Copyright © 2010 Jamie Lyons



With New Year's resolutions pledged more than three weeks ago, it would be interesting to know exactly how many have already been abandoned. Admittedly this year we've had the snow and ice to blame for our failure to comply with some freshly decided self-promises: it's hard to commit to a new fitness regime when the pavements are more slippery than a proverbial fish and the gym is unreachable as the car is under half a tonne of snow. Less convincing are arguments like: 'cigarettes keep me warm', or even, 'chocolate makes me feel warm inside'! Maybe, just maybe, there's more to such excuses for reverting to old habits than mere weakness of will.



The first stop in this investigation into the lack of motivation we demonstrate towards New Year's resolutions is a look at the motivation behind the resolutions themselves. They are a strange phenomenon, but understandable when contextualised. It is not just that we see the beginning of a new year as an easy to identify marker for the beginning of a lifestyle change, but more so that the festive period leading up to the New Year can involve excesses of bad habits or unhealthy living practice. The resolutions serve as a form of penance for the gluttony committed in the preceding couple of weeks and also a pre-emptive excuse for any over-indulgence engaged in over Christmas.



Now, given that the reason why we decide to undertake a specific lifestyle change promise is not entirely motivated by the desire to actually change, but partially to make up for excesses over a short period of time it is inevitable that the majority of us will fail. We do not actively want to stop smoking, go to the gym more, or eat a more healthy diet we just wanted an excuse to contravene these ideals over the festive period! Unfortunately us mere humans are very much creatures of habit. We enter routines and regularly perform them on what is essentially subconscious auto-pilot. Without a strong desire to break this subconscious routine, failure to adhere to a resolution is unavoidable, as the subconscious is ingrained whilst the conscious will to act in opposition is transitory and takes a concerted effort to enforce.



Essentially, trying to consciously break a habit is like swimming against the tide. That is why even aside from New Year's resolutions, diets don't generally work for weight loss and stopping smoking off your own back is notoriously hard going.



Hypnotherapy could well be the extra little push that turns those elusive resolutions into reality. A hypnotherapist relays a suggestion directly to the subconscious, removing the chosen aspect of your daily routine from the auto-pilot template and actually giving you a fighting chance of using that gym membership or not resorting to fishing the symbolically discarded cigarettes from New Year's Eve out of the bin.

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By Jamie Lyons on behalf of Calm Minds, Hypnotherapy Stockport.

Many amongst us have had flashbacks to figures from our past that we've long lost touch with, which induce us try and find out what they're doing now. So many in fact that websites such as Friends Reunited grew in size and popularity at an incredible rate towards the beginning of the decade. The desire to reconnect with forgotten friends, old school buddies and first loves is universal and can be greatly rewarding. As a consequence of this aspect to social networks, a number of them are now amongst the most popular websites on the internet.

Facebook for instance has picked up where Friends Reunited left off, with somewhere in the region of 500, 000 new sign ups reportedly occurring every day. The magnitude of the membership base in conjunction with the 'search' facility allows members a good chance of re-igniting communication with figures from the past, provided they can find them of course. Here lies the problem, if you urgently need to get in touch with a specific individual the chances of actually being able to speak with them are low. Firstly they may not have a Facebook account, in which case there is absolutely no chance of finding them through a Facebook search. Secondly, the chances are that there are a huge number of individuals of the same name registered to the website, in which case your only option is trawl through the listings hoping that a) they have a visible profile picture and that b) you recognise them from it.

If you have successfully overcome the initial hurdles there are still more possible barriers to communication with your chosen individual through Facebook. The regularity with which they check and respond to their friend requests and of course whether they even choose to respond to your request in the affirmative being particularly prominent. Bearing these factors in mind it's apparent that Facebook, although great for many things, is by no means an effective way to track down a specific individual. Considering that this example is based on attempts to reconnect with an old friend, the idea of using a social networking site to try and trace a debtor seems virtually impossible: especially as they are considerably less likely to respond positively to a message or friend request!

Evidently the motives for attempting to track a debtor are for the most part different to those when tracking down an old friend, but both practices are in fact very similar. In each case it is likely that you will have a name, previous contact details and mutual acquaintances to work with, but little more. Similarly, neither an old friend nor an elusive debtor are likely to be actively seeking you, hence the onus is on you to do the legwork. As has been previously established, although definitely a worthy starting place, Facebook is on the most part unlikely to yield success in either instance. But where do you go from here?

If your aim is to find an old friend then a great place to continue your search would be your personal phone book, and a day dedicated to calling all those people who may well still be in touch with the chosen friend, this is however a less effective idea if attempting to find a debtor. Although there is a high chance that an elusive debtor has merely forgotten to give you new contact details, is unaware of missed payments or is even oblivious to any debt, they are still unlikely to be jumping at the opportunity to find you and pay you back, similarly the chances are low that any of your friends will have their latest contact information.

With this in mind it seems sensible to look to one of the new breed of companies who specialise in tracking people down, whether you're looking to trace a debtor, or having trouble re-connecting with someone from your past. With options ranging from one off searches, to prolonged 2 year traces, websites like National Person Finder take the legwork out of finding that elusive individual and do so using legal cutting edge techniques in conjunction with more traditional sleuth methods. Many of these companies also offer smaller services, such as 'who lives there?' address searches.

There are a number of ways in which you can attempt to trace or reconnect with someone, but unless you strike it lucky with Facebook or another social network, the use of a dedicated business specialising in the industry could save hours of work and more than cover its cost.

by Jamie Lyons on behalf of National Person Finder.

As Christmas is fast approaching (and my post volume of articles on my preferred subject has been considerably thinner on the ground than the blanket of snow outside the office) it seems a good time to share a few of my thoughts with you lovely people.

As you may be aware, a large portion of my day is spent writing. From articles to press releases, website content to blogs: countless hours are spent staring at a blank page, frantically scrambling for inspiration or that perfectly sculpted sentence. The phrase 'writer's block' is an often derided cliché, but there is no denying that sometimes you just can't quite work out exactly what you're trying to say, or even more infuriatingly, the best way to say it. Some will go for a walk to clear their mind, others to their cigarette packet or porcelain throne in an attempt to find clarity.

In the realm of content writing and SEO based copywriting in general there is a very simple reason why these personal catalysts are turned to with persistent regularity: it can be boring. There, I said it and to emphasise my conviction will say it again: WRITING FOR SEO PURPOSES CAN BE BORING. Now hopefully you'll grant me enough time to justify this outburst before reporting me to the various authorities, oh, and please forgive my reliance on personal experience in portraying a more universal point.

I go into work every day knowing that I am required to write intelligently and enthusiastically on topics which I may have very limited previous knowledge of, and due to what I assume to be some sort of genetic defect: utterly love it. It is my love of writing that stops me from finding it boring. I am fully aware that the majority of people wouldn't revel in this challenge, which is great for me as it reduces my competition. Consequently, the odds are that you're reading this purely to find out a little more about writing on just one broad topic: and to make another assumption, I expect that your writing on this topic is to promote your own website. It is to you non-reveller, single broad topic focussed, committed website owner that I level my 'it can be boring' battle-cry as an explanation for your writer's block and seek to show how you can get round it.

You have passion for your chosen topic, well, I sincerely hope you do (if you aren't enthusiastic about your product/website/company/field of operation then it won't be poorly written content that jeopardises your company's longevity and more importantly in this instance: my whole argument rests on it). It is this passion and the resulting knowledge you have amassed on the subject that is key to your success in writing copy, articles and press releases for your website. No amount of literary flair, cunning word play or EXCESSIVE USE OF formatting Tools is ever going to appeal to your target reader more than the sound advice and authoritative content that you, the expert on this subject are capable of providing. Equally important is the very fact that if you're passionate about something then surely you aren't going to find it boring.

Having established that you are more than qualified to advise others on your chosen subject and have enough interest in it to apply yourself to the time consuming task of writing accurately about it, all I can really do is give you a few pointers and tips on converting your knowledge into something which others can benefit from and in doing so raise the profile and credibility of your website. To avoid taking up too much of your time, I'll keep it brief:

1. Provide original content.

Whether you're writing the content for your homepage or an article explaining the finer points of your industry and associated benefits, you must ensure that what you're saying isn't said elsewhere. Inevitably there will be others who have said something vaguely similar, but focus upon being better and different. You will get no credit from search engines for duplicating someone else's work and gain no customers by rehashing a competitor's article.

2. Research tone and style.

We all write differently depending on the context. A blog on celebrity gossip will read very differently to a governmental department's homepage and the way you construct a text message to a friend will differ to the structure of an email you send to a business associate. It's well worth researching the homepage content of similar websites when writing your own in order to judge which style you find most effective, relevant and credible. It is more than likely that the style you find most suitable will be the style your prospective visitors will find most suitable: so copy it (NOT THE CONTENT...just the tone and style). Once you've established this starting point then write in a way you find comfortable but adhering loosely to the tone you've chosen to emulate. The words should come naturally, don't worry if it doesn't sound quite right you can always come back and edit the text.

3. Double check grammar and spelling.

Having spent hours crafting your text, there is nothing more irritating than publishing the piece to discover an abundance of easily avoided errors. Get others to read your copy with a critical eye before making it live, they may well spot something you've missed. Having taken on board any amendments: read it again...and again before committing it to the archives of internet history.

4. Enjoy it.

I know, I know...easier said than done, but if you care about the subject matter and the benefits the content will have for your business then I'm sure you won't find it that hard.

This post was supposed to be brief but I got a little carried away. In the new year I'll pop up a few more guides like this amongst my usual light-hearted blog-banter.

Have an exceptional Christmas.

Jamie

Jamie Lyons copywriter for Web Vitality SEO and Webdesign on behalf of [http://officeyoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-impact.html]OfficeYoo environmentally ethical office supplies

With the snow falling thick and fast across the length and breadth of the country, bringing in tidings of joy and precarious icy highways, the majesty and dangers of this chilly visitor are made apparent. Evidently snow only occurs when the temperature is dancing around zero and as such the air is chilled enough to cut through the thickest of hats and scarves. As we don our extra layers and brace against the frosty spells it is worth considering the implications of these brazen weathers upon heat loss, for failure to curb carbon emissions may well make for ever more inhospitable winters.

With the cavities in walls well stuffed with insulation and energy efficient heaters discreetly whirring at full speed in industrial spaces, the frosty snap is guarded against and it’s impact on fuel guzzling dampened. That is of course except when a trade’s very nature demands a bustling thoroughfare or persistent pedestrian presence. In these cases the services of the durable and economical PVC strip curtain are at their most desired. Creating a permeable barrier against the elements and icy sludge, the strip curtain keeps the inhabitants warm and globe chilled by preventing a gorge on energy resources.

This Christmas consider PVC strip curtains as the guardians of your desired temperature.

As Christmas is fast approaching (and my post count on this blog has been considerably thinner on the ground than the blanket of snow outside the office) it seems a good time to share a few of my thoughts with you lovely people.

As you may be aware, a large portion of my day is spent writing. From articles to press releases, website content to blogs: countless hours are spent staring at a blank page, frantically scrambling for inspiration or that perfectly sculpted sentence. The phrase ‘writer’s block’ is an often derided cliché, but there is no denying that sometimes you just can’t quite work out exactly what you’re trying to say, or even more infuriatingly, the best way to say it. Some will go for a walk to clear their mind, others to their cigarette packet or porcelain throne in an attempt to find clarity.

In the realm of content writing and SEO based copywriting in general there is a very simple reason why these personal catalysts are turned to with persistent regularity: it can be boring. There, I said it and to emphasise my conviction will say it again: WRITING FOR SEO PURPOSES CAN BE BORING. Now hopefully you’ll grant me enough time to justify this outburst before reporting me to the various authorities, oh, and please forgive my reliance on personal experience in portraying a more universal point.

Over the past couple of weeks I have written articles and press releases on subjects spanning PVC strip curtains, environmentally ethical office supplies, the importance of hearing protection, au pairs, laptop leasing....the list goes on. As you may have noticed, there is no real common ground between each of these fields and you’d be hard pushed to meet someone with a heartfelt passion for a combination of such disparate subjects.

I go into work every day knowing that I am required to write intelligently and enthusiastically on topics which I may have very limited previous knowledge of, and due to what I assume to be some sort of genetic defect: utterly love it. It is my love of writing that stops me from finding it boring. I am fully aware that the majority of people wouldn’t revel in this challenge, which is great for me as it reduces my competition. Consequently, the odds are that you’re reading this purely to find out a little more about writing on just one broad topic: and to make another assumption, I expect that your writing on this topic is to promote your own website. It is to you non-reveller, single broad topic focussed, committed website owner that I level my ‘it can be boring’ battle-cry as an explanation for your writer’s block and seek to show how you can get round it.

You have passion for your chosen topic, well, I sincerely hope you do (if you aren’t enthusiastic about your product/website/company/field of operation then it won’t be poorly written content that jeopardises your company’s longevity and more importantly in this instance: my whole argument rests on it). It is this passion and the resulting knowledge you have amassed on the subject that is key to your success in writing copy, articles and press releases for your website. No amount of literary flair, cunning word play or EXCESSIVE USE OF formatting Tools is ever going to appeal to your target reader more than the sound advice and authoritative content that you, the expert on this subject are capable of providing. Equally important is the very fact that if you’re passionate about something then surely you aren’t going to find it boring.

Having established that you are more than qualified to advise others on your chosen subject and have enough interest in it to apply yourself to the time consuming task of writing accurately about it, all I can really do is give you a few pointers and tips on converting your knowledge into something which others can benefit from and in doing so raise the profile and credibility of your website. To avoid taking up too much of your time, I’ll keep it brief:

1. Provide original content.

Whether you’re writing the content for your homepage or an article explaining the finer points of your industry and associated benefits, you must ensure that what you’re saying isn’t said elsewhere. Inevitably there will be others who have said something vaguely similar, but focus upon being better and different. You will get no credit from search engines for duplicating someone else’s work and gain no customers by rehashing a competitor’s article.

2. Research tone and style.

We all write differently depending on the context. A blog on celebrity gossip will read very differently to a governmental department’s homepage and the way you construct a text message to a friend will differ to the structure of an email you send to a business associate. It’s well worth researching the homepage content of similar websites when writing your own in order to judge which style you find most effective, relevant and credible. It is more than likely that the style you find most suitable will be the style your prospective visitors will find most suitable: so copy it (NOT THE CONTENT...just the tone and style). Once you’ve established this starting point then write in a way you find comfortable but adhering loosely to the tone you’ve chosen to emulate. The words should come naturally, don’t worry if it doesn’t sound quite right you can always come back and edit the text.

3. Double check grammar and spelling.

Having spent hours crafting your text, there is nothing more irritating than publishing the piece to discover an abundance of easily avoided errors. Get others to read your copy with a critical eye before making it live, they may well spot something you’ve missed. Having taken on board any amendments: read it again...and again before committing it to the archives of internet history.

4. Enjoy it.

I know, I know...easier said than done, but if you care about the subject matter and the benefits the content will have for your business then I’m sure you won’t find it that hard.

This post was supposed to be brief but I got a little carried away. In the new year I’ll pop up a few more guides like this amongst my usual light-hearted blog-banter.

We have been toying with the idea of producing some videos for our clients in the hope that they go 'viral'. We’re all familiar with ‘web phenomenon’ videos and the massive amount of attention they attract, well, what if these video clips could raise traffic for a website as well as a smile?

With this in mind, we invite you along with us on a little journey of discovery in hoping to answer the question:

Can we make a video go viral and in doing so increase traffic to a specific, unrelated website?

Before we begin this challenge some elementary research is in order, notably with regard to what kind of videos have the potential to go viral. Having watched hours and hours of youtube we’ve concluded that successful viral videos fall into two basic categories:

Intentional, well thought out content and Off-the-wall, unintentional, downright silliness.

Consciously constructed videos often do well but take time and resources to write, film, produce and promote. Unintentional content on the other hand, is just that: unplanned, unscripted and often unbelievably funny, this material is obtained by luck more than planning and has the potential to achieve immeasurable success if it is latched onto.

Given our budget and time constraints, allied with our fortune in obtaining an original piece of unintentional, cinematic silliness, the latter type of content was the obvious choice. So, onto the 1st step in our quest for viral stardom and abundant traffic:

Getting it online!

...easy, it’s here

Now then, let’s see if anyone watches it in its raw form.

Keep an eye out for future posts in this series as we tweak, edit, link, push and promote the same video in a bid to drive traffic to a specific website. Surely if we succeed then you can too?