A series of articles about business, marketing and just good stuff

Marketing options are more confusing than ever: Is it really worthwhile to spend your time tweeting or building a following on Facebook. Don't forget tried-and-true methods. Learn more.

Ten key questions to answer about your business.

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Eight key questions to answer about your website and website domain

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If your website/email is hosted by MMJ Technology click here to review your email settings.

A business leaders look at how social media can increase leads and revenue.  If your organization is interested in this seminar, contact us.  Click here to download the powerpoint.

Over the last 50 years marketing has been defined by big budgets and glitzy advertisements. These “tried-and-true” marketing techniques such as trade shows, telemarketing, e-mail blasting and advertising, are no longer getting through to customer because customers are getting better-and-better at ignoring these interruptions. The great thing is we are liberated from the tyranny of having to interrupt potential clients’ lives when we try to market to them. We can publish engaging and useful information on the Web and deliver it exactly when people are interested. To read more, Click here

In 2007, according to Gallup Inc., American businesses incurred $350B in extra costs because all levels of employees were not fully engaged. Have you ever considered how much your company contributes to this phenomenal number?  
The 3 Types of Employees 
ENGAGED EMPLOYEES work with passion and feel a profound connections to their company. They drive innovation and move the organization forward.
NOT-ENGAGED EMPLOYEES are essentially "checked out." They're sleepwalking through their workday,putting time - but not energy or passion - into their work.
ACTIVELY DISENGAGED EMPLOYEES aren't just unhappy at work, they're busy acting out their unhappiness.
Every day, these workers undermine what their engaged coworkers accomplish.   Research shows that up to 25 percent of direct costs of service are related to disengaged employees. The heart of the process is for both leaders and employees to act as partners in business growth. That means that not only the employees, but the leaders must participate.To read more Click Here

A Better Deal on Malaria. By Kathleen Kingsbury. Novaris was breaking Even Selling Coartem. But it chose to lose money to save more lives.  For the past nine years, the drug company Novartis has been selling Coartem, one of the most effective antimalarials on the market, to public health officials in the developing world at a loss totaling more than $253 million-not counting the millions spent on R&D. More than 550,000 lives have been saved. Novaris' foray into fighting Malaria is emblemetic of the ongoing debate in health care about where good public relations gives way to real corporate responsability. The $42 billion firm has actively sought applause on the world stage.  To read More Click Here

Spartan growth not accidental: Chain’s promotions appeal to customer base, CEO says by Shandra Martinez.  Byron Center Township-based grocery increased sales by at least 3.3% over the last year. Spartan’s CEO, Dennis Edison, was pleased to see retail growth as the economy declines. “I don’t think it was accidental,” he said. “We worked harder to understand customers better.” In the third quarter, Spartan’s retail presence grew to 100 stores.  To read more,  Click Here