Tag: #storytelling

How a Simple Apple 🍎 Sparked a Social Media Frenzy (And a Few Banana Jokes)

Creating engagement on social media can sometimes feel like a tricky balance, especially when you’re managing a neighborhood page where people have all kinds of opinions. But it doesn’t have to be complicated! Sometimes, the simplest posts are the ones that spark the most interaction. Take, for example, my recent post:

Here’s a picture of an apple. 🍎

Offended yet? Not red enough? Not shiny enough? Maybe it’s the wrong kind of apple entirely? Who knows – maybe it’s a pineapple in disguise.

Friendly reminder: this is a neighborhood page, not a debate team tryout. Let’s all try a new trick today – kindness. Yep, even on the internet! So, before you fire off your next spicy take, remember, we’re all here just trying to get through another week in Sycamore. 🍎

Pretty simple, right? Yet, this post ended up with 370 likes and 49 comments. The comments were just as entertaining as the post itself:

  • Katie wrote, “The audacity to post an apple during Pumpkin Fest!!! 😉.”
  • Darlene chimed in with, “How big is the apple 🍎? I need a banana 🍌 for scale. 🤣😂🤣”
  • Anne noted, “I cannot love this enough! The salty people should really go axe throwing or to a wreck room instead of spreading their misery online.”
  • Corey added, “But I want a caramel apple. 😂”

So why did it do so well? The post hit the target demographic perfectly. The people in our community love a little lighthearted banter, especially when it feels relevant to our day-to-day lives. By using a universally recognizable image (an apple) and adding a humorous twist, I kept the tone casual and relatable.

Here’s why it worked:

1. It was simple: Everyone understands what an apple is, and there’s no need for a complicated explanation. Sometimes the easiest way to engage people is through simplicity.

2. It was humorous: Humor is a great way to get people to engage. The playful tone of the post, hinting at how the smallest things can spark unnecessary debates, resonated with people who have probably witnessed similar online squabbles.

3. It allowed people a bright spot in their day: In a world where negative news often dominates, people appreciate a moment of lightness. This post didn’t ask for anything heavy or serious—it just invited a quick laugh and a reminder to spread kindness.

How to Create Similar Posts

If you’re looking to recreate this kind of engagement on your own social media pages, here are a few tips:

  1. Keep it light and fun: People engage more when they feel like they’re in on the joke. Posts that are overly serious or require too much thought might deter engagement. Something as simple as a quirky observation or a playful challenge can get people talking.
  2. Make it relatable: Use imagery or references that are familiar to your audience. Everyone in the neighborhood could relate to the idea of overreacting to something trivial online—because, let’s be real, we’ve all seen it happen.
  3. Incorporate humor: Don’t be afraid to throw in some sarcasm or playfulness. Even a little cheekiness can go a long way in getting people to interact, whether it’s through likes or comments. Humor breaks the ice and invites participation.
  4. Invite interaction: Without directly asking for it, the apple post invited people to share their thoughts (or jokes). The comments showed that people felt comfortable adding their own humor to the mix.
  5. Be timely: Timing matters. This post came during a local event—Pumpkin Fest—so the apple vs. pumpkin comment hit just right. Pay attention to what’s happening locally or seasonally, and tie your posts into that.

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as posting an apple and inviting people to laugh along with you. Just remember, social media is a place for connection, and if you’re able to create a space where people can share a laugh and leave a little brighter, you’re doing it right.

A Bad Review: A Website Crisis Averted

I recently received a frantic phone call from a long-time friend. He was in a full-blown panic because his company had received a bad Google review. Now, I’ve been through this before. Bad reviews happen. It’s a part of running a business. But my friend, while a brilliant professional in his field, is not exactly tech-savvy. So, I tried to calm him down and offer some advice.

I explained that bad reviews happen, and there are ways to address them. I suggested responding to the review with empathy and a commitment to improving the situation. But then, he dropped a bombshell: “No, you don’t get it. It’s on my website!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. My friend is great at what he does, but websites and technology are not his strong suit. I reassured him that we could fix it.

“You can just remove it,” I said.

“I can??!!” he exclaimed.

Technically, he couldn’t, but his web developer could. Or, if his developer couldn’t figure it out, I offered to help.

After a few more panicky moments, my friend calmed down. I removed the bad review from his website.

Then, I explained to him that his web developer had set up his website to automatically feed Google reviews onto the site. This meant that bad reviews could appear without anyone noticing.

I suggested that we look into how this process worked and then switch to an approval-based system. This way, bad reviews wouldn’t just appear on his website without someone reviewing them first.

“Can you just fix it?” he asked.

While we were talking on the phone, I pulled up his website and made the necessary changes, but it also presented prime opportunity to tease him a bit. So I told him it would take months, and then there was a long silence on the phone.

“You’re messing with me aren’t you?! You did it already didn’t you?” And a few other choice words and fun name calling that I will leave out, followed by a lot of laughing and a thank you.

In the end, it was a simple fix. But it’s a good reminder to the importance of monitoring your online presence and understanding how your website works.

Zen Gardening and the Man in the White Hat

Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.

A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.

He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.

After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”

We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.

The Power of “Yet”

“I don’t know yet, but I will.”

One simple word—yet—holds the key to a growth mindset. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. When we add “yet” to a sentence, it shifts our perspective from limitation to possibility.

“I haven’t mastered this skill… yet.”

“I haven’t reached my goal… yet.”

With “yet,” we remind ourselves that growth is a process. It’s a powerful affirmation that success isn’t about being there now—it’s about the commitment to get there.

Build Stronger Connections with Authentic LinkedIn Content

I recently had a great conversation with a friend about his career path. He was torn between sharing his journey on LinkedIn, which included some more traditional roles he took to support himself financially, versus only highlighting his dream job. My advice to him was simple: authenticity trumps perfection every time.

LinkedIn has become a platform flooded with seemingly perfect career trajectories and inspirational quotes. While these posts can be uplifting, they often lack depth and genuine connection. In contrast, sharing a story about overcoming challenges or taking a non-traditional path can resonate far more deeply with your audience.

My friend’s journey, from “pay-the-bills” jobs to his dream role, is a story that many people can relate to. It’s a tale of perseverance, learning, and growth. By sharing his experiences openly and honestly, he can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

This isn’t just about LinkedIn; it’s a broader principle in marketing. Whether you’re sharing a personal story, promoting a product, or building a brand, the key is to connect with your audience on an emotional level. A well-crafted narrative is far more powerful than a generic, shared inspirational post.

So, the next time you’re considering what to share on LinkedIn, remember: authenticity is your greatest asset. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even if it’s not always glamorous. Your story could be the inspiration someone needs.

Where Do You Find Your Inspiration for Ideas?

Inspiration can be a tricky thing. Some people find it in the hustle and bustle of a crowded city, while others might find it in the solitude of their own thoughts. For me, it’s a bit different. My ideas tend to spark during my daily walks with my golden retriever, Rose.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, even if it’s just for a short stroll. The rhythmic pace of walking, the sights and sounds of nature, and the joy of seeing Rose explore the world with such enthusiasm—it all blends together to create the perfect environment for inspiration to strike.

I often find that the act of walking helps clear my mind. It’s as if the physical movement allows my thoughts to flow more freely, unencumbered by the usual distractions. Ideas that were previously just out of reach suddenly become clear. Sometimes, it’s a new angle on a project I’m working on, or a fresh topic for a blog post. Other times, it’s a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at me.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rose seems to have an uncanny ability to lead me to these moments of clarity. Maybe it’s the simplicity of her joy—chasing a squirrel, sniffing a new scent, or just enjoying the moment—that reminds me to stay present and open to new ideas.

So, where do you find your inspiration? Is it during your morning coffee, in the pages of a book, or perhaps in a quiet corner of your home? Everyone has their own unique source, and it’s fascinating to hear where others discover their creative spark.

“Is my marketing for my small business working?”

The other day, I was having lunch with a friend, an interesting question came up: “Is my marketing for my small business working?” It’s a great question and one that many small business owners grapple with. However, one meeting alone can’t provide a definitive answer. To get a clearer picture, I asked the him five key questions. These questions help determine whether their marketing efforts are on track and delivering results.

  1. What are your marketing goals?

First things first, we need to know what success looks like for your business. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, generate leads, boost sales, or perhaps improve customer retention? Clear, specific goals provide a benchmark to measure your marketing performance against. Without these, it’s challenging to determine if your marketing is effective.

  1. Who is your target audience?

Knowing your target audience is crucial. If your marketing efforts aren’t reaching the right people, they’re not going to be effective. We discussed who their ideal customers are, their demographics, interests, and pain points. Understanding your audience helps tailor your marketing messages and channels to where they will be most impactful.

  1. How are you tracking your marketing efforts?

Tracking is key to understanding what works and what doesn’t. I asked what tools and metrics they’re using to monitor their marketing activities. Are they using Google Analytics, social media insights, email marketing reports, or customer feedback? Having robust tracking mechanisms in place allows you to analyze data and make informed decisions.

  1. What is your current marketing mix?

We then delved into their marketing mix—the combination of channels and tactics they’re using. Are they focusing on social media, email marketing, content marketing, SEO, PPC, or a mix of these? It’s important to have a balanced approach and diversify your marketing efforts. Relying too heavily on one channel can be risky.

  1. What are your results so far?

Finally, we looked at the results they’ve seen so far. This includes both quantitative data like website traffic, conversion rates, and sales figures, and qualitative data like customer feedback and engagement. We compared these results to their initial goals to gauge how well their marketing is performing.

By the end of our discussion, we had a much clearer picture of where they stood. While we didn’t have a definitive answer right away, these questions laid the groundwork for ongoing analysis and improvement. Marketing is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continuously monitor and adjust your strategies to ensure they remain effective.

So, if you’re wondering whether your marketing is working, start by asking yourself these five questions. They’ll help you identify strengths, uncover weaknesses, and ultimately, refine your approach to achieve your business goals.

On Writing

Over the past year, I’ve done a lot of writing just for the sake of writing. I’ve blogged, I’ve journaled, I’ve crafted ads. I’ve written my wife and kids cards for big events, mini events, and non-events. When I write a note by hand, I rarely use cursive. When I write a note, I print, mainly to make it legible for the reader. I save cursive for my own private journals. In the past, writing felt like work; now I write for enjoyment, for creativity, for reflection, and much more.

And the title of this post is a nod to my favorite author.

When Inspiration Needs a Rain Shower: Embracing the Creative Percolation Process

Have you ever stared at a blank page, your mind a swirling fog of “almost there” ideas? Or maybe you’re grappling with a creative project, the vision stubbornly refusing to come into focus. Fear not, fellow creators! This frustrating feeling – often called brain fog – doesn’t have to spell creative doom. In fact, it might just be a sign your brilliant idea is simmering, waiting for the perfect moment to bubble up.

Just like this past week for me. I was wrestling with the creative direction for a project. Every concept felt forced, a pale imitation of the spark I knew was missing. Days bled into one another, each attempt at brainstorming leaving me more discouraged than the last. Then, this morning, something magical happened.

On my usual walk, I found myself captivated by the sight of a gentle rain. Each drop, a tiny percussionist, pattered a rhythm on the surface of the pond. And as I watched, a calmness washed over me, mirroring the quiet serenity of the scene. In that moment, the creative dam within me broke. The missing piece, the elusive spark, materialized with surprising clarity.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most potent ideas need time to percolate. We, as creators, often become fixated on forcing inspiration to strike. We push ourselves to the brink of frustration, convinced that a relentless pursuit is the only path to success. But what if the key is to let go, to trust the process?

Here’s the truth: stepping away, allowing your mind to wander, can be the most productive thing you can do. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, engage in a completely unrelated activity. Let your brain take a break from the conscious effort, and allow the subconscious to work its magic.

The next time you find yourself drowning in brain fog, remember the rain shower. Embrace the pause, the quiet simmering, and trust that the perfect idea is brewing just beneath the surface. It might arrive in a flash of insight, or it might reveal itself gradually, like the slow blossoming of a flower. The important thing is to be patient, to create space for the creative process to unfold naturally.

So, the next time you feel creatively stuck, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, step away from the project, and allow your mind to wander. You might just be surprised by the brilliance waiting to emerge from the gentle rain of inspiration.

Scrollin’ Through the Feed: What’s Hot in Social Media Right Now

Anyone else feel like social media moves faster than a toddler on a sugar high? It can be hard to keep up with the latest trends, but fear not, fellow scrollers! I’m here to break it down for you, K.I.S.S. style.

Short and Sweet, But Not Too Short: Remember Vine? Yeah, good times. Short-form video is still king, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels leading the charge. But here’s the twist: longer content is making a comeback. We’re talking TikTok testing videos up to 30 minutes long, and even YouTube experimenting with horizontal formats. Think mini-documentaries, in-depth tutorials, or just longer storytelling.

Building a Tribe, Not Just a Following: Forget chasing follower counts and picture-perfect profiles. Today, it’s all about building real connections and fostering a sense of community. People crave authentic interactions, meaningful conversations, and a feeling of belonging. Whether it’s joining a niche group or engaging with creators you genuinely connect with, community is key.

The Rise of the Machines (But in a Cool Way): AI is becoming a social media staple, from personalized content recommendations like “You might also like…” to chatbots handling customer service inquiries. While it might sound a little sci-fi, think of it as your social media assistant, making your experience smoother and more efficient.

Real Talk, Real People: In a world of filters and carefully curated feeds, people are craving authenticity. They want to connect with brands and creators who feel genuine, transparent, and trustworthy. Ditch the staged photos and scripted messages, and show your true colors. Let your personality shine through and build trust with your audience.

Shop ‘Til You Drop (But From Your Phone): Social media is no longer just for catching up with friends and sharing funny cat videos. It’s become a massive shopping platform. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are making it easier than ever to discover and purchase products directly within the app. Think one-click shopping sprees fueled by your favorite influencers’ recommendations.

Game On, Everyone! Online gaming is more than just a solitary activity these days. Platforms like Twitch and Discord are transforming it into a social experience. Players connect, interact, and even compete while streaming their gameplay. It’s like watching your favorite sport, but everyone’s potentially involved!

So, there you have it! These are just a few of the things heating up the social media landscape. Remember, the game is constantly evolving, so keep your finger on the pulse and adapt your approach to stay ahead of the curve. Now, excuse me while I go chase some trends and build my online tribe (with a healthy dose of K.I.S.S., of course).

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