Last activity: 7 days ago
If you really want to learn about blogging, my favorite resource is ProBlogger.com -- even if you don't have any intention of ever making money off your scribblings.
They've got a great section on Blogging Tips For Beginners
Most of what I know about making a blog interesting, driving readership, and getting good attention came from reading other successful blogs.
_
TechHerding.com
Creating Amazing Technical Learning
As a former Seattleite who is now 3,000 miles away, I'd love to have the opportunity to connect using either phone or webcast. I present often using things like Webex and Live Meeting, and would be happy to help mentor folks new to the technology.
The absolute worst way to use it is with a bunch of PowerPoint slides and a speech. Think (like many previous posters have mentioned) outside the box -- allow cross conversations, share thoughts, take polls online, etc.
I'm up for it, Molly!
@Abey -- It would be helpful for those of us without lots of smarts in this area if we could see some of your background, experience and actual street cred in the whole area of SEO. Gabriella is very transparent with who she is, why she's publishing articles, and the source of her expertise.
I also post here -- not "link bait" -- but what I'd like to think of as "business bait". While I find the discussion of how to get more eyeballs on my site interesting, every time I go to the grocery store they won't let me buy food with eyeballs. I'm much more interested in things that actually drive business engagements with real customers who write me checks.
So -- what's your web address? Where have you presented? Consulted?
Thanks to all of you for a very interesting conversation. I really don't follow the details of SEO like I should, and it's great to hear some of the latest ideas batted around here.
As someone who creates what I like to think is quality content, I'd also offer that in addition to "total eyeballs" you're also definitely getting hits from a much more targeted audience, and providing them high value. Just remember the last time you went to the trouble to bookmark a site -- was it because there were a lot of keywords, or because the content you saw really was something you thought you could use.
I rarely smile out loud when reading. But I refuse to sit on sprinkles until you buy me dinner.
Rajesh: I've had exactly the same experience. It's very rare that a client has hardware/software that is as up-to-date or powerful as what I have at home. (Not surprising -- I make my living with it, just like a mechanic with SnapOn tools.)
And as someone who has a big bag O' experience, I can often complete tasks much faster than the "book" rate -- and if I'm in front of the client they'll want me to cut my billing. I charge for the results, not how long it takes me.
Much like that plumber that charges for solving the leak, not the 5 cent washer he installs.
Andrey: Yes, HTC phones are neat -- very elegant, and usually at the front of current design.
Dawn: Funny how boundaries are essential in marriages, child rearing and business. Maybe there's a workshop in there somewhere.
Christine: It is difficult to convince clients and employers. The need to "watch" employees is deeply ingrained and hard to break. Here are a couple of ideas:
Have an emergency Come up with a sick child, a parent or sib in another city, or some reason you really can't come in to work. Heroically offer to continue to do the job from afar. Perform above and beyond, and then when you return suggest you try every Friday this way.
Offer a rate reduction One of my most effective techniques is to make it more expensive for clients to see me in person. As I say, I lose some business -- but my goal of being "virtual" makes that ok, for me. YMMV.
Collect testimonials Have several testimonials from people you have worked for on a remote basis, that you can share. They should mention your willingness to come in when needed, your availability on phone and email, and the high quality of your work.
Dana: Thanks for the kind words. I try to write in an authentic voice, even when it (sometimes) gets me in a little trouble. The benefit is that if a client or partner is offended or put off, they'd probably not be very happy with me in person, either!
Some of my best clients are those who have already tried to do it themselves. When you work in a discipline where it's a little hard for people to see what you do (as opposed to someone who moves dirt or builds houses) people are often tempted to think it's pretty easy.
As an educator, I'm constantly confronted by people who have PARTICIPATED in education for many years, who assume then that they can DESIGN education on their own.
(I always love to ask them if they've flown on a jet recently, and if that makes them a pilot. People sometimes call me sarcastic.)
But I do find that if a client has tried something and failed miserably, when they come to me they are just a little more prepared to understand why someone with some years of experience would be a good investment.
I like to say that yes, I've failed at this many times before. But that was a long time ago, and for someone else. They get the benefit of the experience.
Pamela: Since I’m an escapee from Microsoft, most of my experience is with smartphones, and I’ve never owned an i-Phone. What I’ve heard is that the internal speaker is nothing to write home about. I’m not sure how well the built in microphone presents your voice to listeners, but I’d bet money it’s not the same quality as a good headset mic with a landline.
Shea: Thanks for the kind words. I’m thinking of trying to blend this stuff into a “romance” format so I can make real money.
Marie: I have an Aussie staying here all month, so I’m always glad to hear from the land of OZ. Maybe we can talk about some virtual assisting – since you already know what’s happening tomorrow, that would be a great help.
Kristin – My system is a Plantronics H171N DuoPro® Noise-Canceling Headset plugged into a Plantronics MX10 Amplifier. (The amplifier allows pretty precise control of the audio, the headset is noise-canceling for when the dogs bark and the doorbell rings. It also allow me to record phone conversations directly to my computer for podcasts. But that’s the high end – YMMV. And there are plenty of other good manufacturers out there.
David – Yes, I’ve had to end up taking back some access, so that’s made me a little more cautious at the start. It’s very difficult to do – usually results in ruffled feathers, at the least – and a loss of engagement, at the worst. Others who are very hungry are willing to offer that kind of 24/7 more easily.
Steven – Heavens, no. Being “virtual” allows me personal contact with people all over the world, rather than just the ones within walking distance. My life is far richer and more varied, my opportunities for engagement nearly unlimited, and my exposure to different cultures and experiences is multiplied over and over. If I want more “meat” experiences I can do those as well – Starbucks, in-person engagements, speaking gigs, time with my wife and family, church, working in my community. But everyone gets to make choices and trade-offs to get the professional life that works for them.
Jackie: Thanks -- what a great signature!
Dan: Your wish is my command!
Catherine: Yes, it's amazing how even the simplest interaction colors your experience with the product or service. I was talking on the phone to a condo management service yesterday, and made a purchase decision solely on the basis of the professional demeanor of one compared to the other.
Sorry, guys -- have to cancel. Still sick. I understand I lose my deposit. I hope I get a chance to do this later.
Excellent article, on a subject that sinks more web sites (and blogs, and podcasts, and newsletters, and wikis) than any other single thing.
With all due respect, just setting up the site is probably the easiest thing to do. Find a talented professional (like you), follow their lead, and write a check.
Back in the days, we used to say that then your website was "done". People would give a sigh of relief, make a backup on a floppy, and thank goodness that they wouldn't ever have to go through that again.
Now, if you can't write 1,000 words a week of compelling and valuable content -- don't even bother starting a blog. If your product shots aren't current, inventory numbers accurate, and user reviews posted -- I'll go somewhere else.
Content has been King since those monks were scribing "In the beginning..." by candlelight. It ain't never gonna change.
Just the source of the light and the type of quill.
Several people have asked for examples of really good implementations of the "selling with learning" model that I talk about. I'll post a few here over the next few days.
Here's one that's cutting edge:
Fiskateers (http://brainsonfire.com/blog/2008/03/10/the-life-of-a-brand-ambassador%e2%80%a6/)
Judy: Years ago, I used to sell cameras. Well, I thought I did. A rep from Kodak told me that I really sold people memories of birthdays, reunions, and little league games. That changed my thinking and made me much more effective.
Andrea: I'd love it if Magellan would email me a little tip on how to use my GPS better once each week. Like you, I've never read the book and can barely use it. It's way, way smarter than I am.
David: Yes, community is the next step. You can eventually create a community of users/customers where they support each other, and you just provide access to the lead dogs. Take a look at Dell's Ideastorm (www.ideastorm.com) to see a wonderful application of this.
Carlo/Jamie/Kare: Thanks for the positive feedback!
Darryl: Exactly. When your clients look forward to hearing from you, you've made a completely different kind of connection. If I trust you and want you to talk to me, getting me to buy becomes very easy.
Sorry -- the biggest real world challenge I experience myself (and ever hear from others) is pain.
Pain of having to keep telling people they should want what I have, pain of having to make nice when I would rather not be there, pain of being rejected again and again, pain of not having enough work, etc.
Does that help?
Mark -- I develop content for a living, and I can give it to you in one word. PAIN.
Identify what the pain is to your prospect, and solve that pain. Then they'll give you embarrassing amounts of money and love you.
Most businesses focus on what they want -- increased sales, "branding" (whatever that is), communications, thought leadership, yada yada yada.
Keep your site very very simple and focus on pain, and how you'll solve it.
Here are some examples -- I don't do much soft skills training any more, so I wouldn't be able to give you targeted answers to your industry without doing lots of research. (But the answers are right there in your head, if you can pry them out.)
Plumber: They talk about years of experience, fleets of trucks, nice uniforms, etc. My pain is that the leak is now and my carpets are getting ruined. Focus on that you'll have someone here in 60 minutes, no matter what time of the day or night. And there will be someone right behind to deal with the water on the carpet, the sheetrock that's melting, and the furniture that needs to be moved.
Pet Sitter: They talk about low fees, how much they love dogs, the years they've scooped poop. My pain is that I care about my dogs more than life itself. Send me an email with an attached photo twice a day, showing a happy dog eating his dinner. Take him to the dog park and post a video on you-tube. Teach him a new trick, and show me in a surprise photo. Bring him to the vet and get his nails clipped. I won't every call anyone else.
Hotel (Just experienced this one):
They talk about their rooms, the wonderful restaurant, their valet parking. My pain? I forgot my little "clicker" to make the computer advance to the next PowerPoint slide. At 9PM, I called the front desk and asked if there was a computer store nearby. The clerk offered to have the shuttle bus TAKE ME ON A SPECIAL TRIP to as many stores as necessary to find what I needed. The driver actually suggested a better option, and I presented to 150 people the next day successfully.
If you solve my pain, I'm your friend for life. And you've only got a few seconds when I arrive at your page to offer to do that.
I look forward to meeting Moneyfingers and Badass. Since an unfortunate incident in junior high my nickname has been "Fluffy Bunny" and this has hurt my USP greatly.
Many times, this seems to limit my success -- as I sell explosives and hand grenades to mercenaries and governments-in-exile. I'm hoping that (without chatting on the phone) Chris may be able to come up with something a bit more catchy. And that Beth will be able to make me say I'm sorry.
Preston: You're right, this applies to services as well. Providing a "learning drip" to your customers is a much more effective way to keep in contact with them (and your skills in their mind) than continual offers or sales solicitations.
Paul: Good to hear. Make them short, sweet, and remember to focus on THEIR pain. Your natural inclination will be to talk about what you want to sell. Resist, resist, resist.
Lee: Yes, promotional products work well for this type of thing. Any learning that can be communicated is great. A tax accountant that supplies me with a little magnetic calendar that has the dates my quarterlies are due in big red numbers is giving me information I need. I'll put that little thing up on the wall next to my desk, and refer to it often
I've tried lots of books on this, and as a faux-geek I share your pain.
All I can say is that you're not the only one, and most of us understand and don't really take offense. We do the same thing to others over and over. My wife loves to call it a "senior moment". (Which she can do, as she's only a couple of years from retirement.)
I've tried that trick where if he's Mr. Behr and he owns a toilet factory, you picture him sitting on the commode in his bare bottom, but there can be dangerous implications when you meet the next time.
I have some clients that I work for on a project (flat fee) basis, and a few that still want me to bid on an "hour" basis. I'm looking for help on how to wean them off of this.
Send Message
Add to network
Make an introduction
Give Referral
Send Compliment
Bookmark