APEX 2.0-the Bond Creative Services eConnect Blogsite

MillerCoors MUES is Back and Better than Ever!

Bondfire Creative — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:58:53 +0000

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series (MUES) proudly continues its unwavering commitment to fostering urban economic empowerment throughout the country. Started in 1999 as a means to advance African-American entrepreneurship, the program has extended its reach, expanding to engage the Hispanic community. The MUES program continues to evolve and grow by incorporating Web 2.0, engaging a larger audience through webinars, MySpace and other social networking sites. Throughout its history the MUES program has awarded over $1 million in business grants, reaching more than 1,500 entrepreneurs through the competition and educational platform.

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary, MUES has raised the stakes-this year’s grand prize winner will receive a business grant for $100,000, with grants of $25,000 awarded to four others.

The MUES ePowerlunch Webinar Series consists of six distinct panel discussions with a focus on small business essentials. This is a prime opportunity to gain access to key insight from industry experts for FREE!

What you waiting for? Register now!

Putting a Brilliant Idea to Paper (Business Plans 101)
Whether you are a business owner or business manager, the formidable business plan is ideally the roadmap that guides and directs entrepreneurs to success. No matter the industry, certain rules and patterns apply when developing a business plan. Hear from the experts as they share insight on developing strategies to a successful business.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 11:30 – 12:30 PM CST
Register Now

Do the Math-Understanding Your Financials
Income statements, balance sheets and cash flow – may be confusing for some, but the truth is, every business decision leads to a number. And not understanding the numbers can be a detriment to your company. Here is your opportunity to ask the tough and the not so tough questions to ensure you’re on a path to understanding your business financials.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Register Now

· Inc. vs LLC-Choosing the Right Legal Structure
There’s more to starting a business than coming up with a great idea. Small business owners also must decide how the business should be structured. Learn which legal structure suits your business. Talk to the experts and discover the pros and cons of various business structures.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Register Now

Starting a Business in Tough Financial Times
It’s true that there are more businesses born during a recession then any other time. Hear strategies to help navigate the tough times.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Register Now

Knowledge is Power-Researching and Communicating Your Niche
The power of identifying and communicating your branding edge is the root of any successful business. Hear from marketing and branding professionals as they provide crucial insights on how to stand out among the crowd.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Register Now

Social Media Marketing-Using the Web to Market Your Business
Blogging, viral videos and campaigns, search engine optimization and social networks, what does it all mean and how to use it to market your business. Join the discussion as new media specialists share the tricks of this new trade that help maximize the bottom line.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Register Now

Together! The Black Women’s Expo and National Urban League

Bondfire Creative — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:30:47 +0000

Visit the Official Website for More Details

The Black Women’s Expo – A National Destination Event

A One-of-A-Kind Celebration of Black Women! An empowering, motivational, and entertaining forum that targets the specific needs and interests of Black Women! General sessions and seminars addressing critical issues facing Black Women from a pool of critically acclaimed presenters! Live Entertainment from Chart-Topping Performing Artists! A haven for notable celebrity figures – whether it’s book-signings or keynote speeches! Recognition of Outstanding African American Women! A link to connect your Corporation to the Strongest Minority Consumer Market Today!

For more information, visit www.theblackwomensexpo.com

Boost Your Business Now!

Bondfire Creative — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:00:31 +0000

Presents:

BC Best Business Booster Webinar Series

vol.1

Homegrown Information Brought to You via Internet!

4 august

11:30-12:30 CST

Socially Green: New Media for Newbies

29 september

11:30-12:30 CST

Green for Less Green: Eco-friendly Practices that Won’t Break the Bank

20 october

11:30-12:30 CST

Save the World, Save Yourself!: Advice and Support for New and Existing Non-Profits in Today’s Economy

10 november

11:30-12:30 CST

The F Word: Where the Money is and How to Get it

Today is World Graphics Day!

Bondfire Creative — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:53:55 +0000

Who's Your Favorite Graphic Designer? Twitter Us!

World Graphics Day is an opportunity to recognise communication design, its role in the world and to celebrate Icograda’s anniversary. It has been celebrated internationally since 1995.

On this occasion, designers reflect and hope that our international network can contribute to a greater understanding between people and can help to build bridges where divides and inequities exist.

We are celebrating World Graphics Day by spotlighting a few designers from around the world every day this week. Stay Tuned!

For More information regarding World Graphics Day, visit the ICOGRADA IDA website.

A B2B View of Social Media by Daryl Mather

Bondfire Creative — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:57:52 +0000

Do You Have B2B Questions Regarding Social Media? Ask Us!

I had a hot post on the stove cooking just for you, when I found this article. I don’t completely agree, however it is great “digital for thought.” Enjoy!

It is easy to get lost in all the hysteria about social media and the Web 2.0 trends. We are bombarded daily about new products, new sites, new functionalities and many more things to distract our attention.

The reality is that there just isn’t enough time in each day for us to evaluate all of these, let alone try to make valuable use of them.

My view on Social media in general is that it is great for B2C companies. Amazon.com, Airlines, Hotels, Authors, Speakers, Audio Books, eBooks, Public Conference Organizers and so on. If your targeted prospects mingle in with the general population then you will do pretty well out of this.

But if your prospects are the very hard to reach high level executives that inhabit the corridors of economic power, then things just became a heck of a lot difficult.

The CEO of Zappos may be on Twitter, but the VP of operations for BP is not. Neither would be the VP/CEO of (say) Exxon, or Rio Tinto, or even GM. (Although the latter probably should be)

Some of the next level down will be, and maybe some of those further down the chain. But they are not getting the benefits from (say) Twitter or Facebook that B2C marketers are. Or they are using it for fun and entertainment – which is unlikely among that set.

And why would they? What are they going to get out of Facebook, or Twitter?

Facebook is intriguing. Many decision maker are on Facebook, but they use it as I do. As a means of keeping in touch with old friends and my extended family. And thats about it. I don’t market there because friends and business really don’t mix. (It would bore them to tears basically)

Twitter is another that is intriguing. I am really taken by Twitter, I use it daily. But I am pretty sure that most of my prospects and clients would have absolutely no time for it.

However, there are some real advances happening in terms of client side use of Twitter, so they may well be there soon for utility sake if for nothing else.

And then there’s LinkedIn. Many, (most), of my clients and prospects are on LinkedIn. And they are there for many reasons. real networking between professionals being a large part of that.

In fact, when I was looking for work, pitching for new contracts, trying to get in touch with some high level player or just expanding my network, LinkedIn is always my tool of choice. (But you do have to know what you are doing.)

SO thats great. Facebook – Not Likely, Twitter – Maybe, LinkedIn definitely – but thats not the really important point.

For more, visit his blog www.ConsultingPulse.com

Talk the Green Talk: No.3 Don’t be E-wasteful!

Bondfire Creative — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:17:20 +0000

Keep your E-waste to yourself. Send us your thoughts on Twitter!

E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream.

With the passage of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 , certain portions of the electronic waste stream are defined and the systems to recover and recycle them will be administratively regulated beyond the universal waste rules that now apply to material handling. Please review the CIWMB’s efforts to implement the Act for more information.

In addition, some researchers estimate that nearly 75 percent of old electronics are in storage, in part because of the uncertainty of how to manage the materials. Combine this with increasing advances in technology and new products headed towards the market and it is no wonder that “e-waste” is a popular topic.

Around the World

E-waste being transported to landfill in Beijing

E-waste is a particularly difficult issue to deal with as it contains many different materials and lots of extremely hazardous substances. Incorrect disposal of electronic items can result in many of those dangerous chemicals entering into our environment through water systems and air pollution.

eWASA, the eWaste Association of South Africa, is an organisation concerned with the handling of eWaste and represents the various industry stakeholders (like eWaste recyclers and disposers). Their website provides useful information about where to recycle your eWaste and how the eWaste recycling process works. They also have a really fascinating (and distrubing) list of hazardous substances and what items those substances are contained in. I recommend that everybody read that list (compulsory reading for engineers and product developers).

Refurbishing, reuse and extending the life–cycle of electronic products is an important (and preferable) way to reduce eWaste and the hazards associated with recycling and disposing of these products.

E-waste recycling is expensive and the costs are not necessarily covered by the resale of recovered materials. eWASA would like to introduce an advanced recycling fee (ARF) for products which will eventually become a part of the eWaste stream. This fee will be collected by the supplier at the time of sale and used to fund end–of–life recyling. Exactly how the ARF will be collected and distributed is not yet clear. Will certain items, such as CRTs, attract a higher ARF due to greater recycling costs? We will have to wait and see.

Many countries have no legal framework which deals specifically with eWaste, and unlike the EU’s RoHS directive, we have no laws to govern the materials used in the products that we make. I have been quite surprised in my dealings with manufacturers of printed circuit boards and assembly houses that they even still offer leaded products (because people are still using them). There are many benefits in removing these hazardous substances from your product and any issues with the alternative lead–free options have already been resolved. It is our responsibility as designers to remove these substances from our products. South Africa should introduce legislation to govern the use of hazardous materials so that we can avoid future health crises.

Please design and recycle wisely – it is good for you, me, and our environment.

E-FAQs

Is “e-waste” clearly defined?
The term “e-waste” is loosely applied to consumer and business electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful life. There is no clear definition for e-waste; for instance whether or not items like microwave ovens and other similar “appliances” should be grouped into the category has not been established.

Is “e-waste” considered hazardous?
Certain components of some electronic products contain materials that render them hazardous, depending on their condition and density. For instance, California law currently views nonfunctioning CRTs (cathode ray tubes) from televisions and monitor as hazardous.

What should I do with my electronic discards?
The mantra of “ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ” applies here. Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance. Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can still use it. Recycle those components that cannot be repaired. To find an organization that reuses or recycles electronics, search the Electronic Product Management Directory (EPMD).

How can I learn more about this topic?
For more information, explore the resources available within this site. Two outstanding overviews include:

The U.S. EPA’s recently published WasteWise Update on Electronics Reuse and Recycling, a comprehensive overview of the issue. ( Note : if you decide to print the document, which is available as a PDF, we suggest you do so in black and white–not color.)

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance published Plug Into Electronics Reuse to help expand the reuse infrastructure for electronics. Included in the publication are profiles of 22 model electronics reuse operations in the United States.

2009 Creative Chicago Expo-a Recession-Proof Investment for Your Success

Bondfire Creative — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:35:37 +0000

Visit the Chicago Artists Resource Website!

Once a year, the Creative Chicago Expo presents Chicago’s top resources, services and expertise specifically for people in the arts. Featuring workshops and vendors for individuals and arts organizations, the Expo is also an important opportunity to network and build community. Join over 3,500 artists who will make their way through the Cultural Center on Saturday April 4. The Expo is brings Chicago’s cultural community together under one roof!

Did we mention this was Free?

Event Details

Saturday, April 4 10 AM – 4 PM
Chicago Cultural Center

Admission free ~ bring a friend!

20+ Workshops | 100+ Vendors | 40+ Consultants

CONSULT-A-THON!

Pick an expert on something you need — career coaching, legal or accounting issues, portfolio or grant review, casting agents, even organizational development and business issues for non-profits.

Schedule a 25 minute appointment for one-on-one consulting for only $10. Over 40 consultants will be available for appointments. Click here for the complete consultant list and to make an appointment. Limited to 3 appointments per person.

WORKSHOPS
Presented by top local and national service providers all day:

• Affordable Housing in Chicago
• Art Festival How-tos
• Benchmarking 101: Outcomes & Measurements
• Building a Board of Directors
• Business Licensing Basics
• Cultivating Individual Donors
• Finding Live/Work Space
• Fiscal Sponsorship
• Forming a Non-Profit
• Health Insurance Advice for Artists
• Marketing For the Cash Strapped and Time Poor
• Meet your Arts Service Agencies
• Obtaining Capital for your Creative Industry
• Reaching New Audiences
• Space Development Starter Kit for Non-profits
• Starting an Arts-Based Business
• Strategic Planning for Non-Profits
• Time Management for Artists
• Tips for “Successful Grant Applications
• Winning Public Art Commissions
• Your Credit Score: Re-Building Your Financial Health

Talk the Green Talk No. 2: Get Your Greenpapers Here!

Bondfire Creative — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:27:26 +0000

Know of a great green printer? Twitter us!

Business cards. Faxes.Memos.Presentations.Brochures.Signs.Postcards.Posters.Folders. These sometimes non-negotiable products for business can wave a red flag in your overall green efforts. Not to fear, here’s a few links to get you started with the “green approach” to printing.

www.greenerprinter.com

www.office.xerox.com/solid-ink/enus.html

www.quill.com

www.gregbarberco.com

www.barefootpress.com

www.care2.com

www.naturalsourceprinting.com

Send us your green office tips on Twitter!

www.saveatreeprinting.com

www.dynacolor.com

http://greenpaperstudio.com

http://printingresponsibly.org

www.gansink.com/Eco-Sure.asp

Do you know of another great company that prints GREEN?

Let us know!

Twitter Step-by-Step: Get Started Now!

Bondfire Creative — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:14:41 +0000

Have questions? Twitter us!

Step-by-Step How-to Guide for Marketing on Twitter

One of the online marketing pros I know was on a great Twitter Marketing panel with Dave Snyder, Lee Odden and Dan Zarrella at PubCon South 2009. His presentation focused on how to get started on Twitter, and how to best engage it to market your business. I love how qualitative and concise his info was. This article includes the notes and links that were in the presentation, truly news you can use. Enjoy!

Getting Started with Twitter

Pick a good name. Free_ebook_4success is not a good name!
Fill out your profile. Upload a profile image, change your background image (customize it), fill out your bio and don’t use the word Expert or add a link that goes to Squidoo!
Don’t start off by “pimping” yourself or your company’s services

Finding Friends to Follow on Twitter

You have no friends (sad but true)
You should follow your “real” friends
Follow your friends’ friends
Follow influencers and their friends’ friends
Search Twitority for influencers
Use Twitter Search to find interests, brands and competitors
Follow RSS feeds from Twitter Search results
Use User Directories like Twibs

Keeping Your New Friends on Twitter

Auto-replies are the quickest way to solidify or ruin a relationship
Don’t do this: “Thx for following me, check out my 10 Steps to Riches at spam.com”
Do this: “Hi, thanks for the follow. Honored to be part of your network.”
Don’t over follow to quickly
The follow/nofollow technique (don’t do it!)
Manage new followers with Twimailer or Topify

Participating In & Starting Conversations on Twitter

Find recent conversations at Twitter Search
Visit buzz aggregators like Tweetmeme
Notify users or Reply to their tweets using @username at the beginning of the tweet
Retweet tweets that you find interesting using RT @username tweet message
Use 3rd party tools, like TweetDeck, to stay engaged in conversation threads

Best Time to Tweet on Twitter

Twitter users are most active on Wednesday
Best day to tweet in order to get retweets is Monday and Wednesday
Best time to tweet in order to get retweets is 5AM-4PM
Twitter users are most engaged during 8AM-4PM

Using Keyword & Hashtags on Twitter

Use keywords in tweets that you want people to find you with
Keep most of your tweets non-promotional, with rare exception
Use hashtags to participate in and help Twitter users follow events, subjects and groups

Using & Tracking Links on Twitter

URL Shorteners let you say more
They are not created equal
Use 301 Redirects that pass link juice
Provide traffic statistics
Can handle lots of traffic
Favorite URL Shorteners are kl.am, bit.ly, cli.gs and is.gd

Promotions & Giveaways on Twitter

Twitter is the perfect environment for:

Beta Invites
Promo/Coupon Codes
Free Swag
Limited Time Offers

Favorite Third Party Applications for Twitter

Talk the Green Talk: No. 1

Bondfire Creative — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:11:54 +0000

By popular demand, APEX 2.0 will begin routinely assisting you with updating your green vocabulary.

Suggestions? Send a comment !

Vol.1

Carbon Offsets. The financial instrument, utilized by individuals or companies, representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Chief Sustainability Officer. An executive put in charge of a corporation’s environmental programs.

Environmental Stewardship Policy. A formalized mission statement establishing companywide green objectives for both employees and customers.

Freesheet. Paper containing less than 10 percent mechanical pulp; sometimes referred to as wood-free.

Forest Stewardship Council-certified. Certification from an international non-profit which verifies responsible forest practices.

Green Fatigue. The eco-exhaustion experienced by those bombarded with green products, services and news from advertisers, the media and companies.

Greenwashing. A term used to describe the perception by many consumers that they are being misled on environmental practices of a company, or the benefits of a company’s product or service.

Integrated Mills. Mills that produce both pulp and paper.

LEED-certified. Abbreviation for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” a green building rating system that encourages global adoption of sustainable green buildings and development practices.

Lifecycle. Analysis of a product from production stage to disposal.

OMG. Abbreviation for a recovered paper grade including old magazines, catalogs and similar materials.

Post-consumer waste. Waste material, such as paper, that has passed through its end-user, the consumer.

Pre-consumer waste. Waste material from manufacturing operations—dry mill and printer factory waste, newsstand returns—that has not reached its end-user. This is highly desirable waste because it normally contains fewer contaminants and is easier to process.

Sludge. A byproduct of recycled paper composed of ash, coating, ink residues and chemicals that are not reused.

Soy Inks. Inks containing soybean oil.

Sustainable Forest Management. Managing a forest in a way that enhances its ecosystem while providing environmental, economic, social and cultural opportunities for present and future generations.