20 Lounge, Scottsdale

“I was unhappy with the performance and atmosphere of low-cost nail facilities, yet didn’t want to pay the high prices of specialty resort spas. So, combining the best of both made perfect sense—value and pampered service in a hip environment—and the membership fee includes a monthly manicure, pedicure or waxing, as well as discounts on additional services and products.”

Ms. Griggs is right at the forefront of entrepreneurship. According to SCORE, a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to helping small business owners succeed, women-owned businesses are as financially sound and creditworthy as the typical firm in the U.S. economy, and are more likely to remain in business than the average U.S. firm. SCORE’s recent statistics show women entrepreneurs leading the pack, as women-owned firms are growing at more than double the rate of all other U.S. firms (23% and 9%, respectively).

According to the October 2009 report of the Center for Women’s Business Research (CWBR), “Women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all businesses and have done so for nearly three decades. The significance of the total amount of economic impact—$2.8 trillion—once again proves that women-owned firms are not a small, niche market but are a major contributor and player in the overall economy.”

We’re excited to help out Ms. Griggs as she builds up 20 Lounge in 2010.

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Social media blew wide open in 2009, but remained in a testing phase for many marketers throughout the year. But as successful campaigns changed marketers’ minds, many companies are now budgeting ahead with relish for using social media in 2010. As the chart from eMarketer below shows, many companies in key industries are moving from social media testing in 2009 to a full-blown marketing strategy using social media in 2010.

In fact, beverage company Pepsi made headlines today, announcing that it’s pulling its annual advertising spend for Super Bowl ads to use for social media in 2010. (A wise move). WebProNews wrote of the increasing importance of using social network as a marketing channel: “In the important 18-34 demographic, a whopping 85 percent use social media (texting, blogging or social networking), and the phenomenal growth of social media has the attention of every major company. This holiday season, Toys “R” Us developed a Facebook page that grew at the astounding rate of between 40,000 and 95,000 fans per day after its late November launch.”

The stats in the chart come from Marketing Sherpa’s 2010 Social Media Marketing Benchmark Report (see a free executive summary here)

Marketing Sherpa writes: As a relatively new and rapidly emerging tactic, social media is generally funded by either increasing the overall budget or, more often than not in the current economic climate, by shifting funds from other marketing line items to social media. However, social marketing budgets are growing at the expense of other tactics and a deeper dive into our 2010 Social Media Marketing Benchmark Report will show you which ones and to what extent.

eMarketer adds to the mix by writing: As marketers become more comfortable and more experienced using social media, they move from the trial phase of their marketing efforts toward strategic use of the channel. While the largest group of marketers is still somewhere in between, about one-quarter of social media marketers have made it to the strategic phase of their efforts.

eMarketer added: Most social marketing dollars (60%) next year will go toward staff salaries for activities such as blogging, content development and monitoring of social channels. Another two-fifths will be spent on outside help from agencies, consultancies and service providers.

Niche Focus Group has brought our marketing triad of PR, social media and SEO to many businesses large and small. Now is the time to act on social media. We cannot be more excited about 2010’s prospects. We hope you come along for the ride.

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Ever heard the quote, “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow?” This is on-point for today’s rapidly changing economy. As companies worldwide cut costs, the demand is for more creative, high impact, reliable marketing techniques. Businesses from small to the corporate conglomerate are now focusing on the internet as a powerful resource and marketing tool, but Search Engine Optimization is what’s getting the job done.

Troy Bohlke, President of Niche Focus Group in Phoenix, Arizona states, “As business development and marketing specialists, we’re always looking for the most effective way to increase our clients’ exposure on the internet. The accessibility of the ‘net’ to the public has grown exponentially, so it is critical to be aware of and utilize the most powerful, productive tools. Search Engine Optimization fits the bill and is undoubtedly the new wave of marketing effectiveness. Utilizing it correctly can quickly catapult a business to the top of its industry. Without it, it is simply left behind.”

Effective Search Engine Optimization increases traffic to a website by improving the internal and external factors influencing ranking in search results. It is mostly technical in nature and includes Web programming expertise combined with business, persuasion, sales and a love for competitive puzzle solving. SEO marketing is the key to promoting a company’s visibility, credibility and sales.

A survey on marketing budgets for 2009 was recently conducted by btobonline.com, a marketing strategy publication put out by Crain Communications Inc. In their survey, they found that nearly 43% of the 500 companies interviewed said their budgets for 2009 went down by a significant margin. Despite these decreases, however, 65% said that their online marketing budget increased, spotlighting a shift in the world of advertising.

“We are seeing an ongoing, secular shift from traditional to online media as marketers recognize that ad dollars invested in interactive media are effective at influencing consumers and delivering measurable results,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Part of this shift is the direct transfer of $25 billion of advertising dollars from traditional print to the internet. As a result, 24 of the 25 largest newspapers are experiencing record declines in their circulation, and anymore, only 18 percent of television campaigns generate a positive return.

Combine the above with the fact that in 1984, there were only 1000 internet devices, but by 2008, they totaled one billion, with 31 billion searches conducted every month. In fact today, 8 out of 10 shoppers search the Web before they buy, with 49 percent of Americans conducting at least one search every day.

On an average, online marketing has been increasing 8.6 percent per year and is expected to continue doing so through 2011. It will have grown from $41 billion in 2007 to an expected $69 billion by 2011.

“In this uncertain economy, where marketers know they need to do more with less,” continued Rothenberg, “interactive advertising provides the tools for them to build deep, engaging relationships with consumers—the experience marketers gain from this will deliver dividends, especially after the economy turns around.”

The Forbes 2009 Ad Effectiveness Survey says marketers of all sizes should start with Search Engine Optimization. According to the survey, 48 percent of marketers said that SEO was the best method for generating conversions online. More than one-half of marketers with budgets over $1 million agreed. In 2007, only 19 percent of all businesses utilized SEO as part of their online strategies. As of 2009, 39 percent are using Search Engine Optimization.

Effective website creation is no longer limited to technical skills, copywriting, links and search engine submission. It necessitates an intricate blend of more than 200 variables woven into its fabric. When Search Engine Optimization is done correctly, it not only achieves high rankings in the organic sections of search engine results pages, but an effective website now capable of maintaining desired revenue goals. Considering the exponential growth and effectiveness of the Web and the unparalleled competitiveness it has generated, one could say that having a website today without SEO and conversion optimization is like having a store without a cash register, or having a billboard in the middle of an isolated desert.

Bill Gates once said, “The Internet will help achieve ‘friction free capitalism’ by putting buyer and seller in direct contact and providing more information to both about each other.” This is already happening, as 25 percent of search results for the world’s top 20 of the largest brands are linked to user-generated content. The contact has been made, and it’s creating a marketing revolution. The shift mentioned by Rothenberg is major, and it can no longer be denied. Any business that attempts to do so may find itself trailing in the dust.

“Online advertising partnered with Search Engine Optimization is paramount to the success of businesses today,” states Bohlke with Niche Focus Group. “It is an undeniable factor in the success of my advertising firm, as well as the success of all my clients.”

Ever heard the quote, “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow?” This is on-point for today’s rapidly changing economy. As companies worldwide cut costs, the demand is for more creative, high impact, reliable marketing techniques. Businesses from small to the corporate conglomerate are now focusing on the internet as a powerful resource and marketing tool, but Search Engine Optimization is what’s getting the job done.

Troy Bohlke, President of Niche Focus Group in Phoenix, Arizona states, “As business development and marketing specialists, we’re always looking for the most effective way to increase our clients’ exposure on the internet. The accessibility of the ‘net’ to the public has grown exponentially, so it is critical to be aware of and utilize the most powerful, productive tools. Search Engine Optimization fits the bill and is undoubtedly the new wave of marketing effectiveness. Utilizing it correctly can quickly catapult a business to the top of its industry. Without it, it is simply left behind.”

Effective Search Engine Optimization increases traffic to a website by improving the internal and external factors influencing ranking in search results. It is mostly technical in nature and includes Web programming expertise combined with business, persuasion, sales and a love for competitive puzzle solving. SEO marketing is the key to promoting a company’s visibility, credibility and sales.

A survey on marketing budgets for 2009 was recently conducted by btobonline.com, a marketing strategy publication put out by Crain Communications Inc. In their survey, they found that nearly 43% of the 500 companies interviewed said their budgets for 2009 went down by a significant margin. Despite these decreases, however, 65% said that their online marketing budget increased, spotlighting a shift in the world of advertising.

“We are seeing an ongoing, secular shift from traditional to online media as marketers recognize that ad dollars invested in interactive media are effective at influencing consumers and delivering measurable results,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Part of this shift is the direct transfer of $25 billion of advertising dollars from traditional print to the internet. As a result, 24 of the 25 largest newspapers are experiencing record declines in their circulation, and anymore, only 18 percent of television campaigns generate a positive return.

Combine the above with the fact that in 1984, there were only 1000 internet devices, but by 2008, they totaled one billion, with 31 billion searches conducted every month. In fact today, 8 out of 10 shoppers search the Web before they buy, with 49 percent of Americans conducting at least one search every day.

On an average, online marketing has been increasing 8.6 percent per year and is expected to continue doing so through 2011. It will have grown from $41 billion in 2007 to an expected $69 billion by 2011.

“In this uncertain economy, where marketers know they need to do more with less,” continued Rothenberg, “interactive advertising provides the tools for them to build deep, engaging relationships with consumers—the experience marketers gain from this will deliver dividends, especially after the economy turns around.”

The Forbes 2009 Ad Effectiveness Survey says marketers of all sizes should start with Search Engine Optimization. According to the survey, 48 percent of marketers said that SEO was the best method for generating conversions online. More than one-half of marketers with budgets over $1 million agreed. In 2007, only 19 percent of all businesses utilized SEO as part of their online strategies. As of 2009, 39 percent are using Search Engine Optimization.

Effective website creation is no longer limited to technical skills, copywriting, links and search engine submission. It necessitates an intricate blend of more than 200 variables woven into its fabric. When Search Engine Optimization is done correctly, it not only achieves high rankings in the organic sections of search engine results pages, but an effective website now capable of maintaining desired revenue goals. Considering the exponential growth and effectiveness of the Web and the unparalleled competitiveness it has generated, one could say that having a website today without SEO and conversion optimization is like having a store without a cash register, or having a billboard in the middle of an isolated desert.

Bill Gates once said, “The Internet will help achieve ‘friction free capitalism’ by putting buyer and seller in direct contact and providing more information to both about each other.” This is already happening, as 25 percent of search results for the world’s top 20 of the largest brands are linked to user-generated content. The contact has been made, and it’s creating a marketing revolution. The shift mentioned by Rothenberg is major, and it can no longer be denied. Any business that attempts to do so may find itself trailing in the dust.

“Online advertising partnered with Search Engine Optimization is paramount to the success of businesses today,” states Bohlke with Niche Focus Group. “It is an undeniable factor in the success of my advertising firm, as well as the success of all my clients.”

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Niche Focus Group’s Grand Opening was grand, indeed! Catering was provided by world-renowned Christopher’s and fabulous Fat Freddy’s handled the “to die for” desserts. The food was paired with delicious wines from Casavino, and Scott the D.J. set the mood with all the right music and moves.

A very special thanks goes to the Westward Fund managers, E. Patrick La Voie and Steve Kohner. It was great having both of you with us. Add our fabulous list of attendees, too numerous to list here, and we remain humbled and grateful for all our business associates and friends who celebrated this joyous occasion with us!
 
With all the success Christopher Gross has enjoyed in the Valley, it was an honor and privilege to have the” finest of the finest” serving scrumptious morsels and providing unequaled attentiveness to our clients and guests. Christopher, Chef and owner of Christopher’s and Crush Lounge at the Biltmore Fashion Park, is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of America’s 10 Best New Chefs by Food and Wine magazine and the first chef in Arizona to receive the honorary Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence. 
 
Thinking our taste buds could not experience a higher “high”, the D.J. announced to all that famous Fat Freddy’s desserts were now being served! “I’ve never seen desserts like these before, so the only way to find out what they were was to taste them! I still don’t know what they were, or if they were even legal, but I know that I want more!” raved our fearless leader, Troy Bohlke. Fred Renstrom, Executive Chef and owner of Fat Freddy’s Catering and his new Café in Surprise, has experienced overwhelming success in the Valley for the past 15 years catering corporate events, weddings and BBQs, always with rave reviews.
 
What party could ever be complete without fine wines to compliment the rich hors d’oeuvres, entrees and mouthwatering desserts? Casavino Winery is one of Scottsdale’s best kept secrets and one that we will forever be raving about to everyone in the Valley!  Not only did they provide fine wines, including a beautiful Argentinean Malbec, a rich Cabernet and flavorful Zinfandel, but they allowed Niche Focus Group to private-label these delectable varieties especially for our soiree!
 
Among our awesome guests were several highly-respected public speakers. The evangelist himself, Steven Groves, President of TheSocialMediaBible.com made a noteworthy appearance. Speaking on behalf of Niche Focus Group, he gave free tips on the importance of including Social Media within marketing campaigns, as well as the impact it has on businesses and their future. Steven then handed the “baton” to Dave Sherman, the author of numerous books, including Elevating Your Elevator Speech. Dave shared the importance of Public Relations, Social Media and Search Engine Optimization, then proudly announced the engagement of his services by Niche Focus Group, stating how pleased he is to be a part of NFG’s success. 
 
Last, but certainly not least, Gene McNaughton stepped up to the mike and delivered a compelling talk on how to dominate your competition during a recession. Gene is the former Vice President and right-hand man of Anthony Robbins, and current partner of Chet Holmes, author of the best-seller, The Ultimate Sales Machine. This weekend Gene was the Master of Ceremonies for the 100th Year Anniversary celebration of the inception of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, where he formally introduced such famous authors as Anthony Robbins, Bob Proctor, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Brown, T. Harv Eker and John Assaraf.
 
This evening wouldn’t have been complete without the spectacular “Scott, the D.J.”, who staged the scene with great tunes and a mirror ball that virtually lit up the space. I have to admit it, I couldn’t help myself, I had to dance! Scott welcomed special requests with his seemingly unlimited repertoire of songs that had guests singing and dancing the night away. Absolutely, you got it, Scott will be invited back for our next event!
 
Dozens of new relationships were formed as our “old” friends met our “new” friends. More importantly, our clients, investors and friends had the opportunity to meet and connect with our talented team of 16, who make the magic happen at Niche Focus Group. If anyone ever questioned NFG’s ability to come through with great stuff for the media and web: articles, design, graphics and the like . . . the question no longer exists! Throughout the evening, guests admired and commented on the beautiful displays of our creative abilities and work product as they checked out our “new digs”. Be sure to view some of the photos (in the gallery to the right) taken throughout the evening by our wonderful photographer, Gary Cyrus  who subtly made his way around the room to catch partygoers feasting, dancing, and mingling.
 
Since our Grand Opening, we have been overwhelmed with emails of thanks and congratulations. Common to nearly all of them were “FUN” and “When is the next one?” We never want to leave anyone hanging, so let’s just say that we are a huge supporter of the holidays and, rest assured, we are already planning another bash, this time with enough space to accommodate all!
 
It was a fun-filled evening for all!! Let’s do it again . . .

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Talk about a good problem to have! Our friends at Fumar Cigars have been collecting all sorts of goodies for the war effort in the Middle East. Donations of cigars, golf balls and blankets have been pouring in since their successful 9/11 event in September. They have collected over 100,000 cigars that will be distributed during the holidays to various outposts and cigar clubs throughout Afghanistan and Baghdad. Fifty-thousand golf balls will also be delivered to the troops; and 1,200 blankets collected by Blankets For Babies will be delivered to the children in the remote village of Shakarut, accessible only on foot.
 
At this point, you might be thinking, “That’s great! So, what’s the problem?” Well, Fumar has spoken to Fed Ex and American Airlines, and while they are both very willing to help with generous price discounts, Fumar is still looking at $3000.00 in shipping charges! That’s a hefty price tag and one that Fumar can’t meet on its own. They need help!
 
Not only do they need help with shipping costs, but they need it fast. The cigars have been in storage and need to be sent asap, because:  1) there isn’t enough storage space to continue holding them all; and 2) the desert air is drying them out to the extent that much more exposure will destroy them. Also, the cigars will need to be shipped and distributed in stages, since there is no storage available overseas. Whatever space the military has is being used to store ammunition and gear. And, in order to get them to the troops before the holidays, they need to be shipped by November 10th, less than a month away.
 
How can you help? That’s a great question and one we can answer! Fumar Cigars has set up a bank account at Chase (JP Morgan) Bank, specifically for donations. Just go into any Chase or JP Morgan Bank and deposit your donation to Account #2904661952. The Routing Number is 122100024. All donations are tax deductible. If you need a receipt, please contact David Haddad at 623-594-4020 or email at events@fumarcigarsinc.com.
More good news! Fumar will be sponsoring another fundraising event over the Thanksgiving Holiday, from Friday, November 27th through Sunday, the 29th, at Fumar Cigars, 2010 W. Parkside Lane #110 in the Deer Valley Airpark, just off of 19th Ave., south of Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix. “Smashing Universal Healthcare” is the theme and they will be providing “Cash for Clunkers” cars . . . and a sledgehammer. Participants will get 2 whacks on an old clunker for $10, plus two Great Military logo cigars! All the proceeds will go towards shipping more cigars to our soldiers overseas.
 
Both Fumar Cigars and Niche Focus Group want to thank you in advance for your immediate help with the shipping charges for the October/November shipment of cigars, golf balls and children’s blankets. And, we look forward to seeing you at the next Fumar event, “Smashing Universal Healthcare” in November! If you’d like to receive future events, specials, and updates from Fumar Cigars, text the word : FUMAR to 38681.

Slayer Cigar ClubTali-banned Cigar Club

Victory Cigar ClubHickory Smoking Club

Tali-banned Cigar Club

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1.       Social Networking is Just for Kids

It was only recently that the majority of social networking sites were full of unscrupulous teenagers whose music blared with each downloaded page. While there are still plenty of teens and tweens cruising the net, social networks have grown considerably in a short amount of time. According to iStrategyLabs, the age group with the most users on Facebook is 35-54.  The 55+ group is growing at a whopping 513.7%! So you tell me . . . Is social networking just for kids?

2.  Social Media is for Reconnecting with Old Friends

With Facebook’s massive influx of followers and with all the buzz surrounding the site, it’s no wonder people have the misconception that social networking sites are “just a place to reconnect”.  It’s true that people are connecting to old friends and loved ones, however, just as many, if not more, are using these platforms for business and marketing purposes. Facebook, for example, allows companies to create pages and advertise on the side banners of profiles. Other sites like LinkedIn and FastPitch are geared almost exclusively towards connecting businesses, as well as promoting products and services. So, whatever your niche, you can find a place on the net that will meet your need.

3.       Too Difficult to Use and Keep Up with

If you weren’t born in the last 15 years with a computer attached to your hip, it might seem a bit intimidating to navigate the social sites. I’m not going to tell you that it is simple, because some of them can be daunting. What I will tell you, though, is this:  you are not the only one who doesn’t understand. There are plenty of people who need help in order to understand and utilize social networking sites; and you can bet that where there is a need, there is also a solution.

Manuals and video tutorials have been created to help you navigate all of the major networking sites and, better yet, many are free! Try beginning your search on a site like youtube or Google. Just type in your keywords, i.e. “facebook instruction manual”, into the search bar and away you go! This should pull up a ton of information on the subject. If, after all of that, you still aren’t satisfied, check out your local bookstore, there are plenty of books available on the major social sites.  With a little instruction, you are well on your way.

Internet and technology are moving at phenomenal rates and will continue to do so in the future, of that we can be certain. We, however, are only human and while we can get things done fairly quickly these days, we can never compete with the speed of today’s technology. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t keep up with what is important to us. It is simply a matter of prioritizing. What are you trying to accomplish? There are so many networks with which to become involved and more are being added as we “speak” . . . it is literally impossible to keep up with them all. So pick your niche; sign up for one of the sites; find a few authorities in the field; and take a deep breath!  You can do this . . . one foot in front of the other.

4.     It’s too Time-Consuming

This one really depends on YOU. Social Networking and Social Media in general, can absolutely take all the time in your day, and week for that matter! There is always one more conversation to have or one more article to read. Believe me, I have been there and had to learn the hard way, it is easy to get swallowed up in the process. In order to avoid this, set real limits for yourself and develop a strategy that you are comfortable with, it will help you stay up-to-date while keeping your sanity intact. And remember that Social Media is a tool, so use it that way.

A tool that I recommend is Google reader, it will help you organize and easily access your favorite blogs, articles, etc. keeping them all in one place. It’s a great tool that is available with any free gmail account. I look at it like a drawer in my house, everything has its place, and when I am ready to use something, I know exactly where to find it. I don’t have to search through a lot of drawers; everything is together, all in one drawer! And just think how much more productive you’ll be!  

5.       I’ll Lose my Privacy

Let’s look at this another way, if you’re having a conversation with someone you just met, are you going to share your whole life story, complete with intimate details? Most people would answer, “NO”. Facebook, for example, allows you to set your level of privacy so that only people you know can look at your information. You choose with whom you share this information; and you don’t have to approve every person who requests your friendship. If you don’t know them, or don’t want them to have access to your information, you simply deny their request. In most sites, you do not have to fill in every blank and put all your private information on display. Certain information is required, but it is minimal and fairly indistinguishable from the next person’s. It all boils down to what you’re comfortable sharing, you are the deciding factor.

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How does this thing work?

We thought you’d get a kick out of seeing an inner-office email that was sent out recently. Our CEO is a brilliant and creative man, but as with many of us, he sometimes resists change.
 
“Today was quite a day.  I’m not sure if any of you spoke with Troy later in the day, but something very monumental and somewhat shocking occurred.  I want you all to know, this was not easy and it required some major selling and arm twisting.  Here it goes . . .
 
Troy and I were out running around all day taking care of business.  We were on our way back to his place and I turned off the freeway onto his street.  Since this is the normal exit to his home, he was entirely unsuspecting.  I carried on with the conversation like nothing was happening, not wanting him to get suspicious and start putting up a fight.  I knew that if he caught wind of what I was up to, he’d immediately resist.  
 
He thought I was taking him home but I turned the other way and pulled into the parking lot of the nearby shopping center.  It was then that he realized what was happening . . . his breathing quickened into shallow breaths as though he was hyperventilating.  Then . . . he gave me the look.  You know the look . . . that Troy Bohlke look when you’re sure you’ve said or done something he’s disapproved of.  I took a deep breath and thought to myself, ‘Ok Bonni, the team is counting on you.’ 
 
I shut off the engine and he began screaming at me!  ‘No, don’t make me do it.  You can’t make me!’  I thought, ‘Wow, I never imagined it would be this hard!’  I got out of the car and went around to his side, opened up the door and grabbed him by the hand.  I said, ‘Troy Bohlke, you made a commitment to the team.  You know that our Landmark trained team takes commitment very seriously.’  He took a deep breath and wiped away a tear from his eye as he said, ‘Bonni, this is why you’re the Executive Director of Corporate Operations.  You hold me accountable to my commitments and make sure I follow through.’ 
 
I held his hand as we walked into Alltel and stepped up to the counter.  I said, ‘We’d like to get this gentleman a blackberry.  Troy took a deep breath and said, ‘YES, I’m ready to make the change.’  And the rest is history folks.  Yes!  Troy has a blackberry. Gone are the days of having to ask what’s on his calendar, gone are the long-awaited moments of him receiving e-mails.  Our CEO is about to enter the new millennium and leave the dark ages behind!”

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Ann Minch's Debtors Revolt

With her name splashed across MSN and her videos on youtube, it’s hard not to have heard of Ann Minch!  But if you have somehow missed the “big to-do”, let me fill you in.  Ann has a credit card through Bank of America (B of A).  As many credit card companies are doing right now, B of A recently increased Ann’s interest rates by nearly 50%.  Instead of sucking it up and paying it like most people would do, Ann took a different approach.  She refused to pay the card with the new rate AND took advantage of today’s social media revolution by creating and posting a video on youtube that was viewed by roughly 240,000 people.  No, not a mammoth amount considering how many people are out in cyberspace, but once the buzz began, the larger news stations immediately picked it up. 
 
At this point, B of A decided to step in, having their Executive VP of Existing Accounts call her to resolve the problem.  Now I don’t know about you, but in all my years of complaining about raised interest rates and bull maneuvers on behalf of credit card companies, I have never, ever, had anyone higher than a customer service representative give me a call to resolve the matter.
 
As Ann’s story illustrates, the power and influence of the Internet today is truly remarkable. The more consumers read, or in this case, watch, news items plastered on the pages of sites like MSN, it becomes increasingly difficult for big corporations to disregard customer concerns. The Internet is giving the “little guy” a voice like he’s never had before, in effect evening out the playing field.  In this age of no customer service, the Internet is forcing the hand of companies and organizations to be accountable for their actions. 
 
This is fantastic for consumers, but what does this mean for you as a company? Well that depends, just as this example worked against B of A, it can do the same for you, or you can begin today to build a presence on the Internet that will have the OPPOSITE effect. Of course, you might want to have a chat with your customer service representatives about their treatment of customers first.
 
Instead of attracting negative publicity, however, you can leverage the Internet to work for you.  At Niche Focus Group, our clients are getting the best, most effective publicity and reviews.  We aren’t your typical marketing agency—we are a Business Development Firm.  We help clients develop and build their business, even in the face of an intimidating recession.  Call us today and we’ll have one of our Business Development Strategists show you how we can help Build Your Bottom Line!!

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Corner Office

5450 High Street

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a few members of the Niche Focus Group Crew

Music was the perfect backdrop to a phenomenal event on 9/11! The sounds of Chuck Taylor, Jennifer Justice, Erin Kalin and Kyle Phelan could be heard above the laughter and cheerful conversations of over 1100 attendees of Fumar’s Patriot Day Event. The tantalizing smells of Fat Freddy’s scrumptious food inter-mingled with the sweet smell of smoked cigars gave the feeling of a friendly BBQ with family and friends.
 
The participants, both children and adults, had a blast climbing the rock wall, as well as throwing balls hoping to dunk bathing suit clad girls into the cool waters of the dunk tank. Over 20 businesses were represented in some form or fashion with information, incentives and/or products for sale. The Phoenix Police and military personnel from Luke Air Force Base were well represented with special treats for the attendees. The Police Department brought their race cars out for everyone’s viewing pleasure and Luke Air Force Base provided a military robot that obeyed voice command and entertained the crowds with a few cool tricks! 
 
As mentioned in previous posts, David Haddad, owner of Fumar Cigars, will be making another trip to the Middle East in November. This time, he’ll be going to Afghanistan to deliver cigars and packages from home to the troops, as well as blankets to malnourished and exposed children throughout the war-torn country. David will also be overseeing the construction of a much needed school while he is there. 
 
Donations were accepted at the event, including 1000 blankets for the upcoming trip. 420 cigars were purchased by attendees to bring a little bit of home to the soldiers’ Middle East experience.  Haddad is hoping to raise even more before his November trip, however. So, if you have blankets or cash you would like to donate, or would like to purchase cigars for the troops, you can either go to Fumar Cigars, 2010 W. Parkside Ln. #110, Phoenix, AZ 85027 (between 19th Ave. and I17) or contact David Haddad at events@fumarcigarsinc.com to make other arrangements or for additional information.
 
To everyone who attended this event and helped contribute towards the November trip to Afghanistan, Thank You. Thank you very much!!

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