Jim Clifton ( CEO Gallup)

This book is full of interesting facts. Jim Clifton writes in his usual easy going and down to earth style. Don’t let his simple language fool you. Clifton  means business and is drawing a definite line in the sand.

Jobs have disappeared.

( also, see this post on  jobs )

We need to create jobs by finding customers. When the dust of politics, education, technology, and tradition clears, it all comes down to a few simple ideas.

1- Visionary ‘go getters’ absolutely change the world.
2- They are pretty much the only ones who get things done.
3- We are depending on about 10,000 of them in America. That’s it.
4- The economic future of America is in grades K through 12 right now.
5- If the US doesn’t rise to this occasion, China is poised to slam dunk world influence through economic ownership.
6-Jim’s vision for what to do, when to do it, and who should do it, is clear and simple.

Being a self starter makes all the difference in the world, literally.

Being lulled into a state of lethargy has ruined us ( as a country) more than we can measure.

I realize the following statement is being used loosly all over the news, talk shows,and in hallways, but, the great American dream IS over. Having a family, a home, a working wage, and a stable community is no longer the goal. Having a job has, for the first time in our history, replaced the old dream. Just having a job. That translates to 30 hours of work per week earning a decent wage.

Here is the point-

This is so simple. “America re-wins the world by taking the country’s entrepreneurship and innovation up a notch. But that can be accomplished only with the assistance of effective local tribal leaders. Americans have to read the game film right- and as of now, they’re not. Few people recognize the importance of cities, much less the importance of tribal leaders. If your city is failing, it is likely because you have weak leadership and little talent, commitment, and money resources from your tribal leaders. ( click here for my review of Tribal Leadership.) Talented and effective local tribal leaders are essential to cities. Their mentorship is essential to the people who create jobs.”

Individuals are the global economy.

“Gallup has conducted deep advanced analysis on all the data from Gallup’s US and World Polls. We’ve studied all the macroeconomic data on job creation from virtually every corner of the Earth. We’ve analyzed all the material on the trends of world economics and consulted with the foremost thought leaders. Gallup is fairly sure that we have turned over more rocks and studied more data in infinite combinations- that we have watched more global game film than any institution in the world on the subject of job creation. ”

Clifton then explains how to create the needed jobs that could be a real game changer for the US and the rest of the world. Why the US? Because it’s perfectly suited and positioned, right now, but not for long.

This book is special because of Jim Clifton.  As CEO of Gallup he is uniquely qualified to synthesize the vast and varied numbers that guide and unfold the shocking story. But, Jim is too savvy to be led only by numbers. His understanding of the humanity behind the digits distills into an uncommon wisdom.

Two Thumbs up

I recommend that every person in any leadership position read , study, and apply this book. Local school board members to politicians, business owners, workers, clergy, and national leaders , and even Charlotte SEO’s can all find common ground here.

The Charlotte based company uses a spectrum of media tools including SEO – search engine optimization, websites, blogging, newsletters, news and media releases, and logo conception.

A memorable logo is a vital part of a strong image.
Notice the well known iconic logos that have been a part of mainstream, sustainable, marketing and one pattern almost always stands out- simplicity.

A logo represents a company or organization’s ‘at a glance’ image. It conveys meaning and has come to symbolize a foundational position.

Kyle Whitford Media and Marketing has played a role in the creation of logos for many companies and organizations over the past few decades.

There are three main areas of consideration when designing or refreshing a logo for your company or organization.

One- Meaning- what does your logo mean? Will it convey your intended meaning to the target audience?

Two- Simplicity- Will your logo stand the test of time? Is it simple enough, yet, recognizable and can it stand alone in various scenarios?

Three- Association– Closely related to ‘ meaning’,the mental association that goes with a logo is an important part of it’s overall effectiveness. What does the shape and size convey? Are there negative implications that need to be understood and changed? Are there unintended cross promotions with an already established logo that need to go?

It is a good idea to try your logo over a test period. Living with it for awhile can help you process the various layers of consideration needed to decide on your final logo. It will likely be around for some time.

Kyle Whitford- Charlotte SEO and marketing professional.

They are not just temporarily transitioning, they are actually gone.

So we need to create new positions as jobs. The best way known to do that is through entreprenurial start ups. (Big businesses don’t create new jobs.)

Of 400,000 new start up businesses in America, about five percent make it to a sustainable place.

Still not enough
We need to double the start ups just to have enough new job creation and that is not happening.

What does it take to turn all this around? Leadership of the entreprenurial kind. Some people are wired to be natural entreprenuers. Kathy Kolbe points out that those with a ‘quick start’ or high risk ability and a penchant for taking action are more natural entreprenuers. She also points out clearly and this is worth emphasis– that people who are not wired that way can do it as well. They just need to be aware of their natural tendencies and cover those less natural bases with creative means.* Kolbe herself has written books and does not naturaly like to write detailed work. I have heard her use the work ‘agony’, when describing writing. But she did it.

It takes people with two drives-

extremely optimistic AND determined to carry through with their ideas. That’s pretty much what is needed in our world right now.

When I say optimistic, I don’t mean temporary- static, sparky rah, rah. I mean vision with follow through.

Leadership, such as government, can support these spirited people but government does not need to BE the leader– A better role is support.

Right now is the opportunity in America. If we don’t do it, China, will. China is doing it anyway, but the window is now open for the US to rally.

There is a big difference between resources and resourcefulness.

The entreprenuereal spirit is resourceful. Some folks seem to naturally just use resources. That just gives out. These new businesses MUST become sustainable if we are to see a difference in jobs.That means we have to have people who are good at resourcefulness starting new businesses and making things happen. Just using and spending current resources does not accomplish that.

Observation- It seems to me that many of the 99 percent Occupy wall Street people are looking only at resources and see them dwindling. That’s likely how these people are wired.
Because of their way of visioning and possible non-ability to build a new sustainable enterprise, they need someone to blame. That is an old psychological pattern- When YOU ARE the problem, project it outwardly and blame someone else. Find a good culprit. If my only perspective was one of ’spending resources until they are gone’, I’d be worried , too, because I see them going fast. And I guess I would place blame as well.

But that cannot be the the answer. It gets us nowhere. We need to rebuild new jobs from scratch.

The formula-

New businesses driven by people who are both
optimistic and determined.

So there you have it. What Kyle Whitford Media and Marketing is all about. Helping others build business.

See Dave Logan’s TED talks for good ideas on how this plays out.

Charlotte Marketing SEO Search Engine Optimization

“We’ve been producing newsletters for various clients for a couple of years now. These monthly releases are read by thousands of readers.” Whitford said.

“We offer clients a variety of autoresponders and newsletter services such as  the well respected Aweber and Constant Contact.

Our writers are polished professionals and have expertise in research so they can write on multiple topics and in various styles..” Whitford added.

Newsletters are a popular way to reach out to existing buyers and bring in new prospects. The format is  quite versatile. A newsletter can feature articles, greetings, a letter from the owner, coupons, seasonal event schedules, and featured products and services.

Some newsletters are one page reminders while others are multi page ezines.

For information on a newsletter for your company, contact Kyle Whitford Media and Marketing.

The company also offers news and media releases for feature articles in newspapers, as well as expert search engine optimization, web design, radio commercials including award winning jingles and g television ads,plus print ads and custom logos.

Kyle Whitford Media and Marketing maintains associations with worldwide professional firms and specialists providing  top products and services.

Are you annoyed that your phone does not display the internet like your desktop? It’s just not as user friendly, but now there are apps to help ease the problem.

The world wide web is going more and more mobile.

The movement to mobile is so fast and strong that some big name marketers have even abandoned traditional internet marketing in favor of the new world of mobile applications ( apps).

I met with Bill Ganon, a marketing expert about the emerging mobile frenzy that is moving in faster than any other change in computer evolution. It seems the cyber world is going wireless and mobile.

And, no surprise, local is the new …local.

We still like our hometown traffic and weather, sports, news, gossip, and shopping experiences. This puts the best technology to work right where you live.

An app makes your web experience more enjoyable on the phone. It makes the website readable. No longer will you have to squint and enlarge text to reformat it to read.

You can simply choose from a list of stories. Recently at a presentation held at the Charlotte Observer  Bill talked about how the iPhone made the big difference in the way we use mobile devices. It ushered in a new era of communication. We can talk, listen, send receive and watch. Data ( not talk)  is now 50% and climbing when measured on mobile devices.

Advertisers have never be more delighted.

Bill says that app-adapted mobiles such as phones and wireless devices cause more page views, as much as 8 to 10 times more. The pages are user friendly. That means more profits for advertisers who can focus on one person at a time.

When a phone has the right app it transforms into a cash register for retailers. That can be a good thing, saving time and effort for the shopper.

More information about advertising on the internet or off 704-408-9235.

This letter has very little to do with Charlotte, or Search Engine Optimization , or even being a marketing strategist.  On the other hand, it has everything to do with these things.  I wanted to share it because it has meaning-

It is from Warren Buffett-

In 2006, I made a commitment to gradually give all of my Berkshire Hathaway stock to philanthropic foundations. I couldn’t be happier with that decision.

Now, Bill and Melinda Gates and I are asking hundreds of rich Americans to pledge at least 50% of their wealth to charity. So I think it is fitting that I reiterate my intentions and explain the thinking that lies behind them.

First, my pledge: More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day.

Millions of people who regularly contribute to churches, schools, and other organizations thereby relinquish the use of funds that would otherwise benefit their own families. The dollars these people drop into a collection plate or give to United Way mean forgone movies, dinners out, or other personal pleasures. In contrast, my family and I will give up nothing we need or want by fulfilling this 99% pledge.

Moreover, this pledge does not leave me contributing the most precious asset, which is time. Many people, including — I’m proud to say — my three children, give extensively of their own time and talents to help others. Gifts of this kind often prove far more valuable than money. A struggling child, befriended and nurtured by a caring mentor, receives a gift whose value far exceeds what can be bestowed by a check. My sister, Doris, extends significant person-to-person help daily. I’ve done little of this.

What I can do, however, is to take a pile of Berkshire Hathaway stock certificates — “claim checks” that when converted to cash can command far-ranging resources — and commit them to benefit others who, through the luck of the draw, have received the short straws in life. To date about 20% of my shares have been distributed (including shares given by my late wife, Susan Buffett). I will continue to annually distribute about 4% of the shares I retain. At the latest, the proceeds from all of my Berkshire shares will be expended for philanthropic purposes by 10 years after my estate is settled. Nothing will go to endowments; I want the money spent on current needs.

This pledge will leave my lifestyle untouched and that of my children as well. They have already received significant sums for their personal use and will receive more in the future. They live comfortable and productive lives. And I will continue to live in a manner that gives me everything that I could possibly want in life.

Some material things make my life more enjoyable; many, however, would not. I like having an expensive private plane, but owning a half-dozen homes would be a burden. Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse, and long-standing friends.

My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest. Both my children and I won what I call the ovarian lottery. (For starters, the odds against my 1930 birth taking place in the U.S. were at least 30 to 1. My being male and white also removed huge obstacles that a majority of Americans then faced.) My luck was accentuated by my living in a market system that sometimes produces distorted results, though overall it serves our country well. I’ve worked in an economy that rewards someone who saves the lives of others on a battlefield with a medal, rewards a great teacher with thank-you notes from parents, but rewards those who can detect the mispricing of securities with sums reaching into the billions. In short, fate’s distribution of long straws is wildly capricious.

The reaction of my family and me to our extraordinary good fortune is not guilt, but rather gratitude. Were we to use more than 1% of my claim checks on ourselves, neither our happiness nor our well-being would be enhanced. In contrast, that remaining 99% can have a huge effect on the health and welfare of others. That reality sets an obvious course for me and my family: Keep all we can conceivably need and distribute the rest to society, for its needs. My pledge starts us down that course.

Thanks for the perspective, Mr Buffett.

I recently met a local web designer and marketing expert named Youssef El Hodaigui. We sat and talked on into the evening about web design, SEO, link building, making videos, and smart phones.

Youssef strikes me as a very talented guy who really gets it when it comes to Internet marketing and design. His portfolio is impressive to me but the work he does behind the scenes is just as striking.

Many Internet marketers work alone. That has many advantages and of course there are the inevitable disadvantages that crop up when working alone.

Three disadvantages are:

• Tunnel vision – it’s easy to have such a narrow focus that a wider perspective can be temporarily ignored.
• Resources — using the same resources over and over because they are tried and true can be a great timesaver and leverage strength but at the same time sticking with the same method of doing any process can become stale leading to ultimate stagnation.
• Wearing too many hats — a lot of people who work alone are extremely versatile and have talents and abilities to do multiple jobs. While this can be a great asset, it can also contribute to that person being mired in a quicksand of duties.

Youssef and I talked about these kinds of things and it was a release for me to open up about the positives and negatives of working in this new Internet marketing medium.

On a lighter note there is a certain search term that I have been interested in for a while. It is — Charlotte SEO. I have been able to rank well for this term but of course Youssef’ site often outranks my site. Google rankings for that search term fluctuate.

I would like to see Youssef’s design site, Charlotte SEO , rank at the very top of Google for that term.

So if you are reading this and have a website I would appreciate it if you would give Youssef a link using the anchor text Charlotte SEO.

This will be an experiment to see what happens and how fast for a deserving and talented web designer – Search Engine  Optimization expert.  Enjoy

Penny Lane ( Kate Hudson)

Just 99 cents!

When I start to think my Charlotte Marketing and SEO – search engine optimization -can get complex, I am reminded of the year 1876-

Melville Stone wanted to sell a Chicago Newspaper for a penny. This would compete with the nickel papers that were top dog.

Pennies were scarce so Stone talked shop owners into lowering prices to both create change and raise a bargain spotters eyebrow.

It worked—folks had change in their pockets and the penny paper sold.

Oops…

A shortage of pennies soon developed so Stone went to the Mint and got barrels of them to keep the flow and the paper going.

So today we still have items all over the world priced at a major savings of 99 cents.

4.99, 5.99, 99.99.

It works even today

Play with a person’s perception—blatantly—and they will go for the lower price—even for a penny.

Oh, but we leave pennies all over the sidewalk and in that jar on the shelf .

I would think that in the year 2010, shoppers would be more savvy, and maybe they are.

Seven is the New Nine

If items were priced at a rounded off number maybe consumers would be just fine with that.

But testing sets the bar and prices remain at $.99.

Except, of course, on the Internet where it is $.97 , or $97 or $1,997 — you get the idea –

Red tag sale-

While we’re on the subject, what about a 20% off sale? Would 21% off catch your eye quicker?

Of course it would. So why do merchants stick with rounded off percentages? Tradition.

Same reason we set prices at 99cents. Tradition.

Moral of the Story

Value perception really is everything.

People drive way out of their way to save three cents on a gallon of gas and step over that much on the sidewalk daily.

As for me, I buy generic baking soda. Works great and look what I found– it’s not 6o cents, it’s just 59 cents. Lucky me. On sale.

And so an idea evolves. From a marketing idea to a Charlotte SEO blog.  A wink back in time long before search engine optimization was or any such nonsense.

I know this old marketing trick is worn out and it still works. But this one came about in a real way.

Living back and forth in NYC and North Carolina gives me a chance to take advantage of events to stay in touch with
SEO, marketing and how it applies to Charlotte, the Carolinas, and the the world.

I made this video in NYC during the past Christmas Season. My intent was to post it for you, and all my loved ones and relatives.

Well here it is. ( finally) This quick Holiday Greeting to you is sincere even though it is now summer.

As cold as it was in NY last December, this scene is always welcome. People having fun, enjoying the

Holiday’s and celebrating life. I appreciated the moment then and enjoy the memory through this video. Hope you do as well.

And the winner is…

Of all the ways to present an idea, there is one that is most effective.

This method has been

• studied,
• analyzed,
• pondered,
• researched
• and tried

until it just flat out wins the prize for best, most effective way to communicate.

No kidding

Here it is, from human developmental specialist Bill Torbert. Bill is an associate of Suzanne Cook-Greuter, one of my favorite people on the planet.

Step one- Frame what you are about to say- Put it in context. This is important because most people have not a clue where you are coming from ( out of the blue usually ). When you frame it with context, they know.

Step two- Advocate. Tell what you want. If you want to change a local street name to Conan O’Brien Boulevard, then say so.

Step Three- Illustrate. Show what it will look like or describe it in a way that brings it to life.

Step Four- Ask for others input. Be open to new twists on your idea. Solicit feedback and opinions.

Using this formula will get you the best communication possible more often than not. It’s a way to stack the odds in favor of accuracy when you’re trying to get an idea across.

Bonus info

Here’s the interesting thing about these four steps. The middle two are self centered and the way manyfolks ( including me) usually jump in to a typical talk.

The outer two are other centered and create a balance for the overall communication.

To be blunt-

Jerks use the middle two pretty much all the time.

More diplomatic people use all four together in an artful style of talking that gets best long term results.

This style of talking and writing can be used

• on the phone,
• in sales letters,
• emails,
• and with family members.

It gives you the best chance of having the best communication is simple to do.

Here’s an example of how you could use it-

Let’s say you have a sudden need for food for an event.

You walk into a chicken place and have two choices.

1-     You can use steps two and three and blurt out ” I need 50 pieces of chicken put in boxes and ready to go in 20 minutes.”

2-      You can use all four steps.

(1)”Hey, how are you? We have a group of 30 people to feed, they are already gathered at the community building and getting hungry.

(2)I would like 50 pieces of chicken to go.

(3)If you could pack the chicken in boxes and recommend some extras like side dishes that would help too.

(4) I’d also welcome any suggestions you have from the menu as I’m sure you’ve got experience in this sort of thing.

As simple as this method is, it can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your message.

Next…

Some people don’t want to use it. It doesn’t fit their style.  The funny thing is, they end up using the middle two steps and get a short circuited, limping result and wonder why.

Using this full method takes patience and extra effort. It feels a bit long winded sometimes, but it works.

–Marketing strategist viewpoint.