Living it Well with Mikey G - The Mike Gingerich podcast on self-improvement and fitness for life.
By Mike Gingerich
Living it Well with Mikey G - The Mike Gingerich podcast on self-improvement and fitness for life.May 25, 2017
"Why?" Or "Why Not?" One Word and a Huge Difference
My topic here today is why not me and why not you?
Okay, so I put this phrase out there. I did this first on LinkedIn. I've been thinking about it, and it was like, why or why not? One word difference in those questions. Why or why not? but a world of difference!
The first one questions, "Why?" "Why?" "Why?" The second one sees possibilities. "Why not?" "Why not?" I'm pondering things like this as I navigate life at 50 plus. I'm on the move globally. Currently, I'm recording this from Costa Rica on the Pacific coast in the town of Quepos. And, you know, I'm trying to find my authentic self and discovering "Why not?" is a very relevant question to ask.
Full transcript available on Substack under Living It Well with Mikey G. Find it here >
How AI Copywriting Software Can Help You Write Content
Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. No longer something only in the realm of the super nerd and tech geek arena, AI is now growingly used across many industries and businesses because AI can increase business productivity and solve problems efficiently. In fact, you've probably encountered some AI multiple times in the past week! So how can AI help your business? Well, this post was written with AI copywriting software for example! I talk about the process in the podcast. Let's dive in. Full post here to see AI in action >
Words Matter! Positive Affirmations to Reflect on in English and Espanol
Words matter. Words have power. The words we say and reflect on impact our pysche, attitude, outlook and even beliefs. With this in mind it is important that we have positive affirmations to reflect on. Some call these "affirmations", others "positive manifestations", others call it "positive thinking" or "mediation reflections". Whatever you want to call it,(I'll call it affirmations to be simple), the words we speak, think and reflect on can influence us so let's make them positive.
In this podcast I do something different and give you an 8-minute audio and written list of positive affirmations that help me, and I help can help you.
Full list here: affirmations on mikegingerich.com
Virtual Digital Mailboxes with Forwarding
Virtual Digital Mailboxes with Forwarding are available and easy to use! Anytime Mailbox makes it easy to have an address to use that forward to your main address. You can view all mail online and decide what to do with it and more!
See the blog post: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/the-power-and-uses-of-virtual-digital-mailboxes-from-anytime-mailbox/
Type Less and Do More with Smart Text Expander FlyMSG
You know how hectic the process can get if you have tons of work or messages to type. The better news is that you can now reduce your computer time. For example, take a scenario where most of your phrases have a shorter form. You type the short form, and the software completes the intended word or phrase. Talk of efficiency, right? That's what smart text expanders do.
FlyMSG is a text expander that allows you to create email templates and keyboard shortcuts. With FlyMSG, you don't have to spend a lot of time organizing, copying, and pasting texts and templates to CRM or other forms.
The Future of Small Business Work
So much has happened since March of 2020! 2 years later it is important to understand that there is no "going back to the way it was" any longer. The world has been through a massive shift in the last 2 years and in America, in particular, we have been through the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the related ongoing racial reckoning that is needed, the threat of Covid death, and knowledge of people that have died from Covid, as well as now the unjust war against Ukraine that keeps the world and global economy in unsettled territory. The future of small business work is different and will continue to be different than in 2020!
There is no going back.
What we have gone through the past 2 years has fundamentally changed us and caused a "reset".
Now, individuals, leaders, and employees are wanting a new way forward.
Top Office Fitness Challenge Apps for 2022
According to the Harvard Business Review, employers who invest in employee wellness programs get an ROI of about 6-to-1. That’s some serious ROI. Typically, when employees are fit and healthy, there is higher morale and increased productivity in the workplace, which then improves the company’s profitability. In today’s mobile culture, one of the ways to promote employee wellness is through the use of office fitness challenge apps.
In this podcast vlog I'll outline the top office fitness challenge apps for 2022.
Full post: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/top-office-fitness-challenge-apps-2022/
No Code App Builder Tools
Is your company wanting an app in the Apple and Google Play app stores? Are you not wanting to spend 6 figures and potentially want a simpler way to build that you can manage or update? Then it's time to look at no code app builder tools like Shoutem, Appy Pie and more. In this podcast, we dive in with mo
Ready to dig in? Listen to this "No Code App Builder Tools" comparison and overview.
View the full post here >
Let me know what you think on Twitter @Mike_Gingerich
How to Get More Views on YouTube: 5 Tips that Actually Work
How to get more views on Youtube? That's a popular Google search and for good reason! There's power in video, there's power in YouTube where people spend hours per week watching videos, and there's potentially money to be made for your brand through YouTube videos.
This podcast, we dive in with more details!
Full content version on the top business blog mikegingerich.com.
What is a Live Streaming App and Which Ones Are Best?
In this post and podcast, we answer for you "What is a live streaming app" and we share which ones are best!
View the full blog post published December 16, 2021 on mikegingerich.com.
Facebook's New Name: Meta - What Changes and What Stays the Same
Facebook has a new name! In this episode, we dive into Meta, Facebook's new name including what changes and what stays the same.
View the full blog post at Mike on Meta >
SEO and Google Ranking Today - What's Changed
If there is a question I get via email a lot, it's about SEO and ranking high in search results. It usually goes something like this, "Mike, we aren't ranking well for . Why not?
Somehow they expect a simple explanation and an easy fix. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it and competing for top ranking! It's not SEO and ranking high on Google is complex...and changing. What worked last year is not guaranteed to work well this year. In this podcast, I dive into the trifecta of key things that need to be looked at to rank well.
Full Blog Post episode on SEO and Google Ranking >
Time Management Tips to Get Back on Task
Proper time management is a common challenge faced by workers resuming work, especially after summer or annual leave, and particularly during a pandemic when things are changing weekly if not daily! In this podcast we dive into time management tips to get back on task.
Ready to dive in? Listen to the time management podcast!
Niche Mobile Apps like Swimply – The “AirBnB for Pools”
Mobile apps have exploded in the app stores in the past 2 years and yet each month brings about even more new innovations. From cars, to motorcycles, and now to pools, niche apps for rentals and experiencing are popping up everywhere! In this podcast I talk about the trends for niche apps, the emerging industries, and we look at one app in particular, Swimply - the airbnb for pools.
Full blog post and vlog: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/swimply-the-airbnb-for-pools/
How to use SEO to Grow your E-commerce Business
E-commerce has exploded in the past year and most likely you are here because you have an e-commerce store. With the explosion of online shopping has come the intensity of competition to rank high in search results. So it's critical to do the due diligence to use SEO to grow your e-commerce business.
In this podcast and blog post, I outline key items to implement regarding how to use SEO to grow your e-commerce business. Listen in to learn more...
Landing Page CTA Improvements to Increase Conversions
Landing pages on average convert at a rate of 9.7%, according to a HubSpot study. What if you could double that rate with landing page CTA improvements? Let’s look at some ideas on how!
In this podcast, we outline key landing page CTA improvements you can make to improve the conversions on your website.
Listen in to learn more...
Full blog post May 20 on mikegingerich.com here:
Non Fungible Tokens for Entrepreneurs: A Guide to Growth
The complex and often confusing world of blockchain is fast expanding and getting even more complicated. The latest item to know about is called Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs). I'll dive into what they are and how you can begin to learn and get involved with this evolving market.
What are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT)?Non-Fungible Tokens, abbreviated NFTs, are cryptographic assets on the blockchain characterized by unique IDs distinguishing them from other tokens. Remember that a ‘token’ in the blockchain is any valuable asset that’s digitally transferrable between two people.
However, NFTs differ from other blockchain tokens, such as cryptocurrencies, in one primary way – they cannot be exchanged or traded at equivalency. In other words, they are non-fungible.
Fungibility in economics refers to the property of a good or commodity to be replaceable by an identical item. NFTs cannot be replaced by identical items.
An excellent example of a non-fungible item is artwork. Every piece of artwork is unique and cannot be replicated. Therefore, a digital piece of artwork would make a valuable non-fungible token if it finds its way into the blockchain world.
Why the Excitement? What Makes NFTs so Valuable?It’s simple – no one can own the asset but you! Whether it’s a piece of art or a huge moment in a game, such as the clips the NBA is selling, once you purchase the asset, it’s yours and yours alone.
Full post: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/non-fungible-tokens-for-entrepreneurs-guide-to-growth/
Free Image Upscaler Tools
We've all been in that spot where we have an image but it's too small. We can't simply stretch it or it gets pixelated. So are we out of luck? Not any more! AI has made enlarging or "upscaling" possible and we cover the top free image upscaler tools in this post.
Let's dive into this episode to look at the top free image upscaler tools for 2021. Listen in to learn more...
Full blog post on mikegingerich.com >
Emerging Digital Marketing Tools for 2021
Social media is so 2020! Now that we've moved beyond 2020 there are some emerging digital marketing tools for 2021 and key trends to be aware of that I want to cover in this Halftime Mike Podcast.
Let's dive into this episode to look at the emerging digital marketing tools for 2021. Listen in to learn more...
Full blog post live Feb. 18, 2021 here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/emerging-digital-marketing-tools-2021/
The Power of Online Reviews for your Business
Are you using online reviews to generate new traffic and get more leads? If not, you’re missing out on potential customers and the power of online reviews for your business.
Let's dive into this topic about Google Reviews, Facebook reviews, Yelp, BBB, and more. What if I told you there was a solid way to get more positive reviews and catch potentially negative reviews BEFORE they get posted? Listen in to learn more...
Full post here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/power-of-online-reviews-for-business/
How to Increase Your Website Organic Traffic
Traffic to your website is the backbone of many businesses. If you want consistent organic traffic, then a half-baked approach to search engine optimization (SEO) will only yield you limited results. As any business should know, low traffic equals low opportunity for leads and few sales. So how do you overcome this?
Let's dive in...
What is Parler and why is it growing as a new social media network
Parler is among the fastest rising social media apps right now. In fact it is currently #1 as of this publish date in the Apple app store. So what is Parler and why is it growing so much right now? Discover this and more in this vlog and podcast episode.
Let's dive into Parler deeper and get some answers...
Key Details on the New Google Page Experience Update Algorithm
An update to Google's ranking algorithms that judge web pages based on how much users enjoy the browsing experience is on the way. The coming algorithm change is called the "Google Page Experience Update." Here's what you need to know for your website and business.
Easily Determine App Development Costs with this Free Calculator
Does your business need an app and how can you determine what an app might cost? There are multiple considerations when thinking about an app and how much app development might cost your business. I recently was introduced to a pretty nifty and free app development cost calculator that I want to talk about today.
App development has lots of variables and many businesses don't have a good handle on what they might be getting into when they say they need an app. So let's do some 101 on App Development costs using the calculator as our guide. Ready to dive in? Let's go!
Excellence not Perfection
Oftentimes we fail to launch and we fail to get things done because we hold out for something to be done absolutely right. The reality is, however, that this failure to launch has severe negative consequences for our business and we need to pursue excellence not perfection in our efforts.
More on this and two other topics in this month’s Live with Mike. I’ll also cover Landing Pages vs Web pages and the need to keep things simple. Ready to dive in? Let's go!
Full vlog at https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/why-excellence-not-perfection/
The Importance of Business Data to Business Success Today
Data is more important to your business success than ever before. From website traffic stats to website speed and social media impact, data can help you review and channel what you do on the web. Data is also critical to your business efficiencies and sales processes. By giving customers or dealers access to data you can help take away bottlenecks, improve speed, and allow people to buy more easily.
Have you evaluated your data points? What should you be watching and doing with your data?
Full blog post and vlog here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/business-data-is-now-more-critical-than-ever-data-can-help-you-improve-your-marketing-cut-down-on-costs-and-increase-sales-lets-dive-into-an-overview-of-key-data-points-and-the-importance/
How to do a Simple SEO Audit on your Website
During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses realized they needed to rely even more heavily on their website for sales and marketing going forward. Some found that they were not pleased with how their site showed up (or didn't!) in search results. If your business is one of those that wants to strengthen your organic search results for key terms, then it's time to learn how to do a simple SEO audio on your website with some layman's (non-developer!) tools!
Let's dive into how to do a simple SEO audit on your website with specific instructions, results, and what they mean!
Full blog post here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/how-to-do-a-simple-seo-audit-on-your-website/
Moving Business Processes Online
Businesses have been forced to look at how they handle operations, including moving business processes online, since the COVID-19 pandemic has closed many businesses and forced many others to work from home. As we look at re-opening and ongoing work-from-home scenarios, businesses need to continue to adapt and find ways to allow business to continue with remote teamwork and online sales.
Let’s dive into business process options for doing things remotely.
Full episode blog post and video will drop May 21 here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/moving-business-processes-online/
Pivoting Well in Times of Change
Times of great change like we are in today, demand that we change. The key is how we change...how we pivot. We can pivot well or pivot poorly.
In this episode I’ll dive into how we pivot. In these times of COVID-19 Coronavirus, changes need to happen, pivots need to happen. A pivot is a shift in direction. It can be major, such as a 180 degree turn, or, like the vast majority it means shifting to some degree but not drastically. Let’s dive in!
Types of Video Your Business Needs and How to Create Them
Video has become a powerful marketing tool that works for businesses of all sizes. It makes an impact that text can't, and it's definitely a step up over a photo. With video consumption on the web continuing to grow, smart businesses are looking at ways to up their video marketing. In this podcast episode I dive into the details about the types of videos that businesses can and should create, as well as how to do this with limited video skills using a powerful web tool called Wave Video. Full blog post here: http://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/types-of-video-your-business-needs-and-how-to-create-them-2/
The Need and Value of Providing Deeper Experiences Online
Today's web user expects deeper experiences online. They have experience with mobile apps and social media, and therefore are accustomed to a deeper, richer experience and have come to expect this online. They want to take care of their requests immediately, themselves, and the best websites will provide this richer online experience.
So what exactly are we talking about and does your website need a deeper experience for your visitors? In this podcast episode I dive into the details of what has changed, examples of what others are doing, and key ways business can and should up their game on their website. Offering ways for customers to have a personalized experience and take care of advanced details with ease is critical to being "sticky" and retaining people on your site and in your business over time.
How to Lead a Remote Team Successfully using the 3 T's
Remote teams are here to stay and only going to continue to grow in use so the key for business owners and managers is how to lead a remote team!
Remote teams have some similarities to traditional teams in the office together but also some very unique differences that demand different leadership practices.
Full episode here: http://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/how-to-lead-a-remote-team-successfully/
The Business Value of Digital Etiquette
There is business value in Digital Etiquette! Quite simply, the way you communicate digitally matters.
You are either making a positive deposit to a business relationship or you are making a withdrawal from a business relationship. This can have significant implications on your ability to sell and your ability to retain clients as well as the interest in a vendor retaining you as a customer overtime.
I dive into a number of examples of bad Digital etiquette as well as give specific tips on ways you can enhance your Digital Etiquette in email, social media, and blogging.
Full blog post available on mikegingerich.com.
View video episode on Mike Gingerich's YouTube Channel.
Make Progress Not Perfection
Too many great ideas never reach the public and have the impact they could because leaders fail to adhere to this productivity principle: Make progress, not perfection!
I believe that perfection is the great enemy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress, both in life and business. Far too often we get "stuck" on the final 10% we think is needed when in reality it is totally good enough to be released and launched! We've got to stop it and it takes personal self-awareness and business acumen to recognize this and move beyond it. That’s what this podcast episode is all about!
Join in to discover more about why making progress, not perfection is a important for you today! https://wp.me/p9O
Be a Leader, not a Boss
The statistics show proof that in any organization it is critical to sustained success for the top person to be a leader, not a boss. In fact, a study has shown that most businesses are only 50% as productive as they should be. This is mainly because the leadership practices of the organizations are not effective.
So what do I mean by this differentiation of a leader from a boss? That’s what this podcast episode is all about!
Join in to discover the differences…
Read the full blog post here with extra details >
Competing in the Internet Information Age - Differentiation is the Key
Competing on the web today comes down differentiation. The internet has erased geographical barriers and given consumers more choices than ever. This globalization helps any small business compete around the world and with the big corporation in a way that has leveled the playing field like never before. While on the one hand this is a great thing and online marketing gives you increased exposure, on the other hand your small business also has to contend with more competitors and succeed in a larger pool with lots more fish!
In this episode we’ll dive into the keys for how to compete in this large global pond by using differentiation. Full Blog post and video here: http://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/competing-in-the-internet-information-age-differentiation-is-the-key-2/
4 Gems Most Social Media Marketing Plans are Missing
So, is this you? You’ve got your plan and you are on certain social media platforms and trying hard to make social work but you’re not seeing the results that you want to see. If so, I’ve got the post for you revealing for gems you may be missing!
Maximize your Facebook Live Videos with these Tactics
You've started doing regular Facebook Live times...Great! Now ensure that you maximize your Facebook Live videos with these key tactics to get the most mileage out of each Live episode.
Multiple tips on how to use your Facebook Live Video across multiple social media channels!
Visit my blog for the full blog post recap and video! Read here:
Lead Generation with Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories
Welcome to the Halftime Mike Podcast with Mike Gingerich. This episode is all about Stories, Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories, and how you can use them for growing and nurturing leads for your business.
Full Podcast episode here: https://www.mikegingerich.com/
Digital Marketing Opportunities and Tools Guide for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, you likely feel you should be doing more online and implementing more digital marketing opportunities. Having a digital presence is one of the best ways of building brand awareness and reaching a broader audience to grow your business sales. When you are just getting started, it may seem overwhelming to know where to begin and how to “up your game.”
In this Halftime Mike Podcast I’ll share key online marketing opportunities in this post and give you key tips on how, why, and when to use each.
7 Instagram Growth Hacks for Business Marketers
Interested in Instagram growth hacks for your business marketing? I've got 7 that I think many are missing!
Instagram has become a powerful social media marketing tool in the past 1.5 years and is really posed to be the #1 go-to platform potentially in the next 2 years. Yes, it may surpass parent Facebook in users and particularly in engaged users. The key is that what works best on Instagram to grow and engage the right audience that is relevant to your business is not necessarily the regular news feed posts. Let's dive into the 7 hacks!
Online Marketing Funnels and ROI
What are keys to online marketing funnels and ROI (return on investment) growth? That's what every marketer wants to know, right?
Creating Low Cost Videos for Lead Generation
Simple videos can be powerful for lead generation. Videos of any type, even low cost videos for lead generation, can be a scary thought for many small businesses but they truly are “doable” for nearly all businesses. The KEY is that you need to have a plan!
It does not need to require a professional videographer for most of your videos and they can be done in an effective way for those with no budget and those whose team members are camera shy.
Game Plan for Social Media Lead Generation
In this podcast episode I dive into the strategy and the specific tactics businesses and organizations need for success in social media lead generation in 2019.
Ready to dive in and learn about the digital marketing funnel strategy and the specific tactics for specific social platforms that are working in 2019? If, so, you're in the right spot! That's what I cover in this episode. Let’s do it!
What Metrics Matter? Determining ROI from Social Media and Web Marketing
In this episode of Live with Mike! I dive into an area that is sorely needed and often not setup well. I talk about, "What Metrics Matter? Determining ROI" with your Social Media and Digital Marketing.
Top SEO & Digital Marketing Tips for Your Website for 2019
2019 is around the corner and it’s time to review and be sure you are implementing the top SEO & digital marketing tips for your website! Is your website and digital marketing doing each of these items? It’s time for you to review and I’m providing the checklist and tools!
Ready to dive in and get my top SEO & digital marketing tips? Let’s do it!
Listen Now >Book Launch Podcast of Making the Miles Count
Special unique episode here with the book launch podcast of Making the Miles Count!
I'm excited to announce and discuss the release of my newest book, "Making the Miles Count", a guide to living beyond the daily grind and waking up each morning with purpose and focus.
I give you the background and the details on this new, unique book, that has personal stories, details from my life journey, and a outline of how I believe it can help you form new habits through the 21 day format of reading, reflection, and challenges.
Making the Miles Count is available in paperback and also via Kindle Ebook download.
Also covered in this episode, small business matters: So you are a solopreneur wanting to take the next step? A legal business entity is key. Should you go for a LLC or a S Corp? I discuss both and give my suggestions.
LLC or S Corp? It's a question a lot of small businesses ask.
Email Marketing Tips: Keys for Each Stage of the Buying Cycle
Email marketing is still a highly valuable and relevant digital marketing tool in this day and age of social media!
Why is email marketing valuable? People still read email! They deal with the inbox, and they buy from emails. They buy from email marketing more than directly from social media! In fact, the there is a ROI of $44 for every $1 spent on email marketing. Let that sink in. Spend, $1, generate $44 in sales. It has potential if you are doing it right!
To succeed with your email campaign, however, you need to understand that you can’t just send whatever you want whenever you want. There must be intentionality with your emails.
Social Media Lessons from Hershey's Chocolate World
Recently I visited Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, and I came away with appreciation and a number of valuable take-aways on how Chocolate World increases social media power, particularly with user generated content.
Social Media has power for all businesses. However, to expand and use the full power take creativity and strategy. I came away from a visit to Hershey's Chocolate World impressed with a few of the ideas I saw being implemented. Interested in learning more about what I saw and learned? Let's dive in...
Listen Now >YouTube and Pinterest as SEO Tools: Not Just Social Networks
It's time to view YouTube and Pinterest as SEO Tools and not just as social networks! What do I mean and how do you make this happen?
In this episode I dive into the details of YouTube and Pinterest from a SEO, Search Engine Optimization, perspective.
Let's dive in!
Both YouTube and Pinterest are established social media platforms. Did you know, however, that YouTube is the #2 Search Engine on the web in terms of monthly searches? Yep! Second only to it's parent, Google!
And did you know that over 1 billion searches are done on Pinterest each month? Or that Pinterest drives more traffic to websites than most other social media networks? It's true. So let's look at how you can optimize each channel for search, and how you can drive that traffic to your website.
View full blog post: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/youtube-and-pinterest-as-seo-tools/