Visuals promote your message

I have referenced this topic before in my blogging:  visuals support and promote your message on social media.  If you want to attract clicks, shares, reposts, you will increase it by 80% if it is supported by a great visual.

Why 80%?  Well, back in the day, when I was selling magazine advertising, we were handed this stat to feed advertisers, that color advertising increases viewership by 80%.  I used this stat today, simply because it is probably at least that.  I will research and add to this post any statistics I find from reliable sources.  Or, if you can add, let the comments roll .....

There are several established social media stars who use photography as a means to tag and share the photos on their own, or with a quote, or with mere words.

I find Pinterest to be the best platform that allows you to save and organize your images.  I almost always save my favorite photos to Pinterest so that I can reference or use later on.  Or, like, many, simply save for visual stimulation or appreciation of photographer talent.

I do try to give credit where credit is due.  After all, photographers readily share their work with intent to earn revenue.  I'd hazard a guess, that it is hard to police who is sharing your work.  I would recommend a subtle credit within the image to your website, or 500pix, Flickr, InstaGRAM, Tumblr, Google+ or wherever it is you post most of your work.  (Hint, if you're an artist or photographer it is wise to be on those sites to promote your work).  

If I'm using a link, Infographic or photograph for more ongoing reference on my Blog, I will write a note under the CONTACTS page asking permission or notifying the source, that I am doing so.  I've never been declined.  Although, I have to say, except one cartoonist who wanted money.  Since I am a non profit blogger, without posting ads (I used to but found them too distracting and it takes forever to earn any income from Google, so I now bypass that annoyance).

I'm curious about copyright laws as it relates to the web.  As mentioned, if you put it out there, it seems that people will gobble it up ... the challenge is they do that for free.  

If you are not an online business venture, website for commercial business or brand, then the least you can do is credit the photographer or artist.  However, with so many shares, reposts, and social sharing sites, it is difficult to give the proper nod to credit, if the originating image isn't credit.

To emphasize my point, just look at the images that have been liked or shared the most this week:

SOURCE:  http://www.essentiallightphotography.com/#home

Simon Sebastian is smart.  His home page has his images consolidated with quotes that must speak to him as an artist or conveys a message that he feels resonate with the image.  Notice he also has all the smart references discretely included on his photograph -- name, website and copyright.

Unfortunately, as mentioned, there are some great ones that start circulating that aren't credited.  This one is a favorite.  Whimsical images with animals are popular and often a hit.

This week, this superb image of Marilyn Monroe has gotten a lot of traction.  Images with famous people go over well and attract attention.  Remember, you are trying to attract people's attention to your message.

SOURCE:  http://naldzgraphics.net/inspirations/marilyn-monroe-illustration/

The point to this is that you can usually find and credit the source of the talent.  You just can't be lazy.  It may take you a few more minutes to search for it.  The artist and photographer will appreciate it.  Their images can still be sold commercially to be used on website or printed materials like brochures, marketing collateral, annual reports, or ads so it isn't an exercise in vain.  

You can help exposure by including, by habit, the credit.  If they are savvy, which most aren't as vigilant because their skill and craft is in images, not always business.

The iconic portrayal of alltime favorite sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe, was found on Pinterest with credit sourced:  http://naldzgraphics.net/inspirations/marilyn-monroe-illustration/ which within that to find the artist Vovoskedi on Deviant Art - a popular site for creative talent in pop culture.  (I did comment so that Vovoskedi would know I had shared it and credited).  I give the creative the opportunity to ask me to remove it.  If you're trying to get more widespread recognition, it certainly won't hurt.

The following resonated with my mood yesterday, I tweeted it on Twitter, used it to show appreciation of followers and friends on Facebook ("good friends protect you from the elements") 

Sadly, credit to the photographer wasn't given.  I went so far as 500px and keyed in the photo number, as shown, and got an error message.  That is disappointing when you are trying to go out of your way to credit them.

By clicking on the VISIT SITE link on Pinterest I was able to find the source of this photo that is appealing to many:  

SOURCE:  Image on Flickr by Larry Gerbrandt

Scenes are popular with many .... maybe reminders of home or dreams to visit.  Others, resonate with what is going on at the moment.  With our cousins to the south soon to be celebrating American Thanksgiving, I wonder how many of you want to try to sharing this with your Thanksgiving cheer?  Apple pie and the American Flag are symbolic and memorable.  By seeking to assign the appropriate credit, I unmasked another great site for finding superb images:  The Chive.

SOURCE:  http://thechive.com/2014/04/18/best-photos-of-the-week-80-photos-19/

So go ahead and try it.  Attach an image to your quote, message, tweet, post, share and see how far it can take you.  Your fans will appreciate it almost as much as the talent you are crediting.

Sweat equity

 “Social media is not just an activity; it is an investment of valuable time and resources. Surround yourself with people who not just support you and stay with you, but inform your thinking about ways to WOW your online presence”

 Sean Gardner (@2morrowknight)

It goes without saying that I am lucky.

I am honored to be amount a distinguished group who continuously inspire me.  

They are the true champions that demonstrate that you can find your path to 

freedom which is gained by freedom from employment. 


These people are the gutzy ones.


 They have taken their gift of liking people and people liking them to a whole 

new level.  They have awesome personalities that have won fans because

they have consistent, positive messages, images, share knowledge for the 

good of the people worldwide.


Social media superstars


Social media superstars by my own definition are those that have been able to

 take their talent to attract multiple fans and turn it into a business adventure.


They are not famous musicians, artists, actors, writers or heads of large 

corporations (that can they can leverage to increase their presence and where 

people pay heed to them solely because of that fact).


They are not power hungry politicians.  They are not followed because of who 

they are but by what they represent:  social media power.


At the feet of these powerhouse social media rock stars is information, images,

quotes, advice, smarts, intuitive ability to tweet, post or share what resonates

most with the average person and the not-so-average.

Many are following their dreams hitched to their passion:  whether it is

 statesmanship by  +Sean Gardner country music from   +Jessica Northey or

or wisdom from +Libby Baker Sweiger  or +Leanne Hoagland-Smith  or a 

contagiously positive personality like +Dave Reynolds .




I had coffee with a former stellar colleague Philip 

yesterday.  We all know those people who stand heads

 taller philosophically than most with whom we

 stay connected with.    Having coffee with Philip 

restored my faith by the reminder of how lucky I am to 

have so many great experiences I have and the 

opportunity to have learned from the best people and

honored to have worked with.








I often credit Linked In


Linked In was where it all started for me.  I was driven by the desire to keep in 

touch with the best of many who have  something unique to offer:  Like 

Philip, I have found my former colleagues from Xerox to be the most talented

 and positive people to have been worked with.  Thanks Michael R.

 Kimerbly O.  Then there is a great mentor Rodger G. (President of a very 

important big company) and There were many others, but they haven't been into 

the commitment of keeping in touch.



Some have helped me, supported me, worked with me, mentored me, or shared

wonderful friendships without any expectations of  reciprocation like May C. 

Donna D. Evelyn J. Jay D. Kathy C.  Jeanne P. and others who  remind me daily 

how faith and friendship, firmly at the core, can help rejuvenate one, inspire 

others, and motivate many.  My best source of learning are rooted firmly with 

my kids:  Kyle, Chantal, and Kelsey whose conversations frequently push me 

outside my own views to see things from their young, up-and-coming and 

youthful perspective.   Fortunately, they are have an entourage that count me

among their unique adult source of information, philosophy and most of all

manners.


There are those who only know me from

 social media that I optimistically sense

 would expand their great connection of

 friendship if I were lucky enough to 

meet personally like +Sandy Hubbard 

+Mike Lehr +Joseph Ruiz to name just a 

few.  Gems in their own aura of giving, 

knowledge, sharing and gift of relating to

real people.  There are a couple whom

 I would like to recognize for their constant

 support of my posts with a like or a share.  I

 look forward to the opportunity to work

 with you in the not too distant future when

I complete my website and engage your

 SEO savvy knowledge and graceful 

imagery -- the best the world has to offer:

 +Syed Mazhar Shah +EsmatMorshedy who 

exude talent combined with humility while 

making inroads towards fame.  You are

 always there Mazhar and Esmat, and never

 go unnoticed.

Watch for updates in the upcoming couple of months while I put sweat equity to

 task to help someone launch their social media for their service offering that 

will revolutionize an industry and follow the mantra by Steve Jobs that

 inspires endless +SteveJobsFans across the universe:  find something that the 

populace of people don't know they need yet will enrich their lives.

Dear friends, readers, followers, subscribers:  thank you for your faith and 

commitment in watching me grow.  

You can #follow me here:

Foggy dreams create goals that stick

"A goal is a dream with a deadline." 

~Napoleon Hill

Hi Jeannette,

Good morning, I noticed you might have a requirement for some of the services we offer.

If there's anything we might be able to assist, we certainly happy to have a chat with you.

Please share a little brief about your requirement and leave us your email-address/phone number. We will review your requirements and get back to you with our past work details, testimonials, samples with best offer.

Looking forward to hear you.Thank you,
Enthusiastic young sales gal

Dear Enthusiast:

I understand and appreciate that you are "cold calling" virtually.  However, there is nothing there in your communications that would entice anyone to respond.  Sadly.  Not even a statement on your service offering or a link to your website.

I suggest you follow my Blog and go to the articles on sales -- I have some nuggets there that may inspire you.  I admire your effort and want to encourage you to carry on.  I just sense a bit of blindness in your approach.  We all have to make a living, but a few of us want to be great at what we do, understanding that the money follows later on.

What is your value proposition to a start up?  How would they best benefit from your service?

What's the catch?

Are you tapped into social media?  I go by the pseudonym @optioneerJM .. if you are, follow me, follow my blog (if you can find it, lol) and all my platforms.  Like a scavenger hunt of a virtual kind.  Let me know you've found me by being unique.

How's that for a challenge?

We all have to separate ourselves from being average to one who is remarkable,

Jeannette

Is that mean?  Too harsh?  Perhaps and most certainly.  However, as a young gal starting out in sales, I had nobody take my arm and point me in the right direction other than kick me out the door and say:  find customers, cold call!

Lucky for me, and likely for many others, I had a tenacity and goal for success.  When I was about 22 I wrote a vision statement about goals that I found about 15 years later, when I had started to be recognized, and was astounded:

* Be successful at doing something I love:  I started out in magazine advertising sales, graduated to bleeding edge document management via printing sales at the very infancy of one aspect of the cloud as we know it today.

* Live in a white house with a picket fence:  I live in a white house with a chain link fence that backs onto a green pathway.

* Own and drive a Jaguar:  I ended up with a silver Mercedes CLK 500 coup that was classic, classy and exuded class.  Today I drive a Hyundai Accent (which is a story in itself that anyone with adult kids will relate to). 

I understand today that the car or house do not make the person.  Setting goals which often are aligned with dreams and writing them down are the glue that sticks everything together, but makes you accountable for what you think or say but more often only confirmed with proof.

I remember as a fledgling sales manager, having a seasoned sales rep under my wing who was firm on following in my footsteps because I had just been promoted to a sales team lead, tasked with creating more of MEs.  Gord soaked it up and was a sponge.  I never heard him ever accuse me of talking to much or too fast (I often get that when someone is not wanting to be in tune with what I am saying).  

One of my first coaching sessions with him, when he said that, I asked:  "Why?"  

He said because he didn't think he should try to reinvent the wheel by trying untried things via stumbling, but by mirroring someone who had already demonstrated success seemed like the wisest approach.  Wise probably.  That isn't an ego statement.  That is because when I started out in sales, I subconsciously tried to read or grasp on to follow someone else's example who had already proven to do what I was setting out to do.  I see that now as beautiful instinct.  I achieved acclaim, awards and recognition not because I was so special or gifted, it amounted to a driven desire to REALLY want to pay attention to those that have already paved the way.  

Most definitely, I asked questions of the people who worked with the sales people on their advice on what defined sales greatness.  More often than once, I was told that I was already on the first step:  asking others for advice and their feedback or opinions.

Seriously,  the archaic, traditional sales "experts" defined all the tricks and tips that appeared revolutionary were just plain dumb.  

Cutting corners is a sport that only schemers and used car salespeople use.  Eventually, they blow out so much steam, that they deflate or are fired because they cannot deliver on the over promises they make or the grand tales they tell.

Asking questions is the one key ingredient that only the finest, best, sales professionals discover.  They stumble upon the magical formula by accident at first.  They are fueled by wanting to actually deliver on the dreams or goals of the person they are selling to.  Instinctively, they know in their subconscious that if they could only deliver a small portion of that goal and not only build upon it but execute beyond either their's or your own possibilities, does the money, fame, awards and recognition follow.

Back to Gord.  His answer being defined that he wanted to do well, and he saw the easiest path to doing that was following in someone firmly established on the success train, with the idea that he may be able to progress faster, easier than stumbling around in the dark.

Again, I asked him:  "Why?"

Now, some people do think that you're off your noodle when you ask the same question at least two or three times without guiding them or pointing them in the right direction of the answer you are probing for.  I've been considered that often and still, almost always lately.  That is because if you haven't established the right metrics, results, awards or recognition from peers, subordinates, bosses or leadership ... you won't be heeded.  That can be frustrating.  Especially if you know you have had a gift in defining the easier path and just want to help others get there faster with less pain.

Finally.  Eureka.  Gord asked me what I meant - why was I asking why?  To me it seemed as elementary as writing that passage of goals as a fledgling college graduate who really had no idea where to go, how to start, or what I really wanted to do with that diploma or degree.  

I really wished someone had asked me that before I even left home and headed out to post secondary.  Back in those days (now I'm really sounding old), the expectation was you were going to go to school after high school, it was simply up to us on what that career would mean.  Blessedly my mom, thought it would be a good idea to be a legal secretary so I would marry a lawyer.  Years and years later, and even more recently, she has stated that she regrets not recognizing to tell me to pursue law.  I have no regrets.  I would have probably made a pretty good lawyer.

A lawyer is paid to orate, research, study character, evidence and sell others on their ability to help them achieve their goals.

Hahahaha ... well, folks.  That is EXACTLY what sales people do.  Yet, we cannot accomplish anything without asking the right questions.

Back to Gord.  "OK, Jeannette.  What do you mean by why?"

I am sure I smiled.  I recognized that my Padawan (Star Wars trainee term) was ready to absorb my wisdom.

So, again, I asked why but this time, expanded it by asking "why do you want to learn from a successful example so you can climb faster, easier and farther?"

I'm sure I was frustrating.  I have a knack of doing that.  My brother-in-law told me recently that my family had discussed me stating that sometimes when I talk I am in the clouds and those listening are trying to grasp a morsel of what I am saying.  That can come off being perceived as flighty and dumb.  Dumb as a fox, some might say.

Realizing that Gord was in the palm of my hands and it was time to expand on the question "Why?"
So I asked him: "what makes you want to be successful? 

For a talkative soul like me, taking a pause to allow someone else to absorb the question, formulate their answer, then say it is not something that I am often associated with.

As the note in that 22nd year was proof.  I wanted to be successful because at the immature time, success was  defined by the house I lived in and the car I drove.  The magic was that it fueled my desire and motivated me to accomplishment.  Not as a monetary value, simply as a testament to arriving at the end goal.  Often it is a status symbol.

Lucky for me that day, Gord said that his goal to be successful meant making enough money so that his new bride could retire from a medical technician career, not work, begin a family and build a strong foundation of life the way he deemed important to him, his values and example from his own upbringing.

How cool! Seriously, how many super stars have such humble goals?  Very few I must say.  Most of the greats.  Simply demonstrating that the ones with the most humblest of goals, stick-to-it-ness to achieve those goals, making good on promises are the ones that achieve it. 





The humble ones are really not bragging, writing big stories of accomplishments (that can be broken down easily by anyone with half a brain), and professing wisdom that only the loudness of their voices and exuberant tone gets people to believe they've discovered the holy grail.

My friends.  There is no easy, miraculous path to greatness.  Ask Steve Jobs, Wayne Gretzky et al.  They got up maybe a little earlier, spent a few extra minutes studying, stayed later than anyone else practising.  Not because they anticipated super stardom but from the sheer pleasure and passion that doing so gave them.

So.  Then.  If.  You want to be great.  Start out being humble and hungry to learn from others.  Don't proclaim you have discovered a recipe for success and try to sell that to others.  As Nike says:  Just do it.

The proof IS by doing it, not talking about it.  While it starts with asking questions.  There is no better path or plan than to start out with a goal, define your path and then plan on how you will execute on it.  More often than not, the best ones have goals aligned with love, family, health and happiness and NOT power, fame, money, possessions (I'm not an expert but I have a very strong hunch).

"Never lose your inquisitiveness."                                    ~Jeannette Marshall