Jessica N. Abraham | Designer. Writer. Publicist. – Page 10 – A public collection of contributions by Jessica N. Abraham.

Elements of Internet Marketing, EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

Elements of Internet Marketing: The importance of the press release.

November 5, 2013 No Comments

Elements of Internet Marketing | The Press Release (2013).

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

DISCLAIMER: Every once in awhile, we cover “Elements of Internet Marketing” and why they are important for everyone to be aware or reminded of. Some of these topics are not new, but they are very important to consumers and service providers to repeatedly encounter and understand. Today’s “Element” is related to the topic of “Press Releases”. Enjoy!

We all want to get our message out to the masses. We all want to scream it from the rooftops and keep the “telephone” effect going. But, what will really help our brand to succeed in today’s Global marketplace? How will we encourage rapid spread of our message to Corporate Partners, Investors, Brand Enthusiasts and the media?

Traditional approaches have always encouraged businesses to release press sheets to the media in the form of a Press Release. This has always been highly effective, because Media Partners are always looking for “the latest” in news on select topics to report to their audiences. The less searching that they have to do to find out everything that they need to know about your brand’s latest news, the more likely they are to even learn of its existence.

As populations increase and more businesses are founded through these populations, more brands are seeking attention from media outlets. This is leading to the influx of flooded e-mail submissions and mailroom ambushes of press opportunities, all the while being ignored due to lack of feasibility amongst available resources. Writers simply find their own stories, either by means of networking or through Online distribution sites.

Modern technologies have led to new venues of spreading your message to the masses. Yes, the continued networking on social platforms, such as Linkedin and Facebook (and especially with those in the press), comes in handy. But, so much information is being submitted amongst “friends” and “connections” per minute, that it is easy to simply fall through the cracks. Additionally, those Brand Enthusiasts are already aware and interested in your brand’s latest releases, but what about those new potential consumers that aren’t even aware of your brand’s imprint within your industry. How do we reach them?

This is where we discuss the importance of the Press Release, as we know it today. Press Releases can appear to us in a tangible form, but they are now more common to be found via digital formatting around the net. Some brands simply include Press Releases within their own blogs, Press Rooms (which are very important to have) on company websites, or in E-mail Correspondences with previous contacts. This is fine. But again, where is the outreach to new potential consumers?

Today, not only is the release of press more common within a digital platform, but the receiving end is also done this way. As mentioned, writers are finding themselves heading to distribution sites around the net to seek a variety of unique press opportunities from brands and organizations around the World. They can simply search a topic and find an intriguing amount of results based on entered criteria. Due to multiple submissions, it won’t seem as though a specific brand has a monopoly on the writer’s news stories due to “contact only” submissions from those already in their Rolodex.

Press Releases, and especially Social Media Releases, are key elements in Advanced Internet Marketing tactics. They are one of the fundamental stages in Brand Awareness on the web. They include information about our brand, news about the brand, and links (backlinks) to our brand’s presence around the net. They are organic in nature, so they tend to optimize all links attached based on keywords found within the content of our release. With Social Media Releases (SMR), we are able to include videos and pictures that better depict the information that we are distributing.

Some news sites, like Google News, AOL News or Yahoo News, tend to demonstrate loyalty by solely using specific distribution networks to create press stories. Some newswires, another name given to distribution sites, generate submissions through paid subscriptions by brands, which are also accepted by the third-party news outlet. Each channel uses their own set practices based on established readers of the site. The key to distribution “switch offs” are by creating easy-to-use content that makes the process easier for wires to continually flow.

Stories that are most shared, backlinked to and from, or that are most accessed will more than likely be picked up by news sources immediately, due to obvious interest in your brand’s story. Using distribution networks with Social Sharing enabled will allow your release to be shared around the net, hike your optimization in search engines, and show a count of shared interest and/or “likes” surrounding your story.

While this may help, it certainly will not hurt your brand. What will hurt your brand is “spamming” too many distribution channels with the same exact version of the press release.

You will find, search engines generally do not like “duplicate” materials. Therefore, they are less likely to rank duplicate sources unless they are attached to highly ranked web channels. This is another story for another day, but what matters at the moment is choosing the right distribution channel wisely. Duplicate releases are fine, but this must take place only through channels that hold a high reputation on the web. Some sites, however, will reject duplicate material in order to keep their prestigious reputation in place.

Lower ranking sites usually do not mind duplicate stories, and it would be wise to have separate stories to share at these channels. As a matter of fact, if immediate awareness is all that you seek, go ahead and place your release within these sites. It is not promised that your release will ever be seen here, however. By doing this, it is also not promised that search engines will ever recognize it as a valuable piece of search history, because it is a duplicate. By having a separate release and engaging in this method, it is a gamble — but it can be highly effective on the contrary.

In releasing your story to the media, make sure you do not forget to backlink to it. Backlinks will find ranking through crawling of already established and ranked sites. Do not forget to submit your release to search engines. There are hundreds of search engines with active searches in place on a daily basis. Keep in mind, there are more search engines than just Google, Yahoo, or Bing.

Keep in mind that YouTube is considered one of our most used and influential search engines, as reported by recent web studies. That being said, do not forget to include video with your Social Media Release. It may be wise to create a video with your latest story intact, even if not release an SMR.

News sources may include your video within their own version of your story for release. There are many people that get their news through video depictions, as opposed to actually reading the story surrounding it in text.

Through video, you have the opportunity to tell the whole story in your own way and be promised that the story not be misconstrued and misrepresentative of important facts that you want portrayed. Video counts will also dictate interest in your story through video views. Take advantage of this! It shows that people actually seek information that you are giving.

Press releases aren’t just the point of contact for our brand to media outlets. They are a highly effective tool for Brand Awareness, Backlinking and Consumption. They are an effective way of telling our story in our own words. They are a means of updating audiences of our brand’s track record, documenting our story and keeping positive energies flowing through our brand’s veins.

Continuous press excites our audiences and keeps them interested in our brand’s progress, even feeling a part of our brand’s success. How are you using press to your advantage in staying ahead of the competition? If you are not, maybe it is time to start.

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

Educational App encourages “Social” with contests in promoting Math to our youth!

October 17, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

Whether your child attends a public school or is being homeschooled by you, there is no denying that educational yet interactive learning materials are top priority in giving your child the skills they need to succeed in the real world. The younger the children are, the more we seek to excite their core with educational games directed towards their age group. One company is working to supply this demand in a host of games under release that encourages innovation and the elements of Mathematical function.

In 2013, Sproglit tested the waters with the launch and release of their first educational math game. This game was launched as a Beta iPad App and found its way into a number of schools in California, Utah and New York. This game was dubbed “Kyle Counts” and has found success through Beta users.

The matrix that Kyle Counts was built on is being called “Math Arrow” and is now announcing a contest encouraging teachers and parents, who homeschool their children, to enter for a chance to win $1,000. Runners up will win prizes provided by Sproglit in gratitude for their participation.

The contest is fairly easy to execute. Sproglit asks that the educator sends a lesson plan, story or video showing how they have incorporated the Math Arrow program into their classrooms and are finding success by “boosting number sense, addition and counting skills amongst their students.” Sproglit has created a contest page on their corporate site with instructions and entry forms available to these participants.

Currently, success is being reported by BYU Researcher who is reporting that “playing the Math Arrow: Kyle Counts iPad app for ten minutes a day for just one week raises arithmetic scores by 7-11% among first-graders.”

How Math Arrow works is by “numbers from 0-100 to children so that they can visualize patterns and quickly see, for example, how to count by 2s, 5s, and 10s.” This technology works so well, that even the inventor of the first cell phone, Mr. Martin Cooper, calls the Math Arrow “ingenious.” The Math Arrow was featured through The Mathematical Association of America with the headline: “Math Arrow to Replace Number Line?”

Because this game is catching on with children and educators around the United States, it is imperative that this company finds itself a larger presence, Online, in competing for the Mobile App and Tablet markets, Some people are very particular when it comes to educating the youth and avoiding companies that send out “subliminals” with their programming.

In order to provide individuals with a sense of Brand Trust, it will take everyday individuals to tell their own personal stories and successes. Sproglit is giving them an incentive to do so, while listening to ways to make their product better in future editions!

A product full of colors, animals, drama, learning and rewards, it is sure to capture the attention of young children everywhere, many of which normally have difficulty learning in traditional forms of education. It allows them to really understand the methods and sciences behind arithmetic.

Through testimonials, Sproglit may better demonstrate this to new potential users who may be skeptical. These children can speak about the experience themselves, with the adult involved in the process can speak about the actual progress of each child’s journey.

Sproglit is holding submission for contest participants until January 15, 2014. “We are excited to engage teachers and parents. The sooner they show the Math Arrow and Kangaroo Kyle to their children, the sooner their kids will develop a better sense of numbers,” said Sproglit CEO Todd Buchholz.

Invented by Todd Buchholz, former White House economic advisor, economist, author and winner of the Allyn Young Teaching Prize at Harvard University and in conjunction with his daughters Victoria, Katherine and Alexia, the Math Arrow is used in games by Sproglit in bringing about a positive understanding in the World of Mathematics to children everywhere.

Math is one of our most difficult subjects to grasp totally in our lifetime and yet is one of the most important. Everything in life involves it. By providing the youth with a love for the subject, we are preparing them for exciting revolutions in how people think, react, and function in our Tomorrow!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

Women on the Edge: Using Social Media for the pursuit of passion in womanhood.

October 15, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

In the past year, we have seen a viral uprising in how conferences and seminars are done. While we would like to attend actual physical conferences for networking possibilities and to “play with” new technologies, it isn’t always simple to do so with busy schedules, travel prices, and family situations that demand our attention elsewhere.

Previously, businesses and companies held private webinars and meetings Online. But, now, it has become a more “mainstream” thing to do. More and more webinars, live events and web conferences are taking place on an International level. Some of these take place simultaneously with physical events at various locations around the World.

As like all professions, there is a niche audience that needs to be catered to. Niche audiences demand specific things. They seek something genuine, unique, something that they are unable to find elsewhere. They often seek empowerment, support, encouragement, ideals, brainstorming, training and other valuable resources from like-minded individuals that know exactly what one is going through, feeling, thinking and need

Yesterday, October 14, 2013, was the first day of “Women on the Edge (of Greatness!).” It is a virtual conference that is taking place in the second half of October.

From October 14 until October 31, 2013, a series “inspirational and practical Online workshops, Keynotes and other sessions” will take place to encourage women to get started on “BIG goals like starting a business, running your first triathlon or writing a book.” The series physically takes place in Orlando, FL, but registration and attendance takes place Online.

While these sessions will take place and stream live, attendees are welcome to watch them at their convenience through recorded video of these sessions. This means that WOE has the opportunity of going viral and helping women all over the World for years to come. The only thing holding it back at the moment is that registration is $129.

The World will be unable to access these videos without being an attendee. After all, very valuable information will be given at these events.

The event kicked off with speaker, Jody Urguhart, who presented “The Nerve to Serve, Say Hello to Humor & Goodbye to Burnout!” “Jody is passionate about spreading the message of the importance of fun at work. Jody is a motivational keynote speaker at over 50 organizations and associations every year, and is a top motivational keynote speaker,” states WOE in a recent press release.

“Jody’s trademark is to deliver very funny motivational speeches; humor is a key part of her audience connection… Her mission is to help motivate people to derive more meaning, fun and satisfaction from their work.”

The conference is presented by Professional Edge, a company dedicated to providing clientele with the ability to operate business day-to-day with quality Marketing needs at their fingertips. It’s safe to say that Women of the Edge are in good hands with workshops and seminars dedicated to Networking, trial & error approaches to Business through Experimentation, Entrepreneurship and steps to creating a Startup, Social Media, pursuing of dreams, “Dos and Dont’s of Managing a Non Profit,” supporting other business women, Home-based Businesses, Inspiration and getting to know yourself. They also allow networking to take place through a chat session after each seminar!

With the need to create new jobs in a lessening economy, this is the perfect approach to enabling women who do not know where to start with the ability to do so. Not only can they become familiar with who they are, what they want and their passions, but they can also learn to envision a reality and make it such. They will learn how to take that vision, turn it into a reality and then keep it functioning at a healthy level.

Of course, this conference is a way to usher in new potential clients for Professional Edge. But, this might be something that Professional Edge may consider doing on a more regular basis. These tools and resources are very valuable to the woman in the marketplace.

Because the speakers are mostly women, it is important to note that their approach comes from the experience of working in a male-dominated world and the nightmares that come from such. Knowing how to handle situations and barriers of entry is just what many young women need everywhere!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

Stupid Cancer’s Instapeer App supports young adult cancer victims via “Social”

October 15, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

Stupid Cancer. That’s what it is. We hate that it exists. An organization has created a name for itself based on this ideal. Stupid Cancer is a “dominant youth cancer non-profit in the US,” and they have recently created a product that will change the way we turn to others for support in the fight against cancer.

Stupid Cancer has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new mobile health app, “bringing one-on-one peer connection into the 21st century for 20 million Americans affected by young adult cancer.” This set-to-be awesome mobile app is calling itself Instapeer, and it’s free!

According to the Institute of Medicine, we have a lack of peer support when it comes to the long hard battle we are faced with once diagnosed with Cancer. The more you have to be positive about at this time, the more likely you will recover faster. The lack of support and a positive outlook on a personal level, can “be a barrier to better outcomes for cancer patients. Connecting with someone who has already walked in your shoes can be a bridge to positive thinking, community, resources and much-needed support.”

When one has Cancer, it isn’t always easy to speak to people about it. Some patients have a hard time speaking to their family without feeling patronized and “doom and gloomed” about their situation. Others notice a sense of hostility or nonchalance from peers that have never experienced Cancer first hand.

A mobile app like this is needed. As a matter of fact, Matthew Zachary, Stupid Cancer Founder and CEO and 18-year young adult cancer survivor, alerts us that “This platform stands to revolutionize cancer support for the next generation and usher in a new era of patient empowerment and advocacy.”

“Research has found most millennials are not availing themselves—and therefore not benefiting from—today’s peer matching solutions, which are outdated, call center-based and not in sync with the way this generation socially engages. Instapeer will meet the underserved needs of millennial patients, survivors and caregivers on their terms and their turf with technology they already use and understand.”

Sometimes just talking with someone who knows what you are going through, or even by venting, does a World of Difference for Cancer victims. With busy work schedules and class attendance, business hours aren’t always doable for outreach, especially when there is a ton of other “stuff” that needs to be attended to at this time. Some of this stuff may be Depression and Exhaustion due to their illness.

Stupid Cancer has partnered with WeDidIt, a crowdfunding platform allowing nonprofits to raise funds for their cause, and continues to raise funds and generate interest in Instapeer’s release. It is expected that Instapeer will gain a minimum of 500,000 registered users by 2016.

In the meantime, Stupid Cancer continues to use award-winning programs and services to “ensure that no one goes unaware of the age-appropriate support resources they are entitled to so they can get busy living.” Much applause goes to the 18-year old Matthew Zachary. This is a gentleman that doesn’t just speak. He does! “The Revolution will be texted!”

If you would like to be part of the cause, visit Instapeer.org today!

Elements of Internet Marketing, EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

Elements of Internet Marketing: Incentives.

October 14, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

Everyone likes “FREE.” As a matter of fact, it is pretty likely that nobody is going to turn down “free.” At the same time, most of our modern society hates doing anything for free… including giving up personal information. This reason comes from past abuse from naive and unethical businesses.

No one likes SPAM. While it may be free, it is not friendly. Think of it as a demon that needs “exorcised” immediately. No one wants a “buddy” that will haunt them and annoy them for the rest of their lives.

In business, when we give someone something free, it likely comes with a price. We usually expect some sort of “buzz” to be created, because one person will tell the next about this “cool” new “thing” that they got for free. The next person will seek out a free item as well. This is Word of Mouth Marketing. An incentive is given for word about our brand to be spread. It is as simple as that!

As with many successful marketing actions, many businesses are against giving things away for free or taking the risk. Yet, they will complain that they aren’t making the income that they would like for the overall business venture. This is where the problem remains for them. After all, you have to take risks and do something new in order to succeed.

There are many businesses, on the other hand, that thrive through incentives. Incentives often come in the form of products, services and trials. Yet, some businesses have been benefiting from creating an actual monetary reward for their consumer base. Companies like DealsPlus pay users per deal that they list on the site, creating content. They also pay for articles to be written on their blog, coupon posts and other actions that take place.

Other sites give incentive rewards to those that refer users to become users on the site, through content generation and followers, and through referring new hires to the team. In the past, I personally worked with a company that paid college students a dollar to sign up as users on their site. They had to literally sign up through our laptop and mobile devices and confirm their accounts before being paid. These users became the most active on our site, because they had something to gain from it.

The downfall to incentive programs is what may lead consumers from becoming willing to participate in them freely. You see, so many ethical businesses have failed to adopt incentive programs, while more unethical practices have encouraged them. This is where the evil SPAM comes into play, as well as unauthorized charges to credit cards, scams, false contest and giveaway programs in attempts of collecting important information from clientele and so on. As business owners, we have to find a way to combat this, while including an incentive program into our marketing plans.

In including incentive programs into our marketing plans, we have to ensure participants that their private information is secured and won’t be sold, that they can trust us, and that participation is worth “the hassle.” Ensuring that our Brand Presence is intact and our reputation precedes us, we have a better chance of creating Brand Trust with our new potential consumers and those who use our products out of necessity.

If we hold contests and giveaways, we must be sure that we prove that it was a real contest and announce the actual winner in a public place (Online). Those that entered will be more lead to believe that it will be “better luck next time” and will more than likely participate in the future.

What some people fail to realize is that incentives may be open to everyone. But, the opportunity was a “privilege,” because not everyone will know about it until it is too late. It was a “privilege,” because the consumer has a 1-on-1 experience with the brand, as well.

Privilege leads to a personal story where the consumer is part of the overall story and history of the brand. This makes for Loyalty and Tenure. And if you are a business owner, what better incentive is there? Remember, incentives are everything if you can prove it is worth anything for your consumer to take action. Give a good call to action and you’re halfway there!

Some ways that incentives will help brands:

Brand Loyalty
Brand Trust
Word of Mouth
Viral Marketing
Guaranteed Funneling – Call to Action
Sign Ups
“Privilege”
Sales
Press Opportunity
SEO Opportunity
Brand Action
Cross Promotions
Sponsorships
Conversation
Social Activity (Comments, Conversation, Conversion into Customer, Likes/Followers, etc.)

NOTE TO MY READERS: The “Elements” section of The Examiner was created for YOU. Clients and readers are constantly messaging me with questions about specific topics. While I don’t consult for free, I do address their questions in general terms through these columns.

I invite you to ask questions about Internet Marketing, Social Branding and Event Marketing, as well as submit information about your upcoming projects, as related to the World of Internet Marketing. I will try to include them in my future releases. And, speaking of incentives, if you would like more “Elements,” tips, tricks and Internet Marketing-related news, please subscribe to my articles today!

Elements of Internet Marketing, EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond, THE BEGINNING ARCHIVES | 2012 & Beyond

ELEMENTS of Internet Marketing: BrandYOU.

October 13, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

DISCLAIMER: Every once in a while, we cover “Elements of Internet Marketing” and why they are important for everyone to be aware or reminded of. Some of these topics are not new, but they are very important to consumers and service providers to repeatedly encounter and understand. Today’s “Element” is related to the topic of “BrandYou”. Enjoy!

BrandYOU! Yes, this is a very important topic. I am glad to be writing about it “on demand.” I have covered this topic many, many times within my articles. But, this topic is the most important one that we can ever cover. The reason behind that is that whether you represent a brand or ARE the brand, BRANDYOU can play a major part in your success… “strike that, erase it (Willy Wonka reference).” It will definitely play a major part in your success.

BrandYOU isn’t just about Branding. It isn’t even anything to do with Internet Marketing, but it can be. And, that is the problem. But, it is also the greatest thing that could ever happen! That is why it is so important to understand BrandYOU inside and out.

Have you ever heard that you need to eat, sleep and dream your business in order to see it take form? Have you ever considered the fact that YOU are a business? After all, don’t you file taxes? Do you file as an individual, independent contractor, sole proprietor or board member?

If you said yes, then technically you just proved that you ARE a business, whether you use your own entity, fictitious name or work for someone else’s brand. The truth is, all of these are brands, And the truth is, you are getting paid to represent that brand.

As a matter of fact, you are responsible to pay taxes because that brand is alive! Isn’t that interesting? So, wouldn’t it be in your best interest to keep THOSE interests at the ultimate peak high point at all times? After all, YOU are investing so much time into the brand and then paying taxes on that time that can never be replaced.

In considering this scenario, one should remember a few things about businesses:

First impressions are everything.
Quality customer service needs to be maintained.
Reviews and Testimonials can sway the opinions of those who seek to know about a POTENTIAL service provider.
Competitors exist and work against competitor brands.
What will you do to protect your brand? What will you do to keep the reputation of the brand satisfactory to clients and community?

The obvious first step in BrandYou is always to be on your best behavior. This doesn’t mean that you can’t show your opinion. But, it means to act upon how you would like to be perceived. If your brand represents THIS, then you can display THIS in your actions.

I had a conversation with another business owner recently. The conversation was based around her recent activity on Facebook. She tried to apologize for the “recent racy content.”

What she didn’t realize, however, that showing a public interest in a subject based upon her role in the community of her target audience will actually allow her brand to be received as a trustworthy persona and build a lasting brand loyalty that will lead to a long enduring tenure of that brand.

It basically all boils down to this: CATER TO YOUR AUDIENCES. If you want to be perceived as an individual for hire, then portray the ideal characteristics of the ultimate employee.

If you are a business, tend to your community of followers and those that you want to target in “giving them what they want” and do not give them a reason to think otherwise. This means to be consistent, persistent and show interest in that particular characteristic.

Like in previous blogs, I would like you to think of a respectable business person, public figure or entertainer. They all have something about them that stands out, correct? This is something that is overemphasized in creating a character perception of them.

Now, look at those characteristics that aren’t “front row and center” in their persona. These characteristics do not conflict with the public perception of that brand. Contradictory elements will keep that brand from being accepted, in turn, they will more than likely remain unsuccessful.

Think of an artist that may be perceived as a “thug” or “boss.” To find out that they were once on the opposite side of the law and never really this “thug” or “boss,” we change our persona of that artist.

True fans will stay loyal. Those are those who really have learned to love the brand’s product and really could care less. But, others have lost respect for that artist. This leads to lower ROIs and less money in our bank accounts.

Keeping realism with your brand or YOU as an individual (BrandYou) and implementing the archetype you have selected for it, you will keep anyone from doubting your mission, vision or even track record. Which means, more often what you say will be taken at face value, respected and believed. If you go slightly off track, we know something is wrong. If you go “left” in your action, we start speculating, assuming and looking for a discrepancy in ALL actions and statements made by your brand.

It all really boils down to the ethics of your brand, professionalism and catering to your audiences. As long as you can be perceived as professional, you are entitled to your opinion.

If you feel you will offend someone, start by giving a disclosure and allowing them to understand your point or opinion… As yourself, how you have gotten to this ideal or interest?

If it is a fellow business person, they more than likely will understand already. As a matter of fact, they may reach out to you in liaising to these markets in cross promotions or future campaigns. They may just send you business or point you in the direction of that business, especially since you may not be competition due to the catering of different audience types.

Stay true to yourself, your brand, and consistency. You will be fine!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Happy Birthday, Shorty Produkshins!: Orlando Internet Marketing Company now 10!

October 1, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

In the last ten years, we have seen a dramatic shift in the way we do business, use technology and how we view the Entertainment Industry. According to CNN Money, those working from home, both self-employed (usually as an Independent Contractor) and working for an employer, has risen 41% in this decade, alone.

Everyone relies on technology to accomplish their work and career goals. They want to work more effectively, have more freedoms and time to spend elsewhere, while achieving the largest ROI margins possible for their employer and towards self-benefit. The Entertainment Industry shares this similar story, simultaneous, with innovative technologies leading to the saturation of Independent Artists and home studios.

Like smaller businesses, these artists are gaging expanding fan bases and gaining larger profits than in the past, especially those who were once signed to a “Major” and had to pay everyone else before collecting their own profits.

With such a drastic change in how business is done and how we operate, we see many opportunities for great success. The downside to success, however, is that with it comes struggle and opportunity to fail. One must “get with the program” or fall behind. And, quite unfortunately, just “getting with the program” isn’t enough anymore and one must actually strive to stay ahead of the game in order to avoid “just getting by.”

Competitors exist. And, so do a million other businesses unrelated to each other. Brand Awareness is a must, and Social Branding is becoming more and more of a necessity than a demand in today’s world. Enter Shorty Produkshins.

Shorty Produkshins is an Online Promotions Company, specializing in Social Branding and Event Marketing via Advanced Internet Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactic. For the past 10 years, Shorty Produkshins has evolved into the brand that it is today through the always-changing trends in industry, technology — and of course — demand. This month marks exactly that. This is the 10th-year Anniversary of Shorty Produkshins.

According to Robert Greene, an award-winning author, in his latest book “The Mastery,” it takes us ten years of repetitive practice, research and fine-tuning of one particular subject in order to find mastery in it. This timespan can be increased or decreased based upon intensity, depth and acceleration in the practices and execution of the subject matter.

Shorty Produkshins has started from the bottom and knows first hand what each and every one of their clients are facing along the way, no matter the subtle differences due to separate industries.

Shorty Produkshins started in a weird, yet interesting way. In 2001, founder, Jessica N. Abraham, was to implement a passion of hers into a graduation project for High School. Her passion at the time was MUSIC, nothing more and nothing less, as she engaged with it all her life.

In preplanning for the project, a CD Demo, she came into understanding that most Record Labels wouldn’t accept unsolicited submissions and take them seriously (if at all). Hence, the birth of “Shorty Productions.” Short Productions was a fictitious name given to a fictitious company that would lend credibility to “LiL Shorty,” otherwise known as Jessica N. Abraham.

This demo brought forth a lot of inspiration, inquiry and success, contrary to the actual “skills” that the artist had. At age 15, she still had a lot of musical training to go through before being impressive to ears.

In early 2003, the graduation project and results from distribution were presented in front of a panel. The years in between were spent researching, recording, releasing music Online (before there were means to do so), bringing Brand Awareness to potential and converted fans, networking and seeking honest feedback on the project …all done through early Internet Marketing practices!

The outcome was the inspiration to continue this process as an actual lifelong career.

The years in between were spent researching, recording, releasing music Online (before there were means to do so), bringing Brand Awareness to potential and converted fans, networking and seeking honest feedback on the project …all done through early Internet Marketing practices! The outcome was the inspiration to continue this process as an actual lifelong career.

At age 17, Jessica N. Abraham enrolled in a college in Orlando, FL for Recording Arts and the sciences behind it. At the time, Full Sail University was the top college for Recording Arts and “Real World Education” on an International level.

Migrating from Pennsylvania to Florida, Jessica soon met others that shared her passion for the Music Business. Some of these people were also students at Full Sail, while others were not. This was the beginning of “Shorty Produkshins” and the first year of business… as an established business… yielding many successful releases overseas in the form of Mixtapes and Compilations.

Over the years, and as with any company, there were many milestones and successes. But, there were also challenges. Shorty Produkshins, once an actual record label with a public studio attached (dubbed “Shorty’s Playground” by late-rapper, Demarreo “D-Mo” Matthews), was confronted with a new reality check.

While many studios were closing doors, Shorty’s Playground had been doing pretty well with a new location in New Kensington, PA and business still taking place in Orlando. The reality, however, was that more and more home studios were popping up all over the place, and the average person doesn’t care about quality. The reality was that it was now a rarity to sell instrumental “beats” for more than $1000, unlike it was in the past. Actually, it was more than likely an amount to be less than $100 and 25-50% of that isn’t much considering how much work had to be put in to sell and transfer the rights to this music.

People were giving away free music and free beats. And, a plethora of “so-called” producers arose all over.

Jessica N. Abraham, in returning to the drawing board, desperately trying to keep her company successful and in business, decided drastic changes need to be made. Paying attention to the fact that Shorty Produkshins had been in demand for the care they gave to their artists and producers and “side-services” requested by clients, Jessica N. Abraham decided that a majority of this success actually was due to the Internet Marketing and Public Relations-type work executed within the company.

Engaging in a writing project for a subsidiary of Universal Music Group and Murphy Boyz Entertainment, Sand Street Music (home of Burn N Bush’s Newton Twins, who have worked with multiple award-winning acts), Jessica was asked to promote five summer releases with the company. This was the confirmation Shorty Produkshins was headed in the right direction.

Simultaneously enrolled in Full Sail once again for her first of three Master’s Programs (in Entertainment Business, Internet Marketing, and Media Design), Jessica N. Abraham took Shorty Produkshins and transformed it into a full blown Online Promotions Company.

Within that first year, she had the opportunity of working with other acts, Non-Profit Organizations, colleges, programs, a Social Application for Facebook, a plethora of events and even a recruitment team for models. Shorty Produkshins found itself in demand in not only Orlando, but also Pittsburgh and Atlanta. That was almost six years ago.

It is now the end of 2013, and Shorty Produkshins has been home to multiple acts and Producers that have went on to do “bigger and better things.” The company has worked with many celebrities and parties, venues, festivals and events (often a packed house), small businesses and organizations, causes and charities, athletes and Social Networks. The list just goes on and on.

Shorty Produkshins is home to multiple subsidiaries, including the successful J. Abraham Consultants (a “24/7 Internet Marketing Consultation by Phone” company). And while the road has not been easy, it is one to be celebrated. The company plans to do just that.

Starting this month and continuing until the end of the year, a new product or service will be released every week in order to benefit those in the Entertainment Business or World of Small Business, because it is known how hard you work and it is much appreciated!

Contests and giveaways will also take place, starting at the end of the month and continuing through the new year. Every month, from the twenty-first until the first, Shorty Produkshins offers a “$50 off discount on all graphics.” The month of October, however, marks a month of action, aggression and love for those who work their butts off. A new website, new services, and new content will be released!

Not only will Shorty Produkshins be giving large discounts on services (including Design Strategy, Internet Marketing, Social Branding, Event Marketing, Mobile Marketing and PR), but Shorty Produkshins will also be giving college students the opportunities to jumpstart their careers, gain experience and make a little bit of money, as well!

With shifts in technology, the youth is our largest asset. Sharing this concept with Let’s Be Honest, a new Social Network that pays the youth to speak their mind, Shorty Produkshins is positive that our future generation has the power to do great things early on and to continue through to “A New Era in Royalty.”

On the net: http://www.shortyprodukshins.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sp_brand_social
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/internetmarketingoforlando

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Internet Marketing in Action: “The Sabir Bey Show” Season Premiere on October 1

October 1, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

Internet Marketing comes in many formats. There are many means of marketing on the web. There isn’t just one specific way. There isn’t even a specific reason that things are marketed on the web. People want Brand Awareness, Viral Sharing of Content, Content Consumption, Monetary Value, List Building, Views, Likes and … even executing Educational Missions.

Today, there are simultaneous feeds of Live Events to the Internet through live video streams. Some people charge for consumption, while others do not. Webinars are surely replacing live seminars due to convenience, usually servicing business people and students.

These are usually for a fee, but some are free in order to market a product or service through them. And even so, more and more people are still turning to the Net for their Entertainment, Education and Business needs. This is why many Social TV Programs and Studios have been “popping up” in the last few years. And, there are many reasons for this.

Niche communities are able to find programming meant specifically for them, minus censorships and the “watering down” of very beneficial and insightful information. They are the ones who control what topics will be covered during a live show. They are able to interact with other viewers around the World, interact with the programming or even come to into contact with the creators, themselves.

Content is usually recorded once it goes live, becomes viral through Social Shares. Niche Sponsors and Advertisers will help to continue the process by “paying the bills” through audience member purchases. The audience member now becomes part of the Brand Story and part of the success that came about in the process.

October 1, 2013, marks the Season Premiere of The Sabir Bey Show on LA Talk Live! “The Sabir Bey Show is ‘Pure EDU-TAINMENT’ tackling issues within the community and on the topics of Law, History, Culture, Politics, Religion, Society, and Health by incorporating TRUE Hip Hop and Urban Music in bringing together a full circle of understanding with current culture and society conflicts.

The Sabir Bey Show includes guest appearances by award-winning celebrities and respected elders of the Moorish Nation and Pan Africanism.” The Sabir Bey Show has the mission of bringing “Pure Edu-tainment” to the lives of many by introducing truths, new concepts, currents events and History through Entertainment.

The Host of the show is Sabir Bey, known for over 15-years in the “Conscious Community,” for his lectures and classes on Civics, Hip Hop, Nationality, History and Etymology. He has toured with Dr. Kaba Kamene, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Dr. Jose Pimienta-Bey, and multiple figures in the Entertainment Industry.

Sabir Bey appeared in a 2011 film, Hidden Colors, where he speaks on many topics as related to the Moorish origins of today’s population. He appears in many other documentaries and films circulating around the web and businesses throughout the country. He continues to bring education to the masses through the web, using LA Talk Live’s fall lineup to do so. The Producer of the show is Actor, Mel Jackson (“Soul Food”); and the Program Director is Mr. Richard Karr, the owner of LA Talk Live.

Sabir has a team of individuals working with him on a daily basis to create Awareness of his mission, Lectures, Appearances and shows and to accelerate all Internet Marketing efforts. Not surprisingly, however, many of his works have gone viral on their own, as audience members share this content with those that they associate themselves with, whether friends, family, colleagues, or classmates. This information is very informative and educational, so they are passing along something very valuable and meaningful in the process.

The Sabir Bey Show is currently undergoing construction of the Official Website. But, many already access this site regularly, as it is a Social Network dedicated to the show. The site includes a U-Stream Video Player hosted by LA Talk Live and hosts a library of past episodes, including special guests, KRS-One, Tommy Davidson, Mel Jackson, Taj Tarik Bey, Dr. Kaba Kamene, Hawthorne James, Chico Benymon and more!

There are photos of the show, itself, as well as Sabir’s travels and experiences in the public while on tour or giving lectures. The site gives information about the show, including news, blogs and upcoming events.

What Sabir is doing at TheSabirBeyShow.com is very critical in today’s World of Social TV. The show, while also accessible at LATalkLive.com, is given its own “channel” to help aid in Awareness, Brand Monitoring, SEO Efforts, Viral Campaigns, and Consumer Interaction in bringing important information to the lives of those who have lost their true identity in an ever-growing Commercial World. He encourages people to call into the show to prove him wrong, while reminding people that he may just be!

“Bring a pen, tell a friend… But, don’t take my word for it… Study it yourself, and tell me if I’m wrong.” With a team of experts behind him, we can guarantee his Internet Marketing efforts won’t be wrong. Tune into his show, Tuesdays at 3:00 PM (PST) | 6:00 PM (EST) on LATalkLive.com

Website: http://www.TheSabirBeyShow.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesabirbeyshow and http://ww.facebook.com/sabir.bey
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thesabirbeyshow

DISCLAIMER: Jessica N. Abraham is no longer affiliated with the show or any creative assets, thereof. Since 2016, the site and all assets have been under new ownership. All designs, edits and administration to the official websites are no longer controlled by Jessica N. Abraham or Shorty Produkshins.

Cool Technologies, EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

3D Eye Solutions by 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc.: One company that gets it!

July 1, 2013 No Comments

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED TO EXAMINER

A new venture emerges in the 3D Entertainment Marketplace with an “evolved” understanding of New World Marketing. 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: TDEY), is a Smart Technology, 3D Entertainment Distribution and Development Company, which is soon to be releasing products and services into mainstream media in the near future.

With the aid of Mobile 3D Devices, such as the HTC Evo 3D (a bit older version of 3D technology, but a definite innovator), and 3D Television Sets and Monitors, 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc. is focusing all business efforts on 2D and 3D Content Media Creation, distributing content through applications and smart devices.

Operating out of Southlake, Texas, this company seeks to join the few in the rapidly growing World of 3D Entertainment. As the expansion in sales of 3D TVs and 3D Mobile Devices increases and technologies evolve, 3D Entertainment Holdings envisions expansion and evolution within its own company that will eventually lead to innovation in the 3D Entertainment Industry.

Also evolved, they start with their marketing and business development plans, where they plan to take advantage of Internet Marketing, Social Branding and Mobile Marketing strategies — the perfect mix for any brand emerging in today’s “High Tech” Marketplace!

Through highly evolved internet marketing strategies, 3D Eye Solutions will introduce their products, services and innovative ideals to consumers and shareholders, while keeping their brand “Social” by “Branding Socially!” They also understand that they key to influence is through personal interaction with Social Media jump starting the conversation! This is also the first step in taking the company viral amongst “shares,” “recommendations,” and awareness.

3D Eye Solutions dedicates 90% of their marketing efforts to Social Branding, which is a mix of “Social,” “Mobile” and Internet Marketing. This will also bridge Press and Brand Awareness on an Online and an Offline basis through followers, media and a Word of Mouth presence.

Finally, Mobile Marketing will allow users to connect, subscribe and download applications directly to personal Mobile Devices and share their findings with friends in continuing the Viral Marketing process. Their Mobile Marketing strategy includes both Offline and Online initiatives, as consumers will be able to download mobile applications and content for free by scanning QR Codes with their Mobile Device. Direct download links will be shared on Social Networks via Online Platform and Mobile Application methods.

Over time, free delivery and downloads will evolve into paid, low-cost monthly subscriptions. All marketing initiatives will include 3D and 2D content to showcase the brand’s “monster” on a cross-platform basis.

Products and Services of 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc. are set to include “full length movies, TV shows, Shorts, Dramas and original programming.” They will also provide subscribers with a 3D TV App. Television and movie studios will also be creating content for 3D television networks and technology which will be available for licensing to other Media Distribution Networks.

The key is relationships and personability. It appears 3D Entertainment Holdings has a firm initiative in taking 3D to the next level. Content by 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc. will be delivered over Smart Applications available inside the perspective app store over mobile devices, Set Top Boxes, Television sets, Cable and Satellite systems, Worldwide, bridging the gap between Internet, Mobile and “Old School” Technologies.

3D Eye Solutions, Inc., the content-creating sub-brand of 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc., “produces and processes media content for corporate, venues, and trade show events. The Company also provides turnkey systems and converting existing media to enable end users to showcase properties in a multi-view format.”

Outside businesses taking advantage of this company’s technologies, distribution and marketing points stand to gain much success in this in-demand avenue of content consumption. 3D is always considered “innovative,” no matter how old the technology actually is. The reason is that it is always being implemented into new technologies and improved over time.

Consumers seek “realism” in fantasy and seek novelty in consumption. Where will our 3-Dimensional technology take us next? “The possibilities are endless,” and 3D Entertainment Holdings, Inc. will lend a hand in taking us there!

EXAMINER ARCHIVES | 2016 & Beyond

Power of Viral: Rachel Jeantel takes the stand

June 27, 2013 No Comments

Rachel Jeantel, Social Media, Trayvon Martin, Sanford, Florida, Viral, Conversation, Trends, Facebook

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER

The Power of Viral strikes yet again! Many people still doubt the effect of Internet Marketing and Social for businesses and brands. NEVER underestimate the Power of Viral!

If you have been scrolling Facebook for these last two days, you have probably have witnessed a feed full of content surrounding the George Zimmerman case. Most of these statuses have responded to the witness testimony of Rachel Jeantel, the friend of Trayvon Martin who witnessed the whole situation leading up to his murder via telephone call.

Through all the comments and remarks about her speech, appearance and action, as being questioned by George Zimmerman’s defense attorney, you also see people asking where they can also tune-in to witness the trial, themselves.

Here, you see the Power of Viral take effect, as people are directed to multiple streaming outlets via the Internet and/or local television stations. While people are dissecting this young girl’s character, no matter how much older she looks than she truly is, these web outlets are receiving new traffic and converting awareness to long-term consumers (provided their content is “sticky”) across the United States.

For the past few days, I have witnessed solely Orlando residents speaking about the case and making comments about the “star witness.” Today, I am watching friends in California, Pittsburgh, New York — and even London — speaking about the case and inquiring where to find it Online so that they can join in this “what-has-now-become-social” event. It’s interesting how widespread the case has become, and even more, the content of it.

Together, we are watching the live streaming trial. Many of us may never be watching anything simultaneously again (other than sports)! However, we all will continue to share in the conversation in real-time based on what we are witnessing.

Many people are at work at the moment, and they still watch via mobile or Internet. Many cannot watch it now, but they will follow through to the websites, suggested by friends, for archived streams. Referrals are the most trusted form of Brand Awareness and what leads to effective Viral Marketing. Referrals by friends and family members are trusted over referrals by a company that stands to “make a buck or two” over it.

Orlando is known for some of the most intense cases. Unfortunately, the “in-demand” material is highly sought after, and people are critically watching and speaking. Can the Power of Viral damage the “City of Orlando” brand through this, or can it show the world that “If you mess up in Orlando, you shall be dealt with?”

Does content like this continue to heighten racial tension? Maybe it helps detract it a bit. Why? Because while there are some racists joining into the conversation, Social Conversation can “combat negative reactions.”

People can speak on matters of the heart and society. Stereotypes can be broken, leaving stereotyped remarks left to “look stupid.” While many are downplaying the character of this young girl, it gives them the “go ahead” to speak freely about a stereotypical character that continues to portray a mainstream “ideal” of certain groups of people. Others grouped in this category are proving these ideals wrong! So, while her character has brought in traffic to these streams and opened a negative conversation, positive results may take place from it within our world.

As I write this article and listen to the live feed, I hear a segment about Social Media by one of WFTV Orlando’s Legal Analysts, Bill Sheaffer (who is also an Attorney), speak about Social Media. I am unable to play back the direct quote. So, I apologize if it isn’t an exact quote and/or a bit out of order, but he states (and I think it is important to add):

“Social Media is always there. It’s a new world… with an emphasis on the importance of Social Media… Going back to the Casey Anthony case… her home computer was a vital piece of evidence in the case with her daughter. Twitter wasn’t back then what it is now, recording every moment of our daily lives. Even when deleted, it is always there. You can’t just scrub it away…”

And, this content always stands the chance of becoming viral in our World, just as it has for Rachel Jeantel.

« Previous 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next »