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13 Online Media Savvy Tips to Grow Your Business

by at 5:59 pm 3 Comments

computer plugsWhen I was growing up we occasionally had an extension cord in an outlet so we could plug in three electronic items instead of two. Take a look at your electrical outlets. Forget the fire hazard. Are they packed with surge protectors, speaker cables, hardware connections, video outputs and more? 

Like it or not, these days we are required to be media and tech savvy. After all, these two skills and talents will help to communicate your message more effectively, attract prospects,  gain new followers and in the end…make more money. 

Rewind back to 1988. Were you like me–the new microwave, VCR and boat-anchor answering machine were all flashing 12:00 —for months on end? 

OK, so I worked in radio news and had some incling as to how broadcast, DJ and stereo equipment worked, but we are in a new world with Social Media. If we want to compete  and excel, we must be able to use all the tools and gadgets that can make our lives easier and grow our business. 

Consider this checklist:

1. I have a “welcome” video on my website. 

2. I have at least 3 video segments on Youtube that showcase my expertise and how I can help people.

3. I have audio and/or video testimonials on my website.

4. I use audio and/or video to market my products, services, webinars, programs and teleseminars.

5. Speakers: I travel with a flipcam so I can get video testimonials immediately following my presentation (and I can upload them within a few hours)   

6. I produce a video blog on a regular basis that doesn’t look like it was recorded in the basement of “That 70′s Show.” 

7.  Speakers and Trainers: I have an E-video brochure on my website with snippets of “me in action”  

8. I can easily use my laptop to edit digital audio and video, insert wipes, credits, logo’s, music beds and graphics (and I don’t even work for Fox News)   

9.  I know the value of a 3-2-1 countdown before recording.

10. I can write a blog …and post it to my site…without help from my Virtual Assistant or 12-year-old!

11.  I often upload and download my presentations or tutorials for podcasts and MP3 files. 

12. I have interactive kiosks, training tools, surveys and games on my site to engage visitors. 

13. I can easily navigate my sound recording, streaming and Photoshop applications and use them in my marketing and sales campaigns. 

Ok, I admit I have some work to do. It’s time to learn. How about you?

 

(Photo Credit: Matt McGhee)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, Online Marketing, Social Media, Webinars Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Communication, Employee Morale and Teamwork Take Root in a Vegetable Garden

by at 5:01 pm 4 Comments

vegetable gardenMany companies around the United States are turning to vegetable gardens to improve communication, employee morale and teamwork. Strange training tool you may be thinking. Let’s take a closer look.

A small business owner in Bloomington, IN invested a few hundred dollars to start a vegetable garden in the yard of their office building. As a result, interesting things have happened.

1. The employees have a common goal with overwhelming participation.

2. The dynamics of their office hierarchy have disappeared. As the project began, the team quickly discovered some administrative people who may not be well-educated are teaching the CEO about soil, rainy weather and bean sprouts.  Ego’s are checked at the gate of the garden.

3. Communication skills are polished. Communication plays a key role in the garden because the  team has to agree on what vegetables to plant, the size of the garden, the purchase of supplies, how to best prepare the soil, plant the seeds and nurture the ground. Regardless of the responsibility or salary of the employees, some simply had more experience in certain areas.  The team discussed, negotiated and listened.

4. Each person has ongoing responsibilities to ensure the success of the garden. They developed schedules for watering, soil maintenance and picking the vegetables. More communication, negotiation and flexibility.

5. Someone keeps track of the vegetables that are grown and given to each employee. The reason for this is linked to the recession. Employees began reviewing their grocery receipts and have been able to determine how much money they save each week and month by not having to purchase items such as tomato, basil, peppers, squash and eggplant. A periodic cost analysis is done. They wanted to see their Return on Investment.

To me, the ROI is priceless. The garden is so much more than vegetables.Relationships have been enriched. The mindset of improved communication, morale and teamwork extends beyond the garden and back into the office.

Human resource experts agree with one entrepreneur in Minneapolis who started a garden for his 30 employees. He said it has created a “water cooler effect” and a sense of real camaraderie. Yes, we do need communication skills for water cooler talk.

You may want to suggest a vegetable garden for your company or department. Not only will you look like a creative genius, you will be planting  positive seeds for success.


(Photo Credit: Shelley & Dave)

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Leadership, Random Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

99 Ways to Improve Your Communication

by at 6:48 pm 28 Comments

4 people in photoboothStrong and effective communication skills are critical to your business success.

Here are 99 nuggets on speaking, writing, networking, interviews, and social media  that  you can use to supercharge your business communication skills. Off we go!

1.  Believe body language. It doesn’t lie.

2. Remember that every statement or comment does not require a response.

3. Choose your words carefully.

4. Speak and write with clarity.

5. Read whenever possible; it expands your vocabulary.

6. Be aware of your speech patterns and habits, including inflection, pacing and tone of voice.

7. Avoid interrupting people. We’re adults. One voice at a time.

8. Keep slang at home.

9. Stay away from “empty” words such as “Frankly”, “Really,” and “Actually”

10. Prepare an outline when writing a speech, long blog post or article.

11. Focus conversations on other people, not yourself.

12. Weave names into conversations. Everyone’s favorite word is their own name.

13. Use dark backgrounds and light colored fonts for PowerPoint slides.

14. Insert silence and pauses into your speeches and conversations. They are more powerful than words.

15. Diffuse conflicts without technology. Plan a face-to-face meeting or a phone call to resolve issues amicably and quickly.

16. Develop the fine art of charisma. Don’t be a “crap magnet.”

17. Write to express, not to impress.

18. Engage your listener, reader, and audience with material that is clear, concise, and compelling.

19. Ask good questions and you’ll get good information.

20. Listen with your mouth closed.

21.  Use the “P-R-R” method when answering questions: Pause, Reflect, Respond.

22. Greet the janitor and the CEO of the company in the exact same way.

23. Smile and use eye contact. It’s the universal language.

24. Know when to speak up and know when to shut up.

25. Follow the 5 P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance (public speaking).

26. Respond to controversial or off-color comments with these three words, “Isn’t that interesting?” Then smile. It’s a neutral statement and dead-ends virtually all conversations. In a pleasant way, of course.

27. Improve your communication skills by observing positive role models you admire and respect.

28. Show value when reciting your “elevator speech.” Focus on the results you get for clients, not your job title.

29. Speak from the heart.

30. Follow a written agenda in meetings to save time and stay on task.

31. Make all important phone calls before noon.

32. Ask for the sale, then be quiet.

33. Walk the walk and talk the talk. Be congruent.

34. Stay away from industry jargon and rhetoric that can confuse people outside of your field.

35. Identify where your ideal clients hang out and go there (this is true for bricks and mortar and social media)

36.  Avoid writing emails and making phone calls when you are angry or frustrated.

37. Write your blogs consistently so people can gain insight into your expertise, experiences, and personality.

38. Learn Emotional Intelligence (empathy, self-awareness, and teamwork) to improve your  communication skills.

39. Understand the importance of self-promotion and personal branding.

40. Walk into a room tall, strong, and proud.

41. Look for similarities, not differences. This bridges communication gaps.

42.  Listen to what is not being said.

43. Avoid criticizing, complaining, and judging.

44. Record yourself on audio or video to hear and see how you move and behave.

45. Answer the phone standing up and smiling.

46. Look in the mirror before you go into a meeting.

47. Give all of your attention to the person who is speaking. Avoid distractions and “darting eyes.”

48.  Turn off your technology when at a professional business meeting or event.

49. Avoid excessive and distracting clothing patterns, jewelry, make-up, and accessories- especially when you are the speaker, tv guest, or recording a video segment.

50. Be relevant and memorable.

51. Use gestures to empasize your spoken words.

52. Follow the leader. If he speaks fast, you speak fast. If he is slow, you should be slow.

53. Connect with people by being authentic and genuine.

54. Stay on message.

55. Dress like the person you aspire to be.

56. Build rapport with people.

57. Keep your jacket open. A closed jacket sends a nonverbal sign that you may be hiding something.

58. Have a good handshake. Practice with someone you trust and get their feedback.

59. Thank someone when they offer a compliment (don’t argue!)

60. Save political, religious, sex, and other controversial jokes or stories for outside of your  professional circles.

61. Respect the personal space of others.

62. Avoid planning your answer in your head when someone is speaking. Pay close attention to what they are saying and then respond.

63. Write with bullet points and white space so your information is ”reader-friendly.”

64. Have a powerful opening and closing in your presentations, speeches, articles, and blog posts.

65. Highlight benefits, not features, in your marketing and sales materials.

66. Create videos that are 1-3 minutes in length and are punchy, engaging, and valuable.

67. Write tweets of less than 125 characters; leaving space for people to retweet and spread your message.

68. Connect with people’s emotions by using real-life examples and sharing stories.

69. Avoid keeping your reading glasses on and “looking down your nose” when speaking to others.

70. Emphasize important words or phrases by lowering or raising your voice, or slowing down.

71. Exude positive energy in both your written and spoken words.

72. Understand the importance of making small talk.

73. Avoid biting your lip and inside cheek when speaking to someone (signals anxiety or nervousness)

74. Project your voice with authority.

75. Use smiles as positive reinforcements.

76. Express gratitude.

77. Re-read, and if necessary, rewrite everything before you send it, speak it , or share it.

78. Maintain eye contact, but not at a level that can make someone feel uncomfortable.

79.  Keep your palms open when you ask questions, which indicates you are open-minded and welcoming.

80. Recognize when it’s appropriate to use a “social hug” to greet someone.

81. Avoid the word “stuff.” It’s vague and unprofessional. Be specific.

82.Write an article for your e-zine or newsletter that  includes interesting quotes and statistics.

83. Drink alcohol on your personal time.

84. Steer conversations to positive topics.

85. Dress appropriately for tv interviews and videos by finding out about the background colors, lighting, and set design.

86. Have a mission or value statement that has repeatability so others can communicate it for you.

87. Use your body language to your advantage when delivering a speech. Don’t hide behind the podium.

88. Watch for cultural differences in communication styles.

89. Remember that enthusiasm is contagious.

90. Point your feet away from someone if you want to leave the conversation.

91. Respond to comments on your blog or website so it’s interactive and engaging.

92. Leave your personal life outside of business conversations.

93. Show respect and spare people’s feelings. Don’t blame or insult anyone.

94. Delete the word “just” from your vocabulary. It’s belittling. You are not “Just an accountant” or “Just a recruiter.” You are an accountant. You are a recruiter. Be proud.

95. Stop over-apologizing. You’re not responsible for the poor service, rain, or world peace.

96. Resist the temptation to finish other people’s sentences.

97. Open your eyes, ears, and heart to new messages and people.

98. Be the fountain, not the drain. 

99. Stand up if everyone around is standing and sit down if everyone is seated. Be on a level playing field.

If you want to master the art of business communication, I invite you to sign up for my free 21-day video series, “Speaking of Communication.” You’ll receive a wealth of information on PR, social media, interpersonal communication, sales, and leadership.  

(Photo Credit: Toothrot)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

10 Ways to Keep Your Website and Blog Fresh and Appealing

by at 3:01 pm 6 Comments

fruit tartHere are 10 easy ways for you to attract more readers and visitors (a.k.a. prospects and clients) to your website and blog.

1. Keep it current. Update your content with new posts, articles, links, videos and resources. The Internet is fluid. Information can be changed in the snap of a finger. Fresh and interesting posts can easily be created, new Tweets sent in seconds. Stagnant means old, which means boring, which means out of date which means out of touch, which means goodbye…off to someone else’s site.

2.  Share links and information from people you trust. Don’t feel pressured to be a creative force of nature all the time. It’s ok to provide a link, post or article (with permission of course) from someone you respect. It’s a good way of expanding people’s networks. It also shows your followers you care enough about them to share something you feel is important and valuable.

3. Write a resource list. Encourage those who visit your site to read some of the books, articles, websites and posts that you have benefitted from. Include links to videos that can help them. It’s similar to a Blogroll. Be sure to change it often so visitors will start coming back. Your list will also give  people a glimpse into your interests. One of my favorite quotes is: “If you want to know what people value, look at their bookshelf and checkbook stubs.”

4. Create a buzz. When you have new information on your site, spread the word. Put a line and link in your Facebook status, Tweet about, and use it in groups on LinkedIn. Mention it in videos. Include it in your daily or weekly e-mail’s and e-zine. It’s ok to toot your own horn. Don’t allow humility and “thinking small” to get in your own way.

5. Give it away. Don’t worry that you are sharing information (tipsheets, white papers, articles, etc.) that you think people should be paying for. That’s not what Social Media is about. It’s about sharing valuable information that can help others to be successful. They will appreciate it, build a relationship with you and business will come. It takes time. For now, develop the mindset of giving.

6. Be professional. Blog posts with offensive language, off-color jokes, political criticisms, and more can quickly drive a lot of people away- for good. Jokes, politics, religion and sex are danger zones that I avoid. Also, look at the pictures that are on your site. If you are in a professional career, dress the part.

7. Use audio and video testimonials. Written text from a satisfied client is important, but take it one or two steps further and engage your visitors. Post a few lines of their text and a headshot. You can also add an audio testimonial or a short video commending your work.

8. Create an archive.  Keep an growing archive of your newsletters, articles, post and videos on your site. While staying current is important, visitors are often looking for information or back issues for their own newsletters and publications. Encourage them to reprint your materials with proper credits and copyrights provided.

9.  Promote yourself. Include your website links and Social Media contact information in your signature lines of e-mails, e-zines, business cards and profile pages. If you are a speaker, include this in your bio. Make it easy for people to find you.

10.  Have fun! Set a positive tone on your site, blog and in all your messages. Be aware of your color scheme, visuals and online image. Maybe it’s time for an update.  Convey a positive message for success that will have people coming back for more…and bringing their friends.



(Photo Credit: Valentinian)

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, Online Marketing, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The 3 Cs of Writing Powerful Content

by at 7:59 pm 10 Comments

The letter CContent is king. Blah, blah, blah. We’ve heard it before. But what does it mean to you? How does that statement impact your writing?

Whether you are writing a new blog post, bylined article, or a speech, follow the three Cs and you’ll have the magic formula to engage your audience.

1. Be clear. Clarity is a beautiful thing. If you are confused when you write, you can’t expect people to follow along with you. Before you begin to write, jot down your purpose and main message. Consider your theme and a real-life example to include that helps bring your message home.

2. Be concise. I’m convinced our entire society has Attention Deficit Disorder. We’re bombarded with information, images and messages; most of which we didn’t ask for and are irrelevant to us. Getting people’s attention and keeping it is a real challenge. Especially when it’s the written word. That’s why it’s critical to write with precision. If people are confused, you’ll lose them. Don’t be concerned about word count. Simply make your point and be done. Respect that most people are overwhelmed and rushed. How often do you say or hear, “I am crazy busy.” People who are “crazy busy”  appreciate concise.

3. Be compelling. The one common trait we share as human beings is that we have emotions. Emotions (usually) connect us with other humans.  When you write, be willing to share a human experience (story) that reveals an emotion. People love great stories. They can be extremely compelling and powerful. Take your audience on a  journey with your words, story, and message. Pique their interest so they feel like they are reading a famed novel that they can’t put down. Help them to hang on every word and image.

Most of our early childhood memories go back to stories. Don’t you remember bedtime when you were five years old? Safe at home in your pajamas with the people who loved you the most. Someone read you a story. It may have been Donald Duck, a classic fable, or a Bible story. It takes you on an adventure that captivates your imagination, heart, and soul. It can move you to laughter or tears. It’s memorable.

Are you tapped into the three Cs? 

(Photo Credit: Pictures by Anne)

Filed Under: Business, content, rapport, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Having a Vision for Success and Business Growth

by at 6:12 pm 3 Comments

DSC05359Have you ever been given dilating drops at a routine eye exam? Last week, I went for a check-up, got the drops, and stumbled out of the office with distorted vision. For the next few hours, I began to think about people who don’t have clear vision.

In my Public Relations and communications training company, I have worked with eye doctors who had no vision. No, they didn’t have drops to dilate their eyes; they were bright, educated professionals with tunnel vision and closed minds. I have seen graceful and poised dancers and actors who can make all the right moves on stage but can’t seem to step out of their own way. Ever spend leisure time with teachers who know everything? Have you talked to truck drivers who have no sense of direction in life? I speak with seasoned marketing professionals who don’t see the value of blogging.

Too many of us are stumbling around in mediocrity without a clear picture of success.

Do you have the vision, the right steps, the willingness to learn, the direction and the marketability to be successful? If you are “stuck”, check out my “25 Success Habits to Master Your Life.” Read one, think about it and live it. In less than a month, your world can significantly change for the better.

Resources are at our fingertips 24/7. The Internet provides us with information we will never be able to fully comprehend or utilize. There’s so much “stuff.” So many opportunities to learn, to help other businesses and people be successful,and to contribute to our community and world.

Can you do more than you are curently doing? How motivated are you? How clear is your vision? It’s time to think big.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Timeless Lessons Learned From My First Job

by at 11:59 pm 1 Comment

newspapersFirst jobs, like first loves, first kisses and first cars, often hold special places in our hearts.   They teach us lessons that can stay with us for a lifetime. Sorry, no talk here about love, kisses and cars. I want to share lessons I learned in 1974 when I got my first job.

I broke into the fiercely competitive news business at the ripe age of 12. Perched on the banana seat atop my sturdy green stingray bicycle with wire baskets on the back, I delivered newspapers (The News Tribune) on an afternoon  neighborhood paper route in Edison, New Jersey. Professionally, I  have worked in the news  and communications industry for 25 years. Who knew.

Here are 7 lessons I learned that I still apply to my own public relations and communications training company. They will probably sound familiar to you too.

1. Give them what they want. My customers had very specific ideas about where they wanted their papers and how they should be presented. Some wanted the paper folded in 3 sections in the mailbox. Others wanted it tucked in between the front doors on their porch. One wanted it on their back porch, under the mat, because they never used their front door. Lesson Learned: Every one of my customers was right.

2. Be persistent. “Collection day”, or “pay day” was every Friday. After school, I would bring my collection book on the route and have to plan for extra time to ring doorbells, make small talk and  collect money. Often times, people weren’t home. That meant I had to keep going back until they were home. Sometimes they were home but asked me to come back anyway. I would have to backtrack at the end of the route and the next day to get paid. Even if they didn’t pay, they still expected their papers to keep coming. Feelings of frustration and exhaustion didn’t matter. Lesson Learned: Stay with it.

3. Exceed expectations. Whether you deliver newspapers, financial services or hair products, your customers count on you. Mine certainly counted on me. There were torrential downpours and blinding snowstorms but the paper always got to my customers. In heavy rain, my Mom would drive me. In one snowstorm, I recruited my unwilling older sister (a small bribe helped) and together we delivered the papers on a sled in our Snorkle winter jackets. We packed cookies in our pockets and pretended we were enduring the hardships of “The Waltons.” The papers were delivered and the cookies were eaten. We even had a few good laughs. Lesson Learned: No excuses.

4. Take on new ventures. Once the customers on my route came to know me, new opportunities that I wasn’t even looking for started popping up. Several people had told me they were impressed that a girl would be delivering their papers. Remember this was 1974. From the paper route came numerous steady babysitting jobs that lasted several years, a housesitting gig every summer and one job shoveling snow in the winter (which I would like to forget about.) I didn’t completely understand it at the time, but word-of-mouth marketing was a beautiful thing. Lesson Learned: You may not be looking, but seize opportunities that come your way.

5. Plan for the unexpected. There were a few times I couldn’t deliver my papers. After all, I occasionally got sick or had to do something after school. I still had to cover my route. My sister and a boy in the neighborhood were trusted back-up’s. I took the time to train them and make notes in my book so they knew what each customer wanted. When my substitutes stepped in, the service was seamless. Lesson Learned: You can’t always do it alone.

6. Deliver your best every day without expecting rewards. When the Holiday season rolled around, I would include a handwritten “Season’s Greeting” card with each paper. Even though some customers were more demanding than others, not everyone gave weekly tips or an extra few dollars in December. In the mind of this 12-year-old, I was convinced that all my customers in this upscale neighborhood could certainly part with a few bucks for me. After all, I was working pretty hard throughout the year. Wrong. Lesson Learned: Do your job because you agreed to take on the responsibility.  Judgments and expectations can be dangerous.

7. Take your job seriously. Even though I was only 12 years old, I took my charge of bringing the news to people’s home every day to heart. My mindset was: if I didn’t deliver the papers, who would? People counted on me. There was no turning back. Lesson Learned: Avoid excuses and develop a strong work ethic.

Sure, the stingray bike, afternoon paper routes and Snorkle parka jackets are things of the past. The “Lessons Learned” are timeless nuggets that one little girl is grateful for. They have stayed with me for a lifetime.



(Photo Credit: Violator3)

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , , ,

You Know You’re A Social Media Fiend When…

by at 5:22 pm 15 Comments

computer nerdYou Know You’re A Social Media Fiend When:

1. Your conversations (spoken, tweeted or texted) involve words like Aggregator, Digg, Podcast,  Snarky and Back End.

2. The “F” word to you is Flickr.

3. Instead of pulling spare change out of your pocket like your Dad did, you pull out thumbdrives.

4. You run around with adapters, Ethernet cards, an I-Pod and chargers.

5. Your privacy boundaries are contained in your blog, which means you have no privacy (TMI).

6. Your cell phone is only used for Tweets, internet access, pictures, and video downloads.

7. Your long-distance relationships involve the word Skype.

8.  Your flip cam and digital camera are with you 24/7- just in case there’s breaking news.

9. Your hero is the New York woman who tweeted during a bank robbery.

10. You feel hopelessly out of touch if you can’t log on…to anything.

11. The only invitations you receive are through E-vites, Meet Up’s and Tweet-Up’s.

12. You cringe when anyone over 60 asks about cable modems, Facebook and chain jokes on AOL.

13. Your idea of Four-Letter Words are Apps, Digg, Ping, Chat, Spam, i-Mac, and Blog (Sorry, LMAO doesn’t count).

14.  You use words like hashtag, hyperlink, viral, widgets and RSS feeds more than 10 times in any given 24-hour period.

15. Your idea of media is BlogTalkRadio, YouTube, The Onion and Blip.fm.

16. You can never find your keys but you can always spot an outlet in an obscure public place to recharge your battery (and you don’t mind crawling on a filthy floor under a table to get to it).

17. You’re a grown adult but your handwriting looks like a 9-year-old…not to worry, you can type or text 300 words per minute (while driving)

18. The translation of  reading: Kindle or e-Book.

19. The only word-of-mouth marketing you know involves 140 characters, a link or a post.

20. It’s obvious that Bit.ly and Bud are shortcuts, not names of your pets.

21. You hear the word Delicious, and you don’t think of food.

22. You inherently understand that Jigsaw doesn’t require you to sit at the kitchen table with your family to piece together a puzzle of The Empire State Building.

23. You know Firefox and Roboform aren’t found in the TV listing under ”Saturday Morning Cartoons.”

24. Hoover’s doesn’t conjure up the image of your Grandma’s vaccum cleaner.

25. Teleseminars and PowerPoint are becoming really, really boring.

26. Name= Handle

27. You run away–mortified–from someone who asks for your fax number.

28. You have at least 3 different websites, blogs or Twitter accounts.

29. You refuse to buy hard copy books of anything related to technology, knowing that by the time they are printed, they’re out-of date.

30. You teach your 2-year-old nephew “The Itsy Bitsy Blogger” and The ABC’s- A is for Avatar, B is for Bookmark, C is for  Community …and Z is for Zillow.



(Photo Credit: JoeRocketh)

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

What It Means to Get in Front

by at 5:31 pm 17 Comments


Danny Hockey 1-09People often ask me about my hashtag for Twitter of #GIFB – which is Get in Front Blogging. The name of my public relations and communications training company is Get in Front Communications.

Get in Front is a constant reminder to me to be proactive. It goes back to one of my ”signature stories” when I speak and train people. It’s about my husband Andrew, our son Danny, and the game of ice hockey.

When Danny was seven years old and learning to play hockey, Andrew, who has been on skates since he was four, told him, ”Get in front of the net, get in front of the puck, and get in front of the other players.”

Danny didn’t understand, and with a puzzled look and a shrug of his shoulders, he quizzically asked, ”Why? Why should I get in front?”

Andrew’s response was simple and it applies to each of us.

“Because that’s where all the action is. Nothing exciting happens to the guys who hang out in the back. Get in front of the net, get in front of the puck, get in front of the other players. Get in front and make something happen.”

Something obviously clicked in Danny’s mind. After that  conversation, Danny made a commitment to himself and his team that he would Get in Front. His entire game, attitude, communication, and success changed because he decided to be proactive. To making something happen.

How about you? Are you ready to make something happen?

Here are 7 tips to help you Get in Front:

1. Think of yourself and your company as special. Focus on a personal branding and marketing plan that truly differentiates your expertise, products and services from your competition. It’s there. You have to find it. Be creative. If you have to, hire a coach to pull it out of you.

2. Get out!   Your prospects and ideal customers won’t come banging on your door begging to give you their hard-earned money. You must find them. Get out of your office. Get out of your comfort zone and the usual places you like to network. Get out from behind the keyboard. Above all, get out of your own way.

3. Speak up. When you are at meetings, lunches or conferences, use your voice. Get involved in the dialogue, ask a question, offer your insights, and volunteer.  Avoid blending in with the crowd.

4. Donate your products and services. Offer one of your CD’s, books, or a gift certificate to your business as a door prize. You’ll be announced and you may be invited to give a quick introduction or ”elevator speech.” If you don’t have products, go to your local bookstore and spend a few bucks for a copy of a popular business book. Scotch tape your business card to the inside cover.

5. Get involved in your community. Target groups and places where your ideal customers spend time and offer to serve on committees and boards that need your expertise. Nonprofits, foundations, and schools are especially grateful when they can connect with savvy business leaders.

6. Learn something new every day. Find a topic that will help you grow professionally and personally. Read books, take courses, and speak to people about it and you will soon be expanding your horizons and widening your circles.  In a year or two, you can be on the road to becoming an expert.

7. Start writing. One of the best ways to Get in Front is to write something that others can apply to their own situations to be successful. Write a blog, article ,  tipsheet, launch a “Tip of the Day”, e-zine or short newsletter. You may have heard this mantra: “Publish or Perish.”

Get in Front is a mindset. Being proactive in our businesses and lives helps us avoid complacency and mediocrity. It forces us to keep moving, learning, contributing and growing. Just ask Danny.

Danny in NYC 4-10







Danny in New York City, age 14, 2010

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Motivation, Self-Confidence, Success Tagged With: , , , ,

The Power of Influence with Social Media

by at 5:34 pm 7 Comments

DSC05342In an interview with Oprah, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen talked about their coffee table book titled Influence. Trust me, I’m no fan of their acting careers or clothing line but I am certainly impressed with the empire and fortune they have built. They are 23 years old and have out-marketed all of us! Their estimated net worth is $100 million.

In their book, the Olsen twins interviewed 20 people who had affected their lives. They included Diane Von Furstenburg and Lauren Hutton. Who has influenced your life? Who have you had an impact on?

You and I may not have a coffee table book or be on Oprah but we certainly have the power to influence people. We do it through our blogs, video’s, articles, podcasts and Tweets.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines influence as “A power indirectly or intangibly affecting a person or a course of events; the power to sway or affect.”

To influence and impact people in a positive way, think about the messages, words, and delivery style that you are sending out to the world. I find that with Social Media we sometimes get instant feedback from a  post, comment or Tweet, but more often than not, we have no idea who is absorbing our messages. It doesn’t mean we don’t have an impact. It just means we don’t have the reactions, thoughts or feelings of our audience.

If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears or sees it crash down, does that mean it didn’t happen? Maybe that one tree was the favorite of a young couple who went hiking every weekend. Maybe they got engaged under that tree. Maybe that tree was photographed for a tourism and marketing campaign and appeared on posters and brochures for years. It could have been in the background of a family camping trip; a treasured keepsake photo hanging in someone’s den.

Movie stars often like to perform live on TV or in the theater because they get immediate feedback from the audience. They want to enjoy the human laughter when delivering a funny line. They want to hear the deafening silence when the audience gasps in shock. They want to soak up the applause so they know their message had punch (influence); their performance appreciated.  It’s real-time, alive with emotions, feelings and yes, impact.

Even if it’s just 140 characters of a quote, link or greeting, you have the ability to influence people. To motivate, inspire, educate, and affect others. Take your responsibility of influence seriously. It reflects on your brand, your company, attitude and values.  Influence can be powerful.

I encourage you to comment and offer feedback on other people’s material so they will know their messages have  been received and may have influenced you. In these Social Media times, I believe it’s called “interactive” and “engaging.”

Oh, and let me know what you think of this. Has it made a difference in your world? I hope so.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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