Did you know, that as of this month, there are over 156 million public blogs in existence? And with that type of competition growing everyday, is the effort worth the prize? What makes a blog a rewarding a home run? and are you still wondering how to attract more visitors to your blog?

We are too.

I did some research regarding this matter and there’s a lot of opinion on the subject. Some say sell advertising, some say to blog every day, some say to not write more than 200 words so the audience doesn’t get bored, others suggest tightly niche your content and others say wake up the dead with extreme controversy.

I do agree with them all, most importantly I believe that businesses need to write stuff that people actually want to read!

Before you start writing, ask yourself who the target audience is and what the do they really care about. Also ask your self these questions:

1. Why do you write your blog? To make money, to serve as marketing tool?
2. Have you clearly identified 3 other highly read blogs in your topic?
3. Can you see their magic formula? Is meaningful content – are they a rock star, have a book and/or a national expert?
4. How is traffic being driven to their site? This takes some digging, but it’s important.
5. Does your niche topic have a big enough audience to tap?
6. Have you looked at Google analytics to see what you have written in the past that really drew readers?
7. Does your content provide pragmatic advice? Is the writing original and thought provoking, Is it entertaining, or is it just sucking up your time and you should be doing something else?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, stop writing, talk a walk, read a book and start again.

Be useful. Be unique. Be engaging.

How do these blogs do it?
HuffingtonPost – 35,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors.
TMZ – 17,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors.
engadget – 11,500,000 estimated unique monthly visitors.

For more blogging tips, view: 10-steps to making writing your blog easier.

Part 2 of a 3 part series on visiting Nigeria.
Andrew, part my bodyguard, part my cinematographer and part photographer and I flew Delta Airlines. Fortunately we got to fly business class and it was a great experience. In fact, the Delta service team was one of the best ever on the way to Nigeria. On the way back was another story, which I promise I will write about in the next few weeks.  The food was excellent too. It was just a little weird dining at midnight, right before you popped an Ambient sleeping pill.

Delta to Nigeria

Our plane arrived 11 hours later about 3 PM Nigerian time. We were greeted by our government assigned, armored, traveling security team with big AK47’s. From there we plowed through at least a million cars and saw miles of poverty en route to our hotel on the island of Victoria. This is a sad sight considering the amount of oil money that comes from this country. It does seem like there should be a better outcome.

City scape in Lagos

The ride was intense and not without fear. The driver had two speeds: super fast and stop. I honestly thought this was one of my last trips on earth.

Scary car ride on way to hotel

One hour later, we arrived at the Ecko Hotel. The hotel was comparable to a lower end 3-star US hotel. Contemporary, it had some cool African art in the lobby, and was gated with several towers. Andrew and I were split up. In hindsight, I should have demanded this be corrected. Fortunately, our four days were safe and without incident.

African art in Lagos

The service was very good. The wine was divine. The food OK and interesting. Lots of plantains, which I like. But everything had an odd fishy flavor to it that I’m still trying to identify. I believe it’s the cooking oil. I’ve noticed this in other countries I’ve visited too.

Our rooms were comfortable, once you got past the constant horn blowing outside, the fact the internet moved like a drunk snail and the power completely turned off about every couple hours without notice. Apparently, this has to do with a power supply issue. We did get used to that, but it totally sucked when Andrew’s only power cable blew up from a surge. $200 later, a scarier cab ride, a tire blow out and some serious sweat, he was back in business.

During our stay, as long as we remained inside our compound, we felt safe, just on alert, as there were always several armed guards outside our windows at all times.  There was also a high degree of missing trust and crime related issues that were apparent. Below is the sign that greeted us upon check in? This is a shame because the country is filled with many more honest and trusting people, than the minority of bad folks who have tarnished the country’s image.

The first day there was a press conference at 10AM promoting the event. We were driven over and greeted by a roomful of 25 plus curious journalist, Internet, print and broadcast. Everyone was unbelievably friendly and warm. This calm tone changed dramatically at the event. The media at the event was like no paparazzi I’ve ever imagined, swarming like bees, hungry for up close photos of the Governor and the branding speaker, “moi” from the US. There were a couple times that I had big fears, not for my life or safety, but that my hair piece (curls) were definitely going to fly off.

Both days, everyone wanted to know how branding could help their country, leadership and ultimately the people the government served. I covered the highlights at the press conference and encouraged everyone to attend the event later that night.

I will cover this topic of government branding and post my presentation in my next blog post.

Until then, here are a few more lessons from African trip. Missed my first one?
1) Always pack two power cables for your computer if your work depends on power.
1.5) Pack legal pads, so when you don’t have Internet service, you can still write.
2) Save your earplugs from the flight, so the cab horns don’t keep you up all night.
3) When visiting another country and doing an event with 500 people, pack a box of business cards 500+.
4) Pack at least a dozen energy bars, in case you are not loving the food.
5) Pack super light, international airport travel will not be so stressful.
6) Don’t wear anything scented – hair product, lotion, nothing. Mosquitoes love the stuff. You don’t want them sucking your blood and giving you a serious disease.

Part 1 of a 3 part series.
About one month ago I received a call from a Nigeria speakers bureau, inquiring about me addressing a journalists meeting in Lagos, Nigeria. He also mentioned, he had worked with one of my fellow branding peers Martin Lindstrom. Martin is a global branding expert too and author of Buyology and Brandsence, both excellent books.  So I reached out to Martin to inquire about his experience. Martin explained, you will be safe, it will be a memorable experience. He was right on both accounts.

Several weeks went by and the meeting was not booked. Then one week before the event TO, my rep from the speaker bureau, phoned me back up. They want you, please get your Visa and passport in order and they want you to address branding in government.

So the hoop jumping starts. I was actually still in NY city at the time and my lame AT&T phone had no service, so most of my communication was via email. Even though Martin said I’d be safe, traveling to a country with a questionable reputation and that I’d never been to by myself was not an option. Sure, I wanted the opportunity to visit Nigeria, but I also wanted to contain my risk and American Express travel does not offer a travel escort service, but they do offer a companion ticket with the purchase of a business class ticket. So now my goal was who could I get to travel with me and provide some value beyond being my body guard. I called Litewavemedia. They are a local company that produced my speaker video. I contacted Christian, the owner and explained the situation. Christian was booked on a big commercial shoot, but said one of his colleagues would be happy to do it. His name was Andrew, a UT film grad and well rounded, light, sound and video guy. Perfect! The trip planning could begin. Having Andrew with me was one of the smarter investments I’ve made, ever! He not only is a great video dude (taped me speaking and other event highlights), but took lots of still shots and was by my side every minute. His dedication to his craft and my safety was priceless. Thank you Andrew!! In the picture below is Andrew to the right and Paul our guide to the left. Paul works in Imo State government office in investment development. The hospitality he showed us and his friendship were awesome.

Here are a portion of my top lessons from my African adventure. See next couple blogs for more.
1) When you get an opportunity to do business in a country that is new to you, get personal references and get paid upfront.

2) Knowing the time and travel preparation needed for an event of this magnitude, I will not commit to anything with less than 2 weeks advance notice, full payment and contracts signed. Even though I pulled this off, it was a lot crazier than it should have been, unless they are paying me $100,000, which they did not, never again am I doing an event like this with that kind of short notice.  Immunization shots only take two weeks to get in your system.

3) Even though I am a seasoned traveler, I would not travel to Lagos by myself. PERIOD.

4) Tightly enforce contracts and terms and stick with them. I got lax on this and paid consequences that I should have prevented. Specifically — Only when all 100% of funds and contracts are received, will program prep start. I spent too much time chasing down money. There is a clause in my contract that states “Client must get all promo materials approved before printing” or the contract is void. The client published items not consistent with my brand, a very old photo of me and inaccurate bio info. Include in contract all extra requests like press conferences, timing and details. PLUS, specify that your traveling companion must be in the same building as you are and internet fees are covered by client.

5) Always carry an extra few copies of your bio for press conferences and at the event. My agent had provided this bio, intro to the organizing group, but 4 minutes before I was to go on stage the MC had nothing and was asking me for my intro through a screaming crowd of 500 people.

6)Don’t count on the same kind of technology when traveling to emerging countries. My phone did not work and my internet was a daily mess.

This shot is of Neta Nwosu who was the chairman of the event for the Brand Journalists of Nigeria.
She also is an editor with the top newspaper (DailySun) in Lagos.

See next blog posts for remainder of trip.

For more global branding adventures, view:
Making history in Saudi and 5 lessons from the experience.

I love oxymorons. I find their mix of contrast, clarifying. Here’s my favorite big little list.

I also have a love-hate relationship with waiting things.

I’m in New York City and while I love this city, the waiting for most things, I hate. It grades on my patience account.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve waited a lot, for my luggage, to be seated, for my coat, for a cab, for an Internet connection, for a phone signal, for an appointment, for the hotel engineer, to get service and to even pay for what I wanted to buy.

On the back end of waiting for all of these things, fortunately came good rewards and benefits that I did in fact want and desire. So I suppose it was worth the wait.

I don’t think I’m alone with this down opinion of waiting. Unless I was waiting for a call from the IRS for an audit, or a my one way ticket off the earth, then waiting is looking better.

In our society we as consumers are conditioned to get lots of things fast, some even immediately. I like that. Because I’m really not a patient person, even though I do wait patiently. Verses the screaming guy or gal who looses it after 30 seconds of waiting.

Technology is responsible for this speed of delivery, until you are put on hold for technical support, which is a nightmare even if it’s during the day.

It seems like with all this waiting, there should be some opportunities here too. It’s likely your competition is not even thinking about this stuff, because they are waiting for other stuff.

Here are ideas you don’t need to wait to do.

• If your customers have to wait, why not make it a fun experience, entertain them, teach them something.
• If your customers have to wait, why not pamper them in some way. A soothing environment small treat goes a long way to shorten the reality of waiting time.
• If your customers have to wait, provide something that engages them to participate in your brand experience. This can be accomplished with media, sensory elements or human conversation.

Watching paint dry is never fun. Watching a masterpiece being created by an artist is amazing.

Also, don’t forget to check out: Make vacation communication a day at the beach.

Last week I was in an elegant, Italian restaurant in Jeddah, Saudi with my speaking colleague, Dr. Jim Balasco. Every inch of the place was opulent, sophisticated and refined. The food presentation was a master piece and the flavors were beyond my highest expectations.

Shortly after the food arrived, the waiter returned with a gigantic pepper mill. The largest one I’ve ever seen. It was very over the top, unexpected and fun. A small touch of hugeness, an element of solid magnitude and a story that I’ve shared with at least 20 people since that night.

Years ago, I first discovered a company that specializes in big stuff. And I’m happy to report they are still delivering big stuff and their offering has gotten much bigger.

There’s a lot to be said about big things. Remember Tom Hanks in the movie big, how could you forget it. It was a bit hit.

Big stuff some is more stick-to-your-memory than small items. Sometimes big reflects a persona of confidence, sometimes even a mammoth kind of goofiness, but it’s always a memorable image.

Is there anything you can pump up in size in your brand experience? Consider these applications to increase your big brand memory effect.

1) What about when you mail a prospect and it’s packaged in a very big way?
2) Or something that you display at a trade show booth that really stands out from all the boring exhibits?
3) Why not something big in your retail shop that people want to be photographed next to?
4) What about a PR photo visual that is really super-sized? Tie in a holiday and create something enormous and then break a Guninness world record too. Like Charlie Sheen has done. To date he has earned being the highest paid actor for a sitcom, attracted the most twitter followers in faster time and I suppose biggest pathetic guy.

For more on branding, view: Brand makeovers can add new life to a business.

Recently, they’ve produced some polarized opinions.

Miracle Whip has launched a “Love Us or Hate Us” campaign complete with a YouTube channel which has a place for people to take a side and sound off, a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. The ads feature people stating how they feel really about Miracle Whip. Reviews range from, “I love it!” to, “it tastes like lotion.”  Not one person thinks it’s “just OK.” Spots also include celebrities that elicit strong reactions from people, the love ‘em or hate ‘em:  “Pauly D” from MTV’s Jersey Shore and James Carville, democratic strategist. The ads seem scripted, but you get the idea and the feedback on the social network supports the campaign’s theme.

Cate Blanchett boldly stepped out on the red carpet at the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards on Sunday in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown.  The internet was abuzz as journalists, bloggers and Twitter users weighed in. Opinions were extreme as people either raved about the dress or declared it awful. In her photos, she appears as a glamorous, fashion-forward woman who is not fazed by negative reviews. She could have easily selected a ho-hum gown thereby avoiding being placed on some worst dressed lists. However, she would have stayed off some best dressed lists, too.

The reactions that these two stirred up is what you want for your brand, company, product, service, book, art, etc. It may be difficult to hear the criticism, but your fans will be as loyal and enthusiastic as your detractors are harsh. When you conjure up these types of reviews, you know that you have clearly defined your brand. There is no question as to what you (or your company, product or service) are all about and you are building your awareness.

The worst thing you can do is to try to be all things to all people. While this strategy may spare you some criticism, it will probably also render you unremarkable and off the radar. A strong brand is authentic, fearless, full of conviction and self-confident.

Need some help differentiating your brand? Our Differentiate your Business Ta-Do List provides you with over 80 ways to be unique and create powerful distinction with products, service and how you market. Or, as always, feel free to email us your questions.

For more on how to define your brand, view:
Can a strong brand make a visit to the dentist less painful?
Blending in is so yesterday: Stand-up, Brand-up!

You bet my pearly veneers it can.

I’ve never been a big fan of going to the dentist. Maybe it’s because my parents were such sticklers and sent us so often as kids. And as an adult I’m very grateful for that, my teeth are in good shape.

Or maybe it’s because I still remember exactly what it felt like the day the orthodontist yanked my braces off. I thought all my teeth were coming off too.

Or maybe it’s because my last dentist always acted like a Nazi commando and if I didn’t follow everyone of her every recommendations, she would send me a threatening letter stating that my failing to spend $3,000 on something she believed was needed could cause brain damage and other deathly ailments. Beyond the scare tactics, she and her staff hard pushed products and services like used car salesman. And when I don’t floss, they don’t pour the guilt trip on me, like “Karen, you know this is a team thing, I’m doing my part, you’ve got to do yours.” I don’t remember signing up for the dental team. Bad experience. Bad memories. Bad brand. I don’t go there any more.

My new dentist Dr. Gregory Jacobs is not a pain at all and neither is the experience. In fact, I enjoy going there. They have current magazines that I enjoy, nothing against Golf Pro. The environment is relaxed. There is no tacky, bold faced policy signage posted everywhere. No glass wall implying I’m am disturbing them. The office looks like an interior design studio, not a stinky medical clinic for lab rats. The restrooms are equally as cool and the staff is always nice.

I feel a whole lot less pain, stress and anxiety when I go to the dentist these days. And always tell my friends about my great dentist. All the touch points are thoughtfully provided (music, scent, decor, staff, lighting, restrooms, parking) and geared to my comfort, not the efficiency of the practice.

I always wonder why 95% of health care providers don’t get this powerful connection to the customer experience and their bottom line. And this concept is not restricted to only health care providers, anything that is not organically enjoyable and tilts toward painful, like: buying tires, repairing your AC unit or purchasing insurance can benefit from a really pleasant and memorable experience.

Is there anything you can do to improve the experience you deliver to your customers? Remember, the brand is what the customer thinks, feels and expects about the sum of all you do.

OK, I do schedule my dental appointments right after lunch and usually have a glass wine with my salad too.

For more on strong brand concepts, view: Want to be a standout brand? Avoid these 5 costly mistakes.

In less than 9 hours, I will be on a new world stage presenting the concept of branding to over 300 Saudi executives and their team members. I’ll be addressing the changing market place, social media, storytelling and creating lasting customer experiences.

The production will be beyond grand. I suspect no expense has been spared, from an elaborate stage, to all white seating, lights and more. The behind the scenes team include translators, videographers, stage production crew and writers. Plus, a professional master of ceremonies will be on stage with me, while I’m speaking, to ensure nothing goes off course or off message. Today, all the speakers did run throughs, were interviewed and fully prepped on what to convey and what not to say.

All speakers were also asked to submit the three most important points from their presentation. Here are mine.

Brands are:
• Critical for success, competitors are doing it, if you don’t do it, you will be invisible.
• The brand result is a picture you earn in the market’s mind. Deliver the right picture with new mindset.
• Tell your story better, louder & with extreme consistently. Start from the inside out.

Am I nervous? That might not be the best descriptive word to fully state my emotions. I wish I had some Pepto-Bismol® right now.

Am I prepared and ready to do my very best? Absolutely!

More tomorrow after my talk. I have to go to bed early, rest and get fully energized. To follow my entire trip also check out the Oddpodz Grow your Business Blog as I chronicle other issues there.

Here are some of the awesome women from Entourage Marketing and Events who are producing the conference.

As I’ve been a professional traveler for nearly ten years and am embarking on my Middle Eastern Journey tonight, I’ve learned there are many small things that one can do to prevent or minimize travel nightmares and stress. And from a branding standpoint, at the end of this post, some random ideas for brand experience improvement.

Less stress.

• Life is just too short for self-inflicted chaos.
• If you are catching an out of country flight, and leaving from NY or some other city more than 2 hours from your home base, get there the day before. Why risk bad weather, or canceled flights?
• Get to the airport three hours early for International flights.
• Have clients that own airlines, like mine, Saudi Arabian Airlines. I was greeted at the ticket guest and treated like royalty through out security and then escorted to the Korean Lounge, which SAA shares with Korean Airlines.
• Dress for easy security checking measures. Don’t wear your jewelery, strategically locate all your removables, computers, liquids over 3 ounces, wear easy on – easy off shoes and just forget belts and hats.
• If you are traveling with a lot of crap, often a cab or car service is better than the free shuttle.
• Have small bill cash ready, you never know when a $10.00 will change your life.
• Sleeping pills can totally remove the jet lag issues, pack em. Especially if the airline does not serve adult beverages like SAA.
• Pack light, you will thank me for this tip. Black is always safe and you will look hip.
• Keep all your docs and luggage ticket stubs in one place.

When your travel is smooth everything is better. The people are nicer, the screaming kid will not get on your last nerve and you will soak up more of the trip’s adventure.

Tighter brand connection. (The Lounge)
The Saudi team was top notch, friendly and welcoming . The counter experience was bright, signage easy to read and they had fresh flowers – a very nice touch.

If I had not been escorted to the Korean Lounge, a small note card with instructions would be a nice message.

The Korean lounge was nice, but snacks lack any branding, story or remarkable experience.

Restrooms had hand written signs in side, not a luxury element.

Plugs were plentiful and they worked. which is a key point for the modern gadget, business traveler. This is one of my pet peeves in many airline lounges.

All lounges need to do a better job of managing uncontrollable screaming kids and just inconsiderate adults yapping on their phones.

All lounges, including this one, need to find some unique, special touches that WOW their customers.

Got to go, boarding in few minutes, more from Jeddah on Friday.

For more travel tips, view:
A warrior’s check list, so the journey is a joy
I’m going to Saudi, join me!

Tomorrow, Feb. 12th, is my birthday and I’m looking forward to it. After working on my new book for most of the day (deadline getting nearer), I’m going to the theater to see Billy Elliot, the musical, and then dinner with my mom. Should be very nice.

I will also check the mail and find some thoughtful cards from my pals and relatives. And I’ll get a handful of calls, emails, Facebook posts or text messages from my digital buds. All is good.

Then the marketing birthday wishes start to accumulate. I always find this interesting, because every year the number of cards and gifts increases. These range from hand signed cards from companies I’ve never heard of and don’t do business with, to free dinners, gift cards and special deals from companies I do patronize.

It’s always nice when someone or a company remembers your b-day, even if it is a computer.

Jocelyn the co-founder of Oddpodz also has a b-day this weekend, on the 13th of February, hope it’s a great one!

Do you have a way to remember your customers’ special days? It can be a fairly low cost, high value touch point.

Be sure to check out: Don’t ever think about calling me a senior or reminding me that I’m over 40.