My Blog

Politics is marketing communication. And political campaigns are communication exercises in the purest form.

Information is good if you need to catch a bus. If you want to communicate effectively and connect with people, you need understanding.

I chose 3 words for 2020 to help guide my choices and actions day to day. They are simple and active words, not phrases or fancy quotations. They’re mine and mine alone.

Painting your tour bus? Be positive and put a giant Yes on the side. Don’t say No, Joe.

I don’t understand why “closing” is some magical thing for salespeople. When you “close” a deal, you’re actually opening a new – and presumably better – relationship. That’s what I want to do. I want to open.

Twitter is wrong. Can they do it right? Yes. Give us more communication. All the communication.

Content Marketing Matters - 3 Reasons Why, and A Bonus!

“Minneapolis and St. Paul are dynamic business environments, and I’m excited to join a rich scene of publishers, creative agencies and independent professionals,” said Hansen. “My unique background in content marketing, with hands-on experience in publishing, advertising and PR, will help me add value to companies looking to improve communication with consumers and other businesses.”

This post is more than just another rant against stock photography – man that stuff is dreadful. It’s also a cry against stealing images off the internet for use on your blog or website. Photography is an important part of your communication tactics. And anything that’s important takes a little more effort. Check out this guide to finding good photography for your website, your blog and LinkedIn posts.

When moving my daughter into college three years ago, I spotted a banner the college had printed and displayed for incoming students. I snapped a picture, and it’s been one of my favorite phrases ever since.

“Gravitate to those who think exactly unlike you.”

... I struggled to find focus and tape the lens in place to keep that focus. I messed with ISO settings. And when "totality" hit and our small group of family erupted with oohs and aaahs, I was carefully packing away my over-priced solar filter and re-adjusting to get that famed "wedding ring" photo ...

Instagram provides a great tool with “Stories,” but what are you saying with that tool. Email automation lets you respond instantly, but does saving time improve communication? Emojis show more facial expressions than we’ve seen in human form, but is there a human ear listening for a response?

If you're tired of hearing about "content marketing," and you wonder about the actual value of content, let me give you a couple numbers. 4 billion. And 1 billion. As in $$. 

Did you know ... 56% of online content is now consumed via smartphones (44%) and tablets (12%) while just 44% is read on desktop computers.

And more fun facts. 

Never use a long word where a short one will do. No need to write “utilize” when “use” works. Nor should you say “general consensus of opinion,” when “consensus” will do.