5 Things You Need to Know About Creating Awesome eNewsletters

5 Things You Need to Know About Creating Awesome eNewsletters 5 Things You Need to Know About Creating Awesome eNewsletters eNewsletters are powerful marketing and communication tools for several reasons. They can drive sales and leads, lead to a larger social media audience, increase traffic to your website, and serve as great places to repurpose content. They are crucial for maintaining an engaged audience, but you can lose a lot of people if you drop the ball.A survey of 277 hiring professionals conducted during May and June of 2016 by Recruiter.com and my company, Come Recommended, found that eNewsletters are among HR and recruiting pros favorite content formats.So, what makes a successful eNewsletter?There are five crucial elements1. Focused ThemesA bad eNewsletter is scattered and unfocused. If readers open your newsletter and see 10 different unrelated messages, they will be turned off. Instead, you should stay focused on one theme. You should have a very clear, straightforw ard goal in mind.Lets say you have a new performance tracking feature you want to demo for hiring professionals. The content in your newsletter should be related, so make aya everything you share via the newsletter aligns with performance tracking. For example, you could share content that explores the challenges that companies face when it comes to annual performance evaluations.2. Balanced Content and DesignContent needs to be concise and to the point. Our survey found that 22.5 percent of HR professionals prefer content that is about 390 words long and takes approximately three minutes to read.Your subscribers dont want to open an email and see a Dickens novel. Large blocks of text head straight to the trash bin.Adopt a clean, minimalist design. There should be plenty of open space and the content should be organized into sections with small blocks of text. The readers eyes should comfortably follow the flow and feel of your eNewsletter.Regarding the content, you need to find a b alance between educational and promotional. Most of the content you produce and share through eNewsletters should be educational. Readers want your expert advice on employer branding mora than they want your sales pitch.Thats not to say you shouldnt try to promote your products or services. Keep promotional content to around 10 percent of the newsletter. When every newsletter has some form of sales content, you may come off as spammythe only click youll get will be on the unsubscribe button.3. Strong Subject LineHow are you attracting readers to your content? Our survey found that your headline is the fruchtwein influential element in getting readers to your page.Your subject line is just like your headline your make-or-break point with the subscriber. It can be tough to stand out in your readers overflowing inboxes.You cant stick with the same exact subject line over and over again. What does your subjectsay that influences readers to open the newsletter? What incentives are prese nted? Why should they open it right now?eNewsletters are all about clicks and getting more people to your site. You cant drive traffic if your subscribers arent reading your emails.Make your subject line undeniably compelling. Address a common problem like soaring turnover rates and demonstrate thatthe eNewsletter contains expert insights into solving the problem.Keep your subject line short and sweet. Tell readers what is contained in your message and use action-oriented words just as you would with a call to action.4. Clear Call to ActionA common mistake many organizations make is trying to get their audiences to perform multiple actions with one eNewsletter. If your readersare overwhelmed bymultiplebuttons begging for their engagement, they simply wont do anything. Youre diminishing the value of each call to action if you put five in one message.Leadreaders to one main thing you want them to do e.g., explore your new video interviewing features, share your article to social me dia, or forward an infographic to a friend. Make your calls to action simple and clear, anddont forcethemto compete with one another.Consider including interactive content, like quizzes, contests, and games to help your audience retain your brand messaging. According to researchfrom the Content Marketing Institute,79 percent of content marketers agree that interactive content enhances retention of brand messaging when combined with traditional marketing tactics.Furthermore, 81 percent of content marketers agree that interactive content grabs attention more effectively than static content. When you have your readersattention, you can build a relationship with them thats founded on trust and respect.5. Established CredibilityStick to your word. On your subscribe page, set clear expectations, and then follow through on your promises.If youre promising a weekly eNewsletter, give peoplea weekly eNewsletter. If youre offering access to a free eBook on talent mobility programs, deliver tha t product.Be detailed and specific about why people should subscribe, what they can expect from you, how often they will get it, and how they can opt out. If you bury the opt-out options and make it hard for readers to unsubscribe, you may end up in the spam folder. Successful eNewsletters belong in front of your audiences eyes, not in the trash can.What makes your eNewsletter successful?Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder and president of Come Recommended.

Top 28 destinations (Part 3) Cultural explorations

Top 28 destinations (Part 3) Cultural explorationsTop 28 destinations (Part 3) Cultural explorationsIn choosing our picks for the most intriguing destinations for the upcoming year, we decided to dive deeper, considering destinations with intriguing sites, cultures and experiences. Thecomplete listis divided into four segments, including both domestic and international destinations and something for every travel style. First, we focused on seven newsworthy destinations. Youll find that posthere. Last week we showcased our Diving Deeper category. Check out those destinationshere.This week were featuring the destinations chosen for the Cultural Explorations category which includes Rwanda, Singapore, Upstate New York, Medellin, Columbia Benicia, California Central Norway and Vipavska Dolina, Slovenia. Heres why theyre our top picks for 2019.RwandaYou most likely know Rwanda for its intriguing mountain gorillas- and thats reason enough for a visit. But the people of Rwanda are what make it truly special. Committed to sustainability, plastic bags are banned throughout the country. Rwanda also ranks in the top five countries for gender equality. Having endured the cruelty of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the people embrace peace and reconciliation. Memorials found throughout the country are testimonials to those who senfgas their lives but also serve as a tool to educate future generations.There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park. The troops have at least one silverback gorilla along with several females and youngsters. Embrace your inner Jane Goodall while trekking to see these magnificent creatures. A portion of the proceeds from permits issued for the treks goes to support local communities.Enhance your visit with a stay on an active tea plantation which offers wellness and spa themed itineraries along with farm-to-table dining. The latest and most luxurious to date is the OneOnly Nyungwe House in Rwandas Nyungwe Forest Nation al Park. Designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings, the dcor of the 23 guest rooms and suites utilizes local African craftsmanship. A wealth of spa treatments and locally sourced and inspired cuisine ensure an ultra-luxurious jungle retreat experience.SingaporeWith the release of Crazy Rich Asians, Singapore stepped into the Hollywood spotlight. The film whets the appetites of travelers who want to experience a bit of the glamor themselves. The timing is perfect as 2019 marks the bicentennial of its founding by Sir Stamford Raffles.There are plenty of festivals and celebrations to experience throughout the year from the millionenfach Dance Music festival in December to Singapore Art Week in January. Chinese New Year on Hongbao River and a world gourmet summit in April add mora to the possibilities.Singapore is home to an astonishing 239 Michelin-starred restaurants. While you might expect this in the posh restaurant scene, Singapore still managed to serve up the unexpected- a Michelin-starred food stall. Famously known for featuring the worlds cheapest Michelin-starred meal, the Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice Noodle Food Stall offers its iconic dish for just $1.50.Another budget friendly (and beautiful) option is Singapores Gardens by the Bay. According to its site, its one of the worlds top 20 most checked-in places on Facebook. The gardens are home to more than one million plants. And its Flower Dome was determined to be the largest glass greenhouse in the world by the 2015 Guinness World Records.Upstate New YorkAlthough New York City gets most of the tourists attention, theres much to see beyond the big city lights. Head upstate to places like Saratoga Springs for horse racing, dance culture and, of course, the mineral springs. Experience the healing waters at the Roosevelt Baths Spa which has been providing hydrotherapy for generations. Opened since 1935, the baths were the result of Franklin Roosevelts visionary act to pr eserve the natural springs.Considered the cultural capital of upstate New York, Rochester boasts an incredible array of museums, galleries, theatres and historic sites. Dont miss the Strong Museum of Play where you can travel back in time to your childhood. This highly interactive museum houses the worlds largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play- also known as toys Its home to the grenzberschreitend Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. The city is also home to more than 140 festivals throughout the year.As New Yorks capital, Albany is a 400-year old city on the verge of a Renaissance. And in Duchess County, youll find Franklin D. Roosevelts Presidential Museum and a significant number of historic homes including the Vanderbilt Mansion. Stretch your legs on the Walk way over the Hudson- the worlds longest elevated pedestrian bridge spanning a scenic 1.28 miles across the Hudson River. Add to these a section of the Appalachian Trail along with four national parks to tour and you have something for everyone.Medellin, ColombiaOnce considered one of the worlds most dangerous cities, Medellin has worked hard to shed its negative moniker. Today, its a safe and beautiful destination eager to welcome visitors. Experience the fascinatingly chaotic Colombian culture against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks while taking advantage of the moderate climate. The City of Eternal Spring, as Colombians affectionately call it, is fast becoming a tourist hot spot for fine dining, trendy bars and, of course, world-class coffee.Time your visit for the annual Flower Festival. Spanning 10 days, the festival boats 157 fests including fireworks, food, traditional singing competitions and open-air concerts. The central event of the festival is the Flower Parade which includes 500 men, women, and children (called silleteros) carrying elaborate flower arrangements on silletas on their backs.Benicia, CaliforniaLocated a stones throw from San Francisco in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area,Benicia is one of the oldest cities on the West Coast. It was once home to the state capital and is home to many historic firsts. This bustling arts community with its rich history, sports a beautiful waterfront and top-notch shopping and dining. Hundreds of artists live and work here and visitors can find glass blowers, and pottery throwers creating unique pieces. Oriented to its waterfront, youll also enjoy scenic views of bridges, sailboats, outriggers, and paddleboarders. This is a great strolling town and is the perfect day trip away from the tourist grind of San Fran.Central NorwayCentral Norways Trndelag county is home to an abundance of culture and charming communities. From the timber-built fisherman warehouses flanking the sides of the N idelva River in Trondheim to the spectacularly scenic coastal islands of Hitra and Frya, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Rros, theres so much to discover.Founded by Viking King Olav in 997AD, Trondheims Viking heritage runs deep. Go Viking-hiking with Hands on History for an authentic experience exploring nature, survival, cooking and cultural heritage the Viking way.On the coastal islands of Hitra and Frya, picturesque fishing villages dot the landscape and offer up some of the freshest seafood youll find anywhere. Spend your days on the water with a sea eagle safari or head out to sea in search of lighthouses.Meanwhile, in the mountain town of Rros, residents live and work in a UNESCO World Heritage site where grass-topped wooden buildings line the streets and Stag heaps remain from the days of copper mining. At the edge of town, youll find Rrostein- home to members of the Sami tribe who continue to herd reindeer as theyve done for centuries.Vipavska Dolina, SloveniaFor the majority of travelers visiting Slovenia, the capital city of Ljubljana is on the itinerary. Why not take the road less traveled? An hours drive from the Ljubljana, Slovenias Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina) is a surprising tucked-away jewel that never fails to impress lovers of wine, food and outdoor adventures. This sunny valley is ideal for growing an abundant variety of vegetables and, of course, grapes. When asked to describe the Vipava Valley in brief, Slovene poet and writer Ciril Zlobec offered three words little Slovene Eden.Scattered throughout the Eden-like countryside are clustered villages and hamlets with cobbled streets and lovely stone architecture. Here youll find hospitable locals eager to invite you into their wine cellars to sample the fruit of the vine along with local specialties. Explore on your own or join a guided cycling tour along pleasant country roads.When youre ready to work off your indulgences, there are plenty of active pursuits. Rising above the pict uresque valley, Mt Nanos is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding. Steep walls and gorges cut from rivers and streams have created ideal rock faces which attract climbers of all levels. If hiking is more your style, easy trails lead through orchards, vineyards and along country roads. For a more strenuous hike, take one of the trails to the top of Mt. Nanos. Youll be rewarded with views of the Adriatic Sea and towering Alpine peaks.More to come Next week well share more about the destinations weve chosen for the Rising Stars category. Stay tunedThis article was originally posted on TravelSquire.

5 life lessons I learned from Beth Comstocks Imagine It Forward

5 life lessons I learned from Beth Comstocks Imagine It Forward5 life lessons I learned from Beth Comstocks Imagine It ForwardHow often have you been at work and wondered why you were tzu siche, wherbeie the work you are currently putting in will land you, or ultimately what your next move is career-wise? Answering this question for myself, I have behauptung thoughts in my mind at least once per week. When I have these thoughts, I tend to find articles or books that can help me figure out how to navigate where I need to go and thats one of the best parts of reading Beth Comstocks new book,Imagine It Forward. Beth worked for nearly three decades at GE and served as President of Integrated Media at NBC Universal.In addition to being an author, she is currently thedirector at Nikeand a trustee of The National Geographic Society- in short, shes a total badass.The book- which was released September 18th - is different from many career-related books, because although it does provide prac tical tips that you could use towards your career, it reads almost as a career autobiography. Beth takes readers into a journey using her extensive career as a guide making it a great book for Millennial women at any point of their career. I wanted to chronicle the journey as a creative innovator, the struggle and the triumph of what that is, the author, Beth Comstock, said.With that being said, here are five takeaways fromImagine It Forwardand why you should read it nowYou can have a family and a thriving careerOften in our culture, theres a misconception that women cant have a family and a flourishing career unless your finances are hefty. Ive had conversations with friends who reiterate this thought, saying that they fear they couldnt have both kids and a career. Beths goes into this concept - she never let having a family stop her.In the book, Beth speaks about having her daughter, Katie, with her first husband and ultimately getting divorced. I came to see that - while incred ibly hard - there was nothing shameful about endings or mistakes. It can be a wise decision to leave on path and choose another. The divorce left her as a single mother, but she didnt let that stop her and she even had more kids, got remarried, and continued her career journey.My career and motherhood started at the same time. I wanted to move forward in my career and I had chosen this path and put us on a path and I had to make it work, Beth told me. She also explained that often she gets asked questions from working women who want to start their family, but question when is the right time to do so. I didnt plan. I think you can overplan. I see women who wait for it to be the perfect time in their career, but theres no perfect time. You just figure it out.Learn to trust your doubts and whats meant for you is meant for youIn the book, something that stood out to me was to learn to trust your doubts. Its a very powerful idea, and something that we so often ignore.That pit in your st omach or you not being able to sleep when attempting to make a big decision are your gut speaking to you, and its your job to figure out what the issue is.For Beth, a pivotal point in her career came while she was working at NBC and was given an opportunity to work with Steve Jobs at Apple. For her, it just didnt feel right, and although she questioned her choice for years to come, she followed her doubt which made for an interesting career trajectory. We cant make uncertainty go away, but we can change the way we react to it.Every uncertainty is a new eignung future, Beth said.Conversely, while its important to trust your doubts, you also need to trust your instincts and realize whats meant for you is for you. While working at CBS, Beth was offered a job at NBC. Everyone in her world thought it was not the best move because she would be leaving a top network to go to what was a struggling network at the time. Beth however, followed her intuition and took the role, in my gut, I knew this was the job I was meant to take. Well-meaning colleagues will try to stop you from making these bravely instinctive choices. Thats just how it is. Change-making creates resistance. It is against the roles. Change is seen as loss. It is scary, said Beth. But you have to learn not to stop yourself. You have to learn to give yourself permission to imagine a better way, to envision opportunity where others see risk.Naysayers, also known as Gatekeepers are all around, but dont let them hold you backWhenever Beth mentioned gatekeepers inImagine It Forward, the song Stronger by Christina Aguilera ran through my head. Beth explains exactly what a gatekeeper is by saying, Gatekeepers are those looking to keep hold of the little power they have. They see divergent thinking and action as threatening.They bank on our desire for approval. The worst thing they do is to create and police standards that the rest of us accept and internalize. You will find gatekeepers everywhere, in every job, in every classroom, in every family. And sometimes, I discovered, we invite them in our own minds.We all have gatekeepers in our lives, but reading this book - for me at least - will make me more conscious of the opinions I do take. So often, I know something feels right for me but sometimes ask the opinions of others to confirm what I know and sometimes, the feedback I get is not the answer that I want. Perhaps, these people could be gatekeepers and not people who genuinely care.Change is inevitableIn the same way brands have to think about change whether its implementing new tools, technologies or leadership to their pipelines, change is something that we must keep at top of our mind as we grow and navigate throughout our careers. On change, Beth says In change, people have to find their own path. You cant mandate how that happens. But you can create the right conditions.Throughout the book, Beth shows the changes she made in her career, as well as the changes that have happene d at companies that she has worked for. Change is inevitable, and realistically a necessary werber to grow. Beth said that one of the things she wanted to show with the book is the evolution of change,the nature of change is changing and we all need to get ready by being more adaptable and we need to be that regardless of where you are in your career,she said. You need to give yourself permission to try things before you take on something huge, you need to take small steps to work towards that. With the book, Beth shows that in order to grow, you need to change stuff up, and to expand your expertise you have to both be willing to accept change.The journey although sometimes rocky, is beautifulAlthough Beths resume is full, lengthy, and inspirational, there have been some disappointments along the way.Despite everything not panning out the way we may hope, the journey is always worth acknowledging.WithImagine It Forward, Beth writes about her journey in a way that in part gives her t ime to revel in all the change making she has done (and it definitely deserves a round of applause). In the ending of the book, Beth talks about some of the opportunities and lessons that have made her career journey feel whole, and she summed it up with a few notesTransformation is a never-ending journey, for your company, your team, for you.Story is the glue that binds us. We need stories to give our work, and our lives, meaning. Strategy is a story well told. Vision and courageous leadership never go out of style.Believe in possibility. Get comfortable with not knowing. With living in the in-between of what was and what will be.This article first appeared on The EveryGirl.