Ideas for Better Networking
Like the “givers gain” philosophy of Business Networking International (BNI), it’s not in what your get when you meet someone, it’s in what you give that you’ll receive. The following are a few tips on how to effectively network.
- It’s in giving that you receive. Be real. It takes time to build trust and relationships. Once you’ve built that trust, the referrals will come.
- Join groups that will assist you in getting the connections your seek. Is it a business group, philanthropic, educational group you’re joining? Not all groups are made the same and some are more business centric than others.
- Look before you leap. If you are indeed considering joining a group to network for your business, check ‘em out first. Can you see yourself meeting with these individuals on a monthly or weekly basis? Would you feel comfortable referring business to them? What is the tone of their meetings? Does it fit your personality? Ask questions.
- Volunteer. Not only is volunteering a great way to give back to the group, it is also helpful in keeping you “front and center”. Visibility is a great way to keep yourself “top of mind” when it comes to referrals.
- Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. By using this type of questioning you help conversation flow and it allows you to learn a great deal more than you would with one word answers.
- Become known as a resource guru for others. When you are known as the “it” resource, people will turn to you for help, ideas and suggestions. This is a great way to keep you “top of mind”.
- Know your unique value proposition. Make sure you have a short statement that clearly communicates the benefits that your potential client gets by using your product, service or idea. It will help “boils down” all the complexity of your sales pitch into something that your client can easily grasp and remember.
- Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Be specific. You can’t get what you don’t ask for.
- Follow through. Honor people by following through with their referrals, and get back to them with the results of how it went. How you treat your referrals is a direct reflection on the person who gave you that referral. Treat it with care.
- Reach out. If you meet someone at a mixer or networking event that has the same contact sphere as you do, reach out. This symbiotic relationship, given you’re in compatible, noncompetitive profession could be a great way to give each other cross-referrals.
QR code or Microsoft tag?
To use a QR code or Microsoft tag… that is the question.
Okay, so we started out here at DSYL using the Microsoft tag. It’s pretty and you could add images to the code. (Now QR is doing it too.) The thing we liked best about Microsoft is that you could change what you link it to, rather than having to create a new tag/code each time you wanted to establish a new promotion or offer. But… it appears that Microsoft just like Betamax has the earmarks of going the way of the dodo. Bye-bye. Ahh, but the jury is still out.
Microsoft does have deep pockets, so they can continue to promote their tag upon consumers for a while, even if consumers aren’t that interested. However, Microsoft doesn’t have the presence in mobile technology that it did in desktop computing. And as we all know, both Google and Apple are in the lead for smart phone technology. And my bet is on the likelihood that they would rather support an open-source solution to this whole code/tag thing, than one that would help Microsoft. Right?
The other biggie here is that QR codes simply seem to be gaining leverage. We’re seeing them EVERYWHERE: Magazines, packaging, store front windows, signs, you name it!
The other interesting fact is that no one owns QR codes. Ahhhh, but the Microsoft tag? Microsoft has even announced recently that they might be charging for their Tag related services in a few years. Ouch.
Seems to me that QR codes are leading this race, but time will soon tell. What are your thoughts?
What You Shouldn’t Post on Your Facebook Page If You Want a Job
OCT 3 2011, 6:27 PM ET – From theatlantic.com
Kashmir Hill, Forbes’ indispensable privacy blogger, posted this chart today, drawn from a survey of employers. Three things to note. 1) 95 percent of employers say they use social media sites to ferret out more information about job candidates. 2) If these employers informed these job candidates why they were dropped, Facebook as we know it might not exist.
That’s not because social media is bad for job candidates, per se, but rather that the sense people have that they are just talking with their homies would evaporate. It would become clear that Facebook is, in fact, a quasi-public forum in which what you say attaches very strongly to your identity. It’s the persistence that makes it different from “real life” and it’s the persistence that Timelines is going to highlight.
7 Ways Google+ Users Are Getting More Out of Their Circles
By Stephanie Buck, on Mashable
Organizing your circles in Google+ can be the most confusing part of the new social network. Yet people are learning to embrace and even optimize their circles for better productivity, filtering and privacy.
We spoke with some Google+ mavericks about how they’ve corralled their circles to be more effective. Below, they share their clever tricks and best practices so you can learn from both their mistakes and their successes.
1. Sourcing
Technology writer +Mike Elgan will directly address people that circled him. He’ll reach out with a personal question like “Where do you live?” Not only do Elgan’s polls help him get to know his followers, but he often uses the feedback from his circles as a resource. His “What should Google users be called?” poll, for example, generated 181 responses. “I’ve crowdsourced some issues for columns I work on and taken polls to get a finger-on-the-pulse idea of what people are thinking or doing,” Elgan says.
2. Learning
+Steve Rubel, EVP/Global Strategy and Insights for Edelman has organized his circles to focus on early adopters and thus access valuable feedback and information. He uses Google+ as a virtual “Junto,” named after Ben Franklin’s original discussion forum. Rubel’s circles are organized by persona, for example, “Pluserati,” “CEOs” and “Clients.” From there, he shares “semi-private posts just to ask questions … we can explore the issues of the day, much as Franklin did.”
3. Deeper Interaction
Many Google+ early adopters are curious about their followers. Because Google+ doesn’t require mutual friend acceptance like Facebook, many users have gained hundreds and even thousands of followers in the first few weeks of registering.
Mashable‘s +Ben Parr regularly asks his public circles for responses and insight. One recent request, “What’s the name of your favorite Google+ circle?” received funny replies including Purgatory, The Circle Of Trust, The Party Posse, Inbreds, Ppl I’ve Kissed, Ppl I Want to Kiss, People I NEVER want to Kiss, Tila Tequila Wanna-bes, Guys Who Pissed Me Off in High School, Scoblized, People I Call When I’m Dying or Arrested, More Bacon Than the Pan Can Handle, Muggles, and of course, Ubergeeks.
Google+ users are finally able to put faces to their followers and interact with them in meaningful (and sometimes hilarious) ways.
4. Filtering
Google+ users are two to three times more likely to share in specific circles than in public, according toBradley Horowitz and Vic Gundotra, Google’s vice president of products and senior vice president of social, respectively.
Google+ circles encourage user etiquette, sparing certain members of your network from updates they can’t relate to or flat out don’t care about. “You share each item with only the people who deserve to know. And simultaneously, you spare the masses from seeing news of no interest to them,” wrote David Pogue of The New York Times.
Technology journalist +Steven Vaughan-Nichols divides his circles into three basic categories: personal, work and interest. He warns about proper circle etiquette on ZDNet’s blog. “Just keep in mind that if you want to keep people reading your words, show some sense about what you post,” he advises. “For example, I can already tell you that a lot of Google+ users are already sick and tired of animated GIF graphics, no matter how cute they are.”
5. Personal Memos
Advanced Google+ users have discovered a way to use circles to save personal memos, drafts or articles to read later. Think of it as a type of Google+ reader, especially when articles that you’ve “+1′d” don’t make it to your profile.
Creating a circle-of-one (just your own profile) can function as a type of scrapbook, a history of interpersonal notes or private memos. Blogger +Charo Nuguid created a circle only composed of herself. “I created two ‘private’ circles, one for private messages and another for my notes-to-self,” she writes. “So far it’s worked out well. The posts show up in the circles. I finally have a way to keep track of my notes and the messages I post.”
6. Organizing
Technologist and startup advisor +Christopher Allen explains his method for organizing his circles (seen above).
Although Google+ is not yet offering sub-circle organization, Allen figured out a way to organize circles within circles. For example, under “1.0 Kin,” he’s added sub-circles called “1.1 Immediate Family” and “1.2 Extended Family.” All in all, Allen has created 42 circles. It may sound daunting but it does allow him to better target his posts to specific audiences.
Still, that’s a lot of sorting to do especially if you already have a lot of followers. Allen suggests reviewing a few circles every day: “I do so by going to ‘Manage Circles,’ then selecting ‘People in your Circles’ and sorting by last name. I choose that letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the day of the month and hover my mouse over each name … If they’re in the wrong Circle, I move them.”
7. Preparing for the Future
Many Google+ users have already begun to think about future uses for circles. Although Google is still tight-lipped about additions, our early adopters have certainly been chiming in with suggestions.
- Search: Mike Elgan suggests that “standard search, plus a lift on the limit of people in circles (something rumored) would enable me to follow a gazillion people without actually seeing the full stream generated by that gazillion — only the most relevant items.”
- Organization: “I would love to be able to organize my circles any way I want (alphabetical, most used, etc.). I also would love to color code them,” says indie film producer +Adam Cohen.
- Topics: Steven Vaughan-Nichols writes, “At the moment, Google+ circles aren’t ideal for interest circles. For example, if you were to follow me in a dog-lovers circle, I might only mention pups once every other day or two. It’s my understanding though that Google intends on making it easier to post by topics. I certainly hope they do.”
Google+ circles have surprised and stumped the world’s greatest technology leaders. Hopefully these quick tips will help you optimize your own circles and become a Google+ master.
How To Do What You Don’t Know How To Do
Picture this…
You’re thinking about starting up a new business but you have no idea where to start. You know you need to file some paperwork, and you have an idea of how you want your brand to look, but you have no clue how to execute your ideas.
That’s because you need a plan. Advertising plans are a great way to get all your ideas out onto paper. In addition, it will focus you to target a specific group, or groups, of people so your message isn’t getting wasted on just any Joe Schmoe out there. When you incorporate an advertising plan into your business model, your goals will be set, guaranteeing you a higher level of success. DSYL can help you develop this plan.
We like to see businesses succeed, and at DSYL, our goal is to guide new business owners to what will work for them and their target markets. By implementing the various elements of the plan, you will watch your business flourish.
When Is It Time To Update Your Logo?
Each year, many brands, even some big ones like Pepsi, Tropicana, BP, UPS and Starbucks, spend a large amount of money on redesigning their brand and their logo. In some cases the rebrand is successful whereas in other cases it fails miserably. (I personally miss the Pepsi wave and I predict it will come back in a few years.)
So, why risk losing the brand recognition you’ve worked so hard to build?
1. The Logo is Visually Outdated or Has a Bad Reputation
In some cases, the logo was great when it was designed, but now looks outdated. A redesign keeps the brand from feeling stale or out of touch.
Take for example Proctor & Gamble and all the hoopla regarding their 1851 man in the moon with the 13 stars that represented the 13 original colonies. Critics later claimed the stars also connected to form “666″ and that the curls in his beard were in the shape of devilish sixes as well. WHAT??? So in 1991 they cut off Mr. Moon’s bearded curls, then finally dropped the graphic two years later for the now current P&G italicized letters.
2. The Desire to Show an Expanded Business Focus
Another noticeable trend is formerly brick-and-mortar institutions developing an online presence, or wishing to appear as though they have.
UPS’s new logo represents a strategic decision to emphasize UPS’s expanded business operations, all the while preserving their shield, keeping it lighthearted and of course their signature color brown.
Walmart’s redesign changed their company name from two words to one, softened the blue, got rid of the capitalization of all letters, updated their tagline and moved their focus from rural to urban.
3. Simplifying for Better Recognition
The classic example here is Apple. Their original logo in 1976, when the company was still operating out of a garage, shows Isaac Newton sitting beneath a tree with an apple dangling precariously above his head. A year later their logo was redesigned to the dated looking rainbow apple. Finally in 1998 they opted for a monochromatic version that could be produced in every color possible, before settling on their current chrome version.
So, how does your logo stack up? Is it still stuck in the dark ages? Does it represent YOUR brand or simply your industry? And of course is it memorable? And do you use it with consistency? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen medium to small businesses have a myriad of versions of their logo. How are your customers supposed to recognize you if that is what you’re putting out there?
Lastly, if you do decide to change or update your logo, hire a professional. I know, I know… but my best friend has a nephew who is in school for graphic design. He can do it!
Really? Has he had years of experience knowing what works and what doesn’t? Does he know if it’s reproducible in all platforms and applications? Does he know the difference between RGB, CMYK, PMS and Hex colors? Does he know the symbolism behind color and what thoughts and feelings that certain colors evoke? I’m thinking… probably not. Can you tell I’m rather passionate about this subject?
I really enjoy working on logos for clients and treat it as serious business. It’s your face to the world and should NEVER be simply a template or stock icon found at Mr. Copy. It never ceases to amaze me to see, even as recently as last week, other agencies that use logo design as a loss leader to get people in the door. It makes me shudder to think that this is the case and quite frankly I find it sad.
Radio Interview…
DESIREE STIMSON AND CATHY NANADIEGO
Since 1992, DSYL has been providing clients with creative and high-quality advertising, contemporary design and innovation. Every marketing tool created for a client is developed exclusively for them.
Effective advertising backed by sound research is a key element to our clients’ success. DSYL’s media expertise covers all disciplines and we have assembled and maintained the finest creative resources and business-savvy account managers available.
In almost 20 years, DSYL has helped many different companies brand and differentiate themselves from their competitors, giving them the edge to successfully meet and exceed their marketing objectives. With every successful project completion, DSYL takes that experience and learns from it, continually strengthening the amount of knowledge, resources and innovation we bring to the table. As we learn, we also strive to teach. Our goal is to educate as we create, in the hopes that our clients learn with us. This in turn increases the depth of our business relationships while generating high quality and most effective advertising.
You can contact Desiree at:
CARY FACER AND ROBERT MCNIDER
Primary clients include owners of closely held businesses, professionals, contractors, and other affluent individuals. Evaluate present financial positions, identify shortcomings in current financial planning, and recommend investment strategies to achieve desired objectives in light of tax and legal regulations. Review and analyze areas of income tax planning, investments, fringe benefits, business continuity, and estate analysis.
http://pilgrimonthe405.podbean.com/2010/04/16/pilgrim-talks-desiree-stimson-cathy-nanadiego-cary-facer-robert-mcnider-41410/
Identity System Guidelines—All Businesses Should Have Them
The goal of an Identity System is to present a coherent, distinctive and memorable image your brand in a full range of printed and electronic materials. By practicing consistent and conscientious application of the identity guidelines, you will help differentiate your brand from that of your competition.
This can be done through a few different channels.
Logo
Your logo is often comprised of two main components:
• A graphical component also known as your icon.
• A logotype component which is your name which is spelled out or sometimes abbreviated.
Decide how these elements should be used. Will they ALWAYS be shown together? Is there any instance where you might separate them? Either waythis needs to be documented and adhered to.
Color
Color affects perception in deep and compelling ways. As with typography, strategic and consistent use of color can be a significant factor in the creation of a powerful and cohesive visual identity.
We recommend that there also be color guidelines in place as well which would include:
• Decide whether you can use only specific or any color palette for your different projects.
• Decide how or if percentages of color is appropriate or allowable.
• Remember your guidelines for type color.
Typography
From font selections for headlines and body copy to type size for designed and business documents, consistency is key. Other critical items to consider when dealing with typography is alignment, scale, color, spacing between paragraphs, indentation, letter spacing, kerning, leading and treatment.
There are many line items to consider when creating your brand’s guidelines. But once you have honed in on what will be your style, stick to it. By doing so, you will be able to present your brand and your message distinctively and consistently.
Good Luck!
MS Tags… Are You Using Them Yet???
You know what I’m talking about… Those funny looking, little colored squares that are popping up EVERYWHERE on magazine ads, packaging, signs, business cards and promotional items to name a few.
Well, these funny icons (MS Tags) are helping many businesses increase their information gathering in large numbers. All a person has to do is to scan the tag from their mobile smart phone for instant access to information, websites, video, reviews and more.
Recently, we had a client who needed packaging designed for an after-market car part. We recommended that they include an MS tag on the outside of their box that directly linked to a video of various vehicles which had their part installed on them. What a perfect way for potential customers to “see” how their car could look! It has been extremely successful for them.
Here at DSYL we have already incorporated a custom tag on our business cards as a way to capture e-mail addresses and engage our clients and potential clients. You REALLY need to consider this cost effective and fun method as an adjunct to your current advertising efforts.
http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx
Are Marketing and Advertising the Same Thing?
By Terry Detty, Buzz.com
Marketing and advertising may sound very similar, but in reality they are very different.
Advertising is only a part of the bigger game called marketing. Marketing encompasses complete conceptualization of a brand, right from research to designing to advertising to sale. Advertising, on the other hand is a component of the marketing process which is nothing but conveying the message through a variety of mediums to promote the product.
Advertising is one of the most important components of a marketing strategy and also the most expensive. Advertising constitutes sending the message to the public about your company, product or services. It also constitutes “behind the scenes” work, like the process of involving a formation of various strategies and coming up with a right one to target the viewers. This strategizing consists of planning things like placing ads, deciding what media outlet to use, what time, frequency etc. The advertisements are generally placed via mediums like television, snail mail, newspapers, internet, e-mails, radio, magazines, mobile messaging, flyers, billboards etc. The most popular is of course television, although advertising on the internet is becoming increasingly popular too.
The easiest way to differentiate advertising from marketing is to consider marketing as if it were a whole cake. If you cut the cake in pieces, advertising would be one of the pieces of that cake. The other pieces of that cake are market research, product design, media planning, PR, product pricing, customer support, sales and many more. All these components or pieces of cake should work independently but collectively in achieving the bigger goal: to sell product and build the company’s reputation in the marketplace.
Marketing is a marathon process involving many tasks that involve hours, sometimes days of research. The research part of marketing takes the longest time to complete, as it involves thoroughly understanding the behavior of people towards a product. Designing the product and developing advertising strategy is also a time consuming process. The only components that take less time are executing the advertisements and sales. Marketing can also be perceived as a medium between consumers and the company.
Many companies often make the mistake of confusing advertising with marketing. They try to appear to be as big as companies like Coke and Pepsi in advertising but they simply ignore the work that goes behind that. A classical example of this is to take a look at the company logo. Many business owners are so hysterical about the logo of their company in their advertisements that they think that it will simply bring in huge sales. But what makes a logo work is none other than the reputation of the company. The logo must have a feeling attached to it and should truly reflect the company’s values.
We should also remember that some companies spend fortunes on advertising, which a new start up business just can’t normally do. Rather than spending unnecessary money on branding your product, one should invest money and time in communicating to the consumers to address the expectations. After building up a reputation and growing a company, you can begin to think up these lavish ideas. Educating the consumers also helps, as it will give them an understanding that you know what your doing and you are the best at what you are doing.
Smart marketers are aggressive in approach rather than passive. They provoke reader’s minds by prompting them to do something, rather than just making them knowledgeable of the product. Smart marketers also bring home the names, addresses and contact numbers of people who are really interested in hiring your company by employing aggressive marketing. Thus, having a good marketing campaign speaks a lot about a company and their products. Advertising gives that finishing touch to the hard work completed by marketers successfully selling a product.
