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Whistle Stops – 5/13/12

By Mike Sansone on May 13, 2012 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Whistle Stops are conversations, eye-openers, or tools representing the brain train discovered while traveling along the Conversphere. From business to education, life hacks to giving back, these are the posts and links that have in some way grabbed my attention this week!

The 6-Step SEO Audit Every Marketer Should Conduct via Hubspot
99% Conference 2012: Key Takeaways on Making Ideas Happen from Behance
26 Tips for Success With Location-Based Marketing from Social Media Examiner
Why Small Business Have A Huge Advantage Over Brands In Social Media on SocialMouths
5 Creative Uses of Facebook Offers for Business by Jon Loomer
The Noob Guide to Linkbuilding via SEOMoz

I’ve been using the new Pocket app (formerly Read it Later) to save some must-read (later) articles. These were a few I saved this week.

Additions to the ConverStations Manifesto

By Mike Sansone on August 27, 2011 in Blog Coach, Whistle Stops with 1 Comment

A while back, I posted a list of mini-mantras I use for myself and in coaching: ConverStations Manifesto

This weekend, I’ve been pondering a few posts and the take-aways I’m adding to the list (and the posts that pricked my brain):

Empty Your Cup: Your Teacup is Full

Take Back Your Strings: Take Back Your Strings

WDJS (What Did Jesus See): 10 Reasons Why WWJD is Not Good

What are some of your mini-mantras?

Whistle Stops: 06/19/10

By Mike Sansone on June 19, 2011 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Elsewhere:

Where to Start When There are So Many Things to Learn, Do, Apply, and Study – by AskKim – "It's about filtering"
Blogging Priorities: Deciding What to Do Next – at GrowMap – Putting Kim's suggestions into action
3Cs of Social Media – on HubSpot – Same three as ours, but with a different perspective.
5Rs of 21st Century Content Curation – by Valeria Maltoni – The why and how (Learn, Do, Apply, Study again)
A Christian Trapped Inside the Matrix - by John Harris -This matrix won't last forever

Here at ConverStations (in case you missed it):

Am I Adding to the Conversation? Good question/not-so-good question. Once you get over it, you're over it.
Driving the Streets of Social Media: There are more than one way to do things, and you don't have to do things the way some people do thiers thing. Do your own thing.
Do You Talk Write?: Do people recognize your voice on your blog, your prose when you speak?
Walking the Stacks of Our Life: Can you hear the questions when you see them?
Can Your Customers Find You? Hang Your Shingle on the Web. Some astounding stats on what's missing
Half-a-Blog: Tethered to SoLoMo: A new series of semi-thoughts tied together.

And on Twitter or Facebook:

The strongest faith looks backward AND forward. Poor is the faith that looks only in remembrance. #Faith
Avoid the Noise: Like a Tweet? Favorite it now, RT it later. Everyone wins. #SkimScanSave
10 Legit Ways to Gain a Twitter Fast Friend Following http://bit.ly/j8npfb #702010
The "problem" is often not THE problem. #Questioning
Aint' it funny how the way you feel shows On Your Face? "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. . ." Prv 15:13 #EWF
"In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible & remains so, maybe for 20 years."~Jacques Barzun
When I aspire to be the dumbest person in the room or conversation (mindset, not actions), I learn a ton!!
Biz Folks "When I was in School…" shouldn't b past tense; Edu Folks "When they get in the Real World" happens daily #bizucation

Whistle Stops 12/05/10

By Mike Sansone on December 5, 2010 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Elsewhere

The Seven Basics of Multimedia Storytelling at Media Orchard: Story – it's not pitching what's on sale or why you can help them. Give them a story that relates to them.
7 Pillars of Social Wisdom at The Relationship Economy: By understanding the pillars, you'll be in a better position to ignite action (Don't miss the video sketch in the post).
I'm on a Social Media Horse at Forrester Blogs: Some great numbers and examples of the giddyup that's been in full gallop for awhile.
50 Ways to Measure Success by Kyle Lacy: To think, there's many who don't measure at all – but here's a great checklist to get started.

Here:

Give Your Readers Gifts with Every Post: Hey, it's the holiday season. And in this case, by giving, you'll also be receiving.
Ideas From Walking the Stacks: If you're having a challenge with creativity, take a trip to the bookstore or library. Here's what I do when I go "idea" shopping.
Scroll the Stacks – Use Your Mouse to Get Ideas: And if you can't get out (snow?) go web surfing with a purpose.

Happy Travels:)

Reflections and Reviews of Novembers Gone By

By Mike Sansone on November 30, 2010 in Blog Coach, Education, Marketing, RSS Feeds, Social Media, Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

At the turn of the calendar, let's revisit some posts from this and past Novembers:

November 2010

Give Your Readers Gifts With Every Blog Post – Readers of our content are skimmers and scanners. Give them gifts within each post that allow them to slow down and take in your message.
Search Once and Subscribe: Making Meaning of RSS -One of the benefits of RSS is that you can search and subscribe to the results. Save time and gain more insight.
Taste on a Toothpick – You don't have to write everything you know on a topic in one blog post – it would be hard to swallow that big of a bite at one sitting. Just give 'em a taste.
First We Flock Around the Content, Then We Talk About the Content – Great content should ignite conversations – it's the way it's always been.
On the Oregon Trail – A brief bit on my move from Iowa to Oregon.
Craft Beer: More Than a Social Media Metaphor – Working closely in the Craft Beer industry, I'm learning that there is more than metaphors that make up both Craft Beer and Social Media

Previous Novembers

Two Weeks of Trash Talking ('09) – First we rehearse, then we go under the spotlight.
Social Media Success Plan for Beginners: 6 Hours a Week for 6 Weeks ('08) – A simple equation to build great habits and page depth.
Target Audience or Key Relationships: Why It's Okay to Miss the Bullseye ('08) – Even if you don't get a bullseye on every attempt, you can still score as long as you keep tossing content.
4 Criteria for Choosing Technology for Your Classroom ('08) – A few things to make sure of before you start using that "next new thing" in your classroom.
Your Blogging Territories ('07) – Who are you writing for and why?
Quotes n Notes: Learn Something ('07) – Even a schmuck can teach you a few things
Marketing Resources for Students ('07) – A few books and online resources for college grads and students
Is Your Company Blog Simply Marketing Insurance? ('06) – Having car insurance doesn't make you a better driver…having a blog doesn't make you a better marketer.
Company Blog: Tool or Employee? ('06) – While a blog is a tool, it might be better to view it as an employee.
Information Overload or Poor Time Management ('06) – Don't go after everything – just the important stuff. Signal vs Noise
Web Site vs Blog Site ('06) – Easy pictorial comparison
Horse and Buggy Web Development ('06) – Funny (and sad). This still happens too often.

Inside my head: It's fun for me to travel through the archives, but I also hope that these posts assist both long-time readers and newcomers. Enjoy – and remember: Blog Posts are Inventory, Blog Sites are Displays

Whistle Stops 11/28/10

By Mike Sansone on November 28, 2010 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Elsewhere:

Archiving My Tweets by Tara Seale – Great tips on how to archive your twitter messages. Some folks aren't aware that every tweet you send is it's own web page, and a part of your complete content profile – Your Name, Your Content. Archive so you always have access to it.
How to Write Re-Tweetable Tweets in 5 Minutes or Less by Mirna Bard – Great tips on providing more value to your "tweeps" in less time. Make sure to watch the video Mirna provides us.
How to Optimize Your Twitter for Search Engines by Angelita Williams – Four important questions to check on your findability via Twitter.
25 Ways to Use the Web to Find Content for Your Blog by Danny Brown – Some fantastic tips for curating content so you can add to the conversation on your own space.
Social Media 101: Content Marketing by Cece Salomon-Lee – These tips are something just about everyone can implement immediately. Give #3 a try – it's a sure-fire hit!
50 Brilliant Ideas You Can Execute On Right Now by Gary Whitehill – Really great list of ideas — and if you start on any of them, you can also start a blog to go with it:-)

Happy Travels:-)

Whistle Stops 11/21/10

By Mike Sansone on November 21, 2010 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Elsewhere

The Don Draper Guide to Making a Name for Yourself by Scott Ginsburg – Great piece, and here's a morsel of the message: "Don’t defend your specialness – articulate your fabulousness."
What to do when you have the funk, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk by Pamela Slim – Well, Pam's got 10 killer ideas of how to tear the funk of the sucker that has you stuck. Not the norms, so get your groove back with this tips.
12 Tips for Striking a Successful Niche Marketing Campagin at Smart Bloggerz – Defines what a "niche" market is and how to put a plan into play. Take notes.
How to Get Started Video Blogging by Chris Garrett – You're going to do this sometime within the next 12 months, and maybe you're floundering around with video now – here are some great tips and a tutorial on how to get it done quickly.

Here at ConverStations (in case you missed it)

A Three Phrase Approach to Meaning Making – When defenses go up, there's a harder time for learning to take place. Whether in business or education, this three phrase approach could help bring the walls down.
Taste on a Toothpick – Simple samples will get you farther than the whole kitty-kat kaboodle.
Social Media is No Longer a Time Suck – This web-based time management tool will help you get things done — online and offline.

From my Twitter Thoughts:

Avoid the Noise – Instead of immediate RT, fave it, review it, share it later. New audience at diff time of day. All win
In addition to your FAQ, consider adding a WTA (Wish They'd Ask) – sometimes they don't know what to ask – answer that!
I've been in Oregon a week. Met lots of gr8 folks so far. Still, missing all the Iowa folks. They've all made me smarter (yes, all of 'em)
In addition to your FAQ, consider adding a WTA (Wish They'd Ask) – sometimes they don't know what to ask – answer that!

Happy travels:-)

Whistle Stops 11/14/10 – Southern Oregon Landing

By Mike Sansone on November 14, 2010 in Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

Having just landed in my new home of Southern Oregon, I did a quick search of a few "conversation stations" on the web. Some good stuff going on here:

Standing Stone Brewing Company – Award-winning brew crafted on the premises and calamari worth shouting about. This place might become a favorite night-time work station for me.
Boulevard Coffee – Could be my Oregon version of Panera U. Great location, panoramic windows. Lots of room for creative, collaborative conversations.
Christine Collier – We've not met, but I've heard some great things about the So. Oregon Wine Country leading social mediatologist. She started the Southern Oregon Wine Blog. I look forward to seeing if there's a #CIB type of thing here in Oregon.
Midtown Marketing Group – How cool is this? I loved doing some work with Drew McLellan and his MMG (McLellan Marketing Group) team in Iowa. There's a different MMG here in Oregon. Hmm…

Just a peek inside what's around the (and south of) bend.

Reflections and Reviews of Octobers Gone By

By Mike Sansone on October 31, 2010 in Blog Coach, Whistle Stops with 0 Comments

At the turn of the calendar, let's revisit some posts from this and past Octobers:

October 2010

Should Every Business Blog? – Could every business blog? You bet. Should they? It depends on their motivation and method of operation.
The Bookstore Lesson (Day 12) – The favorite lesson of many I work with – and my favorite too. Join us?
"Hello, Are You My Next Blog Post?" – A business owner was struggling about what to write about on his blog. His answer was right there above his hip pocket.
"Pipping the Ace" in Content Marketing – Not here-here-here-here-all over the place. Right there. And there.
Inviting Your Community Into Your Content: Finish the Half-Blogging – Give your readers an opportunity to create with you as you bring your drafted headlines to life.
How to Use MovieClips.com for that Perfect Scene – A cool tool from Movie Clips lets you quickly find and even cut away to get that perfect line to puncuate your post.
…and the rest of stories from October 2010

Previous October Highlights

Storyboarding Your Presentation (Oct '09) – An example of how I storyboard in preparation of a speaking gig
What's the Difference Between a Blog and a Wiki (Oct '08) – A pictorial look at some of the metaphorical differences.
Better Blog Engagement A-Z (Oct '08) – An alpha look at some ways to increase engaging conversations around and about your blog posts.
21st Century Learning System – Start at the Top (Oct '08) – Compelled by a conversation and graphic on Dangerously Irrelevant.
Teachers Talk About Social Media series (Oct '08) – A review and my own Q & A on Dan Schawbel's series (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3).
6 Social Media Tools Every Business Should Use (Oct '08) – I still urge everyone to use these tools.
5 Accessories to the Business Blogging Toolkit (Oct '08) – These additions don't make your blog writing better, but they will add punch to your prose.
Hey Teachers – Your 'Digital Natives' Still Need You (Oct '08) – More today than ever before.
Do You Want Me to Read Your Blog Posts? (Oct '08) – Then give my eyes some rest.
The Conversations You Want to Have (Oct '07) – Let's get right to the point.
Didn't Your Mechanic Warn You About the Brakes? (Oct '06) – It still amazes me how much I hear (under)developers skipping out on offers of things like RSS or tools that are so necessary today.

Inside my head: It's fun for me to travel through the archives, but I also hope that these posts assist both long-time readers and newcomers. Enjoy – and remember: Blog Posts are Inventory, Blog Sites are Displays