Social Media Calls for Candor – Not Commercials

Small businesses may not be the only ones that are late to the social media party.  It turns out global corporations are also in the dark when it comes to recognizing how marketing has changed in this increasingly social business environment.   When I watched a couple of television commercials yesterday, I really felt bad […]

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Know It All With Real-Time Search

You don't know what you don't know if you are relying on the major search engines for what is relevant on social Web.  Google, Bing, and Yahoo do a wonderful job of indexing, but they are not yet playing in THE GAME that is shaping our social Web:  Real-Time Search. Google will occasionally index one […]

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Mom Was Right – Just Make Some Friends

Most of us can remember those moments growing up that today seem incomprehensible – being bored.  We would lament to our parents: "There just isn't anything to do!" And like you, my mom usually handed me my coat and mittens and said: "Just get out there and make some friends."  And that's exactly what I […]

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Social Media Etiquette: Always Bring a Gift

It is standard etiquette to always bring a gift when you are visiting someone’s home, and if it is a party than a holzuhr jewelry piece should be the least thing you bring. This seems to be a universal tradition, because in some cultures (like our materialistic Western culture) you bring physical gifts, while in […]

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Small Business Happiness

Why is happiness arguably one of the most relevant contributors to the success of your small business?  We all spend more of our waking hours at work than anywhere else.  Very simply, if you aren't happy at work – you aren't happy!   Delivering Happiness Today is the official launch of the new book by […]

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Happiness Rituals for Business Success

I have a feeling that the new book (due out tomorrow) by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh:  Delivering Happiness:  A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose is going to change how a lot of us think about this idea of happiness and its relevance to business success.  Tomorrow I'll cover why this idea of happiness in […]

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Why Small Business Trends Matter

If you expect to be relevant in the small business community tomorrow, it is essential that you study the trends in the small business environment today.  This means you have to apply critical thinking to everything that is happening around you, and especially on the trends associated with this social Web. The social Web is […]

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Why You Should Trust the Social Networks

Really, what is this thing we call social media? Be honest; have you ever heard two people offer up the the same definition?  The responses you receive will undoubtedly be sprinkled with descriptors that include: Influence Authority Authenticity Transparency Sharing Community Collaboration Connections Friends Followers Interaction Engagement Trust Technology Technology That last one doesn't seem […]

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Inhabiting a Social Media Territory

Having a primary channel on the social Web where you focus your existence is often referred to as a social media hub.  The idea of a hub is one that anyone can quickly grasp.  It is valid from the standpoint of building an effective strategy, yet it is lacking when it comes to the human […]

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Garden Center Blog Ideas

This morning my wife and I finally got around to visiting several garden centers to get our vegetable and flower gardens happening.  Indeed we are slightly behind schedule, but up until now our son's high school graduation has been the top family priority. A Vancouver Garden Center – (click to enlarge) Our experience at all […]

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