Archive for February, 2014

Do You Believe Everything You Read?

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

By now, just about everybody is aware that the news industry has been impacted dramatically by the ability of consumers to seek–and even generate–news themselves through a variety of online resources that may include their own blogs and social media accounts. When breaking news occurs, it is often shared first online where it grows and spreads exponentially. The problem is: it’s not always accurate! (more…)

Who Needs a Physical Location? You May Be Surprised!

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

Some of my favorite authors/social economists do a great job of cautioning us to beware of “conventionally held wisdom”–Dan Ariely and Steven Levitt are two that immediately come to mind. It’s so easy to get swept up by conventional wisdom and then, unfortunately, to act based on that wisdom–whether it reflects reality or not. (more…)

Creating an “Integrated Marketing Plan”

Tuesday, February 18th, 2014

I was asked recently to provide some information for an article on how to create an “integrated marketing plan.” That phrase has become quite popular and is, I would agree, more precise terminology to convey what a marketing plan actually does. In truth, I would think that every marketing plan would, by definition, be (more…)

Is It Time to Update Your Web Site?

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

Web sites have become a “must have” for businesses of any size, in any industry or geographic location. In fact, to a large degree, if you don’t have a web site, you don’t exist. When potential customers are looking for products or services they are very likely these days to turn to the Internet and do a search. If your business doesn’t come up in their search efforts, you’re not likely to be part of their consideration set. (more…)

How to Use Social Media to Grow and Market Your Business

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

The wide proliferation of social media sites–from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram–provide a myriad of opportunities for businesses of any size to connect with their target audiences. That can be good news and not-so-good news for marketers. Why? Because while the out-of-pocket costs for using most of these tools is low to none, the time investment can be significant. Add to that (more…)

Working With the Media? Relationships Matter!

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

What’s the most important thing that any business person should know about working with the media? Relationships matter! I’ve been working with the media for a number of years–both as one of them in my role as a business journalist and on the other side of the relationship as a PR professional. Because I’ve had a foot in both camps for so long, I don’t have the same level of fear or anxiety about working with the media as many often do. I don’t view the media as “the enemy” but as an ally in most cases. I need the media to help me get important messages out to various audiences. The goal:

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Can (Fill In The Blank) Companies Develop a Brand?

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

Branding is one of those concepts that is both extremely simple and exceedingly complex at the same time. One of the most common questions we hear related to branding is: “Can a company like ours develop a brand?” The answer: “Absolutely! But…” Here’s the thing… (more…)