News Letter
February 27, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
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We give the best support. Now that’s Smartt.SmarttNet maintains a low client-to-tech ratio to ensure all our representatives can take the time to troubleshoot your computer problems with care. Have a question? Give us a call! SmarttNet’s support team is here to help you.Office: 604-473-9700Toll Free 1-888-407-6937Fax 604-473-9080 Sales Department: sales@smartt.com Technical Support: support@smartt.com Accounting: account@smartt.com General Information: info@smartt.com Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
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| Copyright and DisclaimerThis newsletter is for general information purposes only and the information is provided as is. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of SmarttNet. SmarttNet has taken all reasonable measures to ensure accuracy of the information in this newsletter. However, SmarttNet gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. Readers are advised not to rely solely on this information when making any decision. SmarttNet reserves the right at any time to make changes as it deems necessary without notification. This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. SmarttNet does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there. Furthermore, visitors should be aware that other sites linked from this newsletter may use persistent cookies that track visitor viewing habits. SmarttNet and other distinctive marks are registered trademarks of 2ic Systems Inc. Other distinctive marks or slogans of other entities visible either on this newsletter or linked from this newsletter are trademarked as indicated by the respective entities with all rights reserved. For full reference of our privacy policy and disclaimers, please see the SmarttNet website. |
SmarttNet exhibits at business women’s conference
February 26, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
For immediate release Feb. 26, 2009
To view and print a pdf version of this story, click here: smarttnet-exhibits-at-business-womene28099s-conference1
The SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign table was a hit at this year’s Ellevate Business Women’s Conference & Show, held by Westcoast Moms at the Vancouver Public Library.
The conference and show was designed to be a resourceful event for career women with seminars, networking and opportunities to view exhibitor tables. Members of the SmarttTeam, SmarttNet’s e-marketing department, showed up with prizes galore, a Mac to demonstrate their easy-to-use Web sites, free giveaways and – their company favourite – flying helicopters.
“We were so excited about the event, we wanted to show that we were the fun crowd that could play with helicopters at work but still do an effective job at getting those Web sites ranking high,” said Joyce, coordinator of the Women in Business Campaign at SmarttNet and herself an e-marketer and media specialist.
Among the prizes and giveaways were ‘SmarttTea’ – specially packaged Women’s Tea from Blue Tea Pot and a business card draw for one of three prizes: a giant gift basket from Green & Green Creative Gift Company, a Smartt Keyword Research consultation and, of course, a flying helicopter toy. Anyone who signed up for a free consultation with SmarttNet also got a one-hour session with an image specialist at Closet Candy.
Aside from the fun, the SmarttTeam also got down to business, and was pleased with the day’s results.
“We noticed that there were so many women there that didn’t know much about setting up a Web site or doing SEO, or they just didn’t have time for it,” recalled Amy Cope, an e-marketer at SmarttNet. “We found out there was a great demand out there for what we do, so we’re excited to be working with this group.”
The SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign was set up after Joyce attended a women’s entrepreneur group and got inspired to help what she called “hard working and motivated women.” During the campaign female entrepreneurs get special deals from SmarttNet, plus lots of giveaways at events and charities.
“I realized that these women were so creative, and so good at what they do, but they didn’t necessarily have access to the tools they needed to get their businesses off the ground, so I wanted a way to help them,” explained Joyce.
More about the SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign can be read at www.smartt.com/women
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Joyce, call 604 630 7579 or e-mail joyce@smartt.com
Members of the SmarttTeam at their show table.
Setting up the SmarttNet table.
The SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign banner.
The SmarttNet draw prizes! There was a Green & Green gift basket, a Smartt Keyword Research Consultation and a flying helicopter!
Explaining SmarttNet to amazing women in business!
Our ‘free e-book’ flyers.
Doing a superb job of flying a toy helicopter on her first try!
Showcasing the SmarttTea – specially packaged ‘Women’s Tea’ from Blue Teapot.
Chief Executive Marketing Manager, demonstrating SmarttNet’s easy-to-use Web sites.
Fanning the SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign brochures.
The Ellevate Business Women’s Conference & Show exhibitor room, Feb. 21 at the Vancouver Public Library.
Martin Wong, sitting at our table while most of those amazing business women were getting ellevated at a seminar.
Time to draw for prizes! Shaking the business cards up.
Drawing for the Smartt Keyword Research consultation…
Trying hard to keep her eyes shut tight!
Drawing for the flying helicopter toy!
Drawing for the big gift basket from Green & Green!
Picking a mystery winner card!
Yay! You won the giant gift basket!
SmarttNet campaigns for women in business
February 25, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
For immediate release Feb. 25, 2009
To view and print a pdf version of this story, click here: smarttnet-campaigns-for-women-in-business
When e-marketing and media specialist Joyce of SmarttNet attended a women’s entrepreneur group in Maple Ridge, all she could do for a week was think of how inspired she was. The result of that inspiration was the SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign.
“These ladies were so motivated and hard working, I was really so impressed with them,” she recalls. “I told my coworkers we should do a Women in Business Campaign. I knew this would be a great demographic to work with.”
In the next couple days, Joyce got to work creating a new logo and brochure, scouting out women’s groups, putting up Web pages and even sponsored a women’s charity called Soroptimist of the Tri Cities. The campaign’s first big launch was to host an exhibitor table at the Ellevate Business Women’s Conference & Show, held Feb. 21 at the Vancouver Public Library.
“Joyce’s enthusiasm for the campaign was being felt throughout the office. She was so eager to help these women. It was clear her passion was at work,” comments Martin Wong, Chief Executive Marketing Manager at SmarttNet.
The Campaign’s goal, as explained on the SmarttNet Web site, is to “encourage women to take charge of their careers,” be they mothers, rookies in the field of business or already long-time entrepreneurs.
Joyce explains that throughout the campaign she learned women do business differently than men, being less competitive and more nurturing toward each other as they grow their companies.
“They have all these great ideas and I know they’re good at what they do, so I had a vision that SmarttNet could help them be successful with all the e-marketing tools we have…this way we could bring their creative entrepreneurial dreams to life,” she says.
The Campaign has lowered prices for e-marketing and Web development even further than their regular rates, just for women. They are also actively giving away prizes to charities and women’s groups, worth “thousands of dollars.” Joyce set up a fan page on Facebook, in the hopes it would become a meeting place where women could inspire ideas and network with each other.
“Joyce has this idea to target women, and it worked out great,” comments Amy Cope, Joyce’s co-worker. “It became clear there was a demand among women who didn’t know much about setting up a Web site or e-marketing, or didn’t have time for it, so we’re a great fit to work with each other.”
More about the SmarttNet Women in Business Campaign can be read at www.smartt.com/women
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Joyce, call 604 630 7579 or e-mail joyce@smartt.com
SmarttNet powers Variety telethon with hearts of gold
February 24, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
For immediate release Feb. 16, 2009
To view and print a PDF version of this story, click here: smarttnet-powers-variety-telethon
At this year’s Variety telethon, meant to raise funds for special needs children, SmarttNet was privileged to do more than power Internet services – the company got to show its heart of gold.
SmarttNet’s yearly contribution to Variety – the Children’s Charity includes complimentary Internet DSL connections to all their locations, e-mail management and, most importantly for the telethon, a reliable Web site that is able to take donations online.
“We had a Web programmer on stand-by for the whole weekend in case Variety needed any last minute changes,” explained Chief Executive Marketing Manager Martin Wong. “We actively took all the precautionary measures to make sure their Web site and online donation system would remain up and running during the whole event.”
The 43rd Show of Hearts Telethon was held at Red Robinson Theatre in Coquitlam and lasted 23 hours, from Feb. 14 to 15. It aired on Global Television.
The goal was to raise 8 million for the charity and sponsors exceeded that with a total of 8.3 million. Wong alone was at the Gold Panel seat for just one hour and raised $1,000 receiving and making phone calls to personal contacts.
“The fact that SmarttNet and its staff can play even a small part is very rewarding,” he remarked.
Chief Executive Officer Saleh Tousi was also at the event presenting a live cheque worth almost $10,000, giving a speech and experiencing a few heart-felt moments.
When asked what his favourite part of the day was, Tousi described a young girl who nervously gave a speech after raising $10,000 with her classmates.
“She was very nervous and blushed several times but despite being on live television and visibly shaken she finished her mini-speech to resounding applause from the crowd,” recalls Tousi.
This was SmarttNet’s second year attending the show and Tousi plans to go again in future years, as well as continue to provide Variety with SmarttNet services.
“Variety now can use the large footprint of the Internet to keep in touch with donors, partners and supporters. SmarttNet is proud to help them spread their important message,” he said.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Joyce, call 604 630 7579 or e-mail joyce@smartt.com
SmarttNet featured in business magazine
February 6, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
For immediate release Feb. 6, 2009
To view and print a pdf copy of this story, click here: smarttnet-featured-in-business-magazine
Business in Vancouver’s How-to Book 2009 has been released and SmarttNet’s e-marketing team is featured under the topic, “How to avoid internet marketing mistakes.”
“We wanted to show people that there are a lot of common mistakes people make when they try to market something online,” says Joyce, e-marketer at SmarttNet and author of the featured article.
The How-to Book is one of the yearly magazines released by Business in Vancouver and delivered to their subscribers. Its purpose is to act as a guide to businesses on topics they may need advice on.
SmarttNet’s feature included tips for a successful e-marketing strategy, only instead of telling what a business should do, it took a twist and showed businesses what NOT to do. Things not to do include “overstuffing keywords,” “replicating content,” “ignoring off-page factors,” “making use of black hat tricks,” and ”registering domains for less than two years.”
“All of these no-no’s can really affect the way a search engine reads a company’s Web site,” says Joyce. “But the article is so limited – there’s just so much more to say about e-marketing and how to be effective at it.”
Precisely put. That is why the end of the article reads, “keeping your site buffed for search engines is an ongoing activity. Think of search engines as customers who need reminders…A professional internet marketer will be up to date on the ins and outs of the industry.”
In short, that means e-marketing is not a once-for-all event. It needs regular attention, which is why e-marketers are in such high demand these days. However, Joyce notes that’s not the only reason e-marketers are in business:
“Internet marketing rules are always changing. One day lots of keywords might work, and the next day that’s not good anymore. Search engines recognize all the tricks that people use to abuse the rankings, so that’s why the rules have to change, to keep spammers out,” says Joyce.
For that reason, an e-marketer is necessary for a proper strategy. If a business is using outdated methods, it could hurt, rather than help, its efforts.
Aside from the article was a full page advertisement telling businesses they could download a free e-book by SmarttNet’s e-marketers at www.smartt.com/freeguide.
To view SmarttNet’s feature in the How-to Book 2009, see their home page, under “Published.” Or, click here for a pdf version: bivarticleandad (Note: This document is From How-To Book 2009, published by BIV Magazines. Copyright © 2009, The How-To Book. For reprinting permissions, please contact BIV Magazines)
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Joyce, call 604 630 7579 or e-mail joyce@smartt.com
The How-to Book 2009: How to avoid internet marketing mistakes
February 5, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
From How-To Book 2009, published by BIV Magazines. Copyright © 2009, The How-To Book.
SmarttTeam authors e-marketing book
February 2, 2009 by imteam · Leave a Comment
For immediate release Feb. 2, 2009
To view and print a pdf version of this story, click here: smarttteam-authors-e-marketing-book
Marketing a business on the Internet is not like it is in real life. That’s the message being sent by the ‘SmarttTeam,’ a pair of e-marketers at SmarttNet who recently published their first book on the topic, titled, ‘The 6 week online business makeover: SEO & Internet marketing for small businesses.’
“We wanted to show people that on the Internet, you have to do things that you normally wouldn’t do in real life,” explains Amy Cope, an e-marketer at SmarttNet and one of the co-authors of the book.
As an example, Cope mentions a section of the book that talks about search engine optimization (SEO), the art of getting a Web site to rank high on a search engine query. Part of that involves structuring a Web site so that people are not led to a store first, but rather later on in the sales process.
To quote the book, “customers [on the Internet] don’t want to be sold right away. Rather, they want to browse around, read some interesting and useful information and then buy a product that solves their problem.”
“It’s a common mistake that Web site owners make,” says Cope. “People on the Internet today are mainly looking for information, so it’s important that your site has lots of it, or otherwise you’re just a turn-off and people will click away from you.”
Other chapters in the book include “Market Research,” “Content Creation,” “Using Social Media,” “Online Advertising” and “Video Marketing.” Joyce, another e-marketer and co-author of the book notes that although Internet marketing is not like real-life marketing, there are some parallels.
“Take online advertising for example, those ads are mostly text-based, whereas in real life you would care about graphics a lot more,” she describes. “With social media, you can say that is like networking in real life, but on the Internet you reach people a different way because you have to get them to click away from the social site they’re on to come and visit you.”
The SmarttTeam used the six chapters of their book to form a six-week guide that would help business owners learn the ins and outs of e-marketing. However, they mention that the e-book alone, though comprehensive, is not enough.
“The problem is that e-marketing rules are always changing, and that’s why it’s important to have an e-marketer taking care of things, so you’re not making mistakes down the road,” explains Cope.
The SmarttTeam is offering the book for free in electronic format on their Web site at www.smartt.com/freeguide. The book is featured in an advertisement run in the How-to Book 2009, published by Business in Vancouver, along with an article adjacent to it on “How to avoid Internet marketing mistakes.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Amy Cope or Joyce, call 604 473 9700 or e-mail joyce@smartt.com
