A very sincere apology for anyone who has been reading, or "trying" to read, my blog with no new posts in the last few MONTHS. I've been trying to figure out (again) the best way to proceed with this measure and I certainly haven't been telling anyone lately to "follow my blog" for obvious reasons.
I need to clarify that I have been working hard at Mindstorm Communications here in Charlotte building new business. Just because there are no "tangible" announcements about new clientele, doesn't mean that people aren't interested in us.
Actually, I just returned from the PGA Tour Merchandise Show where I made plenty of new connections that could turn into business partners down the road!
I'm looking forward to seeing where these new leads...um, well, LEAD!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
Joining Forces
Sorry about the layoff there, but as you'll see in the following lines, I have some exciting new challenges ahead with a new position at Mindstorm Communications (www.gomindstorm.com). Friends of mine, from Twitter actually, have asked me to help them cultivate new business for their design firm. I'm happy to help!
Really, it's not much of a departure from what I was doing with my own venture, CAn-Do Media. Here I will be responsible for Social Media Marketing and New Business Development. I can offer a much wider range of services, including more traditional marketing services, than I ever could by myself.
Those who know me best know that I am fiercely loyal to those who give me a chance when I need it the most. It's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it!
Really, it's not much of a departure from what I was doing with my own venture, CAn-Do Media. Here I will be responsible for Social Media Marketing and New Business Development. I can offer a much wider range of services, including more traditional marketing services, than I ever could by myself.
Those who know me best know that I am fiercely loyal to those who give me a chance when I need it the most. It's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Where the Heck?
Yes, I admit it's been a few days since my last post but there's been so much happening that it's hard to put all my thoughts to paper (or the internet in this case). I've had a number of VERY GOOD meetings this week with a number of well connected people. Was it luck? In many cases, yes...but I'd like to think it was also through sheer will and dedication that I was able to make these contacts.
One of them gave me a GREAT quote, "The harder you work the luckier you get!" Words to live by.
I've also had some help from some REALLY GOOD friends that I would stand in front of a speeding bullet for, if it came to that. They mean that much to me. They gave me the gift of education in a venture outside of television. They've been there, done that. It means a lot to me that they would trust me with their information and knowledge to make a better life for myself.
So I can't discuss all the particulars just yet, but I would like to say that networking pays off and it's something that I really thrive on. God willing, I'll be able to make a living building relationships.
One of them gave me a GREAT quote, "The harder you work the luckier you get!" Words to live by.
I've also had some help from some REALLY GOOD friends that I would stand in front of a speeding bullet for, if it came to that. They mean that much to me. They gave me the gift of education in a venture outside of television. They've been there, done that. It means a lot to me that they would trust me with their information and knowledge to make a better life for myself.
So I can't discuss all the particulars just yet, but I would like to say that networking pays off and it's something that I really thrive on. God willing, I'll be able to make a living building relationships.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chad Ochocinco's Marketing
Yesterday's post was about pro athletes and my thoughts on interacting with them. Well, you probably figured that would lead me into today's topic.
Chad Ochocinco. No matter what you may think about the guy, you kinda have to hand it to him for being a great marketer. Now, I'm not saying I'd coach guys to "be like Chad" because no one can be like Chad but Chad.
I've seen him hold court with reporters and no matter the question asked, he still finds a way to answer in "Chad's Way". He is marketing his own brand every time he's in front of the camera. Call it "selfish" or whatever you want, he's promoting a brand. (He IS capable of answering in cliches as well-sort of...)
However, we can also learn lessons from Chad Ochocinco's Twitter page. It's not necessarily in what he says in his Twitter stream, but WHO he follows.
You won't catch many "dudes" in there unless they are fellow athletes, like Takeo Spikes of the San Francisco 49ers. Oh no, from the looks of it, Chad likes to follow "the ladies". And what an interesting bunch they are, just check them out. So remember, some people may be watching who you follow not what you say.
Again though, that's Chad's "brand" and his team is doing a great job of marketing it.
Chad Ochocinco. No matter what you may think about the guy, you kinda have to hand it to him for being a great marketer. Now, I'm not saying I'd coach guys to "be like Chad" because no one can be like Chad but Chad.
I've seen him hold court with reporters and no matter the question asked, he still finds a way to answer in "Chad's Way". He is marketing his own brand every time he's in front of the camera. Call it "selfish" or whatever you want, he's promoting a brand. (He IS capable of answering in cliches as well-sort of...)
However, we can also learn lessons from Chad Ochocinco's Twitter page. It's not necessarily in what he says in his Twitter stream, but WHO he follows.
You won't catch many "dudes" in there unless they are fellow athletes, like Takeo Spikes of the San Francisco 49ers. Oh no, from the looks of it, Chad likes to follow "the ladies". And what an interesting bunch they are, just check them out. So remember, some people may be watching who you follow not what you say.
Again though, that's Chad's "brand" and his team is doing a great job of marketing it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pro Athletes
Over my 15 years in local television news, I had the privilege (or in some cases-was NOT so privileged) to rub elbows with a bunch of professional athletes. I respected all of them, liked about half of them and associated with none of them.
Then again, I was trying to keep the lines VERY clear because as a reporter, you're eventually going to have to write or report something REALLY bad. Covering the Michael Vick case was a perfect example.
I can't say I ever disliked Michael Vick, I never knew him personally and didn't try to "get to know" him. Each time I spoke to him "off-camera" he was cordial, but clearly he wasn't going to trust tall skinny dude with a microphone in his hand (yes, I AM taller than Mike Vick-but who isn't?).
The point of this story? I would take the challenge of helping a guy like Michael Vick reshape his image. I would prefer to help them shape their image on their way up because most of these guys are talented, educated and completely self-sustaining. It's just the way they interact with the public that might need some tweaking.
Mike still has work to do. But, send me a challenge-I'll take it.
Then again, I was trying to keep the lines VERY clear because as a reporter, you're eventually going to have to write or report something REALLY bad. Covering the Michael Vick case was a perfect example.
I can't say I ever disliked Michael Vick, I never knew him personally and didn't try to "get to know" him. Each time I spoke to him "off-camera" he was cordial, but clearly he wasn't going to trust tall skinny dude with a microphone in his hand (yes, I AM taller than Mike Vick-but who isn't?).
The point of this story? I would take the challenge of helping a guy like Michael Vick reshape his image. I would prefer to help them shape their image on their way up because most of these guys are talented, educated and completely self-sustaining. It's just the way they interact with the public that might need some tweaking.
Mike still has work to do. But, send me a challenge-I'll take it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
"The Power of Who"
I don't do many recommendations through my blog (at least not to this point) because my opinion is many times different than the readers' opinion. HOWEVER, I will say that I read an amazing book over the weekend called, "The Power of Who" written by executive search firm owner, Bob Beaudine. You can follow Mr. Beaudine on Twitter as well and so, I recommend doing both.
Let me explain something about my reading habits: I don't have any outside of ESPN.com and a few other various sports websites. And that's one of the tasks in "The Power of Who", to unleash your "inner reader". Good advice b/c I was only 3 chapters into the other book I've been reading when I picked up this one. Now I can go finish it too.
The book isn't about reading books or how to read books, it's more about networking and a new way of thinking about networking. I'll let you read it first because I don't want to spoil all the fun in the pages. But leave this blog thinking Mr. Beaudine's very impressive point: you already know everyone you need to. What to do next, then? Read his book to find out.
Let me explain something about my reading habits: I don't have any outside of ESPN.com and a few other various sports websites. And that's one of the tasks in "The Power of Who", to unleash your "inner reader". Good advice b/c I was only 3 chapters into the other book I've been reading when I picked up this one. Now I can go finish it too.
The book isn't about reading books or how to read books, it's more about networking and a new way of thinking about networking. I'll let you read it first because I don't want to spoil all the fun in the pages. But leave this blog thinking Mr. Beaudine's very impressive point: you already know everyone you need to. What to do next, then? Read his book to find out.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Down in Tampa
My brother Justin and I have made it down to Tampa safely and it's great to check in on the family. The agenda for my time in Tampa is as such; there is no agenda.
Actually, I'm really looking forward to making it up to Orlando to catch up with @CatrionaHarris and her husband, Mike. Yeah, he's fallen to "her husband" status. That's just a joke.
Mike and I first met at the University of South Florida and he was gracious enough to help me get my start in television as an intern at WFTS in Tampa. Now, that could be the reason he's fallen to "her husband" status, but hey...everyone's vision is 20/20 after the fact. (Another lame joke).
Seriously though, I owe my entire television career to Mike Harris and I'm glad he got out of TV before me so he could give me all the details about what it's like to venture into a new career.
Actually, I'm really looking forward to making it up to Orlando to catch up with @CatrionaHarris and her husband, Mike. Yeah, he's fallen to "her husband" status. That's just a joke.
Mike and I first met at the University of South Florida and he was gracious enough to help me get my start in television as an intern at WFTS in Tampa. Now, that could be the reason he's fallen to "her husband" status, but hey...everyone's vision is 20/20 after the fact. (Another lame joke).
Seriously though, I owe my entire television career to Mike Harris and I'm glad he got out of TV before me so he could give me all the details about what it's like to venture into a new career.
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