Musicians and Artists

Brand Interview: Rebeca Vallejo, Performance Artist, New York City

November 10th, 2012 | Posted in Blog, Brand-Interviews, Branding, marketing, Musicians and Artists | Comments Off
Tags: acclaimed composer jazz arranger and performer, ancestral flamenco roots, brazilian music, EuroLatinFunk, EuroLatinJazz, family of singers Madrid Spain, Jazz Flamenco Brazilian Fussion, jersey city EuroLatinJazz Singer, Jersey City performance Artist, language of jazz, professional singer euro latin jazz, Rebeca Vallejo

Brand Interview: Rebeca Vallejo, Performance Artist, New York City

How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…

I have been a professional singer (EuroLatinJazz) for over 13 years now. My mission as a performing artist (without wanting to sound corny) is to try to “make our world a better place” by means of providing heart-felt high quality entertainment: Every time I see a member of the audience smiling, tapping their foot and looking like they’re having a great time, I feel like the world has, at that very moment, shifted towards being a more positive entity.

As a performing artist, my goal is to be able to reach (and hopefully move in a constructive way) as many human beings as possible.

Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.

The way my performing business contributes to charities is by providing free music to social events, or fundraising acts for causes I personally believe in. To help them gather economic means and exposure I also help them create awareness by adding them to my own publicity campaign for the event, making their logo visible and their cause present in all of my promotional materials.

Tell us about your brand.

There is an existing cliché that artists have a really hard time thinking “as business people”, therefore they let other players around them (managers, promoters, publicist) take care of that aspect.

While that cliché certainly does prove to be a reality for many artists, I believe that as an artist, although dealing with the business side of things might not be your “cup of tea” (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving it to the pros when it comes to selling and marketing your goods) one still has to be fully aware of the concept of branding. The main reason is because it is extremely important how you present your artistic vision to the world, another reason is because branding is not too far removed from being an “artistic concept” as most artist might think.

As a performing artist your brand identity does not just consist of a logo, a web page or a letterhead…

Everything you do becomes branding: from the clothes that you wear while performing, your hairstyle and make-up, to the way you conduct your promotional campaigns. When performing, the repertoire you choose in each concert has to reflect the album/product you are selling at that point in time, and even, to a certain extent, the type of musicians you collaborate with and the causes you contribute to all end up becoming part of your brand identity.

For the stage presence part of my brand identity, I personally have tons to thank… my dear friend and phenomenal jewelry designer Akiko Kijima (head jewelry designer for Betsy Johnson); she made me understand the power of a stage image and my career has highly benefited from that.

When it comes to the other aspect of business branding, the many years of being in the music scene have taught me the rest and I’m still learning!

How did you know what typeface (font) would be right for your company wordmark or logo? If your logo has an illustration, describe why that art was the right thing, animal, place, object, etc…

I was ever so lucky to have a fantastic multimedia artist Billy Diaz (http://bdmgvisual.com/) work with me on my logo identity, what he came up with, a combination of my initials with using a very “retro” font, fits perfectly, with my artistic personality.

How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?

At the time we designed my current website my thoughts were to translate the warmth of the Latin and Spanish sounds mixed with the classy-dreamy, almost nostalgic connotations of traditional jazz. We felt that a palette of earthy colors would provide the most appropriate look for this task.

Nowadays, as I am working on my next album, because my musical sound has mutated to a point were the flamenco sounds of my ancestors are much more present we will be updating my brand identity and the colors black and red will be more present.

How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?

A common friend introduced Billy Diaz to me. The minute I saw his first sketches of ideas I knew he was “the one.” During the last few years I have been doing some concept designs myself (with the invaluable help of my husband, Geoff Mosher (http://www.thegeoffmosher.com), who executes my thoughts perfectly + adding design concepts of his own) but always keeping the logo identity.

In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?

As a performing artist it all started with live performances; then I created my first album and followed up by expanding my promotional efforts from local to national by going on my first tour through the south of the United States.

By the time of my second album, my promotional efforts expanded from national to international with a series of performances and tours overseas. It was at this time that I started sending out “The Newsletter”, a more personalized outlet to let my fan base know about my “musical whereabouts.” It was also during the promotion of my second album that I became more and more aware of the power of media and so I try to infuse my live performance with as much local press as possible. Social media has, over the years, gotten increasingly stronger as a resource for promoting live shows and project releases. So, it has been during the last year that I have included web and blog listings as part of my marketing tools as well.

How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?

I started using MySpace back in 2008 when it had become “a thing” for musicians around the world (it was said that, in Europe, agents would ONLY look at your MySpace page to consider you for their programming).

Then came Facebook and I only did promotion of things on Facebook “here and there” at the start. However, during the last two years I have become very active within the Facebook community (thanks to my dear husband, Geoff Mosher, who is a bit of a social media wizard). I am well aware of Linkedin and of Twitter but I have decided to leave those two “on the side” for right now. After all, there is only so much one can maintain and manage!

Did you do research or study any software, take webinars, teleclasses, before approaching any area of your marketing or web presence?

Years ago, I had a “day job” where I was the general manager of a company that created industry based on-line directories. In trying to maximize the performance on those directories I did a great amount of research where I became very familiar with the basics of SEO. Currently, besides having the great help of my husband when it comes to social media, I take on-line tutorials from my email marketing company, Constant Contact, to maximize the power and reach of my Newsletters.

Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?

I do find it very effective to advertise live shows in local publications and on blogs/web postings that serve the area/borough where the show will be. At the end of the day, it is all about expanding your fan base by exposing new potential audiences to your musical product. While it is true that your friends will come and support you at the beginning, there is a limited amount of concerts they will attend despite their unconditional love for you and your songs.

Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?

As mentioned before, Facebook has become a prominent tool. I also distribute my newsletters through Constant Contact, which allows you to link your email campaigns to your social media. Those two outlets have been very successful for my performing career.

Which social media site to spend the most time on and how does it help marketing your business?

The Immediate nature of Facebook helps to market your business in the sense that it helps you show, semi-constantly, that you are “doing things” and “going places.” They are instant ways of keeping you “on sight” because, as we all know, “out of sight, out of mind” and you want to be in people’s minds so they follow your projects and come to your live shows.

Do you belong to community sharing websites? Which ones and how effective are they in building your audience? What are the best features that help your business?

As a matter of fact, I do, and during the last few months I have been discovering that the marketing power of such websites, fueled by a strong sense of proximity and community are not to be taken lightly:

I belong to Meetup where I create “meet up groups” for key live shows. I am also member of both Spanish Red, a Facebook type of share service for Spaniards living in the US.

When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?

I have been ever so lucky to have found, very early on in the game, an online printer, which happens to be also NY based. I have been using the wonderful services of 4over4.com for the last 10 years and I vouch for them 300%. Their products are greatly priced, look fantastic and they provide excellent customer service. I also admire the fact that they provide several “green” options for printing.

Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?

In general, I’m a very ecologically conscious type-of person so I tend to research to see which option would be the most environmentally friendly when it comes to printing products.

Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?

I do use recycled paper for 95% of my printed promo materials.

If you sell products, are they produced in the USA or abroad?

So far, my two albums have been produced and manufactured in the US, and as of right now, my next album will follow the same lead.

Do you speak at events? If so tell us about that.

I don’t, but I would love to! Part of the promotional package of my next album will be a series of music workshops. Since my next album has a stronger presence of flamenco in it (harmonically fused with Jazz and Brazilian music sounds) those workshops will give a brief history of flamenco music, and tackle the task of explaining how I fuse flamenco with other musical genres.

Having been a “right-off the boat” immigrant who has integrated quite well into the “machinery” of this country, I would love to, at some point in the future, talk about how my experience has developed and how that has influenced me as a creator. It is my hope that talking about that can inspire other foreign artists residing in NYC, be positive, constructive and create an awareness of what one has to go through as an artist from another country living in the US. In short, I’d be more than happy to give talks about that!

What is coming up in the year or two we should watch for?

I am entering the studio in January to record my third album so, watch out for its release in the spring of 2013!!!

BUT before entering the studio I have two last performances this year:

* Nov 9^th , 7pm at Instituto Cervantes NY

http://nyork.cervantes.es/FichasCultura/Ficha84066_27_2.htm

* Nov 16^th , 7pm at DROM

http://www.dromnyc.com/events/2016/mediterranean-jazz-live-with-hadar-noiberg-rebeca-vallejo

Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?

I believe my hands will be “quite full” with the production of my next CD, so, I should aim to tackle that in the most productive way.

To learn more about Rebeca Vallejo, visit the links below:

Website: http://www.rebecavallejo.com/

Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebeca-Vallejo-EuroLatinJazz/330170327717

Direct FB page: http://www.facebook.com/rebeca.vallejo.9

El Ciego Sol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFk3eBZjPcE

Azucar, Canela: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O25GFoxXJZI

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/rebecavallejo?feature=results_main

Brand Interview: France Garrido, Visionary Fine Artist

August 22nd, 2012 | Posted in art, Blog, Brand-Interviews, Branding, Musicians and Artists | 1 Comment
Tags: after mentoring others it's my time, art is vital link between community and artists, artist since childhood, artist using web to reach greater visibility, artists public speaking, artwork done by hand hoboken, creating postcards for exhibitions, donated artwork to hob'art, donated time organization ny and nj, donating The Hudson School in Hoboken, France Garrido, hob'art co-operative gallery hoboken, is facebook helping sell artwork?, learning about papers and printing processes, living off artwork, making a film of artists interviews, medicine wheel festival new jersey, overcoming nervousness speaking to groups, postcards with artwork build audience, the beauty of zapfino script font, using black beacuse it's universality, using email before social media, using facebook events to promote exhibitions, Visionary fine artist, working art with children, workshops Lusscroft Farms in Sussex NJ, world tour inteviewing artists

Brand Interview: France Garrido, Visionary Fine Artist

France Garrido by Olga Spiegel

How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…
I have been an artist since childhood, tho I may not have declared it till a teenager. The business end of being an artist that is the most challenging to myself and other artists.

As a goal I would love to be able to totally live off of my artwork.

Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.
I have donated artwork to local charities for example The Hudson School in Hoboken for their fundraiser this year. I have donated artwork for fundraising for hob’art co-operative gallery based in Hoboken. I have also donated my time for quite a few arts organizations in NY and NJ. I have given, with great satisfaction, mini workshops, most recently at Lusscroft Farms in Sussex, NJ as part of their yearly Medicine Wheel festival. Why? I see art as a vital link between community at large and artists. Since I particularly enjoy working with children, whose works are always stunning, I gain great satisfaction to engage in their joy! It reminds me of playfulness and wonderment.

Tell us about your brand.

How did you know what typeface (font) would be right for your company wordmark or logo? If your logo has an illustration, describe why that art was the right thing, animal, place, object, etc…
I do not have a specific logo but I have used Zapfino quite a bit for my name. I do sometimes use others. I like the…

How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?
For any documents that I produce whether it’s a resume or artists statement or cover letters I use black. I thought it was the most appropriate because of its universality.

How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?
My website was designed by a fellow artist and mentor.

In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?
I have always exhibited my work but a website was a way to reach out to more people.

France Garrido artwork titled: Finding Myself

How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?
When my website was developed, social media was not in the limelight like it is now. I used email to announce its presence. Now I have a page for my work on Facebook.

Did you do research or study any software, take webinars, teleclasses, before approaching any area of your marketing or web presence?
No.

Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?
I do not advertise at all other than what might come from business cards, postcards (and I find postcards w/images very effective) or exhibitions and publications.

Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?
I have a facebook page that is a personal page but I also have a page for my art. I do advertise events, exhibitions as promotion on Facebook. I have yet to study its effectiveness other than the presence of friends and colleagues at opening nights.

Which social media site to spend the most time on and how does it help marketing your business?
Facebook is the one I am connected to on a more regular basis. So far, I don’t think that it has been a help other than to publicize upcoming Artists Opening nights. I have not found it effective in the sale of my work.

When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?
I have used both throughout the years but recently I have used online printers for postcards and print business cards myself as needed.

Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?
I have learned as I pursued these avenues. I recently had a catalogue produced for an exhibition that I co-curated and I was introduced to a world of new terminology regarding statistics and procedure. I learned a lot but there is a lot to still learn about processes and papers.

Mosaic Night Table by France Garrido

Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?
I have not used ‘green’ technology yet but it is something that I feel is important to at the least investigate.

If you sell products, are they produced in the USA or abroad?
With my mosaic work I do have a ‘product’ so to speak but I produce it as well as my fine art that is all done by my hand.

Do you speak at events? If so tell us about that.
I have, tho we all know it’s the most feared thing that humans can do, speaking in front of large groups of people. Mostly in the curatorial presentation of artists. I used to be very shy speaking in front of a group of people, it would send me into such a nervous frenzy that I avoided it at all costs. I forced myself to get up in front of groups to overcome that fear. Now, tho I still get nervous, I am happy to stand up in front of a group to share what I know or present artists.

What is coming up in the year or two we should watch for?
I have devoted much of my time in the assistance of other artists in their efforts to present their work on several levels. I feel that it now has to be my time and I am working on setting that up so that I can devote more and more time to developing my personal artwork and spend much more time in my studio. I would like to search for personal arts grants and search to find a way to get my work out into the world. Exhibitions, Auctions etc.

Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
I would love to find the monies to go on a world wide tour interviewing artists and making a film of those interviews. I also want to write a book about my experiences during the late 60’s.

To learn more about France Garrido and her work, click on the links below:

www.francegarrido.com

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/france-garrido/b/a99/719

https://www.facebook.com/france.garrido.1

https://www.facebook.com/pages/France-Garrido/203796099689600

https://twitter.com/France215

http://rockstars.mosaicrocks.com/artist.aspx?gallery=1&id=312b544e-66f7-45e1-8836-43134005a61b

http://mosaicatlas.com/atlassite.aspx?RegionID=33&LocationID=432

Brand Interview: Kim Dow, Kalico Design

July 18th, 2012 | Posted in art, Blog, Brand-Interviews, Branding, green, Musicians and Artists, Website Design and Development | Comments Off
Tags: certified green business, certified green printers for design and marketing, design for healthy lifestyle companies, designing for oneself, donating design services to non-profits, entering social media slowly and steadily, facebook business page for networking, graphic design studio Kalico Design, green america, green graphic design, health and wellness company graphic design, holisitic company graphic design, Kalico Design, Kim Dow, using FSC certified papers in marketing

Brand Interview: Kim Dow, Kalico Design

How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…
Kalico has been in business for 4.5 years now. We are a graphic design studio that specializes in print design (although we do offer web/interactive design services as well). While we work with a variety of businesses, our passion is to work with those promoting healthy lifestyles—those in the health/wellness, organize, holistic and women-oriented industries. We are also a Certified Green Business through Green America and try to weave sustainability practices into our everyday business routine.

Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.
We don’t typically donate monetarily to charities, however we do offer pro bono design services to several local non-profits in our area including: all design and marketing for Equinox Dance Company (an arts nonprofit), design services for the local Frederick, MD Greek Festival (put on by the local Greek Orthodox Church), design services to the AAF Greater Frederick (the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation), as well as a handful of other local organizations.

Tell us about your brand.

How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?
My favorite color has always been green, even since I was a little girl. So, I knew I wanted my brand to include green, based on my own personal likes, but also because the color resonated with my target market. From the green came the other earth tones to make up the Kalico color palette.

How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?
Obviously in my case, I designed my own identity! : )

In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?
I started slow. First, I had my logo, business cards and website created, and then I went out and did (and still do) a lot of in-person marketing and networking. This is how I got my feet off the ground, basically through word-of-mouth and referrals. From there, I also added on a blog, an eNewsletter (which has been on hold for the past year, but will be making a come back this fall), and then I explored the social media worlds of Facebook pages and Twitter, as well as some online networking sites.

How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?
I’d say maybe about 6 months to a year before creating a Facebook business page, and probably 2 years before I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon. I wanted to introduce my social media outlets slowly, to make sure I could actually keep up with all of my accounts.

Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?
I typically do not advertise in local newspapers as it doesn’t really cater to my market. I have advertised in a few local/regional magazines that seemed to work well with my target audience. And, I’m lucky in that we work on several regional magazines that often offer up ad space.

Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?
No, we do not currently advertise online.

Which social media site to spend the most time on and how does it help marketing your business?
I use Facebook and Twitter equally, but for different reasons. Facebook I use to kind of focus on our work, our clients, and use it for more visual posts (office shots, photos of work, images of client work, etc). And then I use Twitter to post about more industry-related articles, respond and comment with those I follow with a few self-marketing posts thrown in.

When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?
I actually did both. Depending on the project, I select a printer who I feel fits the job best as well has offers cost-effective pricing. For instance, for my business cards, I’ve gone with an online, green certified printer. But for a more detailed self promotional piece (with custom folds), I’d go to a local printer who I’ve established a relationship with.

Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?
Yes. I’ve been in the print design industry for over 12 years now, so I am very familiar with the different types of papers.

Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?
Yes, we try to use recycled and/or FSC certified papers on the majority of our printing.

Do you speak at events? If so tell us about that.
I would say Not Yet. I’ve had to give very brief speeches on a local basis, but have not really moved on to the world of event speaking. I have a small fear about speaking in front of large crowds!

What is coming up in the year or two we should watch for?
Since the summer months are typically a slower time for us and because we just recently moved to a new office space, we’ve been working on revamping our own marketing. This will include a redesign of our website (switching to a WordPress platform to allow for easier updates and posts), new business cards, a new self promo, as well as the re-launch of our eNewsletter. We are also going to work on developing a client satisfaction survey as well as some type of referral program. All of these are slated to be completed by January, 2013, just in time for our 5-year anniversary!

Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
See above! Also, I’ve been tinkering with the idea of creating a business-related Pinterest page. I have a personal account, but have thought about doing one strictly for Kalico Design. Since we are in such a visual field, it could be potentially be very effective. I’m just not sure if I’m sold on the idea yet, and I, of course, want to be sure that I could handle an additional social media platform. If anyone has a suggestion regarding Pinterest for business, I’m totally open to hearing your feedback/suggestions!

To learn more about Kim Dow and Kalico Design visit the links below:
Kalico Website: http://www.kalicodesign.com/
Current Blog: http://kalicodesign.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kalicodesign
Twitter: @kalicodesign
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kalicodesign

Brand Interview: Dylan Glanzer, Parties by Dylan & Company

June 18th, 2012 | Posted in Blog, Brand-Interviews, Branding, Events, marketing, Musicians and Artists, Smart Business Practices, Social Media | Comments Off
Tags: b school, brand interview series, branding you better interviews, childrens parties with entertainment, dylan & company music cds, Dylan Glanzer, engaging kids under 5, Fun New Jersey, interview dylan glanzer, interview parties by dylan & company, Melissa Cassera’s Anonymous to A-List PR, Melody Stevens business coach, Michelle Lange videographer, musical entertainment parties for kids nj, party entertainment new jersey, purple is powerful and creative, savor the success, singer and performer new jersey

Brand Interview: Dylan Glanzer, Parties by Dylan & Company

How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…
This is my 20th year in business! Since I have pretty much spent my entire life on the stage, making my living as a singer and performer is a dream come true. While pursuing a career in NYC, I got an audition for a job teaching a play program for really young children. It was the most natural thing in the world for me. After being approached by parents to do parties for their little ones, a business opportunity knocked on my door. Now my mission in life is to own the most sought after party entertainment in NJ for children under 5. I am training a team of employees who play guitar, sing and are great with our littlest people. I have two employees so far, and hope to be able to be booking 10 or more performers in my company by the end of next year. I provide quality, age-appropriate parties that engage young children in a positive, interactive, and FUN way! I also help moms plan a flawless event they can feel great about and so they can relax and actually enjoy their child’s special day.

Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.
I do try to donate as much as I can and plan to do more as my company grows. I believe when we give, we get back so much more. I wish I had to more to give right now, but as I grow, I am looking forward to being able to help organizations that do work to help others, especially children. I also donate about 2 parties a year to help causes or charities that come to my attention.

Tell us about your brand.
Parties by Dylan & Company means happy children, life-long memories, and parents who know they chose a reliable company that can deliver what it promises. My logo shows a guitar because having a musician come to lead a children’s party adds a very exciting element. We are all about music as the basic component that ties our party hour together and keeps all the children having fun. I also add the benefit of my years of teaching experience (I have a Masters in Early Childhood Education.) so that my employees and I really know what to do to engage children under 5 and hold their attention in a positive manner.

How did you know what typeface (font) would be right for your company wordmark or logo? If your logo has an illustration, describe why that art was the right thing, animal, place, object, etc…
My logo had to have a guitar and be colorful – mainly purple, which is my signature color. I truly did not even thing about which typeface would be best.

How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?
Purple has to be the predominant color for me because I just feel really connected to it as a powerful and creative color.

How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?
My logo designer was a client and in graphic design. My latest web designer was recommended to me by someone in my group Children’s Music Network.

In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?
I began with my service and bought business cards to hand out. It was mostly word of mouth and some ads in parent papers. The internet was not so big in 1992. But I did get a site up pretty quickly in my first years in business. Social media came much later and has been a great resource. I am still looking for more ways to get the word out. Definitely need to work on this! This year, I now have a blog on my site (articles), a mailing list I am always adding to at my parties, and I am looking actively for PR opps with HARO and Savor the Success and pitching out to newspapers as well.

How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?
19 years!

Did you do research or study any software, take webinars, teleclasses, before approaching any area of your marketing or web presence?
I am currently in Melissa Cassera’s Anonymous to A-List PR course, which is fabulous. I also have a business coach, Melody Stevens. I have taken several webinars and teleclasses too – including one of yours! I love to learn as much as I can!

Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?
I stopped advertising in any papers, as they never worked for me. The only money I spend on ads is online. Fun New Jersey is an amazing site and gets me most of my calls (they have killer seo!), besides my site and word of mouth.

Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?
I have done Facebook pay per click ads and gotten a few new likes. That is about it. I don’t know yet if I will try again.

Which social media site to spend the most time on and how does it help marketing your business?
Facebook is my main one since I feel I only need to post once or twice a day. I do Twitter Thursdays with Savor the Success. I need to do so much more but I am in a learning phase and plan to make a big plunge into building the company in September for a few reasons.

Do you belong to community sharing websites? Which ones and how effective are they in building your audience? What are the best features that help your business?
I am in Savor the Success and loving every minute of it. It has helped me learn and grow personally and in my company. So many resources and so little time!

When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?
I recently used Vistaprint for my cards and often use Staples for flyers.

Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?
Staples is pretty good about showing what they have.

Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?
I did not know and would seriously consider this!

If you sell products, are they produced in the USA or abroad?
The only products are my CDs and not sure where they are produced. Good question!!

Do you speak at events? If so tell us about that.
No. Not really sure there is a huge audience for my type of service, but you never know.

What is coming up in the year or two we should watch for?
Yup! I have a brand new awesome CD in the works! Expect it to be released in the market by the holidays!!! Also, did a sizzle reel with Michele Lange and I am dying to see how that comes out!

Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
Yes! The list is so long! I would love to try B-School one day, but can only do one thing at a time and I am going to be in the next 6-figure club for Savor!! Yippee!