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Monday Mashup 2018.07.02

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, July 2, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Resource
A Great, Free Screen Capture Application

I recently discovered Recordit, a free tool (Windows or Mac) for creating screen capture videos. Here at MarketVolt, we use Camtasia for sales and training videos. But that software and its license fee may be overkill for many of you. Recordit is a great way to get started with video screen capture for quick demos or how-to videos. It’s July 2. Happy Birthday, AmericaThat’s not a typo. On July SECOND, 1776 The Second Continental Congress declared its independence from Great Britain by passing an 80-word resolution that said, “…all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

After the resolution passed, John Adams declared, “The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” Of course, Adams was wrong.

A couple of days later, Congress went a step further, adopting the Declaration of Independence (1,325 words) which was, in effect, a legal document designed to justify independence.

Here’s a quick TEDed video that reveals a few things you might not know about that fateful week in July 1776.
I’m Listening to…
The Greatest “Americana” Album Ever(?)

Speaking of the Americans and the British… 50 years ago while the “British Invasion” (Beatles, etc.) was in full swing, a band called The Band released its first album, “Music from Big Pink.” Here’s a link to listen on Spotify (you can join and listen for free). No one was calling it “Americana” music then. But 50 years later, this may be the greatest album in that genre.

Ideas Worth Sharing…
Link-Worthy Content

Here’s a great blog post for anyone searching for content ideas for email, blogs or other online media: “5 Powerful Types (And Examples) of Link-Worthy Content.” Wise Words from Thurgood Marshall

Marshall, the first African-American justice on the US Supreme Court was born 110 years ago today. He said:

“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
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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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.06.25

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.06.18

Monday, June 18, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

I’m Reading…
An Excellent Article About the Benefits of Email Marketing

Last week, I found this great article on MarketingLand.com that describes email marketing as “oft-overlooked backbone of successful content marketing & SEO.”

Recommended Resource…
Bananatag Email Tracking

Email marketers know the value of tracking who opens or clicks links in their bulk emails. Many people assume open- and link-tracking is not possible with one-to-one emails sent through Gmail, Outlook or other email clients. But it is possible with Bananatag. The free version allows you to track five emails per day. That’s a good way to get started with the tool. For $10/month, you can track up to 100 emails per day.

This won’t replace email marketing services that are designed for sending bulk emails. But it’s a great way to track one-to-one sales or support emails.

I’m Listening To…
Paul McCartney Solo Songs

Paul McCartney celebrates his 76th birthday today. He was only 27(!) when The Beatles broke up in 1969. He’s been on his own for 49 years. Here’s Rolling Stone magazine’s list of Paul McCartney’s 40 Greatest Solo Songs. I’m going to spend the day listening.

I Recommend…
Documentary About Mr. Rogers

I was three years old when Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood made its national debut in 1968. The show was must-see-TV in my house. A new documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, tells the story of Fred Rogers and his television show. I saw it last night and loved it.

Long before we heard the term “personal intelligence,” Rogers was teaching us about the importance of kindness and caring and open-mindedness and empathy. These were great lessons for children, and they’re important lessons today.

Wise Words from Mr. Rogers

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
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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.

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.06.11

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date June 11, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.06.11

Monday, June 11, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

I’m Reading…
Great Taglines

I found this article in my news feed this morning:

13 Unique and Inspiring Tagline Examples From Different Industries.

Some great examples, along with some excellent tips for coming up with a tagline that works for your business.

After reading the article, please reply to this email and let me know which tagline(s) you liked and which you didn’t.

I’m Watching…
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Students Ask “How About Love?”

Last night, four months after the shooting at their school, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took the stage at the Tony Awards and performed “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent.

Here’s the video. This was a tear-jerker.

Net Neutrality is No More. What it Means for You

Today is the day that “net neutrality” officially ends. Net neutrality was a federal regulation that required Internet service providers (ISPs) to give consumers access to online content on an equal basis, without favoring some sources or blocking others. The Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal net neutrality in December, effective today.

Here’s a good summary of what this means for you.

Ending the Stigma Around Mental Illness

After Kate Spade committed suicide last week, I read that she kept her mental illness a secret because she feared the revelation might damage her fashion brand.

That’s not surprising. Our society stigmatizes mental illness and treats it as something to be ashamed of. Whether we realize it or not, we all have friends, relatives or coworkers who suffer in silence with mental illness.

The silence has to end. Its a matter of life and death.

Actress Glenn Close, who has a sister who struggles with bipolar disorder, co-founded a nonprofit called “Bring Change to Mind.” The mission: End the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

I have learned so much by spending time on this site. Please check it out.

Wise Words from FDR

I went to Washington, D.C. last month and visited the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Several great quotes carved in stone at the memorial. My favorite…

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.”
***

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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup 2018.07.09

Monday, July 9, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-UpRecommended Resource
A Simple, Powerful Tool for Creating Mockups

I’ve been kicking the tires on MockFlow. So far, so good. It’s a great tool for creating mockups for websites, email templates and other marketing pieces. The free version is a great way to start. Paid versions remove usage limits and add features. The Birth of “Fight Song”A few weeks ago, I highlighted my favorite podcast, Cal Fussman’s “Big Questions.”

In a recent episode, Cal interviewed Rachel Platten, the singer who wrote and recorded the mega-hit “Fight Song.”

The story of her career and the creation of that song is great. Dedication. Perseverance. Passion. Love. Faith.

After listening to it, I immediately shared the link with my children and my wife.

Now I share it with you: Click here to hear Rachel Platten’s inspiring story.

Resource for Music Lovers and Hunters
Music Map Reveals Related Artists You Might Like

If you like Rachel Platten, click here. That will take you to Music-Map.com, a site that reveals “related artists” in a simple, quick, visually-informative format. Enter the name of any musical artist and Music-Map will reveal similar artists whom you may want to discover.
I’m Re-Watching
The Greatest Tennis Match Ever?

On this day 141 years ago, The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club began its first tennis tournament at Wimbledon, outside of London.

That bit of history prompted me to watch highlights from the Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe Wimbledon final in 1980. This was the greatest tennis match I ever watched.

The great tennis players fascinate me. So much to learn and to emulate from their success. I’m not talking about McEnroe’s temper tantrums and juvenile fits. I’m talking about their training routines, on-court rituals and other practices. Next week, I’ll share a book that gets into this further. Wise Words from Bjorn Borg

“If you’re afraid of losing, then you daren’t win.”
***

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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.06.04

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date June 3, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.06.04

Monday, June 4, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

I’m Watching…
Two Great, Inspiring Movies…

Seventy-eight years ago today, the British completed the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” saving 338,226 allied troops who were about to be pushed into the sea by Nazis advancing in France. The rescue flotilla was comprised of more than 800 vessels including private fishing boats and pleasure craft operated by brave civilians.

Two recent movies tell the story: “Dunkirk” and “Churchill.” I highly recommend both films.

I’m Listening To…
Great Reporting from Coal Country

Beginning in early 2017, NPR sent a team of reporters to Appalachian coal country. The result: A series of in-depth reports broadcast as part of the Embedded podcast. Fascinating, informative, surprising coverage of a fascinating and important issue.

I’m Also Listening To…
Seth Godin’s New Podcast

I love Seth Godin. For those who don’t know him, here’s a short bio from his podcast site:SETH GODIN is the author of 18 books that have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything. You might be familiar with his books Linchpin, Tribes, The Dip and Purple Cow.His new podcast, launched in February, is called Akimbo, and it’s great. Search and subscribe using your favorite podcast app or go here to play episodes through your browser.

Speaking of Seth Godin
From MakretVolt’s Blog Archive: Why Email Works

In a 2015 interview, Godin explained why he prefers email marketing to keep in touch with his followers. We summarize the key points from that interview in this blog post which is as pertinent today as it was three years ago.

Two Quotes from Winston Churchill

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
***

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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.21

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date May 20, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.21

Monday, May 21, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

New to the Podcast Thing? Some Quick Tips…

Podcasts are a great way to fill your phone with great listening content. I listen to podcasts that introduce me to new music, share marketing tips, feature fascinating interviews with fascinating people, analyze the day’s or week’s news and so forth. Many of my favorite radio shows are archived for on-demand replay as podcasts.

To get started, you need a podcast app on your phone. I use one called BeyondPod (Android-only). Here’s a good article that recommends that app and others. These apps allow you to search for podcasts that would interest you, subscribe to them (for free), download episodes automatically for offline listening, and play them back when you wish.

If you don’t want to fuss with podcast apps for mobile devices, you can listen to many podcasts by visiting their websites and playing the audio files embedded there.

I’m Listening To…

Big Questions with Cal Fussman. This has become my favorite podcast. Fussman is a writer, most famous for his “What I’ve Learned” columns in Esquire magazine, featuring interviews with (among others) Mikhail Gorbachev, Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Walters and Muhammad Ali.

He’s one of the finest interviewers and writers around.

The podcasts are fascinating sessions with fascinating people.

Speaking of Fascinating People…

This may sound kind of morbid, but I love to read obits in the New York Times. They’re well-written stories about fascinating people who made their mark.

Recently The Times admitted a long-running mistake — they tended to overlook in their obits section women who deserved recognition. So beginning in March, the Times launched an ongoing series with after-the-fact obits to honor deserving women who weren’t featured at the time of their deaths.

I recommend the entire collection, but I especially recommend the one about Henrietta Lacks.

Quotable
Southwest Airlines Herb Kelleher on Treating Employees Well

“If the employees come first, then they’re happy. A motivated employee treats the customer well. The customer is happy so they keep coming back…”

Amen, Herb!

My son flew yesterday from Denver to Seattle on United Airlines. I wanted to book him on Southwest, but the schedule didn’t work so I settled for United. Big mistake!

An unhappy, disgruntled, overworked employee (she made it clear how much she was NOT enjoying her day), took it out on my son and ruined his experience.

That seems to happen frequently on the big airlines — United, American, Delta. But on Southwest, I consistently encounter friendly, motivated employees who treat customers well. That’s why I keep coming back to Southwest, and that’s why I’m kicking myself for making my son suffer through this nonsense with United.

Good Deeds and Compassion Following Houston Tragedies

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt announced on Friday that he will pay for the funerals of the 10 people killed in the school shooting. This comes after he launched a fundraising campaign that brought in more than $37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Very cool. A bright light at a dark time.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

***

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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.14

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date May 13, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.14

Monday, May 14, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

Grateful to Serve

I started jury duty in the City of St. Louis, Missouri this morning. Lots of grumbling among my fellow citizens as we stood in line to check in. So it goes when you’re summoned away from your job or your leisure time or whatever it is you’d rather be doing. I have to admit, I’ve had my moments when I’ve grumbled. But then I remind myself…

We are lucky to be Americans. We are lucky to live in a country where trial by jury is a constitutional right. Our justice system is not perfect, but it’s better than so many of the alternatives. And as citizens, we have a responsibility to serve. The system depends on us. I’m grateful for the system, and I’m grateful to serve.

Here’s an article that expresses well The Joy of Jury Duty.

I’m Re-Reading The Boron Letters

Many marketers consider Gary Halbert to be the greatest copywriter who ever lived. The Boron Letters is a collection of letters — about marketing and life — that he wrote to his son. After Halbert’s death, the letters were released as a book, with commentary from his son Bond (also a great copywriter). This is one of my read-yearly books. An excellent resource full of priceless lessons regarding marketing, copywriting and life.

Brain-Fart of the Week
Time to make fun of myself… Last week, I told you I was listening to George Harrison — which was true. I listened to him on my drive to the office, singing along to the lyrics (yep, I do that): “I look at the world and I notice it’s turning
While my guitar gently weeps – With every mistake we must surely be learning
Still my guitar gently weeps.”

I parked my car. Walked into my office. And wrote the email that mentioned Harrison and his great song “While My Guitar Gently Sleeps.”

D’Oh!

This wasn’t a case of misheard lyrics. But it got me thinking about songs with lyrics we flub… So in the spirit of mocking myself, here’s a list of 40 popular songs with often-misheard lyrics.

Have any misheard lyrics stories you want to share? Bring ’em on by replying to this email.

(p.s. Thanks to MarketVolt client and Beatles fan Peggy D. for alerting me to my dumb mistake).

Bike-Sharing — An Interesting Business Case

Will bike-sharing businesses change the way we move around cities? I’ve been wondering since seeing two new dockless bike-sharing businesses take root here in St. Louis — Lime Bike and Ofo.

I rode a Lime Bike from my office to pick up a carry-out order from one of my favorite lunch places last week. The ride cost me $1 and took me about 15 minutes, round-trip. Had I driven, it would have taken me just a few minutes less — assuming I found a parking place quickly. I would have paid $0.50 to park. I would have burned some gasoline. And I would have gotten no exercise. I found the bike outside my office building, and I left it in the same spot when I returned. Pretty easy. Pretty cool.

Here are two takes on bike sharing. I agree with the the more positive view.

Bike-Sharing is Doomed To Fail

Dock-Less Bike-Share is Ready to Take Over US Cities

What do you think? Reply to this email to let me know. Thanks.

Quotable…

“As people get older, they start to decide whether they like stuff based on their first experience. Maybe you can’t teach an old dog new tricks simply because, if he doesn’t get it the first time, he gives up. Everyone wants to climb the mountain, but the difference between those at the top and those still on the bottom is simply a matter of showing up tomorrow to give it just one more shot.”

– Bond Halbert (in his commentary for The Boron Letters).

***

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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.07

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date May 6, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.05.07

Monday, May 7, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

My Favorite Note-Taking App

Evernote is one of my most important productivity tools. I run Evernote on my desktop browser and through apps on my mobile devices to record voice memos, scribble quick notes, draft blog posts and emails, clip content from the web, store recipes and more. Everything I do on one device syncs to the others.

Here’s are a great article that describes how to use Evernote to its fullest.

Another Brilliant Marketing Move from Burger King

Last month, I wrote about Burger King’s brilliant 1998 April Fools gag: The Left-Handed Whopper.

The burger chain was at it again earlier this year with a new gag that — on the surface — was designed to explain Net Neutrality. Really, it was all about promoting a burger. Check out this video, which Burger King describes on YouTube as follows: The repeal of Net Neutrality is a hot topic in America, but it can be very difficult to understand. That’s why the BURGER KING® brand created WHOPPER® Neutrality, a social experiment that explains the effects of the repeal of Net Neutrality by putting it in terms anyone can understand: A WHOPPER® sandwich.I share it not to take sides in the Net Neutrality debate, but rather to applaud Burger King for another creative, effective marketing campaign that has generated 4.4 million YouTube views.

I’m Listening to George Harrison

Forty-five years ago today, George Harrison released “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).” Such a beautiful song.

It became his second #1 hit (“My Sweet Lord”) was the other.

He didn’t earn the fame and critical acclaim that his mates John and Paul garnered. But George was great — both as a Beatle (“Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Sleeps,” and “Something”) and a solo artist.

Video Quick Tip: Don’t Fall Into This Common Marketing Trap…

I had a marketing professional tell me the other day that she doesn’t like to get marketing emails and so she doesn’t want to use email to promote her business. That is such a huge mistake. I explain why in this video quick-tip…

A Quote that Packs a Punch

“As long as you hate, there will be people to hate.”

– George Harrison

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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

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Monday Mash-Up

Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.04.30

Post author By Ryan Dolotallas
Post date April 30, 2018
No Comments on Monday Mashup #13 – 2018.04.30

Monday, April 30, 2018
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up

Great Tool for Managing and Reading Blogs

So many great blogs. So little time to read them all. I use Feedly to organize the blogs I follow into a one-stop-shop of categorized headlines and links. Rather than jumping from blog to blog, I can read all of my favorite blogs in one place. Blog managers like Feedly are known as RSS readers. There are many available that I’ve tried. I like Feedly best.

New Video Quick-Tips from MarketVolt

If you have 1:17 (that’s a minute, seventeen seconds, NOT one hour, seventeen minutes), check out this video — the first in a new series of quick-tips. We’ll be posting new videos every two weeks, each with a quick tip that will help you with your email campaigns. Today’s topic: Ditch the Tricks with Your Email Subject Lines.

Interesting Article About Privacy Issues

Last week, police arrested the serial murderer/rapist known as “The Golden State Killer.” Great news, right?

Yes, but the way they found him — using the killer’s DNA and a genealogy website to find his relatives — raises some fascinating and potentially troubling privacy issues.

Here’s a great article that tells the story and discusses those issues.

I’m Watching “Start With Why” (Again)

This is a TEDx talk I watch over and over again and recommend more than any:

“Start With Why – How Great Leaders Inspire Action.”

It helped change the way I think about marketing, communications and leadership.

Provocative Quote

I’m pulling lots of great nuggets from Tribe of Mentors, the book I recommended in last week’s Mash-up. Here’s one that may spark some debate. Reply and let me know whether you agree with this or not…

“Of the many, many excuses people use to rationalize why they can’t do something, the excuse ‘I am too busy’ is not only the most inauthentic, it is also the laziest. I don’t believe in ‘too busy….’ Busy is a decision. We do the things we want to do, period. If we say we are too busy, it is shorthand for ‘not important enough.’ It means you would rather be doing something else that you consider more important.”

– Debbie Mellman, Founder and Host of the “Design Matters” podcast, quoted in Tribe of Mentors.

***

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

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