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Are You Ready For Your Turn to Run?

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Did you watch the Kentucky Derby earlier this month? We happened to be passing through Louisville and everything—I mean EVERYTHING—was derby. And after Rich Strike’s exciting win, well, who couldn’t fall in love with that gorgeous horse?

We’re all suckers for an underdog. At 80-1 odds, neither Rich Strike nor his team were in the high rolling circuit. In fact, they were in the derby lineup only because another horse was pulled at the last minute. But if there’s one thing Rich Strike’s team was, it was ready. When the opportunity arose, they ran for the roses. That’s what made Rich Strike everyone’s darling.

How Ready is Your Product?

In this Forbes article Rich Strike’s trainer Eric Reed said, “We’re not supposed to be here, but I knew this horse loved the track. He’d been training so good all year.” Reed knew his horse and had him ready to run when put to the test. 

How well do you know your product? Is it ready to go when you have an unexpected “run for the roses?”

How Ready is Your Messaging?

Jockey Sonny Leon said, “I knew I had a horse for this race.” Owner Ric Dawson said, “We never enter a race we don’t think we can win.”

Not only was Rich Strike set to run, but his team was ready with their PR messaging. How ready are you to talk about your product? Can you run with impressive promos on the spur of the moment? (I know, I know, enough of the horsey puns.)

How Ready is Your Media?

Mercury Equine Center, the training facility owned by Reed, makes a bold online presence. Its website is supurb and the imagery is stunning.

Is your website up to date? Do you have quality photos ready for brochures, press releases and other promotions? Can people find the right information when they want to learn more about you?

Make sure you’re ready when it’s your turn to run!

LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

I’m wrapping up a new poster! It’s been professionally proofed, tweaked and readied for press. Watch for hooplas in June!

In the meantime, check out my Ice Age Trail poster for more Wisconsin highlights and make plans for your summer outdoors.

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. Networking for Introverts: Four great ideas for when you need to act like an extrovert.
  2. Cool App: Everyone needs a household inventory for insurance purposes. This makes it fun and easy.
  3. Shaved Asparagus Pizza: It’s asparagus season and I love this recipe (actually I love all her recipes)!
  4. May is Small Business Month: We’re half way through the month but this site is a great resource all year long.

Storytelling: Kick Ass and Don’t Worry About It

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I’ve decided virtual conferences are THE BEST! Reduced costs. No travel expenses. Attend while working from home. 

In the last six weeks, I’ve attended or presented at four conferences. Interestingly, the topic covered most was the power of storytelling—as in building a stronger brand by telling your own story. For example, in the workshop I presented, a woman asked how to establish her business presence when she is new to the community? I suggested she make that part of her story. You know, like The New Girl in Town.

So what is your story? We all have one and people want to hear it. 

As humans, we crave relationships. Sharing who you are and what you do is a great way for people to relate to your business. While I won’t get into the mechanics of good storytelling (here’s a plethora of information), I will say this—You are a special person. You are unique. Be yourself and celebrate your own story. 

And, as one knowledgeable presenter said…

LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

We’re almost ready for take-off. Tammy, of Tietz Family Farms, and I have been working hard to finish her site by the end of the month. Be sure to check it out! 

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. The Tug: Finding Purpose and Joy Through Entrepreneurship, by Barbara Zabawa, for those feeling the entrepreneurial tug but have yet to pull the trigger. Coming out March 31. Looks good, especially since we’re in a surge of pandemic start-ups.
     
  2. Where to Find the Best Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The Cabin podcast covers an iconic Wisconsin cuisine. Talk about a tasty trail—time for a road trip?!
     
  3. Instagram has new features, making it even better for business marketing. Here’s a long article that covers everything. 
     
  4. More cheese: TikTok’s Baked Feta Pasta. I’m not a TikToker but found this viral sensation on The Washington Post. Baked with Landmark Creamery’s  Sheep Milk Feta—my heart swoons!

Organize Your Media Library For Successful Marketing

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In my last newsletter, we talked about creating a media library filled with great photos for marketing your business. This newsletter, we’re talking organization—as in organizing that media library. 

If you’re like me, you’re taking smartphone pictures and videos all the time. I’m snap-happy for all things artistic, seasonal, business, people, branding, storytelling, scenic…uh, just about everything. One never knows when a shot will come in handy for a blog post, press release, or social media announcement, right?

As you can imagine, I’ve got a wide assortment of media. The real trick is FINDING that picture or video when I need it. 

Sound familiar?

Developing an organized system for your media library is important not only for your business but also your precious memories. Here are quick suggestions for keeping things findable and ready to go.

  1. Delete duplicates and unnecessary photos
    There’s no need for multiple shots of the same thing. Delete duplicates to save valuable disk space and time.
     
  2. Download photos
    Stick to a regular schedule of downloading photos and videos from your smartphone to your computer.
     
  3. Use photo management software/storage software
    There are many reputable photo management apps. I use Bridge, which is part of my Adobe subscription. There are others equally recommended, both for free or purchase. Find one that fits your needs and use it regularly. 
     
  4. Establish a consistent practice of labeling files
    • Rename your photo or video files with descriptive names. File them under folders named with equally descriptive names—perhaps a date or subject. 
    • If your software allows, tag photos with further descriptive keywords
    • Descriptive, descriptive, descriptive—get it?
    • Develop a system for yourself and be consistent. 
  5. Backup your files
    Regularly backup your computer to a reliable storage source, whether online or external hard drive. 

Interested in Learning More?

Registration has started for 2020 WFAN Annual Conference. We’ll cover this topic and more so be sure to check it out!

LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

When it comes to promoting my clients, I love getting out and shouting the good word. It’s easy because I design for clients whose passions I share and products I love!

This month I’m traveling the beautiful countryside (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it) and delivering our very cool, zine-style Fermentation Fest guide. It’s brimming with inspiring stories, poetry, and art. Find the guides in venues throughout northern Illinois, Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, like here in Bluff Country Co-op in Winona, Minnesota.

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. Zoom Etiquette:  A year ago we didn’t know Zoom, now we have rules. The comments following are also good.
  2. Kelsey Ducheneaux on Strength Through Connection: “We can’t afford to regress. We have to find ways to bridge gaps and move forward.”
  3. Food Rules, by Michael Pollan. COVID disproportionately affects those already suffering from diet-related diseases. I’m revisiting this quick and easy read. My two favorites: “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” and “Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it.”
  4. Hindsight in 2020: Quit giving blame, starting taking responsibility. 1) Know your mission, 2) Know your gifting, 3) See your opportunity.
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