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The Blog - Where Business Collides with Human Nature

What is the Difference Between Marketing and Advertising?

Marketing and advertising are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Marketing and advertising are related but distinct concepts within the broader field of promoting products or services.

Topics: Marketing Advertising

Why People-Based Marketing Wins

Think of how many ads you see each day — watching TV, streaming music, playing a mobile game. Could you add them all up? Do you remember what each one was for?

In America, the average person sees 4,000 to 10,000 ads per day. Even if each ad lasted only one second, that’s hours of brand-sponsored posts and messages.

Consumers are bombarded by videos for the latest fashions and social media posts touting lavish lifestyles. The pressure to buy more has led consumers to push back against traditional marketing methods.

Today, marketers must understand their audience to reach them. Modern consumers want authentic voices and personalized recommendations. They want a brand that understands who they are and the values they represent. That’s where people-based marketing comes in.

Topics: Marketing Advertising Account Based Marketing

What (or who) Influences Research for New Marketing Technology Solutions

This particular marketing chart shows how social media accounts does little to influence decisions while peer recommendations is an important influence. 

What it does not tell you is whether the vendors use social media tools to connect and add value or instead used in traditional methods similar to broadcasting.  However, the study also demonstrates that buyers feel that vendors’ social activity can help establish a company’s credibility.

MarketingCharts.com article refers to the survey:

There appears to be demand for more marketing technology, according to the report, as more than 4 in 10 feel that their existing stack is out-of-date and insufficient."

Topics: Analytics Marketing Marketing Chart

How to do Webinars 101: Tips, Tricks & Don’ts

If your talent is "speaking and presenting" and you want to learn how to excel and implement webinars into your marketing mix, this is for you. Andrea Goodkind, Senior Marketing Manager at BrightTALK goes through the basic elements of doing webinars. Webinars are a great tool to create and nurture higher-quality leads.

Topics: Marketing Webinars

How Can I Get into the New York Times?

It's been about seven years since I sat across the dinner table from Cameron who had the honor of being invited to celebrate Gary Vaynerchuk's 300th video blog for Wine Library TV. After dinner, my new friend says to connect and follow Gary V - so I did.  

No, we are not best friends (though I do have a book Gary V signed saying: "To my new BFF") but he does remain an inspiration and resource. What you may not know is that Gary Vaynerchuk is on HubSpot's advisory board.  As a HubSpot partner and perpetual inbound marketer, I appreciate working with a company with such an advantage.

Gary V. offers advice in his recent video to help you understand how to get in the New York Times, in front of the bigger celebrities or get connected to that BIG audience.

Topics: Guerrilla Marketing Marketing Marketing Plan Inspiration

Advice for Someone With Expertise, but Afraid to Market and Sell

This topic relates to almost anyone, not just entrepreneurs. If you have a job and a quota, this can still work. Entrepreneurs have a harder time because there is no one standing over their head holding them accountable. Entrepreneurs create their own obstacles since feelings, emotions and comfort levels can have a more dramatic impact until a personal commitment and discipline takes over. 

If you or someone you know has experience, wisdom and high expertise but is afraid to market or sell their products or services, here is a bit of advice:

Topics: Guerrilla Marketing Marketing Selling Recommended Books Personal Development

The End of Sales and Marketing as We Know it [video]

Sales people are avoided, marketing departments fill a void with hype or pretty pictures and the real power of influence has moved to people in the street. As buyers gain more power with better resources and rely less on marketing messages or sales people, what is the magic bullet for growing business?

Huthwaite brought together a world-renowned team to explain the changes in the market we have today, the importance of sales and marketing alignment, and how to focus on your buyer.

Topics: Marketing Sales

PR Agencies vs Marketing Agencies

Many business owners are unaware of the difference between PR agencies and Marketing agencies. There are a number of similarities between the two, and they are usually at their best when combined as part of a wider overall strategy. Many people think it’s a case of choosing one or the other, but this couldn’t be further from the truth, they both have their benefits and can be used individually or as a pair. One of the reasons why the two are often mixed up is because PR is so misunderstood.

Topics: Marketing PR

6 Big Mistakes of Business Blogging

Blogging has become a way for small businesses to further connect and engage with their readers – and the concept has caught fire. 

A solid and well-written blog can help you in more ways than one – it can build your credibility and a more credible website will rank better in Google. However, with so many eyes on your business blog, mistakes can be detrimental.

As you write your business blog, make sure you avoid these six big mistakes of business blogging:

Topics: Business Blogging Marketing Inbound Marketing

Easy Ideas to Write Exactly What People Want to Read

 

The question about "what should I say?" remains a puzzle for many. Creating an important message makes even the most experienced professionals think in circles. 

Topics: Business Blogging Marketing Inbound Marketing Content Marketing Creativity Writing

Three Powerful Words

Three powerful words to use when marketing, getting someone's attention, and when hoping to make an impression.

"Did you know...?"  Three simple words.  You anticipate:  "No!  I did not know that! Thank you!" 

If you hear the dreaded response:  "Yes, I knew that," you may feel defeated but if you did your homework, you will have more to add. 

If you are able to use these powerful "Did you know...?" words and they unveil a truth or fact that is both relevant and previously unknown; you educate, inspire and potentially make people's day.

Topics: Statistics Marketing

The Best Interpreter Services in Seattle Can Improve Business

Hire an interpreter?  No, an interpreter or translator is not only unnecessary, it is not in the budget.  There are companies and geographic areas (especially in Seattle) where this mindset is actually harmful to business.

Topics: Marketing Business Services Communication Culture Change