Your Business, The Internet, Evolution and Ian Garlic

What are the Five Rules of Authentic Social Media Marketing?

2009-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Check out this Authentic Web Marketing Blog post for the Five Rules and a how to follow the most important rule.
http://evolvealoud.com/blog/2009/08/5-rules-for-authentic-and-effective-social-media-for-business/

Best Profile Picture : You need a Better Facebook, Twitter and every other Social Media Picture

2009-08-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

The picture on Facebook, Twitter and every other social media outlet you partake on IS your brand. Make sure you did not crop your photo from a group photo, use glamour shots from 1994 or use a web cam shot. Read This Article on how to create a great profile picture for facebook and twitter.

Fear and Blogging in Las Internet: Number One Rule of the Internet

2009-06-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

I still encounter a few people that believe that no one is looking for them on the internet. HA! Now people can buy a brand new micro computer that connects to the internet ANYWHERE for $200. People are not going to Google or FB for a little info about you and your industry? (that's Facebook, which has the the fastest growing ACTIVE communities anywhere)????

This Post is not about those people. It is about the rest of the folks I encounter. What stops most from participating, from being active, from getting their word out?
FEAR. More importantly, irrational fear.

Don't Be Afraid of Blogging

People think blogging is difficult. It's not.

People think they are going to break the internet. There are plenty of very smart 17 year olds that are trying and cannot.

People think it is going to absorb and waste their time. Well it can, but that is completely a choice. That's why God invented clocks, outlines and mindmapping software

You may be afraid of saying the wrong thing and upsetting a lot of people. I say to this. Best of luck! If you do upset a lot of people, that will mean traffic to your site, to your blog and more links to your web presence. If your business has a small group of customers, and you are addressing them and in the mean time cause a ruckus, AWESOME!
My mother always said that when people stop talking about you is when you have to worry. Never before has this been as important as on the web.
Domino's had a fiasco with their YouTube debacle Not only did they manage the publicity, Domino's sales are now up!

So is there anything you have to be afraid of when venturing on the web? Yes. It is the crux of man's existence and the one thing we do not notice until it's too late.

Be Afraid of Lost Time.

You can never go back in time and write a blog post, or get the URL aging faster and increase the age of the links to your new video. Get started right now. Can't think of where to start?

Write a comment here. Better yet, write a response on your blog. Even better, turn on your video camera and capture a live response.

Just Start. NOW. No Excuses.

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2009-05-18T10:11:00.001-07:00

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Authentic Web Marketing-Moving On

2009-05-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

While I have had a great time with FindLaw, I am moving on. FindLaw and all of the people there are fun and foster a wonderful corporate environment. I still believe that Lawyers along with every other business and professional, solo to Fortune 500, need to market themselves and maintain their online reputation. Thus I am working with some top professionals in design, computer graphics and programming, search engine optimization, online video and social media, such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter.
We are working together to take internet marketing for small to mid size businesses and professionals to the next level.

I believe Search Engine Optimization and great web design are important, but there are so many important aspects that must be attended to as well. Social Media and Online Reputation Management must be actively managed and, if done right, can actually amplify Search Engine performance. The tools are out there for anyone who does a great job in their industry to create an online following that actually does a lot of the work for you. The issue is that if this is done without a plan or in a manipulative fashion, a lot of hard work in building a great website will be undermined. The result is the foundation of your web presence can be eroded and your business could collapse around it.

Along comes evolveALOUD and Authentic Web Marketing. By understanding exactly the strengths and core differentiators of the business are and who the ideal clients are, a doctor, lawyer, catering company can utilize the proper tools and social media outlets to create a targeted and encompassing web presence that engages your ideal clients and creates customer evangelists.

SOOO, for the time being, this blog is going to become more opinions on marketing and the internet. I will also be writing for the evolveALOUD business blog. This will be more informational on building your brand and your community on the internet.

If you have any questions feel free to email me from my contact form or call my cell. In the meantime, keep reading to stay ahead of the pack!

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2009-04-20T15:17:00.001-07:00

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NOMS-Not On My Street, Google!

2009-04-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

The Times reported that group of villagers in a wealthy area in Buckinghamshire Spotted the Google Street View Car (Check out the video and you will see why it's so easy to find). The towns people had been on the lookout after a rash of burglaries and upon spotting the cam bound black car, formed a human chain around it They cried for invasion of privacy and that the photos could be used by would be thieves to case the joint from the convenience of the perpertrators couch.
Google says you simply have to ask and no photos will be removed from StreetView. That's what the guy leaving the sex shop did.

Open Up!

2009-03-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Opening up prevents demonization, Seth Godin quickly wrote in his blog today.
Think about how difficult it is to get mad at the Bank Teller for waiting if you have had previous conversations. Imagine the last time you heard about a company on the news for doing something wrong. You probably easily believed the news story. Now remember the last time your heard about a friend's company involved in some scandal, minor or major. Most likely you said to yourself "I need to hear both sides of the story" Leaning toward the side of the accused.
Open conversation brings people to our way of thinking. Many law firms believe they are in an ivory tower and do not need to explain what they do to the common man. Then you end up with PR problems. If you don't think the legal industry still has an Underlying PR problem, pick up "The Devil's Advocate".
I am not saying a web presence is going to repair the entire legal industry's image. However, websites, blogs and other forms of social media allow a conversation with more people than you can ever have hoped to contact before. This proactive PR gets your name out but also sympathizes many former strangers. to the cause of your law firm.
You might say you don't have the time, or it costs too much. How much is one extra client that continues to spread your good word worth? Beyond a client, one extra person who says "I've heard of them, they are good people."?
Or would you rather keep the word in and allow everyone to make their own assumptions, grouping your firm with every other firm out there?

Change is not the End

2009-03-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sure, we could be going through a financial apocalypse. However, do you truly know what an apocalypse is? By definition it is the end of an era, a change revealed to the select few. Those blind to opportunity are the ones depicted weeping, pulling out hair and gnashing their teeth. We remember them because these images are, well, memorable. An apocalypse is opportunity, and whenever their is massive change their are massive opportunites.
Fortunes are made in times like these, because the earth has shifted and gold lies under a rock it never did before. People start to mistrust the advisors that told them to invest in Merril Lynch and Bernie Madoff. The smart money does not hide but looks elsewhere.
The world is an amazing place because information now moves more freely than ever. Rumors and news and facts are mashed into one and desseminated. Text messaging, twitter, email have provided us more than enough news and Search sorts it out. Gone are the days of trusting what your financial advisor or the family attorney said. You can, and shoould, look up the answer for yourself.
The world is looking up answers on the web and in social media and if you are not in that conversation your business will die. No matter how good you are, or "real time"responsive, those that are not involved, not just present, in the world wide revelation that is the internet might as well decide to go live on a mountain and hope someone might stumble upon them there.
What I am saying is, an apocalypse is not the end but a new beginning, but if you are reluctant to change, then yes, it is the end. The real risk lies in not doing anything at all.

Social Media and SEM: Make sure it's the horse and not the cart

2009-02-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of friends, and Jessica Curry and I went to see a test show for Jimmy Fallon's Late night show. On the way out of the NBC studio's Rockefeller Plaza we were walking down 49th Street. As you cross the Rock Plaza where the Rink is, there are often shows being filmed. Last time I was there we were stopped for a episode of "30 Rock". It happened again last night. A guy in usual Production Assistant gear halted our crew for their crew. We thought nothing of it. The kind guy started talking to us, which I thought was very professional of him. He threw us a few hats and asked us about the show. This was my first flag. Usually PA's are at the bottom of the poop stream, and when let out on the public with a smidgen of power, release the poop on the first stranger they encounter.

Then I looked at the badge and saw it was Soup Kitchen credentials. These are certified panhandlers. I let him keep going until the man came to the part where he asked us for $10 for the 50 cent stocking hat he had thrown to us. ( Yes he tossed them to us because New Yorkers instinctually will not take things handed to them but humans can not refuse an airborne throw.) We all went to the standard, I only have plastic routine before handing the I Heart New York Hats back and moving on our way.

Mi Amigo Mat, commented on the quality of the pitch and how perfectly positioned the fake movie mogul was.

Then , coincidentally, this morning I read in Seth Godin's Blog about a similar experience. He made a very valid point that we all know, that we have to engage before we we sell. However in this age of rapid information, Twitter, and Social Media I otern forget that these are all instances where a marketer must first interact then sell. Interaction is not presenting ourself or our servces in at the right moment. It is bridging the gap between now and the right moment. All of our sales, internet and marketing tools are there for that reason. In my opinion, the best way to keep the horse before the cart is to genuinely care for those you want to hop in your cart. Then you will understand them and reach a meeting of the minds. In essence, is that not what sales and marketing is all about?

Cramer Tauts Gold

2009-02-26T03:53:00.000-08:00

The master of hype, who I still think has great insight, Jim Cramer of the Street and MadMoney fame spoke highly of Gold yesterday. I wish he would have touted Freeport MacMoran FCX, but did not, most likely since it was not a pure play. He reiterated many of the same that have made me long both FCX and OIH. I like the FCX chart patter better, since it has had time to base out. No matter what he or other people say, technicals have a strong place in trading. There is a reason candlestick patterns have work thousands of years and the same techniques worked for Dutch Tulip Traders. The psychology of Trading stays the same.
I wish I would have sold the FCX calls according to plan since it did not break 30, but not being a full time trader made that one tough. I like my OIH position and might still add to it if it hit the 67 area. I still am short the 80 March 09 Calls at 2.12 a contract.
If we gap up today I am going to use the first ten minute bar as a placeholder. FCX breaks that down, I will sell the 30 calls. If it breaks it up I will gauge the days action from there.

Upgrade Your Site for free

2009-02-24T03:50:00.000-08:00

Inbound links are critical to your site's performance. Monitoring them, adding to them asking your bar or alumni association all takes work. However once you get them they are an investment that keeps growing.

If you do not understand or want to perform inbound linking, you are not alone. Search engine Land has highlighted that if you do not want to do inbound link you are no alone They also make a great point, that if you do not understand it, I need to show you how. Would it be a class, would it be a powerpoint, or a step by step guide? Any ideas on how you learn? Any ideas on what would help you as attorneys to do more inbound linking? Please comment with any ideas you have on help with inbound linking. I know you are busy but these links are as essential as making sure the front light is on.

New Site for Tax and Bankruptcy Advocacy in New York

2009-02-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey M Rosenblum worked on Wall Street as a Tax Attorney before setting up shop on Long Island. Now his bankruptcy and tax law firm has offices in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties to help those in financial turmoil get on the road to a fresh start. Within the realm of bankruptcy, the New York Law Offices handles, among other things, stopping creditor harassments and preventing foreclosure. The attorneys also are adept in working with the IRS on Federal Tax Disputes as well as tax and estate planning.

The site design is custom. I think it really conveys the feel of the practice areas and the need for some direction when deep in the quagmire of debt.

Long Island Elder Law, Estate, and Medicaid Planning Site Launches

2009-02-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

Ellen Makofsky and Judy Raskin have put their heart into their work as New York Elder Law attorneys since 1991, with their Nassau county law offices situated in Garden City, NY. The attorneys also write often and extensively on the subject of Estate Planning in New York. They are both heavily involved and recognized in the administration and maintenance of the encompassed laws.

They have put similar effort into their new, uniquely designed website. The results are fantastic, with both great design and extensive content. The new site answer many questions on tax planning, disability and long term care planning, as well as probate and estate administration.

Westbury Business and Bankruptcy Attorneys

2009-02-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Manners and Associates PC is focused on helping small to midsized businesses in these trying times. Their new website demonstrates how their finance focused attorneys can assist in all stages from business formation and incorporation, business contracts mergers and, if necessary, bankruptcy and debt negotiation. Their bankruptcy practice also helps those who have fallen victim to predatory lending practices.

Bob Manners is a great guy who has international experience having attended the University of Paris as well as Oxford and working in the International Capital Markets division of Credit Lyonnais Bank.

New Site for Long Time FindLaw Clients Librett Friedland & Lieberman

2009-02-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

The Law Offices of Librett Friedland and Lieberman have launched their newly designed custom site. The law firm is a FindLaw client that has expanded both their Geographical and Web Presence to include offices in NYC, Garden City and East Hampton, NY. Their partners have great experience in high profile cases in Criminal Matters , such as Drug and White Collar Crimes , Collaborative Divorce and Divorce Litigation.

The Design team at FindLaw did a great job incorporating the New York City to the tip of Long Island theme into the new site.

On a personal note, Lloyd Friedland is actually good friends with Ian Eagle's Family, who is one of the few people that actually mispronounces their name like I do (Eye-In).

Professional Photos on your site

2009-01-27T05:24:00.001-08:00

I always stress the importance of photos of an attorney on their site. The profile is one of the most viewed areas and a well done, professional portrait can make the difference between getting called or not. I have worked recently with Karen Haberberg, who is an exceptional New York City Photographer.

She takes fantastic professional photos, but one option for natural, looking portraits and photographs of the office is "A Day in the Life" which I have suggested to a few of my clients. It is a great idea to base a site design around to really convey the feel of your work environment, setting the expectation for potential clients.

In case you are wondering, Karen Haberberg also teaches photography and takes wonderful wedding photos as well.

Construction Litigation and Disputes Website for New York and New Jersey

2009-01-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

With the shift in the economy, a rise is occuring in contract disputes, especially in the area of construction law in New York and New Jersey, where the construction boom has seen serious setbacks. The Law Offices of Michael P. Berkley launched a new site addressing disputes as well as the areas of construction contracts, licensing and code enforcement. The firm also helps in matters of the rights of neighbors during construction and renovation. Their law offices are located in both Nassau County, NY and Hackensack, NJ. The new website contains some informative and detailed photos of construction defects and resulting damage.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY LAW FIRM BURSTS ONTO THE WEB

2008-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Port Washington based litigation law firm of Wolfe and Yukelson has been fighting for their client’s rights for over 30 years. While they have won all types of personal injury cases, their new site focuses on helping those injured in motor vehicle accidents, such as motorcycle injuries.

Bruce Yukelson is a proud Alumni of Stuyvesant High School and Cornell university. Both Bruce’s and Noreen’s information on Findlaw.com are GREAT examples of utilizing their profiles to communicate to current and potential clients (as well as jurors) a little about themselves.

New Website for Real Estate and Bankrupcty Law Firm

2008-11-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Law Offices of Nathan Erlich recently launched their new site. The attorneys in his office focus on Real Estate, Business and Bankruptcy. They have locations in Forest Hills, Flushing, Nassau County and Manhattan, so it’s convenient for anyone (in New York, that is)

Nathan has a deep international business background. He is from Australia, went to school in London and the US. He was an attorney for one of the largest business and real estate law firms in Australia, before venturing to the US.

His beautiful website describes his personal and effective practice. It also features a great video of Nathan describing what they do for their clients. The video truly conveys Nathan’s sincerity and passion for being an attorney. It even has a little humor in it!

Nassau/Suffolk Traffic Offenders look here!

2008-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Jules Mencher recently updated his site with a new look and more information about his practice that helps those with traffic offenses. Jules defends those who have had recent traffic violations in Nassau and Suffolk County NY. With the rise in speeding tickets and reckless driving violations being posted on Long Island as well as tougher restrictions, many are in the need of his services. He is also helping the local young ones who have run into the law and need somewhere to turn.

Jules has a BS in Applied Matmatics and is a qualified Patent Attorney as well.
In his little spare time, Jules has a lucrative career as a professional poker player. He won a tournament this summer!

In my opinion, those type of credential count for a lot when I am searching for someone to represent me before the court. Which came first, the winning poker player or the lawyer?

Foley, Griffin, Jacobson, and Faria's DWI and Personal Injury Video

2008-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Video on the web increases in popularity daily. When dealing with important services like personal injury law or finding the best DWI attorney for your needs, seeing how a professional speaks and moves is a big factor. Many attorneys have subtle differences and web videos let let the public see them.

Foley Griffin Jacobson and Faria created a new attorney video to display their personalities to potential clients. The Studio Shot 1 was filmed by the teams at FindLaw and distributed throughout the web. The documentary style web video is candid and not the typical “In-your-face-peronsal-injury-tv-commercial” that gives attorney marketing a bad name. Tom Foley, Jay Jacobson, and Brian Griffin portray who they are and how the firm helps those in legal need. The video gives the New York Lawyers more visibility but also eases the important decision of choosing the best advocates in a bad situation.

2008-09-28T19:30:00.001-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1541043008/bctid1701198834

Garden City Real Estate Litigation and Zoning site is up and running!

2008-09-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Gordon, Sibell, and Iannone is a law firm combine years of experience in litigation and appeals to bring their clients solutions to their legal needs. The have experience from criminal law to personal injury. Their new site highlights their capacity to help all of those in need of estate planning or involved in estate disputes. Once based on the North Shore of Long Island New York, the firm relocated to Garden City but still has a deep understanding of all zoning and variance issues, especially when dealing with local municipalities in areas such as Manhasset, Port Washington and Great Neck.

Building your business whether new or old

2008-08-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

I know many people think of marketing consultants as sales people, and they are right. I am a sales person. Guess what, so are you. Everyone is selling something. Whether it is a new type of marketing, attorney services, or your recent work to your current client, we are all salespeople in some shape or form. How well we do it and the assistance we get determines our level of success.
Even the first writing utensil had to be sold Value had to be explained. The inventor or salesperson demonstrated utility to someone.
I love to utilize marketing and invention to see organizations grow. Law firms have such an incredible potential, and usually what is holding it back are attorneys. I do not usually toot my own horn in this but I am passionate not only about the company and services I represent but also the outcomes of my clients. I am lucky because an integral part of my job is not only find the desire for more and higher quality clients, but helping firms build upon the success of obtaining them.
If I could start a new business every day I would be happy. It is not because I have a short attention span. I thrive on the challenges that are posed by building business. I enjoy helping lawyers further determine their niche, targeting it and getting those new clients.
As I see it, there are two big fallacies lingering in most attorneys minds. One is that other attorneys do not offer personalized service. Most of the firms I work with take to heart their clients and personalized service is not an offering but the only way they would ever practice law.
The other big delusion most firms have is that all lawyers in the same practice area are seeking the same clients. I believe this myth to be perpetuated by the Yellow Pages. Sure you can have a personal injury lawyer section, maybe even auto accidents, but you can not have a section for aggressive attorneys, compassionate attorneys, soft spoken attorneys etc. The internet allows for each attorney and every law firm to be truly introspective. Look into why they went to law school. Now, Build a practice and an incredibly successful business around that. Trust me there are as many different approaches and types of law as there are attorneys out there.
In short, what I am trying to say is I am not there trying to sell you a website and leave. I love to really help business expand not only in volume, but also into a company/firm that is happy with its place in the world and the day to day operations. That is the definition of success for a law firm and for me.