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Your Life…Online

March 7, 2010

Tags: Burst Marketing, gotomeeting, mediacenter, Online meetings, webex, youtube
Categories: Business Development, Economy, Strategy, Web Meetings

Many businesses have clamped down on travel budgets by turning to online meetings. Webex, Gotomeeting, and in-house solutions connect audiences and presenters around the globe from their desks, their laps, and their phones.

Of course, there is no real replacement for personal, face-to-face interaction. But as cost-consciousness replaces the niceties, online interactivity is on its way to mainstream.

Some still have their doubts. We’ve heard strong protests saying that people won’t feel comfortable discussing personal or confidential information this way.

To those who still have such doubts, consider this research excepted from mediacenteronline.com publication “Trends 2010.”

[from Trends 2010; mediacenteronline.com]

The growing demand for real-time interactions will result in more than just clones of Twitter-like-services expected to hit the Web in 2010. Many of the most interesting and out-of-the-box innovations that will impact lives during the next year include:

Online funerals. While webcasting a funeral may seem morbid, Funeralrecording.com and Funeralone.com are starting to gain attention because the services allow more people to share in the ceremony without the expense of travel.

Life-casting. Given the integration of cell phones, high-speed 3G services, and a growing desire to connect with people in more tangible ways, life-casting services such as Qik.com will allow users to easily stream live, quality videos from their mobile phones in real-time.

Video gaming gets physical. Taking lessons from the popular Wii, Microsoft’s new Xbox controller is the user. Called “Kinect”, players can perform dance movies or kick a ball, while a camera tracks the movements and shows the results on screen. Sony’s new PlayStation Motion Controller features a wand that helps accomplish the same person-as-the-controller goal.

Content aggregated. Digg.com and other services help web surfers find interesting stories and pictures and YouTube.com allows people to share videos. Toobla.com aggregates videos, photos, documents and Websites, to store and share them online, making content more interesting and accessible for others in a person’s network.

Gadgets for gadgets. The earlier versions of cell-phone boosters were disappointing, but the zBoost ONE, which increases connection three bars, will allow people in rural areas to participate in the mobile revolution and make high-speed access viable for everyone.

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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When Servers Go Down

February 16, 2010

Tags: service. marketing
Categories: Business Development, Courage, Decision Making, Ownership, Strategy

Is there anything more frustrating than tech problems?

You’re cranking out that report right on deadline…in the flow as it were. Focusing on capturing your best work, you plow through until its done. Then you lean back, satisfied. One more look see for typos and spelling errors and then print and deliver.

You hit print, enter and then….nothing. Frozen. It’s OK though, just reboot and you’ll print it after it fires up.

Panic!

You were so focused on pumping out the words, that you forgot one little thing….SAVE.

If you hit restart, it’s gone…

All the stages of grief begin to flow…shock, anger, sadness, and finally…resignation. You’re going to have to start over.

How do you think your customer feels when suddenly the “server” goes down? When service stops.

Sure the economy stinks – and you need every customer you can get. So how can a company afford to stop marketing for new customers, especially in a downturn.

How can they afford to lay off customer service personnel…or those long-time staff who know the company inside and out – and have relationships with all the key customers?

The answer…can’t afford it – gotta survive.

OK. So as their competitor, what does this mean to you?

It sets up a unique opportunity…but it takes some foresight and guts. In other words – leadership. The first companies to restore top-notch service and aggressive marketing will pick up customers as they return to the market.

Is it time for you to reboot?

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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I Will Never Fly

January 24, 2010

Tags: Albany, Burst Marketing, Contractors, Figure Skating, marketing, Olympics
Categories: Brand/Reputation, Business Development, Marketing Message, Strategy

It’s almost Olympics time…and American’s are getting back in touch with the sports they never much care about during any other time.

So during last night’s figure skating tuneup (for watching it on TV), my friend asked me an interesting question -

“If you could be any Olympian, in any sport, what would it be?” “I’d like to be able to fly on my feet”, I said, “to win the 100 meter dash and be the world’s fastest human!”

Cool huh? Never happen. But ain’t it fun to dream?

Some businesses though, seem to confuse their dreams with reality.

One research project we completed on the Albany contractor market revealed this example:

This company, a top 5 player, is in on all the major bids in the market. They do good work and win their fair share. But, somewhere deep inside, they dream of being a beautiful showroom, dazzling the public with their offerings rather than embracing the hardhat that pays the bills.

That disconnect between who you really are and who you really want to be can create confusion among customers.

This firm did open a showroom, and our research showed that some of their commercial customers became confused about who they were. And, it cast doubt on whether they were focused enough on their core business to be awarded the next bid – regardless of their pricing. True or not – that’s not the type of doubt you want hanging out there.

There are many, smart tactical approaches you can follow to spread your wings into new markets.

Dreams of being a butterfly can provide ample motivation. Be sure, however, to first embrace your inner caterpillar.

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Flexible Not Permanent

January 18, 2010

Tags: Burst Marketing, businessweek, Recession, temporary workforce
Categories: Brand/Reputation, Business Development, Courage, Customer Focus, Decision Making, Economy, Management, Ownership, Strategy

The current issue of BusinessWeek features a story on the pervasiveness of a flexible, temporary workforce.

It’s not hard to understand why.

The Great Recession has made everyone gun shy. Using temporary workers is a way to hedge your bet. Wait until you can be sure business is back before taking on the expense hiring full-time workers.

26% of America’s workforce are “non standard” – temps, contract workers, and part timers. And from a risk-control perspective it makes sense.

But here’s a question:

Is your business part time? Is serving your clients and customers a part-time gig? How about sales?

The danger of a temporary work force is that they may have no real investment in your Company’s success. Caring about the job is a paycheck thing, not a customer thing.

Investing to add a qualified member of your team or paying to have a specific task done or hours filled -

Which is the bigger risk?

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Is The Ice Melting?

January 14, 2010

Tags: 2009, 2010, Burst, CEN, marketing
Categories: Business Development, Economy

Several of us Bursties attended a meeting of the CEN (a network of Capital Region manufacturers) in Albany this morning.

We heard some encouraging news.

Several of the owners and executives present reported that the 4th quarter of 2009 showed distinctly better results than the rest of that wretched year. (Henceforth known as the year which shall not be named!)

Better yet, the thaw seems to have some legs as many see continued improvement as 2010 comes out of the gate.

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Don’t Take The Meeting

November 8, 2009

Tags: Burst Marketing, business meetings, communication, reputation
Categories: Brand/Reputation, Business Development, Customer Focus, Ownership, Sales Process

One of the worst things any marketing organization can do is to take a meeting for the wrong reason.

A face to face meeting is a prime opportunity to accomplish something valuable in a business relationship. So you need to be clear on why you want this meeting, and that whomever you’re meeting with has the same or similar understanding.

Recently, I attended a meeting where a consultant thought he was there to help a client develop an approach to solve a particular problem. However, the client already had a pretty good handle on the plan of attack, they simply were looking for help to hone the plan and to execute it.

This joint misunderstanding led to frustration for both the consultant and the client and ultimately a major opportunity was diminished.

Moral: We work hard and spend money to make and develop new relationships. Be sure there is up front agreement on the reason for an encounter and check in along the way to be sure you’re staying on course.

Your reputation and your business depend on it.

Posted by: Steve Banis

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Ted Kennedy – Dangerously Slow Change

August 30, 2009

Categories: Business Development, Economy

Last week marked the passing of an American institution; Senator Edward Kennedy. As President, his older brother John gave us a vision of Camelot. His other brother Robert showed us great passion and determination – first as John’s Attorney General and then as a Senator from New York.

Ted Kennedy, the youngest and only brother left, combined the two and gave the American people results.

Agree with Ted Kennedy’s politics or not – there is no denying his legacy as an extraordinarily effective legislator.

Among his colleagues, he was respected by friend and foe alike.

Through the stories we’ve heard from the people he touched – family, friends, and people from every walk of life – we’ve also learned that he was loved. And it seems particularly true for many victims of personal and/or national tragedies such as 9/11 or those who felt disaffected by the ‘system’.

Every day, our national and state legislative bodies demonstrate how few, if any, Ted Kennedy’s are left. Leaders focused on productivity vs. power. Who encourage actual progress vs. those who toy with it.

When things change slowly over time, it is hard to notice the change. When change is abrupt, the difference can be jolting.

The impact Ted Kennedy had will be somewhat more appreciated now that he’s gone. Simply put, fewer items of importance will get done. But since legislative productivity has been degrading slowly for a long time now, the danger is that it will feel just the same as it always has to most of us.

Much the same has happened to an enormous lot of long-established businesses. Ones that have enjoyed great success, often for decades.

As time passed, business growth stopped. Then performance remained flat. And finally, sales and profits dropped. And continue to drop. The progression probably wasn’t as jolting as it should have been because it happened slowly. The jolt only happened in the last few years or months.

Did this type of change creep up on your business? And if so, now that many customers have gone or stay away, what will you do?

Posted by: Steve Banis

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Failure to Launch?

August 16, 2009

Tags: Albany marketing, change, marketing strategy, seth godin
Categories: Business Development, Courage, Decision Making, Management, Startups

I recently experienced a failure to launch.

The ambitious goals and strategies of my new business required that I recruit like-minded, motivated, and competent partners. When I found them, the fun and momentum of a new venture kicked in and we were soon off and running. Well, sort of.

Something wasn’t quite clicking. The idea and profit potential was there. The skill sets. The market need.

But just when you’d think things were ready to roll, another distraction would pop up. Went on like this for about a year.

Our wheels were stuck in the mud.

Time to change the wheels.

Not only did partners change, I chose a different type of partner.

Now we’re cruising down the road at 65mph, driving towards a relaunch with business in the bank and a growing pipeline.

Hitting the skids along your planned route is like the pain you feel when you’re hurt. It’s a warning system.

It means you’re faced with a decision of change – whether a mild adjustment or a major overhaul.

It’s important to maintain the perspective that almost every plan needs adjustments along the way to goal achievement.

Heed the warning and pause. Review your strategy, make corrections, and rededicate yourself to your vision.

Posted by: Steve Banis

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Another “BRIC” in the Wall

July 5, 2009

Tags: Albany marketing, alliances, joint venture, partnerships
Categories: Business Development, Management, Marketing Blueprint, Product Development, Strategy

While we were sleeping, a truly monumental event took place.

The four main developing powers in the world – Brazil, Russia, India and China held the first ever BRIC summit. Their hope is to challenge the economic dominance of the West – namely the U.S. and Europe – and to challenge the dollar as the main global currency.

For now, the differing agendas and styles of these countries are a major obstacle to creating a united front. But mark that date, June 16, 2009, as a day when the “American Century” more formally transitioned into the 21st century of global economic balance.

Meanwhile…on the home front

Partnerships among nations is a real big bite to swallow all at once. But I believe that partnership strategies will move full speed ahead all around our businesses.

Not too long ago, outsourcing was both a way to save money and a dirty word. That tainted reputation resulted from the movement of service and manufacturing jobs to India, China and Mexico among others.

What many may not know is that over 80% of all U.S. outsourcing is sent to other U.S. companies. All sorts of non-core business functions like; Marketing and Sales, Human Resources and Accounting are sent to firms more proficient in those areas.

Outsourcing is simply one type of strategic partnership.

Done right, partnerships can help participants create and capitalize on new economic opportunities, become more competitive, grow and create jobs.

Another partnership type, joint ventures with complementary businesses, can open up new revenue possibilities, increase your available talent, and lower costs. The same can be accomplished via a strategic alliance.

As the economy begins to find its bottom, and the lull of sunny days are upon us – put your business under the microscope.

Are you reaching all of your potential targets? Are you maximizing the revenue from your existing client base? Are you missing certain products and services that can generate more income?

If so, believe me you’re not alone.

You might be the answer to another company’s need and vice versa. It’s up to you to find out.

Posted by: Steve Banis

Want to Know More about Albany Marketing firm Burst Marketing?
Visit us at www.burstmarketing.net

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Burst Marketing

Your Life…Online

When Servers Go Down

I Will Never Fly

Some businesses though, seem to confuse their dreams with reality.

Flexible Not Permanent

Is The Ice Melting?

Don’t Take The Meeting

Ted Kennedy – Dangerously Slow Change

Failure to Launch?

Another “BRIC” in the Wall

Meanwhile…on the home front