Smart Sharing Isn’t Simple–Learn the Right Approach

I’ve been struggling for a while now in trying to make some sense of how we should manage social sharing as a viable marketing tool and also as another critical communication channel for our businesses. Content marketing is here to stay, but–notwithstanding the myths of virality– it doesn’t happen by itself, no one can make it happen for you, and it almost never happens overnight. (See The Trouble With Social Media .) Nonetheless, while no one knows what makes a mega-viral hit, some players have emerged who can help you press your winning bets, amplify the impact of the “stories” that sell, and use your always finite resources in ways that will get you the most bang for your buck.

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Our “Mentoring at 1871” interview series will feature 1871 community members who have made a valuable contribution to our network. The new interview initiative is a collection of stories, stories that highlight what Chicago leaders have gained by participating in the 1871 mentorship program. Here’s what William Robinson, Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank, has to say about mentoring at 1871:  

[Read more…] about Insider Insights: 1871 Mentor William Robinson

As we continue to read less and less and watch and listen to ever-increasing amounts of content–and the younger you are, the less you read– it’s becoming clear that new types of communication skills are going to be essential for any kind of success in our schools, our businesses and our lives. Not to mention our politics because, say whatever else you will about his messages, The Donald is a master communicator and it’s no accident that he left the dirty dozen and a half in the dust.

[Read more…] about 7 Tips for Talking From TED’s Head, Chris Anderson

It’s getting to be graduation season again. Every year I’m asked to speak and the temptation to save time by repurposing my prior talks is substantial — especially because I’m personally convinced that those prior words of wisdom were not only invaluable, but timeless as well. But being consistent (or lazy) requires you to be just as ignorant today as you were a year ago and I’d like to think that — even at my advanced age — I’ve learned, re-learned and unlearned a few new and important things.

[Read more…] about Memo to Grads: Life’s Too Short to Be a Bore (or Chore)

The bond between the best entrepreneurs and their businesses is often so tight and all-encompassing that they can make the easy mistake of confusing who they are as people with what they do for a living. They lose sight of some of the more important things that distinguish earning a living from having a life. And because they take the ups and downs of business so personally, there’s virtually no separation between work and what little time is left for the rest of their life (not to mention family and friends). Everything suffers as a result.

[Read more…] about Don’t Get Down–Get Busy

1871 Says: Our partners at Sage are gearing up for their annual Sage Summit, the largest gathering of small and medium-sized business in the world. The 1871 community can attend Sage Summit at a special rate using code 1871PROMO here. Ahead of the event, Sage has contributed a guest blog to the 1871 site, highlighting Sage Summit speaker Daymond John’s entrepreneurial journey. Learn more below:

[Read more…] about Motivate your career with Daymond John, Star of ‘Shark Tank’

We’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next. All of us, all of the time. The days are ever longer and the nights are even worse. I call it a life of “playing the entire game in overtime.” You might be kidding yourself and calling it masterful multi-tasking, but I’d say it’s mostly just a mess. We’re constantly trying to make time for everything and we’re discovering that not only is this an impossible dream, but we end up spending too much of our time on the urgent, rather than the important. We lose sight of what really matters in our lives and businesses. Our inboxes (calls, emails and especially texts) are driving us instead of the other way around. You’ll never get into the flow if you’re fighting non-stop fires all day long.

[Read more…] about Leaders Learn Best by Listening