Harrisberger Creative Receives 2010 “Advertising Consultant” Best Of Virginia Beach
I confess. I had totally different intentions with this post… I was going into my in box to look for a note my Dad sent me the other day because it touched me so much, I wanted to share it with you – and in my in box I get an email saying that I’ve just received this award, and I just had to write about it. (I’ll get to the other thought at a later date) Yes, I should be doing the “happy dance” right now, but how meaningful is this award – Really?
2010 Marks My 25th Year As An Official Business.
By official, I mean in the eyes of the State Incorporation Commission. (Actually, it’s 29 years total ) And, I can’t tell you how many of these “award” notices I receive every year from different companies. If I had “bought” all of the awards they’ve “given” me – I’d have no more room on my shelves or space on my wall.
Please Note: This beautiful “hand-polished” optical crystal award with faceted bevel edges, an attratctive Crystal Base, and presentation box is only $179.00. But the best value is the Award Plaque PLUS Crystal Award for only $199.00 (Hmmm what should I do?) 
If I had “purchased” awards from just this one company over the past 29 years – that is, if they’ve been in business that long – I would have spent $5,771
Since “The USCA hereby grants Harrisberger Creative Limited a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.” I thought I’d go ahead and do just that so I can bring something very important to your attention…
There’s no telling how many other “Advertising Consultants” In Virginia Beach got this award, too. Chances are…it wasn’t just me.
Bottom Line: To me, this is just another marketing gimmick. I confess, I fell for something similar to this in my early days of business, but I wised up really quickly. These marketing gimmicks come in lots of different forms like “Who’s Who” publications and awards, just to name a few.
By the way, thanks for the award USCA! It looks great on the blog, but that’s about as far as it’s going to go. I think I’ll save myself that $199, and pat myself on the back for all the other awards I’ve “earned” in my career that are far more meaningful than “paid” prestige!
If you’ve received “awards” like this is the past, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter! Scroll all the way past the press release below, and leave your comments!
Here’s the Press Release For Harrisberger Creative:
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harrisberger Creative Limited Receives 2010 Best of Virginia Beach Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, May 19, 2010 — Harrisberger Creative Limited has been selected for the 2010 Best of Virginia Beach Award in the Advertising Consultant category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
Social Media ROI: You’ve Just Got To Give It Time.
There are still so many people who either don’t understand, or underestimate the value of social media. The internet along with the dizzying array of social media platforms has - for the first time in history – given people, professionals; and the small to large businesses a low to no cost vehicle to create community, build relationships and promote their businesses world wide. Social Media is “free” self-promotion.
Social Media At-A-Glance
With Social Media, you get you’re own TV station (YouTube). A way to broadcast new information and content on your blog (Twitter and Facebook). You can get your own magazine (Your website and blog). You can integrate all these things together, generate leads, get more traffic, make friends, create community, and make more money for your business if you focus on the quality of information, education and content you provide – along with the relationships you forge with people – and you get all of this without hefty price tag of traditional advertising and marketing expenses. (ie: radio, TV, direct mail) You get all this for free with one catch… Social Media is powered by people aka “sweat equity.”
How You Use Social Media, And How Much Time You Invest In It Is Up To You…
Start by listening, then start conversing. Yes, it may seem a little weird at first, but keep doing it any way. If you’re an entrepreneur, it may seem like a complete waste of time. It’s not. You may feel like no one cares. They do. You’d be surprised just how many people are keeping up with you and what you’re doing – even if you they don’t comment or reply to your post. Just keep doing it!
A few Minutes Here. A Few Minutes There.
True, it’s tempting to leave Hootsuite, Tweetdeck or your Twitter and Facebook stream on all the time (And you feel kinda like Mrs Kravitz on “Bewitched” – you know, the nosey neighbor!) so you can keep your finger on the pulse… but that can really turn into a time suck – it’s way too distracting. Yep, I’ve learned this the hard way, I fell into the trap. Guilty! Sometimes, it’s just too tempting to jump into the conversation then “wham” there goes all of your time… So, now, I touch base with Facebook and Twitter a couple of times a day – for a few minutes at a time… Social Media’s not a replacement for traditional marketing in the least, but it is a great way to meet like-minded people, stay current, build and strengthen relationships (personal and professional)
Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day….
It takes time, effort, patience to put a social media strategy into place. Just like building any business, developing on online presence takes time too. Relationships take work. Keep working on the relationships. Be of service to others. Be helpful. Share what you know. Give value, determine how much time you have to invest in social media, and give it some time to work for you! It will. It has for me, and it will for you too! And, hey, take those online relationships “offline” whenever you can…there’s nothing better than a real phone or Skype call to take those REALationships to a deeper level!
Review: Yanik Silver’s Underground 6 Rocked!
A Three Day Dose Of Awesomeness
This is a review about the culture – not the content of Underground 6 and Wow! What an incredible weekend in Washington DC it was! I learned, and had so much fun with so many different people that it’s hard hard to put “feelings” into words without sounding like a complete idiot – but I’m OK with that. (’cause sometimes I do!)
Yanik Silver has created a culture of entertainment, education and empowerment with his amazing team of speakers, masterminds, staff, and participants.
Being a newbie at this conference, I had no idea what to expect, but I was really excited to continue my Internet Marketing education by learning from some of the greatest minds online and off. What’s more, I was absolutely BLOWN away by the quality of information (Ok, Ok, content) the speakers shared – I mean… they gave away everything – and I mean everything! They were generous with their information. They were real, and they were attentive to every single person in the audience on stage and off. This quote sums it up:
Successful People are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, What’s in it for me? – Brian Tracy
Fantastic REALationships – REAL Connections – What A Feeling!
Not only did I learn from the speakers, I also met other amazing like-minded people from all over the world who were equally entertaining, educational and fun to hang around with.
Our Spy Team - MIA - Desmond
Friday: I was sitting next to David Risley on my right – a really nice guy and great blogger; and then there was Alan (from Australia) on my left. During our first break, a great looking gal walked up to Alan – I glanced up at her name tag introduced myself – and we both screamed, and hugged! It was Antonia Furlong (Alan’s wife) and she was one of the people I got to know via Twitter and Facebook through an online Social Media Mastermind we both took late last summer! AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! Plus: 4 great speakers. A private lunch with Gary Vaynerchuck (Way Cool!) – the Spy Mission that night – followed by one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had.
Saturday: I hung out with Christine McDannell (one heck of a sharp and fun business woman) most of the day. 4 more fantastic speakers, more great content. Lunch – Cocktails – Dinner with David Risley, Dan Scott and Jessie Kandola followed by dancing with CR Groove (with funny hats and hair) then more upstairs at the club.
Sunday: 4 more great speakers – sitting up front and center with Derby Perez (What a crack up he is) – lunch and see ya laters ’til next year. Great time. Great Content. Great fun. Great collaboration! Great New Friends! Summing it all up: Underground 6 was so totally valuable, I’ve already pre-registered for next year!
The Inside Scoop On Getting Smart(er) 2011
Underground 7 is already slated for March 3-6th 2011 in Washington DC! Mark your calendar! You’ve just gotta go Underground with the best of the best!
Update: 3/26/10
On the last day of the conference I won “The Best Of Underground I, II & III” It included DVD’s, CD’s plus the Powerpoint presentations from the best speakers from all 3 events, and is packed with usable and valuable information that any online marketer can apply to their specific niche.
Thank You!
Dang it! After I hit “publish” I knew I’d forgot the most important part! A big thanks to Yanik Silver and every single speaker who selflessly invested their time and attention to every single detail – and delivered the most valuable information about Internet Marketing and Entrepreneurship around! You absolutely over delivered!
A Quick Way To Avoid Missing Opportunities.
It really hurts me to see entrepreneurs rush into great ideas, events, projects and even phone calls without creating a plan. They get all excited and impulsively take a “shot gun” approach without thinking it through or creating an outline for the outcome which always results in lost income.
Create A Quick Outline:
- What’s your objective?
- List 3-5 benefits to your prospect
- Know your call to action
- Know what’s coming up next (future events or follow up)
Ok, here’s what prompted me to write this “quickie.” Someone very near and dear to me recently hosted a great event! They were “jazzed” about the turn out – with 50% more people show up than they were expecting – and, the presentation was so good that everyone hung around for a long time after it ended to ask questions and learn more! (yeah!)
But, wait! There’s more! (Music up – duh, duh, duh, duhhhhhhhhh)
Even though they delivered great information, and had a great time with their new prospects, here’s a few things they spaced out on:
- They didn’t collect names, phone numbers and email addresses so they could follow up.
- They didn’t have their price lists on hand to secure on-site, impulse purchases.
- What’s more, they forgot to announce the next event so attendees could preregister, or help them spread the word. {Ow!}
Do you see what I see? If you create an outline, and always know your next step, you’ll never miss any opportunities, waste any time, or lose revenue. {sigh} Don’t ya just hate that?
Social Media Continues To Find It’s Way Into The Lives, Hearts And Souls Of People Around The World
Social media is changing the world one person at a time, and it couldn’t be happening at a better time in our lives.
I love how social media has brought friends, families, neighbors, school buddies, business associates, and colleagues back into one community again. I love the fact that millions of people are able to keep up with what’s going on in the lives of those we care so much about in “real” time. I love finding the “special” friends I thought I’d never see again. It’s been healing. It’s been rewarding, it’s been invigorating and I’m grateful that Social Media has given us the tools and technology to tip-toe back into our past – to laugh, share, and discover as adults many of the unanswered questions – that we tend to bring into our present.
Flashing forward to the now, and the future… there’s more “techno” love flowing “live” on a daily basis with real relationships being forged online and off. People who share similar dreams, goals, interests, causes, likes, dislikes, humor, are flowing into the Social Media channels right, left and sideways which is creating an incredible world of opportunity for those who know how to use Social Media effectively – and who build their communities and tribes around relationships, trust, and integrity.
Social Media is here. It’s now, and it will continue many years into the future. Embrace it. Don’t fear it. It is our future. It’s the way. It’s World of Mouth, And it’s here to stay!
“I get by with a little help from my friends.”
- John Lennon
This serves as a belated Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in my past whose come back into my future (You know who you are!) To all of my new friends. And, to those who I’ll call my friend in the future! Make sure you’re on my email list, and if this post touched you in any way, you have something to say! Post a comment below, and share the love! I appreciate you!
Facebook Etiquette: Strategy, Common Sense & Courtesy
Facebook has gained so much popularity for finding and reconnecting with “long lost” friends, family members and colleagues – while for others, it’s become a living, breathing social nightmare because they didn’t understand – or know how to approach Social Media in the first place.
All you have to really understand is that people use Facebook for many different reasons. Some use it to connect with those “long lost friends,” while others use it to move themselves forward in their respective business ventures. Some combine business and pleasure. Then, there’s the people who thinks Facebook’s a popularity contest and they set about to “collect” as many people as possible so they feel better about themselves.
The most important thing to know is that YOU determine how you want to use Facebook – then YOU get to decide whether or not you’ll accept friendship requests from people you know – or don’t know.
If you’re on Facebook to network with like-minded people through the “friend finder” – you’ll increase your chances of someone accepting your friend request if you take the time to type a short message to say “hi,” and why you’d like them to accept you.
If you’re on Facebook to connect with those long lost friends and family members – take the time to type them a short note. If you’re a gal, they may not be able to identify you with a “different” last name if you’re married now. And boy does everyone change in 10, 20 or 30 years – they may not recognize you from high school, until they pull out the yearbook and look for your name. So, make it easy for them. Get the picture? It’s really no different than picking up the phone and saying “Hi, how are you, remember me from high school” or going to a networking event, and saying “Hi, it’s nice to meet you…” It’s just plain old common courtesy.
Out of all the social platforms, I believe that Facebook is a great deal more intimate than Twitter, Friendfeed, Linked In or Plaxo just to name a few. That said there are certain things to keep in mind when you use this platform.
7 “Common Sense” Tips To Keep In Mind On Facebook:
- Reserve friending on Facebook to people you know, like and trust. Facebook is not a popularity contest.
- If someone doesn’t respond to your friend request – don’t take offense. They’ve simply established their own reasons for using Facebook and are sticking with it.
- Every comment you post on the wall is public – if you need to vent, whatever you vent probably will get back to someone, someday.
- Use Facebook’s Direct Message feature to share personal information such as phone numbers, addresses etc… or when you feel the need to do some major big time venting one-on-one or with a small group of friends.
- Type the way you talk, but be mindful of your tone. Some people may not be able to tell if you’re joking or being sarcastic. (Sometimes very difficult to translate in the written word)
- Watch your language, and your content – especially if you’ve friended younger users. The internet and your friends have the memory of an elephant. Everything you say and post online is being archived – forever. Not to mention the fact that what you do and say is also a reflection of your personal brand. If you type in all caps – that’s the same as shouting online. Take it down a peg. It becomes really annoying to other readers.
- Don’t friend other people’s friends unless you know them – this has given many of my female friends the “creeps” – especially if the request is coming from a guy. (Do I need to tell you that these repeat violators are no longer on my friends list – didn’t think so)
Photos, Photo-Tagging and Post-Tagging
This is another place where common sense prevails:
- Never upload pictures or tag friends in photo’s that could get them into trouble.
- If you’re not sure whether to post a compromising photo – don’t! Be considerate!
- If someone untags themselves in a picture – respect their decision. Hey, they may not think it was the most flattering picture of them, or they’re just plain not comfortable in sharing their lives openly with others – yet!
- Do tag people in your posts when you’d like to thank, or mention them in a complimentary post. Public acknowledgement is always a good thing.
- Know that when you “post tag a photo” or “photo tag a post,” the same post will also appear on the “tagged” person’s wall.
To Post Tag: Type @ First Name and wait for a drop down menu of your friends to appear – choose the fried you want to tag, then add the next.
To Post tag a photo – go to the photo album. Click on the person’s face and choose the friend or friends one at a time from your drop down menu.
Of course, we’ve seen it all. People tagging people in posts, or pictures that have absolutely nothing to do with them – or the post. They’ve done it for one simple reason: more exposure. Well, you can probably get away with that if you do it sporadically, but remember – your friends are the one’s who are in control of their space – not you. If you post too many times in a day… or start ranting about stuff that turns them off – All they have to do is click delete – and “poof” you’re gone from their list forever.
The Bottom Line: There’s absolutely no substitute for manners, common sense and courtesy in the virtual world. Game on! Have fun with Facebook!
Marketing 101 – Part 1: Laying The Foundation
MARKETING is a perpetual cycle that includes EVERYTHING YOU DO to promote your business. It’s what you do from the time you have that “aha” moment of concept (the idea) – to the point you have customers and clients doing business with you on a regular basis. It’s everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you do consistently to promote your business and build trust. I like to think about marketing in terms of “image building” – value, character and exposure: keeping your name at the top of people’s minds, so when they need you, they’ll remember what you do and they call.
The What, Why, When, Where, Who & How’s Of Marketing and Positioning
- What do you want to do?
- Why you want to do it?
- When is your business going to launch?
- Where are you going to find potential clients or customers?
- Who’s your target audience?
- Why do they need your product or service?
- How are you going to market & promote your business?
Marketing Also Includes:
- A memorable business name
- What you’re selling – a product or service – or both
- Manufacturing process, distribution and/or servicing
- Brand positioning
Design & creation of your corporate and/or personal brand, ie:
- Letterhead, Envelopes & Business Cards
- Outdoor & Indoor signage
- Vehicles, sleet design
- Interior & exterior design
- Packaging design and collateral
- Online presence: website, blogs, advertising & promotion
- Social Media Presence: reputation, and management
- Advertising and public relations
Internal marketing:
- Training and presentations
- Handling telephone inquiries
- Creative problem solving
- Measurement
- Growth plan
- Referral plan
- Follow-up, and so much more
Marketing can really be a very complex process journey to revenue generation and it requires attention on a consistent basis. The cycle starts with the concept and goes full-circle when you have repeat and referral business – and trust.
Questions or comments welcome below! I respond to all communication!
Be sure to join my list to receive periodic news, tips and resources to help you increase your bottom line!
Colored Stone Magazine’s 2004 Readers Choice Awards – Top 20
“After spending 23 years as creative director and graphic artist, I felt a need to create art that would be long lasting, memorable, and enjoyable on a personal level,” says Lynn Harrisberger. “My interests and hobbies have always been on the artistic side, and I have journeyed through various other creative paths through my life, such as fashion merchandising, fashion design, sewing, stained glass, enameled jewelry, paper jewelry, fused glass jewelry, Indian beadwork, wearing unusual jewelry, picking up any kind of interesting rock, shell or ‘found object’ I see, and it seems appropriate that I now design and hand fabricate jewelry as my second career.”
“The earth has provided us with many beautiful minerals, gemstones and precious metals,” adds Harrisberger. “Each stone has it’s own unique quality and personality which inspires the design. Then the stones are complimented by hand-fabricated precious metals. As a lapidary artist, I also cut and polish many of the stones I use in my work. . . . I work with sterling silver, karat golds, unique minerals, fossils, shell, and gemstones to create fine jewelry as ‘Art On You.’ Each piece of “Art ” is created with love, pride, and superb craftsmanship. The piece selected becomes an expression of each individual’s unique personality and style.” Lynn Harrisberger can be reached through her Web site at www.lynnharrisberger.com.
This post was originally seen in Colored Stone Magazine. The publication has just announced that it (and the website) would “soon be no more.” So for posterity’s sake (and mine) I’ve copied the original article to be archived here. Thanks for many years of inspiration and creativity for all of us ‘rock hounds” around the world!
How To Connect Your MacBook Pro To A Large Screen HDTV/Monitor
I’ve been a true-blue Mac addict since ‘89. The past three years, I used a Mac 17″ G4 laptop and an 21″ IMac. Since technology changes so quickly with improvements, speed and storage, my next goal was to eliminate the desktop model on my next upgrade which would greatly simplify my work flow and my life!. Keeping track of files going from one computer to another was a hassle – but I made a promise to myself that I would wait three years to upgrade my system this time around – and I can’t even begin to tell you how hard that was for a gal who loves the latest greatest gadgets!
I finally bought my new 17″ Apple Mac Book Pro 1 month earlier than that 3 year anniversary because my desktop finally croaked and the G4 was groaning. The next thing I had my sights set on was a large screen monitor to use in my office so I had more screen real estate to work with. After doing a little research, I discovered a sweet 24.6″ 1920×1200 | 60Hz Samsung HDTV/Monitor that was way more cost effective than going the Apple route. Even better, it doubles as a TV if you ever want to take it out of service.
After I got the monitor, I ran down to Best Buy with my user guide to consult with the “Apple gals” about the best and fastest way to hook up to the monitor. (You know, HDMI vs DVI and all that stuff.) Here’s what they recommended – and it worked like a charm!
Here’s What You Need To Make The Best Connection:
- Apple Mini DisplayPort To DVI Adapter
- DVI-D Digital Video Cable (For connecting a PC to a HD monitor/projector. Supporting 60 Hz) I bought a Dynex. This cable support digital signals only.
- DVI Port on Your Large Screen TV
I run my sound through computer stereo speakers with a subwoofer instead of connecting it to the TV. But, if you want to run it through your HDTV/Monitor all you need to do is get 3.5mm Stereo Mini cable. Run this out of your headset jack to the right and left sound channels on your TV. And Voila, you’re up and running with a few minor calibrations!
Hope this helps!
What Matters Now – A Timely FREE New eBook
Seth Godin and over 70 other extraordinary authors have done it again. Talk about making a contribution to the lives of others in this inspirational piece of work! Sometimes we just have to keep it simple in a very cluttered world.
This collaborative effort is a savvy use of Social Media marketing. Just imagine how many lives will be touched, changed and impacted with this single piece of work (not to mention the image building a brand equity that each contributor will receive when read by millions of people around the world.)
Download it now, and read it for yourself. it. Spread the word, and pay it forward!
Oh yeah… One more thing…Let me know what you think of Pages 68 and 71!
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