(image discovered on Starbucks Loves Pinterest board)
Simple is smart. Yet many times we feel the need to complicate things, thinking more words, more bells and more whistles somehow create more value.
Our hero marketer Seth Godin breaks it down on his blog today. Simple. To the point. Awesome.
Free coffee, next exit
That’s the most effective billboard one can imagine, particularly if it’s typeset properly and if the coffee is good.
Most billboards aren’t nearly as useful, because the wrong service is promoted, or, more likely, because someone saw all that space and worked hard to fill it up.
The same thing is true of most websites. You know so well the why’s and how’s of what you built and how terrific it is, and the thought of using just a few words when a bunch will do is frightening indeed.
No, your solution doesn’t have to be simple or obvious. But the story about what it accomplishes does.
The goal of a marketing interaction isn’t to close the sale, any more than the goal of a first date is to get married. No, the opportunity is to move forward, to earn attention and trust and curiosity and conversation.
Simple, clear and actionable.”
Seth Godin
Which areas of your marketing can you simplify? Your story, website, promotions, service menu?
So go grab your cup of creative fuel and take a fresh look at your stuff. Easy? No. Worth it? Yes.
(shared with LOVE from your passionistas Nina + Gordon)
“It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.”
Erma Bombeck
Blogging has been around since the late 90’s and still today is one of the best forms of content sharing and engagement. Some make a living off of blogging, some just blog to share their passion on a subject.
Today, there are 77 million blogs on Tumblr and 56 million on WordPress (including Passion Squared) according to Wikipedia. WOW.
Blog Platforms We Love
WordPress We love Get Handsome, a blog created by hairstylist and men’s groomer Luke Makovic who blogs about grooming, life and style (yummy food included), using WordPress.
Tumblr We all love MAC Cosmetics, and can learn so much by how they use Tumblr to share the MAC experience.
Our Four C’s To Blogging
Commitment
Like anything, making a commitment is a big deal. So be sure you are fully committed to your blog and your community that will be engaging with it.
Consistency
Both online and off, consistency is the foundation of growth and success. Once you make a commitment, the consistency of how often you post on your blog is key.
Content
We say that your content is your marketing, and that cannot be more true than on your blog. Your content is why people want to engage with you, your content is the value you deliver through your blog.
Courage
You will need a lot of this one. When we put ourselves and our dreams out there for all to see, it takes courage. Know that some blogs will be super awesome, some will get no response at all. We must have courage to create and share what we are passionate about.
So now what you ask? Here are some tips for you to consider before diving into the blogosphere.
Why Start Blogging?
You have something to say and are passionate about sharing it.
You want to create more value around your brand.
You want to become more discoverable on the web.
You are looking for a new creative outlet.
You want to be seen as an “expert” in your field.
What To Consider Before You Begin?
What is the theme of your blog? (beauty, hair, fashion, how-to’s, men, make-up, business, etc.)
How much time will you commit to posting?
What resources do you have available to help you?
Where will you find content ideas?
Are you ready to go all-in?
How To Get Started.
Pick a platform. (WordPress, Tumblr, etc.)
Choose and image/theme that fits your brand.
Connect and integrate your website and social pages to your blog.
Set a schedule on how often you will post including the types of posts that connect back to your theme. And commit to it.
Play with test posts, the more you practice and play, the easier it will be. Practice makes perfect (or what we like to say, perfectly imperfect)
If you are passionate about sharing your art, and want to blog but need some help, we offer one-on-one mentoring to help you craft the ultimate blog. Click here for more information on our mentoring program.
(shared with blogging LOVE from your passionistas Nina + Gordon)
PS: This blog post took about an hour to create along with two americanos, thank you Starbucks and thank YOU for allowing us to share our passion.
“The more people you inspire, the more people will inspire you”
Simon Sinek
Whether you are leading a team or “leading” your clients to try a new service, a new product or reserve their next appointment, this TEDTalk by Simon Sinek shows us a powerful explanation of how sharing the “whys” behind our message can positively transform results. Do you know your WHY?
“Simon Sinek presents a simple but powerful model for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question, Why?” TedTalks
To be inspired and learn more about WHY we love Simon Sinek, visit Start With Why.
If you are serious about finding your WHY and building your brand both online and off, we offer one-on-one mentoring to help you craft the ultimate plan. To learn more about Passion Squared Mentoring, click here. We look forward to helping you ignite your passion and live your dream.
(shared with love from your passionistas Nina+Gordon)
“It’s not the men in your life that matters, it’s the life in your men.”
Mae West
“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.” Movember website
We know we are a couple weeks into Movember but there is still time to jump in, help build awareness around this very important cause and have some fun with your male clients!
Check out this infographic on how Movember works and to pick your fave stache style. We heart.
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very un-dramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost.”
Arthur Ashe
This short film by Sharon Wright gave us goose bumps. We know there are many everyday heroes amongst us who are truly changing the world for the better. If each of us would simply slow down and take the time to be present (and really see all that surrounds us), we are sure to see and be inspired by more of these quiet heroes who are making the world for a better place for us all.
For more information on this filmmaker and her life changing projects, visit My Next Inspirational Film. Amazing!
(shared with love from your passionistas Nina+Gordon)
PS: The victims of Hurricane Sandy still need our help. If you can, please donate your time, money or by sharing information on how to help. To donate money, please visit the NCA Disaster Relief Fund or the Red Cross. Thank you.
We love Get Handsome, a blog created by hairstylist and men’s groomer Luke Makovic who blogs about grooming, life and style (yummy food included), using WordPress.
We all love MAC Cosmetics, and can learn so much by how they use Tumblr to share the MAC experience.
