Friday night, the 19th of October, marked the debut party for our new authors’ book, Web Design for ROI: Turning Browsers into Buyers and Prospects into Leads. Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Lance and Sandra presented all of us with a copy of the book. We celebrated with a decadent meal, delicious wine and titillating conversation. At last! I finally have my very own copy of the highly anticipated new book.

The evening started with champagne and savory appetizers (bacon-wrapped dates, anyone? Really, they’re awesome). We then made our way to Carpe Vino’s “Cave” where we were treated to a fabulous meal including a double magnum of 1982 Chateau Pontet-Canet Bordeaux (which Sandra loved).

The authors then presented each of the guests with a copy of the book amidst other gift exchanges (including the shirt we hope Lance will wear at the Voices That Matter conference this week.)

Once we were able to stop thumbing through our books, we continued with our conversations and dessert.

A good time was had by all. What a wonderful way to introduce the exciting release of their new book.

Thank you, Lance and Sandra – and congratulations!

From the Team at CLM

View related topics: lance loveday, sandra niehaus, voices that matter, web design for ROI

Joining Closed Loop Marketing after many years of experience in private and corporate design, architecture, and construction can be a daunting experience. First, I was hesitant about the idea of learning an entirely new profession, but then I came to realize my skills really could span different genres. After that realization, I joined the team. Still, I wasn’t entirely sure what was about to happen.

Once the door opened I entered a world of creative, fun and hardworking individuals but with a twist. I had encountered creative, fun and hardworking people in my previous field of work, but this time there was something more. These people not only understood the world of the internet, but also knew how to influence, change and interpret it. I had encountered a culture that was entirely new to me.

Now, no longer the newest member of the Closed Loop Marketing team, I ask myself several questions. What sets these individuals apart from others? What have I learned that makes me one with the team? What are the most important tidbits to remember on a day-to-day basis at Closed Loop Marketing? What is Closed Loop Marketing’s culture all about?

What follows is a glimpse into what I’ve learned so far:

• There is an acronym for everything. Hence, moving forward, I will refer to Closed Loop Marketing as CLM.
• Spreadsheets are a must in any instance.
• IM (Instant Messaging)…Need I say more?
• However, never IM in the middle of someone’s “Go To Meeting.”
• All “in person” conversations are preceded by an IM.
• At 11:59 a.m. expect a “Lunch?” IM.
• Speaking of lunch, the menu item of the day should start with the same letter as the day of week. It doesn’t have to, but it helps. “Taco Tuesday, anyone?”
• Don’t be surprised when you receive emails at 2:00 a.m. Furthermore, you may also get an IM at that hour, which means you, too, are working.
• You have an account for every social media website available and you refer to it as “research.”
• You get excited when you “Stumble” a new great site and feel the need to share it.
• You refer to “conferences” as new and exciting teambuilding events.
• Your feelings get hurt “personally” when a blog feed service rejects your blog.
• You find yourself reading about SEO, CSS, as well as other technical books…for pleasure.
• Your “school girl” crush isn’t a cute boy but instead an industry guru.
• Getting Sphunn, Dugg, or Burst is a “good” thing and reason for celebration.

Finally, rather than simply telling a story by the water cooler, you “blog” about it … and are expected to.