So, I’ve been getting the question rather often: Have you found any good use for Twitter? Phh. I ask, “How much time do you have?”
So often, we get stuck looking at the big picture. I find this a lot when I review resumes and cover letters. People tell me: “I was only a camp counselor” or “I just worked at a convenient store.” After a little prodding (courtesy of my reporter days), I help them indentify some of the obvious. That job as a camp counselor had you looking out for the health and well being of 25 children. That position at the convenience store had you handling the owner’s deposits and withdrawals for 10 years. Doesn’t that count for something? It sure does.
Twitter is the same way. I’m asked: “How can you get your message across in 140 characters or less?” Hmm. My response: “What’s to say you need to have your message on Twitter? Why not at a blog or your website?” That’s when a light bulb comes on. Twitter for businesses has a variety of great uses.
Take, for example, Ford. Their social media guru sets up discussions with the CEO on a somewhat regular basis and opens it up for the world to ask him questions. Kind of on a big scale, I know, but you get the point.
The key to starting any great social media experience is listening. What are people in your field/people who are your customers talking about? If need be (and the situation calls for it), interact. Follow them on Twitter and 7 times out of 10, they will follow you. Online conversations are much like offline conversations. You see someone at the same function as you, you want to know why they chose to be there. With Twitter, you want to know why they are asking what they are asking and if you could be of assistance.
After listening and taking an interest, use your account to promote “off-Twitter” content. Send a teaser with a link… much like a headline in a newspaper. For example: Chicago’s best food listed here. Did ur fave make it? www.JayRodChicago.com/2016. In 80 characters, I’ve teased the reader and shot them to my website. That’s good once in a while. Do that too much and people will turn your “follow” button off.
Be human. Give some real-life experiences. There’s flexibility with your brand on social networking sites like Twitter, facebook and more. Have fun with it, but don’t get too carried away. No one wants to see their beautician doing a keg stand last weekend through twitpics. Let them know you have a human side, a sense of humor and a family. People are more receptive to those they can relate to.
We have barely scratched the surface here, but I’m hoping you get the picture… even if it’s the little one!
Showing posts with label JayRodChicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JayRodChicago. Show all posts
Monday, July 13
Monday, July 6
Request for cheap computer maintenance from our customers
I’ve been getting several requests for computer information, specifically making your computer work quicker. I did a quick check with a national office supply company to see how much they charge to do something like this and I learned it was $30!
Those of you who know about defragmenting your computer should be astounded by that price. All it takes is a matter of a few clicks and voila – you’ve saved yourself $30 AND made your computer work quicker.
Defragmenting was explained to me like this: Picture a floor filled with various colored marbles – some solid red, some blue, some white and some black – but all blended together. That is the information that your computer stores as you are online. Let’s say we sent a very smart snail through the room to look for a black marble. Since they are all mixed up, it’s going to take him awhile. What defragmenting does is separate the marbles – or information in your computer – into those with common interests (or colors) making it easier for the snail to find the black marble. Now you can picture the room with marble in separate groups of red, white, blue and black.
So as your computer is told to find information that would be in one pile and not the other, after it is defragmented, it will find the information much quicker.
SO, after that lengthy description, let me explain to you how to defragment your computer and save yourself from spending $30 at that national office supply store.
1) Go to computer on your desktop or from your start-up menu, which is in the lower left hand corner of your screen.
2) Right click, with your computer mouse, the C: drive. There should be a pull-down menu that comes up.
3) Left click Properties. From there, a separate box will appear. Click on Tools.
4) From there, click “Defragment now.” THIS MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES OR SEVERAL HOURS. MAY BE BEST TO DO THIS OVERNIGHT.
5) Once your defragmenting is done, close the box and enjoy your quicker computer!
Have an idea for a blog here? Text “BLOG IDEA” followed by the idea to 312-515-9459 or you can join the JayRodChicago page on facebook and submit through there!
Those of you who know about defragmenting your computer should be astounded by that price. All it takes is a matter of a few clicks and voila – you’ve saved yourself $30 AND made your computer work quicker.
Defragmenting was explained to me like this: Picture a floor filled with various colored marbles – some solid red, some blue, some white and some black – but all blended together. That is the information that your computer stores as you are online. Let’s say we sent a very smart snail through the room to look for a black marble. Since they are all mixed up, it’s going to take him awhile. What defragmenting does is separate the marbles – or information in your computer – into those with common interests (or colors) making it easier for the snail to find the black marble. Now you can picture the room with marble in separate groups of red, white, blue and black.
So as your computer is told to find information that would be in one pile and not the other, after it is defragmented, it will find the information much quicker.
SO, after that lengthy description, let me explain to you how to defragment your computer and save yourself from spending $30 at that national office supply store.
1) Go to computer on your desktop or from your start-up menu, which is in the lower left hand corner of your screen.
2) Right click, with your computer mouse, the C: drive. There should be a pull-down menu that comes up.
3) Left click Properties. From there, a separate box will appear. Click on Tools.
4) From there, click “Defragment now.” THIS MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES OR SEVERAL HOURS. MAY BE BEST TO DO THIS OVERNIGHT.
5) Once your defragmenting is done, close the box and enjoy your quicker computer!
Have an idea for a blog here? Text “BLOG IDEA” followed by the idea to 312-515-9459 or you can join the JayRodChicago page on facebook and submit through there!
Monday, June 22
WORDS THAT SELL
Courtesy of Entheos...
How do people find you on the Internet? Through words, of course.
Carefully chosen words and keywords will determine your website or web page's rankings on the Search Engines, and will pull visitors to your site.Not just any visitors, but people who want and need your product or service. Targeted Web traffic.
Once they've come to your site, how do you ensure you make a sale?Again, through the right choice of words.
Words prompt people to think, consider the options, decide, and most important, take action.
Words make the sale
What are these words?
Credible wordsIt's important that your web content is believable and sincere. Or you may drive visitors away instead of attracting them.Millions of sites use words that are overstatements or exaggerated claims. Words like "killer apps", "incredible results", "never before", "world-famous", "extraordinary features" and a whole lot more, usually followed with several exclamation marks!!!!! Limit yourself to a single exclamation mark where relevant, or drop those marks altogether.Unless the words above are backed up by research or documented evidence, most of your visitors would discount the exaggerations and feel the claims are untrue. How would they trust you with their money?
Simple wordsUse quality words, information-rich words, yet easy-to-understand words.
Powerful wordsUse keyword-rich and targeted words, designed to bring the right people to your site. This is specially important while writing descriptions and ads to promote your site, writing headlines and subheads, writing words in bold or coloured text for easily scannable content.
Action wordsWords like "Free offer", "Free resources", "Big Discount", "Sale", "Free trial", "Try us out", are powerful action-generating words.
Documented wordsUse research to back up claims of product superiority. Use client testimonials to assure people that you deliver on your promises. If you add links that lead to more information on the subject, your visitor can check out the authenticity of your statements. Quotes from experts in the field you are writing about, add weight to your statements
Thought-provoking wordsHow often have you read a whole article because the headline triggered a whole thought-process? This is a highly effective way to draw the reader's attention. And, as you know, readers are 25% slower while reading on the Web. All the more reason to grab their attention:
with a question in the headline
with a paradox or apparent contradiction in facts
with a bold statement that refutes popular beliefsNaturally, such attention-getting devices have to be backed up by persuasive content that retains the reader's interest or puts forward a different point of view
Persuasive wordsJust like a salesman in a shop or office, your content needs to sell a product or service.The difference is that the Web is a virtual showroom, where you don't have the advantage of using body language like energetic gestures, smiles and a tone of voice that draws and holds attention.Your visitor has the freedom to click out of your website at any time she chooses.The words you use can persuade her to stay, take a tour, look at the services you provide, see what other clients have to say, buy your product or give you a project.
Don't force the saleThe best salesmen know when to persuade and when to withdraw, to let their customers make up their minds whether to buy or not.Sometimes, your customer may check out your site with interest and yet not make a purchase until he has checked out other sites offering similar products. Don't give up! Once his interest is aroused, he may come back to you a week later and buy a product.This is when your response to email or telephone enquiries (so dependent on words) will determine whether he is encouraged to come back or to give up the idea of buying from you.
Ready to get down to business with words that sell? NEXT WEEK: METATAGS
How do people find you on the Internet? Through words, of course.
Carefully chosen words and keywords will determine your website or web page's rankings on the Search Engines, and will pull visitors to your site.Not just any visitors, but people who want and need your product or service. Targeted Web traffic.
Once they've come to your site, how do you ensure you make a sale?Again, through the right choice of words.
Words prompt people to think, consider the options, decide, and most important, take action.
Words make the sale
What are these words?
Credible wordsIt's important that your web content is believable and sincere. Or you may drive visitors away instead of attracting them.Millions of sites use words that are overstatements or exaggerated claims. Words like "killer apps", "incredible results", "never before", "world-famous", "extraordinary features" and a whole lot more, usually followed with several exclamation marks!!!!! Limit yourself to a single exclamation mark where relevant, or drop those marks altogether.Unless the words above are backed up by research or documented evidence, most of your visitors would discount the exaggerations and feel the claims are untrue. How would they trust you with their money?
Simple wordsUse quality words, information-rich words, yet easy-to-understand words.
Powerful wordsUse keyword-rich and targeted words, designed to bring the right people to your site. This is specially important while writing descriptions and ads to promote your site, writing headlines and subheads, writing words in bold or coloured text for easily scannable content.
Action wordsWords like "Free offer", "Free resources", "Big Discount", "Sale", "Free trial", "Try us out", are powerful action-generating words.
Documented wordsUse research to back up claims of product superiority. Use client testimonials to assure people that you deliver on your promises. If you add links that lead to more information on the subject, your visitor can check out the authenticity of your statements. Quotes from experts in the field you are writing about, add weight to your statements
Thought-provoking wordsHow often have you read a whole article because the headline triggered a whole thought-process? This is a highly effective way to draw the reader's attention. And, as you know, readers are 25% slower while reading on the Web. All the more reason to grab their attention:
with a question in the headline
with a paradox or apparent contradiction in facts
with a bold statement that refutes popular beliefsNaturally, such attention-getting devices have to be backed up by persuasive content that retains the reader's interest or puts forward a different point of view
Persuasive wordsJust like a salesman in a shop or office, your content needs to sell a product or service.The difference is that the Web is a virtual showroom, where you don't have the advantage of using body language like energetic gestures, smiles and a tone of voice that draws and holds attention.Your visitor has the freedom to click out of your website at any time she chooses.The words you use can persuade her to stay, take a tour, look at the services you provide, see what other clients have to say, buy your product or give you a project.
Don't force the saleThe best salesmen know when to persuade and when to withdraw, to let their customers make up their minds whether to buy or not.Sometimes, your customer may check out your site with interest and yet not make a purchase until he has checked out other sites offering similar products. Don't give up! Once his interest is aroused, he may come back to you a week later and buy a product.This is when your response to email or telephone enquiries (so dependent on words) will determine whether he is encouraged to come back or to give up the idea of buying from you.
Ready to get down to business with words that sell? NEXT WEEK: METATAGS
Monday, May 25
Getting started and re-discovering your current brand
Now is a GREAT time to get into owning and marketing a business – unless, of course, you’re pleased with where you are at and what your company stands for. I wasn’t. (Read “The Story” on www.JayRodChicago.com/the-story)
So, where do you begin? During this recession, anything is possible! Discover what are the things you are good at and what you love doing. There’s a certain fire – a confidence – inside of you that is needed to start up what you’re wanting to do. Whether you’re buying a business from someone, looking to start something up on your own or looking to make a few extra dollars, this is for you. Here are a few basics I came across while exploring the idea of creating www.JayRodChicago.com. All I ask is that you link to my site from your web site (even if it’s facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, a personal blog or web site or your company’s web site. It GREATLY helps my SEO (which is something you’ll learn about later in this lesson.)
GETTING STARTED & CREATING A BRAND
Do’s
· Research your business as if you were creating a business plan for a bank (even if you’re not). Google “sample business plans” and take it from there. You probably don’t have to get as detailed as most do in the financial aspect, unless, of course, you ARE doing it for a bank. Then do it.
· CREATE A WEB SITE. It may seem intimidating and expensive, but it is NOT. I didn’t know jack about designing a web site. I didn’t want a cheap-o looking “BLOG” type. I wanted a reputable web site. After all, I was going after thousands of people to check the site out and see if they found my services of need to them. I found a friend, www.chrismowder.com, who told me about www.squarespace.com. THE BEST ADVICE HE COULD HAVE GAVE ME. With just a basic knowledge, I was able to create a website on my own and save thousands of dollars! Their support team seems to work 24 hours a day and help me with EVERYTHING!
· Create a brand. You may think: “I’m only working out of my house. Why do I need a brand?” Trust me, you do. Think of some of the brands you know – Pepsi, Microsoft, BP or even the local day care. They all have brands. You think of something, whether you realize it or not, when you see their name, their symbol or hear their name. In this day and age of social networking, think of how many of your friends have “brands.” What do you think of when you see their pictures? Their laugh? Their voice? Sense of humor? Smile? See, we all have a personal brand. Your business needs one. (See my don’ts for what NOT to have in a brand).
· Set up a PayPal account at www.paypal.com. This is a fast, convenient and easy way to receive payment for your services and or products.
Don’ts
· Go cheap on a web site. Cheap web sites look like what it is… a cheap web site.
· Brand your name. REMEMBER: This is under DON’T, as in DON’T BRAND YOUR NAME. In hindsight, I don’t know if I’d do my name differently. I learned this lesson AFTER I bought the www.JayRodChicago.com URL. The reason: What if you’ve had enough of the business? Sick and no longer want to work for it? Or my favorite: It’s gotten so big, you want to cash in and get out? Now your name is attached to it! You’ll find throughout my site a couple of references to JRC and that’s why. JRC can stand for Jay Rod Corporation or Jimmy Rollins Caligraphy for all I care once I’m out of it. www.JayRodChicago.com was chosen because of its ring and an easy jingle (to the tune of Sweet Home Chicago… go ahead, sing it. JayRooood-Chicago. I know, I like it too! However, not all of us were blessed with a “jingly name,” so get creative when you create your brand.
NETWORKING
Do’s
· Research chambers, associations and trade shows and spend some time getting out there! You could have the greatest service in the world, but if no one knows about it, you only have the greatest service in the world… that no one knows about. Spend the time to get out there and meet people. Trust me, it’ll pay off.
· Become an expert on what you’re doing. Blog about it. Submit your blogs to those association web sites that I told you to find in the first bullet point. Go on “how-to” web sites (such as www.ehow.com), make a few bucks and submit a “how-to” about your area of interest. Also, join www.HelpAReporter.com, a.k.a. Help a Reporter (dot) com. This is a universal list of sources and specialists in various fields. It gets your name out there, which is what you want, right?
· Join www.Jobvana.com, www.LinkedIn.com, www.facebook.com, www.myspace.com and if your skills are mobile and can be done with the use of a computer, join www.elance.com and www.ifreelance.com.
Don’ts
· Sit back and expect people to find you after you’ve spent a bunch of money on advertising or promotions. Remember, you only get out of something what you put into it. In other words, if you put a BUNCH into your business, you’ll get a bunch out of it.
NEXT WEEK: GETTING YOUR NAME OUT THERE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
So, where do you begin? During this recession, anything is possible! Discover what are the things you are good at and what you love doing. There’s a certain fire – a confidence – inside of you that is needed to start up what you’re wanting to do. Whether you’re buying a business from someone, looking to start something up on your own or looking to make a few extra dollars, this is for you. Here are a few basics I came across while exploring the idea of creating www.JayRodChicago.com. All I ask is that you link to my site from your web site (even if it’s facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, a personal blog or web site or your company’s web site. It GREATLY helps my SEO (which is something you’ll learn about later in this lesson.)
GETTING STARTED & CREATING A BRAND
Do’s
· Research your business as if you were creating a business plan for a bank (even if you’re not). Google “sample business plans” and take it from there. You probably don’t have to get as detailed as most do in the financial aspect, unless, of course, you ARE doing it for a bank. Then do it.
· CREATE A WEB SITE. It may seem intimidating and expensive, but it is NOT. I didn’t know jack about designing a web site. I didn’t want a cheap-o looking “BLOG” type. I wanted a reputable web site. After all, I was going after thousands of people to check the site out and see if they found my services of need to them. I found a friend, www.chrismowder.com, who told me about www.squarespace.com. THE BEST ADVICE HE COULD HAVE GAVE ME. With just a basic knowledge, I was able to create a website on my own and save thousands of dollars! Their support team seems to work 24 hours a day and help me with EVERYTHING!
· Create a brand. You may think: “I’m only working out of my house. Why do I need a brand?” Trust me, you do. Think of some of the brands you know – Pepsi, Microsoft, BP or even the local day care. They all have brands. You think of something, whether you realize it or not, when you see their name, their symbol or hear their name. In this day and age of social networking, think of how many of your friends have “brands.” What do you think of when you see their pictures? Their laugh? Their voice? Sense of humor? Smile? See, we all have a personal brand. Your business needs one. (See my don’ts for what NOT to have in a brand).
· Set up a PayPal account at www.paypal.com. This is a fast, convenient and easy way to receive payment for your services and or products.
Don’ts
· Go cheap on a web site. Cheap web sites look like what it is… a cheap web site.
· Brand your name. REMEMBER: This is under DON’T, as in DON’T BRAND YOUR NAME. In hindsight, I don’t know if I’d do my name differently. I learned this lesson AFTER I bought the www.JayRodChicago.com URL. The reason: What if you’ve had enough of the business? Sick and no longer want to work for it? Or my favorite: It’s gotten so big, you want to cash in and get out? Now your name is attached to it! You’ll find throughout my site a couple of references to JRC and that’s why. JRC can stand for Jay Rod Corporation or Jimmy Rollins Caligraphy for all I care once I’m out of it. www.JayRodChicago.com was chosen because of its ring and an easy jingle (to the tune of Sweet Home Chicago… go ahead, sing it. JayRooood-Chicago. I know, I like it too! However, not all of us were blessed with a “jingly name,” so get creative when you create your brand.
NETWORKING
Do’s
· Research chambers, associations and trade shows and spend some time getting out there! You could have the greatest service in the world, but if no one knows about it, you only have the greatest service in the world… that no one knows about. Spend the time to get out there and meet people. Trust me, it’ll pay off.
· Become an expert on what you’re doing. Blog about it. Submit your blogs to those association web sites that I told you to find in the first bullet point. Go on “how-to” web sites (such as www.ehow.com), make a few bucks and submit a “how-to” about your area of interest. Also, join www.HelpAReporter.com, a.k.a. Help a Reporter (dot) com. This is a universal list of sources and specialists in various fields. It gets your name out there, which is what you want, right?
· Join www.Jobvana.com, www.LinkedIn.com, www.facebook.com, www.myspace.com and if your skills are mobile and can be done with the use of a computer, join www.elance.com and www.ifreelance.com.
Don’ts
· Sit back and expect people to find you after you’ve spent a bunch of money on advertising or promotions. Remember, you only get out of something what you put into it. In other words, if you put a BUNCH into your business, you’ll get a bunch out of it.
NEXT WEEK: GETTING YOUR NAME OUT THERE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
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