Remember The First Social Media Tool For Marketing – EMail

Email is how most of us now communicate.  In the beginning, this was most likely our first forray into the Web World after just surfing.  As a marketer, email still is the most powerful tool you can have.  When it comes to building your own personal brand, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn get all our digital love. However, for the majority of business professionals, the hundreds of people you’re emailing day in and day out make up the most important social network you have.    

You might want to check out tools like Smartr help personalize the inbox experience, assigning photos, titles, and email history to names. Tout offers you the tools and templates you need to track and schedule your messages. What’s missing for most people in this day-to-day email equation is a helpful and memorable email signature.

This precious real estate at the bottom of every message is often filled with either too much or too little information (or, worse, dead space). Sifting through my own inbox, there are few signature stand-outs among thousands of contacts.

As I stare at my own signature, I hang my head in shame. I probably send out 250 messages a day, so ignoring this simple marketing tool is wasted opportunity. My not-so-bold sign-off consists of a couple of boring lines pointing people to my book, website, and company. While not offensive, it certainly isn’t something to write home about (no pun intended).In my quest for a better email signature, I’ve determined that within a few simple steps it’s easy to further your brand and reflecting your personality while still giving your contacts the content they need to find you online and offline.

Here are a few ABCs of email signature success that I picked up from Fast Company’s Amber Mac.

Add Social

When you are building your own personal brand, it’s a good idea to attach your active social media sites to your email signature. Although many email experts recommend you keep your signature to four to six lines maximum, you should be able to add your networking handles and keep your more traditional contact info without going beyond this limit. If you want to use icons to represent these sites, do so, but don’t let your signature get too cluttered with too many colors and images. I’ve seen email signatures with half a dozen social sites included, which is just too much for the average person to sift through. Focus on two or three key online profiles you want to highlight and leave it at that. However, before including any social networks, make sure that your accounts are in fact optimized for a professional audience; in other words, don’t link to your Facebook page if your barhopping photos from Tahiti are still public.

Be Original

Taylor Jones, the founder of the popular blog DearPhotograph.com, gets creative with his mobile signature.  While it doesn’t include a lot of information (which is pretty standard on smartphone sign-offs), it reflects his site’s overall vibe.  “Sent from the palms of my hands,” is a simple statement that is indicative of of Jones’ brand–simple and straightforward, always with a human touch. While not every professional has the freedom to write a witty message in his signature, there are opportunities to stand out from the crowd. 

If you have something new to promote, change up your signature to reflect a different link. There is nothing to say you can’t modify your sign-off on a regular basis (if you’re in a corporate environment, you will want to check with your company’s email policy before making any significant changes). If you want to get even more creative, use a tool such as WiseStamp to spice up your email messages with dynamic content like your latest tweet or your most recent blog post (again, just remember to keep it clean and uncluttered).

Create Context

 Most email signatures provide various ways to get in touch, but they lack information about the best way to get in touch.  Best-selling author and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki encourages his recipients to interact with him on Google’s social network, Google+.  More importantly, below his address info (which we’ve deleted to protect his privacy), he cites his email as the best way to contact him. Instructional language beside these contact areas gives readers context insofar as how to best find Guy. For example, when I redo my signature to add my social networks, since I spend a lot more time on Twitter than I do on Facebook, I should advise my recipients to tweet me for a fast answer (versus relying on Facebook, which I only check a few times a day).

As Sarah Prince (@missprincen) says on Twitter, “The state of hard copy business cards is questionable but email signatures are here to stay!” Take a few minutes today to spruce up your sign-off to give your personal brand an instant mini-makeover, no fee required.

Mark Thomas is the Managing Director of Marketing Communications for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry. He was honored by PR News as a finalist for Communicator of the Year. @markevanthomas

TAWATEC LAUNCHES OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

TAWATEC AG, Swiss makers of tactical watches, has today announced the launch of its official social media presence through Facebook and Twitter. The goal of both accounts is to create a place for fans and followers to interact directly with the company and other watch enthusiasts from all over the world, where they can discuss and review TAWATEC watches and other products.

“We are very excited about launching our social media presence,” commented Martin Schneider, Partner of TAWATEC. “TAWATEC is committed to growing a large family of watch enthusiasts, both in the law enforcement, military and firefighting markets, who will use our Facebook page and Twitter account to communicate with us and with each other.”

For more information on TAWATEC, visit http://tawatec.net/index.aspx.

“Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TAWATECAG
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tawatec

G4S International Training Inc. – Virginia Campus to Host Advanced Hostage Rescue Course Taught By Redback One March 12 – 16, 2012

G4S International Training, Inc. (G4S ITI) will be hosting an Advanced Hostage Rescue Course at its Virginia Campus taught by Redback One March 12 – 16, 2012. This course is designed to teach tactical law enforcement officers the tactics, techniques and procedures of advance hostage rescue. It is taught by all former Tier-1 members of Australian and U.S. Army Special Operations. All instructors have extensive real world operational experience.

Students will be constantly assessed and coached throughout the course in the following areas:

• Safety
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Individual Skills on the Range and in the House

Simmunition FX marking cartridges are utilized for periods of this course. Students are encouraged to bring department issued Sim weapons (these are also available for rent through Redback One).

On the completion of this course, each student will receive a certificate of completion and a certificate of accomplishment that details the learning objectives and competencies met during the course. All students will be vetted prior to attending this course by supplying a copy of current LE credentials to Redback One.

Course Curriculum:

• Equipment & Weapon Selection
• Principles of Close Quarters Battle & Hostage Rescue
• CQG Tactical Shooting Package
• Approach Techniques
• Multi-Team & Multi-Entry Points
• Room Combat Techniques
• Planning Considerations
• Emergency & Deliberate Assaults
• Staging Area Routine
• Vehicle Assaults
• Internal Movement, Communication & Limits of Exploitation
• Handling Hostages, Suspects & Detainees
• Use of Noise Flash Diversionary Devices
• Manual & Ballistic Breaching Techniques
• Assaulting Through Glass & Smoke
• Low Light Assaults Using White Light
• Intro to Silent Entry Techniques Using NVG’s and Lasers

Minimum Equipment requirements: Carbine / Sub gun, Pistol, Shotgun (opt), Magazines, Assault Equipment, Sling, Helmet, Weapon Mounted Lights, Belt, Holster, Combat Uniform, Assault Boots, Gas Mask, Ear Protection, NVG / Laser (if issued).

Ammunition:
Carbine: 1,000 rounds
Pistol: 500 rounds

If you would like to book this course for your department or send personnel to this course, please contact the Sales & Training Coordinator by email Giselle@redbackone.com or by phone +1 (757) 318-1024 to discuss your departmental requirements.

For more information, please view the full course description located on our website. Cost per student is $995.00.

LaserLyte® Introduces the Ruger® LC9 Side Mount Laser

LaserLyte^® builds on the success of the LaserLyte Ruger LCP Side Mount Laser (CK-AMF), made available earlier this year, by introducing the CK-AMF9 for the Ruger LC9. Made just as streamlined and programmable as the CK-AMF version, yet slightly larger, the CK-AMF9 design fits not only the Ruger LC9 but the Kel-Tec PF9 pistol, as well.

It is easy to mount on the gun by simply pushing out and replacing the stock frame pins with the new threaded pins (included).  Mount the CK-AMF9 to these pins with the included screw. Then push the ergonomic activation button with the index finger and the laser is on target. The programmable laser features a pulse or constant on mode and also has an auto-off function to prevent an unwanted battery drain. An added benefit to the CK-AMF9 is that the laser actually helps to provide safer trigger control by acting as a finger guide without blocking the laser beam.  The smooth, no-snag design of the laser allows the pistol to easily holster in any available nylon or leather pocket holster on the market.

Compact, lightweight and easy-to-use, the LaserLyte^® CK-AMF9 gives you the edge in close quarter situations for only $99.95, a price far lower than the competition, but far superior in quality. For more information, visit www.laserlyte.com and check us out on Facebook.

LaserLyte® CK-AMF9 Specifications:
Compatible Firearms:         Ruger LC9, Kel-Tec PF9
Power Output:                      Class IIIA, 5mw
Laser Module:                       650nm
Batteries:                               four 377 batteries
Battery Life:                           5 hrs constant on, 10 hrs pulse mode (normal usage*)
Weight:                                 .40 ounces/11.34 grams
Length:                                   4.22 inches/107.20mm
Width:                                     .58 inches/14.74 mm
Height:                                   .380 inches/9.71 mm
Range at Night:                    500 yards/457.2 m
MSRP:                                     $99.95

*Normal usage is defined as one minute on and one minute off. This test mimics actual usage where the unit is turned on and off and the battery is given time to automatically regenerate.

 

 

TEAM ITI MEMBER LAURA TORRES-REYES WINS HIGH LADY IN ANNUAL IDPA POSTAL MATCH

Laura Torres-Reyes of Team International Training, Inc. (G4S ITI) won High Lady in the annual IDPA Postal Match, held globally from August through December 2011. This year’s event, open to any classified IDPA shooter, drew in 2,338 participants. A Postal Match is defined as a match where all participants receive the exact same four stages with very specific set-ups. The clubs then mail in their results. Torres-Reyes placed first out of 112 lady competitors.

“Mr. Ted Murphy did a fantastic job of designing stages that were fun and straightforward. With only four stages, there was very little room for error. You had to bring your best game balancing speed with pinpoint accuracy,” commented Torres-Reyes. “I was pleasantly surprised with the final results where I placed first [High Lady] out of 112 lady competitors. I shot the match in late December, so it was rewarding to confirm that my dry fire practicing during this winter season has improved my skills. I am excited to be heading into the 2012 season with a bang!”

Torres-Reyes can be seen competing in her next match at the IDPA Triple Crown I, held at the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof, FL February 4^th through 5^th, 2012.

Follow Team ITI on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamITI
Watch videos of G4S ITI on YouTube: www.youtube.com/wwwitiwsicom

REVISION AWARDED NSNs FOR DESERT LOCUST GOGGLE PDQ QUICK RELEASE – EARNS SPOT ON U.S. ARMY APEL

Revision Military, the world leader in protective soldier solutions, earns National Stock Numbers (NSNs) for its Desert Locust Goggle PDQ Quick Release. The PDQ Quick Release is a patented goggle attachment system designed for use in rapidly changing environments. Its helmet-mounted design with unique hook and loop attachment system allows the user to single handedly don and doff the Desert Locust Goggle while keeping it at-the-ready. Designed with special operators in mind, the PDQ is ideal for fast-moving, dynamic missions where conventional goggle straps can interfere with helmet integration and operator equipment such as NVGs. The Desert Locust Goggle PDQ Quick Release is combat tested for operational effectiveness and is proudly on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).

“This is the ideal system for military personnel operating in highly dynamic situations,” explains Dan Packard, Sr. VP of Military Sales. “It allows for the expeditious donning and doffing of the Desert Locust Goggle while providing enhanced compatibility with night observation devices. We’re proud to now offer it through the U.S. Army APEL – a list of rigorously tested eyepro and accessories that ensures our soldiers are protected by the very best.”

The Desert Locust Goggle PDQ is sold as an accessory that integrates with the Desert Locust Military Goggle. Individual PDQ Quick Releases retail for $36.99; NSN product sells in 10 packs: Foliage Green, NSN 4240-01-600-9125; Black, NSN 4240-01-600-9202; Tan 499, NSN 4240-01-600-9127. For more information visit revisionmilitary.com.

The Desert Locust Goggle and PDQ Quick Release System in the donned position.

The Desert Locust Goggle and PDQ Quick Release System in the donned position.

 

The Desert Locust PDQ Quick Release NSN Kit in Foliage Green.

PARABELLUM ARMAMENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARMA DYNAMICS, DEBUTS NEW LINE OF AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLES FOR M4/M16/AR15 WEAPONS

Parabellum Armament Company, a veteran owned and operated company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of USA made products for military, law enforcement and responsible citizens, in partnership with Arma Dynamics is proud to announce the new line of Ambidextrous Charging Handles for the M4/M16/AR15 weapon system family. Designed and intended for the military environment, the new line features two variants- The URL (Universal Release Latch) and ADF (Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning) models.

Both models share a common, ergonomic shape which is wider than the standard USGI charging handle and designed with contoured ergonomic grasping surfaces to assist in charging handle operation. This patented shape is the result of a human, form-factors study and is unique within the industry. No other M4/M16/AR15 charging handle has ever been designed as specifically around the human movement.

Both the ‘URL’ and ‘ADF’ charging handle products share an identical shape and have 80%+ parts commonality.

1. ‘URL’ Model Charging Handle- The Universal Release Latch model offers a large push tab on the rear of the grasping surface which goes beyond ambidextrous activation by making it universal. No matter what hand is used, an intuitive and normal grasping action is used to operate the mechanism. Closing the thumb and fingers together in a natural grip from any side or angle will compress the rear mounted latch release button, thereby freeing the latch simultaneously as the hand begins to withdraw the charging handle. The ‘URL’ charging handle provides the most intuitive and natural function possible based upon the normal physiology of the thumb and fingers naturally closing together during the gripping motion.

   Installation of the ‘URL’ charging handle converts any M16/M4-based weapon system into a universal platform. No longer will any attention need to be paid to strong or weak side operation of the charging handle as the same completely intuitive and normal central grasping motion is instead utilized for every charging event and is equally available from either side or any condition. Weapon charging becomes a smooth, controlled and highly efficient operation that requires no re-training of muscle memory as the natural gripping action required is inherent in human physiology. Off-side, weak-side and non-traditional charging and weapons handling drills and exercises become a thing of the past as the ‘URL’ model charging handle allows the exact same grasping location, inherent feel, and tactile activation from all contact angles. There is no longer any need to switch techniques during these weapon manipulations as the centrally located rear operated activation button operates the same in all situations.

2. ‘ADF’ Model Charging Handle -The Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning model appeals to the operator who prefers the advantages of ambidextrous activation, combined with aggressive activation during rapid-action scenarios.

   The ‘ADF’ charging handle is engineered to eliminate the traditional weakness found in normal charging handles when certain modern charging techniques, such as “blading”, are used to rapidly and forcefully open the latch and charge the weapon. Under such techniques the full direct force of the operators actions are directed into the very small and weak latch retaining pin area, an area that was never designed to accommodate such forces.

   The revolutionary ‘ADF’ activation mechanism design completely eliminates that pathway of force transmission. With the new design there is NO direct contact, or force transmission, into the latch pivot pin itself along that pathway, eliminating any chance of breaking the pin or tearing apart the charging handle at that location. Instead, this design offers right and left side activation levers that provide initial contact to begin opening the latch, but then the force transmission pathway immediately re-directs all rearward forces back into the structure of the charging handle itself, removing any shock and stress to either the individual activation levers or the retaining latch itself. By this mechanical force pathway management, a direct, rapid force can be applied to the charging handle at its strongest, most massive, location while removing any chance of damage to the activation levers or latch system.

   Further, the dual activation levers feature true balanced-force activation such that activation of the handle using either lever results in a smooth, light and easy, opening of the retaining latch with no drag or hesitation. With this ambidextrous design, each activation lever moves independently of the other, biased only by a unique ultra-light spring force and not interconnected to the other lever or latch itself. Other designs mechanically interconnect the separate levers which cause drag, excessive opening force and wear to the components.

   The ‘ADF’ design offers the traditional look and feel of forward mounted activation levers but adds the capability of utilizing newer manipulation techniques without fear of damaging the latch or handle. This greatly reduces the chance of damage to the host weapon’s internal components such as bolt, bolt rings, and bolt carrier as can happen when a conventional charging handle is overstressed and fails.

Both models are currently in limited series production and professional deployments. Pricing and availability have not been determined.

LaserLyte® Celebrates 25 Years as a Leader in Micro-Laser Technologies and Innovations

LaserLyte^®, the industry leader with the smallest lasers for gun sights, laser bore sights and laser training is celebrating 25 years of laser innovation. Larry Moore started in the firearms/hunting industry over thirty years ago in Arizona. With a passion for the shooting sports and hunting, he started a book publishing business that specialized in survival skills and weapons. Moore also started publishing magazines; several of which are still selling well on the newsstands and by subscription, such as S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics), Turbo and Arizona Hunter and Angler.

Moore, always the intrepid entrepreneur, founded a gun accessory company in 1987 that later became Tac Star Industries, Inc. Under the Tac Star banner, Moore sold gun accessories and designed and produced new products, including the first “laser bore sighter” on the market. In less than ten years with Tac Star continuing to grow, Moore merged with Lyte Optronics and LaserLyte^® was born.

Moore sold LaserLyte and bought it back just a few years later in 2001 for the sole purpose of developing state-of-the-art laser and shooting products. Just a year later, his son, Aaron Moore joined the business as Vice President and Director of Operations. With the junior Moore’s education and experience in business, engineering and international relations now used to drive the business, the senior Moore focused 100% of his attention on designing new cutting-edge laser products for the shooting industry.

From the initial product line-up of laser bore sights, LaserLyte then tackled designing, engineering and producing some of the industry’s first solid-state lasers for firearms and continued to revolutionize the market with the smallest, high performance lasers for rear sights, rail mounts and side mounts for revolvers,  semi-auto pistols and rifles. Besides lasers for firearms and laser bore sight s, LaserLyte entered the training realm with the personal Laser Trainer Target system, a very affordable, portable, interactive laser training target. LaserLyte also produced caliber specific cartridge laser trainers that allow the student to use the firearm in realistic shooting drills with or without the LaserLyte Laser Trainer Target system.

In keeping with the forward thinking and visionary marketing of Aaron Moore, LaserLyte developed, with Ka-Bar^®, a very unique pistol bayonet that attaches to any handgun rail. Whether used for personal defense or just for looks, the popularity of the LaserLyte pistol bayonets continues to grow, as does the line-up, which now includes a variety of pistol bayonets.

LaserLyte has started off their 25^th year with a new, larger facility to compensate for their tremendous growth, now and for the future. Both Larry Moore and Aaron Moore already have many new laser concepts on the drawing board and in prototype for release in the next few years.  What started out 25 years ago as an entrepreneur’s dream is now a successful shooting industry family business.

For more information, visit www.laserlyte.com and check us out on Facebook.

AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE (AGI) LE ARMORER’S CERTIFICATION COURSE SAVES TIME AND MONEY FOR AGENCIES

American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI), producers of the most authoritative instructional gunsmithing DVD courses, introduce the only DVD-based Law Enforcement Armorer’s Certification course that saves police agencies time and money while providing agency armorer’s the latest information on LE firearms’ upkeep.

Every Law Enforcement agency knows the importance of keeping Armorer’s Certifications up to date, but the cost of sending officers to various schools, plus the added expense of travel and accommodations can put a dent in today’s tighter budgets. Plus, with recent personnel cutbacks in Law Enforcement, many units cannot afford to send officers to school from a community safety standpoint.

AGI offers a Law Enforcement Armorer’s Course that covers all of the current commonly used LE handguns, shotguns and rifles. The AGI DVD Armorer’s course covers all law enforcement weapons in a single DVD along with testing and certification for Glock, Colt 1911, S&W M&P, Springfield XD, Beretta 92, H&K USP, SIG Sauer, Ruger Mini-14, AR-15, Ruger Double-Action Revolvers, S&W Revolvers, Remington 870 Shotgun, Mossberg 500 Series Shotguns and S&W auto pistols in the first, second and third generations.

The AGI Law Enforcement Armorer’s Course is the equivalent of attending 14 Factory Armorer’s Schools without having to leave your home.

The AGI Certified Law Enforcement Armorer’s Course features 21 hours plus testing, certification and the AGI Certified LE Armorer’s Patch at a price less that travel, expenses and enrollment in one certification course.

Visit American Gunsmithing Institute at SHOT Show, Booth 2110 and learn what AGI is doing to keep gunsmithing alive and well. www.americangunsmith.com

Revision Introduces Military-Grade Photochromic Eyewear System – The Sawfly Photochromic

Revision Military introduces the Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System. Featuring Revision’s rapid light-changing technology, first introduced in its Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses, the ballistic photochromic Sawfly lens automatically darkens to a sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight and returns to its clear state in the absence of UV rays, providing a tactical edge in rapidly changing environments.

“Revision’s photochromic lens technology not only eliminates the need to switch lenses when transitioning between the indoors and outside, but also automatically adjusts to compensate for varying outdoor light levels allowing the end user to focus on his mission, not his eyepro,” commented Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. Revision’s Photochromic Sawfly lens takes only 60 seconds to change from its darkest state to almost clear, while most competitors’ lenses take more than twice as long to do the same. From the clear state to a light-grey lens tint capable of blocking sun glare, it takes only 20 seconds. “For military and tactical operators, faster photochromic lens change means enhanced visual performance when it’s most needed – in dynamic environments.”

True to the entire Sawfly line, the new Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military ballistic impact requirements for spectacles (MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1) while providing flawless optics and 100% UV protection. The Revision Sawfly Photochromic Basic Kit retails for $149.99 and the lens is interchangeable across the entire Sawfly line. The Photochromic system is prescription ready with Revision’s optional Rx Carrier; it’s also available in three sizes to ensure fit, comfort and optical performance. The system will be available for purchase in March 2012.

With the Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System, lenses are clear when indoors or at night and automatically darken to a sunglass tint when exposed to UV rays.