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5 time-sensitive phrases to avoid when blogging

by at 2:44 pm 4 Comments

Real-time is the name of the game in our digital space. Why do so many bloggers and writers insist on beginning their prose with old, outdated, and stale references to time and “current” events?

Here are 5 phrases to avoid in the opening/intro of your blog. By the way, these are real. Not real-time, just real blunders.  

1. “Three months ago…”

      My take: What were you waiting for? I’m outta here.

2. “When I attended the XXX conference in Vegas a few weeks ago…” 

       My take: I wasn’t there, it’s old, goodbye.

3. “Five years ago when I wrote an article on…” 

      My take: What rock have you been under?

4. “A study from 2010…” 

      My take: Tell me something new. Until then, I’ll be napping. 

5. “Industry leaders debated the March, 2011 research…” 

      My take: Where were you in March? 

Author Eckhart Tolle writes in his best-selling book, The Power of Now: “The time is Now.”

And by the way, if you need ideas and help with blogging, writing, and content, I invite you to sign up for my free, 21-day video series, “Speaking of Communication.” 

Filed Under: Blogging, content, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

Want to communicate with clarity? Use these 3 easy phrases

by at 12:31 pm 9 Comments

I was raised on sarcastic one-liners that resembled a stand-up comedy routine. It was an interesting way to grow up. When I got older and started working in radio news, my mind and ear were trained for sound bites. Quotes. What short, punchy gems would be spoken that could drive a message home?  

Welcome to my world.

The digital space is exactly what I just described: One-liners that are compelling (and sometimes sarcastic), punchy, and message- driven.  Everyone has to communicate in sound bites or those on the other end are off to another website, blog post, or video. 

Strive to abolish extra words. There’s no room for verbosity in today’s world. 

These three communication phrases will help you stay on message, improve your clarity, and grab the attention of others. Use them in meetings, blogs posts, e-mails, media interviews, and press releases. And yes, Skippy, they’ll even work in your personal life. They are simple, but brilliant.  

1. The goal is… 

When someone in the elevator asks, ”What’s your new project about?,” you respond: ”The goal is…”  Then follow with a maximum of one or two sentences.  Choose your words carefully. They’ll appreciate the distilled message.  Your goal is to get the other person curious to know more. 

2. The purpose is…   

Follow-up this expression with one line that describes the purpose of “whatever.” It should be absolutely direct, clear, and strong. There’s no room for stumbling or ending on a soft note. When using this tactic in a conversation, exude confidence and authority. Sprinkle in some humility and a smile, and you’ll rock.

3. The bottom line is…

Leave the sales pitch, business jargon, fluff, and bullshit for someone else.  This phrase is about cutting to the chase and respecting people’s time.  It can almost be delivered like it’s on the QT; a prized secret that you’re sharing only with this one person. When speaking with someone, lower your voice and speak slowly. Allow the recipient of your message to feel as though they have been hand-picked to learn the crucial details of “whatever.” Even when writing an e-mail or post that will be seen by multiple people, this phrase is powerful.  It allows everyone to feel as if they are the only one on the receiving end. They are the chosen one.  

As you put these expressions into practice, you’ll notice your mind will slow down a bit before you begin your follow-up line. 

When weaving these phrases into your communication, it cues your reader or listener that they need to pay attention; something important and concise is coming that they simply can’t miss.

Here’s the bottom line: We exist in a world of sound bites that leaves us little room for ambiguous and muddied communication. Clarity in a beautiful thing. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Business, Communication, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Your A-Z Guide to Successful Business Blogging

by at 5:05 am 25 Comments

Are you ready to launch a blog or ramp up your existing one? 

Here are 26 tips to help you on your blogging  journey:

Add pictures, visuals, and images to your posts to communicate with readers on different levels.   

Be the solution.  Help people solve their problems. Solve, don’t sell.

Consider all multimedia platforms such as video blogs, podcasts, and audio clips.  

Define who you are, who your audience is, and what benefits blogging may bring you.  The bottom line: Why are you blogging?  

Eavesdrop on conversations to help you develop new content. 

Forget the word count. Be clear and make your point. That’s it. 

Grab people’s attention from the get-go with compelling and punchy headlines. 

Highlight text, subheads, key phrases, and lists to emphasize important points and make your posts more reader-friendly.

Interact with your readers by asking them questions in your posts and responding to comments.  

Jump into the fray. Don’t be afraid to take a stand on an issue or controversy in your niche or field. Boldness counts. 

Kill the negative self-talk and judgment. You don’t have to be a professional writer to be a great blogger.    

Listen to the conversations in chats and groups to determine what people are “stuck” on. There’s your content.

Move people emotionally through your words, language, metaphors, real-life experiences, and humanity.

Notice what other bloggers are doing. Get ideas on layout, colors, design, content, and self-promotion.

Open your eyes, heart, and mind. We’re in uncharted waters.

Position yourself as a credible resource in your field. Become the “go-to” guy (or gal) 

Quit taking it personally (Q-TIP) if no one comments on your blog. Comments do not equal readers. 

Remember we are in a real-time world. Post often so your blog doesn’t become static and stale. 

Simplify your words. Blogging is not business writing, even though you’re probably writing about business. Be conversational. Consider yourself a creative artist. 

Try using patience. You may get frustrated or overwhelmed with the pressures that come along with a blog. This isn’t a short-term commitment with fast results. 

Understand the analytics, metrics, search engine optimization, keywords, and other important tools to help you determine content, audience, readership, and more.

Vary your posts but not your expertise. Stick with what you know without painting yourself into a corner.  

Write when you have something to say. Your readers will appreciate it.

X-ray your life. Take a close look into the body and soul of your professional career and personal experiences.  Shine a light on them to diagnose your ”lessons learned.”   The result: Content. Lots of it.

Yearn for more. Your curiosity and willingness to learn about new trends in your industry, technology, and life in general will serve you well in your blogging endeavors. 

Zero in on your readers. Write as if you’re speaking directly to them. A blog is merely the medium (vehicle) to reach mass amounts of people.  Make each one feel special and connected to you. 

Now I know my ABCs…

One final note: 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/

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

7 ways to be a kick-ass blogger

by at 4:04 am 35 Comments

When it comes to blogging and creating content, clarity trumps confusion.

Some people have been blogging for five or 10 years. But for most of us, blogging is a relatively new communication medium. Too many people are unclear about what it takes to become a successful blogger.

Here are 7 ways for you to become a kick-ass blogger: 

  1. Kick-ass bloggers are clear on their expertise, niche, and passion. They don’t panic and lie awake at night trying to figure out their niche. They know they are the sum of all their experiences. They look at their professional and personal journeys and know what instinctively feels right. Lack of passion leads to lack of clarity, which brings on mental chaos, confusion, self-doubt, and sometimes therapy. 
  2. Kick-ass bloggers write when they feel inspired and compelled to share a powerful message that’s worthy of someone else’s time. If they feel like they need the structure of an editorial calendar, they use one. If they feel “trapped” by a calendar with topics, they don’t bother with it. They trust their gut.
  3. Kick-ass bloggers who aren’t professional writers are OK with that. They are conversational. They don’t get rattled  over grammar and style. They write from the heart; in their own voice and personality. Being a layman doesn’t stop them from participating. 
  4. Kick-ass bloggers look back at where they began and are proud of their persistence. They realize that the only way to be a kick-ass blogger is to keep practicing and improving. Their mantra: ”Just keep writing.” They are keenly aware that it takes a long time to get noticed. 
  5. Kick-ass bloggers have soul. They watch for lessons in life and those light bulb moments that lead to wordsmithing, editing, critical thinking skills, organization, and expression. They create content that moves, educates, informs, and entertains people because they are willing to show their own humanity.
  6. Kick-ass bloggers understand that comments, or lack of, may mean something, but it doesn’t mean the end of the world.  They know deep down inside that as they continue to write and attract readers, the comments will follow.  
  7. Kick-ass bloggers have studied and learned what their audience wants. They are clear in their role as a blogger. They relate to their community. They engage with all kinds of people and personalities.  They follow prestigious and well-known bloggers. They offer meaningful comments. They guest post. They analyze stats and traffic. They follow trends, know keywords, are aware of the importance of strong headlines and titles, and so much more. In the end, they consistently deliver.

They have earned the title of kick-ass blogger. Have you? Or are you still nervously biting your nails wondering why three people unsubscribed from your RSS feed yesterday?  

 

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/

 

 

Filed Under: Blogging, Business, Creativity, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

8 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Blog

by at 9:00 am 8 Comments

No one likes to sit in traffic but everyone wants traffic. Suddenly, traffic is good.

To drive readers to your blog — and keep them coming back — here are eight tips to consider: 

1. Stick with one thing. It can be broad but it’s important that you know (and love) your subject matter. This helps to build your brand and online persona. Your blog is like a long-term relationship. You love it and you stay together. When you focus on your niche, and are passionate about it, readers will come to respect you as an expert in your field. Trust and passion shine. 

2. Read everything in your industry. We are blessed with an abundance of resources and information. Stay current by reading the opinions and rants of others in your field — including competitors. Look and listen for trends. This leads to quality content. No time you say? Turn off the TV. Just a suggestion.

3. Write for the reader. Blogging is not a 300-level college business class. If someone wanted that, they’d buy a textbook. Write as if you are speaking to one person. Conversational, casual, and meaningful. I believe that people don’t want to follow your blog. They want to follow you. Reach out to them through your words, experiences, and expertise. Let them get to know you. Then they’ll come back — and bring friends. Stuffy sucks. Don’t you agree? 

4. Solve their problem. When you consider yourself a problem-solver and not a salesperson, people will be attracted to you and your  message. Write with the sole purpose of helping your reader to ease their challenges. It’s not about you. Be the solution.

5. Involve them. You may think the only interactive part of blogging is the comments section. Think again. Ask your readers a question. Get into their heads. They’ll feel as though you’re connecting directly to them. Here are some examples:  

  • “Your thoughts?”
  • “Did you ever burn the roast minutes before your guests arrived? Here’s how to avoid cooking disasters.”     
  • “Stuffy sucks. Don’t you agree?”  
  • “If you’re like me and hate the airport….” 


6. Keep it reader-friendly. Catchy, relevant headlines that impact people will compel them to read on. Grab their attention with short and punchy sentences. Use images and pictures to break up the text. Use bold or italics to emphasize key points. We are all skimmers and scanners who quickly glance at something to see what jumps out at us. Give them nuggets.  

7. Forget the “rules.”  I don’t know about you, but I hear a lot of buzz about editorial calendars, the number of posts you should write, and word count. There are no rules. It’s whatever works for you. Don’t over think because it will paralyze you. Here’s what I believe. I use a journal to write down ideas and notes that spark my creativity. I don’t need a calendar to tell me when to write. When I “feel” it, I write. Art can not be forced. Quotas: I don’t like them. I prefer to write quality content that’s relevant and inspiring. It may be two a week or four a week. Who knows? On the word count issue, just make your point. There is no word count. Make every word count.   

8. Focus on the positive. Sure the economy stinks and some people are mean. If you’re in a bad mood, don’t write. You’ll only be spreading poison. The goal is to draw people to your blog, not drive them away. 

Another key way to engage people—especially ”non-readers” —is to use video blogs. Sprinkle these into your repertoire from time to time. Vlogs allow viewers to hear your voice and observe your style. It’s a fabulous way to build rapport. 

Filed Under: Blogging, content, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Should You Care if No One Comments on Your Blog?

by at 9:20 pm 7 Comments

You agonize about the topic, timing, audience, reaction, and traffic that your new blog post may bring. You quietly pray for a comment or two. Then nothing. It’s a sickening feeling —like throwing a party and no one shows. Well, relax. It’s not quite that bad. 

It’s human nature to want to be accepted, validated, and recognized. In social media that means a comment on a post or retweet. Social media is engaging in a two-way conversation. So if no one acknowledges our work and engages with us, does that mean it stinks? If a tree falls in the forest…

Here are five things to consider if you’re frustrated by a lack of comments on your blog: 

1. Avoid using the wrong metrics. Just because no one commented doesn’t mean your post wasn’t read. It’s like a radio station that’s giving away concert tickets. If only five people called in to win, it doesn’t mean only five people were listening. It takes a lot to motivate people to do something. Don’t jump to hasty conclusions.

2. Get over yourself. Did you write your post with the intention of getting approval or validation from others? I imagine most people write to share good content and help others. Eleven-year-old’s hope for validation on their new clothes or gadgets. ”Did Emma really like my new jeans from Aeropostale?!” If you are ok with what you have done —blog post or jeans —then all is well. We’re adults. Leave the shrieking and whining to the kids.

3. Keep in mind that some people are shy. I coach some of them. Many are working hard to become more extroverted, both online and in person. They shy away from offering comments and participating in chats.  It doesn’t mean they’re uninterested or didn’t read your material.  They prefer to hover.   

4. Take the time to practice. Writing is a creative art that many people struggle with. It takes time, practice, and yes mistakes to improve. Keep working at it without worrying that you only have a small following (and no comments). Consider this a benefit that you are not stumbling in front of a huge crowd. Once you start to perfect the craft, you’ll see that people will be there to read, and comment. 

5. Think about others. Writing comments takes time and thought. Some people just can’t spare one or both. A reader may be inspired or touched by what you’ve written, but they may not have the time needed to send you something thoughtful. So they don’t. Blogging and commenting (the good comments) require critical thinking skills.    

If you want more perspectives on blogging — from Seth Godin and Tom Peters — read this. 

Filed Under: Blogging, content, Social Media, Writing Tagged With: , ,

Surprise Results: Most Reporters Don’t Want Social Media Pitches

by at 1:22 am 8 Comments

It takes a lot to shock me, but this one left me scratching my head. I asked a few of my media contacts and friends who work on the chaotic front lines of the news every day how they prefer to receive pitches.  I really wanted to see how plugged in to social media they were.

My bad.

The following is a smattering of their responses. Many people preferred to remain anonymous simply because they didn’t want to deal with the corporate food chain to get approval to speak with me.  That’s fine; I just wanted information that I could pass along to you.  I interviewed print, radio and TV pros in the New York/New Jersey media market. There’s also insight from a TV producer in San Antonio, TX.

The question: How do you want to receive a pitch or story idea?

  1. “As of right now, I don’t know anyone that would accept a pitch via social media. E-mail is the best way to pitch me, because it gives me time to read the story and go back to it, if I can’t read it right away.  That being said, social media is becoming more and more relevant, so I wouldn’t be surprised if stories were found on FB or Twitter. I am on both, but really use them for personal reasons, rather than business.” Producer, Today Show
  2. “We don’t have the time to follow all the pretty little shining objects that people use to try to get their message out. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Digg, MySpace and the other social media are interesting and varied ways to reach consumers, but journalists can’t monitor all of them and hope to produce the necessary stories and material needed for our paper and online platforms. If you want to get our attention, you need to use the basic channels we already have set up – our two main e-mail addresses. These are controllable and simple for us to monitor and use for the basis for future stories – either paper or online. And of course, someone can always, God forbid, pick up the phone!”- Paul Grzella, General Manager/Editor, The Courier News
  3. “The best is to e-mail story pitches that are super short. Tell me what visuals and interviews will be available. No huge files that clog my e-mail and gets immediately deleted. Brief follow-up e-mails are good. Once a relationship with a reporter is built, brief phone call pitches can work. I don’t look for stories on Twitter or Facebook.” -TV news reporter, New York
  4. “I don’t get pitches much on social media, well, maybe a few on FB.  Here are my thoughts. Be brief, to the point.  Sell me the idea.  If you can tie it into a “right now” story, either local or national, that helps.  Include contact information, and be available. And don’t take it personally if we don’t pick up on your story. There are many factors that influence daily coverage, and it may have nothing to do with the validity of your story at that moment. ”- Shari St. Clair, Special Projects Producer, KSAT-12 TV, San Antonio
  5. “I don’t like to be pitched via social media at all. That’s silly. I have a private e-mail address and phone number. Why contact me on a public site where everyone can see your pitch? It’s simply unprofessional.”- Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
  6. “I don’t get too many story pitches via social networking. We have an assignment desk at WCBS 880, so I have to refer what pitches I do get to the desk any way. Media professionals are welcome to send me a pitch via Facebook or Twitter, but they should remember that that is NOT the ‘official’ way to pitch a story at WCBS. It’s not an efficient way to do it.”- Steve Scott, WCBS Anchor, NY
  7. “I’m the last person in the world to ask about social media. I’m not on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Regular old e-mail is my preference for pitches.” – TV Producer at Fox News, NJ/NY

Are you surprised at these comments? Let me know.

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

How to Pitch Your News Story to The Wall Street Journal

by at 12:59 pm 28 Comments

on air signWhat’s the secret to grabbing the attention of a reporter at The Wall Street Journal? For the answer, I went straight to the source. I spoke with Gordon Deal, host of The Wall Street Journal This Morning, a syndicated business and news show that’s broadcast on 200 radio stations around the U.S.

Deal says he looks for three specific elements in an e-mail pitch.

1. The pitch has to be unique. “You have to think, ’Is our story going to improve the life or business of someone else?  How unique and relevant is it?’  That’s the filter I would ask someone to put themselves through when looking for a media hit.”

2. The pitch has to be concise. “We all get so many e-mails that we’re tired of reading them. The subject line is your ticket in. It’s got to capture the idea and the readers interest in just a handful of words. If I get so far as to open the e-mail, the final selling point has to be those first two lines because, chances are, I’m not going to get to that second or third paragraph. The sooner you can make your point, the better. Use the subject line to open door, and the first two or three sentences  to kick the door open and get invited in.”

3. The pitch has to be timely. ”We’re looking for people to provide relevance. Look at current trends. I do a small business podcast. Maybe you have a great marketing idea, or a different kind of lending and financing deal, or a unique take on hiring people from a large pool of candidates we have in this economy.”

If you want to pitch your small business story to Gordon Deal, his e-mail address is gordon.deal@wsj.com. His programs are available at http://www.wsjthis morning.com. Listen to the small business podcast at http://www.wsj.com/smallbusiness. Please let me know about your success stories.  I’d love to share them in a future post.

By the way, if you’re looking for tons of content like this on news, PR, Social Media, communication and business, sign up for my free 21-day video series, “Speaking of Communication.”

(Photo Credit: DPlanet)

Filed Under: Business, Communication, content, Creativity, media, News, Public Relations, publicity, Success, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

A Short Quiz for PR Pros

by at 1:44 pm Leave a Comment

DSC05361







Back to school we go! Here’s an easy multiple choice quiz to help determine your PR success. No cheating.

1. When your client texts you on Tuesday at 8:46 pm for no real reason, you:

a. Curse under your breath and hit Ignore

b. Offer an abrupt reply and then curse under your breath

c. Kick yourself for giving him your cell phone number to begin with

d. Secretly wonder if he has a life — and pour yourself another glass of wine

2. Your boss insists you take over 12 accounts on tech platforms, of which you have zero interest and knowledge. You decide to:

a. Smile and head for the restroom

b. Giggle quietly. Silly boss! If I wanted to learn something new, I’d get my Master’s Degree

c. Try your hand at pitching something to the NY Times tech reporter

d. E-mail an old friend you used to call “propeller head” and see if the geek can offer a quick tutorial

3. A prospective client e-mails you a link to his company, his desire to get publicity, and the loaded question of, “What’s your fee?” You:

a. Forward his note to your colleague in the next cubicle with a  “WTF” in the subject line

b. Wonder aloud how these dream clients keep finding you. Is it the perfume or the sign that reads “dumbass” on your back?

c. Look at his website and tell him the fee for a proposal is $300

d. All of the above

4. You find out your “favorite” reporter and his entire department has been downsized. You consider who may take his place. Someone who:

a. Just finished writing a story for the campus newspaper. Hey, they needed a front page feature on the Battle of the Bands

b. Doesn’t recognize the names Edward R. Murrow, Peter Jennings or Diane Sawyer.

c. Can barely name all 50 states but is a pro at Foursquare

d. Runs around with a state-issued press pass but couldn’t ask a solid question during an interview if his i-Pad depended on it

Should we grade this one on a curve? Room for improvement?

Filed Under: Communication, media, News, Public Relations, publicity, Success, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

5 Ways to Think Like a News Reporter

by at 1:42 pm 5 Comments

Kid pitching baseballI can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “Think like a reporter.”

Instructors, media pros, and PR wonks tell laymen this all the time. But what does it really mean? How do reporters think? And why do you need to be privy to this information?

You can’t effectively pitch stories to anyone in traditional or social media if you don’t understand how their minds operate.

I was a news reporter. Please, allow me.

Here are five tips to help you figure out what they are looking for in a story.

1. Answer the question: “Who cares?” Every time someone pitched me a story, the overriding, nagging question in my mind as I listened or read was, “Who cares? Why should I cover this story?”  When you write your pitch or press release, be sure you can answer that question. This is about the content the reporter or blogger provides to their core demographic; their audience. Consider this powerful statement: How does my story affect and impact their audience?

2. Understand the medium. Some stories have great visuals and are perfect for TV, video or print. For example, the demolition of a sporting arena is visually appealing but isn’t as impactful for radio news. Think about the elements available to you and how they can complement your words and storytelling.

3. Put a face on your story. News is about people. People love great stories. Yes, a quote from an author, CEO, or board member can suffice, but it’s dull. Look for a person who has been directly affected by your news. They will tell a much better and different tale. They can get to the emotion because they actually experienced something. That, my friends, is the connection to the audience. It’s all about the human factor.

4. Find something new. A good reporter will ask the question, “What’s new here? Has something happened that we haven’t covered yet?” Look for new statistics, updates, or a fresh angle.  Clue: In the word “news” is the word “new.”

5. Give them the right tools. Like you, news decision makers want things to help make their jobs easier. I worked in radio. People would send me cheesy pictures in the mail of their CEO accepting some award. Forget the picture (this was pre-Internet). I needed a voice; a sound bite for my on-air newscasts. Come on, could I go into the news booth and hold up the goofy picture of the CEO and his award? Of course not. The PR person could have easily called me and arranged for the CEO to speak with me for literally two minutes so I could record the conversation and get his audio on the air. Instead, the picture and story landed in the trash. So did their credibility. You may notice that common sense is helpful.

In the end, reporters tend to be naysayers. They are so inundated with irrelevant phone calls, e-mails, texts, and general crap that it’s easy to become jaded. Mix in lousy pay, a fiercely competitive industry, and crazy hours. The mindset of, “Make my day” rules their world. It’s your job to do just that–make their day.


(Photo Credit: Jonathan Rossi)

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