Editor’s Note: This newsletter was originally published on May 24th, 2021.
There's No Stopping Time!
By the time this post is published, my oldest son, Alex, will have graduated from High School. While we get to keep the memories, Time is undefeated across History.
I still remember moments across the nearly 19 years since he was born (in addition to others even before then).
Whether it was laying him on our living room floor to watch him sleep when he was a baby, serving as a coach on his Soccer team, driving him on Monday afternoon to his graduation, or the other future moments not yet experienced, we move through it all from one to the next.
The biggest piece of advice that I can share is to savor them (the good and the bad) because Now is the only time we get to actually experience them.
Be sure that you are not wishing away your time because the moments are much richer when “You Are” as opposed to remembering or telling about when “You Were”.
This is both a current and growing problem wherein too often we overlook the message based on our opinions of the messenger who delivered it. Whether based upon worldview or affinity or general preconceived notions, we cast judgments of accuracy or risk based on characteristics of delivery (not fact, evidence, or reason).
In a like fashion, we let similar bias guide those things we believe.
Often we blame online platforms and social media for this behavior, but that is misplaced. As is the case with other tendencies, this is a common trait among humans that is more visible overall due to the widespread exposure of the internet.
Interestingly, the rise of our digital environments has made it easier for conjecture and obvious falsehoods to gain traction.
Lest pride set in; this phenomenon occurs across all social, political, and economic boundaries. The topics and alleged “truths” may differ, but our human susceptibility to influence from others is common.
Remember: This practice is not wholly bad! It is by comparing and contrasting our past experiences & understanding that we process new situations and opportunities. Processing similarities to determine our response to the unknown is a real strength as long as we do not let it cloud our reason and judgment.
The next time you hear something that seems to agree with something or someone you already believe (or with which you disagree), take a moment to consider whether you are evaluating the current situation on its merits (or drawing a conclusion based upon other influence).
Be sure to pay attention more closely in situations where you are making judgments similar to things you already “know”.
Other Links
SEO Glossary
If you’d like a direct glossary of terms related to SEO, SEOSly published this one. When discussing your website optimization efforts, having a strong background in the topics can be invaluable to make plans and direct your team.
For a good beginner primer on SEO, Reliablesoft shares a good background explaining the topic and getting you started improving the Technical, On-Page, and Off-Page characteristics of your website.
Google Analytics 4 Guide
If you are looking to analyze the makeup and behaviors of visitors to your site, Google Analytics is a great tool! As our ability to observe and measure behaviors improve, so does our ability to communicate and share with audiences and customers.
The YouTube video included below offers additional information on Google Analytics’ new features and capabilities.
How Color affects Behavior (in Marketing)
I use and share a lot of Neil Patel’s material. This post includes an infographic curating quite a bit of research that Neil & his team gathered. It’s interesting to note that much of Neil’s work focuses on Digital Marketing topics, but (as is usually the case) the ideas are relevant in both online as well as “off-line” interactions.
Quick Primer: If you check out the colors based on gender preferences (male vs female), it is interesting to note that both groups have an affinity for Blue/Green with a common distaste for Brown/Orange. Dissimilar opinions for colors like Purple could direct choices in cases where your target market is more heavily weighted toward one or the other.
Google Workspace gets more connected
I use Google’s products quite a bit. If you are a Workspace customer like me, their introduction of embedded links (Google labels them “Smart Chips”) in a coordinated fashion within the suite is a definite step up! Similar to behaviors in Microsoft’s Fluid Office project, it allows you to link content/component pieces within the platform creating a more cohesive, integrated experience.
For those checking out the book reviews, I finished The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes. My post of notes from the book is complete. You can check it out on my blog at this link.
If you would like to read along, I will be starting Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi soon.
Note: Book links are Amazon affiliate links.
