tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23804791912614483832024-02-20T01:34:10.878-08:00à la CarteDavid J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-25151125404558133582011-03-16T17:56:00.000-07:002012-01-01T18:57:31.290-08:00I'm a marketer...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I was just reading some blog entries this evening and came across one that really hit home with me. You see, I'm a marketer...I love it...it's a fun gig. But what I really love is building companies. Anyone who knows me knows that I've made a career out of building companies and selling them off...it's a wonderful life! Being there from the inception to the development, the maturation and then exiting before it gets old and stale...what a great time!<br />
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The other thing about me, however, is that I'm a student of history...I especially admire the Robber Barons of the "Guilded Age"...that period between 1865 and 1900 where many fortunes were made through hard work, ingenuity, and hard business practices (not to mention the absence of personal income taxes). I've had many a debate with people about the "evils" of the Robber Barons (people with names like Gould, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Carnegie, Durant, and Harrison) but the one thing that nobody can deny is that these men left something in their wake. A bank, a railroad, a university, a steel mill, oil refineries, etc. These men left a legacy of employment that would serve hundreds of thousands, nay, millions of American families for decades after their deaths. Then comes my burning question...have any of the companies that I've had a hand in building provided for anything more than for those immediately employed..will they be standing 10 or 20 years from now? The answer is most likely, "no." My son asked me one day, "daddy, if you win the lottery what will you do with the money?" I honestly didn't know beyond the typical "pay off the house," "go on vacation," etc. But now I know. I would sink whatever I could into a manufacturing company that would have the best odds of continuing like those manufacturing companies of yesteryear. I would seek to rediscover what our forefathers knew about an honest days work for an honest days pay. I would do all I could in order to create a legacy of employment that would exist long after I'm gone. Perhaps that's already happening with this current company that I run now...perhaps my son will take over the helm one day, employ hundreds of people...then again, perhaps not. But there's just something that tears at my soul when I see "manufacturing," the engine that built the world's greatest super-economy, gone from our American landscape. I'm proud whenever WPM and/or iAdvertizing get to work with a company that actually produces a good, solid, fairly priced product right here in the States. Manufacturing is who we were in the past (right up until recent history), and if that becomes totally lost, marketing won't hold very much luster for me anymore. So I guess I'm here saying (not unlike so man others before me) Let's do all we can to support those who create, craft, build, innovate, and employ...and in so doing continuing a long rich heritage that we can certainly embrace and be proud of. I'm now a "buy local" guy...and I'm not a trendy person..(just ask anyone who works with me)<br />
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Best Always,<br />
Dave J.</div>David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-62088046186727531502011-03-08T08:22:00.000-08:002011-03-08T08:27:21.608-08:00The DEATH OF CROWDSOURCING?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h2 class="entry-title" id="article-title">Heads Up, HuffPo! The Mob Is Turning on Crowdsourcing</h2><div class="author vcard"><span class="fn">By John R. Quain</span></div><div class="published updated dtstamp">Published March 08, 2011<span class="value-title" title="2010-05-1T11:02Z"></span></div><div class="source-org vcard"><span class="org fn">FoxNews.com</span></div><div class="source-org vcard"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">"Crowdsourcing" powers sites like The Huffington Post and Wikipedia. But not for much longer.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Readers are becoming skeptical, web searches are starting to block them, and now the mob of unpaid folks responsible for much of the work is turning on the hand that fails to feed it, demanding -- shock, horror! -- to be paid.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Imagine that.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Originally hyped using marketing buzzwords like "user generated content" and "crowdsourcing," the basic idea was simple: Convince people online to submit free information (reviews, song listings, citizen journalism reports, etc.), and then collect it all and sell it to advertisers and gullible investors. It was catnip to website developers: virtually no capital investment and pure profit.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">It sounds too good to be true, but there have been successes. Music information site Gracenote used to get most of its information for free. It's now owned by Sony. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/scitech/technology/wikipedia.htm#r_src=ramp">Wikipedia</a> put Microsoft's Encarta out of <a class="kLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380479191261448383#" id="KonaLink0" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">business</span></span></a>, and it reduced the Encyclopedia Britannica to a $100-plus a year online subscription service.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">And money is pouring into hip destinations like question-and-answer networking site Quora (if you haven't heard of it yet, you will soon). Even AOL got sucked in, recently paying $315 million for one of the most well-known crowdsourced blogs, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/the-huffington-post.htm#r_src=ramp">The Huffington Post</a>. There are scores of others, of course, ranging from content farms like Demand Media and Seed to niche sites like Yahoo Answers, Stackoverflow and Ask.com.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">But there are flies buzzing in the crowdsourcing pool.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Readers increasingly regard such sites as notoriously inaccurate, irrelevant and generally suspect. Restaurant reviews in Yelp may be posted by relatives of restaurateurs -- or competitors. <a class="kLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380479191261448383#" id="KonaLink1" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">Company </span><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">profiles</span></span></a> in Wikipedia may be written by the business' own PR department. And so-called citizen journalists at The Huffington Post may be publishing material that's actually written by marketing pros spinning "news" stories. Indeed, HuffPo founder <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/reporters/arianna-huffington.htm#r_src=ramp">Arianna Huffington</a> recently admitted as much, saying that her contributing authors are like those who appear on talk shows simply to promote their own books and movies.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">The problem has also caught the attention of the world's search engine, Google. It launched a counterattack last week, changing its algorithm to kill listings from what it determines are content farms or "low-quality" sites. Bad news indeed for crowdsourced news.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">An even more threatening groundswell may be underway. Some of the unpaid, unappreciated volunteers supplying all this free content are going on strike. Many have become disillusioned with others taking <a class="kLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380479191261448383#" id="KonaLink2" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">credit</span></span></a> for their work. Some have simply become bored (witness the decline in the number of volunteer editors working on Wikipedia). Still others have begun to resent the fact that their gratis work is lining the pockets of the owners of sites like The Huffington Post.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.visualartsource.com/" target="_blank">Visual Art Source</a>, which had been supplying reprints of some solid art reviews to The Huffington Post, was the first to announce a "strike." It’s a small step, to be sure, but it raises the question, if others withdraw material from the site what did <a class="kLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380479191261448383#" id="KonaLink3" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">AOL</span></span></a> actually pay for?</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">I don't expect that a great torrent of contributors will immediately abandon the HuffPo, but the trend is ineluctable. No one can sustain a work-for-free lifestyle. As the economy improves and people go back to work, crowdsourced sites will find themselves, well, without crowds of contributors.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Unfortunately, tech folks can't resist applying the same bad idea to every conceivable area of endeavor until it is thoroughly discredited. At <a href="http://www.ted.com/" target="_blank">the recent TED conference</a> in Long Beach, CA -- the happening de jour for chic techies -- some panelists suggested that teachers (those outmoded educational tools) should turn classes over to crowdsourced videos and online information. Throw out the text books written by wizened professors, they proclaimed, the kids are alright. Just let them watch YouTube!</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Of course, teachers have heard of the <a class="kLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2380479191261448383#" id="KonaLink4" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">Internet</span></span></a> and many use online videos -- but they vet the material first -- just as they have always suggested what books to read or how to do proper research. They must because most of the "content" online has proven itself over and over again to be, well, garbage. Funny, amusing, sometimes engaging, yes, but also biased, untrustworthy, and usually inaccurate. Not exactly the ideal basis for a formal education.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Ultimately, crowdsourcing underscores the fallacy of free information: It violates the basic principles upon which our entire economy and culture is based. People focus on individual areas of endeavor, excel and become experts in those areas, and ultimately get compensated for those efforts. This applies to everyone from <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/entertainment/music/pop/justin-bieber.htm#r_src=ramp">Justin Bieber</a> to your local farmer. We pay truck drivers to bring us food, we pay doctors to heal the sick, we pay comedians to entertain us.</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">We even still pay musicians for music (you do, right?).</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">These are basic principles that even technology can't change. Put another way, you can fool some of the people some of the time . . . but only until the next high-tech fashion comes along</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
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</div></div>David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-79869727161691456552011-02-25T06:13:00.000-08:002011-02-25T06:13:45.307-08:00The Redistribution of Wealth? It Already Happened<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By: <a class="tooltip_item" href="http://adage.com/author/matt-carmichael-peter-francese/3999" jquery1298642169599="193">Matt Carmichael, Peter Francese</a><br />
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Politically, there's been a lot of talk about the "redistribution of wealth" which seems to be a fancy way of saying "getting the people with money to help pay for the people who don't." We'll leave the politicking to the Colberts, Becks and Maddows, but the demographics of income have profound implications for those of us who want to sell products to the diminishing group who have a pile of disposable income, or the vast majority of consumers who do not. It's probably not coincidental that the golden age of advertising took place in a time when there was a healthy middle class to sell product to. Those days are over. There's no point in arguing about redistributing wealth. It already happened. <br />
Last spring (2010) the Census Bureau found that 42% of American households had an income between $50,000 and $150,000 a year. That's a pretty good proxy for middle class. Those 49 million households earned an average of about $85,000 a year. Above them on the income scale were the 8% of U.S. households that had an annual income of $150,000 a year or more. Their average income was about $243,000 a year. Below them on the income scale (income under $50,000/year) were the not-well-off half, 50% of U.S. households. Their average income was just $25,000 a year. <br />
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Over the past 10 years, the middle class, as defined above, shrank from 44% of all households to 42%, while the percentage of households earning under $50,000 a year rose from 48% to 50%. The numbers of the affluent have been less volatile. Despite a drop of 1.2 million households earning $100,000 or more between 2008 and 2009, the highest-earning households -- those earning $150,000 or more annually -- stayed at the same 8% level since 2000. All these comparisons are in inflation-adjusted constant dollars. <br />
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Had the American middle class maintained its 44% share of households, there would be an additional 2.6 million households (at an average of 2.5 people/household, that equates to 6.5 million people) in the middle class. Since the share of households earning more than $150,000 per year has remained the same, some middle-class households may have joined those households earning under $50,000 per year. In any case, we estimate that since 2000, the middle class has shrunk by 2.6 million households and it may have given up an average of $60,000 per household, totaling to an aggregate of $155 billion in consumer income. <br />
During the past 10 years, average household income in constant dollars for all U.S. households dropped about $2,500 -- a 4% loss which indicated a $292 billion drop in total consumer income. So the middle class loss was only responsible for about half (53%) of the total loss of consumer income. The other 47% was lost almost entirely by those households earning less than $25,000. Middle-class incomes have dropped slightly since 1988 in inflation-adjusted dollars. The median household income in the U.S. has been fairly stagnant for the last half century. <br />
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The growth has all happened at the top, according to a CNN/Money.com analysis that showed the explosive income burst for the top 5% of earners since World War I. The top 1% has seen income grow 33%. The top 0.01% now earns nine times what the rest of the top 0.1% earn and 875 times what the bottom 90% of Americans earn, according to University of California-Berkeley research cited in Mother Jones. While it's bounced around a lot from year to year, the share of income taken in by the top 1% of earners has grown significantly as other demographics have steadily lost ground. <br />
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There is plenty more to say on the subject, but it all adds up to a radically different picture of the American household than Ogilvy, Burnett, Rubicam and others faced.<br />
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</div>David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-10402709083483954412010-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:002010-12-02T13:28:34.393-08:00$50 BILLOIN IN ONLINE ADVERTISING - The L.A. Times<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<h1><span><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/11/morgan-stanleys-mary-meeker-on-the-internet-boom.html" title="Online advertising to balloon to $50 billion, Morgan Stanley's Mary Meeker says"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Online advertising to balloon to $50 billion, Morgan Stanley's Mary Meeker says</span></a></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">November 16, 2010 | </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #8b0412; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 15.5pt;">10:54</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> <span style="color: #8b0412;">am</span></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mary Meeker, whose reputation came under fire in the fallout from the dot-com boom, is once again </span></strong><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2010/tc20101116_062591.htm" target="_self"><strong><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none;">one of the top analysts influencing investors</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A managing director who leads Morgan Stanley's technology research, Meeker came up with 10 questions that Internet executives should ask themselves. She reeled off thoughts, statistics and predictions for the Internet industry during a </span></strong><a href="http://www.morganstanley.com/institutional/techresearch/tenquestions_web2.html" target="_self"><strong><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none;">presentation</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco on Tuesday.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Among the most eye-popping: a $50-billion online advertising boom. Meeker pointed out that people spend 28% of their time on the Internet but that only 13% of advertising is there.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She also said that Facebook has "one of most under monetized classes of advertising on the web" and that "Twitter is in a similar situation."</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Meeker returned again and again in her talk to the dramatic growth of the mobile Web. She predicted that in 2012, smart-phone shipments will overtake those of personal computers. A new wave of companies, such as </span></strong><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov/15/news/la-fi1115-new-app-20101115" target="_self"><strong><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none;">Dave Morin's Path</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">, are building on that prediction, focusing on mobile apps rather than on websites.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">-- Jessica Guynn</span></strong><br />
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</div>David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-40349639390886890992010-12-02T06:05:00.000-08:002010-12-02T06:05:31.822-08:00Don't Track, Don't Tell...Reprinted from <b>AdAge</b>:<br />
<br />
<h1>Federal Trade Commission Proposes 'Do Not Track' for Internet Advertising</h1> by: Edmund Lee<br />
<br />
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The stakes for online privacy just got a little higher. <br />
The Federal Trade Commission revealed its proposal for a universal "do not track" mechanism on Wednesday that would allow people to choose whether they want internet companies to collect information on their browsing habits. On Thursday, a House subcommittee is holding a separate hearing on the matter. Online publishers and advertisers have come to rely on such data, and any significant alteration of current practices would have deep implications for the internet industry. <br />
The FTC's <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/os/2010/12/101201privacyreport.pdf">report</a> stated that despite numerous attempts at self-regulation, the industry has not done enough to protect consumers' privacy online, and that they need to work faster and improve their efforts. <br />
"We're sending a clear message that self-regulation of privacy has not worked accurately," FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said in a call with reporters Wednesday. "The industry as a whole needs to do a far better job." <br />
A coalition of advertising industry trade groups calling itself the Digital Advertising Alliance initiated a self-regulatory effort <a href="http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=146240">a few weeks ago</a> that would allow consumers to choose to prohibit marketers from targeting them with advertising. The DAA, which is comprised of the 4As, the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), represent more than 5,000 corporations. <br />
This initiative had been met with some praise from officials at the FTC when first launched, but it has not progressed quickly enough, according to Chairman Leibowitz. <br />
"I think the people who are doing that are very well-intentioned," he said, "but it has been in pre-beta development for quite some time -- I think for more than two years. We'd like to see them move faster." Chairman Leibowitz did indicate, however, that the industry group appears to be taking proper steps and that its efforts could lead to a "more comprehensive" system. <br />
Stuart P. Ingis, partner at Washington law firm Venable and counsel for the DAA, said that the online ad industry has delivered the kind of choice the Commission has asked for, and that the business community is in the best position to execute these plans. "We've built a very good framework," he said of their <a href="http://aboutads.info/">consumer opt-out program</a>, which launched a few weeks ago. A significant component of the industry's program includes an icon that will appear on ads, which will lead consumers to an opt-out page. "In the next months, this will be ubiquitous," Mr. Ingis said. <br />
<strong>Stopping collection, not just targeting</strong><br />
The Commission had expressed concern that the industry program does not allow people to keep online marketers from collecting data on their surfing habits, but only prevents marketers from serving, or targeting users with more relevant advertising. "We support the opt-out of collection not just targeting," Chairman Leibowitz clarified. <br />
But according to Mr. Ingis, the industry program does stop marketers from collecting data once they choose to opt out, underscoring a larger question over what purposes the Commission defines beyond the scope of advertising. "We've had dialogue with them on this issue before, and we've met that goal," he said, "but if they want to extend the opt outs to include collecting data for purposes other than marketing, I don't know how that will work." He pointed out that third parties collect data for purposes other than advertising, such as email log-in authentication, as well as traffic data such as Google Analytics, which is widely employed across the web. <br />
"That's why 'Do Not Track' is such a misnomer," he said. <br />
The Commission's guidelines are preliminary, and it underscores the FTC's limited authority. A Do Not Track law could only be enacted by Congress, suggesting that this report is an appeal to whichever party -- industry or Congress -- will act more quickly. A subcommittee is holding a hearing called "Do-Not-Track Legislation: Is Now the Right Time?" on Thursday. <br />
<strong>How it would work</strong><br />
A sticking point is how exactly a Do Not Track feature would work. The Commission's report spells out a specific example whereby a web browser, such as Firefox, would install a piece of software such as a cookie onto the user's browser that would signal to online marketers whether that consumer has chosen to make available his or her browsing habits in return for targeted advertising. But such a mechanism would only be specific to that browser and not to the specific person, as the Do Not Call legislation offers. <br />
A browser-enabled Do Not Track feature would also have to differentiate between data collected for marketing purposes, or other reasons, whether for traffic data or log-in authentication, such as online banking. <br />
But privacy advocates have largely approved of the Commission's report, and argue that a Do Not Track program is technically feasible. "The browser-based mechanism is simple and very generalize-able," said Peter Eckersley, senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "It could apply to mobile platforms without changing much. There is some flexibility on this proposal." <br />
Chairman Leibowitz also said that despite the specific Do Not Track example outlined in the report, "it's not the only way, and that's why we're seeking comment. We're big believers in transparency and process, and if someone has a better idea, we want to hear it."David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-25800351561564979962010-07-09T07:50:00.000-07:002010-07-09T07:50:38.734-07:00Thank You AdAge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/TDc2qQRRcII/AAAAAAAAAHA/U44xwRVrZac/s1600/icon256x256.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/TDc2qQRRcII/AAAAAAAAAHA/U44xwRVrZac/s200/icon256x256.png" width="200" /></a></div>Today an <b>article was posted in AdAge</b> about new agency pricing models changing the game for the industry and for clients, alike. This is something we here at iAdvertizing.com have known since our inception. We're thankful that others are realizing the benefit of "transparency" also. Please read the article below from Today's AdAge.com <br />
Best Always,<br />
Dave J.<br />
<br />
<b>Nontraditional Firms Can Lead Way to Better Pricing Structures</b><br />
<i>We Have a Pendulum Swing When What We Need Is a Paradigm Shift</i><br />
<b>by Bill Boris-Schacter <br />
</b>Published: July 08, 2010<b> </b><br />
<br />
The value-based pricing debate is just the latest chapter in the history of client-agency haggling over compensation. <br />
<br />
Everyone is frustrated. But arguably, different kinds of agencies have different reasons for frustration. Nontraditional agencies (like the one I work for), which never engaged in the pricing methodology that led to today's value-based pricing, are suffering alongside our traditional brethren paying the price for bad pricing. <br />
<br />
I'm not here to complain about unfairness but rather to suggest that nontraditional agencies have a pricing approach that offers a better solution. <br />
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First, some history. Today's value-based pricing represents the full arc of the pendulum swing from decades ago when agency fees were simply a mark-up on media spend -- an elegant, yet incredibly self-serving approach, because agencies were motivated to spend more for their clients, whether or not it was the right strategy. The important point is that price had nothing to do with the cost to the agency to manage the campaign. <br />
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Sound familiar? That's basically the situation we're in with value-based pricing, only now it's the clients establishing the price with little regard for the cost to agencies. With value-based pricing, cost is explicitly excluded from the discussion. Clients openly don't care what the cost to the agency is; they decide, based on historical data, what they're willing to pay, with a potential for upside only if key success measures are met. The eventual upside may merely cover overhead, if that, and may never lead to profit for the agency. Is anyone surprised that less than 1% of agencies are willing to accept value-based pricing? <br />
<br />
Once agencies were guilty of pricing with seemingly arbitrary connection to costs; now it's clients. Quite the pendulum swing. <br />
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I believe what is needed is a paradigm shift, not this pendulum swing. The paradigm shift can be modeled by those of us at nontraditional agencies (in my case, a brand-experience agency), which have never charged based on media. We have historically been more project-based than our advertising brethren. We make tangible creative products -- brand experiences you can feel and touch, live events, things that have real, hard costs and require extraordinary expertise and talent. We used to regard this as a weakness -- it meant we were "tactical" -- but in pricing, it's actually a strength. <br />
<br />
Because we have had to present our pricing to our clients on a much more regular basis, we have had to explain and defend our pricing over and over again. We've perfected a simple approach to pricing our services that works with any client, be they marketers or procurement personnel. It can be summed up in one word: "transparency." <br />
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Transparency in pricing shows the buyer, in clear and straightforward terms, exactly what it costs us to deliver what we promised, and exactly where we are making money. We detail how our fees are calculated based on roles, hours and rates. We specify by line-item what we anticipate our third party costs to be (which for a live brand experience may be as much as 80% of the total price). We specify what costs are fixed and what costs may vary (and we limit those variable costs). We walk our clients through all of this and then discuss opportunities for potential savings or potential rewards through the attainment of mutually agreed-upon performance goals. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, we set a foundation for an open conversation where cost and price are inextricably linked. Both sides are clear about where we make money and where we are spending money, and both sides are confident that we're doing so in a way that's responsible. <br />
<br />
Transparency leads to understanding. Understanding leads to trust. Trust speeds agreement. And transparency has the added benefit of compliance with all the mandates required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. <br />
<br />
Just as clients have looked to nontraditional agencies for new approaches to their marketing, they can look to us for new approaches to their pricing. And then, hopefully, we can all stop paying the price for bad pricing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/TDc29jobRRI/AAAAAAAAAHI/nFqLB8dsuUc/s1600/boris-schacter070810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/TDc29jobRRI/AAAAAAAAAHI/nFqLB8dsuUc/s320/boris-schacter070810.jpg" /></a></div><b><br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b> <br />
Bill Boris-Schacter is exec VP of operations and client finance at global brand experience agency Jack Morton Worldwide.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-7896349467925777642010-04-29T09:12:00.000-07:002010-04-29T10:15:06.755-07:00My Type of Politician<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S9m-BibBDII/AAAAAAAAAEU/he7cmkZ0zA8/s1600/17247_1242942885286_1580777716_588015_1320624_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S9m-BibBDII/AAAAAAAAAEU/he7cmkZ0zA8/s320/17247_1242942885286_1580777716_588015_1320624_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465608556420074626" /></a><br />By nature I'm not a political being (I'm in advertising) but it occurred to me just the other day that our politicians could use a little creative thinking (like our designers provide us) when it comes to their jobs and the performance of their required duties. Hypothetically speaking, if I ran for office, I'd use a lot more common sense than I'm seeing exhibited by our current gang of elected officials. Now, before I tell you what I'd do to correct the situation let's begin with some basic assumptions:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. That our elected officials are there to represent US as citizens. That's their job description, period.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. That our elected officials are citizens of the United States, just like those they are chosen to represent (again, US common folk).</span><br /><br />Now, as I told my wife the other day if I ran for elected office in Washington I'd go for one term and do two things. The first thing that I'd do is run on a platform of COMPLETE REPRESENTATION. Meaning that my political views would be, should be, and are otherwise irrelevant. What I think or believe would not matter in the least. My understanding of representative government is that I'm NOT being put in place to further my own personal or ideological agenda, and therefore, what I believe should NOT count. Instead of staffers manning phones and taking down messages that our current representatives never see and/or pay attention to, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'd set up a website that would contain the following:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">a. Every bill on which I would be voting<br /><br />b. The official language of that bill<br /><br />c. Lay person language/interpretation of that bill (for those non-lawyers out there)<br /><br />d. What that bill means to the people I represent (both upside and down)<br /><br />e. A set of buttons: vote - [] yes [] no</span><br /><br />With this straight forward (and very easy to implement) approach every voter's voice could and would be heard. We have the technology to do this now, unlike even a mere decade ago. Oh, and for those of you saying "what about those without computers?" Guess what, Internet Cafe's, Public Libraries,etc... all have computers with Internet access for the public. Access is not an issue. And as a representative I would then cast my official vote "yes" or "no" based off of the direct response from the people in my district. No middle man so to speak...just the unbridled will of the people being conveyed directly and unfiltered to their chosen representative. And yet another benefit...there's a record so I could be held accountable. Did the number of yes or no votes from the website log correspond with my voting record? Holy cow...you mean my constituents could hold me "ACCOUNTABLE?" Say it ain't so! (Oh and by the way, there would be another staffer or two to verify the addresses of the people responding so no "stuffing the ballot box" so to speak). Politicians who employed this would NEVER have to defend their decisions on voting. It would be a simple matter of votes, one way or the other...very binary!<br /><br />Secondly...I would go to Washington to officially bring to the membership a motion for the 28th Amendment of the Constitution. This amendment would read something like this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Congressional and Executive Branches of the United States government shall pass no law, binding upon the citizenry of the United States, that shall not be equally binding to all members and staff of Congressional, Executive, and Judicial branches of the United States government.</span><br /><br />It would pass folks...I'd love to see the politician face his or her district voters and try to explain WHY they did not vote for a Constitutional Amendment that made them equal to us. It simply would not happen. <br /><br />Now I've mentioned these two items to several dozen people over the past few weeks...both Democrat and Republican alike, and not one of them said "that's a bad idea Dave...as a matter of fact most of them said, "Run Dave...I'd vote for you on those platforms." Now if someone as mentally challenged as I am can come up with a solid idea for both absolute representation and equality between government and citizens why aren't others? Have you heard one politician espouse either of these ideas...if so, please let me know. I want to support him or her.<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-23051750294944553602010-04-13T11:47:00.000-07:002010-04-13T11:55:40.024-07:00AMAZING ARTICLE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S8S-DCKb25I/AAAAAAAAAEM/f07xqjWTTg0/s1600/_1015577.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S8S-DCKb25I/AAAAAAAAAEM/f07xqjWTTg0/s320/_1015577.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459697607609408402" /></a><br />I had the following article sent to me by a friend who is also in the advertising business. He looked it over and with what's being reported came to the same conclusion as me...that if indeed we will be able to see the various "real time" importance and/or relevance of one social topic compared to another we and our clients can adjust strategies "on the fly" with greater accuracy and results.<br /><br />Enjoy<br />Best Always,<br />Dave J. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Watching the Internet Think<br />By John Brandon<br /> - FOXNews.com </span><br /><br /><br /><br />The Web is an organism, and science can graph it. Through mesmerizing, flowing images and pulsing charts, new Web sites show who’s talking about which topics and how the Internet is connected -- even which colors are popular this season. <br /><br />It's literally the pulse of the Web. Want to try it for yourself? Here's the best sites to visit. <br /><br />Digg Labs<br />No one can match Digg for monitoring the hysteria of the moment -- links can soar to 5,000 Diggs in just a few days, and no one really knows why. Digg Labs helps you get a visual handle on the hoopla.<br /><br />There are six labs, but each one taps into real-time Digg information. It's not experimental -- these are real Diggs from actual users, but the method of showing the data is unusual. Stack drops small tiles onto a graph that slowly builds into popular Diggs. Swarm is like a beehive where actual digg topics latch onto one another, following the progression of anonymous users. <br /><br />Arc is - as you can guess - a group of Diggs that move around a circle. Larger text sizes means hotter topics. Big Spy -- perhaps the least useful tool -- shows larger text sizes for the most popular topics. And Pics is all about popular photos and graphics. (Be careful with this one at work, it can show you pornography on rare <br /><br />Knowing that these tools can drain your Internet connection of all life and vitality, Digg Labs will pause automatically if you leave them open in your browser for too long.<br /><br />Google Trends<br />Google Trends lets you compare terms such as "Barack Obama" and "Sarah Palin" to see who is more popular on the Web, and there's an interesting way to visualize the answers: When you search, you can view a bar chart with spikes that shows not only search topics (such as "Tiger Woods") but commentary from real posters on the Web, what Google calls real-time search. These comments include blog posts, social networking updates, and Twitter status.<br /><br />"As the amount of information on the Web grows, the need for new ways to parse that information grows too," said Dylan Casey, product manager at Google. Casey explained that graphing tools give you the big picture, just as a ski resort might report on average monthly our yearly snowfall levels. The averages help you plan your ski trip beyond just knowing how much it snowed in the last week.<br /><br />Using Google Trends, it's possible to see a graph over a historical period too -- say, for three years -- to see if the topic is becoming more popular. This could help a golf club manufacture plan a new product -- or a new advertising campaign boost interest.<br /><br />Microsoft Pivot<br />Presented at the TED conference recently, Microsoft Pivot is a remarkable tool that lets you research Web information in real-time with a simple bar chart -- and it's a great way to watch Wikipedia.<br /><br />Normally, Wikipedia entries are self-contained -- you can look up Barack Obama and read his biography, for example. But what if you wanted to research his accolades? Pivot shows you he was the Time Magazine person-of-the-year. You can then "pivot" this data and see every person-of-the-year, or click filters to see only African-Americans. This type of data exploration just isn't possible otherwise.<br /><br />"Anything visual is more immersive," explains Brett Brewer, the Microsoft general manager in charge of Pivot, which is part of the Live Labs project. Pivot presents data in a way that makes exploration easier and leads to amazing discoveries. This kind of visualization uses a stock set of data -- say, Sports Illustrated covers or Wikipedia posts -- but could be used for any live data on the Web, such as accident reports. Pivot can show mortality rates, for example, letting you pivot the data to see in real-time that young men die in more car accidents than women.<br /><br />Trendistic<br />Twitter.com has become a news outlet of sorts -- people tweet on topics almost immediately after they occur, and sometimes during the event itself. That's what makes Trendistic.com so valuable: the site shows the pulse of the Internet, including the most popular celebs, news topics, and gadgets. Are people talking more about the NBA or MLB? <br /><br />Sociologists study these patterns by performing surveys and interviewing people (read any of Malcolm Gladwell's books, including his latest) but Trendistic is a picture into the soul of the Web. For any term, you can also see real tweets and start following what they say from your own Twitter account.<br /><br />Cosmic 140<br />Another chart that shows Twitter trends, Cosmic 140 is the creation of Information Architects a Web design firm. The map -- which has not been officially released -- is amazingly complex, showing a "cosmological" chart that shows the most important Twitter users and how they are all connected to each other, starting with the three Twitter founders.<br /><br />Explains founder Oliver Reichenstein, "We chose Twitter because (unlike Facebook) it allows us to access specific data and it features a lot of high profile people that define the new nodes based on tweets per day, number of tweets, and tweet content."<br /><br />Trendrr.com<br />Trendrr.com, like Google Trends, shows topics as trends on the Internet, but goes a few steps farther. For example, the service can shows trends in how people are commenting on YouTube videos or track individual terms and phrases on Twitter. Broadcasters might use it to find out what people are saying about a new TV show, based on Facebook updates, Twitter comments, and actual usage data. In some ways, this is better than Nielsen Ratings system because it tracks real-time posts and commentary.<br /><br />"People can use graphed Web info as a tool for business intelligence, to gain deeper market insights, for research or to keep tabs on an industry, product, and term," says Mark Ghuneim, the CEO at Wiredset, the marketing and strategic planning company that created Trendrr. "By visualizing Web data in graphical ways we can glean more important insights, faster."David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-37944306600259729482010-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:002010-04-08T06:22:32.195-07:00It's not over yet!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S73YaXhbpNI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6wh-tl3RtZ0/s1600/iStock_000001724029Small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S73YaXhbpNI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6wh-tl3RtZ0/s320/iStock_000001724029Small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457756270945346770" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">G</span>ood morning everyone. (all one of you that's following this blog *snicker*)<br />Normally I get on here just to hear/see myself think and there's something that I just have to put down...if, for no other reason than to help me think through it...Namely where I believe that economy is going. I hear so many pundits speak of "happy days" being here again, but I'm just not seeing it. (I know that this doesn't necessarily have to do with advertising, but it does affect our clients) I'm seeing some tentative job growth but as most of my life was spent in the financial services sector I'm not seeing the real rebound that's been expected. Certainly not a rebound that would be indicative of a stimulus package of just under a $ trillion dollars. Here's what I believe is happening. I believe that companies have gotten "lean and mean" out of necessity (I know we have) and I believe that those with necessary services and/or products have been making quite a bit of money in recent quarters. Now, do I believe that that will translate to job? Yes, but not immediately. I believe that those companies will spend that money on greater efficiencies brought about by software and equipment upgrades, which, in some cases, will eliminate the need to bring back certain types of employees. Sorry, but it's the truth. I believe that only after that spending cycle has come to a slow will companies then be able to determine what (if any) spaces they have to fill. Look for the always needed sales person, IT person, and customer service folks. Don't look too hard for anything middle management, or even lower "C" level management for that matter unless you're terribly specialized. Even then you might be better off hanging out your own shingle. Oh, and if you're going to do that, become a sole proprietor and contract out help as you don't want to get caught (as so many small businesses will) paying for increased employee health care costs. Not a terribly rosy scenario, but I was never good at the whole "up with people" thing. And this doesn't even include the debacle that is "COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE." That's another story for another day, but just consider that most small business' fixed capital expenses come from salaries, raw materials and what? OVERHEAD...one of the efficiencies they'll be looking hardest at is unloading that expensive office space. And who is in a position to come in and pick up the leases...even with modest job growth. There's just not the appetite (even among contrarians) to pick up such assets, no matter how cheap. Not when they can create better and more efficient means of production, sales, distribution, marketing, etc., which leads directly to a better bottom line. If this turns quickly, look for just as quick a reversal...and this time the government won't be able to offer a bail out...Why? Because the American people just don't have the money (because as we all learned in our early civics classes, the government has no money except for what is given to it by the people) AND WE'RE BROKE!<br />I hate to sign off as usual with such a dour entry, but I do sincerely wish anyone reading this...<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-75761458047074385812010-03-12T05:22:00.000-08:002010-03-12T05:30:45.451-08:00AmazingThis past week, while on vacation (yep, actually took one) I was thinking on the value of social networking. I have come to the conclusion that one of the most valuable services we offer here at WPM/iA is our social marketing service where we handle the day-to-day details for our clients. The reason being...IT'S TOO TIME CONSUMING! I mean, between two Twitter accounts, a blog, personal and corporate Facebook accounts and a LinkedIn account profile it a wonder that I have any time during the day to get business done. So, the question then becomes one of priorities...run the business or provide content to all the different profiles out there. And I'm guessing that it's not any different for other business folks out there. And now, just today, I read about "Bubbling" (see excerpt from AdAge)<br /><br /><em>NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- In India, thousands of consumers are going from tweeting to bubbling. A hot new social-networking service dubbed Bubbly, which is essentially a voice-based Twitter, is quickly gaining popularity among Indians. And thanks to Bollywood celebs being early adopters, Bubbly is growing and with virtually zero marketing spend.</em><br /><br />So, with this new "turn of the crank" set to slam onto America's shores within the next year the question becomes crystal clear. Obviously there will be wave after wave of new technology to keep us ever-connected to one another, but which ones will be most effective and not take up too much time out of my day. I hope I'm up to the task of determining the correct path, not just for myself, but for our clients. Looks like I've got a lot of homework to do!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-79225905591454715642010-02-23T15:35:00.000-08:002010-02-23T15:46:37.795-08:00Completing the circuitIt was pointed out nicely today that I have been absent from my blog post. Not that many people actually read my rantings and ravings but for those few that do, no, I did not die. But rather I came to the realization some time ago that business is much like life in that the more self-sufficient you can be the better your chances for success. So, with that in mind I set about making it happen...we have the WPM Group which provides consulting and full-service advertising...we have iAdvertizing.com which provides companies with high-quality, affordable marketing and advertising, and now we have__________________(the project I've been working on). This new project is something that I just have to keep under wraps for right now as it's a potential game changer for the outdoors industry. It has to do with what I've done for the major part of my professional adult life. It is the missing piece to the puzzle for the other two entities mentioned above. It helps to complete the circuit by taking the strengths from the divisions we already have and brings business to them...we won't be totally depending on outside sources to make our markets for us. I would encourage those of you who have staked your own claim in the world of business to think along the same lines. What can you do that will help lessen your dependence on other business referral sources. What can you add to your offering that will bring more business to your door automatically. I'll be on the road for the next little while but when I am back in the office and fully re-engaged I'll throw back the curtain on this "venture" and connect the dots for those of you who are interested. I really think you'll like what you see! I know I do, so far!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-4422631600879710582010-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:002010-02-03T13:19:01.474-08:00Calculating Your Ad Budget<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S2noK13qbeI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Vz3Wlrj7RcU/s1600-h/usdollar100000front.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S2noK13qbeI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Vz3Wlrj7RcU/s320/usdollar100000front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434129698356096482" /></a><br />One of the best pieces I've ever read about calculating an ad budget was passed on to me in early 2003. Rather than using the old 5-6% of sales measure for creating my ad budget, I've used the following formula and it's been terrific!<br /><br />First, before starting (and I know this is business 101 for most of you but please bear with me. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MARGIN</span> is Gross profit divided by Gross Sales Volume<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MARKUP</span> is Gross Profit divided by Cost of Goods<br /><br />Be sure to plug in MARKUP, not MARGIN when figuring your ad budget. Let's say that you have a business averaging 100% markup (keystone) or in other words a 50% Gross Profit Margin.<br /><br />Take that and multiply the average markup by your cost of exposure...for most businesses the cost of exposure is = to a percentage of your projected sales. I use 10%.<br /><br />So, if my projected sales are $300,000 per quarter the ad budget calculation looks like this:<br /><br />30,000 x 100% = $30,000<br /><br />Now, take that $30,000 number and subtract out your cost of exposure..your website, storefront, rent, etc. for the quarter. Let's say that's $7,500.00<br /><br />$30,000 - $7,500 = $22,500 and there's your ad budget for the quarter.<br /><br />if, however, my average markup is only 86% it would shake out as follows:<br /><br />30,000 x 86% = $25,800<br /><br />$25,800 - $7,500 = $18,300 remaining for ad budget.<br /><br />It's a simple formula and while not every simple formula such as this is going to fit every business you can modify it so that it can provide a "make sense" number for you in these otherwise very confusing times...and if nothing else, you have a firm number in mind when shopping for the various marketing/advertising options out there that you can choose from. I do hope that this helps...it's what I use and it hasn't failed me yet!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-39561315696271885292010-01-31T13:43:00.000-08:002010-01-31T13:50:46.259-08:00Optimism for 2010<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S2X6_OoMmwI/AAAAAAAAAD0/RLq6bplMYjg/s1600-h/_10155501.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/S2X6_OoMmwI/AAAAAAAAAD0/RLq6bplMYjg/s320/_10155501.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433024489657768706" /></a><br />It's been quite a while since my last post but that's partially due to being busy and partially because of a prolonged illness. I do sincerely hope that the new year has brought you all health and a sense of hope for the coming months. I have found myself taking stock of what has transpired over the past couple of years and find that I am optimistic about the future...perhaps without good reason, but I'm choosing to be that way nonetheless. If there's one thing that has occurred to me over the past several quarters it's that I'm blessed. Blessed to live in such a wonderful country (even though the politicians are trying to ruin that just as hard and fast as they can), blessed to have a wonderful family, and blessed that I have the choices to believe as I want, do what I want for a living, and associate with whom I want. It's those simple things that have me hopeful for the future. I wish you all that same kind of hope as we move forward throught the new year. I, personally, believe that there is more opportunity out there than ever before in my lifetime and I cannot wait to take advantage of it. Until next time...<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-45896876342457928362009-12-16T10:45:00.001-08:002009-12-16T10:59:05.604-08:00Different Size, Different Strategy...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Syktx2jmzUI/AAAAAAAAADs/F1DP67Mq1Q8/s1600-h/icon256x256.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Syktx2jmzUI/AAAAAAAAADs/F1DP67Mq1Q8/s320/icon256x256.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415910361371430210" /></a><br />Most of today's business leaders have been told since their days in college that to market their business successfully they need to "not step on toes." Now, on the surface this may seem like (and actually be) sage advice, however, I have a different take. If you're a smaller player in a niche market why not go BOLD. Let it be known that you're Christian, or Muslim, or African American, Native American, Traditional, Progressive, Conservative, etc. Make some noise...This is your chance to differentiate yourself from others and bring people that are like you to your door. And for those of you who are skeptical consider this well known mantra of advertising/marketing..."people buy what they know," and if they're comfortable with your belief system, point of view, etc. that's a touchstone that will engender feelings of comraderie that may just get them to use your service and/or buy your product rather than that of a competitor who has not planted their flag in the ground. If you're a smaller player, really, what do you have to lose? Just something to think about as you position your company and your corporate message for 2010 and beyond. Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-89884219109885061082009-12-11T09:37:00.000-08:002009-12-11T09:51:25.718-08:00TURTH ABOUT TAXATION - middle class...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SyKGdX7i6wI/AAAAAAAAADc/Ze3ebkzu4IE/s1600-h/Photo_00022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SyKGdX7i6wI/AAAAAAAAADc/Ze3ebkzu4IE/s320/Photo_00022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414037541250853634" /></a><br />If you ever wanted the truth about increased taxation in a nutshell here it is. And the only reason I mention this on our blog is that some of you who read my random thoughts are small business owners and middle/upper-middle class Americans. Some of you may have venture capital, some may have a wealthy Angel investor...whatever the case, if I can provide you with some common sense information that helps you position your business for the upcoming year I'm more than happy to do so:<br /><br /><strong><blockquote>Something to think about ... higher rates inevitably pressure wealthy taxpayers to withdraw captial from taxable, productive business and instead invest in tax exempt securities (such as municipal bonds or overseas) - the end result is that the wealthiest segment of the tax base begins to dry up as their money is diverted into tax-free channels that neither benefit the overall business landscape (creation of jobs) or the government (taxes). This ultimately leads to the squeeze on the only target left for the government to pursue...the middle class.</blockquote></strong><br /><br />Now, I'm sure that you'll realize that the relevance of this message is as sound today as it has been in the past. It's just common sense... Higher taxes will lead to less money to go around for small business. I don't say this to scare anyone, but just to make you aware of the very simple, yet effective mechanism that is being put into play.<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-55636171098117577702009-12-07T09:22:00.001-08:002009-12-07T10:39:42.132-08:00MARKET-ing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Sx1D4ExdEMI/AAAAAAAAADM/Vi2Abbjn5Xw/s1600-h/Project9.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Sx1D4ExdEMI/AAAAAAAAADM/Vi2Abbjn5Xw/s320/Project9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412556957802107074" /></a><br />One of the major issues facing all companies in the new year (as in ALL new years) is how to better relate to their customers and move them to purchase <span style="font-weight:bold;">when the time is right</span>. In today's world, there are so many outside factors from the economy to the geo-political landscape that are either directly or indirectly influencing consumer behavior....so what can we do?<br /><br />Ok, here's what you do. First, forget the "long-lead" traditional media play. If you make a commitment 4-6 months out on broadcast or print there is no guarantee that what you develop (creatively) will be relevant by the time the consumer sees it. (If you're introducing a premium line in a downward trending economy expect crickets in response to your efforts) Instead, you gather your traditional ad people, your PR people, and your social media folks and get them to work together to produce a running week-to-week, or at the very least a month-to-month, strategy that will not only be timely (for those who have products and/or services that are semi-seasonal) but will also be relevant based on the overall "fluid" nature of today's world. Just imagine...continuous,relevant online display ads and social media initiatives tied in with a consistent, "real-time" PR effort. Seems like an effective recipe to me...and no long-lead times and/or up front monetary commitments to contend with! Here's to a wonderful 2010!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-77834125941183953782009-11-29T08:10:00.000-08:002009-11-29T08:34:19.327-08:00Happy Thanksgiving and The Scrantons<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SxKibCmhN2I/AAAAAAAAADE/F4Iaa2nmvsE/s1600/conventioniron.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SxKibCmhN2I/AAAAAAAAADE/F4Iaa2nmvsE/s320/conventioniron.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409564687863986018" /></a><br />I took this holiday weekend to rest and relax with my family. But as so often happens, after 4 days we all needed some "alone time." My time was spent reading on my favorite subject...the industrial rise of the American Super Economy from the 1840's through the early 1900's. This weekend's reading included the history of the Scranton Group/Family (Scranton, PA) who founded one of America's earliest and most successful iron works, rail lines, and towns in the wilderness of Lackawanna Valley, PA. For any entrepreneurs out there who may read this blog I encourage you to look up the story of the Scranton family/group. These men had vision, but encountered obsticles ranging from poor site location, difficult materials sourcing, political haggling (town of Wilkes Barre didn't want them) to the cry from Socialist leaders to re-distribute the wealth they amassed. Now, one thing should also be noted...most of the Scranton group died in abject poverty. Only three of the original 8-10 group members had any money at all when they died. I don't tell you about this story to impress you (as if I could) regarding my reading selection, but rather to impress upon other entrepreneurs that all of the headwinds we encounter today were also present in 1840! As we go forward into 2010 it will be important to realize that we are not alone in the challenges we face. Men and women of vision who have come before us also encountered issues of a similar nature and that were no less troublesomme. For those of you who have plantd your flag in the ground and staked out your claim, I salute you and wish you all the best today and always!<br /><br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-58135713596761770682009-11-24T20:27:00.000-08:002009-11-24T20:35:29.457-08:00Craigslist - Whew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SwyziU0xeOI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ip1IaozX7DY/s1600/icon256x256.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SwyziU0xeOI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ip1IaozX7DY/s320/icon256x256.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407894654852102370" /></a><br />This past Sunday I decided to put an ad on Craigslist for designers to come work with our agency. Boy was that ever like drinking from a fire hose. Within a span of 24 hours we had over 500 resumes, portfolio links, and letters of introduction. I was/am amazed! To all those that sent in your information I am truly grateful and also impressed. I sincerely wish that I had time to speak to all of you but that's way more than I or my staff can handle right now (with trying to keep up with clients and all). That being said I wish everyone out there a very Happy Thanksgiving and hold the very best of thoughts for you as we head towards 2010!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave JDavid J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-68344270201128810812009-11-10T05:48:00.000-08:002009-11-10T06:32:49.096-08:008 Items for business success :58 seconds to read<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Svl4a7dAM8I/AAAAAAAAAC0/AsFClCXI7kI/s1600-h/success+principles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Svl4a7dAM8I/AAAAAAAAAC0/AsFClCXI7kI/s320/success+principles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402481632038892482" border="0" /></a><br />Want to be successful? ...sure! There are tons of books and/or online informational sites that can give you "keys" to success. But when it comes down to it, the following 8 items will serve you just as well (in a broad sense) as anything out there. I've spent my life building companies and these following items have played the major part in every success I've had. Pay attention and satisfy these simple requirements and you'll be well on your way to building a successful/profitable business.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your product and/or service must be fully developed and ready to roll out</span><br /><br />Too many business professionals are in such a rush to get to market that they roll the vehicle off the line before all 4 wheels are firmly in place. Keep the news of your launch to yourself and very few others beforehand if you're worried about the competitive conditions in the marketplace...finish up the offering, THEN LAUNCH!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your product and/or service must fill a need for "the masses."</span><br /><br />Old adage in the food business..."feed the masses (think McDonalds) and you'll live with the classes - feed the classes (upscale dining) and you'll live with the masses." It's the same with any product or service. The broader the need or want for what you have, the more upside potential.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your product and/or service must be priced fairly</span><br /><br />More important than ever these days...with people watching their pennies and the availability to price compare over the Internet you had better have done your homework on what is fair to charge.<br /><br />Y<span style="font-weight: bold;">our product and/or service must be different and/or better from other solutions currently available.(Have a unique value proposition...don't have one? Come up with one...otherwise you're just more "white noise" in a busy marketplace)</span><br /><br />I cannot stress this one enough. If you're not the first into a particular competitive set you'd have better built the better mousetrap and have done so in such a way as people are going to recognize that it's better. And you'd better have a good one sentence "grabber" that will convey the unique/better nature of your offering!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your marketing must answer the question as to how your product and/or service, in some way, makes the consumer's life better.<br /></span><br />Everything we purchase answers this question. Whether it's the clothes you buy that you believe make you look slimmer, the truck that has enough payload capacity to get your jobs done, the home that's in the right neighborhood/school district, to the church that has the pastor who's message really feeds your soul. Each and every selection/purchase we make we "feel" as though makes our lives better. Customers must readily be able to determine how your product and/or service makes their life better. Only then will they purchase!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have a strategy for getting the product and/or service and subsequent value proposition in front of the masses. (repeatedly and effectively)</span><br /><br />People won't buy it if they don't know it's there...DUH! (no, seriously, there are people out there who don't realize this...I'm not kidding...hard to believe, I know. But they're out there - and we wonder why 80%+ of new businesses fail)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Realize that in marketing the message is more important than placement and frequency. (It's more about what you're saying and if your audience can relate)</span><br /><br />I can go out and say iAdvertizing is great, we do, x,y and z for you...blah, blah, blah, but if I say. "iAdvertizing clients make more money..even in this crappy economy!" You get the idea...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Follow through ...Work, work, work! the above items and you're well on your way!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-42764243086051135672009-11-09T06:17:00.001-08:002009-12-07T11:02:42.554-08:00The New Robber Barons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SvgrpExVspI/AAAAAAAAACo/ybPdoIglzz8/s1600-h/a2311.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SvgrpExVspI/AAAAAAAAACo/ybPdoIglzz8/s320/a2311.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402115737686225554" /></a><br />Those who study American history are undoubtedly familiar with the late 19th century titans of industry who were dubbed the "Robber Barons." They were named such for their cutthroat business tactics and their iron will. They were seen as the Great White Sharks of industry...devouring all who opposed them and accumulating great wealth.<br /><br />This morning I have just returned from Asheville, NC where my family and I visited (for the umpteenth time) the Biltmore Estate. This house, for those who may not know, is still America's largest private residence...3 times the size of the White House. This massive estate was built by George Washington Vanderbilt, youngest grandson of "The Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, founder of the family fortune and who, along with John Jacob Astor is widely accepted as one of the "original" Robber Barons. Now, this trip to Biltmore, as I've already stated, is one that our family has made many times before, but today it just seems a bit more relevant. You see, when I returned home I sat down at my desk, opened my e-mail and actually watched an info-mercial (yep, guilty as charged) on the Internet about the "New Robber Barons." This particular pitchman said that the new robber barons were the folks who signed up for a specific type of commodity trading account, and therefore it was implied that those who did not, by default, were excluded from ever hoping to achieve the greatness in industry that is each American's to seek. I thought this to be a bit dismissive and otherwise slighting! You see, the robber barons of old (Carnegie, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Morgan, Gould, etc.) and the inventors that followed (Ford, Edison, Dodge, Bell, etc.)gained their success through foresight and innovation. Was such an info-mercial as I watched last night around for them or when current titans such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs had their groundbreaking ideas and helped to usher in the mass-acceptance of the computer age? Would they have been excluded from success for not taking advantage of such an offer? I believe not! This type of advertising, preying on people's fear while conjuring up the ghosts of past success is, to me, like saying to a new driver..."make sure to only pay attention to what's going on inside the car or only in the rear-view mirror." We all know that driving this way will put you in a ditch...but fast! I'm rambling about this today, but it just seems to me that if we're really trying to empower and energize people to become the next innovator and/or Captain of industry, a better approach for those wishing to become such is to study the past, but look steadily forward, rely on your own steam, and figure out what issues and/or needs need to be addressed to make the country a better place. Create, innovate, serve...for the one thing that (for all their faults) the Robber Barons of old did...they created! Sure, they were tough-minded, iron-willed, and in some instances just not nice people, but in their collective wake they left mines, railroads, refineries, pipelines, banks, brokerages, etc. Items and institutions that would serve our country, produce jobs, and propel us forward for many generations to come. That's what will bring America back...creation of opportunity...not setting up some personal commodity trading account! Want to be a New Robber Baron, think like an old Robber Baron...now you'll have to excuse me... I have to get out there and create something!<br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-21163112046233443442009-10-08T19:43:00.001-07:002009-10-08T19:45:40.539-07:00What the Heck?!?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Ss6jtz1xnvI/AAAAAAAAACc/0y23zwHaDrA/s1600-h/michelin_ad_fuel_03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Ss6jtz1xnvI/AAAAAAAAACc/0y23zwHaDrA/s320/michelin_ad_fuel_03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390425811414261490" /></a><br />Is this really supposed to get me to buy tires...the Michelin man is being made over as a tire chucking super-hero?!? Holy cow! I'm really at a loss for words and that rarely ever happens.<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-5816261313168897242009-09-26T08:13:00.000-07:002009-09-26T10:22:53.110-07:00THE HUMANITY OF HENRY<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Sr5N5kgRlbI/AAAAAAAAACU/h7xz4fsGkOs/s1600-h/sp_aaib058_16x20immigrant-family-on-ellis-island-posters1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Sr5N5kgRlbI/AAAAAAAAACU/h7xz4fsGkOs/s320/sp_aaib058_16x20immigrant-family-on-ellis-island-posters1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385827855828620722" /></a><br />Those who know me know that I do not affiliate with any one particular political group, although my voting record would classify me as a staunch "Republican." Normally I don't get into my personal life as it's just that..."personal." But yesterday something really hit me that I wanted to share. Those in WPM and iA know that I spend a lot of my time working out of my house and therefore as we're having renovations done it's been filled with skilled tradespeople over the past three weeks. Over the past couple of days a fellow who goes by the name of "Henry" has been working on our new walls. Henry is from Honduras and doesn't speak any English. I noted that he had been coming to work (in an active construction zone) wearing a pair of old dress shoes that did not fit. His heels were hanging over the crushed backs of the shoes, thus wearing them like one would wear slippers. This troubled me. I mentioned it to my wife and we decided to provide Henry with the means to obtain satisfactory protection for his feet. <br /><br />As I sat in my office looking at the money set aside for Henry I began to reflect at what this man has gone through just to work on our walls..did he leave a wife and child behind, did people try to rob him, how long had he traveled, were people skimming his wages?...all to be here in North Carolina and try to earn money. Now, is Henry here illegally...I don't think so as our contractor is very diligent about that, however, I found myself (as a man, and as a person) not caring. I put aside any political ideals for the moment and asked myself...would I have the courage to go several countries away (not just to another state) to provide for my family, subject myself to a bureaucratic nightmare in a land where I don't speak the language, where my own people might very well take advantage of me, etc. Would I? Could I? Suddenly Henry became more of a hero to me than anyone I've met recently and coming up with advertising strategies, clever creative or website modifications began to pale in comparison to what this man had gone through just to sand dry wall. Many have been the evenings when I looked on television at folks not dissimilar to Henry and thought less than positive thoughts. Henry has changed that...maybe Henry was God's way of saying "Dave, give people the benefit of the doubt the way you did when you were younger and far less cynical." Perhaps... Now, don't get me wrong, I believe that people who are here should be here through legitimate means. I, however, cannot begrudge anyone the <span style="font-style:italic;">desire</span> in wanting to come here, and on a human level can understand that if our government is too inept to give them legitimate means, (and based off its track-record ineptitude seems to be the currency of the realm in Washington) might seek other methods of entry. Is that wrong, YES, but thanks to HENRY at least I have a bit more of a human outlook on the situation. Now I would just challenge our lawmakers to get a grip on the situation and allow hard working folks like Henry legitimate means to achieve their portion of the American dream..open an Ellis Island South at the Texas border, staff it, re-open Ellis Island NYC and open an Ellis Island station San Diego. Jobs would be created, optimism would rise on both ends of the political spectrum, others seeking to come here would see that they have a legitimate entry point (I mean, think about it...if you lived in a foreign land and wanted to come to the U.S. where would you go?!? Exactly, I don't know either...there is no place that says "ENTER HERE.")<br /><br />In closing out this rambling post I have to say, "Thank You God," for through your messenger, HENRY I heard your voice and now feel a bit more like I did when I was younger! It's refreshing and enabling. It's prompted me to write my congressional officials...not to provide "amnesty" mind you, but rather to seek to push for a series of legitimate entry points and a process by which brave souls like Henry can come to this great land and become solid, contributing citizens!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-40891040058921015542009-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:002009-09-22T09:18:38.178-07:00When good things happen...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Srj4wqKkCGI/AAAAAAAAACM/6Pp1XhUwcb4/s1600-h/Copy+of+Project2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 165px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/Srj4wqKkCGI/AAAAAAAAACM/6Pp1XhUwcb4/s320/Copy+of+Project2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384326869357430882" /></a><br />You know, I absolutely love it when good things happen to good people. Recently we've had the opportunity to do some work for ConnectionForce. This morning we put out a press release for them and they got "picked up" by some of the most high-powered media outlets out there. Congratulations gents!<br /><br />Best Always,<br />D-David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-33003688403505772442009-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:002009-09-21T16:39:30.763-07:00ConnectionForce - PRESS RELEASE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SrgN7p5qNOI/AAAAAAAAACE/lVs8ea7oP7Q/s1600-h/connectionForceLogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 78px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sCAaAAFiro/SrgN7p5qNOI/AAAAAAAAACE/lVs8ea7oP7Q/s320/connectionForceLogo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384068673032565986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Connection Force™ – Throwing Back the Curtain on World’s First Web 3.0 Sales Interface Solution!<br />In today’s social media market, new service puts emphasis back on Relationships</span><br /><br /> (Research Triangle, NC) ConnectionForce™, the new leader in sales call interruption management, is pleased to announce the launch of its proprietary new service for Office Managers and Buyers to manage the interruptions unexpected sales people can make on their day.<br />“ConnectionForce was born from the fact that no vendor management system currently exists for the small to medium sized business; let alone a way to facilitate the salesperson engagement process,” said Neal Clark, Co-Founder and CEO of ConnectionForce. “Moreover, we found that the businesses which could dedicate the fewest resources in determining what was new in the marketplace (through unsolicited sales calls) got bombarded the most. We created the ConnectionForce system for businesses to accurately determine whether an outbound sales professional was offering them something of value while at the same time reducing the frustration level that accompanies numerous daily sales solicitations.”<br />ConnectionForce was founded by a team of sales professionals who, over the course of many years, had both observed and experienced the frustrations that existed between office professionals and the sales pros that called on them daily. The driving force behind the ConnectionForce system was to ensure that valuable information being offered by sales professionals was making it to the right people in a manner that is both efficient and friction free. With the launch of ConnectionForce office managers now have a full online toolbox from which will spring features designed to save time, money and frustration.<br />“When we heard that ConnectionForce allowed us to still review potentially critical information offered daily by sales professionals that call on our office, and do so in a manner that is respectful of everyone’s time, that seemed like the elusive “win-win” that everyone talks about but so few find,” said Mike Petilli of MVP Insurance. <br />Bill Davis of Team Nimbus, a business consulting company, was quoted as saying. “In today’s business environment it is all about managing relationships. Whether it’s the use of Twitter™, Facebook™, LinkedIn™, etc. businesses everywhere are scrambling to better manage their existing relationships. ConnectionForce, while not a social media site moves companies towards that same ultimate goal by enabling businesses to better and more efficiently manage perhaps the most important relationship of all – that between the inbound sales call and the office personnel who field such call.”<br />For more information about ConnectionForce please go online and visit us at www.connectionforce.com/tour or contact us directly at (919) 803-6115.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2380479191261448383.post-45988836749336424612009-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:002009-09-21T11:08:00.814-07:00The Coffee ShopOk...it's no secret that times are tough and that there are a lot of people searching for work (which by the way, we're hiring good sales reps - shameless plug). I have, in the past two days found myself meeting people in a couple of different coffee shops. First, let me say, I truly dislike coffee shops. By their very nature I just don't like them. This is not a manifesto against the people who visit them, work at them or even own them. I just personally do not care for them...just my thing. While there I've been able to notice people working on their laptops, interfacing directly with one another and in many instances trying to drum up business of one sort or another. Today, I was waiting to have a weekly cup of java with my Dad (normally he comes by the house but we're renovating). He was uncharacteristically late, which for a retired U.S. Marine is indeed quite unusual, and I had a decent period of time to sit and observe. While doing so something really HIT ME HARD! I heard three different people who were obviously interviewing for positions say the exact same thing - "I'm into building 'relationships.' " No! Really? Is that even really worth stating...I mean, I fully expect the whole "relationship" building thing when I interview folks...maybe that's just me. Now, it would be something if you were to come into an interview and say I run roughshod over folks, take their money and then gave them an obscene finger gesture as I leave." Now that would be something! Not a good something, mind you, but something, nevertheless. <br /><br />Now, perhaps this sounds a bit raw but as someone who hires and fires people the building of relationships (to me) is just a "given." I view that overheard coffee house statement as bizarre as someone telling me that they're going to give me 110%. You can't give me 110%! You can only give me 100% and if you're giving me that much of your effort, then there is some other portion of your life that's suffering chief...just give me your best while you're on the job...I don't want 110%...that means that you're eating into my life beyond the workplace. I digress... The whole net takeaway is that in sitting in the coffee shop this morning I saw a wonderful cross-section of people that are all trying to move forward but if all someone has to offer a prospective employer are canned platitudes as to how much effort he can give and that he is "into building relationships" I would highly recommend that he scrap the current approach and do some real homework. Before the meeting, study the business of the interviewer, provide him/her a real world scenario where and how you can be of benefit. Describe the benefit in specific terms. Let them know that you care enough to really work in a solution-based capacity right from the start. You see, just like customers or clients you'll come in contact with on the job this interviewer has a need (pain). Show him/her that you are the solution. This is your first opportunity to SHOW that you are into building relationships. You're starting off by building the most important one ...the one that gets you the job. All the rest will be implied going forward. <br /><br />Best Always,<br />Dave J.David J. Jeffries, IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08867171829496674568noreply@blogger.com0