Welcome to Connect, the September 2010 eZine from
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
FROM THE DESK OF ELLEN FISHER, PUBLISHER, WOMEN'S YELLOW PAGES
Most months, I sit down at the keyboard, and this column magically flows from my fingers. Other times, like right now, getting even a single word on to the screen, let alone an entire paragraph, seems like pulling teeth. It's because I am in a lazy, end-of-summer, frame of mind. Ironically, there also seems to be a dental theme currently running through my work life.
It all started when one of the wonderful women who created our great new website asked me how I was faring during the intense redesign process. I blurted out, "Like a root canal." Thank goodness we were on the phone, because I would not have wanted to have seen the expression on her face. She's one of those amazing people who has the patience of Job, the ability to translate technical gibberish into understandable English, a sunny disposition, and a work ethic that, if I were giving out grades, would warrant an A+++. That night, while waiting for sleep to come, I replayed the conversation in my head at least a dozen times. Although I wished I had described it differently, it really did feel like root canal to me. When you're in the dentist's chair with your gums numbed, your mouth wide open, bright lights shining in your eyes, and the drill vibrating your whole body, you have totally surrendered control. And that was how I felt, having placed the future of my business in someone else's hands. My angst was all about change. The type of change that costs lots of money and time, and requires a huge learning curve is definitely not my strong suit. Add fear of the unknown to the mix (Will the site look good? Will it be done on time? Will people use it? Will the search engine optimization deliver the promised results?) and my anxiety levels skyrocketed. The next morning I felt the need to confess what I had said about the website redesign, so I told Bonnie, our eZine editor. After unburdening myself, I almost immediately felt better and was able to get on with my work. The website continued to evolve and blossom and grow more beautiful and dynamic every day. The week the website officially (and finally) launched, Bonnie had a real dental appointment. On her way out of the office, she commented that, if she added it up, she was pretty sure she had spent the equivalent of a European vacation on dental work this season. A half hour later, while sitting at my desk, an email from her phone popped up. It contained a close-up photo of the little cup you use at the dentist when they tell you to rinse. The subject line of the email was your standard vacation postcard phrase: Wish YOU Were Here. I had a good laugh as everything fell into perspective. Yes, the web redesign process was challenging in terms of the time it took away from sales and all the new processes I had to learn. But, the finished product is stellar. It offers our advertisers the chance to gain much more exposure than before. And each and every advertiser now has their own optimized page. As far as the dental theme is concerned, just suffice it to say that the afterrmath of root canal is splendid! Every time I look at the site, a huge, toothy smile spreads across my face. I hope you'll share in my joy and check it out at www.philawyp.com. Ellen Fisher, Publisher who can barely wait for her next dental cleaning
GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2010 WOMEN'S YELLOW PAGES TODAY Find out where in your neighborhood you can pick up a copy of the 23rd edition (2010) of the Women's Yellow Pages by clicking here: pick up your copy. Or browse the entire directory online at www.philawyp.com. We know you are going to enjoy doing business with our advertisers. FEATURED WOMEN'S YELLOW PAGES BUSINESS CATEGORIES Don't forget to tell her you found her in the Women's Yellow Pages! THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH "Build a little fence of trust ~Mary Frances Butts ANNOUNCING THE NEWLY REDESIGNED www.PHILAWYP.com WEBSITE
We had a great experience working with three amazingly talented members of the Women's Yellow Pages community to make the vision of our website a reality: Quantum Think, CandyApple Design, LLC, and SLC Consulting. We send them a huge thank you hug for putting up with all our questions.
When you visit the website, you will notice that there are now additional opportunities for you to spread the word about your business. During September we are offering some special, reduced-price packages. If you are new to online advertising, don't worry, we will even create your web square or banner ad for you - free of charge. Once the calendar reads October 1, 2010, this offer will vanish; so get in touch now at info@philawyp.com or 610-446-4747.
(In this space, we usually feature our Philly Phemale of the Month Q&A. This feature will return with the next eZine. To find out the nominating procedure for being a Philly Phemale of the Month, please contact Bonnie Neubauer at bonnie@philawyp.com or 610-446-4747.) CONGRATS CORNER
Anne Klein, Anne Klein Communications Group, for receiving five Pyramid Awards from the NJ Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America AND for being recognized in the Top 25 List of Public Relations Firms, compiled by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Barbara Bosha, Bosha Design & Communications, for being recognized in the Top 25 List of Graphic Designers, compiled by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Debra Malinics, Debra Malinics Advertising, for being recognized in the Top 25 List of Full-Service Advertising Agencies, compiled by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Gina Rubel, Furia Rubel Communications, Inc,. for being recognized in the Top 25 List of Public Relations Firms, compiled by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Kim Landry, Hollister Creative, for being recognized in the Top 25 List of Graphic Designers, compiled by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Maureen Ingelsby, Keller Williams Main Line Realty, for being voted a 2010 Talk of the Town Favorite. Elena Ciccotelli, TrainerDiva, Inc. who was featured on the CBS 3 Talk Philly show. Roberta Hacker, Women in Transition, for being featured as a local legend on KYW News Radio. (Attention Women's Yellow Pages advertisers: Please send your accolades to congrats@philawyp.com.) WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN THE 24th EDITION OF THE WOMEN'S YELLOW PAGES, YOU GET TO: * List your events for free in the Local Events of Note calendar in this ezine. ** Have your accomplishments and accolades published in the Congrats Corner of this ezine. *** List your info and description on our website, www.philawyp.com, that gets over 76,000 hits per month. **** Don't miss out! Call (610-446-4747) or email (rates@philawyp.com) today for info on how to be included! BACK TO SCHOOL REFRESHER - PENNSYLVANIA'S SCHOOL BUS STOPPING LAW School buses are once again on the roads. Please take a minute to read the Pennsylvania state laws so you can keep our children safe - and also avoid getting a ticket. http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pub97.pdf Along with a new website, we also have a new and improved calendar of events. Click here to go to the calendar page of our website to check it out! If you already use Google Calendars you can add the events from the Women's Yellow Pages calendar to your personal claendar with the click of a button. And, you can even choose a weekly, monthly, or agenda view.
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