Since our last newsletter we have released the following new projects:

Websites:

www.SaccoResearch.com 

Video:
 This month we also produced full length DVDs for several performances at EPAC.  As soon as we get a break in the action we'll be putting together a short "show reel" for all to see!If you are looking for a video solution... contact us... we can help! 

We love the environment! From fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and just spending time with friends you'll find our staff comfortable in the great outdoors.

Over the past few years we have made some significant changes to our studio to support the environment. We've made conscious decisions with our hardware. We have purchased specially designed 90% efficient power-supply units from Dell, Western Digital's Green Power hard drives, and an Energy Star rated Cooling unit from LG. We've implemented Dropbox services across our platforms and included iPad and Blackberry technology to minimize use of paper and increase our efficiency.

One of our last and probably largest initiatives moving forward will be implementing a paperless billing system beginning with the November 2011 billing cycle.

On or about November 1st, clients will begin receiving their monthly invoices and/or statements via email. An email will be generated from billing@greygoosegraphics.com with invoices, statements, etc. attached as a pdf document. As always, invoices are due on receipt.

We are encouraging you to join us in our initiative and will be offering the ability for you to pay your invoice online. In fact, we are so committed to this program, we'll even pick up the cost of the transaction. You would simply click on the link provided, sign up or sign in to the intuit payment system (brought to you by the makers of quickbooks.) It's easy, efficient, and free to you as our client.

FAQs

• Can I still pay by check? -Yes, you may continue to pay us by check if you wish. But why not save the envelope, stamp, and cost of printing for a check?
• What if I have an account or on a retainer? Only the delivery of your statement changes. We'll still track your account status and provide you monthly balance updates. They will just come in a pdf via email.
• Do you accept credit cards? - Yes, we still are accepting credit cards for payments. Visa, Master Card and Discover is accepted. For balances under $100 there are no associated fees. If your account balance is over $100 and you wish to pay by credit card, a processing fee of 4% will be added to cover our expenses in processing credit cards.
• Why do you charge a processing fee for credit cards? - We pride ourselves on delivering cost effective custom solutions. We do not mark up items like hosting, stock audio & photos, or many other supplies or products acquired for our clients. By passing on these prices to you, when you pay by credit card we would actually lose money on the percentages we are paying for the transactions. Rather than increasing our rates or marking products up for everyone (which we don't think would be fair) those who use credit cards for larger balances will be assessed a processing fee to cover this expense specific to their account.
• What If I want a paper invoice or statement? That's easy... print one! We'll send you a pdf which is already formatted for printing, you can print it to any computer printer. If this creates an issue for you, please contact us... we'll figure something out.

No matter how much time you've spent on social media sites, you've probably said something along the lines of "This is fun" or "I didn't know he/she was connected to that person. Small world." (Hopefully you've said both.)  

Yes, social media is a great marketing tool. It allows you to communicate with your customers and members in a less formal, more friendly way. It also lets you broaden your reach; people who've never heard of you can find your business or organization, and with one click can find out more about you.

Are you capitalizing on this extended reach and using social media to build your email list? After all, social media works, but it works better when you integrate it with other tools you're using, like email marketing. Here are 7 quick and easy ways to help you build your email list:

1. Tease the content of each newsletter issue before it's sent out with something simple like "Coming tomorrow." Tell your fans and followers they won't get the info unless they sign up. Include a link to your subscription page.

2. Post a summary of an article from your newsletter on your Facebook Page, either as a preview or after it's sent, and ask a provocative question that relates to it. If your fans want the whole story, they'll have to subscribe to your newsletter. 

3. If your newsletter issue has a theme, pique the interest of your fans and followers by teasing that, either with some related posts or by asking customers, members, or constituents for their thoughts on it. Then tease each article separately. 

4. Use the Constant Contact Join My Mailing List app for Facebook, which will allow users to quickly and easily add themselves to the Constant Contact mailing list of your choice without having to leave Facebook. 

5. When an issue of your newsletter is sent out, make sure you share it on Twitter and Facebook: "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" 

6. Tweet and post a link to a sample issue of your newsletter. Tell people this is a preview of what they could get if they subscribe. 

7. Have links posted to your newsletter signup page in your Twitter profile (in the web page field) and on your Facebook Page.

The Snippet Section

Our monthly contribution of snippets of information which we believe may be helpful to pass on.   

• Back to school time is a great time to look at updating your computer hardware and software.  Several vendors are running back to school promotions that can't be matched.  From Dell to HP, the savings are incredible.  Quick links can be found on our affiliate page.
• MAC users... lots of new releases and patches for OS X Lion.  If you have a MAC and are updating be sure to do your homework as we are seeing many issues with compatibility of software and hardware.  It's going to be great when the bugs are gone... may be a little early to make the leap!  More info here... 
• Tablet users... check out these cases...