We want to invite Corporate Members to partner with us as PPA launches this year's Super Monday Program. Nearly 100 photography studios across the country will open their studios and share their knowledge with hundreds of local photographers.

As an exclusive benefit you are able to participate in this event and promote you and your products at these studio classes across the country--the only cost to you is offering a coupon or giveaway!

Each participating PPA Corporate Member will provide a coupon, a special offer or small item that we will include in the bonus package given to each photographer attending the programs. In addition to your exposure to all the attendees at Super Monday, your logo will also be included in our e-mail marketing campaigns.

If you would like to participate please e-mail cpearson@ppa.com. Include:

• a description of your coupon or special offer
  
• your logo (high-res EPS or JPEG format)
• your web address (URL)--we'll link your logo to your site

Then send us 500 copies of your coupon/giveaway by no later then March 15th.

Welcome to your business "Honey-Do" list, a real and essential part of keeping your business in the minds of photographers. By now, you've probably dabbled in Facebook and Twitter, but have you dug into what really works for marketing, PR, and your company's image in these areas? That's where your list comes in. The following three articles give you a series of pointers and steps for starting, growing, and maintaining your social media presence with Facebook and Twitter. Scan through these easy-to-read, easy-to-use ideas...and get doing!

Scott Hersh
Director of Sales and Strategic Alliances

"50 Ideas for using Twitter for Business"
For one thing--and it's a good thing--Twitter works best when it's not all about you. So how about asking a question when nothing's new with you, or to show you're listening? Hit the link to find lots to talk about, plus tools, techniques, and strategies for maximizing Twitter. Get the full story >

"How to use Twitter for Marketing & PR"
You can wield the power of Twitter from anywhere in the world. Limited to 140 characters or less per communiqué, your updates needn't tax your brain or your schedule. Twitter lets you monitor your company and public opinion about your brand; build a following and brand awareness; keep in touch with the media; announce events and special promos to a large audience; promote and update info about your company's conferences, webinars and newsy goings-on; cultivate valuable relationships, and much, much more. Get the full story >

"10 Practical Tips for Facebook Fan Pages"
As founder and CEO of Sprout, a tech company offering "social media solutions," Carnet Williams has a vested interest in the promulgation of Facebook, et al. And every reason to share his expertise on making Facebook work for your business. (Sprout's client list includes such brands as Sony Pictures, REI and Toyota.) You've got to appreciate the fine, real-world examples she includes, and the way she effortlessly demystifies the fine points: "Think of your fan page as a cocktail party..." Get the full story>

From the time we are small, we are taught to think of others first. That way of thinking and acting--from sharing toys to volunteering at a charity--can (and should) transfer into your business and marketing practices. You want prospects to feel that you are working for them, that you created this product just for them. There are ways to get this message across honestly, but you have to be careful with your placement, wording, and even your ability to back up claims. We've gathered articles to help you think of others first, sending that right message in the right places.

Scott Hersh
Director of Sales and Strategic Alliances

"Online Marketing's Creative Worst Practices"
The Internet marketing paradigm is unlike that of any medium that preceded it. Its potential is too huge to gauge, and the opportunity to harness it too important to blow. Ken Liebeskind and the experts he quotes tell you how to make the most of your company's advertising via e-mail, social media, video, in-game, mobile, banners, widgets and virtual worlds.

Get the full story > http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/23797.asp

"10 Traits of Successful Messaging"
The World Wide Web is a noisy place, says marketing pro Bill Jacobs. "Consequently, marketing messages today must be razor sharp to cut through the noise and be compelling enough to immediately hook prospective customers." How? Start with Jacob's examples of messages that work, then starting at the top tier of management, build what he calls a "messaging architecture," with a foundation based on enterprise statements that communicate your company's overall value.

Get the full story > http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/23569.asp

"Charity Marketing: Growing Your Business Through Charitable Giving"
It's no secret that charitable giving is an excellent way to develop a powerful network and to win over customers. But you've probably not explored the topic as meticulously as executive marketing consultant David Frey does here, beginning with ways your chosen charity is ready and willing to support your business's development. Suspend your cynicism--we're not talking about milking human kindness, we're talking about helping it flow. Read all Frey's creative yet practical suggested marketing and publicity strategies.

Get the full story > http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/charity.shtml

"Engaging" customers is a popular buzzword now. We don't want to market to customers; we want to connect with them and get them excited. But to do that, we need to know our customers, whether they come in a store or on a website. We need to keep our eyes and ears open--and plan accordingly. Truthfully, many of us barrel into campaigns without fully planning ahead, sometimes because the research is hard to find or we don't know where to look. Hopefully, these articles will help eliminate that hurdle. Read on to learn about planning marketing in general, how to recognize and woo online customers, and pitfalls to avoid in social media. Put it all together, and you'll have a better plan for engaging your own customer.

Scott Hersh
Director of Sales and Strategic Alliances