Category Archives: e-marketing and e-commerc

I Am a Rock…I Am an Island

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“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” ~Galileo Galilei

 The other day, I posted a poll on All Things Fulfilling about the use of social media marketing for advertising and promotion. We encourage our readers to participate in the poll. It takes one second to select one of three choices and hit submit. Nothing to it! Here is a link that takes you directly to the poll. http://bit.ly/MpETzc.

I subsequently received an e-mail from my twin sister asking me my opinion of whether e-marketing is a passing trend or here to stay. Here is what she said verbatim. “I think people will tire quickly of FB, Twitter, etc. I really don’t enjoy it and think it will wear itself out but I may be the exception. What do you think since you use it all the time and if it fizzles what do you think will be the next thing in getting the word out for people with businesses since advertising had become so cost prohibitive.” 

Although my sister has tried hard to try to understand alot of what I do through my work, by being one of my most faithful readers of this blog, sometimes I think, she thinks, I am part of a “woo-woo” society because of the language I speak. I’ve been talking the language of independent publishing since 1998, and  some years ago I added social media dialect to my vernacular, too.

So that my sister doesn’t “give me the devil” for not answering her question, my opinion is that “social media is the foundation for a new generation of entrepreneurs in this century. The young professionals, who are up and coming, have different skill sets because they grew up on computers and they will use technology and all the advances that goes with it,  in ways that we can not even imagine to make money. ” That’s called progress. I have faith in it,  that is why I use it so extensively.

Am I rock solid in my thinking or am I an “island” out in the big blue ocean without a clue of what is going on in this 21st century? Fulfill my need to know how others feel about this issue of whether or not social media marketing is a passing trend, by answering the poll. Thanks!

More independent thoughts, words and views tomorrow on www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

Is Social Media Here to Stay?

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At Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC we value your opinion. All it takes is one selection, to let us know whether you think social media marketing is a passing trend, here to stay or if you are undecided. Please enter our opinion poll and we will share the results in an upcoming blog. Thank you.

A Wrinkle in Time on the World-Wide-Web

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“Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.” Carol Burnett

My guess is this quotation by Carol Burnett, was written far before the effectiveness of digital content was even realized. Who knows where writing travels when posted on the world-wide-web. It is a mystery how words, images and sounds journey in this global age of web-based communications.  

On Friday, our blog was about the theatrical release of the movie The Amazing Spider Man, a film that is now in cinemas worldwide. If you missed this blog, scroll down to it. The quote that I incorporated into the blog. “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion” really spoke to me – since I am a Leo. 

My birthday is in the month of August, and with each year that I age, so does the world-wide-web. The effective use of digital communications gets increasingly more complex and like my aging face, each new wrinkle connects to the next. One development on the web leads to another, it’s all about those spiders!  

It is fun trying to keep up with the latest methods of digital marketing, however demanding; a continual learning process. If your marketing strategies are antiquated, and you have not kept up with this digital world of communication, you are not utilizing the best way to reach potential buyers. The first place people go for information is to the computer.  

If you need education on how to effectively promote your business, product or service over the internet, there are companies that specialize in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. There is no reason to be invisible in this age of digital communication.

 This blog brought to you by  www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Blogging Benefits

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“A blog is in many ways a continuing conversation.” ~ Andrew Sullivan

According to my statistics, I am about 20 web logs away from reaching 900 on this site, All Things Fulfilling. “Could that be right?,” I ask myself. If someone told me less than three years ago, that I’d find so much fulfillment in blogging, I would have questioned it.

There have been other benefits, too. I have gleaned a lot of insight into exactly how difficult how difficult it is to proof read your OWN writing; the reason for using editors – a fresh set of eyes!

Did you read the article about the errors that were made when converting  Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace into an e-book? Often times, problems in the search and find features of publishing software are the cause of it; not always the fault of incompetent editors. http://bit.ly/KzfE0L.

You know, I recently published an e-book for a client. I will feature it in an upcoming blog, Although the title might lead you to believe it is about living with a red pen editor, it’s about another character who really made her mark in a community of other quirky characters.It is a good read, and many parts of it had me laughing out loud. For me, a real sign of a fulfilling reading experience.

I would like to express my gratitude to our readers who return time after time again to All Things Fulfilling. Even though I do not catch every proof-reading error, evidently, you like the content! That is extremely gratifying.

Return tomorrow, for more independent thoughts, words and views from All Things Fulfilling. The company blog site for  www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com.

What is Your Focus?

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“Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer

Back in February, as author of  All Things Fulfilling, I was featured on Ann Kochenberger’s “Out of Focus Again” website.  http://bit.ly/IpusLy.

Ann said this about my blog site “Her articles vary in subject matter so you never know what each day will bring.” I like that! She got it right. My primary focus is all things independent publishing. But art and inspiration tops the list, too. In fact, sometimes those subjects consume me. When you consider it, all are linked in with  creativity – independent words, views and thought.

Many published authors shy away blogging and from social media marketing, in my opinion, a big mistake! Fewer and fewer companies and individuals are using direct mail and print advertising to promote their products and services to potential buyers.  E- Marketing provides opportunity for reaching large communities of people who are interested in the same thing you are – your product or service. Isn’t  that the objective,  if you want to sell your independent publications?

What many independent publishers do not realize is that blogging and social media marketing is fun – an opportunity to use your creativity. Although it may seem like  there is an “out of focus again” variety of subjects that are on this website, believe me when I tell you, there is a method behind my madness. In fact, I am astonished at the number of followers from all over the world that have an interest in All Things Fulfilling. Thank you readers, for that!

So, I will continue to share my passion for independent publishing, art and inspiration. Sometimes in my blogging,  I even manage to surprise myself. When that happens, I really feel as if I have hit the marc!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Engage in Results Based Marketing

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“Being entirely honest with oneself is good exercise.” ~ Sigmund Freud

I’ve never thought that I have an addictive personality – could care less about chocolate, drugs have never been my thing and I tend to avoid big blasts of caffeine. A morning and afternoon cup of honey-laced tea is for me. Don’t even mingle with a just few sips of alcohol. It puts me off my feet. I’m not fitness-crazed; only the recommended daily walk.  Yet I have developed a co-dependency, there is no doubt!

Addictive personality traits help people deal with life, and in my case, addiction to social media brings gratification to the heart of the business. The substance behind the addiction of internet marketing is communication. How can anyone isolate themselves and not do business without engaging in social media? It does not work. Fact of the matter is, and I am not just trying to rationalize, in this day and age does anyone have a better choice?

All Things Fulfilling is my enabler. The blog connects me with other folks who live, breathe and talk independent publishing and find fulfillment in the creative arts.  My addiction to blogging is fueled by results.

This is one addiction worth hanging on to. If you are an independent business owner of any kind (including those who work in the creative arts) who is getting few positive results from  old fashioned marketing tactics, such as in-print ads and direct mailings, there is help available. Remember, we are now in the digital age.

Contact a company that specializes in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. Learn about the new dimension in advertising and promotion that is far reaching and relatively low cost. It is worth getting hooked ..

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

A Fulfilling Look Back

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“Feeling a part of that community is my greatest reward.” ~ Paul Parker

As I write this final blog post for the year 2011, I am taking stock of many of the exciting things that have transpired over the past year within the independent industry and in my corner of the publishing universe.

 The independent publishing industry is gaining momentum here and everywhere. In June, I formed a networking group for independent publishers in Routt County. Six months later, I am happy to report She Writes Steamboat is an affiliate member of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. We are over 30 “independents” strong, here in Steamboat. A healthy interest group, ranging from want-to-bes to newly-published to experienced publishers who are looking for support. All wish to be successful in their writing efforts and in selling their quality books. Many have new projects in the works and are exploring e-book publishing, too. Just yesterday, at our monthly SHe Writes Steamboat meeting, a bright and ambitious 16 yr old high school girl joined us. She has already published and is selling her first e-book. 

My downloadable webinar, “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” is now available, thanks to the Colorado Independent Publishing Association. This 18 minute presentation is offered at the reasonable price of $10. CIPA’s mission is to provide affordable opportunity for education about the industry. I am onboard with that idea, too! tp://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

Over the past year, I have been a contributing writer for the Steamboat Today Newspaper (The Steamboat Pilot). Interviewing and featuring the work of artists in different fields – painters, an actress/producer, independent filmmakers, writers and more on this blog site, has been fun. I am thrilled and grateful for all the opportunities I have had this year. It has been so rewarding to build relationships with blog readers, too. Thank you for visiting this site!  

Over 750 blogs have been published on All Things Fulfilling. The blogs are searchable by category and I invite you to peruse the many topics that have been covered. I will return to this post right after the New Year. In the meantime, I will be planning for the upcoming year and working on something that is very near and dear to my heart – my own book!  Merry Christmas to all. I hope you had a fulfilling year, too!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Treasured Time with a Child

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“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”  ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

If you visited All Things Fulfilling yesterday, I made a promise I intend to keep today. Here is a short list of my favorite children’s books, published in the 1980s ,when I was raising our young son. At the time, there was  nary whisper of the changes that were on the horizon for the publishing industry, at least not that I was aware of. Thus, the following books are mostly, if not all,  traditionally published. 

In today’s world, there are many fulfilling reads, for children and adults, published independently of the big six or seven conglomerates. What changes we have witnessed in publishing over the past ten or twelve years!  

Jan Brett’s books ranked high on our list of treasured children’s books. Living in the north country of Vermont, our family related to the Nordic themes and art illustrations that were present in most of Jan’s books:

  • The Mitten
  •  Trouble with Trolls
  •  Annie and the Wild Animals
  • Wild Christmas Reindeer

New Hampshire author, Tomie DePaolo’s books, claimed a stake in our hearts, too. My son’s love of Native American history and lore drew us to several of Tomie’s books.

  • The Legend of Indian Paintbrush
  • The Legend of Blue Bonnet
  • The Legend of the Poinsettia 

A few others to consider by various authors:

  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (now adapted for film)
  • The Napping House
  • The Jolly Postman
  • The Polar Express (also was adapted for film) 

Don’t forget to take time out of this busy holiday season to appreciate God’s gift to you, your child. Spending time with the little ones is far more valuable than anything you will ever find in a shopping mall! The rewards are great for both parent and child. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Northeastern Book Angels

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“If one looks closely enough, one can see angels in every piece of art.

 ~ Terri Guillemets 

“Mama, Do you Love Me?” Yes, I do sweet child! “More than a walrus loves his tusks,” I would recite. Barbara M. Joosse’s lyrical story, “Mama, Do You Love Me?” offered the perfect opportunity to teach my son about the unconditional love a mother has for a child along with learning about the Inuit culture and Artic wildlife, too. 

With my child, I read a staggering number of enticing and magnificent children’s books as he went through the years of growing up. Because reading together was not something either of us was willing to let go of, I had the privilege of reading to him daily until almost age 12. It was the most treasured and fulfilling part of our evening routine. 

Children have a natural ability to learn language. The importance of reading to a child and talking with them, even about simple things, can not be overstated. It is how a child builds a solid vocabulary for understanding the world around them and how they learn to communicate effectively with others. For more information on this topic, check out this article http://bit.ly/np1Xzh. 

The most fulfilling Christmas shopping I did each year was stepping inside the Publishers Weekly award-winning Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont. Picking out the most meaningful books I could find for my child, I knew my buying helped to support a top-notch independent bookstore. I also loved the mission of their Book Angel program which put worthwhile books into the hands of many underserved children in the State of Vermont. http://conta.cc/txlh5s. 

 As far as I was concerned, the best gifts given to my child at any time of year were new books or DVDs. Besides Legos, books and films were always his most prized holiday presents. They were gifts that kept on giving for many years. The money spent became a real investment in my child’s future, too.  

Come on back tomorrow. Since I am in the reminiscing mode, I will share a list of my favorite children’s books, published in the 1980’s that “Santa” gave my child over the years. It may help out with some last minute shopping ideas.

More independent, thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com tomorrow! Come on back!

 

Personal Stories: Breathings of the Heart

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“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~William Wordsworth 

Dear Santa, 

It has been many, many years since I have sent a letter to you in the North Pole. I want you to know I am grateful for the gifts that I have received throughout my life. I have much to be appreciative for and many of the gifts you have given me have been even grander than I could ever have dreamed. Sometimes, I don’t even realize how meaningful the gifts have been until long after they have been received. 

This year, I have a special request for Christmas. I would appreciate it if you would do what you possibly can to fulfill my gift wish list. I do understand if there are things that you can not give me, perhaps the timing is not right. I recognize you often get requests from people who should work on getting the gifts themselves. 

Several months ago, I embarked on telling my story. That’s right, I am writing a book. I have only just begun, so in order to complete my task, I need your elves to help me out. Hopefully, they will have the necessary tools and materials to help me construct what I am asking for. I will try to describe what I need, as best as I can. 

  • Perseverance and patience – bring the biggest boxes of  those items that you have!
  • Insight – I may need a shovel to go along with that. I might have to dig deep.
  • A dictionary or thesaurus to help me find the right words when I need them.
  • Some smart, independent -type publishing people. Maybe we can teach each other a thing or two. It often goes both ways.
  • A long lasting light bulb,  for internal use, to illuminate my mind. A new socket might help too.
  • Three strong signs – stop, go and proceed with caution. Send instructions along. I will  read them so I know which sign to follow before I go down the wrong path.
  • An energizer bunny to show me how to go on and on, so I can finish what I start.
  • If you give me a gift card for these things, please make sure it does not have an expiration date. I may need these things, and you, longer than I think to get this job done. 

P.S. Santa, if my requests are too great, please, no switches or coal. Just send my requests further north.  Maybe we have the same boss and perhaps he can help us both out.  Next year I will be back in touch. I promise I will work real hard with what you give me. When it is done, I want you to read my story and tell others what I did with the gifts. My requests, I hope, will be beneficial and fulfilling to you, too. Everyone needs a raise in life. 

 I’ll leave a carrot for the reindeer under the tree and something for you, too. Merry Christmas and have a Jolly New Year.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.