http://www.cocomment.com/comments/Buzz2Bucks Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-22T12:47:31.483+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2475090&comment_id=72297266 Maria Elena Duron I really appreciate you taking a step by step approach in your post, Chad. This is so often needed. Many times people are told "be known for who you are" or "start a blog" and there's no playbook and how to get that done. Or, the playbook is too huge and overwhelming they feel like it's too huge a mountain to conquer. Kudos to you for breaking it down - while it's FRESH in your mind. I believe those are the most valuable "how to" lists - the ones that come from the most recent to climb. 2009-04-04T19:44:25.505+02:00 2009-04-04T19:44:25.505+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2470251&comment_id=69450483 Maria Duron Anthony, I have to admit -when I first read this post I had to think about it for some time. It does go "against the grain" of what is out on the shelf of every bookstore and almost every blog you find on networking. I had to marinate over it and then thought, "do I really want to follow up with people who don't want to stay connected with me"? We've all been to networking events where people are just human card collectors - even garnering cards off of tables so that they can leave the event with a fistful of cards and feel victorious! Then we get that horribly, non-personal note, email or letter that says "So, good to meet you at this event. Let's get together soon." I've received those and wondered, who is this?! In fact, I was NOT at an event once but a colleague of mine had put my business cards on her table displaying her books and someone must of picked it up and I received a letter that stated "darn glad to meet you" yet I wasn't even there! Do we really need to send a thank you note to someone who we just met at an event but didn't give us a business card? I think it's a personal decision for each of us - depending on our strategy and style. Yet, I certainly see great value if someone makes it a point to give you there card after conversation. Does that mean you follow up with everyone who has given you a card? For me, that's a 'no'. I've been at too many events where there are people who are dealing out their business cards like they're a dealer in Vegas. There's no conversation, nothing at all - they just deal out their cards and hit the next group of people gathered. What I liked most about what Jun said is, have the conversation and if they offer you their card there is a desire that they want to continue the connection with you. 2009-03-28T20:57:00.988+01:00 2009-03-28T20:57:00.988+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2464744&comment_id=67362545 Maria Elena Duron Scott is one of my favorite people in the whole world! He's such a dynamic person who is passionate about making sure people are getting noticed in a positive way. He speaks about creating a philosophy card which is really an eye-catcher and conversation starter. And, I really appreciate his thoughts to be someone to "stumble upon, obsess over, fall in love with, be addicted to and tell friends about." What an amazing brand he is! 2009-03-21T01:06:37.436+01:00 2009-03-21T01:06:37.436+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2463041&comment_id=66812033 Maria Elena Duron Monica, You asked some great questions and I was very intrigued by this unique job search strategy! I heard it first here. Thanks! 2009-03-19T00:29:48.287+01:00 2009-03-19T00:29:48.287+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2455482&comment_id=65338985 Maria Elena Duron Brilliant post, Jacob! And an excellent reminder that your brand is "sampled" at every interaction. One that I remind clients of frequently is even in your outgoing voice message. It's 'business as usual' to leave voice mails for each other and consider that a conversation. So, why waste time and have an outgoing voice message so lame as to say "I'm on the other line or away from my desk" leaving the full on impression that you're just screening your calls and that you're "average". Make those outgoing voice messages work for you. Not with outgoing wisdom quotes (please, who has time for those) but with meaningful information like "I'm clients until 2 p.m. and am respecting their time by not answering the phone. I'll check messages right at 2 p.m.". In those short 15 seconds of an outgoing message like this you have spoken VOLUMES about who you are and given more helpful info that will make you memorable. 2009-03-13T15:05:43.500+01:00 2009-03-13T15:05:43.500+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2443946&comment_id=64277083 Maria Duron Excellent interview, Dan! I really appreciate you being able to get to the information that it's the "sources" that are most important and of interest to him. Thanks! 2009-03-09T05:12:06.014+01:00 2009-03-09T05:12:06.014+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2443945&comment_id=64277080 Maria Duron I really liked your explanation and the analogy you used. This was well written, Jun. And, it shows the importance of unearthing and developing your brand. And, yes, I agree - it IS the journey that's the prize! 2009-03-09T05:09:24.266+01:00 2009-03-09T05:09:24.266+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2443142&comment_id=63997112 Maria Elena Duron Bravo! I love this post for several reasons and agree with Danny Brown that there are many decrying the term "personal branding" and yet there are some who "brand themselves" as the expert in branding - which in and of itself is personal branding. Maybe they don't want to have any competitors so they find it best to keep this as one of their "secrets" to success. Personal branding is about the person. And, every company is created and operated by people. And these people either do a great job on authentically executing on the corporate brand promise or they are so connected from the corporate brand that they work against the corporate brand. Then that brings forth the question - is THAT REALLY the corporate brand? The age old discussion of “do as I say, not as I do” continues! 2009-03-07T21:58:19.883+01:00 2009-03-07T21:58:19.883+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2408432&comment_id=57773292 Maria Duron Brilliant post! Solid and helpful information that provides practical tips to someone wanting to put forth a workable twitter strategy. Someone on twitter sent me this link which provides 14 other tools you can utilize for twitter. I am anxious to hear you thoughts and insights on these. Do you utilize any of these right now? Or, your thoughts would be helpful if you have a chance to review any of these. http://hyder.me/social-media/14-tools-of-highly-effective-twitter-users/ 2009-02-13T00:58:36.377+01:00 2009-02-13T00:58:36.377+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2404465&comment_id=56866692 Maria Elena Duron I love #17. It's not grand or huge yet it's very impactful. Most people do not send thank you notes. In fact, the Greeting Cards Association states that 97% do not send thank you notes or cards at all. Talk about a quick, simple task you can do to rise to the top - head and shoulders above anyone else including your competition. 2009-02-09T17:45:19.034+01:00 2009-02-09T17:45:19.034+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2358775&comment_id=54035994 Anonymous Thanks, David, for your reply! Do you have certain "must have" or core values that must be met by someone before you decide to connect or work with them? 2009-01-28T07:24:42.175+01:00 2009-01-28T07:24:42.175+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2358774&comment_id=54035730 Anonymous Sadly, Neil, from what I've found it will send photo slideshows to your mobile but not the other way around. Thank you for taking the time and for putting the thought forth to recommend this to me! 2009-01-28T07:22:32.009+01:00 2009-01-28T07:22:32.009+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2358770&comment_id=54035062 Maria Elena Duron Thanks so much for promoting the magazine and all of us, Jack! 2009-01-28T07:18:03.670+01:00 2009-01-28T07:18:03.670+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2351458&comment_id=53631897 Maria Duron Exactly! You have a specific purpose in what you're doing and you're fulfilling that purpose regardless of what "best practices are in blogging". Your purpose to blog is for you and no one else. It's the same with every venue utilized to express your brand. As Katie recommends, who is your audience? Even though I'm very active in Twitter, I have a very specific target niche that I'm after. It is reflected in my bio, who I engage in active conversation with and who I follow or follow back. Without a focus, even in your social networking efforts, you'll be like a social butterfly flitting from one conversation to the next, chasing everyone at a cocktail party and having conversation just long enough until the next prospect comes along. Truly, when someone like that has interacted with you, how do you feel? Kudos to you for recognizing the purpose of your blog....too often people jump in and think later. 2009-01-25T20:57:58.126+01:00 2009-01-25T20:57:58.126+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2332752&comment_id=52737558 Maria Elena Duron Jon, I appreciate your post and the points of view of everyone of those commenting on this post. If the assessment is that he's a brand "in trouble", then I would wholeheartedly agree with your recommendation. In fact, I know that he's writing a book to fulfill the purpose of exactly what you mentioned in recommending that he start a blog. As a blogger myself, I believe there would be more interaction and conversation with a blog as opposed to a book yet I also believe in "different strokes for different folks". Just as some people would never read a book on a computer screen - some may prefer a book to hold as opposed to a blog. Yet, I don't subscribe to the idea that he is a brand in trouble. He has a strong brand that is authentically who he is...whether the majority likes it or not. I live in Midland, Texas which over 30,000 West Texas residents greeted the former President and First Lady on Tuesday. He spoke of his "pioneer spirit", his "type A" personality and that he "never had to have an opinion poll to come up with what he thought". That personality and his values, whether anyone agrees with them or not, is a part of his personal brand. Personal branding is not about positioning. It is about extracting what a person's brand is and exuding and expressing it in a way that honors a person's unique deliverables and core values. While his "brand" may not be palatable or agreeable to the rest of the nation, to West Texans he very much fits the brand of a determined wildcatter and rough and rowdy oilman. Here, in West Texas, the majority greets his brand with open arms, vivacious pride and a slightly arrogant and big-hearted Texas pride. I've known him since he was governor of our great state. And, he's very Texan complete with hat and Texas pride. Is that a brand gone bad? Or, it personal branding honoring those brand attributes that make you uniquely you and attracting those who appreciate that brand? Is it positioning to please the masses? Or, it is that focused, target audience that will be your own personal fan club (in any industry) that you're after? Is it being "rich in your niche" or is pleasing all? I cannot say I've agreed with everything that he's done. Yet, as a personal brand strategist, I do feel it's not that he has a brand in trouble yet a brand "in line" for a specific target niche. And, in personal branding...is that a bad thing? Your post inspires many great thoughts and questions. And, I so appreciate you posting it. For me, when I read it, I had to sit down and really think "Is this a brand in trouble or is it a brand authentic"? 2009-01-22T21:44:55.469+01:00 2009-01-22T21:44:55.469+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2317700&comment_id=51109833 Maria Elena Duron A wonderful post and great comments to follow it up! I agree that companies/organizations are seeking people to "be the best". In the job hunting world, they want the best for whatever position they are looking to fulfill yet often they will pay 'what the position is worth' and not the 'best person for the position'. So, in that respect, in the world of employment, sadly, I see commodities being bought all the time. 2009-01-20T21:12:13.344+01:00 2009-01-20T21:12:13.344+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2317690&comment_id=51107090 Maria Elena Duron Torley, Thank you for your feedback on the post and blog design, too. We want it to be easy for you to comment because conversation and relationship are vitally important to us. Regarding your comment, personal branding is not only about standing out, in my opinion. It is who we are, authentically. All of us, whether we know what it is or not, have some sort of 'reputation' or way that people describe us or think of us...whatever that is, is our brand. Branding is not about being grandly different or famously, uniquely you... it is about being authentically you. And, that, as Mary commented, can be a tough personal journey of discovery in and of itself. I appreciate your post and feedback! 2009-01-20T21:07:15.073+01:00 2009-01-20T21:07:15.073+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2297649&comment_id=49734998 Maria Duron I appreciate your insight, too, Francis. Both you and Jacob express interesting thoughts and ideas about names. I'm looking forward to next week's post as he explores this subject further. As a U.S. born Filipina, I have a very traditional Filipino name that doesn't even fit on my social security card. To make things easier, I "Americanize" my name by using my first name "Maria Elena" and my husband's last name "Duron". (even with all that many believe that "Elena" is my middle name - which it is not). In fact, in the Philippines "Maria" is such a common name that it is often abbreviated as "Ma." so I would write my name as Ma.Elena Duron. Cultural difference are fascinating and something I enjoy exploring in articles that I write along with exploring further culture in the hyperconnected world. Thanks for your thoughtful comments and Jacob's thought provoking post. 2009-01-17T07:28:18.311+01:00 2009-01-17T07:28:18.311+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2282698&comment_id=49339983 Maria Duron A great comment, Jennifer. While history is important, the lion''s share needs to shift to application which is exactly what Beverly is doing. These are exciting time in our hyperconnected world! 2009-01-15T02:03:21.992+01:00 2009-01-15T02:03:21.992+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2282693&comment_id=49338626 Maria Duron Chad, You are spot on with your emphasis on passion. It's that "music" that's heard far and above any words someone might say. Thanks for your thought leadership on passion! 2009-01-15T01:59:04.457+01:00 2009-01-15T01:59:04.457+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2241991&comment_id=47872193 Maria Elena Duron I don't mean to spam people either and am not trying to sell anything yet I do participate on #journchat on Monday nights. We use tweetchat so that we can follow the journchat convo but I know it's also posting to all my followers, too. Some of them like it and for some it's just noise. I love the #journchat conversations so often get very chatty in there sharing best practices and resources and then realize that all of the chatter amounted to over 20 tweets back to back. I'm thinking of warning everyone on Monday nights that I participate in #journchat and recommend that they Twitter Snooze me, http://twittersnooze.com/ for the night. I'm going to give it a try this coming Monday and see if it might help. Great post! You're right on target with the most annoying behavior on Twitter! 2009-01-09T00:45:26.601+01:00 2009-01-09T00:45:26.601+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1776079&comment_id=47871335 Maria Elena Duron Luv cocomment and glad to install again after the great computer crash 2009-01-09T00:37:52.056+01:00 2009-01-09T00:37:52.056+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=2004966&comment_id=38509688 Maria Elena Duron Accurate post! Comments are a great way to nourish your personal brand in the eyes of the public. It's important to be cautious not to devulge company secrets or plans nor anything proprietary. Yet, you can still be very effective operating from your area of expertise and passion. If you are someone that is passionate both ways (meaning you have great charisma to inspire others - you may also be easily drawn into conversations that you are passionate about to the positive or negative) then think of writing your comment in a word document and saving it to review the next day. Sometimes, that next day review will reveal to you words that might be able to replaced with other words that grow the conversation rather than degrade it. 2008-11-30T22:55:09.623+01:00 2008-11-30T22:55:09.623+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1903298&comment_id=32621957 Maria Elena Duron Damien - what a nice surprise! I was checking out your site because I had mentioned YOU in a blog and how you pointed me in the direction of TEDtalks. So, I wanted to do a link and then I find you've blogged about our BRILLIANT meeting. I don't feel like you talked to much-- I felt like I learned ALOT. And, am so excited about the possibilities of connecting with other local internet contacts. You have started a great idea! Count me in. Thanks for the mention and for your time! I like James' idea too - we need to have a local BLOGGERS/Internet contacts gathering, expo, meetup - something! 2008-10-31T19:52:46.692+01:00 2008-10-31T19:52:46.692+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1891848&comment_id=32526708 Maria Elena Duron I have to admit - I was one of 'those' people stuck on phase one, too. Then, I started to read more about how people would put a strategy to utilizing Twitter. Love the handbook! And, Twitter Revolution should be landing in my mailbox any day now (fingers crossed!). Thanks, Deb! You were very much an instrumental coach to me in my career/life and I'm so glad to reconnect w/you through Twitter! 2008-10-28T07:10:37.001+01:00 2008-10-28T07:10:37.001+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1827109&comment_id=31741108 Maria Elena Duron What a great tip! I was just reading a post on how to use autosummarize to create articles faster and develop article brief and was all sad because I couldn't find it in my 2007 Word program. Lo' and behold - you had the answer! Thanks so much! 2008-10-05T18:34:46.690+02:00 2008-10-05T18:34:46.690+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1602849&comment_id=30422594 Maria Elena Duron Am printing this out for my "to do" list on gaining more publicity for my blog. Thanks for the post! I really appreciate all the comments and unique tools list from other readers, too. I just love other people's experience! 2008-08-18T18:12:26.886+02:00 2008-08-18T18:12:26.886+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1556999&comment_id=30177892 Maria Elena Duron A thought provoking post especially for the uses of social media it brings us face to face with. It gives some crucial ideas to survive and succeed in online business. We get the point very clear that social media is indispensable for every business and we can not afford to miss out on this relatively important business tool, otherwise, we may be left out. To stay competitive and keep our customers hooked to our business like never before, the tools of social media like social networks, blogging and social bookmarking come handy due to their global impact. Blogging especially is a great platform for going online as it is an effective way to create awareness about your brand and differentiate your business. We get information about what our customers have to say about our business so as to improve on our weak points and also get them acquainted about how other companies are using social media. Social networking sites come with the added advantage of providing best product marketing to a wider audience. So, all you corporates looking for ways to enhance your success, here is the recipe from Chris Brogan, use social media and get your business see new heights! Anyone listening…. 2008-08-10T08:42:34.633+02:00 2008-08-10T08:42:34.633+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1542964&comment_id=29469981 Maria Elena Duron Chris, This is great! What a comprehensive list - I always appreciate your posts. I learn something every time! Thanks! 2008-07-31T14:29:41.330+02:00 2008-07-31T14:29:41.330+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1469235&comment_id=28191779 Maria Elena Duron Pure brilliance, Chris! I had heard of people sending headsets for webinars and earphones for mp3s but the shuffle idea tops them all! Thanks! 2008-06-29T20:37:31.278+02:00 2008-06-29T20:37:31.278+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1361080&comment_id=25847900 Maria Elena testing comments 2008-04-26T21:43:04.727+02:00 2008-04-26T21:43:04.727+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1111781&comment_id=23141792 Maria Elena Duron Chris, Excellent points and well written. Take your blog posts and compile them into a book, self publish it, and taadaa - you have a business "card" that compels others to speak positively on your behalf! You hit the nail on the head with communication - it's the internal and external communication you have that will determine your success. Best, Maria Elena Duron 2008-01-16T05:45:27.319+01:00 2008-01-16T05:45:27.319+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1188769&comment_id=23141227 Maria Elena Duron Neil, Brilliant advice! Too many don't differentiate themselves and think that evolving their brand only occurs when they have a publicly bad public relations event . Risk is a part of everything -- I do like that you calculate how to minimize that risk! Thanks! Maria Elena Duron 2008-01-16T04:52:15.584+01:00 2008-01-16T04:52:15.584+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1108260&comment_id=22206791 Maria Elena Duron Additionally, it is who knows you well. Most people are too busy or deem it too risky to connect you to anyone they know if they don't know that you're a "solid citizen" who will not take away from the great relationship and reputation that they have with their connection. If you are a "proven product" in their mind, then they're more likely to introduce you to those in their contact spheres and then those in their spheres of influence. I'm delighted everyday to where some of the best connections come from - even those great decision makers have friends they run around with, see at their kid's schools, or soccer games or church. 2007-11-13T07:48:18.405+01:00 2007-11-13T07:48:18.405+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1092104&comment_id=22050674 Maria Elena Duron Neil, Pictures ARE worth a thousand words! I agreed with all of your pictorials except for the marketing one. Marketing, in it most simple and direct definition, facilitates an exchange environment. There are many arms to marketing and unfortunately we see more of the "promotion" aspect which is just a part of marketing. Marketing encompasses the branding of the product (even if the product is YOU), is it the right price (price doesn't necessarily mean a monetary value - it can be a time investment or effort), location & timing also are a part of marketing then finally the promotion side. If all of those elements are not facilitating an environment for exchange then the exchange won't happen. Great post! Maria Elena Duron 2007-11-04T16:05:58.895+01:00 2007-11-04T16:05:58.895+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=1081953&comment_id=21851684 Maria Elena Duron Really great advice! I would only add one more piece, a #7, and that is to be consistent in submitting. It helps keep you from counting on a handful submissions to get there, it creates TOMA (top of mind awareness) and it, over the course of time, will garner visibility and memorability. The rest, developing credibility and profitability, is up to you! Great post! 2007-10-22T06:45:16.756+02:00 2007-10-22T06:45:16.756+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=Buzz2Bucks&conv=38485&comment_id=20580073 Maria Elena Duron It might be easier to understand personal branding if we call it what it's been called before - reputation management. 2007-10-15T05:44:53.182+02:00 2007-10-15T05:44:53.182+02:00