Specializing in social marketing and business communications training

12 insights from Seth Godin on the emotional marketing revolution

godinWant to learn from one of the best social media marketers and business leaders?

Today, best-selling author Seth Godin shared his thoughts on social media marketing, creativity, and business relationships. Godin was the guest on a webinar organized by Vocus, a provider of cloud marketing software.

Godin says the Energy, Industrial, and Mass Media revolutions have given way to the “revolution of our time, the revolution of connection.”

Here are 12 takeaways on the human connection in digital marketing:

  1. “The only asset you can build on the Internet is the connection to people. Connection, the idea that someone knows you, trusts you, and works with you, is not new. It’s 1,000 years old, but it’s new because the people marketing Burger King and Procter and Gamble in 1980 didn’t have this ability to hear back from customers.”
  2. “Highlight and cater to small groups of people who care desperately.”
  3. “Marketing and advertising are not the same things. Marketing is making a product or service that’s worth talking about it. Marketing is about telling a story that spreads and resonates with people. We need to think deeply about feelings.”
  4. “The essence of marketing today is to tell a story to people who want to hear it, in a way that resonates with them so they are likely to either respond or connect to you, or tell their friends.”
  5. “Don’t yell to the masses; whisper to a few. People will choose to talk about it. Give away your ideas. When your ideas are widespread and you are trusted, you don’t have trouble making a living.”
  6. “If you’re not ranked first, second, or third on search pages, you’re invisible.”
  7. “What products are you going to make that are worth talking about?”
  8. “Permission marketing is real permission—the privilege, not the right but the privilege—of delivering personal, anticipated, and  relevant stories to people who want to get them. Not to everyone, not by spam or exploiting your company’s privacy policies. But instead by earning one person at a time; it’s the privilege of showing up. Here’s the measure: If the recipient thinks it’s spam, then it’s spam…Here’s how you know if you have the privilege: ‘Would we miss you if you were gone?’”
  9. “The Internet takes word-of-mouth and leverages it by a factor of 1,000…every single day.”
  10. “Remarkable means worth making a remark about.  Not you making a remark because you work for the company. It’s about people making a remark because they choose to, they want to, because they can.”
  11. “We can’t sell everything to everyone. The market has fractured. Instead of radically shifting the way the media has, most companies and charities have only shifted a little. The fast-growing public or private companies who have made a huge impact in the last five years (e-Bay, Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon), are built around connecting tribes. Connecting people who share a passion and interest. All human beings want to feel like we are a part of something.”
  12. “If we expect to build connections, we have to expect to be generous. There are no secrets or shortcuts. No one wants to connect to the selfish person.”

Nos. 5 and 8 are among my favorites.

Which points can you relate to? Which ones do you need to improve?

 

(Image via)

 

What does social media mean to you?

fence graffitiCommunication, conversation, and connection.

These are just a few of the words used by 10 Twitter stars who I asked to define social media.  Don’t mind the abbreviations; the goal was to offer a definition in 140 characters or less. 

Feel free to comment below and share your own 140 character snippet.

1. SM allows me to participate in discussions about entrepreneurship that I hope will one day change the world. I also get to give back. @BrianMoran

2. Social=meaning friendly gathering. Media=form of communication. Reminding us to gather friendly when we communicate with others. @JessicaNorthey

3. SM has totally shifted the way that small & large businesses connect with audience. It is about the hand shake, conversation, relationship online. @MamaBritt

4. Social Media = Global Diversity – The ability to have a local, national or global & inclusive conversation. Do you have what it takes? @FleeJack

5. Social media is a great way to share insight & connect with people globally. It’s the perfect give & get communications medium. @Rieva

6. Welcome to the ‘Age of Influence,’ where anyone can build an audience, build relationships, effect change… and make a difference. @TedRubin

7. Social media is a great way to connect and inspire your target audience. It is also a great place to build real relationships with those you want. @RayHigdon

8. It’s an opportunity to ‘meet’ people you would have never met otherwise, to share what you know and learn some too! @LeadToday

9. SM is an unprecedented opportunity 2 elevate/expand ur influence. Each tweet/share is a chance 2B more informed, amazed & appreciative. @AngelaMaiers

10. SM gives me the ability to make wonderful connections with people that would be all but impossible in an analog world. @MackCollier

Be sure to follow these folks on Twitter and other social channels. They are smart, savvy, and succinct!

5 secrets to relationship-based selling online

Communicating online isn’t about technology. It’s about tapping into technology to connect with human beings.

With all the typing and tablets — and the absence of seeing a human face — it’s easy to forget that your online credibility is directly linked to relationship-based selling.

Don’t think numbers, think people.

Relationship-based selling is about helping people and organizations solve their business problems without the hard sales push that all of us loathe. It’s about truly putting the needs of others before your own.

This is the secret to building credibility in your social media circles. The digital landscape is vast, yet there is no room for selfish.

Yes, you have a mortgage to pay. Yes, your car needs an unexpected repair. Yes, your kids need new sneakers.

But when you’re able to put these challenges aside and not be driven by your own drama, you will come from a place of service and gratitude.  Conversely, when you chase numbers, you almost always fall short.

Remember that desperation is very unappealing in business.

How do you let followers, friends, and connections know that you care deeply about their success?

Consider these five social media tips to build your credibility and relationships

1. Listen to the conversations. Don’t throw yourself into an online chat or dialogue until you have a sense of the players and personalities. The benefits of this are two-fold. First, you will determine if this particular forum is appropriate and hits your target audience. Second, you will gain insights about the players and their interests, areas of expertise, and work.  When you do your homework, your posts, tweets and content clearly show readers that you “get it.”

2. Stay up-to-date. Pay attention to industry twists, turns and trends. By keeping your finger on the pulse of the HR and recruiting industries, you will quickly discover the hot topics and issues your prospects are paying attention to. To save time, subscribe to e-newsletters, RSS feeds, and Google Alerts that filter important information from the Web.        

3. Focus on solutions. Write for the reader and forget the sales pitch. It’s easy to outline problems, but people are looking for answers. Be willing to offer your knowledge without the expectation of receiving anything back. Your day will come. That’s the way the universe works.

4. Share good information from other people.  Forget ulterior motives. The content you provide can — and should — come from other people and sources. Your generosity will be noticed — and appreciated. This also takes the pressure off of you to be the sole creator of content.  To ensure your credibility is being boosted, check the link and content for accuracy before sharing.   

5. Be a guest. Offer to be a guest blogger on a popular website. Offer to be the guest expert on a Twitter chat or webinar. Put yourself out there with the single goal of openly sharing your expertise and insights.

When you position yourself as a credible expert in your field, people will want to buy from you. You won’t have to sell anything.

 

Your Social Media Blueprint for 2011

Mapping out a solid social media plan in advance can help you to stick with your goals and see results. Without a guide, it’s difficult to remember what your “big picture” looks like. It’s especially easy to get distracted when we’re putting out fires every day. Our eyes move off the target.

Here’s a month-by-month blueprint for your social media activity, growth, and influence.

January: Commit to a plan

Some may call it a New Year’s resolution. Others despise resolutions and simply have to “decide” that they’re willing to take action and make something happen. Take time to think, write down notes, and consider your big picture.  What do you want from social media in 2011? What are you willing to do to make this mental image a reality? That is your plan. Know your target audience, ideal client, and position in the marketplace. Assess what you’ve been doing in social media, what’s working, and what may have faltered. Compile a list of your competitors, industry leaders, and people of influence that you can connect with and learn from. Tweak as necessary. Time is another important factor. Will you dedicate an hour a week to write a blog post? Three hours a day for Tweets, chats, and commenting on blogs? Be realistic. And ive by Gary Vaynerchuk’s rule: Family first.

February: Identify and organize new resources

Years ago, the Internet was referred to as  “The Information Superhighway.” For good reason. Set up a new “Favorites” list, and build your own library and archive. Bookmark and save links, resources, white papers, e-books, e-zines, and newsletters that contain information you can study and learn from.  Then take it one step further. Actually read the material and digest it.  Hmm. Quite a concept.

March: Apply your new knowledge

Knowing and doing are two different things. Yes the social media gadgets, tools, and technology can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential that you have this blueprint in place and chunk things down. This month, and each one that follows, choose one tool or resource that will move you closer to achieving your business goals (refer back to January). Focus on learning everything you can about this one particular thing, and practice, practice, practice. Once you’re comfortable with it, pick a new one and begin again.

April: Develop your online persona

One of the greatest challenges in social media is how to create your online voice, brand, and personality. An identity crisis is useless, especially when you have access to millions of people at your fingertips. Clarity, relevance, and brevity are the keys to building your persona, which is your online brand. What do you represent; what do you stand for? Why should people care? This is not an easy process, but it’s a must for social media (and business) success.

May: Keep your eye on the ball

Spring means baseball! Are you prepared to hit the social media ball out of the park? Rocker John Fogerty’s song Centerfield contains the lyrics “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play…” Are you prepared, or do you need to hire a coach? It’s ok to ask for help.  A coach will hold you accountable.  Have you been taking responsibility for your time, learning, and priorities? Are you in the midst of the action on the ball field, or are you hanging around the dugout watching everyone else?

June: Explore publicity

Summer brings a slow news cycle. Look around the social networks and identify media contacts. This includes traditional, digital, and bloggers. Where does your story and business fit in to their coverage and audience? How can your expertise, company, products, or services help others? Start writing tip sheets, press releases, articles, posts, video scripts, newsletters, and whatever else can showcase your expertise. Plan ahead and pitch your stories in advance of long holiday weekends when reporters and bloggers are scrambling for something interesting to cover. Be proactive and relevant. Publicity builds your credibility — big time.

July: Think interactive

While everyone is sunning on the beach complaining business is quiet, you keep moving. Use this slow season to learn how to record and post video blogs (vlogs), do podcasts, or webinars. Check out video platforms like Viddler and ustream.tv. Get engaged with your followers on a new and personal level.  Interactive also means taking time to comment on blogs (especially of influential people in your industry), respond to questions posed in LinkedIn Groups, and support other businesses on Facebook. When it comes to communicating, social media is a two-way street.

August: Connect with industry leaders

Watching online conversations, chats, and posts will help you determine the movers and shakers in your field. Social media gives us access to CEOs, decision makers, and celebrities like we have never before experienced. Observe how your key people write and who they interact with. Read their posts, Tweets, and follow the chats they’re involved with. You’ll learn about their values and goals. When appropriate, ease into a conversation and get to know them. You may soon be asking them to swap links or guest posts. How cool is that?

September: Learn from kids

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore new things. We can model this mentality. September means back-to-school; a time for meeting new people, building on last year’s lessons, and pushing ourselves to acquire new skills. Be open to fresh ideas, different opinions, and new technology. This will also help your creativity and energy flow. The result: You’ll easily create compelling new content and business ideas.

October: Avoid wearing a mask

Yes it’s Halloween, but social media thrives on transparency. Don’t masquerade as something or someone you’re not. Be genuine, authentic, and helpful to everyone online. Oh, good manners and common courtesy will add to your success as well.

November: Enjoy the colors

The fall foliage is plentiful this time of year, and reminds us that colors are captivating, vibrant, and bring a sense of excitement. Do your website, e-zine, posts, and Tweets offer these same characteristics? Do people stop and take notice of what you’re doing, or are you blending in with the rest of the digital landscape?

December: Measure up!

How did you do? Go back to your goals and map from January, and review what you’ve accomplished. What have you learned and implemented? Who have you helped? How did you build or improve your online presence and influence? Have you gotten any paid clients or opportunities from your social media efforts?  If you’re not looking at a return on investment, what’s your return on relationships; your return on engagement; your return on influence? How has social media helped you grow, both personally and professionally? Is your social media foundation solid? It’s almost time to continue building. Grab the blueprints.

8 Best Practices for Pitching Your Story to a Blogger

P8100101Many people in the blogosphere are uncertain about how to pitch their story, product or service to a blogger or journalist. In a recent chat on blogging, this mysterious topic had people rattled. It’s time to clear the air.

One quick note:  The overall mindset and approach I offer here can be applied to pitching stories to reporters in print, radio and TV news. I’ve been on both sides of the fence; a news decision maker in radio newsrooms who was subjected to lousy pitches every day.  And I’ve been on the PR side; pitching stories and training people on how to get publicity.   It comes down to do your homework,don’t ask for favors, and build relationships.

Here are 8 best practices for pitching to a blogger:

1. Know your story. Don’t pitch a concept you don’t thoroughly understand. If you don’t get it, how can you possibly explain it to someone else?

2. Identify your target audience. Determine where your ideal client “hangs out” online, i.e. chats, groups, and friends. What newsletters or websites do they read? Research the movers and shakers. These are bloggers and journalists who are respected, involved, and have large followings.

3. Pay attention to these influential and cutting-edge bloggers. Read their posts, add comments, listen to their interviews, and know their sweet spots. While researching, also find out if they allow guest bloggers. This is another huge opportunity. Find out where they ”hang out” online.   This is called doing your homework.

4. Observe for a while. Watch their conversations and who they engage with. Follow them. Retweet their messages, a nice form of flattery. You’ll soon be on their radar screen. One note: be genuine. Don’t go on a retweeting rampage to be self-serving. Go for long-term relationships, building trust, and sharing solid content.

5. Find a natural opportunity to connect. If you did your homework, you’ll be able to start a conversation or jump into one without feeling awkward. Let them know, in a subtle way, that you’ve been watching, reading, and enjoying their material. The good news is this process may only take a day or two.

6. Move the conversation offline. Once you connect with the blogger, invite them to follow you so you can send a private message. Continue to build rapport by finding similarities between the two of you. Preferably this should be work-related, such as you agree with their opinion on yesterday’s post, you were both on the same chat, or you shared their article in your office.  If they seem receptive and engaged over the next 48-72 hours, ask for their e-mail address so you can send a short note with “an idea.”

7. Go for it!  Compose a carefully worded 2-3 line e-mail pitch with a compelling and succinct overview of your story. Focus on how it helps their target audience. Build your credibility. If you’re self-serving, you’re toast. You just wasted everyone’s time.

8. Give them what they ask for. If you’re able to pique the interest of your new blogger friend, they will likely ask for more details. Be prepared with a one page press release or background sheet. Don’t send them to a website filled with BS. Friends help friends.

Once your story is picked up by a blogger, remember to cross promote it. Mention it in all of your Social Media channels and newsletter. Link it to your site. E-mail it to prospects and clients. If you do it right, other bloggers and journalists will contact you. Publicity has a cascading effect.

Oh, and remember to thank them. Friends do that.


P.S. Here’s a free resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on Social Media, blogging, PR, writing and communication themes. Click on this link now for instant access http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/

3 Key Communication Opportunities in Our Digital World

LandscapeThe digital and technological landscapes that we’re entrenched in bring exciting opportunities to our business, communication, and networking. Do I dare use the word game-changing? Sure I do.

Consider the 3 A’s:

Access: Social networking channels provide us with access to prominent leaders and experts like we have never experienced before. Millennials and Gen X/Gen Y folks may not remember this but for decades it was nearly impossible to “get the ear” of a CEO. The gatekeeper (receptionist/rejectionist) politely took a phone message that mysteriously dropped into the abyss.  The line, ”I’ll give him your name and number” didn’t mean he’d ever call you back. You didn’t have to read too far into her words that this really meant, ”I’ll tell him and he’ll ignore you.”  If you weren’t gunning for the CEO, cold-calling those who had purchasing power was also rough.  The conversion rates and rejections were beyond harsh. Thankfully, things have changed.  On Twitter, I’ve shared messages  with prominent leaders in the PR and communications field. I’ve chatted online and offline with Suzy Welch, Gary Vaynerchuk, Patricia Fripp, and Bob Burg. That’s why it’s critical that our communication, identity and message are clear. We’re partying with the big boys. What are you conveying to them?


Attention: The way our brains are wired has not changed over time. Our digital world has significantly impacted how we process and focus on information. We pay attention in different ways than people did five years ago and certainly 25 years ago. Your ability to get someone’s attention in less than 1.8 seconds–and keep it for another 1.8 seconds–is critical. By way of our gadgets, we’re bombarded with multimedia messages that beg for our attention.  Your written and verbal communication (hate to sound like the SAT’s) must be crisp and engaging. That’s because an infinite number of people have access to you (see Access).  They may not be interacting just yet but they are watching. You have their attention. What are you doing with it? Are your messages compelling or crap? To help you gauge this, look back at your last 10 tweets or blog posts.


Abundance: Clearly there is an abundance of information that’s available at our fingertips. You can communicate with experts at all times of the day or night. The set of World Book Encyclopedia’s my family had when I was growing up didn’t provide us with that opportunity. Let’s combine access to movers and shakers, your ability to grab the attention of others, and the amount of knowledge you can acquire. The result is abundance. Our digital landscape offers you an abundance of relationships, opportunities, education, and prosperity.

Access, attention and abundance are here for you. Now all you have to do is take action. :)


(Photo Credit: Xinem)

10 Tips to Being a Good Guest Blogger

Clipart Illustration of a Red Pencil Marking Of Items On A CheckAn important way to market your brand, name and business is to provide a guest blog post for someone else. In part 1 of this 2-part post, I’ll share tips on how to connect with key people and work through the details of a top-notch post. In part 2, I’ll offer you tips on how and why you should allow others’ to provide a post on your blog.

Here are 10 points to consider about guest blogging.

1. Identify a leader in your industry or niche that you want to break into. Learn about their online activities, groups, chats, Tweets and followers.  Target someone with a large and loyal base who is respected. Someone whose opinions you generally respect as well. Retweet their material/content and develop an offline conversation and relationship. Comment on their blogs. After a few exchanges, days or weeks, ask them politely if they are willing to have you provide a guest post.

2. Have something specific you want to address—but be open to their ideas. Do your homework by reading their old posts and articles. You want to know what their area of expertise (passion) is, and how your expertise and insights would be a nice complement. They may have a specific issue or angle in mind for you. A dialogue to agree on the topic is always helpful. One essential is to provide something new (not repurposed or recycled). New material helps with SEO.

3. Ask for details. Logistical information is important, like a preferred word count, title, links, your headshot/byline/bio box, deadline, and when they will actually publish the post. Another essential is to agree on who will actually “post the post.”  Will you have access to the back-end for the upload, or will they handle the tech part?

4. Cross-promote from both ends. Ask for –and get agreement– that both of you will market and promote the post in your own Social Media networks and channels. In addition, agree that it won’t be a one-shot plug. Intermittent cross-promotion can work for several days or weeks.

5. Manage the comments. Understand how you will be notified when comments are posted, and be prepared to respond in a timely manner. Also find out if the host will be commenting or responding.   What about potential for negative feedback; who handle that?

6. Determine the writing style. Will you do a straight post, a list, or Q&A format? Consider a video post too.

7.  Know who has the final say. In other words, will your post be edited, or changed in some way before it’s published? Proofreading for a basic typo is one thing but who has final editorial control?

8. Do the analysis. Does this site reach the audience you want to connect with? In the due diligence process, look at page rankings, click thru’s and search engine data to determine if this site is a good audience for you.  If it is, study the stats after your guest post to see the traffic and interest that was generated.

9. Consider asking the other person to guest post on your blog. Bringing someone with name recognition and credibility onto your site is important as well.

10. Keep the conversation alive. Continue with Item #1 and take time to build the relationship with your new friend. There may be opportunities to partner on additional activities, or to repurpose your post for their newsletter, a BlogTalk Radio interview, etc.

Guest posts will help expand your circle. These small–and large details–will keep things clear so there’s little chance for misunderstanding. Consider this your punch list, and get going!  Send along your success stories :)


(Photo Credit: tomas_fitnesscoach)

15 Ways to Increase Your Social Media Influence: Highlights from The Influencer Project

Thought leaders“The Influencer Project” that just wrapped up was awesome! A great way to spend 60 minutes- with 60 nuggets from 60 inspiring thought leaders and Social Media pros. Each speaker had one minute to answer this question: How can you increase your influence online?

Here are 15 highlights:

  1. Create content that stands for something; that’s higher purpose. “Be cutting edge.” -Joe Pulizzi
  2. Focus on a specific niche. Use Google searches and determine who is in your industry and what their niche is. Then narrow yours even more. -Dan Schawbel
  3. Build your community of readers by producing thought-provoking topics. “Self-expression is the new form of entertainment.” -Gretchen Rubin
  4. “Content is king.  You must know what you’re talking about.” -Gary Vaynerchuk
  5. “Repeat Tweets”- Guy Kawasaki
  6. Use Facebook. There are 500 million people on Facebook. Set up a fan page. Add a tab with videos. -Michael Stelzner
  7. “Distill what you bring to the table.” What value do you offer, who else offers similar value (A-to-C list) and connect the dots. Build a community and become a thought leader. -Brian Solis
  8. “Give more than you get. Influence comes from a passive place, not pushing.” -Amber Naslund
  9. “What can you shake up in your world? Then the world will pay attention to you.” -Cathy Brooks
  10. “Find one niche and master it, own it. Then teach people in that niche how to be successful in it.”-Lewis Howes
  11. “Understand the needs of your audience, look at data and build things that help them.”-Vanessa Fox
  12. “Listen to conversations.”- Justin Levy
  13. “Put your business model before fame or influence. Your Social Media must add to your bottom line. You must have something to show for it.” -Wendy Piersall
  14. “Find the young, gifted ‘up and comers’ and give them a platform for success that can drive your message.” -Steve Woodruff
  15. “Don’t worry about climbing up the attention ladder. Be original, unique and awe-inspiring. Then people will follow you.” -Nathan Hangen

The gem that many immediately connected to is from Ann Handley: ”Give it (your content and blogs) wings and roots. Be grounded with who you are and what you stand for. And give it wings by sharing.”

There were two more marketing “sound bites” that I jotted down but don’t have the attribution—I apologize to the leaders who shared these for not providing proper credit. These are SO good, I have to pass them along anyway:

“Build multiple circles in multiple markets.”

“Don’t be shy in Social Media. You don’t have to be a genius. You can engage people by sharing information from other followers and friends.”

The Influencer Project was organized by Thoughtlead and sponsored by Hubspot. Thank you!

PS–Clearly if you are interested in The Influencer Project, you are committed to learning. I invite you to take advantage of my 21 day free video series “Speaking of Communication”. It covers everything from PR, Social Media, content development, sales, leadership, EQ, public speaking and more. Sign up now at  http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com.  —Please refer to #’s 8 and 11 above :)

(Photo Credit: juicedigitalpr)

Does Your Company Need to Improve its Social Networking Etiquette?

Family FeudThere are scary new numbers about how Americans are communicating in social networking. Seems we need to refine our manners- or risk losing followers, prospects and customers. If you want to build and protect your company’s brand, reputation and sales, you’ll find this interesting.

An online poll of 1,000 Americans has just been released by Weber Shandwick, a global public relations firm. The following stats are based on personal experiences involving online rudeness.

  • 75% of Americans believe companies that are uncivil should be boycotted.
  • 56%  have stopped buying a company’s products because of disrespect.
  • 55% have reevaluated their opinions of a company after encountering incivility.
  • 49% have suggested friends and family not purchase their products due to the company’s offensive behavior online.

What actions do people take when they are disappointed with what they’ve seen or heard? Many bail out of a fan club or social community while others have stopped visiting a site.

Chris Perry is Weber Shandwick’s President of Digital Communications. He says manners work online the same way they work in everyday social settings. Rudeness leads to discomfort. ”This reality should be top of mind as companies and institutions increasingly operate in social media. It’s a personal medium. Same rules of shared interest, transparency and respectful discourse apply.”

One note: this isn’t just about business. The survey also found nearly one-third of Americans (34%) have tuned out of Social Media because of incivility.

Tomorrow is Part 2: 7 Tips to Minding Your Online Manners and Protecting Your Company Image


(Photo Credit: TeamBonding)

50 Summer Slowdown Success Strategies

1 butterfly on lilac bush closeupGot downtime? Bored? It’s time to kick start your success.

Here are 50 things you can do this summer to prepare for a triumphant rest of the year. Granted many of these don’t sound like fun, but if they were fun, they’d be called vacation. These little things can make your life less stressful and easier to manage day-to-day. You may even develop a new habit!

1. Clean up your database.

2. Sort through your Favorites and Bookmarks. Categorize them and delete the ones that are no longer relevant.

3. Find pictures you can use for future blog posts.

4. Hire a coach.

5. Read a business or motivational book that you haven’t had time for.

6. Go paperless when possible. Shred or toss any old papers you don’t need.

7. Read the magazines you’ve been holding onto for the past seven months.

8. Get rid of the magazines you’ve been holding onto for the past seven months.

9. Contact someone you admire and invite them to coffee or lunch.

10. Become a mentor.

11. Volunteer with a local nonprofit that can benefit from your business expertise.

12. Update your Social Media profiles.

13. Get a new headshot or avatar.

14. Clean out your desk drawers, car and briefcase/computer bag.

15. Take a course you’ve been meaning to sign up for but haven’t had the time.

16. Develop a survey for your blog or customers and get feedback on your products and services.

17. Review and update your crisis communications plan (you have one, right???)

18. Read a biography of a famous leader like Gandhi, Reagan, FDR or Florence Nightingale.

19. Write a handwritten note to five former or current clients to let them know you’ve been thinking about them.

20. Make a few videos for your website.

21. Determine a few online chats that can help your business and participate in them.

22.  Make a list of 100 things you want to do in the next 10 years. Then get started.

23. Keep a gratitude journal.

24. Take a class on public speaking. It’s a must for successful business leaders.

25. Turn off your technology for a day and slow down. Trust your intuition.

26. Create a vision board to keep you focused on your picture of success.

27. Attend a meeting, conference or seminar that you’ve been too busy for.

28. Write down your goals for the next six months.

29.  Refine your elevator speech, pitch and Unique Selling Proposition.

30. Archive and delete old e-mails.

31. Back up your blog, website and computer—every day!

32. Write a note to your favorite old boss or mentor, telling them what they taught you and how much you appreciate them.

33. Unsubscribe to all the e-mails, newsletters and other crap you receive but don’t care for.

34. Take a book or audio CD off of your shelf and share it with a colleague, client or friend.

35. Find three new ways to market yourself or your organization.

36. Update your resume, bio and website.

37. Research awards or contests in your industry that you may be eligible for and mark your calendar for deadlines.

38. Dump old marketing materials that are now dust-collectors in the storage room or closet.

39. Learn and apply a new technology skill or application once every week or two.

40. Pay attention to the news and write a press release or editorial that connects the story to your expertise or company.

41. Gather your co-workers or staff and go bowling.

42. Review your various Social Media groups and chats. Make adjustments as needed.

43. Write down five things you are afraid of doing. Do one of them. Then repeat.

44.  Read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

45. Subscribe to the blogs of five leaders in your field–or your competition.

46.  Make a list of 10 reasons you went into your profession and why you are passionate about what you do.

47. Learn self-mastery.

48. Jot down 10 negative experiences you have had and what you learned from each of them. There is always a positive lesson to take away.

49. Take an occasional day off and do nothing.

50. Write a personal mission statement that reflects your values and integrity.

Come September, you’ll be glad you did some of these. I’d love to hear from you and find out about your success! Comments welcome.