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Greetings!
I just recently read in an article in Advertising Age that the Institute for Advertising Ethics has released a set of 8 principles for advertising, editorial and entertainment content, behavioral targeting and social-media endorsement compensation disclosure. The IAE is an independent body administered by the American Advertising Federation and the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri. The goal is to have the 8 principles and industry standards adopted by marketers, PR agencies/ professionals and ad agencies.
The bigger agency miscues occasionally make the news, especially when a lawsuit follows, but in our industry it usually runs its course through the grapevine, usually with little more than an agency excused or hand slapped. In my opinion there is no excuse for any agency not to embrace truth and high ethical standards. More than providing a service to our clients, we serve the greater public.
Agencies have been known to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the truth, omit critical information, or outright lie about the products and services of their clients. Why on earth would anyone with an ounce of scruples potentially undermine their agency, career or their client's brand? One reason is that trying to reach above the noise of thousands of messages vying for our customers' attentions every day (more like every minute now!) has become increasingly difficult. And clients are demanding better ROI on their agency investment. Although anyone in the PR or ad business knows ROI is extremely difficult to measure unless the client wants to increase the marketing budget and give up some vital sales info.
Nonetheless, there are a few Sidney Falco's running around promising all kinds of results that are purely vaporous. It's the state of the world today that we have to build a code of ethics into every contract and the shake-of-a-hand is now quickly followed by a lathering of anti-bacterial goo. So, if you are interested in what the new Principles and Practices of Advertising are, I'll get them posted on our Facebook page. It's important to remember for all of us in the trade - our REAL customers are the millions of men and women that look to us in this industry to present factual and realistic information upon which they can make sound purchasing decisions.
P.S. We had quite a few comments on our last letter regarding the demise of the website. Well, it's not going anywhere too fast, based upon over 50% of our respondents. Granted, it's very face and function are changing but it's ultimate job of being a brand obelisk in the cloud remains steady. Many respondents are increasingly using social media platforms to drive potential customers to the proverbial website, but with all the new applications for the new media, the website's role as a single source of information is indeed changing.  |
LBM Named One of Constant Contact's 2010 All Stars | |
 LBM has received the 2010 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than 400,000 small organizations worldwide. Laura Burgess Marketing is one of Constant Contact's 2010 top performers and most prolific user of its tools, whether within Constant Contact's email marketing, event marketing, social media marketing, or survey products - or a combination of all four.
Constant Contact looked at criteria including the following when selecting this year's All Stars:
- Frequency of campaigns, events and surveys
- Open, bounce and click through rates
- Usage of social features
- Mailing list sign up tools
- Use of reporting tools
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LBM Interviews Reed Stoven of the ATK / BLACKHAWK! Team | |
 LBM: Reed, we want to give our readership a little bit about your background. Where did you go to school and what is your degree in? How long have you been working with ATK and what are your job responsibilities?
RS: I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. I have worked in the digital arena for my entire career, starting on the IT side and moving over to marketing in the consumer electronics field. I've been with ATK for a year and a half. I oversee the digital strategy for ATK's consumer products, which includes the growing area of social media.
LBM: In focusing on social media - who is the typical Facebook customer and what can you tell us about them?
RS: Facebook is approaching 600 million users globally. 50% of the U.S. over the age of 12 is active on Facebook. The customer base is incredibly varied, we see people from all over the world and across all ages. It's an incredibly powerful tool that allows companies to engage with their customers and fans in real time. For fans that "like" your page, you can be sure they are passionate and vocal.
LBM: What methods do you suggest to get messaging above all the chatter?
RS: The number one thing I can suggest is to keep fans interested and engaged through a variety of different avenues. Use a combination of exclusive video, photographs, questions and polls. Seek feedback from your fans on a regular basis and listen to what they would like to learn about.
LBM: What type of growth rate have you seen since working with the BLACKHAWK! Facebook page?
RS: As I mentioned earlier, Facebook is expanding at an exponential pace. It's no longer question of who is using the platform, but who isn't using it? We've seen incredible growth in the past few months. But, that only tells part of the story, what's most exciting is seeing fans become more active and engaged with our products and brands.
LBM: What other new media platforms are out there? Where do you see social media going in upcoming years and why venture into it at all?
RS:The list of social media platforms is increasing daily. In addition to Facebook there is Twitter, YouTube, Color,Foursquare, Gowalla , Reddit, Flickr and countless others. There are a lot of options and not all will exist a few years from now. You need to look closely at each platform and understand its strengths and weaknesses. Not all will work for your company or brand. Social is no longer a separate avenue, but something that is becoming integrated and layered into the full Web experience. Also, look for location and photo sharing to have a larger presence.
LBM: What tips and advice could you give to a company just starting out in social media? What have you seen work? What has failed?
RS: Listen first. Then understand what you want to say to your customers and fans before you jump in. Having a clear strategy is key. Be realistic that it takes time to grow your presence and it won't happen overnight. Don't focus exclusively on the numbers.You need to invest time and energy into social media, you cannot simply set up a page and hope that customers will find you. And most importantly, be ready for feedback that is both positive and negative. |
ATN Voyager - Night Vision Bi-ocular
Combines the comfort of dual eyepieces with the cost of monocular | |
 American Technologies Network introduces the Voyager, night vision bi-oculars made for medium to long range viewing for home security and nighttime surveillance. The Voyager is a night vision device that allows both eyes to view comfortably in two-eyepieces through the single optical system allowing for long viewing times without eyestrain.
The ATN Voyager Night Vision System features ATN's proprietary "Smart" technology that includes digital controls, a detachable 100-yard Infrared Illuminator and a proximity sensor that automatically turns the unit on or off saving battery life.
ATN VOYAGER FEATURES
- SMART Features and easy-to-use digital optics
- 3x or 5x magnification
- Available with wide array of image tube options for all budgets and missions.
- Gen: 2+, CGT, HPT, 3, and ITT Pinnacle
- Super fast, multi-coated all glass optics
- Dual eye viewing system for longer viewing sessions
- Detachable long range infrared illuminator
- Rugged and versatile design
- Water and fog resistant
- Tripod mountable
- Hand strap and neck strap for comfort use
- Limited two-year warranty
- Starting at MSRP $2099.00
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BLACKHAWK!® Dynamic Entry® Introduces The Mini Deployment Kit™ | |
BLACKHAWK!® Dynamic Entry® now offers the Mini Deployment Kit. This compact and portable entry kit was created based on the unique demands patrol and tactical entry officers face today-including ever-increasing active shooter callouts.
Fast, Effective Entry
The Mini Deployment Kit™ consists of the Mini Deployment Bag™ with individual tool compartments for reduced noise signature and a secure carry of the Mini BoltMaster™, Mini Breacher™ and the Micro ThunderSledge™ entry tools.
The Mini Boltmaster is a compact and durable boltcutter featuring heat-treated cutting jaws with a 3/8" opening and a tension adjustment for fine tuning. The Mini Breacher gets teams in fast with its tempered, stainless steel wedge. Counter-angled friction ridges grip breaching surfaces securely and provide stability. It weighs less than five pounds and is just over a foot long-perfect for close-quarter situations.
The Micro ThunderSledge gives operators an effective tool that is compact and versatile. Its sure-grip handle system and lightweight design (4.6 lbs) make it an integral tool in any breaching kit.
Secure Carry
The Mini Deployment Bag can be worn over the shoulder and  secured by thigh straps for added stability during extreme body movements. The shoulder strap has quick-release buckles for an immediate dumping of the kit if necessary. All three tools feature handle systems that are electrically nonconductive to 100,000 volts AC.
The BLACKHAWK! Dynamic Entry Mini Deployment Kit can be easily stored in the trunk of a patrol or rescue vehicle and accessed quickly and easily when needed. The Mini Deployment Kit has a MSRP of $499.99. |
Revision Introduces Vipertail Ballistic Sunglasses | |
Revision amps up its sunglass offering with the all new Vipertail. These ballistic-grade specs provide civilian-style, all-day on-the-job comfort and protection for those who demand the most from their gear. Must-have features include:
- PREMIUM COMFORT: lightweight with superior fit and retention for all-day performance
- HIGH-IMPACT PROTECTION: exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military standard MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1
- RUGGED DURABILITY: high-impact frame with reinforced hinges to outlast and outperform
- FLAWLESS OPTICS: lenses precision manufactured for distortion-free vision
- TOUGH-COAT LENSES: prevent scratching in the harshest environments 100%
- UV PROTECTION: from harmful UV A-B-C rays
Exclusively available at the Revision online store:
http://revisioneyewear.com/vipertail.html
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LaserLyte® Introduces the Smallest Laser Cartridge Bore Tool to Date | |
LaserLyte® introduces the .17 HMR Cartridge Bore Tool that helps sight-in firearms quickly and economically; getting the user on paper the very first shot (3-4 inches from center at 100 yards). The ingenious design of this cartridge bore tool allows the user to simply slide the unit into the chamber of the firearm. When the bolt is closed the tool automatically activates. This remarkable laser may be the smallest of its kind ever created and makes quick work of sight-ins for this extremely popular round.
The .17 HMR Cartridge Bore Tool is powered by four 348 batteries that provide at least one hour of continuous on. Manufactured to the highest degree of .17 HMR match grade tolerances, each unit is checked with LaserLyte's custom-made gauge. Whether it is initial sight-in or checking to see if the firearm is still on target, both can be achieved while saving time and ammo. |
Welcome to the Coffee Shop | |
The firearm industry is only slightly different than it was twenty years ago, but the difference is huge. For the most part, it contains the same people that were in it then but also has a flood of newcomers that operate under a different system. It's a system I compare to a local coffee shop.
The newcomers bring great hope to the firearms business. They have changed the political landscape and caused some to tread lighter than ever before. The new crew is highly caffeinated, intelligent and social. They have rules that if broken can devastate a business at the speed of a text message or make it bigger than it probably should be as in the careers of several pop figures that began on YouTube.
Today your customer has probably researched your product on Google or YouTube and asked for opinions about what you sell before you see them online through Facebook, MySpace, forums and Twitter. By the time, they enter your shop, call your number or order, they have made up their minds but still want to touch or handle the product for themselves. It may be the company's last chance for the sale - not its first opportunity. It is here that usually sales are won or lost by the salesperson. If they perceive their treatment as being unsavory, the results will be broadcast to the "tribe."
Almost every person now that "tweets" or uses social media has a "tribe" or community that can be as large as a small town in population. They talk. They share experiences that make more senior people shudder.
The key to all of that is if you want to get your product off the shelf you have to either create a community or be a part of one. The internet is one big main street where you can get better real estate if you know what to do about it. One of the great things about Laura Burgess Marketing is that LBM knows how to get on top at the coffee shop. I changed my own approach into a "Billy Mays" persona at the suggestion of LBM, and it's working for me. I was probably already half there but learned more in the past year that has changed the way I operate.
Mouse clicks and eyeballs translate into more dollars today. There is a method to the madness which is proven when an online video of a cat playing the piano, a rapping baby or a blonde shooting a AK 47 will still get more eyeballs than a website you spent a fortune on. Even if technology is moving faster than ever before humanity hasn't changed. The key to that is to be open to small changes in your approach, respectful of all people, and if you don't want to do it, have an ambassador for the tribes.
 Rev. Kenn Blanchard, aka the Black Man With A Gun, is a gun rights activist, author and broadcaster with three podcast and a blog on www.kennblanchard.com. He is a former Marine, intelligence officer, federal police officer and trainer that has used his skills to help the firearm community since 1991 in politics and business. |
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Laura Burgess Marketing provides public relations and marketing services to companies within the law enforcement, tactical, military, shooting sports, boating and recreational fishing markets. With over 20 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 |
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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. |
ISSC-AUSTRIA M22 Pistols Now California and Massachusetts Compliant | |
ISSC-Austria is pleased to announce that shooters in California and Massachusetts will soon be able to purchase and shoot the M22B pistol. The gun has now met all the requirements for sale in both states and will shortly be listed on the roster of approved handguns in California and Massachusetts. ISSC has received numerous queries from dealers and shooting enthusiasts in California and Massachusetts concerning the availability of this unique firearm and now shooters in both states will be able to enjoy this product soon.
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Team International Training, Inc. (ITI) Signs Rudy Project as New Sponsor for 2011 Competitive Season |
Team International Training, Inc. (ITI) is pleased to announce Rudy Project as a new sponsor for the 2011 competitive season. All seven members of Team ITI will be wearing Rudy Project eyewear during competitions and training throughout the season. As one of the leading brands to design and manufacture hi-tech sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories using the application of science, advanced materials and computer technology to create functional, aesthetically superior and technologically advanced products, Team ITI felt that Rudy Project was a natural fit for the team.
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Freedom Hunters Upland Bird Hunting Season Ends with Memories | |
Freedom Hunters upland bird hunting season ended last week with hunts in Iowa and Colorado. Teaming up with the Denver SCI Chapter and Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dog, we were able to host five servicemen on a upland bird hunt. SSG Thompson and his five year old son Gage were able to share much needed time afield on this adventure. Missing the first few years of his son's life makes an outing like this even more special. The hunt in Iowa included a tour of Brownell's warehouse and offices for SFC Nicholas Carey, his wife Becky and their children. After being wounded in Iraq, SFC Carey began studying gunsmithing at Colorado School of Trades. The trip to Iowa took place a week after Nick's graduation from the gunsmithing program. Meeting Frank and Pete Brownell was the highlight of the trip for Carey. Having used products from Brownell's for personal and school projects, it was nice great for him to see what happens behind the scenes.The road to recovery is a long and hard one for our Nation's finest. Having a company like Brownell's host a group of veterans is a huge help for our grass roots organization. We are looking forward to growing our partnership with Brownell's over the coming year.
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Cheaper Than Dirt Interviews Phil Cashin from MasterPiece Arms |
In August of 2008 experienced CNC machinist Phil Cashin acquired MasterPiece Arms from founder Gary Poole. With his extensive experience in precision metalworking, Phil set about to take the high quality firearms already produced by MasterPiece Arms and improve them even further by upgrading the manufacturing process.
Beginning with MPA's existing line of MAC based Defender pistols, Phil expanded into the defensive carry pistol market when the Protector .380 was introduced. We sat down with Phil to talk about how MasterPiece has grown into the company that it is today, and to learn a bit about what goes into the design and production of high quality pistols like the Protector .380.
Read the full interview to learn more about MasterPiece Arms and their Defender and Protector Series. |
LBM Now Offers Advertising in their Bi-Monthly Newsletter | |
Are you looking to gain exposure but don't have the budget to launch a full scale PR / Marketing campaign? LBM is proud to announce that we are now accepting advertising in our bi-monthly newsletter for companies large and small. Contact us today to schedule your ad in the next LBM newsletter. |
Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fundraising Relief Efforts | |
Shop at Twenty5SevenSupplies between now and April 30th, 2011 and all retail profit will be donated to the American Red Cross to support the disaster relief efforts and to help those who have been affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific. |
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