How good are your stories?

How good are your stories?

Everyone loves a good story, but when you’re running a business finding good stories can be challenging. There was a time when a regular press release would go out to the company’s press list, but how many of these got published?  The answer is ‘very few’.  But why? ...
When did you last ask for a testimonial?

When did you last ask for a testimonial?

Testimonials are powerful and most of your customers and clients would be happy to provide one – but they need to be asked or it just doesn’t cross their minds. Testimonials are third party validation.  They’re great marketing tools – providing they have the right...
Does the headline grab your attention?

Does the headline grab your attention?

When you pick up a newspaper or magazine (or visit that publication online), you choose which articles you want to read by the headlines.  Some of the more nefarious publications use misleading headlines just to try and get your eyes on their article. You’ve probably...
Is your social strategy working?

Is your social strategy working?

Making social media work well is like walking on ice.  The social platforms are forever changing their algorithms. Gone are the days where 15% of your page followers on Facebook saw your posts.  Today almost zero see them, unless they actively visit your page – unless...
What’s your influence strategy?

What’s your influence strategy?

Your reputation depends on what other people say and write about you.  If you have a good reputation, it means you’re doing something right.  But what happens if your reputation is good, but is almost a trade secret? Lots of people do a great job for their customers,...
Leverage your blog posts

Leverage your blog posts

If you write regularly for your blog, you’ll be generating a wealth of information around your area of expertise.  If you’re running a business and understand the power of marketing you probably also create social media posts, newsletters, and, possibly, YouTube...
Reasons not to be an author

Reasons not to be an author

If you run a business, train people, are a consultant or a speaker, having a book with your name on the cover as author sets you apart from your competitors.  It positions you as an authority and extends your reach dramatically. I was taught that there were two types...
What’s your hook?

What’s your hook?

When you land on someone’s website what are you looking for? Is it an impressive blue-sky statement? Is it ‘Welcome to our website’? Is it a series of slides with pictures? Is it a technical description? Is it any sentence starting with ‘We …’? Is it something that...
That’s entertainment!

That’s entertainment!

Do you think that business presentations should be entertaining? Or do you prefer to sit through a boring presentation? Nobody wants to be bored and it benefits both sides if the presentation is entertaining, the presenter gets better responses and the audience...
Unconscious incompetence

Unconscious incompetence

The subject of ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ has come up in several conversations lately.  In conversations with people who have transitioned from corporate employee to business owner and people who are in a new role in a business and don’t have experience...