>Are you much cooler online?

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Are you more like Jason Alexander in Brad Paisley’s hit country song and video “Online” or do you let your true self appear online? In the song/video, Alexander sings about changing his appearance, occupation and wealth via his online alter-ego. With the explosion of any medium such as social media, also comes the inevitable claim of “experts” that pledge to increase your reputation and presence online. While there is much truth to search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), the later being a pay-per-click option, I would caution you to monitor and control how much of your company brand you allow to be created by outside consultants.

Let’s face it, LinkedIn, Twitter and FaceBook are just not that hard to use. The danger is not as much in identity theft and spam message (simply do not click on anything you do not recognize, just like that old communication method called email) as in the impact these services have on your brand. Who are you entrusting with your image?

Think of your brand as a person. Your brand and identity is much more than your logo, web appearance or the design your company brochure. What would your brand do or say in a particular situation? How would Southwest Airlines react to controversy vs. General Electric? Whether you are a startup or a well-established company, your brand is your identity. So, why would you let someone pretend to be you or a representative from your company? You just might end up with “Peggy” the bearded, clueless and very male credit-card customer-service representative. Thickly accented Peggy works for “USA Prime Credit” in a snowbound shack in the middle of nowhere. While the commercial for Discover highlights the outsourcing of customer service, you could end up with your own Peggy.

Your clients and prospects know you, your sales and customer service staff. They experience your brand at every interaction. They will also know if your social media is not inline with that brand. By all means, seek help in creating your online presence. It is a key component (not the end all) of your marketing plan. But, in the end, it should be you and your staff posting and responding to web interactions. If you trust outsiders like a certain player’s “decision” it will stink to high heaven. The result could be a brand crash harder than any pro golfer or would-be champ could resurrect. Find your own champions in your organization and give them a voice. You will be amazed at how much it sounds like you.

Rob Felber

>Happy New Year Reminder

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2010 is almost behind us and we are all looking forward to a new year filled with new and exciting challenges.

Before it is loo late don’t forget to place your order Happy New Year cards. Still time for last minute orders. Click here for selection.

I will be reporting (as time allows) from the annual PPAI Convention and Trade Show the week of January 10th. I will try to give you a sneak peak of new marketing ideas and products. Keep challenging us and yourself and 2011 will be a great year.

Happy Holidays to all.

Bruce Felber, MAS*

* The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) certification is awarded to promotional marketing professionals who have completed education requirements demonstrating exemplary commitment to their profession. MAS recipients are recognized for providing the highest standard of conduct, integrity and professionalism to clients. Only 1% of all industry practitioners have attained this prestigious designation.

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (9) – Last minute gifts

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Waiting for the lines at the mall to thin out? Too busy to think about the holidays? Well we have an answer for you. We have last minute capability to handle those classic food gifts in branded wooden containers, carving boards and baskets filled with a variety of nuts, candies, cheeses and meats.

We still have One Day and Two Day service available, but hurry time is running out.

Just give me a call to see what can be done.

Bruce Felber, MAS
330-963-3664 x 2

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (8) – Branded Personal Assistance

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Looking for a unique gift experience? Do you want something that will be talked about for a long time? Look no more because we have the answer.

Branded Personal Assistance will make your recipients feel very special. These cards offer a team of live branded personal assistants who provide callers with anything at anytime from anywhere for an experience of a lifetime.

Since the holiday season is all about helping others then why not offer the gift of help. Personal assistants can offer everything from driving directions; weather and road conditions, restaurant and movie help and even make those hotel reservations for your client. Imagine a service that can offer help for just about anything anytime and carry your personal message greeting and brand image. We can even dress this up with a holiday theme. And you can change your personal greetings after the holidays.

For more details read this post.

If you have already purchase your gifts then this is also a perfect add-on that will last all year. We can give you a 5 day turnaround just in time to say Happy Holidays.

For more details or price contact me at 330-963-3664 x 2

Bruce Felber, MAS