C.E.L. Blog

Do You Fear Internet Marketing & Social Media?

Social media is getting as hot as a high-efficiency furnace, blowing steady streams of information everywhere.  The fear of losing control keeps them bound within their normal marketing box. That fear could be keeping your company from using one of the best marketing tools out there; the internet. If you don't know where to begin, there are three easy steps to follow as you dip your toes into it. 

Start with your website.
In order to be effective, you need to have a well-designed, user-friendly web site.  Think of it as your marketing and social media headquarters where everything begins and eventually returns.

Start a blog.
Start small with a few entries and work your way up. If you don't have time to do it, consider working with a company that can do it for you.  Plan on updating the blog entries at least once a week and increasing it as you feel more comfortable.

Start social networking.
Many feel that social networking is only for teens and college students; a place for them to share pictures of parties and keep in touch with friends, but in actuality it is becoming a valuable networking tool. A Nielsen study revealed social networking sites' traffic increased at a rate of 47% over the last few years.

Social media and internet marketing can be a scary and complex thing, but partnering with the right company and starting out slowly at the beginning will give you the best chance at using the tools effectively.

For a more indepth look at social media and internet marketing check out the full article published in HVACR Business September Issue.

	Look inside >
Do You Fear Internet Marketing and Social Media?

Spreading the News

C.E.L. can show you how to get positive press!

As fall approaches, the media starts setting their sites on new angles on old, but stable stories that they always cover at this time of year. Back to school, change in season and temperatures are a couple examples of old news becoming new again. Now is a good time to see if you have a news hook that can bring the media to your door. If you can’t tie into fall, start planning for the rest of this year and into 2010. You most likely have a story to share and remember; the best news angles are not always obvious. Dig below the surface to find what merits special attention and then prepare to “pitch” your story to the press. Do your homework. Research the best target reporter, define your key messages and present them in a clear and concise way. Email is the best way to make your first connection and then follow up with a phone call. Then, brush up your interviewing skills.

A mirror is a good way to reflect on your abilities!

 

For more detailed information, check out the article I wrote for the August issue of HVACR Business magazine.

~Kari

YouTube video "World wide rave (2008)" makes a lasting impact

Social media has grown with such rapid force that businesses are being left in the dust.  CEO’s and HR professionals are pulling out their hair worrying over what may be said or how their employees are using this new online atmosphere.  Why are we so afraid?  What is it that truly makes the Internet, social sites and viral marketing so scary?

The unknown.  That tight feeling inside of your chest and the pit in your stomach when you are unsure of a situation and can’t quite grasp it, but you know that you should tackle it. End of last week we participated in a webinar called “Creating an Effective Social Media Strategy Using the New Rules of Marketing PR.”

It was probably one of the most informative webinars that I have attended.  The speaker was David Meerman Scott, a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, marketing speaker, seminar leader and author of numerous books and online material.  David Meerman Scott, @dmscott as he goes by online, just released another book entitled, World Wide Rave.

Check out his video to really understand where he is coming from and what this social media is all about.

This video along with an eBook called How will YOU create a World Wide Rave? Making of the Video is an excellent example of how companies can embrace social media to impact their bottom line.

~Chelsea

Running... inspiration.

Setting goals and achieving those goals -- while enjoying the journey along the way. 

I applaud and am inspired by the recent accomplishment of our graphic designer Stacy Slygh.  A few months ago, she "mentioned" that she was going to train for a half marathon. Okay, running a half marathon is not something that I take lightly...and over the weeks and months I watched as she maintained her dedication to running and training despite the fact that she had an injury that may have stopped others in their tracks.  While I at least would have complained a bit about my pains, she remained focused and positive as she sought out the advice of doctors, naturalists, therapists, and other runners.  She finished the race -- in the top 10% of the runners - triumphant (and looking fabulous!!)   Kudos to Stacy! 

And, I again was reminded that business and life in general are really very much like running a race -- one can prepare, seek advice and help from others, and accept the encouragement along the way from others, and ultimately get to the finish line.  I doubt that this is the last time that Stacy will run --- just as in business we move on to the next step.  And, if we're paying attention, perhaps we learn from the race something that will help us in the next race....     

Uptown Art Fair 2009

The 2009 Uptown Art Fair is around the corner and we are pressing forward to spread the word.  This year's commemorative print is set to be released to the public this Friday.  As many of you know, last year we had both the commemorative print and 35W bridge collapse print.  This year we are once again showing our "artitude" as we unroll the theme of A Fusion of Art, Flavor and Flair with a print that captures just that.  For more information or to get a first glance  of the new commemorative print this Friday morning, check out Facebook, go the Uptown Art Fair's new blog or look at their website.

~ Chelsea

Key Message Bootcamp Intro

Speaking consistent key messages is essential to branding small and midsize businesses, yet many don't do it.  I'm co-owner of a PR firm in Plymouth, MN and day after day, we meet business owners who can't clearly articulate the service their company provides to their customers. Therefore, neither can their employees. There is power in the momentum that builds from everyone speaking the same message and it has the power to impact revenue.

In response, our firm is now taking clients through key message boot camp, designed to devise consistent talking points and a business "elevator speech." You simply can't leave the office without it and you certainly can't move on to further marketing without it. Many companies have placed a multitude of messages on their websites, in brochures and within ads, with no consistency. We drill them on their current messages and lead a charge to fine tune and get ready to march to key message independence.

Want others to understand and remember your company? Consistent key messages are essential to branding business products and services successfully.  Attend a Key Message Bootcamp an introductory session designed to help you devise consistent key talking points and an effective elevator speech.  Build your brand with confidence.

Next session: Tuesday, June 23 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. 

For more information, contact Chelsea at chelsea@celpr.com or call 763.559.6058.

~Cindy

Minnesota Monthy Food & Wine Experience

The Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience provides an opportunity to sample wines from around the country and parts of the world. It’s a reasonable way to try before you buy, so you don’t waste money on wines that don’t strike your fancy. There are also a lot of Twin Cities restaurants there, sampling their signature dishes, cheese makers sampling their cheese along with a plethora of other tasty new food items to nibble on.

This year, eight local chefs will compete for a cash prize in The Local Chef Challenge. They’ll have one hour to create something scrumptious from a pantry filled with food items, spices and other ingredients. If you like watching the food network, you’ll want to be there for the final round this Sunday.

It’s this weekend, Friday, February 28th and March 1st at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Saturday is already sold out.

~Kari Logan

Keep marketing in a bad economy

When the economy is bad and money is tight, the natural tendency is for businesses to pull back where they “think they can.” Believe me, I’ve done it myself. Marketing tends to be conceived as one of those areas, but the reality is that now more than ever, you need to keep your business front-of-mind with current and potential customers.

Your competition may thin out under the stress of the market downturn and their customers will need to seek out an alternative. Plus, when cash is at a minimum, customers will buy based on trust and dependability, so now is the time to keep in touch…..keep marketing.

~Kari Logan

Moving Forward to Create Moments in History

Today we pause to acknowledge the historymaking event of the decade and perhaps of the century – the swearing in of Barack Obama as President of the United States.  Whatever your political persuasion,  I would hope that we can agree that this is a historical and momentous occasion in our country.  There have been other moments in my lifetime that I still remember where I was at the moment of history making events  – on the streets of Seattle as the first female vice presidential candidate gave her speech;  having breakfast with my son and being in shock as the Twin Towers were first hit by the airplanes in front of millions of people on site and watching on tv; sitting with my best friend in her living room with our parents playing cards while the “long haired” Beatles performed for the first time on tv; and a vague recollection as a very young child of the funeral and the overwhelming sadness as we watched the funeral procession for President John F. Kennedy after his  assassination.

Today, take note of where you are during this historical moment.  Then, let’s each decide what role we can each play to help improve our economy and communities as we’re being asked to do from our new President.  Politics aside, we must each decide what “I” can do to change the state of affairs in our country. 

~ Cindy Leines

Culinary Delights from C.E.L.

During the holiday season, we all have favorite goodies that we savor.  We invite you to download our Culinary Delights and enjoy our favorite holiday recipes.

Download CEL_CulinaryDelights

May you have a joyful holiday season and prosperous new year!

~ C.E.L. Staff