The most important brand you can invest in is YOU. Yet many people are content just updating their resume every few years and going with the flow. Those who jump in and make a splash are the most successful in an A.D.D. society that's is all about being remarkable.In my new 4 week intensive program, I work with you to create your Remarkable Online Identity or R.O.I for short. Because as you know, it's all about the ROI, whether you are buying a product or someone is buying your services.
Week One: Getting To Know You.
We spend 90 minutes talking about what you've accomplished already in your professional life and the even bigger goals that you will tackle in your future. We'll use your 'wins' to propel you forward online and in the real world.
Week Two: Start Your R.O.I. Strategy.
We spend 60 minutes working on your custom R.O.I. Strategy that is your roadmap to success today and in the future. I'll ask you questions to help you determine what your most important goals are and their priority. We'll discuss the best online tools to help you create your Remarkable Online Identity; including: podcasts, blogs, social networking, email marketing and many more!
Week Three: Complete Your R.O.I. Strategy.
We spend another 60 minutes tweaking your R.O.I. Strategy to be sure it is exactly what you want. We may add some additional goals and remove some that are not as important.
Week Four: Roll-Out Your Remarkable Online Identity.
Our final 60 minute session will be all about ACTION. We'll talk about timelines and the tools you will use to become larger than life online.For imformation on pricing and availability, please call Laura at: 646-240-7783. All sessions are delivered over the phone. Face to face sessions are available for an additional fee.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Podcampnyc promo
clipped from www.youtube.com
An introduction to Podcamp NYC, a special free event about podcasting to be held at The New School in New York City on April 6-7, 2007 and featured on TVMainstream.com.
 |
CHEW: A comedy about a date from hell
My friend and client sara steigerwald made this short film for about $300. and a dream. If you look closely you'll see me playing one half of the "Happy Couple." My boyfriend Jim is the second half of the Happy Couple.
clipped from www.youtube.com |
Sunday, February 18, 2007
How Not to Pitch David Bowie in an elevator
PitchGirl; In an elevator with David Bowie—How I Blew my chance with Bowie and how that led to my Dream Job of Pitching for a living!
When I used to work for a small indie book publishing company in trendy, Soho, New York, I once found myself sharing an elevator with David Bowie. Starstruck, I just stood there for a few floors, knowing that I was missing my one and only opportunity to speak to the man who brought me, "Changes," "Modern Love" "China Girl" and so many other shiny pop/punk songs of my youth. It was only a 12 story building, so I knew time was running out.
"Mr. Bowie, I am SUCH A HUGE FAN." I stammered. "Are you going to Details magazine for a photo shoot?" I asked, desperate to have any interaction with him. Details Magazine had a floor in the building and that was the only thing I could think to say. (Are you going to Details? What a ridiculous question. I immediately felt like an ass.)
"No, I’m going to Philip’s studio," he said with a gleaming white smile, as he politely exited on the 9th floor. Philip, by the way, is Philip Glass the experimental music composer, who also shared space in the building. My friend Alex was in the elevator with me and was thrilled that I was even able to bring myself to speak to Bowie. This encounter bothered me for years, because I felt I could have done so much more with that opportunity—even though it was probably less than 30 seconds from the time the elevator doors opened to the time the doors closed.
Fast forward to the year 2001 and the U.S. economy is a disaster. New York is reeling from 9/11. Every person I have ever worked with, met at a cocktail party, dated for more than 10 minutes, is now calling me looking for advice and job leads. The stories were all the same,
"Laura, I just got downsized, who do you know that’s looking to hire. I’ll do whatever I need to do, work at Starbuck’s, wait tables, you name it, I’ll do it. I just gotta make rent."
For the first time since I moved to the city in 1989, I did not know anyone looking to hire. I started to realize that if all of these newly jobless people in my rapidly expanding circle of friends were going to find a job, any job, anytime soon, they were going to need to learn a lesson from my elevator ride with Bowie. They were going to need to learn to pitch themselves and they were going to have to learn to do it very fast and very well. They could not blow that opportunity in an elevator with Bowie or anyone else.
The way that I was going to survive this economic downturn was to help everyone else get a job or get more clients. I wasn’t sure exactly how this was going to work, I only knew that I was broke and unemployed too and at least this would be a good thing to do and it would keep me busy so that I would not have time to freak out.
My boyfriend Jim and I started thinking about how we could help. He came up with the concept of the 15 second pitch. The 15SecondPitch would be the new, updated version of the 2 minute elevator pitch.
We figured that two minutes was too long for a pitch and that most buildings were not that tall anyway. The pitch had to be clear, concise, creative and most importantly, it had to be quick. Salespeople, Hollywood screenwriters and entrepreneurs looking for Venture Capital were all completely aware of the power of having a great pitch. So why couldn’t this work for job seekers, consultants and career changers? We knew that it could!
In 2007, we currently have over 2,300 members on our website 15SecondPitch.com who have created and posted their 15SecondPitch for people in over 60 countries around the world to see for free. I have trained hundreds of people to craft and deliver their pitch to get the job or clients that they want. I’ve coached people to make seemingly impossible career changes. A few of my clients have started their own small businesses on the side and are nearly ready to ditch their day jobs. Other clients have landed their dream jobs with out-of-this-world salaries attached. It’s been a fun, crazy few years of building a business based on a real need for people to find work. And while I was helping my extended circle of friends, I also found my life’s purpose. I will always know what to say to David Bowie and anyone else I might meet in an elevator--or anywhere else.
When I used to work for a small indie book publishing company in trendy, Soho, New York, I once found myself sharing an elevator with David Bowie. Starstruck, I just stood there for a few floors, knowing that I was missing my one and only opportunity to speak to the man who brought me, "Changes," "Modern Love" "China Girl" and so many other shiny pop/punk songs of my youth. It was only a 12 story building, so I knew time was running out.
"Mr. Bowie, I am SUCH A HUGE FAN." I stammered. "Are you going to Details magazine for a photo shoot?" I asked, desperate to have any interaction with him. Details Magazine had a floor in the building and that was the only thing I could think to say. (Are you going to Details? What a ridiculous question. I immediately felt like an ass.)
"No, I’m going to Philip’s studio," he said with a gleaming white smile, as he politely exited on the 9th floor. Philip, by the way, is Philip Glass the experimental music composer, who also shared space in the building. My friend Alex was in the elevator with me and was thrilled that I was even able to bring myself to speak to Bowie. This encounter bothered me for years, because I felt I could have done so much more with that opportunity—even though it was probably less than 30 seconds from the time the elevator doors opened to the time the doors closed.
Fast forward to the year 2001 and the U.S. economy is a disaster. New York is reeling from 9/11. Every person I have ever worked with, met at a cocktail party, dated for more than 10 minutes, is now calling me looking for advice and job leads. The stories were all the same,
"Laura, I just got downsized, who do you know that’s looking to hire. I’ll do whatever I need to do, work at Starbuck’s, wait tables, you name it, I’ll do it. I just gotta make rent."
For the first time since I moved to the city in 1989, I did not know anyone looking to hire. I started to realize that if all of these newly jobless people in my rapidly expanding circle of friends were going to find a job, any job, anytime soon, they were going to need to learn a lesson from my elevator ride with Bowie. They were going to need to learn to pitch themselves and they were going to have to learn to do it very fast and very well. They could not blow that opportunity in an elevator with Bowie or anyone else.
The way that I was going to survive this economic downturn was to help everyone else get a job or get more clients. I wasn’t sure exactly how this was going to work, I only knew that I was broke and unemployed too and at least this would be a good thing to do and it would keep me busy so that I would not have time to freak out.
My boyfriend Jim and I started thinking about how we could help. He came up with the concept of the 15 second pitch. The 15SecondPitch would be the new, updated version of the 2 minute elevator pitch.
We figured that two minutes was too long for a pitch and that most buildings were not that tall anyway. The pitch had to be clear, concise, creative and most importantly, it had to be quick. Salespeople, Hollywood screenwriters and entrepreneurs looking for Venture Capital were all completely aware of the power of having a great pitch. So why couldn’t this work for job seekers, consultants and career changers? We knew that it could!
In 2007, we currently have over 2,300 members on our website 15SecondPitch.com who have created and posted their 15SecondPitch for people in over 60 countries around the world to see for free. I have trained hundreds of people to craft and deliver their pitch to get the job or clients that they want. I’ve coached people to make seemingly impossible career changes. A few of my clients have started their own small businesses on the side and are nearly ready to ditch their day jobs. Other clients have landed their dream jobs with out-of-this-world salaries attached. It’s been a fun, crazy few years of building a business based on a real need for people to find work. And while I was helping my extended circle of friends, I also found my life’s purpose. I will always know what to say to David Bowie and anyone else I might meet in an elevator--or anywhere else.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
In The News
15SecondPitch is In The News!
Here are some of the latest blogs and websites that have mentioned 15SecondPitch:
3/10/09
Dawn Kligensmith, Philly.com/Jobs
Can You Sell Yourself in 15 Seconds?
2/14/09
Jennifer Lonoff Schiff, Know Schiff Blog
Does Social Networking Really Work? Plus, a tip for creating a great pitch
11/7/08
Melania Szlucha wrote about 15SP on Examiner.com:
"It's amazing how your network will grow when you get off your couch"
4/26/08
15SecondPitch on Small Biz Trends:
"Does Your Business Have a Niche or Specialty?"
"Does Your Business Have a Niche or Specialty?"
10/11/07
Marci Alboher, blogger for NYTimes.com writes about Laura Allen in her column, Shifting Careers:
"Blogger, Meet Small Business Owner"
"Blogger, Meet Small Business Owner"
10/10/07
15SecondPitch co-founder Laura Allen's feature article for The Ladders.com:
4/10/07
15secondpitch on Web Worker Daily:
Refining Your Personal Elevator Pitch
Refining Your Personal Elevator Pitch
Read more press mentions here
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Civil War, Coke, Tsunami, Green Tea and Global Business
At last count, 15SecondPitch.com had visitors from over 60 countries!! Right now, there are visitors from Japan, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and a whole host of other countries finding our website and creating their pitches for all of the world to see!! I recently came up with the silly slogan “I’d like to teach the world to pitch” which is based on the classic coca cola TV commercial jingle, “I’d like to buy the world a coke” If you are too young to remember this ad campaign, I strongly suggest you Google it, because I think you’ll get a big kick out of it.
Old Coca Cola Ad
The song and the concept probably seem pretty sappy and ultra-sweet, by today’s ultra-hip standards, just like the original, non-diet version of Coke. The idea behind the campaign is that if everyone could sit down and share a coke together and talk, there would be much less violence in the world. Who knows, maybe it’s worth a try?
We live in a global economy and the world is getting smaller and more connected. I’ve purchased DVDs via a British man on eBay. I’d say 90% of the clothes I own are not made in the United States. And the bananas I buy from the street vendor in front of my apartment building have a sticker on them that says Ecuador.
All of these examples still FEEL far away and distant, though. It’s not until you meet someone like Monaqui Porter-Young, that you feel the world really IS getting smaller!! I’d hoped to have time to do a quick interview with Monaqui at an event that I spoke at recently, here in New York City, which was hosted by the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Network or IWEN for short.
www.iwen-online.org It was a busy day though and I did not get a chance, so I’m just going to tell you about Monaqui and her incredible business that exports green tea from Sri Lanka to the United States and around the world.
Monaqui started her green tea business four years ago. Her tea plantation is located on a 90 acre rainforest called Paradis Farm, located in Sri Lanka, and her newest product is a green tea called SHREE NAH tea, spelled, SRINA. The most amazing thing that Monaqui shared with me is that there have been 20 years of civil war there and some of the women who work on her farm have husbands who are on opposite sides of the conflict. As the women work side by side peacefully on the farm, their husbands are out trying to kill each other!! These women say “we care about feeding our families and having a better life…let the men do the fighting…”WOW! Can you imagine?
A civil war is a big enough obstacle, however, in 2005, the business was also impacted by the tsunami. Monaqui and her team take it all in stride though. They have a vision and a mission that keeps them going against the odds. She says, “We are produing a superior commondity for the tea market while offering something magical to the people at the farm—pride and the ability to change their life using their country’s natural resources.”
And global business is responding to Monaqui’s SHREE-NA tea!! From tiny boutique spas to multi-billion dollar retail stores, everyone wants to know more about this magical Green Tea.
So maybe the new slogan should be, “I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I'd like to buy the world some TEA and keep it company. “
Of course I don’t know if Monaqui’s company could withstand the lawsuit from Coke, if we re-purposed their classic jingle, so I guess we better come up with a NEW song!!! I’ll start working on that now….
I’m Laura allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com, reminding you to have a good day and create a GREAT international PITCH.
Go to www.SRINA.com
Old Coca Cola Ad
The song and the concept probably seem pretty sappy and ultra-sweet, by today’s ultra-hip standards, just like the original, non-diet version of Coke. The idea behind the campaign is that if everyone could sit down and share a coke together and talk, there would be much less violence in the world. Who knows, maybe it’s worth a try?
We live in a global economy and the world is getting smaller and more connected. I’ve purchased DVDs via a British man on eBay. I’d say 90% of the clothes I own are not made in the United States. And the bananas I buy from the street vendor in front of my apartment building have a sticker on them that says Ecuador.
All of these examples still FEEL far away and distant, though. It’s not until you meet someone like Monaqui Porter-Young, that you feel the world really IS getting smaller!! I’d hoped to have time to do a quick interview with Monaqui at an event that I spoke at recently, here in New York City, which was hosted by the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Network or IWEN for short.
www.iwen-online.org It was a busy day though and I did not get a chance, so I’m just going to tell you about Monaqui and her incredible business that exports green tea from Sri Lanka to the United States and around the world.
Monaqui started her green tea business four years ago. Her tea plantation is located on a 90 acre rainforest called Paradis Farm, located in Sri Lanka, and her newest product is a green tea called SHREE NAH tea, spelled, SRINA. The most amazing thing that Monaqui shared with me is that there have been 20 years of civil war there and some of the women who work on her farm have husbands who are on opposite sides of the conflict. As the women work side by side peacefully on the farm, their husbands are out trying to kill each other!! These women say “we care about feeding our families and having a better life…let the men do the fighting…”WOW! Can you imagine?
A civil war is a big enough obstacle, however, in 2005, the business was also impacted by the tsunami. Monaqui and her team take it all in stride though. They have a vision and a mission that keeps them going against the odds. She says, “We are produing a superior commondity for the tea market while offering something magical to the people at the farm—pride and the ability to change their life using their country’s natural resources.”
And global business is responding to Monaqui’s SHREE-NA tea!! From tiny boutique spas to multi-billion dollar retail stores, everyone wants to know more about this magical Green Tea.
So maybe the new slogan should be, “I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I'd like to buy the world some TEA and keep it company. “
Of course I don’t know if Monaqui’s company could withstand the lawsuit from Coke, if we re-purposed their classic jingle, so I guess we better come up with a NEW song!!! I’ll start working on that now….
I’m Laura allen, co-founder of 15SecondPitch.com, reminding you to have a good day and create a GREAT international PITCH.
Go to www.SRINA.com
Friday, October 06, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Recent survey finds 70% of pros can't pitch
We created a survey at 15SecondPitch.com which we turned into a press release which you can see here on forbes.com.
http://tinyurl.com/jzghy
:)
laura
http://tinyurl.com/jzghy
:)
laura
Monday, September 11, 2006
Podcamp Presentation: Pitch Yourself in 15Seconds
Podcamp Boston was a great time! I have a lot to say about it, however, I've had a few people ask if there was a place where they could hear my presentation, so I wanted to post this right away.
http://www.15secondpitch.com/podcasts/podcamp.mp3 I know this is not the easiest way for you to hear this, so I apologize in advance and I'm looking at better alternatives.
In this presentation I share 15SecondPitches from; Chris Brogan, Adam Weiss and Bryan Person.
:)
laura
http://www.15secondpitch.com/podcasts/podcamp.mp3 I know this is not the easiest way for you to hear this, so I apologize in advance and I'm looking at better alternatives.
In this presentation I share 15SecondPitches from; Chris Brogan, Adam Weiss and Bryan Person.
:)
laura
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Carnival of Marketing--My Love Letter from Seth Godin--sort of
I reached out to a few truly visionary marketing folks with the following request.
Here's Seth's response:
This is why so many people look to the wise bald man for marketing wisdom. In two sentences he reminds us that the most effective marketing is the most intensely personal. It is what is most relevant to your audience at this very moment. Who wouldn't want to get an email like this? I would! Thanks Seth!
For more Seth, go to: http://sethgodin.typepad.com
I wonder if you would provide a one or two sentence summary on the best marketing pitch that you've ever heard. (or pretty much anything else you'd like to give two sentences on.)
Here's Seth's response:
I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you tomorrow when you get home.Seth
This is why so many people look to the wise bald man for marketing wisdom. In two sentences he reminds us that the most effective marketing is the most intensely personal. It is what is most relevant to your audience at this very moment. Who wouldn't want to get an email like this? I would! Thanks Seth!
For more Seth, go to: http://sethgodin.typepad.com
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Carnival of Marketing--The Art of Word of Mouth
Here's a great article from Sean Moffitt, Sean is the founder of AgentWildFire.com a word of mouth marketing firm in Canada. He's written "30 Top Great Tips" on how to get word of mouth marketing work for you. It's worth checking out all of them, here are the five tips I liked the most:
#1 - Leverage the Six Key Motivations Why Humans Talk – tap into basic human instincts that control most of us, we talk: 1) to survive, 2) to connect, 3) to make sense of the world, 4) to reduce risk, 5) to benefit economically and 6) to relieve tension. Try to make your word of mouth quench one of these motivations.
#5 - Launch a Meme – a meme is an idea designed to spread; create a “bandwagon effect” for your word of mouth by attaching your own meme to it through catchphrases, lingo, metaphors, jingles…etc. so that not only does it convince others but encourages them to pass your message onto others.
#11 - Create the Best Soundbytes – most human’s capacity to only recall 7 things at one time, above that number and we either have to commit it to memory or more likely toss it out for other stuff to wade in. Take the most relevant points from your own experience and our Word of Mouth Handbook and make your key word of mouth points in 5 bytes or less.
#16 - Be Inspired – genuine authenticity and passion greases the conveyor belt of word of mouth; true word of mouth advocacy can’t be faked (nor should it be), but honest enthusiasm is magnetic and powerful and infects others with a feeling of excitement and energy, use is to make your word of mouth sing.
#18 - Make the First 30 Seconds Count – most people make impressions lightning fast –provide the “why I should I care benefit” in the first ½ minute of your conversation to avoid the “why didn’t you tell me earlier, I would have paid more attention” response.
I'd love to hear how you are using word of mouth marketing to increase traffic to your blog and or build your business. Read the entire article here:
The Art of the Word of Mouth Conversation
#1 - Leverage the Six Key Motivations Why Humans Talk – tap into basic human instincts that control most of us, we talk: 1) to survive, 2) to connect, 3) to make sense of the world, 4) to reduce risk, 5) to benefit economically and 6) to relieve tension. Try to make your word of mouth quench one of these motivations.
#5 - Launch a Meme – a meme is an idea designed to spread; create a “bandwagon effect” for your word of mouth by attaching your own meme to it through catchphrases, lingo, metaphors, jingles…etc. so that not only does it convince others but encourages them to pass your message onto others.
#11 - Create the Best Soundbytes – most human’s capacity to only recall 7 things at one time, above that number and we either have to commit it to memory or more likely toss it out for other stuff to wade in. Take the most relevant points from your own experience and our Word of Mouth Handbook and make your key word of mouth points in 5 bytes or less.
#16 - Be Inspired – genuine authenticity and passion greases the conveyor belt of word of mouth; true word of mouth advocacy can’t be faked (nor should it be), but honest enthusiasm is magnetic and powerful and infects others with a feeling of excitement and energy, use is to make your word of mouth sing.
#18 - Make the First 30 Seconds Count – most people make impressions lightning fast –provide the “why I should I care benefit” in the first ½ minute of your conversation to avoid the “why didn’t you tell me earlier, I would have paid more attention” response.
I'd love to hear how you are using word of mouth marketing to increase traffic to your blog and or build your business. Read the entire article here:
The Art of the Word of Mouth Conversation
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Carnival of Marketing--Maybe the word Marketing is Part of the Problem?
I asked several people to send me their thoughts on marketing, specifically for this Carnival. I wanted to get the freshest content available. Our first article is from Chris Brogan, who is a very busy man. He runs: GrasshopperFactor.com
ChrisBrogan.com and
Podcamp.org among others.
Chris writes about how he and a partner conceived of a two-day event, planned it, convinced dozens of small businesses and individuals to sponsor it, and drove more than 200 people to register, all without a lick of marketing experience.
Chris says that the word "market" is part of the problem, that perhaps "connector" is a better title to hold than "marketer," and that the true magic lies in a company or client's ability to build participation into their product, service, or brand.
THIS IS NOT A MARKET
This is not a Market
ChrisBrogan.com and
Podcamp.org among others.
Chris writes about how he and a partner conceived of a two-day event, planned it, convinced dozens of small businesses and individuals to sponsor it, and drove more than 200 people to register, all without a lick of marketing experience.
Chris says that the word "market" is part of the problem, that perhaps "connector" is a better title to hold than "marketer," and that the true magic lies in a company or client's ability to build participation into their product, service, or brand.
THIS IS NOT A MARKET
I am not a marketer. I am an unmarketer. I am not a salesman. I am an unsalesman. Somehow, with the help of others (most notably Chris Penn who runs financialaidpodcast.com), I was able to convince scores of people to give us money (almost $8,000 in increments of $100 or $200), convince hundreds of people to book a weekend with me, and convince an entire technology-centered community to talk about what I’m doing.READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
I’m one of the founders of PodCamp, a free unconference built around creating downloadable audio and video to distribute on the internet via RSS feed. But enough geektalk, because podcasting is a rotten term. I’m in the business of creating conversations through digital media. Podcasting is hot enough to have convinced Nielsen Analytics to create a report about the economics of podcasting. (Don’t feel like reading? Here’s a podcast about it).>Nielsen podcast
I’m passionate about the new media space because I’ve seen it in action. I’ve seen bloggers bring down political candidates. I’ve personally listened to podcasts that gave me the advantage of topical knowledge over a vendor, who hadn’t heard his own CTO’s statements about their products before coming to sit across a table from me. And I’ve seen the value of the ME in new media by watching coverage recorded from the perspective of the common man.
This is not a Market
Hear a multi-million dollar 15SecondPitch
Click the pink play button to hear an example of a pitch that I helped an indie-filmmaker create to secure millions in funding for her film, with an A list actress as the star.
powered by ODEO
powered by ODEO
I'm hosting Carnival of Marketing--starts--tonight
I'll be hosting Carnival of Marketing which will start at 7pm tonight. Please send me your articles for consideration by 5pm EST tonight! The Carnival of Marketing was Noah Kagin's idea. His blog is
Okdork.com He's had some incredible people host so far, including a great one last week by MarketersStudio.com . Send your articles to: laura at 15SecondPitch.com
Okdork.com He's had some incredible people host so far, including a great one last week by MarketersStudio.com . Send your articles to: laura at 15SecondPitch.com
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Brevity Counts
Jim and I have had a few mantras since starting 15SecondPitch in 2002. One of our favorites is: BREVITY COUNTS. Proof of that comes today as Jim got his Letter to the Editor published in The New York Times.
What's wrong with this picture?
What's wrong with this picture?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Small Biz Survival: Blogging: How to position yourself as an expert
Small Biz Survival: Blogging: How to position yourself as an expert by Becky McCray
Becky writes a great blog about Small Biz Survival. I particulary like this post about positioning yourself as an expert. That's something I spend a lot of time talking about with my clients. Most of them are not comfortable with the title of "expert" however, most of them have enough knowledge, even if it is in just one area, to be able to pull it off. Great post and great website! I'll be adding a podcast about pitching to their site soon.
Becky writes a great blog about Small Biz Survival. I particulary like this post about positioning yourself as an expert. That's something I spend a lot of time talking about with my clients. Most of them are not comfortable with the title of "expert" however, most of them have enough knowledge, even if it is in just one area, to be able to pull it off. Great post and great website! I'll be adding a podcast about pitching to their site soon.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Karen Salmansohn features 15SecondPitch.com
I'm so excited! We got a big write-up on Karen Salmansohn's blog and newsletter today. Here's a sneak preview:
Have you noticed? It's a busy, loud, stressed out world. It's harder than ever to stand out and be remembered.Want to know how to make a memorable impression -- even in a crowded bar or hustling-bustling conference?Laura Allen, co-founder of 15secondpitch.com can teach anybody to sell themselves and their product fast and impactfully.Here is some of Laura’s magic formula...Read the rest of the article at: http://www.notsalmon.com/blog.php
About Karen:
Karen Salmansohn is a best-selling author and life coach with 27 books.People as diverse as Madonna, Jon Stewart, Marissa Tomei, Jennifer Weiner, Eminem, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Ricki Lake, and Graydon Carter (for starters) have read, loved, and hyped her books. Her latest book is called Ballsy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158180816X/sr=8-1/qid=1153159350/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-7928598-1063951?ie=UTF8
Have you noticed? It's a busy, loud, stressed out world. It's harder than ever to stand out and be remembered.Want to know how to make a memorable impression -- even in a crowded bar or hustling-bustling conference?Laura Allen, co-founder of 15secondpitch.com can teach anybody to sell themselves and their product fast and impactfully.Here is some of Laura’s magic formula...Read the rest of the article at: http://www.notsalmon.com/blog.php
About Karen:
Karen Salmansohn is a best-selling author and life coach with 27 books.People as diverse as Madonna, Jon Stewart, Marissa Tomei, Jennifer Weiner, Eminem, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Ricki Lake, and Graydon Carter (for starters) have read, loved, and hyped her books. Her latest book is called Ballsy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158180816X/sr=8-1/qid=1153159350/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-7928598-1063951?ie=UTF8
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The Starbucks Effect
When you work from home, that "Third Place" takes on real meaning. So why is it that Starbuck's seems to be doing everything in their power to allienate me, a loyal two Tall Skim Cappucinos a day for five years, customer?
I knew that they were starting on a downward slide the moment that pastry case arrived. Sure, it's handy to be able to grab a bagel or scone when you are on your way to work, but have you ever stopped to TASTE that food?! BAD. Really bad. I got burned for the last time when I somehow convinced myself that a Pumpkin Muffin with Cream Cheese seemed like a good idea. Of course they had pictures of this Wonder Muffin on every flat service in the store, so they were selling me from the time I walked through the door. I've had food poisoning twice in my life and the Pumpkin Muffin takes a Third Place Honorary Mention for the havok it wreaked.
I saw a 60 Minutes interview with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and he spent a lot of time showing us around the Magical Lair where his workers create things like the Pomegranite Frappucinno and some Coconut Bananna thing which immediately reminded me of the Pumpkin Muffin so I was smart enough to steer clear of that. I believe he said that there are something like 150,00 different combinations of drink choices available. That's great, but is it NECESSARY? When the local barrista sees me on the corner, before I've even opened the door to the shop, he or she is already making my Tall Skim Cappucino. WHY? Because that is the drink I ALWAYS get. I'd bet that 90% of the people I see everyday at Starbuck's get the SAME drink each and every day. It's easier that way. I made my drink choice 5 years ago and for the most part, I'm stiking to it. The problem is that when the barristas are so busy trying to make that 1/2 Pomegranite 1/2 Bananna Coconut, extra ice, light whip, bubble lid, with jumbo straw SMOOTHIE it's cutting into their time and making it harder for them to give me what I came for; yummy, expensive coffee and a nice enough place to sip it.
I knew that they were starting on a downward slide the moment that pastry case arrived. Sure, it's handy to be able to grab a bagel or scone when you are on your way to work, but have you ever stopped to TASTE that food?! BAD. Really bad. I got burned for the last time when I somehow convinced myself that a Pumpkin Muffin with Cream Cheese seemed like a good idea. Of course they had pictures of this Wonder Muffin on every flat service in the store, so they were selling me from the time I walked through the door. I've had food poisoning twice in my life and the Pumpkin Muffin takes a Third Place Honorary Mention for the havok it wreaked.
I saw a 60 Minutes interview with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and he spent a lot of time showing us around the Magical Lair where his workers create things like the Pomegranite Frappucinno and some Coconut Bananna thing which immediately reminded me of the Pumpkin Muffin so I was smart enough to steer clear of that. I believe he said that there are something like 150,00 different combinations of drink choices available. That's great, but is it NECESSARY? When the local barrista sees me on the corner, before I've even opened the door to the shop, he or she is already making my Tall Skim Cappucino. WHY? Because that is the drink I ALWAYS get. I'd bet that 90% of the people I see everyday at Starbuck's get the SAME drink each and every day. It's easier that way. I made my drink choice 5 years ago and for the most part, I'm stiking to it. The problem is that when the barristas are so busy trying to make that 1/2 Pomegranite 1/2 Bananna Coconut, extra ice, light whip, bubble lid, with jumbo straw SMOOTHIE it's cutting into their time and making it harder for them to give me what I came for; yummy, expensive coffee and a nice enough place to sip it.
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