipients can tell who is sending the messages, they are more likely to trust the message. On the other hand, when you can’t tell who it is that sent the email, you’re much more likely to skip it.
    5. 

  5. Never CC Subscribers
    
This tactic can annihilate an email marketing campaign. Using CC options cause marketers to violate privacy terms and can damage a business’ reputation. We’ve all seen those emails where hundreds of other people are included in the CC. Now all those people have your email address and there’s nothing you can do about it. Not only is this amateurish, it’s often illegal. Use the BC option instead when sending out an email to more than one recipient. Remember, though, to only put your email address in the main “To” line so that, again, only your email is the one seen.
    6. 

  6. Include a Clear Call To Action
    
If an email doesn’t contain a clear call to action, customers won’t know what to do. Ensure all emails have a clear call-to-action like “call us now!” or “click for more information” or even a “purchase now” button.
    7. 

  7. Don’t Rely on Images
    
Images are often blocked by spam detection software. Images should never be included in email marketing messages as a primary piece of information. It’s fine to include them if you want to add some branding, but don’t rely upon images for your message to be read.
    8. 

  8. Use Text and HTML Email Newsletters
    
Create two versions of all email marketing newsletters. Create an HTML version and a text-only version with an available link to each. This gives readers the option of choosing which to view if their email program doesn’t interpret HTML.
    9. 

  9. Remember the KISS Rule
    
Never create long email messages: Keep It Simple Silly. They take too much time to read. Keep all information scannable and relevant. A common standard is to make sure that the primary message shows up above the “fold” of the page (the area of the screen seen without the reader needing to scroll down).
    10. 

  10. Timing is Key
    
Sending marketing emails too frequently can annoy customers. Sending emails sporadically can cause forgetfulness. Try to strike a balance with frequency and be consistent.
    11. 

  11. Don’t Sell–Build Relationships
    
Don’t resort to hard selling. Focus efforts on networking and building relationships. While emails are a simple form of communication, they can be the first impression a customer has for your company. So think long-term, not short-sell.
    12. 

  12. Let Readers Leave Easily
    
Email should always include an unsubscribe link so that subscribers can choose to opt out. It’s only fair that consumers should have a choice in communications and relationships with businesses.
    13. 



BONUS:

Bounce Those Bouncing Addresses

Don’t waste time trying to correct addresses that bounce. It’s not worth it. Just remove the offending email from the subscriber list and move on. The problem here is that too much time is often spent trying to fix a few emails that are no longer valid. If it bounced once, it’s likely going to bounce again.


Email marketing can bring positive results quickly if marketing efforts are focused. Engage readers on a personal level to lay a solid foundation for future sales. Use these strategies to provide the fuel you need to ignite your next email marketing campaign.


  Author’s Bio:

Tara Hornor writes about marketing, advertising, branding, web and graphic design, and desktop publishing for PrintPlace.com a company that offers online printing for print marketing media. Find her on Twitter as @TaraHornor . 


 


Thank you, Taral!


–ME “Liz” Strauss





Grafetee’s Watching You … Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide


 by   
 by

Mihaela Lica Butler


   


 Street Smarts: The Police Get Grafetee 


That the police are testing a location-based app called Grafetee may not necessarily have criminals fleeing in fear, but the idea of a country’s national police turning to mobile tools is noted. The Poliisi, as Finland’s top law enforcement arm is called there, intend on making neighborhoods safer via smart device usage, social media engagement and interactive maps.


Finland. Most of you, readers, will probably identify this Scandinavian country as way up in the far frozen North and a bit too far away to consider public safety moves as relevant. But, given the spread of good news and useful things that make life better, it may not be long before your local public servants tune in on using geo-location tools like Grafetee.


For those unfamiliar with the Helsinki startup, and their engaging little social tool, Grafetee makes use of smart technology, via either iOS or Android operating systems, along with map-centric services like Foursquare, Wikipedia, and even Yelp of late. What does the PoPo up there in Finland want with such a tool, you ask? They are trying to make Finland safer than it already is. Petri


Marjamaa from the National Police Board commented about the adaptation: 


“We are adopting Grafetee to test how a social media service is applicable to make the neighborhood safer and to help residents to influence their own neighborhood’s safety.”


 Grafetee’s Watching You … Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide 


Grafetee being used by law enforcement in Finland is not the first time a mobile or social tool has been adopted to improve things, but the App does have some unique features which make this story more interesting. The Poliisi can use Grafetee’s characteristic location-based interactive map, and particularly the notification and bookmarking aspects, for getting information about crime, traffic hazards, and especially for being there when urgency and accuracy of detail counts. Short story here being, Grafetee’s interactive map operates in “real time” – and users (citizens) can add images to the locations, describe what happens, share with others anonymously if desired, and so much more.


That’s because anyone can use Grafetee anonymously – no need to sign up or connect a Facebook account. A few taps of the screen and a crime can be reported, or the Police can input data the public needs to know in real time too. Think of all the uses Grafetee users on both ends can squeeze out of a little Finnish smart app.


There’s a mobile version, Android or iOS, and a web version on, lahivinkki.com, for anyone interested in testing the latest version. Also, another aspect of Grafetee’s individuality is the ability for businesses to add their places, events, and even web locations via a browser bookmarklet. On top of the Foursquare, Wikipedia, and Yelp pins you can already use on the map, there are also now many local businesses and even websites tied into the Grafetee way of smart things.


Grafetee, or should that be “Graffiti”, seems like one of those simple little tools that ends up being widely accepted. Just like street artists express themselves via murals, now everyone can put a name on just about anything, even a potential crime. Let’s see how fast other government agencies and businesses hop on board with special uses. Interesting stuff, huh?


   Author’s Bio:

Mihaela “Mig” Lica Butler founded Pamil Visions in 2005 where she uses her hard won journalistic, SEO and public relations skills toward helping small companies navigate the digital realm with influence and success. Grafetee is a client. You can find Mig on Twitter as @PamilVisions 




 



How Artists’ Games Can Help Our Work


 by   
 by

Ric Dragon 


    cooltext443809602_strategy 


The Games Artists Play  


In his earlier days, the artist Chuck Close was a painter of gestural abstractions. After a personal crisis, he decided to take photographs, and square inch by square inch, make a large painting of the photograph. The process, to Close, was a game of sorts. If you get the opportunity to see one of his large scale paintings in a museum, the results are quite staggering.


Artists like to play games within their work. After all, there is no rule book on how to make a piece of art. Instead, you have total and absolute freedom. You can do anything you want – a freedom which can actually be paralyzing. Thus, by creating little games, the artist has a self-imposed framework in which to work.


My own game is to paint alla prima – which means at first attempt, and to paint all wet-into-wet; never onto dry paint. While I’ve found a way to keep my own paintings wet for weeks, and thus to sustain the game over a longer period of time, the historical idea of an alla prima painting, like those of the impressionists, was to create a painting in one sitting.


This is hardly a constraint taken on by all painters. In fact, Monet said something to the effect that you’re not worth your salt as a painter if you couldn’t put a painting away for a couple of months, come back to it, and not see what it needed. Bonnard was said to sneak into museums with a brush and colors under his coat to touch up his own paintings.


 How Artists’ Games Can Help Our Work  


Reworking a piece over a long period of time can certainly bring richness to any work. It’s over time that we are able to reinforce subtle patterns, or refine smaller ideas within the larger piece. But sometimes, it’s difficult to let go of a piece. Our anxiety about getting it right takes over.


The idea, though, of saying that a painting, or even a piece of writing, is going to be done in one period of time – that I’ll do the best I can NOW, and that I’ll do this and move on to the next – can mitigate compulsiveness. We can bring this idea to writing too – I’ll write a piece – but after I’m done, I’m done. No going back and improving. Blogging is ideal for this – after all, changing a post after it’s been published, and after people have participated in the piece by commenting just doesn’t feel right.


If you find yourself stuck in your endeavors, and unable to break through some invisible barrier, try creating your own parameters and games. After all, it’s your game, and there’s not a person in the world who can say that it’s wrong.


—-


   Author’s Bio:

Ric Dragon is the founder and CEO of DragonSearch, a digital marketing agency with offices in Manhattan and Kingston, NY.  Dragon is the author of the “DragonSearch Online Marketing Manual” and “Social Marketology” (McGraw Hill; June 2012), and has been a featured speaker at SMX East, Conversion Conf, CMS Expo, and BlogWorld, on the convergence of process, information architecture, SEO, and Social Media.  You can find Ric on Twitter as @RicDragon.   


 


 



4 Fast Growing Social Media and Shopping Websites


 by   
 by

Richard Franklin 


    cooltext443809602_strategy 


4 Fast Growing Social Media and Shopping Websites  


There are so many social media and shopping websites nowadays available on the web, some of them are growing rapidly because of their services, how they are managed and updated, and how the features or how user friendly they  are. These websites have been increasing because of the increase of the growing interest of people on social networking platforms and people are also getting bored of the existing social websites. It has increased this year because of the social awareness of the individuals, sharing their thoughts, experiences, photos, and products daily are the things that people could do with the social and shopping websites.


Here are some of the fast growing social media and shopping websites that are grabbing the attention of more users day by day:


 Pinterest.com


Basically, Pinterest is a pinboard -style social photo or an image sharing website that permits users to make and achieve theme-based image groups such as interests, events, likes or hobbies, and many more. Users can surf or browse other Pinboards or inspiration,’re-pin’ images to their own collections and/or ‘like’ photos. It permits its users to share ‘pins’ on both Facebook and Twitter, which permits users to share their interests, photos, events, hobbies  and interact with the community.


A social media agency should post their client’s business in Pinterest to drive more traffic. It is an advantage for the business to have major products for women because most of its visitors are women.


Pinterest can help a social media company to have the advantage of driving traffic to their clients’ websites. It is really a big help for the social media companies on their Internet marketing strategies.


 Svpply.com


This is a new shopping website that made a big splash in the online community. Svpply is pronounced as “supply”, it is the online form of window shopping that permits users to browse products extending from clothing to home decorations and easily bookmark items when you shop.


Before you can post or shop on the website, you have to register first on Svpply.com, create your free account, search for the products or things that you want in the online store, and upload them to your account. You can also share what you have found with your friends thru social media sites like Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.


There is more! You can complete your online shopping using Svpply, just click on the BUY button and be directed to the “Checkout Page. Svpply also offers specialty features like monthly Editor’s picks and gift guides that are giving you the advantage of having all of your shopping needs addressed on one website.


 Wanelo.com


One of today’s trends which social media is focusing is online Pin boarding. Users “pin” their items and images what they like on the virtual boards and sharing it with their friends that have similar interests and can give and take ideas. Pinterest maybe the most popular of these websites because of its unique features that permits users to interact, engage, and connect with the imaginative process with people who have shared their interests. Furthermore, socializing and connecting with friends through online is the major factor in current’s Social Media part.


Online shoppers or users used to find themselves shopping for toys for their loved-ones, gifts, clothes, supplements, and other items that could give them convenience in shopping. Online shopping gives them convenience because it doesn’t need to be in the physical store to purchase or look for the items they want. Wanelo has covered the way for businesses to seize more market share by attracting in online marketing and makes easy for the shoppers.


 Polyvore.com


Polyvore focuses on fashion, it is for the fashion enthusiasts and advocates. It is devoted to style and giving a platform for fashion enthusiasts for showing or demonstrating their works in the entire world. It is one of the largest online communities with members from across the globe and helps to unite online shoppers and trendsetters / trend starters by showing the latest trends, the hottest brands, and trend forecasting.


It allows users to create different outfits by culling various products from online stores and online fashion collections, publishing and sharing their works with friends and other Polyvore users.


Polyvore is now becoming another trustworthy social media network for online businesses who aim to create more connection and interaction with their online prospect buyers and online buyers.  Some Big Fashion companies are having relationship or connecting Polyvore for promoting and exhibiting their designs, products, and for showcase. 


   Author’s Bio:

Richard Franklin is a social media strategist and wants to share his knowledge with people who are about to hire a social media agency for their businesses. He writes about latest trends used in social media companies. You can find Richard on Twitter as @AgencySEO.


 


Thank you, Richard!


–ME “Liz” Strauss