In one of my other classes we had to review a case study in which a player's union and a league were working on coming to an agreement on a new contract between the two. The negotiations stalled and caused a whole season to be canceled, because the two parties simply could not come to a term of understanding and trust.
It reminded me again of how important conversations are between any two parties, certainly between a webmaster or contributors and their visitors. To find out whether or not one provides anything of value, especially on a blog type site, it is vital to give your visitors an opportunity to join the conversation and contribute. I think this is one of the main reasons that social media sites are so successful, both creator and visitor contribute and exchange ideas. Sometimes this process can get derailed and cause headaches, but most of the time it helps the creators understand what their visitors are looking for.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Saturday, December 3, 2016
asocial
My favorite aunt was always on our case not to be asocial. She wanted us to be well behaved, courteous, gracious, and sincere. If we weren't, we were sure to be called out on it.
Social marketing follows the very same principle. I've noticed many webmasters that are desperately trying to promote their site and/or services, but that desperation is clearly obvious and their attempts are seen as insincere. Just as in interactions with real people, webmasters and/or companies need to realize that while social marketing is cousin of traditional marketing, it is not a direct relative to simple advertising. Advertising is in your face and one directional. Good marketing is a two way street and so is social marketing. It is an exchange of values from one party to another. If you have nothing of value to offer, it quickly turns sour and ineffective.
What does that mean for me and my site? I have to make sure that my efforts at social marketing are sincere, that my blog posts have something of value to offer and that I in turn call on my users to give something in return. That can be as simple as a comment, a like, or a share.
Social marketing follows the very same principle. I've noticed many webmasters that are desperately trying to promote their site and/or services, but that desperation is clearly obvious and their attempts are seen as insincere. Just as in interactions with real people, webmasters and/or companies need to realize that while social marketing is cousin of traditional marketing, it is not a direct relative to simple advertising. Advertising is in your face and one directional. Good marketing is a two way street and so is social marketing. It is an exchange of values from one party to another. If you have nothing of value to offer, it quickly turns sour and ineffective.
What does that mean for me and my site? I have to make sure that my efforts at social marketing are sincere, that my blog posts have something of value to offer and that I in turn call on my users to give something in return. That can be as simple as a comment, a like, or a share.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
honesty + capability + results = trust
The review ad this week showcases clearly how easy it is to mislead a potential customer. As users get more and more proficient in sniffing out click bait and fake websites, it becomes increasingly important for valid websites and stores to over-deliver in the trust department. Unless one already enjoys a public presence of trust and integrity, one has to make sure to take advantage of every micro-second that a new or existing user comes across your site.
Information needs to be clear and consistent across the various platforms, from Google Ads, to social links, to blog posts, to the final web page. Confusing information and inconsistent offers will only lead to users closing your tab and moving on to the next web site offering.
It is also of great advantage to bring something more to the table, something that makes your site unique and entices a user to come back next time. Whether that be honest opinions, detailed descriptions and reviews, or any other unique feature, one has to stand out distinctly.
Click-baiting is so common these days, most users see right through it. It is easy to fall into that trap when one doesn't really have anything of substance to offer and relies on ad impressions or the like to generate any revenue. In those cases one has to ask themselves how one can change course and begin to offer real value to users.
Information needs to be clear and consistent across the various platforms, from Google Ads, to social links, to blog posts, to the final web page. Confusing information and inconsistent offers will only lead to users closing your tab and moving on to the next web site offering.
It is also of great advantage to bring something more to the table, something that makes your site unique and entices a user to come back next time. Whether that be honest opinions, detailed descriptions and reviews, or any other unique feature, one has to stand out distinctly.
Click-baiting is so common these days, most users see right through it. It is easy to fall into that trap when one doesn't really have anything of substance to offer and relies on ad impressions or the like to generate any revenue. In those cases one has to ask themselves how one can change course and begin to offer real value to users.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
find your passion!
My daughter's Sunday school teacher drives her crazy. He is very boisterous and can be intimidating at times. One of his favorite comments to the students is "Find your passion, find your passion!"
I was reminded of that kernel of truth this week in my case study reading for another class, as well as the assignments for this class.
Designing a website and creating a revenue stream on the side would have thoroughly excited me a few years ago, but I have since learned how much work is required to make it work and how much time can easily be wasted in that effort. I'd much rather spend time with my family, teach my children, and excel at work than try to make a few extra dollars online. That's just not something i am passionate about at this time.
What I am passionate about is finishing my degree, making myself more qualified at work, and then moving into a position where I can actually affect change and help my company become better at what we do!
I was reminded of that kernel of truth this week in my case study reading for another class, as well as the assignments for this class.
Designing a website and creating a revenue stream on the side would have thoroughly excited me a few years ago, but I have since learned how much work is required to make it work and how much time can easily be wasted in that effort. I'd much rather spend time with my family, teach my children, and excel at work than try to make a few extra dollars online. That's just not something i am passionate about at this time.
What I am passionate about is finishing my degree, making myself more qualified at work, and then moving into a position where I can actually affect change and help my company become better at what we do!
Friday, November 11, 2016
don't ignore the other side
With the 2016 Election just behind us and the all around amazement of a win for Trump, I was reminded how important accurate data is. This seems to fit perfectly with our assignment for Google Analytics this week. Whether in politics, business, families, or any other social interaction, you simply cannot assume you know what others think. You have to make the effort to find out. The best way is through a one on one conversation, taking the time to listen to the other side, and asking educated, open ended questions.
Pollsters and established politicians realized this week that asking leading questions and semi-shaming people over an honest opinion is not the way to learn to understand what is really going on.
The same can be said for many businesses that have failed to stay current, or even stay ahead of what their customers want. As new methods, new technologies become common-place, consumer expectations increase. What was going above and beyond yesterday, is now standard. To stay ahead we have to consistently find new ways to stay engaged with the customer and anticipate their needs.
Pollsters and established politicians realized this week that asking leading questions and semi-shaming people over an honest opinion is not the way to learn to understand what is really going on.
The same can be said for many businesses that have failed to stay current, or even stay ahead of what their customers want. As new methods, new technologies become common-place, consumer expectations increase. What was going above and beyond yesterday, is now standard. To stay ahead we have to consistently find new ways to stay engaged with the customer and anticipate their needs.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
steady pace
This week I had the chance to visit many of my student peers' websites. I was impressed by many of them. Professional design and a thoughtful foundation was what impressed me the most.
But I also noticed quite a few that hadn't given too much thought about the actual goal of their site, to the design, or even the correct spelling and proper sentence structure.
This reminded me how grateful I am that I had a fantastic example in my wife when she went back to school 7 years ago and diligently worked on her assignments, often late into the night.
When I started BYU-I's program, I attempted to follow her example, but without much conviction. I paid the price in quite a few classes, not receiving the grade I wanted a few times, but more importantly spending all my weekend trying to catch up with reading, assignments, essays, and tests. In retrospect I realize though that my own experiences and my wife's example created just the perfect environment for me to learn that a steady pace wins the race. I am still sometimes unprepared, but all in all I feel much more confident in my studies and fulfilling my assignments in a timely fashion.
But I also noticed quite a few that hadn't given too much thought about the actual goal of their site, to the design, or even the correct spelling and proper sentence structure.
This reminded me how grateful I am that I had a fantastic example in my wife when she went back to school 7 years ago and diligently worked on her assignments, often late into the night.
When I started BYU-I's program, I attempted to follow her example, but without much conviction. I paid the price in quite a few classes, not receiving the grade I wanted a few times, but more importantly spending all my weekend trying to catch up with reading, assignments, essays, and tests. In retrospect I realize though that my own experiences and my wife's example created just the perfect environment for me to learn that a steady pace wins the race. I am still sometimes unprepared, but all in all I feel much more confident in my studies and fulfilling my assignments in a timely fashion.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
keywords
This week we began working on our adword campaigns and as part of the lesson started our list of keywords. We analyzed what keywords would work and which would not. The subject of negative keywords came up as well, keywords that you want to make sure to not lead to your site.
The week's assignments reminded me how important it is to be accurate and to the point with our conversations, with our spouses and our children, in our extended families, at Church and at work. We can waste so much precious time and give people the wrong impression if we do not focus on using the appropriate keywords to lead us to results. That doesn't mean that we can't be sensitive and loving, but if we cannot directly about the issues at hand, we will never land the right results.
I for one will do my best to be more clear in my conversations, especially when it comes to the people I love the most.Using "I" language (a skill learned long ago on my mission, thanks white handbook), I will express my feelings and the way others actions affect me. When others tell me about problems they are facing or troubles they are having, I will ask them with specific keywords what they think they can do. Only then will I share what results I have seen in my life taking certain actions and how it has affected my life.
Precise keywords are important not only in Google searches, but in the search for a happier life as well.
The week's assignments reminded me how important it is to be accurate and to the point with our conversations, with our spouses and our children, in our extended families, at Church and at work. We can waste so much precious time and give people the wrong impression if we do not focus on using the appropriate keywords to lead us to results. That doesn't mean that we can't be sensitive and loving, but if we cannot directly about the issues at hand, we will never land the right results.
I for one will do my best to be more clear in my conversations, especially when it comes to the people I love the most.Using "I" language (a skill learned long ago on my mission, thanks white handbook), I will express my feelings and the way others actions affect me. When others tell me about problems they are facing or troubles they are having, I will ask them with specific keywords what they think they can do. Only then will I share what results I have seen in my life taking certain actions and how it has affected my life.
Precise keywords are important not only in Google searches, but in the search for a happier life as well.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
government
This week I was reminded again how easy it is to start your own business here in the United States. For a sole proprietorship, the most basic form of owning a business, hardly anything is needed aside from your name, and a few permits from your local government. Keeping business finances separate will make tax time easier, but is not really needed if one keeps good track of your finances.
Things were so much more difficult back in Germany, with permits, approvals, licenses, etc. Often the cost alone to start a business would keep talented individuals from even trying. Add on the high business taxes and regulations on what an individual can and cannot do legally, and there is hardly anybody left even wanting to start a business.
While there is something to be said for doing everything possible to protect consumers, I think it is much better to err on the side of letting individuals create their own economy and see what happens!
Things were so much more difficult back in Germany, with permits, approvals, licenses, etc. Often the cost alone to start a business would keep talented individuals from even trying. Add on the high business taxes and regulations on what an individual can and cannot do legally, and there is hardly anybody left even wanting to start a business.
While there is something to be said for doing everything possible to protect consumers, I think it is much better to err on the side of letting individuals create their own economy and see what happens!
Saturday, October 15, 2016
KISS
This week I faced one of my biggest shortcomings again: Making things overly complicated! It's a trait that comes in handy at times, when I'm already aware of how things can possible fail and am able to avoid those pitfalls before they turn into disaster!
On other occasions, though, especially when I am new or unfamiliar with the process, it can turn into a serious handicap. I may think of a great idea, only to realize on further reflection that it is way too complicated and simply not efficient enough. That brings me to another weakness, always wanting to be efficient. That must be my German upbringing! It simply drives me crazy when I realize that I could have just done the same thing in less time, with less effort, and better results.
This week those two traits worked together to help me realize that the merchant/affiliate model I was going to pursue is simply too complicated and not efficient enough. I would have had to either buy images and designs to make German inspired shirts, or "find" some online. Then I would have to spend more time putting them together to introduce my own spin on the topic.
Way too complicated! Upon further reflection, I've decided to pursue a simply affiliate model instead. There are already plenty of shirt companies out there that have designs that fit my ideas. Instead of going through the time consuming process of designing my own shirts, which is not even within the scope of this class, I will find the various designs and present them in a blog style on my website. Instead of focusing on aspects that are not going to help me in this class, I will focus on the areas that are central to the requirements of this class.
See? Those traits do balance each other nicely, don't they?
On other occasions, though, especially when I am new or unfamiliar with the process, it can turn into a serious handicap. I may think of a great idea, only to realize on further reflection that it is way too complicated and simply not efficient enough. That brings me to another weakness, always wanting to be efficient. That must be my German upbringing! It simply drives me crazy when I realize that I could have just done the same thing in less time, with less effort, and better results.
This week those two traits worked together to help me realize that the merchant/affiliate model I was going to pursue is simply too complicated and not efficient enough. I would have had to either buy images and designs to make German inspired shirts, or "find" some online. Then I would have to spend more time putting them together to introduce my own spin on the topic.
Way too complicated! Upon further reflection, I've decided to pursue a simply affiliate model instead. There are already plenty of shirt companies out there that have designs that fit my ideas. Instead of going through the time consuming process of designing my own shirts, which is not even within the scope of this class, I will find the various designs and present them in a blog style on my website. Instead of focusing on aspects that are not going to help me in this class, I will focus on the areas that are central to the requirements of this class.
See? Those traits do balance each other nicely, don't they?
Friday, October 7, 2016
not everybody's the same
I found myself facing that we are all different all throughout this week. In this class I realized that what seems to be an acceptable amount of money to spend is not acceptable to others, how much time and effort to spend on creating our own e-commerce presence also differs from person to person.
In one my classes this semester my group seemed to work together really well. We are all on East Coast time, all fathers, and all about the same age. In another group the members are from all over the place and different ages and gender. The teacher paid no attention to our wishes and simply force assigned us. I find myself with group members that love to talk, quickly get off topic, all want to chime in on every question, and one of them is extremely hard to understand.
I am not the most patient person and it is easy for me to become irritated. It's mostly when I feel that people are ignorant, not courteous and respectful towards others, and feel the world revolves around them.
This week I am reminded that just like I expect others to be kind and value other people's time, I need to be respectful of other people's values and their lack of sensibility towards my time.
In one my classes this semester my group seemed to work together really well. We are all on East Coast time, all fathers, and all about the same age. In another group the members are from all over the place and different ages and gender. The teacher paid no attention to our wishes and simply force assigned us. I find myself with group members that love to talk, quickly get off topic, all want to chime in on every question, and one of them is extremely hard to understand.
I am not the most patient person and it is easy for me to become irritated. It's mostly when I feel that people are ignorant, not courteous and respectful towards others, and feel the world revolves around them.
This week I am reminded that just like I expect others to be kind and value other people's time, I need to be respectful of other people's values and their lack of sensibility towards my time.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
The work this week made me consider may be getting back into the game of having a little online side business. While I do not believe that a drop-ship partner would ever live up to the promises they make, I think there are some affiliate drop-shippers that might be a better choice.
For the 2nd case study this week we were to review drop-shippers versus affiliate programs and by accident I stumbled across guitercenter.com. Their affiliate program is unique as they offer both an affiliate program with a simple link, or a whole music store that would be invisible to a customer.
I'm not passionate about music, but if I could find something in an arena that i love, this might be a great opportunity. It would also make a fun family project with my kids. They love technology and the promise of making some pocket money would certainly excite them.
For the 2nd case study this week we were to review drop-shippers versus affiliate programs and by accident I stumbled across guitercenter.com. Their affiliate program is unique as they offer both an affiliate program with a simple link, or a whole music store that would be invisible to a customer.
I'm not passionate about music, but if I could find something in an arena that i love, this might be a great opportunity. It would also make a fun family project with my kids. They love technology and the promise of making some pocket money would certainly excite them.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
I.hate.iLearn3. Simple as that. The interface is clustered, hard to navigate, to get to the "meat" you have to click at least 2-3 times. You cannot run what-if grade calculations anymore. It feels like they took two big steps back. I'm not sure how other full-time working students handle 3 classes with this interface. Miss iLearn 2!
I sure am glad the instructor, Br. Poole, posted some videos that went over the expectations and goals for the semester. Having been involved in the creation of two e-commerce sites, I had serious anxiety about this class. I know how much work and effort goes into getting everything setup, tested, retested, and tested some more. Then the wait for the first visitors, first successful checkout, first actual transaction, and first order shipping. After a few of those, the first snafu, the first complaint, the first return.
Luckily for me it sounds that is not going to be much of an issue. I always dot hat to myself, set higher expectations than everybody else has and then worry myself to death. Well, I'm just going to proceed, complete my assignments, and try to not worry at all.
We did some simple assignments this week, keyword analysis, and reviewed the basic business models. The discussion boards are fun, it reflects a good mix in the class of people who have some experience and a good number of novices.
All in all it should be a fun semester.
I sure am glad the instructor, Br. Poole, posted some videos that went over the expectations and goals for the semester. Having been involved in the creation of two e-commerce sites, I had serious anxiety about this class. I know how much work and effort goes into getting everything setup, tested, retested, and tested some more. Then the wait for the first visitors, first successful checkout, first actual transaction, and first order shipping. After a few of those, the first snafu, the first complaint, the first return.
Luckily for me it sounds that is not going to be much of an issue. I always dot hat to myself, set higher expectations than everybody else has and then worry myself to death. Well, I'm just going to proceed, complete my assignments, and try to not worry at all.
We did some simple assignments this week, keyword analysis, and reviewed the basic business models. The discussion boards are fun, it reflects a good mix in the class of people who have some experience and a good number of novices.
All in all it should be a fun semester.
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