Biz Growth Express - September 10, 2007

This Week: Profitable Podcasting, Inspring Workplaces, Personal Branding and Creating Your Media Database

Missed a previous edition? Access past copies of ‘Biz Growth Express’ here

IN THIS WEEK’S ‘BIZ GROWTH EXPRESS’     ISSN   1649-8127

Hi Brand Builders! 

Welcome to all our new members of the BIZ GROWTH COMMUNITY who joined us this week. We do hope you enjoy our weekly ezine bringing you strategies and tips to bring your corporate brand, your employer brand and your personal brand to life so that you can build your reputation in the media, with business partners, clients and colleagues.

Well I have to admit I am not quite back into the groove as this last week has been rather hectic with changing schedules for the children at school and new routines to get used to.

I am sure in another week we will be a bit more organised in our household once we have become familiar with our new timetable! And as for catching up with email, I am glad I did spend some time downloading emails when on vacation otherwise I would still be looking at my email inbox almost a week after returning home.

This month is hectic with speaking events, conferences and teleseminars schedules – I do hope you will be able to join me at some of them, especially the PASSION FOR PRODUCTS MASTER CLASS TELESEMINAR SERIES starting on the 24 September and PODCAMP IRELAND taking place on the 29 September – especially as both events are f*ree. You will find all the details in the “Brand Building and Marketing Live Events” section of the newsletter.

As you know, our goal is your success, providing you with strategies, inspiration and tips that you can adapt, adopt and apply to expand your professional and personal success with less stress.

I hope you enjoy this week’s edition of ‘BIZ GROWTH EXPRESS’. So until next week – have a great brand building week.

Here’s to bringing YOUR brand to life!

Best wishes

Krishna

FEATURED ARTICLE: 7 RULES FOR PROFITABLE PODCASTING

So you are thinking about launching a podcast to connect to prospects and attract new clients. But how do you make sure that you deliver content that will be relevant and seen as of value?

Here are 7 rules of podcasting to generate more leads, more clients and more profits:

1. RESEARCH YOUR MARKET

Review other podcasts in your niche and providing content for your target market. What appeals to you about the structure of the podcast and the content that you know your listeners would find compelling? What ideas does that give you for your podcast so that you will be differentiated from your competition?

2. DETERMINE YOUR REVENUE MODEL

Are you going to offer all of your podcast available at no cost; or perhaps you plan to provide a shorter version for no cost and make the extended version available as an information product that you sell as individual recordings or bundle together in a membership community? Determining your revenue model is an important early step when determining a profitable podcast strategy.

3. KEEP YOUR CALL TO ACTIONS SIMPLE

If you decide to promote your programmes, products and services in your podcast make sure that you provide compelling and valuable content in your podcast which then will entice your listeners to purchase your information product.

Making the content too much of a sales pitch will make sure that your podcast community will not grow.

4. MAKE YOUR PODCAST EASY TO ACCESS

With the majority of people accessing podcasts through websites and blogs rather than iTunes, make it easy for people to either stream the podcast and listen to it with at their PC or download it to their computer.

5. ENCOURAGE FEEDBACK

Make it easy for your listeners to get engaged with your podcast. This may be by leaving messages on an audio line, posting their feedback at your podcast site, joining your podcast Facebook group or even dropping you an email.

Take time in each show to refer to your listeners messages, answer their questions and thank them for being part of your community.

6. FIND A GREAT TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

If you want to learn the ins and outs of podcasting, then seek out a great programme which will help you get off the ground faster than searching out all the resources yourself.

Alternatively, find a technology partner who will manage the recording, editing and publishing of your podcast so that you only have to focus on the recording schedule and content.

7. PROMOTE YOUR PODCAST

Make sure that you let people know you produce a podcast and what they can look forward to in the content. Use traditional and new media outlets along side word of mouth strategies online and offline to promote your podcast. Then track your subscribers through tools such as Feedburner and enjoy seeing your podcast community grow.

THIS WEEK’S ‘BIZ GROWTH’ ACTION STEPS

Podcasting is a great way to deliver valuable content to your ideal clients, employees and other stakeholders and business partners.

Consider how you can include podcasts in your marketing and communications plan then

Remember that just like article marketing where you can re-purpose your articles into other information products, your podcasts could help generate interest in your products and services, can be re-purposed into a live event, be transcribed to become chapters of your book or repacked into a CD home study programme if you leverage them appropriately.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

If you want to discover how to create your own information product empire from white papers to audio programmes, join me for the “PASSION FOR PRODUCTS” series of teleseminars starting on September 24, 2007. Register to attend the series today.

And why not join me on Kilkenny on the 29 September 2007 if you want to learn more about podcasting, blogging and new media at the free non-conference? Register today.

© Krishna De, 2007. All rights reserved. This article is extracted from Krishna’s home study programme “Marketing On A Shoestring Budget”.

EMPLOYER BRANDING INSIGHT OF THE WEEK:’DOES YOUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYER BRAND?’

When was the last time you took a look around the environment you and your team are working in?

On the one hand we want to inspire great performance in our people, yet perhaps we are surrounded by a working environment that leaves us feeling flat?

Just last week I was in the head office of a major corporation and while the building itself was far from modern, what let the company down was the grubby and drab reception area with little around that brought to life what their business was all about.

If I was uninspired as a visitor, how must their people feel walking into that building every day?

Your employer brand is expressed through every connection you make with your employees, stakeholders and potential employees including the working environment in which you operate.

When was the last time you walked through your workplace looking through the eyes of a potential employee or customer? Here are five questions for you to consider about your working environment:

1. What do you see when you approach your building?

2. What sights greet you in reception?

3. What impression would you leave with a new employee if they were to see your work station?

4. When was the last time you really took a close look at the meeting facilities in your building where your people congregate for internal meetings and with visitors?

5. Does your working environment invoke pride in you or does it leave a lot to be desired?

How we care for our working environment says a lot for how we respect ourselves and our colleagues who we work with.

Our employer brand comes to life through everything we do, yet so often I have heard business leaders say they can not afford to invest in the environment they ask their employees to work in. My response is always – can they afford not to? And if this was their home would they find the standards of the environment acceptable?

It doesn’t always take a significant investment for you to make your workplace smarter and one that instils a sense of pride. Aside from making your working environment clean, tidy and reflecting the products and services you offer, how else can you brighten up your office?

If you do not have frequently changing brand campaigns with posters and marketing materials you can use in the office, find alternative ways to bring your brand to life in the environments you work in.

For example, some years ago we came to an arrangement with some up and coming artists so that they could use our walls in the corporate office I was working in to show case their work. As a result, our people had something fresh and exciting to look at no cost and the artists had people who were excited to see their work and also enjoyed some new commissions.

THIS WEEK’S EMPLOYER BRAND INSIGHTS

Take 30 minutes this week to walk the floors in your business from outside the building right through all the corridors and offices.

Put yourself in the shoes of someone just coming to your business for the first time and ask yourself the five questions detailed in this weeks article.

If you are looking for assistance in developing a compelling employer brand on-line and off-line, you can hear me speak on this subject at the forthcoming HR Ireland Conference taking place in Cork on 25 and 26 September 2008 – and if you can not attend the conference, you can contact me at connect(at)oneoceangroup.com if you have a question about how to bring your employer brand to life or post your question online.

© Krishna De, 2007. All rights reserved. This article is extracted from Krishna’s publication “Bringing Your Employer Brand To Life – A guide to attracting, inspiring and retaining great talent”.

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP OF THE WEEK: 7 SIMPLE STEPS TO NURTURE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Building your reputation and your personal brand today is a life long journey. I do encourage you to dismiss anything you read about ‘creating your personal brand’ as that is not authentic and you already have a personal brand.

The question for you to address is whether what you are known for and what comes to peoples minds when they think about you or talk about you to others is what you want it to be? Will support your career success?

Here are seven actions you can take today to further nurture your personal brand and build your reputation as the person to know:

1. CREATE YOUR CAREER STRATEGY

Many of us spend more time planning our vacations than planning our future success. Consider your career in the context of you being the CEO and appointing a board of directors to support you – perhaps your mentor, a colleague and your career coach.

Take time out to develop a career strategy just as you would develop a business strategy. Document your strategy and use it to establish your game plan for your future career success.

2. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

Get clear about your strengths and talents and ensure hat you put your strengths to work each and every day. Make sure that you nurture your strengths through further study, learning and most importantly applying your strengths in projects and assignments you are appointed to.

3. NURTURE YOUR NETWORK

Remember your network is for life and can often be evaluated as your net-worth. Building your network at the time that you are looking for a new project or assignment is too late. Take time to create your personal success team through nurturing your network.

4. GET BRANDED BUSINESS CARDS
When was the last time you reviewed your business cards? How unprofessional do you think it looks when someone either does not have a business card with them or before they hand one over to you they cross out their details and change them with a pen then apologise for the fact they are waiting for new cards?

Make sure that you never run out of business cards asnd that they are up to date. If you are between positions, invest in getting some personal business cards created.

5. POLISH YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE

Remember that you written personal profile or curriculum vitae is the equivalent of your marketing brochure. Make sure that you spend time updating it to that it is current and is on-brand reflecting your expertise, your strengths and your achievements.

6. CREATE YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE ONLINE

With the increasing numbers of people searching the web to research our background before they meet us, do not leave being found to chance. As a minimum, make sure that you can be found on the first page of the search engines and you can do this with the great online tool, Ziggs.com – make sure that you register for the premium service which will guarantee your name will be at the tope of the search engines.

7. KEEP FOCUSED ON SUCCESS

Every day we have many opportunities that present themselves, sometimes in conflict with each other. At the end of the day our personal brand reflects our personal reputation. Learn how to set goals that are stretching, inspiring and achievable. Be intentional about your success and ensure that you deliver against the promises you set.

THIS WEEK’S PERSONAL BRAND ACTION STEPS

Review how you are currently performing against the seven point action plan above. What areas do your need to work on and who can assist you?

Making sure that you implement these seven steps is a great way to begin to nurture your personal brand.

If you have a question about how to build your personal brand for professional and career success, do drop me an email and I will answer your questions in a future article or post your question online.

And together we will bring YOUR personal brand to life so you enjoy the career success you desire and deserve.

© Krishna De, 2007. All rights reserved. This article is extracted from Krishna’s publication “The New Rules of Career Management”.

MEDIA MAGNETISM: CREATING YOUR MEDIA DATABASE

So you have your data base of clients and prospects which you nurture and develop over time. But have you as valuable a list of your media contacts?
 
Your media list is a critical part of your business development toolkit and includes contacts in traditional and new media – people who can assist you in extending your reach and with whom you develop relationships over time so that when you have a media release ready about your new product, service or even book, you have a community of people you can connect with.
 
Think of it this way – if you were in public relations, your media database would be the life blood of your business.
 
So what details should you keep in your media database? Here are the 12 data fields you should retain about each of your media contacts:
 
1. Name
 
2. Who they work for – including if they are on staff or are freelance
 
3. Their work address

4. Their business email address

5. Their business or personal blog url
 
6. Their landline and mobile number

7. Their field of interest and expertise

8. Details of any personal projects they are involved in – for example one journalist I know has a private art gallery and really appreciates it when I refer people to him
 
9.  Notes on how they like to receive information
 
10. A record of what you have spoken to them about and details of when you were featured in their article or show
 
11. Who referred you to them or how you connected originally
 
12. Mutual business contacts, hobbies and interests.

Make sure that you retain details of any projects you speak to you media contact about including the dates when you last connected and the outcome of that connection.
 
Your media contacts should include reporters, editors, radio and TV researchers, publicists, and even ‘A list’ bloggers and podcasters as our media connections today can and should cross traditional and social media.
 
You can build you list of media contacts by reviewing newspapers and journals which are read by your target audience, researching radio and TV stations, online publications and using Google news alerts.

Remember that your media database should be a living document, as in today’s fast changing world of the media, many of the key points of contact are often working on a freelance basis and move from one media outlet or project to another.
 
Your relationship with one person in the media can also impact the chances of you working with other contacts. For example, if you demonstrate that you are not a great radio guest on one show, you can be sure that the show host or researcher will let other people in their industry know to give you a wide steer.
 
Do not forget the number one rule of networking applies to the media too, not just your business contacts. Be generous in your support to help your media contacts do their job and they will help you too. Make sure that they know you can connect them to your personal network when they have a story that has to go to press quickly or they need a spokes person on a specific subject?
 
Get yourself known as a connector and you can be sure that your media contacts will help you connect to great media opportunities too.
 
© Krishna De, 2007. All rights reserved. This article is extracted from Krishna’s publication “How To Be A Media Magnet”.

A PASSION FOR PRODUCTS: REGISTER FOR THE FREE TELESEMINAR SERIES

Are you finding it challenging to create new leads to your professional services practice?

Would you like to serve more clients and create more profits but in less time?

Well this really is possible – providing you create your own signature information products empire.

If you have been a member of the BIZ GROWTH COMMUNITY for some time, you will know this is a subject I often write about.

Over the last two years I have trained over 500 business leaders from right across the globe in how to create and market their information products. Perhaps you came to know me because of registering to subscribe to or invest in one of my information products?

Over twelve months ago, I began to notice that here in Europe we are way behind our colleagues in the US and Canada. In fact less than 3 percent of professional services firms are employing a strategy of creating new streams of revenue in their practice through information products.

So that is how the “PASSION FOR PRODUCTS” programme came to life and last fall I ran a number of workshops in Ireland sharing my blue print for creating an information product empire.

Well the “PASSION FOR PRODUCTS” programme will be held live again this fall in Dublin and as a preview to the programme I am hosting a “PASSION FOR PRODUCTS”  free teleseminar series where you will discover what it takes to turn what you know into cash flow faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

I recommend that you register soon as I know this series will fill up fast. The sessions take place over four sessions beginning on Monday September 24 at 6pm (10 am PT/1pm ET).

Remember, this series is FREE, however you must be registered to join the calls and get access to the information. Access to the recordings of the calls will be provided to everyone who attends the two day live event which will be taking place in November and for a small investment if you are not able to join us.

Access more information and register for the “PASSION FOR PRODUCTS”  free teleseminar series today.

BIZ GROWTH TELECONFERENCE – 17 SEPTEMBER 2007
SUBJECT : HOW TO EXPAND YOUR REACH WITH GLOBAL TELESUMMITS

Guest Expert: Mike Jaffe, coach and virtual conference organiser

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to hold a virtual conference?

Some of the benefits of global telesummits include no more organising of venues; reduced overheads and more profits; attendees able to attend from across the globe;  creating joint venture opportunities with speakers from different continents.

Increasingly global telesummits are being used by companies to extend their reach and attract more clients.

But what are the systems and processes we need to have in place if we want to ensure we host a professional conference? What are the pitfalls we need to avoid?

These are just some of the questions I will be discussing with Mike Jaffe who organises global telesummits at our September ‘Biz Growth Live’ teleseminars.

So if you want to discover the strategies I have employed, be sure to join me on the 17 September at 1pm ET/6pm Ireland and the UK.

If you have questions about how to organise and lead a successful global telesummit, you can post your questions before the call.

MARKETING QUICK TIP: MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITH ARTICLES

You have no doubt read about the power of writing articles and perhaps you joined me for the seminar we did where covered the basics in article writing and marketing.

Well just in case you missed it on the ‘Todays Women In Business’ blog this week, if your target market is women, you might be interested in an opportunity to have your article published in the new ‘Women’s Online Magazine’.

The submission deadline is the 15 September 2007 and you can find the details here

Do remember to subscribe to ‘Todays Women in Business’ so you keep up to date with all the articles and podcasts there.

PRODUCTIVITY RESOURCES: 32 NO COST AND LOW COST ONLINE APPLICATIONS

While I was away on vacation, Marie Boran, a journalist with the Irish Independent contact me for an interview about which online applications I use to enhance the productivity in my business and that of my clients.

I was really surprised when I realised that I used no less than 32 different online applications on a very regular basis for lead generation, project management, client support and profit generation.

You can access a full list of the no cost and low cost online applications I use and recommend here.

You can read Marie’s article in Silicon Republic here.

BRANDING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PODCASTS

As you know, here at Oneocean, we are all about building brands, from your corporate brand to attract great clients, to your employer brand to attract and retain great talent, to your personal leadership brand to build your personal reputation as an expert in your field and expand your professional success.

You can access our no-cost podcasts to help you on your journey to success.

FEATURED PODCAST: YOUR BLOGGING AND PODCASTING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

This week’s audio show is from my Web 2.0 series at THE PODCAST SISTERS, where I answer our listener questions on spam blogging, downloading podcasts and unconferences.

BRAND BUILDING AND MARKETING LIVE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS IN SECOND LIFE – 13 SEPTEMBER, CORK, IRELAND

The Digital Media Forum, in association with eircom, are holding a F*REE evening seminar at The Clarion Hotel, Cork – please note registration is required.

WRITING WINNING BUSINESS PROPOSALS – 22 SEPTEMBER 2007, DUBLIN, IRELAND

In this interactive workshop you’ll discover the secrets of writing high impact proposals so that you turn more tenders and proposals into profit for your practice. This is a morning workshop run by the Independent Consultants and Advisors Group (a special interest group of the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisors in Ireland). This is a great group and yes I am a member.

BARCAMP GALWAY – 22 SEPTEMBER 2007

You have heard me talk about BarCamp’s previously – no-cost conferences for people interested in sharing ideas and their passion about technology. If you are in the West of Ireland you might want to head on over to the first ever BarCamp Galway.

HRIRELAND CONFERENCE – 25-26 SEPTEMBER 2007, CORK, IRELAND

If you are looking to attract, retain and inspire great people, don’t miss this conference. I will be speaking on the subject of ‘Bringing Your Employer Brand To Life’.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS IN SECOND LIFE – 25-26 SEPTEMBER 2007, LONDON, UK

Did you know that of the Second Life world’s 6 million residents, 61% are European and the average age of Second Life residents is 32 years of age?

Increasingly companies are using the Second Life world to connect and engage with their consumers and potential customers both to build their brand, hold live events and for research. And with $7million traded between residents per month, these companies are making real money out of virtual purchases.

If you are interested in knowing how you can build your business in Second Life, you might want to attend a conference all about Second Life and business which takes place on the 25 and 26 September in London.

PODCAMP IRELAND – 29 SEPTEMBER 2007, KILKENNY, IRELAND

The first ever PodCamp in Ireland is taking place in Kilkenny where you will be able to learn all about social media from blogs to podcasts and beyond. It is sure to be a great event and it if f*ree to attend. For more details go to:

MOMFERENCE – 1-6 OCTOBER 2007, VIRTUAL SEMINAR

If you are a mother, mom or mum and want to explore leading edge thinking on the subjects of  relationships, parenting, career, home, wellness and self-care, you will want to check out the forthcoming virtual conference which has been created just for you and is being hosted by Mike Jaffe, our September “BIZ GROWTH LIVE” guest expert.
 
PERSONAL BRANDING GLOBAL TELESUMMIT – 8 NOVEMBER 2007

Shh… don’t tell any one I told you, but you just HAVE TO HOLD THE DATE for what is going to be an incredible event. I’m chairing the organising of this event where we will be bringing you the leaders in personal branding expertise from around the world.

Watch out in future newsletters for more information, but for now hold the date. I promise this will be incredible and an event not to be missed. We already have some amazing speakers lined up for this event.

PASSION FOR PRODUCTS LIVE WORKSHOP – 14 AND 15 NOVEMBER 2007, DUBLIN

Hold the date if you want to discover how to turn what you know into new leads, more clients and more profit. Join me for the f*ree teleseminar series which starts on September 24 2007 and is a preview for this event. Register for the teleseminars series today.

Wishing you continued success, so until next week.

Best wishes,

Krishna De

Bringing YOUR brand to life!
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©Krishna De, Oneocean Ltd 2007.  All rights reserved. Reprinted from ‘BIZ GROWTH EXPRESS’, a Oneocean Ltd publication for leaders in professional services practices. If you would like to access more articles just like this and enjoy access to teleseminars where you will discover how bring to life your corporate brand, your employer brand and your personal leadership brand, so that you can build your reputation in the media, with business partners, clients and colleagues, then subscribe today at http://www.bizgrowthlive.com

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