More Than A Few Words

I am a LinkedIn junkie, but unlike people with other addictions, I'm not looking for a 12-step program to cure me of my habit because I think LinkedIn is healthy for my business. Instead, what I've done is developed a six-step process that allows me to simplify content creation and improve the quality of the content I'm creating. The six steps are easy. Define your objective. Figure out why you're really on LinkedIn and what you can realistically accomplish. Build out your profile and becoming someone people want to get to know. Identify who your target audience really is and getting laser focused on putting messages out there that are relevant for them. Spend the majority of my time engaging with the content that other people put out there, strategically connecting with other individuals. And finally, when you do all those five things well, creating content is easy.  Looking for a more detailed look at this process?   Watch the Video Now   

This time of year, we always start thinking about the holidays and holiday marketing.  That's why I was so excited to chat with Caroline Balinska on holiday marketing.  Here are 5 key points from my conversation with Caroline Plan in advance: One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is not planning holiday campaigns early enough. Starting at least three months in advance to set up social media posts, emails, and design imagery is not too early Focus on relevant holidays: Not all holidays are relevant to every business. It's important to pick holidays that align with your products. For instance, World Animal Day is more relevant for pet-related products than Valentine's Day. Stand out with unique content: For holiday campaigns, businesses should create fresh and themed content, including new imagery and emotional trigger words that resonate with their target audience. Leverage post-holiday opportunities: Businesses can continue benefiting from holidays even after they pass by extending promotions or

One of the questions that I get asked on a regular basis is, what's the best marketing platform? Where should I be spending my limited marketing dollars and time? And every time I hear that question, I think about something my boss said to me way back in my corporate days. Rick told me  a mediocre idea executed well would outperform a brilliant one executed poorly every single time. And I really took that message to heart.  It has been the basis of my marketing through my whole career.  So my advice to you as you're trying to find that one perfect platform, stop! Stop looking for the one perfect marketing venue and instead find one thing to execute perfectly. Looking for some help on developing your execution plan? Give me a buzz. I'd love to work with you.  https://morethanafewwords.com/office-hours/  

Your Website: More Than Just Pretty – It’s a Salesperson That Never Sleeps Your website isn’t just a pretty face for your business. Done right, it’s a 24/7 salesperson, constantly working to attract and convert leads even when you’re not. But how do you make sure your website pulls its weight? I sat down with **Lori Highby**, owner of Keystone Click, to get to the bottom of what makes a website not only visually appealing but also a powerful sales tool. Here are some key takeaways: Speak to Your Customer’s Pain Your website’s primary job is to solve your customer’s problem. Lori emphasized the importance of understanding your *ideal customer* and addressing their pain points right from the start. Visitors are looking for solutions, and if your site speaks directly to their problems, it will grab their attention immediately.  *Tip*: Each page of your website should focus on *one* problem or pain point. Avoid overwhelming your audience by trying to solve everything on a single page. Pass the “Billboard Test Lor

From my archive, a great conversation with Denise Praul If a prospective customer is introduced to you by someone they trust, you're far more likely to close that sale than if they stumbled upon you on Google. That’s the beauty of referral marketing, and it goes beyond traditional word of mouth. But how do you create a system that consistently brings in high-quality referrals? That’s what this conversation is all about. 1. Referrals = Borrowed Trust When someone is referred to you, you’re borrowing the reputation of the person who made the referral. This is a game-changer because the new client comes in with a built-in level of trust that makes closing the sale much easier. They’re not starting from scratch—they already believe in you because someone they trust vouched for you. 2. Focus on the Benefits, Not Just the Features It’s easy to get caught up in the technical details of your product or service, but customers are more interested in how it benefits them. Denise points out that for referral partners to

We often get advice about how we should interact and engage on social media. You need to be subtle. Don't be too pushy. Don't jump to offering your product and services right away. That is all good advice. I would never want to walk into a networking event and start talking to the very first person I meet about how I can help them without finding out a little bit about them. But, sometimes that advice to be subtle takes us in the wrong direction. We're so careful not to promote our product or services that people don't know what it is we really do. I know I can be guilty of this and so today I'm going to tell you I work with businesses that have spent money on marketing and are not satisfied with the results. They're looking for a quick independent assessment of what they're doing and how they can do it better. Sound like you? Well then book an appointment today. Oh, and come back and listen to longer episodes of More Than a Few Words wherever you listen to podcasts.   BOOK AN OFFICE HOUR -   

Loved chatting with Helene Gidley, founder of A2 Agile Incorporated, about how an an agile approach can help small business owners stay organized, adapt to change, and avoid burnout. Here are a few key takeaways: Agile is about visibility and adaptability: Helene emphasizes the importance of making your work visible and breaking it into small, manageable chunks. This allows you to respond to changes quickly and see progress incrementally. Keep tasks visible: She suggests using physical tools like sticky notes to keep tasks front and center. This old-school method helps you stay focused and track your progress more effectively. Treat time as a valuable resource: Helene discusses the importance of scheduling time not just for meetings but also for completing tasks, ensuring that you prioritize and protect your time as a valuable resource, just like your budget. Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so Helene recommends breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps that ca

One of the things I love about having a podcast for 15 years, is my archive.  Buried in there are hundreds and hundreds of amazing conversations that I want to share with my current audience This conversation from early 2020 with Dr. Yamilette Willams  ( Dr. Yam) is a great example. Here are the key takeaways from my interview  on communication styles: Dr. Yam identifies four main communication styles, which are divided into two categories: outgoing vs. reserved and people-oriented vs. task-oriented. These include: D (Dominant): Outgoing and task-oriented. I (Influential): Outgoing and people-oriented. S (Steady): Reserved and people-oriented. C (Compliant): Reserved and task-oriented. She goes on to explain how recognizing the communication style of the person you're interacting with is key to effective communication. For example, task-oriented individuals prefer concise, direct communication, while people-oriented individuals respond better to engaging and emotional conversations. Understanding communic

If you're a player in the digital space today, you need to know what it takes to get the attention of Google and encourage them to drive people to your website. To dive into this topic, I invited Barb Davids, founder of Compass Digital Strategies, to join me. She started our conversation by emphasizing that small business owners shouldn't panic when they hear about changes in Google's algorithm. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, but immediate drastic actions are unnecessary. Patience is key. Here are a few more tips from that conversation .  The S.W.E.E.T. Framework: Barb introduces her S.W.E.E.T. framework for optimizing websites for SEO, which includes: Select a target keyword: Identify what people are searching for and align your content accordingly. Work on a blog post: Create or update blog content to address the target keyword directly and provide clear, useful answers. Enhance with summaries: Optimize meta titles and descriptions to attract clicks from search results. Establis

I've been podcasting for a long time, but if I had to classify my podcast, it's an enjoyable hobby. However, there are ways to make money with your podcast, and that's what I talked with Darren Saul about. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation Sponsorship Opportunities:  Podcasts don't need to have thousands of episodes to attract sponsors. Even from the beginning, podcasters can approach companies aligned with their content to collaborate. This approach can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships where both parties promote each other. Premium Content: Offer exclusive, premium content that listeners have to pay for. While the main podcast episodes remain free, additional in-depth content, resources, or even behind-the-scenes access can be monetized through platforms like Patreon or a subscription model on the podcast's website.  The key is deciding what information to give away, and what to put behind the paywall  Consulting and Coaching: As podcasters build their audience and e

Recently, I had to clean out all of my closets because we were replacing the flooring. The process was interesting because buried deep in those closets were things I hadn't used or thought about in years. And quite frankly, I hadn't missed. Every now and then I ran across something that made me stop and say, "Wow, that's really cool, I should use that again. And it made  me thin about my marketing. When you look at all of the different things you've done over the years, you've got a marketing closet. From time to time, you need to take it all out and evaluate each piece. Is it still adding value? Is there something you forgot about that you used to do that worked really well? Are there things you just need to let go of? If you haven't done it in awhile, it is time to clean out your marketing closet. And if you need a little help, give me a buzz. Set up an office hour and we can talk about what should be in your marketing closet. 

$38 Billion!  Yes that is billion with a "b".  That is the impact women have on the global economy.  If you want a piece of that market, you need to learn how to connect with female consumers. Robyn Newton joined me for a conversation about selling to women.  Here are the key points from the conversation: Women as Powerful Consumers: Women control over 85% of purchases in the U.S., making them a key demographic for businesses to understand and cater to. They are not just the shoppers but also major influencers in the purchasing process. Understanding What Women Care About: Brands need to understand the specific values and concerns that resonate with women, such as family, health, mental well-being, the environment, inclusion, and safety. A brand's message should authentically reflect these priorities to connect effectively with female consumers. Avoiding Common Mistakes: Many businesses fail to consider women's unique buying habits and preferences, often making them feel overlooked or undervalued. It's c

There are three questions you need to answer before you launch your next marketing campaign. The questions are simple, but the answers may not be. Who is your customer? Too often, business owners try to go really broad as they define their target. If you want to create an effective marketing campaign, narrow in on a specific niche. You can always target a different audience with your next campaign. Who is your competitor? This is not a time to puff up your chest and say, I don't have any competitors because you do. And sometimes they don't even do exactly what you do, but they're competing for your customer's attention and cash. What is it that you want to accomplish with this campaign? I know you want to sell more, but do you want to sell more of a specific product? Do you want to sell more high-priced products? Are you trying to attract new customers or get your old ones to come back time and time again?  Each of those objectives will lead you down a path to a very different campaign. So before you start wo

Donna Peterson, CEO of World Innovators and I chatted , about the importance of growing and maintaining a high-quality email list. Here are a few key takeaways: Quality Over Quantity: Donna emphasizes that when it comes to email lists, having a smaller, highly-targeted list is much more effective than a large, unfocused one. A clean and updated list ensures that your messages are reaching the right audience, which can significantly improve engagement rates. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience goes beyond just their job titles or industries. It's about knowing where they prefer to receive their content and what types of messaging resonate with them. This insight helps tailor your communication strategies for better results. Creative Engagement: Donna highlights the effectiveness of unique approaches like LinkedIn Live series to attract new subscribers. By offering valuable, easy-to-digest content, businesses can provide high perceived value without demanding a large time commitment from their audie

I enjoyed chatting with Jackson Calame about the importance of having a clear vision for your business. Here are some key takeaways: Vision Beyond Profits: Jackson emphasizes that a business vision should go beyond just making profits. He talks about creating a balance between personal well-being and professional success and highlights his mission to bridge the economic gap between North and South America. Thriving vs. Surviving: Jackson distinguishes between a survival mentality and a thriving mentality. Instead of just reacting to problems, thriving involves focusing on solutions and being your best self to achieve the best results. Power Branding: Becoming a market leader, or a "power brand," isn't about being better than others but about being the best version of yourself. Jackson shares the importance of having a strong support system, much like Batman has Alfred, to handle the technical details and allow business owners to focus on their strengths. Tools and Mechanics: He advises entrepreneurs to

I had a wonderful conversation with Josh Elledge about strategies for generating inbound leads and moving away from outdated, spammy marketing tactics. Here are the key points from their conversation: Shift from Outbound to Inbound Marketing: Traditional outbound methods like sending unsolicited emails are no longer effective. Consumers, including business decision-makers, are overwhelmed and turned off by spam. Josh emphasizes the importance of creating an inbound funnel that attracts potential clients naturally, reducing the emotional toll on marketers. Noble Intent and Authenticity: Success in modern marketing requires leading with noble intent and genuine empathy. Businesses should prioritize the needs and desires of their customers over their own sales goals. Transparency and authenticity are crucial. Consumers can detect when a business's primary motive is self-serving, which can drive them away. Utilizing Platforms for Networking: Platforms such as podcasts, YouTube channels, or Facebook groups

Mickey Kennedy, founder of eReleases joined me for another conversation about building your authority and online visibility.  This time we talked about the importance of using surveys and studies to stand out as a subject matter authority. Why does this strategy work?  First of all the media loves data.  Fresh data from industry-specific surveys can attract media attention. You can use a platform like SurveyMonkey to create a 16-question survey, including some fun or unusual questions to capture interest. You don't need to do it on your own.  consider partnering with small or independent trade associations to distribute your survey. These associations often seek media attention and can help amplify your survey in exchange for being mentioned in the press release. This strategy works because the survey results helps position you as an industry expert so once you are done conducting the survey, create a dedicated page on your website with all questions and responses. Highlight key findings in your press release

Janine Liston, a business strategist and pricing expert, joined me for a conversation about the complexities and strategies behind setting the right price for products and services. Here are a few key takeaways: One common myth is that the lowest price always wins. Many business owners believe this, but it’s not true for most products and services. Targeting the right customer who values your product is more important than simply offering the lowest price. When you set your price, you need to put the customer first. Rather than developing a product and then finding customers, businesses should understand their customers' problems and create solutions tailored to them. This approach ensures that prices reflect the value delivered to the customer. What's a fair price?  It is actually a balance between what customer are willing to pay, and what is profitable for the business. Many businesses overlook customer value and willingness to pay, focusing too much on costs and competition.  Sometimes, customers are will

Did you miss this conversation with Connie Jones about limiting beliefs?  Then you want to check it out now. We create these upper limits for ourselves fueled by messages we have received starting early on in childhood about who we are and who we are not.  And who we are supposed to be.  We create patterns of playing roles that are consistent with those messages, but sometimes the messages are wrong and the pattern becomes a trap. To break the cycle of limiting beliefs, you must first identify the belief, recognize it is creating your reality and chose to change what you believe.  Often it stars with simply acting “as if” until the new behavior becomes natural and you being to believe you can do or be more.

I love chatting with Lindsey Anderson, and it has been awhile since this seasoned online business consultant, bestselling author, and podcast host, dropped by for a chat. It this conversation we talked about her experience as a play in a reality TV game ( The Trust)  and what she learned about using social media effectively as a business owner rather than as an influencer. Lindsey introduced her VEMS model, which is designed to help business owners build a compelling social media presence that drives sales and engagement. The model consists of four key components: Vibe: Share personal aspects of your life to help people connect with you. Choose three consistent elements to showcase, such as your location, family, or health interests. This humanizes your brand and helps potential clients relate to you. Experience: Regularly share client stories and experiences. This demonstrates your expertise and shows potential clients what working with you is like. Authentic, real-time updates about client interactions c