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(3864,4,'2018-09-18 10:49:25','2018-09-18 14:49:25','a:10:{s:4:\"type\";s:7:\"wysiwyg\";s:12:\"instructions\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"required\";i:0;s:17:\"conditional_logic\";i:0;s:7:\"wrapper\";a:3:{s:5:\"width\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"class\";s:0:\"\";s:2:\"id\";s:0:\"\";}s:13:\"default_value\";s:0:\"\";s:7:\"toolbar\";s:4:\"full\";s:12:\"media_upload\";i:1;s:4:\"tabs\";s:3:\"all\";s:5:\"delay\";i:0;}','Slider Title','slide_title','publish','closed','closed','','field_5adf3c365d167','','','2018-09-18 10:49:25','2018-09-18 14:49:25','',3863,'https://deborahbrody.com/?post_type=acf-field&p=3864',0,'acf-field','',0),
(3866,4,'2018-09-25 10:59:39','2018-09-25 14:59:39','Over the weekend, I finally got to see <em>Obit</em>. This documentary should be required viewing for anybody who writes for a living, and for anybody who work with or within the news media. It’s also for anybody who is thinking about what makes a life matter.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2YXpyh_YOw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\nWith print newspapers on the decline, it’s likely many people don’t even read the obituary section. I don’t have access to the statistics, but I’d bet there’s huge spike in readership of <em>online </em>versions of celebrity obituaries. Just in the few weeks, we’ve seen tremendous interest in the deaths of Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin, and a likely increase in online reading of their obituaries.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most people don’t think a lot about what goes into writing an obituary, but it takes a special skill. Writing about someone who has died takes sensitivity and a sense for what is newsworthy.  A good obituary is informative and interesting, while giving you an overview of the person’s life and achievements. Generally, long-form obituaries are only written for politicians, artists, inventors, celebrities and other notable people.  Just yesterday, I read an obituary in the <em>Washington Post</em> for <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/mel-elfin-a-top-editor-at-newsweek-and-us-news-dies-at-89/2018/09/22/470710ea-bd19-11e8-b7d2-0773aa1e33da_story.html?utm_term=.557f7d456990\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mel Elfin</a>, who was the long time Washington editor for Newsweek Magazine. Elfin was not a celebrity <em>per se,</em> but his decades of  in Washington political and news circles probably touched lots of DC insiders (which is why this obituary appeared in the <em>Washington Post</em> and not the <em>New York Times</em>).\r\n\r\nAmong the many questions and issues that the featured obituary writers in <em>Obit</em> deal with are these\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>What and how much detail to include</li>\r\n 	<li>What the lede (first paragraph of the article that includes the most important facts) should be</li>\r\n 	<li>What questions to ask to the relatives, and how much to fact-check what they say</li>\r\n 	<li>Importance of verifying facts</li>\r\n 	<li>How to follow the arc of a life that has fits and starts</li>\r\n 	<li>Importance of graphics, and of finding the best image to illustrate a life</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThere’s a lot in the documentary about the news process: editorial meetings, pitching, finding images, fact-checking, and working on deadline. This is why this should be required viewing for public relations practitioners, who need to understand news judgement, and how things make it into the news cycle.\r\n\r\nFinally, what writing (and reading) obituaries does is make people think about mortality and how they want to live their lives. You think about what you will be remembered for, what you’ve done here that is “newsworthy.” So do yourself a favor--watch <em>Obit.</em> It\'s available streaming on demand, and on Kanopy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What writers, journalists, and PR/Comms people need to watch','','publish','open','open','','what-writers-journalists-and-pr-comms-people-need-to-watch','','','2018-09-25 10:59:39','2018-09-25 14:59:39','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3866',0,'post','',0),
(3867,4,'2018-09-25 10:59:17','2018-09-25 14:59:17','Over the weekend, I finally got to see <em>Obit</em>. This documentary should be required viewing for anybody who writes for a living, and for anybody who work with or within the news media. It’s also for anybody who is thinking about what makes a life matter.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2YXpyh_YOw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\nWith print newspapers on the decline, it’s likely many people don’t even read the obituary section. I don’t have access to the statistics, but I’d bet there’s huge spike in readership of <em>online </em>versions of celebrity obituaries. Just in the few weeks, we’ve seen tremendous interest in the deaths of Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin, and a likely increase in online reading of their obituaries.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most people don’t think a lot about what goes into writing an obituary, but it takes a special skill. Writing about someone who has died takes sensitivity and a sense for what is newsworthy.  A good obituary is informative and interesting, while giving you an overview of the person’s life and achievements. Generally, long-form obituaries are only written for politicians, artists, inventors, celebrities and other notable people.  Just yesterday, I read an obituary in the <em>Washington Post</em> for <a href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/mel-elfin-a-top-editor-at-newsweek-and-us-news-dies-at-89/2018/09/22/470710ea-bd19-11e8-b7d2-0773aa1e33da_story.html?utm_term=.557f7d456990\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mel Elfin</a>, who was the long time Washington editor for Newsweek Magazine. Elfin was not a celebrity <em>per se,</em> but his decades of  in Washington political and news circles probably touched lots of DC insiders (which is why this obituary appeared in the <em>Washington Post</em> and not the <em>New York Times</em>).\r\n\r\nAmong the many questions and issues that the featured obituary writers in <em>Obit</em> deal with are these\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>What and how much detail to include</li>\r\n 	<li>What the lede (first paragraph of the article that includes the most important facts) should be</li>\r\n 	<li>What questions to ask to the relatives, and how much to fact-check what they say</li>\r\n 	<li>Importance of verifying facts</li>\r\n 	<li>How to follow the arc of a life that has fits and starts</li>\r\n 	<li>Importance of graphics, and of finding the best image to illustrate a life</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThere’s a lot in the documentary about the news process: editorial meetings, pitching, finding images, fact-checking, and working on deadline. This is why this should be required viewing for public relations practitioners, who need to understand news judgement, and how things make it into the news cycle.\r\n\r\nFinally, what writing (and reading) obituaries does is make people think about mortality and how they want to live their lives. You think about what you will be remembered for, what you’ve done here that is “newsworthy.” So do yourself a favor--watch <em>Obit.</em> It\'s available streaming on demand, and on Kanopy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What writers, journalists, and PR/Comms people need to watch','','inherit','closed','closed','','3866-revision-v1','','','2018-09-25 10:59:17','2018-09-25 14:59:17','',3866,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/09/3866-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3868,4,'2018-09-25 14:22:38','2018-09-25 18:22:38','There are two main types of human communication: interpersonal and mass communication. Interpersonal communication refers to communication between one person and another (or a few others) and mass communication is the relaying of information between individuals or entities to large groups of people using mass media (TV, internet, etc.).\n\nInterpersonal communication can further be broken down into written, oral and non-verbal communication.\n\nCan you be a good mass communicator if you aren\'t a good interpersonal communicator? That\'s the question I have been thinking about lately as I see people who work in communications jobs (PR, advertising, design, etc.) who seem to have issues communicating one-to-one. I believe the better your interpersonal communication skills are, the better you are able to do mass communication.\n\nHere are some red flags that I have been noticing:\n\n<strong>Passive-aggressive/indirect communication</strong>. Not saying what you mean or being underhanded is not effective communication.\n\n<strong>Jargon-laden communication</strong>. Often people think that they will impress others by using jargon. Or worse, they assume that everyone understands what they are saying. In either case, by using jargon, people are failing to communicate simply and therefore are being ineffective.\n\n<strong>One-way communication</strong>. This is a big one. It may be evidenced by constantly interrupting the other person or not listening to what he/she is saying or displaying a lack of curiosity by not asking questions.  Some people carry on monologues and don\'t seem to be aware of or  care about what others think. By not caring about or adjusting to your audience, you are not being an effective communicator.\n\n<strong>Not being \"human.\"</strong> People who don\'t acknowledge others or are incapable of social niceties (greeting people, asking about their weekend, etc.) are also communicating that they are not interested. Lack of interest in the person you are communicating with is a recipe for failed interactions.\n\nIf you come across this behavior in a communications professional (e.g., PR practitioner, a writer or an advertising executive) you should be wary. If someone is incapable of effective interpersonal communication, why should you trust that he or she can communicate on a larger scale?\n\nIn big media news, C<a href=\"http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/23/news/piers-morgan-cnn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NN announced it will cancel Piers Morgan Live</a> after only three years. I\'m not surprised. Last week, I watched an entire episode for the first time,  and what struck me was that Piers tended to interrupt his guests many times. He continually interjected his thoughts and didn\'t allow the guests to  finish talking. It was highly annoying to watch, and I am sure, highly annoying for the guests too. Piers seems to be a master at one-way communication. Unfortunately, that doesn\'t make for effective (or interesting) TV. What a contrast from his predecessor Larry King, who was known for showing an interest in his guests.\n\nWhat red flags do you notice in interpersonal communication? Do you think there is a correlation between being good at interpersonal communication and succeeding at mass communication?','The red flags of interpersonal communication to watch out for','','inherit','closed','closed','','2520-autosave-v1','','','2018-09-25 14:22:38','2018-09-25 18:22:38','',2520,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/09/2520-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3869,4,'2018-09-25 14:22:51','2018-09-25 18:22:51','There are two main types of human communication: interpersonal and mass communication. Interpersonal communication refers to communication between one person and another (or a few others) and mass communication is the relaying of information between individuals or entities to large groups of people using mass media (TV, internet, etc.).\r\n\r\nInterpersonal communication can further be broken down into written, oral and non-verbal communication.\r\n\r\nCan you be a good mass communicator if you aren\'t a good interpersonal communicator? That\'s the question I have been thinking about lately as I see people who work in communications jobs (PR, advertising, design, etc.) who seem to have issues communicating one-to-one. I believe the better your interpersonal communication skills are, the better you are able to do mass communication.\r\n\r\nHere are some red flags that I have been noticing:\r\n\r\n<strong>Passive-aggressive/indirect communication</strong>. Not saying what you mean or being underhanded is not effective communication.\r\n\r\n<strong>Jargon-laden communication</strong>. Often people think that they will impress others by using jargon. Or worse, they assume that everyone understands what they are saying. In either case, by using jargon, people are failing to communicate simply and therefore are being ineffective.\r\n\r\n<strong>One-way communication</strong>. This is a big one. It may be evidenced by constantly interrupting the other person or not listening to what he/she is saying or displaying a lack of curiosity by not asking questions.  Some people carry on monologues and don\'t seem to be aware of or  care about what others think. By not caring about or adjusting to your audience, you are not being an effective communicator.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not being \"human.\"</strong> People who don\'t acknowledge others or are incapable of social niceties (greeting people, asking about their weekend, etc.) are also communicating that they are not interested. Lack of interest in the person you are communicating with is a recipe for failed interactions.\r\n\r\nIf you come across this behavior in a communications professional (e.g., PR practitioner, a writer or an advertising executive) you should be wary. If someone is incapable of effective interpersonal communication, why should you trust that he or she can communicate on a larger scale?\r\n\r\nIn big media news, C<a href=\"http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/23/news/piers-morgan-cnn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NN announced it will cancel Piers Morgan Live</a> after only three years. I\'m not surprised. Last week, I watched an entire episode for the first time,  and what struck me was that Piers tended to interrupt his guests many times. He continually interjected his thoughts and didn\'t allow the guests to  finish talking. It was highly annoying to watch, and I am sure, highly annoying for the guests too. Piers seems to be a master at one-way communication. Unfortunately, that doesn\'t make for effective (or interesting) TV. What a contrast from his predecessor Larry King, who was known for showing an interest in his guests.\r\n\r\nWhat red flags do you notice in interpersonal communication? Do you think there is a correlation between being good at interpersonal communication and succeeding at mass communication?','The red flags of interpersonal communication to watch out for','','inherit','closed','closed','','2520-revision-v1','','','2018-09-25 14:22:51','2018-09-25 18:22:51','',2520,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/09/2520-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3872,4,'2018-10-12 15:10:17','0000-00-00 00:00:00','You send out those emails regularly. You have a good subject line. Your list is good (everybody has opted-in, there are no dupes, all the addresses are good). You may even have a good open rate (the rate at which people open your email). And yet, your click-through rate (the times the recipients click a link within your email) is abysmal. What could be going wrong?','A solution to a poor email click-through rate','','draft','open','open','','a-solution-to-a-poor-email-click-through-rate','','','2018-10-12 15:10:17','2018-10-12 19:10:17','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3872',0,'post','',0),
(3873,4,'2018-10-12 15:10:17','2018-10-12 19:10:17','You send out those emails regularly. You have a good subject line. Your list is good (everybody has opted-in, there are no dupes, all the addresses are good). You may even have a good open rate (the rate at which people open your email). And yet, your click-through rate (the times the recipients click a link within your email) is abysmal. What could be going wrong?','A solution to a poor email click-through rate','','inherit','closed','closed','','3872-revision-v1','','','2018-10-12 15:10:17','2018-10-12 19:10:17','',3872,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/10/3872-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3876,4,'2018-10-24 15:36:11','2018-10-24 19:36:11','I\'ve lost count of the times I\'ve gotten an email that looks like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3877 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you are getting poor response to your email marketing, emails that look like the above could be the reason.\r\n\r\nAs you can see, this email is mostly images. There\'s very little text, and the text doesn\'t give me any relevant information. The important information about the event I am being asked to RSVP to is embedded in an image. If I wanted to know more  (date, venue, type of event, all the <em>relevan</em>t information) so that I know whether I want to click on the RSVP button, I\'d have to download the images. This is an extra, and unnecessary, step that places the burden on me.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t send all image texts. Ever. That is the biggest email marketing mistake I see done time and again.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The biggest email marketing mistake','','publish','open','open','','the-biggest-email-marketing-mistake','','','2018-10-24 15:36:11','2018-10-24 19:36:11','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3876',0,'post','',1),
(3877,4,'2018-10-24 15:23:14','2018-10-24 19:23:14','','Screenshot (6)','','inherit','open','closed','','screenshot-6','','','2018-10-24 15:23:14','2018-10-24 19:23:14','',3876,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),
(3878,4,'2018-10-24 15:34:10','2018-10-24 19:34:10','I\'ve lost count of the times I\'ve gotten an email that looks like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3877 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you are getting poor response to your email marketing, emails that look like the above could be the reason.\r\n\r\nAs you can see, this email is mostly images. There\'s very little text, and the text there is irrelevant. The important information about the event I am being asked to check out is embedded in an image. If I wanted to know more (date, venue, type of event, all the <em>relevan</em>t information), I\'d have to download the images. This is an extra, and unnecessary, step that places the burden on me.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t send all image texts. Ever. That is the biggest email marketing mistake I see done time and again.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The biggest email marketing mistake','','inherit','closed','closed','','3876-revision-v1','','','2018-10-24 15:34:10','2018-10-24 19:34:10','',3876,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/10/3876-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3879,4,'2018-10-24 15:35:43','2018-10-24 19:35:43','I\'ve lost count of the times I\'ve gotten an email that looks like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3877 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screenshot-6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you are getting poor response to your email marketing, emails that look like the above could be the reason.\r\n\r\nAs you can see, this email is mostly images. There\'s very little text, and the text doesn\'t give me any relevant information. The important information about the event I am being asked to RSVP to is embedded in an image. If I wanted to know more  (date, venue, type of event, all the <em>relevan</em>t information) so that I know whether I want to click on the RSVP button, I\'d have to download the images. This is an extra, and unnecessary, step that places the burden on me.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t send all image texts. Ever. That is the biggest email marketing mistake I see done time and again.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The biggest email marketing mistake','','inherit','closed','closed','','3876-revision-v1','','','2018-10-24 15:35:43','2018-10-24 19:35:43','',3876,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/10/3876-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3882,4,'2018-11-14 13:59:47','2018-11-14 18:59:47','For the past several years, there\'s been a debate raging in the world of public relations: is the press release dead or not? Some unequivocally state that it is (or should be), and some still use it and see a value in it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Press releases may not be dead, but they are not as effective</strong>\r\n\r\nI think that the press release is not dead, but it is not living like it used to. Press releases no longer generate stories. Instead, press releases have become a way for organizations to write a story and distribute it to an audience, generally via their website. And, press releases put on \"wire\" services may help with SEO.\r\n\r\n<strong>Move beyond press releases</strong>\r\n\r\nIf, however, you intend to generate publicity and coverage for an organization, you have to move beyond the press release. In fact, you need to work on your pitching skills, and on your data gathering and analysis. Why? Because the world of journalism and PR has changed dramatically in the past decade. News organizations have consolidated. Small/community/local newspapers are struggling, or are gone altogether. Most news is national news, and most national news is political news around very few issues that generate a high degree of controversy. And then social media has disrupted how people get news, and how they interact with news organizations.\r\n\r\n<strong>Newspapers are still delivered?</strong>\r\n\r\n(Aside: The community where I live was going to be repairing our street, and closing it to traffic for 48 hours. I expressed concern to the community manager that our newspapers would not be able to be delivered. She asked if these items were delivered every day, and whether I paid for this delivery.  In short, she did not have <em>any</em> concept or understanding of what it means to have a daily, print newspaper delivered to your door.)\r\n\r\n<strong>There are new issues for communicators to deal with</strong>\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit, where the following four issues were addressed:\r\n\r\n1) <strong>Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering</strong>. The main take-away for PR from this presentation is that for news that is data-based (quarterly earnings reports, for example), newsrooms are creating templates and then using AI to fill out the data.\r\n\r\n2)  <strong>Generational differences</strong> <strong>and how they affect communication.</strong> There are big differences in how Gen X, Gen Y and Baby Boomers deal with hierarchy and how they prefer to communicate. Millennials do not see hierarchy they same way as older generations, and will communicate directly with superiors. They also want to be kept more updated and want feedback. There\'s also a marked shift from voice communications to text-based communications.\r\n\r\n3) <strong>How media organizations are distributing conten</strong>t. Media organizations are using more content platforms (social media, etc) and formats (video, etc.) to distribute content.\r\n\r\n4) <strong>Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out</strong>. Frank Sesno gave the luncheon talk, and he discussed many issues ranging from journalists who have forgotten how to provide objectivity, to the constant connection and \"breaking news,\" which make it harder for communicators to get their message through.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are indeed wasting our time writing press releases in order to generate publicity (earned media). In fact, a couple of the panelists (both were  journalists and/or news editors) said we should be providing thoughtful, short pitches and raw data. They said they do not read press releases, and often delete those emails.\r\n\r\n<strong>We are overwhelmed with email and news</strong>\r\n\r\nWe\'ve heard it before, but in our accelerated world, people have even less time to slog through countless emails (and definitely not attachments). Few people listen to voice mail. Communicators may have to find a way to communicate with journalists that does not involve email or phone calls. Some people have had success communicating on social media.\r\n\r\n<strong>In conclusion</strong>\r\n\r\nA thoughtful, well-written press release can still play a role in a communicator\'s toolkit. But if communicators are seeking publicity, the best bet is to create solid, short, informative pitches backed up with data (when warranted).\r\n\r\nYour thoughts are appreciated. Tell me what you think in the comments.','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','publish','open','open','','write-fewer-press-releases-and-more-pitches','','','2018-11-14 13:59:47','2018-11-14 18:59:47','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3882',0,'post','',0),
(3883,4,'2018-11-08 10:20:28','2018-11-08 15:20:28','Last week, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit. There were four sessions to the day:\r\n\r\n1) Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering.\r\n\r\n2)  Generational differences and how they affect communication,\r\n\r\n3) How media organizations are distributing content.\r\n\r\n4) Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are wasting our time writing press releases. In fact, we should be providing pitches and raw data .','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','inherit','closed','closed','','3882-revision-v1','','','2018-11-08 10:20:28','2018-11-08 15:20:28','',3882,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3882-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3884,4,'2018-11-13 09:44:22','0000-00-00 00:00:00','On Twitter, I saw a headline that intrigued me.\r\n\r\nRemember this:\r\n\r\n1. Most information can be found elsewhere. There are very few original thoughts or unique viewpoints.\r\n\r\n2. Data has value. In order to get reader data, you have to prove your worth. Nobody is giving up their data for uncertain return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Forcing your way to losing readers','','draft','open','open','','','','','2018-11-13 09:44:22','2018-11-13 14:44:22','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3884',0,'post','',0),
(3885,4,'2018-11-13 09:44:22','2018-11-13 14:44:22','On Twitter, I saw a headline that intrigued me.\r\n\r\nRemember this:\r\n\r\n1. Most information can be found elsewhere. There are very few original thoughts or unique viewpoints.\r\n\r\n2. Data has value. In order to get reader data, you have to prove your worth. Nobody is giving up their data for uncertain return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Forcing your way to losing readers','','inherit','closed','closed','','3884-revision-v1','','','2018-11-13 09:44:22','2018-11-13 14:44:22','',3884,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3884-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3886,4,'2018-11-14 10:32:22','2018-11-14 15:32:22','For the past several years, a debate has raged in the world of public relations: is the press release dead? Some unequivocally state that it is (or should be), and some still use it and see a value in it.\r\n\r\nI think that the press release is not dead, but it is not living like it used to. Press releases no longer generate stories. Instead, press releases have become a way for organizations to write a story and distribute it to an audience, generally via their website. And, press releases put on \"wire\" services may help with SEO.\r\n\r\nIf, however, you intend to generate publicity and coverage for an organization, you need to work on your pitching skills and on your data gathering and analysis. Why? Because the world of journalism and PR has changed dramatically in the past decade. News organizations have consolidated. Small/community/local newspapers are struggling, or gone altogether. Most news is national news, and most national news is political news around very few issues that generate a high degree of controversy. Social media has disrupted how people get news.\r\n\r\n(Aside: The community where I live was going to be repairing our street, and closing it to traffic for 48 hours. I expressed concern to the community manager that our newspapers would not be able to be delivered. She asked if these items were delivered every day, and whether I paid for this delivery.  In short, she did not have <em>any</em> concept or understanding of what it means to have a daily, print newspaper delivered to your door.)\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit, where the following four issues were addressed:\r\n\r\n1) Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering.\r\n\r\n2)  Generational differences and how they affect communication,\r\n\r\n3) How media organizations are distributing content.\r\n\r\n4) Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are wasting our time writing press releases. In fact, we should be providing pitches and raw data .','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','inherit','closed','closed','','3882-revision-v1','','','2018-11-14 10:32:22','2018-11-14 15:32:22','',3882,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3882-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3887,4,'2018-11-14 10:41:08','2018-11-14 15:41:08','For the past several years, a debate has raged in the world of public relations: is the press release dead? Some unequivocally state that it is (or should be), and some still use it and see a value in it.\r\n\r\nI think that the press release is not dead, but it is not living like it used to. Press releases no longer generate stories. Instead, press releases have become a way for organizations to write a story and distribute it to an audience, generally via their website. And, press releases put on \"wire\" services may help with SEO.\r\n\r\nIf, however, you intend to generate publicity and coverage for an organization, you need to work on your pitching skills and on your data gathering and analysis. Why? Because the world of journalism and PR has changed dramatically in the past decade. News organizations have consolidated. Small/community/local newspapers are struggling, or gone altogether. Most news is national news, and most national news is political news around very few issues that generate a high degree of controversy. Social media has disrupted how people get news.\r\n\r\n(Aside: The community where I live was going to be repairing our street, and closing it to traffic for 48 hours. I expressed concern to the community manager that our newspapers would not be able to be delivered. She asked if these items were delivered every day, and whether I paid for this delivery.  In short, she did not have <em>any</em> concept or understanding of what it means to have a daily, print newspaper delivered to your door.)\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit, where the following four issues were addressed:\r\n\r\n1) Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering.\r\n\r\n2)  Generational differences and how they affect communication,\r\n\r\n3) How media organizations are distributing content.\r\n\r\n4) Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are indeed wasting our time writing press releases in order to generate publicity (earned media). In fact, we should be providing thoughtful (short) pitches and (selected) raw data. You may even have to find a way to communicate with journalists that does not involve email or phone calls.','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','inherit','closed','closed','','3882-revision-v1','','','2018-11-14 10:41:08','2018-11-14 15:41:08','',3882,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3882-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3888,4,'2018-11-14 13:53:15','2018-11-14 18:53:15','For the past several years, there\'s been a debate raging in the world of public relations: is the press release dead or not? Some unequivocally state that it is (or should be), and some still use it and see a value in it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Press releases may not be dead, but they are not as effective</strong>\r\n\r\nI think that the press release is not dead, but it is not living like it used to. Press releases no longer generate stories. Instead, press releases have become a way for organizations to write a story and distribute it to an audience, generally via their website. And, press releases put on \"wire\" services may help with SEO.\r\n\r\n<strong>Move beyond press releases</strong>\r\n\r\nIf, however, you intend to generate publicity and coverage for an organization, you have to move beyond the press release. In fact, you need to work on your pitching skills, and on your data gathering and analysis. Why? Because the world of journalism and PR has changed dramatically in the past decade. News organizations have consolidated. Small/community/local newspapers are struggling, or are gone altogether. Most news is national news, and most national news is political news around very few issues that generate a high degree of controversy. Social media has disrupted how people get news.\r\n\r\n<strong>Newspapers are still delivered?</strong>\r\n\r\n(Aside: The community where I live was going to be repairing our street, and closing it to traffic for 48 hours. I expressed concern to the community manager that our newspapers would not be able to be delivered. She asked if these items were delivered every day, and whether I paid for this delivery.  In short, she did not have <em>any</em> concept or understanding of what it means to have a daily, print newspaper delivered to your door.)\r\n\r\n<strong>There are new issues for communicators to deal with</strong>\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit, where the following four issues were addressed:\r\n\r\n1) <strong>Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering</strong>. The main take-away for PR from this presentation is that for news that is data-based (quarterly earnings reports, for example), newsrooms are creating templates and then using AI to fill out the data.\r\n\r\n2)  <strong>Generational differences</strong> <strong>and how they affect communication.</strong> There are big differences in how Gen X, Gen Y and Baby Boomers deal with hierarchy and how they prefer to communicate. Millennials do not see hierarchy they same way as older generations, and will communicate directly with superiors. They also want to be kept more updated and want feedback. There\'s also a marked shift from voice communications to text-based communications.\r\n\r\n3) <strong>How media organizations are distributing conten</strong>t. Media organizations are using more content platforms (social media, etc) and formats (video, etc.) to distribute content.\r\n\r\n4) <strong>Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out</strong>. Frank Sesno gave the luncheon talk, and he discussed many issues ranging from journalists who have forgotten how to provide objectivity, to the constant connection and \"breaking news,\" which make it harder for communicators to get their message through.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are indeed wasting our time writing press releases in order to generate publicity (earned media). In fact, a couple of the panelists (both were  journalists and/or news editors) said we should be providing thoughtful, short pitches and raw data. They said they do not read press releases, and often delete those emails.\r\n\r\n<strong>We are overwhelmed with email and news</strong>\r\n\r\nWe\'ve heard it before, but in our accelerated world, people have even less time to slog through countless emails (and definitely not attachments). Few people listen to voice mail. Communicators may have to find a way to communicate with journalists that does not involve pemail or phone calls. Some people have had success communicating on social media.\r\n\r\n<strong>In conclusion</strong>\r\n\r\nA thoughtful, well-written press release can still play a role in a communicator\'s toolkit. But if communicators are seeking publicity, the best bet is to create solid, short, informative pitches backed up by data if warranted.\r\n\r\nYour thoughts are appreciated. Tell me what you think in the comments.','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','inherit','closed','closed','','3882-revision-v1','','','2018-11-14 13:53:15','2018-11-14 18:53:15','',3882,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3882-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3889,4,'2018-11-14 13:59:47','2018-11-14 18:59:47','For the past several years, there\'s been a debate raging in the world of public relations: is the press release dead or not? Some unequivocally state that it is (or should be), and some still use it and see a value in it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Press releases may not be dead, but they are not as effective</strong>\r\n\r\nI think that the press release is not dead, but it is not living like it used to. Press releases no longer generate stories. Instead, press releases have become a way for organizations to write a story and distribute it to an audience, generally via their website. And, press releases put on \"wire\" services may help with SEO.\r\n\r\n<strong>Move beyond press releases</strong>\r\n\r\nIf, however, you intend to generate publicity and coverage for an organization, you have to move beyond the press release. In fact, you need to work on your pitching skills, and on your data gathering and analysis. Why? Because the world of journalism and PR has changed dramatically in the past decade. News organizations have consolidated. Small/community/local newspapers are struggling, or are gone altogether. Most news is national news, and most national news is political news around very few issues that generate a high degree of controversy. And then social media has disrupted how people get news, and how they interact with news organizations.\r\n\r\n<strong>Newspapers are still delivered?</strong>\r\n\r\n(Aside: The community where I live was going to be repairing our street, and closing it to traffic for 48 hours. I expressed concern to the community manager that our newspapers would not be able to be delivered. She asked if these items were delivered every day, and whether I paid for this delivery.  In short, she did not have <em>any</em> concept or understanding of what it means to have a daily, print newspaper delivered to your door.)\r\n\r\n<strong>There are new issues for communicators to deal with</strong>\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, I attended the National Press Club\'s Communicator\'s Summit, where the following four issues were addressed:\r\n\r\n1) <strong>Artificial intelligence in news production/news gathering</strong>. The main take-away for PR from this presentation is that for news that is data-based (quarterly earnings reports, for example), newsrooms are creating templates and then using AI to fill out the data.\r\n\r\n2)  <strong>Generational differences</strong> <strong>and how they affect communication.</strong> There are big differences in how Gen X, Gen Y and Baby Boomers deal with hierarchy and how they prefer to communicate. Millennials do not see hierarchy they same way as older generations, and will communicate directly with superiors. They also want to be kept more updated and want feedback. There\'s also a marked shift from voice communications to text-based communications.\r\n\r\n3) <strong>How media organizations are distributing conten</strong>t. Media organizations are using more content platforms (social media, etc) and formats (video, etc.) to distribute content.\r\n\r\n4) <strong>Today\'s challenges and opportunities in getting news out</strong>. Frank Sesno gave the luncheon talk, and he discussed many issues ranging from journalists who have forgotten how to provide objectivity, to the constant connection and \"breaking news,\" which make it harder for communicators to get their message through.\r\n\r\nAll of the above led me to conclude that we are indeed wasting our time writing press releases in order to generate publicity (earned media). In fact, a couple of the panelists (both were  journalists and/or news editors) said we should be providing thoughtful, short pitches and raw data. They said they do not read press releases, and often delete those emails.\r\n\r\n<strong>We are overwhelmed with email and news</strong>\r\n\r\nWe\'ve heard it before, but in our accelerated world, people have even less time to slog through countless emails (and definitely not attachments). Few people listen to voice mail. Communicators may have to find a way to communicate with journalists that does not involve email or phone calls. Some people have had success communicating on social media.\r\n\r\n<strong>In conclusion</strong>\r\n\r\nA thoughtful, well-written press release can still play a role in a communicator\'s toolkit. But if communicators are seeking publicity, the best bet is to create solid, short, informative pitches backed up with data (when warranted).\r\n\r\nYour thoughts are appreciated. Tell me what you think in the comments.','Write fewer press releases and more pitches','','inherit','closed','closed','','3882-revision-v1','','','2018-11-14 13:59:47','2018-11-14 18:59:47','',3882,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/11/3882-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3894,4,'2018-12-14 11:29:03','2018-12-14 16:29:03','I am sure you appreciate your customers (or supporters), especially when they pay you (or donate) for the goods/services you offer. But do your customers know you appreciate them? How are you communicating appreciation?\r\n\r\nIf you are trying to establish or maintain a long term relationship with your customers or supporters, you must demonstrate AND COMMUNICATE that you appreciate their business/donations, and that you are not taking the relationship for granted.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3897 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHow can you do this? There are several ways.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reward their loyalty</strong>\r\n\r\nBig box stores, airlines, credit cards and any number of other service/good purveyors provide discounts/points/bonuses for frequent customers. Giving customers a discount or something else of value gives them a reason to continue to work with you, and lets you reward their support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thank them</strong>\r\n\r\nIt depends on the size of your business, but thanking customers can be done with a simple hand written card, an email, a pre-printed postcard, or even through a personalized email marketing campaign.\r\n\r\n<strong>Accommodate them</strong>\r\n\r\nMy kitchen sink was leaking, so I contacted my go-to plumber. I sent him an email explaining the situation and asking when he could come to deal with it. He could only fit me in the following week. I wrote him back and said that I would be looking for someone who could come sooner. His response was this:\r\n<blockquote>Wow, that sucks but ok</blockquote>\r\nReally? It sucks that I have to look for someone else? You know what sucks? Having your kitchen sink leak. Imagine if instead he wrote this:\r\n\r\n\"Totally understand. You need to get the sink fixed ASAP. If you can\'t find anyone, let me know.\"\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, I found someone to come that day! And fix the leak for a lot less than my soon to be ex plumber, who clearly is taking my business for granted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Notice them</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'ve been going to a yoga studio for the better part of the last year but around Thanksgiving, I went out of town and had a couple other obligations. Since I had not been in the studio for  several weeks, the studio manager sent me an email with the subject line \"Just checking in.\" It said this:\r\n<blockquote>Has it been a few weeks since you’ve been to yoga? Just remember you carry your yoga practice with you wherever you go. In the meantime, here is a 7 minute practice you can do right now in your chair. Don’t stay away too long. :-)</blockquote>\r\nThis included the instructions for the seven minute practice referenced.\r\n\r\n<strong>It all requires keeping track </strong>\r\n\r\nAll these require you tracking your customers/donors. For the yoga studio, this is probably part of the Mindbody software they use. For smaller organizations it may be as simple as a Excel spreadsheet. For bigger businesses, there are many types of customer management (CRM) software  available. For nonprofits, their are specific donor databases.\r\n\r\n<strong>Make them feel that you appreciate them</strong>\r\n\r\nWe all like to feel appreciated. And organizations of all types need to be sure to communicate their appreciation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you appreciate your customers?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-appreciate-your-customers','','','2018-12-14 11:29:03','2018-12-14 16:29:03','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3894',0,'post','',0),
(3895,4,'2018-12-13 10:31:02','2018-12-13 15:31:02','I am sure you appreciate your customers, especially when they pay you for the goods/services you offer. But do your customers know you appreciate them? How are you communicating appreciation?\r\n\r\nIf you are trying to establish or maintain a long term relationship with your clients, you must demonstrate that you appreciate their business, and that you are not taking the relationship for granted.\r\n\r\nHow can you do this?\r\n\r\nReward loyalty\r\n\r\nBig box stores, airlines, credit cards and any o\r\n\r\nNotice\r\n\r\nDon\'t take any customer for granted\r\n\r\nMy kitchen sink was leaking, andI I contacted my plumber. I sent him an email explaining the situation and asking when he could come to deal with it. He could only fit me in the following week. I wrote him back and said that I would be looking for someone who could come sooner. His response was this:\r\n\r\nWow, that sucks but ok\r\n\r\nReally? It sucks? You know what sucks? Having your kitchen sink leak. Imagine if instead he wrote this:\r\n\r\nTotally understand. You need to get the sink fixed ASAP. If you can\'t find anyone, let me know.\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, I found someone to come that day! And fix the leak for a lot less than my soon to be ex plumber.','Do you appreciate your customers?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3894-revision-v1','','','2018-12-13 10:31:02','2018-12-13 15:31:02','',3894,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/12/3894-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3896,4,'2018-12-13 10:47:32','2018-12-13 15:47:32','I am sure you appreciate your customers, especially when they pay you for the goods/services you offer. But do your customers know you appreciate them? How are you communicating appreciation?\r\n\r\nIf you are trying to establish or maintain a long term relationship with your clients, you must demonstrate AND COMMUNICATE that you appreciate their business, and that you are not taking the relationship for granted.\r\n\r\nHow can you do this?\r\n\r\nReward loyalty\r\n\r\nBig box stores, airlines, credit cards and any number of other service/good purveyors provide discounts/points/bonuses for frequent customers. Giving customers a discount or something else\r\n\r\nThank them\r\n\r\nDon\'t take any customer for granted\r\n\r\nMy kitchen sink was leaking, andI I contacted my plumber. I sent him an email explaining the situation and asking when he could come to deal with it. He could only fit me in the following week. I wrote him back and said that I would be looking for someone who could come sooner. His response was this:\r\n\r\nWow, that sucks but ok\r\n\r\nReally? It sucks? You know what sucks? Having your kitchen sink leak. Imagine if instead he wrote this:\r\n\r\nTotally understand. You need to get the sink fixed ASAP. If you can\'t find anyone, let me know.\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, I found someone to come that day! And fix the leak for a lot less than my soon to be ex plumber.','Do you appreciate your customers?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3894-revision-v1','','','2018-12-13 10:47:32','2018-12-13 15:47:32','',3894,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/12/3894-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3897,4,'2018-12-14 11:19:23','2018-12-14 16:19:23','','advertisement-advertising-font-519','','inherit','open','closed','','advertisement-advertising-font-519','','','2018-12-14 11:19:23','2018-12-14 16:19:23','',3894,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3898,4,'2018-12-14 11:26:36','2018-12-14 16:26:36','I am sure you appreciate your customers (or supporters), especially when they pay you (or donate) for the goods/services you offer. But do your customers know you appreciate them? How are you communicating appreciation?\r\n\r\nIf you are trying to establish or maintain a long term relationship with your customers or supporters, you must demonstrate AND COMMUNICATE that you appreciate their business/donations, and that you are not taking the relationship for granted.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3897 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHow can you do this? There are several ways.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reward their loyalty</strong>\r\n\r\nBig box stores, airlines, credit cards and any number of other service/good purveyors provide discounts/points/bonuses for frequent customers. Giving customers a discount or something else of value gives them a reason to continue to work with you, and lets you reward their support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thank them</strong>\r\n\r\nIt depends on the size of your business, but thanking customers can be done with a simple hand written card, an email, a pre-printed postcard, or even through a personalized email marketing campaign.\r\n\r\n<strong>Accommodate them</strong>\r\n\r\nMy kitchen sink was leaking, so I contacted my go-to plumber. I sent him an email explaining the situation and asking when he could come to deal with it. He could only fit me in the following week. I wrote him back and said that I would be looking for someone who could come sooner. His response was this:\r\n<blockquote>Wow, that sucks but ok</blockquote>\r\nReally? It sucks that I have to look for someone else? You know what sucks? Having your kitchen sink leak. Imagine if instead he wrote this:\r\n\r\n\"Totally understand. You need to get the sink fixed ASAP. If you can\'t find anyone, let me know.\"\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, I found someone to come that day! And fix the leak for a lot less than my soon to be ex plumber, who clearly is taking my business for granted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Notice them</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'ve been going to a yoga studio for the better part of the last year but around Thanksgiving, I went out of town and had a couple other obligations. Since I had not been in the studio for  several weeks, the studio sent me an email with the subject line \"Just checking in.\" It said this:\r\n<blockquote>Has it been a few weeks since you’ve been to yoga? Just remember you carry your yoga practice with you wherever you go. In the meantime, here is a 7 minute practice you can do right now in your chair. Don’t stay away too long. :-)</blockquote>\r\nThis included the instructions for the seven minute practice referenced.\r\n\r\n<strong>It all requires keeping track </strong>\r\n\r\nAll these require you tracking your customers/donors. For the yoga studio, this is probably part of the Mindbody software they use. For smaller organizations it may be as simple as a Excel spreadsheet. For bigger businesses, there are many types of customer management (CRM) software  available. For nonprofits, their are specific donor databases.\r\n\r\n<strong>Make them feel that you appreciate them</strong>\r\n\r\nWe all like to feel appreciated. And organizations of all types need to be sure to communicate their appreciation .','Do you appreciate your customers?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3894-revision-v1','','','2018-12-14 11:26:36','2018-12-14 16:26:36','',3894,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/12/3894-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3899,4,'2018-12-14 11:29:03','2018-12-14 16:29:03','I am sure you appreciate your customers (or supporters), especially when they pay you (or donate) for the goods/services you offer. But do your customers know you appreciate them? How are you communicating appreciation?\r\n\r\nIf you are trying to establish or maintain a long term relationship with your customers or supporters, you must demonstrate AND COMMUNICATE that you appreciate their business/donations, and that you are not taking the relationship for granted.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3897 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/advertisement-advertising-font-519-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHow can you do this? There are several ways.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reward their loyalty</strong>\r\n\r\nBig box stores, airlines, credit cards and any number of other service/good purveyors provide discounts/points/bonuses for frequent customers. Giving customers a discount or something else of value gives them a reason to continue to work with you, and lets you reward their support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thank them</strong>\r\n\r\nIt depends on the size of your business, but thanking customers can be done with a simple hand written card, an email, a pre-printed postcard, or even through a personalized email marketing campaign.\r\n\r\n<strong>Accommodate them</strong>\r\n\r\nMy kitchen sink was leaking, so I contacted my go-to plumber. I sent him an email explaining the situation and asking when he could come to deal with it. He could only fit me in the following week. I wrote him back and said that I would be looking for someone who could come sooner. His response was this:\r\n<blockquote>Wow, that sucks but ok</blockquote>\r\nReally? It sucks that I have to look for someone else? You know what sucks? Having your kitchen sink leak. Imagine if instead he wrote this:\r\n\r\n\"Totally understand. You need to get the sink fixed ASAP. If you can\'t find anyone, let me know.\"\r\n\r\nAs it turns out, I found someone to come that day! And fix the leak for a lot less than my soon to be ex plumber, who clearly is taking my business for granted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Notice them</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'ve been going to a yoga studio for the better part of the last year but around Thanksgiving, I went out of town and had a couple other obligations. Since I had not been in the studio for  several weeks, the studio manager sent me an email with the subject line \"Just checking in.\" It said this:\r\n<blockquote>Has it been a few weeks since you’ve been to yoga? Just remember you carry your yoga practice with you wherever you go. In the meantime, here is a 7 minute practice you can do right now in your chair. Don’t stay away too long. :-)</blockquote>\r\nThis included the instructions for the seven minute practice referenced.\r\n\r\n<strong>It all requires keeping track </strong>\r\n\r\nAll these require you tracking your customers/donors. For the yoga studio, this is probably part of the Mindbody software they use. For smaller organizations it may be as simple as a Excel spreadsheet. For bigger businesses, there are many types of customer management (CRM) software  available. For nonprofits, their are specific donor databases.\r\n\r\n<strong>Make them feel that you appreciate them</strong>\r\n\r\nWe all like to feel appreciated. And organizations of all types need to be sure to communicate their appreciation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you appreciate your customers?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3894-revision-v1','','','2018-12-14 11:29:03','2018-12-14 16:29:03','',3894,'https://deborahbrody.com/2018/12/3894-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3903,4,'2019-01-10 10:11:56','2019-01-10 15:11:56','If you, like me, have been neglecting your blog, you\'ve probably got a few good reasons (or excuses). Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Maybe you just haven\'t been inspired to write. Whatever the case may be, your blog is calling out for attention and now, at the beginning of 2019, is the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/asphalt-empty-field-163444.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3910 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/asphalt-empty-field-163444-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere are four key steps you can take to get your blog back on track:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong>Clarify your objective</strong>. Blogs flounder when you don\'t know why you are writing them. Ask yourself what your blog is meant to do. Is it supposed to establish your expertise? Is it part of your content marketing strategy? Perhaps it\'s meant to help in lead generation, email sign-ups or to encourage ebook downloads. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, that is your objective. Writing it down, and being clear about it will help motivate you going forward.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Define your topic area (s).</strong> What are you writing about? What  topics does your blog deal with? Do these reflect your expertise, interests and specializations? Making a list of topics you may write about helps give you inspiration. Also, those could be the basis for research.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Scope out the competition.</strong> Are there a lot of other blogs or websites that offer information on your topic areas? If so, are you offering any unique or different take on the topic? What would be a reason for someone to read something on the topic on your blog rather than going elsewhere? You want to stand out from your competition by providing specialized insights or unique takes that can\'t be found elsewhere.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Create an editorial guide and/or calendar for 2019.</strong> Create a framework for your blogging this year. Start with the calendar and write down any special dates or events you will be participating in. Those may be the basis for blog posts. If you are looking for something more formal, or if you collaborate with others, there are many free and paid resources on the web for creating a content calendar.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Bonus step:</strong> Now that you\'ve been giving some serious thought to what you want your blog to do this year, brainstorm at least 10 blog post ideas.\r\n\r\nClarifying what you want to achieve, and defining your topic areas will help provide direction for your blog, and get you back on track.\r\n\r\nPlease let me know in the comments if there are other methods you\'ve used to revive a blog.','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','publish','open','open','','4-key-steps-to-get-your-blog-back-on-track-for-2019','','','2019-01-10 10:11:56','2019-01-10 15:11:56','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3903',0,'post','',0),
(3913,4,'2019-01-25 10:10:08','2019-01-25 15:10:08','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3920\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118-1024x763.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>What happens when you don\'t follow best practices in communications?</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are examples galore of organizations that don\'t follow communications best practices. There are plenty  of restaurants whose websites don\'t include menus or have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (which is a real pain on your smartphone, where most people are looking this stuff up).  The best practice is to include menus that are easily accessible and readable on mobile. Another best practice is to make sure to include important information such as hours and location (and yet, many restaurant websites don\'t). What happens here is that potential diners may not choose to check out your restaurant.\r\n\r\nThere are many organizations that send email marketing pieces that are made up of all images and not text (<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2018/10/the-biggest-email-marketing-mistake/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I\'ve written about this before</a>).  The industry best practice is to include the important information in a text format. The result of not following the practice is that recipients will not be able to see the information, and your email is a waste.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing: You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner workings. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line here is that if you want to achieve the best results from your communications efforts you have to follow communications best practices. Experts will know those best practices. Winging it or worse, thinking you know the best way when you don\'t, will result in poor performance from your communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-follow-best-practices','','','2019-01-25 10:12:11','2019-01-25 15:12:11','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3913',0,'post','',0),
(3906,4,'2019-01-09 13:43:36','2019-01-09 18:43:36','If you are like me, you\'ve been neglecting your blog. Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Whatever the case may be, if your blog has been suffering, now\'s the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','inherit','closed','closed','','3903-revision-v1','','','2019-01-09 13:43:36','2019-01-09 18:43:36','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3903-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3907,4,'2019-01-09 13:46:44','2019-01-09 18:46:44','If you, like me, have been neglecting your blog, you probably have some good reasons. Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Whatever the case may be, your blog is calling out for attention and now, at the beginning of 2019, is the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','inherit','closed','closed','','3903-revision-v1','','','2019-01-09 13:46:44','2019-01-09 18:46:44','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3903-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3908,4,'2019-01-09 14:06:22','2019-01-09 19:06:22','If you, like me, have been neglecting your blog, there\'s a few good reasons. Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Whatever the case may be, your blog is calling out for attention and now, at the beginning of 2019, is the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\nHere are four key steps you can take to get your blog back on track.\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong>Clarify your objective</strong>. Ask yourself what your blog meant to do? Is it supposed to establish your expertise? Is it part of your content marketing strategy? Perhaps it\'s meant to help in lead generation, email sign-ups or to encourage ebook downloads. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, that is your objective. Go ahead and write it down.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Define your topic area (s).</strong> What does your blog deal with? Do your topics reflect your expertise and specializations?</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Scope out the competition.</strong> Are there a lot of other blogs or websites that offer information on your topic areas? If so, are you offering any unique or different take on the topic? What would be a reason for someone to read something on the topic on your blog rather than going elsewhere?</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Create an editorial guide and/or calendar for 2019.</strong> It doesn\'t have to be a fancy content calendar, but it should provide a framework for your blogging this year.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBonus: Now that you\'ve been giving some serious thought to what you want your blog to do this year, brainstorm at least 10 blog post ideas.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','inherit','closed','closed','','3903-revision-v1','','','2019-01-09 14:06:22','2019-01-09 19:06:22','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3903-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3910,4,'2019-01-10 10:11:03','2019-01-10 15:11:03','','asphalt-empty-field-163444','','inherit','open','closed','','asphalt-empty-field-163444','','','2019-01-10 10:11:03','2019-01-10 15:11:03','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/asphalt-empty-field-163444.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3909,4,'2019-01-10 10:05:06','2019-01-10 15:05:06','If you, like me, have been neglecting your blog, you\'ve probably got a few good reasons (or excuses). Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Maybe you just haven\'t been inspired to write. Whatever the case may be, your blog is calling out for attention and now, at the beginning of 2019, is the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\nHere are four key steps you can take to get your blog back on track.\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong>Clarify your objective</strong>. Blogs flounder when you don\'t know why you are writing them. Ask yourself what your blog is meant to do. Is it supposed to establish your expertise? Is it part of your content marketing strategy? Perhaps it\'s meant to help in lead generation, email sign-ups or to encourage ebook downloads. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, that is your objective. Writing it down, and being clear about it will help motivate you going forward.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Define your topic area (s).</strong> What are you writing about? What  topics does your blog deal with? Do these reflect your expertise, interests and specializations? Making a list of topics you may write about helps give you inspiration. Also, those could be the basis for research.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Scope out the competition.</strong> Are there a lot of other blogs or websites that offer information on your topic areas? If so, are you offering any unique or different take on the topic? What would be a reason for someone to read something on the topic on your blog rather than going elsewhere? You want to stand out from your competition by providing specialized insights or unique takes that can\'t be found elsewhere.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Create an editorial guide and/or calendar for 2019.</strong> Create a framework for your blogging this year. Start with the calendar and write down any special dates or events you will be participating in. Those may be the basis for blog posts. If you are looking for something more formal, or if you collaborate with others, there are many free and paid resources on the web for creating a content calendar.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Bonus step:</strong> Now that you\'ve been giving some serious thought to what you want your blog to do this year, brainstorm at least 10 blog post ideas.\r\n\r\nClarifying what you want to achieve with your blog, and defining your topic areas will help provide direction for your blog, and get  you back on track with your blogging.\r\n\r\nPlease let me know in the comments if there are other methods you\'ve used to revive a blog.','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','inherit','closed','closed','','3903-revision-v1','','','2019-01-10 10:05:06','2019-01-10 15:05:06','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3903-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3911,4,'2019-01-10 10:11:31','2019-01-10 15:11:31','If you, like me, have been neglecting your blog, you\'ve probably got a few good reasons (or excuses). Maybe you took time off during the holidays. Maybe preparing for the holidays and the new year took over your life. Maybe you just haven\'t been inspired to write. Whatever the case may be, your blog is calling out for attention and now, at the beginning of 2019, is the perfect time to get it back on track.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/asphalt-empty-field-163444.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3910 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/asphalt-empty-field-163444-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere are four key steps you can take to get your blog back on track:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong>Clarify your objective</strong>. Blogs flounder when you don\'t know why you are writing them. Ask yourself what your blog is meant to do. Is it supposed to establish your expertise? Is it part of your content marketing strategy? Perhaps it\'s meant to help in lead generation, email sign-ups or to encourage ebook downloads. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, that is your objective. Writing it down, and being clear about it will help motivate you going forward.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Define your topic area (s).</strong> What are you writing about? What  topics does your blog deal with? Do these reflect your expertise, interests and specializations? Making a list of topics you may write about helps give you inspiration. Also, those could be the basis for research.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Scope out the competition.</strong> Are there a lot of other blogs or websites that offer information on your topic areas? If so, are you offering any unique or different take on the topic? What would be a reason for someone to read something on the topic on your blog rather than going elsewhere? You want to stand out from your competition by providing specialized insights or unique takes that can\'t be found elsewhere.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Create an editorial guide and/or calendar for 2019.</strong> Create a framework for your blogging this year. Start with the calendar and write down any special dates or events you will be participating in. Those may be the basis for blog posts. If you are looking for something more formal, or if you collaborate with others, there are many free and paid resources on the web for creating a content calendar.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Bonus step:</strong> Now that you\'ve been giving some serious thought to what you want your blog to do this year, brainstorm at least 10 blog post ideas.\r\n\r\nClarifying what you want to achieve, and defining your topic areas will help provide direction for your blog, and get you back on track.\r\n\r\nPlease let me know in the comments if there are other methods you\'ve used to revive a blog.','4 key steps to get your blog back on track for 2019','','inherit','closed','closed','','3903-revision-v1','','','2019-01-10 10:11:31','2019-01-10 15:11:31','',3903,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3903-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3915,4,'2019-01-24 10:02:31','2019-01-24 15:02:31','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices. Your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\nCommunication best practices\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-24 10:02:31','2019-01-24 15:02:31','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3960,4,'2019-04-29 11:00:37','2019-04-29 15:00:37','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. Just radio silence from her. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house. She just wanted something that felt right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you ignore it. It\'s not really edible anymore.\r\n\r\nAnd when you don\'t send enough email to your contact list, you risk being forgotten or making your contacts think you are not in business any more.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because you risk being burned.\r\n\r\nWhen you send too much email, you are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying.\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nWhen you send email that is valuable to your contacts, in a timely and moderate fashion, you are doing them a service. They will appreciate hearing from you.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-29 11:00:37','2019-04-29 15:00:37','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3917,4,'2019-01-24 14:04:50','2019-01-24 19:04:50','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>Restaurant websites should include a menu (and hours and location)</strong>\r\n\r\nHow many restaurant websites have you visited that do not have menus? Or that have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (a real pain on your smartphone)?  It should be an industry standard (an enshrined best practice) to always include menus.\r\n\r\n<strong>Email marketing should have text and not be all images</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'ve written about this before, and complained about it plenty. Getting an email marketing piece that is all images ensures that the recipient will not be able to see the information. You must include the important information in a text format. That is an industry best practice.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing. You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner working. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-24 14:04:50','2019-01-24 19:04:50','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3918,4,'2019-01-24 14:12:39','2019-01-24 19:12:39','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>Restaurant websites should include a menu (and hours and location)</strong>\r\n\r\nHow many restaurant websites have you visited that do not have menus? Or that have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (a real pain on your smartphone)?  It should be an industry standard (an enshrined best practice) to always include menus.\r\n\r\n<strong>Email marketing should have text and not be all images</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'ve written about this before, and complained about it plenty. Getting an email marketing piece that is all images ensures that the recipient will not be able to see the information. You must include the important information in a text format. That is an industry best practice.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing. You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner working. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-24 14:12:39','2019-01-24 19:12:39','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3919,4,'2019-01-25 10:07:17','2019-01-25 15:07:17','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>What happens when you don\'t follow best practices in communications?</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are examples galore of organizations that don\'t follow communications best practices. There are plenty  of restaurants whose websites don\'t include menus or have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (which is a real pain on your smartphone, where most people are looking this stuff up).  The best practice is to include menus that are easily accessible and readable on mobile. Another best practice is to make sure to include important information such as hours and location (and yet, many restaurant websites don\'t). What happens here is that potential diners may not choose to check out your restaurant.\r\n\r\nThere are many organizations that send email marketing pieces that are made up of all images and not text (I\'ve written about this before).  The industry best practice is to include the important information in a text format. The result of not following the practice is that recipients will not be able to see the information, and your email is a waste.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing: You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner workings. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\nThe bottom line here is that if you want to achieve the best results from your communications efforts you have to follow communications best practices. Experts will know those best practices. Winging it or worse, thinking you know the best way when you don\'t, will result in poor performance from your communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-25 10:07:17','2019-01-25 15:07:17','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3920,4,'2019-01-25 10:08:57','2019-01-25 15:08:57','','accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118','','inherit','open','closed','','accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118','','','2019-01-25 10:08:57','2019-01-25 15:08:57','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3921,4,'2019-01-25 10:09:31','2019-01-25 15:09:31','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3920\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118-1024x763.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>What happens when you don\'t follow best practices in communications?</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are examples galore of organizations that don\'t follow communications best practices. There are plenty  of restaurants whose websites don\'t include menus or have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (which is a real pain on your smartphone, where most people are looking this stuff up).  The best practice is to include menus that are easily accessible and readable on mobile. Another best practice is to make sure to include important information such as hours and location (and yet, many restaurant websites don\'t). What happens here is that potential diners may not choose to check out your restaurant.\r\n\r\nThere are many organizations that send email marketing pieces that are made up of all images and not text (I\'ve written about this before).  The industry best practice is to include the important information in a text format. The result of not following the practice is that recipients will not be able to see the information, and your email is a waste.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing: You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner workings. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line here is that if you want to achieve the best results from your communications efforts you have to follow communications best practices. Experts will know those best practices. Winging it or worse, thinking you know the best way when you don\'t, will result in poor performance from your communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-25 10:09:31','2019-01-25 15:09:31','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3922,4,'2019-01-25 10:12:11','2019-01-25 15:12:11','<strong>What are best practices?</strong>\r\n\r\nBest practices are the ones that are the most effective in providing results you want.  And every industry has its own best practices.  Additionally, your organization might have its own best practices, which include administrative and managerial tasks (e.g., how to invoice, how to handle hiring and firing, how to establish budget priorities, etc.). Best practices are guidelines. They serve as a map in getting things done the right way.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3920\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/accomplishment-achievement-adults-1059118-1024x763.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>If you don\'t have  best practices, you may not have best results</strong>\r\n\r\nTake an administrative task like invoicing, for example. Do you follow a rule about invoicing? Perhaps you invoice every time a project is completed, or you invoice every two weeks, or once a month. You probably understand that unless  you invoice regularly, you may not get paid regularly. I once worked at a communications agency where the invoicing was handled by the very disorganized president (who was a horrible micro-manager and could/would not delegate these types of tasks). She invoiced clients whenever she got around to it. And guess what? That affected cash flow for the agency, and even angered clients who were getting billed for work done months earlier.  This agency president was not following invoicing best practices, and it was making her agency suffer financially.\r\n\r\n<strong>An effective communications strategy incorporates your industry/organizational best practices.  </strong>\r\n\r\nSay you are building a brand new website. You will need to consult with or engage a website developer. That will ensure you are following best practices for user experience (UX), design, the admin of the website and other website issues. But you will also need to know what should be included from a communications perspective, and may need to consult with someone for that (some website developers have this capacity). And lastly, but certainly not least, you have to understand and incorporate your industry and organizational best practices. Perhaps in your industry it is a best practice to quote firm pricing upfront. Then, you would show prices on your website.\r\n\r\n<strong>What happens when you don\'t follow best practices in communications?</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are examples galore of organizations that don\'t follow communications best practices. There are plenty  of restaurants whose websites don\'t include menus or have menus that need to be downloaded as PDFs (which is a real pain on your smartphone, where most people are looking this stuff up).  The best practice is to include menus that are easily accessible and readable on mobile. Another best practice is to make sure to include important information such as hours and location (and yet, many restaurant websites don\'t). What happens here is that potential diners may not choose to check out your restaurant.\r\n\r\nThere are many organizations that send email marketing pieces that are made up of all images and not text (<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2018/10/the-biggest-email-marketing-mistake/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I\'ve written about this before</a>).  The industry best practice is to include the important information in a text format. The result of not following the practice is that recipients will not be able to see the information, and your email is a waste.\r\n\r\n<strong>Experts know and use best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s the thing: You are an expert at your organization\'s priorities and inner workings. You know your best practices. You may also know your industry\'s best practices. But chances are, you are not an expert at writing, design, website development, crisis communication , SEO, public relations or any specialized communications field. That is why hiring and working with experts in those fields makes for a better result.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line here is that if you want to achieve the best results from your communications efforts you have to follow communications best practices. Experts will know those best practices. Winging it or worse, thinking you know the best way when you don\'t, will result in poor performance from your communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Do you follow best practices?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3913-revision-v1','','','2019-01-25 10:12:11','2019-01-25 15:12:11','',3913,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/01/3913-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3924,4,'2019-02-07 14:09:32','2019-02-07 19:09:32','My job as a copy editor is to tighten up other people’s writing so that it is more easily readable, clear, consistent and accurate. Often, I come across the same three issues that make writing harder to read and more unclear. These issues include having sentences that are too long and stuffed with extraneous words and phrases; writing in the passive voice; and using unnecessarily big words.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3925\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you want to make your writing sharper, and your meaning clearer, here are three ways to achieve that goal:\r\n<h5><strong>1. Use active voice</strong></h5>\r\nBy eliminating passive sentences, you are immediately tightening up your writing and getting rid of useless words. Your sentences will be more direct and punchy.\r\n\r\n<em>Passive:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The actress Jane Doe was awarded an Oscar by the Academy for her performance in <em>The Movie.</em></p>\r\n<em>Active:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The Academy awarded an Oscar to actress Jane Doe for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Jane Doe won an Oscar for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h5><strong>2. Get rid of the extras</strong></h5>\r\nUsing extra words and phrases may have made your college essays reach the magic page number needed, but in marketing and business writing, these just make your work wordy and/or redundant.\r\n\r\n<em>Instead of  this                </em>Use this\r\n\r\n<em>As well as</em>                           and\r\n\r\n<em>In the afternoon hours     </em>In the afternoon\r\n\r\n<em>The reason why is</em>              Because\r\n\r\n<em>Came at a time when</em>        Came when\r\n\r\nFor more examples, <a href=\"https://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check out this list of 50 redundant phrases</a>.\r\n<h5><strong>3. Cut out the big words</strong></h5>\r\nUsing big words when small ones would do makes you look like you are trying too hard, and does nothing to enhance the writing’s readability. And p.s.,  using big words can sound pretentious.\r\n\r\n<em>Bigger word  </em>           <em> Smaller word</em>\r\n\r\nUtilize                        Use\r\n\r\nPhysician                  Doctor\r\n\r\nReside                       Live\r\n\r\nPurchase                   Buy\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHave you come across these in your writing or in work you are editing? Which one is the most common?','3 ways to tighten up your writing','','publish','open','open','','3-ways-to-tighten-up-your-writing','','','2019-02-07 14:09:32','2019-02-07 19:09:32','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3924',0,'post','',0),
(3925,4,'2019-02-07 13:57:25','2019-02-07 18:57:25','','close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966','','inherit','open','closed','','close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966','','','2019-02-07 13:57:25','2019-02-07 18:57:25','',3924,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3926,4,'2019-02-07 13:59:23','2019-02-07 18:59:23','My job as a copy editor is to tighten up other people’s writing so that it is more easily readable, clear, and accurate. Often, I come across the same three issues that make writing harder to read and more unclear. These issues include having sentences that are too long and stuffed with extraneous words and phrases; writing in the passive voice; and using unnecessarily big words.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3925\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you want to make your writing sharper, and your meaning clearer, here are three ways to achieve that goal:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong> Use active voice</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBy eliminating passive sentences, you are immediately tightening up your writing and getting rid of useless words. Your sentences will be more direct and punchy.\r\n\r\n<em>Passive:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The actress Jane Doe was awarded an Oscar by the Academy for her performance in <em>The Movie.</em></p>\r\n<em>Active:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The Academy awarded an Oscar to actress Jane Doe for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Jane Doe won an Oscar for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n 	<li><strong> Get rid of the extras</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nUsing extra words and phrases may have made your college essays reach the magic page number needed, but in marketing and business writing, these just make your work wordy and/or redundant.\r\n\r\n<em>Instead of           </em>Use\r\n\r\n<em>As well as</em>            and\r\n\r\n<em>In the afternoon hours  </em>In the afternoon\r\n\r\n<em>The reason why is</em>            Because\r\n\r\n<em>Came at a time when</em>     Came when\r\n\r\nFor more examples, <a href=\"https://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check out this list of 50 redundant phrases</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol start=\"3\">\r\n 	<li><strong>Cut out the big words.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nUsing big words when small ones would do makes you look like you are trying too hard, and does nothing to enhance the writing’s readability. And p.s.,  using big words can sound pretentious.\r\n\r\n<em>Big word  </em>           <em> Small word</em>\r\n\r\nUtilize                   Use\r\n\r\nPhysician             Doctor\r\n\r\nReside                  Live\r\n\r\nPurchase             Buy\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHave you come across these in your writing or in work you are editing? Which one is the most common?','3 ways to tighten up your writing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3924-revision-v1','','','2019-02-07 13:59:23','2019-02-07 18:59:23','',3924,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3928,4,'2019-02-07 14:07:00','2019-02-07 19:07:00','My job as a copy editor is to tighten up other people’s writing so that it is more easily readable, clear, consistent and accurate. Often, I come across the same three issues that make writing harder to read and more unclear. These issues include having sentences that are too long and stuffed with extraneous words and phrases; writing in the passive voice; and using unnecessarily big words.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3925\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you want to make your writing sharper, and your meaning clearer, here are three ways to achieve that goal:\r\n<h5><strong>1. Use active voice</strong></h5>\r\nBy eliminating passive sentences, you are immediately tightening up your writing and getting rid of useless words. Your sentences will be more direct and punchy.\r\n\r\n<em>Passive:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The actress Jane Doe was awarded an Oscar by the Academy for her performance in <em>The Movie.</em></p>\r\n<em>Active:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The Academy awarded an Oscar to actress Jane Doe for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Jane Doe won an Oscar for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h5><strong>2. Get rid of the extras</strong></h5>\r\nUsing extra words and phrases may have made your college essays reach the magic page number needed, but in marketing and business writing, these just make your work wordy and/or redundant.\r\n\r\n<em>Instead of           </em>Use\r\n\r\n<em>As well as</em>            and\r\n\r\n<em>In the afternoon hours  </em>In the afternoon\r\n\r\n<em>The reason why is</em>            Because\r\n\r\n<em>Came at a time when</em>     Came when\r\n\r\nFor more examples, <a href=\"https://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check out this list of 50 redundant phrases</a>.\r\n<h5><strong>3. Cut out the big words</strong></h5>\r\nUsing big words when small ones would do makes you look like you are trying too hard, and does nothing to enhance the writing’s readability. And p.s.,  using big words can sound pretentious.\r\n\r\n<em>Bigger word  </em>           <em> Smaller word</em>\r\n\r\nUtilize                        Use\r\n\r\nPhysician                  Doctor\r\n\r\nReside                       Live\r\n\r\nPurchase                   Buy\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHave you come across these in your writing or in work you are editing? Which one is the most common?','3 ways to tighten up your writing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3924-revision-v1','','','2019-02-07 14:07:00','2019-02-07 19:07:00','',3924,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3927,4,'2019-02-07 14:01:35','2019-02-07 19:01:35','My job as a copy editor is to tighten up other people’s writing so that it is more easily readable, clear, and accurate. Often, I come across the same three issues that make writing harder to read and more unclear. These issues include having sentences that are too long and stuffed with extraneous words and phrases; writing in the passive voice; and using unnecessarily big words.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3925\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you want to make your writing sharper, and your meaning clearer, here are three ways to achieve that goal:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong> Use active voice</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBy eliminating passive sentences, you are immediately tightening up your writing and getting rid of useless words. Your sentences will be more direct and punchy.\r\n\r\n<em>Passive:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The actress Jane Doe was awarded an Oscar by the Academy for her performance in <em>The Movie.</em></p>\r\n<em>Active:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The Academy awarded an Oscar to actress Jane Doe for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Jane Doe won an Oscar for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n 	<li><strong> Get rid of the extras</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nUsing extra words and phrases may have made your college essays reach the magic page number needed, but in marketing and business writing, these just make your work wordy and/or redundant.\r\n\r\n<em>Instead of           </em>Use\r\n\r\n<em>As well as</em>            and\r\n\r\n<em>In the afternoon hours  </em>In the afternoon\r\n\r\n<em>The reason why is</em>            Because\r\n\r\n<em>Came at a time when</em>     Came when\r\n\r\nFor more examples, <a href=\"https://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check out this list of 50 redundant phrases</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol start=\"3\">\r\n 	<li><strong>Cut out the big words.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nUsing big words when small ones would do makes you look like you are trying too hard, and does nothing to enhance the writing’s readability. And p.s.,  using big words can sound pretentious.\r\n\r\n<em>Bigger word  </em>           <em> Smaller word</em>\r\n\r\nUtilize                        Use\r\n\r\nPhysician                  Doctor\r\n\r\nReside                       Live\r\n\r\nPurchase                   Buy\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHave you come across these in your writing or in work you are editing? Which one is the most common?','3 ways to tighten up your writing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3924-revision-v1','','','2019-02-07 14:01:35','2019-02-07 19:01:35','',3924,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3929,4,'2019-02-07 14:08:33','2019-02-07 19:08:33','My job as a copy editor is to tighten up other people’s writing so that it is more easily readable, clear, consistent and accurate. Often, I come across the same three issues that make writing harder to read and more unclear. These issues include having sentences that are too long and stuffed with extraneous words and phrases; writing in the passive voice; and using unnecessarily big words.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3925\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/close-up-view-indoors-instrument-141966-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIf you want to make your writing sharper, and your meaning clearer, here are three ways to achieve that goal:\r\n<h5><strong>1. Use active voice</strong></h5>\r\nBy eliminating passive sentences, you are immediately tightening up your writing and getting rid of useless words. Your sentences will be more direct and punchy.\r\n\r\n<em>Passive:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The actress Jane Doe was awarded an Oscar by the Academy for her performance in <em>The Movie.</em></p>\r\n<em>Active:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The Academy awarded an Oscar to actress Jane Doe for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Jane Doe won an Oscar for <em>The Movie</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h5><strong>2. Get rid of the extras</strong></h5>\r\nUsing extra words and phrases may have made your college essays reach the magic page number needed, but in marketing and business writing, these just make your work wordy and/or redundant.\r\n\r\n<em>Instead of  this                </em>Use this\r\n\r\n<em>As well as</em>                           and\r\n\r\n<em>In the afternoon hours     </em>In the afternoon\r\n\r\n<em>The reason why is</em>              Because\r\n\r\n<em>Came at a time when</em>        Came when\r\n\r\nFor more examples, <a href=\"https://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check out this list of 50 redundant phrases</a>.\r\n<h5><strong>3. Cut out the big words</strong></h5>\r\nUsing big words when small ones would do makes you look like you are trying too hard, and does nothing to enhance the writing’s readability. And p.s.,  using big words can sound pretentious.\r\n\r\n<em>Bigger word  </em>           <em> Smaller word</em>\r\n\r\nUtilize                        Use\r\n\r\nPhysician                  Doctor\r\n\r\nReside                       Live\r\n\r\nPurchase                   Buy\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHave you come across these in your writing or in work you are editing? Which one is the most common?','3 ways to tighten up your writing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3924-revision-v1','','','2019-02-07 14:08:33','2019-02-07 19:08:33','',3924,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3932,4,'2019-02-20 09:52:49','2019-02-20 14:52:49','My inbox is under attack. In just the last couple of days, I have received no less than 15 emails from either the same sender or with the same subject line.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3933\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920-1024x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"532\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>A barrage of junk</strong>\r\n\r\nThe first one came in on Sunday at 3 a.m. from “Emma Thompson” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.” When I opened it, it said someone was seeking PR services. I deleted the email because I thought no serious agency would be sending out emails on Sunday at 3 a.m.\r\n\r\nLater that morning, I got an email from \"Kate Potter\" with the subject line “Web designer quote.”\r\n\r\nAnd then an email from “Mia West” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.”\r\n\r\nAnd then at least ten more emails throughout President’s Day from \"Kate Potter\" with alternating subject lines:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Mobile Software Developer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Photographer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Packaging Designer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Web Designer Quote\"</p>\r\nInterspersed were two more emails from “Mia West,” subject: \"New customer looking for your services.\"\r\n\r\nNotice a pattern? Same sender and/or same subject line.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is lead generation?</strong>\r\n\r\nI opened some of these email and found they all came from a supposed lead generation outfit called Bark(dot)com.  This \"company\" found my website and copied my contact information into their database, and then began \"contacting\" me.\r\n\r\nPerhaps Bark(dot)com is a legitimate business, but it doesn’t act like it. In fact, it is acting in a downright shady manner. Its marketing “method” is more like a spammer\'s than that of a legitimate business\' email marketing technique.\r\n\r\n<strong>If it acts like spam...</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat makes these emails look and act like spam, and therefore be wholly ineffective:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Sending during non-business hours and days</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending the same email time after time</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending way too many emails in too short a time span</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending emails that are not relevant and not personalized</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Update</strong>\r\n\r\nSince writing this post, I received six more emails, making it over 20 emails in a 48-hour time period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How not to do email marketing','','publish','open','open','','how-not-to-do-email-marketing','','','2019-02-20 09:52:49','2019-02-20 14:52:49','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3932',0,'post','',15),
(3933,4,'2019-02-20 09:46:23','2019-02-20 14:46:23','','spam-964521_1920','','inherit','open','closed','','spam-964521_1920','','','2019-02-20 09:46:23','2019-02-20 14:46:23','',3932,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3934,4,'2019-02-20 09:49:08','2019-02-20 14:49:08','My inbox is under attack. In just the last couple of days, I have received no less than 15 emails from either the same sender or with the same subject line.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3933\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920-1024x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"532\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>A barrage of junk</strong>\r\n\r\nThe first one came in on Sunday at 3 a.m. from “Emma Thompson” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.” When I opened it, it said someone was seeking PR services. I deleted the email because I thought no serious agency would be sending out emails on Sunday at 3 a.m.\r\n\r\nLater that morning, I got an email from \"Kate Potter\" with the subject line “Web designer quote.”\r\n\r\nAnd then an email from “Mia West” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.”\r\n\r\nAnd then at least ten more emails throughout President’s Day from \"Kate Potter\" with alternating subject lines:\r\n\r\n\"Mobile Software Developer Quote\"\r\n\r\n\"Photographer Quote\"\r\n\r\n\"Packaging Designer Quote\"\r\n\r\n\"Web Designer Quote\"\r\n\r\nInterspersed were two more emails from “Mia West,” subject: \"New customer looking for your services.\"\r\n\r\nNotice a pattern? Same sender and/or same subject line.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is lead generation?</strong>\r\n\r\nI opened some of these email and found they all came from a supposed lead generation outfit called Bark(dot)com.\r\n\r\nPerhaps Bark(dot)com is a legitimate business, but it doesn’t act like it. In fact, it is acting in a downright shady manner. Its marketing “method” is more like a spammer\'s than that of a legitimate business\' email marketing technique.\r\n\r\n<strong>If it acts like spam...</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat makes these emails look and act like spam, and therefore be wholly ineffective:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Sending during non-business hours and days</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending the same email time after time</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending way too many emails in too short a time span</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending emails that are not relevant and not personalized</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Update</strong>\r\n\r\nSince writing this post, I received six more emails, making it over 20 emails in a 48-hour time period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How not to do email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3932-revision-v1','','','2019-02-20 09:49:08','2019-02-20 14:49:08','',3932,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3932-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3935,4,'2019-02-20 09:52:49','2019-02-20 14:52:49','My inbox is under attack. In just the last couple of days, I have received no less than 15 emails from either the same sender or with the same subject line.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3933\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/spam-964521_1920-1024x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"532\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>A barrage of junk</strong>\r\n\r\nThe first one came in on Sunday at 3 a.m. from “Emma Thompson” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.” When I opened it, it said someone was seeking PR services. I deleted the email because I thought no serious agency would be sending out emails on Sunday at 3 a.m.\r\n\r\nLater that morning, I got an email from \"Kate Potter\" with the subject line “Web designer quote.”\r\n\r\nAnd then an email from “Mia West” with the subject line “New customers looking for your services.”\r\n\r\nAnd then at least ten more emails throughout President’s Day from \"Kate Potter\" with alternating subject lines:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Mobile Software Developer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Photographer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Packaging Designer Quote\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\"Web Designer Quote\"</p>\r\nInterspersed were two more emails from “Mia West,” subject: \"New customer looking for your services.\"\r\n\r\nNotice a pattern? Same sender and/or same subject line.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is lead generation?</strong>\r\n\r\nI opened some of these email and found they all came from a supposed lead generation outfit called Bark(dot)com.  This \"company\" found my website and copied my contact information into their database, and then began \"contacting\" me.\r\n\r\nPerhaps Bark(dot)com is a legitimate business, but it doesn’t act like it. In fact, it is acting in a downright shady manner. Its marketing “method” is more like a spammer\'s than that of a legitimate business\' email marketing technique.\r\n\r\n<strong>If it acts like spam...</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat makes these emails look and act like spam, and therefore be wholly ineffective:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Sending during non-business hours and days</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending the same email time after time</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending way too many emails in too short a time span</li>\r\n 	<li>Sending emails that are not relevant and not personalized</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Update</strong>\r\n\r\nSince writing this post, I received six more emails, making it over 20 emails in a 48-hour time period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How not to do email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3932-revision-v1','','','2019-02-20 09:52:49','2019-02-20 14:52:49','',3932,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/3932-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3937,4,'2019-03-05 09:24:49','2019-03-05 14:24:49','My last blog post detailed an ongoing attack on my inbox by a \"lead generation company\" called Bark. As of today, I\'ve continued to receive dozens of emails from both the same sender (\"Kate Potter\") or with the same subject line (\"new customers looking for your services\"). In fact, I got at least six since last night.\r\n\r\nBut all I have to do is see who the sender  is or read the same subject line to hit delete. Bark can continue to send emails until the end of days, and I will never open them. Why? Because I don\'t trust that Bark is legitimate. In fact, Bark has earned the opposite reputation, that of a spammer, an illegitimate business that seeks to worm its way into getting you to click or call by sending  emails that may have the veneer of legitimacy but are a front for a scheme.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/achievement-adult-agreement-1308780.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3940\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/achievement-adult-agreement-1308780-1024x892.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"892\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Too many bad actors</strong>\r\n\r\nCybersecurity and privacy threats are rampant, and we  have to guard constantly against them. There are just too many bad actors seeking to damage businesses and people by installing malware or by phishing to get passwords in order to steal identities.\r\n\r\nClicking on links in emails always opens us up to problems. That is, unless we trust the sender and know they are not acting maliciously.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reputation matters</strong>\r\n\r\nIn order to keep opening and reading email, we need to trust the sender. Generally, we trust senders we have a relationship with. We know some senders personally or we\'ve conducted some kind of transaction with them (donation, purchase, etc.) and thus we trust them.\r\n\r\nHowever, if we don\'t trust the sender, we may not even open the email. And if we do open the email, we are certainly not downloading attachments or clicking on links.\r\n\r\n<strong>Spammers don\'t understand trust</strong>\r\n\r\nTrust is essential in the keeping yourself safe from cyber threats. And that is what Bark and many other spammers don\'t seem to get. They seems to think that as long as they are hiding behind a <em>veneer</em> of legitimacy (looking like legitimate business query or coming from the correct industry), then we will just trust that they are real. But trust is earned. And when you send the same email over and over and over again, you are not earning trust. You are causing suspicion. When you attempt to send the same email from a different sender\'s names,  you are not engendering believabilty, nor are you increasing the chance that the recipient will open the email.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endnote</strong>\r\n\r\nI just checked Bark on WHOIS. All information has been \"redacted for privacy.\" In other words, there is no contact information whatsoever.  All I can find out from WHOIS is the name of the domain registrar for this \"company.\" And I can  use this information to register a complaint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Trust is essential and must be earned','','publish','open','open','','trust-is-essential-and-must-be-earned','','','2019-03-05 09:24:49','2019-03-05 14:24:49','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3937',0,'post','',0),
(3938,4,'2019-03-01 11:40:04','2019-03-01 16:40:04','Last week I told you about the ongoing attack on my inbox by a \"lead generation company\" called Bark. As of today, I\'ve continued to receive dozens of emails from both the same sender (Kate Potter) or with the same subject line. More and more, this so-called company is looking like a two-bit spammer. They\'ve not earned trust from me.','Trust is essential and must be earned','','inherit','closed','closed','','3937-revision-v1','','','2019-03-01 11:40:04','2019-03-01 16:40:04','',3937,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/03/3937-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3939,4,'2019-03-05 09:14:26','2019-03-05 14:14:26','My last blog post detailed an ongoing attack on my inbox by a \"lead generation company\" called Bark. As of today, I\'ve continued to receive dozens of emails from both the same sender (\"Kate Potter\") or with the same subject line (\"new customers looking for your services\"). In fact, I got at least six since last night.\r\n\r\nBut all I have to do is see the sender or subject line to hit delete. Bark can continue to send emails until the end of days, and I will never open them. Why? Because I don\'t trust that Bark is legitimate. In fact, I Bark has earned the opposite reputation, that of a spammer, an illegitimate business that seeks to worm its way into getting you to click or call by sending  emails that may have the veneer of legitimacy but are a front for a scheme.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too many bad actors</strong>\r\n\r\nCybersecurity and privacy threats are rampant, and we  have to guard constantly against them. There are just too many bad actors seeking to damage businesses and people by installing malware or by phishing to get passwords in order to steal identities.\r\n\r\nClicking on links in emails always opens us up to problems. That is, unless we trust the sender and know they are not acting maliciously.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reputation matters</strong>\r\n\r\nIn order to keep opening and reading email, we need to trust the sender. Generally, we trust senders we have a relationship with. We know some senders personally or we\'ve conducted some kind of transaction with them (donation, purchase, etc.) and thus we trust them.\r\n\r\nHowever, if we don\'t trust the sender, we may not even open the email. And if we do open the email, we are certainly not downloading attachments or clicking on links.\r\n\r\n<strong>Spammers don\'t understand trust</strong>\r\n\r\nTrust is essential in the keeping yourself safe from cyber threats. And that is what Bark and many other spammers don\'t seem to get. They seems to think that as long as they are hiding behind a <em>veneer</em> of legitimacy (looking like legitimate business query or coming from the correct industry), then we will just trust that they are real. But trust is earned. And when you send the same email over and over and over again, you are not earning trust. You are causing suspicion. When you attempt to send the same email from a different sender\'s names,  you are not engendering believabilty, nor are you increasing the chance that the recipient will open the email.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endnote</strong>\r\n\r\nI just checked Bark on WHOIS. All information has been \"redacted for privacy.\" In other words, there is no contact information whatsoever.  All I can find out from WHOIS is the name of the domain registrar for this \"company.\" And I can also use this information to register a complaint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Trust is essential and must be earned','','inherit','closed','closed','','3937-revision-v1','','','2019-03-05 09:14:26','2019-03-05 14:14:26','',3937,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/03/3937-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3940,4,'2019-03-05 09:22:48','2019-03-05 14:22:48','','achievement-adult-agreement-1308780','','inherit','open','closed','','achievement-adult-agreement-1308780','','','2019-03-05 09:22:48','2019-03-05 14:22:48','',3937,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/achievement-adult-agreement-1308780.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3941,4,'2019-03-05 09:24:27','2019-03-05 14:24:27','My last blog post detailed an ongoing attack on my inbox by a \"lead generation company\" called Bark. As of today, I\'ve continued to receive dozens of emails from both the same sender (\"Kate Potter\") or with the same subject line (\"new customers looking for your services\"). In fact, I got at least six since last night.\r\n\r\nBut all I have to do is see who the sender  is or read the same subject line to hit delete. Bark can continue to send emails until the end of days, and I will never open them. Why? Because I don\'t trust that Bark is legitimate. In fact, Bark has earned the opposite reputation, that of a spammer, an illegitimate business that seeks to worm its way into getting you to click or call by sending  emails that may have the veneer of legitimacy but are a front for a scheme.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/achievement-adult-agreement-1308780.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3940\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/achievement-adult-agreement-1308780-1024x892.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"892\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Too many bad actors</strong>\r\n\r\nCybersecurity and privacy threats are rampant, and we  have to guard constantly against them. There are just too many bad actors seeking to damage businesses and people by installing malware or by phishing to get passwords in order to steal identities.\r\n\r\nClicking on links in emails always opens us up to problems. That is, unless we trust the sender and know they are not acting maliciously.\r\n\r\n<strong>Reputation matters</strong>\r\n\r\nIn order to keep opening and reading email, we need to trust the sender. Generally, we trust senders we have a relationship with. We know some senders personally or we\'ve conducted some kind of transaction with them (donation, purchase, etc.) and thus we trust them.\r\n\r\nHowever, if we don\'t trust the sender, we may not even open the email. And if we do open the email, we are certainly not downloading attachments or clicking on links.\r\n\r\n<strong>Spammers don\'t understand trust</strong>\r\n\r\nTrust is essential in the keeping yourself safe from cyber threats. And that is what Bark and many other spammers don\'t seem to get. They seems to think that as long as they are hiding behind a <em>veneer</em> of legitimacy (looking like legitimate business query or coming from the correct industry), then we will just trust that they are real. But trust is earned. And when you send the same email over and over and over again, you are not earning trust. You are causing suspicion. When you attempt to send the same email from a different sender\'s names,  you are not engendering believabilty, nor are you increasing the chance that the recipient will open the email.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endnote</strong>\r\n\r\nI just checked Bark on WHOIS. All information has been \"redacted for privacy.\" In other words, there is no contact information whatsoever.  All I can find out from WHOIS is the name of the domain registrar for this \"company.\" And I can  use this information to register a complaint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Trust is essential and must be earned','','inherit','closed','closed','','3937-revision-v1','','','2019-03-05 09:24:27','2019-03-05 14:24:27','',3937,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/03/3937-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3944,4,'2019-03-21 14:42:39','2019-03-21 18:42:39','As I was driving in today\'s heavy rain, I noticed whether cars had headlights on. Most did, but there were several that didn\'t. What reasoning would possess anyone to not turn on their headlights in the pouring rain (and I think it may actually be a driving rule here in Maryland)? Sure, some people forget. But when you look around and everyone else has theirs on, does that not remind you to do it too?  I mentioned this to a friend, and she said she believes it\'s because the drivers think they only need lights on when they themselves can\'t see. They fail to think about the fact that the lights help others to see them.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3945\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"819\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-3945\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"headlights\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" /></a> <br />Photo by Louis from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe marketing communications angle here is that whenever you produce any marketing materials, you can\'t just think about yourself (your company or organization) but about the people who will be using/reading/accessing those materials. When you fail to think about what they need, like the cars without headlights in the pouring rain, you are making it harder for them to see you.\r\n\r\n<strong>Events happening sometime during St. Patrick\'s weekend</strong>\r\n\r\nTake for example the Facebook event posting from a local Irish pub for its St. Patrick\'s Day celebration. It listed the following information, verbatim:\r\n<blockquote>Saturday and Sunday Outdoor Festival. Live Music, Pipes &amp; Drums, Irish Dancers, Bouncy Castle Face Painting and so much more!</blockquote>\r\nDo you notice anything missing (other than the comma between castle and face painting)? How about times? Is it all day? When and where is the live music? What bands will be performing? Where does this all take place? In the pub? On the street outside the pub? Is this free? Or is there a fee?\r\n\r\nSince I was interested in attending (come on, they had a bouncy castle!), I had to message the pub and ask. They responded telling me they were opening early for brunch at 10 a.m., and that the outdoor activities would also start then, and the live music would go on at 2 p.m. I thanked them and suggested they include that information in their event page, you know, to make it clearer for anyone interested in possibly attending.\r\n\r\n<strong>The devil really is in the details</strong>\r\n\r\nHaving seen many marketing pieces, whether it be websites, brochures or press releases, with a similar lack of salient detail, I know it is common to forget that your audience does not know everything you do about whatever you are promoting. There are the restaurant websites that fail to list their location or their operating hours. Or the product sales sheet that doesn\'t list the size of the product or its cost.  And on and on.\r\n\r\nIn order to produce effective, useful marketing materials, you <em>must</em> consider your audience. What details does the audience need to know? What information is relevant and is it included in your marketing piece?\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s all about the Ws</strong>\r\n\r\nA way to gauge whether you are including the information your audience needs is to follow the journalist\'s guideline of asking the \"5 Ws + H\": who, what, where, when, why, and how. If your marketing piece answers those questions, you will have provided the most relevant information. For events, the what, where, and when are crucial. Clearly, the pub\'s marketing folks do not have a journalistic or events planning background. I will chalk up their poorly thought out event invitation to it being produced by an amateur. One would hope no professional marketing person would fail to include the when and where information on an event listing.\r\n\r\nDon\'t be so centered on your own needs that you forget what your audience needs to know. In other words:\r\n\r\n<strong>Turn on your headlights so others can see you.</strong>','It\'s not all about you, nor should it be','','publish','open','open','','its-not-all-about-you-nor-should-it-be','','','2019-03-21 14:42:39','2019-03-21 18:42:39','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3944',0,'post','',1),
(3945,4,'2019-03-21 14:38:27','2019-03-21 18:38:27','','adventure-camera-car-1895578','\nPhoto by Louis from Pexels\n','inherit','open','closed','','adventure-camera-car-1895578','','','2019-03-21 14:38:48','2019-03-21 18:38:48','',3944,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3946,4,'2019-03-21 14:39:03','2019-03-21 18:39:03','As I was driving in today\'s heavy rain, I noticed whether cars had headlights on. Most did, but there were several that didn\'t. What reasoning would possess anyone to not turn on their headlights in the pouring rain (and I think it may actually be a driving rule here in Maryland)? Sure, some people forget. But when you look around and everyone else has theirs on, does that not remind you to do it too?  I mentioned this to a friend, and she said she believes it\'s because the drivers think they only need lights on when they themselves can\'t see. They fail to think about the fact that the lights help others to see them.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3945\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"819\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-3945\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"headlights\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" /></a> <br />Photo by Louis from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe marketing communications angle here is that whenever you produce any marketing materials, you can\'t just think about yourself (your company or organization) but about the people who will be using/reading/accessing those materials. When you fail to think about what they need, like the cars without headlights in the pouring rain, you are making it harder for them to see you.\r\n\r\n<strong>Events happening sometime during St. Patrick\'s weekend</strong>\r\n\r\nTake for example the Facebook event posting from a local Irish pub for its St. Patrick\'s Day celebration. It listed the following information:\r\n<blockquote>Saturday and Sunday Outdoor Festival. Live Music, Pipes &amp; Drums, Irish Dancers, Bouncy Castle Face Painting and so much more!</blockquote>\r\nDo you notice anything missing (other than the comma between castle and face painting)? How about times? Is it all day? When and where is the live music? What bands will be performing? Where does this all take place? In the pub? On the street outside the pub? Is this free? Or is there a fee?\r\n\r\nSince I was interested in attending (come on, they had a bouncy castle!), I had to message the pub and ask. They responded telling me they were opening early for brunch at 10 a.m., and that the outdoor activities would also start then, and the live music would go on at 2 p.m. I thanked them and suggested they include that information in their event page, you know, to make it clearer for anyone interested in possibly attending.\r\n\r\n<strong>The devil really is in the details</strong>\r\n\r\nHaving seen many marketing pieces, whether it be websites, brochures or press releases, with a similar lack of salient detail, I know it is common to forget that your audience does not know everything you do about whatever you are promoting. There are the restaurant websites that fail to list their location or their operating hours. Or the product sales sheet that doesn\'t list the size of the product or its cost.  And on and on.\r\n\r\nIn order to produce effective, useful marketing materials, you <em>must</em> consider your audience. What details does the audience need to know? What information is relevant and is it included in your marketing piece?\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s all about the Ws</strong>\r\n\r\nA way to gauge whether you are including the information your audience needs is to follow the journalist\'s guideline of asking the \"5 Ws + H\": who, what, where, when, why and how. If your marketing piece answers those questions, you will have provided the most relevant information. For events, the what, where, and when are crucial. Clearly, the pub\'s marketing folks do not have a journalistic or events planning background. I will chalk up their poorly thought out event invitation to it being produced by an amateur. One would hope no professional marketing person would fail to include the when and where information on an event listing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Turn on your headlights so others can see you</strong>\r\n\r\nIn other words, don\'t be so centered on your own needs that you forget what your audience needs to know.','It\'s not all about you, nor should it be','','inherit','closed','closed','','3944-revision-v1','','','2019-03-21 14:39:03','2019-03-21 18:39:03','',3944,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/03/3944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3947,4,'2019-03-21 14:42:39','2019-03-21 18:42:39','As I was driving in today\'s heavy rain, I noticed whether cars had headlights on. Most did, but there were several that didn\'t. What reasoning would possess anyone to not turn on their headlights in the pouring rain (and I think it may actually be a driving rule here in Maryland)? Sure, some people forget. But when you look around and everyone else has theirs on, does that not remind you to do it too?  I mentioned this to a friend, and she said she believes it\'s because the drivers think they only need lights on when they themselves can\'t see. They fail to think about the fact that the lights help others to see them.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3945\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"819\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-3945\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/adventure-camera-car-1895578-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"headlights\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" /></a> <br />Photo by Louis from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe marketing communications angle here is that whenever you produce any marketing materials, you can\'t just think about yourself (your company or organization) but about the people who will be using/reading/accessing those materials. When you fail to think about what they need, like the cars without headlights in the pouring rain, you are making it harder for them to see you.\r\n\r\n<strong>Events happening sometime during St. Patrick\'s weekend</strong>\r\n\r\nTake for example the Facebook event posting from a local Irish pub for its St. Patrick\'s Day celebration. It listed the following information, verbatim:\r\n<blockquote>Saturday and Sunday Outdoor Festival. Live Music, Pipes &amp; Drums, Irish Dancers, Bouncy Castle Face Painting and so much more!</blockquote>\r\nDo you notice anything missing (other than the comma between castle and face painting)? How about times? Is it all day? When and where is the live music? What bands will be performing? Where does this all take place? In the pub? On the street outside the pub? Is this free? Or is there a fee?\r\n\r\nSince I was interested in attending (come on, they had a bouncy castle!), I had to message the pub and ask. They responded telling me they were opening early for brunch at 10 a.m., and that the outdoor activities would also start then, and the live music would go on at 2 p.m. I thanked them and suggested they include that information in their event page, you know, to make it clearer for anyone interested in possibly attending.\r\n\r\n<strong>The devil really is in the details</strong>\r\n\r\nHaving seen many marketing pieces, whether it be websites, brochures or press releases, with a similar lack of salient detail, I know it is common to forget that your audience does not know everything you do about whatever you are promoting. There are the restaurant websites that fail to list their location or their operating hours. Or the product sales sheet that doesn\'t list the size of the product or its cost.  And on and on.\r\n\r\nIn order to produce effective, useful marketing materials, you <em>must</em> consider your audience. What details does the audience need to know? What information is relevant and is it included in your marketing piece?\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s all about the Ws</strong>\r\n\r\nA way to gauge whether you are including the information your audience needs is to follow the journalist\'s guideline of asking the \"5 Ws + H\": who, what, where, when, why, and how. If your marketing piece answers those questions, you will have provided the most relevant information. For events, the what, where, and when are crucial. Clearly, the pub\'s marketing folks do not have a journalistic or events planning background. I will chalk up their poorly thought out event invitation to it being produced by an amateur. One would hope no professional marketing person would fail to include the when and where information on an event listing.\r\n\r\nDon\'t be so centered on your own needs that you forget what your audience needs to know. In other words:\r\n\r\n<strong>Turn on your headlights so others can see you.</strong>','It\'s not all about you, nor should it be','','inherit','closed','closed','','3944-revision-v1','','','2019-03-21 14:42:39','2019-03-21 18:42:39','',3944,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/03/3944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3950,4,'2019-04-04 14:18:56','0000-00-00 00:00:00','First, let\'s define the terms specialist and generalist. A specialist is focused on one area/topic (e.g., medicine) or skill (e.g., package design), and may have developed an expertise in that field. A generalist is not focused or specialized in one area, and may know something about a lot of subjects or skills.\r\n\r\nSubject matter experts are specialists. Jacks of all trades are generalists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Is it better to hire a specialist or a generalist?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2019-04-04 14:18:56','2019-04-04 18:18:56','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3950',0,'post','',0),
(3951,4,'2019-04-04 14:18:56','2019-04-04 18:18:56','First, let\'s define the terms specialist and generalist. A specialist is focused on one area/topic (e.g., medicine) or skill (e.g., package design), and may have developed an expertise in that field. A generalist is not focused or specialized in one area, and may know something about a lot of subjects or skills.\r\n\r\nSubject matter experts are specialists. Jacks of all trades are generalists.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Is it better to hire a specialist or a generalist?','','inherit','closed','closed','','3950-revision-v1','','','2019-04-04 14:18:56','2019-04-04 18:18:56','',3950,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3950-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3952,4,'2019-04-09 10:12:02','2019-04-09 14:12:02','We use Google today just like we used the phone book years ago. In fact, anybody born from the late 1990s on only knows to use Google when looking up stuff (not that we even have phone books anymore).\r\n\r\n<strong>Search on Google and you find websites!</strong>\r\n\r\nGoogle pulls up two sources of information in response to your query—websites and different Google products, including Google My Business listings, and Google Maps.  In other words, if you want your business to be found on Google, you need one or both of these (and you can\'t have a good Google My Business listing without a website).\r\n\r\nIt follows that if you want your business to succeed, you will have a findable, <strong>updated</strong>, easy-to-navigate website. If you want to really have success, you will also claim your Google My Business listing, and keep it <strong>up to date.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3954\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The information that absolutely must be current</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s absolutely essential that you keep your website and Google My Business listing current and up to date. If not, you might as well hope people still have that phone book handy so they can find your number.\r\n\r\nThere\'s no big mystery about what you need to keep tabs on: anything that impacts your customer\'s interaction with your business, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Hours</li>\r\n 	<li>Location</li>\r\n 	<li>Contact information</li>\r\n 	<li>Team members/staff/leadership</li>\r\n 	<li>Services/products</li>\r\n 	<li>Pricing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf any of the above change, you must update your website. It really is that simple. If not, you risk alienating your customers.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not keeping up with your website is....not good</strong>\r\n\r\nJust in the past couple of months, I\'ve had two instances where websites were not updated with important information. When I looked up the massage therapist that I\'d gone to a couple of years ago, her website appeared the same, as did her pricing. I went ahead and made an appointment, and it was only after I was ready to pay that I learned that her pricing had gone up by 10%.  Yesterday,  I looked up my hair salon\'s website to find the number to make an appointment. The website says that the salon is open seven days a week,  but when I called yesterday (Monday), I got a recording informing me that the salon is closed on Mondays. Both of these experiences were annoying, but also avoidable had the business owners taken the time to update their websites.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nKeeping your website updated is a best practice for business. Not doing it can alienate customers.','Your website is your business\' front door','','publish','open','open','','your-website-is-your-business-front-door','','','2019-04-09 10:12:02','2019-04-09 14:12:02','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3952',0,'post','',0),
(3953,4,'2019-04-09 08:54:40','2019-04-09 12:54:40','It\'s remarkable to me how many businesses have an outdated website. It\'s like they threw up something back in 1995, when the internet was starting to heat up and they haven\'t bothered with it since. On the other hand, there are some organizations that are constantly changing their website. Every couple of years (probably when there\'s a new CEO or director of comms), these organizations undertake a massive (and expensive) redesign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNot changing at all or changing too often','Your website is your business\' front door','','inherit','closed','closed','','3952-revision-v1','','','2019-04-09 08:54:40','2019-04-09 12:54:40','',3952,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3952-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3954,4,'2019-04-09 10:06:51','2019-04-09 14:06:51','','ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1','','inherit','open','closed','','ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1','','','2019-04-09 10:06:51','2019-04-09 14:06:51','',3952,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3955,4,'2019-04-09 10:07:41','2019-04-09 14:07:41','We use Google today just like we used the phone book years ago. In fact, anybody born from the late 1990s on only knows to use Google when looking up stuff (not that we even have phone books anymore).\r\n\r\n<strong>Search on Google and you find websites!</strong>\r\n\r\nGoogle pulls up two sources of information in response to your query—websites and different Google products, including Google My Business listings, and Google Maps.  In other words, if you want your business to be found on Google, you need one or both of these (and you can\'t have a good Google My Business listing without a website).\r\n\r\nIt follows that if you want your business to succeed, you will have a findable, <strong>updated</strong>, easy-to-navigate website. If you want to really have success, you will also claim your Google My Business listing, and keep it <strong>up to date.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3954\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The information that absolutely must be current</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s absolutely essential that you keep your website and Google My Business listing current and up to date. If not, you might as well hope people still have that phone book handy so they can find your number.\r\n\r\nThere\'s no big mystery about what you need to keep tabs on: anything that impacts your customer\'s interaction with your business, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Hours</li>\r\n 	<li>Location</li>\r\n 	<li>Contact information</li>\r\n 	<li>Team members/staff/leadership</li>\r\n 	<li>Services/products</li>\r\n 	<li>Pricing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf any of the above change, you must update your website. It really is that simple. If not, you risk alienating your customers.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not keeping up with your website is....not good</strong>\r\n\r\nJust in the past couple of months, I\'ve had two instances where websites were not updated with important information. When I looked up the massage therapist that I\'d gone to a couple of years ago, her website appeared the same, as did her pricing. I went ahead and made an appointment, and it was only after I was ready to pay that I learned that her pricing had gone up by 10%. And then, I looked my hair salon to make an appointment. The website tells me that the salon is open seven days a week, and when I called yesterday (Monday), I got a recording informing me that the salon is closed on Mondays.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nKeeping your website updated is a best practice for business. Not doing it can alienate customers.','Your website is your business\' front door','','inherit','closed','closed','','3952-revision-v1','','','2019-04-09 10:07:41','2019-04-09 14:07:41','',3952,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3952-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3956,4,'2019-04-09 10:12:02','2019-04-09 14:12:02','We use Google today just like we used the phone book years ago. In fact, anybody born from the late 1990s on only knows to use Google when looking up stuff (not that we even have phone books anymore).\r\n\r\n<strong>Search on Google and you find websites!</strong>\r\n\r\nGoogle pulls up two sources of information in response to your query—websites and different Google products, including Google My Business listings, and Google Maps.  In other words, if you want your business to be found on Google, you need one or both of these (and you can\'t have a good Google My Business listing without a website).\r\n\r\nIt follows that if you want your business to succeed, you will have a findable, <strong>updated</strong>, easy-to-navigate website. If you want to really have success, you will also claim your Google My Business listing, and keep it <strong>up to date.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3954\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ballpen-blur-close-up-461077-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The information that absolutely must be current</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s absolutely essential that you keep your website and Google My Business listing current and up to date. If not, you might as well hope people still have that phone book handy so they can find your number.\r\n\r\nThere\'s no big mystery about what you need to keep tabs on: anything that impacts your customer\'s interaction with your business, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Hours</li>\r\n 	<li>Location</li>\r\n 	<li>Contact information</li>\r\n 	<li>Team members/staff/leadership</li>\r\n 	<li>Services/products</li>\r\n 	<li>Pricing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf any of the above change, you must update your website. It really is that simple. If not, you risk alienating your customers.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not keeping up with your website is....not good</strong>\r\n\r\nJust in the past couple of months, I\'ve had two instances where websites were not updated with important information. When I looked up the massage therapist that I\'d gone to a couple of years ago, her website appeared the same, as did her pricing. I went ahead and made an appointment, and it was only after I was ready to pay that I learned that her pricing had gone up by 10%.  Yesterday,  I looked up my hair salon\'s website to find the number to make an appointment. The website says that the salon is open seven days a week,  but when I called yesterday (Monday), I got a recording informing me that the salon is closed on Mondays. Both of these experiences were annoying, but also avoidable had the business owners taken the time to update their websites.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nKeeping your website updated is a best practice for business. Not doing it can alienate customers.','Your website is your business\' front door','','inherit','closed','closed','','3952-revision-v1','','','2019-04-09 10:12:02','2019-04-09 14:12:02','',3952,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3952-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3959,4,'2019-04-30 11:37:37','2019-04-30 15:37:37','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3964\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the \"just right\" email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that gets ignored/deleted. In this case,  you risk being forgotten, or you are making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send  timely email that is valuable to your contacts. If you send well-timed, relevant email, you are doing your list a service. Your contacts will benefit from your email. A well thought out email campaign will have a better open rate, less churn, and may result in action on the part of your contacts (a sale, donation, download, etc.).\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nWhat makes an email marketing campaign just right for you? Please let me know in the comments.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','publish','open','open','','think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing','','','2019-04-30 11:37:37','2019-04-30 15:37:37','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3959',0,'post','',0),
(3962,4,'2019-04-29 11:58:31','2019-04-29 15:58:31','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. Just radio silence from her. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the just right email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that is ignored. In this case,  you risk being forgotten or making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying.\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send email that is valuable to your contacts, in a timely and moderate fashion,. If you send relevant email, you are doing them a service. They will appreciate hearing from you.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-29 11:58:31','2019-04-29 15:58:31','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3963,4,'2019-04-29 12:09:48','2019-04-29 16:09:48','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. Just radio silence from her. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the just right email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that is ignored. In this case,  you risk being forgotten or making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send email that is valuable to your contacts, in a timely and moderate fashion,. If you send relevant email, you are doing them a service. They will appreciate hearing from you.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-29 12:09:48','2019-04-29 16:09:48','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3964,4,'2019-04-29 12:14:34','2019-04-29 16:14:34','','berries-blueberries-bowl-101669','','inherit','open','closed','','berries-blueberries-bowl-101669','','','2019-04-29 12:14:34','2019-04-29 16:14:34','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3965,4,'2019-04-29 12:14:57','2019-04-29 16:14:57','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. Just radio silence from her. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3964\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the just right email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that is ignored. In this case,  you risk being forgotten or making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send email that is valuable to your contacts, in a timely and moderate fashion,. If you send relevant email, you are doing them a service. They will appreciate hearing from you.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-29 12:14:57','2019-04-29 16:14:57','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3966,4,'2019-04-29 12:44:09','2019-04-29 16:44:09','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. Just radio silence from her. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3964\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the just right email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that is ignored. In this case,  you risk being forgotten or making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send email that is valuable to your contacts, in a timely and moderate fashion. If you send well-timed, relevant email, you are doing your list a service. Your contacts will benefit from your email, and may even appreciate you for it.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-29 12:44:09','2019-04-29 16:44:09','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3967,4,'2019-04-30 11:35:32','2019-04-30 15:35:32','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else\r\n\r\n. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3964\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the just right email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that gets ignored/deleted. In this case,  you risk being forgotten, or you are making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send  timely email that is valuable to your contacts. If you send well-timed, relevant email, you are doing your list a service. Your contacts will benefit from your email. A well thought out email campaign will have a better open rate, less churn, and may result in action on the part of your contacts (a sale, donation, download, etc.).\r\n\r\nWhat makes an email marketing campaign just right for you? Please let me know in the comments.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-30 11:35:32','2019-04-30 15:35:32','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3968,4,'2019-04-30 11:37:37','2019-04-30 15:37:37','I was on vacation for a couple of weeks, and during that time, I didn\'t hear from one of my friends at all. She didn\'t want to know if I\'d arrived safely, what I was doing, or anything else. On the other hand, another acquaintance texted me several times, wanting to know how my flight was, what I was doing, was I having any fun, and so forth. And yet another friend sent me just two messages, both because she saw something that related to me and wanted to let me know.\r\n\r\nIn other words, I got too little from one friend, too much from another, and just the right amount from the third.  I felt like I finally understood how Goldilocks felt when she broke in to the bears\' house.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3964\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/berries-blueberries-bowl-101669-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Goldilocks Approach to Email Marketing Defined</strong>\r\n\r\nAll email marketers should apply a Goldilocks test to their email marketing, and figure out what make the \"just right\" email campaign. The Goldilocks test involves awareness of three issues: timing, quantity and content relevance. To be like Goldilocks, ask yourself whether you email marketing is too cold, too hot, or just right.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too cold!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge goes cold, you don\'t want to eat it.\r\n\r\nYou email marketing is too cold when you don\'t send any/enough email to your contact list, or you send irrelevant email that gets ignored/deleted. In this case,  you risk being forgotten, or you are making your contacts think you are not in business any more, or worse, that you don\'t offer anything that is of value to them.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too hot!</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, if the porridge is too hot, you can\'t eat it because don\'t want to touch it and risk being burned.\r\n\r\nYour email marketing is too hot when you send too much email. You are overwhelming your contacts and risk alienating them. If you send too much email, your contacts don\'t know what is valuable. Also, too much email is annoying. Statistics back this up. More than a quarter of people who unsubscribe from email lists do so because they say they get too many emails. Read more <a href=\"https://content.myemma.com/blog/why-do-people-unsubscribe-from-email-marketing-campaigns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Just right!</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen the porridge is at the ideal temperature, you can eat and even enjoy it.\r\n\r\nThe \"just right\" email campaign is when you  send  timely email that is valuable to your contacts. If you send well-timed, relevant email, you are doing your list a service. Your contacts will benefit from your email. A well thought out email campaign will have a better open rate, less churn, and may result in action on the part of your contacts (a sale, donation, download, etc.).\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nWhat makes an email marketing campaign just right for you? Please let me know in the comments.','Think like Goldilocks to improve your email marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3959-revision-v1','','','2019-04-30 11:37:37','2019-04-30 15:37:37','',3959,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/3959-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3970,4,'2019-05-14 11:36:13','2019-05-14 15:36:13','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a very good, local Indian restaurant to satisfy a craving for some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived, there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and in fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3975\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3975 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a> Photo by Chan Walrus from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but doing it too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us too many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  Who knows what motivated these servers, but all that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much contact or follow up is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is true about overzealous restaurant servers is the same with email marketing. As I said in my<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> last blog post,</a> your email marketing should aim to be \"just right.\" Just right means sending not too much, nor too little email, and sending relevant, useful information too. In the Indian restaurant experience above, not only were these serves constantly interrupting, they weren\'t doing it with any real purpose.\r\n\r\nSo the next time you want to send one more email to \"make sure people got the message,\" think about your last restaurant meal. Was it enjoyable and peaceful? Or were you annoyed because the servers kept asking you if everything was OK or you wanted another drink before you even finished the one you  had in front of you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','publish','open','open','','you-can-have-too-much-of-a-good-thing','','','2019-05-30 12:56:33','2019-05-30 16:56:33','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3970',0,'post','',0),
(3971,4,'2019-05-13 09:30:24','2019-05-13 13:30:24','Last week, with a craving for Indian food, a friend and I headed out to a local Indian restaurant. When we arrived there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order. After the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory. And then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\" And then the male server came by. And then one of the female servers came by. And then the other female server came by. And before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food. My friend and I were left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six times. We should all expect to get asked one time if everything is ok and then closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, dessert, check, etc. But this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us so many time, without cause. There was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-13 09:30:24','2019-05-13 13:30:24','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3972,4,'2019-05-13 09:56:36','2019-05-13 13:56:36','Last week, with a craving for Indian food, a friend and I headed out to a local Indian restaurant. When we arrived there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order. After the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory. And then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\" And then the male server came by. And then one of the female servers came by. And then the other female server came by. And before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food. My friend and I were left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six times. We should all expect to get asked one time if everything is ok and then closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, dessert, check, etc. But this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us so many time, without cause. There was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\nDisruptive, intrusive, annoying, unnecessary.\r\n\r\nAnno','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-13 09:56:36','2019-05-13 13:56:36','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3973,4,'2019-05-14 09:57:16','2019-05-14 13:57:16','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a local Indian restaurant. We were craving some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order. After the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory. And then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\" And then the male server came by to ask how everything was. And then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were. And then the other female server came by. And before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food. My friend and I were left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us so many time, without cause. There was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\nDisruptive, intrusive, annoying, unnecessary.\r\n\r\nAnno','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-14 09:57:16','2019-05-14 13:57:16','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3974,4,'2019-05-14 10:02:33','2019-05-14 14:02:33','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a local Indian restaurant. We were craving some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but doing too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us so many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  All that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-14 10:02:33','2019-05-14 14:02:33','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3975,4,'2019-05-14 11:32:51','2019-05-14 15:32:51','','cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545','','inherit','open','closed','','cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545','','','2019-05-14 11:32:51','2019-05-14 15:32:51','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3976,4,'2019-05-14 11:33:32','2019-05-14 15:33:32','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a very good, local Indian restaurant. to satisfy a craving for some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived, there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and in fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3975\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3975 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a> Photo by Chan Walrus from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but doing too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us too many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  Who knows what motivated these servers, but all that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much contact or follow up is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is true about overzealous restaurant servers is the same with email marketing. As I said in my<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> last blog post,</a> your email marketing should aim to be \"just right.\" Just right means sending not too much, nor too little email, and sending relevant, useful information too. In the Indian restaurant experience above, not only were these serves constantly interrupting, they weren\'t doing it with any real purpose.\r\n\r\nSo the next time you want to send one more email to \"make sure people got the message,\" think about your last restaurant meal. Was it enjoyable and peaceful? Or where you annoyed because the servers kept asking you if everything was OK or you wanted another drink before you even finished the one you  had in front of you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-14 11:33:32','2019-05-14 15:33:32','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3977,4,'2019-05-14 11:36:13','2019-05-14 15:36:13','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a very good, local Indian restaurant. to satisfy a craving for some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived, there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and in fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3975\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3975 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a> Photo by Chan Walrus from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but it doing too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us too many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  Who knows what motivated these servers, but all that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much contact or follow up is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is true about overzealous restaurant servers is the same with email marketing. As I said in my<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> last blog post,</a> your email marketing should aim to be \"just right.\" Just right means sending not too much, nor too little email, and sending relevant, useful information too. In the Indian restaurant experience above, not only were these serves constantly interrupting, they weren\'t doing it with any real purpose.\r\n\r\nSo the next time you want to send one more email to \"make sure people got the message,\" think about your last restaurant meal. Was it enjoyable and peaceful? Or were you annoyed because the servers kept asking you if everything was OK or you wanted another drink before you even finished the one you  had in front of you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-14 11:36:13','2019-05-14 15:36:13','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3978,4,'2019-05-14 13:34:53','2019-05-14 17:34:53','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a very good, local Indian restaurant. to satisfy a craving for some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived, there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and in fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3975\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3975 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a> Photo by Chan Walrus from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but doing it too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us too many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  Who knows what motivated these servers, but all that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much contact or follow up is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is true about overzealous restaurant servers is the same with email marketing. As I said in my<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> last blog post,</a> your email marketing should aim to be \"just right.\" Just right means sending not too much, nor too little email, and sending relevant, useful information too. In the Indian restaurant experience above, not only were these serves constantly interrupting, they weren\'t doing it with any real purpose.\r\n\r\nSo the next time you want to send one more email to \"make sure people got the message,\" think about your last restaurant meal. Was it enjoyable and peaceful? Or were you annoyed because the servers kept asking you if everything was OK or you wanted another drink before you even finished the one you  had in front of you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-14 13:34:53','2019-05-14 17:34:53','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4050,4,'2020-01-15 15:05:26','2020-01-15 20:05:26','<strong>A disjointed lecture</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday night, I attended a lecture put on by a local education nonprofit. The topic was interesting, and based on her biography, the speaker seemed knowledgeable. She started her talk by plunging the room into darkness and playing a video. Then, she got up and without preamble, started talking. She showed photographs of the subjects of her book, and talked about the people without context. She even brought up a guest who was related to one of the subjects in the book, and talked as if the room should know the person. The speaker barely talked about the subject of her lecture, making it the most disjointed and uninformative lecture I\'ve been to in a long time.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why so bad?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat went wrong? I am not sure what made the speaker give such a poor presentation. It could have been that she was having a bad night or that she hadn\'t prepared enough or that she\'s bad presenter.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4053\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4053 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Story time<br />Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Always seek best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nOne thing I know for sure: This presentation could have been much better if the speaker followed the following storytelling rules:\r\n\r\n<em><strong>1) Have a beginning, middle and end</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAvant-garde cinema often plays with these elements (starting at the end, etc.), but in traditional (and clear) story-telling you start at the beginning and conclude at the end. That\'s a story arc that is easy to follow.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>2) Don\'t make assumptions</em></strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are the expert, you may assume that everybody knows what you know. But that is not so. You have to fill in details and information for those in your audience you may not know everything there is to know about your subject.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>3) Focus</strong></em>\r\n\r\nIt\'s easy to meander when telling a story. There are also sort of side stories and interesting details about your main topic.  But before you can go down a side path, you have to clear the main path. In other words, focus on the main story before you start telling tangential stories.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\nSure, there\'s more to effective story telling than this. But before you embellish a story, start with the basics.','Don\'t let your story go off the rails','','publish','open','open','','dont-let-your-story-go-off-the-rails','','','2020-01-15 15:05:26','2020-01-15 20:05:26','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4050',0,'post','',0),
(3981,4,'2019-05-29 14:59:49','2019-05-29 18:59:49','It seems to me that there are fewer experienced professionals working in day-to-day marketing. Instead, we\'re seeing more and more amateurs, or inexperienced people, \"managing\" or running things, especially digital marketing efforts. There are consequences to a lack of experience: amateur mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe amateur effect can be seen in the explosion of typos, missing information, missing links, poorly designed websites, hard-to-understand copy, and a myriad other maladies that makes your marketing look unprofessional at best, and be ineffective at worst.\r\n\r\n<strong>Did anyone double-check this?</strong>\r\n\r\nThis is part of full-page ad in the<em> Washington Business Journal</em>:<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3982\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCan you spot the issue? It\'s the extra space in the word finger. How could this happen? Probably because nobody proofread the laid-out copy.\r\n\r\n<strong>And then there are typos</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are typos galore in newspapers, books, and magazines. This is partially due to cut-backs in editorial staff, but it is also due to having amateurs in charge.\r\n\r\n<strong>And misused words</strong>\r\n\r\nAffect and effect do not mean the same thing. Enough said.\r\n\r\n<strong>And missing information, and missing links</strong>\r\n\r\nA few weeks ago I got a promotional email from a day spa promoting the spa\'s outdoor pool opening for the summer. There was a link to click for more information. The link didn\'t work. I went to the website because I wanted to find out if you could get a day pass for the pool, and if so, how much it would cost. Well, there was no information about the pool. None. The website was a mess, and if the information was there, it was buried so deep you\'d need to hire an archaeologist to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why all the problems?</strong>\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t believe in double-checking stuff, because they don\'t know what they are checking for.\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t ask questions, because they don\'t know what questions to ask or to whom.\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that amateurs don\'t know what they don\'t know, and they don\'t know enough to ask.\r\n\r\n<strong>The solution is experience</strong>\r\n\r\nThere is no substitute for experience. If you don\'t want your marketing to be rife with mistakes, and just be plain ineffective, you need to hire experienced people to run your programs, and to mentor the less experienced staff.  People can learn to be great marketers, but they need guidance.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Have you seen or experienced the amateur effect?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The amateur effect','','publish','open','open','','the-amateur-effect','','','2019-05-29 14:59:49','2019-05-29 18:59:49','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3981',0,'post','',0),
(3982,4,'2019-05-29 14:28:17','2019-05-29 18:28:17','','20190509_141630','','inherit','open','closed','','20190509_141630','','','2019-05-29 14:28:17','2019-05-29 18:28:17','',3981,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3983,4,'2019-05-29 14:46:40','2019-05-29 18:46:40','It seems to me that there are fewer experienced professionals working in day-to-day marketing. Instead, we\'re seeing more and more amateurs, or inexperienced people, \"managing\" or running things. There are consequences to a lack of experience: amateur mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe amateur effect can be seen in the explosion of typos, missing information, missing links, poorly designed websites, hard-to-understand copy, and a myriad other maladies.\r\n\r\n<strong>Did anyone double-check this?</strong>\r\n\r\nThis is part of full-page ad in the<em> Washington Business Journal</em>:<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3982\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCan you spot the issue? It\'s the extra space in the word finger. How could this happen? Probably because nobody proofread the laid-out copy.\r\n\r\n<strong>And then there are typos</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are typos galore in newspapers, books, and magazines. This is partially due to cut-backs in editorial staff, but it is also due to having amateurs in charge.\r\n\r\n<strong>And misused words</strong>\r\n\r\nAffect and effect do not mean the same thing. That\'s is all.\r\n\r\n<strong>And missing information and missing links</strong>\r\n\r\nA few weeks ago I got a promotional email from a day spa promoting the spa\'s outdoor pool opening for the summer. There was a link to click for more information. The link didn\'t work. I went to the website because I wanted to find out if you could get a day pass for the pool, and if so, how much it would cost. Well, there was no information about the pool. None. The website was a mess, and if the information was there, it was buried so deep you\'d need to hire an archaeologist to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why all the problems?</strong>\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t believe in double-checking stuff, because they don\'t know what they are checking for.\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t ask questions, because they don\'t know what questions to ask or to whom.\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that amateurs don\'t know what they don\'t know, and they don\'t know enough to ask.\r\n\r\n<strong>The solution is experience</strong>\r\n\r\nThere is no substitute for experience. If you don\'t want your marketing to be rife with mistakes, and just be plain ineffective, you need to hire experienced people to run your programs, and to mentor the less experienced staff. Everybody can learn to be great marketers, but they guidance.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Have you seen the amateur effect?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The amateur effect','','inherit','closed','closed','','3981-revision-v1','','','2019-05-29 14:46:40','2019-05-29 18:46:40','',3981,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3981-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3984,4,'2019-05-29 14:57:23','2019-05-29 18:57:23','It seems to me that there are fewer experienced professionals working in day-to-day marketing. Instead, we\'re seeing more and more amateurs, or inexperienced people, \"managing\" or running things, especially digital marketing efforts. There are consequences to a lack of experience: amateur mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe amateur effect can be seen in the explosion of typos, missing information, missing links, poorly designed websites, hard-to-understand copy, and a myriad other maladies that makes your marketing look unprofessional at best, and be ineffective at worst.\r\n\r\n<strong>Did anyone double-check this?</strong>\r\n\r\nThis is part of full-page ad in the<em> Washington Business Journal</em>:<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3982\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190509_141630-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCan you spot the issue? It\'s the extra space in the word finger. How could this happen? Probably because nobody proofread the laid-out copy.\r\n\r\n<strong>And then there are typos</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are typos galore in newspapers, books, and magazines. This is partially due to cut-backs in editorial staff, but it is also due to having amateurs in charge.\r\n\r\n<strong>And misused words</strong>\r\n\r\nAffect and effect do not mean the same thing. Enough said.\r\n\r\n<strong>And missing information, and missing links</strong>\r\n\r\nA few weeks ago I got a promotional email from a day spa promoting the spa\'s outdoor pool opening for the summer. There was a link to click for more information. The link didn\'t work. I went to the website because I wanted to find out if you could get a day pass for the pool, and if so, how much it would cost. Well, there was no information about the pool. None. The website was a mess, and if the information was there, it was buried so deep you\'d need to hire an archaeologist to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why all the problems?</strong>\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t believe in double-checking stuff, because they don\'t know what they are checking for.\r\n\r\nAmateurs don\'t ask questions, because they don\'t know what questions to ask or to whom.\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that amateurs don\'t know what they don\'t know, and they don\'t know enough to ask.\r\n\r\n<strong>The solution is experience</strong>\r\n\r\nThere is no substitute for experience. If you don\'t want your marketing to be rife with mistakes, and just be plain ineffective, you need to hire experienced people to run your programs, and to mentor the less experienced staff.  People can learn to be great marketers, but they need guidance.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Have you seen or experienced the amateur effect?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The amateur effect','','inherit','closed','closed','','3981-revision-v1','','','2019-05-29 14:57:23','2019-05-29 18:57:23','',3981,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3981-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3985,4,'2019-05-30 12:56:33','2019-05-30 16:56:33','<strong>A visit to a good Indian restaurant goes bad</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, a friend and I headed out to a very good, local Indian restaurant to satisfy a craving for some naan and sag paneer. When we arrived, there were barely a couple of other people in the place, and so the hostess told us we had our choice of seats. After we sat down, a male server came by to take our order.\r\n\r\nAfter the meal was served, a female server came by to see whether everything was satisfactory.\r\n\r\nAnd then a different female server came by to see if \"everything was OK.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then the male server came by to ask how everything was.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the female servers came by again to see how things were.\r\n\r\nAnd then the other female server came by.\r\n\r\nAnd before we were even done with the meal, one of the female servers asked if we needed a box for our food.\r\n\r\nI lost count, but we were asked if everything was OK at least six or seven times by different servers and in fairly short intervals.\r\n\r\nAfter all these unnecessary interruptions, my friend and I were annoyed, and left wondering if they needed the table (although a good half the restaurant was empty).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3975\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3975 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuisine-delicious-dinner-958545-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a> Photo by Chan Walrus from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Checking in is good...but doing it too often is not</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter ordering, we should all expect two contacts in a restaurant: one to get asked if everything is to our liking, and a second one, closer to the end of the meal, to ask whether we want to have food boxed up, want to order dessert, or need our check.\r\n\r\nBut this restaurant took follow up and checking in to a level that was beyond annoying. They interrupted us too many times, seemingly without cause. Was it that the servers didn\'t communicate with each other? Were they bored because they didn\'t have enough customers?  Who knows what motivated these servers, but all that checking in was way too much of a good thing, turning it into a bad thing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Too much contact or follow up is disruptive, intrusive, annoying,  and unnecessary.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is true about overzealous restaurant servers is the same with email marketing. As I said in my<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/04/think-like-goldilocks-to-improve-your-email-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> last blog post,</a> your email marketing should aim to be \"just right.\" Just right means sending not too much, nor too little email, and sending relevant, useful information too. In the Indian restaurant experience above, not only were these serves constantly interrupting, they weren\'t doing it with any real purpose.\r\n\r\nSo the next time you want to send one more email to \"make sure people got the message,\" think about your last restaurant meal. Was it enjoyable and peaceful? Or were you annoyed because the servers kept asking you if everything was OK or you wanted another drink before you even finished the one you  had in front of you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','You can have too much of a good thing','','inherit','closed','closed','','3970-revision-v1','','','2019-05-30 12:56:33','2019-05-30 16:56:33','',3970,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/05/3970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3988,4,'2019-06-19 13:53:15','2019-06-19 17:53:15','Merriam-Webster defines effective as \"producing a decided, decisive or desired effect.\" Effective communication, therefore, leads its target audience to a planned or desired outcome.  Conversely, ineffective communications do not produce the desired effect, they don\'t hit the target.\r\n\r\n<strong>How do you make sure your communications efforts hit the target?</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3992\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with signs that point the wrong way</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis morning I attended a business networking event at a local hotel. I haven\'t attended any events in this location before, and I have only been in the hotel\'s lobby once before. I walked in, and asked at the check-in desk where the event was being held. I was told to go around the corner to the elevators and down to G2.  When I turned around, <em>behind</em> me, was a sign for the event. The sign was facing the check-in desk, not the main entrance, so it would not be seen at all by someone entering the hotel.\r\n\r\nThis sign was ineffective because it did not address the needs of people entering the lobby from the main entrance. Had the event organizers considered that some people would be entering the hotel through the main entrance, they would have known where to place the sign.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with a mismatched presentation and audience</strong></em>\r\n\r\nLast week, I attended an event  entitled \"Communication and Marketing Strategies that Will Grow Your Business.\" It was held under the auspices of a networking group, in a business accelerator space. Most of the audience members were very small businesses, freelancers or solopreneurs (companies of one). The presenters were from a large, multinational communications firm that services large clients. They decided to give a presentation on how to develop a marketing plan (a four-step process according to them).\r\n\r\nIt was clear that the presentation was completely mismatched to the audience when the presenters  got to the part about generating different tactics.  Among the tactics they advised was holding a press conference. In my career in public relations, I saw my clients hold press conferences very rarely. The fact is that press conferences need to be about big news to get any kind of coverage, especially in this age where media attention is so fractured. A small accounting firm owner or a career coach,  two people who were in the audience that day, would never hold a press conference.\r\n\r\nThis presentation was not as advertised, that is, to share marketing strategies to grow your small business. It was geared toward large enterprises rather than the small businesses that were in the audience. The presenters either did not know who they were addressing or were not thinking if the information they were sharing was  appropriate to the needs of the audience. In short, the presentation was ineffective.\r\n\r\n<strong>Effective communication only happens when you consider the audience</strong>\r\n\r\nEffective communicators consider the needs of the target audience. Without considering what those recipients  need to know, or how they need to know it, the communications will fail, or miss its target.\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\n<strong>You will hit the target more often if you consider what your audience needs.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to make your communications more effective','','publish','open','open','','how-to-make-your-communications-more-effective','','','2019-06-19 13:53:15','2019-06-19 17:53:15','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3988',0,'post','',0),
(3998,4,'2019-07-11 17:25:47','2019-07-11 21:25:47','Recently, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications, but I think the first mistake, not paying attention to how your message is being received, applies to all communications. This is what the article says:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And I think that what these people say is not the problem so much as how they say it. Yes, it comes down to how you present something.\r\n\r\n<strong>This applies to all communication</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotions are you engendering?\r\n\r\n<strong>How is your messaging \"landing?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want your message to resonate with your audience, you must assess how  you are coming across, and be careful in how you are saying what you are communicating.\r\n\r\n<strong>4 items to consider before you write your next marketing piece:</strong>\r\n\r\n1) Humor needs context and sometimes, tone of voice: Avoid inside jokes or weird humor unless you know the audience will absolutely get it. Remember that humor is hard to express in a written format.\r\n\r\n2) Mind your sarcasm: Ask yourself if you are being flippant or sarcastic, and remember that tone of voice is not easily conveyed in written materials. Also, some people don\'t understand sarcasm, and may take it literally.\r\n\r\n3) Mind your manners: I heard somewhere that having manners is about putting others at ease. When you follow conventions, people know what to expect. So ask yourself if your communication is being rude or abrupt.\r\n\r\n4) Be empathetic: Ask yourself if how and what you are saying could be causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience. For example, perhaps you are trying to berate your audience for missing a deadline. Most likely, berating your audience will cause embarrassment or even anger.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThinking carefully about how you say and present your message will lead to better communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','publish','open','open','','not-just-what-you-say-but-how-you-say-it','','','2019-07-11 17:25:47','2019-07-11 21:25:47','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=3998',0,'post','',0),
(3991,4,'2019-06-19 11:14:51','2019-06-19 15:14:51','Merriam-Webster defines effective as \"producing a decided, decisive or desired effect.\" Effective communication, therefore, leads its target audience to a planned or desired outcome.  Conversely, ineffective communications do not produce the desired effect.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not with signs that point the wrong way</strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning I attended a business networking event at a local hotel. I haven\'t attended any events in this location before, and I have only been in the hotel\'s lobby once before. I walked in, and asked at the check-in desk where the event was being held. I was told to go around the corner to the elevators and down to G2.  When I turned around, <em>behind</em> me, was a sign for the event. The sign was facing the check-in desk, not the main entrance, so it would not be seen at all by someone entering the hotel.\r\n\r\nThis sign was ineffective because it did not address the needs of people entering the lobby from the main entrance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Not with a mismatched presentation and audience</strong>\r\n\r\nLast week, I attended an event  entitled \"Communication and Marketing Strategies that Will Grow Your Business.\" It was held under the auspices of a networking group, in a business accelerator space. Most of the audience members were very small businesses, freelancers or solopreneurs (companies of one). The presenters were from a large, multinational communications firm that services large clients. They decided to give a presentation on how to develop a marketing plan (a four-step process according to them).\r\n\r\nIt was clear that the presentation was completely mismatched to the audience when the presenters  got to the generation of tactic ideas.  among the tactics they advised was holding a press conference. Now, in my career in public relations I have seen clients hold press conferences very rarely. Press conferences need to be about big news to get any kind of coverage, especially in this age where media attention is so fractured.\r\n\r\n<strong>Effective communication only happens when you consider the audience</strong>\r\n\r\nEffective communication consider the needs of its recipients. Without considering what those recipients (or target audience) need to know, or how they need to know it, the communications will','How to have effective communications','','inherit','closed','closed','','3988-revision-v1','','','2019-06-19 11:14:51','2019-06-19 15:14:51','',3988,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/06/3988-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3992,4,'2019-06-19 11:22:09','2019-06-19 15:22:09','','art-artistic-background-416832','','inherit','open','closed','','art-artistic-background-416832','','','2019-06-19 11:22:09','2019-06-19 15:22:09','',3988,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(3994,4,'2019-06-19 13:53:15','2019-06-19 17:53:15','Merriam-Webster defines effective as \"producing a decided, decisive or desired effect.\" Effective communication, therefore, leads its target audience to a planned or desired outcome.  Conversely, ineffective communications do not produce the desired effect, they don\'t hit the target.\r\n\r\n<strong>How do you make sure your communications efforts hit the target?</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3992\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with signs that point the wrong way</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis morning I attended a business networking event at a local hotel. I haven\'t attended any events in this location before, and I have only been in the hotel\'s lobby once before. I walked in, and asked at the check-in desk where the event was being held. I was told to go around the corner to the elevators and down to G2.  When I turned around, <em>behind</em> me, was a sign for the event. The sign was facing the check-in desk, not the main entrance, so it would not be seen at all by someone entering the hotel.\r\n\r\nThis sign was ineffective because it did not address the needs of people entering the lobby from the main entrance. Had the event organizers considered that some people would be entering the hotel through the main entrance, they would have known where to place the sign.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with a mismatched presentation and audience</strong></em>\r\n\r\nLast week, I attended an event  entitled \"Communication and Marketing Strategies that Will Grow Your Business.\" It was held under the auspices of a networking group, in a business accelerator space. Most of the audience members were very small businesses, freelancers or solopreneurs (companies of one). The presenters were from a large, multinational communications firm that services large clients. They decided to give a presentation on how to develop a marketing plan (a four-step process according to them).\r\n\r\nIt was clear that the presentation was completely mismatched to the audience when the presenters  got to the part about generating different tactics.  Among the tactics they advised was holding a press conference. In my career in public relations, I saw my clients hold press conferences very rarely. The fact is that press conferences need to be about big news to get any kind of coverage, especially in this age where media attention is so fractured. A small accounting firm owner or a career coach,  two people who were in the audience that day, would never hold a press conference.\r\n\r\nThis presentation was not as advertised, that is, to share marketing strategies to grow your small business. It was geared toward large enterprises rather than the small businesses that were in the audience. The presenters either did not know who they were addressing or were not thinking if the information they were sharing was  appropriate to the needs of the audience. In short, the presentation was ineffective.\r\n\r\n<strong>Effective communication only happens when you consider the audience</strong>\r\n\r\nEffective communicators consider the needs of the target audience. Without considering what those recipients  need to know, or how they need to know it, the communications will fail, or miss its target.\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\n<strong>You will hit the target more often if you consider what your audience needs.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to make your communications more effective','','inherit','closed','closed','','3988-revision-v1','','','2019-06-19 13:53:15','2019-06-19 17:53:15','',3988,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/06/3988-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3993,4,'2019-06-19 11:41:58','2019-06-19 15:41:58','Merriam-Webster defines effective as \"producing a decided, decisive or desired effect.\" Effective communication, therefore, leads its target audience to a planned or desired outcome.  Conversely, ineffective communications do not produce the desired effect.\r\n\r\n<strong>How do you make sure your communications efforts are effective?</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3992\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/art-artistic-background-416832-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with signs that point the wrong way</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis morning I attended a business networking event at a local hotel. I haven\'t attended any events in this location before, and I have only been in the hotel\'s lobby once before. I walked in, and asked at the check-in desk where the event was being held. I was told to go around the corner to the elevators and down to G2.  When I turned around, <em>behind</em> me, was a sign for the event. The sign was facing the check-in desk, not the main entrance, so it would not be seen at all by someone entering the hotel.\r\n\r\nThis sign was ineffective because it did not address the needs of people entering the lobby from the main entrance. Had the event organizers considered that some people would be entering the hotel through the main entrance, they would have known where to place the sign.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Not with a mismatched presentation and audience</strong></em>\r\n\r\nLast week, I attended an event  entitled \"Communication and Marketing Strategies that Will Grow Your Business.\" It was held under the auspices of a networking group, in a business accelerator space. Most of the audience members were very small businesses, freelancers or solopreneurs (companies of one). The presenters were from a large, multinational communications firm that services large clients. They decided to give a presentation on how to develop a marketing plan (a four-step process according to them).\r\n\r\nIt was clear that the presentation was completely mismatched to the audience when the presenters  got to the generation of tactic ideas.  Among the tactics they advised was holding a press conference. In my career in public relations, I saw my clients hold press conferences very rarely. The fact is that press conferences need to be about big news to get any kind of coverage, especially in this age where media attention is so fractured. A small accounting firm owner or a career coach,  two people who were in the audience that day, would never hold a press conference.\r\n\r\nThis presentation was not as advertised, that is, to share marketing strategies to grow your small business. It was geared toward large enterprises rather than the small businesses that were in the audience. The presenters either did not know who they were addressing or were not thinking if the information they were sharing was  appropriate to the needs of the audience.\r\n\r\n<strong>Effective communication only happens when you consider the audience</strong>\r\n\r\nEffective communication consider the needs of its recipients, its target. Without considering what those recipients  need to know, or how they need to know it, the communications will fall flat.\r\n\r\n<strong>Three steps to developing effective communications</strong>\r\n\r\nNext time you are developing any type of communication, be it a sign, a presentation, a website, an email, follow these three steps:\r\n\r\n1. Clarify what you are trying to communicate\r\n\r\n2. Define exactly who you are targeting\r\n\r\n3. Figure out the what this specific recipient needs to know and how he or she will get the information.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to have effective communications','','inherit','closed','closed','','3988-revision-v1','','','2019-06-19 11:41:58','2019-06-19 15:41:58','',3988,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/06/3988-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3999,4,'2019-07-09 10:00:27','2019-07-09 14:00:27','Yesterday, I came across this article \"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\" The article addresses  inter-personal communications. The first mistake discussed really stood out to me. Here is the excerpt:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you also have to be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? Are you being rude? Are you causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrasment) in your audience?','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-09 10:00:27','2019-07-09 14:00:27','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4000,4,'2019-07-09 10:09:07','2019-07-09 14:09:07','Yesterday, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  inter-personal communications. The first mistake discussed really stood out to me. Here is the excerpt:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotion are you engendering?\r\n\r\nAre you being rude? Are you causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience?','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-09 10:09:07','2019-07-09 14:09:07','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4004,4,'2019-07-11 17:24:13','2019-07-11 21:24:13','Recently, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications, but I think the first mistake, not paying attention to how your message is being received, applies to all communications. This is what the article says:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And I think that what these people say is not the problem so much as how they say it. Yes, it comes down to how you present something.\r\n\r\n<strong>This applies to all communication</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotions are you engendering?\r\n\r\n<strong>How is your messaging \"landing?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want your message to resonate with your audience, you must assess how  you are coming across, and be careful in how you are saying what you are communicating.\r\n\r\nHere are few tips:\r\n\r\n1) Humor needs context and sometimes, tone of voice: Avoid inside jokes or weird humor unless you know the audience will absolutely get it. Remember that humor is hard to express in a written format.\r\n\r\n2) Mind your sarcasm: Ask yourself if you are being flippant or sarcastic, and remember that tone of voice is not easily conveyed in written materials. Also, some people don\'t understand sarcasm, and may take it literally.\r\n\r\n3) Mind your manners: I heard somewhere that having manners is about putting others at ease. When you follow conventions, people know what to expect. So ask yourself if your communication is being rude or abrupt.\r\n\r\n4) Be empathetic: Ask yourself if how and what you are saying could be causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience. For example, perhaps you are trying to berate your audience for missing a deadline. Most likely, berating your audience will cause embarrassment or even anger.\r\n\r\nThinking carefully about how you say things will lead to better communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-11 17:24:13','2019-07-11 21:24:13','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4001,4,'2019-07-09 14:41:54','2019-07-09 18:41:54','Yesterday, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications. The first mistake discussed really stood out to me. Here is the excerpt:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And many times, what these people were saying was not the problem so much as how they said it.\r\n\r\nThe rude garage repair guy\r\n\r\nIt happened to me a few weeks ago. My garage door remote wasn\'t working, and I called a garage door repair guy (recommended by a friend). He sold me a new remote, and also \"serviced\" the door (oiling the cables mostly). He warned me that he wasn\'t able to repair my type of motor because it lacked sensors and it wasn\'t up to code. He repeated this warning several times. Two days after he was at my house, I pulled up to my garage and the door would only open half-way. I called the repair guy and asked him to come urgently, since I was leaving the next day and didn\'t want to leave my car outside. He proceeded to tell me that he had been working since 7 am and hadn\'t had lunch, but quite reluctantly agreed to come by, saying he would have to charge me for the visit.\r\n\r\nWhen he arrived, he kept saying that he had told me he didn\'t repair my type of motor. The issue, however, was with the cable attached to the door. However, in his world the entire structure of cable and motor were all called \"the motor.\"  He told me there was defect in this type of \"motor\" and that it  happened frequently. I told him that in eight years that I have owned this house, this had never happened. He then said I was accusing him of doing something to the door. In a sense, I was. I didn\'t have this problem before he came, and now I did. He got very angry and removed the defective piece all while telling me over and over again that he is not supposed to repair this motor. I told him I would NOT be reporting him anywhere. He left in a huff, and didn\'t charge me. He also told me that I didn\'t need to call him again. As if I would.\r\n\r\nAfter he left, I was angry. I resented this guy\'s rudeness and lack of customer service. And I couldn\'t help but think that his warnings about not being able to work on my motor were just a convenient way for him to then sell me a new motor. After all, he works for himself so he is not beholden to a boss or a company policy. There was literally no way that there would be any repercussions for him working on this.\r\n\r\nThis whole incident was one glaring example of \"it\'s not what you say, but how you say it.\" If he had said something like this: \"I know this seems related to my visit the other day, but it is an unfortunate coincidence. There\'s this piece that sometimes acts up, and it\'s chosen to act up today. Although it is part of your motor, and as a rule I don\'t work on these, I will make a exception since it is such a small deal and I was just here not two days ago. \" If he had said that, then we would have been in a better situation. But he didn\'t. And many people do not stop to think before they communicate. Unfortunately, if you are in marketing or in customer service of any sort, you have to think about what you are saying and how you are saying it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotion are you engendering?\r\n\r\nAre you being rude? Are you causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience?','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-09 14:41:54','2019-07-09 18:41:54','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4002,4,'2019-07-09 14:52:27','2019-07-09 18:52:27','Yesterday, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications. The first mistake discussed really stood out to me. Here is the excerpt:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And many times, what these people were saying was not the problem so much as how they said it.\r\n\r\nThe rude garage repair guy\r\n\r\nIt happened to me a few weeks ago. My garage door remote wasn\'t working, and I called a garage door repair guy (recommended by a friend). He sold me a new remote, and also \"serviced\" the door (oiling the cables mostly). He warned me that he wasn\'t able to repair my type of motor because it lacked sensors and it wasn\'t up to code. He repeated this warning several times. Two days after he was at my house, I pulled up to my garage and the door would only open half-way. I called the repair guy and asked him to come urgently, since I was leaving the next day and didn\'t want to leave my car outside. He proceeded to tell me that he had been working since 7 am and hadn\'t had lunch, but quite reluctantly agreed to come by, saying he would have to charge me for the visit.\r\n\r\nWhen he arrived, he kept saying that he had told me he didn\'t repair my type of motor. The issue, however, was with the cable attached to the door. However, in his world the entire structure of cable and motor were all called \"the motor.\"  He told me there was defect in this type of \"motor\" and that it  happened frequently. I told him that in eight years that I have owned this house, this had never happened. He then said I was accusing him of doing something to the door. In a sense, I was. I didn\'t have this problem before he came, and now I did. He got very angry and removed the defective piece all while telling me over and over again that he is not supposed to repair this motor. I told him I would NOT be reporting him anywhere. He left in a huff, and didn\'t charge me. He also told me that I didn\'t need to call him again. As if I would.\r\n\r\nAfter he left, I was angry. I resented this guy\'s rudeness and lack of customer service. And I couldn\'t help but think that his warnings about not being able to work on my motor were just a convenient way for him to then sell me a new motor. After all, he works for himself so he is not beholden to a boss or a company policy. There was literally no way that there would be any repercussions for him working on this.\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nThis whole incident was one glaring example of \"it\'s not what you say, but how you say it.\" If he had said something like this: \"I know this seems related to my visit the other day, but it is an unfortunate coincidence. There\'s this piece that sometimes acts up, and it\'s chosen to act up today. Although it is part of your motor, and as a rule I don\'t work on these, I will make a exception since it is such a small deal and I was just here not two days ago. \" If he had said that, then we would have been in a better situation. But he didn\'t. And many people do not stop to think before they communicate. Unfortunately, if you are in marketing or in customer service of any sort, you have to think about what you are saying and how you are saying it.\r\n\r\nThis applies to all communication\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotion are you engendering?\r\n\r\nAre you being rude? Are you causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience?','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-09 14:52:27','2019-07-09 18:52:27','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4003,4,'2019-07-10 10:29:33','2019-07-10 14:29:33','Yesterday, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications. The first mistake discussed really stood out to me. Here is the excerpt:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And many times, what these people were saying was not the problem so much as how they said it.\r\n\r\nThe rude garage repair guy\r\n\r\nIt happened to me a few weeks ago. My garage door remote wasn\'t working, and I called a garage door repair guy (recommended by a friend). He sold me a new remote, and also \"serviced\" the door (oiling the cables mostly). He warned me that he wasn\'t able to repair my type of motor because it lacked sensors and it wasn\'t up to code. He repeated this warning several times. Two days after he was at my house, I pulled up to my garage and the door would only open half-way. I called the repair guy and asked him to come urgently, since I was leaving the next day and didn\'t want to leave my car outside. He proceeded to tell me that he had been working since 7 am and hadn\'t had lunch, but quite reluctantly agreed to come by, saying he would have to charge me for the visit.\r\n\r\nWhen he arrived, he kept saying that he had told me he didn\'t repair my type of motor. The issue, however, was with the cable attached to the door. However, in his world the entire structure of cable and motor were all called \"the motor.\"  He told me there was defect in this type of \"motor\" and that it  happened frequently. I told him that in eight years that I have owned this house, this had never happened. He then said I was accusing him of doing something to the door. In a sense, I was. I didn\'t have this problem before he came, and now I did. He got very angry and removed the defective piece all while telling me over and over again that he is not supposed to repair this motor. I told him I would NOT be reporting him anywhere. He left in a huff, and didn\'t charge me. He also told me that I didn\'t need to call him again. As if I would.\r\n\r\nAfter he left, I was angry. I resented this guy\'s rudeness and lack of customer service. And I couldn\'t help but think that his warnings about not being able to work on my motor were just a convenient way for him to then sell me a new motor. After all, he works for himself so he is not beholden to a boss or a company policy. There was literally no way that there would be any repercussions for him working on this.\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nThis whole incident was one glaring example of \"it\'s not what you say, but how you say it.\" If he had said something like this: \"I know this seems related to my visit the other day, but it is an unfortunate coincidence. There\'s this piece that sometimes acts up, and it\'s chosen to act up today. Although it is part of your motor, and as a rule I don\'t work on these, I will make a exception since it is such a small deal and I was just here not two days ago. \" If he had said that, then we would have been in a better situation. But he didn\'t. And many people do not stop to think before they communicate. Unfortunately, if you are in marketing or in customer service of any sort, you have to think about what you are saying and how you are saying it.\r\n\r\nThis applies to all communication\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotion are you engendering?\r\n\r\n<strong>How is your messaging \"landing?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nYou need to assess how  you are coming across. Perhaps ask someone else to read your work.\r\n\r\nThings to ask yourself:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Are you being rude or abrupt?</li>\r\n 	<li>Are you being flippant or sarcastic?</li>\r\n 	<li>Are you causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience?</li>\r\n 	<li>If you are aiming for humor, is it good-natured or mean? Is is universally understood?</li>\r\n</ul>','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-10 10:29:33','2019-07-10 14:29:33','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4005,4,'2019-07-11 17:25:47','2019-07-11 21:25:47','Recently, I came across this article on ThriveGlobal: <a href=\"https://thriveglobal.com/stories/communication-mistakes-lead-to-toxic-workplace-feeling/?utm_content=bufferc6c78&amp;utm_medium=Arianna&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"3 Communication Mistakes that Lead to a Toxic-feeling Workplace.\"</a> The article addresses  interpersonal communications, but I think the first mistake, not paying attention to how your message is being received, applies to all communications. This is what the article says:\r\n<blockquote><strong>Not being mindful of how your words land</strong>\r\n\r\nA large portion of what we say stems from how we read the present situation, and our sense of self-awareness plays a vital role in our everyday conversations. According to a <a href=\"https://psyarxiv.com/sg5aw/\">recent study</a> conducted by a group of psychologists at the University of California, Davis, many people don’t realize they’re being rude when they’re perceived as such, suggesting blind spots in our self-insight that can prompt miscommunications at work. The study’s findings highlight the importance of listening to yourself when you’re talking to others. If you hear what you’re saying and think you might be offended if someone said the same to you, it’s worth rephrasing and communicating your point differently.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Because it\'s not just what you say, but how you say it.</strong>\r\n\r\nI am sure we all have experienced people saying things to us in an awkward or rude way that made us feel not so great. We may have gotten angry or offended.  And I think that what these people say is not the problem so much as how they say it. Yes, it comes down to how you present something.\r\n\r\n<strong>This applies to all communication</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing marketing materials, you are concerned with the words you choose, the messages you deliver. But you should also be concerned with tone and presentation. How is your message coming across? What kind of emotions are you engendering?\r\n\r\n<strong>How is your messaging \"landing?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want your message to resonate with your audience, you must assess how  you are coming across, and be careful in how you are saying what you are communicating.\r\n\r\n<strong>4 items to consider before you write your next marketing piece:</strong>\r\n\r\n1) Humor needs context and sometimes, tone of voice: Avoid inside jokes or weird humor unless you know the audience will absolutely get it. Remember that humor is hard to express in a written format.\r\n\r\n2) Mind your sarcasm: Ask yourself if you are being flippant or sarcastic, and remember that tone of voice is not easily conveyed in written materials. Also, some people don\'t understand sarcasm, and may take it literally.\r\n\r\n3) Mind your manners: I heard somewhere that having manners is about putting others at ease. When you follow conventions, people know what to expect. So ask yourself if your communication is being rude or abrupt.\r\n\r\n4) Be empathetic: Ask yourself if how and what you are saying could be causing negative emotions (anger, frustration, embarrassment) in your audience. For example, perhaps you are trying to berate your audience for missing a deadline. Most likely, berating your audience will cause embarrassment or even anger.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThinking carefully about how you say and present your message will lead to better communications.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Not just what you say, but how you say it','','inherit','closed','closed','','3998-revision-v1','','','2019-07-11 17:25:47','2019-07-11 21:25:47','',3998,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/3998-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4007,4,'2019-07-18 09:45:12','2019-07-18 13:45:12','<strong>It\'s Copywriting 101</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ever looked at any basic copywriting advice, you\'d probably have seen the bit where they tell you to talk about the benefits of whatever it is you are writing about. Benefits is what is in it for the audience. Perhaps they get a good price, or look younger, or help save the world. You are always supposed to highlight what the audience gets from the good or service or organization you are promoting. It\'s Copywriting 101.\r\n\r\n<strong>But spammers don\'t take copywriting classes</strong>\r\n\r\nThe other day I got a spam email (meaning it was from someone I don\'t know, who probably harvested my name from the internet, and is trying to sell me something). I got the same email again yesterday. Here\'s what the email said:\r\n<blockquote>Hi Deborah,\r\n\r\nI just came across your blog madmimi.com and wanted to reach out to you. I am reaching out because I was wondering if you would post a 500 word article that contains 2-3 links that would be relevant to the article topic. The article would also need to be written .\r\n\r\nPlease advise on the cost for this service and if you offer a bulk pricing package.\r\n\r\nHave an awesome Thursday,\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\n[name withheld]</blockquote>\r\n<strong>So many questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOkay. Let\'s start with the blindingly obvious problem. I don\'t have a blog called madmimi.com (I do, however, used Mad Mimi for my sadly neglected newsletter).\r\n\r\nLet\'s go on to the next part of the email:  I\'m being asked to post an article, presumably on my blog, about a non-disclosed topic, and include two or three links, but to where exactly? The article \"would have to be written,\" presumably by me.  Then the writer wants to know the cost for this service.\r\n\r\n<strong>But really there is nothing in it for me</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'m supposed to conclude, only guessing here, that this email\'s writer is willing to pay me to write an article about whatever I want to post on my own blog.  But of course, that makes no sense. The email writer must have a subject in mind. And really, why would I post an article about any random subject on my blog, and charge someone for it if there is nothing in it for them, and it is not clear what is in it for me? I already have an established blog (you are reading it right now), where I have been posting articles written by me for the past 10+ years.\r\n\r\nIt seems that what the email writer is really trying to do, quite in-artfully, is to get me to respond asking for more information or perhaps check out the website associated with the writer\'s email address.  That\'s why this is spam.\r\n\r\n<strong>Answer \"what\'s it in it for me?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want anything you write to succeed, start with how your audience benefits. What will they get from it? Imagine if this spammer would have said exactly what he/she meant (i.e., we\'ll pay you to promote our  product/service on your blog), I may have been more interested. Instead, I wrote a blog post about how bad these spammers are at selling. Perhaps it was a win after all.','What\'s in it for me?','','publish','open','open','','whats-in-it-for-me','','','2019-07-18 09:45:12','2019-07-18 13:45:12','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4007',0,'post','',0),
(4008,4,'2019-07-17 10:14:26','2019-07-17 14:14:26','<strong>Copywriting 101</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ever looked at any copywriting advice, you\'d probably have seen the bit where they tell you to talk about the benefits of whatever you are writing about. Benefits is what is in it for the audience. Perhaps they get a good price, or look younger, or help save the world. You are always supposed to highlight what the audience gets from the good or service or organization you are promoting. It\'s Copywriting 101.\r\n\r\n<strong>But spammers don\'t take copywriting classes</strong>\r\n\r\nThe other day I got a spam email (meaning it was from someone I don\'t know, who probably harvested my name from the internet, and is trying to sell me something). I got the same email again yesterday. Here\'s what the email said:\r\n<blockquote>Hi Deborah,\r\n\r\nI just came across your blog madmimi.com and wanted to reach out to you. I am reaching out because I was wondering if you would post a 500 word article that contains 2-3 links that would be relevant to the article topic. The article would also need to be written .\r\n\r\nPlease advise on the cost for this service and if you offer a bulk pricing package.\r\n\r\nHave an awesome Thursday,\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\n[name withheld]</blockquote>\r\nOkay. Let\'s start with the blindingly obvious problem. I don\'t have a blog called madmimi.com (I do, however, used Mad Mimi for my sadly neglected newsletter).\r\n\r\nThen let\'s go on to the next part: the writer of the email is asking me to post an article, presumably on my blog, about a non-disclosed topic, and including two or three links to where exactly? The article \"would have to be written,\" presumably by me.  Then the writer wants to know the cost for this service.\r\n\r\nI am supposed to conclude, I am only guessing here, that the email writer is willing to pay me to write an article about whatever I want. But of course, that makes no sense. The email writer must have a subject in mind. And really, why would I post an article about any subject on my blog, and charge someone for it if there is nothing in it for them, and it is not clear what is in it for me? I write stuff on my blog all the time, and if you read it regularly\r\n\r\nIt seems that what the email writer is trying to do, quite inartfully, is to get me to respond asking for more information or perhaps check out the website associated with the writer\'s email address.  That the spam part of it.\r\n\r\nThe way this email is written does not clearly convey what the writer wants. And it certainly does not say what I get out of it. What is the benefit to me for writing and posting an article?','What\'s in it for me?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4007-revision-v1','','','2019-07-17 10:14:26','2019-07-17 14:14:26','',4007,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4007-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4009,4,'2019-07-17 17:19:43','2019-07-17 21:19:43','<strong>Copywriting 101</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ever looked at any copywriting advice, you\'d probably have seen the bit where they tell you to talk about the benefits of whatever it is you are writing about. Benefits is what is in it for the audience. Perhaps they get a good price, or look younger, or help save the world. You are always supposed to highlight what the audience gets from the good or service or organization you are promoting. It\'s Copywriting 101.\r\n\r\n<strong>But spammers don\'t take copywriting classes</strong>\r\n\r\nThe other day I got a spam email (meaning it was from someone I don\'t know, who probably harvested my name from the internet, and is trying to sell me something). I got the same email again yesterday. Here\'s what the email said:\r\n<blockquote>Hi Deborah,\r\n\r\nI just came across your blog madmimi.com and wanted to reach out to you. I am reaching out because I was wondering if you would post a 500 word article that contains 2-3 links that would be relevant to the article topic. The article would also need to be written .\r\n\r\nPlease advise on the cost for this service and if you offer a bulk pricing package.\r\n\r\nHave an awesome Thursday,\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\n[name withheld]</blockquote>\r\n<strong>So many questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOkay. Let\'s start with the blindingly obvious problem. I don\'t have a blog called madmimi.com (I do, however, used Mad Mimi for my sadly neglected newsletter).\r\n\r\nThen let\'s go on to the next part: the writer of the email is asking me to post an article, presumably on my blog, about a non-disclosed topic, and including two or three links, but to where exactly? The article \"would have to be written,\" presumably by me.  Then the writer wants to know the cost for this service.\r\n\r\nI\'m supposed to conclude, only guessing here, that this email\'s writer is willing to pay me to write an article about whatever I want. But of course, that makes no sense. The email writer must have a subject in mind. And really, why would I post an article about any subject on my blog, and charge someone for it if there is nothing in it for them, and it is not clear what is in it for me? I already have an established blog (you are reading it right now), where I have been posting articles written by me for the past 10+ years.\r\n\r\nIt seems that what the email writer is really trying to do, quite in-artfully, is to get me to respond asking for more information or perhaps check out the website associated with the writer\'s email address.  That\'s the spam part of it.\r\n\r\nIf you want anything you write to succeed, start with the benefits in it for the audience. What will they get from it?','What\'s in it for me?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4007-revision-v1','','','2019-07-17 17:19:43','2019-07-17 21:19:43','',4007,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4007-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4010,4,'2019-07-18 09:41:21','2019-07-18 13:41:21','<strong>It\'s Copywriting 101</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ever looked at any basic copywriting advice, you\'d probably have seen the bit where they tell you to talk about the benefits of whatever it is you are writing about. Benefits is what is in it for the audience. Perhaps they get a good price, or look younger, or help save the world. You are always supposed to highlight what the audience gets from the good or service or organization you are promoting. It\'s Copywriting 101.\r\n\r\n<strong>But spammers don\'t take copywriting classes</strong>\r\n\r\nThe other day I got a spam email (meaning it was from someone I don\'t know, who probably harvested my name from the internet, and is trying to sell me something). I got the same email again yesterday. Here\'s what the email said:\r\n<blockquote>Hi Deborah,\r\n\r\nI just came across your blog madmimi.com and wanted to reach out to you. I am reaching out because I was wondering if you would post a 500 word article that contains 2-3 links that would be relevant to the article topic. The article would also need to be written .\r\n\r\nPlease advise on the cost for this service and if you offer a bulk pricing package.\r\n\r\nHave an awesome Thursday,\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\n[name withheld]</blockquote>\r\n<strong>So many questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOkay. Let\'s start with the blindingly obvious problem. I don\'t have a blog called madmimi.com (I do, however, used Mad Mimi for my sadly neglected newsletter).\r\n\r\nLet\'s go on to the next part of the email:  I\'m being asked to post an article, presumably on my blog, about a non-disclosed topic, and include two or three links, but to where exactly? The article \"would have to be written,\" presumably by me.  Then the writer wants to know the cost for this service.\r\n\r\n<strong>But really there is nothing in it for me</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'m supposed to conclude, only guessing here, that this email\'s writer is willing to pay me to write an article about whatever I want to post on my own blog.  But of course, that makes no sense. The email writer must have a subject in mind. And really, why would I post an article about any random subject on my blog, and charge someone for it if there is nothing in it for them, and it is not clear what is in it for me? I already have an established blog (you are reading it right now), where I have been posting articles written by me for the past 10+ years.\r\n\r\nIt seems that what the email writer is really trying to do, quite in-artfully, is to get me to respond asking for more information or perhaps check out the website associated with the writer\'s email address.  That\'s why this is spam.\r\n\r\n<strong>Answer \"what\'s it in it for me?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want anything you write to succeed, start with how your audience benefits. What will they get from it? Imagine if this spammer would have said exactly what he/she meant ( i.e., we\'ll pay you to promote our  product/service on your blog), I may have been more interested. Instead, I wrote a blog post about how bad these spammers are at selling. Perhaps it was a win after all.','What\'s in it for me?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4007-revision-v1','','','2019-07-18 09:41:21','2019-07-18 13:41:21','',4007,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4007-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4011,4,'2019-07-18 09:45:12','2019-07-18 13:45:12','<strong>It\'s Copywriting 101</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ever looked at any basic copywriting advice, you\'d probably have seen the bit where they tell you to talk about the benefits of whatever it is you are writing about. Benefits is what is in it for the audience. Perhaps they get a good price, or look younger, or help save the world. You are always supposed to highlight what the audience gets from the good or service or organization you are promoting. It\'s Copywriting 101.\r\n\r\n<strong>But spammers don\'t take copywriting classes</strong>\r\n\r\nThe other day I got a spam email (meaning it was from someone I don\'t know, who probably harvested my name from the internet, and is trying to sell me something). I got the same email again yesterday. Here\'s what the email said:\r\n<blockquote>Hi Deborah,\r\n\r\nI just came across your blog madmimi.com and wanted to reach out to you. I am reaching out because I was wondering if you would post a 500 word article that contains 2-3 links that would be relevant to the article topic. The article would also need to be written .\r\n\r\nPlease advise on the cost for this service and if you offer a bulk pricing package.\r\n\r\nHave an awesome Thursday,\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\n[name withheld]</blockquote>\r\n<strong>So many questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOkay. Let\'s start with the blindingly obvious problem. I don\'t have a blog called madmimi.com (I do, however, used Mad Mimi for my sadly neglected newsletter).\r\n\r\nLet\'s go on to the next part of the email:  I\'m being asked to post an article, presumably on my blog, about a non-disclosed topic, and include two or three links, but to where exactly? The article \"would have to be written,\" presumably by me.  Then the writer wants to know the cost for this service.\r\n\r\n<strong>But really there is nothing in it for me</strong>\r\n\r\nI\'m supposed to conclude, only guessing here, that this email\'s writer is willing to pay me to write an article about whatever I want to post on my own blog.  But of course, that makes no sense. The email writer must have a subject in mind. And really, why would I post an article about any random subject on my blog, and charge someone for it if there is nothing in it for them, and it is not clear what is in it for me? I already have an established blog (you are reading it right now), where I have been posting articles written by me for the past 10+ years.\r\n\r\nIt seems that what the email writer is really trying to do, quite in-artfully, is to get me to respond asking for more information or perhaps check out the website associated with the writer\'s email address.  That\'s why this is spam.\r\n\r\n<strong>Answer \"what\'s it in it for me?\"</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you want anything you write to succeed, start with how your audience benefits. What will they get from it? Imagine if this spammer would have said exactly what he/she meant (i.e., we\'ll pay you to promote our  product/service on your blog), I may have been more interested. Instead, I wrote a blog post about how bad these spammers are at selling. Perhaps it was a win after all.','What\'s in it for me?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4007-revision-v1','','','2019-07-18 09:45:12','2019-07-18 13:45:12','',4007,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4007-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4013,4,'2019-07-31 14:14:14','2019-07-31 18:14:14','<strong>What is BLUF?</strong>\r\n\r\nI only recently learned about BLUF, which stands for \"bottom line up front,\" from a woman who works in project management at a computer/software company. In her line of work, she says, she has little time to  wade through a morass of details, and needs to know the bottom line first (i.e., what is the project is going to cost).\r\n\r\n<strong>TL, DR</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s not much different in any type of writing. I am sure you\'ve seen people post articles with the disclaimer \"TL, DR,\" which stands for \"too long, didn\'t read.\" People don\'t have time to read long, detailed articles or emails, <em>especially if they are reading them on a mobile device</em>. People want to know what it\'s about, and then read it slowly when they have time. This is why subject lines and headlines are so crucial—that\'s your BLUF for emails and articles. Say what it\'s about.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t bury the lede!</strong>\r\n\r\nWith news releases, it is imperative that the first paragraph carry the important information. The rest of the release is filled with the details and quotes. The same holds for news articles. In journalism, when you don\'t provide the crucial information up front, it\'s called \"burying the lede.\"\r\n\r\nTake this article from Eater DC: <a href=\"https://dc.eater.com/2019/7/24/20708371/hipcityveg-opening-dupont-circle-dc-vegan-burgers-chicken-nuggets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"HipCityVeg Brings its Vegan Versions of Fast Food Favorites to Dupont Circle.\"</a> It\'s about the opening of the restaurant\'s second location in Washington, DC, and yet, I have to read through <strong>NINE</strong> paragraphs about how and why HipCityVeg does what it does before I find out the exact address of the new location. The address should have been in the first paragraph, so that somebody who want to actually visit the restaurant, knows where to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does the reader<em> need</em> to know?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing a marketing piece, a blog post, an email, do yourself a favor and think BLUF: What is the most important thing your reader has to know? Being bottom line-oriented and putting the important stuff up front, will make you a better, more effective writer.','Be a more effective writer: Think BLUF','','publish','open','open','','be-a-more-effective-writer-think-bluf','','','2019-07-31 14:14:14','2019-07-31 18:14:14','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4013',0,'post','',0),
(4014,4,'2019-07-31 10:36:54','2019-07-31 14:36:54','I recently learned about BLUF, which stands for bottom line up front, from a woman who works in project management at a computer/software company. She told me she has no time to read through a morass of details, and just want to know the bottom line first.','Be more effective: think BLUF','','inherit','closed','closed','','4013-revision-v1','','','2019-07-31 10:36:54','2019-07-31 14:36:54','',4013,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4013-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4015,4,'2019-07-31 14:10:39','2019-07-31 18:10:39','<strong>What is BLUF?</strong>\r\n\r\nI only recently learned about BLUF, which stands for \"bottom line up front,\" from a woman who works in project management at a computer/software company. In her line of work, she says, she has little time to  wade through a morass of details, and needs to know the bottom line first (i.e., what is the project going to cost).\r\n\r\n<strong>TL, DR</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s not much different in any type of writing. I am sure you\'ve seen people post articles with the disclaimer \"TL, DR,\" which stands for too long, didn\'t read. People don\'t have time to read long, detailed articles or emails, especially if they are reading them on a mobile device. People want to know what it\'s about, and then read it slowly when they have time. This is why subject lines and headlines are so crucial—that\'s your BLUF for emails and articles. Say what it\'s about.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t bury the lede!</strong>\r\n\r\nWith news releases, it is imperative that the first paragraph carry the important information. The rest of the release is filled with the details and quotes. The same holds for news articles. In journalism, when you don\'t provide the crucial information up front, it\'s called \"burying the lede.\"\r\n\r\nTake this article from Eater DC: <a href=\"https://dc.eater.com/2019/7/24/20708371/hipcityveg-opening-dupont-circle-dc-vegan-burgers-chicken-nuggets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"HipCityVeg Brings its Vegan Versions of Fast Food Favorites to Dupont Circle.\"</a> It\'s about the opening of the restaurant\'s second location in Washington, DC, and yet, I have to read through <strong>NINE</strong> paragraphs about how and why HipCityVeg does what it does before I find out the exact address of the new location. The address should have been in the first paragraph, so that somebody who want to actually visit the restaurant, knows where to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does the reader need to know?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing a marketing piece, a blog post, an email, do yourself a favor and think BLUF: What is the most important thing your reader has to know? Being bottom line-oriented, will make you a better, more effective writer.','Be a more effective writer: Think BLUF','','inherit','closed','closed','','4013-revision-v1','','','2019-07-31 14:10:39','2019-07-31 18:10:39','',4013,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4013-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4016,4,'2019-07-31 14:14:14','2019-07-31 18:14:14','<strong>What is BLUF?</strong>\r\n\r\nI only recently learned about BLUF, which stands for \"bottom line up front,\" from a woman who works in project management at a computer/software company. In her line of work, she says, she has little time to  wade through a morass of details, and needs to know the bottom line first (i.e., what is the project is going to cost).\r\n\r\n<strong>TL, DR</strong>\r\n\r\nIt\'s not much different in any type of writing. I am sure you\'ve seen people post articles with the disclaimer \"TL, DR,\" which stands for \"too long, didn\'t read.\" People don\'t have time to read long, detailed articles or emails, <em>especially if they are reading them on a mobile device</em>. People want to know what it\'s about, and then read it slowly when they have time. This is why subject lines and headlines are so crucial—that\'s your BLUF for emails and articles. Say what it\'s about.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t bury the lede!</strong>\r\n\r\nWith news releases, it is imperative that the first paragraph carry the important information. The rest of the release is filled with the details and quotes. The same holds for news articles. In journalism, when you don\'t provide the crucial information up front, it\'s called \"burying the lede.\"\r\n\r\nTake this article from Eater DC: <a href=\"https://dc.eater.com/2019/7/24/20708371/hipcityveg-opening-dupont-circle-dc-vegan-burgers-chicken-nuggets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"HipCityVeg Brings its Vegan Versions of Fast Food Favorites to Dupont Circle.\"</a> It\'s about the opening of the restaurant\'s second location in Washington, DC, and yet, I have to read through <strong>NINE</strong> paragraphs about how and why HipCityVeg does what it does before I find out the exact address of the new location. The address should have been in the first paragraph, so that somebody who want to actually visit the restaurant, knows where to find it.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does the reader<em> need</em> to know?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen writing a marketing piece, a blog post, an email, do yourself a favor and think BLUF: What is the most important thing your reader has to know? Being bottom line-oriented and putting the important stuff up front, will make you a better, more effective writer.','Be a more effective writer: Think BLUF','','inherit','closed','closed','','4013-revision-v1','','','2019-07-31 14:14:14','2019-07-31 18:14:14','',4013,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/07/4013-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4031,4,'2019-10-23 10:52:41','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Every day, we get news that affects our personal world. Perhaps a business you frequent is closing, or it is changing location. Perhaps the doctor you have been seeing for the past 20 years is retiring. Perhaps the dues at your local gym are going up. Perhaps your flight is cancelled or rescheduled.\r\n\r\nHow are you learning about these changes? Are you getting an email? Are you walking up to your favorite store only to find a handwritten note telling you that it is now closed? Are you hearing rumors from your friends?','Are you doing a good job delivering news?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2019-10-23 10:52:41','2019-10-23 14:52:41','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4031',0,'post','',0),
(4022,4,'2019-09-05 14:46:56','2019-09-05 18:46:56','<strong>Repeat phone calls from different numbers, same message</strong>\r\n\r\nAround 11 a.m. my cell phone rings and the caller ID shows an 1-800 number. I don\'t answer. Seconds later there\'s a voicemail message. It is a recording of a robotic woman warning of some account suspension. I delete the message without listening to all of it. About five or ten minutes later, another call from another 1-800 number. Again, I don\'t answer. And again, there\'s the exact same voicemail message. This has happened for the past three days. That\'s six calls from six different 1-800 numbers and six identical robotic voicemail messages.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the spammer\'s \"strategy\"  is this:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Use an 1-800 number since it looks official</li>\r\n 	<li>Use different 1-800 numbers for each call, so target won\'t figure out it\'s the same entity calling</li>\r\n 	<li>Scare the target with an official sounding message about \"immediate account suspension\" to create fear/anxiety. This fear will lead to target answering the phone five minutes after the original message and/or calling back.</li>\r\n 	<li>Call at the same time every day because this will make a target answer or pick up</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Stupid \"marketing\"</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s behind this \"marketing\" strategy is the assumption that the target won\'t see that the 1-800 calls are not official, and that they will pick up. In other words, the \"strategy\" is based on the idea that the target is too stupid to see that this is a scam.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sending the same email, over and over and over and over...</strong>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a guy named Steve Marriot who really wants to speak to me about my credit. He wants it so much that he sends me the same email day after day. His subject line says \"Let\'s grow together in 2019.\" He just wants to set up me to call him to discuss my credit needs. Or better yet, just apply since his company has analyzed my company and determined I am eligible for a quarter million dollar loan at a low rate! Okay then. Oh, and there is absolutely no information about Steve\'s \"company\" in the email. No website address, no description, no nothing but there is a link for an application. As if I am going to click that.\r\n\r\n<strong>Putting the stupid in marketing</strong>\r\n\r\nFirst, sending the same email multiple times does not make me want to open a line of credit with you. Credit and finance are trust-based transactions. I don\'t know Steve, but I do know he is running a con. He knows nothing about my company or me and nobody but nobody pre-approves you for a loan without knowing anything about your finances. Second, are you really that stupid to think that I am so stupid as to respond to an email from an unknown \"financial\" company?\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nDo you assume your customers are stupid? If you do, please stop.  The only marketers that bet on stupidity are spammers. And that is the bottom line.','Stupid on repeat=marketing fail','','publish','open','open','','stupid-on-repeatmarketing-fail','','','2019-09-05 14:46:56','2019-09-05 18:46:56','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4022',0,'post','',0),
(4023,4,'2019-09-04 14:23:41','2019-09-04 18:23:41','Do you assume your customers are stupid? If you do, please stop.  The only marketers that bet on stupidity are spammers.\r\n\r\nLet me share an example.  Around 11 a.m. my cell phone rings and the caller ID shows an 1-800 number. I don\'t answer. Seconds later there\'s a voicemail message. It is a recording of a robotic woman warning of some account suspension. I delete the message without listening to all of it. About five or ten minutes later, another call from another 1-800 number. Again, I don\'t answer. And again, there\'s the exact same voicemail message. This has happened for the past three days. That\'s six calls from six different 1-800 numbers and six identical robotic voicemail messages.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the spammer \"strategy\"  is this:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Use an 1-800 number since it looks official</li>\r\n 	<li>Use different 1-800 numbers for each call, so target won\'t figure out it\'s the same entity calling</li>\r\n 	<li>Scare the target with an official sounding message about \"immediate account suspension\" to create fear/anxiety. This fear will lead to target answering the phone five minutes after the original message and/or calling back.</li>\r\n 	<li>Call at the same time every day because this will make a target answer or pick up</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Stupid on repeat=marketing fail','','inherit','closed','closed','','4022-revision-v1','','','2019-09-04 14:23:41','2019-09-04 18:23:41','',4022,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/09/4022-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4024,4,'2019-09-05 09:28:00','2019-09-05 13:28:00','<strong>Repeat phone calls from different numbers, same message</strong>\r\n\r\nAround 11 a.m. my cell phone rings and the caller ID shows an 1-800 number. I don\'t answer. Seconds later there\'s a voicemail message. It is a recording of a robotic woman warning of some account suspension. I delete the message without listening to all of it. About five or ten minutes later, another call from another 1-800 number. Again, I don\'t answer. And again, there\'s the exact same voicemail message. This has happened for the past three days. That\'s six calls from six different 1-800 numbers and six identical robotic voicemail messages.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the spammer\'s \"strategy\"  is this:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Use an 1-800 number since it looks official</li>\r\n 	<li>Use different 1-800 numbers for each call, so target won\'t figure out it\'s the same entity calling</li>\r\n 	<li>Scare the target with an official sounding message about \"immediate account suspension\" to create fear/anxiety. This fear will lead to target answering the phone five minutes after the original message and/or calling back.</li>\r\n 	<li>Call at the same time every day because this will make a target answer or pick up</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Stupid \"marketing\"</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s behind this \"marketing\" strategy is the assumption that the target won\'t see that the 1-800 calls are not official, and that they will pick up. In other words, the \"strategy\" is based on the idea that the target is too stupid to see that this is a scam.\r\n\r\nDo you assume your customers are stupid? If you do, please stop.  The only marketers that bet on stupidity are spammers.','Stupid on repeat=marketing fail','','inherit','closed','closed','','4022-revision-v1','','','2019-09-05 09:28:00','2019-09-05 13:28:00','',4022,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/09/4022-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4025,4,'2019-09-05 14:45:47','2019-09-05 18:45:47','<strong>Repeat phone calls from different numbers, same message</strong>\r\n\r\nAround 11 a.m. my cell phone rings and the caller ID shows an 1-800 number. I don\'t answer. Seconds later there\'s a voicemail message. It is a recording of a robotic woman warning of some account suspension. I delete the message without listening to all of it. About five or ten minutes later, another call from another 1-800 number. Again, I don\'t answer. And again, there\'s the exact same voicemail message. This has happened for the past three days. That\'s six calls from six different 1-800 numbers and six identical robotic voicemail messages.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the spammer\'s \"strategy\"  is this:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Use an 1-800 number since it looks official</li>\r\n 	<li>Use different 1-800 numbers for each call, so target won\'t figure out it\'s the same entity calling</li>\r\n 	<li>Scare the target with an official sounding message about \"immediate account suspension\" to create fear/anxiety. This fear will lead to target answering the phone five minutes after the original message and/or calling back.</li>\r\n 	<li>Call at the same time every day because this will make a target answer or pick up</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Stupid \"marketing\"</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s behind this \"marketing\" strategy is the assumption that the target won\'t see that the 1-800 calls are not official, and that they will pick up. In other words, the \"strategy\" is based on the idea that the target is too stupid to see that this is a scam.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sending the same email, over and over and over and over...</strong>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a guy named Steve Marriot who really wants to speak to me about my credit. He wants it so much that he sends me the same email day after day. His subject line says \"Let\'s grow together in 2019.\" He just wants to set up me to call him to discuss my credit needs. Or better yet, just apply since his company has analyzed my company and determined I am eligible for a quarter million dollar loan at a low rate! Okay then. Oh, and there is absolutely no information about Steve\'s \"company\" in the email. No website address, no description, no nothing but there is a link for an application. As if I am going to click that.\r\n\r\n<strong>Putting the stupid in marketing</strong>\r\n\r\nFirst, sending the same email multiple times does not make me want to open a line of credit with you. Credit and finance are trust-based transactions. I don\'t know Steve, but I do know he is running a con. He knows nothing about my company or me and nobody but nobody pre-approves you for a loan without knowing anything about your finances. Second, are you really that stupid to think that I am so stupid as to respond to an email from an unknown \"financial\" company?\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nDo you assume your customers are stupid? If you do, please stop.  The only marketers that bet on stupidity are spammers. And that is the bottom line.','Stupid on repeat=marketing fail','','inherit','closed','closed','','4022-revision-v1','','','2019-09-05 14:45:47','2019-09-05 18:45:47','',4022,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/09/4022-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4032,4,'2019-10-23 10:52:41','2019-10-23 14:52:41','Every day, we get news that affects our personal world. Perhaps a business you frequent is closing, or it is changing location. Perhaps the doctor you have been seeing for the past 20 years is retiring. Perhaps the dues at your local gym are going up. Perhaps your flight is cancelled or rescheduled.\r\n\r\nHow are you learning about these changes? Are you getting an email? Are you walking up to your favorite store only to find a handwritten note telling you that it is now closed? Are you hearing rumors from your friends?','Are you doing a good job delivering news?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4031-revision-v1','','','2019-10-23 10:52:41','2019-10-23 14:52:41','',4031,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/10/4031-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4034,4,'2019-10-30 09:42:35','2019-10-30 13:42:35','Marketing helps people to<em> know</em> brands, but it doesn\'t make people <em>like</em> brands. People like brands that provide quality, value, and a good experience. That good experience comes down to customer service. If the brand\'s customer service is bad, the experience is bad, and the brand is tainted. It is really that simple.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why I will never shop at Ulta again</strong>\r\n\r\nA couple of years ago, I bought some nail polish at Ulta, and I asked before I paid if it was returnable. I was told yes. It turns out I had a similar color at home, so I returned to the store, original receipt in hand, and was asked for my phone number. I said I wasn\'t in their system, I had the receipt and I wasn\'t giving them my number. The clerk was unable to do the return. I went home and called Ulta customer service and was told I should be able to do a return with just the receipt, no problem. I ended up going to an Ulta in another county and doing the return there. I vowed never to shop at my local Ulta again. And then last week, I was in the shopping center where the Ulta is, so I decided to go in. I bought some makeup. When I got home, I realized the makeup was not what I wanted. I went back to Ulta, again with original receipt in hand, and makeup in its box, untouched, and got the exact same answer that I had gotten two years prior. They needed a phone number. Again, why? I am not in their system and a phone number will not bring up my account. I got a manager, who somehow managed to get around this \"phone requirement.\"\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4035\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What a difference</strong>\r\n\r\nContrast that with my experience at Sephora, another cosmetics store, a few months ago. I had a faulty mechanical eyeliner pencil but no receipt (I was hoping they would fix the issue not take back the item). The clerk was able to look up the transaction using my credit card, and gave me a credit, no further questions asked.\r\n\r\n<strong>Making it difficult to make a return is a huge customer service problem</strong>\r\n\r\nMost stores will do returns quite easily if you have a receipt. Some stores will give you a store credit if you don\'t have a receipt. The only stores that seem to make it hard to do returns are small, local boutiques, and Ulta. Customers want to be able to like what they buy and return it if they don\'t. Most businesses see the benefit in customer satisfaction.\r\n\r\n<strong>When you have to market to overcome your failings</strong>\r\n\r\nUlta advertises discounts all the time. Sephora never does. Perhaps Ulta needs to get people in the door with incentives because it knows that the experience is less than ideal. This is not to say Sephora is perfect (far from) but it seems geared toward a better customer experience than Ulta.\r\n\r\n<strong>You will choose to do business where you feel less friction</strong>\r\n\r\nMany people shop at stores like Nordstrom because its policy is to accept almost all returns without exceptions.  This makes for a more relaxed shopping experience. If you know you can buy whatever it is and then return it if it doesn\'t suit for whatever reason, you will buy. If, however, you think there will be a problem, you will not buy because you don\'t want to deal with the friction.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHere\'s the bottom line: If your customer service is bad it doesn\'t matter how good your marketing is.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','All the marketing in the world won\'t save your brand from bad customer service','','publish','open','open','','all-the-marketing-in-the-world-wont-save-your-brand-from-bad-customer-service','','','2019-10-30 09:42:35','2019-10-30 13:42:35','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4034',0,'post','',1),
(4035,4,'2019-10-30 09:40:15','2019-10-30 13:40:15','','beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585','','inherit','open','closed','','beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585','','','2019-10-30 09:40:15','2019-10-30 13:40:15','',4034,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4036,4,'2019-10-30 09:41:18','2019-10-30 13:41:18','Marketing helps people to<em> know</em> brands, but it doesn\'t make people <em>like</em> brands. People like brands that provide quality, value, and a good experience. That good experience comes down to customer service. If the brand\'s customer service is bad, the experience is bad, and the brand is tainted. It is really that simple.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why I will never shop at Ulta again</strong>\r\n\r\nA couple of years ago, I bought some nail polish at Ulta, and I asked before I paid if it was returnable. I was told yes. It turns out I had a similar color at home, so I returned to the store, original receipt in hand, and was asked for my phone number. I said I wasn\'t in their system, I had the receipt and I wasn\'t giving them my number. The clerk was unable to do the return. I went home and called Ulta customer service and was told I should be able to do a return with just the receipt, no problem. I ended up going to an Ulta in another county and doing the return there. I vowed never to shop at my local Ulta again. And then last week, I was in the shopping center where the Ulta is, so I decided to go in. I bought some makeup. When I got home, I realized the makeup was not what I wanted. I went back to Ulta, again with original receipt in hand, and makeup in its box, untouched, and got the exact same answer that I had gotten two years prior. They needed a phone number. Again, why? I am not in their system and a phone number will not bring up my account. I got a manager, who somehow managed to get around this \"phone requirement.\"\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4035\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/beauty-cosmetics-depth-of-field-1571585-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What a difference</strong>\r\n\r\nContrast that with my experience at Sephora, another cosmetics store, a few months ago. I had a faulty mechanical eyeliner pencil but no receipt (I was hoping they would fix the issue not take back the item). The clerk was able to look up the transaction using my credit card, and gave me a credit, no further questions asked.\r\n\r\n<strong>Making it difficult to make a return is a huge customer service problem</strong>\r\n\r\nMost stores will do returns quite easily if you have a receipt. Some stores will give you a store credit if you don\'t have a receipt. The only stores that seem to make it hard to do returns are small, local boutiques, and Ulta. Customers want to be able to like what they buy and return it if they don\'t. Most businesses see the benefit in customer satisfaction.\r\n\r\n<strong>When you have to market to overcome your failings</strong>\r\n\r\nUlta advertises discounts all the time. Sephora never does. Perhaps Ulta needs to get people in the door with incentives because it knows that the experience is less than ideal. This is not to say Sephora is perfect (far from) but it seems geared toward a better customer experience than Ulta.\r\n\r\n<strong>You will choose to do business where you feel less friction</strong>\r\n\r\nMany people shop at stores like Nordstrom because its policy is to accept almost all returns without exceptions.  This makes for a more relaxed shopping experience. If you know you can buy whatever it is and then return it if it doesn\'t suit for whatever reason, you will buy. If, however, you think there will be a problem, you will not buy because you don\'t want to deal with the friction.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nHere\'s the bottom line: If your customer service is bad it doesn\'t matter how good your marketing is.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','All the marketing in the world won\'t save your brand from bad customer service','','inherit','closed','closed','','4034-revision-v1','','','2019-10-30 09:41:18','2019-10-30 13:41:18','',4034,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/10/4034-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4303,4,'2023-01-12 12:49:40','2023-01-12 17:49:40','It’s been [gasp] seven long months since I posted anything on this blog. Before my last post, I had been posting about monthly (ish), but it became harder to come up with good ideas. And I believe if you have nothing worthwhile to say (blog), then don’t say (blog) anything.\r\n\r\nBut here we are in a new year, and it is time for a fresh start. I need to jump-start my blog, and here is how to do it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Do I really want to blog again?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe most crucial question to ask is: Do I really want to or need to start blogging again? There’s no getting around that blogging requires a good deal of work, commitment, and time. Perhaps you don’t have the resources to blog, or the motivation to do it consistently.\r\n\r\nIf you decide not to start blogging again, I recommend eliminating or at least hiding the blog from your website. An outdated blog is the equivalent of a dusty, cobweb covered office. When I visit a website, I always check on the blog to see when it was last updated, and if it hasn’t been updated in a while, I am not sure if the business or organization is still active.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you do want to blog, take these 5 steps:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong> Get clear on your motivation or goal for the blog. </strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nRemember or reset your objective for blogging. What do you want to accomplish? It could be:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Thought leadership</li>\r\n 	<li>Lead generation</li>\r\n 	<li>Inform your target audience</li>\r\n 	<li>Advocate for a cause</li>\r\n 	<li>Provide added value for your customers</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n 	<li><strong> Brainstorm topics and issues</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nOnce you know what you want to do, then you have to think of ideas or topics. I recommend setting up a brainstorming session (if you have a team, definitely get them involved). Start with topics/categories and then get down to specifics. For example, an animal defense charity could list topics such as: animal rights, endangered species, etc.  With that topic list in mind, start thinking of specific issues you want to cover, such as: new laws that are affecting animal rights, new additions to endangered species, , etc.\r\n<ol start=\"3\">\r\n 	<li><strong> List your keywords</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nBlogs still work to improve your search engine optimization (SEO). You may have a plug-in on your blog to help with SEO (e.g., All in One SEO, Yoast). However, you have to be strategic in your blogging and use keywords and key phrases that you want your website to rank for.  Take the time to do some <a href=\"https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo/keyword-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">keyword research</a> and then list your target keywords/key phrases.\r\n<ol start=\"4\">\r\n 	<li><strong> Set up an editorial calendar</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWhen you put things in writing, you have a better chance that they get done. An editorial calendar is a great tool to make blogging happen. You will have an overview of what you want to write and when you will publish it. It doesn’t need to be complex or require special software.\r\n\r\nTo create an editorial calendar, set up a table or spreadsheet with these tabs (at minimum):\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Month/Date</li>\r\n 	<li>Topic/category</li>\r\n 	<li>Subject/working title</li>\r\n 	<li>Author</li>\r\n 	<li>Target keywords</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you need some additional information or templates, check out<a href=\"https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/business-blog-editorial-calendar-templates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> “How to Create an Editorial Calendar [example + templates]”</a> on Hubspot or <a href=\"https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/articles/editorial-calendar-tools-templates/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"Editorial Calendar Tools and Templates To Help You Master Your Content To-Do List\"</a> from the Content Marketing Institute.\r\n<ol start=\"5\">\r\n 	<li><strong> Find inspiration</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nTo make it easier to find relevant issues to write about, seek out inspiration. Here are a few ways to find inspiration:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Set up Google Alerts for your topics</li>\r\n 	<li>Follow relevant hashtags on social media</li>\r\n 	<li>Read industry publications</li>\r\n 	<li>Attend professional development events or presentations about your subject</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, you should be set to start blogging [again].\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nPlease let me know in the comments if you\'ve stopped blogging and why, and whether you plan to restart your blog.','How to jump-start your blog','','publish','open','open','','how-to-jump-start-your-blog','','','2023-01-12 12:49:40','2023-01-12 17:49:40','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4303',0,'post','',0),
(4043,4,'2019-12-11 14:05:58','2019-12-11 19:05:58','Have you ever argued passionately with a friend and neither of you changes the other\'s mind even one little bit?   That difficulty in getting someone to change how they think is the central problem in marketing communications. Whether a company is trying to get you to buy a new brand of shampoo or a nonprofit is vying for your donation dollars, marketing communications is at work trying to persuade you of why you should do what they want.\r\n\r\nI picked up (and read) <em>Writing to Persuade</em> by Trish Hall to see if I could learn how to make my work more effective.\r\n\r\nHall\'s persuasion bona fides are that she was an editor of the <em>New York Times</em> op-ed page.  The <em>New York Times</em> op-ed page regularly attracts high-profile and controversial viewpoints, and due to its influence, receives a high volume of submissions. Those submissions needs to be culled and edited, and that was Hall\'s job. Having to make decisions on what pieces to run made Hall more aware of what makes an interesting and readable piece.\r\n\r\nIn the book, Hall discusses both what makes a persuasive op-ed, and presents writing tips.\r\n\r\nTo be persuasive, Halls says a piece should:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Have a specific and strong point of view</li>\r\n 	<li>Tell a story, and personalize it</li>\r\n 	<li>Show knowledge of  your audience and really listen to what they say</li>\r\n 	<li>Find common ground where possible</li>\r\n 	<li>Play on feelings more than statistics and facts</li>\r\n 	<li>Show empathy</li>\r\n 	<li>Not be argumentative.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHall suggests that your writing should:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Have proven/checked facts to bolster your viewpoint. Hall says you should always use reliable sources of information and have more than one source.</li>\r\n 	<li>Be specific</li>\r\n 	<li>Avoid jargon</li>\r\n 	<li>Cut unnecessary words.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe book is quite repetitious and is really geared toward op-ed writers looking to have their pieces accepted for publishing. Hall\'s writing tips are not really about being persuasive, but rather about being clear, something I endorse (I especially like her insistence on avoiding jargon).  Hall discusses the psychology of persuasion in the last part of the book, something that would have been better put up front.\r\n\r\nAlthough I found that Hall presents some solid ideas about persuasion, she gears it very specifically to submitting op-eds, even discussing how to butter up editors. I thought this book could have easily been a long article. Instead, she pads the book with the story of her journey to becoming a journalist/editor.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that I am not persuaded that this book should be your guide to better or more persuasive writing. You will pick up some good tidbits though. If I were recommending whether you should buy or borrow this book, I say definitely borrow it. That\'s what I did!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you persuasive?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-persuasive','','','2019-12-11 14:05:58','2019-12-11 19:05:58','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4043',0,'post','',0),
(4044,4,'2019-12-11 10:13:51','2019-12-11 15:13:51','Have you ever argued passionately with a friend and neither of you changes the other\'s mind even one little bit?   That difficulty in getting someone to change how they think is the central problem in marketing communications. Whether a company is trying to get you to buy a new brand of shampoo or a nonprofit is vying for your donation dollars, marketing communications is at work trying to persuade you of why you should do what they want.\r\n\r\nI picked up (and read) \"Writing to Persuade\" by Trish Hall to see if I could learn how to make my work more effective. Hall\'s persuasion bona fides are that she was an editor of the New York Times op-ed page. Given that the op-ed page regularly attracts controversyAnd the book is an excuse for Hall to write about her journey to becoming a journalist and eventually an op-ed editor. In other words, there\'s more about Hall\'s life here than is relevant to learning how to be a persuasive writer. In fact, this book w\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you persuasive?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4043-revision-v1','','','2019-12-11 10:13:51','2019-12-11 15:13:51','',4043,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/12/4043-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4045,4,'2019-12-11 14:04:27','2019-12-11 19:04:27','Have you ever argued passionately with a friend and neither of you changes the other\'s mind even one little bit?   That difficulty in getting someone to change how they think is the central problem in marketing communications. Whether a company is trying to get you to buy a new brand of shampoo or a nonprofit is vying for your donation dollars, marketing communications is at work trying to persuade you of why you should do what they want.\r\n\r\nI picked up (and read) <em>Writing to Persuade</em> by Trish Hall to see if I could learn how to make my work more effective.\r\n\r\nHall\'s persuasion bona fides are that she was an editor of the <em>New York Times</em> op-ed page.  The <em>New York Times</em> op-ed page regularly attracts high-profile and controversial viewpoints, and due to its influence, receives a high volume of submissions. Those submissions needs to be culled and edited, and that was Hall\'s job. Having to make decisions on what pieces to run made Hall more aware of what makes an interesting and readable piece.\r\n\r\nIn the book, Hall discusses both what makes a persuasive op-ed, and presents writing tips.\r\n\r\nTo be persuasive, Halls says a piece should:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Have a specific and strong point of view</li>\r\n 	<li>Tell a story, and personalize it</li>\r\n 	<li>Show knowledge of  your audience and really listen to what they say</li>\r\n 	<li>Find common ground where possible</li>\r\n 	<li>Play on feelings more than statistics and facts</li>\r\n 	<li>Show empathy</li>\r\n 	<li>Not be argumentative.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHall suggests that your writing should:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Have proven/checked facts to bolster your viewpoint. Hall says you should always use reliable sources of information and have more than one source.</li>\r\n 	<li>Be specific</li>\r\n 	<li>Avoid jargon</li>\r\n 	<li>Cut unnecessary words.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe book is quite repetitious and is really geared toward op-ed writers looking to have their pieces accepted for publishing. Hall\'s writing tips are not really about being persuasive, but rather about being clear, something I endorse (I especially like her insistence on avoiding jargon).  Hall discusses the psychology of persuasion in the last part of the book, something that would have been better put up front.\r\n\r\nAlthough I found that Hall presents some solid ideas about persuasion, she gears it very specifically to submitting op-eds, even discussing how to butter up editors. I thought this book could have easily been a long article. Instead, she pads the book with the story of her journey to becoming a journalist/editor.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that I am not persuaded that this book should be your guide to better or more persuasive writing. You will pick up some good tidbits though. If I were recommending whether you should buy or borrow this book, I say definitely borrow it. That\'s what I did!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you persuasive?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4043-revision-v1','','','2019-12-11 14:04:27','2019-12-11 19:04:27','',4043,'https://deborahbrody.com/2019/12/4043-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4051,4,'2020-01-14 11:08:29','2020-01-14 16:08:29','Last night, I attended a lecture put on by a local education nonprofit. The topic was interesting, and based on her biography, the speaker seemed knowledgeable. She started her talk by plunging the room into darkness and playing a video. Then, she got up and without preamble, started talking. She showed photographs of the subjects of her book, and talked about the people without context. She even brought up a guest who was related to one of the subjects in the book, and talked as if the room should know the person. She barely talked about the subject of her lecture. It was the most disjointed and uninformative lecture I\'ve been to in a long time.\r\n\r\nWhat went wrong? I am not sure what made the speaker give such a poor presentation. It could have been that she was having a bad night or that she hadn\'t prepared enough or that she\'s bad presenter.\r\n\r\nThis presentation could have been much better.','Don\'t let your story go off the rails','','inherit','closed','closed','','4050-revision-v1','','','2020-01-14 11:08:29','2020-01-14 16:08:29','',4050,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4050-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4052,4,'2020-01-15 09:51:34','2020-01-15 14:51:34','On Monday night, I attended a lecture put on by a local education nonprofit. The topic was interesting, and based on her biography, the speaker seemed knowledgeable. She started her talk by plunging the room into darkness and playing a video. Then, she got up and without preamble, started talking. She showed photographs of the subjects of her book, and talked about the people without context. She even brought up a guest who was related to one of the subjects in the book, and talked as if the room should know the person. She barely talked about the subject of her lecture. It was the most disjointed and uninformative lecture I\'ve been to in a long time.\r\n\r\nWhat went wrong? I am not sure what made the speaker give such a poor presentation. It could have been that she was having a bad night or that she hadn\'t prepared enough or that she\'s bad presenter.\r\n\r\nOne thing I know for sure: This presentation could have been much better if the speaker followed the following storytelling rules.\r\n\r\nHave a beginning, middle and end\r\n\r\nAvant-garde cinema often plays with these elements (starting at the end, etc.), but in traditional (and clear) story-telling you have to start at the beginning and conclude at the end. That\'s a story arc that is easy to follow.\r\n\r\nDon\'t make assumptions\r\n\r\nWhen you are the expert, often you think that everybody knows what you know. But that is not so. You have to fill in details and information for those in your audience you may not know everything there is to know about your subject.\r\n\r\nFocus\r\n\r\nIt\'s easy to meander when telling a story. There are also sort of side stories and interesting details about your main topic.  But before you can go down a side path, you have to clear the main path.','Don\'t let your story go off the rails','','inherit','closed','closed','','4050-revision-v1','','','2020-01-15 09:51:34','2020-01-15 14:51:34','',4050,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4050-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4053,4,'2020-01-15 15:01:07','2020-01-15 20:01:07','','woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231','Story time\n\nStory time\nPhoto by Lina Kivaka from Pexels\n','inherit','open','closed','','woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231','','','2020-01-15 15:01:47','2020-01-15 20:01:47','',4050,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4054,4,'2020-01-15 15:03:42','2020-01-15 20:03:42','<strong>A disjointed lecture</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday night, I attended a lecture put on by a local education nonprofit. The topic was interesting, and based on her biography, the speaker seemed knowledgeable. She started her talk by plunging the room into darkness and playing a video. Then, she got up and without preamble, started talking. She showed photographs of the subjects of her book, and talked about the people without context. She even brought up a guest who was related to one of the subjects in the book, and talked as if the room should know the person. She barely talked about the subject of her lecture. It was the most disjointed and uninformative lecture I\'ve been to in a long time.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why so bad?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat went wrong? I am not sure what made the speaker give such a poor presentation. It could have been that she was having a bad night or that she hadn\'t prepared enough or that she\'s bad presenter.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4053\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4053 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Story time<br />Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Always seek best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nOne thing I know for sure: This presentation could have been much better if the speaker followed the following storytelling rules:\r\n\r\n<em><strong>1) Have a beginning, middle and end</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAvant-garde cinema often plays with these elements (starting at the end, etc.), but in traditional (and clear) story-telling you start at the beginning and conclude at the end. That\'s a story arc that is easy to follow.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>2) Don\'t make assumptions</em></strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are the expert, you may assume that everybody knows what you know. But that is not so. You have to fill in details and information for those in your audience you may not know everything there is to know about your subject.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>3) Focus</strong></em>\r\n\r\nIt\'s easy to meander when telling a story. There are also sort of side stories and interesting details about your main topic.  But before you can go down a side path, you have to clear the main path. In other words, focus on the main story before you start telling tangential stories.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\nSure, there\'s more to effective story telling than this. But before you embellish a story, start with the basics.','Don\'t let your story go off the rails','','inherit','closed','closed','','4050-revision-v1','','','2020-01-15 15:03:42','2020-01-15 20:03:42','',4050,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4050-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4055,4,'2020-01-15 15:05:26','2020-01-15 20:05:26','<strong>A disjointed lecture</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday night, I attended a lecture put on by a local education nonprofit. The topic was interesting, and based on her biography, the speaker seemed knowledgeable. She started her talk by plunging the room into darkness and playing a video. Then, she got up and without preamble, started talking. She showed photographs of the subjects of her book, and talked about the people without context. She even brought up a guest who was related to one of the subjects in the book, and talked as if the room should know the person. The speaker barely talked about the subject of her lecture, making it the most disjointed and uninformative lecture I\'ve been to in a long time.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why so bad?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat went wrong? I am not sure what made the speaker give such a poor presentation. It could have been that she was having a bad night or that she hadn\'t prepared enough or that she\'s bad presenter.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4053\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4053 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/woman-reading-book-to-toddler-1741231-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Story time<br />Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Always seek best practices</strong>\r\n\r\nOne thing I know for sure: This presentation could have been much better if the speaker followed the following storytelling rules:\r\n\r\n<em><strong>1) Have a beginning, middle and end</strong></em>\r\n\r\nAvant-garde cinema often plays with these elements (starting at the end, etc.), but in traditional (and clear) story-telling you start at the beginning and conclude at the end. That\'s a story arc that is easy to follow.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>2) Don\'t make assumptions</em></strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are the expert, you may assume that everybody knows what you know. But that is not so. You have to fill in details and information for those in your audience you may not know everything there is to know about your subject.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>3) Focus</strong></em>\r\n\r\nIt\'s easy to meander when telling a story. There are also sort of side stories and interesting details about your main topic.  But before you can go down a side path, you have to clear the main path. In other words, focus on the main story before you start telling tangential stories.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\nSure, there\'s more to effective story telling than this. But before you embellish a story, start with the basics.','Don\'t let your story go off the rails','','inherit','closed','closed','','4050-revision-v1','','','2020-01-15 15:05:26','2020-01-15 20:05:26','',4050,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4050-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4058,4,'2020-01-29 15:52:06','2020-01-29 20:52:06','Have you ever attended a professional development/learning event that didn’t meet your expectations or deliver on its promise? I have, and I bet you have too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4059\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4059 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Via Pexels.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Good events lead to good things\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nMany organizations put on these events as a benefit to their members, or to provide an interesting take on a hot topic, or simply, to provide a learning opportunity. And events are often a great way to build interest in your organization, and to help increase membership.\r\n\r\nBut the positive aspects of holding an event disappear if the event is bad. Bad events are events that don’t go as planned and don’t offer what they promise.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bad events lead to bad things</strong>\r\n\r\nAttending an event that doesn’t live up to its billing is incredibly frustrating. You’ve given up your time, and many times your money, to attend what seems like a waste. You’ve learned nothing and achieved nothing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t let your event harm your organization</strong>\r\n\r\nEvent organizers, whether professional or volunteer, need to be aware of the negative consequences of having a bad event:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Loss of trust in your organization</li>\r\n 	<li>Decreased attendance to future events</li>\r\n 	<li>Reputation damage</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nUltimately, organizations could see revenue loss. That should be incentive to prevent bad events from happening.\r\n\r\n<strong>How to make sure your event goes well</strong>\r\n\r\nEnsure your next event goes well with proper planning, organization, and communication.\r\n\r\nNote that the following tips are not intended as an exhaustive list. Instead, this list reflects solutions to various issues I have experienced in the bad events I have attended.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Planning tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>Prepare your speakers</em>: Explain what you expect them to present, how much time they will have, and who you expect to attend the event.\r\n\r\n<em>Review the presentations:</em> Make sure that what the speaker is planning to present matches what you required. Review the slides.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Organization tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>A/V, computer checks:</em> Ensure that the A/V and computer/internet connection are working <em>before</em> the event. The time to check is not just as the event is starting. This wastes time, and doesn’t allow you to correct problems.\r\n\r\n<em>Agenda</em>: Share an agenda, whether printed or digital.\r\n\r\n<em>Inform your audience: </em> Set ground rules for your audience, and address common issues (i.e., if and when there will be Q and A, if there are refreshments available, location of restrooms, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Communication tips</em>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Before the event</em>: Send a reminder to those who have registered. Be sure to include the location address, date and time of the event, and logistical information such as directions, parking availability, etc.\r\n\r\n<em>During the event:</em> Properly introduce yourself, the host organization, the topic, and the speaker (s). Make sure the speakers share their title, affiliation and contact information.\r\n\r\n<em>After an event:</em> Send an email thanking people for attending. This email can also include an event survey, request for feedback, and sharing of any relevant information (e.g., websites mentioned in the talk, the presentation deck, contacts, bibliography, etc.)\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that events are a great marketing communications tool when done right. Done wrong, they can be a disaster for your organization.','How to make your event go well, and why it is important','','publish','open','open','','how-to-make-your-event-go-well-and-why-it-is-important','','','2020-01-29 15:52:06','2020-01-29 20:52:06','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4058',0,'post','',0),
(4059,4,'2020-01-29 14:58:21','2020-01-29 19:58:21','','man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936','','inherit','open','closed','','man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936','','','2020-01-29 14:58:21','2020-01-29 19:58:21','',4058,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4060,4,'2020-01-29 14:59:59','2020-01-29 19:59:59','Have you ever attended a professional development/learning event that didn’t meet your expectations or deliver on its promise? I have, and I bet you have too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4059\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4059 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Via Pexels.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Bad events=Frustration</strong>\r\n\r\nAttending an event that doesn’t live up to its billing is incredibly frustrating. You’ve given up your time, and many times your money, to attend what seems like a waste. You’ve learned nothing. Achieved nothing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Good events=Revenue, membership, relevance</strong>\r\n\r\nMany organizations put on these events as a benefit to their members, or to provide an interesting take on a hot topic, or simply, to provide a learning opportunity. And events are often a great way to build interest in your organization, and to help increase membership.\r\n\r\nBut the positive aspects of holding an event disappear if the event is bad. Bad events are events that don’t go as planned. That don’t offer what they promise.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t let your event harm your organization</strong>\r\n\r\nEvent organizers, whether professional or volunteer, need to be aware of the negative consequences of having a bad event:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Loss of trust in your organization</li>\r\n 	<li>Decreased attendance to future events</li>\r\n 	<li>Reputation damage</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nUltimately, organizations could see revenue loss. That should be incentive to prevent bad events from happening.\r\n\r\n<strong>How to make sure your event goes well</strong>\r\n\r\nEnsure your next event goes well with proper planning, organization, and communication.\r\n\r\nNote that the following is not intended as an exhaustive list. Instead, this list reflects the issues in events I have attended.\r\n\r\n<strong>Planning</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Prepare your speakers</em>: Explain what you expect them to present, how much time they will have, and who you expect to attend the event.\r\n\r\n<em>Review the presentations:</em> Make sure that what the speaker is planning to present matches what you required. Review the slides.\r\n\r\n<strong>Organization</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>A/V, computer issues:</em> Ensure that the A/V and computer/internet connection are working before the event. The time to check is not just as the event is starting. This wastes time, and doesn’t allow you to correct problems.\r\n\r\n<em>Agenda</em>: Share an agenda, whether printed or digital.\r\n\r\n<em>Inform your audience: </em> Set ground rules for your audience and address common issues—if and when there will be Q and A, if there are refreshments available, restrooms, re\r\n\r\n<strong>Communication</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Before the event</em>: Send a reminder to those who have registered. Be sure to include the location address, date and time of the event, and logistical information such as directions, parking availability, etc.\r\n\r\n<em>During the event:</em> Properly introduce yourself, the host organization, the topic, and the speaker. Have the speaker share contact information.\r\n\r\n<em>After an event:</em> Send an email thanking people for attending. This email can also include an event survey, request for feedback, and sharing of any relevant information (e.g., websites mentioned in the talk, the presentation deck, contacts, bibliography, etc.)\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that events are a great marketing communications tool when done right. Done wrong, they can be a disaster for your organization.','How to make your event go well, and why it is important','','inherit','closed','closed','','4058-revision-v1','','','2020-01-29 14:59:59','2020-01-29 19:59:59','',4058,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4058-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4061,4,'2020-01-29 15:14:28','2020-01-29 20:14:28','Have you ever attended a professional development/learning event that didn’t meet your expectations or deliver on its promise? I have, and I bet you have too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4059\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4059 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Via Pexels.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Good events lead to good things\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nMany organizations put on these events as a benefit to their members, or to provide an interesting take on a hot topic, or simply, to provide a learning opportunity. And events are often a great way to build interest in your organization, and to help increase membership.\r\n\r\nBut the positive aspects of holding an event disappear if the event is bad. Bad events are events that don’t go as planned. That don’t offer what they promise.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bad events lead to bad things</strong>\r\n\r\nAttending an event that doesn’t live up to its billing is incredibly frustrating. You’ve given up your time, and many times your money, to attend what seems like a waste. You’ve learned nothing. Achieved nothing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t let your event harm your organization</strong>\r\n\r\nEvent organizers, whether professional or volunteer, need to be aware of the negative consequences of having a bad event:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Loss of trust in your organization</li>\r\n 	<li>Decreased attendance to future events</li>\r\n 	<li>Reputation damage</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nUltimately, organizations could see revenue loss. That should be incentive to prevent bad events from happening.\r\n\r\n<strong>How to make sure your event goes well</strong>\r\n\r\nEnsure your next event goes well with proper planning, organization, and communication.\r\n\r\nNote that the following is not intended as an exhaustive list. Instead, this list reflects the issues in events I have attended.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Planning tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>Prepare your speakers</em>: Explain what you expect them to present, how much time they will have, and who you expect to attend the event.\r\n\r\n<em>Review the presentations:</em> Make sure that what the speaker is planning to present matches what you required. Review the slides.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Organization tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>A/V, computer issues:</em> Ensure that the A/V and computer/internet connection are working before the event. The time to check is not just as the event is starting. This wastes time, and doesn’t allow you to correct problems.\r\n\r\n<em>Agenda</em>: Share an agenda, whether printed or digital.\r\n\r\n<em>Inform your audience: </em> Set ground rules for your audience and address common issues—if and when there will be Q and A, if there are refreshments available, restrooms, re\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Communication tips</em>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Before the event</em>: Send a reminder to those who have registered. Be sure to include the location address, date and time of the event, and logistical information such as directions, parking availability, etc.\r\n\r\n<em>During the event:</em> Properly introduce yourself, the host organization, the topic, and the speaker. Have the speaker share contact information.\r\n\r\n<em>After an event:</em> Send an email thanking people for attending. This email can also include an event survey, request for feedback, and sharing of any relevant information (e.g., websites mentioned in the talk, the presentation deck, contacts, bibliography, etc.)\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that events are a great marketing communications tool when done right. Done wrong, they can be a disaster for your organization.','How to make your event go well, and why it is important','','inherit','closed','closed','','4058-revision-v1','','','2020-01-29 15:14:28','2020-01-29 20:14:28','',4058,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4058-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4062,4,'2020-01-29 15:19:59','2020-01-29 20:19:59','Have you ever attended a professional development/learning event that didn’t meet your expectations or deliver on its promise? I have, and I bet you have too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4059\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4059 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Via Pexels.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Good events lead to good things\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nMany organizations put on these events as a benefit to their members, or to provide an interesting take on a hot topic, or simply, to provide a learning opportunity. And events are often a great way to build interest in your organization, and to help increase membership.\r\n\r\nBut the positive aspects of holding an event disappear if the event is bad. Bad events are events that don’t go as planned. That don’t offer what they promise.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bad events lead to bad things</strong>\r\n\r\nAttending an event that doesn’t live up to its billing is incredibly frustrating. You’ve given up your time, and many times your money, to attend what seems like a waste. You’ve learned nothing. Achieved nothing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t let your event harm your organization</strong>\r\n\r\nEvent organizers, whether professional or volunteer, need to be aware of the negative consequences of having a bad event:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Loss of trust in your organization</li>\r\n 	<li>Decreased attendance to future events</li>\r\n 	<li>Reputation damage</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nUltimately, organizations could see revenue loss. That should be incentive to prevent bad events from happening.\r\n\r\n<strong>How to make sure your event goes well</strong>\r\n\r\nEnsure your next event goes well with proper planning, organization, and communication.\r\n\r\nNote that the following is not intended as an exhaustive list. Instead, this list reflects the issues in events I have attended.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Planning tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>Prepare your speakers</em>: Explain what you expect them to present, how much time they will have, and who you expect to attend the event.\r\n\r\n<em>Review the presentations:</em> Make sure that what the speaker is planning to present matches what you required. Review the slides.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Organization tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>A/V, computer issues:</em> Ensure that the A/V and computer/internet connection are working before the event. The time to check is not just as the event is starting. This wastes time, and doesn’t allow you to correct problems.\r\n\r\n<em>Agenda</em>: Share an agenda, whether printed or digital.\r\n\r\n<em>Inform your audience: </em> Set ground rules for your audience, and address common issues (i.e., if and when there will be Q and A, if there are refreshments available, location of restrooms, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Communication tips</em>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Before the event</em>: Send a reminder to those who have registered. Be sure to include the location address, date and time of the event, and logistical information such as directions, parking availability, etc.\r\n\r\n<em>During the event:</em> Properly introduce yourself, the host organization, the topic, and the speaker. Have the speaker share contact information.\r\n\r\n<em>After an event:</em> Send an email thanking people for attending. This email can also include an event survey, request for feedback, and sharing of any relevant information (e.g., websites mentioned in the talk, the presentation deck, contacts, bibliography, etc.)\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that events are a great marketing communications tool when done right. Done wrong, they can be a disaster for your organization.','How to make your event go well, and why it is important','','inherit','closed','closed','','4058-revision-v1','','','2020-01-29 15:19:59','2020-01-29 20:19:59','',4058,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4058-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4063,4,'2020-01-29 15:52:06','2020-01-29 20:52:06','Have you ever attended a professional development/learning event that didn’t meet your expectations or deliver on its promise? I have, and I bet you have too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4059\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4059 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/man-standing-in-front-of-people-sitting-on-red-chairs-1708936-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Via Pexels.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Good events lead to good things\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nMany organizations put on these events as a benefit to their members, or to provide an interesting take on a hot topic, or simply, to provide a learning opportunity. And events are often a great way to build interest in your organization, and to help increase membership.\r\n\r\nBut the positive aspects of holding an event disappear if the event is bad. Bad events are events that don’t go as planned and don’t offer what they promise.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bad events lead to bad things</strong>\r\n\r\nAttending an event that doesn’t live up to its billing is incredibly frustrating. You’ve given up your time, and many times your money, to attend what seems like a waste. You’ve learned nothing and achieved nothing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Don\'t let your event harm your organization</strong>\r\n\r\nEvent organizers, whether professional or volunteer, need to be aware of the negative consequences of having a bad event:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Loss of trust in your organization</li>\r\n 	<li>Decreased attendance to future events</li>\r\n 	<li>Reputation damage</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nUltimately, organizations could see revenue loss. That should be incentive to prevent bad events from happening.\r\n\r\n<strong>How to make sure your event goes well</strong>\r\n\r\nEnsure your next event goes well with proper planning, organization, and communication.\r\n\r\nNote that the following tips are not intended as an exhaustive list. Instead, this list reflects solutions to various issues I have experienced in the bad events I have attended.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Planning tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>Prepare your speakers</em>: Explain what you expect them to present, how much time they will have, and who you expect to attend the event.\r\n\r\n<em>Review the presentations:</em> Make sure that what the speaker is planning to present matches what you required. Review the slides.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Organization tips\r\n</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em>A/V, computer checks:</em> Ensure that the A/V and computer/internet connection are working <em>before</em> the event. The time to check is not just as the event is starting. This wastes time, and doesn’t allow you to correct problems.\r\n\r\n<em>Agenda</em>: Share an agenda, whether printed or digital.\r\n\r\n<em>Inform your audience: </em> Set ground rules for your audience, and address common issues (i.e., if and when there will be Q and A, if there are refreshments available, location of restrooms, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Communication tips</em>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Before the event</em>: Send a reminder to those who have registered. Be sure to include the location address, date and time of the event, and logistical information such as directions, parking availability, etc.\r\n\r\n<em>During the event:</em> Properly introduce yourself, the host organization, the topic, and the speaker (s). Make sure the speakers share their title, affiliation and contact information.\r\n\r\n<em>After an event:</em> Send an email thanking people for attending. This email can also include an event survey, request for feedback, and sharing of any relevant information (e.g., websites mentioned in the talk, the presentation deck, contacts, bibliography, etc.)\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe bottom line is that events are a great marketing communications tool when done right. Done wrong, they can be a disaster for your organization.','How to make your event go well, and why it is important','','inherit','closed','closed','','4058-revision-v1','','','2020-01-29 15:52:06','2020-01-29 20:52:06','',4058,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/01/4058-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4065,4,'2020-02-11 11:46:41','2020-02-11 16:46:41','Some event marketers are killing it. I have been impressed with Boston University Alumni Association\'s efforts. They are doing everything right: well-timed, well-designed event invitations,  pre-event reminders, and always a post-event thank you email.\r\n\r\nNot everyone is doing so well. Some event marketing, especially by small nonprofits, seems haphazard, with little planning and even smaller attention paid to details. And really, better event marketing pays attention to the details, the logistics, and the user experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>First, plan good events</strong>\r\n\r\nMarketing an event successfully starts with the event itself. Is it interesting or relevant to your audience? Is the date good, with few conflicts?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4066\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4066 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Photo by Karolina Grawbowska on Kaboompics.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Entice and inform your audience</strong>\r\n\r\nOnce you have chosen the event, the date and the venue you are ready to market it to your audience. You will have to develop a description of the event that entices but also informs. Why would your audience want to come to this event? Who is speaking? Why are you hosting the event? What makes this event special or important? And you must provide all the important logistical information, such as: date, time, venue name and address, cost (including if free to attend), and ways to sign up.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time the invitation properly</strong>\r\n\r\nThink about how much time your audience needs to make a decision. If it is an event that requires travel and hotel reservations (e.g., annual conference, wedding), you will need to send it with a few months lead time. If the event is local, then you can market closer to the event time. However, don\'t send out an invitation too far in advance because it will be forgotten, but don\'t do it too close to the event because your audience may already have made other commitments.\r\n\r\n<strong>What to include in the actual invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nEmails must have text and a link to sign up. <em>Do not</em> ever have an image/graphic-only email, since some email programs do not automatically open images and require them to be downloaded.\r\n\r\nAgain, make sure to include all the details your audience needs to decide whether to attend or not (look at the list above).\r\n\r\n<strong>Signing up should be easy</strong>\r\n\r\nYou should have an easy way to sign up—do not make me jump through hoops such as making me scroll through multiple screens, and having to create accounts and passwords. You are not selling tickets for an international flight. Think about what information you absolutely need (e.g., name, contact info such as address and email, credit card information), and start with that. Other information (e.g., phone number, demographics, etc.) that might be good to have should be weighed carefully. Asking for too much information can be a huge turn-off.\r\n\r\n<strong>Always acknowledge sign-ups</strong>\r\n\r\nThis should go without saying, but once people sign up for your event, they should get an email confirmation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Calendar links!</strong>\r\n\r\nBe sure that the software you are using has a universal calendar link both in the sign up screen and in the acknowledgment/confirmation email.  Attendees should be able to download the event info to any major calendar (i.e., Apple, Outlook, Google).\r\n\r\n<strong>Friendly reminders are welcome</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send a reminder at least one day ahead. Include all important logistical information (i.e., start time, address, directions, public transportation/parking information, and any requirements (e.g., picture ID, cash on hand, laptop, etc.).\r\n\r\n<strong>After the fact</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send something after the event—it can be a simple “thank you for attending,” or a survey/request for feedback, or sharing of information relevant to the event (e.g., contact information for speakers, handouts, bibliographies, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Would be nice if...</strong>\r\n\r\nThe software you use would be smart enough not to send event invites to people who have already registered. When I get another invitation to an event I have signed up for, I always think that I forgot to register or that my payment didn\'t go through.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nMake your event marketing better: Always think about your audience and what they need in order to make a decision and attend your event.','How to be better at event marketing','','publish','open','open','','how-to-be-better-at-event-marketing','','','2020-10-26 09:56:59','2020-10-26 13:56:59','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4065',0,'post','',0),
(4066,4,'2020-02-11 11:26:25','2020-02-11 16:26:25','','kaboompics_Woman preparing invitations-1','','inherit','open','closed','','kaboompics_woman-preparing-invitations-1','','','2020-02-11 11:26:25','2020-02-11 16:26:25','',4065,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4067,4,'2020-02-11 11:27:25','2020-02-11 16:27:25','Some event marketers are killing it. I have been impressed with Boston University alumni. They are doing everything right: well-timed, well-designed event invitations,  pre-event reminders, and always a post-event thank you email.\r\n\r\nNot everyone is doing so well. Most event marketing seems haphazard, with little attention paid to details. And really, better event marketing pays attention to the details, the logistics, and the user experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>First, plan good events</strong>\r\n\r\nMarketing an event successfully starts with the event itself. Is it interesting or relevant to your audience? Is the date good, with few conflicts?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4066\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4066 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Photo by Karolina Grawbowska on Kaboompics.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Entice and inform your audience</strong>\r\n\r\nOnce you have chosen the event, the date and the venue you are ready to market it to your audience. You will have to develop a description of the event that entices but also informs. Why would your audience want to come to this event? Who is speaking? Why are you hosting the event? What makes this event special or important? And you must provide all the important logistical information, such as: date, time, venue name and address, cost (including if free to attend), and ways to sign up.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time the invitation properly</strong>\r\n\r\nThink about how much time your audience needs to make a decision. If it is an event that requires travel and hotel reservations (e.g., annual conference, wedding), you will need to send it with a few months lead time. If the event is local, then you can market closer to the event time. However, don\'t send out an invitation too far in advance because it will be forgotten, but don\'t do it too close to the event because your audience may already have made other commitments.\r\n\r\n<strong>What to include in the actual invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nEmails must have text and a link to sign up. <em>Do not</em> ever have an image/graphic-only email, since some email programs do not automatically open images and require them to be downloaded.\r\n\r\nAgain, make sure to include all the details your audience needs to decide whether to attend or not (look at the list above).\r\n\r\n<strong>Signing up should be easy</strong>\r\n\r\nYou should have an easy way to sign up—do not make me jump through hoops such as making me scroll through multiple screens, and having to create accounts and passwords. You are not selling tickets for an international flight. Think about what information you absolutely need (e.g., name, contact info such as address and email, credit card information), and start with that. Other information (e.g., phone number, demographics, etc.) that might be good to have should be weighed carefully. Asking for too much information can be a huge turn-off.\r\n\r\n<strong>Always acknowledge sign-ups</strong>\r\n\r\nThis should go without a saying, but once people sign up for your event, they should get an email confirmation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Calendar links!</strong>\r\n\r\nBe sure that the software you are using has a universal calendar link either in the sign up or in the acknowledgment response —attendees should be able to download the event info to any major calendar (i.e., Apple, Outlook, Google).\r\n\r\n<strong>Friendly reminders are welcome</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send a reminder at least one day ahead. Include all important logistical information (i.e., start time, address, directions, public transportation/parking information, and any requirements (e.g., picture ID, cash on hand, laptop, etc.).\r\n\r\n<strong>After the fact</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send something after the event—it can be a simple “thank you for attending,” or a survey/request for feedback, or sharing of information relevant to the event (e.g., contact information for speakers, handouts, bibliographies, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Would be nice if...</strong>\r\n\r\nThe software you use would be smart enough not to send event invites to people who have already registered. When I get another invitation to an event I have signed up for, I always think that I forgot to register or that my payment didn\'t go through.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nMake your event marketing go better: Always think about your audience and what they need in order to make a decision and attend your event.','How to be better at event marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','4065-revision-v1','','','2020-02-11 11:27:25','2020-02-11 16:27:25','',4065,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/02/4065-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4068,4,'2020-02-11 11:46:41','2020-02-11 16:46:41','Some event marketers are killing it. I have been impressed with Boston University Alumni Association\'s efforts. They are doing everything right: well-timed, well-designed event invitations,  pre-event reminders, and always a post-event thank you email.\r\n\r\nNot everyone is doing so well. Some event marketing, especially by small nonprofits, seems haphazard, with little planning and even smaller attention paid to details. And really, better event marketing pays attention to the details, the logistics, and the user experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>First, plan good events</strong>\r\n\r\nMarketing an event successfully starts with the event itself. Is it interesting or relevant to your audience? Is the date good, with few conflicts?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4066\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4066 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kaboompics_Woman-preparing-invitations-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> Photo by Karolina Grawbowska on Kaboompics.com[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Entice and inform your audience</strong>\r\n\r\nOnce you have chosen the event, the date and the venue you are ready to market it to your audience. You will have to develop a description of the event that entices but also informs. Why would your audience want to come to this event? Who is speaking? Why are you hosting the event? What makes this event special or important? And you must provide all the important logistical information, such as: date, time, venue name and address, cost (including if free to attend), and ways to sign up.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time the invitation properly</strong>\r\n\r\nThink about how much time your audience needs to make a decision. If it is an event that requires travel and hotel reservations (e.g., annual conference, wedding), you will need to send it with a few months lead time. If the event is local, then you can market closer to the event time. However, don\'t send out an invitation too far in advance because it will be forgotten, but don\'t do it too close to the event because your audience may already have made other commitments.\r\n\r\n<strong>What to include in the actual invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nEmails must have text and a link to sign up. <em>Do not</em> ever have an image/graphic-only email, since some email programs do not automatically open images and require them to be downloaded.\r\n\r\nAgain, make sure to include all the details your audience needs to decide whether to attend or not (look at the list above).\r\n\r\n<strong>Signing up should be easy</strong>\r\n\r\nYou should have an easy way to sign up—do not make me jump through hoops such as making me scroll through multiple screens, and having to create accounts and passwords. You are not selling tickets for an international flight. Think about what information you absolutely need (e.g., name, contact info such as address and email, credit card information), and start with that. Other information (e.g., phone number, demographics, etc.) that might be good to have should be weighed carefully. Asking for too much information can be a huge turn-off.\r\n\r\n<strong>Always acknowledge sign-ups</strong>\r\n\r\nThis should go without a saying, but once people sign up for your event, they should get an email confirmation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Calendar links!</strong>\r\n\r\nBe sure that the software you are using has a universal calendar link both in the sign up screen and in the acknowledgment/confirmation email.  Attendees should be able to download the event info to any major calendar (i.e., Apple, Outlook, Google).\r\n\r\n<strong>Friendly reminders are welcome</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send a reminder at least one day ahead. Include all important logistical information (i.e., start time, address, directions, public transportation/parking information, and any requirements (e.g., picture ID, cash on hand, laptop, etc.).\r\n\r\n<strong>After the fact</strong>\r\n\r\nAlways send something after the event—it can be a simple “thank you for attending,” or a survey/request for feedback, or sharing of information relevant to the event (e.g., contact information for speakers, handouts, bibliographies, etc.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Would be nice if...</strong>\r\n\r\nThe software you use would be smart enough not to send event invites to people who have already registered. When I get another invitation to an event I have signed up for, I always think that I forgot to register or that my payment didn\'t go through.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nMake your event marketing better: Always think about your audience and what they need in order to make a decision and attend your event.','How to be better at event marketing','','inherit','closed','closed','','4065-revision-v1','','','2020-02-11 11:46:41','2020-02-11 16:46:41','',4065,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/02/4065-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4071,4,'2020-02-27 14:40:02','2020-02-27 19:40:02','Unforced copy errors are errors (i.e., typos, misspellings, grammatical flubs, etc.) that would have been caught if either you gave yourself enough time to take a second (and third) look at what you were doing; or you had someone else check your copy.\r\n\r\nMany people don\'t notice or even care about copy errors. But if you are like me, errors just jump out at you, no matter where they are—on the TV chyron, on a menu, in the newspaper, in a book.\r\n\r\nErrors can reflect poorly on you and your organization. Errors in printed or published copy show that you either didn\'t care enough or didn\'t know enough to notice. When you are producing marketing materials or anything that will have a longer shelf life than a social media post, errors will last and you must be careful to eliminate them.\r\n\r\nFollowing are four examples I found in the past ten days:\r\n\r\n<strong>Program flyer</strong>\r\n\r\nError: Headline does not match with body of flyer. Whoever produced this flyer, copied the previous flyer from the January program, put in the description of the February program featuring journalist Ruth Marcus, not Ambassador Susan Rice, and then neglected to update the headline.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4072\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice-744x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>News site</strong>\r\n\r\nError: A man is not \"them.\" If you know the gender of the person, there is nothing wrong with using the right pronoun, in this case, \"him.\" It seems that this story was updated when it became known that the victim was male, but the writer did not bother to read the rest of the sentence.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4073\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nError: This email is an invitation to a program taking place in March, yet calls it the April program. The organization sent out a corrected email a few minutes later. I would bet speed was the main culprit here. Instead of making this task take less time, the speediness ended up taking more time and effort to correct. Is this a fatal mistake? Not nearly, but it is increasingly common to get emails listing the wrong dates, locations, days of the week, etc.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4074\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Words that sound the same don\'t mean the same...</strong>\r\n\r\nError: The owner of this Twitter profile used \"principle\" instead of  \"principal.\" This person wrote the description years ago when first setting up the Twitter account and has never bothered to review it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4075\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong> All of these errors are small, unforced and most importantly, <em>avoidable</em>. Next time you are writing something that will be public-facing, take a breath, slow down, and hit pause before you publish. Always read over what you wrote (I like to read out loud so I can hear the errors) or ask someone else to take a look. If you made a mistake and it has already been publicized, fix it if possible.','Unforced errors (in the copy)','','publish','open','open','','unforced-errors-in-the-copy','','','2020-02-27 14:40:02','2020-02-27 19:40:02','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4071',0,'post','',0),
(4072,4,'2020-02-27 14:08:46','2020-02-27 19:08:46','','ruth marcus or susan rice','','inherit','open','closed','','ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice','','','2020-02-27 14:08:46','2020-02-27 19:08:46','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4073,4,'2020-02-27 14:10:38','2020-02-27 19:10:38','','WTOP man','','inherit','open','closed','','wtop-man','','','2020-02-27 14:10:38','2020-02-27 19:10:38','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),
(4074,4,'2020-02-27 14:12:31','2020-02-27 19:12:31','','April lunch','','inherit','open','closed','','april-lunch','','','2020-02-27 14:12:31','2020-02-27 19:12:31','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),
(4075,4,'2020-02-27 14:13:51','2020-02-27 19:13:51','','principle','','inherit','open','closed','','principle','','','2020-02-27 14:13:51','2020-02-27 19:13:51','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),
(4076,4,'2020-02-27 14:37:05','2020-02-27 19:37:05','Unforced copy errors are errors (i.e., typos, misspellings, grammatical flubs, etc.) that would have been caught if either you gave yourself enough time to take a second (and third) look at what you were doing; or you had someone else check your copy.\r\n\r\nMany people don\'t notice or even care about copy errors. But if you are like me, errors just jump out at you, no matter where they are—on the TV chyron, on a menu, in the newspaper, in a book.\r\n\r\nErrors can reflect poorly on you and your organization. Errors in printed or published copy show that you either didn\'t care enough or didn\'t know enough to notice it.  When you are producing marketing materials or anything that will have a longer shelf life than a social media post, errors will last and you must be careful to eliminate them.\r\n\r\nFollowing are four examples I found in the past ten days:\r\n\r\n<strong>Program flyer</strong>\r\n\r\nError: Headline does not match with body of flyer. Whoever produced this flyer, copied the previous flyer from the January program, put in the description of the February program featuring journalist Ruth Marcus, not Ambassador Susan Rice, and then neglected to update the headline.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4072\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice-744x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>News site</strong>\r\n\r\nError: A man is not \"them.\" If you know the gender of the person, there is nothing wrong with using the right pronoun, in this case, \"him.\" It seems that this story was updated when it became known that the victim was male, but the writer did not bother to read the rest of the sentence.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4073\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nError: This email is an invitation to a program taking place in March, yet calls it the April program. The organization sent out a corrected email a few minutes later. I would bet speed was the main culprit here. Instead of making this task take less time, the speediness ended up taking more time and effort to correct. Is this a fatal mistake? Not nearly, but it is increasingly common to get emails listing the wrong dates, locations, days of the week, etc.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4074\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Words that sound the same don\'t mean the same...</strong>\r\n\r\nError: The owner of this Twitter profile used \"principle\" instead of  \"principal.\" This person wrote the description years ago when first setting up the Twitter account and has never bothered to review it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4075\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong> All of these errors are small, unforced and most importantly, <em>avoidable</em>. Next time you are writing something that will be public-facing, take a breath, slow down, and hit pause before you publish. Always read over what you wrote (I like to read out loud so I can hear the errors) or ask someone else to take a look. If you made a mistake and it has already been publicized, fix it if possible.','Unforced errors (in the copy)','','inherit','closed','closed','','4071-revision-v1','','','2020-02-27 14:37:05','2020-02-27 19:37:05','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/02/4071-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4077,4,'2020-02-27 14:40:02','2020-02-27 19:40:02','Unforced copy errors are errors (i.e., typos, misspellings, grammatical flubs, etc.) that would have been caught if either you gave yourself enough time to take a second (and third) look at what you were doing; or you had someone else check your copy.\r\n\r\nMany people don\'t notice or even care about copy errors. But if you are like me, errors just jump out at you, no matter where they are—on the TV chyron, on a menu, in the newspaper, in a book.\r\n\r\nErrors can reflect poorly on you and your organization. Errors in printed or published copy show that you either didn\'t care enough or didn\'t know enough to notice. When you are producing marketing materials or anything that will have a longer shelf life than a social media post, errors will last and you must be careful to eliminate them.\r\n\r\nFollowing are four examples I found in the past ten days:\r\n\r\n<strong>Program flyer</strong>\r\n\r\nError: Headline does not match with body of flyer. Whoever produced this flyer, copied the previous flyer from the January program, put in the description of the February program featuring journalist Ruth Marcus, not Ambassador Susan Rice, and then neglected to update the headline.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4072\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ruth-marcus-or-susan-rice-744x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>News site</strong>\r\n\r\nError: A man is not \"them.\" If you know the gender of the person, there is nothing wrong with using the right pronoun, in this case, \"him.\" It seems that this story was updated when it became known that the victim was male, but the writer did not bother to read the rest of the sentence.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4073\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WTOP-man-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email invitation</strong>\r\n\r\nError: This email is an invitation to a program taking place in March, yet calls it the April program. The organization sent out a corrected email a few minutes later. I would bet speed was the main culprit here. Instead of making this task take less time, the speediness ended up taking more time and effort to correct. Is this a fatal mistake? Not nearly, but it is increasingly common to get emails listing the wrong dates, locations, days of the week, etc.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4074\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/April-lunch-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Words that sound the same don\'t mean the same...</strong>\r\n\r\nError: The owner of this Twitter profile used \"principle\" instead of  \"principal.\" This person wrote the description years ago when first setting up the Twitter account and has never bothered to review it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4075\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/principle-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong> All of these errors are small, unforced and most importantly, <em>avoidable</em>. Next time you are writing something that will be public-facing, take a breath, slow down, and hit pause before you publish. Always read over what you wrote (I like to read out loud so I can hear the errors) or ask someone else to take a look. If you made a mistake and it has already been publicized, fix it if possible.','Unforced errors (in the copy)','','inherit','closed','closed','','4071-revision-v1','','','2020-02-27 14:40:02','2020-02-27 19:40:02','',4071,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/02/4071-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4080,4,'2020-03-20 09:30:16','2020-03-20 13:30:16','<strong>To market or not to market, that is the question today for anybody working in marcomm.</strong>\r\n\r\nAs the novel coronavirus pandemic sickens more people around the globe while upending daily routines, businesses struggle. Should they market or not? Perhaps it is even a question of <em>can</em> they market—do they have the personnel or can they even do business? On Tuesday, I walked into a local hair salon to buy conditioner, and they had no customers. Yesterday, the hair salon announced that they are closed until the end of the month.\r\n\r\n<strong>Advertising is still going on...somewhat</strong>\r\n\r\nInside my print Washington Post (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered) yesterday was a flyer advertising Kohl\'s spring sale. On Wednesday, there were several supermarket circulars inserted in the Food Section. A couple of days ago, there was a half-page advertisement for the Wolf Trap 2020 Summer Concerts (Wolf Trap is a concert venue in Northern Virginia).  But today, there are a no flyers and fewer ads overall, most for retail and a full page ad from Safeway thanking its employees (I think an image ad, portraying them as a concerned corporation).\r\n\r\nThen, on Facebook, I was served an online promotion for the Starz app. Also for a couple of online shopping outlets. And via email, I keep getting offers from Lands\' End and Eddie Bauer (since I have shopped from them before).\r\n\r\nIt\'s clear that some marketing is going on <em>regardless</em> of the coronavirus, and some of it <em>because</em> of the coronavirus. But not all marketing makes sense right now.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should market</strong>\r\n\r\nFor some businesses, it really is the perfect time to get your message to the public. Online retailers and streaming services are prime examples. If people can\'t get out to the physical stores or if the bricks and mortar stores are closed, it makes perfect sense to market. People may be looking to shop online instead of leaving home, and also are looking for more entertainment.\r\n\r\nNonprofit and advocacy organizations should also ramp up marketing now. There may be a lot more need among and it makes sense to solicit donations or other type of support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should not market</strong>\r\n\r\nIt is counterproductive for airlines, hotels and other travel industry to advertise right now. Flights are being cancelled and countries are being shut down. Also, travel may be risky as it exposes people to the virus.\r\n\r\nLikewise, any advertisement for anything that requires a future commitment, such as upcoming concerts, plays, events, is at best, too optimistic. Most people don\'t know when things will get back to normal, and can\'t commit to any type of future plans.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gray area</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough some businesses are open, it is risky to promote right now. If say you are big box retailer, do you really want to have a great promotion that would bring in large crowds when the CDC is asking people to practice social distancing?\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nMarketing should be responsive to what is going on. People are worried about covid-19, but they also have ongoing needs. Marketers should weigh carefully how and what they promote.\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Should marketing go on as usual? Suspend altogether? Please let me know in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing in times of coronavirus...do or don\'t?','','publish','open','open','','marketing-in-times-of-coronavirus-do-or-dont','','','2020-03-20 09:30:16','2020-03-20 13:30:16','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4080',0,'post','',1),
(4081,4,'2020-03-19 10:29:42','2020-03-19 14:29:42','To market or not to market, that is the question today for anybody working in marcomm.\r\n\r\nAdvertising is still going on...somewhat\r\n\r\nInside my print Washington Post (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered) this morning was a flyer advertising Kohl\'s spring sale. Yesterday, there were several supermarket circulars inserted in the Food Section. A couple of days ago, there was a half-page advertisement for the Wolf Trap 2020 Summer Concerts (Wolf Trap is a concert venue in Northern Virginia).\r\n\r\nThen, on Facebook, I was served an online promotion for the Starz app. And via email, I keep getting offers from Lands\' End and Eddie Bauer.\r\n\r\nAs the novel coronovirus sickens more people around the globe while upending daily routines, businesses struggle. Should they market or not? Perhaps it is even a question of <em>can</em> they market?\r\n\r\nBusinesses that are closed\r\n\r\nObviously these businesses cannot','Marketing in times of coronavirus...do or don\'t?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4080-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 10:29:42','2020-03-19 14:29:42','',4080,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/4080-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4082,4,'2020-03-19 10:36:23','2020-03-19 14:36:23','<strong>To market or not to market, that is the question today for anybody working in marcomm.</strong>\r\n\r\nAs the novel coronovirus pandemic sickens more people around the globe while upending daily routines, businesses struggle. Should they market or not? Perhaps it is even a question of <em>can</em> they market?\r\n\r\n<strong>Advertising is still going on...somewhat</strong>\r\n\r\nInside my print Washington Post (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered) this morning was a flyer advertising Kohl\'s spring sale. Yesterday, there were several supermarket circulars inserted in the Food Section. A couple of days ago, there was a half-page advertisement for the Wolf Trap 2020 Summer Concerts (Wolf Trap is a concert venue in Northern Virginia).\r\n\r\nThen, on Facebook, I was served an online promotion for the Starz app. And via email, I keep getting offers from Lands\' End and Eddie Bauer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBusinesses that are closed\r\n\r\nObviously these businesses cannot','Marketing in times of coronavirus...do or don\'t?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4080-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 10:36:23','2020-03-19 14:36:23','',4080,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/4080-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4083,4,'2020-03-19 15:09:17','2020-03-19 19:09:17','<strong>To market or not to market, that is the question today for anybody working in marcomm.</strong>\r\n\r\nAs the novel coronovirus pandemic sickens more people around the globe while upending daily routines, businesses struggle. Should they market or not? Perhaps it is even a question of <em>can</em> they market.\r\n\r\n<strong>Advertising is still going on...somewhat</strong>\r\n\r\nInside my print Washington Post (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered) this morning was a flyer advertising Kohl\'s spring sale. Yesterday, there were several supermarket circulars inserted in the Food Section. A couple of days ago, there was a half-page advertisement for the Wolf Trap 2020 Summer Concerts (Wolf Trap is a concert venue in Northern Virginia).\r\n\r\nThen, on Facebook, I was served an online promotion for the Starz app. Also for a couple of online shopping outlets. And via email, I keep getting offers from Lands\' End and Eddie Bauer.\r\n\r\nIt\'s clear that some marketing is going on regardless of the coronavirus, and some of it because of the coronavirus. But not all marketing makes sense right now.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should market</strong>\r\n\r\nFor some businesses, it really is the perfect time to get your message to the public. Online retailers and streaming services are prime examples. If people can\'t get out to the physical stores or if the bricks and mortar stores are closed, it makes perfect sense to market.\r\n\r\nNonprofit and advocacy organizations should also ramp up marketing now. There may be a lot more need among and it makes sense to solicit donations or other type of support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should not market</strong>\r\n\r\nIt is counterproductive for airlines, hotels and other travel industry to advertise right now. Flights are being cancelled and countries are being shut down. Also, travel may be risky.\r\n\r\nLikewise, anything that requires a future commitment, such as upcoming concerts, plays, events, is at best, too optimistic. Most people don\'t know when things will get back to normal, and can\'t commit to any type of future plans.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gray area</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough some businesses are open, it is risky to promote right now. If say you are big box retailer, do you really want to have a great promotion that would bring in large crowds when the CDC is asking people to practice social distancing?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing in times of coronavirus...do or don\'t?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4080-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 15:09:17','2020-03-19 19:09:17','',4080,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/4080-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4084,4,'2020-03-20 09:30:16','2020-03-20 13:30:16','<strong>To market or not to market, that is the question today for anybody working in marcomm.</strong>\r\n\r\nAs the novel coronavirus pandemic sickens more people around the globe while upending daily routines, businesses struggle. Should they market or not? Perhaps it is even a question of <em>can</em> they market—do they have the personnel or can they even do business? On Tuesday, I walked into a local hair salon to buy conditioner, and they had no customers. Yesterday, the hair salon announced that they are closed until the end of the month.\r\n\r\n<strong>Advertising is still going on...somewhat</strong>\r\n\r\nInside my print Washington Post (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered) yesterday was a flyer advertising Kohl\'s spring sale. On Wednesday, there were several supermarket circulars inserted in the Food Section. A couple of days ago, there was a half-page advertisement for the Wolf Trap 2020 Summer Concerts (Wolf Trap is a concert venue in Northern Virginia).  But today, there are a no flyers and fewer ads overall, most for retail and a full page ad from Safeway thanking its employees (I think an image ad, portraying them as a concerned corporation).\r\n\r\nThen, on Facebook, I was served an online promotion for the Starz app. Also for a couple of online shopping outlets. And via email, I keep getting offers from Lands\' End and Eddie Bauer (since I have shopped from them before).\r\n\r\nIt\'s clear that some marketing is going on <em>regardless</em> of the coronavirus, and some of it <em>because</em> of the coronavirus. But not all marketing makes sense right now.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should market</strong>\r\n\r\nFor some businesses, it really is the perfect time to get your message to the public. Online retailers and streaming services are prime examples. If people can\'t get out to the physical stores or if the bricks and mortar stores are closed, it makes perfect sense to market. People may be looking to shop online instead of leaving home, and also are looking for more entertainment.\r\n\r\nNonprofit and advocacy organizations should also ramp up marketing now. There may be a lot more need among and it makes sense to solicit donations or other type of support.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who should not market</strong>\r\n\r\nIt is counterproductive for airlines, hotels and other travel industry to advertise right now. Flights are being cancelled and countries are being shut down. Also, travel may be risky as it exposes people to the virus.\r\n\r\nLikewise, any advertisement for anything that requires a future commitment, such as upcoming concerts, plays, events, is at best, too optimistic. Most people don\'t know when things will get back to normal, and can\'t commit to any type of future plans.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gray area</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough some businesses are open, it is risky to promote right now. If say you are big box retailer, do you really want to have a great promotion that would bring in large crowds when the CDC is asking people to practice social distancing?\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nMarketing should be responsive to what is going on. People are worried about covid-19, but they also have ongoing needs. Marketers should weigh carefully how and what they promote.\r\n\r\nWhat do you think? Should marketing go on as usual? Suspend altogether? Please let me know in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Marketing in times of coronavirus...do or don\'t?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4080-revision-v1','','','2020-03-20 09:30:16','2020-03-20 13:30:16','',4080,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/4080-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4087,4,'2020-04-01 11:31:25','2020-04-01 15:31:25','EDITOR\'S NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect <a href=\"https://www.apstylebook.com/topical_most_recent?utm_medium=AP_Stylebook&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;fbclid=IwAR09foHw7MNehzx9moVLamdDD78O-ZTCLRRV-SMTK7LD4bXqwWH08Pe6kMk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AP Stylebook guidance on how to write COVID-19. </a>\r\n\r\nMarketing and communications go on, but as discussed in the <a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/marketing-in-times-of-coronavirus-do-or-dont/\">last blog post</a>, not everything is the same in the world where COVID-19 has sickened many, scared more, and generally, upended what we consider normality. That said, some marketing works better than others.\r\n\r\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\r\n<blockquote>Hello.\r\n\r\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\r\n\r\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\r\n\r\nWe will get through this together.\r\n\r\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\r\n\r\nStay well,\r\n\r\n[Name]</blockquote>\r\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Specificity and relevance\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to COVID-19.\r\n\r\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions its stores are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should include the ability to segment your list into different audience types. The idea is to not send the same email to everybody on your list, but to be more targeted. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly relevant to me. I am not a parent of a student or a student, so why do I need multiple emails about campus operations?\r\n\r\n<strong>3. News/real updates</strong>\r\n\r\nI got an email from a local bookstore that tells me that it has established a partnership with a national service in order to be able to deliver nationwide. That\'s news. On the other hand, Delta has sent me the same version of an email regarding how its handling COVID-19. Nothing new, no reason to keep sending me the same email. If Delta were to add or delete flights or routes, then yes, tell me.  But telling me its hard on Delta\'s bottom line, over and over, is really self-serving, which brings me to the next point.\r\n\r\n<strong>4. Audience-centered</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat does your audience need or want right now? My undergrad university, Brandeis, did something really smart. Brandeis figured out that its audience is probably getting a bit bored being inside, so it sent out an email with suggestions for movies and television shows to watch, all featuring an alumni connection. There was no other reason for the email but to provide some relief to its audience. That is how you put your audience first.\r\n\r\nWhat have you seen that works and that doesn\'t work? Please share in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our COVID-19 times','','publish','open','open','','what-works-and-what-doesnt-in-our-covid-19-times','','','2020-04-04 10:15:06','2020-04-04 14:15:06','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4087',0,'post','',0),
(4088,4,'2020-03-31 15:22:32','2020-03-31 19:22:32','','20200331_144905_001','','inherit','open','closed','','20200331_144905_001','','','2020-03-31 15:22:32','2020-03-31 19:22:32','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4089,4,'2020-03-31 15:27:46','2020-03-31 19:27:46','If you are like me, you\'ve been inundated with emails relating to covid-19. Some are from organizations sharing resources, some are updates, and some are straight-forward marketing messages. You\'ve probably also seen there\'s a lot fewer print ads in the newspaper\r\n\r\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\r\n<blockquote>Hello.\r\n\r\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\r\n\r\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\r\n\r\nWe will get through this together.\r\n\r\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\r\n\r\nStay well,\r\n\r\n[Name]</blockquote>\r\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Specificity</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to covid-19.\r\n\r\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions the store are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should include segmentation. That means not sending the same email to everybody on your list. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly\r\n\r\nThinking about your audience\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our covid-19 times','','inherit','closed','closed','','4087-revision-v1','','','2020-03-31 15:27:46','2020-03-31 19:27:46','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/4087-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4090,4,'2020-04-01 11:26:41','2020-04-01 15:26:41','Marketing and communications go on, but as discussed in the last blog post, not everything is the same in the world where covid-19 has sickened many, scared more, and generally, upended what we consider normality. That said, some marketing works better than others.\r\n\r\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\r\n<blockquote>Hello.\r\n\r\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\r\n\r\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\r\n\r\nWe will get through this together.\r\n\r\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\r\n\r\nStay well,\r\n\r\n[Name]</blockquote>\r\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Specificity and relevance\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to covid-19.\r\n\r\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions the store are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should the ability to segment your list into different audience types. The idea is to not send the same email to everybody on your list, but to be more targeted. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly relevant to me. I am not a parent of a student or a student, so why do I need multiple emails about campus operations?\r\n\r\n<strong>3. News/real updates</strong>\r\n\r\nI got an email from a local bookstore that tells me that it has established a partnership with a national service in order to be able to deliver nationwide. That\'s news. On the other hand, Delta has sent me the same version of an email regarding how its handling covid-19. Nothing new, no reason to keep sending me the same email. If Delta were to add or delete flights or routes, then yes, tell me.  But telling me its hard on Delta\'s bottom line, over and over, is really self-serving, which brings me to the next point.\r\n\r\n<strong>4. Audience-centered</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat does your audience need or want right now? My undergrad university, Brandeis, did something really smart. Brandeis figured out that its audience is probably getting a bit bored being inside, so it sent out an email with suggestions for movies and television shows to watch, all featuring an alumni connection. There was no other reason for the email but to provide some relief to its audience. That is how you put your audience first.\r\n\r\nWhat have you seen that works and that doesn\'t work? Please share in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our covid-19 times','','inherit','closed','closed','','4087-revision-v1','','','2020-04-01 11:26:41','2020-04-01 15:26:41','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4087-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4091,4,'2020-04-01 11:31:25','2020-04-01 15:31:25','Marketing and communications go on, but as discussed in the <a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/marketing-in-times-of-coronavirus-do-or-dont/\">last blog post</a>, not everything is the same in the world where covid-19 has sickened many, scared more, and generally, upended what we consider normality. That said, some marketing works better than others.\r\n\r\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\r\n<blockquote>Hello.\r\n\r\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\r\n\r\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\r\n\r\nWe will get through this together.\r\n\r\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\r\n\r\nStay well,\r\n\r\n[Name]</blockquote>\r\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Specificity and relevance\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to covid-19.\r\n\r\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions its stores are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should include the ability to segment your list into different audience types. The idea is to not send the same email to everybody on your list, but to be more targeted. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly relevant to me. I am not a parent of a student or a student, so why do I need multiple emails about campus operations?\r\n\r\n<strong>3. News/real updates</strong>\r\n\r\nI got an email from a local bookstore that tells me that it has established a partnership with a national service in order to be able to deliver nationwide. That\'s news. On the other hand, Delta has sent me the same version of an email regarding how its handling covid-19. Nothing new, no reason to keep sending me the same email. If Delta were to add or delete flights or routes, then yes, tell me.  But telling me its hard on Delta\'s bottom line, over and over, is really self-serving, which brings me to the next point.\r\n\r\n<strong>4. Audience-centered</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat does your audience need or want right now? My undergrad university, Brandeis, did something really smart. Brandeis figured out that its audience is probably getting a bit bored being inside, so it sent out an email with suggestions for movies and television shows to watch, all featuring an alumni connection. There was no other reason for the email but to provide some relief to its audience. That is how you put your audience first.\r\n\r\nWhat have you seen that works and that doesn\'t work? Please share in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our covid-19 times','','inherit','closed','closed','','4087-revision-v1','','','2020-04-01 11:31:25','2020-04-01 15:31:25','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4087-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4092,4,'2020-04-04 10:13:25','2020-04-04 14:13:25','EDITO\n\nMarketing and communications go on, but as discussed in the <a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/marketing-in-times-of-coronavirus-do-or-dont/\">last blog post</a>, not everything is the same in the world where COVID-19 has sickened many, scared more, and generally, upended what we consider normality. That said, some marketing works better than others.\n\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\n\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\n<blockquote>Hello.\n\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\n\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\n\nWe will get through this together.\n\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\n\nStay well,\n\n[Name]</blockquote>\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\n\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\n\n<strong>1. Specificity and relevance\n</strong>\n\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to COVID-19.\n\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions its stores are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\n\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\n\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\n\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should include the ability to segment your list into different audience types. The idea is to not send the same email to everybody on your list, but to be more targeted. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly relevant to me. I am not a parent of a student or a student, so why do I need multiple emails about campus operations?\n\n<strong>3. News/real updates</strong>\n\nI got an email from a local bookstore that tells me that it has established a partnership with a national service in order to be able to deliver nationwide. That\'s news. On the other hand, Delta has sent me the same version of an email regarding how its handling COVID-19. Nothing new, no reason to keep sending me the same email. If Delta were to add or delete flights or routes, then yes, tell me.  But telling me its hard on Delta\'s bottom line, over and over, is really self-serving, which brings me to the next point.\n\n<strong>4. Audience-centered</strong>\n\nWhat does your audience need or want right now? My undergrad university, Brandeis, did something really smart. Brandeis figured out that its audience is probably getting a bit bored being inside, so it sent out an email with suggestions for movies and television shows to watch, all featuring an alumni connection. There was no other reason for the email but to provide some relief to its audience. That is how you put your audience first.\n\nWhat have you seen that works and that doesn\'t work? Please share in the comments.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our COVID-19 times','','inherit','closed','closed','','4087-autosave-v1','','','2020-04-04 10:13:25','2020-04-04 14:13:25','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4087-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4093,4,'2020-04-04 10:15:06','2020-04-04 14:15:06','EDITOR\'S NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect <a href=\"https://www.apstylebook.com/topical_most_recent?utm_medium=AP_Stylebook&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;fbclid=IwAR09foHw7MNehzx9moVLamdDD78O-ZTCLRRV-SMTK7LD4bXqwWH08Pe6kMk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AP Stylebook guidance on how to write COVID-19. </a>\r\n\r\nMarketing and communications go on, but as discussed in the <a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2020/03/marketing-in-times-of-coronavirus-do-or-dont/\">last blog post</a>, not everything is the same in the world where COVID-19 has sickened many, scared more, and generally, upended what we consider normality. That said, some marketing works better than others.\r\n\r\n<strong>Let\'s start with what doesn\'t work.</strong>\r\n\r\nHere\'s an email that I received from a real estate agent (someone I met at a networking event and added me to her list without my express consent, but that is another story).\r\n<blockquote>Hello.\r\n\r\nYour health and safety are important to me. That\'s why I\'m reaching out to let you know that we\'re doing what we can to provide the best service possible during this time, and that means being here for you.\r\n\r\nPlease reach out with any questions that you may have, or if I can be helpful in any way.\r\n\r\nWe will get through this together.\r\n\r\nIf you want to keep up to date on COVID-19, visit the CDC\'s website.\r\n\r\nStay well,\r\n\r\n[Name]</blockquote>\r\nWhy is this so bad? First, the sender claims that my health and safety are important, but provides no specifics about what she is doing. Second, she is placing the onus on me to contact her. And third, she says I can visit the CDC website, and she doesn\'t even provide a link in her email. To me, this email shows that this real estate agent does not have any type of communication strategy or understanding, and to make matter worse, she doesn\'t know  how to use communication tools effectively.\r\n\r\n<strong>What does work?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Specificity and relevance\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat is your company or organization doing <em>specifically</em> because of or in response to COVID-19.\r\n\r\nThis full page ad from LIDL is exactly right: it tells you what specific actions its stores are taking to deal with the virus and the associated issues.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4088 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200331_144905_001-e1585682663422-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Segmentation</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you have an email marketing strategy, it should include the ability to segment your list into different audience types. The idea is to not send the same email to everybody on your list, but to be more targeted. For example, Boston University (where I went to grad school) keeps sending me updates, including updates about campus being closed. Well, as an alum, this is not exactly relevant to me. I am not a parent of a student or a student, so why do I need multiple emails about campus operations?\r\n\r\n<strong>3. News/real updates</strong>\r\n\r\nI got an email from a local bookstore that tells me that it has established a partnership with a national service in order to be able to deliver nationwide. That\'s news. On the other hand, Delta has sent me the same version of an email regarding how its handling COVID-19. Nothing new, no reason to keep sending me the same email. If Delta were to add or delete flights or routes, then yes, tell me.  But telling me its hard on Delta\'s bottom line, over and over, is really self-serving, which brings me to the next point.\r\n\r\n<strong>4. Audience-centered</strong>\r\n\r\nWhat does your audience need or want right now? My undergrad university, Brandeis, did something really smart. Brandeis figured out that its audience is probably getting a bit bored being inside, so it sent out an email with suggestions for movies and television shows to watch, all featuring an alumni connection. There was no other reason for the email but to provide some relief to its audience. That is how you put your audience first.\r\n\r\nWhat have you seen that works and that doesn\'t work? Please share in the comments.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','What works and what doesn\'t in our COVID-19 times','','inherit','closed','closed','','4087-revision-v1','','','2020-04-04 10:15:06','2020-04-04 14:15:06','',4087,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4087-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4095,4,'2020-04-09 10:33:22','2020-04-09 14:33:22','Copy editing helps bring clarity, consistency, and accuracy to your documents.\r\n\r\nDepending on the document, you may need more or less editing. In all cases, your document will be checked for clarity (what you really mean to say), grammar, spelling,  punctuation, usage, and consistency.\r\n\r\nCopy editing fee: $65 per hour\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Copy Editing','','inherit','closed','closed','','2850-revision-v1','','','2020-04-09 10:33:22','2020-04-09 14:33:22','',2850,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/2850-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4097,4,'2020-04-21 10:48:08','0000-00-00 00:00:00','With meetings to yoga classes transitioning to Zoom or other online platforms, there\'s lots of room for improvement.','Want to succeed at Zoom? Keep these two things in mind','','draft','open','open','','','','','2020-04-21 10:48:08','2020-04-21 14:48:08','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4097',0,'post','',0),
(4098,4,'2020-04-21 10:26:18','2020-04-21 14:26:18','','Want to succeed at Zoom? Keep these two things in mind','','inherit','closed','closed','','4097-revision-v1','','','2020-04-21 10:26:18','2020-04-21 14:26:18','',4097,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4097-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4099,4,'2020-04-21 10:48:08','2020-04-21 14:48:08','With meetings to yoga classes transitioning to Zoom or other online platforms, there\'s lots of room for improvement.','Want to succeed at Zoom? Keep these two things in mind','','inherit','closed','closed','','4097-revision-v1','','','2020-04-21 10:48:08','2020-04-21 14:48:08','',4097,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/04/4097-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4109,4,'2020-07-09 15:56:39','2020-07-09 19:56:39','<strong>It\'s been a while</strong>\r\n\r\nI haven’t written a blog post in months. It’s been hard to concentrate, and it’s been even harder to find something to talk about when we are all consumed by the pandemic and its effects. But this morning I got a comment on a blog post I wrote well over a year ago. The<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/how-not-to-do-email-marketing/\"> post was about bad email marketing practices,</a> and the comment came from Eddie in New Zealand, who’d been targeted by the same spam marketer I referenced in the post. Eddie wanted to share his similar experience, and how he dealt with it. I assume he did a search about that particular spammer, and found my post, and then found the post to be relevant to him.\r\n\r\nSo thanks Eddie, for sharing your thoughts, but also for giving me an idea for a new blog post: the value of blogging.\r\n\r\n<strong>Blogging = being found</strong>\r\n\r\nBlogging consistently about the stuff you know best results in your website (and, by extension, you or your organization) being found when someone is looking for information on a specific topic. This is the theory behind inbound marketing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why I blog</strong>\r\n\r\nI have been writing this blog for nearly twelve years  for two main reasons:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>It provides an outlet for my thoughts on marketing communications</li>\r\n 	<li>It helps me to be found (and may lead to business)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Two things you absolutely must have to be found</strong>\r\n\r\nWriting a blog is one of the most effective ways to boost your ability to be found, and to establish your particular expertise. There’s almost no need for tinkering with your SEO if you are writing about you know, using appropriate tags, and including specific keywords.  However, to really reap the benefits of blogging, you have to fulfill two things:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>House your blog on your own website. Do not outsource it to Medium or any other third party.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write what you know, and/or what you think (in other words, be original and authentic by providing something from your own perspective and experience).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever doubted the value of having a blog, don’t.','Yes, there\'s still value in blogging','','publish','open','open','','yes-theres-still-value-in-blogging','','','2020-07-09 15:56:39','2020-07-09 19:56:39','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4109',0,'post','',0),
(4110,4,'2020-07-09 14:27:36','2020-07-09 18:27:36','I haven’t written a blog post in months. It’s been hard to concentrate, and it’s been even harder to find something to talk about when we are all consumed by the pandemic and its effects. But this morning I got a comment on a blog post I wrote well over a year ago. The<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/how-not-to-do-email-marketing/\"> post was about bad email marketing practices,</a> and the comment came from Eddie in New Zealand, who’d been targeted by the same spam marketer I referenced in the post. Eddie wanted to share his similar experience, and how he dealt with it. I assume he did a search about that particular spammer, and found my post, and then found the post to be relevant to him.\r\n\r\nSo thanks Eddie, for sharing but also for giving me an idea for a new blog post: the value of blogging.\r\n\r\nBlogging consistently about the stuff you know best results in your website (and, by extension, you or your organization) being found when someone is looking for information on a specific topic. This is the theory behind inbound marketing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have been writing this blog for nearly twelve years for two main reasons:\r\n\r\nIt provides an outlet for my thoughts on marketing communications\r\n\r\nIt helps me to be found.\r\n\r\nWriting a blog is one of the most effective ways to boost your ability to be found, and to establish your particular expertise. There’s almost no need for optimizing your SEO if you are writing about your area of expertise.  There are two conditions:\r\n\r\nYou must house your blog on your own website. Do not outsource it to Medium or any other third party\r\n\r\nWrite what you know, and/or what you think.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever doubted the value of having a blog, don’t..','Yes, there\'s still value in blogging','','inherit','closed','closed','','4109-revision-v1','','','2020-07-09 14:27:36','2020-07-09 18:27:36','',4109,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/07/4109-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4111,4,'2020-07-09 14:36:43','2020-07-09 18:36:43','I haven’t written a blog post in months. It’s been hard to concentrate, and it’s been even harder to find something to talk about when we are all consumed by the pandemic and its effects. But this morning I got a comment on a blog post I wrote well over a year ago. The<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/how-not-to-do-email-marketing/\"> post was about bad email marketing practices,</a> and the comment came from Eddie in New Zealand, who’d been targeted by the same spam marketer I referenced in the post. Eddie wanted to share his similar experience, and how he dealt with it. I assume he did a search about that particular spammer, and found my post, and then found the post to be relevant to him.\r\n\r\nSo thanks Eddie, for sharing but also for giving me an idea for a new blog post: the value of blogging.\r\n\r\nBlogging consistently about the stuff you know best results in your website (and, by extension, you or your organization) being found when someone is looking for information on a specific topic. This is the theory behind inbound marketing.\r\n\r\nI have been writing this blog for nearly twelve years for two main reasons:\r\n\r\nIt provides an outlet for my thoughts on marketing communications\r\n\r\nIt helps me to be found.\r\n\r\nWriting a blog is one of the most effective ways to boost your ability to be found, and to establish your particular expertise. There’s almost no need for optimizing your SEO if you are writing about your area of expertise.  There are two conditions:\r\n\r\nYou must house your blog on your own website. Do not outsource it to Medium or any other third party\r\n\r\nWrite what you know, and/or what you think.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBottom line:\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever doubted the value of having a blog, don’t.','Yes, there\'s still value in blogging','','inherit','closed','closed','','4109-revision-v1','','','2020-07-09 14:36:43','2020-07-09 18:36:43','',4109,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/07/4109-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4112,4,'2020-07-09 15:54:21','2020-07-09 19:54:21','<strong>It\'s been a while</strong>\r\n\r\nI haven’t written a blog post in months. It’s been hard to concentrate, and it’s been even harder to find something to talk about when we are all consumed by the pandemic and its effects. But this morning I got a comment on a blog post I wrote well over a year ago. The<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/how-not-to-do-email-marketing/\"> post was about bad email marketing practices,</a> and the comment came from Eddie in New Zealand, who’d been targeted by the same spam marketer I referenced in the post. Eddie wanted to share his similar experience, and how he dealt with it. I assume he did a search about that particular spammer, and found my post, and then found the post to be relevant to him.\r\n\r\nSo thanks Eddie, for sharing your thoughts, but also for giving me an idea for a new blog post: the value of blogging.\r\n\r\n<strong>Blogging = Being found</strong>\r\n\r\nBlogging consistently about the stuff you know best results in your website (and, by extension, you or your organization) being found when someone is looking for information on a specific topic. This is the theory behind inbound marketing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why I blog</strong>\r\n\r\nI have been writing this blog for nearly twelve years  for two main reasons:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>It provides an outlet for my thoughts on marketing communications</li>\r\n 	<li>It helps me to be found (and may lead to business)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Two things you absolutely must have to be found</strong>\r\n\r\nWriting a blog is one of the most effective ways to boost your ability to be found, and to establish your particular expertise. There’s almost no need for tinkering with your SEO if you are writing about your area of expertise, using appropriate tags, and including specific key words.  However, to really reap the benefits of blogging, you have to fulfill two things:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>House your blog on your own website. Do not outsource it to Medium or any other third party.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write what you know, and/or what you think (in other words, be original and authentic by providing something from your own perspective and experience).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever doubted the value of having a blog, don’t.','Yes, there\'s still value in blogging','','inherit','closed','closed','','4109-revision-v1','','','2020-07-09 15:54:21','2020-07-09 19:54:21','',4109,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/07/4109-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4113,4,'2020-07-09 15:56:39','2020-07-09 19:56:39','<strong>It\'s been a while</strong>\r\n\r\nI haven’t written a blog post in months. It’s been hard to concentrate, and it’s been even harder to find something to talk about when we are all consumed by the pandemic and its effects. But this morning I got a comment on a blog post I wrote well over a year ago. The<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/2019/02/how-not-to-do-email-marketing/\"> post was about bad email marketing practices,</a> and the comment came from Eddie in New Zealand, who’d been targeted by the same spam marketer I referenced in the post. Eddie wanted to share his similar experience, and how he dealt with it. I assume he did a search about that particular spammer, and found my post, and then found the post to be relevant to him.\r\n\r\nSo thanks Eddie, for sharing your thoughts, but also for giving me an idea for a new blog post: the value of blogging.\r\n\r\n<strong>Blogging = being found</strong>\r\n\r\nBlogging consistently about the stuff you know best results in your website (and, by extension, you or your organization) being found when someone is looking for information on a specific topic. This is the theory behind inbound marketing.\r\n\r\n<strong>Why I blog</strong>\r\n\r\nI have been writing this blog for nearly twelve years  for two main reasons:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>It provides an outlet for my thoughts on marketing communications</li>\r\n 	<li>It helps me to be found (and may lead to business)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Two things you absolutely must have to be found</strong>\r\n\r\nWriting a blog is one of the most effective ways to boost your ability to be found, and to establish your particular expertise. There’s almost no need for tinkering with your SEO if you are writing about you know, using appropriate tags, and including specific keywords.  However, to really reap the benefits of blogging, you have to fulfill two things:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>House your blog on your own website. Do not outsource it to Medium or any other third party.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write what you know, and/or what you think (in other words, be original and authentic by providing something from your own perspective and experience).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bottom line:</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever doubted the value of having a blog, don’t.','Yes, there\'s still value in blogging','','inherit','closed','closed','','4109-revision-v1','','','2020-07-09 15:56:39','2020-07-09 19:56:39','',4109,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/07/4109-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4119,4,'2020-08-17 12:56:05','2020-08-17 16:56:05','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).\r\n<h2>Why Choose DBMC</h2>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won’t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n<h2>What’s new:</h2>\r\n<a title=\"Brand Identity Kit\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/brand-identity-kit/\">Brand Identity Kit</a> (the five-part marketing message kit to help you communicate better)\r\n\r\n<a class=\"button\" title=\"Booking\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/events/booking/\">Book a free 15-minute consultation!</a>','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 12:56:05','2020-08-17 16:56:05','',2,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/08/2-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4122,4,'2020-08-25 11:33:50','2020-08-25 15:33:50','No doubt, you\'ve heard that Congress is looking into  new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy\'s handling of the USPS. In the last few weeks since DeJoy took his post, the mail has slowed down, sorting machines have been removed and the post office has told the states to be aware of these issues in planning for mail-in ballots. DeJoy was asked to appear before the Senate on Friday, and the House on Monday.\r\n\r\n<strong>Representative Katie Porter is very good at asking questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday, Representative Katie Porter (D-CA), used her questioning skills to establish just how little DeJoy knows about the agency that he is leading.  Rep. Porter asked DeJoy if he knew the cost of postcard stamp (he didn\'t) or how many people vote by mail (he didn\'t). You can read more about it in this <a href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/katie-porter-exposes-ignorance-postmaster-louis-dejoy-1049242/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rolling Stone</a> article or  <a href=\"https://www.vox.com/2020/8/24/21399957/dejoy-house-hearing-postal-service-katie-porter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this one</a> in Vox.\r\n\r\nRep. Porter knew what information she wanted to obtain from DeJoy to expose how unqualified he is to lead this agency, let alone reform it, and she asked the right questions to get what she wanted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Asking the right questions is crucial to getting what you want.</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ask the wrong questions or not enough questions, you are not going to get the information you need.\r\n\r\nOver the weekend, I reviewed a promotional  article for a small nonprofit. The article was long and did not get to the point until the last paragraph. I re-organized the paragraphs, and added some crucial information. The nonprofit hadn\'t known enough to ask the right questions.\r\n\r\n<strong>What questions do you need answers to?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are writing any communication materials, you need to ask the right questions. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Who is the intended audience for this piece?</li>\r\n 	<li>What do I want the audience to know?</li>\r\n 	<li>What does the audience need to know in order to act?</li>\r\n 	<li>What is the most relevant information that I need to communicate?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you don\'t ask these questions, you are not going to produce the right information or what you produce is not going to be effective.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line: To produce effective communications, you must start with asking yourself the right questions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you asking the right questions?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-asking-the-right-questions','','','2020-08-25 11:33:50','2020-08-25 15:33:50','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4122',0,'post','',0),
(4123,4,'2020-08-25 11:30:29','2020-08-25 15:30:29','No doubt, you\'ve heard that Congress is looking into  new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy\'s handling of the USPS. In the last few weeks since DeJoy took his post, the mail has slowed down, sorting machines have been removed and the post office has told the states to be aware of these issues in planning for mail-in ballots. DeJoy was asked to appear before the Senate on Friday, and the House on Monday.\r\n\r\n<strong>Representative Katie Porter is very good at asking questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday, Representative Katie Porter (D-CA), used her questioning skills to establish just how little DeJoy knows about the agency that he is leading.  Rep. Porter asked DeJoy if he knew the cost of postcard stamp (he didn\'t) or how many people vote by mail (he didn\'t). You can read more about it in this <a href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/katie-porter-exposes-ignorance-postmaster-louis-dejoy-1049242/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rollingstone </a>article or  <a href=\"https://www.vox.com/2020/8/24/21399957/dejoy-house-hearing-postal-service-katie-porter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this one</a> in Vox.\r\n\r\nRep. Portere knew what information she wanted to obtain from DeJoy to expose how unqualified he is to lead this agency, let alone reform it, and she asked the right questions to get what she wanted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Asking the right questions is crucial to getting what you want.</strong> If you ask the wrong questions, you are not going to get the information you need.\r\n\r\nOver the weekend, I reviewed a promotional  article for a small nonprofit. The article was long and did not get to the point until the last paragraph. I re-organized the paragraphs, and added some crucial information. The nonprofit hadn\'t known enough to ask the right questions.\r\n\r\n<strong>What questions do you need answers to?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are writing any communication materials, you need to ask the right questions. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Who is the intended audience for this piece?</li>\r\n 	<li>What do I want the audience to know?</li>\r\n 	<li>What does the audience need to know in order to act?</li>\r\n 	<li>What is the most relevant information that I need to communicate?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you don\'t ask these questions, you are not going to produce the right information or what you produce is not going to be effective.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line: To produce effective communications, you must start with asking yourself the right questions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you asking the right questions?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4122-revision-v1','','','2020-08-25 11:30:29','2020-08-25 15:30:29','',4122,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/08/4122-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4124,4,'2020-08-25 11:33:50','2020-08-25 15:33:50','No doubt, you\'ve heard that Congress is looking into  new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy\'s handling of the USPS. In the last few weeks since DeJoy took his post, the mail has slowed down, sorting machines have been removed and the post office has told the states to be aware of these issues in planning for mail-in ballots. DeJoy was asked to appear before the Senate on Friday, and the House on Monday.\r\n\r\n<strong>Representative Katie Porter is very good at asking questions</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Monday, Representative Katie Porter (D-CA), used her questioning skills to establish just how little DeJoy knows about the agency that he is leading.  Rep. Porter asked DeJoy if he knew the cost of postcard stamp (he didn\'t) or how many people vote by mail (he didn\'t). You can read more about it in this <a href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/katie-porter-exposes-ignorance-postmaster-louis-dejoy-1049242/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rolling Stone</a> article or  <a href=\"https://www.vox.com/2020/8/24/21399957/dejoy-house-hearing-postal-service-katie-porter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this one</a> in Vox.\r\n\r\nRep. Porter knew what information she wanted to obtain from DeJoy to expose how unqualified he is to lead this agency, let alone reform it, and she asked the right questions to get what she wanted.\r\n\r\n<strong>Asking the right questions is crucial to getting what you want.</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you ask the wrong questions or not enough questions, you are not going to get the information you need.\r\n\r\nOver the weekend, I reviewed a promotional  article for a small nonprofit. The article was long and did not get to the point until the last paragraph. I re-organized the paragraphs, and added some crucial information. The nonprofit hadn\'t known enough to ask the right questions.\r\n\r\n<strong>What questions do you need answers to?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen you are writing any communication materials, you need to ask the right questions. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Who is the intended audience for this piece?</li>\r\n 	<li>What do I want the audience to know?</li>\r\n 	<li>What does the audience need to know in order to act?</li>\r\n 	<li>What is the most relevant information that I need to communicate?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you don\'t ask these questions, you are not going to produce the right information or what you produce is not going to be effective.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nBottom line: To produce effective communications, you must start with asking yourself the right questions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you asking the right questions?','','inherit','closed','closed','','4122-revision-v1','','','2020-08-25 11:33:50','2020-08-25 15:33:50','',4122,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/08/4122-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4128,4,'2020-09-22 10:46:41','0000-00-00 00:00:00','When I first moved to my current neighborhood, I went for a walk that took me to another neighborhood about a mile away. As I was walking through, a small dog on a leash held by a young kid came up to me and bit my pant leg. This kid was uninterested or unable to control his dog. Luckily, the bite only tore my pant leg and not any skin, but did leave me shaken. I have never walked in that neighborhood again because I am scared of running into this kid and his dog. My<em> feelings have dictated my actions.</em>\r\n\r\nThere\'s saying attributed to that goes:\r\n\r\nPeople will never forget how you make them feel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','It\'s all about feelings','','draft','open','open','','','','','2020-09-22 10:46:41','2020-09-22 14:46:41','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4128',0,'post','',0),
(4129,4,'2020-09-22 10:46:41','2020-09-22 14:46:41','When I first moved to my current neighborhood, I went for a walk that took me to another neighborhood about a mile away. As I was walking through, a small dog on a leash held by a young kid came up to me and bit my pant leg. This kid was uninterested or unable to control his dog. Luckily, the bite only tore my pant leg and not any skin, but did leave me shaken. I have never walked in that neighborhood again because I am scared of running into this kid and his dog. My<em> feelings have dictated my actions.</em>\r\n\r\nThere\'s saying attributed to that goes:\r\n\r\nPeople will never forget how you make them feel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','It\'s all about feelings','','inherit','closed','closed','','4128-revision-v1','','','2020-09-22 10:46:41','2020-09-22 14:46:41','',4128,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/09/4128-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4131,4,'2020-10-02 15:34:53','2020-10-02 19:34:53','<strong>We\'ve all become Zoom pros, or have we?</strong>\r\n\r\nSure, we know what Zoom is, and we\'ve probably used it dozens of times in the past few months, but are we really pros at it? Based on my recent experiences with Zoom presentations, I would say no.\r\n\r\nJust yesterday, I was on two different online meetings. In the first meeting, one of the presenters was having audio difficulties (her talk was garbled). She went on for several minutes and the audience could not make out what she was saying. Then several minutes more were wasted in telling her to call in, etc. In the second meeting, somebody \"forgot\" to turn off his/her mic and we could hear cooking sounds in the background, and then chewing as this person settled down with the dinner he/she had prepared. It was immensely distracting and annoying.\r\n\r\nWasting time and making it hard to hear a speaker adds up to audience frustration.  So, if your organization uses online video conferencing to engage with your audience/conduct meetings/host events, it is time to lay out some ground rules so that you can avoid chaos and a have a smooth online experience.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4135\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<a href=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-anna-shvets-4226140-1.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-4135 size-large\" src=\"https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-anna-shvets-4226140-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" /></a> <br />Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Select the correct online video conferencing provider and package</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough Zoom has become the most popular platform, there are other video conferencing providers, including GotoMeeting, Webex and others. Read more about the best alternatives to Zoom in<a href=\"https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-video-conferencing-software-and-services-for-business/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ZDNet</a> and <a href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/6-popular-video-conferencing-tools-compared-zoom-skype-houseparty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wired. </a>\r\n\r\nTo select the proper platform, you\'ll need to determine what will suit your needs best. Questions to ask yourself include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>What will you be using the videoconferencing for? Staff meetings, presentations, online conferences</li>\r\n 	<li>What functionality do you need? Recording capability, audience interaction, question and answer, breakout sessions, ability to share screens/videos/slides, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li>What\'s your budget?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Map out your online event.</strong>\r\n\r\nYour meeting or presentation should be planned out, with time allocating to each participant/speaker, and with a written agenda if possible. Mapping out how an event will go, will make it easier to keep it on track.\r\n\r\n<strong>But, build in time and plan for technical difficulties\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nThere will be glitches. Your presenter may not have strong enough internet signal, or the provider could be experiencing problems. Know beforehand what you will do if a presenter can\'t log on, or the video software is not working. Have a Plan B, which could include a reschedule date, alternative presenter, alternative software, etc.\r\n\r\n<strong>Have a moderator and make sure he or she sets up ground rules</strong>\r\n\r\nDo not start any meeting or presentation without making sure everybody is following some ground rules. Perhaps everybody\'s mic is muted, or everybody\'s video is on (or off).  Tell your audience who to contact if there are technical difficulties, and how. Make sure to let people know if you are recording, and when/whether the recording will be available.  If this event is public, you could sent participants an email explaining the ground rules, and also make sure your moderator repeats them at the beginning of the event.\r\n\r\n<strong>Understand Zoom fatigue is real</strong>\r\n\r\nOnline video conferencing has been a godsend, but it is not the same as an in-person event. When we\'ve convened people in person, we probably have given them comfy seats, or provided snacks and drinks, and time to schmooze. But when we present online, people are sitting where they always have,  in an environment that is probably the same day after day. Dispense with the long introductions, and the long lists of thank yous. Send those in an email. Get to the point. People have limited patience for you.\r\n\r\n<strong>The bottom line</strong>\r\n\r\nCut down the distractions, and make the screen time worthwhile for your audience.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Avoid Zooming and frustrating your audience','','publish','open','open','','avoid-zooming-and-frustrating-your-audience','','','2020-10-02 15:34:53','2020-10-02 19:34:53','',0,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4131',0,'post','',1),
(4132,4,'2020-10-01 15:41:02','2020-10-01 19:41:02','<strong>We\'ve all become Zoom pros, or have we?</strong>\r\n\r\nSure, we know what Zoom is, and we\'ve probably used it dozens of times in the past few months, but are we really pros at it? Based on my recent experiences with Zoom presentations, I would say no.\r\n\r\nJust yesterday, I was on two different online meetings. In the first meeting, one of the presenters was having audio difficulties (her talk was garbled). She went on for several minutes and the audience could not make out what she was saying. Then several minutes more were wasted in telling her to call in, etc. In the second meeting, somebody \"forgot\" to turn off his/her mic and we could hear cooking sounds in the background, and then chewing as this person settled down with the dinner he/she had prepared. It was immensely distracting and annoying.\r\n\r\nWasting time and making it hard to hear a speaker adds up to audience frustration.  So, if your organization uses online video conferencing to engage with your audience/conduct meetings/host events, it is time to lay out some ground rules so that you can avoid chaos and a have a smooth online experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>Select the correct online video conferencing provider and package</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough Zoom has become the most popular platform, there are other video conferencing providers, including GotoMeeting, Webex and others. Read more about the best alternatives to Zoom in<a href=\"https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-video-conferencing-software-and-services-for-business/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ZDNet</a> and <a href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/6-popular-video-conferencing-tools-compared-zoom-skype-houseparty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wired. </a>\r\n\r\nTo select the proper platform, you\'ll need to determine what will suit your needs best. Questions to ask yourself include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>What will you be using the videoconferencing for? Staff meetings, presentations, online conferences</li>\r\n 	<li>What functionality do you need? Recording capability, audience interaction, question and answer, breakout sessions, ability to share screens/videos/slides, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li>What\'s your budget?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Map out your online event.</strong>\r\n\r\nYour meeting or presentation should be planned out, with time allocating to each participant/speaker, and with a written agenda if possible. Mapping out how an event will go, will make it easier to keep it on track.\r\n\r\n<strong>But, build in time and plan for technical difficulties</strong>\r\n\r\nThere will be glitches. Your presenter may not have strong enough signal, or the provider could be experiencing problems. Know beforehand what you will do if a presenter can\'t log on, or the video software is not working. Have a Plan B, which could include a reschedule date, alternative presenter, alternative software, etc.\r\n\r\n<strong>Have a moderator and make sure he or she sets up ground rules</strong>\r\n\r\nDo not start any meeting or presentation without making sure everybody is following some ground rules. Perhaps everybody\'s mic is muted, or everybody\'s video is on (or off).  Tell your audience who to contact if there are technical difficulties, and how. Make sure to let people know if you are recording, and when/whether the recording will be available.  If this event is public, you could sent participants an email explaining the ground rules, and also make sure your moderator repeats them at the beginning of the event.\r\n\r\n<strong>Understand Zoom fatigue is real</strong>\r\n\r\nOnline video conferencing has been a godsend, but it is not the same as an in-person event. When we\'ve convened people in person, we probably have given them comfy seats, or provided snacks and drinks, and time to schmooze. Perhaps we\'ve used a fabulous historic venue, where there\'s lots to look at. But when we present online, people are sitting where they always have,  in an environment that is probably the same day after day. Dispense with the long introductions, and the long lists of thank yous. Send those in an email. Get to the point. People have limited patience for you.','Avoid Zooming and frustrating your audience','','inherit','closed','closed','','4131-revision-v1','','','2020-10-01 15:41:02','2020-10-01 19:41:02','',4131,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/10/4131-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4134,4,'2020-10-02 15:31:52','2020-10-02 19:31:52','','pexels-anna-shvets-4226140','','inherit','open','closed','','pexels-anna-shvets-4226140','','','2020-10-02 15:31:52','2020-10-02 19:31:52','',4131,'https://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-anna-shvets-4226140.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(4133,4,'2020-10-01 16:09:14','2020-10-01 20:09:14','<strong>We\'ve all become Zoom pros, or have we?</strong>\r\n\r\nSure, we know what Zoom is, and we\'ve probably used it dozens of times in the past few months, but are we really pros at it? Based on my recent experiences with Zoom presentations, I would say no.\r\n\r\nJust yesterday, I was on two different online meetings. In the first meeting, one of the presenters was having audio difficulties (her talk was garbled). She went on for several minutes and the audience could not make out what she was saying. Then several minutes more were wasted in telling her to call in, etc. In the second meeting, somebody \"forgot\" to turn off his/her mic and we could hear cooking sounds in the background, and then chewing as this person settled down with the dinner he/she had prepared. It was immensely distracting and annoying.\r\n\r\nWasting time and making it hard to hear a speaker adds up to audience frustration.  So, if your organization uses online video conferencing to engage with your audience/conduct meetings/host events, it is time to lay out some ground rules so that you can avoid chaos and a have a smooth online experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>Select the correct online video conferencing provider and package</strong>\r\n\r\nAlthough Zoom has become the most popular platform, there are other video conferencing providers, including GotoMeeting, Webex and others. Read more about the best alternatives to Zoom in<a href=\"https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-video-conferencing-software-and-services-for-business/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ZDNet</a> and <a href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/6-popular-video-conferencing-tools-compared-zoom-skype-houseparty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wired. </a>\r\n\r\nTo select the proper platform, you\'ll need to determine what will suit your needs best. Questions to ask yourself include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>What will you be using the videoconferencing for? Staff meetings, presentations, online conferences</li>\r\n 	<li>What functionality do you need? Recording capability, audience interaction, question and answer, breakout sessions, ability to share screens/videos/slides, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li>What\'s your budget?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Map out your online event.</strong>\r\n\r\nYour meeting or presentation should be planned out, with time allocating to each participant/speaker, and with a written agenda if possible. Mapping out how an event will go, will make it easier to keep it on track.\r\n\r\n<strong>But, build in time and plan for technical difficulties\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nThere will be glitches. Your presenter may not have strong enough signal, or the provider could be experiencing problems. Know beforehand what you will do if a presenter can\'t log on, or the video software is not working. Have a Plan B, which could include a reschedule date, alternative presenter, alternative software, etc.\r\n\r\n<strong>Have a moderator and make sure he or she sets up ground rules</strong>\r\n\r\nDo not start any meeting or presentation without making sure everybody is following some ground rules. Perhaps everybody\'s mic is muted, or everybody\'s video is on (or off).  Tell your audience who to contact if there are technical difficulties, and how. Make sure to let people know if you are recording, and when/whether the recording will be available.  If this event is public, you could sent participants an email explaining the ground rules, and also make sure your moderator repeats them at the beginning of the event.\r\n\r\n<strong>Understand Zoom fatigue is real</strong>\r\n\r\nOnline video conferencing has been a godsend, but it is not the same as an in-person event. When we\'ve convened people in person, we probably have given them comfy seats, or provided snacks and drinks, and time to schmooze. Perhaps we\'ve used a fabulous historic venue, where there\'s lots to look at. But when we present online, people are sitting where they always have,  in an environment that is probably the same day after day. Dispense with the long introductions, and the long lists of thank yous. Send those in an email. Get to the point. People have limited patience for you.\r\n\r\nThe bottom line\r\n\r\nIt boils down to cutting out distractions, and making screen time worthwhile.','Avoid Zooming and frustrating your audience','','inherit','closed','closed','','4131-revision-v1','','','2020-10-01 16:09:14','2020-10-01 20:09:14','',4131,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/10/4131-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
