Sunday, January 30, 2011

ZAP Festival 2011


Now, this isn't anything remotely related to marketing and M Communications, but I wanted to share a picture of the 2011 ZAP Festival held at Fort Mason every January. My friends and I have been going for the last 8 years and if you are into Zinfandel - it is an amazing treat and probably one of the largest wine events I have ever attended.

Cheers to good Zinfandel!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What Not To Ask

I know people say there is no such thing as a stupid question, but I beg to differ. Here is the deal - in business and networking you really should keep in mind what is coming out of your mouth. Here is a real jewel I have heard a couple of times now. The question usually goes something like, "Are you attending the Author 101 conference?" Let's see as an owner of 3L Publishing, we are more likely to speak at that conference instead of attending the 101 courses. I have even answered the question in the exact same manner much to the bewilderment of the person who asked in the first place. And, they still do not get it. Either way - this is a great example of what not to ask.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

"When you assume you make an ass out of you and me." ~Oscar Wilde

Communication is a key component when it comes to running a business. I have fallen into the trap at times of assuming I knew what was going on with a particular client or work situation and when I find out I was completely off base ... whoopsie. Never assume. Pick up the phone and contact the client/colleague and find out the back situation. Phone is always better too (and I am first to admit to falling in the easy email trap). Electronic communication unfortunately is open to all different kinds of interpretation and you don't want to come off as snarly or even borderline passive aggressive say, for example if an order was delivered/received late. Happy Sunday and more importantly, go Packers!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

My Top Spam Emails of the Week

Every day at M Communications and 3L Publishing we get inundated with email. Here are my top favorites of the week:

Viagra. Yes, I am getting sales emails for Viagra. I do not need Viagra and um, I am a woman. Talk about non-targeting spam.

You need my social security number for a college grant. This email is annoying on two different levels. First, I will never send out my social to a "mystery" person. Second, I already went to college. Non-targeted spam number two.

PR 101. I get invited to classes at the PR University daily and unsubscribe daily ... all I have to say here is really?

If you are sending me anything related to the above ... please unsubscribe me.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Dear Coffee

Dear Coffee -

I love you. I especially love you on mornings when my little alarm clock goes off unexpectedly at 6:30 in the morning. What is this morning's treat? Pete's French Roast ... mmmmm. Happy Saturday!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Oh Crap!!

Here is a reason why you have to have your elevator pitch (a.k.a., 1 minute pitch at all times) down. I was recently at an event where we were raffling off prizes on behalf of 3L Publishing and M Communications and I stood up in front of an entire room and said it is OK to put crap on a book. Well, I was referring to Vanity Circus: A Smart Girl's Guide to Avoid Publishing Crap. I meant the word "crap" whoops. I think everyone remembered our raffle item.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Alien Sighting ... Again

We have had the pleasure at M Communications and 3L Publishing to bring our project manager Malia on full-time. Yay! At her first event however, she did manage to overhear an interesting conversation between two event attendees. One attendee was talking to another about her spaceship and how she invited someone to go on a ride with her, but apparently she didn't have enough cabin space -- and left without her friend. Warning. Aliens are among us.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Attention Sacramento M Comm Blog Followers

Are you in the Sacramento area? If so, please check out the charity event tonight hosted by one of our 3L Publishing clients, Cary Farley. Local musician and schoolteacher, Cary Farley is giving back to the community by planning a charity concert event to benefit the Mustard Seed School. The concert and silent auction event will be held on Saturday January 8th starting at 7 p.m. at the California Stage located at 1723 25th Street in Sacramento. Admission is $10 and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Mustard Seed School. The Mustard Seed School provides a myriad of survival services for children in a welcoming atmosphere of hospitality, safety and cleanliness. The Mustard Seed School, a free private school for homeless children aged 3 to 15 provides educational assessments, medical and dental screening and counseling services. The proceeds from this fundraiser will help cover the additional costs of vital services for many of Sacramento’s homeless children. Tickets are available at the door.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Starting the New Year Off the Right Way

Happy New Year! Below are a couple of tips & tricks to keep your "business" in the right direction this year.


Keep your marketing fundamentals in check. Keep your marketing materials updated and make sure you have them. Yes, you do need a newsletter, blog and website at the very least. If you do not have these basic tools, you are losing out on new business and most likely looking slightlyunprofessional.

Networking is key. If your phone is not ringing off the hook you need to be out and about. Find a group that is a good fit for your company and join. Participate often and try to get a table or anything to give you additional exposure where necessary.

Do a form of business development each day. This can be sending out a proposal, following up on leads or doing a form of marketing, i.e. your newsletter. Find a way that works for you to track your leads - excel spreadsheet or whiteboard, and make sure you follow up.