E-Mail Marketing Tip - Recession eMarketing: Don't Abandon Permission! Sales are down. You're having a slow quarter. You need to squeeze every last email address you can find for every last dime you can get. Let's grab 'em all ­ even the ones we haven't touched in years ­ and send them a big email blast. Good idea? Bad idea? BAD IDEA! Why? Because it'll harm your email deliverability. Batch and blast ­ grabbing up a bunch of old email lists and sending everyone a 20% coupon code ­ is going to get you blocked. Tailoring your message to the economy isn't a bad idea. Throwing permission practices out the window because you feel you need to email more people ­ well, that is most definitely a bad idea. ISPs care about reputation, and you build a reputation by staying true to permission. Old lists, bought lists, opt-out lists ­ mailing to any of these will spike your bounce and spam complaint rates. The result? You've just been identified as a spammer.  You might be hoping for that last minute revenue boost, but you could actually see a revenue decline because your mail is no longer getting to the inbox at AOL and Yahoo.  What's the impact to your bottom line if you lose access to 30% of your list? E-Mail marketing tip is courtesy of Paul Spinak at The Marketing Machine www.themmachine.com . Contact Paul Spinak at paul@theMmachine.com.      Marketing Tip - Staying Authentic Has More Punch Than Ever Poeple often try extreme tactics when the marketplace is uncertain. We recommend that during these times you need to present a genuine image; we want to buy what is safe and secure and what is more important than a company that stands behind its services and products. By staying authentic and finding new ways to show that authenticity, your clients can feel a sense of trust in you that goes a long way today.  Traditional business values like integrity and concern for your clients can carry you through difficult times and enrich your clients' and customers'  faith in you.  This Marketing tip is courtesy of the Authenticity Marketing™ team at Convey Ink, www.conveyink.com.  We work with you to build a powerful brand, devise affordable marketing and also write business plans. Contact Drew, the Strategic Marketing Advisor at conveyink.com.

Find the information you need quickly and easily Each business name is a link to its website. Products and services are listed alphabetically by category. Email and phone contact information is included in each listing.

ADVERTISING - Monthly newsletter by email Triangle Business Connections Comments: "A great service - an affordable way to reach business owners when they are online and able to access my website with one key stroke. I love it!" - Sheyenne Kreamer, Triangle Solutions Alliance Special Offer: $25 off on your first month of service. View details here, call 264-9868, or send email.

BRANDING & MARKETING Convey Ink, Inc. Comments: "I have high expectations for my vendors. Drew at Convey Ink has met this expectation and has clearly exceeded it. Convey Ink was an essential part of my journey to define Split Screen Consulting. What was most important to me was his success in helping me capture the unique 'essence' of Split Screen Consulting without putting words in my mouth or forcing fancy jingles on me. An incredible job of listening, interpreting, feeling then directing so I could move my business to its next level." - Steven Alston, owner Split Screen Consulting Special offer: New One half-hour session to discover your marketing/branding needs.   Call (919)264-9868 or email for an appointment.

MARKETING Community Partnership/Community Protection Program Comments:  This service provides advertising options to the small business community while helping the non-profit community raise much-needed funds.  Simply agree to make a donation to one of our participating non-profits for new business you acquire and be willing to participate in the Community Protection program. Call 919-863-4362 for more information.

INTERNET ADVERTISING Local Ad Link Comments:  "Local Ad Link connects local businesses with local customers very affordably.  You'll love being able to feature your business in targeted zip codes."  Carolyn Anderson For more information come to the Lunch 'n Learn on March 20th (see below) Special Offer:  3 month (5%), 6 month (10%), and 12 month (15%) discounts available. Call 919-637-8188, or send email to Virginia

COMPUTER AND SERVER SERVICE Morpheus Rising Comments: "Morpheus Rising has consistently delivered exceptional results and support on every project no matter how large or small. Whether its e-commerce, database programming, server configuration or network solutions, Morpheus Rising can not only complete the project on time and on budget, but can answer complex questions that may arise in the process." - SP, 211 Design Special Offer: Call 919-465-4379 for more information

EMAIL - Permission-Based Newsletters and Marketing The Marketing Machine Comments: "The Marketing Machine's email program was easy to use and all of the Bank of America Pavilion's VIP clients loved the clean look! Paul Spinak is great to work with." [email marketing client] Chris Elias - Director of Premium Seats Sales Additional customer testimonials. Special offer: $200 OFF one-time set up fee.

SOCIAL NETWORKING  www.inside919.com Comments:  "I've enjoyed connecting with people on inSide919, and have met a dozen people at least in the last month or so. Get to know on line, follow up at a live event, it's great!" Anora McGaha.  Join for free if you live in the 919 area code. This is a valuable community resource for local businesses and business people as well as a way to get to know those in your area.

PAYROLL PREPARATION Complete Payroll Services, Inc. Comments: "We are especially satisfied with the local ownership and the reasonable fees." United Way If you are interested in Payroll Online, Pay-as-you-go Workman's Comp, or saving yourself tax dollars with employee paid insurance--call us at 919 845 7055. or email. Special Offer: Start using our services and we will waive any setup fees.

ENTERTAINMENT- SPORTS  Carolina RailHawks The Carolina RailHawks are a United Soccer Leagues-First Division professional soccer team located in Cary. The RailHawks kicked-off their third season by hosting the New England Revolution (Major League Soccer) on Saturday, March 14th at the beautiful WakeMed Soccer Park.  In addition to their 15 league matches the RailHawks will host other top Major League Soccer and International clubs. Contact Kevin at (919) 459-8145 or go to the website at  www.carolinarailhawks.com. Special Offer: See next month's Entrepreneurial Advantage.

SEMINARS AND NETWORKING EVENTS Attend these events - learn, make new contacts, and watch your business grow. See list below. List your seminar or business event here.

VIRTUAL OFFICE PLANS Your Office USA Comments: "Virtual Office Plans have a low monthly cost and are great for those who work from an office at their house, for small companies, or for company representatives on the road that are looking for professional business services and support without the overhead of office space or additional employees. We offer a full range of virtual office plans covering mailboxes, telephone service, virtual reception services, hourly offices/meeting spaces and more!" - Joe Floyd, Your Office USA Special Offer: Call Joe at 863-4100 or send him email for more information. Tell us that you heard about us on Triangle Business Connections and receive 50% off your first month's service fee!

OFFICE SPACE & CORPORATE IDENTITY PACKAGES Crossroads Business Center Comments: "Crossroads Business Center is an excellent executive shared-office suite for successful, yet mobile, professionals. The staff is outstanding, the location ideal, and the professional image is vital when meeting with customers and partners." - Scott Pickett, SVP, Sales & Marketing, Goodman Networks, Inc. Special Offer:.Call Ruth at (919) 424-3801 to learn about available space or our virtual office services.

WELLNESS Harmony Life Comments: "Your products definitely improved the quality of my life. I sleep better and feel great. Just got results of my blood test: cholesterol is down. My doctor took me off my pills :-) Amazing.-- E. Pinsky (age 70+), Cary, NC Special Offer:  Pollution Within Test (PWT) for Home or Office is $50 (regularly $80) for all TBC readers - just bring printed e-mail. See what is lurking inside your home or office, what causes you to feel tired, sick or stressed all the time. Take action, make changes, feel better, and get your life back. Contact Marina Lando through email.

SEMINARS & NETWORKING EVENTS Events with structured networking provide an opportunity for a short infomercial about your business. Events with informal networking give you time to "mingle and meet" other attendees. Attend the events listed below Learn, meet people, and watch your business grow! FEATURED EVENTS: MARCH WEDNESDAY 18th Event Name:  Apex Chamber AM Networking Details: Morning Networking with Apex Chamber members.  Prospective members welcome. Location: Apex Chamber of Commerce Time:    8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Cost:  None Contact:  No RSVP necessary WEDSDAY 18th Event Name:  Inside 919 Social sponsored by Convey Ink and The Studio Details: Networking with other 919 participants. Location:  The Studio, 126 Morrisville  Square Way, Morrisville NC Time:    11:30 A.M.- 1:00 Cost:  None - Must Pre-register Contact:  Inside919- Go to Inside919.com to create your account if you are in the 919 area code THURSDAY 19th Event Name: Fuquay-Varina Chamber March Business After Hours FV Details: Networking. Catering will be provided by Chamber member Moe's Southwest Grill. Location:  SunTrust Bank at 215 North Main Street. Time:    5:30 P.M. Cost:  For chamber and prosective Chamber members Contact:  No RSVP necessary   FRIDAY 20th Event Name:  Lunch 'n Learn - "The Missing Piece of your Marketing Puzzle" Details:  Please join us for a Lunch 'n Learn presented by online marketing coaches Mike Spencer and Sean Ward who will be discussing an exciting new opportunity to connect businesses with customers on a local level. Location:  The Studio 126 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville NC 27560 Time: 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Cost: $10 includes lunch Contact:   RSVP to Virginia by email or by phone 919 - 637-8188 SATURDAY 21st Event Name:  Apex Arts Council - Rites of Spring Blues Festival Details: Networking with other 919 participants. Location:   Halle Cultural Arts Center of Apex, Apex NC Time:    7:00 P.M.- 11:00 Cost:  $15.00 for all ages Contact: Email the Apex Arts Council TUESDAY 24th Event Name:  Apex Writers Guild. Details: Monthly meeting; new participants encouraged. Location:  219 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC Time:  6:00 P.M. Cost:  No charge Contact:   Contact Bob Crowley at 349-3557. WEDNESDAY 25th Event Name: Reinvent Yourself as a Consultant Details:  Learn what it takes to become and live as a consultant. Drew Becker of Convey Ink discusses the challenges and opportunties. COURSE FILLED-see next lisitng Location:    Crossroads Business Center, Raleigh NC Time:   9:30A.M.- 12 Noon Cost: $47.00  or $37.00 special for TNG members Contact:  Drew Becker at ( 919) 264-9868  Register at www.conveyink.com/reinvent.html THURSDAY 26th Event Name: Reinvent Yourself as a Consultant Details:  Learn what it takes to become and live as a consultant. Drew Becker of Convey Ink discusses the challenges and opportunties. COURSE FILLED-see next lisitng Location:    The Studio, 126 Morrisville Square Way Time:   9:30A.M.- 12 Noon Cost: $47.00  or $37.00 special for TNG members Contact:  Drew Becker at ( 919) 264-9868  Register at www.conveyink.com/reinvent.html FRIDAY 27th Event Name:  Wake-Up Fuquay-Varina Breakfast Details: Speaker session Location:   Fuquay-Varina Golden Corral Time:  8:00- 9:00 A.M. Cost: $5.00 including breakfast. Open to Chamber Members and Guests Contact:   RSVP to 552.4947 or barb@fuquay-varina.com. SATURDAY 27th Event Name: Dancing Elephants Presents Final Friday Details:  Gary Tomlinson is the guest speaker who will discuss "Top Ten Messages from Ten Top Books" Location:    Business Networking Center  649 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511  Time:   11:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M Cost: $10.00 per person with lunch provided Contact:  Call the BNC for Reservations 342-5251 APRIL SATURDAY, SUNDAY  APRIL 4, 5 Event Name:  Purpose Powered Professional Workshop Details: This 2-day dynamic workshop to improve success in your business and you life is offered live only 3 times a year. Come experience how you can achieve greater success by aligning to your purpose and improving your focus to attain personal and organizational goals. Still a few seats available!   See website. Location:   The Studio 126 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville NC 27560 Time:   10:00 AM- 5:30 P.M.   Saturday and 10:00 AM- 6:00 P.M. Sunday Cost: Regular $429.00 **Special one-time TBC discount $25.00 off if you register by the end of March** Contact:  Call Drew Becker at 264-9868 or make a reservation at www.purposepowered.com/essential.php MONDAY 13th Event Name:  Apex Arts Council Meeting Details: To Be announced Location: Apex Community Center 53 Hunter St. Apex NC. Time:  7:00 P.M. Cost: No charge Contact: Email the Apex Arts Council RECURRING MEETINGS EVERY TUESDAY Event name: Apex Leads Group Type of Event: Networking Location:  Carrabba's Italian Grill (1201 Haddon Hall Drive), Apex 27502 Time:  10:30 A.M. Contact:  Call 387-6336 EVERY THURSDAY Event name: Western Wake Leads Group Type of Event: Networking Location: Business Networking Center  649 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511  Time:  8:30 A.M. Contact:    Call 342-5251 Event name: Cary Leads Group Type of Event: Networking Location: Business Networking Center  649 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511  Time: 10:00  A.M. Contact:  Call 342-5251 SECOND WEDNESDAY Event name: Triangle Women's Connection Type of Event: Networking. Dedicated to advancing the success of working women through the exchange of ideas and resources. Location: Business Networking Center  649 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511  Time: 4:00  P.M. Contact:  Call Lisa Chase at 342-0833.

MEETING SPACES   Morrisville/RTP NEW *The Studio  | up to 70 people Call (919) 637-8188 126 Morrisville Square Way Morrisville NC 27560 (Event planning also available) Raleigh *Crossroads Business Center | up to 15 people Call (919) 424-3801 5540 Centerview Drive, Suite 200 Stratis Business Center | up to 16 people Call (919) 719-2700 4030 Wake Forest Dr. Your Office USA | up to 15 people Call (919) 863-4100 2501 Blue Ridge Rd, Suite 150 *This facility has more than one room. Capacity of largest room is listed.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Business Listings List your business events without cost! As a service to the business community, you may now list business events in a limited format without cost. Go to www.tbiz.com/ and follow the link. Note that unpaid listings may not appear in the newsletter but will be visible on the website the week they are occurring. You will be subscribed to this newsletter when you enter an event. Remember for only $35.00 you can have a Featured Listing that remains on the website all month and is included in the newsletter.  Thank you to the new listings this month.

Biotech center starting medical-device effort Raleigh News & Observer The N.C. Biotechnology Center is dedicating $2.5 million to foster innovation in the Triangle's fledgling medical device industry. The four-year grant will help establish an advanced medical technologies center of innovation, an organization that aims to get industry and university researchers together to develop new technologies and create young companies. Small Businesses to Gain from Federal Rescue News 14 Carolina President Barack Obamam said helping small businesses survive through the recesssion is critical for the economy, and that's good news for businesses in Groeensboro's Nussbaum Center. Want more jobs? Governor could spark wave of new ventures with a 'Founder's Credit' LocalTechWire.com  RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - If North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue truly wants to spark the state's faltering economy, she should insist the General Assembly adopt her ideas for a "Founder's Credit" ASAP, as in "as soon as practical." Obama tries to loosen credit for small businesses WRAL-TV  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama freed billions of dollars to help the nation's small businesses on Monday, hoping to get credit flowing again to Main Street, not just Wall Street. He heaped praise on the little guys of American industry, often overshadowed in the blitz of government bailouts. City Lays Out Budget Preview, Proposed Water Rate Hike NBC 17 Raleigh officials warned Monday the upcoming budget will be a tough one to craft during the coming months.  "This is the most difficult budget we've seen, perhaps in our careers," said City Manager Russell Allen, who presented a preview of the spending plan Monday night.