INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1001,4,'2010-12-21 12:35:42','2010-12-21 17:35:42','Nothing is more disappointing than a tease. A tease will always let you down after getting your attention because a tease is nothing more than an <strong>unfulfilled promise</strong>. And yet, we see teases in marketing all the time.\n\nTeaser rates are those rates that sound so great that you are drawn to a financial institution, only to learn that you don\'t qualify. Marketers love these because they get  people in the door, but at what cost? If your potential customers are disappointed, will they come back?\n\nMy personal least favorite tease is the blog post or website article that isn\'t.  You see a headline that reads something like this: Learn how to fold sheets in 2 minutes flat. Then, when you go to read the post ,there\'s little more  than the headline  and a link to an e-book on sheet folding.\n\nTo me, teasing readers on your blog with misleading headlines betrays trust. I have stopped reading a great many blogs because the authors of those blogs just want me to buy something. They don\'t want to share with me.\n\nNow, I understand you can\'t give it all away for free. You may have a book to sell or a seminar to fill. But don\'t insult your readers/public\'s  intelligence. They can see that you pulled them in just to sell them something--and they won\'t come back.\n\nTeases are annoying--and their actions teach others to avoid them.\n\n&nbsp;','Are you a tease?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-a-tease','','','2010-12-21 12:35:42','2010-12-21 17:35:42','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1001',0,'post','',0),(1004,4,'2010-12-24 09:38:17','2010-12-24 14:38:17','<strong><span style=\"color:#993300;\">Wishing all Caffeinated readers a very happy holiday, and all the best for a prosperous, peaceful, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1c8wCDOrk8&fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0] ','Happy Holidays!','','publish','open','open','','happy-holidays','','','2010-12-24 09:38:17','2010-12-24 14:38:17','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1004',0,'post','',0),(1008,4,'2011-01-03 16:22:52','2011-01-03 21:22:52','To create real, actionable marketing resolutions for 2011, you need to do two things.\n<ul>\n	<li>First, you will need to review 2010 and figure out what worked and what didn\'t work.</li>\n	<li>Second, you should ask yourself what are you going to do differently this year to achieve your marketing goals?</li>\n</ul>\nIf there is one thing most people could do differently is to follow up.  Few people go the extra mile. Recently, I have been looking for contractors for a couple of jobs in my house. Out of five contractors, three followed up. The two who didn\'t follow up don\'t have  snowball\'s chance in Hawaii to do business with me. If they don\'t even want to know whether I got their estimates or if I have any questions, clearly my business is just not that important to them.\n\nTo follow up  means doing your due diligence with a contact--any type of  contact. If you met someone at an event, follow up and make a second contact. If you left a voice mail or sent an email, and didn\'t hear back, call again and make sure to speak to someone in person. If you sent a proposal or met with a lead, make sure to contact the lead soon after your initial interaction.\n\nNot following up means that you don\'t care enough to make the effort. Following up shows you care, that you are interested.\n\nAgain, marketing is not all about the great looking ad or the slick brochure. It is about personal interaction with the people who you want to buy your product or service.\n\nSo how about it, will you join me in resolving to make following up a marketing resolution in 2011?','Following up: your number one marketing resolution for 2011','','publish','open','open','','following-up-your-number-one-marketing-resolution-for-2011','','','2011-01-03 16:22:52','2011-01-03 21:22:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1008',0,'post','',2),(1012,4,'2011-01-04 10:15:03','2011-01-04 15:15:03','Have you been to the movies lately? The ticket prices keep creeping up and this past Sunday I paid $10.75 to see True Grit (a great movie, by the way, and worth watching). Just a few months ago, tickets were $10, and before that $9.50 and back in the last century, one could catch a flick for about $5.\n\n<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2011/01/movie-ticket-sales-last-year-lowest-since-1996.html\" target=\"_blank\">Consumerist reports</a> that movie ticket sales were at their lowest point since 1996 (back in the last century) in 2010. At the same time, movie prices are at their highest point in history. Coincidence? I think not.  The article also says more people are staying home to watch streaming video or waiting the shorter time between a movie\'s theatrical release and its DVD release.  But, I think, the real cause is the high cost of the movies versus the cost of staying home/watching online or on DVD.\n\nWhat this illustrates is that no matter the quality of your product (and there are some excellent movies out there) or the frequency of your advertising or the success of your public relations efforts there are reasons that people will not buy your product (or service). Consumers will determine whether your product offers value and whether they are willing to pay for that value.\n\nWhen movies cost $10.75 and you have a family of four, or you are taking your significant other out for a date, or you are just killing time, you may think twice about it. After all $10.75 could buy you a meal or even a book. Pricing matters and higher costs will translate into lost customers. There is a balance point where you are charging more to fewer people and still making money--and that probably is the holy grail of pricing.\n\nHow does movie price affect your movie watching? Are you going to the movies in spite of the higher costs?\n\n&nbsp;','When movies cost $10.75','','publish','open','open','','when-movies-cost-10-75','','','2011-01-04 10:15:03','2011-01-04 15:15:03','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1012',0,'post','',0),(1019,4,'2011-01-06 09:13:41','2011-01-06 14:13:41','To quote Aretha Franklin: \"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.\" (I do wish I could sing this to you but...)\n\nWe do business with people and brands we respect.  This is why we see the rise in rating websites like Yelp and Angie\'s List. We are looking not only for value and good quality, but to respect who we are doing business with.  On Angie\'s List, one of the parameters used to rate service providers is professionalism. Professionalism is about whether a person exhibits good judgment, whether he or she treats his or her customers with respect.\n\nIt is said that respect is earned. That is true.  To earn respect, you have to act in ways that garner trust. For instance, if you read a newspaper and find interesting and informative articles there, you continue reading it. You respect and trust the information it provides. But once you start seeing factual mistakes, typos and lapses in editorial judgment, you start losing respect and trust for the publication (or its editors). Same goes for blogs, company newsletters, anything.\n\nAs a marketer, one of your tasks should be to earn your customers\' respect and make sure they trust your product or service.  You do that by providing honest information. If you are marketing an office supply store and you say in your advertising that you carry everything for the office, but when a customer is looking for a desk or a file cabinet, and can\'t find that at your store, you are not being honest with your customers. Your customers will lose respect for you. If you say you match pricing from any other store (and you make that really large print) and then list exceptions (in very small print), you are not being honest with your customers. And yes, that will cost you respect.\n\nIt does come down to R-E-S-P-E-C-T.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','R-E-S-P-E-C-T','','publish','open','open','','r-e-s-p-e-c-t','','','2011-01-06 09:13:41','2011-01-06 14:13:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1019',0,'post','',0),(1023,4,'2011-01-12 15:33:32','2011-01-12 20:33:32','Those of us who work in communications appreciate the power of choosing words well. We sweat it out over how to phrase a headline or a tagline because we know words matter. Different words carry different meanings, connotations, appeal and can sway your audience one way or another.\n\nIn the aftermath of the Arizona shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the murder of six people by a deranged Jared Lee Loughner there has been A LOT of discussion over whether political discourse contributed to this heinous act. In truth, the only person who can answer if there is a direct correlation is Loughner, but I doubt we will be getting a sane answer from him. And many people on both sides of the political spectrum are pointing fingers at each other, at the heated rhetoric, etc.  In my opinion, words do matter. They may not have been the cause in this particular instance, but when you are continually demonizing the other by labeling (job-killing, un-American, etc.) you create chasm and you create distrust. You create or stoke hatred.  You reinforce the idea that those you attack are different than you, that they cannot be trusted, that they are out to get you.\n\nSo, although Sarah Palin\'s rhetoric and demagoguery are not what made Loughner go into a store to buy a gun and then shoot innocent people, and she is right to claim she is being wrong accused, that does not make it right for her to accuse the media of a \"blood libel.\" First, because Palin (and her communications crew) clearly do not understand the meaning of phrase and second, as my friend Daria Steigman pointed out, using the word \"blood\" in the aftermath of a bloody tragedy is just plain poor choice of words.\n\nHere are a few articles to read about Palin\'s word choice:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.frumforum.com/what-palin-needed-to-say-after-giffords-shooting\" target=\"_blank\">David Frum on what she should have said.</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/palin-calls-criticism-blood-libel/?hp\" target=\"_blank\">New York Times\' The Caucus</a>\n\nPalin seems to be a master manipulator of words, and making herself the victim of a conspiracy against her (which is what I believe she meant to say with blood libel) is no error. She should be taken to task. I will be waiting to see what she says next now that the criticism is mounting.\n\nThe bottom line is that what we say and how we say it does matter and it does influence perception. Advertising and public relations people know this better than most.','It\'s never \"just words\"','','publish','open','open','','its-never-just-words','','','2011-01-12 15:33:32','2011-01-12 20:33:32','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1023',0,'post','',0),(1026,4,'2011-01-14 09:33:18','2011-01-14 14:33:18','If you do just one thing, I can almost guarantee you will improve your social media success:\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>Post a good (perhaps even professional) picture of yourself on your social media profiles.</strong></p>\nFirst a caveat: I said a GOOD picture of yourself. Not some quirky, smirky mugshot<em> a la</em> Jared Lee Loughner (that is guaranteed to drive people away).  I know that good is subjective, but aim for some of these adjectives: professional, pleasant, smiling, poised, polished, approachable.\n\nThe reason is simple: people do business (and connect) with people.\n\nA few days ago, an acquaintance of mine who is notoriously shy and quiet, posted her company logo as her LinkedIn profile picture. What a bad move (and I told her so). After all, are people seeking to connect with her company (where she is an employee and not an owner) or with her?\n\nFor some people, putting up a picture seems like an invasion of privacy. For some, there is fear of being judged by looks or the worry that they don\'t look good enough. I have heard of women who want to lose weight before posting a picture.  Unfortunately, these excuses don\'t fly. Social media is social, and social means people. People are not icons or images or logos. They are themselves, and generally a photo captures this.\n\nAccording <a href=\"http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/01/business-opportunities-find-you-linkedin.html\" target=\"_blank\">to this blog post by Todd Taskey on Small Business Trends,</a> a PROFESSIONAL photo will increase your chances of having business opportunities find you on LinkedIn. More reason to go out and get a professional portrait done. It truly is a worthwhile investment.\n\n&nbsp;','One move to guarantee social media success','','publish','open','open','','one-move-to-guarantee-social-media-success','','','2011-01-14 09:33:18','2011-01-14 14:33:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1026',0,'post','',0),(1029,4,'2011-01-18 13:50:39','2011-01-18 18:50:39','How do you communicate with your present or potential customers or clients? Whether you do it successfully can mean a difference to your bottom line.\n\n<strong>Provide the information requested.</strong> Yes it sounds self evident, but so many times businesses dance around a question without an answer. For instance,  I recently requested costs to create a pdf form from a virtual assistant. There was a whole lot of emails back and forth: just what type of form, how long, with logo or without, etc. And never a quote. I can\'t do business with someone who can\'t provide an estimate for me.\n\n<strong>Be realistic. </strong>Often, people think that if they say something is going to take a couple of days when it really takes a week the customer will sign up. But if the job actually takes longer you will risk angering your customer.  For instance, if  you are a service provider and you can\'t fit someone for two weeks, say so.  Don\'t say that you can possibly squeeze a customer in just because that is his/her timetable. If you can\'t accommodate something, you will end up with an unhappy customer\n\n<strong>Don\'t sugarcoat bad news.</strong> If you need to cancel or the price has gone up, say it quickly and directly.\n\n<strong>Apologize if warranted, but say what you will do to fix it</strong>. Apologies are all fine and good, but not sufficient. Most people don\'t care if you are sorry that you screwed up, they want to know how you are going to make it better.\n\n<strong>Don\'t make excuses.</strong> The dog ate my homework didn\'t fly in grade school and will certainly not fly in the face of a customer relationship and yet how many times do you hear excuses from service providers? I am having my floors done and the service provider underestimated the time it would take his crew, but he keeps telling me it is because they weren\'t able to work on the weekend. That is an excuse and it doesn\'t fly.\n\n<strong>Be timely.</strong> If you say you are going to call a customer, call! If there is going to be a problem, call your customer sooner rather than later. Don\'t let your customer call you with something you said you would get.\n\n<strong>Be pleasant.</strong> Again, it seems self-evident. Just today I called my auto insurance company. I had a change to make, and the woman who helped me was really pleasant. It made the transaction easy. It left a good impression.\n\nAnything you would add? What works best for you?\n\n&nbsp;','Tips to improve your customer communication','','publish','open','open','','tips-to-improve-your-customer-communication','','','2011-01-18 13:50:39','2011-01-18 18:50:39','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1029',0,'post','',1),(1032,4,'2011-01-21 16:10:32','2011-01-21 21:10:32','<a href=\"http://twitter.com/#!/shashib\" target=\"_blank\">Shashi Bellamkonda</a> from Network Solutions gave the keynote yesterday at <a href=\"http://wwpr.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Women in PR\'</a>s annual luncheon. Here is a link to<a href=\"http://www.networksolutions.com/blog/2011/wwpr-annual-luncheon-keynote-theme-its-all-about-human-relationships/\" target=\"_blank\"> his presentation</a>, which is well worth a read if you work in PR and/or social media.  He spoke about the importance of establishing connections, in person when possible. He\'s absolutely right. Too many people substitute an email or my least favorite, a text, for a phone conversation or an in-person meeting.  I have said it before on this blog but it bears repeating: people do business with people.\n\nRecently, I met David Heyman in person. Up to that time, I knew him on Twitter only as <a href=\"http://twitter.com/#!/dcborn61\" target=\"_blank\">@dcborn61</a>.  We have had breakfast together and chatted. We\'ve also done business. That is the power of connection.\n\nI first met Shashi as @shashib on Twitter too.  I met him in person at a casual Tweet up and have had the fortune of seeing him at many other events since.\n\nGet to know someone better. Go for coffee or a beer. Try to connect in person--you will get to know each other better.\n\nHow do you connect?','Connecting in person','','publish','open','open','','connecting-in-person','','','2011-01-21 16:10:32','2011-01-21 21:10:32','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1032',0,'post','',2),(1036,4,'2011-01-23 08:39:41','2011-01-23 13:39:41','Several years ago, I was asked to join the board of a local education nonprofit. This particular organization was tiny, and operating in the red. The executive director was a very young and inexperienced person, who was getting paid a salary and benefits that the organization just could not afford. Clearly, funds were the issue, as they are in most nonprofit organizations.\n\nThere is a tension between marketing communications and nonprofit organizations.  As a marketer, you want your communications to look professional and put-together. I have always advocated for professional design. However, professional design does not come cheap, and it certainly is not free.  But good design pulls in eyeballs and may actually help drive traffic to your website/brochure/etc.  So what is a nonprofit to do? In my opinion, a nonprofit needs to commit resources to its communications needs--carefully. For instance, a cheap website will not attract donors. An overly glitzy website could potentially turn off donors. Somewhere in between---a website that has the necessary elements, looks clean and modern, has the ability to receive donations--is probably where nonprofits need to go.\n\nBack to the nonprofit organization I was involved with. The board was committed to having a printed brochure, which was mailed to the mailing list of members and former students. Because the executive director was lazy (there is no other word), she paid first-class postage instead of the more labor-intensive bulk nonprofit mailing rate. The brochure was printed in two-colors on heavy bond paper, adding both mailing costs and printing costs. The executive director laid out the newsletter in Publisher, and it was very difficult to edit and to update. Additionally, the organization had very little idea of who attended the classes offered or where they came from. In other words, they had no demographic information.\n\nI recommended moving the brochure to an electronic format and mailing out only to those who requested printed copies. I recommended using the nonprofit rate. I recommended getting a logo designed by graphic designer. I recommended getting all content in Word, edit and correct it, and then lay it out. I recommended conducting a survey to get a sense of who is taking the classes. Guess what? They did not show any interest in any of these recommendations. It was so frustrating that I quit the board. A few months later the executive director left, and they hired someone more mature part-time. Last I know, they don\'t have any executive director.\n\nThis organization is now sending out an even less graphically appealing printed brochure (I just got one the other day and it ended up in the trash). It is still being printed on heavy bond paper, without color though. And they are using their nonprofit bulk rate instead of first-class stamps. I wonder if this is working for them.\n\nFirst of all, who are they trying to attract? An older, less sophisticated audience might not mind a brochure that looks like a secretary in the 1990s put it together.  Why am I still getting their mailing? I haven\'t attended a class there for years, which indicates to me they haven\'t cleaned up their database.\n\nWhen you have limited funds, you should use them wisely. In this case, the organization is spending too much money on printed materials that are not visually appealing.  I would bet that they are not achieving good return on investment.\n\nDo you have examples of other nonprofits that are not doing things \"right?\" Please share stories and examples.','Nonprofit communications: how not to do it','','publish','open','open','','nonprofit-communications-how-not-to-do-it','','','2011-01-23 08:39:41','2011-01-23 13:39:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1036',0,'post','',1),(1040,4,'2011-01-27 12:39:37','2011-01-27 17:39:37','This past Monday, I attended the <a href=\"http://whatsnextdc.com/\" target=\"_blank\">What\'s Next DC </a>marketing communications conference put on by <a href=\"http://www.greenbuzzagency.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Buzz Agency</a>. For a nice recap, please read Daria Steigman\'s <a href=\"http://www.steigmancommunications.com/2011/01/27/is-your-marketing-team-obsolete/\" target=\"_blank\">post on the Independent Thinking blog</a> and also <a href=\"http://storify.com/tinu/whats-next-dc-presentations-overviews-takeaways\" target=\"_blank\">check out slides</a> from the conference.\n\nMost speakers at the conference talked about social media, and how traditional marketing is dead (the press release is dead, social media shouldn\'t even be called that, etc.). And although I agree that social media has transformed the marketing landscape, making everyone \"networked\" as one speaker put it, it has not changed the fundamentals of marketing nor the viability of old school marketing channels.  One speaker said marketers need to be \"remarkable.\" To put it in old school terms, what is it to be remarkable if not to find your USP (unique selling proposition)?\n\nIn my opinion, marketing is still marketing regardless of whether the tools have changed. If you don\'t know what you are selling, or what sets you apart, you will not succeed, no matter how many Twitter followers you have or how much of a \"digital native\" you are.\n\nYesterday, I experienced true old school marketing. I had a leak in my refrigerator and needed to find someone to fix it ASAP (before the snow that hit us yesterday), but had no Internet access or Smart Phone. I couldn\'t tweet out my concern or go to Angie\'s List  (my go-to spot for all matters home related).  What did I do? First, I remembered a electrical/plumbing place I have seen advertised in the paper and online. I called 411, got the number and called them. They don\'t do appliances. Back to square one. Then, it dawned on me that I have PHONE BOOKS/Yellow Pages.  I looked up appliance repair, called a place that said they do emergencies, and about two hours later, a technician was at my house fixing the fridge.\n\nThe moral of this story is don\'t give up on old school marketing just yet. Not everything is solved by the Internet or Twitter. In fact, today, many people in Maryland are sitting without power or Internet access due to the snow. Many don\'t have Smart Phones. Some may not have Internet access, or only have it at work.  This is why ads still work. The Yellow Pages still work. And yes, well written press releases still work too.\n\nAre you still marketing old school?','Marketing old school','','publish','open','open','','marketing-old-school','','','2011-01-27 12:39:37','2011-01-27 17:39:37','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1040',0,'post','',1),(1043,4,'2011-01-30 11:37:14','2011-01-30 16:37:14','Being personal. That\'s the one thing that will make you stand out.\n\nWe are living, increasingly, in an electronic world. People send email and texts instead of picking up the phone. People tweet out questions to strangers in the hopes of getting the wisdom of the crowd. But, as <a href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/connecting-in-person/\" target=\"_blank\">we talked about here,</a> people want to connect personally, one to one.  Although we <em>feel </em>more connected, we are more isolated from other people. It is now possible for you to know what your friend from elementary school had for breakfast (on Facebook) while not knowing who your neighbor is.\n\nThis morning, on CBS Sunday Morning, Steve Hartman <a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/24/assignment_america/main7279295.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;2\" target=\"_blank\">investigated the handwritten thank you note.</a> He has never been a fan, but his colleague Byron Pitts is. Pitts sends out thank you notes to the people he interviews, to others who have helped him. This makes Pitts stand out. Those people will remember the gesture.\n\nI am not sure if it is generational, cultural or personality-driven, but some people just don\'t seem to get that people want to be treated like people. If someone is sick or has been sick, you ask about their health. If someone is facing a problem, you offer support.  Yet many people don\'t do this even though it takes very little effort for a big reward. Some politicians have gotten far because they treat people like people.  George Bush gained popularity in part because he was personal--asking people about their families, following up, sending thank you notes.\n\nDon\'t underestimate the power of reaching out, of being personal. It could be a handwritten note, or it could be a telephone call. Reach out to people, and you will stand out to them.','One thing that will make you stand out','','publish','open','open','','one-thing-that-will-make-you-stand-out','','','2011-01-30 11:37:14','2011-01-30 16:37:14','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1043',0,'post','',0),(1047,4,'2011-02-01 13:12:11','2011-02-01 18:12:11','No, this is not a post about the power of positive thinking. It\'s about the power of positive reviews.\n\nHow many times have you bought a book, gone to a movie, hired a contractor, eaten at a restaurant because you read/heard a positive review? I would bet that the answer is many times.\n\nCase in point. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/02/AR2010030203491.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Washington Post raved about Helen Simonson\'s book</a>,  <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Major Pettigrew\'s Last Stand</span>. In fact, many other reviewers also raved.  So I went out to buy it. And guess what, I am not liking it quite that much. But the sale has been made.\n\nGetting a third-party positive review is definitely worth its weight in gold. This is why public relations is so valuable, even in the age of social media. You get one great review, and you will get lots of interest (and possibly lots of sales).  The sticking point lies in whether the product/service/movie/restaurant delivers the goods. You may get an initial sale but no follow up sales if the product does not live up to its review.\n\nAs companies look to save money, many are doing away with PR help. This is not good business. Good PR can lead to good reviews, which in turn, may lead to increased sales.\n\nWhen has a review turned your opinion? Please share any stories.','Positive Power!','','publish','open','open','','positive-power','','','2011-02-01 13:12:11','2011-02-01 18:12:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1047',0,'post','',0),(1052,4,'2011-02-02 09:48:40','2011-02-02 14:48:40','Two items from today\'s Washington Post caught my eye.  One was about Jay Carney, the new White House press secretary and the other was a letter to the editor regarding Pepco.\n\n<strong>Speaking for the White House</strong>\n\nJay Carney is taking over from Robert Gibbs as White House press secretary. Carney was a journalist, and many people think he will bring a journalist\'s viewpoint to the White House briefing room. Dana Milbank wonders \"Can Jay Carney Hack it as a Flack\" in an<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/01/AR2011020105165.html?hpid=opinionsbox1\" target=\"_blank\"> op-ed in today\'s Washington Post</a>. Few people will miss Gibbs, so maybe by comparison, Carney will already do better. I wrote about Gibbs snark <a href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/how-you-say-it/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a> If one thing Carney can learn from Gibbs is how not to act. I think the press corps are looking for information without sarcasm.\n\n<strong>Proving advertising doesn\'t turn the lights back on</strong>\n\nAnother hot topic this week (other than the ongoing protests in Egypt) is Pepco. If you live in the DC area you know that Pepco failed, once again, to restore power in a timely fashion following a weird snow storm last week. At one point, they had 300,000 customers without power and in many cases, it took them three or four days to restore power to all of them.  Witness how people felt about it, and more importantly, about how Pepco mishandled communications by reading<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/01/AR2011020105906.html\" target=\"_blank\"> letters to the editor in today\'s Post.</a> Notice the title of the piece includes the word \"outrage.\"\n\nThis latest episode in Pepco\'s ongoing reliability struggle proves <a href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/update-pepco-and-reliability/\" target=\"_blank\">my point</a> that no matter how many nice ads and promising assertions you make, you have to back them up with real action. As you recall, Pepco started running an ad campaign talking about all the stuff they are doing to make themselves more reliable and responsive. Well, sadly, it was just words. No one believed it then, and certainly, no one believes it now. Instead of spending lots of ad dollars on an image campaign, Pepco should spend some money figuring out how to increase its reliability, responsiveness and communications with customers.\n\nThe bottom line for both these stories is that communications matter a whole lot. How you handle communications, what you say, when you say it, can truly impact public opinion and your image.','WaPo: Carney hopes and Pepco failures','','publish','open','open','','wapo-carney-hopes-and-pepco-failures','','','2011-02-02 09:48:40','2011-02-02 14:48:40','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1052',0,'post','',0),(1055,4,'2011-02-14 09:39:46','2011-02-14 14:39:46','Have you checked your website lately? Chances are good that you haven\'t, especially if it is built on a non-blogging platform. But go ahead, check it for these four items today.\n<ol>\n	<li><strong> Does it load quickly?</strong> How long does it take for the average person to open your website? If it takes too long, you may lose that person.</li>\n	<li><strong>Does it load correctly?</strong> Are all the pages formatted correctly, and is the format readable? I have opened pages only to find HTML gobbledygook.</li>\n	<li><strong> Is the contact information current and accurate?</strong> The basics--address, phone, email--should all be up to date and you should make sure they are correct.</li>\n	<li> <strong>Do you provide the information your prospective customers or clients need?</strong> If you are a retail location, do you have your hours posted? If you are a restaurant, do you have your menu posted? If you are a salon, do you have a listing (including pricing) of your services?</li>\n</ol>\nIt is worth remembering that people go to websites to find useful information. If they can\'t access your website or find the information they need, THEY WILL GO ELSEWHERE.\n\nWhat types of things do you look for in a website? What turns you away?','4 items to check on your website','','publish','open','open','','4-items-to-check-on-your-website','','','2011-02-14 09:39:46','2011-02-14 14:39:46','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1055',0,'post','',0),(1058,4,'2011-02-22 08:53:02','2011-02-22 13:53:02','How many blogs have you stopped reading? How many products have you stopped buying? How many ads do you ignore?\n\nIf you answered just one to any of these questions, the reason is because whatever the blog/ad/product/service has become irrelevant.\n\nSome irrelevancy is by attrition--meaning that you will stop buying a product because you no longer need it (like baby diapers when your child is potty trained). Other irrelevancy is because you just don\'t care anymore or the information does not ring true.\n\nHow do you become irrelevant?\n\nIf you are a blogger:\n<ul>\n	<li>You write about things that people don\'t care about or are not interested in.</li>\n	<li>You write about the same things over and over.</li>\n	<li>You write about you, you and more about you.</li>\n	<li>You never update your blog.</li>\n</ul>\nIf you are an advertisment:\n<ul>\n	<li>You advertise the same offer, over and over</li>\n	<li>You advertise an offer with tons of small print</li>\n	<li>You advertise things that are just not true (we beat any price, for instance).</li>\n	<li>What you advertise does not match reality.</li>\n</ul>\nIf you are a product:\n<ul>\n	<li>You don\'t work as promised.</li>\n	<li>You don\'t fill a need.</li>\n	<li>You are not well priced.</li>\n</ul>\nIf you are a website:\n<ul>\n	<li>You have outdated information.</li>\n	<li>You look like you were designed in 1999.</li>\n	<li>Your visitors can\'t find the information they need to make a purchase/visit your location/etc.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Basically, you become irrelevant when you forget what your audience needs or wants. </strong>\n\nWhat makes you tune out marketing? Let me know what makes blogs/ads/websites/brochures irrelevant.','How to become irrelevant','','publish','open','open','','how-to-become-irrelevant','','','2011-02-22 08:53:02','2011-02-22 13:53:02','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1058',0,'post','',0),(1061,4,'2011-02-28 08:57:06','2011-02-28 13:57:06','Sometimes it seems like everywhere you turn someone is telling you to be on Twitter, Facebook and so forth. Lots of companies are now advertising that you should follow them.\n\nLet me say there is a huge benefit to being on social media. Some companies will find most if not all  of their target audience on social networks.  But, and there always is that but, if you are not prepared to be on social media, don\'t be on it. It can hurt more than help.\n\nLet me give you an example of how being on social media when you are not ready can actually cause more damage than any benefit.  Last week, I bought a mattress from Sleepy\'s, \"the mattress professionals.\"  The mattress was supposed to be delivered on Tuesday, between 3 pm and 7 pm (and, no, this is not the cable company although Sleepy\'s gives them a run for their money). By 6 pm, it was obvious the delivery was going to be delayed. I tweeted to @sleepys several times. No answer. Mattress finally got delivered at nearly  9 pm.  I did not receive a tweet back from Sleepy\'s until nearly<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"> 5 pm the next day, </span>asking me to email  my concern. The next day, they tweeted to email my concern (which I already had done.). By Friday, I had an email from them asking me to test the email address!!!! And, someone from customer service finally called me Friday afternoon.\n\nAlthough there are many things wrong with Sleepy\'s (and if you are interested in my opinion of this company just drop me a line),<strong> it adds insult to injury for them to be on social media and not to respond to social media.</strong>\n\n<span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Social media for companies, whether it be for customer service or for image, requires a sizeable time investment.  It requires monitoring for mentions. It requires responsiveness. </span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Is social media the right venue for you? Here\'s a checklist to determine the answer:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>I have the time and/or the staff to manage social media.</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>I have the understanding of how social media works.</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>I will respond to customer complaints on social media like I do on traditional outlets.</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>I will monitor for mentions consistently/constantly.</strong></li>\n</ul>\nIf you can\'t commit to this checklist, social media may not be the right venue for you.\n\nIf your company does not have the staff/time to deal with social media,  do yourself a favor, and do not get it to the game. You will make  matters worse. By saying you have social media outlets, you are  encouraging your customers to contact you there. If you are not there,  then your customers will become even more frustrated. Frustration can  lead to anger and upset. And because of the power of amplification, the  problem will get transmitted to more and more people.\n\nYour thoughts?','Is social media the right venue for you?','','publish','open','open','','is-social-media-the-right-venue-for-you','','','2011-02-28 08:57:06','2011-02-28 13:57:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1061',0,'post','',0),(1063,4,'2011-03-07 15:35:58','2011-03-07 20:35:58','Last week, I found out my accountant is in the hospital. His partner cannot take on new work and the only remedy I was offered was to file an extension. When I asked for a referral to another accountant, the partner was not able (or willing) to give me a name. In short, my accountant apparently had no plan B, no contingency plan in case of emergency.\n\nMost of us do not plan for contingencies. We have our plan A, and we rarely think about what could happen if things do not go as expected. In cases of emergency, in communications having a plan B is also known as crisis communication planning or management. Well-managed organizations will have some sort of crisis plan.\n\nMany people do not like to think about the what if. It makes them nervous. When consulting with a nonprofit recently, it turned out that the organization had absolutely no crisis plan. And, by the way, a crisis does not necessarily have to  your fault or an emergency, or something horrible.\n\nContingency planning in general has to do with having alternative plans.  Say that the Internet goes out, are there other ways people can find information about you? If so, where? You cannot plan for every situation but you can have a general sense of what scenarios are most likely to happen, and what the procedures and communications are for each of those top situations. For instance, if you have a spokesperson, you may want to plan for the day the spokesperson is out with the flu (as I mentioned before, it doesn\'t have to be a dire situation). Who is the alternate spokesperson?\n\nIn short, because life will not go as planned, you should always plan for that fact.\n\n(Note to the accountants: you could set up a list of trusted accountants you refer to or you could hire temporary help for tax season.)\n\nHow do you create contingency plans?','Plan B...do you have one?','','publish','open','open','','plan-b-do-you-have-one','','','2011-03-07 15:35:58','2011-03-07 20:35:58','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1063',0,'post','',2),(1066,4,'2011-03-08 13:07:22','2011-03-08 18:07:22','Today, I got this precious direct marketing letter:\n<blockquote>Dear Deborah:\n\nAgain congratulations on the purchase of your home [address omitted].We hope that it has been a pleasant experience for you.\n\nWe have been trying to contact you regarding our termite warranty but have been unable to do so. We also did not receive a response to our previous letter. Please call [name and contacted omitted0 at your earliest convenience so that we may discuss this important matter with you. A<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">lso, be sure to ask about our PEST CONTROL SERVICE PLAN for as low as $376 per year. This will be our final effort to contact you by mail. This will be our final effort to contact you by mail.</span></blockquote>\n(Yes, in the letter the last sentence is repeated and it is underlined.)\n\nLet\'s break this down. This company is trying to get me to buy a service plan at $376 per year.  They are direct mailing me off a list of recent home buyers.  Apparently, I should contact them immediately and if not, they will do what? Apparently, they will start contacting me by other means other than mail. Will they be sending out their bully squad to my door to get me to purchase their plan?\n\nAlso, they claim they have been trying to reach me. What they have been doing is sending this same letter at least three times.\n\nWhat this letter is doing, plain and simple, is bullying me.  This company thinks that sending a letter like this will get me to call them, when all it does is make me think that they just don\'t get it.\n\nWhat do people do when they are being bullied? Do they turn around and do business with you or do they run the other way?','Are you trying to bully your customers?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-trying-to-bully-your-customers','','','2011-03-08 13:07:22','2011-03-08 18:07:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1066',0,'post','',0),(1072,4,'2011-03-16 10:30:42','2011-03-16 15:30:42','There are things that I see happening on social media and on the web that are irritating. They happen way too often. Here are my top peeves (and least of this week).\n\nOne of my top ten peeves of all time, and which I have discussed before, is the i<strong>mpersonal invitation to connect on LinkedIn.</strong> In the past few weeks, I have received at least four or five invitations from people I don\'t know and who haven\'t made the slightest attempt to personalize the LinkedIn generated note \"I\'d like to add you to my professional network.\"  I got one this morning, and I fired back a note telling the person in question that we hadn\'t ever met, and that a tip for her would be too personalize the note.  She wrote back this really clueless note:\n<blockquote>Please accept my sincere apologies. I must have mistaken you for someone else. I  thought I had met you at a XXXX function. I never send blind invitations.\nI  am currently writing for a couple of online magazines and am building local pr  connections.\nSo sorry to be an annoyance.</blockquote>\nWhy is this clueless? Because, a)  she did send a blind invitation. She could have written something like, \"We met at a XXX event last week, and I would like to connect with you here.\"  And b) she is telling me she is using LinkedIn to build connections, which I interpret as using this forum to send out countless queries and newsletters , etc.  So, she is not seeking to build a connection with ME, she is seeking to build her network to profit her work.\n\nOther irritants are:\n\n<strong>Blog posts that are not shareable on social media. </strong>And ironically, <a href=\"http://allthings.womma.org/2011/03/15/applying-dating-%E2%80%9Cdos-and-don%E2%80%99ts%E2%80%9D-to-social-media-marketing-best-practices-you-know-more-than-you-think-you-do/\" target=\"_blank\">this post,</a> from the All things WOM, from the Word of Mouth Association, IS NOT SHAREABLE. Has no share buttons. Really. How stupid is this.\n\n<strong>Web redesigns that are not useful to the reader.</strong> The Washington Post redesigned their website and recently re-launched it. As far as I can tell, readers were not consulted.  In a note to readers, sent THREE days after the re-launch the Post says:\n<blockquote>The Washington Post is now even more essential and more in tune with the way you interact with  news.\n<ul>\n	<li>Follow  stories as they develop and share your ideas as they evolve</li>\n	<li>Watch  events unfold with new video programs</li>\n	<li>Know  what\'s getting the most buzz and what\'s really happening in D.C.</li>\n	<li>Get  straight to your favorite coverage with destination hubs for Politics, Local,  Sports and Opinions</li>\n</ul>\n</blockquote>\nI guess what they mean by \"more essential\" is less stuff to read. Now I have to dig through the site to get to local news. And where are the blogs? Oh, and by screwing around with the site, lots of the Post\'s blog RSS feeds were messed up. Nice going.\n\n<strong>Using swear words on Twitter</strong>. I have written about this before, and I will again in light of <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/business/media/16adco.html?_r=1\" target=\"_blank\">this article</a> in the New York Times. I swear all the time, just not on Twitter. Because Twitter is a broadcast medium that is also archived. What you say here is on the record for ALL to see.  It shows a lack of thought to use your words carelessly.\n\n<strong>Promoting yourself endlessly or worse, showing off on Twitter</strong>. There is one particular person, whom I just unfollowed today, who felt it necessary to be a braggart at every turn.  It was things like this: \"aren\'t you jealous of my fabulous view?\" with an attached picture. Why do I want to read this? Why do I care? Again, Twitter is a broadcast medium. What you say can be seen by 1000s of people.\n\n<strong>Sending too many (or useless) email marketing messages.</strong> The AMA-DC was sending me four emails A WEEK. I told them it was too much. They unsubscribed me for criticizing them. And here is<a href=\"http://www.entrepreneur.com/2011/02/why-customers-fans-and-followers-unsubscribe-unlike-and-unfollow.php?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entrepreneur%2Fdailydose+%28Entrepreneur+-+Small+Business+News%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader\" target=\"_blank\"> Entrepreneur\'s take </a>on why people stop following you. Read it and see that too many emails or too many posts irritate people.  (And get this, I keep getting Comcast\'s marketing missives, even though they CANCELLED my account.)\n\nAny of these get your goat too?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Web and social media irritants','','publish','open','open','','web-and-social-media-irritants','','','2011-03-16 10:30:42','2011-03-16 15:30:42','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1072',0,'post','',5),(1074,4,'2011-03-18 09:43:01','2011-03-18 14:43:01','Yesterday, <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/business/media/18times.html?_r=1&amp;hp\" target=\"_blank\">the New York Times announced its new subscription plan</a>. Basically, you can read 20 articles on their site per month for free, and if you want continued access you will need to pay $15 a month. This applies to your IPad subscription too. If you are a print subscriber, your digital access is included.\n\nIt is very telling that this announcement generated more than 2,000 comments on the New York Times site (more would have come in but the NYT shut down comments). I started reading through them, and the majority of what I read seemed to indicate that readers will not pay for access. The biggest argument: it is too expensive.  The second biggest argument: NYTimes.com already carries lots of advertising.\n\nWill the pay wall work? In my opinion, it will backfire for various reasons:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Human nature</strong>:  People do not like to pay for what they used to get for free. And, there are plenty of other news sites on the Web that are still free.</li>\n	<li><strong>Work arounds:</strong> If you click through on a Facebook or Twitter link to a New York Times article, you get around <strong>the paywall.</strong></li>\n	<li><strong>Too much money</strong>: People are looking for ways to save money and paying for a digital subscription is probably an easy budget cut.</li>\n	<li><strong>Fewer readers=lost revenue: S</strong>o say some people continue to pay for the content on the New York Times site. It will never be the same amount as the people accessing it for free.  With fewer numbers, they will either have to charge less for their online ads (and lose revenue) or lose advertisers unwilling to pay for fewer impressions.</li>\n</ul>\nFor many years, I was a subscriber to the New York Times print edition. I was a huge fan of their crossword puzzle and I loved the Sunday Times. But, the price was exorbitant. I had to stop my subscription. I missed the crossword puzzle, yes, but not the huge bill. People will do the same with the NYTimes.com site. They will miss it at first, but they won\'t pay for it because of budgetary constraints.\n\nUPDATE: Just came across <a href=\"http://emediavitals.com/content/metered-model-gains-traction-digital-pay-option\" target=\"_blank\">this article from emedia vitals,</a> which says that some sites using the \"metered model\" have actually gained visitors. Is it that you think you get what you pay for?\n\nYour thoughts? Take my poll.\n\n[polldaddy poll=4741554]\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F18%2Fthe-new-york-times-pay-wall%2F&amp;linkname=The%20New%20York%20Times%27%20Pay%20Wall\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','The New York Times\' Pay Wall','','publish','open','open','','the-new-york-times-pay-wall','','','2011-03-18 09:43:01','2011-03-18 14:43:01','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1074',0,'post','',1),(1080,4,'2011-03-21 12:14:50','2011-03-21 17:14:50','Last week, I attended a <a href=\"http://www.wwpr.org\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Women In PR</a> (WWPR) panel on \"The Art of Storytelling.\" WWPR\'s Past President Debbie Friez has a <a href=\"http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/2011/03/the-art-of-storytelling/\" target=\"_blank\">great recap on the BurellesLuce blog. </a>\n\nWhile I agree with the concept that creating a story will help your organization to connect with its target audience, one thing was not answered. What makes the story work?\n\nDanny Harris of<a href=\"http://peoplesdistrict.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> People\'s Distric</a>t said that stories help \"show the texture,\" which I take to mean give life and detail to otherwise dry and boring concepts. For instance, if I tell you I saw a homeless person on a street corner, that means nothing. But if I tell you that I stopped to talk to the homeless person, and he was able to tell me that because of a health issue he lost his job, and then his house, now you understand the situation. The story fills in the details.\n\nStories should be memorable, ideally. But then again, not every story, and certainly not corporate stories, is memorable.  Stories should aim to create recognition and let you find commonality with them through the details they impart. Yet what details will resonate with your audience?\n\n<strong>One thing not one person on the panel said and which I think is absolutely critical for storytelling is this: authenticity</strong>.\n\nAlthough it is a much-vaunted word (especially on social media), authenticity is a concept that is often lacking in marketing communications. When something doesn\'t ring true it is because it is not authentic. Case in point:  my criticism of Pepco\'s ads about customers being first. Those ads were simply not authentic. Why? Because anyone who has had to deal with Pepco knows that customers are NOT first. Same goes for Comcast (Here is a total aside, I went to Comcast to return equipment and saw a sign that said \"Customers are our first priority.\" Of course, the customer service office was a small cramped affair where a dozen people were waiting in line for one or two surly customer service reps. Yes, I am sure Comcast puts customers first.)\n\nIf you are going to use stories to relay your marketing message you have to be sure they are authentic. People see through the BS. And people who see through it will now have a really bad impression about your organization.\n\nWhat do you think makes stories work?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F21%2Fwhat-makes-stories-work%2F&amp;linkname=What%20makes%20stories%20work%3F\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','What makes stories work?','','publish','open','open','','what-makes-stories-work','','','2011-03-21 12:14:50','2011-03-21 17:14:50','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1080',0,'post','',0),(1086,4,'2011-03-22 10:53:36','2011-03-22 15:53:36','Being a small business, I don\'t often get cover letters and resumes, although once I got a perfume-scented resume on blue letterhead that went directly in the trash.  Yesterday, I got a cover letter that was truly stunning, and not in a good way. It was stunning because it was such a good example of how NOT to write a letter. I am posting it here, with comments (and with identity removed, of course).\n<blockquote>To  Whom it May Concern:</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">No personalization...unforgivable since I am the only person listed on my website.</span>\n<blockquote>I  would like to be considered for employment with your company, so here is a  little background on my education and experiences.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">Doesn\'t mention what type of employment is being sought.</span>\n<blockquote>I  have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from [XXX ]University, where I double majored in Marketing and Business  Management.  I also earned a minor in  Professional Communications.  I  achieved a GPA of 3.49, while also being extremely involved in extra-curricular  activities and community service opportunities on campus.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">Would have put this down further...or talked about what subjects I learned about, more specifically.</span>\n<blockquote>I’ve  gained experience relevant to the business industry through two internships, one  with[xxx}- a marketing firm, and the other with[xxx}.  These internships  allowed me to utilize the information I had been learning at[the University] and  have allowed for me to gain experience in the marketing field.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">No specificity: the writer could have given examples of specific tasks or information learned.</span>\n<blockquote>Before  you ask, I’ll go ahead and answer the big questions in your mind.  Yes, I am currently in [other state]  No, I do not plan to work from here; I’m  ready and willing to relocate.  And  finally, No, I understand that I’m entry-level and do not expect to receive  relocation funds.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">Geez. Now you are a mind-reader. Don\'t assume anything.</span>\n<blockquote>I  have enclosed my resume for your review.   Also, my LinkedIn profile can be viewed at[LinkedIn],  if that better fits your viewing preferences.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">This is nit-picky but you have attached not enclosed your resume, since this is an email. </span>\n<blockquote>I  would be happy to aid you and your company in future endeavors, if you will  please contact me at [telephone and email] I would welcome the chance to discuss  openings.</blockquote>\n<span style=\"color:#3366ff;\">Notice that nearly every paragraph and sentence starts with I. It\'s all about the writer and nothing about my company.</span>\n<blockquote>Thank  you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,</blockquote>\nI wrote the author of this email back and told her there were no opportunities. I also gave her a couple of tips. She didn\'t reply. I am pretty positive this letter will get her nowhere.\n\nHere are my top three tips on how to write an effective cover letter:\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>Personalize: </strong>Have a name (or at the very least a department or title). Mention the name of the company you are applying to, and why you are interested in working at that company.</li>\n	<li><strong>Summarize your background, but in relation to the potential job</strong>: In college, you probably took arts classes and sociology, etc. but perhaps you took a really great writing class that would help you be a copywriter, right?</li>\n	<li><strong>Talk about what you can do for the company: </strong>Can you bring in business, deal with clients, sweep the floor really well? What do you bring to the table?</li>\n</ol>\nWhat are your tips? What are the biggest mistakes you see when you get cover letters?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F22%2Fhow-not-to-write-a-cover-letter%2F&amp;linkname=How%20Not%20to%20Write%20a%20Cover%20Letter\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','How Not to Write a Cover Letter','','publish','open','open','','how-not-to-write-a-cover-letter','','','2011-03-22 10:53:36','2011-03-22 15:53:36','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1086',0,'post','',1),(1091,4,'2011-03-24 12:29:00','2011-03-24 17:29:00','It seems lots of people and companies out there are trying hard to leave a bad impression.  If you want to join their ranks, here are a few tips:\n<ul>\n	<li>Don\'t respond to inquiries. If someone calls or emails, free free to ignore.</li>\n	<li>Don\'t say thank you. If someone buys a product from you or gives you a contact or anything, don\'t bother saying thank you. That would be nice.</li>\n	<li>Keep pounding away with the same message. Send the same offer over and over, a couple of times of day if possible.</li>\n	<li>Solicit free advice. Ask around for all the free advice you can. After all, it\'s just advice, right?</li>\n	<li>After you get your free advice, feel free to ignore it. Someone\'s an expert but that doesn\'t mean he/she knows what she/he is saying.</li>\n	<li>Cancel or change plans at the last minute. Your time is more valuable than anybody else\'s.</li>\n	<li>Use foul language. If you are on Twitter, go ahead, drop an f-bomb or two.</li>\n	<li>Be crass, self-involved, self-promoting. It\'s all about you.</li>\n</ul>\nMy question is: how hard are you trying to leave a bad impression?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F24%2Fhow-to-leave-a-bad-impression%2F&amp;linkname=How%20to%20leave%20a%20bad%20impression\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','How to leave a bad impression','','publish','open','open','','how-to-leave-a-bad-impression','','','2011-03-24 12:29:00','2011-03-24 17:29:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1091',0,'post','',1),(1095,4,'2011-03-28 12:32:20','2011-03-28 17:32:20','Unless you are Verizon, a company that seemingly has no cap on the amount of marketing dollars it can spend promoting FIOS, you have a budget. Use your budget wisely. Sounds simple yet how many companies don\'t get this?\n\nYou may be wasting your marketing dollars (and creating bad blood along the way) if:\n<ul>\n	<li>You are sending enewsletters without permission or too many times a week or without a clear, easy opt-out</li>\n	<li>You are sending non-targeted direct mail</li>\n	<li>You are using robo-calls to mass dial anyone in an area code (this is not only stupid, it is illegal)</li>\n	<li>You are using threatening language</li>\n	<li>You are sending multiple pieces and none of them have the same offer</li>\n	<li>You are sending marketing pieces that contain typos, grammatical and/or spelling mistakes</li>\n	<li>You are sending marketing pieces that look home-made (and not in the enticing, chocolate chip cookie kind of way)</li>\n	<li>You are mistaking the fact that someone once gave you a business card for the opportunity to blanket him/her with marketing messages</li>\n	<li>You are using your social media platforms to sell, sell, sell...never bothering to interact/engage</li>\n	<li>Your marketing does not match reality (you say you offer 24/7 support but what that means is that you can hold for assistance for 24 hours or more)</li>\n</ul>\nMarketing that works is strategic and thoughtful. Sending out hundreds of letters to people who have no need for your service (like sending coupons for garage door openers to people who live in apartment buildings) is a waste. Use your dollars wisely.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Fdont-waste-your-marketing-dollars%2F&amp;linkname=Don%27t%20Waste%20Your%20Marketing%20Dollars\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Don\'t Waste Your Marketing Dollars','','publish','open','open','','dont-waste-your-marketing-dollars','','','2011-03-28 12:32:20','2011-03-28 17:32:20','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1095',0,'post','',0),(1099,4,'2011-04-01 09:02:06','2011-04-01 14:02:06','Several days ago, a blogger on a well-respected site that I frequently read  stated that the gender gap on wages was a myth. He said that if women don\'t earn as much as men it is because they don\'t work as much (really, he said this).  He used all sorts of manipulated information that failed to address the underlying issues, such as women are usually also responsible for child care. I suspect that he was trying to be contentious to receive more traffic. I called out the post on Twitter, and the author attacked me personally saying I was acting like a victim. I am not making any of this up.\n\nA couple days after the Gender Gap is  a Myth post, a woman posted a strong rebuttal on the website, which pointed out some inconsistencies and omissions by the male blogger. In my mind, it made the male blogger look even worse. For me, the end result has been that I will not read anything the male blogger writes anymore because a) I have lost any respect for his assertions and b) I think that he writes to get a rise out of his audience rather than to inform. His reputation is ruined for me, and there is very little he can do to change it (if he even cares).\n\nThe bottom line here is that what you publish online (on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc), how you respond to comments and how you interact with others who disagree with you all influence your reputation. You can create a reputation for being fair, or for being smart, or on the other hand, you could create a reputation for being a raconteur or a complete ass.  Your reputation matters. And it will influence what people think of you, what they say about you and whether they continue to read your stuff/subscribe to your blog and so forth.\n\n<strong>Reputation can indeed affect your bottom line.</strong>\n\nWhat is your reputation? What do you think people think  about you based on what you put out there? Do you think it matters? And if you don\'t think it matters, why?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F01%2Freputation-matters%2F&amp;linkname=Reputation%20matters\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Reputation matters','','publish','open','open','','reputation-matters','','','2011-04-01 09:02:06','2011-04-01 14:02:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1099',0,'post','',0),(1105,4,'2011-04-12 09:26:21','2011-04-12 14:26:21','Last week, our elected officials took the whole country to the brink. Whether you think it was ideology, intransigence, real economic crisis or plain circus, we all got a painfully clear view of what kind of government we have, and it was not a pretty picture.\n\nBut not all is bad. We can derive some lessons from this latest governmental crisis that can be applied to marketing:\n<ul>\n	<li>At some point, spin does not compensate for the reality on the ground so stop spinning already!</li>\n	<li>Repeating the same phrase over and over becomes meaningless (e.g. \"we are fighting for the American people,\" \"we do not want to shut down the government.\")</li>\n	<li>Innuendo and doublespeak are not substitutes for clear communication.</li>\n	<li>Say what you want unequivocally. You want cuts to Planned Parenthood--say that. Don\'t make it a \"rider\" so that you can sneak it in under the radar.</li>\n	<li>Don\'t underestimate your audience...they can see through your antics.</li>\n	<li>Be prepared for people to question you, your motives and your goals.</li>\n	<li>There is a difference between justifying your actions and explaining your actions.</li>\n</ul>\nPoliticians, like PR or advertising professionals, are in the business of persuasion. And like PR or ad people, they are beholden to special interests (or as we call them \"clients\").\n\nWhat did you learn about marketing from our government\'s game of chicken?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F12%2Fwhat-we-can-learn-from-the-budget-negotiations%2F&amp;linkname=What%20we%20can%20learn%20from%20the%20budget%20%22negotiations%22\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','What we can learn from the budget \"negotiations\"','','publish','open','open','','what-we-can-learn-from-the-budget-negotiations','','','2011-04-12 09:26:21','2011-04-12 14:26:21','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1105',0,'post','',0),(1108,4,'2011-04-19 10:03:13','2011-04-19 15:03:13','As a very small business, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications does not have a large marketing budget (seems a bit ironic). For instance, I have never printed a brochure, but I do have a website. Here are the list of things I do have, some of which are free, for marketing purposes:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Website</strong> (soon to be upgraded...stay tuned): This is the must-have of all must-haves, for the obvious reasons that you need to know that I exist, and without a website, I may as well not be here.</li>\n	<li><strong>Blog</strong> (you are here on Wordpress.com ...soon to be integrated to one site): Keeps you informed on what I am thinking.</li>\n	<li><strong>Business cards:</strong> printed, in color and double-sided. Well worth the investment. Latest ones were ordered from Greenerprinter.com and are made of 100% recycled paper.</li>\n	<li><strong>Twitter:</strong> Have met many people via Twitter not to mention the amount of information and ideas that I have picked up.</li>\n	<li><strong>LinkedIn</strong>: A profile on LinkedIn is like an online resume with feelers.</li>\n	<li><strong>Google alerts:</strong> I track several topics, and my own name. An invaluable source of current information only topped by</li>\n	<li><strong>Google reader</strong> (with a long list of great blogs and feeds): You need to be current in the marketing field...and probably any field. A good way to stay on top of stuff is to have your Google Reader feeding you the latest from the industry\'s top blogs, etc.</li>\n</ul>\nWhat I have that is not a must-have: a Facebook page for my business. This is in spite of evidence that says Facebook is a good place to be for businesses and brands.\n\nWhat are your must-haves? Let me know in the comments please!','My marketing must-haves','','publish','open','open','','my-marketing-must-haves','','','2011-04-19 10:03:13','2011-04-19 15:03:13','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1108',0,'post','',3),(1111,4,'2011-04-20 12:09:41','2011-04-20 17:09:41','No doubt by now you have heard about the controversy surrounding Greg Mortenson an his book Three Cups of Tea, as well as the Central Asia Institute (CAI).<a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/60minutes/main20054397.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"> CBS\' 60 Minutes did an expose on Mortenson</a>, and the report alleges Mortenson fabricated some part of his story and that the CAI has been mismanaging funds.\n\nThe story has been widely reported in the media. Jon Krakauer, who was interviewed in the 60 Minutes story, has issued his own expose.\n\nNow, there is a report that the Montana Attorney General will investigate the CAI.\n\nBottom line: Mortenson is facing serious challenges to his credibility.\n\nOne big lesson for everyone: serious investigative journalism is still a force to be reckoned with.\n\nOne big lesson for Mortenson: answer requests for interviews. 60 Minutes tried to interview him and he declined. Not answering makes it look like you are trying to hide something. Never a good idea.\n\nWhat do you think?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F20%2F1-big-lesson-from-3-cups-of-tea-controversy%2F&amp;linkname=1%20big%20lesson%20from%203%20Cups%20of%20Tea%20Controversy\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','1 big lesson from 3 Cups of Tea Controversy','','publish','open','open','','1-big-lesson-from-3-cups-of-tea-controversy','','','2011-04-20 12:09:41','2011-04-20 17:09:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1111',0,'post','',0),(1114,4,'2011-04-21 10:16:33','2011-04-21 15:16:33','Say you walk into a store. You are browsing through racks of pants, and see a pair you like. You look for the size, and you can\'t find it. You look for the price, but there is no price tag. Now, you have to consider taking this to a sales associate to have her/him look up the size and price, and find one that has both these bits of information. The problem is that this information is crucial to you making a purchase.\n\nAnd then there is the bother factor. Have you ever taken an item to the cash register without a price tag? You will have to wait while a (usually slow) runner goes to find what the price is for your item. And the line will be held up.  Etc. Pain. Right?\n\nWithholding price information is going to make sales slow and customers unhappy. Yet, online, this happens all the time. There is a conference and you are trying to find out how much it costs. You have to click on the registration button. You get an invitation to an event, and cost is never listed until you decide to register.\n\nWhy do organizations insist on hiding crucial information? Do they think by not revealing the price of the seminar/event/workshop you are going to be more enticed to sign up?\n\nI believe that organizations need to be transparent and upfront regarding costs. If your gala costs $125 per person, tell me. If the workshop is free, tell me that too.\n\nIt is never a good idea to force your potential customers/clients/donors/supporters to ask for a price check.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F21%2Fhiding-crucial-information%2F&amp;linkname=Hiding%20crucial%20information\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Hiding crucial information','','publish','open','open','','hiding-crucial-information','','','2011-04-21 10:16:33','2011-04-21 15:16:33','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1114',0,'post','',1),(1121,4,'2011-04-25 10:41:15','2011-04-25 15:41:15','Over on Twitter, lots of people tweet out their word of the day. Today\'s word for me is: vacuous.\n\nMerriam-Webster gives the following definition:\n<blockquote>\n<div><strong>1 :</strong> emptied of or lacking content</div>\n<div>\n<div>2<strong>:</strong> marked by lack of ideas or intelligence <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupid\">stupid</a>, <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inane\">inane</a> &lt;a <em>vacuous</em> mind&gt; &lt;a <em>vacuous</em> movie&gt;</div>\n</div></blockquote>\n<div>\n<blockquote>\n<div>3<strong>:</strong> devoid of serious occupation <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idle\">idle</a></div></blockquote>\n</div>\nI am thinking of this word because I have been seeing so many vacuous blog posts lately. Vacuous because they lack intelligence. For instance, I read a post today about improving your Facebook page. One of the tips was to fill out all the information required. If that is not vacuous, I am not sure what is.\n\nI can certainly use vacuous in a sentence when it comes to social media. There are many vacuous tweets out there. Your social media profile makes you look vacuous. And so forth.\n\nYou should not assume that your reader knows everything, but you also should not assume your reader knows nothing. The latter promotes vacuous comments and posts.','WOTD: Vacuous','','publish','open','open','','wotd-vacuous','','','2011-04-25 10:41:15','2011-04-25 15:41:15','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1121',0,'post','',1),(1123,4,'2011-04-26 10:11:32','2011-04-26 15:11:32','I know you need to add one more thing to your to-do list like you need to wake up Friday at 4 a.m. to watch the royal wedding,  but do consider doing this with every blog post, website page, tweet, etc that you put out there:\n\nCHECK THE LINKS!\n\nDoes your website have any broken links (or pages that don\'t appear correctly)? Does the sharing software on your blog work? All of it? When you post a link to a story on Twitter, are you sure the link is working?\n\nMany of us do not check these very often.\n\nCase in point: a blogger I follow has faulty sharing buttons on her blog. I read a good post by her, which I wanted to share on Twitter. I clicked on the link and all I got was a blank Twitter page--no title and no link. No good. I created a Bit.Ly short link and posted it anyway but she would have no way of knowing that the item had been shared unless her blog records ping-backs. I reported this to her, and I hope she is able to correct it.\n\nPrevent this from happening by occasionally checking these links. Just sayin\'.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F26%2Fcheck-your-links%2F&amp;linkname=Check%20your%20links\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Check your links','','publish','open','open','','check-your-links','','','2011-04-26 10:11:32','2011-04-26 15:11:32','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1123',0,'post','',0),(1127,4,'2011-04-27 12:56:28','2011-04-27 17:56:28','On the news today: The Royal Wedding. Obama Releases Birth Certificate. The Royal Wedding. Katie Couric Leaving CBS. The Royal Wedding. Trump Shows How Egomaniacal he is. The Royal Wedding.\n\nDoes the news media reflect the public\'s interests, or does the public reflect the newsmedia? Is it a two-way conversation, or is it a two-way mirror, where we see what they are doing, but they don\'t see what we are doing?\n\nI am not sure, but I do think that what we see around us reflects a much larger problem--one where voyeurism and scandal dominate. And I don\'t like it.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fmirror-mirror%2F&amp;linkname=Mirror%2C%20mirror%3F\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Mirror, mirror?','','publish','open','open','','mirror-mirror','','','2011-04-27 12:56:28','2011-04-27 17:56:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1127',0,'post','',0),(1131,4,'2011-05-05 12:48:58','2011-05-05 17:48:58','I was away for a few days and had to wade through a pile of mail on my return. Among the \"important\" mail that I received, were two envelopes from the Automobile Association of America (AAA). One was a co-op  with USAirways (with which I have frequent flyer miles) and the other was a garden-variety membership solicitation.\n\nI used to be an AAA member but had let my membership lapse years ago when I discovered my car insurance company provides roadside assistance as part of my fee. What I like about AAA is that you can usually get good deals on hotels, so I read the I started reading the USAirways/AAA offer first.\n\nThe USAir/AAA offer included \"free enrollment\" ($15 initiation fee was waived), free second membership, free extra month and 750 miles. To find the total cost for the year, I had to read through it twice. It was hidden in the billing certificate.<strong> The total cost would be $65.50.</strong>\n\nThe offer from just AAA is the following: Free enrollment, free second membership, a savings of $25 on membership and a savings of $5 on automatic renewals.  Again, it was hard to find the <strong>total cost of $40.50.</strong>\n\nBasically, I would save money just having a regular AAA membership. Why would USAirways agree to send out an offer that when compared to the regular offer is more expensive? Remember, miles do not cost the airline anything and you can\'t get anywhere with 750 miles.  Why would you, the consumer, pay $25 for 750 miles? Remember, the actual service is being provided by AAA. The toll-free number for both offers is the general AAA number.\n\nAnd, why make the total cost so hard to find? As<a title=\"Hiding crucial information\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/hiding-crucial-information/\" target=\"_blank\"> I wrote about a few days ago,</a> it is a bad idea to hide crucial information.  Consumers need to make decisions with the facts in front of them.\n\nI am not sure where to point the blame here: at AAA for not de-duping their mailing lists? at USAir for agreeing to have an offer sent out that is more than AAA\'s own offer, with similar timing? at AAA for thinking customers don\'t care about details?\n\n<strong>My bottom line: if you are going to have different offers, make sure that one is not cannibalizing the other.</strong>\n\nYour thoughts?','Two different offers from one service provider','','publish','open','open','','two-different-offers-from-one-service-provider','','','2011-05-05 12:48:58','2011-05-05 17:48:58','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1131',0,'post','',0),(1133,4,'2011-05-06 11:02:49','2011-05-06 16:02:49','Chances are you do...especially if you are in marketing, or the government.\n\nI just came across the article <a href=\"http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/8051.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">\"How to \'unsuck\' you jargon\" o</a>n Ragan\'s PR Daily. The key seems to go to <a href=\"http://unsuck-it.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Unsuck-It.com</a> and type in the offending phrase or word, such as \"above the fold\" or  \"leading edge.\"\n\nThe issue is that most people who are fluent in Jargonese don\'t really realize they are speaking in Jargonese. It seems perfectly natural to say things like: \"We are currently working on aligning our values with our mission,  while creating storytelling capacity in case there is a barrier to entry and we need to create synergies to boost the bottom line.\"\n\nBut hey, Unsuck-It.com may only be a stop-gap measure. You may need to restructure your language skills.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F06%2Fdo-you-speak-jargonese%2F&amp;linkname=Do%20you%20speak%20Jargonese%3F\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Do you speak Jargonese?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-speak-jargonese','','','2011-05-06 11:02:49','2011-05-06 16:02:49','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1133',0,'post','',0),(1137,4,'2011-05-09 09:40:30','2011-05-09 14:40:30','Perhaps if you studied politics, like I did, you think faction is a party or group that is usually causing some trouble. However, if you watch <a href=\"http://morganspurlock.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Morgan Spurlock\'s</a> The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, you will learn that a \"faction\" is a combination of the words fact and fiction. Meaning that it is neither fact nor fiction. Perhaps it is a fictionalized fact, or fact-based fiction. Sounds like many of the memoirs that are making the rounds these days.\r\n\r\nThe Greatest Movie Ever Sold is a faction, and it is a must-watch movie if you are even remotely interested in marketing. Spurlock, who is previously known for his documentary Super Size Me, has blown open the world of product placement and movie funding.\r\n\r\nThis movie is funny and it is pure genius. To see Spurlock go pitch this movie, about product placement and movie funding, to people in marketing is just about as humorous as any parody can be. But what is truly genius, is that it is real. This is how things get done in the world of marketing. Celebrity endorsements are real. Advertisers are looking for new ways to reach more audiences. And everything is for sale.\r\n\r\nI can\'t do this movie justice here. There was too much stuff that struck a chord, from creating a pitch, to finding the brand personality, to how to market a movie.\r\n\r\nHere\'s a the official trailer:\r\n\r\n[youtube id=T4Ng2P3zxfM&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F09%2Ffaction-learn-what-this-is%2F&amp;linkname=%22Faction%3A%22%20learn%20what%20this%20is\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','\"Faction:\" learn what this is','','publish','open','open','','faction-learn-what-this-is','','','2011-08-12 00:29:36','2011-08-12 00:29:36','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1137',0,'post','',0),(1145,4,'2011-05-10 09:22:41','2011-05-10 14:22:41','In my new favorite movie, <strong>POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold</strong>,  filmmaker Morgan Spurlock goes into a meeting to pitch his movie to Ban Deodorant. Apparently, Ban is not a top-tier deodorant, and the company is pretty interested in alternative ways of expanding their presence, thus the meeting with Spurlock.\n\nDuring the pitch, Morgan Spurlock asks the Ban people to describe their product. There is a long moment of silence that follows, and then the marketing people put their thinking caps on.   The audience laughed at this interval because of how ridiculous the scene was--and yet, I bet it plays out every day with businesses of every size, everywhere.\n\nYou must be able to answer this question: <strong>what is your product/service and what makes it different from any other product/service in the category.</strong>\n\nIf you can\'t describe your product/service and its attributes, you are in deep trouble. If you don\'t do any other marketing, you must work on that description and pound it in to your marketing and salespeople\'s heads. Can you imagine a Coca Cola salesperson being asked to describe his/her product and not being able to do so? All he/she has to say is \"Coke is it! \" (Just kidding, but they would probably say something to the effect that Coke is one of the world\'s top selling soft drinks, and it is a carbonated, sugar loaded \"delight.\")\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2Fyou-must-be-able-to-answer-this-question%2F&amp;linkname=You%20must%20be%20able%20to%20answer%20this%20question\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','You must be able to answer this question','','publish','open','open','','you-must-be-able-to-answer-this-question','','','2011-05-10 09:22:41','2011-05-10 14:22:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1145',0,'post','',0),(1148,4,'2011-05-16 10:14:43','2011-05-16 15:14:43','<strong>Free tacos, just for me!</strong>\n\nThis is brilliant, and it is part of California Tortilla\'s clever (and as they would say, spunky) online direct marketing campaign.  Let me explain: CalTort has a loyalty card (the \"Burrito Elito\" card), which allows you to accumulate points toward free food. To use it, you have to register it online. Every week, CalTort sends out a special of the week or some such to its database (which I am sure is sizeable). And every once in a while they send out a private note to card holders, such as the one I got today, which says, under the subject line \"We Miss You. And We Can Prove It\":\n<blockquote>Where the heck have you been? To show you how much we miss you, we got you a little something--but we can\'t give it to you unless you come in. So here\'s the scoop: we\'ve just put a <strong>FREE TACO</strong> on your Burrito Elito card. All you have to do is visit any Cal Tort, with your card, within 2 weeks of this email to get it. After 2 weeks it goes away--so hurry!\n\nWe\'re holding our breath until you get here. 1, 2, 3...</blockquote>\nWhy is this brilliant? Because it has a personality ( slightly irreverent),  it is personalized and gives me a REASON to go to CalTort. It also shows that a bit of creativity and some work can earn you customers and loyalty. Kudos to CalTort for knowing how to use direct email effectively.\n\n<strong>This is boring. Gen Y thinks this way.</strong>\n\nOn blog posts, in newspaper articles, on TV and in ads everywhere there are sweeping generalizations and assumptions that undermine your message. You (the blogger or copywriter) assume that if you find something boring, that everyone else finds it boring. You are a member of a generation, therefore you can speak for the entire cohort. No and no.\n\nIt is not very brilliant to assume that the world sees things EXACTLY like you do, like there is a universal key and you hold it. For instance, not everyone found the humor in Pineapple Express funny (I didn\'t), so if you start a movie ad with the line \"As funny as Pineapple Express,\" you will automatically lose people.\n\nBe mindful of what you are assuming and saying. Generalizations and stereotypes that are cast too wide will turn away more people than will be brought in.','Brilliant and not so brilliant','','publish','open','open','','brilliant-and-not-so-brilliant','','','2011-05-16 10:14:43','2011-05-16 15:14:43','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1148',0,'post','',0),(1153,4,'2011-05-17 13:19:34','2011-05-17 18:19:34','In advertising, most media buyers are trying to find the holy grail of how much repetition/frequency you need to get your target audience to hear/understand and act on your message.  The other aspect is reach. Are you reaching the target audience through the channels you have chosen?\n\nIt occurs to me that some companies, namely the ones that have the MOST customer service issues (telecom companies, power companies and airlines) and some degree of monopoly, are the same ones that advertise the most aggressively.  In any given hour, you will see many spots for Comcast/Xfinity or for Verizon FIOS. I<a title=\"How to alienate people and lose customers\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/how-to-alienate-people-and-lose-customers/\" target=\"_blank\"> wrote here</a> last year about the intense amount of direct mail FIOS sent me. These companies are hammering away repeating their message with a scary frequency.\n\nWhy? Because they have to. Nothing else is going to speak as loudly as lots of loud advertisements. Certainly not the customer experience or their \"stellar\" customer service.\n\nA few months ago I had a appliance repair person come to the house. He was great: fixed what needed to be fixed, and charged a fair price. He does NO advertising. His business, which is doing well, is strictly word of mouth.\n\nCan you imagine Comcast or Verizon having no advertising? On the other hand, you have few options when it comes to Internet, cable and phone providers. You will have to persuaded over and over and over.\n\nI am suspicious about any company that feels the need to advertise ALL the time.  It seems to me that high repetition and frequency, which are expensive to maintain, are the only way they will  retain any top-of-mind share.\n\nWhat do you think?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Frepetition-and-frequency%2F&amp;linkname=Repetition%20and%20frequency\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Repetition and frequency','','publish','open','open','','repetition-and-frequency','','','2011-05-17 13:19:34','2011-05-17 18:19:34','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1153',0,'post','',0),(1159,4,'2011-05-24 09:42:12','2011-05-24 14:42:12','Johna Burke, of<a href=\"http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/author/jburke/\" target=\"_blank\"> BurellesLuce</a> addressed WWPR last week (<a href=\"http://wwpr.org/2011/05/when-click-thru-rates-are-not-enough-new-strategies-in-social-media-measurements/\" target=\"_blank\">recap by Joan Coyle here</a>). She talked about social media measurement and provided lots of useful information about web tools and marketing strategies.\n\nOne thing, more than anything else Johna said,  struck me as crucial:  she talked about engagement and marriage. Engagement, Johna said, is just the beginning. It\'s when everything is all promise and excitement (isn\'t that ring all shiny?) Marriage (which most times follows the engagement) takes a lot of hard work and commitment.\n\nIn social media, people talk about engagement all the time. You have to \"engage\" with your followers. What does this really mean? Why are you engaging? The answer is simple--to build a lasting relationship (the \"marriage\").  If you are engaging just to engage and not to follow through, then you are just breaking promises. If you get caught up in getting Twitter followers but don\'t provide any substance or reason to \"stay together\" then you are looking at social media (and any marketing) as being all about the excitement of it rather than the substance (which should be your marketing goals and strategy).\n\nEngagement is just the beginning. It is your starting point to a marketing/communications strategy that seeks to accomplish a goal (e.g. establish thought leadership, increase sales, etc.).\n\nAre you getting engaged all the time or are you working on your marriage?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F24%2Fengagement-is-just-the-beginning%2F&amp;linkname=Engagement%20is%20just%20the%20beginning\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Engagement is just the beginning','','publish','open','open','','engagement-is-just-the-beginning','','','2011-05-24 09:42:12','2011-05-24 14:42:12','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1159',0,'post','',3),(1164,4,'2011-06-02 13:45:36','2011-06-02 18:45:36','In English, we use capitals in the following situations:\n<ul>\n	<li>At the beginning of a sentence.</li>\n	<li>For proper names (Deborah Brody lives in Maryland)</li>\n	<li>For titles (President Barack Obama)</li>\n</ul>\nWe do not use capitals as a way to emphasize words, or make them prominent. For that purpose, we might underline,  italicize or bold the word in question.\n\nAll caps as in NO WAY AM I GOING OUTSIDE TODAY is generally used to denote excitement, anger or \"shouting.\"\n\nHowever, I see words being capitalized that don\'t need to be, all the time.\n\nNotice this help wanted ad from Craigslist (words underlined for emphasis by me):\n<blockquote>Our <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Firm</span> has an immediate open for two<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"> Writers</span>/<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Proofreaders</span>\nWe are very flexible:\nYou can work as contractors, <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Part Timers</span> or <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Freelancers</span>\nYou can work from your house/office or/and our office\nYou must have experience writing for <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Finance</span>, <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Tax</span>, <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Accounting</span>, and <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Insurance</span> businesses\nYou must have experience in <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Marketing,</span> A<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">dvertising</span> and<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"> Sale</span>\nYou must be available to start next week\nYou must include your desired pay (per page and/or per hour) in your email or cover letter</blockquote>\nThis is a help-wanted ad for a proofreader! I am not sure the ad is intended to be a test or if it is showing (unwittingly) a desperate need for a proofreader.','Using capitalized words the right way','','publish','open','open','','using-capitalized-words-the-right-way','','','2011-06-02 13:45:36','2011-06-02 18:45:36','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1164',0,'post','',0),(1170,4,'2011-06-03 06:42:42','2011-06-03 11:42:42','Perhaps in honor of the name of this blog (Caffeinated ideas and views on marketing), I have lots of things percolating in my head this morning.\n\n<strong>Reaching out</strong>\n\nWith social media fast becoming a substitute for print and electronic media, and with the idea that \"inbound\" marketing is best, we are seeing a drop-off in reaching out. For instance, there is a conference today in Washington that I only just found out about because someone in my Twitter stream is attending. This conference is intended for nonprofits. I am not sure what type of marketing was done for the conference, but I can assure you it was not a traditional advertising in many channels approach.  I will place bets that the nonprofit I work with never heard about it...\n\nI feel that what is happening here is that circles are getting smaller and tighter.  If you depend on social media for your outreach, you will be reaching a self-reinforcing group of folks. More and more, if I attend an event promoted on social media, I see the same folks I saw at the last event.\n\nI am not shunning social media, but I do think that if marketers want to spread the word, they have to use many different channels to do so.\n\n<strong>Stumbling blocks</strong>\n\nLast week, I attended a talk by Guy Kawasaki, author of  <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Enchantment</span>. He mentioned that when you put stumbling blocks between you and your customer or supporter, you are not being enchanting. And yet, I have visited dozens of blogs this week, with interesting posts that I would like to share on my social networks, and guess what, they make it hard to do. For instance \"Sexy Sharing\" (I think that is what is called) adds a second step when you click on one the sharing buttons (It asks whether you want to allow a third party to connect to your account...and I don\'t). That is not sexy, and it is a stumbling block. Similarly, some blogs do not have sharing or their sharing buttons don\'t work, making me do the work (use my own Hootsuite sharing button or use a URL shortener to cut and paste).  Or how many times are you asked to give information, create passwords, etc. just to get costs/estimates/speak to someone. Stumbling blocks turn people away, and hurt you in the end.\n\n<strong>Helplessness</strong>\n\nI belong to a listserv, the name and purpose of which I won\'t share here. What irks me about this listserv is that many times people ask questions to the listserv that could be found out by doing some research (AKA typing  a term into Google). To me, this is being helpless and dependent on others, and makes those people look bad (stupid).  Perhaps these people are trying to reach out and start a conversation, but sometimes you just have to wonder if they understand the power of the Internet.\n\nI admit, the above are some random thoughts. Your take on them is appreciated...that is why we have comments!','Thoughts on reaching out, stumbling blocks and helplessness','','publish','open','open','','thoughts-on-reaching-out-stumbling-blocks-and-helplessness','','','2011-06-03 06:42:42','2011-06-03 11:42:42','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1170',0,'post','',0),(1174,4,'2011-06-09 09:07:54','2011-06-09 14:07:54','On Monday, I came across a letter to the editor in the Washington Post that made me nod my head vigorously. The author, David Klinger was writing about the Scripps Spelling Bee coverage, and I think you should read his letter:\n<div><article>I have written for a federal agency throughout a 34-year career. I had to pass a spelling test before graduating from the University of North Carolina’s journalism school. Yet I turn to the dictionary half a dozen times a day to check a word or reconfirm a spelling. That’s the nature of good, careful writing.</article><article></article><article></article><article></article><article></article><article></article>\n<div><article>Memorization of words like “thanatophidia” (which isn’t even in my Webster’s) or “bondieuserie”for the Scripps spelling bee is about as relevant to me — or to today’s generation of texters and youthful online denizens — as a buggy whip.</article><article></article><article></article><article>Scripps included, we desperately need to acquaint the next generation with a few, basic English grammar skills that seem to have disappeared amid society’s collective cyber-mania: complete sentences, subject-verb agreement, correct punctuation and that all-important axiom that “an apostrophe does not a plural make.”<strong> <strong></strong></strong></article><article></article><article><strong><strong>David Klinger,</strong> Martinsburg, W.Va.</strong></article><article></article><article></article><article></article><article></article></div>\n<article>Basic grammar skills are disappearing left and right.  I see the use of apostrophes to make plurals ALL the time. People just don\'t get it. However, to those in the know, using grammar poorly makes you look dumb. There is no other way to describe it. In marketing and PR, which are communications-based disciplines, writing well is key. It is key because if your grammar, spelling or sentence structure don\'t add up, you are probably not getting your thoughts through clearly.</article><article></article><article></article><article>Over on the Journalistics blog, Jessica Love writes <a href=\"http://blog.journalistics.com/2011/the-write-stuff-the-1-pr-skill/\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Write Stuff: Still the#1 PR Skill</a>.\"  Yes, it should be, but no, many PR practitioners don\'t have it. We can blame many things from a failing school system to an overreliance on short form messaging, but the responsibility to straighten out your writing skills lies with you.</article><article></article><article></article><article>Write well, or fail to communicate.</article></div>','Write well or fail ','','publish','open','open','','write-well-or-fail','','','2011-06-09 09:07:54','2011-06-09 14:07:54','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1174',0,'post','',0),(1183,4,'2011-06-16 09:01:42','2011-06-16 14:01:42','<strong>UPDATE June 12, 2014: This post is three years old and some people are still finding it. If you read the post you will see that DBMC is not affiliated in any way with Clinique\'s Gone but Not Forgotten program. I am not able to help you get your discontinued makeup. Please contact Clinique directly.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may recall that a couple of years ago I was trying <a title=\"Lack of communication may cost you a sale\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/lack-of-communication-may-cost-you-a-sale/\" target=\"_blank\">to buy a foundation from Prescriptives</a>. It turns out Prescriptives had gone out of business, but I was able to order the makeup through their website. The failure was in communication--no real advertising of the closure and misinformation at the counter.\r\n\r\nWell, it has happened again. Clinique has discontinued my favorite mascara, without any notice. I went up to the counter, asked for the mascara by name, and was told they no longer carry it. That was it.  My friend and fellow WWPR board member <a href=\"http://twitter.com/#!/dfriez\" target=\"_blank\">Debbie Frie</a>z recommended calling the 1-800 number that the Estee Lauder cosmetics company has for discontinued items (you have to search really hard on the Clinique website for the \"Gone but  Not Forgotten program\").\r\n\r\nI called the Gone but not Forgotten program, and they said it could take up to two weeks to locate the product, and if they did, they would ship it out to me. After nearly two weeks, not a word. I called the program (and was on hold for 20 minutes) only to find out \"that I contacted them before they could contact me\" to tell me that the product is no longer available.\r\n\r\nWhat a massive failure from Clinique. First, they discontinued a product just so they could introduce a substitute that is not as good. Second, they failed to inform their customers.  And third, their program for discontinued items is a joke--why would it take two weeks to locate inventory? Why would you not email as soon as you knew you couldn\'t fulfill a customer\'s request? Perhaps you could give the customer a voucher to try another product for free, etc.\r\n\r\nWhy should I buy from Clinique ever again? Why would I buy a cosmetic that I like only to have it discontinued? Why would I want to deal with a company that disregards its customers? Clinique has effectively forced me into the marketplace to find another mascara that I like.\r\n\r\nA note to male readers: mascara is a product that should be replaced every three months. This made me visit the Clinique counter at least four times a year. And hey, if you are there four times a year, chances are good you will see something else you like.\r\n\r\nIn any case. the lessons here are as always: advertising alone will  not sell a product. Service will seal the deal. Personal experiences will also influence buying behavior, and in the social media world, may influence the behavior of other people too.\r\n\r\nSo, if you know of any good hypoallergenic, waterproof, non-flaking mascara, let me know. But please, make sure it is not a Clinique brand.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Another cosmetics failure','','private','open','open','','another-cosmetics-failure','','','2016-11-28 11:17:53','2016-11-28 16:17:53','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1183',0,'post','',2),(1188,4,'2011-06-22 15:47:22','2011-06-22 20:47:22','It\'s been discussed to pieces but social media is just a channel for communicating with other people. It is not the be-all-end-all. Yes, it can be used for marketing (just like that ad you just saw on your way to work this morning) or to incite political action (as in Egypt) or to let people know when the next event is.\n\nRecently, I was at a women\'s business networking event  and we were told to discuss resources we recommend for new businesses, and our own goals and achievements.  When I talked about blogs (I write blog content for clients, among other things), many of the women started saying things like \"I am not on Twitter/Facebook, and I just don\'t get it.\" My response was this: well, you better learn because people are using these channels to communicate much the way you use the telephone or we used to use the fax or the telex even longer ago.\n\nSocial media has become the communication channel of choice for many people. Will people still use the phone? Yes. Will some use the fax? Maybe. Telex, no. In a few years, we will be communicating some other way (not on Twitter or Facebook).We will use what other people are using.\n\n<strong>Communicating on social media is just a phone conversation on steroids.</strong>\n\n<strong>It is about people speaking to other people.</strong> Yet, there are many people out there scheduling their tweets, and broadcasting irrelevant news and/or sales pitches. There are people who never attempt to learn anything about the PERSON at the other end of the avatar.  People who are too busy looking at their screens to interact with other people at an event. (As an aside, a few weeks ago I was at an event regarding social media, and one of the organizers never introduced herself to anyone and barely looked up from her laptop. And she is supposed to be a social media whiz.  Apparently, she knows how to use the tools of social media but not how to be social in real life with actual people.)\n\nLast week, I made a point of having coffee with someone I regularly chat with on Twitter: <a href=\"http://dkdnewmedia.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Diane Danielson </a>(founder of the <a href=\"http://www.downtownwomensclub.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Downtown Women\'s Club</a>). I had traveled up to Boston for my college reunion, and asked Diane if she would like to meet up. It was nice to be able to talk face-to-face, and make a more tangible connection.\n\n<strong>In my opinion, the real goal of social media or any other communication channel is to connect</strong>, whether it be to converse or  to exchange information or to perhaps to sell (products, ideas, services).\n\nSo, try to put the social back into social media by realizing you are using it as a way to communicate with other people.','Putting back the social in social media','','publish','open','open','','putting-back-the-social-in-social-media','','','2011-06-22 15:47:22','2011-06-22 20:47:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1188',0,'post','',0),(1191,4,'2011-06-28 12:07:49','2011-06-28 17:07:49','Have you ever been jarred awake by the sound of a leaf blower? Not too pleasant is it? Leaf blowers are definitely high on the noise index, but low on the productivity scale. After all, what does a leaf blower do? It blows leaves around--it doesn\'t gather them, or suck them up, it just moves them from place to place.\n\nAs I was watching a gardener use his leaf-blower several times over a four-hour span, making noise and not accomplishing ANYTHING, it occurred to me that the people paying for his services were really wasting their money. First, he kept doing the same thing, over and over, without actually creating any change. Second, he <em>seemed</em> to be busy and not to be accomplishing much. Third, he was taking the easy way out, yet at more expense. The harder and cheaper way would be to use a rake and gather the leaves to then dispose of.  He was wasting resources (time, gas) and accomplishing little or nothing.\n\nSince this is not a gardening blog, you know where I am headed with this. Are you using a leaf-blower for your marketing efforts? Are you making lots of noise but not actually getting things done? Are you moving paper around but not actually getting to closing? Are you doing the same thing over and over with minimal or no results?\n\nJust like leaf blowers are annoying and pretty useless in gardens throughout the country, loud and untargeted marketing efforts are pointless exercises that create noise and don\'t communicate. Next time you launch a marketing campaign or create a marketing piece, ask yourself, is this at all like a leaf-blower or is it a rake? After all, rakes are useful, cheap and get the job done with minimal noise.\n\n&nbsp;','The problem with leaf blowers','','publish','open','open','','the-problem-with-leaf-blowers','','','2011-06-28 12:07:49','2011-06-28 17:07:49','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1191',0,'post','',0),(1195,4,'2011-07-06 14:20:01','2011-07-06 19:20:01','You\'ve heard of (or perhaps eaten from) the food trucks? While it may be a fad, it is a huge trend right now, spawning its very own Cooking Channel show: <a href=\"http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/eat-street/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Eat Street</a>. I admit, watching this show is a guilty pleasure for me. And, it seems, most of the really cool trucks are in places no where near me like Vancouver, Portland or San Francisco, making me really really want to visit!\n\nFood trucks are popular because of three main reasons:\n<ol>\n	<li>Mobility--bringing the food to you;</li>\n	<li>Accessibility:  making cutting edge food cheaper/more accessible</li>\n	<li>Specialization: they concentrate on one thing such as fried food, cheese, lobster, sauce, ethnic, etc.</li>\n</ol>\nThat last one is key--food trucks are specialists.  You know what they offer right off the bat. Perhaps you love Philipino food? There is a truck for that in San Francisco!  Grilled cheese your thing? Then head over to the grilled cheese truck in Los Angeles.\n\nI was watching Eat Street the other day and daydreaming about a visit to the Pacific Northwest to have fish and chips or great soup or something, when the show focused on a truck that made pockets (some people would call them empanadas). They make savory and sweet pockets. Great. And then, the truck owner says he also makes burgers. What??? Why? What do burgers have to do with pockets?\n\nPockets and burgers are not related. One does not add anything to the other.  In the competitive food truck business, you stand out by doing one thing really well.  People will go to your truck because you have great lobster or mac and cheese or tacos. Or because you have great Indian or Korean or Mexican.\n\nPick a specialty, get really good at it and don\'t dilute it. Don\'t be the pocket-burger truck.','What you can learn about marketing from food trucks','','publish','open','open','','what-you-can-learn-about-marketing-from-food-trucks','','','2011-07-06 14:20:01','2011-07-06 19:20:01','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1195',0,'post','',0),(1200,4,'2011-07-11 09:09:29','2011-07-11 14:09:29','If you have been to any networking or social event, you have met this person: the person nobody likes.  Chances are good that this person has not one single solitary clue why nobody seems to be wanting to interact, exchange business cards, or just chat.\n\nHere\'s what to do if you want to be just like that person:\n<ul>\n	<li>Talk endlessly about yourself (and never ever ask the other person anything).</li>\n	<li>Use big words or obscure references, forcing whoever you are interacting to ask you what you mean.</li>\n	<li>Brag (I don\'t mean talk about your accomplishment, but actually brag, like this: Well, when I was on safari last year with Robert Redford, we ran into a pack of rare pink Rhinoceros...).</li>\n	<li>Don\'t maintain eye contact. People just love shifty-eyed people--gives them a vote of confidence.</li>\n	<li>Have a clammy or limp handshake (or worse, a clammy AND limp handshake).</li>\n	<li>Shift the burden of conversation to the other person.</li>\n	<li>Denigrate whatever the other person is saying (\"Oh, you think that is a big deal? I got a bigger deal!)</li>\n	<li>Live in the past or in another place: you know, things were much better then and there.</li>\n	<li>Speak ill of the host, venue, group, etc. I don\'t mean constructive criticism like \"I thought the parking was a bit difficult here,\" but something like \"Jane Doe and her group just don\'t have a clue! \"</li>\n	<li>Have poor hygiene or grooming.</li>\n</ul>\nUnfortunately, the first impression you make is usually a lasting one. However, you can also not try to so hard to be likeable, people see through that too.  You have to be who you are, but be aware that what you say and do do affect how other people perceive you.\n\nNext, we\'ll talk about how this personal behavior is often seen in marketing communications (and especially in social media).','How to make sure nobody likes you','','publish','open','open','','how-to-make-sure-nobody-likes-you','','','2011-07-11 09:09:29','2011-07-11 14:09:29','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1200',0,'post','',1),(1205,4,'2011-07-12 09:25:39','2011-07-12 14:25:39','Yesterday, I talked about how you can make sure people dislike you. It\'s not hard--all  you have to do is be self-centered and creepy. Well, how about making your company on of the most hated companies in America? That is a new level of dislike, and Pepco has reached it.\n\nThe article about this \"honor\" in WTOP (B<a href=\"http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&amp;sid=2453857\" target=\"_blank\">erzerk customers make Pepco \'most hated\' in U.S</a>.) tells us that the power company has had a drop in customer satisfaction since last year, due in part to:\n<blockquote>frequent and wide-ranging outages made worse by belated customer service response... Pepco has had <a href=\"http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&amp;sid=2409093\">reliability problems in the past</a>, but not as serious as the last year when its customers faced 70% more power outages than households in other metropolitan areas, along with outages lasting twice as long on average.</blockquote>\nWhat is most interesting to me is how Pepco responded to this \"accolade\" reported in the website Business Insider. Here is what the article said\n<blockquote>Pepco initially issued a statement questioning the validity of the Business Insider rankings, which it said could have been to drive up their readership.\n\nIt later retracted this statement, released another written statement in response to the survey. Pepco spokespeople declined to answer specific questions.\n\n\"While we certainly believe that this label is over the top, we have heard our customers loud and clear and are working hard to upgrade our system,\" the second statement said.</blockquote>\nPepco\'s communication department certainly does not get it.  You don\'t get rid of something by attacking the source (unless it was some muck-raking tabloid). The lesson here is that Pepco is in denial about how it is perceived by its customers. As a company, it believes that if it says that it is fixing things, people should just accept it.\n\nTo become the most hated company you have to provide bad service, first and foremost. But you compound this by:\n<ul>\n	<li>Thinking your customers are stupid or ignorant (r<a title=\"Want to improve your marketing? Start with your customer service.\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/want-to-improve-your-marketing-start-with-your-customer-service/\">ead about Pepco\'s misguided ad campaign</a> for instance)</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Denying that serious problems exist</li>\n	<li>Not doing enough to address those problems, or just giving lip-service to fixing said issues.</li>\n	<li>If criticized, pointing fingers at the source of criticism rather than dealing with the substance.</li>\n</ul>\nI tweeted out the WTOP article yesterday, and @pepcoconnect tweeted back: Working to get it right (with a link to this: <a href=\"http://pepcoconnect.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/working-to-get-it-right/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pepcoconnect.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/working-to-get-it-right/</a> ) And if that is true, why on Friday night, did I lose power for one and half hours, for no apparent reason?','How to become the most hated company','','publish','open','open','','how-to-become-the-most-hated-company','','','2011-07-12 09:25:39','2011-07-12 14:25:39','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1205',0,'post','',2),(1210,4,'2011-07-13 09:26:58','2011-07-13 14:26:58','It is the marketing kiss of death when people actively start disliking your company. People like to do business with people (and companies) they like. Except where there is monopoly--like with the power company or the phone or cable company--then people are forced to do business with companies they do not like very much.\n\nYesterday, Netflix became a very disliked company. In an email to subscribers (which again hit A<a title=\"Inform your customers first\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/inform-your-customers-first/\" target=\"_blank\">FTER the press release</a> hit the blogosphere), Netflix raised its prices for the second time in less than one year. The company, which was offering people a plan that allowed one DVD at a time (unlimited in a month) and unlimited streaming for $9.99 (raised from $8.99 last December), is now offering this combination for $15.99 OR you can get the DVD option only for $7.99 or the streaming option only for $7.99. You can read it Netflix own words here:  <a href=\"http://blog.netflix.com/2011/07/netflix-introduces-new-plans-and.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://blog.netflix.com/2011/07/netflix-introduces-new-plans-and.html</a>\n\nNeedless to say, a price hike of this magnitude was not greeted with open arms by Netflix subscribers. Just check out the more than 6,000 comments on the blog (link above), or these stories from <a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-07-13-netflix-customers-angry_n.htm\" target=\"_blank\">USA Today</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/netflix_price_hike_causes_drama_4f7RYbrvch2JMNkrrszjKO\" target=\"_blank\">New York Post.</a>\n\nOn Twitter, many people are expressing their dislike for this price hike and threatening to cancel their subscription altogether.\n\nNetflix is pretty disliked right now. But what really is driving the discontent?\n\n1. <strong>Raising rates without offering more.</strong> In effect,  most people are complaining because Netflix\' streaming option does not offer the equivalent value of the DVD option (i.e. you can\'t get everything on streaming that you can get on DVD).\n\n2. <strong>Thinking your customers will grin and bear it</strong>. Yes, it probably will help to raise revenue....if you keep your current base! The result here is that customers will find other options better suited to the value they perceive the service should be worth.\n\n3. <strong>Underestimating the power of social media</strong>. With Twitter and Facebook one person\'s discontent spreads like wildfire.\n\n4. U<strong>nderestimating your customer\'s intelligence</strong>. The email from Netflix about the price hike says this:\n<blockquote>We are separating unlimited DVDs by mail and unlimited streaming into two separate plans to better reflect the costs of each. Now our members have a choice: a streaming only plan, a DVD only plan, or both.\n\n&nbsp;</blockquote>\nThis presumes customers want a choice or that they don\'t like the choice they have or that if you put it as a choice then people will accept it.\n\nCompanies that treat their customers like revenue sources and not like people who actually do have a choice in which companies they do business with, risk losing business.  Netflix will probably survive this episode, but not without a lot of bad blood and bad publicity.','More ways to make people dislike your company','','publish','open','open','','more-ways-to-make-people-dislike-your-company','','','2011-07-13 09:26:58','2011-07-13 14:26:58','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1210',0,'post','',0),(1214,4,'2011-07-18 14:39:39','2011-07-18 19:39:39','Check out my guest blog post at the Downtown Women\'s Club blog: <a href=\"http://www.downtownwomensclub.com/2011/07/5-ways-to-get-more-readers-to-your-blog-by-deborah-brody/\" target=\"_blank\">5 ways to get more readers to your blog.</a> Hint: it has to do with being consistent and getting the word out. Special thanks to Diane Danielson for giving me the opportunity!\n\nOn social media and blogs, we are all trying to get more readers and more followers. If we are in business or marketing, we are also trying to convert some followers/readers/likers into customers. Right?\n\nLately, I have been cleaning up Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Basically, I have been reducing the numbers of people that I follow or am connected to. Let me tell you why.\n\nIt\'s personal\n\nOn Facebook, which I consider a personal network, I have been \"unfriending\" anyone that I don\'t know very well, or only know through business encounters. I tend to share my personal views and activities and really, would rather have fewer \"friends\" on Facebook than thousands of people with insight into my personal life.\n\nIt\'s business\n\nOn LinkedIn, I have removed a few connections because I just don\'t know enough about them. LinkedIn is a business network, and when you connect with someone, you have access to his/her connections. I want to be more careful with this network and not give away my hard-earned connections to people who are just trying to expand their own networks with little regard for what I do.\n\nIt\'s common sense\n\nI have been unfollowing lots of people on Twitter lately. Why? Because there is only so much time in the day, and there are so many tweets that I want to make sure to follow folks who are offering stuff that is relevant and/or interesting. I am on Twitter to share and to learn, but I don\'t need to learn about what you did at the gym or whether your cat is at the vet. On Twitter, I definitely stopped following anybody who:\n<ul>\n	<li>Self promotes endlessly</li>\n	<li>Uses crass expressions/language ALWAYS</li>\n	<li>Doesn\'t ever share anything valuable (as defined by me)</li>\n	<li>Seems to be in a quest to get the most tweets per day ever</li>\n	<li>Who never ever interacts with me or re-tweets or even acknowledges my re-tweets (unless the person in question is a journalist/politician/world leader)</li>\n</ul>\nSo yes, we are all trying to get more followers and to do that, you need to be aware of what gets you unfollowed.\n\nYour thoughts?\n\n&nbsp;','Getting more readers and getting unfollowed','','publish','open','open','','getting-more-readers-and-getting-unfollowed','','','2011-07-18 14:39:39','2011-07-18 19:39:39','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1214',0,'post','',0),(1218,4,'2011-07-20 07:53:11','2011-07-20 12:53:11','Some people think that books, magazines and newspapers are dead.  Borders, the bookstore chain recently in bankruptcy, is closing down all its stores. If you walk into a Barnes and Noble, the display for the Nook (their e-reader), has taken over the entrance. All around it <em>seems</em> that <em>everybody</em> is using tablets and e-readers to read books and magazine and that <em>nobody</em> is reading the printed on paper stuff anymore. But, that would be wrong.\n\nDid you know that only <a href=\"http://pewresearch.org/databank/dailynumber/?NumberID=1275\" target=\"_blank\">12% of U.S. adults own an e-reader</a> (like a Kindle, Nook, etc.)? Or that<a href=\"http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2054/smartphone-ownership-demographics-iphone-blackberry-android\" target=\"_blank\"> 35% of U.S. adults own a smart phon</a>e (Iphone, Blackberry, etc.)? Given how the media reports things, and if you are surrounded by folks who are early adopters, then you could be excused for thinking the number was much much higher--like 99%.\n\nThe truth is that not everybody is on the smart phone/e-reader/all-computer-all-the-time bandwagon. The numbers above mean that nearly two thirds of adults in the US do NOT use a smart phone, and nearly 90% do not have an e-reader. This indicates to me that many many people out there are still consuming media in more \"traditional\" ways--like in a printed  format. Or perhaps are relying on television and radio.\n\nIt is a wrong (and dangerous) assumption to think that \"everybody is doing it.\" They are not. Unless it is breathing, not ever human being out there is doing (or thinking) the same thing as you are.\n\nLast week, I attended a presentation purportedly about YouTube. In effect, it was about stuff you could do if you wanted to get together a video to promote your company (it was not a very in-depth or insightful presentation). One thing that the presenter asked was whether people in the room knew what QR codes are. I turned to a colleague sitting beside me and asked \"who doesn\'t?\" It turns out that most in the room (all communicators I may add) had no idea. Because I know what a QR code is (a quick response code that has become ubiquitous on print ads everywhere, and which when scanned takes you to a website), and I see them everywhere, I assumed everyone else did too. Clearly, I was wrong.\n\n<strong>You can\'t assume that everybody knows something. In communications, making assumptions can be detrimental to making your message clear.</strong>\n\nAnd yet, people using the above-mentioned QR codes in their ads are assuming that people know what they are! And also, they are assuming that people have a smart phone that they will use to scan the QR code. But if we go with the fact that 35% of people have a smart phone, and from my unscientific survey, even fewer know what a QR code is, then you are probably reaching somewhere south of 30% of people by using those codes. Think about that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Doesn\'t everybody?','','publish','open','open','','doesnt-everybody','','','2011-07-20 07:53:11','2011-07-20 12:53:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1218',0,'post','',0),(1220,4,'2011-07-25 09:50:09','2011-07-25 14:50:09','Sarah Palin may be forgiven for thinking that many people in the U.S. agree with her viewpoints--after all, she gets confirmation all the time from her Facebook fans.  Last week, <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59732.html\" target=\"_blank\">Politico reporte</a>d that Palin posted a criticism of President Obama on her Facebook page. If you check out the entry, you will note that there are dozens of supporting comments and more than 19,000 people liked her words.\n\nYou could also be excused for thinking that Sarah Palin has lots of support. But you would be wrong. What she has is support among her supporters--that is, she is preaching to the choir. She is not going to get push back from people  on Facebook, because after all, they (presumably) have indicated that they \"like\" her. Sure, there are probably several people in there who \"liked\" her to follow her moves, but overall, these are her fans, her base, her <strong>echo chamber</strong>.\n\nPoliticians--and marketers--need to be careful that they aren\'t getting to overenthusiastic about the echoes they are hearing. <strong>Your supporters will mostly always like you and agree with you. But if you are always listening to those who like you, you will be unaware of why those other people out there don\'t.</strong>\n\nSocial media, especially the concept of Facebook pages, is the very definition of an echo chamber. You are sharing content with those who are already predisposed to liking what you say and do.  Same thing happens with your Twitter stream--you have chosen to follow and be followed by certain people. If someone in your Twitter stream annoys you or doesn\'t agree with you, you can block him/her.\n\nI am not saying that brands should not have Facebook pages, or that you should not select your Twitter stream. What I am saying is that you have to be aware that you may be speaking in an echo chamber--hearing back what you want to hear.\n\nWhat do you think? Do you find yourself in an echo chamber?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Beware the social media echo chamber','','publish','open','open','','beware-the-social-media-echo-chamber','','','2011-07-25 09:50:09','2011-07-25 14:50:09','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1220',0,'post','',0),(1222,4,'2011-07-27 07:23:06','2011-07-27 12:23:06','This morning on Yahoo.com there was an <a href=\"http://shine.yahoo.com/event/poweryourfuture/5-habits-holding-you-back-and-how-to-change-them-2515577/\" target=\"_blank\">article about habits </a>that can hold you back, which got me thinking about the things people do, perhaps unconsciously, perhaps subconsciously, that affect how they are perceived by others and that hold them back career-wise.  Some of these habits are particular pet peeves of mine, which certainly have changed the way I perceive someone.\n\n<strong>Not answering direct emails</strong>: It makes it seem as though you don\'t care enough about the sender to answer. If you work at an agency or for yourself, it is an absolute disaster not to answer client\'s emails. If you are a client, and you don\'t answer your email, you are making it very hard for the agency/representative to do its job on your behalf.\n\n<strong>Not saying thank you:</strong> I have <a title=\"How to leave a bad impression\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/how-to-leave-a-bad-impression/\" target=\"_blank\">written about this</a> before, but when someone does something for you just say thanks! A few months ago, I took out a couple hours of my day to meet with some people who were looking for advice. I did my best to listen and give suggestions. To this day, I have not received a solitary note of thanks. It makes me think that neither my time nor my input were in anyway valuable to them.\n\n<strong>Not doing what you promised:</strong>  If you say you are going to get something by the end of the day, or that you will take on a project and then not do it, you are failing to keep your promises. This makes you seem unreliable, and uncaring. Last year, while working on a group project, one of the group members offered to complete a good chunk of the project. She never did. And she didn\'t provide a reason, an excuse or even any further words about it. I would never work with her again. And I made sure that other people knew she dropped the ball.\n\n<strong>Being habitually late:</strong> The article on Yahoo (link above) says this is a surefire sign of something going on...you resent having your time held hostage to someone else\'s schedule. To me, it shows a deep disrespect and makes me perceive you as unreliable.  Enough said.\n\n<strong>Never following up</strong>: This is a mistake that happens frequently. In the past few weeks, I have been getting estimates to get a fence built. So far, I have received four estimates. Guess how many follow up calls I have had to see if I am interested in moving ahead? None. Not one call. And you wonder why people don\'t get business...they don\'t even try to get it.\n\n<strong>Not remembering/always forgetting:</strong>  This is a catch-all, but it covers things such as always forgetting you have met someone before, forgetting to do something, not remembering names, not remembering crucial details, etc.  If you have a bad memory, get an aid of some sort like a calendar or a smart phone.\n\nThe thing is some of these may just be annoyances and people will overlook them. But do some of them enough and it will affect how you are perceived. The flip side is that these are easy to fix and if you are aware that you are doing them you can change your ways. Have you recently lost a client? Did any of these play a part? Have you been overlooked for a job or a promotion? Are any of these habits yours?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Bad habits or perception busters?','','publish','open','open','','bad-habits-or-perception-busters','','','2011-07-27 07:23:06','2011-07-27 12:23:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1222',0,'post','',0),(1225,4,'2011-07-28 09:36:47','2011-07-28 14:36:47','You may not be able to (entirely) judge a book by its cover (or so they say) but you may be able to judge a business by its website.\n\nLet\'s start with the very basic question of does the business have a website? If the answer is no, that says a lot. Among other things, not having a website says that a business doesn\'t get how people search for information nowadays, or that it works strictly off referrals and very traditional advertising or that it is not tech-savvy.\n\nHowever, most businesses do have a website. Some websites are better than others, and that often has to do with the budget allocated to it and also whether it is being handled by a communications person or a tech person (yeah...the communications person should handle this unless you want the website to speak IT).\n\nA website is a necessary part of any marketing/communications strategy.  Keeping that in mind, this is what  should you look for:\n\n<strong>Appearance and design</strong>: Does the website look good? Is it easy to read? If so, it shows this business has considered that potential customers\' perceptions are important.  Also, if it looks like it was designed in the 1990s, it shows that the business has not bothered to keep up with the times.\n\n<strong>Clarity:</strong> What does this business do? It should be crystal clear by looking at the home page what kind of service or product the business offers.\n\n<strong>About us page:</strong> Does this page provide you the information you need to consider doing business with this company? Or is it a lot of fluff and platitudes, short on substance?\n\n<strong>Services or product listing:</strong> Does the website specifically list what services or products this business provides? How deep do you have to dig for this information?\n\n<strong>Contact page:</strong> Does the business provide several ways to contact it? Businesses that don\'t provide a physical address and/or phone number and/or email are suspicious. They want to be able to contact you but not for your to contact or find them.\n\n<strong>Freshness:</strong> What is the copyright on the website? When was this content updated and is it really up-to-date? If there is a blog, when was the last blog entry dated? Clearly, if a website lacks freshness, you have no way of knowing if the business still exists or in what form. For instance, if this is a restaurant website, and the menu is date Spring 2008, how do you know if they are still open for business?\n\n<strong>Useful information:</strong>  You need certain information to decide whether you want to contact a business or not: Does it work with your industry? Are there fees? What are the opening hours? Does this website give you the necessary information you need? For example, you are looking at a hotel website and you have a list of needs (location, availability of WiFi, restaurant on premises)--does the website provide you with the answers you need? In a hotel\'s case, does it list of room amenities and hotel services?\n\n<strong>Easy to navigate:</strong> Is the website easy to use? Do you have to dig deep to get crucial information? If a website is not easy to use or navigate, it shows that the business does not understand what information its potential clients and customers need.  Sometimes, it is a business decision to bury information on purpose (and this tells you a whole lot!)\n\nYou can read <a href=\"http://www.openforum.com/articles/5-simple-tips-for-better-business-websites?extlink=sm-openforum-tw\" target=\"_blank\">5 Simple Tips for Better Business Websites </a>on OpenForum.com to see some more technical issues (like making sure a website is mobile friendly).\nWhat would you add to the list?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','How to judge a business by its website','','publish','open','open','','how-to-judge-a-business-by-its-website','','','2011-07-28 09:36:47','2011-07-28 14:36:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1225',0,'post','',2),(1231,4,'2011-08-01 09:25:18','2011-08-01 14:25:18','Here\'s something to think about: you can start marketing <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">too early</span>. Sometimes, you  aren\'t ready for prime time, as they say.\n\nLast week, I attended a networking event. There, I met two self-employed event planners. They were both very pleasant and seemed knowledgeable about the ins and outs of event planning. Both gave me their business cards. As I always do when I get back from this type of event, I went to their websites. At least, I tried to go to their websites.  Neither website was up--one was \"under construction\" and the other was a placeholder from the domain registrar. Although both ladies had nice (professionally designed and printed) cards, they skipped a step. You should always have your website up before you hand out cards with the URL--even if it is a one page describing your business and providing contact info.\n\nLater on in the evening, I met two women who are planning to open a yoga studio. They did not have cards, and they told me their website was under construction. For the life of me, I can\'t remember the name of the studio. One of the yogis told me they are considering doing a Groupon...the week they open. I told her that that I would not advise that since she wouldn\'t even have worked out any kinks.\n\nHere is an article from USA Today about Groupon (<a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2011-07-31-should-entrepreneurs-use-groupon_n.htm?csp=34money&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UsatodaycomMoney-TopStories+%28Money+-+Top+Stories%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader\" target=\"_blank\">Is Groupon a great idea for entrepreneurs?)</a>  Among the cons of using Groupon is that if you are not ready for the onslaught of business, you will end up turning away customers. Say the yogis get 40 people signed up, but the studio only holds 30, or their computer system has a bug and can\'t register new customers? Then those potential customers are going to be disappointed and chances are, won\'t be coming back (there are plenty of other yoga studios in the area).\n\nThe bottom line is that before you start any type of marketing, whether it be in-person networking or a traditional advertising/media campaign, you need to be ready for business. This means having your website up and running and all your business tools in order (e.g. invoicing, computer systems, ordering, etc.) People have limited time and resources and they will often not give you a second chance.  Or they will forget about you. Or they will think you are an amateur.\n\nNot only should you be ready for prime time before you start marketing, you should be ready for business.','Are you ready for prime time?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-ready-for-prime-time','','','2011-08-01 09:25:18','2011-08-01 14:25:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1231',0,'post','',1),(1321,4,'2011-08-04 11:00:09','2011-08-04 16:00:09','Be warned: this is a rant.\n\nLately, I have been getting followed and unfollowed on Twitter by a guy who has a networking group here in DC.  He happens to have many Twitter handles (and a surprising number of followers).  He has used at least five different handles to follow me, and then, I take it because I haven\'t followed back, he unfollows me. Is this a good way to get me to follow him? NO!!!\n\nSay this interaction was taking place on the phone instead of on Twitter. It would go like this:  He would call from his cell phone, and hang up once I answered. Then he would call from his office line, and hang up again. And so forth. This would be very annoying, and bordering on perverted behavior (if there were any heavy breathing involved).\n\nIf he actually wanted to talk to me, he might call and say \"Hello, I really think you have some great ideas to share, and I would like to talk to you some more.\"  But apparently, he is either unaware of how to behave like a human, or is just interested in numbers.\n\nThere is no great mystery to getting Twitter followers: it is simply about behaving courteously and human. That is, showing interest, re-tweeting content to show support and giving credit, and INTERACTING.\n\nWhy do so many people forget they are dealing with other people on the Internet? You would not walk into a store and yell obscenities, for instance.  And yet people do this on Twitter as a matter of course.\n\nA computer is just a tool. It need humans to run it.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Just because its on the computer doesn\'t mean you can\'t act human','','publish','open','open','','just-because-its-on-the-computer-doesnt-mean-you-cant-act-human','','','2011-08-04 11:00:09','2011-08-04 16:00:09','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1236',0,'post','',2),(1322,4,'2011-08-09 11:11:22','2011-08-09 16:11:22','I just came back from a quick trip out to Assateague/Chincoteague Islands. As is the case in any tourist/vacation town, everywhere you went there were rows of brochures about things to do: kayaking, boat tours, bike rentals, etc. Those are all good to have. In fact, I ended up going on a boat trip because I  picked up a brochure for it.\n\nOn Sunday, I was at the visitor center on Assateague. They have lots of exhibits about the area, its history and its flora and fauna. You could pretty much wander around the building looking at exhibits and picking up brochures.  However, you would have probably not really noticed or paid attention to the fact that nature bus tours leave from the center.\n\nWhile talking to the woman at the information desk about trails and things to do on Assateague, she recommended taking the bus tour. She said that you would see the famous Chincoteague ponies, guaranteed, and also lots of other animals native to the area. You would be sitting in air conditioned bus going where nobody else is allowed to drive. In other words, she sold the tour. (BTW, we did see the ponies and a bald eagle, along with tons of egrets, ibis, osprey, and other animals, just like she said)\n\nIf she hadn\'t given the pitch for the tour, it would have not been on my agenda or even on my radar. A posting about the tour or a brochure alone would not have been sufficient. A knowledgeable salesperson made the difference.\n\nWhen you can\'t have a salesperson, you need marketing materials. But marketing materials should never replace salespeople completely.','Marketing materials don\'t replace salespeople','','publish','open','open','','marketing-materials-dont-replace-salespeople','','','2011-08-09 11:11:22','2011-08-09 16:11:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1240',0,'post','',0),(1417,4,'2011-08-29 15:23:28','2011-08-29 15:23:28','If you need to do anything when preparing any type of communications (printed, online, even spoken), you need to get your facts straight.\r\n\r\nSeems fairly obvious, but as usual, it escapes many.\r\n\r\nLet me give you an example. Last week I received a check from a foreign bank, drawn from a U.S. dollar account. I have received these before (I do have clients in other countries). I went to Bank of America to deposit it. I was told that it would take up to four months to clear. FOUR months. (This was after lots of back and forth with a clueless teller and her remarkably unfriendly supervisor). I told them time and again that this was a US DOLLAR check--no exchange rate necessary.  It didn\'t matter--they thought they had their facts straight, and did not leave me any option but to take the check elsewhere.\r\n\r\nI went to my other bank. They were MUCH friendlier there, and seemed to understand what I was saying. They went ahead and deposited the check, warning that it would take up to six weeks to clear.  And that I would be charged a fee. Because of the exchange rate. But, I said, this is a check drawn in US DOLLARS.  There should be no exchange of any sort. Bottom line, the check cleared immediately. I have not yet been charged a fee. Seems like the bank teller and her supervisor at the second bank did not have their facts straight.\r\n\r\nYou have to know what you are talking about plain and simple. Sure you can make mistakes or have to ask someone if you don\'t know, but it is inexcusable to give customers/potential customers the wrong information.\r\n\r\nGet your facts straight before you put anything out there!','Getting your facts straight','','publish','open','open','','getting-your-facts-straight','','','2011-08-29 15:23:28','2011-08-29 15:23:28','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1417',0,'post','',0),(1361,4,'2009-10-16 07:53:28','2009-10-16 12:53:28','Organizations that deal with the public typically have one or more frontline people. These people deal directly with the public, perhaps by giving directions, meeting and greeting or assisting in some way. Many times, these frontline people are also some of the least well compensated in the organization. But they are crucial in shaping how the public perceives the organization.\n\n[picapp src=\"b/0/0/7/Online_Shoppers_Continue_e229.jpg?adImageId=5802925&amp;imageId=2370520\" width=\"380\" height=\"253\" /]\n\nHave you ever walked into an office where the receptionist didn\'t even bother to greet you? Have you stood waiting for help at a \"customer service\" booth? Then you know that your interaction with people that are supposed to assist you can color how you perceive the organization that they represent.  However, many organizations don\'t seem to grasp this simple concept and continue to deploy people in \"helping\" positions that are unwilling or unable to help, therefore damaging the credibility and perception of the organization.\n\n<strong>Here\'s a tip: if you are hiring someone to help you to deal with the public make sure that persons LIKES helping people. </strong>\n\nOn my last trip, I had trouble checking in on the kiosk. So, a very unhelpful, surly guy came over, growled at me and told me to go wait in line. He was absolutely rude and unpleasant. Do you think that makes me feel positive toward the airline in question?\n\nYesterday, I was in downtown DC to meet with a client. She had her laptop with her and we needed to go somewhere with WiFi. I couldn\'t think where the nearest Cosi was, but DC has deployed Downtown DC people in the Gallery Place area. I went up a woman with the Downtown DC jacket and asked her if she knew where the nearest Cosi was. She did. She gave us specific, perfect directions. She was helpful (and right). Contrast that with an exchange I had witnessed earlier inside a Metro station. A gentleman had approached the booth to ask a question, and the  lady in the booth was BERATING him for tapping on her window. Does that make Metro look helpful? (BTW, I have had similar experiences with people in the booths...they just don\'t want to be bothered to do their jobs, that is, assisting people.)\n\nAs a marketing consultant, I can advise you to take a good look at who is dealing with public in your organization. These people are crucial because they create the first (and maybe the only) impression the public will have of your organization.','Who is helping you to help others?','','inherit','open','open','','522-revision','','','2009-10-16 07:53:28','2009-10-16 12:53:28','',522,'http://deborahbrody.com/2009/10/522-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1359,4,'2009-10-27 08:14:49','2009-10-27 13:14:49','Newspapers are in decline. It\'s a fact.\n\nThis is the first paragraph from a <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Newspapers\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603272.html?wprss=rss_business\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post article entitled \"The accelerating decline of newspapers by Frank Ahrens</a>:\n<blockquote>\"U.S. newspaper circulation has hit its lowest level in seven decades, as papers across the country lost 10.6 percent of their paying readers from April through September, compared with a year earlier.\"</blockquote>\nThe numbers were released by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), which measures circulation for print media across the United States.  Some interesting (and sad)  facts from the study:\n<ul>\n	<li>30.4 million Americans buy daily newspapers, 40 million on Sundays</li>\n	<li>Daily circulation has been declining since 1987</li>\n	<li>In 1940, 31 percent of Americans bought a newspaper. Today, it is 13%.</li>\n	<li>The top five newspapers are:  Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post (all except the Journal have lost readers)</li>\n	<li>USA Today suffered the highest reader loss, declining by 17.2%, due in part to a decline in the travel industry</li>\n</ul>\n[picapp src=\"f/c/7/8/Decline_In_Daily_0b46.jpg?adImageId=6830326&amp;imageId=6916279\" width=\"234\" height=\"156\" /]\n\nAs fewer people buy print newspapers, fewer advertisers will pay fewer dollars for the chance to display their ads therein. What will happen to the industry? More cuts and less paper, that is for sure. The New York Times recently announced another round of layoffs from its newsroom. The Washington Post is desperate to reinvent itself and recently went through a complete redesign.\n\nIs there a solution? Your thoughts?\n\n','Numbers don\'t lie','','inherit','open','open','','536-revision','','','2009-10-27 08:14:49','2009-10-27 13:14:49','',536,'http://deborahbrody.com/2009/10/536-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1352,4,'2009-12-11 08:09:08','2009-12-11 13:09:08','What does it say about the publishing industry when the venerable, 108-year-old trade journal covering the industry is folding?Read the story <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Crains NY Biz\" href=\"http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091210/FREE/912109995/1040\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a>\n\nIt seems inevitable that we will see continued downturn in the magazine market. More and more, people are turning to digital media for all their news and information. And why not? It is there, at your fingertips. It is continually updated and often, you don\'t have to pay for it.\n\nMagazines are starting to seem as quaint as LPs (vinyl records for those who don\'t remember).\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=sad+face&amp;iid=5265478\" src=\"c/8/7/8/Closeup_of_an_a881.jpg?adImageId=8202748&amp;imageId=5265478\" width=\"234\" height=\"352\" /]\n\n','Editor & Publisher to shut down','','inherit','open','open','','586-revision','','','2009-12-11 08:09:08','2009-12-11 13:09:08','',586,'http://deborahbrody.com/2009/12/586-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1350,4,'2010-01-06 10:44:56','2010-01-06 15:44:56','We all have gone to see a movie that our best friend raved about only to find we thought it was just OK.  Same happens with restaurants that receive glowing reviews. What happens is that our expectations have been set too high and naturally, we are disappointed with reality.\n\nIt\'s a like a present that is wrapped beautifully....what will be inside? Will it be better than its wrapping?\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=expectation&amp;iid=7282168\" src=\"0/a/9/d/Closeup_of_a_71b6.jpg?adImageId=8820179&amp;imageId=7282168\" width=\"234\" height=\"155\" /]\n\nBuzz is about forming expectations and then exploiting them.  Marketing people love buzz or WOM (word-of-mouth) because few things are as powerful as a recommendation from someone we know.\n\nThe down side of creating high expectations is having to deliver or even over-deliver on such expectations.  We can have stuff go very wrong when things don\'t live up to expectations.\n\nLately, I have been paying attention to hotel websites and ratings. Usually, there is a picture of a perfect room. We don\'t see anything wrong.  But what happens if we book this room, and show up at the hotel only to find that the bathroom is filthy, the carpets (which did not show up in the room picture) are grimy and the noise level is unbearable. What happens is that we are very unhappy. But what makes it worse is that we <em>expected </em>better.\n\nClearly there is a fine line to walk for marketing people. We have to create expectations  and we have to be able to meet them in a reasonable way.\n\nTastes differ of course, so what I absolutely love, you may hate. Humans are more forgiving of taste not being met, but with service and other issues that are quantifiable we are not so forgiving. For instance, I went to a restaurant with a friend. We both order the same thing, and I like it but she doesn\'t. Taste  is at play (she prefers less spicy). However, we can both agree on the service (good), ambience (lovely), parking (difficult).\n\nMarketing that succeeds creates high enough expectations to attract a customer without creating a situation that the customer may actually be upset. The latter happens a lot with sales. Stores run a sale, drawing customers expecting to get a great price on an item they really want. Expectations are not met and tempers are raised if the item is out of stock or is not as it appeared.\n\nWhat do you do to create reasonable expectations? How do you navigate this  line?\n\n','Expectations','','inherit','open','open','','602-revision','','','2010-01-06 10:44:56','2010-01-06 15:44:56','',602,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/01/602-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1348,4,'2010-01-11 15:31:04','2010-01-11 20:31:04','Although I am not a fan of New Year\'s resolutions, I think January is a great time to set goals for oneself. You have a whole year ahead of you to meet those goals. And goals are tangible. You either meet them or not, whereas resolutions like \"I want to be healthier\" are vague.\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=new+year%27s+resolutions&amp;iid=217929\" src=\"0214/e9341312-9a21-4e7a-88f5-1106ee9ade4d.jpg?adImageId=8928348&amp;imageId=217929\" width=\"234\" height=\"209\" /]\n\nHere are some personal marketing goals:\n<ul>\n	<li>Upload a headshot to LinkedIn</li>\n	<li>Answer at least one question a month on LinkedIn</li>\n	<li>Refine your LinkedIn headline</li>\n	<li>Increase your LinkedIn contacts by 25% (minimum)</li>\n	<li>Get business cards if you don\'t have them</li>\n	<li>Update and polish your elevator speech and then practice it!</li>\n	<li>Attend networking events at least twice a month</li>\n	<li>Join a professional association</li>\n	<li>Join a committee or volunteer group</li>\n	<li>Start a blog if you don\'t have one (Posterous is easy!) or post regularly on your existing blog</li>\n</ul>\nWhat goals are you setting for yourself?\n\n','Personal marketing goals for 2010','','inherit','open','open','','610-revision','','','2010-01-11 15:31:04','2010-01-11 20:31:04','',610,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/01/610-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1347,4,'2010-01-14 08:00:22','2010-01-14 13:00:22','There are followers and lists and getting many of each seems to be the focus for many people on Twitter.  Some people make pleas for more followers and then there is \"Follow Friday\" in which people recommend to their followers other people to follow.\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=high+school&amp;iid=210464\" src=\"0206/625fd0f7-ca7e-48b0-88a8-0b09566b4912.jpg?adImageId=8976947&amp;imageId=210464\" width=\"234\" height=\"156\" /]\n\nIf this sounds a bit like a high school popularity contest, it is, for some people.  Many people use Twitter to give and get information and ideas, but there is a subset of people who use Twitter to prove their hotness/coolness/hipness/in-the-knowness.  These people go so far as to form cliques on Twitter, endlessly referencing their clique friends in every Tweet. They converse in public with each other and rarely engage with non-clique/inner circle people. Several of these people are \"social media experts,\" which is ironic since they are not being very social (I must credit <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Daria Steigman\" href=\"http://www.steigmancommunications.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Daria Steigman of Steigman Communications</a> with this idea).\n\nI have theories as to why Twitter becomes like a high school for these people but I won\'t share them here.  It is important to remember what social networks are for, and that is to make it easy to create connection. If all you are doing on Twitter is sending shout-outs to your five closest buddies or endlessly promoting yourself, you are not using Twitter to its full potential. I can\'t say that you are not using Twitter for what it is intended because I have no idea what its founder was thinking when he created the microblogging site.\n\nTwitter is a great learning tool and it is a great sharing tool. It democratizes access and can really serve to mobilize people around causes. Eugene Robinson makes excellent observation in today\'s Washington Post, saying:\n<blockquote>Twitter and other networking sites are unfiltered by editors or other gatekeepers. They rely on the wisdom of the crowd to sort out what is accurate and what is not. To someone (like me) who has spent his career as a gatekeeper, this was tremendously unsettling -- at first. During the Iran protests, I saw how quickly Twitter users identified misinformation that was being posted by government propagandists. The self-policing capability of the medium is impressive.\n\nThe other big difference is that social networking offers not just information, but also the opportunity to take action. Twitter users were able to work together to mask the identities of the Iranian demonstrators who were using the site to tell the world what was happening. Last night, along with the news from Haiti came suggestions for how the Twitter community could most effectively help the relief effort.\n\nIs this “news” the way we used to think of it? No. But it’s news people can use.\n\nRead <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Eugene Robinson\" href=\"http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/01/following_the_earthquake_in_ha.html#more\" target=\"_blank\">complete article</a> here.</blockquote>\nTo  those popularity hounds on Twitter I say put high school behind you.  If you have something worthwhile to say people will follow you no matter who your friends are or aren\'t.','Is Twitter a High School for Adults?','','inherit','open','open','','614-revision','','','2010-01-14 08:00:22','2010-01-14 13:00:22','',614,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/01/614-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1346,4,'2010-01-20 07:41:07','2010-01-20 12:41:07','We\'ve all heard it before, \"it is not what you say, but how you say it. \"  Well, in my opinion,  it is both. What you say is also important, but how you say it makes the difference in how it is received. One person who does not seem to understand or care about this is President Obama\'s press secretary, Robert Gibbs.  Gibbs is forever being snarky, sarcastic and just plain unpleasant. I would lay bets that most, if not all, of the White House press corps despise his guts.\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=robert+gibbs&amp;iid=7458562\" src=\"b/2/e/c/White_House_Press_3076.JPG?adImageId=9322530&amp;imageId=7458562\" width=\"234\" height=\"329\" /]\n\nIn my opinion, Gibbs is one of the worst press secretaries I have ever seen. He can\'t answer questions straight on, he uses big words he doesn\'t seem to understand, but worst of all, he seems bored and above the job. This morning, I read a great <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Robert Gibbs \" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/19/AR2010011904347.html?hpid=opinionsbox1\" target=\"_blank\">column on Gibbs in the Washington Post, by Dana Milbank</a>. Most of the time, Milbank\'s own sarcasm and unpleasantness make his column a must-skip, so imagine my surprise when he points out his own apparent dislike of Gibbs\' snark. Here\'s an excerpt from the column:\n<blockquote>Gibbs acts as though he\'s playing himself in the movie version of his job. In this imaginary film, he is the smart-alecky press secretary, offering zippy comebacks and cracking jokes to make his questioners look ridiculous. It\'s no great feat to make reporters look bad, but this act also sends a televised image of a cocksure White House to ordinary Americans watching at home.\n\nThis is the most visible manifestation of a larger problem the Obama White House has. Many Obama loyalists from the 2008 race still seem, after a year on the job, to have trouble exiting campaign mode. They sometimes appear to be running a taxpayer-funded rapid-response operation</blockquote>\nIf Obama is sinking in the polls, and his agenda is failing (and now he has managed to lose a historically Democratic Senate seat, although that may have had more to do with the Democratic candidate\'s lack of campaign skills --Read this great blog post on it by my friends over at <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Fresh Ground on Mass elections\" href=\"http://itsfreshground.com/2010/01/mass-election/\" target=\"_blank\">Fresh Ground Communications</a>). It may have something to do with HOW the White House is communicating its message, which is poorly.  Gibbs\' holier-than-thou approach to everything and everyone is not helping one bit. If Obama wants to regain some footing I would suggest he replace Gibbs with someone a bit kinder, a bit gentler.  Replace Gibbs with someone who gets that how you say things really does make a difference.\n\nWhat are your thoughts? Do you like Gibbs? How about a poll:\n\n[polldaddy poll=2560587]\n\n','How you say it','','inherit','open','open','','621-revision','','','2010-01-20 07:41:07','2010-01-20 12:41:07','',621,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/01/621-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1343,4,'2010-02-19 10:17:42','2010-02-19 15:17:42','Are you by chance speaking in jargon? Why are you doing that?\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=languages&amp;iid=108258\" src=\"0104/435f9fff-1f6b-4ed9-84a0-4580b834d54d.jpg?adImageId=10492508&amp;imageId=108258\" width=\"234\" height=\"351\" /]\n\nAs a writer and a consultant, I often ask my clients what their \"keywords\" are. It is helpful, and sometimes crucial, to use the right terminology for any given industry.  Especially when you are working in a business to business environment, you need to know how these businesses look for the services/products that they need. But when an outsider lands on one of these B-to-B web pages or marketing materials,  he or she will most likely end up not understanding a word.  For instance, a client of mine uses the terms \"professional services.\"  For general marketing purposes, this is the emptiest phrase out there, but in the client\'s world, it carries a specific meaning.\n\nSetting aside the need for industry-specific terminology, and recognizing the importance of specific terminology in a B-to-B setting, what is going on with language today? Why are so many people talking in gobbledy-gook? Lately, I have heard the following phrases/terms on TV, in conversation and seemingly, everywhere else:\n<ul>\n	<li>Drilling down (apparently, this means getting to the heart of the issue or talking specifically)</li>\n	<li>Sweet spot (as in where the perfect opportunity lies)</li>\n	<li>Being out of pocket (never got this one although it means being unreachable)</li>\n	<li>Getting your ducks all in a row (oldie but goodie, means be prepared)</li>\n	<li>Leveraging an opportunity (making the most of something)</li>\n	<li>Staying ahead of the curve (presumably, leveraging opportunities to get to your sweet spot)</li>\n</ul>\nIn a sense, these universally used phrases serve as a crutch. Use them and other people will understand what you mean, even when the meaning isn\'t entirely clear. Sometimes, using touch phrases makes someone look like an insider, someone who is in the know.\n\nIn the end, jargon and catch phrases muck up your meaning. It\'s one thing to use these in conversation where I can stop and ask you what you mean. It\'s another to use them in writing.  When things are written (especially printed) there is no easy or quick way to ask the writer what he or she means.\n\nCatch my drift?\n\n','What language are you speaking?','','inherit','open','open','','651-revision','','','2010-02-19 10:17:42','2010-02-19 15:17:42','',651,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/02/651-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1336,4,'2010-06-01 08:14:23','2010-06-01 13:14:23','We all have pet peeves and things that make us go bonkers. Right? Unfortunately, we can\'t always tell what will make other people feel like they are listening to nails scratching a blackboard, and sometimes our communications misfire because of it.\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=nails+scratching&amp;iid=199257\" src=\"0195/942cd443-efbf-4adf-a4fc-a16acd3e1ddb.jpg?adImageId=13061654&amp;imageId=199257\" width=\"266\" height=\"641\" /]\n\nI wish I could say these are universal peeves and that you should avoid them at all costs (you <em>should </em>avoid them with me), instead I am asking you to think of what makes you crazy and what you would like to see avoided. Please be sure to share in the comments.\n<ul>\n	<li>Using words that you don\'t understand or saying something complicated when simple would do (like utile--why can\'t you say useful?)</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Having really obvious grammatical mistakes (example: using I instead of me or having problems with subject-verb agreement)</li>\n</ul>\n(Please read this entry over at OpenForum: <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Open Forum\" href=\"http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/marketing/article/5-common-word-usage-mistakes-that-make-you-sound-stupid-or-worse-pompous-ann-handley\" target=\"_blank\">5 Common Word Usage Mistakes that Make You Sound Stupid</a>)\n<ul>\n	<li>Capitalizing Everything Instead of Bolding: more and more people are doing this in white papers and other texts. <strong>Capitals are for proper names and the beginning of sentences only.</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Threatening: If you don\'t do it this now... For instance, I got an email from the IPRA (a division of the PRSA-NCC) about an event, and then I got another email, and another. Then, I got one that said \"final notice.\" Like if it was an overdue bill and I hadn\'t paid it. And then I get an email telling me it\'s my \"last chance.\" Here\'s a newsflash IPRA: threatening me is not going to make me more interested in seeing Mike McCurry,  who sold out his boss for the chance to sell his book. Nope.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saying or claiming things that are obviously not true: I am planning to write a post about this specifically, but what I am referring to are ads or brochures that seem to ignore reality.  Like those Cox Communications commercials that claim the company has great customer service, when plenty of people can attest to the opposite. Or American Airlines claiming to be empathetic, telling me they know why I fly.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Insulting my intelligence: enough said.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Excessive self-promotion:  I see this a lot on Twitter and Facebook. When you feel the need to tell me how great you are all the time, I immediately think you are insecure.  I used to follow someone who was very proud of her WeightWatchers progress. And that is fine, but she needed all her followers to pat her on the back too. There is a moving line somewhere between excessive self-promotion (and neediness) and genuine pride and promotion of accomplishments. Figure out where it lies.</li>\n</ul>\nWhat\'s on your list?\n\n\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F01%2Fthings-that-make-me-crazy%2F&amp;linkname=Things%20that%20make%20me%20crazy\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Things that make me crazy','','inherit','open','open','','770-revision','','','2010-06-01 08:14:23','2010-06-01 13:14:23','',770,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/06/770-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1333,4,'2010-06-24 11:43:28','2010-06-24 16:43:28','As anyone who has been through media training knows, what you say to a journalist is always on the record, even if you think it\'s not. When you talk to a journalist, he or she is gathering information, and whether you are quoted directly or not, you have been used as a source.\n\nRecently, there have been two widely publicized media gaffes.  The most recent involves comments made by General Stanly McChrystal and his staff to Rolling Stone magazine. Those comments, widely seen as being proof of insubordination, led to McChrystal\'s resignation from his post as commanding officer of the war in Afghanistan.\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=mcchrystal&amp;iid=9179806\" src=\"http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9179806/file-photo-army-general/file-photo-army-general.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9179806\" width=\"234\" height=\"150\" /]\n\nIt is hard to believe that McChrystal, a former head of Special Ops, would be so candid with a journalist not knowing his comments would make it to print.  Anyone who has had as much exposure to the media would know that a journalist is always pursuing a story. In my opinion, McChrystal knew exactly what he was doing, and had his own motivations for getting on the record with his views of President Obama and the direction of the war in Afghanistan.\n\nThe other media gaffe also cost a job. I am talking of Helen Thomas and her anti-Semitic barrage, caught on video by a citizen journalist and blogger.  Thomas, when asked on her views on Israel, did not hold back her contempt or her extremist views. Some have asked whether she understood the implications of talking to a non-journalist.  In her fifty years plus of experience, Thomas must have come across a hand-held camera before. As a journalist herself, she knows that anything you say in front of other people can be quoted or at least, used as source material. Even if Thomas had not been captured on video, the Rabbi who interviewed her could have publicized her comments.\n\nBecause, as we said before, now more than ever, NOTHING is off the record. And all of us are going on the record all the time, on Twitter, Facebook, blogs and wherever else we are interacting. We need to be mindful that what we say can and will be used against (or for) us.\n\nYour thoughts?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F24%2Fits-always-on-the-record%2F&amp;linkname=It%27s%20always%20on%20the%20record!\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>\n\n','It\'s always on the record!','','inherit','open','open','','797-revision','','','2010-06-24 11:43:28','2010-06-24 16:43:28','',797,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/06/797-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1330,4,'2010-08-04 09:48:42','2010-08-04 14:48:42','This past weekend I took a little trip out to the beach in Rehoboth, Delaware. The weather was great and hanging out near the ocean is always relaxing. You see all types out on the beach but what struck me as I looked around was how many obese people were there. In fact, I am seeing more and more obese people everywhere. The<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"NY Times\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/health/nutrition/04fat.html?_r=1\" target=\"_blank\"> New York Times reports that obesity rates are rising,</a> so it really is no surprise.  Pretty close to one out of three Americans is obese.\n\nAs the New York Times article points out, obesity is a national health epidemic. Obesity can be tied to many deadly diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.\n\n[picapp align=\"none\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=obese+people&amp;iid=275419\" src=\"http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/275419/beer-belly/beer-belly.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=275419\" width=\"319\" height=\"480\" /]\n\nIs marketing to blame for obesity? On the boardwalk in Rehoboth it is hard to avoid the aroma of french fries and candied popcorn. Candy stores are everywhere, and healthy food is hard to find. There were a lot of people jogging on the boardwalk, but there were many more people just sitting on the beach. Fast food and junk food don\'t really have to market too much--they just have to be available. Which begs the question, if healthy options were available (and made to look as tantalizing), would people choose to buy those instead?\n\nIs there an effort being made by public health authorities to market a healthier lifestyle? I don\'t see any evidence of it. Obviously, it is hard to change people\'s habits. And when on vacation, people tend to want to reward themselves with treats like fried dough and salt water taffy. How many people want to use vacation to start a healthy eating plan? Not many--because it is not appealing.\n\nIf marketing has a fault in the obesity epidemic, is that not enough is being done to market healthy choices, or the benefits of  NOT being obese. Or perhaps, more should be done to show people the MORTAL DANGERS of obesity. It is not just about looks--our society certainly markets thinness as an equivalent to beauty--but about health. Fat people are at risk, and the sad thing is they can do something about it: eat less, exercise more.\n\nWhat are your thoughts? How can society convince people to stop piling on the pounds?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F04%2Fa-big-fat-problem%2F&amp;linkname=A%20big%2C%20fat%20problem\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','A big, fat problem','','inherit','open','open','','850-revision','','','2010-08-04 09:48:42','2010-08-04 14:48:42','',850,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/08/850-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1327,4,'2010-10-25 09:36:35','2010-10-25 14:36:35','Are your efforts paying off? Is your marketing achieving results?\n\n[picapp align=\"center\" wrap=\"false\" link=\"term=bull\'s+eye&amp;iid=5253916\" src=\"http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/5253916/close-dart-bulls-eye/close-dart-bulls-eye.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=5253916\" width=\"234\" height=\"234\" /]\n\nHow do you know? Obviously, the first sign is that you are generating numbers: sales, impressions.\n\nBut how do you know what people think about you, your product, your service and your marketing efforts? This is a harder question to answer. If people don\'t attend your event, it could be for a myriad of reasons (don\'t have time, costs too much not interested). Same thing with your product or service. How do you know why people aren\'t buying?\n\nIt comes down to requesting feedback, and to listening to what your audience has to say.\n\nFirst, you should ALWAYS request feedback from attendees to your event and people who buy your product. Make it easy for people to provide comments on your website. Have an email address specifically for feedback.\n\nSecond, listen to what exactly  is being said about you in the comments  you receive. Also,  cast a wider net: check out <a title=\"Social Mention\" href=\"http://www.socialmention.com/\" target=\"_blank\">SocialMention</a> (or other social media monitoring tools) to see what is being said about you or your brand.\n\nLast week, I tweeted to a local marketing networking group that they were sending me too many email messages. In fact, it got to a point that I would just delete rather than read. The organizational response to me via Twitter  was to tell me they would be happy to remove me from the list. I told them to take my comment seriously. I was giving them FEEDBACK. They didn\'t want to listen.\n\nYou will not know if you are hitting the mark with your marketing efforts if you don\'t make an effort to gather feedback. You may get some people to buy your product or attend your event, but you may be missing a host of others.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F25%2Fare-you-hitting-the-mark%2F&amp;linkname=Are%20you%20hitting%20the%20mark%3F\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Are you hitting the mark?','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision','','','2010-10-25 09:36:35','2010-10-25 14:36:35','',940,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/10/940-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1323,4,'2011-05-09 09:40:30','2011-05-09 14:40:30','Perhaps if you studied politics, like I did, you think faction is a party or group that is usually causing some trouble. However, if you watch <a href=\"http://morganspurlock.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Morgan Spurlock\'s</a> The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, you will learn that a \"faction\" is a combination of the words fact and fiction. Meaning that it is neither fact nor fiction. Perhaps it is a fictionalized fact, or fact-based fiction. Sounds like many of the memoirs that are making the rounds these days.\n\nThe Greatest Movie Ever Sold is a faction, and it is a must-watch movie if you are even remotely interested in marketing. Spurlock, who is previously known for his documentary Super Size Me, has blown open the world of product placement and movie funding.\n\nThis movie is funny and it is pure genius. To see Spurlock go pitch this movie, about product placement and movie funding, to people in marketing is just about as humorous as any parody can be. But what is truly genius, is that it is real. This is how things get done in the world of marketing. Celebrity endorsements are real. Advertisers are looking for new ways to reach more audiences. And everything is for sale.\n\nI can\'t do this movie justice here. There was too much stuff that struck a chord, from creating a pitch, to finding the brand personality, to how to market a movie.\n\nHere\'s a the official trailer:\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Ng2P3zxfM&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F09%2Ffaction-learn-what-this-is%2F&amp;linkname=%22Faction%3A%22%20learn%20what%20this%20is\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','\"Faction:\" learn what this is','','inherit','open','open','','1137-revision','','','2011-05-09 09:40:30','2011-05-09 14:40:30','',1137,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/05/1137-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1324,4,'2011-08-12 00:30:40','2011-08-12 00:30:40','Perhaps if you studied politics, like I did, you think faction is a party or group that is usually causing some trouble. However, if you watch <a href=\"http://morganspurlock.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Morgan Spurlock\'s</a> The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, you will learn that a \"faction\" is a combination of the words fact and fiction. Meaning that it is neither fact nor fiction. Perhaps it is a fictionalized fact, or fact-based fiction. Sounds like many of the memoirs that are making the rounds these days.\n\nThe Greatest Movie Ever Sold is a faction, and it is a must-watch movie if you are even remotely interested in marketing. Spurlock, who is previously known for his documentary Super Size Me, has blown open the world of product placement and movie funding.\n\nThis movie is funny and it is pure genius. To see Spurlock go pitch this movie, about product placement and movie funding, to people in marketing is just about as humorous as any parody can be. But what is truly genius, is that it is real. This is how things get done in the world of marketing. Celebrity endorsements are real. Advertisers are looking for new ways to reach more audiences. And everything is for sale.\n\nI can\'t do this movie justice here. There was too much stuff that struck a chord, from creating a pitch, to finding the brand personality, to how to market a movie.\n\nHere\'s a the official trailer:\n\n[youtube id=T4Ng2P3zxfM&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F09%2Ffaction-learn-what-this-is%2F&amp;linkname=%22Faction%3A%22%20learn%20what%20this%20is\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','\"Faction:\" learn what this is','','inherit','open','open','','1137-autosave','','','2011-08-12 00:30:40','2011-08-12 00:30:40','',1137,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/1137-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1325,4,'2010-10-21 08:03:53','2010-10-21 13:03:53','When you are trying to market your services or your product, you will naturally try to make the product or service look appealing. That\'s fine, as long as you are not overselling or over-promising. If you oversell or promise something you can\'t deliver, you will run into problems.\n\nLet me give you an example, drawn from my experience this week with the US Postal Service.\n\nMy mother sent me an express package on Monday. It was guaranteed to be delivered by noon on Tuesday. It wasn\'t. I called the 1-800 to track it and find out where it was. After some problems with the automated attendant (that is a whole other issue), I got through to a representative. She had no idea where my package was or when I would get it. At one point, she put me on hold. During this interlude, I found out that:\n<blockquote>For delivery you can rely on, choose the United States Postal Service.</blockquote>\nIs that supposed to be a joke? My \"express\" package arrived more than 24 hours after it was \"guaranteed\" to arrive. And as I learned from the customer service agent, the guarantee is really about your money. They don\'t actually guarantee the arrival of the express packages at their destination, but rather, if your package doesn\'t arrive when they say it will, they will give you your money back.\n\nI guess that when you absolutely, positively need it there by a certain time, don\'t use the USPS, use Fedex (or UPS). For those of you who don\'t remember the Fedex ad, here it is\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31yxkSIIn9A&amp;fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0]\n\nThe quickest thing you can do ruin your reputation is to promise that you will do something that you can\'t or won\'t do. And reputation is important in marketing. What do you think my impression is of the USPS?\n\nSo, when you are prepping your marketing materials (and especially your tag line), be careful about what you say.  Daily Blog Tips has a great post on <a title=\"Daily Blog Tips\" href=\"http://www.dailyblogtips.com/10-tips-to-improve-your-sales-copy-today/\" target=\"_blank\">10 Tips to Improve Your Sales Copy Today</a>. Note that their number two tip is:  <strong>Don\'t Make a Promise You Can\'t Keep.</strong>\n\n<strong>\n</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.addtoany.com/share_save?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F21%2Fcan-you-keep-your-promise%2F&amp;linkname=Can%20you%20keep%20your%20promise%3F\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_256_24.png\" alt=\"Share\" /></a>','Can you keep your promise?','','inherit','open','open','','934-revision','','','2010-10-21 08:03:53','2010-10-21 13:03:53','',934,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/10/934-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1326,4,'2010-12-14 06:59:54','2010-12-14 11:59:54','Have you seen the new UPS commercials? It\'s about logistics.  There are several different iterations, but they all talk about how important logistics are, and of course, UPS is all about logistics.  Really? I thought UPS was about shipping. But I guess I am supposed to now think of shipping as just the visible part of the complex web that is logistics.\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRAHa_Po0Kg&fs=1&amp;hl=en_US]\n\nWhat\'s good:\n\nSong is memorable. Logistics is a new USP for UPS. It has definitely caught my attention.\n\nWhat\'s bad:\n\nLogistics? Really? Is that why I would ship with UPS over Fedex?\n\nYour thoughts?','Logistics?','','inherit','open','open','','995-revision','','','2010-12-14 06:59:54','2010-12-14 11:59:54','',995,'http://deborahbrody.com/2010/12/995-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1363,4,'2011-06-07 09:02:37','2011-06-07 09:02:37','','Services','','inherit','open','open','','14-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:02:37','2011-06-07 09:02:37','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/14-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1364,4,'2011-08-19 04:46:59','2011-08-19 04:46:59','Writing Translation Communications Consulting Communication Audit','','','publish','open','open','','1364','','','2018-02-12 10:39:32','2018-02-12 15:39:32','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1364',2,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1367,4,'2011-08-19 05:34:09','2011-08-19 05:34:09','Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:34:09','2011-08-19 05:34:09','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1368,4,'2011-08-19 05:34:31','2011-08-19 05:34:31','<div style=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:34:31','2011-08-19 05:34:31','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1369,4,'2011-08-19 05:38:20','2011-08-19 05:38:20','<div class=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:38:20','2011-08-19 05:38:20','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1370,4,'2011-08-19 05:41:39','2011-08-19 05:41:39','<div style=\"width:600px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:41:39','2011-08-19 05:41:39','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1371,4,'2011-08-19 05:43:53','2011-08-19 05:43:53','<div style=\"width:600px;\" align=\"left\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div style=\"width:320px;\">Picture Here\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:43:53','2011-08-19 05:43:53','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1374,4,'2011-08-19 05:46:29','2011-08-19 05:46:29','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div style=\"width:300px;\" align=\"left\">Picture Here\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:46:29','2011-08-19 05:46:29','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1372,4,'2011-08-19 05:44:18','2011-08-19 05:44:18','<div style=\"width:600px;\" align=\"left\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div style=\"width:320px;\" align=\"left\">Picture Here\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:44:18','2011-08-19 05:44:18','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1373,4,'2011-08-19 05:44:38','2011-08-19 05:44:38','<div style=\"width:600px;\" align=\"left\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div style=\"width:300px;\" align=\"left\">Picture Here\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:44:38','2011-08-19 05:44:38','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1375,4,'2011-08-19 06:22:43','2011-08-19 06:22:43','','testimonial-box','','inherit','open','open','','testimonial-box','','','2011-08-19 06:22:43','2011-08-19 06:22:43','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/testimonial-box.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1376,4,'2011-08-19 05:52:44','2011-08-19 05:52:44','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">Picture Here\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:52:44','2011-08-19 05:52:44','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1377,4,'2011-08-19 06:31:11','2011-08-19 06:31:11','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">Picture Here\r\n<div id=\"testimonial><p>In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 06:31:11','2011-08-19 06:31:11','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1378,4,'2011-08-19 06:31:44','2011-08-19 06:31:44','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial><p>In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 06:31:44','2011-08-19 06:31:44','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1379,4,'2011-08-19 06:32:46','2011-08-19 06:32:46','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p>In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 06:32:46','2011-08-19 06:32:46','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1382,4,'2011-08-19 07:34:22','2011-08-19 07:34:22','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p>In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:34:22','2011-08-19 07:34:22','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1380,4,'2011-08-19 07:25:01','2011-08-19 07:25:01','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:25:01','2011-08-19 07:25:01','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1381,4,'2011-08-19 07:33:34','2011-08-19 07:33:34','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testtext\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p>Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:33:34','2011-08-19 07:33:34','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1383,4,'2011-08-19 07:46:21','2011-08-19 07:46:21','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p>In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:46:21','2011-08-19 07:46:21','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(1384,4,'2011-08-19 07:47:34','2011-08-19 07:47:34','<div id=\"aboutleft\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:47:34','2011-08-19 07:47:34','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(1385,4,'2011-08-19 07:52:29','2011-08-19 07:52:29','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\nDeborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:52:29','2011-08-19 07:52:29','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(1386,4,'2011-08-19 07:55:29','2011-08-19 07:55:29','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\nDeborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:55:29','2011-08-19 07:55:29','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(1387,4,'2011-08-19 07:59:40','2011-08-19 07:59:40','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 07:59:40','2011-08-19 07:59:40','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(1388,4,'2011-08-19 08:00:21','2011-08-19 08:00:21','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"padding-right: 10px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:00:21','2011-08-19 08:00:21','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(1389,4,'2011-08-19 08:01:39','2011-08-19 08:01:39','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"mrgin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:01:39','2011-08-19 08:01:39','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(1390,4,'2011-08-19 08:01:54','2011-08-19 08:01:54','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:01:54','2011-08-19 08:01:54','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(1391,4,'2011-08-19 08:03:05','2011-08-19 08:03:05','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:03:05','2011-08-19 08:03:05','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(1392,4,'2011-08-19 08:06:14','2011-08-19 08:06:14','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:06:14','2011-08-19 08:06:14','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(1393,4,'2011-08-19 08:06:29','2011-08-19 08:06:29','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 25px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:06:29','2011-08-19 08:06:29','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(1394,4,'2011-08-19 08:06:47','2011-08-19 08:06:47','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:06:47','2011-08-19 08:06:47','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(1395,4,'2011-08-19 08:07:01','2011-08-19 08:07:01','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 35px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:07:01','2011-08-19 08:07:01','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(1396,4,'2011-08-19 08:07:23','2011-08-19 08:07:23','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.</div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 08:07:23','2011-08-19 08:07:23','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(1397,4,'2011-08-24 16:08:37','2011-08-24 16:08:37','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.\r\n<p><a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/clients/\">Clients</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/portfolio/\">Portfolio</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/how-we-work/\">How We Work</p></div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-24 16:08:37','2011-08-24 16:08:37','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(1398,4,'2011-08-24 16:08:57','2011-08-24 16:08:57','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.\r\n<p><a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/clients/\">Clients</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/portfolio/\">Portfolio</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/how-we-work/\">How We Work</a></p></div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-24 16:08:57','2011-08-24 16:08:57','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(1399,4,'2011-08-24 16:09:24','2011-08-24 16:09:24','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.\r\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/clients/\">Clients</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/portfolio/\">Portfolio</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/how-we-work/\">How We Work</a></p></div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-24 16:09:24','2011-08-24 16:09:24','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(1400,4,'2011-08-24 16:09:55','2011-08-24 16:09:55','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.\r\n<p style=\"text-align:center; size:16px;\"><a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/clients/\">Clients</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/portfolio/\">Portfolio</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/how-we-work/\">How We Work</a></p></div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-24 16:09:55','2011-08-24 16:09:55','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(1401,4,'2011-08-24 16:10:20','2011-08-24 16:10:20','<div id=\"aboutleft\">\r\n<img src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\">Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.\r\n<p style=\"text-align:center; font-size:16px;\"><a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/clients/\">Clients</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/portfolio/\">Portfolio</a> | <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/about/how-we-work/\">How We Work</a></p></div>\r\n<div id=\"aboutright\">\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">In the media relations area, Deborah displayed great news instincts - she knew what was newsworthy and how to get coverage. She is a creative, clear, and concise writer, targeting her products to the organization and its audiences. Plus, she\'s bi-lingual and can help you reach even broader audiences.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Debbie Auerbach-Deutsch, former VP of Communications, B’nai B’rith International</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah wrote 8 reports on workshops that took place at the International Aid & Trade Event in Washington D.C. The articles she wrote are accurate, engaging and comprehensive. They were delivered as requested and on time. I am more than satisfied with Deborah\'s work and she was a pleasure to work with.</p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Sula Bruce, Aid and Development Forum</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<div id=\"testimonial\"><p id=\"testimonial\">Deborah is a smart, clear, and strong writer who always impresses me with her awareness of the latest marketing trends. </p>\r\n<p id=\"testimonial\">Bonnie Auslander, Office of Business Communications, American University Kogod School of Business</p>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-24 16:10:20','2011-08-24 16:10:20','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(1403,4,'2011-08-10 10:37:59','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Have you heard of Salonpas? I wouldn\'t blame if you haven\'t. First of all--what is that? It sounds like it\'s French and has to do with hairstyling. Second, if you have seen the commercials for it on TV, you may have thought you were watching the fake product ads on Saturday Night Live.\n\nBetween the low production value and the weird name, these commercials look like they could be reigning in the midnight to 6 am hours. But what had me shaking my head was what I consider one of the worst slogans of all time:\n\n\"Nothing\'s been proven to beat the relief.\"\n\nWhat does this mean? It means that there is no proof that anything works. That might be true in the case of Salonpas.\n\nThe takeaway here is that the name of your product or service matters. If you are going to be \"different\" then you better do a good job of explaining exactly what you do. And remember, slogans and taglines are more effective when they are clear.\n\nSee for yourself:\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX4WVN4YN0Q&amp;w=560&amp;h=349] ','Can you market a product successfully if it has a crappy name?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-08-10 10:37:59','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1234',0,'post','',0),(1404,4,'2011-08-22 08:41:50','0000-00-00 00:00:00','We all have gotten spam--in our email inbox, our Twitter feed, even on our phones (there is text spam and also some forms of telemarketing, especially robo-calls). I don\'t know many people who enjoy getting spam and even fewer who respond to spam. Yet, we can learn from the spammers--on what does not work.\n\nHere are the three main lessons you can learn from spammers:\n<ol>\n	<li>Don\'t underestimate the intelligence of your target audience</li>\n	<li>Don\'t send the same message over and over and over and over</li>\n	<li>Customize your message</li>\n</ol>\nWhat would you add?','What you can learn from spammers','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-08-22 08:41:50','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1263',0,'post','',0),(1405,4,'2011-08-26 14:06:35','0000-00-00 00:00:00','So, Microsoft, which may just define ubiquitous, is working on re-branding itself to combat the Mac attack. It is using Jerry Seinfeld to do it. I found the story on MSNBC.\n\nI am not sure that Microsoft needs to re-brand...or re-invent. Maybe improve (fewer crashes, fewer patches). In my world, most people work on PCs, except for those in design, who generally use Mac. Of those on PC,  I would venture most are running the Microsoft XP OS. Some have had to upgrade to Vista. But we all seem to work on Microsoft software like Word and Excel. I finally stopped using Explorer and now am on Mozilla, which seems less prone to shutdowns and freeze up than IE.  My point is that Microsoft is everywhere and people really don\'t associate it with anything but computers. How much more branded can','Microsoft Mega Branding','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-08-26 14:06:35','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=105',0,'post','',0),(1406,4,'2008-01-27 11:35:39','2008-01-27 16:35:39','','','','inherit','open','open','','8','','','2008-01-27 11:35:39','2008-01-27 16:35:39','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/leje_108_half18k_bg.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(1407,4,'2011-08-10 10:45:59','2011-08-10 15:45:59','Taglines can help or hamper your marketing efforts. They must be clear and relevant. A few nights ago, I was watching TV and saw the following commercial for Red Lobster:\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySl03vqdKNQ&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\n\nThe last line is: \"I see food differently. \"The tagline for this campaign is <strong>Sea Food Differently. </strong> I think this is tagline writing at its best: clever, play on words, and RELEVANT. They are saying that Red Lobster does seafood differently (presumably better) than other restaurants. Perfect.\n\nCompare that to Salonpas. Salonpas, which has a completely weird name that makes me think of a hair salon, is a pain relief patch. They are running this spot on TV right now:\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX4WVN4YN0Q&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\n\nThe tagline is: \"Nothing\'s been proven to beat the relief.\"\n\nWhat does that mean? It is saying that nothing is proven to provide relief--which, I am pretty sure, is not the message they intended.\n\nSome taglines make you scratch your head, some don\'t make you think at all, and some, the ones that work, make you think.','A tagline that works','','publish','open','open','','a-tag-line-that-works','','','2011-08-10 10:45:59','2011-08-10 15:45:59','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1245',0,'post','',0),(1408,4,'2011-08-11 08:43:24','2011-08-11 13:43:24','Increasingly, I am seeing articles out there about measuring the Return on Investment (ROI)/Return on Engagement (ROE) in social media.  This morning, I read an article that went so far as to show you how to calculate the dollar figures of investment and the projected value of any customers you may get from your blog.\n\nThe thing is this: what are you using social media to accomplish? Without knowing the answer to that, there is no measurement available. If you are indeed using your blog simply to generate sales, it is easy to calculate if you are getting a decent ROI.\n\nHowever (you knew this was coming), using social media can help you/your business accomplish many goals, such as:\n<ul>\n	<li>Thought leadership</li>\n	<li>Image/branding</li>\n	<li>Name recognition</li>\n	<li>Networking (as in actually meeting other people)</li>\n</ul>\nThese are not so easily measured in numbers and certainly not in dollars, and yet they all have <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">value</span>.\n\nMy conclusion is that you should not waste your time trying to measure your ROI/ROE but instead ask yourself if your social media use is generating value for you. If you are spending hours and hours a day on social networks and haven\'t made one solitary connection, it is clear that there is no value for you. If you have made connections, improved your image, heightened your name recognition, perhaps that is the value you seek.\n\nWhat are your thoughts? What makes you use social media for business purposes?','Some thoughts on the ROI/ROE of social media','','publish','open','open','','some-thoughts-on-the-roiroe-of-social-media','','','2011-08-11 08:43:24','2011-08-11 13:43:24','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1249',0,'post','',0),(1409,4,'2011-08-12 07:00:46','2011-08-12 12:00:46','Social media is about connecting with people on a more intimate and individual level than mass media. In the past, companies spoke at their audiences through advertisements and other marketing forms. Now, companies can INTERACT with their audiences, in fact making communications more of a two-way phenomenon.\n\nWith that in mind, the closest comparison to social media is in-person networking. I wonder how many companies calculate the ROI of sending a company representative to a networking event. If the person makes ten connections but no sales is that considered bad ROI?\n\nNetworking, and social media, is about building connections. There may or may not be a dollar value that can be attached to those connections.\n\nThoughts?','And another thought on social media ROI','','publish','open','open','','and-another-thought-on-social-media-roi','','','2011-08-12 07:00:46','2011-08-12 12:00:46','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1252',0,'post','',0),(1410,4,'2011-08-15 14:30:44','2011-08-15 19:30:44','One would hope anyway....\n\nYou know the feeling of having something just fall into your lap? It\'s pretty sweet to get work/clients/customers \"out of the clear blue sky.\" But, the thing is, they aren\'t just dropping in from outer space like ET. No, they are there because of your past performance.\n\nIf you have done good work in the past, you have past performance to back you up. If, on the other hand, you have done shoddy work in the past, your past performance will be an obstacle. Either way, your past can make stuff fall out of the clear blue sky--or not.\n\nFor marketing purposes, nothing is quite as powerful as word-of-mouth or referrals. If a trusted source gives you a name of say, a carpenter, you are very likely to contact that person. That person has been \"cleared.\" If you call the carpenter to come fix your broken bannister, you are not contacting him out of the clear blue sky. You asked around and found that someone recommended this particular carpenter.  For the carpenter, who may have been sitting back that particular day, it felt like he got business fairly easily. He didn\'t. He earned it, right?\n\nYour past performance can help you earn new business--and it can help keep business away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Nothing falls out of the clear blue sky','','publish','open','open','','nothing-falls-out-of-the-clear-blue-sky','','','2011-08-15 14:30:44','2011-08-15 19:30:44','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1254',0,'post','',0),(1411,4,'2011-08-17 11:49:11','2011-08-17 16:49:11','Twitter is not for everybody because it takes some time and skill to use it to its full effect.  Since there are so many conversations and so much information being shared, its easy to get lost and not see any usefulness.\n\n<strong>First, define what you want from Twitter.</strong> Do you want to follow like minded people? Are you a news junkie and want the latest breaking news? Do you want to get your name out there?\n\nOnce you have defined what you want, you can then choose to be a \"lurker\" or a participant. Lurkers just listen and gather information without adding anything to the conversation. They generally don\'t start conversations nor share ideas.  Participants are more active--choosing to share links, engage in conversations, re-tweet content.\n\nObviously, you will get more in the way of real connection by participating actively.\n\n<strong>Second, understand how Twitter works. </strong> Twitter is real time conversation. People are talking to each other right now. And they are talking to many people. Sometimes, newbies just respond to a question someone has posted hours ago, without any reference to the original question. That is confusing.\n\n<strong>Third, get a Twitter client like Tweetdeck or Hootsuite</strong>. It is far easier to see what is going on using a Twitter client than it is to use the Twitter web interface. You can see your @ responses (responses that mention you) and you can create specialized feeds for different subjects or groups of people.\n\n<strong>Fourth, monitor Twitter for @ responses or for Tweets mentioning your name or product.</strong> There is nothing worse than lack of response or super delayed response. I posted something five months ago and someone is just getting back to me. That is not timely...and it shows a complete lack of understanding on how to use Twitter.\n\n<strong>Fifth, understand and use hashtags wisely</strong>. Hashtags that define a topic are useful when conducting searches or grouping tweets into one heading. Some people love to make up hashtags and use many of them on a single tweet. I say choose one that encompasses the topic, if you want to have a greater presence around that tweet.\n\n<strong>Sixth, interact!</strong> If you have chosen to participate in Twitter, make sure you are interacting with other people. If you see something that is interesting, re-tweet it. Answer people\'s questions, comment on their posts.\n\n<strong>Seventh, don\'t just sell, sell, sell or self-promote.</strong> Nobody wants to see a sales message all the time or your bragging. Twitter allows you to unfollow people quite easily.\n\nThis is not the Twitter Bible. I am sure there are other things to keep in mind...what would you add?\n\n&nbsp;','How to be a better Twitter user','','publish','open','open','','how-to-be-a-better-twitter-user','','','2011-08-17 11:49:11','2011-08-17 16:49:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1256',0,'post','',0),(1412,4,'2011-08-18 10:15:30','2011-08-18 15:15:30','There should be no doubt that a company\'s customer service plays a huge role in marketing. Put bluntly, if a company has poor customer service, there will be fewer customers at the end of the day. The only exception to this rule is with monopolies like power and telephone companies, which often provide bad service but customers are forced to remain with them as they cannot take their business elsewhere.\n\nLet me give you a personal example. My website is currently hosted at Mediatemple. I have had hosting there since 2004. Off and on during the past seven years, I have had email retrieval issues among other problems.  This past Friday, I noticed my Outlook was not able to access my email. It happened again on Monday, at which point I opened a support request with Mediatemple online. I have learned, through negative interactions in the past, that calling the 1-800 number results in long waits and unhelpful personnel.\n\nAfter a few hours, I had received no response, so I tweeted it out. Mediatemple responds immediately to tweets. I did not get a response from the support request until 24 hours later. It told me I should check my email settings. I did what they suggested, and the problem persisted. Mind you, I had no problem accessing my other email on the same Outlook, using the same ISP.  In my mind, the problem was clearly on Mediatemple\'s side.  At Mediatemple, they refused to believe my claims as a customer, or accept that there could be an issue on their end. The couple of emails/tweets that followed told me to call customer service to troubleshoot my settings. Again, my settings had never been changed and the Outlook was working just fine with my other account.\n\nClearly, to Mediatemple, it is easier to shift the blame to the customer than to check their service. This has happened many times before (once, I was actually told when my website was down, that I had \"broken\" it...I wouldn\'t know how to do that). Well, enough is enough. Since I am going to relaunch my website in the next few days, I am taking my hosting elsewhere. Customer service is the reason.\n\nCustomer service can play a tremendous role in keeping customers happy and COMING back for more. Nordstrom\'s is well known for excellent customer service, and in fact, it is its key differentiating factor. An article in <a href=\"http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-11/nordstrom-founding-family-s-customer-service-leaves-saks-in-wake.html\" target=\"_blank\">Bloomberg Businessweek </a>claims that:\n<blockquote>For the most part, the Nordstroms have succeeded by making customer service the good they’re really selling, say industry observers. Though many retailers embrace “customer centricity,” a fancy term for putting the customer first, few equal Nordstrom, which routinely ranks in the top three on Luxury Institute surveys that measure customer satisfaction.</blockquote>\nRead that again: <strong>customer service is the good that Nordstrom\'s is selling.</strong> Not the clothes or the jewelry. The SERVICE. And it has made the company GROW.\n\nIf companies spends lots of money on marketing materials, advertising and public relations but neglect their customer service, the marketing efforts will be for naught.\n\n&nbsp;','Customer service IS marketing','','publish','open','open','','customer-service-is-marketing','','','2011-08-18 10:15:30','2011-08-18 15:15:30','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1259',0,'post','',1),(1413,4,'2011-08-23 09:21:55','2011-08-23 14:21:55','Many companies devote almost all of their communications/marketing resources to EXTERNAL communications, that is, the customer facing communications like ads, press releases, and so forth.  It seems like far fewer companies take the time to invest in INTERNAL communications.\n\nInternal communications are the information exchanges you have with your internal audiences: your staff, board of directors, volunteers and any other group internally affiliated with your organization.  Many companies communicate company news to employees via internal email or a staff meeting. There is nothing wrong with that, but perhaps you could do more.\n\nAn internal communications program should be:\n\n<strong>Timely.</strong> Your staff should never find out about a company decision from outside sources.\n\n<strong>Complete.</strong> Provide all the necessary details--more than you would provide the media.\n\n<strong>Regular.</strong> Even if you have no major announcements, you should communicate with your internal audiences on a regular basis.\n\nWhat kind of information should you share? Here are some ideas:\n<ul>\n	<li>Staff changes and promotions--including dismissals</li>\n	<li>Company earnings and market reports</li>\n	<li>Competitive information</li>\n	<li>Any external communications: press releases, ads, blog posts</li>\n	<li>News reports on your organization</li>\n	<li>News reports on your field</li>\n	<li>Calendar events</li>\n	<li>Policies--including any changes</li>\n</ul>\nWhen your internal audiences know less about your organization that the general public you risk a downgrade in morale. Having a good internal communications program will keep your internal audiences informed.\n\nIf you do have an internal communications program, what is your preferred form of communication? If not, why not?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Do you have an internal communications program?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-have-an-internal-communications-program','','','2011-08-23 09:21:55','2011-08-23 14:21:55','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1267',0,'post','',0),(1414,4,'2011-08-24 08:54:03','2011-08-24 13:54:03','How do you find a vendor? It is important to know this because it can inform marketing. Depending on what I am looking for, I used Google, LinkedIn, listing services, reviews or Twitter. I am sure you use other tools (and would appreciate your insights in the comments).\n\nFor example, yesterday I was searching for a freelance editor.  I used Google, and found (remarkably) few individuals had websites, whether I searched for \"DC freelance editor\" or \"Maryland freelance editor.\" I did find a couple, and one of them, had a very nice website and clearly defined rates. I searched for her on LinkedIn, and discovered that her background was very technical--no editorial. Made me think twice about her skill set. Another one had very strong writing credentials, but absolutely no social media (and she explained she is not into it). It made me question whether she gets it. I also Tweeted it out, and got a response from a colleague (good word of mouth).  But, no freelance editors even picked up on it. Obviously, not using Twitter search to find business.\n\nTool: Google\n\nMarketing lesson: Websites are important. Google profiles are helpful. If you are in an industry that is reviewed, having positive reviews is important since Google finds results from Yelp and others.\n\nTool: LinkedIn\n\nMarketing lesson: If you aren\'t on LinkedIn, you are at a disadvantage. The quality of your profile (both for individuals and companies) is important. For individuals, testimonials, number of connections and your background do matter. Don\'t make stuff up, but bone up what is there.\n\nTool: Twitter (or other social media sites)\n\nMarketing lesson: How you present yourself, and even if you are on social media, says a lot. What does your Twitter profile, stream, followers say about your business or you?\n\nTool:  Printed materials (brochures, business cards, etc.)\n\nMarketing lesson: How your marketing materials look (are they printed on quality stock, are they black/white or color, do they look professionally designed),  can give an immediate impression. How your marketing materials read--what information you provide--can seal the deal.\n\nTool:  Using the telephone\n\nMarketing lesson: Are you reachable? How do you/your company answer the phone? Do you even answer the phone? Some people will want to talk to someone in real time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTool: Word of mouth\n\nMarketing lesson: Each and every customer who has a positive interaction with you can be an ambassador, and each and every customer who has a negative impression can be a detractor. Watch your customer interactions. Improve your customer service.\n\n<strong>The bottom line is that if you are marketing yourself/your company, you have to understand how people find you, and how they decide whether to contact you or not.</strong>\n\nYour thoughts? What makes you decide on a vendor? How do you find a vendor?','Finding a vendor','','publish','open','open','','finding-a-vendor','','','2011-08-24 08:54:03','2011-08-24 13:54:03','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1270',0,'post','',0),(1415,4,'2011-08-25 09:16:52','2011-08-25 14:16:52','After three years and eight months blogging at Wordpress.com, Caffeinated Views is moving! I am now going to host the blog right on my website at www.deborahbrody.com. The change-over is happening this weekend.\n\nI am very excited to finally be able to integrate this blog into my website, although it does mean some growing pains, since those of you who subscribe will have to change your feeds. The blog will also lose its title and look a bit different. However, I will keep providing the same type of insights into marketing communications, and much appreciate your readership.\n\nThe new feed will be found here as of next week.  Please update your readers.\n\n<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/blog/feed/rss\" target=\"_blank\">http://deborahbrody.com/blog/feed/rss/</a>\n\nI would love your feedback on the new website/blog.\n\nAnd many thanks for sticking with me!','Blog is moving...please update your RSS feeds','','publish','open','open','','blog-is-moving-please-update-your-rss-feeds','','','2011-08-25 09:16:52','2011-08-25 14:16:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1272',0,'post','',0),(1418,4,'2011-08-29 15:22:47','2011-08-29 15:22:47','If you need to do anything when preparing any type of communications (printed, online, even spoken), you need to get your facts straight.\n\nSeems fairly obvious, but as usual, it escapes many.\n\nLet me give you an example. Last week I received a check from a foreign bank, drawn from a U.S. dollar account. I have received these before (I do have clients in other countries). I went to Bank of America to deposit it. I was told that it would take up to four months to clear. FOUR months. (This was after lots of back and forth with a clueless teller and her remarkably unfriendly supervisor). I told them time and again that this was a US DOLLAR check--no exchange rate necessary.  It didn\'t matter--they thought they had their facts straight, and did not leave me any option but to take the check elsewhere.\n\nI went to my other bank. They were MUCH friendlier there, and seemed to understand what I was saying. They went ahead and deposited the check, warning that it would take up to six weeks to clear.  And that I would be charged a fee. Because of the exchange rate. But, I said, this is a check drawn in US DOLLARS.  There should be no exchange of any sort. Bottom line, the check cleared immediately. I have not yet been charged a fee. Seems like the bank teller and her supervisor at the second bank did not have their facts straight.\n\nYou have to know what you are talking about plain and simple. Sure you can make mistakes or have to ask someone if you don\'t know, but it is inexcusable to give customers','Getting your facts straight','','inherit','open','open','','1417-revision','','','2011-08-29 15:22:47','2011-08-29 15:22:47','',1417,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/1417-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1431,4,'2011-09-09 14:48:54','2011-09-09 14:48:54','My last post suggested you have a strong subject line in your email, especially when you are reaching out to potential clients. You have to give them a reason to care.\r\n\r\nThis advice extends to your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook posts and your marketing in general.  If you are trying to get people to do something (read your post, buy your product/service, donate), you MUST give those people a reason to care. You can\'t just say \"look at me.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>First, ask yourself what you want your potential client or customer to do. Then ask yourself, what would make the potential client/customer interested in doing what I ask? </strong>\r\n\r\nSo instead of saying: Donate $$ to Good Cause X say Donate $$ to Good Cause so we can help feed the starving in your city.  Or be more creative: Hundreds are suffering from malnutrition--giving to Good Cause will help.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Give them a reason to care','','publish','open','open','','give-them-a-reason-to-care','','','2011-09-09 14:48:54','2011-09-09 14:48:54','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1431',0,'post','',0),(1420,4,'2011-09-01 13:02:01','2011-09-01 13:02:01','If you are in the marketing business, a pretty big chunk of your time is probably spent convincing people about something. If you are in sales, you are probably convincing them to try your product. If you are in advertising, you are doing the same on a larger scale. On the other side--the internal side--you are also trying to convince. You may be trying to persuade your client to embark on a public relations campaign or back a new creative direction.\r\n\r\nSometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn\'t. Some people resist change but can change if they see a good reason. Some people just resist change and no amount of reasoning is going to work.\r\n\r\nI have a client that refuses--flat out--to consider social media. The higher-ups at the company will not budget for it. They see no value to brand and image building. Their only criteria is bottom line.  And in marketing communications we know that there can\'t be a direct correlation between your communications efforts and the bottom line. If you are trying to create an image, the costs could be higher up front and the payoff later. To think that you will spend $100  in advertising to bring in $100 in business is wrong.  It could happen, and in fact you could spend $100 and bring in several times more in business. But it may not happen immediately.\r\n\r\nSome people won\'t change. If what you are offering/advising does not fit with their worldview, they won\'t even consider it. In this case, just give up.  Don\'t spend energy and ideas trying to convince someone who doesn\'t want to be convinced.','Some people won\'t change','','publish','open','open','','some-people-wont-change','','','2011-09-01 13:02:01','2011-09-01 13:02:01','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1420',0,'post','',0),(1421,4,'2011-09-01 13:01:54','2011-09-01 13:01:54','If you are in the marketing business, a pretty big chunk of your time is probably spent convincing people about something. If you are in sales, you are probably convincing them to try your product. If you are in advertising, you are doing the same on a larger scale. On the other side--the internal side--you are also trying to convince. You may be trying to persuade your client to embark on a public relations campaign or back a new creative direction.\n\nSometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn\'t. Some people resist change but can change if they see a good reason. Some people just resist change and no amount of reasoning is going to work.\n\nI have a client that refuses--flat out--to consider social media. The higher-ups at the company will not budget for it. They see no value to brand and image building. Their only criteria is bottom line.  And in marketing communications we know that there can\'t be a direct correlation between your communications efforts and the bottom line. If you are trying to create an image, the costs could be higher up front and the payoff later. To think that you will spend $100  in advertising to bring in $100 in business is wrong.  It could happen, and in fact you could spend $100 and bring in several times more in business. But it may not happen immediately.\n\nSome people won\'t change. If what you are offering/advising does not fit with their worldview, they won\'t even consider it. In this case, just give up.  Don\'t spend energy and ideas trying to convince someone who doesn\'t want to be convinced.','Some people won\'t change','','inherit','open','open','','1420-revision','','','2011-09-01 13:01:54','2011-09-01 13:01:54','',1420,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1420-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1422,4,'2011-09-02 14:31:52','2011-09-02 14:31:52','How long until we don\'t have printed newspapers any more? Ten years? Five? Fewer?  I am not sure but a look at some headlines on today\'s <a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mediabistro.com</a> home page give us some clues:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/los-angeles-times-raises-newsstand-price_b37673\" target=\"_blank\">LA Times to raise newsstand price</a> (new cost will be 75 cents for daily)\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/wapo-to-shutter-nearly-all-regional-bureaus_b49461\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post to shut all regional bureaus</a> (except for Richmond and Annapolis, because of the local angle needs)\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/what-happens-when-a-city-loses-its-newspaper_b6503\" target=\"_blank\">Oakland, CA loses its daily newspaper</a> (joining several other cities in the same situation)\r\n\r\nAnd most ominous of all:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.marketwatch.com/story/newspaper-ad-spending-down-7-in-2q-2011-09-01?link=MW_home_latest_news\" target=\"_blank\">Newspaper Ad Spending Down 7% in 2Q</a>\r\n\r\nThe trend is clear: fewer people are buying newspapers, and fewer readers means less enticement for advertisers, which means less ad revenue. With less per-issue/subscription revenue and ad revenue, newspapers are increasing prices to subscribers/single-issue buyers or shutting down altogether. Some, like the New York Times, are embracing the online world and charging for access. I think this (unfortunately) is where all newspapers that want to remain viable will head. But then, what will they be called?\r\n\r\nLet me know what you think. If you are heading out for a nice long weekend, enjoy! Happy Labor Day to all!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Bad news for newspapers','','publish','open','open','','bad-news-for-newspapers','','','2011-09-02 14:31:52','2011-09-02 14:31:52','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1422',0,'post','',1),(1423,4,'2011-09-02 14:30:31','2011-09-02 14:30:31','How long until we don\'t have printed newspapers any more? Ten years? Five? Fewer?  I am not sure but a look at some headlines on today\'s <a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mediabistro.com</a> home page give us some clues:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/los-angeles-times-raises-newsstand-price_b37673\" target=\"_blank\">LA Times to raise newsstand price</a> (new cost will be 75 cents for daily)\n\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/wapo-to-shutter-nearly-all-regional-bureaus_b49461\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post to shut all regional bureaus</a> (except for Richmond and Annapolis, because of the local angle needs)\n\n<a href=\"http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/what-happens-when-a-city-loses-its-newspaper_b6503\" target=\"_blank\">Oakland, CA loses its daily newspaper</a> (joining several other cities in the same situation)\n\nAnd most ominous of all:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.marketwatch.com/story/newspaper-ad-spending-down-7-in-2q-2011-09-01?link=MW_home_latest_news\" target=\"_blank\">Newspaper Ad Spending Down 7% in 2Q</a>\n\nThe trend is clear: fewer people are buying newspapers, and fewer readers means less enticement for advertisers, which means less ad revenue. With less per-issue/subscription revenue and ad revenue, newspapers are increasing prices to subscribers/single-issue buyers or shutting down altogether. Some, like the New York Times, are embracing the online world and charging for access. I think this (unfortunately) is where all newspapers that want to remain viable will head. But then, what will they be called?\n\nLet me know what you think. If you are heading out for a nice long weekend, enjoy! Happy Labor Day to all!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Bad news for newspapers','','inherit','open','open','','1422-revision','','','2011-09-02 14:30:31','2011-09-02 14:30:31','',1422,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1422-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1425,4,'2011-09-06 15:31:07','2011-09-06 15:31:07','Do you have the kind of Twitter followers you want? Are you getting the information you want and need from your Twitter stream? If the answer is no, I have one question for you to consider before you post your next Tweet:\n\n<strong>Who cares about what I am about to post?</strong>\n\nDo your friends care? Your mother? Your potential clients? Your colleagues?\n\nNot everything you want to say has to be said on social media. If you want to vent about your new dishwasher, why not call a neighbor? If you want to make brunch plans--why not text your friends?','One question to improve your Twitter stream','','inherit','open','open','','1424-revision','','','2011-09-06 15:31:07','2011-09-06 15:31:07','',1424,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1424-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1426,4,'2011-09-07 15:18:44','2011-09-07 15:18:44','Email marketing is alive and well, in spite of all the doomsayers who say email is dead. Most people use email to communicate, and generally check their email multiple times a day.\r\n\r\nWe all get tons of emails--notifications, calendar events, special discounts, sales pitches and perhaps a few personal notes too. What makes you open (let alone read) an email. There are a few scenarios:\r\n\r\n<strong>Known sender: </strong>We\'ll open something if we know who is sending it (your aunt Karen or Groupon, for example) Of course, spammers have exploited this to their advantage by fabricating the sent address.\r\n\r\n<strong>Subject line: </strong>We\'ll open something if it sounds relevant or interesting, like \"Special Event to Benefit (name of charity you care about) Next Week).\r\n\r\nIdeally, your emails should have both to ENSURE the are opened. If you don\'t have one, you have to work on the other. Your mother can send you an email with the subject line \"Hi,\" but if you are someone the recipient does not know your subject line MUST be descriptive.\r\n\r\nI received an email this morning from someone I do not know, which had the subject line \"meeting request.\" Why should I open that? I don\'t know the person sending it and the subject tells me nothing. If this person had been more descriptive and said \"(Company name) requesting meeting to discuss (product/service/whatever)\" wouldn\'t that have made it clear what the email was about?\r\n\r\n<strong>Think about your readers...do they know you well enough to care about your emails? If not, give them a good reason!</strong>\r\n\r\nUPDATE: Check out <a href=\"http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/9436.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">this infographic</a> about email, which provides some good facts/figures including the fact that email continues to GROW.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are your emails getting read?','','publish','open','open','','are-your-emails-getting-read','','','2011-09-07 19:35:04','2011-09-07 19:35:04','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1426',0,'post','',0),(1427,4,'2011-09-07 15:18:02','2011-09-07 15:18:02','Email marketing is alive and well, in spite of all the doomsayers who say email is dead. Most people use email to communicate, and generally check their email multiple times a day.\n\nWe all get tons of emails--notifications, calendar events, special discounts, sales pitches and perhaps a few personal notes too. What makes you open (let alone read) an email. There are a few scenarios:\n\n<strong>Known sender: </strong>We\'ll open something if we know who is sending it (your aunt Karen or Groupon, for example) Of course, spammers have exploited this to their advantage by fabricating the sent address.\n\n<strong>Subject line: </strong>We\'ll open something if it sounds relevant or interesting, like \"Special Event to Benefit (name of charity you care about) Next Week).\n\nIdeally, your emails should have both to ENSURE the are opened. If you don\'t have one, you have to work on the other. Your mother can send you an email with the subject line \"Hi,\" but if you are someone the recipient does not know your subject line MUST be descriptive.\n\nI received an email this morning from someone I do not know, which had the subject line \"meeting request.\" Why should I open that? I don\'t know the person sending it and the subject tells me nothing. If this person had been more descriptive and said \"(Company name) requesting meeting to discuss (product/service/whatever)\" wouldn\'t that have made it clear what the email was about?\n\nThink about your readers...do they know you well enough to care about your emails? If not, give them a good reason!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Are your emails getting read?','','inherit','open','open','','1426-revision','','','2011-09-07 15:18:02','2011-09-07 15:18:02','',1426,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1426-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1428,4,'2011-09-07 19:34:53','2011-09-07 19:34:53','Email marketing is alive and well, in spite of all the doomsayers who say email is dead. Most people use email to communicate, and generally check their email multiple times a day.\n\nWe all get tons of emails--notifications, calendar events, special discounts, sales pitches and perhaps a few personal notes too. What makes you open (let alone read) an email. There are a few scenarios:\n\n<strong>Known sender: </strong>We\'ll open something if we know who is sending it (your aunt Karen or Groupon, for example) Of course, spammers have exploited this to their advantage by fabricating the sent address.\n\n<strong>Subject line: </strong>We\'ll open something if it sounds relevant or interesting, like \"Special Event to Benefit (name of charity you care about) Next Week).\n\nIdeally, your emails should have both to ENSURE the are opened. If you don\'t have one, you have to work on the other. Your mother can send you an email with the subject line \"Hi,\" but if you are someone the recipient does not know your subject line MUST be descriptive.\n\nI received an email this morning from someone I do not know, which had the subject line \"meeting request.\" Why should I open that? I don\'t know the person sending it and the subject tells me nothing. If this person had been more descriptive and said \"(Company name) requesting meeting to discuss (product/service/whatever)\" wouldn\'t that have made it clear what the email was about?\n\n<strong>Think about your readers...do they know you well enough to care about your emails? If not, give them a good reason!</strong>\n\nUPDATE: Check out this infographic about email, which provides some good facts/figures including the fact that email continues to GROW.\n\n&nbsp;','Are your emails getting read?','','inherit','open','open','','1426-autosave','','','2011-09-07 19:34:53','2011-09-07 19:34:53','',1426,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1426-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1429,4,'2011-09-07 15:18:44','2011-09-07 15:18:44','Email marketing is alive and well, in spite of all the doomsayers who say email is dead. Most people use email to communicate, and generally check their email multiple times a day.\r\n\r\nWe all get tons of emails--notifications, calendar events, special discounts, sales pitches and perhaps a few personal notes too. What makes you open (let alone read) an email. There are a few scenarios:\r\n\r\n<strong>Known sender: </strong>We\'ll open something if we know who is sending it (your aunt Karen or Groupon, for example) Of course, spammers have exploited this to their advantage by fabricating the sent address.\r\n\r\n<strong>Subject line: </strong>We\'ll open something if it sounds relevant or interesting, like \"Special Event to Benefit (name of charity you care about) Next Week).\r\n\r\nIdeally, your emails should have both to ENSURE the are opened. If you don\'t have one, you have to work on the other. Your mother can send you an email with the subject line \"Hi,\" but if you are someone the recipient does not know your subject line MUST be descriptive.\r\n\r\nI received an email this morning from someone I do not know, which had the subject line \"meeting request.\" Why should I open that? I don\'t know the person sending it and the subject tells me nothing. If this person had been more descriptive and said \"(Company name) requesting meeting to discuss (product/service/whatever)\" wouldn\'t that have made it clear what the email was about?\r\n\r\n<strong>Think about your readers...do they know you well enough to care about your emails? If not, give them a good reason!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are your emails getting read?','','inherit','open','open','','1426-revision-2','','','2011-09-07 15:18:44','2011-09-07 15:18:44','',1426,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1426-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1430,4,'2011-08-03 07:12:04','2011-08-03 07:12:04','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff; font-weight:bold;\">Contact us</a> today to learn how to improve your marketing and communications.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-03 07:12:04','2011-08-03 07:12:04','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(1432,4,'2011-09-09 14:48:42','2011-09-09 14:48:42','My last post suggested you have a strong subject line in your email, especially when you are reaching out to potential clients. You have to give them a reason to care.\n\nThis advice extends to your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook posts and your marketing in general.  If you are trying to get people to do something (read your post, buy your product/service, donate), you MUST give those people a reason to care. You can\'t just say \"look at me.\"\n\n<strong>First, ask yourself what you want your potential client or customer to do. Then ask yourself, what would make the potential client/customer interested in doing what I ask? </strong>\n\nSo instead of saying: Donate $$ to Good Cause X say Donate $$ to Good Cause so we can help feed the starving in your city.  Or be more creative: Hundreds are suffering from malnutrition--giving to Good Cause will help.\n\n&nbsp;','Give them a reason to care','','inherit','open','open','','1431-revision','','','2011-09-09 14:48:42','2011-09-09 14:48:42','',1431,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1431-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1436,4,'2011-09-22 13:01:14','2011-09-22 13:01:14','Can you complete this line:\r\n\r\nThe main thing my customers/clients want from me is ....\r\n\r\nYou should, of course, be able to answer this. If you are a toy manufacturer, for example, your line could be \"the main thing my customers want from me is safety...parents won\'t buy unsafe toys for their kids.\"\r\n\r\nOnce you can answer this question, you can proceed with marketing.\r\n\r\nThis week, Netflix made an announcement that it would spin off its DVD business under a new name (Qwikster).  This came at the heels of a subscriber loss due in part to the 60% increase in prices announced earlier. Not only that, but Netflix\' stock price has fallen.\r\n\r\nApparently, Netflix failed to ask itself what its customers wanted. Ignoring their loyal fan base (as <a href=\"http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/09/how_netflix_lost_its_evangelis.html\" target=\"_blank\">this great article </a>in the Harvard Business Review blog discusses) is probably why there has been such an uproar.\r\n\r\nWhat do Netflix customers want? Do they want more streaming video or do they want to keep getting  DVDs in the mail? Do they want an easy, inexpensive way to get movies fast?\r\n\r\nNetflix\' CEO wants to be in the streaming business, not in the DVD business. But perhaps that is not what his customers want.  Perhaps his customers do not like the name Qwikster. Perhaps he didn\'t ASK his customers first. Sure, companies have to make decisions based on financials etc, but part of the input should include some market research, some customer feedback.  Netflix did not ask, and now they know--customers want convenience and price stability from Netflix.\r\n\r\nWhat do your customers want? How will you find out?','What do your customers want?','','publish','open','open','','what-do-your-customers-want','','','2011-09-22 13:01:14','2011-09-22 13:01:14','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1436',0,'post','',0),(1434,4,'2011-09-12 18:36:02','0000-00-00 00:00:00','You\'ve probably heard about Carol Bartz, recently fired as CEO of Yahoo! Bartz was known as a tough woman who did not polish her language, going so far as to say that Yahoo\'s board had screwed her over (except she did not say screw).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/12/living/carol-bartz-fired-from-yahoo/index.html?hpt=hp_t2\" target=\"_blank\">CNN has an article </a>discussing whether Bartz\' language was appropriate--more so in the context of what is perceived as appropriate for women versus men. Apparently, women are judged more harshly than men if they use curse words on the job.\r\n\r\nIn my opinion, it is not a male versus female thing. It is an appropriate versus inappropriate thing. It is absolutely not appropriate to use curse words in business communication and in public fora. I am not saying you should not curse--I do all the time--I just don\'t do it in a business communication (this blog for instance) or in public (like Twitter for instance).  You would not load a press release with curse words, would you? Would you run into a store, full of people you don\'t know, and curse at the top of your lungs? I hope not.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What the $#%^&?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-09-12 18:36:02','2011-09-12 18:36:02','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1434',0,'post','',0),(1435,4,'2011-09-12 18:34:45','2011-09-12 18:34:45','You\'ve probably heard about Carol Bartz, recently fired as CEO of Yahoo! Bartz was known as a tough woman who did not polish her language, going so far as to say that Yahoo\'s board had screwed her over (except she did not say screw).\n\nCNN has an article discussing whether Bartz\' language was appropriate--more so in the context of what is perceived as appropriate for women versus men. Apparently, women are judged more harshly than men if they use curse words on the job.\n\nIn my opinion, it is not a male versus female thing. It is an appropriate versus inappropriate thing. It is absolutely not appropriate to use curse words in business communication and in public fora. I am not saying you should not curse--I do all the time--I just don\'t do it in a business communication (this blog for instance) or in public (like Twitter for instance).  You would not load a press release with curse words, would you? Would you run into a store, full of people you don\'t know, and curse at the top of your lungs? I hope not.\n\n&nbsp;','What the $#%^&?','','inherit','open','open','','1434-revision','','','2011-09-12 18:34:45','2011-09-12 18:34:45','',1434,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1434-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1437,4,'2011-09-22 13:00:33','2011-09-22 13:00:33','Can you complete this line:\n\nThe main thing my customers/clients want from me is ....\n\nYou should, of course, be able to answer this. If you are a toy manufacturer, for example, your line could be \"the main thing my customers want from me is safety...parents won\'t buy unsafe toys for their kids.\"\n\nOnce you can answer this question, you can proceed with marketing.\n\nThis week, Netflix made an announcement that it would spin off its DVD business under a new name (Qwikster).  This came at the heels of a subscriber loss due in part to the 60% increase in prices announced earlier. Not only that, but Netflix\' stock price has fallen.\n\nApparently, Netflix failed to ask itself what its customers wanted. Ignoring their loyal fan base (as <a href=\"http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/09/how_netflix_lost_its_evangelis.html\" target=\"_blank\">this great article </a>in the Harvard Business Review blog discusses) is probably why there has been such an uproar.\n\nWhat do Netflix customers want? Do they want more streaming video or do they want to keep getting  DVDs in the mail? Do they want an easy, inexpensive way to get movies fast?\n\nNetflix\' CEO wants to be in the streaming business, not in the DVD business. But perhaps that is not what his customers want.  Perhaps his customers do not like the name Qwikster. Perhaps he didn\'t ASK his customers first. Sure, companies have to make decisions based on financials etc, but part of the input should include some market research, some customer feedback.  Netflix did not ask, and now they know--customers want convenience and price stability from Netflix.\n\nWhat do your customers want? How will you find out?','What do your customers want?','','inherit','open','open','','1436-revision','','','2011-09-22 13:00:33','2011-09-22 13:00:33','',1436,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1436-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1442,4,'2011-10-06 17:35:55','2011-10-06 17:35:55','To quote a long ago mentor, Gad Almaliah (of blessed memory), the computer is just a tool. You have to know how to use it.  Gad was an artist and graphic designer who started his career when people still worked with blades and pens and glue. He learned the fundamentals of design and applied them whether using the old tools or the new.\r\n\r\nYou don\'t become a software engineer simply by owning a computer and you don\'t become a writer by having a pen. It sure helps to have the right tools, but you have to know how to use them to make them reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nAs you are probably aware, Steve Jobs died yesterday. I have seen a number of tributes to Jobs, focused on his stewardship of Apple and the Mac. Apparently, many people\'s lives have changed because they now have the IPad or the IPhone or a Mac on their desk.  However, I have to say that no matter how snazzy and cool your Apple product may be, it is not going to make you creative or smart. A designer may be able to do more with Macs, but he or she must know the fundamentals and have a vision and creativity. The Mac, without a human operator who has the capacity to do with it what he or she dreams, is just a machine or tool.\r\n\r\nTools alone are not enough. You must develop strategies. You should  encourage creativity and problem-solving. After all, the focus on the tool (for instance Twitter or a IPhone App) instead of the message will not help your communications campaign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Don\'t focus on the tools','','publish','open','open','','dont-focus-on-the-tools','','','2011-10-06 17:35:55','2011-10-06 17:35:55','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1442',0,'post','',0),(1439,4,'2011-09-26 12:40:27','2011-09-26 12:40:27','I logged on to my Facebook page to find the following message:\r\n<blockquote>Changes to How You Share Content on Your Page\r\n\r\nWe want you to connect with your fans in the most effective ways possible. That\'s why as of September 30th you\'ll no longer be able to automatically import posts from your website to your page notes. The best way to get people to interact with your content is to give them insight into the links you share on your Wall by adding personal comments and responding to feedback from fans.\r\n\r\nWe\'re focused on creating even better tools for pages - look for announcements soon.</blockquote>\r\nSomehow, I am not sure that making it harder for me to share my blog posts on Facebook will also make it more effective for me to connect with my \"fans. \" Why is Facebook telling me what is better? The answer is simple: Facebook wants me to spend money. Advertise the page to get more fans, and more clients.\r\n\r\nOver on Mashable, there is an article \"<a href=\"http://mashable.com/2011/09/22/facebooks-changes-marketers/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader\" target=\"_blank\">What Facebook\'s Changes Mean for Marketers.\" </a>Basically, the new Facebook changes will force marketers (businesses) to create a more interactive approach to the getting fans.  It will require more work and more dedication.\r\n\r\nFor small businesses, which are working on getting paying customers and using social media to amplify their reach, putting more work into ONE platform is nonsensical. Yes, Facebook has A LOT of users, but not all those users are your customers. If a business finds that its best base is coming from Facebook, then yes, it will be worth investing the extra time.\r\n\r\nI am not convinced that Facebook generates sales. It does helps create brand awareness and build image, which adds value.  Small businesses will have to decide how much more time they want to devote to Facebook, since it looks like it will require more time, more work and more strategy.\r\n\r\nYour thoughts?','Is Facebook becoming a nightmare for small business?','','publish','open','open','','is-facebook-becoming-a-nightmare-for-small-business','','','2011-09-26 12:40:27','2011-09-26 12:40:27','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1439',0,'post','',3),(1440,4,'2011-09-26 12:39:30','2011-09-26 12:39:30','I logged on to my Facebook page to find the following message:\n<blockquote>Changes to How You Share Content on Your Page\n\nWe want you to connect with your fans in the most effective ways possible. That\'s why as of September 30th you\'ll no longer be able to automatically import posts from your website to your page notes. The best way to get people to interact with your content is to give them insight into the links you share on your Wall by adding personal comments and responding to feedback from fans.\n\nWe\'re focused on creating even better tools for pages - look for announcements soon.</blockquote>\nSomehow, I am not sure that making it harder for me to share my blog posts on Facebook will also make it more effective for me to connect with my \"fans. \" Why is Facebook telling me what is better? The answer is simple: Facebook wants me to spend money. Advertise the page to get more fans, and more clients.\n\nOver on Mashable, there is an article \"<a href=\"http://mashable.com/2011/09/22/facebooks-changes-marketers/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader\" target=\"_blank\">What Facebook\'s Changes Mean for Marketers.\" </a>Basically, the new Facebook changes will force marketers (businesses) to create a more interactive approach to the getting fans.  It will require more work and more dedication.\n\nFor small businesses, which are working on getting paying customers and using social media to amplify their reach, putting more work into ONE platform is nonsensical. Yes, Facebook has A LOT of users, but not all those users are your customers. If a business finds that its best base is coming from Facebook, then yes, it will be worth investing the extra time.\n\nI am not convinced that Facebook generates sales. It does helps create brand awareness and build image, which adds value.  Small businesses will have to decide how much more time they want to devote to Facebook, since it looks like it will require more time, more work and more strategy, just to build their brand image, witho','Is Facebook becoming a nightmare for small business?','','inherit','open','open','','1439-revision','','','2011-09-26 12:39:30','2011-09-26 12:39:30','',1439,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1439-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1441,4,'2011-10-06 17:23:38','2011-10-06 17:23:38','I logged on to my Facebook page to find the following message:\n<blockquote>Changes to How You Share Content on Your Page\n\nWe want you to connect with your fans in the most effective ways possible. That\'s why as of September 30th you\'ll no longer be able to automatically import posts from your website to your page notes. The best way to get people to interact with your content is to give them insight into the links you share on your Wall by adding personal comments and responding to feedback from fans.\n\nWe\'re focused on creating even better tools for pages - look for announcements soon.</blockquote>\nSomehow, I am not sure that making it harder for me to share my blog posts on Facebook will also make it more effective for me to connect with my \"fans. \" Why is Facebook telling me what is better? The answer is simple: Facebook wants me to spend money. Advertise the page to get more fans, and more clients.\n\nOver on Mashable, there is an article \"<a href=\"http://mashable.com/2011/09/22/facebooks-changes-marketers/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader\" target=\"_blank\">What Facebook\'s Changes Mean for Marketers.\" </a>Basically, the new Facebook changes will force marketers (businesses) to create a more interactive approach to the getting fans.  It will require more work and more dedication.\n\nFor small businesses, which are working on getting paying customers and using social media to amplify their reach, putting more work into ONE platform is nonsensical. Yes, Facebook has A LOT of users, but not all those users are your customers. If a business finds that its best base is coming from Facebook, then yes, it will be worth investing the extra time.\n\nI am not convinced that Facebook generates sales. It does helps create brand awareness and build image, which adds value.  Small businesses will have to decide how much more time they want to devote to Facebook, since it looks like it will require more time, more work and more strategy.\n\nYour thoughts?','Is Facebook becoming a nightmare for small business?','','inherit','open','open','','1439-autosave','','','2011-10-06 17:23:38','2011-10-06 17:23:38','',1439,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/09/1439-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1443,4,'2011-10-06 17:35:05','2011-10-06 17:35:05','To quote a long ago mentor, Gad Almaliah (of blessed memory), the computer is just a tool. You have to know how to use it.  Gad was an artist and graphic designer who started his career when people still worked with blades and pens and glue. He learned the fundamentals of design and applied them whether using the old tools or the new.\n\nYou don\'t become a software engineer simply by owning a computer and you don\'t become a writer by having a pen. It sure helps to have the right tools, but you have to know how to use them to make them reach their full potential.\n\nAs you are probably aware, Steve Jobs died yesterday. I have seen a number of tributes to Jobs, focused on his stewardship of Apple and the Mac. Apparently, many people\'s lives have changed because they now have the IPad or the IPhone or a Mac on their desk.  However, I have to say that no matter how snazzy and cool your Apple product may be, it is not going to make you creative or smart. A designer may be able to do more with Macs, but he or she must know the fundamentals and have a vision and creativity. The Mac, without a human operator who has the capacity to do with it what he or she dreams, is just a machine or tool.\n\nTools alone are not enough. You must develop strategies. You should  encourage creativity and problem-solving. After all, the focus on the tool (for instance Twitter or the Iphone App) instead of the message will not help your communications campaign.\n\n&nbsp;','Don\'t focus on the tools','','inherit','open','open','','1442-revision','','','2011-10-06 17:35:05','2011-10-06 17:35:05','',1442,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1442-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1444,4,'2011-10-06 17:37:00','2011-10-06 17:37:00','To quote a long ago mentor, Gad Almaliah (of blessed memory), the computer is just a tool. You have to know how to use it.  Gad was an artist and graphic designer who started his career when people still worked with blades and pens and glue. He learned the fundamentals of design and applied them whether using the old tools or the new.\n\nYou don\'t become a software engineer simply by owning a computer and you don\'t become a writer by having a pen. It sure helps to have the right tools, but you have to know how to use them to make them reach their full potential.\n\nAs you are probably aware, Steve Jobs died yesterday. I have seen a number of tributes to Jobs, focused on his stewardship of Apple and the Mac. Apparently, many people\'s lives have changed because they now have the IPad or the IPhone or a Mac on their desk.  However, I have to say that no matter how snazzy and cool your Apple product may be, it is not going to make you creative or smart. A designer may be able to do more with Macs, but he or she must know the fundamentals and have a vision and creativity. The Mac, without a human operator who has the capacity to do with it what he or she dreams, is just a machine or tool.\n\nTools alone are not enough. You must develop strategies. You should  encourage creativity and problem-solving. After all, the focus on the tool (for instance Twitter or a IPhone App) instead of the message will not help your communications campaign.\n\n&nbsp;','Don\'t focus on the tools','','inherit','open','open','','1442-autosave','','','2011-10-06 17:37:00','2011-10-06 17:37:00','',1442,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1442-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1452,4,'2011-10-26 19:31:01','2011-10-26 19:31:01','Netflix has just lost 800,000 customers and has seen its share price drop. Why? Because Netflix\'s CEO is a terrible communicator. It is that simple.\r\n\r\nI am not going to rehash the whole price hike, Qwiskter debacle here. You can read more and find some really good analysis  by Nick Wingfield and Brian Stelter  on the New York Times <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/technology/netflix-lost-800000-members-with-price-rise-and-split-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\">(Netflix Lost 800,000 Members, and Good Will</a>).\r\n\r\nThe article says this:\r\n<blockquote>Like many other companies built in Silicon Valley, Netflix prides itself  on its analytical, data-driven approach to making decisions. But it  made a classic business misstep. In its reliance on data and long-term  strategy, the company underestimated the unquantifiable emotions of  subscribers who still want those little red envelopes, even if they  forget to ever watch the DVDs inside.</blockquote>\r\nIt seems to me that Reed Hastings is probably very good at forecasting and trend analysis and has decided, purely on an analytical basis, that streaming is the future. He then proceeded to move his company full force into that future, <em>while steamrolling over his existing customers.</em> Because he didn\'t view those clients as PEOPLE, he viewed them as revenue sources. And thus, he communicated to them as if he were communicating to inanimate objects.\r\n\r\nYou see, revenue sources should not have any kind of emotional reaction to news. But people do. People not only react to news, they SHARE their emotions with others. And you add amplifiers such as social media into the mix, and pretty soon lots of people (also known as customers) are sharing in the bad emotions and being persuaded to act. Which in Netflix\'s case ends up in lost membership.\r\n\r\nCommunications starts with the premise that you are connecting with other people, as I said in <a title=\"More ways to communicate; less communication\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication/\" target=\"_blank\">this post</a>. If you fail to connect, you also fail to communicate, and in Netflix\'s case, the damage adds up in monetary losses and hits to your reputation.','Yeah, communications do matter','','publish','open','open','','yeah-communications-do-matter','','\nhttp://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication/','2011-10-26 19:31:01','2011-10-26 19:31:01','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1452',0,'post','',0),(1446,4,'2011-10-17 20:30:03','2011-10-17 20:30:03','When businesses are very small they tend to not be able to afford outside help. Sometimes, the business in question works in the communications space (writing, editing, advertising, etc.) and thinks it can handle it.\r\n\r\nChances are good that you should NOT  be handling your own communications, unless you can answer the following three questions:\r\n\r\n<strong>1) Do you know what you offer, and can you say it in one sentence?</strong> Recently, I was at a business meeting and someone was attempting to describe her business. She gave us many sentences but still it did not make sense. Someone had to ask her to clarify, and she still wasn\'t able to do it.\r\n\r\n<strong>2) What are the top three benefits of working with you? </strong>Unless you have been asking your customers all along, chances are good that you may not be sure what your customers really appreciate about your business.\r\n\r\n<strong>3) Are you able to speak(and write) in plain English?</strong> Many firms, especially those in the technology sector, speak in jargonese. Most people, including your customers, do not understand jargon, or convoluted sentences.  Being clear and making yourself understood is not so simple!\r\n\r\nHiring outside help can be invaluable in helping you to refine your message, clarify your thoughts and communicate them concisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Should you be handling your own communications?','','publish','open','open','','should-you-be-handling-your-own-communications','','','2011-10-17 20:30:03','2011-10-17 20:30:03','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1446',0,'post','',0),(1447,4,'2011-10-17 20:29:41','2011-10-17 20:29:41','When businesses are very small they tend to not be able to afford outside help. Sometimes, the business in question works in the communications space (writing, editing, advertising, etc.) and thinks it can handle it.\n\nChances are good that you should NOT  be handling your own communications, unless you can answer the following three questions:\n\n<strong>1) Do you know what you offer, and can you say it in one sentence?</strong> Recently, I was at a business meeting and someone was attempting to describe her business. She gave us many sentences but still it did not make sense. Someone had to ask her to clarify, and she still wasn\'t able to do it.\n\n<strong>2) What are the top three benefits of working with you? </strong>Unless you have been asking your customers all along, chances are good that you may not be sure what your customers really appreciate about your business.\n\n<strong>3) Are you able to speak(and write) in plain English?</strong> Many firms, especially those in the technology sector, speak in jargonese. Most people, including your customers, do not understand jargon, or convoluted sentences.  Being clear and making yourself understood is not so simple!\n\nHiring outside help can be invaluable in helping you to refine your message, clarify your thoughts and communicate them concisely.\n\n&nbsp;','Should you be handling your own communications?','','inherit','open','open','','1446-revision','','','2011-10-17 20:29:41','2011-10-17 20:29:41','',1446,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1446-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1448,4,'2011-10-19 15:13:27','2011-10-19 15:13:27','We\'ve got Facebook and Twitter; Skype and GChat; email; text; and many other forms of staying in touch. And yet, most people seem to be communicating less not more. There seem to be fewer conversations but more content.\r\n\r\nLately, I have seen it more and more. People don\'t respond to email. People don\'t return calls. People don\'t seem to acknowledge when they have been contacted.\r\n\r\nYet, people have an expectation of immediate response. For instance, a woman in my now defunct book group placed a note on Facebook about changing our book group meeting (scheduled for two days after her note) because she hadn\'t finished reading the book. Because I did not immediately answer her, she emailed me the message. (The answer, by the way, was no.)  If she truly wanted an immediate answer, she could have just called.  But calling would have involved a conversation, and people today seem to be reluctant to have those. So even though she sent me messages two different ways, she failed to CONNECT with me and thus, her communication was fruitless.\r\n\r\nSharing is not communicating. Repeat: sharing is not communicating. If I share an article, all I am doing is giving you an opportunity to read it. I am not communicating what it is about the article that I agree or disagree with,  and more importantly, I am not hearing what your thoughts are. We are not discussing or conversing about the subject--we are just exposing.\r\n\r\nIn all this morass of social media and instant messaging, we are losing the ability to connect. Real communications between people involves connection. A message posted to the ether is not connection. If I tweet something out, am I truly communicating? No, I am not.  To truly communicate I would have to have a back and forth conversation where ideas are shared, people are listening and listened to.\r\n\r\nIt\'s a shame that in a world where we can be in touch with anyone anywhere at any given time, we are losing the ability to really connect.\r\n\r\nYour thoughts? Let me know what you think...I really want to know!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','More ways to communicate; less communication','','publish','open','open','','more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication','','','2011-10-19 15:13:27','2011-10-19 15:13:27','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1448',0,'post','',1),(1449,4,'2011-10-19 15:12:50','2011-10-19 15:12:50','We\'ve got Facebook and Twitter; Skype and GChat; email; text; and many other forms of staying in touch. And yet, most people seem to be communicating less not more. There seem to be fewer conversations but more content.\n\nLately, I have seen it more and more. People don\'t respond to email. People don\'t return calls. People don\'t seem to acknowledge when they have been contacted.\n\nYet, people have an expectation of immediate response. For instance, a woman in my now defunct book group placed a note on Facebook about changing our book group meeting (scheduled for two days after her note) because she hadn\'t finished reading the book. Because I did not immediately answer her, she emailed me the message. (The answer, by the way, was no.)  If she truly wanted an immediate answer, she could have just called.  But calling would have involved a conversation, and people today seem to be reluctant to have those. So even though she sent me messages two different ways, she failed to CONNECT with me and thus, her communication was fruitless.\n\nSharing is not communicating. Repeat: sharing is not communicating. If I share an article, all I am doing is giving you an opportunity to read it. I am not communicating what it is about the article that I agree or disagree with,  and more importantly, I am not hearing what your thoughts are. We are not discussing or conversing about the subject--we are just exposing.\n\nIn all this morass of social media and instant messaging, we are losing the ability to connect. Real communications between people involves connection. A message posted to the ether is not connection. If I tweet something out, am I truly communicating? No, I am not.  To truly communicate I would have to have a back and forth conversation where ideas are shared, people are listening and listened to.\n\nIt\'s a shame that in a world where we can be in touch with anyone anywhere at any given time, we are losing the ability to really connect.\n\nYour thoughts? Let me know what you think...I really want to know!\n\n&nbsp;','More ways to communicate; less communication','','inherit','open','open','','1448-revision','','','2011-10-19 15:12:50','2011-10-19 15:12:50','',1448,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1448-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1450,4,'2011-10-24 18:05:52','2011-10-24 18:05:52','I have been seeing a few articles lately about how to craft an elevator pitch (or whether to even have one).  The latest one I have seen was today\'s blog post from BurellesLuce: <a href=\"http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/2011/10/creating-a-successful-elevator-pitch/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Creating a Successful Elevator Pitch.\" </a> Although Lauren Shapiro does a good job of summarizing Robert Pagliarini\'s article (have a hook, be concise and passionate and have a call to action) about the same subject on MoneyWatch.com, she misses what I consider THE key.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CLARITY</strong></p>\r\nAlthough <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarity\" target=\"_blank\">Merriam-Webster </a>is not helpful with its definition (\"the quality or state of being clear; lucidity\"), we instinctively understand that clarity is something we recognize rather than explain. If something is clear, we \"see\" it, we \"get\" it. If something is not clear, it is opaque, it can\'t be understood.\r\n\r\nYes, clarity is the key to <em>any</em> successful pitch, be it an elevator pitch or a media pitch.  If you don\'t say exactly what you mean so that the other party understands, you are not communicating.\r\n\r\nIn a <a title=\"Should you be handling your own communications?\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/should-you-be-handling-your-own-communications/\" target=\"_blank\">previous post</a>, I spoke about a woman who gave an elevator pitch that went nowhere. She wasn\'t being clear. She could not distill her message and therefore she was confusing us.\r\n\r\nPitches are not about being clever or even about explaining everything there is to know about something--they are about communicating <strong>one central point clearly</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou should be answering the key question the entity you are pitching has:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Why should I do business with you?</li>\r\n	<li>Why should my publication run your story?</li>\r\n	<li>Why should my product be advertising on your channel?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you can\'t give a clear answer to the question you can be as clever and pithy as you like and still not communicate.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One key to a succesful pitch','','publish','open','open','','one-key-to-a-succesful-pitch','','http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/2011/10/creating-a-successful-elevator-pitch/\nhttp://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/should-you-be-handling-your-own-communications/','2011-10-24 18:05:52','2011-10-24 18:05:52','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1450',0,'post','',0),(1451,4,'2011-10-24 18:05:26','2011-10-24 18:05:26','I have been seeing a few articles lately about how to craft an elevator pitch (or whether to even have one).  The latest one I have seen was today\'s blog post from BurellesLuce: <a href=\"http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/2011/10/creating-a-successful-elevator-pitch/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Creating a Successful Elevator Pitch.\" </a> Although Lauren Shapiro does a good job of summarizing Robert Pagliarini\'s article (have a hook, be concise and passionate and have a call to action) about the same subject on MoneyWatch.com, she misses what I consider THE key.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CLARITY</strong></p>\nAlthough <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarity\" target=\"_blank\">Merriam-Webster </a>is not helpful with its definition (\"the quality or state of being clear; lucidity\"), we instinctively understand that clarity is something we recognize rather than explain. If something is clear, we \"see\" it, we \"get\" it. If something is not clear, it is opaque, it can\'t be understood.\n\nYes, clarity is the key to <em>any</em> successful pitch, be it an elevator pitch or a media pitch.  If you don\'t say exactly what you mean so that the other party understands, you are not communicating.\n\nIn a <a title=\"Should you be handling your own communications?\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/should-you-be-handling-your-own-communications/\" target=\"_blank\">previous post</a>, I spoke about a woman who gave an elevator pitch that went nowhere. She wasn\'t being clear. She could not distill her message and therefore she was confusing us.\n\nPitches are not about being clever or even about explaining everything there is to know about something--they are about communicating <strong>one central point clearly</strong>.\n\nYou should be answering the key question the entity you are pitching has:\n<ul>\n	<li>Why should I do business with you?</li>\n	<li>Why should my publication run your story?</li>\n	<li>Why should my product be advertising on your channel?</li>\n</ul>\nIf you can\'t give a clear answer to the question you can be as clever and pithy as you like and still not communicate.\n\n&nbsp;','One key to a succesful pitch','','inherit','open','open','','1450-revision','','','2011-10-24 18:05:26','2011-10-24 18:05:26','',1450,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1450-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1453,4,'2011-10-26 19:29:54','2011-10-26 19:29:54','Netflix has just lost 800,000 customers and has seen its share price drop. Why? Because Netflix\'s CEO is a terrible communicator. It is that simple.\n\nI am not going to rehash the whole price hike, Qwiskter debacle here. You can read more and find some really good analysis  by Nick Wingfield and Brian Stelter  on the New York Times <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/technology/netflix-lost-800000-members-with-price-rise-and-split-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\">(Netflix Lost 800,000 Members, and Good Will</a>).\n\nThe article says this:\n<blockquote>Like many other companies built in Silicon Valley, Netflix prides itself  on its analytical, data-driven approach to making decisions. But it  made a classic business misstep. In its reliance on data and long-term  strategy, the company underestimated the unquantifiable emotions of  subscribers who still want those little red envelopes, even if they  forget to ever watch the DVDs inside.</blockquote>\nIt seems to me that Reed Hastings is probably very good at forecasting and trend analysis and has decided, purely on an analytical basis, that streaming is the future. He then proceeded to move his company full force into that future, <em>while steamrolling over his existing customers.</em> Because he didn\'t view those clients as PEOPLE, he viewed them as revenue sources. And thus, he communicated to them as if he were communicating to inanimate objects.\n\nYou see, revenue sources should not have any kind of emotional reaction to news. But people do. People not only react to news, they SHARE their emotions with others. And you add amplifiers such as social media into the mix, and pretty soon lots of people (also known as customers) are sharing in the bad emotions and being persuaded to act. Which in Netflix\'s case ends up in lost membership.\n\nCommunications starts with the premise that you are connecting with other people, as I said in <a title=\"More ways to communicate; less communication\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication/\" target=\"_blank\">this post</a>. If you fail to connect, you also fail to communicate, and in Netflix\'s case, the damage adds up in monetary losses and hits to your reputation.','Yeah, communications do matter','','inherit','open','open','','1452-revision','','','2011-10-26 19:29:54','2011-10-26 19:29:54','',1452,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1452-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1454,4,'2011-10-26 19:29:57','2011-10-26 19:29:57','Netflix has just lost 800,000 customers and has seen its share price drop. Why? Because Netflix\'s CEO is a terrible communicator. It is that simple.\r\n\r\nI am not going to rehash the whole price hike, Qwiskter debacle here. You can read more and find some really good analysis  by Nick Wingfield and Brian Stelter  on the New York Times <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/technology/netflix-lost-800000-members-with-price-rise-and-split-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\">(Netflix Lost 800,000 Members, and Good Will</a>).\r\n\r\nThe article says this:\r\n<blockquote>Like many other companies built in Silicon Valley, Netflix prides itself  on its analytical, data-driven approach to making decisions. But it  made a classic business misstep. In its reliance on data and long-term  strategy, the company underestimated the unquantifiable emotions of  subscribers who still want those little red envelopes, even if they  forget to ever watch the DVDs inside.</blockquote>\r\nIt seems to me that Reed Hastings is probably very good at forecasting and trend analysis and has decided, purely on an analytical basis, that streaming is the future. He then proceeded to move his company full force into that future, <em>while steamrolling over his existing customers.</em> Because he didn\'t view those clients as PEOPLE, he viewed them as revenue sources. And thus, he communicated to them as if he were communicating to inanimate objects.\r\n\r\nYou see, revenue sources should not have any kind of emotional reaction to news. But people do. People not only react to news, they SHARE their emotions with others. And you add amplifiers such as social media into the mix, and pretty soon lots of people (also known as customers) are sharing in the bad emotions and being persuaded to act. Which in Netflix\'s case ends up in lost membership.\r\n\r\nCommunications starts with the premise that you are connecting with other people, as I said in <a title=\"More ways to communicate; less communication\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication/\" target=\"_blank\">this post</a>. If you fail to connect, you also fail to communicate, and in Netflix\'s case, the damage adds up in monetary losses and hits to your reputation.','Yeah, communications do matter','','inherit','open','open','','1452-revision-2','','','2011-10-26 19:29:57','2011-10-26 19:29:57','',1452,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1452-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1455,4,'2011-10-26 19:32:05','2011-10-26 19:32:05','Netflix has just lost 800,000 customers and has seen its share price drop. Why? Because Netflix\'s CEO is a terrible communicator. It is that simple.\n\nI am not going to rehash the whole price hike, Qwiskter debacle here. You can read more and find some really good analysis  by Nick Wingfield and Brian Stelter  on the New York Times <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/technology/netflix-lost-800000-members-with-price-rise-and-split-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\">(Netflix Lost 800,000 Members, and Good Will</a>).\n\nThe article says this:\n<blockquote>Like many other companies built in Silicon Valley, Netflix prides itself  on its analytical, data-driven approach to making decisions. But it  made a classic business misstep. In its reliance on data and long-term  strategy, the company underestimated the unquantifiable emotions of  subscribers who still want those little red envelopes, even if they  forget to ever watch the DVDs inside.</blockquote>\nIt seems to me that Reed Hastings is probably very good at forecasting and trend analysis and has decided, purely on an analytical basis, that streaming is the future. He then proceeded to move his company full force into that future, <em>while steamrolling over his existing customers.</em> Because he didn\'t view those clients as PEOPLE, he viewed them as revenue sources. And thus, he communicated to them as if he were communicating to inanimate objects.\n\nYou see, revenue sources should not have any kind of emotional reaction to news. But people do. People not only react to news, they SHARE their emotions with others. And you add amplifiers such as social media into the mix, and pretty soon lots of people (also known as customers) are sharing in the bad emotions and being persuaded to act. Which in Netflix\'s case ends up in lost membership.\n\nCommunications starts with the premise that you are connecting with other people, as I said in <a title=\"More ways to communicate; less communication\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/more-ways-to-communicate-less-communication/\" target=\"_blank\">this post</a>. If you fail to connect, you also fail to communicate, and in Netflix\'s case, the damage adds up in monetary losses and hits to your reputation.','Yeah, communications do matter','','inherit','open','open','','1452-autosave','','','2011-10-26 19:32:05','2011-10-26 19:32:05','',1452,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1452-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1457,4,'2011-10-28 15:31:16','2011-10-28 15:31:16','A headline can either draw the reader in or not.\r\n\r\nThe Washington Post has different headlines on its website than in the print edition (why this is, I don\'t know). This morning, for example, I barely glanced at Charles Krauthammer\'s op-ed piece \"Libyan \'Crossfire\'.\"  Then, when perusing WashingtonPost.com I saw the following headline:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/libyan-crossfire/2011/10/27/gIQA1DXMNM_story.html?hpid=z2\" target=\"_blank\">Krauthammer: Gaddafi justified his rotten death</a>\r\n\r\nNow, that intrigued me. So I clicked and lo and behold, it is the same article.\r\n\r\nA good headline is descriptive, yes, and has an element to make you read further. Writing a good headline will get your article (or press release or blog post) seen (if not read fully).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Think a headline does not matter?','','publish','open','open','','think-a-headline-does-not-matter','','','2011-10-28 15:31:16','2011-10-28 15:31:16','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1457',0,'post','',0),(1458,4,'2011-10-28 15:30:38','2011-10-28 15:30:38','A headline can either draw the reader in or not.\n\nThe Washington Post has different headlines on its website than in the print edition (why this is, I don\'t know). This morning, for example, I barely glanced at Charles Krauthammer\'s op-ed piece \"Libyan \'Crossfire\'.\"  Then, when perusing WashingtonPost.com I saw the following headline:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/libyan-crossfire/2011/10/27/gIQA1DXMNM_story.html?hpid=z2\" target=\"_blank\">Krauthammer: Gaddafi justified his rotten death</a>\n\nNow that intrigued me. So I clicked and lo and behold, it is the same article.\n\nA good headline is descriptive, yes, and has an element to make you read further. Writing a good headline will get your article (or press release or blog post) seen (if not read fully).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Think a headline does not matter?','','inherit','open','open','','1457-revision','','','2011-10-28 15:30:38','2011-10-28 15:30:38','',1457,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1457-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1459,4,'2011-10-28 15:32:21','2011-10-28 15:32:21','A headline can either draw the reader in or not.\n\nThe Washington Post has different headlines on its website than in the print edition (why this is, I don\'t know). This morning, for example, I barely glanced at Charles Krauthammer\'s op-ed piece \"Libyan \'Crossfire\'.\"  Then, when perusing WashingtonPost.com I saw the following headline:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/libyan-crossfire/2011/10/27/gIQA1DXMNM_story.html?hpid=z2\" target=\"_blank\">Krauthammer: Gaddafi justified his rotten death</a>\n\nNow, that intrigued me. So I clicked and lo and behold, it is the same article.\n\nA good headline is descriptive, yes, and has an element to make you read further. Writing a good headline will get your article (or press release or blog post) seen (if not read fully).\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Think a headline does not matter?','','inherit','open','open','','1457-autosave','','','2011-10-28 15:32:21','2011-10-28 15:32:21','',1457,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/10/1457-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1460,4,'2011-11-01 13:39:17','2011-11-01 13:39:17','Is there a company or organization with which you won\'t do business or give a donation because you feel it has not treated you right? Many of us have this aversion to giving more to those who don\'t do well by us.\r\n\r\nJust a few weeks ago I bought an item at Radio Shack. I was assured that returning it would not be a problem. Well, it wasn\'t a problem <em>per se</em>, other than they required my full address, phone and God knows what else, in spite of the fact I had the receipt and the credit card in hand. Then, I didn\'t actually get the credit until I got American Express involved. After a few days, the credit was done and I had goodwill toward Amex, but resentment toward Radio Shack. Making a return there was a hassle, to say the least, and with that in mind, I won\'t be buying anything at Radio Shack if it can be avoided.\r\n\r\nGoodwill has to do with how we treat others, and how others treat us. If we are treated badly or indifferently, we don\'t like it. <strong>No amount of advertising or public relations will compensate for lack of goodwill. </strong> Radio Shack could have everything on sale, but I am not going to shop there.\r\n\r\nIf a company makes goodwill an integral part of their sales and marketing (and operations), it will pay off. <strong>Goodwill creates happy customers.</strong> Happy customers may become repeat customers, and even goodwill ambassadors. If you have a good experience with something, you will share it.  Similarly, if you have a bad experience, you will share it, and that will take the lack of goodwill viral.\r\n\r\nWith social media, large organizations have the chance to interact directly with people. When I had the problem with Radio Shack, I mentioned the company in a couple of Tweets. And guess what, NO response.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, those of us who use social networks regularly have a chance to build goodwill with our followers (groups). We can answer questions, re-tweet posts, offer encouragement, support causes. And the payoff is goodwill.\r\n\r\nWe are more likely to associate with people and organizations to which we feel goodwill.\r\n\r\nWhat are you doing to create goodwill?','Creating goodwill','','publish','open','open','','creating-goodwill','','','2011-11-01 13:39:17','2011-11-01 13:39:17','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1460',0,'post','',2),(1461,4,'2011-11-01 13:37:41','2011-11-01 13:37:41','Is there a company or organization with which you won\'t do business or give a donation because you feel it has not treated you right? Many of us have this aversion to giving more to those who don\'t do well by us.\n\nJust a few weeks ago I bought an item at Radio Shack. I was assured that returning it would not be a problem. Well, it wasn\'t a problem <em>per se</em>, other than they required my full address, phone and God knows what else, in spite of the fact I had the receipt and the credit card in hand. Then, I didn\'t actually get the credit until I got American Express involved. After a few days, the credit was done and I had goodwill toward Amex, but resentment toward Radio Shack. Making a return there was a hassle, to say the least, and with that in mind, I won\'t be buying anything at Radio Shack if it can be avoided.\n\nGoodwill has to do with how we treat others, and how others treat us. If we are treated badly or indifferently, we don\'t like it. <strong>No amount of advertising or public relations will compensate for lack of goodwill. </strong> Radio Shack could have everything on sale, but I am not going to shop there.\n\nIf a company makes goodwill an integral part of their sales and marketing (and operations), it will pay off. <strong>Goodwill creates happy customers.</strong> Happy customers may become repeat customers, and even goodwill ambassadors. If you have a good experience with something, you will share it.  Similarly, if you have a bad experience, you will share it, and that will take the lack of goodwill viral.\n\nWith social media, large organizations have the chance to interact directly with people. When I had the problem with Radio Shack, I mentioned the company in a couple of Tweets. And guess what, NO response.\n\nMore importantly, those of us who use social networks regularly have a chance to build goodwill with our followers (groups). We can answer questions, re-tweet posts, offer encouragement, support causes. And the payoff is goodwill.\n\nWe are more likely to associate with people and organizations to which we feel goodwill.\n\nWhat are you doing to create goodwill?','Creating goodwill','','inherit','open','open','','1460-revision','','','2011-11-01 13:37:41','2011-11-01 13:37:41','',1460,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1460-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1466,4,'2011-11-10 17:21:58','2011-11-10 17:21:58','Often, we focus on the here and now.  There\'s nothing wrong with that. However, you shouldn\'t forget about the after.\r\n\r\nYesterday was <a href=\"http://give2max.razoo.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Greater Washington Give to the Max </a>day. Various DC-area nonprofits were beneficiaries of a massive, day-long donation drive. Nonprofits who got the most donors got bonuses. There was an urgency to get donors to give during the day. This resulted in many social media and email messages being sent out by the nonprofits. I receive communication from several nonprofits and all of them sent at least one email during the day if not several. But, only very few sent emails today. <strong>Today is the after, and it is a great opportunity to reaffirm a message. </strong>\r\n\r\nOne nonprofit said thanks on an email. Another posted on Facebook detailing how much money had been raised, and reminding us that we can give ANY day.  This is smart. By forgetting the after, the other nonprofits are losing opportunities and they are seeming to only communicate when they perceive it is necessary (there is a deadline for example).\r\n\r\nNonprofits who use email and social media to ask for support and businesses who sell products and services would do well to think about the after. <strong>What is your message to your target audience AFTER you\'ve told them what you wanted to tell them in the first place?</strong>','Remember the after','','publish','open','open','','remember-the-after','','','2011-11-10 17:21:58','2011-11-10 17:21:58','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1466',0,'post','',0),(1463,4,'2011-11-02 13:38:47','2011-11-02 13:38:47','If you have been following the news lately, you have heard that Bank of America was planning to impose a $5 monthly fee for customers using their debit cards. The fee has now been scrapped.  The public commentary has been that the \"people\" won in this debacle against the big bank. True, but I am not sure that is the reason why BofA decided to stop the fees.\r\n\r\nHere are my thoughts:\r\n\r\n1) Bank of America was not the only bank to think about imposing these fees. Other banks, including SunTrust, had ALREADY imposed debit card fees. The media covered BofA because it is a very large bank, and had been involved in the bank bailout. The negative publicity was in fact <strong>media-driven</strong> more so than people-driven.\r\n\r\n2) NOT having debit card fees quickly became an advertising selling point for smaller banks. Here in the DC area,  the local Cardinal Bank put out several ads touting its fee-free debit card. <strong>The bigger banks hated giving the smaller banks a great USP.</strong>\r\n\r\n3) Having fees on debit card transactions was a bad idea because it would REDUCE the amount of debit transactions people engaged in.  Banks still get a small percentage every time a customer uses a debit card. The new banking rules simply reduced the amount (did not eliminate it). If people stop using debit cards, there is no fee for the bank and NO PERCENTAGE FROM TRANSACTIONS AT ALL.\r\n\r\n4) The negative publicity was likely not the main factor in getting the banks to reverse course. After all, baggage fees are still alive and kicking in spite of very negative reactions by the flying public.\r\n\r\nWhat are your thoughts?','Bank fees--here today?','','publish','open','open','','bank-fees-here-today','','','2011-11-02 13:38:47','2011-11-02 13:38:47','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1463',0,'post','',0),(1464,4,'2011-11-02 13:38:11','2011-11-02 13:38:11','If you have been following the news lately, you have heard that Bank of America was planning to impose a $5 monthly fee for customers using their debit cards. The fee has now been scrapped.  The public commentary has been that the \"people\" won in this debacle against the big bank. True, but I am not sure that is the reason why BofA decided to stop the fees.\n\nHere are my thoughts:\n\n1) Bank of America was not the only bank to think about imposing these fees. Other banks, including SunTrust, had ALREADY imposed debit card fees. The media covered BofA because it is a very large bank, and had been involved in the bank bailout. The negative publicity was in fact media-driven more so than people-driven.\n\n2) NOT having debit card fees quickly became an advertising selling point for smaller banks. Here in the DC area,  the local Cardinal Bank put out several ads touting their fee-free debit card. The bigger banks hated giving the smaller banks a great USP.\n\n3) Having fees on debit card transactions was a bad idea because it would REDUCE the amount of debit transactions people engaged in.  Banks still get a small percentage every time a customer uses a debit card. The new banking rules simply reduced the amount (did not eliminate it). If people stop using debit cards, there is no fee for the bank and NO PERCENTAGE FROM TRANSACTIONS AT ALL.\n\n4) The negative publicity was likely not the main factor in getting the banks to reverse course. After all, baggage fees are still alive and kicking in spite of very negative reactions by the flying public.\n\nWhat are your thoughts?','Bank fees--here today?','','inherit','open','open','','1463-revision','','','2011-11-02 13:38:11','2011-11-02 13:38:11','',1463,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1463-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1465,4,'2011-11-02 13:39:51','2011-11-02 13:39:51','If you have been following the news lately, you have heard that Bank of America was planning to impose a $5 monthly fee for customers using their debit cards. The fee has now been scrapped.  The public commentary has been that the \"people\" won in this debacle against the big bank. True, but I am not sure that is the reason why BofA decided to stop the fees.\n\nHere are my thoughts:\n\n1) Bank of America was not the only bank to think about imposing these fees. Other banks, including SunTrust, had ALREADY imposed debit card fees. The media covered BofA because it is a very large bank, and had been involved in the bank bailout. The negative publicity was in fact <strong>media-driven</strong> more so than people-driven.\n\n2) NOT having debit card fees quickly became an advertising selling point for smaller banks. Here in the DC area,  the local Cardinal Bank put out several ads touting its fee-free debit card. <strong>The bigger banks hated giving the smaller banks a great USP.</strong>\n\n3) Having fees on debit card transactions was a bad idea because it would REDUCE the amount of debit transactions people engaged in.  Banks still get a small percentage every time a customer uses a debit card. The new banking rules simply reduced the amount (did not eliminate it). If people stop using debit cards, there is no fee for the bank and NO PERCENTAGE FROM TRANSACTIONS AT ALL.\n\n4) The negative publicity was likely not the main factor in getting the banks to reverse course. After all, baggage fees are still alive and kicking in spite of very negative reactions by the flying public.\n\nWhat are your thoughts?','Bank fees--here today?','','inherit','open','open','','1463-autosave','','','2011-11-02 13:39:51','2011-11-02 13:39:51','',1463,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1463-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1467,4,'2011-11-10 17:21:33','2011-11-10 17:21:33','Often, we focus on the here and now.  There\'s nothing wrong with that. However, you shouldn\'t forget about the after.\n\nYesterday was <a href=\"http://give2max.razoo.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Greater Washington Give to the Max </a>day. Various DC-area nonprofits were beneficiaries of a massive, day-long donation drive. Nonprofits who got the most donors got bonuses. There was an urgency to get donors to give during the day. This resulted in many social media and email messages being sent out by the nonprofits. I receive communication from several nonprofits and all of them sent at least one email during the day if not several. But, only very few sent emails today. Today is the after, and it is a great opportunity to reaffirm a message.\n\nOne nonprofit said thanks on an email. Another posted on Facebook detailing how much money had been raised, and reminding us that we can give ANY day.  This is smart. By forgetting the after, the other nonprofits are losing opportunities and they are seeming to only communicate when they perceive it is necessary (there is a deadline for example).\n\nNonprofits who use email and social media to ask for support and businesses who sell products and services would do well to think about the after. What is your message to your target audience AFTER you\'ve told them what you wanted to tell them in the first place?','Remember the after','','inherit','open','open','','1466-revision','','','2011-11-10 17:21:33','2011-11-10 17:21:33','',1466,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1466-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1468,4,'2011-11-10 17:23:09','2011-11-10 17:23:09','Often, we focus on the here and now.  There\'s nothing wrong with that. However, you shouldn\'t forget about the after.\n\nYesterday was <a href=\"http://give2max.razoo.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Greater Washington Give to the Max </a>day. Various DC-area nonprofits were beneficiaries of a massive, day-long donation drive. Nonprofits who got the most donors got bonuses. There was an urgency to get donors to give during the day. This resulted in many social media and email messages being sent out by the nonprofits. I receive communication from several nonprofits and all of them sent at least one email during the day if not several. But, only very few sent emails today. <strong>Today is the after, and it is a great opportunity to reaffirm a message. </strong>\n\nOne nonprofit said thanks on an email. Another posted on Facebook detailing how much money had been raised, and reminding us that we can give ANY day.  This is smart. By forgetting the after, the other nonprofits are losing opportunities and they are seeming to only communicate when they perceive it is necessary (there is a deadline for example).\n\nNonprofits who use email and social media to ask for support and businesses who sell products and services would do well to think about the after. <strong>What is your message to your target audience AFTER you\'ve told them what you wanted to tell them in the first place?</strong>','Remember the after','','inherit','open','open','','1466-autosave','','','2011-11-10 17:23:09','2011-11-10 17:23:09','',1466,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1466-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1482,4,'2011-11-21 14:24:15','2011-11-21 14:24:15','Last night, I watched Steve Kroft on 60 Minutes attempt to get Grover Norquist to be thoughtful about his no taxes pledge. In case you don\'t know, Norquist, the founder of the misleadingly named \"Americans for Tax Reform\"  is the reason the GOP will not vote for any tax increase regardless of anything.\r\n\r\nI could say a lot about Norquist\'s smarmy demeanor, lack of ethics and sad attempts at humor, but I want to concentrate on one particular aspect of the interview. Norquist said that what American for Tax Reform is trying to accomplish is <strong>to brand the Republican Party as the party of no taxes</strong>. Here is the exchange, taken from <a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57327816/the-pledge-grover-norquists-hold-on-the-gop/?pageNum=2&amp;tag=contentMain;contentBody\" target=\"_blank\">CBS News/6o Minutes website:</a>\r\n<blockquote>Norquist claims he got the idea to brand the Republican Party as the  party that would never raise your taxes, when he was just 12 years old  and volunteering for the Nixon campaign. He says it came to him one day  while he was riding home on the school bus.\r\n\r\nNorquist:  If the parties would brand themselves the way Coke and Pepsi and other  products do so that you knew what you were buying, it had quality  control. I vote for the Republican. He or she will not raise my taxes.  I\'ll buy one. I\'ll take that one home.\r\n\r\nKroft: So this is about marketing?\r\n\r\nNorquist: Yes. It\'s a part of that. Yeah, very much so.\r\n\r\nBut  Norquist says the success of any product requires relentless monitoring  and diligent quality control to protect the brand, whether it\'s Coca  Cola or the Republican Party.</blockquote>\r\nThe problem with this scenario is that Norquist seems to think that branding is achieved by threat. Basically, if a GOP candidate does not sign the no-taxes pledge, Norquist will fund his demise. The deal is that pols will sign the pledge and then get money  for their campaigns. If they refuse to sign the pledge, American for Tax Reform will do everything it can to discredit them and will fund any opposing pol who does sign the pledge.  Furthermore, if the pol votes for a tax increase after having signed the pledge (no matter how long ago), Norquist will work to make sure the pol loses his/her seat.\r\n\r\nNorquist is <em>not</em> a marketer--he is a politician who is using power and money to influence (and some would say corrupt) the political process. To really \"market\" the GOP, Norquist would have to do some research. He would have to listen to the average citizen/consumer. He would have to explore what the GOP brand means to people inside and outside the GOP.\r\n\r\nFinally, Norquist is not really trying to REFORM taxes or make them more equitable or fair. He is working to reduce the size of government, as this <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68781.html\" target=\"_blank\">article in Politic</a>o points out.\r\n\r\nWhy not make the GOP the party of \"we don\'t want to be a part of government.\" Many of us could support that.\r\n\r\nYour thoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Grover: You don\'t know marketing','','publish','open','open','','grover-you-dont-know-marketing','','','2011-11-21 14:24:15','2011-11-21 14:24:15','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1482',0,'post','',0),(1470,4,'2011-11-11 16:10:12','2011-11-11 16:10:12','No doubt you have heard about Rick Perry\'s \"oops\" moment during the GOP debate on Wednesday night.  The 53 second piece, where Perry forgets the third federal agency he would cut if elected president, has been replayed to death. Now, Perry is in full salvaging-his-election-chances mode, as Politico reports in \"<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68115.html\" target=\"_blank\">GOP debate gaffe rocks Rick Perry rescue mission.\" </a>\r\n\r\nIn my opinion, this is not a communications problem. It is a leadership problem. Any human being can be forgiven for blanking out or misspeaking. We make mistakes and we correct them. But Rick Perry is not trying to fix one communications misstep. He is trying to resucitate his campaign. I think most people would be willing to overlook Perry\'s brain freeze moment (although the media certainly wasn\'t going to let go of a golden opportunity to make fun of him). However, most people see through Perry\'s swagger and sense that there is not much substance there. It was not that he forgot that he wanted to cut the Department of Energy, but that he thinks that cutting cabinet positions is the way to fix this country.  If we focus on what he did say--that he wants to cut the Department of Education--we can see that he doesn\'t have a communications problem. His message is that getting rid of government will solve the USA\'s problems.\r\n\r\nPerry, like Joe Paterno of Penn State, is someone dealing with a leadership problem. If both these men were true leaders, they would take responsibility for their  mistakes and then make a hard decision to exit the national stage. In Perry\'s case, he should realize that he is not yet cut out for national office, and that his lack of debating ability speaks volumes about his preparedness to deal with off-the-cuff moments that will inevitably crop up in a US president\'s daily life.\r\n\r\nIn Paterno\'s case, the fact that Paterno KNEW  about Sandusky being involved in child molestation and still did not report it, speaks to a failure of leadership.  When Sandusky was indicted, and it became apparent that Paterno was aware of what had happened, Paterno should have offered to step down immediately (take responsibility). Instead, he offered to resign at the END of  football season. Penn State\'s trustees fired him instead. Then Penn State burst into chaos, and Paterno said nothing. He could have been a true leader and coach and told the students that what the trustees did was the right thing, and that rioting was not what they should be doing.\r\n\r\nBoth men may have made communications mistakes, but that was not the problem. In fact, good communications would have only come after they both exercised LEADERSHIP. <strong>Great communicators don\'t always make great leaders, but certainly, great leaders must be great communicators.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Is it a communications or a leadership problem?','','publish','open','open','','is-it-a-communications-or-a-leadership-problem','','','2011-11-11 16:10:12','2011-11-11 16:10:12','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1470',0,'post','',0),(1471,4,'2011-11-11 16:09:09','2011-11-11 16:09:09','No doubt you have heard about Rick Perry\'s \"oops\" moment during the GOP debate on Wednesday night.  The 53 second piece, where Perry forgets the third federal agency he would cut if elected president, has been replayed to death. Now, Perry is in full salvaging-his-election-chances mode, as Politico reports in \"<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68115.html\" target=\"_blank\">GOP debate gaffe rocks Rick Perry rescue mission.\" </a>\n\nIn my opinion, this is not a communications problem. It is a leadership problem. Any human being can be forgiven for blanking out or misspeaking. We make mistakes and we correct them. But Rick Perry is not trying to fix one communications misstep. He is trying to resucitate his campaign. I think most people would be willing to overlook Perry\'s brain freeze moment (although the media certainly wasn\'t going to let go of a golden opportunity to make fun of him). However, most people see through Perry\'s swagger and sense that there is not much substance there. It was not that he forgot that he wanted to cut the Department of Energy, but that he thinks that cutting cabinet positions is the way to fix this country.  If we focus on what he did say--that he wants to cut the Department of Education--we can see that he doesn\'t have a communications problem. His message is that getting rid of government will solve the USA\'s problems.\n\nPerry, like Joe Paterno of Penn State, is someone dealing with a leadership problem. If both these men were true leaders, they would take responsibility for their  mistakes and then make a hard decision to exit the national stage. In Perry\'s case, he should realize that he is not yet cut out for national office, and that his lack of debating ability speaks volumes about his preparedness to deal with off-the-cuff moments that will inevitably crop up in a US president\'s daily life.\n\nIn Paterno\'s case, the fact that Paterno KNEW  about Sandusky being involved in child molestation and still did not report it, speaks to a failure of leadership.  When Sandusky was indicted, and it became apparent that Paterno was aware of what had happened, Paterno should have offered to step down immediately (take responsibility). Instead, he offered to resign at the END of  football season. Penn State\'s trustees fired him instead. Then Penn State burst into chaos, and Paterno said nothing. He could have been a true leader and coach and told the students that what the trustees did was the right thing, and that rioting was not what they should be doing.\n\nBoth men may have made communications mistakes, but that was not the problem. In fact, good communications would have only come after they both exercised LEADERSHIP. <strong>Great communicators don\'t always make great leaders, but certainly, great leaders must be great communicators.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;','Is it a communications or a leadership problem?','','inherit','open','open','','1470-revision','','','2011-11-11 16:09:09','2011-11-11 16:09:09','',1470,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1470-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1485,4,'2011-11-22 14:58:40','2011-11-22 14:58:40','Lately, I feel that we live in a very mediocre world as it relates to communications and writing.  Open up the newspaper most days and you will find a few articles that seem as if they were written by a teenager. Online, I see typos and spelling mistakes galore.  On social media, I see a lot of rude behavior, I suppose reflecting the loss of civility evident everywhere.\r\n\r\nBut, as with all problems, there is an opportunity---an opportunity to shine. Because we are surrounded by mediocrity, working to be better will make you stand out.\r\n\r\nHere are few ways to shine:\r\n\r\n<strong>Mind your grammar, spelling and typing</strong>: Perhaps you need an editor or just a better review of your writing. And, if you aren\'t really that good at grammar, perhaps take a class or read a book to improve your skills.\r\n\r\n<strong>Skip the passive voice:</strong> There is  nothing like reading long passive sentences. It kills your writing. If you don\'t know what I am talking about then you never had a teacher who corrected your passive voice and made it active.\r\n\r\n<strong>Avoid the cliches and jargon:</strong> Another dead giveaway that screams laziness and even stupidity is the overuse of jargon and cliches. People hide behind these words. For instance, the following excerpts are from a job description (let me know if you understand what this person does for a living):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Stakeholder relationship management</li>\r\n	<li>Standardizing processes, roles and responsibilities</li>\r\n	<li>Outreach strategy</li>\r\n	<li>Virtual collaboration</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Be polite:</strong> If someone writes you an email or leaves you a voice mail, respond. If someone comments on your blog, thank him/her. On Twitter, acknowledge re-tweets.Watch your swearing in a public space (yes, social media is a public space).\r\n\r\n<strong>Think about your audience:</strong> If you think about who your audience is, and what information they need, you will be a huge step ahead. Considering your audience will help determine your language, your timing, etc.\r\n\r\n<strong>Learn how to network effectively:</strong> Perhaps we are spending too much time with our gadgets, but it seems more people are less able to interact personally with others. If you go to a networking event, try speaking to other people. It is as easy as introducing yourself, and asking a simple question (how did you hear about the event, have you been here before, etc.) You may also want to follow up with the people you meet.\r\n\r\n<strong>Be a LinkedIn rock star:</strong> Not a week goes by that I don\'t get a LinkedIn invitation that is a) not personalized and b) from someone I don\'t know.  Sometimes, I go to somebody\'s profile, and it is missing information, does not have photograph, and lists an old position where the person is no longer working.  So, you have the opportunity to shine on LinkedIn by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Completing your profile (include your photo)</li>\r\n	<li>ALWAYS personalizing invitations</li>\r\n	<li>Not connecting with every Tom, Dick and Jane out there.</li>\r\n	<li>Having an updated job description</li>\r\n	<li>Joining (and participating) in groups</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHow do you shine? Please share what you do to stand out from the crowd.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How you can shine','','publish','open','open','','how-you-can-shine','','','2011-11-22 14:58:40','2011-11-22 14:58:40','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1485',0,'post','',0),(1473,4,'2011-11-14 13:54:35','2011-11-14 13:54:35','Unless you are very young, inexperienced or just plain naive, you probably have a healthy degree of skepticism about whatever a politician says, or for that matter, what is reported in the news.  You have to---there are too many instances of misrepresentation, faulty reporting or just plain lies.  Of course, this is why the source matters. If it is a source that has proven trustworthy, you accept what it says. If the source is unreliable, then you do have to question it more.\r\n\r\nThis leads me to the latest in the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal. Now, Cain is parading his up-to-now reticent wife Gloria in an effort to shore up his female trustworthiness bona-fides.  Gloria says that Herman \"totally respects women.\" It is reported via the AP on <a href=\"http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/gloria-cain-sex-harassment-claims-don-t-ring-true-69132.html\" target=\"_blank\">WJLA.com</a> and on <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html\" target=\"_blank\">Politico.com</a> . Gloria gives an interview to Fox News\' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren (already, you start to see that source matters), which is set to air tonight. Gloria says among other things \"I\'m thinking he would have to have a split personality to do the things that were said.\"\r\n\r\nThe source matters. Anyone will question Gloria Cain\'s agenda--and recognize that she is trying to protect her husband. Why else would she suddenly be dragged out of her family home, where she has been hiding out these last few months of the campaign? Is she suddenly relishing the spotlight?\r\n\r\nAlways question the source, and act accordingly.\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html#ixzz1dggRtglX\"></a>\r\n\r\n</div>','The source matters','','publish','open','open','','the-source-matters','','','2011-11-14 14:03:44','2011-11-14 14:03:44','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1473',0,'post','',0),(1474,4,'2011-11-14 13:53:39','2011-11-14 13:53:39','Unless you are very young, inexperienced or just plain naive, you probably have a healthy degree of skepticism about whatever a politician says, or for that matter, what is reported in the news.  You have to---there are too many instances of misrepresentation, faulty reporting or just plain lies.  Of course, this is why the source matters. If it is a source that has proven trustworthy, you accept what it says. If the source is unreliable, then you do have to question it more.\n\nThis leads me to the latest in the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal. Now, Cain is parading his up-to-now reticent wife Gloria in an effort to shore up his female trustworthiness bona-fides.  Gloria says that Herman \"totally respects women.\" It is reported via the AP on <a href=\"http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/gloria-cain-sex-harassment-claims-don-t-ring-true-69132.html\" target=\"_blank\">WJLA.com</a> and on <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html\" target=\"_blank\">Politico.com</a> . Gloria gives an interview to Fox News\' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren (already, you start to see that source matters), which is set to air tonight. Gloria says among other things \"I\'m thinking he would have to have a split personality to do the things that were said.\"\n\nThe source matters. Anyone will question Gloria Cain\'s agenda--and recognize that she is trying to protect here husband. Why else would she suddenly be dragged out of her family home, where she has been hiding out these last few months of the campaign? Is she suddenly relishing the spotlight?\n\nAlways question the source, and act accordingly.\n<div>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html#ixzz1dggRtglX\"></a></div>','The source matters','','inherit','open','open','','1473-revision','','','2011-11-14 13:53:39','2011-11-14 13:53:39','',1473,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1473-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1475,4,'2011-11-14 13:54:35','2011-11-14 13:54:35','Unless you are very young, inexperienced or just plain naive, you probably have a healthy degree of skepticism about whatever a politician says, or for that matter, what is reported in the news.  You have to---there are too many instances of misrepresentation, faulty reporting or just plain lies.  Of course, this is why the source matters. If it is a source that has proven trustworthy, you accept what it says. If the source is unreliable, then you do have to question it more.\r\n\r\nThis leads me to the latest in the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal. Now, Cain is parading his up-to-now reticent wife Gloria in an effort to shore up his female trustworthiness bona-fides.  Gloria says that Herman \"totally respects women.\" It is reported via the AP on <a href=\"http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/gloria-cain-sex-harassment-claims-don-t-ring-true-69132.html\" target=\"_blank\">WJLA.com</a> and on <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html\" target=\"_blank\">Politico.com</a> . Gloria gives an interview to Fox News\' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren (already, you start to see that source matters), which is set to air tonight. Gloria says among other things \"I\'m thinking he would have to have a split personality to do the things that were said.\"\r\n\r\nThe source matters. Anyone will question Gloria Cain\'s agenda--and recognize that she is trying to protect here husband. Why else would she suddenly be dragged out of her family home, where she has been hiding out these last few months of the campaign? Is she suddenly relishing the spotlight?\r\n\r\nAlways question the source, and act accordingly.\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html#ixzz1dggRtglX\"></a></div>','The source matters','','inherit','open','open','','1473-revision-2','','','2011-11-14 13:54:35','2011-11-14 13:54:35','',1473,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1473-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1476,4,'2011-11-14 14:04:50','2011-11-14 14:04:50','Unless you are very young, inexperienced or just plain naive, you probably have a healthy degree of skepticism about whatever a politician says, or for that matter, what is reported in the news.  You have to---there are too many instances of misrepresentation, faulty reporting or just plain lies.  Of course, this is why the source matters. If it is a source that has proven trustworthy, you accept what it says. If the source is unreliable, then you do have to question it more.\n\nThis leads me to the latest in the Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal. Now, Cain is parading his up-to-now reticent wife Gloria in an effort to shore up his female trustworthiness bona-fides.  Gloria says that Herman \"totally respects women.\" It is reported via the AP on <a href=\"http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/gloria-cain-sex-harassment-claims-don-t-ring-true-69132.html\" target=\"_blank\">WJLA.com</a> and on <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html\" target=\"_blank\">Politico.com</a> . Gloria gives an interview to Fox News\' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren (already, you start to see that source matters), which is set to air tonight. Gloria says among other things \"I\'m thinking he would have to have a split personality to do the things that were said.\"\n\nThe source matters. Anyone will question Gloria Cain\'s agenda--and recognize that she is trying to protect her husband. Why else would she suddenly be dragged out of her family home, where she has been hiding out these last few months of the campaign? Is she suddenly relishing the spotlight?\n\nAlways question the source, and act accordingly.\n<div>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68268.html#ixzz1dggRtglX\"></a>\n\n</div>','The source matters','','inherit','open','open','','1473-autosave','','','2011-11-14 14:04:50','2011-11-14 14:04:50','',1473,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1473-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1477,4,'2011-11-15 14:07:05','2011-11-15 14:07:05','A few days ago I received a four-fold brochure in the mail that had this tease on the address panel:\r\n<blockquote>Governor O\'Malley doesn\'t want you to know about this....SHOP TAX FREE</blockquote>\r\nMy first impression was this was a political mailing. It wasn\'t, because on the back panel it says:\r\n<blockquote>Shop Tax Free Every Day\r\n\r\nThe Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg (website, address, phone)\r\n\r\nMidnight Madness -- Thanksgiving Night! Save All Night</blockquote>\r\nOn the inside panels was a listing of participating stores with their different special offers.\r\n\r\nDo you notice any missing information? How about driving directions, or even an indication how far it is from main roads/cities in Maryland?  How about hours?\r\n\r\nThis brochure assumes that saving on taxes would be enough incentive for me to go the website or call to get the information that is missing. That is expecting too much. I did go to the website just to see how this mall does with this piece of marketing communication. The website  does list hours and has a rather unhelpful map under the directions. And also a Facebook link (which is not listed in the brochure).\r\n\r\nI think that if you are going to spend money on printing, it better be worth the money. In this case, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg  got carried away with an idea--lets tell people in Maryland that we don\'t charge taxes--and went from there. The company neglected to include BASIC information that anybody choosing to shop out of state would need: how do I get there, how long is it going to take and when are you open?\r\n\r\nI would bet anything that this brochure was done in house. If it wasn\'t done in house, it was done by a local agency that knows exactly how to get to the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, because there is no other mall like it nearby. In Maryland, there are several outlet shopping malls in state, and others in Northern Virginia.\r\n\r\nTo me, this is a clear example of why you need to get an independent or outside opinion on your marketing materials. You will overlook something and a third party may be able to point it out to you, like I am doing here.\r\n\r\nThoughts?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Why The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg needs help','','publish','open','open','','why-the-outlet-shoppes-at-gettysburg-needs-help','','','2011-11-15 14:07:05','2011-11-15 14:07:05','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1477',0,'post','',0),(1478,4,'2011-11-15 14:06:50','2011-11-15 14:06:50','A few days ago I received a four-fold brochure in the mail that had this tease on the address panel:\n<blockquote>Governor O\'Malley doesn\'t want you to know about this....SHOP TAX FREE</blockquote>\nMy first impression was this was a political mailing. It wasn\'t, because on the back panel it says:\n<blockquote>Shop Tax Free Every Day\n\nThe Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg (website, address, phone)\n\nMidnight Madness -- Thanksgiving Night! Save All Night</blockquote>\nOn the inside panels was a listing of participating stores with their different special offers.\n\nDo you notice any missing information? How about driving directions, or even an indication how far it is from main roads/cities in Maryland?  How about hours?\n\nThis brochure assumes that saving on taxes would be enough incentive for me to go the website or call to get the information that is missing. That is expecting too much. I did go to the website just to see how this mall does with this piece of marketing communication. The website  does list hours and has a rather unhelpful map under the directions. And also a Facebook link (which is not listed in the brochure).\n\nI think that if you are going to spend money on printing, it better be worth the money. In this case, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg  got carried away with an idea--lets tell people in Maryland that we don\'t charge taxes--and went from there. The company neglected to include BASIC information that anybody choosing to shop out of state would need: how do I get there, how long is it going to take and when are you open?\n\nI would bet anything that this brochure was done in house. If it wasn\'t done in house, it was done by a local agency that knows exactly how to get to the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, because there is no other mall like it nearby. In Maryland, there are several outlet shopping malls in state, and others in Northern Virginia.\n\nTo me, this is a clear example of why you need to get an independent or outside opinion on your marketing materials. You will overlook something and a third party may be able to point it out to you, like I am doing here.\n\nThoughts?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Why The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg needs help','','inherit','open','open','','1477-revision','','','2011-11-15 14:06:50','2011-11-15 14:06:50','',1477,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1477-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1479,4,'2011-11-17 19:50:56','2011-11-17 19:50:56','Everybody\'s inbox is full of holiday and event invitations during this time of the year. Between fundraisers and holiday parties, you have enough email to last you until January. If you are the person sending those invitations out, are you having success?\r\n\r\nSuccess starts with having the person open your email, but is sealed when the person makes a decision to attend.\r\n\r\nSometimes, there is too much volume and you could have the perfect invitation and few people will see it. That\'s something to consider during the November-December holiday season. However, you can\'t avoid it if you are keen to have a holiday party or a year-end fundraiser.\r\n\r\nBased on the invites I have been getting, here are my four top tips for making them successful:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Have an informative subject line (Join Joe\'s Christmas Party  on December 22)</li>\r\n	<li>Provide the <strong>all the requisite information</strong>: date, time, location/directions, cost, attire, and any other relevant information. Do not put any of this stuff elsewhere.</li>\r\n	<li>Double (and triple) check the dates, spelling, and the accuracy of the information.</li>\r\n	<li>Include at least on reason as to why this event is a must-attend (biggest fundraiser of the year, more than 200 potential clients, the best food and drink, etc.)</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThese may seem like good common sense, but I can\'t tell you how many emails I get that:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Have the right day, but the wrong date</li>\r\n	<li>Don\'t include location</li>\r\n	<li>Don\'t include cost (and make you click through to registration to find out)</li>\r\n	<li>Give no reason why would want to attend</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYes, this is basic, but minding the basics is the first thing you should do. Once you have covered the basic, the extra credit to make invitations successful is good design. An attractively designed invitation will welcome people, and make them want to be a part of the event.\r\n\r\nWhat do you do to make your invitations stand out from the crowd?','4 tips to make e-invitations successful','','publish','open','open','','4-tips-to-make-e-invitations-successful','','','2011-11-17 19:50:56','2011-11-17 19:50:56','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1479',0,'post','',0),(1480,4,'2011-11-17 19:50:50','2011-11-17 19:50:50','Everybody\'s inbox is full of holiday and event invitations during this time of the year. Between fundraisers and holiday parties, you have enough email to last you until January. If you are the person sending those invitations out, are you having success?\n\nSuccess starts with having the person open your email, but is sealed when the person makes a decision to attend.\n\nSometimes, there is too much volume and you could have the perfect invitation and few people will see it. That\'s something to consider during the November-December holiday season. However, you can\'t avoid it if you are keen to have a holiday party or a year-end fundraiser.\n\nBased on the invites I have been getting, here are my four top tips for making them successful:\n<ol>\n	<li>Have an informative subject line (Join Joe\'s Christmas Party  on December 22)</li>\n	<li>Provide the <strong>all the requisite information</strong>: date, time, location/directions, cost, attire, and any other relevant information. Do not put any of this stuff elsewhere.</li>\n	<li>Double (and triple) check the dates, spelling, and the accuracy of the information.</li>\n	<li>Include at least on reason as to why this event is a must-attend (biggest fundraiser of the year, more than 200 potential clients, the best food and drink, etc.)</li>\n</ol>\nThese may seem like good common sense, but I can\'t tell you how many emails I get that:\n<ul>\n	<li>Have the right day, but the wrong date</li>\n	<li>Don\'t include location</li>\n	<li>Don\'t include cost (and make you click through to registration to find out)</li>\n	<li>Give no reason why would want to attend</li>\n</ul>\nYes, this is basic, but minding the basics is the first thing you should do. Once you have covered the basic, the extra credit to make invitations successful is good design. An attractively designed invitation will welcome people, and make them want to be a part of the event.\n\nWhat do you do to make your invitations stand out from the crowd?','4 tips to make e-invitations successful','','inherit','open','open','','1479-revision','','','2011-11-17 19:50:50','2011-11-17 19:50:50','',1479,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1479-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1481,4,'2011-11-17 19:52:04','2011-11-17 19:52:04','Everybody\'s inbox is full of holiday and event invitations during this time of the year. Between fundraisers and holiday parties, you have enough email to last you until January. If you are the person sending those invitations out, are you having success?\n\nSuccess starts with having the person open your email, but is sealed when the person makes a decision to attend.\n\nSometimes, there is too much volume and you could have the perfect invitation and few people will see it. That\'s something to consider during the November-December holiday season. However, you can\'t avoid it if you are keen to have a holiday party or a year-end fundraiser.\n\nBased on the invites I have been getting, here are my four top tips for making them successful:\n<ol>\n	<li>Have an informative subject line (Join Joe\'s Christmas Party  on December 22)</li>\n	<li>Provide the <strong>all the requisite information</strong>: date, time, location/directions, cost, attire, and any other relevant information. Do not put any of this stuff elsewhere.</li>\n	<li>Double (and triple) check the dates, spelling, and the accuracy of the information.</li>\n	<li>Include at least on reason as to why this event is a must-attend (biggest fundraiser of the year, more than 200 potential clients, the best food and drink, etc.)</li>\n</ol>\nThese may seem like good common sense, but I can\'t tell you how many emails I get that:\n<ul>\n	<li>Have the right day, but the wrong date</li>\n	<li>Don\'t include location</li>\n	<li>Don\'t include cost (and make you click through to registration to find out)</li>\n	<li>Give no reason why would want to attend</li>\n</ul>\nYes, this is basic, but minding the basics is the first thing you should do. Once you have covered the basic, the extra credit to make invitations successful is good design. An attractively designed invitation will welcome people, and make them want to be a part of the event.\n\nWhat do you do to make your invitations stand out from the crowd?','4 tips to make e-invitations successful','','inherit','open','open','','1479-autosave','','','2011-11-17 19:52:04','2011-11-17 19:52:04','',1479,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1479-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1483,4,'2011-11-21 14:23:42','2011-11-21 14:23:42','Last night, I watched Steve Kroft on 60 Minutes attempt to get Grover Norquist to be thoughtful about his no taxes pledge. In case you don\'t know, Norquist, the founder of the misleadingly named \"Americans for Tax Reform\"  is the reason the GOP will not vote for any tax increase regardless of anything.\n\nI could say a lot about Norquist\'s smarmy demeanor, lack of ethics and sad attempts at humor, but I want to concentrate on one particular aspect of the interview. Norquist said that what American for Tax Reform is trying to accomplish is <strong>to brand the Republican Party as the party of no taxes</strong>. Here is the exchange, taken from <a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57327816/the-pledge-grover-norquists-hold-on-the-gop/?pageNum=2&amp;tag=contentMain;contentBody\" target=\"_blank\">CBS News/6o Minutes website:</a>\n<blockquote>Norquist claims he got the idea to brand the Republican Party as the  party that would never raise your taxes, when he was just 12 years old  and volunteering for the Nixon campaign. He says it came to him one day  while he was riding home on the school bus.\n\nNorquist:  If the parties would brand themselves the way Coke and Pepsi and other  products do so that you knew what you were buying, it had quality  control. I vote for the Republican. He or she will not raise my taxes.  I\'ll buy one. I\'ll take that one home.\n\nKroft: So this is about marketing?\n\nNorquist: Yes. It\'s a part of that. Yeah, very much so.\n\nBut  Norquist says the success of any product requires relentless monitoring  and diligent quality control to protect the brand, whether it\'s Coca  Cola or the Republican Party.</blockquote>\nThe problem with this scenario is that Norquist seems to think that branding is achieved by threat. Basically, if a GOP candidate does not sign the no-taxes pledge, Norquist will fund his demise. The deal is that pols will sign the pledge and then get money  for their campaigns. If they refuse to sign the pledge, American for Tax Reform will do everything it can to discredit them and will fund any opposing pol who does sign the pledge.  Furthermore, if the pol votes for a tax increase after having signed the pledge (no matter how long ago), Norquist will work to make sure the pol loses his/her seat.\n\nNorquist is <em>not</em> a marketer--he is a politician who is using power and money to influence (and some would say corrupt) the political process. To really \"market\" the GOP, Norquist would have to do some research. He would have to listen to the average citizen/consumer. He would have to explore what the GOP brand means to people inside and outside the GOP.\n\nFinally, Norquist is not really trying to REFORM taxes or make them more equitable or fair. He is working to reduce the size of government, as this article in Politico points out.\n\nWhy not make the GOP the party of \"we don\'t want to be in government.\" Many of us could support that.\n\nYour thoughts?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Grover: You don\'t know marketing','','inherit','open','open','','1482-revision','','','2011-11-21 14:23:42','2011-11-21 14:23:42','',1482,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1482-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1484,4,'2011-08-19 04:46:26','2011-08-19 04:46:26','<h1><a title=\"Writing/Copywriting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/writing/\">Writing</a></h1>\r\n<h1><a title=\"Translation\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/translation/\">Translation</a></h1>\r\n<h1><a title=\"Communications Consulting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/communications-consulting/\">Communications Consulting</a></h1>\r\n<h1><a title=\"Communication Audit\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/communication-audit/\">Communication Audit</a></h1>','Services','','inherit','open','open','','14-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 04:46:26','2011-08-19 04:46:26','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/14-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1486,4,'2011-11-22 14:39:09','2011-11-22 14:39:09','Lately, I feel that we live in a very mediocre world as it relates to communications and writing.  Open up the newspaper most days and you will find a few articles that seem as if they were written by a teenager. Online, I see typos and spelling mistakes galore.  On social media, I see a lot of rude behavior, I suppose reflecting the loss of civility evident everywhere.\n\nBut, as with all problems, there is an opportunity---an opportunity to shine. Because we are surrounded by mediocrity, working to be better will make you stand out.\n\nHere are few ways to shine:\n\nMind your grammar, spelling and typing: Perhaps you need an editor or just a better review of your writing. And if you aren\'t really that good a grammar, perhaps take a class or read a book to improve your skills.\n\nSkip the passive voice: There is  nothing like reading long passive sentences. It kills your writing. If you don\'t know what I am talking about then you never had a teacher who corrected your passive voice and made it active.\n\nAvoid the cliches and jargon: Another dead giveaway that screams laziness and even stupidity is the overuse of jargon and cliches. People hide behind these words. For instance, the following excerpts are from a job description (let me know if you understand what this person does for a living):\n\n&nbsp;','How you can shine','','inherit','open','open','','1485-revision','','','2011-11-22 14:39:09','2011-11-22 14:39:09','',1485,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1485-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1487,4,'2011-11-22 14:58:35','2011-11-22 14:58:35','Lately, I feel that we live in a very mediocre world as it relates to communications and writing.  Open up the newspaper most days and you will find a few articles that seem as if they were written by a teenager. Online, I see typos and spelling mistakes galore.  On social media, I see a lot of rude behavior, I suppose reflecting the loss of civility evident everywhere.\n\nBut, as with all problems, there is an opportunity---an opportunity to shine. Because we are surrounded by mediocrity, working to be better will make you stand out.\n\nHere are few ways to shine:\n\n<strong>Mind your grammar, spelling and typing</strong>: Perhaps you need an editor or just a better review of your writing. And, if you aren\'t really that good at grammar, perhaps take a class or read a book to improve your skills.\n\n<strong>Skip the passive voice:</strong> There is  nothing like reading long passive sentences. It kills your writing. If you don\'t know what I am talking about then you never had a teacher who corrected your passive voice and made it active.\n\n<strong>Avoid the cliches and jargon:</strong> Another dead giveaway that screams laziness and even stupidity is the overuse of jargon and cliches. People hide behind these words. For instance, the following excerpts are from a job description (let me know if you understand what this person does for a living):\n<ul>\n	<li>Stakeholder relationship management</li>\n	<li>Standardizing processes, roles and responsibilities</li>\n	<li>Outreach strategy</li>\n	<li>Virtual collaboration</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Be polite:</strong> If someone writes you an email or leaves you a voice mail, respond. If someone comments on your blog, thank him/her. On Twitter, acknowledge re-tweets.Watch your swearing in a public space (yes, social media is a public space).\n\n<strong>Think about your audience:</strong> If you think about who your audience is, and what information they need, you will be a huge step ahead. Considering your audience will help determine your language, your timing, etc.\n\n<strong>Learn how to network effectively:</strong> Perhaps we are spending too much time with our gadgets, but it seems more people are less able to interact personally with others. If you go to a networking event, try speaking to other people. It is as easy as introducing yourself, and asking a simple question (how did you hear about the event, have you been here before, etc.) You may also want to follow up with the people you meet.\n\n<strong>Be a LinkedIn rock star:</strong> Not a week goes by that I don\'t get a LinkedIn invitation that is a) not personalized and b) from someone I don\'t know.  Sometimes, I go to somebody\'s profile, and it is missing information, does not have photograph, and lists an old position where the person is no longer working.  So, you have the opportunity to shine on LinkedIn by:\n<ul>\n	<li>Completing your profile (include your photo)</li>\n	<li>ALWAYS personalizing invitations</li>\n	<li>Not connecting with every Tom, Dick and Jane out there.</li>\n	<li>Having an updated job description</li>\n	<li>Joining (and participating) in groups</li>\n</ul>\nHow do you shine? Please share what you do to stand out from the crowd.\n\n&nbsp;','How you can shine','','inherit','open','open','','1485-revision-2','','','2011-11-22 14:58:35','2011-11-22 14:58:35','',1485,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1485-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1488,4,'2011-11-22 14:59:44','2011-11-22 14:59:44','Lately, I feel that we live in a very mediocre world as it relates to communications and writing.  Open up the newspaper most days and you will find a few articles that seem as if they were written by a teenager. Online, I see typos and spelling mistakes galore.  On social media, I see a lot of rude behavior, I suppose reflecting the loss of civility evident everywhere.\n\nBut, as with all problems, there is an opportunity---an opportunity to shine. Because we are surrounded by mediocrity, working to be better will make you stand out.\n\nHere are few ways to shine:\n\n<strong>Mind your grammar, spelling and typing</strong>: Perhaps you need an editor or just a better review of your writing. And, if you aren\'t really that good at grammar, perhaps take a class or read a book to improve your skills.\n\n<strong>Skip the passive voice:</strong> There is  nothing like reading long passive sentences. It kills your writing. If you don\'t know what I am talking about then you never had a teacher who corrected your passive voice and made it active.\n\n<strong>Avoid the cliches and jargon:</strong> Another dead giveaway that screams laziness and even stupidity is the overuse of jargon and cliches. People hide behind these words. For instance, the following excerpts are from a job description (let me know if you understand what this person does for a living):\n<ul>\n	<li>Stakeholder relationship management</li>\n	<li>Standardizing processes, roles and responsibilities</li>\n	<li>Outreach strategy</li>\n	<li>Virtual collaboration</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Be polite:</strong> If someone writes you an email or leaves you a voice mail, respond. If someone comments on your blog, thank him/her. On Twitter, acknowledge re-tweets.Watch your swearing in a public space (yes, social media is a public space).\n\n<strong>Think about your audience:</strong> If you think about who your audience is, and what information they need, you will be a huge step ahead. Considering your audience will help determine your language, your timing, etc.\n\n<strong>Learn how to network effectively:</strong> Perhaps we are spending too much time with our gadgets, but it seems more people are less able to interact personally with others. If you go to a networking event, try speaking to other people. It is as easy as introducing yourself, and asking a simple question (how did you hear about the event, have you been here before, etc.) You may also want to follow up with the people you meet.\n\n<strong>Be a LinkedIn rock star:</strong> Not a week goes by that I don\'t get a LinkedIn invitation that is a) not personalized and b) from someone I don\'t know.  Sometimes, I go to somebody\'s profile, and it is missing information, does not have photograph, and lists an old position where the person is no longer working.  So, you have the opportunity to shine on LinkedIn by:\n<ul>\n	<li>Completing your profile (include your photo)</li>\n	<li>ALWAYS personalizing invitations</li>\n	<li>Not connecting with every Tom, Dick and Jane out there.</li>\n	<li>Having an updated job description</li>\n	<li>Joining (and participating) in groups</li>\n</ul>\nHow do you shine? Please share what you do to stand out from the crowd.\n\n&nbsp;','How you can shine','','inherit','open','open','','1485-autosave','','','2011-11-22 14:59:44','2011-11-22 14:59:44','',1485,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1485-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1496,4,'2011-12-05 16:36:51','2011-12-05 16:36:51','How many times have you gone on to a website, and tried to find a phone number or a specific person to email and couldn\'t? Have you ever gotten lost in a phone tree? Have you wanted to comment on a blog but had to jump through hoops?\r\n\r\nIf you have experienced any of these situations (and chances are you have, more than once), you are feeling exactly how difficult it can be to communicate with a company. Some companies and organizations make it especially hard to communicate because they don\'t want to hear from you. Other companies and organizations are simply clueless.\r\n\r\nLet me give you a specific example. I was a member of an organization, and my one-year membership expired. I got an email that went something like this:\r\n<blockquote>Thank you for your support of the XXXX. Just a  friendly reminder that your membership expired on XXX. Please contact us to renew your membership, or visit our website  to renew online: &lt;website link&gt;\r\n\r\nYour support will help us build upon our existing programs that  speak directly to our mission of XXXX.\r\n\r\nFor questions about membership please contact XXX, Development  Manager, at &lt;email address&gt;.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your continued support.</blockquote>\r\nThere is nothing WRONG with this email, per se. But it doesn\'t make it easy for me to renew. Why?\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>It only provides one way to contact a person--via email (no phone).</li>\r\n	<li>It doesn\'t tell me what my cost will be.</li>\r\n	<li>The website link sends me a very slow loading page that a) is not a form; b) requires I have an account or create an account.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn many cases, businesses and organizations don\'t test their communications channels to see the interaction and whether it is easy to use or navigate. Remember that people are pressed for time and will give up quite easily unless they are EXTREMELY motivated.\r\n\r\nThe easier you make it for people, the more business (or donations, renewals, exposure) you will have.\r\n\r\nAre you making it easy for people to connect with you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Make it easy','','publish','open','open','','make-it-easy','','','2011-12-05 21:05:16','2011-12-05 21:05:16','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1496',0,'post','',0),(1491,4,'2011-11-25 14:58:29','2011-11-25 14:58:29','Here we are--it\'s Black Friday, and plenty of businesses want your business. Between extended (way extended) hours and special deals, people are being lured in to buy. Most of these people have a very specific need in mind (a Christmas gift for their child or a flat screen TV for the family room) and are going in with focus.\r\n\r\nWhich leads me to an experience I had on Tuesday (the day I went to the mall, because, frankly, there is nothing I need so much that I will fight people and crowds today).  It was a classic case of how not to sell.\r\n\r\nI went in to a shoe store---with the intent of shopping for SHOES. I selected a couple of pairs and asked the clerk for my size.  She said \"We are having a sale on our handbags--20% off.\" I nodded.  Then, she brought the shoes out. I slipped them on, and found that they were a bit loose in the heel.  She hadn\'t been paying too much attention to me, and finally asked me how they fit. I said they were loose. She offered to measure my foot...I declined (I already know my shoe size). Then I selected another pair. She brought them out, and she told me the store has  a great deal on socks...get a hole in them and get them replaced for life. I nodded once again. I left the store with no shoes, socks or handbags.\r\n\r\nThe salesperson was trying to sell everything except what I wanted. Most likely, \"corporate\" told its people to upsell and gives a bonus/commission for every non-shoe item sold. But, in this case, this particular salesperson lost sight of what her job is in essence--to sell shoes. In order to do so, she would have had to focus on what I wanted. She could have asked if I was looking for a casual or dressy shoe or whether I needed a wider width, or offered an alternative suggestion when I told her the shoes she brought did not fit. I<strong>nstead, she ignored my needs and focused on her script (mention sale on purses, mention lifetime warranty on socks). How not to sell, plain and simple.</strong>\r\n\r\nTo sell, you have to focus on what your customer wants. That is also plain and simple.','How not to sell','','publish','open','open','','how-not-to-sell','','','2011-11-25 14:58:29','2011-11-25 14:58:29','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1491',0,'post','',0),(1492,4,'2011-11-25 14:57:44','2011-11-25 14:57:44','Here we are--it\'s Black Friday, and plenty of businesses want your business. Between extended (way extended) hours and special deals, people are being lured in to buy. Most of these people have a very specific need in mind (a Christmas gift for their child or a flat screen TV for the family room) and are going in with focus.\n\nWhich leads me to an experience I had on Tuesday (the day I went to the mall, because, frankly, there is nothing I need so much that I will fight people and crowds today).  It was a classic case of how not to sell.\n\nI went in to a shoe store---with the intent of shopping for SHOES. I selected a couple of pairs and asked the clerk for my size.  She said \"We are having a sale on our handbags--20% off.\" I nodded.  Then, she brought the shoes out. I slipped them on, and found that they were a bit loose in the heel.  She hadn\'t been paying too much attention to me, and finally asked me how they fit. I said they were loose. She offered to measure my foot...I declined (I already know my shoe size). Then I selected another pair. She brought them out, and she told me the store has  a great deal on socks...get a hole in them and get them replaced for life. I nodded once again. I left the store with no shoes, socks or handbags.\n\nThe salesperson was trying to sell everything except what I wanted. Most likely, \"corporate\" told its people to upsell and gives a bonus/commission for every non-shoe item sold. But, in this case, this particular salesperson lost sight of what her job is in essence--to sell shoes. In order to do so, she would have had to focus on what I wanted. She could have asked if I was looking for a casual or dressy shoe or whether I needed a wider width, or offered an alternative suggestion when I told her the shoes she brought did not fit. I<strong>nstead, she ignored my needs and focused on her script (mention sale on purses, mention lifetime warranty on socks). How not t</strong>\n\nTo sell, you have to focus on what your customer wants. It is that simple.','How not to sell','','inherit','open','open','','1491-revision','','','2011-11-25 14:57:44','2011-11-25 14:57:44','',1491,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1491-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1493,4,'2011-11-29 14:22:15','2011-11-29 14:22:15','If you have an organizational enewsletter, who handles it? In my experience, it probably is one of the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Administrative assistant</li>\r\n	<li>Intern</li>\r\n	<li>Volunteer/Development assistant or coordinator (for nonprofits)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAnd yet, an enewsletter should be part of your communications and marketing efforts.  At the very least, your communications/marketing people should take a look at the enewsletter and check for the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Consistency of message</li>\r\n	<li>Use of logo and tagline</li>\r\n	<li>How it fits into the overall messaging/communications campaign</li>\r\n	<li>Timing (is it coming out too close to other communications?)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOf course, someone needs to be the final editor and proofreader. In the past couple of weeks, I have received an enewsletter that has had date mistakes (saying an event is on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, with Tuesday\'s date) or with location mistakes or even speaker name mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe best way to handle an enewsletter is to have an editorial calendar---created by your communications department--which can adjust for any special events or needs that arise each month. Your admin or intern can write the content, but it must be checked before sending out. Every single time.\r\n\r\nAn enewsletter is a valuable communications tool, which when done right, can help your organization. When done wrong, it can reflect badly on your organization and make people unsubscribe.\r\n\r\nHow do you handle your enewsletter? Do you have any good tips? Please share them in the comments.','Who should handle your enewsletter?','','publish','open','open','','who-should-handle-your-enewsletter','','','2011-11-29 14:22:15','2011-11-29 14:22:15','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1493',0,'post','',0),(1494,4,'2011-11-29 14:21:49','2011-11-29 14:21:49','If you have an organizational enewsletter, who handles it? In my experience, it probably is one of the following:\n<ul>\n	<li>Administrative assistant</li>\n	<li>Intern</li>\n	<li>Volunteer/Development assistant or coordinator (for nonprofits)</li>\n</ul>\nAnd yet, an enewsletter should be part of your communications and marketing efforts.  At the very least, your communications/marketing people should take a look at the enewsletter and check for the following:\n<ul>\n	<li>Consistency of message</li>\n	<li>Use of logo and tagline</li>\n	<li>How it fits into the overall messaging/communications campaign</li>\n	<li>Timing (is it coming out too close to other communications?)</li>\n</ul>\nOf course, someone needs to be the final editor and proofreader. In the past couple of weeks, I have received an enewsletter that has had date mistakes (saying an event is on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, with Tuesday\'s date) or with location mistakes or even speaker name mistakes.\n\nThe best way to handle an enewsletter is to have an editorial calendar---created by your communications department--which can adjust for any special events or needs that arise each month. Your admin or intern can write the content, but it must be checked before sending out. Every single time.\n\nAn enewsletter is a valuable communications tool, which when done right, can help your organization. When done wrong, it can reflect badly on your organization and make people unsubscribe.\n\nHow do you handle your enewsletter? Do you have any good tips? Please share them in the comments.','Who should handle your enewsletter?','','inherit','open','open','','1493-revision','','','2011-11-29 14:21:49','2011-11-29 14:21:49','',1493,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1493-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1495,4,'2011-11-29 14:23:19','2011-11-29 14:23:19','If you have an organizational enewsletter, who handles it? In my experience, it probably is one of the following:\n<ul>\n	<li>Administrative assistant</li>\n	<li>Intern</li>\n	<li>Volunteer/Development assistant or coordinator (for nonprofits)</li>\n</ul>\nAnd yet, an enewsletter should be part of your communications and marketing efforts.  At the very least, your communications/marketing people should take a look at the enewsletter and check for the following:\n<ul>\n	<li>Consistency of message</li>\n	<li>Use of logo and tagline</li>\n	<li>How it fits into the overall messaging/communications campaign</li>\n	<li>Timing (is it coming out too close to other communications?)</li>\n</ul>\nOf course, someone needs to be the final editor and proofreader. In the past couple of weeks, I have received an enewsletter that has had date mistakes (saying an event is on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, with Tuesday\'s date) or with location mistakes or even speaker name mistakes.\n\nThe best way to handle an enewsletter is to have an editorial calendar---created by your communications department--which can adjust for any special events or needs that arise each month. Your admin or intern can write the content, but it must be checked before sending out. Every single time.\n\nAn enewsletter is a valuable communications tool, which when done right, can help your organization. When done wrong, it can reflect badly on your organization and make people unsubscribe.\n\nHow do you handle your enewsletter? Do you have any good tips? Please share them in the comments.','Who should handle your enewsletter?','','inherit','open','open','','1493-autosave','','','2011-11-29 14:23:19','2011-11-29 14:23:19','',1493,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/11/1493-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1497,4,'2011-12-05 16:35:12','2011-12-05 16:35:12','How many times have you gone on to a website, and tried to find a phone number or a specific person to email and couldn\'t? Have you ever gotten lost in phone tree? Have you wanted to comment on a blog but had to jump through hoops?\n\nIf you have experienced any of these situations (and chances are you have, more than once), you are feeling exactly how difficult it can be to communicate with a company. Some companies and organizations make it especially hard to communicate because they don\'t want to hear from you. Other companies and organizations are simply clueless.\n\nLet me give you a specific example. I was a member of an organization, and my one-year membership expired. I got an email that went something like this:\n<blockquote>Thank you for your support of the XXXX. Just a  friendly reminder that your membership expired on XXX. Please contact us to renew your membership, or visit our website  to renew online: &lt;website link&gt;\n\nYour support will help us build upon our existing programs that  speak directly to our mission of XXXX.\n\nFor questions about membership please contact XXX, Development  Manager, at &lt;email address&gt;.\n\nThank you again for your continued support.</blockquote>\nThere is nothing WRONG with this email, per se. But it doesn\'t make it easy for me to renew. Why?\n<ul>\n	<li>It only provides one way to contact a person--via email (no phone).</li>\n	<li>It doesn\'t tell me what my cost will be.</li>\n	<li>The website link sends me a very slow loading page that a) is not a form; b) requires I have an account or create an account.</li>\n</ul>\nIn many cases, businesses and organizations don\'t test their communications channels to see the interaction and whether it is easy to use or navigate. Remember that people are pressed for time and will give up quite easily unless they are EXTREMELY motivated.\n\nThe easier you make it for people, the more business (or donations, renewals, exposure) you will have.\n\nAre you making it easy for people to connect with you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Make it easy','','inherit','open','open','','1496-revision','','','2011-12-05 16:35:12','2011-12-05 16:35:12','',1496,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1496-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1498,4,'2011-12-05 16:36:51','2011-12-05 16:36:51','How many times have you gone on to a website, and tried to find a phone number or a specific person to email and couldn\'t? Have you ever gotten lost in phone tree? Have you wanted to comment on a blog but had to jump through hoops?\r\n\r\nIf you have experienced any of these situations (and chances are you have, more than once), you are feeling exactly how difficult it can be to communicate with a company. Some companies and organizations make it especially hard to communicate because they don\'t want to hear from you. Other companies and organizations are simply clueless.\r\n\r\nLet me give you a specific example. I was a member of an organization, and my one-year membership expired. I got an email that went something like this:\r\n<blockquote>Thank you for your support of the XXXX. Just a  friendly reminder that your membership expired on XXX. Please contact us to renew your membership, or visit our website  to renew online: &lt;website link&gt;\r\n\r\nYour support will help us build upon our existing programs that  speak directly to our mission of XXXX.\r\n\r\nFor questions about membership please contact XXX, Development  Manager, at &lt;email address&gt;.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your continued support.</blockquote>\r\nThere is nothing WRONG with this email, per se. But it doesn\'t make it easy for me to renew. Why?\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>It only provides one way to contact a person--via email (no phone).</li>\r\n	<li>It doesn\'t tell me what my cost will be.</li>\r\n	<li>The website link sends me a very slow loading page that a) is not a form; b) requires I have an account or create an account.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn many cases, businesses and organizations don\'t test their communications channels to see the interaction and whether it is easy to use or navigate. Remember that people are pressed for time and will give up quite easily unless they are EXTREMELY motivated.\r\n\r\nThe easier you make it for people, the more business (or donations, renewals, exposure) you will have.\r\n\r\nAre you making it easy for people to connect with you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Make it easy','','inherit','open','open','','1496-revision-2','','','2011-12-05 16:36:51','2011-12-05 16:36:51','',1496,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1496-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1499,4,'2011-12-07 15:40:36','2011-12-07 15:40:36','I got a jar of apple butter on my doorstep the other day. It was from a local real estate agent who delivered this \"gift\" to everyone else in my townhouse community. He is also selling one of the houses in the community. It is not the first thing I get from him. I got a magnetic calendar earlier in the year, and a housing sales report too. But apple butter? Is that too much?\r\n\r\nCan you do too much marketing? Some would argue that as long as you are getting customers/clients, there is probably not too much marketing.  True...but are you doing too much to get those customers/clients? In other words, are you spending more than you have to,  making each acquisition very costly?\r\n\r\nThere is no set formula to figure this out, unfortunately. And you have to accept that much of your marketing effort will be wasted, which is why it is important to figure out how much each client/customer is worth to you.\r\n\r\nIn this case, no amount of apple butter, postcards or calendars will get me to use the real estate agent. I already have a real estate agent, and that is who I will use if I ever need to sell this house or buy another.  I will grant that this amount of marketing is providing HUGE name recognition.  Is it promoting conversion? Not sure.\r\n\r\nI believe that the more targeted your marketing is, the better chance you have of it being effective. In this case, the real estate agent is being geographically targeted, which may be the best he can do. His marketing may not work for me, but should he get one of my neighbors to use him, then perhaps he has achieved his objective.\r\n\r\nWhen is it too much marketing? When it produces few if any results.  And you get there sometimes by trial and error. What do you think makes too much marketing?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Too much marketing?','','publish','open','open','','too-much-marketing','','','2011-12-07 15:40:36','2011-12-07 15:40:36','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1499',0,'post','',0),(1500,4,'2011-12-07 15:39:48','2011-12-07 15:39:48','I got a jar of apple butter on my doorstep the other day. It was from a local real estate agent who delivered this \"gift\" to everyone else in my townhouse community. He is also selling one of the houses in the community. It is not the first thing I get from him. I got a magnetic calendar earlier in the year, and a housing sales report too. But apple butter? Is that too much?\n\nCan you do too much marketing? Some would argue that as long as you are getting customers/clients, there is probably not too much marketing.  True...but are you doing too much to get those customers/clients? In other words, are you spending more than you have to,  making each acquisition very costly?\n\nThere is no set formula to figure this out, unfortunately. And you have to accept that much of your marketing effort will be wasted, which is why it is important to figure out how much each client/customer is worth to you.\n\nIn this case, no amount of apple butter, postcards or calendars will get me to use the real estate agent. I already have a real estate agent, and that is who I will use if I ever need to sell this house or buy another.  I will grant that this amount of marketing is providing HUGE name recognition.  Is it promoting conversion? Not sure.\n\nI believe that the more targeted your marketing is, the better chance you have of it being effective. In this case, the real estate agent is being geographically targeted, which may be the best he can do. His marketing may not work for me, but should he get one of my neighbors to use him, then perhaps he has achieved his objective.\n\nWhen is it too much marketing? When it produces few if any results.\n\n&nbsp;','Too much marketing?','','inherit','open','open','','1499-revision','','','2011-12-07 15:39:48','2011-12-07 15:39:48','',1499,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1499-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1501,4,'2011-12-09 13:12:56','2011-12-09 13:12:56','It\'s been a week since I logged into my personal Facebook account. One week in which I haven\'t \"liked\" anything or found out what my \"friends\" are busy doing in their lives.  And guess what? It\'s been OK.\r\n\r\nI decided to avoid Facebook this week because frankly, I am sick of the site.  Between the false feeling of connection to the inspirational quotes, location check-ins and general braggadocio, I am not sure which irritates me the most. And it is definitely not the point to be annoyed when you are on a website.\r\n\r\nThis week I have been on Twitter and LinkedIn. On these social networks I generally learn more than I ever do on Facebook. Twitter provides me with up-to-the-minute news, links to information I may have not seen and a way to chat with people in real-time. LinkedIn lets me see what people are doing professionally.\r\n\r\nThis leads me to social media marketing. If you are relying on just one social network like Facebook to do all your marketing communications, you may be putting all the proverbial eggs in one basket.  You should diversify. Yes, Facebook has a HUGE audience. But it is a POTENTIAL audience, not a measured, constant audience. People do not yet HAVE to go to Facebook every day. They may choose to, but they don\'t need to go there to check mail or get their news.\r\n\r\nI would still counsel you to use Facebook as part of your marketing mix<strong>. Because it is opt-in for people, you are communicating with those who are receptive to your message.</strong> That is truly valuable. Just don\'t share inspirational quotes or you will lose me!\r\n\r\nYour thoughts? How do you feel about Facebook?','One week without Facebook','','publish','open','open','','one-week-without-facebook','','','2011-12-09 13:12:56','2011-12-09 13:12:56','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1501',0,'post','',0),(1502,4,'2011-12-09 13:12:14','2011-12-09 13:12:14','It\'s been a week since I logged into my personal Facebook account. One week in which I haven\'t \"liked\" anything or found out what my \"friends\" are busy doing in their lives.  And guess what? It\'s been OK.\n\nI decided to avoid Facebook this week because frankly, I am sick of the site.  Between the false feeling of connection to the inspirational quotes, location check-ins and general braggadocio, I am not sure which irritates me the most. And it is definitely not the point to be annoyed when you are on a website.\n\nThis week I have been on Twitter and LinkedIn. On these social networks I generally learn more than I ever do on Facebook. Twitter provides me with up-to-the-minute news, links to information I may have not seen and a way to chat with people in real-time. LinkedIn lets me see what people are doing professionally.\n\nThis leads me to social media marketing. If you are relying on just one social network like Facebook to do all your marketing communications, you may be putting all the proverbial eggs in one basket.  You should diversify. Yes, Facebook has a HUGE audience. But it is a POTENTIAL audience, not a measured, constant audience. People do not yet HAVE to go to Facebook every day. They may choose to, but they don\'t need to go there to check mail or get their news.\n\nI would still counsel you to use Facebook as part of your marketing mix<strong>. Because it is opt-in for people, you are communicating with those who are receptive to your message.</strong> That is truly valuable. Just don\'t share inspirational quotes or you will lose me!\n\nYour thoughts? How do you feel about Facebook?','One week without Facebook','','inherit','open','open','','1501-revision','','','2011-12-09 13:12:14','2011-12-09 13:12:14','',1501,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1501-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1503,4,'2011-12-12 18:28:02','2011-12-12 18:28:02','You know this person right? The person who says \"let\'s get together soon\" but never does anything to make it happen? Or worse, the person who says you should get together and when you follow up, s(he) actually rebuffs you/comes up with an excuse/doesn\'t respond at all.\r\n\r\nIn marketing communications this person is the equivalent of the false brand promise or the product that does not perform as advertised(truth in advertising).\r\n\r\nIt is something to watch out for. If you are marketer--are you blithely promising to get together and then promptly forgetting your promise? That is, are you telling prospects that your product/service  is the most effective way to XXXX, but falling somewhat short?\r\n\r\nYou know what happens when you fail your brand promise? You lose customers, and you most likely won\'t be able to get them back.\r\n\r\nRecently, I attended a business event that was billed as a goal-setting workshop. It wasn\'t. Not even close. Guess what? I am not going back to that group. Same thing happened a few months ago when I attended a local communications group event on the strategic use of video...except there was no mention of strategy whatsoever.\r\n\r\nWhen you fail to do what you promise to do--whether in your marketing efforts or your personal outreach--you lose business (current or potential).\r\n\r\nInstead of saying \"let\'s get together soon\" say \"how about we meet up for coffee on Monday at 2 pm.\"','Let\'s get together soon! (she said)','','publish','open','open','','lets-get-together-soon-she-said','','','2011-12-12 18:28:02','2011-12-12 18:28:02','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1503',0,'post','',0),(1504,4,'2011-12-12 18:27:01','2011-12-12 18:27:01','You know this person right? The person who says \"let\'s get together soon\" but never does anything to make it happen? Or worse, the person who says you should get together and when you follow up, s(he) actually rebuffs you/comes up with an excuse/doesn\'t respond at all.\n\nIn marketing communications this person is the equivalent of the false brand promise or the product that does not perform as advertised.\n\nIt is something to watch out for. If you are marketer--are you blithely promising to get together and then promptly forgetting your promise? That is, are you telling prospects that your product/service  is the most effective way to XXXX, but falling somewhat short?\n\nYou know what happens when you fail your brand promise? You lose customers, and you most likely won\'t be able to get them back.\n\nRecently, I attended a business event that was billed as a goal-setting workshop. It wasn\'t. Not even close. Guess what? I am not going back to that group. Same thing happened a few months ago when I attended a local communications group event on the strategic use of video...except there was no mention of strategy whatsoever.\n\nWhen you fail to do what you promise to do--whether in your marketing efforts or your personal outreach--you lose business (current or potential).\n\nInstead of saying \"let\'s get together soon\" say \"how about we meet up for coffee on Monday at 2 pm.\" See the difference?','Let\'s get together soon! (she said)','','inherit','open','open','','1503-revision','','','2011-12-12 18:27:01','2011-12-12 18:27:01','',1503,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1503-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1505,4,'2011-12-12 18:28:02','2011-12-12 18:28:02','You know this person right? The person who says \"let\'s get together soon\" but never does anything to make it happen? Or worse, the person who says you should get together and when you follow up, s(he) actually rebuffs you/comes up with an excuse/doesn\'t respond at all.\n\nIn marketing communications this person is the equivalent of the false brand promise or the product that does not perform as advertised(truth in advertising).\n\nIt is something to watch out for. If you are marketer--are you blithely promising to get together and then promptly forgetting your promise? That is, are you telling prospects that your product/service  is the most effective way to XXXX, but falling somewhat short?\n\nYou know what happens when you fail your brand promise? You lose customers, and you most likely won\'t be able to get them back.\n\nRecently, I attended a business event that was billed as a goal-setting workshop. It wasn\'t. Not even close. Guess what? I am not going back to that group. Same thing happened a few months ago when I attended a local communications group event on the strategic use of video...except there was no mention of strategy whatsoever.\n\nWhen you fail to do what you promise to do--whether in your marketing efforts or your personal outreach--you lose business (current or potential).\n\nInstead of saying \"let\'s get together soon\" say \"how about we meet up for coffee on Monday at 2 pm.\"','Let\'s get together soon! (she said)','','inherit','open','open','','1503-autosave','','','2011-12-12 18:28:02','2011-12-12 18:28:02','',1503,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1503-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1517,4,'2011-12-28 15:57:08','2011-12-28 15:57:08','It is inevitable that at the end of the year blogs, newscasts, newspapers and everybody else creates lists for their readers/viewers: best posts of the year, what\'s in and what\'s out, resolutions for 2012, trends, and so on. While some of these are interesting and even though-provoking, I challenge you to make your own list.\r\n\r\nTo make your own list, you will have to sit and reflect a bit. Here are some guiding questions:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>What worked the best for you in terms of marketing communications? (What got the most response, donors, etc.)</li>\r\n	<li>What worked the least for you? (Where did you spend time/money with little or no return?)</li>\r\n	<li>Did you create any partnerships? What worked best/least?</li>\r\n	<li>Did you sponsor anything/anybody? What worked?</li>\r\n	<li>Did you read any business/marketing books? Which provided the best/most actionable advice?</li>\r\n	<li>What ads/commercials were memorable to you? Why?</li>\r\n	<li>What peeved you the most?</li>\r\n	<li>What did your competition do this year that you admired? That you thought was not so good?</li>\r\n	<li>What people/organizations brought you the most value? (Perhaps your graphic designer or your printer...)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>What one marketing communications task that you accomplished this year was the most worthwhile (something like creating a brochure, redesigning a website, launching a blog, etc.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn the <a href=\"http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/2011/12/21/4-questions-to-ensure-2012-will-be-your-best-year-yet/\" target=\"_blank\">Escape from Cubicle Nation blog, Pam Slim urges you to ask yourself four questions</a>:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>What did I learn?</li>\r\n	<li>What am I grateful for?</li>\r\n	<li>What will I stop doing?</li>\r\n	<li>What will I start doing?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAlthough Ms. Slim is looking at personal growth, I think these questions are valid to determine what your marcomm efforts will be in the new year. Looking through your lists will help you move forward in 2012. The last two questions are especially key. If you found that something you have been doing provides no return on investment, STOP doing it. Start doing something different!\r\n\r\nPlease share your responses or any questions that you ask yourself at year\'s end.','Make your own list','','publish','open','open','','make-your-own-list','','\nhttp://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/2011/12/21/4-questions-to-ensure-2012-will-be-your-best-year-yet/','2011-12-28 16:36:47','2011-12-28 16:36:47','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1517',0,'post','',0),(1507,4,'2011-12-15 16:10:26','2011-12-15 16:10:26','If you are the type to make New Year\'s resolutions, make one to be more effective in your marketing communications efforts.  Being effective--that is, actually successful in producing your intended result--should be the goal of all marketing communications.\r\n\r\nHow can you be more effective? There are several ways to make sure your communications meet their mark, but it probably starts with the basics:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Do you know and understand your <strong>TARGET AUDIENCE</strong>?</li>\r\n	<li>Do you know what your <strong>KEY MESSAGE</strong> is?Are you expressing it clearly and unambiguously?</li>\r\n	<li>Are your properly<strong> TIMING </strong>your communications efforts?</li>\r\n	<li>Do you know your <strong>USP </strong>(unique selling proposition)?</li>\r\n	<li>Are you aware of who your <strong>COMPETITION </strong>and what they are doing?</li>\r\n	<li>Have you gotten <strong>FEEDBACK </strong> from outside sources on your creative? Is it conveying the attributes you are trying to convey?</li>\r\n	<li>Are you following a <strong>STRATEGY</strong> or are you just engaging in <strong>TACTICS</strong>?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat are your suggestions for being more effective? Please share in the comments.','Being more effective','','publish','open','open','','being-more-effective','','','2011-12-15 16:10:26','2011-12-15 16:10:26','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1507',0,'post','',0),(1508,4,'2011-12-15 16:10:08','2011-12-15 16:10:08','If you are the type to make New Year\'s resolutions, make one to be more effective in your marketing communications efforts.  Being effective--that is, actually successful in producing your intended result--should be the goal of all marketing communications.\n\nHow can you be more effective? There are several ways to make sure your communications meet their mark, but it probably starts with the basics:\n<ul>\n	<li>Do you know and understand your <strong>TARGET AUDIENCE</strong>?</li>\n	<li>Do you know what your <strong>KEY MESSAGE</strong> is?Are you expressing it clearly and unambiguously?</li>\n	<li>Are your properly<strong> TIMING </strong>your communications efforts?</li>\n	<li>Do you know your <strong>USP </strong>(unique selling proposition)?</li>\n	<li>Are you aware of who your <strong>COMPETITION </strong>and what they are doing?</li>\n	<li>Have you gotten <strong>FEEDBACK </strong> from outside sources on your creative? Is it conveying the attributes you are trying to convey?</li>\n	<li>Are you following a <strong>STRATEGY</strong> or are you just engaging in <strong>TACTICS</strong>?</li>\n</ul>\nWhat are your suggestions for being more effective? Please share in the comments.','Being more effective','','inherit','open','open','','1507-revision','','','2011-12-15 16:10:08','2011-12-15 16:10:08','',1507,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1507-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1509,4,'2011-12-19 15:20:28','2011-12-19 15:20:28','If you have ever worked with large newspapers, you know there is a strong editorial stance against pay for play, meaning that no matter how much advertising a company provides the newspaper, the journalists/editors will not let that influence their reporting. This line is much more blurred in smaller, local newspapers, where sometimes, a good editorial piece will follow advertising or vice versa.\r\n\r\nIt is important to keep the line of separation between advertising and editorial so that readers can trust the newspaper is not being bought. Imagine that if in a political campaign a certain candidate bought a lot more advertising than the other, and then the editors endorsed said candidate. Wouldn\'t that be questionable?\r\n\r\nWhich brings me to something I couldn\'t quite believe that I saw today in the Washington Post. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/value-added-potomacs-total-wine/2011/12/14/gIQARxW02O_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Heath wrote his Value Added column praising Total Wine</a>, the Potomac, MD based mega liquour store. Heath writes that one of the ways Total Wine has grown is because of how one of the company\'s founders studied law, so that he could use the knowledge to help change laws regarding liquour in states into which the company was trying to expand. On the opposite page to the column was a junior page ad for--you guessed it--Total Wine. Seriously.  (People who read the paper electronically would never see this...but that is another discussion.)\r\n\r\nWhat is going on here? Heath or his editor tells the Total Wine people he is writing a positive piece about Total Wine, and Total Wine says, in that case we want to advertise, and can you place the ad right next to the column please? And the Post says sure-not a problem? Clearly, there was communication if not straight on hand shaking across advertising and editorial on this one, blurring the lines at the Washington Post. How do we know that Heath was not encouraged to write a positive column on the promise of Total Wine advertising? We don\'t.\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Did the Post act appropriately? Would it have mattered if the ad was placed anywhere else in the paper?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Blurred lines between advertising and editorial','','publish','open','open','','blurred-lines-between-advertising-and-editorial','','','2011-12-19 15:20:28','2011-12-19 15:20:28','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1509',0,'post','',2),(1510,4,'2011-12-19 15:19:55','2011-12-19 15:19:55','If you have ever worked with large newspapers, you know there is a strong editorial stance against pay for play, meaning that no matter how much advertising a company provides the newspaper, the journalists/editors will not let that influence their reporting. This line is much more blurred in smaller, local newspapers, where sometimes, a good editorial piece will follow advertising or vice versa.\n\nIt is important to keep the line of separation between advertising and editorial so that readers can trust the newspaper is not being bought. Imagine that if in a political campaign a certain candidate bought a lot more advertising than the other, and then the editors endorsed said candidate. Wouldn\'t that be questionable?\n\nWhich brings me to something I couldn\'t quite believe that I saw today in the Washington Post. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/value-added-potomacs-total-wine/2011/12/14/gIQARxW02O_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Heath wrote his Value Added column praising Total Wine</a>, the Potomac, MD based mega liquour store. Heath writes that one of the ways Total Wine has grown is because of how one of the company\'s founders studied law, so that he could use the knowledge to help change laws regarding liquour in states into which the company was trying to expand. On the opposite page to the column was a junior page ad for--you guessed it--Total Wine. Seriously.  (People who read the paper electronically would never see this...but that is another discussion.)\n\nWhat is going on here? Heath or his editor tells the Total Wine people he is writing a positive piece about Total Wine, and Total Wine says, in that case we want to advertise, and can you place the ad right next to the column please? And the Post says sure-not a problem? Clearly, there was communication if not straight on hand shaking across advertising and editorial on this one, blurring the lines at the Washington Post. How do we know that Heath was not encouraged to write a positive column on the promise of Total Wine advertising? We don\'t.\n\nWhat do you think? Did the Post act appropriately? Would it have mattered if the ad was placed anywhere else in the paper?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Blurred lines between advertising and editorial','','inherit','open','open','','1509-revision','','','2011-12-19 15:19:55','2011-12-19 15:19:55','',1509,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1509-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1511,4,'2011-12-20 16:15:17','2011-12-20 16:15:17','Today, in my inbox, I had an email from an online bookseller with this subject line:\r\n\r\n\"Last day for FREE shipping in time for Christmas.\"\r\n\r\nI also had an email from an online drugstore, with this subject line:\r\n\r\n\"NOW OR NEVER: get $5 dollars off your order and free shipping.\"\r\n\r\nAlthough both emails have virtually the same message, the former is URGENT, the latter is THREATENING.\r\n\r\nThreatening is telling me that unless I do something there will be consequences (in the drugstore\'s case, no more free shipping or something). Urgent is telling me that I should act now because time is running out.\r\n\r\nIt is more effective to <strong>show your customers <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">why</span> they should act now</strong> instead of telling them that if they fail to act, they will suffer consequences. Don\'t you agree?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Is threatening your customers ever a good idea?','','publish','open','open','','is-threatening-your-customers-ever-a-good-idea','','','2011-12-20 16:15:17','2011-12-20 16:15:17','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1511',0,'post','',0),(1512,4,'2011-12-20 16:13:06','2011-12-20 16:13:06','Today, in my inbox, I had an email from an online bookseller with this subject line:\n\n\"Last day for FREE shipping in time for Christmas.\"\n\nI also had an email from an online drugstore, with this subject line:\n\n\"NOW OR NEVER: get $5 dollars off your order and free shipping.\"\n\nAlthough both emails have virtually the same message, the former is URGENT, the latter is THREATENING.\n\nThreatening is telling me that unless I do something there will be consequences (in the drugstore\'s case, no more free shipping or something). Urgent is telling me that I should act now because time is running out.\n\nIt is more effective to <strong>show your customers <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">why</span> they should act now</strong> instead of telling them that if they fail to act, they will suffer consequences. Don\'t you agree?\n\n&nbsp;','Is threatening your customers ever a good idea?','','inherit','open','open','','1511-revision','','','2011-12-20 16:13:06','2011-12-20 16:13:06','',1511,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1511-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1514,4,'2011-12-21 19:09:24','2011-12-21 19:09:24','Today, as most days, I was working out at the gym and observing those around me (the gym can get very boring).  There were some people working up quite a sweat, and there were those that were barely working. Some were older, some were younger. In short, there were all types. But three stood out to me:\r\n\r\n<strong>The multi-tasker:</strong> Today, the multi-tasker was a woman using one of the ellipticals while responding to email and/or texts on her smart phone. She was so engaged with her phone that her legs were barely moving. Was she there to exercise or was she there to deal with work?\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you are distracted from your goal, you won\'t get there. In marketing, you could be trying to do too many things at once and not succeeding in any of them.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>The repeater:</strong> The repeater is the person who does the exact same exercise, at the same level of intensity, on the same machine. Always. In this case, I have seen this woman \"run\" at a very slow pace on the exact same machine, at the same time every single day. And guess what--her body is not changing (she is not even breaking a sweat).\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you do the same thing over and over without change you won\'t be effective or see any change. For instance, some companies have always used a full page ad in the Sunday newspaper. And they have been doing that for years. It may produce some results but it will not expand your reach.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>The guy wearing jeans at the gym:</strong> Have you seen these guys? They come in to the gym in their jeans (usually with belts too) and sometimes, with street shoes instead of sneakers. How are you going to run in jeans?\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>The lesson:</strong> You have to dress appropriately for the occasion/venue. In marketing terms: you have to know what marketing vehicle is the right one for what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to target seniors, perhaps a spot on the evening news is the best way to go.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHave you seen these people at your gym?','Marketing lessons from the gym','','publish','open','open','','marketing-lessons-from-the-gym','','','2011-12-21 19:09:24','2011-12-21 19:09:24','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1514',0,'post','',0),(1515,4,'2011-12-21 19:08:26','2011-12-21 19:08:26','Today, as most days, I was working out at the gym and observing those around me (the gym can get very boring).  There were some people working up quite a sweat, and there were those that were barely working. Some were older, some were younger. In short, there were all types. But three stood out to me:\n\n<strong>The multi-tasker:</strong> Today, the multi-tasker was a woman using one of the ellipticals while responding to email and/or texts on her smart phone. She was so engaged with her phone that her legs were barely moving. Was she there to exercise or was she there to deal with work?\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you are distracted from your goal, you won\'t get there. In marketing, you could be trying to do too many things at once and not succeeding in any of them.</li>\n</ol>\n<strong>The repeater:</strong> The repeater is the person who does the exact same exercise, at the same level of intensity, on the same machine. Always. In this case, I have seen this woman \"run\" at a very slow pace on the exact same machine, at the same time every single day. And guess what--her body is not changing (she is not even breaking a sweat).\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you do the same thing over and over without change you won\'t be effective or see any change. For instance, some companies have always used a full page ad in the Sunday newspaper. And they have been doing that for years. It may produce some results but it will not expand your reach.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>The guy wearing jeans at the gym:</strong> Have you seen these guys? They come in to the gym in their jeans (usually with belts too) and sometimes, with street shoes instead of sneakers. How are you going to run in jeans?\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>The lesson:</strong> You have to dress appropriately for the occasion/venue. In marketing terms: you have to know what marketing vehicle is the right one for what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to target seniors, perhaps a spot on the evening news is the best way to go.</li>\n</ul>','Marketing lessons from the gym','','inherit','open','open','','1514-revision','','','2011-12-21 19:08:26','2011-12-21 19:08:26','',1514,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1514-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1516,4,'2011-12-21 19:09:33','2011-12-21 19:09:33','Today, as most days, I was working out at the gym and observing those around me (the gym can get very boring).  There were some people working up quite a sweat, and there were those that were barely working. Some were older, some were younger. In short, there were all types. But three stood out to me:\n\n<strong>The multi-tasker:</strong> Today, the multi-tasker was a woman using one of the ellipticals while responding to email and/or texts on her smart phone. She was so engaged with her phone that her legs were barely moving. Was she there to exercise or was she there to deal with work?\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you are distracted from your goal, you won\'t get there. In marketing, you could be trying to do too many things at once and not succeeding in any of them.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>The repeater:</strong> The repeater is the person who does the exact same exercise, at the same level of intensity, on the same machine. Always. In this case, I have seen this woman \"run\" at a very slow pace on the exact same machine, at the same time every single day. And guess what--her body is not changing (she is not even breaking a sweat).\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>The lesson: </strong>If you do the same thing over and over without change you won\'t be effective or see any change. For instance, some companies have always used a full page ad in the Sunday newspaper. And they have been doing that for years. It may produce some results but it will not expand your reach.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>The guy wearing jeans at the gym:</strong> Have you seen these guys? They come in to the gym in their jeans (usually with belts too) and sometimes, with street shoes instead of sneakers. How are you going to run in jeans?\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>The lesson:</strong> You have to dress appropriately for the occasion/venue. In marketing terms: you have to know what marketing vehicle is the right one for what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to target seniors, perhaps a spot on the evening news is the best way to go.</li>\n</ul>\nHave you seen these people at your gym?','Marketing lessons from the gym','','inherit','open','open','','1514-autosave','','','2011-12-21 19:09:33','2011-12-21 19:09:33','',1514,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1514-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1518,4,'2011-12-28 15:57:02','2011-12-28 15:57:02','It is inevitable that at the end of the year blogs, newscasts, newspapers and everybody else creates lists for their readers/viewers: best posts of the year, what\'s in and what\'s out, resolutions for 2012, trends, and so on. While some of these are interesting and even though-provoking, I challenge you to make your own list.\n\nTo make your own list, you will have to sit and reflect a bit. Here are some guiding questions:\n<ul>\n	<li>What worked the best for you in terms of marketing communications? (What got the most response, donors, etc.)</li>\n	<li>What worked the least for you? (Where did you spend time/money with little or no return?)</li>\n	<li>Did you create any partnerships? What worked best/least?</li>\n	<li>Did you sponsor anything/anybody? What worked?</li>\n	<li>Did you read any business/marketing books? Which provided the best/most actionable advice?</li>\n	<li>What ads/commercials were memorable to you? Why?</li>\n	<li>What peeved you the most?</li>\n	<li>What did your competition do this year that you admired? That you thought was not so good?</li>\n	<li>What people/organizations brought you the most value? (Perhaps your graphic designer or your printer...)</li>\n</ul>\nWhat one marketing communications task that you accomplished this year was the most worthwhile (something like creating a brochure, redesigning a website, launching a blog, etc.)\n\nIn the <a href=\"http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/2011/12/21/4-questions-to-ensure-2012-will-be-your-best-year-yet/\" target=\"_blank\">Escape from Cubicle Nation blog, Pam Slim urges you to ask yourself four questions</a>:\n<ol>\n	<li>What did I learn?</li>\n	<li>What am I grateful for?</li>\n	<li>What will I stop doing?</li>\n	<li>What will I start doing?</li>\n</ol>\nAlthough Ms. Slim is looking at personal growth, I think these questions are valid to determine what your marcomm efforts will be in the new year. Looking through your lists will help you move forward in 2012. The last two questions are especially key. If you found that something you have been doing provides no return on investment, STOP doing it. Start doing something different!\n\nPlease share your responses or any questions that you ask yourself at year\'s end.','Make your own list','','inherit','open','open','','1517-revision','','','2011-12-28 15:57:02','2011-12-28 15:57:02','',1517,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1517-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1519,4,'2011-12-28 15:57:08','2011-12-28 15:57:08','It is inevitable that at the end of the year blogs, newscasts, newspapers and everybody else creates lists for their readers/viewers: best posts of the year, what\'s in and what\'s out, resolutions for 2012, trends, and so on. While some of these are interesting and even though-provoking, I challenge you to make your own list.\r\n\r\nTo make your own list, you will have to sit and reflect a bit. Here are some guiding questions:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>What worked the best for you in terms of marketing communications? (What got the most response, donors, etc.)</li>\r\n	<li>What worked the least for you? (Where did you spend time/money with little or no return?)</li>\r\n	<li>Did you create any partnerships? What worked best/least?</li>\r\n	<li>Did you sponsor anything/anybody? What worked?</li>\r\n	<li>Did you read any business/marketing books? Which provided the best/most actionable advice?</li>\r\n	<li>What ads/commercials were memorable to you? Why?</li>\r\n	<li>What peeved you the most?</li>\r\n	<li>What did your competition do this year that you admired? That you thought was not so good?</li>\r\n	<li>What people/organizations brought you the most value? (Perhaps your graphic designer or your printer...)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat one marketing communications task that you accomplished this year was the most worthwhile (something like creating a brochure, redesigning a website, launching a blog, etc.)\r\n\r\nIn the <a href=\"http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/2011/12/21/4-questions-to-ensure-2012-will-be-your-best-year-yet/\" target=\"_blank\">Escape from Cubicle Nation blog, Pam Slim urges you to ask yourself four questions</a>:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>What did I learn?</li>\r\n	<li>What am I grateful for?</li>\r\n	<li>What will I stop doing?</li>\r\n	<li>What will I start doing?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAlthough Ms. Slim is looking at personal growth, I think these questions are valid to determine what your marcomm efforts will be in the new year. Looking through your lists will help you move forward in 2012. The last two questions are especially key. If you found that something you have been doing provides no return on investment, STOP doing it. Start doing something different!\r\n\r\nPlease share your responses or any questions that you ask yourself at year\'s end.','Make your own list','','inherit','open','open','','1517-revision-2','','','2011-12-28 15:57:08','2011-12-28 15:57:08','',1517,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/12/1517-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1529,4,'2012-01-10 14:15:10','2012-01-10 14:15:10','The Metro in Washington, DC is again considering hiking fares (<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/metro-proposes-5-percent-fare-increase/2012/01/06/gIQACLoumP_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">news story in today\'s Washington Post</a>). For those of you who don\'t live in this area, Metro raised its fares a little over a year ago.  Additionally, it made fares even more complex than they already were (there is no flat fare here in DC: there are regular fares and peak fares and the fare changes depending on the distance you are traveling) by adding a peak-of-the-peak fare. None of these changes were popular in 2010, and I assure a fare hike won\'t be welcomed in 2012.\r\n\r\nWhy am I discussing this? Because of this statement by Metro\'s General Manager Richard Sarles in the Washington Post:\r\n<blockquote>Metro officials, however, are promoting the simplification of fares as a plus. The new fare structure would eliminate the “peak-of-the-peak” rate, in which passengers pay a surcharge for riding the subway during the busiest weekday periods. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052704840.html\">It was implemented with the last round of fare increase, in 2010,</a> to ease crowding and encourage riders to use trains just outside the peak periods, but the strategy failed, Sarles said.\r\n\r\n<strong>“We weren’t accomplishing our policy objective, and we were just complicating the fare,” he said.</strong></blockquote>\r\nBasically, Metro thought that by increasing the fares at rush hour fewer people would use the train and this would reduce crowding. But that shows a basic lack of understanding of rush hour--people leave work at around the same time and that is what causes crowding--not the cost of the fare.\r\n\r\nThe strategy was based on an assumption, and was not successful as proven by ridership numbers. Metro is wise to discontinue this policy.  <strong>Strategies (and tactics) that don\'t provide intended results need to be ended.</strong> This is an important point for marketing and communications. How many times do you see a company engaging in the same tactic/strategy regardless of whether it is accomplishing its objective?\r\n\r\nTesting will help. And questioning assumptions will help too. Many people ASSUME things like: if we advertise,  people will know about us.\r\n\r\nBasing strategies on false or untested assumptions will lead to stupid, costly mistakes like Metro\'s peak-of-the-peak fare.\r\n\r\nWhat assumptions are you operating under? What strategies are you basing on those assumptions? Are these strategies really accomplishing your objectives?\r\n\r\nMy advice is to question both assumptions and strategies, and correct course if they are not working.','Testing strategies and the dangers of assumptions','','publish','open','open','','testing-strategies-and-the-dangers-of-assumptions','','','2012-01-10 14:17:00','2012-01-10 14:17:00','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1529',0,'post','',0),(1521,4,'2012-01-03 14:42:19','2012-01-03 14:42:19','My main wish for 2012 is that it ends up being a better year than 2011 (although that is not a very high bar). In terms of marketing communications, I offer you my top ten lists of what I wish to see more and less of.\r\n\r\nWhat I wish to see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>more</strong></span> of:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li> People/companies      who know the difference between strategy and tactics and that you can’t      substitute one for the other.</li>\r\n	<li>Easy-to-navigate      websites that include REAL contact      information and a comprehensive ABOUT page</li>\r\n	<li>Clever      taglines that actually communicate a message (like Red Lobster’s “Sea Food      Differently”)</li>\r\n	<li>Nonprofits      that understand that marketing communications are an important part of      their operations</li>\r\n	<li>People      who use effect and affect correctly (AKA better copyediting)</li>\r\n	<li>Plain      English</li>\r\n	<li>Thinking      of social media as a tool (like advertising) and not as a substitute for marketing communications as a whole.</li>\r\n	<li>Companies      and organizations that understand that the quality of their customer      service will directly impact their marketing efforts.</li>\r\n	<li>Personalized      LinkedIn invitations</li>\r\n	<li>Connecting      IRL (in real life) with social media friends and followers</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I wish to see <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>less</strong></span> of:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>The      search for the ROI of social media/Klout scores</li>\r\n	<li>Sexist      language (using terms like man hours) and sexist advertising (yes, I am      looking at you Budweiser and GoDaddy)</li>\r\n	<li>Grammatical      mistakes and typos (perennial wish of mine)</li>\r\n	<li>Check-ins</li>\r\n	<li>The      words utilize, monetize, incentivize; and clichéd/meaningless terms      including low hanging fruit, sweet spot, pivot point.</li>\r\n	<li>Sending      out too many enewsletters</li>\r\n	<li>LinkedIn      profiles without a headshot</li>\r\n	<li>Blatant      self promotion and re-tweeting of one’s own tweets/mentions</li>\r\n	<li>Overpriced      and overhyped social media conferences</li>\r\n	<li>Life      lessons and how to live advice from marketing/social media bloggers</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you wish for in 2012?','Communications wishes for 2012','','publish','open','open','','communications-wishes-for-2012','','','2012-01-03 14:43:08','2012-01-03 14:43:08','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1521',0,'post','',0),(1522,4,'2012-01-03 14:41:25','2012-01-03 14:41:25','My main wish for 2012 is that it ends up being a better year than 2011 (although that is not a very high bar). In terms of marketing communications, I offer you my top ten lists of what I wish to see more and less of.\n\nWhat I wish to see more of:\n<ol>\n	<li> People/companies      who know the difference between strategy and tactics and that you can’t      substitute one for the other.</li>\n	<li>Easy-to-navigate      websites that include REAL contact      information and a comprehensive ABOUT page</li>\n	<li>Clever      taglines that actually communicate a message (like Red Lobster’s “Sea Food      Differently”)</li>\n	<li>Nonprofits      that understand that marketing communications are an important part of      their operations</li>\n	<li>People      who use effect and affect correctly</li>\n	<li>Plain      English</li>\n	<li>Thinking      of social media as a tool (like advertising) and not as a substitute for marketing communications as a whole.</li>\n	<li>Companies      and organizations that understand that the quality of their customer      service will directly impact their marketing efforts.</li>\n	<li>Personalized      LinkedIn invitations</li>\n	<li>Connecting      IRL (in real life) with social media friends and followers</li>\n</ol>\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat I wish to see less of:\n\n&nbsp;\n<ol>\n	<li>The      search for the ROI of social media/Klout scores</li>\n	<li>Sexist      language (using terms like man hours) and sexist advertising (yes, I am      looking at you Budweiser and GoDaddy)</li>\n	<li>Grammatical      mistakes and typos (perennial wish of mine), w</li>\n	<li>Check-ins</li>\n	<li>The      words utilize, monetize, incentivize; and clichéd/meaningless terms      including low hanging fruit, sweet spot, pivot point.</li>\n	<li>Sending      out too many enewsletters</li>\n	<li>LinkedIn      profiles without a headshot</li>\n	<li>Blatant      self promotion and re-tweeting of one’s own tweets/mentions</li>\n	<li>Overpriced      and overhyped social media conferences</li>\n	<li>Life      lessons and how to live advice from marketing/social media bloggers</li>\n</ol>\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat do you wish for in 2012?','Communications wishes for 2012','','inherit','open','open','','1521-revision','','','2012-01-03 14:41:25','2012-01-03 14:41:25','',1521,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1521-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1523,4,'2012-01-03 14:42:19','2012-01-03 14:42:19','My main wish for 2012 is that it ends up being a better year than 2011 (although that is not a very high bar). In terms of marketing communications, I offer you my top ten lists of what I wish to see more and less of.\r\n\r\nWhat I wish to see more of:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li> People/companies      who know the difference between strategy and tactics and that you can’t      substitute one for the other.</li>\r\n	<li>Easy-to-navigate      websites that include REAL contact      information and a comprehensive ABOUT page</li>\r\n	<li>Clever      taglines that actually communicate a message (like Red Lobster’s “Sea Food      Differently”)</li>\r\n	<li>Nonprofits      that understand that marketing communications are an important part of      their operations</li>\r\n	<li>People      who use effect and affect correctly (AKA better copyediting)</li>\r\n	<li>Plain      English</li>\r\n	<li>Thinking      of social media as a tool (like advertising) and not as a substitute for marketing communications as a whole.</li>\r\n	<li>Companies      and organizations that understand that the quality of their customer      service will directly impact their marketing efforts.</li>\r\n	<li>Personalized      LinkedIn invitations</li>\r\n	<li>Connecting      IRL (in real life) with social media friends and followers</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat I wish to see less of:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>The      search for the ROI of social media/Klout scores</li>\r\n	<li>Sexist      language (using terms like man hours) and sexist advertising (yes, I am      looking at you Budweiser and GoDaddy)</li>\r\n	<li>Grammatical      mistakes and typos (perennial wish of mine)</li>\r\n	<li>Check-ins</li>\r\n	<li>The      words utilize, monetize, incentivize; and clichéd/meaningless terms      including low hanging fruit, sweet spot, pivot point.</li>\r\n	<li>Sending      out too many enewsletters</li>\r\n	<li>LinkedIn      profiles without a headshot</li>\r\n	<li>Blatant      self promotion and re-tweeting of one’s own tweets/mentions</li>\r\n	<li>Overpriced      and overhyped social media conferences</li>\r\n	<li>Life      lessons and how to live advice from marketing/social media bloggers</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat do you wish for in 2012?','Communications wishes for 2012','','inherit','open','open','','1521-revision-2','','','2012-01-03 14:42:19','2012-01-03 14:42:19','',1521,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1521-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1524,4,'2012-01-04 14:44:59','2012-01-04 14:44:59','Last night, FINALLY, the results of the Iowa Caucus gave us a more real sense of where people are headed in the GOP race. You can read about the results in this <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2012-iowa-caucus-primary-campaign-ends-with-candidate-attacks/2012/01/03/gIQAN2taYP_story.html?hpid=z1\" target=\"_blank\">Karen Tumulty story for the Washington Post.</a>\r\n\r\nAs you have probably heard <em>ad nauseum</em> the results may or may not indicate who the eventual GOP nominee will be. That said, I think we can draw the following three marketing communications lessons from the caucus:\r\n\r\n1. <strong>Advertising works</strong>. Furthermore, negative advertising is VERY powerful. Mitt Romney spent the most and won the caucus (OK, Romney\'s Super PAC spent the most...but that is another discussion).\r\n\r\n2. <strong>It\'s the message AND the messenger</strong>. The message is important, but perhaps not as important as the messenger. People vote for people they like, explaining why Santorum did so well.  Santorum comes across as a sincere, committed and caring person. And he rocks a sweater vest (and sweater vests are what grandads and jolly uncles wear, right?).  Gingrich, who came in at a distant fourth, comes across as pedantic and angry. Even his post-caucus speech was angry (I didn\'t watch it, but read commentary like this <a href=\"http://www.mrmediatraining.com/index.php/2012/01/04/the-iowa-caucus-speeches-the-winners-and-losers/\" target=\"_blank\">analysis from Mr. Media Training</a>).\r\n\r\n3. <strong>Be present.</strong> Jon Huntsman made the decision to skip Iowa, and the numbers show it. He came in with 0.6% of the vote.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">People like to see something they want to buy, not just hear about it.</span> Lots of pundits describe the Iowa caucus as true retail politics, where politicians meet and greet (in person) their potential supporters. You have to be the bricks and mortar in the case, and not just the virtual.\r\n\r\nWhat did you think? Any marketing lessons you took away?','Marcomm takeaways from the Iowa Caucus','','publish','open','open','','marcomm-takeaways-from-the-iowa-caucus','','\nhttp://www.mrmediatraining.com/index.php/2012/01/04/the-iowa-caucus-speeches-the-winners-and-losers/','2012-01-04 14:44:59','2012-01-04 14:44:59','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1524',0,'post','',0),(1525,4,'2012-01-04 14:44:33','2012-01-04 14:44:33','Last night, FINALLY, the results of the Iowa Caucus gave us a more real sense of where people are headed in the GOP race. You can read about the results in this <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2012-iowa-caucus-primary-campaign-ends-with-candidate-attacks/2012/01/03/gIQAN2taYP_story.html?hpid=z1\" target=\"_blank\">Karen Tumulty story for the Washington Post.</a>\n\nAs you have probably heard <em>ad nauseum</em> the results may or may not indicate who the eventual GOP nominee will be. That said, I think we can draw the following three marketing communications lessons from the caucus:\n\n1. <strong>Advertising works</strong>. Furthermore, negative advertising is VERY powerful. Mitt Romney spent the most and won the caucus (OK, Romney\'s Super PAC spent the most...but that is another discussion).\n\n2. <strong>It\'s the message AND the messenger</strong>. The message is important, but perhaps not as important as the messenger. People vote for people they like, explaining why Santorum did so well.  Santorum comes across as a sincere, committed and caring person. And he rocks a sweater vest (and sweater vests are what grandads and jolly uncles wear, right?).  Gingrich, who came in at a distant fourth, comes across as pedantic and angry. Even his post-caucus speech was angry (I didn\'t watch it, but read commentary like this <a href=\"http://www.mrmediatraining.com/index.php/2012/01/04/the-iowa-caucus-speeches-the-winners-and-losers/\" target=\"_blank\">analysis from Mr. Media Training</a>).\n\n3. <strong>Be present.</strong> Jon Huntsman made the decision to skip Iowa, and the numbers show it. He came in with 0.6% of the vote.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">People like to see something they want to buy, not just hear about it.</span> Lots of pundits describe the Iowa caucus as true retail politics, where politicians meet and greet (in person) their potential supporters. You have to be the bricks and mortar in the case, and not just the virtual.','Marcomm takeaways from the Iowa Caucus','','inherit','open','open','','1524-revision','','','2012-01-04 14:44:33','2012-01-04 14:44:33','',1524,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1524-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1526,4,'2012-01-06 15:03:54','2012-01-06 15:03:54','The two or three words that may well guarantee business success are any of these options:\r\n\r\n<strong>Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Thanksgiving, Season\'s Greetings, Best wishes.</strong>\r\n\r\nnot to mention the two most effective words in business:\r\n\r\n<strong>THANK YOU</strong>\r\n\r\nTwo to three words that work to show other people (customers, clients, vendors, business associates) that we are thinking of them. That we value the relationship. That we do not take them or their business for granted.\r\n\r\nThis year, I received a season\'s greetings card from my eye doctor! That was a first for me...I think most doctors take one\'s business for granted.\r\n\r\nThink about whom you received greetings from, and from whom you did not.  Any surprises? Also, if you ordered gifts or other merchandise online, did you receive a thank you for your order? If you didn\'t, would you buy from that retailer again?\r\n\r\nIf I feel my business is not valued, why would I continue to do business with that vendor/merchant/consultant/individual?\r\n\r\nPerhaps sending a greeting or saying thank you is not enough to GUARANTEE success, but it will help prove you think they are important to you. Making sure your customers and clients feel valued will help make it easier to continue to do business with them.\r\n\r\nWhat say you?','Can two or three words guarantee business success?','','publish','open','open','','can-two-or-three-words-guarantee-business-success','','','2012-01-06 16:06:54','2012-01-06 16:06:54','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1526',0,'post','',1),(1527,4,'2012-01-06 15:03:10','2012-01-06 15:03:10','The two or three words that may well guarantee business success are any of these options:\n\nHappy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Thanksgiving, Season\'s Greetings, Best wishes.\n\nnot to mention the two most effective words in business:\n\nTHANK YOU\n\nTwo to three words that work to show other people (customers, clients, vendors, business associates) that we are thinking of them. That we value the relationship. That we do not take them or their business for granted.\n\nThis year, I received greetings from my eye doctor! That was a first for me...I think most doctors take one\'s business for granted.\n\nThink about whom you received greetings from, and from whom you did not.  Any surprises? Also, if you ordered gifts or other merchandise online, did you receive a thank you for your order? If you didn\'t, would you buy from that retailer again?\n\nIf I feel my business is not valued, why would I continue to do business with that vendor/merchant/consultant/individual?\n\nPerhaps sending a greeting or saying thank you is not enough to GUARANTEE success, but it will help proveYet, making sure your customers and clients feel valued will help make it easier to continue to do business with them.\n\nWhat say you?','Can two or three words guarantee business success?','','inherit','open','open','','1526-revision','','','2012-01-06 15:03:10','2012-01-06 15:03:10','',1526,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1526-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1528,4,'2012-01-06 15:03:54','2012-01-06 15:03:54','The two or three words that may well guarantee business success are any of these options:\r\n\r\nHappy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Thanksgiving, Season\'s Greetings, Best wishes.\r\n\r\nnot to mention the two most effective words in business:\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU\r\n\r\nTwo to three words that work to show other people (customers, clients, vendors, business associates) that we are thinking of them. That we value the relationship. That we do not take them or their business for granted.\r\n\r\nThis year, I received greetings from my eye doctor! That was a first for me...I think most doctors take one\'s business for granted.\r\n\r\nThink about whom you received greetings from, and from whom you did not.  Any surprises? Also, if you ordered gifts or other merchandise online, did you receive a thank you for your order? If you didn\'t, would you buy from that retailer again?\r\n\r\nIf I feel my business is not valued, why would I continue to do business with that vendor/merchant/consultant/individual?\r\n\r\nPerhaps sending a greeting or saying thank you is not enough to GUARANTEE success, but it will help prove you think they are important to you. Making sure your customers and clients feel valued will help make it easier to continue to do business with them.\r\n\r\nWhat say you?','Can two or three words guarantee business success?','','inherit','open','open','','1526-revision-2','','','2012-01-06 15:03:54','2012-01-06 15:03:54','',1526,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1526-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1530,4,'2012-01-10 14:14:44','2012-01-10 14:14:44','The Metro in Washington, DC is again considering hiking fares (<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/metro-proposes-5-percent-fare-increase/2012/01/06/gIQACLoumP_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">news story in today\'s Washington Post</a>). For those of you who don\'t live in this area, Metro raised its fares a little over a year ago.  Additionally, it made fares even more complex than they are (there is no flat fare here in DC: there are regular fares and peak fares and the fare changes depending on the distance you are traveling) by adding a peak-of-the-peak fare. None of these changes were popular in 2010, and I assure you they won\'t be welcomed in 2012.\n\nWhy am I discussing this? Because of this statement by Metro\'s General Manager Richard Sarles in the Washington Post:\n<blockquote>Metro officials, however, are promoting the simplification of fares as a plus. The new fare structure would eliminate the “peak-of-the-peak” rate, in which passengers pay a surcharge for riding the subway during the busiest weekday periods. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052704840.html\">It was implemented with the last round of fare increase, in 2010,</a> to ease crowding and encourage riders to use trains just outside the peak periods, but the strategy failed, Sarles said.\n\n<strong>“We weren’t accomplishing our policy objective, and we were just complicating the fare,” he said.</strong></blockquote>\nBasically, Metro thought that by increasing the fares at rush hour fewer people would use the train and this would reduce crowding. But that shows a basic lack of understanding of rush hour--people leave work at around the same time and that is what causes crowding--not the cost of the fare.\n\nThe strategy was based on an assumption, and was not successful as proven by ridership numbers. Metro is wise to discontinue this policy.  <strong>Strategies (and tactics) that don\'t provide intended results need to be ended.</strong> This is an important point for marketing and communications. How many times do you see a company engaging in the same tactic/strategy regardless of whether it is accomplishing its objective?\n\nTesting will help. And questioning assumptions will help too. Many people ASSUME things like: if we advertise,  people will know about us.\n\nBasing strategies on false or untested assumptions will lead to stupid, costly mistakes like Metro\'s peak of the peak fare.\n\nWhat assumptions are you operating under? What strategies are you basing on those assumptions? Are these strategies really accomplishing your objectives?\n\nMy advice is to question both assumptions and strategies, and correct course if they are not working.','Testing strategies and the dangers of assumptions','','inherit','open','open','','1529-revision','','','2012-01-10 14:14:44','2012-01-10 14:14:44','',1529,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1529-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1531,4,'2012-01-10 14:16:15','2012-01-10 14:16:15','The Metro in Washington, DC is again considering hiking fares (<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/metro-proposes-5-percent-fare-increase/2012/01/06/gIQACLoumP_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">news story in today\'s Washington Post</a>). For those of you who don\'t live in this area, Metro raised its fares a little over a year ago.  Additionally, it made fares even more complex than they already were (there is no flat fare here in DC: there are regular fares and peak fares and the fare changes depending on the distance you are traveling) by adding a peak-of-the-peak fare. None of these changes were popular in 2010, and I assure a fare hike won\'t be welcomed in 2012.\n\nWhy am I discussing this? Because of this statement by Metro\'s General Manager Richard Sarles in the Washington Post:\n<blockquote>Metro officials, however, are promoting the simplification of fares as a plus. The new fare structure would eliminate the “peak-of-the-peak” rate, in which passengers pay a surcharge for riding the subway during the busiest weekday periods. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052704840.html\">It was implemented with the last round of fare increase, in 2010,</a> to ease crowding and encourage riders to use trains just outside the peak periods, but the strategy failed, Sarles said.\n\n<strong>“We weren’t accomplishing our policy objective, and we were just complicating the fare,” he said.</strong></blockquote>\nBasically, Metro thought that by increasing the fares at rush hour fewer people would use the train and this would reduce crowding. But that shows a basic lack of understanding of rush hour--people leave work at around the same time and that is what causes crowding--not the cost of the fare.\n\nThe strategy was based on an assumption, and was not successful as proven by ridership numbers. Metro is wise to discontinue this policy.  <strong>Strategies (and tactics) that don\'t provide intended results need to be ended.</strong> This is an important point for marketing and communications. How many times do you see a company engaging in the same tactic/strategy regardless of whether it is accomplishing its objective?\n\nTesting will help. And questioning assumptions will help too. Many people ASSUME things like: if we advertise,  people will know about us.\n\nBasing strategies on false or untested assumptions will lead to stupid, costly mistakes like Metro\'s peak of the peak fare.\n\nWhat assumptions are you operating under? What strategies are you basing on those assumptions? Are these strategies really accomplishing your objectives?\n\nMy advice is to question both assumptions and strategies, and correct course if they are not working.','Testing strategies and the dangers of assumptions','','inherit','open','open','','1529-autosave','','','2012-01-10 14:16:15','2012-01-10 14:16:15','',1529,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1529-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1532,4,'2012-01-10 14:15:10','2012-01-10 14:15:10','The Metro in Washington, DC is again considering hiking fares (<a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/metro-proposes-5-percent-fare-increase/2012/01/06/gIQACLoumP_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">news story in today\'s Washington Post</a>). For those of you who don\'t live in this area, Metro raised its fares a little over a year ago.  Additionally, it made fares even more complex than they are (there is no flat fare here in DC: there are regular fares and peak fares and the fare changes depending on the distance you are traveling) by adding a peak-of-the-peak fare. None of these changes were popular in 2010, and I assure you they won\'t be welcomed in 2012.\r\n\r\nWhy am I discussing this? Because of this statement by Metro\'s General Manager Richard Sarles in the Washington Post:\r\n<blockquote>Metro officials, however, are promoting the simplification of fares as a plus. The new fare structure would eliminate the “peak-of-the-peak” rate, in which passengers pay a surcharge for riding the subway during the busiest weekday periods. <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052704840.html\">It was implemented with the last round of fare increase, in 2010,</a> to ease crowding and encourage riders to use trains just outside the peak periods, but the strategy failed, Sarles said.\r\n\r\n<strong>“We weren’t accomplishing our policy objective, and we were just complicating the fare,” he said.</strong></blockquote>\r\nBasically, Metro thought that by increasing the fares at rush hour fewer people would use the train and this would reduce crowding. But that shows a basic lack of understanding of rush hour--people leave work at around the same time and that is what causes crowding--not the cost of the fare.\r\n\r\nThe strategy was based on an assumption, and was not successful as proven by ridership numbers. Metro is wise to discontinue this policy.  <strong>Strategies (and tactics) that don\'t provide intended results need to be ended.</strong> This is an important point for marketing and communications. How many times do you see a company engaging in the same tactic/strategy regardless of whether it is accomplishing its objective?\r\n\r\nTesting will help. And questioning assumptions will help too. Many people ASSUME things like: if we advertise,  people will know about us.\r\n\r\nBasing strategies on false or untested assumptions will lead to stupid, costly mistakes like Metro\'s peak of the peak fare.\r\n\r\nWhat assumptions are you operating under? What strategies are you basing on those assumptions? Are these strategies really accomplishing your objectives?\r\n\r\nMy advice is to question both assumptions and strategies, and correct course if they are not working.','Testing strategies and the dangers of assumptions','','inherit','open','open','','1529-revision-2','','','2012-01-10 14:15:10','2012-01-10 14:15:10','',1529,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1529-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1533,4,'2012-01-11 17:00:29','2012-01-11 17:00:29','Sally Falkow writes today in <a href=\"http://www.proactivereport.com/c/pr/good-writing-remains-a-core-pr-skill/\" target=\"_blank\">her blog, The Proactive Repor</a>t, that good writing should be considered a primary public relations skill. I agree (and I wrote about that in my post <a title=\"Qualities of a PR Pro\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2010/03/qualities-of-a-pr-pro/\">Qualities of a PR Pro</a>).\r\n\r\nThe question is not whether PR people should know how to write well, but why they don\'t. April Finnen (@AprilFin) , who writes the blog <a href=\"http://onepersonshop.com/\" target=\"_blank\">One Person Shop</a>, said in a Twitter exchange with me:\r\n<blockquote>\"I think a big part of it is that good writing comes from good thinking, and that\'s becoming harder to find.\"</blockquote>\r\nI answered:\r\n<blockquote>Certainly true, but I do think many people just don\'t do enough reading either (maybe that\'s related to lack of thinking...)</blockquote>\r\nTo which April responded:\r\n<blockquote>\"Agree. If you can find a curious PR pro who reads everything, pretty safe bet they\'re a good writer.\"</blockquote>\r\nIn my opinion, writing well is disappearing because people are reading less. Why is this happening? It may be because they are not curious, not interested, not thinking, working too hard,  or any number of other reasons.\r\n\r\nIf it is lack of curiosity or good thinking, as April says, how are these PR \"pros\" going to come up with strategies to drive a message?\r\n\r\nI can\'t tell you how many PR people I have met who don\'t ever read books for pleasure or even a daily newspaper. How many PR firms offer grammar and writing courses for their associates? How many PR pros today were English majors in college? Fewer and fewer thanks to the devaluing of liberal arts education and the rise of career-focused majors. If all you studied in college was how to create a PR campaign, but you never read a classic novel, how are you going to appreciate the power of language to convey meaning and emotion?\r\n\r\nDo you have thoughts on why good writing is on the decline? Please do share!','Why is writing well a disappearing skill?','','publish','open','open','','why-is-writing-well-a-disappearing-skill','','','2012-01-11 17:02:10','2012-01-11 17:02:10','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1533',0,'post','',0),(1535,4,'2012-01-11 15:20:51','2012-01-11 15:20:51','Sally Falkow writes today in <a href=\"http://www.proactivereport.com/c/pr/good-writing-remains-a-core-pr-skill/\" target=\"_blank\">her blog The Proactive Repor</a>t that good writing should be considered a primary public relations skill. I agree (and I wrote about that i<a title=\"Qualities of a PR Pro\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2010/03/qualities-of-a-pr-pro/\">n my post </a>Qualities of a PR Pro a couple of years ago).\n\nThe question is not whether PR people should know how to write well, but why they don\'t. April Finnen (@AprilFin) , who writes the blog <a href=\"http://onepersonshop.com/\" target=\"_blank\">One Person Shop</a>, said in a Twitter exchange with me:\n<blockquote>\"I think a big part of it is that good writing comes from good thinking, and that\'s becoming harder to find.\"</blockquote>\nI answered:\n<blockquote>Certainly true, but I do think many people just don\'t do enough reading either (maybe that\'s related to lack of thinking...)</blockquote>\nTo which April responded:\n<blockquote>\"Agree. If you can find a curious PR pro who reads everything, pretty safe bet they\'re a good writer.\"</blockquote>\nIn my opinion, writing well is disappearing because people are reading less. Why is this happening? It may be because they are not curious, not interested, not thinking, working too hard,  etc.\n\nIf it is lack of curiosity or good thinking, as April says, how are these PR \"pros\" going to come up with strategies to drive a message?\n\nI can\'t tell you how many PR people I have met who don\'t read books for pleasure or even a daily newspaper. How many PR firms offer grammar and writing courses for their associates? How many PR pros today were English majors in college? Fewer and fewer thanks to the devaluing of liberal arts education and the rise of career-focused majors. If all you studied in college was how to create a PR campaign, but you never read a classic novel, how are you going to appreciate the power of language to convey meaning and emotion?\n\nDo you have thoughts on why good writing is on the decline? Please do share!','Why is writing well a disappearing skill?','','inherit','open','open','','1533-revision','','','2012-01-11 15:20:51','2012-01-11 15:20:51','',1533,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1533-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1544,4,'2012-01-19 16:09:44','2012-01-19 16:09:44','Inbound marketing vs. outbound marketing--which is better?\r\n\r\nClearly, if you are a business looking for customers, inbound marketing, where people come to you, is better. If potential customers find you, without you having to go out to find them, means something is attracting them to your offering.\r\n\r\nOutbound marketing is where you are spending time and money to find prospective customers who are not otherwise attracted to your offering. It is harder and more costly.\r\n\r\nLately, I have seen a variation of inbound marketing,which is the attempt by businesses to find vendors (not customers)  by asking people to apply for the job.  Similarly, some employers find employees by advertising a position and accepting resumes for it, which often results in receiving an overwhelming amount of resumes where a high percentage of the applicants are not suited for the job. This is why some employers hire headhunters, who search for someone fulfilling the exact qualifications the employer is looking for.\r\n\r\nToday I came across this posting:\r\n<blockquote>I am launching a small site for my new business and I am in need of a copywriter to polish the content on the site.\r\n\r\nIt is a small project about 5 pages tops.\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested please send me a description of your experience, contact information, and your hourly rate.\r\n\r\nNo resumes please. Convince me.</blockquote>\r\nWhen I saw this, I was intrigued at first and considered \"applying.\" Then , on second thought, I asked myself why this person would put up a posting  like this. First of all, she describes it as a small project. This is probably code for low-budget. And then, that last sentence: Convince me. She is looking for someone to blow her away. It doesn\'t look like a promising situation because it seems this person is looking for someone to write amazing copy at a cut rate price, which may be good for her but not very good for me.\r\n\r\nIs this how you find vendors? I don\'t. I have found vendors by using several ways:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Asking trusted sources</li>\r\n	<li>Searching for vendors who do what I need (for example, doing a Google search of flooring sales in Rockville)</li>\r\n	<li>Using ratings websites like Angie\'s List</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn this way, I am in control of the vendors I contact. And for the vendors, it is inbound marketing, which is more efficient.\r\n\r\nWhat do you say? If you are a vendor, do you (should you) respond to these queries? If you are looking for a vendor, is this the best way to go?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How do you find vendors (or employees)?','','publish','open','open','','how-do-you-find-vendors-or-employees','','','2012-01-19 16:09:44','2012-01-19 16:09:44','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1544',0,'post','',0),(1537,4,'2012-01-11 16:59:45','2012-01-11 16:59:45','Sally Falkow writes today in <a href=\"http://www.proactivereport.com/c/pr/good-writing-remains-a-core-pr-skill/\" target=\"_blank\">her blog, The Proactive Repor</a>t, that good writing should be considered a primary public relations skill. I agree (and I wrote about that in my post <a title=\"Qualities of a PR Pro\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2010/03/qualities-of-a-pr-pro/\">Qualities of a PR Pro</a>).\n\nThe question is not whether PR people should know how to write well, but why they don\'t. April Finnen (@AprilFin) , who writes the blog <a href=\"http://onepersonshop.com/\" target=\"_blank\">One Person Shop</a>, said in a Twitter exchange with me:\n<blockquote>\"I think a big part of it is that good writing comes from good thinking, and that\'s becoming harder to find.\"</blockquote>\nI answered:\n<blockquote>Certainly true, but I do think many people just don\'t do enough reading either (maybe that\'s related to lack of thinking...)</blockquote>\nTo which April responded:\n<blockquote>\"Agree. If you can find a curious PR pro who reads everything, pretty safe bet they\'re a good writer.\"</blockquote>\nIn my opinion, writing well is disappearing because people are reading less Why is this happening? It may be because they are not curious, not interested, not thinking, working too hard,  etc.\n\nIf it is lack of curiosity or good thinking, as April says, how are these PR \"pros\" going to come up with strategies to drive a message?\n\nI can\'t tell you how many PR people I have met who don\'t read books for pleasure or even a daily newspaper. How many PR firms offer grammar and writing courses for their associates? How many PR pros today were English majors in college? Fewer and fewer thanks to the devaluing of liberal arts education and the rise of career-focused majors. If all you studied in college was how to create a PR campaign, but you never read a classic novel, how are you going to appreciate the power of language to convey meaning and emotion?\n\nDo you have thoughts on why good writing is on the decline? Please do share!','Why is writing well a disappearing skill?','','inherit','open','open','','1533-revision-2','','','2012-01-11 16:59:45','2012-01-11 16:59:45','',1533,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1533-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1538,4,'2012-01-11 17:00:29','2012-01-11 17:00:29','Sally Falkow writes today in <a href=\"http://www.proactivereport.com/c/pr/good-writing-remains-a-core-pr-skill/\" target=\"_blank\">her blog, The Proactive Repor</a>t, that good writing should be considered a primary public relations skill. I agree (and I wrote about that in my post <a title=\"Qualities of a PR Pro\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/2010/03/qualities-of-a-pr-pro/\">Qualities of a PR Pro</a>).\r\n\r\nThe question is not whether PR people should know how to write well, but why they don\'t. April Finnen (@AprilFin) , who writes the blog <a href=\"http://onepersonshop.com/\" target=\"_blank\">One Person Shop</a>, said in a Twitter exchange with me:\r\n<blockquote>\"I think a big part of it is that good writing comes from good thinking, and that\'s becoming harder to find.\"</blockquote>\r\nI answered:\r\n<blockquote>Certainly true, but I do think many people just don\'t do enough reading either (maybe that\'s related to lack of thinking...)</blockquote>\r\nTo which April responded:\r\n<blockquote>\"Agree. If you can find a curious PR pro who reads everything, pretty safe bet they\'re a good writer.\"</blockquote>\r\nIn my opinion, writing well is disappearing because people are reading less Why is this happening? It may be because they are not curious, not interested, not thinking, working too hard,  etc.\r\n\r\nIf it is lack of curiosity or good thinking, as April says, how are these PR \"pros\" going to come up with strategies to drive a message?\r\n\r\nI can\'t tell you how many PR people I have met who don\'t ever read books for pleasure or even a daily newspaper. How many PR firms offer grammar and writing courses for their associates? How many PR pros today were English majors in college? Fewer and fewer thanks to the devaluing of liberal arts education and the rise of career-focused majors. If all you studied in college was how to create a PR campaign, but you never read a classic novel, how are you going to appreciate the power of language to convey meaning and emotion?\r\n\r\nDo you have thoughts on why good writing is on the decline? Please do share!','Why is writing well a disappearing skill?','','inherit','open','open','','1533-revision-3','','','2012-01-11 17:00:29','2012-01-11 17:00:29','',1533,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/01/1533-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1554,4,'2012-01-31 15:03:08','2012-01-31 15:03:08','Although pander has some decidedly unsavory definitions (t<a href=\"http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pandering\" target=\"_blank\">o act as a go-between in sexual intrigues, for example</a>) I am using this definition: to cater or to indulge.\r\n\r\nPoliticians seem to be always pandering, saying things they think cater to the audience they are speaking to or trying to appeal to. We saw this a week ago, when President Obama gave his State of the Union speech and he most decidedly pandered to the people who think they are on the short end of the wealth stick in this country. Here\'s an excerpt:\r\n<blockquote>We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by, or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.</blockquote>\r\nAnd then this:\r\n<blockquote>So let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. Higher education can’t be a luxury. It is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.</blockquote>\r\nTo me it\'s clear Obama thinks he needs these people to vote for him in November.\r\n\r\nThen there is Newt Gingrich pandering to the Jewish vote in Florida by <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/01/newt-slams-romney-on-kosher-food-112783.html\" target=\"_blank\">saying that Romney voted to eliminate serving kosher food to elderly people under Medicaid. </a>\r\n\r\nRick Santorum (and when they were still in the race, Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann) panders to the homophobic vote (although he probably calls it the family values vote) by opposing same-sex marriage.\r\n\r\nWe have seen all GOP candidates this year pander to the racist vote by emphasizing that Obama is an \"other\" (Gingrich called him a \"food stamp president\" and the other candidates have called him everything from a socialist to other negative descriptors).\r\n\r\nIn short, politicians will say anything to get a vote. The problem with pandering is that it assumes the audience can\'t see it is being pandered to. And then there is the fact that different audiences might have conflicting needs from one another and the candidate that panders to one might necessarily offend another or end up contradicting him/herself.\r\n\r\nIn marketing, we believe in tailoring a message to the target audience. However, we also believe that messages should be clear and CONSISTENT.  If a business employed a shifting message strategy, it would quickly lose customers. Why do we tolerate this shift from politicians?\r\n\r\n<strong>ADDENDUM</strong>: Just came across this piece on CNN.com: <a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/31/opinion/navarrette-immigration-gop/index.html?hpt=hp_t1\" target=\"_blank\">Latinos won\'t forget Romney\'s anti-immigrant talk</a>. Author Ruben Navarrette says this:\r\n<blockquote>the dishonest and cynical way in which the former governor of Massachusetts has dealt with the immigration issue on the campaign trail shows that he has a problem being consistent.</blockquote>\r\nNavarrette goes on to discuss how Romney held a strong line against amnesty, but now has softened his approach to PANDER to the Latino vote.\r\n<blockquote>Now as he competes this week for Hispanic votes in Florida -- and, on Feb 4, in Nevada, where Latinos account for 26.5 percent of the population -- Romney must be hoping that Latinos have bad memories.\r\n\r\nWe don\'t. We never forget a slight. And, in that respect, Romney has given us plenty to remember.</blockquote>','Politicians, pandering and the shifting message','','publish','open','open','','politicians-pandering-and-the-shifting-message','','','2012-01-31 17:37:31','2012-01-31 17:37:31','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1554',0,'post','',0),(1540,4,'2012-01-17 15:20:56','2012-01-17 15:20:56','The last post here was about why writing skills might be in decline, and my assertion that it is because people are not reading enough. Today, Gini Dietrich writes in her S<a href=\"http://spinsucks.com/entrepreneur/reading-fiction-helps-your-career/\" target=\"_blank\">pin Sucks blog that reading fiction is beneficial to your career</a> because, among other benefits, it helps fine-tune you social skills, especially your empathy.\r\n\r\nSo, in addition to helping you recognize good writing, expose you to new worlds, teach you new vocabulary and ways of seeing, reading can help you build better connections and be better at work.\r\n\r\nYet, reading alone will not result in a fabulous, well rounded writer/emotionally intelligent being. <strong>You have to practice. You have to interact.</strong> Someone whose nose is always in a book, and who never emerges to deal with the real world is probably not going to be very emotionally intelligent. Also, if you never write and get edited, your writing is never going to improve.\r\n\r\nThe Costa Concordia, in case you haven\'t seen the news in the past two days, is a luxury Mediterranean cruise ship that ran aground near Italy, and sank, killing at least six people onboard.  Last night, on the CBS News, it was reported that the crew did not initially inform the passengers appropriately about the impending disaster. They downplayed the danger, and that led to chaos. Some passengers took matters into their own hands.\r\n\r\nIt seems that people\'s first reaction to bad news is disbelief. They act as if nothing is wrong. Perhaps that\'s what happened to the Costa Concordia\'s crew. Unfortunately, this type of disbelief can lead to tragedy.  There is a also desire to minimize problems.\r\n\r\nThis is why crisis communication training is so important. When crisis happens, reliable information is key. Denial and misinformation will make a bad situation worse.\r\n\r\nAny thoughts? Please share in the comments.','More about reading; and thoughts about the Costa Concordia','','publish','open','open','','more-about-reading-and-thoughts-about-the-costa-concordia','','\nhttp://spinsucks.com/entrepreneur/reading-fiction-helps-your-career/','2012-01-17 15:20:56','2012-01-17 15:20:56','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1540',0,'post','',1),