Accessibility of Innovation Leading to Increased Opportunity...

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. 
- Maya Angelou

Lately the ability to become innovative seems to be tied to the ever increasing accessibility of creative based programs all of which coming at a time as this Internet based Renaissance begins to hit a peak. 

No longer do we have to spend hundreds to buy a decent image editing program, no longer do we need to spend thousands on web site design, no longer do we even need to spend hundreds on office suite programs. All are readily available and fully functional without any cost with one quick search and download, all one needs is an internet access. I could list several tested and tried programs here (like GIMP & Open Office) , but this isn't the point of this post. 

The very reason we are in this 21st century information based Renaissance is directly related to this increased accessibility of programs. Through increased accessibility, comes a rise in innovation, creativity and an overall freeing of the mind, especially in how one approaches fundamental infrastructures of internet based companies. Now is the time to not only search for affordable options in terms of programming but also to search for that individual who has suddenly found a personal Renaissance of their own. 

Once what was a small pond of rare select individuals now has become an ocean teaming with opportunity. Granted truly special creative individuals are still a rare commodity, but now we all have the ability through this increased accessibility, to practice creativity and as Maya Angelou states, the more one uses their creative side, the more creative they become. 

To those who are looking for assistance with their businesses, you are in luck, now is the time to find that truly creative individual (especially with increased practical experience now beginning to supersede college degrees). To those looking for new ventures or just to shine a light on new found skills , you are in luck, as now is the time to learn, gain experience and grow through this increased accessibility, which ultimately will lead to an increased opportunity.  

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. - Bobby Unser

The continued viability of eMail Marketing even in the age of Social Media

This question has often been asked by marketing professionals. “Should I focus on social media marketing or email marketing?” However this question is fundamentally flawed, successful marketing doesn't just rely on one medium versus another, but rather the incorporation of all mediums. 

The grandfather of today’s social media actually is email marketing and this is still the venue with the largest reach and still remains the initial driving force increasing SEO to not only the social media medium, but also to website introduction and integration. Additionally, this continued viable medium continues to grow at an ever increasing exponential rate with nearly 3 email  billion accounts in 2010 projecting to be nearly 4 billion by this year. In fact, currently over 190 billion emails are sent daily. 

This overall internet marketing question really shouldn't be taken as an either/or proposition but more something along the lines of looking for the “solution” by using every means in order to expand your audience and customer base. Regardless eMail marketing remains the most efficient ROI, but this ROI can only be increased by also incorporating social media.

It is all about marketing; that is where the real craft comes in. The best actors do not necessarily become the biggest stars. And vice versa. - Dirk Benedict