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Tips, advice and free marketing know how: 

Network as much as you can with efficiency. Do trade shows and when you do, have a plan and work the plan. Drive traffic to your booth and always provide VALUE.

Don’t be inconsistent with your advertising; inconsistency is a waste of money and time. Frequency is key. You want to stay top of mind with your target customers? On average for a succesful campaign in a given week or month, (depending on the call to action needed,) it takes four to five times for your message to reach your target demographic repeatedly.

Be willing to spend some money with a savvy marketing consultant like Ripple Effects Marketing in your local market or one who is accustomed to the marketplace cause they lived in it themselves. A professional and talented marketing/advertising consultant can guide you down the right path the first time and save you money by informing you of better efficient marketing means that better target your potential customers.

If you want to stay top of mind with your potential customers look for ways to establish yourself as an expert in your field. EX: Write articles in trade journals, blogs, social networking sites, speak at professional engagements. There are plenty of organizations, networking groups, or non-profits who are always seeking speakers for their luncheons and engagements at no cost. Here is your chance to network AND be seen as an expert in your field.

In today's culture everyone is hustling to get things done. Time is very valuable to most since it is more of a challenge these days to get more time. So when it comes to marketing materials keep in mind that they should be BRIEF, CLEAR, CONCISE and focused on keeping the “What’s In It for Me?” in mind within your content for the reader.

Ripple Effects Marketing & Web Design always suggests two last things:
1.) Never let your business become a chore for you and try to have fun. Remember your passion and the one thing you are most passionate about in your business. Let it shine through in reaching out to your customers.
2.) Provide value in all you do.

V ery A utomatic L iking/Love U nderstood by E veryone ………….for your business!©

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Blogging

Facts: Nearly 88% have successfully increased measurable Search Engine Optimization (SEO) objectives as a direct result of blogging.

Facts: according to Nielsen Oct. 2007 the top blogging sites are:
1.) Blogger
2.) Six Apart TypePad
3.) WordPress
4.) TMZ
5.) LiveJournal
6.) XANGA
7.) Engadget

Blogging will help all your internet marketing goals but must be maintained at least 3-4 times a week with new content. Now as you can probably see by noticing delayed updates to this blog that I don't follow these rules personally for my business. So why am I contradicting myself here!  Because my focus is on R.E.M.'s clients. Our time is used up at the end of the day maintaining our clients websites and performing their internet marketing initiatives that we are willing to sacrifice our own.  Consider your own initiatives and blog on things that you are passionate about and maintain frequency updating your content. Or perhaps hire a professional blogger through Ripple Effects Marketing to assist you. We are passionate about sharing our innate creative ideas to enhance your business.

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Dear Friends and Family, I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the NC Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its efforts to end breast cancer forever. I will also take part in this year's NC Triad Race for the Cure as part of this program. Please help support me in this important project by contributing generously to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure NC Triad Affiliate. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund screening, education and treatment within our own community, as well as research on a national level. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. More information on Komen NC Triad and its programs can be found at www.komennctriad.org. Whatever you can give will help it all adds up! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. Sincerely, Nicole Murn-Morrison To donate online, click here. To send a donation: Make all checks payable to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure NC Triad Affiliate Mail to: Nicole Murn-Morrison 200 East Market St. Greensboro, NC, 27401-2910

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Grammy Awards in Greensboro?....Almost!

Greensboro, NC March 6, 2010 -  Thanks to founding members Rasheem Pugh, a Grammy award-winning songwriter and North Carolina State House Representative Alma Adams, coming to the Carolina Theatre March 20, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. will be the opportunity for Triad citizens to experience the ambiance, notoriety and elegance that you find like that at the Grammy Awards each year. There are award shows to recognize every facet of talented people around the world from the Olympics, Academy Awards to People Choice Awards but none that recognize the best of creative visual minds of painters, sculptors, architects and photographers.  The first annual Save the Arts Awards show will do just that and feature a VIP reception with introductory red carpet leading all to this first time in history event right here in Greensboro. Save the Arts Awards show is committed to acknowledging artists who have made major contributions to the art and design of our great nation by awarding painters, sculptors, architects and photographers with the coveted Save the Arts award. The awards show will also provide another opportunity to increase the awareness of the arts culture from around the world and its vital importance in how it influences us all in our everyday lives. Have you ever imagined life with no art? Imagine – no pictures, no paintings, no sculpture, no buildings… What would the world be without a different and creative perspective to enlighten, inspire and magnify God’s  beauty that surrounds us? Out of the painters category the nominees are: Charles Bibbs, Joe Bergeron, John Holyfield, Juan Logan, Larry Poncho Brown, Leo Rucker, Leroy Campbell, Raul Montero, Roderick Vines, Ted Ellis and Vandorn Hinnant.  Out of the photography category the nominees are: Sheila Pree Bright, Titus Brooks Heagins, Otis Hairston Jr. and Andrea Ellen Reed. Out of the sculptors category the nominees are: James Barnhill, David H. Turner, Frank Holder and Margaret Warren. Annie Lee and Lynne Pittard of Visual Artists Network will also be recognized for their lifetime commitment to the arts and presented with the Quintessence Lifetime Achievement Award. One of the many reasons Mr. Pugh and Representative Adams originated Save the Arts, Inc. is to bridge the gap between art communities to create one great art community and finally recognize the most talented and accomplished individuals representing their respective field of visual art.  Democratic Representative of North Carolina State House District 58 and a former College Administrator and Professor of Art at Bennett College, Alma Adams says, “the arts provide young people with an authentic learning experience that engages their minds, hearts and bodies; it can enhance creativity, self-discipline, and the skills and confidence necessary to meet the challenges encountered during their lives. Arts education is a necessity – not a nicety.” Save the Arts Center presents the 1st Annual Save the Arts Awards Show  held at the Carolina Theatre March 20th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $123.50 to $33.50, depending on seat location. Discounts are available for Greensboro city employees, students, seniors and groups of 10 . A $1.50 restoration fee is added to the price of each ticket. For a sneak peek, please visit the Save the Arts website at www.savetheartsawards.com or purchase tickets here. Cali Pearl Financial, NC registered investment advisor, is one of twenty-seven local Triad businesses that are a supporter and sponsor of this esteemed awards show that specializes in fee-only financial planning and investment advice. On behalf of the Save the Arts Steering committee, Mr. Pugh, Alma Adams and Cali Pearl Financial and our other contributing sponsors, we would be honored to have you attend the Save the Arts Awards Show that will be held on March 20, 2010 in Greensboro, NC at the Carolina Theatre.

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Men Are Wearing “The Pink Slips” Forcing Loss Of Breadwinner Status As Women Surpass Men In Workforce. Cali Pearl Financial Steers Career Women During Dramatic Historical Shift

Men Are Wearing “The Pink Slips” Forcing Loss Of Breadwinner Status As Women Surpass Men In Workforce. Cali Pearl Financial Steers Career Women During Dramatic Historical Shift. Greensboro, NC -2009 – President Obama declared it himself, manufacturing jobs that are male-dominated will not be a huge part of the economic recovery; and women will be the bread winners for some time. From jobs to video games to social networking there’s an evolution seen in gender roles like never before. With a shrinking job force women are becoming the bread winners as they are quickly surpassing men on the nation’s payroll for the first time in US history while taking traditionally male dominated jobs. Sherri Brown, founder and president of Greensboro based Cali Pearl, a registered investment advisory firm- no affiliation with banks or other brokerage companies- sees a custom niche in helping career-minded women sort out their fiscal responsibilities. Women who are “too busy” or unsure about their financial options can now have a “financial concierge.” With Cali Pearl’s unique structure to offer cooperative dialogue with client’s existing CPA firm, attorney, or financial planner, it is one of the first Triad wealth advisors to serve as a personal agent to help synchronize the pieces of clients’ financial puzzles. “A woman's financial situation is often unique, and an individual approach as personal agent or “financial concierge” to financial planning is essential in today’s marketplace,” says Brown. Women can now have a connection with a company that speaks their language. Emerging Statistics Over 60% of the nations wealth is now controlled by women. Sixty-eight million women are working full-time Women account for almost 47% of the labor force As a career-minded business woman, Brown comes from a place of understanding. She identifies with the trend in a shifting economy and mentality, as well as what it means for working women to reshape how they view income and wealth accumulation. Brown provides knowledge, support and resources to professional women who are serious about their money and their future. About Cali Pearl Corporation was founded on the principle of Fiduciary Responsibility which means your financial planning interests always come first. We offer fee-only financial planning and investment advice. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with objective advice and guidance so you can be confident that the counsel you are receiving is in your best interest. The Cali Pearl Corporation, is a NC Registered Investment Advisor – for more information see www.calipearl.com.

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To buy or not to buy? Pampering still needed.

Today’s economy I know people are cutting back and not spending more which causes a ripple effect to the business owners I deal with daily. Some have cut back on their advertising which is really the one thing that will keep them afloat.      www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com Think about it for a moment: Your one act of not making a purchase causes a huge ripple effect in the market.  It not only affects one business owner or person but trickles down to many. For Instance: Cut back 1. – Your weekly or monthly massage you pamper yourself to not only helps decrease your stress level, but increases your circulation and loosens the lactic acid build up for a healthier more relaxed you.  So you say to yourself, “this is not a bill. “Bye, bye massages…for now.” a.)    Eventually your masseuse looses that monthly income and has to cut back on purchases of oils and lotions or such. b.)    The vendor that sells her these massage products looses monthly income c.)     This vendor then has to cut back spending on something they do monthly and the trickle of the ripple effect starts all over again!                                         d.)    Did I mention your stress levels get higher now that your body does not have that monthly massage fix?  Your body and mind is used to that pampered state.  e.)    Don’t forget that your masseuse was advertising in the Triad’s hottest award-winning magazine for women and they cut back in their advertising. So here starts yet another ripple effect.  OK, I REALLY hate this trickle! ….8-)  I would like to propose a lets fight the recession buying day! Make a purchase of $40 or less on one marked day. Enticing? I would love to know what you empowering women think of this idea if you would like to share.  To help with that added stress for those missing out on monthly massages and to fill those hunger pains too, visit http://www.self.com/health/2009/03/a-stress-reducing-shopping-list?mbid=yahoo.   In my next blog, or one to come there soon after, I want to test the different supermarkets and the differences in prices on the same items I buy each month.  I also have a theory on coupons I’ll need your help on.                       - - - - - - - - - - -Keep Smiling!- - - - - - - - - - - - -

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New Fundraising idea that could mean coupon books and bake sales a thing of the past!

I have no idea how many schools there are in America but when you factor in schools, PTAs, non-profits and any other business that consistently has methods to raise funds, it is probably in the millions. Well, raffles aside and coupon books aside and buy-a-bucket of cookie dough, nuts or gift wrap aside is a thing of the past. With Ripple Effects Marketing God-given talents to think of the 'BIG' picture, we can custom create a marketing plan for you that enhances your image, builds public relations while boosting fundraising monies.

HOW? It is all based on WHO you are, WHAT you do and WHAT you want to accomplish, as well as the VALUE your business can give to others. Instead of selling a product, having a car wash or bake sale, create an event. Get the location, food, entertainment, door prizes and silent auction items all donated and create VALUE for all types of people to want to come to your event.

At R.E.M., we leverage marketing behaviors from others in many ways you probably have not even thought of! For instance, every networking group or non-profit organization or sponsor we may retain we always ask to leverage their own e-mail contacts to help promote the charitable event or fundraising function we are doing. Now spam laws means no one can ever give or sell their e-mail contacts to another but with copy, pictures or logos provided, via Word attachment, the supporting businesses can copy and paste into their own e-mail newsletter your fundraising information for when they send out to all their contacts. This is also another means of viral marketing as it gets to as many different people who have the potential to talk about your business fundraising opportunity.

If schools or churches put on a big event that was free and provided as much value to someone to want to come, say for instance free food, free entertainment or free massages, then get items donated or resell items for a good profit-margin, imagine the creative opportunities to expand your own business image while raising funds. At Ripple Effects Marketing we even know how to cut your costs in marketing materials when you leverage doing a charitable function or event. Go to www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com to contact us for a free brief marketing consultation with a demonstration of our state-of the art website/web design solution.

Now you know we can't share all of our secrets live on the web to just anyone. We work hard for those who hire us and entrust us to use our unique ideas for the betterment of them. Allow Ripple Effects Marketing to earn your business!

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Tips for saving money in a down economy

I work with business owners everyday who need to market their own business. I can see in their eyes and hear in their voices the fear of where their retail shops or business will stand in the coming months. Most are thinking about cutting back on the way they advertise to save them money. But what does that really accomplish? Sure there are ways to save but I ask them are they looking at the BIG picture? Look at everything within your business first that could potentially save you money before cutting back on the ONE thing that will keep your business afloat in this economy. For instance: 1.) Are you using your staff to tap into their know-how and ideas of things they see that can help? Are you listening? They want to have a job so they will be more inclined to be open and honest to share their thoughts. 2.) Are you saving by recycling products? 3.) Are you searching out new vendors who can save you money on your products and still maintain its quality? 4.) Are you offering your customers new ways to shop by teaming up with third-parties or non-profit organizations? Many of which that have potential e-mail databases of 1,000s new potential customers JUST for you. 5.) Have you thought of hiring a professional marketer or blogger to drive traffic to your website or store? I hope some of these tips have been helpful. If you find that someone can benefit from this blog, please pass along and visit www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com.

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Rest, Reassurance, Realization

• Rest- You are only as good as your mind, body and mental spirit so be sure to give it a rest when it needs it. • Reassurance - That your higher power and creator is true to his word and is always with you. • Realization- In this fast paced society we live in make the distinction that you can do it! Once you realize that you are the creator of your own dreams, doors just might start opening for you to make it happen. But have a plan. Euphemisms remind us of certain practices or rules to live by. One important cliche I often have to remind myself of that was given to me by a very special college instructor in my earlier years is, "stop and smell the roses." Of course back then I could not fully understand what that meant. I value those words that were given to me for it helped me learn to rest, be reassured and realize the more important things in life are simple. From a marketing perspective, it does not have to be so complex. You know that other euphemism, K.I.S.S? "Keep It Simple Stupid." For more marketing insight please visit us at: www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

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McDonald's new $1.00 campaign

McDonald’s new billboard campaign in the Triad reads, “$1.00 any size soft drink or large tea.” OK, that sounds great. Then I think their writing concept on this marketing campaign is a little off. If you think about it, why would someone pay $1.00 for a small soft drink when they get more for their money by just ordering the large? Didn’t they mean, “$1.00 on all large soft drinks or tea”, or “Large soft drinks or tea only $1.00?” Regardless of how thirsty one is, if they don't want to drink all the fluid a large cup holds they don't have to, and they are still only paying a dollar. So why order a small? Concept, idea, relativity, consumer consciousness all are factors to explore in creating your marketing campaign. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your message does not insult your customer. Granted my marketing background and creative mind makes me more subject to judgment than the average consumer. This campaign is working for them for they have used it before. According to this link: http://eng.arendator.ru/articles/1/art/1063/ the dollar drink sales top their estimates. And I am sure THEY ARE LOVIN’ IT! For more insight visit us at www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com.

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E-Mail Marketing compare before you buy (Read this and save time in your search.)

Today most business owners know that e-mail marketing is one of the most cost efficient means of keeping in touch with your customers in a personal way. But what email service provider do you use to send your email announcement or newsletter out? Here is what I found in my weekend long search: • Costs more in startup fees then you think • Not all email marketing companies are the same • The most widely used email marketing service provider, Constant Contact® is NOT the best according to my findings and criteria • One email marketing provider, Vertical Response® took four hours to send out my newsletter. Reason being it had to be sure the addresses I provided were not spam. I respect that, but when you need to send out a message that is time sensitive, four hours is too long in my book. • If you look hard enough you might find a real champion such as that which I found in MailChimp. MailChimp has a great user interface, extra tools, lower monthly cost and positive quirky aspects like messages that say, ("Well, Nicole. Aren't you a cheeky monkey!") that makes this MY chosen monthly email service partner. Most companies want a licensing fee of $700 or more just to start and then your monthly cost ranges on your total subscriber list. With MailChimp it automatically archives all my clients email newsletters, supplies me links to post the newsletter to most social bookmarking sites and provides clear concise stats on open rate, bounces and clicks. Another positive factor I found in MailChimp is pay as you go pricing. This is a great way not to get locked into a monthly fee if you don't send out monthly newsletters. Don't waste your time with: Constant Contact®, Exact Target®, Vertical Response®, I Contact, Campaigner™, or Emma®. MailChimp is a real champ! For even more marketing insight please visit us at www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com

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Environment Marketing in a Fast Paced Economy and Tracking Results

What is environment marketing? Acknowledging different lifestyles and behaviors according to the atmosphere around you and circumstances that affect your customers buying power can help you create more effective means of measuring results. To remain competitive you need to of course develop a strategic marketing plan that eventually leads your business to take advantage over your competitors. There are many little things Ripple Effects Marketing & Web Design does for its clients that make them stand out over their competitors. Seeing opportunities in this fast paced environment and in poor circumstances like low consumer spending habits is key.. Don't give up. People want to feel loved, appreciated, and accepted and you as a business owner can connect on a deeper level with your current customers now by recognizing more of their personal behaviors in their environment. By doing so your current customers in turn will do your marketing for you through viral marketing. Word of mouth is the BEST form of advertising. Now we can't give away all our secrets at Ripple Effects Marketing & Web Design cause we want potential new clients to contact us so we can perform our unique marketing strategies FOR them. But here is an example that one big chain gas station recognized in people's need to do more in less time by providing a service, convenience and saving the consumer time. Kudos to Sheetz gas station marketing team that put "order food" touch screens by the gas pumps. The card you use to swipe to pay for gas applies to any food you order. In addition Sheetz marketing's creation of their new television campaign, "Feel the love," touches on the consumer psyche to lift you up. For more marketing insight please visit us at www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

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Marketing To Women

As a woman in let’s say experience in the following seven categories: • Working Mom • Business Owner • Full-time white-collar worker • Homeowner • Special needs parent • Single Mom • Gen Xer I definitely am part of the 85% of those women who make any buying decision. So what do I look for you ask? As a working mom my time is limited so whatever saves me time is key. As a business owner my time and money are limited so I choose avenues that might require more of my time BUT save me money. As a full-time white-collar worker I value treating myself to a few girly things like latte or blouse to lift my spirits further from working a hard work week. As a home owner I choose only working with services my friends have used and trusted. As a special needs parent (the mother of a toddler who has autism spectrum disorder,) I will make financial sacrifices to ensure my son has extra training and help to build always on his God-given strengths. Einstein, Newton and other huge contributors of society were born with it, I want to make sure my son hones in on his obvious strengths. As a previous single mom and to some degree still am (husband lives in another state,) I put my God, son, and husband before me and always prioritize my spending. As a Gen Xer I love all the new gadgets and gizmos that help me stay organized and saves me time. As a business owner R.E.M. looks to provide our clients with: • A unique vision and honest perspective of looking through the eyes of their target customers. • Create ways and viral marketing ideas to capture a customer’s way of thinking to talk more about your business. After all we should know your customer’s perspective of thinking if we fall in any of your six categories, right? Did I also mention 16 years of marketing and sales experience? Can you gather how I am trying to target my potential new client? How am I doing? Because we like to prove we never compromise our integrity please follow this link as one of our sources for the % above and to gain even more insight and facts on how to better market to women http://www.inc.com/articles/2003/01/25019.html. For even more marketing perspective please visit us at www.RippleEffectsMarketing.com.

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