BeTuitive: January 2007

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It's my Truthiness and I'll Stick to It

Posted on January 25, 2007 by Kevin G.

I always make it a top priority to stay on top of news developing throughout the day. Spending time at the New York Times and CNN web pages gives me a good portion of my world news, but I always try to keep myself well-rounded. I’m a little bit country and a little bit Rock’n Roll – but mostly rock.

So, another source I commonly utilize for my news intake is the always credible program, the Colbert Report, on Comedy Central. Ok, I may not use it directly as a news source, but how can you deny a show that counts the times Nancy Pelosi blinked during the president’s recent State of the Union address? A reason why I choose to stay out of politics all together.

Anyways, the show is great, but I was intrigued to see that the Colbert Report now utilizes a blog. It’s is always great to establish relationships in the blogosphere. So how about it Steven? I’ll comment on yours if you comment on mine. Let’s build synergy…for the people.

January 25, 2007 in audio publication, award winning magazine, Award winning publications, Blogging Tools, Brand enhancement, Building Customer Community, bulk email marketing, business magazine, Business newsletter, CMO, company magazine, Company newsletters, Corporate Blogging, corporate magazine, Corporate newsletter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Waxing Grammar

Posted on January 23, 2007 by Kathryn Regina.

Whether you run into the occasional grammar roadblock or are a full-fledged word junkie, I recommend Patricia T. O'Connor's blog at Grammarphobia.com. O'Connor is the author of the entertainingly comprehensive book Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English. Her daily blog answers questions from readers regarding grammar and etymology. The site also includes writing tips, grammar myths and links to other language resources.

My favorite blog of the week is today's entry on the origins of the phrase "waxing eloquent."

January 23, 2007 in audio publication, award winning blog, award winning design, award winning magazine, award winning newsletter, Award winning publications, Blog Outsourcing, blog publish, Blogging Tools, Blogs, Brand enhancement, build credibility, Building B2B Relationships, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

A Winging Sales Plan

Posted on January 22, 2007 by Vinnie Lacey.

By day I help customers make informed decisions on custom publications to improve their business and add value to their relationships; by night I perform, direct and sit in rapt attention of some of the most amazing improvisational theater that this fine city has to offer. As the locals know, Chicago is the mecca for improv and sketch comedy in America, with institutions like Second City, IO (formerly ImprovOlympic) and the Annoyance Theater carrying the torch on social and political satire. At its finest, it's nearly impossible to walk away from a show without an interesting reflection on the human experience. And...oh yes, it's downright hilarious.

Because I am so passionate about the art, I often look for connections between improv and my personal life--discovering answers to important questions like what motivates me, what brings me joy and what leaves me downright frustrated. And as a recent Washington Post article brought to mind, improv remains just as relevant to the world of business.

I was particularly struck by one of the big questions the author raises: How can you teach people to be funny? The query is all too familiar to any improv director wondering how to lead spontaneity, prompt genius, and tackle any other number of seemingly insurmountable oxymorons. Whew.

What I found from my several years of performing and short time directing is this: it's rarely successful to just tell someone what they are doing wrong; the direction that sticks is always a matter of discovery. So I try to lead through challenges (hey, try taking an exaggerated pose before delivering each line!) and repetition (you just said something significant--say it again!). These strategies have been far more effective than my default 20-minute tirade on the merits of "yes anding" your scene partner. And far more rewarding: witnessing the light bulb going off in a performer's brain in the middle of a scene is a pure delight.

How does this relate to the world of sales? I'm willing to bet few complex business deals have ever met success with a colorful brochure, a strong handshake, and a canned sales pitch. That--like my previous bad direction--is simply telling. And telling gets old fast.

So how to reach that promised land where their needs and our solutions thrive in glorious harmony? It's mostly a matter of the right Q & A. The targeted sales questions that lead a customer down a path to discovery--that is, verbalizing YOU as the solution to their imminent problems--is exactly what makes the best ideas stick.

Whether in improv or business, that is the "A HA!" moment that makes it all worthwhile.

January 22, 2007 in audio publication, award winning design, award winning magazine, award winning newsletter, Blogging Tools, Brand enhancement, build credibility, Building Customer Intuition, bulk email marketing, Business publications, Business relationships, company newsletter, Company publication, corporate magazine, create a newsletter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Time is Right?

Posted on January 19, 2007 by David Borra.

An article on msnbc.com talks about Bob Barker’s retirement.

At this moment, he doesn’t have a successor. I'm sure CBS has thought about this for some time, but will they find someone to fill Mr. Barker’s shoes and still keep the same amount of interest and success in the show? Or will this be the end of the line for "The Price is Right"?

Since Bob Barker has hosted the show for 35 years it will be interesting to see if CBS just finds a replacement or if they are going to rebrand the show's image.

January 19, 2007 in award winning design, award winning magazine, award winning newsletter, Award winning publications, Blog Outsourcing, Blogging Tools, Building B2B Relationships, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition, bulk email marketing, company blog, company magazine, company newsletter, corporate magazine, Corporate newsletter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

What Can Brown (on white) do For You?

Posted on January 17, 2007 by Kevin G.

I came across an article about the new ad campaign for UPS. Originally harnessing the slogan “What can brown do for you,” the company is looking to express that mentality in a broader way.

Described as the company’s “most integrate communication campaign ever,” the campaign will involve multiple mediums including print, online and television commercials amongst others. The commercial I found below is slightly reminiscent of Apple commercials, if only they decided to use Zach Braff from Scrubs.

The commercial is kept simple and direct, which is refreshing. Bottom line, they aim to make complex shipping seem like a piece of cake. I am convinced, see for yourself.

January 17, 2007 in award winning blog, award winning magazine, Award winning publications, blog publish, Blogs, build credibility, Building Customer Community, bulk email marketing, Business editorial, Business Marketing, Business publications, CMO, company magazine, company newsletter sample, Company publication | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Even Giants Can't Escape PR Rollercoaster

Posted on January 15, 2007 by Vinnie Lacey.

Wal-Mart. Love it. Hate it. Or, like me, have a love/hate relationship with it. But one thing you must respect is the retail giant's extraordinary commitment to health care for all its employees.

Yes, folks, a new year and the same old sarcasm. But I'm just the messenger.

With the Mart often getting bad press from activists, I poked around online to see if I could find some other points of view. The investigation quickly turned into an exploration of the company's PR machine, as I ran into this article from BusinessWeek's "Best and Worst of PR in 2006." Mixed results.

Then I came across this illuminating article on the Mart's new commitment to energy saving lightbulbs. Oprah? Now that's some powerful PR.

After this cursory glance, I give Wal-Mart high marks in the PR department for smart campaigns, access to inexpensive necessities, and admitting wrongdoing sooner rather than later.

Now if they could only halt this slow degradation of American culture.

January 15, 2007 in award winning blog, award winning design, blog publish, build credibility, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition, company magazine, corporate magazine, Corporate newsletter, Corporate publications | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Apple does it again

Posted on January 12, 2007 by David Borra.

Apple has gone through many changes over the years , but what remains constant is its drive to push forward.

For instance, the new iPhone coming out in June features an MP3 player, camera and touchpad screens.

Also, Apple TV is a new gadget that allows viewers to download movies from their iTunes (on either a PC or Mac) and view them on a television. The iPhone and Apple TV make it apparent that Apple is strategically branching out into all forms of media.

January 12, 2007 in award winning design, award winning magazine, award winning newsletter, Award winning publications, Blog Outsourcing, Blogging Tools, Building B2B Relationships, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition, bulk email marketing, company blog, company magazine, company newsletter, corporate magazine, Corporate newsletter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Power of Yes

Posted on January 12, 2007 by Jeff Sanchez.

New to BeTuitive Publishing? Although we may go beyond email marketing it is still one of our most valuable tools. Some of you out there may need a refresher or a starting point to know the ins and outs of email marketing. Dynamic Graphics magazine has an article in their most recent issue about "The Power of Yes: Secrets of Permission E-Mail Marketing." Permission is obviously a keyword, considering the CAN-SPAM act and the thin line that email can cross if it is unwanted. You be the judge...from design to reaching out to your customer or client in a more direct way...this article covers it. Explore it...then explore us!

Read up on "The Power" here.

January 12, 2007 in award winning newsletter, Award winning publications, blog publish, Blogs, Building B2B Relationships, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition, Business editorial, business magazine, Business Marketing, company blog, company magazine | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

A Puzzle Wrapped in a Mystery

Posted on January 10, 2007 by Kathryn Regina.

I just found an interesting article by Blink author Malcolm Gladwell. He shares new insights on the Enron scandal by making a distinction between puzzles and mysteries. According to Gladwell, a puzzle is a question that benefits from increased information, whereas a mystery is a question that grows more complex with more information. Gladwell seems to think that the financial forecasting paradigm needs to shift from puzzle to mystery, and that Enron is a case in point.

"All Enron proves is that in an age of increasing financial complexity the 'disclosure paradigm'--the idea that the more a company tells us about its business, the better off we are--has become an anachronism."

Read the article

January 10, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Big Business is Looking Green

Posted on January 09, 2007 by David Borra.

Businesses have started to take a different approach towards the environment. No longer are they looking at the environment as a hindrance towards their financial goals, but rather a means of achieving them.

Two businesses, run by Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, and William McDonough, founder of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, are investing in the environment and looking to pioneer they way big business handles its approach to the environment. Check out these articles below to find out more on how big business is looking green.

Making the Skies Green

Designing the Future

January 9, 2007 in award winning design, award winning magazine, award winning newsletter, Award winning publications, Blog Outsourcing, Blogging Tools, Building B2B Relationships, Building Customer Community, Building Customer Intuition, bulk email marketing, company blog, company magazine, company newsletter, corporate magazine, Corporate newsletter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

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