Red Carpet Marketing & Public Relations -- So proud to have worked with Opportunity Village, Shade Tree and now Miracle Flights as our pro bono clients...We are proud to have grown into another larger still office in 2010. We are growing and delivering world class service at reasonable prices. Vote for us....Extraordinary work at ordinary prices!
http://www.lvchamber.com/biz-e/nominate
Red Carpet Marketing & Public Relations -- under 5 employees category Vote for the LV economy....Vote for jobs...Vote today.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mary Ann McQueen Butcher
www.RedCarpetMarketing.com
info@LVRedCarpet.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Got a Droid? Here's are some "Must Have" Alternative Apps for You!
Got a Droid? Here's are some "Must Have" Alternative Apps for You!
Michael McGhee is a one of the principals of Anexeon. He is a technology visionary -- always ahead of the tech curve. Following is a "cheat sheet" Michael authored regarding Droids and how to get the most out of them with great apps.
Smart phones based on the Google Android operating system continue to gain in popularity. All major carriers offer Android based phones and a number of new phones are in the pipeline (http://www.androphones.com/). One of the major benefits of the Android platform is the evolving marketplace for applications. Similar to Apple's app store, marketplace is teeming with applications, with one distinct difference - Google doesn't have to approve apps before they can run on your phone. This means that a plethora of alternative applications and enhancements to the basic functions of Android are available. Don't like the web browser or email client that comes with Android? No problem, there's a replacement available. Want a different media player or an application to enhance the core calling features of the phone? No problem.
Because the platform is more open, it is also fractured, meaning that not all apps run on all phones and since all phones don't support every version of Android, you need to make sure the application will support your version of the Android OS and phone before you download and/or purchase. A quick way to do this is to thoroughly read the comments for the application in the Marketplace before downloading.
Below is a list of applications that I have installed as enhancements to my phone, the Motorola Droid, categorized by the type of program they replace.
CATEGORY
Email / Communications
Application & Notes:
• TOUCHDOWN -- A much-improved fully functional Outlook Client that surpasses BlackBerry for outlook integration
• VISUAL VOICEMAIL -- Verizon App, Visual Voicemail
• GOOGLE TALK -- Google’s chat app for Gmail
• GOOGLE VOICE -- Droid front end and integration for Google Voice app
• Browsing / Documents
DOLPHIN BROWSER -- Replaces standard Android browser, much more capable, pinch & zoom capability.
• ASTRO -- File Manager
• ANDROZIP -- Zip file support
• DOCUMENTS TO GO -- Word/Excel/PDF
Media / Commerce
• AMAZON MP3 / AMAZON Front End for Amazon’s music store, regular store
• DOUBLETWIST -- Load on PC, synchs music from iTunes library and others to Droid. Must upgrade to iTunes+ first (eliminate copyright protection)
• BEYONDPOD -- Outstanding RSS reader, front ends Goggle Reader as well.
• PANDORA -- Streaming Music
• DROIDLIVE -- Front end for Shout cast (radio)
• PAYPAL -- Manage Paypal account
Social Networking / Information
• DROIDIN -- Front End client for LinkedIn
• TWIDROID PRO -- Twitter
• FACEBOOK -- Built in FaceBook app
• WEATHER CHANNEL -- Interface to Weather Channel
• FLIXSTER -- Outstanding Movie / Showtime app
• NEWSPAPERS FULL -- Great front end for major newspapers
• AP Online Associated Press app. Great interface. Loads the RJ automatically.
• PLACES DIRECTORY -- Great directory by major categories (banks, medical, etc.)
Other
• WIFI TOGGLE -- One touch toggles Wi-Fi off/on
• ADVANCED TASK MANAGER -- Manages processes on the droid, keeps battery usage low
• SPEED TEST -- Bandwidth Tester
• REMOTE RDP -- Take over Screen/Kbd/Mouse
• POWER MANAGER -- Excellent Power Manager, uses profiles
http://www.Anexeon.com
http://www.RedCarpetMarketing.com
Michael McGhee is a one of the principals of Anexeon. He is a technology visionary -- always ahead of the tech curve. Following is a "cheat sheet" Michael authored regarding Droids and how to get the most out of them with great apps.
Smart phones based on the Google Android operating system continue to gain in popularity. All major carriers offer Android based phones and a number of new phones are in the pipeline (http://www.androphones.com/). One of the major benefits of the Android platform is the evolving marketplace for applications. Similar to Apple's app store, marketplace is teeming with applications, with one distinct difference - Google doesn't have to approve apps before they can run on your phone. This means that a plethora of alternative applications and enhancements to the basic functions of Android are available. Don't like the web browser or email client that comes with Android? No problem, there's a replacement available. Want a different media player or an application to enhance the core calling features of the phone? No problem.
Because the platform is more open, it is also fractured, meaning that not all apps run on all phones and since all phones don't support every version of Android, you need to make sure the application will support your version of the Android OS and phone before you download and/or purchase. A quick way to do this is to thoroughly read the comments for the application in the Marketplace before downloading.
Below is a list of applications that I have installed as enhancements to my phone, the Motorola Droid, categorized by the type of program they replace.
CATEGORY
Email / Communications
Application & Notes:
• TOUCHDOWN -- A much-improved fully functional Outlook Client that surpasses BlackBerry for outlook integration
• VISUAL VOICEMAIL -- Verizon App, Visual Voicemail
• GOOGLE TALK -- Google’s chat app for Gmail
• GOOGLE VOICE -- Droid front end and integration for Google Voice app
• Browsing / Documents
DOLPHIN BROWSER -- Replaces standard Android browser, much more capable, pinch & zoom capability.
• ASTRO -- File Manager
• ANDROZIP -- Zip file support
• DOCUMENTS TO GO -- Word/Excel/PDF
Media / Commerce
• AMAZON MP3 / AMAZON Front End for Amazon’s music store, regular store
• DOUBLETWIST -- Load on PC, synchs music from iTunes library and others to Droid. Must upgrade to iTunes+ first (eliminate copyright protection)
• BEYONDPOD -- Outstanding RSS reader, front ends Goggle Reader as well.
• PANDORA -- Streaming Music
• DROIDLIVE -- Front end for Shout cast (radio)
• PAYPAL -- Manage Paypal account
Social Networking / Information
• DROIDIN -- Front End client for LinkedIn
• TWIDROID PRO -- Twitter
• FACEBOOK -- Built in FaceBook app
• WEATHER CHANNEL -- Interface to Weather Channel
• FLIXSTER -- Outstanding Movie / Showtime app
• NEWSPAPERS FULL -- Great front end for major newspapers
• AP Online Associated Press app. Great interface. Loads the RJ automatically.
• PLACES DIRECTORY -- Great directory by major categories (banks, medical, etc.)
Other
• WIFI TOGGLE -- One touch toggles Wi-Fi off/on
• ADVANCED TASK MANAGER -- Manages processes on the droid, keeps battery usage low
• SPEED TEST -- Bandwidth Tester
• REMOTE RDP -- Take over Screen/Kbd/Mouse
• POWER MANAGER -- Excellent Power Manager, uses profiles
http://www.Anexeon.com
http://www.RedCarpetMarketing.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
Red Carpet Markting Past & Present Client List
Even I have to say "Wow!"
7-Eleven
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Albertson's
Anexeon
Basha's
Bob Massi, Attorney
Brendan Theaters
Cadillac Ranch All American Bar & Grill
Cisco Systems
Daphne's Greek Cafe
David Saxe Productions / V Theater
Fashion Show Mall
Galleria at Sunset Mall
Harrah's
Intel
King Ranch Market
Las Vegas 51s
Linksys
McDonald's
MEET Las Vegas
Mountain West Conference
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
The Producers (at Paris Las Vegas)
PepsiCo
Radiant Smiles
Ralph's
Seiji Limousine
Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge
Smith's Food & Drug Stores
Stomp Out Loud
Terrible's Hotel & Casino
Tony n' Tina's Wedding
Ventano's Italian Corner & Oyster Bar
Walt Disney Company
Westfield Shoppingtowns
Please let me know what else I can
7-Eleven
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Albertson's
Anexeon
Basha's
Bob Massi, Attorney
Brendan Theaters
Cadillac Ranch All American Bar & Grill
Cisco Systems
Daphne's Greek Cafe
David Saxe Productions / V Theater
Fashion Show Mall
Galleria at Sunset Mall
Harrah's
Intel
King Ranch Market
Las Vegas 51s
Linksys
McDonald's
MEET Las Vegas
Mountain West Conference
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
The Producers (at Paris Las Vegas)
PepsiCo
Radiant Smiles
Ralph's
Seiji Limousine
Silverton Casino Hotel Lodge
Smith's Food & Drug Stores
Stomp Out Loud
Terrible's Hotel & Casino
Tony n' Tina's Wedding
Ventano's Italian Corner & Oyster Bar
Walt Disney Company
Westfield Shoppingtowns
Please let me know what else I can
Monday, June 7, 2010
The kind of email that makes my Monday!
Hi Mary Ann,
Wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to meet you at CTAM West’s event. You made my round table experience a memorable one, next time I won’t text when you have the floor J I learned my lesson. I must say you were the highlight of the day. There was something about you, a calming presence that made me feel at home.. You left such an impression I read your bio, it’s the minister dealio!!!
Mary Ann, you are awesome!!! It was that genuine heart thing I picked up on. That is the ultimate went it comes to PR, you’re marketing for the “big guy”, that takes a special person. Thank you for your time Mary Ann and Thank you for making my first CTAM event fun and informative, you do affect people positively. . Great success in all your endeavors and I wish you the very best always.
Take care, Jeff
Wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to meet you at CTAM West’s event. You made my round table experience a memorable one, next time I won’t text when you have the floor J I learned my lesson. I must say you were the highlight of the day. There was something about you, a calming presence that made me feel at home.. You left such an impression I read your bio, it’s the minister dealio!!!
Mary Ann, you are awesome!!! It was that genuine heart thing I picked up on. That is the ultimate went it comes to PR, you’re marketing for the “big guy”, that takes a special person. Thank you for your time Mary Ann and Thank you for making my first CTAM event fun and informative, you do affect people positively. . Great success in all your endeavors and I wish you the very best always.
Take care, Jeff
Sunday, June 6, 2010
In Less than Three Years...
It's amazing what can happen in three years....the launch of a marketing and PR company in the worst economy since the great depression...in one of the hardest hit cities in the country -- Las Vegas.
Two web sites....7 new employees....15 accounts in the last year from entertainment (Tony n' Tina's Wedding) to technology (Anexeon) to restaurants (Cadillac Ranch and Ventano's)....Three offices in less than 12 months due to unprecedented growth....new professional affiliations like the Q Business Alliance and the Social Register of Las Vegas...
Then there is the downside....employees who the company had to let go due to inappropriate behavior -- giving away company information....sharing contacts and outright lying to the company and its customers. Totally unacceptable so while their service was appreciated, they had to go.
Another interesting phenomenon is the amount of malice people can have toward another company just because of the new company's success. Maybe if you would concentrate more on your business and less on ours, we not be kicking your butt.
Then there's the "pimping"....Oh how I highly dislike that. Phony potential clients call and ask for a meeting in the hopes of getting free information. A consultation is always free but a plan, tactics, contacts, etc.....not on your life.
This also a good time to mention barter....Do yourself a favor and don't use IMS or ITEX. Instead, barter with a reputable company that has services you want and vice versa.
And events? The ones we produce do not invite the "shrimp munchers" who just come for free food and alcohol.
But for every negative point, RCM & PR is grateful for what it is TODAY: an organization with a filled pipeline, a sharp, honest and customer-service focused staff, great contacts...our friends at David Saxe Productions and our new office on Dean Martin Drive.
Lest I forget, RCM & PR has a new area of practice: marketing to seniors. If you think, this is a small market....please do your research.... Our expertise can help you tap into the boomers, seniors and elderly who have more disposable income than any other group and who spend more time on the web than 18-34 year olds.
Please...Don't Be the Best Kept Secret....Contact us today: 24/7: 702 260-8282
Two web sites....7 new employees....15 accounts in the last year from entertainment (Tony n' Tina's Wedding) to technology (Anexeon) to restaurants (Cadillac Ranch and Ventano's)....Three offices in less than 12 months due to unprecedented growth....new professional affiliations like the Q Business Alliance and the Social Register of Las Vegas...
Then there is the downside....employees who the company had to let go due to inappropriate behavior -- giving away company information....sharing contacts and outright lying to the company and its customers. Totally unacceptable so while their service was appreciated, they had to go.
Another interesting phenomenon is the amount of malice people can have toward another company just because of the new company's success. Maybe if you would concentrate more on your business and less on ours, we not be kicking your butt.
Then there's the "pimping"....Oh how I highly dislike that. Phony potential clients call and ask for a meeting in the hopes of getting free information. A consultation is always free but a plan, tactics, contacts, etc.....not on your life.
This also a good time to mention barter....Do yourself a favor and don't use IMS or ITEX. Instead, barter with a reputable company that has services you want and vice versa.
And events? The ones we produce do not invite the "shrimp munchers" who just come for free food and alcohol.
But for every negative point, RCM & PR is grateful for what it is TODAY: an organization with a filled pipeline, a sharp, honest and customer-service focused staff, great contacts...our friends at David Saxe Productions and our new office on Dean Martin Drive.
Lest I forget, RCM & PR has a new area of practice: marketing to seniors. If you think, this is a small market....please do your research.... Our expertise can help you tap into the boomers, seniors and elderly who have more disposable income than any other group and who spend more time on the web than 18-34 year olds.
Please...Don't Be the Best Kept Secret....Contact us today: 24/7: 702 260-8282
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Growth in a Challenging Economy -- You CAN do It!
HOW TO GET A CLIENT MEETING THAT RESULTS IN $$$ -- It Starts with a Cold Call
We all know how tough it's been in the last two years. Many small businesses just couldn't make it and lots of large, established companies had to shut down as well. That said, there ARE ways for you and your company to grow right now in this economic climate. This will be first in a series of actual "how to" articles for both new and established businesses.
Let's talk about cold calling. No one really likes it but it's a reality. For many, it's downright uncomfortable. But if you are prepared you can find those new clients who want whatever it is you are selling.
Here's how to prepare: First, research the kind of companies you would like to work with. Research them thoroughly so you can speak knowledgably once you get them on the phone. Next, write down bullet points of what you'll say: your name, your company, why you are calling. Always ask for the department you think would include the final decision maker. That can be your biggest challenge as many of the "gatekeepers" will try and hang up quickly because you are a "sales call". Do NOT let that deter you.
When making calls, sound upbeat, happy and downright enthusiastic. It's much more likely that the person on the other end of the phone will be helpful by either providing a name, phone number or email address of the right person. When you get that info, act on it immediately! Either leave a voicemail stating you will call back or write an email introducing yourself. Now that's where many people stop. If you want to truly be successful and grow, get back on the phone the next day and use the art of persuasion to get yourself into your future client's office! Be brief but sound like the expert you are. No one knows what you are selling better than you, so give that elevator pitch and ask when you can come in for an appointment.
OK, (and some of this may be quite obvious to you), dress like a pro: No open toe shoes, micro-mini skirts or "casual Friday" clothes. I always tell my team to be better dressed than the client even if he or she is in jeans and a t-shirt. Have samples of whatever you are selling and if possible is very helpful since concepts are obtuse to potential buyers. If at all possible, bring a custom item just for that client. Plan to take not more than 30 minutes for your first meeting. When you are done, leave behind some material that reiterates the points of your meeting and a professional looking business card (nothing neon or printed off your computer). Be sure to get your potential client's card as well.
Before the end of that business day, write a thank you note to the person you met with. The subject line should read: "Thank You,
Follow Up -- then write the name of your company". A short, well-written note will suffice. It should include an action item that states you will be in touch the following week or in whatever timeframe you may have discussed. This is a MUST. One of the compliments I get often is "your follow up is great". What you do AFTER your meeting is as important as how you prepped. If you do not stay on top of new contacts -- even those you meet at networking mixers or online -- by picking up the phone, your chances of success are limited. Email and voicemail are great but nothing takes the place of one-on-one interaction. Build a good relationship and you will gain a loyal customer.
Regardless of how many "no" answers you get, keep a positive attitude and you WILL get new customers to buy from you.
Mary Ann McQueen Butcher
www.RedCarpetMarketing.com
We all know how tough it's been in the last two years. Many small businesses just couldn't make it and lots of large, established companies had to shut down as well. That said, there ARE ways for you and your company to grow right now in this economic climate. This will be first in a series of actual "how to" articles for both new and established businesses.
Let's talk about cold calling. No one really likes it but it's a reality. For many, it's downright uncomfortable. But if you are prepared you can find those new clients who want whatever it is you are selling.
Here's how to prepare: First, research the kind of companies you would like to work with. Research them thoroughly so you can speak knowledgably once you get them on the phone. Next, write down bullet points of what you'll say: your name, your company, why you are calling. Always ask for the department you think would include the final decision maker. That can be your biggest challenge as many of the "gatekeepers" will try and hang up quickly because you are a "sales call". Do NOT let that deter you.
When making calls, sound upbeat, happy and downright enthusiastic. It's much more likely that the person on the other end of the phone will be helpful by either providing a name, phone number or email address of the right person. When you get that info, act on it immediately! Either leave a voicemail stating you will call back or write an email introducing yourself. Now that's where many people stop. If you want to truly be successful and grow, get back on the phone the next day and use the art of persuasion to get yourself into your future client's office! Be brief but sound like the expert you are. No one knows what you are selling better than you, so give that elevator pitch and ask when you can come in for an appointment.
OK, (and some of this may be quite obvious to you), dress like a pro: No open toe shoes, micro-mini skirts or "casual Friday" clothes. I always tell my team to be better dressed than the client even if he or she is in jeans and a t-shirt. Have samples of whatever you are selling and if possible is very helpful since concepts are obtuse to potential buyers. If at all possible, bring a custom item just for that client. Plan to take not more than 30 minutes for your first meeting. When you are done, leave behind some material that reiterates the points of your meeting and a professional looking business card (nothing neon or printed off your computer). Be sure to get your potential client's card as well.
Before the end of that business day, write a thank you note to the person you met with. The subject line should read: "Thank You,
Follow Up -- then write the name of your company". A short, well-written note will suffice. It should include an action item that states you will be in touch the following week or in whatever timeframe you may have discussed. This is a MUST. One of the compliments I get often is "your follow up is great". What you do AFTER your meeting is as important as how you prepped. If you do not stay on top of new contacts -- even those you meet at networking mixers or online -- by picking up the phone, your chances of success are limited. Email and voicemail are great but nothing takes the place of one-on-one interaction. Build a good relationship and you will gain a loyal customer.
Regardless of how many "no" answers you get, keep a positive attitude and you WILL get new customers to buy from you.
Mary Ann McQueen Butcher
www.RedCarpetMarketing.com
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