S-MARKBLOG

How to Make a Book Cover Design that Flies Off the Shelf!

2011-08-27T10:25:00.003-04:00

According to The Wall Street Journal, “The average bookstore browser who picks up a book spends eight seconds looking at the front cover and 15 seconds reading the back.” You can’t tell — but you can sell — a book by its cover.” Here are a few powerful book cover design techniques that professional book designers use:

The essential elements for your front cover

The front cover presents your book title, subtitle, and your name. Golden opportunities often overlooked are including endorsements and short testimonials from VIPs.

Think of your cover like a billboard. The best designs communicate the book’s message at a glance, with simple, uncluttered design. Unique, distinctive, bold, colorful graphics work well. But keep the graphic style consistent with the content and personality of the book. Make sure there is a central focal point to your design.

I recommend using bold, contrasting lettering on the front cover. When choosing colors, consider how these colors will look when converted to black and white so your cover will reproduce well in black and white ads, catalogs, and flyers. Also make sure the font you use for the title is legible from a distance and appropriate for the book’s subject.

Covers that scream “amateur” and have a “made-at-home look” make it difficult to sell your book at all. If you lack talent in this area, seek the services of an experienced book cover designer. A professional designer has the creativity, skills, software, access to stock photography, and printing knowledge that will make your cover stand out above others in the marketplace.

What should you put on your spine

Your name, book title, and publishing company logo show up on the spine. Make sure the information on the spine is clean, uncluttered, and legible. I recommend using bold, contrasting lettering on the spine as well.

Critical items you should include on your back cover

Place the category name in the upper left-hand corner to help bookstores shelve your book properly. Write a headline that clearly addresses who should buy the book. It should be followed by sales copy explaining what the book is about. Then provide a short bulleted list of benefits to readers.

I recommend including no more than three testimonials and endorsements, as well as your bio and photograph. Close to the bottom, put “sales-closer” copy in bold print. Position the price in the lower left corner of the back cover. Also include the 13-digit ISBN number for cataloging and the bar code in the lower right corner (below ISBN number), which stores use for scanning information and price.

Don’t forget to include credits for your book cover’s illustrator, photographer, and/or designer.

What goes on the inside flaps (If Applicable)

Sales copy
Short “teaser” description of the book
Your bio and photo

You now have a good idea of what makes a strong book cover design. Remember, book cover design is a form of packaging—and good packaging attracts buyers to products. That’s why successful organizations spend millions researching and developing the best product packaging possible.

Discover what key information you must include on your book cover to dramatically boost your book’s selling power. What if YOU could know the secrets of a 1st class graphic designer that would help you create amazing marketing materials in a few hours, would you want to know how?

About the Author

Karen Saunders is the author of Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal: How to easily transform your marketing pieces into dazzling, persuasive sales tools! Hundreds of business owners have used her simple do-it-yourself design system to create stunning marketing materials that really SELL their products and services!

How to Make a Flyer! – Hot Design Tips on Designing a Flyer That Sells

2011-08-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

As your company’s in-house graphics person—perhaps more by default than by intention—you’re pressed to be a jack/jill-of-all-trades. You want to learn how to make a flyer that sells, but you have little time to master advanced design and marketing skills. Your ongoing challenge is learning to do a little more to get a lot better results--quickly and painlessly. How can you improve them?

What Techniques Can You Apply NOW?

Take these 3 flyer design tips to heart. Using them consistently will save you time in the long run and attract more customers.

1. Use digital photography and illustrations to grab attention and tell your story

Establish a visual focus of your flyer design with an attention-grabbing photo or illustration. Choose from stock photo libraries on the Internet or hire an illustrator to do a custom illustration. A few quick tips:
Place your strongest image in the top half of the page where it will get the best visibility.
Using one large picture makes a stronger impression than several smaller ones.
Group several small pictures so they collectively form a single element.
Juxtapose a small picture with a larger one for contrast.
The results? Photos and illustrations help you add the "eye" appeal that translates into "buy" appeal.

2. "Hook" customers with persuasive writing and a "call to action"

Make a habit of doing these two things: Use persuasive words that "hook" their interest, and include a well-defined call to action in every flyer. What can you do to make your flyers more effective? Apply these basics:
Create a catchy or provocative headline
Know who you are writing for and keep their preferences in mind as you write each word.
Put your message in terms of "you" rather than "I" or "we." People don't care about what "we" offer; they care about how your product or service can make their lives better.
Make it clear what your readers should do, think, or believe as a result of reading the information you present.
State your intention as a command—known as a "call to action." It can be as simple as "Call Today" or "Order It Now."
The results? The whole point of designing your flyer is to encourage your prospects to take action! Whether it’s to send an email or pick up the phone and call you, using precision wordsmithing persuades your prospects to take action . . . now!

3. Limit yourself to 2 fonts with their families

To give your flyer a unified and professional look, I recommend that you limit the number of fonts you use. It is best to use one font (preferably a bold one) for your headlines and another font family for the body copy. (A family is all the related styles that come with the font, and usually include bold, italic, and bold italic.) You can use italics or bold variations within the family for pull quotes or call-outs, captions, and sidebars.

The results? Your flyer design will look unified and professional, giving your company integrity in the marketplace.

Discover how to automatically overcome your buyers objections with 7 key items to include in your flyer. What if YOU could know the secrets of a 1st class graphic designer that would help you create amazing marketing materials in a few hours, would you want to know how? Find out now at www.BuyAppealMarketing.com

About the author

5 Easy Brochure Design Tips That Work

2011-07-30T12:33:00.002-04:00

All of us would like to think our product is so good, our services so unique, they’ll simply sell themselves. Not so! Strong branding, powerful images, compelling web pages and outstanding marketing pieces make or break that upward sales curve you crave so urgently. In today’s market, your customers and clients are influenced more than ever by the visual presentation of your marketing pieces.

For example, a powerful brochure design will more likely to be read, remembered and respected. Here are five simple, but essential tricks of the designer's trade that you can use immediately, at little cost, to improve your brochure design.

1. Take advantage of quality clip art and stock photos

Chances are you’re not an illustrator or photographer, but that shouldn’t stop you from using professional illustrations or photos in your marketing piece. You can use clip art—sometimes at a very low price—to enhance your layout. Check out the Internet for sites that feature clip art or stock photo libraries that provide a wide variety of quality and prices to choose from. Use the same style of graphics throughout your brochure design to create a consistent look.

2. Jazz up your layout so your most important points stand out

Break up monotonous lines of text with attractive “pull quotes” or “call-outs,” which make critical information stand out on the page. To create a pull quote, just copy a provocative or challenging statement from your text and paste it into a different position on the page using large, contrasting type. Add decorative quotation marks, border it with lines, or place it inside a box to jazz it up.

3. Repeat certain elements

Good design calls for repeating certain elements throughout your piece to make the whole piece come together visually. For example, use the same color, shape, and size for all your bullets. Also make all your headers the same size, color, and font. Repeat specific graphic elements such as boxes, banners, and rule lines throughout the piece. A word of caution: When you review your work, make sure you’ve used all of these design elements consistently.

4. Pay attention to proximity

Proximity refers to the exact spatial relationships between elements. For example, you create visual relationships between photos and their captions by keeping the captions close to the photos. For subheads, a pro positions them closer to the text below than the text above. Apply this principle of exact spatial relationship to all other graphic and text elements where appropriate. When you review your work, make sure you’ve applied this spacing consistently throughout.

5. Know when to use serif and sans serif fonts

In general, when you have a large amount of text, it is best to use a serif font because it is easier to read than a sans serif font. Serifs are the tiny horizontal strokes attached to the letters which help the reader’s eyes flow from letter to letter. Bold sans serif (without serifs) are good for headlines and subheads because they slow the reader down thus bringing more attention to each word or concept. Some examples of serif fonts that are good for body copy are: Times, New Century Schoolbook, Garamond and Goudy. Some examples of sans serif fonts that are good for headlines are: Arial Bold, Helvetica Black, Univers Bold and Trade Gothic.

About the Author

Karen Saunders is the author of Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal: How to easily transform your marketing pieces into dazzling, persuasive sales tools! Hundreds of business owners have used her simple do-it-yourself design system to create stunning marketing materials that really SELL their products and services! Pick up FREE articles, audio classes, eCourse and ezines at http://www.macgraphics.net

9 Keys to an Effective Logo

2011-07-23T13:01:00.007-04:00

The right logo, with the right characteristics, will boost your visibility, credibility and memorablity – which means more business for you!

These characteristics include:

Consistency in use of your logo, tagline, materials. Repetition of similar elements, used in the same or similar ways, helps people to remember who you are and what you do.

The Catapult Advisors logo icon is used as a watermark across all of their materials, including their website.

Memorability, so that your logo stays at the forefront of your potential clients' minds. That way, they'll think of you next time they have a need.

A bold logo for The Paradigm Shifts begins to visually tell the story of what these transition coaches do.

Meaningfulness, so that your logo can spread the message about the distinguishing characteristics of your business.

Totally Tots designs and hand-creates baby blankets and hats, and also sells children's toys online, all of which are shown in their logo.

Uniqueness, which helps you stand out from the crowd. For example, if everyone in your industry uses a particular symbol (i.e., travel agencies often use globes in their logos), try to use something else – that way, your logo doesn't just look like everyone else's.

Reilly travel agency specializes in Group Travel, and their logo symbolizes bringing together many different people into a single itinerary.

Professionalism, in the quality of the graphics, the printing and the paper on which your materials are printed.

Stylus Group printed their materials on a thick (100#) paper, and the printing was done by a traditional press process instead of by using a less expensive digital printing option.

Timelessness in your logo will ensure that you don't have to redesign your logo in just a few years and that your investment and equity in your design will be lasting.

Expansion Consulting's logo design does not speak to a particular time period, and provides them with a look that will work throughout the years.

Contrast between the colors in your logo – and not just in terms of hue, but in terms of value as well, so that it translates well either to black and white or greyscale and colorblind people are able to see it.

The green accent color used in Jaeger Associates' logo is a vivid contrast to the coffee hues whether the logo is printed in color or black and white.

Unity among the different elements in the logo. The logo must fit together as a single unit, and not just appear as a jumble of elements pasted together.

The symbol and text in the Crescenda logo are sized to fit together within a bounding square, and all of the elements are appropriately sized to one another.

Scalability, so that your logo looks equally good on both a business card and on a sign for your business (or a billboard!), and at every size in between. Your business's name should be legible at different logo sizes – be sure that your designer chooses a font that is easily readable.

The Dropwise Essentials logo is used in many sizes in the applications in their custom marketing package—from .75 inches wide on their lip balm labels to several feet wide on their trade show booth banner.

Having a professionally designed logo can really give your business a jumpstart and helps your business get the attention – and clients – you need to succeed.

About the Author

Erin Ferree is a brand strategist and designer. She works with small businesses to create brands with substance and style that fit their businesses perfectly.

She's designed brands for hundreds of small business all over the world. Her brands help her clients attract their ideal clients, outshine their competition and make them unforgettable. She also works with small business owners to develop complete clarity about their brand positioning and to develop their BrandStyle Statement™.

Her award-winning design work and her writing on design have been published in many books and periodicals.

Erin lives, cooks and plays tug-of-war with her dog in San Luis Obispo, California.

What You Need to Know Before You Design Your Own Logo

2011-07-16T13:48:00.001-04:00

What Do You Need to Know Before You Design Your Own Logo?

Everyone’s got ’em. You likely see the “Nike swoosh” logo everywhere you go. And you know the Texaco station at the corner by its distinctive “star.” So, you’re thinking, “My company needs a logo, too.” Maybe you want to design your own logo too.

Why create a logo for your company?

Because a logo:

visually represents your company in a graphic form (a picture is worth a thousand words, remember?)
instantly communicates your company’s essence: what it does and what it stands for
complements your company’s ongoing identity package so your customers can recognize it year after year.

But not just any logo will do. A good logo is simple yet sophisticated. Don’t be fooled that a logo design that looks simple (like the Texaco “star”) has been easy to create. Less is better, but getting to “less” requires a process of combining symbols, colors, typography, negative and positive space into a compact unit. Once these elements have been combined, they have to be refined and the best one selected. That’s why designers present several preliminary designs (called comps) for decision-makers to analyze, modify, and then accept.

What should you know about creating the right logo?

Your job as designer or decision-maker is to make sure the logo is a strong, balanced image that communicates clearly and has no clutter. The logo should be bold and easily seen at a glance. For example, on a well-designed logo, strong lines and letters show up better than thin, delicate lines and fonts.

The logo’s graphic imagery must be appropriate for the business. The graphic itself should work as a unit with the company name. It should achieve a look that’s distinctive, yet not trendy. It’s best to avoid trendy type styles and extremely tall or wide shapes. You want your logo to look good for a long time.

Choose an appropriate spot color (or two) and make note of its ink formula. The formula is a blend of various inks that’s given a PMS number so the color combination is easily communicated to the printer. You’ll refer to that PMS number when you print jobs in the future so you can be sure the color on your logo will consistently be the same.

What elements make a successful logo? Here are 10 logo design tips that professionals use:

Simple, yet sophisticated
Distinctive, bold, and graphic (no thin lines)
Not extremely tall or wide
Not trendy or old-fashioned
Looks in balance
Works well in all sizes
Works well in color or black and white
Graphic element and name work together as a unit
Communicates your business clearly
Uses graphics and fonts appropriate for your business

Did you know that a tag line is as essential as a logo? Do you have a tag line or slogan? Learn the 7-point criteria for testing its power. What if YOU could know the secrets of a 1st class graphic designer that would help you create amazing marketing materials in a few hours, would you want to know how? Find out now www.BuyAppealMarketing.com

About the Author

S.MARK Graphics provides...

2011-07-06T06:42:00.003-04:00

S.MARK Graphics is a full service Fort Lauderdale advertising agency (Broward County). The boutique firm provides South Florida graphic and web design including logo identities, brochures, fliers, magazines, letterhead, invitations and announcements as well as other print materials. We also provide electronic materials including web sites, landing pages and electronic invitations.

Industries

2011-06-28T07:28:00.002-04:00

S.MARK Graphics specializes in the following areas:
- Real Estate graphic and web design
- Legal (law firm) graphic and web design
- Marine graphic and web design
- Not for profit graphic and web design

25th Anniversary

2011-06-28T06:42:00.004-04:00

S.MARK Graphics is celebrating 25 years in business. The firm was founded in Chicago in 1986 and relocated to South Florida in 2001. The South Florida graphic and web design firm provides all types of design materials including logos, brochures, letterhead, web sites and advertising -- no name of few of our services.

Downtown Oakland Park Photo

2010-09-20T08:59:00.002-04:00

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Broward House presents "Broward Bares It!"

2010-07-10T12:56:00.010-04:00

Babes and Brawn and Burlesque...Oh My!

Here is your chance to see some of your favorite Fort Lauderdale local talent and national dance troupes perform and take it off, all for a good cause inside Passion nightclub located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Friday, August 13, 2010 beginning at 7:30 pm.

This one night only, two hour, sexy and steamy burlesque event of both male and female singing and strip performances, will culminate in the ultimate "Strip Off" finale featuring all the performers on stage at once. Guests are encouraged to tip the performers during their performances (the more you tip, the more that comes off, so bring lots of $$'s!!!).

Broward Bares It is an HIV/AIDS fundraiser for Broward House, Broward County's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization with eleven locations providing a myriad of services to over 6,000 Women, Children, Men and Families in South Florida.

The goal for "Broward Bares It" is an ambitious $100,000

Tickets for this event start at only $25. Joining us and supporting our performers is a great way to be a part of the experience and make a difference. All the performers this evening are donating their time and talents to this endeavor, so make sure to tip them well!!!

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.browardhouse.org/bares/index.html .

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Riverwalk Trust's Burger Battle

2010-06-05T14:35:00.013-04:00

Another Signature Event for Riverwalk Trust

by Christine Najac, South Florida Food & Wine... Some of the greatest restaurants in Fort Lauderdale with their famous chef’s were in attendance ‘battling’ it out for bragging rights to making and serving “The Best Burger in Fort Lauderdale.” There was not one restaurant that didn’t “put on the dog.” All sixteen restaurants showed, glowed, and rocked the event with what they do best: serve their food and love their guests. See additional photos at the following link: Photos from Burger Battle.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2010-04-20T11:56:00.004-04:00

Riverwalk Trust Begins Urban Market

Join Riverwalk Trust beginning this Saturday (April 24, 2010), from 8 am to 1 pm on the Riverwalk.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2010-04-03T10:16:00.009-04:00

Riverwalk Trust's
Riverwalk Get Downtown
Friday April 9th - 5 pm - 8-pm

Join us at Yolo Plaza for an evening of fun as Riverwalk Trust presents Riverwalk Get Downtown, Fort Lauderdale's largest outdoor happy hour! Join Riverwalk Trust today for $100 (annual dues) and gain TWO FREE TICKETS ($50 value) to the Spring Get Downtown and TWO FREE TICKETS to the Fall Get Downtown ($50 value) in addition to receiving GO RIVERWALK magazine and admission for two to Riverwalk Trust quarterly events ($200 value).

For ticket information or to join Riverwalk Trust, email me at ViceChair@GoRiverwalk.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2009-11-21T15:21:00.017-05:00

Broward House's Spirit of Hope Awards
Thursday night marked Broward House's sixth annual Spirit of Hope Awards & Gala. This year, titled "The Mad Hatters Tea Party," a good time was had by all while raising money to improve the lives of individuals living with or at risk for HIV and other health issues.

Double click image to enlarge.

5th Annual Oktoberfest

2009-10-04T15:45:00.012-04:00

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-07-04T13:06:00.012-04:00

Oakland Park Celebrates 80
Friday July third was a beautiful night in Oakland Park as we celebrated the City's 80th birthday with a free concert in Jaco Pastorius Park. Witness the excitement had by all. Purchase a limited edition personalized brick to be installed under the Jaco Pastorius mural wall. For details, visit Ilovejaco.org!

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-06-27T13:49:00.003-04:00

Come Celebrate the Fourth with Free Concert

Come to Jaco Pastorius Park this Friday from 7 pm - 11 pm for a free concert under the stars. Brought to you by Oakland Park Main Street, celebrate the 80th birthday of the City of Oakland Park. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and coolers!

Double click image to enlarge.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-05-16T12:58:00.011-04:00

Help Us Help Others
Broward House is Florida's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization providing housing and medical services to over 6,000 women, children, men and families each year. In an effort to help raise funds for Broward House, the Spirit of Hope Society was formed. Individuals can donate any amount, however, membership in the Spirit of Hope Society begins at $600 a year or $50 per month, charged to your bank or credit card. More information can be found at the Broward House web site: http://www.browardhouse.org/partners.html

The following photos are from a recent Spirit of Hope Society cocktail reception, created by Broward House's Development Committee.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-05-02T12:15:00.010-04:00

Main Street Rocks.
April 24, 2009 marked the most recent Open House at the new offices of Oakland Park Main Street. With the City of Oakland Park's re-development of "Main Street" (NE 12th Avenue), as well as the new Jaco Pastorius Park, now's the time to be a part of Oakland Park Main Street. Please join us for our Annual Meeting, this Wednesday May 5 beginning at 11:30 am. (invite follows)

(Click on image to enlarge)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-04-04T14:40:00.015-04:00

Get with it at Get Downtown

Friday night April third, downtown Fort Lauderdale was the place to be as the Riverwalk Trust hosted it Spring "Get Downtown." Now in its eleventh year, Get Downtown is known as Fort Lauderdale's largest outdoor cocktail reception! With Get Downtown occurring each Fall and Spring, the event is a fund-raiser for Riverwalk Trust. Tickets are $25 each or, with a Riverwalk 100 membership ($100 annually), you receive two tickets to the Fall as well as two tickets to the Spring Get Downtown events. Contact me for membership information or visit www.goriverwalk.com.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-03-23T13:42:00.010-04:00

A look at a few S.MARK web sites.
(Click image to link to actual web site.)

Fort Lauderdale History Center

Broward Education Foundation

Adache Group Architects

Z Hotel, Residence, Spa, Beach Club

Shuham & Shuham, P.A.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2009-02-28T13:31:00.006-05:00

Really Good Cookies are the Really Best Cookies

Really Good Cookies owner Christine Najac,
a pleasure to do business with.

If you're looking for the perfect gift, Really Good Cookies is the perfect answer. Each cookie is home-made to perfection and then packaged in the most creative way. I guarantee you'll love these cookies or I'll return your money! Try an order today by visiting the web site or calling 561-866-2760. You'll love 'em!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2009-02-21T11:48:00.003-05:00

Art Serve Lights Up Chamber Building

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber together with Leadership Fort Lauderdale and Art Serve hosted the first Art Serve reception at the Chamber building. The featured artist was Rick Esposito. Esposito has participated in a range of different shows and topics in the United States. His work has generated great interest among local and foreign art lovers. Sponsored by S.MARK Graphics. Photos by Art Pollack, artpollack.com

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2009-01-31T12:22:00.005-05:00

An Event Not to be Missed!

Join us on Thursday February 19 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Broward County Convention Center as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce hosts its 99th Annual Meeting.

Keynote Speaker:
Brian O'Malley
"Mt. Everest; The Challenge In Us All"

Join Brian to explore the mountains in your life, as you experience a magical blend of artistry and adventure. Don't miss this breathtaking presentation
that emphasizes:

Climbing Your Everest, Overcoming Adversity and Finding Your Edge!

Brian O'Malley uniquely inspires, as he speaks to your heart with riveting passion. For further information, contact Cristina Agnone at 954-462-6000.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2009-01-25T12:26:00.005-05:00

Broward Alliance's First Corporate Council Meeting
This past week, The Broward Alliance held the first meeting of its Corporate Council. 28 business leaders participated in a roundtable discussion on the greatest opportunities for economic growth in Broward County. Carlos Buqueras, director of business development for Port Everglades, advised us that beginning in 2010, Port Everglades will be the largest cruise port in the world, with Royal Caribbean being one of the largest cruise providers! This lead me to take a three day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. The ship holds 3100 passengers and a crew of just under 1200. From employment to food, furniture, televisions, towels etc., thanks to Royal Caribbean for calling Fort Lauderdale your home. (The chef told us the ship went through 15,000 eggs in two days!)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

2009-01-11T15:18:00.003-05:00

Please note our office will be closed January 22 and 23, 2009.

SPECIAL MESSAGE:

2009-01-11T15:15:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL NOTICE:

2009-01-11T15:13:00.001-05:00

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2009-01-05T13:05:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year.

Please join me in getting involved in 2009. Following are upcoming events to be aware of:

• Thursday January 8 - Tower Forum - Fort Lauderdale Mayoral Debate, 7:15 am

• Thursday January 8 - Tower Club, Member Mixer, 6:00 pm

• Thursday January 15 - Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, "After Hours," 5:30 pm

• Wednesday January 21 - Riverwalk Trust, Membership Event, 5:30 pm

If you'd like to attend any of these events, just let me know.

Best wishes --

Mark

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-12-24T09:36:00.005-05:00

Happy Holidays to All.
At this time of year, we want to stop and thank others. For everyone we have worked with this past year, thank you for your support. For all our suppliers who have helped us achieve our goals, thank you. For all of you we have seen throughout the year -- from friends to business partners, thank you. Let's all work together to get through these tough times and be thankful for what we have achieved. Happy New Year to all. Special thanks to Ginny Fujino, Blacktie-Southflorida for photo with Santa.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-12-08T15:51:00.005-05:00

Light Up Lauderdale
Be a part of our Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk community by helping to "Light Up Lauderdale" for the holidays, brought to you by Riverwalk Trust and the City of Fort Lauderdale. This is your opportunity to adapt a pole or tree! For further information, contact the Riverwalk Trust at 954-421-1541.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-11-29T10:37:00.009-05:00

A look at some S.MARK work

web site

logo identity

web site

web site

web site

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-11-08T15:35:00.006-05:00

Riverwalk Trust Get Downtown

Join Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk Trust organization, the group to be apart of in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Join now for the annual rate of $100 and here's what you get:

• Two tickets to Fall and Spring Riverwalk Get Downtown, Fort Lauderdale's largest outdoor cocktail party (this Friday night, November 14 from 5 - 8 pm). Tickets otherwise $25 each ($100 value)

• Annual Subscription to Go Riverwalk monthly magazine ($50 value)

• Complimentary tickets to four additional Riverwalk Trust networking events

For additional information, contact Mark Budwig at design@smark.com or visit Go Riverwalk.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-10-19T13:51:00.007-04:00

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce presents 2008 "Salute to Business" awards dinner
Each year, the Chamber recognizes top individuals in our community. This year's gala is coming up on Thursday November 6, 2008. For further information, contact Connie Edery at 954-462-6000, ext. 8760 or connie@ftlchamber.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-10-19T13:35:00.007-04:00

Broward Alliance's Creative Industries & Film Commission Committee
In October, the Broward Alliance recognized Mark Budwig and Mike Greene for chairing their Creative Industries & Film Commission Committee for the past year. The Committee cultivates understanding and builds community awareness for creative economy strategies as a force for economic development.

(left to right) Sula Miller, Mark Budwig, Mike Greene and Elizabeth Wentworth

(left to right) Diane Sobo, Mary Becht and Elizabeth Wentworth

Carolyn Stewart and Mark Budwig

Devin Avery and Mark Budwig

The Creative Industries and Film Commission Committee
(All photos by Art Pollack, Art Pollack Photography)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-10-11T13:31:00.008-04:00

Broward House Shines
I am proud to be a part of the board of Broward House, an outstanding organization providing a full array of services to those living with and at risk for HIV and other health issues. On Friday, I had the heartwarming opportunity to see 27 individual adults graduate from their substance abuse treatment program. Each graduate had tears in their eyes and were so thankful to the Broward House staff for giving them a chance to live. It is through fund-raising efforts that programs like this are possible.

This past week, Macy's Fort Lauderdale Galleria store hosted a fashion show to raise funds exclusively for Broward House. For further information, either contact us directly or visit Broward House on-line.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-09-28T13:42:00.006-04:00

Special Event Thursday October 2, 2008

Open to the business community -- free event!
Don't miss it.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-09-20T11:50:00.017-04:00

Social Networking 2.0 at

Check out the link above for one of the greatest networking tools to come along - LinkedIn.com. The outstanding web site allows you to keep in touch with all those networking connections you've made over the years. It also provides you with thousands of additional resources through other connections. Watch out, it's addictive.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-09-13T14:43:00.033-04:00

Oktoberfest Saturday 10/4/08 11am-11pm
Don't miss the fun and excitement as Oakland Park Main Street presents the fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Oakland Park. Fun and entertainment for the whole family including a Bavarian-style “Biergarten” offering a selection of popular German favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, pork loin, sauerkraut and German potato salad, as well as freshly baked pretzels, “Brotchen,” apple strudel, and the decadent “Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte,” in addition to a selection of German wines and authentic German-brewed Oktoberfest beers.

A large tent replicates the authentic atmosphere of a Bavarian village celebration, including a stage and a dance floor. Some of the famous Oktoberfest dances will be performed, including the German weavers dance and performances by the “Edelweiss Schuhplattlers” (children’s dance troupe) and the “Original Auerhahn Schuhplattler Dancers” (adults). Vendors in the Alpine market will offer a variety of gift items, and collectibles and more. A carnival featuring rides, games and refreshments will entertain kids and adults alike.

The fun also includes a ‘Dachshund Dash,’ keg races, stein races and ‘Apfelstrudel’ eating and polka dance competition.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-09-06T16:22:00.008-04:00

A look at some S.MARK web sites

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-09-03T10:32:00.005-04:00

Tower Forum - Another Great Networking Group!

I found the Tower Forum a few years ago, thanks to friends at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. The Tower Forum hosts thought provoking breakfast forums addressing, debating and discussing current issues ranging from business and the economy to government, the arts, education and sports. The new season starts October 2 with the Broward County Governors debate. Check out the Tower Forum web site for more information. It's the best deal in town!

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-09-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

Neighborhood Marketing 101
One of the best ways to get business in Fort Lauderdale is by getting involved in the community. I recommend joining a minimum of three organizations. I've selected the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Riverwalk Trust and the Tower Club. Click on the link to learn more about these. What's neat about these three is their membership's overlap, giving me the opportunity to build relationships quicker.

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-08-30T14:22:00.001-04:00

A Great Networking Event

When I first moved here back in 2001, I joined the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. I immediately volunteered my time and got involved. I joined the Small Business Committee and became very active and invented “Jazz in the Hall,” a trade-show designed for small business mixing jazz music with a cocktail reception. The annual event brings over 30 exhibitors and a crowd of 300 members to the Chamber building. It’s excellent networking and a great way to expose yourself. The next Jazz in the Hall is coming up Thursday October 30 beginning at 5:30 pm. It takes place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE Third Avenue.

A Great Fort Lauderdale Opportunity:

2008-08-30T13:23:00.002-04:00

A Visit to The Atlantic Resort & Spa
Last week, I had been invited by David Margolis, director of sales and marketing of The Atlantic Fort Lauderdale, to join Elizabeth Wentworth, vice president, creative industries and film commission of The Broward Alliance, to lunch at Trina on Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beach. Needless to say, lunch was outstanding. From the stunning restaurant décor to the taste and presentation of the food and views of our beach, I had a one of a kind experience. I encourage everyone to visit Trina (601 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.).

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-08-23T17:07:00.002-04:00

A look at some S.MARK logos

BUSINESS NETWORKING:

2008-08-23T16:56:00.001-04:00

Oakland Park Main Street's Annual Meeting

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

2008-08-23T16:54:00.001-04:00

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Board Members

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

2008-08-23T16:32:00.004-04:00

A look at some S.MARK work