Top Viewed Videos of 2008 ~ “Where the Hell is Matt?”

Okay, so literally, tens of millions of people have already viewed this video, but seeing as I skew towards a middle age demo, I thought I would post this for our Video of the Week in the event some of our friends have not seen this.  This was a piece posted by 32-year old Matt Harding.  It was among the Top Viewed Online Videos in 2008.  Here’s a link to the web page, Where the Hell is Matt?

Here is the video that made the guy famous (and you wonder how viral marketing works?):

Ed Heil is the owner and president of StoryTeller Media & Communications an inbound marketing and public relations agency and video production company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ed blogs on topics related to inbound marketing, social media, media relations, news media, video production and crisis communications.

Tags: matt harding, online videos, Video of the week, where the hell is matt

Why Should I Care About Twitter and Social Media?

We’ve had more and more discussions with clients and prospects lately about social media including Facebook and Twitter.  Facebook is an easy discussion for anyone who understands networking with friends and associates. Twitter is more difficult for a lot of people to get their arms around.  We can break down Facebook later, but I really want to address a couple of compelling aspects of Twitter.

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Tags: Facebook, Twitter as a soapbox, Twitter to meet cool people, why should I care about Twitter

Helping Paws’ Wag Walk Run Event Scheduled for May 30

Feb. 23, 2009 (Minneapolis) –- Helping Paws will host its annual Wag Walk & Run event on Saturday, May 30. The event is a fundraiser for the volunteer-based nonprofit organization that trains service dogs to further the independence of individuals with physical disabilities.

The event, held at Purgatory Creek Recreation Area in Eden Prairie, features a one mile kid’s run for children 12 and under at 9 a.m., and 5K run/walk for participants 13 and older and their four-legged friends at 9:30 a.m. It also will feature live music by the Blue Drifters between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., as well as the opportunity to meet Helping Paws service dogs in training and watch agility course demonstrations and dog contests.

Helping Paws allows individuals with physical disabilities to lead independent lives. According to one graduate, “Because of Pride I can stay in my own home, live independently and have a job and go out in the community.”

Visit www.helpingpaws.org to register. Registration is $20 in advance for individuals 13 and older and $15 for children under the age of 12, and $25 the day of the race for adults and $20 for children. The registration fee is waived for participants that collect donations of $50 or more.

Hirshfield’s Window Treatment Solutions at Home & Garden Show, March 4-8

The Home & Garden Show is just around the corner, and this year Hirshfield’s, the Twin Cities’ premier paint and decor retailer, will be showcasing its expertise and product offerings in window treatments.

Hirshfield’s booth (#2306) will focus on window treatment options and ideas at the show, held March 4-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Shop at Home experts, Hirshfield’s in-home service for window fashions and draperies, will be available for free five-minute consultations on window treatment solutions. Individuals can bring in photos of their current window treatments – or lack thereof – and Hirshfield’s window treatment design specialists will provide suggestions for updating the existing look.

The paint retailer also is involved in the Idea Home, presented by MSP Publications, at the Home & Garden Show. The home, built by McDonald Construction, will showcase the latest in color trends and techniques and features new zero-VOC paint donated by Hirshfield’s.

Helping Paws Foster Families Teach Kids Valuable Lessons

When you work with a lot of different non-profit agencies as we do, you find yourself drawn deeply  to the mission of each organization.  Helping Paws in Hopkins, Minnesota is one of those entities.  Yesterday, Helping Paws announced the date and new location of its annual fundraiser called, “Wag, Walk, Run.” The event will be held at Purgatory Creek Recreation Area in Eden Prairie on May 30.  That’s the business part of this post, the purpose is in communicating what makes them so captivating.

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The Power of Social Networking is in Helping Others

Seth Godin has a great perspective on networking, whether online or in person. Essentially, he says “help people,” and they will in turn help your business. It’s so simple, but I think sometimes we lose track of the real purpose of networking and how it can benefit our business. How often do you go to “networking” lunches or an after hours get together, press hands and exchange cards looking for leads? It happens all the time and infrequently does it lead to anything.

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Tags: Seth Godin, Social networking, valuable relationships, Web Video

Inbound Marketing and Outbound Marketing - Balanced Approach

I like cold calling.  There, I admit it.  It’s true.  There’s something about the challenge, about trying to win over the “gatekeeper” in a short amount of time.  Crazy as it may sound, there’s even something about being rejected or having someone hang up on me that makes me feel alive.  In fact, a couple weeks ago while cold calling I was getting the hardcore “screen” from the office “gatekeeper” and she ultimately hung up on me.  I laughed and said to myself, “she just hung up on me!”

So, what did I do?  I called her right back!  Unfortunately, another person answered the phone and this time I got through.  I say unfortunately, because I often like to say something like, “I’m sorry, I think we were cut off.”  The “gatekeepers” love that one.

Anyway, the point is this:  I’m a HUGE believer in social media.  I love the principals of inbound marketing and agree with all the arguments against “interruption” marketing. In fact, if you work with us, you know that we’re pushing you hard in the direction of inbound marketing because that’s how people find information about the things they want and need.  Yet, here’s the beauty of cold calling and those of us who do it:  We’re out there looking for the people to let them know they need our services before they know they need it!

It’s remarkable how many times you cold call a business and they say, “we were just talking about that,” or worse, they’ll say, “we just hired someone for that.”  Then you cringe and hope your boss wasn’t listening in on the call!  Still, those are times you say to yourself, “man, I’ve got to do this more often.”

Balance Your Prospecting

So, what am I getting at?  Prospecting for new business is a multi-pronged task and it’s a system.  The way I view it, social media and interacting socially with people you can see and touch, is the basis of your approach.  Get to know people, network, find people who know people, who know people.  Meet people in business that do business with other businesses and build a solid network of “friends.”  Like a spider, this is your web and you’re gathering everything that you see fall into your web.

Meantime, cold call, but be smart.  See, I’m actually someone who will talk to cold callers if they’re interesting and know something about my business.  One of the most annoying things is when someone cold calls you and they have absolutely no idea what you do, who you are are or what your business is about. In the day of the internet and search engines, there’s no reason anyone should cold call blindly. Prospectors, do your homework.  Spend 5 minutes to research your prospect before picking up the phone. You’ll be smarter and you won’t look like a moron.

When you’re cold calling, you’re the hunter.  As in the book Whale Hunting by Tom Searcy and Barbara Weaver Smith, they stress preparation, knowledge and having the right team, so you also need to know your company’s sweet spot.  Nevertheless, 90% of the satisfaction in cold calling is preparing and knowing that you’ve got a prospect that needs to talk to you because you can help them.  If you can’t help them in a meaningful way then you’re a meaningless cold caller and in that case you’re a detriment to your business.

When you’re out developing new business in this crumby economy remember this:

1. Research your prospect
2. Stay positive
3. Balance social media with active prospecting
4. Ask yourself, “can I really help, or am I just selling stuff.”

Oh, and remember, be kind to the “gatekeeper,” after all, they hold the key.

Ed Heil is the owner and president of StoryTeller Media & Communications an inbound marketing and public relations agency and video production company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ed blogs on topics related to inbound marketing, social media, media relations, news media, video production and crisis communications.

Tags: barbara weaver smith, new business development, tom searcy, whale hunting

Excellent Client Service and Restaurant Tips

Several years ago my wife and I were having dinner with dear friends, Frank and Beverly Folts, on Martha’s Vineyard.  Frank and Beverly own a mens retail shop called Sundog in Edgartown.  During dinner our conversation turned to the importance of customer service and how difficult it is to find employees who truly understand and appreciate first class service.  As a proprietor in a resort town, that issue is amplified since most people applying for summer jobs are college students who are on the island for nothing more than the beaches and parties at night (I speak from past experience!).  Oh yeah, they also need to bring home some cash for school at the end of the year.

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Tags: Charlotte Inne, Client Service, Edgartown MA, martha's vineyard, Public relations agency, retailers, Sundog

Play Golf Minnesota Week Tees Off April 27

Although the ground is still blanketed in snow, it’s not too early to start thinking green – as in the putting green. With more than 500 courses and more players per capita than any other state, Minnesota is preparing to officially kick off the golf season with Play Golf Minnesota Week, April 27-May 3.

The Minnesota Section Professional Golf Association (PGA) and the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) are pairing up to host the third annual Play Golf Minnesota Week, filled with events for golfers of every age and skill level.

“Play Golf Minnesota Week is a great opportunity to dust off those clubs and get out on the links after a long winter,” said Jeff Drimel, president of the Minnesota Section PGA.

“This week has something for everyone – whether young or old, novice or expert,” said Tom Ryan, executive director and chief operating officer of the MGA. “New players can take advantage of events like Free Lesson Day, and families can spend time together on the course during Family Day.”

Each day during the week will have a different theme, with participating courses featuring specials and clinics. Check with individual clubs or visit www.playgolfminnesota.com for course participation and additional information.

Monday, April 27 Minnesota College and University Day – Wear your Minnesota college                                                              colors and save with special promotions.

Tuesday, April 28 Senior Day – Golfers age 50 and over are eligible for special events and clinics.

Wednesday, April 29 Women’s Day – Participating courses will feature clinics for women with                                                                 instruction by golf professionals.

Thursday, April 30 Free Lesson Day – Get a free session with a PGA professional to kick off “Free                                                  Lesson Month” in May.

Friday, May 1 Get Fit for Golf Day – Fitness experts will provide tips to becoming a stronger                                                    golfer. Professional club fittings will be available at participating courses.

Saturday, May 2 Play Golf Minnesota Day – Clinics, lessons and beginner programs will be                                                         available. The day also will feature skill challenges and contests and new                                                             equipment demonstrations.

Sunday, May 3 Family Day – The whole family is welcome to participate in skill challenges and                                                    mini golf on putting greens.

Blogging Basics: Why Blog for Business?

To blog or not to blog. That is the question that our clients and associates often ask. “What would I write about?” Or another question is, “Who reads those things?” Some are more paranoid and say, “I don’t want people taking shots at me.” All are valid concerns, however, if you’re serious about marketing your business in this hyper fast age of information, get blogging.  Fast!

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Tags: Blog, Blogging, blogging basics, local newspaper, PR campaigns, TiVO, trade journals, Wall Street Journal