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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:09:03 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Wendy's Blog</title><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:31:42 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright></copyright><language>en-US</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><item><title>The Good News Continues for Email Marketers!</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:15:55 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/6/28/the-good-news-continues-for-email-marketers.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:8123748</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Get this:&nbsp; Every dollar spent on email marketing generates an average of $57.25 in revenue. Astonishing, right? That statistic comes from the Direct Marketing Association. So, yes, the good news continues for email marketers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Another tidbit: You only have 7 seconds to grab and hold your recipient's attention.</p>
<p>Successful email marketing messages must be short, powerful, relevant  and to the point.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, be smart and keep it simple. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-8123748.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>5 Sensible Email Marketing Tips</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:32:37 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/15/5-sensible-email-marketing-tips.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:7351676</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Every day, I try to read my favorite&nbsp;email marketing blogs.&nbsp; I also try to take the time to open up the newsletters that I've subscribed to and see what is new and exciting.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I find it refreshing to read something that is basic, sensible and not new at all!</p>
<p>Take a minute and&nbsp;read this article on 5 Email Marketing Tips to help&nbsp;boost your campaign's success!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100415/FREE/100419950/1085/FREE#seenit">http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100415/FREE/100419950/1085/FREE#seenit</a></p>
<p>Enjoy!&nbsp; Share your thoughts..&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-7351676.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Watch + Learn: James Haughey Speaks to ASM about 2010 outlook..</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:38:26 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/13/watch-learn-james-haughey-speaks-to-asm-about-2010-outlook.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:7311605</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.associatedsubs.com">Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts</a> had the privilege of James Haughey, Chief Economist at Reed Construction Data, speak about what is in store for 2010 and beyond.&nbsp; Watch the presentation and download the Power Point pdf&nbsp;to share with others.</p>
<p><a href="http://asm.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&amp;subarticlenbr=78">http://asm.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&amp;subarticlenbr=78</a></p>
<p>Share your thoughts.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-7311605.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Is Social Media Getting in the Way of Email Marketing Effectiveness?</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:59:29 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/13/is-social-media-getting-in-the-way-of-email-marketing-effect.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:7311090</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Now more than ever, we have multiple options as to how we can get our message out to our prospects and customers.&nbsp; What is the best vehicle?&nbsp; Do you stick with traditional email marketing?&nbsp; Do you ditch the email marketing and focus on social media?&nbsp; Well, according to <a href="http://www.marketingsherpa.com">MarketingSherpa</a>, email still prevails.&nbsp; Check out the results of the study:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1007626">Social Not a Threat to Email</a>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-7311090.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>SMART SMALL BUSINESS IDEA: 2 BUSINESSES &amp; 1 MARKETING PLAN</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:55 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/1/14/smart-small-business-idea-2-businesses-1-marketing-plan.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:6325879</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Last week I came across an article that resonated with me.&nbsp; The article talks about a creative way for small businesses to market their services in today's economic environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, joining forces with another business and build a joint marketing plan.&nbsp; I like&nbsp;it!</p>
<p>As with any plan, though, it&nbsp;requires a good amount of thought.&nbsp; The two companies should&nbsp;offer complimentary not competitive&nbsp;products and/or services.&nbsp; As an example:&nbsp; A residential home builder and a window supplier.&nbsp; Or, a clothing&nbsp;designer and a boutique merchant.</p>
<p>Consider finding a marketing partner that has the exact same target market as you.&nbsp; Your customers fit the same demographic profile.&nbsp; By&nbsp;merging your contact lists, your reach&nbsp;automatically increases and you are hitting&nbsp;the right market.&nbsp; It allows you and your partner to share costs, too!</p>
<p>Developing joint promotions can also be an option.&nbsp;Think about creatively packaging&nbsp;a desirable offering that benefits you and your marketing partner.&nbsp; What a great way to bring in new business!</p>
<p>To read the entire article, follow me on Twitter!&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com">WendyGanson</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-6325879.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>GET LOUD IN A QUIET MARKET!</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:18:56 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/12/8/get-loud-in-a-quiet-market.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:6019578</guid><description><![CDATA[<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
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<div>What Is&nbsp;Your Plan&nbsp;for 2010?&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: small;">from Wendy Ganson</span>&nbsp;</div>
</strong></span></span></span><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2F&amp;id=preview" target="_blank"><img src="http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp299/Imaginemg/WendyHeadshots009-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Wendy CC Headshot" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<div><span style="color: #990033;"><strong>GET LOUD IN A QUIET MARKET!
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</strong></span>Think about it, many companies have cut back on their marketing efforts.&nbsp; The result: INVISIBILITY! POOF!</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>What better time than now to gain great VISIBILITY?&nbsp; Your 2010 plan should focus on building a marketing strategy where you spend your budget wisely and capture the spotlight.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
Consider making a splash&nbsp;NOW while many of your competitors remain out of sight. They are likely waiting for the&nbsp;uptick to kick in...
<div>&nbsp;</div>
If you want your sales to increase, YOUR business must be visible.&nbsp; <strong>GET LOUD!</strong> Take advantage of the <strong>QUIET MARKET.</strong>&nbsp;
<div>&nbsp;</div>
Establish a budget (no matter how small), create a plan and stick to it!
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Here are some tips for you to consider:</div>
<div>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div><strong><span style="color: #990033;">MAKE A PLAN THAT WORKS FOR TODAY'S MARKET CONDITIONS:</span></strong></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
Take the time to spruce up your image!
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<strong><span style="color: #990033;">YOUR WEBSITE IS A SMART PLACE TO START!</span></strong>&nbsp; If your website does not represent your company, it needs a tune-up.&nbsp; Think of it as your brochure.&nbsp; It is&nbsp;your opportunity to make a great first impression.&nbsp;Learn how your site works. Is it optimized? Add new pictures, links and copy.&nbsp; Evaluate your web statistics and see what they are telling you.
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<strong><span style="color: #990033;">START A NEWSLETTER!</span></strong>&nbsp; It is a powerful way to keep in touch with your customers.&nbsp; Deliver content that is informative and educational.&nbsp; Make sure the information is worthwhile.&nbsp; What a terrific way to remind people of your expertise!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><strong><span style="color: #990033;">GET OUT THERE AND NETWORK!</span></strong> Make yourself visible.&nbsp; Attend as many networking events as you can.&nbsp; Think of yourself as an effective marketing tool!&nbsp; Be sure to have your company's story ready to share.&nbsp; Work it!</div>
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<div><span style="color: #990033;"><strong>WHO'S THE BOSS?</strong></span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Many times, marketing does not get the attention it deserves in a small business environment.&nbsp; The marketing hat is often worn by many or by no one at all.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><strong><span style="color: #990033;">PUT ONE PERSON IN CHARGE OF MARKETING.</span></strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Who will take ownership of your marketing plan?&nbsp; Who will make sure the strategy is on course and on budget? Who is measuring results? Being VISIBLE requires a plan and accountability.&nbsp;Your company will be INVISIBLE unless someone owns the stategy and tasks to get it done.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
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<div><span style="color: #990033;"><strong>NEED HELP?&nbsp;&nbsp;JUST ASK!<br />
<div>AT IMAGINE MARKETING GROUP, IT IS WHAT WE DO BEST!</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><strong><span style="color: #990033;">KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP. </span></strong>It will save you time and money in the long run!</div>
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<div>Check out our <a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2Fmarketing-mentor-package&amp;id=preview" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990033;"><strong>MARKETING MENTOR PACKAGE</strong></span></a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2F&amp;id=preview" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990033;"><strong>OUR SERVICES</strong></span></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>We want to help you <span style="font-size: small;"><strong>GET LOUD</strong></span> in 2010!</div>
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</strong></span>The best use of any employee's time is to have them focus on what they do best.&nbsp; Don't let your marketing person get bogged down with projects that are over their head or beyond their expertise.</div>
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #990033; font-size: small;"><strong>DON'T MISS OUR POPULAR TRAINING CLASSES:</strong></span></div>
<div align="left"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
SALES TRAINING</span></strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong>What:&nbsp; 2- Day Power Packed Sales Training&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong>When:&nbsp; December 18 &amp; 19 /&nbsp;8:30 AM - 5:00 PM</strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #990033; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2Fsales-training&amp;id=preview" target="_blank">More Details &amp; Registration&nbsp;</a></span></strong>&nbsp;</div>
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SEARCH MARKETING TRAINING</span></strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong>What:&nbsp; Boston SEO Workshop</strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong>When: April 21, 2010 / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM&nbsp; (SAVE $150 if you register by 12/31/09)</strong></div>
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #990033; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990033;"><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2Fsearch-marketing-training&amp;id=preview" target="_blank">More Details &amp; Registration&nbsp;</a>
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<div align="left"><strong>Have Questions?</strong></div>
<div align="left"><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vont9ddab.0.0.mpmmvybab.0&amp;ts=S0431&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imaginemarketinggroup.com%2Fcontact-us-today&amp;id=preview" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs093/1101413102060/img/33.png?a=1102861415893" border="0" alt="email_button.png" width="158" height="49" /></strong></a></div>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-6019578.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>PRISM AWARDS A HUGE SUCCESS!</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:29:51 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/10/16/prism-awards-a-huge-success.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:5503976</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 400px;" src="http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/storage/2009%20Prism%20Awards-7051.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1255718560701" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 400px;">Debra Grillo from Clarke along with Dan Flynn MC the PRISM AWARDS</span></span></p>
<p>On October 14, 2009, the Builders Association of Greater Boston celebrated the PRISM awards along with over 300 of it's members.&nbsp;Imagine Marketing Group was one of the event sponsors along with several other building industry companies.&nbsp; The theme was "There's No Business Like Home Business" which carried beautifully throughout the evening. The excitement and exhuberance that filled the air was&nbsp;nice to see and feel given the economic conditions that&nbsp;continues to affect&nbsp;many of the&nbsp;local residential building professionals in one way or another. Over 40 categories and almost twice as many awards were given out.&nbsp; To sum it up:&nbsp;A GREAT night had by all!</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-5503976.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>IMG JOINS LOCAL CHAMBER</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:06:45 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/10/6/img-joins-local-chamber.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:5416634</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>I joined my local Chamber of Commerce today.&nbsp;The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce &nbsp;<a href="http://www.newburyportchamber.org">http://www.newburyportchamber.org</a>&nbsp;Being a member of several organizations in the past, I understand how to maximize the benefits and opportunities of being a member.&nbsp; It is pretty simple:&nbsp; You just have to show up! But, the important question to ask yourself before joining an association is, "What is there to show up for?".&nbsp; After sitting with the membership gal, I was pleasantly surprised at their calendar of events and how many different opportunities there are for me to easily connect with fellow members right away.&nbsp; I am looking forward to meeting other business owners in my community and potentially working with new clients where the commute will be a breeeeze!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-5416634.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>EXPANSION = OPPORTUNITY</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:54:18 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/8/10/expansion-opportunity.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:4862350</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>As the business climate continues to change, so do we at Imagine Marketing Group.&nbsp; We have announced the expansion of our services to include sales services and solutions.&nbsp; Sometimes, it makes perfect sense to make changes.&nbsp; We believe marketing and sales go hand in hand.&nbsp; True complimentary business strategies.&nbsp; Incorporating both marketing and sales initiatives provides balance and will ultimately increase your bottom line.</p>
<p>We have partnered with Sandler Training out of Marlborough, MA to provide IMG's suite of sales services and solutions.&nbsp; They are a world class operation that have a proven track record.</p>
<p>Look for details about our kick off training class in September.&nbsp; We will be offering a One Day Boot Camp.&nbsp; Expect an intense session on HOW TO CLOSE BUSINESS.&nbsp; And, registering through IMG will get you an incredible discount.&nbsp; Stay tuned!&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-4862350.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>And the winner is.....</title><dc:creator>Wendy Ganson</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:51:17 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/8/10/and-the-winner-is.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">102109:2920369:4862296</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>PETER FEINMANN!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Congratulations to Peter for winning the Sox tickets.&nbsp; We wish him a nice, sunny, afternoon at good ole Fenway Park.&nbsp; And, of course, a WIN for our team!</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/rss-comments-entry-4862296.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>