The Seven Rules of Authorship

Jul192011

Here are our first three of seven rules for writing a newsletter, but they can also apply in large part blog posts, articles, booklets, and so forth. Rule #1: Tell them what they need to know, not everything that you know. Most writing is far too prolix and verbosity has become endemic to our society. But less IS more in writing, so how do you control your propensity to open the verbal floodgates? Put yourself in your readers’ shoes. Ask...

How Legally Protected Is Your Brand?

Jul152011

Does your business create intellectual property? Do you have a web site? What about the name of your organizations and the names of your various brands, products and services? Have you protected all of these legally? Do you know the difference between a copyright and a trademark? This is a fascinating interview I conducted with Erik Pelton of Erik M Pelton & Associates, PLLC, who is a trademark attorney and a true expert. Click the play button and find out.

Creating a “sticky” web presence

Jul152011

Many people spend their resources and energy trying to attract visitors to their sites. That seems reasonable and achievable. However, there are two aspects to “site power” that often defeat site owners who are investing heavily to attract visitors. In fact, we have one word for it: retention. It’s insufficient to merely attract people, you need to retain them. Not for hours or days, but fore minutes and for repeats visits. We call this a “sticky” web presence, because people...

What Would I Have Done Differently?

Jul132011

Given the knowledge and wisdom I have today, what would I have done differently if I had this knowledge back then, when I first started my business? Click the play button and find out.

Changing Your Small Talk to Big talk

Jul122011

A common question I am often asked by clients in my mentor program is how to start a conversation with a prospective client or what do I say after I say hello? Although there are probably questions that are better suited for different personality types, I find the following quite provocative in any situation and the kind of questions that stimulate great discussions. These are also the questions I often ask before reviewing the effectiveness of one’s web and Internet...

Lessons I’ve learned from My Granddaughter

Jul112011

I am always amazed at the remarkable life and business lessons I learn when hanging around my two year old granddaughter. Let me share some with you: Tenacity to get what she wants. A “no” is simply a slight delay in her strategy. She would then resort to plan B. There is no such thing as rejection in her vocabulary. Tremendous self esteem and confidence. Zest for life. Every moments counts and is an intense quality interaction. Intense desire to...

Effective Podcasting

Jul92011

Ever wonder what are some of the elements of effective podcasting? Why not click on the play button below and listen.

Where Does Site Traffic Come From?

Jul62011

Traffic to your site comes from many sources such as when your visitor: Enters your site address (URL) into their browser when looking at your business card. Enters the web page address (URL) that was shared with them (through other marketing efforts) into their browser. Enters your site address into their browser when receiving your company’s paperwork such as invoice, purchase order, check. Clicks on your email signature links. Reads your newsletter and clicks on one of the links. Views...

How To Improve Your Business?

Jun272011

Last Monday I spoke to the great people of the Connecticut National Speakers Association chapter. A common question was asked of me: “as a speaker, how does one significantly increase their success leveraging technologies and the web?” Here are my top 8 answers: 1. Become a prolific and constant publisher of great provocative content. 2. Publish in a variety of media formats such as: text, charts or process visuals, images, cartoons, audio and video. 3. Engage in many aspects of...