Many companies set up online training modules to train employees, vendors and/or resellers. These online systems, custom or off-the-shelf, prove to be a much more cost effective option compared with staffing trainers, or designing, printing and mailing
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Achieve Online Training Goals with Rewards","metadesc":"Many companies set up online training modules to train employees, vendors and/or resellers. These online systems, custom or off-the-shelf","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Many companies set up online training modules to train employees, vendors and/or resellers. These online systems, custom or off-the-shelf, prove to be a much more cost effective option compared with staffing trainers, or designing, printing and mailing detailed training brochures, which may not get read. While working for Norwegian Cruise Line, I managed the set up of an online training system for travel agents.
\nThe goal was to teach these cruise resellers about the new cruises, new ships and new programs offered each year. With the proper knowledge the travel agents could do a better job at reselling the hundreds of different cruises that the line was offering. During the first year a rewards system was implemented to increase participation. An online quiz system was also put in place to encourage memorization of the necessary details that the sales force would need.
\nThe first reward system involved cash rewards that were fulfilled through a gift card fulfillment system. This turned out to be the way to achieve our training goals. In subsequent years, goals were raised and we explored options for complex point systems, ranging from off-the-shelf to customized. While the off-the-shelf options offered quick implementation, they lacked the integration we needed with the training modules and sales databases.
\nWhen making decisions on the right training system and rewards system, it can be tough to find the perfect match with program schedules and budgets. Navigating through this discovery process to find the systems and vendors that are right for your project is the first objective. Check back for subsequent online training blog entries on discovery, execution and measurement.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":135,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/effective-pr-when-the-media-world-is-shrinking/","title":"Effective PR When the Media World is Shrinking","slug":"effective-pr-when-the-media-world-is-shrinking","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Fri Dec 19th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"It seems as though each day we hear of another newspaper that is not only suffering through massive layoffs (like the rest of the world), but there is even talk of a few local daily newspapers closing their doors because of the bad economy and the rapidly evolving
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Effective PR When the Media World is Shrinking","metadesc":"It seems as though each day we hear of another newspaper that is not only suffering through massive layoffs (like the rest of the world)","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"It seems as though each day we hear of another newspaper that is not only suffering through massive layoffs (like the rest of the world), but there is even talk of a few local daily newspapers closing their doors because of the bad economy and the rapidly evolving state of the media industry. What does this mean for a company looking to promote its products/services and to tell the corporate story? Simply put, there will be fewer reporters and fewer newsrooms to share your story.
\nCompanies will have to get more aggressive and creative at identifying angles that interest the newsroom enough to do a story on your company. In some ways, it’s back to the basics of PR now that it has gotten a lot tougher to get a story. Ask yourself the all-important questions: Why would someone be interested in this story? What is going on in the world and how does my story relate? And finally, make sure you aren’t so much promoting you as opposed to telling a story.
\nNow for the good news. All of the reporters that have been casualties of the bad economy, for the most part, haven’t changed professions. Although they no longer work directly for the newspaper, they’re still writing on a freelance basis. If you have a relationship with a reporter at a newspaper and they’ve left their post at the paper, keep in touch with them. There’s a good chance you will be able to pitch them a story in the future when they’re doing a freelance piece for a different media outlet.
\nThe game may be changing a little, but the rules are mostly staying the same. Focus on a solid story that is relevant to current events with an interesting twist. And build relationships with key reporters so that they can write about you while they’re at their local paper or elsewhere.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":136,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/web-2-0-the-real-value-of-sem/","title":"Web 2.0+: The Real Value of SEM","slug":"web-2-0-the-real-value-of-sem","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Tue Dec 9th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"Paid keyword management can seem over-complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or can’t tell a CPC from a CTR simple keyword management will increase the performance of your campaigns.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Web 2.0+: The Real Value of SEM","metadesc":"Paid keyword management can seem over-complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a seasoned pro","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Paid keyword management can seem over-complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or can’t tell a CPC from a CTR simple keyword management will increase the performance of your campaigns. It starts with a few basics.
\nFirst take a look at the two main players, the Sprinter and the Marathoner.
\nSEM? SEO? CTR? CPC?
\nDon’t get hung up on acronyms. You’ll be investing time and money into all SEM/SEO strategies, so they each have a relative cost. *SEM* (Search Engine Marketing, The Sprinter) – Select keywords are purchased for a single price each time they are used. Cost per term is based on market competition, and your listing appears in the paid search results. The Advertiser willing to pay the most per-click has their ad appear at the top. If your search terms have little or no competition – Ad rates can be as low as $0.05/click. More competitive term rates average $2.50 – $5.00. Highly competitive, and lucrative markets can command ad rates of over $10.00/click. *ADVANTAGES of SEM:* * Immediate results * React quickly to changing markets and opportunities * Predictable and measurable costs
\nSEO
\n(Search Engine Optimization, The Marathon Runner) – Select keywords are incorporated into your web content in a manner that gives your site more Authority for any given term, and causes your listing to appear higher in the organic search results area. Ranking based strictly on your Authority. Costs are based on the amount of time invested. Given the nature of how the Bots search web content, individual page rankings are continually flowing towards, and ebbing away from the top spot.
\nADVANTAGES of SEO
\nHigher click-through performance from listing pages Greater long term ROI Effective online marketing requires a balance of SEM and SEO to be effective.
\nUnfortunately, most people see the efforts of a good SEO campaign very similar to that of going to the gym everyday. You know you need it, but it’s frustrating to not see results immediately. We’ll explain all of the steps to create a painless and successful SEO program next entry, but first, let’s talk about the immediacy of SEM. How Does it Work? There is no mystery surrounding effective SEM. Successful SEM requires a disciplined 4-step cycle:
\nAnalysis
\nAs with traditional media, all terms are vetted for strength, weakness, opportunities and threats in your market. During this stage initial strategies are developed, benchmarks are set for conversions, and the online communications plan is tailored for the available budget. *Execution* – Each search term will have unique advertising copy, and corresponding landing pages. Multiple sales funnels for each term provide the empirical data necessary to evaluate search term performance. It is not uncommon to use a rotation of as many as 3 unique ads, and 3 unique landing pages for each search term. *Measurement* – One of the strongest benefits of SEM is the availability of quality data to make quick, and informed decisions. SEM happens in almost real time. Reacting to market opportunities can happen within hours instead of weeks. Each of your search terms should be given scheduled evaluation of conversion ratios:
\nCPC – How many people that saw the ad clicked on it? CPA – How many people that clicked on the ad entered into the sales funnel? * ROI – What did it cost to convert a search into a lead or a sale?
\nOptimization
\nNow that we have a disciplined approach implemented, the optimization portion helps us maximize ROI. Several conditions will occur throughout the life of any SEM strategy. Competition will vary per term, users will adapt new terminology to search out your products and services, and seasonality will influence the effectiveness of select terms. Optimization provides continued refinement of the search terms, placed ads, and landing pages to increase your bottom line.
\nWhat does it take to get started?
\nAll you need to get started is a list of goals, and a connection to the Internet. SEM is one of the quickest marketing strategies to execute. It works with every sized monthly budget, and reaches online prospects that are using the web 24/7. Get Started Today!
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":137,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/writing-for-the-internet-is-different-not/","title":"Writing For The Internet Is Different-Not!","slug":"writing-for-the-internet-is-different-not","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Fri Nov 28th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"Ever since the advent of the internet, “experts” have been spewing out guidelines for the new writing style this interactive medium demands. Don’t believe a word of it. Being a diligent copywriter who wants to stay on top of his game
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Writing For The Internet Is Different - Not!","metadesc":"Ever since the advent of the internet, “experts” have been spewing out guidelines for the new writing style this interactive medium demands.","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Ever since the advent of the internet, “experts” have been spewing out guidelines for the new writing style this interactive medium demands. Don’t believe a word of it. Being a diligent copywriter who wants to stay on top of his game, I’ve filed away many such articles over the years. Outside of SEO, I haven’t come across one piece of advice that I hadn’t already learned in college English, journalism and communications classes—and I graduated in 1984—or even earlier in high school.
\nTo illustrate my point, check out this typical treatise, “The 10 Commandments of Internet Writing” by Garth A. Buchholz. Except for his bizarre contention about reading paper versus light, all his advice is sound. However, I defy you to cull from his commandments anything specific to writing—as opposed to layout, font selection and other graphics considerations—that does not also apply to effective copy in any medium. (Please respond if you do; I love to talk writing.) Here’s the simple truth: There’s no such thing as an internet writing style. There is only good copy and bad copy. Whether you read it from a paper page or a computer screen matters not a whit; the same principles apply.
\nGood copy is clear, concise and speaks to the target audience in their language. The information is organized in a logical flow, not willy-nilly. Important points are placed at the beginning and end of sentences and paragraphs, not buried in the middle (emphatic positioning). Style and grammar are formal or informal as appropriate to the context. Punctuation may be strict or loose depending on the effect desired, but always with ease of understanding trumping other considerations. So don’t sweat it if you’re tasked with coming up with web copy or, heaven forefend, “repurposing” something for web content. Like Gertrude Stein’s rose, good prose is good prose is good prose.
\nAgain, if you disagree, or if you have any thoughts or contentions about writing—from never ending a sentence in a preposition (for you parochial-school students) or whether I should have hyphenated “parochial-school,” to more esoteric matters—I hope you’ll share them with me. In the meantime, think about why Ernest Hemingway’s novels are still frequently checked out from the library while Henry James’s gather dust in the stacks, and let that be your guide to good copywriting in any medium.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":138,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/hows-that-marketing-plan-coming-along/","title":"How’s That Marketing Plan Coming Along?","slug":"hows-that-marketing-plan-coming-along","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Thu Oct 30th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"I didn’t get the memo – when did marketing planning take on the emotional maladies of tax preparation? As it relates to blueprinting your business goals for the year, you likely fall into one of two categories: procrastinator or producer.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"How’s That Marketing Plan Coming Along?","metadesc":"I didn’t get the memo – when did marketing planning take on the emotional maladies of tax preparation?","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"I didn’t get the memo – when did marketing planning take on the emotional maladies of tax preparation? As it relates to blueprinting your business goals for the year, you likely fall into one of two categories: procrastinator or producer. Which are you?
\nMany of us are procrastinators in this regard because marketing planning is an intense and often times emotional investment of time, energy and ego. Casting a swath of marketing tactics into a spreadsheet with random budgets is easy for any of us. Heck, it’s even fun when you think of it like a shopping spree – I’ll take one these, three of those, two of these… and throw in a dozen microsites too. However, if your boss is not easily impressed with colorful pie charts void of substance, you recognize that a serious planning effort is in order. The biggest challenges are quite simply creating the time and getting over the fear. Here are a few general tips to help you get out of the starting blocks:
\nCommit yourself and your team – put it on the calendar and stick to it.
\nUnderstand that your plan will evolve but a solid first iteration is the goal.
\nBe honest and assess your previous year successes and challenges.
Now that you’ve taken the leap, begin to build a marketing planning foundation that you can leverage in future iterations and future years. Development of a planning checklist is another great place to start. Moreover, producing a repeatable format or template that is both qualitative and quantitative will allow you to present strategic as well as tactical plan elements with succinct clarity.
\nNow that you’ve overcome the fear and gotten comfortable with the logic, let’s get realistic.
\nIn every professional environment various levels of political maneuvering blossom during the marketing planning process. It’s not in your job description, but how you hurdle these challenges will speak volumes about you. Here are a couple of tips that should help you manage egos and personal interests. First, schedule 15-minute meetings with relevant, key stakeholders to not only gauge their needs and wants, but also get their advance commitment and buy-in. I recommend avoiding the department wide meetings at this stage and keeping these sessions one on one as much as possible. Second, make a concerted effort to remove the omnipresent chasm between sales and marketing departments. Note: this will not happen overnight, but regularly engaging and being an active in sales and the sales management process is important. Succinct and regular dialog with sales personnel and associated executives – in writing and in person – will get you on the right track.
\nPositioning yourself as an irreplaceable resource rather than needy is critical. During your sessions, get specific and outline the marketing function as it relates to supporting business development and Driving Revenue. Perhaps refresh previous year learnings with a 30-minute exercise of the definition of a lead and the scoring or weighting of different kinds of leads. Assess the sales team’s ability to “carry-out” lead generation by regularly updating internal systems in effort to keep sales and marketing in alignment. It’s a bit of a slippery slope, but the bottom line is that the sales team is responsible for producing the numbers, and synchronized marketing support will create a healthier, more accountable environment on the whole. When it comes to the plan elements, trust your instincts. You’re in the driver’s seat because you are a trusted resource. Rely heavily on the previous year metrics. If you don’t have metrics, instill them and actively monitor the sales and marketing scoreboard. When you’re ready, get feedback on your standard components and your leaps of faith. And always hold a few trump cards back for the big presentation. If your plan is logical, practical and measurable you will do just fine. Lastly, enjoy this time of year as it might be the only time when you can truly be a creative marketer rather than a proverbial fire extinguisher.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":139,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/branding-amidst-bailouts/","title":"Branding Amidst Bailouts","slug":"branding-amidst-bailouts","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Wed Oct 29th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"Economic forces are playing havoc with some of the most trusted brands in the global marketplace. For many of you, it’s simply about maintenance. For some, it’s about survival. It’s safe to say that the internet-economy
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Branding Amidst Bailouts","metadesc":"Economic forces are playing havoc with some of the most trusted brands in the global marketplace. For many of you","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Economic forces are playing havoc with some of the most trusted brands in the global marketplace. For many of you, it’s simply about maintenance. For some, it’s about survival. It’s safe to say that the internet-economy of the most recent millennium over saturated consumer and business marketplaces with obscure and hollow brand promises. This was a fun ride for many in the IPO business, but those of you that considered yourselves branding fundamentalists were likely dismissed very quickly when you asked your C-suite questions like “who are we” and “what does our brand represent?”
\nToday, those with the most reputable brands have a distinct competitive advantage as it relates to wooing potential suitors, getting financial support, getting acquired, and/or surviving in general. Lehman vs. Merrill courting BoA; Yahoo vs. AOL courting Microsoft; the list over the last 10 months is too lengthy to document in this blog. The obvious metrics associated with corporate health and viability are conspicuously financial.
\nThe not so obvious metrics in the underwriting or M&A due diligence areas are related to branding. I don’t want to start a debate on the definition of the term, but it remains my opinion that a company’s brand includes all the intangible, visual and emotional perceptions and realities the firm yields to stakeholder audiences. I like to include the brand promise, the brand markings, and the brand perceptions in this bucket. In the mainstream marketing and advertising media, all you typically hear about is brand equity, and how valuable the Coca-Cola, etc. brand is. But so too is the brand promise, brand positioning, and brand personality. If you don’t have these brand elements documented, you may want to do so. And if the net result of your brand assessment is negative – internally or externally – then you have yet another obstacle to hurdle during this recession. Whether your brand is perceived positively, negatively or indifferently, there remain a few areas to address during any economic climate to preserve your brand:
\nProtect your brand components: Trademarks, service marks, domains and copyrights are invaluable. Audit your brand “protection” annually.
\nPractice brand continuity and consistency: Develop and have employees, vendors and partners use your approved brand standards handbook.
\nEvolve your brand: Your brand should be created with the idea that your firm will grow and evolve over time. As such your brand treatment, promise and hierarchies should evolve logically and cleanly. If you plan on being in business for the long term, your brand will change over time with or without you. For those of you in established enterprises, think about how your brand has changed in just the last five years – I know, it’s crazy when you really think about it. With your direct participation, you can shape and mold your brand to your/your company’s liking by simply being proactive and applying branding best practices. Do nothing and your brand (and your company) run the risk of evolving into something unrecognizable and completely off-message.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":140,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/finding-news-when-there-isnt-any/","title":"Finding News When There Isn’t Any","slug":"finding-news-when-there-isnt-any","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Wed Oct 29th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"In between the CEO’s office and the mailroom, you can always find interesting company stories and opportunities to get into the news media. Several years back while serving at a large marketing firm I was tasked with handling
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Finding News When There Isn’t Any","metadesc":"In between the CEO’s office and the mailroom, you can always find interesting company stories and opportunities","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"In between the CEO’s office and the mailroom, you can always find interesting company stories and opportunities to get into the news media. Several years back while serving at a large marketing firm I was tasked with handling PR for a large pencil manufacturer.
\nThat’s right – pencils. It was quite a challenge because at the time there wasn’t much happening in the world of writing instruments. Perhaps the only real excitement had come a decade earlier when new advancements came to the mechanical version. Bottom line, it was pretty difficult to make a pencil maker interesting. I’m sure you get the point. But I took it as a chance to sharpen my PR skills and come out of the box with a few ideas to help bring sexy back to the pencil company.
\nThe first option in my PR trapper keeper was to have the pencil maker sponsor a state-wide contest on the most creative drawing using a #2 pencil. The contest was a success and it generated media attention all over the country for the age-old pencil manufacturer. Companies in every industry see the writing on the wall when they struggle to find topics. Whether you’re in a stodgy industry, or if you want to create buzz for a product that isn’t available yet, or even if there is absolutely nothing going on with your company, there are proven PR tools you can use to generate some buzz. In addition to surveys, find some interesting customer or employee stories, do a publicity stunt, get in the middle of a controversial political issue, or provide expert commentary on a financial or celebrity gaffe currently taking place in the media. The goal is to get involved with the daily media conversation and use the opportunity to push your agenda to promote your company.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":141,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/aidaits-not-just-an-opera/","title":"AIDA—It’s Not Just An Opera","slug":"aidaits-not-just-an-opera","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Tue Oct 28th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"If you want your messaging to be effective, AIDA should be music to your ears. With the advent of new media, and more recently Web 2.0, some believed that advertising as we knew it was dead. Certainly, the communication dynamic changed profoundly.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"AIDA—It’s Not Just An Opera","metadesc":"If you want your messaging to be effective, AIDA should be music to your ears. With the advent of new media, and more recently Web 2.0","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"If you want your messaging to be effective, AIDA should be music to your ears. With the advent of new media, and more recently Web 2.0, some believed that advertising as we knew it was dead. Certainly, the communication dynamic changed profoundly. Instead of a one-way conversation—seller talking at buyer—a two-way dialog became possible. Despite this, one thing hasn’t changed: To get results, promotional messaging still requires adherence to the four pillars of persuasion.
\nLong before the Internet was a twinkle in Al Gore’s eye, some smart ad man or woman laid them out in what has become known as the AIDA Formula: Attention • Interest • Desire • Action
\nWith the profusion of communications channels and the explosion of messages they carry—all that clutter to break through—if anything, AIDA is more important than ever. Print ad or popup, TV spot or email blast, it needs to jump off the page (or screen). Having jumped, it had better pique your prospects’ curiosity right off the bat, then provocatively answer the question, “Why should I want it?” And bringing them that far is all for naught unless you tell them how to get it. Attention, interest, desire, action—a four-point checklist you should apply to every marketing message you craft, from building awareness to building leads, no matter the medium.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":142,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/using-linkedin-to-promote-a-webinar/","title":"Using LinkedIn to Promote a Webinar","slug":"using-linkedin-to-promote-a-webinar","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Tue Oct 28th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"LinkedIn and similar networking sites are a great way to generate free buzz for a B2B webinar. Since Linkedin is focused on professional networking, it gives you an opportunity to reach out to other professionals and potential customers.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Using LinkedIn to Promote a Webinar","metadesc":"LinkedIn and similar networking sites are a great way to generate free buzz for a B2B webinar. Since Linkedin is focused on professional networking","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"LinkedIn and similar networking sites are a great way to generate free buzz for a B2B webinar. Since Linkedin is focused on professional networking, it gives you an opportunity to reach out to other professionals and potential customers.
\nSpeak to Your Connections – Linkedin allows you to update your profile and tell your connections what you are working on. This info will appear on your connections’ Linkedin home page when they log in. Update your profile to promote the upcoming webinar. Start a week or two in advance and update it every few days. Edit your profile and change the “What are you working on?” field to something like this:
\nAllan is working on a webinar for IT professionals. Vanessa is working on a webinar that explains how to increase revenue with retail ERP systems. Modify this slightly on your profile every few days will cause it to reappear on your contacts’ home page when they log into LinkedIn.
\nReach out to Relevant Industries – The first way to reach out is to answer questions in the Answers section of LinkedIn, to show that you are an expert. Look for questions in categories relevant to your prospects and see if there are any that questions that can be answered by your webinar. Also post questions asking people for feedback on your webinar, share the link to the webinar landing page in the questions. Next, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of groups on LinkedIn where people join to associate with people in similar industries.
\nJoin groups that are relevant to your prospects and use the new LinkedIn discussion board functionality to promote your webinar.
\nTracking – Also use a unique url to track your efforts and see how many site visitors and registrants came from Linkedin. If you want to get more advanced, create several tracking links to test different messages posted on Linkedin and repeat the ones that are most successful.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":143,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/virtualization-in-2009-its-all-about-the-channel/","title":"Virtualization in 2009: It’s All About the Channel.","slug":"virtualization-in-2009-its-all-about-the-channel","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Tue Oct 28th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"Looking back, it’s amazing to witness the virtualization industry’s evolution. I think ‘08 will long be recognized as the year of the virtualization draft. Some entered the big leagues and took bold leaps, others overpromised
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Virtualization in 2009: It’s All About the Channel","metadesc":"Looking back, it’s amazing to witness the virtualization industry’s evolution. I think ‘08 will long be recognized","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Looking back, it’s amazing to witness the virtualization industry’s evolution. I think ‘08 will long be recognized as the year of the virtualization draft. Some entered the big leagues and took bold leaps, others overpromised, and even more under-delivered. In the end, who will win, who will tread water, and who will flat out lose? Looking forward, the idea of distributed desktops has quickly jockeyed to the top of IT to-do lists. Server virtualization hasn’t necessarily lost any product marketing cache, but it’s clear that easily deployed virtual desktops that are platform/OS/device agnostic are the answer to the 2009 question of “how do we reduce costs while increasing productivity?”.
\nAdditionally, striving for simplicity should be a MBO for everyone. It’s clear the major players are still molding and shaping their value propositions. One area of marketing dilution is product/solution messaging. From the lab to the street, virtualization competitors need to stop one-upping each other and focus on the plain-English benefits audiences are hungry for. Lastly, it’s this blogger’s opinion that winning market share is largely dependent on the channel’s ability to succeed.
\nAs marketers, I see our job as river tour guide operators for qualified reseller audiences. Hop aboard and enjoy the ride. Our vessel is state of the art, and if you deliver we’ll generously share the fruits. On the left is our demand generation center that customizes programs for your needs. On the right is our tailored blogosphere that creates your community of experts. At the next bend you’ll see our PR distillery, and we’ll ultimately conclude the tour at our marketing ROI factory. Tongue firmly in cheek here, but identifying, converting, and arming the right resellers with the right tools is a must for the 2009 virtualization battlefield.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":144,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/ready-to-retail-solution-personalized-for-mid-market-retail-entreprises/","title":"Ready-to-Retail Solution Personalized for Mid-Market Retail Enterprises","slug":"ready-to-retail-solution-personalized-for-mid-market-retail-entreprises","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Wed Sep 10th 2008","modified":"Wed Jul 10th 2019","excerpt":"UCS Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller, today announced Ready-to-Retail, an out of the box solution, supports the unique challenges and needs of retail enterprises.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Ready-to-Retail Solution Personalized for Mid-Market Retail Enterprises","metadesc":"UCS Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller, today announced Ready-to-Retail","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"UCS Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller, today announced Ready-to-Retail, an out of the box solution, supports the unique challenges and needs of retail enterprises. Organizations gain a single point of view of all retail systems and processes associated with the business. UCS Solutions personalizes the SAP All-in-One Solution for mid-market enterprise retailers.
\nReady-to-Retail enables retailers and wholesalers to rapidly deploy and integrate an ERP system to stay competitive in today’s environment. In addition, UCS offers application and managed services that provide end-to-end services for retail enterprises. “Retailers have come to rely on technology solutions for certain functions across the enterprise,” said Allan Vanderheyden, President of UCS Solutions. “That is why Ready-to-Retail is designed to take advantage of investments and integrate systems that drive every part of the business.
\nAn ERP system provides greater visibility and control for retailers.” Ready-to-Retail delivers integrated functionality to support all aspects of a retail business including Financial Management, Merchandise Management, Sales Forecasting, Promotions and Pricing, Product & Category Management, Sales Order Management, Inventory Management, Warehouse and Distribution Management and In-store Integration. Retailers automate critical business processes quickly with pre-packaged solutions tailored to unique businesses needs.
\n\nUCS Solutions is a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller. Focused solely on the retail market, UCS Solutions offers a Ready-to-Retail system that supports both mid market and enterprise retail companies. For more information visit “www.ucs-solutions.com”.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":145,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/gain-retail-peace-of-mind-with-greater-control-and-visibility/","title":"Gain Retail Peace of Mind with Greater Control and Visibility","slug":"gain-retail-peace-of-mind-with-greater-control-and-visibility","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Wed Aug 13th 2008","modified":"Mon Feb 22nd 2021","excerpt":"Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller, today announced part one of a two-part webinar series. Mid-market retail enterprise will gain the power to revolutionize","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Gain Retail Peace of Mind with Greater Control and Visibility","metadesc":"Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"UCS Solutions, a leading provider of retail-centric enterprise resource planning systems and a certified SAP reseller, today announced part one of a two-part webinar series. Mid-market retail enterprise will gain the power to revolutionize the way they view, plan and operate business. Joined by retailexecutives and experts from Wellness Warehouse and Data Business Systems, the session will explore two secrets to Retail Peace of Mind. *Visibility And Control: Secrets To Retail Peace Of Mind* Date: Wednesday, August 20 Time: 1:00 EDT Register for free at www.retailpeaceofmind.com. Participation is limited.Merit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Managed Maintenance, Inc. (MMI), a Boca Raton Florida-based provider of IT Asset Management services, has retained Merit Mile for marketing consulting and development
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Merit Mile Partners with Managed Maintenance, Inc","metadesc":"Merit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Managed Maintenance, Inc.","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Merit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Managed Maintenance, Inc. (MMI), a Boca Raton Florida-based provider of IT Asset Management services, has retained Merit Mile for marketing consulting and development of creative communications designed to build awareness and generate demand. Initial strategies include the development of brand-building messaging and complementary advertising campaigns targeting OEM, reseller and distributor audiences.
\n“A real-time, revenue generating IT life cycle portal is only part of the news for MMI,” stated Mark Reino, President at Merit Mile. “Redefining how all segments of the IT supply chain conduct regular business with a simpler, more insightful solution is the game-changing differentiator we remain excited to promote,” concluded Reino. h4. About Managed Maintenance, Inc. Formerly a division of Champion Solutions Group, an IBM Premiere Business Partner, Managed Maintenance, Inc. offers organizations a revolutionary way to simplify IT inventory, maintenance and warranty tracking, while also providing complete visibility into opportunities related to maintaining or replacing their equipment and software assets.
\nA secure, easy-to-use web portal with password-protected access offers customers a real-time, line-of-sight view of the life cycle status of all their equipment, software assets, and support contracts. The MMI combination of people, process and technology offers the industry a powerful opportunity to create a contract management marketplace that brings together sellers, such as OEM’s, VARs, and service providers, with the consumer community. For more information visit www.managedmaint.com.
\n"}},{"node":{"wordpress_id":147,"link":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/post/revolution-money-taps-merit-mile/","title":"Revolution Money Taps Merit Mile","slug":"revolution-money-taps-merit-mile","status":"publish","format":"standard","date":"Fri Jan 18th 2008","modified":"Mon Aug 14th 2023","excerpt":"Merit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Revolution Money, a St. Petersburg Florida-based payment network, has tasked Merit Mile on various marketing communications assignments.
\n","author":{"name":"John Sternal"},"yoast":{"title":"Revolution Money Taps Merit Mile","metadesc":"Merit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Revolution Money, a St. Petersburg Florida-based","focuskw":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","meta_robots_adv":"","meta_robots_nofollow":"","meta_robots_noindex":"","opengraph_title":"","opengraph_description":"","opengraph_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"},"twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":{"source_url":"https://apiold.meritmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3.jpg"}},"content":"Transactional Commerce Solutions Target Both Consumers and Merchants
\nMerit Mile, LLC, a South Florida-based marketing communications agency today announces that Revolution Money, a St. Petersburg Florida-based payment network, has tasked Merit Mile on various marketing communications assignments. Assignments include the development of cornerstone communications including monthly electronic newsletters, email development, and offline brochures all designed for new customer acquisition.
\n“It’s exciting to play a role in the evolution of RevolutionCard and MoneyExchange,” stated Mark Reino, President at Merit Mile. “Online merchants and consumers are thirsty for secure and sensible alternatives to marketplace mainstays, and Revolution Money has the business model, resources and talent to disrupt conventional, and often time expensive, transactional habits,” concluded Reino. h3. About Revolution Money Launched in 2007, a new payment network – Revolution Money – was created to deliver significant value to both consumers and merchants through two products, RevolutionCard and RevolutionMoneyExchange.
\nThe RevolutionCard eliminates costly interchange fees for merchants while simultaneously providing consumers with enhanced PIN-based security, identity protection, and periodic merchant discounts and incentives. MoneyExchange offers an easy and secure way to send and receive money online between accountholders for free. The accounts are issued by First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD, Member FDIC and part of the Fishback Financial Corporation. These products are leading the transformation of the payment industry by providing secure, easy, and instant payment solutions to everyone.
\nRevolution Money is based in St. Petersburg, FL and is part of the family of companies within Revolution, LLC, which was founded by Steve Case to drive transformative change by shifting power to consumers. For more information, visit www.revolutionmoney.com. h3. About Merit Mile Communications Merit Mile, LLC provides start-ups, mid-sized, and enterprise class organizations worldwide with a concentrated mix of marketing communications infrastructure and creative services designed to enhance revenue generation. Merit Mile is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida and serves clients in Fort Lauderdale, New York and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.MeritMile.com, email Info@MeritMile.com, call (561) 362-8888 in the USA or 01-561-362-8888 internationally.
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