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.

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.

Yes. I can work with you in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro  South Carolina or Virgina.

I have clients in these regional areas and I am familiar with these markets.

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization is the overall name used to describe the process of  setting up your website

to be most attractive to the search terms your customers type in Google, MSN or Yahoo.

For Example: If a customer searches for ‘ red golf balls  in raleigh’ and your site is optimized properly for ‘red golf balls ‘ in the text and other

places on your site, your site will come up as the one with ‘red golf balls’.

How do I know if my website is helping or hurting my business?

I will do an analysis of your site, goals and keywords. We can talk about your needs for the site

as it relates to your business. We will work out  a strategy to get the most from your site.

Do I even need a website?

Most likely, yes.  More and more business is heading to the web. It takes time ( months and years) to get up to speed on the web.

Even if you don’t see the need today, you should have a presence so it can be there when it is needed.

How does your service work?

I stay with your project and see it through. Web optimization can take a few months. The most succesful sites are changing all the time and they need to be looked after. Think of a great site as something like Yahoo or MSN. They change daily, sometimes hourly. Yours can be much less active but that is still the general idea. You need to have an organic site that is interactive with your audience. Not a pamphlet on the web.

What services do you offer?

I build or makeover websites and conduct optimization to make them successful for you.

I  partner with talented people to enhance your overall marketing on radio, TV, print and the web when needed.

From Charlotte to Raleigh and even the West Coast  my SEO can  help make your web site work for you 24-7, even while you are sleeping.

SEO is a fairly new service. How can I tell the good from the bad? Who can I trust?

• Many large companies are starting to offer Search engine optimization services as part of their packages. Here are a few signs to look for-
• One price fits all- usually a sign that this is not good SEO or SEM ( Search Engine Marketing) SEO is unique for each project.
• One set price simply does not cover all this kind of work. Some websites need touch ups and some need a major overhaul.Important- Money is only one bottom line with Search Engine Optimization. You want quality and a strong track record of ethical practices. Leverage is powerful but if your practices are penalized you could get in a bind money cannot easily fix.
• Many sites need months of link building with highly credible connections.

If you find a dedicated professional who will focus on your project and consistently work to reach your web goals, hire them.

You can expect to pay from one to  a few thousand dollars a month for this kind of excellence.

SEO is a new game and it is changing as the internet gets more sophisticated. There are new developments your professional must know

to give you the most effective results.  –Kyle Whitford