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Scrapbook
Industry News E-zine
September 1, 2003
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You have arrived at the latest online issue of Fun Facts
Publishing's ezine, Scrapbook
Industry News.
Subscribe to Scrapbook
Industry News! FREE
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Fun Facts Publishing
E-Zine
"Scrapbook Industry
News"
September 1, 2003 Issue 60
Copyright 2003 Fun Facts Publishing.
All Rights Reserved.
"One can easily judge the character of a person by
the way
they treat people who can do nothing for them." - Proverb
Back issues of this publication are available online at:
http://www.funfactspublishing.com/Ezine/ezine.htm
You are receiving this because you signed up at
http://www.funfactspublishing.com
or asked to be put on the list.
This E-zine may be forwarded freely to as many people you know
who would benefit from it, as long as it is kept in its entirety.
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. This Issue's Sponsors
2. News and Updates
3. New Contest! Design Our Book Covers and Win!
4. Tip Of The Week: Donating To the Community
5. Craftrends Corner: Why Archiver’s is a Hit
6. What's In This Month's Platinum Edition?
7. Meet Meet Pageframe Designs: In The ScrapLight
8. Article: Profit From Being a Published Designer
9. For Sale and Help Wanted! All New Classified Ads
10. Our Upcoming Seminar and Trade Show Schedule
11. New Books! Pre-Order Special!
12. Meet Our Seminar Sponsors
13. Enter Our September Sweepstakes!
Please Visit This Issue's Sponsors:
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Memories With Style
MemoriesWithStyle.com
Presents...
The Memory Maker Photo Bracelet
The
Perfect Personalized Gift
An Excellent Marketing Tool for Scrapbook Entrepreneurs!
Share The Photos You Love With Others
Change Pictures Any Time
Two Sizes (Third Size coming soon!)
Three Different Styles
Available In Antique Gold Or Antique Silver
Patent Pending Photo Reduction System Can Make Any Picture You Have
The Perfect Size So Easily
And This Bracelet Is So Comfortable To Wear!
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Embellishment
Extravaganza Instructional Kit
Everything you need to host an all-day
embellishment workshop!
A must for all retailers and independent instructors!
You'll receive: complete instructions, handouts,
supply lists, wholesale ordering information, color copies
of all projects, marketing information, information on teaching,
photos of all
display boards used in the workshop, business information,
how to find stores to offer workshops, sample flyer and more!
Hurry - only a limited number of kits are
available! Contact national instructor and published scrapbook
designer Antuanette Wheeler at awheeler@offinger.com
to learn more!
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Ezine Sponsorships
Put your business information in front of thousands of members of
the scrapbook industry! For every full-color ad you place in Scrapbook
Industry
News Platinum Edition, you receive a FREE text ad in this Ezine!
Click
here for more info!
Hello and a warm welcome to all new subscribers!
It's back to school time! We exhibited at an Internship Fair for NYU
students and received an overflow of resumes. We're conducting back to
back interviews as I write, so hopefully soon we'll have some more people
join the Fun Facts Publishing team! I highly recommend hiring interns
to everyone who's reading this. You're providing them with on-the-job
experience and in return you're receiving valuable help - it's a win-win
situation!
Our three new books will begin shipping in two weeks, and we're still
offering a pre-order special. For more information, please see Number
11 below.
You can still take a look at the debut issue of our new monthly publication,
"Scrapbook Industry News Platinum Edition." This is an
all new, 30+ page monthly publication that includes information that is
not found in this ezine and will be accessible only to subscribers. Take
a look at our debut issue and feel free to print it out and read it at
your leisure! Beginning in October, issues of the Platinum Edition
will be password protected. For more information, please see Number 6
below, or visit
here to begin reading your complementary issue.
We'll be heading out at the end of the month to teach two retailer seminars
at MemoryTrends in Las Vegas, and then we'll be heading to Memories Expo
in Orlando, where we'll be teaching three full day seminars:
"Scrapbook
Business University" is an all day seminar packed with marketing
information and inspiration for scrapbook entrepreneurs of all types
(that's right, it's designed for all of you!)
"Make
Money Making Scrapbooks For Others, Day 1 and Day 2" is a new
concept. This is two full day seminars on being a professional scrapbook
artist - Day 1 is for Beginners and Day 2 is Advanced. Take Day 1, Day
2, or both!
More info on our seminars can be found in Number 10 below, or here:
http://www.funfactspublishing.com/memexpo.htm
Don't forget to check out our "Scrapbooking
In The News" article, where we have added even more links
to places where the media has written about or mentioned scrapbooking.
This information is perfect for you to use in your business plans, in
your press release/media kit (to prove that other media have recognized
this industry), or just to read for fun!
If you're a new subscriber, you might be wondering why certain words
in this ezine are separated with asterisks. It's because the appearance
of certain words will trigger some email providers to not deliver the
message. If you find that you're not receiving this ezine on a regular
monthly schedule, it might mean your email provider is rejecting it. Remember
that you can always read
each issue online here.
Thanks so much for being a part of Fun Facts Publishing! I hope you enjoy
this issue, and please feel free to stay in touch with whatever comments
or questions you may have! Have a fabulous month!
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3.
New Contest!
Design Our Book Covers and Win!
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Get ready, all you designers out there! We're ready to update
the covers of our first two books and we need your help!
All you need to do is design a book cover for either "Secrets of
Scrapbooking Success," "Memory Marketing," or both, and
email it to us. The winner will receive 100 dollars cash, and full credit
and contact information in the book, on our Web site, and in this ezine!
Here are some helpful hints...
The design should be 400 pixels in height and 310 pixels in width. (Please
keep in mind that the winner will be asked to submit a high resolution
graphic no less than 3300 x 2550.)
It can be full color and can include whatever photos you may want to
use (as long as you receive copyright clearance).
Those of you who have read the book know what's in it, so that may help
you. If not, you can read all about the books on our Web site here:
http://www.funfactspublishing.com/books.htm
Our favorite colors are pink, silver, and purple, but you should use
whatever colors you feel best suit it.
Please email a version of the design, no more than 100K, to michael@funfactspublishing.com
.
Thanks so much, and good luck!
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4.
Tip Of The Week:
Donating To the Community
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This tip comes to us from Moment in Time's Laurie Sterner:
Look in your area for a local non profit organization that deals with
Bereavement. There is a local group in my area (Northern CA) that offers
a place for young people to go (ages 5-19) who have experienced a loss
or death in their lives. They go here to find comfort and support if and
when they need it, but they also go to have Fun.
Though it will be an up-front cost to me, I am providing each child with
a small Scrapbook "kit" and a time to come into my store for
a free class on scrapbooking. Sometimes remembering those we love with
a Scrapbook validates WHO they were and WHY they will always be important
to us. It also helps in the grieving process to make a scrapbook of the
people we NEVER want to forget. The results here are two-fold. I gain
a new customer base along with doing something for the community that
touches my heart and hopefully theirs. Every town probably has an organization
similar to this. If in doubt, check with your local hospice and maybe
they can direct you.
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Thanks, Laurie!
Do you have a business tip you'd like to share? We're offering a free
book (up to $20) for every tip that we choose to use! Send yours in to:
tips@funfactspublishing.com
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5. Craftrends
Corner: Why Archiver’s is a Hit
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If you haven’t heard about Archiver’s - The Photo Memory Store, you will
soon enough. With 15 stores by the end of the year and an aggressive growth
plan from there, this innovative company is providing more than just a
scrapbook store.
Inspiration at Archiver’s comes in a range of innovative means. Although
nearly every scrapbook store does these things, consider the twist Archiver’s
puts on each one.
Classes. All Archiver’s classes are free.
Signage. Because of the vast of array of product within a category (15
feet of adhesives, for example) and because of the large number of beginners
in the store, Archiver’s uses custom signage to help customers make the
best product choices.
Displays. Topics rotate monthly, and include new product, page and card
ideas, and related tools. Magnetic chalkboards make easy work of swapping
out topics and pages each month.
Built-in Demo Area. Working from a built-in step in the cash-wrap area,
employees can hold demonstrations and let customers try their hand at
a new technique.
Crop Room. The crop room is open every time the store is, and customers
often gather together to inspire each other.
Books and Magazines. Understanding that most scrapbookers, stampers, and
paper artists get most of their ideas and inspiration from publications,
Archiver’s features them prominently all over the store.
If you want to read the full Archiver’s article (and see photos of the
store) from Craftrends' September issue, email your request to beth.hess@primedia.com
.
If you aren't receiving Craftrends every month, you're missing a valuable
source of business and trend information. You may qualify for a FREE subscription.
Visit http://www.craftrends.com
for more information.
Registration is now open for The 2003 MemoryTrends Trade Show Sept.
30-Oct. 2 at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas. See all the
latest memory products, plus attend educational seminars with Fun Facts
Publishing's Sue DiFranco and many other retail experts. For more information,
visit http://www.memorytrends.com
.
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6. What's In This
Month's Platinum Edition?
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"Scrapbook Industry News Platinum Edition" is a subscription-only
monthly publication that features tons of articles, tips, insider information,
regular features, and much more, to help you and your business achieve
even more success!
Here's what our subscribers are reading about in the September issue of
"Scrapbook Industry News Platinum Edition:"
September's Theme: Power Up Your Publicity!
Five full-length, exclusive articles on what publicity is and how you
can get it for free! Learn how and why to write a press release, how
to get reporters' attention, things not to do when pitching story
ideas, and much more!
Industry Insider
We've got all the latest inside buzz on the scrapbook industry! Newly
released statistics, the advertising world's take on our industry, a new
market to advertise your business to, new TV shows and movies featuring
scrapbooking, the latest scrapbook celebs, and more!
Chain Store Watch
Concerned about the chain stores entering our industry? We keep a close
eye on the chains and pass this information along to you. In this issue,
find out what scrapbook store chain is opening new stores in the next
few months - and where they'll be located. Plus, information on how to
be prepared if a chain opens in your town.
Teaching Scrapbooking:
A Guide For Retailers and Instructors
Every issue will include an ongoing feature on teaching scrapbooking,
written by published designer and established national instructor Antuanette
Wheeler. In this issue, learn the three levels of teaching scrapbooking,
how to prepare a superior class program, how to increase store sales,
why it's important to have a class coordinator, and much more!
Even More Regular Features!
Every issue also includes:
Ask Sue/Readers' Forum - You've got questions, we've got answers!
Digital Zone - Articles on everything from digital photography
to software for manipulating photos to managing email to building a web
site, and so much more!
Sgt. Success - Feeling unmotivated? Let Sgt. Success kick
you into shape!
SPAMbo - Is your In Box filling up? SPAMbo has got your back!
He'll give you the very latest on legislation and other ways to fight
for the right to a clean In Box. Plus, he monitors the newest words that
cause messages to not be sent, which will help *you* in your online marketing
efforts!
Sue's Book Club - I'll share the latest business, motivational,
and scrapbooking books with you and let you know what should be on your
reading list!
Wow, do you get a lot of solid information in just one issue, or what?
To view a sample copy of "Scrapbook Industry News Platinum Edition,"
and to take advantage of all the benefits of subscribing to this monthly
publication,
please click here.
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7. Meet
Pageframe Designs: In The ScrapLight!
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Meet Pageframe Designs, the company who sells the popular "Picture
It" pageframes for your scrapbook layouts, in this month's "In
The ScrapLight!"
Tara Tuck's story is truly inspirational! Learn how she took an idea and
turned it into a successful business. "I had always heard that if
you find a need, then you should fill it," Tara says. Her innovative
frames are now not only great gift ideas for scrapbook enthusiasts, but
they also make the perfect fit for both professional scrapbook artists
and retailers. Tara will give you unique business ideas and let
retailers know how these frames can be used to attractively display layouts
in your store.
This is a ScrapLight not to be missed! Read Tara's story here:
http://www.funfactspublishing.com/Scraplight/scraplight.htm
Coming in October! Read all about the online store Scrap Addict!
http://www.scrap-addict.com
"In the ScrapLight" is the exclusive section of our
Web site that showcases scrapbook entrepreneurs' success stories! Business
and marketing tips, plus tons of inspiration, are included in every "ScrapLight"
feature.
Would you like to be featured "In The ScrapLight?"
If you're interested in learning more, please
click here.
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8. Article: Profit From Being a Published Designer
By Sue DiFranco
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Many scrapbook enthusiasts would love to have their layouts published
in a magazine, but for scrapbook entrepreneurs, being a published designer
can give you a significant boost to business. Consider this:
Once you've established a "name" by being published, you can
approach manufacturers (or they might approach you first!) about teaching
for them at national conventions and trade shows. That "name"
might also unlock the door to getting your own product ideas and designs
licensed to a large manufacturer.
Retailers can advertise the fact that they, or staff members and instructors,
are "published designers." There is much power behind those
words! Scrapbookers want to learn from the best, and some aspire (even
in their own minds) to be the best - and what better way than to hang
out with the "stars" and hope some of it rubs off!
Professional scrapbook artists who make scrapbooks for others can certainly
use the fact that they have been published as a draw. Include it in your
marketing materials, on your Web site, in your portfolio, etc.
So we've determined getting your layouts published is a good business
move. So how do you do it? Here are some tips:
I recommend subscribing to all six of the consumer scrapbooking magazines,
not just one or two. This gives you a chance to see the kind of layouts
each magazine prefers. Also, as members of the industry, subscriptions
to each magazine should be mandatory - plus it's a tax write-off!
You have two options at first - scanning your layout and submitting it
through email, or making color copies and sending it in. If you make copies
to send, your costs can add up, especially if you're submitting to multiple
magazines. Email might be your best option, as long as you have access
to a scanner. (If the magazines choose to use your layout, they'll usually
ask you to send the actual layout.)
With each layout submission, you'll need to include your name, address,
phone number, email, and supply list. The supply list is important, as
magazines will not publish your layout without one. If you're working
on a layout you think you'll want to submit, keep track of what supplies
you use and the manufacturer of each one. Be as detailed as you can!
You can submit the same layout to every magazine, but be aware that when
one magazine publishes your layout, other magazines won't use the same
one. If you decide to submit, it's also a good idea to take those layouts
off of the popular Web sites, such as ScrapJazz.com.
Magazines typically keep layouts on file and will ask for them when the
need arises for a layout like yours. You might be contacted months down
the line, so try and be patient.
Sometimes the magazines will say what types of layouts they're looking
for in advance. Check the mags and their Web sites. Remember that most
magazines are working on issues that won't be out for months, so your
Kwanzaa page may be accepted in the summer.
Just do it! I've heard from so many scrapbookers that they haven't been
published, but they "haven't submitted as much as they should."
Write it on your To-Do list! Schedule time to submit your layouts on a
regular basis. It may seem elusive, but consider that the magazines need
to fill space with as many excellent layouts as they can. So keep submitting!
The excitement will be great the day you get the call! Be ready for some
down time while you wait for the issue to come out, and then it's excitement
time again! You'll usually get your layout back when the next issue of
the magazine is published.
If more than one magazine chooses to publish a layout, you'll need to
tell the other magazines that unfortunately, another magazine contacted
you first.
Some magazines pay with product and others with cash. But the opportunity
to put "published designer" after your name is priceless! Good
luck!
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Do you have a business article you'd like to share? We're offering a free
book (up to $20) for every article that we choose to use! Send yours in
to:
articles@funfactspublishing.com
Read many more free articles here (more than 70 at last count!):
http://www.funfactspublishing.com/Articles/articles.htm
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9.
For Sale and Help Wanted! All New Classified Ads
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Our Classifieds section features scrapbook business owners who are looking
for help. If you're a teacher looking for a place to teach, or an event
organizer looking for a teacher, this is the place to do it! If you're
looking to sell your store, or hire some help, this is the place to do
it!
Please
click here to read all of the latest Classified ads.
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10.
Our Upcoming Seminar and Trade Show Schedule
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MemoryTrends Trade Show - Las Vegas
September 29, 2003
"Simple Steps To Cyber Success - E-Z Marketing With E-Mail,
E-zines and E-Commerce" 90 minute seminar
"Retailers’ Success Secrets - Custom Scrapbooking and
Other Ways To Multiply Your Profits!" 90 minute seminar
Registration is on now! Please visit:
http://www.memorytrends.com/registration.htm
A must for scrapbook retailers! Read
more here.
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Memories Expo - Orlando
October 9-12, 2003
"Scrapbook Business University" - Thursday, October 9
An All-Day Seminar For Scrapbook Entrepreneurs of All Types!
"Make Money Making Scrapbooks For Others"
Two-Day Super-Success Seminar!
Day 1: Saturday, October 11
Day 2: Sunday, October 12
Take Day 1, Day 2, or both!
Registration is on now! Hurry, it closes on September 24.
http://www.memoriesexpo.com
Read more about the seminars here.
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11.
New
Books! Pre-Order Special!
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We're excited to announce the upcoming arrival of three new publications,
all of which begin shipping in 2 weeks! |
