storytelling
February 2020
Creating Sponsored Content People Want to See
In early January, content posted on Teen Vogue’s website began trending on social media, which should have delighted the magazine’s editorial team. The article focused on how Facebook planned to tackle politically-driven misinformation campaigns on its platform. But the article itself was misleading. Though appearing as editorial content, it actually was a paid piece from Facebook. Teen Vogue initially added an editor’s note labeling it as sponsored content. When the controversy failed to die down,...
November 2019
Be Best, Blogger
On a LinkedIn post recently, marketers were debating the value of blogs—those marketing mainstays used to build trust with your prospects, warm up the buying process with engagement and bolster your SEO efforts. Some of those weighing in on LinkedIn suggested to not post “some crappy 500-word blog that your overpaid agency told you to write,” and to “ditch the blog when you have nothing to say.” I 100% agree with those recommendations … and...
October 2019
How to Begin Marketing Your Brand Using Blogs
At recent networking events, I’ve been mingling with other small business owners and professionals who are interested in advancing their brand online. From financial advisors and real estate brokers to web service providers, wellness coaches and more—most are flummoxed by how to begin to gain attention and traction from prospects while on a tight budget. One piece of advice I offer to jump-start marketing for either their company or personal brand: Create an active blog. ...
June 2019
Where Will This Summer Lead You?
We’re now weeks away from the official start of summer here in the northern hemisphere. In theory, we should slow down and spend more time outdoors enjoying our natural surroundings. Everything is supposed to be lighter during summer months—the days, clothing, meals and ambitions. As such, our consumption of media often takes a hiatus from heavy material, too. That’s why this month I’m recommending content that left me smiling (and one bonus that didn’t but...
In 1905, an 11-year-old Frank Epperson mixed a soft drink powder with water and then accidentally left the sugary liquid and stirring stick outside on his family’s San Francisco porch overnight. The youngster woke the next morning to discover an ice pop, which some years later became the frozen treat now trademarked Popsicle. (So named by Epperson’s children, who called him “Pop,” after rejecting his first eponymous suggestion: the Eppsicle.) It’s a lovely origin story....
The objective of the phrase “just do it” can be transformed in many different ways depending upon the accompanying tone. It could be orally stated in a crushing indifferent manner, or it could be boldly stylized as seen in Nike’s signature 30-year-old “JUST DO IT” campaign that continues to inspire all fitness levels to embrace exercise (while donning Nike products). Conveying an appropriate tone of voice that is aligned with your brand (company or personal)...
The Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, and all things pumpkin have transitioned to everything peppermint. Perfect time to feast on a film, a feature and a podcast to both incite and inspire us during the next round of holidays. [watch] The price of monitoring online content. The PBS series Independent Lens recently aired an excellent documentary on offshore content moderators paid to screen and often block controversial pictures and videos. The filmmakers juxtapose young Filipinos hired to...
I spent part of this winter in central Oregon, where it snowed often and ice frequently accumulated on the roads. One early March morning I confidently headed out for groceries in a Nissan Pathfinder and very briefly lost control of the vehicle. I’d misjudged the Pathfinder’s four-wheel drive, my own competence and the road’s slick surface. So, with that event still fresh in my mind, I’ll open this month’s recommendations for what to read, watch...
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