Great article Ken! The GM and Apple examples support your point perfectly. The importance of good design for your brand is so obvious and yet so many businesses simply will not make the investment. It's like going to work in your underwear--and yet they do it all the time. As you say, to their own detriment. Thanks!

Hi Ladies, I have a new Facebook Page for my business and am even running a contest for new fans - the winner will receive a $25 Gourmet Coffee Card and be prominently posted on the wall. Here is the link (also introduce yourself in the Discussions "Fan Contest" thread and let me know your facebook and twitter accounts so I can follow/fan you as well :o) I look forward to making some great connections! I tweet at @normamaxwell and my Facebook link is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surprise-AZ/Norma-Maxwell-Web-Design-and-Internet-Marketing/101298089081

Ken,

It is entirely unfair that one person should be such an exceptional designer AND engaging writer. I thought I would just peruse an article or two and couldn't stop reading. Excellent case studies, solid research. It had not occurred to me to advise clients to connect their actual brand to the holidays in way that actually creates an ongoing tradition--brilliant.

Peace!

Hi Mike - thanks for the solid advice. I need to print this out and keep it by my side for the next article I write. Thank you for sharing so generously. Cheers,

Norma Maxwell

Hi Lynn,

We can host savor chats through facebook (I don't think that is an option here on biznik). Let me know if that interests you and I can help you set it up. Cheers!

Norma Maxwell http://www.normamaxwell.com norma@normamaxwell.com

Hi Lynn,

For me it is watching finding ways to harness the power of the Internet to help my clients grow their businesses. My clients thus far have typically been start-ups, small businesses, and non-profits. It is exciting to help entrepreneurial and community minded people succeed--I love it! I see the Internet as the Great Equalizer for business. I remember a time when the ways to get word out about yourself was in person (networking), through expensive advertising (radio/print/tv), and direct mail--the last two of which were pretty cost prohibitive for a lot of little guys. Now, the sky is the limit and I believe that anyone who has something of value to offer has an opportunity to succeed on the Internet. That just thrills me!

Norma Maxwell http://www.normamaxwell.com norma@normamaxwell.com

Hi Molly, thank you for starting this thread. I'm also new to Twitter and can certainly use some followers - I'm always happy to reciprocate as well :o) I can be found at

normamaxwell

Cheers!

Norma Maxwell http://www.normamaxwell.com norma@normamaxwell.com

Hi Everyone - I am new to PowerChicks and so glad to be a part of such a group of impressive women! Lynn, the concept of women helping other women is awesome--thanks for starting this group. My name is Norma Maxwell and I am a web design and Internet marketing professional. My passion is helping clients reach their communication goals through the power of the Internet.

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Norma Maxwell http://www.normamaxwell.com norma@normamaxwell.com

Hi Powerchicks! Thank you for this opportunity to share. I blog at http://www.normamaxwell.com - I hope you'll visit and your feedback is totally welcome!

I also have a new Facebook Fan page and desperately need some fans (cause its new ;o) - so if you are willing to help me out, here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surprise-AZ/Norma-Maxwell-Web-Design-and-Internet-Marketing/101298089081

Thanks a million, ladies!

Norma Maxwell