Content Creation and Strategy via Digital Marketing Channels, such as Newsletters, Article Writing, Social Media Education/Support, and Blogging, Facebook Pages | Purple Phone PR & Marketing

Where Are Your "Creation Spaces"?

I just wrapped up the book “The Power of Pull: How Small Moves, Smartly Made, Can Set Big Things in Motion” by John Hagel III,  John Seely Brown, and Lang Davison.  

The premise of the book is that, as information flows constantly and change has become the norm, we must rethink the way we live and work in order to be successful.  It talks about learning to draw out the resources that you need for problem solving and about coming together out of passion to create.

In the third level of pull, “creation spaces” begin to form.  These are (most likely virtual) areas that offer people who are passionate about a given topic the tools and resources need to create new things – solutions to problems, new products, etc..  One example used in the book was Cisco’s developers forum, where people who are using the Cisco product share ideas and brainstorm solutions as a group.

It makes me wonder . . . what creations spaces do you already take part in?  Are there spaces that you wish existed?

The Book! FINALLY! Abundance: Earn it Through Audience

 
 If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know by now that I'd been working a book about applying marketing ideas through social media.  I'm thrilled to say that it finally completely done and on the market under the title Abundance:  Earn it Through Audience.  

The reason I mention it hear on the blog (which you may have also noticed is a bit under construction as we speak - I'm getting to that shortly!) is because I wanted to thank several peers for their efforts in the social media space and for leading the way through example.  More than once as I was working on the book, those who I've met through networking - both online and off - sprang to mind as examples of using social tools to make a difference in their personal and professional lives.

Much thanks to the following for their example and leadership:

• Tara Crooks
• Chris Brogan
• Josh Bersin
• Athleta
• UPS
• Go Realty
• Comcast
• HeatherO
• Pfizer
• Chuck Hester
• Dominos
• Cathy Wood/Miss Taffy
• Sasha Strauss
• Claire Perry
• Marina Bosetti
• eMakeup
• Blendtec
• President Barack Obama

If you're interested in the book itself, here is the link to the Lulu.com listing: Abundance - Earn it Through Audience . 

Good Read: Selling to Big Companies

You'll find that I'm a voracious reader.  As such, from time to time, I'll post about books that I feel could benefit business owners . . . let's begin with . . .

Selling to Big Companies, by Jill KonRoth

This is a wonderful book for those who have little knowledge of current sales practices and who are hoping to approach large companies with their products or services.   Those who have some sales background already may already know the basics of what Ms. Konroth shares, but will still find value in her examples and detailed ideas.

“Selling to Big Companies” asks the reader to change her focus from getting business from a potential customer to helping the potential customer in ways that position you as an expert in your field.  In doing so, Ms. Konroth believes that the sales person steps away from being pushy and aggressive and becomes a valuable partner to the targeted company.

 

Once the reader makes this mental shift, Ms. Konroth walks her through the specific actions that must happen in order to “get her foot in the door.”  This includes crafting a value proposition, developing an account entry campaign and adequately preparing for any and all contacts with the potential customer.

 

Overall, this book will get the business owner or sales person questioning her current sales approach and looking for ways to make it more effective.