Archive for February, 2010

A Peek Into David Meerman Scott’s Book “World Wide Rave” and Ways You Can Be Successful With Social Media

Thursday, February 25th, 2010
One of my passions is reading and passing on information that I find valuable and that I believe will help you be more successful.

Social Media Success

I absolutely loved David Meerman Scott’s book The New Rules of Marketing and PR and he doesn’t disappoint in World Wide Rave. ~ Creating Triggers That Get Millions of People to Spread Your Ideas and Share Your Stories.


This book has become a trusty reference guide and source of inspiration. Dog-eared pages & multiple sticky notes peek out to remind me of new projects and ways to really engage and build relationships with social media.
While I’m not going to give you all of the content, I will share some points that really stuck with me and I encourage you to add this to your learning library. Especially if you’re still mystified by social media. Trust me, you need to dive in NOW. To start, my personal tip is to be you and be authentic. With that being said, here are some things I love about what Meerman-Scott shares.
First, I love the use of the word “rave” in the title. Think about it…do you want people to “rant” or to “rave” about your business? While it’s true that people share negative stories regarding customer service and brand experience far more often than they share the good things – I think we all strive to be a business person that receives the “rave.
Some of the key points Meerman-Scott shares:
  • Nobody cares about your products except you (it’s true – they care about what you or your product will do for them).
  • Offer something for nothing (not a new concept but a new approach – ditch the “opt-in” in some instances & be of service).
  • Engage your audience – don’t talk at them – talk with them (incorporate video, conversations and feedback in what you do).
These points are crucial to your social media success. Often traditional marketers, both Internet and ad agency types, jump on the bandwagon of social media and damage their brands and reputation by using traditional or direct response techniques. This not only alienates people you should be building relationships with (potential clients, customers and colleagues), it’s a clear sign that you haven’t done your homework. Not a slick way to win new business or build relationships.

I’ve actually received a lot of flack for giving away a free press release template, too. My traditional mentors say I should be selling. I say it’s a relationship building, lead generation tool that comes from the heart.Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. http://www.writeoncreative.com/pressreleaseproducer (feel free to bookmark it or add a desktop shortcut for ease of access).
The bottom line?! Do what feels right to you. Grab a copy of this book and start building social media relationships the right way. And, most important, be of service.

[tags] social media success, David Meerman Scott, World Wide Rave –Creating Triggers that Get Millions of People To Spread Your Ideas and Stories, book review, Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, world wide rave [/tags]

Press Release Basics For Internet Publicity Or Mainstream Media Submission

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Once you’ve determined that you have something to say to the press or specific online prospects, you’ll want to issue a press release or news release in accordance to your overall press release strategy. Press releases are relatively simple to write. However, there is a specific formula that you must use or you could damage your credibility. Plus, it cannot be sales-y.  Your press release must actually contain news, which by definition is previously unknown information.

Many media outlets prefer 2-3 weeks advance notice to cover an event. At the same time, the Internet has greatly changed the way releases are distributed and has opened new areas of opportunity.  You can distribute your message online much faster. Often online distribution sites also circulate to specific newswire services.

When compiling your press release information, keep the following in mind:


  1. Keep the release short; no longer than one page. (This only applies to traditional media releases. Online releases can be a bit longer. Just remember, reporters are busy. If you’re after traditional media exposure, be respectful of their time.)
  2. Open with an attention-grabbing headline. (consider character length – i.e. less than 140 characters for Tweeting with links)
  3. Include the release date (month, day and year) and the city and state of origin.
  4. If you want your information considered immediately, indicate “for immediate release”. If you want the media to wait for a specific date, indicate that as well (i.e. for release Valentine’s week –Note: not all media outlets will embargo your news).
  5. Include specific contact information and be accessible. Telephone numbers, cellular phone numbers (depending on strategy), e-mail addresses, fax numbers and website addresses help the media reach you easily.
  6. The opening paragraph is your introduction. What is the purpose of the release? Why is the information of interest? Be sure to keep your readers attention (remember reporters are busy people — make their job easier)
  7. The second paragraph should include the details. This is the “Who, What, Where, When and Why” of the release. It’s a good idea to include quotes from credible sources that support your information.
  8. The third paragraph is where you make a case for your final point.
  9. Finally, include a company bio or boilerplate. This is a description of your company, your products and your services. Use the information commonly shared to describe your business or service.
  10. When writing your release, know who you are writing it to and why they might be interested in running your story. Be clear about your purpose.
  11. Close your release with this symbol ### centered at the bottom of the page (this signifies the end, and is proper formatting).
To make this process easier for you in the future, feel free to use this free tool I’ve created. You can pop your information into the Write On Creative Press Release Producer and hit submit to get a perfectly formatted press releases. Be sure to add this as a shortcut on your desktop for easy access.
  • Do you have a press release strategy?
  • Are you regularly sharing your news so you can in turn share your gifts with the world and help more people?
  • What have you or your company done lately that’s newsworthy?

What’s Working in Your Coaching Business?

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

This is a topic that’s been buzzing around my entrepreneurial community. To some degree we all do a bit of coaching and consulting and this is an area of my business that I plan to expand in 2010.

So, what’s working in your coaching business? What changes have you seen? Do you want to start offering coaching packages and you’re not sure where to start?

Regardless of where you are in your coaching career, if you want to improve or change your business model from delivering information one at a time to a program for many (same amount of work, but with a lot more income growth potential) I have a great resource that I cannot wait to share with you.

You see, I’ve invested in myself and my business with top-notch entrepreneurial coaches, trainers and mentors who can help me fast-track my success and I want the same for you.

With that being said if you are a coach or consulting struggling with your coaching programs or you want to add coaching to your current offerings, you will be interested in this call.

My mentor and coach Ali Brown is hosting a complimentary call titled “Coaching Business Secrets: The Inside Scoop on How to Design, Sell, and Run Profitable & Successful Coaching Programs.”

I am personally intrigued, energized and excited to learn from her experience to avoid any potential mistakes as I strengthen my coaching efforts.

So, if you’re intrigued too, follow my link to save your spot on the call. (yes, I am an affiliate and proud to support Ali because of all she’s done to help me grow my business).

Go ahead and grab your spot here for the free call about building your coaching business

Curious to know what you’ll learn on this call? Ali will reveal:

*the most POPULAR types of coaching programs that are in demand right now

*which types of programs are NOT easy to sell right now (don’t waste your time)

*Ali’s personal 3 no-fail formulas for various levels of group coaching delivery

*which price points ($$$) are working well across the board in many industries

*the biggest mistake Ali sees most solo-preneurs make when launching their coaching programs (it’s sad to see them shoot themselves in the foot, and publicly)

*hidden DANGERS of continuity (membership) programs, and how to avoid them

*details about Ali’s groundbreaking, private Coaching Business Intensive happening this summer, where over two full days Ali will personally walk you through exactly how to design, sell, and run your own profitable programs. ( I am going to be there and hope to see you, too!!!)

Okay, enough said – just didn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. I’ll listen for you on the call Tuesday, February 23, 8pm Eastern at: Save your spot here

I have no doubt that this will be an eye-opening, revenue boosting call, packed full of information to help YOU grow your coaching businesses.

[tags] coaching success, coaching programs that work, designing your coaching business, free coaching training call, Ali Brown, Lisa Manyon [/tags]