February 11, 2009
Blogging Basics, Trend Watching
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Social networking is all the rage, and that means that folks are putting all kinds of personal information in their online profiles at Facebook and beyond. Some of that information is good information that helps engage readers and invite the right kinds of opportunities your way. Some information certainly falls under the “too much information” category.
Check out this 2-05-09 article from TIME that offers “25 Things I Didn’t Want to Know About You.” Remember, potential employers may stumble upon posts you make to social networks. Other people of influence — such as potential clients — may find that information, too. Is the information you share in this way going to make you a more attractive candidate or the alternative? When in doubt, exercise caution with the information you share. This is common sense, but if the information isn’t clean enough for you to share with your mother, you probably don’t want to post it online or anywhere else for that matter.
January 7, 2009
Seattle Chocolate Company, Trend Watching
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I wrote about trends gathering speed a couple days ago, so it seems timely to highlight another local company in the center of the affordable luxury trend. Seattle Post Intelligencer Food Writer Rebekah Denn offers some insights in this column that looks back at food trends for 2008. She writes, “Even in hard times, economists say chocolate remains a manageable luxury.” Seattle Chocolate Company is right in the mix and ready to delight with beautifully packaged Valentine’s Day (and other) gift items that deliver “What Happiness Tastes Like™” to a chocolate loving nation. Whether gift givers have $5.85 or $14.65 in the gift giving budget, there is something perfectly delicious and stunning to give and receive at the online store. Pictured at left is the Terrazzo Heart and the Te Amo Heart at right. These are the company’s newest items that are part of a seven-item Valentine’s Day gift line. Of course, there is plenty more to enjoy for occasions all year long, and the convenience of online shopping certainly makes life easier. Anyone out there want more ease? Editors, reporters, and bloggers interested in recommending these items to their readers are welcome to connect with me by email to request samples and discuss other details. Connect at nancy@nsjmtkg.com, or comment here if that is easier.
January 4, 2009
Trend Watching
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Trends. Every reporter, editor, blogger, business owner, and consumer wants to know what they are and what they mean for the New Year. When you put your product, service, idea, or cause in the context of a trend gathering speed, you are one step closer to inviting media interest in your story and having the opportunity for your story to carry far and wide through the power and impact of do-it-yourself publicity.
I asked a few of my influential colleagues and friends to join with me in an email brainstorm about upcoming trends, and the result of that effort is here for your reading pleasure. If there are major trends missing that need to be added, post a comment to this blog so your ideas will be heard. And if you have a blog of your own, why not invite your readers to chime into this conversation. It could help us all!
What’s out and what’s in according to Kathie Nelson of Connectworks:
Trial and error - Proven processes and systems
Multi tasking - Strengths and focus
Re-creating the wheel - Duplicating what works
Going it alone - Working with mentors or a mastermind group
Pride/arrogance - Humility
What’s out and what’s in according to Lori Richardson:
Business with a little thought - Business planning
Selling - Solving
Some follow up - Consistent follow up
Good intentions - Accountability partner
Same old business - Creativity in business
Value - Crystal clear value
Computer - iPhone
What’s out and what’s in according to Betsy Talbot:
Being a maverick - working together
Preaching - Teaching
Generalist - Specialist
Plastic bags - Canvas totes
Material gifts - Shared experiences
Spending wildly - Spending wisely
TV entertainment - Online entertainment
Maintaining - Training
Watching your money grow - Watching your money
What’s out and what’s in according to Whitney Keyes:
Advertising - Communication
Customer service - Customer connection
Email - Phone calls
Blogs - Podcasts
High End - Mid Range
Competition - Collaboration
Niche - Integration
Price - Value
And here are a few suggestions of my own:
Bling - Bling without too much ka-ching
Borrow - Boot Strap
Bush - Barack Obama
Conspicuous consumption - Cheap chic
Dining out - Dining in
Extravagance - Essential
Full service - Self service/DIY
Gourmet - Pot luck
Luxury - Affordable luxury
More is better - Less is more
On the town - In the house/cocooning
Vacation - Staycation
Again, post your ideas and comments to this blog, and let’s have some fun putting our own stories in the context of all the trends that are gathering speed in what promises to be a most interesting year for us all.
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