I just confirmed my first guest. And, a date has been set to film. Things are moving along quickly. Today I spent time writing my opening and my script for the first show. Without giving too much away, I had a few ideas I jotted down earlier, so today I wrote up my notes and edited them down to the point where it will feel more natural when reading it from a teleprompter. Next I timed it to see how long it will take and I'm feeling like it's a bit short. I will need to review all of this with the production team and be sure it all works and makes sense.
As the filming date gets closer and more and more details are filled in, I find myself getting excited. But I'm also realizing how much work this has become and will continue to be as I move forward. Regardless, I'm enjoying the process and am learning lots each day.
My next step is to meet with my first guest and review my notes with her. I want to let her know my vision for the first show and what her role will be. I tend to work best when I have material in writing in front of me to refer to so I do have a written script of the first show to go over with her.
More about my meeting with my first guest to come. Stay tuned...
Mar 8, 2013
Mar 6, 2013
The Making of a TV series - Part 1
The first meeting to discuss my new TV show took place today. While I had initial thoughts about what my program would be about, I'm now filled with a slew of new ideas and many more questions. The challenge I'm having is figuring out a way to meld all the ideas I have together in one cohesive fashion. From deciding on a title, and confirming my first guest, to thinking about music, and setting a start date, I left the meeting with anticipation, excitement and a fair amount of anxiety. With little to no TV production experience, would I be capable of pulling this off? Would I embarrass myself, or worse, would I embarrass my guests? Would I waste everyone's time? These are the thoughts that went through my head as I drove out of the parking lot on my way home.
While there are many unanswered questions, I'm committed to forging ahead. Next step is to secure my first guest and to write an opening that will introduce my show. I'm thinking about whether to use a teleprompter or go it alone. What are the questions I will ask? What is the point I'm trying to get across? What kind of information or inspiration am I trying to impart?
The idea for the show began when I started doing a few guest spots for another local cable station as a dog trainer. I met this woman at a park in Walpole, MA while walking my dog. Kim, host of Pets and Their People, stopped me in the parking lot and asked if I was interested in being filmed with my pet. As someone who enjoys showing off her dog, I couldn't resist putting my pup, Maizie, on camera. After a brief interview with the host, we exchanged cards and I followed up with her to learn more about her program and find out when our interview would air.
Having a dog training and pet care business, I thought there might be additional opportunities to showcase my services, so I offered to work with Kim to do more guest spots on her program. And, that is where it all began.
To date, we've filmed several guest spots for her program outlining dog training tips and offering up information on various pet related topics. It all got me thinking. How else can I use this medium to communicate the offerings and services of my own business to my own local community? From this train of thought, I was prompted to stop into my own local community cable station -- Norfolk Community Television right in downtown Norfolk, MA.
At first, I assumed there might be a similar program already in the works on which I could appear. But after speaking with the producer, I learned it might make more sense for me to come up with my own show and communicate to the world whatever I wanted. The ideas came flooding in. Do I talk about pets? Do I talk about my marketing experience? What about my life coaching skills? How can I combine all these ideas into one cohesive show?
Stay tuned to learn what transpires and find out what my next steps will be....
While there are many unanswered questions, I'm committed to forging ahead. Next step is to secure my first guest and to write an opening that will introduce my show. I'm thinking about whether to use a teleprompter or go it alone. What are the questions I will ask? What is the point I'm trying to get across? What kind of information or inspiration am I trying to impart?
The idea for the show began when I started doing a few guest spots for another local cable station as a dog trainer. I met this woman at a park in Walpole, MA while walking my dog. Kim, host of Pets and Their People, stopped me in the parking lot and asked if I was interested in being filmed with my pet. As someone who enjoys showing off her dog, I couldn't resist putting my pup, Maizie, on camera. After a brief interview with the host, we exchanged cards and I followed up with her to learn more about her program and find out when our interview would air.
Having a dog training and pet care business, I thought there might be additional opportunities to showcase my services, so I offered to work with Kim to do more guest spots on her program. And, that is where it all began.
To date, we've filmed several guest spots for her program outlining dog training tips and offering up information on various pet related topics. It all got me thinking. How else can I use this medium to communicate the offerings and services of my own business to my own local community? From this train of thought, I was prompted to stop into my own local community cable station -- Norfolk Community Television right in downtown Norfolk, MA.
At first, I assumed there might be a similar program already in the works on which I could appear. But after speaking with the producer, I learned it might make more sense for me to come up with my own show and communicate to the world whatever I wanted. The ideas came flooding in. Do I talk about pets? Do I talk about my marketing experience? What about my life coaching skills? How can I combine all these ideas into one cohesive show?
Stay tuned to learn what transpires and find out what my next steps will be....
Nov 13, 2012
How To Get Leads
Every small business owner at one time or another wakes in
the middle of the night wondering, “how do I get more leads?” The answer is not
always so simple. And yet sometimes it is. One of the best ways to get leads is
to ASK. We all have friends, acquaintances, colleagues, dry cleaners, postal
carriers, hair stylists and physicians. Yet how often do we overlook the
obvious? The very first place to start looking for leads is your own network of
people.
Assume you own a printing company. What do you do? Now I’m
not suggesting you just go up to your doctor and say, “hey, know anyone who
needs a good printer?” But what I do suggest is you tap into a friendly source
and talk about what you do. You could discuss how your business is going, whom
you’ve been working with lately and what your plans are for the future, and you
can also engage your audiences to see what they know about your work. Get them
interested in you and what you do. Begin a dialogue and learn more about them
and their connections. Finally, close your conversation by offering your
assistance.
You never know when the next person you speak with has a
niece or a nephew who owns a retail company and is in need of finding someone
to manage their next catalogue.
Jan 9, 2012
Best Wishes for a GREAT 2012!!
A New Year brings hope and change. Like it or not some things will change and others will remain the same.
Running a business requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Knowing your objectives for the year and prioritizing them is key to having a successful 2012. Looking back over the past year or past several years is also essential. Knowing what you did well and what needed improvement is a good place to start and will help identify the goals of tomorrow.
Of course, there are hundreds of other activities to consider when growing your business but taking a step back and putting in purposeful reflection and thoughtful prioritization is a wonderful place to begin.
AMW Marketing would like to wish you and your business or organization a successful, prosperous and joyful 2012. Be proud of the work you do, enjoy yourself when you can and plan, plan, plan so that when you look back on this year you’ll feel great. And, the following year will be even better. It’s what we call progress.
Sincerely,
Angela Wilcox
Jan 8, 2012
Low Cost Marketing Tips
"Consistency is important to keep your product or service in front of your customer at all times, even if your marketing budget is limited."
Strategy No. 1:
GET OUT THERE
People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you. Opportunities to get out and meet potential clients and referral sources in person are only limited by your imagination.
Attend association meetings in your industry.
Get involved with networking events at the local chamber of commerce.
Make yourself available as a speaker at service club meetings.
Offer to lead a workshop or conference.
Be prepared to provide business cards and collateral. By positioning yourself as a resource and authority, you encourage the trust of potential clients.
Strategy No. 2:
COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES
At trade shows, association meetings, or conferences, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of people. Don’t forget to exchange business cards, and guard those business cards with your life! Communications by email could include:
A personalized "pleasure to meet you" with an invitation to further opportunities.
Connection emails that build relationships, including attaching relevant articles or website links.
A "thank you" note to new clients or customers to add that personal touch.
A marketing copywriter can assist in making these messages relevant and memorable. Software is also available to automate emails as your business grows. Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality.
Strategy No. 3:
SHARE INFORMATION
Develop an interesting and creative e-newsletter with bits and pieces of your personal industry wisdom, current trends, and relevant humor.
Use the email list you’ve created to keep connected with potential clients and referral sources.
Post the newsletter on your website and let people know it’s there for their viewing whenever they like.
You can collect additional email addresses from interested surfers on your website as well.
Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality and ability to meet needs. Software is available, or you can give the raw material to a professional marketer to design and format.
Strategy No. 4:
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
Social media allows you to connect directly with potential and current clients. In no other time in history have businesses had the ability to directly affect public perception, one person at a time. Some popular social media are:
Facebook
Twitter
Blogs
Although you want to put a face on your company, remain professional and avoid inappropriate postings on Facebook.
The most common error new Twitter users make is bombarding their followers with ads for their business. Social media is about building relationships.
Blogs are easy to set up, but will only gain a following if they are interesting and personal, even when related to business.
There are specialists in Internet Marketing who can assist you in starting social media accounts or maintaining blogs.
For the remainder of the FREE helpful, low-cost marketing tips from AMW Marketing, click on the following link:http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html
AMW Marketing is pleased to offer you a few tips to consider when times are tough:
People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you.
Strategy No. 1:
GET OUT THERE
People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you. Opportunities to get out and meet potential clients and referral sources in person are only limited by your imagination.
Attend association meetings in your industry.
Get involved with networking events at the local chamber of commerce.
Make yourself available as a speaker at service club meetings.
Offer to lead a workshop or conference.
Be prepared to provide business cards and collateral. By positioning yourself as a resource and authority, you encourage the trust of potential clients.
Strategy No. 2:
COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES
At trade shows, association meetings, or conferences, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of people. Don’t forget to exchange business cards, and guard those business cards with your life! Communications by email could include:
A personalized "pleasure to meet you" with an invitation to further opportunities.
Connection emails that build relationships, including attaching relevant articles or website links.
A "thank you" note to new clients or customers to add that personal touch.
A marketing copywriter can assist in making these messages relevant and memorable. Software is also available to automate emails as your business grows. Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality.
Strategy No. 3:
SHARE INFORMATION
Develop an interesting and creative e-newsletter with bits and pieces of your personal industry wisdom, current trends, and relevant humor.
Use the email list you’ve created to keep connected with potential clients and referral sources.
Post the newsletter on your website and let people know it’s there for their viewing whenever they like.
You can collect additional email addresses from interested surfers on your website as well.
Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality and ability to meet needs. Software is available, or you can give the raw material to a professional marketer to design and format.
Strategy No. 4:
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
Social media allows you to connect directly with potential and current clients. In no other time in history have businesses had the ability to directly affect public perception, one person at a time. Some popular social media are:
Blogs
Although you want to put a face on your company, remain professional and avoid inappropriate postings on Facebook.
The most common error new Twitter users make is bombarding their followers with ads for their business. Social media is about building relationships.
Blogs are easy to set up, but will only gain a following if they are interesting and personal, even when related to business.
There are specialists in Internet Marketing who can assist you in starting social media accounts or maintaining blogs.
For the remainder of the FREE helpful, low-cost marketing tips from AMW Marketing, click on the following link:http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html
Jun 17, 2011
Marketing or Sales?
Sales and marketing are two different sides of the same coin. In both cases it's about providing a quality product, service, or idea, delivering a clear message, and building relationships.
Sales jobs are difficult for one primary reason- people don’t want to be sold. People want to spend or donate their money in ways that match their personal interests, desires, and values. As a salesperson, you have to find that connection and convince your target to take action. One-to-one relationships and face-to-face dealings are very important to people. Building relationships is important in both sales and marketing.
Marketing is communication that opens the door and starts the connection, often supporting sales efforts. Marketing sets the stage for strong sales, providing information that can strengthen the organization’s reputation, demonstrate its values, and prove its effectiveness. All aspects of marketing- media campaigns, collateral, events, social media, etc., build those relationships by increasing brand recognition, providing information, and continuing the conversation, allowing potential clients and donors to connect with your company on a personal level.
A true client relationship must be built in order to attract potential clients or donors, to persuade them to exchange their hard-earned money for goods, services, or goodwill, and encourage them to refer to others. When the marketing program is designed to reach people and interact with them on a personal level, building one-on-one relationships, the foundation for exponential growth is built. Customer loyalty and word of mouth is the most inexpensive and effective marketing program.
In order to build these business relationships, customized marketing programs must be created. The systems and tools a car dealership uses will be different from those that a food bank will use. Avoid cardboard cut-out marketing plans and work with a marketing person or firm that is willing to create a program that will best serve you and your clientele. It is important to consider your marketing objectives, whether it is to build brand recognition, increase retention, generate leads or increase sales. Your sales staff will benefit from a solid marketing program, because it will provide evidence of the company’s reputation and capabilities.
Sales jobs are difficult for one primary reason- people don’t want to be sold. People want to spend or donate their money in ways that match their personal interests, desires, and values. As a salesperson, you have to find that connection and convince your target to take action. One-to-one relationships and face-to-face dealings are very important to people. Building relationships is important in both sales and marketing.
Marketing is communication that opens the door and starts the connection, often supporting sales efforts. Marketing sets the stage for strong sales, providing information that can strengthen the organization’s reputation, demonstrate its values, and prove its effectiveness. All aspects of marketing- media campaigns, collateral, events, social media, etc., build those relationships by increasing brand recognition, providing information, and continuing the conversation, allowing potential clients and donors to connect with your company on a personal level.
A true client relationship must be built in order to attract potential clients or donors, to persuade them to exchange their hard-earned money for goods, services, or goodwill, and encourage them to refer to others. When the marketing program is designed to reach people and interact with them on a personal level, building one-on-one relationships, the foundation for exponential growth is built. Customer loyalty and word of mouth is the most inexpensive and effective marketing program.
In order to build these business relationships, customized marketing programs must be created. The systems and tools a car dealership uses will be different from those that a food bank will use. Avoid cardboard cut-out marketing plans and work with a marketing person or firm that is willing to create a program that will best serve you and your clientele. It is important to consider your marketing objectives, whether it is to build brand recognition, increase retention, generate leads or increase sales. Your sales staff will benefit from a solid marketing program, because it will provide evidence of the company’s reputation and capabilities.
May 10, 2011
Navigate to...
If you’ve ever had to take a personality test, you may have heard of Myers-Briggs. One of the dichotomies explored in this test is a person’s lifestyle preference. If you are a “J” for judging, you like to have matters settled in relation to the outside world. If you a “P” for perceiving, you tend to like to keep your options open.
If you are a serious thinker and planner, and like to have matters settled, you may have no problem creating detailed business and marketing plans. If you lean more toward keeping your options open, however, you may be more challenged when it comes to the business world.
Anyone can put out a shingle and offer products or services. Yard sale enthusiasts do it all the time. However, if you want to have a business that is effective, efficient, and profitable, you have to have a plan. You can’t get to where you want to go if you’re not sure where that is.
All the technological tools in the world will not build your business if you don’t have a goal. Even a GPS system asks you what your destination is! If you don’t take the time to narrow your focus and plot a course, your efforts will not achieve the desired results.
Perhaps you already have a business plan and the marketing plan scares you. There are so many options today- TV, radio, newspaper, internet, social media, billboards, mobile phones, magazines, corporate sponsorships… If you don’t plan how to target your products or services to the right people, you could spend thousands and not make a single sale.
The good news is that you’re not alone. People in your community and people you know are at varying levels of business experience and success. Business coaches and marketing firms can help you clarify your goals and create a workable strategy to meet them.
AMW Marketing is one of those companies that can help- offering customized solutions to meet your marketing needs.
If you are a serious thinker and planner, and like to have matters settled, you may have no problem creating detailed business and marketing plans. If you lean more toward keeping your options open, however, you may be more challenged when it comes to the business world.
Anyone can put out a shingle and offer products or services. Yard sale enthusiasts do it all the time. However, if you want to have a business that is effective, efficient, and profitable, you have to have a plan. You can’t get to where you want to go if you’re not sure where that is.
All the technological tools in the world will not build your business if you don’t have a goal. Even a GPS system asks you what your destination is! If you don’t take the time to narrow your focus and plot a course, your efforts will not achieve the desired results.
Perhaps you already have a business plan and the marketing plan scares you. There are so many options today- TV, radio, newspaper, internet, social media, billboards, mobile phones, magazines, corporate sponsorships… If you don’t plan how to target your products or services to the right people, you could spend thousands and not make a single sale.
The good news is that you’re not alone. People in your community and people you know are at varying levels of business experience and success. Business coaches and marketing firms can help you clarify your goals and create a workable strategy to meet them.
AMW Marketing is one of those companies that can help- offering customized solutions to meet your marketing needs.
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