Is PowerPoint dead yet?

You don’t have to be in the world of marketing long before you hear someone take a shot at PowerPoint, branding it as an antiquated tool whose days are numbered. But this sentiment is tempered by the reality that more than 500 million people still use PowerPoint and no clear successor or alternative has presented [...]

An easy way to share your presentations

Slideshare.net is a great way to take your presentation viral – and share it with everyone from partners to prospects; colleagues to customers. The free hosting platform allows you to upload a presentation and embed it on your website, blog, or social network profile. Definitely worth checking out – it’s simple and makes a [...]

The History of PR: Edward Bernays

An excerpt from a documentary that showcases how one of PR’s founding fathers created a global industry.

What’s the difference between a message and a story?

At first glance, this seems obvious. Yet, when you turn marketers loose it quickly gets murky.  A message conveys a single point; a story many points (i.e., messages, perspectives, thoughts, etc.). So, forget trying to a build a compelling message or crafting a phrase that’s says it all. A story narrative is a much better [...]

Media 101 – 5 quick tips to getting a great story

Know the reporter and the story angle – it’s critical to know who the reporter is and the exact subject of the interview. Go online to read any recent stories the reporter has written, find a bio and don’t be afraid to ask the nature of the story.
Prepare your messages – write down your key messages [...]

Brevity and humor: a recipe for online video

Below is a video which summarizes Steve Jobs’ 90-minute presentation at Macworld 2008 in 60 seconds. This video makes two compelling arguments for today’s online video formula:
1. Brevity makes content easier to share. People just don’t have time to view lengthy content. Staying brief will ensure your content is more memorable to viewers.
2. Humor can [...]

Social media: traditional agencies just “don’t get it”

According to a recent survey, traditional agencies don’t understand social media and are ill equipped to help their clients navigate the changing landscape. There’s a lack of competence of the needed skills in social network and video sharing – as well as a traditional compensation model – that prevent them from adjusting.
According to analyst Jim [...]

The Sheffield approach to developing powerful online video channels

Seth Godin’s book on storytelling

Godin’s new book “All Marketers Are Liars” is an interesting book. After having fun with his opening salvo (“I have no intention of telling you the truth”) and beating the death out of his sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek point that marketers always lie, Godin makes a strong case that telling stories is your best bet to breaking through the [...]

Storytelling is more effective

A recent study by the Advertising Research Foundation demonstrates that a solid story- not overt product positioning – is a more effective way to connect with your audience. My perspective is that you don’t really need a survey to prove that, we all know from experience that we prefer to hear a good story and not [...]