Sizzle! Posts

After Mardi Gras . . . the ultimate detox!

by Jane Betters

Most people know about Mardi Gras - the parties, the floats, the pancakes! But, do you know what it really means?

Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday. A time for folks to get rid of all the excess food in their homes to begin a time of fasting, penitence and reflection the next day without wasting food. For catholics, the next day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. It's commemorated in many ways from giving up chocolate, to refraining from gossip to spending more time in prayer - in general, scaling back on the more material, busy side of life to reflect: "Remember man that thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return." It's sobering. And it's cleansing. This period lasts for forty days until the feasting of Easter.

You don't have to be catholic, or even Christian, to use this time for your benefit. We all get caught up in the busyness of life, going from one activity to the next without much thought other than to keep moving. When we stop, it's often to gaze into the big screens of TV, computers or video games - our escape.

But what might be gained, personally and professionally, if you spent forty days with limited activities, made time for silence, thought without hurrying, reflected on your life. Are you going in the direction you planned? Are you happy? Are you making a difference in the lives of others?

It's easy to hide many thoughts and feelings in 'busy'. You might just be surprised as you find a new and deeper You in the quiet.

I'm cured from social-media-itus!

by Jane Betters

I've just finished my basic training from Travis Carter - our director of social media - and am rarin' to go! He gently walked me through posting to a blog, explained TrackBacks, helped me understand why in the WORLD I need to Twitter and introduced me to aspects of Facebook and LinkedIn that I didn't know. AND, I can access most of these and get updates from my iPhone! On the face of it, it's overwhelming. I'm not a 30-something, or 40- or 50-. In fact, most of my friends wouldn't have a clue what I just said. But I'm not one to sit on the porch swing and let these new technologies pass me by!

During my training, I began to see why I not only 'need' to get involved, but 'want' to! My brain is buzzing with the possibilities and options these tools bring to me and my business. I can feel new knowledge wrinkles growing in my brain as I type!

If you're reading this, you don't need to be convinced, but spread the word to your parents, grandparents, the CEO of your company - Get online, Get involved and TWEET!
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Do you have someone who is social media resistant in your life? What's their excuse and do you see a reason they should get on board?

The Importance of Marketing First

by Jane Betters

I love Seth Godin's blog in general, but especially this piece on marketing here.

He emphasizes the importance of marketing FIRST before rushing off to design your product or service, let alone the naming, branding, messaging, etc. We often see a new client after a product is launched, logo and branding complete (often created by a friend, relative or the client) and materials produced. I believe most new small businesses - and many large corporations - don't understand marketing and think it's just an extra expense. They don't understand the importance of research and strategy. And they really don't understand that the product or service, the look, the tone of the wording - everything - is not geared to them, but to their audience. But for those that do 'get it' and do their homework first, their chances of success rise greatly and can be the difference in making it - or not.