Pump Up Your Cross-Media Strategies Conference Recap

I had the pleasure of attending a conference recently about ways to increase your marketing capabilities using new and existing tools, as well as some great business advice in general. Conferences don't always hit the mark, but I love attending since there is always something to learn. This one in particular was worth-while though. I wanted to post a bit of a recap because I think our presenters really nailed it and it's a way for me to reference them in the future. 

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Dave Yunghans, Constant Contact

Dave was our opening presenter. I'd met other business people who were impressed with his knowledge and personality, and now I can see why. Dave is incredibly personable. The largest takeaway was that over 90% of all the billions of e-mails that people send out through Constant Contact a day are done wrong. I've said before that people are buying more than ever but none of us want to be sold. However, that's exactly what most businesses are doing. If every e-mail you send it a pitch, no one will read them. 

Dave's number one piece of advice is that these communications are the start of a conversation. The way to open up that line of communication is to present free, relevant information. Once you become the expert on something, people will remember and come back. Once they're in a position to need your services, then they already know you and bam! 

Donna Serdula, LinkedIn-Makeover

Two years ago, I started a Linked-In page at the suggestion of someone I met at a networking event. I knew I would be looking for a job after my internship and thought it would be a good idea. Fast forward a year later and I am on Linked-In usually once a week. My profile is has been at "all-star" status for a long time. I found that Linked-In was a great way to keep in contact with fellow professionals and clients. 

Despite the fact that I have learned a lot of tricks along the way, Donna's advice could help anyone. Things like you profile is not your resume is a big one to remember. She also encourages having a professional headshot and engaging tagline, as well as gives advice on how to use your connections to gain clients or business. Her website also has more great tips to help you build your best profile and make it work for you. 

Bob Kanoff, Mobile QR Solutions

Mobile websites are something that I am aware of, but very disconnected from. Since I still have an ancient flip-phone, I tend to not pay attention to such things. However, it seems like everyone has a smart phone now that is capable of so much more than making calls. Mobile sites are quickly becoming necessary since most people will immediately navigate away from your business page if it is too hard to read on their screen. 

If you run a business, this can kill you - especially if you are losing sales because they can't or won't buy from their phone. The more prominent this issue is, the easier it's becoming to fix it. There are a million websites out there now that help you see what your customers are seeing and free or low-cost ways to reel them back in with a new look. In addition, many companies can assist you with a fully integrated mobile design.

Thanh Nguyen, The Standard Group

Hey smartphone users, ready for another one? QR Codes. I've just become aware of what these things really are in the last year, but I'm starting to see that the possibilities are endless. QR codes are not just limited to the simple box format I'm used to seeing. Since most apps can read the codes even with some interference, that means that you can use different shapes, colors, or even put your own logo into it. Not to mention that there are new ways to track scans and help lead people to the actual content you want them to see. The key with QR codes though is to give people something special. If you place your code next to your website, don't direct your QR code to the website main page. There would be no purpose. Instead, direct them deeper into your content, get them a free download, or lead them to a video. Keep people engaged and they will come back. 

Dean Frey, The LIFE Company

It's so easy to get caught up in life and only view the world in one way. I think it's part of human nature, especially when learning can be seen as unpleasant, that you want to keep your head down and plow through. However, you can miss some of the best things in life. Balance is a huge part of maintaining your life and motivation long-term. In addition, retraining ourselves to look at all things as connected can teach us things we would have never known to look for. 


This conference was organized by Chuck and Alice at KeyConnections4Me. I've been to several of their seminars and have always walked away with great new information. If you are in their region, go check them out. You won't be sorry.