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Official Trailer: Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino Performs ‘Synthesis,’ Setting World Record

18 Aug

Illusionist Sammy Cortino sets the world record for the fastest blindfolded and ambidextrous card manipulations (card sleight of hand), where he manipulates over 300 cards in 90 seconds…

You can use special events and promotions for your business or services, to build a solid platform and garner attention that translates into greater visibility and increased sales. Learn more about communicating your business message effectively… in a new Media Fusion Teleseminar Series!

Probably you aren’t looking to set a World Record for card manipulation, but how about increasing sales, your customer base, or creating a stir for your product, service or passion?

Based on my experience with all media, and as a marketing-communications professional helping business owners and professionals since founding my consultancy many years ago, through a brand new Media Fusion Teleseminar Series, I will share insight, ideas and information to help you cut through the clutter and noise, communicating your business message to your best advantage.

Stay tuned for insight on behind-the-scenes and backstory of promoting and communicating to draw attention, increase awareness at low-cost, while increasing your bottom line in the process — program details will be emailed — be sure to sign-up so you don’t miss a thing!

Be sure to sign-up below…

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Posted in Build Your Brand, Durable Branding, Effective Communication Campaign with all Media, Express-It media Fusion, New Media, Promotion, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Special Events, Work Smart

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

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

Effective Communication on Facebook

30 Apr

My 3-post series on this topic must’ve resonated with a lot of people, based on the reactions received — on Facebook!

In the series, I shared some recently-employed strategies observed on Facebook, regarding various friends’ networks and policies. Each situation blatantly exhibited not applying ‘best practices’ for social networking.

Much of the response was based on the fact that my message resonated with the commentors, observing similar misuse and abuse of various Facebook networks by others. Some believed it was a good reminder to network more effectively within their own sphere, inspired to establish and follow a more workable plan.

Getting clear on your rationale of having a presence is critical, and should be guiding your every action, to help promote and communicate your message more effectively.

Unfortunately, the 3 cases cited were Facebook users with large, growing networks, all having positioned themselves as ‘social media experts’ and go-to gals for state-of-the-art training. While I believe as humans all are apt to err, an “expert” is held to higher standards, and is paid to provide the rest of us their esteemed knowledge and guidance, based upon actual relevant expertise.

I believe that all can learn by example, and these cases were fertile learning ground. Possibly a Red Flag of Caution flashed for those comptemplating exchanging money for sage advice with said experts, who apparently are not plugged into the medium enough…

The lesson learned by these 3 cases: Don’t ever rest on your laurels, your great rep, real or perceived “star status” and expect your followers to support your every whim or request. In Social Media, the relationship and communication is always a 2-way street.

Bottomline: conversation is what social networking is about. If you grow a large network, fortunately there are tools available to aid the process, in addition to applying a personal touch!

Even while you may have first gained their trust, you must continue to earn the privilege of connection each and every day, with all those around you, in your various networks.

Have you observed or created an environment conducive to effective communication on Facebook? Please leave your comments or ideas, to share. Let’s discuss! I want to hear your thoughts…

Lots going on here — don’t miss a thing! Receive regular Updates by clicking this link to sign up here

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Posted in Communications Clarity, Durable Branding, Facebook, Social Media

The Essential Key to More Effective Communication on Facebook

09 Apr

Recently, I posted about some of the inherent challenges of growing a Facebook network, and cited 3 interesting strategies I observed being employed, regarding various networks and policies.

These 3 scenarios serve as case studies in not applying ‘best practices’ for social networking, and provide strategy for addressing challenges, which hopefully aid in communicating and promoting more effectively on Facebook.

What does all of this mean?

It really is all about the conversation. Folks are on Facebook for different reasons, but it is probably safe to say most are not on the platform to be strong-armed or bullied.

The tactics I describe in these 3 case studies hark back to what I believe is an integral component to being successful in marketing and sales, which is all about the relationship. The hallmark of a successful relationship is the existing non-manipulative nature.

As a caveat to all this, the oft-quoted factoid that ‘women are the best relationship builders, networkers and users of social media’ comes to mind. You may be surprised — or not — to learn that all 3 cases are based on the actions of 3 different women on Facebook.

Missteps and ill thought-out strategy leads to error, but in the case of social networking — we are talking relationship here. ’Relationship’ is not only the channel for connection and communicating, but translatable to the actual social media currency, influence and ‘juice’ of an established presence on a platform.

I believe just as a mistake can be made, so can a faux pas be orchestrated by either a male or female on Facebook or on any other social networking platform. I don’t celebrate the greater advantage or abilities of one gender over another as related to social networking, sales, marketing, communication, or generally in the workplace or life – a mindset so beyond Old School. In reality it is a point of little merit, and a crumbly-weak foundation upon which to try to build ‘authority.’ A little less celebrating and a lot more focus on the Big Picture, will draw anyone closer to their career goals.

Getting clear on your rationale of having a presence is critical, and should be guiding your every action, to help promote and communicate your message more effectively.

So — don’t rest on your laurels, your great rep or “star status” and expect your followers to support your every whim or request. The relationship and communication is a 2-way street.

Even while you may have first gained their trust, you must continue to earn the privilege of connection each and every day, with all those around you, in your various networks.

Have you observed or created an environment conducive to effective communication on Facebook? Please leave your comments or ideas, to share…

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Posted in Communications Clarity, Durable Branding, Marketing & Sales, Social Media

Get Clear on Your Facebook Strategies to Communicate Effectively

05 Apr

Social networking and the growing number of platforms seem to expand exponentially by the day. This gives great opportunities to connect with others, share information, learn and socialize!

ROI is always a hot topic, as is growing a network. Everyone is in the game for different reasons, each with their own unique style and brand of insight added to the network. Therein lies the greatest challenge in social networking, I believe.

How you interact and choose to add to your network is entirely up to you and your preferences. Presentation and approach are shaped by your reason for creating a presence on the platform, which affects your strategies within the prevailing ‘best practices’ there.

Once a network is established and expanding, managing it and related actions on the platform become more challenging. Staying in touch with contacts, and effective use of time are inherent concerns. After all, you and each person within your network have agreed to link up as friends or connections.

Bottomline: conversation is what social networking is about. If you grow a large network, fortunately there are tools available to aid the process, in addition to applying a personal touch!

Recently, I’ve observed some interesting strategies being employed on the Facebook platform, regarding various friends’ networks and policies, which serve as case studies in not applying ‘best practices’ for social networking.

In my next post, I will share these scenarios, with recommendations on how to avoid them.

Have you observed or been the target of ‘not best-practices’ on Facebook? Leave your comments, to share…

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Posted in Communications Clarity, Durable Branding, Facebook

Integrity is the Essential Element for Brand Durability

01 Mar

How are you building your house?

In marketing today, much attention is given to the concept of “authenticity.” It is an important aspect especially in Social Media marketing. As a means of message consistency, it is often seen spilling over into all facets of branding and communications. It is indisputably a buzz word.

While I recognize the importance of “authenticity” as a component in identity development, I believe “integrity” is where the greatest emphasis should be placed for powerful, solid branding and effective communication.

Integrity is a wholehearted steadfast commitment to central, core values and beliefs that a reasonable person recognizes as important, laudable, and true. It serves as a connecting point, because it can be related to and clearly understood. Because it serves as the basis of a solid foundation for all actions, it is the essential element for creating brand durability. By definition, it is a state of being complete, undivided, unbroken, fully integrated, and sound.

This is important in the marketplace, as people seek connections with entities and others who imbue a sense of stability, strength, tenacity, while offering a perceived value in the relationship of trust and expectation. Perception has much to do with integrity, but deep-seated commitment and dedication to purpose is accurately reflected, established over time. Consistently exhibited values, principles, methods, expectations and results become the foundation.

Integrity is illustrated through adopted business models, and may be observed through self-generated or invited:

Endorsements
Testimonials
Obligations
Commitments
Openness to explore and discuss the ideas presented by others
Ability to receive feedback and criticism

In these economic times, I believe the concept of “integrity” should be revisited, and reviewed in light of clarifying identity, intended purpose as a first-step in the branding process, prior to developing an action plan of pursuit. I view intgrity as the foundation for success and brand durability. What do you think?

For current real-life case studies on integrity and brand durability, watch:

Toyota

Tiger Woods

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Posted in Durable Branding, personal branding

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