Marketing Tip #27 - Watch What You Post!

 In matters of defamation of character, the hard truth is that when you are careless with your postings on Facebook, Twitter, or any social media site, you can get into ginormous legal trouble with statements that directly target an individual, company, association, or anyone that has a reputation to be damaged. And if the matter is pursued in court, it can cost you big-time.  Also note that even a truthful statement can bring on legal issues if sharing that information damages someone’s reputation.  Once it’s out in cyberspace, it’s out there forever.

Can You Be Sued For Posting the Truth Online?

During a meeting this past week, a client revealed that he had been drawn into an on-line argument with a friend. What began as a private email conversation between the two of them, evolved into the “friend” posting snarky remarks and innuendos broadcasted to all their mutual friends on Facebook. He wasn’t sure how to proceed and was wondering if these remarks were defamation of his character.

First of all, there are two kinds of defamation of character: Libel is the defaming of character or reputation in the form of a written statement, in this case, on a social media site, or slander, that is a damaging statement which is spoken.

As a former publisher of a newspaper, I was faced with the issues of libel and slander every day. I purposely wrote the content of the paper from the “third” person, disconnecting my feelings and opinions on any given matter. It took a lot of discipline not to be dragged into disagreements that were between two embattled neighbors or one business owner who was doing everything he could to put the other out of business. But my reputation was that of fair and unbiased reporting, a reputation that I am proud to have.

The hard truth is that when you are careless with your postings on Facebook, Twitter, or any social media site, you can get into ginormous legal trouble with statements that directly target an individual, company, association, or anyone that has a reputation to be damaged. And if the matter is pursued in court, it can cost you big-time. Also note that even a truthful statement can bring on legal issues if sharing that information damages someone’s reputation. Consult an attorney for the laws governing defamation of character in your state.

Before you begin sharing your matters of discontent on the internet, here are some things you should keep in mind:

• Defamatory language does not have to be direct. It can also be innuendo.

• That language must be “of or concerning” the person claiming to be harmed by the language.

• The language must have been “published” for all to see.

• The language has to damage the reputation of the person of whom the remarks are directed. It should be noted that even a statement of opinion can get you in trouble.

The bottom line: Use common sense with everything you post on the internet for all to see. This is especially true before you post something in a hasty moment of anger. Once it’s out there in cyberspace, it’s out there forever.

Marketing Tip #26 - Think Like a Celebrity!

Are you speaker, trainer, author or anyone who speaks to groups? Stop promoting your events as “speaking engagements” or “training sessions” or “lectures”. That’s what ordinary speakers do. Celebrities promote their “appearances”.  Why not add a tab to your website or blog listing any upcoming appearances you may have, as well as articles, podcasts, and upcoming events you will attend. It will make you look in-demand, an authority in your niche and even a celebrity.

Marketing Tip #25 - Want to be Taken Seriously?

Do you have a Hotmail, AOL, Gmail or Yahoo address on your business card? Do you want to be taken seriously in your business? When people notice those addresses, they immediately think “cheap.”  If you’re just getting started in business, you can be excused if you don’t yet have a website. But it only takes a minute to buy a domain name for about $10 (GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com), connect it to a Blogspot or Wordpress blog, and pay about $9 a month for hosting. 

Marketing TIp #24 - Who Owns Your Domain Name?

Last week I heard from a website designer who was closing his business and moving on to a whole new endeavor. And it made me think, who owns my domain name? I discovered that chances are good that the person who created and manages your website has ownership of your domain name as part of the set up process. In order to protect your personalized email address, it is in your best interest to transfer the ownership into your name. Usually, all that is required is to identify the hosting company with the help of your web person, put the account in your own name and then simply pay them the minimal yearly fee directly. You will still need to pay a monthly fee to your web site person for ongoing hosting and maintenance, but you will own your domain name.  If you can’t find out who actually owns your domain name, you can go to http://www.domaintools.com/ and trace the history.

Marketing Tip #23 - Resumes Out, LinkedIn In

Did you see the 60 Minutes segment, “Job Programs for People Trapped in Unemployment”? http://tinyurl.com/9gudccd  John Carbone, the subject of the piece, runs a program for the unemployed in Connecticut. In the segment, he tells how resumes will soon become a thing of the past. Employers will skip right to viewing your social media and online presence to screen candidates, with LinkedIn being the first web site they will check. Whether you are out-of-work or looking for more customers, ask yourself: Is your profile up-to-date? Is there a professional picture? Do you give a detailed description of your products or services? Do you have testimonials about your company?  Do you need help with your profile? Give me a call.

Volunteering is Networking at its Best

“ Volunteers are not paid. Not because they are worth less ……. Because they are priceless”.
Seen on a sign at the Senior Center at the Costick Center in Farmington.

Summertime is generally a slower time of year for most of us, especially late July and August. I take advantage of this lull by volunteering with different organizations. Not only does the effort benefit a worthy cause, but it provides the perfect opportunity to network with people I wouldn’t ordinarily meet at an organized networking event.

Last year, I joined the VFW Oxbow Post #4156 to honor my father, a decorated WWII Navy veteran, and got recruited to be secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary. I have also offered my PR talents to help them promote their fundraising efforts. Are there also business owners and members of the Post that could benefit from my marketing services as potential clients? You betcha!

I help out quarterly at the West Bloomfield Friends of the Library annual used book sale at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library. Not only do I get first crack at the used books but I am working alongside community leaders and activists.

This is the second year that I volunteered at Detroit Bike Week  and it was three days of non-stop fun and interaction with all kinds of people. A highlight of the weekend was meeting Ryan “Opie” Hurst, one of the stars of the FX show, Sons of Anarchy, which is one of my favorite shows. www.detroitbikeweek.com

Coming up on Saturday, September 8, Heartfelt Harvest will be selling hot dogs outside of Busch’s (14 Mile and Farmington) as part of their Summer Block Party. Heartfelt Harvest is an independent, grass roots, non-profit organization that partners with local businesses, such as Busch’s, and delivers food daily to food pantries in Farmington Hills, Farmington and West Bloomfield. Stop by and I’ll sell you a hot dog or two.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/457303047633318/

The bottom line is that any time of year is the best time to put your energy into helping the community and as a secondary benefit, meeting and network with a diverse and “new” group of people. There is no shortage of organizations that can use your help and will welcome you with open arms.

Marketing Tip #22 / E-Newsletter vs. Blogging

Blogging expert, Andy Wibbels, is often asked if it is better to use an e-mail newsletter or a blog. His answer: Use both! “A blog makes managing your past newsletter archives easier, brings newsletter readers to your site, and centralizes responses and feedback. Instead of having to mess around with getting each edition of your newsletter online, you simply add the newsletter to your blog and it’s online immediately and archived for posterity. Also, if your newsletters are archived, they can be indexed more easily by search engines, providing you and your newsletter with increased visibility.” From “Blog Wild! A Guide for Small Business Blogging.  www.GoBlogWild.com