Womentorz - The Women Inventor Network

Amy's Valentine's Gift Guide 2012

2012-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Check out Amy's review of these amazing and
unique gift ideas for Valentine's Day!

Below are the products Amy reviews in her video with links to where you can purchase them. Simply click on the picture to you to their site. What a great way to support women invented products!

Get your product to Jennifer Garner along with a massive amount of online marketing!

2012-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

We have lined everything up to send a gifting to Jennifer Garner to celebrate her third bundle of joy with Ben Affleck.

Last night Jennifer Garner expressed the challenges of pregnancy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Apparently her pregnancy is the "topic of choice" among people who meet her in the street, recounting one incident where a well-wisher mistook her due date.

"I had one gentleman at a restaurant who said to me in November, 'Oh, Merry Christmas!' I said, 'Merry Christmas to you', and he said, 'No, you're going to have a Merry Christmas clearly'," she said.

"I realized he meant I would have the baby for Christmas, and I'm not due until a couple of months from now! I was like, 'Dude, I'm not due for months, you should know never say that to a woman!'"

Garner continued: "All you can say is, 'Wow you look tiny, how gorgeous are you? Look how thin your thighs are! Wow, way to go!'"

Anyone who has been pregnant can relate to this hilarious story. This is why we love Jennifer and why she could use a smile on her face from our gifting.

One of the Many Benefits of Working with Celeb Hoopla is the Online Marketing!

Over the years of working with mom and women-owned businesses, it’s become clear to us that Online Exposure is one of the most effective long-term marketing strategies. This includes blog posts, back links, SEO, key words and titles, networking, tweeting, facebooking and more. Based on our own findings we put a great deal of focus into the Online promotions that go hand-in-hand with our Giftings. It’s great to gift someone but really – that’s just the starting point. Without a blog post, back links, key words and social media promotion, what good does the gifting do for your online business, right? This is something that is extremely unique when using Celeb Hoopla that is worth much more than the small gifting investment.

If you follow our giftings you'll know that we usually give a percentage of the profits to the celebrity's favorite charity. We continue this tradition by giving 10% back to Save the Children, which is a charity close to Jennifer Garner's heart and a favorite of Jennifer Powell, the creator of Fat Cat Phonics, who will be participating in this gifting.

Deadline to book your spot in this amazing gifting opportunity is Friday, January 27th! We are making our giftings even more affordable at only $50 to participate. This is why we will fill up fast. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

As some of you know by now, a few of our clients requested that we offer a gifting service. Womentorz and Mommy Perks joined forces to offer Celeb Hoopla: a safe and affordable way to send gifts to hand-selected celebrities.

Operation Snuzzle

2012-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's Cold Outside, but theirs HOT prices on Splendipity Universal Cover for Car Seats, Carts and More! Keep those bitter cold winds off your baby while out running errands. Stopping for lunch or needing to go into the grocery store? No worries, use the universal cover for your high chairs and shopping carts too!

As part of Operation Snuzzle, for each cover that is purchased during the week of January 15-21st, Splendipity will donate an exact cover to a mother in need with a newborn. Help a mother in need keep her newborn protected from harsh elements and not so pleasant germs by purchasing your Splendipity Universal Cover today and not only does Snuzzle Me have you covered, we have a mother in need covered too!

Click Here to Participate in Operation Snuzzle!

Promotional Opportunity Benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

2012-01-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is providing a wonderful way for you to promote your product and support a very worthy charity at the same time. Here's more information about the event:

A food, wine and spirit tasting along with an evening
of casino games

Friday, March 23, 2012
Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook, NY
to Benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Connecticut Chapter

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter is kicking off for the second year MS Casino Royale on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, NY. This event will offer guests an enjoyable night out with friends while playing for a great cause! The evening will include Black Jack, Poker, Craps and Roulette tables, as well as Tastings from fabulous restaurants, Wine and spirit tastings and live entertainment. People attending the event are very high profile and great to promote your product and business to.

3 Options to Choose from:

100-200 Items for our Gift bags
2-10 high end items for our VIP Gift Bags
1(+) items for our Silent Auction

Participating Vendors will receive:

•    Name listed in our event program. ( If you would like a journal ad please request price sheet)
•    Logo/Name recognition on the chapter website with link to your company website, located at www.ctfightsMS.org
•    Option to put in a promotional brochure, business card or coupon into our gift bags with the donation of an auction item and or gift bags items.

Deadline for product submission is March 1st,

but the earlier the better!

For more information or to confirm please contact:

Carrie Levitt

Phone: 860-913-2550 X52605

Email: Carrie.Kaplan@nmss.org

THE BREAST CHEK KIT, INC. LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE ACTIVE WEAR LINE TARGETING POST MASTECTOMY WOMEN

2012-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Atlanta, GA - The Breast Chek Kit, Inc., inventors of the patented Breast Chek Kit Shirt for teaching breast self-examination, recently announced the launch of an innovative, new active wear line targeting women who have had mastectomies.

The La Bubé Athletica line incorporates special technical features and fabrics specifically to address the post-surgical needs of women as they move toward exercise and the rehabilitation process. The stylish workout and lifestyle wear is for all women and shows support for those who are battling breast cancer as well as those who have survived.

While other mastectomy manufacturers have produced functional intimate wear such as bras, camisoles and swimsuits, with built-in pockets, La Bubé Athletica is the first to offer active wear with hidden pockets for prosthetics or breast enhancers. The line includes functional classic tanks, racer back tops, camisoles, and jackets, with matching hoodies, pants, vests and accessories to complement the collection.

According to Linda Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Breast Chek Kit, Inc., the workout wear will fill a void in the market. "La Bubé Athletica is a unique lifestyle line that will appeal to women who were active and stylish before their surgery and who fully intend to remain active afterwards. The line is so stylish that every woman, who enjoys wearing beautiful active wear as they run errands, travel, and shop, will want to wear La Bubé Athletica for its amazing function, style and unparallel comfort". A portion of all proceeds will go toward breast cancer education and research.

The La Bubé Athletica collection plans to debut at the Magic Apparel Tradeshow Las Vegas in February 2012 for retail buyers.

For more information about La Bubé Athletica, go to: www.wearlabube.com. Media inquiries may contact Stanley Yorker, syorker@wearlabube.com. Retailers and Buyer inquiries or to schedule an appointment may be addressed to: sales@wearlabube.com.

The Next Big Zing and SkyMall

2012-01-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

The Next Big Zing has been selected by SkyMall catalog to search for the most innovative products of 2012! 5 lucky winners will have their products highlighted in this Summer edition! 1.8 million people a day see SkyMall catalog, imagine what this exposure could do for your brand! As well, The Next Big Zing will run each contestant though the evaluation to be considered for The Next Big Zing Award.

Application are being taken at www.thenextbigzing.com. a small evaluation fee applies. Contest expires March 15, 2012. Winners will be announced to the public July 1st. The top ten contenders will be presented to SkyMall, and they will contact winners directly. See contest rules on application. Good luck!

Amy's Valentine's Video Guide

2012-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Get the ultimate online promotion of your product for the big "V" Day!!! The very talented Amy Porterfield will be creating a Valentine's Video Guide where she will review products and use the Womentorz network to get out to tens of thousands of fans and followers. Here's you get if you're part of the video:

Positive review of product that you can use in your own marketing material. If Amy feels that she can' provide a positive review your money will be refunded.
Mention of your website address in the video.
Video will be featured on the Womentorz homepage getting thousands of visitors
Video will also be featured on the Womentorz YouTube channel
Month long tweet campaign getting out to over 30,00 fans and followers
Video shared on the Womentorz Facebook page
Blog posting featuring video as well as high res product photos with links to individual websites.
Oh, and your product will actually be returned following the review if return postage is enclosed.

All for only $25!!! Don't miss this opportunity! The deadline to be part of this massive online promotion ends January 6th. Reserve your place today!

Kiboomu is the new iTunes for Kids at a Fraction of the Price!

2011-11-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Are you a teacher, home school parent or educator? Are you building your music library, looking for affordable early childhood songs?

The new Kiboomu has just launched: www.Kiboomu.com

Kiboomu was founded in late 2010 and since that time, has skyrocketed in the realm of social media. The co-owners, Sherry and Wendy, have a heart and passion for education, music and early childhood. Kiboomu is a woman-owned website run by two award-winning females with backgrounds in music, early childhood and global business ownership. Their combined interests include the music industry, education, learning songs, multicultural materials, children's apps, arts/crafts, teaching tools and more.

Teachers, parents, grandparents, home-schoolers, nannies and librarians can purchase annual music subscriptions for $10 (50 song downloads) or $24 (unlimited downloads). Kiboomu hopes to assist teachers and parents by offering affordable music for their homes and classrooms. Songs range from theme-based (ABC's, 123's, country western, French, Spanish, etc) to holiday related and faith-oriented; with everything in between!

Why buy from iTunes when Kiboomu has you covered for a fraction of the price? When you purchase the $24 subscription, you’ll have access to unlimited songs for just $2 per month.

Now that’s something to SING about!

Visit: www.Kiboomu.com

November: Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

2011-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

By Karen Whittier, Embrace Activism

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s condemns the patient and their loved ones to a tragic demise. A form of this disease, early on-set, has affected my extended family and it is truly a tragedy.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a form of dementia. The risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as dementia, increases with age, but it’s important to note Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal consequence of aging. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, neurologic disease that impacts mental ability to such a degree normal, daily living activities cannot be done. Three typical, cognitive functions impacted are: remembering, reasoning, and planning. Additional areas that may be compromised are communication ability, mood and personality.

Although there is no cure at this time for Alzheimer’s there are treatments available that can slow its progressive nature, and most importantly for me, improve the quality of life for the Alzheimer’s patient as well as assisting and supporting their care givers. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease are critical.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease           Signs (examples)
Memory loss                                               Frequently forgetting new information
Problems with familiar tasks                Getting confused while cooking or playing a game
Problems with language                              Forgetting simple words or using wrong words
Disorientation to time and place                  Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood
Poor judgment                                   Dressing inappropriately for the weather
Problems with abstract thought                   Trouble with simple math
Misplacing things                                 Putting an iron in the freezer
Changes in mood and behavior                  Unusual bouts of anger or rapid mood swings
Changes in personality                               Becoming overly confused, suspicious, afraid,
                                                                or dependent
Loss of initiative                                Lack of interest in usual activities

Before you get overly alarmed about your own mental state know it IS normal to occasionally do those listed above. If you routinely forget where you’ve parked…and can’t retrace your steps or if you’re consistently forgetting the names of those close to you then you might have cause for concern. It is worth noting however, that other forms of dementia can exhibit similar symptoms. Some of these other types of dementia are, in fact reversible, so it is imperative to be evaluated by a knowledgeable health care professional.

As mentioned earlier, currently there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection and diagnosis can give the AD patient the time to get affairs set, financially and legally; to prepare for the needed care, both short and long-term; and feel they have some control over the course of their life. Early diagnosis may also open up participation in clinical trials. Not surprisingly, AD patients can suffer from depression that manifests itself in insomnia and a decline in overall health. Depression can and should be treated. Also, it is important for AD patients and their caregivers to work with professionals to insure quick and easy, yet nutritious meals are made. In addition, engaging in regular exercise will improve the general health and wellness of an AD patient. Anxiety and fear can overwhelm an AD patient. Yoga focusing on the breath can help reduce these feelings in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Laughter Yoga can be used as a form of exercise as well as easing depression.

Caregivers for AD patients are probably the closest thing we have to angels on Earth. Burnout is a common condition for caregivers though. Caregivers should develop a network of support. Information on what caregivers need can be found at Help Guide.

No one knows the future, Alzheimer’s disease reinforces the call to live each day as if it were your last.

Empower yourself!

Health, Wellness & CURES!!

To visit Embrace Activism and give back Click Here

The following websites provided information for this article: ALZ, Alzheimer's Defined, NIH Alzheimers

Associated Press Holiday Gift Guide Roundup

2011-11-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Who should reply: Inventors of stuff for the man cave, kitchen utensils, coffee makers, men, gifts for tweens, fitness gadgets, graphics software, lingerie, whimsy gift ideas, bath accessories, toilet room decor, office organization, VHS to DVD software, throw rugs, latch hook kits, gifts for artists, for the girl golfer, football enthusiast, boots, French country, country decor, sheet sets, handbags, luggage, e-readers, tablets, tech products.

RESPOND BY: Saturday, 11/19/2011, 5 p.m. Pacific

Email: Contact @ MSMarketIntel.com* for more information.

SUBJECT LINE: Associated Press Holiday Gift Guide, [Your product name].

INCLUDE: Your company and product name, product description, your name, phone number, email, web site, Facebook and online store links.

This is an opportunity to work with Mulberry Street, our professional PR firm partner, at greatly reduced rates to be pitched to a product reviewer for the Associated Press. This is an internationally syndicated news service and will be picked up by thousands of media outlets worldwide.

*Please do not copy and paste the email address above. Just type it like a typical email address. We add the spaces to minimize spam crawlers. Thanks!

Holiday Gift Guides #1: Fashion, Fitness, Health, Beauty

2011-11-18T16:58:00.001-08:00

A product reviewer is writing multiple holiday gift guide stories for an unnamed outlet identified as a “top national web site.” She is seeking products to review for multiple holiday gift guide stories (baby products are not requested for this opportunity).

RESPOND BY: Saturday, 11/19/2011, 5 p.m. Pacific

Who should respond: Inventors of products in Fashion, Fitness, Health & Beauty
Note from the journalist: Whether it's a holiday scented candle, mini espresso machine, glittery polish, limited edition set, fitness kit, etc., I'd love to hear more information for consideration.

Email: Contact @ MSMarketIntel.com* for more information.
SUBJECT LINE: Lifestyle & Fitness Holiday Gift Guide #1, [Your product name].
INCLUDE: Your company and product name, product description, your name, phone number, email, web site, Facebook and online store links.

This is an opportunity to work with Mulberry Street, our professional PR firm partner, at greatly reduced rates to be pitched to a product reviewer writing multiple holiday gift guide stories for an unnamed outlet identified as a “top national web site.”

*Please do not copy and paste the email address above. Just type it like a typical email address. We add the spaces to minimize spam crawlers. Thanks!

November: Diabetes Awareness Month

2011-11-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

By Karen Whittier, Embrace Activism

November is the Awareness Month for Diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when the body’s not able to produce enough insulin and/or is ineffectual in its use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body creates to change the foods we eat into energy for the body’s use. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 often referred as Juvenile Diabetes occurs when the body’s own immune system destroys insulin producing cells. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. In Type 2 diabetes, individuals are insulin resistant; their bodies do not make enough insulin or the insulin is ineffective in transferring sugar in the blood into the body’s cells where it’s needed. High blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to the body. Diabetics must track their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes used to be referred to as Adult-Onset Diabetes, but now it is not uncommon for children and youth to develop Type 2 diabetes. One of the main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes is obesity. In 1963 only 4% of children and youth (6-19yrs of age) were classified as obese. By 2000 that number had jumped to 15% with the trend still on the rise. Besides obesity, other possible reasons for the increase in Type 2 diabetes include a low level of physical activity and exposure to diabetes in the womb. Signs and symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are:

Type 1 Diabetes
· Frequent urination
· Unusual thirst
· Extreme hunger
· Unusual weight loss
· Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes*
· Any of the Type 1 symptoms
· Frequent infections
· Blurred vision
· Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
· Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
· Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms

The costs of Type 2 diabetes are staggering affecting quality of life and lifespan on an individual basis plus placing a huge demand on public health programs as well as impacting worker productivity. Awareness and early detection are key for breast cancer. Awareness and early detection of diabetes is important to get started on treatment and reduce the risk of developing complications from diabetes. Embrace Activism is all about PREVENTION; maintaining a healthy weight eating nutritious foods and exercising your body actively, minimum 30 min/day, 5x/week for adults and a minimum 60 min/day, 5x/week for children and youth are two lifestyle choices in your control that can prevent or at least delay Type 2 diabetes.

Empower yourself!

Health, Wellness & CURES!!

To visit Embrace Activism and give back Click Here

Information provided from the following websites: American Diabetes Association, Healthfinder, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Library of Medicine

Immediate Media Pitching Opportunity - Fox News is looking for products for new moms to review for their holiday gift guide.

2011-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Fox News is looking for products for new moms to review for their holiday gift guide.

Who should respond: Inventors of products for new moms, launched in 2011. RESPOND BY: Tuesday, 11/15 10 a.m. Pacific for more information. Email Contact [at] MSMarketIntel.com. SUBJECT LINE: Fox News Product Review, [Your product name]. INCLUDE: Your company and product name, product description, your name, phone number, email, web site, Facebook and online store links. This is an opportunity to work with Mulberry Street, our professional PR firm partner, at greatly reduced rates to be pitched to Fox News.

Media Opportunity: Fox News Holiday Gift Guide - Products for New Moms Launched in 2011

2011-11-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Fox News is looking for products for new moms to review for their holiday gift guide.

Who Should Respond: Inventors of products for new moms; must be new to market in 2011.
RESPOND BY: Tuesday, 11/15 10 a.m. Pacific for more information.
EMAIL: Contact [at] MSMarketIntel.com.
SUBJECT LINE: Fox News Product Review, [Your product name].
INCLUDE: Your company and product name, product description, your name, phone number, email, web site, Facebook and online store links.

This is an opportunity to work with Mulberry Street, our professional PR firm partner, at greatly reduced rates to be pitched to Fox News for a holiday gift guide.

Womentorz Hosts Green Halloween in Downtown Edmonds

2011-11-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time hosting Green Halloween in downtown Edmonds, WA. We had a booth in the middle of all of the action filled with great products to bring green awareness. As you can see from the photos below, the crowds were in the thousands.

For those of you who don't know, I support Green Halloween for personal reasons even though I don't have a "green" business per say. My son has a peanut allergy, so Halloween is a tough time for us. I'm not personally anti candy, but I think it's important to provide other items for the children who have dietary restrictions. It was a great feeling promoting other businesses with green or healthy products and know that they were getting a lot of exposure.

Here are some action shots from the event:

Amalia Martino with BlueShoes Media was all smiles and so much fun to work with!!!

Honest Tea saw a lot of "super" action!

Teresa Wippel with My Edmonds News brought joy to the faces of all!

Jordan Mitchell with Honest Tea saved the day for all of the kids by providing healthy
and tasty beverages!

Thank you to our local and Womentorz network supporters!

Click Here to see the National Sponsors who support Green Halloween.

Click Here to become to follow Green Halloween Edmonds on Facebook

Womentorz Pay-to-Pitch Media Opp for Holiday Shopping Guides: Women inventors of Fashion, Beauty or Health Products.

2011-11-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

HOT RUSH: Deadline to express your interest is WEDNESDAY, November 2, 2011 at 5 p.m. Pacific.
Gift guides will appear on various sites, including AOL Shopping, Yahoo! and others! If you’re interested in being pitched, email [contact at msmarketintel.com]. INCLUDE: Subject line: Womentorz media Fashion & Beauty – Yahoo! [Your Product Name] IN THE EMAIL: Your name, email address, phone, product/business name, web site and FB page links. We’ll send you the details and you can decide whether you’d like to be pitched.

Womentorz Giveaway - Win a copy of "Mama Never Told Me..." - A diary of unbelievable comments and questions posted to a pregnant woman

2011-10-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

I think all of us Moms out there can remember back to when we were pregnant, and the shocking comments others would make while our bodies were changing. Emily Van Do chronicles her experience while she was pregnant in her hilarious book called "Mama Never told me...." . This book is filled with the BEST illustrations by G.F. Newland, as well as the most shocking and comical comments you have ever read. This is also one of the gifts sent to Hilary Duff, who I'm sure is rolling on the floor laughing after reading the book like we did.

Womentorz and Emily Van Do would like to provide an opportunity to win a signed copy of her book. We will be selecting three winners in random order, so good luck.

Here are the two simple steps to be entered to win this hilarious book:

Like the "Mama Never Told Me..." Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mama-Never-Told-Me/174298133929
Leave a comment below with your name.

Click here to purchase the book. It makes an amazing gift for the mother to be in your life, as well as a great coffee table book and conversation starter!

Fun Way to Advertise with Business Beware

2011-10-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the fabulous
Business Beware T-shirt!

We're all about sharing unique opportunities to promote your business. Our friends at Business Beware had shared with our network a fun advertising opportunity back in March where they would where their T-Shirt, and in turn promote your business while they're on the air. I'm modeling the T-Shirt so you can see the design. Womentorz is featured on the back along with several other companies....who are all very visible.

As many of you probably know, Business Beware has a very popular show on Biz TV that airs every Saturday. For more information about other unique advertising opportunities with Business Beware visit their website at www.businessbewareshow.com.

Media Opportunity Looking for Unique Products

2011-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

There’s a new Pay-to-Pitch opportunity at Womentorz - Open to ALL members! A major, mainstream online news outlet is looking for inventors of unique products. Requirements: Seeking inventors of unique products, nifty gadgets, cool toys. Items geared toward family or kids preferred but not required. Preference will be given to California-based inventors, but again, not a requirement. If you would like more information about this opportunity, email our Pay-to-Pitch PR partner, Mulberry Street: Contact@MSMarketIntel.com.

Deadline to express interest via email:
Tuesday, Oct 11, 5 p.m. PDT.

Gifting to Hilary Duff is on its way!

2011-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hilary Duff and her hubby Mike Comrie will be receiving a wonderful gift thanks to the fabulous women in our network. Hilary just celebrated her birthday, so this will be a nice addition to the celebrations. Hilary and Mike have a lot to be thankful for, and the package on the way to them will just add to the excitement.

Here are the amazing products Hilary will be receiving:

Crawlers
Created By: Kristi Clark

Crawlers is a totally unique line of infant wear that is designed to allow babies to crawl, move and explore their world - while protecting their sweet little knees from bumps and abrasions caused by hard-surface floors or rough, scratchy carpets.

Click Here to purchase Crawlers

Finding Our 'Ohana
Created By: Jerilyn Ito

Wonderful children’s picture book with a Hawaii theme.

Click Here to purchase Finding Our 'Ohana

Splendipity
Created By: Susan Kiley

Seven Products In One
•Infant Car Seat Cover    •Car Seat Shade
•Stroller Cover               •Swing Cover
•Shopping Cart Cover     •High Chair Cover
•Nursing Shawl

Click Here to purchase products made by Splendipity

Unforgetaballs
Created By: Emily M. Wolfson

Unforgettaballs! The World’s finest artwork printed baseballs in the world. Offers prints of original hand painted designs, all created by the art work of Emily M Wolfson. Personalize baseballs for newborns, baseball stadium designs for sports fans, over 90 different baseball designs!

Click Here to purchase this product

Mama Never Told Me
Created By: Emily Van Do

Mama Never Told Me...is a fun, light read. This unique book pokes fun at how all of the people AROUND a pregnant woman are the ones to lose their minds!

Click Here to purchase this product

As some of you know by now, a few of our clients requested that we offer a gifting service. Womentorz and Mommy Perks joined forces to offer Celeb Hoopla: a safe and affordable way to send gifts to hand-selected celebrities.

Social Media Diva Teaches Us How to Increase Business Using LinkedIN

2011-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Our Facilitator: The Social Media Diva

If you're a business owner, our social media business strategist will show you how to use fan pages, fun and engaging content and more to GET SEEN! We're RESULTS ORIENTED, so you will absolutely see a difference. Visit the Social Media Diva online

What Was Covered:

LinkedIN tour and basics
The importance of the complete profile
How to use groups to promote your business and network with others
Activity to avoid that will get your profile flagged and potentially blocked by LinkedIN.
AND many more essential tools to help you increase your business using LinkedIN

Here are some of the fabulous businesses who attended our Learning Spa:

Embrace Activism

Embrace Activism sells yoga products that maximize the yoga experience both on AND off the mat. Products were designed with an emphasis on comfort, stability and durability using more health & eco-friendly materials than standard yoga products. The health and wellness benefits of yoga are extended to others through our charitable giving program; 10% of all product prices are donated to a charity of the consumer's choice creating purpose-driven yoga.

www.embraceactivism.com

The Sling Clozet

The Sling Clozet is dedicated to providing comfort, support and fashion for arm/shoulder injuries and disabilities. Our custom designed arm slings are available in a wide range of fabrics for all ages and lifestyles.

Injury Never Looked This Good!

www.slingclozet.com

To see the recorded Learning Spa and learn all of the tools available on LinkedIN visit our Learning Library.

Womentorz Pay-to-Pitch Opp: Business Book – How-to sell Art, Crafts, Vintage Items online (printed book with photo illustrations)

2011-09-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is a top opportunity for Womentorz members or fans to be featured in a book by an author who has published more than half a dozen How-to business books, which are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and elsewhere. For the pay-to-pitch fee ($75), your business will be pitched directly to the author based on his specific query. If selected to be featured, your business and product will be represented with a write-up and photographs (supplied by you).

This is a more detailed and time-consuming opportunity than some others, so the pricing is a bit different. The opportunity offers a greater level of exposure for your business because of the book opportunity, the length of time that you will receive the publicity, and the level of promotion that this author gives to his books.

The pay-to-pitch fee doesn’t guarantee that the author will select your product to be featured. However, please be certain when you agree to be pitched that you would like to be featured and that you can cover the pay-to-participate fee. We will provide all of the information that we can prior to pitching you to ensure that you can make a good decision for yourself and your business prior to being pitched.

Thanks for reviewing this opportunity! Please email contact@msmarketintel.com if you’d like to be considered.

Pay-to-Pitch fee: $75
Pay-to-Participate fee: $400

Who should respond: Businesses selling art, crafts or vintage items online.

Details:
For a book on how to create and sell handcrafted and vintage items online, a popular author is seeking sellers active at Etsy, eBay and other online venues. Looking for a variety of people who are
passionate about this, either as a one-person part-time business, or a full-time enterprise with employees.

The book will feature traditional arts and crafts like knitting, woodworking and jewelry making, as well as the practice of recycling/upcycling used items into new fashions.

Since these contributions will be used for a photo-illustrated printed book, photos are encouraged.

Use the popularity of coffee to advertise your business!

2011-09-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

A coffee sleeve advertising campaign is a powerful way to reach potential customers. Local coffee cafe and restaurant patrons tend to conduct other business locally. They will go out of their way to support other local business. When you advertise on a coffee cup sleeve, your message is getting in front of people who would prefer to do business with you - if they had your information!

Your brand. Your image. Your message. All right in your customers hand - with a custom printed coffee cup sleeve! Sleeves for coffee, cocoa, hot tea, ice cream, blended drinks or virtually anything else that is hot or cold served in a cup - you can maximize your success with a key marketing asset that sits right in front of your customer on the table and right beside them in their car. Create a mobile billboard that works for you!

Use the code BIZBEWARE to get a 13% discount on your new coffee sleeve campaign.

Click Here to start your advertising campaign!

Wildly creative, funny and talented mom wanted!

2011-09-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Verity Credit Union is searching for a wildly creative, funny and talented Seattle-area mom to be our part-time blogger and spokesperson for one year. This special mom will earn $20,000, and will receive a new laptop computer and a HD Canon video camera.

Proving that youths aren’t the only ones connecting and engaging online, Verity Credit Union is continuing its successful Verity Mom program by conducting a search for a new Verity Mom to blog, create videos and connect with other moms online.

The first Verity Mom, Rosemary Garner, won the opportunity via the online job competition in 2009. The one-year gig turned into two, and now it’s time for a new voice. The winner of the contest will secure a paid, part-time blogging position ($20,000, one year contract), a laptop computer, and a video camera.

Shari Storm, Verity Credit Union’s chief marketing officer, states, “Moms make most of the spending decisions in a family and they hold the most influence over where their children will eventually do their banking. We look at this as a multi-generational strategy.”

According to Storm, Verity Mom provides the perfect platform to continue build a place where moms meet and talk, while providing Verity a chance to ask more questions and learn more about them.

“Rosemary created wonderful content on the website and developed a significant following.” Said Storm, “The new Verity Mom will have big shoes to fill, but we recognize that a new Verity Mom will bring her own spin, and we encourage that.”

How the program works:

· Moms will visit veritymom.com, fill out the application and upload a video and blog post: deadline to apply is noon on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

· Everyone can watch and participate as the applicants are narrowed down to 3 finalists.

· Site visitors vote for the finalists they think should be the winner starting October 19, 2011.

· The winner will receive a part-time blogging contract worth $20,000 / year, a laptop computer and a HD Canon Video Camera.

Prizes will be awarded to the other two finalists as well.

Click Here to enter to win!

About Verity Credit Union

Verity Credit Union has been a member-owned financial institution in Seattle since 1933. Verity is committed to providing a full range of financial products and services to those we serve. Anyone that lives, works, worships or goes to school in Washington state can become a member.

Mulberry Street Marketing Tip - Marketing on a Net-Zero Budget

2011-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ruth Danielson, Owner
Mulberry Street Intel

This is it, folks: The Chart-Topper on my Most Frequently Asked Questions list by small business owners. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve got all kinds of tricks up my sleeve on this. I’m going to share five with tips with you, followed by one big, fat, juicy piece of unsolicited advice.

This is a long post, because I’m giving a lot away here. If you want it, it’s right here on the page, FREE for the taking. Enjoy, entrepreneurs, Womentorz and other business adventurers!

Marketing Net-Zero Tip #1: BE VISIBLE
Come out from behind that computer screen and be seen! Don’t try to do all your promotion from your desk. Get out into the community and interact with real people.

Be a strategic networker.
Choose networking opportunities that will give you access to:
- Potential customers
- Other business owners who have contacts with your direct audience
- Opportunities for bartering, co-promotion, co-marketing, or co-speaking with other businesses that will help propel your mutual success
- Avoid mixers where everyone in the room is in your exact line of business. (You’re not likely to sell a lot of ice cream to the other ice cream men on your block.)
Parlay your expertise into speaking opportunities, teaching a workshop or class, participating in or leading a small or specialized business group. (Keep an eye out for opportunities to get paid for these types of activities).
Hang out where you are likely to interact with your most desired audience targets. What do you know about your the likes and habits of your audiences? This will give you some clues as to where to network where there’s a hope of interacting with potential customers, members of the press, or other businesses you want to network with. Examples might include: participating in workshops, joining (or starting) a book club, attending free community events that your customers are likely to attend also, serving on a committee or board, attending craft fairs or art openings, or participating in community sporting events and fundraisers. Check your local entertainment guide for ideas!

Marketing Net-Zero Tip #2: TOOT YOUR OWN HORN
Some people are natural self-promoters and have no problem talking up their successes at every opportunity. For most of us, this is a real challenge!

Self-Promotion Tip: Know what your successes are. Define what constitutes a “success” and pay attention to when it happens. The best way to do this is to set daily, weekly and monthly goals for sales, positive customer feedback, increases in quality social media contacts and followers, securing local opportunities to speak about your business. Keep a running log of these successes. How many Facebook followers did you start with in January? How many did you want to have by April? Did you make at least some progress toward your goal? Even if you fell short of the exact goal, setting goals and keeping track of your progress will not only help you track your success, but it will allow you to shift your activities – and maybe your expectations – in productive ways.

Self-Promotion Tip: No sucess is too small to talk up.
Did you meet one or more of the goals that you set? Talk up your incremental wins on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, your blog, in your interactions with new or existing customers, with business contacts, partners and associates. Wins are very persuasive! Don’t be afraid that any single success is too small to talk about. Watch them stack up and see how that persuasive language translates into more followers, greater awareness, better opportunities, and more sales over time!

Self-Promotion Tip: Don’t let your WINS become one-hit wonders. Think “Green”: Repurpose, reuse, recycle.
WIN = Product Review: Did you win a product review that you pitched yourself for? Crow about it! Make sure to get links to the coverage, whether it’s a link to a podcast, video, a PDF or direct link to an article online. Find out what the media outlet’s policy is on permission to post the coverage and abide by that policy.
Get your extra mileage from your coverage by posting an image of the magazine cover for the issue you appeared in, or the media outlet’s logo on your web site, in your press materials, on your Facebook page, and everywhere that you can.

The value of editorial coverage is that it is both informative and persuasive for your audience: it increases awareness and can be perceived as a recommendation of your product or service. Don’t limit how much of an impact the coverage gets you; talk it up in as many places as you can for a full year after the coverage (and sometimes longer than that).

WIN = Favorable Customer Testimonials:
If you receive great feedback from one or more of your customers, think green again. If the comments were made on your Facebook Page or in a Tweet, they should also make their way onto your other social media profiles, your web site, as your daily quote in y your email signature, into a news release, at the bottom of a product flyer, and elsewhere. You get the idea!

Marketing Net-Zero Tip #3: DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL
Sometimes, thinking outside the box is over-rated. Instead, learn from the experts.
Model the behaviors of your competitors that you admire the most! Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Buy their business books; sit in on their (free) webinars). What are they working on and how are they promoting themselves? You may not have a marketing budget for some of the big deals that they negotiate, or for the slick marketing collateral and whiz-bang graphics and video media that they’re pumping out, but they are probably doing a lot of things that don’t cost them a dime – like being good self-promoters. Model the successful behavior that you observe in others – just remember to be true to your own brand, personality and style when you do it.

Marketing Net-Zero Tip #4: UTLIZE HIGH-QUALITY, FREE RESOURCES

Join Womentorz or other Group Marketing Networks – If you’re a woman inventor or entrepreneur and you’re already a Womentorz member, you already know a lot about this. If you’re a woman entrepreneur with an innovative service, business book, software application, or other genius idea, check out the Services channel at Womentorz. If you’re outside this network entirely, look into other group marketing opportunities – or create some! Contact Mulberry Street or Womentorz if you’d like to discuss this in more detail. We’d love the chance to network with you and hear your ideas!

Wear Out Your Library Card – Check out top-selling business books from your local library instead of buying them. Purchase only the ones that you want to refer to over and over. Chances are, taking a few notes on the things that really grab you will suffice.

Find a Mentor – If there is someone in your network who has business experience that you covet, ask them if they would be your mentor. Set limits on how much time you will request from them in any given month (don’t wear out your welcome) and think of ways (or ask them) how you can benefit them as well.

Get a SCORE Counselor: If you’ve managed to launch your business without learning about SCORE and using their services, you probably worked a lot harder than you needed to. If you did find SCORE and use their services, you probably feel like you couldn’t have launched without them. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization that educates entrepreneurs to start, grow and succeed nationwide. SCORE currently has 13,000mentors, 364 chapters and more than 500 skills to help you grow your business. What are you waiting for?

Marketing Net-Zero Tip #5: (From the Department of the Glaringly Obvious) USE SOCIAL MEDIA

This is perhaps the most obvious and first choice in the current marketing environment. Everyone’s doing it: some are doing it exceedingly well, with stellar results! For specific tips on finding and marketing to your audience using social media, see my article, “What’s the Best Social Medium for Finding New Customers?”

And finally, here is my unsolicited advice:
Don’t set net-zero as your marketing budget goal.
Make yourself and your fledgling business a priority. Invest in yourself!
How, you ask?
Open a bank account dedicated to saving money for marketing and make it an absolute priority.
Where to get the funds?

Can you eat out less/make more meals at home?
Can you buy fewer lattes and enjoy some home brew?
Can you skip frivolous purchases?
If you have a regular saving plan, dedicate a portion of this to invest in marketing your business.
Set aside 5 – 10% of sales and put it in your savings account for marketing.

Most importantly, understand that in order to have a sustainable business, you have to create a sustainable marketing budget. When you set up the fund, know what you plan to use the budget for. Talk to your SCORE counselor, mentor, or give Mulberry Street a call to discuss where is the best place to invest your marketing dollars for the greatest return, once you’ve reached your first savings goal.
Happy Marketing Tip Monday and as always, cheers from Womentorz and Mulberry Street!

Shoutout to Rita, aka “YippyMomma“, blogger, baby product reviewer, photographer (and so much more…) who posted today’s question on the Womentorz wall on Facebook. (@YippyMomma)

Join the discussion! What’s the best marketing investment you ever made? What was the worst?