The Marketing Mix | official blog of the Marketing Mentor community

Our first time was all smiles and candy bracelets

We are just back from Denver where, after a very successful CFC, we moved over to the HOW Design Conference where we had a Marketing Mentor booth in the Resource Center (see photo below). It was our first time at a trade show, and we had so much fun meeting new people, hearing what they do – and sharing what we do.

We were like kids in a candy store. Speaking of candy… people seemed to love the candy bracelets we were handing out, and we found ourselves to be quite popular because of them. We were thrilled when one person said, “I was in a bad mood, and this candy bracelet just made me so happy!”

From talking to so many people at the trade show, something became very clear:

The more you talk about what you do – the more natural you become.

Deidre and I got plenty of practice talking about Marketing Mentor – and as the time passed, we got more and more casual and adaptable. Conversation just flowed, and we found ways to connect with people depending on each unique situation. By immersing ourselves in this trade show situation, we got better.

Here we are in the booth:

 

Want to practice your 10-word blurb?

Join me and Dyana Valentine in NYC this Wednesday, June 16th, at 6:30PM. Details here: http://workingtoday.org/events/2010/winter/speed-networking.html

You can't describe it...

Welcome to Week 37 of my adventure as a member of the Marketing Plan Group. In my posts, I talk about my voyage down the road of self-employment as a website copywriter, my achievements and roadblocks along the way, and what I’m learning from my group experience.

Wow. CFC was other-worldly. It’s hard to put the experience into words – but since I’m blogging, I’ll try my best. The environment was one of mutual understanding, inspiration, appreciation, friendship, and drive. It was even better than I expected – and there are a few things that really stand out.

One thing I didn’t fully realize was just how incredible the sessions would be. The speakers were full of fire and know-how and inspiration, and I could see them resonating with every creative there. They made me think of things in a new way that I never would have expected, and there were quite a few “a-ha” moments. I feel equipped with the tools I need to grow, as well as tools to make things easier and more productive.

Another mindblower was just how much of a “community” it really was. What an AMAZING group of people. Full of smarts, full of personality, and full of fun! From newbies who were just launching their businesses, to experienced creatives, people were willing to help and support each other and share knowledge and advice. Everyone was there to learn and network, so making connections was so easy. I met some incredible people and feel like I now have a network I can reach out to.

If I had any doubts about who I wanted to be, I certainly know now. I want to be a “creative freelancer.” As a matter of fact, I am honored to call myself a “creative freelancer” and to have had this opportunity to meet such great people and learn so much.

Thank you to everyone who attended for making my experience so wonderful!

Were you there? What was the experience like for you?

I got lucky

Welcome to Week 35 of my adventure as a member of the Marketing Plan Group. In my posts, I talk about my voyage down the road of self-employment as a website copywriter, my achievements and roadblocks along the way, and what I’m learning from my group experience.

“Getting lucky” is not a task in my Marketing Calendar.

But “lucky” I did get.

A web designer left me a message a few weeks ago about a possible project he needed content written for -- and I called him back and left him a message.

A few weeks passed, and although I had his name written on my “follow up” list, I kept not calling…

Part of me thought, Ah well, if he didn’t call me back, he must have found someone else. Plus, I wouldn’t want to “pester” him, and goodness forbid I call him twice. Silly, silly. Whenever I admit these things in writing they are clearly worse than they are in my head.

Anyway…yesterday, he called me. And I quoted on a very cool project for him. And he wants us to work together.

Thankfully, this web designer was responsive enough to remember me and call me even though his time frame had changed, but many people would not. And, what if he had left messages for a few designers that day? The ones who did call back a few times may have been the ones to get the job, catching him in his time of need.

I’m sharing this because I got lucky, but luck isn’t likely when it comes to marketing. When we do get lucky, we should learn from it, right? So if there is someone on your “I’ve been meaning to call…” list, go ahead and pick up that phone – because while “getting lucky” can be fun -- you don’t want to have to rely on it when it comes to growing your business.

Did you get lucky? What did you learn?

How far are you from Denver?

We're counting down – only 10 days 'til the Creative Freelancer Conference.

And it’s not too late to attend -- especially if you’re near Denver! If you can drive there, take the bus there, or even get a last-minute deal on a flight, we know it will be worth your while.

Join us on Friday, June 4th for the Tweet Up. It’s open to all (even if you’re not attending the conference). Details here: http://twtvite.com/summertweetupdenver

Save $25 and enter to win a free iPad and 2011 conference registration too! Details here: http://www.creativefreelancerconference.com/twittercontest/

All CFC attendees get a free 6-month trial subscription to Creative Business –which includes the incredible newsletter devoted to creatives as well as unlimited phone and email support.

Are you hesitant because you don’t know anyone? Don’t be. Most people come to CFC alone looking to make new connections. Find out more in this video I did with Dyana Valentine.

Are you a techie who wants to speak up for success?

Marketing Mentor client and talented speaking coach, Jezra Kaye, is offering a Conversation Workshop called Small Talk for Techies on Thursday, May 6th from 6:30-8:30PM at In Good Company Workplaces in NYC. Here are the details:

Do you feel awkward meeting new people? Making eye contact? Starting conversations? Do you get tongue-tied talking to people who aren't in your field?

If so, Small Talk for Techies is for you!  This fast-paced, full-participation workshop will reveal:

* The Secret of Small Talk (Hint:  It isn’t small, and it’s not about talking!)
* The Ping Pong Paradigm
* How to Sound Like an Expert on Any Subject
* When to Hold ‘Em, When to Fold ‘Em; and much more

With plenty of time to practice and explore, Small Talk for Techies will help you build skills while having fun.  Don’t miss out on a unique experience that could lead to business opportunities! 

More info and register here.

Should I friend my mom?

My mom sent me a "friend" request on Facebook the other day.

I haven’t accepted it yet. I don’t know if I should. Of course I like my mom, and I enjoy the fact that she’s so computer savvy – but should I accept her as a "friend"?

I find that particularly with Facebook (of all the social networking sites), it’s hard to keep things business-oriented. Even if you have a “Fan Page” for your business, you still need to have a personal page, where if you friend your Mom -- she can post your baby pictures and write Mom-like things. The same goes for friends and other non-business acquaintances.

It’s not that I’m opposed to having some things of a personal nature on my Facebook site, but where do you draw the line? What do you think?

(Mom, if you're reading this, feel free to comment.)

Are you serious about having a website that is search engine friendly?

I’m back from the ASPP Reinvention Weekend in Boston where I met some amazing businesspeople including Allen Murabayashi, co-founder of PhotoShelter, a company that helps photographers get pro websites online in 5 minutes, sell directly online, and market themselves with social networks & SEO.

I love that their tagline is websites and tools for serious photographers because I also work with serious creative professionals. (I provide tools for creatives who are serious about growing their businesses.)

Allen was on a panel with me for the session, Click, Tweet and Repeat: SEO, Social Media, and Brand Management, and I was blown away by his SEO knowledge and insight on how to make your website search engine friendly.

He’ll be blogging about this topic here on the Marketing Mix soon, but in the meantime, check out PhotoShelter’s blog and their free reports.

I'm going to CFC, are you?

Welcome to Week 29 of my adventure as a member of the Marketing Plan Group. In my posts, I talk about my voyage down the road of self-employment as a website copywriter, my achievements and roadblocks along the way, and what I’m learning from my group experience.

I just booked my plane ticket – Denver here I come!

This will be my first Creative Freelancer Conference, and my first time in Denver. Can I let you in on a little secret? I am desperately excited for CFC.  For me, the only downside to self-employment is solitariness. And the idea of being around people (who get it) just makes me so happy. I’ve seen and heard how empowering the experience is, and I’m ready to be part of it.

Stuff I’m looking forward to

• Networking walks! Though I’m not exactly an early-riser, I’m willing to drag myself out of bed for some fresh air, networking, and exploration of Downtown Denver. Fellow sleepy heads: drag yourselves out of bed too. (Don’t make me be the only person with sleep lines on my face and a thermos full of coffee.)
• I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that “I am a business,” so I’m looking forward to Ilise’s opening keynote, You Are a Business, where she’s going to talk about the shift in perspective that’s needed to go from “person” to “business.”
• Even though I have my “elevator speech,” I want to work on it, refine it, and be more comfortable when people ask me what I do. That’s why I’ll be in the front row at Dyana Valentine’s presentation, Pitch Perfect.
• Now that I’m getting a better understanding of my financial situation (thanks to my Marketing Plan Group), I’m looking forward to Galia Gichon’s, It’s Your Money So Take it Personally.
• I’ll admit it. Sometimes I price projects by pulling a number out of my hat. Accordingly, I need to attend The Art and Science of Pricing a Project by Shel Perkins.
• Happy hour. (It’s a scheduled event, look!)
• Meeting you! So if you haven’t signed up yet, please do so. You can still get the early bird discount if you sign up today, April 15th.

Check out all of the sessions here.

What are you looking forward to at this year’s CFC?

Why are they so inspired?

Inspiration comes in many forms – but we feel like some of the best are through learning and networking. That’s why we started the Creative Freelancer Conference.

This week, on Blog Talk Radio, Colleen Rice Nelson interviewed me and two Creative Freelancer Conference veterans. Listen to Alisa Bonsignore and  Dyana Valentine talk about what they learned at past conferences. Alisa shared how CFC helped her to see her business as a business and take it more seriously – and we all tried to describe the amazing networking, support, and camaraderie that sizzle during the conference. Oh yes, and I outlined all the topics that will be covered at this year’s conference. Listen here: www.blogtalkradio.com/freelancer-forum/2010/04/11/creative-freelancer-conference-2010-news-updates

Feel inspired too? Sign up today. The early bird discount expires Thursday, April 15th!

Ready to Reinvent, Re-imagine & Reinvigorate your career?

Join me in Boston this weekend (April 15-18) for the ASPP (American Society of Picture Professionals) Reinvention Weekend. The event is sponsored by Adbase (among others) and is intended to help picture professionals renew their approach to the image business.

Our conferences bring together the key people engaged with keeping the essential elements of our image community humming: stock agents, researchers, editors, publishers, art buyers, photographers and consultants. Expect spirited dialogues with your photo contemporaries from around the world!

I’m on the panel for the session: Click, Tweet and Repeat: Social Media, SEO and Brand Management on April 16th.

Can’t attend the whole weekend, but want to come to a session or two? No problem. They are offering entrance to single sessions on Friday and Saturday. More info here.