Do You Have A Blog On Your Business Website?

If you look at almost any business website what do they have in common? No matter the size of the company big or small, in whatever industry that company may be in. Give up? I’ll tell you anyway, they have a business blog. In my opinion, Blogging is a great marketing tool.

So why has business blogging become such a big ticket item? Just like your website your blog is an extension of your already existing business. Just like when you created Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for your company. You had two things in mind (ok many but let’s stick with two for now). To increase your company’s visibility and increasing customer engagement by establishing your social media presence the same things goes for your blog. If your business doesn’t have a blog yet what are you waiting for! Heck, professional bloggers have been doing it for years now businesses have caught on. Better yet it’s an inexpensive way to let your readers read what on your mind. Need more convincing? Here are 4 simple benefits why blogging is best for business

1. Increase Traffic to Your Website

Who wouldn’t want repeat visitors? It’s safe to say everyone is the right answer! It gives a reason for people to keep coming back to your site. Especially if you post often and given that what you post is insightful, informative, entertaining or all. When you receive increase traffic to your website that can potentially lead to new customers.

2. Attract New Customers or Strengthen Existing Ones

Blogging gives a voice to your readers by asking what they think or what is there view point thus creating a community of conversation. By blogging you can build a rapport, build trust and gain valuable insight into who your customers are looking for.

3. Increase SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to Your Site

Search Engine Optimization is very important to increase your visibility to your blog and website. Creating fresh content is key especially if you want to stay current on search engines. Use keywords to optimize to help readers find your content easier.

4. Have Fun!

It’s that simple. If you are enjoying what your writing about it will show in your writing and readers will want to come back. There is nothing worse than reading something that feels is like you are pulling teeth just for the sake of having something up on your blog. Your customers (readers) want to read what you have to say you just have to enjoy writing it!

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Is Social Media Hurting Or Helping Your Job Search?

If you have ever looked for a job be it out of necessity or you just wanted a fresh start. You know how stressful that time can be. Now more than ever job recruiters and potential employers are looking to your social profiles to learn more about you and what you post can have a larger impact then you realize.

It is common knowledge that what you post on social media can be seen by future potential employers. But, do you even know what they are looking for? What is it that interests companies about your social private life? Potential employers know that when on social media you are you’re most relaxed self. Remember you are a personal brand and what you put on your social media accounts reflect the perception you are sending out into the world. When you post and how behave on these sites can create a first impression type of buzz of a person you might be.

For example, Do you share insightful information? Are you creative? What are you passionate about? Are you articulate, intelligent or friendly? Are you argumentative or belligerent? Are you original? Are you a genuine and authentic person? It is important to note that it’s hard to get the whole picture of a candidate from only social media accounts but it can give something to draw from.

When on Social media be mindful before you press post. It should go without saying to use common sense. Check out this cool infographic by Jobvite – data provided by Jobvite

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How To Accomplish Your New Year’s Resolutions In 2018?

I hope all of you had a great Holiday! I hope you got to spend it with those that matter the most to you. I can’t believe 2017 is almost over in just two days! I hope it served you well.

As we all know with the end of a year and a new one fast approaching it wouldn’t be fitting without new year resolutions. Each year millions have new year’s resolutions and come mid-February all that motivation, fire and excitement you had in January has died down. Let this year be the year that you finally stick to yours!

Here are 8 ways you can keep your resolution this year!

1. Start small

Whatever it is (let’s say it’s to lose 50 pounds) start with 5 pounds and work your way up.

2. The buddy system

Start with a friend with the same like-minded resolution. Be each other’s support system there is power in numbers.

3. Gave yourself a break

Change takes time. Don’t beat yourself up too much just because it’s not going smoothly as you would like or at the speed you you wish.

4. PMA – (Positive Mental Attitude)

Change can be scary. When that nagging inner voice starts to creep in and talks you into doubting yourself causing resisting personal growth. The only way to beat doubt is to change you’re thinking and believe in yourself. Who cares if you failed a couple of times in the past make this time count.

5. Consistency is key

For true results you have to put in the work. Keep a schedule, writing in a journal, make a date with yourself. Something to keep yourself accountable.

6. Pick a resolution you enjoy

There has to be some enjoyment in what you are doing in order to reach you’re resolution. If it feels like a chore or a hassle chances are you will not complete it.

7. Have a plan

Without a plan you just have a wish. Create a plan that will help you reach you’re resolution, write down steps of how to get the finish line. Break down those steps into smaller steps like daily, weekly, monthly goals. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed about how to accomplish you’re resolution. Remember “itch by itch anything is a cinch.”

8. I got time for it!

Carve out some time to work on you’re resolution. Maybe you can watch less tv or wake up an hour earlier in the morning and use that time to work on you’re resolution. Just like in life anything you really want you will make time for and you’re resolution is no different!

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

9 Reasons Why You Should Never Give Up On Your Dreams No Matter What

There comes a time in everyone’s life where going after your dreams can get overwhelming. When things don’t look so bright and self-doubt starts to creep in. You start to ask yourself “Am I even good at this?” “They will not hire me I don’t have the experience they are looking for.” Maybe things are not happening fast enough or in the sequence you desired. It happens to all of us. Winston Churchill Once said “Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” Here are 9 reasons to consider to never give up.

1. Be adaptable

Going after your dreams is hard work success always is. Don’t be afraid to be flexible and do everything you can to reach your dream.

2.  Have a purpose

Everyone has a gift and a talent given to us at birth. Some of us find this early in life others discover it later in life. Either way, living your life with purpose makes life worthwhile.

3. Misery loves company

How wonderful would it be to prove those naysayers wrong? It’s a sad fact that there  will always be people that will say you can’t do it, the failure percentage is high, they will put their own fears or lack of courage to try themselves upon you. Don’t Listen and do it anyway.

4. Fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) 

Fear is a liar. The things we fear are things we make worse in our heads. We get in our own heads so much that we think of all the negatives possibilities or the unrealistic possibilities that might happen. If you listen you will talk yourself right out of it and will have worked out the logic in your mind that giving up is the smarter thing to do to avoid the possible negatives outcomes. Don’t sell yourself short.

5. A man is literally what he thinks

As the great James Allen once said, “A man is literally what he thinks”. Simply put, what you tell yourself is what will happen. If you say you can do it then you will figure out a way to get to that goal, that dream job or that accomplishment. If you say no it’s too hard and I can’t do it then guess what the outcome will be.

6. Persistence

This is one of the keys to success of any kind. Stay committed even when you get tried and you hit a couple of road blocks along the way. The truth is you will hear way more no’s then you will hear yes’s but the good thing is that you only need one yes to turn it around. Nothing is impossible and everything is in reach if you really want it bad enough. Keep at it!

7. Regret

Life is too short. You don’t want to look back years later only to say “man, I wish I went for it and tried.” There is nothing worse than settling for okay. Instead go for great!

8. Be an inspiration to others

How amazing would it be to be an inspiration to someone else be it a child or an adult. To have something shift in their own thinking because they saw you going after your dreams and not giving up. Not a bad perk if I do say so myself.

9. Passion

Do whatever drives you to get up in the morning. That thing you can’t live without, what you would do for free (but you won’t!!) because you love doing it so much, what you were put on this earth to do. Go out there and break down the doors standing in the way of your dreams. If you can’t find a door, crawl through the window!

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Announcement!

Hey guys,

I know I usually write about marketing topics but this month being the season of giving and as people start making new resolutions. I wanted to dedicate this month to positive thinking and sending out good vibes.

If you haven’t already check out the previous posts for this month.

Are You Happy Yet?

Smile. It will be ok!

Thanks,

Yordanos

Smile. It Will Be Ok!

There is so much negativity in the world today it’s sad. Maybe you “won” the financial lottery of life and was born into a family with money. Or maybe you were born to parents that weren’t ready to be parents and you had to experience things that no child should have to deal with. Whatever was dealt to you, life has a way of throwing you perspective curveballs.

What do I mean by that?

Whatever your life situation is there will always be people who have more than you and people who has less than you in this life. My last post I talked about gratitude and how being grateful for what we have is the key to happiness. (listed below) With perspective you realize that your situation is not that bad after all.

Previous post: Are You Happy Yet?

As Christmas is approaching – Yay!!! we get to spend time creating memories and celebrating traditions with those who mean the most to us. I am often reminded that while I have the luxury to enjoy this holiday season with those that matter the most to me. There are folks out there that aren’t afforded that same luxury for one reason or other. I live my life with the random acts of kindness mindset. I know how precious life is and when I am out and about I have this constant reminder in my head “you never know what news someone got 5 minuets ago” so smile at someone. I know that sounds cheesy to say but it is the truth. A smile can make all the difference and can make someone’s day. Just remember to smile it will be ok!

This photo of Walt Disney security guard Freddie Wieczorek getting an autograph from 5-year-old “princess” Alli Bunchuk.

Here are some ideas of some random acts of kindness you can spread around like confetti.

1. Hold he door for strangers.
2. Leave a positive note on a stranger car windshield.
3. Stop to talk to a homeless person.
4. buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
5. Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for coworker or connection.
6. Leave unused coupons next to corresponding products in the grocery store.
7. Leave an motivating anonymous note for someone at the gym.
8. Gave money to the homeless on the side of the road.
9. Encounter someone in customer service who is especially kind? Take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.
10. Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
11. Place a positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store.
12. Smile at five strangers.
13. Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
14. Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
15. Give someone a hug.
16. Give someone a book you think they’d like.
17. Hold the elevator.
18. Text someone just to say good morning or good night.
19. Talk to someone at work whom you have’t talked to before.
20. Send dessert to another table.
21. Visit sick people in the hospital and keep them company.
22. Help someone struggling with heavy bags.
23. Do the dishes even if it’s your roommate’s turn.
24. Call your mom and tell her see did a great job raising you and she is a great mom.
25. Let someone with only a few items cut you in line at the grocery store.
26. If you see a couple taking a self-pic, offer to take the picture for them.
27. When you’re getting fast food, buy an extra meal for a homeless person.
28. Allow a car to merge into your lane in front of you during rush hour.
29. When someone wants to repay you for something, ask them to pay it forward.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Are You Happy Yet?

The pursuit of happiness. Everyone is searching for it whomever you are rich, poor, famous or average Joe. It’s something that everyone wants. True happiness is hard to realize because as a society we always want more, we are looking for that instant gratification. On one hand that is a good thing because that can motivate you to become your best self. However, on the other hand if your motives are to fill a void that you think can be filled with “stuff” you will be disappointed every time.

If happiness is a choice then why aren’t you choosing it? 

Whether you believe it or not happiness is a choice. There is a sense of power that comes with owning that and realizing it. From the moment you open your eyes in the morning you make the decision to choose – Will I chose to be happy today?

I know that it is easier said than done at times and sometimes against our best intentions remaining positive and happy can be a real internal struggle. Ultimately, having perspective in that whatever you are going through at that present moment and understanding that it can always be worse. Realizing that it wasn’t as bad as you once thought can be bring a calming effect to you. That’s where gratitude comes in! It is a scientific fact that practicing gratitude leads to health, happiness and satisfaction with life.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Infographic credit: https://www.thedailypositive.com/need-know-gratitude/

The Social Media You Didn’t Know About

Do you remember what your first social media account was? or Do you remember where you were when you first joined? For me it was Myspace and it was after school when a friend created an account for me because I haven’t heard about it.

Long before social media was a entertainment juggernaut or a place where someone could make a career out of it.  Long before viral videos, social media marketing campaigns and memes. The social media we all know and sometimes love did not start in 2003 with Myspace. Even though that ‘s what most of us remember it beginning.

In fact, social media roots can stretch back to 55O BC yes that far! The earliest forms of communicating across long distances was discovered by hand from one person to another.

Social Media in the 20th Century

We saw technology began to change and inventions started to take form. The earliest forms of the internet like Compuserve was created in 1969 followed by the earliest forms of email created in 1971.

Social Media Today

After Myspace exploded and became a massive hit the popularity of social media has never looked back. It’s crazy to think that the social media of the 21st century is only 14 years old. That seems like a lifetime ago considering social media has completely revolutionized the way people communicate, socialize, do business you name it social media is all over it!

Infographic Credit Sources: http://socialmediaslant.com/social-media-history-infographic-updated/

Why Did I Just Buy That?

The holidays are just around the corner and soon it will be time to do that all important holiday shopping. With all the sales that retail stores will have it’s more than likely we will give in to impulse shopping for ourselves. Retailers target impulse shopping over the holiday season the most. Black Friday is even considered a pubic holiday with some businesses closed on that day. For those who like to do online shopping marketing companies have created Cyber Monday (The Monday after Thanksgiving) to persuade consumers to shop online.

Why we buy?

This has been a topic of consumer insight that researchers and analyst have talked about and done studies of years. There are a number of factors to explain why we buy the things that we buy. However, it is important to note that emotional reasons often outweigh those of rational ones. Below are some reasons why.

1. Shopping is a skill

We buy what makes us feel good, If you are in a bad or sad mood a little retail therapy could be the answer! Generally enjoyable with a friend or two.

2. FOMO

“Fear of missing out” How many times have you decided not to get your desired purchase item only to regret not buying it when you got home.

3. Social status or appearance 

We don’t buy designer “anything” solely for the quality, we buy it because of the name attached to the designer. Whether you buy a Gucci bag or a BMW car consumers eyes will naturally be drawn to the name.

4. The customer experience

The brand loyalty to a brand and the enjoyment it brings sometimes outweighs logic. For example, For me it is FOREVER 21 whenever I go to the mall I go into that store just to window shop (is what I tell myself) I go into the store with that mindset but I leave with a bag in my hand and it’s not my purse!

5. The idea of saving money

We are a culture of consumption we are hardwired to save. We save shoes, clothes, things we have in our garage from twenty years ago with the idea that it will come back into style in turn saving us money in the long run. Marketers play off of that logic with signs like 25% more or 25% off. How do you know if you really saved more? Did those chips really come with 25% more chips in them? Was that dress really 25% off or was it originally the discounted price that you paid for and the retailer attached a 25% sales tag to make consumers think they got a good deal on that item? I guess we will never know but it gives consumers the illusion that they saved.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Infographic Credit: https://www.signwaves.co.uk/turning-impulse-into-profit

What Does Your Brand Say About You?

When we think of the word “Brand” we automatically think of a corporation, celebrity entertainment or top star athlete but there’s one more missing. YOU!

Yes, you are a brand. 

Every “Brand” that has ever been created has one thing in common there image. However, with image comes the expectation to live up to that image from appearances to awareness.

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Everyone is a brand.

It is important to note that whether you’re on social media or out in the world everything you say and do is a reflection on your brand image. Make sure not to put yourself in a bad light. In today’s world sadly it only takes one screenshot of a picture to change the perception of your brand image to others. What you put out to the public can affect your future brand and business endeavors.

Ten best ways to define your personal brand image.

1. Be honest with yourself, be genuine and be authentic.
2. Identify who you are, what defines you and ask yourself what the image and message do I want to portray to the public.
3. Have a vision and be positive.
4. Embrace your idols.
5. Be Active and share your work.
6. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from it.
7. Show your love and passion for it.
8. Trust your Instincts.
9. Create quality content.
10. Listen to and deal with criticism in a professional matter.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Why Are Infographics So Effective?

There is something to be said about the simplicity of infographics. Although the concept of Infographics is nothing new, the way infographics are created, shared and implemented into a brands strategy continue to change and grow.

A mass amount of information or numerical data that is condensed into easy to understand text. The numerical data is in the form of charts, tables and graphics. All while being aesthetically pleasing and attention grabbing to the eye.

Simply put infographics are where data meets creativity.

It’s no secret that as human beings we are visual creatures. Our eyes easily gravitate towards color and we are more likely to read an infographic because our eyes are interested to see what got our attention in the first place. In fact, there is an 80% chance that our brains are willing to read anything with colors.

I love infographics personally and I use them often in my own blog posts. They are just so cool, they can tell a story, a history of the material if you will. In a short, simple, clean and sometimes colorful way.

we suffer from information overload more now then ever in history. Quite frankly I personally get tired of reading and sometimes I want to get the information I am seeking without thinking. Infographics are great because they can give great context to your data, charts, stats and helps our brains connect information better.

Take a look at this infographic below of why and how infographic can be an effective tool to attract customers to your content.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Infographic Credit: https://www.marketdominationmedia.com/power-visual-content-infographic/

What Is Your Dominant Side?

Our lives are so busy and hectic that we are always on the go, with our careers, families and or children and general life duties we don’t take a second to fully understand our brain. Yes, I said it correctly our brain!

Think about it for a second. The way we think, the way we learn the best, our strengths and weaknesses, the interests we have in certain areas over others. It all has to do with our brain. Specifically, our left vs. right brain. It’s common knowledge that we use both sides but each one of us has a dominant side we lean towards more than the other.

This is of course no different in marketing and creating campaigns.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Infographic Credit: https://blog.marketo.com/2012/01/the-right-brain-vs-left-brain-of-marketers.html

Why Customer Satisfaction Is Everything?

Imagine you meet the woman or the man of your dreams and this person has the qualities you are looking for in a life partner. You get asked out on a date and you say yes the candles are lit, the mood is just right, the chemistry is there, the conversation is flowing and after some time. You agree to enter into a committed relationship with this person. So what is the next step? Do you say “have a nice life” and walk off into the sunset? If you want to grow with this person its safe to say that the answer is no. You instead start to learn more about this person and build a relationship from that point.

Well, customer satisfaction is no different. You continue going back to that store that you got the amazing customer service from. Whether, it is a business to business or a business to customer it makes no difference because at the end of the day you are building a what? A relationship!! And if you are satisfied with the service you are getting chances are you will not fix what is not broken.

Just like any other relationship over time with continuing trust and satisfaction that will build loyalty. In business, with loyalty hopefully comes honesty and you can identify the cracks in your relationships or in this case unhappy customers. Brand Loyalty brings returning customer business, increase revenue and creates positive word of mouth to bring in new customers.

However, Keeping a relationship going for the long term is hard work. Keeping customers coming back means always having an open mind, changing or making adjustments to what didn’t work and keeping what did work and just like in a relationship your voice wants to be heard. Giving customers the avenue to do so is vital for the growth of your business whether on social media or in person. I have learned as a consumer and in my own personal life that the little things matter the most in that moment as well as in the long run.

Speaking as a consumer, customer experience and quality of the product or service are some of the things that builds customer satisfaction and getting feedback and listening to what your customers really want is key. I love this quote from Steve Jobs.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!

Does One Cent Really Matter?

You walk into a store and staring back at you is a sign that says family size of Advil $4.99. Why is it that products and/or services seem to all follow the same formula of a price tag ending in 9 instead of rounding to the next whole dollar. Does one cent really make a difference?

We all know when a product is priced at one number it really means another. For example, $3.99 it really means $4 plus sales tax. What if I told you that pricing products and services to end with 9 is done on purpose?

Why?

It is based on the theory of psychological impact on the consumers mind. Which suggests that pricing a product or service one cent below a whole dollar can effect the purchasers buying behavior.

Our brain reads from left to right so when reading a price tag the mind will put the most emphasis on the left.  For example, a price tag that cost $4.99 vs $5.00 the mind will notice the lowest number as the “real” price (which in this case is 4).

Why is that? Consumers have been conditioned to think they are getting a “better” deal when buying a product or service that ends in 9 because it appears to be on sale which is not always the case.

However, Higher priced retailers like Apple and Chanel avoid pricing there products with .99 instead they go for the whole dollar. They do this because they do not want consumers to associate there brands with “cheap deals”. Take a look at the example below.

To answer the question of the title of this blog Does One Cent Really Matter?  Simply put Yes. Yes it does.

Please share your thoughts via the comment section. Thanks for visiting!