Unleash the Power of The Press

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Practice staying on message. Allan Iverson knows!

https://youtu.be/GRJiAWmxlUk

All too often we complicate our simple and powerful message.  We say just enough to confuse the listener. Enough to dilute the unique selling proposition.

Part of our media training is to convince clients to have tunnel vision. We choose two key points and practice delivering those two points. We also practice leading back to those two points. We role play, we videotape, we audiotape.  We really get comfortable and confident delivering that message.

An oddly great example of that “staying on message” was a press conference with basketball great Alan Iverson. At the time he was being publicly hung for missing team “practice”. He MORE THAN stays on message and the video clip has become a classic.

View and listen to the video clip. Guess the number of times he mentions “practice” and you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks.

And why the heck is he wearing a Red Sox cap?

Practice staying on message. Allan Iverson knows!Read More

So, you’ve met a prospect. Now what?

Congrats. You picked up a bunch of business cards at a recent networking event.  A couple of these people you will follow up with for coffee and conversation.  The rest, well, you’d like to keep in touch with them, but you’re not really sure how.

Right. You need to stay on their radar.  “Salient relevancy” is the challenge here.

People have their own timelines and reasons for buying.  And they will ONLY buy when something is salient and relevant to them.  Example, their daughter is about to get married. The parents may be motivated to change their estate plan to reflect that the daughter’s inheritance is solely hers, not part of the community property of the new union.  Thus, a divorce does not jeopardize the inheritance.  Harsh, yes, but stuff happens.

If you are an estate planning specialist, this would be a good time to have your paths cross again.

How can you catch them at the right time?  The only choice is to always being there. One of the simpler and least expensive ways of keeping in touch and always being there is through a monthly e- newsletter.

The e-newsletter doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, complex.  The best strategy is to share one topic of sincere interest and value to the reader.  This will build readership, credibility, visibility and viability when the right time occurs.

The challenge is to keep the monthly drip, drip, drip coming.  Let us know if we can help you make it rain.

So, you’ve met a prospect. Now what?Read More

Networking Boot Camp. Practical tips to make the most of handshake to handshake encounters. Free seminars in Pembroke.

MPN Logo low resGathering a pile of business cards at networking ev
ents, but not leveraging those relationships to grow your business?  Anxious about working the room at yet the next networking event?

Most people are not comfortable with networking, yet they understand that networking can be the straightest line to their next client.  The “Networking Boot Camp” seminar will provide actionable, practical tips of how to effectively work a room, network strategically, and build relationships that lead to new business.

The free seminar will be held Wednesday, June 8, 8 a.
m. – 9:30 a.m., at the training room of ACTSmart Inc. 70 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 1225, Pembroke, MA  02359.

Panelists include Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network, a group of six business to business networks and PR Works, a full service marketing firm based in Plymouth, MA and Nancy OKeefe, founder of Simple Small Business Solutions offering business strategy and implementation that improves results based in Plymouth, MA and also President of the South Shore Women’s Business Network, providing members with resources and support they need to grow.

Networking tips and tactics will include how to work a room, how to stand out in a crowd, how to manage the exchange of
business cards, how to select someone to talk with, how to get a prospect to open up, how to disengage, how to pick the right events, planning ahead, and how to follow up and take effective next steps.

Although the seminar is free and seating is limited to 20.  Please RSVP to Steve Dubin, SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com, 781-582-1061.

Networking Boot Camp. Practical tips to make the most of handshake to handshake encounters. Free seminars in Pembroke.Read More

Taking it to the hoop. NBA jams ads on jerseys.

basketballIf you are a hoop purist this is not good news for you.  Red Auerbach would growl. (Although he would have also have groaned at inclusion of cheerleaders, dance teams, T-shirt guns and dancing gorillas that have also intruded on the game.)

News flash. The NBA is the first MAJOR sport to sell ad space on jerseys and will begin the human billboard campaign next season.  The 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch patch on the upper jersey and the three year pilot program is projected to generate $120 – $150-million in revenue per season.

Zroom! Nascar has somewhat desensitized us with a Rorschach test splatter of ads all over the cars and jumpsuits of drivers. The English soccer Premier Leagues has been kicking us in the shins with similar ad conglomeration on uniforms.  Perhaps you even remember the fad of temporary corporate tattoos on boxers.

What’s next?  So, are you ready to connect your brand to the NBA?  Would you like to return to simpler days?

Let us know if we can help you develop a potent weave offense.

 

Taking it to the hoop. NBA jams ads on jerseys.Read More

Teleconference hell – You called in your favorites

BigScreen-Image-615Yes, more teleconference hell. Several of you responded to add your favorite teleconference hell scenarios.

And here they are –

Do not have a group huddle around a speaker phone for a conference call. First, it’s difficult to hear anybody talking on speaker compared to using the receiver. Second, see the first.

Don’t mute and make another call.  Mute can activate hold music.

Don’t sneak away and leave a conference call without notice. It is embarrassing when someone asks you to chime in on the topic at hand.

Similarly, don’t tell us that you need to leave in 10 minutes and then outline your very busy schedule in excruciating detail.

Don’t embellish your introduction.  Just the facts, mam.  Provide a VERY brief description including name and why you are on the call.

Don’t make it a monologue. As fascinating and brilliant as you may be, encourage others to provide input.

Don’t step on someone else’s line. If someone is talking, let them.

Don’t eat on the call.  Please grab a bite before or after the call.

Enough teleconferencing hell for now. So, give us a ring if we can help enhance your communication.

 

Teleconference hell – You called in your favoritesRead More

‘Is that your dog barking in the background’ and other teleconference faux pas.

Conference calls are an occupational hazard for me.  Probably you. too.

Sometimes a conference call helps avoid long distance travel, bad weather and bad coffee.  Other times conference calls lead to communication HELL.

Here are some suggestions for making a conference call a productive, painless event.

Teleconference rules:

  • No dogs – Put them in another room or give them a rawhide bone large enough to keep them occupied.
  • No babies – See above.  Just kidding.  Perhaps a babysitter or even naptime would work.
  • No FedEx delivery guys – Anticipate this potential interruption. Leave a note on the door. Fight the urge to inconvenience the rest of us.
  • No hair band rockers – No serenade is necessary. Please turn off all music.
  • No off-color jokes – Really?  First, we’ve all heard that bad joke. Second, let’s be adults and keep this meeting moving.
  • No tropical ocean breeze – If you must walk out onto the deck, patio or bow, please make sure the wind doesn’t constantly sweep across the microphone.
  • No over talking or talking over – Let’s let everyone finish their thoughts.  Don’t make us try to sort out who is saying what.
  • No soft talking – On the other hand, speak up!  All we have is the sound of your voice.  This is the wrong time to be shy.
  • No late to the party summaries – Dial in on time and ready to go.  Don’t wander in and expect Cliff Notes.

I’ve just scratched the surface of teleconference faux pas that push me over the edge.  How about you?  What teleconference behavior makes you want to hang up? Ring us up or send along an email to share your favorite teleconference complaint.

‘Is that your dog barking in the background’ and other teleconference faux pas.Read More

Don’t do it. Spare me the holiday e-cards.

Warning.  Don’t send holiday e-cards.

E-cards scream “I almost care”.  E-cards involve little effort, little cost, little personal sentiment.

Holiday cards are more likely to burn than build a bridge.  Keeping in touch is a wonderful thing, doing so en mass and with a generic message is somewhat insulting.

If you want to wish me Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year or any other holiday…

  • Send me a real, honest to goodness snail mail card.
  • Call me to catch up.
  • Drop by and visit.
  • Take me to lunch.
  • Join me for coffee.
  • Invite me to a holiday gathering.
  • Buy me a  little gift.

As a reseller of Constant Contact and other email platforms, I understand the value of regularly connecting with your network.  Use email with discretion.  Share business news via e-newsletters.  Celebrate holidays with authentic good cheer.

Don’t do it. Spare me the holiday e-cards.Read More

What if Bill Belichick…

Love him or hate him, Belichick is a icon for an era. Which got me to thinking, what if…

  • Bill Belichick were the president. He would have congressman playing both sides of the aisle.
  • Bill Belichick was the head of the MBTA. Not only would there be NO delays, there would be a “hurry up” schedule.
  • Bill Belichick ran Fashion Week. Ripped hoodies would have many new looks.  Think sparkles, faux animal pelts, day-glo.
  • Bill Belichick was your psychologist. He’d suggest that you Cowboy Up and get out there.
  • Bill Belichick was your mentor. He’d strongly recommend that you never take the nickname Little Bill.
  • Bill Belichick was your mechanic. Never replace your car, just keep rotating the tires.
  • Bill Belichick was your career counselor. Get the edge on your employer.  Film them when they least expect it.
  • Bill Belichick was your marketing advisor. He would speak in a monotone and let the scoreboard speak for itself.

How does the scoreboard look for your marketing efforts.  If you want us to join your huddle, please e-mail or call.

What if Bill Belichick…Read More

Excuse me, my hovercraft awaits.

Adaptation. While traveling last month I had the “aha” moment of how drastically travel has changed. How have standard elements changed in your world?stevewsj

First, we all know airliners have become stripped down school buses in the sky. Space is tight, food is limited and you are at the mercy of person wedged in next to you.

Second, Airbnb has completely revamped accommodation options. Now you can choose a room, an apartment or a villa at short money and on your terms.

Third, Uber has reduced costs and wait time.

These seismic shifts have also been felt in my PR/Marketing world. The Huffington Post has become a “go to” source for news and (many) opinions. Streaming radio allows out of market access. Hulu and YouTube are a strong alternative to conventional TV. Netflix is nibbling away at cinema. Follow ads haunt our Internet experience.

The challenge is to embrace the new, bolster the old and keep an eye on the horizon for the next innovation.

What are the major shifts in your world? Do they bring savings, wider selection, immediacy?  How do you remain current? How do you compete?

Quote to Consider

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
~ John F. Kennedy

Excuse me, my hovercraft awaits.Read More