Akamai Promotions » publicity

Marketing Strategies for Challenging Times

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:58:05 +0000

During tough economic times it’s important to get the most value out of your marketing dollars. One of the first things I advice my clients to do is to build an integrated marketing campaign that is based on a strategic combination of advertising and publicity.

Effectively blending advertising and publicity in your marketing campaign provides you with many benefits. Advertising provides guaranteed placement in the media, complete control over the content, and it also helps maintain brand recognition. Publicity provides you with a wide amount of exposure for the least amount of money. It also enhances your credibility, because publicity has the implied endorsement of the media. In addition, publicity has longevity, because it provides you with a permanent record. By using publicity as strong component of your campaign, you can use advertising as a strategic complement. This will help you maximize your marketing dollars.

Building stronger relationships with your existing customer base is also a sound marketing investment during uncertain times. It is more cost effective to build customer loyalty with your existing customer base then it is to establish new clients. One of the ways businesses are effectively doing this is through the use of social media. Community and relationships matter online. Through the world wide web you can build better relationships with your customers.

It has become a standard for businesses to have professional websites. However, websites need to be more than just glitz and glamour. They also need to be search engine friendly. Learning how to set up your website for maximum search engine optimization is a worthy investment in your future. Internet use will only continue to skyrocket, and businesses need to get on board the technological wave or they will be at a disadvantage in the future.

Social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn also provide free exposure to a worldwide pool of potential customers. Thousands and thousands of businesses are utilizing social networks to connect with new customers at virtually no cost. Blogging & micro-blogging are another way people are expanding their business networks, and establishing loyalty with existing customers.

Businesses are also leveraging their relationships with their customers by building their email list, and sending out ezines (newsletters delivered via email). By showing your customers through regular communications that you care about them, you strengthen your relationship and build loyalty. People will enjoy your ezines if you send them information that is useful to them. Develop a dynamic communication plan that shares your expertise, offers relevant information, engages your audience, and catches their eyes, and mind.

To learn more about marketing, publicity, and internet marketing, join Mary Traynor in her upcoming classes at VITEC-Continuing Education & Training, Maui Community College. February 2009 classes include Promoting Your Business in the Media, February 2 & 9, 2009. Under $15 with the A & B Training Bonus. A class in Internet Marketing & Publicity will follow on February 23, 2009. Under $10 with the A & B Training Bonus. For more information or to register please call VITEC-Continuing Education & Training, Maui Community College (808) 984-3231.

Priscilla’s Shipwreck Party Raises Money for Maui Aids Foundation

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:00:58 +0000

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Priscilla’s Shipwreck Party rocked Makena on August 10th. Produced by Both Sides Now, the Tea Dance was held on World Aids Day as a benefit for the Maui Aids Foundation. The gala was held at the fabulous ocean-front Sugarman Estate, which is the primo setting for an outdoor party. Food, drinks, & dancing were included in the reasonably priced $25 ticket.

Being the costume freak that I am, I was excited to attend the Shipwreck Party from the first moment I heard about it. I immediately began to round up a posse of friends to raid the party with. Wearing full pirate regalia was a must. Letting loose my pirate side was what it was all about!

To add to the festivities, we enthusiastically passed out colorful beads to everyone we came in contact with. The picnic style buffet included Subway sandwiches, potato salad, green salad, & chips. The Maui sunset that evening was gorgeous. By nightfall the dance floor was overflowing with people. Well over 100 people attended the gala. Dancing went late into the night.

I had a great time at the Shipwreck Party, and I definitely look forward to enjoying the next one. However, I have to admit I was a little disappointed that I didn’t see more people in costumes. Theme parties are way more fun when people get into the spirit of it and put on costumes! I humbly encourage the event producers to work that “shipwreck theme” more, and get people there in costumes. It woud take this party up a notch, & turn it into an unique, memorable event that is a “must-do” party. Maui needs more “must-do” parties. Put on your costumes next year boys & strut your stuff! AAAHHhhrrrr !!!

B In R Show Goes Off the Deep End at the Queen Kaahumanu Center

admin — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:00:49 +0000

The B In R Show debuted their ocean-themed show, “Off the Deep End”, at the Keiki Day Celebration at the Queen Kaahumanu Center, June 7th, 2008. Co-created by Brenton Keith & Rachel Deboer, the show is designed to teach kids about the importance of keeping the ocean clean. Kids of all ages will enjoy this original show combining magic, comedy, theater, & puppetry. The show is action-packed & fast-paced. Never a dull moment. Audience participation is highly encouraged. “Off the Deep End” was custom created for the Holokai Club, a sponsor of educational themed events at the Queen Kaahumanu Center, Maui.

Moondoggie the Surfing Magician mystified the audience with his magic tricks. Keikis were delighted to be invited onstage to assist him. Mariah Carey About the Sea Mermaid was festively costumed, and entertained the audience with comedy, theater, & puppetry. They were joined by puppets Houdini the Honu, & Oscar the Octopus. Together they skillfully combined entertainment with education, and imparted a timely message about keeping the ocean litter-free.

Brenton Keith is a professional magician. Rachel Deboer is a professional improvisational comedic theater performer. B stands for Brenton. R stands for Rachel. The B In R Show represents a creative merging of their different, yet related art forms. They specialize in creating custom shows for any type of event (children & adults). Brenton & Rachel are a very talented, and creative duo. Don’t miss them in action if you get a chance to see them.

Maitreya Project: Heart Shrine Relic Tour Comes to VITEC-Maui Community College

admin — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:00:24 +0000

Over 3,000 Mauians had the rare opportunity to experience The Heart Shrine Relic Tour, February 22nd-24th, 2008. Co-hosted by The Maui Dharma Center and VITEC-Maui Community College, this international exhibit is an extraordinary collection of sacred Buddhist Relics. Sponsored by the Maitreya Project, the exhibit is touring the world upon the the recommendation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The tour is dedicated to inspiring peace and loving-kindness across all faiths and beliefs.

This ancient collection includes sacred Relics of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, his Holy Disciples, and other important Buddhist Masters. When the bodies of spiritual masters are cremated, beautiful pearl-like crystals are found amongst their ashes. In Tibetan Buddhism, these Relics are called Ringsel. The Ringsel are special because they hold the essence of the qualities of the spiritual master. These enlightened Masters deliberately chose to leave the Ringsel behind to provide future generations the opportunity to make a personal connection with them. The Ringsel are destined to be permanently enshrined within the heart of a 500 ft. statue of the Maitreya Buddha being built in India. It is due for completion in 2010.

The Opening Ceremony on Friday night was attended by hundreds of people, and was standing room only. The Shrine Room and Altar were gorgeously decorated. Prayers and blessings for world peace were offered by an interfaith group of Lamas, Reverends (Buddhist & Christian), and a Hawaiian Kumu. Tara Dhatu performed a beautiful dance of “The Eight Precious Offerings”.

On Sunday, the Maui community showed up in full force! Visitors patiently waited up to 2 hours for their chance to view the precious Relics. Due to a rainy day power failure, guests were treated to the ambience of the Shrine Room lit only by candlelight for a couple of hours. The Heart Shrine Relic Tour was far more than an exhibit. It was a deep and profound experience that I will always remember. It was an honor to serve as the Event Publicist, and as the Hospitality Room Coordinator. This special Maui event benefited many in our community, and touched many hearts. Mauians expressed their appreciation through generous donations given to the Maitreya Project. For more information on this special project please visit the Maitreya Project.