Aug 15, 2013

30 August 2013

Using Instagram is not an option; it’s an opportunity!

QUESTION: Why did Facebook pay one billion dollars for Instagram?

ANSWER: So that instead of worrying about how many people joined Instagram (and abandoned Facebook), they could brag about it.

Are you on Instagram? I am. All of my family is. ALL of my family is. Daughters, granddaughters, in-laws, outlaws. All of them. All of my close friends are too. And a few hundred other people I don’t know, who looked me up or found me through a hash tag. Are you on?

Do you post on Instagram? I do. Almost every day. Why? Because I take pictures on my iPhone that I believe are worth sharing. That’s what Instagram is all about.

With more that 130 million “users” Instagram is what’s new and what’s next. If you doubt it, ask yourself why Facebook bought a company – that never made a dime of profit – for a billion dollars.

I’m certain that in a Facebook research-marketing lab someplace in Silicone Valley they’re talking about Instaface or Facegram.

Instagram is an app of the future. It’s really only useable on mobile and tablet devices. But it makes sense because mobile is where you take pictures.

Take a look at mine @jeffreygitomer

Here’s what Instagram offers to your social media mix:

• It’s instant. Shoot the photo, minor edit, short description, add the people you’re with and or the location the photo was taken, and post it.

• It takes less time than other social media. Not just for you, but for everyone else you’re connected to.

• People typically post positive things. They “like” it, and they can say a few words.

• No drama. Facebook is a soap opera. Instagram is a happy place.

• It’s a document of your daily life. In a light and non-time-consuming way.

• It’s personal. Family sees family. Friends see friends. And you are able to stay in touch with family friends in a personal way. KEY: Invite your family and friends to join you.

• It’s available to others. Your business friends and close customers can get a glimpse of your personal side without all the Facebook crap and your past life.

• You don’t have to be a writer, just a smartphone user. Very few words are needed – just photos and short videos.

• There’s a chance to be “liked.” For your photos, your travels, your creativity, your career, your achievements, your cute kids, your passions, and your family.

• There’s a chance to comment. And you can send words of praise to those you follow.

• There’s a chance to acknowledge others. When you appear in a photo with others or want to send them a message.

• It’s fun. It is by far, my favorite of the social media options.

YOU MUST: Get your parents, kids, close relatives, and friends involved to “share” the sprit of Instagram.

IT’S NOT A TREND, IT’S A MOVEMENT: Kids are ON IT, and ALL OVER IT. My grandchildren have all but abandoned Facebook in favor of Instagram.

NOTE: I just texted Morgan, my 15-year-old granddaughter, and asked her when her last post on Facebook was. “September 16, 2012” (Almost a year ago – and she was on it every hour before then). Last post on Instagram? “Yesterday.” Morgan has 447 followers (knows most of them), is following 272 people, and has posted 584 photos. She is the future of Instagram – and Facebook knows it.

WAKE UP – Microsoft Word still thinks the word Instagram is a misspelling. Sad.

WANT MORE FOLLOWERS? Besides your inner circle of people and family, if you want more followers, take great photos and #hashtag key words and places of interest when you post a photo or video. Others go searching for those words and places, find you, and (some) will follow you.

Here are a few more things about Instagram that will help you learn more and take full advantage of the opportunity:

• Hashtag (#) search for a few things you love, and find a few people to follow that have similar interests. I follow people who photograph Paris. It has led me to other amazing photographers.

• Be authentic – post your own photos.

• Study the experts. There are hundreds of them on Instagram.

Do it. If you’re already doing it, improve and expand your doing. It’s an easy way to share joy, memories, and passions. Oh, and it’s FREE.

Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books including The Sales Bible and The Little Red Book of Selling. His forthcoming book, 21.5 Unbreakable Laws of Selling, will be available September 3^rd, and will feature a national public seminar tour.  Get the details at www.gitomer.com. It will lead you to more information about training and seminars, or email him personally at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " target="_blank"> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

© 2013 All Rights Reserved. Don’t even think about reproducing this document

without written permission from Jeffrey H. Gitomer and Buy Gitomer. 704/333-1112

13 August 2013

As entrepreneurs, we believe our idea or new business venture is going to work. But then we let our fears come in and rob us of our success. Here are three insights that can help you stay on track when starting a new business.

Let me ask you- If you knew you couldn’t fail- Would you do it? Of course, you would! We all would but then we let the fears come in and rob us of our Success! Here are 3 insights that would help you in determining if starting a new business is the right decision for you.

1. Find the “right” business for you. You will be dedicating time and effort to it every day, so it’s better to love it. What is your Passion? It’s critical to your success. It may be a business selling products, because you like them, or the latest technology that you can teach. Many businesses are an outgrowth of a hobby or interest. Thank about products and services you feel strongly about and how might you incorporate them into your professional life..

2. Educate yourself. Success magazine points out that “74 percent of all self-made millionaires in America today made their fortune by building their own successful businesses. Some of these never owned a business previously. What does this mean? Anyone can be successful! Learn what you need to know and apply it as you go.

3. Believe in yourself. You are your most valuable asset. Your energy, passion, imagination, discipline, character, guts and gumption. There has never been a better time to achieve financial independence by starting your own business. Remember anything that anyone else has done, and especially something that millions of others have done, you can do as well, and perhaps even better. Better because you can piggyback on their knowledge. Your business will be a mirror of your character and ability telling the world who you really are. There are no limits, except for the ones you place on you.

Choose a different path, the path where there are no limits.Dream big, be audacious, think outside of the box, think off the page, engage with a buddy and percolate ideas, bounce them back and forth. Only you hold you back. Now’s your time to let your brilliance shine. You already have all you need to get started, now go for it!

Carole DeLaOsa, Transition4You
Effecting Change by Conscious Choice