<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/">
<channel>
<title>Michelle Kabele - EzineArticles Expert Author</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michelle_Kabele</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:58:24 -0600</pubDate>
<image><title>Michelle Kabele - EzineArticles Expert Author</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michelle_Kabele</link>
<url>http://EzineArticles.com/images/ea_logo.jpg</url>
</image>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2012 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved.</copyright>
<description><![CDATA[Michelle Kabele is an author, marketing strategist, and new media advocate. Her outside-of-the-box thinking and get-it-done attitude have been helping technology companies and their channel partners break through the background noise to reach key decision makers for more than a decade. Michelle's books and how-to guides on marketing and social media reflect her thorough understanding of the practicalities and realities that channel partners face in today's challenging economy and provide real-world insight and guidance on planning and executing effective promotional, marketing, and sales campaigns. An ardent new media advocate, Michelle has an innate understanding of the marketing potential offered by ... ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:38:34 -0600</lastBuildDate>
<atom:link rel="hub" href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" />
<item>
<title>Pay Your Partners Forward</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3548951</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3548951</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:38:34 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Resellers, like manufacturers, come in all types and sizes. But every smaller and/or fledgling VAR, systems integrator, network integrator, corporate reseller, IT consultant, agent, or direct marketer has one thing in common: the need to leverage marketing tools and strategies to develop their customer base for their benefit, and yours.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Passing Muster - The Importance of Periodic Channel Program Evaluation</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3469191</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3469191</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:25:31 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[When you think about it, manufacturers can make a case for viewing their channel partners as part of their employee organization. While that would be an extreme and inaccurate assumption, the channel is indeed an extremely important extension of your sales and marketing organization. And just as with your internal personnel, you must periodically evaluate to determine how well channel partners are performing on your company's behalf.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>No Budget? No Problem!</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3342643</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3342643</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:32:35 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[When times are tough and businesses are searching for ways to survive hard economic times, they are not going to spend precious dollars on new ideas, products or promotions. They may love the idea, but are too scared to pull the trigger.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Don't Let Your Customers &quot;Trade Down&quot; To a Cheaper Product</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3342620</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3342620</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:20:04 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Everyone is looking to save a buck. According to Harris Interactive, global leader in custom market research, three out of five adults are switching from trusted name brands to generic brands in order to hold onto a little more cash.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Make Your Dream a Reality During a Recession</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3342614</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3342614</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:14:39 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[A recession is not an excuse to stop pursuing your dreams. Take action to achieve those goals for your business.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Transform a Meaningless Buzz Term Into Channel Gold</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3311225</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3311225</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:01:22 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[We all have several friends or acquaintances who have been logging a lot of time in front of their computer screens and attending a never-ending succession of networking events-all in the name of moving from the ranks of the unemployed to the employed. With recent figures showing six applicants per each U.S. job opening, it's an unenviable position in which to be. An exponentially growing number of hiring employers are clamoring for applicants with social networking skills. Similarly, IT manufacturers view the phenomenon as "the next big thing" as it relates to their channel partners' marketing activities on their behalf.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Square Pegs, Round Holes - Channel Partners</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3268275</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3268275</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:06:29 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Channel programs should not come into existence in a vacuum. They need to take into account the needs of vendors, resellers and end-users alike.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Determining the True Value of Channel Costs</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3268290</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3268290</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:44:08 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Channel programs should not come into existence in a vacuum. They need to take into account the needs of vendors, resellers and end-users alike.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Create a Plan For Your Blog</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3268279</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3268279</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:41:06 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Despite the low number of bloggers online today, more and more customers are influenced by what they read on blog posts. How are you attracting new customers and keeping your existing customers engaged with your blog?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Do You Know What You're Really Measuring?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3229466</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3229466</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:14 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[At face value, measuring the success of your business is easy. You're either in the red or the black at year end. Measuring the success of each marketing program ultimately ties in to your business' overall success.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Clear, Consistent Rewards and Incentives Breed Channel Loyalty</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3229461</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3229461</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:15:46 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Manufacturers must include channel partners when devising reseller sales incentive programs to ensure their effectiveness. Partners must also be included at the planning table when incentive programs must change.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Leading Your Business With Integrity</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3229454</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3229454</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:49 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Integrity must be at the foundation of your best business practices. Transparent marketing is a way to be honest with your customers, in order to build trust and long-term relationships.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Use the Web to Compete With the Big Guys</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3229445</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3229445</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:35 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The Web has become the ultimate equalizer between small and large companies. How are you going to harness its resources to beat the competition?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Create Great Content For Your Marketing Materials</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3188003</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3188003</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:06:12 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Great marketing content will not only inspire a customer to read more, but will also get that customer to ultimately react and become the sale for you. What is needed to engage your customers in your marketing materials?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Aligning Channel Program Goals to Overall Business Objectives</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3187995</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3187995</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:02:41 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Any time is a good time to assess and change (when necessary) the original goals of your channel program as they relate to overall business objectives.  Like a good spring cleaning, an economic downturn presents an excellent opportunity to thoroughly reassess and, if necessary, retool existing channel programs.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>What Do Your Channel Partners Think?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3187992</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3187992</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:56:04 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Channel programs should be generated in a vacuum. They should take into account the needs of vendors, resellers, and end-users alike.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Determine Your Target Markets</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3172509</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3172509</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:28 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Mass marketing isn't always effective. Understanding your specific target markets and their needs are key to reaching potential customers effectively and successfully.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marketing Best Practices</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3172500</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3172500</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:52:45 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[It's easy to execute a marketing program, but how do you know if it will be successful? By developing and implementing best practices for marketing, you will create a roadmap for success.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Business Tweeting 101</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3060450</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3060450</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:31:08 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Although email still delivers the best results among your electronic marketing mix, more than a quarter of marketers think social media has shown the most grab on the customer in the past year, according to a survey by Alterian. One could argue that the phenomenon of Twitter and its use in the business world is doing the same.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Create a Lead Generation Plan</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3060434</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3060434</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:24:50 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[While it may be five to 10 times more expensive to generate new customers versus nurturing existing ones, finding new leads and converting them into customers is important to every business. Developing a plan to find and reach out to these new leads will keep you on track financially.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Managing Channel Conflict</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3060424</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3060424</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:16:57 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Multiple channels are essential to preventing stagnation and achieving maximum market coverage and sales, but managing the accompanying channel conflict requires strategy.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Introducing New Products Into Existing Channels</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3028223</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3028223</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:39:12 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Lowered market demand for existing goods, resulting from an overriding economic downturn or the near-completion of a product or product-related service cycle, prompts many manufacturers and suppliers to consider diversification. If a sales downturn is severe, fear of falling revenues can tempt you to quickly add SKUs or support offerings to the mix. Instead of yielding to this temptation, you should first fully study how new products or services mesh with existing channels. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Collaborating and Connecting With Channel Partners Using Social Networks</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3060460</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3060460</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:10:37 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Don't let social networking overwhelm you. Harness its power to communicate, connect, and collaborate with your channel partners.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Brainstorming Tips and Techniques That Work</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3028235</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3028235</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:14:35 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[How do you come up with ideas for your business? Before you were running the show, perhaps your manager or the company's president would entertain brainstorming sessions where there were no right or wrong answers. Everyone's ideas were welcomed and someone sat at the table and scribbled everything down. As a team, you would then go back and review that list and look for ways to try new things, improve business, and eventually attract new customers - all while nurturing your existing ones.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Motivating Underperforming Or Uncooperative Channels</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3028230</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3028230</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:14:12 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[You've reaped steadily growing revenues and profits by selling specific product and service lines through your channel partners. About a year ago, you began to notice stagnant orders and sales rates, something that you, at first, tried to pass off as a one- or two-month anomaly. "After all", you surmised, "the overall economy has been in a downward spiral. We should be satisfied that we haven't lost any ground." ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Execute a Marketing Audit</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2882123</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2882123</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:35:13 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Marketing audits are a key ingredient to overall business success. Make them a regular part of your overall business planning for optimum success.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Develop and Maintain a Prosperous Facebook Page</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2882118</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2882118</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:33:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Facebook works because it crosses boundaries. When used correctly, business owners, managers and supervisors can tap into both business and personal connections. And for those who use FB on a personal level, the connections and "friends" can lead to fantastic business opportunities - if you create and use the Facebook page to the maximize the site's potential.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Achieve Maximum Results From Your Partner Operations (Hint, It's All About Evaluation)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2882113</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2882113</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:20:35 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Once vendors secure a relationship with channel partners, many of them think their work is done. After all, it's then up to the partners to sell the product, right?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Getting Back to Strategic Basics - The SWOT Analysis</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2417168</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2417168</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:07:17 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Strengths. Weaknesses. Opportunities. Threats. Perhaps you've heard of the S.W.O.T. Analysis before since it's introduced in just about every business, marketing, and sales curriculum known to man. But, what if you never actually took a business course? How many of you climbed through the ranks to get to where you are today without going through the traditional business school curriculum?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Do More With Less</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2390888</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2390888</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 08:14:09 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Doing more with less. It appears that seems to be the mantra across the board these days. Business owners and managers are turning to their employees and asking them to go above and beyond the call of duty, and do so with either existing resources or less than what they normally have to work with. That may mean continuing the same level of productivity with less staff members. Marketers may be accountable for continuing to manage their brands with half the marketing budget they typically have to work with. Perhaps the sales department is expected to at least meet, if not exceed, its monthly sales numbers. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tooting Your Own Horn in a Recession</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2390897</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2390897</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 16:08:46 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Most people know that PR can create great publicity. But if you don't toot your own horn, no one will hear about your story and your accomplishments. And they'll end up working with another business that they've heard about instead.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>What You Can Do Versus What They Get (User Content)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2344489</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2344489</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 15:12:21 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Day after day, I visit websites with loud content. What do I mean by "loud"? Well, the copy on the home page is usually full of graphics and it "shouts" images at me.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Stand Out in a Crowd - Defining Your Value Proposition in a Recession</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2328843</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2328843</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:39:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[During a recession, customers will choose business partners who can solve problems and provide the best value for their dollars spent. What is your value proposition and how are you different from your competition?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Advanced Beginner Twitter - The Next Steps</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2328837</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2328837</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:32:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In order to best utilize your time with microblogging and social networking sites, you must streamline your activities. Add-ons and other websites specifically tailored to Twitter will help you integrate your efforts.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The First 5 Steps to Getting Started on Twitter</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2328833</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2328833</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:10:56 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Twitter is perhaps the most talked-about social networking site today. Discover how to join the tweeting community with five tips for getting started.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Avoid 8 Common Mistakes of Managing Change</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314766</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314766</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 19:04:28 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Apprehension is a common side effect of dealing with the prospect of change. Change is scary, no one questions that. But how you manage fear is a strong indicator of how you will manage change.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Teach Your Customers to Think Differently About Your Capabilities</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314745</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314745</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 19:02:54 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[There is no question that most people on the receiving end of a marketing message these days are skeptical. And why shouldn't they be? As marketing guru Seth Godin blogged about recently, marketers send out unwanted emails, "spin" deals, and promotions cluttered with legal jargon and disclaimers, and paint a picture of something great that is really just so-so.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Table Manners - Using the Roundtable to Connect With Your Channel Partners</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314741</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314741</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:59:41 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In order stay ahead of your competition, you must build and create your channel partner relationships. Roundtables and discussion groups are a unique way to position yourself as a leader in your field.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Benefits of Using a Consultant</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314734</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314734</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:50:34 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Today's competitive economy requires you to be a knowledge expert. Where do you gain new knowledge and how can consultants help you create new ideas and solutions?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Using Loyalty Programs to Reward Your Customers (and Theirs)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314728</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314728</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:43:52 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Finding new customers today is more expensive than keeping existing ones happy and coming back. Loyalty programs offer a way to provide special benefits to key customers, show appreciation for their business all while driving revenue to your bottom line.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Why Hiring in a Down Turned Economy is Harder Than You Think</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314721</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314721</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:32:11 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hiring during good times is hard enough, but finding and hiring new employees in a recession can be even tougher. How do you know who the A-players are and where are you going to find them?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Breaking Through the Clutter and Standing Out</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314717</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314717</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:27:34 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Customers are overwhelmed with the amount of information they receive from business every day. In order to cut through the clutter, and get your message heard, you must create a brand that is unique, compelling and credible, and then spread it across your marketing platform.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Set Goals and Achieve Them</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2314673</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2314673</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 18:20:58 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I've often discussed goal setting and why it is so important. Writing down your goals on paper (whether they are personal or professional) increases your chance of actually accomplishing them. This is actually one of the reasons that most New Year's Resolutions never come to fruition - they are never written down.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Use Web 2.0 to Connect With Your Customers</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2297627</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2297627</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 13:33:01 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Web 2.0 is an integral part of the marketing mix; using it to engage and communicate with your customers will allow you to take its usage a step further. Because of the current recession, now more than ever, it is critical that you reach out to your existing customers and vendors and nurture these relationships. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Become Your Customer's Trusted Business Advisor</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2177893</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2177893</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:06:05 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Who do you trust these days? With economic uncertainty and the perils of unemployment numbers growing, knowing whom to turn to for the best business advice can be tricky. Naturally, you want to partner with those customers and vendors who understand what the value can provide them, whether it's products, services, or both.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Turn Your Story Into Your Brand</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2177888</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2177888</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:03:07 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[A great storyteller captivates his audience, weaving words together like a tapestry to create vivid images in the minds of listeners. He knows when to bring in other characters or supporting pieces to make the story come alive. A great storyteller is believable, in some ways simply because he probably has a great story to tell; he colors every detail and chooses every word to build the interest of the listener.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Turn Your Blog Into a Business Builder</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2177883</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2177883</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:02:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Many small business owners have yet to catch on to the true advantage of blogging because they perceive bloggers as self-absorbed. In a recent US News and World Report article, a survey by Warrillow & Co. showed that only about 41 percent of small business owners have an interactive website, and if they do have a website, a blog is not high on the priority list for inclusion.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Partner With Your Vendors For Profitability</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2135933</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2135933</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:24:30 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[There are certainly some companies we want to do business with, some we have to work with out of necessity, and still others that just creep into the fold somehow. Then there's that group that we probably could do without. But for those partners we want to and have to do business with, creating mutually beneficial relationships is not only important, but it can also position you as a leading VAR in the industry - the sought-after leader with whom everyone wants to partner.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Write a White Paper That Gets Noticed</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2135956</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2135956</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:24:19 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Continuous education. In this competitive world that is one way to stay ahead of the competition. But continuing ed doesn't have to be in a classroom and you certainly don't need to receive a grade or take final exams (although putting your new found knowledge to the test might indirectly do that for you anyway).]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Buyer Persona - How to Better Understand Your Customer</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2135944</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2135944</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:21:55 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[How many times have you had your vendors arrive at your office, ready to do their "Dog and Pony" show for the hottest, latest new product that is coming to market? They create an amazing presentation, point out all of the great new features, and tell you that this thing is going to sell through like gangbusters. Energized, you quickly put together a marketing mix of materials to spread the word about this new product, using the vendor-supplied postcards, e-newsletters, and point of purchase displays.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Managing Change - How to Move Forward Into the Unknown</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2073837</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2073837</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:29:08 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Change happens. The economy has changed. Buying behaviors have changed. Technology, which has changed the way we live and work, continues to change and evolve. And, with so many choices and messages bombarding you day after day, it's easy to change your mind or experience a change of heart.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Become an Innovative Thinker</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2102606</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2102606</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:34:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[It's time to stir the pot, so to speak. While other businesses and perhaps some of your competing VARs are panicking or sitting back waiting for something positive to happen with the economy, it's time for you to step up. And I mean step up. No more using marketing tactics in the tried and true ways. Forget about pulling out last year's marketing plan and "tweaking it." And if you think your customers are going to call you and say, "Just put me down for what I ordered last year," forget it. It's a new world out there in this down economy.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Lead and Manage During Times of Change</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2102593</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2102593</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:34:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Have you ever gathered together a group your customers, vendors, and employees and unveiled a new plan that involves change? How much pushback did you receive? Was your reception warm and exciting or did you see a sea of wide-eyed stares staring back at you?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Importance of Permission-Based Email Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2102591</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2102591</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:34:11 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[According to a Merkle report, permission-based email comprises about one-quarter of the time a person spends with email, second only to emails that are personal communication with family and friends. The converse of that, however, is that 75 percent of those in the study said they choose to opt-out of permission email because emails lack relevance; 73 percent said they opted out because emails were sent too frequently, according to the report. So where is the fine line drawn?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Why Enthusiasm and Passion Are Important and How to Create Them</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2102589</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2102589</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:33:46 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, worldwide political figures, business leaders and executives still had high expectations that the new American leadership could change the world in 2009. Wow! Nothing like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But we must ask why - and how - in just about two years' time, a junior senator from Illinois can go from working in local and state politics to engaging world leaders to believe in the hopes, dreams, and vitality that can once again exist in not just the United States, but the world. It's all about enthusiasm and passion.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Create an E-newsletter That Gets Opened</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2073850</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2073850</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:56:51 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Junk mail. SPAM. We all know about these pesky e-newsletters and email blasts that show up uninvited in our inboxes. Most recipients simply hit delete, a few may actually unsubscribe to the e-newsletter they never subscribed to and sometimes a handful may even blacklist or report this SPAM to the "authorities." ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Mix Your Sales and Marketing Efforts - And Why You Should</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/2073844</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/2073844</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:54:11 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[A traditional sales campaign typically involves a sales force following up on new leads from website inquiries, calls for more information, purchased lead lists, and referrals. Your sales force (or perhaps that is you) makes calls on potential new customers, completes the "dog and pony show" and then continues to follow up in order to convert that lead into a sale. Usually, this effort is easily measurable.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Maximize Being &quot;Connected&quot; on Social Networking Sites</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1995595</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1995595</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:07:50 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Imagine tapping into more than 35 million professionals in over 200 countries and territories worldwide for possible new sales leads, to gain insight from other industry colleagues about upcoming industry trends, and to simply connect with so many different options. This is the amazing reality of social media.    Social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Digg offer you some top-notch professional and business connections that you would never be able to access otherwise.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Get to Know Your Customer Through Email Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1954485</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1954485</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:11:05 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In today's world, "Don't Blink" marketing tactics and nanosecond technology are not just becoming the norm - they are here and now. We have the ability to provide information and sales tools to our customers with the click of the Send button. And we can do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Incorporate the Right Marketing Message During a Recession</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1954495</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1954495</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:54:43 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Fight or flight instincts. Survival of the fittest. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Add Social Media to Your Marketing Mix</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1936512</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1936512</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:55:49 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The world of social networking can appear very daunting, especially to managers and business owners who have perhaps heard of Facebook and blogs but have never actually participated in them and don't really know how they work - or more importantly, their value within the marketing mix.  So when Richard MacManus, founder of ReadWriteWeb, a blog that provides Web Technology news, reviews and analysis and has an RSS and email subscriber following of about 275,000, made his 2009 Web Predictions, it came as no surprise that much of them involved social networking. Some of his predictions included ...]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Podcast Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1912433</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1912433</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:27:15 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Almost as soon as the original Apple iPod was introduced, people in the marketing profession began to realize the medium's potential to carry brand and product messaging. Today, podcasting is popular method for communicating corporate information that enables businesses to deliver valuable content to listeners. Because the sound of the human voice carries emotion, the medium can deliver content more effectively than text.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Get Started With Your Business Blogging - What Do I Write About?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911172</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911172</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:10:05 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[You're sold on the concept of blogging for your business. You've set up your blog template and now you're staring at a blank screen. And it's staring back.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Why Blogging is Important to Your Business</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911141</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911141</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:05:19 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[There are 112 million blogs indexed with 120,000 new blogs each day!  Blogging is an opportunity to reach out to the masses, yet make it personal. It builds credibility about you and your brand and positions you as a thinker, leader and a resource. Your thoughts will become a direct link to increased leads and sales. And in this tough economy, blogging is one of the economical ways to market. You can't afford not to blog.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Developing &quot;Wikis&quot;</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911227</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911227</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:21:03 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In today's world of online marketing, the Wiki has become a powerful tool for rapidly and inexpensively creating brand or company awareness. Wiki (The term "Wiki" is a play on the Hawaiian expression "Wiki Wiki" for fast.) sites enable users to write a review or commentary about a subject or product quickly and easily using a standard web browser.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Brand Your Reseller - Harness the Power of Recommendations</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911198</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911198</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:59:57 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[When the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Hoenig said recently that the economic outlook for the first half of 2009 looked "grim," it may have made your stomach flip. Most likely, we won't feel any economic relief until the third quarter. At the close of 2008, factory orders, home sales, and service industries were still experiencing a steep decline.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Viral Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911238</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911238</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:56:57 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Due to its ability to generate an extremely high, rapid response rate for a relatively low cost compared to traditional marketing methods such as direct mail, viral marketing is a very popular and powerful medium. The following quick guide will help you create your company's viral marketing campaign.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Become a Leader Instead of a Manager</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1911182</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1911182</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:55:53 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[There are leaders and there are managers - and the world needs both. Which one are you?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Perfect Press Release - How to Write One That Gets Noticed</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1817636</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1817636</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:50:20 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Essentially, you are becoming a reporter and writing a story (your press release) as you might see it published in a newspaper or magazine. If you write tight, with all the facts, some great quotes with substance, and a little bit of creativity, you have a good shot at garnering some "ink."]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>PR Vs New Media</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1817628</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1817628</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:27:15 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Social media is quickly becoming a core element of communications and PR plans, which is great for you - simply because these new media tools are easy to use, don't demand a lot of manpower, and are economical.  The trick is to learn to use these tools without sounding too commercial in your pitches or offerings, and then enjoy the benefits of well-crafted viral marketing take hold.  Plus, once you take a little time to get familiar with these channels, it's so easy to utilize them to your advantage!]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Building Targeted Media Lists</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1817621</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1817621</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:26:50 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Understanding the journalists' world and how they operate is the key to building a successful media list, one that's juicy with hot contacts and leads looking for the right story to tell. Just remember, developing your media list is like developing your customer list. Get to the heart of what the media want and when they want it - then deliver it! And while a big mass media list covers more territory, your story pitch may not apply to all on the list, reducing your chance for good quality editorial success. But if you have a targeted, well-thought out list that contains up-to-date contacts, there's a good chance you have the start of some beautiful relationships, which ultimately will garner some fantastic free publicity!]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to Fix That Gaping Hole in Your Sales</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1817617</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1817617</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:26:37 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Why do your existing customers order from your company? Why should new customers choose to buy from you instead of your competitors? If you think it's strictly price or availability or because your sales rep is a nice guy, think again. It should be because you can offer them something of value - something intangible they can't get elsewhere. If you aren't sure what that "thing of value" is, then you definitely have gaping holes in your sales system that need attention.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Are You Missing Out on Free Publicity?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816676</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816676</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:58:18 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Studies consistently show that public relations is the most effective way to establish brand credibility, to surround a brand in a particular editorial context. Done correctly, it provides the best return for the marketing dollar spent. It is the best way to garner third-party endorsements and carries much more weight with your customer than a paid ad, snappy sales promotion, or some creation of new media. Plus, it's virtually free!]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Don't Just Sit There - Sell!</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816666</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816666</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:57:45 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Are you leaving money "on the table" with products you represent? You can continue to coast along or you can be innovative and become the hero to both your customers and your vendors. Remember, increasing their revenue increases yours, too, and they will be all too happy to help!]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Are You Missing Great Sales Opportunities?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816660</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816660</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:56:22 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[You spend buckets of money on slick brochures, send them out to potential customers, and then wait for the phone to ring or follow up with cold calls. No? Maybe you love seizing new territories or you're an "opportunity chaser" who stays abreast of the latest and greatest products, then anxiously runs out to conquer hot new markets before your competition beats you to the punch.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Maximize Your Sales With Up-Selling and Cross-Selling</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816653</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816653</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:54:54 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Addressing spoken and unspoken needs is an easy way to maximize up-selling and cross-selling opportunities.  It worked flawlessly on my friend, Mark, and I'll bet it works on your customers, too.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Selling is Not a Monologue</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816647</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816647</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:53:20 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Selling is not about delivering a monologue. If you're talking at your potential customers, chances are, you're missing out on sales. The time you spend sputtering on about your company, your products, and yourself is a one-sided conversation. Meanwhile, your customer is sitting there, filled with unmet and unspoken needs. And if you're so busy talking, you're not listening.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Marketing in a Recession</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1816631</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1816631</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:53:10 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[What many experts have known for months, if not the past year, is that our country is officially in a recession. In fact, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced in December that we have actually been in a recession since December 2007. Many business owners probably knew this long before the Bureau's announcement, feeling the effects of customers' budget cuts, a higher level of anxiety within the industry, and simply an overall gloom and doom mood, no thanks to the media's contribution as well.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>What's Your Plan?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786472</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786472</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:04:18 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[So often we get caught up in our success or the crisis of the moment. We are reacting to everything that's happening around us. We forget to ask ourselves, "why are we doing this?" We lose sight of our goals or we don't update the targets.  A business plan doesn't have to be in-depth in order to help guide you.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Power of Blog Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786453</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786453</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:03:22 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[With the rise of the Internet, blogging has become one the most influential means of communication. People and organizations all over the world are building relatively low budget web sites created as a forum for sharing insights and trading ideas.  Learn how to utilize this powerful marketing tool.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Unique Shall Inherit the World!</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786497</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786497</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:34:14 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Geeks were odd. Thought leaders are unique. Geeks were smart. Thought leaders are brilliant. Geeks were largely ignored by everyone except their small peer group of other geeks, freaks, and nerds. Thought leaders capture the rapt interest of colleagues, customers, and competitors - which is why the media loves them because every time they launch an idea, the media reports it to a waiting audience desperate for a new idea.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Marketing Artichoke</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786489</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786489</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:33:46 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[How do you take your huge bucket of leads or your customer database and understand what's inside?Think of your big list as an artichoke.  The goal here is to be the greatest return with the smallest amount of investment in time and resources. You are creating focused use of your time and money, ultimately garnering profitable results.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>10 Ways to Maximize Your Website's Value</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786484</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786484</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:33:12 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[To be successful in today's technology-driven business environment, set your sights on your site. Your overall marketing strategy should include a strong online presence. More than just "throwing a Website up" and crossing your fingers, focus on maximizing this powerful marketing tool that can generate more leads and ultimately, close more deals.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Integrating Your Marketing Mix</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786480</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786480</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:30:27 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition of synergy is "The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects." Think about a getting a brand new grill. You're ready for that big, juicy burger but the means for cooking it is neatly packaged up tight in this rather large cardboard box that's tightly stapled shut.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pick a Partner - Build Your Network</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786465</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786465</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:28:02 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Single VAR seeks creative, resourceful, intelligent partner with compatible interests for long-term relationship. Must enjoy success and be willing to explore new ideas. Are you getting desperate to broaden your marketing horizons?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Crush the Box - Nix the Naysayers!</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786459</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786459</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:26:08 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[All too often, you've heard the tired clich?, "Think outside the box." Be creative. Push that envelope of conventionalism.  Naysayers cast doubt on the creations of others.  Energize your ideas.  Nix the Naysayers.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>As the World Turns -  Keeping Up With the Web-Driven Economy</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786507</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786507</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:02:08 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Does the dizzying speed in which our world moves cause your head to ache sometimes? Are you constantly struggling to find ways to stay ahead of the competitive curve? Then, every time you come up with a solution to a problem, is there already a new one awaiting your attention?  Figure out how to conquer the dynamics of the e-dominance, break down the issues.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Nanosecond Technology and &quot;Don't Blink&quot; Marketing</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1786441</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1786441</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:53:07 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Did you ever hear the comment, "don't blink or you'll miss it"? In today's rapid-fire marketplace, the phrase is truer than ever. Technology and all of its "rewards" have us moving at blazing speed. Here in the 21st century, we're living in a nanosecond culture.]]></description>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
