Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

by: Lisa Manyon  www.LisaManyon.com

It’s sad but true and I had no idea I was doing anything wrong. I had no idea I was making huge social networking mistakes… That is until I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility. Nancy presented at Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero’s The She Factor  event and I learned so much from her.

You see, I’ve been making some serious social media faux pas. Luckily, I’m not afraid to admit it and make changes in my strategies right away. In fact, I’m making this confession with the sincere intent that it will help you, too. Because, my friends, I’ve seen some of you making the very same mistakes. And, it’s not too late to redeem yourself.

Here’s what Nancy taught me. Social marketing and networking is not the same as traditional internet marketing. This was a huge realization for me. While there are similarities in the two, the approach must be different. With social marketing and networking the focus is on quality not quantity. With internet marketing the focus is list building.

Here’s where it gets tricky. In both instances the main goal is building relationships. The difference is how those relationships are built. With social networking on Facebook and Twitter(and other social networking platforms) the exchanges must first be personal to truly get to know your “friends” or “tweeps”. If you immediately send a link to your website on either network it can be considered a bit over the top and too “in your face” regardless of your intent. Posting your URL on wall posts on Facebook and intial Twitter intro tweets is considered almost spammy…who knew?
I admit I’ve posted my links on other peeps walls. I truly thought I was being helpful but it’s not always interpreted that way by others.

Are you beginning to see the difference between social networking and internet marketing? Once Nancy explained this etiquette, I understood immediately that I was actually damaging my social networking reputation because I was approaching it in a more direct manner – quite similar to internet marketing. So, thanks so much, Nancy. Seriously, sometimes we simply don’t know what we don’t know.

If you’ve been committing social networking sins this comparison chart that Nancy shared can greatly help you reform.

Comparison

Social Marketing/Networking                      Traditional Internet Marketing

• Permission Based                                    • Permission Based
• Build Relationship                                    • Build Relationship
     via Networks                                               via the “List”
• Subtle Call to Action                                •Overt Call to Action
• Social Component:                                  • Social Component:
    Sharing of Networks                                    Not Built In
• Quality Focus                                           • Numbers Focus:
     Loyalty                                                         Build that List!

This comparison chart is just the tip of iceberg of what Nancy can teach you. So, if you’re still unsure of your social networking status and proper etiquette, don’t leave it to chance. Get support from Nancy today. She rocks!

Technorati Tags: social media, social networking, Facebook, Twitter, Nancy Marmolejo, Viva Visibility, marketing sins, internet marketing, www.LisaManyon.com, Lisa Manyon, WriteOnCreative.com, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, Red Hot Copy, The She Factor, marketing to women, Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

(Photo of Viki Viertel of Digital Buddha Studios)

While audio and video are not new to the marketing mix, the demand for quality and thoughtful messages is increasing rapidly. Personally, I believe quality video and audio are an integral part of maintaining brand integrity.

Here’s what I mean. As business owners we put a lot of time, thought and research into creating our brands. Some marketers own a personal brand, others a corporate brand and really savvy marketers embrace co- branding.

To break it down further I’ll give a layman’s definition of a brand.

Brand: The overall impression and experience that your customers receive from your business.

This definition seems to demystify the concept of branding for most people. Simply put your brand is an extension of your business and your brand integrity is EVERYTHING you do to enhance your customer’s experience.

Brand integrity extends to your logo, marketing, copy, website, ads, social networking, shopping transactions, audio and yes, your videos.

We’ve all seen random home videos with inconsistent messages, poor lighting, clutter filled backgrounds and more…You know what I’m talking about. And, while some of these videos may be generating some results. What people aren’t saying (at least to your face) is how the shoddy productions are affecting brand integrity which is a true disservice to your customers, your particular industry, the creator of the video, your business and your brand.

I’m not suggesting that videos and audio shouldn’t be used. I’m just suggesting that if you’re going to infuse your brand with visual imagery it should really support your brand integrity. Sometimes that means investing in your brand by hiring video experts or at the very least quality home video equipment (it doesn’t have to be super expensive but it does have to capture you in your best light).

Incorporating video and audio in sales letters and other marketing materials creates a demand for copywriting to support social networking, internet marketing, radio, podcasting, television and viral video efforts in a way that also maintains brand integrity. So, when you’re exploring your video options make sure you’re paying just as much attention to content as you are quality.

It just makes sense that audio and video, when done correctly, results in increased sales, supports brand loyalty, builds stronger relationships and enhances your brand reputation. What are you doing to enhance yours?

Take Action Challenge:

Take inventory of your brand integrity today. Ask yourself:

· Is everything I’m doing for my business enhancing my customer’s experience?
· Have I created any marketing, advertising or promotional materials that compromise my brand integrity?
· What one thing can I do today to enhance or repair my brand integrity?

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com, Viki Viertel, copywriting, audio and video, marketing, brand, brand integrity, social marketing, Digital Buddha Sutdios

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

2009 is right around the corner. Are you ready? Do you have your marketing plan in place? Have you jumped on board with membership communities to support your personal goals?

I’m asking for two reasons.

1) The first reason is that I’m a planning fanatic and have my outline for 2009 already mapped out. Having a plan makes my life so much easier and it can make your life easier too. If you’re not ready for 2009 consider an accountability plan today. I still have a few spots open and would love to work with you one on one. In fact, I suggest you invest in the POWER Planning Process package today (I only have a few more spots left for this package that includes one on one time with me).
Check it out here.

2) The second reason is because the International Association of Web Entrepreneurs is changing its membership structure in 2009 and there is a fantastic bonus for new members. An invaluable book The Official AWE Guide ~ Emerging Trends Every Online Entrepreneur Must Know. This book is chock full of priceless insights from 18 experts including me, Adam Urbanski, Gina Bell, Susan Daffron, Viki Viertel, Sheri McConnell and more. I urge you to join today because as a member in 2009 you’ll get your very own copy of the book. Plus, I’d love your feedback on my chapter How The Ever-Changing Landscape of Internet Marketing Affects Your Message And Why You Must Adapt. Check out the details at AWE.

It’s up to you to invest in your business and yourself to ensure you not only survive but thrive in 2009. I’d love to hear what your plans are and what mentorship, business training or marketing strategies you plan to put in place.

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, The Official AWE Guide, International Association of Web Entrepreneurs, Adam Urbanski, Gina Bell, Susan Daffron, Viki Viertel, Sheri McConnell

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Are you charging what you deserve? With all the media hype and economic turmoil (and yes, some of it is very real albeit driven by the media frenzy and scare tactics), you may be tempted to give way to lower fee-setting strategies. That is absolutely NOT what you want to do.

Did you know that during the great depression the business people who became millionaires or at least did better than most businesses were the savvy people who invested in themselves and their businesses by keeping on when everyone else was frozen with fear?

That’s exactly why I highly recommend this program created by my good friend and colleague Tom Buford, the Charge What You Deserve guy. This isn’t a hard sell or anything of the sort. This is simply a gentle reminder to invest in yourself and your business regardless of what everyone else is doing. So, take a moment of your time and check out what Tom has to offer. Tom’s advice is solid, his interviews with experts reveal proven tips to help you succeed and this program is priced affordably in ANY economy.

I personally learned invaluable strategies from mentors I trust and respect who shared information with Tom that they haven’t shared anywhere else. So, without further ado - I give you Tom Buford. Check out his fee setting goldmine of information here.

Look for more great things coming your way from Tom in the near future!

Technorati Tags: lisa manyon, copywriting, Tom Buford, marketing, charge what you deserve, fee-setting,

By: Lisa Manyon www.LisaManyon.com

Collaborating, referring and generally helping others is something I look for in colleagues. In fact, being of service to others is why the majority of people I associate, network and mastermind with got started in their OWN businesses.

So, in the spirit of sharing success and resources I’m pointing you in the direction of this link from my friend and mentor Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero. She recently compliled a list of The Top 50 Coolest Marketers. You can check it out here http://www.redhotblogging.com/los-top-50-coolest-marketers/ on her Red Hot Blog.  You’ll find great contacts here to help catapult your business (and I’m happy to say I made the cut, too). But that’s not the ONLY reason I’m sharing this with you. I want you to have all the tools and resources you need to be as successful as you’d like.

One of the very best ways I’ve found to connect and network is via live events. I’m convinced that if I hadn’t invested in my business and attended Lorrie’s live events we wouldn’t be working together today and we definitely wouldn’t be so connected. Attending her events is also how I connected with another friend and mentor James Roche.

So, if you’re wondering why you’re not getting added exposure and referrals from colleagues ask yourself what you’ve done to network lately? 

• Have you attended any live events?
• Actively participated in teleseminars?
• Done anything to gain exposure and make connections for your business?
• Followed up with snail mail to continue to build relationships?

After you’ve answered these questions take a few minutes to make a list of people you’d like to meet, relationship building strategies you need to incorporate now and events you’d like to attend.

Remember “Goals are dreams with deadlines.”  Start making yours.

I hope to see you at Lorrie’s upcoming She Factor event in LA and directly following that I’d love to connect at  Ali Brown’s Online Success Blueprint Workshop.

Will I see you there?  What are you doing to move your business forward? I really want to know.

Technorati Tags: Lorrie Morgan -Ferrero, Ali Brown, James Roche, networking, cool people, internet marketers, resources, referrals, copywriting, copy, copywriter, “Lisa Manyon”, www.LisaManyon.com, www.WriteOnCreative.com, business networking, marketing resources, connecting, follow up, snail mail