12 Dec 2012

It's Write a Business Plan Month: How to Include Your Marketing Strategy

By Rick Martin
By: Marsha Friedman

December is National Write a Business Plan Month - so designated to encourage unhappy employees to become their own satisfied bosses. Whether your goal is to own your own business, become a consultant, a speaker or an author, you'll need to start with a business plan.

Even if you launched your business years ago, it's important to revisit and refresh your plan. In recent years, the economy, technology and consumer habits have changed rapidly and dramatically, affecting every aspect of your business. That makes it absolutely vital to re-evaluate your short- and long-term strategies.

One of the most critical elements of any business plan is your marketing strategy. Too often, people don't think through that all-important component with the same rigor they tackle aspects like projected cash flow and long-term goals.

Or, they do put thought and effort into planning for market research, promotion and positioning - and then never follow through on their great ideas.

One problem is that most entrepreneurs (or professionals or authors) don't have marketing experience. They may be skilled tradesmen, savvy financial advisers or talented writers - the expertise they plan to build their business around - but they're not marketers. Some don't realize that executing a solid marketing strategy is essential to any venture's success; others know it's important but don't know where to begin.

Here's why it's so important: You may have the book that changes the way business is done, or the product that solves a problem for lots of consumers, but if no one knows about it, they can't come looking for it. Marketing is the fundamental building block of any business; it's what drives the business, so it can't be an afterthought.

The marketing component of your business plan should include a budget for time (if you're going to tackle the job yourself) and/or money. You need a timetable and a professional website that attracts visitors and makes it easy for them to learn more about you, your product, book or service -- and equally easy to purchase what you're selling.

Here are some other points to consider as you're developing your marketing plan:

• What is my message? Your message needs to be more than "My product is great." What's the problem it solves? If you're a professional, what's the value you and your service offer? How are you different from your competition? As an example: At EMSI, we create visibility and credibility for our clients using a pay-for-performance model that guarantees media exposure and sets us apart from our peers.

• Who is my audience? Unless you have a niche product, consider your potential audience in terms of ever-expanding ripples. For instance, a collapsible coffeepot may be just the thing for a college student's tiny dorm room. That's your initial target audience. But his parents and grandparents, who are helping outfit that dorm room, might also be audiences. If they've downsized their living quarters, they might just want one for themselves, too. In fact, it could be great for campers, boaters - anyone living in a small space.

• Which are the appropriate media outlets for a PR campaign? Social media is great for niche products because online forums build communities around common interests. Daytime TV talk shows tend to have audiences with lots of women. Most newspaper readers are now 55 or older. Once you have decided who your audience is, figure out what they're watching, listening to, reading, and doing online, then customize your message for that medium and audience.

• What's your budget? When you've answered these questions, you should be able to determine how much marketing you can do yourself (if you'll be doing any at all) and how much you'll need help with. If you're handling it yourself, budget for the time it will take to do things like keeping your website active with fresh blog posts once or twice a week; posting content on social media; developing pitches to get print, radio or TV interested. If you plan to pay a professional for marketing services, use your marketing plan to explore the costs and timetable, and budget accordingly.

Whether you're launching a dream or strengthening your existing business, you need to lay a good foundation with a solid plan. If marketing isn't an important component of that plan, your rocket to the moon will likely fizzle and fade.

About Marsha Friedman

Marsha Friedman is a 22-year veteran of the public relations industry. She is the CEO of EMSI Public Relations (www.emsincorporated.com), a national firm that provides PR strategy and publicity services to corporations, entertainers, authors and professional firms. Marsha is the author of Celebritize Yourself: The 3-Step Method to Increase Your Visibility and Explode Your Business and she can also be heard weekly on her Blog Talk Radio Show, EMSI's PR Insider every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST.

12 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn, College Students Discuss Impact of Pension Squeeze on Financial Aid for Higher Education

By Erin Wilson

Higher Education, MAP Grant Funding at Risk without

Immediate Pension Reform

CHICAGO - December 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Illinois college students to discuss how inaction on pension reform is threatening Monetary Award Program (MAP) college scholarships and access to higher education in Illinois. One after one, the students made clear how access to higher education changed their lives and prepared them for a job and career. Today's event is part of the governor's ongoing effort to educate and activate the people of Illinois to push for pension reform as he continues to work with legislators on the issue.

"A college degree gives students the foundation they need to launch a successful career," Governor Quinn said. "Nobody has more at stake in pension reform than the students of Illinois. We must make sure every student has the chance to pursue their dreams and the degree of their choosing, and that's why we must work together to enact comprehensive pension reform by January 9."

MAP grants are need-based college scholarships that provide students with merit who are in need across Illinois with the opportunity to attend a higher education institution. These grants help cover tuition and fee costs at approved universities and colleges in Illinois, and do not need to be repaid by the student. 18,000 students lost their MAP grant scholarships this year because of budget reductions to education. Currently, only half of eligible MAP grant applicants are able to receive the aid they need to attend college.

According to the Pew Center for the States, Illinois has the worst-funded pension systems in the nation. As Illinois' $96 billion unfunded pension liability grows, it squeezes out more and more funding for crucial services such as health care, road repair and MAP college scholarships from the state budget. Unless comprehensive pension reform is enacted, taxpayer dollars that would otherwise be spent on ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue a degree will instead continue to cover ballooning pension costs.

In April, Governor Quinn proposed a plan that would rescue Illinois' public pension systems, ensure employees have access to benefits and prevent skyrocketing pension costs from squeezing out core services such as education, health care and public safety. The governor's plan would fully fund the pension system by 2042. The governor also launched an Internet campaign-Thanks in Advance- to boost public awareness about the "squeeze" caused by soaring pension costs and the urgent need for pension reform. Since launching, more than 34,000 unique visitors have gone to ThisisMyIllinois.com and a video featuring "Squeezy the Pension Python" has been viewed almost 25,000 times.

The legislature is scheduled to work January 3 - 8.

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12 Dec 2012

Media Link Welcomes A New Account Manager

By Courtney Boothe
Rock Island, IL/ December 12th, 2012 -  Media Link, Inc. is proud to announce and welcome it's newest Account Manager, former intern Alexis Nimmers. In her new position she will be working with our customers on Media Link Software and Government affairs.

Nimmers brings a variety of experience to the table. She interned with the Missouri House of Representatives for more than two years for two separate State Representatives; Steve Webb and Roman LeBlanc both of the Democratic Party. During this time she attended Black Caucus meetings, briefings, and also performed administrative duties. Nimmers also interned with JCTV, where she had the chance to actively work on her production skills, managed a number of news packages and even served as on-air talent. This experience allowed her to get an in-depth feeling on how the production of a program works, both in-front-of and behind the camera.

Nimmers began her journalism career as a student at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, where she was a reporter for the student-run newspaper, The Clarion. During her time with The Clarion, she experienced the vibrant and challenging newsroom environment. This is where Nimmers experienced the news media scene firsthand, sharpened her writing, editing, and communication skills to give her the expertise and perspectives she now can offer her clients. Nimmers graduated from Lincoln University in the Spring of 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Journalism.

"I am so excited to be joining the Media Link team," said Nimmers. "This company is offering me a wonderful experience.  I can't wait to help contribute to their mission of helping clients achieve continuous success in their marketing efforts.

"Alexis is a vibrant and exciting addition to our team.  She's been one of our best interns.  So, we're excited to give her a chance to really thrive with this position," said Natalie Linville-Mass, President of Media Link, Inc.

Media Link is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link recently developed and launched its own media buying software system.  This company is also one of the only marketing firms in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.

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12 Dec 2012

Rock Island County Immigrants Learning About Christmas in the U.S.

By M. McNeil

36 adults and 23 children from Mexico, Togo Africa and Asia are going to learn about American Christmas traditions this week.

The Community Resource and Learning Center at Bethel Wesley Church will have a Christmas party on Thursday, December 13th. The families will enjoy a book called "Pete the Cat Saves Christmas" and then make gingerbread houses with frosting and candy. The children will receive Christmas presents from the Church members. A luncheon provided by the Rock Island Regional Office of Education will be served.

The family literacy program is a cooperative effort among Black Hawk College, the Secretary of State, Rock Island School District, the Regional Office of Education Lights ON and Bethel Wesley Church.  The program is part of the 21st Century Lights ON For Learning grant which provides English as a second language classes for immigrants who have children in Rock Island Lights ON schools.

The goals: learning about American traditions about Christmas, and parents doing and making things with their children. Parents are the children's first teachers!

WHO:  Rock Island County Immigants
WHAT:  Learning about how Americans celebrate Christmas
WHERE:  The Community Resource and Learning Center at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church (1201 13th Street, Moline)
WHEN:  Thursday, December 13th at 10:30 am/lunch at 11:15 am


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12 Dec 2012

Heartland Institute Legal, Economic Experts React to Michigan Right-to-Work Law

By Jim Lakely

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder pledged to sign a bill as early as today that would make Michigan the 24th "right-to-work" state in the country. Among other things, the new law would end the requirement that workers pay union dues as a condition of employment.

The following statements from legal and economic experts at The Heartland Institute - a free-market think tank - may be used for attribution. For more comments, refer to the contact information below. To book a Heartland guest on your program, please contact Tammy Nash at tnash@heartland.org and 312/377-4000. After regular business hours, contact Jim Lakely at jlakely@heartland.org and 312/731-9364.

"This is a great victory for American workers. Now 45 percent of Americans are covered by these laws, and it is only a matter of time before the other big Midwestern states follow suit or have their lunches eaten by Indiana and Michigan."

Richard Vedder
Professor of Economics
Ohio University
Policy Advisor, Economics
The Heartland Institute
vedder@ohio.edu
740/593-2040

"For the past 20 years, all of the top-performing states in the country have had right-to-work laws. None of the worse-performing states have had such laws. With its right-to-work law, Michigan will become one of the nation's premier performing state economies."

Robert Genetski
Policy Advisor, Budget and Tax Policy
The Heartland Institute
rgenetski@classicalprinciples.com
312/565-0112

"It's deja vu all over again for those of us who live in Wisconsin, as taxpayers foot the bills for riot police in Lansing and paid holidays for teachers so they can protest.

"And all of the taxpayers in this country paid for the destruction to the Michigan auto industry brought to its knees by union overreaching. Despite these subsidies, GM still went through bankruptcy and has not yet recovered. Yet automakers in right-to-work states are thriving. The handwriting is on the wall; the teachers evidently can't read."

Maureen Martin
Senior Fellow for Legal Affairs
The Heartland Institute
mmartin@heartland.org
920/295-6032
Ms. Martin is a resident of rural Wisconsin.

"Michigan is poised to open up its labor market and to discover the dynamics of a free market which has been suppressed for far too long by the political class in concert with union leaders. Monopoly power created by union shops where workers must pay union dues or lose their jobs has caused long-term injury to industry in Michigan, resulting in high unemployment and a growing underclass leading to social deterioration. As a Michigan Law School graduate, I congratulate Governor Snyder for his courage in dealing with this corrosive abuse of business and the citizens of the State of Michigan."

Paul Fisher
Senior Fellow for Legal Affairs
The Heartland Institute
media@heartland.org
312/377-4000

"Everyone is for the freedom of workers to choose whether or not they want to join a union, except for the unions. That is what their opposition to right-to-work means. Right-to-work only means the freedom of each worker to choose, which is central to the entire American social contract. States with right-to-work also enjoy more rapidly growing jobs, lower unemployment, more rapidly growing wages and incomes, and more economic growth. Michigan will now enjoy this too, reversing its decades-long decline."

Peter Ferrara
Senior Fellow for Entitlement and Budget Policy
The Heartland Institute
pferrara@heartland.org
703/582-8466
Mr. Ferrara is the author of America's Ticking Bankruptcy Bomb (2011)

"With Michigan following Indiana, which became the first industrial Midwest state to establish right-to-work last year, we now have a virtual circle of competition between states to establish the best conditions for job-creating businesses. This will benefit workers, consumers, taxpayers, and the state governments - the latter gaining higher revenues from taxes on growing state economies. It truly is a win-win-win-win situation."

S.T. Karnick
Director of Research
The Heartland Institute
skarnick@heartland.org
312/377-4000

"This law gives workers more freedom and should make labor unions more accountable to workers.

"Workers will no longer be forced to pay into a union just to earn a living. They won't be forced to see their money used in ways they might oppose. Labor unions will have to earn the support of workers if they want to survive. It's long past time labor unions had to respond to workers rather than workers respond to unions."

Steve Stanek
Research Fellow, Budget and Tax Policy
The Heartland Institute
Managing Editor
Budget & Tax News
sstanek@heartland.org
815/385-5602

"Unions, as a form of free associations, are a basic human right. In this country, unions were born in free association and were incorrectly attacked under the anti-trust laws. Unions initially rested on their ability to offer not only collective bargaining services to their members, but to provide unemployment insurance and other forms of fraternal relief before the advent of the welfare state, and to certify the quality of their members' work and, so, enable their members to command a premium wage in the marketplace.

"Then something changed. Unions were transformed by the Wagner Act from free associations to extensions of the state's coercive power. Even with the moderating influence of the Taft-Hartley Act, unions evolved into something different. Although there are some notable exceptions, unions have atrophied in the private sector and have grown in the government sector. Even in the private sector, unions hang on in some industries only because of the periodic intervention of the federal government.

"In the meantime, restrictions on labor-management cooperation and on the exercise of share ownership by workers stymies the emergence of a new model for workers, in which those who sign the back of the paycheck develop their common interests with those who sign the front. Restoring the basis of unions in free association should mean that unions - and not the government - assert themselves on behalf of their members in wages, benefits, and working conditions, earning their dues from their members, and enabling their workers to earn their premium compensation packages through their greater productivity."

Clifford Thies
Eldon R. Lindsey Chair of Free Enterprise
Professor of Economics and Finance
Shenandoah University
cthies@su.edu
540/665-5450

The Heartland Institute is a 28-year-old national nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Its mission is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. For more information, visit our Web site or call 312/377-4000.

12 Dec 2012

Rep. Morthland Statement on Conceal-Carry Circuit Court Ruling

By Rep. Rich Morthland

Moline, IL...State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova), a co-sponsor of Illinois' Concealed Carry Bill (HB 148), released the following statement following the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ordering the State of Illinois to provide a framework for a conceal-carry law:

"The time for Illinois to end its shame as the only State in the Nation where the right to lawful self-protection in public is overdue and yesterday's court ruling on concealed carry in Illinois proves it."

"Today, I urge my colleagues in the House and the new incoming legislators to pass comprehensive conceal-carry legislation. With this legislation, we need to both ensure compliance with the Federal courts mandate while providing a framework that fully supports our guaranteed constitutional rights."

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12 Dec 2012

Release from Bella Sala and The Old Creamery Theatre

By Shelley Klimes
Amana - The Old Creamery Theatre Company and Bella Sala will bring you an evening of great food and entertainment on Saturday, January 19.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. when the doors to Bella Sala will open for cocktail hour followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The menu includes smoked pork loin, zesty herbed chicken, party potatoes, California blend vegetables, bread and salad. A cash bar will be available.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company will then take to the stage at 7 p.m. to perform Talley's Folly by Lanford Wilson. The play is a romantic comedy set in an old boathouse in rural Lebanon, Missouri in 1944. The story follows two unlikely sweethearts, Matt Friedman and Sally Talley, as they once and for all settle their feelings for one another. Talley's Folly features Old Creamery favorites Deborah Kennedy and Tom Milligan and is sure to be a treat for all.

Tickets for dinner and the show are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling Bella Sala at (319) 545-4255. Purchase of a full table (8 seats) includes a complimentary bottle of white and red wine served with dinner.

Bella Sala is located at 3232 Jasper Ave. NW in Tiffin.
12 Dec 2012

Mature Novel Delves Into Stories about the Alternative Lifestyle

By Marketing Services

L.L. Miller explores changing views of sensuality and sexuality among couples.

QUINCY, Mass. - (Release Date TBD) - The Fine Line written by L. L. Miller is intended for mature and open-minded readers. The book details how couples explore their sensuality and sexuality in a manner that they never thought possible.

Within the pages of this book, readers will follow the story of Carol Robbins, who had a challenging upbringing. In later years she would be introduced to the "alternative lifestyle" by her husband, Sam, a dentist. Sam was bipolar and had devils within that affected everyone around him, most of all Carol.

Along the way, readers will travel to some fascinating places, meet unique characters and witness some astonishing scenarios.   In   The Fine Line, the reader will examine the alternative lifestyle and discover a world that perhaps they never knew existed.

The Fine Line contains stories about non traditional roles of couples. It is for the reader to decide whether this may or may not be an option for him or her to explore.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to www.Xlibris.com.

About the Author

Linda Matthews is a registered nurse and attorney who is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. Her love for writing began thirty years ago when she became fascinated with poetry and began a life-long journey of writing.

The Fine Line * by L.L. Miller

Publication Date: November 5, 2012

Trade Paperback; $19.99; 318 pages; 978-1-4771-3131-2

Trade Hardback; $28.99; 318 pages; 978-1-4771-3132-9

eBook; $9.99; 978-1-4771-3133-6

12 Dec 2012

Vernissage for Anna Engelbrect for her show " Winter"

By Narveen Aryaputri
Vernissage

Private  viewing & pre-opening event: " WINTER."

The art of Anna Engelbrecht

DECEMBER 14, 2012

6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Cocktails and hors d'Âœuvre

1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline.

309-762-9202

www.atthephoenix.com

Please contact the Phoenix Fine Art Gallery for purchase.

" WINTER" continues till February 8th. 2013

About the Artist:  Anna Engelbrecht

Anna Engelbrecht is a Moline, IL native. She received bachelor degrees in both Biology and Art, with a concentration in Photography from Olivet Nazarene University. During her college career she was a finalist in Photographer's Forum 2008 Best of College Photography Contest. Anna's work has been chosen for many juried exhibitions including " Galex 44" at Galesburg Civic Arts Center in Galesburg, IL and the "35th Rock Island Fine Arts Exhibition" at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. As well as a group show: " Paper: In Black and White" at Quad City Arts Center in Rock Island, IL.

Anna continues to live and work in Moline, IL

Phoenix Fine Art Gallery hours:
12 noon to 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. through 8.00 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays
and by appointment.  Admission:  free.

11 Dec 2012

Lt. Governor Simon: College Affordability is Key

By Kara Beach

Final Affordability Summit to be held at Northeastern Illinois

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will convene her final College Affordability Summit on Wednesday at Northeastern Illinois University. Throughout the fall, Simon has met with students, faculty, staff and administrators at each public university campus in Illinois to urge state, federal and higher education leaders to keep college affordable for all students.

Simon says that transparency is key to helping students afford and complete college. She is backing legislation requiring all degree-granting institutions to publish an annual College Choice Report. The report would help students compare information, such as total costs and completion rates, across all degree-granting institutions in the state and make wise choices about where to spend their college dollars. Each of the 12 public university presidents recently signed a letter of support to House Speaker Mike Madigan, requesting the bill's release from the House Rules Committee. 

An October report from the College Board indicates that public and private universities nationwide have increased costs more than 4 percent this school year, with community college costs up 5 percent. To make ends meet, students have taken on more debt, carrying an average of $26,682 in student loans in 2010 according to the Pew Research Center. 

"As a state, we want to increase the proportion of working-age adults with a college degree or credential to 60 percent, up from 41 percent, by 2025. The only way we can achieve this goal is if college is affordable," said Simon, a former Southern Illinois University law professor and a member of a state task force evaluating MAP Grant eligibility. "We must work together to rein in the costs of higher education."

DATE: Wednesday, December 12

TIME: 10:15 a.m.

PLACE: Golden Eagle room, Northeastern Illinois University Student Union, 5500 St. Louis Ave., Chicago

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