Disqus - Friends of nlbctim

Re: Social Media Starter Moves for Freelancers

KarenSwim — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:46:44 -0000

Chris, this post represents a few of the things I've come love about the blogging community - generosity. Generously sharing information, ideas, success tips and link love. As I read, I spotted many things I've done wrong. In fact I could be the case study for "what not to do," but thankfully you've provided tools so that I can now set about running a proper blog. Thank you so much for the great tips.

Karen

Re: How you define authority and what it means to you?

KarenSwim — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:53:08 -0000

I am truly learning from and enjoying these thoughtful perspectives on authority. I see authority in the same way that I view leadership. You can have the position of authority (such as being a boss, or an adult to the child) without being respected as such or you can be an influencer because people like, trust and respect you. True authority does not need a title to support it only the earned respect of those that trust enough to follow it.

Re: Blog Marketing Tips #1: How to Optimize Blog Post Titles

KarenSwim — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:41:27 -0000

Jumping up and down for joy and greedily begging for more. Thank you so much! After scouring the net searching for blog marketing tips, a honest to goodness real and usable tip arrives via Twitter. Thank you so much for gifting the clueless with info that can be used

Re: Blog Marketing Tips #1: How to Optimize Blog Post Titles

KarenSwim — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:17:35 -0000

Andy, way ahead of you. You had me hello. ;-)

Re: Startup Reactor: The Elevator Pitch

KarenSwim — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:32:07 -0000

Hi Steve,
First of all kudos to all for the hard work. Developing an elevator pitch is not easy and is never nailed immediately. It is something that continually gets refined just as you fine tune your ideal client profile. I don't know the target market of each company but here are my initial impressions. Transpondr - needs to fine tune messaging, not benefit rich. Think benefit not features. Also not crazy about "unique" or "simple." What does that mean to the end user? LogoBid - Great start! I would design two pitches one for designers and the other for users, much cleaner, in my opinion. Publictr - Another great start! Simple and to the point but I would fine tune a bit more with benefit. Siphs - too much about them and not enough benefit for client, too long, sounds more like mission statement than elevator pitch. Zambino - way too long and where's the WIIFM?

Keep up the great work! This stuff is not easy!

Karen

Re: Why I’m a Tortoise in a World of Blogging Hares

KarenSwim — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:35:51 -0000

Andy, I love this approach to blogging! I am a marathon runner so I appreciate endurance over speed. Being an endurance runner gives me what I need when it's time to activate the fast twitch muscles when I need to sprint but from day to day I'm focused on going long and going strong for a lifetime. I blog because I enjoy it and want to add value in my little corner of the world. Three cheers for the tortoise!

Karen

Re: Who Am I Really

KarenSwim — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:53:28 -0000

Happy Birthday Chris! Thank you for all that you do to teach and inspire others. I hope your birthday is a blast!

Re: 12 Reputations Every Company Should Monitor Online

KarenSwim — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:16:16 -0000

Andy, clear, concise and comprehensive post. This is a list that everyone should print for reference. So often we think of managing what we do and say online but don't carefully monitor what others are doing and saying about our name, company, marketing and brand. Whether you're GSK or a solo practitioner this is great advice. Thank you!

Re: Rainy Sunday, sunny Monday

KarenSwim — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:26:49 -0000

Roland, these photos make me want to brave the airline chaos and hop a plane. Even without sun, it is beautiful. You are a great photographer. This was like a visual vacation, thank you!

Re: Alert Thingy Helps Make FriendFeed Indispensible

KarenSwim — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:19:31 -0000

Chris, I have been grappling with how to make Friend Feed work for me. I use Twhirl and I'm now going to download Alert Thingy. Thanks for the tip.
@Whitney, there is nothing more thrilling than the library or bookstore. While I use Amazon to buy and browse books for convenience and Google and other search engines to browse for info, it's just not the same. @Andrew you are right. I'm 44 and many baby boomers remain loyal to our old fashioned ways.

Grabbing my rocker to read a book. ;-)

Re: Get off Twitter, Lay Off the Blogs, and Put Some Thought Back Into Your Email Campaigns

KarenSwim — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:44:26 -0000

Hi Michelle, I agree with your post. In fact for a couple of months I have been receiving an email newsletter from a friend. It's sent 1-2 times per week and has short articles and loads of links. I have found myself reading and clicking on the links and telling people about my friend and her business. As I was not thinking like a marketer but consumer I didn't even stop to think that I had been viral marketing as a result of these emails. For those of us heavily involved in social media we forget that a large part of our market is not reading blogs, using Facebook or Twitter. While we may prefer these communication methods there are so many people who are still not on board. Ignoring email marketing leaves behind a lot of potential customers.

Karen Swim's last blog post..P is for Purpose

Re: Here’s the Reason Why Small Businesses Won’t Adopt “Enterprise 2.0”

KarenSwim — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:43:12 -0000

Andy, this certainly should boost the spirits of small businesses who often bemoan not having access to big business resources. Making the transition from Corporate America to owning a small business has certainly enhanced my creativity and innovation. It is funny how we lock ourselves into a mindset that "fancy" is better. Your post validates that simple (and often free) are often the best way. Thanks for sharing the Forrester report and for your insights.

Karen Swim's last blog post..Getting to the Starting Line - What Running Taught Me About Goals and Wants

Re: Here’s the Reason Why Small Businesses Won’t Adopt “Enterprise 2.0”

KarenSwim — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:58:46 -0000

@ Andy, more companies could use your wisdom. I am fortunate to have some corporate customers. I am often surprised at how difficult they make things, and while they're building elaborate systems or holding endless meetings to talk about building elaborate systems, small companies have "been there, done that." This is such an exciting time in business, I can't wait to see what comes next. :-)

Karen Swim's last blog post..Getting to the Starting Line - What Running Taught Me About Goals and Wants

Re: Startup Resources

KarenSwim — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:29:42 -0000

Wow! This is an incredibly comprehensive resource that answers all the right questions. So often new entrepreneurs ask, "what do I..," "where do I find.." and "how do I..." questions. Now I know where to send them to get all of the who, what, why, how questions answered. Incredible!

Re: Social Media Marketing Beginner’s Guide

KarenSwim — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:38:40 -0000

Jon, SMM has so many moving parts that it is easy to get overwhelmed. I appreciate the tips you offered which provide key insight into the "why" and "how" of social media.

Re: What do you feed your genie?

KarenSwim — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:27:36 -0000

Hi Vimoh, many years ago I had a turning point that led me to really grasp this concept. I was whining to myself about things I wanted and had not attained and I realized that my actions had not reflected my desires. I love the analogy of the genie, it is a perfect illustration that we often have the power to grant our own wishes. Excellent post!

Re: How to be an Authority Commenter

KarenSwim — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:32:56 -0000

Vimoh, what a great discussion of the value of commenting. So often, people focus on the value of commenting to bloggers but as you articulated everyone can gain value from commenting. For my career marketing clients, I always advise them to comment on industry related blogs. It is an easy way to demonstrate your knowledge and form relationships with people in your industry of choice.

Re: Something to end, something to start

KarenSwim — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:34:58 -0000

Roland, I am so happy for you and celebrate the next step of my journey. Weeks ago you shared an old Latin quote that translates to "When you have a dream the universe conspires to make it a reality." I know that doors will begin to open on your behalf and people will appear seemingly from nowhere to help you reach your destination. And always, my friend you can count on my support and encouragement. I wish you great blessings!

Re: Small processes - the shell of the tortoise

KarenSwim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:28:35 -0000

Roland, you raise some good points here. We are far too quick to jump on the bandwagon for the next "big" thing without question. Here in the US this thinking is prevalent in every facet of life. Critical thinking and reasoning are no longer valued and it appears that even our educational system is to dumb down the next generation to become followers rather than thinking. I often try things (yes, even Plurk) but with a critical eye as to whether it works for me personally. If the tool is useful I stick it in my toolbox, but if not, I move on no matter what the "gurus" may think. Thank you for challenging us to re-examine these issues.

Re: About Not Reading

KarenSwim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:44:20 -0000

Stephanie, it is a sad reality that I suppose has always existed but becomes illuminated in today's content intensive world. It is for this reason that many often write for "skimmers" with short bullets and sub headlines throughout copy. I too have been guilty of skimming but lately if I find myself skimming, I realize I'm tired and I opt to read and comment when I have time to give it my full attention. Am I reading and commenting less? You bet! However, I would rather give my quality attention to a few rather than scattered attention to many.

P.S. I actually read the French and English on this post, of course did much better with teh English. Merci! :-)

Re: 40 Sites You Might Actually Use

KarenSwim — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:52:28 -0000

Steve, this is a great list. I've used a lot of these tools but also found a few new ones, particularly in multimedia which is a weak area for me. It's always great to get advice from the tech savvy and find out what others are using. Thanks for pulling it together!

Re: I Need Some Serious Advice On Our Wills

KarenSwim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:41:20 -0000

Max, these are tough issues! When my friend asked me to be the guardian of her children I wept. I cried because of the magnitude of the decision and because the thought of anything ever happening to her or her hubby was overwhelming. I also understood why they chose me rather than family - shared values, faith and mindset. I would absolutely love and raise her children as she would. I've seen loving families fight over assets and custody and it's ugly. As you consider these tough decisions choose those that you have watched under fire and their character has remained intact. I hope that other parents share their experience with you. These are weighty issues and a great discussion point.

Re: Challenges, Frustrations, Setbacks and Breakthroughs.

KarenSwim — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:30:31 -0000

Tim, fantastic advice! I recently wen through a "desert" season and it was not fun. I even thought of quitting and going back to work in Corporate America. One thing that helped me is realizing that "whom He calls, He equips." I began to own my purpose again and reaffirm my belief in my ability . That belief led me to act like I really believed I could, should, and would do it. Reading this post has helped me to continue moving forward. Thank you so much for sharing your own experience and helping all of us to learn and grow from it.

Re: The Etiquette Of Seeking Advice

KarenSwim — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:15:44 -0000

Max, excellent points. This morning the first line of my freaknomics calendar read: The human mind does poorly with randomness. When I provide career advice I have often pointed out that if you ask your network for general help, it's not only rude but it will not invite response. However, being specific will help others know exactly how they can help you. Our minds don't do well with random and as you pointed out it is also rude. ;-)

Re: LinkedIn vs Xing

KarenSwim — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:28:40 -0000

Roland, I had been thinking of using Xing so really appreciate your analysis. It's so hard to keep up with all the networks and how they will be useful. Perhaps we should recruit more Continental Europeans to LI and then it would be the best of both worlds. :-)

Karen