Predicting Baby Gender - Sex Test - Family - Pregnancy

Are you feeling pregnant and so prefer to try out predicting newborn sex? Close to nine out of ten parents are perhaps all in favour of guessing newborn gender. Look at this enjoyable gender quiz based on old wives' stories to anticipate the gender of your newborn.

1. When you examine your total body within the mirror, are you currentlyA. carrying low and also out front ( similar to a basketball)?B. carrying high and all round (like a watermelon)?

2. In the initial trimester, do you have A. hardly ever suffered from a sick stomach?B. had a lot of nausea?

3. When you take a look at your upper body, is A. your right breast bigger as compared to left?B. your left breast area bigger compared with your right?

4. With regards to mild to severe headaches, are you currentlyA. much more prone to acquire far more mild to severe headaches when compared with just before you turned out to be expecting?B. not as apt to encounter far more head pain when compared with prior to you were originally expecting?

5. Whenever you possess a meal wanting, do you A. want salty with sour food item or protein?B. wish for sweet food item, fruits or simply vegetables?

6. Compared to just before you had been pregnant, have you spotted whether your skin layer isA. drier as well as your feet far more cold?B. softer?

7. Might you feel you seemA. greater as compared with ever?B. a bit worn out; your skin breaks out?

8. In comparison to just before you had been pregnant, has your hair turn out to beA. more full and furthermore shiny?B. thinner with duller?

9. Once you sleep, what direction does your pillow face?A. northB. south

10. Whenever you seem to be asked about to exhibit your hands, have you display your handsA. palm down?B. palm up?

11. If you tend to be sleeping in bed, do youA. lie on your left side?B. lie on your right side?

12. If you pee, is your urineA. bright yellow?B. dull yellow?

13. In the course of love-making when you conceived, had been you A. the much more demanding partner?B. the less ambitious partner?

14. If you eat a clove of garlic,A. the scent seeps out of your pores B. you don't odour of it

15. Throughout your pregnancy, has your husbandA. not gained weight?B. gained weight?

Once you can be found completed the gender quiz, calculate how many "A's" you've answered and also how many "B's" you've answered. Should you answered far more "A's" then you could be more likely to develop a boy. In case you answered much more "B's" then you might be a lot more susceptible to experience a girl. Maintain in mind that this sex quiz is still only 50% authentic.

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Sex Addiction: A Curse or Not? - Self Help - Addictions

Put yourself into the shoes of someone who is getting the hint that he or she must be, in one way or another, leaning towards sex addiction. How would you most probably feel? Do you think it is something you will be willing to discuss with your friends, or with your family, with ease and comfort? Definitely, it isn't! Accepting such a fact is surely going to be a challenge.

What makes a person sexually addicted?

By nature, sex is a form of a biological need. Men and women alike crave for it and succumb to it. However, it turns into an addiction when it doesn't only function as a biological need. You become addicted to it as sex begins to overpower you and take full control of your life. Meaning to say, you start displaying a raucous behavior. You become obsessed with sex, you compromise your work just to have sex, you chase after sex, you become distracted when you feel the urge to have sex, and basically you set things aside, even your duties to your family and profession, just to get what you want: SEX.

Now, these signs are not in any way positive. If you notice sex to be the driving force that motivates you, then you must seek professional help immediately.

How does a sex addict behave?

Apart from the above mentioned indications, someone who is addicted to sex easily gets upset, especially when he is unable to get what he desires. He or she fabricates stories about his or her whereabouts, doesn't stick to one partner, and oftentimes feels paranoid, even in the simplest circumstances.

How does a sex addict feel?

Because a person who is addicted to sex just thinks about it, he or she may turn against himself. He or she may deem himself to be unworthy of any form of genuine love, and at the same time incapable of reciprocating the feelings of the opposite sex. That individual may feel ashamed or guilty and may start looking down on himself, and see him as someone who is incompetent. He may also even view himself as a bad person. Moreover, those in a relationship tend to feel detachment or show unhappiness towards the significant other, while those out of a relationship often feels desperate and alone.

If you feel that you display any of these indications, or if you know someone who does, then seeking professional help is a must and put your life or someone else's back to its normal course.

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How To Make Sex Last Longer For Men Naturally and How Do Men Last Longer In Bed - Relationships - Sexuality

penis male enlargement is no longer a pseudoscience but an actual science; penis growth of 3-4 inches is no longer the stuff of dreams and promises but a regularly recorded outcome for men who follow a natural enlargement program. I followed one of these programs myself and can confirm how effective they genuinely are today. In my case my penis grew by nearly 4 inches and this is nowhere near the largest growth recorded. But what is natural enlargement? In this article I'll explain.Is your penis too small? Mine was embarrassingly small before I took action with enlargement techniques that increased my length and girth quickly. I went from a puny 5.5 inches long and 5 inches around to over 8 inches long and exactly 6 inches around. Here is the low-down on different penis male enlargement methods and which ones work best for increasing penis size fast.

Who else wants a bigger penis? Get a review of the different options you have available to start down the road to a bigger penis and better sex life!There are tons of articles and websites all over the Internet that deal with penis size and men. Most of them however concentrate solely on the physiological aspects of the penis size. Therefore you probably already know that bigger thicker penis may add a lot to your sexual life - but you may not know how important the penis size is for male's psyche. The point is that one of the most important factor for male's psychological well-being is their penis size.

Are you fed up with having a small penis? Having a small penis can seriously effect your life! Perhaps you're too embarrassed to have sex because of the tiny size of your manhood and there's no way you're getting changed in the locker rooms! The psychological effects of having a small penis can be even more devastating. Constant embarrassment and possible humiliation is no way to live your life!

It is a well known fact that the more size a man has the much enjoyment the woman is going to experience. Nothings give a man more confidence than a big penis. A man with a big size that can satisfy any woman walks about with a big pride and it is very easy for women to notice such a guy. Is it really possible to increase the size of your penis? Or is it a over-hyped promise from advertisements all promising the heaven but not able to deliver the results?

Nothing will stop you once you know the correct things to do >> Get a bigger penis now >>

The more and more I talk to guys the more I realize the frustration that is out there when it comes to choosing a method or technique that actually works. And what makes this even more challenging is that different methods work better for different guys. So just because you heard something worked or did not work does not mean that the same will happen to you. Most men have heard about these 'hand exercises' but how many of them actually do them? Yes it is true you can enlarge your penis by using only your hands. The exercise that I will describe in this article dates back to the Arab culture hundreds of years ago. You don't have to worry about going under the knife or buying harmful pills or weights with this exercise.

The topic of penis male enlargement is probably as old as mankind. When you talk about adding size to your penis jelqing is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But yet there are many misconceptions about this wonder exercise and whether it can really boost your penis size. The answer is yes jelqing does work but only if done the way right. Now let's set the record straight and take a quick look at what jelqing does and whether it is a 'magic cure' to your small penis woes. If you are suffering from erection problems there is a natural supplement that is known as nature's blue pill and with good reason. It helps you get a hard erection fast.

How many different male enhancement products can you think of? There are several different enhancement pills that advertise on television and even more that never run any televised ads. Magazines are full of ads for penis extenders stretchers and vacuum pumps and the internet has a seemingly endless list of gimmicks for increasing penis size. Will any of these products actually help you get bigger? How large is the average erect penis? There a lot of misconceptions out there about average size stemming from the ubiquitous nature of adult films and men who make grandiose claims about their size on Internet hook-up sites. The numerous studies that have been done on penis size tell a different story from what the average guy online claims. Find out in this article what the true average length and girth is according to scientific research. If you still don't like how you measure up learn which enlargement methods actually work to increase length and girth. I went from 5.5 inch es long and 5 inches around to over 8 inches long and exactly 6 inches around.

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A flirt /dating story - How to succeed in a relationship - Relationships - Dating

Sex noveller website for flrting

A successful sex noveller can be found in many websites and there are many websites which provides tips on how to flrting. Yes many of us are tied up in our hectic work schedule so much to the extent that we do not have the basic facts of how to involve ourselves in a relationship and succeed in it. Yes, you might have read your friend's sex noveller and when you have read comments like,""I could not believe that I found someone on here [dating site], I don't mean to be funny but I did not think it would ever happen! I met my perfect match and we are happy. If it happened to us, it can surely happen to you, I hope all the people who read this is as lucky as we are ..."

Have you ever wondered how many of these complete strangers got well with each other and have now become the best dates? It is purely the mutual respect /love that one has for the other. You might be the only guy/gal in your colony single but never let your hope down. You might have got recurrent failures in formal dates and this might have just shattered your hopes in finding your own Mr. /Mrs. Perfect.

Always is clear with one thing and that is the confidence in your own selves. It might seem easy to read but seriously put it into practice and you would never lower yourselves to the level to flrting with any one below your own liking/interests. Connecting with people of little social pressure always seems to be quite easy and many experts agree to it. Instead of focusing upon a person's individual past dating story why not you be a little different? Try to focus and live in the present moment. A guy/gal whom you might seem to be interested might have got a past affair but there is simply no use rekindling it. A past thing is a finished episode and there simply is nothing much that can be done to change it. So make the most of your present situation and try to make him/her compatible with you. You can be sure that the person would never express his/heir interest to you in the first meeting. However be BOLD and make your thoughts expressed in words like a short/long romant ic poem! This sure does work for many and in no time you too would be adding your very own successful dating story in the sex noveller forums. All the best in your dating expenditure!

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Enlarged Penis and Increase In Sex - Relationships - Sexuality

Getting a bigger penis has never been easier. Actually it's been this easy for thousands of years as penis exercises have been used since ancient times. You've never heard about them because they aren't some physical product that the male enhancement industry can package in a plastic container. Nope so there's not much money in it at all. The funny thing is that these exercises are actually the only way to get both longer and thicker for the rest of your life. Here's how they work.penis male enlargement has become a major concern to most men who have a small size. But with the various penis male enlargement products available both online and offline getting a good product that will be safe and deliver effective result seems to be more difficult by the day.

Embarrassed by the size of your manhood? Looking for a way to add a few inches to your penis size? You can absolutely do so! And there is only one thing you need to start doing from today onward to end up several inches bigger 6 weeks later - start exercising your penis!A bigger penis is something that 80% of men around the world want and you can't blame them - women love big erections. It's a sign of masculinity power and fertility.

Have you ever wished you could add to the size of you penis without going under the surgeon's knife or paying through the nose? Anyway there is a good news for you there is a natural way you could increase your penis size without stress.

Gone are the days when getting a bigger penis was virtually impossible. In the past all men had to rely on were artificial methods such as pills extenders or even surgery but all of these are getting less and less popular by the day. At last there is a way to grow your manhood in a safe and simple way - and it's called natural enhancement. It really is quite revolutionary because it uses the latest advances in science and no other method has ever been based on science before. But I know what you're thinking 'does it actually work?'. Well I'm going to tell you my story and you can then make up your own mind... Over the past few years I have noticed a growing trend in the penis male enlargement industry this trend has proven to me and others that there is something very big in the natural route to enhancement. When you take into consideration that to see consistent gains all you need to do is a couple of exercises every day the whole process seems just that bit easier as you will see in the below figures. I have had many clients come to me asking whether they should opt for pills or extenders instead of exercises which in my opinion is just ludicrous if you are after a guaranteed method.

Thousands of satisfied users can't be wrong >> Enlarge your penis now >>

If the volume of semen you ejaculate is a big concern for you there are some natural ways to increase your semen production. Besides this there are some natural supplements that can also be a big help. Thousands of men have used the fastest penis male enlargement ever to make their penis bigger in weeks. Discover the method that really works.

There are guys who never go naked in locker and shower rooms. They do not want their juniors to be seen by other guys. This is not because they are conservative. This is also not because they fear that there might be gays there who will look at their tools. This is because they have small members and they do not want anybody to know that. They do not want to be laughed at by others guys nor do they want to be the butt of jokes during parties especially when they are not around. If this is also your concern here are some methods on how to make your penis bigger. There is a new technique that allows you to naturally enhance the size of your penis. I am writing this article because I used this technique and added 4 inches to my size and I want to tell you how you can do the same! If like me you have tried other penis male enlargement products where you never saw any results this is definitely the only way to go. If you are tired of tricks and gimmicks and if you really want t o make your penis bigger like I did then read on to find out how...

Over the years the range of penis male enlargement products has exploded. From the outmoded pumps and weights and on to the modern traction devices and enlargement pills several products have been invented in order to satisfy the various needs of men. If you are looking for the best testosterone supplements you can get all the best herbs which are proven to increase testosterone in blended sex pills and not only will they increase testosterone they will increase your libido give you harder erections and numerous other wellness benefits. The herbs we are going to list below are the best herbs to get levels of the key male hormone up and they have been used by billions of people to do this for thousands of years - here are the herbs:

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Author AJ Gallant Releases Madman in the Mirror: a Story of Murder, Romance and the Paranormal - Publishing - EBooks

Madman in the Mirror

What happens when a serial killer raises his child to be just like him?

Henry was brought up from an infant to be a serial killer just like his old man, but years later as he discovered that he perhaps wanted to turn away from the dark and into the light, it had become a complicated thing for a shattered mind.

Harold forced Henry to observe the act of murder in the mirror before he could even walk. He saw terrible things in that mirror, and now in fact the man in the mirror talks to him. He was never shown affection of any kind and driven insane at a young age. Henry has a difficult time forming relationships with anyone, especially the opposite sex. Humorous conditions arise as he's like a whale in a small pool, his fractured mind simply doesn't fit.

It's only when Henry takes a golden retriever pup from an abusive teen that he feels affection for the first time in his life. The dog does wonders for his self-worth. It makes him think that there just might be more to life than just killing.

Coming soon! Dracula: Hearts of Stone

First of the trilogy, available March 2012.

Dracula is a bit of a good guy and must emerge out of his suicidal funk to help save the word. It's a place where romance, magic and vampires coexist.

The Author

The writing spark was first initiated by reading the works of Harlan Ellison. A. J. Gallant is now inspired by such authors as Steven King, J. K. Rowling, Dean Koontz and many others.The author resides in New Brunswick and is at work on a new Dracula series, with magic, romance, and the battle to save humanity. The first of the vampire trilogy should be available in the first quarter of 2012. Formerly a writer of screenplays, Madman in the Mirror is A. J. Gallant's first novel.

Praise for Madman in the Mirror:

Fascinating peek in the mind of a serial killer "A highly engrossing tale, "Madman in the Mirror" is a story about a man - Henry Johnson - who is raised by a psychopath and forced to watch - even as a baby - his father murder people on a regular basis. He is also abused and brainwashed, turning him into a sociopath. Henry stalks and murders people efficiently - he tells himself that he may be a killer, but he doesn't want people to suffer. He is haunted by hallucinations, including a specter in his mirror that talks to him." Amazon Review

A Most Imaginative and Brilliant Book

"A very unique and well written book- MADMAN IN THE MIRROR is on a class by itself- and that is a very impressive class at that- A.J. is a master at creating word images that remain with the reader long after the book is finished- the true sign of a great writer" Rick Friedman, Founder The James Mason Community Book Club

Madman in the Mirror

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Yoga Pants: The Real Story - Health

Since their popularization in the 6th century (BC) by Iranian horse riders, trousers, generally referred to today as pants have made their way from Iran to Greece, from Central Asia and India to Europe and finally to the Americas and beyond. Once a privilege and symbol of standing, power and wealth to the noblemen and women of the day, pants have evolved from a luxury to a need. They are now a world wide phenomena, accessible to almost every man, woman and child of any socio-economic status on the planet.

Whether to serve an utilitarian purpose or to create a fashion statement each and every pair of pants has a point and a purpose and a place in our hearts. Some are designed to withstand elements, others environments. The way you look at the office is different than how you look at the club and your pants can make or break it. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but what about a person by their pants.

Every single pair has had their moments in history, their times of glory and others have epically failed. Some have reached a novelty status. Remember bell bottoms? What were they thinking? Even so many have tried, few have survived. It's really and quite literally a survival of the fittest. Corduroy, capris, chaps, boot cut, slim fit, khaki, business, casual, business-casual, wool, cotton, skin tight, rayon, leg warmers, sequence, jogger, and, let us never forget MC. Hammer pants. That was a man of magnificent pants!

There is one, however, a hidden gem, or, diamond in the rough if you will, in this world of the seemingly countless leg coverings that has perhaps endured the longest and has for centuries passed under the radar. Possibly it's because they have never demanded to be known. For a great number of years these britches were worn in private and rarely ever saw the light of day. Though some may have concealed them away they were never a secret. I'm talking about Yoga pants. Yoga pants are the new sex. They have been in the corner of everybody's mind since time immemorial, everybody's been talking about them, about them, wanting them, living their lives just to get one simple fitting, just one leg slipped into a nice, soothing cottony, spandexy or blended pair of decadently comfy Yoga pants or other Yoga apparel.

Now, thanks to I Love Yoga Brand, Yoga apparel and clothing are now something to be proud about, to share with your close friends. You can be the Yogi you want, walk amongst the crowds in style, in fashion. You can say C'est la vie to secrecy. You can wear your Yoga Pants loud and proud, parading down the streets screaming "I love Yoga, and I love my Yoga Pants. Yoga is not a crime". Or you could possibly just wear your Yoga clothing and accessories and carry on on as you have. It's up to you.

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Wigs has a long story and hopeful future - Health - Fitness

Wigs have already been a common make up accessories for both males and females. By taking a rough estimate, wigs have already has a long history of over hundreds of years. How was wigs invented and how would it be like in the future. Wig is carried out by withdrawing the specific follicles of wigs belonging towards the donor and implants them towards the thinning location within the recipient's scalp. once again this can be performed below nearby anesthesia, but mainly because there is no wound, the recuperation inevitably could be swift at close to seven days.Prior to some wigs transplantation, a surgeon has obtained to primary look at the patient. It's performed this way using the intention to offer the customer the total preferred way and strategy with the wigs implant procedure. Furthermore, this would be to make certain how the customer has know-how with regards towards the remedy which could be undergone, jointly using the feasible effects and what to anticipate sho rtly after. As this is regarded as a surgery, the customer could possibly be cautioned to attempt to maintain from any alcoholic beverages or healthcare medicine ingestion prior to the surgical treatment. The affected individual may possibly quite nicely be also offered some anti-biotics for security from any infections that may consider place.In contemporary times, wigs implants have grown to get quite preferred along with a big quantity of individuals are currently turning to them. Unquestionably, wigs implant surgical treatment can enhance your lifestyle and method of life. not just does it support you have back again the visual appeal that you simply when had, at the same time it allows build-up your younger, additional self-confident do it yourself and assurance, therefore providing you probabilities at lifestyle when again. individuals say how the wigs will be the crowning glory not merely for females but additionally for men.So don't be restricted towards the baldnes s that you're heading through. seek out out support concerning the wigs implant surgical treatment and come to be entranced at how it could alter you. on-line wigs for teens and youthful adults appears a fairly easy pursuit requiring small additional than an trade of images along with a passing reference to some typical wigs. And that's wigs, the fixture is made, even though wigs may not final additional than a few of days! But with the more mature and additional experienced adult, wigs is ordinarily a additional intricate issue, by which the two the guy as nicely as the lady will anticipate additional from their possible partner.So why not give your self a mind begin and make your profile that a lot additional interesting. getting in a location to perform a musical instrument, especially an unusual musical instrument

Wigs will not just make your profile stand out from your herd but will also arouse a lot awareness and curiosity. on the quite minimum wigs will get you a few of dates very quickly, but in countless instances you will shortly come across that you simply have come to be a veritable magnet towards the opposite sex.Let's consider a glimpse on the following 4 unusual musical wigs you may take into account adding for your on-line wigs armory. They variety from your most old towards the most modern, so there is certain to get 1 to appeal to just about every musical taste.Light Harp. The LightHarp utilizes lasers, spotlights and gentle sensors to trace digital wigs via room for performers to play. I think a specific thing comparable was utilized by Mr Spok to charm the center of countless an interstellar traveler. The instrument does not generate appear itself, instead wigs controls laptops and synthesizers.The recent edition within the LightHarp may be developed in leather-based through the well-known leather-based artist, Garry Greenwood.lace wigs This is just a adventruous guess about the wigs, we can't make sure what we said here will really turn out to be the truth. Well, whatever, let's wait and see.

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Pupose Of Knowing That 99% Of America's Aggressive Sex Offenders Happen To Be Males? - Finance

Did you realize which 99% of America's aggressive sex offenders come about to be males? Did you realize that amongst the lovemaking offenses noted and verified, approximately 75% are men's and 25% are female? Doing so means when it comes to the territory of outrageous and toxic sex offenders, natural female predators shed to 1% or lower. So you do have to physical exercise well-rounded caution to make sure that anyone with your family does not turn out to be victim to a male sex offender. Right here are some really sad stories.

Chelsea King was only 17 once she died. Her body type was observed buried in the geo-targeted community national park. Which was the same national park in which the accused assassin assaulted a different lady a couple of months back.

And Amber Dubois was yet another 14 12 months old who disappeared on the way to her college in 2009. Police identified her body two weeks later on an recorded as actually having happened Native indian Reservation primarily based in California.

Or how regarding the story of John Albert Gardner who was found guilty of severally beating, raping and locking up an adolescent woman back in 2000. The guy worked 5 years in imprisonment and 3 many years in parole. In spite of fairly a few violations, he maintained to parole out in 2008, and wasn't any lengthier below any supervision.

It's very common in nowadays's world that a known and reported lovemaking predator keeps slipping in cracks of a residence's boundary and brutally strikes again. Can these be avoided?

In California, physiques of 2 adolescent women have been observed. As we informed before, the initially one was Chelsea King (the 17-year archival lady) and the 2nd ones was Amber Dubois (who was just 14). Each of these drained physiques had been seen in days of every single other.

The inquiry led the police to pickup John Albert Gardner on charge of King's murder, as her body type was discovered in among her hometown parks. Beforehand Gardner had been for assaulting a different woman in a similar national park.

To halt these predators from performing these types of points again, there's a new law termed Jessica's Law. When released, those crazy predators are expected to retain on special electronic tracking gadgets and which also as lengthy as these folks live. That's what these folks deserve. If doing so type of actions are removed more fully mishaps may not take place.

Merely take the instance of a different mysterious sex offender who abducted Jacob Wetterling, who was simply 11 and certainly not arrived house again. Or how on Jessica Marie Lunsford, who was merely 9 once she was confiscated off her bedroom by most registered and convicted sex offender, who raped and locked her up for nights with no super food and in the end buried her alive merely 150 ft aside from where the girl's mother and father lived.

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A Bitter Pill to Swallow: The Side Effects of Poor Market Research - Marketing - Marketing Tips

If you have ever been the recipient of a prescription medication or viewed a television commercial touting one, it sometimes seems that the possible side effects can create more problems than the solution. You ask yourself if it is worth the risk. Improper, inadequate or halfhearted market research should ask you the same thing.

Since most companies are founded on the principle of profitability, the goods or services they provide ought to be something that the public can benefit from. That is where market research comes into play. Doing that research accurately will determine if your business will flourish or fall flat on its face.

Wendell Dunhill learned his lesson in market research the hard way.

Wendell is Oak Hill's most prolific businessman. He is an expert on everything under the sun and he is happy to tell you about it. There is not a subject you can mention that he will not expound upon and tell you how to make it or do it better. Unfortunately like those medications with nasty side effects, Wendell has some incredible business ideas but not the capability to know what the townsfolk wanted.

Business venture number one was a Thai restaurant. After leasing a site, remodeling the interior, creating an authentic ambiance and importing the ingredients needed to produce the bill of fare, the restaurant failed within two months. If Wendell had done his research he would have found that more clientele would have walked through the door if he had attempted an Irish Pub instead.

Venture number two was a kayak and canoe shop. The storefront was awash with posters of white water treks and couples meandering down lazy rivers under sun dappled trees. Inside there were racks upon racks of kayaks and canoes along with sundry items needed to make your day on the water an enjoyable one. Regrettably for Wendell he did not do his market research. The nearest lazy river was a two hour drive away and the closest white water was four. Our little town would have preferred a sporting goods store that specialized in soccer, softball and football paraphernalia. Our local sports teams are legendary in the area.

The most amazing venture was when Wendell opened a video rental store. Wanting to gather as much business as possible he inundated his locale with multiple copies of every video imaginable. His motto was "If we don't have it in stock, your next rental is free". If Wendell had done his research he would have found that with the advent of DVR's, the popularity of Netflix and broadcasters offering television series online few were spending their time and money at mom and pop rental stores.

Today Wendell's garage and basement holds the remnants of supplies from his many failed ventures. His wife wonders what the next great idea will be and where they could possibly put any more materials. Being the smart woman that she is, she went to the library and did some market research of her own. It appears that public online auctions are a great place to rid one's self of unwanted items.

When thinking about the products or services your company intends on offering, make sure to research your market first. Don't offer to alleviate a complaint if your solution is not what is needed. Become proficient in your area of expertise and give the public what they desire. Don't turn into Wendell. Otherwise you may be asking:

Pad Thai anyone?

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Save Time and Money: Discount Whistler Ski Rental Tips - Travel - Budget Travel

Discount Whistler Ski Rental Information HubDiscover one of the best ways to save money and time on your next ski or snowboarding trip to Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler is notorious for being pricey, but your ski vacation doesn't have to be. Do your Whistler ski rental research now and liberate yourself from thinking about dollars and cents later.

While there are many Whistler Ski rental options available, not all of them are right for you. Cut wasted spending from your next trip by browsing through all the ski rental options available for your Whistler ski vacation. Find and select the ski rental option that best fits your budget and the length of your vacation and laugh all the way to the bank--and the mountain.

Top 8 Tips on Whistler Discount Ski Rentals

Many websites offer exclusive discounts on equipment rentals to their clients vacationing in Whistler. If you book your Whistler accommodations directly with the owners, you can save big by avoiding hotel taxes and middle man fees. Then, grab even more discounts on your Whistler ski rentals.

Work began on this record breaking 50-million-dollar project in 2007. For an nominal fee, you can ride the longest free spanning gondola in North America, transporting you between the Rendez-vous and the Roundhouse.

The hype around this highest and longest free-spanning gondola simply doesn't do justice to how impressive this experience truly is.

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Direct Marketing and The Human Factor - Marketing - Marketing Tips

As I roamed from room to room this morning opening my curtains to another glorious day, I realized that it was going to be another one of "those" days. You know the ones I am talking about, where the mind would rather be sitting on a beach, taking a hike in the mountains or fishing on a cool inland lake instead of where it should be: working on creating an article everyone wants to talk about.

I flipped open my computer screen, took a sip of coffee and looked at the rainy scene out of my window. No inspiration there: although my garden does need a bit of work. Speaking of work, as I scan through my overnight batch of emails something catches my eye.

In an article on The Digital Nirvana guest contributor Julie Sullivan talks about her thoughts on the true meaning of direct marketing. Aha! That is something near and dear to my heart. Thank you Julie!

She wonders why marketers and advertisers only see direct mail as the advertising tool being used to describe what direct marketing is. Not to dismiss the abilities of a good direct mail campaign (I happen to think it is important) but most advertisers shudder at the thought of using direct mail. They would rather spend advertising dollars on other forms of marketing. While I will not go into the benefits of using direct mail here, I will say that marketers need to realize that all advertising effort is, in actuality, direct marketing.

As Julie states, direct marketing really has two main principles:

1. Engage in a one-to-one dialogue with your target audience 2. Require your target audience to take some sort of action-call, click, move, you name it.

Think about that for a moment. It does not matter what form it takes or what mediums are used to advertise a message, ALL advertising is direct marketing. Each message is directed to a targeted audience hoping they will take notice of the offer. Once that happens the advertising goal is to take that call-to-action. Otherwise what is the point of advertising to begin with?

Marketers and advertisers should begin to embrace the idea of direct marketing in all its forms instead of sticking their collective noses up in the air. Sorry guys but study after study proves that people want to be treated as human beings with thoughts, feelings and desires (point one above) instead of being treated as a number on a profit and loss sheet. When a business acknowledges that fact and show it, they have taken that first important step toward the ultimate goal (point two above).

Marketers spend a lot of time and money researching what draws people into noticing an advertisement. Sounds, colors, movement, social values, analytics, jingles, catch phrases et al are tested and reviewed over and over again. If there was no value in attracting the notice of the public (direct) to put across a message (marketing) then why would any organization bother to begin with?

It is time for the advertising world to stop dismissing the idea of direct marketing as something old and past its prime. Instead see it as a time tested method that will always be in demand. Unless and until technology does the thinking and purchasing for us, never forget the human factor.

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The Benefits of Visiting Whistler in a Large Group - Travel - Hotels and Lodging

Considering taking trip to Whistler? Why not book a vacation rental direct with the owner instead of booking with hotels? Perhaps the cheapest and most fun way to do this is to get your group of friends together and look at Whistler chalets to book. Its a great way to drive down accommodation costs and save your hard earned money. So you can have a better trip with more friends, fun, and luxury!

Cheap Nightly Rates

If you are looking to book Whistler accommodations with a big group of friends the cost per person can drop significantly. Look for suitable Whistler chalets, book, and kick it at a private chalet with all your friends. Then, save big and use the extra cash on fun things like dinner and drinks.

Enjoy Complete Privacy

If you get Whistler chalets, you enjoy the benefit of privacy for you and your friends. So when you relax in the hot tub with your friends, while your buddies relax on the deck and your 'foodie' friends prepare dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, you won't be interrupted by complete strangers.

The More The Merrier

Two's company and three's a crowd, but ten's a party! We are social people; we enjoy the company of others. It's normal for us to have a great time when surrounded by friends, on vacation, in private Whistler chalets.

Get Group Rates

There's power in numbers. If you travel in a group, businesses want your attention. In Whistler they often promote group rates on their products to attract you and your friends. Have you thought about Ziplining over a river or hiking across a glacier? Or perhaps you and your friends would like to go river rafting or snow-mobiling? When you travel with a group you get to enjoy these activities cheaper than anyone else.

Save On Transportation - Travel in Style

Remember Prom? Sort of? Do you remember the limo ride? How fun was it taking that ride with your friends and cruising around in style? Remember how dirt cheap it was when it was split between everyone? See what I'm getting at? Find Whistler chalets and book, then look at the money you saved booking direct with the owner; use the extra money to get a limo for the ride up to your Whistler chalet and arrive in style!

Always Have a Friend

Have you ever traveling with a friend and couldn't agree something you both wanted to do? Did it result in one or both of you being unhappy? Well, travel in a large group of friends and chances are you'll have at least one other person that wants to do the same things as you. You can break off from the group and visit the terrain park or ride the Peak to Peak chair, then meet up with your friends later.

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Make Your Company Memorable With a Tagline - Marketing - Social Marketing

Taglines are rarely discussed, seldom analyzed and hardly ever researched. In fact, they're woefully missing across the industrial landscape. When I work with a newer company or a company considering a logo or brand identity change, I generally suggest they consider adding a tagline if they don't already have a good one. I personally think that more than ever, well crafted taglines are what differentiate a company or product from its competition. Advertising messages are bombarding people everywhere they turn. With few exceptions, a company name or logo with a tagline is much more memorable than one without. "Tagline" is what we marketing people call the words or phrase used with a company's name or logo on all of their marketing communications: American Express' "Don't leave home without it," or Apple's "Think different" or some that are less well know like: Sprint's "Yes you can" or Computer Associates' "Simplify, Automate, Secure" or Unisys' "Imagine it done."

A good tagline should be such a natural expression of a company's positioning that the two are inextricably linked. It can convey a company's personality, concisely communicate its reason for being, add consistency to its marketing message and become the common thread woven throughout the company's communications. It also provides the litmus test for all marketing efforts. With every new ad, brochure, trade show display, email campaign, the question must be asked if the message in the campaign in any way conflicts with the company's tagline. If it does - go back to the drawing board.

Own your taglineThe purpose of the tagline is to reinforce your logo, or brand, with the goal being to "own" a unique benefit in your customers' minds. In a well crafted tagline, the difference between you and your competitors is either obviously stated or strongly implied. This strategy pre-empts your competitors from using the same idea and reinforces your value proposition. Go the extra mile to ensure ownership and have your tagline trademarked.

Reveal your purposeA handful of brands are so well-known that the company can create a tagline that focuses on a benefit of their product or service without directly relating to the product or service. However, for most companies, a good tagline should be so clear that even if your audience had never heard of your company, they could figure out what business you're in. Marketects' tagline is "Marketing communications designed to build business." No company name or logo is required to know what Marketects does. The same rule applies if your company name says little about what your business actually does which is often the case with consulting and other service companies.

Differentiate your brandIn mature markets that are overcrowded or when a company name becomes confusingly similar to its competitors, it is really necessary to introduce a tagline to the brand identity. A good example of this is in the field of high-tech companies. This market has exploded over the past decade, with company names using "micro," "net," "link," and "com" growing every day. A tagline can set one of these companies apart and make it easier for its audience to separate it from the "me too" players.

Give substance to an acronymThere's a real alphabet soup of companies using initials instead of words for their names. A tagline is almost essential in this case, because it provides a clue as to the company's business. If your company name and logo alone cannot evoke an image or picture of what your company does, a tagline is essential to help create the brand identity.

Don't confuse taglines with slogansTaglines are often confused with slogans. Slogans are primarily used in advertising campaigns and only for a short period of time; whereas taglines are associated with the brand identity and while they may change over many years, are expected to stay current for quite some time. A tagline should be designed to be used for a minimum of five years. One that is created with great effort, energy, concentration and a solid knowledge of marketing can be used indefinitely. Since taglines need to withstand the test of time, companies should avoid being trendy with them. Slogans, on the other hand, can be quite trendy and speak to a cultural phenomenon of the moment.

Guidelines for a good taglineThere's no secret formula in this highly subjective area, but here are a few guidelines to remember if you're in the process of developing a tagline:

Ensure that it's consistent with your company's positioning strategy Communicate one, clear idea Use as few words as possible Think about longevity Test it to see if it's "ownable" (make sure a competitor isn't using something close or very similar) Communicate a clear, jargon free message Some of my all-time favorite taglines

Cotton Incorporated: "Cotton - the fabric of our lives" MasterCard: "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else there's MasterCard." Las Vegas Convention & Tourism Authority: "What happens here stays here?" General Foods: "Celebrate the moments of your life." Radio Shack: "You've got questions. We've got answers." Disneyland: "The happiest place on earth" Chevy Trucks: "Like a rock" Taco Bell: "Think outside the bun." Bissell Vacuums: "Life's messy! Clean it up!" Nikon: "At the heart of the image" Harley Davidson: "American by birth. Rebel by choice." Lending Tree: "When banks compete, you win." Jaguar: "Don't dream it. Drive it." I hear you saying, "But none of these taglines are for industrial companies; not even for B to B companies!" Sadly, you're right. However, the taglines that resonate most with me (and probably with you) are primarily for highly advertised brands that have almost become part of our culture's media landscape. The strategies and crea tive techniques used to create memorable and significant taglines are the same, whether for an industrial or retail company. So, if you're considering adding a tagline to your company's brand identity, in the words of Carnival Cruise Lines and Nike - "Get out there" and "Just do it!"

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How to Find and Book the Perfect Sun Peaks Chalet - Travel - Destinations

How to Find Your Perfect Sun Peaks ChaletSearch quickly and efficiently!

Sun Peaks Resort, in beautiful British Columbia, is a gorgeous place to vacation. If you ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the mountains, Sun Peaks is the perfect place to be.

Travelers tend to seek out hotel options for their travel accommodations needs. I can understand the allure; they are easy to book, they have room service, and they have bar-fridges stocked with (expensive) goodies. But are these features worth the extra cost, especially when there are better options with better features out there?

It's easier than ever to book owner-direct vacation rentals. Reserve a Sun Peaks chalet now and enjoy a private chalet for you and your friends with amenities like hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens.

Use these tips to effortlessly find and book your Sun Peaks chalet-get more and spend less!

Find a Great Vacation Rental WebsiteChoose from plenty of options and find exactly what you want!

The first step in finding your perfect Sun Peaks chalet is to use a vacation rentals website with lots of listings to compare. Its even better when the site has a full-featured search that allows you to quickly find the exact amenities you want in your Sun Peaks chalet.

A common website used for searching owner-direct vacation rentals is Craigslist.org. This is a decent way to find vacation rentals, however, searching Craigslist is cumbersome because it doesn't have a good search tool where you can specify the specific features you want in your Sun Peaks chalet.

A great alternative is AlluraDirect.com. This website has a plethora of vacation rental listings in Sun Peaks and a powerful search tools that empowers you to specify exactly what features your looking for, such as; property distance to restaurants, shops, and ski lifts; the max per night you are willing to spend; and if you have a development of preference.

How to Book Your Perfect Sun Peaks ChaletFollow these steps and save!

Many people think booking a Sun Peaks chalet is expensive-not so! On the contrary, there are ways you can save a bundle.

Owner-Direct.

Book your Sun Peaks chalet directly with the property owner and save big. Reserving a chalet with a property management company costs more because the business charges owners a commission for their service. If you book directly with the owners, then you cut out the middleman and pay less for nightly rates.

Extend Your Stay.

Get lower nightly rates if you book your stay for a week or longer; Property owners like longer reservations because its less work for them therefore owners usually offer extended stay discounts.

Travel With Friends.

Get a cheaper nightly per-person rate by booking your Sun Peaks chalet with family and friends. Chalets are offered as complete units so, if you have five or 15 people, the per-night price is the same. So get your friends and family together and pay less per person than if you booked a hotel!

Avoid Peak Times.

Book your chalet before December 19th or in early spring and there's a great chance you'll get a deal; the snow is still good and the ski runs aren't crowded. So book your Sun Peaks chalet for less money and enjoy the extra room to ski.

Book Early.

If you have to take your Sun Peaks vacation during the peak season, be sure to book early. The holiday season is more costly for a reason: there is a much higher demand for accommodations. So plan your vacation well in advance and reserve your chalet early. If you book well in advance you can avoid price hikes and take advantage of early bird Sun Peaks discounts.

Some people avoid booking owner-direct vacation rentals because of the booking process; scour the Internet for a chalet, email the owner about availability, and wait days (or weeks) for your response. Finally, after some back-and-forth, you may (or may not) get to book the chalet. It's a frustrating process, especially if you don't get to book the property!

Fortunately, there are websites that simplify this process. AlluraDirect.com has instantly confirmed bookings. So, if a listing page says the chalet is available then you are free to book it online, instantly, and pay by credit card. There's no back-and-forth and no waiting. Find, Book, and Pay-Instantly!

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Sun Peaks Travel: Go with a Group & Save! - Travel - Travel Tips

Sun Peaks is one of British Columbia's biggest and most beautiful mountain resorts (it only comes second in size to Whistler Blackcomb). It features mild winter temperatures with light, fluffy powder and as the name suggests - lots of sunshine!

Sun Peaks is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the province, country and even the world! Visiting with your significant other can be enjoyable and romantic, but the fun and savings really kick in when you beef up your numbers and bring along the whole family or a large group of friends. But did you know it's not just the fun aspect that makes Sun Peaks group travel a smart decision? You'll also save a ton of coin!

Reasons why Visiting Sun Peaks in a Large Group Saves you Money:

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Marketing 101 - Sex Sells - Marketing - Marketing Tips

Clothing manufacturers, retailers, beer distributors and even the occasional snack food company know that to capture a piece of the buying public's eye, sex sells.

Risqu poses using provocative models titillates the senses making the person watching enraptured. That however is not the marketing idea we are referring to in the title. Mea culpa.

There is a term that journalists use when deciding whether to cover a story: it must be sexy. That does not refer to the fact the people involved are physically attractive. The idea is the story must be provoking enough to captivate the reader and elicit a response.

Marketing with the idea of something being sexy the way journalists cover a story is one sizzling inspiration.

Creativity is the cornerstone of a well designed marketing plan. From the mediums used to the message being relayed, eliciting a response takes a lot of hard work. There are millions of businesses worldwide offering billions of products and services. How then does a company become sexy enough in its advertising to stand out from the crowd?

Assuming you have determined your niche market (you have, haven't you?), look at what that niche is interested in. There are a number of analytical tools available for purchase but Google offers a free tool called Google Trends that can give up to date insight into what is of current interest. Once you have gotten a few inspirations, apply those thoughts to your marketing plan.

The power of marketing is not in saying the same thing in the same way the competition does. The power of marketing lies in being different from the rest. Does your service or product correlate in any way to a current news item? Use that to your advantage. Is there a popular event coming soon that can coincide with something you have to offer? Inundate your marketing mediums with those offers. Is there negative publicity about something overwhelming the marketplace? Do you have an alternative? Create a buzz by giving the public your solution.

During the spring primaries this year a local printer designed a pocket edition of the United States Constitution. The printer offered these booklets to local politicians at a great price along with the ability to have the giver's logo and contact information front and center. The back of the booklet had the printer's data and a small ad about their services along with a website for more information. The booklet was unique, timely and a creative way to have not only the client advertised, but the printer as well. So many households received the booklets that the local news interviewed the printer about his idea. Business has tripled the last few months.

Sex in marketing is not always about the physical aspect of graphics. Sex in marketing is also about giving the public something to talk about. If they talk about it they will research it. If they research it they will find you. If they find you they will purchase.

After all, sex sells.

Find other proven marketing ideas here.

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Mont Tremblant Chalet Search & Booking Tips - Travel - Vacation Rentals

Travelling to Mont Tremblant with your family or as part of a large group? Lucky you! Not only will you have a bunch of people to ski with, you'll have a bunch of people to share costs with - especially on accommodation. Booking a Mont Tremblant chalet is an extremely economical option for groups because they can split the cost. A chalet rental is also a ton of fun with large common area spaces for socializing and other great perks like private hot tubs and fully-equipped kitchens.

Now that you're thinking about a chalet rental and how perfect it will be for your group vacation, you'll need to know where to find one.

Mont Tremblant chalet rental neighbourhoods include:

Mont Tremblant Chalet Search & Booking Advice

Mont Tremblant chalets can be booked through a rental management company or direct from the Owner of the chalet. Renting direct from the Owner is best if you're looking to save a few bucks as it means you avoid the commission fees built into managed properties' rates. For this reason, the following tips pertain to booking Owner-direct.

You could search the local resort newspaper, but your best bet for finding a good selection of Mont Tremblant chalet rentals is to search online. Google terms like "Mont Tremblant chalets by Owner" to get a list of websites to look through. Stick to sites with a good selection of rentals (so that you find what you want AND get competitive rates) and ensure that the site you book through offers a rental guarantee or some sort of consumer protection.

Once you've found a chalet you'd like to rent, seal the deal! Each listing represents a single chalet. It's not like booking hotel rooms. Scoop the one you want before someone else does! Don't be too hasty though. Be sure to follow these safe booking steps:

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Value Proposition Workshop: Crafting Your Value Proposition - Marketing - Marketing Tips

After you've analyzed your customers, your competitors, and your own company, you should have enough insight to craft a value proposition for your company. The idea of a value proposition is certainly now new, but many business people still fail to understand exactly what it is. It is NOT a list of features and benefits, and it's not marketing fluff. It's a statement, usually several sentences, that describes what your company offers in terms of tangible business results defined from your customers' perspective. That last portion of the definition is where many companies lose their way. Your customers don't care what your company offers just because you think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. They care about what you offer that meets THEIR needs and helps them achieve THEIR objectives.

An effective value proposition plays a key strategic role in developing a company's brand strategy and competitive positioning. Once you determine your value proposition, all of your marketing messages can be cohesive. If communicated well, there is a clear agreement or understanding of the business exchange that will take place between your company and your customers. If backed up by the infrastructure to deliver what you promise, you have the ability to build brand equity: that intangible something that drives customer behavior and makes them prefer one brand or company over another.

Before crafting your value proposition, you need to determine the differentiator that will be the basis for your offer. There are really only three types, and you can use the following statements that apply to each one to determine where your company fits. Keep in mind that some companies fall into two of the following three categories; however, in order to have a truly strong brand strategy you need to focus primarily on only one.

1) Operational efficiency, or lowest price offer: Your customers just want a good product at the lowest possible cost. New technology or improvements aren't particularly important. It really is price that counts. You're not trying to come up with new or better products or services. You just want to produce more volume at lower cost. You focus on creating operational efficiencies to keep costs down.

2) Market leadership, or the best products or services, most advanced technology: Your customers care most about "the best" - period. Your company culture is completely dedicated to innovation and quality. You work constantly on improvements and innovations that you can bring to market first. You stay on top of what your competition is up to and make sure you stay one step ahead.

3) Customer intimacy, or the best overall solutions and service: Your market is flooded with products or services like yours and pricing is all across the board. However, your customers want more than a standard product or service; they want customized solutions. You strive to know as much as possible about your customers' businesses and needs and build successful relationships so you can deliver the ideal products, services and solutions over time. You know you can't just say "we offer great service." This is ingrained into your corporate culture, and your employees just do it; in every interaction they have with every prospect and customer.

Present the differentiators to your Value Proposition Team, and ask every one of them: which of the differentiators is your company currently equipped to deliver? After you have this discussion and come to an agreement, look back at the work you did listing your customers' objectives, the problems they are trying to solve in working with a company like yours, and their unmet needs. Recall the analysis of your competitors, and compare their offer to your differentiation. This is the tricky part of the process. In order to have a strong value proposition, you have got to match up your differentiator with your customers' needs, make it quantifiable and actionable, and explain what sets you apart from your competitors.

There are three parts to a written VP. Answer the following questions:1. What objectives or unmet needs does your company provide its customers?2. What is the quantifiable offer that your company provides to meet customer needs?3. Why would a customer select your company over your competitors?All of the discussions you've had and documented during your VP Workshop should now come to bear on the answers to the above questions. Just start writing . . . you can always go back and tweak and perfect it later. The hard part is done! Now, with your value proposition clearly defined, you have the core message that will be communicated through your Brand Strategy. Give your VP Team a pat on the back, and start thinking about how you can best bring life to your value proposition and begin building that coveted brand equity!

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The Key to a Great Industrial Brand Strategy? - Business - Industrial Mechanical

What do you think is the key to a great industrial brand strategy? After many years of creating marketing communications that were intended to take an industrial brands message to its target audience, I really believe the key is to bring the brand to life. So how in the world do you do THAT?

I love the rags to riches story of two brothers, Bert and John Jacobs, founders of the Life is good clothing brand. Their company began on the streets of Boston, where they first started hawking t-shirts at street fairs and going door-to-door trying to sell in college dorms. They weren't having much success until they came upon the simple drawing of the cartoonish grinning character they called Jake. After printing 48 t-shirts with Jake and the "Life is good" logo brand that they had used for a number of years, they went into Cambridge to once again try selling their t-shirts at a street fair. The 48 Jake shirts were sold by noon that day and they had discovered how to bring life to their brand. Soon after Jake was introduced to local retailers, sales began to skyrocket and the REAL company was born.

I know this story isnt about an industrial company, or even a BtoB company; but I get inspiration from all kinds of marketing success stories, regardless of the type of business. It may take a bit more creativity, but it IS possible to bring life to an industrial service or manufacturing companys brand.

Before a company can truly go forward with a brand strategy, it needs to go through a process of determining its value proposition and unique offering in the marketplace.From that, the desired brand image will emerge. There are really only three main types of differentiators in competitive positioning: lowest price; best product or technology; or best overall solutions and customer focus. Of course, each business will have a slightly different twist on how its offering is described in a value proposition statement; but regardless of the product or service you sell and the way you differ from your competitors, the bottom line is being able to state how THAT meets your customers unique needs and requirements.

Having an emotional appeal with your offering is always a plus. Statistics show that advertising campaigns that tug heavily on emotions are typically more successful.However, industrial companies cant rely on brand icons (like Jake) and emotional hooks (like life is good.) Manufacturers and industrial service providers are often selling to engineers, mid-level production personnel, and typically overworked, no-nonsense left-brainers who can be hard to sway, emotionally.

I think the answer lies in integrating the brands promise and personality into the companys corporate culture. The brand is defined, and comes to life through the companys PEOPLE. If a company is going to not only maximize the full intellectual capital within their organization AND deliver their brand promise so that it begins to build brand equity, they need to fully engage their employees with the brand promise and values.

A companys workforce is one of its most valuable assets. It is the companys employees who are the face of the brand, whether the business sells valves or providesindustrial safety services. It must be the employees who translate an organizations strategy into reality as they interact with customers and prospects, for it is in their minds that the brand is truly determined.

I have lots of ideas for integrating a company's brand vision throughout the organization - some I've used and some I have on tap for upcoming projects. What are some things you've done to infuse your brand's personality into the hearts and minds of your company's employees?

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What Are QR Codes and How Can Industrial Companies Use Them? - Marketing - Marketing Tips

So what's the deal with the bar codes showing up on ads, billboards, mailers, brochures, and just about any other printed marketing piece these days? Have you just wondered, or have you actually figured it out, downloaded a code scanner to your Smartphone, and scanned one?

Those bar codes are called "QR codes," short for [B]Q[/B]uick [B]R[/B]esponse code and they are the newest way for individuals to interact quickly with a product, service, or company. There are apps available for most Smartphones that can be downloaded and used to scan the code. Once scanned by the Smartphone's QR reader, the phone immediately jumps to an Internet landing page that provides whatever the marketer wishes: a coupon, a contest entry, registration for a "free" offer, or just more information about something.

It might interest you to know that a recent study conducted by a major marketing firm indicated:

QR scanning in North American increased 1,200% in the past six months.People who are aware of QR codes tend to be more educated and affluent, between the ages of 35-54.The two main reasons QR codes were scanned - about 53% for both - were getting a coupon or accessing additional information while away from a laptop or desktop computer.33% scanned to enter a sweepstakes.26% scanned to access a video.23% scanned to make an actual purchase.

Not surprisingly, as of today, QR codes are primarily being used by B to C businesses. However, even though Marketects is a small firm dealing exclusively with industrial businesses, we do have one client, an industrial service company, that is experimenting with QR codes in their ads, mailers, and brochures. Undoubtedly, as QR codes become more common, manufacturers and other industrial companies will see their usefulness and start integrating them into their marketing efforts.

But what about today? Why should an industrial company think about using QR codes at a time when they haven't yet been widely accepted within the industrial community? Perhaps your company would like to extend its messaging in printed media and be able to more accurately track digital response, or maybe you like being on the cusp of new marketing technology. If you are a manufacturer or industrial service company whose value proposition is based on offering cutting edge technology, the use of QR codes is one more way to build that image.

Even if you'd like to give QR codes a shot, you may not have considered all of their applications. They can be used on any printed media, such as brochures; mailers; ads; billboards or signs; trade show display materials; business cards - if it's printed, it's a spot for a QR code. One simple QR code can be the launching pad to:

Your entire product catalogYour Twitter or Facebook pageA video on your website or YouTubeA special offer page that requires registration (and a new prospect for your lead database)Your websiteDetails about a new product or serviceA landing page with a live chat box monitored by your inside sales or customer service personnelDirections to your facilityA special event invitationYour blogA technical paper (which could also require registration, and provide leads)A landing page that elaborates on one specific ad (great for gauging results)A landing page that promotes one specific product or serviceRegistration for a raffle or drawing at a trade showTrade show registration

QR codes give you the ability to track the "hits" on any given page. This is the kind of insight that marketers crave, but is usually elusive with print media. Knowing what brings the most response is the key to knowing where to direct your marketing efforts.

The reality is that QR codes are growing in use and where it goes, nobody knows. Is it just a fad, or will it become an important tool in the future for the industrial marketer? Just as social media marketing is starting to become more prevalent in the industrial arena, one day soon we may see QR codes on the majority of ads in trade publications. Unlike some marketing tactics, implementing QR codes into your printed marketing materials is a relatively inexpensive way to experiment with new technology. Why not give them a try?

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10 Success Tips for Industrial Companies on Facebook - Marketing

I've written in detail about ways that manufacturers and industrial companies can start using Twitter and LinkedIn for engagement and relationship building; but I've stayed away from the subject of Facebook. I've struggled myself building a community on Facebook, and honestly don't see many small to mid-size industrial companies building an interactive community, either. The word "interactive" is key. I see plenty of "likes" for posts on industrial companies' pages, but not a lot of comments or ongoing conversations. Granted, I follow a fraction of the industrial companies that have a Facebook page; however, everything I read and everyone I talk to seems to agree with me. With over 500 million active users on Facebook, why aren't more industrial companies fostering interactive, informative communities for their employees, vendors, customers, partners, distributors, and those looking for their expertise? How can industrial companies "do Facebook" and be more successful?

If you're an industrial company with a Facebook page that isn't really meeting your expectations, here are 10 tips that will help you build a more vibrant Facebook community.

1. Figure out the challenges your customers face, and provide them with expertise and solutions.

Whether you are the business owner, a social media manager, a marketing person, or something in between: find a source that will tell you what objectives and needs your customers have. That may be inside sales; manufacturers' reps; distributors; or if you are dealing with customers on a regular basis, you may have that knowledge yourself.

2. Don't just talk - listen.

Don't use Facebook simply to push out company news - be a resource and "go to" for your customers and prospects. You can be pro-active with your content by monitoring what is being said on Twitter (through your own group of followers or with keyword searches and hashtags) and in the LinkedIn groups you belong to. Take the time to listen to the questions your customers and prospects seem to be asking, then answer them with your Facebook content.

3. Repurpose all forms of relevant content from within your company.

Larger manufacturers and industrial service companies usually have a wealth of informative content at their fingertips that is not "marketing hype." Do your engineers write articles for trade publications? Do they give presentations with PowerPoint slides at conferences or symposiums? Do you have documented case histories of successful applications of your product or service? Have you ever done a webinar or podcast? What about a company blog? Use all internal resources at your disposal to provide value to your Facebook followers that they can't find just anywhere.

4. Ask questions to spark discussions.

Have you noticed that many blog posts end with a "call to action," or question to spark further discussion? Ask questions of your Facebook followers and give them the opportunity to share ideas, experience and opinion. They don't always have to be about your company or industry. Go a step beyond, and bring up questions and discussions in the broader context of what's happening in your city, our country or the world.

5. Don't get stuck in the traditional BtoB mind-set.

Industrial marketers are sometimes locked into a mind-set that what works in BtoC marketing rarely applies to them. That mind-set is becoming more and more outdated as opportunities to engage with customers and prospects through social media blurs the line between BtoB and BtoC marketing tactics. The whole point of social media marketing is to build relationships that benefit not only your company, but the individuals within your community.

6. Get creative with contests.

I know this is a radical idea, but what if the next time you were about to launch a new product or service, you held a contest on Facebook to decide its trade name? Offer an incentive to the contest winner like an iPad, or a $500 Amazon.com gift card. (You can ensure you end up with the "right" name by opening up the contest to employees.) Wouldn't it be worth $500 to engage a large number of your followers? Be sure to reach out to each person that enters the contest, and promote it like crazy!

7. Make it easy for followers to interact with your company.

Do you have an inside sales or customer service person who is usually at their desk? There are now Facebook plug-ins that allow your followers to chat, real-time, with someone in your company! Put that inside sales person to good use, and make them not only available by phone and email, but by "live chat."

8. Use "Polling" to gauge widespread response to a question.

Really not sure what your customers think about your company? Wondering if you should invest in R&D for product improvements? Want to know what your followers thought about a webinar or podcast you promoted? Facebook gives you the opportunity to poll your followers and get answers from them directly. It's one more way to engage your community and obtain insight into what's important to them.

9. Cross promote whenever possible.

Through social media, you will undoubtedly develop relationships with other like-minded individuals whose business offerings are either complimentary to yours, or possibly even slightly competitive. These individuals are often open to the idea of cross promotion. Not just on Facebook, but on Twitter, LinkedIn, and company blogs, you can use your social media platforms to promote other companies, while they in turn promote yours.

10. Humanize your company.

Facebook, for the majority of users, is still a place they go to have fun and engage with friends. No matter how technical your products or services are, you can still interject some light humor and human interest related posts into your content. Use Facebook to give a face and personality to your company. Examples? Highlight an employee of the month; give kudos to a loyal vendor; talk about your company's support of a community cause; post pictures of people in your company doing their jobs and briefly describe what they do; do a poll that's somehow tied to what you do, but is really just for fun.

If you are one of the fortunate industrial companies that are already successfully using Facebook to build important relationships, then hats off to you! However, in most instances, industrial companies have a long way to go in fully utilizing this increasingly important social media site for business. Learn to use it wisely now - and you'll be ahead of the curve when Facebook finally ranks up there with LinkedIn and Twitter as the social media sites of choice for BtoB marketing.

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How Industrial Companies Can Succeed With Social Media - Marketing

More and more, the conversations I have with industrial and manufacturing companies about social media dont start with questions like What can Twitter do for my business? But rather, OK, Ive got a Twitter page but how do I keep coming up with things to say? Im sure that if I didnt have a social media calendar and the help of some amazing tools, there would be plenty of days when I, too, struggled to come up with interesting posts for all of my social media pages.

Even though more and more manufacturing companies are stepping into the world of social media, very few that I talk to are approaching it strategically. Its more like theyre experimenting, and if they see any benefit THEN theyll start taking it seriously. For any company to be successful with social media, it has to be considered in the same way in which any other marketing communications initiative would.

Develop a social media content strategy; determine your companys social media persona; then make your social media campaign efficient and keep your posts updated regularly by utilizing a social media calendar. There are lots of ways to develop a social media calendar, from very simple (for those of us who are more right brain) to detailed and complex (for the true project managers!) Following are some basics to help you get started.

Start with a strategy

The very nature of social media demands more spontaneity and frequency in contact than other, traditional forms of marketing communications; but that doesnt mean companies should toss out basic principles of sound marketing or any other complex project. You need a strategy. Go back to Marketing 101 and ask yourself these questions in regard to social media:

Who is your target audience? Where are you most likely to find them? What objective (results) do you hope to achieve? How will you measure your efforts?

After you identify your target audience (and there may be more than just potential customers) you need to think about what kind of information they would want to hear from your company. This is critical to your strategy. You really have to put yourself in the mind of your target audience and think about THEIR needs their requirements their problems and how YOUR Company can communicate with them about whats important to THEM.

Create broad categories that will house ideas for future posts. For instance, if youre a company that provides industrial safety services to refineries, chemical plants, drilling companies and other industrial plants, your Content Categories may include:

Safety compliance How proper safety management saves money Safety regulatory issues Legislation affecting your customers industry Current events and news that would be of interest to your audience The latest safety equipment Managing shutdowns and turnarounds

The list could go on and on! Think of it as a filing cabinet and each of your Content Categories is a file folder full of content ideas. Since youve determined that all of these categories are of some interest to your target audience, you will want to intersperse posts related to all of them in your Content Calendar (more on that.)

Determine your social persona

If youre serious about a consistent brand image for your company, its key to consider the voice and perspective that your social media posts will reflect. Even if you have multiple people handling several accounts, there has to be a written policy about the content of all your posts. In fact, if more than one person will be posting and writing blog content, this is critical.

Will you post and respond from the first person I or from a more collective business perspective, We? What is the image (picture) that will be shown for your company on each site? The company logo or the individuals picture that is the voice of the company on that particular site? Will your posts be strictly on brand? (Will they deal only with your own company?) This is difficult to pull off successfully unless you are a huge, world-wide organization. Typically, a combination of on brand; industry news; media that applies to your business (books, webinars, trade shows, etc.) and a broader perspective of how the world is effecting your business works best. Will your posts personality reflect a light and friendly, or serious and informative tone?

Answer all these questions, and then keep all posts and responses to posts consistent.

Develop a Conversation Calendar

Conversation calendars achieve several important objectives related to social media marketing. They make your campaign pro-active instead of reactive. They alleviate the stress that comes from the ongoing question, what will we post about NOW? They ensure accountability for posting. They ensure consistent posting.Theres no magic formula for how many times you should post something on any social media platform. On some Facebook for instance blasts of posts all throughout the day can become a little annoying since the quantity of YOUR posts limit what a person sees when they check their news feed.

Twitter, of course, allows for more frequent posting but you also need to consider when your target audience is most likely to be checking Twitter. If your audience works 8-5, Mon-Fri, it doesnt make sense to post late at night or on the week-ends.

Ive heard it all when it comes to blogs. Some say a minimum of 3 posts per week. Others say once every week is fine. Personally, I think if your content has value and is truly relevant, the more often you can post to your blog, the better. A blog almost needs its own, unique strategy. Unlike Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, on a blog you are writing more than a few sentences about your subject. A blog post takes more time and effort. Many companies are enlisting multiple individuals from different departments so that their blog covers topics from different perspectives (not just marketing!) and posts are more regular.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding resources outside of your company for your social media posts. Find websites and blogs that contain the same kind of content you want to deliver. Register to receive information through email or set up RSS feeds so you are regularly getting information pushed to your desktop that can be used for Twitter tweets, LinkedIn discussion topics, even blog posts.

Once youve done all of the above: its time to create the Conversation Calendar

Heres a basic way to do it:

Use Excel (or Word if youre Excel challenged) and set up a spreadsheet one for every month.

Create columns for:

Date Day of the week Time Content Category Column for each social media platform (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc.) If there is more than one person posting, a column that indicates the individual responsible

Remember to post items for all of your Content Categories over a months time. Certain topics will appeal more to some than others. You can gauge which topics seem to be more hot by checking analytics through the month. For instance, if visitors to your website spike every time you post something about a certain topic, thats an indication you should post a little more on that topic. Give your audience what they seem to want to hear.

Measure your success

Youve already determined what you hope to achieve with your social media campaign with your strategy. Did I mention that gaining new customers should probably fall somewhere near the bottom of the list in terms of priorities? This is perhaps the biggest misconception about social media marketing: that the number one goal is to get new business. Of course, any company that invests in a marketing initiative has the ultimate goal of growing their business. However, social media marketing is unlike any other type of marketing. It is SOCIAL therefore, it is about RELATIONSHIPS. There are many positive things that can occur as a result of networking that do not necessarily end in a sale so be open minded when you decide how you will gauge success.

If you build a social media network and the people in your network feel you are providing value to them personally, I guarantee that eventually you WILL get new business. How long that takes will be determined by many different factors. Initially, start gauging success with easily measurable goals. Here are some examples:

A percentage of new likes on your Facebook page. A percentage of new QUALIFIED followers on your Twitter page. Only you can define qualified. My definition is a company that is a potential customer, strategic partner, industry influencer, potential vendor, and sometimes even a competitor. In this changing world of digital communication, the lines between competitors are blurring. Sometimes a competitor can become a strategic partner. An increase in visitors to your website and even deeper, visitors coming from specific social media accounts. An increase in the number of people who register to receive your newsletter or RSS feeds of your Blog. An increase in the number of comments you receive on your Blog.

All of the strategy and planning in the world can never generate the truly human moments when you or your social media ambassador is present, genuine, and delivers true value to someone. In the end, it may be the spontaneous moments that truly mark the success of your social media efforts. But as Ive said throughout my marketing career if you dont have a plan to tell you where youre going, how will you know when you get there? Its no different with social media. Plan for success!

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How Industrial Companies Can Make Their Websites More Interactive - Marketing - Marketing Tips

We may be living in a Web 2.0 world, but you'd never guess that looking at the vast majority of websites for manufacturers and other industrial companies. Especially for small to mid-size companies, the website still continues to function as an online brochure, built years ago with technology and SEO strategies that are now outdated and that ceased attracting search engines (and visitors) long ago.

Why does your industrial business need a more interactive website? Here are just a few reasons:

1. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that this is becoming the standard, rather than the occasional anomaly. Today's Internet users have come to expect immediacy and a certain degree of interactivity on the websites they frequent for online purchases, social media connections, and any other type of Internet use. Industrial companies have got to stay in step with culture's expectations of their Internet experience.

2. Interactive tools allow industrial companies to educate their visitors in more detail, which helps to build the desired image for the company and its collective knowledge bank and experience. It's not enough anymore to simply say, "Our widget is the best." In the online world, where information is seemingly unlimited, Internet users are looking for more solid evidence of a company's expertise. Blogs, Forums, Podcasts, e-newsletters, and other interactive tools help to provide that extra level of credibility.

3. Interactivity gives a company the ability to instantly address customer concerns. Today, toll-free "support" numbers have become such a dreaded experience that most consumers would do almost anything else to get a question answered or find a solution to a problem with a particular product. This may not translate exactly to the industrial world, but the bias is still there. Anything you can do to reduce your customers' anxieties in dealing with your company and conversely, anything you can do to make it EASIER for a customer to communicate with your company puts you ahead of the pack.

4. If you REALLY want to know what's important to your customers and potential customers incorporate interactive tools like polls and surveys into your website. Rather than pushing your customers to buy what it is you have to sell them, why not ASK them what it is they need, and then develop products and services that have already been pre-qualified?

5. An interactive website brings along with it a human element. It's clich, but still true: people don't do business with companies, they do business with people - people they like. Give visitors to your website a human connection through some form of interactivity, and your "company" has just taken on human characteristics: characteristics like friendly, helpful, concerned, interested, insightful, knowledgeable, and responsive.

6. Interactivity is good for search engine optimization. Simply put, the search engine "spiders" are looking for sites that are important. Nobody knows exactly what "important" means at any given time. The search engines are constantly changing their algorithms in an attempt to outsmart web development geeks who think they've figured out a way to get all their websites on the first page of Google's search results. One thing, however, is clear: a static site with low traffic numbers and very few back-links will NOT be considered "important." An interactive website will increase traffic, and you can use certain features (like a Blog) to build more back-links to your site.

7. There's a certain "WOW" Factor when you incorporate interactive tools into your website. They're just cooler - period. Wouldn't you rather spend time on a website that has lots of bells and whistles than some static, Melba toast site that hasn't changed in five years? Interactive sites appear more sophisticated and state-of-the-art. Important note: if your company's competitive differentiation is based on technological leadership, this is a MUST. You cannot convey the image of a technological leader with a tired, outdated website.

How can industrial companies incorporate interactivity into their websites?

There are literally dozens of interactive tools, plug-ins, and widgets that manufacturers and industrial companies can incorporate into their websites. Some of them are extremely inexpensive and if you have someone internally who manages your website and is even slightly Internet savvy, they can handle some additions without a complete site overhaul or outside assistance.

Depending on HOW outdated your current website is, you may be required to build a new site using current development technology and allowing for more width on each page of your site. Older websites were sized to fit within the frames of much smaller monitors than are being used today. Those websites look pretty weak when viewed on a 21" monitor!

Blogs

Blogs don't exactly rank high on the WOW! Factor scale, these days. They are probably the most commonly used form of website interactivity. Blogs allow users to participate in an online discussion about a post or to ask questions. Most standard blog software includes a comment feature, but not all blog software is created equal. Compare features and the cost to add to your website. If you're not building a new site, you'll have to use a platform like Google's Blogger that can be "designed" to look like one of your website pages, but actually has its own URL. Visitors to your site don't realize this, of course. When they click on your Blog link, there is a redirect to the Blog page that occurs behind the scenes.

Forums

Forums enable visitors (or someone in your company) to post questions and interact with other people who are also interested in the subject. Sometimes conversations can go on for weeks and provide in depth coverage of a topic, revealing a wide range of experiences and solutions. Forums usually work best on websites that are already generating a lot of traffic. Nothing is more pitiful than going to a forum that has never had any posts made to it!

Live Chat

I don't understand why more industrial companies aren't using this tool. If you have customer service or inside sales people (or even ONE person) sitting in front of a computer most of the day, this is a brilliant way to give visitors to your site the ability to instantly interact with your company. There are many different live chat clients available, even a free one from Google. Do a little research to find the one with the features you need. This is usually a simple plug-in to your existing website that shows a box that a person can click saying something like "Have a question? Chat with us NOW!" Depending on the platform you use, you can have one or multiple individuals available to take chat inquiries. No matter what they're doing on their computer, every time someone types something into the Live Chat window, that window pops up on their computer and alerts them. Then the conversation begins! So simple, and such a great way to make it easy for visitors to your websit e to get questions answered.

Forms and Auto-responders

This goes a step beyond the email address listed on the Contact page of almost every website. How about a form on EVERY PAGE of your website that allows a visitor to request a meeting - or a technical paper - or a free sample - or some ad specialty item that promotes your company? The form can capture any information you want in terms of follow-up. Just remember that unless you're offering something pretty special, most people won't take the time to fill out a lengthy form. Name, email address, and if they're requesting a meeting, a phone number are about all you can reasonably hope to get. The purpose for the form is two-fold: first, make it super easy for someone to connect with you and second, gather enough information so that you can hand it off to sales for follow up.

Auto-responders do exactly what the name implies: they provide an automatic response to a form request. Auto-responders send an instant reply to users without human intervention. They are especially useful if the user filled out a form requesting a technical paper, a newsletter, or some other digital document that can be attached to the auto-responder.

Surveys and Polls

Industrial companies can view the use of surveys and polls two different ways. They can either be a feature that is intended to entertain, or they can be a strategic marketing tool that provides insight into the minds of potential customers. They can take on a light hearted or tongue-in-cheek tone, or a very serious tone. The only real requirement is that the poll question or survey is somehow related to your business or industry, otherwise visitors to your site may not be interested. This requires a bit of creativity, but it's worth experimenting with.

Several blog platforms offer poll plug-ins, but you can also do something more customized with other 3'rd party services. Polling allows users to vote and then see the current results immediately after their vote. Surveys are a little different, in that users don't immediately see the results after filling out the survey.

Social Media

If your company has a Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook page, you can easily add a feed of your latest posts to your Home Page. This works especially well with Twitter, since posts are short. It also makes it easy for visitors to click on the link to go directly to your Twitter page and follow your company.

Podcasts

A podcast is an MP3 file of your content that a person can download from your website. It doesn't take a professional to record blog posts, technical papers, descriptions of your products and how they work, or any other content. Users can download the file to their computer, iPod, iPhone, or any other MP3 player and listen to it when it's convenient.

Webinars

Webinars are basically a hosted presentation where someone talks, and there are visuals appearing on screen to support what they are presenting. Most webinars are promoted as live events which also allows for a Q&A session at the end. The webinar recording can then be archived on your website for anyone to play at a later date. Webinar content doesn't have to be complex or sophisticated. It can be as simple as someone who is an expert in your company explaining how a particular product or service you provide solves a problem that your customers commonly experience.

Video

Not all people like to read text. Some would much rather watch something visual to obtain information. Adding video to your website enables visitors who prefer visual communication to watch, rather than read your content. Most manufacturing companies have numerous opportunities for short, 3-4 minute video presentations. How is a particular product made? How does it function? If you can't show it in actual operation, film someone with the product explaining verbally how it works as they point out the different elements they're discussing. How about filming your CEO discussing hot topics within your industry? With all the inexpensive video cameras available today, you don't need a professional to do this.

An added bonus to a video archive: You can create a YouTube Channel that also houses your video collection. Since Google owns YouTube, companies that have video on YouTube are ranked higher in Google's natural search results. Plus, there's that WOW Factor again . . . companies with YouTube channels look high-tech, don't you think?

I'm sure there are other interactive tools industrial companies can incorporate into their websites, but these are some of the ones I'm seeing used successfully. Make an honest assessment of YOUR website, and if it's time to bring it into the 21'st century, use some of these interactive features to increase traffic, keep visitors in your site longer, make it easier for visitors to connect with your company, and deliver your messaging using the latest Web 2.0 technology!

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