From the moment Qudeso was formed, we have primarily marketed ourselves in and through Associations. Being as we believe the best form of marketing one’s business is through the reference and endorsement of others, it just made since for us to approach specific associational groups with which we had an interest in and understood their industry, assist them with their online/offline marketing needs (web design, email marketing, social media marketing, etc.) and promote the successful results in and through the memberships they carry.

What we found with the associations we support is how much the power of social media marketing can mean to not only the survival of that association, but to its growth as well. What we’ve noticed while trying to identify addition associations within specific industries for us to approach in 2012 is that many do not even have a simple Facebook page.

7 Reasons why is Social Media Marketing relevant to associations?

This could apply to most any organization.

1. Your members are using it! Facebook alone has over 845 million “active” users…I’m sure your members are in there.
2. It is the most non-intrusive way to tell your story. – “Fans” and “Followers” sign up to receive your news – in effect, they are asking you to stay in touch with them!
3. It allows you the ability to have 2 way conversations and truly engage your membership. 57% of people talk more ONLINE through social media than they do in REAL LIFE!
4. Social Media will allow your members to share your content to their friends – this goes back to our belief that the best from of marketing is through the reference and endorsement of others
5. Your efforts can be messaged! – since everything is digital, most social media sites allow you to message the effectiveness of your efforts…100 times more detailed in data than your typical trade show surveys
6. Social Media Marketing allows you to share your message through images, videos, content, etc. on a daily basis instead of waiting for the next conference to roll around or hope someone reads your hard copy newsletter.
7. Helps promote upcoming events and conferences in a much more cost efficient way. And let’s face it, most associations don’t have infinite budgets.

So here’s my plea, to not only associations, but any organization out there who has a message that people need to hear (there’s a difference between what you WANT to tell them, versus what they NEED to hear)…jump on board the social media train and invest a little time and energy into setting up and promoting yourself on Facebook at the very least. If you don’t have the time, find a marketing firm (whether it’s Qudeso or some other group) to do this for you. Do it before you’re no longer relevant!

Social Media Marketing – 57% of people talk more ONELINE than they do in REAL LIFE!

Written by Randall Graham, Qudeso’s Marketing Strategist and big time Red Sox fan!

To learn more about social media marketing and how it might help your organization be sure check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

John's staff - "the pack"

We, that being Melanie, Bella, Papi and I were holding our weekly staff meeting which by the way I believe some only come for the treats. Motivation aside, two (2) significant conclusions were agreed upon;

1. That three of the four of us are squirrel intolerant
2. A small to medium size company must belong to Associations in today’s world

Now through therapy I am starting to look at squirrels more as furry fauna rather than rodents, but that’s another blog.

But in regards to associations, its lifeblood is its members.  To survive, Associations must be relevant.  It is, quite frankly, their duty to be relevant for their members AND to attract new members…again, it’s their lifeblood.  To quote Francis Bacon, “Knowledge is Power” and should always be touted when recruiting or maintaining members.  Like me, the rest of the Qudeso staff feels most associations are not sure how to use, or poorly use, their most important asset; KNOWLEDGE.

Note: I try to limit my blogs to 375 words or less, but since I feel this is an important issue, I may run a little over my self-imposed limit. The question as my staff and I (I like to refer to them as my pack… it’s more edgy) see it is; how does a company, or individual, benefit from membership in an association?

Here is our opinion on the importance of Associations:

Associations provide access to relevant information such as: updates impacting business, case studies from other businesses or industries, industry relevant articles, business journals, white papers, newsletters, and the tools like pertinent forms required to conduct business.  They can provide direct links, from their website, RSS feeds on relevant issues, and they engage lobbyists at the Local, State and Federal levels who monitor new and proposed regulations that impacting your industry.  They can make available experts in your field and/or area(s) of interest. They will assemble experts that provide needed services, for instance; legal, marketing, insurance, financial, website development and/or rehabilitation, branding or re-branding using their members’ numbers to obtain preferred pricing.  Another good reason for joining an association is that they expend the time and energy furnishing that competitive edge that can keep your company ahead of the curve and relevant to the market you serve!

Some associations will provide scholarships, links to educational publications, training, continuing education as well as seminars related to their industry. Associations will help you stay on top important issues freeing the member to do what they really care about most, which is running their business.

Experience comes with its own brand of knowledge…Associations along with their members’ years of experience are a wealth of unrestricted knowledge i.e. power. All this is part of your membership privileges.

Written by John Hoban, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Fantasy Football manager and Vietnam Veteran.

Qudeso has earned my trust and respect as a result of their quality work, attention to detail and their ability to listen and creatively deliver on my needs and vision.

John Brown – Executive Director, Carolina Independent Automobile Dealers Association

Associations deliver the knowledge that can be converted to real Business Power!

Associations are critical to your business!

How many Associations have you joined?

Learn more about branding associations and how to effectively market associations by staying connected to us on Facebook!

Triage…the assigning of order of priorities to projects on the basis of where funds and other resources can be best used, are most needed, or are most likely to achieve success.

Just in case you’re not familiar with the medical use of the term “triage”, it is the sorting of and allocation of treatment to patients, especially battle and disaster victims, according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors. Triage on the battlefield can be pointed to as having contributed to the much improved survival rate for wounded warriors from war to war.

When a business finds itself floundering and not finding the success they thought their marketing plan, branding strategy, and/or website would bring their endeavor, that is when it is time to call in the professionals to perform triage.  Will they recommend wound care? Will the blood flow (i.e. money) need to be stopped? Or will it be the lesser of the evils… rehabilitation?

The “Point of Interception”, when the professionals are finally called in, will determine the cost of treatment.  Triage will be determining the course of action; wound care, surgery or rehabilitation. And let’s all hope the business isn’t already DOA!

The diagnoses from  may require drastic marketing measures:

1. A Transfusion (more funding)
2. Cosmetic Surgery, a Makeover (branding)
3. CPR (Search Engine Optimization)
4. Intensive Care (a redesigned website)
5. Rehabilitation (a new marketing approach)

Written by Qudeso co-founder John Hoban

I always advise businesses to be wise with the allocation of their marketing dollars, but that does not mean to go cheap!  Buying one size fits all because a company is offering cheap products (i.e. business cards, logo design, websites ready to go, or poorly designed marketing materials) may just kill your first and maybe only impression.  Going cheap usually costs more in the long run.

I remember one of the early Astronauts being asked if he had any trepidation about being shot into space.  His response (paraphrased) “it is not very comforting knowing that the lowest bidder built the rocket I will be sitting on!”  Always… always allocate enough money to support a proper marketing campaign.  Lowest bidder does not mean lowest cost at the end of the day!

Know your limitations and call in the professionals with the skills and tools necessary to perform Triage assuring recovery i.e., achieving your goals. Take an active role, ask questions, but do not be a hindrance.

What we obtain too cheap; we esteem to lightly – Thomas Paine

(May I also add: so do others!)

Marketing Triage – When it’s Necessary for a Floundering Business

Click to learn more about Qudeso’s marketing services

Written by John Hoban, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Fantasy Football manager and Vietnam Veteran.

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Really? I don’t think so!  That may work for a baseball field located in a corn field meant to attract dead turn-of-the 20^th century baseball players.

Why would anyone allow a stranger to design a major component of their Branding/Marketing without giving the input essential for success? This question is rhetorical.

Web design requires creativity and insight.  A web design company needs to ask a massive amount of detailed questions.  At Qudeso, we require a fairly lengthy Website Intake Form to be completed before we begin a project.  Followed up by more questions!

Qudeso’s reasoning is quite simple.  We do not believe a website designer can produce a site that will be acceptable to the client and in my case, Qudeso without knowing:

1. Is there a Marketing Plan?
2. What is the purpose of the website?
3. Who is audience?
4. What visually appeals to that audience not the family or non-essentials?
5. Is the content SEO rich?
6. Is there enough content?

And finally the trick question; is there a budget?  A-ha, if I tell them $10,000 then the cost will be $10,000.  Wrong, it would be more like $15,000…kidding!!!  The reasoning is straightforward, based on the Web Design Intake Form it is important to tell a client what can and most importantly what can not be done!  A designer does not want to waste everyone’s time by coming up with a web design that is out of reach.  Time is better spent by focusing on what can be done!  There must be a level of trust for this endeavor!  If not, both parties should just walk away!!!

Web design is an interracial component of Branding which in turn allows a company to influence its place in the marketplace.

This is why Qudeso works in partnership (an investment in the outcome or “skin in the game”) with their clients. If we are fortune enough to become a partner in the client’s undertaking, then we must provide: the knowledge, the tools, the strategies, the support, the honesty and the answers to the questions asked and unasked.  There must be an order and a process to develop a web design that conforms to the end game and/or marketing plan.  Time, Effort, Participation and Adhering to deadlines are obligatory requirements!  No business, partnership or successful enterprise has ever achieved such success without these key elements in place.

We believe a marketing/branding/web design company should be inspirational, a source of creative ideas, provide honest answers and have a sincere interest in the success of a client’s marketing, branding and/or web design.

Written by John Hoban, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Fantasy Football manager.

Web Design Customized Specifically to Your Needs

Web Design Optimized to Attract Your Target Market

Want to “stay in the know’ about web design, SEO, email marketing management, and other branding and marketing services that will help you grow your business? Be sure to check us out on Facebook.

Establishing a new business is a frightening and sometimes intimidating process, particularly for start-ups and first-time entrepreneurs!

Recently, I had an opportunity to attend a seminar for individuals starting Charter Schools in North Carolina. The seminar was sponsored by the NC Public Charter Schools Association (www.ncpubliccharters.org).

Several things struck me about the attendees as we worked our way through the program and listened to the various speakers: A) their level of dedication, B) their love of children.  What also struck me was: how arduous the process is, the importance of good information and the importance of finding a trusted single source that can provide timely and accurate information meant to guide them through this journey!

The process, as I saw it, requires what amounts to a very detailed business plan with strict financials and comprehensive operational SOPs.  In other words, requirements that are intended to support a successful outcome…which is good for any business.

One of my partners at Qudeso, Randall Graham, was on the program, slated to discuss Branding and Marketing.  What occurred to me during the course of the day was the significance of Branding for these future Charter Schools.   Before even knowing if an application for a new Charter School will be approved the need for Branding, a Website and getting their message (Branding) out to their community of; who they are, what they will be bringing to the community and why their endeavor matters to the community.

During this critical time the only contact you may have with potential customers, clients, parents and/or students may be by way of a website, social media or face to face interaction with hopefully some strong leave-behind papers.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of that first contact!  Seldom, if ever, do we get a second chance to make that all important good impression. The branding and marketing effort a business puts forth quantifies their professionalism, what they think of their position in the marketplace and most importantly what they think of themselves! Branding cannot and should not be ignored!

As every fifth grader knows, most businesses fail because of under capitalization. My assessment is, that if they had properly funded the undertaking and dedicated the resources vital ($) to a determined marketing effort, they would not be burning through their money waiting for the market to find them!

Do not skimp on the allocation of your; time, effort and marketing dollars. Spend the time necessary to put together a quality campaign and allow the time needed for the campaign to be successful!

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort. – John Ruskin

Written by John Hoban, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Fantasy Football manager.

What’s your branding strategy?

 Branding is NOT just your logo. Branding IS your company’s IDENTITY.

Want to “stay in the know’ about web design, SEO, email marketing management, and other branding and marketing services that will help you grow your business? Be sure to check us out on Facebook.

Written by Qudeso co-founder Chris Hearn

Every once in awhile, we hear things that convince us that Qudeso is employing a most effective strategy in growing our full service marketing company.

Regardless of political affiliation, most business people would agree that the President was speaking for the good of the nation when he recently promoted Domestic Insourcing as an action that American businesses could and should employ as we continue to recover from the great recession.  There are three specific benefits that support Domestic Insourcing as economically viable and socially positive:

• Most small and medium sized businesses and organizations cannot  yet afford to build or reestablish a full service marketing services group.
• There is a wealth of contract talent available here in the U.S. available to design, implement and manage specific projects and services to assist in the growth of their enterprise.
• Foreign outsourcing has  been less than satisfactory in many applications.

Qudeso is perfectly positioned to be your domestic based contractor of choice as we offer:

• More than sixty years of sales and marketing experience.
• Established ourselves as first quality providers of on and offline marketing and branding products and services to an impressive number of businesses and organizations.
• Qudeso has been among the market leaders in establishing  long term Strategic Partnerships with local and regional companies that have been mutually beneficial.
• Qudeso has always worked to support Domestic Insourcing by establishing relationships with American suppliers, craftsmen and technology companies.

As a result, Qudeso has been ahead of the curve in supporting the economic recovery.  We believe our course is the right one and wanted you to know that we will continue to be be proactive in supporting the growth of American business by supporting Domestic Insourcing.

- Chris

Written by Chris Hearn, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Cleveland Browns fan

You can consider Qudeso YOUR marketing department.

Qudeso is a full service branding and marketing company offering customized solutions to your business.

Qudeso

To stay connected and learn more about Qudeso‘s domestic insourcing marketing services visit us online at www.facebook.com/qudeso

Written by Qudeso co-founder Randall Graham

In one of the worst economic environments and in one of the most saturated industries, what was I thinking when I partnered with my colleagues and formed Qudeso? Why did we get in to one of the most flooded industries in today’s world?  What were we thinking? Setting up a lemonade stand in my neighborhood would have been easier.

As you know, Qudeso is a branding and marketing firm who specializes in helping businesses grow through various online and offline marketing outlets. Two solutions we focused on providing initially since we got the most calls in regards to them were web design and search engine optimization. Nowadays, any kid with a laptop and an internet connection claims to be a web designer, and SEO is possibly the most scammer-filled industry around. We literally started a business with millions of competitors and in an industry that was notorious for unethical practices.

I’ve worked for  and managed large marketing strategies for firms with both domestic and international staff and have personally gone overseas to help build sales and marketing teams from the ground up.  I can tell you first hand…when it comes to online marketing, web design, SEO, etc., 90% of agencies out there do not provide the quality service they claim. Not even close! It’s one of the most unethical industries imaginable…simply because the average customer doesn’t understand the technology being used and doesn’t know what they’re buying.  Customers are “easy prey” as I’ve been told. I started Qudeso because I was tired of seeing people being lied to. I wanted to take the knowledge and experience I had of helping others market themselves, and offer legitimacy, honesty, and solutions that work.

I’m also very loyal to our great country and wanted to see more jobs stay here. Although we do not make a huge difference, my partners and I agreed that all our design work will be done domestically. We would not source it out overseas. If you’ve noticed that American Flag beside our logo at the bottom of the sites we complete, that’s what it means to us.

I wanted to take the knowledge and experience I had of helping others market themselves, and offer legitimacy, honesty, and solutions that work through Qudeso.

We at Qudeso have done our best to offer not just marketing services to people…but truly “customized” solutions to our business partners. Solutions that are unique to them and to the challenges they are currently facing. Today, a great deal of Qudeso’s business comes from the reference and endorsement of others…referrals. And that couldn’t make me be more proud that we are doing things the right way.

- Randall

Written by Randall Graham, Co-founder of Qudeso and huge Red Sox fan!

Qudeso – online and offline marketing solutions

Want to “stay in the know’ about web design, SEO, social media marketing, and other branding and marketing services that will help you grow your business? Be sure to check out  Qudeso on Facebook.

Qudeso now offers photography services to help your customers see you and help customize your brand.

Have a question for the Qudeso team? Feel free to call or email us from our contact page.

Written by Qudeso co-founder John Hoban

Oh yeah…happy New Year!

I always thought surfing the internet was a total waste of time and that one could be more productive and involved in life instead of staring at a “Green Screen”!  Yes, and I still have my original Apple from the 1970’s…software and all.  I have been using Emails since before Al Gore invented the internet. And as you can guess I have a few years on me.  So naturally SOCIAL MEDIA was only a means for keeping up with the Dead and Dying.

But…there is always a “but” isn’t there?  And for me the “BIG BUT” is, if you are in business or need to get your message out to the world there is no better way to introduce a new company, show your corporate face, get out the company’s message, explaining the difference (what sets you apart from the pack), contacting and managing your customers but most importantly, not missing all the opportunities the internet and social media can provide.

It’s obvious the world of communications has changed dramatically…and it’s not all bad.  We no longer write letters…we email, text, and chat through social media networks. Okay…that can be good and bad.  Penmanship and literary pros may have suffered some but communications can now be immediate.  We can find those we served with (Vietnam) or old schools friend (that can post embarrassing pictures from high school) at the speed of light.  Older and well established companies have discarded their traditional brick and mortar presence for the Internet and Social Media.  E-commerce can provide a world market, increased sales and immediate payment.

The internet and social media can be powerful tools but like anything in life successful implementation requires effort, planning, dedication of time and resources to produce a relevant internet and social media presence.

Be wise with your dollars but please do not, I repeat do not be cheap!!! Once the joy of a preserved bargain is gone, you are left with bitterness of unsatisfactory results for your effort.

I helped form Qudeso because I first-hand knowledge of how unethical web design and social media strategist could be.

Afraid of losing the sale they will not provide all the information (real cost) necessary to make a prudent decision.  By avoiding or not fully answering questions you’re lead down a path that will require more time and money.  It is great to have a new website but…How do the customers find me?  What is Search Engine Optimization?  What other types of marketing is required or necessary?

My advice is to find a professional company that will:

• Listen
• Ask Questions (lots of them)
• Understand your goals and desires
• Tell you what can and cannot (or should not) be done
• Be in it for the long haul…a true partner
• Detail your scope of work so you truly understand what you’re getting.

My partners tell me I am now officially a “blogger”… somehow that has a ring of repetitiveness.

- John

Written by John Hoban, Co-Founder of Qudeso and avid Fantasy Football manager.

I Hate the Internet and Social Media!

I helped form Qudeso because I first-hand knowledge of how unethical web design and social media strategist could be.

Want to “stay in the know’ about web design, SEO, social media marketing, and other branding and marketing services that will help you grow your business? Be sure to check us out on Facebook.

Social Media

Custom Web Design

Advantages:

• Unique and customized to your business needs
• More adaptable to your clients needs
• Unique Branding with a custom web design
• Able to filter customers as they are meant to be
• SEO friendly
• Typically more secure
• Scalable
• Usually HTML / CSS validated

Disadvantages:

• Cost are typically higher
• Longer development time

Templated Design

Advantages:

• Ready to immediately download
• Shorter development time
• Lower costs
• Large variety of pre-made templates

Disadvantages:

• Your site may look like others and will not be unique to you
• Customization is limited
• May not be SEO friendly
• Very generic look
• Not very scalable compared to a custom web design

Templated sites are usually recognizable and typically look cheap. However, depending on the cost differential, it may be your best option. Keep in mind though, you pay for what you get. It’s important to always remember that that your website IS the face of your business to the online world. How do you want your customers to see you. A custom web design, although it will cost more can be one of the greatest assets to your business.

Although we at Qudeso pride ourselves on our graphics design and capabilities to develop a Grade A custom web design, we also work, on occasion, from customer’s preselected templates. If your budget is tight, and a template route is what you need to take, we suggest allowing us to help you determine which template would best suite your needs as we can easily recognized how customizable certain templates can be to achieve what you’re short term goals.

Custom Web Design vs. Templates

To learn more about custom web design, seo, email marketing and to stay up to date with the latest branding and marketing news to help you grow your business, be sure to check us out on Facebook.

Qudeso, Inc, a Raleigh, NC marketing Services Company is very pleased to announce the signing of a strategic partnership with Racersdata, Inc, a Rocky Mount, NC auto racing enthusiast organization. The companies will work together in the development of exciting, dynamic and innovative new online and offline products, information resources and related services for a wide range of auto racing events, organizations and individual auto racing enthusiasts of all classes and types.  It is expected that Racersdata and Qudeso will bring a focus that goes beyond NASCAR, Indy Car, NHRA or Formula One excitement and will focus on local, regional and emerging types of auto racing that is succeeding and growing across North Carolina, the southeast and beyond.

“We will be THE information source for these emerging and dynamic tracks, cars and the thrills they bring to race fans.” said Dan Bailey, President of Racersdata.  “With Qudeso providing the technology we need, we’re sure we have the power necessary to reach millions of race fans, wherever they gather, race or live.”

Qudeso will undertake one of the largest projects in their history and will be responsible for launching Racersdata as the premier information resource in the country. “We are excited and thrilled to work with Racersdata in an industry we know and have enjoyed for many years.” said Jason Hightman, Creative Director for Qudeso. “We will begin working together immediately on several projects using some ideas and technology that will be revolutionary in this sport.”

Qudeso and Racersdata will announce specific ventures in the near future. More information will be made available on both Racersdata’s company website and Facebook page.

Racersdata – Linking the Racing Community

Racersdata – What is it? Signup at www.racersdata.com to learn more.

Want to “stay in the know’ about web design, SEO, email marketing management, and other branding and marketing services that will help you grow your business? Be sure to check us out on Facebook.