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In this issue

· Patti Talk To Ledger
· Bloggers B-Ware Update
· All About Leverage
· Small Card, Big Impact
· One Day Media Sales
· Award-winning Start
  
Patti Talks to Ledger
 
Our creative director, Janel Patti took a break from
her daily creative work to answer three questions from The Star-Ledger. Janel's responses ran in this past Sunday's business section.




Bloggers B-Ware Update

 
Last year, we talked about an important official ruling for bloggers that came out of a case in New Jersey. In June 2009, a NJ Superior Court ruled that bloggers are not covered by New Jersey's shield law, which protects journalists from disclosing confidential sources.
 
As recently reported, an appellate court upheld last year's ruling that says bloggers sued for online criticism must reveal sources for their comments posted on the Web. In this particular case, the blogger claimed she was acting as a journalist in trying to inform the public about alleged scams related to a company. However, the blogger's motion for a protective order under the shield law was denied because of failure to prove a connection to a news organization.
 
Given the increasing blurring of the lines between mainstream and new media, it's important to be aware of what people are saying about you and your company and ensure your blog-writers are up to speed on these rulings.
All About Leverage
 
Your business just received a great mention in a newspaper or magazine. Now what? Make sure other people see it too!
 
The true value of media exposure depends on how you use it. Unless you take initiative, your article may only be seen by that media outlet's readers. Getting the placement is just the beginning: Order reprints; mail it to your potential clients; put copies at your front desk; and don't forget to send a copy to Mom. If you are involved with online social networks, you can share it with your "friends," "followers" and "fans" as well.

Small Card, Big Impact
 

Small is the new big these days - laptops, phones, cars and other devices seem to be shrinking. Despite their size, the convenience and benefits can be vast. The question is: how do you ensure your audience gets the "big" picture?
 
We recently helped one of our clients design special packaging for a new debit card. Aimed at wealth management clientele, the 2x3 plastic card packs more power than other black cards of its kind and offers exclusive benefits similar to big name brands, like American Express® and Visa®. The challenge was to achieve a big impact in line with an exclusive card without breaking the budget. The result: we purchased pre-made boxes with magnetic closure and customized them by imprinting the client's logo, designing a custom insert to hold the card, and included a booklet with account details.  Now, instead of simply receiving a card in a standard business envelope, this card arrives in style, making a statement the cardholders will remember.


One Day Media Sales
Great Steal or Bad Deal? 
 
From time to time, you may hear that radio or cable systems are having a "one day sale." Typically, you hear about these deals just a day or two in advance, which makes it difficult to take advantage of them. Are these sales really worth dropping everything for? Sometimes. The trick is to know what the standard cost is and pay attention to the timeslots and restrictions. That's where we come in. We can provide you with comparable rates and evaluate the packages based on your objective and budget.
 
Last year, we helped several clients save thousands of dollars on radio and cable ads by taking advantage of special packages that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.  Flexibility is the key.  For instance, you may have planned to start a campaign in September, but a particular deal is only offered for August. If the savings is substantial, you may want to reconsider your timing. Keep in mind that deals are offered based on inventory, so you won't find a "drive-time only" sale on radio or a half price prime time cable deal. However, there are good deals to be had. Interested? Give us a call.

Award-winning Start to 2010
 
We're proud to report that so far this year, The Marcus Group team has received 20 awards from national and international competitions. Our award-winning work includes videos, billboards, promotion campaigns, e-blasts, web sites and major media placements.
 
Last week we received a Communicator Award for the Mitchell Supreme web site design and three "Jersey Awards" from the NJ Ad Club for two Provident Bank print promotions and one for The Marcus Group's "Sociomediaphobia" self-promotion e-blast.
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