Excelleweb Blog by Tom Anderson

2012-01-24T12:29:00.001-08:00

Legislation would restrict employment ads | WTVN Local News http://ping.fm/al2rg

2011-12-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

"All you can take with you is that which you've given away."--Peter Bailey, Bailey Brothers Building & Loan

2011-12-02T20:52:00.001-08:00

Great evening with friends: dinner at Ann & Tony's. Hard to believe it was 22 years ago that we had our wedding rehearsal dinner there.

2011-11-17T05:27:00.001-08:00

Busy day today...off to the first web planning session with a non-profit org, then mapping a site for a new job posting company later.

2011-11-10T19:48:00.001-08:00

College football saddens me. Bring back the good old days when coaches were fired for punching other players. Woodie seems mild now.

2011-11-08T07:07:00.001-08:00

Off to vote, then to the AmSpirit MORE meeting. Ending the day with a web site planning session with a new real estate client.

2011-09-15T12:52:00.001-07:00

CONES tradeshow tonight. Starts at 5pm at the Aladdin Shrine Center near Easton! Come out to see what Referral Metrics is all about!

2011-09-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Referral Metrics!! http://ping.fm/GvHdT
Still a few housekeeping items, but the site is just about there!

2011-09-09T03:39:00.001-07:00

Attending the Dublin Premier Chapter this morning, then back to work on finalizing some software features for Referral Metrics.

2011-09-06T14:25:00.001-07:00

Who is the person in your business life that has sent the most referrals your way? I'm not sure who that person is. I have many to thank.

2011-09-06T09:45:00.001-07:00

I'm curious. Where is the best place for you to give and receive referrals? Do you even know?

2011-09-05T22:03:00.001-07:00

Referral Networking across the U.S. is about to get better! RM will be a paradigm shift...

2011-09-05T22:02:00.001-07:00

Good night C-bus, this is the week it begins! Focus group on Thursday, official launch of the 'next big thing' online on September 15th. RM

2011-08-17T07:38:00.001-07:00

Off to AmSpirit Towne Centre chapter for lunch, then down to Grandview for client meeting to review design mock-ups for their new web site.

2011-08-16T07:11:00.001-07:00

Networking at a level never seen before...big announcement coming very soon...

2011-08-01T11:37:00.001-07:00

Would you like to learn more about how to use Social Media or be invited to join more conversations where you feel 'heard' by companies?

2011-07-22T10:41:00.001-07:00

Working on placing new content into client web site. We're close to launching a new web site for Meade & Associates, a collection agency.

2011-07-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

Finished following up with those I met networking this morning. Training myself to use a quick follow up process the same day.

2011-07-22T06:21:00.001-07:00

4 new contacts this morning at the Biz First Breakfast. Better to have fewer meaningful conversations than than just handing out biz cards.

2011-07-21T06:36:00.001-07:00

If you want to get more out of your networking, GIVE first. Stop focusing on what you want. You will be rewarded if you put others first

2011-07-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Look for one of Excelleweb's most recent web design examples tomorrow morning in your email inbox. To subscribe, go to http://ping.fm/3LCDr

2011-07-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

meeting in Zanesville with client to discuss web site strategy on a new web site.

2011-06-09T06:25:00.001-07:00

For all my golfing friends, here is a great deal on a great golf course: http://ping.fm/iK4iC

2011-06-08T21:42:00.001-07:00

Finished reviewing presentation for Franklin County Task Force on Aging meeting tomorrow: What Every CEO Needs to Know About Social Media

2011-06-03T18:46:00.001-07:00

Had dinner at Vittorio's this evening (Powell, Ohio). Incredible food! I'm walking 4 miles this evening to get rid of my guilt (uh, gut)...

2011-06-03T18:43:00.001-07:00

One week away from the Tour de Cure race! Ready for a long ride tomorrow to continue training...

2011-06-03T18:42:00.001-07:00

A long day, but a good day too! Executed 2 email campaigns, worked on 2 web sites, working with new client on Monday setting web strategy.

2011-05-25T22:35:00.001-07:00

Good night C-bus...taking a little time off the next few days. Still working a few hours each day, just less than usual. Please, no rain!

2011-05-21T23:49:00.001-07:00

35 mile bike ride today, finally great weather! 3 weeks until Tour de Cure...

2011-05-21T23:48:00.001-07:00

35 mile bike ride with incredible weather today! 3 weeks until Tour de Cure!

2011-05-21T05:41:00.001-07:00

Conference call with a client to discuss setting up new emails and configuring content management system.

2011-05-20T12:40:00.001-07:00

Since the world is ending on Saturday, do I still need to mow my yard on Friday? It seems pointless...

2011-05-11T13:05:00.001-07:00

Busy today with 'to do' lists for Excelleweb. It really does work best to write everything down so things don't slip through the cracks.

2011-04-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

Great meeting this morning with a new client and one of my development partners! We're making progress helping them transition their site.

2011-04-02T06:52:00.001-07:00

Excellent article explaining why it's wise to choose a professional web hosting center and not host in your office. http://ping.fm/AuFfb

2011-03-29T20:44:00.001-07:00

I severed a relationship with an 'out of control' client and later deepened the trust/overall relationship with a new client. Batting 1.000

2011-03-21T16:27:00.001-07:00

Just finished up my last meeting today with Gary Smith and Julie Haar. Planning our presentation for Wednesday's chapter meeting...abctownecentre.com

2011-03-15T07:39:00.001-07:00

MORE meeting, presenter today is Amy Schulze with Arrow Title. It starts at 11:30am at City Barbecue on Main/McNaughten in Reynoldsburg.

2011-03-11T20:03:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to an awesome day tomorrow at the annual Leadership Conference!

2011-03-11T20:02:00.001-08:00

I really enjoyed spending time with the AmSpirit members attending the mixer this evening! Also getting to know those from outside Cbus.

2011-03-11T12:37:00.001-08:00

AmSpirit social for all chapters at Logan's at Easton at 6pm! Meet others from Arizona and Texas in for tomorrow's conference!

2011-03-11T12:36:00.001-08:00

Networking all day! Biz First Breakfast, catching up with Dave Miller and Gary Smith at lunch, project work, then off to Logan's tonight!

2011-03-10T03:42:00.001-08:00

visiting Executive Chapter this morning, then managing projects the rest of the day.

2011-02-28T15:16:00.001-08:00

In Cleveland all day for meetings, good stuff. Keeping my fingers crossed that a new client results from this. They'd be a lot of fun!

2011-02-23T17:53:00.001-08:00

Great week so far...new client projects coming in. Also helped refer several new clients to others...what more can you ask for?

2011-02-06T09:20:00.001-08:00

Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.

2011-02-02T22:34:00.001-08:00

Today quite a few people demonstrated to me the "have to" vs. "get to" mindset. Some on both sides of the mindset. Interesting to witness.

2011-01-30T12:52:00.001-08:00

Finished reviewing project work for now. Time for a bike ride!

2011-01-30T12:49:00.001-08:00

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence!

2011-01-28T15:54:00.001-08:00

One bad outcome from using web applications...when your client's internet service is down. Makes it difficult to web conference...

2011-01-28T15:05:00.001-08:00

Success stories today; re-connected with friends at Biz First Breakfast, client training went well with new web site, and signed new client.

2011-01-27T23:49:00.001-08:00

tomorrow: Biz First Breakfast, then CMS training for client, then project meeting, and ending with a conference call for more CMS training.

2011-01-27T23:41:00.001-08:00

Friday will be busy. Biz First Brkfst, then client meeting for software training, project meeting, and ending with a conference call.

2011-01-27T13:17:00.001-08:00

updated my AmSpirit blog earlier this week. Follow the blog by clicking 'Followers' area in the right margin. http://ping.fm/P1shf

2011-01-27T13:15:00.001-08:00

Exciting announcements are coming this year! I can't wait to share with everyone when the time is right.

2011-01-23T18:12:00.001-08:00

It's not work if you love what you do. I keep telling myself that when I added another 16-20 hours of work to my weekend.

Setting Standards or Accepting Standards?

2011-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

We all have choices every day. How we act, how we interact with others, how we run our businesses, who we choose to do business with, etc. I think the most important choice to make is the standard of professionalism and quality we make for ourselves and our business.

We can either choose to set the standard of excellence or accept the standards set by others around us. If you're leading a team (sales, marketing, technical, etc.) don't let others dictate a standard lower than what you consider acceptable.

2010-12-04T07:17:00.001-08:00

I met an insurance agent and invited him to my Towne Centre Chapter next Wednesday so he can see the networking concept in action!

2010-12-04T07:15:00.001-08:00

Why is it the best networking diner? tables are so close you can't help but get to know the person next to you. http://ping.fm/LpkxE

2010-12-04T07:11:00.001-08:00

The Best Breakfast & Sandwiches Diner is also the best diner to network in the area.

2010-12-02T20:42:00.001-08:00

attending Business First Breakfast in Grandview Friday morning 7am! New Buckeye Hall of Fame Grille...

2010-12-01T16:19:00.001-08:00

Excellent firms don't believe in excellence - only in constant improvement and constant change.--
Tom Peters

2010-12-01T07:24:00.001-08:00

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."--Thomas Jefferson

2010-11-30T12:26:00.001-08:00

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things". --Joe Paterno

2010-11-12T20:10:00.001-08:00

updated my AmSpirit blog at http://ping.fm/5x6k3

2010-11-12T05:24:00.001-08:00

Had fun last night meeting fellow AmSpirit members at Average Joe's Pub. Glad to see Becky, our newest member, get to meet other members.

2010-11-09T06:36:00.001-08:00

Updated my blogs this morning http://ping.fm/mM6LC
http://ping.fm/FLsUy
Today's topic was my best fishing story.

Perseverance is Key to Success

2010-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I woke up today thinking, "what a lucky guy I am to have the life that I have!" I've been blessed with a wonderful wife, good friends, family, and a business that I love to run every day. I also started thinking about what things have enabled me to be successful in my business thus far.

The #1 reason is that I have followed a process consistently that has delivered results. Too often we give up before we ever see the fruits of our labor. This made me think of an incident that happened to me when I was about 12 years old.

Every summer during my youth I spent a good amount of time fishing and camping with my family. On one of our camping trips, I spent an entire afternoon fishing off the end of a dock. I patiently watched the bobber at the end of my fishing line for at least a solid 2 hours with nothing to show for it, not even the slightest nibble.

During that same time there were probably 4 or 5 others fishing off the same dock, but after 20 minutes of inactivity, they all left. I sat and waited, and waited, and waited...

All of a sudden the bobber disappeared underneath the water's surface like someone had attached cinder block to the end of my line!! I jerked the line to set the hook and began reeling in whatever was on the other end. At the same time I began yelling for my Dad to come down to see what was happening.

I reeled in a "Channel Cat" (catfish) that was one of the largest fish I had ever caught, weighing about 10 lbs. and almost 30 inches long. When everyone in the campground area heard me yelling several made their way down to the dock to see what the commotion was all about.

Next thing I knew, there were about 10 other fisherman on the dock casting their lines into the water. Funny thing is, I don't remember if any of the others caught any other fish that afternoon.

What happened to the Channel Cat? I took him home in a very large bucket of water. Later that same day I delivered the fish to our neighbor next door, an old man who lived by himself by the name of Seif Friend. Dad said he loved to eat catfish and would really be surprised so see what I had brought to him. I'll never forget how his eyes lit up when he saw what was in the bucket!

The reason this story is relevant to me is that it is a perfect analogy to why some people are successful following processes and persevering, while others give up too soon. Whenever I get the least bit discouraged about business or networking in general, I remind myself to persevere just like I did that afternoon on the dock with my fishing line in the water.

Long term success in networking and business comes from following processes that work and not giving up too soon.

2010-11-09T05:58:00.001-08:00

Attending the AmSpirit Business Connections MORE meeting at 11:30am at Winking Lizard on Bethel Rd. It's a great opportunity to network!

2010-11-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

Good advice for start-up business owners-http://ping.fm/HCecp

http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-110110-energyvampires.html

2010-11-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jon Gordon, one of my favorite authors, posted this newsletter this morning. Great information for anyone out there dealing with office politics or having a difficult time in working within groups.
http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-110110-energyvampires.html

CAN-SPAM Tips For You

2010-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

In 2003, the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act) became law. Its purpose is to clean up all the junk emails clogging up our email inboxes every day, or at least minimize the amount of junk we get regularly sent to us as emails.

Continuing that clean-up, in 2008 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) modified the act, allowing email marketers to use their "accurately registered post office box or private mailbox" instead of a "valid physical postal address" in their emails.

The CAN-SPAM act is intended to identify and punish those who flagrantly violate the law, but following the guidelines will just make all of us better email marketers too.

Third Party Email Service Providers (ESP) Can Help

Reputable ESPs, like iContact, make it very easy to comply with key CAN-SPAM provisions.

You have to give subscribers a way to unsubscribe from your emails. Most ESPs help you comply by placing an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email.

You must use a valid From email address. Some ESPs automatically send a validation email to the From email address or addresses you choose. This prevents email marketers from using an invalid email From address.

The law also requires that you include a postal box or physical mailing address in each commercial email you send.

What You Must Include in Every Email Marketing Message You Send

The CAN-SPAM act requires you to include a valid postal address in all of your emails. Most ESPs will take action if you attempt to send emails through their system without complying with this requirement. You'll notice in this email message that my office address is listed in the footer. Although it's easy enough to do, many people seem to forget this rule. But it is just good marketing, as greater transparency leads to greater trust by your subscribers.

The law requires that your emails include a relevant subject line. This is not only good law but smart marketing. If your email does not contain a good, relevant subject line, you will be out of compliance—and, more importantly, you won't entice your subscribers to consider your offer. Nobody wants to be tricked by deceptive or ambiguous subject lines. Treat your subscribers with something relevant that will help them.

In addition, studies have found that less than half email marketing messages are opened; so, if you have an ambiguous or deceptive subject line, you have missed a chance to put your brand or message in front of subscribers. Even if the subscriber does not open a particular email, he or she may be reminded of your brand or message by a relevant subject line and From address. It's probable that not all your subscribers always have time to read your emails... and so they browse, as they might newspaper headlines.

Do Not Cross the Permission Line

CAN-SPAM expressly forbids harvesting emails from the Web and similar practices, which are not only against the law but also harmful to your email marketing.

People and companies do business with companies to which have given permission to send marketing or informative email. They are often, rightly, more likely to file a spam complaint with their ISP if they receive spam.

Some spam complaints are inevitable, even with the best permission-based list; however, too many spam complaints damage the reputation of the IP address from which you are sending email, reducing the delivery rate to the core of your list—those who really want to hear from you.

Take It a Step Further

You can greatly enhance your legitimacy as an email marketer by not using a free email address but a real domain name (e.g., yourcompany.com)—although doing so is not required by CAN-SPAM. Use your free email address for personal emails but not for your email marketing campaigns. If you have not done so yet, register a domain name; it costs less than $20 per year. You can host the email for very little monthly cost too.

Though a subject such as "newsletter" might be relevant, it does not optimally inspire your subscribers to open the email; and if they do not open the email, the subject line does not reinforce your brand or message. Make your subject lines both relevant and compelling.

Please remember this important point: Meeting CAN-SPAM requirements is the responsibility of the sender, not the ESP. Reputable ESPs will assist senders in meeting the requirements, but the sender must be vigilant in adhering to the provisions of the act.

2010-10-11T21:30:00.001-07:00

The second presentation of 'Building Your Networking Brand' will be at The Winking Lizard Restaurant on Bethel Rd. at 11:30am on 10/12.

2010-10-11T21:28:00.001-07:00

Presenting 'Building Your Networking Brand' twice on Tuesday. First one at 7:30am at the Scioto Chapter at Scrambler's (Sawmill Pkwy).

2010-10-08T08:31:00.001-07:00

People with low cost web sites have been conditioned on price, then want to aspire to higher quality without thinking pricing should change.

2010-10-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

A friend said 'web sites sure have gotten expensive'. Actually, they haven't. It's just that bad web sites have always been cheap.

2010-10-08T08:20:00.001-07:00

Wrapping up 3 projects by Monday. Meeting a new client later today from a referral. I'm fortunate that new business keeps finding me.

2010-10-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

It's better to step away from an ill-fated process, than to try 'making it work'.

2010-10-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

In business, we all reach a point where we have a proven process for success. Deviating from that process rarely ever works!

2010-10-01T03:42:00.001-07:00

Endless Referrals, a great book for networkers. http://ping.fm/BQbzt

2010-10-01T03:39:00.001-07:00

Attending Bob Burg's 'Endless Referrals' event at the Alladin Shrine Center today! It's going to be a great event!

2010-09-30T04:05:00.001-07:00

Help enough people get what they want and you will also get what you want. Too often many people either forget that or choose 'me first'.

2010-09-30T04:03:00.001-07:00

Busy day today, Executive Chapter at 7:45am, 9:30am with a resource, 11:30am at North Outerbelt Chapter, and web redesign meeting at 1:30pm.

2010-09-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

Just finished updating some success stories from my networking group. http://ping.fm/qp4GU

2010-09-24T08:19:00.001-07:00

I truly enjoyed making connections for others last night and this morning more so than getting business leads for myself. Networking works!

2010-09-24T08:18:00.001-07:00

CONES went well last night, received several good leads. This morning I met with quite a few new contacts at Biz First Breakfast event.

Becoming a Font Detective

2010-09-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a brochure printed for you by a printing company and then later needed to edit and re-order that same marketing piece? Only to find out that no one had the original document, artwork, etc.? Worse yet, no one can determine the font in the document to be edited and re-printed.

If this ever happens to you and you need to determine a font, I found an excellent resource at www.identifont.com. You have two choices. If you know the name of the font or part of the name you can type it into the search bar. What I had to do, though, was identify a typeface by answering a series of questions. With each answer it narrowed down the number of potential fonts until I could clearly identify the font in my document. It took a few minutes but it worked!

I was able to give that information to my current printer and he was able to re-create exactly what I needed. So if you ever run into a similar situation, give Identifont a try. It really works!

2010-09-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

Great meeting this morning. Potential for a redesigned web site and email marketing too.

2010-09-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

Another great day in C-bus! I'm working on writing new content for a client web site, then having lunch with a long-time client.

2010-08-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

I updated my AmSpirit blog today, read it here: http://ping.fm/FRmIr

2010-08-26T07:57:00.001-07:00

My August newsletter was published this morning. You can read it at my blog at http://ping.fm/euAi0

Google Search Tips You May Not Know Exist

2010-08-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Even though we've all used Google for years now, I bet some of you have never heard or seen these Google search tips before. These can definitely help you get more out of using Google on a regular basis. Enjoy!

Want to check the weather anywhere in the country?
Type in 'weather' and the zip code right after into the Google search bar.

Having a difficult time finding information on any web site?
Enter your query, followed by "site:www.websitename.com," (i.e. "site:www.excelleweb.com") and click enter. You'll see only results from that website.

Need to convert units of measurement?
Google can convert units of measurement between the U.S. and metric systems, or between larger and smaller units of measurement. For example, typing "50 miles in kilometers" into the search bar yields the number of kilometers at the top of the results page. Entering "6 oz in pounds" or "2 inches to foot" will tell you the quantity in pounds and feet, respectively.

Using Google Maps (maps.google.com) you can determine different directions depending upon your mode of transportation. Google Maps displays four icons above its "Get Directions" bar. Clicking each one pulls up either driving, public transit, walking, or biking directions. The different routes are plotted on the map and change depending on which form of transportation the user wants to use.

Are you traveling abroad and need to know currency conversions?
Currency conversion is easy and up-to-date with Google. Just type in the two currencies you wish to convert (i.e. "100 dollars in Canadian dollars.")

Bruce Johnson Insurance Agency
Launches Web Site

Excelleweb is pleased to announce that the Bruce Johnson Insurance Agency, located in Dublin, Ohio has recently launched a new web site. They offer various health insurance policies for groups and individuals. Call Bruce Johnson to learn more about their services at (614)-764-9995 or visit www.brucejohnsoninsurance.com.

Tom Anderson is the President/CEO of Excelleweb, LLC and can be reached at 614-679-0912 or by email at tom.anderson@excelleweb.com.

2010-08-25T06:40:00.001-07:00

Mapped out a new site for a client this morning.

2010-08-25T06:36:00.001-07:00

Great tip from Seth Godin. This applies to business and life in general...http://ping.fm/iHrFv

2010-08-20T12:49:00.001-07:00

Perfect meeting today with a new client. Identified needs and also positioned another resource from my network to help rebuild their brand.

2010-08-20T06:54:00.001-07:00

Meeting today that resulted from them receiving my email newsletters for four years and I stayed on top of mind til they were ready to meet.

2010-08-20T04:27:00.001-07:00

Attending Dublin Premier chapter of AmSpirit.

2010-08-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

Delivered another 'Social Media for Business' presentation today in Marysville, then a lunch meeting to plan a new web site for a client.

2010-08-12T03:15:00.001-07:00

Two speaking engagements today. I just started reading 'The Mentor Leader' this morning too. So far, a great book.

2010-07-29T06:18:00.001-07:00

I'm attending the Way West MORE meeting today, are you? http://ping.fm/HNFLF