Web 2.0 Tools
July 1, 2008
Wow! So much going on and so much to share!
However, I’ll make this quick because we’re all waaay too busy. Fortunately, this monthly, quick-read update will help keep you on top of the latest web trends without having to spend countless hours searching for cool, new stuff online.
In case you missed it, I’ve started sharing some cutting edge Web 2.0 tips, time-savers and tools on my new 3-minute videoblog, LouTube! Every week, I give you “must know” resources to boost your business. The latest episode reveals why you should be making quick videos and posting them on Blip.tv. Check it out at: LouTube: Episode 6.
I’m really excited to share with you a unique and innovative membership website called the “Master Business Building Club.”
This content-rich site features 14 new Web 2.0 tools and technologies to keep you connected with your clients and colleagues. The high-level networking opportunities are going to be incredible!
The web resource is the brainchild of Mitch Meyerson and Travis Greenlee. I’m proud to say that I was a part of the development team, as I created many of the “how-to” videos you’ll see on the site.
As a reader of my e-zine, you are getting an exclusive first-look, along with a “pre-launch” opportunity to participate in the Club! Please give it a look today - I think you’ll be impressed! Click here for a preview or a free trial!
Do you ever wish you could screen your friend requests on Facebook? How about being able to make a really cool first impression on your new Facebook contacts? Well, I’ve just developed a neat little Facebook application that does just that!
It’s called “Handshake,” and it’s basically just a way for you to send a choice of several clever e-cards to your new Facebook friends. It’s free and easy to use. Just add the application and impress your new friends. See what I mean at Handshake!
Online Video is here to stay and is becoming a mainstream part of promoting your business online. Maybe you’ve just dipped your toes in the water or have been hesitant to dive in. Well now there are two, brand new resources to help make it easy for you to test the video waters…
First is the “Online Video Association,” a new Facebook group where you can learn about and experiment with web video along with your peers. Jump in for free at OnlineVideoAssociation.com.
The other fun, fast and free resource is my new “LouTube” videoblog episodes. Each week, I give you a quick heads-up on the latest video-related or social networking websites and tools. Also, you never know who I’m going to be talking with or mentioning… Previous episodes have provided tips and tricks for Twitter, UStream, Facebook, TubeMogul and more. Check out the latest episode at Blip.tv!
Speaking of new sites, I’ve redesigned and relaunched my portal site to make it more user friendly. It’s my one-stop-shop for all the creative services I offer: Copywriting, ghostwriting, writing coaching, online video, and even a bunch of freebies and goodies. Check it out at: www.LouBortone.com.
Cool Websites
January 18, 2008
Here are a few great websites you may want to check out:
GetEntrepreneurial.com - Online business newsletter with tips and trends.
Ubercool.com - Uber trends, marketing info, etc.
Trendwatching.com - Check out their 8 Consumer Trends for 2008
Basecamp.com - Project collaboration tool. I use it for my clients!
WebsiteGrader.com - See how your website stacks up!
52MotivationalInterviews.com - Just what it says. Brand new site from Wayne Kelly
2008: The Year Web Video Grows Up!
January 16, 2008
If you haven’t been able to jump on the online video trend, don’t fret. There’s still time to figure out how to use online video to stand out and get noticed! Most people just don’t know where to begin, or they think adding video to their marketing mix is going to be too complicated. Nonsense! I can make it easy for you to join the online video revolution.
I’ve got a low-priced “e-coaching” program that gives you 30 days of unlimited e-mail access to me, so I can help you, coach you and walk you, step-by-step, through the process of adding video to your marketing arsenal. It’s easier than you think, and the e-coaching program shows you how. Our winter special is just $150 for an entire month of e-support. That’s a fraction of my video coaching one-on-one fees!
To make this the year you conquer video, just click here.
If you’d rather go it alone, check out my article about “Putting the You in YouTube!” (scroll down to article)
New Web Resources
January 14, 2008
People often ask me if I think LinkedIn.com (the networking site) is useful. I guess that depends on what you expect from the service, but I did find a really comprehensive “how to use LinkedIn” blog post here.
If you’re family is flying around in six directions like mine is, check out Cozi.com. It’s a free, user-friendly, online family calendar and scheduler. You can share schedules and shopping lists, then e-mail them directly to your family member’s moblile phone. It’s like RememberTheMilk.com, but with different features.
Finally, this isn’t exactly a web resource, but I’m really excited about a unique Jack Canfield Workshop that I’m attending in San Diego next month. (Feb 8-10) It’s called the Ultimate Life Workshop, and it’s priced way below his regular seminars. If you’re in Southern California (or if you just want to escape the winter like me!) you should look into this weekend workshop. Details are here: Jack Canfield’s Ultimate Life Workshop (Full Disclosure: This is my affiliate link, so I get a discount if you sign up!)
Cool new device
January 7, 2008
Check it out!
Novelties
What This Gadget Can Do Is Up to You
By ANNE EISENBERG
Published: January 6, 2008
The creator of a new video recorder has invited skilled users to customize or “hack” its device and share the improvements with others.
New Year’s Manifesto
January 3, 2008
Did you make any resolutions this year? I’m not a big fan of resolutions… Why should I set goals based on some 2000 year-old Roman calendar? Besides, statistics show that only 15% of us will keep those resolutions a month from now… I think I’d rather do a New Year’s Manifesto! It sounds so much more impressive. Here’s what I’d put on my 2008 Manifesto:
Don’t waste time exercising. This is valuable time that I could be sleeping, or perhaps eating ice cream. I can’t fight genetics anymore and, really, how many years is it going to add to my life?
Spend recklessly and buy things I can’t afford. Oh, wait, that was this year. Nevermind. Now where did I leave my iPhone?
Sleep in and stay up late. There is nothing better than sleeping late. It’s like you’re telling the world, “Go on without me, I’ll catch up.” Besides, I’m pretty sure that I was a racoon in a former life. My favorite time of day is 12:30 a.m.
Watch more football. God Bless the NFL Network and the New England Patriots! You’ve given me a legitimate reason to piss away my Sundays since August. And now that we’ve got the NFL Network in HD, I can watch those games over and over, long after football season ends.
Eat more ice cream. If ice cream was that bad for you, God wouldn’t have invented Lipitor! I tried all that frozen yogurt crap, but I’m going back to the real thing. I prefer gelati from Snoopy’s in Cortona, Italy. Best in the world.
Never disconnect. I tried the e-mail diet thing from “4-Hour Workweek.” Hated it. I need my email. Nothing wrong with being online 24/7!
OK, maybe the whole Manifesto thing is a bit overboard… How about this simple advice for 2008: Live. Laugh. Learn. Earn.
Mega-Marketing on a Meager Budget
December 2, 2007
It’s a dilemma that most small businesses and startups face: You must market and advertise, but you’re strapped for cash. Fortunately, ideas, energy and imagination can make up for meager marketing budgets. Whether you’re an established company or a nascent business, the marketing formula is the same. You’ll need to start with:
1. The right message
2. To the right audience
3. At the right time
Here are a few tips from the trenches:
• In a world of spam and impersonal emails, try sending personal, hand-written notes.
• Find a related but non-competitive partner and join forces to share marketing efforts.
• Do “grassroots” marketing research by talking to your customers one-on-one.
• Join newsgroups and online discussion groups to position yourself as an expert.
Lou Bortone is a former television marketing executive and freelance writer. Check out his new collection of marketing and promotion “how-to” reports at http://www.BizBoosterSeries.com.
Online Marketing Survey - Part III
November 23, 2007
Recently, TheOnlineVideoGuy.com conducted a brief, informal survey among approx. 200 solopreneurs. The objective of the survey was to determine online marketing trends and how solo entrepreneurs and service professionals are using their websites in their overall marketing efforts. The final section of the results follows:
Do you plan to use any of the following web-based marketing tools?
69% Add/Embed Video on your site
64% Streaming Video
46% Audio Podcast
33% Video Blog
32% Traditional Blog
Have you ever uploaded a video to the Internet?
79.3% No
6.9% Yes
If the following web resources were readily available to you, which would you use? (Respondents could choose more than one)
80% Online video production
36% Help adding existing video to my website
36% Podcast production
24% Other (audio services, audio acrobat, video training)
Lou’s Online Marketing Goodies
October 15, 2007
Web tools, tidbits and resources for you and your biz - October 2007
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This Month:
Marketing on a Meager Budget
TubeMogul Rules!
Facebook Freebies
Web Business Cards
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Dear Reader,
Welcome to this month’s “Online Marketing Goodies,” your fast-scan guide to what’s new on the web! Welcome new subscribers. Hope you’re having a ball this fall! Here are this month’s new web tricks and treats. Happy Halloween!
Lou B.
The Online Video Guy
http://www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com
Lou@TheOnlineVideoGuy.com
P.S. Speaking of Halloween and ghosts, I have a brand new ghostwriting website up at: http://www.GhostwriteSuccess.com.
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This Month’s Feature Article from Work.com: “Marketing on a Meager Budget”
It’s a dilemma that most small businesses and startups face: You must market and advertise, but you’re strapped for cash. Fortunately, ideas, energy and imagination can make up for meager marketing budgets. Whether you’re an established company or a nascent business, the marketing formula is the same. You’ll need to start with:
1. The right message
2. To the right audience
3. At the right time
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Upload Away!
At last! There’s finally a FREE service that will upload your video to multiple video hosting sites at the same time! TubeMogul not only sends your video to YouTube
and several other sites with one click, they even give you tracking info and analytics. Spread your video message much more quickly and easily by signing up for free at: http://www.tubemogul.com/
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In Your Facebook
Have you joined Facebook yet? This networking site keeps getting better and better, with the addition of all kinds of third party applications like a visual bookshelf, music, business cards, cities visited and tons more. Find your friends at: http://www.facebook.com
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A Web Biz Card!
First there was LinkedIn and Facebook, and now you can add Lyro to the list of business networking resources. Increase your web visibility through Lyro.com with an online business card. http://www.lyro.com/ When you join, you establish an “online identity” that supposedly improves your SEO rankings. Their starter plan is free, while a basic plan is $10 (US) per month. Check it out at: http://www.lyro.com/index.php/home
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I hope like our quick-read, quick-tips for cool stuff on the web. We grow by “word of e-mail,” so please forward this to other smart folks!
Thanks!
Lou Bortone
“The Online Video Guy”
lou@TheOnlineVideoGuy.com
Granite Planet Video Productions
603-498-9254
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Fascinating Fact: Cost of a 30-second TV ad on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy: $419,000 Source: TV Week
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