Category: Monday Mash-Up

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.10.29

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, October 29, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Viewing
Five TED Talks on Leadership

“We Are All Leaders…whether we have the title or not.” So says the iMPACT blog which shares five great TED talks on leadership. I’ve viewed them all and agree with iMPACT’s recommendation.

From the MarketVolt Blog
Appreciate Your Clients Year-Round, Not Just Over the Holidays 

November and December are the “holiday season.” Here come the holiday thank you notes and gifts from grateful vendors. Maybe you’ll send them to your customers. A few years ago, I wrote this post in which I wonder why so many businesses show gratitude one time per year. Gratitude should be a year-round exercise.  
Marketing Mishap
Subway Struck the Wrong Chord with Halloween AdI was looking for examples of good Halloween-related advertising when I came across this 2014 advertisement from Subway. The gist: An attractive woman reminds her office mates that they should eat Subway’s healthy sandwiches so they can “stay in shape for all the (Halloween) costumes.” She then appears on screen in a variety of tight-fitting, “attractive, spicy, foxy” outfits. 

The ad didn’t go over so well with the twitter-sphere. Here’s an article from The Hollywood Reporter that catalogs some of the social media reactions. Subway issued a statement saying some people “may not have picked up on the intended humor.”

What do you think? Harmless humor or misogynistic body-shaming?

Either way, it’s an interesting marketing study. 
Recommended Reading
Parable About Penguins to Help You Manage Change 

I read last week an article about the rapid melting of polar ice. Unsettling news for a changing planet. 

It reminded me of one of my favorite business books which I re-read that day in one sitting (yes, it’s a short, quick read): Our Iceberg is Melting. The book is a simple fable about a group of penguins who have to adopt as the ice on which they live begins to melt. 

Of course, it’s really a book about how we humans can adopt to unsettling change. A great, easy read. Hopeful Words to Ponder

These are the final words from the book I mentioned above:

“…We never cease to be amazed at how many iceberg problems exist in our rapidly changing world. We never cease to be amazed at how difficult those problems can be to see and solve. But most of all, we never cease to be amazed at the creative ways people invent to jump ahead and develop better futures for very small groups, for very large organizations, and for themselves personally” 


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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.10.15

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, October 22, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Resource
Great Article to Help You Search More Efficiently

I search for stuff on Google roughly 8 million times a day. I didn’t realize how inefficient I was until I read this: 27 Hacks to Quickly Find Almost Anything on Google. Great article!
Great Branding Lessons
Which Brands are Most Relevant and Why? 

I’ve been reading about the “brands U.S. consumers simply can’t live without.” The Prophet Brand Relevance Index® identifies the 25 most relevant brands and the four principles of brand relevance that drive these companies. This is a fascinating, informative report. Lots of lessons here for businesses big or small. 

You can download the report here. 
Recommended Listening
NPR Show Consistently Reveals Music GemsI draw from many sources to discover great music. NPR’s All Songs Considered is my favorite. The weekly show always delivers something worth adding to a playlist. You don’t need to tune in live on your local NPR station. Add the show to your podcast queue or surf to the website to listen when you want.  
Before You Cut the Cord…
Here’s a Great Resource If You Want to Dump Cable or Satellite

Earlier this year, I got rid of my satellite service. I signed up for one of the TV-via-internet services. Same channels. $50/month cheaper! This so-called cord-cutting is great for some households, but not for all. If you’re thinking about cord-cutting — or if you’ve already done so — CordCuttersNews.com is a great resource. Here’s their Beginners Guide to Cord Cutting. Stooge Wisdom

Curly Howard, the original third guy in the Three Stooges, said was born on this day in 1903. He said this: “If at first you don’t succeed, keep sucking until you do succeed.”


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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.10.15

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, October 15, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Resource
Scan from Your Phone

I recently downloaded Scanbot — an app for iPhone or Android that allows you to use your phone’s camera to “scan” documents. Just photograph the pages you want to scan and the free app converts them to a .pdf document. Pay for the premium version ($5.99) and the app will convert the scanned document to editable text. 
Security Concerns
Should You Keep Your Car Keys in the Freezer?

I saw a post on a neighborhood message board from someone whose car was stolen. The door was locked, but there was no forced entry. She thinks the thieves used electronic trickery to break in. She shared this article that describes the threat and how to combat it.
Recommended Viewing
A Star is Born, Round 4

Last week, I saw the latest version of A Star is Born, featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. I highly recommend the movie and the soundtrack. This is the third remake of the movie. The film debuted in 1937, starring Janet Gaynor and Frederic Marsh. Judy Garland and James Mason starred in the first remake (1954).  Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson starred in the 1976 version. 

Cooper directed this latest version. He tapped Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) to be the lead music consultant for the film. Lukas appears in the film as one of the guitar players in Jackson Maine’s (played by Cooper) band. 
From the MarketVolt Blog
Be Careful Using Statistics. They Can Mislead 

From municipal crime data to email open rates, statistics can reveal important insights or be a pile of B.S. — sometimes both. Here are some stories and lessons about how statistics can mislead.  Quote I’m Pondering

Friedrich Nietzsche was born on this day in 1900. He said this: “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”


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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.10.09

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, October 8, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpVideo Quick-Tip
How to Get More of Your Emails Opened, More OftenYou want to increase your open rates? Here’s a video quick-tip we published yesterday to tell you how it’s done. Viewing time 60 seconds. 

Recommended Reading, Listening and Viewing
Program Offers Unique, Artistic Approach to Healing

I’m a big fan of SongwritingWith:Soldiers. The website describes it best: “SongwritingWith:Soldiers operates from a simple principle — pair veterans and active-duty service members with professional songwriters to craft songs about their military experiences. With a focus on collaboration and building trust, this innovative program, founded by Austin, Texas singer-songwriter Darden Smith, offers a unique path to helping soldiers, their families, communities and our nation cope with the aftermath of combat duty and the challenges in returning home.”

One of those songwriters is Mary Gauthier, who released an album of songs she co-wrote with soldiers or their family members. The album, Rifles and Rosary Beads, is heart-wrenching and brilliant. Here’s a video about it. 
Time-Saving Tip
Mastering One Keyboard Shortcuts Per Week Makes a Difference

Most of us know basic keyboard shortcuts (i.e. ctrl-C for copy). But it’s hard to keep track of the less common ones. A friend recommended that I review this list (for Windows) of shortcuts and add just one to my repertoire. I added “Win+L” — lock screen — which is something I do multiple times each day. Then one week later, I added another, then another a week after that. A little time-saving nugget each time I press the keys. Here’s a list of Apple OS shortcuts. 
Recommended Reading
The Power of Emotional Marketing

I read a great article over the weekend that discusses a study which “discovered the most successful marketing campaigns were utilizing emotional marketing that brings out the best in people as opposed to those that simply focus on the surface-level, material desires we may have.”

Excellent read. Great food for thought.

If you read it, please email me to let me know what you think. 
I’m Paying Attention to…
“The Great One” 

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky, a.k.a “The Great One,” said this: 

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”

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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.10.02

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, October 1, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Listening
HBR IdeaCast is Not Just For the C-Suite

Harvard Business Review publishes IdeaCast, a weekly podcast that offers great advice and insight for business people. You don’t have to run a business to benefit from the podcast — which covers communication, marketing, management, mindset and countless other topics that will help you in your work and life. 

Happy Birthday Yosemite
Amazing Video About a Climber Who Conquered El Capitan

On this day in 1890, Congress established Yosemite National Park. The park is a climber’s paradise. And just last week, National Geographic released an incredible 360-degree video of an amazing climbing feat. On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold became the first person to attempt and complete a free solo (no ropes, no harnesses) ascent of El Capitan, a 3,000-foot high slab of solid granite. This is a story of unsurpassed courage, dedication, preparation and focus. I’m not a rock climber, but I still draw countless lessons from this story. 
Recommended Resource
Save Big Time on Small, Tedious Tasks with Text-Fixer

I’ve added this site to the top of my bookmark list. The site contains a collection of free, helpful tools for managing text. My favorite — the tool that removes extra line breaks from text. I also like the tool that alphabetizes lists. This is a huge time-saver.  
I’m Listening to…
Otis Rush, Jr. 

He was one of the great blues artists to emerge from Chicago in the 1950s. Otis Rush, Jr. passed away on Saturday. Here is a video of him performing “I Can’t Quit You Baby.” Grateful for This…

“Maybe you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth, but like every American, you carry a deed to 635 million acres of public lands. That’s right. Even if you don’t own a house or the latest computer on the market, you own Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and many other natural treasures.”~ John Garamendi ***
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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.09.24

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, September 24, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Resource
How to Be a Better Speaker

I’ve learned so much from Fred Miller about public speaking and marketing. If you ever speak in front of a crowd, check out No Sweat Public Speaking, Fred’s website. He’s a public speaking expert who will help you develop, practice and deliver great presentations while overcoming fear. 

How Much Should You Spend? How Much Should You Charge? 

If you run a business, manage a budget or make purchasing decisions for marketing and communications, you’ve probably asked: What should I charge for my services? What should I pay for the services I need? 

We dove into those questions and offered some answers in a recent post on our blog. This will help you set the right price for your products or services and evaluate that purchase you’re considering. 

Must-See TV
St. Louis Teen Wows Judges on “The Voice”

When someone told me about a 13-year-old kid killing it in her audition on The Voice, I was skeptical. Then I watched this. It was so good, and so emotional, that I cried. Kennedy Holmes lives and goes to school not far from MarketVolt’s headquarters in St. Louis. I’m proud for our city. But I’m not sharing this with you because I’m a “homer.” I’m sharing this with you because it’s awesome!

I’m Reading About…
Chief Justice John Marshall

John Marshall was born on this day in 1755. He died in 1835 after serving 34 years as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. That is the longest tenure for any Chief Justice. In his years on the court, he redefined the role of the judiciary, shifting power from state and local courts to federal courts. He established the principle of “judicial review,” empowering federal courts to review laws and overturn them if deemed unconstitutional. Love him or hate him (there are people in both camps), Marshall was among the more important figures in shaping our nation after the Revolution. We the People…

“The people made the Constitution, and the people can unmake it. It is the creature of their will, and lives only by their will.”~ John Marshall***
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.
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.09.17

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, September 17, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Reading and Listening
Malcolm Gladwell

I think I’ve read every one of Malcolm Gladwell’s books. The Tipping Point remains my favorite. It’s a quick read, and it may change the way you look at business and your life. I highly recommend it. I also recommend Gladwell’s podcast, Revisionist History. Every week, Gladwell “will go back and reinterpret something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.” I never miss an episode. They’re all great. 

From the MarketVolt Blog
Email Practices to Avoid — Unless You Want to LOSE Subscribers

There’s a funny episode of the old Seinfeld TV show in which a rental car company doesn’t have the car Jerry reserved. Jerry notes that the company knows how to make a reservation; it just doesn’t know how to keep a reservation. 

Same goes for many businesses that know how to add someone to their email list, but they don’t know how to keep them on the list. 

I recently sent this post from the MarketVolt blog archives to someone who was losing email subscribers in droves. Good dos and don’ts for building and keeping an email list.  
I’m Listening to…
Hank Williams, Sr. 

Hank Williams lived hard and died young. He was born on this day in 1923 so today is his 95th birthday. He was only 29 when he died. But in his short time on earth, Williams recorded 35 Top-10 singles (five released posthumously) and 11 ranked number one on the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart (three posthumously). Wow!

So I’m listening to old Hank today. Here are 10 of the best…  that are on today’s playlist.More Recommended Reading
Proofreading Tips

I have to admit: I’m not a great proofreader. That’s why I was happy to find this post on the always-great Copyblogger website: 10 Modern Proofreading Tips to Catch More Avoidable Goofs I Love This Quote

I was putting the finishing touches on this email when my friend Dixie Gillaspie posted this quote on her twitter feed (so I changed gears and decided to share it with all of you this week):”Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.” ~ Harvey FiersteinAmen. Thanks @DixieDynamite for sharing this one!
***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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.09.10

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, September 10, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Reading
The Power of Full Engagement

This is another one of those books I’ve read multiple times over the years: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The book’s subtitle describes it well: “Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal.” 

From the MarketVolt Blog
How Not to Handle a Crisis

Last week, organizers cancelled the LouFest music festival three days before the event here in St. Louis. The backlash was fierce. All of us make mistakes. So I wasn’t interested in joining the backlash gang. But I chose to chime in after LouFest responded to critics. Their response is a great lesson in how NOT to respond to a crisis. 
Resources
Receiving and Sending Mobile Text Messages on Your Desktop

Ever wish that you could receive and send mobile text messages from your desktop computer? I began doing this recently with my Android/Samsung phone using a free service called MightyText (Android only). 

There’s another good option for Android phones: messages.android.com. This service works only with Android’s built-in messaging app. It won’t work with third-party apps, such as Samsung’s messaging app. 

Apple desktops have a built-in messaging sync. Here’s how to sync your iPhone messages on your Apple desktop.  

Unfortunately, it’s not so easy if you want to sync your iPhone messages with a Windows PC. There are various options for you to download/read iPhone messages. But I couldn’t find a good tool for Windows to receive and send iPhone text messages in real time. If you know of one, please let me know so I can share it in a future Mash-Up. Inspirational, Important Story
Kevin Hines and Suicide Prevention

I recently listened to a remarkable, inspiring podcast interview with Kevin Hines. In 2000, he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge…

…and survived.

How he survived is an incredible story. Fewer than 40 people (estimates vary) have survived that fall.

More than 1,600 have not. 

After he survived, Kevin devoted his life to preventing suicide. He led the fight to encourage the Golden Gate Bridge authority to raise barriers and install nets to prevent people from jumping. The authority refused until earlier this year (more on that story in the podcast).  

I share this now because today is World Suicide Prevention Day. 

You can learn more about Kevin and his work here: 

kmhinesfoundation.org/ and KevinHinesStory.com

I learned a ton about suicide prevention by listening to and reading about Kevin’s story. I encourage you to check it out. Kevin Hines Describing the Hours Before He Jumped If someone had intervened that day, things would have absolutely been different. Due to my psychosis on that day, I could not say aloud “I need help now.” Yet, I desperately wanted someone to say to me, “Are you OK? Is something wrong?” or “Can I help you?”

Had any one of the hundreds of passersby engaged with me, it would have given me permission to share my darkness, and potentially have showed me that I had the ability on that day to choose life.
***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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.08.27 copy

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, August 27, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpInformative Infographic
Why Email Marketing Should Get Personal

We say it all the time: Personalized emails (tailored messages, personalized salutations, etc.) generate far better response. Here’s proof. 

How-To…
Move On When Things Don’t Go According to PlanThanks to Mash-Up reader Sara Moffett in San Antonio for sharing this great blog post with us. When things go wrong, we often complain and wallow in misery. There’s a better approach. Myth-Buster
“Above the Fold” is a Bogus Design Concept

Many people worry too much about putting their key content “above the fold” (on the first screen) on their website and emails. It’s not necessary, according to this great article that recommends you ditch above-the-fold design. Recommended Reading
Undaunted Courage

Earlier this month, I visited the renovated museum at the Gateway Arch in my hometown, St. Louis. The visit rekindled my interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Steven Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage is the definitive history of the expedition. I’m re-reading it, 22 years after it was first published. I highly recommend it. Lots of inspiration and business lessons in these pages. More on that in future emails. Words from John McCain

“Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you.”
***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
Categories
Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.08.27

Hello: Here’s the latest edition of MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-up. We’ll kick off every week with this quick collection of tips, recommendations, observations and other interesting, valuable stuff.

– Tom 
Monday, August 6, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpInformative Infographic
Why Email Marketing Should Get Personal

We say it all the time: Personalized emails (tailored messages, personalized salutations, etc.) generate far better response. Here’s proof. 

How-To…
Move On When Things Don’t Go According to PlanThanks to Mash-Up reader Sara Moffett in San Antonio for sharing this great blog post with us. When things go wrong, we often complain and wallow in misery. There’s a better approach. Myth-Buster
“Above the Fold” is a Bogus Design Concept

Many people worry too much about putting their key content “above the fold” (on the first screen) on their website and emails. It’s not necessary, according to this great article that recommends you ditch above-the-fold design. Recommended Reading
Undaunted Courage

Earlier this month, I visited the renovated museum at the Gateway Arch in my hometown, St. Louis. The visit rekindled my interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Steven Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage is the definitive history of the expedition. I’m re-reading it, 22 years after it was first published. I highly recommend it. Lots of inspiration and business lessons in these pages. More on that in future emails. Words from John McCain

“Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you.”
***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