Business

Conversation Marketing Hacks: 8 Ways to ‘Speak Human’ and Change the Game

Published

5 years ago

September 19, 2018

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Nobody starts out automatically caring about your products or services. They care about how you can make a difference in their lives. No matter the context, all relationships begin with a “handshake moment,” whether literally or figuratively — those first few introductory moments that reveal a great deal about the character of the person standing before you. Why should company interactions with current and prospective customers or clients be any different?

Sure, “content marketing” has been a crucial ingredient impelling the evolution of traditional marketing into today’s more personalized approach, bridging the gap between cookie-cutter TV, radio, and print mass marketing to highly customized digital and social media-driven communications. Even so, today’s more personalized digital communications have plenty of challenges, all too often falling on “deaf ears” and “blind eyes” amid a marketplace becoming highly desensitized to the glut of advertising and marketing messages it’s exposed to any given hour of any given day…year in and year out.

So, how can brands make and maintain meaningful connections and create a lifetime value with customers in ways that’ll set them apart in a “noisy,” increasingly jaded and discriminating marketplace? How can businesses tell an authentic story so as to foster maximized marketplace engagement and breed brand loyalty? According to Kevin Lund, author of the new book, “Conversation Marketing: How to be Relevant and Engage Your Customer by Speaking Human,” the proverbial key to the Kingdom is for companies, no matter their size and scope, to simply “speak human.”

In this new book Lund, who’s CEO of T3 Custom — itself a content marketing firm helping brands learn to “speak human” and supercharge ROI reportedly by as much as16-times, provides an in-depth analysis of what’s required to succeed in today’s modern marketing era, which he’s aptly coined the “Conversation Age.” Specifically, he details key principles critical for driving the more evolved conversation marketing approach, which can help companies amplify results on multiple fronts.

According to Lund, “Those who are wildly successful at conversation marketing understand the strategy is not simply about propagating online content and sharing through social media accounts. Rather, it’s a disciplined approach to communicating with a target audience in a way that tells a simple, human story that will educate, inform, entertain and, most importantly, compel customers in a way that fully captures mind–and-market share through messaging that truly resonates. Companies must stop talking ‘at’ their customers and, instead, connect with them by simply speaking human. And, it’s far beyond that initial ‘handshake moment — it’s through a constant stream of congenial engagements with each individual consumer, or the marketplace at large, based on trust and performance.”

Think it’s complicated to be an adept conversation marketer and speak human to your constituents? Think again! Below are eight of Lund’s tactical strategies from the new book that can help companies large and small become more engaging and relevant with customers, and the marketplace at large:

1. Earn Attention

To gain attention in today’s crowded marketplace, it’s prudent to do the opposite of what most everyone else is doing. That means don’t deliver clichéd, boring content that’s written for robots — search engines or otherwise — and for general consumption. It’s unsustainable for you and your brand as well as frustratingly futile for the audience you’re trying to reach. Instead, speak human by engaging your audience with eye-level language in order to gain their attention and set your brand apart. Learn to use language that educates and entertains the audience.

Earning attention starts with asking yourself what you and your company are passionate about and conveying that genuinely in that all-important “handshake moment” of first contact — online or otherwise. Assume you’re meeting the person on the other side of the screen for the first time. Think of what you can say that’s new, memorable, a standout, and jargon-free. Also, understand and adapt to your audience. You wouldn’t talk the same way to an aging Baby Boomer as you would to a teenager.

2. Tell a Story

How do you hold someone’s attention long enough to break down a topic and engender his or her trust, but also in a way that’s unforgettable and leaves that person feeling more knowledgeable than before? The answer lies in good storytelling.

Good conversations are filled with good stories and anecdotes. But be mindful that the hero of the story isn’t your company or its products, but rather how your product or service will have a positive impact in your customers’ lives. If you can elicit an emotional response, you’re onto something. Some standout companies have figured this out. Apple’s story, for example, isn’t about devices. It’s about innovation and how our lives are being changed for the better with Apple technology in them. Learn how to make your story short, to the point, and easy to share online.

3. Stay Humble

Being humble begins with letting go of ego — that instinctual part of the psyche that screams for a marketer to make too much noise about products or services and brag about themselves. Sigmund Freud developed a psychoanalytic theory of personality he coined the “id,” and marketers often tap into their own ids by telling the world how great their company and its products are, and how great a potential customer will be for buying them. The id operates based on the pleasure principle, which demands immediate gratification of needs.

In conversation marketing, speaking human dictates that your customer’s needs, not your own, are a top priority. Your audience wants to know what you can do for them, and that means stop talking about yourself and drop the megaphone. Instead, embrace a different approach that thoughtfully and humbly explains why you do what you do and why it can make a difference in someone’s life instead of focusing on your bottom line. Stop beating them over the heads with the fabulous features and benefits of your products. Instead, tell stories that inspire and resonate with their own life experiences.

4. Pick Your Party

Equally important to the “how” of your conversation is the “where.” It should all fit seamlessly together and feel natural and organic at that moment. Part of learning how to talk to your audience and engage them in any form of conversation is deciding where to talk to them in the first place.

This means doing the footwork to learn where your potential customers gather and meeting them on their own ground. Where do your potential customers hang out on social media? What are they saying, and what challenges are they discussing that you can compellingly weigh-in on? Easily available research tools can help you join the right conversation at the right time and in the right place with consistency.

5. Be Relevant (on a Molecular Level)

True listening is about far more than hearing words. It’s also about fully understanding the message and concepts being imparted — whether they’re needs, wants, desires, or even complaints. Being relevant means making sure you’re talking about topics that are of sure interest to your audience, and that’s often achieved by addressing their pain points. Before a marketer can aptly communicate and speak to such pain points, however, he or she must first hear what the prospect, customer or marketplace has to say. It can be dangerous, expensive and ultimately futile for companies to presume to inherently know what should be said in conversation marketing.

6. Start the Conversation

How do you gain audience attention in a way that prevents you from just being part of the noise? It’s no longer a question of whether you should insert yourself into the world of content marketing. It’s a matter of when you’re going to start talking, what you’re going to say, and how you’re going to say it. One good approach is to base that initial conversation on your unique value proposition for the given audience.

It’s important to always remember that your target audience doesn’t care about you. They care what you can do for them. If you’ve done your research, you’ll be familiar with their pain points and better prepared to offer answers that address their needs. Don’t be a “me-too” marketer who dishes out the same information as everyone else. Instead, develop a unique angle with a thought-provoking headline that sparks attention — even better if it disrupts conventional thinking. In addition, know your topic inside out before communicating, and make sure any other people handling your communications are experts in the field. You don’t want to risk sounding trite or inaccurate.

7. Stop Talking

Unlike a monologue, a conversation is a two-way endeavor. Knowing when to stop talking is as important as knowing what to say and when to say it. It’s the only way to truly get a sense of what your audience (or your potential customer) is thinking in reaction to what you’ve offered, and whether to stay the course in your strategy or tweak it on-the-fly. Once you hear the preliminary reaction, you can respond to questions and concerns before moving ahead or otherwise cause-correct as needed. Also, bear in mind that what your audience isn’t saying can be just as impactful as what they do convey.

Once your message is out, take a step back and “read the room.” That could mean monitoring online response to your blog post or using various tools to learn which of your resources are drawing attention. Are people engaged? Are they adding to the conversation? What should you do if the feedback is bad? Don’t consider a negative response or lack of response necessarily a failure. Instead, see it as an opportunity to adjust, make changes, and perhaps find ways to better meet your audience’s needs.

8. Ditch the Checklist

Before every takeoff, airline crews verbally work through an extensive checklist. There’s a detailed set of tasks to cover before the plane can even push back from the gate. However, in an ebb and flow conversation marketing context, this adherence to a certain protocol can pose limitations. Indeed, one problem with simply sticking to a checklist is that a content marketing strategy will never evolve with the times or differentiate itself in any way from what everyone else is doing.

Successful marketers endeavor to open new horizons. They take a step back and ask bigger questions about themselves and their companies’ ultimate goals, as well as what sort of new challenges their audience or customers might face over time — how to aptly adjust when needed.

Lund also suggests finding sources of inspiration. “Explore some of the successful content marketing plans that showed passion, ditched the tired old language, zeroed in on what customers needed, and started a real conversation with the market,” he urges. “Then scrutinize your own strategy and see where it might be lacking, so that you can continually refine your own checklist.”

Branding, business and entrepreneurship success pundit, Merilee Kern, MBA, is an influential media voice and lauded communications strategist. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List International News Syndicate,” she’s a revered trend expert and travel industry voice of authority who spotlights noteworthy marketplace change makers, movers, and shakers. Merilee may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-id-2795275

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Business

Virtual Numbers for Small Businesses: Affordable Solutions for Enhanced Communication

Published

2 days ago

September 26, 2023

Alex Harsha

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Virtual phone numbers have become popular all over the world. They are popular because virtual phone numbers are practical and provide a wide range of benefits. There are several significant variations between a virtual number and a regular number, and there is no direct connection between a virtual number and a telephone.

Small businesses can quickly and affordably enhance their business by using virtual phone numbers. As it helps to maintain a professional image, the majority of small business owners are choosing a virtual number for customer care solutions. Here are the reasons why virtual phone number India can be an affordable solution for small businesses:

Virtual numbers are economical for startups and small companies

What financial savings may your company expect from a virtual phone number? The first thing is that there are no additional tools or equipment are initially required. Second, unlike mobile phone plans, you can pick and choose the functions you need, saving you money on extras your team won’t use.

A virtual number will assist you with customer retention, which will increase income and is the third reason to get a virtual number.

Establish local presence

Most existing and prospective clients prefer to contact a local vendor for their needs. No matter where they are physically located, small businesses can create and maintain a strong local presence by using virtual phone numbers.

Choosing a local virtual call phone number gives businesses the opportunity to add customization. Using a virtual phone number has other benefits, like handling increased call volume because people are more likely to call a nearby company than one located miles away.

Keep personal communication and business separate.

Your personal cell phone number should be kept private if you don’t want others to know it. This is specifically true if you want to publish a phone number for your company online.

With a virtual number, you can manage both your friends and family’s direct cell numbers from the same device. You can do it while also having a separate phone number for your business contacts.

Virtual numbers are more than just a number.

The best thing about virtual Indian number is that they come with more high-tech and sophisticated functions than your regular number. There are many other services that come with virtual phone lines, including call forwarding, sophisticated conference tools, SMS and email notifications, comprehensive customization, etc.

You can also easily get voicemail service in addition to a variety of other helpful features with efficient business solutions.

Maintain a level of privacy.

It is not always easy to communicate with coworkers or business partners using personal phone numbers. But with virtual phone numbers it is easy to be connected to a personal number without compromising privacy.

For lone proprietors who want to operate a business while keeping their home numbers confidential virtual numbers can work incredibly well.

Choosing a virtual phone service: Things to take into account

Getting a virtual phone number is not too difficult. But when getting ready to get one or more for work, there are several important things to consider:

● Free telephone numbers: A virtual phone number is a freebie that some service providers give to subscribers. As part of an upgrade or add-on, you can also get multiple free numbers.

● Use and access: To make sure that business numbers are used properly and by the appropriate persons, it is important to keep track of usage and access. Most services come with extras that let you better track phone line usage and make sure everything works as it should.

● Pricing and overall value for the money: For getting a virtual number, there are several economical choices available. The service that will provide you with the best value for your money is the one you should choose. While a free service might be adequate for a very small business, a larger corporation would need to look around for options that offer the best integrations.

Final thoughts

Small businesses benefit from using virtual phone numbers as they enable them to reduce unnecessary costs and improve overall performance. The virtual mobile number India also offers a lot of sophisticated and advanced features to small businesses. So, consider getting a virtual phone number for your company if you want to improve effectiveness and make it simpler for customers to contact you.

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Business

USAII® Launches Groundbreaking AI Leadership Certification Program

Published

2 days ago

September 26, 2023

Alice

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Stamford, CT, July 19, 2023 – The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated AI Leadership Certification Program – Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™). A cutting-edge initiative designed to equip business leaders and decision-makers with the skills and knowledge required to lead in the dynamic world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In a world where AI technologies are transforming industries and shaping economies, the need for visionary and adept leaders is more critical than ever. The USAII’s CAITL™ Certification Program is designed to address this demand by equipping executives, managers, and decision-makers with the expertise to harness the full potential of AI for their organizations and society as a whole.

As an AI Leadership Certification Program, the CAITL™ certification offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide array of essential AI-related subjects. Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge AI strategies, ethical considerations in AI implementation, AI governance, and its implications on privacy and security.

“This certification program represents a significant milestone for USAII® and the field of AI leadership. Our aim is to foster a new generation of forward-thinking, responsible, and strategic leaders who can leverage AI to drive positive change and innovation across various sectors,” said Mr. Ajit K Jha, President and CEO, EdTechDigit Innovations, the worldwide logistics and marketing partner of USAII®.

Key program highlights include:

1. Comprehensive Curriculum: A robust and up-to-date curriculum designed by leading AI experts covers everything from AI fundamentals to strategic applications.

2. Live Masterclass: Seasoned professionals and renowned AI influencers will lead the masterclass, providing participants with a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.

3. Real-world Use Cases: Participants will have the opportunity to learn with real-world AI use cases, allowing them to apply their learning and gain relative experience.

4. Self-paced learning: The program offers both online and self-paced learning formats, enabling professionals from across the world to access this transformative education.

Registrations for the CAITL™ Certification Program are now open, and interested business leaders and decision-makers can find more information on the USAII website (www.usaii.org).

About USAII®

The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is the world’s leading Artificial Intelligence certifications provider for aspiring professionals and leaders at any stage of their career, organizations, institutions, academia, or governments, looking to upskill and reskill their expertise in the ever-evolving Artificial Intelligence domain. USAII® provides self-paced, and the most powerful Artificial Intelligence certifications designed perfectly to empower the highly demanding skills of an Artificial Intelligence professional.

For Media Contacts

Team – Marketing and Communications

United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®)

Email: [email protected]

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Business

The Power of PE Twine: Why it’s Ideal for Fishing and Sports Netting

Published

2 days ago

September 26, 2023

Alice

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Introduction

PE twine, also known as polyethylene twine, is a material that is very adaptable and long-lasting, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications that take place outside. PE twine is the ideal material for the task at hand, whether you’re an experienced fisherman who wants to haul in a huge catch or a sports fan who wants a dependable solution for sports netting. Both of these scenarios call for the use of the material. Because of its strong strength as well as its resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet radiation, it is an excellent material for use in severe outdoor situations. In the next article, we will go over the many advantages of PE twine, as well as its applications in fishing and sports netting, and explain why it is regarded as one of the top materials for usage in these contexts. Also, by partnering with PE twine manufacturers, businesses can obtain a reliable and durable product that enhances efficiency and productivity in their operations.

Introduction to PE Twine and its versatility

1. The malleability and versatility of PE twine is one of the primary factors that has contributed to its widespread use. It is simple to operate and can be woven into a variety of various types of nets, which enables the production of bespoke nets that are suited to certain requirements. PE twine is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it an excellent option for anybody searching for a robust and dependable fishing net, such as a professional fisherman, or a sports fan in need of a long-lasting net for their favorite sport.

2. The durability and resilience to abrasion offered by PE twine is highly valued by anglers because it enables them to construct fishing nets that are up to the task of enduring the rigors of capturing fish in a variety of environments. It has outstanding knot strength, which enables safe and durable connections to be made between the twine and the many other components of the net. PE twine is ideal for use in applications that take place outside because to its high level of resistance to ultraviolet light (UV), which enables it to tolerate lengthy exposure to sunlight without suffering substantial deterioration.

3. PE twine shines just as brightly in the realm of sports netting as it does everywhere else. Because of its great tensile strength, it may be used to make nets that are durable enough to resist severe hits from balls or other objects, so providing both safety and durability. PE twine offers players and athletic facilities the kind of dependability and durability that is essential for participation in sports like soccer, baseball, and tennis, as well as other activities that need the use of a net.

4. Materials from By partnering with PE twine manufacturers can give huge benefit to, businesses who can obtain a reliable and durable product that enhances efficiency and productivity in their operations. It has a well-deserved reputation for hardness and durability because to its remarkable resistance to fatigue and flexibility, both of which contribute to its great reputation. Because of its superior insulating capabilities, polypropylene is a material that may be used without risk in the production of electrical products and cable sheathing. In its fiber form, polypropylene has a broad range of applications that include not just being beneficial for fishing but also for a large variety of other items, such as ropes, twine, tape, carpets, furniture, clothes, and camping gear. These applications are not restricted to only fishing, though. Because of its water resistance, it is particularly useful for applications in the maritime industry.

5. Last but not least, all of PE Twin materials and upholstery textiles not only make furniture seem nicer but also shield it from damage caused by daily use. They are simple to modify, which makes it possible to quickly refresh the appearance of a space or adapt it to evolving preferences. Therefore, the next time you come across these things that at first glance seem to be unremarkable, give some thought to the great potential they possess and the myriad of ways in which they may make your life simpler and more joyful.

FAQs:

Q. What is PE twine, and why is it ideal for fishing and sports netting?

A. PE twine, short for Polyethylene twine, is a durable and versatile material made from high-density polyethylene fibers. It’s an excellent choice for fishing and sports netting due to its strength, resistance to environmental factors, and overall performance in demanding conditions.

Q. What are the key advantages of using PE twine in fishing nets?

A. PE twine offers exceptional tensile strength, making it capable of withstanding the stresses of fishing environments. It also has low water absorption, UV resistance, and high abrasion resistance, ensuring the longevity of fishing nets even when exposed to harsh weather and marine conditions.

Q. How does PE twine contribute to sports netting applications?

A. In sports netting, PE twine excels due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it a reliable choice for constructing nets for sports like soccer, baseball, and tennis. It can endure high-impact hits and prolonged exposure to sunlight without compromising its performance.

Q. Is PE twine suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing?

A. Yes, PE twine is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its resistance to water and salt ensures that it maintains its strength and durability over time, making it an excellent choice for various fishing environments.

Q. Can PE twine withstand exposure to sunlight and UV rays?

A. Absolutely, one of the remarkable properties of PE twine is its resistance to UV degradation. This means it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without weakening or breaking down, making it ideal for outdoor applications like fishing and sports netting.

Q. How does the diameter of PE twine affect its performance?

A. The diameter of PE twine plays a crucial role in its performance. Thicker twine tends to be stronger but may have increased drag in water or wind. Thinner twine might be more suitable for applications where minimal visibility is desired, but it could have slightly less strength.

Q. Is PE twine less prone to tangling compared to other materials?

PE twine has a relatively smoother texture compared to some other materials, which can help reduce tangling to some extent. However, proper net design and construction techniques also play a significant role in preventing tangling.

Q. Can I use PE twine for making intricate net designs?

A. Yes, PE twine can be used for creating intricate net designs due to its flexibility and knot-holding capabilities. It’s important to choose the appropriate twine thickness for the intricacy of the design to ensure optimal performance.

Q. Is PE twine easy to work with for net repairs and maintenance?

A. Yes, PE twine is known for its ease of use when it comes to net repairs and maintenance. Its knot-holding ability and resistance to fraying make it a convenient choice for mending damaged nets and extending their lifespan.

Q. Is PE twine available in various colors and sizes?

A. Yes, PE twine comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different applications. This allows for customization based on visibility needs, aesthetics, and specific requirements of fishing or sports netting.

Bottom Line

In summary, our blog article has elucidated the remarkable efficacy and adaptability of polyethylene twine in the context of fishing and sports nets. PE twine is a very suitable option for those who engage in angling or sporting activities, owing to its notable attributes of robustness, longevity, and capacity to withstand various weather conditions.