tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26602267055216150422024-02-20T21:34:46.831-06:00A view inside the Lyfestyle of Brand and GentlemanYou are a brand, please embrace this! We write the articles on this blog to concept. As you read them hopefully your creativeness will be sparked.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-39947194827826140092014-10-06T10:21:00.000-05:002014-10-06T10:21:00.053-05:00Brand building GUT PUNCH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Building a brand can get blurry, real fast (like the above picture). So many articles advising you to try this or that new blah blah blah. The "experts" with their flim-flam advice. I know it can be a GUT PUNCH. Relax, take a deep breath and focus on your end goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A few things to do, go online and find a good marketing plan that you can use as your template, look long and hard at your competition study their weaknesses and exploit their success. Create a S.W.O.T analysis,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> These next 2 are crucial, allow time for your plan to grow. Hell McDonald's has been in business since 1888 & you know they weren't serving two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese back then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and FOLLOW YOUR GUT. Sometimes all the data, experts, reading can get in the way of your gut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Big Tex</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-13186652774434917352014-07-25T14:17:00.001-05:002014-10-06T08:35:42.028-05:00Friends don't let friend's brands over #hashtag <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dutsPB2N31w/U9Kaez2cVWI/AAAAAAABSL0/gZxZMRQmTtI/s1600/Hashtags-graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dutsPB2N31w/U9Kaez2cVWI/AAAAAAABSL0/gZxZMRQmTtI/s1600/Hashtags-graphic.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hashtags have become the word of the world. Heck even I have my own (#brandmanager, #sikarboyzclub and #butleroftime) to describe my brands. Notice they are relevant to every #brand I represent.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A new startup, venture, company or brand can be exciting for anyone. However creating and using hashtags can be a daunting task. When you look around they're everywhere and of course you want your own to maximize your brands success.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>below are some basic steps to help you focus your #hashtag efforts jack:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1. create hashtags that are relevant to your brand and EASY TO FIND. ex: the cigar club SiKaR Boyz cLuB hashtags include #sikarboyz or #sikargirlz</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2. use them everywhere, BUT ensure they are relevant places to build business. Add to your signature, business cards so that people know how to search</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3. understand how to search your hashtag to measure marketing efforts sites like www.hshtags.com</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4. stop creating random, wanna be cute hashtags. example if you sell clothing and your company is named "fitchicks" your hashtag should be #fitchchicks and not #getfinewithfitchicks (or something like that). Remember the human mind works through patterns and repetition. The more they see your hashtag, easier they remember</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>5. BEFORE you create hashtag research & make sure someone else isn't using it. If they are you may have to alter yours. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>-Signed</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#your #favorite #brandmanager #bigtex</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-20982319264737146432014-06-26T12:17:00.000-05:002014-06-26T12:17:05.728-05:00The "so-called" high cost of building your brand & doing business.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBKTqMrE8tU/U6xH3cFIY5I/AAAAAAABQuE/UR7yKQ5nBHY/s1600/business-startup-under-construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBKTqMrE8tU/U6xH3cFIY5I/AAAAAAABQuE/UR7yKQ5nBHY/s1600/business-startup-under-construction.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Many people are excited by the thought of starting a business but paralyzed by the "so- called" cost of doing business. Yes, it can be scary, finding an accountant, creating marketing materials, going to market with the correct strategy and product. Heck, it can be overwhelming (it was for me once).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, as your defacto brand manager let me help get you off the floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">PURCHASE AND own your domain name visit godaddy.com (sometimes low as 99cents)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Purchase email package with your domain name so now you have (yourname@yourbusiness.com or something like that). This helps you get away from the yahoo's, gmails and other web based emails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">BUILD an online store: visit sites like wix.com or freewebstore.com they offer templates and either free of discounted e-commerce sites (about $5 per month)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">AFTER, and I MEAN, after you've completed all these steps above, purchase business cards at vistaprint.com (about $10) with all the proper information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, not only is your business online, you look like you've spent time with a marketing guy helping you put things in order (which you have).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is absolutely no guarantee you will sell anything but give you a more professional look and remember people do business with others they know and like. Who doesn't like a person with a professional business card and some sense about what they are trying to sell.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-30284719366521911612014-04-14T23:28:00.001-05:002014-04-14T23:28:42.812-05:00Sharing your BRANDS gifts<p dir="ltr">I recently seen the 1st show ever of late night with Jimmy Fallon. His guest was Will Smith during the dialogue he said "The goal of a person is to share their gift & make people's life easier". Wow, how easy to say and do. That's not saying work for free but each of us has a God given gift that others come to us for. If you think deep you can pinpoint it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Use that gift of yours, help make the world easy for someone, give them a smile, word of encouragement, offer assistance growing their brand.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Just once correct the universe.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ABxqDYSHzFw/U0y1eKnVBdI/AAAAAAABOrg/_xn85bLUvqo/s1600/Monk-sharing-food-with-a-tiger%252520cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ABxqDYSHzFw/U0y1eKnVBdI/AAAAAAABOrg/_xn85bLUvqo/s640/Monk-sharing-food-with-a-tiger%252520cropped.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-25165497429778720522014-03-15T16:23:00.001-05:002014-03-15T16:23:56.088-05:00Grow your #brand in silence<p dir="ltr">Sitting on the patio, doing resesearch I noticed the sound of rain, a silent hum and consistent. I stopped for a few minutes & did NOTHING (while finishing this tasty cigar). When I came back to my phone, the research became more clearer the objective was easy to meet. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Every now & then you have to do NOTHING, sit still and clear your head. Ask yourself the tough questions (am i doing enough with my brand, what is my competition doing better etc), smile and for goodness sake don't run out of matches to light your cigar.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M7XA3crJxr8/UyTEqSnCjhI/AAAAAAABIZg/uu83Sly-YiM/s1600/1394917858070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M7XA3crJxr8/UyTEqSnCjhI/AAAAAAABIZg/uu83Sly-YiM/s640/1394917858070.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-57307677604926403412014-01-24T10:00:00.000-06:002014-01-24T10:00:05.826-06:00The cost of PASSION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWzU1hVL2gUMW3YepyqM28VJI6fjizUdL5eE0jY-jo6dwTgyrH_U_TsRN1_Z0KDYp8J1bGemFI1Uz4mzAL8vA7PCxwGk5vTlsBGMcGGHOk6Gl4NX5sKwY6GOAll_5s9InHgjptIVHI_P7/s1600/passion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWzU1hVL2gUMW3YepyqM28VJI6fjizUdL5eE0jY-jo6dwTgyrH_U_TsRN1_Z0KDYp8J1bGemFI1Uz4mzAL8vA7PCxwGk5vTlsBGMcGGHOk6Gl4NX5sKwY6GOAll_5s9InHgjptIVHI_P7/s1600/passion.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Approaching a milestone in my life, I think back to how many times the word PASSION has been mentioned when talking about me and the cost I've paid to have it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">PASSION sounds great, evoking imagery of employees smiling while working late, freely giving up ideas with no expectations or doing the behind the scenes work allowing someone else to get the credit (admit it, this is true). Human Resources and hiring managers throw it around freely & bosses use it as a tag word during company meetings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read this next sentence carefully, most companies don't want the passion of a Michael Jordan or Steve Jobs they just want the results they produce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If someone has a true PASSION for their craft then expect a cost to pay working with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's it, nothing more to say </span>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-10821835197655650102013-12-08T17:49:00.000-06:002013-12-08T17:49:10.465-06:00What in the he!! is Social Currency & how much do you have?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Social Currency" class="size-full wp-image-382" height="173" src="http://whatsforwork.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/social-currency1.jpg?w=584&h=254" title="Social Currency" width="400" /></div>
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(source whatsforwork.wordpress.com via alsayeghmedia.com)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So·cial<span class="main-fl"><i> </i></span>Cur·ren·cy</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">\<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>sō-shəl\<span class="main-fl"><i> ---</i></span> <span class="pr">\<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>kər-ən(t)-sē, <span class="unicode">ˈ</span>kə-rən(t)-\</span></span></h2>
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<span class="pr">Wikipedia defines Social Currency as:</span></h2>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="pr">"</span><span class="pr"> The entirety of actual and potential resource which arises from a
presence on social networks and communities, may they be digital or
offline. </span>The extent to which people share the brand or information about the brand
as part of their everyday social lives at work or at home."</span></i></h2>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Social currency has become the new hot word, its given consumers the belief that more followers, friends and likes received the more influence yielded, oh how wrong they are. Yes, social media allows faster reach and conversation with friends, it also means more competition. More people trying to get their friends, YOUR FRIENDS, to hear them, more people trying to position themselves as influencers and leaders. The game is afoot (I'm still not sure exactly what that phrase means but it sure sounds cool).</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To truly influence, my perspective, a brand should become part of your offline presence<i>.</i> If you drink cognac then drink it when no one is looking, if you smoke cigars (yes, I'm biased) </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">smoke when not taking picture. Posting everything you do to social media actually will lessen your value because you're an open book (no mystery). Less often is more</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, the real question, how to improve your "<i>Social Currency</i>"? Remember social media is an open conversation; find your favorite brands, stick with them. The more you engage conversation, illicit responses, contribute worthwhile comments and learn the value of timely postings, the more your "<i>Social currency</i>" value increases.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> -Big Tex</span></span></h2>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-16610660143129603102013-09-03T14:46:00.000-05:002013-09-03T14:46:54.674-05:00Focus: do you have..no wait, Can you...no..Dangit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2bpkjIFqj0/UiY5_uRC28I/AAAAAAAA3hg/ymK2YQ6xr0k/s1600/distracted-boy-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2bpkjIFqj0/UiY5_uRC28I/AAAAAAAA3hg/ymK2YQ6xr0k/s400/distracted-boy-school.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There really isn't a way to quantify FOCUS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">sure you may "get it" when someone says "Try this with your brand"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">or maybe you quote, unquote (I just did the finger quotes) "understand" when it's laid out for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A Brand will start to climb when you daily focus on the small things, here are a few:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. Ask someone that doesn't know you if what you're doing makes sense. If it doesn't heck you maybe on the right path.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Be sensible, yet reckless in your thoughts. If you want to fly to the moon, just know it's going to take a minute to build the ship & know your darn stardates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Follow, almost stalk, those that are doing what you're doing. Copy even steal their concepts, adjust to your brand</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I mean, I'm just saying</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-63071510803642816792013-07-29T15:10:00.000-05:002013-11-13T17:27:51.006-06:00How much do you think about money & your brand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a brand manager I hear these sayings:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">"when I wake up I'm hustling"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"sleep is for the weak"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"I'll do whatever is needed to make it"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"I gotta get this bread"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"ima sleep when I die"</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But have you ever thought how the RICH work and think? Well, check the following 20 stats on building wealth and see how you measure up.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1. 70% of wealthy eat less than 300 junk food calories per day. 97% of poor people eat more than 300 junk food calories per day. 23% of wealthy gamble. 52% of poor people gamble. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2. 80% of wealthy are focused on accomplishing some single goal. Only 12% of the poor do this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3. 76% of wealthy exercise aerobically 4 days a week. 23% of poor do this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4. 63% of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5% for poor people. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">5. 81% of wealthy maintain a to-do list vs. 19% for poor. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">6. 63% of wealthy parents make their children read 2 or more non-fiction books a month vs. 3% for poor. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">7. 70% of wealthy parents make their children volunteer 10 hours or more a month vs. 3% for poor. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">8. 80% of wealthy make hbd calls vs. 11% of poor </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">9. 67% of wealthy write down their goals vs. 17% for poor </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">10. 88% of wealthy read 30 minutes or more each day for education or career reasons vs 2% for poor. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">11. 6% of wealthy say what’s on their mind vs. 69% for poor. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">12. 79% of wealthy network 5 hours or more each month vs. 16% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">13. 67% of wealthy watch 1 hour or less of TV. every day vs. 23% for poor </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">14. 6% of wealthy watch reality TV vs. 78% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">15. 44% of wealthy wake up 3 hours before work starts vs.3% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">16. 74% of wealthy teach good daily success habits to their children vs. 1% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">17. 84% of wealthy believe good habits create opportunity luck vs. 4% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">18. 76% of wealthy believe bad habits create detrimental luck vs. 9% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">19. 86% of wealthy believe in life-long educational self-improvement vs. 5% for poor. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">20. 86% of wealthy love to read vs. 26% for poor</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so ask yourself again "are you taking the right steps to GET money"</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-45965854755767210602013-06-28T14:36:00.001-05:002013-11-13T17:31:34.388-06:00your brand a TEXAS filibuster, pair of Mizuno shoes & a shot of cognac<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok so this has zero to do with a shot of cognac but I could use one right now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This past week the country was a buzz as senator Wendy Davis held a 13 hour filibuster to defeat a bill in the Texas house. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What makes this interesting is she did it in a pair of Mizuno running shoes. Now moms have been wearing running shoes since the days of Sparta (well they were sandals but you get the drift) but what's fascinating is how she inspired other others.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Let us review the stats:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">178,000 youtube live stream viewers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">730,000 tweets mentioning the filibuster (5,776 tweets per minute)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />her twitter followers jumped from just under 6,000 to more than 48,000 during the course of the day, an 8x increase</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(still waiting on twitter to give her the coveted blue check)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">what's interesting is that Mizuno has NOT capitalized, besides a single like and quote on her facebook page.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How does this relate to you? 1st, have a social cause where your willing to stand for, 2nd never miss the opportunity to tell your story and finally no matter your brand, you NEVER know who may be consuming your product.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-55684598879375229092013-04-16T15:36:00.005-05:002013-04-16T15:36:45.467-05:00Hit your damn target audience! here's who's using social media<span style="font-size: x-large;">As a brand manager, I often get asked "what age groups are using social media and how do I position my message?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Below is recent data to help you align your message.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnOwRW4WlVQ/UW216usSe6I/AAAAAAAAu3U/hhhgX-e5j6U/s1600/social-networking-demographics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnOwRW4WlVQ/UW216usSe6I/AAAAAAAAu3U/hhhgX-e5j6U/s1600/social-networking-demographics.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-ovMOr4eM/UW217VK4NeI/AAAAAAAAu3c/Flb0I9crs28/s1600/social-user-landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-ovMOr4eM/UW217VK4NeI/AAAAAAAAu3c/Flb0I9crs28/s320/social-user-landscape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*repost from inc magazine</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-44208477092161081562013-04-08T15:45:00.001-05:002013-04-08T15:45:06.177-05:00you MUST see your brand first, The vision board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5RAvR4obKE/UWMooQkT8MI/AAAAAAAAukA/l4tt-Jtu6zk/s1600/Visionboard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5RAvR4obKE/UWMooQkT8MI/AAAAAAAAukA/l4tt-Jtu6zk/s400/Visionboard3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">No matter the industry</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">every brand started with a vision</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">someone seen a gap and filled it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">someone played the guitar in a rap song</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">someone created a microblog (twitter)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">someone created an energy drink (Redbull)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">but they seen it before they built it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Create a vision board for your brand</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">clip, take and post pictures </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">of how you want your brand to see</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">post it in your bathroom mirror</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and while brushing your teeth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(i'm assuming your brush daily LOL)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">study it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">keep it constant, if your vision change</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">change the board</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">take a picture on your phone, use it as your background</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">talk to the pictures, COMMAND them to become real</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">every brand started somehow, like this</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-7355724675560653482013-03-11T15:07:00.001-05:002013-03-11T15:07:59.896-05:00A Gentleman's Moment<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Listening to: radiotime.com</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading: Buffett "autobiography warren buffet"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">E<span style="font-size: x-large;">njoying a cigar</span> </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-82188015724305977952013-02-26T15:45:00.001-06:002013-02-26T15:45:05.258-06:00a seed, your brand. do you have time?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPwg87_UIeg/US0qOvuDtpI/AAAAAAAAqZE/B2-i2vrOPTk/s1600/plant_seed_hands_067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPwg87_UIeg/US0qOvuDtpI/AAAAAAAAqZE/B2-i2vrOPTk/s320/plant_seed_hands_067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"The <strong>world's</strong> <strong>oldest</strong> recorded <strong>tree</strong> is a 9,550 year <strong>old</strong> spruce in the Dalarna province of Sweden"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">it started with the farmer doing research, his timing had to be perfect, the ground and temperature just right. He planted a seed, fertilizer for food and growth, water, sunlight, and as they say on the farm "some tending to".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plant a seed with your brand, give your brand message and programs time to grow. Your fertilizer (tools) should include:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Email Campaigns</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mobile </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Flyers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Social Media</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WOM (word of mouth)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Distribute your time close to even as possible, depending on just one is a disaster waiting to happen. just like if you water a plant too much</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and just like a seed when it's time to harvest, make sure you have a measurable. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-2625816690570017572013-02-12T10:58:00.003-06:002013-02-12T10:58:52.920-06:00"excuse me, can you spare a nickel, to help my brand"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsq-D2HvUEA/URpwoicSNTI/AAAAAAAAmeM/FiKIRVP96JQ/s1600/2005_nickel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsq-D2HvUEA/URpwoicSNTI/AAAAAAAAmeM/FiKIRVP96JQ/s320/2005_nickel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some<span style="font-size: x-large;">times you just have to give back<span style="font-size: x-large;">, plain and simple.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My phrase is "what's your charitable clause<span style="font-size: x-large;">", how are you giving back<span style="font-size: x-large;"> to those less fortunate<span style="font-size: x-large;">?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I understand you may not have the "time" but <span style="font-size: x-large;">that's a load of BS. <span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e are all swamped with <span style="font-size: x-large;">life<span style="font-size: x-large;">; kids, work, <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">exercise</span> (if <span style="font-size: x-large;">you don't <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">exercise</span>, umm it maybe time) but finding a way to help <span style="font-size: x-large;">others is never wrong.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Find a "soc<span style="font-size: x-large;">ial clause<span style="font-size: x-large;">" close <span style="font-size: x-large;">to your heart<span style="font-size: x-large;">, has someone <span style="font-size: x-large;">you know been effected by cancer, <span style="font-size: x-large;">HIV<span style="font-size: x-large;"> or <span style="font-size: x-large;">homelessness</span>? <span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I recommend <span style="font-size: x-large;">starting out 8 hours a month (that's 2 a week)<span style="font-size: x-large;">. Volunteer, <span style="font-size: x-large;">g<span style="font-size: x-large;">ather</span> old clothing from your friends <span style="font-size: x-large;">to donate (getting th<span style="font-size: x-large;">is</span> together <span style="font-size: x-large;">is your time), throw a <span style="font-size: x-large;">theme</span> party<span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span> donate the money. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Their are all kinds of <span style="font-size: x-large;">ways to hel<span style="font-size: x-large;">p.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">J</span>ust do it<span style="font-size: x-large;">, all it takes is 5 cents a day (<span style="font-size: x-large;">I sound like that commercial on late <span style="font-size: x-large;">night tv huh<span style="font-size: x-large;">) lol.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-43663280123727843052013-01-29T12:16:00.000-06:002013-01-29T12:16:37.851-06:00your BRAND team, keep an eye on them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heJyO2NFNJI/UQgPbmP-hvI/AAAAAAAAlWQ/Um5Bt2GhFFg/s1600/url.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heJyO2NFNJI/UQgPbmP-hvI/AAAAAAAAlWQ/Um5Bt2GhFFg/s320/url.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When I'm consulting for a Brand, one of the first questions I ask is "who is on your team"? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The answers are all over the place, most people are missing the basics, lawyer, CPS, manager, dietician, mission statement and of course a Brand Manager (insert Big Tex here). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For the BRANDS with a team in place, when I ask about project deadlines, 90 day evaluations, weekly check-ins they have no answer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's your BRAND, keep an eye on your team even if they are working for free or barter. Do not allow them to loose focus of the end goal. If they have lost interest, it maybe time to move on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and if all else fails.... well that's another posting.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-86790631381745651812013-01-17T11:29:00.001-06:002014-03-03T10:04:45.439-06:00Don't let your Brand fall for "the Banana in the tailpipe"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">It's tr<span style="font-size: x-large;">icky these days when <span style="font-size: x-large;">building your brand, <span style="font-size: x-large;">there is always a new stat, social media site<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> or</span> toy</span> to make you believe it'<span style="font-size: x-large;">s time to change you<span style="font-size: x-large;">r approach.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I understand<span style="font-size: x-large;"> it's tempting<span style="font-size: x-large;">, <span style="font-size: x-large;">heck I<span style="font-size: x-large;">'ve even fallen for it before</span>.</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> I recommend<span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">for any new marketing<span style="font-size: x-large;">/branding strategy<span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span> the following:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Before launching <span style="font-size: x-large;">research<span style="font-size: x-large;">, research, research and finally research. Has someone already <span style="font-size: x-large;">executed your strategy<span style="font-size: x-large;">, <span style="font-size: x-large;">was it successful, what tools did they use<span style="font-size: x-large;">? <span style="font-size: x-large;">Truthfully you can find this informa<span style="font-size: x-large;">tion s<span style="font-size: x-large;">imply</span></span> by <span style="font-size: x-large;">reviewing their </span>social media accounts </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allow <span style="font-size: x-large;">60 days of repeated <span style="font-size: x-large;">message exposure (notice <span style="font-size: x-large;">I said REPEATED) for consumers to finally "he<span style="font-size: x-large;">ar you"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Barter <span style="font-size: x-large;">with other brands that fit your <span style="font-size: x-large;">target consumers</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>on't fall for the banan<span style="font-size: x-large;">a in the tail<span style="font-size: x-large;">pipe (reminder)</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span>Ask yourself "if I <span style="font-size: x-large;">implement this, am I ready to dedicate the tim<span style="font-size: x-large;">e <span style="font-size: x-large;">it requires?" <span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you know how many companies hire me only to answer my question with "yea, we have a twitter<span style="font-size: x-large;">/ fa<span style="font-size: x-large;">cebook<span style="font-size: x-large;"> etc but don't really u<span style="font-size: x-large;">se it"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">After they "hear you" don't fool yourself, it's going to take a few more months <span style="font-size: x-large;">until they believe what<span style="font-size: x-large;"> they hear, a some more months until they buy-in and <span style="font-size: x-large;">some time</span> after that before they <span style="font-size: x-large;">sell<span style="font-size: x-large;">-</span>out and believe in your brand. (did i mention RE<span style="font-size: x-large;">PEATED exposure, <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>'m sure I did<span style="font-size: x-large;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hat's all I have to say about that (<span style="font-size: x-large;">as <span style="font-size: x-large;">I typed t<span style="font-size: x-large;">hose last words, tell me why <span style="font-size: x-large;">the voices in my head sounded like Forrest <span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>ump)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DT_1eLPcDQIlXMLH7La-I48M328UlFFFCJARhQa-zzgpBrPIQbPfxPTUDSmGl3t6NcZscMNHkTdpj0bqXWMwnY7Nvo1vTzBkEMiIJJLc5zQCuVzd-4u6M1CkZWNCSfzPIoy5kFSTRYwe/s1600/20130117_092740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DT_1eLPcDQIlXMLH7La-I48M328UlFFFCJARhQa-zzgpBrPIQbPfxPTUDSmGl3t6NcZscMNHkTdpj0bqXWMwnY7Nvo1vTzBkEMiIJJLc5zQCuVzd-4u6M1CkZWNCSfzPIoy5kFSTRYwe/s640/20130117_092740.jpg"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-29005702486531961782013-01-02T09:40:00.001-06:002013-01-02T09:40:57.631-06:00The difference between new years & new day<span style="font-size: x-large;">There isn't a difference between a new year and a new day, January 1st resolutions are made, promises given and generally a bunch of willy nilly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Make the change RIGHT now, decide your brands direction, put the blinker on and go (kinda like driving in Texas where you push your blinker and get over at the same time). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The longer you wait...well you know the rest</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-7534816120231592232012-11-08T09:13:00.000-06:002012-11-08T09:13:46.566-06:00How the election can help your #Brand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyViy2BKPZs/UJvHoqTl-7I/AAAAAAAAaiI/EAPJQuOTb4Q/s1600/vibe-mitt-obama-debate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyViy2BKPZs/UJvHoqTl-7I/AAAAAAAAaiI/EAPJQuOTb4Q/s400/vibe-mitt-obama-debate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So Mitt, I mean Barack won the election<span style="font-size: x-large;">! <span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm not here to talk <span style="font-size: x-large;">politics but to examine the social <span style="font-size: x-large;">media impact<span style="font-size: x-large;">, you ready</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li>photo of President Barack Obama embracing his wife Michelle Obama with
simple “Four More Years.” Within two hours, the photo was re-tweeted
456,845 times and shared on Facebook 207,348 times (the most popular picture on facebook EVER)</li>
<li>Mitt Romney gained 44,550 new Twitter followers, Obama added more than a quarter million of new followers</li>
<li> According to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uspolitics?fref=ts" target="_top">Facebook</a>,
the 2012 election received a record breaking level of buzz. On a
10-point scale, it scored 9.27. The 2008 presidential election scored an
8.95.</li>
<li> Nearly one-third of voters had been encouraged to vote for Obama or
Romney via posts on social media, while one-fifth had tried to convince
others to cast their ballot on social networks</li>
<li> The Presidential election also set the record for the most tweeted about
event in U.S. political history with an astonishing 31 million tweets
sent.</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;">For your brand, using all platform<span style="font-size: large;">s of social media is the key but also the messaging. <span style="font-size: large;">The president<span style="font-size: large;">s picture hugging his wife said "Four more years"<span style="font-size: large;"> simple but very effective. <span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you are talking "to" <span style="font-size: large;">not "at<span style="font-size: large;">" yo<span style="font-size: large;">ur followers<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's very important that you <span style="font-size: large;">decide how you're using facebook, <span style="font-size: large;">if for business <span style="font-size: large;">keep all posting<span style="font-size: large;">s j<span style="font-size: large;">ust that<span style="font-size: large;">, business.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-15855851316433673282012-10-16T10:34:00.001-05:002012-10-16T10:34:18.645-05:00Linkedin is facebook for professionals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6flxiolSeXo/UH17QpF6LqI/AAAAAAAAXzc/HTxK2GhGces/s1600/linkedin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6flxiolSeXo/UH17QpF6LqI/AAAAAAAAXzc/HTxK2GhGces/s320/linkedin.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
*please note this is only my perspective*<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As the economy sputters, I can bet many professionals linkedin connections grow like a spiderweb (maybe I should end this blog right there).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Linkedin allows business professionals to meet, exchange ideas, ask for a job and "recommend" each for the next job, also known as telling people how good you are at what you do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Question, those people with 3,4,500 connections why are they still unemployed? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll tell you why (again this is my point of view) it's because EVERYONE is job hunting. Whereas before you could ask a buddy for a lead, now that buddy has 100 other friends going for the same position. They now have to decide which of you won't put his reputation on the line.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Linkedin allows you to see who viewed your profile. That makes it kinda exciting, secretly you're hoping the hiring manager looked over your profile and you're in the running.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll say it, Linkedin is facebook for professionals. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-50570137353677456542012-10-10T12:09:00.001-05:002012-10-11T08:42:36.762-05:00Thank you notes, GREAT brand builders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXsnJjJ3KTg/UHWqywxTa5I/AAAAAAAAXhE/-Q4pmgEpWQs/s1600/WhosAwesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXsnJjJ3KTg/UHWqywxTa5I/AAAAAAAAXhE/-Q4pmgEpWQs/s400/WhosAwesome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone is human, now that's obvious, except this guy above.</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">We all need to be uplifted and acknowledged from time to time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Take time to send a thank you letter to ANYONE who has assisted you on the journey of building your brand.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not a friggin thank you email, a hand-written letter. I promise you this will go further than you can imagine.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-54208801137137536172012-09-20T10:35:00.004-05:002012-09-20T10:49:51.515-05:00How to get paid BIG BUCKS for your services<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igP8JgUErec/UFsuHTIMJfI/AAAAAAAAV00/BFDsXNNbPi0/s1600/will-work-for-free-e1331732919700.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-igP8JgUErec/UFsuHTIMJfI/AAAAAAAAV00/BFDsXNNbPi0/s400/will-work-for-free-e1331732919700.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">First things first, understand there are a katrillion people doing exactly the same thing you are! Everyone is chasing their dreams. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Only a few rise to superstar levels</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Even me, as a brand manager, understands there are only a few Steve Stoutes in the industry </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">but why not be one of those superstars??!!! You already are champ (speaking positive in your brand right now)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How do you make your brand stand apart & get paid? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. </span><span style="font-size: large;">offer damn good quality product/service</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. </span><span style="font-size: large;">make sure people clearly understand what you offer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. </span><span style="font-size: large;">stay up on currently technologies </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Take the grocery store approach offer A free SAMPLE of your work, just enough so they can see your quality.Use this to build your portfolio. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then you have support to charge others the market rate plus 15% (negotiation room) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">it takes time to establish yourself, don't be discouraged balance free vs paid and constantly look for opportunities to show why your brand is better than the competition.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(by the way, I purchase a soda and walk through the grocery store sampling the goods and get REAL full)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-14838024713212366632012-08-31T10:46:00.000-05:002012-08-31T10:46:06.177-05:00Yahoo News interviews Big Tex & SiKaR BoYz cLuB<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">4
Myths About Joining a Cigar Club</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By <b>Derryl
Williams</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just the other day I got
asked to be a part of a cigar club and since I don't smoke I came up with many
reasons why I shouldn't join but I decided to sit down with someone who could
tell me a little bit about being in a Cigar Club. I sat down with Big Tex who
is the founding smoker of the largest African American Cigar club in Texas and
asked him a few questions about some of the myths associated about being a part
of his "SiKar BoYz cLuB."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We met up at Up in Smoke
off McKinney in Uptown, which according to manager John Barton, is one of the
premier places for cigar smokers in Dallas. According to Barton, the shops
owners spend a lot of time ensuring that it can meet the special needs of every
individual smoker and utilizes the expertise of its five locations to ensure
that every smoker is greeted with their favorite brand.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Big Tex helped me dispel
4 myths about joining a cigar club.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have to be a smoker
to join a cigar club</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - I was shocked to
find out that 30% of the members of the SiKar BoYz cLuB do not smoke.
"It's a social club" claims Big Tex. "Sometimes people just join
for the lifestyle". Bi-weekly this group of high fashion, good spirited
people will meet at random cigar bars across the city sharing a good cigar,
good spirits and good conversation. Some people just come for the spirits and
the conversation. In fact, for some, the thrill of just being in the lifestyle
makes them feel like a celebrity. It's a totally different atmosphere than
being in a club or even going to a bar because the cigar lifestyle revolves
around great conversations. People don't network at cigar events, they connect
and that connection is what makes the biggest difference with these events.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Women are not allowed in a cigar club</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - I was under the impression that women
did not join cigar clubs and especially with the name of this club being the
SiKar <b>BoYz</b> cLuB I assumed that it was a boys club. But there
has always been and will always be women cigar aficionados. Women love the
conversation, the smell, the drinks in fact one young lady that I spoke to
stated that if her man was not intelligent enough to stay in a conversation at
a cigar club that he could not be her man. For others that I spoke to, a
meeting of friends at the cigar bar gave them the feel of what they assumed the
good old days were. You have your gentlemen and your bad boys but they are both
intelligent and could both sweep you off your feet.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have to be rich to
join a cigar club</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - According to Big
Tex, the average smoker in his club spends about $30 per week on
"sticks", which is the term he continued to use for cigars. Hey even
I can afford that. Cigar clubs are not necessarily about the money but instead
about just having a good time talking to good people.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's impossible for
people without status to get in</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Cigar clubs are not always about the status but instead
about good people. Being a part of a cigar club is about being with like minded
people. Since a large part of the club is about good conversations, it is
important that you have like minded people in the club. Economic status is not
as important as the ability to hold a good conversation. Every two weeks the
club comes together, some millionaires and some living paycheck to paycheck.
"We don't ask questions about how much money a person has and honestly
could care less what the cost of your stick is as long as we can have good
conversation" stated Big Tex.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well I guess that settles it. Ill be at the next
SiKar BoYz cLuB looking to be with like minded people and starting great new
relationships. if you are looking for a social experience outside of your local
club maybe a cigar club should be where you look as well. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-24026497671265929622012-08-07T16:39:00.001-05:002012-08-07T16:41:08.847-05:00The Twitter laws (how to tweet)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFo6e_Dw-uk/UCGK2ihtXfI/AAAAAAAAUKI/SjSUhxzjfZk/s1600/twitter+laws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFo6e_Dw-uk/UCGK2ihtXfI/AAAAAAAAUKI/SjSUhxzjfZk/s400/twitter+laws.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660226705521615042.post-13221022466546503592012-07-23T11:57:00.000-05:002012-07-23T11:57:09.608-05:00Here's mud in your eye kid! Out-Marketing the competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyOPmSv0Oug/UA1-kBzBLpI/AAAAAAAATdU/jiEP9BXZhuE/s1600/sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyOPmSv0Oug/UA1-kBzBLpI/AAAAAAAATdU/jiEP9BXZhuE/s400/sand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">OOOOH The magic of a sandbox. As a kid it's huge, your imagination runs wild and magic is created. Grains of sand are scripted into majestic castles, water turns finger dug lanes into moats. Deep inside you secretly hope a wave will come and smash that kids castle across the way so your work of majesty is the only one on the beach!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Take</span><span style="font-size: large;"> the same approach concerning your marketing/branding efforts. BUT FIRST, get into your competitions sandbox, study their recent marketing efforts (social media, activations, messaging) once you kinda have a grasp, figure out WHAT they are NOT doing and build your castle in that corner of the sandbox. When building remember people are creatures of habit so you may have to add just a little of the competitions brand to yours (don't recreate the wheel) to help customers feel good coming to you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Allow your imagination to run wild, thing of the 3 craziest things you'd love to do w/your brand, find a way to scale them down in size and cost then go out and make it happen. Pretty much any excuse you'll give yourself is fear </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You should see small lift in business over time. Once this happens then you can grab a handful of sand, look at them and say "Here's mud in your eye kid" </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464513855865843439noreply@blogger.com0