Barbara Segal And Associates

Would You Trust Your Social Media To A College Intern?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:11:00 +0000

If your business spent $104.6million in capital expansions in 2008 and 28 Million alone was spent on software implementations, and expansion, growth, and cash are all favorable in 2009!

Would you trust your Social Media to a College Intern to implement a new media social engagement strategy for the entire company?

The Job Posting:
Implementing a new media social engagement strategy, this will include content management and development, posting and monitoring user-generated activity, user experience optimization, and potential development and management of third-party relationships.

The Topic du jour in Brands is their adoption of Social Media. The conversations are high noisy, speculative and theoretical. Social media expert, like Barbara Segal have the answers. Their strategies have proof, of Why? Because they have worked in fashion, Media, and community. At the heart of branding conversations are questions related to community. It’s interesting to see how brands adopt social media while also trying to balance their exclusive appeal with the social masses. Does social media make a brands too accessible and diminish the brand value and perception of affluence?

No, not if implemented correctly. That’s why retailers such as Gucci and Mercedes Benz are creating their own private networks for their most affluent customers or making niche content sites that focus on limited product selection. They are doing this while also marketing to the masses on Twitter and Facebook.

As brands move marketing efforts online, they need to focus on creating unique, experiences. Whether the medium is their own communities, or Facebook, brands have to engage their audiences, and they have to do so on a consistent basis.

Hiring an Intern? Lets say you worked your whole life for a red Ferrari, and you now have one. It is a dream car, an asset, and part of a luxury image you keep. The Ferrari serves a very important role in your life. Your 19 year old daughter, comes home from college and wants to go someplace she can impress her friends with Daddy's car. She is a Junior in Harvard, you trust her, you love her, and she is usually responsible. Would you give her the keys to your Ferrari?

Social Media is the new Public Relations and technology of today's Brands. A publicly traded company, can NOT afford to take the chance on their interns Facebook saying, "come all my Bit@#es" or twitters saying, "this beer can lid will not pop," at 2am in the morning. When the one who works in a temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training rather than employment is inexperienced with a company, net etiquette can quickly damage the corporate reputation . All it takes is one social media blow. Another way of putting it, is could be on the job training of a mega phone to all your customers could be mutiny. Recently, I went to a party where they, "Sacrificed an Intern to the Gods" at a Recording Studio in Santa Monica, CA. Nor I say, it was a rather wild party.

Who You Hire For Social Media, Public Relations, and Internet Marketing M@tters

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:37:00 +0000

At Barbara Segal & Associates we have been working on the Internet since 1995. One can claim to be an Internet Expert but make sure you see the proof. For the past year we have worked with a Non Profit where we helped revolutionize them into Web 2.0, Facebook, Twitter, and the New Social Media platform of business on the Internet. Our passion and knowledge of the web, is fueled by a Barbara Segals' visionary talents, design experience, and knowledge of technology. Our consulting business is backed with years of corporate experience.

Do not mistake cost for quality. Hiring web building company's who advertise low costs for building your 2.0 web world often turns out to be the most incredibly costly web sites. They charge higher fee's for any additional web work with small hidden cleaver verbiage in their contracts. You seldom build a relationship with one person and work with many different employee's which often runs up time which equals fees. These low cost firms hold your company hostage with access to all pass codes and platforms. It's a sad thing to meet with new clients and hear their stories of horror with con-men run web businesses.

At Barbara Segal & Associates when meeting new clients we point out that your decision to hire a Internet Marketing Expert involves trust, responsibility, and your Brands reputation. You the client should always control all your passwords by being the administrator to your Domains, Hosting Software, and any Technology involving your company. You then assign others to get into the sites by inviting them to be secondary administrators, where they then set up their own passwords. Thus being Administrator you are in control. After all you are entrusting all pass codes to your company domain website, and all your social media sites as well. Too often CEO and small business owners do not realize the importance of control until it is to late and they are held hostage by these web developer con men. They never had your company business at heart, they had the big money making scheme in place. Time and time again Barbara Segal & Associates meets with people who tell us they owe thousands of dollars to web building companies. One of the biggest scam going in business, is companies being taken for thousands and hundreds of dollar in fees, because they do not understand the technology and the web. Never hire someone to build a website, blog, or Facebook page where you have not checked their references thoroughly. If they have a fabulous portfolio fabulous, next speak with the potential candidates clients. Take the time to contact them and ask questions. Several years ago a General Manager called us in a panic as their IT person was holding their Music Business hostage. He had all the codes, all the power and wanted his employment demands met. Today he is no longer with the company and the Music Company learned a valuable lessen. Be in control and trust who you work with.

Were they easily assessable
Did they responded quickly to your needs
Could be found by phone when needed during emergency situations
Did they stay consistent with their fees over time
Were they available throughout the contract for updates
Was the quality of the work good
How was their grammar and writing skills
Did they grasp the Industry and come up with use full ideas?

With the unemployment rate at a all time high many unemployed people have recently taken to Blogging for Hire. Barbara Segal & Associates has been Blogging For Hire since the beginning of the blogs and has google proof. Our solid reputation, keen knowledge of industries, corporate, and professional topics is backed with over 20 years of experience. The younger generation all know computers, however think through their Net Etiquette before hiring them. Ask to see their: Facebook Twitter Accounts, and Linkedin references. This position is for one of the most important positions you will hire as they may be behind a computer but they represent your brand or company 24/7. Your Facebook page, Blog, and Tweets on Twitter are to represent your Brand, Business, Industry, or Non Profit and should not be mixed with late night Digital Parties pics gone wild.

Does your candidate speak proper corporate language on the net or are they using abbreviated text slang that is their new vocabulary?
How much experience have they had?
Do they have knowledge of corporate procedures?
Is their reputation a good one in the community.

Your relationship become invaluable, close, trusted, and power full with your Internet Marketing and Public Relations person. You should realize it is like any good relationship, it should last for centuries.

Cool Cats Are Twittering Their Way Into Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Since 2007, Twitter’s has been Barbara Segal and Associates #1 tool in meeting and connecting clients with people online. At Barbara Segal and Associates we also build and nurture online relationships with the individuals and business's who influence us offline. With the help of Facebook, Linkedin, and Myspace we are more informed of networking events. Immediate, impulsive, and time saving twitter works into today business environment. Lower airfares are helping us to fly into cities impulsively to network, meet and attend business meeting. Keeping close personal relationships the old fashion way in the new economy is more important. We believe in "reaching out and touching someone" with old fashion telephone conversations, and all things digital. Our brains are influenced by others daily by shared knowledge, links and answers to our question through social networking. We are influence by links, notes, invites, groups and wall post on Facebook. Barbara Segal, was creatively inspired when reading, 40 Reasons Why Twitter Rawks and she shared it with all her friends and followers. Viral marketing is today's society trend and socially "networking" in person and digitally is the new school of business. One needs to be linkeded to today's virtual future as it is here to stay. And at the end of the day, human connection is more important that ever in today.

40 Reasons Why Twitter Rawks

View more Microsoft Word documents from Tara Hunt.

Are You Using Twitter For Your Brand?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:16:00 +0000

WTF is Twitter and why should I care?

View more presentations from 3w pr .

Who Is A Professional Social Media Expert?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Barbara Segal and Associates is a Social Networking, Internet Marketing, Public Relations and Blogger For Hire firm since 1994. With today's new economy, we are going to BLOW our horns and YELL wake up corporate! With Job loss at the high of all highs, how long an individual or firm has been in business has credibility, strength, and clout.

Companies that are Social Networking well are seeing dramatic consumer results. Here we list a few of our favorites:

Betty Crocker

Diane von Furstenberg

The New York Times

These Companies get Social Media and are the pioneers of Facebook applications, interactive media, and fan pages. If you think Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Digg, Delicious are going away, THINK AGAIN.

Are You At The Social Media Table?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:20:00 +0000

If you are not at the social media table, you may be losing out. Research shows that 71% of American adults using the Internet also use social media. This means blogs, friend sites, review sites, forums, video sites and more. To grow in business today, you need to connect and interact with your prospects.

Today's Web 2.0 world focuses on connecting and sharing information, resources such as social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, and video blogs are now where your prospects and customers spend more of their discretionary time. Now more then ever, that time is resulting in decisions, deals, and choices about what brand they will select. Is your business at this social media table?

At Barbara Segal and Associates, we get this done by driving your message via viral networks. We know the right social media campaign will build new, stronger, more meaningful and trusting connections with your prospects. This means having "like-minded" communities become your referrals sources through reviews, comments, and authentic validation resulting in online awareness that is measurable, with greater, more relevant traffic and new sales.

Today more than ever, people are talking. They want to be sure. They want to hear it from someone they trust or are like them. Consumers today make decisions this way. Today, newspapers are no longer relevant. Things that were relevant yesterday for new business just don't produce the same results today.

Why did Rupert Murdoch buy MySpace? Why did Google Buy YouTube? Why did Microsoft invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Facebook? Because they wanted to remain relevant where consumers spend their discretionary time.

At Barbara Segal and Associates your social media optimization campaign is at the top, consumers become both your direct and indirect fans. They spread the word both online, through email and offline. For example, when a friend asks someone if they know of a good provider of a specific service, many times today people will respond with someone they see or something they have read or will quickly read on a review site. In today's market place your Company must be relevant. If you claim you are the

Contact us at Babssegal@gmail.com to get started today.

Are You Hollywood Branding Your Business?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Hollywood Branding is the new economy's oldest and best love affair!

The Oscars bring Luxury Companies, Royalty, Celebrities, Studio Heads, Actors and Actress, Product Placement, and Society Networking into a Strong week of Branding in LA. It brings
A List Society, Models fresh from Fashion Week, and Families like the Chopards, the LaCoste family are in LA attending Awards and Branding as they have for centuries. The Swarovski Crystal family was scene looking stunning, at the Costume Guild Awards.

The 17th Annual AIDS Foundation Party at the Pacific Design Center, Elton John party is where you can expect to rub elbows with everyone from Hollywood royalty like Elizabeth Taylor and Pop Icons musicians like Madonna. The late night affair that everyone is talking about is the now-annual bash Prince is throwing at an undisclosed location. Can't get on the list? Don't fret Prince is filming the event for broadcast on his new Web site: http://www.lotusflow3r.com/.

Film Independent's 2009 Spirit Awards will celebrate indie films Saturday with an awards bash on the beach in Santa Monica where they can lounge at the Elle "Beach Chic" Green Room and later hit IFC's Indie Film Celebration at Shutters. The 12th Annual Piaget Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality independent films. The award includes a $50,000 unrestricted grant, funded by Piaget. Sponsored by Elle, AMC, Heineken, Lacoste USA, Acura, and Garnier.

The best part for stars unlike the Oscars, you can show up in chic beach, this means jeans and flip-flops. Barbara Segal and Associates is professionally grounded in Santa Monica so blogging, twittering, Facebook, Myspace, and real life socializing, smiling for photo ops is all part of Social Networking, Viral Marketing, Branding, and Internet Public Relations.

Tonight's ladies night with the non-profit organization Women in Film and Perrier Jouet host the second annual salute to female nominees in the Bel-Air home of mogul Peter Guber.
From outstanding media exposure to celebrity product placement, the Awards this week in Los Angeles offer the opportunity to reach the film industry's young opinion makers and a fashionable, trendsetting, market-leading group. Is your company ready to work in Hollywood?

Barbara Segal and Associates at Babssegal@gmail.com based in Santa Monica can take your brand to the celebrity and outstanding media expose.

Do You Want Michelle Obama Dress Now? A Marketing Dream

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Barbara Segal, President of Barbara Segal and Associates passion is fashion. However it is also technology and the Internet, and wow how one can express anything immediately now is amazing. Fox.news had advertising from J.Crew within an hour of the inauguration ceremony. We now have immediate results and contact with friends, followers, and colleges with Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn and more. Company's with website planned for immediate results and action of Internet Sales today, January 20, 2009.

With a sinking Fashion economy J. Crew's marketing team was brilliant with their insight into Inauguration Day 2009. Facebooking , Tweetering and Googling for photos of, The First Lady, Michelle Obama Inauguration Dress, photos quickly appeared and one from Fox.news
Get Michelle's First Lady Style for Less immediately caught Barbara Segal's journalist eye and mind.

Who would Design Michelle Obama Dress? Was the Fashion Press and Fashion Industry's Inspiration question this past week. What the First Lady would wear was the fuel for fashionista and ressionista all over the world. Today's technology gives Bloggers and Social Networkers immediate directions as to where, how and now! Barbara Segal, a seasoned Fashion Media and Marketing, expert found the match to the style of Michelle Obama's ensemble by Isabel Toledo with a yellow dress by J. Crew brilliant as a marketing move in the new economy. There was a yellow dress not particularly close to the style however the marketing was fast, making the consumer want it now and buying it for a bright sunny dress in every women's future in 2009.

On this day of the Inauguration of President, Barack Obama and his beautiful Family, all of America feels renewed, fueled, blessed, and inspired for HOPE!

Barbara Segal And Associates Look Forward to 2009

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Barbara Segal and Associates brings in Internet Media and Marketing, PR in 2009 with Style, Fashion and Net-Etiquette. In the world of Blogger for Hire, Media Relations, Public Relations, and Marketing 2008 was a successful year for our firm.

In Los Angeles Times Top Fashion Moments: Patrica Fields costume designer from Sex and The City rate in the Top 10 of Fashion Moments of 2008. Barbara Segal. President of Barbara Segal & Associates had the pleasure of working with Patricia Fields, during LACMA Costume Councils Lecture Series.

Our client saw Press in:

People

Life & Style,

New York Social Diary,

Chicago Tribune,

Angeleno Magazine,

Oprah & Friends XM Radio,

Comcast Cable

Online on the Internet:

Glam.com - Adweek Top 10 Sites

What Are The Top Social Media Sites Of 2008?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:33:00 +0000

This years Top Social Media Sites are a mix of social networks and blogging platforms. Facebook stands out as the social giant taking shares from not only other social networks but blogs and other social media as well.

Blogger (222 million)
Facebook (200 million)
MySpace (126 million)
Wordpress (114 million)
Windows Live Spaces (87 million)
Yahoo Geocities (69 million)
Flickr (64 million)
hi5 (58 million)
Orkut (46 million)
Six Apart (46 million)
Baidu Space (40 million)
Friendster (31 million)
56.com (29 million)
Webs.com (24 million)
Bebo (24 million)
Scribd (23 million)
Lycos Tripod (23 million)
Tagged (22 million)
imeem (22 million)
Netlog (21 million)

In 2008 Brands have mostly failed in social media, because they have relied on the myth of viral distribution. Whether a Facebook application or a YouTube video, many brands have taken a blurred approach to encouraging users to spread their messages. In 2009 they need to make it worth their while. People are publishers of social content and Brands are learning that the only way to insert a brand into social media is to give some kind of benefit to people. In 2008 more and more marketers started to understand this.

Merry Christmas From Barbara Segal And Associates

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 04:54:00 +0000

We all deserve a little Holiday time in our life. Time with family, pets, and a little down time from business. Christmas vacation brings us time with our children, time off of work, and time to reflect on the year. At Barbara Segal & Associates we are blessed to be able to enjoy a tropical Christmas at the Beach this 2008. We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Why This Recession Is Not Going To Send Us Into Depression?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:45:00 +0000

TIS THE SEASON

Early in December I was asked by a friend, if his son could interview me for a class report, on the economy. The friend who is a "Director"was quoted in the Financial Times this year in an article "That he is glad he saved his shekels." Myself a Blonde Heiress who is known to spend on Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Travel answered"sure" I would be glad to do the interview for the kid.

Several weeks later on December 14, 2008 at 1:00pm I sat down for an interview with the 7th grader, DK let's call him, as he interviewed me. Upon my arrival it started out that the father was upset the Son was not going to write it down take notes like we did and have been trained to take notes. Being an Internet Marketing and Media leader since 1995 I watched the generation battle it out.

The 7th grader whining back, but DAD this is what we due "we do it on the computer." At 1:15pm privacy was given and the 12 year old who started asking the Questions while typing at his computer as only a 7th grader knows as his generation was weaned on Leapfrog. His questions were:

Has the economy effected you?

How has it changed your life?

Do you think we are in a Recession?

Do you think we will go into a Depression?

How long do you think it will last?

How can we change it? I ask we..he said the people....

Who do you think is the blame for our economy?
That one was easy, Bush I said.
But then I started to think, who's fault was it really?

How can we (the people help) went through my head all night? As a Internet Media and Marketing Consultant I feel blessed to be in the creative fueling forces of the Internet. The impact it has in my life makes me feel secure, informed and connected to the positive changes the Universe brings us.

Viral Marketing -makes me feel closer to my friends, family and business colleges. this year I joined Facebook, Linkedin and Myspace became boring but there. I was blessed to see new babies pictures within hours, girlfriends hot on the town, family, events, travels and thanks to Facebook. I became friends again with far away business contacts, cousins, nephews, my girl friends brother and mothers, my clients niece, people I just met and my ex husband 20 years later. You can say, Ignore (meaning-no go away) and hey you, the wall means "to the world" "graffetti on the 405."

Net-Ettique - In 2008 it became apparent that their was a reason for Net etiquette. This year brought..jokes, mistakes, and lessons of did the world need to know you party like "a slang word" or every move you made on twitter.

The instant access of the Internet makes my consulting business a necessary evil for many. Netiquette matters in business!

Blogging - Became more main stream and tool a significant financial platform on the iphone and Backberry. So we caught celebrities with client products, made People magazine to name a few, did Hollywood Premiere's, jumped on wordpress. Then viral marketed, social networking and Blackberry and iphoned it with the amazing speed of the new worlds fast reply and results.

Photography- Pictures tell a million stories. In 2008, Barbara Segal and Associates had the pleasure of meeting, working with and being phographed by the famous Patrick McMullan. Pictures, videos, podcasts all move through the Internet. This year moving photos faster (within 24 hours) to Editors, Publishers, on Blogs and via Facebook, iphone, and Blackberry.

Video - You Tube In 2008 uploaded Videos became common, necessity, business as usual. It became a Marketing Tool, an Educational, a main stream form of entertainment. President Elected Obama contributed his winning to his Internet Videos, Facebook, the Power of Oprah and started Change.gov with Videos keeping the Public informed.

What will I do during this economy? I for one will "Hang Tough" as my Uncle Richard Winters who commanded Company E during World War II always writes. Can I make a living as an Internet Media and Marketing Consultant, with out a Detroit Automobile or living outside of Illinois?

Absolutely!

How has the economy Affected You?

At this Holiday time of year, be thankful for your friends, for your family, for your health, and your job as I read in yesterdays "New York Times."

This Holiday we can all Skype, iphone, blackberry, text, and e-mail from afar and teach the children we recognize there is a recession.

In The World Of Change, Why Not Put Your Holiday Card Funds Towards A Charitable Foundation?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:07:00 +0000

This World AIDS Day, why not put your firms and or personal Holiday card funds towards a charity that helps fight Pediatrics AIDS. Over the years great progress has already been made, but more leadership and a commitment of resources are needed to achieve the goal of an HIV-free generation. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is working in 18 countries and at more than 3,200 sites to increase access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and to treat children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Wish your colleges and friends a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year with a generous gift that has been made in your honor to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
To Order: contact Tammie Meena at 310-491-3138.
Orders are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m PST.
Pricing: $10.00 per card (plus $.12 sales tax per card for California residents only)
Shipping: $6.00 flat rate

How Could One Ever Become Board?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Barbara Segal, Liz Goldwynn, and Dita Von Teese
Photo Credit Patrick McMullan West Coast

Heading back to the West Coast from Chicago was a calling for former Madison Avenue Advertising Director, Barbara Segal who has over twenty years history in Los Angeles. Chicago is my kind of town, New York is where I'd rather be, Washington was boring with the Republicans running town , however Los Angeles is Hollywood, Fashion, Entertainment and Glamour. Above and beyond working as a Blogger For Hire, Internet Marketing and Media Consultant, Barbara Segal serves on the Board for LACMA Costume Council where she does Media and Marketing. Barbara Segal & Associates mission is to give back. Using her creative juices, getting press coverage, meeting deadlines and philanthropy all comes with the making of a passionate PR maven.

With Facebook comes a new social way of networking and marketing. Making new business contacts, new friends and finding old friends thru events such as this one is always part of the fun of Public Relations. The Costume Council at LACMA, "From Burlesque to Couture" was the Ultimate Show and Tell on Monday, November 17, 2008 and was hosted by Liz Goldwyn with special guest Dita Von Teese who introducing burlesque dancer Ava Garter. The evening was sold out it went up on Patrick McMullan s International media wire. Now one has deadlines, however with the Fame Game, Facebook, Linkedin it all seems a bit more revealing.

Will Barack Obama starts doing a weekly YouTube video?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:08:00 +0000

At last a Government that will be lead by a President who understands the advantages of technology. www.Change.gov is the Official Web Site of the The U.S. Presidential Transition. The 21st century allows people to filter up questions and with Government.change you can ask question to our newly elected Government and even ask a question that Barack Obama himself might answer. The president-elect Obama already has said he will have a five-day online comment period before signing any non-emergency legislation, so Americans can be part of the process.

Obama's integration of the Internet during his presidential campaign came as Americans increasingly turned to online sources to get election news. As a candidate Barack Obama had four times as many friends as his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, on MySpace.com. Obama had almost 3 million supporters on Facebook and put together a massive database of e-mail addresses -- some 10 million.

Techno savy Obama announced Sen. Joe Biden as his choice for vice president in a text message to supporters. He's also planning to employ a chief technology officer and has pledged to get true broadband to every community in the country.
At Barbara Segal & Associates, we are happy to learn of these employment opportunities in our new Government and are encouraged that jobs will be created by this new technology.

Why Switch Your Clients To A New Blog Platform?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Barbara Segal & Associates has been professionally consulting companies in blogging and web sites for years. We suggest to many clients that they start blogging to expand their website. Today many businesses can just start with a blog. After all most blogs are free and this is a huge financial savings for a business today. A business websites need a strong online presence, with both static content and dynamic news, and a blog is the perfect solution. A blog builds traffic and establishes authority. The website helps convert that interest into business.

Recently we ventured into using wordpress with our client Jamah. President, Barbara Segal had been reading about wordpress on ProBlogger and after careful research and the firms desire to “switch clients to a platform offering more programming options Ms. Segal told the client that she felt it was the right fit for them. CMS and more programming options are crucial today in the online world.

Barbara Segal and Associates is now working with WordPress, and recommending it to clients. Martha Stewart also just recently upgraded from a TypePad blog to WordPress. Working with Wordpress we have learned they have everything you need to build a fabulous blog or website which is why they seem to be the most popular content management system being used today. One of the things we like best about WordPress is it takes care of most SEO concerns you may have by rendering valid HTML and using a correct chain of command of headings.

What Is Your Blog Post Saying About Your Business?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:23:00 +0000

With several years of Blogging for business clients under our belt at Barbara Segal and Associates we find it quite common to consult and motivate business owners on Blogging POSTS. A good mix of styles of posts can work well on a blog. Two styles of post we often warn and encourage business owners of are:

A Rant – in which a company or business get passionate, stirred up, and say what’s on their mind and tell it like it is. Rants are great for starting discussion and causing a little controversy and they can also be quite fun if you do it in the right spirit. However something we always remind our clients of is never get personal as in the heat of the moment we say things that we later regret and that can impact our reputation the most. Blogs posts stay forever! They can also be the beginnings of a flaming comment thread.

On the flip side to the angry rant (and not all rants have to be angry) a company can post an Inspirational and motivational post. People like to hear good news in their niche as it motivates others. Tell a story of success or paint a picture of what could be. Focus on area your business is looking for success in. Write about your own experience or that of others and spread the word.

Photos are a key part of attracting readers and a video is the piece de résistance in the blogging world today. Posts that mean something to a business, that are written with passion and that bring out some kind of emotional response in your readers will make the most impact upon people.

What The Paris Fashions are Telling Us

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:00:00 +0000

His shows are distinguished for their creative excess, all in keeping with the splendor of the Dior name. The support of several influential women, notably Anna Wintour, (the editor of Vogue) and Amanda Harlech, a former magazine editor and stylist helped pivot him to the top of the Fashion World.

This week, Karl Lagergeld, Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and other designers presented their haute-couture collections in Paris. With the feel of beads, loops and fur coats, leather straps, and knits with flaring hems evoking a comic-book futurism. Mr. Gaultiers critics raved it was a fun show, showings Jean Paul Gaultier knowlegde of the swing in the economy, is all about Public Relations, Romance, and the Euro. Mr. Galliano, since January 1997, has been the design director of Dior, responsible for haute couture and ready-to-wear collections, as well as accessories and his own John GallianoWintour.

The Fashion Genius is looking for a change and the lessen is entertain your audience, editors and market creatively.

Why Not Mix Art, Fashion and Public Relations?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:16:00 +0000

The Emmy Award winning Costume Designer, Patricia Field spoke to a packed auditorium at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Barbara Segal is photographed with Patricia Fields and Christina Inda with Korloff Jewrly of Paris. Marketing and Media specialist, Barbara Segal of Barbara Segal and Associates was recently appointed to the LACMA Costume Councils Board
for Public Relations.

Photos: Michael Govan, LACMA’s CEO pictured with Patricia Field
Packed LACMA crowd

Is Your Business Blogging and Social Networking?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:03:00 +0000

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."
Benjamin Disraeli

With over 8 million businesses in the United States, each one needs to try to stand-out from the crowd and grow their market share. Current public social networks for business people might not seem like a gain today, but what you can learn by using them for practical gain tomorrow. That’s why claiming your space makes sense for you now. If you don't claim your corporate name or business now, who will?

Personalized business network are and will be the future once everyone of your customers and prospects knows how to social networking. The tools like building profiles, sharing video and connecting based on mutual interests, your job of building your own social business network around your own very specific community of niche will be the future of small and large business.

Is Your Company Getting it is a New Era in Marketing?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:22:00 +0000

Barbara Segal and Associates have been in Affiliate Marketing since 2005.

Why Your Business Should Affiliate

Affiliate is a referral program. It is a way of promoting businesses on the Web in which an affiliate is rewarded for every subscriber, visitor or customer they provide through their efforts. Affiliates increase the exposure of your business. Affiliation brings more links and Web pages to your business which can also increase your search engine rankings.

The affiliate funnels leads through their site but your site maintains your core branding. Affiliate marketing is similar to a volunteer sales force. The advantages of affiliate marketing is you get a lot of creative people promoting your business. The draw of affiliate marketing is that it is on a “pay per performance” basis. So you only pay after you get paid.

There’s no risk, you only pay for what you actually sell.

Successful affiliates are expert marketers, and in many cases they can sell your products better than you can, they’re more motivated than most employees. Not only do they work off smaller margins, but also, each sale counts. Affiliate marketing is growing more popular. Affiliate marketing is predicted to account for about $6 billion or 40 percent of online advertising expenditures in 2008 (up $1.5 billion from last year).

Attractive Reasons to Have A Corporate Blog

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:59:00 +0000

Blogs have become an important marketing tool for hundreds of companies, associations, elected officials and candidates, self-appointed digital journalists and traditional journalists who can trash or build up your company in their blogs in a New York minute.

If you're not thinking about how to use blogs in your business, you're missing a big opportunity.

One of the great things about blogs is that blogs are a doorway to Search Engines and Social Media. Blogs are indexed well by search engines which love sites that are focused upon a topic, and updated regularly. Social media sites also love blogs.

WHAT COULD YOUR COMPANY DO WITH A BLOG

Establish a reliable rhythm for readers, so they know they can rely on you to have new material for them every so often.
Have video, podcasts, photos, screenshots and other visuals on your blog.
The trend is also to cumulative your social media efforts (Facebook,Twitter, blogging, etc.) so they're easier to find in one place or on one page.
What matters is why you do what you do.
Always look for what can set you apart and from the competition.

Market Like You Mean It

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:38:00 +0000

The Power of the Internet

No matter where you are the power of blogging is heard around the world.

Why Your Company Should Be In The Social Media Culture

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:44:00 +0000

In 2008 media has become more social and social media has become culture. People are looking to fulfill essential social needs online. Organizations that understand this and build the right kind of social networking opportunity are more likely to create deeper emotional bonds than usually exist between companies and customers.

Online social networks provide people with the vital tool for defining and redefining themselves, as proof in profile pages on MySpace and Facebook.

The Internet has enable mutual assistance between strangers.

People who share similar tastes, sensibilities, orientations or interests are able to find, create and connect with others through online communities

The need for recognition and achievement are essential to our sense of worth and are fulfilled in online communities, blogs, and social networks that provide a way to develop and manage a virtual reputation.

Why are social networks all the rage? Why do people network with certain people online? Some of this you know some of this may have you scratching your head. What we do know at Barbara Segal Associates is that media has become more social and social media has become culture.

When companies actively embrace and act on people’s ideas and dreams they fulfill a social need. People want to be reassured of their worth and value, and search for confirmation that what they say and do matters to others and has an impact on the world around them. This requires companies to have a level of intimacy and facilitation that are the by invitation and smaller only, with online communities.

Will creating a blog help your business?

noreply@blogger.com (BSA) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:05:00 +0000

Does your business need a blog? Will creating a blog help your business? Our firm Barbara Segal and Associates suggests if you get Googled you build credibility. Because Google.com is so popular and indexes so comprehensively, if you focus some of your marketing and promotion time on getting your name out on the Web, you're building your credibility, both online and offline.

What is a Blog?

A blog is a Web log, an online journal. Blogs started out as online diaries, in which diarists shared their everyday lives with the world in 1998. Since then blogs have moved on, and are well on the way to becoming a standard business tool.

In February 2003 Google.com bought Pyra Labs, the company which owns the Blogger weblogging tool. Blogger.com, one of the main sites providing blog software and hosting, boasted a million hosted web logs in early 2003. Google.com's interest in blogs indicates that blogs are mainstream. A blog help your business in many ways, depending on whether you create a private or a public blog. Blogs are so useful that you'll want to create both. Your business's private, internal blog. If you're a solo business operator, you have colleagues, partners, contractors, and suppliers with whom you communicate daily. You can post links to large files, no need to email, fax, or mail them to and from. Your blog is more useful than email, because blog postings are dated, and easily search able. You can post a message you want everyone to read, and the message stays on the blog. With email, you read and delete, or read and forget. If you've worked on a project with someone in another state or on the other side of the world, you've blessed email, because it makes sharing information so easy. Using a blog to share information is even easier than using email.

A business blog is a powerful marketing tool. A blog can add value to your Web site, or it can take the place of a Web site. Look at it as a combination "What's Hot" and "What's New" Web site page, and an online journal. A blog's nature, is friendly and relaxed. If you don't have a site, your blog's a place to put your online portfolio, latest news, public relations and client list. You can, and should, use your blog to express your personality and expertise. If you have a Web site, your blog page builds loyalty, because if you provide interesting content, your visitors will return to your site. And because it's a Web page, your blog will appear on search engines, attracting new clients.Google has been treating blogs differently from other Web pages for a couple of years. Whereas it takes a standard Web page/ site a month to be indexed by Google, blogs are indexed daily. This means that your blog is very cheap advertising. You can post something on your blog and have it indexed by Google within a day.

Barbara Segal & Associates, has been contracted by many clients to blog since 2005. Our portfolio of clients are in the fashion industry, interior design field, infant market, film industry, and corporate public relations. Contact Barbara Segal & Associates for more information on getting started in 2008 with a power full marketing tool for your business. Contact: BabsSegal@gmail.com