Just noticed that we haven’t updated our blog. Jenni breaks her wrist and we all stop writing. What the…..?!#@*

I want to share this link cause despite the fact that most of us in this group are not mad for flash yet alone splash pages, this is just such a perfect branding example. Before you even see any jewels, you see satin and silver tones and hear a sexy jazz singer. Then the satin morphs to crystal clear water….and only then, a perfect diamond….

Personally, I’d make an exception in a case like this. Anyone else?

This could be the topic of the week if people respond….since we don’t have one.

Today’s Marketing Profs newsletter has some terrific tips from Loren McDonald for making e-newsletters easy to view/read on cell phone screens. Read it here.

Here’s an edited excerpt from an interesting blog item I saw today on Typophile, posted by web developer Nicholas Shanks (link to full post). While this is certainly old news to most on the (web) design front, I appreciated the reiteration of a valuable lesson in self-promotion 101: never lose sight of the potential client in everyone!

How Not to Promote Yourself to Potential Customers

I was looking around at the websites of typographers earlier today, and came across the site of one independent designer (whom I shall not name) which looked so broken on my computer I had to email him and explain what was wrong with his HTML and CSS, and how standards-compliant coding practices would rectify them. I am a professional web developer and like to educate others about web standards and accessibility, to help improve the web in my own little way. The response I got back, however, shocked me:

“These are all visual problems caused by your settings. The site was meant to be viewed the way I designed it. I won’t tailor the site to meet every possible variable of every combination of browser customizations.”

I reminded him that the only computer on which his site can “be viewed the way he designed it” was his own. I will no longer be recommending this designer to my clients.

You’re at a networking event (or in the elevator, at a conference, etc.) and someone asks, “What do you do?” If you respond with the ubiquitous: I’m a writer (graphic designer, consultant, etc.) you may be selling yourself–and the potential connection–short. Try this Blurb Worksheet (PDF) from Marketing Mentor to create a more concise and captivating 10-Word Blurb.

Anyone care to share their Blurbs?

Just watched this video with Jim Coudal of Coudal Partners. I find their business really interesting. Sort of a “by the seat of our pants” philosophy. Watch the three things that they use to decide if they’ll take on a new client.

Barbara Weltman talked about current business trends in one of her recent newsletters. I thought it was useful for those of us looking to target new or more lucrative industries. I think we’re all aware of the “green” trend, but I thought it was interesting to note that the pet industry is also booming (which isn’t surprising if you’ve spent any time in a PetSmart store!)

Truly, I would like to use the “R” word, but I’m trying to be an optimist.

Adapting an entrepreneurial business in a down economy is challenging. You’ve got to get creative and stay positive, even while others around you may be faltering. Here are a few ideas:

Marketing: It’s important to maintain client relationships without being too aggressive in your marketing efforts. One of my favorite marketing approaches is a simple postcard, mailed every other month or quarterly. Don’t get caught up in the big sale; instead, offer some tidbits of advice that remind your client base of your value. They’ll appreciate that you’re staying in touch, offering resources, and not pushing the sale extra hard. You’ll stay top-of-mind for a low price. (I recommend getting your postcards printed and assembled at Kinko’s or Staples. You can bring them your mailing labels and stamps and they’ll put it all together for you, saving you valuable time.)

Proving your worth: This is the kind of climate in which clients most want to understand your worth. You’re likely competing with at least one other service provider, so you need to prepare yourself. Research market prices to ensure you’re competitive. Gather testimonials from past clients to post on your web site, use in your marketing materials, even include in your email signature if possible. Now’s the time to polish your resume, get your clips together, freshen up your sample books…generally get your act together so you can present the full package any time you have the opportunity.

Networking: You’ve got to keep those non-client relationships strong, so networking is key. If your budget’s tight, you may be considering letting some memberships lapse…but don’t! Association memberships are comparably low-cost when you consider the networking possibilities. Use your LinkedIn connections to make new contacts, and participate in online communities and list-servs. You never know when a contact will refer you to a new client.

Spirit: It may be tough to keep yours strong when you’re frustrated with a business slump. This is a great time to get in touch with old contacts that you’ve let slide, and to rekindle friendships that can offer support. Stay active with organizations and find new ways to hang out with business contacts - attend events together, take a class with a group, join up at a coffee house every week for communal work times - anything you can do to surround yourself with other creative, entrepreneurial folks.

These are just a few suggestions that have helped me stay strong through the years. I would love to hear more of your tips so join the conversation!

You may want to consider this update I received from colleague and Kyle Shannon mystery series author, Linda Mickey. An excerpt:

“Happy Spring. There is some big news in the publishing world that has a direct impact on me and thousands of other writers.

Amazon announced that unless certain publishing companies (mine included) use Amazon’s printing company, Amazon will not sell the book. An article in Business Week points out that Amazon’s real goal is to print ALL the books it sells on a print-to-order basis. Why? Because warehousing is costly. If Amazon switches to a print-on-demand business model, it will save millions of dollars. It’s a smart business move on their part and they have the marketplace muscle to pull it off.

There’s only one problem. Amazon’s print company, Booksurge, is not a good printer. iUniverse (my publisher) and others switched to Booksurge’s competitor because of quality issues. The Internet is full of complaints about Booksurge’s quality. (Some copies of my first book, Greased Wheels, had green pages that matched the cover.)

Why am I telling you all this? Because I want to assure you that my books are available at www.bn.com and www.powells.com and many other book selling sites. If they order from Amazon, I cannot guarantee the books will ever ship. Barnes and Noble also has a $25 free shipping program.

As always, thank you for your support. Keep reading!”

The Trib featured ideaxchanger Jackie Sloane this month discussing the benefits of virtual networking. If you would like to learn more about e-networking and e-marketing, come to my presentation tonight. Hosted by Independent Writers of Chicago, I’ll be highlighting the work of several ideaXchangers in a discussion titled “Writing for the Web: How to Find, Get, and Do Your Next Writing Gig Online.”

On Thursday, mix your virtual and physical networking at the mediabistro.com Chicago party for creative, content, media, and publishing pros at D4 Irish Pub & Cafe, just in time for the holiday. My cohosts and I enjoy getting to know your professional endeavors and introducing you to people with similar goals. Hope to see you at one or both events!