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Patience in Business and Communication: It’s All About BS

by at 9:52 am 9 Comments

baby shoesWe need more BS.

If you’re like me, life may sometimes feel overwhelming. We’re bombarded with irrelevant information, beeping electronic gadgets and unsettling news about our world.  We have so many choices and decisions to make; so much information to decipher, decode and decide on. Whether it’s a new search engine project, a marketing idea or holiday plans, I keep telling myself, “It’s BS. Take it slow; I need to take Baby Steps.”

This BS (Baby Steps) approach is especially important to people like me who look for instant results. The BS mentality reminds me of what I teach people in my public relations and communication training programs. We have to set the table before we sit down to eat. We have to slow our communication down so we can take time to listen, think, feel and respond.

Our world and technology are moving at warp speed. After all we’re in a “Social Media Revolution.” That doesn’t sound calming and slow to me. Yet so much of what we do, especially in business and relationships, requires us to slow down and plant seeds that will eventually take root and produce fruit. Baby Steps.

Maybe this BS approach (a.k.a. patience) comes with maturity. In my leadership trainings, we talk about decisiveness. Strong leaders don’t act in haste. They are deliberate. They learn, read, analyze, understand, ask questions and study. They get clarity. They take Baby Steps. Then they make a decision.

We can function more efficiently and with less pressure when we use BS. You may want to try it.

(Photo Credit: Lisajhoney)

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Leadership, listening, Motivation, Online Marketing, Social Media, Social Networking, Success, Women Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Your A-Z Guide to Successful Media Relations and Publicity

by at 5:19 am 7 Comments

SY Press credentials 2Getting publicity seems to be mysterious to many people in businesses and nonprofits. As a former radio news reporter and news director, I’m happy to share 26 insights and tips into the mindsets of reporters and how they decide what’s newsworthy.

A is for ask yourself, “Why am I writing this press release or pitching this story; who cares?”  If the answer is they (the public) don’t, scrap it.

B is for be persistent but don’t be a newsroom pest (pest is a four-letter word in persistent)

C is for create curiosity. Pitch your story in a fresh and compelling way so the reporter will want to learn more. Pique their interest.

D is for don’t tell them how to conduct the interview. They will tell you what they are looking for.

E is for essence. Capture the essence of your story in one or two lines.

F is forget about your schedule. Work around their deadlines and accommodate them. Newsrooms don’t operate in 9-5 mode.

G is for gather information about the topic, questions, format and length of the interview ahead of time so you can prepare.

H is for honesty. If you don’t know something, be honest and get the information in a timely way. Always follow-up and deliver what you promise.

I is for interruption. Most reporters look at PR folks and others who pitch stories as interruptions. Beware.

J is for just cut to the chase. Reporters and news decision makers are on extremely tight deadlines and typically aren’t too chatty.

K is for know your stuff. Don’t pitch a story you don’t thoroughly understand. If you don’t get it, how can you possibly explain it to someone  else?

L is for look at their work. See what their archived interviews, stories and blogs are about. This will help build a relationship.

M is for make news, not news releases. Anyone can write a press release. The key is to get it placed. 10 press releases, zero coverage. You lose.

N is for newsworthy. Understand what constitutes a good news story. Does yours fit the bill?

O is for off the record. Know what this is, how to use and when to use it.

P is for put a face on your story. Include someone who is directly impacted by your news. This is not the CEO, Board President or Spokesperson.

Q is for quiet down and listen to what they are asking for. If  a reporter requests a headshot, don’t send a bio. They have enough irrelevant “stuff.”

R is for respect the concept of breaking news. Don’t pitch your story unless your expertise connects to the news of the minute.

S is for “Simplicity Rules.”

T is for timing. Don’t pitch yesterday’s news. It’s stale. News is fluid and always changing, especially with real-time Social Media.

U is for understand the difference between a trained journalist and blogger who follows the news. Huge difference.

V is for visuals and voice. Print and TV reporters need action and video. Radio needs a voice (audio). Some stories are just better for one medium or another.

W is for wow them with your writing.

X is for x-ray your story. That’s right— know your story inside and out. Especially if there are skeletons or bones in the closet…

Y is for you can be replaced. A reporter can find lots of people in your field to include in their story. They don’t need you. Be easy to work with and help them get their  job done.  Soon they will be calling you.

Z is for zero in on the hook and angle the reporter or producer is looking for.

Practice the ABC’s and you’ll be building your credibility with the media…and getting publicity.

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, media, News, Public Relations, publicity, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Effective Business Communication Skills are Outside the Box

by at 9:28 am 4 Comments

DSC05870It’s safe to say the phrase “Think outside the box” has seen its day. That’s NOT what this is about.

The Arbinger Institute is an international training, consulting and coaching firm that focuses on conflict resolution–in organizations, families, countries and communities. I’ve read two of their books, Leadership and Self Deception and  The Anatomy of Peace. I’ve also attended one of their 8-week courses.

They present their information, lessons and strategies in fascinating and real-life ways. Through characters in each of these books, the authors showcase relationships that are marred by communication gaps and conflicts. Those involved think it’s bad, but not that bad…until they take a closer look and learn about the box.

In vs. Out

According to Arbinger, when people are “in the box”, they are not using effective communication skills. They treat others as objects, and not human beings with feelings and emotions. We behave as if we’re better than others. When we are outside “the box”, we show compassion and care for our fellow humans. If two people in a conversation are both “in the box”, there’s trouble because there’s little room for progress, negotiation and positive outcomes. One example in Leadership and Self-Deception may sound familiar to you.

You’re seated on a crowded bus or train and the seat next to you is empty. Do you put your bag on it, hide behind your newspaper and hope no one will squeeze in? We’ve all been on both sides of this situation–the one who is seated and “in the box”, and the stressed passenger desperately searching for a place to sit. If the seated passenger was “out of the box”, he may make eye contact and smile at someone, silently sending a welcome signal to them.

Awareness and The Box

Be aware of the interactions you have with  colleagues, clients, relatives, neighbors and, yes, even the waiter, car wash attendant and woman shopping next to you at Target. Do you treat them as objects or people? How do you feel when you are “in the box” and how does it feel when you’re out of the box. One thing to keep in mind is that you can be “in the box” during a phone conversation with your partner or spouse, and a few minutes later be “out of the box” when you meet with a new client.

Effective communicators and leaders operate ”outside the box.”  That’s why they seem to easily build consensus, are likeable and achieve positive results.

So, where you are? In or out?

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Leadership, Self-Confidence, Success Tagged With: , , , , , ,

3 Tips to Get Publicity and News Coverage for Memorial Day Weekend

by at 9:19 pm 1 Comment

DSC05455Long holiday weekends like Memorial Day tend to bring the news cycle to a screeching halt.

People get distracted with the warmer weather, end of school, and vacations. News tends to slow down. Even though many state legislatures around the US are in the throws of nasty budget cuts, newspapers and electronic media still need a variety of stories and interviews to fill their pages and airwaves.

That’s the beauty of long weekends and holidays for folks like us looking for publicity. While others are dreaming about the lazy days of summer, this is an ideal time to develop and pitch stories.

All reporters, like myself, can remember trying to create fresh angles and interesting stories for Memorial Day weekend. Summer camp, family day trips, gas prices, pool safety, bathing suits. Blah blah blah.

This is where you come in. Many stories that seem weak or tough to pitch in a busy news cycle can easily grab the attention of a reporter during slow periods.

Here are 3 quick tips:

1. Plan in advance. Look at the calendar.  Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31st. Many people will either take off from work on Friday, May 28th or will be allowed to leave early. If you send out your press release or pitch by Tuesday, May 25th, reporters can use it anytime between late May and well into June.  The media is open 24/7. Your sleeper story on a busy news day could be a big headline over the extended weekend and through the week of May 31st.

2. Keep it undated. If you have an “evergreen story” with no real date attached to it, that’s ideal for coverage in slow news cycles. You may send the release out a few days before Memorial Day and be pleasantly surprised to see it was picked up by the media weeks later.

3. Get creative! Stay away from the typical seasonal stories that reporters cover. Hard news and business stories are ideal for these time periods. Cause-related marketing is another good opportunity to shine. For example, most groups hustle for holiday food drives in November and December yet there are plenty of hungry people in May and June. You can launch a summer food drive with a local nonprofit. Human interest stories can connect with business too, and are fun this time of year. Is your department doing a team building kayak activity that a reporter can watch or take part in?

Take advantage of this window of opportunity by planning ahead and getting creative. Reporters will appreciate your efforts. While they are appreciating, you are building critical relationships with news decision makers for future pitching and publicity.

Filed Under: Business, Marketing, News, Public Relations, publicity, Success, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

25 Tips to Improve Your Business Marketing

by at 4:58 pm 8 Comments

DSC05773Connecting your social media channels, contact information, and marketing materials can have a significant impact on attracting more prospects and increasing sales. Don’t you want more people in your pipeline? 

Let’s make sure you’re using all of the marketing avenues that are available to cross-promote your organization. Your website and/or blog should be your main hub. All roads lead there.

Some of these checklist items may seem like no-brainers. However many businesses and nonprofits fail to use them. I’d hate to see you lose marketing and publicity opportunities.

With that in mind, consider these 25 points:

  1. My Twitter profile includes my URL. My LinkedIn profile features my FB and YouTube links. My Yelp account has my blog and URL, etc.
  2. My e-mail signature line includes my Twitter handle, social media links (“Connect with me on LinkedIn—-”), blog link, and URL.
  3. My electronic newsletter promotes my URL , social media profile links, blog, and upcoming events.
  4. My video marketing (YouTube, Viddler, MetCafe, and MySpace) mention my URL and blog (spoken or on the screen).
  5. My bio box for bylined articles includes my website, a live link to my newsletter and videos, and links to network online.
  6. My traditional marketing materials for human-to-human networking always have several ways to connect with me-through my website and blog.
  7. My press releases include my URL.
  8. My profiles invite people to sign up for “free stuff”  on my website.
  9. My blog posts, including guest posts, provide links and keywords that drive readers and viewers to my site, products, newsletters, articles, and archives.
  10. My Pay-Per Click Ads and Google Adwords direct prospects to my website and blog.
  11. My media interviews mention my URL or blog in a very subtle way with the focus of sharing resources to help the public, not to sell anything.
  12. My handouts and giveaways at presentations and public speaking engagements always have my URL and contact information.
  13. My business cards now include social media contact information (ditch the fax number and add LinkedIn or Twitter)
  14. My Annual Report, Capital Campaign drive, or end-of-year letter to clients and prospects include various ways to connect online.
  15. My white papers and case studies provide live links and contact information.
  16. My Op-Ed articles and Letters to the Editor include my URL.
  17. My 30-second elevator speech ends with a memorable catch-phrase and my website address.
  18. My introduction for speaking and presentations (different than my bio) has my web address or blog.
  19. My website cross promotes all of my content: articles, newsletters, social media profiles, videos, products, webinars, interviews, and blogs.
  20. My calendar listings, community promotions, and public service announcements have my URL or blog link.
  21. My paid advertising in traditional media provides a link to my website, blog, and other resources.
  22. My comments on other peoples’ blogs include my website link.
  23. My participation in online chats which allow quick “wrap-up plugs” include my website or blog links.
  24. My signage for displays and exhibits at trade shows and conferences prominently mention my website.
  25. My e-mail marketing and autoresponders include links that connect back to my site through free resources, blog posts, and videos (a.k.a. “the back door”)

As you work to include these opportunities, be sure your website and blog are in good shape. Your website should be easy to navigate, delivervaluable information, has a call-to-action, and is interactive and current.

Your Goal: Create a marketing buzz that piques curiosity and draws people to you. Be everywhere.

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Communication, Marketing, media, networking, Online Marketing, publicity, sales, Social Media, Social Networking, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Mother of Social Media

by at 3:56 pm 3 Comments

MomForget ”Father Knows Best.”

Mother’s Day is upon us and it’s time to remember the lessons and wisdom many Moms’ have shared with their children over the years. Social Media style of course.

1. Arrive bearing gifts. When attending a party or gathering (chat in our world), bring along a small token of appreciation. It used to be a toy or new article of cool clothing. Now we simply show up with an article—or link, post, or video.

2. Keep your nose out of other peoples’ business. Nothing like MYOB online. Respect those conversations and messages that should be private. Know when to jump in. Know when to mind your own business.

3. Save some for others. Stuffing yourself with five pieces of cake without regard to the consequences (stomach ache, looking like a pig, and rude manners for not sharing), is equivalent to commandeering a chat or group discussion. Give everyone a chance to participate and get involved.

4.  Clean up after yourself. Whether it’s in the playroom, kitchen or bathroom, don’t leave a mess for someone else. In Social Media and business, this means keep things neat and professional.  Tidy up your profile and avatar. If you goof and spill something,  come clean and admit it. Then move on.

5. Chew with your mouth closed. We don’t need to see every little iota of food in there. It’s grotesque. Call it respect, privacy, or Too Much Information (TMI). Draw the line in Social Media. Do we really need to know about your cramps, lazy partner or vomiting dog? Think business.

6. Tie your shoe laces. We’re all familiar with the “You’re gong to fall!” shriek. In business, keep your feet grounded but in motion, and don’t trip yourself up. People are watching.

7. Keep your nose clean. Be honest with yourself and everyone else. Be a model of success for others to emulate.

8. Say your prayers. Be grateful to your Social Networking community by sharing resources, Retweets, posts and links that can help people be successful. A simple “Thank you”  goes a long way—-on the playground and online.  Live with gratitude.

9. Shut the lights or you’ll pay the bill! Share positive energy and light with others. And take time to turn off the Social Networking channels to recharge, reconnect with family and friends, and cool down. Know when to turn off the switch.

10. Mind your manners. When you’re a kid, it takes a few years to figure out right from wrong. That’s what the tall people are there for. In Social Media and business, you know what to do. You know how to treat people with respect and integrity. You know about solid customer service. Because that’s how you want to be treated. Hmm, what a concept.

Oh no, when did I become my mother???!!

Happy Mother’s Day! And for you fathers, Theodore Hesburgh said, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Cheers!


(Photo Credit: Clever Cupcakes)

Filed Under: Business, Communication, customer service, networking, Social Media, Social Networking, Success, Women Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

50 Ways to Beat Your Competition

by at 3:59 pm 6 Comments

Soccer ballThe way you communicate with yourself, clients, prospects, employees, and community will determine your success. Want to beat the competition? Sure you do. Consider these 50 tips. Most are based on our internal and external communication.

  1. Forget humility: self-promote.
  2. Watch your competition but remain clear on your own vision and goals.
  3. Write down your purpose, own it, and read it every day.
  4. Look at education and conferences as investments instead of “what will this cost?”
  5. Get enough sleep so your mind and body can be refreshed. 
  6. Expect good things to happen.
  7. Spend time with industry leaders and people you can learn from.
  8. Read, read, read.
  9. Develop interests outside of your typical hobbies and comfort zone. This sparks creativity.
  10. Analyze. Then act.
  11. Keep up with technology.
  12. Delegate and outsource.
  13. Draw boundaries on your time.
  14. Attend your competitors workshops and programs. Watch them carefully (stalking is discouraged).
  15. Keep on top of new industry developments and trends.
  16. Be visible in your local community. It’s all about relationships.
  17. Speak and write for business organizations to build your expertise and name recognition.
  18. Volunteer at your professional association or networking group.
  19. Put your head down and work.
  20. Know your values and what you stand for.
  21. Be friendly and polite to your competition. They will share things with you. :)
  22. Read your competitors’ blogs, newsletters, websites, and chats.
  23. Track trade publications, business sections, and resources in other cities to get fresh ideas for products, services, and opportunities.
  24. Get friendly with news reporters who cover your industry and/or area.
  25. Believe that you are capable, talented, and creative.
  26. Write down your daily, weekly, and monthly goals.  Every task you work on should move you closer to your goals.
  27. Get out of your own way.
  28. Learn something new every day—and apply it.
  29. Be clear on your brand and the results you deliver for clients.
  30. Stop making excuses. Be fully accountable and learn from your mistakes.
  31. Communicate with your staff and team. They know more than you think.
  32. Refrain from bad-mouthing anyone, including your competition.
  33. Develop strong communication skills.
  34. Hustle (in a good way).
  35. Keep your options open.
  36. Learn and practice outstanding customer service.
  37. Know the pricing, sales point, and profitability of your products and services.
  38. Kick your own ass.
  39. Network where your competition networks.
  40. Under-promise and over-deliver.
  41. Have a live human being with manners answer your phones.
  42. Return e-mails and phone calls within 24 hours or less.
  43. Send hand-written notes of gratitude to clients and prospects.
  44. Keep your cards close to your vest.
  45. Protect your business reputation in your local community and online.
  46. Appreciate word-of-mouth advertising and marketing. It puts money in your pocket.
  47. Avoid projects and prospects that are not a “good fit.” Refer high maintenance prospects to your competition.
  48. Trust your instinct- implicitly.
  49. Avoid jealousy and envy. They are distractions that blur your own vision.
  50. Put your head on the pillow at night knowing you did your absolute best.

As professional soccer star Mia Hamm said, “You can’t just beat a team, you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again.”


(Photo Credit: RO/LU)

Filed Under: Business, Communication, customer service, Leadership, Motivation, Self-Confidence, Social Media, Social Networking, Success Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Forecasting Social Media: Can You Weather the Storm?

by at 4:05 pm 4 Comments

DSC05457“We monitor, analyze, and anticipate.”  That’s the station promo used by The Weather Channel. Isn’t that what we do in Social media and online networking? Let’s look at the map together and put on our meteorology hats. 

1. We monitor. Social media and the Internet require us to monitor the outside world. We pay attention to how people communicate. Some blow hot air. We watch the windy conversations that take place in chats and groups. We look for unique little snowflakes in other peoples’ information so we can learn and share. We ride the crest of a wave knowing a hurricane of new technology, gadgets, and apps are bearing down on us. Some people refuse to even acknowledge there’s a wave to be reckoned with. They paddle against it, polluting our environment with frustration and fear. Many of us are simply blown away by the ”Storm of the Century” that we’re experiencing in technology. We monitor — with awe and excitement.  

2. We analyze. These days, everyone is trying to measure or analyze something. Or everything. In Social media, we study graphs and overlays. We feel the high pressure systems that that the marketplace brings.  We are like the crew on “The Deadliest Catch,” always enduring the stormy sea armed with our nets and cages. We’ve got data, radio communication, and fuel. Forget focus groups; they have collectively drowned of boredom.  We are prepared— hook, line and sinker—to scoop up the competition. We analyze and we act. The name of our vessel: R-O-I. It’s our maiden voyage and it’s not for the faint-hearted.  Social media and online networking are bringing us to new heights and depths as we measure engagement, trackbacks, and page views.  Analyze this.

3. We anticipate. Similar to meteorologists, social media requires us to predict. The weather forecasters are looking at a record rainfall. We are looking for plenty of  Retweets of our blog posts and an influx of new followers just moments after a busy chat. Online, we must watch the eye of our industry’s storm. We look for new records, anticipate highs and lows, and predict when the chaos may end. We try to find the rainbow that everyone will remember for years to come. In between, we anticipate the black ice, fog, and funnel clouds that business and social media can bring. 

Yes, we monitor, analyze and anticipate. We bounce around on uncharted water. We occasionally run for cover (reputation and customer service issues). Sometimes we take risks and get stranded halfway up the snow-covered hiking trail.  Has anyone sent out a rescue team? 

Don’t worry.  People like us believe in our hearts the words of U-2:  “After the floods all the colors came out. It’s a beautiful day.”

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Social Media, Social Networking Tagged With: , , , , ,