Aztec Messenger- image from www.manitoumessenger.com

Everybody’s talking “message” these days.

Big message, powerful message, message for the masses, hidden message, message revealed… and every other combination possible. (I’ve been writing and speaking about “the medicine in your message” for years now, and I created Viva Visibility in 2007 to help get YOUR powerful message out to the world)

It’s exciting to market around the concept of a message because we are in changing times. Many are hearing the call to step up and be agents of change in the world… and it’s OK now to allow making a livelihood and delivering a message to coexist. This blog gives you  tools and strategies for leveraging social media and more to do that.

Maybe you want people to find financial freedom doing work that fills their hearts and does good for the world. Perhaps you want to help struggling eaters deal with healthy food choices. Maybe you have an angle on sales that takes the slime out of selling and allows people to sell their services without feeling all yuck. Maybe you’re selling organic, fair trade coffee that helps support educational efforts in impoverished regions. The choices are vast.

With so many people talking about getting powerful messages out to the world, chances are something in you is awakening. It’s not always easy to navigate spiritual, social,  and emotional channels around marketing, so read these tips to take your message out to the world in a powerful and meaningful way (that does your business good, not harm!)

1. Be Real.

Message marketing is big right now because people crave connection and a sense of purpose. Make sure your approach is real and authentic and not simply jumping on the “message” bandwagon. The public is smart- never underestimate them. Glorifying a trend (“no trans fat!” on a lollipop) is not marketing around a message.

2. Get Still Before You Get Loud

One of the biggest mistakes people make around “message marketing” is getting loud about the message before having a deep inside connection with it. Before you go loud with your message, let me share something I learned from an indigenous elder:  give yourself 4 days to ask for guidance from your source/higher power/God/spirit. Get really clear on what your message is, and do it in the place of quiet. Those 4 days are great for figuring it all out. Totally worth the wait if 4 days seems like an eternity to you.

3. Don’t Go Overboard

Nothing matches the fervor of the newly converted. If you’ve ever met someone who just found religion, sobriety, healthy eating, political awareness, or some other life changer, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.  Sometimes people tend to go a little overboard when they’ve discovered their message. Give your audience the chance to adjust to what you’re saying without clobbering them too hard over the head. When you do too much too fast, you risk making hasty decisions.

4. Let Others Ride the Wave With You- There’s Plenty of Room

If you’re the type of person who gets a shock of fear every time someone uses a phrase or approach that you use, you’re going to have to confront that fear on a couple levels. The 100th Monkey effect happens a lot in marketing, whether intentionally or not. Make sure you have an attitude of abundance, not fear. Also, make sure you position your approach to this message uniquely and distinctively. Find ways to position yourself as a thought leader in a movement.

These are foundational tips for taking your message out to the world. Before you apply any strategies or profitability plans, first get clear on whether you’re doing this for real… or if it just feels like what everyone else is doing.

I’d love your comments… and go ahead and comment if you’re feeling called to share a message. This is a great place to let that out and start the momentum rolling.

So maybe you already know Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound, but did you know the woman is an amazing wizard in the kitchen?

You’re probably wondering how I know such classified information…. let me share a little story with you.

Earlier this year I got to share my expertise in creating great social networking profiles with Joan’s audience. We rightfully steered one of her mentees from using a raunchy word in her tagline and shared other tips for attracting clients and leads with great social networking profile pages.

At some point in our casual conversations, I discovered Joan collected suns.

Visiting Handmade Galleries in LA (my absolute favorite gift store and owned by longtime client Andrea Spyros) I spotted a GREAT magnet with a Lotteria inspired sun on it. Hard to describe, but if you took Cesar Rosas from Los Lobos and turned him into Father Son you’d get a good visual on it.

I sent Joan the magnet, along with a Viva Visibility compact mirror and she really liked it. She sent me an email saying to look out for something in the mail, that she only had 1 left in her cellar… Oh dear, is she going to send me her last bottle of expensive wine? My head began to race with possibilities.

A box arrived in the mail.

A heavy box!

A heavy box padded with newspaper and bubble wrap!

As I unwrapped the bundle, I found a big mason jar filled with the most beautiful golden brown concoction I’ve ever seen. I opened the HAND MADE CARD (OK, Joan rocks!) and read that she makes homemade applesauce each year, plus I got an update on the last of her winter crops.

Joan Stewart: Publicity Hound and Home Farmer! I’m so loving her as I popped open the lid of the applesauce. As soon as I took my first spoonful (who has time for a bowl?) I knew only one thing: I couldn’t tell my family about this stuff. It was too good to share.

Applesauce has never been on the short list of things that excite me. I think of pureed baby food and squeezing the mush between the spaces of my teeth as a child.

But Joan’s applesauce was different… chunky… cinnamony… not too sweet… very natural tasting.

And I ate half a quart in one standing. (No time for a bowl, no time to actually sit… this was a kitchen counter encounter with Joan Stewart’s amazing applesauce).

Now, I know what you’re thinking:  “This is the Viva Visibility Blog, not Rachel Ray. How does this all tie in? Is she ever going to mention Twitter?”

Folks, relationships are important. These tools that we use- Twitter, Linked In, Facebook, RSS feeds, iPhones, etc- are meant to enhance our relationships by keeping us informed and connected.

Never forget to unplug and make real human to human interactions. Now excuse me, I have a few more spoonfuls of applesauce to consume.

How a Nice Creative Girl Like Me Ended Up as a Social Media Strategist

I do many teleseminars and interviews, and I find myself hashing over my beginnings and telling my bio quite often. I’m fascinated with other people’s stories, and I’m taking a long shot here and hoping you’re interested in mine… but something is prompting me to share this background info with you. Ready?

Humble Beginnings

When I first started out in this biz in 2003, my focus was on creativity in business- and for a good reason as you’ll find out in this post.

It was a natural fit for me: I’m highly creative and I love to apply that to entrepreneurial ideas.  I coached really cool clients who were applying their creativity to realize amazing products, programs, and services.

Don’t We Know Each Other From Somewhere?

With a background in education (taught everything from 1st Grade to Adult School  in both Spanish and English), an upbringing in a family business (talk flea markets with me ANYTIME and I’ll love you forever), and a touch of clairvoyance (I always thought I was really smart, turns out they weren’t really my ideas to begin with!), I know I bring a unique set of talents to the table.

As I applied my conceptual abilities to marketing and promoting my business, I got great responses from the media, national organizations, cultural groups, and even some political figures. Next thing I knew everyone wanted to know how I did it, and Viva Visibility was born.

The Real Reason

Making marketing easy and effective is an ongoing pursuit, so when I began dabbling in Web 2.0 in 2004,  and dipping my toes into social media in 2006, I didn’t realize I was onto the Next Big Thing. In my mind, I just needed to get more done in less time so I could fold cloth diapers or take my child to a playdate.

My little one was the true reason, not any fascination with various platforms and tools. I hope that doesn’t take the glamour or mystery out of it. There’s no power like Mom power!

What Lola Wants, Lola Gets

Lots of social media experts have tech backgrounds, but that’s not me at all. Don’t tell anyone, but I managed to get a BA, 2 teaching credentials, and a Masters without ever taking statistics and no, I never slept with a professor. When I want something, I don’t let things get in the way or create delays.  (By the way, if you take LOTS of English classes, master a foreign language, excel in your professional field, present at big conferences, etc,  you can really write your own ticket in grad school. Shhh, I keep outing all these secrets!)

Mexica Tiahui

As a descendent of the great Aztec people, I have what I call my Aztec Warrior Queen survivor spirit. Drop me into a situation and I’ll survive. Put me somewhere without a map, and I’ll find my way home. Give me a marketing challenge and I’ll figure something out. Show me an empty refrigerator and I’ll wow you with a dinner you’ll never forget.

With that sense of guidance, I figure things out and don’t give up.

I may not be an official techie, but I sure can speak Geek now with the best of them.

Why Creativity Is Important Now

My mastermind clients are asking me to help them be more creative. I took much of this for granted because I figured everyone could come to the same or similar conclusions and concepts I end up at. Not so, I’ve learned. It’s when I connect to other highly creative thinkers and manic conceptualists that I feel the buzz and realize we really are a unique breed.

Whenever I see someone playing it safe with their branding, holding back with their message, or missing an opportunity for fear it may not be “congruent” with the way they’re expected to be, I see creativity squashed.

When I see people reinvent themselves or try out a new tagline (even the most imperfect of taglines), spruce up their look and feel, or delve into new waters, then I applaud. That is taking action and a huge part of what creativity is about.

True creatives are bridge builders, not wall builders. We constantly find ways to connect things, ideas, and concepts. We borrow from here and there and take inspiration from where it comes.

Surround yourself with people who are not content with the same-old, same-old. Call a friend and say “Hey I have this crazy idea, can you just hear me out for 5 minutes and promise not to tell me how it’s impossible?”

Watch kids play. Watch puppies frolic. Spend time outdoors and observe how no straight lines ever appear in Mother Nature’s artistry.  Do something outrageous. Do something soulful.

I hope that my reflections somehow encourage you to follow your creative muse. Whether it’s in your business or your life, now more than ever we need highly creative thinkers.

Thanks for letting me share this with you! You’re invited to share this post with a friend and ask what they’re doing to stay creative. Let’s create a conversation and start the creative sparks flying!

Motivational tweets are an easy way for Twitter users to show value to their followers… but that plan can backfire if you’re not careful.

The problem motivational Tweeters face is coming off as fake, preachy, saccharin, syrupy, or just plain one-dimensional.

If you like to share feel good thoughts in the Twitterverse, or perhaps you’re thinking of rounding out your edgy crabbiness with a positive note every now and then, check out these tips culled from the Viva Visibility observation deck.

When you communicate that you’re a REAL person, that’s when you start making the connections that create incredible impact on Twitter and beyond.

5 Tips for  Motivational Tweeting

1. Make sure your Tweets are not ALL motivational quotes. First of all, it makes it look like you’re not really on Twitter, or that you’re faking it somehow. Mix it up with real time replies. Perpetually “up” people have been known to cause phobic reactions in laboratory mice. (I made that up. But how much do you want to bet there’s a study out there proving me right?)

2. A joke, a smile, or some wit can be just as motivating as a platitude on goal setting/achieving. Be creative in how you inspire others.

Follow these folks. They’re funny. (Or at least me and @KayBallard think they are)
@catdog03
@joshacagan
@paulapoundstone

3. You can’t FORCE everyone to be happy. I’ve actually witnessed “positive” people berate others for Tweeting about life’s ups and down. Instead of forcing someone into happiness, how about brightening up their day through other means? That human connection can be way more powerful than another Tony Robbins quote!

4. Recognition is motivating too! Find a stranger and retweet that person, mention him or her on #followfriday, or do something nice like that. Your motivating can work on a low level as well as a big platform.

5. Lead by example. There are some people I see on Twitter who have such great dispositions, I can’t help but feel good reading their Tweets. They’re not one-dimensional happyniks either. Just real people appreciating the present moment that Twitter has us focused on, sharing that present moment with the rest of us.

What are your tips for being a force of positivity on the web? (Think outside of the motivational quote box.)

If you are a motivational Tweeter, how do you mix it up so you don’t sound like a trip down the greeting card aisle?

Leave your comments below!

“Amazing Awaits”

Wednesday January 21, 2009
Hosted by Nancy Marmolejo with special guest Innovation Expert, Julie Ann Turner

I’m hosting this special Webinar to give you a chance to hear from a recognized innovation expert, a brilliant strategist, and a true creative force -Julie Ann Turner – Founder/CEO of CreatorsGuide.com, an award-winning trainer, consultant, author, community leader and social entrepreneur.

Over the past few year, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Julie Ann’s work, mission and message -and her work is so powerful – and so much in alignment with the vision and values we share here -
I immediately wanted to ensure you had access to it.

Click here and we’ll be sure to save a spot for you

As you will see, Julie Ann’s message and system actually may serve as a SECRET WEAPON [and powerful guidance system] – to propel both your personal success and your business profitability to an altogether higher level.

We will be talking about how to shift your life to the next level of purpose, profitability and potential not only at the level of your work or business, but at the level of your ultimate life contribution …your LEGACY.

No matter where you are in your “Success Trajectory,” there is always more … more to experience, more to contribute, more to enjoy … AMAZING AWAITS! And we’re going to show you exactly what that means for YOU.

Join us this Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. [Eastern] / 3:00 p.m. [Pacific]/for this valuable Webinar (at no charge to you)

Grab your spot here (remember, it’s free)

In this complimentary Webinar, you will discover how to:

• Actively shift your “Success Trajectory” to its highest level(from your work-career and finances to your ultimate life contribution)

• Accelerate your Profitability(even under the most challenging circumstances)

• Discover how you can Claim your Authentic Power to lead, inspire and motivate those you work with – in less than an hour (anytime you choose – with a step-by-step system – tips, tools, concrete plans – we’ll share on this call)

Sign up now to claim your true power and leap forward
into the extraordinary success you deserve!

REGISTER NOW

Imagine what some innovation and inspiration can do for your life!

Here are some ways you can stand out, get noticed, and get more business this upcoming year:

1. Focus on QUALITY contacts and connections

Sure you have 1000 friends on Facebook, but how many of those are quality connections? Rather than get caught up in the numbers frenzy, find the most valuable contacts and work on creating profitable results together.

2. Showcase your expertise

Learn how to be crystal clear on your expertise, who it benefits, and the results it produces. Then take that power pack of credibility into the world and wow them with your brilliance.

3. Be consistent

A confused mind will always say “NO”. When you’re inconsistent with your message, your branding, or your area of expertise, you’ll only confuse people.

4. Let go of your ego

You don’t need to be a mystic master to understand how the ego can sabotage your success. It shows up in stage fright (what will everyone think of ME!!!), catty negativity, and perfectionism. When you let go of the ego and the insecurities, it ties you back into the power of your message which always trumps fear and ego.

5. Connect to your medicine

Deep down inside you, there is medicine. No, not the 3 motrin you popped earlier today, but that sense of purpose and mission. I call it your “medicine” and THAT is what needs to drive your visibility goals. Your expertise and your message are medicine the world needs. Get over yourself and get that medicine out there!

When you have your purpose and your expertise clear, plugging that into the many tools and techniques becomes second nature. The world needs your help right now… make 2009 your year to stand out and sizzle!

I’ll keep them short and sweet…

1. Let’s just start with a big zinger: I’m allergic to chocolate.

At the age of 27, I remember biting into some See’s chocolates and shortly thereafter got double vision, a throbbing headache and awful nausea. It was a migraine, something I’d never experienced before. Apparently something in chocolate triggers this in me and don’t ask me why it took 27 years to activate. Since then I cannot eat chocolate without suffering an endless migraine, some of which have lasted up to 4 days. That’s incentive enough to avoid the stuff.

2. I am also allergic to raw tomatoes!

Same thing.. age 27 the migraines started and in addition to chocolate, raw tomatoes trigger them. I found this out the summer I decided to grow tomatoes and ate them in excess. Too much of a good thing… sometimes I can eat salsa fresca, but i have to be really careful.

3. Out of high school I wanted to study Film, but something happened…

I got psyched out by someone who tapped into my insecurities and convinced me it was a bad idea. Took me a lot of years of self introspection to get a grip on that one. Now I am involved with online video so my dreams took a different path!

4. I’m the youngest of 6 kids.

You know what that means… bottom of the pecking order and perennial ass kicking from older siblings! Instilled a fierce sense of determination in me. And by the way, my sibs and I all grew up to be very close and loving to each other!

5. My first career was teaching

Fresh out of college, I became a bilingual teacher and worked with Spanish speaking 1st and 2nd graders. I stayed in teaching for close to 12 years teaching everything from 1st grade to high school. I always worked with students who were struggling, and to this day I champion the underdog and pay close attention to marginalized communities.

6. I grew up at a Flea Market

My dad had a variety store in our small town, then went on to open up a Flea Market after the store went out of business. I started working there when I was 13 or 14, slinging hot dogs and slushies in the snack bar. The “fleas” as we called them were an eclectic mix: Hells Angels, cholos, eccentrics, antique collectors, intellectuals, gourmands, refugees… you name it. Working there taught me not to pass judgment on anyone until you really get to know them and their story.

7. I feel naked without dangling earrings

I’ve had pierced ears since I was a little girl, and ever since then not a day goes by without me wearing dangling earrings. I have an amazing collection of hand beaded Native American jewelry, one pair of earrings actually reaches my shoulders. Without my earrings, I feel naked!