Year: 2010

Facebook is an effective and free way for businesses and professionals to maintain “top of mind” awareness with business contacts and the public. Posting to your company page on Facebook frequently keeps you actively in front of business associates and can have a far-reaching impact with an audience that is eager to hear what you … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Using Facebook wisely”

When developing websites, print ads, direct mail pieces and other marketing materials, you need some “pop” to get noticed. The right imagery can make all the difference. In fact, some of the best ads I’ve seen have been less about the words and more about the perfect photo or illustration. There are two main ways … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Perfect image will boost your visibility”

Will your company be a big winner in 2011? Chances are you are close to finishing your company budget for next year. Are you investing in marketing? Does your marketing budget reflect a company that wants to eat its competitors’ lunch, or have you plugged in that bare minimum number to say you are spending … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Timing right to be more aggressive”

The ability to include videos on websites and in social media has created a powerful new marketing tool for businesses, not-for-profits and political candidates. Once limited to broadcast and cable television and VCRs for the mobile salesperson, the power of video and its ability to deliver a compelling and easily accessible message now is an … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Video a powerful tool”

If you have the opportunity to land a big sales meeting (or even one that’s not so big), you want to make a powerful first impression — it might be the only chance you get. First — particularly if you haven’t met the potential client before — start by listening. I admit that was something … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: To get sales, make a good first impression”

Cunningham is former Business Editor at Times Herald Record Goshen, N.Y. (Nov. 22, 2010) — Focus Media, Inc. announced today the appointment of Douglas Cunningham as its Director of Public Relations. Cunningham is the former business editor and columnist at the Times Herald-Record in Middletown. Most recently, Cunningham served as Communications Director for the successful … Continue reading “FOCUS MEDIA NAMES DOUGLAS CUNNINGHAM PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR”

One of the most widely read parts of a newspaper or magazine is the op-ed section. There are often opportunities to embed your marketing and public relations messages in this prime real estate. The op-ed pages are an outstanding venue in which to advocate for or against issues, generate support for not-for-profit organizations, promote political … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Op-ed pages are a useful tool”

Political campaigns are a great case study in how the public is frequently disengaged and needs to be addressed through a wide variety of media. Consider how many people are “undecided” just before Election Day. In the race for New York attorney general, for example, a Siena poll just two weeks before the election found … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Political campaigns offer cues”

‘NY BioHud Valley’ is New York’s cluster for biotech industry TARRYTOWN, N.Y.– Trumpeting the Hudson Valley as New York’s epicenter for biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and business leaders today unveiled the “NY BioHud Valley” campaign reinforcing that the Hudson Valley is the epicenter of the biotech industry in New York. Gillibrand’s announcement … Continue reading “Focus Media helps Gillibrand, HVEDC Launch Campaign to Make Hudson Valley a Hub for Biotech Industry”

E-newsletters can be an inexpensive and helpful part of a company’s marketing and public relations, but there are a number of pitfalls you should avoid to prevent having your newsletter become just another annoying piece of unwelcome spam. In order to be successful, an e-newsletter must have two key elements: interesting content and a neat, … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Include e-newsletter in marketing mix”

A public relations program is the least expensive and potentially most powerful form of promotion available. One well-placed feature article in a newspaper or magazine, or a favorable segment on a television show, can put you in front of thousands, potentially millions, of potential customers with the credibility of independent journalism. One way to earn … Continue reading “News releases can boost company profile”

Do you have a cookie-cutter marketing plan, something that looks as if it’s taken right off a shelf? I doubt it. No two marketing plans are exactly alike — especially in the age of the Internet. Websites and search engines provide a variety of potent marketing tools that companies can use to more specifically target … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Make sure your plan fits”

Firm also named advertising and public relations agency of record for economic development group New Windsor, N.Y. (Oct. 7, 2010) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) today welcomed Focus Media President and CEO Josh Sommers to its Board of Directors. Focus Media, which business newspaper HV Biz recently called the Mid-Hudson Valley’s largest advertising … Continue reading “FOCUS MEDIA CEO JOSH SOMMERS JOINS HVEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS”

A solid marketing strategy requires leveraging multiple touch points. Having a one-trick marketing tool box likely won’t get the job done. Consumers are bombarded with thousands of messages a day. To be successful, companies must hit the unengaged public over the head with tactics that build top-of-mind awareness. Start with those you know One of … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Shyness won’t help you”

Boutique destination combines old-world sophistication with modern-day amenities Sept. 23, 2010 – Slate Hill, N.Y. – The Stack Family, owners and operators of Catlin Gardens, held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Sept. 23 to celebrate the opening of the $7 million, Victorian-style, 40-room Catlin Gardens Inn. Elected officials and business leaders attended the ceremony. “We’re … Continue reading “THE STACK FAMILY DEBUTS CATLIN GARDENS INN”

Demonstrating yourself to be an expert in your field — a “thought leader” — is a powerful public relations tool to attract new business and create a presence in your industry. If you’re a principal or manager of a company, chances are good that you’ve become an expert with unique insights or outspoken views about … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Become a ‘thought leader’”

Direct marketing is great, but advertising creates awareness. I write about direct marketing frequently. It’s defined as marketing via outlets other than what we think of as traditional advertising (newspapers, TV, magazines and radio). Tactics like direct mail, e-mail blasts, telemarketing, and ad words on the Web get you on the doorstep of exactly who … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Branding creates buzz”