Warning: Appropriate Hashtag Usage on Instagram Will Result in Major Traffic Increase

Hashtags: you either love them or hate them. This blog has pondered hashtag usage before and received a mixed response from readers on their effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. But more than a year after that discussion, one thing is clear. Hashtag usage should be defined more than ever by social platform. Social Platform Hashtag Usage Twitter?Continue reading “Warning: Appropriate Hashtag Usage on Instagram Will Result in Major Traffic Increase”

Where else can you read about MacGyver, Marketing and Leg Lamp Cookies?

As we approach the 200 follower mark, it seemed like a good time to officially welcome (or re-welcome) everyone to the blog and answer some frequently asked questions. What’s this blog about?  In a nutshell, posts typically fall into 4 main categories: marketing, writing, social media and personal reflection. As loyal readers will tell you though,Continue reading “Where else can you read about MacGyver, Marketing and Leg Lamp Cookies?”

Should You Slim Down (on Social Media)?

One of the first things I always discuss with clients (or even prospects) is that you can’t be everything to everyone — even on social media. We all know that, but as small business owners or business professionals, it can be difficult to weed out any ‘potential’ customers. Do what I say, not what I do.Continue reading “Should You Slim Down (on Social Media)?”

Free Your Mind and The Productivity Will Follow

One of my favorite college classes was Business Writing. While it was a morning class (night owl here), we were so productive in that hour and fifteen minute time frame. Why? Free writes. Each class, we’d arrive and sit down at a computer. The professor (who was another reason that class was so productive) wouldContinue reading “Free Your Mind and The Productivity Will Follow”

Kids & Social Media = What’s the Right Answer?

Your social media feeds are probably filled with pictures of your friends’ kids (or complete strangers’ kids), especially during back-to-school, Halloween or birthday parties. While we ohh and ahh over these pictures, a question always comes to my mind — how much is too much? Everyone is proud of their kids, and they should be. Let’sContinue reading “Kids & Social Media = What’s the Right Answer?”

It’s All About the Bling (Even in Business)

It really is all about the bling, even in business. Presentation, image, packaging… call it what you want. Time and time again, I’m reminded of this fact. Whether a client compliments my laptop bag (love Wenger Swiss Army!) or a prospect is impressed by a smartly packaged presentation, it matters. Yes, substance is important, butContinue reading “It’s All About the Bling (Even in Business)”

Restless in Akron

I’ve been kicking this post around for awhile, but like everything else lately, I’ve had trouble deciding on a direction. This isn’t typically a problem for me. I make decisions and move forward — always reviewing and learning — but not regretting or living in the past. What’s the point, anyway? But 2014 has beenContinue reading “Restless in Akron”

Twitter DMs: Strategy or Spam?

Twitter DMs: you either love them or hate them. While I’m not a personal fan, I do see how they can be used effectively. The problem is that I so rarely see them used effectively. Direct messaging on Twitter tends to be highly automated and utilized differently than messaging features on other platforms. Facebook messagesContinue reading “Twitter DMs: Strategy or Spam?”

The Punch (and Tweet) Heard Round The World

With the release of a grainy security camera video yesterday, TMZ made a mockery of the Baltimore Ravens, the Atlantic County prosecutor and the NFL. As if the domestic violence incident wasn’t bad enough, the attempted cover-up, or whitewashing of the facts in the case, is a slap in the face to women everywhere. TheContinue reading “The Punch (and Tweet) Heard Round The World”

If Only Life Were A Never-Ending Summer…

A love triangle. A historic hurricane. A marriage for money, and the ultimate betrayal. Who knew life was so glamorous in 1938?     Socialite Lily Dane is looking forward to spending another summer with her family at idyllic Seaview, Rhode Island in 1938. The small seaside community may be a little too quiet forContinue reading “If Only Life Were A Never-Ending Summer…”