So where is this “cloud” and how does all of this work? I recently received a link from SalesForce.com, a cloud-based CRM application. I think this video does a good job of explaining cloud computing, showing how it works and detailing its advantages.

And, by the way, the tagline for SalesForce is, “Success. Not software®.” You’ll find out why it’s a good one when you watch the short video.

Canyon Communications and our sister company, Loop Demand Gen, both use cloud applications. Has your company used these types of programs? What is your experience with them?

While I love supporting non-profits, I also believe that helping these organizations is a great way to increase awareness of your business and build relationships. Doing non-profit work or sponsoring events allows you to connect with other sponsors. And guess what? Each one of those sponsors might have a need for your products or services one day. By doing charity work alongside them and networking with them, they are likely to remember your name when searching for a company to work with or purchase from.

Beyond that, companies enjoy working with other companies that share similar values. Offering your services to non-profit organizations allows you to connect with other companies that value non-profit work as much as you do.

Do you think supporting organizations you’re passionate about can be rewarding in more than one way? And, if you love hiking, I’ll be hiking tomorrow with more than 1,000 other Valley residents to support St. Joseph the Worker. Come join me!

1. LUV is going the extra mile for customers. If you’re not already a client of Canyon, give us a chance to show you our exceptional client service. We pride ourselves on not only providing excellent service but also partnering and getting to know our clients on a personal level. I feel so strongly about this, I’ve previously blogged about it.
2. LUV is letting bags fly free. While we can’t control your bags, we have special differentiators that separate us from our competition. Find out more here.
3. LUV is having fun. Having fun is something we’re highly skilled at. Grilled cheese-athons, themed Halloween parties, baseball games and tailgates. How does this benefit our clients? Because when people have fun and truly LUV their jobs, it shows in their work.
4. LUV is giving back to our communities. Canyon supports non-profits including St. Joseph the Worker, A&A Cottages, Lymphoma Research Foundation (Arizona chapter) and TOCA.

These are just four reasons I LUV being a Canyonite. And, since I LUV giving things away, be the first to comment on this post and we’ll make you customized luggage tags for your next trip.

I recently attended the Golf Industry Show to support several of our green industry clients. One was launching a new auspicious product into the golf industry, and I think they fully maximized their trade show activities with pre-show communications, print advertisements, giveaways, a microsite, product collateral, a Flash-based demo, media conferences and even a live presenter in the booth. It all paid off in the form of trade media coverage, more than 100 new sales leads, high awareness levels and excitement about the product. I don’t think they could have generated as much interest in the product without the trade show as a focal point.

In addition, there are numerous ancillary benefits of attending trade shows. Sometimes it’s the only time you see industry partners and trade media, plus it’s an opportunity to meet face-to-face with your best customers and continue to cultivate those relationships.

Have you scaled back or eliminated trade shows from your marketing mix? Have you tried virtual trade shows or resorted to ‘unconventional’ trade show tactics such as outboarding?

Many marketers understand what brand personality is, but not many take the time to define a set of personas for the organization, or use them when developing marketing communications strategies. Well-known companies have brand personas that stem from inherent attributes of what their brands have been historically, and what they need to be in order to meet the expectations of their customers. For example, Harley Davidson’s persona is free, independent, rugged, American, laid-back and powerful. Jack In The Box’s persona is uncommon, sarcastic and funny.

Defining brand personas can have many practical uses for your marketing program. Here are few ways brand personas can help your next campaign:

• Personas give people a reason to like your brand and products.
• They help define your brand as hip, strong, young, cocky or any characteristic that will help you connect with target audiences.
• Brand personality contributes to the style and tone of your creative.
• Those character attributes can be parlayed into social media marketing by guiding your company’s ‘voice’ on twitter and other social media tools.

What personas exist for your brand? Want some fun tips on how to get started?

My conclusion is that promo items actually get used and they perform as daily reminders of your company, product or service—but only if they’re useful to the recipient. So here are four ways to get your item in front of your customers daily:

1. Choose something that relates to what you do. Put simply; if you’re a CPA, give a calculator—but try to find one that is unique.
2. Select an item that they’ll use, even if it costs a little more—ditch the stress ball in favor of Post-it notes.
3. Keep in mind that “brand” matters. Don’t give a fake Leatherman^® because it costs less. You’re a first-class company, so go first class with your promotional gifts.
4. Try to find an item that’s new and different and be the first to give your customers one. Example: This WD-40 pen. It’s bound to get you the right kind of attention and you’ll be remembered each time it’s used (which will be often).

What items have you given customers that were especially well-received? What items have you received that you use on a daily basis?

Needleman posted 100 tips in 100 days and now updates when events warrant them (translation: when a PR pro does something stupid, Needleman will post about it).

Today’s “Tip #138: If I want trapeze artists, I’ll go to the circus” served as a great reminder and made me chuckle a bit. I mean, who hasn’t been in a planning meeting when something ridiculous that has nothing to do with what the media really want is forced into fruition.

My takeaway: you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fanfare to garner media interest in your announcement. More b2b PR folks need to keep this in mind when you’re planning your next press conference. In today’s economy, your PR budget is better spent somewhere other than the flying circus.

So, I’m hooked on Pro PR Tips. I was sucked into reading about half of the tips Needleman posted. Some of the tips are kind of elementary, if you’ve been in the PR biz for a while, but they’re still worthwhile reminders. If you have a few minutes, an interest in PR and want to laugh, check it out.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend mailing it in an a window envelope the way I received it but, I was tickled when I opened the piece and out “popped” three more pieces. I admit, I was startled at first but then I realized how fun, creative and attention grabbing this direct mailer is. It’s definitely a great idea to keep something like this in mind if you’re struggling with the same lackluster mailers.

Have you received any creative or fun direct mailers lately?

In addition to keeping writing skills sharp, there are other benefits to blogging. For instance, with social media on the rise, if you want to start a blog, and you want your agency to help launch your blog, your agency better have some experience in it so they can develop your strategy and then help you have a successful launch.

More than that, blogging allows you to develop relationships with your followers, connect with other like-minded bloggers and professionals, appear higher in search engine rankings and increase Web site traffic.

Beyond the benefits, however, blogging is enjoyable. For me, it allows me to take my love for writing and combine it with endless creativity. Plus, it’s an outlet for me to write about topics, such as Peyton Manning, football, mustaches or Tiger Woods, that I don’t get the opportunity to write about in my daily job.

Do you have a blog? What are some benefits you’ve discovered through blogging?

A few strong “you” headlines:

IBM: “What if your supply chain saw what you needed before you did?” Two “yous” and a “your” in a question.

Panasonic Toughbook: “In your world, your computer should be your fortress.” Packs three “yours” in a short, punchy headline.

Scottrade: “No one has more vested interest in you, than you.” Two “you” references in an intriguing statement.

Compare those with these national advertisers’ much weaker “we” statements:

“We turn business problems into wireless solutions.” Huh? What’s in it for me?

“We speak car. And apparently quite well.” If you’re trying to impress me…

Do you have any great “you” headlines to share?