Marketing Technology Blog

If I don’t have anything to write about on my blog, I usually do some browsing and find some incredible links and share those instead. If you’re taking the time to return to my site or subscribe to my feed, I want to ensure I don’t waste your time by half-assing a blog post.

Despite my efforts, some of my posts are stinkers and others get a ton of attention. After blogging for years now, it’s still impossible for me to predict my readership. I suppose it’s a lot like a defensive running back trying to predict the next play. Football teams that win usually have greater consistency and fewer fumbles. They play every down like it’s the last down. Football, they say, is a game of inches.

Winning at blogging is the same. A great offensive line can still get sacked and lose some yardage, but overall, they’ll push onwards and get the first down. I can’t predict which of my posts (football = plays) will get me into the end zone. I do know that greater consistency and less fumbles will get me there, though.

As a result, I don’t worry whether or not this post will be the one, I only know that if I continue to blog often and blog well that I will continue to gain readers (football = yardage). The competition is tough, though.

Currently I’m up against everyone on vacation, everyone’s best posts of 2008 and everyone’s predictions for 2009. The real competition is with me, though. Competition is not finding time to post. Competition is not researching a post well enough to leave you with the kernel of knowledge you came for.

Incredible photo by Brian Cassella, Photojournalist

In 2008, the blog has about a quarter of a million visitors with close to 2,000 subscribers (email + RSS). I’ve not continued the growth on this blog that I had in the past – largely due to my competition. Changes at work didn’t allow me to put the time and effort into the blog that I should have. Of recent, I’ve been turning around those stats and am back on the upswing again.

I’m looking forward to getting a few in the end zone in 2009!

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America’s veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Sometimes I think that readers of my blog have really gotten to know me over the years. Yesterday I posted a blog post asking if Obama was the next Vista. Wow, what a firestorm that raised! The series of comments were so vicious from the left and the right that I refused to post many of the comments.

My blog is a Marketing and Technology blog, not a political blog. My humor was intentional and I was definitely taking advantage of the popularity of this election. As I woke up this morning and found out that Barack Obama is our President-Elect, I stand by the post and, not only hope, but pray that Obama delivers on the change that he’s promised. (As an independent, though, I’m not optimistic.)

For those from the left that attacked me for the post, you really need to stop the hatred and vicious attacks on anyone who questions your leaders. Questioning authority is part of the freedoms that I and others fought for in this country and it’s our duty as citizens of a free country to question leadership and hold them accountable. I am really disappointed in the comments that were written to me. I’ve never liked politics and think it’s at the heart of why we have such division in this country.

The ultimate irony, of course, is that I supported Obama through the primaries and have been telling my children how incredible a day in history it would be if he were elected president. It was only after Obama’s choice of Biden as Vice President, I stopped supporting his campaign.

For those on the right, it’s time that you take a deep look at how you squandered your power. When you had the opportunity to lead this country, find opportunities to reach across party lines, and lead EVERYONE to the American dream, you instead led with hubris and ignored those who needed you most.

It was terrible to watch what you did to the Republican Party and your loss is only your fault. Don’t blame it on the media – you provided the fodder for those who were always fighting you.

It’s a Great Day for America

I’ve always been a proud American, but today is a great day. Regardless of how the next four years go, it’s such an incredible step in the right direction for healing the ongoing race issues that have divided this country for so long. The month that I was born, riots littered the country, the Civil Rights Act was signed and Martin Luther King was put to rest.

It’s sad that it took 40 years, but it’s still an incredible day in America. It really is the first day in 40 years that this country has had a significant event that pushed racism into the gutter that it belongs. Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re from, it’s a great day to be an American.

MarketingSherpa has released it’s 5th Annual Business Technology Marketing Benchmark Guide for 2008 to 2009.

Business Technology Marketing Benchmark Guide 2008–09 features all new primary research gathered from more than 10,000 business technology buyers and nearly 1,000 marketers.

Key Highlights:

• 90% of business people read their email with a client that blocks HTML images by default (e.g., Outlook). If images are blocked, opens can’t be counted, which may explain why email open rates have been declining.. Clickthrough rates may be a better metric to judge the effectiveness of emails.
• Interactive sources of information (online user communities, events, webcasts, sales reps etc.) generally count heavily toward the ultimate technology purchase and should be weighed accordingly when considering marketing efforts.
• You’ll be surprised at how quickly (or slowly) suppliers respond to engineer emails. Only 17% respond to email inquiries within 24 hours. Past studies show that delay loses white–hot opportunities.
• Viral videos pack a punch. For established brands, viral can be a uniquely effective way to change brand perception at a corporate or product level. For emerging companies, there’s the potential for big brand building on a small budget.
• While list quality accounts for up to 75% of a direct mail campaign’s success, offer testing and creative are the difference between “good” and “great” success.

Source: MarketingSherpa