Attend the Gay & Lesbian Market Symposium

Tom Roth of Community Marketing Inc. puts together a very informative seminar that includes experts in the industry. Matt Skallerud of Pink Banana Media is also involved which means that you are sure to walk away with your weight in gold.

Attend the Gay & Lesbian Market Symposium:
April 29 in San Francisco and April 30 in Los Angeles

Community Marketing and Pink Banana Media are proud to present the Gay & Lesbian Market Symposium in San Francisco on Wednesday, April 29 at the Nikko Hotel, and on Thursday, April 30 at the Marriott LAX. Both sessions run from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Industry-leading presenters will discuss the latest in gay and lesbian consumer research and focus groups, successful marketing approaches, strategies, etc., as well as case studies representing a variety of industries and segments. Gaining new insights into this dynamic market--plus making networking connections--will be of great value.

The half-day symposium is just $45, so there’s no reason to miss this important opportunity to initiate, or update, your LGBT market program.

Space is limited, so please register soon. More info and a link to register is on http://www.communitymarketinginc.com/mkt_int_glms.php

Online Publishing: Work Your Social Media

This week, we have heard a report from 24/7 Wall St., about major newspapers in our country that are having near-death experiences. These media outlets will either fold completely or just operate online.

Many of our own GLBT publishing houses have also faced their troubles as we navigate through the economy's rough waters. Genre magazine, a Window Media publication has already lost their Editor, Neil Boulton and Publisher, William Kapfer will step down by the end of March.

Although, echelonmagazine.com has been online for 4 years, we have always struggled to put out a print companion. Last year, we were able to put out 5 editions until advertising revenue was not enough to sustain the costs involved. However, we are a small publishing house and are able to be a lot more flexible than the big conglomerates.

In order for us to ourselves, we have had to be both clever and creative. Social media is an invaluable tool for any big or small media company. We have doubled visitors to our site within the past 30 days by simply staying on top of the latest trends and making sure that our articles and stories are shared throughout the net. A friend of Echelon's, Katie Schwartz has been very intrumental in providing key tips for us to implement to improve our outreach. Katie is an incredibly talented guru for SEO as well as a hysterical comedian/writer. Check out our her blog when you can.

Since we have realized a measurable success with our own site, it is part of our mission to share what we have learned. It doesn't matter if you own a media company or a small business, social media is the way to go.

Facebook etc. - Get your company up on as many networks as possible. i.e. twitter, plaxo, linked in, collective x etc. Most of these outlets have rss capabilities which is essential to bringing visitors to your site. GLBT business owners should also take advantage of the gay social media platforms such as PinkBananaWorld or Glee.

TwitterFeed - allows you to load up your rss feed for automatic tweets.

Friendfeed - also lets you load up your rss feed to filter out to your social networks.

Blog Comments - Get Google Reader and subscribe to a bunch of GLBT blogs, such as Pam's House Blend, Queerty, Towleroad or The Gist or even here. Start commenting on their blog and at the end of your comment, insert your web url including the http:// part. You will be surprised on how much traffic you could generate.

Your Blog: Start your own blog. Blogs are very "search engine-friendly." People love reading blogs and it has definitely changed the landscape of the Internet. Go to Google's blogger and start cranking.

The best thing about everything we have shared above is that it's all "free." Yes, it can be awfully time consuming, but well worth it. If you can manage to block in 2 hours a day, you are sure to see results.

Please share with us any comments on your social media exploits. We look forward to hearing them.

G MONEY: STRAIGHT TALK ON GAY MARKETING

PRESENTED BY MANHATTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S LGBT-2-B COMMITTEE

An Insider’s Look At How Businesses Can Tap Into $600 Billion Spending Power of LGBT Community

How your business can tap into the $600 billion spending power of the LGBT Community will be the subject of an upcoming panel, led by New York Times’ Advertising Columnist Stuart Elliot.

The event, presented by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s LGBT-2-B Committee -- a group created to customize the rich array of Manhattan Chamber services to professionals in the LGBT community -- will take place on Monday, March 23, 2009, from 6-9 p.m. at the Con Edison offices, located at 13 Irving Place, New York.

Also serving on the panel, along with Mr. Elliot, are Randy Griffin, Senior Director of Sales for Affinity, Government and Small Business marketing segments, Marriott Hotels; Howard Buford, CEO & Founder, Prime Access; Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and Amy Wigler, Vice President Marketing, Logo by MTV Networks.

Tickets are $15 for MCC Members, and $20 for Non-Members, and can be purchased at (www.manhattancclgbt.org) or at the door. Tickets at the door are $5 more.

“From small businesses to major corporations, many companies perceived to be gay-friendly are already reaping the varied and numerous benefits of working with the LGBT community,” commented Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “We expect this panel of distinguished experts to generate some lively and important dialogue about how businesses can develop powerful and profitable partnerships with the LGBT community.”

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce advocates for positive business legislation, sponsors educational seminars and networking events, markets its member companies and encourages global business. The MCC also hold street fairs, volunteer expos and supports the non-profit community in its quest to improve the quality of life in its neighborhoods. The organization represents the voice of over 100,000 companies in Manhattan and partners with over 300 diverse business organizations in the city.

The LGBT-2-B Committee is chaired by David Reid, Director of Corporate Relations at The Asia Society, and Allan Fried, an Executive & Career Coach and is comprised of a talented group of New York City entrepreneurs, corporate executives and non-profit sector leaders. The LGBT-2-B network is intended to maximize the economic growth of New York City’s LGBT-owned businesses by creating partnerships and business development opportunities.

Panelist Biographies

Stuart Elliot, Advertising Columnist, New York Times (moderator)

Howard Buford, CEO and Founder, Prime Access

Randy Griffin, Senior Director of Sales for Affinity, Government and Small Business marketing segments/Marriott Hotels

Rashad Robinson, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation)-Commercial Closet, Senior Director of Media Programs

Amy Wigler,Vice President Marketing/Logo by MTV Networks

Genre Publisher, William Kapfer To Step Down

Window Media CMO/Genre Magazine Publisher, William Kapfer will leave his post by the end of the month according to a email from him today.

Kapfer joined Window Media in 2006 and since then has guided the Gay publishing company into the world of Web 2.0.

In a recent letter to his team, Kapfer wrote:

Attrition is a natural progression in any industry, and I feel I’ve done my best to bring the company into a Web 2.0—21st Century state of mind. Although I am not aware of the details for a succession plan, the company will remain in good hands, under the direction of David Unger, Mike Kitchens and Steve Myers.

The management team I’m leaving behind has an acute understanding of the current economic situation, and I am confident are making significant steps—courageous steps—to ensure that Window Media and Genre Magazine are able to maintain our leadership position in the LGBT community. In addition to working with world-class sales and publishing executives over the past three years, I've been able to build two amazing teams in Marketing and Online—talented teams I'm leaving behind at Window Media.

We have a deep and talented management team across all areas of the company. Our successful implementation of core strategies and the timely rollout of key products this past three years testify to the effectiveness of this team. I continue to believe that intense focus on our key news products is the best means to create value with our available resources and continuing to create cross-platform, integrated programs that include a rich digital strategy to address that value—will continue to strengthen Window Media’s unique operating platform in the industry.

Window Media did not begin to fully invest in its online department until I arrived in 2006, so the recent successes we have seen are largely in part due to the maturation of investment into a strategic online strategy. Under the leadership of Kevin Smith, specific items that attributed to the success of our digital strategy include: simple weekly/monthly rates, sales training in creating packages, resource investment into search engine optimization, capitalizing on high-traffic components to increase page-views (photo galleries, surveys, etc.), redesign of sites to accommodate large agency buys, and much more were introduced.

What's more, 2008 pushed the envelope in development and strategies that had been missing previously, enabling us to expect to see continued growth in 2009 due to the following: additional online revenue stream opportunities, investment in e-marketing strategies, further online sales training, and many more added website features to drive traffic (interactive dining guides, new bladewire 2.0 system, and interactive video sections for every website).

Our commitment to high quality journalism also continues unabated. Window Media and Genre Magazine are public service journalism companies—and we understand that our investment in providing honest, independent information continues to perform a vital role in our democratic society. In so doing, David Unger and his team will continue to broaden our reach in each community and should expect our total audience in print and online to grow, further solidifying the company’s position for delivering mass reach for advertisers in each market.

The same technology that brings us new competition for audiences and ad sales also empowers us to redistribute work, centralize some functions and operate far more efficiently. Over the past three years, Window Media has done a better job at sharing news content and resources within our company, which both saves money and improves quality.

Finally, and after much soul searching and contemplation, I am leaving Window Media & Genre Magazine with the confidence that the leadership team will continue my vision of creating a hybrid print and online, news and advertising company for the increasing needs of the LGBTQ Community—one strongly positioned to capture our share of business in the evolving media world.

Although, he has no definite plans for the future, I'm sure we will be hearing from this very talented and personable man very soon.

New Gay-Friendly Franchises

As the unemployment figures rise, it's important to consider "owning a franchise" as an option to having more control over your future. GayFranchise.com continues to accumulate new Gay-friendly franchises to our roster.

Some of the new opportunities include:

Hamburger Mary's.
Each Hamburger Mary's franchise is an "open air bar & grille for open-minded people," where guests enjoy a flamboyant dining experience. Everyone is welcome at Hamburger Mary's, but our unique aspect is that we are the first and only national franchise that is actively marketing primarily to the GLBT community, where we enjoy widespread name recognition.
LEARN MORE

Tax Centers Of America
Tax Centers of America is a full service, year around tax service and E-File tax Business. TCOA is the first franchise business in the industry to offer the buy 1 tax franchise and get 4 tax franchises free. TCOA has territories available in all 50 States.
LEARN MORE

Philly Dawgz
Philly Dawgz is an easy concept: Anyone can do it and it can fit in virtually any space! We offer flexibility with the ability to change the menu to accommodate specific customers' wants and needs. A Philly Dawgz restaurant is also easy to set up and maintain. The equipment and procedures required are straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to train new employees. And, few employees are required as the turn-around from the customer ordering to the customer receiving his or her food is minimal and quick.
LEARN MORE

Madison Capital
Madison Capital is a direct funding source serving the needs of the franchise industry for over 35-years covering the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Our focus is on outstanding service, quick response, and knowledgeable support. We offer both equipment and vehicle financing and will assist you in selecting the appropriate financial solution for your business needs.
LEARN MORE

Town Call: Learn how to apply for Out & Equal Workplace Awards and Summit workshops

RSVP for this month’s Town Call to learn everything you will need to know about submitting award nominations and workshop proposals for the 2009 Out & Equal Summit.

Our discussion will include:

Insights into the screening committee’s perspectives and criteria of the Out & Equal Workplace Awards, commonly known as the Outies, our most prestigious honor given to individuals and organizations that are leaders in advancing LGBT workplace equality.

Discovering what last year's Outie winners did in their quest for equality that set them apart from other nominees. Exploring the workshop submittal process, as well as previous topics that have included human resources, Employee Resource Groups and LGBT employee concerns.

Learning about core concepts that will be addressed during the Summit, and seeing how your workshop can compliment and enhance the event for attendees
Applications for both the awards and workshops will be available online beginning April 1. Deadline for the award nominations is May 1; deadline for workshop proposals is May 22.

This webinar will provide you with some great and timely guidance and is open to all. It is recommended for people and organizations with a record of support for LGBT workplace equality.

Presenters: 2008 Outie Award Winner and Workshop Presenter: Chris Crespo; Out & Equal Associate Director of Summit & Events Anthony Bannon.

Town Call
March 26
Pacific: 12 p.m. | Mountain: 1 p.m. | Central: 2 p.m. | Eastern: 3 p.m.

Summit: Save the date for the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit

Mark your calendar for the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit for LGBT Equality, set for October 6-9 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Florida.

We will be providing regular updates over the coming months on registration, workshops, keynote speakers and all aspects of the event.

The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the world’s premier conference on LGBT workplace equality, providing a unique opportunity to build alliances, share ideas and take actions that foster safe as well as equitable work environments for everyone.

More than 2,500 participants are expected to take part in workshops led by some of the country’s leading workplace experts, participate in unique networking functions and also listen to inspirational, unforgettable speakers.

2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit
October 6-9
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Florida

Betcha Won't Do It!

Betcha Won't Do It!

Posted using ShareThis

MIZ COTTON RELEASES THE "ASK COTTON" IPHONE APPLICATION

Another sign pointing to the claim that everyone is jumping on the iPhone Application bandwagon

Miz Cotton could possibly be THE FIRST to offer an iPhone app featuring DRAG*.

The entertainment iPhone application "Ask Cotton" is a novelty YES or NO answer-seeking application that prominently features the z-list wannabe character of Miz Cotton. In the tradition of "should I" or "shouldn't I" ... Miz Cotton offers advice to those seeking answers for a mere 99 cents ... offering up the fun, camp and a touch of sarcastic nature that is Miz Cotton.

* iTunes queries using the search words "DRAG" and/or "QUEEN" prior to the launch of ASK COTTON did not return any applications that appeared to feature a drag character and post-launch only returned the ASK COTTON application [featuring a drag character]. Not a scientific study ... just an observation.

A Message from the Founding Executive Director of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates Selisse Berry

I’ve just returned from the inauguration of our 44th president, Barrack H. Obama, in Washington, D.C. The energy and the sense of community I experienced there was incredible and life affirming. Cynthia and I attended the Equality Gala, co-sponsored by Out & Equal, and connected with friends from all over the country.

The jubilation and pride we saw throughout the capital area was euphoric. I remember in June 2007 when Barrack Obama said, "While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."
This represents a historic opportuntiy for all Out & Equal supporters to make progressive change in workplaces across the country. Already President Obama and Vice President Biden have included LGBT Civil Rights in their official plan, which is available on the President’s website http://www.barackobama.com. They include:

Strengthen Civil Rights Enforcement
Obama and Biden will reverse the politicization that has occurred in the Bush Administration's Department of Justice. They will put an end to the ideological litmus tests used to fill positions within the Civil Rights Division.

Combat Employment Discrimination
Obama and Biden will work to overturn the Supreme Court's recent ruling that curtails racial minorities' and women's ability to challenge pay discrimination. They will also pass the Fair Pay Act to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Expand Hate Crimes Statutes

Obama and Biden will strengthen federal hate crimes legislation, expand hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act, and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section.

Editorial Comment/Statement from the Founder of ALLorNotAtAll.org

Re: Pastor Rick Warren vs. Reverend Gene Robinson Inauguration Roles

Yesterday, ALLorNotAtAll.org held a very successful protest outside of Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church with our guest speaker, Robin Tyler and her lawfully wedded wife, Diane Olson. We believe that Pastor Warren delivering the invocation at the Presidential inauguration is both insulting to the gay community as well as harmful. While we firmly believe President-Elect Obama's message that we can only bridge our differences by communicating with people that we don't always agree with, Pastor Warren's participation at an event that is meant to unite and not divide would appear, however unintentionally, to give validation to his dangerous views that gay marriage is like child molestation or incest.

When openly-gay Reverend Gene Robinson was invited to speak at the kick-off party for the inauguration, it was meant to be an olive branch to the gay community. While delivering a prayer at a rock concert is a far cry from delivering the invocation at the inauguration, it was intended to mend fences. Imagine my dismay when I returned home from our peaceful protest to find that Reverend Robinson's prayer of peace had not been broadcast by HBO. They are claiming that they were asked to keep the prayer as part of the unaired "pre-show" by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

The gay community deserves and is demanding an explanation for this insult and omission from both HBO and the Presidential Inaugural Committee. At the very least, it shows a shocking lack of foresight and consideration for a significant percentage of the nation's citizens and their loved ones, and we deserve and demand an apology. We aren't going anywhere and the number of people who support us is growing and these insults will no longer go unaccounted for and unnoticed.

All the best,

Josh Einsohn, Founder

ALLorNotAtAll.org

GayFranchise.com Offers The Community A Unique Opportunity on Autonomy

The year 2009 has finally arrived and we are collectively filled with such a dichotomy of emotions. President-Elect Obama is poised to become the first African American president and the economy is rearing its ugly head leaving us spinning with a sense of wonder.

The recession has obviously affected most of us on some level. It is possible that we will see at least one or more of our friends face a lay-off from their current place of employment. Sometimes life forces us to change our lives around despite our reluctant efforts to hold on. As scary as this appears, there is still hope.

Read on.....