QR codes Make Emotional Connections

QR codes are effective for bringing virtually any form of digital content to people via their mobile devices – and for the most part, that is how they are commonly used. One of the most effective applications of these 2d codes is making a human experience portable, such that it can be easily shared.  One […]

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Your Content Marketing Store

Are you still having some challenges wrapping your arms around the concept of content marketing to increase your small business revenues? When I was conducting my Social Media Summit here in Chicago a few weeks ago I sensed that the concept was not resonating with some of the retailers in the group. It just so happens […]

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You Are The Business

If you are the owner of a small business you know that you ARE the business. I’m not talking about wearing many hats, but the fact that your mere presence instills confidence in your customers. This is not only true for small businesses, but also for larger organizations such as Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, or Zappos – […]

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Is There Friction in Your Marketing?

Friction is becoming one of the new buzz words in the tech marketing space. It’s one that happens to resonate with me, and for good reason. Friction gives you a tangible mental picture with which to manage the customer experience associated with your marketing – allowing you to enhance it for everyone concerned. Frictionless Content […]

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Write a Letter

The most effective marketing tactics are uncommon. This is why the now uncommon practice of writing and sending physical letters can make your marketing more real, distinctive, and memorable.  During our long holiday weekend here in the United States I decided to step back from my business and take the time to consider what have been […]

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Ask Your Customers the Tough Questions

What is the most valuable, and and yet underutilized resource in your business? For most small businesses, it is your customers – and what they will tell you if you ask them properly. If you believe this to be true – as I do, then the challenge is determining the best questions to ask them […]

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It’s Only a Matter of Time

Years ago we used to joke about not knowing how to program our VHS recorders. Eventually the pain of missing our favorite television programs forced us to learn. That piece of technology was for entertainment.  Now technology has become essential to running a smart business. One of those technologies is web marketing, which includes social […]

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Why Communities Are The New Markets

If you are invested in any of the global stock markets you recently experienced some unnerving fluctuations as valuations fluctuated by 25% or more in a matter of days. And what was the cause?  Human behavior. There is no other way to explain the highs and lows.  The value of those companies did not materially […]

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Email Marketing Done Right

When used well, email marketing is one of the most powerful and reliable methods for delivering valuable information to a distinct audience – one that asked for it. Email Favors the Better Marketers What I like most about email marketing is that it favors the better marketers – those that greatly respect their subscribers. Today, […]

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Are Phone Calls a New Marketing Trend?

Over the past few weeks I have been interviewing retail businesses that belong to the same association, and naturally have some things in common.  That’s what you notice on the surface. However, taking a deeper look reveals many differences among them, including their location, years in business (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), product mix, competition, […]

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