What Not To Do On Social Media

If social media was easy everybody would be doing it well. But that is obviously not the case. Every week we see examples of social media gone wrong (or really bad). The is week we had a wonderful bad example of social media by a senior GOP staffer bashing the daughters of the President on Facebook. Not the first time for this self-proclaimed GOPgirl posting ill-advised content on social platforms.

Another example of social media gone wild, a recent Twitter post by Malaysian Airlines was not only untimely but insensitive to the family members still coping with the loss of ill-fated flight 370. The airline tried to loosely justify the tweet by saying it was a promotion to inspire people. Where is the overall strategy and content manager? This brand should be operating in crisis mode still and carefully review all content it's releasing.

Not sure these people truly understand the magnitude of social media and its reach. Also imperative to note that these people are running digital agencies providing services to other brands and businesses. Would this be a digital agency you would want to handle your social media?

Update 12/1/2014
GOP Staffer who criticized Obama's daughters has resigned. I wonder what her other clients or current client pitches will do?


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Introducing The Big C

Click for the Big C


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Services

Services include:

• brand and marketing strategy
• digital marketing audit, strategy and execution
• social media strategy and execution
• experiential marketing strategy, vehicle development and event execution

Michael C. Newhouse
WCNgroup.com
wcngroup@gmail.com

Monday Inspiration

Be Strong!

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

SEO Objective For Links

The number #1 objective for performing any SEO for your website is ranking higher so that you receive more visitors. Google is the number #1 most used search engine. One of the top priorities for Google is to deliver the most relevant results that are authentic and answer the users search query. They have initiated algorithmic changes recently that aim to delivery these results. Matt Cutts, head of Google's Web Spam team continues to drive this SEO message to all web masters.

One of the key SEO algorithmic factors is still links. A few years back best SEO practices used to be buying links, trading links, guest posting on blogs and other media sites etc. These SEO techniques were quickly gamed by those in the SEO world and many links, especially from link farms and directories were not authentic. As a result of Google's Panda update, links have become scrutinized for authenticity and relevancy. Many sites were hurt from this because they tried to game the system and had hundreds and some, even thousands of bad links according to the new Panda update.

For SEO and content marketing to be effective, links must be authentically garnered. If you produce great content, search results will come. Matt Cutts stated this recently, "...the objective is not to make your links appear natural, the objective is that your links are Natural."

All the Best,


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

What Lies Before Us

Words to live by.



Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

The most basic way to get someone's attention is this: "Break a Pattern."

Chip Heath

Chip Heath, Best Selling Author

Read more quotes

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

John F. Kennedy

Strategy, Design, Results ~ Repeat.
WCNgroup brand, marketing and results.

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Numbers Are Better Than Bullet Points

I believe in setting meeting agendas and following up with notes containing action items. Over the course of my professional career, I have lead teams in a variety of industries with all levels of staff. What I have found from testing is that numbering discussion items to be more effective than using bullet points.

Participants have commented that they are able to focus on the items better. Not feel overwhelmed by a paper or digital screen with a variety of dots. As a result, participation is higher due the attendees engagement with the items at hand.


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Best Task Management Platform

I have tried a variety of task management platforms (techniques) by creating my own excel document, Google task manager and a variety of online platforms. But nothing seems to stick or be exactly what I am seeking. So now, I leave it up to my network of contacts for suggestions, recommendations and insight into what they have used and find to be the most efficient task manager platform to use for success.

Please comment below with your best task management platform.


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Marketing, You Can Only Predict And Measure

Marketing is strategic, creative and measurable. Marketing imitates sales in addition to supporting. Both are equaling important to the bottom line. Yes, there are exceptions to the rules, but these are only rare in frequency.




Michael Newhous
 WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Trust Your Designer

One of the best lessons I learned, was to allow and build trust with my designer. In the beginning, I tried to control the entire graphic design process, even to the point of creating my own design concepts. with the expectation of following my exact design. A presumptuous error on my behalf.

Designer: Joe Roces

My approach to the design process included research and data analysis then developing solutions based on the data that included the creative design. Even though in the creative brief, I would request designs independent from the creative brief. Basically, I did not trust my designer. As a result, it would at times affect the efficiency of the creative process.

The break through entailed years working with a variety of graphic designers. That experience has taught me to let down my barriers and be my designers’ biggest fan. Each graphic designer is different and you must adapt to their personality and creating working style. The graphic designer is the key to the strategic success.

Find the time to evaluate your approach when working with the creative team and make the necessary modifications. The results will be worth your investment and finally, be your graphic designers’ biggest fan. 

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Make False Marketing Claims, Go To Jail

Kevin Trudea was sentenced to 10 years in jail for bilking customers through his infomercials. Infomercials are known (hopefully by most) to make generous claims about the product benefits. The process then follows with testimonies from actual users then an urgent call to action (Act Now!). To seal the deal the information that offers a deal you can't beat (not only do you get this product but well throw in another.
*Note - the color pantone utilized along with the instant ordering are brilliant forms of direct sales.

But what is a viable marketing sales channel for companies, Kevin decided to take it too another level by extending the product claims. Being convicted previously did not stop Kevin from continuing his scrupulous ways until now.

In a world that is demanding more authenticity, Kevin should not be your role model. If you make a marketing claim, back it up  with verifiable substance. Even down to your customer service, it you claim to have 24 hour service, deliver it. If you need a business role model to follow, follow Gary Vaynerchuk, he will show you the way.

Gary Vaynerchuk

Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Mazzanti Makes Only 5 A Year

Mazzanti introduced the Evantra high performance car in April 2013. Amazing lines in the design, a power source that delivers 0-62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with a body made of your choice of either aluminum or carbon fiber laid over a steel chromoly chassis. This is an Italian design that embodies both classic with modern design features.

Mazzanti marketing communication describes the car as a "tailor made" super car. That should spark interest from the exclusive target market that this car is geared towards. The marketing better be laser focused with business/sales developed with pre-existing contacts and prospect leads. To support this type of business model (only 5 made a year) the guaranteed sales orders must be at the minimum, two years out.

Laser focused marketing begins with research and data that is then analysed for key trends and opportunities (branding, marketing, strategy). Mazzanti must be confident with executing this business model. Here is a marketing example of how to write a press release for an exclusive demographic.

Check out this exquisite beauty. The Mazzanti Evantra V8.


Extra Note: The company has already exercised is licensing outreach with a partnership with Ennebi watches.




Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

What's Missing in Sales

Sales is tough for anybody, I do not care who you are but for the rest of us 99%, meeting the constant sales production goals (objectives) is a major challenge. Those that have researched the data and analytics of their sales outreach efforts and have identified marketing objectives to increase the effectiveness, are at least confident that they have strategies to face this never ending cycle.

Starting from having a paper route then proceeding to my current position, I participate in sales encounters with a high level of confidence by having well honed marketing and business development tools. These marketing tools have taken years of trial, research, constant education, and testing. What I find missing most in the sale process is well developed professional communication skills.

Client: Precision Aviation Training Heli Expo 2014

Professional communication encounters ranges from email, social media, text, phone, group interactions and direct face to face. I have observed poor communication skills in all levels of a company from entry level employees to CEO's. And when in the business environment long enough, you will question how somebody was being successful in their position. Being able to successfully professionally communicate during the entire sales process is critical for having a high level of success.

Sales by definition is the building of a relationship where services or goods are exchanged for money or other compensation. Sales need to be treated with dignity and respect which will organically result increasing repeat sales, loyalty, referrals and positive testimonies.

Developing professional communication skills and deliverables requires a commitment to identifying data and tools used to collect. The data will then be analysed for trends and conversions paths. Mid size market companies and up are utilizing CRM systems with marketing automation software.

Follow my blog for further details into each communication encounter and the tools I recommend for success.



Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com

Calm in Chaos on New York Subway

Depending on the level of experience and coping skills, one can be completely comfortable in environments even if according to studies and what is acceptable societal behavior, would be completely abnormal. Chaos is found everywhere. At work, sports, music, the ocean and every imaginable environment.

The images of these New York subway conductors reveal a sense of ease. Whether it's subconsciously or just plain boredom is left to the viewer to ponder. I tend to believe in the  dramatic thought that each conductor is experiencing a self reflective or enlightenment moment. None the less, take it as a lesson, chaos can be calming and our ability as humans allows for us to  develop coping skills to manage our response.

See New York's Subway Conductors Here 


Michael Newhouse
WCN group
wcngroup@gmail.com