A Peek at MarketingProf’s Digital Marketing Factbook: More Content, Less Commerce

MarketingProfs just released an executive summary of their Digital Marketing Factbook. The landscape is changing and people are spending more time online seeking more content and less commerce-driven web sites.

- Email and search still reign supreme but social networking has taken a chunk of users’ time and will most likely continue to increase.

- Top alternate search sites include Craigslist, eBay, Amazon and Facebook and are sites to consider in a PPC strategy if applicable to your market.

- Mobile marketing is not being utilized and should be considered for B2C.

Overall, offering relevant content to your target audience is a must, no matter what industry you are in.

The valuable factbook is available for sale online. To read more of the executive summary, visit MarketingProfs.

Twilight News: Listen to A-Rated New Moon Soundtrack on MySpace Free

We still have to wait 36 days for the new Twilight movie New Moon. If you seek out all things Twilight, you can now listen to the new soundtrack on their Twilight MySpace page right now for free. Entertainment Weekly gave New Moon soundtrack an A rating and it includes some top artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Thom York, Muse, OK Go and others.

There is also a great New Moon trailer on the MySpace page and yes, there is an app for that. There is a Twilight Tracker iPhone/iPod Touch app available on the site.

What are you waiting for? Hello Edward!

Email Marketing – Planning Your 2010 Calendar Around Holidays

It is that time of year when the holidays approach and businesses plan their marketing for the final quarter of the year as well as next year. In addition to keeping an editorial content calendar, it is important to be aware of holidays and how your email campaigns can be impacted. Common travel days are also noted giving you extra insurance that you are sending your email campaigns on optimal days.

Prospects to Go puts together a wonderful annual email marketing calendar and notes dates to avoid email marketing such as government, religious and secular holidays.

Use a calendar like this one with your editorial calendar to plan out your 2010 email marketing.

When building your editorial calendar, keep a tickler file of newsletter ideas and research as you come across it. You can even use Delicious bookmarks and tag them “newsletter” for easy reference. Then when it’s time to write the latest newsletter issue, you have resources at your fingertips.

PLACE Ministries Announces Fall Workshops for Church Recruiters

I have been helping a friend’s client market PLACE Ministries and their christian volunteer recruiting seminars. I find it interesting that they help churches as well as individuals find the right roles for all of their talents. Non-profits can even learn how to best match volunteers to the roles that best suit them. In this economy, the better matched people are with their roles, the happier they are and the longer they will stay resulting in more effective ministries.

Like businesses, churches are faced with the challenging of motivating and equipping their volunteers and the staff that assist them. To help address this issue, PLACE Ministries is presenting two “train the trainer” workshops for equipping church leaders in the area of volunteer ministry placement.

The workshops are broken out into a one-day and two-day conference, with the two-day conference expanding upon the key principles and incorporating additional educational sessions. Church pastors and ministry leaders from all Christian denominations in the Atlanta metro and surrounding states are welcome.

One-day workshop: Thursday, October 22, 2009 in Dacula, GA from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Hebron Church. Hebron Church is located at 202 Hebron Church Road, Dacula, GA 30019.
Two-day workshop: Thursday and Friday, November 12-13, 2009 in Lilburn, GA from 8:00am – 4:30pm on day one and 8:30am – 3:30pm on day two. The workshop will be held at Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 4700 Church Street NW, Lilburn, GA 30047.
Workshop attendees will learn the basics on how to implement an intentional strategy for connecting God’s people to meaningful ministry – from personality discovery, learning spiritual gifts and ability awareness to connecting passion to ministry and experiences of life. The different workshop formats offer busy church leaders an introduction of the PLACEment process in a convenient and affordable manner, as well as providing more in-depth teaching and application.

Each workshop participant receives $50 worth of PLACE resources. The registration costs are as follows:

One-day workshop: $49/person: early bird registration (at least two weeks prior), $69/person: regular registration
Two-day workshop: Starting at $99/person for 60-day early bird registration
For more detailed information about the workshops, including group discounts of two or more people, call 1.877.463.2863 or sign up online – http://www.placeministries.org/trainingworkshops.

About PLACE Ministries
PLACE Ministries focuses on assisting church ministries in helping its members understand who they are in Christ and how they can use their spiritual gifts to benefit others. As a Bible-based, self-discovery process PLACE helps pastors, church members, lay leaders and others realize their ideal PLACE of ministry in life and in the local church. PLACE was created 12 years ago out of a desire to help pastors design and maximize church ministries and to help Christians discover their purpose-driven ministry through PLACE’s assessment tools, spiritual gifts inventory, DISC assessment, leadership training workshops and more.

To learn more about PLACE Ministries, visit http://www.placeministries.org/.

Expert Available: The founder of PLACE Ministries, Jay McSwain, is also available to interview regarding building volunteer programs for ministries and helping individual listeners find fulfillment in their roles. Jay’s business and ministry experiences, combined with his dynamic leadership and motivational style, offer a unique perspective in assessing the health of a church ministry. As an author, speaker and guest on both radio and television, Jay’s passion for people is quickly caught and not easily forgotten.

Georgia Department of Labor Gets a Facelift

With Georgia’s unemployment rate currently at 10.7% and rising, the GA Department of Labor is a very busy office indeed.

I learned that they have rebranded the state unemployment offices and now call them Career Centers. (I also picked up a few interesting job search tips from employment seminars that they are hosting.)

In the past, state unemployment offices were usually run down buildings where people would go to collect unemployment in a negative atmosphere. Since 1998, State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond had a vision to change the perception of these centers and improve communication how the DOL can help the unemployed reenter the workforce.

Georgia’s centers have been revamped and rebranded as Career Centers. The buildings are bright new facilities with a computer lab, meeting rooms and many resources for job seekers and employers. There is a more positive atmosphere than in the past and the employees are helpful and positive. The DOL is offering job fairs and seminars in places like the Forsyth County library. As a result, Georgia has been ranked one of the top states for reentering its unemployed into the workforce.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) operates 53 electronically connected local Career Centers offering a wide range of services to both job seekers and employers. The Centers provide individuals seeking employment all the latest tools to find and keep that special job. Employers will find assistance in recruiting new employees including a national job listing network, applicant screening, and space in the centers to conduct testing and employment interviews.

In addition to offering tips, I have received a job search handbook that is very thorough and helpful called RePLACE Yourself. Here are the job search and resume writing tips from the GADOL Reemployment Seminars I have been attending:

How people are finding their jobs:

Internet search – 3% jobs found here
Company web sites – 8% (and rising)
Newspapers – 5%
Staffing agencies, recruiters, libraries, churches, etc. – 15%
GDOL – 1%
Networking – 80% of jobs filled are NEVER advertised. (Wow.)

So where should you spend most of your time on a job search?

Resume Writing

Write for the HR Manager
- 9 out of 10 resumes don’t pass the first screener
- Put specific job at the top of the resume – customize each one
- Include keywords (industry, skills, qualifications, attitude)

Recommended books:

1. 101 Best Resumes to Sell Yourself
2. 2500 Keywords to Get you Hired
3. e-Resumes – The Best Way to Work the Internet

Survey – HR Managers look for

• Job skills – 15%
• Teamwork – 20%
• Attitude – 65%

Resume Tips

• Don’t use improper email address for contact information (hotmama at hotmail.com)
• Bold number and email address
• Customize title of resume to job you are applying for at top center of page just under contact information
• Just list jobs in the last 10-15 years unless it’s relevant to the job you apply for
• Don’t put your year of graduation

Job search and other tips:

Indeed.com – aggregate job search engine (use different keywords for job titles)
11 Alive job search
Order 250 free business cards from VistaPrint and just pay shipping.
Network with everyone you are in contact with.
Write thank you cards – get a pack at the Dollar Store.
Get a memory stick and keep resume and work samples on it.

Other sites I have found while searching:

Jobfox.com – list resume free, show full profile, get text messages when company looks at your listing
Visualcv.com – list resume and portfolio, share through social media
Linkedin
Twitter search
See my original job search post here – Laid off? Job looking shaky? Now what do you do? 5 Tips to Build Your Network Right Now.

John Hughes – A Voice and Soundtrack for a Generation

I was saddened when I heard that John Hughes had died.

I couldn’t imagine my childhood without John Hughes’ movies and music. From the groundbreaking Mr. Mom to the teen angst comedies 16 Candles, Pretty in Pink and Breakfast Club. I crushed on Jake Ryan, identified with Samantha Baker and went to school with a few Farmer Teds. I remember embracing Ferris Bueller’s mantra “leisure rules” and learning to take life not so seriously. I learned about high school, dating, voodoo economics (hee), society and family life through John Hughes’ eyes.

Not only did John Hughes make great movies, he provided original soundtracks with fresh new music when we were still being force-fed a limited number of songs on rotation at local radio stations.

Hughes’ movies set the precedent for future teen comedies and TV shows like 90210. He changed our culture and gave teens a voice. He captured all of the dizzying emotions that teens experience yet kept it real. Music and fashion industries were also impacted by this teen uprising.

I went shopping with friends after the movies to buy the latest Samantha hat, vintage dress and funky jewelry. I wanted to drive a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia after I saw Pretty in Pink.

Here are some great links regarding the movies and music of John Hughes. I am so thankful that he shared his stories with us and that they live on.

John Hughes: The Soundtrack to a Generation – LA Times blog

5 Movies that John Hughes will be Remembered For – Jezebel

John Hughes Movies: A Decade of Fashion Trends – Open Fashion Blog

Sincerely, John Hughes We’ll Know When We Get There – a fan becomes a pen pal of John Hughes and shares her experience

…Another Touching John Hughes Story – Defamer – sarcastic yet the essay referenced is endearing – the blogger lived next door to the 16 Candles house during filming in Chicago.

The Neverland Club – Molly Ringwald’s Op-Ed in the New York Times about John Hughes.

Real Men Can’t Hold A Match to Jake Ryan of ‘Sixteen Candles’ – Washington Post piece that I sent to all of my girlfriends (half of which have sons named Jake or Ryan. Hmmm.)

Get organized with free printable to-do lists for grocery shopping, general to do and blogging topics.

Since I have been home the past few weeks, I am learning to organize and save money through great blogs and newsletters. With two kids, two dogs and my husband, things are really hopping especially with school starting next week. I cannot believe how time is flying. I will be sharing what I find as I go and hope it benefits us all.

I found these neat free printable to do lists from the Frugal Gossip newsletter. The link is to Vale Design’s web site, a freelance package design and branding agency. The lists include a pain in the grocery list, a freakin to do list and a blog topic list. Love these! Enjoy and please share.

Frugal Gossip – deals and bargains from stores like Walgreens, Target, Wal-mart and more.

Vale Design – freelance package design and branding agency

Google Continues World Domination, Introduces Operating System

Google announced a new Google Chrome OS, an open source lightweight operating system initially designed for netbooks “for people who live on the web.”

Google continues to expand its product offering and it is exciting to see what else they have in store for us people who live on the web. Google seems truly invested in bringing consumers solutions that work within our realm instead of forcing rigid costly solutions (and problems) into our computing world.

Free and Cheap Kid-Friendly Things to Do in and around Forsyth County, GA

I was a working mom until about a week ago and now am transitioning to a stay at home mom. It is an odd but exciting feeling to be able to stay home with my daughters for the summer. So now I am planning on things to do that are low or no-cost in North Atlanta.

I will share the places I find and hope it helps you add to your summer adventures. I live in Forsyth County, GA so this will focus on this area for the most part. I will also update this as I go. Happy trails!

Forsyth County Parks – we are fortunate to have a wealth of parks available for our leisure. Here is a list with plenty of resources. Central Park is a favorite hangout. Poole’s Mill has a wonderful creek and shady playground.

Movies 400 - free summer movies on Tuesday and Thursdays at 10:00 am. The concession stand offers a special size $1.00 Popcorn and $1.00 Soda for these showings only. Join us this summer for free movies. Bring a can of food to support our can food drive and receive a free popcorn! (Free Family Film Festival Size only, Limit One Per Customer)

Forsyth County Public Library – activities, puppet shows and a calendar for story time keep the library a fresh fun place to go. Plus checking out books keeps our reading library replenished at no cost!

Cumming City Park Pool and playground – Hours: May 30-Aug 6, Mon-Sun 1pm–5pm; Adult Lap Swim: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-7:30pm; Call for lesson schedule. Cost: $3; lesson prices separate.

Catch Air – a cool and spacious jumpy place with weekly specials. They have a new magic wall and a preschooler area. They are adding neat things and keep it fun for the kids. One of our favorite places to go.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
Autrey Mill, located in Alpharetta, has miles of walking trails, a Heritage Village with original buildings and artifacts from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, animal exhibits and replicas of Native American dwellings. All activities on the grounds are free.
9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022.

Chattahoochee Nature Center – walking trails and educational sessions with a low cost admission is fun for the whole family.

Wills Park Wacky World and Disc Golf is a 110-acre park featuring baseball fields, a disc golf course, lighted tennis courts, picnic pavilions, walking trails and two large playgrounds, including “Wacky World,” a unique kingdom that kids rave about. Situated at the edge of the park is the Alpharetta city pool, which has a diving well with three boards, a shaded kiddie, shaded and open deck areas and a concession stand.

Chick-Fil-A – Tuesday night is family night at The Avenues in Cumming, GA. Balloons, face painting and special meal deals. Sign up for email newsletter local events and deals.

Barnes & Noble at The Avenues – story time and other fun events at the B&N in Cumming, GA.

North Georgia Premium Outlets – playground, food court and outdoor shops for window shopping and enjoying the outdoors.

Michaels – arts and crafts classes are offered at the Michael’s in Cumming, GA off Market Place Blvd.

Lowe’s – offers kids classes to build all kinds of fun things. Lowe’s in Cumming, GA off Market Place Blvd.

Waterparks around Atlanta – I just learned of the one, Bogan, near Mall of Georgia. Great list here and although there is a cost, some like Bogan are real deals.

Suwanee Town Center Park and Playtown Suwanee – a little bit further away but adventure awaits with an interactive fountain, lots of greenspace and a great playground.

Mulberry Moon Bride – Personalized jewelry, gifts and accessories for your wedding day!

Due to the success of MulberryMoon.com’s bridal section of products, they have expanded and now offer an entire web site of personalized gifts to make your wedding day extra special. Voted one of the top wedding sites from Modern Bride magazine, Mulberry Moon has the gifts that you need for your wedding, wedding party or for wedding gifts for the bride and groom.

Mulberry Moon Bride is the newest addition to the Mulberry Moon Gift Group, LLC. Mulberry Moon has been specializing in personalized sterling silver jewelry and fine embroidered and engraved gifts since 2003 on our website, www.mulberrymoon.com. The idea for Mulberry Moon Bride came from the many creative and astute brides who have been purchasing bridesmaid gifts and wedding day accessories from us for the past 6 years. These brides let us know they were looking for beautiful, yet affordable, personalized gifts, favors, and memory keepers for their wedding day as well as unique bridesmaid and thank you gifts. In 2009 we decided to expand Mulberry Moon and create a unique online store where all of our specialized wedding gifts and accessories are collectively available on one website. Our goal at Mulberry Moon Bride is to provide exceptionally personal wedding gifts and accessories with exceptional customer service and satisfaction.