1.    Your workplace is overly dependent on rules and policies. Micro managing permeates the workplace from the employee handbook, to signs hung on the wall, to interactions with superiors. (I was once in trouble for “improper tape usage.” No worries; I changed my wicked ways.)

2.    There are two teams afoot: “Us” and “Them.” The “Us” verses “Them” mentality makes it difficult to focus on the organization’s mission and work together to achieve common goals.

3.    Unauthorized communication is frowned upon. Perhaps there are written guidelines such as “Non-corporate staff shall not speak to corporate staff,” or perhaps it is an informal policy left unsaid. This can manifest itself in a myriad of ways; for instance, you find yourself collaborating with someone outside of your department when you spot a supervisor rushing over to inquire about or halt the conversation.

4. Low morale permeates the workplace. There is a sense of unease, dissatisfaction or general unhappiness in the workplace.

5.    Upper management institutes moral busting policies and catchphrases. This can appear in many forms. You will recognize it when you see it. For instance, a company may required field agents to attend weekly meetings at the corporate office, but the agents are instructed to enter through the back door, even though corporate employees are allowed front door usage. Or, perhaps the business has a disturbing catch phrase such as, “If you’re not getting the police called on you when marketing our service, you’re not doing your job.” (Sadly, these both came from the same workplace.)

6.    Upper management views employees as company expenses instead of assets. Employees aren’t considered partners to take the organization to the next level, but are instead viewed as inconveniences.

7.    Turnover and demotions are a constant occurrence. Although employees disappear quietly, or perhaps not so quietly, no one is talking about it.

8.    Short-term thinking permeates the workplace. Management conversations center around primary business indicating numbers instead of the value people bring to the organization. Timing is focused on one report session to the next.

9.    Real issues are not discussed. Workplace issues between management and subordinates are ignored even though tension is running high.

10. There is an overall environment of mistrust.

Whether your workplace became unhealthy because of a power struggle resulting in each side fearing the other or because of a tyrannical leader, with some dedication and a little planning, the office can be restored to a place of joy and productivity.

Create a healthy culture by encouraging an atmosphere of trust. One step may be to schedule meeting time for multi-level and multi-departmental collaboration. During this time, work on true organizational issues. You may be surprised at the insight gleaned. Ensure active listening takes place not only in the meetings, but also out on the floor. If old habits are holding strong, be creative with training and rewards.  Praise progress as it happens; don’t wait for perfection. Also, be an active participant in ensuring the success of others. Starting at new-employee orientation, provide clear expectations and training so that employees know how to achieve success and how it is measured. Provide personal and career development opportunities.

High turnover rates and high absenteeism negatively affect the bottom line. A stressful work environment increases illness and therefore insurance usages. But, aside from neutralizing the negative, ideas for improvement, company growth and innovation stem from the company’s most valuable asset: its people.

At the end of the day, don’t confuse talk with action. No matter your current role in the company, begin making the workplace healthier by exhibiting desired behavior. Mentor others. Not only does this provide a better environment for you and your co-workers, but it may also determine the overall success of your organization.

Why? Well, for one, I’m turning 40 in a week. I’ve been excited about turning 40 for about 15 years. As crazy as it seems, it’s true. Plus, I want to share the love because I enjoy my Twitter friends so much, because they enrich my life beyond measure and because they’re kind enough to share my shy marketing tips with their Twitter friends. (I do love a good retweet!) So, I asked myself, what would happen if I let everyone purchase the book and extras (workbook and three audio bits) for whatever price they saw fit (or, in some cases, could afford)?

Well, I guess we’re going to see because that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do until I ring in 40 on August 9^th (although I may extend it a bit…birthday splendor should have more time to shine). Please know that the book is about more than marketing for shy people. It’s really just a guide for an authentic, gentle, effective approach to direct marketing. Much of it should ring true to you. Some of it you may know. At these times ask yourself not “Do I know this?” but instead, “Am I doing this?”

What will it do?

Your copy of “You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person” will quickly teach you how to:

• Use subtle marketing strategies to outshine the competition.
• Get invited to meetings and what to do when you get there.
• Write press releases and handle the resulting interviews.
• Align your values and career through volunteer opportunities or event appearances.
• Handle mistakes or faux pas with grace and even use them to your advantage.

What else will you receive?

My gratitude (as if there was a question)

Bonus Material:

• “You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person” Workbook
• Mini eCourse on Shy Management including lessons on the following

1. How to successfully develop teams
2. How to motivate staff
3. How to effectively lead

Please know that book is in PDF form. Although it’s available for the Kindle at Amazon.com, I’m not sure how to share the pay-what-you-want on their site. Please don’t hesitate to email me at mikimarkovich@groundpathandfruition.com if an attachment didn’t come through, you have questions or comments or you just want to send me birthday hoorays.

Finally, thank you for your support throughout the years (and years to come). So many of my Twitter friends (and my Facebook friends….I just happen to have met them all but a couple) have truly made my life better, provided smiles and often laughs. I thank you. Best wishes today and everyday.

Directions? Just go here http://www.shymarketingsecrets.com/products-and-servicesand look for You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person + Bonus Material.

The not so fine print:

I’m so excited you’re going to visit! Look for that green/yellow payment box. It might say that the retail price is $37, but until my birthday, you pay what want. Really! Just type in what you think is fair into the payment box. (If you decide to try the marketing bundle now and forego any payment, don’t worry. I want you to read, enjoy, learn. However, if you decide to come back before my milestone birthday to share a little monetary love, just use the “Donate” button.) Happy reading!

Part 1

For those of you who follow my Twitter feed, you know I live in Oregon. My grandmother? She lives about 3,000 miles away in Tennessee. But, thankfully, not for much longer. I’m hitting the road for a 6,000 mile road trip full of business meetings, a memorial, a lot of packing and then loading and moving my grandmother and her 86 years worth of stuff. The short story? I’m overwhelmed.

As the only family member, here’s just a bit of what I’ve been juggling.

*Scheduling multiple modes of transportation for friend to transverse East Coast to West Coast to take care of my high-needs pets. (I have a knack for adopting furry beings with health conditions.)

*Finding Grandma-ma a new place, complete all paperwork, procure necessary documents, etc.

*Finding volunteers to travel 300 miles from a little town where I used to teach high school to help pack and load in Tennessee.

*Finding funds, housing and food for over three weeks on the road.

*Scheduling unloading in Oregon and find volunteers (as her furniture is heavy and brute strength is not my forte’).

*Trying to balance all of my regular 8-5 work at pit stops with Wi-Fi and on road.

*Dealing with unexpected nuicences such as having my bank card frozen because some crooks rigged the Michael’s Craft Store card swipe machine.

I’m in a delicate place right now, doing my very best to keep it together, to survive if not shine while fulfilling my current seemingly 1,001 obligations. So, I’ve been merely writing my priority lists and putting one foot in front of the other trusting that everything will work out.

Customer service is important to me, but it’s extremely important to me in my current overwhelmed state. So when I called an airport shuttle service to get Brian from Michigan to the Chicago O’Hare airport, I needed help. Help with directions, planning and spanning three time zones. After being shuffled around on the phone a bit, I explained what I needed. Without a response to anything I said, the representative did the following:

*Asked for credit card information (without informing me about the price, schedule or availability).

*Scheduled the shuttle FROM the airport instead of TO the airport

*Clearly illustrated his lack of interest.

What I took from this is that for a “luxury” shuttle, their customer service lacked. While on the phone with the shuttle representative, waiting for my card to process, (this is where I learned that something was now wrong with my card – later learning it was due to the Michael’s magnetic strip scam), I caught myself thinking about my recent experience with ABF U-Pack Moving. My liaison, Autumnn listens. She’s business oriented, desiring efficiency while getting the job done, but with obvious care about her customers and ABF U-Pack Moving in general. With so many  aspects needing attending to in order to make this move successful, the people with U-Pack have kept me calm and taken care of a string of details.  AND, after my friends and I pack and load my grandmother’s treasured belongings, an ABF U-Pack driver will transfer it cross country. Thank goodness. I can’t imagine being so frazzled from the details, worn out from the packing and loading only to have to drive a truck entirely too big for me 3,000 miles through city traffic, winding mountains and in and out of hotel parking lots.

She quickly gave me directions and continued working. When I later walked past the counter, feeling much more myself and quite refreshed, I heard her interacting with a special needs person. She called him by name, made conversation, built him up. I love to see this, as it seems that our special needs population are too often treated like second-class citizens.  I walked out feeling all was right with the world. Who knew it would get even better.

When we pulled the car around to gas up, we saw that the pump attendants were decked out in white, vintage-inspired uniforms. Our attendant was friendly and called Danielle by name (once he had her credit card).  Although we learned it’s standard to wash windshields here, he seemed especially diligent, having us pause so he could be sure he hadn’t “missed a spot.” These people at Stop and Go Mini Mart know the meaning of customer service and have a system in place to ensure that people are well served down to the details from the cloth used to wipe the windows to the other attendants smiling and waving hello. Will I come back? Are you kidding? Probably every time I’m in Bend (whether I need gas or not).

Now, I might have thought the entire town of Bend was friendly, efficient and systems-oriented. However, when I crossed the street to McDonald’s it was another story. When I walked in there were five people scattered about waiting for their orders. I looked around, but the place didn’t look packed. It really didn’t even look busy. I took my place as first in the order line, well, the only person in the order line if truth be told. I waited. Um, still waited. Seven minutes later, a friendly, young man came to take my order: one soda, one tea. That’s all. I received my soda cup. Filled it. Returned for the sweet tea (here after referred to as my crack drink). Waited. Glanced around. The back was full of fry cooks. I saw someone sweeping. I observed a manager flipping through paperwork. I started getting fidgety, as I had left Danielle in the car, by herself, with our two dogs that don’t get along and tend to bark up a storm when not on the highway. Now, I really wanted to order a water for the furry kids and French fries for Danielle, but didn’t dare since I had already been waiting so long.

After about eight minutes after my order was taken, I saw the manager look at the screen and heard her ask if the tea was out. Within seconds she had it poured and was nearing the counter to give it to me. I stared helplessly at her as she held my caffeine-infused sugar-sweet crack drink in her hand only to be interrupted by a customer who claimed to be missing an item from her order. Ah well, 15 minutes or so total and I had that decadent drink. I mean, what is life without sweet tea?

Smiles to you and best wishes from Bend, OR.

Image by wamdé's via Flickr

As many of you know, our business, Ground, Path and Fruition, is based in the gorgeous city of Eugene, OR. I have always found the people to be nice, the service amazing and quality the norm. The reason I point this is out is because I know I’m used to being treated really well wherever I go. It’s just what the businesses and people of Eugene do.

So, I thought I would veer from my blog norm and take on America one quick review at a time. With this said, this trip poses a few more challenges than our last (perhaps you watched the video via our Twitter or Facebook links). With high gas prices, we’re striving to be as frugal (but comfortable) as possible. We’ve filled a cooler with healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s and Grocery Outlet to get us started. So, I’m eager to see what we experience along the way and will share stories about customer service hot spots.

Why all the hubbub?  Corky’s BBQ, of course. Memphis is my hometown. Without doubt, one of those reasons I get homesick is Corky’s BBQ. It’s totally worth the 6,000 mile road trip. Pretty big words for a vegetarian. But, I just can’t resist those amazing scents wafting through the air, the friendly service and the oh-so-fantastic food. Ah, yes. Bring it on. I will soon fall off the vegetarian wagon. Smiles to you all and best wishes from Sisters, OR.

• Now before you decide to judge me too harshly, I made sure Becca knew that this was a personal favor and that I could totally take rejection. There were no expectations. I had a couple of back-up plans. But, as usual, she accepted with grace, complete with a smile. My cats are in great hands (mainly because of the size of Becca’s heart).

Writing a press release has a simple formula.  The first step is to ensure your information is true and newsworthy.  With some thought and collaboration, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something newsworthy about your business.  Are you having a special open house?  Did someone in your company get a promotion or receive an award?  Can you offer specialized advice for the general public?

Write the most important and/or intriguing information in the first paragraph.  This is your opportunity to hook your reader so he or she continues reading.  This doesn’t need to become complicated.  In fact, stay away from elaborate words and phrases and stick to simple, straight-forward writing.  Write using the  inverted pyramid style.  Now, here comes the tricky part.  While you are writing this concise, informative, journalistic article, make it personal and interesting.  You can do this by adding quotes and clarifying how this information impacts the reader and community.

Attribute the information to specific sources.  You want to do this to insure the reader finds the information not only pertinent and interesting with mass appeal, but also verifiable.  So, your reader has found your writing to be crystal clear, important to his target demographic, and interesting.  Now, ask yourself, does he know how to contact me for more information or to schedule an interview?  Contact information is crucial.  Let’s talk about where to put it.  The format of your release is of extreme importance.  You will want to follow the standard specifications so as to make the reporter’s job as effortless as possible.  To simplify this process, please see the example below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                   Contact:  Miki Markovich

(555) 555-5555

mikimarkovich@email.com

Being Shy is an Asset

New Marketing and Public Relations Techniques Ensure Success and Job Satisfaction

(Eugene, OR, February 15, 2011) – For years, there has been a consensus that being shy is detrimental in the business world, specifically in the area of marketing and public relations.  However, people across the nation are discovering there are common sense techniques that enhance existing skills to increase both success and job satisfaction.

“I feel very good about myself.  I have increased productivity and job satisfaction.   By writing personal notes, I leave people feeling special and have saved time and energy by cutting down on uncomfortable, in-person meetings with people I’ve never met.  Not only am I happy, but my boss is also thrilled because our company has increased profitability,” said Miki Markovich, Director of ABC Co.

###

The press release above is shortened to be a format template.  The three number symbols at the bottom indicate the end of an article in journalism.  It’s important to use the correct format as to make the reporter’s job as easy as possible.

Typically, a press release is one to three pages long.  You want to be short and concise.  The goal is to generate enough media interest to warrant an interview.  A good way to familiarize yourself with the content and format is to pull up examples on-line of those successful press releases used in your industry.

In order to get your information read by the proper person, you must know whom to address.  You can find this information through various modes of research.  In the newspaper, there is usually a section that lists section editors or beats.  For television, radio, or even newspaper, this information can often be found on their websites.  If none of these avenues result in the needed information, you can call the offices directly and ask for the name of the editor you seek, whether that is the business, technology, education, or news.  Once this information is verified, write this information in a marketing contact book for future reference.

The next step is to prepare you’re a short greeting to post at the top of the email or a fax cover sheet.  If faxing, have your cover sheet or the first page of your press release on letterhead stationary.  If this isn’t possible, have your logo and contact information on the coversheet.  This can be done inexpensively by placing your business card at the top, right corner of a sheet of paper or for the more tech savvy out there, simply utilize your logo and design your letterhead on your computer.  Make a copy and there you go, instant letterhead.    Complete the sections listing who the fax is to, who it is from, how many pages, and the reason for sending the fax.  I try to include a genuine compliment such as “I heard your interview with the mayor on the radio Monday.  Fabulous job.  Your questions were insightful.”  However, if I don’t have any compliments to give, I just write, “I look forward to hearing from you.  Have a wonderful week,” and draw a smiley face.  If these efforts aren’t directly rewarded with an invitation for an interview, don’t hesitate to follow up with a phone call.  Research when it is convenient for the reporter or editor.  Keep in mind that we don’t like additional work under high-pressure deadlines and neither do they.  Rather than interrupting, calling after business hours is always an option.  If you do choose to call during normal working hours, without knowing the reporter’s most convenient time, simply ask when you get him or her on the phone, “Is this a good time to visit?”

Congratulations.  You have the interview.  Now what do you do?  Go and survive.  Details should come in the next posting. Smiles to you and best wishes.

I have also met some other incredible people on-line. Pamela King resides in my hometown of Memphis, TN and contacted me about doing a year-end interview on her Sol Searching radio show. At the beginning of the interview she totally talked me up. It made me smile, made me laugh and made me thankful. Now, as it was a live interview, I was all shades of nervous (meaning awkward). I was vomiting from fear the couple hours prior to the start time. I’m shy so interviews aren’t necessarily my forte’. However, her constant kindness surrounds every word.

I’ve also interviewed with the wonderful Darlene Victoria Gonzalez. She is a busy woman leading A Virtual Perception and Your Blooming as well as owner of D. Victoria Virtual Assistance. I met her through helpareporter.com. Although I was nervous about this interview as well, she used her mad editing skills to make me sound brilliant. Such wonderful kindness. I now consider her a friend. I have a myriad of others I could share, such as @thejoydiva, @patflynn, @daramckinley. The list seems endless. I’ve recently connected with a lively, vivacious business person up the 5 whom I’m sure to meet within the next week or so. Through marketing, direct or via social media, the connections made often lead to better business and a better life. So, it’s time. It’s the beginning of 2011. Let’s get out there, make the world a better place and make those life-changing connections! If you have a tip, story, effective or fun way to market, please share with everyone by posting a comment. Best wishes for an amazing, sparkling, wonderful 2011!

 

1. Make a marketing outline/plan

A marketing plan is a living, breathing entity. It will change throughout the year. By having a roadmap, staying alert and being flexible, you will have the tools needed to be organized and successful.

 

2. Branding

Search your brand (and your heart) to see what you really want your business to look like. What experiences do you want your customers to leave with? What two to four key ideas or phrases do you want to identify with? Next, look for those small changes you can make that would improve your business and make your brand shine.

For example, I once worked with an incredibly talented salon owner. She desired her clients to feel pampered but at affordable prices. With a little brainstorming and a few tweaks, we decided on some affordable solutions that really heightened the client experience.

 

3. Social Media

While brainstorming, it’s a good time to re-evaluate your social media usage.  Are you attracting the population you desire? Do you update your statuses consistently? Are you utilizing hash tags? Where does your target demographic hang out? How can you get more involved?

 

4. 80/20 Rule

Remember the 80/20 rule, also known as Pareto’s Law, dictates that 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to figure out that 20% and maximize it?

 

5. Be Yourself

Without doubt, you are absolutely wonderful just as you are. Embrace your true self and shine. Channel your strengths and enjoy the journey.

Well, that’s it for year-end advice. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank you. Thank you for your support, your well wishes and your wise words. My life has been enriched beyond measure through so many of you I’ve had the pleasure to interact with via email, comments, Twitter and Facebook. If we have yet to meet, please drop in and say “Hello.” I would love to hear and to learn from you.  Best wishes for 2011. May it be the best year yet!

-Miki Markovich

Visitors are flocking to Facebook in search of information, entertainment and meaningful interactions not only from friends and family, but from businesses just like yours.

Facebook Fan Pages are the business version of personal profiles. In fact, businesses on Facebook are required by the site to have fan pages rather than personal pages. That’s no problem, though, because fan pages trump personal pages in terms of features and customizability.

Unlike personal pages, fan pages…

• don’t limit your fan base. Personal pages have a limit of 5000 friends, a sum that’s more than sufficient for most users but would greatly limit larger businesses.

• allow users to create custom tabs to display anything from and RSS feed to videos to Twitter updates to custom landing pages and mores.

• are socially acceptable places to promote your brand.

• provide analytic tools so you can identify your most active demographics.

• feature group messages and discussions. These are great tools to engage your community.

• are indexed by search engines. This equals more brand exposure and increased likelihood that those searching for specific products and services will find you.

• can be advertised with Facebook ads. Facebook ads are inexpensive and allow for extensive targeting of audience based on interests, jobs, age, location, sex, hobbies, etc. .

Still unsure? Leave a comment or contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss how a Facebook fan page will take your brand to the next level.

So, if you’re asking yourself what is the main distinguishing feature between managers and leaders, no worries, the answer is easy: The way they motivate. When people lead, they don’t have to coerce, beg or force because those following are choosing to do so. Does this mean to be a leader one must always be friendly and happy? Not at all, of course, being a gloomy Gus doesn’t really help the situation, just saying. So, what does a leader look like?

True leaders tend to be honest, giving true, specific praise. Leaders tend to credit others instead of hogging the spotlight during times of success. They are usually solution and achievement focused. They provide their staff with worthwhile work. They also provide employees with the tools they need to be successful and to develop new skills.

Ok, so you have goals for your business, now what do you do? A good start is to clearly articulate your goals. Because, in your heart of hearts, you know that just because you send it in an email or announce it at a staff meeting doesn’t mean that everyone has heard, understood or embraced it. And think about motivation. Successful leaders utilize mediums other than just cold, hard cash as incentives. Yes, of course employees appreciate money (it buys great stuff like pizza, jewelry, vacations), but they also appreciate praise, learning opportunities, recognition and learning opportunities. I also find that they appreciate praise on “Post-It” notes stuck about, cute little items or snacks to bring smiles and a plethora of other inexpensive, heart-felt rewards.

It’s not complicated really. If you’re logical and do what’s right for yourself, business and employees, you will be successful. Just remember to raise morale by rewarding progress and meeting goals, by bringing fun into the workplace while sincerely reflecting your business’s value and mission statement. Lead with you head and your heart. Build meaningful relationships. Express appreciation and be credible. No worries. You’ve got this!