We are under the gun and deal with more stress each and every day. More deadlines keep us confined to our desk chair and much of the day to day activities of business are being conducted via e-mail, the computer-fax, the palm pilot, texting via phone, or blackberry, video conferencing, telecommuting, there are various updates, and a constant exchange of data and very little time for breaks and then many of us are eating our lunch-- without ever leaving our desk.
It's no wonder that we have more complaints than ever about poor circulation, aching back, stiff neck, tired legs, and the lack of mobility, flexibility, and an unfocused mind. We never leave our desk or that office chair!
Well good news for you. I have a few great stretches that can be done in the chair or in and around the chair. It takes anywhere from 3-7 minutes of your time. Do you think you can spare a few minutes? Great! Let's get started.
Over the next few weeks I'm going to show you many easy stretches that you can do right at your desk. Let's start with some easy and good ones for the back:
Easy back stretches:
(Spinal Twist)
Step One: Push your chair back from your desk for the time of stretching.
Step Two: Uncross your legs and sit with your legs slightly open, which is chair or hip width. Put your feet solidly on the ground. Your hands can rest on the tops of your thighs for now. During the stretching please breathe in and out through your nose only.
Step Three: Take yourLEFT hand and cross it to your right knee. Now take your right hand and hold firmly to the back of the chair. Push your left hand against your right knee, and twist your body. You will look over your right shoulder. Hold for approximately 5-15 seconds. Breath in and out only through your nose. Release and put your hands back on your legs
Switch Sides-
Step Four: Take yourRIGHT hand and cross it to your Left knee. Now take your Left hand and hold firmly to the back of the chair. Push your right hand against your left knee, and twist your body. You will look over your left shoulder. Hold for approximately 5-15 seconds. Breath in and out only through your nose. If you can. Release and put your hands back on your legs. You can repeat for as long as you need to. It helps to release the spine and back.
New Stretch:
(Bending to the Side)
Step One: Sit with your legs slightly open, which is chair or hip width. Put your feet solidly on the ground
Step Two: Take your RIGHT hand and place it on the chair seat beside your leg. Hold on to what you find there. You may have to shift in your seat to get some chair space on the side of you.
Step Three: Take your Left hand and arm, and bring it over your head towards your right side. Bending now to the right, and extending your arm and palm of your hand down towards the floor near your RIGHT side. You are stretching the left side of your body and back with this stretch by bending over to the right. Hold for approximately 5-15 seconds. Breath in and out only through your nose. Release and put your hands back on your legs. You can repeat for as long as you need to.
Switch Sides-
Step Four: Take your LEFT hand and place it on the chair seat beside your leg. Hold on to what you find there. You may have to shift in your seat to get some chair space on the side of you.
Step Five: Take your Right hand and arm, and bring it over your head towards your left side. Bending now to the left, and extending your arm and palm of your hand down towards the floor near your LEFT side. You are stretching the right side of your body and back with this stretch by bending over to the left. Hold for approximately 5-15 seconds. Breath in and out only through your nose. If you can. Release and put your hands back on your legs. You can repeat for as long as you need to.
Let's proceed with one more stretch for today. We will maintain and use the same sitting position.
New Stretch-
(Stretch your arms upward and interlock your hands over your head)
Step One: Lift your arms over your head and extend them upward as far as you can. Interlock your fingers. With your fingers clasped stretch from side to side as you breathe in and out through the nose. As you can. Do that several times back and forth from the right to left.
Step Two: Now stop your arms in the middle (arms still upward with your fingers still interlocked above your head.) Lean your arms and hands backward and push your chest slightly forward. Hold for a few seconds. Release.
Ahhh!! Doesn't that feel better already?! By now with these simple stretches you got some blood flowing. That is one of the key points. It's very important to leave your desk once and awhile too. Continue breathing and get that oxygen to your belly if you can.
Monday, May 12, 2008
5 Steps To A Tidy Desk
You won't believe all the excuses I get from people about their untidy desks! "It's because I'm creative" or "I know where everything is".
SOUND FAMILIAR?
This may very well be true. However, for most people, an untidy desk makes you feel overwhelmed and out of control. And how can you be productive when you're overwhelmed? Right?!
The good news is you can have a tidy desk in just 5 steps:
1. Set up your desk properly
If you answer the phone with your left hand, then keep the phone to the left of your computer. Now this might seem obvious but you'll be surprised at the number of people I encounter who have to scramble and reach behind their computer to get to the phone. It's like that game Twister
2. Touch each piece of paper once only
This is going to force you to make decisions - throw away, action, forward or file. Those are the only choices you have ;)
3. Have one notebook for all your notes
When you take messages or need to quickly jot down a note, write it in your ONE notebook. There should not be 10 post-it notes and lots of other pieces of paper on your desk. Better still, write the date on the top of every page so you can reference old information quickly. And start each day on a new page - literally!
4. Clear junk regularly
Every time you get up to go to the loo or for a coffee break, clear your desk of empty mugs, glasses, snacks, etc. The same goes for all those dry markers and pens that don't work. Throw them out!
5. Have only the papers you are actually working with on your desk
I have a rather strong fondness for plastic envelopes. I use these nifty tools to keep my many projects sorted. When I want to work on something, I just grab one of these and open up on my desk.
See? Easy! You can also have a neat and tidy desk in just 5 steps.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
This may very well be true. However, for most people, an untidy desk makes you feel overwhelmed and out of control. And how can you be productive when you're overwhelmed? Right?!
The good news is you can have a tidy desk in just 5 steps:
1. Set up your desk properly
If you answer the phone with your left hand, then keep the phone to the left of your computer. Now this might seem obvious but you'll be surprised at the number of people I encounter who have to scramble and reach behind their computer to get to the phone. It's like that game Twister
2. Touch each piece of paper once only
This is going to force you to make decisions - throw away, action, forward or file. Those are the only choices you have ;)
3. Have one notebook for all your notes
When you take messages or need to quickly jot down a note, write it in your ONE notebook. There should not be 10 post-it notes and lots of other pieces of paper on your desk. Better still, write the date on the top of every page so you can reference old information quickly. And start each day on a new page - literally!
4. Clear junk regularly
Every time you get up to go to the loo or for a coffee break, clear your desk of empty mugs, glasses, snacks, etc. The same goes for all those dry markers and pens that don't work. Throw them out!
5. Have only the papers you are actually working with on your desk
I have a rather strong fondness for plastic envelopes. I use these nifty tools to keep my many projects sorted. When I want to work on something, I just grab one of these and open up on my desk.
See? Easy! You can also have a neat and tidy desk in just 5 steps.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Business Strategies By Having Publicity Work
Public Relations (or P.R.) is a wonderful, yet often overlooked marketing tool. P.R. is an intangible – making it a tough sell for many P.R. professionals. It is our job to sell the concept and show the client how it will enhance marketing efforts and, in many cases, replace costly or one-off advertising. Public relations is just that – relating to the public. Every outward communication should be carefully executed and the mission of the company should never be compromised. How do your customers find you? How does the public perceive your business? These points can be incorporated into a P.R. strategy that maintains consistent messages to your customers, thereby keeping your company top of mind and, in turn, growing your business.
Below are six P.R. strategies that can be implemented today. Whether you hire an outside professional or keep your publicity in-house, these strategies should be a part of your marketing plan.
1. Brand Building: It is very common for businesses to use advertising in brand-building strategies, however publicity can be less expensive and much more effective in establishing a brand’s identity. One complimentary news piece in a publication read by your target consumer can produce significant results. Publicity, whether performed by an external company or executed in-house, can also be cost-effective.
Several online distribution services are available making the cost to send out a press release affordable, and sometimes even free depending on desired reach. It is important that any news release is informative and factual. Many of the online distribution services even offer templates to assist in the development of a release for a small fee. Before paying for such a service, however, be sure to identify hidden talent in your organization – there may be a great writer in your midst.
2. Generate Press Releases: Press releases are for announcing newsworthy information to the media only. If the information is not news, it should not be announced. In addition to news, a press release should contain only facts – not hype. Business as usual is not news. Celebrating a milestone such as a ten-year anniversary, one-millionth sale, or appointing a new CEO is newsworthy. In many cases, a newsworthy story can be developed with some creativity.
For example, if your company manufactures comfortable walking shoes you can create a “Walk to Work” day. Provide fun facts about the health benefits of walking and why the right walking shoes are so important. This can be pitched to your local media outlets and may get picked up nationally. Many times current events will also create an opportunity for a press release (see #3.) Remember to always include your company’s website at least once and be sure accurate contact information is listed.
3. Tap Into Media Trends: Many times businesses can tie into current events and trends in the media. For example, if the evening news is covering storm damage to an area in your town and your company sells a product or service that would benefit people living in those areas, you have a topical news announcement. Call, fax or email the news desk and tell them about your product and why their viewers need to know about it. Be sure to mention that your story idea is time-sensitive. Watch your local news for one week and take notes. Identify what types of stories the local reporters are covering. Chances are at least one of the subjects covered was a direct result of a recent news story. Listen and learn how one led to the other then be ready to pitch your service or product when future opportunities arise.
4. Increase Awareness by Increasing Search Engine Listings: Each time a release is distributed over the Internet or a story is written and posted online, be sure your company’s web address is included. The more links to your site, the better the exposure your site will receive in search engines. In addition to press releases, link swapping, article postings, quotes, and endorsements are great ways to generate links online. Google your company and your competitor’s company daily. If your company is not as prominent as your competitor’s, read their results listings and learn what they are doing to generate links.
5. Website Improvements Produce More Traffic: Optimize your company’s website often. Be sure keywords on the website are targeted toward your consumers. Ask customers what words they would enter in a search engine when looking for your products or services and add those to your keywords. Small adjustments can mean a big difference in traffic to the site and subsequently increased business. Constantly updating web content is an easy and effective way to generate better search engine results. Be sure to update news and information at least once a month. Always add press release announcements to your website press area – and be sure your press area is easy to find, easy to read, and easy to print.
6. Highlight Expertise: One of the best ways to generate publicity is to establish expert credibility with the media. Do competitors continually get quoted in industry trade publications and you don’t? They’ve probably done a good job of alerting the media about their expertise in your field. Don’t worry, however, all journalists want to have more than one expert in any field. Begin to define yourself as an expert by writing articles, including the word expert in press releases, biographies, announcements, and descriptions. If you make a living doing what you do, you are an expert. If you are having trouble determining your area of expertise: ask friends, family, and colleagues to help identify your strengths and start spreading the word. Update the company description on your website right now by including your newly identified expertise and you’ve accomplished #5 and #6 already!
Below are six P.R. strategies that can be implemented today. Whether you hire an outside professional or keep your publicity in-house, these strategies should be a part of your marketing plan.
1. Brand Building: It is very common for businesses to use advertising in brand-building strategies, however publicity can be less expensive and much more effective in establishing a brand’s identity. One complimentary news piece in a publication read by your target consumer can produce significant results. Publicity, whether performed by an external company or executed in-house, can also be cost-effective.
Several online distribution services are available making the cost to send out a press release affordable, and sometimes even free depending on desired reach. It is important that any news release is informative and factual. Many of the online distribution services even offer templates to assist in the development of a release for a small fee. Before paying for such a service, however, be sure to identify hidden talent in your organization – there may be a great writer in your midst.
2. Generate Press Releases: Press releases are for announcing newsworthy information to the media only. If the information is not news, it should not be announced. In addition to news, a press release should contain only facts – not hype. Business as usual is not news. Celebrating a milestone such as a ten-year anniversary, one-millionth sale, or appointing a new CEO is newsworthy. In many cases, a newsworthy story can be developed with some creativity.
For example, if your company manufactures comfortable walking shoes you can create a “Walk to Work” day. Provide fun facts about the health benefits of walking and why the right walking shoes are so important. This can be pitched to your local media outlets and may get picked up nationally. Many times current events will also create an opportunity for a press release (see #3.) Remember to always include your company’s website at least once and be sure accurate contact information is listed.
3. Tap Into Media Trends: Many times businesses can tie into current events and trends in the media. For example, if the evening news is covering storm damage to an area in your town and your company sells a product or service that would benefit people living in those areas, you have a topical news announcement. Call, fax or email the news desk and tell them about your product and why their viewers need to know about it. Be sure to mention that your story idea is time-sensitive. Watch your local news for one week and take notes. Identify what types of stories the local reporters are covering. Chances are at least one of the subjects covered was a direct result of a recent news story. Listen and learn how one led to the other then be ready to pitch your service or product when future opportunities arise.
4. Increase Awareness by Increasing Search Engine Listings: Each time a release is distributed over the Internet or a story is written and posted online, be sure your company’s web address is included. The more links to your site, the better the exposure your site will receive in search engines. In addition to press releases, link swapping, article postings, quotes, and endorsements are great ways to generate links online. Google your company and your competitor’s company daily. If your company is not as prominent as your competitor’s, read their results listings and learn what they are doing to generate links.
5. Website Improvements Produce More Traffic: Optimize your company’s website often. Be sure keywords on the website are targeted toward your consumers. Ask customers what words they would enter in a search engine when looking for your products or services and add those to your keywords. Small adjustments can mean a big difference in traffic to the site and subsequently increased business. Constantly updating web content is an easy and effective way to generate better search engine results. Be sure to update news and information at least once a month. Always add press release announcements to your website press area – and be sure your press area is easy to find, easy to read, and easy to print.
6. Highlight Expertise: One of the best ways to generate publicity is to establish expert credibility with the media. Do competitors continually get quoted in industry trade publications and you don’t? They’ve probably done a good job of alerting the media about their expertise in your field. Don’t worry, however, all journalists want to have more than one expert in any field. Begin to define yourself as an expert by writing articles, including the word expert in press releases, biographies, announcements, and descriptions. If you make a living doing what you do, you are an expert. If you are having trouble determining your area of expertise: ask friends, family, and colleagues to help identify your strengths and start spreading the word. Update the company description on your website right now by including your newly identified expertise and you’ve accomplished #5 and #6 already!
Articles For Freelancers To Write Newspapers
Knowing how to write a news article is one thing. How to benefit financially from that knowledge is another.
For editors, a freelance journalist can be an irritant and a savior all at once. They can be bothersome when repeatedly proposing story ideas at busy deadline times but they can also rescue a news desk that may be short of staff on any particular day.
The key to freelance journalism is to keep plugging away with quality work so that the editor will always have time for you.
To get a foot in the door of your local newspaper, a freelancer should know four things – the news, the editors, the newsmakers and the follow-ups.
Spend some time thinking about these four important facets and how you may write your articles before you even start to submit work to any publication.
1. Know the news – it may sound obvious, but you’d be amazed at the number of freelancers who have no knowledge of local issues but believe the quality of their writing gives them first right to premium column space. It doesn’t matter how well you write, if your article is irrelevant to the publication’s agenda, it has little chance of getting used. Take time to read the paper. Go through the issues and gain an understanding of its editorial stance and what it cares about, not what you think is important.
2. The editors – these people are the gatekeepers of your articles and they could drop your stories at a whim. You should know them, their names, positions in the company, demeanor and how they feel about certain issues, which can give you an idea on how to slant your articles for a better chance of getting published.
3. The newsmakers – it is crucial that you know who makes the news and who doesn’t. Go through newspapers in your area and identify which people are the ones who are quoted and to what issues they are often sought out for. Once you know that, go through the phone directory and get their contact numbers. Your ultimate aim is to get to know these people voice-to-voice, face-to-face on a professional, and even personal, level.
4. The follow-ups – this is probably the most important knowledge you can have because this is what will brand you as a journalist. And, significantly, this is not something you can read up on but it is what you generate from your own head. If an issue crops up, arm yourself with the knowledge required from the first three points and then work on a possible follow-up story. Remember, the in-house reporters will probably be doing the same thing, so you should try to think of a different angle. This will prevent you from stepping on toes and also raise your standing in the eyes of editors.
Once you have all this in your head, call or email the editor and tell him or her your story idea. If it is topical, fresh and relevant to what the paper had in its latest issue, and it takes the story further, there is a good chance it will be used.
If so, you have your foot in the door. This does not only apply to newspapers. There are magazines and online news outlets that can also be targeted. Follow these four rules and kick-start your freelance journalism career
For editors, a freelance journalist can be an irritant and a savior all at once. They can be bothersome when repeatedly proposing story ideas at busy deadline times but they can also rescue a news desk that may be short of staff on any particular day.
The key to freelance journalism is to keep plugging away with quality work so that the editor will always have time for you.
To get a foot in the door of your local newspaper, a freelancer should know four things – the news, the editors, the newsmakers and the follow-ups.
Spend some time thinking about these four important facets and how you may write your articles before you even start to submit work to any publication.
1. Know the news – it may sound obvious, but you’d be amazed at the number of freelancers who have no knowledge of local issues but believe the quality of their writing gives them first right to premium column space. It doesn’t matter how well you write, if your article is irrelevant to the publication’s agenda, it has little chance of getting used. Take time to read the paper. Go through the issues and gain an understanding of its editorial stance and what it cares about, not what you think is important.
2. The editors – these people are the gatekeepers of your articles and they could drop your stories at a whim. You should know them, their names, positions in the company, demeanor and how they feel about certain issues, which can give you an idea on how to slant your articles for a better chance of getting published.
3. The newsmakers – it is crucial that you know who makes the news and who doesn’t. Go through newspapers in your area and identify which people are the ones who are quoted and to what issues they are often sought out for. Once you know that, go through the phone directory and get their contact numbers. Your ultimate aim is to get to know these people voice-to-voice, face-to-face on a professional, and even personal, level.
4. The follow-ups – this is probably the most important knowledge you can have because this is what will brand you as a journalist. And, significantly, this is not something you can read up on but it is what you generate from your own head. If an issue crops up, arm yourself with the knowledge required from the first three points and then work on a possible follow-up story. Remember, the in-house reporters will probably be doing the same thing, so you should try to think of a different angle. This will prevent you from stepping on toes and also raise your standing in the eyes of editors.
Once you have all this in your head, call or email the editor and tell him or her your story idea. If it is topical, fresh and relevant to what the paper had in its latest issue, and it takes the story further, there is a good chance it will be used.
If so, you have your foot in the door. This does not only apply to newspapers. There are magazines and online news outlets that can also be targeted. Follow these four rules and kick-start your freelance journalism career
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Public Relations And Marketing Strategies Through News Advertisements
Public Relations (or P.R.) is a wonderful, yet often overlooked marketing tool. P.R. is an intangible – making it a tough sell for many P.R. professionals. It is our job to sell the concept and show the client how it will enhance marketing efforts and, in many cases, replace costly or one-off advertising. Public relations is just that – relating to the public. Every outward communication should be carefully executed and the mission of the company should never be compromised. How do your customers find you? How does the public perceive your business? These points can be incorporated into a P.R. strategy that maintains consistent messages to your customers, thereby keeping your company top of mind and, in turn, growing your business.
Below are six P.R. strategies that can be implemented today. Whether you hire an outside professional or keep your publicity in-house, these strategies should be a part of your marketing plan.
1. Brand Building: It is very common for businesses to use advertising in brand-building strategies, however publicity can be less expensive and much more effective in establishing a brand’s identity. One complimentary news piece in a publication read by your target consumer can produce significant results. Publicity, whether performed by an external company or executed in-house, can also be cost-effective.
Several online distribution services are available making the cost to send out a press release affordable, and sometimes even free depending on desired reach. It is important that any news release is informative and factual. Many of the online distribution services even offer templates to assist in the development of a release for a small fee. Before paying for such a service, however, be sure to identify hidden talent in your organization – there may be a great writer in your midst.
2. Generate Press Releases: Press releases are for announcing newsworthy information to the media only. If the information is not news, it should not be announced. In addition to news, a press release should contain only facts – not hype. Business as usual is not news. Celebrating a milestone such as a ten-year anniversary, one-millionth sale, or appointing a new CEO is newsworthy. In many cases, a newsworthy story can be developed with some creativity.
For example, if your company manufactures comfortable walking shoes you can create a “Walk to Work” day. Provide fun facts about the health benefits of walking and why the right walking shoes are so important. This can be pitched to your local media outlets and may get picked up nationally. Many times current events will also create an opportunity for a press release (see #3.) Remember to always include your company’s website at least once and be sure accurate contact information is listed.
3. Tap Into Media Trends: Many times businesses can tie into current events and trends in the media. For example, if the evening news is covering storm damage to an area in your town and your company sells a product or service that would benefit people living in those areas, you have a topical news announcement. Call, fax or email the news desk and tell them about your product and why their viewers need to know about it. Be sure to mention that your story idea is time-sensitive. Watch your local news for one week and take notes. Identify what types of stories the local reporters are covering. Chances are at least one of the subjects covered was a direct result of a recent news story. Listen and learn how one led to the other then be ready to pitch your service or product when future opportunities arise.
4. Increase Awareness by Increasing Search Engine Listings: Each time a release is distributed over the Internet or a story is written and posted online, be sure your company’s web address is included. The more links to your site, the better the exposure your site will receive in search engines. In addition to press releases, link swapping, article postings, quotes, and endorsements are great ways to generate links online. Google your company and your competitor’s company daily. If your company is not as prominent as your competitor’s, read their results listings and learn what they are doing to generate links.
5. Website Improvements Produce More Traffic: Optimize your company’s website often. Be sure keywords on the website are targeted toward your consumers. Ask customers what words they would enter in a search engine when looking for your products or services and add those to your keywords. Small adjustments can mean a big difference in traffic to the site and subsequently increased business. Constantly updating web content is an easy and effective way to generate better search engine results. Be sure to update news and information at least once a month. Always add press release announcements to your website press area – and be sure your press area is easy to find, easy to read, and easy to print.
6. Highlight Expertise: One of the best ways to generate publicity is to establish expert credibility with the media. Do competitors continually get quoted in industry trade publications and you don’t? They’ve probably done a good job of alerting the media about their expertise in your field. Don’t worry, however, all journalists want to have more than one expert in any field. Begin to define yourself as an expert by writing articles, including the word expert in press releases, biographies, announcements, and descriptions. If you make a living doing what you do, you are an expert. If you are having trouble determining your area of expertise: ask friends, family, and colleagues to help identify your strengths and start spreading the word. Update the company description on your website right now by including your newly identified expertise and you’ve accomplished #5 and #6 already!
Freelance News Writing And Journalism
Knowing how to write a news article is one thing. How to benefit financially from that knowledge is another.
For editors, a freelance journalist can be an irritant and a savior all at once. They can be bothersome when repeatedly proposing story ideas at busy deadline times but they can also rescue a news desk that may be short of staff on any particular day.
The key to freelance journalism is to keep plugging away with quality work so that the editor will always have time for you.
To get a foot in the door of your local newspaper, a freelancer should know four things – the news, the editors, the newsmakers and the follow-ups.
Spend some time thinking about these four important facets and how you may write your articles before you even start to submit work to any publication.
1. Know the news – it may sound obvious, but you’d be amazed at the number of freelancers who have no knowledge of local issues but believe the quality of their writing gives them first right to premium column space. It doesn’t matter how well you write, if your article is irrelevant to the publication’s agenda, it has little chance of getting used. Take time to read the paper. Go through the issues and gain an understanding of its editorial stance and what it cares about, not what you think is important.
2. The editors – these people are the gatekeepers of your articles and they could drop your stories at a whim. You should know them, their names, positions in the company, demeanor and how they feel about certain issues, which can give you an idea on how to slant your articles for a better chance of getting published.
3. The newsmakers – it is crucial that you know who makes the news and who doesn’t. Go through newspapers in your area and identify which people are the ones who are quoted and to what issues they are often sought out for. Once you know that, go through the phone directory and get their contact numbers. Your ultimate aim is to get to know these people voice-to-voice, face-to-face on a professional, and even personal, level.
4. The follow-ups – this is probably the most important knowledge you can have because this is what will brand you as a journalist. And, significantly, this is not something you can read up on but it is what you generate from your own head. If an issue crops up, arm yourself with the knowledge required from the first three points and then work on a possible follow-up story. Remember, the in-house reporters will probably be doing the same thing, so you should try to think of a different angle. This will prevent you from stepping on toes and also raise your standing in the eyes of editors.
Once you have all this in your head, call or email the editor and tell him or her your story idea. If it is topical, fresh and relevant to what the paper had in its latest issue, and it takes the story further, there is a good chance it will be used.
If so, you have your foot in the door. This does not only apply to newspapers. There are magazines and online news outlets that can also be targeted. Follow these four rules and kick-start your freelance journalism career.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)