Better Email Signatures with WiseStamp
Posted by Roman on January 23rd, 2009 | Filed under Branding, Web
I’ve been using this neat Firefox plugin called WiseStamp that spruces up email signatures for Gmail AOL, Hotmail and Yahoo users. It’s an easy install and a big improvement over current, basic signature solutions.
Until now, you were limited in how much you were able to customize your signature. This is because most web based clients such as Gmail lack the ability to include HTML, images and hyperlinks at the bottom of your messages. WiseStamp has come along with a fix and addressed these shortcomings. They help individuals and organizations better brand themselves via an easy to use “what you see is what you get” signature editor.
These settings allow WiseStamp to lovingly hijack your signature and insert your choice of sweet social icons, HTML coded elements and even images.
When you hit the compose button in your email client, the signature is auto-inserted into your draft. You also have the option to select from two different presets – one for personal and one for business use.
After several weeks of use, WiseStamp has enhanced my emails and allowed me to provide a better experience for my recipients. Be it clients or friends, my signatures now include unique information relevant to each audience. Through custom fonts, colors and graphics, my emails are aesthetically pleasing and more professional, helping me improve my response rate. And, by providing links to my social network profiles I can subtly invite my audience to reach me on their terms, encouraging them to get in touch outside of email.
That’s not all! My favorite WiseStamp feature is that it’s free. So, go ahead, jump on the bandwagon. For more information or to download WiseStamp visit them at http://www.wisestamp.com.
Tags: email, signature, wisestamp
So I Started a Blog
Posted by Roman on January 7th, 2009 | Filed under Branding, Web
With a little effort, I was able to knock out one of my 2009 New Year’s resolutions: starting a personal blog.
Here it is.
And here’s why I did it:
Blogs are necessary. They allow individuals to claim their online identity. When an employer, a potential business partner or a co-worker Googles your name, what will they find? You probably don’t want them clicking through to your Facebook or MySpace profile because it’s likely that these don’t put your best foot forward. Even more likely, these don’t provide the type of information people outside your group of friends would be interested in. A LinkedIn profile is another story and while it may put your best foot forward and showcase your talents, it limits you in other aspects.
Blogs are useful. Blogging is head and shoulders above other methods of publishing yourself to the world wide web thanks to limitless customization and the ability to give the reader a true peek into the writer’s personality. Topics can range from microbreweries in Philadelphia to do-it-yourself tree houses. As a blogger, you’re free to dictate your focus.
Most importantly, blogs are valuable. Posting articles that motivate, educate and encourage positive action can provide value to a community that shares your interests. As a bonus to you, the writer, a blog can establish you as a thought leader, gain you friends and even respect if you’re really good. I’ve also had blogger friends receive job offers from those who found them through their blogs. Not too shabby for simply sharing your thoughts on your favorite topics.
Starting your own blog is easier than you think and free tools are out there. Do some research before selecting the option that works best for you. Visit the links below for more information on today’s popular blogging solutions:
Happy blogging!
Tags: blogging, resolutions, value
Entrepreneur who enjoys Philly, pro sports, food and travel. Currently supporting several startups with sales and marketing. Recent Drexel grad.
