Indie4Life

10 Sure-Fire Tips To Easily & Effectively Promote Your Website

A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Website Promotion For Your Brick-&-Mortar Business

Do people often ask you if you have a website?Are you getting many visitors to your website?
Can people even find you online without asking?
Do you use the power of the internet to your full advantage?
Do you like to do things yourself, and save tons of money?

Are you doing everything you canto promote your website???

What is "10 Sure-Fire Tips...," and what can it do for me?

"10 Sure-Fire Tips To Easily & Effectively Promote Your Website" is a printable document, a 5-page e-guide, in .pdf format, downloadable immediately after purchase.  "10 Sure-Fire Tips..." is a comprehensive guide for you, the website owner,  to effectively guide you in promoting your website, both offline & on, with emphasis on offline efforts.  It is a simple step-by-step guide, complete with checklist, that you or your staff can easily implement, with little or no additional out-of-pocket expenses, beyond the cost of the e-guide itself.  This handy little e-guide is well-suited for both online and brick-and-mortar business concerns. "10 Sure-Fire Tips..." is a basic, comprehensive list of steps you can take to promote your website, with measurable results.

This new e-guide, fresh to the market in 2009, was written by a seasoned 30-year business veteran, and small business web builder, who knows small business firsthand.  She recommends these same easy steps to her own web clients, and she knows they work!  That's why she decided to write this guide--to reach other small business web owners who may be facing the same questions as her clients.

"10 Sure-Fire Tips..." Can:

• be easily  & quickly implemented by you or your staff worker
• be completed from the privacy and comfort of your own home or office
• help take the "how & where" out of promoting your website
• be used over and over again on future new website promotions  

"10 Sure-Fire Tips..." Does NOT:

• entail any type of advertising purchases or efforts
• require any further out-of-pocket expenses
• require any advanced technical or internet skills to implement  

Click here for more information

Buying barcodes. GS1 or Nationwide Barcode?

There are different types of barcodes. Some are represented by lines and spaces (linear barcodes), others are made up of patterns of squares, dots and other geometric shapes.

A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data. The first use of barcodes was to label railroad cars, but they were not commercially successful until they were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task in which they have become almost universal. Systems such as RFID are attempting to change the standard, but the simplicity, universality and low cost of printed barcodes has limited the role of these other systems. It costs less than one-half of one cent to implement a printed barcode compared to seven to thirty cents to implement a passive RFID.*

George Joseph Laurer developed the Universal Product Code in 1973. As an engineer at IBM he was asked to develop the pattern used for the Universal Product Code (UPC-A Barcode).

GS1, which used to be called the Uniform Code Council (UCC) is the provider of UPC barcode prefixes. A company goes to the GS1, they purchase the prefix and then are responsible for the self-assignment of the identification numbers that go after the prefix.

The Barcode prefix, the first 6, 7, 8 or 9 digits, is called a GTIN number. GTIN is the abbreviation for Global Trade Item Number. The company who has been assigned the GTIN number is responsible for the assignment of the next digits (making up a total of eleven digits) to their products. Then, as the barcode number is designated, the last number is mathematically determined through an algebraic equation to create a checksum (check digit). This check digit is the twelfth or final digit. When you join GS1, you get a GTIN certificate along with your start-up package.

As far as we know, there are only three companies that require a copy of this GTIN certificate: Kroger’s, Walmart/Sam’s Club and Macy’s. We do not know of any other company who has this requirement, however, we do recommend that you ask your retailers. According to our clients, we have sold barcodes to companies with products in Pep Boys, Autozone, Amazon, CD Baby, Whole Foods, Raley’s, Safeway, Walgreen's, Fred Meyers, Longs (CVS), etc. We have not verified this, but we have a very vocal group of customers. We would hear if there were issues.

The GS1 maintains the database of GTIN numbers. It is our opinion that, although this database is conceptually a great idea, and has to be maintained, it is virtually ignored, unknown and unused.

Retailers input information from product data sheets filled out or given to them by their suppliers. The supplier gives the retailer the product information including the barcode based on the complete 12 digit code and the retailer enters it into their point of sale system.

There are no formal centralized databases of product barcodes. Using the mathematical formula x=11¹⁰  there are potentially 100 billion products that can be represented by UPC-A barcodes at any given time. This, more than anything else, explains why there is no centralized database of products. No one has the bandwidth, energy or resources to catalog something this massive. 

There is nothing programmed into a UPC barcode. The bars only represent the 12 digit number that is the barcode. The retailer associates these 12 numbers with the product information. This information is pulled from the retailer’s database when a product is scanned.

WIN A COFFIN GUITAR CASE THIS FRIDAY!

Indie4Life is a huge fan of our friends at Music Connection Magazine in Los Angeles and we really like their Friday Freebies.
 
For this week’s Friday Freebie prize at musicconnection.com, Coffin Case (www.coffincase.com) is giving away one of their universal guitar cases. The case is constructed of wood and wrapped in black vinyl with a purple velvet interior and fits most standard guitars. This durable, beautiful and distinctive item really stands out from the pack. So enter Music Connection’s weekly “Friday Freebie” giveaway now! Go to the Music Connection website and look up in the top right corner for the words "FRIDAY FREEBIE."  www.musicconnection.com 

Pie Boys Flat - Uproot the Island

If you are a rock, blues, bluegrass, country or reggae fan...or if you're like me, and like them all...this is the band and the album for you. These guys, Jason, Fitz and Patrick are able to write songs that cross many genres but yet make sense in this album...great guitar riffs and harmonies. What I can best describe as Dr. John the Night Tripper meets Sublime, these guys have a fantastic sound whether it's the bluesy sounds in Hoppin' A Train to Richmond or the solid Island funk in When I'm Dead Write Me a Letter.

These 3 dudes met in Virginia in 1998. 5 years later they found themselves together again in NYC; paying rent with the cash they made wailing harmonies on the subway platforms with a djembe and an acoustic guitar. 5 years later they find themselves pushing full speed ahead, through the uncertainty of a rapidly changing music industry, against the current of economic crisis, toward their third and, undoubtedly, best album.

Writing, rehearsing, and touring constantly, the 3 dudes from VA continue to develop their unique approach to Reggae and Rock, and evolve into the li'l ol' band from the big ol' city.

This CD is a must have!

Nick Ogawa - Crime Pays for Nick Iguana

Nick's calls himself: Beat driven, melodically dark and beautiful post millenial Baroque Pop, featuring an ethereal catchiness ranging from cinematic soundscape to radio-ready rock

I am not sure that I would have used those exact words, but I amazed at the musical labrynth that he has created with this CD. I think that that Nick as a musician and Nick's music is much more grounded than he is giving self credit for. 

Singing the vocals and performing electric cello parts on a self-built instrument of his own design, Nick Ogawa creates an ethereally catchy sound throughout his self-produced 5 song compilation. Beautiful and dark baroque pop for the new millenium, fans describe his hook laden songs as halfway between MGMT and Of Montreal. The album title recalls an actual criminal event, when the artist's employer was burglarized and all employees were sent home to work. "I was stuck at home for a few days while they replaced all the stolen equipment. While I was home something just clicked and I was able to produce "Light the Flame" in a single burst of creative energy." 

Born in Princeton, NJ to a Welsh-American mother and Japanese father, Nick grew up in rural Vermont. "Nick Iguana" draws from his youth, when he was one of the few non-caucasian students in the rural farm town of Cornwall. "This one kid at recess would call me 'Nick Iguana' and I hated him for it. Now, after living all over the world, the name has lost its negative connotation, and symbolizes a mood and aesthetic that really appeals to me." 

Michael Jackson: the overlooked legacy

I just received this e-mail from one of my aquaintances a few minutes ago and felt that it was informative and touching. I wanted to share it with all of you. 


From: Arnold Hugo Stolting
Pres/Ceo Stolting Media group
Musicians Mailing List

Dear Phil,

We have received many positive responses regarding our recent broadcast about Michael's Passing.

Many of you have learned about Michaels life through the media, which has always highlighted the crap, mistakes, and oddness, as that is their business.

Sadly, people gossip about this around the water cooler at work, and to family and friends, while keeping their own flaws locked up tightly.

I ask you to think about if, and when you are in the spotlight, and the media publishes every thing about your life to the world, your mistakes, regrets and deepest secrets, etc...,  how happy you would feel.

Especially if the media, and people in the world, continued to focus mainly on the crap "after" you died.

I can't speak for you,

but all I know is that if my name was Michael Jackson, and I knew that I did even just a fraction of the things mentioned below before I died...

I'd be extremely proud.

January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.

April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael's home. It was David's last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.

April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Sinai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.

July 5, 1984: During the Jackson's press conference at Tavern On The Green, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations:
The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.

DFEST FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE IN TULSA, OK

With 164 bands on 13 stages, Dfest is the Midwest’s largest and most diverse music festival. Held July 24-25 in downtown Tulsa’s unique Blue Dome District, the festival is also a music conference connecting music industry professionals with emerging artists and those who aspire to have a career in music. The keynote speaker at the conference is songwriter, performer, producer, speaker, and entrepreneur Andrew W. K.  Dfest is becoming a Tulsa annual tradition and its eighth year will continue this trend as Dfest takes downtown Tulsa Under the Sea. Visit www.dfest.com.

UPC BARCODES FOR AMAZON RESELLERS

If you are an Amazon reseller, you are aware that Amazon recently began their requirements of UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode numbers on every product. From the Amazon sellers that I have talked to, this is a mixed blessing. 

Having to purchase a UPC barcode adds to the cost of doing business, however, it really speeds things up from a database and inventory management perspective.

Amazon continues to grow at an amazing rate and a 12 digit UPC code (or 13 digit EAN) associated with every product streamlines their operations and gets YOUR product to YOUR customers a lot faster. Since UPC-A barcodes are the de facto standard for sales and inventory tracking, they have chosen to embrace this standard and not reinvent the wheel with different barcode symbologies or tracking methods.

Amazon does take a look at some categories for UPC exemptions but these are rapidly shrinking categories and seem to be limited to non-consumer products -- business-to-business products not sold in a retail store and Custom made-to-order products. They have just recently eliminated their UPC exemptions for Apparel & Accessories as of June 5, 2009.

Nationwide Barcode has a program for Amazon Resellers providing blocks of UPC barcode numbers ranging from blocks of 100 to a block of 1000 barcodes in increments of 100 units. Barcode graphics are not supplied, however, customers get an excel spreadsheet with12 digit UPC-A bar code numbers to help manage their products along with a certificate of authenticity.

For more information, go to http://www.nationwidebarcode.com/barcodes-for-amazon.htm 

   

The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York Presents A Tribute To 50 Years Of Music By Judy Collins

The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York Presents A Tribute To 50 Years Of Music By Judy Collins 

Special Guests Jimmy Webb, Suzanne Vega, Kenny White, MaD Fusion, Rufus Cappadocia and Amy Speace 

Judith Marjorie Collins (born May 1, 1939, in Seattle, Washington) is an American folk singer/songwriter, known for her eclectic tastes in the material she records (which has included folk, showtunes, pop, and rock and roll). She is also known for her social activism. 

Judy Collins has been performing for more than 40 years now. Her unique blend of interpretative folksongs, and contemporary themes have touched a worldwide audience. She was only 13 when she performed Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos..., her first stage performance. Many artists such as Woodie Guthrie and Pete Seeger inspired her and made her fall in love with lyrical music. In 1961 (at age 22), Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow. This began a 35 year association with Jac Holzman, and Elektra Records. 

On June 8th 2009, there was a celebration that was dubbed "A very special tribute to 50 years of music by Judy Collins.... Many artists were there to celebrate that special moment; MaD Fusion, Rufus Cappadocia, Kenny White, Amy Speace, Suzanne Vega and Jimmy Webb. That celebration was in Lyric, the Chamber Music Society of New York, which was full of Judy Collins fans of all ages. In addition, the artists that were there sang songs in honor of Ms. Collins... 

MaD Fusion: Someday Soon and My Father 

Rufus Cappadocia: Amazing Grace 

Kenny White: Song for Martin 

Amy Speace: Born to the Breed 

Suzanne Vega: Since You've Asked 

Jimmy Webb: Fallow Way 

Rufus Cappadocia and his cello were marvelous. As always, he performed the song in perfect harmony. All the emotion that came up with these sounds represented the atmosphere of that moment: calm, yet ironically exciting at the same time. With his performance of "Amazing Grace..., he touched a lot of Judy Collins' fans. 

 

Amy Speace & Rufus Cappadocia 

Amy Speace was also there to celebrate Judy Collins' 50 years of music and success. She performed an acoustic version of "Born to Breed..., and she clearly knew how to keep all the emotions of that song. This cover shows us how Judy Collins' music is still with us after all these years. With her guitar, Speace brought her own style to the Judy Collins classic, and the combination of Amy's voice and Judy's lyrics was just perfect. 

The performances of these artists brought a fresh interpretation of Judy Collins's wonderful songs. The blending between their voices and the lyrics was simply magic. In each interpretation of her songs, we could feel all the emotions rushing back and her fans were surely there to catch each moment of these songs. 

After their performances, it was the time for Judy Collins to get on stage and perform. Even after 40 years of singing, her voice was still there. She was accompanied by Russell Waldren, and special guest Ned Roren. Each moment of her performance proved to her fans that music will always live in her, and nothing (even the law of time) can take away that passion. She also took the time to communicate with her fans about her story, and about how her songs were written. 

Finally, at the end of her performance, everyone had the chance to go talk with the artists and the legendary Judy Collins herself. This was a huge opportunity for her fans, who have been following her since she was 22 years old. That young woman grew up, and she is now one of the most talented artists in her category. Her songs also grew up with her, and time after time, her compositions became more and more appreciated by her fans. 

"I have tried, in all the ways I can, to make timeless music.... During the event, she proved that she was successful in achieving this goal, and as a result, people will be listening to her music for many years to come... 

www.lyricny.org  

www.amyspeace.com  

www.rufuscappadocia.com  

LIFEBOOK 2009

A friend of mine who used to work for me, just e-mailed me with this...it is right on and I thought that I would share it here on my blog

  LIFEBOOK 2009

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2008
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day, and while you walk, smile

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.