Copywriting 101

Looking to communicate in a way that gets attention and connects? Try a pie in the face and a hand buzzer. No, that’s both annoying and much too time consuming. How about writing that connects and grabs the right people’s attention?

Several years ago when I started out in marketing/corporate communications, I began to hear comments like: “Wow! You really captured the essence of the project/product that we’ve been trying to tell people about.” That’s actually how I found out I have a knack for writing. Sometimes you don’t know you have a strength until somebody points it out. So I’m reflecting on what makes for strong marketing writing and sharing a bit of that here today.

Lesson One: Listen

Listen to the client. I was describing a project to a local reporter once, being diligently, obnoxiously clear about who our target audience was. When I read the news report the next day, the description of our target audience was the exact polar opposite of what I had described. Come on! Just listen, ask some clarifying questions, and then get feedback. In a client relationship, you’ll definitely get feedback, so being a careful listener up front will save some headaches along the way.

Lesson Two: Features are Cool, But Solve a Problem

How will your product or service solve a customer/client’s problem? This is basic, and you probably know this, but it takes some finesse to get your message out this way. In listening to a client recently, I discovered that they were perhaps the one remodeler in the universe who absolutely stays on budget. That solves a big problem! The customer’s pain of “How much is this new sunroom REALLY going to cost me?” is solved. That is a unique position in the marketplace and should be shouted from the mountain tops. So that’s what I encouraged the client to do.

Lesson Three: Less I/We language, more You Language

Related to solving a problem is to focus on the customer. Uber copywriter Sonia Simone gives the advice of writing to one customer. She suggests developing an “avatar” a specific customer to whom you direct your attention. I hadn’t thought of it exactly that way, but it’s a great idea. Make your copy personal. Say what you need to about the company, product, or whatever you’re selling – but it’s really about the customer. Write to them and about them as much as possible.

Lesson Four: Don’t Be Precious

This just came up for me in a meeting last week. There are LOTS of ways to say something. Don’t be precious about your writing. Maybe you’re a genius. Maybe you love the little flourishes you put into your copy. But you’re probably working on a team, and if not, you’ve got a client to please. Choose your battles. Don’t die on every hill over whether to say “you’ll be pleased as punch,” or “you’ll be happy as a clam.” It probably isn’t going to break the campaign. If you’re 1000% sure it will, that’s the battle you should choose!

Ok, that’s all for today. More ideas may come, but I hope this is helpful for you. Let me know!

[Via http://cplcreative.wordpress.com]

The Most Important Word In Marketing

Use more 'you'

My grandfather was a really smart dude. I never got to have a really strong relationship with him, largely because he died when I was 8, but through stories that others have told me, I’ve learned a lot about him and what made him so successful.  He used to say to his friends all the time:

“Your business  only benefits when your customer benefits first.”

I really believe in that saying, not just for my own business, but as something I believe should be a fundamental concept of business and marketing as a whole. Focusing on other people means focusing your communications to speak to the customer. Not at the customer.

In marketing, there’s only one word you need to know: “You”.

Every post/ad/web site/blog/white paper/brochure should be purposefully aimed at the needs and wants of others. After all, you only benefit when the customers benefit first, right? When it comes down to it, “you” is by far the most compelling word in the English language. In the end, people are most interested in fulfilling their own needs. It might sound rough, but unless you give people real value with your marketing collateral, don’t expect them to care about you at all.

But when they do start to care, look out, because amazing things begin to happen. People spread your word for you.  Create content that is focused on the person who is reading your piece. Use ‘you’ as often as possible while taking great lengths to eliminate the ‘me, me’s’ from your collateral.

I know you’ve read a thousand ‘about us’ sections on the internet that start with the good-old, generic “Since 1884, we have….”. No one cares that you have been in business forever. No one cares that you’re an industry leader’ because everyone says that. Focus on the people that matter: your customers.

When you’re done writing, read it over and look at the number of times you said ‘you’ as opposed to “I” or “me”. If there is more of the latter, consider re-focusing your work.

[Via http://bigredwordnerd.wordpress.com]

Fashion Marketing 101

In a nutshell, fashion marketing is a profession that takes the latest trends and designs in clothing and communicates them to a target market in such a way that the consumer is not only aware of the product, but wants to and ultimately does buy the product. A target market is a sector of the consumer market to which a company wishes to sell (i.e. market) its clothing. To fully know what fashion marketing is, it is important to understand that marketing does not stop at ads in magazines or commercials on TV. The world of marketing is just as dynamic as the world of fashion. Marketing clothing includes elements such as determining which stores the apparel should be sold in, what price the clothing should be sold for—all the way to how the in-store displays should look. Fashion marketers often are as savvy about business as they are about fashion and popular culture.

Fashion marketers are creative. At the core, the profession is about connecting with the image—the lifestyle—the consumer wants. For example, in the fashion industry, comfort, style, material, color, symmetry, and usability are just the beginning of a list of elements designers must consider when developing a line of clothing. Fashion marketers take the task a step further by determining the best way to promote the characteristics of the clothing to the consumer and to which group of consumers to promote it to. What a 65 year-old female is looking for from a piece of formal eveningwear is completely different from what a 21 year-old male wants from casual everyday wear. Consequently, fashion marketers must stay abreast with the latest fashions as well as know what styles will be successful for a variety of occasions, age groups and demographics.

Fashion marketers play an essential role within the fashion industry because they are the link between designers and the public. The success of a line of clothing does not rest solely on its design. Often, successful marketing is just as crucial, if not more so, to the line as the actual clothing itself. This is because marketing is the tool through which the designer identifies with the public, and the public identifies with the designer. Without this exchange, it would be difficult to establish the consumer base required to have a successful line of clothing.

Ultimately, fashion marketing is a fun profession—changing and reinventing itself just as often as the clothes it promotes. It integrates the artistic nature of fashion with the creative aspects of business—making for a highly rewarding career to the ambitious and innovative.

[Via http://olamunicata.wordpress.com]

What is this thing called "marketing" anyway?

I recently had the honour to be interviewed on South Africa’s national Afrikaans radio station, RSG. Before the interview they supplied me with some questions that made me think about what is this thing called “marketing” anyway?

Marketing is not only about big budgets and huge tv campaigns, even the small pie stall at the local market or a charity-drive needs marketing…

The traditional definition of marketing is to fulfill the needs of your consumer profitably. I would like to add to this definition that marketing is about fulfilling your consumer’s needs profitable in a way that they want it satisfied. So whether you’re marketing a pie stall or a luxury product such as perfume, one should talk to your consumer in a language that he/ she finds acceptable and appealing.

In the current marketing landscape the playing field has become more equal with the addition of internet and online marketing. Small businesses now also have the opportunity to market themselves without spending millions of rands on a marketing budget. Having said that, traditional advertising still has huge role to play, and this is where one should be clever by using the right combination of the marketing mix.

How do you rise above the competition?

We are all aware that there is an over-supply of products and services, and to be better than the competition is probably the biggest challenge faced by marketers. The most important strategy is to ensure that you know exactly what it is your consumer wants and to then offer your product or service in such a way, that they want it, and ensuring what you’re promising, is what the consumer gets. Rudi Giuliani said in his book, Leadership, “under promise and over deliver”. What makes a business truly successful, is the ability to walk the extra mile for your consumer.

What are all the elements to think about when you want to market your business?

Marketing is a strategic process. One cannot randomly develop a product and think people will buy it. You start by understanding your own product incredibly well, the product life cycle, the possible product extensions, etc. One should also take the business’ strategic goals and objectives into consideration. One again, understanding the consumers’ needs, is fundamentally the most important element. Also look at what your competitors are doing. Understand and plan how you are going to get the product to the consumer, what your pricing structure is going to be, and which elements of the promotional mix you will be using.

What is the most effective form of marketing?

The most effective form of marketing depends on your consumer and what you are offering. Pamphlets will work if you have a pie stall at the local market. If it is a luxury product, traditional marketing elements will be more effective. Each company can benefit from having a great website.

There are a few important factors to consider in order to have a great website:

• Search Engine Optimatisation
• Layout of the site
• Ease of navigation
• Having your contact information visible

Other online communication options such as e-mail marketing, newsletters, and the use of social media is also extremely important. And more importantly, is having the knowledge to use it effectively.

What is a definite NO when it comes to marketing?

Seth Godin, marketing guru from America, wrote a book, Permission Marketing, in which he states ” permission marketing is the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages to p,eople who actually want to get them”.

Marketers are in the fortunate position to communicate directly with their consumers, but with that ability comes responsibility. Make sure people opt-in to receive communications from you.

How do you market yourself without annoying the consumer?

If you understand your client’s needs, and how to speak to him or her, you will not be perceived as being annoying. I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt in marketing, is to always look at what value you can offer to the client. Be certain that what you’re busy communicating, is relevant to the client, and that it will add value to their lives. Don’t just send out marketing material because “today is sending out marketing material day”. Always ensure what you say and do, has value.

[Via http://marketingengineer.wordpress.com]

Interviews: The most common maketeer complaint

Recently I conducted interviews for an open position on my marketing team.  During my interviews, I was struck at how many of the interviewees complained “I only do sales support, I’m tired of it, I’m looking for a more strategic role.”  That sounds so George Constaza.  While that’s funny on tv, I cannot help but to wonder if the person is not equipped with a broader set of skills, and therefore, not capable of assuming a larger role.   

BUILD A STRATEGIC MARKETING SKILL SET

None of us is born to be a marketeers.  We tend to gravitate towards a job like this because our personal skill set (creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, etc.) lends itself to this discipline.  So when we get out of b-school, none of us has the practice to walk into a world-class organization and demand to work on the most strategic company imperatives.  We all need to crawl before we run.

LEARN THE BASICS OF MARKETING EXECUTION

In my humble opinion, you need at least 2 years of basic marketing training – regardless of what business school your diploma is from.  So if you find yourself in this stage, embrace it and know that down the line, you’ll be able to speak from a position of credibility.  Your strategies will have a greater opportunity of success because you will not undermine the details of execution, down to the lowest levels.   

We need to “cut our teeth” doing basic marketing jobs, like developing PowerPoints, answering sales requests (no matter how small), and dealing with ALL the execution details.  I recall with fondness my first marketing job where I would literally stuff envelopes, create sales tools with word documents and excel spreadsheets, and serve as a the on demand pre-call coach for new representatives.  That is HOW I LEARNED the basics.  Marketing executives who’ve skipped this step fail to motivate, as they tend to oversimplify execution, leaving their teams disconnected and discontent. 

TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT

No one is going to come to your cube one day and say “you’ve done such a great job, we’d like you to lead our new ABC initiative.”  You really have to put yourself in a position where the company has no choice but to select you – usually because YOU have a unique skill set.  In my personal experience, this best accomplished by doing. 

Volunteer to take additional roles that stretch you strategically.  Start doing jobs, without asking for permission.   Take a class, teach a course, mentor others (even if you’re not ready – you will be), select good role models to mirror… etc…. just do it! 

Colleagues, I certainly don’t know everything nor do I profess to be an expert.  I’m a simple marketeer, who makes a living through the practice of marketing.  But one tip I do offer, the next time you’re interviewing for a marketing job, don’t say “I only do sales support, I’m tired of it, I’m looking for a more strategic role”  – if you avoid saying this you’ll avoid sounding like George Constanza and I promise you, you’ll have a better chance of landing the job!

Good marketing!

[Via http://marketing4marketeers.wordpress.com]

The links between food waste, obesity, the environment, and marketing

One of the biggest contributors to obesity and environmental degradation in the past 35 years has been the increasing sophistication of all facets of marketing to create an environment where highly processed and energy dense food is easily available to those living in developed countries. Although it is typically argued that lifestyles have become more sedentary over this time, it is a fact that consumers have been encouraged through highly sophisticated marketing activities, including supply chain management (e.g., easy access to convenience and processed food), pricing (e.g., reduced costs, better “value” and longer perishability of processed foods), as well as integrated advertising campaigns, to purchase and consume foods that provide a high fat, high sugar, and high salt “hit”.

While these foods give an instant reward, overconsumption has a cost to both the environment, and to individual health. New findings by Kevin Hall and his colleagues at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the US and published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One that a “push” effect of marketing has contributed significantly to obesity and environmental degradation do not come as a surprise. However, the fact that they have been able to calculate the actual dimensions of the effect of food waste and energy dense food consumed by Americans provides compelling evidence of the extent of this effect, and easily translates to Australian lifestyles.

Ultimately, what this means is that politicians and commentators need to do more than blame consumers, telling them to “eat less” and “exercise more” and start to recognise that not all consumption is good for the economy. While we have increased our energy intake over the past thirty years by more than 1000 kilojoules according to Hall, other research suggests that physical activity has not significantly declined over that period. So, we are eating nearly 25 per cent more “food” over the past three decades, but have not really changed our activity levels (either way) over that time.

Indeed, marketers themselves need to recognise that their activities have an effect far beyond simply selling products. When consumers make choices in their local supermarket, it is the highly processed and packaged foods that have a powerful “push” effect. For example, although a 625 gram block of cheese (promoted as the same price as 500 grams) is presented as “good value”, the consumer will buy (and consume) 125 grams more cheese than they had planned, regardless of the discount for buying in bulk, simply because it was part of the deal.

Similarly, consumers who are asked whether they “want fries with that” are being manipulated by a psychological effect called prospect theory – where they feel the pain of loss more than the satisfaction of gain – that ultimately leads them to consume more than they actually need.

The push effect in this context is similar to the wealth effect, where we adapt our lifestyle to suit our income, rather than simply saving more as we earn more. Ultimately, access to highly processed, energy dense food has meant that we have increased our purchasing and eating behaviour (and our belts outward) to catch up with its availability, rather than continuing to consume as we always have. The effect is devastating to both the environment and to our health.

[Via http://tribalinsight.wordpress.com]

How many people are marketing your company? Watch out for the trap!

Marketing is the communication and representation of your brand, company, image, etc to your customers and general public.  What employees in your business are doing the marketing?  And  what controls do you have in place?

The companies we work with are small to mid-size businesses that may or may not have a marketing director.  Regardless of having a marketing director many of the people in the organization are facilitating the marketing.  For example: one business we work for has 9 different people in the company running the marketing in different departments and there are 9 different messages, different images, no consistency in brand management, and very little communication between these departments.  This is a major issue because it is confusing to the customers.  It is very important to protect the brand of a business and put in place controls to ensure there is oversight as to what can and can not be done.

There are many marketing channels that businesses utilize to get the word out:  Social media, events, direct mail, cross promotions, website, media, partnerships, collateral, etc.  All these initiatives need to have final approval and sign off by the most experiences marketing person to ensure controls and consistency of image and message.  If 9 people are running marketing in their silos without oversight then your brand is getting beat up!  All 9 of those people should have to seek final approval to print, publish, distribute, etc any and all marketing material and projects.

How many people can run marketing initiatives in your business without controls in place?

[Via http://tos8.wordpress.com]

Orson Welles Always Swallowed

It’s MICCC or MIC3 or whatever, it’s Monday.

Orson Welles for G&G:

This commercial truly sells it’s product. I know when I watch it I certainly feel like I could use a shot, and I don’t even really drink. Orson Welles did another commercial that’s famous for him getting his drunk on, which has been covered to death. This one however is definitely an iconic celebrity overseas commercial and deserving of an entry. It’s also one of the most depressing commercials ever made. You look at this cinematic giant chuckling into his whiskey and you see the underlying sadness in his eyes. Watching it after learning New Moon broke all kinds of records… yeah, I think I need something to pick me up.

So let’s go with a classic clip from the Critic:

That’s better.

Thanksgiving is coming so it’s only appropriate to list things I’m thankful for.

1. That I’m not a teenage girl or a sad middle aged woman who looks upon the Twilight series as crack.

2. That eagles are the national bird and not turkeys. ‘Cause I bet eagles taste awful.

3. Benches and chairs, for otherwise tables would be rendered pointless.

More tomorrow.

 

Missed last week’s celebrity commercial click HERE to jump to it.

[Via http://commercialobservations.wordpress.com]

Que tipo de empreendedor é você?

Vai alguns tipos:

Lider, Carregador de Piano, Estrategista e Serial Killer?

Serial Killer é o empreendedor como diz a palavra, Serial ou que monta muitos negócios ao mesmo tempo, mas não o confunda com outros tipos. É do tipo que não gosta muito de trabalhar e cuidar de assuntos administrativos e operacionais. Ele fica no campo da idéias e como tem muitas, não há tempo de pesquisar tudo, dessa forma ele dispara tudo ao mesmo tempo e vai vendo o que serve e o que não serve.

Killer, porque ele vive no fio da navalha. É muito difícil conhecer de tudo, dessa forma ele sempre fica na mão de outras pessoas.

Ele não desiste, se vê um cachorro urinando num poste, já pensa logo numa tinta ou outra coisa qualquer que pudesse aplicar no local de forma a proteger o poste ou afastar o cachorro. Dessa forma tudo lhe remete a uma solução simples, mas que nem sempre viável.

Conheço alguns caras assim, e que conseguiram se dar bem na vida e muitos que se deram mal.

O Estrategista e muito engraçado. Ele não sai do lugar, sem ter todas as suas dúvidas sanadas. Como é muito perfeccionista o seu modelo de negócio nunca esta bom. Prepara um plano de negócio complexo, cheio de planilhas de controle e com perspectivas otimista, digamos normal e pessimista. Ele fica consultando um monte de gente, fazendo pergunta sem pé nem cabeça, perdidas para que o outro não roube sua idéa.

Acha que tem um diamante nas mãos e leva tanto tempo olhando para ele, que quando se dá conta, a oportunidade passou e outro já esta fazendo o que ele pensava fazer. Daí ele muda o plano de negócio e começa a analisar o que o outro esta fazendo de errado para então lançar a sua solução com os diferenciais que o primeiro deixou de atender.

E vai assim, até desistir. E com toda convicção dizer que ainda bem que não colocou em prática, porque tem muita gente fazendo a mesma coisa.

O Carregador de Piano é o sujeito que não pensa muito se vai dar errado ou não. Ele precisa ganhar dinheiro e esta disposto a fazer qualquer coisa.

São os caras mais desinibidos e criativos que já vi. Quando se precisa de dinheiro para comprar comida, vale pintar a cara, cantar música ou fazer qualquer loucura para chamar a atenção.

Os acadêmicos chamam isso de marketing e ele chama de loucuras para chamar a atenção e vender.

Esse são os empreendedores em maior quantidade por ai e basta andar pelas ruas e observar e aprender.  Tem muitos desse tipo fazendo palestras para grandes empresas e achando graça.

O Lider, é o cara que busca atender a uma visão própria. Ele costuma ter um pouco de tudo. Planeja, mas vai testado suas ideias e corrigindo. Gosta de redes de pessoas e se diverte quando suas ideias se propagam.

O Lider quer que sua idéia tenha começo, meio e não tenha fim.

Quer que suas idéias ultrapassem e quebrem barreiras.

Conseguem convencer qualquer um a comprar suas idéias e ainda colocar dinheiro nelas, apenas por crerem no brilho nos olhos e na força do lider.

O lider difunde e permite que suas idéias sejam transmitidas para que ganhe escala e dimensão. Aproveita bem os relacionamentos e tem cuidado com o que fala, mas não se preocupa com o que dizem dele.

Suas idéias constumam ser mais duradouras que de outros lideres, porque esta carregada de perspectiva e inclusão.

Gosta de gente e lidar com a diversidade.

Com quem você se identifica?

Want Recruitment Help?

We’ve created some simple recruitment flyer/poster templates to help you do some public promotion of your want for more volunteers.Based on the simple theme of: “Fight Fires. Save Lives. Volunteer Today!” – these marketing pieces can be used simply by printing them out in whatever size your printer can handle and hand-write, label or stamp your fire department contact info into the box provided.

Want a customized version of the poster/flyer? Contact Tiger Schmittendorf at schmitte@erie.gov or 716.681.7111 to learn more about how Erie County Emergency Services can help make your local recruitment efforts more successful.

Click our Flickr.com account to see some samples: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40216465@N03/sets/72157622813314746/

SL Marketing: Freebies (Part 1)

This is the first part of a double post; in this post we’ll sketch the problem and have a look at XstreetSL freebies and how to use them to gain traffic. Other subjects will be covered in part 2, which will be brought online by the end of the week.

In Second Life, there’s a lot to do about the so called “Freebies” – goods offered by the merchants for free in their stores or on XstreetSL. On the consumer side there are several groups of freebie hunters, exploring all of Second Life to find new freebies of all sorts; where on the content creator’s side there is (and has always been) a lively discussion about freebies. As being a marketing consultant, I’m always getting a lot of questions from content creators about freebies. So here’s a little post with some basic ideas, and some do’s and don’ts.

A first concern of many content creators is the “freebie image” – some say all freebies are junk, or full perm items that have been in Second Life for ages and are recycled for the tenth time. When you spend 10 minutes on XstreetSL and get yourself some freebies, you will notice that this is not true – there is junk, but it is not as bad as some think. However, content creators are concerned about this, and some seem to think it would hurt their image of developing quality products when they would get involved in this. I do understand this concern, but I do not think that it is something that should keep you from distributing a freebie.

We all know the story of the Second Life resident contacting the contact creator with a lot of questions, comments, suggestions and sometimes even straightforward insults because the freebie they’ve just gotten themselves hasn’t completely changed their life. Very annoying, I agree, however it still is a minority, and even a freebie needs a good manual etc. which in many cases would solve this. Also keep in mind that Second Life, how idealistic this world may seem, still is a reflection of real life – there’s always a jackass in the neighborhood.

Having said that – let’s take a look at why some seem to be a little disappointed in the results they get from their freebie marketing actions, and use those as a start. The most common comments I get from content creators about freebies are; “I started distributing freebies to attract more traffic to my store, but didn’t notice any difference” and “I gave out freebies hoping they would increase sales, but I’ve not witnessed any difference in sales.”

Good thing here is that many content creators and merchants have a goal to distribute them. Too many times I see merchants jump on a train because it’s leaving the station, not knowing where the train is heading. (It’s always better to arrive a little late but knowing where you are, instead of arriving as first not knowing where you are).

So – first goal; attract more traffic to your store. (which you probably want to see resulting in more sales).

XstreetSL

The problem I see with many freebie advertisements on XstreetSL is that they do not contain enough textual content, and the majority of them doesn’t have a call-to-action. Here’s an example of a very friendly text – which however will not result in additional traffic: “A specially designed exclusive XstreetSL freebie – Enjoy!”.

Good points about this simple but friendly line – make the customer feel special, even though it’s a freebie, by calling it exclusive. However; you now have the customer’s attention because of the fact that it’s for free, so use it! Tell them in a few lines more about your designs, products and sl company.

Also missing – a call-to-action. A call-to-action is really a marketing basic that you should have in all your listings, and which should work given you’ve implemented it the right way. Once they’ve taken the effort of reading those few lines about your products, they’re already doing some “extra effort”, and a good call-to-action might give a result.

So; place a call-to-action like “Visit our store in Second Life”, “See all of our products on XstreetSL”, and make sure that no additional effort is required, by making that text a simple link – just one click required. It’s also a best practice to make this call-to-action stand out from the rest of your advertisement text, by ie. making it bold.

Potential customers take a quick look at the advertisement, and when the advertisement concerns a freebie, they’ll have a quick look at the picture, a look at the pricing to verify it’s really a freebie and afterwards their eyes will move on to the “Buy”-button. Make sure that somewhere in that “virtual” triangle there’s a call-to-action.

Now – the power of XstreetSL is in this specific situation also a merchant’s worst enemy. People can hunt down freebies without moving their avatar in Second Life. A simple inclusion of a call-to-action will probably gain you some extra traffic, but in fact you’re asking them again for an additional effort by letting them teleport to your store in Second Life.

Therefore I’d suggest to “reward” the ones that do the additional effort of teleporting to your store. You could for example have an exclusive XstreetSL freebie, and an exclusive in-world freebie. At your XstreetSL listing, clearly state that when they teleport to your store, there’s another freebie there that you only distribute in-world, and do the same in-world for the XstreetSL freebie listing.

A variation on this would be the half-and-half method; put half of the final product on XstreetSL, and tell them they can find the other half for free in your store in-world. This is slightly more difficult, because both parts will need to be usable “on their own”.

Hope you enjoyed the first part of this post – keep an eye on my blog for the second part, covering in-world distribution of freebies to gain traffic, and information on how to use freebies to boost sales.

Freecreditreport.com should disband

Play me a sweet song please:

I chose this ad even though it’s not the most current, because I feel it was where they peaked. Ignoring for the moment that Freecreditreport.com is not actually free and is pretty much a scam, let’s take a look at the ads. The first three commercials were clever and from out of nowhere. Previously the company had the worst ever jingle. One that sounded like a mid 80’s Christian help line’s hold music.

The problem with later ads is that not everyone can successfully write in other musical genres. They stretch themselves too thin trying to hit other musical beats which just don’t work with the words. I did kind of like the one at the renaissance fair but not enough to have it stuck in my head like the others. However I think I know the reason for the diminished quality.

As bizarre a statement it may sound considering the venue, I think the Freecreditreport.com band sold out. When they first started they were about being clever and funny, and the product was sold on this. Then they went “commercial” if you will, making their songs essentially brochures. Not enough humorous story to product information ratio.  Ultimately the commercials suffer for it.

In the world of advertising, there are one hit wonders. After they’ve disbanded, they can at least content themselves with the knowledge that they weren’t counted among that number.

Muitos portugueses não acreditam que os preços estão a cair

Público, 12.11.2009

A taxa de inflação oficial calculada pelo Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) está a cair em Portugal, algo a que já não se assistia há quase meio século, mas são ainda muitas as pessoas para as quais não há dúvidas, como comprovou o PÚBLICO nas ruas e confirmam os inquéritos de opinião feitos à população, de que os preços continuam a subir. Os receios provocados pela crise e pelo desemprego, os métodos estatísticos utilizados pelo cálculo da inflação e os padrões de consumo específico de cada cidadão são algumas das causas para que se mantenha uma persistente divergência entre a inflação calculada oficialmente e a percepção de evolução dos preços por parte da população. Os dados oficiais da inflação deixam pouca margem para dúvidas. Em Outubro, anunciou ontem o INE, a taxa de inflação homóloga cifrou-se em -1,5 por cento (ver caixa). A variação anual negativa que se tem vindo a registar nos últimos tempos é um fenómeno único em mais de 40 anos. É necessário recuar até 1962 para encontrar outro período em que as taxas de inflação homóloga entrassem em terreno negativo em Portugal. Ainda assim, tal não impede que, quando questionados sobre qual acham ter sido a evolução dos preços durante os últimos meses, os portugueses dêem nota de estar bastante divididos, com poucos a acreditar em efectivas descidas de preços. De acordo com o inquérito realizado aos consumidores pelo INE (também publicado pela Comissão Europeia para todos os países da UE), a maior parte dos inquiridos (37,5 por cento) diz que os preços no último ano “se mantiveram mais ou menos iguais”. Depois, 26,7 por cento acham que subiram ligeiramente, 13,4 que subiram moderadamente e 9,4 que subiram muito. Apenas 12,7 por cento parece acreditar naquilo que diz o INE, ou seja, que, nos últimos meses, os preços caíram em Portugal. É certo que os dados da percepção de inflação em Portugal acompanharam a tendência de queda de preços e também caíram para o valor mais baixo desde pelo menos 1986, o primeiro ano em que foi realizado este inquérito. Em comparação com o que se passava no Verão de 2008 (quando a inflação estava próxima de três por cento por causa do petróleo e alimentação), as respostas são mesmo completamente diferentes. Na altura, 63 por cento dos inquiridos dizia que os preços estavam a “subir muito”, ao passo que quem dizia que os preços estavam iguais ou a descer não ia além de 1,2 por cento. Estes números são mesmo mais radicais do que os registados no mesmo inquérito em 1991, quando a taxa de inflação superava os 10 por cento, mas a população era bastante mais tolerante em relação a variações de preços muito rápidas. 

Explicações para a situação

De qualquer forma, apesar da recente diminuição da percepção de inflação, há um fenómeno – que se acentuou no momento em que o escudo foi substituído pelo euro na carteira dos portugueses – que não desapareceu: as pessoas consideram sempre que os preços estão a subir mais do que aquilo que o INE diz que sobem. Há várias explicações possíveis para que este fenómeno se mantenha na actualidade. Uma das principais está no clima de pessimismo trazido pela crise, que pode influenciar decisivamente a percepção dos portugueses sobre os preços. “Do ponto de vista psicológico, existe uma presença muito forte da ideia de crise e, sobretudo, o medo do que ainda há mais por vir”, diz o sociólogo Sérgio Aires. Para o director do Observatório da Luta contra a Pobreza, este receio é suficiente para “refrear o ânimo” e “esconder” uma efectiva redução de preços. “Estamos a atravessar uma crise enorme e não há uma família que não tenha, pelo menos, um membro desempregado ou tema vir a ter”, considera Domingos Ferreira, professor da Universidade Nova de Lisboa. O docente doutorado na área de marketing e comportamentos do consumidor defende que Portugal vive um “clima depressivo face às expectativas futuras” e que isso tem influência sobre a percepção dos preços. Os resultados do inquérito do INE parecem confirmar esta ideia, já que são as pessoas situadas nos escalões de rendimento mais baixos que se mostram muito mais cépticos em relação à possibilidade de os preços terem estado a cair durante o último ano, o mesmo acontecendo com os desempregados quando comparados com o resto da população com emprego. Outra explicação pode estar no facto de os aumentos de preços registados em 2008 não terem ainda sido compensados. “Antes da crise actual, tivemos um aumento exponencial dos preços dos combustíveis e dos bens de primeira necessidade”, relembra Domingos Ferreira. Contudo, segundo o professor universitário, a descida que se verifica actualmente não é na mesma proporção da subida anterior, pelo que “as pessoas não recuperaram o poder de compra perdido”. Sérgio Aires corrobora: “Ainda que haja poupança, ela não é sentida, porque as pessoas já estão em défice há muito tempo”. O sociólogo acredita, inclusive, que seria difícil as pessoas notarem a descida dos preços, visto que “as lojas fazem, como é natural, o jogo de baixar uns produtos e subir outros, fazendo com que a diferença na conta final, se houver, seja mínima”. Por fim, e não menos importante, há características na forma como o INE (e todos as outras autoridades estatísticas) calcula a inflação que tornam difícil que o número oficial bata certo com as percepções, nomeadamente o serem levados em conta os avanços tecnológicos dos produtos e o facto de a taxa ser calculada para um consumidor médio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Key to Making Money With Internet Marketing

In this article I will give you a clear idea of how internet marketing works and why it does work, regardless of what your previous experiences might have been.

I am a regular reader in many forums related to the money making niche, and I always see how so many people are constantly giving up on internet marketing, something that up to some point I can understand, because most people never really get how internet marketing can actually become a serious business, so to them it always remains an illusion with no actual place in the real world.

This feeling, this view of internet marketing as some phony get rich quick scheme that gurus use to take a hundred bucks out of your pocket is a direct consequence of not understanding how internet marketing works, because believe me, once you see past all the hype and visualize a real business structure, you will be inspired to pursue the six figure mark.

If you have done some research about the internet marketing business you probably know that there are several ways to exploit it. You can do so with or without a website, through affiliate programs, CPA networks, PPC ad networks, and more.

Probably you know all of this because you took an internet marketing course that got you nowhere, and believe me, I know the feeling as I myself invested in worthless products with very little educational value that did not do much for me, although I think each one of them helped me in one way or another.

However, the real break, and the real understanding of the internet marketing business’ true potential came when I learned what I consider the single most important factor that makes it all possible: how to generate traffic.

Indeed, sure it is very important to have a good landing page or a website (whether it is your own or a redirect to a third party’s sales letter), however, if you do not have a good number of visitors -targeted ones- to that website, nothing will happen, period.

As it turns out, traffic generation is the hardest part of the internet marketing business and this is where everybody tends to fail, because indeed, a lot of internet marketing courses and programs will provide you with a lot of tools, pre-made websites, content, keyword lists, tutorials etc., but when you go out to the real world you realize that you are getting little or no traffic or you are wiping out your bank account trying to get visitors from paid traffic sources like Google AdWords.

Internet marketing is not then a business of promotion or a business of great website designers, sure all of these things are important aspects of it, but what really will get your business up and running is the traffic you build toward your landing page.

It is simple math, if you promote a $200 product that converts 2 of every 100 visitors, and you build a steady traffic flow of 200 visits per day (which is perfectly achievable), you will make around $800 per day. However, if you get only 2 visits per day you will not see a dime, no matter how flashy your website might be.

Therefore, if you are among those who abandoned the quest for the internet marketing riches, or you are simply thinking about starting out, take a shot at it, it is worth the effort, but make sure you focus on what is really important: traffic generation.

Do not overlook the other aspects of the business (which are also important), just make sure a good share of your efforts are diverted to getting targeted traffic to your landing pages and you will get results. Learn, persevere, succeed, that is all there is to it.

For in-depth information about internet marketing resources with true educational value to develop your internet marketing business go to the http://www.specialonlinebusinessreviewauthority.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Cadens

Percursos Civilizacionais

Hoje de manhã ouvi na TSF uma notícia interessante, e que nos faz pensar…
Ao que parece, a última moda em S. Paulo, no Brasil, são as designadas de “cirurgias de ocidentalização”. São procuradas por cidadãos orientais, ou de ascendência oriental, com vista a corrigir as características dos seus olhos, abandonando o tão popular “bico”, por um look mais ocidental. Ao que parece, este novo fenómeno está a ser interessante.
Não deixa de ser curioso que enquanto o ocidente procura nas regiões mais orientais uma nova forma de pensamento e de espiritualidade, originado não apenas um grande número de conversões a religiões e correntes de pensamento orientais, mas igualmente toda uma amálgama de movimentos new age de cariz doutrinário entre neo-oriental e o marketing de influência, os orientais, nomeadamente os que habitam no ocidente, procuram cada vez mais uma integração plena, ao ponto de renunciar ás suas características físicas distintivas. Faz-me lembrar um pouco um sketch curiosíssimo numa série de humor da BBC, em que um grupo de estudantes indianos em excursão ao Reino Unido se recusava a voltar para a Índia, assumindo uma conversão ao consumismo e hedonismo ocidentais.
Há muito que sabemos que a questão da raça é uma falsa questão de base para uma doutrina que do ponto de vista filosófico é atentória da liberdade individual. Existe uma bela diversidade de povos no nosso planeta, que resultou num imenso acervo de culturas com todas as suas riquezas intrínsecas que formam uma das bases sustentáveis do desenvolvimento humano. Mas se há alguns posts atrás vimos que o homem cada vez mais abdica dos seus valores individuais, que alicerçam a sua personalidade como indivíduo, agora vemos que o homem abandona também as marcas de riqueza cultural que o identificam como membro de um grupo entre grupos, almejando a suprema ameaça civilizacional, sucumbindo à ditadura das tendências que se move na base de uma força motriz meramente artificial.

Infelizmente, Sic Transit Gloria Mundi…

Giving your body what it needs workshop

In this workshop Steve and his panel introduce you to new insight and strategies.

Workshop includes Tools and Resources

• Eating Healthy Strategies

• Attracting good health into your life today

• Giving your body what it needs

Stephen T. Jones is a Consultant, Professional Networker, Unfacilitator and an Inspirational speaker. He is a master at helping people find their “Genius Spot’ (their true essence). Steve is continually finding himself as a bridge to the special gifts of the world. He and his unique network are looking to expand and partner with people and organizations in the 15 aforementioned areas of influence by contributing their unique gifts to joint endeavors that promote good in the world. Join us and use your gifts to inspire others in the areas Health and Wellness, Renewable Energy, Business (Profit and Non-Profit), Family, Technology, Humanity, Masterminding (Life Deals), Wild Life Conservation and Nature, Arts and Culture, Fun and Entertainment, Empowering Men Women and Children, Wealth, Education, Marketing and Mentoring. Inspired? To hire Steve or his team e-mail him at Steve@ASimpleGuideMD.com.

¿Haces algo realmente extraordinario?

En el próximo Monday Reading debatiremos sobre un libro que ya muchos conoceréis,  la Vaca Púrpura de Seth Godin. Aunque se trate de un libro de marketing, no creo que pueda dejar indiferente a nadie, ya que en realidad, nos está hablando de una nueva actitud ante la vida, no sólo de marketing.

Leía ayer en una entrevista a Concha Buika que decía:

Si lo que necesitas es una historia maravillosa, fabrícala, píntala, cántala, cuéntala. Sólo me hacía falta irme al mundo que hay detrás de los párpados para descubrirme. Dejar de inventarme un personaje para que pudieran quererme. Y al hablarnos desde ahí descubrimos que, aunque no seamos iguales, somos lo mismo.

No podemos negar que Buika es una cantante muy especial, con un carácter peculiar e ideas propias. No gusta a todo el mundo. No es aburrida, es sorprendente. Ella misma confiesa que fue a multitud de audiciones en que ni tan solo la escuchaban. Pero persistió y finalmente ahí está, única y especial.Porque si algo tenía muy claro es que “no puedes gustar a todo el mundo” Y añadiría: ni debes!!!. Buika descubrió su Vaca Púrpura.

Y ese es el mensaje implícito en la Vaca Púrpura: ¿qué te hace realmente extraordinario? . Las personas en nuestro mundo occidental y consumista, tienen prácticamente de todo. No necesitan casi nada de lo que puedas ofrecerles. O no les interesa. O no tienen tiempo para preocuparse de eso. Por eso, puedes ser cualquier cosa menos aburrido. La gente no mira aquello que le aburre. Quiere algo innovador, que le sorprenda, que le seduzca, que le ilusione. Has de llamar su atención.

Hay una interesante gráfica en el libro, en la que no me extenderé, pero que resulta esencial para diferenciarse. No hay que agradar a todos, sólo a aquellos que están dispuestos a probar algo nuevo. Por tanto, ir a lo seguro es lo mismo que ser invisible. Es el momento de atreverse, de probar, de lanzarse de lleno a tu pasión. Si al final estabas equivocado, por lo menos habrás hecho lo que realmente te gustaba.

Y eso no sólo vale para los freelance, sirve también para quién trabaja dentro de una empresa u organización. En los tiempo que corren, no hace falta que yo os explique que nadie es imprescindible.

 

¿Estás dispuesto a hacer algo extraordinario? Si respondes que no: ¿qué te frena?

Mertxe Pasamontes

 

If you listen carefully you can hear Chuck E. Cheese screaming

d-CON:

I was trying to decide which of the two commercials I should post when I found that some bright person had strung them together. These commercials are perfect against all odds. For starters I can’t begin to say how badly I hate the concept of wearing the big costumes in commercials. If it’s something you’d expect to see someone wearing outside a store on the street corner it doesn’t belong in a commercial. It’s a trend that comes and goes. If I had started this blog a couple years ago it would have had every other entry dedicated to one.

Bizarrely enough, it works here. The man wearing the outfit is supposed to be annoying and plays it fantastically. Timing is perfect and d-CON demonstrates that they understand better than so many others the strength of minimization. A fifteen second spot is more than enough time to sell your wares. With something like d-CON, you don’t need to sell the product, just the name. Most companies will claim they understand this concept, but their sins find them out on TV daily. Instead they’ll end up with bloated advertising costs that amount to campaigns that know one really likes.

To sum up: I give these commercials 4  out of 4

La Inteligencia Social

La revolución de las redes sociales ha cambiado algunas pautas de conducta en las personas y formas para relacionarse con la sociedad. Hasta su aparición, nos relacionábamos de forma “presencial” con grupos cercanos como la familia, los amigos de colegio, la gente del barrio, etc. Estos grupos se caracterizan por tener reglas, jerarquías y límites. Las redes sociales permiten un nuevo tipo de sociedad menos limitada, flexible y más espacialmente dispersa. La cercanía física no es tan importante y se crean grupos o “tribus” espontáneamente o a través del marketing de algunas empresas en las que los miembros de éstos se sienten pertenecientes a algo. Por ejemplo, el mito Harley, el calentamiento global, el estilo punk, Harry Potter o la mujer actual.

 

Así, los miembros del grupo no están unidos porque estén cerca sino que cada uno elige a qué quiere pertenecer, y se atreve a participar, a ser activo, y a co-crear. Así, muchos autores han habado de la “Inteligencia Social”, que se caracteriza por ser colectiva, sociable, libre y creativa y en la que todos podemos ser más brillantes que cada uno. La inteligencia social puede reducir el conflicto, crear colaboración, sustituir la intolerancia con entendimiento, movilizar a la gente para cooperar y apuntar hacia objetivos comunes.

 

A pesar de que veo algunas desventajas en participar en algunas redes sociales, como por ejemplo la pérdida de una parte de la intimidad – o dificultad en la gestión de dicha intimidad- , creo que por otro lado permiten alcanzar un nuevo paradigma: los propios participantes, socios, consumidores o empleados crean los contenidos, se abren públicamente y expresan sus sentimientos, preferencias y formas de pensar. Ésto es un gran valor que las organizaciones deben aprovechar para conocer a sus clientes, saber sus necesidades y mejorar evolucionando junto a ellos.

George Clooney Loses His Innocence

Another Monday, another classic celebrity international commercial.

Fiat:

Yeah, she set up a Clooney trap and like a puppy chasing a big red ball into quicksand, he’s quickly in over his head. I won’t say it but you know what any woman who does that has in mind. She’s not letting him go.

Missed last weeks celebrity commercial? Jump to it here: http://commercialobservations.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/brad-pitt-does-it-in-an-office/

Harvest Festival Bazaar, Kuwait NEC

This year the Lighthouse Church has its annual Harvest Festival on Nov. 14 (Sat) from 9:30am-4pm.
It takes over the entire Evangelical Church compound in the city (next to the Legislative Bldg where they are doing all the construction) and is a huge indoor/outdoor bazaar.

There are many things for sale including clothing & shoes, books, household and electronic items. There is live music all day by our various church bands and children’s groups plus games and other activities for children There are also food stalls from many different nations so you could snack all day if you like. Basically, there is something for everybody.

Business Analysis

The start point for developing a way forward of any business requires adequate business analysis.  Businesses and regulations are so complex these days that it is important to have a review of many aspects of the business in order to determine priorities.

Elements will include financial performance:

Profitability
Balance Sheet Strength
Credit control
Understanding of key business areas
KPIs
Etc.

A review of the sales and marketing approach –in today’s world it is important to consider the web and traditional approaches.  Many businesses rely on existing customers and do not actively seek new business –ultimately this approach is high risk due to the more fickle nature of relationships.

Competition –understanding what the competition has on offer; is business being lost or won; are there new product offerings possible; -clearly there are significant differences from one business sector to another –for example commodity products are dependent on differentiation through a number of elements (although the customer will use price as the only element).

One should also review operations, and most importantly the team.

So where do you get sensible business analysis –one company that offers reviews –suitable for business owners and investors/funders is QR Ventures.  The company includes team members from major accounting firms, HR and business specialists.  The team has been involved in business improvement (turnarounds) –and they can show that the starting point is a review of the business –identification of the strengths and weaknesses.

QR Ventures will provide initial analysis using 1 or 2 person teams within a few days from request.  They have recognized that time is of the essence once a business or investor has decided that a business analysis is required.

The business analysis will point to some key improvement areas and either a business improvement plan or profit improvement plan will be developed  – the deliverers of this plan –sometimes it is useful to outsource this to short term injection of key management.  Whilst there are a number of possible, this writer  can confirm that QR Ventures pride itself on creating value for clients and will provide this management stimulus if required.

So for business analysis –try them out –they can also assist in organizing funding –often some financial lubrication is required to get businesses improved.

For more information. Buying and Selling & Business Funding

Think You Missed The Boat?

After careful review of the data recieved from our survey to the pre-launch members and considering that we have been overwhelmed with emails requesting that the official launch date be extended to allow members more time to promote this unique opportunity, we have decided to grant everyone just 7 more days to enroll pre-launch members.

To help you all more during the next week, we have decided to also allow everyone access to the ‘Smart Choice Memberships’ right now.  This will  allow everyone to see the power of the Online Traffic Spinners in action.

As of this minute, 15,162 team members have joined because of one of the greatest team efforts in online history.   The goal is 30,000 by the launch date of November 9th at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.   There will be ABSOLUTELY NO MORE launch extentions.

Sincerely,

The Money Assistant

Great learning environment

Our envrionment shapes our behaviour. Inspiring places create inspoirational events, adn with that in mind I’ve booked an Incrdible location for Startup School Melbourne. The uber groovy Lindrum Hotel. Where the coffee and ambiance are both inspirational. Click on the image to check out the photos I took while checking it out.

At the event we’ll have Barrista style coffee (Lattes, Cappucino, espresso) all day – none of this McDonalds style pot of black muck. As well as great food from the restuarant. even I’m looking forward to it.

Still a seat for you. Click here to book: http://www.startupschool.com.au/ and join us in the mass corporate cubicle exodus

 

✮ღ ❤ღ Dress You Up ღ ❤ღ✮

Skin       -Belleza- Jesse Deep tan 7

Hair     >TRUTH< Tanya – espresso

Outfit    :SK Designs Vegary Dress – Red

Leg Jewel     Mstyle Silver Leg Jewel

Shoes    Maitreya Gold – Shanti Chocolat   

Necklace   Mstyle Necklace Cross Chain

Bracelets   Mstyle Necklace Cross Bracelet

 

Happy Shopping

K Xx

 

Special upgrade price, 3 years for the price of 2 on Ad Free, Full and Enhanced accounts

For the month of November 2009 only, we’re running a special price for personal accounts. All Ad Free, Full and Enhanced accounts are 3 years for the price of 2.

• Ad free – 1 year = $9.95, 3 years = $19.90
• Full – 1 year = $19.95, 3 years = $39.90
• Enhanced – 1 year = $39.95, 3 years = $79.90

Existing users can upgrade or renew any existing account with this special price just by going to Options -> Upgrade screen and following the steps to upgrade/renew. Any existing subscription will be pro-rated toward the new subscription.

New users can also take advantage of this special by signing up a free Guest account, and then using the above steps to upgrade it.