GOOGLE Yourself !

Adapted from Huddle Productions article:  http://www.huddleproductions.com/?p=290

Original article by Chris Yates on September 11, 2009; Keith’s version … November 10, 2009

Several months ago, my friend Chris asked, “Have you ever Googled yourself?”  Most of us, would not readily admit it to this as it might make you seem very conceited.  And, in this day of the “brandividual,” I think it plays an important role.

Having earned my MBA many years ago, my identify has been closely associated with my employers or clients.  This list includes Nortel Networks, The Princeton Review, Sabre Holdings (formerly The Sabre Group), Nokia, Expedia.com, Hilton Hotels, FedEx, Chevron, Infosys, and LexisNexis.  If you Googled any one of those companies, you wouldn’t find me (unless you’re on Linked-In, then you might find me), but you will find a lot about them.

So, back to my questions:  What happens when you Google yourself?  Are you on the first page of search results?   If so, what are you doing to get there?  If your nowhere on the site do you think that matters?

Personally, I think we have to move past thinking that Googling yourself is tied to being vain.  You should not think of it as bragging or vanity because it’s really about measuring what you are doing to market yourself and determining what is working.  I know it has helped me and Chris tremendously understand how to be more effective online.

Two years ago, Chris Googled himself and had only one mention on the first page of Google results (and this was after 20 years in broadcast journalism).  For me, it was zero.  Turns out there are quite a few people named “Keith Knox” in the world and many of them seem to be leading very interesting lives:  race car driver, professional soccer player, professional boxer, professional table tennis player, scientist, musician, etc.

Chris and I then shifted our focus to marketing his company and brand online.  The results have been interesting for both of us.  Now when you Google Chris or myself the majority of mentions on the first page of Google are for us (and not the other Chris’ or Keith’s from two years ago)!

Please don’t feel odd about Googling yourself.  You should feel worse if your name is all over the front page and it’s NOT YOU.  Personally, I believe in a few years that business cards will become obsolete.  Everyone instead will say, “Just Google me!”

Videos increased Sales 500%

YouTube Videos increased Sales 500%

by Chris Yates on September 10, 2009

Some Business owners think YouTube Videos are for silly stunts of dogs riding skateboards, people dancing funny or individuals blending an iPhone. What use is all that? Well one of the three mentioned helped a company improve sales 500%

Blendtec makes the most powerful blenders in the world. So how exciting can that be? Everyone has seen carrots, tomatoes, celery being blended but an iPhone? Or what about blending a video camera? Or blending diamonds? What does this have to do with business? EVERYTHING!

Blendtec saw an opportunity to use YouTube and Social Media by thinking creatively. They wanted to market their blenders and their power but did it with humor. Their YouTube videos have been watched over 100 Million times.

What would that cost on Network TV? Millions. What did it cost on YouTube? Nothing. Sales of Blendtec since the videos were created have increased 500%.

So the lesson here is not about silly videos on YouTube but how to capitalize on them. I’m not saying you need to go stick your computer in a blender to get business. Just think outside the box and create some excitement for your business because if blendtec can make their business exciting so can you and if you can’t then just blend an iPhone instead.

Licensed under a creative commons share-alike. Use freely and link to huddleproductions.com

Customers are Your Best Marketers

If you want to have a successful marketing strategy then start with your customers. The customer should be one of your primary focuses in everything you do. If you win the respect of your customers then business will benefit because 70% of buying habits comes from referrals.

Huddle Productions recently gave a seminar on how using video can help business. The turnout was fantastic as we had over 100 business leaders in the Dallas area attend the event.  While this was great, it was what happened after the seminar that was even more impressive.

We have received many positive comments regarding our presentation / workshop. We are honored to hear all of the kind words. We also realize that if you put the customer first then marketing will take care of itself.

Here are the comments from some of those that attended the event. We thank you.

• Macarena

  “ Truly one of the BEST EVER seminars I have attended. Extremely informative, thought provoking, great ideas, and FUN. Chris and Keith need to come back for a Part 2 Seminar. Thank you SO much for putting this together!!! ”
• 
  Theresa Powell

  “ What an awesome meeting!!! Chris, Keith & Cynthia are top experts in their field. They made [their] presentation in a laid back manner w/ a side of humor! Very informative! This group of Emmy Award winning folks are not only knowledgeable; they are kind, witty & extremely approachable! What a pleasant power charged meeting. Huddle Productions laid out simple instructions on getting started using the power of video & You Tube. If you missed this meeting…you missed BIG! Thank you Sandy Norton & Stephanie Inge for your dedication in providing the DFW Social Media Marketing group members with FREE extremely powerful information. I can hardly wait for our next meeting! Thank you, Theresa Powell ”
• 
  Lissa Duty

  “ Quite informative and interesting. They were quite entertaining speakers. ”
• 
  Carl Hunt

  “ I really appreciated hearing from Chris, Keith and Cynthia – the Huddle productions team. Their perspective gave me more insight into promoting iCNS Treasury in the niche B2B world. I will utilize Linked In more now. Regards, Carl Hunt CNS Treasury ”
• 
  Roxie Pillow

  “ This is a great way of showing others what you do. I think it will help in many ways. ”
• 
  Sandy Norton

  “ Great presentation by Chris & Keith. They really showed us how the playing field has been leveled for everyone because of YouTube. Super video tips and ideas. Thanks so much. And congrats again on your Emmy win! ”
• 
  Victoria

  “ Very informative speakers. Will definitely use the information learned. ”
• 
  Peter Walker

  “ I got a great second opinion on how I should proceed with using video in our family run restaurant. Thanks! ”
• 
  Laurie Shook

  “ Entertaining speaker who knew his subject matter and engaged audience to show how video/social media could be applied to their business. ”

 

The Changing Marketplace

Social networks will fundamentally shift the way the corporate world speaks to us.  In the old school / traditional approach, corporate America engaged us through a monologue.   That is, they pushed “information” to us through print ads, direct mail, radio spots, and television commercials.  As technology progressed (ie, the Internet), they continued their push strategies through banner ads, pop-ups, and spam email.  As a result, statistics show that on average, each of us is bombarded with more than 3000 marketing messages a day.

Notice that I used the word “information.”  Should print ads, direct mail, radio spots, television commercials, banner ads, pop ups, and spam email really be considered information?  Do they adequately supply the consumer with the facts they need to make an informed decision about a product?  I say NO.  To me, they are just noise that most of us tune out.  An interesting fact that supports this is that 90+% of those with DVR-type devices fast-forward through television commercials.

Traditional marketing is geared towards a passive audience.  In today’s world, the consumer is more empowered and more engaged.  Yes, we may have only moved away from a television set to a computer monitor, but our activities are different.  For TV, we sit and channel surf.  For a computer monitor, we still surf, but we also read and with social media, we interact.  Websites provide content – true information about products, services, events, etc.  While many of these sites and much of this content still contain marketing ‘spin,’ we, as consumers of this information have more data points and are allowed to decide for ourselves what is valuable.

Let me provide you with some statistics to support the statement that “We have all grown to distrust advertising.”  A recent survey shows that only 14% trust advertisements.  Yet 78% of us trust the recommendations of other customers.  Let that sink in for a moment.   Now think about this:  only 18% of TV ad campaigns have a positive ROI.

The dynamics of the market place of radically shifted and you need to pay attention.   As consumers, we now have great control about the quality of information we receive.  And if you think about this from a generational standpoint, it is more profound that I previously thought.  For my whole life, the generation with the greatest influence has been the Baby Boomers.  But that is about to change:

• By 2010, Millenials / Gen Y will out number Baby Boomers
• This group already wields $350 B / year in direct spending power
• Spend more than 16 hours / week online
• 96% of joined a social network
• On average, they have 53 online friends
• They don’t care about your ad; they care what their friends think

Furthermore, for today’s active online users:

• 73% have read a blog
• 45% of started their own blog
• 39% subscribe to RSS feeds
• 57% have joined a social network
• 55% have uploaded photos
• 83% have watched video clips

The dynamics of the market place of radically shifted and you need to pay attention.   The Internet, social media, and other technologies are in the DNA the Millenials / Gen Y and their purchasing power and influence will only continue to grow.

Social Media – Fad or REVOLUTION?

Is social media just another fly-by-night fad or is it a revolution in the way we live?

I am utterly amazed by that fact that so many people do not yet understand the incredible shift that is taking place in the world today.  Time and time I again I hear that social media is just another fly by night fad.  Well, I disagree.  It’s not a fad; it’s a REVOLUTION.  Here are some facts that prove my point.

Let’s start with a comparison.  How many years did it take to reach 50 million users?

• Radio              –>      38 years
• Television     –>       13 years
• Internet         –>      4 years
• Facebook       –>       100 million users in 9 months

If Facebook were a country, it would be the 4^th largest.

Let’s start with another fact.  Today, baby boomers are the largest generation.  Did you know…?

• In 2010 they will be surpassed by generation Y

Let’s shift gears and talk about television for a moment.

• Only 14% of consumers trust advertisements
• While 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations
• Only 18% of traditional TV campaigns generate positive ROI
• 90% of people with a DVR or TiVO fast forward through tv-ads

Word of Mouth is still the most effective sales tool.  It’s changing the way we connect, the way we share, the way we work.

******************

Update regarding sources:

1.  Mashable.com

2.  YouTube Video:  Social Media Revolution

3.  Groundswell by Charlene Li

4.  Socialnomics.net

5.  Many others….

Do You Really Know What You’re Selling

Want to get a jump start on your Business Plan? Start by describing exactly what you are selling and what you are not selling.  Sounds simple, right?  It’s harder than you think.

for more:

http://cynichols0226.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/do-you-really-know-what-your-selling/

Framework for Corporate Transformation

Most organizations cannot continue with the status quo.  There is always something, somewhere that they can do better.  Decisions to transform or change the organization, however, are often made in a vacuum – without considering the impact to other parts of the business.

Successful corporate transformation requires only 3 Steps:

1. Understand of the what the organization is currently doing

(Current State Assessment)

1. Design the vision of how the organization operates in the future

(Future State Design)

1. Determine what it will take to move the organization from Current to Future State

(Gap and Risk Assessment)

Step 3 is by far the hardest as it requires the alignment of the three perspectives of the business (People, Process, Technology).  It is only after aligning these views that an organization can truly say that everyone is ‘rowing in the same direction.’

Will GM Survive Coming Out of Bankruptcy?

GM’s Resistance to Change

13 July 2009 by Kye Harris (link to Kye’s updated blog to follow soon)

http://www.linkedin.com/in/kyeharris

In 1954, General Motors was one of the world’s largest corporations with an equally large market share of 54%. Their CEO famously quipped, “What’s good for General Motors is good for the country.”

Forty years later, in 1994, GM’s market share had dipped to 33% helped by an increase in foreign competition (particularly from the Japanese) and a growing perception of poor product style and quality. Today, after emerging from a brief 40-day bankruptcy, GM’s share of the market waivers around 20%. A precipitous fall, to say the least, and a true wake-up call for companies that feel they can ignore change and remain viable and responsive.

Bob Lutz, an automotive legend with stints at GM, Ford, and BMW, returned to GM and currently oversees all creative elements including products and the customer relationship. Lutz says GM “chaffed” under the old organizational structure and the “lack of speed” re: decision making. GM’s current President & CEO, Fritz Henderson, claimed that “business as usual is over”.  Each of these issues, poor organizational structure, bad decision review processes, and the corporate culture that enabled them both, are at the heart of Change Management and on which change leaders and practitioners continue to highlight and counsel clients.

What transformational change issues, i.e., organizational and team structure, executive and leadership alignment, stakeholder and user engagement, business process and day-to-day work flow, solution deployment, corporate learning and development, and capability and knowledge transfer, will be at the core of the next corporate down fall?  To what change resistance are you a witness and what steps are you taking today to ensure your company survives the current (and future) economic down-turn?

What Now For GM?

Los Angeles, CA 2009 Ethical or Not?

from WJS:  on July 10, 2009

Interesting!  What are your thoughts?

The business climate is worse than the air quality.

By RICK NEWCOMBE

Los Angeles

If New Yorkers fantasize that doing business here in Los Angeles would be less of a headache, forget about it. This city is fast becoming a job-killing machine. It’s no accident the unemployment rate is a frightening 11.4% and climbing.

I never could have imagined that, after living here for more than three decades, I would be filing a lawsuit against my beloved Los Angeles and making plans for my company, Creators Syndicate, to move elsewhere.

But we have no choice. The city’s bureaucrats rival Stalin’s apparatchiks in issuing decrees, rescinding them, and then punishing citizens for having followed them in the first place.

I founded Creators Syndicate in 1987, and we have represented hundreds of important writers, syndicating their columns to newspapers and Web sites around the world. The most famous include Hillary Clinton, who, like Eleanor Roosevelt, wrote a syndicated column when she was first lady. Another star was the advice columnist Ann Landers, once described by “The World Almanac” as “the most influential woman in America.” Other Creators columnists include Bill O’Reilly, Susan Estrich, Thomas Sowell, Roland Martin and Michelle Malkin — plus Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonists and your favorite comic strips.

From the beginning, we’ve been headquartered in Los Angeles. But 15 years ago we had a dispute with the city over our business tax classification. The city argued that we should be in an “occupations and professions” classification that has an extremely high tax rate, while we fought for a “wholesale and retail” classification with a much lower rate. The city forced us to invest a small fortune in legal fees over two years, but we felt it was worth it in order to establish the correct classification once and for all.

After enduring a series of bureaucratic hearings, we anxiously awaited a ruling to find out what our tax rate would be. Everything was at stake. We had already decided that if we lost, we would move.

You can imagine how relieved we were on July 1, 1994, when the ruling was issued. We won, and firmly planted our roots in the City of Angels and proceeded to build our business.

Everything was fine until the city started running out of money in 2007. Suddenly, the city announced that it was going to ignore its own ruling and reclassify us in the higher tax category. Even more incredible is the fact that the new classification was to be imposed retroactively to 2004 with interest and penalties. No explanation was given for the new classification, or for the city’s decision to ignore its 1994 ruling.

Their official position is that the city is not bound by past rulings — only taxpayers are. This is why we have been forced to file a lawsuit. We will let the courts decide whether it is legal for adverse rulings to apply only to taxpayers and not to the city.

We work with hundreds of outside agents, consultants, independent contractors and support services — many of whom pay taxes to the city of Los Angeles. This spurs a job-creating ripple effect on the city’s economy. Yet I suspect many companies like ours already have quietly left town in the face of the city’s taxes and regulations. This would help explain the erosion of jobs.

Regardless of the outcome of our case, the arbitrary and capricious behavior of some bureaucrats is creating a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. If we win in court, the taxpayers of Los Angeles will have lost because all those tax dollars will have been wasted on needless litigation.

If we lose in court, the remaining taxpayers in Los Angeles will have lost because their burden will continue to swell as yet another business moves its jobs — and taxpayers — to another city.

As long as City Hall operates like a banana republic, why is anyone surprised that jobs have left the city in droves and Los Angeles is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy?

Mr. Newcombe is president of Creators Syndicate.

Why do IT projects fail?

According to Gallup Management Journal, 70%+ of IT initiatives fail due to “people” issues.  My question to you is why?

There are 3 rails to business:  People, Process, and Technology.  In today’s world, most money is spent on Technology:  put the system in place, transfer the data, stablize it, and do the minimal amount of training and process engineering.  That’s why more than 70% of IT projects are deemed failures — because they do not focus on the human element.

One of my most recent clients, gave me these 2 quotes:

“95% of ourIT projects in my group require behavioral change” — that is, people have to change the way they do things

“Business process redesign is required in most projects”

Technology / IT changes do not happen in a vacuum.   It requires the People and Processes to be examined in full, along with the Technology component, so all 3 can be aligned.  Change Management is the practice / discipline to ensure this happens.  Change Management is a structured approach for successfully implementing business changes in a planned and systematic fashion so people and organizations understand, accept and support the change as a strategic advantage.

Successful Change Management

• Accomplishes the original business intent
• Achieves or exceeds Return On Investment (ROI)
• Aligns behaviors and actions to business results
• Delivers high value to customers and employees
• Develops the capacity to adapt more quickly to change
• Creates higher achievement – success breeds success
• Strengthens the organization’s competitive position because organizations are now in a constant state of change