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Member Profile

Matt Alderton

Writer, Editor and Media Consultant, Logolepsy Custom Content and Communications
Chicago, IL, USA
Member Since: 09/15/2006
Status: Contributor
About Me:
Matt Alderton is a freelance writer, editor and entrepreneur. As principal of Logolepsy Custom Content and Communications, his Chicago-based media consultancy, he provides writing, editing and communications services to clients nationwide who publish magazines, e-zines, newsletters, Web sites and more.

Matt has a background in traditional journalism as well as an intense interest in new media. He specializes in small business and consumer content and has soft spots for engaging in advocacy journalism, writing literary essays and exploring emerging media.

Matt enjoys Shakespeare, French martinis and cheeseburgers. Originally from Denver, he has a B.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where he is currently finishing his M.A. in creative nonfiction.

Matt has edited branded small business content for companies as diverse as Nielsen, Sam's Club, MasterCard and Yahoo! and has written about everything from Thomas Jefferson to WiFi for a slew of local, regional and national publications.

Visit Matt online at Logolepsy.com, or at Blogolepsy, where he can be found blogging about all things media and marketing.

Industry: Publishing, Marketing and Communications
Size of Business: 1 - 10 employees
Years in Business: 2-10 years

Affiliations:
Society of Professional Journalists, National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

Business Interests:
marketing, public relations, publishing, writing, editing, media, entrepreneurship, technology

Total Guide Views

1 2 5 4 3 8
Overall Rating: N/A
Guides Written: 115
Comments Posted: 13
Comments Received: 0
Favorite Guides: 0

Guides I've Written

  1. Naming a Business


    Market your new venture and attract new customers with a winning name
    Guide Rating: 8.8 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  2. Finding and Using a Small Business Incubator


    Reduce startup costs with a system of support and shared resources
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  3. Choosing the Right Business for You


    Pursue success with an idea that excites you and customers alike
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  4. Advertising with Banner Ads


    Help your business boom with an effective, Internet-based ad campaign
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  5. Starting an Online Business


    Plug into profits with a Web site that's both fetching and functional
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 3 people.

  6. Starting a Post-Retirement Business


    Profit from your golden years by doing something you love
    Guide Rating: 6.3 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  7. Internet Blocking and Filtering


    Monitor employees' surfing habits in order to boost their performance
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  8. Obtaining Proper Licenses and Permits


    Start off on the right foot with the requisite authorization and documentation
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  9. Using Customer Focus Groups


    Finding out what customers want is easier if you ask them
    Guide Rating: 7.7 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  10. Finding and Using Essential Small Business Forms


    Where to go for the paperwork your business needs to succeed
    Guide Rating: 8.6 out of 10. Saved by 3 people.

  11. Dealing with a Customer Bankruptcy Filing


    How to react and recover money that's owed to your business
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  12. Registering a DBA or Fictitious Business Name


    To give your business an identity of its own, you have to register it
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  13. Finding and Hiring Temps


    Save time and money when you fill personnel gaps with temps
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  14. Finding and Using a Call Center


    Save time and manage growth by hiring a call center to handle communications
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  15. Choosing the Right Franchise


    Invest in a proven business concept and get a head start to success
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  16. Low-Cost Businesses You Can Start


    Starting a business can be easy - and inexpensive - with the right venture
    Guide Rating: 8.3 out of 10. Saved by 5 people.

  17. Finding Out What Customers Want


    Research your market in order to reap its rewards
    Guide Rating: 7.3 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  18. Training Your Employees


    Boost productivity and profits by offering ongoing education
    Guide Rating: 8.3 out of 10. Saved by 4 people.

  19. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Consulting Services


    Get the most from your online ad dollars when you hire help to spend them
    Guide Rating: 6.3 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  20. Thanking Your Customers


    Show your appreciation in order to build customer loyalty
    Guide Rating: 8.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  21. Launching a Loyalty Program


    Retain business with a plan for rewarding your best customers
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  22. Protecting a Business Name


    Register your intellectual property in order to keep it safe
    Guide Rating: 9.5 out of 10. Saved by 3 people.

  23. Managing an LLC


    Try this highly flexible legal structure for your small business
    Guide Rating: 9.4 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  24. Getting the Most From Trade Shows as an Attendee


    You don't have to be an exhibitor to profit from trade shows
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  25. Finding Great Promotional Gifts & Products


    Recruit and retain customers with personalized promotional items
    Guide Rating: 8.6 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  26. Management Theory for Small Business


    Find a management style that works for you and your business
    Guide Rating: 7.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  27. Picking a Location for Your Business


    Drive traffic and fuel growth with the right real estate
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  28. Making More Money on eBay


    Take advantage of selling tools to rev up your online auction revenues
    Guide Rating: 9.7 out of 10. Saved by 7 people.

  29. Negotiating a Commercial or Office Lease


    Tips on landing the best location with the best terms
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  30. Restructuring a Business


    How to save a troubled business with a strategic turnaround plan
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  31. Structured Settlements


    In case of an accident, structured settlements offer flexibility and security
    Guide Rating: 6.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  32. Selling Your Products Through Catalogs


    Mail order firms look for the unique, the photogenic and the easily shippable
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  33. Federal Wage Garnishment Rules and Procedures


    What to do if you need to garnish an employee's wages
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  34. Franchise Opportunity Listings


    Buying a franchise? Where to look and what to look for
    Guide Rating: 8.8 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  35. Taking Intelligent Business Risks


    Zero in on the best opportunities with effective risk management
    Guide Rating: 6.3 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  36. Filing for Business Bankruptcy


    In business, desperate times call for desperate measures
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  37. Marketing to Teens


    When it comes to reaching young people, technology and trends are key
    Guide Rating: 7.9 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  38. Marketing to Kids


    Successfully selling to children requires you to up the “fun” factor
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  39. Marketing to Parents


    Win with moms and dads when you help them save time and money
    Guide Rating: 7.5 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  40. Marketing to Women


    When courting women, build relationships in order to build your bottom line
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  41. Marketing to Gay and Lesbian Consumers


    Reaching a $600 billion market requires sensitivity and support
    Guide Rating: 9.2 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  42. Marketing to College Students


    Find future customers when you get schooled on student trends and targets
    Guide Rating: 8.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  43. Advertising in Newspapers


    Newspapers are an effective, inexpensive way to reach a mass audience
    Guide Rating: 8.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  44. Advertising in Magazines


    Glossies can help you target more effectively and sell more efficiently
    Guide Rating: 8.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  45. Using Direct Response TV Ads


    Retailers won’t bite? Take your sales pitch directly to consumers, instead
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  46. Using and Making Infomercials


    Tell your product's story in order to turn more prospects into customers
    Guide Rating: 9.4 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  47. Marketing to African-American Consumers


    To truly win over black customers, make a commitment to their community
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  48. Staying Motivated


    Find the energy you need to succeed with strong goals and clear vision
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  49. Marketing Your Business on Craigslist


    Classified ads in this online marketplace are not only free, they're effective
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  50. Low-Cost Franchises


    You don’t have to break the bank to be a successful franchisee
    Guide Rating: 9.8 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  51. Business Opportunities


    Get the assistance you need and the independence you crave
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  52. Writing a Resume Cover Letter


    Sell yourself and your experience with a targeted, well-written cover letter
    Guide Rating: 7.3 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  53. How to Write a Resume


    A well-written resume can help you land the job you’ve always wanted
    Guide Rating: 7.4 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  54. Starting a Bar or Nightclub


    Opening a bar or nightclub can lift your spirits, your glass and your bottom line
    Guide Rating: 9.4 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  55. Cheap Cell Phones


    Need a new cell phone? You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay connected
    Guide Rating: 9.4 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  56. Smartphones


    Smartphones are a smart choice for on-the-go business owners
    Guide Rating: 9.5 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  57. Food Franchise and Restaurant Franchise Opportunities


    Food franchises can satisfy your craving for business success
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  58. Computer Scanners


    The right scanner can help your business manage documents and images
    Guide Rating: 9.3 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  59. Finding Cheap Computer Parts, Components and Hardware


    With the right pieces, upgrading your computer is both easy and affordable
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  60. Job Applicant Tracking Systems and Software


    Flooded with resumes? Simplify staffing with an applicant tracking system
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  61. Hiring for Internet Jobs


    Fill your Internet job opportunities with the right people and grow your online business.
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  62. Buying Call Center Software


    At its best, call center software can make your business stronger and your customers happier
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  63. Business Schools


    The best business schools offer degrees, training and coaching for entrepreneurs at every level
    Guide Rating: 9.6 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  64. Accounting Training


    Take CPA classes or accounting classes to handle company finances or for career advancement
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  65. Prefabricated Buildings


    Modular office buildings are environmentally friendly, mobile and super affordable
    Guide Rating: 8.8 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  66. Barn Structures


    Transform your farm, or just your backyard, with some basic barn construction
    Guide Rating: 8.7 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  67. Steel Shelving


    Add strength and stamina to your storage system with stainless steel shelves
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  68. Inbound Call Centers


    Giving customers strong solutions, support and service is easy via outsourced call centers
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  69. Online Stores


    Online business opportunities are plentiful thanks to the growth of Internet stores
    Guide Rating: 9.4 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  70. Online Advertising


    Use Internet marketing services to connect with new customers and fresh opportunities
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  71. Internet Marketing


    For the 21st century business, online marketing isn't just effective; it's essential
    Guide Rating: 9.1 out of 10. Saved by 5 people.

  72. Company Rankings


    Company ratings provide perfect PR for rated firms, intelligence for unrated
    Guide Rating: 9.3 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  73. Customer Service Consultants


    Customer service training can boost customer satisfaction and spending alike
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  74. Web Store Design


    A successful online store design is both user- and search engine-friendly
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  75. Website Development


    Large or small, for absolutely every business, web development is key
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  76. Online Fulfillment


    Strong ecommerce fulfillment services can make your online business or break it
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  77. Sports and Fitness Franchises


    Profit from trends in health and wellness with a health and fitness franchise
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  78. Law Schools


    The nation's best law schools offer versatile degree programs for business professionals
    Guide Rating: 7.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  79. Voice Marketing


    Voice broadcasting services can connect you with customers and prospects en masse
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  80. Business Contingency Planning


    A business contingency plan helps you prepare and persevere in times of crisis
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  81. Corporate Treasury Services


    Use cash management services to give your corporate treasury a buoyant bottom line
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  82. Leadership Services


    Leadership training makes managers smarter and their companies stronger
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  83. Hotel Furniture


    High-quality new and used hotel furniture is key in your quest for hospitality success
    Guide Rating: 9.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  84. Crystal Awards


    Crystal employee recognition awards are the perfect way to say "Thanks" and "Good job"
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  85. Loss Prevention


    Fight crime and inventory shrinkage with a robust loss prevention program
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  86. Marketing Software


    Automate brainstorming, budgeting and benchmarking with marketing software
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  87. Lights and Lighting


    The right commercial lighting can brighten both your office and your bottom line
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  88. Interior Design


    An office designer can make your office both prettier and more productive
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  89. People Search


    Search for people -- and find them -- with powerful people search services
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  90. Online Collaboration Services


    Use web collaboration tools to unite individual employees within virtual teams
    Guide Rating: 8.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  91. Restaurant Chains


    For hungry entrepreneurs, restaurant franchise opportunities abound
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  92. Restaurant Paging Systems


    Use restaurant pagers to make your dining room efficient and your customers happy
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  93. Building Materials


    The right construction materials can lend your project strength and versatility
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  94. Telecommunications


    Telecom tools keep your business, your employees and your customers connected
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

  95. Executive Office Suites


    Executive suites offer shared resources and savings for small businesses
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 2 people.

  96. Auto Insurance in Illinois


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Illinois
    Guide Rating: 8.1 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  97. Auto Insurance in Michigan


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Michigan
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  98. Auto Insurance in Hawaii


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Hawaii
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  99. Auto Insurance in Florida


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Florida
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  100. Auto Insurance in Maryland


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Maryland
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  101. Auto Insurance in Massachusetts


    Strategies to help you cut costs on Massachusetts car insurance
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  102. Texas Auto Insurance


    Strategies to help you cut costs on auto insurance in Texas
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  103. Auto Insurance in New Jersey


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in New Jersey
    Guide Rating: 7.9 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  104. Auto Insurance in Wisconsin


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Wisconsin
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  105. Auto Insurance in Virginia


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Virginia
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  106. Auto Insurance in New York


    Strategies to help you find the best New York car insurance rate
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  107. California Auto Insurance


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in California
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  108. Auto Insurance in Indiana


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Indiana
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  109. Auto Insurance in South Carolina


    Strategies to help you cut costs on SC car insurance
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  110. Auto Insurance in Colorado


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Colorado
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  111. Auto Insurance in Ohio


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Ohio
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  112. Auto Insurance in Connecticut


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Connecticut
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  113. Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania


    Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Pennsylvania
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  114. Car Insurance


    Strategies to help you find affordable car insurance quotes
    Guide Rating: 8.2 out of 10. Saved by 0 people.

  115. Car Insurance Quotes


    Strategies to help you find affordable automotive insurance rates and quotes
    Guide Rating: 8.0 out of 10. Saved by 1 person.

My Comments

  • Thanks for your comment, Andrew. I can promise you that I did plenty of research before writing this piece. However, being a writer -- and not a structured settlement broker -- it's impossible for me to know what experts like yourself do. So, I'm very glad that you've shared this information, and I invite you to share your own recommended resources if mine are inadequate. That's what this article and this Web site are all about: information sharing.
    Read More
  • I'm so glad you found the guide helpful! Because the link you mentioned has expired, I've updated the guide with your suggestion. Thanks!
    Read More
  • Online Stores - 12/22/2007
    Hi Greg. The absolute cheapest way to sell something online? Well, it's definitely not the most efficient, but I think the cheapest and easiest way is to simply advertise your product on your Web site and to prompt consumers to, "Contact us now for information on how to order." Customers can then call or e-mail you with their interest and you can contact them at your convenience in order to work out mutually agreeable terms on the mode and method of payment. A small step above that is to include an order form on your site -- try FormSite's Web Form Builder -- for collecting orders, a PayPal account for collecting payments and a UPS account for shipping. I'm also a big fan of eBay Stores -- although probably not for eBook sales -- and I think there are some decent free shopping cart solutions out there, like Zen Cart. Hope that's helpful. Good luck with your eBook!
    Read More
  • Crystal Awards - 11/03/2007
    Paul, lead is, indeed, something we generally try to stay away from. More precisely, though, it's something we try to avoid ingesting. Lead-based paint, for instance, gives off lead fumes, which are harmful when we breathe them in. This isn't really a problem with the lead content in crystal awards. It's sealed into the glass, far away from our lungs and stomachs. However, if you have decanters or glassware that's made from lead crystal, you should definitely avoid storing liquids in them or drinking from them, as the lead from the glass can seep into the liquid through a process known as leaching. Basically, lead crystal shouldn't be a problem to have around, unless you plan on using your award as an eating or drinking utensil! If you are worried about the lead content in your crystal awards, though, I recommend buying a lead test with which to test the lead content of your award; they can be ordered online from sites like Lead Inspector for less than $20.
    Read More
  • Voice Marketing - 11/01/2007
    I've heard lots of statistics, Scott. Most compare voice marketing to direct mail and traditional telemarketing. Direct mail, for instance, gets opened maybe 20 percent of the time; voice broadcasting messages supposedly yield a response rate that's up to three times higher. The key in getting that response rate is to use it correctly; it's less effective for cold calling and sales, for instance, but more effective for broadcasting exclusive information to customers about their accounts, in-store events, etc. It's also most effective when you engage in voice mail marketing, in particular; if you're able to leave a message, that message is almost always listened to in its entirety. It's a good way to go. As for writing your script, the more natural the better. Use your own voice and make it conversational. Always open by introducing yourself so that the customer knows what and who they're listening to; if you sound like a person instead of a salesbot, you'll find a much more receptive audience.
    Read More
  • Online Stores - 10/08/2007
    It's true that shopping cart software has, in the past, been considered more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to SEO. And that's a pretty big deal, considering that online stores rely so heavily on search engine traffic. The problem stems from how most shopping cart software builds web pages; it tends to build them from a database using a rigid code that's not versatile enough for SEO purposes. The good news is that most modern-day shopping cart software is actually super SEO friendly. Because search engine marketing is so important to their customers, manufacturers have responded with useful solutions. The key is to know what to look for. Without getting too technical, I would advise SEO-conscious businesses to look for shopping cart software that allows you to customize keywords and links. Basically, look for software that explicitly bills itself as being "SEO friendly." Most companies with SEO shopping carts are smart enough to market them as such. Look, for example, at Volusion; it's product features include not only the word "customizable," but also the phrase "completely search engine optimized." You'll see the same language at Smart-Shop, which bills its product as having "advanced search engine optimization capabilities." SEO and shopping carts may have been enemies once, but not anymore.
    Read More
  • Melissa and Paul, try Printable Promotions, which has a decent selection of eco-friendly promotional products—everything from organic shirts to pads of recycled paper.
    Read More
  • Most of these systems operate via a dedicated Web page or site through which candidates submit their resumes. So basically, applicants provide their information via electronic forms, eliminating any manual data entry. In other words, the candidates -- not your staff -- do the typing.
    Read More
  • Since writing this guide, I've discovered SCORE's Template Gallery (http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html), which includes a useful collection of business forms that you can download and use. It has everything from business plans and balance sheets to cash flow statements and sales forecasts. Check it out.
    Read More
  • Your point is well-taken, Kreig. It's always advisable to minimize risk when you're going into business, and stopping short of forming a full legal entity for your company will certainly create more, not less, personal risk for most entrepreneurs. Small business owners, however, are no stranger to risk. In fact, many of them must embrace it when they are just starting out. For sole proprietors, in particular, it's a financial reality. After all, while the requirements for establishing a legal entity might not be much greater than those for creating a DBA, the cost -- in attorney and accounting fees, taxes, etc. -- sometimes can be. There are several reasons a business might choose to organize itself as a sole propreitorship rather than a corporation or an LLC. I would argue that for those folks, DBAs are the easiest and most inexpensive way to get their business up and running.
    Read More
  • Focus groups certainly can be expensive, Jake. For starters, there are costs associated with renting space, hiring a moderator, buying food for participants and renting A/V equipment. On top of that, many businesses provide focus group participants with cash incentives. The costs add up and can easily surpass several thousand dollars. I recommend saving money by organizing Internet-based focus groups with companies like ActiveGroup (www.activegroup.net); while some experts argue that they're not as effective or accurate, the truth is that they're more convenient and cost-effective, and can still provide you with really great, useful feedback. Other tips for doing it on the cheap: use existing customers, which you can compensate with services or coupons instead of cash, and use space at your local library, church or community center, where meeting rooms are often free.
    Read More
  • Good question, Melissa. I would only recommend filing for a registered trademark (®) for your company name if it is directly tied to the products or services you provide. In fact, that's the only time you legally can do so. However, I think all businesses—regardless of their size—should take measures to protect their name by using a ™ after it in printed materials. You do not have to formally file a trademark to use the ™ designation, but should there ever be a conflict over your use of the name, using it will protect you.
    Read More
  • Marketing to Teens - 11/07/2006
    You make some important points, Shara. For the same reasons that teens love social networking sites and contests, they love all things viral: viral emails and especially viral videos. Joining YouTube are several video-sharing sites, such as Revver.com, that will continue to develop the YouTube model (with teens driving their growth and development). I wouldn't ever count out old players like Friendster and MySpace; while they're not making as many headlines as they once did, they continue to hold an important share of the market and are turning to teens to help them stay competitive alongside new providers with fresh services and new features. That said, one of the newest platforms from which to market to teens is inside virtual worlds. You mentioned Habbo Hotel, for instance. One of the most popular sites is Second Life, which is allowing companies to set up their own branded worlds in which to market to users. Other big teen trends that are always worth watching: celebrity and pop culture, gaming, music. Search for new and favorite blogs on these topics (by and for teen consumers) at Google's Blog Search.
    Read More

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