Prepare for the Holiday Season Now

If you haven't already, its time to get your e-commerce holiday plan in order because in a blink of an eye, you'll be too late! These are preliminary steps you can take in order to have a successful holiday season for your online store.

Shopping Trends to Consider

• Consumers are skimping on certain items in order to spluge on a few pricier favorites - be sure to tout what you have that's unique or affordable.


• They’re planning more in advance to save on gas money - get the word out about your store.


• People are researching online and purchasing offline - make sure your prices are competitive and maybe offer free shipping.


• E-tailers are offering guaranteed delivery dates during the holiday season - add information in your "about" section on your Holiday ordering deadlines.


• comScore Reports $29.1 Billion in U.S. Retail E-Commerce Spending for Full November-December 2009 Holiday Season, Up 4 Percent vs. Year Ago

What's The Plan?

• Take advantage of your social networks and post reminders about Holiday shopping at your store


• Ask your friends and fans to post your store on their website and profiles to help spread the word


• Spruce up your store with a festive banner, holiday colors, cheerful descriptions


• Consider announcing specials and sales the day before strategic dates (see below)


• To help your shoppers find things easily create gift bundles or gift categories (for him, for her, by price, stocking stuffers, etc.)

Mark Your Calendars!
These are said to be the busiest shopping days for 2010. Structure your holiday plan around these days by including specials and discounts with deadlines to capitalize on the feeding frenzy.

• November 26 is Black Friday


• November 29 is Cyber Monday


• December 13 is Green Monday...in 2009, $854 million was spent in online sales.

Final Thoughts

• Get the word out about your shop now.


• Make it easy for your customers to shop.


• Enhance your site design with holiday flair.


• Make potential buyers comfortable about your business.


• Provide specific delivery lead times and shipping discounts.


• Use holiday specials to convert shoppers to buyers.

Strategy is everything during this super competitive time of the year. Take this extra time to get organized and make this your most lucrative holiday season ever.

Website Launch - ROUND ROOM PRODUCTIONS

LOGO, BRAND AND NEW WEBSITE JUST LAUNCHED!

Blooming Footprint was asked by Round Room Productions to create a clean and professional brand and website that would appeal to corporate clients seeking production services. There was an additional challenge as the concept of the company name was derived from the jam band Phish's song,'Round Room'. We were intrigued and inspired by the request and feel great about the results!

Tanzanian Student Fund - Website Just Launched!

Blooming Footprint is proud to be a part of the Gayle Lyn Kliever Student Fund and happy to announce the launch of it's new website. We have been donating our time and energy to help raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause. The fund is the result of Amy's cousin, Gayle, living and teaching in Tanzania, Africa for five years. She fell in love with the people and culture there and is working hard to help citizens of all ages in this struggling country.

By donating to the fund, one can make a huge difference in a student's life and consequently, the country's economy. A small donation goes a long way (a large donation goes an even longer way! :) And the best part is, they have been able to channel 100% of all donations directly to student scholarships!

To learn more about the fund and make a donation, please visit the website:
www.glkstudentfund.com

Still Think Social Media Is A Fad??

I loved the first video Socialnomics put out and here is the updated version. The social media & mobile statistics are hard to ignore. Watch for yourself...



Take Aways...
"We don't have a choice on whether we DO social media, the question is how well do we DO it."

"People care more about how their social graph ranks products and services than how Google ranks them." Second time I heard this today. First time was at a Hubspot webinar.

"We will no longer search for products & service, they'll find us via Social Media."

"One out of eight couple married in the US met via Social Media." This is why sites like Pickv are making waves in the online dating world.

"25% of search results for the World's Top 20 largest brands are links to user generated content."

"The ROI of Social Media is your business will still exist in 5 years."

The Big Kahuna...
"Listen First, Sell Second."

Performances Down Under: Around the World on 80 Quid

A couple weeks ago, I met Aindrias de Staic while walking down Brunswick Street in Fitzroy with my friend Katie on the way to a show. He was standing outside an empty shop eating a chicken leg served by the shop-with-no-name which was doing a home-cooked meal, as advertised by a hand-written sign. Katie introduced us, knowing him from improv classes they did the year before. I told Aindrias I did websites so am now in the process of launching his new site.

Thus is my life in Melbourne - meeting random people in random situations. After seeing Aindrias' show last night, I was struck by the similarity of world traveling and how circumstances throw new opportunities your way. His performance, Around the World on 80 Quid, is an entertaining combination of comedic story-telling, spoken-word, acting, and beautiful fiddle playing. It was a riveting experience to hear of his true-life story of leaving Ireland and working his way around the world and ending up in Melbourne, Australia. He takes you through a story of drug and alcohol addiction, sex, jail-time, illicit employment endeavors, with his Irish fiddle-playing as a common linking theme throughout. The story ends with an optimistic message of living clean and finding a more balanced lifestyle. Keep your eye on Aindrias' career as a comedian, actor, and musician. His talent, experience, and bigger-than-life personality will take him far. New website to be launched very soon!

Aindrias is performing just another couple more nights at the Melbourne Comedy Festival so be sure to catch him while you can!

BOOK TICKETS HERE
Northcote Town Hall Comedy Fest

Aindrias on Facebook

Your Brand, Your Way

An online presence for you business is an opportunity to establish a consistent brand through the various services and sites that you use. Branding is a simple concept: determining what distinguishes your business, and then marketing it consistently and persistently. Your brand then becomes your identity.

BLVD's Way
Blooming Footprint has been working on the BLVD brand for a few years now. From their main website, to their blog, Faceboook page and store, we are consistent in using logos, fonts, colors and style anywhere on the internet and in marketing collateral. This presents a clear and consistent identity while providing the information fans need in places where they can easily find it.

Is Branding Important?
Branding is essential in the current competitive business climate, and building an identity online might even be more important. There is a logical reason that what people do on the Web is called "surfing," not "reading." The Web is all about speed: take a look...click...that's not what I want...let me try this...click...no...click...not that...click...YES!

Think of a website as the ultimate "elevator pitch." An elevator pitch is a 30-second pitch that entices the prospect to want to hear more. You have to provide people with a compelling reason to go to your site and remain there rather than moving on to a competitor's site.

Communicating Your Brand Online
Your brand should be reflected in every facet of your online presence, from your website name to the colors you use. There are several factors to consider for a consistent online brand:

- Choose a web address that identifies your business and is easy to spell.
- Create a site layout and writing style that reflects your other marketing materials including colors, logos and even the font you use.
- Visitors want to know about the products or services you offer and how you differ from your competition.
- Tell your customers your company history, why you are in your industry and why you are the best!
- Get on the social media bus by starting a blog, joining social networks and engaging with others via forums or micro-blogging communities.
- Photos help reflect your company's culture, your staff and your products.
- Publish general information about your industry and expertise through the use of a blog or FAQ.
- Nothing can build a brand more effectively than satisfied customer testimonials.

Increase Your Visibility
After you grasp the big picture, you can then start being more creative in your space. Through the use of New Media you can shape your image and tell your brand's story, while building meaningful relationships that foster loyalty and promote advocacy. Create exclusive experiences for fans and loyal customers and reinforce those emotional attachment. A brand is now defined as the sum of all conversations taking place around it and these conversations are happening with or without you. You need to start paying attention and participate.

The Bottom Line
Remember, you're not coming up with a "whole new identity" for the Web. Instead, your web presence should reflect and reaffirm your company's existing brand. Keep in mind that every element of your site - logos, photos, colors, type style, writing style, and content - can contribute positively to your brand and win customers.

Blue Rabbit: Separate

Do you ever pull out an album that you used to listen to so much before you had to take a break, then you start listening to it again and you realize all over again just how AWESOME it is? That's how I feel about Blue Rabbit's EP album 'Separate'. I illustrated and designed the album cover for them and it's one of my favorite projects I've ever done. The concept of a blue rabbit alone on a moonscape surrounded by a mass of white rabbits fits perfectly with the album title and entire feel of the album.

It's a goose-bump-causing album that I want everyone in the world to hear. This band has a unique emotional sound with beautiful lyrics that you connect with instantly. If you have ever loved and lost, been in a relationship, or even just lived in this crazy, scary world, this album will make you feel less alone.

Blue Rabbit was started by one of my best friends, Heather Anderson, who is an uber-talented songwriter and composer. She pulled together the band's amazing musicians and singers via a Craiglist's ad and now a couple years later, the band is going strong. They just got back from SXSW and are gearing up for their second album. Kudos to Heather for not only doing the roadtrip to Texas in a van while heavily pregnant, but for your endless love and devotion to this band. You have made your mark on the world and many look forward to hearing more from you!

Check out Blue Rabbit:
Website
MySpace
Facebook


Download Album on iTunes

Music From Down-Under: Casual Projects

Last night I checked out a local live music venue called the Evelyn Hotel on the corner of Brunswick and Kerr. This place will definitely be a regular for me as it's only a couple blocks from my house and has live music almost every night.

The line-up was an excellent sample of Melbourne hip-hop, including You 'n UR Music, Emcee Whisper, and The Movement Fam, but my favorite band was the Casual Projects. These guys are definitely worth checking out if you love a unique combination of hip-hop, funk and rock. The band features talented musicians (guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, and drums) and several MCs who create a powerful sound of rhythmic rapping and singing, including harmonies. The performance was really tight and full of charisma. I look forward to seeing these guys again! If you're in Melbourne, their next show is at Bar Open on April 10th.

Check out Casual Projects:
Facebook Page
MySpace Page

Tonight is Earth Hour!!

Music Down-Under: Pixies

I was lucky enough to get to see the Pixies on Saturday night here in Melbourne at the Festival Hall. The experience was amazing! Such a solid, fun, snappy show and those Australians LOVED it. And no wonder, in the 34 years since the band started (minus the 11 years of separation), they have only been to AU once before in 2007. Tempers would run high if someone was in the way of another fan with enthusiastic dancing. I heard one guy yell "I paid $200 and waited 10 years to come to this show!" It was incredible to feel the energy and passion these Aussies have for the Pixies.

Being a tad too young to have enjoyed them in Chapter 1 of their career since they formed in 1986, it was a delight to discover now just how unique and special this band is. They have been influential of alternative rock that us later generations have enjoyed. Each song was super short with concise and sharp composition of intense, deep lyrics and emotionally provoking music. They performed their 1989 'Doolittle' album live, enhanced by beautiful, authentic visuals displayed on the screen behind them. Each song had coordinating photos and video in sepia tones; some with select lyrics displayed.

The Festival Hall was packed to the gills with eager fans that didn't allow the show to end. The band ended up coming back on stage twice for encores after much stamping and chatting from the crowd. I think my personal favorite aspect of the show was Kim Deal's bass playing and singing. She's a strong female musician one can respect, holding her own in an all-male band for so long and uber-talented to boot. I never considered learning to play bass until I saw her play.

There's a rumor the Pixies will be going back into the studio this year to do a new album. I can't wait to hear what fresh music will come out of their long history and years of experience. In the meantime, we can get their new release, Minotaur, a box set of their previous albums. Presales start July 15th.

Pixies' Website: www.pixiesmusic.com

Amy's New Portfolio Website - Just Launched!

After months of development, I have finally launched my new portfolio website! I've pretty much have had it done for a while, the launch just kept getting pushed to the back burner because of a bunch of other projects. Also, relocating to Australia this past month or so has occupied a lot of my time.

I put a lot of thought into the illustrations and design of my new website. I wanted to reflect the positive and uplifting mentality that I've been striving for in my career and personal life. After researching and thinking through what type of image I thought would best show this, I selected the image of a bird taking flight off from a tree branch. I researched many birds, their traits and size, and felt a swift would best represent me. The tree branch is drawn from a tree in my parents back yard.

I wanted the the color scheme of my design to be light and airy like a sky to help reinforce the feeling of 'taking flight'. I also used all organic shapes and lines to help give the feeling of flexibly and freedom. I build the site in simple HTML in Dreamweaver, using images I created in Adobe Illustrator. I drew the header illustration in pencil, scanned it, and edited it in Photoshop.

For the sake of launching the site, I included only a handful of images for my portfolio. I have a lot more pieces to add which I'll do soon, expanding my gallery with several more categories within my two galleries. I struggled a bit to figure out how to simply my portfolio pieces since I have such a wide range of projects I've done and mediums that I've used. I decided to keep it really basic and divide up my work by design and illustration. The design section includes logos, graphic design, and website design. The illustration section includes many of my design pieces that include some of my best custom illustrations. There's a big overlap between the two sections. I also felt it crucial to add a note on my gallery pages to also view my work on Blooming Footprint's website. Really, the amount of work I've produced the last couple years is rather overwhelming when trying to select the best for my portfolio. :)

New Portfolio Website:
www.amykliever.com

Blooming Footprint Website:
www.bloomingfootprint.com

Karl Denson & His Tiny Universe in AZ

Great show last night at The Compound, in Scottsdale AZ!!

Check out the videos below for the funk filled grooves from: Karl Denson (sax), Chris Stillwell (Bass), John Staten (drum king), Chris Littlefield (trumpet), David Veith (keys), Brian Jordan (guitar)

Music From Down-Under: Ganga Giri

I've recently moved to Australia and have fallen in love with a local band here in Melbourne called Ganga Giri. My first weekend here, a friend of mine, Ben Erickson (Elysian Artists), put me in touch with Ganga, who's a good friend of his. I had seen Ganga Giri at one of my favorite festivals, Joshua Tree Music Festival, last year and loved their high-energy, fun performance. I ended up going to Ganga's house here in Melbourne for a BBQ and felt instantly at home in his loving, accepting group of friends, even though I'm American! :)

A few weeks ago, I got to see Ganga's band live at a Sustainable Living Festival in Federation Square. I helped out selling CDs and could see how much love this city has for the band. The band has a beautiful, full sound driven by Ganga on a didgeridoo backed up by an awesome dance beat. If you like tribal dance music with a unique twist, check them out!

On a side note, and because I love promoting all my friends' art as much as possible, notice the cute little outfit I'm wearing - custom-made Onesie by Warrior Within Designs, founded by my one of my best friends, Jen Fritz, who, of course, is also friends with Ganga (the circle of friends goes round and round, even with a giant expanse of water between us!)

Ganga Giri has several great albums out, but check out his most recent one, Raising It Up.
Click here to listen and download on iTunes.

MySpace Page:
www.myspace.com/gangagiri

BLVD - CO Run Next Week, Free Track

After wrapping up a full length album last spring with producer Jeff Saltzman (The Killers, Fischerspooner, The Black Keys) BLVD continued it's '09 blitz on the North American festival circuit with performances at Camp Bisco, Summer Meltdown, Shambhala, & Earthdance. A West Coast run with The Disco Biscuits ensued last November followed by NYE shows in Fiji. After a January tour of Australia, BLVD returned home to San Fran to a sold out crowd at The Independent in February. They just headed up the west coast and will be in Colorado for a run with BoomBox next week. See you on the dance-floor!

Vail, CO
Tuesday, 3.9.2010
Samana Lounge
RSVP here

Aspen, CO
Wednesday, 3.10.2010
Belly Up w/ BoomBox
RSVP here

Fort Collins, CO
Thursday, 3.11.2010
Aggie Theater w/ BoomBox
RSVP here

Boulder, CO
Friday, 3.12.2010
Fox Theater w/ BoomBox
RSVP here

Denver, CO
Saturday, 3.13.2010
Bluebird Theater w/ BoomBox
RSVP here

Steamboat Springs, CO
Sunday, 3.14.2010
Ghost Ranch Saloon
RSVP here

BLVD's 5th album "Return to Center" will be released in May 2010.
Download "Getting Away" FREE from the new album!

Beyond Vegetarian: The Vegan Diet

Deborah Crooks, a singer/songwriter and freelance writer, from FYI Nutrition contacted Amy regarding an article she was writing on a vegan and raw food diets.

This was submitted by Amy...
"After a life-time of eating poorly and sporadically, becoming vegan about a year and half ago has improved my life and health dramatically. It began with a girlfriend loaning me the book, Skinny Bitch, which completely grossed me out about the food I had been eating and I was intrigued. I went on to do more research in the food industry and it's effect on the economy and the environment. To continue supporting the meat and dairy industries made me feel sick, so it was a very easy transition to completely stop eating those products. It became a fun, exciting challenge to view my body as a temple that I needed to fuel with only healthy, organic food. I thought twice about everything I bought at the grocery store and ordered at a restaurant, familiarizing myself with every ingredient. I feel and look great and another major bonus is I haven't gotten a cold or flu since I became vegan, something I used to be very prone to."

Check out the full article, featuring a couple quotes from Amy here.

What's All This Chatter About Branding?

An online presence for your business is an opportunity to establish a consistent brand through the various services and sites that you use. Branding is a simple concept: determining what distinguishes your business, and then marketing it consistently and persistently. Your brand then becomes your identity.

Is Branding Important?
Branding is essential in the current competitive business climate, and building an identity online might even be more important. Your logo and website should be the #1 tool in the promotion of your business. There is a logical reason that what people do on the Web is called "surfing," not "reading." The Web is all about speed: take a look...click...that's not what I want...let me try this...click...no...click...not that...click...YES!

Think of a website as the ultimate "elevator pitch." An elevator pitch is a 30-second pitch that entices the prospect to want to hear more. You have to provide people with a compelling reason to go to your site and remain there rather than moving on to a competitor's site.

Communicating Your Brand Online
Your brand should be reflected in every facet of your online presence, from your website name to the colors you use. There are several factors to consider for a consistent online brand:

• Choose a web address that identifies your business and is easy to spell.


• Create a site layout and writing style that will be reflected in all of your online and offline marketing materials including the tone/voice, colors, logos and even the font you use.


• Visitors want to know about the products or services you offer and how you differ from your competition.


• Tell your customers your company history, why you are in your industry and why you are the best!


• Get on the social media bus by starting a blog, joining social networks and engaging with others via forums or micro-blogging communities.


• Photos and videos help reflect your company's culture, your staff and your products.


• Publish general information about your industry and expertise through the use of a blog or FAQ.


• Nothing can build a brand more effectively than satisfied customer testimonials.

Increase Your Visibility
After you grasp the big picture, you can then start being more creative in your space. Start listening to the conversations happening and get involved. Tracking this is really the hardest part and Blooming Footprint can help you. We can teach you to listen and lead these conversations, create brand awareness and visibility, gain consumer insight while measuring the effectiveness. It is imperative to establish a dialog with your potential customers, know what is being said about your industry and competitors while being transparent to gain information about the personality, preferences and points of view of your potential customers.

The Bottom Line
Remember, you're not coming up with a "whole new identity" for the Web. Instead, your web presence should reflect and reaffirm your company's existing brand. Keep in mind that every element of your site - logos, photos, colors, type style, writing style, and content - can contribute positively to your brand and win customers.

Tip: Be A Green Small Business, Part 2

I worked on many blog posts over the years with Jenny Martinez, Creative Director at MissJenny.com, when we were with the Cartfly and Sellit brands. Please enjoy Part 2 of our "recycled" Green Small Business series from back in July of 2008.
--------------
We started with Marketing Materials and Shipping Supplies, but why stop there? Greening your office can also mean saving some cash. Part 2 of Being A Green Small Business: Your Office and Supplies.

Whether you work from your kitchen table on the weekends or have a dedicated office space with a staff, here are some tips to get you started.

1) Office Supplies

Paper
Being a designer and merchant running my own business I tend to burn through a lot of paper if I'm not careful. I've learned to get into the habit of printing on both sides for drafts, which also cuts down on my paper costs. I have a paper-only bin in my office that I toss fully used paper to (or this can be shredded to become free packing material!). And I support businesses that make recycled products by purchasing 100% post consumer recycled paper and supplies.

Toner Cartridges
Instead of throwing disposable ink cartridges into landfill, you can use refillable computer ink cartridges. Most office supply stores carry these products now, but if you need a good online source The Green Office is a great place to start.

2) Equipment & Energy

Compact Fluorescent Lighting
This is an easy thing to check off the list. Your electric bill will drop and the bulbs will last longer. Don't forget you have to dispose of these properly because they contain mercury. Home Depot recently started a CFL disposing program.

Power Strips
Another easy one. Don't plug your chargers directly into the wall, they will always drain power whether or not your device is plugged in to charge. Add them onto power strips and switch the strip off when not in use.

Energy Star Rated
You can find Energy Star fax machines, copiers, printers and more. These will use less energy, save money and have less of an impact on the environment. Dell even has a line of Energy Smart computers.

Electronics Disposal
If an older electronic is not something you can sell or give away, as a last resort there are companies that will properly dispose your toxic gadgets. I've used Green Citizen who "provides convenient, safe and accountable solutions that make it easy for individuals and organizations to help save the environment from harmful electronic waste."

Energy Audit
If you've got a dedicated office space you can find out what changes to make by getting an energy audit. Most utilities offer this service for your business at a reasonable cost. And your changes are likely to offset this initial cost.

3) Shared Kitchen Space

Water Filters On Tap
Wow, Americans spend more than $8 Billion a year on bottled water. Install a water filter that will cost pennies a gallon, instead of expensive bottled water. You won't notice a taste difference and you won't have to recycle all that plastic.

BYOM!
Bring your own mug and do away with the disposable paper and styrofoam cups. Make sure that the cups are washed with green cleaners and you're totally good. Did you know that according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency more than 3 million tons of polystyrene is made in the U S each year and almost all of it ends up in landfill? This stuff practically never goes away.

Green Coffee
Oh how the office loves it's coffee. But do we realize that most coffee is imported after being cultivated on small farms in the tropics? For the highest standards, buy coffee that bears the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval. This means that this product is from farmers who pledged to control pollution, conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, while treating their workers responsibly.

For Further Reading and Advanced Greening!
The amount of online information about eco-responsible practices is endless. In addition to the links above, here are 3 great online resources all aimed at reducing your environmental impact.

Treehugger.com

Earth911.org

Green Living Toolbox from Mashable (80+ Green Sites & Resources)

Tip: Be A Green Small Business, Part 1

I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with Jenny Martinez, Creative Director at MissJenny.com, when I worked with the Cartfly and Sellit brands. Together we helped create great customer experiences through graphic design and social media.

We worked on many blog posts over the years and I thought I would "recycle" our Green Small Business series from back in July of 2008. So enjoy!
--------
Branching out on your own and starting a small business can be an opportunity to establish some green business practices. Online info is endless and can be overwhelming to sort through but we are here to help! Part 1 is about your shipping resources and marketing materials.

Whether you work from your kitchen table on the weekends or have a dedicated office space with a staff, here are some tips to get you started.

1) Shipping Resources

Envelopes
By having an online shop, I've had to figure out how to package up and ship my product. I purchase eco-friendly envelopes from a company that also operates by eco-friendly standards, Action Envelope. From my research they look to be "the" online resource for eco-friendly envelopes.

Reusing Supplies
One very economic and green shipping practice is to enlist friends, neighbors and the local post office to collect previously used boxes and other supplies like bubble wrap. You can also get reused cardboard boxes from Usedcardboardboxes.com, a Co-op America approved company. While this is a great way to reuse and get free shipping materials, keep in mind that it is important to be mindful about not mixing boxes marked for particular delivery companies and services.

Packing peanuts come in two varieties: foam and cornstarch. Foam are not eco-friendly, but you can sign up to get reused foam peanuts for free through the Peanut Hotline and the Plastic Loose Fill Council. This keeps them out of landfills and re-used over and over. However, once they are out of your hands, you have no way to know what the person on the other end will do with them. If you depend on peanuts, the cornstarch variety are biodegradable.

2) Marketing

Green Printing
What I really want is soy or vegetable ink toner cartridges so I can continue to print my marketing materials, tags and inserts as I go. But that's not a reality yet. For those of you ready to print in large quantities you may want to consider a print shop that uses these friendly materials and operates in eco-responsible ways. Google 'green printing' and you find plenty of options including Greener Printer in Berkeley, CA or PsPrint in Oakland, CA. They are certified "green business" as eco-friendly printers, using soy and vegetable based inks, and recycled paper.

Co-op America Business Network
"Co-op America's Green Business Network™" is dedicated to helping socially and environmentally responsible businesses emerge and thrive to form a global green economy." Benefits of membership include: listngs in the National Green Pages™, use of the Green Business Seal of Approval, invitation to participate in Green Festivals, special discounts, access to groups, media exposure, and more. Learn more here.

1% For The Planet
1% For The Planet is a growing global movement of 924 companies that donate 1% of their sales to a network of 1,601 environmental organizations worldwide. The company states that "membership creates opportunities for companies to network, conduct business and simply associate themselves with over 700 companies that have made the same noble commitment. From a consumer standpoint, member companies re-enforce a positive perception of their brand, adding value that can result in greater customer loyalty and an increased customer base, especially among the growing number of people who recognize and appreciate the importance of environmental responsibility." Learn more here.

I hope you found these tips helpful and interesting! Check back next Thursday for Part 2: Greening Your Office and Supplies.

Optimize Your Blog for 2010

If you have a brand or a business, you should be blogging. This is one of the best and easiest ways to generate fresh, up to date content for your site and keep people coming back.

1. Find your own niche and try to be as unique as you can. Creative and thought provoking topics create interest and clearly defines who your audience is. You should always blog with your core audience in mind.

2. Use attention grabbing titles and relevant keywords. Anything you can do to grab users attention will help grow your audience. This also includes graphics, video and links you can find to relevant blogs.

3. Comment on popular blogs in your niche to make a name for yourself out there. Link back to the original stories in your own blog to give recognition and share the knowledge.

4. Make sure to have RSS (real simple syndication) and subscription buttons available at the top of your blog in the sidebar. This makes it easy for visitors to subscribe to your content and for your to track them. You will need to add these buttons yourself, but with services like Feedburner, it's not very difficult...mostly a copy and paste job. It's now owned by Google and is available with any Gmail account.

5. Post often and get on a regular schedule. If people are interested in what you have to say, they will appreciate consistency. Post weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, but stick to a schedule.

6. Use your networks to get the word out about your new posts. Market each post on Twitter, Facebook, directories and bookmarking sites.

7. Don't give up. Blogging is sometimes tedious, boring, monotonous and downright draining. Keep your ultimate goal in mind of educating and growing your audience and keep on truckin'.

Fiji New Years Update: Day 9 & 10

So the festivities continued with a White Party on Yanuca Island. We took 2 30 minute boat ride to a private surf resort called Batiluva Beach Resort in the center of the world famous Beqa Lagoon, acclaimed by many as the location of some of the world's best diving. The resort is a quick boat ride from Frigate Passage, one of the most consistent surf spots not only in Fiji, but also the South Pacific.





There was a bar and bbq set up as well as a DJ hut set for a dance party. Here are Garth, Frank Richards and Adam Freeland, one of the most well established and heavily toured DJ's on the planet...who I had the pleasure of sitting next to on the boat ride! Feel free to check out an island interview with Adam from Laurel May (my villa mate) in 944 Magazine.


Needless to say, the party was awesome and the beats were epic...and we were on a private island!



So that is the end of Fiji New Years 2010. Quite an experience and certainly one for the books! Happy New Year to you and yours!!

Fiji New Years Update: Day 6, 7, 8

I finally lost track of days and time, but thought I'd just give the highlights and finish what I started ; )

We ventured to the neighboring Pearl Resort for lunch one day. Food was great, staff was friendly and helpful and the resort was extremely chic and well maintained.

Pearl lobby...

Pearl lobby bar...yes that is a waterfall mirror...

Mantarae Restaurant...

The Pearl beach...


BLVD provided us with a beachside set during happy hour...awesome!





And here are John and I enjoying the music and sunset...

Fiji New Years Update: Day 5

Most everyone took it easy on January 1st and we came to find out that New Years Day is a big celebration for the Fijians. John and I walked down to the public beach and there were thousands of families eating, partying, playing rugby and enjoying the ocean.

We were invited to participate in a Kava Kava ceremony where we learned about Fijian culture, traditions and rituals. Kava kava is an esteemed mind and mood altering agent enjoyed by the non-drinking locals. After a few rounds of drinks we all were dusted with powder and told we would all sleep well.

Fiji New Years Update: NYE

December 31, 2009

The day we have all been waiting for finally arrived...New Years Eve!! There were 2 seatings for dinner and the music began promptly at 9pm. The staff built a stage right off the beach and with the help of BLVD's own Leon Cook, the sound system actually came together.

Fiji is actually one of the first places to celebrate the new year and here is the list of celebration times from around the world...

It just so happen to be a Blue Moon on this night as well which is the second full moon in one calendar month. Here are some pics from the night...I'll go back and add names later ; )