So I decided it was time to do a face lift on my email signature. I changed some text around, added some color and size, and most importantly I changed it to include the information that I wanted people to gravitate to. What is that information?

Connection: Specifically how people can connect with me on different social media sites. I included the four social media sites I spend the most time on and made sure the word connect was colored and large.

Email Newsletter link: I want people to sign up on my email newsletter. I spelled out what the newsletter was about so people could make an informed choice. I also changed the color and size of the text.

Upcoming Classes: I included a link to upcoming classes and mentioned the types of classes I teach, again to help people make informed choices.

Slogan: I put a slogan at the end, mainly for stand out purposes.

Different colored text and links, and different size font…most importantly offers in the email signature for people to opt into. Are you doing the same with your email signature line? If not, it’s time to spruce your email signature line up. Make it stand out and grab people’s attention. It’s another marketing tool that you can use, if you know how to make it grab eyeballs…and that is the first step, Attraction, toward getting people to a point where they’ll do business with you.

Since changing my own email signature, I want to look at it now, and I suspect other people might want to as well. A definite step in the right direction.

Book Review: The Zen of Social Media Marketing (affiliate link) by Shama Kabani

This book is billed as the last social media guide you’ll ever need. I don’t know if I’d go as far as that, but I will say the free online updates to the book do make it a very reasonable book and a very helpful one as well. What makes this book most valuable is that the author writes about social media marketing and social media policies. The chapters on the big three social networking sites are good, but I like how she explains the marketing piece of social media and the importance of having a policy, which is something only a couple of other books do.

I’ll admit, I’d have liked to have seen some focus on social media etiquette (she mentions a couple tidbits) and also some focus on social media for networking and customer service purposes. Also the author mainly focuses on the big three social networking sites and video marketing, but doesn’t touch much on blogs, internet radio, social review sites, social coupon sites, etc., all of which are an essential part of social media marketing.

Overall though this is one of the better books on social media marketing and one I recommend you keep on hand. The free online updates definitely help and its clear the author knows what she’s talking about.

4.5 out of 5

In fact, that’s why you should like comments people make to your Facebook page, because when you do, you are telling that person that you approve of their message and encouraging them to respond more frequently as a result. You may even encourage reciprocal likes of your responses, because the person will want to give something back because you acknowledged him/her. In other words, liking a comment doesn’t just signify approval, but actually can be a call for action, and create a reciprocal exchange.

What’s the value for a business? Liking a comment prompts a response from someone, but it also enhances the relationship you are building with your community. It tells your community or customers that you value their input and you’ll take time to respond to them and like their response to show your approval. It’s subtle, in terms of helping your business, but it’s also relatively simple because liking a comment plays on a person’s desire to feel that s/he is important and empowered. And of course the person should be important to you and empowered to speak up. That’s how you create advocates for your business…and liking a comment is part of that process. So don’t just respond…like the responses you’ve gotten. You’ll encourage more interaction on your business page and with your business as a result.

Book Reviews

City: Rediscovering the Center (Affiliate Link) by William Whyte

In my opinion, part of being a successful business owner is learning about how your business is impacted by different influences. In City, Whyte discusses urban renewal and development and what is effective vs ineffective urban development as well as the impact it has on businesses. I learned a lot from this book and was able to apply some of it to a recent class on leadership that dealt with economic development. Economic development is definitely tied into urban development. This book explains a lot of that and also provides insights into the social life on the streets of any city.

5 out of 5.

Linked (affiliate link) by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi

Linked explores how networks are formed across a variety of perspectives ranging from urban development to in-person networking to the internet. I must admit, I’d be fascinated to see what the author would say about social networks, but this book was written before they were developed. With that said, this book provides some fascinating information on how networks are formed and maintained as well as giving some consideration on how people can understand and work with networks better. It’s a useful book for anyone to read because it will help you understand what networking really is and what it could be.

4 out of 5.

For example, some time back I gave up using lead referral networking groups because I wasn’t getting much business from them…certainly not enough to justify the amount of money I spent on those groups. Since then I’ve joined three chambers of commerce and I was quickly able to determine that being involved in the chamber was much better for my business, because of what I tracked. What was very interesting to realize is that by not only changing the type of networking group, but also the activity associated with such a group I was able to figure out what worked best for me when it came to getting business.

The importance of that last statement is that its also important to track the specific activities that work or don’t work. By learning which activities work you can continue to focus on those activities, while also testing other activities to see if they also fit or don’t fit.

What I’ve also realized is that just because some activity works for one business doesn’t mean it will work for every business. Additionally each person has their strengths and weaknesses and so its important to learn what your strengths are and how you can use them to help market your business and put you in touch with your clientele.

Book Review: How to be a Fierce Competitor by Jeffrey Fox

This is a very relevant book to read in a time of economic recession, but its also a book I would recommend reading even during a time of economic boom. The author spells out in clear cut terms what activities and behaviors work to make a business a fierce competitor and more importantly a successful business. I like the use of stories, but I also like the author’s bluntness. The book is easy to read and to the point, but you will learn a lot in each chapter you read.

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Still appearance alone isn’t enough and neither is a clever tag line. What will really make you stand out is showing people you can walk that talk you give out. So be able to back up what you do and you’ll be pleased with the credibility that also gets associated with the image.

What do you do to stand out to the people you know? Each day, I meet lots of different people. Some of them are new, most of them I’ve already met a couple times. What makes someone stand out to me is going to half involve appearance, and half involve what they actually say. Afterwords I’ll research them and find out more, and see if my initial impression is confirmed or disproved. Depending on what I find a conversation may follow or it might not. That’s what I do to check up on people who stand out to me.

There’s also a social media component to this and I’ll cover that in the next post.

Book Review Social Media 101 by Chris Brogan

Social Media 101 is chalk full of useful tips and suggestions for how to leverage social media for your business. Best of all the writing is not only approachable, but its to read a couple of chapters, put it down, and then come back to it later. I’ve found numerous useful tips that I’ve tried out, from the book, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is wanting to learn more about how to use social media for business. Then check out Chris’s blog, which will have more useful information for you.

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I’ve always found Hall’s books to be interesting and relevant to my life from business to spirituality and this book has lived up to that same expectation. In this book Hall, discusses inter-cultural communication patterns and raises up concerns about the tendency to focus toward using external resources as opposed to examining and utilizing internal, behavior skills. I find this relevant in an age where more than ever the focus is on using technology to communicate, with all the inherent problems that brings, especially when relying on text only to interact. This is a useful book for exploring cross cultural communication and examining the increasing role of technology in communication.

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5 out of 5

Never be the Same (Link to author’s website) by Mark LeBlanc

If you’ve had the privilege of working with Mark LeBlanc, you know that he is a dynamic person who is always on the go with business. Never be the Same, an autobiography and business book presents a different side of Mark, but one no less compelling than him as a professional speaker. In this book he is candid about his ups and downs as a business owner and as a human being. I found his description of his pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain to be particularly moving and engrossing. But most of all as I read this book, I came away with a better understanding of how I can learn from Mark on yet another level and also never be the same. I highly recommend this book as one that will give you insights into your business process, while also reminding you of the value of also being more than just your business.

Note: You can only currently order this book from the author’s website

10 out of 5, because 5 stars wouldn’t be enough

Listen to my latest social media coach show, where I try to define authenticity and examine how genuine relationships are formed via social media

Book Review: Go for No: Yes is the Destination, No is how you get there by Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz

Using a narrative story, the authors tell a story of how a salesman learns the value of going for no. I was very impressed by this book and it helped me rethink how I think about the word no, in relationship to my business. I’ve already started to appreciate no more and plan for it, realizing as I do that no can actually inspire me to become better at my business Go for no offers a simple well-written message, which speaks to the heart of sales and shows you how to take your sales to the next level and use NO to get to Success!

Upcoming classes

Social Media Webinar: Successful Social Media Behavior

Social Media isn’t just technology. Social Media is a medium of communication and conversation. But many people who us it don’t understand how to excel at social media. In this webinar I’ll discuss social media behavior and how to be successful, as well as what not to do.

• The value of following-up in social media
• How not to be a spammer, and how to recognize someone who is.
• What successful social media behavior is and how to start doing it consistently
• When: Feb 24, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Social Media Webinar: Blogs and Social Bookmarking?

Have you started a blog, but not known what to do with it, or how often you should write a blog? Have you heard of social bookmarking and wanted to know what it is and how it relates to blogs and websites? Blogs don’t have to be complicated. You can learn how to use them to create a credible resource and also drive traffic to your website.

• Learn what blogging is, what good blogging platforms are, and how often to blog.
• Discover how social bookmarking can help you improve your search engine optimization for your website and blog
• Come away with an understanding of good blogging behaviors that will get you subscribers and visitors to your site.
• When: March 3rd, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Book Review: Who’s got your back by Keith Ferrazzi

Once again Keith Ferrazzi reveals the value and importance of cultivating genuine relationships in order to realize success at your business and life. I read this book during a difficult period of my life and the insights and wisdom that the author provided, especially on being vulnerable helped me reach out to my network during my time of need with a clarity and honesty that showed me just how much I am valued by that community, and made me want to give back even more. That’s the real gift of Mr. Ferrazzi’s work: He shows you the value of helping others and being generous. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to cultivate better relationships.

5 out of 5

Upcoming social media webinars are coming up on Twitter, Biznik, Internet radio and much more. To learn more, click on the link.

In this book, the author spends a lot of time focused on the strategy for using Linkedin for job hunting and networking. To some degree the book is focused on technology, but the author manages to also get the reader to examine how s/he will use linkedin as well as best practices for doing so. This is an informative book, and it’s only slightly dated in the sense that Linkedin has updated a few features. However the author also keeps his blog updated with the latest information about Linkedin. This is a useful reference guide for Linkedin.

5 out of 5

Upcoming Social Media Webinars

Social Media Webinar: How do I use Linkedin for my Business?

Think Linkedin is just for job hunting? Think again! Linkedin is a dynamic site for professionals that can help you reach out and connect with them. In this class I’ll discuss how to use Linkedin for your business, as well as what strategy you need to use to make it work for you.

• Learn how to optimize your Linkedin Profile with applications and other useful features
• Discover how to use the forums, groups, and other Linkedin features as a resource for your business
• Come away with an understanding of how to use Linkedin and what the do’s and don’ts are for it.
• When: Feb 3rd, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Social Media Webinar: How do I use Twitter for my Business?

Are Tweets driving you crazy as you try to figure out how to use Twitter? Twitter is is an excellent site for keeping up to date on what other people are doing and what the latest news is in your industry. In this class I’ll discuss how to use Twitter for your business, as well as what strategy you need to use to make it work for you.

• Learn how to set up an effective Twitter profile, and use Lists and Search for your social media strategy
• Discover if your business should really be on Twitter or on other sites
• Learn about applications you can use to manage your Twitter presence.
• Come away with an understanding of how to use Twitter and what the do’s and don’ts are for it.
• When: Feb 10, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Social Media Webinar: How do I use Biznik for my Business?

Did you know that Biznik is a dynamic small business social networking site that can energize business? Biznik is the best social networking site for a small-to-mid sized busienss owner, but a lot of people aren’t sure how to use it. In this class I’ll discuss how to use Biznik for your business, as well as what strategy you need to use to make it work for you.

• Learn what Biznik is and how to create an effective profile.
• Discover how to make Biznik a resource for your business through its forums, articles, other features
• Come away with an understanding of how to use Biznik and what the do’s and don’ts are for it.
• When: Feb 17, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Social Media Webinar: Successful Social Media Behavior

Social Media isn’t just technology. Social Media is a medium of communication and conversation. But many people who us it don’t understand how to excel at social media. In this webinar I’ll discuss social media behavior and how to be successful, as well as what not to do.

• The value of following-up in social media
• How not to be a spammer, and how to recognize someone who is.
• What successful social media behavior is and how to start doing it consistently
• When: Feb 24, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Social Media Webinar: Blogs and Social Bookmarking?

Have you started a blog, but not known what to do with it, or how often you should write a blog? Have you heard of social bookmarking and wanted to know what it is and how it relates to blogs and websites? Blogs don’t have to be complicated. You can learn how to use them to create a credible resource and also drive traffic to your website.

• Learn what blogging is, what good blogging platforms are, and how often to blog.
• Discover how social bookmarking can help you improve your search engine optimization for your website and blog
• Come away with an understanding of good blogging behaviors that will get you subscribers and visitors to your site.
• When: March 3rd, 2pm to 3pm PST, 5pm to 6pm EST, From the comfort of your office or home

Cost: $45. To register, click the paypal button

Interview with Linda Cahan about visual merchandising

Book Reviews

Write the Perfect Book Proposal by Jeff Harman and Deborah Levine Herman

If you are writing a book and want to publish it you will need to write a book proposal at some point. This book explains how to write a book proposal that catches the interest of the agent or editor that you send the book proposal to. The authors methodically break down and explain each segment of the book proposal as well as what you need to do to write each section up successfully. They also provide 10 examples of successful book proposals and what made those proposals work. The authors provide commentary on each proposal. You will definitely find the book useful for understanding

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

This is a must-read book for anyone who wants to be a small business owner or is one and is frustrated by the lack of success they might be experiencing. Gerber lays out what the issues are for why business fail and also what business owners need to do to address those issues. Gerber’s suggestions are practical and very useful. The concept of systematization for a business is ultimately a very useful idea and one more businesses need to implement. This book gets you started on learning how to do that.

5 out 0f 5

Upcoming classes

Social Media Webinar: How do I use Twitter for my Business?
When: Dec 18th, Noon to 1pm PST,