Archive for May, 2007

Seth Godin’s The Dip… is it for everyone?

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

I went to see Seth Godin last Tuesday in Ann Arbor on The Dip Tour… exceptional. I finished the book later in the week and was excited about giving it to several of my friends and family members. After giving it more thought, and reading this review, I considered that maybe everyone might not find the value in it.

Self realization is what makes “the dip” so powerful. If you don’t realize you’re in a dip, or even worse, you don’t realize you’re in a cul-de-sac, the whole concept is pointless (If you don’t care, it’s even more pointless!). There are plenty of people who live day to day doing their job, collecting a paycheck and are perfectly happy doing so.

Pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, is not comfortable. That’s what keeps most people from stepping outside their “comfort zone”. Are the rewards at the end of the dip worth the effort? Most people elect to play it safe and have decided long ago that risk is not an option. This is where mediocrity creeps in. We’ve been programmed to stay in line and do what we’re told.

I think everyone can learn from The Dip. I believe that at the very least, it gives meaning to their struggle, their dip, whatever it may be. What they decide to do about their dip is entirely up to them.

Posted in Events, Evolution | No Comments »

What is marketing?

Thursday, May 10th, 2007

It means different things to different people. Has anyone defined it in a way that makes sense to everyone? Here’s one: Getting someone, who has a need, to know, like and trust you. I was fortunate enough to have John Jantsch give me that definition which seems simple, yet speaks volumes.

When it comes down to it, we’re all looking for people, not customers. Making those people feel as though we truly have their best interest in mind goes a long way. How do we do that? Get to know them first. Nothing turns people off more than a sales person trying to ram their products or services down their throat.

Likeability really does go a long way, believe it or not. You could be the smartest, most talented person, but if someone doesn’t like you, good luck. You’re fighting an uphill battle from the get go. People like to deal with people who make it easy to want to give them their money.

Trust is built upon knowing and liking. It also comes from recommendations or referrals. If someone else already knows and likes you or your product, their endorsement is usually good enough for someone to put their trust in you as well (more than likely it’s from someone who they already know, like and trust).

Thanks again John for that definition. I’m looking forward to reading his book Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide.

Posted in Online Advertising, Permission Marketing | 3 Comments »

eMarketing for Entrepreneurs Conference

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007

I have to give it up to Brad Kleinman at Corporate College East. The eMarketing for Entrepreneurs Conference held last Friday May 4th was a complete success. From the keynote speaker John Jantsch to all the breakout sessions and panel discussion at lunch, it could not have gone any better.

The most difficult part was deciding which sessions to attend. With so many valuable topics to choose from along with the experts presenting them, I really wanted to take part in all. Not only did the sessions I decide upon provide invaluable insight, they were also extremely engaging (can’t learn if it’s not entertaining).

I was also fortunate enough to make some connections at the conference which really makes all the knowledge I acquired a bonus. When you’re in a situation to connect with professionals in your field who understand the value of networking, it makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks again Brad, looking forward to the next event.

Posted in Analytics, Events, Online Advertising, Permission Marketing | 2 Comments »