JR Advertising

8 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

2012-02-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission estimates that more than 10 million people were victims of identity fraud in 2009, which according to Javelin Strategy and Research, amounted to $54 billion stolen by identity thieves.* Sadly, those numbers will only go up as the data from 2010 and 2011 is collected.

Things you can do to protect yourself that don't cost a thing.

1. Enroll All Your Domains in Domain Privacy – Depending on who you ask.

"Domain privacy" may actually be a misnomer -- it's not the domain itself that's in need of protection; it's your personal information that's publicly available whenever someone does a "whois" lookup online. Perhaps harvesting "whois" information is an easy way for identity thieves to impersonate you. OR KEEP IT REVEALED AND ACTIVE FOR SEARCH ENGINES TO FIND YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION. If you already have a small business Website I suggest leaving your contact whois info viewable, what’s the difference if your name appears on the site and or the whois information

2. Protect Yourself Against Spyware Spyware is malware downloaded to your computer or website, without your knowledge or consent, that runs in the background and collects information about you: Make sure whatever anti-virus program you're running on your personal computers includes spyware protection, as well. Some companies, such as Lavasoft or STOPzilla, will offer a basic anti-spyware service for free, while charging for advanced protection.

3. Use Caution When Entering Information Online When providing personal or financial information online, be certain that you have a secure connection. The URL in the address bar should change from "http" to "https" or "shttp." A closed padlock symbol also often indicates that the connection is secure. (If you want to make your own website secure in this way, you may want to look into a SSL certificate.

4. Create Strong Passwords I realize that generating strong passwords, not to mention keeping track of them all, can be a hassle, but it's critical that you have strong passwords for every site you use.

5.   Use Discretion When Sharing Information

Use discretion when updating social media websites. Even if you limit the number of people who have access to your profile, tweets, etc., keep in mind that the information is still published online and can be copied and pasted elsewhere. If anyone asks you for personal information, make sure they are who they claim to be and that there is a legitimate reason for the request.

6.   Stop Unsolicited, "Pre-Approved" Credit Offers

Opt out of pre-screened credit/insurance offers to prevent potential thieves from intercepting and accepting the offers in your name. Opting out doesn't affect your eligibility for credit or insurance; visit OptOutPrescreen.com for more information.

You should also limit the amount of unsolicited emails you receive by customizing your spam filter settings.

7.   Shred Confidential Information

When disposing of papers with account numbers or other identifying information, shred them. This includes convenience checks that come with your credit card statement, as well as unsolicited credit card offers.

8.   Remain Vigilant: Review Your Accounts Regularly

Monitor your accounts online frequently, so you can discover potential issues without having to wait for bills or statements to come by mail. You also may want to check out MyIDScore.com; it's a free service that reviews how likely it is your identity is being misused and provides ways you can reduce that risk.

TO EFFORT OR NOT TO EFFORT, THAT IS THE QUESTION….

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

First thing first….a static Website is but a beginning.

I get this question frequently – “How do I get more action from my Website? It’s been up for over a year and I only gotten 2 leads”.

I’m sorry to disappoint, however, static Websites are not the end-all and be-all marketing tool for small businesses…Just because I have a static Website, sitting and waiting for the phone to ring expecting to harvest abundant results with little or no additional effort…generally results are a big “0”.

Here’s one time-tested strategy, however, it does require effort.

Cross-branding. Good enough for Starbucks and Hershey. How ’bout you small business person?

A 2007 article in the Seattle Business Journal discusses a Cross-branding between two industry giants, Starbucks and Hershey.

Here’s an partial extrapolation from the article: Starbucks Corp. said it signed a deal with Hershey Co. to create a new line of premium chocolate products that will be sold in U.S. coffeehouses and retail outlets later this year.
The Starbucks-branded high-end chocolate will be created in part by Artisan Confections Co., a subsidiary of the Hershey, Pa., (NYSE: HSY) candy giant.
The premium brand will "translate Starbucks coffeehouse flavors into delicious and distinct chocolate products," and officials at the Seattle coffee giant (NASDAQ: SBUX) said the chocolate will be sold "in a broad range of retail channels such as food, drug and mass merchandise outlets."

"Creating a new chocolate platform is another way for us to extend the Starbucks experience outside of our stores and enhances the coffeehouse experience," said Gerry Lopez, president, Starbucks global consumer products group, in a statement.

So what could they possibly gain – and what can the small business owner learn from the relationship?

Obviously, the corporations are looking for any reason to get more sales by leveraging their very recognizable brands on an upscale product.

What about you small business person?

It’s interesting and perhaps mildly frustrating from a marketing point of view, to see how many huge corporations repeatedly create these relationships in plain view of Mr. or Ms. Entrepreneur – while neither does nothing to mimic this clearly successful behavior.

At the corporate level, you know that the lawyers are all over this for months. Yet despite a zillion corporate legal pads fluttering in the breeze, we’ve seen the Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer, Star Wars McBurgers, the King Ranch Ford F150 (250, etc), Scouts co-branded Pinewood Derby cars with Jeff Gordon/NASCAR and Chevrolet, and even a collaboration by the Comedy Channel’s Stephen Colbert that resulted in Ben and Jerry producing “Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream ice cream” to name a few.

Look around and you are certain to find many more.

But locally? Minimal at best!

Here are some examples that may inspire ideas.

Even in an extreme stretch of the definition of co-branding, you might find a pizza place that has a “vote” for the Super Bowl favorite by buying a team-aligned pizza. You might buy a “Bangle’s special” or a “Brown’s Pound”, etc. Examples like this are rare, and frankly, these are lousy examples.

Here’s the beauty of local cross-branding. Thankfully, most small businesses don’t have to deal with the hassle of corporate compliance.

Here’s the NOPE section of this blog.

So where is the local co-branding between natural partners like Starbucks and Hershey?

Does the locally owned coffee shop with their own brand of roasted beans hook up with the locally owned ice cream shop? NOPE!

Does the locally owned chocolate company sell co-branded chocolate covered coffee beans? NOPE!

Does the locally owned home inspection company combine sales with the “Local Home Warranty Service”, in business since 1952 and invented gas warranties and has been providing coverage for real estate closings for over 30 years and include them on the Websites including promotional materials? NOPE!

EFFORT SOLUTION: There’s no shortage of opportunities and the matching are limitless. You need to look around, extend a little EFFORT and talk to your small business neighbor. In that discussion you both might find many ways to help each other, perhaps a great deal. JRAdvertising.com

SOCIAL NETWORK AND QR CODES

2011-07-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Small business people are not stupid, just slow to adapt to new technologies. Not because they cannot, but rather because in a business comprised of multi-tasking, being an HR expert, dealing with a multitude of other outside influence that have nothing to do with their day to day business activity, the majority chooses to use the style – “My Way.”

Most small business professionals are up to the task of adapting and implementing new technologies successfully.

For example in 1973, almost 40 years ago, Electronic Realty Associates, a new real estate franchise at the time, (today known as ERA Real Estate) became one of the fastest growing franchises of the 1970’s by introducing new a technology into the industry. It was the FAX machine and it was their competitive advantage.

Remember at the onset of FAX technology when you called and asked the FAX- recipient if they got your FAX…moronic question. Today if I think about those days gone by how ridiculous it was and would be by today’s standards.

Today everyone uses faxes. Many would even argue that the technology is old and that its newer counterparts, the e-fax, PDFs and email, all have eclipsed faxes.
Companies such as Century 21 and RE/MAX both expanded so rapidly that they extensively started using the Personal Computer to manage their national franchise network. So unique was the PC that for years it was the exclusive tool for brokers and management, not agents.

Today there is no successful small business owner that doesn’t use the power of the computer, the Internet or even mobile devices like the iPad on a daily basis.

Check out the tech advances along with the cyber technology and the approximate dates of their introduction into a real estate brokerage business:
1980 Fax
1985 PC
1990 Real Estate Software
1995 Internet / Email
2000 Websites / Mobile Phones
2005 Broadband / Video
2010 - 2011 Social Media / Real Time / Smartphones and Tablets

Experts state, (Of which I do not proclaim to be one in evaluating the behavior and attitudes of others.) small business owners – as general – resist innovation for 2-3 years, before they start accepting it. And then during the next 2-3 years they move to incorporate it into their business.

In recent times, think of the addition of videos on websites, blogs, FACEBOOK pages & links, the use of Smartphones and Tablets, etc.

And what about Social Media and QR codes? Neither is a passing fad nor the silver bullets to solve all our marketing, communication and advertising problems. During the last two years both have rapidly been woven into the very fiber of the small business industry to become tools that need to be used to reach out and touch customers and prospects.

Social Media along with QR codes are the next stage of technology evolution. We must successfully master the use of using these new innovations or get lost in the cyber-translation.

Don’t be too slow in staying up with tech changes along with the demographic changes occurring. The need for speed is increasing, as is the number and quantity of new technologies constantly being introduced. Need help? Call me at 614-430-9858.

QR Codes

2011-05-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

Two-dimensional matrix bar codes are expanding into the mainstream. You can find them in magazine and newspaper ads and in stores including Best Buy, Lowe's, Gap and Macy's. They're even showing up on television: Jimmy Fallon recently flashed a black-and-white code on his "Late Night" show to plug a featured band.

The codes are designed to tell Smart-phones to do something: open a website, play a video, show a map, add a contact, text a friend. But in order to make them work, you need the right code-scanning app.

The tags most advertisers and retailers use are called QR (quick response) codes. They're one color (usually black), with large boxes in three corners and a scattering of tiny square dots.

Another version, the Microsoft Tag, has multi-colored triangles but can be made with any image watermarked behind multiple circular dots.

To make the codes work, users of Smart-phones (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7, Palm) need to start by going to the app store to search for a free app that can scan the code. If it's made of triangles, search for Microsoft Tag. For QR codes, searching "QR" should pop up a choice of several apps that pretty much do the same thing. One good reader that's on every platform is BeeTagg.

With the app activated, point the camera at the code. It will automatically load the task tied to the code, such as directing the phone to a website. If you don't have time to immediately view the information, most of these apps will allow you to view a history of recent scans at a later time.

These codes have been widely used in Japan for several years, but U.S. companies are just beginning to test them. Visit the garden department at Lowe's, and you'll find Microsoft Tags in all the plants that bring up information on how to care for them.

Macy's has tags around the store that offer videos about a particular brand -- makeup tips from Bobbi Brown, for example. Some people put tags on business cards that can be scanned to automatically add the person to your contact list.
Best Buy puts QR codes next to the price of every product so users can look up more detailed information. (Tip: Before making an in-store purchase, scan the QR code to see if Best Buy sells the item for less online.)

If you're feeling creative, you can get in on the action yourself. Several websites will help you make a QR code for free, and Microsoft does the same for its Tags. Just plug in what you want, and it'll spit out an image of the code. But before you start adding QR code realize only Smart-phones' with the proper app can take advantage of them.

If you have a Smart-phone with scan capability scan the QR code in this blog and see what happens and where it takes you. (Caution: some phones may not have the effective resolution capability.)

Create Code resources: http://www.createacode.att.mobiletag.com/

The necessity of Video SEO!

2011-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

Video is becoming important to staying competitive on the web and it’s important in this competitive cyber market to differentiate yourself by including video about your products and services on your website. While nothing guarantees an increase in business, the use of affordable cyber video technology is a smart way to market products and services.

Introducing yourself through an online video can remove decision making anxiety and potential clients/customers will be looking to get an idea of who you are and what you can do for them. A brief video that introduces you and describes your business can accomplish that. Introductory videos save time and may acts as a filter to bring in clients/customers who have already decided that they might use your products and services.

You can show only so much emotion with text and images on a website. Video, on the other hand, gives you an opportunity to show viewers the way you look, sound and act and is the best way to convey your business personality to viewers online.

Video is an integral part of search engine result pages. SEO or search engine optimization is the web marketing tool by which you can attract a large volume of quality traffic to your website. You can improve the ranking of your website by implementing this method. If your website has a higher page rank, it will appear high up in the search engine results, thus drawing more number of traffic to your website. It is an excellent way to promote your products or services through the internet.

Google along with other search engines factor in the presence of video on a page when determining where the page ranks on their search results. Posting videos on your site sooner rather than later will put you a step ahead of competition for top slots on search engine result pages. After posting a video to your website and optimizing it for search engines, potential clients or customers will more easily locate your site and its video content. Seeing a video on a search results page instantly gives the searcher a good reason to visit your Website rather than a competing site.

If done correctly, putting video on your website will improve the browsing experience of Website visitors. For maximum effectiveness, it should be integrated seamlessly into the Website. The more that potential customers/clients use your site to learn about your business and how it affects them including costs, the more likely they are to give your business a call.

Let’s face it, a Website with embedded video looks impressive. Quality video on your site indicates to potential clients/customers that you are a credible business. Of course, not just any video will make a Website look impressive. The most effective videos utilize well-prepared content, shot on high-definition video. Current high-definition video technology makes it affordable without the so called expensive top-quality studio and post-production work, including editing, graphics and sound effects.

My client, Mr. Rick Meyer, owner of RPM Sports has been using Web-video successfully for the past year. Video is used to detail the products along with video-testimonial from satisfied customer. Click here and check it out.

For more info go to jradvertising.com.

12 Soul-Crushing Cyber Behaviors

2011-02-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

1. The Energy Vampire
Constantly negative people can drag you down. Don’t be negative in response, but positive and optimistic.
2. The Out-of-Control Complain Train
Whining is contagious. Step in when people are complaining and push for solutions.
3. Vicious Voicemail (or Email)
Critical messages often seem harsher than you intend them to be – and they last forever. Conduct the tough talks in person.
4. The Loaded Monday Morning Inbox
Don’t overwhelm your team before the week is underway. Boil down and bundle your communication as considerately as possible.
5. The Busy Bee Bamboozle
Don’t confuse activity with progress. Set goals and hold yourself and your employees accountable for results.
6. The Low Performer Look-Away
Sub-par work can’t be allowed to slide. Institute a zero-tolerance policy for low performers.
7. The Unclear Communiqué
People can’t read your mind. Make a concerted and proactive effort to make sure that the right people are in the know.
8. The Disorganization Drag-Down
Lack of organization impedes productivity. Keep up with your tasks and responsibilities, designate if you have a team-member with a talent for keeping things straight.
9. The Hasty Plate Clear-Off
Quality should not be sacrificed for expediency. Take the time you need to do the job right.
10. The Chronic Deadline Dodge
Unmet deadlines throw everything off-track. Set reasonable, clear deadlines for everyone involved, and hold them accountable.
11. The Unattainable Atta-Boy (or Atta-Girl!)
Don’t get so caught up in what’s coming that you forget to acknowledge what’s happening now. Express appreciation and admiration when appropriate.
12. The Blame Game
Finger-pointing doesn’t fool anyone. Accept responsibility for your actions gracefully and humbly.

Source and Reference: http://www.jongordon.com/soup-promo.html

Is a BLOG necessary?

2011-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

The word blog and its concept should no longer conjure images of the cyber geek; home alone on a Saturday night, the click-clack of keyboard rising to a raucous crescendo as rantings, from political injustices to the inaccuracies of elven features in the latest fantasy computer game, pepper his screen. No, the blog has now evolved into an increasingly powerful online tool.

It has been known to propel contemporary writers, previously unknown, to new heights of fame, and spawn political geniuses, technological pioneers and even award-winning screenwriters. And now, more and more, its power is being harnessed to promote online business; because it works.

The point is: fresh content. Search engine eyes ignore stagnant sites. What is meant by this is that sites that display out-of-date content will never see the light of day. Maintaining and running a blog on a regular basis causes your site's content to be constantly and regularly changing. Updating titles and content tells search engines that you have a site that is dynamic and new, housing relevant and up-to-date information. This should inevitable result in your SEO rating soaring sky-high.

Another great technique with online business blogging is to pepper your blog entries with links that constantly lead back to your site, such as http://www.jradvertising.com or http://www.integratedcybermarkrting.com. Like wild flowers amongst daisies, throw in active content that constantly draws attention back to certain features or specials you have on offer. This will increase activity on your site and, once again, make you stand out to the probing specter of search engine optimization.

Your blog is potentially a footstool - scratch that - a leg-up, to your site. There is a huge probability that some visitors may be directed to your blog way before they see the most important features of your site. Like the fly stepping into the parlor of the awaiting arachnid (for lack of a better metaphor) you've attracted a potential client by either the allure of your enticing blog content, or they've stumbled into your web, unaware of what awaits but having a vague idea of where they are. Either way, the trick is to now keep them snared. And that is where your blog's primary function activates. Depending on your skill as a writer and promoter of your business (which should be exceptional - who knows your company better than you?) you can move your snared bounty directly back to your site, and guide them, by way of new features, promotions and specials, and the active links we spoke of earlier, to lucrative points of sale for you and a wonderful and satisfying online experience for them.

One of the most important points to note about your website blog, is that it offers you the dais, the platform to showcase your knowledge and experience in your chosen industry or field. When it comes to your business, you are the authority, the 'big cheese,' and nobody knows your business like you. Your blog should be saturated with your notions on the industry, and the path you see your company following as you process to the destination of your envisioned success. Write with confidence and knowledgeable prowess, write about your passion, your business, and that confidence in what you do will shine through to all who read your blog and visit your site.

It cannot be stipulated enough just how important it is for your business, that you include an online blog to your features. Apart from lending your site a human factor, and not just the static anonymous website feel, blogging could potentially allow you to become a professor of your field, as you share your knowledge with the world while, at the same time, increasing the value and credibility of your business. Keep working at it; don't let it saturate and your blog could lead you to a treasure cove of willing visitors and potential investors, or more accurately: lead them to you.

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