People are always evolving. So, too, are the ways they’re consuming information and sharing it with others. It’s what makes content marketing, how and when you communicate, a dynamic and exciting part of business. Check out the data: In 2012, business-to-business (B2B) marketers invested more than 26 percent of their overall marketing budgets in quality content while smaller enterprises allocated an even bigger share of their budgets towards it.

You’ve likely adopted or are looking to adopt a content marketing strategy, but may want some additional ideas. If so, one of the concepts you may want to integrate or consider is called SoLoMo: Social, Local, Mobile.

SoLoMo strategy
More and more people are accessing information via social platforms. They’re doing it on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, which are fast-becoming mission critical for marketers. Almost 50 percent of people in Canada have a mobile device. And a majority of them reach for a mobile device to search for something, a business or a brand or an ad campaign, after experiencing it for the first time. Engaging in SoLoMo content marketing will help you reach this ever-increasing audience.

The focus of SoLoMo content is sharibility. Well-crafted content that can be enjoyed by others will likely be shared. Bear that in mind as you develop a strategy to really help you streamline your outreach efforts. Here are three other key concepts and questions worth remembering:

• Material: What kind of information—statuses, links, blog posts, audio, or video—will you use?
• Volume: How much content is enough?
• Velocity: How often do you want to communicate with your network?

If you plan on cross-pollinating content between different social media platforms, get into the habit of drafting an editorial calendar so you can keep all of your content ideas and their release dates in one place. If you haven’t created one before, start with a desk calendar to help you visualize it more clearly.

SoLoMo with style
Now that you’re ready to start, use some of these ideas to develop your SoLoMo strategy even further:

• Add value. The purpose of content, especially via social media, is to add value. Communicate things you care about, things your audience cares about it. Take advantage of the nature of social media and blogs to really interact with your audience and start meaningful conversations.

• Gather insight. Introduce new ideas and fundraising opportunities with your social media and mobile channels. Post polls or create contests and offer promotional items like awareness bracelets as a thank you for engaging with you.

• Keep it short. Focus on compelling pieces about your mission and vision, but keep them brief. (After all, the average attention span is a whopping eight seconds these days.) People make time for social media, though, so think concise sentence-long updates and descriptions.

• Encourage visitors. Email marketing is an effective way to spread the word about new content and is “sharable,” but less so than social media platforms. Offer a unique opportunity through a special code for a free promotional product, good for an eco-friendly journal or tumbler, and then encourage them to share a pic of their gift via social media with friends and family.

• Go for mobile marketing. Try permission-based mobile marketing on loyal local followers. Send an SMS (short message service) about important new content updates or upcoming events. Reveal the chance to win a prize for responding to the notification or, when they mention a mobile ad, simply surprise them with a convenient tote bag.

The most effective marketing reaches more than your network. “It…reach[es] your network’s network.” SoLoMo marketing—with its emphasis on friends, existing relationships and sharing—can help you do just that.

Melin, Eric. "Content Marketing? Awesome Statistics Tell Why." Infographic Full of Great Content Marketing Statistics. Spiral 16, 16 Feb. 2012. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.

2 “2012 Cell Phone Consumer Attitudes Survey.” CWTA. 23 April 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Bianchi, Laurens. "Infographic: The Rise Of Mobile." Viralblog – Viral Ideas | Social Trends. Viralblog.com, 11 July 2012. Web. 07 Nov. 2012.

Moorman, Robert. "Defying the Law of Brevity." Defying the Law of Brevity | Nett. Nett – Better Business Advice, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2013.

Webinar. Content Marketing Institute (CMI). “Transforming Your Marketing Team Into A Content Powerhouse.” 12/12/12

The term “feedback” is frequently utilized by mission controls to describe the signals sent back and forth between a space rocket and planet Earth. Feedback determines the accuracy of the rocket’s course and is used to make corrections and adjustments to keep it on the right path. The term has been integrated into business as a means to discuss performance and to keep employees on course.

It is important to keep in mind that feedback is not just a one way street. We must foster a work environment where employees are both open to receiving and giving feedback. The use of frequent and timely feedback alerts us to where we stand at any given moment and lets us know if we’re on the right track to achieving organizational goals. So, how do we envelop this concept and foster a feedback-friendly work environment? Read on for some simple tips.

Giving feedback            
One of the more commonly thought of places for giving employees feedback is the annual or semi-annual performance review. Although this process does provide one opportunity to engage employees and solicit their thoughts and ideas, it cannot be the only means to do so. After all, once or twice a year is just not enough. Instant feedback for a job well done or constructive criticism in areas needing improvement, and regularly scheduled touch-base points, are vital to keeping on track.

• Immediate recognition: Catch people doing good things on the job and provide staff with immediate recognition for a job well done. A rewards program can be a great way to call out those who go the extra mile. For instance, you see a nurse go above the call of duty by checking another break room for a magazine requested by a patient. Immediate praise and a small token of thanks, such as a stress reliever or imprinted travel mug, can go a long way to recognize an outstanding employee. 
• Constructive criticism: Communicate negative feedback as soon as possible and in private. Be specific about what went wrong and how improvements can be made. Expand on how the negative behaviour effects everyone involved and be clear in your expectations going forward.
• Touch-base meetings: Regularly scheduled, touch-base meetings provide the opportunity to cover things in between performance reviews. These one-on-ones can be a great forum to discuss goals, wins, concerns and expectations.

Getting feedback
Now that we’ve established some methods to give feedback, we need to get some in return. You may be wondering: How engaged is the staff? How satisfied are they working at this facility? What is the communication like between doctors, nurses and other staff? Does everyone feel they have the right tools to do their jobs? Do they feel secure in their jobs? Here are some ways to find out:

• Surveys: One method of generating employee feedback is to conduct a survey. Allow time for staff to complete the survey on the clock and during non-peak hours. A baseline survey should be no longer than 15-20 questions and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. More frequent, shorter surveys can be conducted afterwards as a means to check-in. Encourage participation by offering contributors a small token of appreciation like a lanyard, pedometer or a bendy pen.
• Suggestion box: A suggestion box or an online portal where employees can post comments and concerns can be a great way to generate feedback and get opinions that may not otherwise be shared. This lets employees know you’re interested in what they have to say and gives a sense of anonymity to those who may be shy or unwilling to share otherwise.
• Share and share alike: Once a survey is complete or the suggestion box is emptied, share your findings—both the good and the bad. Foster an environment that values openness and honesty and while presenting the results, open up the conversation for additional feedback and clarifications.
• Act: Why ask for feedback if you’re not going to do anything with it? The purpose of asking for employee input is to make organizational improvements and to assess what needs to be done to either get back on track or continue to follow the right course. Develop a plan that entails how you intend on doing this and share it with staff.

Feedback is vital to the health and well-being of your organization and without it you risk disengagement, lack of clarity and lost opportunity. It is imperative that you are not only giving feedback on a regular basis, but also that you are fostering a culture where it is safe and encouraged to give, too. Let your staff know you can walk the walk and talk the talk.

"Feedback: Why It’s So Important For Keeping Employees on Course." TLNT. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.

Hatter, Kathryn. "How to Give Feedback to Employees." EHow. Demand Media, 01 Aug. 2007. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.

"How to Get Feedback From Employees." Inc.com. N.p., 10 Aug. 2010. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.

"5 Tips to Get Great Feedback from Employees!" FluidSurveys 5 Tips to Get Great Feedback from Employees Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.

"Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Why Feedback Is so Important." TLNT. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.

Are you losing your audience to “food comas” by the time your trade show event’s afternoon break occurs? Are you getting tired of the same old, same old when it comes to your sponsored luncheon? Or are you simply looking to liven up snack choices offered at your booth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need an event menu makeover!

Studies show that when the body ingests junk food it experiences a temporary “sugar high” followed by a “sugar crash” resulting in fatigue, loss of focus and decreased concentration. So why is it we offer our valued trade show event breakfasts that consist of doughnuts, coffee cakes and muffins? Or snack trays loaded with cookies, brownies and other sweet treats?

Below are some simple ideas for tasty treats and other menu suggestions you can use to energize your audience and leave them with a lasting impression at your next trade show event.

The dish on what to dish
Planning an event menu can be a daunting task. There are usually a slew of food options and trying to decipher what may be a healthy, energy boosting food that tastes great is no easy job. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Offer low calorie, low fat food options. Ingesting too many calories and too much fat in a short period of time can cause digestive upset and fatigue. Skip the doughnuts and opt for a fruit and yogurt parfait instead. Serve it up in an imprinted clear glass Irish-style coffee mug to make the ultimate impression. Also, keep portions small to curb overindulging—offer bagel quarters or silver dollar-sized sandwich rolls.
• Emphasize whole grains. Whole grain breads, pastas, rice and cereal will keep attendees vitalized much longer than those made from refined grains. Plus, the fibre in whole grains can help people feel full longer, which may prevent overeating. Think baked tortilla chips with fresh salsa or whole grain crackers or pita bread with hummus.
• Serve lean meats, poultry or fish. Small portions of lean cuts of beef, pork, skinless chicken or fish can provide the protein needed for energy while skimping on the fat and calories that cause fatigue. Opt for meats that are broiled, steamed, grilled or baked to avoid excess oils and fats.
• Serve fruits and vegetables. We’ve all heard that an apple can provide as much of an energy boost as a cup of coffee. Plus, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling, too. How about some raw veggies served with a shooter of low-fat ranch dressing? Or delicious fruit skewers made of fresh, colourful, seasonal fruit?
• Push water. Drinking water can help keep energy levels up. In fact, daytime fatigue is most commonly attributed to mild dehydration. Provide attendees with a logo’d tumbler and keep the pitchers of water flowing throughout the day.
• Snack smart. Snacks should serve to provide stamina and a boost between meals. Just a handful of trail mix consisting of dried fruit and nuts can provide the needed boost to get through the midday slump. Or how about a popcorn station where attendees can customize their corn. Cinnamon and sugar, parmesan cheese or spicy curry are great flavour options. Serve it up in a small popcorn bag imprinted with your sponsor and conference info.
• Skip the heavy desserts. Heavy desserts high in fat and calories can cause a steep rise in blood sugar, which triggers sleepiness. Forgo the cheesecake or ice cream sundae stand for a build-your-own strawberry shortcake station complete with angel food cake, fresh strawberries and low-fat whipped topping. Or how about a delicious mini fruit pizza consisting of a jam glaze, an array of berries and ricotta cheese. Don’t forget to make your mark and throw in a logo-imprinted supreme pizza cutter.

These tasty treats are sure to give your conference attendees the boost they need to stay focused on you. Plus, they may appreciate the option to try a little something different. Give it a whirl—you’ll leave them hungry for more; knowledge, that is.

"How Does Junk Food Affect the Way You Concentrate?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"Wellness Program." University of California Riverside. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"TeensHealth." Why Is Whole-Grain Bread Healthier Than White Bread? N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"10 Reasons to Drink Water." 10 Reasons to Drink Water. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"Seeing Beyond the Menu: How to Offer Healthier Event Cuisine." TSNN Trade Show News. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

"20 Foods That Make You Sleepy | Reader’s Digest." Reader’s Digest. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2013.

The purpose of a grade is to communicate how well a student is learning to the student and their family. That’s a lot to expect from a single letter, number or symbol.

With research finding grades diminish students’ interest in learning, reduce students’ quality of thinking, and encourage students to take a path of least resistance to lessen the chance of doing poorly, some schools are considering alternative grading options to supplement their current grading process.

What is alternative grading?
Alternative grading takes the focus off “the grade” and puts it on what’s important—knowledge and understanding. The goal: Give the kind of feedback that creates a lifelong drive to learn.

Dylan Williams, dubbed an “Assessment Guru,” suggests “Grades cause an emotional reaction—either positive or negative. Feedback causes you to think and engage, which is reflective learning.” Unlike more detailed feedback, a simple letter grade leaves learners unknowing of whether or not they’ve done well and what they can improve upon. As renowned psychologist Jerome Bruner says, “Students should experience their successes and failures not as reward and punishment but as information.”

Alternative grading methods
Adopting alternative methods of grading requires dedication from educators and the willingness to change how they plan, instruct and assess. While your school may not want to do away with grades altogether, you may want to consider supplementing your existing approach:

• Rubrics: A rubric defines the needed criteria for a particular project or assignment to be successful. For example, a rubric for a writing assignment might communicate to students that their piece will be read with purpose, organization, details, voice and grammar in mind. To truly get your students invested in learning, involve them in creating their own rubrics for assignments. Offering them this input into the process helps them to fully understand and apply the learning goals to their assignments.
• Gamify: Utilize an assessment process where students aim to master a skill (much like in a game) instead of committing facts to memory. Whereas memorized facts are often forgotten, skills mastery encourages students to think and learn making it more likely they’ll be able to apply the skills in the future. Tokens awarded for reaching certain milestones can be used towards school logo’d merchandise such as hoodies, backpacks or iPad® sleeves.
• Grade-to-replace: This process utilizes a grade to jumpstart the process to improved work. In the grade-to-replace method, an initial grade is given with comments on what was done well and what can be improved upon. Then the student is given the opportunity to rework the project, ultimately replacing the original with better work. This approach takes the focus off the grade and puts it on how to improve. Provide students with a binder or USB drive to store work so past feedback is easily accessible for future assignments.

Traditional assessment is well-known and easy-to-understand. If your school adopts some form of alternative grading, it will be important to communicate this change to not only students, but parents and others who support your school. Send a letter explaining the change and its potential for a positive impact on learning. Invite parents to become involved in the process so they, too, know what is expected for their student to succeed.
Albert Einstein once said, "Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts." By shifting the focus from making the grade to lifelong learning, students remain challenged, engaged and hungry for more.

Heick, Terry. "12 Alternatives To Letter Grades In Education." TeachThought. N.p., 27 Nov. 2012. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

Kohn, Alfie. "The Case Against Grades." The Case Against Grades. N.p., Nov. 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

Bower, Joe. "For the Love of Learning." Real Assessment for Learning. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

"5 Alternatives to Traditional Grading Methods | Edchat Recap." Educational Technology Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

"What Is a Rubric? – UEN." What Is a Rubric? – UEN. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.

"Top Hat Monocle Blog." Top Hat Monocle Blog RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.

Gonzalez, Alfonso. "Do Grades Help or Hinder Learning?" Mr Gonzalezs Classroom RSS. N.p., 6 Mar. 2010. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Unfortunately, minimal recognition at work has become the norm.

In a recent Gallup® Business Journal poll, 65 percent of people indicated they received no recognition for the good work they completed last year. Making lack of appreciation the number one reason people leave their jobs. Most agencies, like yours, probably can’t afford to lose skilled workers and go through the hiring process again and again. So, ensure that your employees are recognized and appreciated at your workplace.

Professional goal achievement
Wins happen all the time, but consider a thoughtful approach to providing special recognition when an employee reaches a professional goal, like a promotion or added skills. It motivates staff to set professional development plans and provides your agency with a culture of constant improvement—a “win-win.”

Here are a few ideas to celebrate:

• For a promotion, hang a congratulatory banner, along with treating the team to lunch to let that employee know how valued he or she is.
• Employees that add to their skill sets should also be recognized to encourage a culture of learning and growth. Offer the book Expect Success that showcases words of wisdom from bold and innovative leaders.
• Staff that go back to school, adding another degree to their resume, deserve a unique thank you, such as an artistic plaque or digital frame that captures their special achievement.

Project completion
Don’t forget to recognize teams as well. Their hard work and effort are likely the “needle movers” for your organization.

• For projects completed on time and on budget, call a timeout to say “thank you” with gift boxes filled with edible goodies.
• Long-term projects need mini-celebrations at key milestones to keep the energy and excitement strong for the project’s duration. Consider giving flowers or a plant that will bring a smile to team members’ faces.
• Send an all-office email thank you and appreciation for the team’s efforts… calling out each person’s role and achievements.

Additional responsibilities
Those on your team that go “above and beyond” by taking on additional responsibilities should be thanked publicly, too.

• Whether they are mentoring, putting in more hours or leading an initiative, these high achievers will appreciate the attention of a thank you. Offer appreciation through your inter-office communications or a more personal “good job” with a favourite breakfast delivery (we prefer black coffee and whole wheat bagels).

Recognition isn’t hard… but clearly it is overlooked. If you adopt it into your agency’s culture and make a point to actively encourage staff to appreciate and reward each other, their attitudes, motivation and productivity will undoubtedly increase!

Kannry, Lauren. New Book Shows How Positivity Increases Productivity. Gallup Business Journal, n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2013.

Mobile technologies like smartphones and tablets are fast becoming the most common way to access the Internet. Popular mobile devices bring a plethora of time-saving programs and other cool techie tools with it. Mobile giving, for example, has grown exponentially in the three years since it was introduced in 2008. In 2009, more than $1.5 million was raised via text-based giving; the year 2010 saw $42 million.

Mobile technologies like online giving require your staff to be somewhat technologically savvy. Adept and informed personnel are critical to organizational growth. Integrating mobile technology and ensuring that they evolve with it is a surefire way to see, and be seen, by the community.

Emerging everyday mobile technology
Mobile technology is changing the way we live and work. Your donors of today are already on the bandwagon, but think about the donors of tomorrow! Can you imagine how our youth will work and think and interact with your organization 10 and 20 years from now? That’s why it’s critical to ensure your team and organization is up-to-speed on mobile technologies. Consider some of these recent innovations:

• Intuit® is a small device that connects to a smartphone and acts as a credit card reader for small businesses.
• Near Field Communication (NFC) allows devices to securely connect and transmit information from one to the other. Seen those videos of two people touching their phones together to share photos, videos and music? That’s NFC.
• The Mobile Wallet or Google® Wallet uses NFC technology to store credit card and loyalty card information allowing users to tap and pay at retailers that support the technology, too. One retailer that made the mobile move right away was Starbucks®. It introduced a mobile payment program not long ago and has already processed millions in sales.

Assessment: Find a common denominator
First, assess the overall level of knowledge on your team as it relates to mobile technology and their comfort level with devices like tablets and smartphones. Consider an internal survey asking about usage frequency and experience with mobile purchasing, social media, geo-location services, mobile platforms and responsive design. The likelihood is that everyone on your team will have some knowledge, but not to the extent that will enable your organization to think and “be” mobile. A training session is likely!

Development: Build a tech savvy organization
Host someone from a mobile or Web technology consulting group or find relevant webinars (seminars via the Web) that address some of the mobile skills your team requires. As your team completes these sessions, nurture their enthusiasm and support for the change through mobile-centric rewards like:

• Personalized pen styluses that help users navigate browsers and applications with ease and efficiency.
• Cell phone holders that keep devices readily available throughout the day.
• Media stand chargers to prevent problems stemming from low battery power.

Implementation: Ask for input
Next, ask your clients and donors for their input to determine what mobile technologies will benefit them most.

• If you or others in your organization are part of community groups, tap those groups for ideas on ways to best provide your services via mobile. Hand out phone-themed Post-it® Notes with your organization’s logo as a thank you for their brainstorm.
• Connect with donors by engaging their opinions through an online survey asking about their mobile behaviour with your organization. Thank those who complete the survey with cell phone cleaning pads.

Use this information to begin to develop a mobile strategy for your organization that truly meets the needs of your stakeholders and will begin to build a foundation for tomorrow’s online givers!

Snyder, Jennifer. "The Truth about Mobile Donations." The Truth about Mobile Donations – Columns – Mobile Commerce Daily. Mobile Commerce Daily, 29 June 2011. Web. 13 Jan. 2013.

Kats, Rimma. "Why Mobile Wallets Are the New Credit Card." Why Mobile Wallets Are the New Credit Card – Mobile Commerce Daily – Payments. Mobile Commerce Daily, 03 Dec. 2012. Web. 13 Jan. 2013.