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Some Real Magic: “Synthesis” Performed by Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino World Record Challenge

30 Jul

"Synthesis" World Record Challenge August 6, 2010

Isn’t it time for something new, fresh and fun?! How about establishing a brand new World Record? I’m hearing a lot of folks talk about “magic” methods, biz systems, and how things have worked like it — how about adding some real magic to your day — in just 90-seconds?!

Here’s the scoop, and how to do that…

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino is presenting his card manipulation challenge — “Synthesis”:

Event to be held on Friday, August 6 1:30-2:30PM EDT; “Synthesis” performed at 2PM EDT, from Facebook and in-person at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building in downtown Hickory, NC and streaming live on Facebook…

Sammy’s “Synthesis” is a combo of Houdini’s old sleight of hand techniques, presented in new way, as a ‘stunt,’ in Houdini’s style… the challenge will be officiated by the Honorable Mayor Rudy Wright.

“Synthesis” details: Sammy’s World Record Challenge is manipulating 300 cards (almost 6 decks of playing cards, 5 1/2″ high, stacked), blindfolded, with both hands. It is rare to be able to manipulate cards equally well with both hands — almost unheard of, in fact… very few on record as able to do this.

*This is a “Thank you” to Hickory for everything, as Sammy launches his Magic career onto a new level, in this next year!

*This is a Global Celebration, event streaming L-I-V-E — Everyone is invited! We have been and are harnessing the social and new media, as well as the traditional…

*If you miss the event, hi-def vid will be uploaded to YouTube — catch it any time: http://youtube.com/SammyCortino

Key Points in Sammy’s magic career:

At the age of 12, Sammy was inducted into the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Seigfried & Roy, Lance Burton and Terry Evanswood signed his application, and all have served to inspire Sammy’s performances. He has remained in contact with them.

Sammy is a member of London’s Magic Circle. He holds a Doctor of Magic degree, conferred by the International Magicians’ Society, the world’s largest magician’s society.

First stage show at Hickory Community Theatre at age 14…

Broyhill Civic Center Grand Illusion Show in ’06

Hayes Performing Arts Center ’07

Appalachian State University show in ’08

Sammy has been actively involved Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Creative Arts Ministry since 1997, performing simple tricks to brighten the patients’ days and empowering them by having them participate (as possible) in the performance. He serves as Assistant Coordinator of the ministry, since 2004: http://CharliesChaplains.blogspot.com

At 21, Sammy is a rising senior at Appalachian State University, where he studies broadcast.

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino: http://www.SammyCortino.com

Recent Media Blitz Interviews, over the last 3 weeks:

Fox-Charlotte “Fox News Rising” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwW7Oga_edA

NBC-WCNC “Charlotte Today” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7utOWkTxm4o

Hickory Daily Record: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/content/2010/jul/28/illusionist-will-try-make-300-cards-disappear-and-/

This is a Global event, streaming live! What time in the world will this event be for you?

World Clock Time+Date Converter: http://timeanddate.com/worldclock/

World Clock Time Converter: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Hope to see you there!

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Posted in Build Your Brand, Durable Branding, Effective Communication, Effective Communication Campaign with all Media, Facebook, New Media, Promotion, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Special Events, branding, communication, media, personal branding, professional services, talk radio

Marketing+Media+Communications Wordle for the Day

18 Jun

BeckyCortino.com

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Posted in branding, professional services

Corporate Branding: Roadmap and Mirror Required

21 May

Countless missed opportunities abound if your company is relying on “fans” and other unofficial channels to communicate the corporate mission statement, information, and updates!

Many companies have established their virtual ‘real estate’ or turf (website), but are not effectively harnessing the power of social media channels by integrating them to enhance — and gain necessary control of the brand experience.

In this insightful SlideShare by Jeremiah Owyang, discover:

Why seamless integration is important — and the inherent power of it.
How to kick things up a notch to make the company website relevant in today’s marketplace, while reaching a wider market share.
Understand why this aspect of branding is so important to address — now — based on the projected future role of ‘branding.’

Making your Corporate Website Relevant

View more presentations from Jeremiah Owyang.

Need a Roadmap?

Do you need some help to integrate your message? I am an Integrated Marketing Communications consultant, and currently offering my professional consulting services to help businesses and professionals Amp-Up their unique communications efforts.

Geared especially for individual and company needs, my recommendations help solve communications challenges through building a solid branding platform. Many professionals and companies are missing countless opportunities because they have no desire to hire an employee or a full-scale agency, but don’t have time or adequate knowledge to address this important aspect.

Do you need help? I offer my professional services on a project-basis and can assist you and your company in navigating the maze of social channels, new and traditional media, powerfully and effectively integrating the desired message — helping to secure a solid branding platform.

I would welcome the opportunity to connect with you, and to discuss your specific needs. Please contact me using this online form (linked here)

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Posted in Durable Branding, Social Media Marketing, branding

The Key to Perceived “Value” and 3 Steps to Getting More Business

21 Apr

Excuse me — is your “value” showing?

Until your prospects, potential clients or customers clearly understand the value you, your product or service offers and how it will positively impact their own world, your tweets, updates and posts do not reach their eyes or ears. All will quickly pass them by in the stream of messages and ideas, swirling on out into the dark and turbulent Sea of Forgetfulness.

It’s a noisy world out there!

Potential business and customers don’t know how you or what you have to offer could enhance their sphere, because information spewed out in rapid-fire style is often not targeted directly to them, nor addressing their very real, specific needs.

You can be heard above all the buzz if you consistently illustrate the value of what you have to offer, over time.

Relevancy is the key to perceived value.

Spell it out — don’t keep the benefits and features a secret. No one has time to guess!
You can’t “sell” anybody anything; you can present to prospects once they understand how you, your product or service can help them with their biggest recognized concern.
“Everyone” is not your customer. Don’t be afraid of limiting your potential business by being more specific. Not many will buy if they don’t comprehend a compelling reason to even take a look at what you have to offer in the first place. Isn’t your time and effort of value, as well?

Your newest customer, client, sale are out there, right now — looking for you…

Where are you?

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Posted in A Marketing Moment, Business Building, Communications Clarity, Marketing & Sales, Small Business, branding

The Simple Truth about Authenticity

02 Apr

Authenticity requires “truth in communicating.”

Otherwise, it’s Advertising.

~Becky Cortino

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Posted in A Marketing Moment, Communications Clarity, branding, communication, marketing, media

Communications Design through the Magic of Fluid Web Typography

22 Mar

For your enjoyment and inspiration in communications design, I’m sharing this fascinating SlideShare presentation by Jason Cranford Teague, originally posted by Dan York on his Disruptive Conversations blog. According to Dan, I understand Jason gave this at SXSW last week in Austin, Texas. South By Southwest (SXSW) Interactive show, is one of the world’s largest assemblages of folks who work in all aspects of the web.

As a true typography connoisseur and longtime production design adviser, I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation! Fear not — you don’t need to be a typography afficionado or geek to benefit from taking it in. For me, the beauty of it is that it clearly illustrates the importance typeface selection has in communicating your message. Enjoy!

Fluid Web Typography – SXSWi 2010

View more presentations from Jason CranfordTeague.

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Posted in branding, business tools, communication, marketing, media

Advice from the Caterpillar: Who are you?

10 Mar

Who are you?

Recently, my family and I enjoyed Tim Burton’s 2010 version of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” starring Johnny Depp. In my mind, this fantastical movie served up some great creative fodder. It left me not only realizing how “Alice” I am in reality, but filled me full of still-deeper thoughts and allusions related to communications and combating business-as-usual.

When Alice and the caterpillar first met, he sleepily asked her, “Who are you?”

“Alice replied, rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then.”

To me, this statement represented ”business-as-usual.” Over my many years as an adviser, I have frequently observed this practice in action. It’s well-recognized that business owners wear many hats, constantly switching them throughout the day. Sometimes “serial entrepreneurs” are known to switch channels every 6 or 9 months, heading off to what they perceive to be greener pastures. Other business folk use their simplistic business models to turn on a dime — but often cutting corners a bit too sharply, making changes that aren’t a “fit,” albeit the latest marketplace trend.

It all comes back to the original question — “Who are you?” Or – ”who” is your business? A succinctly-elegant elevator pitch is not going skyrocket your business if this foundational element is not defined and fused into the core being of the operation. It is integral and serves as the basis from which all actions flow.

Until this positioning statement is fully defined and embraced, work effort, time and money spent will be wasted over the long-run. A short-term success or surprisingly big sale may occur to encourage, but it is a fleeting moment.

The marketplace is dynamic and ever-changing, but the focus of the overall effort must remain steadfast. To remain viable, is with a clear definition of “who” you are, or “who” your business is — what do you offer? Some may refer to this as a ‘Unique Selling Proposition (USP),’ but I see the USP as something to build upon this core definition. This definition is taking just a small, initial step in devising a positioning statement describing the core element of the business and what it offers.

Are you interested in amping-up your communications or fine-tuning your efforts? If so, contact me any time, via the Contact Form located on this website.

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Posted in branding, communication, marketing, planning

Facebook Fan Pages Offer Increased Visibilty as a Marketing Edge

05 Mar

Becky Cortino Facebook Fan Page

Recently, a friend and I were discussing Facebook Groups and Fan Pages functionality and use. Both are great tools to connect, communicate and build visibility. Each has distinct features, but choosing the right vehicle for the intended purpose is critical.

Here are some comparisons and my thoughts regarding increasing visibility with Facebook Fan Pages:

Basic Premise:

Facebook Groups allow members to share and collaborate on the group topic or idea. Permissions may be set to allow the Group to be open to everyone, closed or secret, like an offline club.

Facebook Pages allow customers or fans of a brand, company or public figure to engage in conversation, provide feedback and share information in a customizable way. Unlike Facebook Groups, no administrators or officers appear on the Page, giving a more ‘corporate’ look than the club-like image of Groups.

Contact and Visibility:

Staying in contact and increasing visibility are two concerns of either entity. Stories are published in member and fans’ news feeds. Depending upon the time they are sent out or posted, they may be missed. Sometimes Facebook “Notifications” aren’t operating efficiently, causing a Group posting to be missed.

Mass messaging is available only for Groups with under 5,000 members. Fan Page updates are sent to fans, but no inbox messages are permitted. This is one aspect I believe would strengthen the Fan Page, because it allows greater connection. Page stream posts can be targeted by country and language through Fan Pages, but I think the ability to directly message would be more useful.

Google Indexing and SEO:

Both Groups and Fan Pages are indexed by Google, but content in Page updates is indexed by Google, increasing visibility and the possibity of connecting with customers or potential clients. Pages using the Static FBML application have increased Search Engine Optimization.

Fan Pages are Customizable:

Fan Pages have the ability to create a more personalized environment with applications such as surveys, forums, special offers, videos and other interactive features that engage fans. I believe this is another key difference with Pages, that if used properly, has the ability to offer a marketing edge.

Fan Pages Invite Engagement and Sharing with Others:

Interaction is further invited by commenting, “Liking” a post, other media or post sharing features. Through the “Share” button feature, information or an item may be carried outside the Fan Page border, further increasing visibility. By the nature of the Fan Page content, this may be an often-used feature.

Additional promotional tools for Fan Pages include ‘badge’-like widgets and vanity URLs.

Promoting Events:

Facebook Groups are the most effective way to promote Events by sending invitations to group members. There is no way to do this with Fan Pages, other than a regularly-posted item or Status Update. Special promotions or events tabs may be created and used on Fan Pages, which draw attention on the page itself. Purchasing a Facebook ad may support the promotion or event, with increased reach.

Fan Pages Provide Insight through Engagement Metrics:

Fan Pages provide more information to administrators, through engagement metrics through “Page Insights” with demographic information and interaction details.

The Bottomline — choosing the right vehicle for the intended purpose is critical:

Facebook groups are an excellent way to network, share ideas and create awareness on a smaller scale. The Fan Page provides a more personal environment to engage with supporters, fans, and customers in a customized format.

What do you think about Facebook Groups and Fan Pages?

What has your experience with them been? Do you have a favorite Fan Page? What do you like most about it — or is it the brand?

Please share your thoughts, comments and fav Facebook Fan Page links by leaving a comment!

Not long ago, I established my Facebook Fan Page, to share resources, articles and notes on communications, branding and media… Are you a fan? Hope you’ll join me on Facebook!

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Posted in Facebook, branding, business tools

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Archive for the ‘branding’ Category

Marketing+Media+Communications Wordle for the Day

The Key to Perceived “Value” and 3 Steps to Getting More Business

The Simple Truth about Authenticity

Communications Design through the Magic of Fluid Web Typography

Advice from the Caterpillar: Who are you?

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