Author: Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of buzz2bucks– a word of mouth marketing firm, and a professional speaker and trainer on developing social networks that work. She provides workshops, webinars, seminars and direct services that help create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand.  Maria Duron is founder and moderator of #brandchat- a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers.
Relationships & Personal GrowthSkill DevelopmentWorkplace Success

Deliver the Bad News for a Great Brand Impression

I am an advocate of that “go for it” type drive. And, then beg forgiveness later if things fall apart.

In this case – that simply wouldn’t work.

Working with an organization a new marketing executive thought it would be fun to choreograph an entire marketing video around the hit song, Royals, by Lorde.  Everyone …

Career & WealthRelationships & Personal GrowthSkill Development

Personal Branding Weekly – Think Before You Write

Posting one’s opinions in a very bold and disrespectful way on somebody else’s profile is akin to randomly ringing another’s doorbell and trying to convert them to a different religion or trying to sell them something they’re not interested in.

Even in supposedly mature circles, there are still some people who try to push their …

Career & WealthRelationships & Personal GrowthSkill DevelopmentWorkplace Success

Personal Branding Weekly – Meaningless Appreciation Works against Your Brand

We’ve all been at the receiving end of a meaningless ‘thank you’ or ‘appreciate you’.

When appreciation is insincere, it’s received negatively. It actually has the opposite effect than what may have been the original intention.  Or, even worse, it’s seen as manipulative.

I shared some of the negative phrases that are seen as pithy …

Career & WealthRelationships & Personal GrowthSkill Development

Personal Branding Weekly – It’s No Picnic

For our readers in the U.S. and Canada, Happy Labor/Labour Day!

For many small business owners, it’s time to get back to business.

The summertime can be overwhelming.  Juggling kid’s, activities and family reunions/vacations and still be accessible to clients, can take its toll on even the most driven entrepreneurs.

Let’s get back to business!…

Career & WealthRelationships & Personal GrowthSkill Development

Personal Branding Weekly – Bloodied, Beaten by Your Own Hand

Dave blew it this week.

His email response was filled with CAPS, accusations, references to “pent up feelings” – all the things you may want to say but didn’t (which would be the smarter move) –  have now placed in an email where it can live for eternity (and be shared, reviewed and re-read).

I’ve …