Marketing Your Website or Blog

I have no spare time. Now I know why.

In trying to promote my each of my 7 blogs to generate traffic and also write content, I realized that I have no spare time -- and if I did, I'd spend it online anyway. After finding this great list of website strategies, which I have since been notified was originally written by Steven Spenser and originally posted on another blog authored by Peter Hollier. I know where my time goes, because I devote a little time each day to doing many of these activities.

Thankfully, I love blogging and writing and researching and the internet in general, but there are more important reasons for my obsession. First, it's also my career path and I'm looking for a new marketing management opportunity. I also do all this because I want to lay on the beach and go snorkeling during my next vacation in Hawaii and I'm using the money I earn through my blogs to do just that. There, I said it. Yes, I will admit that I'm trying to make some money doing something I really enjoy (aren't we all?). So, feel free to come back often, click as many links as you like, buy something, sign up for something, and who knows, maybe you'll learn something along the way?! Whatever the case, be sure to think of me as I swim with the fishes (and not in a Mafia sense ) in the clear Hawaiian waters off Maui, in the very near future.

42 Web Site Marketing Strategies

1. Most would top their list with SEO, but that’s putting the cart before the horse. You only get one opportunity to make a great first impression, so even before SEO I perform a Web-site usability analysis that examines graphic design, navigation, and whether the marketing copy is filled with the right kind of content to be effective.
2. Interesting, useful content that refreshes sufficiently to keep attracting return visits.
3. SEO and then submissions to search engines
4. Including URL and any sort of (newsworthy) offer or service in a press release; create separate social-media version and video news release
5. Disseminating the press release using wires and online distribution services (this can often generate multiple pass-along postings)
6. Cross-promoting the (newsworthy) offer & URL via pitches to traditional media: TV, radio, wire services, newspapers, consumer magazines, trade pubs–and their associated Web sites
7. Mass-media advertising that includes the URL, especially billboards & buses
8. Getting listed in expert-source directories for journalists
9. Setting up link exchanges with as many allied sites as possible
10. Securing listings on portals such as MSN and Craigslist
11. Securing listings in directories such as Yahoo, DMOZ, About.com
12. Placements in Web sites of local media (papers, TV, radio)
13. Placements in (national) city guides (CitySearch, AOL CityGuide)
14. Listings in professional-resource or association/trade directories (online and offline)
15. Generating traffic by writing contributed articles and/or online columns for other sites, as well as print media (including op-eds with URL in the bio tag) and securing TV/radio interviews
16. Generating traffic by becoming a subject-matter expert at About.com and imitators
17. Create a Wikipedia entry
18. Write and promote an e-book
19. Target news aggregators such as Mixx and social news platforms such as Newsvine
20. Secure listings in social bookmarking sites (such as Delicious) and social-recommendation sites (such as StumbleUpon)
21. Including URL in my e-mail signature
    
22. Offering value in news groups and mailing lists, where my signature will be seen
23. Secure editorial placements in topically relevant e-mail newsletters, printed newsletters and niche print pubs
24. Design and promulgate a useful (software) widget that will point users to my site for more services
25. Promote the site on MySpace, Facebook, Linked In, et. al.
26. Promote the site on microblogging channels
27. Promote the site via podcasts
28. Promote the site via blogs with RSS feeds
29. Promote via vlogs, v-casts (video podcasts) and promotional videos on YouTube and other video-sharing sites
30. Get listed in video search engines
31. Promote URL in newsletters optimized for mobile platforms
32. Create a mobile-optimized version of the regular site, formatted to display on mobile devices
33. Secure listings in mobile search directories
34. Create a logo with URL that can be downloaded as wallpaper to mobile devices
35. Create vlogs for mobile devices
36. Create video viral content for aggregators such as ViralBank and ViralMonitor
37. Purchase placements in Google’s AdSense platform for games
38. Purchase placements in virtual multiverse communities such as 2nd Life
39. Pay manufacturers for billboards inside 3-D virtual reality games
40. Pay manufacturers for promotional placements in standard computer games
41. Pay Web microcelebrities to recommend the site/service on their own blogs and videos
42. Use nontraditional advertising to reach captive audiences: Elevators, taxis, restroom stalls, dentists’ ceilings and/or video monitors, airports & other departure locations, gas-station monitors, sporting arena , ATMs, vending machines and digital reader boards.

I have a long way to go to say, 'Yes, my website marketing is hitting on all cylinders'...but, in time, all things come to those who work really hard, and have no free time.

As a side note - I want to apologize to Steven and Pete for the original oversight in not crediting them for the source of this list. I have lots of content forwarded to me by my contacts, most of whom scrape ideas, information, etc. from websites to reuse in their careers as marketing professionals. It is my intention through this blog to aggregate content and help others, not aggravate others! Again, my apologies...

About Steven Spenser:
Steven Spenser, principal of Praxis Communication in Seattle, specializes in Internet marketing, public affairs and nonprofit PR. Steven has directed corporate communications for a Redmond software company and is an award-winning former editor and writer with The Associated Press and the The Seattle Times. His clients have included the government of the Russian Federation and Seattle E.coli victims organizing against Jack in the Box. Steven can be reached at PraxisPR@comcast. View Steven Spenser's LinkedIn profile.

About Maureen McHale: Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident seeking a marketing management career. Ms. McHale has over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing experience. Maureen has a passion for the internet, new technology and writing. For more information regarding Maureen McHale's qualifications and to see her full resume, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

Social Media No-No's

"Top 10 Tweets to Get You Fired"

1. "hate my job!! i want to tell my bosses how dumb they are and how meaningless this job is, then quit, and be happy!"

2. "So my job was to test all the food at the new restaurant, can I just say, ughew. I'm going to taco bell then twistee treat."

3. "Workin... This job sucks worse then the economy!"

4. "I'm going to work! Walmart! Must find better job! I hate it when chicks there have a deeper voice than me!"

5. "Also I'm really bummed that I'm working today, i asked off so i could study but my boss is a ******* **** ***** ***** who can't read."

6. "Coworker smuggled out a chair for me. Currently being paid to SIT around and listen to John Barrowman on my iPod. I don't hate my job today!"

7. "having sex dreams of people you work with makes for an awkward day."

8. "smoking weed at work is so @#$!% great :)"

9. "It's bad when you overhear the programmer say "I used to work at McDonalds with him" and you wonder if he is talking about the CEO..."

10. "Huh, with my boss on twitter, maaaybe I should take down that sexy picture of her... but her reaction will be priceless!"

Social Networking Don'ts...

If you want to use your profile to get hired or -- or at least not get fired -- here are three basic rules to keep in mind:

1. Don't announce interviews, raises or new jobs

Don't talk about any of these sensitive topics on your social networking site is key. If you're unemployed, writing "Interview today -- wish me luck!" would be OK, or if you got a job, something along the lines of "So excited about my new job!" is totally acceptable. If you're currently employed, however, I don't think your boss would be too happy to see something like, "Trying to con my boss into giving me a $5K raise. SUCKA!"

2. Don't badmouth your current or previous employer

Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you're willing to trash a colleague online they assume you'll do it to them, too. Plus, there's always the possibility of getting fired if someone sees your negative comments.

3. Don't mention your job search if you're still employed

If your boss knows you're on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you're keeping your search below the radar, however, don't publish anything, anywhere. Even if you aren't connected to your boss online, somebody can get the information back to him or her.

About Maureen McHale:

Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident seeking a marketing management career. Ms. McHale has over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing experience. Maureen has a passion for the internet, new technology and writing. She authors several blogs with topics ranging from Solar Knowledge to Kidnapped Children to Dying Rich. For more information regarding Maureen McHale's qualifications and to see her full resume, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

Twittering - How well you know your Acronyms?

When you start using Twitter, many of us long winded people find it a challenge to condense our thoughts into 140 characters. But, what a great challenge --it's like writing a headline for a press release... I always think back to what an old college professor used to say, 'It needs to be like a womans skirt, short enough to be interesting but, long enough to cover the subject.' This was, of course, before sexual harassment lawsuits became popular.

Shortening words is no longer a sign of laziness, unless of course you're writing your resume. I've been told, never abbreviate anything as employers will see it as you being lazy. (Whatev) But, for Twitter, acronyms are necessary to cram as much in as possible. Unless you've perfected the art of text messaging, it's likely that you have no idea what all of the acronyms mean that are constantly in use on Twitter.

Using an acronym is a great way to free up some space when you tweet, but it is very important not to use so many that your tweet looks like a secret code. It is also not a great idea to use acronyms that aren't universally knowns -- your tweet might be important but most people do not have time to de-code what you are saying.

Here are some of the acronyms used most frequently on Twitter:

RT – Re tweeting/forwarding the original tweet.

DM – Direct Message. This is a private message that does not show in the public time line.

FAIL – something's gone wrong (Twitter's down)

LOL - Laugh(ing) out loud

IMHO – In My Humble Opinion

WTH – What the Hell...or 'heck' if you think people believe that's what you mean

BTW – By the way

IRL – In Real Life

FTF – Face to Face

ASAP – As Soon As Possible

JV – Joint Venture

LMK – Let Me Know

J/K – Joking or Just Kidding

FB - Facebook

OH - Overheard

FTL - For the Loss

FTW - For the Win

TTYL - Talk to you later

TY - Thank you

YW - You're welcome

TMI - Too much information

Every day, there seem to be new acronyms that pop up on Twitter. Use them sparingly and make sure you are getting your point across. Sometimes it takes longer to figure out how to type something in "acronym-ese".

Have fun...TTFN (Ta-Ta-For-Now)

About Maureen McHale:

Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident seeking a marketing management career. Ms. McHale has over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing experience. Additionally, her career has spanned over numerous industries from travel to high tech to solar energy and she is able to adapt her knowledge and skills successfully in almost any environment. Maureen has a passion for the internet, new technology and writing. She authors several blogs with topics ranging from Solar Knowledge to Kidnapped Children to Dying Rich. For more information regarding Maureen McHale's qualifications and to see her full resume, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

Are You Tweeting for a New Career?

Tough economic times call for innovative approaches. With the unemployment rate holding steady at the highest percentages seen in many, many years, how does one find career opportunities fast? One great option is Twitter. Twitter is evolving as another resource, in addition to traditional methods, for both job searching and recruiting.

Twitter Overview:

Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service utilizing instant messaging, SMS or a web interface. Twitter is open ended and people and companies use it in a variety of ways, including to job search.

Users post updates on Twitter that are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them.

How Employers Use Twitter:

Employers are using Twitter, too. Zappos, for example, has a link to Twitter on their home page, so you can see what Zappo employers are doing now and the company is using Twitter to recruit. Rainier PR has recruited and hired using Twitter. ATT posts open positions on Twitter. Many other companies have a corporate presence on Twitter. Search by the company name to find them.
Twitter Name Search
Twellow Twitter Search

How You Can Use Twitter to Job Search:

Companies and job boards post job openings on Twitter, and job seekers network through Twitter to help facilitate their job search.

JobShouts
JobShouts.com is a free resource for both employers and job seekers. Employers can post their jobs for free; those jobs are then automatically “tweeted” to users on Twitter.

JobAngels
JobAngels started with the objective of asking those who could to help one person find a job.

Other Job Search and Career Sites on Twitter:

About.com Job Search

Bullseye Resumes

Career Diva

CollegeRecruiter.com

CoolWorks.com

Impact Hiring

Indeed.com

Jason Alba

JibberJobber.com

Jobs Boston

JobDig.com

Job-Hunt.org

Keppie Careers

LinkedIn

LinkUp

Louise Fletcher

Myfirstpaycheck.com

OneDayOneJob.com

Risemart.com

SimplyHired.com

Susan Ireland

VisualCV.com

You can also search for jobs by field:

@alldevjobs – Developer jobs
@ArtDirectorJobs – Art director jobs
@cwjobs – Copywriter jobs
@jobsinhiphop – Jobs in Hip-Hop
@journalism_jobs – Jobs in journalism
@juicyjobs – Green jobs
@libgig_jobs – Library Jobs

@mediabistrojobs – Media job listings from mediabistro.com
@medical_jobs – Medical jobs
@media_pros – Jobs for media professionals
@narmsjobs – Retail marketing jobs
@PRSAjobcenter – Jobs in public relations, communications and marketing
@reflectx – Physical Therapy jobs
@seojobs – SEO job listings
@socialmediajob – Jobs in social media

@travelmaxallied – Healthcare jobs
@travelnursejob – Jobs for traveling nurses

@usmusicjobs – US Music Jobs

@web_design_jobs – Web design and other graphics jobs


Or, search for jobs by job type:

@findinternships – Internships and entry level jobs for college students
@freelance_jobs – Freelance jobs
@heatherhuhman – Entry level jobs and internships
@Project4Hire – Freelance and temporary jobs
@jewish_jobs – Jewish job listings

You can even search for jobs by region:

@MyBristolJobs – Job listings from mybristoljobs.co.uk
@chicagowebjobs – Web-related jobs in Chicago
@ChicagoTechJobs – Technology jobs in the greater Chicago area
@ITJobsLondon – IT jobs in London
@ITJobsSydney – IT jobs in Sydney, Australia
@JobsBoston – Jobs in the greater Boston area
@jobshawaii – Jobs in Hawaii
@NewYorkTechJobs – Technology jobs in the greater New York area
@PDXJobs – Jobs in Portland, Oregon
@sdjobs – San Diego technology jobs

@sfmobilejobs – Mobile Web and Digital Media jobs in Silicon Valley
@mtltweetjobs – PR/marketing/social media/tech jobs in Montreal
@TopJobsInLondon – Top jobs in London, UK
@web20jobs – UK-based web 2.0 jobs


Here are some general search and reference sites:

@JobAngels – Helping the unemployed find jobs
@indeed – Search all jobs from one site
@jobshouts – General job postings
@simplyhired – Job search site

@StartUpHire – Jobs at VC backed companies
@twithire – Job board service 


To find additional Twitter job resources, use the Twitter search function and type in keywords important in your job search. For example, “job openings,” “looking for a job,” or “healthcare career.”

Users also can search all of Twitter:

Twitter Search

Your next job could be just a tweet away.

And finally, if you like what I've had to say...Follow Me on Twitter:

Follow Maureen McHale on Twitter.

About Maureen McHale:
Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident seeking a marketing management career. Ms. McHale has over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing experience. Her career has spanned over numerous industries from travel to high tech to solar energy. She has been able to successfully adapt her knowledge and skills in almost any environment. Maureen has a passion for the internet, new technology, marketing, business development and writing. She authors several blogs with topics ranging from Solar Knowledge to Kidnapped Children to Dying Rich. For more information regarding Maureen McHale's qualifications and to see her full resume, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

Quit or Not to Quit?

How often have we all dreamed of quitting our jobs? There have been days we've had to bite our tongues, engage in a primal scream in our car on the way home, and envision winning the lottery and never having to go back to "that place" again. Most of us recover in a few minutes, hours, or days from these things that upset us; however, how do you know when the four letter word "W-O-R-K", really should be another four letter word "Q-U-I-T"?

3 Reasons to Walk Away

Here are probably the top three reasons to walk away. You may want to run if you find all three of these are present.

1) When your ethical boundaries are being crossed. If your client or boss is asking you to push the envelope and transgress on ethics, such as the PRSA code of ethics, it’s time to walk away. No need to be the martyr about it – just time to walk away.

2) When you are so stressed from the work situation that your spouse/partner/family comments on it regularly, and urges you to take the weekend off. If you are working truly 24×7, particularly if you are working for someone else, you’re making a bunch of executives rich but you’re making yourself and your life quality-poor. There's crying over spilt milk, but more than a couple good cries over your job and it's time to find something else.

3) When your sleep patterns are a complete mess. If the environment is so toxic that you are so tense over something a client or executive had to say and you spend nights tossing and turning -- then stagger into work completely tired, it's time.

5 Reasons to Stay Put

On the flip side, although there are signs of recovery, is now really the time to quit your job? Can you network and look for a new job while you continue working at your current place of employment? These are all questions that need serious consideration and here's 5 solid reasons not to quit your job.

1. It’s a means to an end.

A job is a way to make a living but it’s also often a means to an end. Sometimes you have to pay your dues for a while before moving on to a different position, one which you will like more. Think about this before you quit.

2. It pays well and you need to save up money.

I am all for finding a job you love and are passionate about but, there is nothing wrong with being practical and realizing that you might need to stick it out at a place you hate because you’re saving up.

3. Other things in your life are in flux.

If you have a lot going on outside of work, it might be a bad time to quit and look for something new.

4. You’re not prepared to look for another great job.

Finding a job takes energy and time. If you don’t have enough of either and you can’t realistically make time or find energy, then it’s not a good time to look for work. Don’t quit a job you hate to JUST make a change. You need to work hard to find a new job you like better and you should make sure that you have physical and mental energy to do it.

5. You don’t really hate the job.

Before you quit a job you hate you have to make sure that you hate it and get very specific about what you hate about it. Do you hate what you do? If yes, is there a way to change what you do, by say, moving to a different role or a different department? Do you hate your boss? If yes, how long-term is this? (E.g. What are the chances your boss will move on, be fired or promoted?) Do you hate who you work with? Colleagues can get annoying and a poisonous work environment is bad for you, but is there anything you can do, like working with a different team or talking to HR about moving departments? Make sure that what you hate is something that can’t change before you quit.

Marketing Yourself or Your Company with Social Networking

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to build your network, find a job or close a deal, social networking, such as LinkedIn.com, is not for you and nor is this article. However, if you've come to the realization that in today's market, buyers, whether they are actual customers or someone looking to pay you, ie. hire you, are more selective, then please, read on.

Commit Time and Effort

Building any type of relationship takes time and effort. The best advice I've recently heard is to build your network before you need it. This advice can be applied to all phases of our lives.

Let's say your car breaks down. Wouldn't you want to call a friend to help you? Or, you could just stand by the side of a dark road in the middle of nowhere and hope to "network" with someone that would be willing to help you. And, why is it always a dark road in the middle of nowhere? Why don't cars breakdown in broad daylight in the middle of a busy intersection? But, I digress. My point is, wouldn't it be great to have a network of 100, 200, or even 500 people you could call on to help land a new job if you are laid off?

Making Connections

Having recently left a marketing management position, I had been growing my network sometimes accidentlly, and other times, on purpose. These connections have been invaluable to me as I search for a new marketing career. But, there was no instant flip of the switch to make me connected and I have a long way to go to be in a position that I can say, "Wow, I really am connected."

Most of my connections are true connections - people I actually know in some way, shape or form, from co-workers, to professional industry connections. Some connected because we were members of the same group or in the same industry, others because one of us thought we could generate business from the other. No matter what the reason for the connection is, it's my opinion, unless you're connecting just so you can have 1000 people to spam to, it's a good connection.

As a side note, people aren't stupid. If you are trying to connect to them for unscrupulous reasons such as spamming, generating web traffic, or hard selling -- they'll smell you a mile away. Social media is the new playground. Play by the rules, or get sand thrown in your face.

Build Your Network Now

Going back to my comment about how it was better to "build your network before you need it." Unfortunately, we all have things we kick ourselves later for doing or not doing. But, even if you find yourself alone on that dark road without a solid network, there's still hope. Everyone starts with their first connection and successful networkers continue to build their network in good times and in bad. Bottom line, it's never too late to start. But, you must start.

Putting together a social networking plan may seem overwhelming. Trust me, I know. As a 40-something marketing professional who is forever challenging herself with new technology, at times, I'm even intimidated by these fresh out of college, "I grew up with an i-pod" kids. Knowing that I grew up with no remote controlled tv, laptop computer or cell phone makes me something of a dinosaur in internet years; however, if you don't adapt to the times, you'll become the dinosaur.

As far as which social networks I'd personally recommend to use to find a job or to network to generate business. All of them; however, start simple. The most business focused social media outlet is LinkedIn.

Remember, although you may "know" these people, keep it professional. No one wants read your updates on last night at the bar, how your baby took his first steps, or how you're single again. Unless, you work as a bartender, you're in some type of child development career, or are a gold digger and decided you no longer want to work. And, yes - that last one was to see if you're still paying attention!

Getting Started with LinkedIn

Getting started with social networking is simple. But, so many people fail to take that first step and to follow through. I think this is what will separate those of us who are successful, and those who are not. Yes, you could sit on the couch and watch another night of mindless tv. You could spend your lunch hour chewing the fat with co-workers discussing last night's game. Or, you could spend one hour a day making connections for your future. It's your choice. Please, don't be the dinosaur. Just follow these ten easy steps.

1. Set up a LinkedIn account.

2. Publish your profile.

3. Get out those old business cards - look up people you know.

4. Find personal connections too.

5. Join LinkedIn groups related to your profession, industry, expertise.

6. Comb through your connections connections and expand your network.

7. Join and attend professional networking groups - add these new connections.

8. Post updates regarding your career search, what your business is currently doing, etc.

9. Read discussion posts - make comments as appropriate - be professional.

10. Have fun. Meeting new people can be stressful for some. Just remember, they're just people.

About Maureen McHale:

Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident seeking a marketing management career. Ms. McHale has over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing experience. Additionally, her career has spanned over numerous industries from travel to high tech to solar energy and she is able to adapt her knowledge and skills successfully in almost any environment. Maureen has a passion for the internet, new technology and writing. She authors several blogs with topics ranging from Solar Knowledge to Kidnapped Children to Dying Rich. For more information regarding Maureen McHale's qualifications and to see her full resume, please visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

UPDATE: Ways to Keep Your Job

So many people contacted me with great comments regarding my article, "16 Ways to Keep Your Job" that I wanted to take some time to publish their great advice as well. To my LinkedIn connections...thanks for all your help!

Patricia Duarte commented:
Goods tips for not being "THAT" guy or girl - the obnoxious, cantankerous, brown-noser who walks around barefoot and steals other people's lunches! (too funny!) ..... lol

However, if you don't work with weirdo's (or they have already been purged), here are a few other tips:

1. Just keeping busy may not spare you.... focus on how you can make a positive (valuable $) difference in your organization.

2. Don't be a miser focusing solely on your shrunken budget and counting pennies. Instead, think of ways to expand or attract money or resources to your organization... regardless of your job description.

3. Stop complaining. Find the opportunity that exists in whatever situation you are in.

4. Become "that guy or girl" people come to solve problems, or get something done well.

5. Treat everyone around you with the same tone and manner of respect and appreciation you seek in return.

6. Be grateful you have a job with health insurance, and act like it. Work like you know there are any number of people who could do your job as well or better than you do... unless, of course, you're a brain surgeon, a rocket scientist or are saving the planet single handedly... :)


Doug Toftner suggested:
Constantly focus on innovating in your current role. Stagnation can keep you out of the positive limelight with people who can impact your career.
2. No matter how much you dislike, or disagree with aspects of your role or organizations policies or operations, always challenge in a proactive way that reflects positively on you, and your bosses. Come with suggestions, not just complaints.

Steve Horwitz added:
Show up early and leave late. No what is going on in the market place. Read everything and keep good communications between clients, even if the news is not good. They'll appreciate that you're on top of it. Go the extra mile and compliment good work. Don't be excitable but enthusiastic. Keep the skill set sharp. Take classes.

Paul W Thomspon said:
In my profession, it is as simple as showing up and bringing your "A" game every day. Regardless of what is going on personally and how you feel(unless you have something contagious), you need to give 100% every day and not waste time. It is amazing how much time many Mortgage Consultants waste every day on worthless banter, surfing the web, etc.
Chris Saffer got right to the point with:
Those are all good. But if you want to keep your job you must first "Show up"!!

Dan de la Cruz, CMA, CPA added:
Figure how to be hardest one to lose. That means be the best at what you do and be an expert on topics relating to your job. No one wants to lose a valuable resource.

Genie Z. Laborde, PhD had this to say:
"Professional" is a broad term, but professional should include being the kind of person you would like to work with. Setting up at least a minimum level of rapport with each person you interact with all day will go a long way toward keeping you employed. Many of the behaviors you cite are so off-the-chart that I can hardly believe they are real. But at Sprint, I couldn't believe that telephone operators answered calls while chewing their lunch either, so I suppose I have a lot of learn about inappropriate behavior. Setting rapport in an office means you know what you need to accomplish, you listen to your co-workers, and you try to help them, when time and schedules permit. You are not obligated to help them accomplish their goals, but as a fellow human being, it is a good idea. We are reciprocal beings, and teams accomplish more even if they are not part of the official designation. Having a few supporters in your office not only is more efficient, but this attitude may help you retain your job. Research studies on building relationships in the office and my own experiences support this hypothesis.


Ron Bingham commented:
Don't be late
Don't make excuses
Don't be afraid to point out risks to the owners of projects with your recommendations for mitigation (got to cover your own butt or be prepared to take the blame for - of all things - keeping your mouth shut when you shouldn't)
Read the book 'Coping with Difficult People'.

Syed Hassan Tanwir Wasti made the comments:
Apart from your 16 ways there are more to be added. It is all about ownership and sense of belonging.

1. Produce more
Work harder. Work longer hours. Immerse yourself in your profession. Know what your suppliers and your competition are doing. Know everything. Become an invaluable resource to your colleagues.

2. Have a plan and evaluate and change as needed
Numerous times we have seen companies spend hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars on marketing campaigns and at the end of them the company has no idea how to measure effectiveness. In one case I witnessed a company launch a huge branding campaign and at the end of it they wondered where the leads were: not realizing that lead generations and branding are different things.

3. Act like your life depends on every customer: it might

4. Change marketing practices

5. Understand when lead generation is a waste of money
How many companies which occupy the lowest tier of a market are spending only on lead generation activities? One company I know competes with Cisco and has an unrecognizable name in the market. They are focusing exclusively on generating leads. Most of these generated leads won't close because in this economic environment customers need reassurance that smaller companies will be in business going forward. It makes you wonder who is in charge of many organizations and when it became acceptable to not worry about your corporate brand and image.

6. Your customers aren't criminals

7. Change your culture
If you are a company where employees leave at 5:00 PM and don't sign onto their computers and work at night, you need to make changes. This may not apply to the numerous companies funded by taxpayer dollars but for the rest, you need to produce more with less and getting more work done is the answer. Be prepared to let people who don't work hard go after a few warnings. You are doing their coworkers and yourself a favor. Over time, let go of more and more weak producers. If people can't step up production in this financial environment they have themselves to blame.

8. Don't give up on customers
You know what? Customers are spending less but spending hasn't ceased. .

9. Explore social media but have a goal

10. Experiment with new ideas
There are more efficient ways of doing virtually all things. Minimize risk while attacking new markets/segments.

11. Communicate internally
Your employees are likely scared. You may not be able to guarantee their job security but you better have a plan for getting through this mess. Articulate it at least quarterly. Make sure you are responsive and understand and respond to employee concerns.

12. Communicate externally
Would you buy from a company that has ceased marketing and PR? I wouldn't? Ok, We might buy candy or gum from such a company but security software? A firewall? Data center products? I don't think so. If you think the best response to global uncertainty is to become mute you are certainly doomed. Please stop reading here and update your resume.

13. Don't do stupid things
A few companies have stepped up e-mail in these times as it is a low cost way to get the message out. I have seen some companies go from no messages to one message a day and it is often the same message. This sort of behavior will definitely get the companies in question added to spam lists which guarantee all subsequent e-mails will not be seen by anyone.

14. Have a web strategy: it could be your most important one
It is 2009 - the web is about 15 years old and some companies still admit they don't have a web strategy. What exactly are you waiting for - a web stimulus program? Scary stuff.

Richard R. Benn brought up this important issue:
Keep your conduct professional at all times.


And finally, Cari Pirello commented:
Passion. Spirit. Energy. This coupled with the intelligence you must possess and being a totally likable person that others want to work with, and you've got the winning combo. Professionalism, decorum and social graces goes without saying.
Thanks again to everyone who commented and made my original article just that much better!

About Maureen McHale:
Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident with over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing, public relations and business development experience. Having been employed in various industries from travel to high tech to solar energy her ability to translate her knowledge and skills into various environments makes Maureen McHale a highly successful marketing professional. For more information visit her LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

16 Ways to Keep Your Job

Even with the end of the recession in sight -- yes, I'm an optimist -- keeping your job not only entails going above and beyond for your employer, but it also means applying some common sense office etiquette. Here's a list of 16 easy ways to keep your job and avoid a layoff. I'm sure there are dozens more, but it's a start! Some of these seem so obviously simple; however, I have personally experienced one or more individuals "performing" these blunders over the course of my career. How about you?

1. Don't go barefoot
Everybody wants to wear really cute shoes, and they go out and get five-inch tall Christian Louboutin shoes. If you cannot walk in them, you should really go for a more sensible shoe.
Resorting to kicking off your stilettos under the desk is permissible at the end of a long day, but walking around the office barefoot is really gross.

2. Don’t have a loud ring tone
Keep your phone on vibrate. Your co-workers notice your ring tone -- especially if it's particularly loud and annoying. And, it alerts them to the possibility that you're slacking off and taking personal calls while you should be working -- not smart. If you are the person who has the stupid cell phone ring, everyone has noticed it already. Turn it down.

3. Keep personalization at minimal
If your desk is cluttered with personal items, rethink this. The office is a place to work. It is not your home. Although most employers encourage some personalization of "your space", bringing in knickknacks, toys, picture frames, coffee mugs, stuffed animals, personal refrigerator, skateboard, etc. is overkill. If you can't fit all your personal items in one small box, you've got too much stuff at work.

4. Keep your clothes on!
Breaking news: there are security cameras everywhere, catching every move you make. And they don't turn a blind eye to tightie whities. Changing your clothes in the parking garage, getting "jiggy" in the parking lot, or the bathroom, or the conference table is, as if this has to be said, Not Appropriate! And *nobody* wants to see it.

5. Don’t play loud music
Headphones, people. There is no faster way to top "cube rube" status than to crank your music. You may think that you are all by your lonesome in your cube, but don't forget about your proximity to others. And if the spirit moves you, and you must have a bit of your motherland's music to get you through your day, headphones, people. Headphones.

6. And, please - Don't sing!
Headset or no headset, the sound of your singing will probably irritate a few of your co-workers, especially if you haven't been selected as the winner of American Idol.

7. Don’t conduct business on the toilet!
Or at least wait until the conference call is over to flush. Enough said?

8. Don’t be the office downer
You don't want to be such a buzz kill that people arrange their desks away from you. In an already stressful time, the last thing others want to be around everyday is someone always telling depressing stories and displaying a negative attitude. Having worked in an environment with one of "those" people, it was actually a relief for co-workers when this woman was laid off.

9. Don't microwave fish in the office
Tuna sandwiches are banned from some offices, but fish dishes in the microwave are absolutely off limits. The smell waft through the office gently at first, and then you would feel it more pungently. You don't want your cube mates wishing you would sleep with the fishes.

10. Don’t get x-rated!
I've encountered many breaches of office etiquette, but the worst was when a new employee sent an Evite to the team asking us to the opening of an adult bookstore. That pretty much took the cake. Everyone was stunned. There's a reason for the saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Keep your personal life, well...personal!

11. Don’t be the boss’ new best friend
People who are worried about being laid off end up going overboard to prove that they are indispensable, and that ends up making them seem so obnoxious to people. Positioning yourself as the boss' right arm can backfire. Instead of becoming the main man's right-hand, you may just annoy the entire office. Co-workers won't have much use for you, and managers see right through these tricks. Being a team player, will serve you, and your organization much better.

12. Don’t read your emails out loud
Keep a lid on it, neighbor. Haven't we all had a coworker who reads her emails out loud... And listens to her voicemails on speakerphone. Seriously, don't you know that's annoying?

13. Don’t post racy pictures on social networks
You know you aren't employable if you have Facebook pictures of yourself doing keg stands. Everyone's life is so public now, via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, you have to be very careful. That is a very easy way to make a very stupid mistake that prohibits you from growing professionally.

14. Don’t do personal grooming at work
From clipping your nails at your desk, to plucking stray hairs -- eyebrows, nose hair, ear hair. Please! Do your personal grooming at home. Getting rid of a hang nail would be fine, but it is another thing if they are giving themselves a complete manicure.

15. Don’t harass other employees
There was once reported an incident where one employee was taking a picture of another of another employee in the bathroom. The prankster lifted a camera phone over the stall door, snapped a shot and then emailed the photo around the office. It got all the way back around to the subject. Who was nonplussed. To say the least. And the prankster had a lot of explaining to do.

16. Don’t steal food
Keep your mitts off other people's lunches. Basically if you didn't purchase it or cook it - don't eat it without permission. The most bizarre thing encountered regarding this subject (so far) was a co-worker who had brought in half of a left over sub sandwich. This half of the sandwich had been untouched - by her. When the woman went to get her lunch from the office refrigerator, she found someone had opened up the packaging, taken a bite and then returned her sub to the refrigerator. Yuck!

Bottom line, use common courtesy and employ the golden rule - Do unto others as they would do unto you! This may just help keep you off the unemployment line.

About Maureen McHale:

Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident with over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing, public relations and business development experience. Having been employed in various industries from travel to high tech to solar energy her ability to translate her knowledge and skills into various environments makes Maureen McHale a highly successful marketing professional. For more information visit her LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.

What You Do While in Transition - Is Who You Really Are

At some point in everyone's life, they go through a transition between jobs. What you do with that time is up to you and who you really are. Do you sleep late, hope the phone will ring with a great new career offer, or do you make use of the opportunity to better your life?

As a confessed work-a-holic, I enjoy keeping busy. Having recently left a marketing management position, I've been using my newly acquired free time to not only network and look for my next career opportunity, volunteer my marketing expertise and services to a local networking group (ProNet), do some contract work, work on my blogs, and also complete some projects for my never-ending home remodel. Bottom line, I can't sleep late, I can't just float in the pool all day, it's just not who I am.

As a confessed news-junkie, I take pride when my blogs are picked up by CNN and other big city papers. My blogs, http://kidnappedchildren.blogspot.com/ and http://solarknowledge.blogspot.com/ are self explanatory in their content and are regularly picked up. Recently my humor related blog, http://whateveryousaydear.blogspot.com/ has also been picked up by CNN for an article about "what not to say on a job interview". Thanks to Twitter-ers who picked it up and passed it around the world, that blog is now on the map as well.

Ever searching to learn new technology and marketing tricks and tips I decided to post on CNN's i-Report. After all, the category was right up my alley...DIY projects on the cheap. So, without further a due, here's what I did on my "summer vacation"...

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-309295

About Maureen McHale:
Maureen McHale is a Central Florida resident with over 13 years of traditional and internet marketing, public relations and business development experience. Having been employed in various industries from travel to high tech to solar energy her ability to translate her knowledge and skills into various environments makes Maureen McHale a highly successful marketing professional. For more information visit her LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/MaureenMcHale.