Category Archives: Strategy

BE the “Clown” – BE “Memorable”

With the upcoming 4th of July holiday coming up, it made me think of the parades and fanfare that goes on around this terrific holiday.  But it also made me start thinking about the “noise” level that accompanies these events.  Then it hit me… With all the companies I talk to about social media, by…

“Passion” is way too UNDERESTIMATED…

“Passion” generally takes the backseat to “Promotion” – it is just way easier to promote than to build your messaging around Passion.  The path of least resistance is of course, least resistant. Take, for example, the normal Business Owner started or came into their business because of this very reason – they were passionate about…

Your “NEW Silver Bullet” – are you using it?

Everyone in business and beyond knows the meaning of “using a Silver Bullet” – where you use something very valuable to get something else very valuable, like a reference to get new customer/client.  It is usually used in the regard to getting a reference from someone who you can’t ask too frequently so when you…

Social Media is the “amplifier” for Word-of-Mouth

Word-of-Mouth has been around since the beginning of time – no one will every refute that fact.  While it is the most powerful form of communications – because it carries with it things like “trust” and “integrity” and “recommendations” and “confirmation” and “credibility” and a host of other such terms – it has always been…

If you want true success with Social Media, start with “WHY”

I don’t know if you are in the same boat as I am, but I get bombarded by tons of people and companies anxious to tell me “HOW” to do social media and “WHAT” I need to have to be successful and “WHERE” I should go to get these super special services and results –…

EJ Bartells – Leading the “laggards” with Innovation and Social Media

I just got back from Denver after giving a speech to a great management and leadership team that is part of an icon of Seattle Business – EJ Bartells.  What a great group of leaders and what a great organization that has endured countless ups and downs in the economy for over 90 years and…

MEMO: Tell our Customers NOT to talk about us…

I know, sounds a bit ridiculous doesn’t it?  But in essence, that’s exactly what many businesses are doing these days by either being absent from the social media channels or misusing them.  Are you saying this to YOUR customers and employees without even knowing it? Social media was designed to create ENGAGEMENT and SHARING, aka,…

Word-of-Mouth is part of your DNA – not a “campaign”

Sales are down, the product isn’t moving, we need more customers/clients, we have a new product/service to launch, and a host of other issues face business leaders every day.  When these happen, many decide it is time to do something about it and will say, “We need to get some “Word-of-Mouth” going out there to…

The Tortoise STILL wins the race…

We all know the story… The Tortoise and the Hare…where the Tortoise starts out slowly but just keeps putting one foot in front of the other heading towards his goal, the finish line.  Nothing too flashy or exciting, just one after another, after another, after another.  Then there is the Hare, running forward, backwards, side…

Washington Business Alliance – thank you…

It’s always a treat when you get a chance to work with some very bright and awesome people doing some truly great things in our wonderful State of Washington.  I get the chance to do that and become a part of the Washington Business Alliance. They are a great group of business leaders and the…