5 Simple Ways to Cure Social Media Overload 2010

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

2010 will be the year of information overload, and managing your social media profiles by getting rid of all the junk can help you get to relevant information quicker, effectively promote your company/event, blog or brand and make social media a little less overwhelming.

1. Clean Up Your Twitter Followers

One of the pains of Twitter is the inability to mass follow or unfollow. When I first started out on Twitter I followed everyone from a local restaurant to make money quick tweeters. However, my niche on Twitter is graphic design, sports apparel and sports teams, blogs, retailers, etc. Cleaning up my followers helped me clear the clutter and focus on my niche. My favorite tool is Twitter Karma. Not only does it allows you to see who you are following and if they follow you, but it also allows you to bulk follow, bulk unfollow and bulk block.

2. Clean Up Your Facebook Groups

Do really need to be a member of “Everything Made with Bacon”? Seriously, most of these groups junk up your news feeds, send out irritating fan messages and keep you from focusing on the information you really need to see. Cleaning out your Facebook Groups is pretty simple.

3. Find Out Where You Are Online

If you’ve been online as long as I have, you know that there is no telling how many profiles you may hove out there. Finding those profiles is important to making sure you can use them effectively. There are many social media sites that I signed up for that I just forgot about. My favorite tool to see exactly where I am online is KnowEm?, a username check service that lets you know if you username is taken or available online. Not only is a great for finding out which sites you forgot about and for figuring out which sites you should reserve your username for, but you can check your username without signing up.

4. Create A List

As a graphic designer or sports apparel designer there are different types of social media that you should engage in. These include micro-blogs, blogs, forums, social bookmarking, social shopping, community and video.   To make sure your are well rounded online, make a list of sites you use regularly and which categories they fall in.  If something is missing, find our what site would be beneficial for you.

5. And finally...Make Life Easier

Instead of updating to each of your social media profiles separately, make your life easier by finding on resource that allows to to update to all of them at once. If you have a new product, article or design, going to every website can be tiresome My favorite service is Ping.fm which allows you posts to all your social networks at once. However, make sure you still engage one on one with users for brand awareness.

I just listed my favorite tools, but there are many of them out there. Let me know which ones work for you.

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin

DIGG

FourSquared

Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon

Google Alerts

MySpace

Blogger

Call us and we can give you an initial overview and plus we offer monthly social media coaching.

 

Performance T's for Race Day

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Performance T's for Race Day

Everyone is talking about them, but where can you find them and how do you print on them?

"Cotton is Rotten" has been the mantra for the last few years. Pro athletes, to weekend walkers are looking for their own performance team gear.  Cotton clings to you when you sweat, and therefore adds weight as you are deep into the competition. Performance apparel is made to wick away the sweat from your body, it's that easy!

Typically eveyone buys an Under Armour shirt at Dick's Sporting Goods or other major retailer and take it down the local screen printer. Did you know that defeats the whole purpose of the shirt? and you are paying twice as much for the shirt too.

The ink that is laid down on the shirt, doesn't breathe and therefore blocks the cooling technology that you originally bought the shirt for. AND you are limited to the number of colors you can print.

Ta, da daa!! Here comes performance apparel geared just for your run, walk or ride. One vendor, Vapor Apparel has partnered with Auer Agency in offering long sleeve shirts, tank tops and even hoodies. Apparel is available with either a cotton feel or 100% polyester. But what makes them different is that they are geared for high performance.

Since the printing process on these type of shirts is sublimation. The colors you can do is unlimited. You can even print a pic of someone that you are raising money for. It's been around for a few years, and the apparel available out there is unbelievable.

The ideal situation is to start with a white blank, but Vapor offers, light gray, beige, peach, blue, yellow and pink. They even have some neon shirts for people work outside all day near streets, volunteers or staff.

Of course, adidas, nike and others are creating their own performance apparel, and you can use those, but bring those shirts to us, because there is a right way and wrong way to print on them.

Give us a call we can show you some samples. You will be blown away and look good crossing the finishing line.

Happy Holidays News-Letter and What's New for 2010

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com  |  www.aueragency.com


Greetings!
Since you are like family, we thought we 
would send out one of those mass mailed letters describing our year and well, brag a little bit too. Because we feel like Auer Agency is just like a little child growing bigger and smarter everyday.

Auer Agency has been very busy this year. We have worked with some great companies, teams and events. Recently Kathy Hallgren joined our company. She is awesome to work with and has vast experience with sales in the sports and green energy industryWe met at Gita where we used to work together many moons ago and reconnected over the summer.

WHAT MAKES HER TICK…
Kathy has worked for 20+ years as a sales rep in the sports industry including fitness with Polar Electro, Gita Sporting Goods and recently UltraMotor E-bikes.
Family: Husband Steve, two teenage daughters and a friendly doggy.
Bearings: Born and raised in Huntington, NY.
Gifts: Enthusiasm, compassion and organization. No creative ability whatsoever…




One of our biggest clients for ’09 is a California-based photo fulfillment company that provides photo gifts such as mouse pads, coffee mugs and drum roll…..t-shirts to major retailers around the globe. They asked us to design t-shirt templates (sublimation) where the customer inserts their picture and a few weeks later you receive a custom t-shirt. We are very proud of this accomplishment and have been asked to design even more trendy templates for other major retailers.
And they are currently in over 6400 Walgreen stores (they make great xmas gifts!)

Auer Agency took the time to visit some very interesting tradeshows, which only added to our education about fashion and the cycling industry. In September, Mariellen attended MAGIC in Vegas which is one the premier fashion and manufacturing show. She was able to meet many fashion icons, sit down with manufacturers from across the globe and attend seminars about color/fabric/fashion trends and global sourcing. Importing and exporting is a reality and it also opens up the door to many possibilities for Auer Agency. We are currently working with some top manufactures in creating a new cycling apparel line, t-shirt designs for 2010 tradeshows, as well as marketing pieces.

We also attended Interbike, which is cycling’s largest tradeshow and was able to shake hands with old friends and reps from several apparel manufacturers such as Giordana, Primal Wear, Sugoi, Louis Garneau and Save our Soles among other top apparel and cycling companies.

Social Media has also been another huge push this year. Many companies are trying to figure it out how to utilize facebook, twitter, and MySpace frontier and where it all fits into the marketing plan. We offer those services as well as even blogging for you so you don’t have to. We are also introduce monthly coaching sessions so you can do it yourself and we can guide you along.
Follow us for tips and updates at www.twitter.com/aueragency and facebook.com/aueragency

NEW for 2010 Corporate + Team Apparel and Promotional Products
Auer Agency has teamed up with several brands and have it all in one website. If you need performance t’s, good ole t-shirts, hoodies, hats, water bottles or corporate gear like polos, jackets with your company name on it…. we can help. Auer Agency has it all with eco-conscious clothing to well-known brands like Adidas, Nike, Hanes, Champion, Dickies, Rossignol and Columbia. www.thecorporatechoice.com/aueragency. We can order a sample before you silk-screen, embroider and sublimate. And we are running an introductory special $50 off your order of $250 or more.

As 2009 comes to a close, we are excited about the possibilities for 2010. We are returning to our roots of working with cycling teams and shops again. We also have seen growth in collateral and logo design work as people who are laid off, go after their dreams and start their own companies. And even more exciting, in the past six months we have also seen a growth in apparel design needs and working more with the manufacturers in helping them develop new products as well as individuals who want to launch their own sports apparel line.

So here we come 2010!!

Mariellen + Kathy

2010 New Corporate and Team Apparel offered by Auer Agency

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Auer Agency has teamed up with several brands and have it all in one website.  If you need t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or corporate gear like polos, jackets with your company name on it. We can help. All new for 2010 Auer Agency has it all with eco-conscious clothing to well-known brands like Hanes, Champion, Dickies, Rossignol and Columbia.
We can order a sample before you buy. Whether you need silk-screen, embroidery or the trendy sublimation (where you can print any colors) we have it here for you.  Check out the site for the latest and greatest in apparel trends or the old stand bys www.thecorporatechoice.com/aueragency.
With brands like
Adidas
Econscious - Eco-friendly Apparel
Anvil
Hanes
Champion
Columbia
Fruit of the Loom
Rabbit Skins
Alternative - edgy apparel for women and men
Bella - very trendy for women


As 2010 comes around, be ready with new branded apparel to wear to meetings, functions or the company's softball games. We can also design new t-shirts for your company, team or event. As well as brochures, posters and social media.

Give us a shout if you want to look good in 2010.

24 Hours of Booty Sign-up and in new places

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


We were part of 24 Hours of Booty, before most people even heard about it. We designed their t-shirts, signs and logos. Now they have grown into an "inc." We are so proud to be associated with this event and helped to earn its place in history!
If anyone needs jerseys, or shirts showing who you are riding for let us know. We can do the design and work with any vendor you want!


Here is the new sign-up info:

In 2009, 24 Hours of Booty, Inc. raised more than $1 million with events in Char lotte, NC and Columbia, MD, and to date 6,000+ riders have raised more than $3.7 million.  We are announcing today that registration for The Ninth Annual 24 Hours of Booty in Charlotte and The Second Annual 24 Hours of Booty in Columbia will officially open onMonday, Jan. 4, 2010! Our annual charity cycling event – geared towards teams and individuals and open to participants of all ages and skill levels – is scheduled to roll on the “Booty Loop” in Myers Park, Charlotte, NC from 7 p.m. Friday, July 30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010. Event registration will be capped at the first 1,200 registrants. Carolinas Medical Center’s Blumenthal Cancer Center is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event where participants will gather at the Queens University of Charlotte athletic fields for camping, food and fun. In addition to the Charlotte event, 24 Hours of Booty will also host the Second An nual 24 Hours of Booty of Columbia, Md. at Gateway Business Park “Booty Loop” on Aug.28-29 and its inaugural event in Atlanta on Oct.2-3. The location is still being determined for the Atlanta event. We hope that you will join us for the 2010 24 Hours of Booty to help us continue our mission to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and local cancer organiza tions in our host cities. Sincerely,

Future Development of Lifestyle Products

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Want to discover some new innovations in the lifestyle sector?

The ID’09 exhibition in \in the Nederlands, showcased the work of \students from the Eindhoven University of Technology. Whilst the exhibition has since finished, its informative website lets you discover some amazing innovations for the entertainment, home interiors and fashion sectors, including Jukebugs by Joris Zaalberg, Flowtime by Ralph Zoontjens and The collective potential by Wouter Kersteman. I would certainly recommend looking at the site if you are interested in the future development of lifestyle products.

http://www.id09.id.tue.nl/exhibition.php#3

Designs in Walgreens Flyer

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

I wouldn't say we are famous, but our work popped up in the Sunday's Walgreens flyer finally. It's under the photo gift section and there is a coupon too!
We recently finished creating t-shirts template designs for a specific market...Soccer Mom market. Hmmm think, cool t-shirt design, with cool t-shirt with cool mom with cool kids. SNAP!! Of course, a soccer mom t-shirt that shows off her kids!!
We worked really hard to create these edgy designs. Featured is the cool Island theme with palm tree and floral background design. Run down to your nearest Walgreens to purchase your own t-shirt. They make Great Xmas gifts!!

Social Media a Fad?

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


Where is Social Media taking us? 
Is it a fad? Should you use Twitter and Facebook for your business?

Hell yes!!! The way we get our information is totally different than the way your mom and dad got it. It's faster, it's informational and it has a voice.
How can you NOT incoporate these new tools into your everyday marketing strategy?
This video nails why it's here and here to stay.


Give Auer Agency a call, if you want to talk TURKEY about your company's social media strategy.

Winner Of Big Stampede Giveaway - Carrolle Bowermeister

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


Congratulations to our Big Stampede WINNER!! 

Carrolle Bowermeister

Of Monroe, NC

She owns American Solutions for Business

She placed her name in our drawing for a free visor or Auer Agency performance t-shirt.

Carrolle runs her own promotional company. It was nice to meet her at the Southeast's largest Bike Swap and Expo Meet.

Auer Agency had a booth set-up for all the avid cyclists out there who just want to look good on their bike! We work with all manufacturers in handling the design, order and production of everything you may need.

We can do orders as small as 1 up to 50,000. 

Give us a call today or check out our latest creations at www.aueragency.com

Real Samples from Walgreen T-shirt Photo Designs

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


Today I was so excited when I received my package of custom printed t-shirts. I designed the templates where you can upload any pic onto your own custom t-shirt from a Walgreens Photo Kiosk.

These pics show the REAL DEAL. You can go to any nearby Walgreens with your flash drive or memory card or even old-fashioned photo and upload it to the photo kiosk and pick one of Auer Agency's original designs to enhance the pic. It makes for a fun way to show-off your loved ones, pets and friends.


Here are samples of mine, a pic of Ava in her ballerina outfit and Jack at his first t-ball game.
What a great xmas gift or birthday gift idea.


Or you can give us a call and we can design your own custom t-shirt for family reunions, xmas gatherings or for that just right gift.

Direct to Garment Printing V. Silk Screen Printing

What is the difference between Direct to Garment Digital Printing and Silk Screen Printing?

DTG printing is the newest technology in garment printing and is taking the industry by storm. Like our digital paper printing, direct to garment digital printing is best for short runs under 100 and is faster than Silk Screen printing. Because it has the capability of printing one shirt at a time without changing any plates, we can lower costs and pass the savings on to you. DTG printers print on shirts using an ink jet press and give the shirt a great feel and a flexible, soft touch.

Silk Screen printing has been and continues to be the standard of garment printing across the globe. Silk Screen is best for larger runs as it takes longer to set up, requires the changing of plates and has a lower per unit cost on large quantities. The production cost, production speed, and labor time required to run a silk screen printer makes it only suitable for large print runs. Silk Screen printers use a plate with ink pressed through a screen in a pattern to create an image on the fabric. Silk Screen offers the highest quality in color and durability and leaves a soft touch on the shirt.

Walgreens Apparel Project Launched

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

                                                                                   Hey everybody,

I just launched a new apparel design project that has hit 6400 Walgreen stores. If you go into a store and stop by their photo kiosk. You can order your very own custom t-shirt by adding your photo of your kid's, friends or family to it. Great Xmas gifts or birthday gifts.  I designed the edgy graphics that are used for these t-shirts. 

Run... don't walk to your nearest Walgreens store today.

Top Cycling Apparel Manufacturer Trends at Interbike

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Last week, I traveled to Vegas to attend Interbike. Interbike is cycling's largest tradeshow where apparel, bike, gear, components and media vendors come together for the retail shop owners and the bike shop boys come to check out the latest. Of course, I go for the apparel and most importantly get to know the custom manufacturers.

The first few days were spent spitting out dust. Interbike got wise a few years ago and set up a demo day for everyone to try out the latest rides in rough, rocky terrain. With that being such a huge success, they stretched it out from 1 to 2 days and the last show had 3 days. The Show Daily even reported that more people attended the Demo Days then traisping around Sands Convention Center.
I chose to avoid the dirt and instead spent two days walking the show floors shaking hands with apparel vendors and meeting new bike shop owners.

Some of the trends I saw out there were still pretty simple with graphics. Although some technical aspects were new.

Giordana: I have to first give a shout out to Gita/Giordana's crew for letting me in the show. I worked for them from 1996-98 and a lot of the old crew is still their and still as cool as ever. I loved seeing Giorgio on his knees putting bikes on stands prepping for the show. And he was a nice as ever to me. Thanks guys!
Ok back to the gear; Giordana offers a new $250 FormaRed-Carbon jersey. It's contructed of a combination of materials that allows stretch in all directions, providing a massaging effect on the muscles that can help delay fatigue. And UV protection. The inner side keeps the warmth inside longer but also breathable.

Louis Garneau: Showed me a new longer compression short. Where they made the short longer over the thigh, keeping it warmer and compressed longer thus avoid fatigue to set in faster. I thought that was a pretty cool thing.

Sugoi: What a great group of guys over there. THanks to Dan, Bryan and I even met Stan the owner. They showed me the latest in custom apparel gear. They offer performance t-shirts that were pretty cool.

Hincapie: They had one of the coolest jerseys I saw at the show. The bottom of the jersey didn't have any elastic, but a molded flat one. Check out the pic. I helped them at their busy time last year in developing custom designs for teams and I hope to be able to help them out again this year.

ZBikeWear: I was introduced to this company a few weeks ago. They have been around for many years, but there are a lot of companies out there that I haven't been able to work with yet. My first meeting of the show was with them. I even learned a few things.

• They are Made In the USA. Which is rare. 
• They can also scale the designs to fit each size. I asked other manufacturers, and they were in amazement that someone could do that because it is time consuming.
• He also discussed digital printing v. traditional screen sublimation printing. Digital is quicker and he can do an entire full custom jersey in small quanitites. Even if you want one. OH boy!! This is new!!
• They can also do short runs, in fact they love to do it!! and have quick turnaround time of less that 2-3weeks

Champ-Sys: Another great group of guys. I know they came on the scene only a few years ago but they have really stacked a claim in the custom cycling apparel industry. But we actually talked about other sports and other apparel that they had. Including gear that they do for motorsports. They offer a button down fully sublimated shirt, polos;  as well as soccer and lacrosse offerings. I'm very excited about working with them. And living in Charlotte, NC we are motorsport country!! So who knows what could happen.

BlackBottom: Another company that has been around forever, but I just heard about them. THey had a small booth, but colorful and had a lot of visitors. I was very impressed with Jay the owner, who took a few minutes to talk to me during the show. I mean who wouldn't love wearing a pair of BlackBottoms? Very trendy designs, and they just focus on doing custom team stuff. I hope to work with them this upcoming year.

Primal Wear: Eric Truman met me after 6:00 on Thursday and that shows me what commitment levels they have. I worked with Eric a few months ago and he went out of his way to create some custom apparel for me and my client. I was in awe of their invisible zipper (I know it doesn't sounds like a big deal, but you couldn't even see it. That's some serious sewing there. I was also impressed with the different silhouettes they had such as curves to the garment and details in elastic and top stitching. I look forward to working with this cool Colorado company.

Looking for Custom Performance T-s?

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

A lot of people are calling me looking for performance t's and apparel for their team or event.  We not only offer the apparel, but we can design your logo or graphics too.

Performance apparel is the kind of fabric that made Under Armour famous, but a lot of people are finding it to be accessible for themselves. And it is. Even small orders under 10 are available.
And it's just not white shirts either, we can print on light colors like gray, blue, pink  or green.


We offer everything from

• Short and long sleeve T's
• Hoodies
• Polos
• Button Down shirts like a bowling shirt, pit crews love these
• Tanks
• Singlets
• Muscle shirts for those big boys who want to show off their pipes.
• I've even seen hats with all over printing on performance apparel. Everything at your fingertips.

Here is a link to more information on the clothing and process.
We only work with the best manufacturers in the country. We can even do your own private label.


Give Auer Agency a try for your next sporting event or team gear.


http://www.aueragency.com/SublimatedInfoFlyerprint.pdf

Fundraiser for Bill Cherry Owner of Belmont Bicycles

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


Cyclists Call to action - This Sunday

Bill Cherry owner of Belmont Bicycles in Belmont, NC and active member of the Belmont community was critically injured in an accident with an uninsured driver on April 27, 2009. Bill is now confined to a wheelchair. He is living in a house that is not wheelchair accessible and his bills are approaching $1,000,000.00. Friends and family have been keeping Belmont Bicycles open but your help is needed.

An Italian Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on October 4, 2009 to benefit Bill and his family. The auction preview and appetizers are at 4:00 and dinner with live music will follow at 5:00. The event is being held at Queen of the Apostles Church , 503 N Main St, Belmont, NC. Tickets may be purchased at Belmont Bicycles or by calling 1-803-554-1008. Tickets are $15 Adults, $8 children 4-12, under 4 free.

If you can make the event, feel free to send any help possible.
For complete information see the flyer posted at:
http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/info/Bill_Cherry_Dinner_10-4-2009.pdf

We thank you in advance

Color Trends Forecasting 2010/2011

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

While I was hanging out at the Pantone booth in Vegas at MAGIC, I purchased the latest Fashion + Home Digital color library.

I felt like a kid in the candy store. I received a CD, color chart and the latest color swatches.

The next big IT colors?

Gray/Silver

Browns/ earthy nostalgic colors

Bright Orange (my favorite of course)

Dark Blue Grays

Dark blues

Lime Green

Yellow

Purple

As you know there are many shades of the colors, so ask me about them and we can design your next logo, t-shirt or whatever you have in mind with the trendiest colors.

Speed to Market/Apparel Buying Trends

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is a continuation of my trip to Vegas for the MAGIC show, the premiere fashion apparel show. The show had about 8 football fields of booths, vendors, people and everything you can think of.

I saw and met Ed Hardy, cracked a Coronoa at Kenny Chesney's new apparel booth named Char Bay, saw a model being body painted.

But the one trend everyone was talking about was Speed to Market. What does that mean? Everyone wants it now. Retail buyers don't buy a year ahead anymore. And who can predict what will be the next BIG THING? no one. But what that does mean, is that retailers need to find manufacturers and sources that can produce new apparel orders in less that 90 days, in fact it's going towards inside 75 days. And this is for international orders.

Retailers don't hold inventory anymore. They will buy a few of each design and see what sells. Then they may return the whole order, only to need something to replace that hole on their racks. But manufacturers are able to deliver the goods. They know that they have to work night and day to fill orders. They are doing smaller drop ships. Smaller runs under 1500 units.

And all because customers are more savvy, they are almost like a school of fish, unpredictable and when they see something they like it's a feeding frenzy short lived.

I would hate to own a retail shop, but I do love the possibilities that my apparel or my client's apparel may just be the next BIG THING.

Top Sourcing Countries for Apparel

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com Total Textile Imports into U.S. are $67 Billion a year. Source: MAGIC seminar "The Americas! Sourcing Solutions" Asia alone does 60% of our import production. #1 China #2 Vietnam #3 Bangladesh #4 Hondorous #5 Indonesia #6 Cambodia #7 Mexico

How To Trademark A New Apparel Brand (cont'd)

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is a continuation of how to launch a new apparel brand or category. Whether your focus is fashion, skateboard or sports the basics are the same. This blog focuses on Trademarking your line domestically or internationally. You have to answer these questions first. Ownership: So who is going to own the designs? Is it the client that hired you? You? Crossing state lines: What if you set-up in a different state? Did you know that some states don't charge sales tax? Some people have their company's headquarters in different states like Philadelphia because of that. Your Design: Trademarking includes your logo, designs and maybe even the way your design is applied to the garment. Hire a trademark lawyer that works in the apparel industry, it will save you time and money. ANd do this before you begin. You would hate to receive a cease and desist letter when you've spent $20k. Made In China: If you do make apparel overseas, did you know that you have to have a label sewn into the garment that states where it was manufactured? Making it Legal: IF and when you do trademark you will need a federal tax id number, sales and use tax number and a business license for each state you are in. Check with your accountant on the details of setting this up. I did my own, but you may want to check rules and regulations in your state.

Big Stampede Announcement Nov 2009

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com P.S. We (Auer Agency) are going to redesign the logo. Even though we did the original a few years back. We will bring it to the new... here and now. Maybe a little Ed Hardy persuasion?? P.S.S. So swing by our booth for a preview of the latest and greatest in cycling apparel. I just wanted to let you know that it is official…The Big Stampede Bike Expo & Swap is coming to Lowe’s Motor Speedway again on November 8, 2009. Features 40,000 sq. ft. of cycling manufacturers, retailers, shops, clubs, and individuals selling new and used cycling and triathlon equipment. Contact: Justin Ratike Big Stampede mobile 704.968.5666 | efax 623.433.4607 www.bigstampede.com Follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/bigstampede

More Bizarre Sightings @ MAGIC - American Apparel

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is a continuation of my trip to Vegas for the MAGIC show and some of the bizarre sightings. American Apparel - Thanks to Rubin for inviting back to his booth after meeting me and a friend in the bathrooms. I wont' even go there. Dick And Jane - underwear model. And his name was really Nelson Grande. And Nelson was one of the cutest boys and we talked for quite a while about his modeling assignments and what is the most bizarre thing he's seen in Vegas. Well let's just say what happens in Vegas SHOULD stay in Vegas. He had me laughing. Now what do you get when you combine a crazy sales rep from American Apparel and a Dick and Jane model, well this is what you get. And last but not least, end of the show. "Man"-equin down. hee hee. Hey you get slap happy after walking around for 4 days. Give us a call if you want to be part of the MAGIC, the next one is in February. And we are also writing on our experiences at the show. I actually have some educational blogs regarding MAGIC. But I have to cut loose once in a while. Enjoy!

Bizarre Sightings at MAGIC

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com Of course I have to share the bizarre, the weird and the eye-catching pics of the MAGIC show in Vegas last week. First of all, I stayed at the TRUMP hotel. Gorgeous and classy place. I highly recommend it. TV in the bathroom mirror, seriously cool. My own robe and the bed, was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Tattooed Steel - This not only had one of the coolest business cards I've seen, but was bent over hand-painting a model's body. Covering her in his latest design, Picasso-like but very young and edgy. He has taken his designs to the next level by etching them onto steel, on jewelry and I even saw a Ed Hardy sales rep sporting a steel cuff, but with Ed Hardy's name on it. Cont'd on next blog with more pics.

Starting a New Apparel Brand: How to's

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com This is the beginning of a series of blogs based on my trip to MAGIC, the premiere fashion apparel tradeshow. How many times have you thought of launching your own product or brand of clothing or even a new category? Want to be the next Ed Hardy? After my trip to Vegas, for the MAGIC , I attended a seminar, "Developing A New Brand: Roadmaps to Success" The panel consisted of several top industry pros and I'm paraphrasing from my notes. But what an eye-opening experience. I have been in the apparel industry since 1996. Mostly focusing on the graphic side i.e. designing team logos or graphics to be printed on the apparel directly. And most recently I am researching launching my own event apparel line including soccer, running, cycling. However, I have been branching out into private label development and various performance apparel for clients. And with sourcing from international companies, it has never been more easy to start. Quick notes from seminar: #1 Know your production cycle. How long is it going to take to make? Where are you buying? How long to ship? #2 PRICING If we knew this answer, we would all be rich. But you have to mark-up your items to include expenses, shipping and returns. #3 Trademark or patents: Yes this is just as important. It's hard to really say where your ideas originally started. We are all inspired by something if you were to admit it. But once you have a signature design. You have to protect it. #4 Financing - that's a whole other subject. But they discussed Mezzanine financing where your vendors may help you with pricing and not bill you until orders are in. Give us a call if you are thinking of launching your own apparel line, t-shirt line or have a new category idea. We have the contacts, we have the design experience and we are fun to work with.

NFL & Reebok design Maternity apparel

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com I just thought this was so cool. The NFL is well aware that the percentage of women who follow the sport is growing. The league recently expanded its apparel division for women, and this fall will unveil a line of maternity wear from Reebok being touted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of "The View" (and wife of former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck), who in August gave birth to her third child. Read more about it at http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=111782 Call us if you're thinking about developing your own apparel line. The sky is the limit.

Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium on Saturday, August 8 at 5:30pm. Event: Presbyterian Hospital Charlotte Criterium "Over 75,000 dollars up for grabs" What: Sporting Event Host: City of Charlotte Start Time: Saturday, August 8 at 5:30pm End Time: Saturday, August 8 at 9:30pm Where: City Square To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=248221875321&mid=e1f61aG50ce3c01Gb00c4eG7

Presentation for Yoga for Professional Athletes

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Aly Faber who owns Empower Yoga, was asked to speak at the NC Coaches Association July 21st (http://www.nccoach.org)

I created this powerpoint presentation describing what Aly has established within Yoga virtually creating her own category in Yoga. And that is, yoga for professional athletes. Of course, she realizes that working with elementary and high school age boys and girls is where these rising athletes learn the most. Using yoga training, only makes them stronger and competitive. One of the key elements to yoga is learning to focus when a game is going on and also how to take a hit without it hurting you or knocking you down.

Check out Aly's website at www.empoweryoga.biz

You can contact the Auer Agency, for your presentation needs. Whether it's a powerpoint, brochure or a movie we've got what it takes to get you noticed!

Roller Skating babies

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Love this!! Take a breather from work and check out this video.

I saw how they created this video tonight and I was just amazed at how technology has been able to take a simple concept and turn it into viral marketing. Good job guys! and babies :)

They had adults wear suits that monitor your movements which feed into a computer. Then they "photoshopped" babies heads and bodies into the computer and transformed them into the babies actually looking like they are doing all these moves.

Just pure fun and great marketing for Evian.

Ok I could say call us and we can create a video for you like this, but believe it or not I think I know a few people that could help us out in creating some video marketing for your company too. 

Call or skate on over to www.aueragency.com 

Social Media Marketing 101: Social Media Categories

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com | www.aueragency.com

Social Media is so new that there really hasn't been an organized way of looking at it.

But here is a stab at categories to get started. How could you use these to promote your business? Call me and we can put a strategy together.

1. Social networking; facebook, myspace

2. Publish; blogger, joomla, WordPress

3. Photo; iPhoto, shutterfly, flicr

4. Audio; iTunes, podcasting, PodBean

5. Video; YouTube, vlogs

6. Microblogging; text messaging, email, twitter

7. Livecasting; internet radio, web conferencing

8. Virtual Worlds avatars, FarmTown, Yoville, Second Life

9. Gaming; MMORPG,  Xbox Live

10. Productivity Applications; Google Alerts, Google Docs, TiddlyWiki

11. Aggregators iTunes, Juice, Media Monkey

12. RSS; Really Simple Syndication. One click solution that allows all of yoru content to be sent to yoru followers the moment you publish it

13. Search; SEO

14. Mobile iPhone, SMS text and multimedia mobile messaging

15. Interpersonal; Skype, AOL, IM, iChat

Happy Skyping!

Mariellen Auer

Source: the Social Media Bible 2009

Social Media Marketing 101: Top Social Media Sites

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

1. Blogger (222 million)

2. Facebook (200 million)

3. MySpace (126 million)

4. WordPress (114 million)

5. Windows Live Spaces (87 million)

6. Yahoo! Geocities (69 million)

7. Flickr (64 million)

8. hi5 (58 million)

9. Orkut (46 million)

10. Six Apart (46 million)

Source: Ranked by unique worldwide visitors ComScore | blog-socialmedia.com/social-media-still-growing-a-lot

Type in en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

Social Media Marketing 101: Facebook facts

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

• How can you not use Facebook as part of your everyday marketing strategy when these numbers appear.

• Statistics

  General Growth

  • More than 200 million active users
  • More than 100 million users log on to Facebook at least once each day
  • More than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college
  • The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older
  User Engagement

  • Average user has 120 friends on the site
  • More than 5 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
  • More than 30 million users update their statuses at least once each day
  • More than 8 million users become fans of Pages each day
  Applications

  • More than 900 million photos uploaded to the site each month
  • More than 10 million videos uploaded each month
  • More than 1 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each week
  • More than 2.5 million events created each month
  • More than 35 million active user groups exist on the site
  International Growth

  • More than 50 translations available on the site, with more than 40 in development
  • About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
  Platform

  • More than 950,000 developers and entrepreneurs from more than 180 countries
  • Every month, more than 70% of Facebook users engage with Platform applications
  • More than 52,000 applications currently available in the Facebook Application Directory
  • More than 100 applications have more than one million monthly active users
  • More than 10,000 websites have implemented Facebook Connect since its general availability in December 2008
  Mobile

  • There are more than 30 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.
  • People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are almost 50% more active on Facebook than non-mobile users.
  • There are more than 150 mobile operators in 50 countries working to deploy and promote Facebook mobile products

  Source July 5, 2009: Facebook.com/press/info