The Savvy Consultant Diaries

3 Ways : Collaborate & Build Brand Awareness

2011-02-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

The ability for a growing business to increase brand awareness is crucial in retaining high quality clients. When you increase brand awareness your sale goes from a commodity exchange to a true business relationship. The best part is that you do not have to do this alone. You can find collaborative partners to help you achieve your goal.

Collaborating with other businesses closely related to your field through co-promotion is a great way to increase brand awareness and build strong client relationships. For instance, a good real estate agent will have two or three good bank lenders that they work with closely, which build trust leading to potential future clients. By the same token, a good home builder will have a long list of electricians, plumbers and carpenters.

Some business owners place business cards, fliers and brochures in the offices of their networks helping to increase brand awareness by offering more options and different services to the customer. For example, local gyms and community centers typically have bulletin boards where they allow people to advertise their businesses. This is a great way to leverage the promotion of each other's products and services.

Additionally, word of mouth and social media are great ways to increase brand awareness, since people trust their friends more than commercials and other advertisements. Look to connect with businesses that are trusted members of the community. These businesses have substantial weight behind their recommendation. When you provide a referral to a partner business, they will start looking for ways to refer business back. Having a team of people referring your business is a great way to grow your company.

Finally, combine packages together to create more dynamic offers. Phone companies will team up with local cable and Internet providers in an effort to increase brand awareness by offering the consumer package deals at reduced prices. They get together to discuss what the packages they will offer and the responsibilities of each company. Once they have their pricing and features set, all companies involved will send out press releases and announcements advertising their new offerings.

The benefits of collaborating with other businesses are numerous. Partners reduce the pressure to accomplish everything alone. From building a referral network to an ability to increase brand awareness, it is key to build these relationships early in your business.

If you need a place to start, email Jules for additional information at jules@julesmgmt.com or call (347) 482-9071.

Jules is Turning the BIG 3-0...

2010-06-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jules is Turning the BIG 3-0...

Celebrate Wellness – Visit the Total Body Health Fair @ The Comcast Center – May 22, 10am – 6pm

2010-04-25T10:22:00.001-07:00

Answer: Because Your Marketing Should Be Memorable

2010-03-22T13:23:00.001-07:00

Question: Why should I call Jules?

in reference to: Facebook (view on Google Sidewiki)

Post your Meetups to Craigslist - African Women's Rendevous Meetup Group (Washington, DC) - Meetup.com

2010-03-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Post your Meetups to Craigslist - African Women's Rendevous Meetup Group (Washington, DC) - Meetup.com: "Soothes shaving irritation and helps replenish delicate underarm skin"

Facebook | Juliet Okafor I'm looking to partner with promoters and event organizers in Atlanta or DC, who have great ideas, a decent plan and are seeking sponsors or collaborators. Please email Jules - julesmgmt@gmail.com. I require an outline or proposal for the event, including budget. Thanks!

2010-02-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/julesmgmt?ref=profile#!/julesmgmt?v=wall:

"Predict the legal costs to run your business":

Small Businesses face numerous legal issues:

Need Contracts reviewed?
Interested in preparing for a tax audit?
Concerned if you have the correct business structure?

Consult a qualified attorney when you need one and then keep one on retainer for the situations that will com...e up. (After all, small businesses are a risky venture).
Contact Ali M. Alvi, Legal Consultant, for more information - alion014@gmail.com or (301) 755-5000
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Independent Associate
www.prepaidlegal.com

Recap: ART BUZZ Remix at Coco Sala « The Fab Empire - DC Fab

2009-10-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Recap: ART BUZZ Remix at Coco Sala « The Fab Empire - DC Fab

Out and About in DC - Shecky's Girl's Night Out

2009-10-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Jules & Friends "Out and About" in Washington, DC

Last Thursday, October 15, the ladies from the African Women's Rendezvous Group joined me for the Washington, DC "Girl's Night Out" event. The event was a wonderful event to view new jewelry and clothing designs from indie designers and original beauty and handbag products from local designers. In addition to fashion and beauty, guests were treated to free cocktails from Midori, Skyy Vodka and PINK. My preference were the green cocktails, as evidence from the pictures we took in front of their well-lit signage i the back of several photos (LOL!).

At the event, I purchased a cute pair of boots for $54.00 and signed-up to be a Stella & Dot Stylist. I also plan to attend a trunk show held by Mimi Dabo of the DC Examiner, on Saturday afternoon. Email me @ julesmgmt@gmail.com if you want to attend. Overall, the event was a raving success. I plan to attend next spring when the event is back in town, hopefully with a few more friends and Afronistas.

Check out the pics. CIao for now!

DC This Week ™: Tashia Senn Collections Spice Up the DC Fashion Scene

2009-10-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

DC This Week ™: Tashia Senn Collections Spice Up the DC Fashion Scene

Simple, sticky, successful sites - iMediaConnection.com

2009-10-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

Websites don't have to be complex to engage and indoctrinate loyal visitors. See what basic tactics will keep them coming back for more.

View >>

A step-by-step plan for finding your influentials - iMediaConnection.com

2009-10-19T11:06:00.001-07:00

Influence is the new online currency, but defining it -- and its true value -- is a complex task. Use this practical guide to find and leverage the best voices for your brand.

View >>

8 tips for B2B social media - iMediaConnection.com

2009-10-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

A lack of understanding is holding many businesses back from leveraging the power of social media. Find out how to clear the confusion.

View >>

Savvy Branding and Marketing on Paper: 100+ Washington D.C. Area Printers

2009-09-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents!

It's late and I am attempting to meet one of my client's deadlines for delivery of market research on local logo and web designers in the area. But, I was absolutely dumbstruck by the sheer number of companies help with marketing and design in the DC Metro Area.

A marketing consultant owes a great debt of service to relationships with savvy printers, designers, graphic artists, web designers, photographers, videographers and event planners. I know I could not do my job without help from these invaluable resources. So, from time to time I will note the names and contact information of local vendors that you can refer to if you need to create polished, professional and SAVVY printed, marketing documents.

So, I ran across the following list of printers in the Washington, DC area and wanted to share the names of these companies with you. I have no personal or professional relationship with any of the companies. Nor do I have a recommendation for the printing company you should use. But, I do recommend that as a savvy business owner or entrepreneur that you go out and get multiple quotes. Remember, be specific and negotiate!

Here you go! Please feel free to reply with a printer that I did not mention, but that you personally recommend:

Local DC Printing Companies:

Discovery Document Solutions

Concourse Level, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 466-2366

Community Printing Services

6979 Maple St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 726-4017

Sir Speedy

1300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 887-5100

Jonbar Printing & Graphics

1308 G St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 347-3737

Minuteman Press

1308 G St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 347-3737

Park Press Copying & Printing

1518 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 347-7979

Superior International Microfilm Corp

1401 New York Ave NW # B1, Washington, DC

(202) 393-1600

Fed Ex

1019 15th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 789-1260

Ace Press

202-338-4006 View Ad

910 17th St NW Suite-100

Washington DC 20006-2601

Jonbar Printing & Graphics

202-347-3737 View Ad

1308 G St NW

Wshngtn DC 20005-3004

Printer The

202-332-3945 View Ad

1803 Florida Avenue NW

Washington DC 20009-1708

3 Eyes Graphics & Printing

202-248-2199

5006 4th St NW

Washington DC 20011-6105

A-3 Vision Productions

202-223-4479

9293 Old Keene Mill Rd

Washington DC 20001

A-Agile Printing Co

202-785-5555

1667 K St NW Bsmt

Washington DC 20006-1643

ABS Complete Printing Services Inc

202-833-9444

1150 Connecticut Av NW

Washington DC 20036

Alphagraphics

202-638-1767

1325 G St NW

Washington DC 20005-3104

American Financial Printers

202-464-5500

734 15th St NW Ste 600

Washington DC 20005-1029

Arena Press

202-638-0000

13501 I St NW

Washington DC 20001

Asia Pacific Offset

202-462-5436

1332 Corcoran St NW

Washington DC 20009-7982

Automated Graphic Imaging

202-371-5484

1090 Vermont Ave NW

Washington DC 20005-4905

B & B Duplicators Inc

202-293-1252

818 18th St NW

Washington DC 20006-3513

.Baldwin Graphics Inc

202-347-0896

1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington DC 20004-1701

Blueprinting Networking Inc

202-466-4208

1147 20th St NW

Washington DC 20036-3409

Heading Match: Printers

FedEx Kinko's

202-547-0421

715 D St

Washington DC 20001

Government Printing Office

202-535-0825

432 N Capitol St NW

Washington DC 20001-1504

Green Press

202-785-3456

1899 L St NW

Washington DC 20036-3804

Hmc Printing and Design

202-289-4650

403 K St NW

Washington DC 20001-2530

Huff Printing & Ad Specialties

202-833-2000

1100 17th St NW

Washington DC 20036-4601

Hungerford Printing

202-678-8101

2207 Shannon Pl SE

Washington DC 20020-5739

Minuteman Press

202-742-4148

2000 K St NW

Washington DC 20006

Pado Jude

202-529-5909

2104 Rhode Island Ave NE

Washington DC 20018-2837

Paramount Press The

202-387-3042

125 Florida Ave NW

Washington DC 20001-1145

Park Press

202-347-7979

1518 K St NW

Washington DC 20005-1214

Penn Graphics

202-331-1210

900 19th St NW

Washington DC 20006-2105

Phoenix Printing Inc

202-363-3835

4115 Wisconsin Av NW

Washington DC 20016

Pip Printing

202-785-4040

1910 K St NW

Washington DC 20006

Platform Printing

202-521-5394

1451 Harvard St NW

Washington DC 20009-4676

Premier Printing & Services

202-635-2121

4313 19th Pl NE

Washington DC 20018-3307

Press Express Copy & Printing

202-429-5550

1015 18th St NW

Washington DC 20036-5203

.Pressxpress

202-589-0099

1201 I St NW

Washington DC 20005-5905

Pressxpress Inc

202-842-1600

1201 I St NW

Washington DC 20005

Printer The

202-332-3945

1803 Florida Ave NW

Washington DC 20009-1708

Printing by Yazge

202-526-7975

3407 8th St NE

Washington DC 20017-1747

Pronto Press Printing Co Inc

202-745-0047

1353 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington DC 20036-1801

Quality Printers

201-291-6565

301 Kennedy St NW

Washington DC 20011

Quality Printers

202-291-6565

301 Kennedy St NW

Washington DC 20011

Qwik Kopy Printing

202-362-8399

4000 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington DC 20016-2800

Ransar Business Services

202-722-2808

930 Kennedy St NW

Washington DC 20011-2916

Sauls Lithograph Co

202-529-9100

2424 Evarts St NE

Washington DC 20018-2120

Senoda Inc

202-293-3035

1050 17th St NW Ste 600

Washington DC 20036-5517

Staples Copy & Print Centers

202-293-4415

1901 L St NW

Washington DC 20036-3506

Staples Copy & Print Centers

202-638-3907

1250 H St NW

Washington DC 20005-3952

Superior Group The

202-393-1600

1401 New York Ave

Washington DC 20001

Techna Graphics Inc

202-529-6500

5600 2nd St NE

Washington DC 20011-2589

Twin Image Lithograph

202-723-0600

5523 Illinois Ave NW

Washington DC 20011-2937

USA Investors Corp

202-872-8000

Washington DC 20001

Washington Press Printing Co

202-526-6200

5650 2nd St NE

Washington DC 20011-2500

American Financial Printers

734 15th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 464-5500

Ace Printing

910 17th St NW # 100, Washington, DC

(202) 338-4103

Green Press

1899 L St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 785-3456

Advanced Printing

1201 New York Ave NW # 260, Washington, DC

(202) 898-1844

HMC Printing and Design

403 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 289-4650

Printer The

1803 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 332-3945

Beaver Press Inc

11 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 882-6690

ABS Complete Printing Services

1150 Connecticut Ave NW # B300, Washington, DC

(202) 298-5537

AAA Printing & Duplicating

1353 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 232-1123

Lagana Printing Services

513 C St NE, Washington, DC

(202) 543-2414

Paramount Press The

125 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 387-3042

Crystal Press

1990 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 223-1600

Metro Press

1444 I St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 789-2679

Press Express Copy & Printing

1015 18th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 429-5550

Copy Cats Copy Fast

1140 17th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 293-1146

Minuteman Press

1909 M St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 466-2826

Blueprinting Networking Inc

1147 20th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 466-4208

Impress Print & Copy

2001 L St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 296-1001

Insty Prints

1850 M St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 833-2606

Automated Graphic Imaging

1090 Vermont Ave NW # Lvl, Washington, DC

(202) 371-5484

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

1400 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 898-1401

Copy General Corp

1055 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 944-5460

Asia Pacific Offset

1332 Corcoran Street NW, #6, Washington, DC

(202) 462-5436

Sir Speedy

1429 H St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 408-8485

Sir Speedy

1212 G St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 638-6001

Huff Printing & Ad Specialties

1100 17th St NW # B8, Washington, DC

(202) 833-2000

Fed Ex

1350 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 628-3192

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

325 7th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 544-4796

Life Line Press

1 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 216-0600

Counsel Press

1090 Vermont Ave NW # 800, Washington, DC

(202) 783-7288

Minuteman Press

2000 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 466-7575

Sauls Lithograph Company Inc

2424 Evarts St NE, Washington, DC

(202) 529-9100

Techna Graphics Inc

5600 2nd St NE, Washington, DC

(202) 529-6500

A-Agile Printing Co

1667 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 785-5555

D J Printing Co

3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 387-6828

Us Printing and Copying Inc

1725 M St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 785-9424

Copyrite Printing

2000 L St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 463-4894

Printsource Inc

4301 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 237-5410

Blueprinting Network Inc

1147 20th St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 296-1828

Premier Printing & Services

4313 19th pl NE, Washington, DC

(202) 635-2121

Twin Image Lithograph

5523 Illinois Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 723-0600

Washington Press Printing Co

5650 2nd St NE # C, Washington, DC

(202) 526-6200

Ace Press

910 17th St NW # 100, Washington, DC

(202) 338-4006

Minuteman Press

555 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 347-6777

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

1612 K St NW # 100, Washington, DC

(202) 466-3777

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

3329 M St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 965-1414

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

2020 K St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 331-9572

FedEx Kinko's

715 D St Se, Washington, DC

(202) 547-0421

Fed Ex Kinko's Office & Print Center

5225 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 362-5003

A C R I Graphics

924 U St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 234-1887

Kwik Kopy Printing

4000 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 362-8399

P I P Printing

Washington, DC

(202) 785-4040

Westend Press

2445 M St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 659-5771

Caslon Press

2400 T St NE, Washington, DC

(202) 399-4100

Affordable Color Printing

4405 S Capitol St SW, Washington, DC

(202) 610-1812

Pronto Press

1353 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 232-1123

Platform Printing

1451 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 521-5394

Edelin Carl B Printing

2400 T St NE, Washington, DC

(202) 399-4100

Duplicators

728 Bonini Rd Se, Washington, DC

(202) 561-5454

Jarboe Printing Co

15 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC

(202) 291-3800

Sir Speedy

1029 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 393-8485

Human Events Publishing

1 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

(202) 216-0600

Regnery Publishing

1 Massachusetts Ave NW # 600, Washington, DC

(202) 216-0600

Plymouth Printers Inc

1200 Cushing pl Se, Washington, DC

(202) 488-7777

8 Tips to Create Your Own Budget Friendly, Sales-Savvy Print Brochures!

2009-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

While working for one of my clients, a local web design company, Gortek Consulting, I was asked to produce web copy for one of its clients. As I began drafting the copy, I began to do the exact thing I tell my clients never to do - I just started writing.

You see...I was writing and reviewing when it became clear to me that not only did I have no idea about the client for whom I was writing the copy, but I had no idea of the design or any real concept of the business I was supposed to be selling. This is a violation of Marketing 101 - knowing the objectives of the marketing.

So, I stopped writing and scrapped my initial version. I thought it sounded great, but its true value was my ability to use that sample to customize copy for any client, in any industry. This is not what my clients, or yours, pay for. Web copy or ad copy should be tailored to each client. So, I begin now with my:

Top 8 Tips for Budget Friendly, yet Sales-Savvy Print Brochure:

1. Get to Know The Client - Ask your client about business goals, personal goals, find out their personality, determine their favorite brands and how they perceive their business.

2. Know your audience- Hello! Ask yourself who will be reading this? If you are marketing to teens, use more images, simpler language and more conversational language. If your audience are professionals, adopt a more professional approach, but be sure to appeal to that particular group.

3. Research The Industry - Spend an hour or two checking out similar companies in the same industry who have adopted a marketing approach or content that you like or you believe will also appeal to your target audience.

4. Pursue Your Brochure Strategy! A tri-fold panel, made out of a regular sheet of paper is the simplest and fits most marketing budgets! Other things to consider:

Audience - If your audience tends to be upscale or tech-savvy, consider brochures that would be most appealing to these groups. Consider quality of paper, size and page count.
Product/Service - If you are selling an expensive item, you may need more than a tri-fold panel brochure. Consider a brochure with multiple pages and remember to use the back and front of each page. If your product is complicated or requires additional training, a three-page brochure may not do the trick. Be flexible here.

5. Brainstorm, Brainstom, Branstorm! - This step is the most important before you begin any writing - ever! I learned this in high school, but it was beat into me in law school. Get everything out BEFORE you start writing. Then, create a complete list of all the possible things you want to include. Don't forget to include the basics - logo, contact information, list of products and services and anything else you can imagine that will:

Adds credibility or presents the company in a positive light
Informs the prospect about the company's services
Makes the prospect want to buy now - via email, website or phone!

6. Prioritize the information - Organize each page based on how the ideal prospect would likely read it. This is subjective. My recommendation - start with the logo, contact information, image and a eye-catching statement or tagline on the first page. The rest is up to you...but litter the doc with testimonials, if you have them. If not, add you own personal reflections or corporate philosophy

7. Begin Writing - After you've chosen each section, begin with a headline and subhead line for every page. This makes it easy to direct prospects through to the pages they should pay attention to. Then be sure to add short paragraphs and bullet points to highlight each point. Use conversational language that sells. Include a web address or blog page on every page and include direct calls-to action as much as possible. Use facts and testimonials to bolster your content. Once you have created content for each section, always review, revise and polish your writing.

8. Revisit Your Marketing Budget - Here is where you begin to really save your business money. Brochures can be expensive based images, paper quality, printing costs, mailing costs and professional marketing fees. However, the better choices you make about each, the better.

So, when it's complete, review your budget and ask yourself:

Can I find high-quality, low-cost images?
Do I really need the best paper? Is there a less expensive option, with some impact?
Is there any way to minimize printing costs? (I typically advise my own small business clients to visit Vistaprint, an online. low-cost option for printing and marketing identity solutions. For additional discounts, send me your info or email jules@julesmgmt.com. )
Should I order the brochures in bulk or print only a few at a time? (This decision is based on your company's budget and needs. Remember, the rule here is the bigger the order, the deeper the discount.)

Based on your answers to the questions above, you should be able to print and order your budget-friendly, sales-savvy brochures! If you get to this step and you feel completely overwhelmed and stressed out...feel free to send an email to me, Jules. I will help get you back on track. Don't worry the advice is completely free of charge!

Did I forget anything? Want to comment? Post it here or visit me on Twitter! I leave lots of helpful small biz tips, tools and inspirational quotes. You can do this!

Ciao!

Jules

Gone too long...

2009-09-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Savvy Consultant has been idle on the blog, but busy in the boardroom...My tweets should make it clear that I have not been just hanging around. I have new clients, new marketing challenges and big social media plans... Stay tuned for the next update...

Co-Creation in marketing luxury Brands...

2009-02-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

Blog posting from Fruitful: Strategies for Social Good

Co-creation in luxury brands?

I've been thinking about the concept of co-creation as it relates to upscale/luxury hotels. There is certainly a macro-trend from Experience Economy (ie. here is the experience we're creating for you) to Participation Economy (ie. here is the space in which you can participate to create your experience.) It's happening mostly on the web, and it's also creeping into actual customer experiences (think Linux, Lego Factory, Apple retail stores, self-service hotels, etc.) yet there's an interesting challenge when it comes to luxury brands: customers are on vacation from work, and they're paying good money to have someone else create an experience for them. I'd be interested in your ideas on how to bring cocreation to life within a luxury brand setting... thoughts?
Posted at 08:55 AM Permalink

My Response:

When I read this article about co-creation, it sort of spoke to my goal in lifestyle marketing. I believe people are willing to pay top dollar for an experience, service or product that they believe is a true extension of their self. So, when I pitch to a prospective clients I ask about their current status, but I often speak to what my services can help them become, not who they are now. It's not new, but it works. Luxury is a lifestyle choice. The beauty of a privileged lifestyle is the number of options available and the ability to choose the best one.

So, when I market a product or plan events I share with my clients that the party, the service and the offerings must fit their clientele like a glove. Guests cannot be afraid to be seen there, in fact, they have to feel as though they deserve to be there and having arrived it is something they would like to experience again and again.

In luxury brands, the idea of co-creation is the ability to choose from many. It is the choices made by each guest or each consumer of the luxury brand that truly reflects the idea of co-creation. However, your job does not end there, because the ability to choose must also be met with the highest level of service, a price that reflects the selected option and the ability to make their part appear effortless.

Co-Creation and Luxury are inseparable.

The Music Masters Experience: Miami

2008-12-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

In partnership with Company 2 Entertainment in Atlanta, GA, JM&C is proud to invite aspiring Atlanta music artists to attend the following:

The "Music Masters" Experience: Miami

Date: February 19-22, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM
Departure Location: TBD
Destination: Miami, FL
To Register:
Email: julesmgmt@gmail.com
Call: (347) 482-9071

Music Masters' is a series of tours to select cities which highlights the chosen city's influence on music and helps provide aspiring or new artists with a complete picture of "the real life of a music artist."

"Music Masters" Experience: Miami is an intense 3-day workshop designed to introduce artists to a different music scene and present common music industry topics across the industry. The trip will educate and prepare young, aspiring musicians from Atlanta with for the business of music. Participants will meet with Miami music and media professionals, take trips to music institutions and venues, explore nightlife and experience the underground sounds of Miami.
------------------------------------------
The workshops core elements:
Music Industry History, Overview & Key Concepts
Music Industry Trends
Music Business Basics: (Representation, Management, Contracts)

Calling all Entrepreneurs: Make Money Online (PART I)

2008-12-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

Affiliate Marketing:

One of my partners has been talking incessantly about the benefits of affiliate marketing. I heard about it here and there, was invited to a conference earler this year in Las Vegas on the subject. Of course I declined the invitation. But, as a consultant it is my job, no my duty to investigate all possible income opportunities for my clients. So, I recently began doing some research -

I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. My initial intimidate was as a result of seeing so many badly designed website with Google Words on them. Often I had to focus intently on the text in order to avoid the distractions of the ads. At the time, I was merely a possible lead for one of the advertisers who posted their ad on a website I visited for one reason on another. But, I am considering affiliate marketing now, looking at it from the other side there are some definite highlights to getting into it.

First: Let me give credit to Jawar whose website I visited at 3:04 am this morning. I read this man's book when I started to ramp up my management activities in Atlanta during the summer of 2007. His book was one of my biggest resources when I began learning how to navigate the Atlanta Music Industry.

Jawar's website discussed the need for artists (and other entrepreneurs) to have multiple streams of income and make money online. One of his recommendations, would you guess, was also affiliate marketing. It seemed that I just could not avoid it.

The strategy in affiliate marketing is to partner with multiple websites. Depending on the website, you are paid based on the number of people you are able to direct to their website. This is not for the passive or the shy. Some money can be made doing this, but most people who engage in affiliate marketing are passionate marketers who are adept at search engine optimization, networking, chatroom conversations and utilizing social media networks to attract audiences to their website. Success mandates a comprehensive and strategic approach to internet marketing.

I am in the beginning stages, but I will update you on my progress as I go...