November 18th, 2008
by KingSings PR LynAnn King
Social time, cocktail parties and celebration gatherings bring a relaxed element that allows personal connection to flourish. Pushing away from business agendas and the drive to get things done, takes a back seat during social gatherings. Often these kinds of interactions build warm memories and a deep loyalty. You make the guest list because you are part of the community. Do your part to assure that you are invited back! Here are some sure fire tips to guarantee your place on the “A” list.
• RSVP – Let your hostess know immediately of your plans to attend. This often gives her energetic enthusiasm when most needed. If you have a conflict, let her know ASAP. Just don’t be one of those that pick and choose the best party at the last minute, thinking that all options are open. You could very well have a permanent place on the fence or worse, the “B” guest list.
• Time – Plan to arrive close to the beginning time designated, never one minute early and never more than a few minutes late. It’s fun to watch a party unfold, plus you get the best parking and seats.
• Dress Code – As professionals, our closets are prepared, right? I personally look forward to the warmth and joy of gatherings ~ honor your hostess by looking great, as well as your date. And as my image professional, Colleen Abrie, AICI tells me, attention to grooming details shine in every personal style.
• Gifts – Stock up on fun hostess gifts. Entering with a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine or champagne is noticed and appreciated. Decorative flowering plants are favored over cut flowers these days, especially since interior color codes are so defined.
• Potlucks – In these economic times, this may be a resurging trend, plus it adds variety. If you bring a dish to share, make sure it’s beautifully plattered and ready to serve. There is nothing worse than a guest walking in and handing off the chore of displaying to the hostess, or a staff member. It just seems un-thoughtful.
• Conversation – be charming, be attentive, and be agreeable! Being a self-sufficient guest who mixes and mingles keeps you on the “A” list. Also, be sure to seek your hostess out upon arrival and exiting.
• Eating and Drinking ¬– Moderation is the key. Don’t arrive “starving” ~ eat a salad or snack before going. This will allow you to focus on people first, then the buffet table. Go easy on the alcohol for lots of reasons. Alternating with water adds to that wonderful hydration feeling.
• Know When it’s Time to Leave - Ending times are specifically chosen so the hostess can relax and not be “on” for the guests – it’s best to plan on leaving at the time set. However, if the hostess wants you to stay, she’ll let you know. If appropriate, and you’re one of the last ones, be prepared to kick off your heels, put an apron on and pitch in with the glasses.
• Thank you – Whether it’s a handwritten note, phone, text message or email, just do it. Be sure to include specifics, as generalit
November 17th, 2008
by Charlie Grimm
1. Keyword Use in Title Tag - Placing the targeted search term or phrase in the title tag of the web page’s HTML header.
2. Keyword Use in Body Text - Using the targeted search term in the visible, HTML text of the page.
3. Relationship of Body Text Content to Keywords - Topical relevance of text on the page compared to targeted keywords.
4. Keyword Use in H1 Tag - Creating an H1 tag with the targeted search term/phrase.
5. Keyword Use in Domain Name & Page URL - Including the targeted term/phrase in the registered domain name.
For Free Key Word Tools! click here
6. Link Popularity within the Site’s Internal Link Structure - Refers to the number and importance of internal links pointing to the target page
7. Quality/Relevance of Links to External Sites/Pages - Do links on the page point to high quality, topically-related pages?
8. Age of Document - Older pages may be perceived as more authoritative while newer pages may be more temporally relevant
9. Amount of Indexable Text Content - Refers to the literal quantity of visible HTML text on a page
10. Quality of the Document Content (as measured algorithmically) - Assuming search engines can use text, visual or other analysis methods to determine the validity and value of content, this metric would provide some level of rating.
Add a Link Exchange program to build your site ranking!
11. Global Link Popularity of Site - The overall link weight/authority as measured by links from any and all sites across the web (both link quality and quantity)
12. Age of Site - Not the date of original registration of the domain, but rather the launch of indexable content seen by the search engines (note that this can change if a domain switches ownership)
13. Topical Relevance of Inbound Links to Site - The subject-specific relationship between the sites/pages linking to the target page and the target keyword
14. Link Popularity of Site in Topical Community - The link weight/authority of the target website amongst its topical peers in the online world
15. Rate of New Inbound Links to Site - The frequency and timing of external sites linking in to the given domain.
16. Anchor Text of Inbound Link.
17. Global Link Popularity of Linking Site.
18. Topical Relationship of Linking Page.
19. Link Popularity of Site in Topical Community - The link weight/authority of the target website amongst its topical peers in the online world.
20. Age of Link.
These are just a few suggestions that will help add value and build a stronger internet presence for your website. For more information on building a complete internet marketing program for your company you can visit QuestWright.com - click here.
Ref: Jon Bergan
November 12th, 2008
by Pound Dog Copywriting
We’re closing in on the holiday season, and with it, the age-old question for business owners: should we give our loyal clients a gift? Or is it enough that we do our very best, charge a reasonable price, and meet their deadlines?
I’ve given some gifts in the past; usually I send a generic holiday card. This year, it seems almost anti-American to give a big gift when so many people are hurting.
After mulling it over, I think I will give a monetary gift to a favorite charity in my clients’ name. (No, not like George in “Seinfeld” — I’ll pick a REAL charity!). I was considering either a manatee “adoption” or a gift to Second Harvest.
Let me know your holiday plans regarding your clients — maybe there’s a better idea out there we can all use.
Be well, stay safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Wendy
October 29th, 2008
by Pound Dog Copywriting
I recently had to turn down a project with a new client because of a sudden shift in schedule and workload from prior commitment. The last thing I wanted to do was to make a promise I couldn’t keep to either the new client or my current clients. So I gracefully bowed out of the project, and the client did find another qualified writer.
As business owners and freelancers, it’s hard for us to turn down work. Besides the obvious benefits of getting paid, we don’t want to get a reputation for being difficult. Playing hard to get may be fine in the dating game, but it’s not a winner in the business world.
However, you also don’t want to get a reputation as someone who can’t meet a deadline. In more than 20 years of freelance writing, the only deadline I ever missed was due to Hurricane Charley in 2006. But let’s face it: I’m not the same person I was when I started in copywriting. I have a family, we homeschool, my husband travels for business, and there are only so many hours in a day. I want to make sure that the quality of my work doesn’t suffer, and that clients are kept waiting for a delay that they didn’t cause.
Sometimes it’s best to say “thanks but no thanks” to a project that you know you can’t successfully complete. While you lose out on an invoice in the short term, you potentially gain a loyal client down the road.
Be well, do your best, and remember to vote!
Wendy
October 28th, 2008
by Pound Dog Copywriting
Hello to my new friends at Blogwright! I’m looking forward to posting and sharing about marketing, advertising, community, and just life in general — you know, the stuff that goes on in-between projects. Until next time, be well.
Wendy
