What Does Your New Office Need?

What Does Your New Office Need?

Are you setting up a new office? Whether launching a new business, relocating to a new site, or expanding your business, you must have a fully equipped office space for you and your team. What does your work space need? Somebody will use the office daily, so you’ll want to have everything required so everyone can work to a high standard every day. Although there is some overlap, setting up a new office space is different that setup up a work-from-home environment. You also want to ensure you and your team can work comfortably and feel settled in the office space. With this in mind, here are a few essentials.

 

Your New Office Needs Internet & Tech

To begin, every business requires internet and various tech these days, and you’ll want to have this set up and running right from day one. You should arrange high-speed internet for you and your team to use and invest in high-quality hardware, including computers, laptops, printers, telephones, and any other kind of tech that somebody will require.

 

Office Furniture

At the same time, it goes without saying that furniture is essential from the very start. It’s important to take your time to find furniture that’ll be comfortable and practical. You should provide ergonomic chairs for your team so they can work comfortably, avoid injury, and provide solid and sturdy desks. Storage is another important consideration, as your employees will need to have space for storage to keep clutter to a minimum.

 

Jemully Moving in New Office Space
Jemully Moving in New Office Space

 

Meeting Rooms

In addition to individual workspaces, you’ll also want to have meeting rooms you and your team can use to communicate and collaborate. The need for meeting rooms is why comparing different office spaces is always a good idea to find somewhere suitable for your team. You can find desirable office spaces to rent through reputable companies like The Workplace Company – office space in Paddington, London, is a good choice as it’s in the heart of the capital. You can find spacious office spaces with meeting rooms and other necessary facilities, and renting your space will give you greater flexibility.

 

Do You Need a Break Room?

It is hard to overstate the need for a break room in your office. Your employees must have a space they can go to during their break time to adequately disconnect from work, recharge, and socialize with others. A fully equipped break room can make an enormous difference to employee morale, well-being, and productivity levels, so this area should be a priority. “Think about it as an oasis of sorts, a spot where employees can truly unplug for a few moments and enjoy their breaks away from their roles and responsibilities,” says Business Consultant & Coach, John Waters.

 

Choosing Office Decor

Generally speaking, the decor may not seem a priority in your office space, but a lack of scenery can blow morale. You don’t need to have a space designed by an interior designer, but it’s important to have color, style, art, and plant life in your new office space. The decor and design you choose help create a positive workplace atmosphere and inspire your team daily.

These are a few of the main things you’ll need from your new office space. An office with all the above will provide a solid base for you and your team to work to your complete potential daily.

StrengthsFinder 2.0: A Guide to Building on Your Strengths

Strengthsfinder 2.0 - A Book About Building On Strengths

People enjoy taking self-assessment tests because the answers help them learn more about themselves. Some tests reveal things about one’s personality, behaviors, or habits. Other tests uncover tidbits about one’s IQ, how well one interacts with others, or one’s career abilities. Tom Rath has written a test to identify a person’s unique strengths.

A BESTSELLER

“In 2001, Gallup introduced the world to the original Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book became a New York Times bestseller and sold nearly 2 million copies. Its author and creator of the Clifton StrengthsFinder, former Gallup chairman Dr. Donald O. Clifton (1924-2003), was named the Father of Strengths-Based Psychology by the American Psychological Association.

In 2007, Gallup published StrengthsFinder 2.0 and unveiled its popular assessment’s new and upgraded version. StrengthsFinder 2.0 instantly became a Wall Street Journal, Businessweek, and USA Today bestseller. The book has sold over 4 million copies and was named Amazon’s bestselling book of 2013.” GallupStrengthCenter.com.

DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY

Strengths are the unique combination of talents, knowledge, and skills everyone possesses. People use these innate traits and abilities daily to complete their work, relate with others, and achieve their goals. But most need to learn their strengths or have the opportunity to use them to their advantage.

Those who focus on their strengths are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs. They are more productive too, both individually and in teams. And they are more than three times as likely to say they have an excellent quality of life.

“We were tired of living in a world that revolved around fixing our weaknesses [and …] we had discovered that people have several times more potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting their deficiencies.”

With millions of copies sold, reviews of the book are easy to find. Here are some thoughts on the strengths assessment that you may enjoy.

STRENGTH DOMAINS

The CliftonStrengths domains are a shortcut for learning how to make the most out of the 34 CliftonStrengths themes. The four domains are: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking.

 

Strengthsfinder Domains
Strengthsfinder Domains

 

“The four domains can help simplify the process and answer the question, “How do I make sense of the world on a greater scale than just my CliftonStrengths themes?”

The domains can help people understand where they’re most influential and how to use that power to make their most significant contribution.

For example, someone strong in the Strategic Thinking domain knows they can look ahead and see the big picture.

Strategic Thinking domain Strengthsfinder
Strategic Thinking domain Strengthsfinder

 

REVIEWS OF STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0

Christian T. K. Stadtlander, PhD. –  Amazon.com 
“Tom Rath guided me well through the book and the online test, which allowed me to discover my top five talents out of the 34 common talent themes compiled by the Gallup scientists. The combination of the interpretations of these talents and the development of an action plan for the future was excellent. Rath described that TALENT (i.e., a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving) times INVESTMENT (i.e., the time spent practicing, skill developing, and knowledge-base building) equals STRENGTH, which he defines as “the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance.” This means that knowing your talents is only the beginning of growth – the rest is up to you (i.e., to use and further develop the areas where a person has the greatest potential to develop strengths).

It is important to mention that Rath recognizes that it is helpful to also know the areas of “lesser talent” because they can lead to weakness and can become a hazard in a person’s career. I agree with his opinion that the key to success is to be aware of both your potential and your limitations.

 

Review From Goodreads – by Viet Hung Nguyen

Recommend for everyone who really wants to know what you are. This is a great tool for self-assessment. Furthermore, it also recommends what you do to fully bring the best out of your potential. FYI. Facebook is applying this one. See below:

Facebook hires smart people independent of available job openings. After hiring someone it likes, engineer or business operative, Facebook will ID this person’s talents with something called the Clifton StrengthsFinder, and then create a job using that information.

 

Excerpts from George Anders’ Review, Forbes.com


Rath and his Gallup colleagues stand out because of their ceaseless belief that people should focus on making the most of their talents rather than struggling to mend their flaws. Repair work is slow and dispiriting, Rath argues; it’s “the path of most resistance.” By contrast, he writes, a strengths-based approach can have rapid payoffs in confidence, productivity and hope.

They started with 600 questions that seemed to have some relevance to job success. They narrowed that list to 187. They looked for clusters of talents that these questions would pinpoint and then kept refining that list so that each trait was distinct and could be named in one word. Psychology professors at Harvard and UCLA helped test early versions on hundreds of subjects, so methods could be refined.

Eventually, Rath and Clifton ended up with Gallup’s current menu of 34 traits. There isn’t a single negative one in the bunch. Instead, test-takers can take pride in virtues as diverse as connectedness, responsibility, empathy, or discipline. There’s something for everyone.

Gallup’s basic analysis identifies people’s five top traits, along with advice about how to put them to work.

 

10 Takeaways by Jason Kaufman

Jason Kaufman put together his 10 best takeaways from the book. Here is his list.

  1. Contrary to popular opinion, talent and potential matter a lot.
  2. For best results, focus on doing what you’re naturally good at.
  3. Time spent developing areas of weaknesses is time ill spent.
  4. Partner with others who have different strengths that complement yours.
  5. Diverse teams are more effective because they have a larger pool of strengths to draw from.
  6. Encourage peers and direct reports to focus on utilizing their strengths, not “areas of improvement”.
  7. Hire for talent and develop for strength.
  8. Build your activities and schedule around your strengths.
  9. Intentionally focus on activities that help you develop your talents into strengths.
  10. Identify areas where you’re using more than one personal strength at a time – those are activities in which you can be world-class.

Visit the Gallup Website and take the Clifton Strengths quiz for yourself.

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

How to Create Buzz for Your Product Launch

How to Create Buzz for Your Product Launch

How to Create Buzz for Your Product Launch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Launching a new product can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. In today’s highly competitive market, capturing the attention of your target audience and creating buzz around your product is essential for a successful launch. Fortunately, you can generate excitement and anticipation and drive sales with the right strategies and tactics. This step-by-step guide will walk you through practical techniques to create buzz for your product launch plan, helping you maximize your chances of success.

From building anticipation to leveraging digital marketing channels, we will explore various methods to make your product launch memorable and impactful. By following these steps, you’ll be able to generate curiosity, engage your audience, and create a buzz that propels your new product to success.

 

Understanding Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is a fundamental aspect of effective marketing. In short, it involves gaining deep insights into the demographics, interests, preferences, and behavior of the people most likely to be interested in your product or service. By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your marketing strategies and messages to resonate with them and ultimately drive better results.

To begin understanding your target audience, conducting thorough research is essential. First start by analyzing demographic data such as age, gender, location, and income level. This information helps you paint a clear picture of your potential customers and allows you to segment your audience accordingly. Semrush offers a free Go-to Audience Research Tool that you can try for free. “Discover new business opportunities by analyzing your market and competitor audiences.”

In addition to demographics, delve into the psychographics of your target audience. Psychographics encompass their lifestyle, attitudes, values, motivations, and interests. This psychographic information is beneficial for developing messages and positioning your product to align with their aspirations and needs.

 

Developing a Compelling Brand Story

Developing a compelling brand story is crucial to building a solid and memorable brand identity. With this in mind, a brand story goes beyond product features and benefits—it encompasses the narrative, values, and emotions that connect with your audience on a deeper level. By crafting a compelling brand story, you can differentiate your brand, build trust, and establish an emotional connection with your target audience.

To develop a compelling brand story, start by understanding the essence of your brand. Reflect on your brand’s mission, vision, and values. What sets your brand apart? What is the core message you want to convey? This self-reflection helps you define the unique aspects of your brand and lays the foundation for your brand story.

One practical approach to developing your brand story is to use storytelling techniques. For example, craft a narrative that engages your audience and takes them on a journey. This narrative can revolve around the origins of your brand, the passion, and dedication behind its creation, or the positive impact it aims to make in the world. Weave in personal anecdotes, emotions, and relatable characters to make your brand story more compelling and memorable.

Incorporate your brand story into various marketing materials and communication channels. This includes your website, social media profiles, packaging, advertising campaigns, and customer interactions. Consistently communicate your brand story to create a cohesive and memorable brand experience for your audience.

 

Utilizing Social Media Platforms

Utilizing social media platforms is a crucial aspect of modern marketing strategies. Social media offers many opportunities to connect, engage, and build relationships with your target audience. By effectively leveraging social media, you can increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, and foster customer loyalty. Furthermore, if your audience is your local market, consider these tips for social media to reach local.

One of the key benefits of utilizing social media platforms is the ability to reach a large and diverse audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube have billions of active users representing various demographics and interests. You can strategically position your brand and engage with your potential customers by identifying the networks where your target audience is most active.

Social media provides an avenue for direct interaction and engagement with your audience. It lets you have real-time conversations, respond to inquiries, and promptly address customer feedback. This two-way communication fosters trust, builds brand loyalty and humanizes your brand.

As mentioned, utilize various social media features and tools to enhance your reach and engagement. These include hashtags, polls, contests, stories, live videos, and influencer collaborations. Experiment with different formats and track the performance of your content to identify what resonates most with your audience.To 

Jemully influencer marketing
Jemully influencer marketing

 

Leveraging Influencer Marketing

Leveraging influencer marketing has become a popular and effective strategy for brands to reach and engage with their target audience. Influencers are individuals with a significant following and influence on social media platforms. By partnering with influencers, brands can tap into their reach, credibility, and authenticity to promote their products or services.

Influencer marketing offers several benefits for brands. First and foremost, influencers have established trust and rapport with their followers. Their recommendations and endorsements carry weight and are perceived as more genuine and reliable than traditional advertisements. By collaborating with influencers, brands can leverage this trust and tap into a ready-made audience receptive to their message.

Influencers also can create authentic and relatable content that resonates with their audience. Clearly, they understand their followers’ interests, preferences, and pain points. By aligning your brand with an influencer whose values and niche align with your target audience, you can create content that feels organic and engages your target customers meaningfully.

One of the critical advantages of influencer marketing is the ability to reach niche or specific target markets. Influencers specialize in various niches, such as beauty, fitness, fashion, travel, parenting, and more. By partnering with influencers in your industry or niche, you can ensure that your message reaches the right audience, increasing the chances of conversion and brand affinity.

 

Implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for improving your website’s visibility and organic ranking in search engine results pages. SEO involves optimizing various aspects of your website and its content to make it more appealing to search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Implementing effective SEO strategies can attract more organic traffic, increase your website’s authority, and enhance your online presence.

Additionally, high-quality and relevant content is a crucial factor in SEO success. Develop unique and informative content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Incorporate your target keywords naturally within your content, but avoid keyword stuffing, which can lead to penalties from search engines. Regularly update and optimize your content to keep it fresh and engaging.

Link building is an important off-page SEO strategy. Aim to acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry. These backlinks act as a vote of confidence for your website and can improve your search engine rankings. Focus on building relationships, creating valuable content, and promoting your website to attract natural backlinks.

User experience plays a significant role in SEO. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, responsive, and easy to navigate. Optimize for fast loading times and provide a seamless browsing experience across different devices. Search engines prioritize websites that offer a positive user experience.

 

Encouraging User-generated Content

There are several benefits to encouraging user-generated content. First and foremost, it adds an authentic and genuine touch to your brand. UGC is created by customers who have experienced your products or services, making it highly relatable and trustworthy. It helps build social proof and enhances the credibility of your brand.

UGC also fosters engagement and interaction with your audience. Encouraging users to share their experiences and opinions creates a sense of belonging and community around your brand. This engagement strengthens the relationship between your brand and customers, increasing loyalty and advocacy.

To encourage user-generated content, provide opportunities and incentives for your audience to share their experiences. This can be done through social media campaigns, contests, challenges, or giveaways. Encourage customers to share photos or videos of themselves using your products or services and ask for feedback and reviews. By offering incentives such as discounts, exclusive access, or recognition, you motivate your audience to participate and create UGC.

 

Building a Pre-launch Email List

There are several benefits to building a pre-launch email list. Firstly, it allows you to create a direct line of communication with potential customers who have already shown interest in your offer. By collecting their email addresses, you have permission to reach out to them and keep them informed about the progress of your launch. This helps build anticipation and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

A pre-launch email list also enables you to gather valuable insights and feedback from your audience. You can send surveys, polls, or questionnaires to understand their preferences, pain points, and expectations. This information can fine-tune your product or service and tailor your marketing messaging to better resonate with your target audience.

 

STRATEGIES TO BUILD A PRE-LAUNCH EMAIL LIST

To build a pre-launch email list effectively, consider the following seven strategies:

  1. Create a Dedicated Landing Page – Design a visually appealing landing page highlighting your upcoming launch’s benefits and unique selling points. Offer a compelling incentive, such as exclusive content, early access, or a discount, in exchange for visitors’ email addresses.
  2. Optimize Your Website – Incorporate email sign-up forms in prominent locations across your website, including the homepage, blog, and relevant product or service pages. Use enticing calls to action to encourage visitors to subscribe.
  3. Leverage Social Media – Promote your pre-launch email list on your social media profiles to capture your followers’ attention. Create engaging posts that convey the value they will receive by joining the list and provide a clear call to action to sign up.
  4. Guest Blogging and Partnerships – Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to create guest blog posts or co-marketing initiatives. Include a call to action within these collaborations to drive interested readers to join your pre-launch email list.
  5. Offer Valuable Content – Create high-quality content, such as e-books, guides, or exclusive videos, that align with the interests and needs of your target audience. Offer these resources in exchange for email sign-ups.
  6. Run Contests or Giveaways – Organize contests or giveaways where participants must enter their email addresses to win. Ensure that the prize is attractive and relevant to your target audience.
  7. Utilize Paid Advertising – Allocate a portion of your marketing budget to targeted online advertising campaigns. Use platforms like Google Ads or social media ads to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your landing page.
Partner with compatible business
Partner with compatible business

 

Partnering with Complementary Brands

Partnering with complementary brands is a strategic approach that can benefit your business in various ways. When you collaborate with brands with a similar target audience or complementary products or services, you can unlock new growth opportunities, expand your reach, and create mutually beneficial relationships.

Collaborating with complementary brands allows you to leverage each other’s strengths and resources. You can combine your expertise and knowledge and help to create innovative solutions or offer enhanced value to your shared audience. For example, a fitness equipment brand could partner with a nutrition brand to provide customers with a comprehensive health and wellness package.

Partnerships with complementary brands can also lead to cost-effective marketing initiatives. By pooling your marketing budgets, you can create impactful joint marketing campaigns, share advertising costs, and reach a wider audience without stretching your resources too thin. This can include co-branded content, collaborative social media campaigns, or cross-promotion of each other’s products or services.

Moreover, partnering with complementary brands can enhance your brand’s credibility and reputation. Associating your brand with other respected and established brands in your industry builds trust and reinforces your expertise. Customers may view your partnership as a stamp of approval, leading to increased confidence in your brand and offerings.

 

Offering Exclusive Pre-order Incentives

One of the key advantages of offering exclusive pre-order incentives is the ability to reward early adopters. Giving them access to special offers, discounts, or exclusive bonuses creates a sense of exclusivity and makes customers feel valued. This can increase their motivation to purchase and strengthen their loyalty to your brand.

Exclusive pre-order incentives also create a sense of urgency. By setting a limited-time offer for pre-orders, you create a deadline that compels customers to take action and purchase before it’s too late. This urgency can significantly increase conversion rates and drive more sales during the pre-launch phase.

 

IDEAS FOR INCENTIVES

These incentives can take various forms, depending on your product or service. They may include:

  • Discounts – Offer a discounted price for pre-order customers, giving them a financial incentive to commit early.
  • Exclusive Content or Access – Provide exclusive access to additional content, features, or services available to pre-order customers. This can include early access to new features, bonus content, or special privileges.
  • Limited Edition or Bonus Items – Offer limited edition or exclusive bonus items as a reward for pre-ordering. These could be physical items, digital downloads, or additional products or services that complement the primary offering.
  • Personalization or Customization – Allow customers to personalize or customize their purchases as a pre-order incentive. This can create a unique, tailored experience that adds value and enhances customer satisfaction.
  • Free Upgrades or Enhancements – Provide free upgrades or enhancements to the pre-order customers, such as a higher-tier product version, additional features, or extended warranties.

 To effectively promote your exclusive pre-order incentives, utilize various marketing channels. Create dedicated landing pages on your website highlighting the benefits and details of the pre-order incentives. Use email marketing campaigns, social media posts, and targeted advertising to reach your audience and create awareness about the limited-time offer. Leverage influencers or brand advocates to amplify the message and generate buzz around the pre-order incentives.

It’s crucial to communicate the terms and conditions of the pre-order incentives, including the pre-order period, delivery timelines, and any other relevant information. Ensure that the process for pre-ordering is seamless, user-friendly, and secure to provide a positive customer experience.

Analyze marketing data
Analyze marketing data

 

Monitoring and Analyzing Results

Monitoring and analyzing results is a crucial part of any business strategy. It allows you to assess the effectiveness of your efforts, make data-driven decisions, and optimize your performance. Whether it’s measuring the success of a marketing campaign, evaluating a website’s performance, or tracking the impact of new initiatives, monitoring and analyzing results provides valuable insights that can drive future success.

One of the main reasons for monitoring and analyzing results is to measure progress toward your goals. By setting specific, measurable objectives, you can track key performance indicators (KPIs) and determine whether you’re on track or need adjustments. This helps you stay focused, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that you’re moving in the right direction.

Monitoring and analyzing results also enable you to identify trends and patterns. Collecting and analyzing data over time can uncover valuable insights about customer behavior, market trends, or the effectiveness of different strategies. This information can inform future decision-making and help you make informed choices to optimize your business operations.

 

Conclusion

Creating buzz for your product launch is essential to capture the attention of your target audience and ensure a successful debut. Following this step-by-step guide can effectively build anticipation, engage your audience, and generate excitement around your product. Remember to tailor your strategies to align with your target audience, leverage various marketing channels, and track your results to optimize your approach continuously.

Boost Your Business with Jemully’s Digital Dashboard

Boost Your Business with Jemully's Digital Dashboard

As you know, running a business requires staying on top of multiple tasks and monitoring various metrics simultaneously. With the ever-increasing complexity of data and analytics, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive tool that simplifies the process. In fact, the ability to monitor your analytics is listed as one of the 8 must-have elements for high-performing websites. Enter Jemully’s Digital Dashboard—a powerful platform that consolidates all your business’s digital data into a single, intuitive interface. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits that Jemully’s dashboard brings to your business, helping you streamline operations, make informed decisions, and achieve success.

Centralized Data Management

To begin with, one of the key advantages of Jemully’s Digital Dashboard is its ability to consolidate data from various sources in one place. Whether it’s social media metrics, website analytics, or customer feedback, you can seamlessly integrate data from popular services. For example, imagine that you can view your content marketing data, Facebook, Twitter, and Google My Business all on one dashboard. This centralized data center eliminates the need to switch between multiple platforms. And believe me, it saves a lot of valuable time by not logging in and out of the different platforms. With all your data readily available, you can quickly identify patterns, correlations, and insights to drive better business outcomes.

DIGITAL DASHBOARD Real-time Monitoring

Another advantage, Jemully’s dashboard empowers you with real-time monitoring capabilities. Real-time data allows you to track critical metrics and stay informed about your business performance. For instance, we can set up custom widgets and automated reports to receive updates on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as website traffic, conversion rates, or social media engagement. Furthermore, our platform can be further customized to offer alert features that notify you when specific metrics exceed or fall below predefined thresholds. This proactive approach helps you detect and address potential issues promptly, minimizing any negative impact on your business.

Customizable Dashboards

Every business has unique requirements and priorities. To that end, Jemully’s Digital Dashboard recognizes this diversity and provides extensive customization options. We tailor your dashboard by choosing from a wide range of widgets, charts, graphs, and other visualization tools. Then, we arrange and organize them according to your preferences, creating a personalized interface that showcases the most relevant information for your business. With this flexibility, we can even create dashboards for different teams or departments, ensuring everyone has access to the data they need to excel in their roles.

Jemully Custom Data Dashboard
Jemully Custom Data Dashboard

 

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

Efficient collaboration and seamless communication are vital for the success of any business. Jemully’s Digital Dashboard facilitates teamwork by allowing you to share dashboards with team members. This shared access ensures that everyone stays aligned, enabling faster decision-making and improved productivity. Collaborate on data analysis, discuss strategies, and track progress in real-time, all within the dashboard.

Time and Cost Savings

In a competitive business landscape, time and cost savings are paramount. Jemully’s Digital Dashboard significantly reduces the effort required to gather, analyze, and report data from various sources manually. By automating these processes, you can save valuable time and allocate resources more effectively. Moreover, the platform eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions to individual analytics services, reducing costs associated with managing multiple accounts. With Jemully, you get a comprehensive solution that simplifies data management and optimizes your business operations, all at an affordable price.

Wrapping Up the Benefits of a Digital Dashboard

In our data-driven world, businesses that harness the power of comprehensive analytics gain a significant advantage over their competitors. Jemully’s Digital Dashboard offers a wealth of benefits, enabling you to centralize data, monitor real-time metrics, customize dashboards, enhance collaboration, and save time and costs. Embrace the power of this versatile platform to streamline your operations, make informed decisions, and achieve your business goals with confidence. Stay ahead of the competition by staying on top of your numbers and knowing your ROI.

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

Book Review – “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

Book Review - “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

“Start with Why” is a book by Simon Sinek which explores why specific organizations and leaders can inspire while others do not. In his book, Sinek establishes the idea that people long to be motivated. They are motivated by a belief in a cause or purpose, not just by the promise of rewards or the threat of punishments. Organizations and leaders can inspire their employees, customers, and followers to achieve great things by understanding the power of why.

 

Why = What’s the Motivation?

First, one of the critical points of the book is that organizations and leaders must start with why they exist, not just what they do or how they do it. For example, Sinek argues that the why is the core belief or purpose that drives an organization. And, this purpose should be at the center of all decision-making and communication. By communicating the why, organizations can create a sense of purpose and meaning. Employees and customers respond to the inspiration and take action and achieve great things. 

 

Tell Others Why

Secondly, another essential point of the book is that the why must be communicated consistently and authentically. Sinek argues that leaders must be passionate and committed to their cause and must share their beliefs clearly and consistently. Truly, when leaders and organizations are authentic and genuine in their purpose, they inspire others to join them in their mission.

 

Trustworthy and Transparent

Thus, truth is also a factor. The book also explores the importance of trust in leadership and organizational success. Sinek argues that trust is essential for inspiring others and that leaders must be trustworthy and transparent in their dealings with employees, customers, and followers. By building trust, organizations can create a strong culture of commitment and collaboration, which is essential for achieving great things.

 

Summing it Up

In conclusion, “Start with Why” is a powerful book exploring why’s importance in organizational and leadership success; by understanding the power of why, leaders can inspire their employees, customers, and followers to achieve great things and create truly inspiring and meaningful organizations. Whether you are a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply interested in personal growth, “Start with Why” is a must-read book that will help you understand the power of why in inspiring others and achieving your goals.

And just for fun, check out some of our other business book reviews – especially our highly popular “Business Lessons from The Tipping Point“.

 

Bonus from Simon Sinek’s Website

We recommend visiting Sinek’s website, to get one (or all) of the downloads. For a nominal fee, he offers a “Golden Circle” resource for individuals and one for organizations. Also, you will find a Practical Guide to Leading Millennials as well as a cover letter for job seekers. As a bonus, he offers a on For your convenience, we link you directly to his free gifts.

Sinek Golden Circle for Individuals
Sinek Golden Circle for Individuals
Sinek Golden Circle for Organizations
Sinek Golden Circle for Organizations
Free Friends Exercise from Sion Sinek
Free Friends Exercise from Sion Sinek
Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

Behind-the-Scenes Content: A Small Business Guide

Creating Compelling Behind-the-Scenes Content: A Small Business Guide

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, establishing a solid customer connection is crucial for small businesses. One effective way to achieve this is by creating compelling behind-the-scenes content that offers a glimpse into the inner workings of your business. By adopting this practice, you can build trust, foster customer loyalty, and differentiate your brand from the competition by sharing authentic and engaging behind-the-scenes stories. In this article, we explore the benefits of behind-the-scenes content and provide some inspiring ideas to get started.

 

3 Benefits of Behind-the-Scenes Content

  1. Authenticity:  To start with, behind-the-scenes content provides an authentic and transparent view of your business. It humanizes your brand, showing the people, processes, and passion behind your products or services. Consequently, this transparency helps build trust with your audience.
  2. Engagement:  Then you will also find, behind-the-scenes content sparks curiosity and interest. Honestly, people enjoy an “exclusive” look at how things are done, increasing engagement and encouraging interaction with your brand. It fosters community and makes customers feel involved in your journey.
  3. Storytelling:  As an added benefit, behind-the-scenes content allows you to tell compelling stories about your business. These stories can evoke emotions, entertain, and educate your audience. Through storytelling, you can create a stronger connection with customers and leave a lasting impression. And, there is a way you can give customers a look behind the scenes without giving away your secrets.

 

7 Behind-the-Scenes Content Ideas

 

Product Creation Process

To begin, showcase the journey of creating your product, from concept to completion. Share the brainstorming sessions, design sketches, prototyping, and testing phases. Highlight the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication that go into creating your offerings.

 

Jemully day in the life scene
Jemully day in the life scene

 

Day-in-the-Life

Next, give your audience an inside look at a typical day in your business. Highlight the different roles and responsibilities of your team members. Share their stories, challenges, and successes. This humanizes your brand and allows customers to connect with the faces behind the scenes.

Office or Store Tour

Then, invite your audience into your workspace by providing a virtual tour. Show your office, production facility, or store, explaining its significance and how it supports your business operations. This creates a sense of transparency and familiarity, strengthening the bond between your brand and customers.

Meet the Team

Why not, introduce your team members individually through short profiles or videos. Share their backgrounds, expertise, and passion for their work. This personal touch helps customers relate to your brand on a deeper level and fosters a sense of trust.

Behind-the-Scenes Events

If you organize events or participate in industry conferences, capture behind-the-scenes footage or images. Showcase the preparations, interactions with attendees, and the overall energy of the event. This content enables customers who couldn’t attend to feel part of the experience.

Sneak Peeks and Teasers

Also, you can provide exclusive previews of upcoming products, services, or projects. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses that build anticipation and excitement among your audience. This strategy can generate buzz and increase engagement, driving interest and sales.

Stories of Impact

Lastly and importantly, sShare stories demonstrating your business’s positive impact on customers, employees, or the community. Highlight charitable initiatives, testimonials, or examples of how your products or services have made a difference. This content showcases your brand’s values and resonates with customers who value socially responsible businesses.

In summary, creating compelling behind-the-scenes content offers a unique opportunity for small businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Truly, you can build trust, engagement, and loyalty by showcasing the people, processes, and stories behind your brand. Experiment with various content ideas, share authentic experiences and leverage storytelling techniques to make a lasting impact. Remember, behind-the-scenes content helps your business stand out and allows your customers to become part of your story.

Bonus Link:

How to Create Engaging Behind-The-Scenes Reels on Facebook

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

Local SEO vs. National SEO: Strategies for Small Businesses

Local SEO Strategies vs. National SEO Strategies for Small Businesses

Local SEO Strategies vs. National SEO Strategies for Small Businesses: Understanding the Key Differences

 

In today’s digitally-driven world, search engine optimization (SEO) has become vital for small businesses aiming to establish a robust online presence. SEO itself is often viewed as a mystical experience that is murky and undefined. Yet, the professional SEO agency can remove the mystique and help you understand some tactics to accomplish your optimization goals. Having said that, you should know that the strategies employed to optimize local visibility differ significantly from those used to target a national audience. This article will explore the key differences between local SEO strategies for small businesses and SEO strategies for small businesses seeking to reach a broader national audience.

 

Target Audience

Local SEO Strategies

Small businesses target customers within a specific geographical area when focusing on local SEO. The aim is to optimize online visibility for relevant searches within the local community. Locally-focused optimization involves tailoring content, keywords, and website optimization to reflect the local audience’s preferences and needs. Not sure who is in your target audience? Check out this checklist to help you define the target audience for your business.

National SEO Strategies

For small businesses aiming to reach a national audience, the target demographic is significantly more extensive and diverse. The focus is on attracting visitors from various regions across the country. Therefore, national SEO strategies prioritize broad keyword targeting and broader content topics to resonate with a wider audience. Here are some tips from Neil Patel on how to do keyword research for your business.

 

Keyword Selection

Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO emphasizes the inclusion of location-specific keywords to ensure that small businesses rank highly for local searches. Incorporating relevant city or neighborhood names and industry-specific keywords allows businesses to capture local search intent. For example, a local bakery might optimize for “best wedding cakes in [city name].” For more on the topic of Local SEO tips, check out Expert Tips for Local Rankings.

National SEO Strategies

Keyword selection for national SEO aims to capture a broader range of search queries. The focus is on targeting generic, industry-related keywords with higher search volumes, such as “best wedding cakes” or “wedding cake ideas.” The objective is to increase organic visibility nationally, reaching potential customers from various locations.

 

Jemully clothing shop
Jemully clothing shop

 

Google My Business (GMB) Optimization

Local SEO Strategies

Optimizing their Google My Business (GMB) listing is crucial for local businesses. GMB optimization involves:

  • Creating or claiming a GMB profile.
  • Providing accurate contact information.
  • Ensuring consistency across online directories.

Updating your GMB profile with fresh images regularly has positively impacted SEO. Local companies should also encourage positive customer reviews and engage with customers through GMB’s messaging and Q&A features.

National SEO Strategies

While national SEO strategies may also include GMB optimization, the emphasis shifts toward broader online presence and brand recognition. Building backlinks from reputable national publications and focusing on content marketing campaigns that resonate with a broader audience become more critical for national SEO success. Hubspot offers a guide to Google My Business.

 

Local Citations and Directories

Local SEO Strategies

Small businesses focusing on local SEO must prioritize consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across various online directories, including local business listings, review sites, and industry-specific directories. This consistency helps search engines establish trust and verify a business’s legitimacy and location.

National SEO Strategies

While local citations and directories still play a role in national SEO, the emphasis is on high-quality and authoritative backlinks from national publications, industry influencers, and relevant websites. These three tactics help establish the small business as an authority and a trustworthy source on a national level.

 

Jemully local pet supply store
Jemully local pet supply store

 

Content Strategy

Local SEO Strategies

Content for local SEO should incorporate location-specific information, such as neighborhood guides, local event coverage, or testimonials from local customers. This approach helps small businesses establish relevance and connect with the local community, enhancing their visibility in local search results. One recommendation is to implement a pillar-based strategy for your content development. Pillar-based content is a systematic approach that breaks down a larger topic to sub-topics.

National SEO Strategies

National SEO content strategies revolve around creating comprehensive and in-depth content that caters to a broader audience. Nationally appealing content includes creating informative guides, industry reports, or thought leadership pieces that target a national audience. The focus is to establish the small business as an expert in its field nationally.

While local and national SEO strategies for small businesses aim to increase online visibility and drive traffic, the tactics and approaches differ significantly. Local SEO targets specific geographic locations, leveraging local events and influences. National SEO reaches a broader audience undefined by a geo-location.

 

 

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

Why Small Businesses Need a Professional Website

The Vitality of a Professional Website for Small Businesses

Today businesses rely on technology and function in a digitally driven world. Because this is true, establishing an online presence is crucial for the success and growth of any business, especially for small companies operating in a local market. A well-designed, professional website with regularly updated fresh content can significantly enhance a small business’s visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. In this article, we will explore why small businesses should invest in a professional website and the essential pages that you should include to get the most from your online presence. 

 

Websites for Small Businesses Enhance Visibility and Reach

A professional website allows small businesses to expand their reach beyond their physical location. With a robust online presence, local businesses can attract potential customers who may have never discovered them otherwise. Through effective search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, a well-optimized website can rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for customers to find and engage with the business.

 

Credibility and Trust

A professionally designed website builds credibility and trust among customers. Most often, consumers search for businesses online before purchasing or visiting a physical store. A website that showcases a small business’s expertise, achievements, testimonials, and contact information instills confidence in potential customers. A professional website reflects a commitment to quality and professionalism, which can set a small business apart from competitors. When working with a website designer, you get the advantage of the knowledge of someone who keeps abreast of the latest website styles and trends. Incorporating the designer’s expertise and recommendations is one more way to make your business stand out from the rest.

 

Websites for Small Businesses are an Effective Marketing Tool

A website serves as a powerful marketing tool for small businesses. By regularly updating fresh content, businesses can provide valuable information to customers, showcase new products or services, and announce promotions or special events. Fresh content not only keeps visitors engaged but also improves search engine rankings. Blogs, news updates, and customer testimonials are excellent ways to keep the website content dynamic and relevant.

 

Seamless Customer Interaction

A well-designed website facilitates seamless interaction between the business and its customers. Integrating contact forms, live chat features, or an online help desk allows customers to reach out quickly with their inquiries, feedback, or concerns. Timely responses and personalized customer service can create a positive impression and foster long-term customer relationships. Additionally, a website can provide FAQs and self-help resources, reducing the burden on customer support teams.

 

Jemully website pages small business
Jemully website pages small business

 

Essential Pages for a Local Business Website

While the specific needs of each business may vary, there are certain essential pages that every local business website should include:

  1. Home Page: The main entry point to the website, introducing the business and providing an overview of its offerings.
  2. About Us: Provides information about the business’s history, mission, values, and the team behind it, establishing a personal connection with visitors.
  3. Products/Services: Showcases the range of products or services offered, including detailed descriptions, pricing, and any special offers or packages.
  4. Testimonials: Displays customer reviews, testimonials, or case studies that build trust and confidence in potential customers.
  5. Contact Us: Includes contact information, such as phone number, email address, physical address, and a contact form for visitors to contact the business.
  6. Blog/News: A section for regularly updated content, including blog posts, news updates, industry insights, and helpful tips relevant to the business’s target audience.
  7. Gallery/Portfolio: Displays images, videos, or examples of the business’s work, showcasing its expertise and quality.
  8. FAQ: Answers frequently asked questions to provide quick and helpful information to visitors.
  9. Social Media Links: Integrates links to the business’s social media profiles, enabling visitors to connect and engage on different platforms.

 

Pulling It All Together

Investing in a professional website is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Your website is the one place where you, the business owner, controls all of the messaging, the look and the feel of your site. Your brand is best reflected in your own website than in the social media world where someone else has control of your messaging and how much of it gets out to your audience. Keep your website regularly updated with fresh content is an invaluable asset for small businesses. It is an investment in your digital property that increases in value over time. Your content draws visitors and enhances visibility, builds credibility, and is a powerful marketing tool to reach a wider audience. Include the essential pages mentioned above and serve your customers with information and answers that will guide them to improve your bottom line.

 

 

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

Why Being a Jack of All Trades Beats Mastering Just One

Why the Jack of All Trades Really is Better than the Master of One

The old adage, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” suggests that being a specialist is more valuable than having a broad range of skills. However, the complete saying is this – “a jack of all trades, master of none, but better than a master of one.”

Just as the adage suggests, a broad range of skills is almost always going to serve you better than being good at just one thing, something that is particularly true in the dynamic and interconnected world of business.

 

Adaptability in a Changing Environment

In today’s current markets, change is a constant and unavoidable obstacle. Industries evolve, technologies emerge, and consumer preferences shift rapidly.

As a result, you’ll quickly find that being a jack of all trades will mean you can better adapt to these changes because of your diverse skill set and aptitude for learning new skills and abilities. With little effort, you can pivot and take on new responsibilities, explore emerging opportunities, and acquire new skills to stay relevant.

In short, you will be able to effectively respond to the demands of a variable and unpredictable market.

 

Becoming a Jack of All Trades

Having seen the numerous advantages a jack of all trades enjoys in today’s dynamic and interconnected world, you might now be interested in broadening your skillset to become one.

By embracing a diverse skill set and a mindset of continuous learning, you can adapt to changing environments, approach problems holistically, and find innovative solutions – or in other words, become a jack of all trades. However, all of that starts by building a diverse skillset – which is precisely why you might want to consider your options when building a broad skillset.

The obvious starting point would be to look online to find learning resources. Still, if you desire a high level of skill in various areas, seek courses that cover broad skill sets, such as a Technical Leadership Certificate.

 

Jemully Media Technical Skills Project Management Training
Jemully Media Technical Skills Project Management Training

 

Holistic Problem-Solving

Business challenges often require a multi-disciplinary approach. Drawing from a wide range of skills and perspectives allows a jack of all trades to approach problems holistically – rather than through one singular avenue of thought.

You will be able to see connections and patterns that specialists in a single field will likely overlook. Plus, by integrating knowledge from different domains, you can develop innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries and combine your multi-disciplinary skills, giving you a competitive edge.

 

Broadened Career Opportunities

One last benefit of being a jack of all trades comes from the versatility of your career options.

Being a specialist in one specific field can limit your career opportunities, especially in an ever-changing business landscape. On the other hand, a jack of all trades is well-positioned to pursue diverse career paths.

You can adapt to different roles and industries, exploring new opportunities as they arise and seeking out anything you enjoy doing – which can be incredibly liberating.

Maximizing Local Audience Reach with Email Marketing

Maximizing Local Audience Reach with Email Marketing

Email marketing remains a highly effective and cost-efficient tool for small businesses to connect with their local audience. With the right strategies in place, email marketing can help you engage with potential customers, build brand loyalty, and drive revenue. In this article, we outline seven key steps for small businesses to leverage email marketing to effectively reach and engage their local audience.

Build a High-Quality Email List

Starting off, the foundation of successful email marketing is a high-quality and engaged email list. Focus on collecting email addresses from customers who have expressed genuine interest in your products or services. Utilize sign-up forms on your website, social media pages, and physical store locations to capture email addresses. Offer incentives, such as exclusive discounts or informative newsletters, to encourage sign-ups.

Segment Your local Email marketing List

Segmentation allows you to personalize your email content and deliver targeted messages to different groups within your local audience. Consider, for example, segmenting your list based on factors like location, demographics, purchase history, and customer preferences. This enables you to send relevant and compelling emails that resonate with specific segments, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Create Engaging Content

Crafting compelling and relevant content is crucial for capturing the attention of your local audience. Personalize your emails with the recipient’s name and tailor the content to their specific interests or needs. Share valuable information, exclusive offers, local news or events, and behind-the-scenes stories about your business. Strive for a balance between promotional and informational content to avoid overwhelming recipients with sales-driven messages.

Design Mobile-Responsive Emails

As more people access their emails on mobile devices, it’s essential to optimize your email design for mobile responsiveness. Therefore, you want to ensure that your emails are easy to read and navigate on smartphones and tablets. Use a clean and visually appealing layout, concise text, and compelling visuals to capture attention and maintain engagement.

Jemully email marketing timing and frequency
Jemully email marketing timing and frequency

 

Timing and Frequency for local email marketing

Finding the right balance between sending too many and too few emails is crucial. Pay attention to the frequency of your email campaigns and monitor the engagement metrics to determine what works best for your audience. To be strategic, avoid bombarding recipients with daily emails, as it may lead to unsubscribes or being marked as spam. Instead, establish a consistent schedule and consider sending emails during optimal times, such as weekdays or weekends when your target audience is most likely to check their emails.

 

Incorporate Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Email marketing is not just about delivering information; it’s also about driving specific actions from your recipients. Every email should include clear and compelling call-to-actions (CTAs) that direct readers to take the desired action. Whether it’s making a purchase, visiting your store, signing up for an event, or sharing your content on social media, a well-placed and persuasive CTA can significantly impact conversion rates.

 

Monitor and Analyze Results

Regularly, it is a good idea to monitor the performance of your email campaigns to evaluate their effectiveness. Pay attention to metrics like open rates, click-through rates, conversions, and unsubscribe rates. These insights will help you understand what resonates with your local audience and refine your email marketing strategies accordingly. Utilize email marketing platforms that offer analytics and reporting features to gain deeper insights into your campaigns. For more on this topic, here are eight email marketing metrics and KPIs you should be tracking.

Undoubtedly, email marketing offers independent small businesses a powerful tool to connect with their local audience, nurture relationships, and drive growth. By building a high-quality email list, segmenting it effectively, creating engaging content, optimizing for mobile devices, and incorporating compelling CTAs, small businesses can harness the full potential of email marketing. Regular monitoring and analysis of campaign performance will enable businesses to refine their strategies and build long-lasting connections with their local customers, ultimately contributing to their overall success.

For more strategies and ideas for local marketing, please check out our latest articles.

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.