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Sunday, October 28, 2012

From my new Investigator Marketing Google+ page, Private Investigator Marketing.

From my new Investigator Marketing Google+ page, Private Investigator Marketing. For great marketing and business building strategies, please add this page to your circles!

Originally shared by Private Investigator Marketing

Basic Marketing Advice If You're Using Social Media for PI Agency Marketing and Networking

Here's the most basic social networking primer I can possibly manage for those of you who even remotely use networks for any type of marketing, professional networking or those who do not mind letting others know what you do professionally:

1. Fill out your personal network profile completely, if not completely then at the very least your profession, location and one way to get in touch with you outside of the network. (Don't keep others guessing at what you do or where you are located.)

2. The same applies if you have a Facebook business page.

That's all.

I just surveyed ten random investigation businesses' Facebook pages (ABANDON FACEBOOK PAGES FOR AGENCY MARKETING) for an article I am writing; I am pretty surprised by the overall results but, needless to say, what I saw is the impetus for this post.

Two pages blocked visitors from anywhere outside of the United States. When I switched where I was in the world via my personal profile I was able to view these two pages. As a business owner why would you bar more than 80% of Facebook's users from potentially finding your business? 

Six of the ten pages didn't indicate where they were located or the areas they serve. Of these six pages three of them did give a local telephone number but what potential client is going to bother to take the time to determine where the telephone number's area code originates?

Five pages were not updated anytime in October.

I'll be publishing my findings near the end of the week, including what happened when I try promoted posts on my agency's Facebook page - it's been a real eye-opener.

Did I mention, "ABANDON FACEBOOK PAGES FOR AGENCY MARKETING???" I'll tell you why when I publish this article later in the week.

Great tips to protect your smartphone and what to do if it is lost or stolen.

Great tips to protect your smartphone and what to do if it is lost or stolen.

Originally shared by ****

Tips to Protect Your Smartphone from Being Snatched!

Situational awareness, being acutely aware of your surroundings,  is often difficult when you find yourself in tight or crowded places like public transportation - especially when you are focused on your smartphone and not those who are in your personal space.

The video below shows a lady, completely engrossed in what she is doing on her phone. having it snatched right out of her hands and the robber making an effective getaway. The signs were obvious enough (to observers) that something bad was about to happen and, thankfully, someone started shooting video! The phone snatcher was caught the next day because of this video.

This video is a real eye-opener and goes to show how quickly a theft like this happens. It also illustrates how helpless you can be to defend against this type of robbery if the bad guy knows what he's doing and the victim is not paying attention.

Here are some additional tips to prevent or react to the theft of your smartphone:

1. Pay attention. That something was about to happen in this instance was pretty obvious.

2. Have a plan. What will you do when your phone is lost or stolen? Do you have the number to mobile service provider handy so that you can call and cancel service in the shortest amount of time possible? (Don't keep this number in your purse in the event you lose your phone with your purse).  What usernames and passwords are stored in apps installed on your phone? Facebook, Twitter, email, online banking, etc... they all need to be changed immediately! Do you have a back up of stored information and contact lists? It might be a good idea to let those people in your phone book know that you've lost your phone, too.

3. Report the loss or theft to the police.

4. Fail-safe technology. There are services that can delete the data on your smartphone, lock it from further use, track it's exact location and even report phone and Internet usage in stealth mode. My favorite comes from http://preyproject.com but there are others and Apple has a service specific to iOS devices (iPads, iPhones, etc.) but these apps DO NOT WORK, if they aren't installed or active. Additionally, if the thief is savvy, he or she will be "flashing" the phone as soon as possible to get rid of these types of installed services, so work quickly! Apple can prevent devices from operating on any of their services (iTunes, App Store, etc) if you know the phone's serial number and report it as stolen.

Watch the video and don't blink - this bad guy works fast and with precise and practiced timing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-nUxexMejg

Friday, October 26, 2012

I Can Breath Underwater Like Houdini

I Can Breath Underwater Like Houdini

When any video starts off with, "In the late 60's I discovered I could breath under water without equipment: 1. Drink one beer..." you just KNOW it's going become an instant classic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAw-gt5h-6w

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Who's Behind You After All?


Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Who's Behind You After All?

There have definitely been times where I wondered whether or not that was a real mirror or one-way glass. Here's an easy way to tell from CompassPoint Investigations 

Originally shared by ****

Is That a Real Mirror or 1-Way, See-Through Glass?

When we visit locker rooms, bathrooms, hotel rooms, fitting rooms, etc., how many of us know for sure that the mirror on the wall is a real mirror or actually a one-way mirror (i.e., someone or something can see you, but you can't see them)?

There have been many cases of people installing see-through mirrors in female changing rooms and they can be very difficult to positively identify just by looking at them.

So, how can you tell the difference between a regular mirror and 1-way (sometimes also called 2-way) glass?

Just conduct this simple procedure:

1. Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface.

2. If there is a GAP between your fingernail and the reflected image of your nail, then it is GENUINE mirror.

3. If your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the reflected image of your nail, then it is see-through glass!

Every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It take 2 seconds and doesn't cost a thing (but may save your dignity).

REMEMBER: No Space, Leave the Place!

New Developments in the Fight Against Cancer Using "Nullomers"

New Developments in the Fight Against Cancer Using "Nullomers"

Nullomers are essentially genetic compounds that may have one time existed but evolved out of existence because they were simply "too dangerous for nature."

This was an interesting read.

#cancer   #genome  
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22424-molecules-too-dangerous-for-nature-kill-cancer-cells.html

Here is my personal list of professional private investigators, process servers and related professionals.

Here is my personal list of professional private investigators, process servers and related professionals. Please feel free to add yourself to this circle and/or add it to your own circles, too!

CompassPoint Investigations is now on Google+!


CompassPoint Investigations is now on Google+!

Please add my page to your circles for daily updates with tips, tricks, tools and news that you can apply both personally and professionally in your effort to avoid the "bad guys" we all encounter in everyday life.

Best of all, you have my no-marketing hype guarantee!

Is it wrong that I am mowing through a can of Pringles this morning just to try this out?

Is it wrong that I am mowing through a can of Pringles this morning just to try this out?

I don't think so.

It would be wrong, however, if I was mowing through 5 cans thinking that I can fashion together a surround sound system.

http://mashable.com/2012/10/22/diy-pringles-can-speaker/ 

#diy   #mobilephones   #pringles  
http://mashable.com/2012/10/22/diy-pringles-can-speaker/

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

"G+ing" feels like posting into the void of space right now.


"G+ing" feels like posting into the void of space right now. I'm certain it will change soon and will continue transmitting. I know that there's intelligent life on Google+; I've seen it! ;-)

Waving. (Homage the the wave breaking to the right of the image.)

Waving. (Homage the the wave breaking to the right of the image.)

#cinemagraph   #cinemagraphs  cinemagr.am 

"Sol."

"Sol."

This one is currently trending on cinemagr.am. 

#cinemagraph   #cinemagraphs  

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How will I ever be a good father?

How will I ever be a good father?

My buddy just found out that he and his fiancee are going to have a baby and he posted this question. I have two daughters, aged 3 and 4, and had this to offer:

1. Remember that you are not the first father, not the worst father and that if some people can do it, assuredly you can, too. 

2. None of us were given an instruction manual - your heart will take you from step 1 through to completion. 

3. You WILL say and do things that you will regret when you lose your patience. Take a step back and breathe. Your child will forgive you and you need to forgive you, too.

What would you add?

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Newest cinemagraph: Maddie & Max' Reflection in the Oven Door

Newest cinemagraph: Maddie & Max' Reflection in the Oven Door

More of my #cinemagraphs  can be found here:

https://plus.google.com/photos/111616325941954142192/albums/5799258106217984497

#cinemagraph  cinemagr.am   

Saturday, October 20, 2012

I'm kind of partial to Pursuit Magazine, really.

I'm kind of partial to Pursuit Magazine, really. 

Originally shared by Pursuit Magazine

How about a trick and treat at the same time? http://PursuitMag.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmd-n7ci034

Mahendra Yadav From the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. These are items used during wedding ceremonies, correct?


Mahendra Yadav From the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. These are items used during wedding ceremonies, correct?

Originally shared by Mahendra Yadav

What is it?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

L. Scott Harrell hung out with 1 person.Ruben Roel

That awkward moment when you realize that an energy drink has a better space program than your nation.


That awkward moment when you realize that an energy drink has a better space program than your nation... Bwahahahahaha!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

A brief & simple explanation of the two new in-video branding features now available on YouTube and how to use them:...

A brief & simple explanation of the two new in-video branding features now available on YouTube and how to use them: featured video and in-video programming (essentially being able to brand all of your videos with a logo from one easy to use feature).

#youtube   #youtubetips  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMy2AwBjAVQ

Here are some of my first cinemaraphs (subtlely animated GIFs) I created today with a new iPhone app called...

Here are some of my first cinemaraphs (subtlely animated GIFs) I created today with a new iPhone app called Cinemagram. You have to click on each image and let it fully load to see the animation in them.

Cinemagraphs cinemagr.am 

Tips on how to use and integrate Evernote everywhere for maximum productivity.

Tips on how to use and integrate Evernote everywhere for maximum productivity. 

#gtd   #productivity  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27jSOSy_TfY

This is the splendid toadfish. It can only be found here in Cozumel, Mexico.


This is the splendid toadfish. It can only be found here in Cozumel, Mexico.

#scuba   #scubamexico

What's YOUR superpower?


What's YOUR superpower?

#scuba   #scubadiving

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Just what I was searching for: the perfect guide to building your Google+ network.


Just what I was searching for: the perfect guide to building your Google+ network.

Originally shared by martin shervington

7 tips on how to build an awesome network on Google+
combined with a culture of collaboration = commoogling!

Here are a few tips I have received along the way on how to build a network of people with whom you want to interact on Google+...

1. Decide on what you want to be doing on Google+
For you, is this social media platform for passion, pleasure, professional, philosophical conversations or even finding people to whom you simply relate...? You can decide or just let it happen! Either way, you make it your own.

2. Find people you want to be doing it with!
Search by "hashtags", "shared circles" "profiles" "pages" and add them into relevant circles. There are so many ways you can make Google+ your own and build your personalised network.

3. You can then just look at people's posts within specific circles and have that as your stream depending on what you want to experience

4. Build up circles based on people "bringing people together".
These form part of your network and...

5. You can then share the circle with others as limited or open as a public post. But when you share public more people will find it and if they want, they can add the circle in as part of your network. Sharing circles is a natural way to build your network based around passions, as Guy Kawasaki would say!

6. Engage and interact with people you relate to and want to build a connection with. It is a two way process but often needs one person to initiate the contact.

7. Be willing to help people out!
This is a huge part about belonging to the community, relationships are often formed best through working together and helping each other out.
The more we do this, the more information tends to flow more easily between as well. 
This part is what made me think of the Muhammad Ali quote on the image!
Sharing people's posts will be part of it as well. Afterall, who doesn't like to see those ripples spread!

Conclusion.
We are connecting in a totally new global way.
Google+ is not Facebook.
There is a wonderful opportunity for you to find people you want in your life. And you might find that building your own network of connections enriches it as well. And of course Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence will all play a part as well. An article on that here: http://bit.ly/Jfx0JM
All in all, it will be through positive exchanges with people to whom your relate that will make Google+ an incredible experience.

Global Hangout Event.
ALL DAY - SATURDAY 13th OCTOBER
https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/chdhnuk43n8lg2d3akun4gn8rjo
If you would like to meet some more people face to face on Saturday, then please join so many people from the community at at this event.

Thanks to everyone for engaging, you make Google+ what it is.
I look forward to seeing you soon.

#networking   #commoogling   #network  

This was adjusted from another post I wrote in June.
Image: http://pinterest.com/pin/182255116140227583/

I'll never look at these fish quite the same way again - especially when I see one alone.


I'll never look at these fish quite the same way again - especially when I see one alone.

Originally shared by Yes I Know That

French Angelfish : Most Devoted Partners

The French Angelfish is well known for its complete devotion to its partner. Found in the warm tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, these fish not just mate for life, they spend nearly every second with their spouse, traveling, hunting, sleeping and protecting their territories together. Mature French Angelfish are rarely ever seen alone and if they are, it is usually because their mate has passed away; they do not ‘remarry’ following the death of a spouse.

I really feel that some people neglect and overlook compassion because they associate it with religion.

Originally shared by Dalai Lama

I really feel that some people neglect and overlook compassion because they associate it with religion. Of course, everyone is free to choose whether they pay religion any regard, but to neglect compassion is a mistake because it is the source of our own well-being.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Crapflooding? Address Munging? Blue Snarfing? *HUH???*

Originally shared by Pursuit Magazine

Crapflooding? Address Munging? Blue Snarfing? *HUH???*

Ever wondered what some of those obscure Internet fraud and cybercrime terms meant? We've got you covered.

What term would you add to our list?

http://pursuitmag.com/cyber-crime-terms-and-definitions
 
http://pursuitmag.com/cyber-crime-terms-and-definitions

Professional investigators and process servers, feel free to add yourselves to this public circle and gain...

Professional investigators and process servers, feel free to add yourselves to this public circle and gain additional exposure for your agency.

Originally shared by Pursuit Magazine

Pursuit Magazine debuts the very first public circle of private investigators, private investigation agencies and process servers on Google+ with more than 200 professional profiles!

Investigators and process servers, please feel free to add yourself and your business page to this circle and share it with others.

Please note, this circle is not for paranormal investigators; thanks for understanding.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Breaking News: Yes I Know That reveals to the world through its "Top 10 Deadliest and Venomous Snakes in the World"...


Breaking News: Yes I Know That reveals to the world through its "Top 10 Deadliest and Venomous Snakes in the World" that death is, in fact, NOT necessarily permanent; there might, however, be mandatory minimums imposed if only dying temporarily.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

I received this great question via my LinkedIn profile the other day and think there are some really valuable...

I received this great question via my LinkedIn profile the other day and think there are some really valuable marketing lessons to be learned and shared... I'm hoping for your insight as well!

------------------ 
How can I convince people that the Endangered History Project will conduct a video oral history of anyone's elderly family member and it costs absolutely nothing - no strings attached? Everyone must think there's a catch when there isn't. Help?
------------------ 

This is an interesting question, Don! Thanks for asking. 

It's always been tough to sell free! Sometimes a cigar is really just a cigar but no one wants to believe it, right? 

I've reviewed your website (love the video of the "photog pranks"), http://oralhistoryinstitute.wordpress.com/, and it is clear that EHP is a beautiful idea; we did the same at a club to which I belong as the oldest members had the best stories and carried the most fascinating history of our 100 year old yacht club in their hearts and minds. 

With that said I've been thinking about this question and a couple of things came to mind: 

I'm an investigator and deal specifically with many types of fraud. My natural inclination is to immediately get a bit suspicious when I see projects that target vulnerable groups of people; the elderly are chief among them. It's easy for me to want to be skeptical but my second reaction is also to investigate - something many people will not do. If the value is not readily apparent and credibility is not established immediately, then suspicious people will easily dismiss your project. It would appear by the inclusion of the phrase "no strings attached" in your question that you've encountered this issue on a number of occasions. 

How to establish credibility and create value is, then, the nucleus of your question... 

First, you have to identify where the barriers are... is it the person you want to interview or is it their family members? Probably both. I would have to imagine that either would require an entirely different approach. I'm not in your business and have not talked to the people who have told you "no," so I'm probably not well-qualified to answer the question on overcoming their specific objections. 

A few things that would help someone like me get passed the skepticism: 

** A dedicated URL/Domain name - that tells me you are a bit more serious and "in business." 

** Your website presents waaaay too much information on the home page - it is more than an eye-full and I had difficulties wanting to absorb it all. Think bullet points, features and benefits. Compel me to want to find out more, then tell me the rest of your story in bite-sized, topic-specific, and digestible chunks of information. The site's look needs updating. 

** Introduce your project in your own 2 minute video. Tell me who YOU are, what the EHP is and why YOU personally think it is important! Nothing breaks down credibility barriers like getting the feeling that we know and understand someone a bit better. Video is the perfect medium through which to make that happen. 

** The question of legitimacy could be answered easily and quickly packaging or bundling the EHP project under the auspices of a non-profit group or foundation. I think we are all inclined to associate a project like this with these types of organizations, which creates, a sense of security. 

Here are some additional thoughts on marketing I had: 

1. Start close to home. Who do you know in your immediate circle of friends and family that would make a perfect candidate for an interview. I find that many people forget to really talk up their own work and projects with friends and family. I think it's natural to make the assumption that people who are otherwise close to us really know what we do and have going on. 

2. Make highlight reels and leverage social media to distribute them. Funny, sweet, emotional and thought provoking short snippets (more so than longer compilation videos) spread like wildfire on Facebook! The right videos will "go viral," showcase your work and move people towards your project. This is how I would do it. 

3. Join a social club and talk about your project. What better way to reach an audience than by speaking to groups of people about your project and showing them some of your videos? I have some friends who are in Rotary and I have to believe that their particular club would go nuts over the EHP; what the EHP is trying to accomplish (and why) align perfectly with Rotary's core principles. 

4. Volunteer at nursing homes. Do great work and get to know people there. I'm certain that some of the residents would love to share their stories and, if you endear yourself to the staff, the nurses probably know who has the best stories to tell. 

5. Find a niche. Perhaps it would be easier to find and convince people of a specific era, interest or topic to take part in your project. It's easier to get over the skepticism when there is a coherent angle or an identifiable reason that people can understand, which leads me to my last point... 

Here's the shocker: 

6. Sell your service. If people have a hard time accepting "free" because they don't understand your motivations, then give them a reason that we all can understand: profit. The psychology seems obvious really. Make it very affordable but not ridiculously cheap, (that would be defeating the purpose) then give away some of your "product" for free as part of your promotion. 

I hope that this has helped to some extent. My very best to you and the Endangered History Project! 

My Best!

L. Scott Harrell
 
#marketing   #marketingtips  
http://oralhistoryinstitute.wordpress.com/

I talk a lot about search engine optimization (SEO) for your website.

I talk a lot about search engine optimization (SEO) for your website. SEO begins with keyword research, which is essentially trying to predict and answer the question, "What are potential clients typing into the search engines in order to find the goods and services that I (and my competitors) sell?"

While using Google's Keyword Research Tool is the best, it's also complicated for the novice. Here is a simple, but FANTASTIC tool, I've found for generating and expanding on my own keyword research using 7 search engines at once: http://www.soovle.com/
http://www.soovle.com/

Friday, October 5, 2012

I'm thinking about setting this one up for the next PADI Diver Rescue class I'm teaching in Cozumel.

I'm thinking about setting this one up for the next PADI Diver Rescue class I'm teaching in Cozumel.  The reactions should be fantastic to get on video!

#scuba   #PADI   #Cozumel   

Originally shared by David McCray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQBINnJ7QZo

All Pursuit Magazine related information will be shared via the PM page rather than through my personal account so...

All Pursuit Magazine related information will be shared via the PM page rather than through my personal account so that we can expand our offerings to the community. Please add the page to your circles!

Originally shared by Pursuit Magazine

Please add Pursuit Magazine to your circles! All articles, information, news and events related to private investigators, process servers, security, bail enforcement, repossession, etc will be shared on Google+ exclusively through that page rather than through my personal profile going forward.

Thanks!
https://plus.google.com/105107006997707127543

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Almost three day weekend.


Originally shared by Mona Nomura

Almost three day weekend.

Before jumping into a joint venture or strategic partnership, consider these tips to prevent potential disaster.

Before jumping into a joint venture or strategic partnership, consider these tips to prevent potential disaster.

Originally shared by Adrienne Graham

Considering a joint venture or strategic alliance to broaden your base and promote your product or service? Not so fast. JVs aren't for everyone and they aren't always mutually beneficial. Make sure you're covering all your bases before agreeing to an alliance. These tips will keep you from regretting your decision.

Please share your own experiences (good and bad) with JVs.

http://www.empowerme.org/index.php/2012/09/17/looking-for-joint-ventures-strategic-partnerships-not-so-fast/
http://www.empowerme.org/index.php/2012/09/17/looking-for-joint-ventures-strategic-partnerships-not-so-fast/

YouTube has added in-video brand deployment across all videos in your channel!

YouTube has added in-video brand deployment across all videos in your channel!

Originally shared by Tubular Insights

BREAKING NEWS - Instant, In-Player Branding for YouTube 

Cool new feature launched at Youtube.....  You can now apply branding and promotion across all your videos, inside the player, with a few simple steps. 

http://www.reelseo.com/youtube-invideo-programming/
http://www.reelseo.com/youtube-invideo-programming/

“There’s something very freeing about losing the anchors that have always defined you.

“There’s something very freeing about losing the anchors that have always defined you. Frightening, sad, but exhilarating in a poignant way, as well. You’re free to float to the moon and evaporate or sink to the bottom of the deepest ocean. But you’re free to explore. Some people confuse that with drifting, I suppose. I like to think of it as growing.” -Deborah Smith

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Dear Google+ I would like to have my very own Google+ vanity URL please.

Dear Google+  I would like to have my very own Google+ vanity URL please. Google.com/+ScottHarrell would do nicely. Thanks! -Scott Harrell

Andy Jenkins, just got your latest email for the Profit from Your Passion Blueprint- waiting for the 4 tips.


Andy Jenkins, just got your latest email for the Profit from Your Passion Blueprint- waiting for the 4 tips. Lame. I couldn't help but thinking, "Man, the guy [obviously] reading a terrible script sounds just like Tommy Chong." Seriously, I'd like to send you a bill for my time. Let me save someone 20 minutes of their life...

Why people fail at making money online, per Chris Carpenter:

1. They don't have a system, have a wrong system or are missing a part of the system
2. They don't implement the system.
3. They quit too soon.
4. They get scammed and lose money & time.

"Dude, I'm living the internet lifestyle from my LAPTOP living in Southern Mexico." - Chris Carpenter

Whatever.