Last Saturday, on December 12th 2009, Internet Marketing Inc.’s New York City office launched its first holiday party ever.  With little under a year of existence, IMI NY has won a strong book of business and surpassed many milestones these last few months.  Partner and President, Todd Soiefer, invited the team to a holiday party to celebrate this success and ring in the new year “Internet Marketing” style.

The party was a huge success, with the attendance of several staff members- interns, developers and all.  A surprising guest appearance was made by the CEO of Internet Marketing Inc., Brent Gleeson, who is based in the San Diego office.  His arrival not only added an element of surprise, but also much entertainment as well.

The party involved a champagne toast and then a sushi dinner at New Ashiya in downtown Manhattan.  It was hard to even hear normal conversation over the continuous ruckus of laughter that practically usurped the night.  I am honestly surprised anyone had time to eat.

So you may ask: what’s my point?  It’s the small things that count.  Having a holiday party for your employees really inspires good cheer and let’s them know how much they truly are appreciated when it really counts.  If you don’t already do it, I suggest you make it your next New Years resolution- not only will good memories be shared but the team bonding is priceless.

A week ago ended the last SES Chicago scheduled to occur in December as it will move to October 18 in 2010.

Although mid December is not technically Winter it was wintry enough especially compared to a much more Fall like mid October date starting next year.

The 2009 SES Chicago started on December 7th with a dusting of snow outside as Jeff Jarvis kicked it off with his interesting keynote on the link economy being part of the greater Google economy the online space is currently in.

The sessions that followed had a predominant SEO theme versus the growing social media focus of Pubcon & SMX conferences in my opinion.

Although the Google Real Time Search did evolve into a hot topic near the closing of SES as Rae Hoffman was furiously writing a great post in the speaker lounge on the real time search spamming potential.

I was particularly surprised there wasn’t much focus to online mobile marketing, beyond one session, which is sure to be a greater focus in all of the major Internet Marketing conferences in 2010.

Matt McGowan & Mike Grehan were generous enough to have me speak on a site clinic with Tony Wright & Elisabeth Osmeloski before I had to quickly take the shuttle through the snow to Midway Airway where my flight back to San Diego encountered chronic delays.

The wet snow & flight delays at this recent SES Chicago will be a distant memory when SES comes back to the United States here in San Diego February 2010.

Also this is my last post here on the Internet Marketing Inc Blog as I will be joining Resource Nation as the SEO Director there going into 2010 but be sure to check back here for the latest Internet Marketing news as well on Android at my personal site GoogleAndBlog.

Dean Loudermilk and Ellen Albert with the Alumnae Women of Emory board

Although Dean Loudermilk still teaches the semester long class at Emory University, Social Movements and the Media (the basis for the presentation): let’s just say it wasn’t your average college class last night! We had guests from Atlanta, attendees ranging over 20 class years and even a Cornell Alum who eagerly signed up to get in on the action too. Well, seems like everyone had the right idea, as the talk was spectacular—funny, futuristic and engaging all at the same time. It seemed as if everyone was laughing on cue, but really, it was just a good speech coupled with some racy images that boasted a broad appeal.

The event, hosted on November 11th at MTV Studios by Emory Alum, Ellen Albert, was from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but it seemed like the crowd didn’t want to leave! We had a wonderfully diverse group of 30 guests. A surprising amount of men actually showed up to listen to the talk too, which was, even in the event description but more so in actuality, largely focused on feminism in advertising. Dean Loudermilk began by plowing through the history of various different social movements and their effect on the media, but guests became overwhelmingly engaged during the saga on feminism, which was presented in conjunction with commercials and ads. The presentation spanned the gamut of brands—beginning at Dolce & Gabbana, critiquing Virginia Slims and ending with oomph on Maidenform Bras.

At one point, an Emory Law Grad, Marni Galison, was so intrigued by an ad and Dean Loudermilk’s interpretation of it that she interrupted mid presentation to play devil’s advocate. In older Virginia Slims marketing, a lot of feminists hated the “You’ve come along way, baby” campaigns. Marni, after vehemently denying smoking, exclaimed: “Is there any cigarette ad that feminists do like?!” Her point, essentially, is that, if they inherently don’t like the product, they certainly will disapprove of the ad. But, we did see some commercials that feminists happened to be fonder of—for a sexy 45 seconds, I recommend checking out “The Diet Coke Break” on YouTube.

Regardless, thanks to Marni, the tone was set for an informative and inspiring feminist advertising debate post presentation. The group finally concluded, with Dean Loudermilk’s guidance, that feminism in advertising moves in waves and eventually always comes full circle. Last night, we learned that only 16 percent of people in senior advertising roles are women! So, who is really spurring the innovation here? Our best bet is that it stems from men in high positions with slight interferences by politics and presidential administrations. Keep your eyes peeled for the future because, just like with the Reagan and Clinton administrations, we are certain to see a new wave of advertising with the “Change” advocate, President Obama.

What do you think?!  Tell us below and check out the EAAvesdropping blog.

Several managers from IMI will be in Las Vegas this week for Pubcon, a large internet marketing show. There is a poker tournament on Thursday night at The Mirage and our President Brandon Fishman will be playing.  Any winnings from this event will go towards The Naval Special Warfare Foundation which provides financial support to the families and children of SEALs killed or injured in combat.  Recently we lost several of our Navy SEAL heroes:

On 13 SEP LT Dan Cnossen lost both legs below the knees when he stepped on an IED during a combat operation in Afghanistan.  He is at Bethesda Naval Hospital undergoing treatment for his wounds.  You can learn more at his website.

On 24 SEP Ryan Jobe a SEAL who last eyesight in both eyes when he was wounded in Iraq in 2006 underwent a major operation that unfortunately resulted in a complication that caused him to lose his life.  Since he was wounded Ryan had been a spokesman for the NSW community.  His wife is pregnant with their first child.

For more information on this charity, go to the website here:   http://www.nswfoundation.org/

For more info on the Pubcon Poker tournament  http://www.purposeinc.com/pwp/2009/11/02/poker-tourney-blog-to-register

This video is the first in a regular series of SEO segments from our All Things Online video blog. Internet Marketing Inc. SEO Director Michael Martin gives an update about the Search Marketing Expo (SMX East) next week in New York where he will be speaking about Mobile search applications.

Internet Marketing Inc. is gearing up for the Search Marketing Expo in New York next week!  Our very own SEO Director Michael Martin will be speaking on the panel covering “Mobile Search Apps and Opportunities”.  Michael will be on a panel with Scott Dunlap, Rachel Pasqua, and Matt Siltala.  This session will look at popular search apps and different devices, how they gather data, and the Internet marketing opportunities they offer. 

The team from the New York office will also be in attendance all week.  We are looking forward to learning new things and meeting new people.

As some of you may know, I used to serve as a Navy SEAL.  Now that my responsibilities have taken me on to other projects, we feel called to serve the Naval Special Warfare Foundation which provides financial support to the families and children of SEALs killed or injured in combat. 

Each year, in conjunction with the Navy SEAL warrior fund, we hold two major fundraising events.  The next event coming up is our annual fundraiser at Dick’s Last Resort in downtown San Diego.  The event is open anyone and is attened by active duty SEALs as well as veterans. 

Our friends at Dick’s Last Resort have confirmed that they will once again host an NSWF fund raising event this year.  The date is 19 NOV.  The NSWF provided our active duty force $900,000 in support last year.  We raised $70,000 at our event at Dick’s in 2008.  With everyone’s support we hope that we can once again raise a large sum to help support our troops and their families.  We will have the usual raffle and live auction with tons of great prizes!

I have some bad news to report.  We had two recent tragedies:

On 13 SEP LT Dan Cnossen lost both legs below the knees when he stepped on an IED during a combat operation in Afghanistan.  He is at Bethesda Naval Hospital undergoing treatment for his wounds.  You can learn more at his website.

On 24 SEP Ryan Jobe a SEAL who last eyesight in both eyes when he was wounded in Iraq in 2006 underwent a major operation that unfortunately resulted in a complication that caused him to lose his life.  Since he was wounded Ryan had been a spokesman for the NSW community.  His wife is pregnant with their first child.

I want to thank all of you once again for the tremendous support you have provided the NSWF during the past several years.  I know that this year’s event at Dick’s will be both a success and a lot of fun for everyone who attends.  Mark your calendars!

COME LEARN ABOUT ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS!!

Internet Marketing Inc. is co-hosting a Happy Hour at Basic Urban Bar and Kitchen in downtown San Diego on Tuesday September 22nd from 6 pm to 9 pm.  We are extending this invitation to members of FIT Athletic Club and local San Diego business owners and marketers. 

The Happy Hour at Basic will run from 6 pm to 9 pm and include a brief presentation about how to grow your business using integrated online marketing strategies including Search Engine Optimization and Social Media.  Come one come all!

About Internet Marketing Inc.

Internet Marketing Inc. is a full service interactive agency and consultancy.  We offer services such as website design, SEO, PPC, affiliate marketing, social media, behavioral retargeting, text message marketing, and email marketing.  We have helped brands like Ritz Carllton, Hilton, the US Army, and Lincoln Property Company design and implement effective online marketing strategies with measurabel results.

About the Presenter:  Brent Gleeson, CEO

Brent Gleeson has extensive experience in the Internet marketing and online media industry. As co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Internet Marketing Inc. it is Mr. Gleeson’s primary focus to oversee operations and execute growth strategies. Internet Marketing Inc. has become a powerful player in the industry offering website development and Internet marketing strategies/consulting to clients around the world.

Gleeson is an accredited speaker for Vistage International with presentation topics such as “How to Grow Your Business Using SEO and Social Media.  Gleeson has co-founded international real estate marketing companies that have achieved enormous success. In addition, Mr. Gleeson is co-owner of the West Coast office for Americas Media Group Worldwide, a leading global media agency for luxury real estate and luxury brands.

Gleeson spent five years in the Unites States Navy as a Navy SEAL. During his service he completed several combat deployments to Iraq and Africa in support of the War on Terror. Gleeson is involved in his community, his church, and charitable organizations such as the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, the Navy Seal Warrior Fund, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Gleeson earned his undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics from Southern Methodist University, studied at Oxford University in England, and earned master degree in real estate finance and development from the University of San Diego.

Brent Gleeson on Twitter

Brent Gleeson on Linked In