“You can not lead from behind…”

I was lead here.  Yes there is a story, but first have a listen.

I Love “You can not lead form behind…” – did you hear it, feel it?? Did you get the AHA?

Summarizing some of what I listened to:

  • On Purpose – In the Vortex.
  • Feelings are feedback about your proximity to the vortex.
  • The vortex – the source of well-being calling you home.
  • The only thing keeping you out is your own resistance.

Not sure about you – but this was exactly what I needed.

The great thing about all this is that I followed a monkey here. HAHAHAHA!

Seriously….

I was playing with Mailchimp and ConstantContact - while I drafted a couple of newsletters.

I was looking at both of them as I’m a Solution Provider for ConstantContact (one of a few partnerships) yet I wanted to see how Mailchimp integrates with Nimble.

I partnered with Nimble as it is the only solution on the market that integrates the “4 Cs” — contacts, calendar, communications and collaboration: Social Media, Email, and Address Book all in one place.

I can tag a list of my contacts in Nimble and have their information sent to Mailchimp- so that I can then create an email campaign that goes out only to that list.

So I’m in there playing with my lead generation systems and on the top right is that Monkey. “jenn, sometimes you just need to xpress yourself…” with a link to a funny monkey video on youtube.  Yeah – I could not help but click on the link.

Well after watching, I stumbled upon the one shared above. I like how that works….

Creating this blog lead me to more goodies that are worth exploring.

Here is where I’m heading

Better Brand Tweeting

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Getting Past the Introduction

Whether you are introducing yourself or getting an introduction… The Rules are the same.

Keep it in context.

Lead with the topic everyone knows about – them.  You are the audience.

Listen.

The words of Jeff Haden “The best connections never come from speaking; the best connections always come from listening.”

Relationships go through stages.

According to Michael Drew Co-Author of Pendulum: In Action with Roy H. Williams

the stages are the”12 Steps of Intimacy” and they apply to personal and business relationships. Yes there is a System to Building Relationships.

Just like kissing on the first date can make or break a relationship – missing a step in building the relationship, may have you back at the introduction (if you’re lucky).

Know the steps and why they are important, today, in your marketing.

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How to ask for an introduction

Hi! I know I don’t know you. We just met – well not really, I asked you to be a friend online. Well now that we are online together, I want something from you. Since we have mutual friends I thought you would…. Oh I should really ask that in another way. My goal is to tap into your network (yes I see you have more friends then me). So here it is….

  • Let me do you a favour
  • I have an opportunity for you
  • I’d like to include you in our publication
  • Here’s an event we’d like you to attend
  • Please invite all your friends to like my page

Have you ever had someone introduce themselves to you – in one of these ways?

Guess What!? It doesn’t work with me. Does it work with you?

Couple things – You are asking someone for their time, which is limited and You are asking for their social capital – which is invaluable.

Instead of making a mess out of the introduction, Here are some tips:

#1 Ask a friend to introduce you to the mutual friend.

#2 Find out what you can do for them, Pay It Forward

#3 Learn how to ask for help – requesting the least amount of effort from that person.

#4 Be Respectful and Grateful. Not everyone is going to saw Yes – nor should they.

Any introduction made is a reflection on the person making an introduction. If you do not know the person well – it will show.

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Looking for Work? Social Media is where the Jobs are.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

This quotation is the basis behind Entrepreneurship.  The majority of Entrepreneurs decided that they wanted to do what they Love and created it. Even being resourceful, insightful, innovative creatures some times the bootstrapping results in revisiting employment.

Employee and Entrepreneur Mindsets are Different

Click here to find out how Employee vs. Entrepreneur

Being an Entrepreneur is not easy. Many have admitted that they did not test the water – before diving in.

If you are not an Entrepreneur already and you are considering it, Caution it can get HOT!

If you are an Entrepreneur you may already know how this feels under your collar. You may even be reconsidering your decision or seeking temporary employment.

What you need to know

#1 YOU ARE NOT ALONE

#2 Searching for work has changed

#3 There’s Help!

Before you throw in the towel here are some Business Resources.

Know the Business Systems You Need – What Most Business Owners Don’t know

Before You Quit Your Job

It’s All About Relationships

If you are jumping back in the Employee Pool, here are some Employment resources

to make the swim easier.

#1 Resume - I want my resume on top – Please! 

#2 Find companies that are hiring – they are online.

#3 Apply - Employment Sources for Calgary, Alberta Canada

#4 Connect within 72 Hours.

#5 Keep Track-  Use a System to record the Who, What, When, Where and How’s that goes on with each company.

#6 Prepare for the interview

Source: Pinterest

The above infographic is also helpful information for business meetings.

Remember – talk to your friends and family. Let them know what you are going through and looking for. We all need Support!

Plus the Pool is A Lot more Fun – when there are other People in it

TO PLAY WITH!

                            10 Worst Jobs
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Tick, Tick, Tick – Is the topic of S&H and Taxes a marketing time bomb?

I’m making a recommendation on a price point for an online product launch. So I did a bit of research.

My research was asking people, online, these two questions:
1. What are your thoughts of or feelings when you see or hear “21″?
2. What are your thoughts when you see or hear “Shipping And Taxes Included”?

Now before I tell you my opinion I want to share with you that I believe I am a Millennial. What is a Millennial?

Some believe it is an age group (a person born in the 1980s or 1990s – according to Merriam-Webster). Others believe that it is a mannerism – the way a group of people in society act and what they value.

Since I was not born in the years mentioned you can guess with side of this debate I’m on.

Who Are the Millennials?
Flowtown – Social Media Marketing Application

Why is it important to recognize a Millennial?  They are driving Consumer Trends.

In summary Millennial share attitudes, priorities, the way they access technology, how they interacted with others and what they value as important.

They believe that technology makes life easier and that the most important thing in life is being a good parent. Their news comes from the internet and they visit their social networking sites daily.

As Millennial they have an efficiently running BS meter. I first heard this from Michael Drew in January of 2010 – at the Pendulum Presentation.

So for this discussion – lets assume the launch was set to be marketed with a price of $7 however the shipping and taxes were not mentioned and the International shipping cost upon reaching the payment screen, brought the product to a price of $20.

Here are some of my thoughts:

-Rather than having a product marketed at a very low price (bait) – I would like to know what I’m going to be paying in total. No surprises. I would like the answer the question: “What is it really going to cost?” before it’s asked.

-Why not make it $19.97 – All In? I would even say 21, however there is mixed feedback on the number 21.

When I think of 21 – I think of 21 days to change a habit -which is also up for debate.

Feedback on the number 21 was – Black Jack, youth, rebellion, partying and gambling.  The question then becomes – will the product be shadowed by these thoughts. Does it come to  -if that’s the price point of the product it had better be light and fun vs serious, educational and intended for the business minded.

So use $21 delivered and reframe. Less than $1 a day to a more successful business.

Seems there is a debate on everything these days. Anyone following the U.S. Presidential Debates?  Personally I could not be bothered.

If there were not already a well developed relationship here – I would have been put off. Since there is an important relationship here – I want to do everything I can to be helpful.

Today I received an email related to shipping. “Hello. Just a quick note to let you know that we are temporarily suspending our free shipping promo (coupon code: FREE).

Why? Simply put, Economy Shipping is too slow for Halloween delivery at this point. So we no longer want to push it as an option.

After the Halloween season, we will push it once more.

Thank you for all you do! This has been an amazing Halloween season! Keep up the great work!”

Like I mentioned the relationship here is what matters.

However this might go over like a “Tick, Tick, Ticking Time Bomb”.

 

Why Communication?

Your Communication Systems are the key to your Sales and Marketing.

What are Communication Systems?

  1. Phone – Making and Answering/Returning Calls and VoiceMail.
  2. Email – Signatures and Template Formats
  3. Cards and Gifts – Celebrations and Thank You’s.
  4. Newsletters/Letters – Templates for Marketing and Engagement
  5. Website/Blogs – Copy, Links and Call to Action – comments and feedback
  6. Online - Social Media – Social Listening

Having an actively managed Database System helps bring your Communication Systems together and leverage your business efforts.

Let us show you how it can help save you time, money and energy.

Hidden Marketing Messages

 

 

Marketing – creating, communicating and offering – processes. Creating Value and Building Stronger Relationships.

Toxic Marketing Messages…..

Ever read a piece of marketing copy that was belittling, highlighted all the things you do wrong or had you looking up words?

Here is some of what has come my way recently

  • Is your Marketing Condescending?
  • Are you Smart Enough to Realize?
  • You won’t act on this offer because….?
  • Mistakes you are making….
  • You failed to….

WOW! I STOPPED reading.

So much for – getting the message to this reader.

Words lead to reactions. We are Human. Some words trigger pain.

Rather than creating pain or belittling someone – get to know them.

There are ways to show your knowledge and passion with out patronizing, belittling others and being toxic.

Even Big Companies do it. Check out this Article.

How about trying something new….

Ask a Question, Create Conversation and then Engage.

Being Humble – rely on another’s knowledge and ability and learn something new. We all know a great deal.

Be assertive but don’t bite – you can make your points, respecting the views of others.

Be Firm and Kind – try compassion – we all have struggles, doubts and are great at seeing them. Kindness – we are all Human.

Empower others – Highlight their strengths.

The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process,” said Barbara Coloroso

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

How About – Relationship Marketing