Viral marketing + incentives = Increased Holiday Sales

According to Word of Mouth Marketing Association, viral marketing and incentives were the major factors in online retail sales this holiday season. Previous surveys have shown that a staggering number of customers turn to friends, colleagues, etc. for advice about possible purchases. This year incentives offered by retailers, most in the form of free shipping, has played a major role in increased sales, as well. Has the importance of incentives reflected savvy shopping by the customers- getting the best deal for their money, or has it been due to the idea of "getting something for nothing?" The word "free" tends to have great power in today's society.

Whatever the reason, it appears that the optimism of companies about holiday sales, early in the season, has most likely proven true. In fact, to draw customers to their web sites, over 97% of online retailers invested in search engine marketing, 73% in comparison shopping engines, and many in other unconventional online marketing strategies.

The Loss is Still Strong

It is not quite two weeks since I lost my dear pet, Cassie. The grief and sense of loss is still so great at times, that it is almost impossible to do anything that requires thought and concentration - - such as writing this blog.

When it seems that everyone around you is caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and preparations, and that is the least of your concerns at the moment, it is almost too painful to be out among people. And yet, it is just as painful to be at home with the silence and emptiness left from the loss of my furry companion and friend.

So, I will continue to post on this blog as often as I can, but whether there is a new post or not, we’re still here. After the first of the year, there will be some changes coming to the look of the music2work2 web site. There is already some new music there you can check out. I think it is among some of the best!

Wendi's Theme

Wendi’s Theme on music2work,2.com was written for the composer’s wife. Maybe the fact that I know that influences the way I hear this piece, but to me, it definitely sounds like a love song.

Hints of the original version can be identified in the newer one, but the tempo of the newer session adds a more romantic quality to it, I think.

Listening carefully to the newer version, the session evokes thoughts of the many facets of a relationship. The changing tones, the changing rhythms seem to signify the many aspects of the human personality, the relating of the personalities of two people. The range of tones of the piano - highs and lows - also seems to indicate the highs and lows that are a part of any relationship. However, as in a loving, committed relationship where differences compliment and help each individual to grow and be their best selves, all the variations of tempo and tones work beautifully together to form what I find to be a lovely, romantic piece of music.