Marketing Your Recreation and Leisure Business

Jewelry, Gold Buyer, Diamonds, Estate Jewelry, by Jessup’s of Daytona. Shop located in Daytona Beach, FL.

2012-02-27T20:56:00.001-08:00

ABOUT JESSUPS

Jessup’s of Daytona was originally a hardware store started in 1931 by Charles Jessup. During the Great Depression in the early years of Jessup’s, Charles lived in the back of the original store. Roger remembers him telling of opening the store at 7:00AM and closing at 11:00PM. He explained all of the merchants would watch each other to see who was going to close first. Times were very hard and a merchant could not afford to miss a single sale.

Charles’ daughters, Esther and Ruth Jessup Harshaw eventually joined Charles in the business. Their passion for jewelry rather than hardware prompted the change towards the Jessup’s you see today. Ruth’s son Roger, his wife Barbra Leigh, and Dan Harshaw are the present owners. Dan is the great grandson of Charles and therefore represents the fourth generation.

78 Years - How have we done it? Granddad and his daughters Esther and Ruth were honest hardworking people. They treated all costumers fairly and with respect, so we began the third generation with a wonderful, loyal customer base. We are the FIRST merchant in Daytona Beach to sell gold by weight and also the FIRST merchant in Daytona Beach to show costumers the wholesale price sheets on diamonds, so customers can compare.

Price does matter!! Many independent merchants across America are going out of business because they cannot compete with the mass merchandisers on price. Jessup’s is unique. Most of our merchandise is pre-owned. The fact that we buy from individuals, allows us to sell wholesale or below. Pre-owned merchandise, refurbished, with money-back guarantee at below market price.

Jessups guarantees our price to be the lowest!

6 C’S OF DIAMOND BUYING

COLOR

DIAMONDS are found with a range of colors, from faint yellow or brown through to the very rare pinks, blues, greens and other colors known as “fancies”. However, the best color

For a diamonds is no color. It is totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color.

CLARITY

To determine a diamond’s clarity, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capacity to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare and therefore more valuable.

CUT

Of all the 6C’s, cut is the most directly influenced by man? The other three are dictated by nature. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the cutter’s skill that releases its beauty.

It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light. 1: When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. 2: If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of their pavilion. #: If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.

CARAT WEIGHT

As with all precious stones, the weight ~ and therefore the size ~ of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated in a natural unit of weight: the seeds of the carob tree. Diamonds were traditionally weighted against these seeds until the system was standardized and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams (one fifth of a gram). One carat is divided into 100 “points” so that a diamond of 25 points is described as quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. Here are some other examples that show the approximate size of the diamonds in question.

CONFIDENCE or TRUST: The jewelry industry for years has had a campaign asking for consumers trust. Unfortunately in world one must be cautious. We have found that the customer that is well informed and educated about the product they are buying is much more likely to get a good buy than the person who “trusts” all will be O.K. We do not agree with policies of protection such as “no refunds”, “no exchanges”, “no returns”, “and no exchanges on lay-a-way”. Instead JESSUP’S policy on diamonds is simple. Buy it; take it home, comparative shop. If you are not happy with your purchase, return the diamond, in the original condition, within 30 days for a full refund.

COST

WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM JESSUP’S?

It is our goal to offer you the very best price available anywhere. In today’s world of huge chains and mass merchandisers this is a lofty goal.

DIAMONDS: Diamonds are one of the most tightly controlled commodities in the world, dominated by the De beer’s Corporation. All jewelers buy diamond’s wholesale then add their markup (normally from 50% to 300%), JESSUP’S buys all of our major diamonds from individuals at below wholesale prices. Our graduate Gemologist determines the wholesale value of the diamonds offered to JESSUP’S. This true wholesale value becomes JESSUP’S selling price. Diamonds have Blue Books just like cars, boats, or any other valuable commodity (ask us to show you the Blue Book on the diamond you are considering.)

MARKETING: Service versus Price. Most companies today market their product by offering low price or quality service. This has worked well for the discounters on the standard items where comparison shopping is easy. It is very difficult to compare prices on diamonds. No two diamonds are alike and most consumers do not believe they are capable of determining value of diamonds without guidance from knowledgeable salespersons. It is because JESSUP’S is able to sell at true New York wholesale. We are able to offer our customer’s a WIN WIN combination of very knowledgeable staff and the lowest price available.

Caution: Grading diamonds is an art, science, opinion, and situation. Know in whose opinion the diamond is graded. Salesperson, the store, an in-house appraiser, an outside appraiser, Gemologist, or a Gemologist is an independent lab.

If you decide to purchase a diamond without an independent lab report, protect yourself with a full refund clause that gives you the right to have the diamond graded at an independent lab.

CONFIDENCE

Choose a jeweler in whom you have confidence. Make sure that he or she will talk to you, frankly and freely, about the diamond you want to buy and the price you want to pay. He is the diamond expert and will be happy to explain the Four C’s to you. He will tell you the difference between various qualities of diamonds and how these differences affect the price.

ABIUD RIVERA - MASTER JEWELER

Abiud is our MASTER Jeweler with 35 years’ experience from a family of Master Jewelers. He began jewelry making at 19 in New York, where he apprenticed with top European and South American goldsmiths, as well as his father and uncle.

Jewelry making and repair is an art that requires many skills and abilities. The precise and delicate nature of jewelry work requires finger and hand dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, patience, and concentration. Add creativity, and you have Abiud defined.

We at Jessup’s have learned in our many years in business, that nothing is more important to jewelry business than having a great Master Jeweler. Every piece left for repair is special and precious to its owner. It may be a family heirloom, a gift from a loved one, or their very favorite jewelry item. It is our responsibility to repair that piece to exceed our customers’ expectations.

Abiud has been our Master Jeweler since 2003. We are so confident in his ability that we added a line to our repair ticket.

“100% delighted or no charge”

This is our testament of confidence to our Master Jeweler

Learn more about Diamonds on Jessup’s of Daytona by visiting http://www.jessupsofdaytona.com/. Call (386) 252-8257 for inquiry

Murals, Faux Painting, Tiles, Color Consulting in Sonoma by Artist Linda Shea Design

2012-02-27T20:46:00.001-08:00

Healdsburg, Sonoma artist Linda Shea works directly with you or your designer to create custom murals, borders and theme rooms.

Her repertoire of architectural finishes includes: faux stone, wood graining, textures and metallic patinas.

She creates new finishes for cabinetry and furniture including glazing, antiquing/distressing and decorative painting.

She and her craft experts guide your interior or exterior project from color selection through all phases of prep and painting to the finish itself. She is also available for design and color consultations exclusively.

Her palette of decorative motifs includes:

• architectural finishing design

• faux wood grain, stone and patinas

• reinterpretation of fabric, wallpaper, photos, paintings, or historical motifs

• color consulting

Linda offers:

• color consulting

• interior / exterior paint treatments

• cabinetry and furniture

• faux painting

• custom draperies

• on site color mixing

To see samples of Linda Shea’s designs visit http://lindashea.com/index.html. Call 707-838-2523 for free one hour consultation.

World Fantasy Award Winning Author Michael Shea

2012-02-24T00:18:00.001-08:00

Michael Shea is an award winning and bestselling author of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy books.

Michael A. Shea was born to Irish parents in Los Angeles. There he frequented Venice Beach and the Baldwin Hills for their wildlife.

After attending UCLA on the advance Placement program while still in the tenth grade, he made his way to UC Berkeley for the wild-life there during the Time of Troubles.

He hitch-hiked twice across America and Canada, and at a hotel in Juneau Alaska, chanced on a battered book from the lobby shelves: Cugel the Clever, by Jack Vance.

Not till four years later, after a brief first marriage, and a year spent hitch-hiking through France and Spain, did he write homage to Jack Vance, for which that great man graciously declined to share the advance offered by DAW Books. Shea's first novel, A Quest for Simbilis (1974), was an authorized sequel.

Subsequently he ranged all over the L.A. Basin, painting houses and teaching Adult ESL by night. In 1978 he had the blessed luck to meet his wife, artist and author Lynn Cesar. Shea then moved to the Bay Area.

His other novels include:

Nifft the Lean (1982) - received a World Fantasy Award
The Color out of Time (1984) - homage to H. P. Lovecraft's "The Colour out of Space"
In Yana, the Touch of Undying (1985)
I, Said the Fly (1993)
The Extra (2010)

The Novella "The Growlimb" (2004) was also a winner of the World Fantasy Award, in the 2005 Novella category. Shea has received many other awards for his writing.

Shea's interest in Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos continues. Copping Squid and Other Mythos Tales (2010) is a collection of such tales.

Reviews

SF Site

The Extra, A review by Seamus Sweeney.

“With its plentiful gallows humour, competitive struggling in a world of scarcity, and dark extension of the reality TV concept to a logical extreme, The Extra is an entertaining mirror of our own strange days.”

The Extra, by Michael Shea

(Reviewed by Robert Thompson) on January 27, 2010

“Michael Shea’s “The Extra” is an exhilarating thrill-ride full of creativity, insane action, and accomplished writing. Hugely entertaining, I can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy…”

To know more about Michael Shea and all of his books visit, http://www.michaelsheaauthor.com or call (707) 838-2523 to set schedule for interview.

My Earth Day Marin offers outdoor community service projects to protect the environment, creeks, watersheds, and fish and wildlife in Marin County

2012-02-23T18:04:00.001-08:00

About Us

The "My Earth Day Marin Coalition" was founded by the Marin County Parks and Open Space District, the City of San Rafael Volunteer Program, the San Rafael Clean Program, the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin, and the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Together we sought to increase the number of service projects in Marin, abate litter in our watersheds (beaches, creeks, parks, open space preserves, cities and towns), remove invasive plants, restore trails, watersheds and sensitive habitat areas, remove graffiti, encourage community involvement, inspire youth, and enjoy our beautiful, natural environment!

Inspired by the incredible success of California Coastal Cleanup Day, we saw Earth Day as an opportunity to organize, promote and publicize multiple environmental service projects in Marin. Together, we organized large groups of volunteers who participated in cleanup events at several different locations. For example, at Pickleweed Park in San Rafael, over 100 people removed countless pieces of litter from local streets and beautiful marsh areas bordering the bay. Local Rotary Clubs prepared and served food to smiling volunteers, musicians donated their time and skill on stage, fruit smoothies were made by bicycle pedal powered blenders, knowledge was gained and great differences made, a solid stepping stone was set!

The My Earth Day Marin Coalition is dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to get involved in their community and environment. Our list of partner agencies and project opportunities continues to expand.

We are now grateful to have planning and other assistance from the Marin County Community Development Agency, the Marin Municipal Water District, the Marin County Department of Public Works, and the San Rafael Department of Public Works. We’re promoting our own Earth Day service projects as well as those of many amazing organizations throughout Marin, including, but not limited to, the Marin Audubon Society, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitor’s Center, City of Novato, City of Mill Valley, Gallinas Creek Watershed Council, Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, Conservation Corps North Bay, Friends of Corte Madera Creek, Willow Creek Academy Charter School, Safe Passage Along Lucas Valley Road, and the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary.

And we could not have produced our website without a Marin County Parks and Open Space District volunteer, Alex Kahl of Kahl Consultants (http://www.kahl.net), who donated his time to design and build the site. We’re grateful to all the agencies and volunteers who work to abate trash and care for our natural environment on Earth Day!

For more information about activities and events visit http://www.myearthdaymarin.org or call 415-499-3778.

Web services and internet consulting for small business and Nonprofits by Kahl Consultants

2012-02-22T19:19:00.001-08:00

For your small business and nonprofit internet marketing services you can trust Kahl Consultants.

Kahl Consultants consists of an experienced team of web designers, programmers, internet consultants and online marketers. Our team is creative, professional, and environmental. We are a solar powered certified green business serving small business and nonprofit clients.

Based in San Rafael, CA (near San Francisco), we service hundreds of satisfied customers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin County and Sonoma County, as well as our national and international clients.

Complete Online Marketing

Not only do we design, program, host and market websites, but we also develop e-commerce shopping carts, manage email newsletter campaigns, build and maintain your blogs and social media sites (such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn).

Our Internet Services include:

• Full spectrum of Small Business Web Services

• Website Design and redesign

• Web Hosting

• Web Site Maintenance

• Internet Consulting and Training

• Content Management Systems (CMS) / Website redesign

• Search Engine Optimization and Marketing (SEO / SEM)

• E-Commerce Shopping Cart Development and Hosting

• Email Marketing

• Blogs and Social Media

As internet consultants we provide our services to a wide variety of small business and nonprofit clients from many industries including:

• Professional and tech firms

• Environmental and energy firms

• Sole proprietors

• Non-profits and NGOs

• Social and environmental groups

• Health and Wellness

• Green products and green services

• Other small business websites

ABOUT KAHL CONSULTANTS

Trust Kahl Consultants for all your small business and nonprofit internet services, from website design to web hosting and online marketing.

Since 1996 our team of web designers, programmers, internet consultants and online marketers has been developing and maintaining the online presence for hundreds of clients.

We are an environmentally friendly business founded and operated by Alex Kahl. To show that we walk the walk we are certified green and are an approved member of the Green America Business Network, the Bay Area Green Business Network, and a Marin County Sustainable Partner.

We are also proud to be solar powered and are constantly investing in becoming more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. We also help our clients to be environmentally conscious as well. Our team serves small business and nonprofit clients worldwide.

Our mission is to help small business and nonprofits with appropriate online technology in order to establish and maintain an online presence and an online marketing campaign in an environmentally and socially conscious manner.

Our internet consulting company is based in the San Francisco Bay Area in San Rafael, California, USA, where we have satisfied hundreds of customers. Many of our clients are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially in the North Bay in Marin County and Sonoma County. We also work with companies and nonprofits nationally and internationally.

Kahl Consultants specializes in providing a full spectrum of environmentally friendly web services to small businesses and nonprofits. From website development to online marketing strategies, we have completed over 500 contracts worldwide for customers from almost every industry, including many professionals, green businesses, energy and environmental firms, social organizations, non-profits and NGOs. Select nonprofit customers benefit from our pro bono and reduced rate nonprofit work, one of many ways in which we support environmental and social nonprofits.

Visit http://www.kahl.net for more information about Kahl Consultants web services. Call us at 415-499-0838.

Appliance Repair for all Appliances including Refrigerator and Washer Repair. Appliance King serves all over Marin County.

2012-02-22T17:06:00.001-08:00

Appliance King offers:

Since 1971 we offer repairs on all appliances!

Commercial and Domestic

Home and Property

Marin County Appliance Repair all over Marin!

From Corte Madera to San Rafael to Novato.

QUICK RESPONSE for:

• Washer repair

• Dryer repair

• Refrigerator repair

Appliance King REPAIRS ALL APPLIANCES

• Washer

• Dryer

• Cook top

• Kitchen range

• Built in oven

• Dishwasher

• Refrigerator

• Compactors

• Garbage disposals

• Much more!

Services

Appliance King services and repairs almost any appliance, including washer, dryer, cook top, range, built in oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, wall heater compactors and garbage disposals.

REFRIGERATORS - FREEZERS - ICE MACHINES - ICEMAKERS - RANGES - COOKTOPS WALL OVENS - STOVES - WASHERS - DRYERS - STACKABLE UNITS - WATER HEATERS - DISHWASHERS - GARBAGE DISPOSALS-COMPACTORS

SERVICES All MAJOR BRANDS:

ADMIRAL - AMANA - BOSCH - BADGER - ELECTROLUX - FRIGIDAIRE - GE* - HOTPOINT* - INSINKERATOR - JC PENNY - JENN AIR - KENMORE - KMART - KITCHEN AID - LG* - MAGIC CHEF* - MAYTAG - MONOGRAM*- PROFILE - ROPER - SCOTSMAN - SEARS* - SUBZERO**- THERMADOR - ULINE - WHIRLPOOL

About Us

The name Appliance King stems from a family owned business established in the early 1950’s. formally known as Typewriter Kings located on 4th street in San Rafael. Carlo Palombi and Martha Palombi started this business as husband and wife in 1971. Carlo Palombi with over 40 years of experience in repairing appliances has passed his knowledge to his sons. Marco Palombi service manager for Appliance King has been around appliances and working with them his whole life. “I remember going on service calls with my dad when I was little and he would always tell me the main functions of appliances and their internals.” said Marco Palombi.

The Palombi family continues to strive in knowledge and continues to keep current with an ever changing appliance industry. Appliance King continues to serve the Marin County community for many years when it comes to appliance repair with pride. We look forward to providing every customer with courteous and low cost service.

For more information about services offered visit http://www.appliancekingonline.com/ or call 415-479-1690.

Country Homes Campers Your Camper Van Connection

2012-02-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

We’re your camper van experts with over 30 years of experience.
We offer great deals on selected camper accessories.
Our bestseller: ShadyBoy Camper Awnings – inexpensive, practical, durable awnings!

Replacement Parts

For your convenience, we also carry

• Pop Top Replacement Bearings

• Pop Top Replacement Canvas

• Freeway Flier Automatic Transmission

Buy Vehicles
Camper Vehicles for Sale!
We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.
Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Minivan Conversions Info

Campers – we market them, repair them, and consult customers.
Our associates (like Personalized Vans and Trucks) customize them.
Together we equip your camper vehicle with the best:

· ergonomic engineering

· craftsmanship

· pleasing aesthetics

Company Info

Country Homes Campers campers were custom built until 1997. Country Homes Campers no longer builds campers.

We now maintain our website for informational purposes, to sell accessories and parts, and to assist old customers with finding parts and helping them to sell or buy their campers.

Camper Van Conversions

So you’re interested in a minivan conversion?
Let us help you!

First some handy tips:
1. Old vans are often NOT worth converting due to costs involved .
2. A NEW conversion from a dealer usually costs over $10,000
3. Often BUYING A USED VAN with a conversion is your best choice.
Conversion costs are independent of vehicles age.
4. We are your only source for our classic camper designs (a Canadian company offers a different type of conversion).
5. Look at our classic camper designs first!
Next, we recommend that you select from these conversion options:

Option A:
Basic Pop-top installation

Option B:

Interior Conversion with Standard options:

• Cabinet – Curtains – Screens

• Porta- Potty

• Carpet for center of Van

• Dual Battery charging system

• Sink

• 8 gal water tank

• 110V outlet

• Table – Drawer – Closet

• Fire extinguisher

• Propane and CO detector

• Rear Light

Optional Equipment:

• Built-in stove (3 gal tank)

• Awning

• Sunroof

• Luggage rack

• Swivel Seat

At Country Homes, we make your camping trips a pleasurable experience. Because we are camping enthusiasts!

SERVICES

Buy Vehicles

We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.

Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Sell Vehicles

Sell your Preowned Vehicle

We will advertise it for you!

Our loyal customers and visitors are always looking for deals on preowned vehicles!

Advertising package includes:

1. Targeted marketing to our preferred client base (thousands of potential customers)
2. Complete full page listing on our site until vehicle is sold (example)

Visit http://countryhomescampers.com/ to see our camper information and accessories.
Email us or leave short message on our voice mail (509) 472-8666 and we’ll get back to you soon.

Beth Galleto Marketing Communications, Copywriting and Editing for small businesses.

2012-01-18T18:57:00.001-08:00

Serving businesses and individuals in Marin County, or anyone within the reach of email.

Communicate what your business can do for your clients
Look sharp
Speak to your clients with flair and accuracy
Are prepared quickly and efficiently
Are reasonably priced.

That's why you should hire Beth Galleto, an award-winning writer and editor, to produce your

Business or organizational newsletters
Brochures
Press releases
Flyers
Website updates
Email blasts and electronic newsletters

Beth Talks about herself:

During nearly ten years as communications manager for the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, I was responsible for printed materials including the chamber newspaper, annual action plan, press releases, brochures, flyers, and community reference materials. While I was communications manager the San Rafael Chamber won ten awards from the Western Association of Chamber Executives — a regional association of Chambers of Commerce from seven western states — for its communications materials. I also wrote and designed email blasts sent to chamber members and managed the day to day updating of the chamber website.

I formed Beth Galleto Marketing Communications in 2006 to do the same kind of quality work for my clients that I did for the Chamber of Commerce.

My past experience also includes nearly ten years as a reporter and editor for the Marin Scope Community Newspapers. I am an excellent writer with an understanding of journalistic style and ethics. Proper usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential to me. I automatically proofread menus, newspapers, letters — any printed materials I see. I particularly enjoy the challenge of designing flyers and brochures so that the copy and design work together to achieve their purpose, and I love working on websites.

Visit http://galletomedia.com to see samples of work. For inquiry call (415) 464 9718

Theatre Flamenco, San Francisco

2012-01-18T18:41:00.001-08:00

HISTORY

THEATRE FLAMENCO of San Francisco is the second oldest dance company in the Bay Area (after the SF Ballet).

Founded in 1966 by Adela Clara, Theatre Flamenco was conceived during a flowering of cultural pride in the 60’s that led to the revival of Latino arts; the Company’s purpose was to fill what was then a dearth of Spanish dances in the Bay Area.

Theatre Flamenco was the first American dance company to stage full productions of Spanish dance in the U.S., and is one of the oldest dance companies in California. Every year since its inception Theatre Flamenco has presented a home season of performances in San Francisco.

Over the years, Theatre Flamenco has served as a beacon of cultural pride, a reservoir for the diverse traditions of Spanish culture, and a vital source for artistic collaboration. The Company is dedicated to the research, presentation and education of a full range of Spanish dance including classical, neo-classical, regional, folk and escuela bolera.

In 2008, Theatre Flamenco’s long-time artistic director, Miguel Santos was recognized for his substantial contributions to the Bay Area and to the art of flamenco by the Isadora Duncan Dance Award (IZZIE) whereupon he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, an award for re-staging MISA FLAMENCO and a Lifetime Achievement Award from World Arts West Ethnic Dace Festival. Mr. Santos continues to work with Theatre Flamenco as a Board Member.

Artistic director Carola Zertuche’s vision for Theatre Flamenco is that of a highly professional company that, in addition to the annual home season, has an annual touring schedule and presents a quarterly community outreach series. Renee Renouf observed in Ballet.co.uk (November 2008): “This is my first Theatre Flamenco season seen since Carola Zertuche assumed artistic direction; the ensemble has shifted from essentially a community-oriented emphasis to one leaning heavily on professional aspirations, limited to five dancers, and doing well by the change…If the changes progress in this spirit, the Bay Area might add a highly polished flamenco ensemble as well as Theatre Flamenco’s longevity to its roster of dance jewels.”

In 2009, Theatre Flamenco’s Juan Siddi and Carola Zertuche have the honor of being nominated for the Isadora Duncan Dance Award (IZZIE’s) Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Performance for ENCUENTRO Theatre Flamenco 2009 San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival weekend 1. The IZZIE award celebrates the richness, diversity, and excellence of the Bay Area dance the video above with Carola Zertuche & Juan Siddi. This dance was a 2009 Nominee for Most Memorable Dance from the Isadora Duncan Dance Committee.

Carola Zertuche - Artistic Director

Carola Zertuche entered her dance career in Mexico City’s Tablao Meson de Triana. Her studies have led her to such renowned teachers as Manolo Vargas; Ciro; Belen Maya; Andrés Marin; Israel Galván; and Jota Master, Pedro Azorín. She has been featured as a soloist in Pilar Rioja’s company “Reflejo Español” and danced with the Maria Elena Anaya Company under the artistic direction of Manolo Vargas. In addition, she has performed with many different companies such as “Los Tarantos “, La Tania’s Teatro Flamenco and Maria Benitez’ Company. Her dance has been showcased in such festivals as the Ethnic Dance Festival in San Francisco; the Santa Barbara Flamenco Festival and the Monterrey Mexico Flamenco Festival. The year 2002 found Carola touring Mexico and the U.S. with the “Sentido Flamenco” Show starring Alegría Suarez, Cano, Mercedes Amaya and Santiago Aguilar; in the same year Carola was nominated for the Isadora Duncan Award in the soloist category. In 2003 she toured with the Maria Benitez Company and presented her first full show of flamenco “El Color del Flamenco”.

Most recently, 2005 witnessed her presentation of “Verde” with the participation of Pastora Galván and Jose Anillo. In October 2005 She danced as a guest Artist with Domingo Ortega Flamenco Company in Los Angeles and Andres Marin Company in the First Flamenco Festival in San Francisco. And in 2007 Carola she become Artistic director of Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco. In 2007and 2008 she was awarded Best Flamenco Classic in San Francisco Magazine and Best flamenco show in SF Weekley. In Spring 2008, she toured the Middle East with the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theater Company and Performed at the Summer Season in Santa Fe.

Miguel Santos - Company Manager

Miguel Santos has been with Theatre Flamenco since its inception, serving as principal dancer, choreographer, and since 1987, artistic director. He began his studies in classical ballet with Carmelita Maracci. His Spanish dance training began in Los Angeles in 1954, and soon thereafter he traveled to Spain where he studied with all the major flamenco teachers. Mr. Santos has performed with Teatro la Zarzuela of Madrid and both José Greco’s and Lola Montes’ companies.

While Mr. Santos was performing with the José Greco company, he appeared in the film Around the World in 80 Days. He has performed in La Traviata for the San Francisco Opera and for the Seattle Opera with Beverly Sills.

Mr. Santos continues to refine his flamenco skills by taking master classes with José Galván, La Quica, Javier La Torre, El Guito, Merche Esmeralda, and José Antonio. A three-time NEA Choreography Fellowship recipient, Mr. Santos’ major works include Misa Flamenco, Concerto No. 2, and Regionalismos, among many others. Mr. Santos has served as a panelist for the California Arts Council. Miguel Santos was also recognized for his substantial contributions to the Bay Area and to the art of flamenco by the Isadora Duncan Dance Award (IZZIE) and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival for 2008. He currently teaches flamenco at the San Francisco Dance Center and is artist-in-residence at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Redwood City, California.

45 Years of Flamenco

In November 2012 Theatre Flamenco celebrated four decades of artistic evolution and perseverance with the world premiere performance event “45 Años de Arte Flamenco” (45 Years of Flamenco), a tribute performance that reflects Theatre Flamenco’s creative progression and the evolutionary art of flamenco dance. The transition in styles – whether it is music, dance, costume and instruments – represent the growth and maturity of the society that connects with this art.

Carola Zertuche, Theatre Flamenco’s Artistic Director, confronts the traditional anniversary retrospective from a wide angle. “45 Años de Arte Flamenco” (45 Years of Flamenco) is rooted in the soul of flamenco with an eye on the past, present and most importantly, future. Rather than present highlights from the company’s extensive repertoire, Zertuche featured her world premiere productions, and pay tribute to the traditional dance performance of the founders through a series of original works inspired by Theatre Flamenco’s legacy.

Four dancers – Carola Zertuche (Artistic Director), Manuel Gutierrez, Juan Siddi, and Cristina Hall- joined by five musicians and two singers in a remarkable event that looks back at the roots of flamenco to the modern style we enjoy today. Gypsy singers José Cortes and Kina Mendez was accompanied by percussionist Sudhi Rajagopal, pianist Alex Conde; violinist Treggar Otton; cellist Jesse Wolff.

To get updates of Theare Flamenco schedules of show visit http://www.theatreflamenco.org or call 415-826-2477

Community Theatre for performances and events at Russian River Hall located in Monte Rio, Sonoma County

2012-01-18T18:21:00.001-08:00

The Russian River Hall (formerly Pegasus Hall) is located conveniently at 20347 Highway 116 in Monte Rio in the Russian River area.

Russian River Hall is a centre for the performing arts in the heart of the Russian River Resort Region.

We offer this wonderful space to artists of all disciplines. This 1930’s Historic Building boasts a stage, modular tiered theatre seating, full range theatrical lighting system, full sound system, intercom, 3 dressing rooms, Kitchen and Green Room, Concessions, and ample parking. We are wheelchair accessible. Seating capacity ranges from 68 to 110.

EVENTS

Music Concerts

Music of all varieties can be performed in The HALL.

The sound acoustics enhance classical symphonic and instrumental music without need for amplification.

Jazz music, as well as Country and Western music, will also be heard with clarity.

Likewise, operatic and voice performances of all styles will sound clear with all the dynamics in place.

Dance Contest

The thrust stage is set for intimate, yet thrilling dance concerts. Flamenco, Modern Dance, Ballet, Jazz, and any dance event can take place within view of the audience.

A Spinet Piano is also available for your accompaniment or to play with the proper rhythm of your dance.

The modular tiered theatre seats can be set in any part of The HALL to accommodate Proscenium dance performance or Arena seating for a more open type of performance.

Likewise, the lighting system is designed to light any subject from almost any angle or location within The HALL. Use your imagination as you plan your next Dance Concert, or consult our resident Lighting Designer for the most effective way to light your dancers.

Art Exhibitions

The HALL can be set for any Exhibition, be it Painting, Sculpture, or any Commercial Display that requires a large space and Focused Lighting and Music on a Public Announcement System.

Let us know how you want to display your products and we can re-configure the space for your needs.

Private Parties

Planning a Wedding in June or any month of the year? Our indoor space is ideal for Nuptials or any other kind of Private Party all year round.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Bar Mitzvas, Lectures: ALL can be accommodated in The HALL.

The kitchen is equipped with a cook stove, refrigerator, and microwave. You bring your own dishes, service, flat ware, and cook ware. You can have your event catered and served, while you entertain your guests on the stage, hold a dance celebration, or give a speech in honor of the guests.

Classes

If you have a class you want to teach: Voice, Dance, Yoga, Tai Chi, Music, or any other subject, Call now to reserve The HALL: 707-849-4873

About Russian River Hall

It is our mission and intent to:

make available a fully equipped theatre space for the community at large to use for a wide variety of performances and events.
assure a comfortable and safe place for the arts.
provide a building staff to support tenants in acheiving their goal.

Live Stage

The HALL is equipped to support live performances of every type.

We encourage theatre companies who produce their own stage plays to rent The HALL and use it for their production and performance times.

Individuals who need a stage to exercise their talents can use The HALL for their one man/woman shows. This include stand-up comedians, open mike talents, poetry readings, story tellers, and troubadours.

Our management staff will manage the House and Concessions at no extra cost.

Our expert light/sound staff will train your light/sound operators on our own equipment (see Classes) or operate the lights and sound for your productions at a nominal fee (see Rates).

Visit http://www.russianriverhall.com/ to check for upcoming events. For inquiries and reservation please call (707) 849-4873.

Custom Van and Truck Conversions by Gary Miller and Personalized Vans & Trucks. Shop located in San Jose, California

2012-01-16T20:48:00.001-08:00

We only do conversions – so think Personalized when you think custom vans and trucks.

Owner Gary Miller is known with his satisfied customers for his trademark personalized service.

Maybe you would like some custom van upholstery? How about some running boards for your sprinter van? Or any other type of custom van interiors? Think of us when you think of custom van and truck conversions.

We only use the best accessories for our custom work.

We are a proud dealer for Flexsteel and LLEBROC van seats and other vehicle seating as well as Fiberine fiberglass tops.

Our fully-equipped custom van shop is centrally located near the International Airport in San Jose, CA. The shop is at the intersection of Highways 101 (Bay shore Freeway) and 880 (Nimitz freeway).

About Personalized Vans & Trucks

You say pleasure is your business?

How about a camping van with TV and VCR, sofa bed, A/C D/C refrigeration, dual battery system, a sunroof and few extra windows to enjoy the view?

A windsurfing van with raised fiberglass top may be more to your liking.

With a sleeping area… and your surfboard, of course!

A full line of accessories is available.

We custom build door panels, headliners and walls, and install carpet kits and running boards.

How about comfortable, easy-to-sit-in seats for your vehicle? We use Flexsteel pick-up, RV and van seats in our customization.

And we can’t forget the alarm to protect your gear or the stereo to keep you company, now, can we?

We also build and customize the not-so- out-of-the-ordinary trucks and vans. Also among our specialty:

Utility vans built for commercial work, loaded with metal shelving with partitions separating driver and passenger from the cargo area,

Sub flooring, rubber mats, and ladder racks to

Contractor’s trucks with storage boxes, metal racks and bed liners.

The Shop

Our Capabilities

With twenty-five years’ experience in building and personalizing vans and trucks, we have the capability to build everything!

From a mobile office, to a totally self- supporting dog grooming van complete with bathing facilities, to catering vans and much much more.

Services

Camper Vans

Custom Vans

Dog Transport and Grooming Vehicles

Kite boarding Vehicles

Mobile Service and Mobile Shop Trucks

Office Vehicles

Sport Vehicles

Sprinter Vans

Surfing Vehicles

We custom build vans and trucks

1. Sprinter Vans

2. Office Vehicles

3. Mobile Service and Mobile Shop Trucks

4. Surfing Vans

5. Camper Vans

6. Sport Vehicles

7. Custom Vans

8. Dog Transport and Grooming Vehicles

9. You name it!

Accessories

Our Full Line of Accessories

VCR

stereo

sofa bed

A/C D/C refrigeration

dual battery system

a sunroof

extra windows

bathing facilities

raised fiberglass top

sleeping area

alarm system

metal shelving

sub flooring

rubber mats

ladder racks

storage boxes

metal racks

bed liners

door panels

headliners and walls

carpet kits

running boards

comfortable Flexsteel seats

driver and cargo area partition

To know more about the services offered by Personalized Vans & Trucks please visit http://www.personalizedvans.com/ or call 408-436 8244 .

Indian Restaurant serving Authentic Indian Food: Taj of Marin in San Rafael, Marin County

2012-01-05T23:33:00.000-08:00

Taj of Marin on 4th Street in San Rafael, CA provides authentic and delicious Indian food at a great price. The restaurant is run by the Singh family and is truly dedicated to providing an upscale experience at an affordable price. Situated in the heart of downtown San Rafael, Taj of

Marin offers the most exquisite and authentic Indian cuisine in North Bay. The restaurant, adorned with traditional Indian artwork and décor, provides a serene and comforting atmosphere.

The menu encompasses the very best of North and South Indian cuisines and includes vegetarian, meat, seafood, gluten-free, and vegan options. To complete the dining experience,

Taj of Marin carries an exceptional selection of beers, fine wines, and traditional Indian drinks.
At Taj of Marin, you will find impeccable food, outstanding customer service, and a delightful environment.

TAJ OF MARIN is unique like Marin County. Come in to cool off, have a great dinner and listen to some amazing music. We are also buying locally grown organic and sustainable produce when possible.

We would also like to partner with you in terms of fundraising so if you have an organization, club, church, need to raise funds to stay alive in this economy–come on in and talk to us. We would love to partner with you and give a percentage of dinner sales to your group for one month! Come on in and talk to Gurpreet Singh.

We also ask you to YELP about TAJ OF MARIN and like us on Facebook. Tell us when you get your bill—we will give you 20% discount on your ala carte dinner.

Check our website www.tajofmarin.com to find out more of our deals. For reservations call (415) 459-9555.

Customer's Review:

Terrific dinner - my mom and dad took me here last night and I left completely satiated. The meal was delightful. We had ground lamb somosas, coconut, shrimp masala, garlic naan, yellow lentil dal and mango chicken:) DELICIOUS. I hear they have a nice lunch buffet too:) - Review by Erin S., San Mateo, CA on Yelp

I have been here atleast 5 times. And was very satisfied with the quality and quantity of the food. They have almost double the options for buffet than any Lotus restaurants. - Review by Prasanna B., Novato, CA on Yelp

Spiritual Journey of a New Age seeker to Jesus Christ and Eastern Orthodox Christianity

2011-11-02T01:56:00.001-07:00

How did a New Age seeker wind up in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

The Pearl of Great Price is the story of a unique Christian conversion. It is about the spiritual journey of a wayward Catholic New Age Baby Boomer to Jesus Christ and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

"If you don't believe in the reality of spiritual warfare,
if you are convinced that miracles belong to a bygone era,
if you have always assumed that all paths to the Orthodox Church are basically the same,

then you must read The Pearl of Great Price.

The book is likewise a precious gem—a moving memoir that you are sure to treasure for its grateful testament to the grace of God."

Bobby Maddex, Operations Manager, Ancient Faith Radio Senior Editor, Salvo Magazine"

About the Author

My book is about seeking and finding. It is a unique story of Christian conversion. "I journeyed long and far to discover my Pearl of Great Price." As many youths in my baby boomer generation, I became disillusioned with the Catholic Church. Eventually, due to a severe health crisis which traditional medicine could not effectively treat, I turned to alternative medicine treatment, the teachings of a guru, meditation, Eastern religions, and metaphysics. I became a massage therapist, spiritual healer and teacher. Yet for all my meditation techniques, fasting and praying; true inner peace eluded me. I was told "follow your heart", but the spiritual paths and meditation techniques I used and practiced in the end did not truly quench my inner spiritual thirst.

Through a series of remarkable relationships and deep reflection I realized I had to come to terms with my past and my issues not only the church, but Christianity in general. Not until I had healed and reconciled both personally and with the church could I move beyond judging it and myself to be able to touch the heart of my personal struggles to find the "Truth, the Way and the Light" in Jesus Christ and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. How God could bring me from a total immersion into Eastern Religions and the New Age to the Eastern Orthodox Church amazes me still! I would not have imagined becoming Christian would have been the outcome of my struggles and spiritual journey.

I live in Marin County, California, with my husband, Gregory, and our two adorable dogs, Bisou and Bubba. We currently attend St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in San Anselmo, where I sing in the choir. I am quite involved in the study and spiritual practices of the early church. I especially want to connect with other Orthodox women about how to bring others to Eastern Orthodox Christianity and how my book would be helpful in their Christian ministry.

Review by Daniel R. Duncan, San Francisco, CA USA:

What's remarkable about Veronica Hughes' "Pearl" is its quiet candor, where one usually finds a strident and defensive proselytism.

She describes her previous spiritual explorations with even-handed respect, even when she has found a greater fulfillment in Orthodoxy. Especially interesting is the respectful way she describes her previous relationships in New Age organizations in which she was even a pioneer. This readiness to describe while being reluctant to judge seems to be part of an Orthodox perspective.

She does not call names, but describes events, again, in an even-handed and honest way that is rare in accounts of conversion. She thus honors the search that has led her, and may lead others, to Orthodoxy.

And now that she is fully immersed in Orthodoxy, this reader looks forward to her further adventures in its spiritual landscape for, indeed, every Christian must heed Christ's admonition to seek and to knock so that the truth may answer. For when truth is alive, it does not stand and stagnate. Veronica's account so far promises a similarly quiet candor as she finds the next steps in her journey.

Indeed, her measured perspective will be especially welcome as she goes more and more deeply into this great tradition.

Order The Pearl of Great Price from www.pearlofgreatpriceorthodox.com

How-to Guides to Running Your Small Business from Work.com

2011-06-23T18:35:00.001-07:00

Check out this website I found at work.com

Business Growth | Funding Solution | Marble Bridge Funding Group, Inc.

2011-05-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

Your Bridge to Success

Marble Bridge Funding Group is your source to immediate cash to grow your business. Since 1997, Marble Bridge has provided more than $500 million of funding to hundreds of companies. We provide ready cash through financing your accounts receivable and purchase orders.

For companies looking to grow, Marble Bridge is your bridge to success. We are a direct lender, providing flexible, quick, reliable, custom funding solutions, and superior customer service.

Find out how we can help you:

Expand your business

Purchase additional inventory

Acquire larger customers

Get cash in 24-48 hours rather than waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days

Simply make the payroll

Contact Us Today!

Tel 925-977-8210

via marblebridge.com

Kahl Consultants client Marble Bridge Funding Group is a progressive commercial finance company headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 1997 this privately held direct funder has been financing growing businesses – from start-ups to companies with $100 million in sales – via a range of innovative programs:

Account Receivable Financing
Purchase Order Financing
Receivables Management
Other Related Financial Services

Marble Bridge also maintain a visible presence in the community, assisting government and private institutions that serve small businesses.

Entrepreneur Magazine Tips to Start Your Own Business

2011-04-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

Or almost nothing. Before you sign a lease (or buy a phone plan or make a hire), find out what's available for free.
You don't need a fancy telecom system and an office full of equipment to get your business off the ground. Hell, you don't even need an office, especially with the ever-growing array of virtual services at your disposal. --E.W.
The un-office
Save the rent and work with your colleagues anywhere that has a Wi-Fi signal. Basecamp--a web-based project-management app--lets you assign tasks, send instant messages, collaboratively edit documents, create presentations and track projects with employees and clients. A good service for web design professionals and other creatives completing longer-term assignments. Plans start at $24 a month for as many as 15 projects and go up to $149 a month for unlimited use. But if you can find office space at that price, we suggest you take it.
Basecamphq.com: From $24 a month.
Credit cards
Setting up a conventional credit card payment system involves contracts, equipment rental and thousands in transaction fees. Ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has a new startup called Square that allows you to swipe plastic with your iPhone or iPod. Simply plug Square's, er, square, into the headphone jack and your customers can make a purchase from anywhere. With instant photo verification, on-screen signature technology and e-mail receipts, the system is paperless, too. It's still in beta testing, but expect Square to arrive this summer.
Squareup.com: $1 for the app, plus 2.9 percent of each transaction. Hardware will be free.

The phone
Telecom systems killed the receptionist. Now Google Voice is set to kill telecom. Voice gives you the local number of your choice and lets you forward it to as many landline or cell phones as you please, giving you an "office number" even if said office consists of nothing more than you and your cat. Voice kindly transcribes voicemails for access through text message or e-mail, and incoming calls can be recorded and played back on the web. Local calls are free; long distance starts at just 2 cents a minute.
Google.com/voice: Free, or close to it.
The fax
Buying a bulky fax machine is so 1993. And then there's the monthly cost of the dedicated landline needed to run the thing. With eFax, $16.95 a month gets you a local fax number of your choosing and 130 incoming pages each month. And eFax sends incoming faxes as e-mail attachments--very 2010, indeed.
Efax.com: $16.95 a month.
IT department
Get the perks of a corporate computer network with Dropbox's free downloadable software: Just drag and drop files into a desktop folder to sync them to computers and PDAs--no IT guy needed.
Dropbox.com: Free.
Accounting department
Freshbooks--an online invoicing, time-tracking and expense service--automates the accounting department with an easy web interface that sends documents (with your logo) to clients. Manage as many as three clients for free; a $19 monthly upgrade increases that to 25. Getting clients to pay on time? That's another matter.
Freshbooks.com: Free.
Complaint department
Get Satisfaction--a startup that mint.com and Nike are already using--collects questions, complaints and feedback from throughout the social media universe and organizes it into a customer service platform that can be used on your website. Led by CEO Wendy Lea, Get Satisfaction has plans starting at $19.
Getsatisfaction.com: From $19 a month.
Make it legal
Create a simple LLC or trademark your business name with LegalZoom, a low-cost alternative to hiring counsel. LLC document preparation starts at $149 (about one-tenth of what an attorney would charge) and includes all filing fees and a custom operating agreement.
LegalZoom.com: $149 for an LLC document.

via entrepreneur.com

Ready to start your own business? Worried about the expenses?

This article has excellent tips for free or almost free services and tools to get you going when you are short on money.

myearthdaymarin.org

2011-04-21T16:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you for visiting the My Earth Day Marin Coalition Homepage – your source for information on environmentally focused service projects organized in honor of Earth Day throughout Marin County! Opportunities abound for those interested in giving back to mother nature, but sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin. That is why agencies across Marin have come together to collectively advertise Earth Day service projects and celebrations. We hope that your celebrations this April leave you with a greater understanding of, and appreciation for the incredible land and wildlife of Marin County, and the people who reside here. Together we can make a great difference; thank you very much for your time!

“Let it rain, let it pour, let the sun rise and roar, whatever the weather we are here to serve, to celebrate, nurture, preserve and observe, the endless wonders of earth!” -Marin County Park Ranger Kirk Schroeder

If you are interested in volunteering for an Earth Day service project, please visit our VOLUNTEER page for information on a wide variety of projects across the county. For more information on the My Earth Day Marin Coalition, please visit our About Us page. If you have general questions about the My Earth Day Marin Coalition, visit our Contact Us page. Note that our listed volunteer opportunities have specific contact persons pertaining to each event. If you are interested in promoting a volunteer event that is not listed on our VOLUNTEER page, visit our Add an Event page. We look forward to hearing from you!

[View with PicLens]
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My Earth Day Marin Partners:

Marin County Parks and Open Space District
City of San Rafael Volunteer Program and Public Works Department
San Rafael Clean
Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
Marin County Department of Public Works
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Marin Municipal Water District
Marin County Community Development Agency

Founded by:

Marin County Parks and Open Space District
City of San Rafael Volunteer Program
San Rafael Clean
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program

via myearthdaymarin.org

April 22 is Earth Day! Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to Mother Earth and volunteering for community service projects.

Marketing Case Study: Theatre Flamenco in San Francisco

2010-11-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

Kahl Consultants provides internet marketing services to nonprofits and small business. We are particularly proud to be the webmaster and internet consultant for Theatre Flamenco.

Founded in 1966, Theatre Flamenco is the second oldest dance company in the San Francisco Bay Area
The nonprofit organization serves as a beacon of cultural pride, a reservoir for the diverse traditions of Spanish culture, and a vital source for artistic collaboration.

Artistic director Carola Zertuche’s vision for Theatre Flamenco is that of a highly professional company that, in addition to the annual home season, has an annual touring schedule and presents a quarterly community outreach series.

Theatre Flamenco relies heavily on internet marketing via website, mail and social networking to attract customers to its shows, classes and other events.

As many of our small business and nonprofit clients, this Bay Area dance company uses several different avenues to do their online marketing. These avenues include a Wordpress-based website, a Wordpress-based blog and RSS feed, Vertical Response Email newsletters, a Facebook Fan page and Youtube videos:

You can see each of these tools by clicking on the following links:

Theatre Flamenco Wordpress Website

Theatre Flamenco Wordpress Blog with RSS feed

Theatre Flamenco Vertical Response Email newsletter Sign up

Theatre Flamenco Facebook Fan page

Youtube Video

This winning combination of internet marketing avenues help our client Theatre Flamenco to promote their unique style of entertainment.

Your nonprofit or small business can also benefit from a similar combination of online marketing avenues. Please contact Kahl Consultants for assistance with your online marketing.

CC8YH4TJ2BCN

How and Why to Offer Customers Email Newsletters

2010-09-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for websites! They are so cool and sexy, a slick digital way to present your business online. But the real workhorse of the internet is EMAIL. Too bad email is not as sexy as websites. That's because we all associate it with spam.

But don't knock email just yet! Done properly email marketing is the most COST EFFECTIVE way to market your business online.

In fact the best online marketing strategy uses BOTH websites and email - in synergy.

KC's Online Marketing Rule of Thumb:

Split your online marketing budget equally between website and email marketing.

How do YOU do email marketing?

Are you already sending out some marketing emails? Are you using your emails software (e.g. Outlook, MacMail, Thunderbird...)?

Then you probably have dealt with BOUNCES and BLOCKS, both common occurrences.

What are BOUNCES?
BOUNCES occur when an email address can't be reached. Bounces happen when an email address is DEAD, the In-Box is FULL, or the service was UNAVAILABLE.

What are BLOCKS?
BLOCKS occur due to the many blacklists used to fight spam. They can be quite overzealous and even if you are not a spammer it is easy for you or your email server to be listed on one.

KC's Email Marketing Rule of Thumb:
Do NOT use your regular email software for mass mailings.

How YOU should do email marketing:

1) NO SPAMMING!
2) Use double opt-in email marketing
3) Use a reputable email marketing service (the most popular one is Constant Contact)
4) Any mail that goes to over 50 names should use an email service

Did you know that email newsletter services are a much more effective method of marketing?
Let us know if you need some help setting up an Email Marketing service with Constant Contact.

If you have a nonprofit you can even try a FREE email newsletter service from Vertical Response:
http://www.verticalresponse.com/non-profits/

Cheers,
Alex

Offer Cork Recycling for your Customers

2010-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Do your serve wine? Do you sell wine? Then you should offer wine cork recycling to your customers.

European wineries have been doing it for decades, and now recycling cork is catching on in the USA.

13 billions corks are produced annually. Most still end up in landfills. Cork can be recycled!

The cork from wine bottles can also be reused in many useful products. And I'm not talking about this idea.

If you enjoy reusing items then collect wine cork and make cork board or use it in other crafts projects.

In order to recycle cork learn more from these cork recyclers:

Cork ReHarvest & Whole Foods Markets
Cork ReHarvest has finally convinced an large US grocery chain to recycle cork. Thank you to Whole Foods for allowing us to recycle our cork with your company-wide wine cork recycling program!

ReCORK
ReCORK, the world's largest producer of wine bottle corks, is trying to get wine drinkers to recycle cork in a big way.

The ReCORK site has a list of places you can drop off your cork.

For more details check out the North Bay Biz article "A Cork of a Different Color"

Remember: your customers will appreciate it if you offer them an easy way to recycle cork!

YouTube is a great way to promote Events such as Weddings!

2010-04-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's a nice day for a white wedding at The Irish Rose Inn B&B in Sonoma County, CA.

Here's a nice video slide show to help promote them!

If you have a business that would like to promote your events this is a great way to do it.

For more details give Kahl Consultants a call.

Check out ChiWalking and ChiRunning

2010-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

You probably know what Tai Chi is - it's that meditative form of martial art which looks like kung fu in slow motion. But have your heard about ChiRunning® and ChiWalking®?

ChiWalking blends the health benefits of walking with the core principles of Tai Chi. As we all know, the walking is low-impact, making it the healthiest form of daily exercise for all ages. As with Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi, ChiWalking emphasizes body alignment and mindfulness while strengthening the core muscles of the body.

Advantages include:
1) Reduce pounding and pain
2) Reduce dependence on leg muscles
3) Run hills safely and effectively
4) Reduce the chance of injury
5) Increase your endurance

I recently had a Chi Walking and Running class with Hazel Wood from StridebyStride.com. Hazel is a Certified ChiRunning and ChiWalking Instructor who has learned from Danny Dreyer, the inventor of these techniques. Hazel now teaches these techniques to individuals and groups. They are great techniques for injury free walking and running based on Tai Chi principles.

The five mindful steps of ChiWalking:
1) Get aligned
2) Engage your core
3) Create balance
4) Make a choice
5) Move forward

Stride by Stride coach Hazel Wood teaches ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® to runners and walkers of all abilities. Think this kind of health coaching can help you out? Contact Hazel for a free consultation.

The Chi Walking and Chi Running books are also highly recommended.

Market Locally! Join a Networking Group like BNI

2010-03-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

Referral organizations offer their members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals.

A successful networking group is comprised of participants who are sincerely committed to helping one another through networking.

BNI is the world's largest business referral organization.

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to build their business through word-of-mouth marketing. BNI works on a proven concept: "Givers gain."

Every member of BNI acts as a part of the marketing team for the other members of his or her chapter, with the aim of securing qualified business referrals for each other.

Kahl Consultants is a member of BNI Power Lunch, which is a Marin County Chapter of BNI. We are the only BNI Chapter in Marin that meets for lunch. We meet on Tuesdays from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael, California. Guests are welcome!

Should You Switch your Small Business HTML Website to a Content Management System such as Wordpress?

2009-12-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

Do you have a small business website built in HTML? Such sites can only be edited by webmasters using HTML editing tools. There is a new wave of small business websites that can be edited and updated by ANYONE who has basic computer skills.

You heard me right. If you upgrade your website to a Content Management System or CMS you can then edit it yourself. You'll pay to have your site converted but then you'll be saving on webmaster fees whenever you edit the site yourself.

One of the more popular CMS editors is called Wordpress. This former blogging tool can now be used to manage a complete website. Not only that, but Wordpress makes blogging and search engine optimization a lot easier.

If you want to know more check out some of these WORDPRESS TUTORIALS:

Wordpress Basics

Official Wordpress Website Lessons

Collections of Wordpress Tutorials from SiteGround, a Website Host

Wordpress VIDEO Tutorials

By now you may already probably convinced that Wordpress is a great platform for managing your website. So now it's time to figure out how to convert your existing site into Wordpress.

Your first decision will be to choose a Wordpress THEME or template. Choose a WordPress Theme that best suits your business identity and style. You can also develop your own Theme but there are so many themes available it is best to pick one that matches your needs and then customize it.

WordPress Themes help to ensure that your website and blog are unlike others on the web. What you are blogging about does not matter. There are Themes designed for all kinds of websites. By the way, did you know that new WordPress Themes can be installed in just minutes?

Ready to choose a Wordpress Theme? Here are some links to WORDPRESS THEMES:

Free web-based theme generator
(includes a sample template based on the Revolution Church theme!)

Our favorite versatile theme
(see it live at www.SquidLog.net)

Free WordPress Themes directory

Free and Premium Wordpress Themes from NattyWP

Free Wordpress Themes

Template Monster has some great premium themes that don't cost a lot

Lastly, if you cannot find a Theme design that suits you, then please contact Kahl Consultants and we can help you find the right Wordpress Theme.

The Recreation and Leisure Industry (who should be reading this blog)?

2009-08-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lets discuss what kind of businesses belong to the Recreation and Leisure Industry.

As leisure time and personal incomes grow, so does the recreation and leisure industry. From museums to fitness centers, any activity that occupies a person’s leisure time is part of this industry.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the diverse activities in the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation can be categorized into these groups:

live performances or events
historical, cultural, or educational exhibits
recreation or leisure-time activities

Live performances or events:

Professional and amateur spectator sports
Theatrical and musical performances
Performing arts, artists and writers
Production companies and promoters
Actors and entertainers
Musicians and DJs
Event planners
Dance companies

Historical, cultural, or educational exhibits:

Museums
Botanical gardens and nature parks
Historical sites

Recreation or leisure activities:

Gaming arcades
Amusement parks and Theme parks
Casinos and gambling
Camps and Parks
Outdoor activities
Sports facilities such as golf courses
Sporting goods rental
Physical fitness facilities
Gyms, health clubs and day spas
Country clubs
Sports clubs

There are also some related industries that we will also include in our blog discussion:

Restaurants, Food and Beverages
Hobbies
Games and Toys
Travel and Tourism
Volunteerism
Pets

If you have a small to medium sized business in any of these categories please sign up for our blog for your free marketing tips. We'd also love to hear from you!

Marketing Advice for Businesses offering Recreational Products and Services

2009-08-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog for marketing advice for businesses offering recreational products and services.

We at Kahl Consultants hope to share with you advice on marketing your business online and locally.

The focus of here is on the many small firms whom we have already assisted to market their services, from the food and beverage industry to the music industry and everything inbetween.

Kahl Consultants is a web services and internet consulting company based in San Rafael, California. Our clients include small businesses based in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.