Category: Monday Mash-Up

Monday, March 18, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Recommended Accessory
A Safer Set of Headphones

I recently purchased a pair of Zpods bone conduction headphones (on sale now for $50), and I love them. These headphones do not have buds that you place in your ears. They have small pads that lay in front of your ear. You hear not by sound waves entering your ear canal. Rather, sound is conducted through the bones on which the sound pads lay. 

Why is this better? Since you’re not blocking your ear canal with buds, you can hear what’s happening around you. Did you hear about that guy who survived a mountain lion attack while jogging in Colorado? He said he wouldn’t have survived if he hadn’t heard a sound behind him and turned to face the lion before it pounced.

With these headphones, you can hear traffic around you while walking or riding a bike. (I don’t recommend wearing any headphones while riding a bike near traffic, but if you’re gonna do it, you might as well be safer.) 

The sound quality is surprisingly good. The headphones wrap comfortably around the ears and hold steady even when exercising.

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Recommended Reading
Customer Service Matters

Here’s a short-but-sweet article with tips from customer service expert Shep Hyken: How to Use Customer Service as a Marketing Opportunity. Excellent, common-sense tips.

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Reading and Reflecting On…
Artist Rejects “Just Shut Up and Sing”

How do you feel about celebrities who post their opinions about politics and other issues online? I follow several musical artists who air their opinions on social media. Some are well-spoken. Some less so. I agree with some. I disagree with others. I’m always struck by the hatred such posts ignite. Trolls who disagree with the opinions go crazy, telling artists to “shut up and sing,” suggesting that artists’ have no right and no authority to express their opinions on anything by music. 

One of my favorite artists Hayes Carll wrote a beautiful, thought-provoking essay that explores whether he should just shut up or speak his mind. 

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A Little History
Nike Launches an Advertising Revolution

Thirty-two years ago this week, Nike rocked the advertising world with a television spot that featured the Beatles “Revolution” as its soundtrack. It was among the first (and, at that point, most prominent of) ads with an original rock recording. Prior to that, ads were filled with original jingles or cover versions of familiar tunes. 

Debate about the ad was fierce.

Music fans debated whether artists were “selling out” if they allowed their work to be featured in ads.

No one accused The Beatles of selling out because this wasn’t their call. Michael Jackson owned the publishing rights to The Beatles catalog, and he (and Capitol Records) cut the deal with Nike.  

But as other artists hopped aboard the advertising train, the debate continued to rage. 

Today, original music in advertisements is common. But many fans and critics still accuse artists of selling out if they cash in. 

What do you think? Shoot me an email (tom@marketvolt.com) to share your opinion.  

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I like this quote…

“It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.” 

– John Ciardi, poet

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, March 18, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Recommended Reading
What Will You Do Next Time Social Media Hiccups?

Facebook and Instagram broke last week. In case you missed it… the sites were either down or malfunctioning for several hours last Wednesday. A minor inconvenience for some. A major business headache for others. 

Lots has been written since. Here’s one article I thought was especially on target: Last Week’s Facebook Outage Proves Why Email Marketing Is Still So Valuable 

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Marketing Tips
Lessons from Lightbulb Shopping

I love this article about the author’s visit to Home Depot to buy light bulbs. It’s a great lesson about how businesses overemphasize features, not benefits, when selling.  

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Health and Well Tips
Five Minutes to Wellness with Dan Fazio

Dan Fazio is a physician who focuses on helping individuals identify threats to their health and make the changes necessary to overcome those challenges. He and I are among 27 experts in a community called e4e (experts4entrepreneurs). The e4e website is loaded with useful videos to help business people grow more quickly, run more productively and live the lives they deserve. 

Several of the videos feature Dan’s “Five Minutes to Wellness” tips. I learn something every time Dan dispenses wisdom.

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Recommended Listening
Sally Jaye Nails It With This Song About Unconditional Love

If you’re a parent, if your kid has ever been suffering or been in crisis, you know the feeling… You just want your kid to be alright. It’s all that matters.

Sally Jaye’s “All I Ask For” captures this feeling beautifully. It’s a sad story. But it’s a beautiful testament to a parent’s undying, unconditional love.  

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I like this quote…

“Our worst misfortunes never happen, and most miseries lie in anticipation.” 

– Honore De Balzac, novelist

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, March 11, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Recommended Reading
Story-Telling Master Teaches How It’s Done

Story-telling matters. Whether you’re a marketer promoting a business, a sales person making a pitch, a teacher inspiring students, a parent motivating children or just one of the gang trying to entertain friends, you’ll be better if you can construct and deliver a good story. 

That’s why I recommend this book: “Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You’ll Ever Need.” Written by Margo Leitman — a comedian, winner of multiple Moth storytelling competitions, and founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade storytelling program — this book is both entertaining and practical. It’s a how-to guide for becoming a better story-teller. 

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Giving it a Try
Search Engine Promises Not to Track You 

I’ve been kicking the tires on a search engine called DuckDuckGo. Their promise: We don’t store your personal information. Ever.

The question I have: Will the search results be as helpful as Google’s or Bing’s?

With growing concerns about privacy, a tracking-free search engine could fill a niche. 

I’ll keep you posted on whether I like DuckDuckGo. 

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More Recommended Reading
BMW Driving Business with Content Marketing

Here’s an interesting article about BMW and how the car maker has shifted its website strategy to emphasize content marketing. It’s a great case-study about the power of using informative, entertaining relevant content to engage an audience.

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From the MarketVolt Blog
Garbage Data Driving Me Crazy

I recently saw an info-graphic that said email is “the rock-solid, time-and-customer-tested, marketing-approved way to keep your customers coming back for more.”

I believe in email, but this info-graphic was loaded with so much garbage it made my head spin. 

In the latest post on the MarketVolt blog, we sort through the garbage and issue this warning: Beware of misleading stats.  

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Quotable 
What’s in a Name? 

Civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy was born on this day in 1926. He said this: 

“It’s not the name they call you; it’s the name you answer to.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, March 4, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Twitter delete replies 
https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/twitters-hide-reply-feature-adds-more-control-over-the-conversations-on-your-posts

Email stats stupidity https://marketvolt.com/2019/03/beware-of-misleading-stats/



BMW doing content: https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/bmw-redesigned-its-website-for-content

https://www.business2community.com/online-marketing/5-myths-about-online-marketing-that-need-to-be-busted-02176543

Recommended Reading
Story-Telling Master Teaches How It’s Done

Story-telling matters. Whether you’re a marketer promoting a business, a sales person making a pitch, a teacher inspiring students, a parent motivating children or just one of the gang trying to entertain friends, you’ll be better if you can construct and deliver a good story. 

That’s why I recommend this book: “Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You’ll Ever Need.” Written by Margo Leitman — a comedian, winner of multiple Moth storytelling competitions, and founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade storytelling program — this book is both entertaining and practical. It’s a how-to guide for becoming a better story-teller. 

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Giving it a Try
Search Engine Promises Not to Track You 

I’ve been kicking the tires on a search engine called DuckDuckGo. Their promise: We don’t store your personal information. Ever.

The question I have: Will the search results be as helpful as Google’s or Bing’s?

With growing concerns about privacy, a tracking-free search engine could fill a niche. 

I’ll keep you posted on whether I like DuckDuckGo. 

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From the MarketVolt Blog
Stupid, Conflicting Stats Are Driving Me Crazy

I recently saw an info-graphic that claimed to prove why email is “rock-solid, time-and-customer-tested, marketing-approved way to keep your customers coming back for more.” I believe in email, but the stats in the info-graphic are confusing garbage. 

In the latest post on the MarketVolt blog, we issue this warning: Beware of misleading stats.  

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Recommended Reading
Three Human Traits that Haven’t Changed for the Last 10,000 Years

Sure, we all have different target markets. But we’re all marketing to humans. I enjoyed this article that opens with an interesting point, “By placing too much emphasis on what’s next, companies risk overlooking and undervaluing the things that remain constant.”

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The Only Thing We Have to Fear…

On this day in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first first inaugural address. Here’s the transcript and audio recording. Delivered at the height of The Great Depression, this was the speech in which FDR delivered this famous sentence:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, March 4, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Good for a Laugh
“Marketoonist” Gently Mocks AND Teaches Marketers

I recently discovered the cartoons of Tom Fishburne, a.k.a the “Marketoonist.” He makes fun of marketers — sort of how the comic strip Dilbert makes fun of office life. In so doing, the Marketoonist also reveals some underlying truths and lessons about marketing. Good, funny stuff.  

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New Business Model
Hulu Introduces Innovative New Advertising Format

Those of us in marketing and communications are constantly wondering how best to reach our target market. For businesses that have traditionally advertised on television, digital video recorders pose a challenge (consumers fast-forward through commercials). Some consumers opt-out from traditional 30- or 60-second broadcast ads altogether by subscribing to services (such as Hulu or Netflix) that don’t interrupt the show with advertisements. 

Hulu recently began to experiment with a new advertising model — display ads that appear on the screen only when the viewer pauses the broadcast. Such ads don’t interrupt the broadcast because it’s the viewer, not the advertiser, who has decided to pause the show. 

This is an interesting model — something that may become widespread in the future. Here’s an interesting article about Hulu’s experiment.     

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Website Tip
Make Your Site Secure — Even if You Don’t Conduct E-Commerce

For websites that collect credit card information, a secure socket layer (SSL) certificate has long been an essential add-on. SSL encrypts information submitted through a website so hackers can’t easily steal it. 

But now, SSL is a must-have add-on for all sites — for several reasons. Search engines like your site less (give it lower ranking) if it’s not secure. And web browsers alert visitors when your site is not secure. For example, Chrome now puts a red “caution” icon and “Not Secure” in the address bar of sites that don’t have SSL. 

Think visitors don’t care? Guess again. Here’s an article that reveals how many people have a “bad reaction” when they see the “not secure” warning. 

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Recommended Reading
Three Human Traits that Haven’t Changed for the Last 10,000 Years

Sure, we all have different target markets. But we’re all marketing to humans. I enjoyed this article that opens with an interesting point, “By placing too much emphasis on what’s next, companies risk overlooking and undervaluing the things that remain constant.”

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The Only Thing We Have to Fear…

On this day in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first first inaugural address. Here’s the transcript and audio recording. Delivered at the height of The Great Depression, this was the speech in which FDR delivered this famous sentence:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, February 25, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Recommended Reading
The Importance of Being “Human”

We live in the “information age.” When information is at everyone’s fingertips, distributing knowledge is not enough to stand out and cut through the noise. Here’s a great article about how demonstrating your humanity and building trust will help you stand out and connect with people. 

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Recommended Viewing
Seth Myers Skewers “Green Book” and Other “White Savior” Films

Green Book won the Oscar last night for best picture. I thought the move was entertaining, but I also understand and agree with some of the criticism about the film. Rather than outline the critics’ points, I’ll leave it to late night host Seth Meyer who spoofed “Green Book” and similar films with this trailer for the mock film “White Savior.”  Whether you agree with the critics or not, Meyers’ spoof is very funny. 

Did you see “Green Book?” What did you think? Your thoughts on Meyer’s spoof?              

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More Recommended Viewing
Green Book Background

For those who didn’t see the film, “Green Book” refers to the book that served as a directory of businesses that served African-Americans. For decades, African-Americans relied on the book while traveling to find places where they could stay and shop and avoid places where they were, at best, unwelcome and, at worst, flirting with danger. 

The Smithsonian Channel is broadcasting a great one-hour documentary — available for free online viewing — about the history of the Green Book. It’s very interesting history — whether or not you’ve seen the popular film. 

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Graphic Designers Critique Movie Posters

I’m not a graphic designer, but I always find it helpful and informative to hear designers critique others’ work. It offers a different perspective on what matters in marketing. 

So thank you to Mash-Up reader Lisa G. who shared this article from last week: “Which top Oscar contender had the best movie poster? Designers break down the good and the bad — and point out things you may have missed”

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Quote I’m Pondering…

George Harrison was born on this day in 1943. He said this:

“I wanted to be successful, not famous.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, February 18, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Marketing Guidance
Persuasion Lessons from Honest Abe

In honor of President’s Day, I look today to President Lincoln. He was a master story-teller and persuader. Here’s a great article from Ascend (Harvard Business Review) that explores how Abe did it — and the lessons we can draw from his masterful approach. 

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Recommended Viewing
Blind Adventurer Leads Others to Live Life With “No Barriers” 

I saw this incredible story on the morning news today about Erik Weihenmayer, a blind man who climbed Mount Everest (among other achievements). He founded a nonprofit called No Barriers that uses physical challenges to help people unleash their potential. No Barrier’s mission: “…to fully unleash the potential of the human spirit. Through transformative experiences, tools and inspiration, we help people embark on a quest to contribute their absolute best to the world. In the process, we foster a community of curious, brave and collaborative explorers who are determined to live the No Barriers Life.”

Very cool!              

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Recommend Listening/Watching
Tiny Desk Concert with Tank and the Bangas

Every year, NPR runs a contest to select one “unknown” musical act to perform a “Tiny Desk Concert.” In 2017, Tank and the Bangas from New Orleans was selected from among more than 6,000 submissions as the Tiny Desk winner. I recently saw their Tiny Desk Concert and was blown away — especially by the third song in their set. 

Here’s a link to that song, Rollercoasters. Beautiful. 

If you like this, check out the entire 23-minute concert here. 

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Business Lessons
The Story Behind Bed-in-a-Box

For whatever reason, mattress retailers promote sales around Presidents Day. It’s a tradition. 

But the traditions around the mattress industry have been transformed by companies like Casper, Tuft & Needle and Leesa that sell mattresses online and deliver them, rolled-up in a box, to homeowners. 

Bed-in-a-box is a great case-study about how a smart business model can disrupt an entrenched and flawed industry. 

Here’s an interview with Casper’s founder, and here’s an article that tells the story of how Casper disrupted the mattress industry. 

Lots of great business lessons here. 

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Quote I’m Pondering…

I found this on the front page of the No Barriers website:

“What’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, February 11, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Recommended Reading
Email Newsletters Making a Comeback 

I spotted this article in my news feed this morning. Great article about the power of email newsletters — with some great examples.  

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I’m Re-Reading
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business

Since 2007 when it was first published, this book by Gino Wickman has been among the most popular business books on the market. It’s described as a book for business leaders, but you don’t have to own or run a for-profit business to find it valuable. The book presents the the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) — a framework to help organizations set vision, organize priorities and work more efficiently.

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Recommended Viewing
“Tim’s Vermeer” is an Incredible Movie

Thanks to Tim Ferriss for mentioning “Tim’s Vermeer” in his weekly email. Penn & Teller made the film. Here’s a short synopsis by Penn Jillette:

Tim Jenison, a Texas based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: How did 17th century Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer (“Girl with a Pearl Earring”) manage to paint so photo-realistically — 150 years before the invention of photography? The epic research project Jenison embarks on to test his theory is as extraordinary as what he discovers.

This is a movie for art lovers, technology geeks or anyone who likes suspense and high drama. 

You can rent the movie on Google Play, Amazon Prime and other streaming services. 

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Listening to…
Sheryl Crow 

Before she became a music superstar, Sheryl Crow worked as a school teacher in St. Louis and lived just a few blocks from MarketVolt’s headquarters.

Today is her 57th birthday. I still count her 1993 debut “Tuesday Night Music Club” among the great albums in my collection. Here’s a cool interview with her discussing that album. And here’s the video for the opening track, “Run, Baby, Run.” 

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Quote I’m Pondering…

I like this quote from Thomas Edison, who was born on this day in 1847…

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, February 4, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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Would You Buy a Certain Beer Because It
Sounds Good When You Tap the Bottle? 

In last week’s Mash-Up, I shared a post about an ASMR performer. For those who didn’t read the post, ASMR stands for (autonomous sensory meridian response). ASMR performers take household objects — a lightbulb or plastic container or shampoo bottle or a bottle of Michelob Ultra — and then tap lightly on the object or scratch it or shake it gently or … whatever … over and over and over again. They film this routine and describe what they’re doing in a breathy whisper. 

Viewers say the videos help them relax. Some say it cures their insomnia. Still others say ASMR videos literally make them “tingle.”

The most popular ASMR videos on YouTube get millions of views. 

Millions of views means millions of viewers. Millions of viewers capture advertisers’ attention. That’s why four major brands featured ASMR in their Super Bowl ads. 

I saw one of the ads — for Michelob Ultra. I still can’t tell whether it was meant to promote or spoof ASMR (or both). 

Here’s an article about the four ads. The writer argues that the advertisers are trying to promote the ASMR-potential of their products — as if people will buy Michelob Ultra because of how it sounds!? I’m not sure about that.

I think it may be as simple as this: Millions of people — especially millennials are into ASMR. Promote a product using ASMR, and they’ll pay attention and remember. 

Take a look and let me know what you think. 

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Speaking of Super Bowl Ads… 

Here’s a question I’ve been pondering for years and an article that tries to answer: Are Super Bowl ads really worth $5 million?

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You Can’t Cash “Awareness”

Regular Mash-Up readers know I love Seth Godin. You also know I’m skeptical of people who think they’re “killing it” just because they get lots of likes on social media. 

In this great, short post, Godin explains why awareness isn’t enough. 

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Recommended Listening
Diana Nyad

When she was 28 in 1978, Olmpian Diana Nyad tried and failed to swim the 110-mile passage between Key West, FL and Cuba. She tried and failed three more times over the years.

Then, in 2013, Nyad and tried a fifth time…

…and she made it. 

110 miles. 

53 hours straight of swimming. 

Shark infested waters.

Jelly fish stings. 

She was 64. 

Incredible. 

Nyad shared her story a few months ago with Cal Fussman on his Big Questions podcast. It’s a great, inspiring interview. 

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Quote I’m Pondering…

Rosa Parks was born on this day in 1913. She said…

I don’t think well of people who are prejudiced against people because of race. The only way for prejudiced people to change is for them to decide for themselves that all human beings should be treated fairly. We can’t force them to think that way.

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom

Monday, January 28, 2019
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

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From the MarketVolt Blog
Lessons Galore After Google Bans Ads on Tingle-Inducing Videos

Just published on our blog: A post about one of the strangest businesses I’ve ever encountered — and how it put all its advertising eggs in one basket. Bad idea. Google nearly killed the business when it banned the business from the ad network. 

Read more…

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What Do You Think of This? 
Beer Giant Pre-Releases Self-Congratulatory Super Bowl Ad

Budweiser just released for early viewing its 2019 Super Bowl ad.

The ad’s soundtrack: Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind.” 

The ad’s message: I’ll let you see for yourself. 

My reaction: I’m not a fan. 

What do you think? Email me (tom@marketvolt.com) if you want to share your thoughts. 

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Short and Sweet
Great Advice to Make Your Content Reader-Friendly

ProBlogger is a great resource for content marketers — especially those who are blogging.

Here’s a great post published they published last week: How to Write Short Sentences and Paragraphs the Right Way (and Why It Matters)

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Recommended Reading
Darden Smith Explores and Inspires Creativity

Darden Smith is a singer-songwriter who has written a great book — “The Habit of Noticing: Using Creativity to Make a Life (and a Living)”

I’m halfway through and loving it. Here’s how the book is described on his website: “The (book) is a look at where he comes from, what he’s seen and heard as he tried to figure out how to get along in the world, his inspirations and influences, the importance of commitment and endurance in tough times, why you should always be yourself, and the beauty that comes from finding meaning in your work and your life.

You don’t have to know Darden Smith or his music to enjoy this book (but I recommend that you check out his music, too). 

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Wise Words
Darden Smith On Risk-Taking and Seeking Help

Just because I don’t know what I’m doing when I start
Doesn’t mean that I don’t make it happen.
I just need help.

Be willing to fail and you just might win.
We’re capable of doing, of being many things if we just say yes.
Be brave enough (or dumb enough) to try.
If you just get going, and keep your eyes open,
You’ll find the help you need.

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Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.

Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.

Tom