The post at Radio Sales Cafe, from a Chicago-area radio guy, read:…

Just signed up for this marketing software.  I'll let you know what I find out. Might be something you're interested in.

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I enjoy a funny story as much as anyone. 

But not every joke is worth telling, certainly not in all places, at all times.

Just because you can tell it doesn't mean that you should.

Context matters, it really does.  Letting fly a formidable beer belch might impress your buddies at the bowling alley, but how would it be received at, say, the library, or in the middle of a church service?

Likewise, the use of certain language that could be described as…

A daily blog from the outside looking in!

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By Ed Reese at Sixth Man Marketing…

Did you know that when you like a Facebook Page it will be added to your news feed? Have you wondered why you hear and see businesses advertising to "Like" us on Facebook? The answer lies in the "Like" button at the top of the page! If you simply visit at a Facebook page you will not be updated when the page owner posts something new. If you do not click "Like" it actually means you don't like the page!…

I am constantly asked by others how I ever figured out Twitter and if it even works.  Figured it out...I have not for sure, but I have learned some awesome pointers. Optimizing the search and visibility of my Twitter profile has helped to gain followers but most importantly express to my target audience and friends my personality (against by better judgement ;) ).  As I always say If your going to do something even just to try it, excel in doing it right! Many of you probably joined Twitter…

I get asked all the time by business owners and artists of all sorts why they should set up a business page instead of keeping their presence as personal profile. After explaining it, the next question is why they should change when it works fine the way it is. The need to leverage social media for business is a no-brainer at this point, but an artist, non-profit, organization or  company's effectiveness on Facebook can be hampered if the account isn't set up properly.

Here are nine…

"I don't need to advertise.  I rely on word-of-mouth.  My customers tell their friends."   

And with these words, the business owner dismisses another advertising salesperson.  

The fact is, personal referrals and recommendations are powerful. We find them especially helpful when considering the purchase of a product or service from a new or unfamiliar source.

Successful online retailers from Amazon to WalMart…

It's hard to say the exact number, but I think most of you would agree that women do most of the family's shopping. And if they don't, at least they influence a major component in a man's decision.



A few years ago I worked as an agent for Hilton Grand Vacations. My lead manager told me one thing which I'd always remembered. He told me in the exact words, "At the end of the day, we still have another manger to deal with (referring to his wife)."



It's true, women makes the…

I was an English major in college, aspiring to be a teacher.

I ended up in advertising.

Mind you, I'm not complaining.  Advertising and marketing involve a great deal of reading and writing, consulting and coaching.  So, it's not all that far removed from teaching.  It's just a different kind of classroom.

Reason I mention the English major thing is because I'm going to climb up on my soapbox and rant a bit.

About grammar.

And spelling.

And…

I started this blog series - a live case study of social media marketing - a few months ago.

Actually, the campaign was completed in mid-March, but dang it, a lot of things came flying at me immediately thereafter; namely a horde of client projects.

Don't you hate it when that…

Note:  I wrote this piece with a view toward helping Real Estate sales professionals, specifically.  But whatever your business or profession, you may find it easy enough to transfer the ideas into your own situation and put the power of personal storytelling to profitable use.  -RS

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Do you advertise on radio*?  

Do you run ads in newspapers or magazines?

Do you blog?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you really ought to make an…

Hello LaunchPad Groupies,

I did a post on how local business are falling behind, and what they can do to stay ahead of the curve.

If you are wondering why your phone hasn't been ringing lately, you should  check out this post and make the suggested adjustments.

Here is the link to the post.  I hope it helps.…

My background is information technology – 23+ years actually.  When I had to study advertising and marketing to write my business plan for Nosey Parker, the goal was to help small business quantify buyers.  So I needed to know how they currently track results from traditional advertising methods. The first question I ask was “Show me your stats. Give me some evidence of how this works.”  As a past systems engineer, I was very into fact-based discussions.  What I learned is that no matter how…

I am in the business of Permission Marketing.  With permission, privacy is the most important criteria.  Interruption marketing  gives  no one a choice … with the privilege of choice, comes the respect for your audience.  There is a fine line between intrusion and providing as much information as your audience will allow.  Think about your “permission” plan how if you are intruding?

Rick Buck, of ClickZ, sheds light on respecting permission:…