Your Brand Community
I think community building is going to be the next “thing” in marketing. Regardless of your industry, having a “safe space” for your fans, prospective customers, existing customers, and employees to congregate is going to be a unique differentiator. Think of it as a moat around your brand. Brand communities are the next logical evolution in online marketing: Early websites were just electronic business cards Social media profiles are touch points in someone else’s neighborhood (the platforms themselves) Email is a 1-to-many communication tool SMS/texting is personal, but not scalable A community combines the best of each of these to become a self-populating, social network. Having a brand community not…
Coronavirus could be “tipping point” for Work From Home (WFH)
Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, said the coronavirus crisis will be a “tipping point” for WFH programs. She expects that 25-to-30 million U.S. employees will regularly work from home within the next two years — up from 5 million who do so half-time or more now. What do you think? Has your business been altered by work from home? Are you expecting to maintain this? Adopt some elements? Go back to your previous routine? Link
Considerations for Using Question & Answer Sites to Grow Your Business
Like I previously mentioned, question and answer sites can be an overlooked marketing tool. If you haven’t considered using them, I highly recommend you explore it as a new marketing avenue. I’ve used sites like Quora, Clarity, and many others for years – and have attracted a good number of consulting clients. When using Q&A sites, it is important to remember some best practices that I’ve discovered. Here is what I’ve learned and has treated me well. How to Use Q&A Sites to Grow Your Business Be helpful, not salesy. This one is somewhat platform-dependent. Some platforms, like Clarity, are both a question and answer forum and a booking tool…
How Contributing to Question & Answer Sites Boosts Your Marketing Efforts
One of my favorite forums for providing expert advice is on question and answer sites. I’ve contributed thousands of answers which have been read by nearly one million entrepreneurs. I’ve recommended this same approach to clients I coach because Q&A sites offer such a unique connection to prospective customers. A few reasons I enjoy and recommend Q&A Sites for lead generation: It is an easy place to stand out. I’ve found there is not a lot of competition because it takes time and does not scale well. Your competitors are likely looking for the silver-bullet or shortcuts. Taking the time to answer questions is effective because it is not quick.…
The Pandemic is Causing Us to Search for Less Biased News Sources
We are drowning in a sloppy stew of misinformation, one-sided opinion, hearsay and news that uses us rather than representing news we can use. And now, confronted with one of the greatest crises that humankind has faced in the modern era, our future and perhaps our very survival depend on access to news that is based upon facts and solid evidence. Digiday As leaders – of our homes or businesses – we must recognize that most information we consume is processed through filters, lenses, biases, or algorithums. It is our duty to vet the information, do our own fact checking, and understand the underlying data informing our understanding. Social media…
What is the best way to promote and increase traffic to a restaurant website? [Q&A]
Like most business owners, restaurants want to drive as much traffic to their storefront as possible. And with the ease people can find information online, it is reasonable to want a strong web presence in the form of a website. However, contrary to what I usually recommend, I’m not sure a website is the best option in this case. Before your restaurant launches a website, step back and make sure you are crystal clear on the role that website will play in your overall marketing efforts. Perhaps there is a better option. @ShaunNestor Let’s back up a bit. As the owner or marketing director, you need to be clear on…
On Difficult Times
It goes without saying that we are facing troubling times right now. The world, as each one of us knows it, is upside down. Each day, more uncertainty mounts and new unknowns are presented. Our finances, health, lifestyle, and freedom are continually thrown into question. It is common, healthy, appropriate, and – most certainly, human – to feel the way we do. There is hope, however. When we face difficult times, we can rest easy in knowing that our capacity is being increased. Each stressor we face actually builds our resiliency. Each time we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone, we adapt. Our “comfort zone” actually enlarges. We grow.…
Crisis Communication Principles
As far as crisis communications go during a time like this, there are a few essentials to remember: Always rely on credible sources. Whether looking for or providing information, be sure you have information that makes you more trusted. Be honest. It’s okay to be vulnerable in this time; people will understand. Honesty will help keep rumors to a minimum and build a sense of sympathy with and from your audience. Make recommendations that matter. People need reassurance and they need to be kept from more harm. Reliable information and meaningful action can help them from doing more damage. Use experts to share information. The last thing people need is…
The Only Permission You Need
We often let an invisible need for permission to hold us back, as if the universe will tell us when we can take action. The truth is, for a vast majority of us, the only permission we need is our own. We are holding ourselves back. Why? Because it is the path of least resistance, it is easier to not take action or blame outside forces than it is to buckle down and move into the unknown. So go on. Give yourself permission. Start that new project. Launch that new course. Write that new book. Add that new service. Reach out to that prospect. Take that risk. Write your first…
Coronavirus: Remote Work Roundup
With coronavirus (COVID-19) madness dominating the headlines, it is a good time to consider the remote work concept. Whatever you may call it, remote work, telecommuting, distributed work, or just working from home, there is a place for all of us – not just coaches and freelancers – to consider alternative workspaces. I’ve collated a collection of remote tools and resources that may help your workflow in both the coronavirus fears and beyond. What would you add to the list? 15 Questions About Remote Work, AnsweredThe coronavirus pandemic is expected to fundamentally change the way many organizations operate for the foreseeable future. As governments and businesses around the world tell…
“I don’t have anything to say.” Baloney.
Perhaps the most common objection I hear when talking to entrepreneurs about sharing their passion is, “I don’t have anything to say.” False. You have a unique perspective. You have experience. You have an opinion. You have insights. You have product knowledge. You have training. You have lessons learned. You have something to say. More accurately, you don’t know how to say what you know. For that, there are countless tools, options, and solutions. To admit you have nothing to say robs the world of exactly that.
Recessions are Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
If you convince yourself a recession is eminent, you are prudent to cut back on spending and increase savings. On a broad scale, such shifts in spendings slow the economy around you. Such shifts cause others (producers, manufacturers, creators, operators, etc) to slow their own spending, leading to a wide-spread spending freeze and recession. The funny thing about recessions being self-fulfilling prophecies is that economic booms are, too.
The Quick Thanks
Take a moment today to find something to be thankful for for each person who crosses your path. If you’re a customer service representative, be thankful for each person who is calling: “I am thankful that I have the opportunity to help this person.” Be thankful for your co-worker, spouse, partner, trash can emptier, or construction zone flagger. In the moment, you may not realize how much they are making your life easier; a smoother commute, a clean workstation, or sharing the workload. The practice won’t take more than a moment, but the habit and impact can last a lifetime. And you may be surprised by who benefits the most.
It’s Okay to Be Offended
Another day, another person offended or outraged. Does it seem like there’s much more to be offended about nowadays? I think the stems from two societal issues: 1. Everyone believes their opinion matters equally 2. Everyone has a worldwide stage to voice their opinion The problem is, not everyone’s opinion is equal. Certainly, everyone has an opinion, and that opinion is real to them. But real and equal are not the same. Not everyone gets a voice at the table. Secondly, the advancements of technology have given rise to a megaphone capable of reaching the world. I’ve talked before about the use of “Twitter outrage” to justify sweeping changes. Twitter…
The Convenient Controversy
Have you noticed as a soon as one controversy ends, another begins? Or perhaps it isn’t the other way around – when one controversy begins, another ends. It is no coincidence that we’re fed a never-ending supply of controversy. There are powers at work to keep you – us – distracted enough to be both incited and fatigued. Enough that you react to the highlight reel, but are too emotionally exhausted to look deeper. Our current world is based on selling attention. Ads, brand awareness, talking points, politicians, and corporations. They are very good at selling access to your attention. You are the product. Your attention – time, energy, thoughtfulness,…
Magicians and Politicians
Both use slight of hand to distract you from the trick. In the audience, we think we’re smart enough to spot it – but we are not. We are not well practiced, we are susceptible to human shortcomings, and we want to believe it’s real. When you find yourself believing the magic, perhaps it is time to look around and question what you saw. Because if you’re looking over here, you’re missing what happened over there.
“I would…”
In a mentorship or leadership position, these two words are extremely powerful. By using them, you are telegraphing to your student how they should complete a task, instead of allowing them to solve a problem, fail, or even surprise you with a new approach. Your choice in words has given them the way of doing it. Because they want to please you and earn acceptance, your way becomes their way. Instead, ask how they would. Aside: Of course, there are millions of times when the student has no choice in the matter. In that case, I would is a softer way of commanding. Context is key, intentionality is critical.
Jack of All Trades, Master of One
It’s believed that the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none,” is a misquote of Benjamin Franklin, who actually encouraged his readers to be a “Jack of all trades, and a master of one.” Whether or not Franklin uttered this phrase is irrelevant. The fact is that in order to be the best version of ourselves and help others through our vocations, we must do our work with excellence. And we can’t do our most excellent work until we discern our purpose – that which we have been created to do exceptionally well, and then, once we’ve found it, focus on becoming a master of that craft. What are…
Netflix Finally Allows Users to Disable Autoplay in Previews
It’s not every day a simple settings change makes the news the way this has. I’ve seen headlines ranging from pure excitement and celebration to the relief that accompanies removing a rock from your shoe. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how past decisions impact the end user now. What setting or “feature” within your organization or product would result in such a newsworthy response?
How do SaaS Startups Make Money?
This question came to me on a popular Q&A site. I thought it may also be helpful to many of you questioning how you may generate a profit from your product or service, so I am resharing it here with some additional content. First off, let’s define what a SaaS is before we start talking about how they make money. What is a SaaS? “SaaS” (pronounced “Sass”) stands for “Software As A Service”. It is a software licensing and delivery model in which software is made available to the user on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. What does that all mean? It means that rather than having to…
Who Is In Your Camp?
Who do you surround yourself with? Supporters or Critics? Cheerleaders or Complainers? Allies or Attackers? Defenders or Defamers? Friend or Fretter? Who we surround ourselves with is paramount to our success. The business battle is hard enough to succeed in, we don’t need those in our circle pulling us down. This week, take inventory of those around you. Are they helping or hindering? Are they encouraging you or dissuading you? When you build something that matters – something that makes a difference and challenges the norms – there will be blowback. It is in our nature to resist change. However, those who have the courage to press forward and make…
How Is That Working For You? Perhaps Try This Instead
Every day (no exageration), I receive unsolicited emails or LinkedIn messages pimping products or services. The latest batch are in the link building / app development / SEO services realm, but the industries shift. Tomorrow, it may be something else. My question to those taking this approach: how is that working for you? How is mindlessly blasting out unsolicited pitches to random people in hopes of making a sale working? It worked in the era of periodicals and junk mail because it was cheap, easy, and we didn’t know better. We didn’t have data to pick and choose exactly who to target, so a shotgun approach made the most sense…
Pay What You Want Marketing Consulting
As I mentioned in my “A Look Ahead” post, I was inspired by the pricing model of The Mad Optimist, a startup soap and body care company based in Bloomington, Illinois. Their “Choose Your Price” model is an interesting way of balancing the needs of their audience. When asked about the unusual model, the founders discussed their desire to help people who need specialty soaps. Some of those people were more affluent and felt the $10 bar of soap should be $16 or $17 – probably for bragging purposes. Others, those in less affluent parts of the country, would be priced out at $17 per bar of soap – even…
A Look Back: This Year’s Top Blog Posts
Although I have been terrible at keeping to my blogging schedule (the cobbler’s children have no shoes), when I write, it is sparked by something I’ve observed, heard from a business owner, or a common struggle. My goal is to help entrepreneurs reach their own goals – both personally and professionally. I believe there is amazing talent and expertise in each one of you, and I’m here to help remove the roadblocks that may be holding you back. As I look back at this year, there are some commonalities in the types of blog posts that resonated with my readers. There is a real painpoint when it comes to generating,…
What Is the Worst Marketing Strategy?
A legitimate question came in over the weekend: “What is the worst marketing strategy?” In short: spending your resources to get your product in front of the wrong audience. You may be surprised to learn how often this happens- usually unintentionally, and unknowingly. If you’re spending time, effort, or money to get your product/service/widget in front of someone, make sure they are the right someone.
Can We Put It On Social Media?
It’s reasonable to want to use social media to spread a message or promote an idea. In the early days of social, before the notions were conceived and expectations set, it was acceptable to just “put it on social media.” It was almost an afterthought. It was a catch all that received very little intentionality. Now, just “putting it on social media” – without crafting the intent – cheapens the platform, the audience, and the message. We would never mindlessly “put it on a presentation” or “put it on TV”, we would operate with the utmost concern for our cause. Social media can be casual, but it can not be…
A tech company that …
There is no shortage in the news about “a tech company that…” Redfin is a tech company that sells real estate. NIKE is pining to be a tech company that sells shoes. Starbucks is a tech company that sells coffee. WeWork is a tech company that leases office space. McDonald’s is a tech company that serves hamburgers. In a world full of “tech companies that….”, be a human company first.
How to Combat Stage Fright
Aside from the standard advice of how to overcome stage fright, you know the kind: Picture your audience naked (terrible advice)… Rehearse your presentation… Don’t think about what can go wrong… There is one piece of advice that I rarely hear taught, but is perhaps the most powerful way of overcoming your fear of public speaking. Fear of Public Speaking Jerry Seinfeld says, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” The best…
Today’s Emergency
What is causing you particular anxiety? With the never-ending deadlines, emergencies, lists, To Dos, inconveniences, overflowing inbox, and the like, it is easy to lose perspective on the big picture. The big picture being a month, or year, or 5 years from now. How does today’s “emergency” get you closer to the goal one year from now? Does it even matter? Maybe we should triage our emergencies based on our one-year plan?
Receiving and Giving Credit
It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. Harry Truman Most people who crave credit do so out of fear or insecurity. When we operate from an attitude of scarcity, rather than an attitude of abundance, credit becomes our currency. In fact, it becomes a diminishing currency because we must work exponentially harder for it to maintain its value. Whereas, when we intentionally dole out credit – flipping the equation – we actually become more well off since we are viewed more favorably by others (since we are handing out credit), our own attitude becomes others-focused, and we have the benefit of…
Are you money-based or values-based?
We’ve probably all operated a business during tough financial times. In those times, it’s tempting to say yes to projects or clients because of the potential income it may generate. But at what cost? Not all projects will align with the values you have for yourself or your brand. Not all projects will have the pay-off of something you can point to and say, “I did that.” Being proud of your work means it is congruent with what you stand for, not just the dollar signs.
Thin and Forgetful or Real and Memorable
The trend in today’s media is short, snappy, bite-sized bits of information. I think it started with the 140-character Tweets by then, Twttr. Vine (eventually bought and killed by Twitter) raised (or lowerd…?) the bar with looping videos capped at 6 seconds; TikTok limits videos at 15 seconds; investment platform, Robinhood sends out their “Snacks” newsletter; and news media breathlessly interrupts with 10-second “breaking news” segments. These are all designed for “people on the go” – who need to know what’s going on now and don’t have time for the fluff. But so much context lives in the unspoken. Ties are made and dots are connected. The argument I hear…
On Unsubscribe. Or anything really
I recently tried to unsubscribe from Marriott’s email newsletter and promotional list. When I first clicked on “UNSUBSCRIBE”, the generic form forced me to re-enter my email address before unsubscribing (huge annoyance of mine). Next, it showed an a error telling me I could not unsubscribe from their digital mailings online. Instead, I was directed to contact them using their Contact Us page. Not only is this a violation of the CANN-SPAM law here in the United States, it creates such a hellacious experience for the user. Aim to make it as easy for your customer to leave as it is to join. Many of us don’t want to think…
Start by…
Doing 1 push-up Drinking 1 glass of water Paying $1 towards debt Reading 1 page Publishing 1 blog Making 1 sale Deleting 1 old contact Taking 1 photo Donating 1 unused item Walking 1 lap Asking for 1 referral Attending 1 event Start today. Repeat tomorrow.
On Raising Your Price
If you are a specialist, expert, leader, or consultant who has the ability to set their own rates, you may struggle with how to price your services. As if that isn’t difficult enough, what about when it’s time to raise your prices? How do you know how much to charge? How much to increase? Does the rate increase apply to everyone? I am a huge proponent of experts realizing their value and charging what they’re worth. But, if you don’t value your time and skills, there is no way you can expect others to do it for you. Some Indicators It’s Time To Raise Your Prices Sometimes we don’t know…
The Quick Thanks
Take a moment today to find something to be thankful for for each person who crosses your path. If you’re a customer service representative, be thankful for each person who is calling: “thank you that I have the opportunity to help this person.” Be thankful for your co-worker, spouse, partner, trash can emptier, or construction zone flagger. In the moment, you may not realize how much they are making your life easier; a smoother commute, a clean workstation, or sharing the workload. The practice won’t take but a second, but the habit and impact can last a lifetime. And you may be surprised by who benefits the most.
Starve your distraction
What are you passionate about doing? What is keeping you from doing that? In an age where everything is instant, and distractions use powerful psychology against us, it is imperative that we are intentional about our attention. Whether you want to write a book, launch a business, or just fold the laundry, take a hard look at what is distracting you from moving forward with your goal. Don’t let the meaningless replace the meaningful. Take control and starve that distraction. Your purpose is much bigger than some may have you to believe. 
What do you do and how often do you do it?
It said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. I think that could be expanded to include doing the same thing over and over, but not looking for a way to do it more efficiently. Have you ever found yourself repeating a process over and over? Especially at work? Recently, I realized that I was repeatedly doing a task which required 3 to 4 hours each iteration. In truth, much of the content created in those precious hours were boilerplate. Yet it took me years to realize that I could create a mega-template that would satisfy the needs of those who…
On Reputation and Shared Values
Having a connection is critical to the success of the reputation lending and borrowing economy. According to Stoute, “shared values are a critical part of how these things create new reputational capital. Whenever you try to do things without shared values, it does not work; the public sees it, but it looks like money is driving everything. When reputation borrowing or lending takes place, it only works when the impression created is that no money is being exchanged. People have to believe that it is being done with Goodwill, that it is being done for the right reasons, and not because of commerce.” The Reputation Game by David Waller Rupert…
Tabloids Are Not Real Life
There’s an important distinction between the news and tabloids. Ideally, one is made up of facts and substantiated evidence while the other is created entirely for entertainment value. Perusing through today’s headlines, it is difficult to discern what is fact and what is fiction. Modern headlines are specifically designed to elicit an emotional response and nothing else. …except perhaps a click. The strategically worded headlines of today’s media exist only to cause a response and strengthen the confirmation bias. It is not meant to inform, educate, to provide well-balanced discussion. When we get our news from such thin sources – often the headlines alone – it is easy to believe…
Sharing Your Story
Each day, I run into people with unique experiences and expertise. At first thought, it may be hard to think of a topic or two that you have an expertise in, but I promise you: each of us possesses in-depth knowledge that others wish they had. Once you can accept that, you must then overcome a falsehood called “imposter syndrome”. We all have a fear of being seen as a fraud or outed as an imposter. But When we realize that each human battles this to a degree, we can take control of this misleading belief. Who can be made better by hearing your story? Who can hit their goals…
Analysis Paralysis
There’s a careful balance between being paralyzed by analysis and counting the cost before moving forward. General George S. Patton Jr. said, “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.” How true in our lives. Certainly, it is wise to know the cost of the journey before we embark. However, when we allow the analysis phase to hold us back, we often end up taking no action at all. Be wise. Count the cost. But also choose to move forward. Taking action will reveal options that analysis will never find. What are you paralyzed by? What are you allowing to hold you back as…
The Positive Side of Being Overwhelmed
Are you overwhelmed? Overwhelmed as in too many choices. Too many checkboxes on the to do list. Too many emails awaiting your response. Too many priorities begging for your attention. Today I was struck with the conceptual antonym of being overwhelmed. When framed differently, consider that you’re actually blessed with choice. Imagine how many others are working hard right now to be in your exact position. Instead of viewing “too much” as a negative, consider that you are experiencing an abundance. How can you adjust your perspective to see the blessing before you? Now, instead of being overwhelmed, you can proactively choose which path to pursue.
Modern Information: Empty Words Lead to Inaction & Distraction
Countless books, think pieces, Twitter threads, comedy shows, and podcasts have scrutinized the diseased body politic down to its smallest, rottenest internal part. The insight industry is booming. Interesting forms of expertise and cultural capital have been developed. Stars of analysis, wit, and protestation have been born. We are alert as never before to the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court, the rules of Congress, racial and economic injustice, the techniques of propaganda, the elements of malignant narcissism. The ship may be about to hit the iceberg, but we have excellent hypotheses about the captain’s complex childhood and the shortcomings of the hull design. Joseph O’Neill, Real Americans Found in: This…
Media vs News
Are there more bad events happening lately? Or are we just exposed to more? Are there fewer good deeds? Fewer people helping others? More people hurting others? In an age where discord and disagreements seem to flare up everywhere, we must take a moment to realize we are pawns in a game. Seth Godin writes, Over the last twenty years, the mass media has shifted, from “here’s the news,” to, “hey, it’s just media.” As a result, a system has been built in which situations, emergencies and bad news have been packaged and promoted twenty-four hours a day. In the face of that maelstrom of noise, it’s easy to come…
Instead of Complaining About Competition, Actually Compete
Direct-to-Consumer marketplaces are eating up established industries at an unprecedented rate. Savvy entrepreneurs and using today’s technology to solve painpoints in nearly every corner of the market. From movie tickets and ride-services to moving companies and food delivery, consumers have more freedom and choice than ever before. Generally, this is viewed as great news! Except if you’re an established business with little to no interest in … you know, actually competing. Recently, peer-to-peer moving company, Dolly, announced a recent fund raising series. The response? Established moving companies sued to block Dolly’s ability to operate in the state, saying the company did not possess the same licenses required by the larger…
3 Reasons I Gave Up Facebook
I’ve given up Facebook … again. More specifically, I have given up on Facebook. I deleted my profile (the second time since I joined in 2006 or 2007). Why? Three reasons actually: 1. Their Stance on Privacy Recently, Facebook has suffered one privacy blow after another. The information of millions of users have been exposed repeatedly. Facebook arrogantly brushes off these data breaches and generally buries them in a busy newsday, nearly guaranteeing the vast number of their billions of users will be unaware of the issue. Their blog (which you can find here) usually downplays the significance of such privacy violations by using words such as, “some”, “a small…
Social Media Privacy?
Another day, another Facebook privacy disaster. The world’s most prolific social media platform today announced two different security issues. Interestingly enough, they made the announcement the same day as some other big news dropped. I don’t think it is a stretch to believe this timing was unintentional. In its latest privacy-shattering revelation, Facebook says it “unintentionally” uploaded the email contact lists of 1.5 million new users without permission. Following an investigation that stemmed from their earlier admission that it was requesting email passwords from certain new users in order to verify their identities, Business Insider found that the site was then performing an import of the user’s email contact list without…
Social Media’s Business Backlash
British cosmetics company, Lush, is dropping its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts in the UK and is redirecting the 1 million followers to the web, email, and phone for direct consumer communication with the brand. Lush said it was sick of “fighting with algorithms,” and that it did not want to pay for sponsored posts. Lush will keep its North American social accounts which contributed to a 42 percent social growth rate month over month. The choice isn’t so radical when last year a study revealed a third of Gen Z planned to quit social media permanently because it didn’t make them happy. – THE DRUM Don’t miss the significance of this for either side of…
Books I Read in 2018
Creating Great Choices: A Leader’s Guide to Integrative Thinking Fast/Forward: Make Your Company Fit for the Future The Business of Expertise Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute Steward Leader Meditations The Loyalist Team Built for Growth: How Builder Personality Shapes Your Business, Your Team, and Your Ability to Win Win Without Pitching Manifesto Risk: Doing the Ridiculous to See the Miraculous The CEO Next Door: The 4 Behaviors that Transform Ordinary People into World-Class Leaders Circle Makers The Reputation Game: The Art of Changing How People See You Well-Designed: How to Use Empathy to Create Products People Love Of Mess and Moxie
About Blogging for Digital Marketing Agencies
I was asked, “Why do you think it is really worth it the write a blog in a digital marketing agency” Others have addressed some of the reasons blogging for business is good, overall. Specific to a digital marketing agency, I think it serves a few purposes: Practice what you preach It is highly effective Gives you a playground I find it incredibly disheartening when an “expert” proclaims one thing and seems to do the opposite, or at least something very different. As a digital marketing agency, you should be utilizing the best practices of the industry, and experimenting to find your own (Point #3, above). If an agency can…
What are the topics to write about for a digital marketing agency as a content creator?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. QUESTION: What are the topics to write about for a digital marketing agency as a content creator? ANSWER: As I have said many times, understanding your target or ideal client is the first place to start. Understanding and developing empathy for them will help you hone your content and the tone in which you use. As a digital marketing agency, you see the importance of using content to attract those ideal folks. This works because, when people have questions, they turn to…
How to Become a Freelancer with No Experience
I’ve heard many times that as soon as you start getting paid for you work, you’ve officially “made it.” That once you have your first client, everything will fall into place and get easier. While both those statements are true, they don’t do anything to help encourage new freelancers to begin their careers. Almost every freelancer starts off with zero experience and no clients. Everyone has to start from scratch and although it can be challenging and frustrating, it can be done. Here are three tips to becoming a freelancer with no experience: Build a Portfolio of Personal Work Prospective clients want to see your work in action. If you’re…
Big Rocks, Little Rocks, Sand, and Water
We learn about order of operations in elementary mathematics. The idea that a process must follow a pre-scripted series of steps to insure the correct answer is found. Order of operations does not apply to just math equations. In fact, it applies to everything from financial decisions, HTML code, product launches, publishing a blog post, and prioritizing your company’s resources. Consider you have a large jar. Around it, you have a collection of large and small rocks, a pail of water, and a bucket of sand. If you pour the sand in first, you can be assured the rest of the material will not fit in the jar. Same with…
An Ecommerce, Content Marketing, Affiliate Marketing Dilemma
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. QUESTION: I have an e-commerce store and I want to start blogging for it. I not only want to blog about my products but also write about other topics for affiliate marketing revenue. Should I just do blogging on my store website (www.domainname.com/blog)? or should I start blogging on a separate channel and call it “blog.domainname.com”? How would it affect my page ranking? ANSWER: Great question! Content marketing (the use of content to attract a targeted audience) is a powerful and…
How much should you charge a small business for monthly social media content creation and management?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Hi there, I wish I could give you an exact amount — or even a decent range. But, in reality, the answer is it depends. There are a number of factors I would use to quote this. Some of those factors include: How much content, and what kind, is being created? How much time are you expected to put into strategy, planning, and vision casting? How much time are you expected to devote to answering and replying to incoming queries? How…
Social Media Marketing in 2018: Next Steps
I’ve resisted the urge to write about the Facebook privacy meltdown and ensuing faux-panic. In truth, I believe most of the controversy is entirely overblown and extreme examples are being made. But they are being made, nonetheless. And Facebook isn’t helping itself. Where does that leave businesses? Many feel that they “must do something” as a small, yet vocal, subset of consumers and lawmakers are calling for “something” to be done. We’ve seen large brands like Tesla, SpaceX, Mozilla, and Playboy all say they are giving up their Facebook presence. Another outcry. Another PR-driven opportunity to “take a stand.” Late last year, for the first time ever, Facebook reported a…
Your Brand’s Brand
Throughout history, we’ve used branding to mark everything from bread to livestock. Bakers would cut unique marks in their bread dough as a way to signal trust to their consumers. Ranchers used iron to sear their brand and track commingling cattle. Today, we associate branding with our businesses. Branding serves the same purpose: to give consumers, workers, and users a sense of what to expect. Actors use their personal brand to build anticipation around their upcoming theatrical release. Companies backfill their brand with “Best Place to Work” awards or Fortune recognition. Automobile manufactures intentionally place their logo on cars where we expect to see — the brand. Brands work best…
Your Circle
Literary giants C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and Hugo Dyson famously gathered at an Oxford pub called The Eagle and Child (which you can still visit today). The group, known affectionately as The Inklings served as both inspiration and support for one another. They read published works, shared manuscripts, and discussed life and social issues. Perhaps surprising to learn, even after each had written wildly successful pieces, they each battled their own insecurities, self-doubt, creative drought, and personal issues. Sound familiar? Have you ever suffered from the internal battle? Have you ever doubted yourself and your abilities? Have you ever wondered why you’re doing what you’re doing? Have you ever thought about getting “a…
The Case for a Beautiful Website
Many of the expert entrepreneurs I talk to are passionately consumed with the details. The little things that go into making a beautiful website – perhaps choosing from 1000s of font and color combinations. Or obsessing over a competitor’s website. Or wanting a carbon copy of something they’ve seen. While I can support attention to detail, we must also remember utility. And the fact that we should provide a service to our clients. If the client cannot navigate the site, find what they are looking for, or feel pressured into contacting you before they get information- they’ll leave. You’ve lost the sale. In addition to aesthetics, remember usability, functionality, and…
What are the best digital marketing practices in recent times?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. You asked, “What are the best digital marketing practices in recent times?” It is a bit of an unanswerable question. There are so many variables that could be considered “the best” depending who you are and your purpose. Email spam is highly effective. As are the promises of money from foreign royalty. Website exit-intent popups work well — for some brands. For others, they fall on their face and drive angry mobs to social media. Content marketing continues to rule as…
I’m starting an influencer marketing agency. How much should my hourly rates for my services be?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Hi! And congratulations for starting your marketing agency. You asked, “I am starting an influencer marketing agency. How much should my hourly rates for my services be?” First: you’re going about it backwards. Having an hourly rate is fine for internal purposes, but should not be on any external (client-facing) materials. To determine what you need to make hourly (again, for internal reasons). Use the following formula: Determine the income you want to generate annually Determine how many work days you…
Are You Helping Your Next Customer Buy From You?
Think of the last big ticket item you purchased. Likely, you started your journey online. You did some basic research, read reviews, compared products, did your due diligence, etc. Then, maybe, you reached out to a brand directly? Not always, but, if you had a question, you probably sought out an answer from a trusted source. Before you committed, you educated yourself. Now, let’s switch hats. Now you’re the leader of the brand selling big ticket items. You know there is uncertainty in the mind of your buyer. You know there are conflicting pieces of information floating out there. You know what the customers should know before deciding on a…
Time Invested is not Time Wasted
We live in an ever-connected society. The technology that was supposed to make our lives easier, actually makes it more frantic. Our need to be connected often shortcuts our ability to connect with those around us. The same with time. Our time-saving technology has tricked us into believing that there is a microwave option for nearly everything. We can summon rideshares, check real-time reports, gauge user response, and click ourselves to exotic far off lands through the lens of a smartphone. What we forget is the long game. The view that is only accessible by taking the walking path. Or the efforts now that will help us next week, or…
The Social Media Algorithm and Your Business
“Every day we’d be having meetings saying, ‘What was Facebook’s algorithm change today, and what can we do?’ It was always an issue,” said Jessica Rotkiewicz, who worked as a news and branded content producer at LittleThings until she was laid off last April. “At the end of the day, the company was relying on another party they couldn’t control.” Digiday highlighted a small ecommerce company, LittleThings. As the company grew from their modest beginnings in the pet supplies industry to a social media favorite sharing inspiring content, they realized they had an unhealthy dependency on Facebook. On a whim, Facebook could adjust their algorithm and decimate the viewership of…
How do I know that video marketing and content can introduce customers to me?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. In short: video and content marketing can work for anyone. Of course, there are very, very few exceptions. Where most entrepreneurs and marketers miss the mark is creating content that their audience does not find engaging. After publishing a few non-engaging pieces, the marketer gives up and claims that content/video marketing does not work. For best success, take a long, hard look at your ideal audience. Understand their needs, frustrations, and struggles. Then, identify how your product/service can solve those problems…
Comparison is the thief of…
Not only is comparison is the thief of joy, but also: Relationships Intimacy Friendship Satisfaction Pleasure Creativity If you must, maintain comparison in the periphery. But you are better served to define your own strategy and blaze your own trail. Copying someone else will always land you in second place. They are not fighting your battles just like you are not fighting theirs.
The Social Media Echo Chamber
What many users of social media do not realize is they are the product being sold. More specifically, access to them (the users) is what is being sold. Advertisers will spend mounds of money for access to specific people. The more specific, the more money those advertisers will pay. So, naturally, it is in the best interest of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Medium, and Snapchat to keep users coming back. Ideally, more frequently and for longer periods of time. Additionally, it is important for those users to feel good about being on those sites. Because, who wants to hang out where they don’t feel good? So platforms like Facebook,…
Don’t Let Your ‘How To’ Posts Destroy Credibility
Lately I’ve seen a lot of “How To” posts from industry “experts” intentionally misleading readers. The series of posts that sparked this one is a recent trend advertising that they have the steps for readers to gain verification on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. In fact, I’ve seen three posts today with the title, “How To Get Verified on Instagram”. All three posts from different brands or consultants whose services are to help small business owners grow their social media presence. The problem: you cannot initiate verification on Instagram. They pick you. You can do things that better your odds of verification, and that is what the content of these…
Playing Politics In Business
DISCLAIMER: This post contains political topics. I am not going to debate the merits of the topics themselves; this post talks of a brand’s response to an issue. You can replace guns with any topic you wish and the argument stands. Thursday, the outdoors equipment retailer, REI, decided they needed to be in the pro-gun/anti-gun debate. If you’re keeping track, that list includes Delta, United Airlines, Enterprise Holdings, Dicks Sporting Goods, Walmart, Kroger, MetLife — and now REI. It is beyond puzzling why a giant corporation decides to jump into political hot-button issues where they are likely to alienate half of their base. It is possible to have an opinion or personal stance about a…
As a small business with little content, can I benefit from marketing automation?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. ABOSLUTELY! In fact, utilizing marketing automation is likely to result in some great benefits for your company that will allow you to create more content and further improve the business. The thing about marketing automation most business leaders fail to recognize, is that it is not “set it and forget.” It is a constant evolution and improvement to your systems. Additionally, it does not need to overtake your entire sales and marketing process at once. You can automate a piece at…
I Don’t Know
Three very powerful words. Takes a lot of courage to admit that you don’t know something. In a world where we reward know it all’s, experts, and the “always right”, it is refreshing to find someone who can admit they are not Encyclopedia Brown. Perhaps even more impactful words, the ones the lead to real change: “…but I will find out.” With this mentality, we develop a community of insightful leaders. Rather than staying stuck with what they don’t know, they press forward with a commitment to learn more. Imagine the impact you can have to those around you when you approach each problem with an open mind and the…
Confusing Complexity with Capability
Last week, I met with two different entrepreneurs, in two very different industries. Yet they had the same problem. Internal complexity masking as capability. Any consulting session with me generally starts with a discussion about where you are, and where you want to go. It includes me asking a series of clarifying questions to get to the root of the frustration you’re facing. Often, the problem isn’t what has been self-diagnosed. If it were, you would have fixed it instead of calling me. (grin) These pointed questions often reveal layers and layers of complexity that have built up over time within the organization. Not just layers of management, or layers…
The ‘No-Win’ Mentality
If recent tragedies have highlighted anything, is that we do not know how to debate or conduct meaningful dialog. A difference of opinion should be welcomed and heard out. Differing points of view provide us a force multiplier. Rather than 10+10, we should be dealing with 10×10. Complex issues demand the ability to view a problem from multiple perspectives, identify contributing factors, offer solutions to each factor, and continual reassessment. Instead, we pick one or two possible solutions and wave them as a “One Size Fits All” answer to a problem requiring 10, 20, or even 100 smaller answers. On top of that, we are quick to argue, tear down,…
With the Recent flood of “internet marketing coaches”, what does the future of the marketing world look like?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. As others have mentioned, this is not recent flood. Anytime folks see what they presume to be low-hanging fruit, they will flood into the market. The market becomes saturated and eventually corrects. The real experts survive and the bottom-feeders drown. It happens in every industry from real estate to wedding photographers and lemon farmers to social media. The true coaches are pretty unbothered by this. They will continue to learn, experiment, build a moat of expertise, and help their clients. The…
Filtering Your Ecommerce Photos is a Mistake
Without a doubt, the barrier to worldwide commerce has been lowered – if not destroyed – by the internet. Data from Statista anticipates a 246.15% increase in worldwide ecommerce sales, from $1.3 trillion in 2014 to $4.5 trillion in 2021. That’s a nearly threefold lift in online revenue. The idea of a local tribe trading goods and services exclusively is long gone. Now, we can buy everything from snow to an original poster for the 1932 movie, Freaks with the click of a button. An analysis by Slice Intelligence found that, in 2016, 43% of all US online retail sales were done through Amazon. Not only that, but many third-party brands leveraged the retail giant’s…
Cultivate a Culture of Compassion
Compassion is seeing a long face and genuinely asking what’s wrong. Compassion is seeing another struggle and offering to help. Compassion is knowing the news will be bad, but asking anyway. Compassion is the essence of care and concern and being willing to help when possible. Compassion is digging deeper than the glossy surface. It is seeking to learn more, even if it will be unfavorable for you. It is getting out of your own safety and security to help another in a bad situation. It is inconvenient. It is easy to pass over and ignore. It takes intentionality. But the payoff is without measure. The impact you have on…
You’re a Media Company Now
It doesn’t matter whether you sell houses, cupcakes, yoga sessions, or treadmills, you are a media company. Or, at least should be thinking you are. Let’s look at today’s consumers. Today’s consumers care about the origins of the products they use. Today’s consumers care about the people behind the products. Today’s consumers want to understand the market before buying. Today’s consumers want to be educated enough to make the right decision. Today’s consumers care about what others have to say about products and services. Now, let’s look at traits of a successful media company. A media company excels at telling the story of a product; how it came to be,…
Where to Start Your Content Marketing
Many entrepreneurs struggle to use content marketing because they don’t know where to start. Yet, they repeatedly hear that content marketing is the way to get new customers. Yes, it is a tactic that has repeatedly proven that it can get more customers, nurture prospects, retain existing clients, and boost exposure to your brand. I feel for those entrepreneurs. I realize it can be hard to know where to start. You’re are already busy, you don’t need to add another “thing” to your To Do list – only to have it not work. The beauty is in the simplicity. If you’re going to use blogging, share something that educates your next…
Your Best Birth! Online Childbirth Education Course by Alise Marsh
This is part of my new series, Shoutout Saturday, where I highlight amazing accomplishments, big wins, and triumphs from those within my circle. Some are clients, some are peers; but their work deserves attention. My friend, Alise Marsh, has been working tirelessly to launch an online version of her childbirth education series. She has been a certified doula for many years and assisted with countless births! Over those years, she has helped expectant mothers and families prepare for the birth experience, understanding birth options, finding clarity in the unknown, and how to navigate labor and delivery choices. Her online course is an extension of her passion. An opportunity to reach…
What are the best ways to contact businesses as a freelancer besides email?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Hi there, when you ask, “What are the best ways to contact businesses as a freelancer besides email?” I assume you want to contact them to pitch your business. Can I offer a better solution? Think of the last time you received an unsolicited email pitching the services of a company. How seriously did you take them? How relevant was it to you at the time? How much trust did it instill in their brand? I believe unsolicited email advertisements are incredibly…
What You Can Learn From The “Big 4” About Building Your Brand Platform
Google recently announced some changes to their popular email platform, Gmail. Without getting into all the technical aspects of what “AMP” means (it is an acronym for Accelerated Mobile Pages – which means webpages load lightning fast on mobile devices like your phone), it means users of Gmail will be able to do more without leaving their email message. For example, you can Pin content to your Pinterest Boards without opening a new window or the Pinterest app. You can confirm airline reservations or change seats without opening your preferred airline app. I am a fan of removing steps and reducing friction between tasks and I am happy to see…
Valentines Day for Entrepreneurs
I have long thought the made up holiday of Valentine’s Day is eye-roll worthy. A capitalistic approach to drive greeting card sales, flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. A single day with such focus highlights broken relationships, places undue pressure on one party, creates unspoken expectations, and creates a culture of “One and Done.” My question: why does it have to center around one day? If you love someone, shouldn’t you show that affection throughout the year? The same for marketers. When we create a culture of “one and done” in business, allow unspoken expectations to exist, and place undue pressure on our clients/partners/prospects/and peers to perform, we are setting everyone up…
Your Business, 2 Years From Today
The savvy business leader is looking at tomorrow and beyond. She is aware of the challenges today, but focused on the challenges of what is coming up. She is looking at the horizon, around the corner, seeing the unseen. I see many entrepreneurs fail to invest in their business today because they are obsessed with the challenges of today. This approach lends to a continual cycle of reactive actions. Always feeling like you are a little behind. Constantly putting out fires. It leads to knee-jerk reactions rather than smooth transitions. Not only that, it gives competitors an advantage. The farmer invests in the future by planting seeds before he needs…
Where can one obtain a short training to be a good freelance marketer
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. I applaud your desire to be a great freelance marketer. It is an exciting and fulfilling career choice! This answer has many parts, mainly because running a freelance business has many facets. You will want to take some basic business courses to understand how you should operate your business. This will cover accounting, client communication, organizational flow, etc. You will want to take some basic marketing course to understand how to get more clients as a freelance marketer. This will cover…
Encouragement. For you.
You matter. You have a message worth sharing. You are changing the world. You are good enough. You inspire someone. Your words resonate with readers. I talk a lot about content marketing, using social media, how vanity metrics don’t matter, how being helpful and giving of yourself will result in more customers. Let me encourage you: It works. Someone is reading, even when you can’t tell. Your message is meeting someone where they are, when they need you the most – even if they have never made themselves known to you. They are out there. Reading, listening, watching, and learning. Analytics paint incomplete pictures, don’t get hung up on the…
Advantages of an Advisory
My client watched his business grow from two locations to seven in seven years. On the surface, this isn’t a bad pace. But when we dig into the details, we see how the growth happened. It started slowly, the first two stores were in operation for about five years before Store 3 and Store 4 opened within a year of each other. The ownership is a frugal and methodical bunch. Conservative in finances, staffing, and decision making, overall. They have deeply ingrained core values that serve as a strong foundation for the first chapter of their story. Then construction started on Store 5 just as an opportunity for Store 6…
Are We A Good Fit?
You wouldn’t commit to marrying the first person to talk to you in a crowded bar. Nor would you buy the first car you see in your favorite color. Everyday, we evaluate, vet, and aim to select the best option for us in the moment. Except in sales. Freelancers, consultants, and entreprenuers often commit to partnering with someone at the first sign of interest. We disregard redflags, imagine to the best possible outcome, and put the sale ahead of our own survival instincts. Instead, we should have a method of filtering potential partners (this includes clients, customers, business partners, and teammates). Consider: Do I like this person? Will we work…
Negative Reviews Are Opportunities Many Entrepreneurs Miss
If you deal with clients or customers, chances are high that someone will be upset or displeased with your service. Not only that, but they will leave a negative review on every platform they can think of. The web has given a platform for user reviews on a scale that businesses of yesteryear did not need to concern themselves with. Recently, one of my clients had negative reviews left on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and an industry forum. The review was scathing and the reviewer held no punches. The problem? They were not even a customer of my client. The reviewer had the wrong business. As I was coaching my client through…
Under what circumstances would it be appropriate to turn down business from an existing or potential client?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Knowing when to accept or turn down work is an essential skill for freelancers or contractors. Most of the time, our clients are easy to work with and the job goes fairly smoothly. Other times, however, it is best to avoid them altogether. Some examples of when you may want to turn down business from an existing client or potential client would be: A conflict of interest A job/project outside your skillset A lack of time on your part to take…
Your Strategic Toolshed
In the world of ecommerce, shovels and gloves have little in common. One is categorized in Tools while one is categorized in Fashion. When it comes to digging a hole, both can help do the job, but one is far more efficient than the other. When it comes to protecting our hands, there is a clear winner. No contest. When we add the word “garden”, the whole formula changes and we have the context to see a connection between shovels and gloves. Experience is knowing how to use one to dig a hole while using the other to protect our hands. Just having an assortment of tools in your shed…
Where Are You Starting?
Directions to New York City vary greatly depending on where you’re coming from. Not only will your route vary, but so will your mode of transportation. Without knowing the starting point, is hard to give a clear explanation of how to get to your destination. The same is true in marketing. It’s easy to discuss your destination, your goals, objectives, and campaigns. We can point to others who have done it well. But without knowing where you’re coming from, your journey is off to a tough start. – Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
How Buying Social Media Followers Erodes Trust In Your Brand
The news is tripping all over itself to report on the widespread habit of brands and celebrities buying social media followers. The practice has been around for awhile, but is finally going mainstream and people are talking about it. What does it mean for a leader or brand? It means that we have to look beyond vanity metrics that can easily be skewed. The number of followers you have makes NO DIFFERENCE to your business. You can have 1 follower and sell a million dollars of product. Alternatively, you can have a million followers and go out of business for a lack of sales. – Note: I wrote this post…
What Separates a Good Salesperson From a Bad Salesperson
Sales is a cutthroat business! Yet a necessary one. Some of us may be naturally gifted at closing the deal, while others battle an internal voice telling us we cannot sell. Being “good at sales” is actually “being good at people”. People have needs. We have solutions. Since mankind has existed, we have been in some form of trade (or, “sales”). Whether we’re dealing sheep, berries, airplanes, or software, we exchange what we have for what we want. “You want sheep to better your farm and produce wool for your family? I have an excess of sheep. Let’s make a deal.” Standardized currency drastically changed the game; no longer did…
What’s your most valuable advice for startups?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Startups are volatile, emotional, stressful, rewarding, and overwhelming – all at the same time. Too often, they fail for a few simple reasons: Pride Not understanding the problem your audience is facing Not understanding your role in solving that problem For founders of startups, I recommend: Have crystal clear core values: What do you stand for as an organization, what don’t you stand for? It may seem strange to put this before “business” advice, but your company culture will start to take shape…
Moving My Website From One Host to Another
There are more than 3,500,000 Google search results for moving my website from one host to another host. For website owners and operators, this is a serious question. One that is packed with technical steps, detailed processes, and a specific order of operations – mess any of them up and your website could stop working altogether. Seriously, moving website hosts is a tedious and frustrating ordeal for those of us who don’t do it on a daily basis. I ran into this about 8 months ago when I was so fed up with our old website host that I started exploring alternatives. In truth, the idea of having to move our…
What is the best tool/platform to use to make an online course?
This question is a part of my Free Q&A Series where I answer questions posed by entrepreneurs around the world on sites like Quora, Clarity, and various freelancing forums. Congrats on preparing to launch your online course. From personal experience, I know that they are a fun and lucrative way to grow your business and your brand. There are a few approaches to hosting your online course. There are options like Teachable and Thinkific – both are solid choices. They are both on the easier-to-setup end of the spectrum. I recommend them for your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test your theory or prove your concept. The ease of use…
You Want to Buy It?
Over and over, I hear of salespeople getting frustrated. Discouraged that they cannot hit their sales goals. Frustrated that they cannot get a new client to commit. Anxious about the lack of monthly revenue. Yet over and over, I don’t hear them asking the question that changes it all. Freelancers, cupcake shops, consultants, coaches, headband makers, or photographers – to generate revenue and make a difference in your business, you must be willing to close the deal. You have to take the risk, take action, be uncomfortable. You must ask the question: “Do you want to buy it?” – Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash
Hate Has No Place In Your Organization
I hope we can all agree that hate has no place within your company. However, hate manages to be present even when we don’t realize it. Hiding in unlikely places. It hides in anomosity, resentment, hostility, antagonism, revenge, antipathy, griping, and spite. If allowed to fester, the many faces of hate eat away at company culture, employee happiness, and long-term success. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love… Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding.” Within your…
2018 Is The Year of Strategy
Last year, the goal of my agency was to speak with 100 entrepreneurs and business owners. The industries ranged from health and fitness to specialty foods; real estate to solid waste; and wedding planning to personalized calligraphy. And two food trucks! More than 500 hours was spent in one-on-one conversation with people passionate about their business. Each of these individuals expressed one unified frustration: what do I do next? They all had an idea of where they wanted to go, but lacked the vision to see what step to take next. They imagined their business expanding, hiring employees, utilizing social media better to capture new customers, improving their brand awareness,…
