Hot Buttered Media

My Top Ten Secrets to Online Writing $uccess

2010-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my online writing hasn't made me millions. But I've received a good deal of attention, with several of my pieces going viral and getting my name out there among a community of peers. But more than that, it's given me an outlet for my creativity and a sense of accomplishment.

So here are a few of my not-so-secret secrets:

1. Keep posts short and clean! 750 - 1000 words short. If you have a longer piece, post in installations with a link to your initial piece. Keep your paragraphs short as well. Online readers are scanners. They like quick, easy reads, not big blocks of text.

Make your blog visually interesting by laying it out well. Bullet point, number and block quote when you can. Don't indent paragraphs three spaces or double-space between sentences (old school.) Read your work aloud before you post aloud then trim it down. (Most online pieces I read could be reduced by 20 - 30%.) And spell check, of course.

2. Create catchy titles. A good title can truly make or break a piece. My piece entitled The 16 Most Overrated Sexual Acts of All Time and 13 People who Ruined it for Everyone Else got more attention than my post simply titled Love Means. Hmmm...wonder why?

3. Know your News. Regardless of the type of blog or article you write, staying on top of current events, themes and cultural directions gives your writing a "now" edge that resonates, regardless of the subject matter.

You may not want to focus entirely on headline news because it will drown in a sea of similar pieces. Find an interesting niche and exploit it.

When I saw a movement called Boobquake forming in response to an Iranian cleric's misguided statement about women and promiscuity, I threw my feminist hat in the ring. Sure, Boobquake was getting some attention but it wasn't on the cover of the New York Times. My piece found a place within the debate.

So it's important to stay abreast (pun woefully intended) of the world around you for the sake of relevancy.

4. Reach out. Remember your pieces are online. It's not a stuffy essay handed into your college professor. That means add links whenever relevant or whenever irrelevant. (Note in Number 2 how I oh so subtly linked to three of my pieces, which drives traffic to those posts.)

And be generous. I work with many photographers, writers and musicians and happily link to their pages when I'm allowed to use their work. It's a win/win, karmically and creatively.

5. Brand yourself. I'm kind of done with that awful B word, but until I find another, I'll continue with my point: be your own PR machine. Post great shots of yourself online (not blurry, not underexposed and not of your damn cat.) If you don't want to post a photo of yourself, come up with a one-of-kind avatar. Develop a color scheme and style that represents you - or the you you want to be. Use language that is distinctly your own.

Treat yourself like a superhero or a mythic character, where you create your own costume, superpowers, catch phrases, titles, imaginary words, villains, alter egos and kryptonite. Create a world that is distinctly your own online. Mythologize yourself and your story.

6. Take Chances. You're writing online with about 3 trillion others. You simply must take some risks with your writing. Dare to be outspoken - or simply brave enough to express a difficult emotion or delicate situation.

In our "real" lives, we are in a constant state of self-censoring. Your online writing is an opportunity to express yourself with boldness and panache. Take some liberties you might not take in real life. Safe writing is boring writing. If you're worried about what others might think as you write, you're already off your path, I guarantee.

Write to the bone. It's the name of a book that I never read. But the title has always stuck with me. Writing to the bone means that good writing goes deeper and may make you uncomfortable as you write it.

If you try too hard to keep up some false, cutesy persona, your work won't resonate. People like reading about the human experience - the trials, foibles, pain, messiness, confusion, existential angst and glaring imperfections. Dig!

7. Truth, Shmuth. I might get some flack for this, but I don't feel the need to be 100% honest online (hell, I'm lucky if I'm 70% "honest.") I'm not advocating lying; I'm just saying pull at your truth like taffy.

Years ago, I heard an interview with Orson Welles: He said he will often "borrow" stories from others and make them his own, embellishing them along the way. He doesn't feel like it's lying, just molding a good story.

Back to the superhero analogy, your real-life stories can be transformed into action-packed or emotionally-provocative tales. Blow them up! You don't need to convey every iota of boring truth. Further your story by treating it like a tale.

(Of course, if you're writing fact-based, journalistic blogs, you may want to stick some facts in there.)

8. Make it multimedia. The Internet is very alive and in movement, with words, images, videos and sounds. Your online writing needs to be as well. Use other forms of media within your piece.

If there's an image I like, I email the artist directly, who is usually happy to share as long as it's credited properly. Again, win/win. Collaborating with other artists around the world is truly a heady and wonderful feeling as well.

Or better yet? Shoot your own video and images. Use your own music. DIY, baby.

There are also great online resources like Creative Commons "a non-profit corporation dedicated to making it easier for people to share and build upon the work of others, consistent with the rules of copyright."

9. Sex Sells. Oh, it's true and you know it. But luckily, you don't need to share the sordid details about your sex life (unless you want to, of course.)

I'm talking about is sexing up your writing. Use lush, rich language that you can touch, taste and smell. Use out-of-the-box analogies to tell your story. Be bold in your word choice. Think rich, creamy dessert. Think word foreplay. Reading online is essentially boring. Your words need to enliven and seduce.

10. Move it.
Most people get the hang of social media by now. And you'd better - because a blog sitting stagnantly on Blogger or WordPress alone will not get many eyes on it. Be your own hustler.

I write my pieces on Blogger. It's my homebase - my library. Then I post it on Open Salon, Red Room and She Writes, all great sites with a large community of writers and readers. Then I post it on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Reddit, etc. After that, I send an email notice out to several hundred people. I also dutifully read other writers' work and post comments.

And I submit my pieces to relevant publications....well, I try. I still have a business to run!
(Smooth plug, Beth!)

Hindsight Can’t Be 2030

2008-04-12T05:52:00.000-07:00

“Unknowingly, the architecture and building community is responsible for almost half of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions annually."

Ed Mazria
Architecture 2030

According to a recent Architecture 2030 report, 3/4 of the built environment in the U.S. will either be new or renovated. This presents a one-shot, pressing historical opportunity to address and possibly reverse the significant impact the building and architecture community has on CO2 emissions and ultimately, climate change.

Mazria, founder of the non-profit organization Architecture 2030, proposes a 2030 Challenge to the global building community to support the 50% reduction of carbon emissions in all new buildings, ultimately resulting in a “carbon neutral” status by 2030.

The key factor in a proactive reduction of building-related CO2 reductions is design:

“Every time we design a building, we set up its energy consumption pattern and its greenhouse gas emissions pattern for the next 50 -100 years. That's why the building sector and the architecture sector is so critical. It takes a long time to turn over – whereas the transportation sector, on wheels, in this country, turns over once every twelve years.”

His challenge is being widely received in the architectural community from the American Institute of Architects to the US Conference of Mayors. But Mazria is the first to admit, they are a small organization spearheading an all-encompassing initiative with a looming deadline:

“We just don't have that much time left. We really have to work absolutely as hard as we can right now to get things done. We need everyone - I mean everyone - really pulling in the same direction, and not getting discouraged.”

Mazria realizes that incentives become imperative as well, as he pushes his idea with Congress members in a visit to Washington, D.C. last year:

“In some cases there are costs involved, so if you provide incentives you can help accelerate the adoption of the Challenge - so the quicker we get incentives into place, the better.”

Of course, the best incentive for any organization to go green is money. Many companies who at first thought a green-friendly appearance was a nice little feather in their cap are realizing it’s more than just for popularity contest, it’s becoming a corporate necessity:

“If you’re starting to design or build a new building project or development today and you don’t certify it as green, it will be functionally obsolete the day it opens and economically for its entire lifetime,” said Jerry Yudelson, a green building consultant and former board member of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council).

This is becoming increasingly true in the land down under, where Australia’s Green Building Council and its popular Green Star rating has been effectively integrated into the architectural landscape. 30% of new buildings are considered sustainable in comparison with the U.S’s paltry 10% figure. Valuation of these green building is expected to rise comparatively though there are no definitive figures in place.

In other words, building green not only saves money but also, ultimately, saves and earns money. To not build with sustainability in mind may mean obsolescence and financial failure for builders. This concept forces people on the green bandwagon, whether they wanted to get onboard or not.

- Beth Mann

Clorox – Bleaching a Perception

2008-04-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Some market analysts believe if Clorox can change its public perception to “green friendly,” than other companies with similar eco-challenged image problems will soon follow suit.

Recently, Oakland-based company Clorox released a new line of cleaning products called Green Works, which includes all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dilutable cleaner and bathroom cleaner. These products, according to Green Works, are, "at least 99 percent natural" and made from coconuts and lemon oil, formulated to be biodegradable and non-allergenic, packaged in recyclable bottles and not tested on animals.

But can a company whose name alone produces a toxic cloud make it in the green market? Well, first Clorox would like to set the record straight about it’s most well known product – bleach. Clorox considers bleach an ecologically safe product, essentially made of salt and water when it’s all said and done. "The bleach cycle — from production to use to environmental fate — is simple and sustainable." the website states.

Interestingly, Clorox has a fairly unstained reputation environmentally. Though not considered a major player in the eco-playing field, it is still a company whose green strides are noteworthy. They have several programs in place that address waste and emissions, package reduction and in addition, tout a steady compliance record. And while Clorox bleach is their most commonly known product, their brands include S.O.S, Kingsford charcoal, Brita water filters, Hidden Valley salad dressing and most recently, Burt’s Bee’s personal care products.

The Green Works line has an interesting history as well as marketing perspective. A small group within Clorox conducted their own research and found that an ever-increasing market was ready for eco-friendly cleaners but weren’t necessarily “sold” on the existing brands in the market, either due to lack of name recognition or more important, effectiveness in cleaning. The additional perk from a selling perspective is the trust most people have with Clorox due to its history, longevity and dependability.

With widespread distribution in the works at places like Wal-Mart and affordable prices only slightly higher than the average cleaner, Green Works seems poised to be a winner.

Moral of the story? Even an “old school” company with an obvious eco-unfriendly stigma can change its appearance with some key marketing moves and forward-thinking green changes. Clorox can remove a stain in more ways than one, apparently.

Dating – Step out of Clubs and into Classes

2008-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Clubs and bars are becoming a less popular meeting place for men and women. Both men and women are increasingly health conscious, with busy, long days that don’t allow for crazy, wild, late nights. (Sigh – goodbye crazy, wild, late nights.)

And truth be told, bar and clubs always have always had their limitations. We all know the story: she seemed like the love of your life, after 8 beers and 3 shots. The next morning, you turned awkwardly away from one another, throbbing heads in hands. Plus, the politics of meeting a woman at a bar can get complicated – if she’s with her friends, how do you approach her? Should you buy her a drink? Do you even like her or is it the Jameson’s talking?

The new meeting places tend to be based in daytime activities and seem to generate a better sense of genuine, person-to-person connection, where two sober people are engaging in a constructive and fun activity.

These new locales include your gym. Most gyms offer yoga or Pilates classes. And both men and women are taking them. You don’t have to be a physical expert. Sometimes, it’s endearing for a woman to see you attempting a “Downward Dog” and failing (though you might feel like a little bit of a shmuck.)

Dance classes are a big risk for most guys. But most women love a man who at least tries to dance. If you take a Tango class, for instance, you have a built-in opportunity to get close to a woman. And if there’s no one there you’re particularly interested in, you’ll at least learn a skill that’s guaranteed to sweep any woman off her feet.

If you’re near a park, there are generally “pick-up” matches (aptly named) where both men and women can join in a game of co-ed soccer or football or Frisbee. And many times, the gang goes out afterwards for a beer, giving you more of a chance to chat it up with the cutie in the hot shorts. You’ll notice a very different bar dynamic at this point – you just shared an experience with her. She is far more receptive and trusting. You’re “on the same team.”

The other good part with taking a class or jumping in a game is its availability. Wherever you live, be it city or small town, there are classes and parks. You don’t have to spend a fortune at a bar and deal with liver toxicity the next day.

You’ll notice a different “pool” of women in general. Positive, active women engaged in developing themselves physically or mentally. I wish I could say you could encounter that kind of growth in a bar, but you know as well as I do, the desperation factor is a little higher.

So open your mind when it comes to meeting places. You could learn something and get healthier while meeting the girl of your dreams…or at the least the girl in the jeans.

Dating and Shaking off the Cobwebs

2008-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

You haven’t been dating in a while. Maybe you’ve recently ended a long-term relationship. Maybe you’ve been too busy to date. Whatever the reason, you just feel “out of the loop.” Maybe its time for a little spring-cleaning.

Some simple external changes can change the way we feel about ourselves (though of course, not entirely.) So let’s take a look at you, shall we?

Let’s start with a little grooming. Get ye to a hairdresser…and a good one. Put down a few bucks to have it done decently – don’t just go to your local barber or chop shop. While you’re there, grab a grooming product. If you never use the stuff, ask the stylist how. A good haircut really does a lot to give you a clean, welcoming appearance. If you’re short on hair (aka balding), the same still applies. Work with what you have!

Now let’s continue with the rest of grooming regimen. This includes a good shave, skin product (a light moisturizer you can use on your face and neck. Well-maintained skin also gives you a heads-up in the look department). Nails? Clip them and well! I’ve had many women during my interviews tell me that unkempt finger or toenails are a real turn-off.

Let’s check out your closet. Do you consistently wear the same crappy t-shirt and sweatpants? Maybe you always wear the same muted, unexciting colors? I encourage you to toss out some of the older stuff asap. You’re trying to develop a whole new look and you don’t want those old standbys to tempt you!

Even on a tight budget, you can do wonders in the fashion department. If you have a good female friend, ask her what she thinks of some of your existing clothes.

If you can’t afford to get a few new shirts or pants or jacket, then visit your local thrift store. It’s where I do most of my shopping and I often get compliments on my clothing choices. This time, go for some color, some pizzazz. Leave the beige clothing or t-shirts with any words on it behind! Oh and nix that god-awful baseball cap while you’re at it!

Lastly, start working out, if you’re not already. I don’t care where you are physically – dumpy, chubby, scrawny, whatever. Just start some program. Keep it simple. It can be as simple as a long walk several times a week.

You’re not trying for the ultimate perfect body. You’re just trying to feel better about yourself overall. And that starts with exercise. Don’t ride yourself too hard – we all have imperfections. Exercise because it just makes you feel better, more alive, and that comes across when you’re meeting women.

Of course, most importantly, you have to feel mentally ready to jump on the horse again. But by making some of the external changes, you’ll notice you naturally become more ready, more confident. You’ll want to show off your new look!

How to Ask for a Date Casually

2008-03-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Most men tense up when I ask them how they go about asking for a date, let alone going on the date itself. Not a good sign! I try to convey to them the importance of removing their pre-conceived ideas of the word “date.” Think of it as a meeting, a greeting, an appointment – or just some time to hang out and get to know someone. “Date” just elicits too many dusty fears of high school days; you know, that “date” with the big, gawky girl with the braces and the donkey-style laugh?

So how do you ask someone out without breaking into a cold sweat? It’s simple – don’t “ask them out” in the traditional sense of the term, unless you feel really ready for it. A formal date request means being ready for a possible rejection. It also requires a little more work and bravery. If you are ready for both of these elements, than by all means, go ahead.

But most of the guys I encounter contend with some form of shyness. Some just haven’t been dating in a while and feel rusty and ill prepared. For these guys, I propose a different direction: asking for a date casually.

This means including a woman of interest in an event you already have in place, for instance. Say you have two tickets for a baseball game. You can simply say something like, “Hey, I happened to score two tickets for the Mets this Saturday. Would you have any interest in going?” See. That doesn’t sound so…datey! It seems like more of a casual invitation.

Now, if she says no, don’t feel immediately rejected. Determine how she says no before you have a knee-jerk reaction. A “No thanks” is considerably different “Shoot, I’d love to but I’m going to my friend’s wedding.” Very different animals. The latter means there is some interest (possibly) and you can give it a shot in the future.

Another nice casual technique is the “Let’s get some coffee” approach. Meeting for a coffee isn’t as weighted as a dinner date. You could also ask this at the last minute (generally not a good idea if you are going on a formal date, where you should in theory give a week’s notice) and most women are more receptive to it, since it’s less pressure for them, too.

You can also ask your lady of interest to join in on a group outing. Let’s say you and your buddies go for a drink or two every Friday night. You can ask her to join up and bring a friend or two. Again, it’s pretty pressure-free and casual.

At some point, you want to break out of the casual mode and move toward a formal date. But if you’re a little shy or rusty, then these techniques allow a “date” to take place, even if both of you didn’t notice!

Recreating Your Band’s Image in 3 Easy Steps

2008-02-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Step 1. Take a cold, hard look at the image you’re conveying

The good thing about utilizing friends of the band (which you all should be doing) is undoubtedly, there’s a photographer in the midst. Ask them to come to a rehearsal or a show and take a bunch of shots. When reviewing the photos, ask people who aren’t in the band what kinds of impression they get. Get them to be specific.

Band performance is about the ears and the eyes, people. You’re image has to synch up with your music and can’t just be an afterthought. Most successful bands have a certain look, even if its not obvious. They have a style. What is your band’s style as it stands?

Step 2. Match your music to a style

Now let’s build upon your existing style. Most bands will blow the idea of “style” off, thinking it doesn’t matter. Who cares, right? It’s about the music. Wrong. Big wrong. You need to create a look, a style, which resonates with your sound. Ask yourself these questions, to get the ball rolling:

What color represents your sound?
What physical stance?
What kind of lighting?
What age are you trying to convey? (It doesn’t have to be your age.)
What era best represents you?
What historical figure is your music comparable to?
What type of material do you sound like? Denim? Leather? Silk?
What shoes (please don’t say sneakers)?
What contemporary figure looks like your sound?

Be specific and be creative! This should be fun. It’s working from the outside in and it can ultimately improve your music.

Step 3. Create the look

This is the best part. And it may not happen overnight. Your style might be something that develops as your music evolves. But you need to start somewhere, right?

Okay, it’s time to start shopping. No need to break the bank. Figure out what you have in your closet first. Ask your parents. Ask your grandparents. Dig through some trunks and boxes. Maybe there’s a distinctive hat that becomes part of your look. Or a tie or a scarf. (Just be careful with leather pants. They only really ever worked for Jim Morrison.)

If you can’t score enough in Mom’s attic, then it’s thrift stores all the way. Thing is, it’s important to stick to Step 2 so you’re not on some free-for-all buying spree, ending up with very incongruent looks (unless that’s what you decide upon). It’s important to look like a unified group, even if there are only elements that you all share. Just like a painting, you should compliment one another, not distract.

Main point? Don’t underestimate the power of style. Stop taking the easy way out, with old t-shirts, ripped jeans and the dreaded sneakers. Think outside the box and take some chances and stand out from the pack.

Imagine this:

You’re at a Battle of the Bands one night.
ALL of the musicians are good.
A bunch of grungy rockers appear with greasy hair and the collegiate, bummy look. Then another. Then another.

Then these guys:

The Hives
The Bravery
David Bowie
Interpol
Queen
Panic at the Disco
REM
The Cars
The Libertines
The Raveonettes
Le Tigre
Placebo
Kaiser Chiefs

Who are you going to remember?

Selling Music not your Soul

2008-02-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

There was a time when simply signing with a major record company was considered “selling out.” Certainly using your band’s song for a car commercial was frowned upon. And maybe it still is. But certainly, times are changing and most musicians have to adapt accordingly. Records sales continue to plummet and major labels are becoming tighter with their purse strings and more likely to drop you in a drumbeat.

Today its unrealistic not to have a thorough understanding of the ways your band can use your music to generate income in today’s corporate climate. Gigging just ain’t gonna cut it! Many indie bands (The Shins, Sonic Youth) have made deals that they feel still jive with their artistic integrity, whether you believe them or not.

Larger groups like U2, who have always been pretty strict regarding the use of their music for commercial purposes, allowed their song Vertigo to be used for an iPod commercial. They didn’t accept money from Apple (though the publicity was enormous, of course!) and felt that Apple synched with their overall vision.

Bottom line: they’re running a business and make choices accordingly.

Even if you’re just starting out, it’s good to define where you stand artistically and morally on the issues of selling your music. This is where a mission statement comes in handy.

A mission statement, if you don’t know, is an overarching, succinct statement (usually a sentence or two long) that encompasses the direction and purpose of your business (in this case, your band or music).

Creating a mission statement helps you remain clear about your stance on issues such as corporate sponsorship, corporate placement, licensing, etc. While your band’s take on these issues doesn’t have to be built into the statement, it will help define and guide you through today’s tricky corporate waters. It serves as a guidepost, a reference and a reminder as to why you’re doing this kind of work in the first place.

The lines surrounding “selling out” have never been blurrier. Most bands or musicians that you know have “sold out” on one level or the other or you wouldn’t have heard of them! What you need to decide for yourself and your band is what feels morally comfortable for you and your fan base.

And of course, it’s subject to change as the times do!

The Sloth – Keeping the Drive Alive

2008-01-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

Sloths are the size of a cat, have either two-toed or three-toed and are quadrupeds that "walk" upside-down along tree branches in the forests of Central and South America. Related to the armadillo and the anteater, they spend most of their time clinging to trees with an extremely powerful grip. This grip is so strong that sloths have been known to retain this grip even when dead.

Sloths aren’t slothful. They are slow. They are the slowest animal on earth actually. So slow that algae forms on its fur. So slow that even after a 15 hour sleep session, they will still often remain sedentary.

Interestingly, recent research shows that sloths don’t sleep as much as an established thought would have it. Most sloths that have been researched were captive sloths, not sloths in the wild. Apparently captive sloths will sleep considerably more than sloths in the wildlife, who sleep only a fraction of the time. Captive sloths, it is believed, sleep more because either they don’t have to forage for food as diligently or fear predators or (get this) they are just bored!

Boredom is a signifier. It serves as an indicator that something in your professional life isn’t working. While we may experience periods of boredom in our daily lives, if it becomes a pervasive feature, we’re in trouble.

If boredom has become an everyday feature in your work life, what can you do about it? Sometimes, it’s a scary question to ask because the implications are often big (leaving a comfortable job, starting a new business, etc.) but the question must be asked nonetheless. How can you keep yourself in the “wild” and not feeling captive? Foraging for food and fearing predators keeps your drive alive and the fire below. Urgency can be a much needed driving force.

“Necessity truly is the mother of invention.”
- Ben Franklin

The Jesus Christ Lizard – Impossible Task Doer

2008-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

Otherwise known as the common basilisk, the rain forest-based Jesus Christ Lizard is thusly named because of its ability to “walk on water.”

This holy lizard has teeth that are fused to the inner sides of its jaws and long, whip-like tail with a regal crest adorning the back of its head. They eat insects, arachnids, worms and other small creatures, storing fat in the tail.

The basilisk picks up more of a run than a walk on water, since most likely a predator is close behind and the lizard must maintain a certain speed to not sink. Their large webbed feet and speedy, upright gait combine together to create this natural magic act.

Walking on water is a colloquialism used when a seemingly impossible task is actually being managed. The myth is born from the Bible, where Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.

When the disciples hit a tremendous storm, Jesus comes to them, walking atop water. He then invites the disciple Peter to join him. Peter is capable of walking on water when he keeps his eyes on Jesus, but sinks when he looks around and sees the waves.

Every day, we experience varying degrees of faith and hopelessness in our lives, our careers. But true success is marked by that pervasive ability to not let go of our vision, to keep our eye on our path, unflinchingly – even when the waves are steep and perilous. Whatever spiritual faith you can harness, do so. And if it’s only a small amount, that’s all right, too. The faith of a mustard seed can move mountains. If the Jesus Christ lizard can do the seemingly impossible, what daunting tasks can you do? Keep your eye on the prize and hope in your heart.

“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Second Green Wave

2008-01-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

While it may seem that the green marketing trend born in the early 90’s has never really stopped, it certainly has hit its share of roadblocks. The new green wave seems to have less of a failure rate with the consumer’s needs considerably more in mind…at least in theory.

The early forays into sustainable green products were often disappointing: an electric car that took too much time to charge, biodegradable bags that didn’t actually disintegrate, recycled toilet paper that could second as sandpaper and cleaners that didn’t really…well, clean. And to add insult to injury, green products were often more expensive and not easy to find. Public skepticism grew as these companies often made eco-friendly claims that were simply unsubstantiated.

Today, the green marketing trends to be more fine-tuned, focused and considerably more widespread as well as publicly accepted. Green is on the rise – there is no doubt. Any company worth its sea salt recognizes the importance of jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon or risk being left in the dust.

The Financial Times reported that several of the largest advertising agencies (Oglivy, Y&R and Saatchi & Saatchi) foresee a wave of green marketing campaigns vying on environmental platforms. “Corporate hygiene” is needed to maintain a certain, eco-acceptable public image. Environmental branding is rising in importance as far as board agendas.

The societal watchdog element is also something that wasn’t as prevalent in the early 90’s. Now, an online community can publicly stone a “greenwashed” campaign. A company making false environmental claims could suffer image repercussions for years.

Today’s marketing campaign must also address a particular apathy that has developed in the consumer psyche, as buyers become increasingly overwhelmed and hopeless when it comes to topics such as global warming. The latest trend needs to address the consumer from a place of empowerment and convenience. Saving Mother Earth is not enough. An advertiser needs to ensure that their green product offers ease and savings, not simply altruism (sorry Mother Teresa).

The 90’s served as a testing ground for many green campaigns – lessons were learned. Now, the stakes are higher as any company NOT competing in the green arena could be seen as suspect. With the proliferation of the green message, one must keep their product’s message simple, truthful and practical for the consumer in order to ride this new wave.

To Stretch or Not to Stretch

2008-01-04T02:54:00.000-08:00

You wake up in the morning and it’s almost instinctual – you stretch your body. Your body wants to elongate those muscles after a night’s worth of inactivity. It simply feels good!

But somehow, when it comes to working out, stretching takes a serious backseat. Think of it this way: stretching is the “yin” to your workout “yang” and is essential for a healthy and whole you.

So why do so many people overlook it? One could say it’s a matter of perspective. We are a results-oriented society and bulk, tone and weight loss seem to be our perpetual brass rings. But stretching gives you something that a lifelong worth of working out won’t: flexibility. The more flexible you become, the less likely you are to suffer from injuries. A flexible body ages better as well. On top of all of that, a pliable body usually houses a flexible mind!

If that’s not enough to convince you result-oriented folks, maybe this will convince you: stretching actually helps your body look better. When you expand the connective tissue that surrounds and binds your muscles, you sculpt a more elongated and pronounced look. In other words, you don’t look like a muscular blockhead! Stretching improves your overall postures as well.

Stretching is an art in and of itself but here are some basics to remember:

Warm up. Your musculature responds better to stretching after a brief warm-up. This can be 5 or 10 minutes of walking or a light jog. The idea is to raise your body temperature enough for a light sweat – then stretch.

Stretch comfortably. Bouncing is generally discouraged as well as stretching to a point of pain. Holding a stretch for approximately 10 – 15 seconds is the most effective.

Improvise. There are a myriad of stretches to do for your body. Find ones that work for you and feel free to make some up, as long as it doesn’t create pain. We all inherently know how to stretch our bodies. It’s not rocket science. Working out is about getting in touch with your body and understanding what it needs. Put on some music and dance your stretch!

Stretch before and after your workout. We all know time is of the essence, so if you’re “stretch resistant”, don’t be discouraged! Stretching can take as little as 5 – 10 minutes prior and post-workout. Stretching afterwards really seals the deal after a workout. It gives your muscles a chance to relax and align, decreasing the likelihood of that next day ache.

Stretch any old time. Cats do it frequently and look at their strength and flexibility. Your physical regimen shouldn’t be firmly contained to one hour in the morning. It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s how you manage your body on a daily basis. Stretch now.

Breathe. Yeah, yeah…it’s been said a million times but we still resist or overlook it. Breathe. Breathe during your workout and breathe while stretching. Healthy, relaxed diaphragmatic breaths. It helps calm and focus you as well.

Hopefully, some of these stretching “pros” will convince you. We’d all like to believe the body is a machine…but it’s not. It’s an extension of you and you it’s important to connect with it in a personal way. Nothing helps do this more than stretching. It reduces the likelihood of injury, decreases stress, increases your overall performance, defines your muscles and just feels good. So what are you waiting for?

The DOMS Effect

2008-01-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

It felt so good at the time. You felt like a real superhero, benching your heaviest weight so far, running that extra lap or making that insane dive that catapulted your volleyball team in first place. Nothing could stop you…until the next morning when you tried to lift your leg out of bed. Suddenly the smallest physical task became painful: walking down stairs, opening a jar. You could almost swear that your eyelashes hurt just a little.

It’s called DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and it goes a little something like this: when working out (especially when doing resistance training), you create tiny tears in the muscle. This isn’t a “torn muscle” per se but microscopic tears. The days following the workout, the muscle rebuilds and repairs, stronger than it was previously. (Hence why it is so important to take time off from your routine – the body needs that time to replenish and rebuild.)

DOMS is likely to affect the beginner the most but the more the body adapts to working out, the less sore it will be the following days. DOMS can affect the seasoned athlete as well. Even a small change in a routine can shock the body (in a good way) and cause a general soreness.

The most important aspect is to differentiate the “good pain” from the “bad pain (caused by overuse or injury). Good soreness is to be expected after a thorough workout. It’s a sign that your broke down your muscle tissue enough for a bigger and better rebuild. It’s also a sign to take it easy and let the pain subside (or muscles rebuild) a little before diving in again.

What else can be done when you have a bad case of the DOMS?

Warm your body up. Often soreness is at its worst the first thing in the morning, when your body is cold. A hot shower or bath or a walk or light jog (or other low impact sports) will warm the body up and alleviate some of the tenderness.

Stretch it out. Stretching the day after a tough workout will increase flexibility and elasticity of the muscles, reducing some of the overall ache. Just make sure you warm-up a little first.

Don’t be an Advil junkie. It kind of defeats the purpose to workout for overall health and then pop pills that cause stomach and kidney problems as well as overall toxicity. While an occasional ibuprofen is good for extreme soreness, don’t make a habit of it. Besides, pain is an indicator, giving you signs about your body’s needs. Don’t mask it.

Don’t overtrain. If you don’t take the time off to allow your body to recuperate, you’re doing more damage to your body than good. You’ll reduce overall soreness by giving your body the break it needs.

Some supplements that may help:

Antioxidants such as Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU) and vitamin C (500 to 1000 mg) daily are reparative and help fight the free radicals that are produced when you exercise.

Creatine (15-20 g) daily for five to seven days before an exercise event (creatine phosphate is created in the body but overexertion can lead to its depletion, creating fatigue.)

Malic acid combined with magnesium (600 mg of malic acid and 150-200 mg of magnesium twice a day a week before an athletic event). Take the average suggested dose if you’re a “weekend warrior.” It will alleviate initial workout soreness as well as DOMS.

Protease enzymes such as trypsin, bromelain, chymotrypsin and papain help cleanse your blood of excess proteins and inhibit the pro-inflammatory response that leads to DOMS.

There is still debate as to whether any of these techniques really do the trick when stricken with DOMS. But one thing for sure: DOMS is a natural and temporary response to a good workout and an indicator that your body needs to rebuild. Some discomfort is to be expected. Just make sure you know the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain” and you’ll be good to go!

Exercise, for Energy's Sake

2008-01-04T02:35:00.000-08:00

It almost seems counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? How can something like exercising, which expends energy, actually create energy? Just as paradoxical, how can doing nothing make you tired? What is this elusive “energy” that exercise produces? How can we harness it?

In a recent study published in Psychological Bulletin, researchers analyzed 70 studies on exercise and fatigue involving more than 6,800 people. Researcher Patrick O’Connor had this to say:

"More than 90% of the studies showed the same thing: sedentary people who completed a regular exercise program reported improved fatigue compared to groups that did not exercise. It's a very consistent effect."

This study included everyone from healthy adults to cancer patients to those with diabetes and heart disease – all benefited energetically from exercise. Interestingly, exercise produced a greater effect than stimulant medications!

Previous studies have also shown that exercise increases the levels of energy-producing and mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

It’s tough in this day and age to get in touch with your own internal “high” when we constantly seek it elsewhere. We consume energy drinks, energy bars, coffee, sodas and sugar in a daily attempt to keep up with the frenetic pace of our time. We often find ourselves on an energetic roller coaster, experiencing “ups” that barely get us through a stressful day and “downs” that leave us immobile, planted in front of the tube, at night.

Working out is never easy. Inertia is a very real factor that affects even the most seasoned pro. Reframing your workout is often the best motivator. When you can view exercise as a means to feeling better and not simply looking better, there is more incentive to keep the ball rolling.

One martial artist and personal trainer has this to say:

Of course, I don’t feel like working out all the time! As a matter of fact, I’m rarely stoked beforehand. But I know it will be minutes before my attitude changes. Once I get my body moving, everything changes. My stressful day falls by wayside and my perspective shifts. And when I’m done, I’m really glad I pushed through that first level of resistance.

When I train others who are having problems just getting started, I remind them of this: if you can just put on a pair of sneakers and walk outside. Ten minutes, that’s it and you’ll notice a difference. Pretty soon, you’ll come to rely on that difference as a way to make you feel better overall – physically and almost more importantly, mentally.

So if you’re having some difficulty with simply starting your workout regimen, keep in mind that a simple internal nudge is often enough to jumpstart your energy. You’ll notice your motivation to exercise becomes a healthy need. Your energy will increase and your need for “false” highs will slowly decrease as well.

Quick and Easy Ways to Improve Your Speaking Voice by Beth J. Mann

2007-12-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Quick, Easy Ways to Improve Your Speaking Voice

The human voice is a beautiful and complex element of our being. Factors such as stress, health, geographical origin, genetics, education, emotional and psychological influences all come into play when you open your mouth to speak. Your speaking voice is also highly influential and one of the first impressions you make upon meeting others.

So are you speaking to the best of your ability? Is your voice clear and forward or does it have a swallowed or strangled feeling? Are you often hoarse after speaking for a prolonged period of time? Are you enunciating when you speak? Do you like your speaking voice?

Here are a few simple, easy exercises to improve your speaking voice right now. Try them out before an important meeting or interview. Better yet, start off your day with a few of the following exercises and you’ll find a new, more organic and relaxed voice evolving in no time:

Humming: One of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve the quality of your voice. Rumor has it that Frank Sinatra used this technique as his only “warm-up” before singing onstage. To prove its efficacy, speak a sentence prior to humming. Then hum for five minutes. Feel your lips vibrate. Hum high, hum low. Then speak the same sentence again. You’ll notice a cleaner, more forward sound. That’s your more natural sound and placement.

Yawning: Could this get any easier? That’s right, yawn with sound (that natural “slide” sound from a high note to a low note). Don’t feel like yawning? Then fake it. Try this a few times in a row. Notice the relaxed opening in the back of your throat. Most of us restrict this part of our throat, due to stress and fatigue. The idea is to keep the same open “yawn” sensation when we speak throughout the day.

Donkey Bray: That’s right, donkey bray. (You may want to do this one in private!) Bray like a donkey – let your lips flap together and include sound (similar to the yawn “slide.”) Keep your lips loose and relaxed. Do this several times. Follow it up with some facial stretching – smile hard, then relax. Open your face as if to scream, hold for a second, then relax. Finish up with some gentle head rolls. A relaxed face and neck is a necessary vessel for a relaxed, assertive voice.

T-time: Enunciation is one of the weakest elements in most of our speech. Making some small changes in the way you pronounce words can change the way you are perceived. True or not, people who enunciate properly are often considered intelligent and well-spoken. So how do you start cleaning up your speech? Say the words “notice or “little.” If you “notice”, you probably say something closer to “nodice” and “liddle.” For one day, focus on your T’s. You don’t have to overdo it – small changes make a big difference.

Let Your Words Breathe: Most of us have a tendency to speak in a “slurry” manner, eliding one word to another. Pretty soon, an entire sentence sounds like one word! Grab your nearest magazine or newspaper and read from it. Exaggerate each word, focusing on the separate quality of each and every word. While you may not want to speak like this on a daily basis, you’ll get a sense of what true enunciation is all about.

Listen to the Experts: The next time you are listening to a newscast, imitate the anchorperson. These professionals are trained to speak quickly, clearly and concisely. Notice how much authority they radiate simply from speaking well. Try it on for size.

Breathing: Ultimately, breathing is the “root” or support of our speaking voice. If you are an anxious or uptight person, you need extra help here. When you wake up in the morning, observe your breathing. It is slow, steady and seems to come from your abdominal area. Take one minute each day and breathe deeply. Place your hand on your abdomen and focus on your breathing emanating from there. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your chest relatively still. This amazingly simple exercise not only changes your speech, it’s relaxing and reminds you of you true, natural breathing pattern.

These exercises are at your disposal throughout the day, so there’s no excuse not to try them! Remember – your voice is one of the most essential aspects of you – keep it tuned up and working well. It’s an easy way to improve your communications with other and ultimately, your confidence.

Lazy Ways to Improve Your Health

2007-12-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

Lazy Ways to Improve Your Health

I spoke with a friend today who told me he was going to start working out…again. He belonged to a gym several years ago and slowly “fell of the wagon” as his busy life schedule took precedence.

Personally, I don’t think gyms work for the average person. They work for a select few – overdriven, perfectionist types with body image issues. Okay, granted – that covers a lot of people nowadays. But what if you’re not that type? Or you’re that type…sometimes. Well, I’ve developed the “lazy man/woman’s approach” to better health with just your type in mind!

Change Your Attitude: The first item on my Lazy List of Life Lessons? Change your views on working out. Stop thinking that it’s about having flat abs or tight buns or even losing weight. Start thinking in terms of your mental health instead. Exercising and eating well make you feel better. And since we’re creatures who naturally gravitate toward pleasure, it’s an easier state of mind to develop. Focus on improving your mental health so there’s not as much room for failure or body image perfectionism.

Walking: It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s right outside your door. The only gear that’s needed is good sneakers (very important – spend the extra bucks for a good pair and replace when that cushy, airy feeling goes away). Walking is beneficial to your body and mind in as little as 15 minutes. If you can sneak in a minute or two of running strides, you improve the benefits that much more.

Cold outside and don’t want to deal? Bundle up. A good hat is one of most important items to keep you warm. If you are insulated properly, going out in the cold actually feels good. Besides, walks are quite magical and transformative. Your mind clears, your thoughts define and solutions to problems suddenly appear. Again, it doesn’t have to be a long walk. Remember, this is the lazy approach to good health!

Water: Water. Water. Water. Did I say water? Now, let me tell you right off the bat that I’m not a big fan of bottled water. Well, I’m a fan of the water itself, just not the containers that are becoming an increasing environmental nuisance. This is quite a hot topic but I’ll tell you my take:

Purchase several filtered pitchers and put them throughout your home for easy access – clean pitchers and replace filters often. Or if you have the bucks, buy a filtration unit for your sink. I do use SOME water bottles but I tend to reuse them for several weeks and rinse them out with cool water. Some people are concerned with plastic “leeching” into the water after repeated use. Hence why I don’t use my water bottles indefinitely.

Okay, now that we’ve addressed the political ramifications of water, you may want to know how water helps the lazy person’s overall health? The question is: how doesn’t it help? It’s cleansing, it hydrates your system and there’s even talk about it improving mental health (which is my first priority, remember?) It also makes you LOOK good: your skin and eyes, etc. If you’re not a natural water drinker, add a squeeze of lemon or lime or honey.

Stretching: What’s next on our lazy list of life lessons? I know, I know – most horizontally-prone people have a definite resistance to this but it’s an accessible and quick way to feel more “in your body.” Picture this: you’re in front of the TV, eating popcorn (a healthier snack alternative when homemade). Simply slide off the couch and continue watching your program - but this time, with your legs in front of you. Stretch and reach for your toes. Hold for 15 seconds and breathe. Then spread your legs – reach toward your television as if to hug it. Then gently arch over your right leg than your left. Easy, right? Continue with some spinal twists (nothing complicated, just rotate your back as if to look behind you – where the TV isn’t!) You can also make up your own stretches. Your body naturally knows how to stretch!

Fresh Foods: Include more raw foods in your meals. Now, I’m not asking you to change your diet around but most people tend to like SOME fruits and vegetables. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that your body likes more than raw fruits and vegetables. Blend them, steam or cook them lightly if you have to, but consume them. Every day.

The Breath of Life: Our bodies in this day and age are in an almost constant state of tension. Breathing oxygenizes your entire system, thereby keeping it healthier and more relaxed. And you can do this at your computer or your couch! Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Do this for 5 minutes. You’ll be amazed how differently you can feel. And it actually improves your health.

So that’s it, fellow lazy folk. You don’t have to change your life around to have a stronger, healthier body and a more alert and content mind. These are small and easy changes you can enact today – and some of them in front of your television!

2007-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

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