Joe's comments

Good article. Worth bookmarking.

Seems as though "manipulate" caused quite the stir.

I was being cheeky there. I suppose winking doesn't always come across in a forum like this one.

Thanks for all the great feedback.

I got into serious fundraising again at Safeco last year. In 2006, Safeco employees raised less than $10,000. In 2007, we raised over $340,000.

Our CEO challenged us to beat perennial top fundraiser, Washington Mutual. I started a team named "The WaMu Crushers." It lit the imagination and competitive spirit of the company. Our one team attracted more participants than any other (210 people) and raised $40,000 (the amount by which Safeco beat Washington Mutual).

WaMu caught wind of our team name, made "Safeco Stomper" shirts, and had me come to their headquarters to playfully taunt them. It got both teams to ramp up their fundraising efforts.

Here again, playful competition really had nothing to do with people dying from heart disease. But it worked!

One of my favorites is Influence: The Power of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini. You can read a short summary of it here and leave a comment/rating when you have a moment. It's an easy way for you to increase your visibility in the community.

Joe

Not targeting for a specific need is another. Check out the fourth example in my portfolio to see how we targeted universities at Campbell's.

Erin made my website. If you like it, have her make (or re-do) yours!

I participate for four reasons.

First, it entertains me. Visiting the site is a break in the day. I get to see how my friends are doing.

Second, I enjoy the community want to contribute. Marketing comes easily to me. I imagine it doesn't to everyone, and I hope my notes help someone out there, even if I never hear about it.

Third, posts get responses and yes, new customers. A Biznik recently wrote me: "You seem sharp and fast and funny...I need those qualities...I would love a consultation with you."

And last, as a supporting member, each time I post I earn another in-bound link to my website, giving me another opportunity to make a connection.

On the other hand, even a short tip can imbed a link that takes you elsewhere.

I agree with Rachel and would like to see tips get more exposure.

An old colleague used to say, "Never miss an opportunity to say nothing at all."

It's a great habit to develop for meetings: Speak only when you have something significant to contribute, and be terse. You'll get a reputation for being thoughtful and respectful of other people's time.

Eric, I heartily agree! What a bargain!

This is freakin' awesome, Dan, and I think it will make a material difference in your new member rate.

Let's go everybody!

I rarely speak on these heated ones, but thank you, Dan.

I don't appreciate the degree of negativism we heard from said banished former member.

I'm intrigued by Bald Marketing Bizniks (BMBs) wrestling.

Both BMBs make great points. I agree completely with BMB #2: Effective branding is done with a solid strategic plan; brand development is essential; ads are a part of the mix.

BMB #1 says essentially the same thing, I think. Ads are part of the mix. Chris points out that ads should pay back/be measurable. Agreed. Marketing and advertising are not the same thing. Check. And, I can't think of a single example where "traditional advertising" is the right, primary business-building strategy for a small business.

Now, where and when is the match? I don't want to miss it!

$10 a month (active) is $0.33 a day.

Even relatively cash-strapped business owners have $0.33 a day to invest in an awareness-building vehicle like the gift Dan, Lara, and John built here.

Lest someone reply, "Well, I don't have an extra $10," I answer, "Perhaps not. But what other expenditures did you make that leaves you in that position? How do you approach your marketing efforts and how do you measure their efficacy?"

You can spend $10 here or on another marketing opportunity. For my money, I'd be hard-pressed to find a better value anywhere.

I am, however, still eager to have the ability to have a standing "Joe Hage invite link." I could have one link at the bottom of my emails that would allow anyone to sign up and give me credit for having brought someone into our network.

I prefer to invite later. I would want to maximize their exposure on my page once they are ready.

That is, sometimes someone just signs up and doesn't put a photo or a description; they plan to do it later. I wouldn't want to waste the time of visitors to my page by having them check out an embryonic profile or deprive my friend of the chance to show themselves in their best light.

P.S. Thanks for the opportunity to write "embryonic" in a sentence.