Baking up Swell

Lots of progress underway, thanks to help from BAKERY. The skeletal framework of the business plan is complete and next week the mighty marketing plan will go from brain to paper. Here's another video teaser to get you thinking pretty swell.



Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

We All March On

Got some exciting news about a new project getting ready to launch at the end of this month and I'm pretty much about to burst. Let's just say it's a swell secret.

Photo by me, featuring the lovely Jada. She's in on the secret. Shhhh!

Movin' on Up: Equipped for the Ride

Movin' on Up: Equipped for the Ride
Part 1 of a 4 Part Series on Rising within During a Slow Economy
Audience: Early to Mid-Level Career

Yes, times are tough right now throughout the world. If you have a job, it's probably best to keep it. I'm not going to discourage anyone to abandon dreams, just pray and seek wise counsel. There's far too many experienced, educated people without full-time work, myself included.

We've all heard the cliche, "Climbing the corporate ladder." Many times, it's not even that difficult, possibly more akin to riding up an escalator. It can be paced, methodical. Employers spend far less grooming a current employee for advancement than recruiting and training an outsider.

Do you realize how little it takes to be better? It amazes me how little people expect. Don't just go in and get a paycheck, actually add revenue.

First, we'll start to build a "toolbox," of basic essentials.

THE IN-HOUSE EXPERT

You need to know what you're doing, and if you don't ask. There's an expert in your own office. Take someone higher up the rungs out to lunch (hence, you're paying) and ask key questions. This is not a mentor (will discuss later), but at this meeting you are essentially behaving like a "mentee."

How to prepare:

• Have a rough unspoken agenda for the lunch
  
• Be eager and excited, but prepared. Time is valuable, so show you're good at managing it in this meeting.
  
• Dress professionally (even if it's a business casual environment, this is the time to turn it up a notch)
• Make sure grooming is classic, tasteful (ladies, be modest, no loud nail polish, overbearing perfumes, gaudy jewelry, or sloppy updos, even if it's on trend, it's not appropriate; guys, be clean, clothes pressed, nails trimmed)

What to Avoid:

• A loud bar setting; you won't get anything accomplished due to the noise
  
• Do not order the jumbo platter, anything dripping in grease, broccoli or spinach, or a waif salad (not the time to chow down, have food stuck in your teeth or look like you have eating issues)
• Talk about overly personal manners
• Gossip about colleagues (even if your superior begins; this spells disaster)
  
• Order a drink or talk about drinking ("I can't wait 'til happy hour," "This has been a long week, I'll need a drink later.")
• Tell offensive jokes (If you're unsure, try the mom test)

You've got roughly an hour to two, depending on your workplace. If you work it right, this person will be a new advocate, an important connection.

In addition to being an avid traveler, I have five years of professional service industry marketing and communication experience within large firms across the U.S. Freelance opportunities include handling RFPs/RFIs/SOQs, developing/revising marketing plans, SWOT analysis, presentation design, branding and graphics.

Bloggy Bubble

(Found this site, Wordle.net, courtesy of Jenny, one of my Tweeps)

By feeding the site my RSS, it created this mashup of words featured in previous post. I love had some words that weren't originally together happen to bundle closely, like "busty," and "rack."

Think I'm a Sellout?

Dear Reader:
I hope you don't think I'm a sellout for placing ads on this blog. Here are my reasons, plain and simple:

1. I need the money - If I get any revenue from these links, TERRIFIC! I've got bills to pay, we all do. If the links are ineffective, I'll take them off.

2. I love a good bargain - Who doesn't? When I can share a coupon, I'm happy to do it.

3. Big girls need love too - I won't go into details, but I'm a busty lass. It's hard to go bra shopping and a lot of my female friends have the same problem. Some of the retailers listed are good sources for these scarce unmentionables I just mentioned.

4. I'm cool with all the vendors - I've hand selected these advertisers because I find their products/services to be a good value, personally or via testimonials of close friends/family. You will not find me placing an ad link to the guy with a rack of watches in his coat.

I suppose I don't have to defend my position on this as I own the domain. But this isn't just any website, it's a blog, and I encourage interaction. (possible now the comment form is working!) No one likes that 300-pound gorilla in the room, but there's something charming about Magilla Gorilla and Grape Ape. My point is, transparency matters, and I'm telling you there will be some ads from time to time. Avert your eyes or tease your senses, it's up to you. All better now? Good.

Name your future?

An article on CareerBuilder states that certain names are advantageous for scholastics and certain career paths. Interesting read, however, research seems limited as are examples.
From my own experience, I have noticed perceptions of coworkers that go by more casual nicknames versus formal first name (i.e., Katie v. Katherine, Mandy v. Amanda, Suzie v. Susan).
I read an similar article a few months back that said Audrey was "sophisticated," I think. Nice.
Here's the link . . .

Blogging for business? Make sure you're dressed for success.

After updating my Twitter to include some ActiveRain friends, I scoured through some of my oldie-but-goodie posts.  Here's a (condensed) snippet from one of my hits:

Dress your Blog Professionally

• Text should be easy to read—Utilize white space and remember not to emphasize everything—it depletes any emphasis you were attempting to place. Get rid of run-on sentences and break up never ending paragraphs.

• Organize your blog well--“Stream of consciousness” or “free thought” is okay, just make sure you don’t ramble. Each post should cover a topic or be wrapped around a theme.

• Be real, but not really--Be open and sincere, but retain some privacy. Share, but set boundaries. Your blog is you, but with your hair fixed and clothes pressed, not fresh out of bed. 

• Create rapport via honesty & sharing-- Again, you don’t have to let the reader into every nook and cranny of your life, but be honest and willing to share more than (insert market here) updates.

• Check your anger at the door (login page)-- Angry rants have no place on a business blog. If this is your idea of seeking revenge, you’ve just empowered your target and decreased your credibility. Do not post snide comments (humor is OK, but curb the sardonic prattle.)

• What’s the “takeaway” from your profile—Does it tell the reader that you’re an expert in XYZ? Would someone be drawn to perusing your blog based on your bio? Does your picture look warm or cold? Do you mention reasons why someone should check out your website?

• Word travels fast--People will Google your name.  Don't leave comments on your blog (or anyone else's) that would damage your reputation (see Check Anger above).  

You've heard it before, you're hearing it again: In order for your blog to be an effective marketing tool, use it wisely. Post with relevance, style and an actual voice (sans the story about your recent colon cleanse). Be kind and considerate. It's pseudo-easy to make a name for yourself, but make sure it's the name you want.