June brings with it some changes. It's summer, the kids are out of school and I'm trying to find work time wherever I can till camp starts for my son. But more significantly, I'll be starting work for one of my clients on a half-time basis, directing their marketing efforts, getting the word out using social media tools, and of course, continuing to design. It's a great opportunity and I can't wait to get started! Since it's only half-time, I'll be continuing to work with my clients on regular projects and other projects that are in progress. If you have any questions on how it affects (or doesn't affect) you, just drop me a line.

Marketing 101-- Don't Forget to Proofread!

At a recent lunch out with friends, I couldn't help but cringe when I looked at the menu. Before design, before photography, I was a writer and I still hope to get back to writing some day. I'm also something of a grammar geek and am mystified by some of the very common grammar usage that I've encountered since moving to Indiana. The overuse (or I should say inappropriate use) of the apostrophe s and the elimination of "...to be..." from sentences. Example: "The car needs washed." And I'm definitely not perfect. I still find typos from time to time in what I do, even when two, three, as many as eight people go over it with me. It's human nature to fill in the blanks and see what you expect to see, a visual shorthand, which is why it's so important to look carefully, and not just look, but REALLY SEE IT. If it helps to print it out, if it helps to sound out the words when you read it, if it helps to use magnifing glasses and a red pen, then do it. You won't regret taking the extra time to really proofread. As for that menu, I don't think any of these techniques would have really helped much. The Welcome on the front was so fraught with just plain bad writing that we took turns at the table marking it up. Now let me say that I liked the restaurant, the food was fine, so I've removed the restaurant name and other identifying marks so as to not embarrass them. But the menu was completely unprofessional and it would have helped if someone, ANYONE, had taken the time to go over this before sending it to the printers. When in doubt, find a grammar geek and ask them to take a look. You'll be glad you did.

Cool Tool

I'm a Google News addict; I have it set as my Home Page in Firefox and whenever I get a few minutes on the computer but it's not enough to start in on a project, it's the first place I head. I like to know what's going on in the world, so sue me. Ok, so the first place I head is the Entertainment section, I mean come on, who are we kidding, but lately, the second place I check is Google Fast Flip. If you've never seen it before, it's because it's buried at the bottom of the page but it's well worth the scroll. It's like visiting the site for Newseum, but instead of seeing the front pages of print newspapers from around the country, it has some great articles from news and commentary Web sites that might not end up in the regular sections higher up on the page. Check it out.

Welcome New Clients!

AlephMEDIA welcomes White Glove Boutique.

You might remember Vanessa Lammers and White Glove Boutique from the last issue, as they were my May recommendation. Since then, AlephMEDIA has been working on redesigning their Web site and will be starting their monthly e-marketing. You can see a before and after of the site if you look quickly, as the new site will be up later this week.

AlephMEDIA Recommends...

...Here to There Movers. After six years in the same house, it was time for a change but with my husband finishing up papers, exams and graduating from law school and my non-stop work schedule, we were ill-prepared to attempt what had to be done. Here to There Movers did a great job, not only helping us pack up what was left to be packed, but moving it the next day. They worked fast, efficiently, and with care. You can reach owner Josh Baxter at 888-218-MOVE or visit their Web site. (If you follow me on Facebook, you've also gotten wind of the very UNrecommendation of Comcast, but that's another story.)

Do Good...

How much power is in a click? If you're at the Web site for the Pepsi Refresh Project, your click is a vote, a vote for a deserving non-profit to receive up to $250,000 to support their programming ideas. And if you're one who likes to spend local, you can even sort in each category to find non-profits near you, or sort by the kinds of initiatives you like to fund, like Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter or The Planet. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

Upcoming Networking Events

• Rainmakers Rush Hour -- Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m., Fox & Hound, off 82nd street just west of Allisonville Rd.
• Network of Women in Business Northside Lunch -- Thursday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m., Chili's, 3960 E. 82nd St.
• JCC Business Network -- Wednesday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Rd.
• North Indy Networkers -- Thursday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 South Pennsylvania St.
• Smaller Indiana's Hole in the Wall Lunch -- Friday, June 18 at 1 p.m., Machu Picchu, 5356 W 38th St.
  
  

This is a far from exhaustive list of networking events in the area. If you'd like your organization's events listed, please send me an e-mail.