marketing Blog

Storytelling: The Key to Killer Copywriting

2010-03-23T10:58:00.000+02:00

Check out this fantastic video from “the most ripped copywriter on the ‘net,” John Carlton. It’s 51-minute clip of his presentation at Frank Kern’s Mass Control seminar.

John is making this available for free for a limited time as part of his Simple Writing System Express promo, so PLEASE do yourself a favor and watch it. You may want to take notes.

Be advised that there is some coarse language.

P.S. I had to refresh the page a few times to get the video to load. It’s worth the trouble.

[Via http://donniebryant.wordpress.com]

Tips Nge-tweet untuk Marketing

2010-03-23T04:53:00.000+02:00

Pelan namun pasti, twitter sudah diakui pengaruhnya di jagad maya Indonesia. Sudah jutaan orang Indonesia yang menggunakannya. Mulai dari artis, penyanyi, pemasar, politikus, olah ragawan, orang IT, wartawan, orang iklan, rohaniwan, sampai orang umum pun nge-tweet.

Ada yang bisa memanfaatkannya dengan baik, seperti Pandji Pragiwaksono (artis, presenter, rapper) nge-tweet untuk membentuk citranya sebagai artis yang peduli dengan ke-Indonesiaan, namun ada pula yang gagal memasuki lingkungan twitter seperti Mario Teguh (motivator) karena tweet-nya yang kontroversial.

Beberapa produk (brand) pun sudah memasuki twitter. Bahkan, perusahaan-perusahaan yang masuk dalam jajaran 100 perusahaan TOP dunia kebanyakan telah menggunakan twitter sebagai salah satu alat pemasarannya.

Bagaimana dengan Anda? Sudah punya account di twitter? Apakah Anda juga menggunakan twitter untuk memasarkan diri dan atau brand Anda?

Berikut ini beberapa tips yang semoga bisa membantu Anda ketika memanfaatkan twitter sebagai alat pemasaran.

Pertama, nge-tweetlah sesuatu yang bernas. Ingat, twitter merupakan microblogging, dibatasi 140 karakter untuk sekali posting. Jadi, cobalah untuk nge-tweet sesuatu yang berkualitas seputar topik yang kita tekuni atau di mana kita terlibat. Jika memang tweet Anda bermutu, pasti akan banyak yang me-retweet. Apa untungnya ketika Anda diretweet? Tentu saja, Anda akan lebih banyak dikenal, sehingga akan difollow, dan pendapat anda dijadikan referensi.

Kedua, follow orang-orang yang sekiranya penting bagi Anda. Follow orang / tokoh yang selingkungan dengan ceruk pasar Anda. Follow juga website-website penyedia referensi penting tentang dunia Anda.

Ketiga, pantau tweet dari lingkungan ceruk pasar Anda. Kemudian, berinteraksilah dengan mereka. Ciptakan dialog dengan mereka. Bila perlu, tambahkan sesuatu yang bernilai ketika berinteraksi.

Keempat, ikutilah apa yang sedang menjadi trending topik. Paling tidak, yang sedang tren di timelines Anda dan di ceruk pasar Anda. Twitter adalah social media yang real time. Jadi, ikutilah. Tapi tetap ingat, saringlah informasi-informasi yang penting.

Kelima, integrasikan blog / website Anda dengan twitter. Jika perlu, gunakan robot twitter. Tentang pembuatan robot twitter telah dibahas dalam website ini.

Keenam, ketika Anda / brand Anda sedang mengadakan program-program atau acara, baik offline maupun online, jangan segan untuk “melaporkan”nya secara real time melalui twitter.

Ketujuh, ciptakan karakter Anda. Mungkin ini yang butuh proses agak lama. Yang terpenting adalah, konsistensi. Konsisten dengan topik yang Anda tweet, konsisten dengan bahasa Anda, dan konsisten dengan kontinyuitas tweet Anda.

Semoga tips tersebut bermanfaat. Jika Anda punya tips lain, saya sangat senang jika Anda mau berbagi juga di sini.

Artikel ini saya tulis untuk rumahdot.com

[Via http://mindmata.wordpress.com]

SXSW Shows Recipe for Innovation

2010-03-21T16:46:00.000+02:00

Well, I survived the intellectual and physical journey that is SXSW Interactive. I came away very impressed and full of new knowledge, ideas, contacts and swag… my social media batteries recharged. My big take-aways from the event were not so much the headlines – like the buzz surrounding the “location-aware” apps like Foursquare and Gowalla or the launch of various new products and services – but valuable lessons about why the event works, and what organizations eager to leverage social media and/or foster real innovation can learn from it.

Silos are essentially wafer thin at SXSW – and intentionally so. Dynamic collaboration and cross-pollination are part of the DNA of the event. Yes, there are topics and categories (or “streams in SXSW parlance) used to help organize the hundreds of sessions and events, but the event is a fluid, productive mash-up of disciplines, subjects and formats. In fact, many of the sessions seemed to overlap several “streams” and topics. Participants included web designers, PR consultants, software geeks, marketing gurus, citizen journalists, celebrity bloggers, sociologists, small business owners, investors, not-for-profit advocates…you name it they were there. All of these jobs, skills and experiences add to the richness of the experience, and the value of the discussions and outcomes. The lesson here for organizations – many still struggling with who “owns” social media and/or dismantling the historic walls between marketing and PR – is that social media overlaps many different disciplines, and requires a pragmatic, progressive approach that leverages and aligns myriad talents and skills.
Despite the emphasis on social media, SXSW is very much a multi-media event. Let’s look at all the “touch points” I ran into on an average day: sponsored parties, outdoor banners, iPhone apps (loved the “my.sxsw” app), display booths, digital signage, swag, “experiential” lounges, badges, branded volunteers and ambassadors, personalized event emails, T-shirts and hats, radio and news updates, brochures (including two versions of the gargantuan SXSW agenda), live TV and video feeds…you get the picture. So although online tools were clearly central to the experience, they were complemented by a wide range of communication and marketing vehicles and activities – including face-to-face interaction – that collectively made it convenient and easy to navigate the event for maximum productivity and impact.
It should come as no surprise that most of the folks attending SXSW were fully wired – iPhones, Droids, notebooks, Bluetooth headsets and a dizzying variety of supporting gadgets were everywhere. And the festival folks did a great job of supporting this digital army with free Wi-Fi, tons of electrical outlets and free computer kiosks. Without these personal tools – and the supporting infrastructure – participants would miss out on critical portions of the event. The lesson for organizations is that if you are intent on engaging in social media, you need to give your staff the tools to join the conversation. Trying to hold back the tide of technology – particularly outside corporate firewalls – is not only illogical, but counter-productive.
One of the most interesting aspects of SXSW is the emphasis on real-time communication – which carries back and forth across virtual, face-to-face and digital formats. The entire event (and supporting technology) is geared to facilitate and leverage a steady stream of live updates, introductions, comments and suggestions – whether on specific events (through hash tags) or the festival as a whole. A good example of this was the real-time criticism of the keynote by Twitter CEO Evan Williams (which ironically many aired/saw on Twitter feeds.) Importantly, the digital chatter didn’t fall on deaf ears. In the case of SXSW staff, they often responded to the feedback and made quick adjustments where possible – in many cases the comment stream fed into the panel conversations. (Some sessions were shaped partly by input from various more formal crowd-sourcing activities before or during the event.) And hundreds of participants piggy-backed the various updates to start more intimate conversations with other attendees.
It didn’t go unnoticed to me – as a long-time communication professional – that the best presentations and material I witnessed at SXSW were smart, funny and original. More than one presentation featured some of George Carlin’s infamous “seven words.” In many cases the style and format of the presentations – even those featuring dreaded Powerpoint – was fresh and dynamic . The lesson for many of us PR folks, if we needed another reminder, is that presenting information in dense, serious or stale communication formats is a good recipe for being ignored, and that fun and creativity are not dirty words.
One thing you notice immediately at SXSW – unlike many other conferences or industry panels – is an enthusiasm that is infectious. In fact, it’s telling they call it a “festival” and not a “conference.” People attending the event really want to be there, and most appeared excited to learn, share ideas, start new partnerships…and yes, have a good time. And in the midst of the bacchanal and networking, very productive work is apparently getting done and new ideas are being nurtured. The lesson for organizations – particularly companies with a more conservative bent – is to stop obsessing about what your staff dress like or like to do after midnight and start harnessing their creativity and passion.
The final big lesson for me – my “a-ha” moment if you will – was that most folks I talked to or heard in sessions acknowledged there are many unanswered questions surrounding social media. In fact, several folks focused on the sense of experimentation and discovery as a central element of the Web 2.0 revolution. There simply aren’t perfect answers for many questions or issues – notably balancing privacy of individual information with the concept of public conversation and collaboration. And that’s ok. In fact, this uncertainty about the future is not new – who knows what the internet will look like in a few years – and is one of the most exciting aspects of social media. The future is undefined and unlimited.

[Via http://publicrelationsrogue.wordpress.com]

The Very Best Form Of Advertising

2010-03-21T04:11:00.000+02:00

Is word of mouth really the best form of advertising?

Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. If you haven’t heard that a billion times you must be only 5 years old. It’s one of those things that “everyone knows”. Well if “everyone knows” this gem of knowledge, then why are so few companies actually DOING the things that create great word of mouth for their company?

Attracting new customers is always important. A healthy flow of new customers to a business keeps the business alive. Our current economic condition magnifies this need. So, recognizing that there IS an overall awareness of the constant need for new customers it could simply be that the apparent lack of effort in customer service is due to a lack of understanding, by both management and staff, as to what is considered great customer service and how, exactly, to provide it.

If a business is providing adequate, normal, regular run-of-the-mill service they will get SOME word of mouth referrals. The way this works is that if, for instance, someone asks you where to go for dry cleaning or computer repair you will most likely want to give some recommendation. People generally want to be helpful and we all like to give advice, so we will give some answer, we will often refer someone to a place where we received simply mediocre service. The point is that if you are providing what is considered to be good, or acceptable service you can only expect a few referrals.

On the other hand great word of mouth comes from a remarkable or memorable experience. Lets say that you have been in to your local veterinary hospital, or Thai restaurant and the experience was memorable you very possibly will not wait until some asks you for a good vet clinic or Thai place before you tell people about it. Your word of mouth becomes unsolicited. Have you ever done this or seen it done? I have seen people talking up their hair stylist or espresso stand to people who are bald or don’t even like coffee!

Let there be no mistake, unsolicited word of mouth is what will really drive in more new customers. This is (or should be) the goal of any company.

Unsolicited word of mouth DEFINITELY applies for bad service! Customers who are irate with a business will sometimes tell as many as 20, 30, maybe up to 50 people about their bad experience, with out ever being asked directly about the business.

Be sure to read the three related entries in the “Word Of Mouth” series for more!

[Via http://customerservicebootcamp.wordpress.com]

Qu'est-ce que c'est, cela?

2010-03-20T10:03:00.000+02:00

Say that four times and stay unaffected. Go on, I dare you!

I have finally reached the point where I can follow the story line of CSI in French. I can’t understand every word, mind you, but most of them. The fact that it’s an American series always helps, because they speak at about a tenth of the speed of the locals, so the dubbing is slow enough for non-smurfs to follow.

Naturally, getting to this advanced level of Television proficiency has required intensive french lessons. Three hours a week, apart from this week, when my teacher got a mysterious infection of a bodypart that I could not identify and had to cancel our second lesson. In hindsight, I wonder if it was a coincidence that she got sick just after I spent the entire lesson laughing at her language.

We finally got onto commony used phrases last week. I’ve heard them around the office, but never paid enough attention to realise how funny they sound! Qu’est-ce que c’est, cela? Is used about ten times a meeting by the general population. It’s meant to sound as if you’re drunk and slurring, in case you were wondering, and it means “what is it?” Seriously. Now, in marketing, where I work, people are allowed to be more arty, and I have proof, because they use the word “truc” more often than they use the word “oui”. Truc means trick or thing. Seriously. Oh, and “piste” is another favourite. It actually means ski slope, but they’ve adopted it to mean course of action. So in the average marketing meeting, four people sit around saying “j’ai fait un truc, qu’est-ce que c’est cu truc, d’accord, nous avons deux pistes” and so on. In other words “mumble, stutter, truc; drunken slur, truc; hack up a hairball (their word for OK); mumble, mumble, duh pissed.”

Listen to that four times and stay unaffected. I dare you!

[Via http://mordsmoi.wordpress.com]

Free Seminar - Financial Controls for Your Business - May 2010

2010-03-20T04:50:00.000+02:00

I am pleased to announce our 25th March 2010 seminar is a “sell out”.

For those of you who thought about going but didn’t email us in time, I have scheduled another seminar for 20th May 2010.

The Details:

Your Invitation to a Free Seminar – Financial Controls For Your Business

Do you want to take more control of your business finances?

Are you busy invoicing but have no cash?

Not sure how much money you are really making?

Avegna are presenting a free seminar for business owners and managers on practical financial control tools that really work!

Who should attend? Business owners or managers who want to know more about the basic financial control tools big businesses use and how to apply these to your business.

What: We will walk you through how to use the practical tools in your business such as :

•Sales Pipeline Report

•Accounts Receivable Reporting and Collections action tools and processes

•Accounts Payable management tools

•Cashflow Forecasting model

•KPI’s and Dashboards

•Budgets and Forecasting

All attendees will receive a copy of the presentation slides, a free cashflow forecast spreadsheet model to use in your own business and the other financial control tools and templates as discussed during the seminar.

Where: The boardroom at Corporate House, 155 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes, QLD 4226

When: Thursday 20th May 2010 from 9.00am – 10.30am (AEST)

How to book your place: Places are limited at this seminar. Please email us on info@avegna.com.au to reserve your place as soon as possible and we will confirm your attendance details by reply email. No walk up attendances will be possible due to the limited seats.

About the presenter: Scott Lyall is a KPMG trained Chartered Accountant who for over 15 years worked at a senior level in some of the largest multinational organisations in the world including Cadbury, Mobil, AXA, Shell, British Telecom and Dell Computer Corporation. After working in London for over five years Scott returned to Australia and has worked as a senior finance executive for several company groups both public and privately owned. Scott established Avegna to assist small to medium sized (SME) businesses run their finances without the need to hire full time employees.

If you know of other people who may want to attend please forward this invitation to them.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Scott Lyall

CEO of Avegna

[Via http://avegna.wordpress.com]

Radio/ Magic

2010-03-18T10:29:00.000+02:00

Okaaaay, so there was some on-going media buzz about the magic drama being similar (or not) to us real life illusionists… see J C’s blog Backstage Business for all about The Illusionist. Uh, the recently ended Channel U television series, not the Hollywood flick starring Edward Norton.

J C’s written his thoughts about it and I haven’t blogged much about the subject simply because I’m quite impartial about it… I mean… TV is TV, life imitates art but art also imitates life. I think people are smart enough to form their own conclusions about things, and anyway, it’s after all, just entertainment. J C’s never made any accusations, but merely pointed out his own opinions, and it’s his blog anyway. He’s got every right.

My $0.02 is that I think it’s cool that Mediacorp TV’s interested in doing a Mandarin magic drama, and hired a local production company to put it all together. Their research writers must have had a field day IMHO, though I haven’t caught an episode because of my hectic work schedule, I think it really rocks to have a strong female character like Ann Kok’s “Babe Yong” character who also does escapes and illusions

Personally, J C & I had a lot of fun working with Thomas Ong (“James Lee”) & Mei Xin (“Ming”) during The Illusionist magic segment for the annual Mediacorp Festival last year, when we were hired by Mediacorp to produce the stage performance bits for them. You saw the videos and pics!

Anyways, I hope the local production company’s got the ratings and response they want for the TV series, who knows… maybe there will be a Part 2! The sequel could feature some loser-ish “competitors” of James Lee who try to pull him down, ALA crab mentality/ tall poppy syndrome “Tio flame!”

One could be a two-faced magician who pretends to be cordial and gentlemanly but actually backstabs James and tries hard to bring him down, trying to give James a foul reputation by fueling untrue rumors about the guy just to feel better about himself because of professional jealousy as he’s extremely unhappy that he doesn’t get the recognition James has.

Another can be a bitter, ungrateful, angry, disgraced ex-disciple or 师兄 of James Lee who lies to the world (or just doesn’t give the whole truth) about the reasons why he was actually told by James Lee to leave years ago, because of unethical decisions the guy himself actually made.

And most importantly, there must be a fat evil clown who pretends to be nice and funny, but is actually very vengeful and black-hearted. He pretends to be James Lee and impersonates him online just to bring down his reputation – but gets found out after awhile because (surprise, surprise) karma always has a way of getting around!

Green with envy, the guys hate James Lee to death because of the illusionist’s stellar track record, fame and success… but they still strangely keep a very close watch on everything he does. And instead of improving themselves to be better, the funny clique (like they always say – birds of a feather, flock together) try their best to smear James Lee’s reputation instead. But! Karma has a way of getting around, and irate people with bad intentions never ever win, because James Lee has people who look out for him and anyways, good always triumphs over evil – not just in real life but in TV serials too lah!

I know, I know… such crazy outlandish ideas huh? I’m no television scriptwriter, so I’ll leave these creative ideas for the real pros *grin* It was fun to think up of such low-life nemesis for the fictional character of James Lee anyways!

So yeah. I didn’t get to watch the finale episode of The Illusion on Channel U last night because I was actually at the Mediacorp Radio Awards *grin* I was there to support the BFF & my other DJ friends who were also nominated… Pamela Ho, Stanley Leong, Melanie Oliverio of 938LIVE; Jean Danker, Glenn Ong, Mark aka Flying Dutchman of Class 95; Ivy Tan & Dennis Chew of YES 933; Justin Ang & Vernon A aka The Muttons on 987

Jean, Justin & Pam were SMSing me during the show and I must say that Justin (who was also with me at the Hall of Fame Awards at our Alma Mata earlier this year) can really multi-task, because he would reply me swiftly backstage and he was emcee-ing with Vernon! LOL…

As usual, the Muttons were stellar, and the pair was brilliant as the hosts for the evening. It’s always great to be on their show, they seriously are a fab duo. There’s just no one else like them

Here are some pictures from the evening… which by the way, are taken using my iPhone, so they aren’t very impressive as the hp camera has no zoom function plus I couldn’t wander around to play shutterbug. I spent the whole evening with my bum parked on the seat of my reserved seat arranged for me, and it was a tad weird and took some getting used to because the BFF & I traded places for once – she on stage and yours truly, ‘Magic Babe’ Ning, in the audience. LOL!

From my vantage point, I spy… the pretty BFF in her designer dress & her colls from 938LIVE make their appearance on stage on cue, and go to their assigned seats.

The hosts for the evening were the Muttons and they were wickedly hilarious with zany antics the whole night… ranging from snide digs at Fann Wong & Christopher Lee; Tiger Woods & Jack Neo; Ris Low and her condom ambassador-ship; the works!Everyone was howling with laughter…

Here’s the BFF, #1 on the 938LIVE voting screen… Her partner Stanley Leong, co-host of their “Livingroom” talkshow, received the award His brother also received the same award, of Most Popular DJ, for Lush 99.5

My darling friend Jean Danker won her first award after years in showbiz, having gotten the most number of votes for most popular DJ in Class 95 Irene Ang, who’s always been an inspiration, gave away the award for the English stations and as always, her antics and wisecracks made everyone laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh…

It was a happy night for the couple as Jean’s other half, Glenn, bagged the Media Personality of the Year award The Muttons bagged the same award for their station, 987 …and as expected, YES933’s Dennis Chew aka Aunty Lucy also won a special award. For more information, see Channel News Asia.

Congrats y’all!

Awards galore aside, the evening had various singing acts entertain us – folks from overseas who were having gigs here. Jason Castro from American Idol ended the evening with his lovely voice It was nice to be entertained, for a change…

In all, the entire event wrapped up only past 10PM, and the famished BFF grabbed hold of me & we went off for supper. That’s us doing a quick 自拍 on her camera just before heading into the elevator, down to the car park!

It was the BFF’s special night and I’m really proud of Pam… she may not have bagged an award from the evening, but she’d always be a radiant star in my eyes, with all the differences this amazing woman has made! You rock, BFF!

[Via http://magicbabe.wordpress.com]

Social Media Marketing - Top Four Tips to Get Coaching Clients With Social Media Marketing

2010-03-18T04:26:00.000+02:00

Are you a coach interested in social media marketing? Have you been using social networking web sites, such as Facebook and Twitter for a while, but you haven’t gotten any coaching clients from them? The good news is that you can get coaching clients with social marketing, and it is not hard to do. Read this article for my four tips on getting coaching clients using web sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Here are the top four tips for promoting your coaching business using social media marketing:

1. Define Your Social Media Marketing Goals.

Too many coaches jump into social marketing without a plan, without setting goals for the results they want to get from those web sites, and without creating systems in their business to support their marketing efforts.

Start by setting goals for your social marketing efforts – one of them should be building your list. Once you know what your goals are, it is going to be easier to see whether your social networking efforts are bringing in results.

2. Create Systems In Your Business To Support Your Social Media Efforts.

Even if you spend all of your time on social networking web sites, you are not going to get results unless you have systems in your business to support your social networking efforts and help you convert people you meet on social networking web sites into coaching clients.

Some of the systems you need include a way to invite people you meet on websites such as Facebook and Twitter to get a free gift from you and get on your list, a way to keep in touch with them and a way to convert them into coaching clients once they are on your list.

3. Network On A Regular Basis.

In order to get regular, consistent results from social media(such as more coaching clients), you must network on a regular basis. Share useful tips and ideas, share your blog posts, answer questions asked by your contacts.

Help others, and you will see that more and more people will be interested in what you have to say, and will join your list as a result.

4. Evaluate Your Social Media Efforts.

You will not know how well social media marketing is working for you unless you track your results. Evaluate your networking results on a regular basis to see what kind of results you are getting.

[Via http://apichai99.wordpress.com]

Video: tCn launches at EcoBuild 2010

2010-03-16T10:47:00.000+02:00

The Ecobuild trade show at London’s Earl’s Court proved to be the most successful yet, and was a great place to launch the new tCn online network (see post).

I also learned that we had to be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances during the three days. For example, we had hoped that Jason Leonard would be on our stand on the final day to do a video interview, but he unfortunately was unable to attend. Instead, we called on some of our early tCn associate members (like ESI’s Benedikte Ranum and MLM’s Geoff Wilkinson) and asked what they thought about the tCn concept….

Congratulations to the winners of our prize draw (Redland, SHEBA Marketing, Corus Colors, and NHBC) and many thanks to our sponsors (Supertravel Golf and Fairmont St Andrews) for donating the fantastic prizes.

[Via http://tcnblog.wordpress.com]

Promotion Time

2010-03-16T04:53:00.000+02:00

I’m positively schizophrenic when it comes to the idea of marketing my book.

There are times when I’m totally resentful of the way I’m supposed to march cheerfully into the book-selling jungle, like a Girl Scout, and machete away all the indifference that stands between my book and best-sellerdom. I admire the rectitude of a J.D. Salinger. I’d like to reclaim the dignity of being a person of letters, instead of tap-dancing into a room like some goddamn soap salesman.

And then there are the other times, when I go on VistaPrint.com and start mocking up “Cars from a Marriage” keychains. (Too expensive.)

In the beginning of February, I started a Facebook fan page for myself, which has been joined by a bunch of people being nice to me. I’m trying to whip up a frenzy of anticipation for my book by dropping little conversational hints (how ’bout them Toyota accelerators?) but there’s dead silence. My friend Pam Satran does a brilliant job of this over at her fan page for “How Not to Act Old.” Am I just stupid at this, or is it subject matter?

Last night, I got the brilliant idea to buy a Facebook ad to promote my Facebook page. It’s pretty low-risk. I set a budget of $1.50 a day, agreeing to pay Facebook a few pennies for every thousand times the ad was seen. I even memorized the number of members of my fan page before I bought the ad: 166. Today, 10,118 impressions later and $1.50 poorer, my Facebook page is up to a whopping … 166 members.

Oh my.

Maybe when some reviews start coming in (there’s a nice one coming out in Booklist on April 1) I’ll have something meaningful to say to my “fans.”

Or maybe I should just start marketing the book for its practical attributes:

A cure for insomnia!
Hardcover version good for smashing large bugs!
Works as a paperweight in breezy rooms!

[Via http://debragalant.wordpress.com]

My Best Friends

2010-03-14T16:53:00.000+02:00

I was last Monday at a cocktail reception organized by Croissance Québec Techno where I attended a great presentation from Bill K. Aulet, the Managing Director of the MIT Entrepreneurship Center.

Bill’s talk was about entrepreneurial marketing (you can download his slideshow here). I’ve particularly liked it. His main advice to the entrepreneurs in the room was to focus on customers: “Every day,we should talk to new clients, get their feedbacks and understand their needs”. In this global world, Bill suggests to use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc… (“The entrepreneur best friends“)

This is obviously also true in technology transfer. There are thousands of great and unknown technologies in universities and one of our main challenges, as technology transfer officers, is to reach our audience. This can very complicated since, in some cases, we’re working on (very) early technologies or even sometimes on “solutions looking for problems” (I’ve some examples of those, if you’re interested…). We then have to find visionary individuals who believe in the projects and who see what people usual don’t.

I’ve already been working in technology transfer for Univalor for 5 years now. During this time, I had the chance to talk to people from almost all the continents from Canada to South Africa, Australia, almost of the countries of Europe, China or Japan. Our audience is then everywhere and in all kinds of companies. Using the social networking sites in technology transfer is then a must!

Therefore, if you’re either seeking to extend the competitiveness of your company or looking for your next venture, here is the list of my best friends:

You can also search in my portfolio or read our quaterly newsletter on Univalor’s wesbite:

Or discover, Univalor’s technologies on Flintbox:

[Via http://techupdateunivalor.wordpress.com]

Marketing FAD Day 1: Midnight ADD Post-Hockey blogging at its finest.

2010-03-14T04:53:00.000+02:00

Fedora view from a window.

Started reading a new book on the airplane en route to Raleigh for the Marketing FAD — Purple Cow, by Seth Godin. There was a quote at the beginning of the book which I thought was particularly poignant:

“Create remarkable products that the right people seek out.” – Seth Godin, “Purple Cow”

Day 1 of Marketing-FAD-Goodness involved a number of things in terms of deliverables – but one of the most important things, at least in my humble opinion, that we’re working on is developing a solid marketing plan that we can use moving forward. We did a lot of talking – and writing, and typing, and hashing out, as well – today about… who are the Right People? What are the things that Marketing is doing – or perhaps, should be doing – to reach those people, and what are the qualities of Fedora that make it remarkable that we should be talking about, promoting, and so forth? We came up with a solid of strategies to reach the Right People – and to go along with it, a tactical list of executable things to do.

Another thing we’ve been talking about a lot — which, actually, isn’t restricted to Marketing, btw — is the process of getting rid of the fear of doing things, and instead, just doing SOMETHING. We started the afternoon today with a Marketing Plan that was a plan in the most traditional sense; i.e., something that one would actually look at and learn how to produce in a college-level marketing course. Unfortunately, those marketing plans have been, for years and years, geared towards traditional companies, who do traditional things; Fedora is none of these. So we are, in a sense, sort of re-writing how to do a Marketing plan, for an open source project, in an open fashion. None of this comes easy. And for a long time, it hasn’t come at all. So I think it’s great that today, we took the first steps towards actually solidifying a Marketing plan that is actually actionable for the Fedora project as a whole; we are going Somewhere, which, frankly, is better than Nowhere. Even if we start walking and we run into a wall, or some sort of blocker, at least we know that that route is bad. And we can try, try again in a different direction. It’s sort of like Wombat. Except, you know, with ponies. And the Right People. And a remarkable product.

Oh, how ’bout them Phoenix Coyotes?

[Via http://wordshack.wordpress.com]

Manager Marketing Jobs In Delhi NCR North India

2010-03-13T10:42:00.000+02:00

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For More Jobs Log On www.Eminentjob.com

[Via http://eminentjob.wordpress.com]

Creating Open to Choice

2010-03-13T04:25:00.000+02:00

I’ve had the great privilege to work at Mozilla for about 2.5 years now, and time after time there are some things which always stand out:

Distributed nature is our strength
Passionate people make great things happen
We are global, yet think, and do what’s right at the locale level
We are deliberate

People will tell you with no surprise, this is the kind of backbone and success of open and decentralized organizations. But I will tell you, unless you’ve experienced the possibilities in action, and worked with such a team to truly create, its hard to appreciate what this kind of dedication and commitment is all about.

A current example is Mozilla’s Open to Choice campaign, whereby scores of people are coming together from across Europe intent on informing and educating people about the importance of the Web browser, and why that informed choice matters. The campaign sets out to help tens of millions of Europeans who are currently experiencing the Microsoft Browser Choice screen, an initiative from Microsoft which gives Internet Explorer users the opportunity to choose their own Web browser. So far together Mozilla has -

Created the Open to Choice website in 15 languages
Published an Open Letter on the importance of browser choice
Garnered the media’s interest to bring awareness of browser choice to their readers
Created ways for anyone to spread the word about browser choice, and kicked-off Team Power Choice
Created and deployed digital public service ad campaign
Commissioned a European wide browsing and Internet study

Our campaign is on going, but at this stage I would like to call out some heartfelt thanks to the Mozilla teams, and our ever present wider community including: Members of the Mozilla Marketing community who have already done so much to share and spread browser choice in Europe. Our design community who helped create web site and campaign assets. And a special thanks goes to *all* the l10n teams who worked tirelessly, burning much midnight oil to get the campaign site live in 15 locales. Plus, to many friends and partners of Mozilla who are also making this campaign possible, a heartfelt thanks to you.

Patrick Finch also has a blog post thanking everyone who worked on the Browser Choice screen for Mozilla.

I’ve said this at least 50 times in the last few weeks, but I’ll say it again here – working on a project such Open to Choice, which has so much importance, to so many people, created by so many committed individuals — is a true inspiration. There’s no doubt in my mind that informing millions of people about the importance of browser, and Web choice is exactly the right thing to do. And that’s what we’ll keep doing!

[Via http://autological.wordpress.com]

Internet Marketing: Definition

2010-03-11T10:50:00.000+02:00

Internet Marketing is also known as I-Marketing, Web Marketing, Online Marketing, and E-Marketing. It involves connecting to the target market through the Internet or the World Wide Web. It is somewhat similar to traditional marketing in terms of goals; but it has a completely diverse set of strategies as the channel being used is definitely different.

To add, the techniques that must be used in internet marketing must cater to the virtual audience or the Internet users. It must be appealing to the online target market. It has its own components. Its significance has been known around the world, and learning how this industry works is truly an advantage.

Just like any other marketing strategy, Marketing Online has its basics that are surely easy to understand. Start with these and get ready to take the next steps in this lucrative industry.

[Via http://abyimarketing101.wordpress.com]

Promotional Product Strategies For Newbies - Understanding the Buying Process

2010-03-11T04:56:00.000+02:00

“We’d like you to order up some new company T-shirts for us.” You need to get up to speed on buying this type of thing… fast!

Here is some important real world knowledge about the promotional product buying process…

Prices and Products are Not the Same as at Target - Newer and less experienced buyers are usually sticker-shocked at how much an item will cost when purchased for promotional purposes. “But I can get a Hanes T-shirt at Target for $3″ they muse when their distributor quotes a price of $6 for what they feel is the same shirt with just some printing on it. In some cases it might be the same shirt or something very similar.

Here’s the situation. Large retailers are buying product by the truckloads. Notice that it is truckloads with a “s.” They have huge centralized buying forces that negotiate based on volume and many other factors such as shipping. Your 144 piece order is a short, special order run even for the distributor and his suppliers. Plus, you are buying occasionally and they usually don’t know when your next order might come in. Thus the higher pricing to cover their costs to hand hold you through your order without guarantees for future business. Additionally, your distributor or decorator incurs costs to set up presses and process your order. These are also built into your price.

You Need “Good” Art – If you email a JPEG file of your logo to your promotional product distributor, first he’ll just shake his head and say, “Not another one.” In this situation, your distributor may ask you to provide electronic artwork in a “vector” format such as Encapsulated Postscript (.eps) or Adobe Illustrator (.ai). These formats provide clean-edged art that is required for imprinting and can usually be provided by your company’s graphic designer. Alternatively, they may charge you an art clean-up fee to make it print-ready.

Your Distributor is Not Printing Your Product in His Office or Basement – Promotional products are typically imprinted at large facilities that can handle orders of hundreds or thousands pieces each. Your distributor is not printing them for you at his or her company. So suggesting that you can pick up your order at your distributor’s office to save some time or shipping costs will not be met with a positive response.

Shipping and Handling Costs and Issues Can be Huge – After the product price sticker shock, shipping and handling fees are often the aftershock. There are multiple issues.

First, a single tote bag, T-shirt, or mug may seem like a small item. Now multiply that by 1,000 or more. The sheer physical volume of a large quantity of promotional products can overwhelm your office or dock. Also, thousands of boxed up pieces could be of significant weight, maybe even into the hundreds or thousands of pounds. Ask your distributor for information on the shipment size and weight and how it will be delivered to you so you can plan accordingly. While you’re at it, ask them for an estimated shipping cost, too.

Second, expedited shipping is very, very, very expensive! In many cases, your product will not be shipping from the person or company from which are buying. It may be shipping across the country to your door. Many distributors do their best to look for the closest suppliers to shorten shipping time and cost. So allow for sufficient time to get the product produced plus the time to ship to you.

Now that you know more about the promotional products industry and the buying process, you won’t be sending out a newbie alert when you contact your distributor.

Click Here to Shop for EcoFriendly Promotional Products Online

Click Here to Shop for USA and Union Made Promotional Products Online

[Via http://promowithpurpose.wordpress.com]

When Clowns Do Marketing...

2010-03-09T10:52:00.000+02:00

The bastard child of capitalism and mediocrity...

So McDonalds sells really great coffee! And awesome pecan nut tarts! And they’ve been doing it for a while.

Of course, you’d be forgiven for not knowing this, since the advertising/marketing behind this new-ish (it’s been around for a while overseas) offering has been pretty dire.

Actually, it’s been non-existent.

For some reason, it’s been decided that it’s just not worth the effort to get us excited about the Mc-Coffee vibe, unlike this little effort that could easily have been replicated or (GOD FORBID!) even improved upon, down here.

It’s nothing new. The same thing happened with District 9’s marketing. We missed the entire campaign by about 2 months. Our own local media only caught a whiff of it by the time it was winding down overseas.

And clearly adidas just doesn’t see the benefits in extending its global marketing programme to this country. The Star Wars range of sneaks (which marketing campaign I’ve written about somewhat) arrived in the stores about a week or so ago without so much as a rogue storm trooper.

Why do we put up with this box-checking, mediocre approach?

Probably because we don’t know any better. Probably because we’re so used to mediocrity being churned out at us, we think it’s the norm.

Maybe one day, we’ll catch on that brands need to prove they deserve our support. Maybe we’ll force them to all behave like Nandos who work really hard to show us something new. Maybe one day we’ll make it so that they understand that they need us more than we need them.

Or we’ll just carry on playing Farmville…

[Via http://phr0g.wordpress.com]

Are you a Lit Diva?

2010-03-09T04:52:00.000+02:00

Book Clubs are you looking for ways to tap into the literary world?

Authors, are you seeking innovative and a consistent way to market to readers?

Readers, would you like to network with other book lovers and authors?

Join the Lit Diva Network. LDN is a membership site for thoses who consider themselves a true Lit Diva or those who would like to learn how to become one.

Registration and limited-access to our website is free.

Premium membership starts at a low, introductory rate of only $19.99 a month (regularly $39.99 a month ).

As a premium member, you will have access to:

Full Access to our Lit Diva Network website
Lit Diva 101 E-courses: How to turn your passion for books into a business
Free and discounted price to our many literary events, on-line and local
Book giveaways
Free or discounted price for Lit Diva products and books
Our Monthly Book of the Month Suggestion delivered to your door

And much more…

For only $39.99 a month, (regular price, $69.99 a month) authors will receive:

Networking Opportunities
Monthly Promotional Services which includes e-blasts, book trailers, and more
Discounted/Free vending tables at all Lit Diva Event

Listing in out Between The Sheets promo ‘zine
Scheduled Teleconference
Book Placement on our websites: nubianlit.com, thebookclubbexpert.com and litdiva.com
Opportunity to sell products in our on-line Marketplace

Scheduled on-line and local meetings with book clubs
Ability to create your own Audio/Video Postcards

and more…

Men, don’t let the name fool you, this is a awesome chance for you to market your book as well!

Each month, we offer different services and featured to enhance your membership

This introductory price won’t be available for long, so join today and for a limited time receive a 1 month risk free trial.

AS AN ADDED BONUS: THE FIRST 10 PEOPLE WHO REGISTER AS A PREMIUM MEMBER WILL RECEIVE a A COPY OF MY E-BOOK A LITERARY DIVA’S GUIDE TO HOSTING A FAB BOOK CLUB MEETING, A $9.99 VALUE, YOURS FREE!

To learn more and to join our Lit Diva Network, please visit www.litdiva.com

[Via http://bookclubcoach.wordpress.com]

Frenchy Loeb, MY SXM STORY, An American Artist in Saint Martin - Part IV – 2001: The Power Strike on the French Side and 9/11

2010-03-07T16:36:00.000+02:00

Thurs at 16:25 When I returned to Grand Case in December 2000, I was hopeful for a good year ahead. It turned out to be an eventful one, that’s for sure. Rodger had kept my car for me, and was ready with it when I got back.

I had made new friends, a diverse group comprised of Local Caribbean people, French, English, Australian, Canadian and Americans living in the Grand Case area. They were Musicians, Artists, Chefs, Waiters, Landowners and Landlords, and Business Owners, etc. One of my new friends was Mair Pattersun, a long time resident in Grand Case from England, who had been painting acrylics on Orient and the rest of the island for many years already. We tossed about ideas for finding an outlet or a place to sell our art in Grand Case, especially in the evenings when the tourists were about before and after dinner.

Pierre Bruyer, an Frenchman who was an acrylic on canvas artist, lived on the Boulevard, just down the alley from me with his wife and brood of children. He had invited me the prior year to set up on his porch a few nights and sell. Good laughs, good times. By this time I had also met Gloria and Marty Lynn, big name American artists who lived in the back of their little gallery house next to Bistro Caribes for about 30 years. They too, let me set up on their porch at the gallery entrance. Good conversations, knowledgeable people. I wanted my own art location on the Boulevard and I was looking.

Meanwhile, I spent my days selling on Orient. I dressed for the day in one of my pretty beach sundress, jewelry, makeup, a distinctive hat, and aviator sunglasses, flat-soled leather strap sandals. My backpack contained approximately 30 rolled plastic-wrapped signed and numbered prints with towel, lunch, and a 32 oz. frozen bottle of water. I closed and locked all the windows, and with my display folio of my latest artwork and keys, stepped outside the sliding glass door to the balcony entrance. Closed the door, and put the long bar in place, with a key padlock, reaching from the bottom of the outer door, up in a diagonal, to fit into the lock bolt holes on the opposite side, and click the lock into place. I always parked somewhere in the middle of the Orient Beach back road, in case of rain or need of more prints kept in the car. At first I parked at Kontiki, but later realized that Kakao Restaurant was a closer place to park, right behind their Soka Bar entrance.

Early in December and after the beach, I showered and dressed again, and walked around the corner to the Lolos to get some ribs, plantains, slaw and mac n’ cheese to bring back home for dinner. Between the Lolos and closer to IL Nettuno Restaurant there was a small retail shop in a white wooden shack, with a side window and shelf open to the Lolos, and an open door front. A woman named Corrine was inside, she sold ladies clothing and accessories for the tourists, pareos and polished cotton one size fits all colorful beachy island vacation clothes. We got to talking through the window, I was looking at the bare white wooden wall on the outside of the shack and neighboring one, recessed from the street, and closer to the Lolos, wondering if she could sublet the wall space and the shelf ledge, and run a cord for lights? She did. $50 per week. I shared my find with Mair, and we split the rent.

We sold prints, and got commissions to paint originals. About 10 days later, Corrine surprised me by asking if I would like to sublet the entire shop? She offered to remove everything inside, reasoning that business wasn’t good enough for her. I was surprised, because I had been doing well enough those past few evenings outside her window. I had now purchased a used Shrink Wrap Machine, from Simpson Bay Art Gallery, and was able to display my prints under plastic mounted on cardboard on the walls. Corrine wanted $500 per month to sublet the shack. It seemed that local people on St. Martin traded a good deal in rounded US currency dollars. $20, $50, $100, $500. The dollar was strong then. It was coveted. When I asked her how much she rented it for she was honest that she paid $250 each month, with a year and a half left on her lease with a Marigot realtor. I was ecstatic, Mair not. I decided to give it a go anyway, and worked out a small deal with Mair for her to rent the outside wall and shelf. I agreed to give it to her for $25 per month. I took the shack, and soon found other reasons that Corrine and her husband Gerald did not want it. There was a leaky roof above, and during any rain, as the clouds rushed by, water came in. Corrine informed me that it was up to me to fix it if I wanted it done. A new roof would be necessary according to my workman, Changa. I gave the go ahead.

In the evenings Mair was outside the shop, I was inside dodging the leaks and New Year’s Eve was coming. I planned to be closed, and made party plans to go celebrate. My friend Kevin was going to come get me in his car and planned to go out to see friends around the island, to dine out, and then dance and party all night at Bikini or somewhere on Orient.

At 9:00 pm on New Year’s Eve 2000/2001, the power went out. Phoom. It was gone. All of the restaurants on the Boulevard and elsewhere in French Saint Martin lost power. As tourists and locals were being seated. As entrees were being served. As chefs in the kitchens all over the French Side were working, they went into the dark. What happened? Those establishments who had generators kept their guests. There was great disappointment for the all of the others, people and establishments. A very interesting evening driving around in the dark on the French Side, the Dutch Side however was unaffected and we stayed much to that area until later that evening when we went down to Orient where a few places had generators and music, before a ride home.

The first morning in 2001, I found out through the street grapevine that the 12 workers at the Margot Power Station went on strike in support of their brothers in Guadeloupe who were already on strike for some time. The strike continued for over 3 weeks! Right in the middle of season. As it continued from the first day to the next, any planned visitor tourist who found out from the news or Internet cancelled their reservations through April! Grand Case was dead. The Boulevard was empty, with a few tourists on Orient, and most of the tourists on the Dutch Side. My main concerns were that I was not in my little gallery at night earning money for Corrine.

Maintaining fresh food in my kitchen was a big challenge. I placed everything in the freezer to keep with what was previously frozen. Then I went to my corner grocerette and purchased ice that they had delivered each day. They had a generator for their small selection of produce items so I was able to get some broccoli, onions, 7-day-old mushrooms, what ever they had I used for my meals. I had a gas stove/small oven in the apartment that I had planned to only use in these types of emergencies, preferring otherwise to cook with electricity on a two-burner unit that I had purchased the prior year. I spent a great deal of time on the Dutch Side that month, coming home before dark, and playing guitar on my outside stairs in the evening before sleep. Every few days, in the middle of the night the power would strangely come on again for an hour or so. I learned to have a laundry wash ready to fill in the machine the moment I was awakened by a light coming on. Angry restaurant owners who’s food had spoiled, went to the power station and threw their wasted food garbage over the fence in protest.

During this uncertain month, I flew to Saba from the Dutch Side to spend a few nights at Scouts up in Windwardside. My friend Mair was staying with her friends Scott and Kendall at the Carpenter House below Mt. Scenery just inside of Windwardside, on right side the main road before the Church, coming up from the airstrip. We ate at a wonderful restaurant called Y2K and I thought that was a clever name. The scenery is breathtaking, the higher you go up the volcano, the greener it is. We climbed the 1000 stairs to the top, saw the miniature pre-historic palm trees there and looked down to the sea, and out to Sint Maarten Saint Martin and Saint Barts. I painted my first Saba watercolors that trip, the first of a few longer excursions.

The strike was settled, the power came back, but as many of you know, it was suspect to go off and on as a regular thing anyway. It was the same thing almost with the water system. That was particularly annoying when it happened that you got up in the morning and there was no water, or little pressure. It happened more than once in the years I lived there.

Back to the Boulevard at night, selling prints, getting commissions to paint. Having lots of fun. Dogs roamed the boulevard freely, and ate rib bones from the trash bins and garbage across from the Lolos. Visitors gave them encouragement with tidbits, me being a dog lover, no exception to the rest. One night, three dogs came to my gallery and I called them Brownie, Whitey and Blackie. The Brown one seemed more timid, and took a real liking to me. He was a bit dirty as beach dogs are, with a ratty torn collar and no tags what so ever. He would find me on the Boulevard some mornings when I got breakfast, or a loaf of bread and bar of butter from the French Bakery next to Il Nettuno, and follow me back to my apartment. I’d leave him at the bottom of my stairs with a laugh that he was a good dog, and friend. After a few weeks of this routine of his following, I told him that if he followed me that day, I was going to open the car door and see if he wanted to go for a car ride. He did, and I drove the dog to the Cole Bay Animal Hospital for a bath and dip to rid the many Ticks he had attached to him. He came out all shiny clean, with some white markings that I had not seen before. He was skinnier than I thought he should be and inquired about adopting him. I got a medical exam for him, and all the shots, a new dog collar and leash, dog food bowls and food and treats. I licensed him in my name back on the French Side, and officially named him Brownie.

Everyone seems to be related if they are a local in Grand Case. Cousins abounded. Maybe two months later, walking Brownie back in the morning from the Boulevard, one of the younger nephews of my landlord’s mother Stazie, who lived in the house next to us, saw Brownie and I walking, and asked me about the dog. He thought the dog looked familiar, that it may be one of Stazie’s nephews dogs. Stachie’s dog, Sparky! Stachie had a Grand Case Lolos restaurant facing the water, the one on the left side in the back, as you enter the middle of the group of buildings. I brought Brownie to see Stachie. He said yes, that’s my dog, but he runs away all the time, and he had too many dogs to keep track of them all. Stachie lived further up the Boulevard in the area before the road to the Grand Case Beach Club turns off the main road. He then told me to keep the dog, no problem! Brownie was a pretty good dog, well behaved in the apartment, but liked to pick fights with other dogs while on the leash with me out for a walk. These dogs were all loose and would bait him and taunt him to bark or fight. One day Brownie took to pulling me down the Boulevard frantically after a Bitch in heat. He jumped her and I could not stop him. After dragging him home (I almost had to carry him) I had the dog neutered. I got a lot of flack from the local men for doing it. Dogs are treated in the Caribbean almost the same way that Cows are in India. You don’t mess with them. They are free to do as they please, and to take away his manhood was the ultimate shame to the local men. Stachie heard of it, and was angry with me.

I had a new corrugated roof installed at my Lolo shack gallery by Changa, and a woman named Stephanie from Australia designed a 4 foot round plywood roof sign, and painted it with my new logo for the gallery I had named L’Art Au Lolo.

Spring turned into summer, In July, Corrine asked me if next year when her lease ended, would I like to buy the rights to the lease? What??? Was this legal? Everyone does it, she informed me. Her price would be $10,000 in US dollars. She pressed me about it, and I put her off until my planned return in late fall as season started up again. I had enjoyed that summer, with many off days at Cupecoy, Plum Bay Beach and out to lunch meeting Kevin at Port De Plaissance where our friend Julie was now the Chef at the outdoor restaurant next to the tennis courts. Julie’s cooking is well worth the drive, no matter where she is on the island. Later she went to the Hidden Forest Restaurant at Loterie Farm where she has been now for over 8 years or so. Go there and you will get the best cuisine on the island. I guarantee it, hands down.

Late in the summer, on a dark night my little shack of a gallery was broken into with a crowbar, the wall in the backside of the shop had been pried open on the beachside in the dark. I never left anything of value inside. I carried all of my prints, display racks, and original paintings to and fro each evening. Sometimes Brownie came with me, other times he stayed home to guard there. I always changed my routine, because things do happen on the island and I did not want it to happen to me. Having found nothing inside of my gallery, the thief took what items were there, the broom, hammer, nails, tape dispenser, scissors, sitting stool, and the lights. I called Changa, and he came and fortified my shop walls, and front door with a new system. I paid Corrine for some months ahead, closed the shop for the end of summer and early fall.

By this time I had painted the following watercolor scenes (in alphabetical order): Artist At Cupecoy Self Portrait 2000, View of Anse Marcel 2001, Baie Rouge 1997, Baie de Grand Case 2000, Butterfly Farm 2001, Baie Rouge Hill (commission) 2001, Boulevard de Grand Case 2000, Cupecoy Sunset 1999, Club Orient 1998, Cupecoy Beach 1997, Creole Rock 1998, Cole Bay 2000, Club Orient 2001 (big 18×24” in my home), Colombier 2001, Cupecoy Rock 2001, Cottage Under Mt. Scenery, Saba 2001, Club Orient 2000, Coco Beach 2000, Cupecoy Cliffs 2001, Dawn Beach 1999, Frair’s Bay 2001, Le Flamboyant 2001, French Cul De Sac (commissioned big 18 x 24”) 2001, Green Key and Tintamarre 1998, Port de Gustavia, St. Barts 2000, Great Bay, Philipsburg 2000, Grand Case Beach 2000, Grand Case Sunset 2001, Happy Bay 1999, Isle Pinel 1998, Kontiki 1998, Loterie Farm 2001, L’Escargot Restaurant 2001, Michael’s Café 2000, Marigot Harbor 2001, Orient Beach (acrylic on masonite) 1997, Orient Beach 1999, Oyster Pond 2001, Pinel Island Snorkel Beach 1999, Pedros 2000, Pirate Restaurant 2001, Road to Grand Case 1998, Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla 2001, Simpson Bay Lagoon 1999, Saline D’Orient 1999, Sandy Ground, Anguilla 2001, Uncle Ernie’s at Shoal Bay 2001, Soka Bar 2000, Tintamarre with Pink Lady 2000, Tan Lines 2001, and Windwardside Garden View, Saba 2001.

I now had prints selling in other places on the island. With Zuzu at Le California Restaurant’s gift shop, at Marla’s gift shop at the Grand Case Beach Club where Mair and marla’s son Bart worked, Paradise Restaurant above Orient Beach at the lookout, Karin at the Butterfly Farm’s gift shop, and with Mike and Marilyn at Michael’s Cafe in Grand Case. It was easy to be a one person business if I kept it simple and close by. I was not ready to be driving all over the island, but I was looking for opportunites to branch out. An opportunity came with an art gallery on Anguilla above Sandy Ground, and I was looking into St. Barts and Saba. I stocked up my distributor locations and got ready to go home for a break.

I made plans to fly home on Saturday, September 15 on Continental direct to Newark, NJ. I was taking Brownie with me, in a dog crate that I had purchased to check him in to the flight. I would visit with family until late November.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Brownie and I went early to Cole Bay for a medical exam to get an okay on traveling papers that was valid for just two weeks. As the doctor was examining the dog, his radio was on playing music from a local station. There was an interruption to the music and an announcement came on that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center and it appeared to be a severe situation there. We finished up with the dog, and I drove straight back to my apartment. When I arrived I put on the TV and got CNN on the screen. I watched in horror footage of the buildings, at the smoke, and was sitting there watching it as the second plane hit. My skin turned to ice; I was numb and sat there trying to absorb it all for the rest of the day and into the next. The airports were closed. No flights in or out. Not in the USA, not in Sint Maarten either. No fresh food came in. There was a scramble at the grocerette and the shelves were emptied. I purchased as much poultry and fish as my freezer could hold and all manner of dry goods and sundries. I simply did not know if I would be going home at all.

But on September 22, the airports had been opened again, and with renewed travel papers for Brownie, and Changa having boarded up my windows and door on my apartment again, Kevin drove me to the airport where I boarded a flight home. Almost empty the flight had seven people aboard. I was given a seat in First Class, complement of the sole stewardess. What did I go home to? Great sadness in the US, Anthrax scares and high anxiety. My mom and I got a big blue bottle of water and kept it in the garage for an emergency situation. I thought to myself, what would the next season bring in Sint Maarten Saint Martin?

Frenchy – Next Segment Part V: 2002 – Holding on for What it’s Worth

L’Art Au Lolo Gallery

[Via http://adloftm.wordpress.com]

Real Estate Marketing Strategies: Are you proactive enough?

2010-03-07T10:40:00.000+02:00

What it means to be proactive?

A lot of people to me without getting an overall view of the word proactive. What does it mean for you? Not that the hesitation? What does "always at stake?" If you select "Yes", you're right, but there are a lot more.

They are the "cause" or "effect"?

If you have taken the idea that you are going to the effect of external forces, we are all at times, so you're not on your life or businessfrom the perspective of proposals. What to do if you are not enough customers? Do not blame the economy, interest rates, your boss, the environment in some way?

We often do not look inward and to affirm our personal power. Most of our training is for someone or something outside ourselves to blame for 'effect'. Maximizing in my 30 years of coaching people to their success, I think it is a profound turning point, when my client (s) decide to take the initiative and that"Cause". So next time you have a lack of customers, for example, ask what actions can we take? If you are unsure, you can find a book, a tape or a coach who will help you know what to do. Turn your concern into action and discover that you have the possibility of customers can be won.

Let the circumstances outside the control of your answer?

Suppose you worked Escrow or falls from a client that you decide to cancel? AsThey respond to these circumstances? It is obviously disappointed, but I wasted too many people who saw and depressed, when they know that starting from scratch. The problem is that when foreign to the point where the function can be controlled, productivity suffers. Then what are you afraid of, the money is usually not enough reality.

Here's a suggestion from the Law of Attraction: You get what you focus on him. Focusing on the lack of Escrow andWhat do you get? You're right, Escrow less. Focusing on the lack of customers, and what do you do? Right again, the customer is not enough. The solution? Jump to focus and quickly. Once you notice that the focus is on the wish to think quickly, as you want. A bank account?

Many clients? Stick that Escrow? Whatever it is take it in your conscience and the switch. Then ask yourself: "What's past actions have inspired me to do?" Inspired action will feel goodDrag a feeling from within. Frantic action is scattered and feel "out of sync."

An active means, choose your answers. Keys next time, ask yourself:

Or am I proactive or reactive?

Or am I the cause "ol '" effect "?

Oh, I'm concentrating on what I want and not what I want?

Visit : mayan 2012 true End of The World 2012 Nostradamus Prediction

[Via http://mayan2012true.wordpress.com]

Success Feels Like Failure

2010-03-06T16:49:00.000+02:00

Last Sunday I had a wonderful thing happen in my absence at church. My mother (who is one of my biggest fans ) took my book to her Sunday school class and, for lack of a better description, “marketed” it. Before the class was over there was a volunteer to write up an article for the church newsletter. Before the worship service that follows Sunday school concluded, the minister was informed of my book. He said that, if the person who volunteered to write the article hadn’t, then he would have. From there it’s supposed to make it’s appearance at the next monthly elders’ meeting. It seems that things are beginning to roll for Fear Not! Discovering God’s Promises for Our Lives.

So why does it all feel like I’ve failed?

It’s because of the POD stigma. As soon as someone says, “Congratulations on getting your book published!” I ask myself if I deserve the congratulations. Surely I do. I worked as hard putting together a book I’m proud of as a straight A university student does to stay on the Dean’s list. (I even “pulled an all-nighter” a time or two. )

Then comes the question, “Who published it?” I answer honestly that it was published by Lulu, but I don’t always add that it’s a large self-publishing company. That bothers me. Afterall, I’m a trail-blazer like all the other Indies out there.

I’ve been thinking about it all week and I have an idea why writers are stigmatized more so than any other Indie. We’re the customer who jumps into the “just opened” line at the store before anyone else realizes it’s open. The traditionalists are upset at themselves for not venturing outside the status quo. The good news is that there are traditionally published authors such as Stephen King, Douglas Rushkoff, and Douglas Clegg who are now jumping into self-publishing, according to M.J. Rose in the article Self-Publish Stigma Is Perishing.

On the flipside, Rose says there are also Indie authors being signed on to traditional publishing houses after their book breaks the 5,000 and 10,000 sales mark. That’s a very good reason to start out as a self-publisher. Of course, as Ray Robinson points out in his article Self Publishing Stigma, unless you do everything you can to market your book you’ll be lucky to end up in the 6% who break even. That’s why having a marketing strategy and doing as much research on marketing techniques is so important (and a subject for yet another post ).

There are a lot of reasons why achieving success as an Independent Author can sometimes feel like failure. Most of those boil down to letting the ubiquitous “other” make us feel unworthy of the title Author. I hope that someday we’ll all be able to through off our cloaks of undeserved shame and walk in the sun of success on The Road to Writing.

[Via http://virginiaripple.wordpress.com]

The Client is NOT always right.

2010-03-06T04:45:00.000+02:00

Dear Brand Team,

Please stop dumbing down my ideas on your personal whims. If you know just how to advertise your product, why hire us in the first place? You might know your product inside out, but we know advertising and the people’s psyche. Here’s the deal: you make the product, and leave the advertising part to the experts.

Sure, give us your insight, we might be able to use it. But don’t tell us where to place the logo, what sounds right or wrong, or what colors you want.

And don’t tell us that the approach is too radical. In today’s highly saturated market, your obsession with being “safe” is going to be the final nail in your brand’s coffin.

Regards,

Umair Kazi

Strategy Guy

There. Problem solved.

[Via http://umairkazi.wordpress.com]

The Linkcrafter Small Business Administration & Marketing Networks

2010-03-04T10:18:00.000+02:00

The professional networking sites and business groups are based on interactions with people looking for help and guidance from like minded people and professional individuals. These networking sites act as advertising and promotion tools for company which develops goodwill among the business fraternity and associations, converting every prospect into a possible client. The professional networking site allows business professionals to collaborate and network their business interests enabling them to share knowledge and stay informed. The sites also act as referrals promoting your small business and help target your audience in the quickest possible time.

Linkcrafter – a web based Relationship management software helps Small business owners to attract clients who don’t have money to invest in advertising nor have time to spend in countless networking websites, clubs and events. Linkcrafter unique FREE service gives you the power to market your products and partner with big names in the industry. The portal advertises and promotes your site on thousands of web sites both locally and at international levels giving an opportunity to all entrepreneurs to make it big who constantly strive and innovate niche products.

Continual advertising is about your capacity to keep your business in the short list in your present customers mind and attract enough new customers to fill customer’s turnover. Continual advertising is like the constant oxygenation we all need to survive.

Without continual visibility on the marketplace, business survival is problematic. Continual advertising capacity becomes the most critical and a survival-dependent function for any business. To solve these monetary solutions Linkcrafter provides and comes up with the best strategy to help you in your business. Make the best use of the free solutions provided by Linkcrafter and extent your market reach right here at this site!

Advertising involves a huge expenditure and when there’s no money there no advertising. The statement gives us the true dynamics of the market conditions. Today getting a product or a service to market costs more resources than the total amount of resources necessary to create the product or the service. At the same time you can’t succeed without proper advertising. Survival of any business today depends on its continual advertising capability.

Come and associate your brand with big names. Partner and network with the top and established companies. Also, use the Linkcrafter site as a lead groups generation site and dive into any desired industry. Opportunities keep knocking at the Linkcrafter. Its you who make it bigger and better!

[Via http://relationshipmanagementsoftware.wordpress.com]

Mon Dieu! Will Newfound Popularity Spoil the Dainty Macaron? Parisian Treat Goes Mainstream; McDonald's Recipe Has Provenance

2010-03-04T04:31:00.000+02:00

By JULIE JARGON And CHRISTINA PASSARIELLO Sara RossoA box of macarons at Ladurée in Paris.

Like the cupcake before it, the macaron, a French confection that resembles a pastel-colored sandwich cookie, is ready for its close-up.

It has been featured on film and television, in magazine articles and a new book called “I Love Macarons” by a Japanese pastry chef. Once the preserve of high-end French patisseries such as Ladurée and Pierre Hermé, macarons are showing up at retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Starbucks. Even McDonald’s is selling a scaled-down version in its McCafés in France, backed by ads showing two hands holding the tiny treat like a hamburger.

Instead of celebrating, however, fans of the meringue-like pastry have been whipped into a frenzy.

“Macarons are not meant to be mainstream,” sniffs Laetitia Brock, a native of Paris who has been blogging about French culture from Washington for the past six years. When she got wind that Starbucks was offering macarons over the holidays, she ran out and purchased a boxed set. “Very mushy,” she concluded, after a few bites.

Her negative blog post about the trend elicited a tempest over the tea cake.

The upper-crust French snack macarons are sold in high-end patisseries such as Laduree and Pierre Herme. Now chains like McDonald’s have added them to the menu. Can Parisians really tell the difference?

“I saw them at the McCafé on the Champs-Élysées—just down the street from Ladurée! What is the world coming to?!?” commented Allison Lightwine, using the screen name La Mom.

“It was so weird to see these delicate, very French pastries in something that’s so American. It’s kind of like if you showed up in a tuxedo to a baseball game, it was so out of place,” Ms. Lightwine, who writes a blog about being an American mom in Paris, said in an interview.

The word macaron comes from “the Italian maccherone and the Venetian macarone (meaning fine paste), from which macaroni is also derived,” says Larousse Gastronomique, the encyclopedia of French cooking. Various sources trace the roots of the pastry to an Italian recipe from the Renaissance or a group of French monks who modeled the dessert after the shape of their own belly buttons.

More recently, the macaron has been a hallmark of Ladurée, a small, 148-year-old chain of Parisian tea salons and pastry shops that packs its macarons in small pastel-colored boxes.

Macarons are made with egg whites, ground almonds and sugar. Their hard outer shells are sandwiched together with a soft creamy center that can consist of anything from fruit purée to chocolate ganache. Macarons, pronounced mack-ah-rohn, typically come in fruit flavors, pistachio, chocolate and sometimes more exotic varieties such as violet, foie gras and white truffle. The English spelling is “macaroon,” but the French confection is not to be confused with the dense chewy treat made with sweetened coconut

“People think of them like cookies, but they are much more delicate and exciting than a cookie—so crunchy on the outside and so soft in the center, like a little pastry,” says François Payard, a third-generation pastry chef from France who owns an eponymous patisserie in a loft-like space in Manhattan.

The perfect macaron takes time, but has a short shelf life, he says. After whipping, baking and stuffing the macarons, he pops them into the refrigerator for 24 hours to achieve the right consistency. He then lets them sit out for at least an hour, so the filling isn’t too cold. He tosses any that don’t sell in a few days.

“They’re sort of weightless, with an airy density. When you take a bite into a macaron, it should be like a meringue, with a soft ending,” says Susannah Chen, who writes about food trends for online magazine YumSugar.com and is a self-described macaron snob. “They’re meant to be eaten fresh, and I don’t see how that’s possible with large-scale chains or corporations where they have to go through so many channels before they hit shelves.”

Clémence Trancart, a press-relations manager in Paris, stopped by the original Ladurée on Rue Royale recently to pick up a box of rose, lemon and chocolate macarons for an afternoon snack with friends. The dessert “is very refined and elegant. That’s why I wouldn’t go to McDo for it,” she said, using the French nickname for McDonald’s. “It’s the little French treat.”

McDonald’s started selling macarons in its McCafés—the coffee and pastry bars located inside regular McDonald’s restaurants—in France in 2007. The burger chain’s macarons are shipped frozen to the restaurants from Château Blanc, a subsidiary of Groupe Holder, Ladurée’s parent company. Despite the common corporate parentage, the two versions use different recipes.

McDonald’s recently plastered the Paris metro with ads for its macarons. Some Parisians bit.

On a recent day, Olivier Cartier, a French salesman, ordered a pistachio macaron and a cappuccino at a Parisian McDonald’s. “It’s the trend,” he says, explaining that he’s tried macarons from mainstream supermarkets and bakeries and that McDonald’s version compares well.

High-end macarons leave him cold. “I’m not sure if there’s a big difference,” he says. “And then some of their flavors like foie gras are bizarre.”

McDonald’s says its macarons are selling well. At roughly $1.25 each, they are about half the price of the comparably sized upscale version and are aimed at a different audience, McDonald’s says. “Our McCafé offer is made for everyday small breaks,” says McDonald’s France spokeswoman Caroline Deleuze.

Pierre Hermé, France’s pre-eminent macaron chef, says he’s neither for nor against macarons’ newfound popularity but says he hasn’t tried the McDonald’s version. “There’s macaron, and then there’s macaron.”

In Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film “Marie Antoinette,” the young queen offered macarons to the Austrian ambassador. Macarons have since appeared in Oprah Winfrey’s “O” magazine, on cooking shows, in an episode of “Gossip Girl” and in wedding magazines. “I Love Macarons,” the new book written by Japanese pastry chef Hisako Ogita, provides detailed instructions on how to make the treat at home. Adour restaurants, located in the St. Regis hotels in New York and Washington, are offering macaron-making classes in March and recently began selling the treats.

“Macarons are gaining traction in the States because they possess all the attributes of a cupcake: They come in different colors and flavors, and they’re indulgent, but they won’t wreck your calorie count for the day,” YumSugar’s Ms. Chen says, explaining that she doesn’t want to see macarons proliferate unless they’re done right.

She sampled the boxed macarons Starbucks was selling in some stores in December and was unimpressed. They were dry, she said, and the pistachio-flavored kind tasted like Froot Loops.

“It’s hard to do something mass-produced because they’re so delicate,” Starbucks spokeswoman Lisa Passé said, adding that the company hasn’t yet decided whether to bring back the offering, which was supplied by Château Blanc.

Some macaron devotees see a silver lining to the popularization of the French delicacies. Joe Mallozzi, a Vancouver, British Columbia-based producer for a science-fiction television show, says he fell in love with macarons during a trip to Paris several years ago. His fondest hope: “Maybe people will stop calling them ‘macaroons.’ “

Write to Julie Jargon at julie.jargon@wsj.com and Christina Passariello at christina.passariello@wsj.com

[Via http://lanle.wordpress.com]

Marketing Research Begins

2010-03-02T10:49:00.000+02:00

What makes GREAT marketing research? It’s not necessarily the most sophisticated analysis. It’s not necessarily a brilliantly creative questionnaire. It’s answering marketing questions in a way that lets managers take ACTION to solve problems and increase profits.

And the best marketing research is done with a strong, common understanding between the marketing researchers (either in-house or external) and the clients (managers). But if you have ever cringed at the notion of getting those managers to sit down and go through the up-front thinking and discussion that leads to great research, it will help formalize and facilitate the process.

These are the essential questions that will help create your next marketing research project and get everyone involved in the project on the same page right from the start:

1. What is the budget for this project?

2. What business objective will we be addressing?

3. What is the objective of this marketing research project?

a. What problem are we trying to solve?

b. Has other research been done on this topic in the past? How well did it answer questions? Did achieve its goals?

4. What is the subject product/service?

a. What is the value proposition or brand position/differentiation of the product/service?

b. What are the key features of the product/service?

c. What are the key benefits of the product/service?

5. What action will we take with the information?

a. Who will take this action and are they involved in designing the research?

6. Who is the target audience for this research?

a. What is the size of the audience?

b. Do we have a list of these people? Do we have permission to use this list for marketing research?

c. What contact information do we have on this list?

d. What languages are needed for this marketing research? Will we do the translations in-house or externally?

e. How likely is it that the target population will respond to the survey? How busy are they? How motivated are they to provide their feedback? Do incentives need to be offered?

7. What is the best data collection methodology for the respondents?

a. Will we need to expose the respondents to graphics in the course of this interview?

8. Will the survey be conducted “blind” or will the survey sponsor be revealed?

9. How should we analyze the data?

a. How much do we want to slice the data?

b. Do we plan any multivariate analysis?

10. What is the appropriate sample size for the analysis?

11. Who is the audience for the research results?

12. How will the research results be reported?

13. Will in-person presentations be needed?

14. What taboos, if any, need to be avoided?

15. Is there anything else that needs to be conveyed about this project?

16. Do we have enough budget for this project to be done correctly?

Customize this list for your own situation, but this will provide a good starting point. And remember that Question 3 (what are our objectives and what is the problem we are solving) and Question 5 (what action will we take with the information) are the most important questions to answer. If you don’t get any further, answering those two questions will be a big step forward.

If you can’t answer these questions, or if there are too many divergent viewpoints on the answers to these questions, you probably are not ready to start the marketing research. Keep talking and challenging. Identify and fix the weaknesses, clarify the objectives and outcomes, and then start the process again with question #1.

[Via http://leaopada.wordpress.com]

Nestle's Brand is Bench Pressing 100lbs. - How to Strengthen Your Brand

2010-03-02T04:48:00.000+02:00

We eventually resorted to Pillsbury and the commercials lie! It does not make my belly tickle and laugh in good way. We were forced on a cookie free diet (probably necessary) for weeks.

Salvation came the day “new batch” (as marketing by Nestle) hit the shelves. Now we buy cookie dough as if we are preparing for the Washington, DC Blizzard of 2010 (26 inches of snow and 4 days federal leave). So what does this have to do with confusing leftovers? Due to our crazy consumption we have recycled over 5 Nestle cookie dough re-sealable bowls as Tupperware. And continuous confused leftover spaghetti sauce as a hopeful cookie desert or have to take the dreaded peak under the lid in search of expired leftover mold (yuck!) However, to be fair we also have 5+ Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Deli Slices containers serving as yesterday’s dinner leftover vesicle – at least those are clear. Overall, our obsessive brand loyalty has us confusing which of the many Nestle Cookie Dough containers in the fridge isn’t a whammy”!

Marketing Key: Don’t underestimate the power of a brand. A brand’s strength is supported by different values honored by its consumers. Some support a brand for its function, personal history significance, quality, popularity, etc. How to Strengthen Your Brand

Give your brand a personality. Identify 3-4 characteristics you would use to describe your brand if it was a person.
Always communicate in your brand personality. If one of the brand characteristics is “reliable” communicate to your consumers in a professional and knowledgeable tone.
Create a style guide and adhere to brand standards. Brand standards will ensure that your brand is always represented in the same manner regardless of who is responsible for the communication.

I know I’m not the only marketer that is brave enough to confess brand loyalty. What makes you loyal to the brands you love?

[Via http://queirra.com]

Stack Blowing

2010-02-28T10:57:00.000+02:00

Did you hear about the Helena Guergis event at the Charlottetown airport? Blew a stack eh? Perhaps her reputation too. We saw the same thing at breakfast this morning. Seated in the alley in front of Margarita’s we ordered beans, bacon and toast. Across the alley women dressed in orange coveralls were collecting, sorting and stacking garbage in large plastic pushcarts. That’s when a lady, dressed in a ridiculous purple outfit and seated in same the alley but down from us about 10 meters, blew her stack. Holding a large white handkerchief over her nose she vented her rage at the ladies in orange. She followed up her words with the ice in her glass as well as her remaining breakfast. The signal was clear, “The odor from your garbage has dirtied my meal.” In spite of everything the ladies in orange never batted an eye. The purple lady’s husband, an Englishman I think, fled the scene in embarrassment. I see myself in Helena and the purple lady. To my regret I’ve also blanketed unpleasant situations with angry words, insensitive words, impatient words.

The contract on our six bedroom house was signed weeks ago. Possession date was tomorrow, March 1. Three days ago I took Arlene out to check the place. We saw no evidence of any preparations for our arrival. Then the landlord sent his regrets and asked for a two week delay. It seems that his mother was hospitalized and so he had no time to get rid of all the messes and spruce things up. We really don’t have any options. So, I’ve convinced Arlene that we should make a 1,000 mile trip up the coast and visit some customers. We have a list of eighty names in Hanoi alone and so killing off two weeks should be no problem.

[Via http://tomatojuce.wordpress.com]

Going the Extra Mile

2010-02-28T04:52:00.000+02:00

When it comes to anything in life that is worth pursuing, there is one attribute to successful people that makes them stand out from the rest of the pack. That attribute is the willingness to go the extra mile. To do more than what one is paid to do. There is a lot of focus on feeling as if you are getting taken advantage of for doing work that you may not normally be paid to do, and to a certain degree, there is some validity to that statement. However, those who do go the extra mile, often times do end up being compensated or promoted to a position that would better reflect their contribution to any organization.

Why am I writing this blog about the current group that we are in? Well, the purpose of Dream Big Real Estate is naturally to attract a group of investors to purchase a multi family property of at least 10+ units. This undertaking, although relatively large, can be done quite easily if we work together and each go “the Extra Mile” to make a group like this work. There has not been much activity other than an occasional blog post from myself, and I am reaching out to the other members of this group to really look within yourselves and begin to participate so that we can really make this Dream a reality.

Many of you know eachother, and know me. This isn’t a group that was made to just have a chat room and network together. This is a group to get things done and ACT upon the reason that we all joined this network. I know that within each of us who joined, there is a sense of desire to achieve great things in life, not only monetary in nature, but on a personal level. Lets prove ourselves that we have what it takes to make a deal happen.

What I propose is that everyone devote a couple of hours a week, and post a deal or sumbit a blog with your thoughts so that we can get some meaningful discussion going within this group. The more we participate, the closer we get to the ultimate purpose of this group to purchase 10+ unit buildings for investment purposes.

Thank you, and have a pleasant weekend.

Kind Regards,

Manolis

Join Dream Big Real Estate

Join our Buyers List

Check our Facebook Page

Sell Your Home Fast

[Via http://newhavenhomes.wordpress.com]

Marketing Session with Helena - Mon, 22 Feb 2010

2010-02-27T10:17:00.000+02:00

Attendance

Vinesh, Jessie, Sapan, Vithal, Harshal

What is Marketing?

First most important thing in starting a business?

1. money

2. location

3. idea

4. customers / target

Process of starting a business?

1. Needs

2. Analyze market

3. Product

4. Price

5. Place

6. Promotion

CMI (the Charted Institution of Marketing): Definition of Marketing is:

“The management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.”

Components:

1. market research

2. market segmentation

3. product development

4. price

5. distribution

6. promotion

6.1 advertising – any media paid

6.2 sales promotion – increases sales on a short term to stimulate – coupons

6.3 public relations – market communication

6.4 sponsorship

6.5 direct marketing – communicate directly with customers

6.6 web 2.0

(Company structure diagram)

Event Marketing

1. check list – WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, HOW

2. title – Africa’s story: a tale of thirst, despair, faith & hope

3. internal communication

Event Promotion

1. media / newspaper

• news

• press release

• cover the event

- Telegraph

- Courier

- Online: DM

- Metro

- West End

2. Radio

- Tay FM

- Radio Tay

- Wave 102

- Bridge FM

3. Local authorities

- Dundee city council

4. Flyers / posters / leaflets

- charity shops

- churches

- community centres

5. Online

- email

- websites

o Gumtree

o Dundee.com\what’s on

o University Hermes

o Evite.com

o …

- social media

o facebook

o twiter

o buzz

o bibo

- website / blog

- above notes complied by Jessie

[Via http://gift108.wordpress.com]

Toyota's philosophical flaw

2010-02-27T04:48:00.000+02:00

Writing From Tokyo – Toyota has built a strong presence in the United States by serving its consumers well and doing what the U.S. government has wanted. Now it has stumbled badly largely because its greatest strength — the Toyota way of “accumulation of small improvements,” or kaizenkaizen philosophy — has turned out to be a weakness in the age of complex electronic engines.

There is every reason to believe Toyota will fix its technical and management problems. The question is whether, panicking in the very un-Japanese glare of the American media and political spotlight, it will dig a deeper hole by losing the trust and reputation for competence among its customers. That would be bad for Toyota, and for America.

Most auto companies in the past, including Ford and GM, have had recall problems. They all seem to try to hide the early evidence of flaws, even if they affect safety. Recall General Motors’ Chevrolet Corvair and consumer advocate Ralph Nader’s “Unsafe at Any Speed” campaign against it in the 1960s.

Today, however, with electronic programming of cars, many of the problems emerging — such as the braking system of the Prius — are of a new nature. They are judgmental engineering calls. If they can be corrected by readjusting the setting on recalled cars, Toyota can handle that quickly.

But what we are seeing may be a more fundamental problem that has to do with the engine control unit as a whole. In an average Toyota, there are about 24,000 inputs and outputs, with as many as 70 computer chips processing information and sending it on to other chips to operate the engine control units. It is a very complex system.

Such complex systems are a problem these days for all auto manufacturers — Germans and Americans as well as Japanese — because about 60% of a modern automobile is electronics. Toyota is the canary in the coal mine, so to speak, because it is the world’s largest manufacturer of cars, with more than 50 plants around the globe outside of Japan. Toyota has more models on the road than any other carmaker.

What we see with Toyota in particular is that this new electronic complexity has overwhelmed its concept of kaizen — continuous improvements — that has made Toyota such a high-quality brand worldwide. This company has so perfected the practice of kaizen from the assembly line on up that it has lost the big picture of how the whole electronic engine — and thus overall safety — works.

If Toyota does not recognize this and tries to chalk up all of its problems to floor mats touching the accelerator or a computer glitch, it will miss the real issue. Where Toyota has failed is that rather than review the overall safety of the engine operating unit, it has focused on diagnosing the function of many thousands of pieces of an electronic engine.

What this company is missing is the human factor — a single person who has a comprehensive understanding of the details of the engine and how the parts interact and work as a whole.

In the old days, one chief engineer designed everything. This was also true with ships and airplanes. Now, design and production are broken down into so many details that there is no one in the current generation of Toyota engineers who seems to have the whole picture. A 45-year-old engineer at Toyota today would have spent the last 25 years working on “the accumulation of small improvements.”

What this suggests is that Toyota has to come up with a new organizational ethos beyond kaizen that can oversee the crucial safety features that may have been compromised by so much incremental improvement over the years. This is a philosophical problem of management, not a technical issue. A new system of “man and machine interface” needs to supplement the kaizen philosophy.

I believe Toyota can meet this challenge. The challenge I fear it will fail to meet is the psychological one, enveloped as the company’s leaders seem to be in a sense of panic at being attacked politically and in the media in their most lucrative market, the United States.

For the modest and taciturn Akio Toyoda, whose English is only passable and who has difficulty finding the right words, to testify in front of the U.S. Congress invites the wrong impression: There is such a clash between aggressive American political and media culture and reserved Japanese ways.

As America brings Toyota to account on safety, it must also put the company in the right perspective. Toyota has also always done what the American market and politicians demanded without losing quality or productivity. The U.S. asked Toyota to come to the U.S. to produce cars instead of export them from Japan, and use up to 50% local content.

Today, 2.5 million cars are produced annually in the U.S. at several plants; this has created thousands of jobs. Toyota’s annual spending on parts, goods and services from hundreds of U.S. suppliers totals more than $22 billion. Ninety-five Japanese component companies were transplanted from Japan to supply Toyota through its “just in time” manufacturing process, building a supply network along the Mississippi Valley that didn’t exist before.

Toyota is on the hot seat today. But everyone should understand that the issue at hand is the trade-off between complexity and safety in an age in which electronics and computers dominate the vehicles we all use on a daily basis.

Kenichi Ohmae is a prominent management consultant in Japan and the author of numerous books, including “The Mind of the Strategist” and “The Borderless World.” His comments are adapted from an interview with Global Viewpoint Network editor Nathan Gardels.

[Via http://lanle.wordpress.com]

Nostalgia Marketing

2010-02-25T10:30:00.000+02:00

Was prompted to write a post on Nostalgia Marketing after seeing RetroToGo’s recent article on Fairy’s return to the old white bottle to celebrate 50 years of squeaky clean plates and soft hands.

It really got me thinking about how many brands have revisited old packaging, adverts and slogans in the last couple of years. I have picked out a few, including my favourite of the bunch – Virgin Atlantic – below but feel free to add in any I have not included.

One I have left out is the Cadburys work (Gorilla/Airport/Wispa) in the last 2 years, which I happen to think was superb first time out but as soon as they re-edited the footage with a new soundtrack it just smacked of pure laziness and lost it’s edge.

What does it all mean for advertising creatives though? Have they dried up? Are they lazy? Are they merely following a trend? More importantly, does it work? Let me know your thoughts.

Fairy

Fairy 50th Anniversary advertising

Virgin Atlantic

I simply adore this advert and this was a truly groundbreaking advert for me. Still makes me smile every time I see it.

Persil

M & S

And finally, the TV advert promoting guess what, TV advertising!

Thinkbox

[youtube=

[Via http://nicofell.wordpress.com]

Invitation to display at Florida Library Show

2010-02-25T04:42:00.000+02:00

The Florida Publishers Association is offering display of books/catalogs/products in its well-attended booth (#216) at the Florida Library Association’s Annual Conference & Exhibition April 7-9 in Orlando. More than 600 public, academic, school and specialty librarians are expected to attend. To receive a brochure with display details, email Betsy Lampe at FPAbooks@aol.com.

Deadline for receipt of display materials is Wednesday, March 31. IBPA members, and members of its affiliate organizations, receive the FPA-member discount.

When registering, please identify yourself as an IBPA member or BPNW member.

[Via http://bookpubnw.wordpress.com]

Ragu brings out the Italian in you!

2010-02-23T10:55:00.000+02:00

I thought I’d share another version of a post I put on http://blog.goenergetix.com earlier today. It was about Malcom Gladwell, author of “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” “Outliers” and “What the Dog Saw.” If you read that, don’t miss my comments on “Hello Health” below.

Mr. Gladwell makes a fascinating argument about marketing and happiness in this delightful TED presentation. Telling the story of the work of Dr. Howard Moskowitz, Mr. Gladwell explains how companies that embrace the diversity of human beings – in their marketing, in their product design, and so on – help their consumers to find happiness.

Very clever analysis, don’t you think? I work in the health and wellness industry and there is no doubt in my mind that we could benefit from this type of thinking when considering medical reform. So much of medicine focuses on a “one-size-fits-all” approach and I often wonder how much more effective our health care practitioners would be if the idea of “universality” was secondary to the idea of “variability.”

I’ve noticed a lot of talk and research money centering around the emerging health care system called “integrative medicine.” This new system advocates a more holistic consideration of the patient, taking into account body, mind and spirit. There is an underlying recognition and appreciation of the variability between patients, for not everyone with a digestive disorder or a cancerous condition will benefit from a predetermined universally prescribed treatment protocol.

The idea that medicine could be reformatted by virtue of Dr. Muskowitz’ discoveries about spaghetti sauce is intriguing, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be nice if your doctor, or rather, your team of doctors, could create a balanced strategy for meeting your particular health care concerns based on your unique health signature?

There is an interesting organization in NYC called Hello Health that you might want to check out (see www.hellohealth.com) This group of medical doctors has created an innovative practice management model that is making waves in the medical community. I’ve enjoyed following them and find their commentary on medical reform informative and courageous.

Something to chew on anyway…do you have any Grey Poupon?

[Via http://gregghake.wordpress.com]

The Essence of Printing

2010-02-23T04:50:00.000+02:00

Printing is a process for reproducing text and image, typically with ink on paper using a printing press. It is often carried out as a large-scale industrial process, and is an essential part of publishing and transaction printing. Today as technology keeps on rising and going on its past phase, printing has many varieties and uses depending on the user or who would be the end user. Printing really helps and from its wide range of options to choose from. So printing really has of many types and it is really advantageous these days.

If you’re looking for a company that will give you high-quality results at competitive prices with the utmost customer service and access to talented and experienced designers, call 1-888-ONE-IMS-1 to speak to an OneIMS representative today or email us at sales@OneIMS.com

Check out our services:

Graphic Design Chicago SEO Chicago Web Design Chicago Chicago Direct Mail Mailing Lists Chicago Email Marketing Logo Design Chicago Chicago PPC Management Chicago Content Management Systems Chicago WordPress Customization Chicago Web Development

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[Via http://smithdavid99999.wordpress.com]

Slaying Goliath

2010-02-21T10:21:00.000+02:00

This last week was a very interesting one to me – I am beginning to realise more and more that the slightly right wing views I have of the recruitment industry are actually not that far off pitch.

A few weeks ago, a new client responded to some marketing information I sent out. They are a smallish Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry, looking to recruit a new Sales Director for a rather niche and complex product.

Now usually, I prefer not to get too involved in the bun fight that is contingency recruitment. I work on my own and I simply don’t have the resources (I believe) to compete with the large contingency recruitment businesses. And I’ve been around long enough to know that a lot of effort can go into very little return, that I can’t afford to be thruthful. Everything I do has to show ROI if I want my business to be successful.

Anyway, I agreed to accept the vacancy and they agreed, without quibble, to my standard contingency fee.

I don’t have a very large candidate database. My candidate access is made up of a network of contacts and WOM referrals, people I have worked with for a long time and senior managers looking for a potential move but not terribly active in the market. So in a fit of lapsed confidence, I approached a previous employer (Big brand tehcnical recruitment company) to see if they would care to share.

Well of course they would! But unfortunately, they were already working on this role and had been for some weeks. As it appears, have the rest of the tehcnical recruitment world. Talk about saturation!

So, having already accepted the vacancy, I decided to do my best and then move on to the next job. I submitted 5 candidates, all of whom I fel confident were good and appropriate, but I know that the larger agencies were going all out at sourcing loads of candidates.

In total, the client received over 100 CV’s. I did ask the question whether it really was the best use of a CEO’s time to screen through so many, but they were already committed to the process. I honestly didn’t think I would stand a chance, with so many candidates in the mix!

Out of the 100 + CV’s, the client decided to interview 15 people. Out of my 5 submissions, I got 4 interviews.

Out of the 15 interviews, he called 3 candidates for second. 2 of those were mine!

Unfortunately, one of my candidates got offered a directorship elsewhere and had to withdraw. Lo and behold: The standby candidate was mine too!

SO out of my 5 submissions, 4 got to interview and 3 were shortlisted. Overall, I thought this was a very positive outcome.

I nearly fell off my chair when the client called to say that the third candidate had pulled out. The only 2 people left in the final interview stage, where both my candidates!

I am absolutely delighted. I know luck plays a part in recruitment. And that the numbers game sometimes pays off for recruiters who spray as much as they can in the hope that something will stick. But for me, this truly signifies the role of the independent recruiter: A slick, targeted, direct service delivered with intelligence and quality rather than quantity and desperation.

The final interviews take place next week and I know full well that a lot can still go wrong. But, as a small SME working in a very competitive market and aiming to do something really different in recruitment, I feel that I have truly achieved a coup. And I have a client for life, whether this role goes to offer or not.

David slayed Goliath regardless (or maybe because of) their difference in size. I think I might be doing the same!

[Via http://cathrich.wordpress.com]

Hollywood Movies Follow a Mathematical Formula

2010-02-21T04:55:00.000+02:00

Via PhysOrg:

Psychologist Professor James Cutting and his team from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, analyzed 150 high-grossing Hollywood films released from 1935 to 2005 and discovered the shot lengths in the more recent movies followed the same mathematical pattern that describes the human attention span. The pattern was derived by scientists at the University of Texas in Austin in the 1990s who studied the attention spans of subjects performing hundreds of trials. The team then converted the measurements of their attention spans into wave forms using a mathematical technique known as the Fourier transform.

They found that the magnitude of the waves increased as their frequency decreased, a pattern known as pink noise, or 1/f fluctuation, which means that attention spans of the same lengths recurred at regular intervals. The same pattern has been found by Benoit Mandelbrot (the chaos theorist) in the annual flood levels of the Nile, and has been seen by others in air turbulence, and also in music.

Cutting made his discovery by measuring the length of every shot in 150 comedy, drama and action films, and then converted the measurements into waves for every movie. He found that the more recent the films were, the more likely they were to obey the 1/f fluctuation, and this did not just apply to fast action movies. Cutting said the significant thing is that shots of similar lengths recur in a regular pattern through the film.

Cutting believes obeying the 1/f law makes films “resonate with the rhythm of human attention spans,” and this makes them more gripping. Films edited in this way would then tend to be more successful and the style of shooting and editing more likely to be copied. Films of Cutting’s own favorite genre, the Film Noir, do not generally follow the 1/f law, with shot lengths tending to be more random. By contrast The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and the 2005 blockbuster movie Star Wars Episode III (which Cutting considers to be “just dreadful”) both follow 1/f rigidly.

The researchers concluded that over the next few decades film makers may take more care to follow the 1/f law to try to boost audience engagement.

[Via http://needleandglobe.org]

7 show marketing idea to make money

2010-02-20T10:56:00.000+02:00

In order to make your exhibition, conference and exhibition season, the financial success, you must pay attention to the marketing plan, whether they are only in your head or a well-planned out strategy to write it down. When you invest in the exhibit booth, you need to know that the money is how you go get it.

So, you have a marketing plan, which seven marketing activities, wisdom and creative design are:

1. To provide aUnder the orders in the fair and special discounts. I have provided, such as: 10 percent of all orders have seen and paid fair. This contributes to the order, shall be immediately put, always paid immediately – a huge reward. Take a look at other people's discounts and special offers, why not let the idea of different methods to investigate where the money is, what is your business and customers best.

2. Simple flyers with your pictureFrom your website, contact information, trade show booth booth, and called for action to products, such as trade show promotional product, or special offers affordable printing, the real exchange value of what you own. I created a basic template of the leaflet, you want all the important information I give directly to customers. I can adapt to the special exhibitions and seasonal events, and now it is regularly tested and improved. I have my jewelry design color pictures,Jewelry display units and credit card signs, let people know that one, my everything to me. Yes, they can read the information and my Internet address and location has been there, but the significance of these photos.

3. Through the establishment of a collection of prize contests contact information of users, potential customers, to their customers. I run a wedding fair in the season, I gave up three tickets to compete jewelry certificate. How do I build up my e-mail, my e-mail client listCommunications. So I improved the annual income and my bride Investment Fair booth rental costs.

4. Please postcard showing your products to your existing customers, you are a part of their expenditure budget. Make sure your Web site, contact information and postcards on the passive situation. Consider the re-design of the card, so it can be to the Expo, so you can get the maximum benefit print discount. You can sealTheir position, so that digital printing cards can be used in different programs.

5. Large glossy brochures and price lists should be detailed orders for the customer marketing budget to make them get a fair trade contract. Into this huge investment potential consumers so that they can with your product and business development contacts leaflet. So that all incoming e-mail communications competition.

6th TradeShow gift can be very valuable, because they continue to move, your advertising messages to their events for years. The design of promotional gifts, so that they are eternal, and can be used in different television programs. If you avoid) a great game to be assigned to your marketing campaign is based on you, your company name (and contact with him, and then their investment should be promotional gifts, because people on their years of careful than the date and duration of the you他们. Your design for your work in several places. So, if you ensure that your company pen, it has your website address. In this way, you can shop, as well as exhibitions and be able to send as a thank you for your order, and then submit to the customer. The value you get your marketing budget.

7. Ask your customers what they want. Customer surveys are not great ideas and creative marketing insights. As a result of what isIt was suggested that you can with key customers to build profitable business relationships and feelings heard. Customer loyalty, from a strong sense of connection to the business and surveys is a great building this relationship.

Mass marketing and promotional efforts to build customer access to good employment opportunities, customer lists, increase your company profile. With some time and money investment canThere is an affordable marketing tool for a truly effective marketing program to pay for itself quickly and frequently.

[Via http://businesstradetips.wordpress.com]

Marketing Paradigm Shift

2010-02-20T04:39:00.000+02:00

Ever see the optical illusion of the picture that is an old lady but when you look at the image a certain way it is really a young lady or vice versa. I’ve seen this picture hundreds of times in classrooms, conferences or group sessions. However, the first time I saw it all I could see was the old lady, I could never see the young lady. Everyone around me saw both images and started discussing it. I kept saying I only see the one image what are you looking at? I was perplexed until a friend pointed out how to look at the picture. Once my eyes followed what he told me, suddenly there was a paradigm shift in my mind that allowed me to see the picture either way.

One web site defines a paradigm shift like this “think of a Paradigm shift as a change from one way of thinking to another. It’s a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis.”

When I watched this video by Good Magazine I began to see clearly how there is a paradigm shift coming to marketing your company or even yourself. The word “coming” is probably a bad choice. The shift has already happened we are now in the period of time where everyone is trying to figure out the best practices.

I always knew marketing on the web was a good idea. I even thought that one day we could find a useful way to use social media. I just never looked at it from this perspective before and I never thought the paradigm shift had already happened.

How are you using the new tools and new ideas to reach your clients?

[Via http://anticonform.wordpress.com]

Interestingly, the window paste is a great way to add a little humor to your marketing activities

2010-02-18T10:50:00.000+02:00

Window stickers all over the world a better way of your feelings, or your performance. Interestingly, the window in which these are the best type of paste. These labels can be different sizes, shapes and colors. And can be polite in these stickers, words are fun, political, funny or just laugh off the bulk of your comic. If you buy one, you know you can invite the public to participate in their second look. This usually means that you have read the personYour car window, at home or your business received only what is written to get a better view.

For this reason, when you need them the window sticker you remember, not everyone's sense of humor is one you have the same meaning. We have no reason to panic, if someone does not appreciate your vote in your Windows. Keep in mind that humor is a personal matter, you do not like all the people. When it come to buy these windows you need to find a postedOrder, there are many companies available for sale.

One of them to buy your request should be consistent with the value of humor you're looking for, where are you hope that the stickers) and location (in your window, image or text you want to display, for example, especially in highly price, you are willing to spend, get this strange window posted. take time to think these facts. You can now perfect, and this will encourage the search for hopeYour sense of humor of people who read.

A variety of window stickers, you will see only the text or images in this palette to those who have these two. You can see some say "Goodbye cruel world I will be breaking off to eat some cake" or "4 out of 5 in my mind the voice said, because it" or other similar claims to go. These labels can also be attractive in a variety of colors for everyone.

As the main reasonBuy this window stickers desire to spread your sense of humor, it is a good idea, if you tag to find really interesting. In this way, you can enjoy the people's reactions, when they read what is on your windows, place of business or at home, or even vote.

One of the best places to find an interesting window flagrantly posted on the Internet variety. Here you will find many companies selling these products. When you look at these different points, you can see,There are stickers, the sample. Sometimes you can find also studying the situation, an interactive product, make your choice. In some places, you also have the ability to select pre-printed labels or custom window stickers funny.

Between the tags is the difference between these two types is not so much. You have a choice in a pre-printed labels to choose from, on the other hand, taken from a variety of channels, design elements, including your fantasy, cartoons,To create a movie, new, never seen the humorous window stickers, will make it clear what is your sense of humor than anything else more meaningful.

For any product, you can buy, you can right your feelings very clear expression. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine will come up with different interesting window affixed life.

[Via http://samplesalonflyers.wordpress.com]

8 Reasons the Doctor Recommends Cause Marketing for Hospitals

2010-02-18T04:44:00.000+02:00

Another great post from Selfish Giving.

The doctor is in!

Many hospitals are leaders in cause marketing. Here in Boston Dana- Farber, Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical lead the charge. Nationally, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, City of Hope and the Children’s Miracle Network raise tens of millions of dollars each year. But many hospitals, large and small, never even try cause marketing.

Here are eight reasons why your hospital is sick not to give cause marketing a try this year.

Hospitals have a perfect emotional message. Sick children. Sick women. Poor, sick people. Sick people without insurance. Sick, old people. Moms with cancer. All of these messages are emotional hot buttons that will resonate with consumers in a cause marketing campaign. Indeed, some of the most successful cause marketing campaigns ever have involved hospitals. Right here in Boston, Stop & Shop Supermarkets has raised $40 million for The Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Hospitals have good name recognition and credibility. People want to support causes they know and trust. While not every hospital enjoys great credibility, most are well known and won’t have to jump the hurdle of anonymity and suspicion most nonprofits face at the register.

Patients just aren’t donors, they’re business owners. Most hospitals rely on grateful patients with capacity–wealthy hospital alumni–for support. This is the #1 way most hospitals raise money. But they’re missing an opportunity by not capitalizing on the businesses these donors own and run by introducing them to cause marketing. Not only could they raise more money, but they could deepen their relationships with donors and share their message with a much larger network of potential supporters.

Vendors are an untapped resource. Many hospitals understandably have mixed feelings about asking vendors for money, but what asking for an introduction to a potential cause marketing partner? Vendors have opened doors for me to other companies and even ones within their own. While my hospital’s relationship with Staples several years back was B-to-B–they were my hospital’s office products supplier–our lead account manager introduced me to the Staples retail marketing team and we struck a cause marketing deal, from which we raised over $200,00o. In short, hospital vendors are a great place to start networking for a cause marketing partner.

Hospitals have good events to leverage. If you read my blog you know that I leverage the events my team organize to incentive cause marketing partners. Do a cause marketing program, hit your goal, you get an extra sponsorship here, a foursome at this golf tournament, etc. I haven’t talked to a hospital yet that didn’t have good events to help ensure their cause marketing success.

Hospitals have a large, educated workforce. Like events, a hospital’s workforce can be a huge asset to a partnership. We have 6,000 employees at BMC and we frequently let corporate partners access to them as part of our partnership. Not many nonprofits have this asset in their corner.

Hospitals can be more nimble with messaging. While a lot of hospitals are solely focused on healthcare, many more offer special services that give partners options for cause marketing campaigns. For example, at my hospital we’ve done campaigns hungry children because we have a food pantry. We’ve done campaigns to help kids with non-medical items like coats, eyeglasses and prescriptions because we have the Kids Fund. We’ve done campaigns to help kids with HIV because we have the SPARK Center. Having more than one thing on the menu means we have more to offer partners that may have interests beyond healthcare.

Hospitals can afford to invest cause marketing. I’ve met hospitals with small development teams and hospitals with large staffs that raise tens of millions of dollars. But what they have in common is no cause marketing team (notice that I said team, not person!). I’m often surprised when people ask me how my hospital, a safety-net hospital at that, could have a cause marketing team.

I remind people that while we’re not the biggest hospital in Boston, or the most well known, we’re still a billion dollar organization. If we can’t do it, who can?

While your hospital may not be as big as mine, I suspect you’re better and more capable than you think. And you now have eight good reasons to try cause marketing.

So, what’s the hold up? The doctor has spoken!

[Via http://nonprofitstrategies.wordpress.com]

Marketing Research Challenges

2010-02-16T10:25:00.000+02:00

Many companies need to identify better with their customers and other interest-driven, this is not marketing, "a special activities. It includes the entire organization, is a healthy business needs. This is the whole matter of time customers point of view. "Every aspect of the marketing mix – product, distribution channels, pricing, and marketing communications – responsive to customers of products / services.

MarketingMarketing Association is defined as "the concept of the planning and implementation process, pricing, promotion, and ideas, the distribution of goods and services in order to facilitate the exchange, and create to meet the individual (customer) and organizational goals." The concept of marketing a business idea is found in a marketing process is fair, and retain customers, and the corporate profit definition. The extreme importance of these two definitions, the role of customers and clientsThe relationship between the product, if it is a good product, service or idea. Conduct a survey to a company, is it possible to meet their customers, or check what kind of products and / or services will be profitable introduction, it is by the market research sprint.

Marketing Research, "the planning, collection and marketing of the relevant decisions and the results of the analysis of communication data analysis管理. "Given the current definition of a clear measure of success of the marketing plan, marketing research is a company use the appropriate tools. Through the establishment of a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact on the target market and marketing mix, management can be more proactive rather than reactive. The study was watch as a threat or opportunity with the volatile market environment differences.

There are two types of research; SchoolAnd primary schools. Both must be used for the company's response to the previous target. Secondary research should collect / gather all the necessary information has been published. This data, the company's database as a first step in this study in order to improve the implementation of the analysis to determine its competitors, the implementation of the benchmark strategy, identify target market segments, measuring the population, want to use the rate ofPopulation, behavior and lifestyles.

From the two studies with data collected directly connected, in addition to the needs of a major occurrence. As the main research information is not currently available, the company's management team will be able to better understand the needs of potential customers, those who do not adequately target the existing practice of using the Service. Major study will also oversee the company's sales of the pursuit ofCompetitor's plans, and measurement of business practices, how effective the use of the services provided and the quality of corporate communications tools.

In addition, marketing experts refer to two broad categories of data means. These are divided into qualitative and quantitative methods. Specified quantity, using mathematical analysis, we find significant differences in the study. On the other hand, is a qualitative research method ofData are not quantitative or quantitative analysis.

To pay special attention to the study sample. The incidence of different individuals or families in the general population, this eligible sample, the sample size required quantitative methods, methods, and small-scale qualitative research as a whole. To manage the enterprise, forming a line with the above, in the online activities, only theCompetitive advantage is fully highlighted all the audience. Instruments used in pursuit of its effectiveness is necessary, if the company is willing to maintain an ongoing dialogue with their audience and to ensure that the stress, they called for and relevant to their needs will be accompanied by the value of the image customers. Therefore, the study must continue. Today, there's a chance to early detection is to use the right时间. What is the manager to ask his / her own, "is my company and I have to use the best way to update to the needs of the people", I want to serve? "

[Via http://samplecleaningflyers.wordpress.com]

Want to Write a Personal Blog? Follow The Bleat. for a Week.

2010-02-16T04:46:00.000+02:00

I’m being melodramatic, for sure. I think blogging today may be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Do you feel like this ever? Like you’d rather pull out your fingernails with a pair of rusty pliers than post to your blog?

I really really want to make this like second nature. Take for instance, this oddball blog called The Bleat.. Why the period at the end, I don’t know. I’ve been following it now for a week or two. This guy, James Lilek, is a machine. A Minnesotan like myself, he’s also a regular columnist for our local paper, the Star Tribune. And did I mention his blog made Time Magazine’s Top 25 Blogs of 2009?

I’d definitely describe it as a personal blog. Unless you’re really into vintage advertising and old matchbook collections, there’s little on The Bleat I’d describe as having mainstream appeal. Mr. Lileks is religious about posting Monday through Friday, which I admire. There’s a few gimmicks to get you hooked. For instance, he’ll regularly submit a what-the-hell-are-they-advertising-here post and reveal the answer next day.

Maybe the editors at Time’s Magazine are smoking crack, but I’ve got to say that I’m really enjoying The Bleat.. First off, I commend anyone who can live in Minnesota and not constantly complain about the shit weather here. Mr. Lileks is funny, too. It’s a wry sort of humor. Like his latest post which begins, “I have wood in my hand. It’s technically a splinter, but it came from a large chunk of wood I put in the fireplace.”

He’s also not afraid to use big words. When I read his posts I often have to consult a dictionary. There are an inordinate amount of blogs run by marketing folks wanting to make dime and it’s refreshing to read a blogger that doesn’t try to please everybody by writing in a watered-down vernacular.

Mr. Lileks is also not afraid to date himself. I’m not talking a candle-lit dinner at a fancy restaurant. One of the first posts of his I read was about how wrong some of the predictions in the 80’s movie hit Back to the Future turned out. For fear of alienating their audience, I think most bloggers avoid covering marginal topics that havn”t been discussed in the mainstream in the past decade. Mr. Lileks is not afraid to dive right into antiquity.

There’s no list posts on The Bleat.. None of the gimmicks you see in other blogs on the net. It’s not unusual for his posts to run well over a thousand words long. They’re uncompromising. Mr. Lileks is truly a man comfortable in his own skin. Humor seems to flow from him effortlessly, whether he’s analyzing bizarre advertising on the web or discussing his own eccentric hobbies, his day to day life, or his family. This is what a personal blog should be. Uncompromising and human. If you want to write a personal blog, take note. Carry your freak flag high.

[Via http://bwoz.wordpress.com]

2010-02-14T10:13:00.000+02:00

Last week Google made a bold move into the integration of social networking with their Gmail package. I am sure you will have not missed the Buzz news (http://www.google.com/buzz)!

I have tried it and yes, it works nicely. It is not perfect. And I am not saying that I am giving up my “hotmail” account just yet. However, I have set up my Gmail account to integrate Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, etc and will give it a go. Now just get myself an Android phone and I have all my social networking stuff on the go, all the time!

I can hear you say: “okay, but the phone is still expensive”! Well think again, here are 2 adverts for smart phones where I think the price is no longer a pain point.

These phones are promoted to engage in social networking.

On the other hand, I am sure you have also read one of the many recent reports about social networking reducing productivity at work which seems to indicate that access to social networking on company time must be banned and thus locked down.

So, banning work PC access to networking sites at work, will not stop employees to post messages, pictures and other stuff on social networks. Are we also going to ban the use of smart phones in our company? Not going to happen!

So what can you? Start working on your social media/networking policy today that works for everyone including the company!

[Via http://micvadam.wordpress.com]

Methods of marketing content adds value to Baumarketing

2010-02-14T04:24:00.000+02:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

It 'something that I hear all the time. Sure, the marketing of content – to win tons of free media and clients – non-profit makes sense for software companies and libraries, but as work for construction companies?

The answer: It works exactly the same way and equally good. Customers are customers. The questions that have asked to be different, but still have problems and my fears and concerns. The more content you can give, the fewer questions andAre the concerns they have. And the best way they buy.

Construction and renovation projects the money is. If it is financed by a landlord dipping into their savings or a multi-million dollar company, a new project. People are suspicious when you open your wallet.

Building products, tools, appliances and household products have great competition. People want more for less, and still the best product possible. Customers want products that easilyEasy to install, and, until the passage of time. Workers and owners of similar properties you want, the tools and equipment for execution.

Better your relationship with existing and potential customers, who are the better the chance of a sale.

The more people the feeling that you know, the more comfortable it will be with a purchase. If they see that you know what you're talking about, then I am more confident with their purchase decision.

But we just do commercial projects …

Thinkthat business customers do not check out line – especially if they have never, before the contract is that you? Think again.

Better yet, think about what you want online. What do you know the producer check-out?

Content Marketing is one of the cheapest vehicles on the market Out There?

How much does it cost to place ad in the newspaper costs you?

How about also listing?

TV spot? (Rain)

What was the last game has aroused flyers you from?What you pay in home printing?

The contents of marketing? Lives to your existing web site you have already paid. Blogging software is free. They have not even put in a blog on your website, blog hosts many sites for free.

When you become your writing, then all that it costs you is time. If you have a talented staff that can write well, including your business and knows how social media is, is only one salary. It 'another way to outsource, asYou could outsource accounting.

The key is to start.

[Via http://marketleaning.wordpress.com]

Google Search Stories - Search On

2010-02-13T10:04:00.000+02:00

A few months down the road Google launched the Search On campaign, to promote its products in an original and refreshing way. The original media mix was to use 100% internet distribution, with the aim of going viral. To the surprise of many, Google bought secretly an advertising space during the 2010 American Super Bowl and aired Parisian Love, the best advert of the campaign, if you ask me. On the contrary of what many companies do, Google did not develop an advert specifically for the Super Bowl, they just aired one they published online a few months earlier. Was this a last-minute decision? If you haven’t seen it yet during the Super Bowl, let’s watch Parisian Love. The rest of the campaign videos follow below.

Parisian Love

Out of Office

Mad to Live

Potholes

High School

Newbie

Cheermobile

[Via http://claudioraimondi.wordpress.com]

Disc brake is a great way to ensure that your old truck safety improvements

2010-02-13T04:53:00.000+02:00

The first set in the automotive braking system is to use the patents in Birmingham, Chester Fred Ricklin, but in 1902 the first one to use this type of braking system is a hot Crossley in 1949, limited the production of mode, which is considered one of the worst models.

The system is simple in design. When you step Caliper brake pedal fixed to the rim to exert pressure on a car slowed down. This CD-ROM can be solid or exhaust.This latter category of CD-ROM is better, by the friction brake calories consumed, showing less than the fixed disk fading. Another kind of disc in which the holes, what is a better heat dissipation of heat. However, this system is relatively expensive, just like a Corvette in the race, Ferrari and Lamborghini cars and sports cars to use.

If you have an old truck, you probably know how hard the brakes, when you go through the puddles of water. This is because the brake padsSlides in the humid and drum. A I use the back of my braking power technology, was standing a few seconds after the brake pedal while accelerating. The drum will be heated and dry pad and truck brake friction will start again. But the film will not last long. This technology, and not hurt them to be replaced more frequently.

This issue is resolved, when I saw a disc brake drum kit, you can almost anywhere to purchase the version of the白天. This package contains your needs, you do not produce, because the CD-ROM package is suitable for the original drum system installation. To install a new CD set you need is a drum and bolt to unlock the glass. This is very easy, I have to do from me to my car one afternoon, on a regular basis tools.

Disc brake products can be purchased before the old Ford, several vendors Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge trucks. Them the power ofHelp or not. In any case, you must install the brake booster effect just as the use of disc brake system to be retained. Cost of approximately $ 550 to over 1000 U.S. dollars, not including installation. But as I said before, do not want a genius to replace the DVD system, modernization of the old brakes.

Even if your original state of a truck, I would suggest you keep the brake disc to install it. Your car brake betterImproved security is the first one felt the moment you drive.

[Via http://fordrangerrepairmanual.wordpress.com]

2010 U.S. Mattress Manufacturing Industry Report-Aarkstore Enterprise

2010-02-11T10:44:00.000+02:00

The U.S Mattress Manufacturing Industry report, published annually by Barnes Reports, contains timely and accurate industry statistics, forecasts and demographics. The report features 2010 current and 2011 forecast estimates on the size of the industry (sales, establishments, employment) nationally and for all 50 U.S. States and over 900 metro areas. New to the report this year are: financial ratios, number of firms and payroll estimates. The report also includes industry definition, 5-year historical trends on industry sales, establishments and employment, a breakdown of establishments, sales and employment by employee size of establishment (9 categories), and estimates on up to 10 sub-industries, including bedsprings, box springs, sofa beds, foundations and platforms

For more information please visit:http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/2010-U-S-Mattress-Manufacturing-Industry-Report-37323.html

PH.NO. 919272852585

[Via http://aarkstore.wordpress.com]

AntiSocial - Undercurrents of Anger

2010-02-11T04:23:00.000+02:00

I had coffee with a friend this morning. The topic turned to customer experience — as if often does. Not only do I do a lot of work in CRM, but I’m planning a new series of podcasts on the topic and I take the opportunity to discuss this every chance I get.

As inevitably happens – he brought out a recent experience where the customer service was appalling. I’ve heard many of these over the years. It doesn’t take much prodding and we can all come up with one. And I want to stress that I’m not talking about simply bad service. That happens all too frequently to count. This was appalling service — you’d almost have to try to make it that bad. In his case, what was promised to be a 24 hour turnaround from a major bank, conveniently done on-line turned into many weeks of trips far out of his way to the only physical location where this business could be done, many phone calls and even with all of this – never a really satisfying conclusion, let alone an apology.

Yet he told it to me, matter of factly, as only one in a history of disappointments. It was appalling, but nothing special.

Conversations like this have been going on for years in coffee shops all around the world. But I think something has changed. I can see it. We all can see it.

In Toronto, where I live, a recent fair hike was handled abysmally by our Transit Commission. I don’t think there’s any question of it. Is is a coincidence that a picture of a Transit employee sleeping on the job went viral? It also sparked a multitude of similar pictures. Public pressure was so intense that some of the transit workers were considering a work to rule. That silliness prompted some awful cartoons suggesting that a work to rule would be an improvement in service. The whole thing threatens yet to spin out of control.

Second case in point. The Sons of Maxwell, a touring band had a fate that is as old as musicians and flight. A classic guitar, checked as luggage by a member of the band was thrown and damaged. If the reports are true, the band member actually saw an employee throwing a guitar. You have to be brain-dead to not know that throwing a guitar is a bad thing. It can only be thought of as malicious.

What did the band do? They complained, certainly and were told that there was nothing that could be done. So they wrote songs about it. One of these went viral on youtube and at last count got 7 million hits. Seven million. As United Breaks Guitars went into the millions, so did the losses at United Airlines.

What’s unique about these? Well, you have to remember, this is Canada. It’s not New York. We used to be the most polite nation on the face of the planet. The old joke was that a Canadian was someone who apologizes when you step on HIS toe.

But you can kiss that s**t goodbye, apparently. Now if you step on the toes of a Canadian, they’ll shoot you — not with bullets — but with the always ready cell phone camera. Blame and shame are concealed weapons of choice with Canadians.

Yes, it’s as if we all woke up and discovered that the meak may inherit the earth, but the cranky get revenge.

It’s also no surprise that Canadians are turning to social media to vent that outrage. We’ve always been the biggest users of social media. Facebook took off in Toronto. The groups of Linked In are full of Canadians and Twitter is on fire up here.

Not that we’ve lost our sense of humour. This is, after all, a nation whose greatest export is comedians – some of America’s funniest are Canadians – Dan Akroyd to Jim Carrey.

When you bring together that sense of outrage, a penchant for comedy and social media a virtual explosion happens. A recent example? In a wave of outrage directed at our current Prime Minister, some ingenious sole got the idea of trying to see if an onion ring could have more friends than Stephen Harper, leader of our nation. Now Stephen has millions to spend on handlers, publicists, web artists — whatever it takes. In fact, we seem to have an entire province of millions in population who, if they found Stephen Harper copulating with a sheep would still leap to his defense (as long as it was a girl sheep – he is leader of a right of centre party). Yet one lone person with a sense of humour and a social media device was able to trump this and tramp the politician down into the abyss of humiliation.

Last count? Onion Ring – 80,000 friends. Harper? 29,000.

Frustration? Anger? These are new to Canada, but we’re learning fast.

Someone told me recently that in the US, 20% of people actively hate their cell company. In Canada? That number is purported to be more than 60%. In fact, judging by a recent meeting that a friend was at, it may be more. When the head of a new upstart cell company was introduced at a recent gathering in Toronto, the audience applauded vigorously at a comment that this new company was going to do some damage to the existing suppliers.

There was an old commercial for tea that ended with the tagline, “Only in Canada? Pity!” I don’t think this is a “Made In Canada” phenomenon. I do think that the fact that the anger has exploded North of the 49th parallel should be a warning sign to companies and even governments. Canadians are the direct opposite of the the Canary that miners used to take into the coal mines. These birds were small and sensitive, if they got exposed to gas, they reacted early and gave the miners a chance to escape.

Canadians are more like a tsunami warning device. By the time you see a sign from them all you can do is get washed away. It’s simply too late.

[Via http://changethegame.ca]

LEDs Used in Solid-State General Lighting Global Market Forecast and Analysis (2008-2015)-Aarkstore Enterprise

2010-02-09T10:51:00.000+02:00

General Lighting General Lighting provides the main illumination of an area. In this study, we provide a market forecast (2008-2015) and analysis of the LED component used for general lighting applications, including interior and exterior decorative and functional lighting for residential, commercial and government areas. For the purposes of this study, Directional Lighting, Supplementary Lighting and Architectural Lighting in the General Lighting category.

LEDs are used in both functional and decorative light fixtures, with an advantage of energy savings. Compared to incandescent lighting, LED-based solid-state lighting (SSL) delivers visible light with reduced heat. In addition, its solid-state nature provides for greater resistance to shock, vibration, and wear, thereby significantly increasing its lifespan

For more information please visit:http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/LEDs-Used-in-Solid-State-General-Lighting-Global-Market-Forecast-and-Analysis-2008-2015–34616.html

PH.NO. 919272852585

[Via http://aarkstore.wordpress.com]

Last time on Grace under fire....

2010-02-09T04:48:00.000+02:00

Um, I actually have no idea what “Grace Under Fire” was about but people always used it as a reference for my name as a kid. Anywho….

See I told you I was bad at blogging. I have the desire to blog, I just lack the discipline. I’m like the significant other who tells you he/she is “going to spend the ENTIRE day” with you. Back to the reason I dragged myself back to my blog: RESOLUTION CHECKUP.

I am happy to report that in the last month I have maintained all of my resolutions (see post below) except for the one about exercising. I knew I wasn’t going to but it’s nice to dream, right? OKAY, I cheated on the one about retail therapy – I bought some leggings! But it was just yesterday I purchased them so I DID go a whole month without spending a dime on clothes/shoes/bags. Since my birthday is next week my bank account can expect to take a hit over the next 10 days. Yes I celebrate my birthday for over a week; if I don’t celebrate/love me how can I expect anyone else to? =)

Speaking of my birthday, my mother has decided that since I’m turning 23 another year older I need to be “domesticated“. Yeah I know, when did I become a house pet? My mother is committed to “teaching me how to run a house”. Um, did someone put in an offer for me? Is she trying to kick me out? Actually it’s probably more wishful thinking because I’m pretty positive the former is not true and my parents are way too scared of me being independent (read: living in NYC). This “domestication” should result in plenty of laughs so stay tuned =)

Something extra: so I’m not big on football but as an ad junkie I was all about the commercials. I found it interesting that the commercial people liked the most (from WOM & my twitter feed) was the Google ad – a video that’s been around for a while. I totally fell in love with it when I first saw it, partly because I love all things French. So for your viewing pleasure:

[Via http://gracesotomayor.wordpress.com]

digital strategy:

2010-02-07T10:07:00.000+02:00

In the fields of strategic management, marketing strategy, and operational strategy, digital strategy is the process of specifying an organization’s vision, initiatives and processes in order to deploy their online assets (as of 2007, these include: web sites, mini-sites, mobile sites, digital audio and video content, rich Internet applications, community groups, banner ads, search engine marketing, affiliate programs, etc.) in a manner which maximizes the business benefits they provide to the organization.

[Via http://degenr8.wordpress.com]

On my 5th Card

2010-02-07T04:16:00.000+02:00

Ok today make the 5th card and I did not have to leave the house to buy a card. This is awesome! I have been doing the cards for a while but, not really looked at it in this way. I have always know how easy it is and now with doing the card a day I am really getting it.

Today I sent a card to another high school friend. Well in school we just really knew each other but did not really hang out. Now thanks to social sites we are starting to be friends. Nothing say I want to be your friend better then a card in the mail. The social sites are great but a card is still one of the best ways to say how you feel and means so much more then an email.

I thought I would list a few reason over the next few weeks that could give you a reason to send a card.

February 10

School Day
Umbrella Day

February 11

National Inventor’s Day
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

February 12

National Plum Pudding Day
Barbie Dolls 1st for Sale

February 13

Penicillin 1st Used On Humans
National Tortini Day

Have a wonderful night

Tennalynn

www.tennagiftcard.com

[Via http://tennalynn.wordpress.com]

More Projects!!

2010-02-06T10:55:00.000+02:00

Marketing Mix of EA Games – ” Click on this Link ”
Marketing Mix of Rockstar Games – ” Click on this Link “
Marketing Mix of Activision – ” Click on this Link “
How is Mutual Fund Setup ? – ” Click on this Link “
Cigarette Industry – ” Click on this Link “
SWOT Analysis of Maggi – ” Click on this Link “
State Bank of India – ” Click on this Link “
STP of EA Games, Rockstar Games & Activision – ” Click on this link “

[Via http://yoginvora.wordpress.com]

Internet marketing and direct sales - and the best for me?

2010-02-06T04:33:00.000+02:00

Preface

As early as 2006, I was a family business of health and health companies. In the 6 months I have spent a sample such as 4885 U.S. dollars per month to purchase requirements, marketing materials. During the same period, I got my efforts to $ 807.

Is obviously not correct. This is not because if I can find, the customer … I have generated thousands of dollars in sales! Obviously, I am not a factCompensation for my efforts.

Through further research, I found what kind of business I have erroneous decision would be made to adapt to their own. This is not only the product and I like it themselves. There is a far beyond it, and I do not know that the common characteristics of different types of families based business model, and in one location, so there is no adequate comparison.

In fact, I do not even know if this is anything other than network marketing(Also known as multi-level marketing is known as pyramid schemes, consumer direct) marketing and promotion. I think network marketing is my only choice, if the participation in a home-based business.

Therefore, I excited about things, and I jumped, unfortunately, this is the most people. I lost valuable time and money.

My purpose of this article is to educate you on the different possibilities in the network marketing business model in between the differencesAnd direct sales business model. I want you to know what kind of businesses can achieve the best type, you can avoid a few years ago I did not make the same mistake.

About the house-based business is a serious task, requiring more than just a wish and prayer. I hope you find this article in your research and decision-making a useful decision-making process. If so, please let me know!

I wish you success

Karajan Minkowski

WhatThe difference?

I must first declare that most of the private commercial company's direct sales companies. In other words, an independent distributors sell their products directly to consumers.

However, some direct marketing companies network marketing business model issues (such as pyramid schemes rest of this paper), other people to use direct sales business model.

Here the difference between …

In any enterprise, regardless of their product has a fixed amount ofProfit for each sale is being created. It is the profit left after the company received their product (twist the wholesale payments).

For some products may have a very high profit margins (not more than 80%, in some cases), while) were much lower profit margins (5-20% increase. Each product regardless of the actual profit margin I call it "disposable income will be" the.

In MLM, if the object is for each one sold, all of these sales profits will be divided intoYou and your "on-line."

Your last line is the person who you come into the store ahead. Brought about, for example, you are subject to the Soviet Union adopted a Jenny, she was Michael and …. and other people's line of hundreds or even thousands of people long. These people are your on-line, each sale, yes, you make some money, but in fact done a lot of money.

Basically, if you work your business in order to attract more people from the enterprise other than theThem to do so. Sort, such as voice again as an employee, is not it?

Of course, you may one day be able to access on-line at the top and a higher percentage of the profits, and the hard work and patience, and annual sales of this is many years of experience, you can take and then separated from the profits with other people – people you do not even know – not even anyone to help your business grow!

With the direct sales business model, if sold, these are the revenue from this sale go to aPerson who is not shared on-line.

This is a big difference? You bet. Check this.

Suppose you are doing business, and your customers to purchase products worth 1300 U.S. dollars. They earn on average 7% of sales, if you often start with the direct-marketing company.

In this case, in an MLM business, you can about the sale of 91 $ 1300 U.S. dollars. Your on-line over, because they achieve a higher percentage of your income.

Let us look at an example of the sameThe same product, providing high-margin corporate direct marketing.

You do marketing, customer value of 1300 U.S. dollars to purchase products. With only one victory, it is not a member of the group to share on-line so that the whole profit.

In this direct marketing business, for example, 1300 U.S. dollars can be sold around 1000 U.S. dollars.

I ask you … what you want … $ 91 or $ 1,000?

I have experienced this situation first-handMy direct sales business. One of my several months, I have brought more than 5000 U.S. dollars in sales, but my salary is only 200 yuan! I tried a month on the review, rather than whether the operating expenses let alone pay for my food or other bills.

For this reason, # 1, why do I put on a direct sales business model company. If I have a direct sales business to achieve sales, I have received more than $ 4000th

Ah … I might have an additional4,000 … can you?

Please note that not all direct sales companies to provide such high profits, which is another reason that you carefully. In general, information products and Internet-based products to market much higher profits.

The company's service levels and sales quotas

As you probably already know that every company, there are different "levels" can be achieved, and in each layer, you can earn more money.

But you knowKnow that in the direct-marketing company, is very specific requirements, you need to meet monthly sales remain at the present level of performance skills?

In other words, continue to make money, and will be eligible at a certain level, you have to be very stable, the monthly sales. Oh, I remember going to leave or maternity leave, a period of time strippers!

Different requirements of companies, of course. However, I have studied every company needs one or moreBelow the level of service you and your ability to work:

• Buy monthly personal products. No matter your personal needs or not, you need to purchase the products, monthly, often cost you 100 U.S. dollars or more. I can tell you from personal experience, this is a good way to mess your garage or closet!

• sales quota. Quota is a necessary monetary value (also known as the band) product, must sell it to you (individual size) and your team (group volume per month)Continue to make money. Amounts vary considerably, from 2,000 yuan to 200,000 per month or more, depending on your business and research.

• recruitment quotas. This refers to a new distributor of a specific number () not just customers, you must submit your team a month additional income.

Again, I have experienced this in my MLM business first-hand information. Although the company did not hold consumption, and I need toTo buy them, and (rather than monthly) my clients. However, I have to continue to purchase (for obtaining a product, "Subscription") to stay in the game … then I ended all the items of the closet, I do not need or do not want the.

The quota is another matter. They may be difficult to maintain for some time. What happens when family emergencies? Or, you sick, and time needs? Or, if you only want a very well-deserved vacation?

I mean, this is why we have a house in the economyFirst, the non-local, right? Therefore, we can have more things, we really want to do things to make money time, and do not feel the pressure of work, every day.

If you are subject to quota constraints, I can tell you first hand experience of the last week of the month is absolutely fine stitching you, you try to keep your business smoothly. You are the end of your company, you are afraid of losing you have created. There is no way to motivate people. This is not fun, but not yet over.Every month, you're here again, until the quota.

For this reason, # 2, why do I put on a direct sales business model company. I refuse to "prove" themselves again and again, month after month, the meeting quotas, in order to keep my earnings potential.

This is a rare, but you can find there is no monthly products to buy, no sales or recruiting quotas for the company. Yes, you read that right. No purchase is required, and no quotas. (In fact, I think this is illegalNeed to purchase the products! ) There is no small print here. In some direct sales company, if the performance of your qualifications, your life there. Talking about the liberation!

Start work every day, or a month. It depends on you. Well, this is why, when I am at home based business!

Offline and motivation

In most MLM companies, you train your new distributor is responsible for (your "downline"), and maintain their motivation and work. Their efforts andTransaction, you can now understand, it is important that you achieve your monthly sales requirements.

Of course, it can be a monthly meeting or assembly, all of the excitement, but the "high-continuous" about two days, and then look at all your motivation and work.

In MLM, your salary depends largely on the sales of your downline orders. So you must always keep your employees active. Rather than relying on themselves and their business activities, youNanny and many others were forced to cheer – the person who may not have the same work ethic and goals, you have!

Ah, this is not a very efficient way to develop a successful business.

I found that my team in my time spent training and support of the people, but they only announced a month or two. So, I not only wasted valuable time training the person who left the business, but I have my own time to build商业.

For this reason, # 3 Why do I convert direct sales business model. I do not understand why, in the home-based business, I would convince people to take action. I would rather for my own income through their own efforts, rather than be on the other hand, it may not be so heavy or less the same.

I would suggest to find a company providing a wide range of training for each distributor offers – education, rather than for your convenience. The process, you shouldIs expected to act as a guide and mentor, your team, but it should not be your job, that his hand, ordered the train to any person or nanny, so their daily business.

The most important thing is that you do not want to rely on your staff to create your monthly income. So that you can control, and this is what I want when I leave the world of employment, and decided to work for me. You want the driver's seat, right?

You may want to knowItself, employees what benefits, if you do not from their activities? So, what is really good, in many direct-marketing company, you should (establishment of a team should always be your choice, not required), as well as you create incentives to be well paid, if you choose to help others is the公司.

As an example, in some direct marketing companies, if you start to help others and her mentor (notNanny! ) When they complete their training programs, you can earn 3,000 U.S. dollars in other places, and more than 20,000 yuan. Yes, you read that right!

Now, you might think, OK, this is your great karaoke, but you have done for many years, it is clear you are relying on the top. How do I like, I began to get in return? How much of how I can help others to do?

So here, deal. In many direct selling companies as long as you are through training, as I said, youLives may be eligible for the Committee at its first level. If you earn through training programs to help others, you can be anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 people … this is just the beginning! In this example, I have a scenario that I mentioned earlier, if the sales income of 1,000 yuan to use. Cool, right?

So you can see the direct sales, you will gain huge income quickly … but in the "on-line to the top." In fact, the company's direct sales, but I do notOn-line.

Samples, equipment, salaries

To be in most direct sales companies, you have a sample of your potential customers try the product interest. Thought it was free? Think again! You may share the directory, samples, brochures, CD, DVD and other entities in other literature.

You will buy these samples and marketing materials directly from your company. However, if you believe thatThese samples and directories will not be counted in your personal monthly product purchase, or your sales quota. Talking about the scam!

In addition to the sample you naturally want to meet customer requirements and existing inventory to immediately meet immediate enjoyment. You will be required prior to your products before buying, even if you can be sure to sell them!

Then, all of the sales job, you must be prepared to pay you your companyOnce a month. Suppose you have a great month. They are very happy with your progress. At the end of this month, usually have to wait two weeks to deal with the company's payment, and may have more time, if they are A: Check your release So, you have to work 30 days free of charge, your butt just to wait 20 days, a small portion of your check.

Does not seem fair, right?

For this reason, # 4 Why do I convert direct sales business model. It is likely, in the direct marketingDo not buy or purchase a sample and save all of the stock.

In addition, direct sales, usually paid directly to your customers. You may have to find, but you can find companies in sales, which has given you a commission, then the big pay pay. This may not be typical of all companies, but if you look, you will find it!

Marketing friends and family

Snow, terrible sales "warm." Did you know thatA direct sales company's main marketing focus is your friends and family?

They call it "word of mouth" marketing. However, it really should be called is shameful!

What is this type of marketing you have, but it is your product promoter. Vitamins, diet drinks, skin care, weight loss, what it is … people start to avoid you. This is not a stranger to avoid. Precisely these people who make your life!

Everyone will see that to believe youTrying to sell these things. Some people may buy, but secretly, they may feel bad for you, but you want to stop bugging them to buy your things. And, of course, this is your understanding of the market because it is all the direct-marketing company, you learn to do it!

"Some people join!" They will tell you. "Just to let them … they need multiple exposure," they will tell you. "You'll see your success and enthusiasm, they will connect." Error!

For this reason, 90% of householdsThe company failed … because there is no one to teach marketing and how to configure the right market!

Your friends and family is not a target market … More importantly, they are a limited market.

For this reason, # 5, why do I convert direct sales business model. Some companies actually teach, how to find targeted, interested prospects, do not put your company's friends and neighbors with this type of training. You just say to whom requires, inter alia,For more information, so you do not have to spend a matter of time, wire-tapping your family, and even telemarketing calls.

This is the only way to build a business, and keep your dignity at the same time. Make sure you know who you will be the market's expectations, and how you know your product, market, or may suffer the same fate.

Conclusion

I did not cover all the issues, you can handle an MLM business, but these are the most important, which leads me toTurned away.

Is that I feel I and my business has completely changed. In the past, I feel I am the person listening. Now I know that I help.

Prior to this, I felt the pressure and stress. Now, I hold in my hands and the only one who answers me.

My company has the dignity and integrity, because I talk to people who answered ads, she asked me for more information. I'm not pushing my business, my product or myAnyone.

In addition, 1,000 yuan, every sales commission, I can tell you now have the opportunity to earn some serious money very quickly.

In the absence of quotas, to allow this type of business people who own lives, their growth of their schedule … not mine or company.

In my experience, I understand, even if it cost me thousands of dollars. Can I interest point of view, I share with others, I hope this is useful information for you.

AtClosed, when you do your research, you should assess:

• I would like to take advantage of high profits, I earned through a product marketing for each of hundreds or thousands of sales, profits, to keep my … still I think my on-line, against the U.S. dollar and profit penny stock of money it ?

• I would like to meet monthly quotas for sales and recruiting to keep my performance / technical level and purchase more products, monthly … otherwise, I willEligible for life is no quota and no monthly products to buy?

• I always cheer the team in my business, and constantly encourage them, I have seen my sales quota … or I want to control my own income and my team on the company's management training process an important economic incentive?

• I want to buy samples and stock, and paid once a month … or I'm willing to pay first and get an immediate and unconditional sampleAll or stocks?

• I hope that my friends, my family and the "100 list" the market … or I want to receive who have expressed an interest in my company and products, results of a survey of people do?

I hope that this report will be valuable information, you can help choose the best families, for their own business. I can not pretend that a business model is the best, because each of us is unique individual. At least read thisProject, you have a better understanding of your choice.

If you're anything like me, you may want to seriously study the direct sales to wear. My research and experience tells me that this business model, you can a lot of money, and in a shorter time. Also have more flexibility, which helps me a new suit my busy life.

If I help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

KaraJankowski

603-664-3553

[Via http://salonflyerssamples.wordpress.com]

Guerrilla marketing methods - Acquisition

2010-02-04T10:45:00.000+02:00

You may have seen in political campaigns at the same time the use of the word, in fact, this is one of the most common reason for using the purchase. However, this technology can be effectively used to guerrilla marketing.

What is it?

Acquisition refers to the advertisement, the company achieved in the same location of the target consumer, usually group, on a personal basis. A simple example of acquisition will be a new pizza shop will be sent to employeesAnd pamphlets, on or under so many doors as possible stay in their own area to provide the stack.

Other acquisition technologies are:

Door to Door items like (Jehovah's Witnesses in here).

Parking distributed pamphlets.

Sidewalks or shopping malls sample.

Telephone campaign.

How do you do?

Although there are some canvassing activities are involved in (print, as a rule, the cost of moneyYou plan to distribute materials), this marketing class, in the economic and effective. There are three stages of a successful M & A activities: planning, preparation and distribution.

Planning: This is clearly the most important. You need to plan their own material, you also have the scope or method will be best for you and your company's valid to be determined.

For local businesses, they will naturally be interested in buyingLocal. You can distribute flyers, door to door (please be sure to check your local laws prior to the adoption), starting from such a material, hung on bulletin boards, or municipal utility poles that they (again, where the local laws and regulations and inspection) plan or area messages.

You can also distribute your materials (flyers, business cards, brochures and bookmarks, to other parts of the enterprise agreement, the name for them in the ad exchange a few). If you provide the material isMust remain in the community activities likely to attract your target market to remain vigilant.

If your business is mainly online, from your target customer's website and forums more frequent acquisition of scope, and personal e-mail. Make sure you do your research and preparation methods can be used to attract interest in a list of places (and banner ads, forum members, guest blog, articles, communications, etc.).

In the planning of your data,We must take some time, so that they get as much as possible attractive and interesting. Comb your spelling and grammatical errors, then – not only this is a bad first impression to customers, but they may also end up some unexpected consequences. As an extreme example, imagine if the Motel 6 chain of a typographical error in the case carried out a motel advertising!

Your error is not excessive, but if you see any errors in adsMaterials, your customer much easier to remember than your product or service quality of your mistakes.

In addition, please ensure that your material is interesting and convincing. Remember, your USP? With your business stand out from your competitors, and the emphasis on marketing copy. If you come to a slogan or a slogan, symbol or text can be identified described the game fun sweet business might be short-lived information very helpfulYour material.

Preparation: If you decide on your data, you must create them. When you send a small flyers, business cards, brochures, or you can make it more high-quality printer. A high-volume commercial printers are usually cheaper. Areas such as Staples and the test has become more than ever, affordable and competitive multi-class VistaPrint.com, and then click the line of the company.

TheyThe printer is available from the file print. With the proliferation of desktop publishing software, will probably make you have the ability teaching. However, we must put a lot of time and professional introduction. If you do not feel a great looking and sounding promotional materials, you can see hiring a professional designer or copy the confidence of hope – you will pay a one-time materials can be used over and over again prices.

Publisher:This refers to the fact that your client material. You can distribute leaflets to attract volunteers, or help. Volunteers, partners, or people who would be willing to help you some time in order to promote, in some cases may be heavy traffic areas, such as shopping malls and transport terminals and hands to spend your material.

You can ensure that your mailing information, in this case, your communications, including the tourist itineraries. If you are one with another local partner, you will beOnly have a drop-off material stack.

If you plan to online advertising, this is a good idea to try to coordinate the venue, playing at the same time. Several banners, advertisements, articles, forum posts, blog entries and e-mail, to attract the target audience more than once will help to strengthen in their minds of your business and help them, remember, the next time they need your product or services.

Abstract

Canvassing is a marketing approach to reach more consumers to the individual

There are many forms of acquisitions, including leaflets and brochures, distribution, sampling, telephone or home delivery of marketing and online advertising campaigns

M & A is the most effective research, if you have your target population, can they have a series of visits in the same field

Other companies also received a good partner, because you canThere is not much effort to reach all customers

Acquisition is based on a strong signal and well-written material to achieve results

Distribution, the acquisition took place in the last step, online or through a third party where

[Via http://freeflyertemplates.wordpress.com]

5 things to grow your biz right now!

2010-02-04T04:53:00.000+02:00

Being a photgrapher, my wife found this article http://photofocus.com/2009/10/30/five-things-you-can-do-right-now-to-grow-your-photography-business/

the article is about things photographers can do grow their business. I found the article to apply not just to photographers but to other businesses as well. Here is my interpretation of the article.

Own Your Own Zip Code

Start with your own area. Why would you be in a certain area and market to the whole country. It takes more time, effort and money the further you are from your area. A marketing guru talks about how to make your product a purple cow and how building your own tribe is essential to marketing your business.
Show What You Want to Sell

Show what you have to sell, and show relevant things. Imagine going to a shop and all you see is a Logo, a desk and a person. If you have products showcase them, if you have services, show pictures or certificates, news clippings, or achievements. A fast food restaurant always show the picture of food they serve. Additionally, this may also mean market yourselves. So, don’t forget to use facebook pages, twitter, or create your own website for you business. (If you want to make a website, you can hire me either to build it for you, or to teach you )
Network Like Crazy

Get to know more people, they might be your potential customers, business alliance partners. Join a network or an association, if possible something related to your business. Even better, find a business development community or association where you can meet other business owners and manager. I’ve joined LiveWIRE Brunei. There’s also the LiveWIRE International
Avoid Time Stealers

Do the things you do best and avoid doing things that you can let other people do it for you. Of course some people or business may be on a budget. So they may have to do things by themselves. If that’s the case then I’d recommend finding and hiring someone else – a salesperson to find more money for you, so you have the budget to hire someone else to other stuff for you. Manage your time, and delegate tasks.
Charge More Money

More money more profit, some people would be scared to raise their prices in fear of losing customers. But if a business is the best at what they do, why would they charge less? Even luxury business can thrive in a downturn economy. http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article203048.html

I have to admit, I have to master some of theses my self. So wish me luck, as I wish you good luck.

[Via http://smebrunei.wordpress.com]

Marketing strategies: to increase your profits Business

2010-02-02T10:45:00.000+02:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The main objective of any business is to grow and continue to profit. It would also, what kind of entrepreneurs want their businesses do not? Although the company has its risks as an entrepreneur, you should know that you need to risk taking your business to thrive.

We ask, but would never take too many risks for your business. Therefore, in all types of businesses, always plan, plan and plan some more before making a move.

ThanEntrepreneur, you should have written guidance for the start of your marketing strategy. The guidelines will be used by your company to determine, according to company policy.

A good marketing strategy should have the following objectives to create a good marketing plan:

– Competitor Analysis

– Description of major customers

– Reasons for which the product is unique

– Distribution Channels

– Price Strategy

– Research and l 'Development

– Cost

- Segments of marketing, the company will compete

With all these integrated into your marketing strategy, you can be sure that you can really pave the way for success for your company.

Think of marketing strategy, like a compass, where it will manage its affairs properly. After this sort of "compass" which is to clarify for you what action to take when it encounters an obstacle in your companyPath.

The decision process is the key to any business. With a marketing strategy, you will notice that it would be easier for you to take a decision, whether it is for the leadership of your company to success. It will also help to avoid the wrong decision.

Another advantage is that a marketing strategy can provide is that you can set specific goals for your business. If this is a short or long-term goal long-term goal of a marketing strategy will be easier forSet targets, how to play about your business.

Depending on the situation, you can groped to adapt the different types of marketing strategies, the needs of your business. Here are some examples of different types of marketing strategy:

– Strategy Dominance – This type of strategy used by companies to take control of a particular business.

– Innovation Strategy – This strategy looks at the rate of development of new products the company and innovation.

– Growth strategy – The marketing strategy is formulated to grow the company.

– Strategic Warfare – A competition for business is still there. And sometimes your company needs to be aggressive on the defensive attacks on competition or to protect businesses against the loss of profit.

These are just some of the strategies you can use to reduce to a minimum to maximize corporate profit and loss. Sometimes you need to edit your> Marketing strategy in order to cope with changes in the business world, such as competitions, new technologies or the reduction in the number of customers and profits.

Thus, depending on the situation, you should always have a plan, what kind of marketing strategy, you should use for the good of society. The management of an enterprise is not always easy. There will be times when the company is in danger of losing money or decreased profits. Because of the situation is changing for the economyWorld, you need a marketing strategy to minimize risk and maximize profit think.

[Via http://marketleaning.wordpress.com]

Consider this: Online ad revenue down, time to invest in infrastructure

2010-02-02T04:54:00.000+02:00

It’s not exactly news. Advertising is struggling. TV, radio, print, classifieds and online are all down and it’s been years since ad revenues have been up. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), in the U.S., “year-to-date Internet advertising revenues through June 2009 totaled $10.9 billion, down 5.3 percent from the $11.5 billion reported for the same six-month period in 2008.”

Sounds grim, but…

Not surprisingly, online has easily been the least affected advertising sector under current economic conditions. In fact, some forecasts paint an optimistic overall picture for most advertising sectors in 2010. Good to know, but it’s not the entire picture. It’s not even close.

Assuming a reasonable comeback is inevitable and that the traditional advertising model is not slowly dying, but undergoing a slight transformation, the next question should be “how has advertising changed and what can we do to adapt and prosper?”

Two different answers from two different marketers

Marketer 1’s answer: “The market is just too unstable right now. There’s no doubt that high unemployment and instability in the financial markets is affecting everyone’s ad revenues so we know it’s not just us. We need to wait it out and see where the trends are going once things get settled. No sense in making wholesale changes to our existing infrastructure if ______ is going to die in two years thanks to the new ______ technologies.”

Marketer 2’s answer: “Advertising and marketing in more traditional media haven’t changed much in a long time. Even the internet ad model was borrowed from print and television to some extent. Now’s an ideal time to figure out where this train is heading and use what’s best for us. If there was ever a time to not only think outside the box but do outside the box, it’s now.”

Both approaches sound reasonable enough, especially considering we’re all still feeling the effects of a global economic meltdown. But all things being equal, who’s right?

Tradition points to Marketer 1’s solution. The reality is, Marketer 2’s approach makes the most sense.

While investing in new, even experimental marketing technologies during tough times is the last thing most companies want to do, there’s a school of thought that says it’s the perfect storm for internet marketing professionals.

Consider:

Online marketing is the future. NBC Universal’s Jeff Zucker’s biggest mistake wasn’t choosing the wrong guy for ‘The Tonight Show.’ It was choosing the wrong medium on which to focus. While Conan O’Brien’s TV ratings were mediocre, the tremendous backlash that NBC continues to absorb was a direct result of Mr. O’Brien’s unbelievable popularity. Something that doesn’t show up on a Neilsen report. Television ad spending is slowly but surely being shifted towards the online sector. The increased use of DVRs and YouTube/Hulu snippets has made the act of viewing TV a moving target, particularly among younger audiences.
If you have downtime, use it for research. Search and research which solutions will work best for your company during trying and prosperous economic times.
Supply and demand. Negotiating pricing on vendor contracts and consulting fees is not easy. Whoever does the negotiating will have the upper hand when it’s a buyer’s market.

A key point that needs to be emphasized is that modern marketing techniques don’t have to cost much, if anything. Facebook, blog and Twitter accounts are free. RSS feeds can be set up with minimal technical knowledge. Having access to staff with HTML, CSS and JavaScript knowledge is a tremendous asset to marketers for countless reasons.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do your research. Search is your friend, use it.

[Via http://ericcblack.wordpress.com]

Tenders Information System

2010-01-31T10:44:00.000+02:00

This Indian Government Tenders Information System is the Central Source for Government and Public Sector Procurement / Tenders/ Notifications issued by the Central and State Governments and other public bodies across India for goods, services and works.

Tenders based on specific Product/Service category to which your business can respond Civil Works, Equipment, Machineries, Support Services… View all Tenders floated by a certain Government of India entity Central Govt. Min. / Dept. State / UT Public Sector Units Public Sector Banks Other Organisation Tender notifications by the Tender Category, namely Buy Sell Auction Empanelment Work Contract

Click Here for this storehouse of the latest Tenders by the Government of India

[Via http://enterprisers.in]

Salon Marketing - Marketing 6 beauty salons in the economic collapse of the secret of the correct

2010-01-31T04:47:00.000+02:00

If you are a salon owner, you will find that sales fell by Sharon, or perhaps you are not the same as in the past operations of the economy. People seem to hold of their money, budget cuts, they used to enjoy the things you like Sharon guests.

In this, you spruce your salon marketing efforts. Marketing key to success is to know Sharon, how to effectively send your marketing –Message in these difficult economic times.

Marketing, such as distributing business cards or in connection with Sharon's name, phone number and price lists distributed a leaflet is not a skill of the traditional methods. Your marketing strategy needs more "put the blame on" the explosion was effective.

6 strategy should focus on Sharon's Marketing:

1. Value – the price people have to leave their hard-earned to see金钱. All you should e-mail message shows the value of our hands. For example, you enter only the $ 175 value of 300 yuan. In addition, the provision of quality customer service and exceed their expectations is a great way to display the value.

2. Referral Program – Your customer is your best source of new business. The establishment of the referral program will promote the new business salon every month. Any reference to any costs to obtain and sold them to youServices, their customers want.

3. Loyalty Program – It is easier to maintain the current customers, but to get a new one. The customer loyalty program in place to let your customers know you appreciate stop their activities. When customers feel appreciated, they will come to you more frequently.

4. Network Technology – Internet marketing strategy to control the power. Let us, like Facebook, but not the first own social networking siteMarketing, more traffic to your website and ultimately your salon drive. These free marketing tools will help you to your salon, a large number of viewers of the word own money at zero cost.

5th leaflets and brochures marketing – Update your marketing materials as attractive as the title "Do you want to see the young 10-year-old?" IE browser. Show before and after pictures to the description, and provide an opportunity to visit your site listed, and to takeYour mailing list. This is a good way to make people realize that they arrive in your room, and mailing lists on the market, over and over again.

6. Input to ensure – to make your service without risk. Stand behind the work. Let them know your prospects, if not 100% satisfied with the money refunded. This gives people the peace, if you buy from your risk.

They should use more than one way to make your salon marketing in the new business. DoDo not forget, your existing customers is the best source of recommendations, you should not be ignored, try to make them easier to find your person.

Sometimes you can spend a lot of time trying to forget you from existing customers and sell their one, the last new customers. You must build relationships with customers so that they come back, feeling "connected" to you.

Sharon marketing is a kind of daily activities haveHer salon is still alive and healthy. If you are in marketing and maintaining your customer base to see your efforts will focus on returns. The key is to know how to effectively meet the people's thinking so that they can determine the marketing information in these rough economic times.

[Via http://samplecleaningflyers.wordpress.com]

To make matters worse dry wall

2010-01-30T10:02:00.000+02:00

Now is the time you change to the tape and compound stage, to establish and tighten the stem walls. Such a phase is very important, because mudding walls will affect the final appearance of the wall.

Due to the following issues should be considered when the dry processing:

1. Familiar with their tools and their connections – Ready in any project, a very important factor, especially in home decoration一个. Learn tools and methods at the beginning of the project by the project and reduce the time required for the establishment of an effective result. There are two types of grouting, pre-mixed powder. Texture is different.

They should act as the interim Tape Tape layer connection, because it is serious. For the road, you can increase the connection to complete, because it is soft, thin more open connections. A Generic ConnectionConnection is also offered for sale, which is among the composite plate thickness of texture through the excavation and connection location. This will be recommended that you use tape to make the application of mud knife. This instrument in a variety of lengths. For each new layer, with a knife is more than the previous one.

2. In accordance with the appropriate method – there are four stages, which would require 4 days to a mud walls and a complete transformation. Make sure it isFor at least a day's distance, and then apply the next layer of sludge, it dry. The beginning and the tape on your connection, through a combination of paper, the layer with a connection. Now add another link to it. Make sure you hide the connection screws and nails. You should ensure that they are in front of you correctly applied. The following are two surface layers to make it smooth. Make sure you are using a video recording of each knifeApplication. Similarly, the knife must have one or two inches longer than before. You should also try to add a link to the joint. After that, they do not even by removing all of the parties to make a final sprint center. Finally, you must apply a composite coating. In the implementation of this coat, you have to be very careful so that the final result is good. In the final stage, you can connect thin. This is not required. There are some people who areThin, while others do not.

3. Endurance – Finally, you need perseverance and determination. Many people prefer the wall, if the faster drying, so that they can continue to start and painting. However, you should keep in mind that this stage will determine the final one wall.

[Via http://learndrywalltexturetechniques.wordpress.com]

Andrew Sundstrom New Book Already Underground Best-Seller! In Every Major Book Store In America Soon

2010-01-30T04:06:00.000+02:00

Andrew Sundstrom's Best-Selling Copywriting Book

One of my most popular emails is asking when my new book of best kept copywriting secrets will be released in hard cover and where you can get it? End of Febuary 2010. In every major book store in America! Here’s a picture of the front cover, spine and back of my new book. Already an underground best-seller with amazing fame!

“I can’t believe I got my hands on a copy before the hard cover release date! As a copywriter, I’ve had great success. That’s well knows. But this book is what I needed (and didn’t know I needed) to increase my results for myself and my clients right away. You are masterful. I’m confident, what I’ve found in here will mean millions to me this year!” – Tom Arnold, Virginia Beach, VA.

“With your copywriting secrets by side, desk lamp burning through the night. I’ve finally got it! This book opened my eyes to so much I was leaving on the table and more important, how to scoop up all the huge profits I’ve been leaving on the table. As a copywriter. This book improved my skills and know how by leaps and bounds. Thank you.” – Eban Pegon, LA, California

“I just used one secret and wow… wow… This really works. The chapter on how to get anyone to say yes, anytime, anyplace changed my buisness marketing strategies for instant profits. The best part is it makes customers happy now and in the future! Thank you.” -Sara Peterson, Houston, Texas

[Via http://bestcopywritingservices.com]

How to Find Followers on Twitter For Business

2010-01-28T10:37:00.000+02:00

Site – PG Job Pro-job search website template.

If you require to use Twitter for business mmarketing you will need to develop wide following of people (called followers) in ready to get the most non-functioning of using Twitter for business. Just like email marketing, you need to build a large list that you can promulgate to.

tight-fisted business owners don’t get Twitter can be an effective marketing tool. This is excellent for a business owner like you that wants to take advantage of the Social Media tools out there and get great baring without spending a fortune on advertising and marketing.

In order to build a following on Twitter, here’s a not many greeat ideas that will get the snowball rolling.

Find other businesses that are on Twitter already

What other businesses in your area are on Twitter already? Find the have the same types of customers as you and supplant them. You want to take part in their conversation see what they doing. It’s a awful way to clothe ideas for your own Twitter feed. Then follow some of their followers. Twitter at one’s desire grandstand a expose you the whole world that is following them. Look at the list and start adding 10-20 people that like your target market-place from that list.

Do not just join the whole world. If you enlarge too many peoople at a time you clout get banned. Plus it bad Karma to only just freebooting someone else’ followers. Find the people that do disposed your customer kind and just sum a few at a time.

Search on Twitter

can with no call up Twitter users using Twitter’s own search engine. Just click the search button and go to “advanced” this is a killer because you can search by state, city, and even a distance from . Talk thither targeted marketing!

Start by finding people in your city using keywords people potency search for “coffee seek” or “Personal Trrainer”. You determination be able to see people are talking about. someone asks a question, you can answer it and develop that man. They will likely follow you uphold. It is that stark. As you delivery great stuff and see how much valuable information you send out, they will dividend it with their friends and you will get balanced more followers from it.

Add Twitter ID to your signature

If really want to use Twitter for business marketing, you need to make sure that you let everyoone you know informed of your Twitter page and urge them to follow you. Add your Twitter point to your email signature. Any time you reply to someone with your signature, they will picture it. If they drink Twitter, they are like as not to follow you.

Tell your customeers. you out an email newsletter, be sure to mention it in EVERY newsletter you send . Again, will educate more more people to become your followers and spring up your list. As people discover their notify, they will see that they are folllowing you and agaiin, you purposefulness get more followers from that too. It’s very easy to get 10-20 green followers each if you cleave to these simple steps each day. It not nearby getting 1000s of followers each day. It is about getting consistent increasse of loyal followers that longing to know what you have to state.

[Via http://allaboutsocialnetworking.wordpress.com]

Yeah, we own that.

2010-01-28T04:34:00.000+02:00

So besides the State of the Union, two on-going wars, Haiti post-earthquake recovery, and our country’s economy going down the shitter, Apple released a new electronic trinket. They call it … (and unless you live under a rock you already know this….) the iPad.

That’s right.

The unfortunate misnomer ranks up there with Crystal Pepsi, this political ad, and this racist nickname for a holiday party.

Granted, it was an excuse to laugh about being on the rag all day. Trending topics included iTampon and a variety of other riffs, as well as major twitter smackdown on “lady-time” jokes.

As @irishgirl Meghan Wilker puts it,

… is the name iPad going to prevent me from buying this product? No. But it does tell me that it’s unlikely that any women were involved in the naming of this product. (My other favorite example of a product name I’m pretty sure no women weighed in on: the Ford Probe.)

She also calmly lays out one glaring pitfall of this marketing misfire. When it comes to consumer electronics,

we’re already buying and using them at nearly the same rate as our male counterparts.

The data backs her up in a big way. Six years ago, blogs were already reporting that women consumers represented more than half of all electronic gadget and device owners. In 2007, the Consumer Electronics Association reported the following facts:

women are the primary consumers when it comes to wireless gadgets and gizmos.
women outspend men in electronics purchases US$55 billion to US$41 billion.
women influence 90 percent of consumer electronics purchases.

Other facts of the she-conomy can be found here – and folks, we’re talking about trillions of consumer dollars. And not only are we major consumers of these products, when married, wives are increasingly making more of the total income in the household.

Sober market analysis aside, doesn’t anyone at Apple watch TV? MadTV (not a paragon of social commentary) did a spoof about this very topic. Out of touch much, dudes?

And to this guy, I say, actually we DO own the word pad.

And we also own:

plug
yeast
cramps
bosom
bloat
flow

also

bitch (noun and verb)
emotional (did you know estrogen is a more explosive hormone than testosterone? didja?)

and

mother
sister
lover
friend

You boys can share the last two with us.

And for the record, my boyfriend matches me toe-to-toe on the menstruation jokes. He is one of the only men I’ve ever known that will fearlessly make tampon jokes, and laugh. So there are a few of you out there.

[Via http://notmygal.com]

The more you put in the more you get out...

2010-01-26T10:49:00.000+02:00

Good evening, Social Rabbit here with your guide to the world of Facebook fan pages.

This saying is a fact of life, and yet we all (well I know I do) deep down think, maybe this time it will just happen!

Social media is no different to life, so you decide your business needs a Facebook Fan Page, you go and set it up, you have a lovely landing page, lots of flash apps and a cool logo, but only 1 fan (you!). If you don’t tell anyone about it, the number of fans is just not going to increase (well ok it might, but it’s pretty unlikely). It’s the same as if you had set up a new business, you’re working from your spare room, you have great business cards, but unless you tell people about it you’re not going to have any customers.

Facebook and other social media is the same as the real world in this respect. You can get really excited saying “I have to have a Facebook Page because there are 350 million peple on Facebook”, but don’t think that once you have a fan page (btw there are about 1.6 million fan pages out there, according to Facebook) all 350 million people will become fans of yours… After all why should they? It’s like anything, people have to be interested in what you are doing to want to know more about it and/or be involved in it.

There’s lots of great sayings I can say to you… but I think that this one “the more you put in the more you get out” is something that every wannabee Facebook Fan Page builder should take on board. Building your fan base is not about quantity it’s about quality (unless you want to ultimately sell the fans off, which you can see http://f.anpag.es/). You want to get fans who love what you’re doing and take the time to interact with your business/brand, because that is how you will build the connection with them. Unfortunately it is unlikely that this is going to happen overnight, you need to put some work into it, write great posts, use fan ad’s, ask your friends to join and other time consuming activities. But the reward will be there once you have built your fan base

Of course if anyone has found the ultimate that app that builds fans for you while you sleep without you paying for it, then I’d love to hear.

Keep fanning, and why not become my fan! http://www.Facebook.com/SocialRabbit

[Via http://larasolomon.wordpress.com]

Social Media Revolution - SONARconnects

2010-01-26T04:48:00.000+02:00

It seems like yesterday, when I would bring up ideas like You Tube, Facebook, Podcasting or Blogging to a client and get laughed out (read thrown out) of their office. Why you ask? Simple…Social Media is a fad. After all Scott my high school kid is on facebook so it can not be used as a business tool and besides I don’t even know what You Tube is. Lets buy a billboard.

Now everywhere I turn I am asked to follow a company on twitter, facebook, linkedin or you tube. It seems this whole socail media thing might have caught on…or not! Am I saying that social media is the end all cure all for your business advertising and marketing problems? NO I am not. As I have been writing for the last few years, social media is nothing more than a way for you to connect to your target market and build relationships.

Some of you have grasped that simple concept and are carrying your brand forward, while others of you are still struggling with your “Old School” tactics. Anyway, this post is not about social media and should your business use it. This blog is a video on social media being a fad or the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution. (By the way, I am always amazed at how many people have not seen this video.) If you are still on the fence, take a couple of minutes and watch this video.

Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy!

[Via http://dunnsdenblog.com]

Second Best Also Deserves A Chance!

2010-01-24T10:35:00.000+02:00

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to meet Canadian Olympic rower Alison Korn. I remember asking her, “What was it like to row in the Olympics?” She said, “It’s funny, even though we practiced for years, we never found the passion and energy until we saw the finish line. But when we knew that we were one thousand metres from the finish line and all that we had worked for would be lost, we found more passion and energy than we ever thought possible.”

I remember that race. They went from fourth to second and narrowly missed winning the Gold. Why is it that teams who have struggled the entire game monopolize the final five minutes? How come they couldn’t figure it out for the first fifty-five? It’s because they didn’t see their finish line. Professional athletes need the clarity and finality that the finish line provides them. A finish line is that point of no return that you can shoot for. In our world, the goal is to attract and keep great people, but I find myself wondering: are we giving our employees a clear target to shoot for? In essence, do our employees know what it means to be great? Do they know what the expectations are and do we give them the room to exceed them? Maybe instead of attracting great employees we need to be focusing our attention to grooming great employees. Basically, I believe there are three types of employees out there. There are those who get it, those who want to get it, and those who are there just for the ride. For the employees who get it, their abilities are natural, their skills are instinctive and our role is to clear any obstacles and stand out of their way. On the other end, for the employee who is just there for the ride, our role is to prompt, prod and motivate but quite frankly I seldom, if ever, have seen these people turn into our star performers. So this leaves us the middle, the employees that want to get it but just can’t do it on their own. I believe we need to spend most of our time working with them. These are the employees who want to make a significant contribution, who want to overachieve but for whom it just isn’t as instinctive for whatever reason. This is where I believe you can find real gold! As managers, I think one of the things we do to confuse employees is have them chasing too many targets. Sure, we create goals and objectives, but over the year we let too many other “priority one” initiatives land on their plate. Am I the only one who has had a boss that believed everything in the business was priority one? In the end, we water down our potential performers by having them focus on way too much. If we want peak performance we have to give them the clarity of a finish line and remove many of the other distractions. Another challenge I find in managing this middle tier is confidence. Quite often they have the skills but lack the confidence to go out and take self directed action. They are often waiting or seeking approval. One of the best things you can do is encourage them to take a risk. Encourage them to step out on their own and take the initiative. Encourage them to think and do what’s best for the business. Because this group is naturally risk adverse, you will seldom see them take on too much risk. Finally, you need to consider the team dynamics. Are you giving as much publicity and promotion to this middle group? I often find that, in most organizations, all of the attention goes to the “stars,” the ones at the top. The problem is you end up alienating others along the way. Our role in coaching peak performance is in balancing the amount of attention and promotion we give. Think about the roles and expectations you have defined for others. While they may appear clear to us, remember it doesn’t come as easily and naturally for everyone. Give more guidance on what it takes to overachieve. Also, try taking the time to segment your team and focus more attention on the employees in that valuable middle group. In the end, their contribution will be invaluable. Remember that every company needs a balance of performers. While it’s important to attract and keep great employees, it’s also critical that we groom and coach new ones. We need our stars. But we also need our second and third stringers. In fact, if you think about it, the teams that win championships are often the ones where there is less focus and expectation on the stars and more emphasis on developing the team.

[Via http://curtskene.wordpress.com]

26 Marketing Tips For The Small Business Owner

2010-01-24T04:39:00.000+02:00

Host a Teleseminar
Become active in your local community
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local Charity organization
Participate in online forums
Social Networking
Tidy up your website
Offer incentive for your customers send you referrals
Link exchanges
Write a personalized letter or postcard
Start a blog
Give away free samples
Write a press release
Publish articles online related to your industry.
Take advantage of radio call in shows.
Public Speaking
Free online classifieds and directories
Email Marketing
Cold Calls
Put a magnet or sign on your vehicle
Hold a contest
Offer free demonstrations or consultations
Donations to youth sports
20 second commercial on your voicemail
Volunteer your services
Hand out pens with your business information on them
Make goodie bags and hand them out to your target market
Wear shirts or hands with your business information

[Via http://apexhassolutions.com]

Home

2010-01-23T10:52:00.000+02:00

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[Via http://efytlyna.wordpress.com]

Amazon Kindle Global Wireless - Wooo HOOOO

2010-01-23T04:49:00.000+02:00

My book friends have all been wishing for a global wireless Kindle – and here it is!

From Amazon, and yes, I own stock in Amazon, but not so much as to make me a rich woman. What I wonder . . . is how this will work in the Gulf countries, where books are heavily censored? Will people have free access to any book they choose (gasp!) with a Kindle?

Say Hello to Kindle DX with Global Wireless

Beautiful Large Display: 9.7″ diagonal e-ink screen reads like real paper; boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and sharp images

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

Books In Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle DX; no monthly fees, no annual contracts, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

Global Coverage: Enjoy 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries. See details. Check wireless coverage map.

Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents

Longer Battery Life: Now read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on, a significant improvement from the previous battery life of 4 days

Built-In PDF Reader: Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go

Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages

Read-to-Me: With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable

Free Book Samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy

Large Selection: Over 400,000 books, including 101 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs. For non-U.S. customers, content availability and pricing will vary. Check your country.

Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise. When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items. U.S. customers will be charged a fee of $1.99 for international downloads.

[Via http://intlxpatr.wordpress.com]

A League of my own

2010-01-21T10:43:00.000+02:00

As soon as i saw this outfit from *League* i just had to have it!, it comes in various colours with mix and match options, and teamed up with the uber cute necklace from *Sissi* well as the title says, I’m in a league of my own

Hair: fri. – Yelena – Timid Brown

Skin: -Belleza- Jesse Deep tan 7

Top: *League* Grandad Vests -Camel

Braces: *League* Grandad Braces Brown/Gold/Creases

Skirt: *League* Thermal Skirt -Camel

Socks: *League* Thermal Sock Set -Camel

Boots: [SC] Surf Couture – Elsa Boots – Original

Bracelets: ! PiXiZ ! – Black Beads

Necklace: *SiSSi* Cutie Necklace ~Checker Brown/Green~

I had to take another piccie so you all could see the necklace from *Sissi* its totally adorable and so well made, they come it 13 different colours! I just <3 them

Happy Shopping

K Xx

[Via http://kirstynsimmi.wordpress.com]

Digital Tools Help Moms Take Charge

2010-01-21T04:51:00.000+02:00

US Moms use Technology to be better mothere

Technology usage is not immune to the lifestyle changes motherhood brings. Moms put the focus on simplicity, convenience and multiuse technologies as they look to keep their families closely linked, according to a report from BabyCenter.

More than four in 10 US online moms said they wanted technology that could help them be a better mother. Millennial respondents were much more likely than their Gen X counterparts to seek maternal empowerment through technology and more likely to say they had been helped by tech.

US Mothers on Technology

That help might be managing the family schedule, taking care of the family’s health and wellness, recording and sharing photos and videos, and making the most of mom’s time—all top objectives of mothers that dramatically increased in importance when they had children.

Smartphones and PDAs are a boon for mothers on the go, 69% of whom use them to coordinate and schedule family activities

US moms daily activities

Home networking and digital convergence are also helpful to moms. Forty percent told BabyCenter that technology convergence in the home makes technology more useful for mothers, and 72% said they are now more likely to use their laptop in the kitchen or living room so they can be around their children while they go online.

“Becoming technologically fluent is a must for moms juggling the ever-growing demands of household responsibilities,” said Tina Sharkey, BabyCenter chairman and global president, in a statement. “Tech brands who truly listen to moms and deliver products that empower them and make their lives a little easier will no doubt have the competitive edge in a very crowded marketplace.”

[Via http://socialmediacollege.wordpress.com]

Online marketing tips – How to be appealing to your consumers

2010-01-19T10:41:00.000+02:00

Image by websuccessdiva via Flickr

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Online marketing tips – How to be appealing to your consumers . A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Online marketing tips – How to be appealing to your consumers . Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Online marketing tips – How to be appealing to your consumers than you may have first thought.

Internet marketing is quickly becoming one of the most popular advertising options available. The Internet reaches a worldwide audience and is available 24 hours a day. For this reason more and more potential customers are turning to the Internet for a variety of reasons including researching products and services and making purchases. As more and more consumers turn to the Internet for these reasons, it is important for businesses to establish an online presence. This is so important because failure to do so may result in their competitors gaining an edge over them in competing for sales. While it is important for business to begin Internet marketing campaigns it is also important for these same businesses to realize basic advertising principles still exist and they cannot neglect these principles. Most importantly those who advertise online have to be aware of who their target audience is and how to reach this audience.

As with any marketing campaign, business owners should do some market research before they launch their Internet marketing campaign. Ideally this will involve hiring a research consultant with a great deal of experience in conducting and evaluating this type of market research. The results of this research should determine the basic demographical information for the target audience. The results should also include information on how to reach this target audience. A business that cannot afford to hire a consultant to conduct this market research should still make an effort to obtain this information on their own. This can be done through informal polls of current clients. This information may not be as comprehensive as the information obtained in a more formal study but it can still provide a great deal of insight into the best way to reach the target audience.

Once this information is obtained, it is important to tailor the Internet marketing campaign to appeal to the target audience. There are a number of different variables which can be modified to ensure the right message is reaching the right people in a manner they can understand and in which they can relate. Some of the ways in which your Internet marketing campaign can be tailored in this way include the aesthetics of your website or advertisements, the wording of your copy and the use of more advanced design features such as audio and visual or interactive tools.

The aesthetic appeal of a website can greatly contribute to how the website is viewed by the members of the target audience. A website which is designed to attract the attention of an older generation with more conservative tastes should include muted colors, clean design and conservative graphics. This will help to ensure the target audience enjoys the website. Conversely if you are looking to appeal to a younger audience with more liberal viewpoints you might chose to design the website with bold colors, eye catching graphics and creative design features.

The copy you include on your website should also take your target audience into consideration. Consider the examples of a conservative and a liberal audience listed above to create a better understanding of how the copy on your website can appeal to the target audience. When marketing to a more conservative audience, the copy should be tailored to use formal language and use facts to back up viewpoints. However, when you are marketing to a more liberal audience or a younger audience you can consider using less formal language which is likely to appeal to the target audience. You can also focus more on emotion to express viewpoints.

Finally, when a website is created for the purposes of Internet marketing it is important for the design of the website to appeal to the target audience. You may wish to include audio and video clips on your website but these clips should appeal to the target audience. For example if your website sells skateboards you might consider incorporating audio clips from punk rock bands as opposed to country music bands. There may be some skateboarders who enjoy country music but in general punk rock music more closely represents the skating culture. Keeping these details in mind is very important for Internet marketing.

This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

[Via http://easymarketing4u.wordpress.com]

What advertising can learn from graffiti part 1: quality AND quantity

2010-01-19T04:41:00.000+02:00

Well known graffiti writer SWET has made the remarkable commitment to complete 100 masterpieces in 100 days without painting the same piece twice. There’s a few reasons this is so remarkable. 1 He’s an adult with kids and a good job (most people I know struggle to make it to work everyday and sneak in an occasional trip to the gym as well). 2 very few people can create new artworks daily without repetition.

While checking out what he’s accomplished so far (I think he’s up to about day 50), it occurred to me that graffiti in 2010 is much like advertising. It’s everywhere and pretty easy to overlook when you see the same stuff day in and day out. However if all you come out with is one awesome piece per year, that won’t make you famous either.

ultimately, to compete you need to find a way to consistently get new and fresh pieces out there on the streets, in front of people. Each piece will always have your flavour, you don’t need to start from scratch every time, but if all people see is the exact same piece or ad over and over it looses impact and may even work against you in the long run as people resent the repetition.

click here to check out Swet progress toward 100 pieces in 100 days

[Via http://markcowell.wordpress.com]

What a Genius Hypnotist Can Teach You About Internet Marketing

2010-01-17T22:47:00.000+02:00

MARKETING SECRETS REVEALED

“We possess within us a marvelous force of incalculable power, which gives us mastery over ourselves and others…”

Emile Coué, the 19th century French professor and Master Hypnotist, was known to have said those words. You’re about to find out what power he was referring to, and how you can use it to your utmost benefit.

Here’s a story that illustrates that power:

On the first day of the Fall semester, a university professor came to class carrying an amber- colored glass bottle containing a clear liquid. He announced to his 27 students that inside the bottle was a compound that, if inhaled, could make people feel “high,” exuberant, or even giggly. While he was talking, the bottle slipped “accidentally” from his hands and when it shattered, its contents spilled all over the floor.

Within a few minutes, most of the students sitting in the back rows started exhibiting inebriated-like behavior; i.e., they were acting tipsy; several students reported being in high spirits; and a few from the front row fell into uncontrollable fits of laughter.

The most curious thing about the incident was that the “mysterious” liquid was just plain water. The experiment was just the professor’s dramatic way of demonstrating the placebo effect – but what this episode really reveals is the phenomenal power of hypnotic suggestion – how mere words have the ability to cast a virtual spell on people. Clearly, the class had been hypnotized by the professor’s words.

Through the use of hypnotically crafted words, phrases, suggestions or commands, most people could be made to behave in a predictable way; just like the students were when they were exposed to a substance which they were told was a potent chemical.

Fact: Billions of dollars worth of merchandise is sold by the power of suggestion.

Have you ever wondered why companies such as Procter & Gamble and General Foods have been running those contests asking people to write down “Why I like“ (product) ” in 25-, 50-, 100 words or less?

Because, for the chance of winning valuable prizes, droves of people are willing to go on record as liking the product. This, in and of itself, is extraordinary because it creates countless glowing testimonials. But what’s even more amazing is that the hundreds of thousands of people who testify in writing to the product’s benefits consequently believe what they have written – and this curious phenomenon fuels unprecedented sales of the product!

How to make an easy sale with hypnotic selling!

Make your customer sell himself on your product or service – without any effort on your part.

The simple way to do this is to get your customer saying the word “yes” subconsciously. This simple technique will work wonders for your business. In your text you need to ask your buyer questions that you can get them saying the word “yes” to. For example: Do you want to learn how to make money easily? Do you want to be your own boss? When you get them saying the word “yes” subconsciously they will also say yes to your product.

Use your prospects’ most powerful emotions to achieve mega-watt sales

You will want to tap into your prospects needs when making a sale. Writing a good script consists of influencing an emotion. The 4 most Powerful selling words are: Attention, Interest, Desire and Action.

Attention.

Did you know that a headline is what makes the sale? Think about the biggest benefit your product or service can provide and dramatize it. You do this by creating a headline that will grab their attention. Here are some good examples:

The 11 Selling Secrets Of Million Dollar Sales Letter.

The 12 Strategies That Will Guarantee You Get The Results You Want.

The Amazing Discovery That Will Change Your Life.

Interest.

Now that you have your customers’ attention, hold their interest with details about what you’re selling. This is where you can start telling customers an interesting real story about how your products have helped you or other customers. The best way to get a customer to buy is when you make them use their IMAGINATION. For example, you can look at a picture of the beach and it is pleasant but if you write a story about a beach and the reader is able to IMAGINE what it looks like in their mind it will be more powerful. That’s why story telling is so hypnotic. We love to escape into our own thoughts.

Desire.

Give your customer an opportunity to imagine what it’s like to own and use your product, using story telling, pictures and highlighting the benefits. Always focus on benefits rather than features. Benefits sell your product so be sure to put yourself in your customers shoes and decide how your product will “help them.” Given them a reason to buy your product that will improve their lives.

Action.

Don’t forget to ask for the order. Believe it or not people like to be told to do something – react. That’s why you will see “click here” and “buy it now.” Action words will invoke the person to do something. Give them a compelling reason to visit your store or call your company immediately. Keep them interested by offering a free mini-course or sample product when they opt-in to your email newsletter. This way you can still provide further helpful information and stay in front of your customer.

Tell an engaging story that prompts your prospect to want to do business with you.

Everyone loves to read a story. This is why stories are such an important part of your sales copy. Simply talking about your product can be very boring for example read this description:

“TheftPrevent’s Burglar system will keep you safe at night with its instant 911 dialing service.”

Now try reading this example:

“I was sound asleep when I heard some rustling outside my bedroom door. In a cloudy state I walked out my bedroom to see cop lights flashing in my window! To my astonishment the police were outside and they had a man in handcuffs. I soon learned my TheftPrevent Burglar system saved my life, with the instant 911 dialing service it alerted the cops as soon as the burglar broke into my living room window – without him knowing. The cops responded immediately to capture and arrest the criminal all while I was asleep. I can sleep better at night knowing I am safer with it.”

Humans are curious by nature so you want to draw in their interest immediately. People love to read stories and believe more in testimonials and real life experiences then product descriptions. I suggest making your web site have a more “human” feel by putting your customers in real situations so they can IMAGINE themselves already using the products and this will help you sell!

Unleash the power of your pen to write psychologically spellbinding ad copy that will earn you a fortune and give you the ability to sell on a level you never dreamed possible.

Words have a huge impact on sales. When you write headlines and stories you want to try using these words: IMAGINE, BEAUTIFUL, FREE, AMAZING, MAGNIFICENT, GUARANTEE, SECRET, MIRACLE, DISCOVERY, REMARKABLE, MOTIVATIONAL, ULTIMATE and WONDERFUL

www.WebMediaExpert.com

“Powerful Internet Tools for your business!”

[Via http://webmediaexpert.wordpress.com]

Marketing Manager (Stonebriar Centre Frisco)

2010-01-17T16:45:00.000+02:00

Title: Marketing Manager

Location: Stonebriar Centre

City: Frisco

State: TX

Employment Type: Marketing

Description:

The Marketing Manager is responsible for the following:¿

- Leading the marketing efforts for their property in the accomplishment of center goals and achievement of center CVA.

- Working¿with entire mall team to develop long-term vision at the center in relation to its competitive marketplace. Leads the development of center’s annual marketing plan in support of property business plan goals. Responsible for execution of all marketing plan programs/elements.

- Establishing effective business relationships with retailers on a local level in order to maximize the sales productivity and success of the events in the mall.

- Coordinating research activity for center (customer studies, trade are demographics, customized research initiatives) and effectively utilizing research information in the development and execution of center’s business and marketing plans.

- Developing appropriate measurement tools to monitor the effectiveness and overall success of various marketing efforts.

- Supporting¿the leasing function through participation in the leasing process, development of customized leasing/sales materials, and optimal representation of the center to appropriate retailers (existing and potential).

- Maximizing¿non-traditional revenue through the execution of appropriate income-generating events, promotions, and activities.

- Driving the effort for obtaining local sponsorships for mall revenues, programs, and events.

Experience:

- Minimum of five (5)years in retail and/or related shopping center experience required.

- Bachelor’s degree in marketing related field preferred.

- 1-2 years experience in a sales and/or marketing position, with 3+ years in a sales and/or marketing position preferred.

- Strong verbal and written communications skills; plus interpersonal and selling skills required.

- Ability to develop strategic solutions required.

- A high standard of visual presentation.

- Persuasion and conflict resolution skills required.

- Strong team player.

- Computer aptitude.

- 2 years supervisory experience.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills.

EOE M/F/D/V

[Via http://marketingjobsdallas.wordpress.com]

Sales Exec-Travel

2010-01-16T10:45:00.000+02:00

Join our PD Classes (How to win interviews? )

Download our toolbar for latest updates

NOTE : Please mention Job code in subject/Post, when apply.

Job Code : Sales-Travel POST : Sales Executive for travel industry

Qual : Any

Exp : Freshers

Salary : Rs. 7,000-10,000 P.M.

Location : Gurgaon

For Interview, please contact : Ms Priyanka/Mr. Ashfaq : 09213022366, 09911130473, 09310624920 Please see more vacancies at All vacancies @ APS

[Via http://apsplacements.wordpress.com]

TiT Radio Desktop Challenge Day 05

2010-01-16T04:36:00.000+02:00

Still using Fvwm, haven’t done much proper computing, some email, IRC, and that’s about it. My grandma got through surgery so far without any complications, and they think they got all the cancer. I’m not gonna take any more screenshots unless I actually do something drastic.

In other news… NA Ambassador Kits are shipping!!!! When it comes I plan to do an unboxing Yes I know AK’s are not new, but it’s new to me!

I’m going to indy to see grandma tomorrow so i dont know how much I’ll have to talk about tomorrow, so we’ll see.

[Via http://numberedhumanindustries.wordpress.com]

Twitter – A simple user guide for absolute beginners

2010-01-14T10:38:00.000+02:00

The best thing about Twitter is that it is amazingly good at driving traffic to your (or other people’s) websites. However, in order to do that effectively, you need to get the basics right.

Getting started:

1. Set up your Twitter account, this is really quick and easy.

2. Make sure that you have your location and website address in your profile as well as a short summary of what you do or who you are.

3. Use a picture or logo, using the default picture implies laziness, ignorance or unprofessionalism.

4. Customise the background. There is a lot of space to put in more information about your business. Photos, phone numbers, e-mail, products – no limit. Just remember that you can’t use the middle of the page. There are a lot of free resources on the internet to help with this so use them to get noticed.

5. Don’t make your account private. What’s the point?

Once your Twitter account is up and running you need to start getting some content and some followers.

Next steps:

1. Set your objectives. Are you selling, informing, educating, being friendly, spreading the word or just mooching?

2. If you have a business, use the search facility to find similar businesses and follow them. They will probably follow you back.

3. If your business is local or regional, use the search facility to find people or businesses near you. Follow them.

4. Read other people’s Tweets and re-tweet the interesting ones.

5. Find interesting stuff relevant to your business and Tweet the links to your followers.

6. See who your competitors/related businesses are following and follow those people.

7. When including links in Tweets use short versions from www.bit.ly or www.ow.ly this will help keep you under the 140 character limit.

Other stuff:

1. Consider using Tweetdeck or Hootsuite to improve your Twitter productivity.

2. Don’t follow everyone who follows you, you may be judged by your followers and if they are all young Russian ladies or get rich quick merchants, your credibility may suffer.

3. Register with other search sites such as Twellow as this will give you an improved local presence.

Finally, be careful who you give access to as hijacking of Twitter accounts is common and although Twitter are very helpful, it is still a pain in the nether regions to get sorted.

You can attend a variety of free webinars covering all aspects of internet marketing at iRun Monmouth. We will be adding social media workshops, including Twitter, very soon.

[Via http://irunmonmouth.wordpress.com]

Disambiguating Resources

2010-01-14T04:27:00.000+02:00

Resources are inputs into a firm’s production process, such as capital equipment, the skills of individual employees, patents, finances, and talented managers. In general, a firm’s resources can be classified into three categories: physical, human, and organizational capital. Resources are either tangible or intangible in nature. With increasing effectiveness, the set of resources available to the firm tends to become larger.

Individual resources alone may not yield a competitive advantage. A sophisticated piece of manufacturing equipment may become a strategically relevant resource only when its use is integrated effectively with other aspects of a firm’s operations (such as marketing and the work of employees). In general, it is through the combination and integration of sets of resources that competitive advantages are formed.

My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, and my Lectures.

[Via http://asifjmir.wordpress.com]

Panasonic TX-P42G15 Review

2010-01-12T10:51:00.000+02:00

The Panasonic TX-P42G15 TV by Panasonic Viera TV line is a great value for check-out. Has a number of features that work in all types of larger spaces. It can be formed with many devices and image.

The most important part of this series is that the Panasonic TX-P42G15 has a large screen. He measured diagonally from one end for forty-two inches. The size is used with a ratio of 16:9. In addition, the plasma technology is used for this series. Thishelps to create sharper images and precise color, visibility from many angles.

Because of the size of the screen on the TV screen, a strong solution can work for this group. Images of 1920×1080 pixels are displayed on the screen. Screen can be a contrast ratio of 40000:1. Manages a number of high-definition signal formats, including 1080p and 1080i. The kit is compatible with the other weaker signals.

AR filter works to help improve the quality of imagesscreen. This filter works on the front of the screen to reduce glare. These reflections are caused by external lighting. With this, the display on Panasonic TX-P42G15 can clearly and easily.

HDMI inputs are for each television is important. The TV works with four HDMI inputs for the various materials in high definition. Three entrances to work on the back of the crowd, while another is used on the page. This is another that the sum received for the majority of other series of VieraLine.

Many other compounds can be used with this device. RCA connections possible with this TV Panasonic. An S-video connector and a VGA port, but can also. These compounds may work on it, with the addition, to help the versatility of this series. There may be different types of devices.

This sentence can connect to the Internet with the use of additional configuration tasks. This is possible thanks to the Viera Cast technology, works with the Panasonic TX-P42G15. An on-line –The interface is built into the crowd to allow a user to see things on the set. YouTube videos, Amazon Video on demand videos and photo albums in Picasa, you can read here. Weather reports, sports scores can be uploaded and stock prices, too.

Another part of the popular TV is an image viewer. By inserting an SD card in a series of images from digital camera can be seen on the set. AVCHD or MPEG2 video files from digital camcorders can also be used.

The last thing that is shown here that the PanasonicTX-P42G15 work with VIERA Link technology. If your devices are HDMI cable from the remote control can be connected to the body work together to control them all. These configurations include home theater, digital cameras and Blu-ray. There is no need for more remote controls for different things in this series. Only one thing is for them is required.

The Panasonic TX-P42G15 works with all types of digital devices and can display high image quality. It 'also very easy too. This is a popular television to see the houseswith larger spaces in the United Kingdom.

[Via http://addiekkatrinaadd.wordpress.com]

‘We’ is the magic number

2010-01-12T04:50:00.000+02:00

I’ve mentioned it before but the concept of marketing to networks rather than targeting audiences hasn’t really become common place just yet. The world is obviously rife with various campaigns in Facebook and on Twitter but by understanding how they work it will change the way you approach everything from research, product development and also communications.

Mark Earls looks like he is getting close to a new research method around understanding the more insightful ‘We’ rather than the misleading ‘Me,’ but a couple of really simple things have come to my attention that highlight my point.

The first is Groupon, a website that offers a different product everyday at a low price. The catch is you only get it if enough people commit to buying it on that day. The second is from Dell who has already reported making $6m from Twitter alone. It’s called Dell Swarm and is essentially bulk buying. The more people you get in your group to buy the same product the lower it is.

If you think about it this could change a host of marketing tactics, even the lowly bribe or give away. Instead of starting with a big round the world trip in a Winnebago, you just have enough for push bike that you have to pick up from Skeggy (no offence to the people of Skeggness). The more people that enter, the closer you get to the big prize. It completely changes the way a group works together and how the giveaway spreads. Traditionally there’s no incentive for me to invite other people to sign up for a giveaway as it actually reduces my odds of winning. In the ‘We’ giveaway the odds might get worse but the reward goes up if I get other people to take part.

Think about Obama, he was all about the ‘We’ and not the ‘Me’.

[Via http://thecommunicationsroom.com]

Call me (anytime)...

2010-01-10T10:20:00.000+02:00

Sorry, but this is another tale of customer dissatisfaction. I don’t mean to bore you, but surely we shouldn’t have to put up with this sort of sh*t. How can it be so hard?

Today, a tale in 2 parts.

Part 1: Sales Prevention Officers

We recently spent over £350 on curtains and cushions from Dunelm (that’s in Part 2). When practically the next day our wall-mounted coat racks fell off the wall, Rachel remembered some nice looking furniture she’d seen there that would be great for storing all our shoes and boots. So she went back on a mission to spend another £150 or so.

However, the only unit available that she wanted was slightly shop-damaged with a small, virtually invisible crack near the base of the unit.

Can you spot the crack... nope, me neither

The following is a recreation of the conversation she had with the Dunelm sales assistants (no, honestly, that’s their real title).

Never mind about the crack, can I still buy it?

Yes.

[long pause] Er, I don’t really expect to pay full price for a damaged item.

[deadpan] It’s not our policy to discount shop-damaged goods.

You’d knowingly sell a less-than-perfect item for full price?

It’s actually not our policy to sell shop-damaged goods at all, but if you do want to buy this one, we wouldn’t discount it.

[long pause while Rachel absorbs the fact they are deadly serious] So what are my options?

[optimistically] You can buy it online, and it could be delivered within a couple of weeks.

But I’m here now, and I’d like to take this one home in the car. I’ve driven 30 miles to get here and you have something I want to buy. Did I mention I’m still waiting for my £350 curtains? You’d rather write this stock off at its full value than sell it to me with a discount…?

In the end Rachel walked out. I’ve never been more proud of her (except maybe at the births of our daughters). But then (and I’m proud of this too) she went back… to speak to the manageress, who phoned Head Office and eventually came back with a 20% (£30) discount. Rachel would have accepted £10 (it’s that small a blemish) if it had been offered at the start…

Sheesh.

Part 2: In time for Christmas … (next year?)

“Order curtains before 11th December for delivery in time for Christmas” said the signs instore, and so did the man on the phone. So we ordered on 8th December, for the sole purpose of having new curtains and our revamped open fire in time for Christmas.

By 23rd December the chimney was swept and the new grate had been made by the very nice people at Cherington Forge (in time for Christmas). But there had been no contact from Dunelm, so we called them. Noone could trace our order. Noone could tell us when the curtains would be ready, but we were promised a call back. But noone called back.

We called again between Christmas and New Year, and received the same chaotic response, as though Dunelm was shrugging its shoulders, staring at the ground and mumbling “er, I dunno” like a child standing over a broken toy. The workshops are closed for the festive season, and evidently their ‘system’ (a massive overclaim if ever there was one) is so prehistoric that noone except the workshops have any idea if our curtains are still just rolls of fabric, and if or when they might ever be completed.

We’ve left more messages, but we’re still waiting for a call. By now it’s also evident that had we waited until after Christmas to order the curtains, as in fact we didn’t really need them for Christmas, we could have saved 20% as there’s now a sale on. We have every intention of getting at least 20% discount on the full price we paid… I’ll keep you posted.

[Via http://theproseandthepassion.wordpress.com]

Social Media becoming Social Business

2010-01-10T04:24:00.000+02:00

Exploring the latest with Brightkite. A relatively new social network that many people and businesses are not aware of.

Users: 2 Million + per month

Brightkite: is a location-based networks that allows you in real-time to see where your friends are and what they’re up to. Depending on your privacy settings you can also meet others nearby. Your friends and fans can be alerted to your location updates and respond. You can also share comments and photos from the locations you’re at as well.

It is interesting to browse the history of places, especially if you are in a new city. You can use Brightkite to find out where people eat with satisfying results. It allows you to explore the location and try the latest hot spot.

How can Brightkite make a difference with your company?

Brightkite is designed to give brands the ability to break out of traditional age and gender targeting and target larger audience based on:

Location and Place
Behavior and Activity
Conversational Context
Time of Day
Demographics

Companies can also produce super targeted campaigns based on:

Historical (i.e. people who go to the movies more than twice a month)
Current (i.e. people within a mile of a specific restaurant)
Future (i.e. what places will people be at if it rains this weekend)

As more businesses are using social media to reach new customers or engage with existing ones online, the business impact of using location-based services can be huge for companies looking to reach targeted local users. Companies are currently using twitter for coupons and promotions and that’s great but what if you wanted to reach people who you knew visited your company before or worked near by. With Brighkite you can easily do location-based advertising by the block, or city and go beyond advertising to understand the real-word referrers that normally send people to your business.

Brightkite’s potential lies beyond its basic social networking features. Its power comes from connecting people and places together in a meaningful way and showcasing information in a user-friendly manner that can be accessed from via desktop browser, SMS, and mobile browser

This holiday season Brightkite launched an Augmented Reality service (with Best Buy). Now, not only can you see posts and photos that you and your friends have left you can also click through to see what local offers they have in-store.

[Via http://debpurdy.wordpress.com]

Avatar - StoryLine

2010-01-09T10:43:00.000+02:00

In 2154, the RDA corporation is mining Pandora, a lush, Earth-like moon of the planet Polyphemus. Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi) heads the mining operation, and it employs former marines for security. The corporation intends to exploit Pandora’s reserves of a valuable mineral called unobtanium. Pandora is inhabited by the Na’vi, a blue-skinned neolithic species of sapient humanoids with feline characteristics. Physically stronger and taller than humans, the Na’vi live in harmony with Nature, worshiping a mother goddess called Eywa.

Humans cannot survive exposure to Pandora’s atmosphere for very long and use oxygen masks. In an attempt to improve relations with the natives, scientists create human-Na’vi hybrids called avatars, controlled by genetically-matched human operators. The scientists also lead schools for the Na’vi to learn English and to interact with the humans. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic former marine, becomes a last-minute replacement for his identical twin brother, a recently-murdered scientist trained to be an avatar operator. Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), the head of the Avatar Program, considers Sully an inadequate replacement for his brother, and relegates him to a bodyguard role.

Jake escorts Augustine and biologist Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore) on an exploratory mission in their avatar forms to make contact with the Na’vi, in order to help establish diplomatic relations to solve the problem of resources and end the constant threat of violence. The group is attacked by a large predator, and Jake becomes separated and lost. Attempting to survive the night in Pandora’s dangerous jungles, he is rescued by Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), a female Na’vi. Neytiri brings Jake to Hometree, which is inhabited by Neytiri’s clan, the Omaticaya. Mo’at (C. C. H. Pounder), the Na’vi shaman and Neytiri’s mother, shows interest in the warrior “Dream-walker” (their term for the Avatars), and instructs her daughter to teach Jake their ways. Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), leader of the security forces for RDA, promises Jake his “real legs” back in exchange for intelligence about the natives and what it will take for them to abandon Hometree, which rests above a large deposit of unobtanium.

Over three months, Jake grows close to Neytiri and the Omaticaya and begins preferring the life he lives through the avatar. Jake’s attachment erodes his loyalty toward RDA’s agenda. He is initiated into the Omaticaya, and he and Neytiri choose each other as mates. Jake’s change of loyalty is revealed when he disables a bulldozer’s cameras as it destroys the tribe’s ‘Tree of Voices’. Col. Quaritch disconnects Jake from his avatar and presents Selfridge and Dr. Augustine with a vlog in which Jake admits that his mission is fruitless; the humans have nothing the Omaticaya desire, and they will never abandon Hometree. Selfridge is convinced that negotiations will fail and orders Hometree’s destruction.

Augustine argues that the destruction of Hometree could affect the vast bio-botanical neural network that all Pandoran organisms are connected to, and Selfridge gives Jake one hour to convince the Na’vi to leave Hometree. When he reveals his mission to the Omaticaya, Neytiri accuses him of betraying them, resulting in Jake and Augustine’s imprisonment. Jake’s time runs out and Quaritch’s forces destroy Hometree, killing Eytucan (Wes Studi), Neytiri’s father and clan chief, and many others. Jake and Augustine are disconnected from their avatars and detained for treason along with Norm. Trudy Chacón (Michelle Rodriguez), a security force pilot who is disgusted by the violence, breaks them out. During their escape Quaritch shoots Augustine. With Augustine dying, Jake turns to the Omaticaya for help. To regain their trust he tames the Toruk, a powerful flying beast that only five Na’vi have ever tamed. Jake flies to the Omaticaya, who have gathered at the sacred Tree of Souls, and pleads with Mo’at to heal Augustine. They attempt to transplant her “soul” into her avatar, but her injuries are too severe.

With the assistance of Neytiri and Tsu’Tey (Laz Alonso), the new leader of the Omaticaya, Jake assembles thousands of Na’vi from other clans. Jake prays to Eywa to intercede on behalf of the Na’vi in the coming battle. Quaritch, noting the rapid mobilization of Na’vi clans, convinces Selfridge to authorize a preemptive strike on the Tree of Souls. Because it is a center of Na’vi religion and culture, its destruction would leave the Na’vi too demoralized to resist further human encroachment.

As the humans attack, the Na’vi fight back but suffer heavy casualties, among them Tsu’Tey and Trudy. When the Na’vi are on the verge of defeat, the Pandoran wildlife suddenly attacks the humans, overwhelming them. Neytiri interprets this as Eywa answering Jake’s prayer. Jake destroys the main bomber before it can reach the Tree of Souls. Quaritch escapes in an AMP (Amplified Mobility Platform) suit, finds the avatar interface pod where Jake’s human body is located and attacks it, exposing Jake to Pandora’s atmosphere. Neytiri kills Quaritch and saves Jake, seeing his human form. With the attack repelled, Jake and Neytiri reaffirm their love.

The humans are expelled from Pandora, while Jake and his closest co-workers remain. Jake is seen wearing the insignia of the Omaticaya leader. The film ends with Jake’s consciousness being transplanted into his Na’vi avatar and his life continuing as a Na’vi.

Just forward your interesting and funny stuff to webgoodnews@gmail.com .Good stories will be published @ UptownFuns.Blogspot.com

[Via http://alibabacorp1.wordpress.com]

How to Not Waste Money on Marketing

2010-01-09T04:53:00.000+02:00

If you own your own business, you’re probably innundated with advertising and marketing opportunities and salespeople. You probably get asked to sponsor events and donate to organizations. Maybe you’ve even been hit up by the premium company trying to get you to buy pens with your company name on them.

So how do you know what to spend your marketing dollars on, and what to pass on?

How do you avoid wasting your money on marketing that isn’t going to result in more clients and more sales? How can you ensure you’ll get the “biggest bang for the buck?”

The answer is to go back to your marketing plan and look at your goals and objectives. You’ll also want to look at who you identified as your ideal prospects or target clients.

Then you simply evaluate these potential marketing activities based on their ability to help you achieve your objectives, and their ability to put you or your company in front of your ideal prospects.

While sponsorships and donations are in part a goodwill activity and can be very worthwhile for that reason alone, if you are evaluating them from a marketing perspective (and I recommend you do, especially if you get asked to sponsor or donate frequently) you need to make sure they will give you exposure to your ideal prospects and contribute toward reaching your objectives.

The value of the exposure you receive should be worth the investment you are making. Consider what it would cost to reach those prospects in another manner to help determine the value of the exposure.

As far as purchasing pens with your company name, the same tests apply. Ask yourself how you will use the pens. Will they provide exposure to your ideal prospects or clients?

Will they reach your prospects in a manner no other marketing activity can? For example, if you are looking for repeat business from your clients, if they have a pen with your name on it that they see and use everyday perhaps they will be reminded to frequent your business.

If you are planning to do a direct mail follow up to clients who haven’t done business with you in awhile, a pen might be a nice premium to include in the mailing, and it will continue to serve as a reminder long after the direct mail piece is read and thrown away.

But do NOT order the pens if you don’t have a plan for using them and an objective for what you hope to achieve. Just having pens with your company name without these two items defined is definitely a waste of your money.

Whenever you are questioning whether you should take advantage of a particular marketing opportunity, ask yourself these three questions:

1) Will it provide exposure to my ideal prospects or target clients?

2) Will it help me achieve my marketing objectives?

3) Is this exposure worth the dollars I am investing?

If you can answer “YES” to all three questions, and you have marketing budget available, then you’ll want to seriously consider the opportunity.

If your answer is “no” to the first two questions, and the opportunity doesn’t put you in front of your ideal prospects or help reach your objectives, you’ll want to “just say NO!” to that particular marketing opportunity.

If the answer is “yes” to the first two questions, but “no” to question number three and the opportunity is well-suited to your marketing plan but the value just isn’t there, you may want to go back and negotiate more exposure or a lower price.

And, last but certainly not least, if you don’t have a marketing plan to help you evaluate these kinds of opportunities when they come your way, my advice is simple: You NEED to get one.

If you haven’t identified who your ideal prospects are and what you want to achieve with your business you will most certainly waste valuable time and money on marketing opportunities that are not a good fit for your business. In fact you’ll be in danger of doing this everyday.

If you need help creating a marketing plan, The 10stepmarketing System is a great way to do it. When you create your own marketing plan using the simple, step-by-step 10stepmarketing System you are setting your business up for success and you can be sure you are not wasting valuable dollars on marketing that won’t deliver you the results you deserve.

[Via http://blnmichigan.com]

Almap BBDO + Marcello Serpa * os + premiados do mundo

2010-01-07T10:47:00.000+02:00

A AlmapBBDO foi a agência mais premiada do mundo e Marcello Serpa o líder criativo que mais prêmios conquistou nos principais festivais de publicidade de todo o mundo em 2009, segundo o The Big Won, que analisa a quantidade e qualidade de prêmios conquistados pelas redes de comunicação, agências, trabalhos e profissionais de todas as áreas do marketing nos mais importantes festivais globais, regionais e locais do mundo.

Dulcídio Caldeira e Luiz Sanches, da AlmapBBDO, foram os diretores de criação mais premiados do mundo. Em 2009 o The Big Won registrou 7.123 campanhas que conquistaram cerca de 12 mil prêmios para 3.544 diretores de arte, 3.466 redatores e 3.054 diretores de criação.

Na apresentação dos resultados do ranking, Patrick Collister afirma que a conquista do primeiro lugar pela AlmapBBDO se deu principalmente por seus trabalhos em mídia impressa – como os desenvolvidos para Havaianas, Volkswagen Caminhões e Gatorade Kids – e na TV, com o comercial “Cachorro-Peixe”, para Volkswagen, além de vários prêmios conquistados por campanhas digitais, notadamente pelo game “Weather”, criado para o Greenpeace.

A AlmapBBDO também foi a agência mais premiada em mídia impressa e está entre as 10 mais nos rankings de TV e Rádio. O comercial “Cachorro-Peixe” foi a 9ª. campanha de TV que mais prêmios conquistou em 2009.

Pelo terceiro ano consecutivo, a BBDO Worldwide é a network mais premiada do mundo. Na lista das 10 melhores, além da AlmapBBDO, estão a BBDO NY em 3º. lugar, AMV BBDO Londres em 4º. E a BBDO/Proximity Malásia em 8º. O Brasil é o 5º. país mais premiado, atrás dos EUA, Alemanha, Grã-Bretanha e Austrália. No ranking das premiações na área digital, o Brasil está em 6º. lugar. O primeiro é dos Estados Unidos, seguido pela Alemanha, Grã-Bretanha, Suécia e Japão. A campanha eleitoral do presidente americano Barack Obama é a 1ª. colocada na lista das mais premiadas campanhas integradas do mundo no ano passado.

Os resultados do The Big Won estão no site www.thebigwon.com

[Via http://oliverstuff.wordpress.com]

Jennifer Winn and Winn Events featured in Front Yard Worship January Issue

2010-01-07T04:34:00.000+02:00

Jennifer Winn & Winn Events were featured in the January issue of Front Yard Worship. Click on the link below and turn to page 16 to read the article. 1

Front Yard Worship Jan 2010 Magazine

Winn Events is a full-service event planning, tour booking, and speakers/artist management company. We offer ala-carte flat rate pricing. Check us out at http://www.winnevents.comfor more information.

Thank you to Melissa Saulnier at Oikeo Music for writing another great article. Click here to read the previous article written in November 2009.

[Via http://winnevents.wordpress.com]

I Am Mismo, [_A_] Pinoy Ninoyz~ Only 300PHPz!!

2010-01-05T10:51:00.000+02:00

I’d just like to point out to everybody that sticking Ninoy or Rizal in your shirt or car doesn’t make you any more patriotic than everybody else.

Also, wearing an AKO MISMO dogtag or any other “productive member of society” MERCHANDISE (remember if they SELL the damn things to you = merchandise) doesn’t make you any more of a productive member of society than everybody else. (But buying their stuff still makes you a SUCKER.)

Still, saying Rizal got shot because he was an Atenista is still the biggest unpatriotic atrocity to ever be taunted of a dead-hero-who-got-shot-in-the-back-for-freedom-of-your-own-silly-unpatriotic-Lasallista-life.

Being a fan of Manny Pacquiao doesn’t make you patriotic either. He’s a goddamn BOXER. Boxing is a SPORT. Winning a sport does not a heroic deed make. If he starts punching idiotic g-men in the face, THEN he becomes a hero.

WORD?! WORD. Happy New Year, PINOYZZZZZZZzzzzZZ~

YO Tito! Wer my sammich?

[Via http://panzerpuff.wordpress.com]

Design matters

2010-01-05T04:45:00.000+02:00

The Biblical observation that men do not hide their light under a bushel but raise it high to light the whole house applies equally to the work that already has been done on your manuscript and the work still to come that will transform it into a book.

The purpose of the editing, and indeed of the author revisions preceding it, should be to polish the text and ensure that it communicates its meaning. But thereafter the book design and subsequent typesetting become hugely important – if content is king, it should be dressed accordingly; the book design should illuminate the contents, not obscure them.

Time and again, publishers fail to heed this imperative and the result can be that a major work fails to gain the recognition it deserved.

What should have been a prize-winning study

I still regret one such instance in my career when, due to my failure to keep the author in check, her opus magnum ballooned to an alarming number of words and illustrations. I also designed the book and at first glance it was beautiful. Even so, it weighed in at over 500 pages, a hundred more than it was first announced at. The book went on to almost win an important book prize; arguably it should have won. For me, however, the moment of truth was feedback from Winnie, a trusted Singapore colleague, who complained that she had tried several times to read the book but ‘got tired’.

Was it the design? I believe so. The font size was too small; the number of characters per line was way over the 65 that is the golden mean (more like 89). The result will have been eye strain for many readers. In a nutshell, there was a readability issue. Probably, the book should have been 600 pages long – or edited more assertively.

This is just one way in which a bad book design can get in the way of readers fully appreciating an author’s argument. A layout that is ugly or boring is just as bad, likewise one whose text uses fonts that are unsuitable for extended reading. Also problematic is a book size that is unhandy (too big or too small, awkward or tiresome to hold, etc.).

Enter the queen

Many readers will struggle with a bad book design (often unconscious of what is bothering them) if they consider the contents important enough. Here, however, the presumption is that the work is to hand. But what actually ensures that a reader buys or borrows a copy of your book? Is it the contents? The marketing? Actually, in many cases, what sells a book is its appearance, its initial impact, something that briefly attracts the reader’s eye to that book and guides her hand to take it off the shelf.

Once a copy has been sold, it’s quite different; what you say becomes more important than appearances. But – for a brief moment – the look and feel of your book is paramount. Content may be king, but design is the queen who by appearance attracts the most initial attention.

The cover matters

The internal book design can be important in the purchase decision-making, but only after the book has been picked up. Initially, then, the most important design element is the book cover (or jacket), something that some publishers don’t seem to care about. In a recent post on H-ASIA, Peter Matanle of the University of Sheffield complained that:

… the cover is really important for a book yet some publishers do not pay sufficient attention to this aspect of book design, preferring simply to make it conform to a series or even publisher style. Often there is no information about the book anywhere on the front or back cover beyond printing the main title and author’s name. Often there are no unique graphics on the cover and no endorsements or short summaries on the back cover to entice a reader in.

His explanation for this (bad) behaviour was that:

… the publisher may be more interested in creating its own brand image than in taking care over the content of the volume, and that the publisher is actually not that interested in post publication marketing either …

Actually, I rather suspect that the publisher’s behaviour is largely shaped by the expectation that nearly all copies sold will be to libraries, and they tend to buy on the strength of the book description, the price, etc., not on the book’s appearance. However, with the continued collapse in library market sales, such a policy seems rather short-sighted.

Like it or not, bookshops and individual book buyers matter, and that means that the cover matters, indeed design matters.

[Via http://gettingpublished.wordpress.com]

Bernanke Calls for Regulation to Fight Bubbles

2010-01-03T16:45:00.000+02:00

Filed at 10:38 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — Stronger regulation should be the first line of defense against speculative bubbles that could send the economy into a new crisis, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Sunday.

But he didn’t rule out higher interest rates to stop dangerous bubbles, such as the recent one in housing, from forming.

The Fed chief’s remarks were his most extensive on the subject since the housing market’s tumble led to the gravest financial crisis since World War II — and perhaps the worst in modern history, in his view.

Critics blame the Fed for feeding that housing bubble by holding interest rates too low for too long after the 2001 recession.

But Bernanke, in prepared remarks to the American Economic Association’s annual meeting in Atlanta, defended the central bank’s actions. Extra-low rates were needed to get the economy and job creation back to full throttle after the Sept. 11 attacks and accounting scandals that rocked Wall Street, he said.

Bernanke said the direct links between super-low interest rates and the rapid rise in house prices that occurred at roughly the same time are “weak.” The stance of interest rates during that period “does not appear to have been inappropriate,” he said.

Still, the enormous economic damage from the housing bust — the longest and deepest recession since the 1930s and double-digit unemployment — shows how importance it is to guard against a repeat, Bernanke said.

“All efforts should be made to strengthen our regulatory system to prevent a recurrence of the crisis, and to cushion the effects if another crisis occurs,” he said.

“However, if adequate reforms are not made, or if they are made but prove insufficient to prevent dangerous buildups of financial risks, we must remain open to using monetary policy as a supplementary tool,” he added.

Bernanke Calls for Regulation to Fight Bubbles

[Via http://emmanews.wordpress.com]

The bid committee and I

2010-01-03T04:42:00.000+02:00

When the news came that Vancouver would be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, I was jogging down from the Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station to the Yaletown office where I was working. I didn’t hear the announcement, but I heard a cheer go up from the offices on all sounds of me.

Personally, I was surprised. At that point, I had no strong feelings about the Olympics one way or the other. But I had thought that the logistical problems of keeping people moving along the road between Vancouver and Whistler would prevent the bid from being successful. Even more importantly, my own contact with the bid committee hadn’t impressed me much.

About six months earlier, I had applied for a job as a writer on the bid. It wasn’t a position that strongly interested me, but I thought it worth a hour or two of my time to satisfy my curiosity. So, I duly strapped myself into my interview suit, stripped any obvious signs of eccentricity from my person, and presented myself at the Gastown office of the bid committee.

I was interviewed by two women who I quickly classified as marketing and communication workers. That isn’t prejudice; I’ve done similar work myself, after all. But, after a while, you get to know the signs. The two women talked in generalities, and displayed an artificial optimism and enthusiasm at all times. Somehow, I couldn’t imagine them taking part in a casual Friday.

The conversation went well enough, so far as conversations during a job interview can ever be said to go well. But when I asked about how the logistical problems might be overcome, the women’s reply boiled down to, “Somehow, everything will work out..” I could also see that, in their minds (and probably on their clipboards), I had set a black mark against my name. That was all right; their replies had cost them points with me, too.

However, two other points were what really disturbed me. First, they said that working on the bid committee would be no guarantee of a continued job if the bid was successful. Since I was sure that the leaders of the committee would land jobs in Vanoc, that seems a lack of loyalty to staff members.

Secondly, as part of the interview, they asked me to go home and write seven or eight pages on how I would promote the Olympics. That is a considerable effort to ask someone to do on spec. Combined with the lack of a guarantee of continuation, I concluded that the request showed a cavalier attitude towards employees. I thought for a couple of days, then phoned the interviewers to say that I would not be responding to their request and that the job no longer interested me.

I have no idea whether those particular women found work with Vanoc. In fact, I no longer remember their names. But it seems to me that their attitudes are echoed in everything I’ve heard from Vanoc ever since, from the feeling that problems would work themselves out to the assumption that local residents will put their lives on hold for the duration of the games next month.

This echo has kept me from supporting the games ever since. I might talk about the financial and social costs, but behind them is an emotional core of distrust based on this one brief encounter.

This attitude puzzles people from outside the Vancouver area. When I was in Calgary last spring, people were surprised by my lack of enthusiasm. Remembering the Calgary games twenty years and the very different social attitudes in which they took place, everyone assumed that I must be looking forward to the occasion. They were surprised by my lack of enthusiasm, even when I explained my reasons. I’m not sure they ever did understand.

However, I don’t think my attitude is unique in anything other than its origins. No doubt it’s the company I keep, but I’ve found that only one in four – or thereabouts – actually supports the upcoming games. The intial cheering at the news of the bid just doesn’t seem to have lasted.

In fact, I’ve only found one person passionate enough to defend the games, and her criticisms were bizarre – she argued that nobody who objected or even questioned the games should use the newly improved highway to Whistler (never mind that she also insisted on the official line that such improvements were not part of the costs of the games). But of eight or nine people in the store, nobody felt like taking her side in the discussion.

Maybe more people will show enthusiasm as the games approach, but, I don’t expect that most people will. The average person in the Vancouver region seems resigned to the games, largely indifferent and if anything mildly hostile, although you wouldn’t know that from the media.

You might say that, for most of us, 2010 will be divided into two parts: enduring the preparations and the games themselves, and the rest of the year. And, like most people, I find myself looking forward to the rest of the year far more than the preparations and the games. If I became dubious earlier than others, it is because I was exposed to the spirit of the games earlier than others.

[Via http://brucebyfield.wordpress.com]

Barbearias Modernas 2 - Murdock Barbershop UK

2010-01-02T10:34:00.000+02:00

Em 23 de fevereiro de 2009, escrevi um post sobre o fenômeno das barbearias modernas no Brasil.

Estou voltando a esse assunto para complementar que esse conceito já havia aparecido em outras partes do planeta. A foto acima é da Murdock Barbershop, que abriu sua primeira loja em 2006 no bairro alternativo de Shoreditch em Londres. Hoje já são 3 lojas na capital da rainha.

Além das lojas, a Murdock também criou uma linha de produtos de beleza masculinos, que podem ser comprados nas próprias barbearias ou pela internet.

Fica aí mais uma idéia para quem está pensando em inverstir nesse segmento.

Fonte: The Cool Hunter

[Via http://oquevemporai.wordpress.com]

Don't write a business plan

2010-01-02T04:47:00.000+02:00

Don’t write a business plan

by Jason on December 14, 2009 · 61 comments

in Essays

“You need a business plan” is the mantra of MBA types.

As they say, businesses don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan! Who could argue with such a clever turn of phrase?

Let’s do some quotes:

“Without a business plan, how will you know whether you can make a profit?” (source)
“A complete business plan should include five-year financial projections. These projections will assist investors with making decisions about your business and help you to know how much funding you will need to get things rolling.” (source)
“Many businesses fail due to poor planning. It is important for every business owner to understand the entire depth, flexibility, strength and weakness of their business plan.” (source)
“Adjust your business plan as needed, but be sure to not stray too far off of your original idea.” (source)

Surely those Harvard MBA grads are correct! After all they don’t give out those MBAs for nothing — you have to at least start a business yourself! Oh wait, you don’t have to do that? Oh.

Trouble is, this advice is inconsistent with how real (small) businesses operate, as you can often see for yourself in the same articles that promote the use of the business plan.

For example, Kenrya Naasel writing for Latina.com starts by saying “A business plan is the most important document you’ll ever create.” (And you thought your website’s home page was important? Ha.) But later she quotes a successful entrepreneur who admits “We operated with no real plan for years” and “Things don’t generally go as planned.”

That’s one thing everyone can agree with: Things don’t go as planned. Yeah, so how are you supposed to write a three-year projection with a straight face?

Or take Sean Davis of Success on my Mind who tells us “Writing a business plan is your most important step,” but then admits that his past two (successful!) projects were “simply an idea I ran with.”

The telling part comes in the comment section where Sean adds:

Now that I think back on it, I’ve done plenty of marketing that led sites to success… but it was all from trial and error. Had I known BEFORE what I know now, I could have had a plan and reached my goals much earlier.”

Here inlies the fallacy. You never “know before what you know now.” If success is “all from trial and error,” how exactly do you write a plan?

Marketing is trial and error! Features, messaging, the path to customers, your competitive edge, your pricing model — all this gets figured out as you go. You can’t know what’s going to work ahead of time, so why is Sean concluding that he should have written a business plan?

Business plans are just guesses, and they’re almost always wrong.

The very idea of “planning” is ridiculous:

If you had written a business plan in 2007, what would your assumptions have been? Investors love “Web 2.0,” MySpace is how to reach young people, the economy is growing without limit, and products with demonstrable ROIs will get healthy slices of corporate budgets.Of course every assumption in your plan was reversed in 2008. The world economy exploded. Getting money from budgets is like squeezing water from rock. MySpace is dead, long live Facebook. The term “Web 2.0″ is passé. Twitter went mainstream and might be more important for “word of mouth” than blogging.Good thing you spent all that time planning.
At the beginning you don’t know anything about what your business will look like. Your product will evolve to fit the market. You’ll test marketing messages on AdWords and make unexpected discoveries about what works. Good and bad luck shape your company. You have no answers, no predictive power. Nor should you artificially pin yourself down! Even a “plan” buried in a drawer makes you less likely to consider the radical new idea that changes everything and makes you successful.
Have you tried actually writing a plan? Go ahead, try it! Be sure to include your mission statement, your vision, your five-year profit-and-loss statement, decide who will be your key personnel, define your pricing strategy, explain the risks, position yourself against competitors.Now be honest, where did this data come from? I’m guessing you reached right up your ass and pulled it out. For the five-year plan you were so deep you tickled your spleen. You know this is crap; why are you doing this when you could, oh I don’t know, just talk to potential customers?

But enough from me. What do VCs have to say about this? What if you’re trying to raise money, don’t you need a business plan? What do other entrepreneurs say?

From Venture Hacks, a great blog written by entrepreneurs-turned-VCs: “Don’t send a business plan to investors. Nobody reads them and nobody executes them. … Document your detailed plans on a napkin.”
From David Cowham, Bessemer Venture Partners: “Nothing slows down a VC as much as a comprehensive business plan.”
From Mike Moritz, Sequoia Capital in a Guy Kawasaki fireside chat, “Five-year plans aren’t worth the ink cartridge they’re printed with.”
I could fill three pages with links to 37signals railing against business plans (did you like that pun y’all?). From When was the last time you looked at your business plan: “[All three businesses] are still alive but have also completely rethought their original plans. They’ve changed focus, services, salaries, partnership arrangements, etc. … If these companies’ one year projections were so far off, imagine how worthless those year three (or five) projections turned out to be.” Or, from The only plan is to learn as you go: “Stop presuming you can be right in a world of massive uncertainty. The only plan you should make is to plan on improvising.”
A study found that “quality of business plans had zero impact on the amount of VC funding being raised.”
From VentureBlog, VC David Hornik derides an article on Wired and TechCrunch about how to raise money: “VCs tend not to read business plans because a) they are too long and b) your business will likely have changed by the time anyone gets around to reading your business plan.”
From Business Insider, Kevin Ryan, founder of six companies, says “I don’t do a detailed plan. If a VC focuses a lot on the details on the financial model, I won’t work with them.”
From Steve Blank, “In the real world, most business plans don’t survive the first few months of customer contact. And even if they did — customers don’t ask to see your business plan.” And then from an article called Startups are Inherently Chaos: “As a founder you need to prepare yourself to think creatively and independently, because more often than not, conditions on the ground will change so rapidly that the original well-thought-out business plan becomes irrelevant.”

Do I really need to go on, or are you sufficiently bludgeoned into not writing that business plan?

In fact, stop reading this article and do something useful like A/B test a landing page.

[Via http://entrepreneurbizplans.wordpress.com]

Digital Marketing Trends Relevant for PR

2009-12-31T16:29:00.000+02:00

One of the most important lessons for me over the past few years – marked by the emergence and then explosion of social media – is the growing irrelevance of boundaries between marketing, public relations and corporate functions like IT and HR. In fact, I would argue blurring these silos is not only beneficial, but critical, for organizations intent on fully engaging their audiences. Some of the best innovations in social media (and communications) have come from cross-pollination and collaboration across disparate corporate functions, and there is a rich crop of new ideas emerging on a regular basis.

As exhibit A take a look at these proposed digital marketing trends by Advertising Age. At first glance, some of these appear to have huge potential well beyond pure advertising, notably:

Growth of viral videos
Gaming becomes more social and mobile
Boom in mobile web access
Customization based on location
Real-time search
Social graphs and networks

Innovative companies are already leveraging some of these ideas in their communication programs, but imagine how much more could be done. Even with seemingly obvious assets like video and mobility, many companies seem hesitant to fully leverage these tools within their own communication networks. Imagine adding ingredients like GPS capability and real-time search in corporate intranets, for example, or introducing more gaming technology into communication materials and training. Why not use an application like foursquare, as another example, to help employees identify colleagues near their location and compete for “mayorships”? Or allow staff more leeway to create and leverage personal groups – either on internal networks or outside the firewall? The potential seems unlimited.

From my perspective, the barriers are typically not with end users – though there will always be inherent realities based on job function – but rather with executive timidity. Many companies don’t even let their employees access social networks the company uses for marketing campaigns. Leaders would be better served to explore what they could do, rather than what they shouldn’t do.

FYI – For an interesting comparison on trend prognosis check out David Armano’s take in HBR.

[Via http://publicrelationsrogue.wordpress.com]

What's the best way to brand your product on the internet?

2009-12-31T04:49:00.000+02:00

Branding on the internet is very different than anything we would put in print. Because the human mind wants to have everything faster when they are looking online, our marketing has to do just that, help a user get to the point in a few short seconds. If you have pages and pages of content going on and on, then a user will just move away from your site until he finds the particular words in his mind that relate to what he is looking for. One of the more critical elements to designing a website that is often overlooked is the use of page titles. Page titles allow a user to quickly scan for a topic and make the experience that much easier. When creating the titles keep in mind that this is what gets indexed by search engines. So if you have a page title that says Smith Incorporated controls your everything, and you are trying to tell folks that you sell cups, then that is not very descriptive to a user who is searching for cups. Instead title the pages to be of relevance to the online users. So it would be in your best interest to say Smith Inc. Cup Product Line. The first 60 characters of the page title will show up in the online search engines, so this is a great way to brand or market your brand name. It’s free and it takes very little time to come up with clever ways to let people know who you are via simple tools like google. Users scan a page for content like headlines, meaningful sub-headings, bulleted lists and content arrangement. Content arrangement should be in an inverted pyramid for the eye to scan it correctly.

[Via http://itsthefuturemarketing.wordpress.com]

Get Your Head in the Game!! Be intentional!!

2009-12-29T10:00:00.000+02:00

The new year always brings about the need to create New Year’s resolutions in our personal lives. It seems to be the time for people to make changes that could positively affect their situation. These personal goals are great, and depending on your situation, could be life changing. The same holds true when you own your own business. As entrepreneurs, we should also plan New Year’s resolutions that could bring about positive change for the future. Taking stock in what you have now and what you need is imperative for continued success of your brand. When it comes to loosing weight (the number one New Year’s resolution, I would imagine), I am sure a lot of time goes into researching the best diet, the best exercise program, creating a schedule for your workouts, etc. Shouldn’t the same hold true for your business? What research have you done to ensure continued success in 2010? What are the latest trends in your industry? Where is your target audience now? Are they using the same mediums to make their decisions? I wanted to help you with this process so I found a great article to help. It doesn’t matter the industry, these trends can help you improve your presence in 2010!!!

Let me know what you think and if you have any other trends to build business for the coming year.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/03/cashmore.web.trends.2010/index.html

[Via http://butterflyblogger.wordpress.com]

PR & The Ninja Turtles

2009-12-29T04:48:00.000+02:00

This post was co-conceptualized and co-written with the exceptionally awesome Sheema Siddiqi. Read more at her blog here and follow her on Twitter.

If you are anything like us, when you think of teams, you think of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! From comic books to TV shows to movies to toys, the Turtles have been a pop culture sensation for more than two decades now and a huge influence on more than one generation of kids and teenagers.

They are among our favorite characters and a true microcosm of a Public Relations/Marketing team!

Don’t believe us? Let’s take a closer look.

Master Splinter – Master Splinter discovered the young turtles and nurtured them as youths and trained them to become the team they are today. At this point in his life, he is a man of words, and prefers not to be involved in the day-to-day action. However, if the situation calls for it, he will insert – and assert – himself!

Splinter is like the CEO of your company. The sage leader with decades of experience, he or she probably put the team together and has helped you grow for quite some time. They take pride in watching you excel, but isn’t afraid to jump in if you need a hand. They have the keen ability to balance good judgment with the ability to take risks. In most cases, the CEO can act as a role model for how to act in various situations as well as set the tone for entire company.

Leonardo – Every team needs a leader, and Leonardo is just that. He makes the tough decisions, based on what’s best for the group and their mission. Beyond leading the team, Leo is also a master swordsman. He fronts the team in responsibility and by example.

The leader of your PR team should be experienced, calm and mature. They should be able to look beyond themselves and manage everyone for the greater good. Like Leonardo, they bring something unique and special to the table. The leader should motivate the team by displaying confidence and passion for their work and encouraging them to use their individual talents. Most good leaders do more listening than talking- its crucial to listen to the needs of your client, as well as any issues the rest of your team may have. Leonardo has to make tough decisions. Leaders, like their CEOs, aren’t afraid to take risks in order to accomplish goals.

Donatello – While Leonardo may lead the team, Donatello is their chief problem solver. As a master technician, he sees the world differently from the rest of the team – he understands cause and effect. Ironically, while he develops the hi-tech gadgets to meet any challenge, he himself uses the bo stick, the simplest of weapons.

Somethin’ strange in your neighborhood? Who ya’ gonna call? Well, you have Ghostbusters PR and TMNT PR. You need a crisis PR expert on your team to make sure they call TMNT and not a dude named Egon. The crisis PR expert needs to stay calm while the client is freaking out, and the good ones like Donatello will have a plan in place just in case disaster strikes. He’s got a “can do” attitude and is able to shift perspectives and see every side of the problem. That Donatello uses a stick is a good reminder that the old KISS adage (Keep It Simple, Stupid) works best when crisis strikes.

Raphael – While some people call Raphael “cool, but rude,” he is a true maverick. He works outside the box – and sometimes outside the law – to get the job done. His methods are unconventional and his attitude is brash…and let’s not get into the danger surrounding his sai weapons. While Raphael is the “maverick”, he’s also extremely loyal to the team and would never sabotage the team.The bottom line is this: while he may be the social pariah of the group, he gets the job done. His customer service skills may be lacking, but the proof is in the pudding.

Like Raphael, it is important to approach projects from differing viewpoints and perspectives. If everyone on your team looked at every issue the same way, it would be hard to grow your skillset. Sometimes you need someone around you who will rock the boat and think outside the box. Raphael may need some guidance from Master Splinter and his PR team, but he’s a work in progress. If he can merge his creativity with a positive attitude and learn to play by (some) rules, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the PR world.

Michelangelo – Mikey seems to be the least sophisticated member of the group. He is always looking for a hot slice of pizza, which puts the other Turtles in danger from time to time. Despite his supposed immaturity, he adds a different element to the team, with exuberance, energy and excitement. He may not be the most precise in his execution, but he works his tail off and tries to get better every day.

Most every PR team should have some youth on it, be it a recent entry level hire or interns. The passion to prove themselves that they can bring to the table is a powerful motivator for the rest of the crew. Nobody is even half-perfect on Day One, but someone willing to work as hard as possible for the project deserves a spot at the table. An entry-level PR or intern will struggle with an inner conflict- on one hand, they want to prove themselves and impress their PR team. On the other hand, they want to act as a sponge, soaking in all the information on clients. They will need to most guidance from the team, but have the potential to flourish into a successful PR professional.

April O’Neill – The big hotshot TV reporter helps the Turtles when she can, be it information or pizza. She is powerful in the media and knows how to portray the heroes properly, even when the public is scared.

Above all else, April is a branding and trends specialist- she’s “in the know” and has an idea of what people expect from each of the clients. It’s critical that the PR efforts match the overall marketing strategy for the client or project. On the other hand, April is a community manager, able to influence opinions of others. You need to have an experienced team-member who understands how to maximize social networks, as well as integrate them into a larger PR campaign. You’d trust April to expand and promote your brand, wouldn’t you?

Shredder – The arch-nemesis of the Turtles, Shredder is a true master warrior. Although he has surrounded himself with an army of Foot Soldiers to do his bidding, he is as dangerous as it gets in a one-on-one situation. While the Turtles have to know who they are, it’s critical to understand your enemy and their motivations – that’s the only way you can stop him!

While you don’t want the evil Shredder on your team of warriors, he does represent your team’s competition and distractions. You must be aware of any threats, such as competing agencies, internal issues and, of course, super villains! The best way to defeat Shredder is to work together as a team, bring out the best in each other, and develop a PR/marketing campaign that kicks butt!

So there you have it: assembling your PR team is no easy feat, but it’s important to realize that if the “Master Splinter” in your life can bring out the best in each member, then Shredder better watch his back! Who knew you could learn some huge lessons from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?!

And now we leave you with The Ninja Rap!

[Via http://thebuzzbymikeschaffer.wordpress.com]

Blog Topics We'll Be Discussing

2009-12-27T09:15:00.000+02:00

COMMERCIAL

==========

GALLERY POSTS

VIDEO POSTS

Case studies. How photos help sell

The value of good photography

- WHat does cheap photography say about your business?

- How will your clients perceive you if you have classy photographY

- Whats the difference between you and an expert?

Special photography – something that makes your business stand out

- How do you make your business stand out

- If all retailers selling a product use the same supplier images

- Including, you, your shop front, your customers – using the product

Photo labels

- Neat idea [MAKE SOME]

Photo/Video combo – in shop on web

- where could you display it

- what could you show

- what is it?

- Photo slide shows – mixed with video snips

- Collaborate with video team

PR Stories

- Why and what is a PR story

- Why do you put it together

- Why you need a photo

— To help get placed

— To get a better picture

— To make sure your picture carries your messgae / logo

Library shoots

- Book a tog for a day get lots

- Staff photos

- Product photos

- Web shots

- PR ready shots

- Don’t confuse this with a product shoot though

Special Events

- For press, for customers, for the record

Customer relations

- Givng photos as gifts

Planning for your shoot

- Think about what you need

- What should it show

- Is it lifestyle / product / catalogue

- Studio / location?

- People, models, props

Model selection

- Does your model represent you or your customer

- Who are you?

- Who is your customer?

- Do you want beauty, natural, young, old

Making the most of your shoot

Making your web presence standout

- So many websites follow ASOS model

- But then why wouldn’t the buyer choose ASOS

- What’s your colour theme

- What’s your style

- Where’s your logo>

Why not photograph in your town

- no more stock photos

- personalises you

- makes people think of themselves in those placs

- makes your products special and.or acceptable

- people notice

Link up with multiple suppliers

- Classic model is the wedding

- Clothes / shoes / bags /hair / make-up

- Cross displays

- Hair dressers: Personal Portfolio Book

Seasonal photographer

- do your have a seasonal product

- plan your photography in advance

- difficulty over buying cycle & delivery

Pre-book a years photography for a discount

- Discounts for multiple days, but negotiate pre-purchase of days

Photoshop – the part it plays

- General twaeking

- Removal spots, defects etc

- Replacement backgrounds

- Clean-up backgrounds

- Full compositiing

- Image construction

Should you work be colour balanced?

- Are customers colour conscious & precise

- important

- showing images which are “vibrant and striking”

- at odds with exact colour match

Location, location, location – where what kind?

- In studio of location

- What sort of location

- What does the location say about your product

- what does product say about the location

- finding locations

- rent / negotiate / hotels

Personalised Christmas cards

Personalised advertising – your staff in your adverts

- the estate agents on the bus

- creates talk when the client comes in

- makes your business personal

- which staff

- how will they be presented

The story of your product

- the story of its creation

- the story of its use

- the story needs people?

- the product as its own character

Point of sale packages

Why you shouldn’t use your own digital camera

INVENT SOME SHOOTS – perfume package, local retail items, posh labels etc

Celebrity day – or look a like day??!!

DO WEB SEARCHES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY FR RETAILER

BUILD PACKAGE SOLUTIONS FOR BUYERS

- The library day

- The PR event

- The Special Event

- Fashion shoot

- Point of sale ideas

- Banner graphics for exhibitions

[Via http://businessphoto.wordpress.com]

Zetronix Virtual Video Glasses - $129 Gift Kids Will Go Crazy For

2009-12-27T04:50:00.000+02:00

Trying to find that perfect gift for your growing boy? Zetronix Virtual Video Glasses are a cheap option that provides a technology your kids will love you for. This is why it is so cheap and why sometimes, its a good thing!

The Honest Truth

Yes, you are sacrificing quality when you buy cheaper toys! It is a fact of life and there is no getting around it! Sometimes this can work to our advantage though. Will kids notice that you got them $129 Zetronix Virtual Video Glasses instead of the $299 super glasses? You know when something is $100 cheaper there is something wrong with it. This is what is wrong with these, but does it really matter?

Resolution

Biggest difference right off the start is resolution. The cheaper the glasses, the lower the resolution, which means the lower the video quality.

When your 11 year old opens a box though and sees video game glasses that allow him to play his favorite video games on a 50″ screen in his own private home theater, do you think hes going to check the resolution? Probably not! He will be so excited by the glasses, he won’t even notice the less the perfect video quality.

Comfort

This would be the second big one. A cheaper toy, means cheaper materials, and finally less comfort. Since we are giving virtual video glasses to a kid that spends half his time hanging off the couch upside down watching T.V, comfort probably isn’t a really big deal to him! We tend to look for that luxury more as we get older.

3d Capable

Really, is this important? How many 3d movies do you have in your collection? One maybe? This is a feature almost entirely used just to sell more expensive toys. In the future when there are lots of 3d movies this could make a difference, but for now, it is just many spent!

Related : Low Price Store

[Via http://cheaplcd2u.wordpress.com]