Misusing words? Inconceivable!

Misusing words? Inconceivable!

by Abby Wilkerson

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” ~Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride

There is no quicker way to make your audience realize that you are not the expert you claim to be than by misusing words and phrases. Misused words and phrases distract your audience from what you really have to say – the more verbal frosting you pile onto your writing, the harder it is find any real substance. And besides damaging your credibility, it can completely change the meaning of the sentence.

Sadly, there are lists upon lists of misused words and phrases. Since we can’t cover all of them in a column called “Quick and Skinny,” here are the three that irritate me the most:

1. Literally – “I’m literally starving to death. I’m literally going to eat my arm.”

No. Most likely you’re not and, chances are, you won’t. Literally means exactly what you say (no metaphors or analogies). Everything else is figurative.

2. Irregardless

Not even a word. Use regardless or irrespective.

3. For all intents and purposes

I admit, I just learned this one the other day. It’s often mis-spoken as “all intensive purposes.” I just learned that it’s not “for all tenths and purposes.” It means in every practical sense and originates in English law.

Abby Wilkerson is the Copywriter and Public Relations for Redpepper, a full-service advertising and strategic marketing agency that specializes in producing creative ideas that solve business problems.

3 Steps For Using Linkedin.com to Generate Leads.

3 Steps For Using Linkedin.com to Generate Leads.
By Jason Montoya - Noodlehead Studios

I have had a Linkedin.com profile for some time now and I would like to share with you on how to utilize your Linkedin.com account to generate leads for your business.
From my experience using social media, here are three steps to generate leads using Linkedin.com:

1. Build your Linkedin.com Database: From the moment you create a
profile you should be adding your contacts to Linkedin.com. Start out by importing your list of emails from outlook, gmail or the email client you are using. Linkedin.com will tell you which of those contacts are using Linkedin.com at the time. You can then invite those people to be connected. Another method for building your connection database is by adding contacts you meet while networking. As I am out building relationships and connecting with other businesses I am collecting hundreds of business cards. After those events it is important to add those people to your linkedin. This helps them remember you when they see your request and it also provides accessibility to them for future correspondence.

2. Passive Contact with Connections: The second important element
for using Linkedin to generate leads is passive activity with your connections. This includes joining groups, asking and answering questions, and making recommendations. These passive activities will show up on status reports, emails and daily digests which gets your brand in front of your connections and, in many cases, their connections. Keeping your company name in front of prospects is very important for your sales pipeline. The Q and A also allows you to provide information for other businesses which is much more important to people than you attempting to sell yourself.

3. Direct Contact with Connections: When it comes to direct contact
with your connections and social media networking for business, keep the following in mind, always give before you take. No one wants to be solicited to especially online. They want to have a conversation with you and by giving them something, it starts the conversation. You could give them a good resource, a lead, a contact or anything you feel may be valuable to their business' growth. When you are networking online it is important to make 5 or 6 contact interactions before you even mention services or price.

I hope these steps help you out online and remember, it does not have to be limited to Linkedin, these steps can be applied to Facebook or any other social networking platform you use.

Jason Montoya -Chief Noodlehead Officer
http://noodleheadstudios.com
http://twitter.com/noodlehead
http://www.linkedin.com/in/noodleheadstudios