News from Laura Burgess Marketing

LBM Newsletter

Public Relations for the Real World

March 17, 2011

Issue 54

Greetings!

Is the website dead as a marketing tool?

I throw this question out because with the onslaught of social media that perhaps the age old concept of websites as a business marquis are done? Take for example a little over a year ago, a certain unnamed (but you know who you are) editor and I were talking about the need for a more open forum for trainers to market themselves and their philosophies. Hence Trainers Command Post was born. I spent money, countless hours building and harassed many of you for content (thank you by the way). The site was born and then the crickets set in.

In the meantime I had also set up a Facebook account for TCP and due to the Tsunami, otherwise known as SHOT Show; I stopped paying attention to the Facebook account. Well, lo and behold, without any attention the Facebook page bloomed significantly all on its own and the website sat quietly snoring in the corner. In reviewing what had occurred to our new baby, TCP, I realized that the website was weighty - in that it required a lot of maintenance and that it did not allow one of the main things that I believe is necessary in this market - dialogue and that is why the Facebook page was taking off.

So, stay tuned - in the next two weeks we'll be polishing off some articles, uploading new videos and images and asking for links to courses and building our TCP Facebook presence. The website? We are thinking of going to Wordpress and inviting training bloggers. What do you think? Are we nuts? Do you find your Facebook presence more important than a website?

LBM Thanks Bersa Firearms

LBM wants to thank the Bersa Team for their generous contribution to our upcoming AVON Walk for the Cure. Bersa Firearms sells their Thunder 380 Pink "Breast Cancer Awareness" Kit that features a Bersa Thunder 380 DT pistol with limited edition pink wooden grips, a "Bersa Fights Cancer" wrist band and a Pink Bersa logo molded case with custom foam. And the special part is that Bersa donates a portion of each sale to breast cancer awareness. Thank you BERSA - YOUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING!

An Overview of the BLACKHAWK! SERPA Quick Disconnect System

This is an overview of the BLACKHAWK! SERPA Quick Disconnect system which allows you to utilize the same SERPA holster across a wide variety of mounting platforms in infinite locations. Basically, if you can screw the female socket to a surface or attach it with Velcro, then you can mount a holster there. This system is great for those looking for a safe means to secure a handgun in less than traditional places or to have the ability to quickly and safely move the same holster across mounting platforms without having to change holsters or hardware.

BlackHawk Serpa Quick Disconnect System- CQC

Thank you to NOLATAC for making this video!

LaserLyte® Introduces Two New Mini Laser Bore Sights and the MBS Six Pak Accessory Kit

LaserLyte®, the leader in laser technology for the shooting and hunting industry, introduces two new Mini Laser Bore Sights and the MBS Six Pak Accessory Kit for the LaserLyte Mini Laser Bore Sights. Having your scopes and rifles sighted in increases your success in the field during hunting season, as well as, building confidence on the target range. But zeroing in scopes can mean sending lots of expensive ammo down range without benefit of bullseyes or game. The ultra-small LaserLyte sighting systems defray the ever rising cost of ammunition by allowing you to zero in your scope without spending additional dollars every time a firearm is sighted in.

To learn more about the two new Mini Laser Bore Sights and the MBS Six Pak Accessory Kit, please read the recent press release.

Introducing the MasterPiece Arms .380 Premium Protector

The USA Made MPA380P Features High End Quality and Looks

MasterPiece Arms new Protector Model, the MPA380P, is a US manufactured conceal carry pistol built on a fully machined 4140 stainless steel lower receiver and upper slide. Demonstrating MPA's central philosophy to build only high-quality, precision engineered firearms, the new MPA380 "Premium" subcompact, semi-auto pistol sports fully machined aluminum grips with a bead blasted finish protected by a clear anodize coat. The MPA380P pistol is a Double-Action-Only with a 5+1 magazine capacity, plus the extended magazine pad for added shooting comfort. Every MPA pistol comes in a lockable case with one magazine and an owner's manual, plus the additional relief of knowing your MPA comes with a Lifetime Warranty. MSRP is $345.90 and available now at your local retailer.

New MPA380 "Premium" Subcompact, Semi-Auto Pistol

Team International Training, Inc. (ITI) Shooter Morgan Allen Takes Home ESP Division Title at 2011 IDPA FL State Championship

Morgan Allen of Team International Training, Inc. (ITI) took home the title of ESP Division Champion, as well as the Most Accurate, with a score of 148.67 (38) at the 2011 IDPA FL State Championship, held March 11-13, 2011 in Pinellas Park, FL. Although IDPA does not officially recognize High Overall, Allen was able to successfully clinch this title as well. Over 275 competitors, including some of the country's top shooters, came out to compete in the Florida heat and humidity.

Allen will next be competing at the IDPA Carolina Cup held in Oxford, NC from June 16-18, 2011.

Sentry Solutions Takes the Chore out of Spring Cleaning

After you've field stripped your handguns and wiped them down Tuf-Cloth and added a bit of Tuf-Glide to those areas that need wear protection it's time to get to the Honey-Do list. Take your Tuf-Cloth and Tuf-Glide (try the new spray version) and off you go to:

Chore One - put in the screen door and to eliminate the squeak, rub the rails with the Tuf-Cloth - now you truly have a gliding screen door.
Chore Two - lawn mower blades. If you cleaned them and rubbed them down with a Marine Tuf-Cloth last fall, all you should need is a little extra rub from the Tuf-Cloth and you are ready for your first mow. And no clumping!
Chore Three - get the boat ready and with the Marine Tuf-Cloth your metal parts, blades and your truck's hitch ball will all remain rust free for the season.
Chore Four - garden tools. Wipe them down with Marine Tuf-Cloth and use the new Tuf-Glide (Marine TUF-GLIDE will be shipping soon) spray to get into those hard to reach parts of your garden shears and hedge trimmers.
Chore Five - wipe down the sprinkler and set it near the wife's just planted pansies.

Now, lay back in the hammock and thanks to Sentry Solutions and its quick drying, water displacing, micro-bonding crystal barrier against rust, friction and wear, your entire spring cleaning from guns to garden is done!

KODABOW Launches "Crossbow that Works" Campaign

KODABOW introduced a "Just a Crossbow that Works!" campaign at the recent Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA shooting a single Koda-Express 185 lb crossbow for 9 days straight to demonstrate the crossbow's durability and accuracy. During the period, the crossbow launched 1,500 arrows downrange with 500 different shooters who stopped by the Kodabow Booth to review the 2011 crossbow product line.

Big Rhino

Shooters are impressed with the rugged construction and balance of the Kodabow while taking note of the proprietary trigger group that is among the finest in the industry. During cocking, the safety system automatically engages and the crossbow will not shoot in a dry-fire mode. An arrow must deactivate the patented Anti-Dry Fire System. This crossbow is manufactured in the USA with a majority of the components produced right in Pennsylvania where the company is located.

Crossbows are offered in 5 different limb weights from 125 lb to 225 lb with the 185 lb. Koda-Express, the 200 lb. Bravo Zulu and the 225 lb. Big Rhino being popular choices. The crossbows utilize a proprietary "dual limb" recurve design giving the user the freedom to change the crossbow string in the field if required in minutes using a Destringing Aid supplied with every crossbow. Kodabow introduced its new 2011 Cocking Rope which perfectly aligns the bowstring with the trigger group using an adapter which fits into the AR-15 style rear stock. This delivers an extremely smooth frictionless pull when loading the limbs. Kodabow uses a common platform for all crossbows with the different models differentiated by limb weight and optics. Real AR-15 components are used for grips, stock, and rear buffer tube giving the bow a solid and rugged feel. Limbs are available in select Mossy Oak® camo patterns or a Black Night Weave pattern. Bows are equipped with 3 Dot and 3x32 Hawke ® optics in both standard and illuminated options and a range of accessories including bipods, alternate grips, slings, quivers and limb dampeners. Prices range between $819.99 and $899.99.

Laura Burgess Marketing provides public relations and marketing communications services to companies within the law enforcement, tactical, military, shooting sports, boating and recreational fishing markets. With over 19 years of experience in marketing, corporate management and public relations, Laura Burgess Marketing helps companies to build better brand awareness to the media and their customers through traditional and the new social media methods.

Sincerely,

Laura Burgess
Laura Burgess Marketing

The LBM Girls are Going the Distance - 39.3 Miles That is - To Find a Cure

UPDATE: Ashley has reached her fundraising goal! Now let's all help Laura hit hers. Visit her page to make a donation.

Ashley and Laura are Team Stormchasers for the annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer that will take place in our Nation's Capitol on April 30th and May 1st. So, while you are walking around the NRA show this year, think of Ashley and Laura walking around the beautiful monuments that recognize our Country's greatest leaders and please say a few kind words to all our female leaders that will never be because of this disease. We'd love your pocket change or any amount you can donate to the Avon Walk. You can make a donation to our team by visiting our team page, or you can make a donation to either Ashley or Laura by visiting our personal pages. Please also email us a name or photo of a loved one that you would like us to carry with us on our walk as a way of remembrance and honor.

REVISION VIPERTAIL SUNGLASSES - FOR FAN EYES ONLY

Revision has a new ballistic sunglass in the works, news that was leaked on their Facebook, March 8. No word on pricing or availability but they've confirmed that the new product will only be available through the Revision online store. Facebook fans can get a sneak peek at the Vipertail Sunglass at http://on.fb.me/fiUlDx.

Special Needs Athletes Raise Money for Soldiers

Lori Pace coaches the Chaparral High School Unified Basketball team. They're a group of students with mental and physical issues whom other people usually like to help. This time, however, they are the ones lending a helping hand.

"No matter who you are, everybody's capable of helping, somehow, some way," said Pace, physical education teacher at Chaparral High School.

Pace organized an event called Heroes vs. Heroes. Teams of special needs athletes aim at raising $200 each to participate in a day of basketball games against a team of wounded soldiers. The money raised goes to military families.

Read the full article to learn more about this special event.

AGI St. Patty's Day Sale

To help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, AGI is offering some great sales! Click here to enjoy some BIG SAVINGS!

Hurry! Sale ends 3/31/11!

Been waiting for just the right time to take your gunsmithing career to the next level? Here's a special deal to give you that extra little kick to get you started! With the purchase of the below Professional Gunsmithing courses, you will receive up to $1,000 AGI Lucky Bucks!