<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[mysite]]></title><description><![CDATA[mysite]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/blog-1</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:49:10 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.smartprcommunications.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Here’s How Your Marketing Data Is Misleading You]]></title><description><![CDATA[The central ideas and much of the following are from Samantha Stone’s excellent book on marketing that works called, Unleash Possible. You could whitewash it and say that data is only misleading, but data by itself, can turn reality on its head. Data is not productively actionable without a human analyst. Here are four (of the many) ways that data lies:  1.  It only tells us what, not why: Behavioral data doesn’t reveal the underlying reasons behind actions.  To do this, you need qualitative...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2019/12/28/here-s-how-your-marketing-data-is-misleading-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df0fde932b900183d21a1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2026 19:06:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_c5d7a5a5da944c6098dacc76f009f1ad~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Customer Loyalty: How to Gauge and Measure It]]></title><description><![CDATA[Customer loyalty isn’t absolute—you can’t divide customers simply into the loyal and disloyal. Experts, such as Das Narayandas of the Harvard Business School, contend that there are degrees of customer loyalty.  Why is this important to know?  Because the tactics you take to increase loyalty depend on the degree of loyalty already present.  For example, retaining a customer at the vulnerable new relationship level is different than retaining a customer who has become impervious to your...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/customer-loyalty-how-to-gauge-and-measure-it-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6420b8e9d038540ab2217647</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 19:58:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_11363889f570488f816725bb027c663d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_259,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Only You Should Make The Decision]]></title><description><![CDATA[Going rogue isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the world could use a few more practical rogues. I use the word to separate those who have some basis for their actions from those who act impulsively---to be clear, rogue can be good, but impulsive is always bad. Following are 6 instances where taking bold initiative has merit:  1.  When You Know More than Everyone Else The reason you know more is either because you’ve done your homework or you have more experience is that area. You may...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2019/05/12/when-only-you-should-make-the-decision</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df1008763080017ec5ac0</guid><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 20:33:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_b3be35b1dc134046901bf2c80f7daf80~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_255,h_198,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Few Quick Tips on Getting Market Development Funds (MDF)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Always bear in mind that the endgame for MDF (market development funds) is at least lead generation and, depending on the channel partner, maybe sales. In other words, think like the MDF provider.             First of all, many people use the terms “MDF” and “Co-Op Funds” interchangeably, but this is incorrect. The primary difference between the two is when they are requested and disbursed.   Co-op Marketing Funds Defined: Co-op funds are given after sales have taken place—they are a sales...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2018/05/06/a-few-quick-tips-on-getting-market-development-funds-mdf</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df1022f0f3d0017bf5e41</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 20:41:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_f1f7b91c301342a5b862d00f3074157e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_225,h_225,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Qualifies as a Lead?  Survey Shows Sales and Marketing Almost Agree]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sales and marketing often view leads differently—i.e. what actually qualifies as a lead and what is worth follow up. To uncover the disconnect, Rollworks surveyed 527 salespeople and 323 marketers. The results show that salespeople are most likely to reject leads if: 1.  They don't fit the target account criteria (industry, company size, revenue) 2.  They don't fit the target individual criteria (role, seniority), or 3.  The contact doesn’t fill out a content form.             Marketers...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/what-qualifies-as-a-lead-survey-shows-sales-and-marketing-almost-agree</link><guid isPermaLink="false">645693a118692316d5e93da4</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 17:56:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_0536dd808c174284a5a97eb79000ca07~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_284,h_178,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Give Advice and How Not to Give Advice]]></title><description><![CDATA[It may seem like someone is asking for advice—and they may think they want advice—but in reality all they want to do is vent or dump their problem off on you. So you need to assess if the person is actually asking for advice before opening your mouth. 1. Has this person told you what the problem is and why it is important? 2. Have they presented a few possible solutions—given you an indication that they have done some research and aren’t planning to hand the problem over to you? 3. Have they...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/how-to-give-advice-and-how-not-to-give-advice</link><guid isPermaLink="false">608f2ae4e7ce650015f21d2a</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 22:49:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_525d08f6f3cc4153b98ff278e5eb2d76~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_630,h_438,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Payoff for Going the Extra Mile]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s axiomatic that if you want to get ahead—no matter what field you’re in---you have to do more than everyone else is willing or able to do. The good news is that you don’t need to work 12-hour days—you only need to do a little more than everyone else. Right now, with the emphasis on impersonal mass marketing strategies, doing a little more has never paid bigger dividends. Doing a little more requires a lot more strategy and a little more effort (not necessarily time) than you’re probably...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/the-payoff-for-going-the-extra-mile</link><guid isPermaLink="false">644eadea08236eb5134162bf</guid><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:41:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_e5a090b3a71542e8944cb9d174f1e426~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_259,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brand-Building Checklist for Technology Companies]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is your company well branded?  Go through the following list to find out.            My brand aligns with my short and long-term business goals.          I’ve performed thorough research to test the effectiveness of my brand.          My brand communicates and delivers on a clear promise          My brand is distinctive within its segment.          My brand message is consistent across all venues          My brand’s graphic identity is included in everything that originates in and leaves my...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/b2b-brand-building-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">662db989be804e61442a7a5b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:57:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_a83b4a80d8ee4c59b795f2013c9f28f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sell More High-End Solutions by Overcoming Confirmation Bias]]></title><description><![CDATA[The psychological phenomenon of confirmation bias has significant implications for marketing and communications--especially as it relates to sales of high-end products--but most people don’t know what it is and---more importantly---how they can get prospects to move past it.           Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms what you already believe, regardless of whether or not the information is accurate; and ignore alternatives that may be better. You could...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/sell-more-high-end-solutions-by-overcoming-confirmation-bias</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6445a55b6ee51ee292aff2e6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:42:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_10daf387487740e9aae2bb409d54c1c5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_768,h_351,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Technology Marketing and Behavioral Economics]]></title><description><![CDATA[Melina Palmer, longtime host of “The Brainy Business” podcast, has a new book out called “What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You”. The book, like the podcast, reveals some very useful insights regarding subconscious consumer behavior. Many, if not most, of these insights apply to technology companies that sell to other businesses. As a marketer focused on the technology industry, here are some takeaways that I found useful: ·         Determine what information buyers need to make a...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/technology-marketing-and-behavioral-economics</link><guid isPermaLink="false">625ca5d28f22169a3bc728ad</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:48:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_7252daad0a69457abbc7ee978bef0bae~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_864,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Things Done When Everyone is on Vacation]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are three times every year when many colleagues are not available: · Now--Winter holidays: The week before Thanksgiving, the weeks before and after Christmas and the week after New Years · The weeks before and after Easter · Late July and early August If you’re working during these times, you’ve noticed that, without all the meetings and interruptions, you get a lot of work done. But on the other hand, it’s frustrating when the people you collaborate with daily are not available. So...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/getting-things-done-when-no-one-is-working</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6071c96ee6fd4d00e1034331</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_f60c107a78c947bd86ec18b2def4b42e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_789,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long-Tail Keywords and Purchase Intent]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the most important considerations for choosing key terms is knowing the search patterns of the audience you are trying to reach. For example, if you have an ecommerce site, you are looking for buyers—which generally means a key term with a very specific product/service description—including the model number.             On the other hand, if you are selling expensive or complex products, you are targeting shoppers and that is an entirely different keyword strategy.  Below are some...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/long-tail-keywords-and-purchase-intent</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6251fe2e8c4a4ffb6f44b88c</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:45:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_2c453e358c56478383018e929bc8cedf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_300,h_168,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Counterintuitive Negotiation Tips that Level the Playing Field]]></title><description><![CDATA[It makes sense, right?  The person that makes the first offer loses?  Not always.  In fact, the opposite can be true.  Following are 5 things small companies need to know about negotiations that may create an edge.  1.  It can be advantageous to make the opening offer. Here’s what the experts say. First of all, most negotiations don’t start with an offer, they start with something far more important, which is each party’s position. There is some advantage to getting the other party to reveal...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2020/04/05/counterintuitive-negotiation-tips-that-level-the-playing-field</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df0fdea73d30017688f3c</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:16:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_e5fd455737b14abb82c7d826b2b1d4f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_926,h_931,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marketing Technology through a Global Crisis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Technology companies tend to weather crises better than other sectors. In fact, many technology companies reported their best earnings during the last recession.  That said, it’s still important for technology marketers to do some pivoting when the economy slows.  1.  Leverage the Creative Energy of a Challenge: This is an opportunity. Plan and act efficiently from a place of focused calm.  Don’t react out of fear. Ideas that come from a place of fear will be scattered and lack a plan for...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2020/03/29/marketing-technology-through-a-global-crisis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df0fdea73d30017688f3d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:44:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_eeb4cc30fd034e6daf5c98f029244032~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_425,h_282,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maintaining good relationships with clients-communication is key ]]></title><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/maintaining-good-relationships-with-clients-communication-is-key</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6060a6ad4da2010015a30421</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:07:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_2fd5aee15e9340d68531f2ce6e57bf69~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_921,h_714,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Customer Loyalty: How to Gauge and Measure It]]></title><description><![CDATA[Customer loyalty isn’t absolute—you can’t divide customers simply into the loyal and disloyal. Experts, such as Das Narayandas of the Harvard Business School, contend that there are degrees of customer loyalty.  Why is this important to know?  Because the tactics you take to increase loyalty depend on the degree of loyalty already present.  For example, retaining a customer at the vulnerable new relationship level is different than retaining a customer who has become impervious to your...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/customer-loyalty-how-to-gauge-and-measure-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6420b929fdd9a723700c36a6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:31:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_11363889f570488f816725bb027c663d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_259,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forming Lasting Relationships with Buyers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Much of this information is based on the marketing theory and research of C. B. Bhattacharya, of Emory University; and Ruth N. Bolton of the University of Maryland.  3 Necessary Conditions for Buyer Relations  Any relationship forms only when there are benefits to both parties. For the seller, benefits include the cost savings of retention, immunity from competition, and ease of up-selling. For the buyer, benefits include lower risk, cost savings in the form of special pricing, and...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2019/03/24/forming-lasting-relationships-with-buyers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df10003db7e001749bc19</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:05:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_a430332a1c5047df8b48d8959c777a0b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_259,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Biggest Problem Brands Face]]></title><description><![CDATA[The biggest problems brands face isn’t negative publicity, it is no publicity, which translates to complete absence from the customer’s mind. Apathy and ignorance are usually far worse than negative perception. No coverage at all says your company doesn’t matter. Your company isn’t in the game. Your company doesn’t even cross prospects’ minds.  Enter: Branded Non-Negative Search Branded non-negative search is any search traffic your company earns from brand search terms that isn’t negative....]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2018/03/18/the-biggest-problem-brands-face</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df1021cb5e00017ccfb4b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:33:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_fd48bb2776084ed28b6aaadd77c68560~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_300,h_168,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jeanna55</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Sell with Facts]]></title><description><![CDATA[Because the facts are on your side, you don’t need to spend hours strategizing the best way to sell your products and services. Instead, spend that time gathering information from all of the credible sources you can find. Even the biggest organizations – at their peril - neglect to do this.  Consider the egg. Remember when every time you ate an egg you felt like you were taking your life in your hands?  That was last year – the culmination of 50 years of negative media attention resulting...]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2019/03/17/how-to-sell-with-facts</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df10003db7e001749bc1a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:30:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_fcc94b229d104b6896f10bd4e22282dd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_400,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Things Done When Everyone’s Gone]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are three times every year when most businesses empty out:: Winter holidays: The week before Thanksgiving, the weeks before and after Christmas and the week after New Years  The weeks before and after Easter  Late July and early August  And then there’s now..during the Coronavirus pandemic.  I   1. Plan Ahead Schedule and complete your people dependent projects for times when people are likely to be around and stockpile your alone projects to work on when you know people will be gone....]]></description><link>https://www.smartprcommunications.com/single-post/2020/03/15/getting-things-done-when-everyone-s-gone</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f6df0fde932b900183d2199</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:04:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f392ad_a69bd629eb68449f91f2e26f92d9c6b5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_613,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jeanna Van Rensselar</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>