by Kirby Hasseman
Yesterday morning, we got a call that there was a leak at a building we have been working on in Coshocton. Technically, my lovely bride, Amy has been working on it. You can see some of the progress on this video. When we bought the building, it needed a lot of work. It’s hard, expensive and slow work. It’s important, but the progress can seem frustratingly slow. And on mornings like this, when we get a call about a problem, it’s really hard not to be annoyed. You look around and all you see is challenges. All you see is how far you have to go. If you have ever chased a big and challenging goal, my hunch is, this moment feels familiar to you. Whether your goal is get in shape, grow your sales, train for event, build a business, we all get to that point in the road where all we can see is potholes. In that moment, it might be time to look back. You heard me right. Yes, it’s important to “keep your eyes on the prize” or “gaze at the end goal,” or any other cliche’. But sometimes it’s important to remind yourself how far you have come. In our case, we can look back at the first video we shot when getting the building. It was a mess. It was unsafe. It was scary. Yes, we do have a long way to go. But wow! We have come a long way. As we look around at the painting that has been done, the renovations, and the improvement in culture and safety, it’s enough inspiration to get us back on track. So if you are at that moment in your journey, take heart. Though you still have a long way to go, you have probably made quite a few strides in the right direction. Take a few moments to celebrate those. Then you might have the motivation to get back to work. Make sure you never miss an update! There are plenty of places to connect. You can find us on Facebook here, subscribe to Youtube here, or you can sign up for our VIP newsletter below!
by Kirby Hasseman
My friend Bill Petrie and I talk a lot about authenticity. We talk about it on our weekly podcast unScripted (it drops every Friday here), and in talks we give about Content Marketing. The concept is simple. Be you. Create your own voice. But as is the case with many things in life, simple is not the same as easy. When it comes to authenticity (in content and in life) I have good news and bad news. The Good NewsThe good news about creating content around your authentic voice, opinions and personality is…it will be easier. You won’t have to create an opinion about your work or your life. You have them. In many ways, when you can truly embrace this, you shed a weight. Many of us go through life wearing a mask. When you make the realization that you are not for everyone, and accept that, it can be freeing. The Bad NewsOn the other hand, it can be scary. If you are like most of us, you have some concern that if you are really you, people won’t like it. I totally get it. And here’s the rub. If you are authentic, there are going to be people that don’t like it (or you). There will be people that bristle if you share a true opinion or point of view. They will avoid you or not do business with you. And that’s okay. The fact is, when you share your authentic voice, you will turn some people off. But you will attract people as well. And for the most part, the people you attract are much more likely to “get” you and what you are all about. The people you attract are going to be the organizations that identify with what Simon Sinek calls “your why.” They will even (most likely) be people or organizations you enjoy serving more. You will have real relationship that is authentic. As I said to Bill recently, this does not just mean being authentic about opinions. For us, it’s being authentic about joy. Our mission is to “Deliver Marketing Joy.” Recently we did t-shirts (they are so sweet and you can check them out here) that say “Be Kind. Spread Joy. Embrace the hustle.” Though I absolutely love them, there are going to be some that are turned off by the message. That, my friends, is totally cool with me. If our message does not resonate with them, there are plenty of other options out there. But if that message gets you fired up and brings you joy…welcome to the tribe. Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter below!
by Kirby Hasseman
How many of you have ever started a new year (or a new quarter, or a new week) with the very intense desire to improve your fitness? Raise your hand…everyone. You had decided that “enough was enough.” You were going to put in the work. You were going to follow the plan. You had a goal in your mind. You had new “workout shoes.” You were fired up and you were committed. And you failed. Sound familiar? It does to many of us…me included. We know what to do. We just struggle with the discipline to do it. You know the quote I use all the time… The greatest distance in the world is the distance between “I know” and “I do.” I think the same is true for success in content marketing. As a matter of fact, I see a lot of similarities between success in fitness and in social media! Don’t believe me? Here are 10 ways Content Marketing and Fitness are the same! 1. Success takes a long time: One of the common misperceptions that causes frustrations in both is that results happen quickly. They don’t. The best plans for both start extremely slow and show only incremental progress at first. 2. You need to focus on the day…not the goal: If you continue to look at the marathon, you will get discouraged quickly. You don’t need to run 26.2 miles on day 2 of training for the marathon. You just have to run 2. The same is true with content. You don’t need a million followers. You just need to do the work today. 3. Consistency is Key: You can’t work out for a week and take 2 weeks off and have 6 pack abs (trust me, I know). The best success comes from consistent work. 4. It’s important to track progress: Most training plans have you weigh yourself at the beginning (and take pictures). That way, when you are frustrated, you can see how far you have come. The same is true with content. Start with your traffic baseline. The progress will be slow…but then you can look back later to your progress. 5. Most people start fast…and can’t keep it up: I started P90X the first time and went out of the gates like crazy. Then I could not lift my arms for a week. We have all see the company that started off with a Facebook page like crazy…and then have not posted in 2 months. 6. Most people use the same excuses about why they can’t do it: I know. You don’t have time. Bullshit. Yes you do. Do it or don’t do it. Your call. But time is not your issue. 7. The best plans do a little every day: You don’t have to go out the first week and run 25 miles. It’s often better to start slow and build up. The same is true on the content side. Start slow. There is no point firing out at a pace you can’t maintain. 8. The best people are intentional: You don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) work out every day. You need to create rest days to let your body recover. But you need to do it on purpose. If every day becomes a rest day, then the routine is over. If you follow a plan, it’s much easier to stay on track! 9. The first 3 months are the hardest: In the program P90X, it’s 90 days for a reason. In that time you can create a habit in your day to workout. And you START to see results then. The work isn’t done. But that’s when it starts to become a part of you. 10. Most people know what to do…but aren’t willing to do it: Fitness and fad diets are huge business. We all want the shortcut. But if we eat less (or better) and work out more, most of us will get results. The fact is, we know that. Most of us are just not willing to DO it. These are just 10 ways that Content Marketing is like Fitness. There are more. So let’s put the excuses to bed. Create a plan. Then, let’s get to work! Make sure you never miss an update (like a mental workout). Sign up for our VIP newsletter here!
by Kirby Hasseman
It’s hard to believe (and even harder to say), but today will be Dustin’s last day at Hasseman Marketing. (Excuse me while I wipe away a tear). Dustin has been with us for 10 years and it’s hard to imagine work life without him. Though we are certainly disappointed that he is leaving, we know he is heading to a great new opportunity! My goal for this organization is to be a good leader for the team. Opinions might vary on my effectiveness, but most would say that a leader is a teacher. I want to help the team grow. But today, as I look at the legacy Dustin left with us, he has been a great teacher to each of us. So here, on his last day at Hasseman Marketing, are a few lessons we have all learned from Dustin. Stay Steady: Dustin has been a calming force at the office. He never gets to high or too low. In a room full of people that can be emotional, this is a powerful trait. Keep Learning: Dustin was hired to be a video editor, and today he is so much more than that. That is because he is constantly learning and getting better with his craft. Much of his learning time might be to upgrading his video skills. But he is also consuming content, social media, SEO and more. We all need to have this thirst for knowledge! Show Up: You become extremely value by simply showing up every day. Not only was Dustin talented at his job, but his consistency and his work ethic took it to the next level. Co-workers knew Dustin would be there to do his job…day in and day out. Laugh: Though he can be quiet, Dustin has a great sense of humor. That is so wonderful in a small workplace! Sometimes, as you are working on a stressful project and a tight timeline, the best skill you can have is a sense of humor! Be Willing To Help: Dustin is a jack of all trades. Obviously he was our “video guy.” But he became our computer guy, our email guy, our art guy, our social media guy, etc. Why? Because he was totally cool when you came to him with the question, “Hey can you help me with this?” We could all use a bit more of this trait. This list is way too small…but it gives you an idea. Dustin has been a great teammate. We are sad to see him go. But we are excited to see what he does on his next adventure! Good luck brother! Make sure you never miss an update! We post new content each day. Sign up for our VIP newsletter here! We would love to have you! Oh…and if you just want to shop for some cool new swag, you can do that here.
by Kirby Hasseman
When this guy asks you to be on his podcast…answer the call! I had a blast recently when Roger Burnett asked me to be on his podcast! Roger is a long time sales guru and is the VP of Sales for Branded Logistics. He is also a Co-Founder of an organization called Promo Cares. The goal of the organization is to get Promo Super Heros to “put on the cape” and use their power for social good. When Roger asked me to be on his podcast he promised not to ask me the “easy and standard” questions. Though that is a little intimidating, it was really fun to cover some new ground here. So feel free to listen in as we cover a range of topics including: * Why the skills that make a sales person and a sales manager are different…* How and why to justify the time and budget for content…* How content marketing is very much like fitness…* And quite a bit more! It was an honor and it was fun. Listen in now…and let me (or Roger) know what you think! Sign up for our VIP Newsletter here.
