Disqus - Latest Comments for melaniekissell

Re: Skip The Marketing Resolutions. Lead With Results Instead.

melaniekissell — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:43:17 -0000

Sounds like you're keeping your eye on the prize, Stephen. And more importantly, "why" you want the prize. :)

Re: Start The New Year Right With Cocktails, Instagram And A Positive Attitude Toward Your Customers

melaniekissell — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 11:32:43 -0000

I'm looking forward to it, too! And this time around we get to do the podcast rhyming and throwing down for a whole year. Woot! :)

Re: Skip The Marketing Resolutions. Lead With Results Instead.

melaniekissell — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 09:51:22 -0000

"This year, go deeper with your social relationships." Not exactly a revolutionary approach or a big fat secret, right? But people still believe there's an easy button for generating leads.

To me, it's pretty simple. People are your leads. So if you're going to lead them to your cash register, you have to do the work of getting to know them first. You're spinning your wheels and stuck in a fog if you think total strangers are going to, instantaneously, fall in love with you ... and, of course, hit your buy now button. Maybe when pigs can fly. Or if you're Apple.

Re: Start The New Year Right With Cocktails, Instagram And A Positive Attitude Toward Your Customers

melaniekissell — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:46:31 -0000

Once upon a broadcast
Sat Ralph and Carol Lynn
Web and search and social
Are the podcast tales they spin

This isn't the usual party line
Of "how to" instructional stuff
It's purely marketing wisdom
Void of the hype and the fluff

The guests are crazy good
The content is sensational
Conceptional and refreshing
Entertaining and inspirational

The Web Search Social podcast
Aims to challenge the status quo
There's no other broadcast like it
It's a downright remarkable show!

Make a weekly date to listen
Grab a cuppa and settle in
Join the fun and market hardy
With Ralph and Carol Lynn

Happy 2015! May you fill your first full year of podcasting with wonderful memories and merriment. :)
xoxo

Re: The Fallacy of Free | Planning, Tips & Tricks | The Virtual Event Maven

melaniekissell — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:00:25 -0000

Delighted to cross paths with you in the blogosphere, Lynn! After poking around for just a few minutes here, I decided to become one of your newest Twitter peeps.

After all, I pride myself in knowing a good thing when I see it. So it didn't take me long to figure out you're a true "maven". :)

I totally "get" how you and Leesa feel about "free" virtual events. Sometimes (but not always), we actually end up discounting ourselves when we offer to host or co-host events at no cost. You're right about the amount of precious time, energy, and effort that goes into creating an awesome and worthwhile virtual event -- or ANY event, for that matter!

My oldest daughter is a marketing and business development specialist for a major hospital. She creates, plans, organizes, and hosts approximately 30 - 50 events per year. Some are smaller on-site events and others are huge gala fundraisers. Whew! I've gleaned a boat load of event tips and tricks from Ashley.

Even though I understand where you and Leesa are coming from ...

I've got to flip the coin over for just a moment. Why, you ask?

In just a few short days I'll be the guest speaker on a 100% Free webinar. I'll be sharing truckloads of free tools and strategies regarding my topic. Do I deserve to get paid for my expertise and valuable time spent on this webinar? You bet. BUT I'm not asking for a penny in registration fees from my audience. You see, Lynn, my target audience is mom entreperneurs who are trying to start up a business online with a teeny tiny marketing budget -- most have a budget of $0.

My payment for speaking at this event will not be in dollars and cents but instead ...

I will be paid, royally, in a boost in my visibility, credibility, and the engagement with my audience.

So I'll conclude by saying that I believe it's perfectly all right to do a mix of free and paid events.

The middle of the road gal,
Melanie

Re: Social Media Marketers Beware Of Time Consuming Traps

melaniekissell — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:14:13 -0000

My pleasure, Lynn -- just wish I had more time to swing by as often as I used to. Always a great read here! :)

Re: Social Media Marketers Beware Of Time Consuming Traps

melaniekissell — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:40:01 -0000

Thank goodness for traditional and digital calendars, timers, day planners, and other organizational tools!

Social media activities can end up being the biggest, deepest rabbit hole you'll ever fall down into IF you don't play it smart. Until someone hands me a 30-hour day, I just can't spend nearly as much time on social media sites as I used to when I first started my business.

Because I've been easing back quite a bit lately ...

Some of my closest online friends and followers have either emailed me or sent me a PM wondering if I've fallen off the face of the earth. :)

Still in all, social media is a great way to generate leads, build relationships, and build trust. But as far as making sales, I'm convinced you need to move away from Twitter, Facebook, etc., to boost your bottom line.

Excellent post, Lynn -- thanks!

Re: Effective Online Leadership Secrets

melaniekissell — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:01:58 -0000

Great to find you guest posting here, Lynn -- love this subject matter!

I think the very best leadership skills involve:

1.) Communication (consistently staying in touch with your team/VA/strategic alliance partners, etc. and creating crystal clear, concise communications)

2.) Delegation (knowing "who" and "when" to assign projects and tasks)

3.) Problem-solving (being skilled at putting out "fires" and dealing with "difficult" people/vendors/clients/customers)

4.) Gratitude (paying it forward and always finding ways to show appreciation for those you work with -- helping them feel they are the most "vital" part of your business)

5.) Total transparency (a great leader will never fail to own up to his or her shortcomings and take full responsibility and accountability for personal mistakes and errors in judgement)

Lead On!
Melanie

Re: Seven Tips to Hosting Webinars that Rock | Blog | Daily Dose | Entrepreneur.com

melaniekissell — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:39:20 -0000

Bravo, Carol -- every one of your tips are top notch advice!

Couldn't agree with you more here ...

" ... none are 100 percent reliable. I often see top experts and presenters
who work on the pricey platforms rescheduling or providing encore
presentations after the technology just plain refused to work."

Good point and I hope readers don't gloss over it or dismiss it as something that just happens to "other" people. Wrong.

Guess what? That's precisely what happened this past week on my very first webinar -- a BIG technical glitch. What a way to start my webinar journey, eh? LOL !

I was sponsoring the webcast for a "top" expert who uses a "pricey" platform -- someone who's been involved in the world of online marketing for well over a decade. The video portion recorded but the audio did not. *Sigh* Unfortunately, that meant the entire presentation had to be re-recorded.

All I can say is ...
Welcome to the wonderful and WACKY world of webinars. :)

Re: If You Wanna Find Your Calling, You Have to Get in Its Way!

melaniekissell — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:12:01 -0000

This one definitely got my wheels turning, Steve!

Don't you sometimes wish we were born with a "purpose and passion" doctrine in the bassinet? You know, our "calling" clearly spelled out for us -- right out of the womb?

In my case (and maybe yours, too), THAT would have been nice.

But no. THAT would have also been too easy. (Thank you, God, instead, for the opportunity to walk through a little bit of hell, frustration, and sometimes fury to figure out our calling in life.)

I'm beginning to think life is a big fat "test". And so far, my grades aren't looking that good.

Just when I think I'm doing what I've been put on this earth to do ... it's back to the drawing board again.

Which brings to mind ...

The only sure thing in life is change. There's nothing else you can count on.

You've asked a wonderful question, Steve -- "When do I feel most alive?"

Well, I feel most alive when I'm deep in thought about something I'm writing. I get excited about the notion of publishing my work and I absolutely love the whole process of coming up with a topic, creating a compelling headline, and sharing a message or a lesson that speaks to me.

I also feel not only "alive" but "electrified" when I'm speaking to a group of people. Give me an audience and I'm in heaven!

"Teaching". Now that's another thing that awakens my soul. When I can share what I know with someone else and make their life a little better or easier in some way, I'm tickled pink!

So what's my calling, you ask?

Darned if I know. It's still a mystery to me. :)

Re: Regaining Personal Power

melaniekissell — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:54:21 -0000

Immense thanks, Steve.

Be sure to check my reply to Keith's comment. There's got to be a boat load of people out there who are putting some juicy stuff in the comment box! :)

Re: Regaining Personal Power

melaniekissell — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:50:30 -0000

Keith, I'm leaving humble pie on the table this time. Flattery will get you everywhere! LOL :)

Why, oh, why hasn't someone started a "commenting" contest in lieu of a blogging contest for a change of pace? I know of a couple pretty good contenders. *Wink*

Re: Regaining Personal Power

melaniekissell — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:15:02 -0000

Hey Steve -- glad you enjoyed my lightning bugs analogy.

It's been far too long since I visited last and I can see I've been missing out on the dispensing of a lot of wonderful information. I better get my fanny over here more often! :)

Re: Regaining Personal Power

melaniekissell — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:32:48 -0000

Very poignant piece, Steve!

Times in our lives when we are most vulnerable, down-in-the-dumps, unclear about our goals, shaky in our relationships, and lacking in confidence are the moments our personal "power" will wane.

But you're right! It's still (faithfully) present within us.

Like the lightning bugs we used to catch as kids ...

We need to grab our personal power jars and recapture the light, the spunk, and the spark!

Melanie :)

Re: How to Optimize Your Blog for More Subscribers [Blog Review]

melaniekissell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:57:45 -0000

Dynamite blog review!!

Tons of fun, Denise, to have Derek turn the tables on you. He not only did an awesome critique, he took the time to explain "why" he felt specific changes were in order.

It wasn't just "preach" ... it was "teach". You've got to respect a person like that.

Really, really, helpful tips and advice. I can see where many of us are going to benefit from a shift in our thinking and no longer be shy about putting up opt in boxes here, there, and everywhere! :)

Re: Expert List Building Tips – How to Build a Responsive and Lucrative List

melaniekissell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:04:10 -0000

Denise, the timing of this post is impeccable.

I'm getting really chagrined and I'm about an inch away from crossing over the "I quit" line with list building and, in particular, email marketing.

I'm beginning to suspect my subscribers have developed cataracts or fallen into a coma.

"Responsive" is the KEY adjective but I can't seem to get my list to respond to anything.

I sent out a message this past week asking them to hit the reply button with a quick yes or no (I listed some topics and asked if any or all of them were of interest). I also asked them to feel free to mention anything they need help with or want more information about.

NO replies. Oy.

Derek Halpern and I have had some really great conversations via email. He definitely walks his talk! For some odd reason, though, his approach to using the "personal touch" with my list isn't cutting the mustard.

And here's a scenario that's played out on a continuum ...

Most every time someone unsubscribes from my list, they send along a gracious little note saying, "I really like your stuff but I'm getting way too many emails from way too many people. Best of success to you." I hate to keep on this negative vein, but I think there's some semblance of truth in the "email overload" syndrome. How to combat that issue? I'm clueless.

One thing I pride myself in is "communications". I'm a good writer, speaker, and I've worked with the public for forty years. My interpersonal skills have been honed to the max.

"Building a responsive and lucrative list"? I wish.

Re: 50 Surefire Ways to Get “Unfollowed” on Twitter, @shoestringgal

melaniekissell — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:59:02 -0000

Way to go, Jessica!

The one thing that bugs me more than anything else on Twitter are the peeps who post NOTHING but quotes all day long. Sheesh! I love quotes just as much as the next person. But enough is enough.

#48 gets my goat, as well. I have seen some of the most "suggestive" and "revealing" profile photos and, honestly, I don't consider myself a prude. But I find it in very poor taste to have certain body parts exposed on social media venues. Sends the wrong kind of message, if ya know what I mean. :(

Knowing you ...

I bet you could have come up with at least 50 more no-no's! :)

Re: Be Creative with your Linkedin Profile Location

melaniekissell — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:35:36 -0000

Well, I'm going to jump on the "thank-you" bandwagon with your other readers, Lynn -- this is an awesome tip!

Just as a matter of interest ...

I was reading an e-book this afternoon from a well-established, talented writer and highly successful entrepreneur. She has no use for LinkedIn whatsoever. That's a shame. Personally, even though she's very successful, I would have to say she's missing out on a wonderful opportunity to network with and create joint venture partnerships with some really amazing professionals. Her loss.

Keep the great LinkedIn tips coming our way!
Melanie :)

Re: Contagious Content – Strategic Posting for Better Visibility on the Web

melaniekissell — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:56:33 -0000

GREAT stuff, Denise!

So grateful you had time to read Dan's book during your flight. We can all benefit from your discoveries. Thanks so much for sharing - caught your Cinch cast before I headed over here.

There's one super successful online marketer I've been following for years who always emails her list on Sunday nights. I used to think that was rather quirky ... but I certainly don't feel that way anymore!

I'll have to do a little more experimenting, but ...

I'm not totally convinced "publish on weekends for more comments" will turn out to be true for me (and my blog). We'll see.

I've published posts on the weekends and have gotten zero comments until Monday rolls around. Go figure. But I'm certainly willing to be more consistent with weekend posting and see what happens.

Re: Are you phoning it in?

melaniekissell — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:38:05 -0000

I just thought of a motto for maintaining "presence" (It's okay if you think I'm nuts. It's Friday. And Friday connotes Fun) :)

"Talk to anybody who's listening -- and listen to anybody who's talking"

That's how you do it!

Re: Are you phoning it in?

melaniekissell — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:50:30 -0000

Many thanks, Denise -- means a lot to me. :)

In a nutshell ...

Being "present", in my estimation, means "showing up" -- showing up in a way that's responsive, genuinely caring (at times, empathetic), and totally transparent.

Re: Future Social Media Marketing Trends You Must Know About

melaniekissell — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:06:57 -0000

You're welcome, Lynn!

Social media is moving at such a fast pace, it's almost impossible to keep up, isn't it? Thank goodness we can count on you to keep your finger on the pulse of social media happenings. :)

Re: Future Social Media Marketing Trends You Must Know About

melaniekissell — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:27:19 -0000

" ... 60% of online users would trust information contained on a social media
site over that on a corporate site – even if the information was
identical."

Now that's a pretty power-packed statement, Lynn! A statistic like that speaks volumes.

I think a time will come (probably sooner versus later!) where the old school static web sites (corporate-style sites) and brochure-style web pages will get glossed over and most likely totally ignored.

Prospects and customers are demanding "engagement" with businesses and they want their questions and concerns addressed in real time! Corporate web sites aren't designed for that type of instantaneous interaction but ...

Social media IS!!

No doubt about it, social media is here to stay. :)

Enlightening post!
Melanie

Re: Are you phoning it in?

melaniekissell — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:18:57 -0000

"I'm curious about how you maintain presence"

I do it the "old fashioned" way, Denise -- I give my full attention to ONE thing at a time -- one conversation at a time, one person at a time, one problem at a time, one project at a time. You get the idea.

And, believe me, there's a tradeoff in the way I maintain presence. I'm a "solo"-preneur who's flying solo. That is, I'm the whole enchilada! I decided a long time ago it was going to take me ten times longer than the next guy to build my business and that's okay.

I prefer to be "present" for people when they reach out to me in lieu of shining them on because I have a blog post to write or a landing page to create, etc.

For me, effectively maintaining a "presence" is all about (willingly) making a lot of sacrifices.

It's very important to me (and I think the payoff will be much greater in the end) to give 100% of myself to anything I'm involved in or helping with at the moment (online or offline).

(Please keep in mind I also work three part time jobs offline.)

For example ...

The goal for creating a presence online is, in essence, to be "seen everywhere", right? Become recognizable, in other words.

So I'll spend hours every day reading blogs and posting comments as well as joining in group discussions on LinkedIn to "boost" my presence. And sometimes I'm doing that at 3:00 o'clock in the morning!

Could I spend those hours creating an info product instead? Or writing a book? Or any other self-serving activity? Yes, I could. But I choose to make creating and maintaining a "presence" online my highest priority.

Beautiful post!
Melanie

Re: Two of the Best Darn Blogging Strategies – Exposed!

melaniekissell — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:51:42 -0000

I really enjoyed reading this part, Lynn ...

"Don’t post stiff and boring posts; instead, have fun with your blog."

And I agree! The more engaging and entertaining you can be with your blog posts, the better response you'll get from your readers and they'll keep coming back for more! :)

Call upon as much character and wit as you possibly can when crafting a post!