July 2009

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Taking the Pulse of the Emerging Generation of Decision Makers

July 14, 2009 | No comments

The European research division of US investment bank, Morgan Stanley, asked a 15-year-old intern to write a report on the media consumption habits of his teenage friends.

Matthew Robson’s candid observations have generated quite the buzz in the media, including The New York Times. Among his claims, he says that while most teenagers have signed up to a Twitter account, they rarely use the service; preferring to spend their time on Facebook instead.

What we need to take away from this report–other than some teenagers are still cheap and lazy–is that the next generation of decision makers will NOT use traditional, legacy media as we did AND their interactions with the world around them will–or should–dramatically alter how we seek to communicate with them.

Now that you’ve read the report, is YOUR pulse racing?

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New Biz. New Adventure. New Logo.

July 13, 2009 | No comments

In earlier posts I’ve shared that I’m one of the nation’s thousands and thousands of corporate refugees. In March I found myself mostly unexepectedly unemployed (I could see the writing on the wall).

That led me to start my own PR company and–in what can only be described as divine intervention–my business took off. And, it went with out a logo, a real name or identity. Until now. As of today, I have my new logo–See the art above and now posted on my blog. All thanks to a fab designer I found through crowdSPRING (See my earlier post on this coolio company!).

The designer made interesting use of the company name “Robin” to create an icon that shares what I do–I tell others about your story, your book, business, product or service. I help you be heard, be seen and be known.
I’m delighted to share my new look with you and happy to connect you with the designer who did it with and for me.
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Being Your Brand Ambassador

July 10, 2009

Bizzia blogger, Becky Scott’s post “Simple Marketing Steps: Email Signatures” is a great reminder for us all. She asks, “When you send an email to potential customers, are you using that opportunity to market your business? When looking at your overall marketing plans, don’t forget the smaller steps. Think of small and easy.”

I am often frustrated by the absence of a phone number as part of a professional–and even personal–email signature line. What if I want to call you right away? Make it easy for me!

Scott provides a quick check list of the key elements to incorporate into your signature line:
  1. Your name – first and last. Make sure people know which Jane, Mike or Steve they are communicating with.

  2. Your business name – that’s a given, but many people actually forget this.

  3. Your slogan or branding. Use the opportunity to reinforce your branding.

  4. Your web site address. Let people know where to find you!

  5. Your phone number or email address. Remind your customers how they can reach you. Go ahead and put your email in your signature – it makes it easier for someone to copy all of your contact information into an address book.
Building on #5, I suggest insert an Outlook business card as part of the signature line. This is easy to do and all a recipient must do is save the card to their address book. No copying or pasting, it’s all automated!

Simple steps can make a big impact.
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Jon Gosselin & Bill O'Reilly: A Study in Contrasts

July 10, 2009 | No comments

Today I read an excerpt from Bill O’Reilly’s book, Culture Warrior and found a great example for spokesperson training. According to Bill:

“No longer can I behave as a ‘regular guy’ and go out and cut loose with my friends….I am never off the job and am always on guard.”

I immediately thought of his complete opposite, Jon Gosselin of Jon & Kate Plus 8 fame. Did Jon’s handler not coach him on this? Did he not know to be on guard?

Bill and Jon serve as great reminders. Whether you represent your own upstart company or a high-profile corporation, cell phone cameras and camcorders can catch us doing things that could destroy credibility, careers, businesses, marriages and more.

Thanks for the examples, Bill and Jon!

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