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Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:00 AM): Entered the room. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): Greetings, Rob! long time no see! :) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): You know, I was going to log in as Yasir Arafat but then thought better of it.... Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): Rob - I was going to log in as you :) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): Greetings, and happy Aprils Fools Day. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): I figured I could sell everyone on the middle East problem being solved through branding strategy...... Curtis (4/1/2002 9:01 AM): Good Morning! weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:02 AM): Entered the room. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:03 AM): maybe, Rob - but then again, someone might have come looking for you *grin* Curt Hayden (curtiss@xyleminteractive.com) (4/1/2002 9:03 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:03 AM): That's true. I trust everyone is doing okay, although this has been a very weird week for business....anyone have an issue to get us started? Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:03 AM): Rob; ordered your book last week but it hasn't arrived yet...quick question... Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:04 AM): does one decide their brand first, or their offerings/markets, then brand? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:04 AM): Sure Skip. And thanks, again. Elizabeth (4/1/2002 9:04 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:05 AM): Skip, you start with what you've got. That's working from strength. Then you bridge that to what "they" want. And that's the tricky part. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:05 AM): That assumes, of course, that you've already got the offerings... Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:06 AM): so, what if the offerings are so many, and so broad...I'm speaking of service offerings here... Pam Gram (4/1/2002 9:06 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:06 AM): Most of the time, people have something they want to sell and go from there. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:07 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:07 AM): Ah, if that's the case, you have to assemble the offerings and narrow it down into a niche that epole can get their heads around easily and quickly. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:07 AM): epole = people? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:07 AM): Then you have to lead with one offering. You can always branch out to others once people are in the door. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:08 AM): yes, that's the dilemma...too many services, too confusing a message... Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:08 AM): Yes, haven't you heard about the new spelling of "people"? Just came out yesterday..... Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:08 AM): :-)....so, like you talked about last week, you chose Branding, and yielded everything else... weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:08 AM): What's that in pig Latin? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:09 AM): In my own practice, people come in the door for branding consultation. But as you know, there's a ton more related stuff. In fact, for some weird reason, this month had logo and ad work happening... Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:09 AM): I wouldn't say yielded as much as prioritized so that they understand the natural flow of things. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:10 AM): got it...that's tough for me...I've backed up from the point I spoke about last week...taking more time to think on it... Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:10 AM): Better to re-think it now, Skip, before it gets expensive to do it later. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:11 AM): And believe me, it's tough for EVERYONE. It was really tough for me when I decided to brand my stuff. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:11 AM): don't mean to monopolize here...just an eager learner.... Del (4/1/2002 9:11 AM): Entered the room. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:11 AM): yes, I figured better to get the book, read/study it then plan from there... Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:11 AM): No problem, Skip. Anyone else or can Skip keep going? Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:12 AM): [hi Del] Del (4/1/2002 9:12 AM): hey all. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:12 AM): Entered the room. weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:12 AM): Hey Del Del (4/1/2002 9:12 AM): Rob: What, to you, makes a website successfully branded? Del (4/1/2002 9:13 AM): Morning Jonathan! weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:13 AM): Hi Dana Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:13 AM): Hey, we have celebrity among us! Everyone, my good buddy and skeptic, Dana Blankenhorn! Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:13 AM): Dana from Adventive? Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:13 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): Del, I think a successfully branded web site is one that doesn't have to clamor to keep bringing in new traffic, but attracts usage and revenue on its own. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): Hey, Dana! Love your writing style :) Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): Thank you very much.... Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): closed window by mistake :/ Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): How may I help anyone today? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): Del, any web site whose users promote it to others is the well-branded web site, IMHO. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:14 AM): Rob, is your "brand"...Rob Frankel? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:15 AM): You can't, Dana! This is MY show. on MY network! Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:15 AM): Can you specifically point out some websites that meet your criteria? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:15 AM): I'm Johnny Carson and You're the guest on the couch!!!! Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:15 AM): Tee Hee Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:15 AM): I was referring to you...guests are there to help entertain and enlighten the people Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:16 AM): Okay, I could point out that I think my site is well-branded, but just to show you how it can work in even the fluffiest of markets, I think we really rang the bell with our PillowMail.com site. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:16 AM): Entered the room. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:16 AM): hi Rob and everyone! Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:16 AM): How about something that you AREN'T involved in. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:17 AM): The tenor and the attitude, supported by brand promise, ethic and delivery, bring people back and drive revenue. We gets tons of fan mail and repeat usage. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:17 AM): Del, I think of the sites that I'm not involved in, FEDEX, of course. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:18 AM): Rob has taught me that consistency is the key to branding Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:18 AM): Rob, I've seen local mention on TV about PillowMail by military users. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:18 AM): Dana, you can jump in, you know, I was only kidding...... Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:18 AM): what kind of branding can you do for your site when you are the one doing the services? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:19 AM): Really Lorilyn? Which market? Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:19 AM): Raleigh, NC. There are a few military bases in NC. Tamra (tamra@hcstudios.com) (4/1/2002 9:19 AM): Entered the room. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:19 AM): Question: How does Pillow Mail make money? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:20 AM): Hi Fran. Believe me, most of us here are small service and product types. The smaller you are, the more important the brand becomes. Because you have less to spend, you have to make sure, as Dana said, that your message is consistent and clear. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:21 AM): Dana, PillowMail makes money three ways, so far: #1 is advertising, where we generate clickthrough rates of 4% to 9% at 50¢ a click or 10¢ per impression. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:21 AM): #2 We will be introducing a downloadable e-book of customized stories for couples -- on the fly. It's a great product. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:21 AM): #3 Licensing and as ASP for private parties and sites. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:22 AM): #4 Non-adult applications based on PM technology. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:22 AM): ok, great ... my site is: www.jim-fran.com/fcs/ and I do web design and offices services ... my motto is "Your Needs are First With Us" ...can you see anything that would help on the site? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:22 AM): It's vital that every site know where it's money will come from...that's great. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): Do you really need to purchase advertising with the search engines? Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): Fran, one of the things you're going to get slapped for is genericism. Your line could be for anything from hookers to car mechanics. It's vital that you get specific. That's what my book <PLUG> will show you. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): Fran: Right off the bat, who uses "minutia" in everyday conversation? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): Your brand has to be both compelling AND articulate. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:23 AM): good afternoon (EST) all Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): No, Fran, you do not need to purchase anything. I purchase NOTHING and robfrankel.com is #1 on Yahoo webs for "branding" and something like #12 on Google. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): that's funny! In real estate they use it all the time :) Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): "Fran's" sounds way too small to me. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): Just my opinion. The keys to a professional service success are personal references and recommendations. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): Y'know, technically, it's "minutiae" Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:24 AM): that's great to hear Rob! Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:25 AM): Rob - both are acceptable Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:25 AM): Rob: Your advantage is being in Yahoo prior to the yearly-fee inclusion for new business listings. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:25 AM): Dana, I agree. Although in this economy, I've had to really resort to outbound marketing -- wrote about it in today's issue of FrankelTips <PLUG> Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:25 AM): you are right Rob. I had it that way previously Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): Web design shops should be like lawyers or accountants. Specialize. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): Fran, do you make house calls to fix computers? Or is everything done online? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): Del, I was indeed in there earlier. But I was under the impression that Fran was asking about paying for list ranking, not actual inclusion. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): that is what I am doing -- specializing. I'm creating a separate site for it Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): Guys, I said it last year and it's truer now than then: from here on out, it's all about revenue generation. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:26 AM): yeah, you are right...but my local business has been Fran's Computer Services for 5 years now. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): http://www.wkdesign.com/ldg/ is where I am proofing it, if anyone wants a sneak peek Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): Rob: Oh, if that's the case, then I agree with you. :-) Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): What's the specialty? Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): that was why I stuck with it...should I change that? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): You either have to make money yourself, or show others - tangibly -- how you can help them make money. weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): Not like lawyers.. How much money do you have? Good I'll take it all. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): attorneys and other legal professionals Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:27 AM): Fran, it's never too late to change. But if you do, really think it out. Your brand should stay true down to the tiniest details...or all the minutiae..... Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:28 AM): My husband was going to be a computer "doctor" so I have "DoctorComputerHouscalls.com" domain. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:28 AM): What's the branding message to them? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): It can be a seemingly insignificant thing, too. For example, if you know Declan Dunn, he uses my book to teach his courses. He's a smart guy. Successful. But even Declan learned that in his PowerPoint presentations, he needs to assert his identity. Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): Fran - it seems like your site offers everything and the kitchen sink, but no overriding brand message... Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): I don't know Dana -- it's kind of long, but I was thinking "You work hard to maintain a professional image offline. Shouldn't you have a professional image online as well?" Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): So now, Declan has his brand identity is every single slide of the presentation. There's always more you can do. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): Fran, if you make housecalls in a particular area, that is a strong point, IMHO. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:29 AM): How can your design of their image put money in their pocket? Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:30 AM): Is Declan the affiliate money-making guy? Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:30 AM): you are right Jonathan...I haven't been able to come up with a branding message!! I am a versatile person, but I haven't been able to get any one area to take off yet. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:30 AM): Sorry to get in your way, Rob. That's a great point. Having your brand message everywhere... Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:30 AM): a) professionalism. b) I know more about attorney advert. needs than the avg. designer (i.e. Bar rules conformity) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:30 AM): Yes, Del. Dana, design can and does play a big part in the money making scheme. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:31 AM): except the one thing I want to change....the technical home service. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:31 AM): c) specialized site promotion instead of generalized (legal dirs, local [to the firm] business dirs, etc...) Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:31 AM): Fran, do you want to terminate that part of the business? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:31 AM): The web is totally visual. one look will get you hired and one will get you passed over -- even though they contain the same content. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:32 AM): Rob: I don't know if anyone's asked you in the chat (since I've been attending) but what's your take on website usability/interface? FutureNowInc.com suggests bare bones navigation. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:32 AM): I only recently created the website in its current form ... and it hasn't had time to hit the search engines as yet with all the new page names either. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:32 AM): Dana, I'm so serious about putting your brand message everywhere that even when members post to FrankelBiz, they don't post to FrankelBiz, they send to FrankelBiz@listserv.robfrankel.com -- just to remind them who's behind this whole thing. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:33 AM): Del, is FutureNow Eisenberg's gig? Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:33 AM): yes I do Lorilyn...but right now it is the mainstay...catch 22. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:33 AM): Rob: Yup. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:33 AM): Okay, first you should know that Eisenberg is not a big Frankel fan. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:34 AM): Question: What do you think my brand should be, Rob? A-Clue or Dana Blankenhorn? Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:34 AM): Del, I talked with Bryan at length one day about my site and he really stresses getting the person where YOU want them to go as easily as possible. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:34 AM): That having been said, I agree that user interface should be simple. And I say that knowing that the only negative mail I ever get is from design weenies who maintain that my own site is badly designed. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:34 AM): I thought "conversion rate" had to do with EXCHANGE rates! My one glance at futurenowinc.com didn't sell me. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:35 AM): Dana, your brand should be you. You're way bigger than A-Clue. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:35 AM): I own Danablankenhorn.com but don't use it. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:35 AM): The guys at FutureNow were very thin-skinned when I dealt with them. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:35 AM): Terri: I figured that out some time ago. "Make it 3 clicks or less from the front page" Fran -- just because your brand says you do A doesn't mean you can't do B as well. Focusing on one thing makes your marketing stronger but doesn't rule out other things. (4/1/2002 9:35 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:36 AM): Dana, the time has come for you to seriously think about launching it. But do it carefully and transition. It would make a bold statement about what you are doing, career-wise. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:36 AM): But I'm not entirely convinced low-graphic pages with a text-only navigational system *really* outpaces a well-designed commercial site. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:36 AM): I have the domain Yoozabilty.com and websitecritic.com. Wonder if I should do usability work? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): Del, you don't want people getting lost. You want them -- as the Prime Directive states -- to get what THEY want. Which is why I disagrees with the FutureNow guys. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): I agree. The first product is done, a "best of" book. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): Off topic - I ClickZ collapsing in on itself? Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): I agree. A balance between a clean visual GUI and strong content is optimal Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): Del 2: INTM is collapsing in on itself....IMHO Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): Del, I don't think so, either. I think those guys are on a mission to find some kind of differentiation for themselves. weber jajagroup.com (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): We switched the Navigation on Emperor's Herbologist to text speed up the loading of the pages Tamra (tamra@hcstudios.com) (4/1/2002 9:37 AM): Entered the room. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:38 AM): Del, what is your URL? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:38 AM): I have about 12 graphics on my site pages -- but most of them repeat, so bouncing around the site is fast because they're already loaded. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:38 AM): Rob, hopefully what THEY want is where "I" want them to be <grin> Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:38 AM): Rob: Eisenberg and company seem to be doing some solid branding of "their message". Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:39 AM): Exactly, Terri. I don't know why everyone is trying to out think the user. They're going to go after what they want, which is how the web works. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:39 AM): A client also wants me to help him sell a domain name for him.... the domain is forsaleinc.com Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:39 AM): But now Bryan's on this metric kick. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:39 AM): The basis of any design is what the user needs. That drives everything. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:39 AM): Del, their latest thing is "open rates" on e-mail, which is nothing short of scammery. Sorry to say, but that's the truth. Especially the way they pitch it. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:40 AM): Apparently, Bryan complained to Adam Audette about my comment on I-Branding a week or so ago.... Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:40 AM): Yeah. Even if you have the preview pane in outlook "view" the email, it counts as an open. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:40 AM): Fran, stay away from domain sales. It's a dead business..... Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:41 AM): I want click-thrus. I want conversions. :-) Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:41 AM): open rates only work with HTML email anyway, don't they? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:41 AM): AMEN! Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:41 AM): really...that's a shame...greatdomains.com recently sold forsalebyowner.com for $850K ... so he thought he could really get some bucks for it. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:41 AM): Amen to what? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): Of course, I was protesting the domain re-sale market back in 1998. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): I sold one for $3,000 last fall. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): really...that's a shame...greatdomains.com recently sold forsalebyowner.com for $850K ... so he thought he could really get some bucks for it. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): Fran -- list it in a few sites. Who knows, maybe he'll get a bite Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): Bartered another for double that. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:42 AM): Open rates are a scam. I wrote about that in FrankelTips earlier. They are absolutely of NO value. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:43 AM): sorry for the hitting twice...it didn't update ... thought I hadn't hit right. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:43 AM): Yeah, we even have a DOMAINIA issue every week or so on FrankelBiz. But your best bet is to receive an offer for the URL. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:43 AM): I use a tracking link in my text email newsletter to see what interests my readers most - then I can give them more of that same type of content. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:44 AM): that's what I told him...he doesn't even have anything up there at the address as yet...I told him just having it won't be enough...you have to have it out there. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:44 AM): Rob: Bryan does a good job on most of his writings. Solid prose. Great information. Most cases, intensely usable. But I still can't fathom how converting a site to a layout like they earmark would increase sales (along all product/service lines). I'm not saying it doesn't work. It's just difficult to comprehend. (Yes. I'm thick.) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:45 AM): I've put stuff up on Great Domain -- URL's that ShoutLoud said were worth $500,000 as recently as last week. Nuthin'. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:45 AM): Del, what is your URL and what is Bryan's? Just wondering. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:45 AM): thanks for the heads up Rob...will go with my gut instinct then. Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (4/1/2002 9:45 AM): Entered the room. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): I'm not saying it doesn't work either, Del. I'm just saying they're trying to make a name for themselves and grabbing at just about anything to do it. And being thin-skinned while trying to do that doesn't help. Fran (fcs@jim-fran.com) (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): thanks for the heads up Rob...will go with my gut instinct then. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): Mine is loanfuel.com - Bryan's is futurenowin.com (their company) and grokdotcom.com (their alien spokesperson). Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): Whoops. I meant what is Dana's and what is Bryan's? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): Being thin-skinned in this business is never useful. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:46 AM): futurenowinc.com (forgot one c.) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:47 AM): Overall, I think and Jeff and Bryan are smart guys. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:47 AM): Bryan's is actually futurenowinc.com Del :) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:47 AM): For those of you who are intent on knowing the smart stuff, you should check out Dana's site, http://www.a-clue.com Dana pulls no punches -- and has the scars to prove it! Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:48 AM): Any other issues while we still have some time? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:49 AM): I also have the lack of income to prove I need to obey Rob's branding laws. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:49 AM): lol. even with all your writing? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Hey, ANYONE who's business is exploding just raise your hands! As a matter of fact, this morning's FrankelTips covered how to tell if it's just you or whether it's the environment that's to blame. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): That's right. I've boomed and busted just like everyone else. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Issue: My brain is exploding with ideas. How to focus with one? What consultant could tell me which is best one? Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Thank God my wife has a good job.... Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Rob: I think you should capitalize on your branding skills to help individuals (sales persons, managers, CEOs) successfully brand themselves to their clients, peers and employees. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Thank God my job has a good wife.... Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:50 AM): Thank god my husband has a job. Dana Blankenhorn (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): Lorilyn: Only your own heart can answer that question. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): Lorilyn, that's what http://www.RobFrankel.com/frankelcall.html is for. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): exploding as in good or bad Rob? Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): My heart doesn't know how to make money! Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): My heart wants to do EVERYTHING! Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): No kidding, it's helped dozens of people in exactly your situation Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:51 AM): Exploding good, Del. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:52 AM): Rob, wish I could afford it. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:52 AM): Lorilyn, that's what VISA is for! Tee hee. Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:52 AM): EIGHT MINUTE WARNING Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:53 AM): Mine's increased, but not exploded. Although April, a historically *crappy* month already has J/O's lined up to beat all my previous Aprils in just this first week. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:53 AM): Yeah, right. 8- | Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:53 AM): That's great Del. Anyone else while we still have a few? Tamra (tamra@hcstudios.com) (4/1/2002 9:54 AM): Haven't seen much of an increase in anything except sales guys calling to try to get us to buy high-end services Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:54 AM): I get a lot of calls from desperate vendors. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:54 AM): this is going to be my best month yet, business wise Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:54 AM): Yes, I've noticed that, too. It's reeeeeeally tough out there, despite what the newsbabes on FOX TV are saying about the economy. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:54 AM): I've been getting lots of "co-branding" offers. (None of which I'll have any part of.) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:55 AM): Del, you should accept those as invitations and then turn them into non-co-branded offers. Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:55 AM): Doesn't Bush blame the media for saying there's a recession? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:55 AM): One thing for sure: Just going out there and trying to make contact yield you a lot of data for later. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:55 AM): everybody and his uncle wants to 'partner' with me these days. Of course that just means "find clients and turn them over to us for a percentage but we wont do the same for you" Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): There IS a recession. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): Rob: Um. No. About 3/4's of them are website creation offers for my clients (they want banner space on my site, blah blah blah). Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): Rob, I've been asked to be the "career counselor" at a showcase for local business. It's going to give me great exposure, so I want to make the most of it - what do you think is the best material to provide? Keeping in mind that my target market is actually the employer looking to find the best sales professional? Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): They're not saying that now, Lorilyn. Now they're saying the recession is over and the economy is growing again... Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): They are lying. :) Jonathan Cohen (jacohen@damnfinewriting.com) (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): Rob - to sum up about what you said to Fran, then - focus on one particular area/service you can brand yourself in, then brand yourself as the only solution, and differentiate yourself accordingly? Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:56 AM): Cynthia: I hear you. People suck. ;-) Tamra (tamra@hcstudios.com) (4/1/2002 9:57 AM): Terri, write up a "10 tips" handout -- no matter what the subject, I think I've kept every one of those I've ever gotten Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:57 AM): grin... that they do, Del. Some are dreams come true though Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:58 AM): Terri, Tamra has a good idea. But I'd think about something that gets their data. maybe a free job notice sheet that you can key in later to build your user base. Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:58 AM): Cynthia: Yup. Referrals are a goldmine. Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:58 AM): Thanks, Tamra! that's great advice :) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:58 AM): TWO MINUTES Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 9:59 AM): As for "partners", I tell them that I'd love to be partners. But they get to make the first investment. Wanna guess how many take me up on it? Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 9:59 AM): I've had 2 nibbles that turned into 3 eCommerce contracts this month. 1 came from a newsgroup of all places. The gentleman saw some posts in a thread and contacted me. The other came from a listserv Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:59 AM): 42 Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 9:59 AM): I do have one of those now Rob - that's a great idea for building subscribers to it! Del 2 (4/1/2002 9:59 AM): :-) Rob Frankel (rob@robfrankel.com) (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): You're about 42 too high Del. Knucklehead! Hey, this was great! Let's do it again next Monday! Del 2 (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Cynthia: Sweet. What cart package? Lorilyn Bailey (NewsBuzz.com) (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Buh-bye. Del 2 (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Knucklehead. LOL. Del 2 (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Cya Rob. Cynthia (webmaster@wkdesign.com) (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Del -- not sure yet. I'm looking at a ton of them Terri Robinson (recruit2hire.com) (4/1/2002 10:00 AM): Thanks for the great session, Rob and everyone! See you all next week! |
