Kathryn Janicek

What Facebook Live can do for you (i.e. increase sales)

July 7, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

Don’t know how to make a Facebook Live land you new business leads?

Is your only production knowledge from watching Wayne’s World? “Camera one, camera two… camera one, camera two.”

Think it’s all a waste of time?

My Facebook Live show this week answered all your questions:

Why should I be on Facebook Live?
How do I use it to land more sales?
How can I set up Facebook Live to fit MY budget?

I’ve been going live since 1998 as a TV producer. Longer than most people you’ve seen call themselves “live video experts”. My background is in making other people look great while broadcasting live on TV. Once Periscope got on the scene — I jumped all over that going live from TV shoots in Hawaii and other destinations. On Facebook, I have taken viewers like you live to:

a TV shoot in Mississippi where I was covering a historic case
Kansas the week of the 2016 presidential election to show what the middle of the country was thinking
and I also do live shows on Facebook to share how you can gain the media’s attention and improve your public speaking skills.

I LOVE live video. But honestly, I love PRODUCING live video. Without doing my own Facebook Lives, I was missing out on the MARKETING POWER Facebook Live has for everyone like me who owns a company.
Don’t be like me in 2016… missing out on all that marketing power. Missing out on the clients I could have landed.

Watch this video to find out:

Why people will see your Facebook Live faster than any blog you post
How you can promote new products or services on Facebook Live
How Facebook Live creates trust with your audience
How it helps your marketing strategy
Why you should interview your CEO on Facebook Live
How to share the video later and integrate it into your overall marketing strategy
What kind of equipment you need to do a high-quality FB Live (without busting your budget)

I’ll be going live again next Thursday at 1 pm Central so mark it in your calendars, set an alarm, whatever you need to do to make sure you’re here on my Facebook page. Oh, and send me your media or public speaking questions and I’ll answer them live.

5 Ways to Land Media (Without Spending a Fortune)

June 29, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

Do you want to help your company get noticed by the media and gain more customers? But… you don’t know how to start? You’ve landed in the right place!

As someone who spent 20 years working in the media, I have experience and knowledge to share! I’ve put together a free eBook with five things you can do this week, so that you can deliver your message to your audience — and make sure they remember it!

Will you be LinkedIn or left out?

June 21, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

It is growing more and more misleading to refer to LinkedIn as a “social” media platform. Although it is one of the most popular digital marketing platforms, it is far from simply a social tool. LinkedIn is the leading online business-oriented networking service used to connect professionals. Ten years after its launch, LinkedIn reported more than 259 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. So it prompts the question: will you be LinkedIn or Left out?

When actively used, LinkedIn can strengthen and extend the existing network of your trusted contacts. Whether you own a small business, are a top executive at a Fortune 500 company – or fall somewhere in between – LinkedIn can be a powerful tool, when we apply it with purpose.

Those bold, italicized words in that last paragraph? Let’s emphasize them again. Actively used. Purpose. Within these words lies the secret to success on LinkedIn.

Let’s first define your purpose.

“Because my Marketing Director keeps telling me to…” may be the push you needed to read this blog, but here are a few more serious ideas to think about when establishing your purpose:

Establishing your expertise through your profile page and shared content, while also sharing the expertise of others within your organization.
Seeking out strategic alliances to help build your client base.
Developing relationships with people in specific industries.
Gaining information about clients, competitors, and industries.
Maintaining contact with your real-world connections.
Searching for new job opportunities, freelance work, or in reverse, looking for job applicants and referrals for professional freelancers.
Reinforcing your personal branding as a professional, a thought leader, or a community member.
Connecting your business with other businesses, and in effect your business leadership with other professionals.

Once you establish your purpose for using LinkedIn, it serves as a baseline for your engagement. Or, in simple terms, your purpose leads you to develop a simple strategy to actively use the site. By establishing a routine tied to your purpose, you’ll be able to get on and off the site, while making efficient and effective use of your time.

For instance, joining and creating groups, leveraging your articles and blogs through the publish feature, and sponsoring updates are all great ways to engage with other users, depending on your purpose for using LinkedIn, and with whom you are striving to connect.

You’re here. You’re ready. So start with the basics.

Download this one page document with tips to use while building or enhancing your LinkedIn profile. These ideas transcend across all industries, no matter your profession or title.

For those in professional service industries, the American Bar Association offers some additional items to include in your profile – and why – along with how to build your strategic network on LinkedIn.

Now it’s time to answer the ultimate question: Will you be LinkedIn or Left Out?

Julie Holton is the Principal Strategist and Owner of mConnexions, a full-service marketing and communications agency with a focus on developing digital marketing solutions for clients. Relationships are the key to building business. mConnexions works to build those connections, one marketing lead at a time. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn and learn more about mConnexions at mConnexions.com.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas

June 6, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

I was in Vegas last weekend. My husband and I wanted to get away for some pool time before a busy June hit. (It was also my birthday weekend.)

I dumped a few hundred down some slots and he made a hefty deposit while playing the tables. Thank you, Steve Wynn.

We flew in Thursday and didn’t hear about the terror threat until we landed that afternoon. Law enforcement was already boosted by the time we hit the ground. Vegas was a target because an ISIS propaganda video called for lone wolf attacks showed several Las Vegas Strip properties.

No one was really talking about it inside the casinos. Possibly because they were on vacation and drinking too many of these tasty little watermelon and vodka punches. I do know security was ramped up. Kathy Griffin also talked about it during her show. (This was three days before the President Trump beheading video.)

In my head – I was prepared for anything.

I wore sandals at dinners and shows instead of the heels that remained in my luggage. I kept my bag packed and my phone charged. (Speaking of purses… take a look at the tiny little chair waiters bring you for your bag during dinner? They’re really looking out for the girl who doesn’t want to place her handbag on the floor.)

It might be the news producer in me or because I spent three years in law enforcement… or was it all those years in Girl Scouts? I was ready.

My husband? He thought I was being a little ridiculous. But – you never can be too ready.

It’s a little like the bag I bring along on shoots for my clients. I have makeup for men and women. Deodorant, tape, body tape, things to stick in your bra to make your clothing look better, hair ties, blotters, eye cream, my favorite all-natural throat lozenges (ask me about them, they’re amazing)… you name it. You never know what your client will need. My job is to be ready and make them look and sound as best as possible.

Are you ready for your next emergency?

Ready for when the media calls?

Ready to perform?

Ready for your next boardroom pitch/interview/meeting/public speaking event/Facebook Live?

Here are some quick tips on how to prepare that I recently shared live on Facebook (please don’t mind the random thoughts and special appearance by my dog Mariel – when we’re live on Facebook, anything goes!):

I have an entire summer of ways you can get in the media or improve your public speaking — so make sure I’m making it into your inbox and not your spam! Not signed up for my free tips yet? Head on over to this page to start learning how you can get yourself noticed (and make more money).

PS: If you’re going to be in Vegas anytime soon… make sure to catch the Fogerty show. Worth every cent and more. Here’s just a taste of him performing with his sons. What a moment.

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What we can learn from Jimmy Kimmel

May 2, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

Picture courtesy of ABC

By now, you’ve heard about this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live! You may have even watched it a few times. It’s hard to miss it on Facebook and Twitter.

Jimmy revealed that he and his wife gave birth to a son, who, after delivery, was found to have severe heart defects. Jimmy shared details of what lead up to the emergency surgery – and then a plea to level the playing field of healthcare.

We can learn a lot from Jimmy Kimmel here. This is a perfect example of why he’s so popular. While Jimmy Fallon can sometimes seem a little too sugar sweet and even fake — Kimmel’s the real thing. Fallon’s afraid of ruffling a few feathers… Kimmel is authentic.

By looking at Kimmel as a company, as a brand, you can take a few things and use them to grow your own business.

Specifically, I want to talk about know, like and trust.

Marketing is all about getting a prospect or lead to know you’re out there… like who you are and trust you.

This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build a brand and the trust needed to land the sale or gain a new client. When you see someone you like in a bar, you’re not usually jumping right to the wedding that night. It takes TIME to get to know, like and trust.

KNOW: Jimmy didn’t just land the TV slot he has now. He started in college radio and found himself eventually at LA’s KROQ. In the 90’s, he hosted Comedy Central‘s game show, Win Ben Stein‘s Money. Later he joined with Adam Carolla and Daniel Kellison to create The Man Show and Crank Yankers featuring David Alan Grier, Dane Cook, Seth MacFarlane, Wanda Sykes, and Sarah Silverman. Jimmy Kimmel Live! debuted in 2003. YOU started by creating a digital brand with a website, social media and maybe a Google ad. Or – you started selling an item out of your garage and then after you grew, you got a storefront. You didn’t just appear out of the blue to your audience. They gradually got to know you through many channels. They may have heard your name 12 times before trying your product. This is how marketing works. You have to be there all the time, so when they need you – you’re there. Drip, drip, drip. An email blast, a Facebook post, a media interview, a blog… give your audience lots of “drips” so when they need you – they’ll see another “drip” from you and call you. I can help you with this media/marketing strategy.
LIKE: Jimmy is a master at this. I liked him on The Man Show… I liked him even more when I found out he was dating Sarah Silverman. Then he started bringing his family on his show… then he created the Halloween candy video phenomenon showing parents stealing their kids’ candy… the list goes on and on. They guy is just so damn likable. But here’s the real takeaway. He’s AUTHENTIC. He shows his family and doesn’t hide his and their faults. He makes jokes about how he was brought up… how loud his aunts are… He let Sarah Silverman make fun of him over and over on air. He makes fun of HIMSELF. In this video posted above he thanks his current wife for “having sex with him.” He doesn’t think he’s a stud. He’s honest, humble and REAL. He’s authentic. He also lets you talk back. It’s a real conversation. He asks for videos from his audience and other ways to initiate a two-way conversation. He doesn’t just talk “at” his audience.
TRUST: The more your product costs, the deeper the trust needs to be. Trust makes the sale. We trust Jimmy Kimmel. He’s not fake – he’s consistent and doesn’t disappoint. We know he’ll be on and he’ll be real. He doesn’t even have to be funny all the time because we like and trust him.

That last point is huge. At some point, your company will make a mistake. By laying this groundwork of helping them know, like and trust you — they’ll let you make that mistake and stick it out with you. You’ll survive a crisis better if you’re known, liked and trusted.

Can you show more authenticity in your marketing?

Can you sound more honest and humble?

Are there ways you can get real with your future customers?

Are there ways you can become known better through media, blogging and social media?

When you combine the elements of know, like and trust – you build a tribe of loyal fans who can become loyal customers.

It takes time and effort.

I’m game. Are you?

I’d love to give you a free consultation. Click here to schedule it now.

How public speaking skills can propel your career

May 1, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

Remember debate team in high school?

I wish I had joined.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved being an editor of my school’s paper, concert choir, DECA, acting in high school musicals and plays… but I didn’t really understand the value of debate team until later.

Preparing and delivering an argument has to be one of the skills we most need in life – no matter what we do for a living.

I think back now and wish debate team was required in schools. What’s a more valuable skill to learn?

Public speaking skills like being able to think on your feet, deliver an argument, defend your worth… these are all strengths that can propel your career.

My husband and I started watching the show, The Grinder, last night on Netflix. Have you seen it?

The show aired on Fox but was canceled in May 2016. It’s clever… it just never achieved high ratings.

The series follows actor Dean Sanderson, Jr. (Rob Lowe), who returns to his hometown of Boise, Idaho after his long-running television series ends. Though Rob Lowe’s character is not a lawyer, he thinks his experience playing one on TV qualifies him to practice law. He joins his family’s law firm much to the chagrin of his younger brother played by Fred Savage (who’s still as cute as he was as a kid), who’s a real-life lawyer.

Fred Savage’s character has the law degree and the real knowledge. He studies. He’s prepared.

But, over and over — people are attracted to the brother played by Rob Lowe who has NO legal knowledge or degree. They want HIM to represent them in court. Why? Besides for the fact that he’s Rob Lowe…

Because he looks and sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. He’s eloquent… convincing… and a little suave. He carries himself with confidence, makes eye contact, smiles … while Fred Savage’s character has all the real facts of each case… but reads with his nose stuck in his notes. No eye contact. Just awkward body language… and stern looks.

So imagine the power of knowing what you’re talking about AND having the delivery that attracts your audience? Imagine drawing people to you naturally without having to sell to them.

What could you do at work with that kind of power?

Whether you’re an electrician or an electrical engineer – you interact with clients – selling yourself each and every day.

Leaders speak calmly and clearly in an emergency. They stand out and more easily move up.

If you want to advance in your career, communicating effectively is essential. You must sum up your ideas and solutions faster than the others. If your job (or your dream job) requires any kind of presentations or just mingling – you need public speaking skills.

Some companies offer classes on this because they know it’s that important. If your company doesn’t, look for a local class in public speaking. I can help you too.

If you think colleagues would be interested, let’s talk about presenting the idea of holding a class at work to your company. You’ll get bonus points for organization and initiative.

Are you touching yourself?

April 28, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

It’s a very important question.

You could be doing it – and have NO idea.

Most people don’t.

They do it in meetings, at their desk, in interviews, even on stage!

It’s really not a good thing.

I had a client who did it at the beginning of his media training with me yesterday… and with my help, he stopped. You can too.

Do YOU touch your face? At work, in meetings, during interviews or on stage? You shouldn’t.

Not only is it gross because you’re transferring bacteria, allergens and viruses to your face — but it’s also a dead giveaway that you’re uncomfortable with the situation.

When you rub your face, you’re calming yourself down because there are nerve endings there. Giving yourself a good temple rub in the bathroom is okay… but don’t do it in public IF you care what others think.

People absorb all the things you do PHYSICALLY while you’re speaking to them. They take that in as content. Not just what you SAY.

If you don’t really care what people think of you – then rub away. If you’re in sales, have a leadership role, looking to move up or own a company… you DO care… and it’s definitely something to work on.

This is why I record my clients on video. Sometimes they have no idea what they look like while they’re talking until they see what I shoot. It’s much easier to fix issues when you’re aware of them.

Try shooting video of yourself.

Positive body language could definitely help you become a more effective leader.

Would you like help? Click here for a free strategy session on the phone or on Skype.

No one at work will tell you this (especially if you’re the boss)

April 28, 2017 by Kathryn Janicek

Some people talk with their hands.

Some people talk with their hands a little too much.

They’re in the middle of a room – yet, it’s like they’re waving down a plane. Distracting? Yes.

Have you ever been in an audience or watched someone online and found yourself watching them act like they’re conducting an orchestra? And you don’t remember a word they said?

What you’re DOING with your face, hands and the rest of your body can either ADD or DETRACT from your message. They may not hear a word you’re saying because of what your body’s doing.

You may have no idea you even have this issue. Most people won’t tell you. We’re all too nice. ESPECIALLY if you’re the boss.

Your non-verbal communication will contribute (or is contributing right now) to your success or failure.

Kasia Wezowski is the founder of the Center for Body Language and the author of four books on the subject. She recently wrote about this for the Harvard Business Review.

In the article, she specifically broke down body language from the 2012 U.S. Presidential election. The Center for Body Language conducted an online survey with 1,000 participants.

“… both Democrats and Republicans—watched two-minute video clips featuring Barack Obama and Mitt Romney at campaign events delivering both neutral and emotional content. Webcams recorded the viewers’ facial expressions, and our team analyzed them for six key emotions identified in psychology research: happy, surprised, afraid, disgusted, angry, and sad. We coded for the tenor of the emotion (positive or negative) and how strongly it seem to be expressed. This analysis showed that Obama sparked stronger emotional responses and fewer negative ones. Even a significant number of Republicans—16%— reacted negatively to Romney. And when we analyzed the candidates’ body language, we found that the President displayed primarily open, positive, confident positions congruent with his speech. Romney, by contrast, often gave out negative signals, diminishing his message with contradictory and distracting facial expressions and movement.”

Are you sending out positive and open signals? Or are you sending out negative and distracting signals?

Let’s take a look.

The Center for Body Language studied successful leaders across a range of fields and identified several positions which indicate effective, persuasive body language.

Here are its findings:

The box

“Early in Bill Clinton’s political career he would punctuate his speeches with big, wide gestures that made him appear untrustworthy. To help him keep his body language under control, his advisors taught him to imagine a box in front of his chest and belly and contain his hand movements within it. Since then, “the Clinton box” has become a popular term in the field.”

Holding the ball

“Gesturing as if you were holding a basketball between your hands is an indicator of confidence and control, as if you almost literally have the facts at your fingertips hands. Steve Jobs frequently used this position in his speeches.”

Wide stance

“How people stand is a strong indicator of their mindset. When you stand in this strong and steady position, with your feet about a shoulder width apart, it signals that you feel in control.”

Palms up

“This gesture indicates openness and honesty. Oprah makes strong use of this during her speeches. She is a powerful, influential figure, but also appears willing to connect sincerely with the people she is speaking to, be it one person or a crowd of thousands.”

Palms down

“The opposite movement can be viewed positively too—as a sign of strength, authority and assertiveness. Barack Obama has often used it to calm a crowd right after moments of rousing oration.”

Try shooting video of yourself. How did you stand? How did you use your hands?

Positive body language could definitely help you become a more effective leader.

Would you like help? Please click here for a free strategy session on the phone or on Skype (so I can check out your body language).

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