Tag Archives: #branding

Infographic: Facebook Vs. Pinterest (via Bloomreach.com)

22 Jul

Pinterest is the clear winner based on numbers we can clearly see.

However whether you use Pinterest, Facebook, twitter or any combination from the social media world- You need to be deeply immersed in Social Media.

Make sure you have a defined presence.
Brand and rebrand yourself all over the net using social media. Twitter, tumblr, wordpress, digg, pinterest, stumble upon, et al- get your message out there. Repeatedly.
And Cohesively folks.
You want a unified front not pedantic ramblings or foolish words and pictures that don’t correlate with your brand and or product. Everything should tie in.

#thriveorsurvive.

No one goes to the Olympics for silver.

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Infographic: Building Your Brand In 9 Minutes A Day

7 Jul

This is a damn great post I found on Pinterest.
Branding is a big deal folks. It will show people the way and the truth of who you and or your business are.
Branding can seem like a lot of work- well here is a quick way to get your start.

#thriveorsurvive

No one goes to the Olympics for silver.

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#thriveorsurvive

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Social Resume [Infographic]

23 Jan

In 2013 the most effective resumes extend far beyond your dad’s one-sheet-of-paper rule since most employers look to social media to find the right candidate.

Looking to jumpstart your career search using social media?
Then this infographic from OnlineColleges.com provides quite a few amazing ideas on how to promote your personal brand so potential employers will take note and make that call.

#thriveorsurvive.

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3 Reasons Your Social Community Is Shrinking

16 Dec

3 Reasons Your Social Community Is Shrinking

Often times Marketers think they know what their communities want. Soon though that snazzy content marketing strategy is prompting people to unfollow, unclick and or unsubscribe. I found a few reasons why so let’s break it down folks.

Too Many Updates.
You know the guy at work who says hi 40 times a day. Or the cousin you are fond of but they call you 3 times a day to repeat the same facts or update you on the facts from five minutes ago. My personal pet peeve is the facebook guy who posts all his food pics, plays 8 different Facebook games with those 80 accompanying updates. O-M-G. Facebook forced me to go groundhog. Well not Facebook, I won’t slander them. Its the medium of choice for over a billion people worldwide (a great place for recruiting, marketing, and plain old friendship).
The point is this: Too many updates pushes people away.. Good timing, concise posts will win over fans and create business. Less is more folks.

Inaccurately Representing your brand.
Everyone hates being tricked. Fact. Pure and simple. According to the study I consulted 22% of users felt betrayed by a brand forcing them to disconnect from said brand. That’s a large loss for the companies who cheat clients whether it be inadvertent or not. When you misrepresent your brand to grow your social media fan base you are building the proverbial house on sand. The social media community is quite savvy and when you cross em they are in the wind. And that’s if you’re lucky. Hopefully word won’t spread and burn you. See yelp results to see where I’m going with this. Be genuine. Be authentic with all your moves and you will be doubly successful.

There’s No Value in Maintaining Connection.
The people who like your fan page, follow you on Twitter and buy your products do so because a connection was made. They love your product. They believe your spiel isn’t rhetoric. And indeed it shouldn’t be. When it is you have failed from the get go. That’s a lesson for another article. Be more than products. Create Value.. Be a friend and be a provider of quality. Purveyors of greatness rarely are flawless but they are always real. People rally behind them. Be great.

One parting thought- 16% of the people in the survey I consulted listed other as the reason they ‘disengaged’ from a brand. This may not help but we can assume these are people who left twitter, facebook, stumbleupon, and the like. So that is a good metric even if indirectly so.

Lastly, what key strategies do you have in place to avoid losing members of your social media communities?

#thriveorsurvive.

“Better understated than overstated. Let people be surprised that it was more than you promised and easier than you said.”
-Jim Rohn

“It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.”. -Jim Rohn

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The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog- Part #3

3 Dec

The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog- Part #3

Ok folks I changed the title- like it better?
I think its a neater version; concise. So I’m going to round out this trifecta with 4 more tips.

Customer Support Help.
Getting repeat questions from your customers? Are people intrigued by the same issues- or perhaps they are befuddled by one step in your process? Well the easy cool way to fix this is to make a blog post for each issue that pops up often. It takes the burden off your customer support department- which in the early days if your anything like me is just you. Your small business has enough challenges so let’s meet this one head on and kill two birds with one stone. This also shows customers and potential clients that you are dedicated and serious about helping your customers.

Author Credibility.
Want to make your Ceo POP? Perhaps you want to have more of your key employees share their insights and let new ones shine. Well your blog is the place to do it. Doing this will give your employees (and the CEO) some ‘street cred’ and make them feel good. Make this more effective by having every author create a Google+ profile. If they have one, let them take it up a notch. And adding the aforementioned Google Authorship status will really make your business and your blog shine.
Last step- don’t make every post just admin posts.

blog comments and commentors are heaven.. Did I say heaven? I meant pure gold. These comments are essentially you and your customers and clients dialoguing. It gives you key insight and ideas for the future. You can mine this gold for better products or great blog posts too.
It takes a bit of effort and time to comment on a blog post so anyone who takes the time is worth a look. Ask questions, comment, but speak up. These people are potential clients, business partners and more. You may find a twitter worth following or that testimonial for your site you’ve been looking for. Also these comments and your replies add meat to your blog. They also do this for both you and your readers when it comes to search engines. This will make your blog better and easier to index.

Blogging Shows you are still in the game, Still Relevant, Still in Business.
Ever look at a companies website and its obviously dated? You guys know what I mean- the 1990’s theme and scheme aka bad layout. Did you see any social media links or an embed button? Pinterest?
If the site has a blog, is it old with the last post dated 1 year ago or worse? People don’t blog if you won’t do it frequently. Google wants to see you blogging often if you are going to be considered active and worth revisiting regularly and re-indexing. If your site isn’t updated often that tells Google to visit you less. It lowers your sites value to Google. This may even cause Google to rank you lower and lower.

The blog will build for you almost on autopilot, you just have to blog regularly.

For tips and help see my pal @blogheavy. He’s sharp and sets up and manages blogs for small and large businesses. If not feel free to contact me here.

#thriveorsurvive.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

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The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog- Part #2

2 Dec

The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog- Part #2

Well folks now that you cut your teeth on the first part- let’s embark on part two of this magical journey into why your company needs a blog.

Rich Snippets, CTR and Google Authorship.
Ever seen those pics when you do a Google search of the authors face and then the topic underlined etc etc? Well that guy or gal is hooked up with Google Authorship and that look they have is what you see through Google SERPs.
Why do these rock? They have a higher CTR aka click-through rate. Statistics have shown that that posts with a Google+ portrait in search results are s-5 times more likely to be clicked- and that means more traffic, more hits, more followers and ultimately more conversions. Nice.

Social Media posts rock- but You own your blog content.
And you also benefit directly from it.
Facebook might say you naw bro, you violated terms. Twitter goes down some times and if you’ve seen recent news- they are cracking down here and there. Pinterest may come down with a case of the buyouts and you never know what the new parent company will opt to do. I could make a longer list but this suffices.
When you post to social media outlets you get some benefits. You close some sales. However they get millions and millions of pages that Google will index. Then they sell more advertising, get better stock valuations-and its all thanks to you.
So you should give them their pages to index in my opinion, without question.
Just don’t let blogging be under-sold or left out of the equation.

Obtaining fans/followers on your site is pretty sure to help achieve your business goals.
Want people to buy your products? Maybe call about your services or fill out a lead generation form? Any of the above and more work more friends and I guarantee you want all of it.
Well folks- people who read your blog are twice as likely to convert or more.
Blogging puts the odds in your favor.

Blog posts have much longer shelf lives.
Ezines, tweets, fb pages and the likes are fleeting, and will be forgotten or lost in the comings days, weeks, and months. Furthermore every timeline refresh pushes you to the side..
Your blog is a great place to create timeless content and focus on matters that either you care about or that are extremely relevant. Not to say you shouldn’t tweet and post about current events, elections and the like. However the important stuff is what you want people to see. Now and later, and all published on your blog.

#thriveorsurvive.

“Myself, Right, Through
An ignorant person with a bad character is like an unarmed robber, but a learned person with a blog is a robber fully armed.”
-Mickey Kaus

Thoughts? Concerns?
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The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog- Part #1

1 Dec

The Top Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Blog/b>

Everyone needs a blog. A great blog let’s people see what you and your company are about. So let’s make a strong list and get you on the right path. Here’s 5 quick tips.

A blog let’s visitors know you are on point..
Simple and easy folks. A blog will be a simple tool, almost a literary dialog that people can use to get to know you and your brand. They won’t buy products they don’t know. Show your expertise, let it speak for you. This will make them confident in spending both their time and money with you.

A Blog Builds More Traffic.
Sounds like heaven to many of my fellow entrepreneurs. It is real folks. If you blog regularly- and well- heck get it half right and you will draw the world of social media in. This will definitely bring more visitors to your sites. This can even add links to you from other sites, which brings the next point into focus.

Blog = SEO.
The more content you have on your site the better your chances of ranking much higher in Google search results for the keyword phrases Google will be looking for in anything you post. Every search engine is looking for pages that are specific, and from that viewpoint every post is a page. Ex: to rank in 90 different keyword phrases you need literally 90 separate posts. And each post/page has to be dedicated to a single concept aka keyword phrase.
You simply won’t rank well if you have about four pages. You know the typical spiel used: contact, about us, Meet the guy who….

Blog posts are link bait folks.
I’m pretty sure you all know that links from other sites to yours- aka inbound links and or backlinks are a key factor for getting higher results in your sites SERPs. Ill wager everyone also knows its hard to get a site to link from theirs to yours.
Most people won’t want to link to your home page, but you can lure them with great and useful content on your blog.
Lastly- when you see a good piece of content please include a link to that blog. The chance they return the favor rises astronomically.

A Blog is “Eats” For Social Media.
In the same way that you won’t rank well without blog posts its hard to get anyone anywhere to share your links on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ if you don’t blog consistently about interesting topics. Content and consistency in great blog posts will get people posting about your blog posts all over the social media world. Valuable Content gets shared throughout all Social Media. And don’t forget that all those social media links will help with your SEO. Both Bing and Google see the sharing of your posts as proof positive you are your site is considered valuable. And that will be used to rank your sites. Another bonus is you get more direct visitors from these social media links.

One last thought: these blog posts give you something to post on any and all of your social media accounts.
Hey folks even I run out of things to say some days.

#thriveorsurvive.

“Do today what you want for your tomorrows.” ~ Robert Kiyosaki

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#Marketing Tip:

16 Oct

#Marketing Tip:
A key part of building your brand is promoting a polished and consistent image. Your image is reflected in everything that represents your business – logo, business card, packaging, tag-line, etc. To make a lasting impression, be sure every aspect of your marketing strategy mirrors that image in design, color and overall appearance.

http://www.memarketgroup.com

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Consumers, Creators and Consistency

16 Sep

Consumers, Creators and Consistency.

There are very few people who will accept responsibility for their situation. PERIOD. Sorry folks but its the first step to financial freedom and entrepreneurial ecstasy.
In fact I’ll take it a step further and state that most people don’t know whether they are consumers, creators, and if they are even consistent in any fashion. Let’s break this down friends.

-Consumer.
A consumer consumes, period.
From dictionary.com:
consumer[ kuh n-soo-mer ]. noun
1. a person or thing that consumes.
2. a person or organization that uses a commodity or service.
3. an organism, usually an animal, that feeds on plants or other animals.
That’s it its simple. They consume but don’t create. A classic consumer is the individual who garners a small check through labor or income through others and in turn only spends on goods that own no value.
The average consumer is just that, a consumer. They don’t contribute to society in a meaningful way. They don’t seek financial freedom. They do however have the newest Beats by Dre. They have new sneakers every quarter at a minimum. And they also lack savings or financial planning let alone financial savvy of any sort. They either don’t care or blame it on the wealthy and while this is enticing its also a cheap way out. Sorry folks. I’m the first one to admit he loves possessions. However I will give back. I do volunteer. I have done community service. This blog is also free and I have a few students that will not be sold my ventures and will only be given free education in their finances and entrepreneurial drive. I also work and have a few ventures. I’m not better than anyone, I just see that we have to work all the avenues. Join me in doing so.

-Creators.
Creators are those who find avenues of financial growth. They not only consume but they create product and tools and services. They don’t simply work for income. They create income. They build futures and provide jobs.
From dictionary.com:
creator[ kree-ey-ter ]. noun
1. a person or thing that creates.
2. God.
Now we aren’t God. So working with only the first definition we see that we have to create to step above the rest. Okay, the definition doesn’t imply that but the fact that the next definition is to be God only verifies my assumptions and mind frame. My friends we are here to create. We are here to thrive and not just survive. (#thriveorsurvive get the hint…)
And anyone and everyone can create.
Find your niche. Create your hustle. Love to write? Be a published author. I can do this for you at low to no cost!
Want to be a tattoo artist? I have the mentor you need. There are people a tweet away. A message away. So don’t make excuses. Meet your destiny head on and create it.

-Consistency.
Consistency, wow. I love this topic and my followers know. And I’m the first cat to admit I drop the ball. But I keep track. This sets me in to a pattern where I drop the proverbial ball less and less and I become a better entrepreneur. My Consistent desire and approach to and for success has bred this trait for me. It wasn’t inherent.
So let’s look at two forms of consistency.
*Captain consumer is consistent- at only spending 9 out of ten times. This individual will plot and plan to purchase and acquire. Hey that’s cool but it doesn’t build empires.
*Captain creation on the other creates before he consumes. He gives back. He has an idea that consumes his efforts. This idea becomes his consistency. He is at it day after day, hour after hour.
This is Positive consistency. When you chase consistency it rewards you.
However is your desired reward belongings and possessions, or is it growth and financial freedom that in turn let’s you have what you desire?

Consistency can plague you or build you. What do you choose? Being consistent in building an empire gave Columbus, Napoleon, Malcolm X, Genghis Khan, and many more true freedom.
Consistency is simply the act of repetition. Determine a simple formula for you and repeat it. That’s it folks.

#thriveorsurvive.

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”
– Thomas Edison

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Core Concepts, Some Old Some New

27 Aug

Core Concepts, Some Old Some New.

So I’m going to be a bit erratic today folks.
I’m going to cover some stuff I’ve spoke on and some stuff that’s eluded my fans and myself as well. I’m also going to go out of order. Better said- I’m going to use these four core concepts in an order that I think precedes success.
-Put in the time
-Focus
-Mentors
-Follow through.

That’s it folks. Four core concepts that can change your business, change your life.
Let’s dig in!

-Put in the time.
I don’t care who you are or what your deal is. You will get nowhere if your dream, plan, scheme is a hobby. Sorry it’s a fact. You are a failure before you even dig in. Mastery of anything takes 10,000 hours.
Don’t have ten thousand hours to get rich? To be perpetually wealthy?
See you at the finish line after you’re lapped. I don’t care who you are or what your troubles and time constraints are.
Make time for your future. Make time to be free forever so you don’t miss the games with the kids or that super bowl vacation you only dreamed of before. Start small. Use your lunch breaks and bathroom time to sharpen your mind. When you have coffee read to build strategies from authors who have done it before you. Turn off the television. And xbox, ps3, not going to put cash into your roth ira is it?
Everyone has an hour a day for starters. Find yours.

-Focus.
You don’t get anything done well without it. Focus is the key that unlocks your dreams and desires. Chaos creates only more chaos. A focused mind however will guide and create. A focused mind is a tool that when honed to perfection will find cashflow and residual income. However you have to avoid the distractions. Turn off the tv- see a trend there? After that make sure you fill your time with productive tasks. The gym, education, reading. Make lists of what you need to do and the dollar amounts to reach on the road to financial freedom. When you are doing the tasks and steps that are required for your business- do only that. Multitasking detracts for most people. When you’re at work you work right? Well at your own venture you must be that much more focused.

-Mentors.
Mentors are great. A good mentor will for many mean the difference between success and failure. A mentor can illuminate the path for you whether you are in the same business or not. A mentor will help you see the mistakes you are making and help you skip a few they made themselves. My mentors are both highly successful and one is even in my current venture. However the one who isn’t is still there when I have questions and needs. His willingness to help and his thirst for knowledge and self growth are not only infectious but influential.
Accountability is a key aspect of a good mentor. They will ask you the questions you hoipe they won’t. They will want answers when you fail. They will require you work harder. And they need not gain from your success to be effective. A mentor may cost you money and they may not charge a dime. be aware thought hat you get what you pay for.
Lastly, the mentor I speak to most frequently asked me one question and pointed out my greatest flaw in my business endeavors. Do you see the power?

-Follow through.
So you got your focused mindset and your putting in 3 hours a day with a fifteen hour minimum. Awesome! You even found a mentor and things are smooth. Their pricing is reasonable and your learning curve has been exciting.
Great now FOLLOW THROUGH.
Life isn’t simply trying and applying. You have to repeat the process. Over and over and over. That’s it. No compromise, no hoping it was enough. Make it enough. Every action that breeds success must be repeated over and over. Not only will you become more successful but you will become better at these steps as you complete them repeatedly. NBA, NFL, MLB- all require repetitive motion to rise to the top. Ask Jeter. Ask Ted Williams. Ask Ray Allen. Ask Kobe Bryant. They don’t win and then slack. In the off season they work. And if you have competition for your business- buddy, you better believe your competition is training when you’re sleeping. That is the nature of the beast. Practice your craft. And then make practicing your practice a step. Sounds odd, I know. But you will get me when you see how it builds for you.

#thriveorsurvive.

“Train your mind to be like a hammer… you will see every problem as a nail”………………………..gn.

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
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Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
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Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
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Or simply reply to this article.

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