Welcome to the latest issue of Write for You News & Notes with some words of wisdom on writing, business, and life. If you'd like to share any books or favorite links with our readers, send us an email. And remember -- on paper or on-line, when you need words that work for you, I can write for you!

January was going to be my time for catching up. It's mid-year break from school and things are nice and quiet. Things didn't quite work out. On the plus side, I did finally realize my dream of buying a new vehicle (yes, I loved my 1999 Honda Civic, but it really was time for something new) -- I'm now the proud owner of a 2012 Honda CRV.

However, it turned out that I wasn't actually fighting a cold in early January. I'm part of the 38% -- one of those who got a flu shot and still got the flu. Ironically, this was the first time I ever got a flu shot. So the second week of January was spent in bed feeling miserable. And the rest of January has been spent trying to catch up.

As hinted at in the last few e-letters, I have made some changes to my Constant Contact e-letter template. This is the new and improved version -- tell me what you think.

Facebook has been making changes, again. Their latest "new thing" is their search feature. As an example, you're looking for an Italian restaurant in Bergen County and you do a search in Facebook. The search looks at all of your connections and finds Italian restaurants they have "liked". So, unlike a Google search, the results don't depend on SEO or keywords, but on what your friends like.

The problem with this is that your name may be associated with things you no longer like. Or perhaps you don't want to have your name listed as recommending things. Now is the time to go in and review your privacy settings (something you should do on a regular basis with Facebook as they are always changing something). Set your default preferences to "share with friends only". In addition, go to your profile page and look at the list of pages you have "liked". Make sure you still feel good about them -- if you don't, you can click "unlike" and they will be gone from your profile. The Facebook search can also search photos. Check what photos you are tagged in and untag any you don't like. (I don't allow anyone to tag me in photos and I don't share any personal photos on Facebook.)

Make sure you know what is out there with your name on it. Google yourself and see what comes up. You'll be surprised.

Now that you've seen the "new" e-letter template and now that I can announce that I am a CERTIFIED Constant Contact Solution Provider . . .

Are you interested in trying e-mail marketing? I can help you -- whether it's helping with set-up, writing the content, or managing the entire process. I'll even remember to pay the monthly bill for you (and I can get you a discount!) I can set up your contact lists, help you choose a template (and customize it with your logo and website colors), and develop your e-mail schedule. To learn more, click here and then send me an e-mail or give me a call.

E-mail marketing is a way to stay in front of your customers. Whether it's an e-letter, notice of a special event or sale, or just a holiday greeting, e-mail marketing should be a part of your marketing package, Let me help you get started.

Write For You in NJ
e-mail: nancy@write4unj.com

phone: 201-541-9702 (o)

phone: 201-362-3404 (m)