https://grandipr.uk/why-your-content-is-at-risk

Céleste, The Empress of Trademarks, from GRAND IPR talks about Trademarks for Startups

Trademark and Intellectual Property Discussion

Mary and Céleste discussed trademarks and intellectual property. Céleste explained that trademarks are unique identifiers, like logos, that must meet certain criteria to be registered. She emphasized that trademarks should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense for business growth and longevity. Céleste also mentioned her updated book "Build It Protected, Leverage It," which covers intellectual property in nine major jurisdictions.

Trademark Symbols Explained

Céleste explained the difference between the TM symbol and the R in a circle symbol. She clarified that TM stands for trademark but provides no legal protection, while the R in a circle indicates registered trademark and signals that the owner has gone through the official registration process. Céleste emphasized that using the R in a circle symbol properly requires actual registration, which provides legal protection.

Trademark Registration Strategy Guidance

Céleste advised against registering trademarks without professional help, explaining that it requires complex processes and thorough searches that cannot be adequately performed by non-experts. She described her 90-minute strategy sessions where she assesses brands and conducts proper trademark searches, emphasizing that Google searches are insufficient. Céleste also explained what cannot be trademarked, including generic terms and everyday language, and stressed the importance of actively monitoring and upholding registered trademarks, as there is only a narrow 2-month opposition window.

Trademark Registration and Monitoring

Mary and Céleste discussed trademark registration and monitoring requirements. Céleste explained that trademark monitoring must be continuous throughout the trademark's lifespan, with a 2-month opposition period to prevent similar registrations. She noted that trademarks can be renewed every 10 years in most countries and every 15 years in Canada, making them potentially indefinite. The discussion concluded with plans to share Céleste's contact information for follow-up questions and to announce her upcoming book.

www.darlinglocal.com

All About Google Profiles with Craig Darling from Darling Local

Google Profiles for Startups Discussion

Google Business Profile Setup

Craig Darling explained that a Google Business Profile is a business listing that helps direct signals from social media channels to search engines like Google, Bing, and Apple. He described the process of creating one as simple, involving visiting business.google.com and following the steps. Craig mentioned that he has recently helped three people set up their Google Business profiles without charging a fee during one-on-one sessions.

Google Business Profile Optimization

Craig explained that the biggest mistake people make when optimizing a Google Business profile is failing to define specific services beyond the main category. He noted that for example, a life coach should list additional services like dealing with grief, loss, and financial issues, and should use the 300 characters available for each service to add SEO keywords. The conversation ended mid-question from Mary about where to prompt reviews in a Google profile.

Google Business Review Strategies

Craig discussed strategies for gathering Google business reviews, including using email links, QR codes, and ReviewEngine cards with NFC chips. He emphasized that entrepreneurs should aim for one review per week to maintain relevance in Google's algorithm. Craig also explained that registered 501c3 non-profits in the US are eligible for a $10,000 monthly Google grant to help with marketing and fundraising efforts.

Google Grants for Nonprofits

Craig explained that 501c3 organizations can easily obtain Google grants with a simple application process, and mentioned that their Nashville partner company helps manage these ads inexpensively. Mary expressed interest in learning more about Google profiles for regular businesses in their next discussion.

Google Business Profile Optimization

Craig explained that businesses can add products to their Google Business profiles, allowing customers to purchase directly and improving search visibility. He noted that most profiles lack product listings and are not properly managed, with only 8% being actively managed. Craig emphasized that Google profiles require regular maintenance to avoid being ignored by both Google and AI systems.

Google Profile Management Strategies

Craig discussed the importance of managing Google profiles to stay ahead in the AI and generative search landscape, moving away from traditional SEO strategies. He explained that videos uploaded directly to Google profiles should be 45 seconds or less, but connecting a YouTube channel to the Google Business profile allows for indexing of longer videos across Google's search platforms. Craig emphasized the strategic value of utilizing Google, YouTube, and Google Images together for content optimization and search visibility.

Google Business Profiles Features

Craig Darling explained the features of Google Business profiles, including Google Posts with call-to-action options and the powerful event feature that can help businesses appear in local search results. Mary thanked Craig for his presentation and provided information about contacting him and BusinessRiff for services.

https://businessriff.com

Pitching Made Easy with Mary Scott

In this episode of "Stuck? Time to Improv!," Mary Scott from BusinessRiff provided basic pitching tips for startups seeking funding or customers. She emphasized starting with a concise 30-second pitch that introduces the speaker's name, company, the problem they solve, for whom, and the benefits the client derives. Then the speaker's unique qualifications. Mary demonstrated her own pitch example, highlighting how she helps inventors, product, and tech startups get resources and connections they need to validate ideas, learn to pitch successfully and get money from investors. Her unique qualifications include her background in media & video production in New York, where she made very many connections and advised clients on using video content to grow their businesses.