You probably need to perform some basic image editing from time to time, either for your website, your marketing materials, or your personal projects (fixing your sister’s red-eye in the holiday photos, for instance). You might be aware of some fantastic image editing software called Adobe Photoshop – which I use and highly recommend to those who are interested in professional image editing or who work with a lot of images. You might not fall into those categories, however, and might be looking for a simpler option. One option is Adobe Photoshop Elements – a more consumer-oriented version of Photoshop. There are also tons of other great image editing programs out there, and many are available for no cost. Here are two I use which you might want to try:

Paint.NET – This program has many of the features of professional software, such as transparent layers, artistic filters, histogram and curves adjustment tools, etc, without the price tag or computer resource requirements. You can save files in all the most common formats.

Picasa – This Google-created desktop application makes the basic fixes to images – especially photos – quick and easy. Red-eye removal, color and contrast adjustment and cropping are all very simple to accomplish. The program is also good for keeping track of large collections of images, even if they are spread all over your computer and makes sharing images (via email or online albums) a simple process as well.

Your business should have a strong and compelling “Unique Selling Proposition” or tagline. This article gets to the heart of how to craft an effective one.

7 Tips for Developing Your USP - E-Myth Worldwide

Derek Franklin has created a nifty “ClarityMap” related to accomplishing more toward your important work and goals each day. It prints beautifully in color and is a handy reminder to do what matters most and cut out the clutter.

This is a free download, so go grab it:

3 Steps To Get Things Done ClarityMap - The Action Machine

This is a very understandable article about website copy writing that sells. Even if the page of copy you are working on isn’t explicitly for “selling” something, I think these tips will help you convey whatever your message is more clearly, concisely, and compellingly. 

How to improve readership | The Total Package

Whole Web Impact & Making Every Rep Count LLC cordially invite you to celebrate the official launch of the brand new Making Every Rep Count website

on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 9:00 AM EST

The party will last for 24 hours from the start time. Please come and participate with us!

Jeff Brandes has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and is now officially launching "Making Every Rep Count" - offering in-home personal training services. He specializes in helping people who struggle with motivation and who have trouble exercising regularly to have a personalized routine and the right support to achieve their fitness goals.

Learn more about Jeff and Making Every Rep Count at the Launch Party.

What is a "Virtual Launch Party"?

The Virtual Launch Party is something I created for my clients to celebrate the unveiling of their new website or blog. All are welcome to participate with us! Stop by for some virtual refreshments :-) and to check out a new website.

To participate in the Virtual Launch Party

1. Visit http://www.MakingEveryRepCount.com anytime after the party starts (see date & time, above) and take a look around.
2. Go to the party page: http://www.wholewebimpact.com/clients/making-every-rep-count.aspx and submit a positive comment using the form which will be available during the party.

Please come and show your support for Jeff and Making Every Rep Count!

Just for fun (or to personalize your digital communications), you can now quickly (I completed the entire process in less than 20 minutes) and easily create a font using your own handwriting. The website providing this free service – FontCapture.com. Basically, you print a page with spots for all the letters, etc. Fill it in (they recommend using a black sharpie, though I think I will get a very fine-tipped one for my next attempt), scan it, upload it, and then download your new font.

After you have installed it to your system, you can use it inside MS Word, etc. Imagine typing a letter to your friend – in your own handwriting.

Check out StomperSocial’s PeopleBrowsr program/website brought to you by StomperNet, which is some of the best, most current, online marketing/SEO training you can get.

The PeopleBrowsr program helps you manage your Twitter account with different levels of tools and complexity – including statistics, reports, top keywords, etc. It also allows you to link you other social networking accounts – Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

It is a free program – Go here, and click on “Day 2” in the toolbar to learn about it and download it

Came across a great post at Soul Inspirations. If you are working on your marketing material or web copy, I’d recommend you take a look at this.

Eight Steps to Infuse Your Marketing with Soul - Soul-Inspirations

Whole Web Impact & Winning Through Pageantry™ cordially invite you to celebrate the official launch of the brand new Winning Through Pageantry™ website

on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:00 AM EST

The party will last for 24 hours from the start time. Please come and participate with us!

Rhonda Shappert started "Winning Through Pageantry™" to share her vast experience of pageant preparation with her clients, while building self-confidence, poise, and character, and teaching them how to present themselves both professionally and authentically - not only to the pageant judges, but in their daily lives.

Learn more about Rhonda and Winning Through Pageantry™ at the Launch Party.

What is a "Virtual Launch Party"?

The Virtual Launch Party is something I created for my clients to celebrate the unveiling of their new website or blog. All are welcome to participate with us! Stop by for some virtual refreshments :-) and to check out a new website.

To participate in the Virtual Launch Party

1. Visit http://www.WinningThroughPageantry.com anytime after the party starts (see date & time, above) and take a look around.
2. Go to the party page: http://www.wholewebimpact.com/clients/winning-through-pageantry.aspx/ and submit a positive comment using the form which will be available during the party.

Please come and show your support for Rhonda and Winning Through Pageantry™!

The problematic situation I wrote about yesterday has a happy ending after all. At 8:30pm last night I was left a voicemail message from Nelson, a Customer Service Rep in a Phoenix, AZ office. Nelson was the last person I had spoken to that afternoon, and his message stated that he had been bothered all day about how they had not resolved my problem, so he did some extra research and spoke again with his supervisor, finally securing me clearance for a refund. Hallelujah!

So, because of Nelson in Phoenix, I will continue to be a reasonably happy USAirways customer. – Thanks, Nelson!