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Finding Blog Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Dec 15th
You’ve read all the posts about why your business should blog (like this one from Technipedia) and you’ve decided you’re on board. You get it. You want to take advantage of the SEO benefits, the added authority and the community that you’ll be able to build on your own site. You have the motivation–but you’re just lacking one small thing: the actual blog topics. That killer post idea always just seems to be just out of reach.
If you’re running low on blogging ideas, below are a few unconventional ways to create some new ones. Why not give them a try and get those blogging juices fired up?
1. Overhear Your Customers’ Conversations
For small business owners who find themselves face-to-face with their customers every day, congratulations! You have the opportunity to eavesdrop on your customers and hear first-hand their daily struggles, what they wish they knew, and what gets them really excited.
You’re there to hear Mary tell Jane that she wishes your café served a Peppermint Mocha during the holidays or that she hates that Pumpkin White Chocolate Mocha you tried this year.
You’re there when Joe tells Martha that he’d like to buy that treadmill, but he doesn’t think he’d be able to install it himself so he’ll wait.
And when you do overhear these conversations, you can address them both in your business and on your blog. Because if there’s one person who’s vocal about his fear of installing your product, you can bet there are more who aren’t being vocal. So why not write a tutorial series walking people through the process? Or create a video that shows people how to do it?
If you know people have questions, your blog is the perfect place to answer them.
(You can also “overhear” customer questions in your email or in your site logs, it’s just not quite so gossipy.)
2. Questions From Family, Friends and Outsiders
The holidays are approaching. And if you’re like me, that may mean having to go home and explain your SEO job (or whatever it is you do) to your family because they still don’t understand what it is. Instead of just tuning this conversation out, really listen to the questions they’re asking–because I bet they’re questions your audience and your customers have about you and your company, as well.
For example, maybe you’re a financial planner, and your brother-in-law wants to know how to set up an IRA. He’s asking what an IRA really is, what kinds of stocks he should invest in and how much you need to put away today to retire at 65. He’d also like to know what the risks are, if that money is tax deductible and all the different investing options available to him.
You can be sure these are all questions potential customers may have when doing research about a company to invest with. So why not create a resource section on your website and/or blog to address them? Not only are you helping answer someone else’s questions, but you’re creating a stockpile of evergreen content that you can build links to and rank for in the search engines.
3. Post a Question on Facebook and Blog the Results
Many of us feel we have nothing to blog about because we don’t have anything to say on a particular day. The well just seems dry. And that’s fine, but maybe you have a question, or a theory you want to ask people their thoughts on. Why not post that question on Facebook and then blog about the results? There’s nothing wrong with crowdsourcing content, especially if it’s good content.
4. Interview Someone
Interview series are a great way to build content for your blog because it takes the focus off your company and introduces your audience to someone you think they should know. It could be an email interview, a video interview, a podcast, whatever. Sit down with someone from your industry and ask them about their take on things, what they’re passionate about, where they see the industry moving. Then share that conversation with your audience.
Or why not interview someone from inside your community? Pick someone who you’ve noticed is a frequent commenter or who is always retweeting your content. Ask them if they’d like to be featured on your blog and find out what they do, what they’re passionate about, how they found your community and why they like engaging there. You’ll learn a lot about them and what they get from your site, and you’ll also give others incentive to get involved.
5. Publish Presentations You’ve Given
As small business owners we’re often asked to give presentations at local schools, the Chamber of Commerce or neighborhood events as a way of sharing our expertise or getting people excited about our industry. Why not share that presentation with your blog audience? Whether that means posting the actual PowerPoint presentation that you gave or simply writing about your experiences at the lecture, this gives you an opportunity to “re-use” the material you shared there, while also demonstrating your expertise to your blog readers.
As busy businesspeople, we’re always on the hunt for informative (but not terribly time-consuming) blog ideas. Getting inspiration from the life events and people around you is a great way to find out what people most want to know so you can serve it right up.
Finding Blog Inspiration in Unlikely Places
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
The Content Inspiration and Creation Rules
Dec 15th
The Content Inspiration and Creation Rules
This content from: Duct Tape Marketing
Marketing podcast with Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman (Click to play or right click and “Save As” to download – Subscribe now via iTunes or subscribe via other RSS device (Google Listen)
The need to produce lots of educational content is a given these days – I’ve written about both how to find inspiration and how to create a systematic approach to content generation in recent posts.
I think, perhaps, most people get this idea so the focus is turning squarely on practical ways to get this done. For this week’s episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast I visit with Marketing Profs Chief Content Officer, Ann Handley and Internet Marketing Expert and Founder of Digital Dads, C.C. Chapman about their new book Content Rules.
The title of the book has an obvious double meaning – as in these are the rules and dude, content ruuuules (think Wayne and Garth) – and it’s one of the first books that really does lay out the path for how, when and why to produce content that will help you achieve your marketing objectives in this information crazed world we find ourselves living.
And since this is a book and podcast about content I thought I would share a list of other content about the book:
- Marketing Over Coffee’s Special Interview with C.C. Chapman
- Beyond the Book: Content Gets a Rules Book
- Levite Chronicles: 5 Questions with C.C. Chapman
- Trafcom News Podcast 100: Content Rules!
- Carol Roth: 5 Questions with C.C. Chapman
- Your Blog Voice is Hoarse
- Convince & Convert: Demystify Content Marketing with Content Rules
You can listen to the show by subscribing the feed in iTunes or a variety of other free services such as Google Listen (Use this RSS feed) or you can buy the Duct Tape Marketing iPhone app. (iTunes link – Cost is $2.99) or Android app and listen to the show as well as about ten past shows on your phone.
View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
“Conquer the Chaos” Gives Entrepreneurs Inspiration and Insight
Aug 29th
I first read Clate Mask and Scott Martineau’s story on the InfusionSoft web site. When I heard they had this book out, I quickly purchased a copy.
Here’s the Cliff’s Notes version of their story: A couple of guys start a software business. The business has its ups and downs and in August 2002, it was mostly downs. Then they get a call from another freaked out entrepreneur that starts with the words “I have pain! Can you help me?!” This is where EVERYTHING changes and where the lessons for “Conquer the Chaos” are learned.
What makes “Conquer the Chaos” such a heartwarming and inspirational read is the authenticity with which Scott and Clate tell the InfusionSoft story. They are not afraid of sharing personal moments of fear, frustration and doubt.
In the beginning of the book, they share how chaos was in control in the early days of their business business with this touching moment when Clate’s 8-year-old son asked
“Dad, why are you so mad?”
“Because a freaking creditor called me on a Sunday!” Clate snapped.
The next question was “What did he want?”
“He wanted to know why I hadn’t paid my bills.”
“Well, Dad, did you tell him it’s because you haven’t made enough sales?”
There’s another story right after this one where Scott was at the hospital with his wife and new baby but he was preoccupied closing a deal on the phone. When his wife looked at him angrily, he simply replied “You want to be able to afford the hospital bills, right?”
Sharing these kinds of real-life stories is Clate’s and Scott’s way of showing the reader that they’ve been there. Their story isn’t too different from ours with one possible exception: they’ve recognized the chaos and learned to overcome it and re-direct its energy toward helping other entrepreneurs.
Who is “Conquer the Chaos” Written For?
This book is written for entrepreneurs and small business owners who have a dream of being free and being in control of their time, their life and their success. Or it could be for the person who has an idea or a product or process that was better than anything else out there. Or maybe you’ve been out of work for so long, that doing your own thing seems like the best way to bring money back into your household. And if you’ve been in business for a while, and haven’t quite been hitting your goals, you, too will find this book a useful read.
The Entrepreneur’s Journey from Chaos to Freedom
The point of the book is that chaos is and will be a part of your daily life. And more importantly, unless you conquer it – it will conquer your dream. It is written in four sections:
- Section I: The Quest for Freedom – This is really the “Why you should listen to us” section. It’s where Clate and Scott lay out the bulk of their hearts and personal stories to show you that they are NOT being academic, but practical in their advice. They give so many examples that resonate that you will find yourself unconsciously nodding your head in agreement and mumbling things like “Don’t I know it.”
- Section II: Mindset Strategies – In this section they tell you that your head needs to be in the right place. In fact, you need to have just as much “emotional” capital in the bank as actual cash (maybe more). What exactly is an emotional bank account? It’s all the emotions in the mix that allow you to CONTROL how you experience the day. It’s having the strength to CREATE the experiences you have, rather than having the daily experiences of life drain your energy and creativity. It’s the old “All the money in the world can’t make you happy” scenario. You have to have enough emotional capital to see things clearly and stay optimistic. So that when challenges come your way, your brain is in the right place to find a solution.
- Section III: Systems Strategies: Controlling Speed – Now that your mindset is in order, it’s time to start creating systems that help you manage and create order. Much of the chaos (and success) within our lives and our businesses comes from two sources; humans and communication. And since customers are humans that we have to communicate with, it just makes sense to start creating a centralized system to do just that. And this is actually what InfusionSoft software does. I’ve heard some readers say that the back end of the book is a pitch for InfusionSoft, but I didn’t really see it that way.
- Section IV: Find Your Freedom – This last section harkens back to the mindset theme. Now that you’ve built a system, you’re on the precipice of having more time, more money and the freedom that started you on this journey. This last set of chapters will inspire you to focus on the higher calling behind your business.
Scott and Clate may have started out thinking they were in the software business. And their story is a real life example of how to move BEYOND what you do toward what you and your business are here for. That fateful call in August of 2002 launched more than a project. It launched more than a software. It launched Scott Martineau and Clate Mask on an entrepreneurial calling to help entrepreneurs be successful. And (oh by the way) if you happen to use their software to help you – then it’s a win-win for everyone.
“Conquer the Chaos” is a wonderful book that’s and easy and fun read. Pick it up for yourself, friend or family member who is a budding entrepreneur or who isn’t living up to their own dream of freedom.
“Conquer the Chaos” Gives Entrepreneurs Inspiration and Insight
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Finding inspiration instead of it finding you
Aug 20th
One approach to innovation and brainstorming is to wait for the muse to appear, to hope that it alights on your shoulder, to be ready to write down whatever comes to you.
The other is to seek it out, will it to appear, train it to arrive on time and on command.
The first method plays into our fears. After all, if you’re not inspired, it’s not your fault if you don’t ship, it’s not your fault if you don’t do anything remarkable–hey, I don’t have any good ideas, you can’t expect me to speak up if I don’t have any good ideas…
The second method challenges the fear and announces that you’ve abandoned the resistance and instead prepared to ship. Your first idea might not be good, or even your second or your tenth, but once you dedicate yourself to this cycle, yes, in fact, you will ship and make a difference.
Simple example: start a blog and post once a day on how your favorite company can improve its products or its service. Do it every day for a month, one new, actionable idea each and every day. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice the change in the way you find, process and ship ideas.
View full post on Seth’s Blog
The Business of Giving | The inspiration behind the billionaire pledge: Bolder Giving
Aug 12th
| Is it a good idea to ask billionaires to contribute their fortunes to charity? If they do, are the results going to be positive? |
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View full post on Home Wealth Project Riot!
Inspiration Is the Root of Commitment
Jul 27th
Inspiration Is the Root of Commitment
This content from: Duct Tape Marketing
I’m going to continue another day or two on this idea of commitment. Forgive me if you find it tedious, but it’s a really big, really important topic and I think it will lead somewhere helpful – I started with the Evolution of Commitment and A Convenient Truth.
Getting people to commit to spending money with your firm, and perhaps equally as important commit to returning to spend money, commit to passing your message and telling your story, and commit to referring your products and services, has become more complex in this everything is free, information overload world we find ourselves in.
Today I want to explore another prime driver of commitment – Inspiration. While we will go out of our way for an experience that’s convenient, we will mortgage our assets for an experience that inspires. Inspiration is so thoroughly lacking in most of our daily lives that when we find it, be it in a person, innovation, or organization, we get committed to keeping it.
It would be very easy to cite a company like Apple as a great example of an organization that inspires loyalty and commitment, but that’s just too easy. I’d like to share a couple examples that to me feel more personal in nature.
Seth Godin in quite possibly the most popular marketing blogger and author of the day. His readers are committed to helping him succeed. When Seth mentioned my new book in a blog post about referrals, several hundred people ran out and bought the book. Mind you this was not a review, it was a one sentence mention. I read Seth’s books and I enjoy them. But, and I hope this doesn’t come off wrong, I don’t always implement new strategies and tactics I find in those books. What Seth’s books do, in fact what all of Seth’s 300 word or less blog posts do, is inspire me. I always come away feeling better for having taken the time to visit and that, I believe, is one of the secrets to the success of brand Seth.
Inside the Threadless Office – Image borrowed from Guy Kawasaki
Threadless makes t-shirts, but there’s nothing too inspiring about that. The thing is Threadless makes the coolest t-shirts in the coolest way. The designs, promotion and most likely a great deal of the marketing is done by the customers. The image above taken from inside their Chicago headquarters gives some feel for why the employees are inspired by working in a playground setting. Threadless inspires by taking advantage of the Internet’s two-way nature to involve customers in the process of creating their product. This innovation inspires profits, customers and competitors alike.
37Signals boasts over 5 million users to online services with a ton of competitors. The company’s customers are fanatical in their support because the software does just what it’s suppose to do and little more – that’s an inspiring idea. The company inspires through simple ideas and incredible design. People are drawn to the almost counter intuitive innovation that holds on dearly to simplicity. The organization lives these beliefs and has been profitable from day one.
- Useful is forever. Bells and whistles wear off, but usefulness never does. We build useful software.
- Our customers are our investors. They fund our daily operations by paying for our products. We answer to them, not outside investors or the stock market.
- Clarity is king. Buzzwords, lingo, and sensationalized marketing-speak have no place at 37signals.
If you or organization does nothing that inspires, no simple concept, no incredible design, no earth shattering experience, no commitment to an idea, no story that attracts – how will people commit?
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View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
New Internet Network Marketing Looks to Apple Technology for Inspiration
Jul 9th
| Internet network marketing is changing the way traditional mlm is now conducted online with training website InternetNetworkMarketingTraining.com… |
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Inspiration: Business Card Designs
May 31st
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I know there is a lot of different kinds of business card now days but since abduzeedo is giving out some traditional cards prints, I focused on that… |
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Ideas, opportunities, and inspiration: Becoming a business owner
May 29th
| Learn how to think like an entrepreneur, take advantage of ideas and opportunity, and explore whether owning your own business is for you. |
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The Oprah Effect: Influence, Sales, Profits, Ideas, Business, Finance, Inspiration, Entrepreneurs, Hollywood,…
Feb 17th
| CNBC’s “The Oprah Effect” explores the explosive effects of her influence and how her impact on business is worth billions. Plus, a media coach… |
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