Marketing…just do it. Public Speaking. Heights. Snakes. A visit to the dentist. If you wanted to know what people fear, you don’t have to go far from this list. But there is something else people fear without saying it. MARKETING! You know the thing standing between you and the awards, contracts and customer base you…
Customers aren’t happy with the new Cracker Barrel logo. We’ve assisted with brand designs for the government and nonprofits. While those designs don’t leave room for fancy fonts and bold colors, they do tell a story. The same way your smile invites someone to say hello, logos are a welcome, an invitation to get to…
Why the search engine giant is on the way out….maybe. Search engines, gotta love em. Yahoo, Ask Jeeves, MSN, Lycos and remember Excite? Yep, most people don’t. The truth is search engines have played a role in how we do and interact online. How we search? What we click on and what we trust. Over…
Why knowing the difference saves you money, time and energy. Lend me your ears. There’s a difference between PR, Advertising and Marketing. Public Relations (PR) often focuses on media relations, but it can include external relationships such as community relations and public affairs. Both of those are their own niche with specific functions, as well.…
Why Business Branding is Important Branding is your company’s voice to your target markets and the opportunity for customers to know and understand not only what you’re doing but why you’re doing it. Brand “voice” has always been an important component in a successful business. While in the social media landscape it is impossible to…
Is it time to hit refresh on your brand? Start with these questions.
At Connect The Dots, we enjoy a good basketball game. College level yes – high school level – bring it on. Professional – you bet. The game is usually thrilling, fun and fast paced and every once in a while you witness a major victory and can brag about your team for weeks. As the…
Now that most people are back in the office, let’s talk PR success in 2025. Granted some people started planning for the year months ago and others will get around to it. If you are a company or individual looking to maximize PR, start with this article. What is Public Relations Start with understanding what…
Today’s PR tip: If someone is kind enough to include you in an article, podcast, radio show or blog post, you should share it on social media and tag them. Why? Because it leads to more visibility.🚨It is a way of saying thank you. 🚨It showcases expertise. 🚨Tagging opens the door to a new audience.…
There’s been a surge in podcasts and YouTube channels recently and there will be a bigger surge in the future. You may be wondering if a podcast is right for you. Here’s my take, whether you do a podcast, radio show, TikTok or traditional social media – harness the power of storytelling. Harness the ways…
The not so complete guide to media relations. The media landscaped has changed and will continue to change, shift and evolve. Guess what? As seekers of press or media opportunities, you have to know what the media is looking for. It does not matter if you are in London, New York, Houston or Belize, the rules…
What comes to mind when you see this photo? It could scream marketing genius or marketing fail. It could make us think differently about marketing, what it entails and what if anything is off limits. Of course, what we perceive can shift depending on who we are and what we think about marketing. Marketing is…
Love is in the air. There are candies, flowers, trips and more. However, when it comes to branding your business, people tend to forget how to actually brand! Branding is not just colors, likes and shares – it is the overall feel of your brand. So how can you show your brand some love in…
Videos tell a story. Long stories, funny stories, weird stories , scary stories and powerful stories. The world is not done with video, in fact here are a few stats about video you should consider as you determine what type of videos to create. Keep in mind, your videos should capture something such as behind…
Hiring a PR agency seems to be at the top of the list for business owners. However, many don’t understand what PR is, the cost or when to bring on an agency. We will cover all three in different posts to help reader’s determine what to look for in an agency, when to hire one…
Believe it or not we all have a brand. For instance, we know people that are always on time, take great photos on vacation or the person that has one million connections! In other words, we know who to go to for things we desire and need. Since we are a few days into the…
Welcome to 2024, the year of making sure you communicate with your audience in the way they desire. Every website needs compelling content and user-friendly design. Great content keeps visitors engaged, while an intuitive design ensures they can navigate easily and find what they’re looking for. Let’s start with compelling content. We understand compelling content…
Truth be told everyone is not your audience. For instance, McDonald’s ‘s wears the French Fry crown. 🍟 However, there’s an audience that loves waffle, curly, and crinkle cut fries that they don’t serve. They know who they serve and they serve them well. Likewise, Southwest Airlines Airlines offers friendly, reliable, low-cost travel and bags fly free. 🛩 While…
American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has a market.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a market.Harvard University has a market. They all serve numerous demographics, they all have a brand, they all make a difference in the community and YOU can too. So can you. #community #brand #research
Are you looking for leads to boost your online, startup or brick and mortar business? Generating leads can be tough and can yield favorable results. But where do you start? What do you share? Start with your goal. If your goal is to increase leads, which can create opportunities you want provide value. We created…
Have you ever wanted to try a new product only to notice you didn’t get the same results as someone else? The same feeling can apply to creating and maintaining brands. It is not always a quick fix and it requires time. For instance, adding SEO to your website does not mean 10,000 people will…
Seems like virtual events are everywhere. Virtual school, virtual worship, virtual dating and more. With hundreds of events happening online, how can you stand out and not burn out attendees? Make registration a breeze: No one wants to click more than once or twice. Make signups an easy process. If not, people will not sign…
Pandemic. Racial injustice. Online school. Job loss. These days there’s no shortage of sadness and trouble. However, the joy of 2020 is seeing people come together. So often after something happens the world comes together for 48 or maybe even 96 hours and then back to life as usual. The key is to not just…
Hold On To Your Audience – Tips for using event platforms Light it up – Proper lighting can go a long way. You want to balance natural light with the lights you have at your studio, home or office. If you look washed out people will wonder what happened and if you aren’t well lit, people…
If you have ever seen a child crying, hitting or having a meltdown – the adult in the room usually says “use your words”. Meaning tell me what happened. 2020 has been a year of using your words. It has been a year to lend your voice. Look around, there is so much to talk…
Email newsletters are effective ways to connect with your audience and give them what they are looking for. However, before logging in all those names, here are a few things to ask yourself: Why are you creating an email list? What are your call to actions? Who’s your target audience? What topics will you cover?…
Frozen isn’t only a major movie for Disney. It is often the way, at one point or another that we feel. Perhaps it is a job choice, sport, project title, etc. There are hundreds of books, blogs and online forums that will tell you what to do. We suggest you take a moment to stop,…
Content. We see it. We read it. We use it. We scroll by it. Every place you turn there is an App, article or speech about using content. It can be a tall order for those new to the content creation game. However, there are ways to create content that dazzles and content that actually…
Simply put: NO. Like bread, advertising is here to stay. However, the way we advertise has shifted. There are Facebook Ads. Instagram Ads. Videos and the list goes on. If you are thinking about advertising and how it can work for you, here are a few tips: Know what business objective you want to achieve.…
Hurricanes. Blizzards. Government Shutdowns. COVID-19. These are some of the things that people have endured over the course of years. It is easy to become an avid tv or social media watcher and get nervous. However, we put together a list of things you can do to rest and trust that things will get better.…
News is never ending. It is a 24 hour news cycle, filled with story after story on almost any topic. But the term “fake news” spiked around 2015. Fake news is a form of news consisting of deliberate disinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional news media or online social media. These stories are often not…
Welcome to the first step of creating a campaign. It can be a scary and wonderful task and yet some aren’t sure what to do. There are times when your business has grown and you will need PR support to manage messaging, guide feedback, educate the community at large or to highlight a product or…
The difference between advertising, public relations and marketing. In 2020, we are going to know the difference between the three. It saves time and money when you know what you need to focus on first. 👍 PR or public relations is all about getting your brand out there. Creating and maintaining relationships with the public and…
Think branding is only a logo, fancy pictures or a catch phase? No, it is more than that and the way you present it, can build your brand or hurt it. Think visual and audible. The same way people learn and evolve. Visual branding is the branding most think about it. It’s your logo, your colors, photos,…
Google is the biggest search engine around. On any given day, you can find out where your favorite celebrity had for breakfast. You can learn how to change oil, build a lego set or how to prep for the SAT’s. For every idea – there’s Google. But do you Google yourself? If so, does it…
Yes, Twitter is a place to find recipes, witness fights and even a place to find a job. We recently spoke to a group of students regarding how to be social and find career support, advancement and even jobs. Check out the article here.
The joy of landing an internship brings smiles, sometimes money and hopefully – jobs. However, many interns aren’t sure what to do when they start working. It does not matter if it is a news room, hospital or nonprofit. The key is to shine. In the words of Ramonda (Mom from Black Panther) show them…
No matter the day or hour. News is happening. Grand openings. Shootings. Movie releases. New products. There is a 24/7 news cycle and it is easy to get sidetracked with what works. On average a reporter gets about 100 emails a day about everything. The key is to create a subject line that gets their…
Today, we are sharing something new to start off your week. We did not write the article, but we are happy to share it. https://www.earnedmediarising.com/?p=7180
The world is changing fast! Brands are often called upon to settle scores or to speak out on topics. So what is a brand to do? Risk it? Stay mum? Nothing? Good question. The key is for brands to know their audience and to know what makes their audience tick. Is it a social issue?…
Branding is a big buzzword now. From blogs to podcast to countless magazine articles, people are sharing how to build a brand. The trick is we are branded from the day we enter the Earth. People giggle and say we look like we will be a banker or entertainer. In school, we are branded and…
Social Media can mirror a busy Friday night at a popular diner. It is loud. Fast paced. Crowded. Messy. And worth it. Once you get your meal, you are excited and happy. You are ready to dig in and you leave feeling good and full. Your social media outreach can help others feel the same…
2019 is the year to get your branding in order. In fact, every year is the year to get your brand on track. Many wonder what does that mean. Do you have to start fresh? Do you have to add new services? Do you have to rebrand? The answer is NO. Branding is about perception.…
Most companies at one point or another embark on a rebranding effort or shift. Perhaps they are upgrading or removing services. Maybe they have a stronger niche or maybe just maybe they are ready to dissemble the market. Either way, it happens. Think about Amazon, at first it was books, now you can get shoes,…
Have you ever thought about what you need in your Branding Toolkit? You know, the things that will help build and maintain your brand? It is not limited to a website or even a catchy tag line. It is about having the tools others will need to connect, hire or refer you. Let’s get to…
The topic of branding reemerges on a weekly basis and for good reason. People often feel branding is relegated to a fresh tagline, sharp online photos and business cards. No, my friends that is not Branding. Branding is all about how the customer feels about what you do. So with so much information flying around,…
At some point in our lives, we clean up, make things tidy, spruce up our space and even throw things away that we no longer use. It is rare to see people apply the same level of intensity to their brands. Make room for branding isn’t just a title – but a suggestion. Make room…
You are who Google says you are! If you don’t have a crisp social media footprint – create one NOW. Our digital footprints are so important these days, especially as business owners. People want to know who we are. What we do. What we have achieved and can we do it for them? The answer…
There is something about a model home that makes you instantly feel like you are on vacation – at least for women. The bright lights. The photos on the wall. The cool air blowing. The aroma of fresh paint. The nice yard. All of it makes you think of home – a new home. A…
There was a song in the 80’s that said the following words: Let’s get physical, physical. I want to get physical. Let’s get into physical. Let me hear your body talk, your body talk. I am not sure WHAT she was talking about – but it was a popular song. Today this post is about…
The joy of PR! The pain of PR and the misunderstanding of what it truly means often intersects weekly. People often feel PR is pointless or fruitful and depending on what way you look at it – you are right. Yes you read correctly. PR is pointless AND fruitful. Here’s why: PR does not take…
By now, you know videos are a good way to champion a cause, highlight products or educate others. People treat phones like children and keep them cause by always clicking, checking and sharing content they like. If you aren’t producing video – you are missing out on readers, followers, supporters and most likely money. What…
In a recent study, the buying power of African Americans (regardless of age) has topped $1 Trillion dollars, yes Trillion with a T. So what does this mean for big box stores, online retailers and even restaurants? It means people are consuming and spending in ways like never before. However, it is not just about…
I did not see it coming! An article about Black Millennials and what it means for your social or public relations campaign. I am a Millennial and it zaps me when I hear the word. Actually I cringe. What helps is I have taken a look at how Millennials helps companies determine where they should…
Media. Media. Media. People want it, but don’t always know where to start. Think about what you want to achieve. Do you want more profits? New business? Media hits? Awards? Etc? If you aren’t sure – write it out. Think about what it looks like to you. Clear your mind as best as you can…
We know the value of hosting live events and how they can help boost sales, increase brand equity and credibility. But is there a formula for capturing the crowd you want on FB? Let’s dive in and see. Create a fun frenzy around the event. Consider adding photos to show what people will experience. Get…
Everyday a new article is posted about building engaging and strong brands. We hear about what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the business. We click on photos. We listen to podcast. We sort through hours and hours of video on Youtube only to discover that we are yet confused. So what…
Yes, you read the title correctly. Social Media is not enough to attract and retain your audience. Think of it this way – you house your information on Linkedin, Twitter, FB, Instagram and Snapchat and then one day – vanish! What would you do to recapture all the post, testimonials and events you hosted? Get…
Some people wait for Summer all year long. Cookouts. Vacations. Romance. Sandals. Open highway. Beach visits and almost anything else you can think of. Others – loathe it. The hot weather. The crowded pool. Long lines at theme parks. Ahh…Summer. There is so much to expect and if you don’t soak it up, it will…
Ok, I will admit it – sometimes people miss out on cool things because they are so busy videoing life as it happens. We see it at concerts, restaurants and literally everywhere we turn. Face it – people are one their phones 24/7. And if you want to have a brand that goes “LIVE” and…
Months ago I read that more than 1.5 billion users log in and watch videos on Youtube each month. In 2014, 64% of internet traffic was due to video. Videos on makeup, family surprising family and all sorts of things. There are moments when you sit down and watch video after video after video and…
Every week a new social media platform opens and closes. Likewise, every second, hundreds of hours are uploaded on multiple platforms. If that isn’t enough, you have to juggle multiple accounts and try to make it work. But how do you make it work? How do you create dialogue that engages and inspires. Over the…
Be the leader of the pack? What does that mean? Most people will give you a variety of answers and ideas. But how do you take a stand and stand out? Consider the following: Be authentic. That word is thrown around like a volley ball and yet most aren’t sure what it means. Being authentic…
Growing up my parents talked about not following the crowd. You know the talk. Make good decisions. If your friend jumps off a bridge would you? It was the typical talk most kids had growing up. However, in 2018 the word influence has another connotation – we want to be influenced!! Yes we want to…
Disclaimer: I am not a web designer. I simply like high quality websites. Now, that we have gotten that out of the way let’s talk websites. With so many people clicking, liking, sharing and snapping content daily, your website has to be top notch. Think about what you like about websites and add that same…
We hear a lot of talk about packaging personal and professional brands. Yet, there are moments when we are completely lost. We have the color scheme. We have the blog. We have the fancy business cards and even a media appearance or ten under our belts. We are known. People like our post. And yet…
Here we are again. Another week of learning about PR, Video, Branding and some other cool things in between. This week I want you to pull out your pen and take some notes. PR is a way to reach the audience you want, broaden your message and reach new heights. But before you get too…
Spring is almost here and that makes deep cleaning and hauling away anything that isn’t being used. We tackle task such as cleaning out the car, attic, basement and introduce new projects that will make things seem much brighter! The same holds true for your brand. It is time to see what needs to be…
Most people send hours practicing before they have an interview of any sort. They look at facial expressions. They think about tone. They think about what to do with their hands. However, some are still missing the mark when it comes to interviews. How can you use 5 minutes to truly captivate your audience? Test…
If you have ever watched tv, you have heard the words…but wait, there’s more! Simple words, easy to remember and it packs a punch. No matter how young or old your business is, having an effective call to action works. Not only does it remind people what to do, but it creates a sense of…
How long has it been since you’ve written a media release? What do you include? Media Releases are a good way to attract eyes to website or event. Keep in mind you are writing for an audience. People that may or may not know your history and people that have limited time to spend on…
We hear about leadership on a daily basis, but what does it mean? How can it help your company thrive? Young or old. New career or same career. The type of leadership that others see you in and that you encounter matters. Leadership that is stagnant, overbearing, too strict or even misguided can spell…
February is a month of love! We purchase candy, flowers and make dinner reservations to show our love to others. But what about showing our companies love? Is it time to update your website? Does it capture everything you do well? Treat employees. Show your employees some love by paying for a class or treat…
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Some people dread Math. Seriously, everything about it is scary. The numbers. The formulas. The grade. I know plenty of people that have a stuck at the board math story. Yet, someone Math and Branding can be connected. Here’s how: It’s necessary and can’t be avoided. Even in the world of Square and Online Calculators…
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Oh. Make it stop! I am sure people with Double Vision consider it a pain and look for ways to improve their vision. With that being said, what is your vision and how do others see it? Is your branding experiencing Double Vision? Does your message match? Let’s spruce up your message and improve your…
We live in a world with no guarantees. One moment the weather is cool and the next it’s a snow storm. One minute our favorite time is on a winning streak and the next they are barely hanging on in their division. This post is dedicated to every person that has experienced a what the…
It’s like a refreshing drink on a warm day – it recharges you and hits the spot! It builds community and fuels your soul. Those seeking to create and maintain relationships with press can experience the same emotions. Achieving press for many companies is a high light which means you have to get creative with…
Now that I have your attention, let’s talk! Usually, I would never make such a statement, but there’s a method to my chosen lingo. Did you know that 88% of podcast subscribers listen to every episode? Are that podcast subscriptions surpassed the 1 billion mark years ago? In fact, 1 out of 5 Americans prioritize…
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