Here at the Finisher's Blog, I try to observe and report what makes people great "finishers" in their chosen fields / areas. Then I try to connect those observations to business work...sales work...marketing work.
This week's observation is counter intuitive and a lot of people don't want to try it.
Great Finisher's subtract stuff from their list without apology.
(Here comes this week's Seth Godin Moment)...
Read The Dip...Seth's great book about when to quit and when to stick. He recently blogged about this idea HERE.
The idea is that you have to become the BEST in the world...and you get to define how broad your "world" is. In his blog post, he says that means you have to eliminate all the "a little of this...and a little of that" stuff. Be strict.
Great Finishers...whether they are in sports, in sales, in business or in real estate... SUBTRACT the stuff that is keeping them from being the best.
Addition by subtraction is not a new idea...but applying it to your day and applying it to your business WILL help with finishing.
What can you subtract this week?
Click HERE to see our SUBTRACTION CHALLENGE.
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Finisher's Blog
Starting Fast and Figuring Out the Finish
I started writing blogs several years ago, but never worked that hard to define my niche, differentiate my content, or plan my approach.
Then I decided to blog about something that I struggle with personally and in my business and to make this blog an exploration of those failings as well as a series of observations about people I think are great finishers.
Here are some Finisher Qualities I have identified and written about, along with the link to my posts from the past year.
Here is my first post on the subject - The Finisher's Blog
The Qualities of a Great Finisher:
Accountable to themselves - Roger Federer-Model Finisher
"Finish" interruptions: The Productivity Formula
Do NOT deal try to motivate with information: What Does "I Don't Know" Really Mean?
Do Not seek the path of least resistance: Finisher's Never Weaken
Know When to Focus...and When to Drift: Knowing When To Focus
See the "Shot" Early: Finishing When You Are Busy
Never quits...even when everything is going badly: Finishing and Not Finishing
Think First...Then Act Decisively: Compost and Finishing
I started writing blogs several years ago, but never worked that hard to define my niche, differentiate my content, or plan my approach.
Then I decided to blog about something that I struggle with personally and in my business and to make this blog an exploration of those failings as well as a series of observations about people I think are great finishers.
Here are some Finisher Qualities I have identified and written about, along with the link to my posts from the past year.
Here is my first post on the subject - The Finisher's Blog
The Qualities of a Great Finisher:
Accountable to themselves - Roger Federer-Model Finisher
"Finish" interruptions: The Productivity Formula
Do NOT deal try to motivate with information: What Does "I Don't Know" Really Mean?
Do Not seek the path of least resistance: Finisher's Never Weaken
Know When to Focus...and When to Drift: Knowing When To Focus
See the "Shot" Early: Finishing When You Are Busy
Never quits...even when everything is going badly: Finishing and Not Finishing
Think First...Then Act Decisively: Compost and Finishing
Monday, November 26, 2007
Focus is Easy...Finish is Hard.
My wife accuses me of terrible bouts of indecision because I am a planner, and she is a big time do-er.
Everybody knows that you have to focus in order to do something well.
I tell myself and my daughter and my customers to focus 100 times a day.
Deciding to focus is easy. Linking Focus with Finish is another thing altogether.
Everybody realizes that sometimes in order to reach a goal, you have to focus your energy. I can focus on a project for hours...For me, though, that doesn't usually result in "Finish."
I am a notorious starter...and even my grandfather could tell that I was a slow finisher. I am working on my "finishing" because I think that successful people finish.
Finisher's Quality: Finishing is one part focus and 3 parts action.
I feel that I have accomplished something or had a really good day when I have focused on my goals, and completed the two or three essential action items necessary to see the project through ALL the way to completion.
I always have to apologize when I stop before I am done.
Go Finish.
Everybody knows that you have to focus in order to do something well.
I tell myself and my daughter and my customers to focus 100 times a day.
Deciding to focus is easy. Linking Focus with Finish is another thing altogether.
Everybody realizes that sometimes in order to reach a goal, you have to focus your energy. I can focus on a project for hours...For me, though, that doesn't usually result in "Finish."
I am a notorious starter...and even my grandfather could tell that I was a slow finisher. I am working on my "finishing" because I think that successful people finish.
Finisher's Quality: Finishing is one part focus and 3 parts action.
I feel that I have accomplished something or had a really good day when I have focused on my goals, and completed the two or three essential action items necessary to see the project through ALL the way to completion.
I always have to apologize when I stop before I am done.
Go Finish.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Finishing when You Are Busy
In tennis there is a moment of shot recognition when your opponent can only make a defensive shot that is only just going to make it over the net. Once you recognize that they are not able to hit an offensive shot, you must "close on the net" in order to get to the ball before it drops below the level of the net...
Some people are waiters...they wait until the ball bounces and then blast it out.
Some people are flailers...they swing hard at the ball and blast it right into the net...their feet were not in position.
Finishers recognize the shot early, get in position, and close on the net in order to put it away.
I think that the ability to maintain your system, as well as a systematic approach to your work, when things really start flying is a finisher's quality.
My business and the "busy-ness" has really picked up in the last few weeks. More people are signing up for the basic Brain bucket website, and I am lined up to do consulting-type work with a great company. This is all great stuff that I have been working hard to make happen.
But that means that it is harder for me to finish the things that need finishing.
I see others that I consider good finishers handling this type of workload / flow much smoother than I do.
I keep telling myself to maintain my system and to take time to reset my work list...and to set aside enough time to complete my tasks.
Here are some other finishers from the weekend:
Oliver Truog (my brother) reached a huge, long-time goal when he qualified for the Boston Marathon this weekend. He ran the Kansas City Marathon in 3:09. GREAT JOB!
James Tomko (a great friend) completed a half Iron Man triathlon...That is a great achievement!
Some people are waiters...they wait until the ball bounces and then blast it out.
Some people are flailers...they swing hard at the ball and blast it right into the net...their feet were not in position.
Finishers recognize the shot early, get in position, and close on the net in order to put it away.
I think that the ability to maintain your system, as well as a systematic approach to your work, when things really start flying is a finisher's quality.
My business and the "busy-ness" has really picked up in the last few weeks. More people are signing up for the basic Brain bucket website, and I am lined up to do consulting-type work with a great company. This is all great stuff that I have been working hard to make happen.
But that means that it is harder for me to finish the things that need finishing.
I see others that I consider good finishers handling this type of workload / flow much smoother than I do.
I keep telling myself to maintain my system and to take time to reset my work list...and to set aside enough time to complete my tasks.
Here are some other finishers from the weekend:
Oliver Truog (my brother) reached a huge, long-time goal when he qualified for the Boston Marathon this weekend. He ran the Kansas City Marathon in 3:09. GREAT JOB!
James Tomko (a great friend) completed a half Iron Man triathlon...That is a great achievement!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
What Does "I Don't Know" Really Mean?
Seth Godin hits the sweet spot again. I was all ready to write my own blog post...and Seth launches this one.
Two kinds of 'don't know'
What a great marketing thought that feeds into the Finisher's Blog concept.
The core concept here is that you can't deal with lack of motivation with more information.
Often people ask me to look at their website. First Red Flag: "It took me months to write it and I don't want to change it now"
Unfortunately, when you say something like that it just means that you don't know what a website is for these days.
Second Red Flag - "My business is about getting face to face with people, so the internet can't help me with that."
Oops...either I haven't done a good job describing interactive marketing to you, or you "don't know" that you can get a face to face interaction if you want to!
I have often responded to these red flags by spouting more information. I guess I should figure out what kind of "I don't know" I am getting.
Toby's Wednesday Finisher Concept: A Finisher Needs to recognize the difference between lack of information and a lack of interest.
My Finisher's blog post that is coming next: Trust Your Training and Stop Thinking.
Two kinds of 'don't know'
What a great marketing thought that feeds into the Finisher's Blog concept.
The core concept here is that you can't deal with lack of motivation with more information.
Often people ask me to look at their website. First Red Flag: "It took me months to write it and I don't want to change it now"
Unfortunately, when you say something like that it just means that you don't know what a website is for these days.
Second Red Flag - "My business is about getting face to face with people, so the internet can't help me with that."
Oops...either I haven't done a good job describing interactive marketing to you, or you "don't know" that you can get a face to face interaction if you want to!
I have often responded to these red flags by spouting more information. I guess I should figure out what kind of "I don't know" I am getting.
Toby's Wednesday Finisher Concept: A Finisher Needs to recognize the difference between lack of information and a lack of interest.
My Finisher's blog post that is coming next: Trust Your Training and Stop Thinking.
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Productivity Formula
I once had a sales manager who gave me the mathematical formula for productivity.
Productivity = effort divided by interruption.
In the language of this "Finisher's" Blog, I will take that to mean that the more I Finish the things that interrupt my day, then the more productive I can be.
Of course, there are always stops and starts to any day. I believe that The Finisher is the person who finishes the interruptions quicker and moves back into productivity mode.
Most of us are working very hard and doing our best to work smart. If you keep your effort consistent from week to week, the only way to become increasingly productive is to reduce the distraction of your interruptions. FINISH them before they take over your day.
Here is a link to Seth Godin's blog. He is a key finisher for me. Seth is all about redefining marketing, and work, in order to do remarkable things. His post, Is good enough enough?, is relevant to this finisher's blog because of its focus on redefining your work.
Here is a post from a new friend and business coach Shawn Kinkade. Shawn takes a good look at activity vs. productivity HERE.
Here is a post that refers to a very good book for any business person to read, it is The Four Agreements. This post is from a blog that is called Book Yourself Solid. The blog and the website are a little commercial for me, but the ideas do resonate with me. Here is the post: The Four Agreements
Final Thought:
A finisher takes responsibility for his actions. A work day and a work week is all about finishing.
Productivity = effort divided by interruption.
In the language of this "Finisher's" Blog, I will take that to mean that the more I Finish the things that interrupt my day, then the more productive I can be.
Of course, there are always stops and starts to any day. I believe that The Finisher is the person who finishes the interruptions quicker and moves back into productivity mode.
Most of us are working very hard and doing our best to work smart. If you keep your effort consistent from week to week, the only way to become increasingly productive is to reduce the distraction of your interruptions. FINISH them before they take over your day.
Here is a link to Seth Godin's blog. He is a key finisher for me. Seth is all about redefining marketing, and work, in order to do remarkable things. His post, Is good enough enough?, is relevant to this finisher's blog because of its focus on redefining your work.
Here is a post from a new friend and business coach Shawn Kinkade. Shawn takes a good look at activity vs. productivity HERE.
Here is a post that refers to a very good book for any business person to read, it is The Four Agreements. This post is from a blog that is called Book Yourself Solid. The blog and the website are a little commercial for me, but the ideas do resonate with me. Here is the post: The Four Agreements
Final Thought:
A finisher takes responsibility for his actions. A work day and a work week is all about finishing.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Three Things to Look At
Start the week off with a Happy Quote from WorkHappy.net. This is a good place for "killer resources for entrepreneurs.
Guy Kawasaki is always good for a handful of posts that will force you to think about what you do. Check out his blog, it is called How to Change the World.
The Personal MBA...is a list of the best business books. Its motto is "Mastering Business Through Self Education." And here is a link to the Reading List and Blog.
Guy Kawasaki is always good for a handful of posts that will force you to think about what you do. Check out his blog, it is called How to Change the World.
The Personal MBA...is a list of the best business books. Its motto is "Mastering Business Through Self Education." And here is a link to the Reading List and Blog.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Pick Your Battles
Once again, Seth Godin takes a small observation about marketing and makes it stand for a much larger point.
The point of Seth's blog post "Most and Least" is that most of the time we do the least that is required of us. It is virtually impossible to always do the MOST that you can do.
Even if you set out to do the most, you will have to pick the times when you really push it and do the most. The rest of the time, you are just getting the job done.
One observation I have, however, is that whether you are an individual or a company, once you get in the habit of doing the least (just getting by), it is hard to flip the switch and suddenly do the most remarkable stuff.
When you are doing the least, your perception of the Most is diminished. For a company, that is when you start thinking that offering the red fishing pole would have made all the difference over the brown fishing pole, or that the pale blue background on the banner ad was less successful than the dark blue background.
From an interactive marketing standpoint, I think that Seth's post is a cry for authenticity.
Here is the post: Most and Least from Seth Godin
The point of Seth's blog post "Most and Least" is that most of the time we do the least that is required of us. It is virtually impossible to always do the MOST that you can do.
Even if you set out to do the most, you will have to pick the times when you really push it and do the most. The rest of the time, you are just getting the job done.
One observation I have, however, is that whether you are an individual or a company, once you get in the habit of doing the least (just getting by), it is hard to flip the switch and suddenly do the most remarkable stuff.
When you are doing the least, your perception of the Most is diminished. For a company, that is when you start thinking that offering the red fishing pole would have made all the difference over the brown fishing pole, or that the pale blue background on the banner ad was less successful than the dark blue background.
From an interactive marketing standpoint, I think that Seth's post is a cry for authenticity.
Here is the post: Most and Least from Seth Godin
Thursday, June 28, 2007
What you do and How you feel
For July is the end of the year. The time off around July 4, and then a family vacation planned for the end of July always mark the end of my year.
I go away, rejuvenate and come back refreshed, if not always ready to roll.
I usually take a little time to stop and think, reshape my plans for the coming year, and then try to figure out how to get myself motivated to do the things I KNOW I should do, but I don't always feel like doing.
My Friend Jerry has a great post with some hints:
URL: Vacations and business
I go away, rejuvenate and come back refreshed, if not always ready to roll.
I usually take a little time to stop and think, reshape my plans for the coming year, and then try to figure out how to get myself motivated to do the things I KNOW I should do, but I don't always feel like doing.
My Friend Jerry has a great post with some hints:
URL: Vacations and business
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thoughts on Marketing
Here are three blog posts that highlight three big ideas about your business.
Marketing is changing and it is time to think about your business, the work that you do, and how you find and keep your customers.
Here are three BIG ideas for you to consider.
1. Seth Godin: Drivers...do you recognize your approach? Is that the approach you want?
2. The Messaging Times: Marketing Buzz...you say you want something viral, something that people are going to tell their friends about. But have you thought about HOW and WHY? And while you are thinking about that, why not think about WHO can help you do that?
3. Epiphanies, inc: Content Focused Marketing...you want your website to carry it's own weight. You don't want to spend money on a website that doesn't actually bring people in the door. Sounds good, but that means that there's no skimpin' on the content. The folks at the "A-HA" blog advocate content driven marketing. It is harder, but so much more effective that thinking up some ridiculous slogan without any real "umph" behind it.
Marketing is changing and it is time to think about your business, the work that you do, and how you find and keep your customers.
Here are three BIG ideas for you to consider.
1. Seth Godin: Drivers...do you recognize your approach? Is that the approach you want?
2. The Messaging Times: Marketing Buzz...you say you want something viral, something that people are going to tell their friends about. But have you thought about HOW and WHY? And while you are thinking about that, why not think about WHO can help you do that?
3. Epiphanies, inc: Content Focused Marketing...you want your website to carry it's own weight. You don't want to spend money on a website that doesn't actually bring people in the door. Sounds good, but that means that there's no skimpin' on the content. The folks at the "A-HA" blog advocate content driven marketing. It is harder, but so much more effective that thinking up some ridiculous slogan without any real "umph" behind it.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Quit the Bad Stuff
I thought I knew where I was going...and then I read about quitting from Seth Godin's new book.
It is called The Dip and it is about quitting, leaning into the dip, and being the best in the world.
And then I met with a personal friend and coach, Jerry Smith.
And then I read his Balance Life Work blog.
Jerry Smith is a fantastic coach. I had lunch with him the other day and we talked about how difficult it is to get on course with work and life and balance. And then once you are on course and you think you "get it"... how do you keep yourself on course.
I have decided that a regular lunch session with Jerry is one of the ways to keep myself on course. Jerry - I hope that's OK with you!
Go find Jerry's most recent post called Life can get in the way!. Jerry writes about the ridiculously simple things to do when life gets in the way, and how to Quit doing the stuff that knocks you off course.
It is called The Dip and it is about quitting, leaning into the dip, and being the best in the world.
And then I met with a personal friend and coach, Jerry Smith.
And then I read his Balance Life Work blog.
Jerry Smith is a fantastic coach. I had lunch with him the other day and we talked about how difficult it is to get on course with work and life and balance. And then once you are on course and you think you "get it"... how do you keep yourself on course.
I have decided that a regular lunch session with Jerry is one of the ways to keep myself on course. Jerry - I hope that's OK with you!
Go find Jerry's most recent post called Life can get in the way!. Jerry writes about the ridiculously simple things to do when life gets in the way, and how to Quit doing the stuff that knocks you off course.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Cow dung and Web 2.0
I have had several marketing / sales conversations recently where I am trying to describe the Web 2.0 direction that we are all heading.
When you are working with people who know that term: "Web 2.0" - then the conversation starts at a different point.
But, the backstory of the conversation is always in the same direction...."what should I do?"
Web 2.0 is more thought and more work.
When a marketing company is used to sending out BRC cards and then hoping they bought the right list, or offered the right incentive, or used the right color...then getting them to actually think about content and authenticity, to actually ASK about that content, and to then convince others that possibly getting ripped apart by their customers is a GOOD thing is a challenge.
A challenge...but it is right.
Look - Web 2.0 means asking better questions...of yourself...of your partners...of your customers...of your upset customers in particular.
That is the mindset...now, what are the tools. There are literally hundreds of companies out there that have the Web 2.0 concept of true, authentic, rough-around-the-edges interaction built in to their DNA.
Here is a site that lists many of them....it is astounding how many of these companies / websites there are.
Web 2.0 List on Sacred Cow Dung
When you are working with people who know that term: "Web 2.0" - then the conversation starts at a different point.
But, the backstory of the conversation is always in the same direction...."what should I do?"
Web 2.0 is more thought and more work.
When a marketing company is used to sending out BRC cards and then hoping they bought the right list, or offered the right incentive, or used the right color...then getting them to actually think about content and authenticity, to actually ASK about that content, and to then convince others that possibly getting ripped apart by their customers is a GOOD thing is a challenge.
A challenge...but it is right.
Look - Web 2.0 means asking better questions...of yourself...of your partners...of your customers...of your upset customers in particular.
That is the mindset...now, what are the tools. There are literally hundreds of companies out there that have the Web 2.0 concept of true, authentic, rough-around-the-edges interaction built in to their DNA.
Here is a site that lists many of them....it is astounding how many of these companies / websites there are.
Web 2.0 List on Sacred Cow Dung
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Open Source Marketing
Welcome to the Open Source Marketing Project for May.
Whether you are an invited guest or you have just stumbled upon this project, please subscribe so you can keep an eye on what is going on.
Here is how this works:
I have a marketing and sales project with a customer that needs help. I have tried a few things over the past few months and this project needs some new sets of eyes. I am asking for your help and your perspective. Thank you for considering this project worth your time.
I will use this blog to link you to websites and other information regarding this customer, our approach to marketing, and the industry this customer of mine is in.
If you have not already, please RSVP to the Open Source Marketing Lunch that will be held Monday, May 7 from 11:45 to 12:45 at The Crestwood Condominiums Meeting Room.
The Crestwood Condominiums are located at 5401 Brookside Blvd. More info is HERE
My company is called Brain Bucket and my website is HERE. Be sure to click on the LENS link on the front page. It is a link to another site that will give you a look at work that is under way but not live, as well as a look at some of the tools and ideas that I connect with customers.
The Project:
Tim Sernett is an accountant who has just come through what he hopes is his final full blown tax season. He is working to transform his business by helping small and medium sized businesses transform their work. Tim has developed a service / process called Profit Focus, and I am working with him to find the appropriate market and application.
Essentially, he is create a service that allows you (as a business owner) to outsource the bookkeeping and accounting tasks, and then to gain a better understanding of your company's cash flow needs through a personal approach to financial planning.
Over the past several months, Brain Bucket has designed and built a new website:
URL:SernettCPA, and we have redesigned his business cards, and added a small leave behind brochure.
We have also worked on a marketing plan that called for me to connect with several of Tim's current clients and to get an understanding of why Tim's current list of customers use him for a variety of services. I will comment more on that as we go along.
Please subscribe to this blog, or check back regularly, as I plan on working through some of my challenges.
Final note: this is not now, nor will it be next week, a sales pitch. I am truly working through some challenges I am having in articulating what Tim's services are, and I am trying to come up with a plan and a way to execute the plan that will help him out.
Thank you for your time.
Whether you are an invited guest or you have just stumbled upon this project, please subscribe so you can keep an eye on what is going on.
Here is how this works:
I have a marketing and sales project with a customer that needs help. I have tried a few things over the past few months and this project needs some new sets of eyes. I am asking for your help and your perspective. Thank you for considering this project worth your time.
I will use this blog to link you to websites and other information regarding this customer, our approach to marketing, and the industry this customer of mine is in.
If you have not already, please RSVP to the Open Source Marketing Lunch that will be held Monday, May 7 from 11:45 to 12:45 at The Crestwood Condominiums Meeting Room.
The Crestwood Condominiums are located at 5401 Brookside Blvd. More info is HERE
My company is called Brain Bucket and my website is HERE. Be sure to click on the LENS link on the front page. It is a link to another site that will give you a look at work that is under way but not live, as well as a look at some of the tools and ideas that I connect with customers.
The Project:
Tim Sernett is an accountant who has just come through what he hopes is his final full blown tax season. He is working to transform his business by helping small and medium sized businesses transform their work. Tim has developed a service / process called Profit Focus, and I am working with him to find the appropriate market and application.
Essentially, he is create a service that allows you (as a business owner) to outsource the bookkeeping and accounting tasks, and then to gain a better understanding of your company's cash flow needs through a personal approach to financial planning.
Over the past several months, Brain Bucket has designed and built a new website:
URL:SernettCPA, and we have redesigned his business cards, and added a small leave behind brochure.
We have also worked on a marketing plan that called for me to connect with several of Tim's current clients and to get an understanding of why Tim's current list of customers use him for a variety of services. I will comment more on that as we go along.
Please subscribe to this blog, or check back regularly, as I plan on working through some of my challenges.
Final note: this is not now, nor will it be next week, a sales pitch. I am truly working through some challenges I am having in articulating what Tim's services are, and I am trying to come up with a plan and a way to execute the plan that will help him out.
Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Marketing vs. Offering
Seth Godin today posts about Offer World, a new and strange land where traditional marketers feel a little uncomfortable.
Seth once again points out the very obvious:
Marketing isn't about marketing...it's about a relationship. It is more successful when it is a long term relationship.
Now - whether that relationship is a one on one meeting in a coffee shop, or visitors coming into your store, or someone coming to your website, everyone still must do the things necessary to develop a relationship.
Now - in "Offer World" you develop an initial (and subsequent) interest through the use of offers. But the big point Seth is making is that it is what happens AFTER you make that offer that counts.
It is the "After Offer World" where you earn the trust, loyalty, interaction and repeat business.
If you send someone a postcard and they take the time to go to your website and fill out a form to get your offer, AND they give you permission to contact them...by all means, you better have something remarkable that is coming next. NOT some PR rehash, NOT the same info sheet that you linked from the website...something remarkable.
What do I mean by remarkable?
HERE is another link. It is Seth Godin's "Purple Cow" presentation from a few years ago. These are 17 minutes that will change the way you work. It is remarkable.
Seth once again points out the very obvious:
Marketing isn't about marketing...it's about a relationship. It is more successful when it is a long term relationship.
Now - whether that relationship is a one on one meeting in a coffee shop, or visitors coming into your store, or someone coming to your website, everyone still must do the things necessary to develop a relationship.
Now - in "Offer World" you develop an initial (and subsequent) interest through the use of offers. But the big point Seth is making is that it is what happens AFTER you make that offer that counts.
It is the "After Offer World" where you earn the trust, loyalty, interaction and repeat business.
If you send someone a postcard and they take the time to go to your website and fill out a form to get your offer, AND they give you permission to contact them...by all means, you better have something remarkable that is coming next. NOT some PR rehash, NOT the same info sheet that you linked from the website...something remarkable.
What do I mean by remarkable?
HERE is another link. It is Seth Godin's "Purple Cow" presentation from a few years ago. These are 17 minutes that will change the way you work. It is remarkable.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Why Would I Blog?
I have suggested to a few customers and friends that they should start a blog as a part of the overall marketing plan for their business.
These are people who know what they are doing when it comes to running their business, selling their services, and even doing some marketing.
With one exception, I have been met with blank stares and glazed eyeballs.
"Why Would I blog?"
"What would I do?"
"Who would read this?"
Blogging for your business should never include anything that sounds remotely like you are telling me about your cat, or why you haven't posted a rant in a while, or ANY kind of apology.
I don't want to know that Aunt Bessie dislocated her hip and so....
If I have found your blog, and I am reading it at all...I want to find something I haven't found before.
I want to find a way to interact with your company... and I want to discover how I can help you...and I want you to know that I know what you are talking about...and I want to be able to show my friends that I know what I am talking about...and I want my friends to start looking to me because I know this stuff...
you get the point?
There are entire communities of people out there that are talking to each other, learning about your service/product/store...STOP positioning your message...and START creating ways to be a part of that conversation.
You can't control the marketing message...and you should not.
This is WEB2.0...and you need to learn about it.
Search WEB 2.0 and do a little reading. There are MANY blogs on that subject. And the longer you wait to understand HOW Web 2.0 impacts the future of your marketing and your business, the farther you are behind.
By the way...Jerry is the customer who decided to blog. Please take a minute to go read THIS Blog. I promise it will bring you new insites on your business.
These are people who know what they are doing when it comes to running their business, selling their services, and even doing some marketing.
With one exception, I have been met with blank stares and glazed eyeballs.
"Why Would I blog?"
"What would I do?"
"Who would read this?"
Blogging for your business should never include anything that sounds remotely like you are telling me about your cat, or why you haven't posted a rant in a while, or ANY kind of apology.
I don't want to know that Aunt Bessie dislocated her hip and so....
If I have found your blog, and I am reading it at all...I want to find something I haven't found before.
I want to find a way to interact with your company... and I want to discover how I can help you...and I want you to know that I know what you are talking about...and I want to be able to show my friends that I know what I am talking about...and I want my friends to start looking to me because I know this stuff...
you get the point?
There are entire communities of people out there that are talking to each other, learning about your service/product/store...STOP positioning your message...and START creating ways to be a part of that conversation.
You can't control the marketing message...and you should not.
This is WEB2.0...and you need to learn about it.
Search WEB 2.0 and do a little reading. There are MANY blogs on that subject. And the longer you wait to understand HOW Web 2.0 impacts the future of your marketing and your business, the farther you are behind.
By the way...Jerry is the customer who decided to blog. Please take a minute to go read THIS Blog. I promise it will bring you new insites on your business.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Context Matters..."I'd Ignore Him Too"
The Washington Post puts Joshua Bell, one of the great classical musicians in the world, in a subway station at rush hour to see what would happen.
The blog / internet response has been immense. Take a look at Seth Godin's take on this story URL: I'd Ignore Him Too
The point is that context does matter. Presentation and tone of voice and "the frame" (as mentioned in the story) DO matter.
This is the same concept that drives WHY we design a website and a marketing strategy and a sales system for our businesses. This is also why Web 2.0 is magic!
The blog / internet response has been immense. Take a look at Seth Godin's take on this story URL: I'd Ignore Him Too
The point is that context does matter. Presentation and tone of voice and "the frame" (as mentioned in the story) DO matter.
This is the same concept that drives WHY we design a website and a marketing strategy and a sales system for our businesses. This is also why Web 2.0 is magic!
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