So Cal Action Sports Network

The Venue

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:31:57 +0000

Here's a few pics of our venue for the March 2nd event with Seth Godin...

Outside view in the evening before people arrive…

Outside view at night with people…

Lobby where the General Reception will be held. VIP Reception is on the second level.Both levels are ideal for sponsors to have a table, kiosk or some kind of set up for attendees to interact with their brand.

Inside the hall with view facing the stage where Seth Godin will speak…

View from the stage looking out into the audience…

SoCal Action Sports Network & Seth Godin

admin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:51:12 +0000

He’s back….For One Night Only.

Join us on Wed. March 2nd, 2011 for an unprecedented night of networking and evening with Seth Godin–best-selling author, A-List lecture circuit speaker and marketing expert.

Seth Godin has literally written the book on marketing–over a dozen times. We are lucky to have him back making a very special appearance. You’re not going to want to miss this…

Registration is now officially closed for this event. For those who have their tickets, I’ll see you on the evening of March 2nd! Please bring a copy of your online receipt and your name will be checked against the guest list. Please allow for traffic when traveling. VIP Reception starts at 6:45pm, General Reception for everyone else starts at 7pm.

When: Wed. March 2nd, 2011. Time: 7:00-9:30 pm

Where:

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Agenda:

Vip’s Only: Reception from 6:45-7:15 pm

General Reception: 7:00-7:30 pm

Seth’s Keynote: 7:45-8:45 pm

Networking: 8:45-9:30 pm

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If you’re just hearing about Seth Godin for the first time, Seth is to marketing and new media what Steve Jobs is to computers and digital technology–an icon and pioneer. “Unleashing the Idea Virus” one of his early books, is arguably the first book on social media and how to use it successfully, before “social media” even had a name…

It’s also important to note that Seth rarely ever does this kind of private event. He usually speaks to Fortune 100 companies or at the TED Conference.

If you know about the TED Conference, you know that it’s an annual event where the greatest minds in the world gather. It’s by invite only and each ticket is about $6,000. This is a rare and special opportunity, don’t miss out.

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Special thanks to our event partners …

Gold Level Sponsors

Silver Level Sponsors:

Bronze Level Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Partners:

Par7

THIS IS WAR

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:52:59 +0000

I heard the song “THIS IS WAR” a while ago and it got me thinking about business. We are at war; these are perilous times for many of us.

But I think most of the time we don’t fail because we don’t have the ability. We fail more often because we get in our own way.

*I already know enough about marketing.

*I’m too busy.

*I’m too tired.

*What I’m doing is good enough.

*I already have enough business connections.

*There are already too many people doing what I do that I can’t compete.

*Nobody cares.

*I don’t have enough budget.

*I don’t have enough resources.

*I don’t have enough experience.

*I have too much experience.

*Trying something different is uncomfortable.

*Trying something different is admitting that what I’m doing now is not working or not good enough.

*If I don’t try, I don’t fail. If I don’t fail, I can convince myself and others I’m worth keeping on the team.

THIS IS WAR. But in this war we don’t just pick our battles. We choose who wins.

3 Things That Suck About the Action Sports Industry

admin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 20:26:03 +0000

The 3 things that suck about the industry…are also some of the things that make it special. I’d like this to be more of discussion and hear from you. Weigh in by leaving a comment on the blog post here.

I love the Action Sports industry. It’s where I started and worked my way through college and beyond. It’s an innovative, culture-driven market that is dynamic and exciting. I stayed on the client side of the Youth Culture Industry for 15 years or so before deciding to become a hired gun doing brand, web and social media strategy marketing in 2008. Yes, I chose to leave my cushy office, admin. assistant, gas card, health benefits and steady paycheck at one of the worse economic times in the history of the US since the Great Depression in 1929. Hind sight is 20/20…but I actually don’t have any regrets (well, maybe I miss having that gas card). It was that panic feeling in ’08 when marketing budgets started to get cut that led me to start reevaluating my network and seriously thinking about how I was going to survive now on my own. For all those years on the client side I didn’t need anybody. I was lazy and didn’t keep in touch.

There were a handful of people I still talked to and they happened to be guys I worked with back in the day from my Action Sports years. So I quickly created a small group, named it the SoCal Action Sports Network, with the thought of using it to find new projects, collaborate, network and whatever. At first the group started on LinkedIn because it was free (controlling expenses was a big priority) and had the basic gate-keeping tools to be able to approve or not approve group members based on relevancy. I told the 11 people I invited that the group was private, but if they knew good people they could invite them to be considered. I didn’t expect much but it was all I could do.

Within a month, 500 or so people requested to join the group and I was blown away. And not just anyone, but really good, talented people. A month after that there were 1,000 and the group continued to grow exponentially each month until we reached about 5,000+ in a year.We’re now close to 10,000. It wasn’t the numbers that were impressive, but the quality of talent that were joining. From C-level executives (CMO, COO, CFO), VP’s, Director-level and more from some of the biggest brands in the industry. Plus, all of the up and coming talent, non-endemic brands from automotive, consumer electronics, food & bev., music & entertainment etc. My vision of the group changed dramatically during this time. It became about connecting the disconnected. It became about people and relationships.

+/-

1. The walls are up high to outsiders. It’s an exclusive group, not inclusive. For a lot of people who have tried and failed to break into the industry or do business with brands, it can be frustrating. There’s a certain vibe and you either have it or you don’t. Some non-endemic brands, now considered endemic like energy drinks, have done a great job assimilating. Critics will say they bought their way in, and on the surface this is true. But to be fair, they’ve done a great job of what’s called “embedding” their brand with the core so it becomes success by association. Then over time with the right marketing budget, athlete sponsorship and paying their dues, they’re in! Good job Red Bull and Monster Energy (to name a couple). Few companies are willing or able to do what it takes to pole vault over the wall, and even fewer know where the secret side door entrance is. On the positive side, the barriers to entry are like social Darwinism at it’s best–a kind of survival of the fittest. It keeps the industry fresh, and on the edge and keeps the posers out.

2. No one spends any marketing money except on print ads. That’s not entirely true. Action Sports brands spend a ton of money on events and beer. I’m joking–sort of. Sponsorship of athletes is also a biggie. So where does that leave most marketing budgets? Bare bones. In my consulting I get to talk to a lot of these top marketers. They are smart and creative but [generally] don’t have as much to work with compared to other marketers in other industries. By comparison, when I worked in Brand for the movie studios I can remember having a $30 million budget for one national campaign on a sell-thru title on DVD. So if you’re a vendor or partner you’ve got to get creative. Ex. Consider rev-share deals where you cover the front end dev if you’re producing an iPhone or web game and negotiate a bigger back end share. You might look at the different buckets on the P&L. Maybe you can categorize what you’re doing under [the often bigger] Events budget and call it “experiential” advertising. Speaking of experiential, did you see me ride the tank at Oakley?

3. The Bro Network. You’re Kelly Slater’s cousin…lucky you. But what about the rest of us? The industry has a reputation for hiring friends of friends and family. This happened early on because it’s a grass roots or garage business industry. Most of the visionaries started with a simple idea and a passion for the sport but had no money. They had to get creative and boot-strap by hiring friends and family who would work on the cheap. The problem is, even though companies have more money now, this culture of bro deals and trade still exists in a big way. Vendors get ground down to slim margins, forcing price wars between competitors who jockey to keep the best brands as clients. The result is theses specialty services turn into commodities. It looks like brands win but actually they don’t. Lower margins for vendors means they cut corners and quality suffers. Partners also can’t afford to keep pay and keep the best talent. This goes for brands too who traditionally pay very poorly. It’s an old habit that needs to be broken for the industry to progress and grow.

Want to weigh in? I’d like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.

PS. Are you coming to the 11/11 networking meet up?

Have a great weekend!

-Bryan

Founder, SoCal Action Sports Network

http://www.linkedin.com/in/BryanDElliott

http://www.twitter.com/BryanElliott

Tel. (714) 318-6086

SoCal Action Sports Network Presents: @UnMarketing Nov. 11th

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 03:33:29 +0000

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Scott Stratten is an expert in Viral, Social, and Authentic Marketing which he calls Un-Marketing. It’s all about positioning yourself as a trusted expert in front of target market, so when they have the need, they choose you. Scott a music industry marketer, national sales training manager and a Professor at the Sheridan College School of Business. His book “UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging” became a national best-seller before it was released, and recently a Globe and Mail #1 Business best-seller, and an Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon UK best-seller.

Scott has helped his clients with marketing videos that have gone viral and viewed over 60 million times even before YouTube existed. He recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Mashable, USA Today, CNN.com and Fast Company.

VIP Panelists:

Who: You, your friends, colleagues, networking wing man…

What: Huge Networking event, expert panel + keynote presentation

When: Thursday. Nov. 11th 7:00-9:30pm

Where: Gothic Moon Studios: 535 West Palm, Orange CA 92868

*(one block west of Dodge School of Film at Chapman University)

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Ticket Options: SOLD OUT

Agenda 7:00-7:30 pm–General & VIP reception and networking

7:30 pm — Welcome

7:35-8:15 pm Panel Discussion

8:15-9:00 Scott Stratten keynote

9:00-9:30 pm more networking

Who should attend?

Marketers, business owners, managers, executives…

*SoCal Action Sports Network is a 1 Goodbrain Company. Please note that you’ll see 1 Goodbrain Company on your credit card statement and receipt.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Wanna be a sponsor? Contact Bryan Elliott at: 1goodbrain@gmail.com or call for questions– Tel. (714) 318-6086

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors…

Gothic Moon Studios

Special Mention

6 Tips to Make Events Worth it!

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:29:17 +0000

With all the great events coming up I thought I’d put together a list that might be helpful:

Top 6 Tips To Make Attending Events Worth It:

If you’re like me you’ve been to a bunch of networking events, seminars and business conferences. Some are good and some have been really bad, right? I’m not going to focus on the bad stuff, but suffice to say I created SoCal Action Sports Network because I couldn’t find what I was looking for out there. Now, we’re far from perfect and there’s lots of room for improvement, but we are trying to do things differently and have great events that actually mean something to you and produce the results you’re looking for. Here are 6 tips that might make the difference:

1. Do– Attend the Event. I know this sounds silly, but actually showing up is important. Success has never been determined by “best intentions.” Remember Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Keep in mind attending is only about 50% of the equation. But do save event dates in advance and make attending a priority. See Oct. 12th event here.

Why?

a. Because successful people do what others are not willing to do. If you have a product or service, your competition is probably at our events and making the most of it. Looking for a job? You have competition too–just saying…

b. Because meeting someone at one of our events can help you accomplish your business goals like: getting new customers, finding a new job, finding a supplier/vendor etc. This probably far outweighs the investment of time and money you spend to attend an event. “Be there before the sale.”

2. Do– Have a Goal. Having a goal is the same as having a strategy. It answers the question: Why– What’s the point of this? Ex. Do you want to find 1 new client? Do you want to be a sponsor to reach our members and get the word out about your product or service? Is there 1 person on your must-meet list who you know will attend that could help you find a new job? Once you know WHY, you can start planning WHAT–the tactics or what you’ll do to accomplish your goal when you’re at the event.

3. Do– Your Homework. Also common sense, but how many of you are really using our group on Linkedin to its full potential? My guess is almost none of you… And BTW, this has nothing to do with continual promotional posts on our Discussion Board. How is asking me to buy your stuff a discussion?

Examples:
a. Being part of SoCal Action Sports’ Linkedin group let’s you view member profiles, work history, recommendations and more. You can do keyword searches based on any criteria you want. For example, if you’re looking to connect with someone who has “digital media” experience or is “VP of Marketing” at an upcoming event, all you have to do is put in the keywords and see who comes up. Make a list of people you’d like to meet at the event and seek them out when you get there.

b.Linkedin gives you a limited amount of free “In Mail” to make connections. After you exhaust those you have to pay. But members who belong to the same group can send as many messages to each other free of charge. So what if you made a list of group members you wanted to meet based on your biz goals? Before an upcoming event you could send them a message like, “Hi Julie, we’re both members of SoCal Action Sports Network and I see you’re in printing. I have a friend who’s looking for some fliers.. If you’re attending the next meet up on Oct. 12th it would be great to meet you…” or something like that. Do your homework and come prepared to the event with a plan.

c. Come prepared to ask questions. You’ve got expert Chris Brogan here for 1 night only next week. There will be a Q&A after his presentation or you’ll get some personal time with him if you get a VIP ticket…

4. Do– Bring a Camera, Video and Take Notes. Do you write a blog? Need content that will drive visitors to your site? Content and context is king. Our events are filled with some of the best talent in Orange County from whom you could get great stuff to write about. And what about our speakers and or expert panelists? On Oct. 12th we’ll have bestselling author Chris Brogan who also happens to have the #2 ranked marketing blog in the world. This could be an opportunity for content that would fuel several future blog posts and spur visitor traffic. Post pics or a write-up to your blog, Facebook, Twitter to get a conversation going or whatever.

5. Don’t– Pass Out Business Cards To Every Person. Don’t measure the success of an event by the number of business cards you collect by the end of the night. What would you do with all of these anyway, wall paper your bathroom? If you get someone’s card and send them a blind email, or worse your Newsletter, they will usually delete it. You should get to know someone a little and IF there’s a match, exchange cards. A match could include people in one of 3 categories: 1.) I can help this person. 2.) This person can help me. 3). I know someone who can help this person.

6. Do– Break Out of Your Comfort Zone. It’s fun to be social and talk with the people you know and like–and if they are part of your plan to be successful, then keep it up. Just remember the reason you’re attending. Don’t you hate that awkward feeling of wanting to break into what looks like an interesting group–but you don’t because they obviously ALL know each other? Or you’re just too shy to try and meet anyone? Being quiet and introverted limits your opportunities. You might consider bringing a friend or two of your own to events to be your wing man. But in either case, remember your goal and get it done! Seize the day. Make it happen!

What do you think? Did I leave an important point out?

Chris Brogan at Oakley Oct. 12th

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:41:44 +0000

Chris Brogan, well-known social media marketing expert, best-selling author and A-list speaker is in Orange County for 1 Night Only to deliver a keynote at our next HUGE Networking event…

(This event is expected to sell out weeks in advance. There will be no walk-in’s.)

When: Tues. Oct. 12th 7:00-9:30pm

Where: Oakley Inc. HQ, One Icon Foothill Ranch, Calif. 92610

This is also a rare and special opportunity to network with some of of the top talent in Orange County within the inner sanctum of one of the hottest brands on the planet, Oakley. You’re probably on a first-name basis with a couple of their athletes– “Lance” & “Shaun.”

General Admission: $49

[General Admission includes access to the General Networking Reception at Oakley HQ, free food and beverage, free parking and keynote presentation with Chris Brogan.]

VIP: $99

[VIP Admission includes access to the VIP Networking Reception at Oakley HQ with other VIP's and Chris Brogan, Special behind-the-scenes tour of Oakley's facility, preferred seating, free food and beverage, free parking and keynote presentation with Chris Brogan.]

Agenda 7:00-7:50 pm–General & VIP reception and networking in the Lobby

7:55 pm — Welcome and announcements

8:00-9:00 pm Chris Brogan keynote

9:00-9:30 pm more networking

Who should attend?

Marketers, business owners, managers, executives…

*SoCal Action Sports Network is a 1 Goodbrain Company. Please note that you’ll see 1 Goodbrain Company on your credit card statement and receipt.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Wanna be a sponsor? Contact Bryan Elliott at: 1goodbrain@gmail.com or Tel. (714) 318-6086

How to Reach the Elusive Youth Market: Sept. 30th

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:13:06 +0000

[Photograph by Martin Schoeller]

SoCal Action Sports Network in partnership with The OC Ad Federation Presents:

Back to School: How to Reach the Elusive $150 Billion Youth Market

When: Sept. 30th 7:00-9:30 pm in Mission Viejo.

Special Hook Ups: $10 registration for the first 25 people only.

[Seating is limited, first come, first served. Registration will close after 25 spots filled.]

According to Fast Company Magazine, the youth market is a $150 billion dollar industry…
You’re invited to a very special networking event and panel discussion on Sept. 30, 2010.

What: Networking and Panel Discussion

Where:

Microsoft Store
555 The Shops Boulevard
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

When:

Agenda:
7:00-7:45pm Reception and networking
7:45-8:45pm Panel discussion and audience Q&A.
8:45-9:30pm Networking and conclusion.

Who:

The panelists include:
Marcelo Bengoechea: CEO and Co-Founder at Seshday.com in Solana Beach. Seshday.com is an invitation-only online retailer providing its members with exclusive access to short-term sales of premium action sports products with very attractive savings. An innovative distribution channel exclusively for the Action Sports Industry that moves closeouts and excess inventory quickly and discreetly. Marcelo is a long-time action sports industry veteran and former head of creative for Reef, a division of VF Corp. that also owns Vans, The North Face and several other brands.

Christopher Stumbles: Strategic Manager, Action Sports, Events, Partnerships – Monster Energy. Christopher’s day to day is Strategic management of actions sports, programs and sponsorships, athlete relations, event sponsorship and partnerships on a global level. Before Monster Energy, a division of Hansen Beverage Company, he was the Field Marketing Manager at Red Bull North America.

David Harris: Group Manager Digital and Alternative Marketing at Mazda North American Operations. David is responsible for all consumer facing websites including mobile, lead generation and experiential marketing. He also works on the development and execution of Mazda’s formalized social media practice. Before joining Mazda a year ago, David was the Sr. Advertising Manager at Suzuki Motor Corp.

John De LA Haye: the Microsoft Store. John heads up new business development and strategic partnerships in Southern California focusing on the brand new retail store in Mission Viejo. John is responsible for all of Microsoft products including Microsoft software, PC games and the popular X Box console and X Box Live online gaming experience.

Braden Dahl: Strategic Business Unit Manager – Action Sports, New Era Cap Company. Braden has helped build the action sports division of New Era’s global business, targeting strategic partnerships with a focus on skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, BMX, wakeboarding and street culture. He has built marketing and product platforms with some of the biggest brands, including Oakley, DC Shoes, Billabong, Red Bull, Fox Racing, USA Surfing, Metal Mulisha, 686, and the Transworld Media group, as well as with premiere athletes such as Danny Way, Greg Lutzka, Ryan Sheckler, James Stewart and Carey Hart.

SOLD OUT–SOLD OUT–’Engage or Die’ A Networking Event with Keynote Brian Solis

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:07:37 +0000

Engage or Die: What You Still Don’t Know about Social Media Marketing and PR

Tickets to the in-person networking event and presentation are now sold out. But you can still watch Brian Solis’ presentation LIVE or recorded On Demand. So put on your old sweat pants, warm up that dinner and sit down and relax in front of your own computer. We’re recording his presentation so you can watch it On Demand whenever you have time. Thanks to Sponsor Linked OC the reduced price is only $15 when you sign up before Aug. 19th (remaining cost covers camera crew, bandwidth etc to host this service).

Early Bird Registration: General admission ticket $29—($49 after August 19th) SOLD OUT

Early Bird Registration: VIP admission ticket $49— ($79 after August 19th) SOLD OUT

What: A special night of networking with an important keynote by A-list speaker, author and marketing guru Brian Solis. Brian is one of the foremost thought leaders in the category; his new book is called, Engage!

Where: Irvine (venue will be announced soon)

When: Thurs. August 26th, 7:00-9:30 pm

Agenda 7:00-7:45 pm–General & VIP reception and networking

7:45 pm -Welcome and announcements

8:00-9:00 pm Brian Solis keynote

9:00-9:30 pm networking

Who should attend?

Marketers, business owners, managers, executives…

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Wanna be a sponsor? On the same “Make a Payment” page that you can click thru to above, find the second bubble (below Event Registration) and you’ll see “Sponsorship.” Click the bubble and you’ll see a pull-down menu of sponsorships options and pricing. You can email Bryan Elliott at: 1goodbrain@gmail.com

Swag bag:

If you’ve got swag, we’ll put it in a bag and give it out to attendees. Since this is subject to approval, contact me directly if you’ve got something to give. We’re expecting 200+ people… You can email Bryan Elliott at: 1goodbrain@gmail.com

Get on The List

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:29:58 +0000

Just fill out the form below and sign up.

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Want to give it a try?

Step 1.

Fill out the form for 1 or more business locations. If you have multiple locations, fill out a new form and click “submit” for each location. That’s it for now! Q. What if my biz is not a traditional brick and mortar shop or I work from home?

This is super cool because you can set up a virtual shop anywhere you want without telling everyone your home address. Just put in your city, state and zip and you’re set. In the address field put in the method of contact: email address, phone number or your website.

Think about this—if you’re a small business that wants to get found in multiple cities, you could set up a location in those cities–e.g.– LA, OC and SD. Are you a Biz Dev Gal who covers a certain territory? Set up multiple virtual locations in various target areas.

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 First name


 

 Last name


 

 Company name


 

 Phone


 



 Work from home? (if yes, check the box)


 



 I dont' have a specific street address but want to get found in this city...


 

 Business Address (skip to keep street address only private)


 

 City


 

 State


 

 Zip


 

 Special Offer (keep it simple: limit 250 characters)


 

 Website (e.g. http:www.mywebsite.com)


 

 Email Address

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That’s it for now. More questions? Call me directly: 714 318-6086 or email: 1goodbrain@gmail.com
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Here’s what you get:

1. You get a custom ad on our exclusive mobile app: works like Foursquare & Gowalla API– uses GPS and Google Maps to help you reach a targeted, tuned-in local audience.

How is it different from the regular Foursquare or Gowalla? Instead of displaying “everything,” The List only features businesses that have “Special Offers.”

–*Select “Offers” and the app filters only businesses on Bryan’s Local List.

–*Select “Places” and it shows you everything else around you.

–*Customers Check-in to your location so you can validate and authenticate the offer. Keep track of how many customers come in.

–*Customer Check-in’s can also be shared to Facebook and Twitter providing more impressions and attention to your business.

–*Manage your business info and Special Offer from our web dashboard and update in real-time.

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FAQ’s

How many people will have the app? For starters, it’s free to download and we’re telling the 15,000+ registered members in our networks plus advertising it to 5 million potential households that are able to watch our TV show 24 in the OC.

—Next, we’ll put it in applicable app stores for the world to see

—Finally, we’re supporting the app with ongoing TV advertising, promotion thru social networks and other web and media partnerships.

Your business can get a chance to air a custom TV spot for free just for being on The List.

-When we reach 1,000 businesses on The List, I will randomly choose 3 businesses from The List monthly to have the chance to air a free custom TV spot on the show.

- “24 in the OC” reaches potentially 5 million Orange County households + a little up in LA and airs on PBS. One episode plays for a month and airs on average 20x–this translates to approx. 100 million potential impressions.

2. You get your ad emailed to our 15,000+ member community. Each week, I’ll choose 3 companies at random from The List and send out a “Deal of the Week” message with your “special offer.” As our community grows, you’ll reach more and more folks.

How does this compare to other services?

You probably know that traditional methods like print ads, web banners, direct mail, radio and TV cost a lot of money…

Services like Groupon use the power of collective buying to deliver insane deals and potentially lots of customers. But at what cost? The problem is you have to discount your product or service 50% or more and give up nearly 100% of your profit margin. And the offer isn’t always relevant to the receiver.

Google recently relaunched Google Places and you can add a listing and special offer for free. The free listing is a good idea for SEO. But you’d have to pay an additional $25/mo. for Google to color your tiny dot on the map listing a yellow highlight color. The problem is that you’re a tiny dot on a huge map and competing with everyone. You’re also still relying on strangers to find you–many of whom are Lookie Loo’s or only loyal to the lowest price.

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