Greg Hoffman, Marketing Gorilla

Internet Marketing Gorilla Blog has Moved!

2009-10-07T20:24:00.002-05:00

I finally made the decision to abandon the old blogger template and create a new Internet Marketing Gorilla Blog on Wordpress. The domain has moved but the Internet Marketing Gorilla Blog Archives will remain here.

Visit the new work in progress at Internet Marketing Gorilla.

I plan on updating the new blog much more frequently (yeah right!) and adding as much affiliate marketing information as possible. It will serve as the foundation for promoting my managed affiliate programs at Greg Hoffman Consulting and will be one of my main affiliate sites. Thanks FTC, now I have to label my affiliate links and reviews...

Anyway, it's been fun since I first started this blog in January 2005. If you are subscribed via RSS, visit the new site and grab that feed.

Thank you for the support.

Our Online Dating Success Story - eHarmony.com

2009-09-28T17:52:00.017-05:00

You may or may not know this but over the summer, I got engaged! Her name is Jen Williams and we met on eHarmony last year. Our official match date was 11/27/08.

I was on eHarmony after my divorce several years ago but I wasn't ready for a serious commitment. When my children relocated from Florida to the metro-Atlanta area in the fall of 2008, I started looking at relocating and wanted to get serious about finding the right match once I moved. During the Thanksgiving Weekend, I signed up for eHarmony again and filled out my detailed profile. This time I knew in my head the kind of person I was looking for in Atlanta. I had a checklist. I won't embarass her with the details here but I will tell you that my search was over on day one. Jen was the only person I went to open communication with and as soon as we started talking on the phone, I cancelled my eHarmony subscription. When you know, you know.

Jen had been on eHarmony for a while and was about to give it a break. I think my persistence and overall confidence that we should be together helped her decide that she was done looking as well.

We were an incredible match from the beginning. We talked for hours every night for the next two weeks. We met one night in mid December at a Taco Mac in Alpharetta. There was an instant attraction. Sometime during the date she excused herself and went to the ladies room. On her way back, she leaned into the booth and kissed me. I was floored. I was in love.

I Got Lucky. In January, I was fixated on XM Elvis Radio. One night I heard the song, I Got Lucky, a 1962 recording from the movie Kid Galahad. For some reason, every lyric of that song hit me with truth. I really did get lucky when I found Jen. And I have cherished her everyday since then. Needless to say we have a theme song.

I moved to Roswell in March and the courtship was on... We are getting married on June 12, 2010 in Roswell, Georgia. Her two boys and my son and daughter will be a family that day. For now, we are spending lots of time together and loving every minute of it.

It's time for you to join eHarmony. You know who you are.

Rocket Lawyer Affiliate Program - Up to 30% Commission

2009-09-13T15:47:00.003-05:00

Commission: 30 Percent

Cookie: 30 Days

Join Rocket Lawyer’s affiliate program and offer your customers access to the most innovative do-it-yourself legal documents service in the industry. Earn big money by offering Rocket Lawyer products and a brand trusted by millions of customers.

Rocket Lawyer is simple to use and as easy as 1-2-3.

Recognized by the Wall Street Journal, Business Wire, PC Magazine, and Kiplinger’s, Rocket Lawyer is the easiest and fastest way for consumers to create legal documents for their home or business. Customers go through a short interview process and can get help through live chat or our other online resources.

Rocket Lawyer products include:

Hundreds of Personal and Business Legal Forms, such as Power of Attorney, Wills, Leases, Living Trusts, Prenuptial Agreements and many more.

Total Legal Care Plan: Our monthly and annual membership plans include unlimited Legal Document Access, unlimited E-Signature Services, unlimited File Safekeeper™ Document Storage, discounted Live Counsel™ instant legal advice service, and more.

Our documents range from $29.95 (for an easy Power of Attorney) to $119.95 (for Total Legal Care™ Plan membership)

Why you should become a Rocket Lawyer Affiliate:

Highest Sales Commission Rates in our category: Starting at 20% and going up to 30% based on performance.

Open search policy: trademark bidding, direct URL, and text in ads, currently all okay!<

Why Do Consumers Love Rocket Lawyer?

Everyone knows they should have a will, living will and power of attorney. In addition to those essential documents, over a lifetime consumers and business people need hundreds of other legal documents, like contracts, family law, real estate and business forms. Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to complete these essential legal projects in only minutes.

Our simple interview process completes documents automatically by asking consumers a series of basic questions. Guidance is provided for each question, and additional help is available via a help window or by visiting the Law Library.

Join the Rocket Lawyer Affiliate Program.

Wendi Rocks! Join her Affiliate Program Now and Earn 35% Commission

2009-09-04T23:07:00.003-05:00

Wendi Friesen is my favorite new client. I love her products and I can see an increasing need in society for them everyday. Wendi is a rock star if you didn't know!

I would like to invite you to join the World’s best Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Affiliate Program – Wendi.com on ShareASale. We pay 35% with a 60-Day Cookie, new banners every month for niche products and a dedicated management team. If you want a custom vanity coupon, let me know.

Wendi.com is working on a Fall promotion schedule for customers and contests for affiliates. This will be a very active campaign as new products are added to the catalog all the time. We currently have more than 300 downloads, DVD’s and self-help products for your customers. Wendi Friesen is internationally known for her hypnosis expertise. Join the affiliate program now.

She has more than 300 products ready to sell on Wendi.com and she's extremely interactive with her customers. You can find her anywhere! Join now:

Wendi.com Affiliate Program

Easy Card Designer Affiliate Program

2009-09-02T14:52:00.002-05:00

Easy Card Designer allows any webmaster to easily build a custom business card design store linked directly to their site. Affiliates can become customers or just promote the service to other sites. Please check out our program benefits:

Up to $20 Commission for every sale
365 return days
10% 2nd Tier Commissions

As an affiliate, I signed up for the program in ShareASale here: http://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=23527

I went to EasyCardDesigner.com and clicked the blue Get Started banner at the bottom. Then I signed up and chose the Turnkey business software link. Its a quick and easy process. When its set up the way you like it, you get your unique url for your store and you are ready to promote it.

Final step, I went back to ShareASale, cliked on the Create A Custom Link Tool for affiliates and added my Easy Card Designer unique store url as the destination url. ShareASale provided my custom link.

So check out my store and buy some business cards.

Internet Marketing Gorilla Business Card Store

You can create your own store and your own link or you can contact us and we will build custom links for you.

IF you don't want to build your own store and you want to take advantage of the 2nd tier commission, use a banner like this to promote the program.

You have to laugh at unsolicited email sometimes

2009-07-01T15:26:00.002-05:00

Good Day,
We offer a part time job on your computer.

Job Description:
We will provide you with the texts for our employees with the important information and you will correct the texts as an english speaking person and send them back to us.

Salary:
We don't have a fixed salary for this vacancy. We will pay you USD7.00 for every 1Kb of the corrected text. You will get paid at the END of each month. Every month your salary will be different as it depends on your activity.

Example:
If you correct about 5Kb (5kb it about 2 pages A4) of texts per day you will get over USD1000.00 at the end of the month.

Requirements:
-Location: Has no value (the main good knowledge of English language)

-Age: 21+

-Home computer, e-mail address and Microsoft Word

-Responsibility

To apply for job please send us the following information to:
xxxxxxx

__________

FULL NAME:

HOME ADDRESS:

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:

Phone number (home or cell, but SHOULD BE available any day time):

E-MAIL:

AGE:

OCCUPATION:

EDUCATION:

AVAILABLE HOUR TO WORK WITH US:

___________

As soon as we revise your aplication we will contact you within 24 hours.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask.

Awaiting for your application.

Thank you,

Book Excerpt - Start With the Answer by Bob Seelert

2009-06-23T15:47:00.003-05:00

Leading in Tough Times
By Bob Seelert,
Author of Start with the Answer: And Other Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders

The financial crisis that began in 2008 continues to unfold in unprecedented ways, thereby presenting business leaders with incredible challenges. How does one manage in such a crisis-laden environment? Here are "Ten Things To Do" based on my 40+ years in business.

#1 -- Get the truth out on the table. You need to begin with an open, honest, candid assessment of the facts. Sometimes the truth can be ugly, but you're not in a position to deal with it until you get it out on the table. Making unrealistic assumptions only will prompt inaction, with things getting worse before they get better. Get out in front of the problem.

#2 -- Establish standards for the new reality. When markets collapse, you can't be sure how far they will fall, but you can establish an expectation for how your company will perform relative to whatever happens. At Saatchi & Saatchi, even though our revenue may be down year to year, we expect to outperform the market by 50%. This sets a high standard for our people. We also recognize that there will be margin pressures, but we expect to "draw the line" at X%", in order to preserve our financial profile for the future. This implies tight management of costs at the same time we aim to outperform the market.

#3 -- Think long term; Act short term. Downturns in the economy present the opportunity for far-sighted companies to go for share of market. Inevitably, some of your competitors will pull back when times get tough. Take advantage of this to position your enterprise to gain when the inevitable market rebound takes place.

#4 -- Communicate, communicate, communicate. This is the time to increase the frequency of your internal communications and heighten your personal presence in front of the organization. People are understandably nervous and sometimes scared during uncertain times. Now is the opportunity to rally the troops and give them reassurance that your company will be out in front in dealing with what needs to be done.

#5 -- Get "All hands on deck." Tough times call for extraordinary efforts on the part of every employee. You can't get the job done alone. Now is the time to enlist every person in doing whatever must be done to ensure survival and prosperity. Outhustling your competition is the surest path to gaining share of market.

#6 -- Get out with customers. Heightening your interaction with customers will keep you tuned in to their needs and give you constant feedback regarding where the environment is headed. Meeting customer needs and exceeding expectations are the two sure pathways to success.

#7 -- Stay true to what made you great in the first place. Most high performing companies got that way for a reason. Now is not the time to lose sight of this. Toyota has achieved success in the U.S. car market through innovation and continuous improvement. Despite the current downtrend in auto sales, they are innovating by introducing the Venza, and putting into the marketplace the third generation improvement for the Prius. These are the kind of actions that will keep them out in front.

#8 -- Reframe value for the new environment. Marketers should reassess their messages for relevance in the current economic conditions. Tide always has been the best laundry detergent, but in this environment, it doesn't hurt to remind consumers that its color integrity feature keeps new clothes looking new longer. For Olay it's relevant to mention that the cost of Olay pales in comparison to more invasive or surgical procedures.

#9 -- Add/Reduce; Create/Eliminate. Despite the economy, it's likely that your company needs to add some new positions and create some new capabilities in order to meet the demands of the marketplace. You should press ahead in these areas, but you need to have the organization simultaneously thinking about how it reduces and eliminates things as well. Tough times force trade-offs.

#10 -- Set tight priorities. Now, more than ever, is the time to set tight priorities. Decide what is core, and what is non-core, and focus your time and attention on the critical few things that will make a difference.

Tough times can bring out the best in organizations and prompt actions that will position your company for future success. Follow these ten things and you will do well.

©2009 Bob Seelert, author of Start with the Answer: And Other Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
Author Bio
Bob Seelert, author of Start with the Answer: And Other Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders, is Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, a leading global ideas and advertising company. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, he has been CEO of five companies, has built brands and businesses, been a party to two mega-mergers, and enacted numerous turnarounds. He has served on boards of directors of companies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. He lives in New Canaan, Connecticut.

For more information please visit www.StartwiththeAnswer.com

PLR Health Wizard Hires Greg Hoffman Consulting as its Affiliate Program Management Firm

2009-06-12T04:59:00.002-05:00

Greg Hoffman Consulting, an internet marketing firm specializing in affiliate, paid search and online public relations management, has been hired by PLR Health Wizard to recruit and activate new affiliates into its existing affiliate program for private label rights health, wellness and fitness niche content.

PLR Health Wizard chose Greg Hoffman Consulting to manage its affiliate base because of his prior experience with large e-Commerce merchants and his newly acquired affiliate manager certification from Lurn, Inc. Gail Trahd, President of PLR Health Wizard, was looking for an experienced and knowledgeable affiliate program manager to tackle her program expansion for 2009. She chose to search in Lurn's AC Certified "Who is Certified" database and found Hoffman, who earned his certificate in May 2009.

Trahd said, "I need someone who can motivate and energize my affiliates that have been part of my program for the last two years. I also need someone that has the connections and experience to recruit new affiliates into the program as we continuously add new health, wellness and fitness content. Our customers love our PLR content and our partners can benefit greatly by finding new and unique ways to market our products."

Hoffman said, "I'm very happy my certification paid off so quickly and I'm looking forward to working with super affiliates and PLR affiliates. I'm positive we can find more super affiliates to pick up the program and target relevant customers in need of health and wellness content for newsletters, blogs and multi-media marketing communications."

The PLR Health Wizard affiliate program uses Amember for its membership platform and starts affiliates at 40% recurring commission. Products range from $39.97 to $59.97. Trahd has generously set a lifetime cookie duration so affiliates can continually reap the benefits. Conversion has averaged near 4% since the program began nearly two years ago, she added.

Hoffman will be engaging affiliates by blog, phone, email, instant message and in-person at industry conventions throughout the next year. Hoffman will be working with affiliates on program-side training, helping them learn the PLR Health Wizard products and motivating them to perform at higher levels.

PLR Health Wizard is written and owned by Gail Trahd, a retired/former Nurse Practitioner. The health, wellness and fitness content provided can be used for ezines, newsletters, special reports, podcasts, and videos or inserted in private ebooks. Customers are also provided with illustrations to enhance the content as well as access to internet marketing tools to help them monetize the content. Visit PLR Health Wizard for more information: http://www.plr-health-wizard.com.

Greg Hoffman Consulting is an internet marketing firm with extensive experience in affiliate program management, as well as paid search management and online public relations. Hoffman recently obtained his Certified Affiliate Manager professional certificate from Lurn.com. He has previously managed affiliate and paid search programs for programs such as Thompson Cigar, Linensource, Casual Living USA, Café Belmondo, eBeanstalk and others. Visit Greg Hoffman for more information.

eBeanstalk.com Hires Greg Hoffman Consulting as Their Affiliate Program Management Firm

2009-06-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

Greg Hoffman Consulting, a newly formed internet marketing firm specializing in affiliate, paid search and online public relations management, has been hired by eBeanstalk.com to recruit and activate new affiliates into its ShareASale Affiliate Network program.

eBeanstalk.com chose Greg Hoffman Consulting to communicate with affiliates on a daily basis because of his extensive relationships with existing and future eBeanstalk affiliates in the ShareASale network. Hoffman has managed multiple e-Commerce merchants in all the top affiliate networks over the last five years.
Brian Gordon, President of eBeanstalk.com said "My decision was a simple one as I know Greg has a firm grasp on our vision of affiliate management. We need to nurture our relationships and look for new ways to market our learning and educational toys online, especially our niche line of baby gifts."

Greg Hoffman says "I'm honored Brian has chosen me to represent his brand as eBeanstalk's affiliate program manager. I look forward to picking up the phone and talking with super affiliates that can immediately provide unique content and promotions for the eBeanstalk affiliate program."

The high-converting toy affiliate program with ShareASale started in April 2007 and currently has a 30-day EPC of more than $8. Its holiday conversion rate is typically close to a healthy 5%. Starting commission for affiliates is 5% but eBeanstalk is looking for strategic partners to take advantage of higher private commissions, Gordon said. The program also has a 45-day affiliate cookie, monthly newsletter and a full product datafeed (Popshops available).

Hoffman will be engaging affiliates by blog, phone, email, instant message and in-person at industry conventions throughout the next year. Hoffman will be working with affiliates on program side training, helping them learn the eBeanstalk brand, the products and motivating them to perform at higher levels, he said.

eBeanstalk provides products that promote a child's development and offers visitors expert information on newborn toys, baby toys, toddler toys and preschooler toys. The group of experts include: a child psychologist, speech pathologist, child physical therapist, pediatric occupational therapist, special educator and more than 700 moms - called the Mother Board. The team has carefully selected, tested and approved more than 600 toys.

Greg Hoffman Consulting is an internet marketing firm with extensive experience in affiliate program management, as well as paid search management and online public relations. Hoffman recently obtained his Certified Affiliate Manager professional certificate from Lurn.com. He has previously managed affiliate and paid search programs for programs such as Thompson Cigar, Linensource, Casual Living USA, Café Belmondo, Shock Coffee and others. Visit http://www.GregHoffmanConsulting.com for more information.

ShipABall.com Helps Greg Hoffman Consulting

2009-05-28T17:21:00.003-05:00

I needed a gimmick to get the attention of a popular affiliate program owner and I decided against shipping Donuts this time. At some point last year, Shawn Collins suggested I use ShipABall.com to send a unique reminder of my services.

The customer service at ShipABall was very quick and responsive with my custom message for the 10-inch inflatable ball. I was pleased with the images and the price was right.

Now let's see what happens...

Try out ShipABall.com.

Men's Coupons Sites Soar in Second Quarter '09

2009-05-26T10:31:00.000-05:00

As the economy slowed and families had to dig deeper this Spring to make ends meet, coupon focused web sites have seen tremendous growth, especially one specific site that caters to unlikely users - men.

A quick review of Google News under the keyword "coupons" will show thousands of recent media mentions, all talking about how shoppers are taking advantage of online discounts, said Traci Dean, owner of MensCouponClub.com. "We focus on helping men who find it difficult to shop online or are too busy and want to find good deals in one place," she said.

Dean reports Second Quarter '09 sales for MensCouponClub.com will be an estimated 75% more than the Second Quarter '08 results. The site has also added approximately 500 additional e-commerce merchants this year and is working directly with affiliate managers to provide custom coupons for its customers.

"We have recommendations to what women want, suggestions made by women, and by the same token, for women using our site, we have recommendations for what men like, suggestions made by men," Dean said.

Stereotypes don't apply these days when it comes to using coupons and saving money at the grocery store or online, according to retiree Martin De La Montainge, of Tampa. "I'm happy to save money anyway I can. The only coupons I used in the past were found in Sunday newspapers, however, I found MensCouponClub.com that sends a weekly email containing many coupons for different products that fit my needs. Occasionally I will see a coupon for a product that I have never used before and the discount provided by the coupon is an incentive for me to purchase the product and try it at least once."

MensCouponClub.com works with reputable merchants and adds exclusive coupons every month in many different categories such as: Sports & Fitness, Electronics; Health; Apparel and many others. The owners of MensCouponClub.com also run CouponsandSportsBlog.com to compliment their services and give its visitors updates on major sports related stories mixed with deals they might like. For more information, visit http://www.menscouponclub.com or contact by email: contact(at)menscouponclub.com

Don't Panic! Take a Towel Wherever You Go Monday!

2009-05-24T20:35:00.001-05:00

A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitch hiker can have. Partly it has great practical value - you can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapours; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a mini raft down the slow heavy river Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or to avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (a mindboggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you - daft as a bush, but very, very ravenous); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.

More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: non-hitch hiker) discovers that a hitch hiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, face flannel, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitch hiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitch hiker might accidentally have "lost". What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is is clearly a man to be reckoned with.

- Douglas Adams: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Greg Hoffman Becomes Certified Affiliate Manager

2009-05-13T22:52:00.008-05:00

In 2006, I attended Affiliate Summit for Thompson Cigar. While I was there I met Janet Meiners Thaeler and she convinced me to purchase the original Affiliate Classroom Affiliate Manager training course. It came in a box with a huge 3-ring binder with workbooks and DVDs all over the place. I found it to be a great resource but it lacked any final certification.

In 2007, while with Kowabunga, I bumped into AC's Anik Singal at another Affiliate Summit. I pestered him about when he would move the Manager course online. He said it was coming soon and that everyone was looking forward to it.

In 2008, my former employee and now one of my best friends, Lisa Van Noland-Caraffi, was one of the first affiliate managers to jump in and complete the AC Certified Training online. You can see her testimonial on the AC Certified homepage...

In 2009, I finally committed to investing in the training. Tonight, I completed the final exam. It's very rewarding and let me tell you, the final exam was not a piece of cake. After all the successful affiliate programs I've managed in the last 5 years in all the major networks, the AC Certified Training taught me tips and tricks I've never considered.

Thank you Rachel! I owe you some donuts.

Sign up for the AC Certified Course now.

Gorilla picks up a Nikon D40

2009-05-12T15:50:00.004-05:00

For the first time since 1994, I purchased a quality camera today. My last one was a Nikon 6006 purchased out of the Abes of Maine catalog. The D40 may not be top of the line but I'm sure it will fit my needs as a small business owner and a father to 2 very active children.

I attribute the purchase to a lucky birthday present. My aunt placed a bet for me in the Kentucky Derby and the horse that I chose at random won - Mine That Bird. So those 50-1 winnings along with some other birthday money, I set out to get a new camera. The battery is charging and I can't wait to test it out. Make sure you are following me on Twitter so you can see some of the Twitpics I upload later this week.

Find Great Deals on Brand Name SLR Cameras at www.AbesOfMaine.com.

Get Solar Power for Your Home

2009-05-04T10:15:00.006-05:00

SunPower Corp produces the world’s most POWERFUL and EFFICIENT solar systems and is leading the way in product innovation. As a manufacturer of the highest-efficiency solar-panels, SunPower is transforming neighborhoods and bringing the environmental community together like never before, providing a powerful global solution to homeowners.

This is cool technology -

Introducing the SunPower Monitoring System® with three ways to monitor — wireless in-home display, web interface, and on-the-go access from your iPhone™ or iPod® touch mobile devices. Now you can track the performance of your solar system on your terms.

Now if I could only get my apartment complex to install these, my power bill wouldn't be so high and I could say I was living a "green" lifestyle. Of course, I would have to live in one of these areas..Central Valley CA, North California, La Metro area, Bay Area CA, San Diego(Inc Palm Springs), Palm Springs, New York, Denver Boulder, Phoenix, Honolulu, Boston, South Jersey, Philly suburbs.

Cobb Chamber of Commerce

2009-05-04T08:58:00.003-05:00

I joined the Cobb Chamber of Commerce last week to help network locally. I was a member in 2003 when I did a few small projects for the chamber staff.

Today was the First Monday Breakfast at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest. The speaker was Margaret DeFrancisco, President and CEO, Georgia Lottery Corporation. She is a great speaker.

It was good to get out and start networking again. I look forward to more events with the Cobb Chamber and reconnecting with people I've worked with in the past.

Greg Hoffman Consulting is Born

2009-05-01T12:49:00.005-05:00

For the last year I have been working as an independent consultant for various online marketing agencies. I have enjoyed the work as an affiliate manager and I hope to continue picking up projects with some of the great teams I've worked with.

But in this economy, I felt it was time to launch my own consultancy. I can't wait around for others to do business development and with my Public Relations background, I can offer just a little bit more to some merchants on my own.

Greg Hoffman Consulting offers affiliate program management, online public relations, marketing communications and search engine marketing.

My point is to drive traffic to your site! Whether your site is a brochure site for a local company in Metro Atlanta or an E-Commerce site selling widgets, I can help you find the quality traffic you need to make the phone ring or convert sales at a higher rate.

GregHoffmanConsulting.com needs a few more tweaks but it gets the point across. Please stop by and read about my services.

Watch for press releases and new client announcements soon. First client is already on the books!

Two New Sites Created - Coming Soon

2009-04-17T19:15:00.002-05:00

I have two new hosted sites on the way, one is for my consultancy and the other will be a blog through Wordpress. I'm using BlueHost for my web hosting solution for both. BlueHost comes highly recommended.

More to come soon.

Engauge Teams up with WellStar Health System to Re-launch Website

2009-04-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

WellStar is a former client and I'm happy to see them moving forward with a more sophisticated web presence...

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Engauge, a total marketing solutions agency, and WellStar Health System, a not-for-profit health system offering Atlanta's growing community world class health care, have partnered to re-launch WellStar.org. The focus will be to create digital strategies that better align the company’s online presence with its various audiences, including patients, doctors, and staff.

According to Michelle Robinson, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, PR & Internal Communications for WellStar Health System, “Engauge brings to this relationship a deep understanding in online behavior and user experience – something of significant importance as we strive to create stronger connections online.”

“Having worked closely with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several US hospitals, the Engauge team brings tremendous subject matter expertise to the WellStar relationship,” says Melissa Read, Ph.D., VP of Research and Innovation with Engauge. “To us, this project is about so much more than driving conversion digitally. It’s about helping real people find real medical solutions.”

Engauge background: www.engauge.com

Engauge, a portfolio company of Halyard Capital, is a total marketing solutions agency, dedicated to delivering transformational ideas that move someone — to act, to choose, to believe in a brand. The agency focuses on discovering true insights, developing ideas with real impact, and then measuring that interaction and gauging the results. Engauge’s three Centers of Excellence combine the disciplines of branding, digital, and direct marketing to partner with clients such as Kraft Foods, Best Buy for Business, Chick-fil-A, The Home Depot, Sony, NGK, and Huntington Bank. The company has offices in Columbus, Austin, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Orlando.

The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare. WellStar, a not-for-profit health system, includes Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Physicians Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing Center; and WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956-STAR or visit www.wellstar.org.

Survival Tips by Donald Trump

2009-04-07T09:07:00.002-05:00

By Donald Trump: Author of Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life

What's happened to the economy has been likened to a tsunami as well as an implosion. When the undersea earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit in Indonesia in 2004, the world was stunned by the devastation that took place. It triggered earthquakes around the globe as far away as Alaska. It happened in a very short amount of time.
This kind of event takes shape over a period of time and then erupts with incredible force. What happened this past year is similar in that respect -- it'd been brewing for some time. When it hit, it was like a tsunami which caused other economies to start crumbling as well. We are all familiar with that scenario. What we need to do now is deal with it.
The aftermath of a tsunami requires surveying the damage, picking up the pieces and moving on. Some people have bigger losses than others, but everyone has to keep going.
When it comes to implosion, it's more of a cave-in than a wipe-out, but equally potent. We saw the effects of an implosion watching the towers fall on 9/11. It's a domino effect. We won't sink because we can swim, but let's not go the way of dominos. Let's be smart and learn to think for ourselves in positioning ourselves for what comes next. Here are a few survival tips:
Pay attention to national and international news and finance coverage at least several times a day, preferably hourly. In volatile times, vigilance is necessary.
Absorb, assess, and then act. Knowledge without action is impotence.
When a tsunami hits, there's no time for procrastination. Keep your momentum in tune with the times.
Avoid your comfort zone -- it's probably outdated anyway.
If you're honest, you should know the questions that should be asked, as well as the answers. That's probably why there's so much confusion out there today.
Remember The Blitz. That can put things into perspective. Things may be tough and getting tougher, but we're not being bombed day in and day out either. If you don't know what The Blitz is, use your time wisely to study WWII to find out.
Is your life half empty or half full? Half is better than zip. Count your blessings.
Realize that fear is the exact opposite of faith.
Resolve to be bigger than your problems. Who's the boss?
Don't negate your own power. Whatever you've been dealt, know you can deal with it.
Copyright © 2009 Donald J. Trump, author of Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life

Author Bio
Donald J. Trump, author of Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life, is the Chairman and President of The Trump Organization. He is the preeminent developer of quality real estate around the world, rnaking the Trump brand synonymous with the gold standard. His commitment to excellence extends from his real estate holdings to the entertainment industry. As the star and co-producer of the NBC hit series The Apprentice, to his award-winning golf courses and skyscrapers, his business acumen is unparalleled. His Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue has become one of the most famous landmark buildings in New York City, and his Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York City has received the coveted Mobil Five-Star Award. He is the archetypal businessman -- a deal maker without peer and an ardent philanthropist.

Learn more about Think Like A Champion at www.trumpthinklikeachampion.com

Don't Call it a Comeback, I've Been Here for Years!

2009-03-15T09:09:00.003-05:00

I've slipped on my blog postings over the last few weeks as I packed and made my journey northward from Florida back to Georgia.

I'm living in Roswell again for the first time in 10 years. The kids and I are doing great and now it's time for me to resume my job search in metro-Atlanta. There is one particular company that will be receiving a box of donuts this week. Hopefully they will enjoy the treats and the resume will speak for itself.

More book reviews coming soon.

Sticky Brain Teasers from the book Made to Stick

2009-02-23T09:12:00.004-05:00

Sticky Brain Teasers

By Chip and Dan Heath,
Authors of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Test the Curse of Knowledge With Tappers and Listeners

Take a song like "The Star-Spangled Banner" and tap out the rhythm to a friend on a table. Ask your friend to listen and guess the name of the song. Do you think your friend will guess right?

A 1990 study on this experiment showed that listeners guessed only 2.5 percent of the songs (3 out of 120 attempted). Before the listeners guessed the song, the tappers were asked to predict if the listeners would guess correctly. They predicted that the odds were 50 percent! Why the discrepancy? When a tapper taps, she is hearing the song in her head, but the listener can't. The problem is that the tapper has been given knowledge (the song title) that makes it impossible for her to imagine what it's like to lack that knowledge. This is the Curse of Knowledge. Once we know something, we find it hard to imagine what it was like not to know it.

The tapper/listener experiment is reenacted every day across the world between CEOs and frontline employees, teachers and students, politicians and voters, marketers and customers, writers and readers. All of these groups rely on ongoing communication, but, like the tappers and listeners, they suffer from enormous information imbalances. You can quash the Curse of Knowledge with the six principles of stickiness.

The Simplicity Test

Spend ten to fifteen seconds, no more, studying the letters below. Then write down as many letters as you can remember.

J FKFB INAT OUP SNA SAI RS

If you're like most people, you probably remembered about seven to ten letters. That's not much information. Compactness is essential because there's a limit to the amount of information we can juggle at once.

Now try the exercise again. The letters are the same but are grouped differently. Once again, study the letters for ten to fifteen seconds, then close the book and test your recall.

JFK FBI NATO UPS NASA IRS

Chances are you did much better the second time. Suddenly the letters meant something, which made them easier to remember. In Round 1 you were trying to remember raw data. In Round 2, you were remembering concepts: John F. Kennedy, the FBI, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, UPS, NASA, the IRS.

The Concreteness Test

1) Think of five silly things that people have done in the world in the past ten years.
2) Next, think of five silly things your child has done in the past ten years.

Most people can think of about the same number of things for each exercise–even though your child's actions are a tiny fraction of the world! Why? Because concreteness focuses your brain.

The Velcro Theory of Memory Test

Read each sentence below slowly. As you move from one sentence to another, you'll notice that it feels different to remember different kinds of things.

Remember the capital of Kansas
Remember the first line of the song "Hey Jude"
Remember the Mona Lisa
Remember the house where you spent most of your childhood
Remember the definition of "truth"
Remember the definition of "watermelon"

Each command to remember seems to trigger a different mental activity. Memory, then, is not like a single filing cabinet. It is more like Velcro. If you look at Velcro up close, you'll notice that one side has lots of tiny hooks and the other has lots of tiny loops. When you press the two sides together, a huge number of hooks get snagged inside the loops, and that's what causes Velcro to seal. Similarly, your brain hosts a staggering number of loops. The more "hooks" we can put into our ideas, the easier it will be for people to remember.

The Choice Paralysis Test

A group of students were given the following choice of how to spend one evening:

1. Attend a lecture by an author you admire who is visiting just for the evening, or
2. Go the library and study?

21 percent decided to study. Suppose instead they had been given three choices:

1. Attend the lecture by an author you admire who is visiting just for the evening.
2. Go to the library and study.
3. Watch a film that you've been wanting to see.

Do you think they answered differently? Remarkably, when a different group of students were given the three choices, 40 percent decided to study -- double the number who did before. Giving students two good alternatives to studying, rather than one, paradoxically makes them less likely to choose either. This behavior isn't "rational," but it is human. A consistent finding in the psychology literature is that too many choices can be paralyzing. If your ideas help people prioritize among options, you can rescue them from the quicksand of decision paralysis. That's why finding the core of your idea is so valuable.

Copyright © 2009 Chip and Dan Heath co-authors of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

http://www.madetostick.com/

Pending Review: Made to Stick

2009-02-20T17:45:00.003-05:00

I'm reading this book over the weekend for a review here on the blog. Here is a sampling of what it is about:

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
By authors, Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Random House; 1 edition (January 2, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400064287
ISBN-13: 978-1400064281

Product Description
Mark Twain once observed, “A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on.” His observation rings true: Urban legends, conspiracy theories, and bogus public-health scares circulate effortlessly. Meanwhile, people with important ideas–business people, teachers, politicians, journalists, and others–struggle to make their ideas “stick.”

Why do some ideas thrive while others die? And how do we improve the chances of worthy ideas? In Made to Stick, accomplished educators and idea collectors Chip and Dan Heath tackle head-on these vexing questions. Inside, the brothers Heath reveal the anatomy of ideas that stick and explain ways to make ideas stickier, such as applying the “human scale principle,” using the “Velcro Theory of Memory,” and creating “curiosity gaps.”

In this indispensable guide, we discover that sticky messages of all kinds–from the infamous “kidney theft ring” hoax to a coach’s lessons on sportsmanship to a vision for a new product at Sony–draw their power from the same six traits.

Made to Stick is a book that will transform the way you communicate ideas. It’s a fast-paced tour of success stories (and failures)–the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who drank a glass of bacteria to prove a point about stomach ulcers; the charities who make use of “the Mother Teresa Effect”; the elementary-school teacher whose simulation actually prevented racial prejudice. Provocative, eye-opening, and often surprisingly funny, Made to Stickshows us the vital principles of winning ideas–and tells us how we can apply these rules to making our own messages stick.

Tana Hoy Announces New Teleseminar - Benefits of Gemstones and Crystals

2009-02-02T22:11:00.003-05:00

America's Foremost Psychic Medium, Tana Hoy, announces his first teleseminar for 2009 on a topic close to his heart and highly requested by his devoted fans - the benefits of gemstones and crystals.

The hour-long live teleseminar will be available to anyone who purchases a seat through Tana Hoy's website, prior to the February 10, 6 p.m. PST phone conference. The teleseminar will also be available for purchase on his website for those who miss the event.

"If you aren't aware of the magical powers of gemstones and crystals, or how you can use their powers to enhance your everyday life, then this is your chance to learn about how you can use them," Hoy said. "I will teach you how to choose the right gemstone or crystal for healing, meditation, balance and protection. You will also learn how to clean and properly care for your gemstones and crystals, as well as how to tune and program them to manifest whatever you desire."

Hoy is known to thousands of people nationwide as a spiritual consultant, and is famous for his very rare psychic gift - being able to communicate with the other side. Hoy not only hears spirit guides and guardian angels, but he can physically see them too. He first became famous when he predicted the Oklahoma City bombing live on national radio only 90 minutes before it happened.

For the last year, Hoy has been sharing his knowledge through a series of psychic courses to help others understand how they can develop their own natural psychic powers. Past teleseminars have included dream interpretation, developing psychic ability and harnessing the psychic power of water.

During this gemstone and crystal teleseminar, you will learn: how to block negative energy, how to release stress and worry, how to achieve deeper relaxation, how to heal your soul energy, as well as how to harness positive dreams, so that you can sleep better and feel invigorated the next day, according to Hoy.

"I want you to understand the magnificent power inside gemstones and crystals, and to teach you how you can combine different stones to attract money and success, relieve fear, anxiety and worry, along with much more," Hoy added.

To pre-register, visit TanaHoy.com and purchase the course for $39.97. The February 10 course runs live from 6-7 p.m. PST (9-10 p.m. EST).

New Phone Number and Address

2009-01-20T10:42:00.002-05:00

If you are trying to locate me, I have a new phone number and new address. You can email me for the contact info or you can check out the updates on my Facebook page.

I just joined the Offeratti CPA Network

2009-01-12T15:06:00.004-05:00

Offeratti Network - Make More Money from Your Traffic

The following description of Offeratti is straight from Jim Lillig, the president of the new network and someone I respect and trust in the affiliate industry. This is a network to watch in 2009.

Offeratti was developed from the ground up to be a different performance network. Unlike some of the competition, here’s what you can expect when you are approved as an offeratti publisher:

No Tiered Payouts on Downsells - Always Get Full Commission
Live Dynamic Custom Split Testing - You Get the Highest Converting
Control at ALL Times.
Custom Landing Pages Tailored to Specific Marketing Channels (i.e. PPC, eMail, Banners, International, etc.)
On Time Payouts
Top Biz Opp Offers from The Most Successful Internet Marketers

Offeratti Network - Make More Money from Your Traffic

Greg Hoffman, Marketing Gorilla ... What?

2008-12-22T14:28:00.003-05:00

Where in the world did the Marketing Gorilla name come from? Easy enough to explain.

During my time with the world-renowned Computer Security Guru Winn Schwartau, he needed guerrilla marketing to promote his new company and products. At some point he started calling me Gorilla Greg. That was about the time I started this blog for my own personal SEO and branding.

Over the last few years, it went from Guerrilla Marketing to Gorilla Greg to Marketing Gorilla. Then the look and feel evolved with the help of my graphic designer buddy, Brian Jones at Thompson Cigar and my blog template designer Karen Rani.

So if you want to do any research on who I am, all you have to do is type in "Marketing Gorilla" in the search engines. There are lots of copycats but I rank number one. Except of course for my name, because certain movie databases misspell the late Gregg Hoffman, producer of the SAW movies.

And then of course there is the tattoo to go along with the whole branding thing...That branding effort will be with me forever.

Why hire Greg Hoffman, Marketing Gorilla?

2008-12-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

Here is my pitch to all you recruiters, HR people and top executives at profitable companies in metro-Atlanta.

There aren't that many marketing or public relations management jobs open right now but thousands of people like me jockeying for interviews.

I'm here to tell you that I want the interview more than anyone else and I'm not done finding creative ways to get your attention. I am a hardworking team leader that is dedicated to helping companies like yours find profitable customers through any marketing channel - online or offline.

Now you have seen me, heard me and if you haven't read my resume, contact me through my website - GregWHoffman.com.

I am packed and ready to move to Atlanta at a moments notice.

Time to Vote For Pete Rose

2008-12-02T17:23:00.005-05:00

Eligible sportswriters from the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) have received their ballots and its time to choose the next Baseball Hall of Famers.

I say its time to vote for Pete Rose. Forget what the cynics say: "Rose? Not until every last player, coach and manager who didn't corrupt the game gets in..." And forget what the rules say, "Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played."

If enough sportswriters go with their gut and vote for Charlie Hustle, then the sport of baseball will begin to heal itself. Who cares about his gambling? Seriously...The man wasn't a saint but he was one hell of a ballplayer. He deserves to be in Cooperstown. The longer this goes on, the more the NFL, NBA and NASCAR will kick MLB's ass in ratings, attendance and merchandise. Get off your high horse and let Pete Rose in...

Jimmy Carter wrote about forgiving Rose.

I just joined a group on Facebook called "If you don't think Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame I will fight you. And here is there case for Rose:

All-time Major League record for most career hits:
4,256
All-time Major League record for most games played:
3,562
All-time Major League record for most at bats:
14,053
All-time Major League record for most singles:
3,315
All-time Major League record for most total bases by a switch hitter:
5,752
All-time Major League record for most seasons of 200 or more hits:
10
All-time Major League record for most consecutive seasons of 100 or more hits:
23
All-time Major League record for most seasons with 600 or more at bats:
17
All-time Major League record for most seasons with 150 or more games played:
17
All-time Major League record for most seasons with 100 or more games played:
23
Only player in Major League history to play more than 500 games at five different Positions:
1B (939) 2B (628) 3B (634)
LF (671) RF (595)
Major League record for playing in the most winning games:
1,972
All-time National League record for most years played:
24
All-time National League record for most consecutive years played:
24
All-time National League record for most career runs:
2,165
All-time National League record for most career doubles:
746
All-time National League record for most games with 5 or more hits:
10
Modern National League record for longest consecutive game hitting streak:
44
Modern National League Record for most consecutive game hitting
streaks of 20 or more games:
7

OnlineSports.com Increased Commission if you join today!

2008-12-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

We are close to 1,000 affiliates in our ShareASale program for OnlineSports.com. To get us over the 1,000 milestone, I am offering an increased 12% commission to all new affiliates that join by 2pm EST tomorrow. You will be set at that premium offer for the rest of December.

Join OnlineSports.com

Blogging Can Help – or Hurt – Your Career

2008-11-26T16:42:00.002-05:00

John O'Connor 11/21/08

Blogging has become an impulsive contemporary art for careerists. Should you develop your own blog or shouldn’t you? Will it help or hurt your career? Let me present this canvas to you as a primer of sorts to think about this issue.

Read the rest of this article at TheLadders.com.

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Coupons from Snow Consulting

2008-11-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

WorldClassNutrition.com (ShareaSale)
Offer: 15% off $100 or more! Coupon Code: sas15off
Dates Valid: 11/28/08-12/1/08

ImposterCity.com (ShareaSale)
Offer: 20% off orders $25 or more. Coupon Code: HollyMacro
Dates Valid: 11/28/08-12/1/08

VogueWear.com (ShareaSale)
Offer: 20% off orders $25 or more. Coupon Code: HollyMacro
Dates Valid: 11/28/08-12/1/08

DiscountWatchStore.com
Offer: 20% off all orders of Bulova watches! Coupon Code: BUL15
Dates Valid: 11/25/08-12/1/08

Offer: 20% off all orders of Luminox watches! Coupon Code: LUM20
Dates Valid: 11/25/08-12/1/08

OnlineSports.com
Offer: 10% off all orders! Coupon Code: OSPORTS10
Dates Valid: 11/28/08-12/1/08

TheHairStyler.com
Offer: 30% off all sign-ups! Coupon Code: THS30
Dates Valid: 11/27/08-12/1/08

TotalBedroom.com
Offer: 5% off Lawrence Bedding & Home Fashions! Coupon Code: BEDDING5 at checkout
Dates Valid: 11/26/08-12/1/08

My spot for peace and solitude

2008-11-08T13:34:00.002-05:00

Out of anywhere in the world, this spot is where I can find peace and solitude. It has been for 20 years now. I'm going to miss it when I move back to Atlanta.

Double Commission for New Affiliates that Join CenterCaps.net

2008-11-07T10:47:00.002-05:00

CenterCaps.net is the number one source for used wheel rim Center Caps and Hubcaps in the U.S.A. Their affiliate program is listed in the Auto Category of ShareASale and it has taken off since its launch a few months ago.

We are making a push for new affiliates this week. From now until November 14, all new affiliates will be listed at double commission - 24%. That group of affiliates will stay at double commission for the remainder of November.

This is definitely a chance to take advantage of a "Need-based" product. There is no season for wheels or hubcaps. Our 30-Day EPC is $34.83 and the average sale is $51.75.

Join CenterCaps.net Today

Shock Coffee endorses "Shock-Min" for President

2008-10-29T13:18:00.002-05:00

Join the Shock Coffee Affiliate Program and use this video to promote our products. Earn 15% commission.

The Day the Newspaper Industry Died

2008-10-25T13:01:00.003-05:00

Mother Trib has dissappointed me. A few weeks after I wrote this Tampa Bay Rays prediction post about my former USF Journalism Classmate, Carter Gaddis, the Tampa Tribune laid him off.

Carter was a symbol. He was the J-School guy that had a goal and never looked back. From the first class we had together in 1991, he wanted to be a sports writer for the Tampa Tribune. We wished him luck and were shocked when he was hired and started following his dream while we were still in school. About a year after I graduated, I finally went to work for Mother Trib but didn't stick around for long. I left to work for smaller newspapers in North Georgia and I yearned for the Public Relations/Marketing field.

Over the years, I would pick up the Tribune or read TBO.com and see Carter's byline. It made me comfortable that one of us made it and was still with the home team. I always wondered what would happen if I stayed in the newspaper business because I was convinced Carter would retire at the age of 105 as the editor of the Tribune Sports Department and that secure future could have been me.

But the truth is, the newspaper industry was asleep for the decade that spawned the Internet and they never caught up. Now true journalists are being let go because ad revenue has dried up and the world wrongly thinks citizen journalists are better.

I found out about Carter's situation when he found me on Facebook this weekend. He has no idea the power of social networking yet, but he will. I'm 100% positive his next great career move will be a result of the likes of Facebook, Twitter and his blog. Help me spread the word and get Carter writing again.

Please Digg this post.

Taco Flavored Doritoes - Life is Better Again

2008-10-14T10:40:00.002-05:00

What to do when life throws you a lemon??? Go buy some Taco flavored Doritoes and a 44-ounce Coke. Forget that they are bad for you. Just Go For it.

Excellent Mineral Makeup Review from Sunshine Rewards

2008-10-07T18:56:00.001-05:00

I love the video reviews coming from Sunshine Rewards lately. They know how to promote a product through video.

Johnny Depp as Tonto?

2008-09-25T19:47:00.002-05:00

I guess because I've been a faithful Netflix fan for the last year, I'm finally interested in what is coming out next. So a few weeks ago I stumbled onto CinemaBlend.com. Its a great site that gives you insight about all the movies being made.

You know how you see movie previews and go "I didn't know they were going to make that movie, Cool!"

Well this site tells you what movies are upcoming. Like Shrek 4, Pirates of the Carribean 4, Beverly Hills Ninja 2, I Am Legend Prequel, Cars 2 and best of all - The Lone Ranger.

Here's an item where they talk about Johnny Depp as Tonto and maybe George Clooney as the Lone Ranger. Is Clooney The Lone Ranger?

Anyway, just thought I would point you to that site. I read the headlines every few days.

Georgia Haunted House "Camp Blood"

2008-09-20T17:40:00.002-05:00

Sep 19, 2008 – For the second year in a row, and in its 18th year, Georgia haunted attraction Camp Blood announced a Thursday Special. On Thursday nights, scare fanatics who bring 3 cans of food to help feed the hungry will get admission to Mabel’s Bled & Breakfast free! That’s a $5 value just for helping feed the less fortunate. Once again, Manna House Ministries has stepped up to be the distributor for the food gathered.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the community,” says Camp Blood Administrator Mark Atcheson. "It hit me during a revival at Fellowship Baptist Church last year that I needed to do something about the hunger situation in Carroll County and I believe this is what Jesus has laid on my heart to do."

Manna House Food Pantry will receive all the donations collected by Camp Blood. Manna House regularly hundreds of families each month and is a ministry of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Clem, Georgia.

Camp Blood and Mabel's Bled & Breakfast are open Friday and Saturday nights beginning September 19th thru September 28th. Then Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights beginning October 2nd thru October 27th. We will also be open October 29th, 30th and 31st. The frights begin at 9pm. We close weeknights at 11pm and weekends at midnight.

Unlike standard walk and stumble attractions, Camp Blood’s guides take groups of visitors through a ‘quarter mile of sheer terror’. Visitors find themselves walking, stopping, screaming, jumping, running, and cowering as they attempt to keep up with the sneaky guides and dodge the monsters.

For more information, visit Camp Blood on the web at www.campblood.com.

# # #

Camp Blood was rated in 2007 as one of the top 10 haunted destinations in the U.S. Located in West Georgia (Carrollton) Camp Blood and Mabel's Bled and Breakfast have been thrilling haunted house enthusiasts for 15 years.

Small Public Relations Agency Professionals Group on Yahoo

2008-09-18T09:01:00.002-05:00

In March of 2003, a colleague and I started a small yahoo group for small public relations agency professionals. We were both part of a different group that was led by one person who posted multiple rants about various topics. We wanted something relevant, quite and useful.

I left that group mentally a few years ago and finally quit in the last year, but as I pick up more press release projects for search engine optimization, I need that sense of community we shared. Yahoo groups may not seem relevant in today's world, but believe me, it's nice to have 400 people behind you.

If you have a small PR agency, join SmallPRAgencyPros.

Real Estate Veteran Turns to Internet Marketing During Struggling Economy

2008-09-12T16:26:00.004-05:00

This is a sneak peek at a press release that is going out tomorrow on PRWeb for a new client, Todd Wetzelberger in Baltimore. It's a great story and I wish Todd the best in his new online ventures.

A Veteran Real Estate Investor and Developer from the Baltimore area has shifted his revenue focus to diversify and survive the current market downturn. He moved to online marketing with the help of a few tools and the sage advice from Internet Marketing Gurus.

Todd Wetzelberger, Baltimore, has ventured into this new business with as much knowledge as possible. After doing his due diligence for the last year, he has partnered with Epic Wealth Systems to bring cash gifting to the real estate investing world. Organized cash gifting has been online for more than eight years but with the current economy, the programs have proliferated in the last nine months, according to Wetzelberger. His self-branded website, www.toddwetzelberger.com, promotes free training on how to drive traffic to your site and offers street smart tools to succeed in online marketing efforts.

Wetzelberger offers a free “Attraction Marketing Newsletter” to visitors on his site, which provides them resource links and encourages them to join the Epic Wealth System program. “The value add is all the relevant training we offer, whether they join or not,” Wetzelberger added. “We reserve advanced strategies if they join but all the basic training is actionable/ relevant.”

Epic Wealth System’s “secret” to success, is that they have arguably some of the best training on traffic generation and conversion, while cutting through the hype and fluff, according to Wetzelberger. “They have an incredible system that leverages your time immensely which allowed me time to finish current real estate projects, and devote a significant amount of time growing my online operation.”

Before starting with Epic Wealth Systems, Wetzelberger was a firm believer in the benefits he learned from another program, Strategic Profits’ Business Growth System (BGS). Strategic Profits was founded by Rich Schefren, known in the Internet marketing community as the "guru's guru," having provided sought-after business coaching to such high-profile luminaries as Jay Abraham, John Carlton, Joel Comm, Brad Fallon, Mike Filsaime, Yanik Silver, Jeff Walker and many more.

“I’ve read all the E-Myth books and Rich blows them away,” Wetzelberger said. “The BGS modules provide all the tools to build a successful online business. There is so much to implement, I have hard time doing it all.”

Wetzelberger has been a full time investor/developer, renovating more than 100 units in two cities, owned/managed 60 rental units and is a specialist in historic redevelopment. His company, Anchor Development LLC, was recently featured on the front page of the Real Estate section of the June 1, 2008 Baltimore Sun, which detailed the use of historic tax credits and their effectiveness in selling property in a down market.

Great Affiliate Banner Designs by WebPencil.com

2008-09-11T16:08:00.004-05:00

I want to thank the great work done by the staff over at WebPencil.com, the featured partner for Snow Consulting. They have done banners for two of my programs, Shock Coffee and CenterCaps.net. They really capture exactly what is needed in an affiliate banner. Easy to read, easy to look at and very effective. I would recommend them to anyone looking for banner designs.

WebPencil.com is a leading banner ad design firm. They specialize in rich media online advertising across all media platforms including Flash, Animated GIF, DART Motif, PointRoll, Eyeblaster, Yahoo Rich Media, Atlas, and their own proprietary banner ad technologies. Their design team is talented and experienced. They've been working together since 1999 from their corporate offices in Las Vegas, Nevada. WebPencil delivers agency quality ads at prices most agencies can't touch.

Here are some samples:

Shock Coffee Datafeed Now Available in ShareASale

2008-09-11T11:04:00.002-05:00

Shock Sampler Kit - $ 29.95
From: Shock Coffee, LLC

Shock-A-Lots - $ 39.99
From: Shock Coffee, LLC

TRIPLE-MOCHA 24 PACK - $ 36.99
From: Shock Coffee, LLC

Football Season Excitement At Sunshine Rewards

2008-09-10T14:41:00.001-05:00

Join SunshineRewards today.

Starting a New Fish Tank Soon

2008-09-07T14:58:00.006-05:00

I was a successful aquarium fish hobbyist for many years and now I'm about to get back in with some exciting new products. My past aquariums have been 10-, 20- and 46-gallon tanks. But my next will most likely be a 12-gallon Fan-Cooled Nano Cube Aquarium.

This desktop version is available through Doctors Fosters and Smith starting at $119.99. I want something compact, easy to clean, and has filtration and lighting included.

My goal is to have two tanks, one for saltwater and one for freshwater. The freshwater tank will be packed with plants and schools of small fish.

As soon as they are purchased, set up and looking good, I'll post some pictures.

NFL Super Bowl Predictions 2009

2008-09-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

So the Super Bowl will be in Tampa on February 1, 2009 and no one at NFL on Fox thinks the Bucs will be in the Super Bowl.

Everyone says the Dallas Cowboys have the most talent this year. When I listened to the pundits about the MLB in Spring Training, they had me convinced the Detroit Tigers were going to be fantastic. I should have picked the Rays.

I'm not listening to anyone this year for NFL predictions. I say the Bucs will make it to the Super Bowl and they'll face the Colts. Bucs winning by 10.

Earn big money promoting OnlineSports.com.

Association of Marine Technicians - Back to My PR Roots

2008-09-01T20:04:00.003-05:00

In June of 2002, I was still owner of my Public Relations and Marketing Communications company, known as Tarpon Media or The Tarpon Agency. I picked up two clients in one package that month, CDI Electronics and AMTECH, the Association of Marine Technicians. Check out the article republished from Marina Business, a trade magazine - 06/28/02 AMTECH appoints marketing & PR director

Isn't that a great Logo??

I loved working for AMTECH and helping them get the word out to the boating industry trade publications that they were alive and well and helping their members in ways that no one else was willing to do. The biggest benefit members had through AMTECH was access to diagnostic and troubleshooting manuals from various manufacturers. The average customer takes their boat to the guy down the street, not necessarily to the manufacturers fix-it shop. The AMTECH website has a password protected area where members can post on forums, share information and get a better handle on their profession.

When I no longer had my agency, my full-time job interfered with any pro-bono work I could do for AMTECH, but not anymore. I've already told the President of AMTECH, Joe De Marco, that I will help them in any way I can. It also helps that I'll soon be moving very close to Canton, Georia, where AMTECH is based.

The problem AMTECH faces is the economy. Its hard to collect dues in hard times and boating is a luxury. So I can't do anything to help the industry, but I will do what I can to help AMTECH deliver its message to its constituents.

Adding Another Affiliate Program to the Snow Consulting Family - CenterCaps.net - 12% Commission

2008-09-01T18:55:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to announce another affiliate program through Snow Consulting - CenterCaps.net, with a starting commission of 12%. The 30-day EPC is $53.70. CenterCaps is listed under the automotive category in ShareASale and offers customers wheel center caps, wheel covers and hub caps for every make and model vehicle.

PROGRAM BENEFITS
# Starting Commission of 12% per sale
# 90 Day Tracking Cookie
# Auto-Deposit Feature
# Parasite Free
# Dedicated Program Management by Snow Consulting

CUSTOMER BENEFITS
# Free shipping on all orders in the US
# Just $9.99 shipping on all orders to Canada
# Over 1,000,000 hub caps and center caps to choose from

DATAFEED
In addition to the banners and text links, we also provide a full product datafeed that includes 2,100+ products. The datafeed file is uploaded consistently so you have the most up to date information. Stay tuned as we will be adding the datafeed to PopShops and DatafeedFile.com.

WIDGETS
Widgets have been created for top selling categories and overall top sellers. It is a clean, effective way of promoting products or brands in a storefront template.

SEARCH BOX - ADVANCED LINKS
We provide all partners with search boxes. This allows your visitors to search for certain name brands and/or products from your site and be directed to the product and/or name brand page on CenterCaps.net. The conversion to sale is much higher as customers get directed to the product of their choice.

Sign up for CenterCaps.net!

Saturday Morning with Sid & Marty Krofft from Netflix

2008-08-30T13:58:00.004-05:00

I ordered Saturday Morning with Sid & Marty Krofft from Netflix this week for the kids and I can't believe I liked these shows when I was their age. The absolute worst show was Lidsville. George Lopez does a special DVD commentary for the Lidsville episode and it was even worse the second time.

The DVD included H.R. Puffnstuf, Lidsville, The Bugaloos, Sigmund and the SeaMonsters, Land of the Lost, Far Out Space Nuts and The Lost Saucer.

I would say my favorite now that I've seen all of these shows again would have to be Sigmund and the SeaMonsters. Simple and creative but my kids just didn't get into it. Why do we have such good memories of these shows?

Political rantings on Bob Barr and the Conventions

2008-08-29T13:24:00.004-05:00

Did McCain's choice for VP sink any chance Bob Barr had at getting at least 15% percent of the presidential votes? I'm thinking it did.

Even though I like Bob personally and I'll still vote for him, it doesn't look good for the Libertarians. The true third party soldiers will vote for Bob, but the undecideds just decided. I'm sure of it.

You might not know this about me, but I was an accredited journalist at the 1996 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. My time in Chicago with the Democrats was miserable. Those people hated me because of who I worked for. In 1996, I was a political reporter for the Marietta Daily Journal, hometown paper for House Speaker Newt Gingrich. I followed Newt and his Congressional Step Brother, Rep. Bob Barr (R-Smyrna) everywhere they went. When they opened their mouths in 1995 and 1996, I reported about it. So when I was in Chicago with the Democrats, they treated me like crap, even though I was objective as possible when reporting. I didnt' like any part of that trip except seeing Christopher Reeve and Laurence Fishburne on stage. The Clinton's didn't impress me.

When I went to San Diego for the Republican Convention, I felt like a celebrity. Walking around with Newt, meeting Henry Kissinger and hob-knobbing with the Goober Smoochers. It was a fun time and everyone loved to be quoted in the hometown newspaper. The delegates were pleasant to be around. The best time was probably the private concert with Travis Tritt.

I have all the newspaper clippings from the conventions in storage. I was writing two stories a day, plus a column, which in today's world would have been my blog.

So anyway, good luck Bob Barr, you've come a long way in 12 years, but you have a long way to go.

Rays are Still Number One in AL East

2008-08-25T21:46:00.003-05:00

I can't believe the Tampa Bay Rays are still in first place in late August. As of tonight, they are tied with the Angels for the best record in the American League and they are both behind my former favorite team, the Cubbies.

79-50 wow. Who woulda thunk it... Go Rays!

Earn up to 15% commission with MineralHygienics.com

2008-08-21T17:51:00.002-05:00

I picked up another affiliate program to manage for Snow Consulting.com

Mineral Hygienics is the premier manufacturer of mineral makeup. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn commissions with a leading company in the fastest growing cosmetics segment in history. Our products virtually sell themselves. All it takes is for a customer to try the product and they will fall in love. It's that good!

Mineral Hygienics Affiliate Program Offers:

* Up to 15% commission per sale
* Commission paid on return visits (up to 60 days after last visit from your site)
* Flexible PPC bidding terms
* Coupons and promotions
* Datafeeds coming soon
* Responsive affiliate management through Snow Consulting

If you have any questions regarding our Affiliate Program, you can email us at Affiliates@mineralhygienics.com

Sign up here: Mineral Hygienics

Attorney at Law Preps for Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-19T14:30:00.005-05:00

This Tampa Attorney, name removed to protect the guilty, went out and bought two bags of sandbox sand to protect his one-room office from the flood expected during Tropical Storm Fay. I'm pretty sure it won't work. Needless to say that the storm fizzled out anyway.

Heading to the Rome Braves Game Today

2008-08-17T07:42:00.002-05:00

I'll be attending the Rome Braves game today. I haven't been to Rome, Georgia in about 12 years. My old boss Mike Columbo, Editor of the Rome News-Tribune, told me the Braves are probably the biggest change in Rome since I was last there. So my friends Randy and Kim and their boys will take me back to Rome to see a game.
Greg, 813-507-0006

One Dream 2009

2008-08-13T08:29:00.004-05:00

This post is to help a fellow classmate of mine, Dr. JuanCarlos Arauz. Please help his cause.

An organization of 20 undocumented youth has devoted themselves to demonstrating humanity for undocumented immigrants. Of the total undocumented population, 3 million of them came as children and are being raised in this country. They would like the opportunity to choose this country as their own. Our national public awareness campaign illuminates the plight of undocumented youth as a dignified human experience. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q16uB0hFi3Q ) Although this began as an underground youth movement known as One Dream 2009, our intention is to bring the voice of the voiceless to the mainstream community. Our campaign is to emphasize immigration as a human rights issue. Ultimately, we want to bridge the divide of racism, classism, ageism, and nationalism; we live on one planet. We not only appreciate your support, but your support is necessary to reach our goals:

* Gather 15 million signatures (petitions) in recognition of the 15 million undocumented individuals.
* Sell 3 million ‘Human Being’ cards symbolizing the 3 million undocumented youth in this country.
* Present these symbolic messages (powers of people, money and respect - representing the voice of human solidarity) to the new President on Inauguration Day, January 20th 2009.

We urge you to read the list below and see other ways you are willing to support this cause.

1. Sign the Petition at www.onedream2009.org
2. Buy a card/key tag www.onedream2009.org
3. Join us on Jan. 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day of the new U.S. president)
4. Invite us to speak to your group/organization for a presentation or training for the go-kits
5. Spread the word to EVERYONE you know
1. Forward the message to your list-serve, organizations, individuals
2. Link our website to your email signatures, webpage, etc.
3. Share the video http://youtube.com/watch?v=nIWV8-cJ1c0
4. Share our products (t-shirts, cards, DVD, stories, music)
5. Sell the human being card/ key tag as your own fundraising event

Thank you. Together we can make this happen!
One Dream 2009 Team

Monies earned from this campaign will go towards supporting the One Dream 2009 project; pay for travel, stipends and the promotion of the campaign. Of every $5, 20% goes to scholarship, 20% goes to personnel, 60% goes to Conscious Leadership Institute; a pilot project whose aim is to close the educational achievement gap by developing young socially responsible leaders.

One Dream 2009

Along with undocumented youth, Dr. JuanCarlos Arauz brings a unique expertise as his focus on the educational achievement gap and immigration reform highlights the need for educational excellence and global sustainability. The One Dream 2009 campaign is part of the larger pilot project to address the inequities for undocumented youth in education. We offer exclusive insight to the lives of immigrant students who face inequities in education and the lives of undocumented individuals impacted by the I.C.E. Raids through mini-documentary films, Spoken Word/poems, and autobiographies that the students have produced. We demonstrate how to combine knowledge with activism through the concept known as Conscious Leadership Institute: Incubator for change.

This is an exciting opportunity for you and your organization to learn more about the one dream 2009 youth movement. There are three specific styles in which you can invite our youth to come present to your organization depending on time and type of audience:

1. 15 minute presentation
1. Contextual information
2. Human Perspective: 90 second video or Spoken Word performance
3. Sharing of the underground youth movement

2. 45 minute presentation
1. 8 minute video, 20 minute Teatro Campesino or Spoken Word performance
2. Dialogue with audience of impact of the stories
3. Presentation on de-mystifying the undocumented population
4. Sharing of the underground youth movement

3. 90 minute presentation
1. 8 minute video, 20 minute Teatro Campesino or Spoken Word performance
2. Dialogue with audience of impact of the stories
3. Presentation on de-mystifying the undocumented population
4. Go-Kits training for community members
5. Music entertainment by the hip-hop performers “Blaxicans”

Marketing Gorilla's Next Great Adventure

2008-08-12T19:54:00.002-05:00

Hear ye Hear ye,

The Marketing Gorilla announces he will be relocating to the Greater Atlanta Area within the next 60-90 days. Although born and raised in Tampa, FL and spending the last 8 years back in Florida, it is time to move back to the Atlanta area. I lived there from 1995 - 1999.

My goal is to find a place on the I-575 corridor near where my children will be relocating with their mother. I'll be networking on Facebook and trying to reconnect with all my former colleagues from my days as a newspaper reporter and from my first PR Agency.

In the meantime, I'll be continuing my affiliate management and PR work with Snow Consulting and Strategic Profits.

In fact, we have another Strategic Profits press release coming soon.

Bad Blogger

2008-08-08T21:09:00.003-05:00

Its been a month, must get back to blogging. But alas, too tired tonight. Will be back soon.

Free Internet Marketing Reports Hit One Million Downloads

2008-08-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

One of the best known small business strategists in the online world is celebrating his most recent accomplishment; one million downloads of his five free internet marketing reports. Rich Schefren, Founder and CEO of Strategic Profits, is the author of groundbreaking reports such as The Internet Business Manifesto (link) and the Maven Matrix Manifesto (link).

"This is a historic milestone for Strategic Profits as we strive to educate online business owners of the most efficient ways to increase profits, work less and grow their business," Schefren said. He adds that more internet marketing reports will be published for free soon as well as more online business coaching products.

The effectiveness of the free download has been significant for Schefren’s business. Offering the reports for free creates strong relationships with potential customers and creates an online community that delivers instant feedback. This in turn, allows Strategic Profits to use this knowledge to create products that are helpful to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Schefren’s products have taken off in popularity in recent years as a result. His interactive coaching program, Business Growth System(link), teaches online business owners how to use proven offline strategies to grow their revenue. They use an eLearning platform that delivers the coaching products using steaming video and audio, digital transcripts and workbooks to match the learning style of the client. The Strengths Mastery Program (link) is also wildly popular as Schefren gives customers a scientific strengths assessment that has the testimonials pouring in everyday. Finally, the Business Acceleration Program (link) is a huge home-study resource that includes 20 DVD’s with videos from the most legendary business builders in the world.

Schefren is well-known in the Internet marketing community as the "guru's guru," having provided sought-after business coaching to such high-profile luminaries as Jay Abraham, John Carlton, Joel Comm, Brad Fallon, Mike Filsaime, Yanik Silver, Jeff Walker and many more.

Previous published reports from Schefren - The Internet Business Manifesto, The Missing Chapter (link), The Final Chapter (link), The Attention Age Doctrine Part 2 (link) and the Maven Matrix Manifesto - have helped thousands of entrepreneurs start a business online and understand changing market forces.

Each free report is available in PDF format and can be found in the lower right section of the Strategic Profits homepage (link). Here are some of the tips online business owners should expect from the free reports:

* Strategies from other gurus who have created explosive growth
* How to deal with the information that's flooding your inbox
* Web 2.0 tactics that bring search engine ranking and traffic
* Become the dominant authority and most trusted advisor in a market niche
* Learn uncommon principles on how to deal with large competitors

Schefren said he is hard at work writing more free internet marketing reports and relevant products for entrepreneurs. As Schefren says in all his public appearances, he wants to help online business owners increase their profit and have more time off to enjoy their success.

Tampa Bay Rays, Sitting on Top of Major League Baseball

2008-07-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

Today, July 4th, 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays have a 52-32 record, with a .619 percentage. The best record in MLB. We are three games in front of the Defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.

I'm on the bandwagon. I wear my TB blue cap all the time now. It has replaced all my other favorite hats. I've been a baseball fan my entire life, but I've never been a Rays fan until this year. The year they started winning.

I didn't like the team for several reasons. Number one, the stadium was built in the wrong city and in the wrong place. I can't wait until the team and the city leaders come up with a new stadium plan. But in my opinion, it should have been built in Tampa in 1988, when the city tore down Al Lopez Field. If Tampa built a stadium then, I believe we would have been awarded a National League Franchise in 1991, instead of Miami getting the Mullets. Probably the biggest problem the Rays have had since opening day in 1998 has been the team owners complete lack of commitment to fielding a winner. Until now.

Its not just the winning that changed my opinion. It was a game in June against the Chicago Cubs with my dad. The first time the Cubs have visited St. Pete. The Cubs have always been my favorite team. Between WGN and the fact that my grandfather played for a Cubs Minor League team after WWII, I was destined to follow them. Oddly enough, my grandfather became a Rays fan in his final years. He didn't hold grudges. He just loved the game. I finally get it. The Rays/Cubs series was pure baseball and I pulled for the home team. I've watched or listened to every game since then.

Go Rays!

Carter Gaddis from the Tampa Tribune on the Rays in 2005

2008-07-04T10:19:00.003-05:00

On February 3, 2005, Carter Gaddis, the baseball beat writer for the Tampa Tribune, gave an interview to a blogger. The blog is closed now but the post is still active. Read the whole interview but check out what Carter predicts. He was only off by one year.

JL: Last question: Is there any parting words that you'd like to leave me and/or Devil Ray Fans? Thank you, Mr. Gaddis and I hope that this year is your best year as a writer.

CG: Hang in there. I believe that better days are ahead for the Rays. Those days won't happen this year, or even next year. But by 2007, if the stars align, things could turn in a winning direction. There's enough young talent (Upton, Young, Crawford, Baldelli, Kazmir, Niemann, McClung) to warrant optimism in the next few years. Just don't expect too much, too soon. This year (and probably next) will be more of the same.

Gold Dust Woman - by Mary and Sledge from Red Bear Radio

2008-07-03T20:08:00.001-05:00

Listen to Red Bear Radio on Stickam.

Press Release Writing Service from the Marketing Gorilla

2008-06-29T21:56:00.003-05:00

Since 1997, I've been writing and distributing press releases. My first was about berber carpet for a Northwest Georgia carpet giant. I knew absolutely nothing about carpet at the time, but as a new account manager at a PR firm, I had to learn fast.

I've sent press releases for companies ranging from garbage can manufacturers to marine electronics resellers to a local gym grand opening in Largo, Florida. A well written press release distributed through the right channel can significantly drive quality traffic to a site. That is a proven fact.

I'm going to start writing press releases and sending them out for any companies launching their products, reports or general news. These press releases would add validity to the subject, especially if the content is picked up by media. And with PRWeb.com as my distribution partner, search engine optimization is a highly added benefit.

My charge for this service is $300 plus the costs from PRWeb.com. Typically this is a $500 total investment as I like to recommend the SEO Visibility option. After Day 1, 7, 14 and 28, I will submit a statistics summary to the client that includes total full-page reads, headline impressions and search engine hits.

There are four levels of press release distribution options through PRWeb, plus some upsell services that are well worth the investment.

STANDARD VISIBILITY - $80
* Your release on top sites like Yahoo! News and Google
* Permanent hosting on PRWeb.com
* Attach images and documents
* Track results with statistics on reads and impressions
* Two-day distribution

SOCIAL MEDIA VISIBILITY - $140
All the benefits of Standard Visibility, plus:
* Distribution on industry-specific Web sites and blogs
* Premium placement for enhanced search results
* Social bookmark links for increased distribution

SEO VISIBILITY - $200
All the benefits of Social Media Visibility, plus:
* Embedded news image
* SEO tools including anchor text for search optimized results
* 10 industry and 5 regional news feeds
* Advanced SEO statistics
* Next day distribution

MEDIA VISIBILITY - $360
SEO Visibility, plus:
* Guaranteed distribution through the Associated Press to top US newspapers and media outlets
* Add an embedded video to your press release
* Advanced analytics show you where your news is being read

Standard Podcast - Add $100.00
PRWeb Podcasts are the perfect multimedia complement for your PRWeb press release. The podcasts are 4-5 minute interviews conducted by phone with the PRWeb staff.

Extended Podcast - Add $200.00
This package takes the PRWeb Podcast to the next level -- an extended interview of 10-20 minutes for a more in-depth interview.

BusinessWire Distribution - Add $269.00
Amplify the distribution of your news with Business Wire. Business Wire provides simultaneous distribution to newspapers, radio and TV stations, trade journals and other regional publications. Online distribution includes a wide range of online outlets including Yahoo! Finance and MorningStar.com.

If you are interested in having a press release written and sent to thousands of journalists, bloggers and affiliates, contact me and let me know what options you would like added.

Greg Hoffman, Marketing Gorilla
akagorilla at gmail.com

Marketing Gorilla releases Press Release for Strategic Profits

2008-06-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a year since I sent out my last press release. This one for Rich Schefren at Strategic Profits puts me back in the game. If you didn't know, I owned a Public Relations Agency from 1999 to 2003, called the The Tarpon Agency. My work was mostly for a hospital group in Atlanta and a garbage can maker from North Carolina. But I had a few good local clients here in Tampa and I've missed the press release writing and distribution process.

Read the press release below, download one of Rich's free reports and let me know if you are interested in my press release service. I would love to start doing PR for affiliate launches or news from merchants. My rates are affordable and I use PRWeb.com for distribution.

Rich Schefren Celebrates One Million Downloads of His Free Internet Marketing Reports

Delray Beach, FL. (PRWEB ) June 26, 2008 -- From the Internet Business Manifesto to the newly published Maven Matrix Manifesto, a total of one million reports written by Rich Schefren, Founder and CEO of Strategic Profits, have been downloaded for free by business owners who want to increase profits online.

"This is a historic milestone for Strategic Profits as we strive to educate online business owners of the most efficient ways to increase profits, work less and grow their business," Schefren said. He adds that more internet marketing reports will be published for free soon as well as more online business coaching products.

This is a historic milestone for Strategic Profits as we strive to educate online business owners of the most efficient ways to increase profits, work less and grow their business

Schefren is well-known in the Internet marketing community as the "guru's guru," having provided sought-after business coaching to such high-profile luminaries as Jay Abraham, John Carlton, Joel Comm, Brad Fallon, Mike Filsaime, Yanik Silver, Jeff Walker and many more.

Previous published reports from Schefren - The Internet Business Manifesto, The Missing Chapter, The Final Chapter, The Attention Age Doctrine Part 2 and the Maven Matrix Manifesto - have helped thousands of entrepreneurs start a business online and understand changing market forces.
Each free report is available in PDF format and can be found in the lower right section of the Strategic Profits homepage. Here are some of the tips online business owners should expect from the free reports:

Strategies from other gurus who have created explosive growth
How to deal with the information that's flooding your inbox
Web 2.0 tactics that bring search engine ranking and traffic
Become the dominant authority and most trusted advisor in a market niche
Learn uncommon principles on how to deal with large competitors

About Strategic Profits:
Strategic Profits is a privately held company headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla. Strategic Profits exists to help business and entrepreneurs online and offline with business coaching advice and tools that they need to succeed in the Attention Age. Visit the corporate Web site www.strategicprofits.com for more information or leave your questions and/or comments on Rich Schefren's blog at www.strategicprofits.com/blog.

###

Earn up to 14% by Joining the OnlineSports.com Affiliate Program

2008-06-21T18:22:00.003-05:00

I picked up another affiliate program through Snow Consulting last week. This one is awesome. OnlineSports.com sells sports equipment, jerseys, jewelry, fan gear, gifts, and memorabilia with more than 100,000 products.

They have programs in both ShareASale and Commission Junction. Affiliates earn 10% by joining and can get bumps up to 14% based on performance. The return cookie is 60 days. They have GoldenCAN datafeed integration, Popshops Custom Storefronts and dynamic product showcase creator, all in SAS.

Join the SAS program. Click here

Join the CJ program. Click here

Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm Review for the XBOX 360

2008-06-20T21:36:00.010-05:00

This is not a professional game review so don't get all excited...But Gamefly did deliver Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm to us yesterday. We are addicted to the series on Discovery Channel and we've waited for more than a month for the release.

I haven't played it yet but I've watched my 10-year-old son go fishing in the Bering Sea. He has mastered every game we've rented n the last few months and this one is kicking his butt. He's actually turned the game off a few times because of the difficulty level and the time it takes to accomplish missions. It requires him to THINK - not hit AAAAAA and vaporize bad guys over and over again. So this is a good thing.

The graphics are great and we love the seagulls flying around the ship. Very realistic. We also like the mini missions like helping the U.S. Coast Guard and throwing the flaming hook.

Of all the games I've rented since December, this is only the second one I've considered buying. The first was Assassin's Creed and that one kicks my butt. So I say buy Deadliest Catch...

Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm - Pre-Played

Earn up to 40% Commission by Joining the Strategic Profits Affiliate Program

2008-06-20T19:38:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I post new affiliate programs on this blog because OPM's or Networks ask for extra publicity. Sometimes its because I know the Affiliate Manager and sometimes because its me. In this case, my buddy Chris Thompson, formerly of Boca Java Coffee, is heading up the newly launched affiliate program for Strategic Profits. I highly recommend you join this program. Chris is one of the best in the business and I know this program is going to skyrocket with him taking the lead.

Why Join?

They pay between 25% and 40% commission on opt-in leads and customer sales
Recurring Commissions
Tier 2 Commissions
Performance Incentives
Great Support
Real-time reporting
Dedicated Affiliate Management
90-day Cookies
Monthly Promotions

Start earning your commissions now, join the Strategic Profits Affiliate Program.

Bob Barr on Fox Today

2008-06-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

Dear Barr '08 Supporter,

Bob will be a guest on Your World w/ Neil Cavuto today. The interview is scheduled for 4:20pm EDT on the Fox News Channel. Please invite your friends and family to tune in.

Thanks,

Russ Verney
Campaigner Manager
Barr '08

Politics and Affiliate Marketing Revisited

2008-06-12T08:47:00.007-05:00

Last summer, Shawn Collins raised the issue of politics and affiliate marketing - whether the two should mix and how well it would work if they did. Apparently the RNC had a Commission Junction program for several years but it was left on auto-pilot and floundered without proper management.

I'm not here to talk politics. This would work for McCain, Obama and Nader, but the Libertarian Candidate, Bob Barr (someone I have met and talked with at length), is my guy this year so I'm using him as an example.

While I was perusing the Barr Blog this morning, I noticed they had a page for widgets and banners. They are already half way there!!! All they need is to join a network and hire an affiliate manager. The links below could easily be used to track donations and email sign ups from affiliate sites. Shawn says the RNC gave affiliates 30% of the donations, capped at $30, with 45 return days. How much is a voter email worth to a political candidate? $.15, $.50, $1.00???

The market already exists. There are thousands of sites dedicated to each political party and millions more with completely different themes but I'm sure they would be happy to promote their favorite candidate and receive an affiliate commission at the same time.

So let's think about this from the third party stance. Continue to beg sites to post widgets or banners for free and raise about $100,000 a week online, or start an affiliate program, sign up thousands of affiliates within the first week and potentially reach hundreds of thousands of voters with a convenient little widget asking them for money or their email. Seems like affiliate marketing should be part of the mix already.

Now who will be the first to capitalize on this idea? There are four months left. It's worth it for one of the candidates to at least try it.

As God is My Witness, I Thought Turkeys Could Fly

2008-06-11T22:21:00.003-05:00

WGN has retro Sundays going on - Outta Sight Retro Night featuring WKRP in Cinncinnati, Barney Miller, Newhart and others.

I've been taping them and watching when time allows. Tonight I watched the most famous WKRP in Cinncinnati episode ever - the turkey drop.

Ya know, watching that show really makes me remember the employees that I worked with when I was at WRBQ - Q105 in Tampa. Even in 1991, radio stations were exactly like WKRP. The characters were all the same. Crusty old nutcase newsman. Pompous, egotistical or extremely cool deejays. Cute and lovable promotions babes. General managers that were clueless. And a Program Director that rocked, or at least thought he did.

I kinda wish I could name names, but I wouldn't want to give some of them the satisfaction of eternal search engine glory. Let's just thank God that one of them made it to the big time - I still listen to Ronnie "Night Train" Lane on XM 175, the MLB Home Plate station. I've been listening to him for about 25 years and I loved working with him in the early 90's.

And for the morning show producer that got fired and was replaced by ME, too bad you never amounted to anything. Yea right...you were known as Hacksaw Jimmy back then. Send money you jackass! I answered your phones too many times at 6am and put up with horrible shtick with you and Mike and Kent. I still have a picture of you dressed as a referee for a Hot Dog Vendor mud wrestling match. I'll post it on ebay one of these days and sell it to Letterman.

Who Won the ShockCoffee.com June Affiliate Contest?

2008-06-11T15:56:00.006-05:00

Roger Snow and I have drawn the first name in the ShockCoffee.com June Affiliate Contest. Anyone who joins is eligible. Winners receive the Shock Coffee Starter Kit, valued at $29.95.

I will update this post with every winner and link to their affiliate site.

June 11 - Scott Rezka - www.shopaneer.com
June 12 - James Loter - www.promo-code.com
June 13 - Zac Johnson - www.zacjohnson.com
June 14 - www.myprosperityplace.com

A Father's Day Moment, courtesy of Omaha Steaks

2008-06-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

I was there today when my father received his Omaha Steaks shipment, the Father's Day Cookout Classic. I love the white cooler that the meat comes packed in, with the package of dry ice. I'm sure we'll be using the cooler at the drive in theater or on an upcoming fishing trip.

But, there was a special moment I'd like to share and I'm sure many of you will understand. After pulling out the steaks and hamburgers, we both had to admit to my mother that we had touched the dry ice and needed some Aloe...

Acorns do not fall very far from the tree. Happy Father's Day!

ShockCoffee.com Coupon and Contest for Affiliates

2008-06-09T18:26:00.007-05:00

For the first time ever, ShockCoffee.com has added a coupon for its affiliates. I just added the coupon code in the ShareASale coupon database and a text link to go along with it. So you couponers can post away promoting a 5% off all orders coupon. We'll have more coupons in the future.

Now, about this contest....it's gonna be fun.

This is open to all new affiliates who sign up until next Tuesday night, June 17. I'm giving away 1 ShockCoffee.com starter kit everyday to new affiliates who join and answer a trivia question. The ShockCoffee Starter kit is valued at $29.95 and includes: one 13oz bag of ground coffee, one 4-pack each of Shock Triple Mocha and Shock Triple Latte cold coffee drinks, one bag of Shock-A-Lots chocolate covered coffee beans, one Shock sticker and one Shock Coffee T-Shirt(please let us know what size you would like).

All you have to do is join the program in the ShareASale network, then visit www.shockcoffee.com and find the answer to this question: Is Shock Coffee available in decaf? Send me the exact answer to that question at affiliates@shockcoffee.com and with confirmation that you have joined the program, that makes you eligible to receive the Starter kit for that day. Affiliates will be chosen at random to win the prize. I'll give away 8 total.

While you are looking for that trivia answer, look at the products we have available at ShockCoffee and think of some creative ways to promote this product to your customers.

Earn at least 15% With the ShockCoffee.com Affiliate Program

2008-06-06T12:54:00.005-05:00

ShockCoffee.com is the newest merchant in my stable of managed programs.

We've already increased the commission from 10% to 15% and private commissions are available to Full or Premier Affiliates in Share A Sale.

Within the next week or so, we'll have a coupon available and new banners and text links will be added as well.

I've managed a coffee affiliate program in the past, Cafe Belmondo, but this is a completely different type of product and program. At this point, it's not based on a coffee continuity model. Your customers won't be getting a free coffee pot and have to commit to a coffee club forever. They will be buying ShockCoffee merchandise because the product is Unique and GOOD!!!

The coffee energy drink niche is wide open for affiliates and I promise to reward affiliates for creative promotions and strong performance.

Sign up for the ShockCoffee.com Affiliate Program.

What to buy Dad for Father's Day?

2008-06-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

It's Father's Day time and here are some of my top best sellers I've promoted for this holiday in the past.

If you know me, you knew I was going to add a link from Thompson Cigar. It's their second biggest holiday of the year. 10 Cigars for $29.95 plus a free aluminum case. The deals don't get any better than that from Thompson, trust me...

Ahh, my old favorite, Omaha Steaks. I started posting about them on Father's Day several years ago. My friends tell me this year's steak special looks better than ever. Click on this link and check out the American Collection and the Father's Day Cookout Classic.

This year, I'm adding Netflix to the promotion. Personally, I love my Netflix subscription and don't know what I would do without it for the last six months. I think this would be a cool gift for dads this year.

Online Revenue Idea for Newspapers - Buy a coupon site

2008-06-03T08:29:00.002-05:00

I really like the way Media General has been promoting their affiliate coupon site here in the Tampa market. Back in February, the owner of the Tampa Tribune and our local NBC affiliate, purchased Dealtaker.com.

Since then, I've talked with Alan Rappaport from Dealtaker and he told me they are very happy with the regional traffic that has been visiting their site.

So a friend of mine has been trying to find a way to monetize newspaper websites more efficiently. I'm 100% sure Media General has figured out the recipe. Buy an existing high volume coupon site and advertise the heck out of it. This way, you can advertise hundreds of products and not have to worry as much about the traditional cpm ads not selling everyday.

Pacific Modeling & Acting Academy a fraud?

2008-05-31T14:28:00.004-05:00

I don't understand why parents can't use Google to check out companies like Pacific Modeling & Acting Academy before they invest thousands of dollars for classes. I read a story on tbo.com today about parents who were stood up by the agency at the Tampa Convention Center. Some of them spent up to $9,000 on acting classes that were supposed to start this morning. No one from Pacific Modeling showed up.

While the kids were crying, the parents were calling the news media. TOO LATE! Your money is gone.

Here is a blog created by parents in Seattle that were screwed by this company. If you do some research in search engines, it won't take long - and don't end your search after the first four listings, go several pages deep.

I won a free print from Loxly Gallery, of Fine Art and Photography

2008-05-28T14:12:00.003-05:00

Deborah Carney from Loxly Gallery had a contest today to give away a free print to one of her affiliates in the Share A Sale program.

I was that lucky affiliate.

She originally thought I would go for a photograph of a gorilla looking over its shoulder, but I chose something perfect for my single dad bachelor pad.

Presenting my choice from LoxlyGallery.com: Waves crash on shore along Ponquogue Beach in the Hamptons by Artist: Leslie Nazarian: Lesruba Designs.

Thank you Deb. I could never resist crashing waves.

Bob Barr For President in 2008

2008-05-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

In 1996, I was a political reporter for the Marietta Daily Journal. I covered two Georgia Congressman. One was former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the other was Bob Barr. Bob was the one who started Clinton's impeachment and was a key player in the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 . He was a stark contrast to Newt and the newspaper publisher didn't like him very much. But I did.

Bob knew how to make waves and some of his speeches in Congress were classic. I didn't agree with some of his positions but I respected him for his passion and his personality. Bob and his wife Jeri invited me to their Smyrna home in late 96 and asked me a potentially life changing question. Bob sat on his kitchen counter and Jeri and I were sitting at the dining room table. Would I consider moving to D.C. and working as his Congressional Press Secretary? I declined because I didn't want to raise a family in D.C., and frankly, I was worried about job security. He was a little controversial...

So 11 1/2 years later, here we are. Bob is running for President as the Libertarian Candidate and I didn't have a candidate I liked until tonight. Last summer I was behind Fred Thompson. Last fall I was behind Ron Paul. I think I'm set now.

I'm voting for Bob Barr for President and I'm going to do as much as I can to help, whether its volunteering, attending Meetup's or promoting his candidacy on Facebook and Twitter.

May 25, 7:33 PM EDT

Libertarian Party picks Barr as presidential candidate

By STEVEN K. PAULSON
Associated Press Writer

DENVER (AP) -- The Libertarian Party on Sunday picked former Republican Rep. Bob Barr to be its presidential candidate after six rounds of balloting.

Barr beat research scientist Mary Ruwart, who also sought the party's presidential nomination unsuccessfully in 1983, on the final ballot. The vote was 324-276.

Barr endorsed Wayne Allyn Root, who was eliminated in the fifth round, to be his vice-presidential nominee.

Barr left the GOP in 2006 over what he called bloated spending and civil liberties intrusions by the Bush administration.

The former Georgia congressman said he's not in the race to be a spoiler.

Awesome News - Kowabunga! Announces Key Promotions

2008-05-23T19:25:00.002-05:00

I may not work there anymore but I just had to say Congratulations to Jeremy Chrysler on his promotion to VP. This is a spectacular move for the company. And for those of you taking notes, remember who predicted and prayed for this privately for the last five months. I love it when a plan comes together.

The New Positions Provide for Increased Efficiency and Resources Dedicated to Bottom Line Results and Company Growth

CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kowabunga!® (AMEX:THK - News), the leading provider of interactive performance-based advertising networks and technology platforms, announced today the promotion of three key employees to Vice President roles in the areas of new business development, client development and direct marketing.

Jeremy Chrysler, former Director of Business Development for Kowabunga!, has been promoted to Vice President of Business Development reporting to Steve Lerch, Kowabunga!’s CRO. Mr. Chrysler was instrumental in the development and growth of Kowabunga!’s original ValidClick™ search network, and has been equally impressive in his ability to lead efforts for advertiser and publisher sales into Kowabunga!’s ValidClick AdExchange™. In his new role, he will oversee a team of business development managers who are focused primarily on growing the company’s PPC efforts and ValidClick AdExchange. Mr. Chrysler joined Kowabunga! in April 2005, as part of the Litmus Media acquisition. Mr. Chrysler co-founded The Difference Engine, an interactive ad agency focused on developing performance-based campaigns to run online, on radio and on television. He has degrees in Chemistry and English from the University of Kansas.

Currently Recruiting Affiliates - Please join these programs

2008-05-22T22:29:00.001-05:00

I want you to check out these three programs I am currently managing and join today (if you haven't already):

eBeanStalk.com - Expert selected toys
5% off sitewide coupon In May
$5 bonus for first sale
$12 bonus for second sale
10% commission - but I can bump you to 12% if you join this week

DirectLegal.com - Copyright and Trademark Services
15% commission
AOv = $125

Box.net - Web-based service that lets you store files online, share with other people, and collaborate on projects.
Currently pays $15 for valid 14-day trial
New offers coming in the next few weeks.
7-Day EPC = $11.82

Contact me anytime with questions.

Greg Hoffman
Affiliate Manager
(813) 507-0006
akagorilla@gmail.com

AIM - Marketinggorilla
Skype - marketinggorilla

What is affiliate marketing - a guide for my friends at Red Bear Radio

2008-05-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

My friends at Red Bear Radio are looking for ways to monetize their forum - www.redbearradio.com. The online dj's use the Stickam webcam service to entertain a loyal and growing audience. To help pay for better services and offset some of their costs, I am proposing they try affiliate marketing.

What is affiliate marketing they asked? Wikipedia says: Affiliate marketing is a web-based marketing practice in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's marketing efforts.

The Red Bear Radio Forum is considered an affiliate, or a publisher. I'm going to tell them to join several networks and start deciding what products or services they think their community members would most likely purchase in the next three months. In the network they will join advertisers, or merchants, such as iTunes, which pays 5% on all purchases from its links and is a great fit for this project. Or maybe their audience will buy some coffee, cigars or ringtones. Who knows? They just have to test test test the links.

After an affiliate gets accepted, they find the links they like, copy and paste them in the html template and then encourage their audience to buy the offers. Easy enough. For a starter, like Red Bear Radio, it won't make them rich, but after a few months, it should help them pay a few bills.

The Milkshake Moment by Steven S. Little

2008-05-15T11:49:00.002-05:00

Occasionally FSB Associates sends me excerpts from books they are publicizing. This one looked interesting. Make your own determination and buy from the link.

The following is an excerpt from the book The Milkshake Moment
by Steven S. Little
Published by Wiley & Sons, Inc.; April 2008;$19.95US/$21.99CAN; 978-0-470-25746-3
Copyright © 2008 Steven S. Little

What I've come to learn is that growth leaders are distinctive not only in their actions, but also in their attributes. These specific attributes are more like personality traits than true management skills, and they ultimately build trust:

Timely

Realistic

Unscripted

Sensitive

Transparent

Timely -- Every day I deal with people who say they want to grow their company, community, or association. And I know they truly mean it. Often one of the key factors that impede their progress, however, is how they choose to allocate their time and that of others. When I look at how they actually spend their time, I find that they revert back to their default setting -- what they know best. They fill their days working on the tasks they are most comfortable completing.

In contrast, successful leaders devote the majority of their time to those areas that truly need it. They make timely decisions as often as decisions are needed -- no more and no less.

Time is not something to be filled with activity for activity's sake. Leaders understand the nature of time and are skilled at prioritizing it to make an impact. They understand that being timely does not come from Day-Timers, longer hours, or an increasing workload. For some, this prowess is innate. For others it is a skill that must be honed through experience. Yet make no mistake about it; it is impossible to lead a growth charge without mastering the importance of time.

(Most managers simply get up and do what they want to do. Growth leaders get up and do what needs to be done.)

Realistic -- Many joke that reality is overrated. It certainly is easier to don our rose-colored glasses and see only what we want to see. What distinguishes growth leaders is their unrelenting focus on what really is and what truly can be. While positive thinking has its place, delusions are dangerous.

"Our product is the best." "Our team is superior." "Our customers love us." "Our cause is more important than any other." Really? Let's can the empty slogans, take down the banners, and throwaway the T-shirts. Today, it takes a pragmatic realist to separate the true picture from the conventional groupthink.

Facing reality isn't merely a good idea; it's an imperative. Your organization is depending on someone to challenge the organization's most closely held beliefs today. Why couldn't that be a leader like you? Too often, closely held beliefs are kept on our shelves long past their expiration dates. Growth leaders seek only the truth and welcome any and all reality checks.

Unscripted -- Today our world is filled with skeptics. People are simply jaded, and why shouldn't they be? Over the past 50 years we've lived through disgraced presidents, dubious armed conflicts, pilfered pensions, and "new and improved" products that are clearly neither new nor improved. We live in a world where much of what comes at us from organizations is spin, propaganda, and distorted half-truths. It should be obvious to any twenty-first-century leader that many people are reluctant to believe anything. Everyone's bullshit detector has become finely calibrated.

What we long for is authenticity. We want leaders who speak plainly and from the heart, not from talking points. We want bosses who reject corporate mumbo jumbo. We want professionals who don't cloak themselves in a blanket of CYA-speak.

In order to lead, it is critical to master the authenticity. Reject the tired clichés, lose the latest buzzwords, and say what you mean and mean what you say.

Sensitive -- This is a loaded term. While it has many definitions, here I mean perceptive. Sensitive leaders are acutely aware of their surroundings and are keenly observant. They have an intuitive knack for understanding the motivations of others. They are able to feel the barely perceptible winds of change long before the actual storm. They have the uncanny ability to gain insight from seemingly disparate data.

How well do you read others in complex social situations? How much do you trust your gut feelings? How well do you handle displays of emotion in yourself and others? How easily do you move from perception to action?

Most growth leaders are naturals at these types of skills. Others need to regularly extricate themselves from day-to-day activities to work on them. Either way, being sensitive is an attribute that gives leaders another arrow in their organizational growth quiver.

Transparent -- It's human nature not to trust those who attempt to hide things from us. For instance, when an organization gets into trouble and spirals downward because of a public relations crisis, it nearly always has something to do with not being transparent. Most of the great corporate and political scandals of the modern age have had more to do with cover-ups than with the original act of wrongdoing itself.

In contrast, people and organizations that are transparent in their actions are the ones that consistently grow and come out ahead in the long run. Those who are forthcoming with information -- good and bad -- can more effectively lead a team to accomplish great things.

An organization itself can and should be transparent, but to be so it needs leaders who are transparent in their actions. An active beehive hanging in a tree looks to me as ominous as the Death Star in a Star Wars movie. I definitely don't trust it. But have you ever seen a cross section of a beehive? By placing it behind glass we can see the fascinating inner workings of an efficient organization. Somehow, knowing what each of those busy bees is up to puts my mind at ease.

Employees, customers, vendors, and shareholders know what to expect from transparent leaders. Fostering transparency takes commitment and confidence. It can be tempting to hide problems, but the transparent leader knows that the truth eventually slips out anyway -- and often looks worse than it did originally. As an ancient Eastern adage says, "Three things cannot be hidden forever: the sun, the moon, and the truth."

Get Ready - DirectLegal.com Affiliate Program is right around the corner

2008-05-13T22:49:00.003-05:00

The DirectLegal.com affiliate program announcement is coming. We are launching through Commission Junction this week.

I'll post the affiliate sign up page, a robust PPC keyword list and sample creative asap. I'm getting excited about this one. Look for a video too.

Please Join the eBeanStalk.com Affiliate Program - Expert Selected Developmental Toys

2008-05-10T16:40:00.009-05:00

SHAREASALE Exclusive Merchant

As the Affiliate Manager for this program, I would like to invite you to join the eBeanStalk.com affiliate program, which sells expert-selected developmental toys.

The 7-day EPC is $10.32 and the affiliate commission is 10%. We offer new coupons for affiliates every month and currently have a free shipping offer for orders above $65.

Run Down of Program Benefits:

* 10% Commission on Every Sale!
* 120 Day Return Cookie
* Ongoing Coupons and Promotions
* New and Fresh Creative - Lots of Sizes
* Full Product Datafeed Over 450 Products
* Variety of Widgets
* Proudly Parasite Free
* Monthly Cash Prizes
* Monthly Newsletter
* Dedicated Program Management

Join eBeanStalk.com Now

Addendum:: I just added a bonus for all new affiliates. $5 bonus for your first sale. Another $12 for your second sale...Go Sell Some Toys!!!

Are you registered for Affiliate Summit East 2008 in Boston?

2008-05-09T10:29:00.003-05:00

I'm registered as of this morning. Unfortunately I missed the last one but I'll make up for it this time. I'll be blogging from the event and using my Stickam webcam as much as possible.

Affiliate Summit East 2008 is taking place August 10-12, 2008 at the Boston Seaport Hotel.

Register Now

Free Whitepaper: Five Key Ways to Distribute Your News

2008-05-07T13:18:00.000-05:00

Five Key Ways to Distribute Your News

Today, Public Relations generates interest not just among journalists but consumers, investors and other audiences as well. There is no "one size fits all" way to communicate your story and make sure it reaches all of its intended audiences.

While traditional distribution methods are still vital to success, successful PR campaigns incorporate a mix of distribution channels to extend the reach and relevancy of the message. How can PR professionals take advantage of the latest tools and techniques to accommodate the diverse communication preferences of each of the many PR audiences?

Download the FREE Vocus white paper "Five Key Ways To Distribute your News" to explore:

* The five essential channels to distribute your news and information
* How to effectively reach of your key audiences with your news
* When to use each of the five distribution channels
* How to create a balanced integrated distribution plan to create a winning PR campaign

How do Affiliate Marketers and/or Outsourced Program Managers Manage their money?

2008-05-02T10:58:00.006-05:00

Several months ago, I asked Shawn Collins how to handle affiliate checks and taxes. Now my question is more complex, but related. How do 1099 employees, affiliates and outsourced program managers, handle income overall?

I have a good idea of what I'll be doing over the next few months, but I'm looking for suggestions from those that have perfected their finances. Please add your comments below.

Shawn turns over his affiliate checks to an accountant. I looked into that option and chose not to spend $2,000 a year. I don't know what he pays, but the quote I received scared me into trying to figure it out myself. I'll be hiring an accountant, just not on a monthly basis.

On Shawn's post, an accountant, Chad Bordeaux , added his comments: "when setting money aside for your taxes, be sure to set enough aside for your Federal Income Tax (based on your effective tax rate, your “self-employment tax” (15.3%), and any applicable state and local taxes. Depending upon where you live and your income level, this could be anywhere from 20% to 50% of your income when all added up."

Once I hire an accountant and find out exactly what percentages I need to set aside, I'll be paying quarterly taxes diligently. Which leads me to come up with a cash flow strategy. A few weeks ago, my friend Denise O'Berry, sent me a copy of her new book, Small Business Cash Flow, and I've found it to be a great resource. It's the how to book I was seeking. Denise was the first person to introduce me to affiliate marketing five years ago and she gives some very relevant affiliate cash flow business models in her book.

The other thing I've done to work on my finances is to sign up with Quicken Online. They have a 30-day free trial for online services and only $2.99 a month after the trial. I can sign on and bring up my checking, savings and paypal accounts and have bill reminders sent to my gmail and phone. It gives me an instant view of my finances anytime from any computer.

I certainly do not have all the answers, so any help is appreciated. I'm looking forward to a long, healthy, profitable career as an affiliate and an outsourced project manager. Like I said, some of you have the perfect 1099 business model and your comments will help all of us.

Skype the Marketing Gorilla

2008-04-30T14:42:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm finally using Skype. The lack of office phones in my virtual office has made me conform with the rest of geek nation. Add me to your Skype list - marketinggorilla.

'User-Generated Content and Social Media Advertising Overview' Released by The IAB

2008-04-16T15:23:00.000-05:00

A Road Map for Reaching the Online Consumer in the Digital Ecosystem

NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) April 16, 2008 -- The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) today announced the release of “User-Generated Content and Social Media Advertising Overview,” a milestone document that helps marketers, agencies and publishers better understand how these platforms have fundamentally altered the digital experience for consumers and advertisers. The report defines UGC and social media, provides a detailed overview of the latest advertising opportunities, and details case studies of campaigns that have successfully utilized UGC and social media.

“User-generated content and social media are among the most innovative and tangible ways digital media have transformed the advertising experience for consumers and marketers,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau. “This report describes opportunities for marketers to marshal the enhanced level of consumer engagement now that online audiences have taken the driver’s seat, acting as both consumers and creators of content.”

Read the rest of the press release at PRWeb.com

Photo from Ad:Tech San Francisco 2008 - My buddies Peter Shankman and Lisa Van Noland Caraffi

2008-04-16T09:55:00.005-05:00

Peter Shankman is an Entrepreneur, an Adventurist, and the CEO of The Geek Factory, a PR and Marketing boutique firm in New York City. Lisa Van Noland Caraffi is an affiliate manager at Kowabunga. I asked Peter (via Twitter) to track down Lisa at Ad:Tech in San Francisco and it worked.

WebmasterRadio.FM Announces its New Affiliate Program in Partnership with Pepperjam Network

2008-04-14T20:41:00.003-05:00

Fort Lauderdale, Fl (PRWEB) April 14, 2008 -- WebmasterRadio.FM, the premier free, 24/7 Internet business radio network focused on the B2B marketplace is proud to announce its brand new affiliate program, now launching on the Pepperjam Network.

WebmasterRadio.FM is 24/7 Internet Radio for search engine optimization specialists, affiliate marketers, advertisers, public relations professionals, publishers, web analytics professionals and more. If you haven't listened to WebmasterRadio.FM you are missing out on free advice to become a more successful internet marketer.

Read the rest of the press release at PRWeb.com.

The Great TwitterMeThis Debate of 2008

2008-04-13T09:46:00.001-05:00

I remember when I started following blogs back in 2001-ish and I followed the debate of what a blog was and what it wasn't. Some of the original bloggers (think of the Rebecca Blood era, but not her) argued that their style was the best and only way to publish a blog. When easy to publish services like Blogger started, they went nuts, saying that their culture of blog would be ruined by all the newbie wannabes.

These purist attitudes also said no to lights at Wrigley Field, no to Michael Keaton as Batman, no to NAFTA and the New World Order. But nothing could stop progress.

I say let Jim Kukral continue his TwitterMeThis experiment. There is nothing wrong with affiliates testing new and unique ways of earning money. Shawn Collins and Sam Harrelson have been beating down Jim for a week now and even puppets are getting in on the act.

Oh and by the way, thanks for the $5, Jim. I enjoyed beating out Scott on that trivia question. Sorry Jangro.

I need a phone built for email

2008-04-11T10:47:00.005-05:00

I am in the market for a new phone and a new phone carrier. I don't care about music. I care about phone calls, text messages and easy to read email. Internet access not necessary. Camera is optional.

I had a Palm Treo and it was too much to handle. I currently have a Tracfone and its not enough.

So I'll take suggestions, minus the iPhone. Please help.

LinkConnector Launches an Affiliate Marketing Program for PhotoWorks

2008-04-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

LinkConnector announces the launch of PhotoWorks, an Internet Retailer Top 500 Merchant, in its Affiliate Marketing Network.

Cary, NC (PRWEB) April 10, 2008 -- LinkConnector (http://www.linkconnector.com/), a leading Affiliate Marketing Network with progressive solutions for merchants and affiliates, announced today the launch of the PhotoWorks' affiliate marketing campaign. PhotoWorks, American Greetings' online personal photo publishing company and photography community, has teamed up with LinkConnector to offer affiliates an opportunity to ramp up their revenue stream while benefiting from many of the unique advantages of the LinkConnector Network.

Read the entire press release at PRWEB.

Help A Reporter - Connecting Journalists with Subject Matter Experts

2008-04-09T16:53:00.000-05:00

Sharing with you today a great resource. You'll want to tell the
PR people, marketers, publicists, editors, and journalists you work
with about it too, because it's all about them and their needs.

If you're not already using www.helpareporter.com, check it out.
It's a service much like that other one that connects PR people and
journalists looking for sources, but this one is free. It used to
be on Facebook, but grew too large for it. Once you subscribe, you
receive about three (sometimes two, no more than four, ever) emails
a day with reporter, editor and freelance writer queries, written
so you can quickly and easily scan the topics for relevance.

If the topics do not apply to you or your clients, just hit delete.
If they do, you may contact the reporter or editor directly, as
instructed.

Note that Peter Shankman, the list facilitator, is very strict
about helping out these reporters. Respond only if your
information (or your client's info) is relevant and on target. If
not, and you send non-relevant emails more than once, you'll get
bumped off the list. Quickly. I've seen it happen. He's a big
believer in good Karma, and he's also quite funny, and tends to
also include a link to a fun site, or a funny story about his day
in the emails. It's a nice refreshing change from the boring,
non-funny emails we usually deal with.

Reporters can post queries at www.helpareporter.com/press, and
sources can sign up at www.helpareporter.com - As I said, it's
free. Peter asks that if you find it useful, then you make a
donation to any animal rescue charity or animal hospital.

You can forward the queries to others who are a fit, but do not
post any queries (or the editor/reporter contact info) on any blogs
or public websites. I received permission from Peter to send you
this note, since this is a private group and I'm helping to spread
the word to both subscribers and media to sign up.

www.helpareporter.com - The more people who use it, the better it
becomes.

50 Ways Your Web Site Is Discouraging Conversions — and How to Fix It

2008-04-09T00:26:00.003-05:00

An actual PR pitch. First in a while. Thanks, Sally.

Tweaks that can help your site make your company more money.
By Inside CRM Editors on April 8, 2008

If your Web site gets great traffic but no sales or sign-ups to back it up, it's time to take a good, hard look at it. Chances are, your site is scaring off customers. Follow these tips to make your Web site more friendly to customers and encourage better conversion rates.

Read the entire article at www.insidecrm.com

Book Recommendation - The Detox Strategy, Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps

2008-04-04T09:33:00.003-05:00

I've read great testimonials about this book and I'm recommending it to my friends and family, but especially myself. I'll be clicking this link in a few minutes and buying a copy. I have a 20 year High School Reunion coming up in a few months. It would be nice to be healthy for the 40th reunion as well.

Regardless of where and how you live, your body is harboring dozens if not hundreds of toxins that could be sabotaging your health. Low on energy? Dealing with chronic illness? Having trouble losing weight? Toxins might be to blame. From your mattress to your toothpaste to your nonstick pans to the food you eat and the (bottled) water you drink -- every day your body is bombarded with chemicals that can alter the way your body works, affecting its natural processes and capacity to heal and maintain vibrancy. Even though we are built to handle foreign substances effectively, our liver and other organs simply cannot cope with today's glut of toxins, many of which are too foreign and toxic for our bodies to manage well. This ultimately causes us to age prematurely, to gain weight, and to become more prone to disease.

The Detox Strategy by Brenda Watson, C.N.C., who is the bestselling author of The Fiber35 Diet: Nature's Weight Loss Secret, a PBS mainstay, and an expert on internal cleansing and detoxification, introduces us to the revolutionary RENEW program (Reduce, Eliminate, Nourish, Energize, Wellness), which aids in reversing the effects of aging and rejuvenating the body and mind. The program offers a holistic approach to protecting and nurturing your body's innate purification physiology. The result is a higher quality of life, more energy, longevity.

The Detox Strategy reveals:

* The truth about where toxins come from and how they affect our bodies
* How toxins can accelerate the aging process by causing poor health and chronic disease
* How to determine your individual level of toxic exposure and the steps you can take to reduce it
* Why efforts to cleanse and detoxify the body are an essential part of enhancing one's energy and vitality and preserving overall health
* How maintaining a cleaner, more vibrant body can affect longevity

The Detox Strategy includes a detailed herbal supplement plan for gently flushing out harmful toxins -- including heavy metals like lead and mercury -- plus delicious original recipes for nourishing meals that further promote detoxification. The Detox Strategy teaches cleansing concepts that are researched and clinically proven, and it provides you with the necessary tools to live in a purer and more energized body. Brenda Watson wants you to know the truth about your body and to help you live a longer and healthier life. With this easy-to-follow program you can jump-start your system and get on a path to optimum wellness. Are you ready?

Two videos you have to see on You Tube - A Mother's Gift

2008-04-02T12:23:00.003-05:00

I've talked about Red Bear Radio on Stickam before and told you what a great bunch of people are part of that community. Well, here is an example that should be seen all over the world.

One of the regular members at Red Bear Radio is a woman named Jade from the U.K. She recently asked one of the Stickam DJ's - John, aka Smooth Operator, to do her a special favor. John is a crane operator in Houston.

Jade lost two girls when she was pregnant with them many years ago and she needed some closure. She asked that John take two balloons and write the girls name on them and tie them to the top of the crane. Another show host, Robert Matarazzo, dedicated a song for the event. After taking some pictures and video of the balloons, John released them into the sky.

Here is the first video of John and the balloons on the crane.

Here is the reply video of John and Jade meeting to discuss this beautiful event.

I just had to write about it and I encourage you to share the video with friends.

Fanball Launches The Godfather of Fantasy Sports Blog

2008-04-02T11:36:00.001-05:00

Two days in a row, I've found interesting press releases on the home page of PRWeb.com.

Fanball.com has launched The Godfather of Fantasy Sports, a blog by fantasy sports pioneer and icon Charlie Wiegert.

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) April 2, 2008 -- Fanball.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, today announced the launch of The Godfather of Fantasy Sports, The Blog of Charlie Wiegert. Wiegert is Fanball's vice president of sales and marketing. Wiegert's blog discusses the fantasy sports industry, Fanball fantasy sports games and all things fantasy sports.

Read the rest of the Fanball.com press release at PRWeb.