Food hates me

For as long as I can remember, I have had a love/hate relationship with food. For reasons I could not understand, seemingly normal meals would have me scurrying off to the bathroom before I was even finished eating them. If it hadn’t been for my struggle with weight, I’m sure people would have suspected those regular trips were something else.

I believe I have found the answer to my problem, and I have my grandmother to thank. And to blame, it turns out. A few months ago, she was diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease. Celiac’s Disease is a gluten intolerance. While complicated, it means that her body (and that of millions of other people) reacts to gluten — a protein in wheat, barley and rye — differently. Celiac’s Disease makes your small intestine attack itself every time you eat gluten. And as you might think, that’s just about every time you eat.

Celiac’s Disease is genetic, (Thanks, grandma.) and is reported to affect one in every 133 people.  There are a few people in my family who seem to have problems with this, with different symptoms. There are over 300 symptoms known to be associated with this disorder. Or you may have no symptoms, just to make it more interesting. Tyroid disease and infertility are problems in my family, and I wonder if Celiac could have something to do with it. Others have symptoms more similar to mine.

As I explore this horrible and reasurring explanation to my problems, I’m reminded how much of communication is listening. Listen to my body. Listen to the people around me. Listen to my doctors and ask smart questions.  Remember, if we all knew everything, we won’t need anyone else. Pay attention. Help when you can. Listen when you can’t.

By the way, almost everything contains gluten. Which is an over-statement, but when you want a nice sandwich, it certainly feels like that. There are many resources for gluten-free eaters, more now then there ever have been. Most grocery stores have a growing section of gluten free products. I had a gluten-free pizza at Uno’s last week. My local Trader Joe’s has gluten free bread, made from brown rice flower. Betty Crocker’s website has a section on gluten free products. More and more products are being labeled and gluten free, so the search is easier. The Gluten Free Chef website is a great resource on foods you should, and should not, eat.

For more information on Celiac’s Disease, please visit their website or your doctor.

Ignorance on fire

**I’d like to preface this post with an apology. To Derek, Leslie, Kim and Heather, I’m sorry  for taking so long to put this up. **

In an earlier post, I explained that my views of reputation and business communication come from my history with family business. When earning a living and buying groceries depend on your name, you learn the rules quickly.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with three women who are building their own business in Arbonne. Despite how close their businesses over-lap, their stories and goals are quite different.

Leslie Hipp, Kim Barabas and Heather Hesano sat down and shared with me how they decided to choose Arbonne, and some of the challenges and surprises they have faced on the way. They are all part of the same team, Leslie being the most senior. And for full disclouse, Heather is my sister. And she had a cold, so she’s a little scratchy.

The first thing I wanted to ask the ladies about is how they got involved in Arbonne. With so many network business opportunities, why this one? How this one? Here, they speak about how they started their journeys.

Leslie                   Kim                    Heather

The rest of the conversations were more fluid and casual, so I’ll leave them in their entirety.

One of the aspects that I was most curious about was how the reality of starting this business compared to the ideas they went in with. Network marketing offers great opportunities for tens of thousands of Americans every year. Most of these businesses were started by something with an idea about how they could do it differently. And as networking is the key, I wondered how their communication expectations met their reality. I love my sister; thanks for the blog title. I like to call this part I had all the right answers to the wrong test.

An issue that has come front of mind to me recently is reconciling your personal brand with the company brand. As I dive into social marketing in my personal life, I am finding the line with how I can and will use it for my professional side. My company has very strict guidelines around what we can and cannot due in social media, and who will lead that push. With myself, I am the decision maker and the doer. The ladies explain how they merge themselves and their business. Let’s call it  How do you sell yourself?

All businesses have challenges, and these ladies are not unique. Which is exactly wrong – they are unique people facing common circumstance. Their reactions and choices are what makes their story theirs.

And there is more where this came from!

There is crying in basketball

There are two kinds of people in Michigan: University of Michigan fans, and Michigan State University fans. Relationships fail over this kind of divide. Instant enemys are formed over it. And while I can’t quite figure out the hate, I definately understand the love now.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I grew up watching professional football, and have a great love of the sport. I started watching basketball when I went to college, but didn’t choose my college for its sports. I think I went to seven games in my four years. I am getting my Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. I chose it for the program, not for the teams. But, oh, what a time I’m having.

And I’d like to thank Tom Izzo for a hell of a good ride for my first year as a Spartan. I have always enjoyed watching athletes who seem to be having a good time. Most pros play better when they’re having fun. Ah the good ole days of Brett Favre in his green and gold number 4 running and jumping around Lambeau like he was a boy. And we’ve all seen what Tiger Woods can do when he plays like it’s just a game. When your real, grown-up life is playing the game you love, you’ve got to see how lucky you are. Coach Izzo seems to be seeing it too, and watching him speak about how proud he is and how happy he is… I cried right along with him.

The city of Detroit (which actually means Detroit and all the cities around it within an hour in every direction) has been out in force today with pre-final four activities. The Spartan’s held an open practice at Ford Field, and 30,000 people attended. A pep rally was held tonight at The Sumerset Collection in Troy, and 6,000 people crammed into all three levels for that.

But this day started with an honor for Coach Izzo, as he was awarded the “Good Guy” award by the US Basketball Writers Association. A lot of people think he should be named national coach of the year, including me. Matt Synder called him the great, underrated Tom Izzo in his fanhouse post. He was right on all counts.

During the Somerset rally, Coach Izzo was interviewed on stage by Don Shane, sports director at the local ABC affiliate, WXYZ. The coach and Don clearly have a long relationship; they obviously respect each other. Don gave one of the best compliments I have heard in quite some time, “(Tom)’s a better person than he is a coach. And he’s a heck of a basketball coach.”

As an MSU student, I received an email from Coach Izzo noting his appreciation for the send off he and the team received leaving East Landing this week for Detroit. He stressed the role of integrity to the team, and the relationship they have with the students. Integrity is important to Coach Izzo, his players, and his team. (And I feel confident that Spartan fans wouldn’t boo a national basketball star because he went to a competitor’s school 30 years ago. That was low class.)

You may have heard, the state of Michigan is having a hard year. We are leading the country in all the things you don’t want: unemployment, foreclosures, recession. Add that to the fear that the word “Detroit” still produces in most people, you might begin to understand why we’re so excited about the Final Four. I wish all the teams, and their fans, good luck this weekend. Of course I am rooting for the Spartans. If you don’t have a team, I recommend them.

Go Green! Go White!

When you answer to yourself…

There is no business where your word means more than when it’s your business. I grew up the child of a family business. Picture it: Menominee, 1921. (Apparently I’m channeling Estelle Getty, and can’t stop laughing about it!) My father’s father’s father (follow that?!) and his business partner opened what would come to be known as Eickmeyer Heating and Sheet Metal. In my family, we just call it the shop.

There are lessons you learn growing up in a family business. Especially when its in a city of about 10,000 (city is relative, you know).  One of the most charming things about this situation is something that happens to me now, as an adult who doesn’t live there anymore. When people find out my last name, the question that is most often asked is “whose are you?” When I was in high school, this annoyed me to no end. Now, I love it.

During my lifetime, my grandfather, my father, three uncles and my brother have all worked at the shop. When the livelihood of your family is tied directly to your last name, you quickly learn that your word means everything and that you are nothing without your reputation. “You are only as good as your word” is not a phrase I am new too.

One of the biggest challenges in small business is setting yourself apart. There is more than one other heating company in Menominee. It can’t be just that. It can’t be just price or equipment or speed or any one thing. In business, as in life, it’s the package. You know there are things you buy at a less convenient place for one reason or another. It’s charming, or its close to your favorite lunch place, or the people behind the counter make it so great to walk into that store. Whatever it is, that’s the thing that sets that business apart for you.  For small businesses especially, communication is key.

In my next few posts, I’ll be posting some conversations I had with three women who are making their way in network marketing and owning their own businesses. We’ll explore some of their challenges and surprises. Stay tuned.

Drumroll, please

As we near the end of the New Media Driver’s License, we’ve been tasked with an in-class presentation. Here is the powerpoint for mine, although I need to work the script into it. I’ll update later… but it’s late and I want to make sure this is here in case I need to rip it down for class.

Thanks to everyone who has listened, however carefully, to what I’m had to say here the last 10 weeks. It’s been wild.

adv892-social-media-closing-presentation1

The funny thing about the loop…

Have you ever been a part of a conversation, when you suddenly realize some conversations have been going on before this one which you were not a part of? That’s the funny thing about the loop – you only know you were out of it when you get back in. Welcome to my old relationship with social media. I’m kind of digging it now.

When I joined the New Media Driver’s License course, I was aware a conversation was taking place without me. I had no clue what they were talking about. More than that, I didn’t know I wanted to know what they were talking about. There was, and I did. I do. And I’m so much further ahead, I can hardly believe it has been only 10 weeks.  So, to make sure you are in the loop… here’s what we’ve been talking about.

Each week we were given an assignment meant to explore a social media vehicle. Whether the method was new, or the application, I learned something every week. (Not the least of which is trying to create 50 free press releases on any website will probably flag the spam police and they’ll stop posting. But I’m getting ahead of myself.)

Social Media is not anti-marketing, no matter what some people in business may think. At its very basic, social media is network marketing among people. Its referrals from one friend to another. Its a place to look for answers when companies don’t respond. Its accepting that there is a conversation occurring — with or without you. Social media is the loop more and more people live in. As a manager of your business brand and your personal brand, social media keeps you in the loop.

Social media changes marketing, and sheds a light on marketing and public relations practices that are long out of sync with customers. The days when a spray-and-pray postcard mailing get the best return on your investment are long gone. And no matter how good you believe your PR person to be, if they tell you the best strategy is to do a press release, run, do not walk, in the other direction.

But how then do you do marketing and PR in a way that makes sense for you, your customers, and (let’s face it) the boss you signs your paycheck? (Does anyone actually sign paychecks anymore?!) That is where the New Media Driver’s License comes in. Blogging, SEO, Digg, paid internet advertising, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin…  A drivers license isn’t a tool so much as it is an acknowledgement that you know how to use one of the coolest, most dangerous, expensive tools you will ever own. The New Media Driver’s License is exactly the same – acknowledgement that you have the tools to use some of the coolest, most dangerous, and most useful items in anyone’s  arsenal - everyone else on the planet.

For anyone interested in learning more, Michigan State University and Walsh College are offering the New Media Driver’s License again this summer. Contact the admissions office for more details on enrolling, or visit the NMDL website.

Couldn’t say it better myself

For this weeks assignment, we were to put together a little ‘bit’ about the New Media Driver’s License. This, frankly, scared the bejesus out of me. It’s one thing to get on here on a (semi) regular basis and spout out to the heavens my opinions on things like how odd it is that strangers care so much about what I have to say, my support of stand up guys and admiration of people who walk their walk, or how specatular my class is in general. But to sit in front of a video camera (or stand, or whatever) is quite another, thankyouverymuch. I will just have to pass on that.

However (insert trumpets)! Derek once again come to the rescue with alternatives. After all, its all out there… and its on the internet. So my search began for already made video clips that tell the tale of social media. And I hit the mother-load. On Jeff Sass’s blog, Social Networking Rehab, he mocks everything I have spent the last 10 weeks learning. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry… you’ll be thrilled to know that the New Media Driver’s License is  being offered this summer at Michigan State. Oh yeah, you’ll want to enroll. Trust me.

Social Networking Rehab has scads of video clips, featuring the very people they are mocking (and the people I aspire to be).  Here are three that made me laugh out loud.

Enjoy! And thanks, Jeff, for doing the heavy lifting  on this one for me. Happily adding your blog to my recommended blog list. Loved it.

David Meerman Scott – lighthouse in sea of mystery

Several months ago, I had a conversation with my department’s chairman, Dr. Rick Cole. He was asking what we thought about this new media stuff and if Michigan State put together a class on something like, would we be interested in something like that. Naturally, we said we would and went on to completely forget about the conversation. Spring semester registration rolled around, and low and behold, there was a social media class. I knew I had a lot of excitement. I knew the subject came up a lot at work. I knew it was going to be a big part the future of marketing. I also knew I was totally freaked out about the whole thing and had about 10 minutes of exposure to social media. I didn’t even have a Facebook account!

 

So when class started, I was more than happy to learn that I wouldn’t be going it alone. Along with my classmates, and all the guidance from my instructor Derek Mehraban, CEO of Ingenex, I would have help from a respected voice in the industry: David Meerman Scott, and his 3^rd book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR. I can’t give him a better biography than the one featured on his website.

 

What I will say is that I enjoyed this book, and that it was a fast and entertaining read. It was easily digestible and didn’t make me feel stupid. All things I enjoy immensely in the books I read. I would read this book even if I didn’t have to. And you should too.  In fact I liked it so much, I made this press release about it using www.1888pressrelease.com (which is also cool, and something I recommend).    

                                                                                                                           

Next stop – success

 

Michigan State University takes a giant first step into exploring social media as a business application and tool for success: The New Media Driver’s License.

 

The Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing Department, an internationally-recognized leader in the study of these disciplines, is once again leading the way in communication studies. This new course, offered to both undergrad and graduate students, aligns itself with the department’s strategic goals: Our programs provide a unique blend of communication and commerce in an industry-focused environment. The three signature elements of our programs are creativity, technology, and an international orientation. Through a collaborative agreement with Walsh College, the New Media Driver’s License is open to Walsh MBA students as well.

This online course is ideal for the industry professional working to keep their skills up to date in an increasingly competitive, rapidly changing environment. Lessons are taught through the use of personal blogs, online discussion groups, and other topics as they are discussed in class. Lead and facilitated by Derek Mehraban, CEO of Ingenex Digital Marketing in Ann Arbor, MI, the majority of course work is completed online with weekly assignments. Course materials also include The New Rules of Marketing and PR, by David Meerman Scott and Presentation Zen, by Garr Reynolds.

Ideal for both the new and the evolving marketer, the New Media Driver’s License is a learn by doing exploration of the expanding, complex and sometimes hazy world of social media in a ways that are both relevant and accessible. Michigan State also offers the ability to “try out” returning to college before enrolling in a program. The Lifelong Education program allows you to take a few classes before being formally accepted to the program, to make sure it is just the right fit for you.

                                                              

S-E-What?

So there you are, driving down the information super highway. Information is passing you on both sides — websites, blogs, ads, wikis, friend invitations. You know, all the regular stuff. Some if it catches your eye, and some of it doesn’t. Some of it you never even register. But why? As a “consumer,” what’s the thing that makes a site click for you? And as a marketer, what are you doing to be found?

Take this PSA by the Transport of London on observation. (Stay with me.) I first saw the basketball clip a few years ago and still enjoy it for both its intended purpose and its hilarious mockery of me. When I first traveled to London several years ago, I was impressed by (and kind of questioned) their embrace of the bicycle in their society. But having gone through one summer of $4.00+ a gallon of gas, I kind of get it now. (I am licensed to drive a motorcycle now, so I kind of get it.) But I digress. What does this have to do with SEO? What if your website was the bear…?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a strategy for getting your website into people’s search box and onto their radar. At its basics, SEO is organizing your website — content and    layout — to be the most impactful to your viewers… and, of course, Google. The ultimate, supreme, number one thing SEO does is make your website visible in searches. If you build a website and Google doesn’t find it (and put it on the first page of someone’s search results), does it really exist?

A good SEO strategy helps you design your website in a way that makes your words (and all that hard work) more impactful. But it’s more than that (and isn’t it always, really?). SEO involves everything from layout, the words you use, where you put them on the page, and the name of your company/website. The company I work for has a challenging name for SEO, because the name is an actual word. (Thankfully, it is in the number one spot on Google). But for alerts and RSS, having a company name that exists in every-day conversation is a challenge. So don’t do that if you can help it.

One interesting aspect of SEO is search engine advertising. The benefits of SEA are pushing your website to the top of internet searches featuring specific terms and strings of words. Google Adwords and Yahoo Search Marketing are two options for marketers who want to boost the odds their site is found. I recently wrote about my own meager attempts at Google Adwords to promote this blog; take a look if you’d like a little more information on that. I’m a little torn if SEA isn’t cheating. I know its an advantage, surely.

On the opposite end of that are sites like Digg and Delicious. Both Digg and Delicious let other users comment on how great your site is. As the internet is a social place, search engines, like Google, put a premium on the comments and recommendations of users. A visitor to your site who diggs you will help your SEO standing. And if one person diggs it, or thinks its delicious, more people are more likely to take a look at it. Good, good things.

For a few easy-to-digest explanations, here’s the wiki entry, Google’s support site for webmasters/site owners, and SEO Chat. I’m also reading David Meerman Scott’s book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR, which he comments (and I agree) is basically an entire book on SEO. Get it. Read it twice.

The Digital Bus/New Media Driver’s License page on SEO has some great links to other resources as well: SEOmoz tools, SEO Basics knol,  Google Webmaster Central, and Google SEO Starter Guide.

SEO is an over-whelming idea that requires some trial and error, some experimenting, and a great deal of willingness to change. Change is good. Really. Trust me.