Today I spoke on the phone with a potential client who is interested in having me to speak at her company meeting in 2010. We had a delightful conversation, and I am a good match for the needs of the firm.
At the end of our talk I asked her how she found me, as I always like to know who is referring me business opportunities. Her response was; "I did a Google Search for something like 'motivational keynote speaker for a business conference'. It was Google that took me to your blog, and I liked what you had to say".
I searched the term she mentioned and could not find myself in the mix. While I do not know what exact words she used to find me, I do know that having my blog as a Google destination for search has paid off several times. Two weeks ago I got an inquiry on a similar search for "motivational speaker for a professional services firm", and with those words I did show up in the few pages on Google.
The purpose of sharing this is that I often consult with professionals who question why I write a blog and participate in other social media activities. These intelligent and motivated business leaders claim they could never dedicate the time to a blog, as they are too busy. But in the past two weeks I have received two inquiries about my services as a keynote speaker from this exact activity... so I wonder how why in the world I would NOT blog.
Having online real estate that is searchable is necessary for business development. The hardest part is to realize the time frame involved with creating a recognizable social media persona can take several years. I started blogging in 2004 and have never stopped. Only recently has the blog begun to produce financial results (although it has paid off many times over in other ways).
If you want the advantages that come from blogging or other social media platforms, you must get started now. As if it takes two years to build up the momentum... and you wait two more years to start, then you are four years away from the success you desire.
There are no shortcuts to building an authentic online reputation. Content, consistency and longevity are all needed to make search engine optimization work for you.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
ROI = Rely On Instincts
Several years ago some marketing consultants got smart and realized that CFO's and other finance centric professionals live in a world that is focused on ROI (Return on Investment) and want to run spreadsheets that show the outcomes of dollars spent before committing to the expenditures. Since the money people make many decisions, these consultants and other "gurus" created programs that spoke the language of the finance department and created "ROI" algorithms to sell their services to these decision makers.
By speaking their language they were able to appear more intelligent (key word: appear) and win the business. Left-brainers everywhere rejoiced, as now these disciplines were under their control.
For too long marketing, business development, networking, direct mail, advertising, branding, PR (and more recently social media) were viewed by the left brain professionals as "the Black Arts". They admitted that these were necessary, but since they were more creative and not always predictable, that they were some how less important to the success of a company than the more predictable departments on the org chart.
However, while this trend toward analyzing "return on investment" on everything makes people feel good -- it has paralyzed many companies.
During a job interview years ago I told a CFO that sometimes to find success in marketing you have to try a variety of tactics. I used the old saying "throw some spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks!" The CFO responded that if a marketing campaign could not prove out results in advance, then his company would not do it. "No spaghetti could hit the floor!" The company hired a "ROI" oriented marketing manager (they did not hire me) and the company had minimal success in growing its image. The person they hired lasted 14 months on the job before the company changed direction, yet again.
While you do not want to waste dollars in promoting the image of your company, if you think there is a magic formula that will guarantee success, you will spend your life over thinking every opportunity and you will miss out on the allusive successes you seek. There is a difference between throwing money around and having an instinctive feeling on how to have an impact on your company's positioning in the marketplace.
Instead of spending hours looking at the return on every investment on a spreadsheet, you should redefine the definition of ROI in regards to marketing.
ROI = Rely On Instincts.
Raising the visibility and brand of your company is not as easy as building a new website, joining Twitter, or sponsoring an industry conference. You need to fine tune your instincts or hire someone who knows the landscape of how all the "black arts" actually work together.
Take social media for an example: The term is getting a lot of attention in business circles, but it is not magic. Just like advertising, PR, networking, marketing, or branding alone will not make you rich.... social media is just another tool (although a trendy tool as this is being written). There are many "experts" advising companies on ROI in this medium, but I have seen few who can deliver the goods they present in a brochure. The real success here comes from hands on involvement of the company's executives. You can't outsource authenticity.
In a vacuum none of these marketing related disciplines will rocket your success toward the sky. But when strategically used together, they will have the long lasting power to help bring in new business.
If your instincts are rusty on these right-brain activities, then you need to do a little work and experimentation. You can learn to understand how to help promote the image of your firm by paying attention to the world around you. A good lawyer does not stop studying new laws and statutes that come into play and just rely on what they learned in school. They keep fine tuning their practice. (Note that it is called a "practice", which means they never master it... but keep working on the whole process!). Likewise an accountant will not rely on tax law from 1989 to prepare their client's return this year (at least you would hope not!).
Embrace the marketing world for the power it has to help your company, rather than try to cram it into a pre-structured spreadsheet. If the world worked that way then you would not be frustrated by lack of marketing success... and your competitors could buy the same structured program as you, and thus make you both a commodity, anyway!!! (Feeling like your product or service is becoming a commodity? Hmmmm, maybe there is a connection to the lack of creativity in your efforts!!!)
I expect this post will not be well accepted by those who want the world to be viewed in black and white... and by those who use fancy words and spreadsheets to win the business from left brain decision makers. But I am not attacking, as much as I am asking people to love the gray area for the possibilities for growth that are living there.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day
thom
By speaking their language they were able to appear more intelligent (key word: appear) and win the business. Left-brainers everywhere rejoiced, as now these disciplines were under their control.
For too long marketing, business development, networking, direct mail, advertising, branding, PR (and more recently social media) were viewed by the left brain professionals as "the Black Arts". They admitted that these were necessary, but since they were more creative and not always predictable, that they were some how less important to the success of a company than the more predictable departments on the org chart.
However, while this trend toward analyzing "return on investment" on everything makes people feel good -- it has paralyzed many companies.
During a job interview years ago I told a CFO that sometimes to find success in marketing you have to try a variety of tactics. I used the old saying "throw some spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks!" The CFO responded that if a marketing campaign could not prove out results in advance, then his company would not do it. "No spaghetti could hit the floor!" The company hired a "ROI" oriented marketing manager (they did not hire me) and the company had minimal success in growing its image. The person they hired lasted 14 months on the job before the company changed direction, yet again.
While you do not want to waste dollars in promoting the image of your company, if you think there is a magic formula that will guarantee success, you will spend your life over thinking every opportunity and you will miss out on the allusive successes you seek. There is a difference between throwing money around and having an instinctive feeling on how to have an impact on your company's positioning in the marketplace.
Instead of spending hours looking at the return on every investment on a spreadsheet, you should redefine the definition of ROI in regards to marketing.
ROI = Rely On Instincts.
Raising the visibility and brand of your company is not as easy as building a new website, joining Twitter, or sponsoring an industry conference. You need to fine tune your instincts or hire someone who knows the landscape of how all the "black arts" actually work together.
Take social media for an example: The term is getting a lot of attention in business circles, but it is not magic. Just like advertising, PR, networking, marketing, or branding alone will not make you rich.... social media is just another tool (although a trendy tool as this is being written). There are many "experts" advising companies on ROI in this medium, but I have seen few who can deliver the goods they present in a brochure. The real success here comes from hands on involvement of the company's executives. You can't outsource authenticity.
In a vacuum none of these marketing related disciplines will rocket your success toward the sky. But when strategically used together, they will have the long lasting power to help bring in new business.
If your instincts are rusty on these right-brain activities, then you need to do a little work and experimentation. You can learn to understand how to help promote the image of your firm by paying attention to the world around you. A good lawyer does not stop studying new laws and statutes that come into play and just rely on what they learned in school. They keep fine tuning their practice. (Note that it is called a "practice", which means they never master it... but keep working on the whole process!). Likewise an accountant will not rely on tax law from 1989 to prepare their client's return this year (at least you would hope not!).
Embrace the marketing world for the power it has to help your company, rather than try to cram it into a pre-structured spreadsheet. If the world worked that way then you would not be frustrated by lack of marketing success... and your competitors could buy the same structured program as you, and thus make you both a commodity, anyway!!! (Feeling like your product or service is becoming a commodity? Hmmmm, maybe there is a connection to the lack of creativity in your efforts!!!)
I expect this post will not be well accepted by those who want the world to be viewed in black and white... and by those who use fancy words and spreadsheets to win the business from left brain decision makers. But I am not attacking, as much as I am asking people to love the gray area for the possibilities for growth that are living there.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day
thom
Saturday, November 14, 2009
New Year Publishing Hosts Authors Conference
This week New Year Publishing hosted the 1st Annual "Authors Conference" for those who have published, or are working on publishing, their books with the company.
It was a great event. We had dinner on Thursday night, followed by a half day seminar where we discussed many topics that are important to authors and speakers.
As the company grows we look forward to continuing to work with executives, professional speakers and children's authors in assisting them on creating quality products that help them to promote their brands.
I would like to take a moment to publicly thank those who presented at the conference: Markia Flatt (PR by the Book), John Moore (Brand Autopsy), and Jim Comer (When Roles Reverse). They each provided amazing advice on PR, Social Media and the book & speaking businesses.
Another thank you goes to the Austin Office of the Andrews Kurth Law Firm. Several years ago I worked at Andrews Kurth as the director of business development, and they graciously provided me with a conference room to host the "Authors Conference". Lawyers often receive the bad end of jokes and comments.... but these attorneys are good people who are willing to help a friend! The firm has a long history of serving early stage and start-up entrepreneurs, and this continues today.
We look forward to additional years of the "Authors Conference" as the New Year Publishing family continues to grow.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Come See Me Speak On December 8, 2009
Join the Austin Business Journal for an informative seminar on how to make the most from networking at holiday parties and planning your business sales and referral goals for 2010.
The busy few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are full of opportunities to network, meet new people and strengthen business relationships. However, many people are overwhelmed by the amount of merriment and waste the chance to give their networking efforts a boost.
Additionally, the change to the new year is a great time to set business goals and make plans to extend your referral network.
This seminar will be full of tips on how to make December and January your launch pad for a more successful 2010.
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Time: 7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Networking
8:00 – 9:00 am Presentation
Location: Norris Conference Center, 2525 W Anderson Lane #365
Cost: $35
Let me know if you are planning to attend!!!
Have A Great Day
thom
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Do You Know Your Neighbors?
I am fascinated by how many people do not know their neighbors. When I was a kid all the people on the block knew each other. All the children knew that everyone was watching them (and would report back undesirable activities to mom and dad).
Today the connectivity amongst people on the block is not as strong. Sure, there might be some people you know, and the courtesy wave is popular when folks walk by... but many people don't know that much about those who live close to them.
It is worse at work. Do you know the people on your block? In your building? In your elevator bank? How about on your floor?.
There is no excuse not to know the people who work on your floor. If your work for a company that is not so large as to occupy the whole floor... and you don't know the workers in the business next door -- then shame on you. This gets you an "F" in Networking 101.
But you can bring your grade up. With the holidays coming... make this the point that you meet the neighbors. Invite the other companies on your floor to your office for lunch. No agenda, just people meeting people. Cater in sandwiches and have everyone go around the table and explain who they are and what is their role at the company.
Maybe they will become a great referral source. Maybe not. Either way, next time you are waiting for the elevator you will be able to talk to each other instead of staring at your shoes. Making friends is always a good thing.
Same idea for those who live on your block or in your apartment building.
Have A Great Day
thom
Today the connectivity amongst people on the block is not as strong. Sure, there might be some people you know, and the courtesy wave is popular when folks walk by... but many people don't know that much about those who live close to them.
It is worse at work. Do you know the people on your block? In your building? In your elevator bank? How about on your floor?.
There is no excuse not to know the people who work on your floor. If your work for a company that is not so large as to occupy the whole floor... and you don't know the workers in the business next door -- then shame on you. This gets you an "F" in Networking 101.
But you can bring your grade up. With the holidays coming... make this the point that you meet the neighbors. Invite the other companies on your floor to your office for lunch. No agenda, just people meeting people. Cater in sandwiches and have everyone go around the table and explain who they are and what is their role at the company.
Maybe they will become a great referral source. Maybe not. Either way, next time you are waiting for the elevator you will be able to talk to each other instead of staring at your shoes. Making friends is always a good thing.
Same idea for those who live on your block or in your apartment building.
Have A Great Day
thom
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Losing The "Humanity Quotient"
I had a conversation about business with a professional who works hard, earns an above average income, and is admired by those inside and outside his company. The guy is an up-and-coming leader in his industry, but has not yet reached the corner office. He has worked for the same corporation for several years, works hard, produces results, and has received awards and other kudos. He is the ideal employee and my guess is his employer sees him as a happy and dedicated part of the team.
Yet he is disenchanted. And he is not alone! I have the pleasure of talking with people from all walks of life and large numbers are not happy with their professional situations.
Most believes that their business communities have lost the "humanity quotient" in the quest for efficiency.
The rough economy has caused businesses of all sizes to focus so tightly on the balance sheet that they have lost the personal element. Too many professionals have begun to show a distrust of everyone around them.
I have witnessed both sole proprietors and large company executives who see any minor "mis-communication" with friends, vendors, clients, co-workers, or others as a personal assault or threat. Like Humphrey Bogart (as Lt. Cmdr Queeg) in the "Caine Mutiny", they have lost perspective and are counting every strawberry.
Fear, distrust, finger-pointing, and back-stabbing (which have always existed) are now an accepted part of office culture and nobody seems to notice (or care).
The most cynical amongst us will say this is nothing new, that these dark feelings are always present in the work world. But in my twenty-plus year career I have not witnessed so many people functioning in misery about their careers. Professional envy and jealousy are no longer hidden from view, but openly accepted.
This loss of the "humanity quotient" in our businesses is real.
So what can you do about it?
Regardless of if you are the boss or an employee you can have an impact in restoring the "humanity quotient".
Slow down for just a moment and notice the people around you. Smile at others. Take an interest in what matters to those around you. Before you get angry, take a moment to put yourself in the other person's shoes (you might discover that from a different perspective, the world does NOT revolve around you). Be nicer. Be helpful. Shower somebody in praise when they do something good.
The list goes on, but you get the idea.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day.
thom
PS -- Have you ever read one of my books? Buy one today at Amazon.com. They make great holiday gifts!!!
Yet he is disenchanted. And he is not alone! I have the pleasure of talking with people from all walks of life and large numbers are not happy with their professional situations.
Most believes that their business communities have lost the "humanity quotient" in the quest for efficiency.
The rough economy has caused businesses of all sizes to focus so tightly on the balance sheet that they have lost the personal element. Too many professionals have begun to show a distrust of everyone around them.
I have witnessed both sole proprietors and large company executives who see any minor "mis-communication" with friends, vendors, clients, co-workers, or others as a personal assault or threat. Like Humphrey Bogart (as Lt. Cmdr Queeg) in the "Caine Mutiny", they have lost perspective and are counting every strawberry.
Fear, distrust, finger-pointing, and back-stabbing (which have always existed) are now an accepted part of office culture and nobody seems to notice (or care).
The most cynical amongst us will say this is nothing new, that these dark feelings are always present in the work world. But in my twenty-plus year career I have not witnessed so many people functioning in misery about their careers. Professional envy and jealousy are no longer hidden from view, but openly accepted.
This loss of the "humanity quotient" in our businesses is real.
So what can you do about it?
Regardless of if you are the boss or an employee you can have an impact in restoring the "humanity quotient".
Slow down for just a moment and notice the people around you. Smile at others. Take an interest in what matters to those around you. Before you get angry, take a moment to put yourself in the other person's shoes (you might discover that from a different perspective, the world does NOT revolve around you). Be nicer. Be helpful. Shower somebody in praise when they do something good.
The list goes on, but you get the idea.
What do you think?
Have A Great Day.
thom
PS -- Have you ever read one of my books? Buy one today at Amazon.com. They make great holiday gifts!!!
Entrepreneurs Must Look Beyond the Obvious
I saw this video on Andy Sack's blog (it is from the Stanford University's Entrepreneurship Corner). It is six minutes long, but if you are an aspiring entrepreneur it is worth the investment of time, as it reminds us that there are always opportunities in our midst.
When we challenge the assumptions and discover our true assets, success follows.
Have A Great Day.
thom
When we challenge the assumptions and discover our true assets, success follows.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, November 09, 2009
How To Network At A Multi-Day Conference - SXSW 2010
I will be speaking at the SXSW Interactive Conference in March 2010, delivering a presentation called "How to Network at a Multi-Day Conference".
I am very honored, as this is the third year I will be included on the schedule for this amazing event.
If you work in or around the technology industries and have never attended SXSWi, you should make your plans for be in Austin, Texas from March 12 - 16, 2010. The conference is not only famous for great parties, networking opportunities, and the wonderful spring weather in Austin..... but it also delivers with over 400 panels and presentations that deliver real content.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Honoring A Soldier's Service
This week my friend Dan completed his 13 month tour of duty in Iraq and is returning home.
I know Dan because he is a close friend of my business partners and I have met him several times (He hired me to speak at to his company in 2008). I was very impressed when I heard he had volunteered to return to active duty. He is a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger. After he completed his service he went to Harvard Business School, and then into the corporate world.
He did not have to go back and serve our country. But he did by choice.
Why would a forty-something father with a thriving career choose to go to Iraq? When asked this question by a friend, Dan replied "It's my duty. When I left the Army I made a conscious decision not to resign my commission in case something like this happened." It is people like Dan, and their sense of duty, that makes America great.
Our service men and women are an amazing asset that have a positive impact and protect our freedoms.
This week we celebrate Veteran's Day and in honor of my friend Dan's completion of his tour, my publishing company is offering a free copy of my new book "Batteries Not Included: 66 Tips To Energize Your Career" to the first 100 active U.S. military or veterans who email New Year Publishing and request a copy. The publisher will pay for the shipping and handling.
Send an email to soldier@newyearpublishing.com. Include your mailing address.
This week there has been a lot of news focused on the military due to the horrific event that took place at Ft. Hood. All of our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who were effected by this tragedy.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Thursday, November 05, 2009
EO Accelerator - Austin Chapter
The Austin Chapter of EO Accelerator is currently looking for a few good members.
Do you, or someone you know, own a business with revenues between $250,000 and $1 million? Are you looking to grow your company to over the $1 million level. Are you seeking other entrepreneurs to learn from and share best-practices?
As an early-stage entrepreneur, you face new challenges every day and at times you probably find yourself wishing you had an instruction manual for your business.
It’s okay. You are not alone. Thousands of successful business owners have been down this winding road or entrepreneurship, and there is a program here in Austin that is designed to help.
Accelerator, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program, is the catalyst that enables first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult their business to the next level. EO Accelerator's mission is to empower you with the tools you need to grow your business to more than $1 million in sales and provide you with the skills to make yourself a better entrepreneur and leader.
Along with structured educational content focused on the core areas of first-stage businesses, the Accelerator Program affords you the unique experience of learning from and connecting with the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
For more information, go to the EO Accelerator website, or send me an email and I will put you in touch with the rest of the Austin EO Accelerator team.
Five reasons to join EO Accelerator before the end of the year:
1. December 9th is the next quarterly "Learning Day".
2. Put the membership dues onto your 2009 expenses.
3. The longer you wait to join, the longer it takes before you will see the benefits from your participation.
4. 2010 is your year to succeed. Surround yourself with other winners.
5. Making up silly excuses for why you can't join now is not becoming of a focused and driven entrepreneur.
Have A Great Day
thom
Do you, or someone you know, own a business with revenues between $250,000 and $1 million? Are you looking to grow your company to over the $1 million level. Are you seeking other entrepreneurs to learn from and share best-practices?
As an early-stage entrepreneur, you face new challenges every day and at times you probably find yourself wishing you had an instruction manual for your business.
It’s okay. You are not alone. Thousands of successful business owners have been down this winding road or entrepreneurship, and there is a program here in Austin that is designed to help.
Accelerator, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program, is the catalyst that enables first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult their business to the next level. EO Accelerator's mission is to empower you with the tools you need to grow your business to more than $1 million in sales and provide you with the skills to make yourself a better entrepreneur and leader.
Along with structured educational content focused on the core areas of first-stage businesses, the Accelerator Program affords you the unique experience of learning from and connecting with the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
For more information, go to the EO Accelerator website, or send me an email and I will put you in touch with the rest of the Austin EO Accelerator team.
Five reasons to join EO Accelerator before the end of the year:
1. December 9th is the next quarterly "Learning Day".
2. Put the membership dues onto your 2009 expenses.
3. The longer you wait to join, the longer it takes before you will see the benefits from your participation.
4. 2010 is your year to succeed. Surround yourself with other winners.
5. Making up silly excuses for why you can't join now is not becoming of a focused and driven entrepreneur.
Have A Great Day
thom
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
New Year Publishing's First Annual Authors Conference
I am very excited about the first annual “Authors Conference” for the community of New Year Publishing authors. The company is hosting nine authors in Austin, Texas on November 12 – 13, 2009 for this inaugural gathering.
The purpose of the event is to update the authors on the growth of the company, future expansion plans, the NY Publishing Charitable Foundation, NY Speakers Bureau, and to help build solid connections between those who are part of the New Year Publishing family.
The event will include a great dinner at one of Austin’s most popular steak houses and a half day meeting where experts in public relations, social media and professional speaking will share best practices and lead interactive discussions with those writers and speakers in attendance.
New Year Publishing is looking for corporate executives and professional speakers who wish to make their dream of completing a book into a reality. New Year Publishing has a solid platform of experience in creating books that will help promote the credibility and brand of the authors and their companies. For me, growing the community over the next several years is one most exciting parts of the business.
We look forward to this first event, and we look forward to future events as the number of authors and book titles in the New Year Publishing catalog continues to grow.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Texas Tribune Launches With Style
The Texas Tribune is a new non-profit, non-partisan public media organization that officially launched this week. They have recruited an amazing group of executives, reporters and supporters in this effort to create a new way for Texans to gather and interpret information.
Their mission is to promote civic engagement and discourse on public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide concern.
They will do this in two principal ways:
Their mission is to promote civic engagement and discourse on public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide concern.
They will do this in two principal ways:
First, through the original journalism they report, write, compile, record, shoot, etc., and post online at their destination site, texastribune.org, and in the pages and on the sites of their distribution partners.
Second, through on-the-record, open-to-the-public events: conversation series featuring elected officials and other newsmakers, conferences on major topics of interest to every Texan, an annual ideas festival, a college tour, and more. The point is that in-person experiences are themselves distribution platforms, and once the event is over, the audio and video of what took place becomes content of its own, likewise available on their site and beyond.
To kick off the launch, they hosted a party for their friends and supporters at The Belmont. WOW, what a night. The event was the most eclectic gathering of Austinites I have seen in years. There were politicians, lobbyists, reporters (and other media professionals from television, print, radio, and internet), entrepreneurs, lawyers (and other professionals), accountants, philanthropists, local celebrities, venture capitalists, bankers, investors, ranchers, Realtors, social media practitioners, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, older folks, younger folks, and everything in between.
Everyone had a great time. It was fun to see so many people from different walks of life all hanging out celebrating something new. It reminded me that we all have more in common than we have differences.... and that too often we put up artificial barriers because of the labels we wear (on purpose or assigned by others!).
If The Texas Tribune can live up to its "non-partisan" charge and embrace the objectivity that I believe most people desire from news sources.... then I predict they will successfully navigate this experiment of non-profit journalism.
I look forward to reading it daily!
CLICK HERE to learn more about The Texas Tribune.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, November 02, 2009
Update on Austin Speaking Events
Before my presentation last week to the Launch Pad Job Club I appeared on KEYE Channel 42's "We Are Austin" to promote the event, as well as talk about my books and the overall importance of networking to a successful career.
CLICK HERE to watch the interview I did with KEYE's Jason Wheeler.
On Friday I spoke to a standing room only weekly meeting of the Launch Pad Job Club. It was a great event. I am sorry there are soooo many people in the job market (over 300 people were in attendance for my presentation), but if any Austin companies are looking for great talent, I can assure you that there are qualified enthusiastic people actively seeking employment in a variety of industries.
This event was my 49th presentation of the year (my goal was 52 talks in 2010, so we will achieve that by year end). I especially enjoyed this audience because of their attitude. I met several people following the talk who are fired up about finding that next opportunity!!!
If you are currently in the job market in Austin, you should get involved with this job club. Kathy has done a great job in creating an atmosphere that encourages both education and support for those seeking employment.
SAVE THE DATE - If you live in Austin and have never seen me speak before I encourage you to come to the Norris Conference Center on Tuesday, December 8th from 7:30 - 9:00 AM for an informational, educational and motivational seminar.
The topic will focus on how to get the most out of your business relationships in the holiday season and into the new year. With the invitations to holiday parties about to hit your inbox, a little planning can go a long way in maximizing the power of your networking activities. Additionally, the new year brings with it a sense of a clean slate, and a perfect time to reach out to clients, prospects, referral sources and others.
CLICK HERE to register now. This event is sponsored by the Austin Business Journal and will most likely be my last open presentation in 2009. Share this information with friends, co-workers, etc... sign up today while space is still available.
Have A Great Day.
thom
CLICK HERE to watch the interview I did with KEYE's Jason Wheeler.
On Friday I spoke to a standing room only weekly meeting of the Launch Pad Job Club. It was a great event. I am sorry there are soooo many people in the job market (over 300 people were in attendance for my presentation), but if any Austin companies are looking for great talent, I can assure you that there are qualified enthusiastic people actively seeking employment in a variety of industries.
This event was my 49th presentation of the year (my goal was 52 talks in 2010, so we will achieve that by year end). I especially enjoyed this audience because of their attitude. I met several people following the talk who are fired up about finding that next opportunity!!!
If you are currently in the job market in Austin, you should get involved with this job club. Kathy has done a great job in creating an atmosphere that encourages both education and support for those seeking employment.
SAVE THE DATE - If you live in Austin and have never seen me speak before I encourage you to come to the Norris Conference Center on Tuesday, December 8th from 7:30 - 9:00 AM for an informational, educational and motivational seminar.
The topic will focus on how to get the most out of your business relationships in the holiday season and into the new year. With the invitations to holiday parties about to hit your inbox, a little planning can go a long way in maximizing the power of your networking activities. Additionally, the new year brings with it a sense of a clean slate, and a perfect time to reach out to clients, prospects, referral sources and others.
CLICK HERE to register now. This event is sponsored by the Austin Business Journal and will most likely be my last open presentation in 2009. Share this information with friends, co-workers, etc... sign up today while space is still available.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Friday, October 30, 2009
As Seen on TV - (Austin CBS Channel 42)
Quick video link from my interview with Jason Wheeler on the Austin CBS Affiliate Station, KEYE, on the "We Are Austin Live" show.
How to Relaunch Your Career
Have A Great Day.
thom
How to Relaunch Your Career
Have A Great Day.
thom
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Your Company Sucks At Marketing
"Because we have always done it that way".
If those in your organization say the above sentence regularly, then your company probably sucks when it comes to marketing, business development, PR, social media, and sales.
The past 18 months have been a rough time in the business community. Most companies have felt some pain from the trickle down (or lack there of) effect, as spending has been frozen in many arenas. Many business owners have had to make hard decisions which have impacted their business image directly and indirectly.
There are signs of recovery in the economy, and that means opportunity. The time is now to invest in marketing programs that can help lead your company to new sales. While the recent spending cuts in such things have saved money in the short run, you cannot save your way to prosperity. Out of sight is out of mind, and many businesses have been invisible for too long.
When it comes to gaining new attention to drive business, there are no guarantees. Sometimes when you are promoting your cause you must throw some spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks. Too many people are scared to take these risks, so they do nothing new. They look to what they, or their competitors, have done in the past and simply put their marketing efforts on "repeat".
Looking for new ways to connect with customers, prospects, referral sources and others in your business community means being creative. Real creativity by its nature involves risk. Nothing great was ever created by hugging the status quo.
Social media, networking, advertising, PR, etc.... all take time, money, effort and a degree of risk. Too many people shy away from doing the things necessary to help build their corporate (and personal) brands, while making all type of excuses. They rationalize why they fail in these areas, often claiming they are "too busy" doing work for existing customers. Everyone is busy... that is just an excuse. If you are doing this you might be handing future revenues to your competitors.
It is time to double down on your business efforts. Step outside of your normal activities. Ask questions of others. Listen to what they say. Observe how the most successful operate, and look for ways you can emulate (without copying). Do not be frightened to try something new.
Marketing success means you get attention, and then you convert that attention into business. Step one is to take action.
Have A Great Day.
thom
If those in your organization say the above sentence regularly, then your company probably sucks when it comes to marketing, business development, PR, social media, and sales.
The past 18 months have been a rough time in the business community. Most companies have felt some pain from the trickle down (or lack there of) effect, as spending has been frozen in many arenas. Many business owners have had to make hard decisions which have impacted their business image directly and indirectly.
There are signs of recovery in the economy, and that means opportunity. The time is now to invest in marketing programs that can help lead your company to new sales. While the recent spending cuts in such things have saved money in the short run, you cannot save your way to prosperity. Out of sight is out of mind, and many businesses have been invisible for too long.
When it comes to gaining new attention to drive business, there are no guarantees. Sometimes when you are promoting your cause you must throw some spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks. Too many people are scared to take these risks, so they do nothing new. They look to what they, or their competitors, have done in the past and simply put their marketing efforts on "repeat".
Looking for new ways to connect with customers, prospects, referral sources and others in your business community means being creative. Real creativity by its nature involves risk. Nothing great was ever created by hugging the status quo.
Social media, networking, advertising, PR, etc.... all take time, money, effort and a degree of risk. Too many people shy away from doing the things necessary to help build their corporate (and personal) brands, while making all type of excuses. They rationalize why they fail in these areas, often claiming they are "too busy" doing work for existing customers. Everyone is busy... that is just an excuse. If you are doing this you might be handing future revenues to your competitors.
It is time to double down on your business efforts. Step outside of your normal activities. Ask questions of others. Listen to what they say. Observe how the most successful operate, and look for ways you can emulate (without copying). Do not be frightened to try something new.
Marketing success means you get attention, and then you convert that attention into business. Step one is to take action.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, October 26, 2009
vcfo / vrecruiting Expand Recruiting Services In Colorado
vcfo (my former employer) is expanding their business services in Colorado to include vrecruiting-recruiting solutions from vcfo --- providing full service and customizable recruiting and staffing services including Professional Search, Contract Recruiting /Sourcing, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services.
Heading up the new practice as Practice Manager is Jennifer Kendall. Kendall brings over a decade of experience in recruitment strategy and development, executive search and placement, and candidate sourcing. "We are excited to have Jennifer leading up our vrecruiting practice," says Dan Hudspeth, vcfo's regional managing director in Colorado and Washington. "Her breadth of experience and knowledge makes her an ideal match for our expanding practice."
In her new role, Kendall is responsible for the growth and development of Denver search practices.
"I am pleased to be joining vcfo," says Kendall, "because of its nationally recognized reputation and a strong market presence in Colorado. Our recruiting services will utilize a professional services approach to delivering high quality talent to our clients in a very efficient manner."
About vrecruiting - Recruiting Solutions from vcfo
vrecruiting is part of a full suite of financial and accounting solutions from vcfo, a professional services firm, that offers a customized team model to assist companies with finance, accounting, recruiting and human resources needs. vcfo uses a custom approach with each solution to create an optimal, flexible team of highly trained vcfo employees to address our clients particular requirements..
As trusted advisors to the CEO and management team, vcfo team members across the country use our original platform, industry best practices and proven methodologies to help solve the most complex operational business issues. vcfo is based in Austin, Texas with regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Houston and Seattle. For more information, please visit www.vcfo.com.
Twitter's Power is Local
There is a lot of buzz about Twitter, but many people still shy away from the popular social networking site, pretending like it is just a "fad" or something useless. Some people naturally avoid anything new or different.... and they might come along later and check out the micro-blogging platform. Most people I talk with who avoid Twitter are simply overwhelmed by the scope of the whole thing. They cannot understand how it relates to their career, especially if they focus their work on a geographic area.
The point that is missed by most people who talk / write about Twitter is that it is not some "global networking" thing... but instead Twitter is a local tool that can help you grow your personal and professional brand in your own backyard.
I have been on Twitter for two years and have found the real power that the service provides is the ability to help me make real connections with people who live in a twenty mile radius of my house. Sure, I follow people from all over the world, but I never will meet or bond with most of them. However, those Twitter users who live nearby cross my path on a daily basis.
In the past we might have never met, now we seek each other out at networking events, or can schedule coffee meetings at any time.
What? Twitter's real value is as a local tool?
The "Guru's" will tell you it is all about how many followers you have. I cry B.S. It makes no difference how many follow if nobody is listening. The pet shop owners in Topeka, Kansas who follow me are most likely wonderful people, but I have not seen anything that I have in common with them, and will not likely meet them anytime soon. No offense to these animal lovers in Dorothy's home state... but I don't care about the Saturday Sale they have on GloFish. I am not sure why they followed me in the first place, but I did not follow them back.
Yet I will return the follow to any grown up who lives in Central Texas. Why? Because the odds of us meeting in person and forging a real connection are high.
This does not mean that millions of people around the world have not found value in the global reach of Twitter. I too have found value and made contact with people elsewhere. I have gotten to understand and "know" many interesting people around the world, but it is harder to develop relationships with those you will never see in person.
But the local experience of Twitter has had a direct material impact on my career.
Austin is a town that has embraced Twitter and there are often "Tweet-ups" (happy hour get-togethers of Twitter users in a local venue) and other gatherings that are promoted on Twitter. I met one guy at a conference who came up and said "Hi, I follow you on Twitter". We are now friends, and working on several business projects together. I see him, and others who I met this way, as people... not just random "followers".
The world is a big place, and when we can make it smaller - we stop being overwhelmed.
There are people who have created "real" friendship with online contacts whom they have never met in person (I have done this, too), but there is something different about relationships that involve being able to meet for coffee, meals or beers.... and proximity of geography makes this much easier.
Embrace the local power of Twitter. Seek out people in your own area whom have similar interests and follow their Tweets. Engage them in conversation. Re-Tweet their profound statements. Support their causes. Focus local and you will find a whole new set of friends whom can help you discover the power of Twitter.
Have A Great Day.
thom
The point that is missed by most people who talk / write about Twitter is that it is not some "global networking" thing... but instead Twitter is a local tool that can help you grow your personal and professional brand in your own backyard.
I have been on Twitter for two years and have found the real power that the service provides is the ability to help me make real connections with people who live in a twenty mile radius of my house. Sure, I follow people from all over the world, but I never will meet or bond with most of them. However, those Twitter users who live nearby cross my path on a daily basis.
In the past we might have never met, now we seek each other out at networking events, or can schedule coffee meetings at any time.
What? Twitter's real value is as a local tool?
The "Guru's" will tell you it is all about how many followers you have. I cry B.S. It makes no difference how many follow if nobody is listening. The pet shop owners in Topeka, Kansas who follow me are most likely wonderful people, but I have not seen anything that I have in common with them, and will not likely meet them anytime soon. No offense to these animal lovers in Dorothy's home state... but I don't care about the Saturday Sale they have on GloFish. I am not sure why they followed me in the first place, but I did not follow them back.
Yet I will return the follow to any grown up who lives in Central Texas. Why? Because the odds of us meeting in person and forging a real connection are high.
This does not mean that millions of people around the world have not found value in the global reach of Twitter. I too have found value and made contact with people elsewhere. I have gotten to understand and "know" many interesting people around the world, but it is harder to develop relationships with those you will never see in person.
But the local experience of Twitter has had a direct material impact on my career.
Austin is a town that has embraced Twitter and there are often "Tweet-ups" (happy hour get-togethers of Twitter users in a local venue) and other gatherings that are promoted on Twitter. I met one guy at a conference who came up and said "Hi, I follow you on Twitter". We are now friends, and working on several business projects together. I see him, and others who I met this way, as people... not just random "followers".
The world is a big place, and when we can make it smaller - we stop being overwhelmed.
There are people who have created "real" friendship with online contacts whom they have never met in person (I have done this, too), but there is something different about relationships that involve being able to meet for coffee, meals or beers.... and proximity of geography makes this much easier.
Embrace the local power of Twitter. Seek out people in your own area whom have similar interests and follow their Tweets. Engage them in conversation. Re-Tweet their profound statements. Support their causes. Focus local and you will find a whole new set of friends whom can help you discover the power of Twitter.
Have A Great Day.
thom
This Week's Speaking Events
If you live in Austin, come see me at:
Tuesday:
Austin Young Chamber of Commerce. 6PM. Location: Austin Community College - Eastview Campus
Wednesday:
I will be appearing on television on KEYE-TV on the "We Are Austin - Live" program at 4 PM. Channel 42 (Cable 5) in Austin.
Thursday:
12 Annual IT Executives of the Year Awards (Innotech), 4:30 PM. I am the Master of Ceremonies for this annual event. Location: Austin Convention Center.
Friday:
Launch Pad Job Club. 10 AM. Location: Monarch Event Center
Also... Save the Date for December 8, 2009. I will be presenting a new seminar on "Year End / New Year - How It Impacts Your Networking Efforts" breakfast seminar at the Norris Conference Center. This event is hosted by the Austin Business Journal. More details to follow.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Tuesday:
Austin Young Chamber of Commerce. 6PM. Location: Austin Community College - Eastview Campus
Wednesday:
I will be appearing on television on KEYE-TV on the "We Are Austin - Live" program at 4 PM. Channel 42 (Cable 5) in Austin.
Thursday:
12 Annual IT Executives of the Year Awards (Innotech), 4:30 PM. I am the Master of Ceremonies for this annual event. Location: Austin Convention Center.
Friday:
Launch Pad Job Club. 10 AM. Location: Monarch Event Center
Also... Save the Date for December 8, 2009. I will be presenting a new seminar on "Year End / New Year - How It Impacts Your Networking Efforts" breakfast seminar at the Norris Conference Center. This event is hosted by the Austin Business Journal. More details to follow.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Saturday, October 24, 2009
"Ticket to the Limit" by Randy Cohen
Years ago I started a personal policy that if I meet someone who has written a book, I read their book. I put this into practice over 20 years ago when I first met H.R. Haldeman (yes, the White House Chief of Staff to President Nixon).
This policy served me well, as I read a lot, and I did not meet that many people who wrote books... thus fitting the occasional book of someone I encountered was easy. Authors enjoy it when people read their books, and I found it was a great way to help build relationships with people who write, by actually reading their stuff.
But now that I am an author and professional speaker I meet too many people who have written books. I still try to honor my personal policy, but it is not as easy. However, when someone I know well writes a book, I do buy it, read it, and review it.
Thus the purpose of this blog post.
My friend, Randy Cohen, recently released his first book, "Ticket to the Limit: How Passion and Performance Can Transform Your Life and Your Business Into An Amazing Adventure".
Randy has done a wonderful job of sharing his life's journey and laying out a road map for others who want to find success.
He is a high energy entrepreneur who believes in living life to the fullest. He encourages the readers to live by his "Randy's Rules of Reason"which include following your passion, living by values, cherishing family, helping others, laughing often, giving back, continuing to learn, taking risks, working hard (and playing hard), and following through.
Congratulations to Randy on a successful book. It is a good read and full of inspiration on each page.
Have A Great Day
thom
This policy served me well, as I read a lot, and I did not meet that many people who wrote books... thus fitting the occasional book of someone I encountered was easy. Authors enjoy it when people read their books, and I found it was a great way to help build relationships with people who write, by actually reading their stuff.
But now that I am an author and professional speaker I meet too many people who have written books. I still try to honor my personal policy, but it is not as easy. However, when someone I know well writes a book, I do buy it, read it, and review it.
Thus the purpose of this blog post.My friend, Randy Cohen, recently released his first book, "Ticket to the Limit: How Passion and Performance Can Transform Your Life and Your Business Into An Amazing Adventure".
Randy has done a wonderful job of sharing his life's journey and laying out a road map for others who want to find success.
He is a high energy entrepreneur who believes in living life to the fullest. He encourages the readers to live by his "Randy's Rules of Reason"which include following your passion, living by values, cherishing family, helping others, laughing often, giving back, continuing to learn, taking risks, working hard (and playing hard), and following through.
Congratulations to Randy on a successful book. It is a good read and full of inspiration on each page.
Have A Great Day
thom
Thursday, October 22, 2009
How To Cash In On Chris Brogan's Fame For Your Own Gain
Chris Brogan had a link on his Twitter stream to the blog of a guy named Adam Kmiec. I have never heard of Adam before, and the title of the blog post Chris was pointing to was titled "Why I Hate Chris Brogan", which struck me from the start as a gimmick for Mr. Kmiec to cash in on the fame of Mr. Brogan.
Adam clearly has a chip on his shoulder that Chris, and many others, have achieved the top of the food chain in the social media world (He called Chris the Barak Obama of the social media world.... to which I have to disagree. You see, Chris is a nice guy... but he has not ever been elected by to the highest office in the land).
I have met Chris twice, once at SXSW and once at a marketing conference. He is a cool. He is fun. He is genuine. He is working hard to help others. He is not fake. We went and had drinks (with a group of people) on both occasions. I have seen how he engages people and cares deeply about them. His position as an "expert" in the eyes of many has nothing to do with the "number of followers" or any hocus-pocus.... it is because he is real. He does not pepper people with questions about what makes them a success.... he lifts them up and encourages them to be all that they can be.
Adam is unhappy that there are several people who have achieved "fame" and "expert status", and has invited Chris to defend his elevated position in life on the stage at an industry conference in Las Vegas.
Chris has declined that invitation. By not accepting the battle royal or giving into meeting him for a beer, Adam is attacking the authenticity of Chris's status. I do not understand how someone as busy as Chris Brogan can be expected to answer every invitation for beers. The logic of the argument makes no sense to me. By refusing to talk to Adam, apparently you are phony. Adam keeps claiming his ability to ask questions as his key to his own authenticity... but it perplexes me who said he is the inquisition master of the social media world. I missed that memo. Of course I am just jealous because Adam is not questioning me about my existence.
I think Adam's whole issue is fake and designed to get eyeballs on his blog. It worked, as most of his posts have zero or one comment... but the "I Hate Chris Brogan" post has 39 comments so far (including Chris Brogan's and my own). He has proven that if you challenge a celebrity and get them to Twitter about you, then your own 15 minutes of fame will follow.
But it is not real. So what if he has 39 comments if everyone thinks he is a "tool" (which is what one comment says"). He thinks he has legitimacy... but it is the market place that determines legitimacy and authenticity. Currently the marketplace has named Chris Brogan the king.
I have no idea how someone achieves long lasting fame and expert status other than by being consistently true to yourself.... In my opinion Chris has it... Adam does not. Time will tell. Two years from now we could be lining up to listen to Adam at every conference on the planet.... today that is happening with Brogan.
I have a great idea. The new way to prove if a person is really authentic, legitimate and a true "thought leader" should be based on if Chris Brogan has ever invited you to join him at Happy Hour after a conference. If it has happened twice to the same person, they are clearly a rock star!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom
Adam clearly has a chip on his shoulder that Chris, and many others, have achieved the top of the food chain in the social media world (He called Chris the Barak Obama of the social media world.... to which I have to disagree. You see, Chris is a nice guy... but he has not ever been elected by to the highest office in the land).
I have met Chris twice, once at SXSW and once at a marketing conference. He is a cool. He is fun. He is genuine. He is working hard to help others. He is not fake. We went and had drinks (with a group of people) on both occasions. I have seen how he engages people and cares deeply about them. His position as an "expert" in the eyes of many has nothing to do with the "number of followers" or any hocus-pocus.... it is because he is real. He does not pepper people with questions about what makes them a success.... he lifts them up and encourages them to be all that they can be.
Adam is unhappy that there are several people who have achieved "fame" and "expert status", and has invited Chris to defend his elevated position in life on the stage at an industry conference in Las Vegas.
Chris has declined that invitation. By not accepting the battle royal or giving into meeting him for a beer, Adam is attacking the authenticity of Chris's status. I do not understand how someone as busy as Chris Brogan can be expected to answer every invitation for beers. The logic of the argument makes no sense to me. By refusing to talk to Adam, apparently you are phony. Adam keeps claiming his ability to ask questions as his key to his own authenticity... but it perplexes me who said he is the inquisition master of the social media world. I missed that memo. Of course I am just jealous because Adam is not questioning me about my existence.
I think Adam's whole issue is fake and designed to get eyeballs on his blog. It worked, as most of his posts have zero or one comment... but the "I Hate Chris Brogan" post has 39 comments so far (including Chris Brogan's and my own). He has proven that if you challenge a celebrity and get them to Twitter about you, then your own 15 minutes of fame will follow.
But it is not real. So what if he has 39 comments if everyone thinks he is a "tool" (which is what one comment says"). He thinks he has legitimacy... but it is the market place that determines legitimacy and authenticity. Currently the marketplace has named Chris Brogan the king.
I have no idea how someone achieves long lasting fame and expert status other than by being consistently true to yourself.... In my opinion Chris has it... Adam does not. Time will tell. Two years from now we could be lining up to listen to Adam at every conference on the planet.... today that is happening with Brogan.
I have a great idea. The new way to prove if a person is really authentic, legitimate and a true "thought leader" should be based on if Chris Brogan has ever invited you to join him at Happy Hour after a conference. If it has happened twice to the same person, they are clearly a rock star!!!
Have A Great Day.
thom
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