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.

“So you’ve got a nice website but no ranking and few visitors?”

Professor Tweet says…

Don’t feel alone. This is the exact position of thousands of small businesses. The web has happened suddenly and a lot of people have not had the time or resources to make their internet presence work as it could. Would you like to know what to do, how much it costs and who you can trust to make your website work for you?

Who is this guy?

My marketing experience spans three decades in Radio, TV, print, and now the web. From TV ads as a spokesperson to behind the camera and microphone, copywriting, jingle writing, concept creation, voice, directing and producing. Search Engine Optimization? It has been my good fortune to do Charlotte SEO , search engine optimization work that has helped rank multiple websites in Google’s top three organic search positions for competitive keywords.

What are all these internet terms like

• keyword,
• backlinks,
• and bot,

you keep hearing? What does it REALLY cost to get good Google rankings? What about Yahoo and Bing and other search engines? How long does it take to reap the rewards of being a top ranked website?

The questions seem almost endless.

The internet has truly opened a Pandora’s Box of new advertising questions. And none of this is going away. It’s only getting more involved. But, there is a way to navigate.

I usually sit down with a client or talk with them on the phone. We go over their needs, expectations, hopes and desires for marketing in general. When the subject turns to the web, we will look at where their business’ internet presence is today and where they would like it to be (and why).

A lot of business owners have not planned a budget for internet marketing. Truth is, it can be so effective, when implemented, that a budget creates itself from the winnings!

• what is the process?,
• will customers convert?

These questions do have answers and they can be positive.

Does it work?

When done with careful attention, internet marketing can work very well. The web is a major part of marketing and advertising today. It’s your choice to use it to your advantage  or stay confused. Keep this in mind – The largest marketing opportunity in the history of the world is right now, today in local internet marketing. Are you ready?

Contact me today to find out more about

Charlotte Search Engine Optimization

and put the web and marketing to work for you.

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.

Here’s the url mentioned in the video

Local Marketing Strategy

Want to sell cars on the internet? Ben Mannino can show you how. He’s got it so worked out that you might not believe how successful his system is. Ebay is possibly the largest  auto dealer on the internet and Ben knows the secrets.

I checked out car buying with a simple search on EbayMotors and quickly went straight to my local dealership as if they were an Ebay partner( they are not.) Plus, there are listings within certain local geographic mile ranges to pursue if you are so inclined.

Strong Brain Trust

My Silent Team.com is an impressive group of hand picked marketing specialists. If you are interested in online money making and want it from the collective horses mouth’s, this membership site is the one. From Ebay.com to Half.com, Amazon and other legitimate funnels of profit potential, these experts not only know the score but stay on the cutting edge to bring you the latest.

To check out the programClick Here!

One of the experts at My Silent List is Jenni Hunt. She has a fascinating concept for selling seasonal -in-demand toys online. Worth looking at -complete with in depth links, charts and comparissons that will enlighten you on just how profitable certain toys can be when the demand is high.

Odds and Ends

Shoestring Budget SEO

SEOBook has a new look and the information is still tops. Vanilla Coke posted a comprehensive rundown of what it takes to start out in online marketing and make it work without falling into the hellish pits of wrong information. This blog post is a major keeper so go bookmark it, Digg it, and send it to your Aunt Mary. So far this year, VC’s  insightful post gets my vote for most useful information in some category I haven’t figured out yet. Maybe,  Best All Around.

One More…

While it’s fresh on my mind, Ellen Blaskie’s BSETC service is a one stop website builder, copywriting, SEO, etc outsource. They offer quality internet work as an alternative to the often disappointing cheap labor outsourcing .

Have a good day.

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.

Automotive marketing has always been a high profile advertising undertaking.

25 years ago, I did some experiments testing various forms of advertising for car dealerships. Just yesterday I heard one of these forms on a radio station and was thinking about it because years of testing, producing, and looking at results has given me some insights into the methods of marketing automobiles.

Quit Yelling Would Ya?

We tried taking the laid-back approach to television auto ads. We selected a female car dealer and had her talk sincerely and frankly with the audience about how she wasn’t going to shout and participate in the hype of typical car dealer ads. That approach fell flat. We wanted it to work, we hoped it would work, and it did not.

So we tried it again, and then we repeated it with various changes, refined it and the sincere approach still didn’t work

We Were Wrong

So we went back to shouting, marching bands, throwing money in the air, loud booms, crazy attention-getting schemes, and that worked much better.

The point is, I have tested a lot of different ways to market automobiles and other products effectively over the years. So, when I heard about some of the innovations that are happening on the Internet I was interested to find out more.

Cars Online

I had a good conversation with Steve Graham of a South Carolina dealership called Midlands Honda. Steve is a smart guy so I went to ask a few questions and learn some things.

www…

The Internet offers many opportunities for alternative distribution of goods and services and those who take advantage of it are finding success. But it takes understanding what works and what does not work to cut through the confusion and focus on success.

This post is not the place to talk about what I learned from Steve because it was a private meeting and I respect his hard work.

But I can say that what he is doing follows the principles and insights that I try to give on this website. I appreciate him spending some time with me to help me better understand successful marketing.

Sleeves Rolled Up

You have to do your homework to learn. Hat tip- The folks at more than one special dealership are doing that. They keep winning awards for sales and service. Charlotte Hyundai- Bob Mayberry in Monroe.