Simple software for organizing your business: a good time to try Backpack
February 28, 2008
I’ve written before about my fondness for 37signals’ free and low-cost web-based software for managing projects, client records and collaboration. I use Highrise and Backpack daily to manage my ADR business and keep myself on track and efficient during very busy client months like one I’m in now.
If you’ve been thinking about trying Backpack, now is a good time to take the plunge. 37signals posted this notice today: [Read more]
Creative business card from a divorce lawyer
February 27, 2008
I stumbled across this creative business card from a divorce lawyer. What can you do with your business card so that it’s as memorable as this fellow’s? [Read more]
Successful ADR blogging takes commitment
February 24, 2008
I’ve made no bones about blogging as a potentially powerful mediation marketing strategy, and I discuss it in my book, Making Mediation Your Day Job. Diane Levin and I did a teleseminar series a year ago to highlight blogging as a way to help build your ADR practice.
I’ve also encouraged mediation marketers to approach the blogging idea thoughtfully. Blogging’s not the best marketing tool for all mediators, and doing it because “everyone’s doing it” could be a waste of precious time better spent on other marketing strategies. [Read more]
Mediation blog comment policies: Do you need one?
February 21, 2008
One feature that makes a blog a blog is the option for readers to leave comments on the articles. If you scroll down an article’s page on most blogs (if you’re reading a blog post via email, you’ll need to click on the article title to go to the associated web page), you’ll find the feature ready and waiting for you.
A few bloggers turn off that feature because they’re such big names the sheer volume of comments would be impossible to manage. Some bloggers turn off the feature because they’re afraid of the conflict that a comment might create. But most bloggers not only leave the feature on, we welcome reader comments and do what we can to encourage them.
That said, there are some cautionary notes: [Read more]
The mediator tech article vault, february 2008
February 19, 2008
The Mediator Tech Article Vault is a monthly feature that dips into the archives and shares still-relevant articles from a year ago.
Here’s this month’s selection, with a little something for everyone:
- How I Started My Mediation Practice, a two-part series
- Relationship Blogging for ADR Pros
- Prevent Spammers from Harvesting Your Email Address
- It’s a book launch virtual party!
- Prize profile: FreshBooks online invoicing
- Prize profile: Lisa Gates of 360 Alliance
- Prize profile: David Airey, graphic designer
- Prize profile: Jason Alba and JibberJobber
- Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
- Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
- Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
- Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
- Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
- And the book-launch prize winners are…
- It’s a book launch virtual party!
- Prize profile: FreshBooks online invoicing
- Prize profile: Lisa Gates of 360 Alliance
- Prize profile: David Airey, graphic designer
- Prize profile: Jason Alba and JibberJobber
- Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
- Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
- Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
- Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
- Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
- And the book-launch prize winners are…
- It’s a book launch virtual party!
- Prize profile: FreshBooks online invoicing
- Prize profile: Lisa Gates of 360 Alliance
- Prize profile: David Airey, graphic designer
- Prize profile: Jason Alba and JibberJobber
- Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
- Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
- Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
- Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
- Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
- And the book-launch prize winners are…
- It’s a book launch virtual party!
- Prize profile: FreshBooks online invoicing
- Prize profile: Lisa Gates of 360 Alliance
- Prize profile: David Airey, graphic designer
- Prize profile: Jason Alba and JibberJobber
- Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
- Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
- Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
- Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
- Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
- And the book-launch prize winners are…
- It’s a book launch virtual party!
- Prize profile: FreshBooks online invoicing
- Prize profile: Lisa Gates of 360 Alliance
- Prize profile: David Airey, graphic designer
- Prize profile: Jason Alba and JibberJobber
- Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
- Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
- Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
- Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
- Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
- And the book-launch prize winners are…
Prize profile: Mike Sansone, conversation conductor
February 16, 2008
Business and blogging consultant Mike Sansone caps the series of celebrational profiles I’ve offered as part of my book launch virtual party.
Mike’s a business consultant who specializes in business blogs and conversational copywriting. He aptly calls himself a “Conversation Conductor” and has done a lovely job of branding his website and business accordingly. With a history of building thriving online communities with America Online, Real Fans Sports Network, Ignite Sports Media and HeyMax, Mike now coaches business leaders to use blogs and social media as platforms for conversations. Says Mike, “Connect with your customers and amplify your relationships.” [Read more]
Article Series
Prize profile: Dawud Miracle, web designer
February 16, 2008
When I contacted Healthy Web Design’s Dawud Miracle about my book launch virtual party, he generously joined my celebration and now it’s my turn to give something back by profiling his many talents and gracious spirit.
Dawud’s been building websites professionally since 2003. Today he not only builds static websites and blogs for clients, but also helps small business owners understand how to use the Internet to expand their businesses. He combines his web savvy with his background in the healing arts to offer a unique and powerful blend of web [Read more]
Article Series
Prize profile: Liz Strauss, successful blogger
February 16, 2008
Successful Blogger Liz Strauss has jumped on my book launch virtual party bandwagon and I’m excited to tell you about her.
Liz is to the blogosphere what E.F. Hutton is to insurance…and then some. When Liz talks, people listen. And when Liz listens, people talk. She’s a “relationship blogger” extraordinaire who carries off with aplomb exactly the kind of dialogue marketing I discuss in my book. Liz’s blog is so popular and well-respected that it’s part of the b5media network.
What else should you know about Liz? She’s one of the movers and shakers [Read more]
Article Series
Prize profile: Chris Brown, marketing consultant
February 15, 2008
Marketing consultant Chris Brown of Marketing Resources and Results is one of the savvy folks who’s helping celebrate my book launch virtual party.
I met Chris at the Chicago blogger’s conference, SOBCon ‘07, when we happened to sit next to each other during Christine Kane’s incredible performance. Chris is one of those people you like instantly because she’s warm, funny and very smart. So I’m delighted that Chris agreed to share the wisdom she’s garnered from 17 years in marketing at Fortune 500 corporations and 10+ years of success as a marketing consultant with one of you.
What else should you know about Chris? She’s also a pro at business branding and [Read more]
Article Series
Prize profile: Great american networks conferencing
February 15, 2008
Great American Networks Conferencing is part of my book launch virtual party and I want to tell you a bit more about them.
GAN Conferencing appeared on my radar screen twice within one week a while back and the coincidence was memorable. I had asked my VA to research high-quality teleconferencing services and GAN appeared on the shortlist. Then, Anthony Russo of GAN took the time to answer in detail a question I had posted on LinkedIn about teleconference services, and I was impressed by his helpfulness and good salesmanship [Read more]
