Feeling a little stressed out?

Stress. It is eating us up inside and as we look forward into the calendar to the upcoming holidays, stress is more than likely growing.

We all seem to understand the importance of healthy behaviors like managing our stress levels, eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, but reports say we are experiencing challenges practicing these healthy behaviors.

Since 2006, the American Psychological Association has commissioned an annual nationwide survey as part of its Mind/Body Health campaign to examine the state of stress across the country and understand its impact. Check it out!

Some days are more stressful than others! Thanks to the American Heart Association for this great list to manage stress! From positive self-talk to emergency stress stoppers, take a look at how to lower your stress levels.

We wanted to add a couple more to the list that are tried and true, at least in our office:
- random dancing
- blowing bubbles
- spongebob
- making a cup of tea
- using color markers to mark off task lists
- draw circles on the dry erase board
- singing along to favorite songs
- silly dress up (or theme) days at work(for example: last week was Talk Like A Pirate Day in our office)

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Arrrgh! It be one of me favorite days - Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19th).

What is this you ask?
Well, visit the Original TLAPD site from Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket for all the details.

And then join me in some pirate humor for scurvy sea dogs!

Q: Why is the Jolly Roger grinning?
A: Because they crossed his funny bones! Arrgh!

Q; What happened when Redbeard the Pirate fell into the Blue Sea?
A: He got Marooned!

Q. What's a pirate's favorite socks?
A. Arrrrgyle!

And did you know?
3.14% of Sailors are Pi Rates :)

Arrrgh now go swab the deck you bilge rats!

Marketing/PR/Web Writing Resources

Last week I received the question via Facebook:
"...I'm trying to move into Marketing/PR/Web Writing. So, I need to know basics about building and writing for web sites. Thoughts on books/classes/resources..."

Oooooh! A good question and one that ties into SEO (see this post) as well as better web design: content development!

I believe in good content, great photos and fabulous code to make a successful website - across the board. Mix in consistent updates and add a good marketing plan!

Some people think you should write for a 4th grade reading level across the board. Others say this is too simple, write for your highest audience. Personally, I think there is a middle ground with clear, concise content and more detailed options outlined in downloads like a PDF or a video.

Content is the HARDEST thing to get from our clients! If they write it or if a writer is hired - doesn't matter. Over 14 years and I can bet each project will have issues getting their content to us. But I digress...

Some great resources for Marketing/PR/Web Writing that I give to our clients and to our freelance writers:
useit.com/papers/webwriting
alistapart.com
webwritingthatworks.com/index.htm
inc.com/articles/2001/06/22845.html
macloo.com/webwriting/chunks.htm
mybrc.com.au/Business-Technology/e-Business/Creating-Website/Pages/10_Web_Writing_Tips.aspx
fatdux.com/blog/2009/08/07/20-tips-for-writing-for-the-web
jeroen.com/jeroencom/content/writingweb.html
bloggingprweb.com
web.mit.edu/uaa/www/writing/links

Books:
Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works (Interactive Technologies)
How to Design and Write Web Pages Today (Writing Today)
Above the Fold: Understanding the Principles of Successful Web Site Design
Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition

If your website needs an update, check out one of our favorite freelance writers here in Chicago: brotine.com

Keep your questions coming by clicking "Like" on Facebook!
THANKS!

Celebrate CJE!

CJE SeniorLife event on September 13, 2011

with the Manhatten Transfer

5:30pm at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers

More information and registration.

CJE SeniorLife, a comprehensive network of housing, healthca, community services, education and applied research, since 1972 has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families throughout metropolitan Chicago.

CJE SeniorLife is one of our amazing clients!

Check our their site and CareGivingHelp.org

SEO and AdWords tips

Last week I received the question via Facebook:
"Any referrals or tips on Google AdWords management and SEO???"

And that got me to thinking... I should write up a clear list of resources for this instead of my ongoing notes. So here it is!

- SEO resources
Let me warn you that I am a bit old school where I feel keywords and descriptions in the code are still important. And then using a healthy does of these in your content on the site. Mix that up with a good use of title tags, alt tags and headlines. This is a good base for your site's SEO.

And then, depending on your industry, try a few tips mentioned here:
webdesign.about.com/od/seo/a/seo_basics.htm
google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35291
businessinsider.com/10-basic-seo-tips-everyone-should-know-2010-1
styleguide.yahoo.com/resources/optimize-search-engines/seo-basics
searchengineguide.com/jim-hedger/seo-101-basic.php
searchenginewatch.com
googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2010/01/google-seo-resources-for-beginners.html

Personally, I am not a big fan of places that claim you can be on top or that it is "easy" to maintain a higher listing in the searches. It is work. Plain and simple. Be consistent. You can do it! Just make sure you get started and have a plan.

NOTE: In case you have no idea what I am talking about regarding SEO, thanks to wikipedia here is a quick look: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization


- Google Adwords resources

We have heard the good and the bad with using Google Adwords. And honestly not many of our clients use this Google service. So my experience is more limited, but I do read and network with other web heads alot!

Some resources:
adwords.blogspot.com
adwords.google.com/support/aw/bin/static.py?hl=en&topic=21904&guide=21899&page=guide.cs
seoptimise.com/blog/2008/09/top-10-resources-to-pass-the-google-adwords-exam-in-a-week.html
marketinghackz.com/a-beginners-guide-to-achieving-success-on-google-adwords
webmasterworld.com/forum81/2839.htm
squidoo.com/google-adwords-tips-and-tricks

And if you are new to all this, let me suggest my favorite line of books - The Dummies series. They offer a quick read, easy to follow guide of whatever it is you are curious about. Google Adwords via the Dummies books: dummies.com/how-to/content/free-google-adwords-resources0.html

Keep your questions coming by clicking "Like" on Facebook!
THANKS!

Working with C4 Chicago

Your Plan B Company has been working with C4 Chicago to help them keep their Drupal site current, teach the team how to edit using the CMS and help out when the task lists get too long!

C4 helps people overcome mental health problems, substance use disorders and the trauma of sexual assault and abuse. They provide services at five locations in Chicago. C4 also offers parenting classes, education about mental health and advocacy for people with mental health problems. Check them out!

And if you are a runner, visit their C4miles.org site to register for the 2012 run.

If your website needs upgrades, remodel or content edits, give us a call today to help! Call JameyB 773-665-2552

OTR Rainbow Challenge Tour Sunday September, 18, 2011

Over the Rainbow Association (OTR) will be one of the many groups riding with the Evanston Bicycle Club in The North Shore Century Ride.

Please consider joining OTR this year!
Again, you only need to contact the office at 847.424.5604 to register and/or RSVP for the BBQ.

For more details

Your Plan B Company and OTR have been working together since 1995. The crew at OTR is fabulous and so are the residents. This is a great event!