And you know what? Sometimes things work best when they go awry.

For instance, during one patriotic production we were supposed to have red, white and blue lights behind a scrim during the performance of the national anthem. For some reason the red lights weren’t working and we had to troubleshoot in a hurry while still being careful about where we went behind the scrim so that we wouldn’t be seen by the audience. We managed to secure the loose electrical plug for the red lights just as the song hit “the rocket’s red glare.” It was total serendipity but the effect was wonderful – or so I was told.

The same kind of thing happens when you shoot video for your business – especially outdoors. Your best laid plans can go right out the window if the neighbor’s dog starts to howl or the teenager across the street blasts off on their new “rice rocket.”

On the other hand, you also have some fun things happen – like birds beginning to sing LOUDLY while you’re talking about spending time enjoying the great outdoors. My own Hoover the Wonder Hound has made several entertaining, though unplanned, cameos in my videos – both onscreen and off. Sometimes I edit her out, sometimes I go with the flow.

You always want to have a plan when you’re shooting video: a script (written or just in your head – but a script nontheless), a nice background that enhances your theme (or at the very least doesn’t detract from it), adequate lighting, etc. But don’t be afraid to include the occasional “blooper.” People love ‘em, they make you seem more real to those who don’t already know you and – once in a while – the blooper trumps the plan!

Tips to remember:
• Keep it short – 40-50 characters
• Don’t repeat your From Label
• Don’t use all caps
• Avoid excessive punctuation (i.e., !!!!)
• Don’t abuse the word “Free” – Use the word “complimentary” or “no cost” instead
• Place the most important information at the beginning
• Give your recipients a reason to open your email

Download your copy of “Savvy Subject Line Writing for Success” here.

And you know what? They’re not using Pay-Per-Click advertising exclusively. They’re using the one-two punch of search engine optimization and social media – with a little bit of “fun” thrown into the mix.

Find out more about how forward-thinking online merchants have unleashed a wave of innovation that is improving the economics of e-commerce.

We’ve all been there, right? Sometimes things just don’t go our way – and it’s frustrating. The next time that happens, though, I want you to think about this:

What’s really going on when you get frustrated? I’ll tell you what:
You’ve given control to someone or something else!

Every day we’re presented with an opportunity to be frustrated. How do you deal with it? How do you deal with the nuts and bolts of running your business, with changing your life for the better?

It’s All About Your “Why”

It’s been said that a person without a dream never had a dream come true. We need to have big dreams. Don’t ever apologize for them!

And those big dreams are all wrapped up in “why” you have them. For me, it’s all about being there for the most important people in my life. Being there with my physical presence. Being there with my time. Being there emotionally. And, yes, being there with financial support, too.

As long as you can keep your “why” front and center you won’t get mired down in frustrations. Because you know what? You’ll have the power. The power to make the decisions that will move you forward and keep you on track toward your goals. The power of being aware.

Don’t Get Mad – Fix Your Ad!

Don’t allow your frustrations to keep you from accomplishing what needs to be done today. Confront them and see them for what they really are.

You’ve got to change your programming and break the frustration pattern. If something isn’t working, go back with a clear head, examine it, and then fix it.

Keep yourself in a mindset of gratitude. Be thankful for your “why” – because if you do, when you’re frustrated you’ll be aware of what’s happening and you can change it!

Read the article to find out what’s working overall in search.

@victoriahansen i live to serve. and thank YOU for the mention! any topic i’m not covering that i should? #

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Read the article to learn more about the art and science of keyword research tactics.

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Michael Stearns offers four steps for gaining traction with video:

1. Deploy via multiple locations
2. Build your channels
3. Embed videos on your own site
4. Encourage sharing.

Branding tips include paying attention to your thumbnail image, using your own watermark, and tagging links to measure the effectiveness of your video.

Visit Stearns’ article for more video strategies to increase your site’s exposure.