Lower 2009 Biz Taxes

(Omaha, NE)  –  If 2009 turned into a – profitable year and your taxable income is too high - your business accountant may recommend that you lower your tax liability before January 1, 2010. With less than a few weeks left, the time may be now according to Omaha Marketer Susan Stern to – spend, spend, spend - on the following effective internet-driven business marketing expenses:

• –  A new and/or improved website
• – Professional Search Engine Business Listings
• – Creation of a Blog & Management of;  and,
• – An Internet video commercial touting your products/services

Stern PR’s Susan Stern can set up any of the above-listed services for your business – in Dec. 2009 - for 2010- so your business may receive an entire-year write-off.

Call Susan Stern today! 402-212-7489   sternpr@gmail.com 

 

Editor’s Note: Check w/your accountant to see if this plan benefits your company.

Susan Stern – Omaha

Stern PR – Signature Style
Writing – Forte!
Graphic Design – Custom
Web Design, Photography, Videography – Professional & Eye-catching

STERN PR handles all Corporate Identity Needs – On & Offline. Omaha Marketer Susan L. Stern Offers Outstanding Web Design, Video Marketing, Copywriting, Graphics, Photography – Name-branding Strategy - 4 Less.

How? Susan Stern brings to the table – a broad range of expertise – in advertising, marketing, public relations & broadcast journalism.  She crafts tasks single-handedly. A one-person specialist translates into affordability - ideal for small & medium-sized companies. “I cater to businesses in desperate need for a polished image & marketing expertise – at the right price,” emphasizes Susan.

Customer Satisfaction – No. 1 Priority — Outsource All UR Marketing – Let’s face it. You don’t specialize in any of these tasks. Run UR Business! Outsource the BEST way to get people to your products/services – Hire a Great Copywriter/Strategist & SEO pro-in-progress too! Says Susan Stern, owner/one-woman practitioner, “Copywriting is a niche specialty. I offer eye-catching writing, with the least words. After all, most people have a short attention span. I get your customers’ attention!”

Professional Services galore…

• Website Content & Design- View
• Email Marketing – Tout Specials Via Newsletter – Save Print/Postage Costs
• Web Advertising Banners!
• Web Landing Page – Low-Cost Site Alternative – Simple Design: View
• Blog Management View
• Online Videos! Corporate + Personal – Hot Niche Market
• Event Memory Slide Shows & Photography- Click
• Online Slide Show Invites  View
• Very Affordable Photography: Corporate, Wedding, Event & Graduation
• Unique Bizcard Design
• Custom Logos
• Targeted/Custom Designed Mailers
• Flyers & 6 Panel Brochures
• Newsletters: Front   Back
• Press Releases & Distribution
• Invitations
• Sales Pitch Letters
• Contract Writing – Legal
• Custom-picked Promo Stuff – Marketing giveaways that Customers Remember
• Name-branding, Name-building & Maintenance – Consistency in all Advertising
• Event Planning incl. Business Fairs
• Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Distribution & Heading Hunting – Popular!
• Crisis Management – P.R. Advise/Direction
• Competition Spying
• Speech Writing
• Radio AD Script & Voice-over

Biography – On a personal note, Susan’s hobbies include photography, abstract art, fine-tuning her graphic design talents & in-line skating. Topping the list of favorite’s – keeping her young daughter healthy, happy & active! Says Susan, “Motherhood is my greatest joy in life!”

Along with ten years in P.R. & Marketing, Susan offers a decade expertise in broadcast journalism & advertising production, primarily radio & TV including CBN Radio, Standard News Radio Network – Washington, D.C., Omaha’s KKAR-AM, KOIL-AM, ESPN-Radio 1620 AM, WOW-AM/FM, KVNO & WOWT, KTCB of Council Bluffs to name a few, both news & commercial aspects. Her work – has appeared on Nebraska Public Radio & CNN too. She’s done countless radio and TV ads.

Susan even scored a small movie role as Cindy Lindstrom, a TV reporter in the Miramax/Disney film Citizen Ruth.

In 2006, Susan – originally – unveiled Mom Muses – Ming Boggling News to share her opinions about news & motherhood. Then, as her one-woman business grew, this blog became an online portfolio to showcase her work.  The site boomed in 2009, around the same time Susan launched a revised, clean logo & self-taught graphic design. Thanks to the SEO skills Susan is learning, plus, most importantly, gaining traffic from word-of-mouth referrals combined with low-cost online advertising, now this blog has reached well over 7,000 visitors - & growing.  Omaha marketer Susan L. Stern is proud of the accomplishments she’s achieved – as she simultaneously maintains her number one commitment – working around her child’s school-day schedule.

Susan, by the way, holds memberships in the following organizations:

• National Association of Professional Women
• Ezine Articles – Designation as “Expert Author.”  – New as of October 2009!
• Screen Actors Guild
• Omaha Press Club
• Ironwood CC

Contact Susan Stern Today! 402-212-7489 or via email at sternpr@gmail.com

SEO Biz Tips Galore

Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern offers not only advice, but provides all of the below listed services to businesses. “I can help your organization boost its online presence – in search engines – to gain market traction.” Here’s how:

• Link Website to Blog – Professionally managed by www.sternpr4less.com
• Create a correctly coded, search engine-friendly website
• Fix an incorrectly coded, search engine-unfriendly website
• Craft an awesome website that’s modern, easy-to-read & nets results
• Share affiliate links of client websites, i.e. link-building
• Buy entry into recognized Web Directorys – low-cost
• Optimize your Internet Business Video to sites including Youtube 
• Let Stern PR create keyword-rich Google, Bing & Yahoo listings
• Post your key-rich business video commercial to your Website
• Let Stern PR submit your business marketing video to 70+ Social Media sites correctly
• Tout specials & coupons via a Twitter account
• Join for free – online memberships/merchant services
• Hire www.sternpr4less.com – write industry articles 4 online directories touting your industry issues
• Send out professionally-written internet press releases that net results! 

“None of these strategies listed above include pay-per-click,” emphasizes Susan Stern of www.sternpr4less.com.  Pay-per-click, according to one of my customers, can be a horror story for a small business. One client ended up paying $8.00 per click. The service failed to provide a worthwhile return. Instead, he took a loss.”

“I offer more effective strategies to increase a business’s search engine optimization including mass video marketing submission, properly tagged google, bing & yahoo listings, web directory submissions & more.  I base my SEO experience on what I personally use to market my own business.”

“It’s still exciting to me how I originally started my business simply based on a – free blog site at wordpress.com, word-of-mouth referrals, some slight sales, volunteer work and free ads on Craig’s list. Now, I can see my work is getting noticed. The phone keeps ringing.”

“My self-taught, search engine marketing techniques - have brought me on the 1st page of Google for searches in my industry. Now, I can offer the same for my customers at the right price.”

Contact Susan Stern today to implement these SEO techniques. 402-212-7489. Via email: sternpr@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: Anticipate additional SEO strategies to be announced. SEO is an art, not a science. It’s always a work-in-progress especially since the nation’s top search engine, i.e. Google, frequently changes its spidering techniques.

Email Marketing Power

Professionally-designed marketing emails – are effectively potent. ”Businesses searching for innovative ways to reach their target clientele or pursue leads – should get on this bandwagon now,” notes Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern. 

Most people check their email several times a day – at least. So, as long as the headline is attention-grabbing, it’s nearly guaranteed that when a business you frequent sends you an email – it will be opened! Inside of it, customers can print a coupon, read news, learn tips and more - based on marketing objectives.  Stern PR recommends monthly or quarterly emails.

This is not to say that traditional print advertising should cease. Instead, Stern PR recommends using both marketing methods, but once you build your email list, you can reduce the number of mailers, thereby spending less on printing & postage costs. Considerably! 

Some clientele, however, still need a hard copy. ”Postcard mailers remain necessary, especially with the older generation -who may not be connected to the internet.” Plus, sending periodic mailers remain an important tool to building a company’s impression rate, i.e., to achieve brand awareness and actual purchase intent.

Of course, not just any email will do. Businesses need to hire a great copywriter, graphic artist and branding strategist to get the job done right. Stern PR offers this service for less. Plus, the turnaround from start to finish – is quick.  So, let’s say it’s Friday afternoon, and your business prefers to launch a new campaign on Monday. Stern PR can promptly manage this project, with custom graphic design, industry articles, a coupon and more. Come Monday morning, your clients will receive the campaign in their inbox. How cool!  

The software Stern PR uses also offers tracking statistics. So, companies will know how many customers opened the email, which links they clicked and so forth. Email marketing is a small investment worth the pay out.

Call Susan Stern today for an email marketing quote. 402-212-7489.

 

Business Blog Benefits

(Omaha, NE)  –  Businesses reap – numerous benefits from having a Blog. Every business should have one. Here’s why:

• Search Engine Friendly – Blogs boost search engine rankings 
• Search Engine Marketing – Spidering search engines like Google love websites that are regularly updated with fresh, well written, keyword-rich content
• Provide Company News
• Customer Accessibility – 2-way Communication – Comments & Replies
• Appear Authoritative on your specific industry – Gain Customer Respect
• Low-cost solution to not having a website, or,
• Suppliments a Company Website – Link to Blog from Website
• Provides Brand Awareness
• Offer Customers easy-to-understand info about products/services

Obviously, any company benefits from having a blog that is updated regularly.

Stern PR offers blog set up, maintenance and management for Omaha-area businesses – at a reasonable rate.

Click links below – to view a partial list – of Blog Clients – Stern PR manages:

• Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
• SEO Business
• Homeowner’s Association

Successful selling is all about building relationships. Stern PR’s professionally-written blog articles will instill trust and respect in your potential customers.

Get a business blog! Monthly rates – very reasonable. Contact Susan Stern today ! 402-212-7489 Omaha.

Stern PR. Serious Strategy. Really.

Web Video Ads Work!

(Omaha, NE) — Omaha-area businesses hoping to expand their marketing mix should jump onboard – rather, jump online – with a custom-made video commercial & SEO submission by Stern PR. Video SEO is an under-utilized marketing strategy capable of leapfrogging your company ahead of your competitors. Most companies remain completely unaware of the power of video SEO.

Industry analysts predict that the web video market will continue to sizzle in 2009 and grow exponentially in 2010 – as more Americans reach for the internet before purchasing a product or service. Here in Omaha, P.R. Practitioner Susan Stern of www.sternpr4less.com -  is helping local businesses reach sales goals via search engine optimization of quality video spots on the airwaves well beyond youtube.com. Notes Susan, “My Omaha clients come to me for high quality creative videos - minus the high price tag. “

The internet marketing video Stern PR produces is sent out in mass to countless video sites utilizing keywords and tags that rank high in internet searches. “So, when someone does a Google.com or other search for your product or service, your video ranks high. As you can guess, most people would rather watch a video listing rather than read a paragraph of words.”

Stern PR’s signature-style Omaha video production – which she custom tailors to your business – may be embedded on your website or blog. No website? Stern PR will produce a simple, no nonsense landing page for your business, complete with a lead generator/contact form. See www.home1roofing.com or www.mrgranite.biz

Susan Stern also creates eye-popping professional websites with flash and pizazz! Informational sites and ecommerce (sell products). Stern PR handles it all – the copywriting, photography, template pick, and over all set up –  on behalf of her marketing clients. “Website design doesn’t have to break the bank. Says Susan, “I offer this service for less because I scour the world for pre-designed templates that my web guy can manipulate into a customized yet affordable look.”  www.snellheatingac.com         

Contact Omaha Marketer Susan Stern, 402-212-7489 or visit her portfolio at www.sternpr4less.com

Stern PR’s Latest Video. Client: All Clear Windows – Omaha

We’re listed in Omaha web design services section of Nebraska web design services directory at Finders – US web design directory

Wowable Web Writing

Let’s face it. You don’t specialize in writing. Run UR Business! Outsource the No. 1 way to get people to your products/services. Hire a Great Omaha Copywriter/Strategist.

Says Susan Stern, owner/one-woman marketer, “Copywriting is a niche specialty. I offer eye-catching writing, with the least words. After all, most people have a short attention span. I get your customers’ attention!”

Stern PR offers a variety of copywriting options catered to your business needs:

• website content – concise, enticing, brief and to-the-point
• ecommerce product descriptions
• Email Marketing
• Search Engine Listings
• industry articles
• news releases
• news letters
• sales pitch letters
• blog management – Click Here
• brochures
• editing & proof-reading
• resumes & Cover Letters
• coupon writing
• advertisements

Name the task. Stern PR. Serious Strategy. Really. 

Contact Susan Stern in Omaha today! 402-212-7489  

 

 

UR Biz Needs A Logo!

By Susan L. Stern

Q. Does someone who runs a small business need a logo?

A. Branding is fundamental whether you run a large, medium or small organization, including a home-based business. You need to differentiate yourself from your competitor. For that reason, without question, you need to have a brand identity! Of course, a logo plays a vital role – in creating a unique brand identity for your business. Additionally, a business logo makes you recognizable to customers. The goal is…for instant recognition of your business, name-branding, building & maintenance.

Q. How soon should a new business start using a logo?

A. Technically, you should secure a professionally designed logo - before you start your business.  However, it can be done backasswords, although it’s not recommended. For those who’ve already launched their business with a half-baked logo, the time is now to hire a professional designer, or your make-shift logo and the image it represents may deter potential customers from doing business with you.

Take note. If you’re budget is tight, spare the money to invest in a logo early on, and then add branding items as you build. Word of advice. Don’t buy logo-creation software – to do-it-yourself.  Besides looking unremarkably chincy, you’ll end up with a logo in limited formats. So, you’ll see pixels when you try to stretch it to a banner size, for instance.

Q. What are some design considerations Stern PR keeps in mind while creating a logo?

A. Stern PR uses the KISS formula (Keep It Simple Stupid) as a first consideration –  in logo design. In addition, it should portray the right message of your business with iconic representation. Fonts and colors should be easily recognizable. Your logo should look great in black and white too.

Q. What format should my logo be in?

A. Vector based images, made up of a set of mathematical equations (format file extensions including EPS, AI, SWF (flash animation) should be the starting point of any logo design process. A vector image can be scaled, re-sized and rotated without loss of quality. So, your logo will not pixelate or appear fuzzy on an outdoor banner for example. Vector file formats are as follows: EPS, AI, JPG, PNG and GIF.

Q. What other formats should I get?

A. Beside EPS format of your logo, your designer should provide you with pixel (raster) based versions of your logo including JPG, PNG, GIF. Of all three, PNG and GIF are ideal for logos, offering solid, contiguous colours without ringing, boxing or blurring. Plus, both formats support saving your logo with a transparent background, which is required for your logo to appear on a colored website background – without a white box. JPG’s are primarily used for photographs.

Here are the recommended formats and versions – that your logo designer should supply you: 
    – A greyscale (halftone) logo version.
    – A Black and White Linear version – best for fax cover sheets, low resolution
    – An EPS Version
    – A GIF or PNG Version
    – Your Logo in PDF 
   

Learn more about how up-and-coming Omaha graphic designer Susan Stern can create an affordable logo for your company. Click Here…

Online Video Ads

Businesses looking to expand their advertising options should focus on a rapidly expanding market – online video (OV) & traffic-driving (SEO) companies – to tout product/services. Still in its infancy, this niche speciality market is projected to grow exponentially as businesses see value in turning to online video for advertising, branding, eLearning/training & communication. The sooner businesses jump-on-board to push their product/brands – the wiser, in terms of effectively utilizing ad dollars to increase revenues.

Analysts predict that by the end of this year the video ad online market will grow to a $647 million/year industry. Companies like Google are currently tapping this market, evidenced by its recent purchase of YouTube.

Obviously, Google always looks toward the future, and has the history to demonstrate that it's investments are smart. Now that Google banks on the idea that a major portion of the $74 billion television advertising market will soon migrate – to online video ads, local business owners should take heed.

By Susan L. Stern
www.sternpr4less.com

Editor's Note: Stern PR at www.sternpr4less.com offers custom-created online videos at a reasonable rate, in cooperation with Search Engine Optimization Pro www.brandingbybakhit.com

NE Law Lax Cyberstalk

June 12, 2009 –  It’s truly amazing at the number of computer-related gadgets that people use to stalk, intimidate and steal personal communications such as emails.   A friend of mine, in a terrible divorce in Nebraska, experienced a non-traditional way of being stalked – via computer – keylogging. She discovered the snooping device on her laptop after her computer experienced an unusual slow down. Suspicious, she got to work. Based on her ex’s narcissistic/resentful personality, along with a www.PCMagazine.com article, led her to obtain a free www.spydoctor.com scan before she discovered the evil culprit. And no, her Norton Anti-Virus did not catch the keylogger.

Turns out, her soon-to-be-ex wanted a leg up during divorce litigation. Sneaky and conniving, he began cyberstalking, using PC Acme Keylogger at www.pcacme.com. How? He sent my pal an email with a seemingly legitimate attachment. Boom. It infected her computer. For three months, she estimates, that every password she typed, every email communication with her lawyer, etc., went straight to her disgruntled ex for his malicious eyes to read. Sure, she had the police issue him a ticket for “unauthorized use of a computer.” But, the stalker got off without a conviction. Why? The so-called award-winning program – is virtually untraceable. All her letters, emails, passwords, everything…got sent to a cyberspace server, where her ex logged in – to retrieve her private data. So, his personal/office IP address could not be traced as the keylogger instigator. Guess what? Prosecutors dropped charges. Why? No direct evidence. It’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the perpetrator, even though she knew – with 100% certainty – who was reasonsible. 

Two years post-divorce, she reports new violation of privacy issues with her newly remarried ex – via computer too. This time he sent her a series of self-destructing emails. He set a specific date/time to disentegrate the inappropriate communications using a service like www.bigsting.com or www.selfdestructingemails.com. It didn’t take long for my intelligent friend to figure out what happened to dozens of emails in her yahoo account. The headers remained, but there was empty content inside. Obviously, her ex-husband obsessively worried about the content of emails – he had sent her. So, he intentionally erased emails that would have haunted the con man if exposed. Here too, unless you have Outlook Express or another POP account, you won’t recover your missing emails. Fortunately, my pal printed most of them. She did a screenshot of the emails when they came in*. Whew!

Hard to believe that anyone can buy these programs. But in this internet driven-age, computer-related spy gizmos – are all the rage – especially since it’s nearly impossible to trace the culprit. So, be aware if you are a heavy computer user, and have a computer-saavy enemy with an agenda.  Best advice? Print out copies of emails that matter. When your computer freezes up unexpectedly, do some checking. Read. Run free scans for keyloggers and other malware on a periodic basis.

On all levels, the public needs to be more aware. Omaha Police and Douglas County prosecutors should enforce the existing law, “unauthorized access of a computer” by subpoening the credit card records and seize computers of suspected stealth stalkers. Nebraska Legislators should jump on board, and pass a specific law that addresses these crimes. Nebraska State Senators should make it a felony to spy on someone or destroy their property via computer. Finally,  Omaha media & print reporters should cover this sign-of-the-times issue – which contains all the elements of – a great news story.

For my pal, it’s no surprise that her ex resorted to these malicious antics. This is typical behavior from a control freak/narcissistic abuser. Yes, he should be arrested, and, perhaps, if Douglas County prosecutors got wise, they’d pursue these computer stalking cases. They’d get a lot of mileage for themselves, educate the public, while putting these stalkers behind bars as well.

Editor’s Note: To capture a screen shot of your emails, press the “print screen button” on your keyboard. Then, open up a “new” Microsoft word document. Right click on mouse. Then paste the file. Save/label document in appropriate file.

Editor’s Note No. 2: Keylogger programs like PC Acme Keylogger do have legitimate purposes, such as to keep track of your minor child’s web activities or to monitor employees and the like. But as the article above demonstrates, there are privacy concerns when someone uses it with malicious intent.

Resources: click here

Don’t Install IE 8!

June 11, 2009 –  By Susan L. Stern –  Don’t do it! Don’t bother installing the January 2009-released Internet Explorer 8 -  not at this date. Too many glitches. Problems. Some web pages don’t open right. You have to press the “compatibility icon” – for opening some websites, and to access gmail.com, my email service.

But, don’t get down on yourself either. Yes, I know, you got anxious, like I – eager to get - Wowee – Microsoft’s latest browser. Consider this mistake – a lesson for you and I. Sigh.

Game plan. Be proactive. Get rid of it!

There’s another problema. (I respect our spanish-speaking brethren)

First and foremost, if you purchase a new printer, let’s say, like I did, the CD software that comes with your purchase is not Internet Explorer 8 – ready. So, expect error messages galore. Ug. HP’s website was no help either – The automatic detection device froze  – like, eight times.

Turns out, after wasted hours,  I learned that I can NOT install the HP Deskjet F4280 with Internet Explorer 8. I assume that will occur with other internet products on the market. Talk about frustration.

Solution seeker. No, I did not give up. I scoured for some sort of driver patch – to no avail.

Again, I received – an error message related to Internet Explorer 8.

So, I opted to - remove IE 8, and replace it with IE 7 - the latter one of which – on the market 4 some time:

1. I went to – start- control panel – checked the “show updates”
2. Add and remove. I uninstalled Windows IE 8
3. Ho Hum
4. Okee dokee
5. Done!
6. I rebooted computer
7. Internet Explorer 7 automatically returns
8. When all is said and complete, I go to Microsoft Word. Open a document. Print. It Works! NEAT

As of this date, that darn Internet Explorer 8 – ain’t so great!

Editor’s Note: Get this. If you have pre-set your computer to install “Critical Security Updates” Internet Explorer 8 will eventually show up as a “Critical Security Update.”  Whatever you do, after clicking the Yellow Shield on your tool bar do NOT press “Express Install.” If you do, it will automatically install IE8. Instead, press “Custom Install” to see what it is. If it’s IE8, don’t install it, at least at this time.

Learn more about writer Susan Stern

Verbal Contracts

April 26, 2009 — A verbal agreement is worth the paper – it’s not written on. This is the lesson I am forced to learn as a small business owner who officially launched my new logo in January of ‘09.

Trial and error. Live and learn.

Forget about trusting a stranger who has called on you for an assignment, unless of course, it’s a referral or someone you already know. I usually don’t ask for money down in these cases.  I now require a deposit before I embark on the work.  Verbal contracts do not suffice. ‘Cause if you go ahead and spend hours on the verbally agreed to tasks – they may blow you off. Change their mind. Decide money is tight. Take advantage of the fact that there’s no written contract, etc.

Disappear into the sunset. You’re left with no money in your pocket for hours of hard work. Waste of time.

It happened to me - once, by a company out east. Shame on me for being naive.

All my regular clients understand how I operate. There’s mutual trust. I don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

Customer Satisfaction – My No. 1 Priority. Reasonable rates. Signature Style too. Whatever it takes, I stand by my work – and achieve results at the highest level.

So, when a company out east failed to pay me for a mass brochure, I learned a valuable lesson here. Get a deposit. A contract. Don’t trust people, unless I personally know them. It’s unfortunate, but a reality. Some business owners – out there – are unscrupulous.

Problematic Printers

(Omaha, NE)  — This Public Relations Practitioner – FED UP - with low-quality, promise-me-the-world online printers who guarantee delivery, but don’t deliver on time nor produce quality product. Those who tack on unneccessary “art” fees. Printers who don’t proof. Ug. Standard stuff. Idiocrity. Some online printers – shall suffice. But for the bulky promotional stuff – I go local, local, local.

THE WORST:  Full Color America, Check Inn Company of America, LLC.,  Printing error on bizcards due to failure on their part to properly communicate regarding Proof 2. Reprinted 500 cards incorrectly in November 2008. A total of 1,000 incorrect cards. I placed a stern order re-do request in January 2009. Ignored, despite convincing promise to deliver. Con job? Maybe. Yet there’s no product that has arrived – as of – this date of publication. It’s April 2009 and still nothing from fullcoloramerica.com a.k.a., Check Inn Company of America. 

vistaprint.com - No proofing for any of their products via printing dept. I sent them a high-quality CMYK colored vector graphic bizcard, yet they produced different colors. The bizcards had a white trim cut – that was not cool, nor my fault. Magnets – cheap and off-color. The pen I ordered was a mess, with logo layer mushed into the phone number. UPDATE: However, I ordered labels with my logo on it, and they arrived on-time and the colors turned out perfectly. I may give this low-cost printer another try. Expect loads of email offers.

nationalpen.com - This online printer redeemed itself after making a few mistakes with my order, but made good later. At first, they don’t pass on artwork to the Printing Dept. for several days after the order was placed causing a timeline delay – on my end. Their excuse - they don’t guarantee a delivery date. They fib on their website & claim delivery will occur within 7-10 days. Then, via email they said 15 days. Poor Customer Service. Snide and rude emails via email from so-called “customer service” to – me. I CANCELLED THE ORDER. Of course, I sent them a note…reminding them that they need to improve their public relations, get rid of extraneous art work charges,  and don’t make promises – they can’t keep.  Update - Despite cancelling the entire order – they sent/billed me 150 pens by deadline. That I did not authorize. However, I ended up needed them for a client’s business fair. The pens turned out GREAT. I may reconsider doing some business w/National Pen. Jan. ‘09 Update: They sent me a free pen with my logo on it – without charge. Impressive. I may give them another chance especially after talking to others who have had “a lot of luck” with nationalpen.com. Advice: order very, very earlier than your deadline to make certain delivery is per client specifications. April ‘09 Update: nationalpen.com sends me a free metal key chain with my logo on it – for free. Wow! Talk about redemption. I may do business with nationalpen.com again.

GREAT SO FAR: PSPrint.com. They actually called to alert me to a low-resolution logo. EXCELLENT Customer Service!  Standard stuff that most online printers - don’t bother to do, namely the poor printer - vistaprint.com.  Another positive review is 123print.com. Decent bizcard product -  a low price. Problem – their high-end bizcard w/ UV coating is thin and not premium. as claimed . Yet, they deliver product – on time.  However, there are no weekend deliveries. So an order on Wed. may not arrive ’til Monday.

GREAT SO FAR  – International Minute Press @ 76th & Cass- a local printer in Omaha that I got from a sales guy who attended a tips group in Omaha – the other day. Results: Great on meeting a tight deadline! Premium Product I ordered – Came Back Premium. Great email/phone communication with Tom, who offered recommendations as well. I shall use International Minute Press of Omaha again.

USE ONLY IN A PINCH. Fed Ex Kinkos. Horrible Initial Product – No Printing Proofing. Yet Excellent Re-Do Efforts - U must see the proofs yourself! Email or fax proofs DO NOT DO. Namely, 140th and West Center Road, Omaha, NE Fed Ex (Kinkos - name is about to be dropped -  buyout transition.) No printer proofing. Mis-aligned copy. No professional feedback. Crap. Kids & unqualified appear to run the show. But, on a POSITIVE NOTE, at the drop of a hat, they’ll reprint 4 free the documents they screwed up – after a decent argument – no qualms. However, u must schlep over there & dictate fixes. Expect to scrutinize copy. Ask them to re-print. Even change a border since the “graphic designer” can’t get it exactly right. Yes, it’s higher -priced. Not worth it – moneywise. UPDATE: If you’re pinched for time, FED EX is an ideal local printer. If you are printing for a school or other non-profit, even if you don’t have an account, you can negotiate an inexpensive price. But in a pinch 4 time  & you don’t mind physically driving to pre-proofs in person because online proofing won’t suffice- go ahead and choose this “fast-food” printer. Be prepared to babysit at Fed EX (kinkos logo – out soon due to buy out).

PENDING RATING. Since low printing price was a main factor for one client, I opted to try overnightprints.com in mid-April ‘09. I ordered 100 glossy, color, front and back postcards 5 w 8 h. Total cost after shipping. $31.00. That’s cheap. Wow. Before I placed the order, I went online and searched for coupons for overnightprints.com. Apparent 50% off. overnightprints.com coupon code = POSTCARDSALE . I’ll let you know how the product turns out, and if delivery is on time. On a side note, there telephone customer service – very professional & helpful. Before I place an order, I always call the company and have them review my proofs online to make sure dimensions are correct. 

Summary.. Oh my goodness. The hassles. The headaches. The stress 4 me. Sooner or later – I will find the best  printer/printers 4 – my clients. Keeping them happy – top goal, as is saving their money! ~Susan

Editor’s Note: The Headline, “Problematic Printers – A P.R. Practitioner’s Predicament is an alliteration. Webster’s Defined: : the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables.

Shock PR 4 Octo Mom

Editor, Susan Stern, Update: April 2, 2009 - PR Practitioner Victor Munoz conducts crisis management – for himself. Tonight he went on HLN (CNN’s formerly named – Headline News) to repair the poor public image he created after publicly blasting Octo mom Nadya Suleman last month. He spoke as if he cared about the client he once represented. When asked if Munoz hopes Nadya’s a good mom he replied yes, provided “she settles down, and stops doing all these blogs, and interviews.” P.R. Practitioners, like myself, refer to this as Crisis Management.  Ironically, Munoz, who’s hired to maintain, repair images, is forced to repair his own. You know what? It may have worked. Convincing. Although, he does seem like a sleazeball “PR Practitioner” – my 1st and last impression.

(Sun., March 8, 2009)  –  If Saturday’s USmagazine.com exclusive rings true. Shame, shame shame on you Mr. so-called Public Relation’s Practitioner, Victor Munoz. As the story goes. Munoz quit ’cause he couldn’t take Nadya Suleman anymore. Munoz is quoted as describing his former client as “nuts.”

Talk about unethical. Munoz crossed the line.

Excerpt – March 7th – USmagazine.com – EXCLUSIVE: Octo Mom’s New Publicist Quits: “This Woman Is Nuts”

Victor Munoz tells Usmagazine.com that he quit as Suleman’s rep Friday night. “It just got to be too much,” he says. “It’s pretty much a free-for- all over there right now. They are freaking out right now. “Not to sound arrogant, but those people depended on me for everything,” he continues. “You have no idea what I’ve had to do for these people.

“Nadya got real greedy. This woman is nuts,” he adds. “This I can say: what ultimately destroyed the business arrangement was personal reasons.” Munoz — who plans to meet with his lawyers Monday to go over the terms of his contract and confidentiality clause — did not go into further detail. –end–

No detail? Munoz spilled the beans – all over the place – and he went overboard, regarding his “feelings” toward Nadya, when in fact, he should be protecting her image, not bashing it further, even – after – he walked out the door.

Not the kind of PR Practitioner I would refer clients to…

Editor’s Note: My neighbor. Sheila E. quipped, “she must be nuts,” referring to the publicist’s comments about the Octo mom. That made me laugh. While perhaps true, so-called P.R. Practitioner Victor Munoz behaved unethically. Is it possible that maybe the “crazed” Octo mom suffers from Post Pardum Depression to the 8th degree?

Learn more about Susan Stern

Obama – Epiphany

By Susan L. Stern – January 19, 2009 – Martin Luther King Junior. This federal holiday today, and the historic inauguration tomorrow, gives me chills.

As an American, I can’t express enough my excitement and pride over this monumental time in American history. Our 1st black president will take power tomorrow, in a nation that for perhaps centuries treated blacks as second-class citizens. I feel uplifted. I’m touched. Oh my goodness. It’s incredible. Yes, it is true. In this melting pot of all religions and cultures, all things are possible in America, as Obama once chimed.

America is truly one-of-a-kind. We set an example for all nations, especially those that are hierarchial and discriminate based on religion, etc. With a Muslim-sounding name like Barack Hussein Obama, it’s certain to confuse the haters of the world. Could Obama serve as PR tool for America?

I wonder if Obama’s election was Gd’s blessing, especially in light of the terrorist presence in the Middle East and worldwide.  As a superpower, we set a positive example that democracy prevails. We bear the responsibility to shine the light. We lead the way. Acceptance of all people, no matter their religion or race.

On this day forward, let’s all be thankful for the joyous freedoms America accords us. It is here, only here, in the grand USA, where righteousness seems to prevail.

Blacks were once slaves.

Now it’s official and bonafide. All people, no matter the race or religion can be equal, here in America. Ride the wave outsiders.

Tomorrow, we shall set a new path. A new journey.

Moving. Touching.

Black, white, yellow. Yes, we all are from earth. But here in America. We are free. Let freedom ring. From every mountainside.

America is indeed beautiful.

Learn more about Susan Stern

Big Love – Sizzling

By Susan Stern

January 19, 2009 – Titillating! My eyes -  glued on the season premiere of HBO’s Big Love last night. Wow. It’s super exciting.  What’s interesting is how the producers made the show apropos [ap-ruh-poh] and timely to the current goings-on in America.

Theme No. 1: Bll Henrickson’s retail giant, Home Plus, feels the pinch of the recessionary economy. Theme No. 2: Fundamentalist Mormon polygamists are arrested, charged, and their actions make national headlines.

Big Love delved into real topics with which polygamist members deal, such as the inequalities of a patriarchal male-dominated culture where men, at their own discretion, may choose to abuse their power, their women and children. In the main character’s case, Bill, seems like a kind man, albeit for his insatiable appetite for more and more women, babies and sex.

Notably, the budding relationship of Bill’s new love interest, Anna (On’-uh) on the left, offers a glimpse into his big love for women. What a dog, Bill is. He’s got 3 wives with whom he can have so-called biblically-sanctioned sexual relations. Thanks to Viagra, he’s able to keep up. Soon he may be adding a 4th. Ruff, ruff. Yet, he’s a likable character. He’s good to his wives. He’s kinda hot, all of which makes the story enticing!

While some of the themes are pure Hollywood, this show covers ”normal” issues as well:

• judgment of others based on appearances without really knowing them
• envy and jealousy that surfaces when a man loves more than one woman
• homosexuality
• growing up & making decisions on whether to follow ones religious upbringing or stray
• premarital sex and religion
• the temptations of sin
• so-called heaven, hell and after-life issues

Big Love – quite a show. Sensational. Sexy. Controversial. Fun. Can’t wait ’til next Sunday!

Learn more about Susan Stern

PETA a PR Master

January 10,2009 -  I’m no fan of PETA, ’cause I wear fur & leather shoes - LIKE IT. But the organization, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, gets my attention p.r.-wise, for creating a genius campaign which generated free publicity in its effort to restrict fishing for food.

PETA bombarded the media with news releases describing edible sea creatures, i.e. sushi & the like, that enter our food chain to ’sea kittens.’ 

If you think about it, comparing yummy fish to felines, does a psychological number on you, especially if you own cats.

The sea kitten campaign made free headlines on media outlets worldwide – the goal of any organization that tries to influence an agenda.

Exposing Kush Debt

(Omaha, NE )  –  A retired Husker one-time superstar-turned Omaha furniture business owner got hit with a payback article by Omaha’s only daily newspaper, i.e. a monopoly, for reported unpaid advertising bills. The Omaha World Herald put Rod Kush & his debt information on the front page of the Sun. Nov. 22, 2008 newspaper. Obviously the OWH holds a grudge for reportedly $100,000 in unpaid bills to IT.

Payback is a bi#*ch. In this editor’s opinion, the Omaha World Herald should have kept this matter private. Does the newspaper think that Kush will now have any incentive to make good on his debts there? The OWH displayed poor taste.

Debt can be a public matter, yes indeed. Sure, citizens have a right to know Kush’s apparent downfall in the furniture business, since apparently lawsuits are pending, and Rod Kush is a public man. But in terms of respectability and good taste, these matters should remain private, unless, of course, the debt compromises tax dollars – which it apparently does not.

It’s obvious that the OWH is retaliating against Kush, by using its “voice.” 

As a former journalist, I actually feel empathy for this man, whom I never interviewed. As a public relations practitioner, I clearly see who behaves like a bully here. It makes the Omaha World Herald look negative for splashing Kush’s debt – below its masthead.

Editor’s Note: A masthead is the front page of a newspaper, located below the name of the newspaper.

Vala’s – Hay Okay

By Susan Stern – Omaha

For coupons scroll below

(Gretna, NE)  – Vala’s Pumpkin Patch near Omaha offers fun, not only for the kids, but for adults too. Take comedian www.amazingarthur.com who holds shows throughout the day on stage near the entrance/exit. Oh my gosh. I giggled everytime – he walked and talked. What a cutie pie, with the handsome chiseled jaw and dirty blond hair. Shucks. Yes, he seems absolutely amazing alright. He’s a hilarious man who peppers his jokes with a little bit of salt from the 80’s, great for our generation, and the ADHD-like magician variety of today. Moms may not leave their tree stump. Yes, there’s something other than pumpkins to look at. Sorry single moms. He’s got a ring on his finger. Tee hee.

Beyond Vala’s eye-candy, kids age 6 and up will enjoy the open air bouncy blob – a gigantic trampoline -like jumping device – but safer – which offers loads of fun. The free blob is a great way for children to release their energy. There’s one for tweens/teens too. Mom’s and dad’s may partake. Of course, you gotta take off your shoes. Everyone.

The simple things keep the young ones happy, like climbing on John Deere tractors, and the hay rack ride. These offerings, plus the gorgeous colors of fall, teaming with happy children’s faces, can create picture perfect moments for camera enthusiasts. Don’t forget it!

If you’re looking for a discounted pumpkin purchase - look elsewhere - pumpkin finds here are for entertainment purposes only. Still, it’s a gob of fun to get off the hayrack tractor ride, and comb the field for the first pumpkin that suits your fancy.  But mothers take note. This activity should be the last on your list – otherwise you’ll be lugging a heavy pumpkin around for the day.

For action enthusiasts, there’s a pumpkin cannon shoot demonstration. And, you can fling a giant sling shot. 10 balls for $3.00.

Moms and dads. FYI. Don’t expect a Disney World Adventure here with lights, camera and flash action. It’s low-key country. Sure, there’s roughly 2 hours of stuff to do and see. But be prepared. Some of the sights might bore such as the non-spooky haunted house, storybrook lane and similar scenes. Yawn. But, it’s fun to watch young ones enjoy these activities, including petting the farm animals. 

But hay….Everyone likes the train. Cost $2.50. The pig race kills time. Kinda interestering. If all else fails, you can munch on food like turkey legs, fried Succotash, or Barbecue. Blow some cash, why don’t you?! You can spend some dough if you shop here for Halloween supplies and other goods – gords, jellies, cider, scented candles and such.   

As for admission at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, it ain’t cheap, but not too costly either. However, the price went up $.25 cents from last season. In 2009, expect to pay $12.25 per person on Saturday’s and Sunday’s – packed but popular days to go.  

2009 Vala’s Update: For the budget conscious, consider visiting the pumpkin patch after school on Monday’s, Tuesday’s & Wednesday’s where prices drop $3.25 per person to $10 per individual age 3 and older.

GENERAL ADMISSION – 2009
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
$12.25 per person (ages 2 and under are Free)

 

DISCOUNT DAY – 2009
Every Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
$9.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free

 

Editor’s Note: I discovered – not a lot of coupon options – again this year at Vala’s.

 

COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH 2009

 

Click here for Free Vala Superpass Info 

 

CLICK HERE FOR COUPONS

 

 

www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

 

 

Article written by Omaha mom, Susan L. Stern. Visit more of her work at www.sternpr4less.com

 

Smitfraud-C Bad

(Omaha, NE) — Heavy computer users like myself who download a lot of freeware such as Fonts and converters for advertising may eventually get hit with malware! I did just today, but fortunately – I think – I removed it after several hours of research.

The bug fooled me to say the least. It showed up falsely appearing like a Microsoft Internet Explorer error page. There were two warning-like icons listed on my Start toolbar, located on the right side, toward the bottom by the time clock.

Both icons contained what appeared to be a “real” security-related icon with an X. I clicked it, and unbeknownst to me, I must have installed additional trojans onto my computer. Ug.

I figured out it was a malicious fake because everytime I opened up IE, it went to a security-looking website with a name I did not recognize…

http://ahomepagepark.com/security/xp/ -

The above url is the homepage trickster

…warning me that my computer was infected and that I needed to download the file to remove the virus.

I didn’t. But it was too late. The virus was alive and kicking .

Wow! What a trick.

I downloaded the free Avast, and ran a scan. It displayed the Smitfraud-C virus, but it was unable to remove it.

I ran a scan using Spybot Search & Destroy. I found it, but SSD failed to remove Smitfraud-C.

I ran AVG – it did not locate it.

I did a google search with the headline, Smitfraud-C Removal Tool and found a so-called computer geek website with a related forum and links to removal tools.

For Smithfraud-C removal, I recommend that you click this URL and download the latest fix (the file contains both English and French versions):
http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/SmitfraudFix.exe

It automatically saves to desktop. I right-clicked it and followed the easy instructions. I believe the virus is gone. I reset my home page, by going to IE, tools, etc. I tested it, and so far, all appears okay. The warning icons on the tool bar are gone.

Now I am going to run Spybot Search and Destroy and Avast again to verify that it’s removed. Keep you posted….

————-Day 2 ————–

he1*!

————-Day 3 ————–

But as day 2 log above notes, my keyboard went bonko. I pressed an “m” and got a “2.” Luckily my neighbor came by and deleted all the anti-virus, antispyware programs that I over-installed on my computer. She uploaded Cox.net’s free McAfee security program. In the end, McAfee deleted the culprit. New, yes I said, new, computer is up and running again. So, whew! Back to work….

 

 

Nancy Disgrace?

(November 5, 2008)  –  Ever since CNN’s Nancy Grace hit the airwaves about a missing Florida toddler, Caylee Anthony, my eyes remain glued to the show – nightly. I enjoy when Grace “unleashes the lawyers.” I appreciate the delivery of her prosecutorial mantras including the rants of psychological experts, bounty hunters, blah blah.

Sometimes Grace, a former prosecutor, who always leans toward the State, pisses me off & perplexes me. Recently, she linked a size 5 or size 6 dress found by searchers to the missing Anthony toddler.

Hello! Any mother, except her, knows that a child Caylee’s age (then 18 months reportedly) does not wear Size 5 or Size 6 clothes.

Grace is so out of touch as a mom. Her comments regarding the dress seem surprising. Her lack of education on mommyhood comes from a TV personality who repeatedly exploit’s her twins via her program. Maybe a nanny works for her full-time, thus the reason she didn’t have an “element of doubt” about the dress size fiasco.

During the Nov. 5, 2008 show, the grandparents’ lawyer, whose name doesn’t matter to me, rightfully spoke out against Grace’s pro-State bias and unfairness.

Grace, usually effectively, rips the theories of Defense lawyers whom she invites on her show. Despite his guest status, the defense lawyer for Anthony grandparents, let Grace have it – deservedly! Verbal assault – she deserved. I want 2 throw up sometimes when Grace forgets about the civil rights of defendants. Grace seems like a poster child, per se  - 4 the prosecutorial movement.

If I were a lawyer, I’d work in the private sector, not for the state.

Stern PR Mission

Why did you start your business?

“Out of a love for creativity & providing services that net results,” notes Omaha Marketer Susan Stern on why she launched her own business. Susan brings to the table more than a decade combined in network/affiliate TV/Radio News as a reporter/producer/anchor. She offers in-depth experience in corporate copywriting, event planning, web content and video production. Susan Stern has tangled in all aspects of broadcasting, from news to commercial. She knows public relations, SEO, on and offline marketing, website design & more.

What makes you different than other similar businesses in your community?

Omaha Marketer Susan Stern, who manages accounts herself, offers a myriad of on and offline services keeping costs affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. Stern PR constantly expands service offerings based on customer need, an evolving internet industry combined with a commitment by Susan Stern to educate herself on new techniques involving graphic design, website design, photography, videography, search engine marketing and more. Quality work, creativity & affordable prices - are Stern PR commitments and client valued. Several commercial customers turn to Susan Stern to handle their own – family-related event planning including postcard/online invitations, photography, video montages and slide shows.

What do you like most about your community?

Based on a vibrant Omaha business community, Stern PR understands that there are countless opportunities to manage accounts within the Omaha metro-area. For one, new companies constantly emerge, and/or, existing ones seek effective internet marketing strategies. Many family-owned companies choose Stern PR because clients deal directly with Susan Stern, rather than a handful of individuals within a large organization. ”I handle tasks myself. My clients appreciate the personalized service that I offer. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done right!”  A one person firm translates into affordability.

To learn how Stern PR can catapult your business to new levels, contact Susan Stern today! 402-212-7489   

Email: sternpr@gmail.com

Business Fair Branding

Clock ticks
Pressure Mounts
Got a 2010 Omaha Business Fair to Plan?
Don’t fret…

Outsource Planning & Management to – Omaha Marketer Susan Stern of Stern PR

But 1st – Please – Visit Susan’s Online Portfolio…

Can & Do. Stern PR Works 4 U:
-picks promo materials
-handles signage
-creates brochures, flyers
-manages advertising
-co-manages the event – alongside you!
-puts your business in its best light

Contact Omaha Marketer Susan Stern today.
Rates Affordable… 212-7489 

Stern PR Videos – New

PROFESSIONAL VIDEO SLIDE SHOWS

Popular/niche offering. Susan Stern taps into her vast TV/radio reporter, commercial script-writing/voice-over background to create eye-popping professional videos for businesses and others:

• Biz Videos – Next to Your Search Engine Listing
• End of School Year – Slide Shows
• Graduation Slide Shows – Remembrances
• Weddings and Engagement Slide Shows
• Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, Catholic Confirmations and More

Susan Stern also offers video listings of your business on Search Engines by teaming up with www.brandingbybakhit.com

Ears to UR Kido

By Susan L. Stern – Omaha                                                                                           

January 20, 2009 – There’s one tip that parents of young children should do. Listen to your kids: what they say and what they try to say. I’ve seen parents go about their merry way, or those that dictate orders – alone. Both approaches are ineffective at raising a child - right. Imagine how frustrated/powerless a child feels when someone, anyone – from a parent, teacher or peer, fails to listen. The child learns that his/her opinion does not matter. Self-esteem – is inevitably negatively impacted. So, while a toddler’s rough attempt at formulating coherent sentences may be time-consuming for the adult recipient to ascertain, so what? It’s age appropriate. Drop what you’re doing. Look in her eyes, and listen.

Ann Coulter – Anti-Semite Uncovered!

By Susan Stern – January 10, 2009

I appreciate a highly-educated woman who catapults herself into the public eye, not for looks alone, but for her brain. When a female mouthpiece has both – looks and smarts – it’s always a bonus. Republican political pundit Ann Coulter seemed like she had a lot going for her, up until I discovered she’s an anti-semite.  Now she’s ugly, ugly.

Her horns serviced today on ABC’s “The View.” Barbara Walters, a known Jew, was Coultier’s target. Here’s an excerpt of today’s “The View.”

The talk took a particularly awkward turn when Ann accused Barbara of reading her book like it was something Adolf Hitler had written.

“I’ve never heard my book read aloud, like you’re reading Mein Kampf, and I just did,” Ann told Barbara, referring to Hitler’s manifesto. “Read it like you’re reading Mein Kampf again!”

“I don’t think I did,” Barbara said.

“I think you did,” Ann snapped. “You spat out the words, like I wasn’t sitting here.”

“I don’t appreciate the way you’re talking to her,” Sherri told Ann defending Barbara. “Nobody is attacking you. You don’t have to talk to her like that!”

Luckily, Whoopi wrapped up the madness by taking it to commercial.

———-

To Jews especially, references to Adolf Hitler are inappropriate, hateful & ignorant. Ann Coulter’s comment to Walters was telling. Bigot. She’s lost all credibility. Dumb witchy woman.

Editor’s Note:  

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mein Kampf, in English My Struggle or My Battle, is a book dictated by Adolf Hitler. It combines elements of autobiography with an exposition of Hitler’s National Socialist political ideology. Volume 1 of Mein Kampf was published in 1925 and Volume 2 in 1926.[1]

Bribe Kids to Read

The itch of learning and loving to read is not an easy task for any parent to teach their kindergarter. But the solution may be simply - bribery. Webster’s defined: (2) something to induce or influence.

Talk about results.

It’s easy to implement. Say your child sees a gigantic stuffed tiger while shopping at the supermarket. She pleads for you to buy it. You turn to her and say, ‘if you read 5 stories, then I will get it for you.’ 

Guess what? She’ll do it! She’ll actually read 5 stories and do so enthusiastically.  My daughter did. Wow, was she proud. 

I use this trick for a lot of the extras my sweet pea asks for. Result? Not only does she play along with my bribery game, but she is improving her reading skills, gaining confidence, and learning the value of hard work.  

My kindergartener’s favorite toy now is – the tiger. She took it proudly to school for show-and-tell, and retold the story to her peers and adults, about how she read 5 books and earned the tiger.

Bribery works. Maybe she’ll also learn that money does not grow on trees, a figure of speech, as well.

I’m So Excited – Wowee! – President-Elect Obama

Hooray, hooray! America picked not only a Democratic, but a historic first – a black president! I am so proud to be an American. We all should be. More on this subject later!