Stop Using Word or Publisher to Design

Seriously... I shouldn't need to be saying this. But you people need to stop designing your own logos, letterhead, business cards - whatever... Unless you are in fact a graphic designer then by all means - design your little heart out. But if you are a lawyer, plumber, or anything other than a designer then STOP doing it! Please! People are going to be nice and say it looks great but I'm going to be real with you. Chances are, it looks like crap. Most of the logos I have seen that people made themselves or had their 14 year old daughters make have just sucked. You'd have no idea what the company is, what your service is, and it says NOTHING about you.

Here's what you want... A brand. You want a brand image so that you stand out from everyone else who does the same thing as you. So hire a real designer who actually has experience and someone who has a strong portfolio. Because ultimately, it doesn't matter whether you like it or not. It matters if it resonates with your customers and you are not your customer.

Okay I'm done.

For now.

Wait. I'm not done.

Image stolen from: 
http://www.bizcardfail.com/2010/07/logo-fail-10-ways-to-avoid-making.html

Follow up - I need to stop making odd faces

I had just got off a skype call so I was in video cam mode. Anyway - I can't believe how many times I said "ummmm" in that first video. And I do know the appropriate times to say "scary" or "scared."

I have no problem admitting that it is kind of weird to be shooting these videos and it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. But I like the idea of it because it's much easier for readers to get to know you when they can not only read what you say but also listen and watch you.

I'll be shooting some more video over the weekend. I welcome any advice/comments!

Thanks!

My very first ever video blog entry!

I'm kind of excited about this... Video blogs, vlogs, not totally sure how must people refer to them, either way - it's such a great concept. If you don't feel comfortable writing or simply feel like you would have an easier time showing your personality and style through a video then give it a shot.

The best way to build credibility and position yourself as an expert is to put yourself out there. Don't be scared to share what you know!

Technology Addicts

Last night I went to the movies to see Grown-Ups. It was a funny movie – while I’m no movie critic, I would give it a B rating. Anyway, the point of this post is not to talk about how great the movie was. It’s really about the boy that looked about 15 that sat next to me and the girl that looked about 15 that sat next to my boyfriend. Throughout the entire movie they texted and were on facebook. I’m pretty sure if I were to ask them some general questions about the movie they wouldn’t be able to answer them. While I understand the importance of multi-tasking I am sad at how children are so attached to technology. Although I am a huge technology enthusiast I can’t help but think that it is severely affecting the quality of life of our children. It’s an incredible thing that has changed the foundation and platform of business but then again, cake is a wonderful thing – in small portions and it must be balanced with a healthy diet. Similarly, technology needs to fit into a balance along with face-to-face friendship and communication and outdoor activities. I still believe that it’s important to focus marketing efforts online for businesses. But as for our personal lives – take a look at your own life and your family – are you addicted or do you think you can handle watching a movie without checking your phone…

10 Blogs to Boost Your Social Network Savvy

10 Blogs to Boost Your Social Network Savvy

I haven't looked deeply into this yet but the little I have seen has certainly shown great value and relevant information so be sure to check it out.

Just Google It

Today I was in the Milltown Parade with my good friends at Friendly Electric Heating & Air. It was a lot of fun - despite being bombarded with crowds of people wanting beads from me. On the way back from the parade I was sitting in the back of the car with a 13 year old and two 7 year old kids. As we were talking the 13 year old noticed my cell phone - she was very impressed that it was the iPhone4 and she knew all about the apps and said that it was such a cool phone. It might be a little sad at how flattered I was that a 13 year old thought that I, a 26 year old, was cool. As we continued our conversation, one of the 7 year olds mentioned that he will be going to Germany to visit his family. When I asked him what city, he said Italy... I was 7 a long time ago - maybe geography is not something they know very well. But when someone in the car asked a question that nobody could answer, the 7 year old boy immediately said, "why don't you just google it." I was a bit taken back but then it got me thinking... How can anybody think that the Internet isn't the place to be focusing marketing energy. Even 7 year olds turn to google to find answers. If you are a business owner and you are not focusing your energy on SEO and social media then you are truly missing out and falling behind fast. Although it is sad that the kid thought that Italy was a city in Germany - he could always just google it. :)

Are You Scared of Social Media?

There is a serious question that needs to be addressed in ALL businesses that plan on thriving (not surviving) the next decade. The issue is social media. OMG it’s so freaking scary isn’t it? Actually, I find it so exciting but there are many many many many many people absolutely terrified of it. Oh but the legal ramifications – people are talking, what are they saying? They can’t say that – what if they say this – what if they post this picture? LISTEN… People are talking, they’re saying a lot of stuff. Who was it that said that your brand is what people say about you when you leave the room? Anyway, here’s the deal. Social media has totally transformed the way we do business, interact and communicate with each other, customers and vendors. If you want to be successful you have to accept change. Get ready for it and plan on how to implement change. Fighting it will not help. Facebook and twitter and linked in are just a few of the sites out there – there are TONS. And here’s the reality – it’s not going anywhere, it’s not a fad and it is here to stay. If you do not embrace it and join it then you will fade away quicker than pods (remember those?). People are talking about your brand either way. The lines have blurred and perhaps you will see a picture of your employees on the beach drinking a beer all the while you are shocked because they have become facebook friends with an important client. I understand – and it is scary because so much information is available to so many people. But the fact you have to face is that social media has transformed the business landscape. Just pushing your message out there to the public isn’t going to work. People expect personalization now and people want to do business with people not faceless companies. They want accountability and transparency and if you aren’t offering that then you better think fast on how you will compete. It’s late and I’m exhausted. So I’m terribly sorry about the grammatical errors and typos and I’m pretty sure I’ve included an unnecessary amount of run-on sentences…

POINT IS – Social media is not going away and if you don’t figure out a way to incorporate it into your business structure and marketing then you are losing out and ultimately it will be detrimental to your business. Focus on creating transparency and honesty to get the respect and attention from your customers. Join the discussions and properly represent yourself and remember – people run every business and people want to do business with other people. So stop hiding behind your cubicle walls and join the conversation. If you don’t join in – your competitor most likely already is.