Email Marketing: Get People On Your List

Several years ago when the 'new message' icon used to pop up on your computer screen, it meant you had received a note from an old friend, family member or coworker. Today, more of that form of 'simple' communication is moving to Facebook, Twitter or texting.

As a business owner looking to create stronger relationships with clients and customers, do not forget the power of email marketing.

A new study released by ExactTarget found 58 percent of U.S. online consumers begin their day interacting with companies on email, compared to 20 percent who start their day on search engines and 11 percent on Facebook.

And with the increased number of mobile devices that can send and receive email messages, there is really no boundary to the time and location where you can remind your customers about the benefits of your business. A blog from MediaPost Publications said it best; your customers are your marketers in today's world.

What is email marketing?

In it's simplest form, email marketing is email data-base management. Several companies offer on-line email marketing solutions including the creation and distribution of your own newsletter or eBlast to subscribers. While some people get hung up on giving out personal information such as an email address for fear of being spammed, rest assured that the reputable email marketing companies have a fail-safe method to prevent this type of invasion of privacy. Email marketing is always a permission based subscription service. Once your customer does not want to receive information from you, they have the option to 'unsubscribe' from your list. Most reputable companies offer a simple one-click remedy for this while others make the user jump through several hoops just to be removed from a list. More hoops to jump through - the more upset your clients will be.

How to get started with email marketing

Start with the list of clients and customer who are 'regular' fans of your business. From there, add the names of first time visitors and people you have met at industry events. Encourage people who visit your website and subscribe to your social media site to join your email list. Even a simple piece of paper at a cash register to collect the name and email address of each customer is a great way to add names to your list. The more people on your list, the more valuable your marketing.

What do I send to my subscribers?

A weekly or bi-weekly Newsletter is a great way to stay in touch and remind your customers of special offers, upcoming promotions or special events they are interested in. Your newsletters can also include a video (linked from YouTube) showing a presentation you made at City Hall or a short clip demonstrating a new product or service. The key is to give your subscribers material that will be of interest or a benefit to them. Offer them something (information) first before it is available on any other source.

What else can I do with Email marketing?

Are you interested in sending out a regular email newsletter to your subscribers? Great. There are many companies that can help you.

Are you interested in combining your email marketing with event planning that will track respondents and collect money all online?

Are you interested in combining your email marketing with online surveys that you can send to collect valuable information about a product or service you are offering - without having to use another external source?

If you answered YES to one or any of those last questions, I recommend Constant Contact.

Yes, I am a very satisfied Constant Contact user.

-Darren

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Create Your Own Parade

Several years ago while I was still working in radio, a manager told me "Pick a parade and lead it". Sadly, because of cutbacks, lack of time or fear of failure, many traditional media outlets adhere to that motto. They (traditional media) do not have the time or resources to champion every new cause that is presented to them.
Newspaper outlets have fewer writers and reports available to research new story leads. Television is reducing staff and replacing more local programs with national news programs. And with automation, Radio stations can be staffed with fewer bodies allowing for more 'piped in' or voice-tracked programming.

So how can you create your own parade for the media to notice?

Remember the movie "Field Of Dreams"? Remember that famous line; 'if you build it they will come'?

If you build a big enough 'buzz', traditional media will take notice. Just ask Greyson Chance. Greyson is the 12 year old who posted a video of him performing the Lady GaGa song "Paparazzi" at a school festival. The video has been viewed more than 26 million times and caught the attention of many media personalities including Ellen Degeneres.

As I mentioned before, traditional media does not have the time to interview or talk to everyone who is seeking their attention. Not to worry. You can do this yourself.

Words on paper or on a computer screen are great - but Video is your secret weapon.
We (society) are actively seeking new information about our favorite brands. If we find something new that we like, we are very inclined to share those stories with our friends. For that reason, YouTube has become one of the most used search engines for new content. Type in any phrase on YouTube and there will be a video for that topic.

So, here you are. A business/company/brand with a story to tell. Go ahead - tell it.

Tell me your story.
Tell me about your company.
Tell me about your products.
Tell me why you had to reduce staff and cut services.
Tell me little known facts about your brand without giving away secrets.

Depending on your budget you can do this yourself, or seek help with the many on-line video production companies in your market. Or, simply throw a good HD camera on a tripod and have someone ask you questions (off camera). Create short 3 to 5 minute video clips about your company and tell your story - in your own words.
Once you've posted them on YouTube, link to them on your company website. Share the link on your Blog, Email Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn - every Social Media outlet that you use. Musicians get this, and are using these techniques to market their products and more importantly - giving their fans a 'back stage' sneak peak, increasing the "wow" factor.

Creating your own parade will take time, but eventually, you will have people lining up to see what the buzz is all about.

Photo: Flikr, courtesy Doug Consul, 1962 Calgary Stampede Parade

Linked In for Business

Over the last few weeks I have shared with you the power of Social media for Business.
Read my reports on:
Blogging for Business
Facebook for Business

In this Speak Media Consulting blog you will learn the power of using Linked In for Business.
Linked In is the Professionals networking tool. Unlike Facebook where users go to share stories and experiences of their lives, Linked In is an exceptional networking site.

With Linked In you can:
-Sign up and develop a profile online that highlights your skills and
achievements
-Grow your network by adding to your contacts
-Use it to find prospects, employees & suppliers
-Use it to do reference checks
-Use it to ask questions and get answers
-Join groups or form your own groups
-Search for people in targeted fields, positions and ask them to join your network
-Keep in touch regularly with your contacts
-Build a great online database
(with content provided by BizLaunch)

Linked In also allows you to rebroadcast your Twitter and Blog posts directly to your Linked In account.

Watch this video tutorial on Linked In.

How are you using Linked In?
-Darren

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Social Media; The Next Addiction

For Smokers, there is the 'patch' that is supposed to help you curb your craving for a cigarette.
Soon there may come a day when Pharmaceutical companies release the Facebook or Social Media patch for those of use hooked on these sites.

How often do you check Facebook, or Twitter, or Linked In?
Once a day? Several times a day? All the time?

From eMarketer.com, Social Media sites are addicting - so much so that a large percentage of users (of social media) check their accounts when they wake during the night and more have to start their day with a check of their social media accounts. So much for having a healthy breakfast.



This report from eMarketer.com also shows that the majority of social media users can go the full day with only checking their account once. That puts me in the minority as I crave Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites as often as a dozen times a day.

Hi, my name is Darren, and I am addicted to Social Media.
Glad to know I am not the only one.

-Darren
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Facebook for Business

A few weeks ago on the Speak Media Consulting Blog, you read about the importance of using a Blog for your business. Read that story here.
Today, tips on using Facebook to increase awareness about your business and also connecting with your customers on a one-on-one basis.

There is an increasing number of stories these days about the growth to Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter and Linked In. The reason; be where your clients and customers are. In this case, a large percentage of that group ARE using social media to learn more about you and your company.

Simply put - Social Media will help:
-Grow Traffic to your website
-Increase lead generation
-Increase Sales
-Improve search engine rankings (Google)
-Improve Brand recognition


So why Facebook?

With over 400 million users world wide, it is no wonder that over 1.5 million businesses now have their own page on Facebook. By the way, by the time you read this, the number of users will have grown.
Over half of Facebook users are logging into their account once a day. If you are like me, you are checking in several times a day. The average user will spend about 55 minutes each day on Facebook reading status updates, posting comments, and reviewing engaging information shared by companies and businesses that are important in their lives.

And for Business, more than 20 million people become fans of Pages each day. That is a lot of engaged people.

With Facebook you can:
-Start a fan page for your business and invite people to join
-Include a link to your website
-Encourage discussion
-Answer customer questions
-Ask customers for their opinion
-Allow people to share your content
-Include events, videos, photographs, blog articles
-You can do very targeted advertising on Facebook

(with content previously published by BizLaunch)

Can you do all that with a Newspaper advertisement, a Radio commercial, or a Television campaign - EVERYDAY?

Download my FREE tutorial for getting set up with your own Facebook Business Page and discover a whole new way to connect and engage with your clients and customers.

Was this helpful?
Post your comments below.

-Darren
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Secret Election Weapon: Social Media

President Barack Obama proved the power of social media as a secret weapon during his election campaign. Now everyone wants to follow his lead. Or, do they?

My office is located in Calgary Alberta where long serving Mayor Dave Bronconnier announced this week (February 23, 2010) he would not be running for Calgary's top job for a fourth term.


Photo courtesy CBC Calgary

At his state of the city address on Tuesday, Bronconnier said he wants to give all challengers enough time to mount a proper campaign for the October municipal election.

So let the fun and games begin. The gloves are off and the posturing will begin shortly as individuals begin to declare their candidacy for the Mayor's chair.

Who will be the winner in this race?
The candidate who shakes the most hands and does the most speeches?
The candidate who takes out a full page newspaper advertisement to display his/her resume of good deeds?
The candidate who complains about the short comings of his/her opponent?

NO

As a Media Coach and Consultant at Speak Media Consulting, the winner will be the candidate that displays the most creative and engaging dialogue with his/her candidates primarily through the use of an effective Social Media campaign.

Step One: Create a community of supporters.
Use online programs such as Constant Contact to collect the names and email addresses for everyone who visits your website.

Step Two: Create two way dialogue with your community.
Use your email data base (citizens in your region) to ask specific questions on how THEY would like to see the community grow. Send them information and ask for their response. If they are engaged with your messaging, they will invite other friends to your list and they will be more willing to offer financial support to grow your campaign.

Step Three: Get on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Blogs.
Use Social Media to distribute information to your fans, grow your fan base and most importantly - allow your followers the forum to criticize. Every speech, every event, every ribbon cutting, set up social media appointments in advance of each event, send updates just prior to event and post every picture and video of these events on social media after these events.

Step Four: Get a Website
Be sure your web developers and content providers are on top of their game and are able to update content professionally and quickly. Be sure every stitch of Social Media is linked back to your website and is always being updated.

Step Five: Use Traditional Media to promote Social Media
Make appointments to appear in as many Television, Radio and Newspaper stories and articles as you can. Each time, promote your website or Facebook. With traditional media, you will be given a short 15 to 20 second sound bite (quote). Find creative ways to promote your website or Facebook Fan page.

Step Six: Never Give Up.
From the day you launch your website or social media campaigns do not stop promoting them. They will start to grow as your profile continues to reverberate through the community. Besides, people want to see who you are and get to know that you are looking out for their needs...and not your own.

To the candidates - good luck in October.
With background content from CBC Calgary, CTV Calgary and 660News Calgary.

-Darren
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Blogs for Business

I recently participated in an exceptional Webinar hosted by Andrew Patricio of the Toronto company BizLaunch. His session: How to use Social Media to Market your Business.

While much of this content was not new to me, it served as a reminder to the power of Social Media and how some businesses are still missing the opportunity to increase their on-line profile and profits.

Simply put - Social Media will help:
-Grow Traffic to your website
-Increase lead generation
-Increase Sales
-Improve search engine rankings (Google)
-Improve Brand recognition

And what smart business owner does not want those things to happen?

Using a Blog, you can:
1) Share your expertise and communicate daily with your customers.
2) Build a 'buzz' around your business and the media may pick up your stories.
3) Easily update content.
4) Promote your Blog using Facebook, Twitter and regular marketing tools.
5) Get your Webmaster to put your Blog on your Website. Google loves Blogs.

Where do you start?
-Chose a Blog service that suits your needs (Blogger, Wordpress, Blogspot, just to name a few)
-Develop a great name for your Blog
-Develop a Blog strategy and Blog regularly (at least 3 times a week)
-When Blogging, use great headlines and include strong keywords
-Develop tags for your Blog posts
-Allow people to share your Blog posts

Other points of interest that were presented during the BizLaunch Webinar:
Rule of Three:
-Blog 3 times a week
-Stick to 300 words per Blog
-It will take up to 3 years for your Blog to really grow traction.

Are you ready to develop stronger relationships with your customers? Blogging is just one of many great Social Media tools that are available to you right now.

For more assistance setting up or managing your personal or company Blog, please contact me directly.

Additional content previously published by BizLaunch.ca

-Darren

Canadian Musicians Produce Song for Haiti

I have been very fortunate to be part of many exciting project launches in my years. The most recent: Heartbeat For Haiti.

On January 12, 2010 – a magnitude 7.0 earthquake reduced Port-au-Prince, Haiti to rubble. In the days following this catastrophic event, many individuals and organizations came together to provide comfort, aid and support for a country in need.

Responding to the cries for help, the Calgary music community banded together to create and produce a song in support of Haiti relief efforts. HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI features the contributions of local emerging artists representing a full spectrum of musical genres, from Pop to Rock, Folk to R&B. Proceeds from sales of the song “(I Wrote You) A Song” and supporting compilation CD will go to World Vision Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

The song “(I Wrote You) A Song” has been distributed to every radio station in Canada for airplay consideration. To support the radio release, a website has been launched where you can learn more about the HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI project and more importantly, where you can purchase and download our fundraising song.
www.heartbeatforhaiti.com

Who is HEARTBEAT FOR HAITI? Produced at The Beach Recording Studio in Calgary, Alberta, this song was written by local emerging artists Amy Heffernan, Jessica Day and Steve Dodd. It is our contribution to the rebuilding of Haiti and also an opportunity to expose the exceptional talent of our local music scene.

How can you help? Call your favorite radio station in Canada and ask them to play the song. Tell your friends about Heartbeat For Haiti. Spread the word on your Social Media sites.

You can find us on Twitter and on Facebook.

And why is a Media Coach in Calgary Alberta involved in this project? The answer is simple: my desire to help the citizens in Haiti, my passion for music, and the thrill of working with so many talented emerging Artists from the local music scene.

-Darren
Executive Producer - Heartbeat For Haiti
President - Speak Media Consulting, offering innovative and effective communications solutions

E-mail Marketing for Small Business

Perhaps a better title for this post might have been "Build Customer Loyalty through E-Mail Messaging".

Either way, e-mail marketing (Newsletters) can be a very effective way to communicate to your clients and build stronger relationships with your customers. However, too many messages can often be deleted and not enough messages can be forgotten. So how do you find the happy medium? How do you know your messages are being delivered, are being read, and are creating a call to action?

There are many programs available that can handle e-mail marketing and database management. One I have had tremendous success with: Constant Contact.



Recently featured in an on-line article from MediaPost, Constant Contact has seen a nearly 50% revenue increase and has increased staff.

Constant Contact is much more than just E-mail Marketing for newsletters and communication with your clients. Their services also include On-line Surveys to track customer feedback, and Event Marketing that allows you to manage and promote any size event with online registration, payment capture and RSVP management.

The great thing about E-Mail marketing; you can and should use e-mail marketing in conjunction with your current social media marketing;
-Blog
-Facebook
-Linked In
-You Tube
-Twitter

The same principals of social media marketing apply when using E-Mail Marketing.
-build a community
-share expertise
-discuss business issues
-build your brand
-establish yourself as an expert
-and build a database

How much is TOO much and how much is too little?
I recommend to my clients to send out an e-mail newsletter at least once a week. If time and content is an issue, look at communicating with your clients every two weeks or once a month, but do not let more than 4 weeks lapse between each newsletter or you will lose the engagement with your clients.

Feel free to sign up to receive my free e-mail newsletter.

If you would like to know more about creating a successful E-Mail Marketing strategy for your Business, contact me at: darren@speakmediaconsulting.com

Thanks for reading.
-Darren

4 minutes that will change your view on the Power of Social Media

As a Media Coach and Consultant, I spend a lot of time each day reviewing material to assist the success or my clients. This is one of the most powerful presentations I have seen.



Please - I beg you - share this link with an employer who insists that Social Media is still a fad.

-Darren
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Social Media Marketing; it works

Would you be interested in a product that:
-makes you more credible?
-increases referrals?
-fosters new relationships?
-demands higher prices?
-provides outstanding visibility?
-familiarity?
-trust?
-offers your product or service?
-you are perceived as the expert?

Of COURSE you are!



Republished material from Upside Down Iceberg

-Darren

Is this information on Social Media helpful? Let me know.
Email me: darren@speakmediaconsulting.com.
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Call in the reinforcements

One of the greatest things you will discover with social media is the ability to ask for help - to call in the reinforcements.

One such group I often call on is Ulistic, a Calgary based Internet Consulting company. This A-Team consists of David West and Stuart Crawford who not only speak the language of everything 'Internet', they also take their time to explain everything using a language you and I can understand.

If you are struggling with an out of date website, or want to learn to maximize your impact using Social media, make the first call to Ulistic.

Over the next few weeks, the professionals at Ulistic will be holding a number of
seminars in Calgary to help grow your footprint in the on-line world.

Take note of these events:
February 23, 2010: How to become Googleable

February 25, 2010: Social Media Training Course
Topics include:
1.The importance of Social Media
2.An overview of the top Social Media sites and how to use them.
3.Hands on setting up your Social Media accounts.
4.Preventing the fatal mistakes with your online communications.
5.Build your Social Media followers – how to get good followers.
6.How to position yourself as an industry expert with your followers.
7.Reach people with practical online videos that tell your story & how to syndicate your videos.
8.Automate… how to manage your Social Media strategy for multiple sites with one tool!

Does this sound like a commercial endorsement for the crew at Ulistic? I hope it does. As I mentioned earlier, I have no problem reaching out and contacting other Social Media specialists to find solutions for clients. Not only will you find your competitors using social media, but you will also find many others that are able and willing to help you get a 'leg up' on your competitors. All you have to do is ask.

-Darren
Speak Media Consulting
Media Coach and Consultant
Calgary, AB

Tell me what you want - what you really, really want

That Spice Girls song popped into my head when I was looking for a title for today's posting. Sorry!

But seriously - when it comes to connecting with your customers either through your website, email marketing, social media and even face-to-face conversation, you have to offer them more than just a 'deal'. Today's consumers are concerned about the price points but they are also very interested in a developing a stronger relationship with products and services you provide. Is your company offering this kind of engagement with your clients and customers?

As a Media Coach and Consultant in Calgary, Alberta, I encourage clients to use Social media as a tool to create this kind of engagement. Social media, when done properly is key in developing deeper relationships with customers.

eMarketer.com just published this interesting statistic from the US:



Notice how customers want to know about specials, features and services. This information is like currency to your customers.

If you have read any of my Blog posts, you will see a recurring theme: use social media. Social Media may not be the primary solution for the success of every business, but it can bring new customers through your doors - and I am pretty sure you want that to sustain the growth of your business. Some companies are fortunate to have a full-time staff of social media experts who are responsible for creating and implementing these new forms of social media engagement. However if your company is new to social media or struggling to understand how to maximize your footprint in this new media, you simply need to look around and ask for help. There are many social media experts who are willing and able to assist you with your learning curve.

So tell me what you want - what you really, really want.

-Darren

Social Media: The Mothership for Local content

For many years, I used to prepare my local radio show using information I found in newspapers, television shows I watched and stories I learned from my friends. This was many years before the home computer and the world wide web. For many years, the traditional media employed similar methods to locate and source content for their respective operations.

In case you have not noticed, we are not in Kansas anymore!

You do not have to wait for content to be delivered to you via radio, television or newspaper. We have rapidly become reliant on the high speed access to content at our fingertips.
You want pizza delivery, order online from their website.
You want to find a review from last nights concert that was not in the newspaper, check to see what your friends are saying on Facebook.
You want to find if your friend arrived home safely, send them a text message.

Social Media is the 'mothership' for local content. Social media has empowered each and every user with the ability to communicate and broadcast a message without time or editorial restrictions like traditional media. I agree there is a lot of content being published on social media that I constitute as rubbish, but one persons trash is another persons gold. And just like traditional media, we have the ability to flip the page or change the channel if we find something we are not interested in.

Am I suggesting that the new on-line Social media will replace all current forms of media and make radio, television and newspaper extinct? No.

The new on-line media is creating interesting new challenges for traditional media but they, too, are faced with a unique opportunity for rebirth and continued life.

Imagine; your 'daily newspaper' delivered fresh to your desktop or smart phone but instead of just one paper, you are able to view many real time updates from news organizations you have preselected. This is a reality.

Imagine; your favorite radio station not only plays what you want but creates on-line engagement by responding and reacting to topics being published by their fans (like you) on Facebook or Twitter. This is a reality.

Imagine; you can contribute a story to the television news by recording a video on your smart phone from a local community event and emailing it to the television station. This is a reality.

Traditional media outlets are looking for new ways to find engagement with their audience. Might I suggest taking a serious look at the impact of social media. There appears to be a lot of engaged people around the world...all broadcasting and rebroadcasting local content each and every day.

Social Media = two words
Social - to create two-way communication
Media - the ability to broadcast to the masses

-Darren

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How you can support the citizens in Haiti

I have quickly gathered a list of organizations who are accepting donations to help in the efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake on Tuesday January 12, 2010.

Red Cross Canada

Red Cross US

Salvation Army Canada

World Vision

Ofxam

Yele

Yele Haiti is a movement led by Wyclef Jean that is helping to bring hope back to Haiti. Projects are designed to make a difference in the fields of education, health, environment and community development. Yele Haiti (previously known as the Wyclef Jean Foundation) is a 501 (3) tax exempt charitable organization

Musician Wyclef Jean, who grew up in Haiti is using social media to reach out for support. His plea on Twitter has been broadcast around the world.

wyclef: Help Haiti Earthquake Relief Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501 501 right now

While that number is working in the United States, it is not available in Canada. MuchMusic offered this alternative on Twitter:

MuchMusic: 501501 doesn't work for Canadians, but you can still donate on the Yele website, or $5 to the Salvation Army by texting 'Haiti' to 45678

If I have missed any other legitimate organizations that are collecting financial aid for citizens of Haiti, please leave a comment.

Thanks for your support.
-Darren

I am not a spokesperson nor do I endorse any of the organizations listed above. This is just a small way of lending my support.

What you say can and will come back to haunt you

Yesterday I cautioned against publishing everything - the good, the bad and the ugly on social media sites. Everything you broadcast (publish) is viewed and shared with the world. It is also a reflection of your character and in some cases, can reflect your employer.

Thanks to a few readers, they have pointed me to similar updates and examples from a few other sources.

Lamebook is a site which gathers and publishes Facebook status updates that are, well, distasteful. Thanks to Lamebook for the picture you see above.

I also found Guyism which published a list of the 7 things you should never say through social media.

Face it, we all like to go out and have a good time, meet new friends and chat about our lives. Now with social media, there are a lot more people watching, reading, responding and reacting to your every word.

Thanks to Jon and Radana for their input.

-Darren

Social Media - The Effect on your Employer

It is a simple rule to remember; what you broadcast on your social media sites is a reflection of your employer.

What? How can that be? Surely you are free to broadcast whatever you want on your personal social media sites without permission from your boss. Right? Yes and No.

With the global reach of the Internet, the content you broadcast, the pictures you upload and the tone of what you broadcast becomes a reflection of your boss and the company you are employed.

Still not convinced? Here are two fictitious scenarios:

1) John is an employee of a National Automobile company and is well known for his Sales records over the last 6 months. However, one night John got into an on-line discussion and released private information about the company that he is working for and mentioned in his conversation "do not buy a vehicle from us".

2) Jennifer is employed at a community coffee shop where she knows all of the local patrons by their first name. Jennifer likes to go out with her friends, have a few too many drinks and post pictures of herself and her friends in various states of intoxication.

If you were John or Jennifer's boss, what would you do when one of your best customers brought this to your attention and showed you the on-line postings?

In John's case, he would most likely be looking for a new line of work or would be removed from his current role as top sales person to janitor.
Jennifer, on the other hand, would most likely be in a better position to keep her job.

Just as this blog is a representation of my Company, what I broadcast 'after hours' is a reflection of who I am and my company.

Are your employees aware of this? Perhaps they should be reminded.
At the present, there is no legal precedent for social media and employee privacy in Canada. However many companies are adopting a social media code of conduct and require all employees to adhere to these guidelines.


Have a great day.
-Darren

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January Promotion: FREE Consultation

To celebrate the start of a new year, I am excited to announce an exciting promotion for the month of January 2010.

Speak Media Consulting is growing. To assist you and your business develop stronger and more effective communication with your clients through the media, I am excited to announce a very special offer:

6 Hour FREE Media Consultation

Speak Media Consulting offers a variety of coaching and consultation services all to help you develop measurable engagement with your target audience. Do you want to learn how to use social media more effectively? Do you want to learn how to use the traditional media (Radio, Television, Newspaper) more effectively? Do you know how to manage the media in a crisis? Do you want to become a more effective public speaker and media personality? I will work with you and your staff and provide a FREE 6 hour coaching and consultation package, AND provide one month of email or telephone support.

This offer is available to you as a valuable recipient of my email newsletters. This offer is also available to all new email sign-ups in the month of January. On February 1, 2010, I will randomly select one name from my email database and award this coaching and consultation package. Approximate value: $2000.

Click here to sign up to be eligible for this special promotional offer.

Forward to a Friend BONUS:
At the risk of sounding like a Television infomercial, this January FREE offer gets even better! Forward this to a friend and you could also receive a free bonus.

On February 1, 2010 when I select one lucky winner for this January FREE offer, I will ask who referred them to sign up to this free promotion. If you were the person who referred the winner, you will receive a complimentary 1-hour FREE Media Consultation designed to meet the challenges faced by your current media messaging.

Sign up now to receive my email newsletter and take advantage of this January FREE offer.

Good luck, and thanks for reading.

-Darren

6 steps to creating engaging content for Social Media

What is the best way to engage people to your social media updates? Simple. Offer something that is real.

In my 25 years in radio both on the air and as a manager and coach, it was my job to create interesting content for my listeners. Each day prior to a 5 or 6 hour shift, I would spend approximately 2 hours to prepare my show with relevant information. And where do you suppose I gathered this information? By spending more time reading newspapers, watching TV shows, listening to the other radio stations and paying attention to what my friends and society were talking about.

The same principles should apply to you when you are preparing to post content on your social media sites.

Here are 5 easy steps to think about in the creation of engaging content for your sites.
1) "What's in it for me?". Think of content that reflects the wants and needs of the reader - not of yourself.
2) Celebrate your successes. Go ahead, brag about a success story but remember point number one just above; it is not all about you...there has to be a pay off for the reader.
3) Be current and relevant. Talk about your favorite television show or favorite newspaper columnist. It demonstrates that you are plugged-in to the real world.
4) Talk about other people. In radio we called this a 'shout-out'. Mention people you met today in person or online. Use their online name (for Twitter).
5) Be real. Your close friends know the real you. Now here is your opportunity for the online world to get to know the real you as well. Talk about things that matter in your personal life.

Here is one more.
6) Never be boring. A good friend and mentor named Valerie Geller has been coaching top media talent around the globe for years. This one point has always resonated with me and with the thousands of personalities that she has worked with. Never be boring.

Did you find these tips helpful? Once you employ even a few of these suggestions, I am sure your readers will find you more engaging and will return to your website, blog or social media site more often.

-Darren
Would you like to receive more helpful tips on communicating with the Media? Click here to receive my free email newsletter.

Even Santa Claus uses Social Media

As a kid, I remember writing letters to Santa and leaving cookies and milk for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas eve. Do you remember listening to the radio and hearing reports from NORAD who tracked Santa's journey from the North Pole to all the countries around the world as he visited all good boys and girls? I do not know about you, but it was all part of the magic of Christmas.

Times have changed and Santa and his staff have certainly stayed on top of all the new forms of communication.

You can find Santa Claus on Twitter.
You can add a Santa Claus application on Facebook.

And you can now track Santa online. Beginning at 2am Eastern time on December 24, Santa's location will be tracked all over the world.

With its partnership with Google in 2007, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) displays Santa's yearly journey in Google Earth and Maps.

Want to ensure your children are tucked into bed before Santa arrives at your house? Check his location at: www.noradsanta.org

NORAD will also videotape Santa inflight with animated video courtesy of its "Santa Cams".

On Twitter, follow the same Santa updates: NoradSanta.

With content provided by the Calgary Sun.

Merry Christmas,
Darren