Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2008 - (Page 18)

name circulating. That will make the name more accessible on the Internet. The Internet has become such a common tool that it has in some cases trumped the need for print advertising. However, Rombouts cautions that businesses cannot rely on one method. She favors a multi-tiered approach. In general, those who are building their Web presence should combine the effort with print advertising, speaking engagements. “Event advertising is often overlooked,” she said, suggesting workshops, symposiums and even lunch meetings as alternative possibilities. Also overlooked, especially for developers trying to draw renters or buyers to their communities, is the very liberal use of highly visible signs. “This seems like an obvious one, but sometimes the signs aren’t large enough, they’re not in the right place or there are too few of them,” she said. Speak Out Often passed over by firms are speaking engagements, which are a highly effective way to generate awareness. “There’s something about getting in front of their colleagues,” Rombouts said, explaining that such events provide prime networking opportunities within an industry. Clients often find they are approached by audience members after a speaking event. The key to the success of this approach is that the client is comfortable in a public speaking arena. “As long as they deliver, it’s amazing the great results you can get,” she said, pointing out that it is an effective marketing method for those with limited budgets. She cautions, however, against signing up for just any speaking engagement. Businesses should identify groups that are important to their service or product and ask to help build the particular program abstract. She suggests looking for events where the business owner or speaker will be a legitimate expert and be part of a well-rounded panel of speakers. Heap advises the same as a general approach when tackling marketing. “We encourage our clients to speak on core areas of deep competence,” he said. Most business owners should know what to look for when it comes to either speaking events or trade shows. What organizations fall within their realm of services? Some of the larger groups Rombouts works with in the development industry include the National Association of Home Builders, the Urban Land Institute, U.S. Green Building Council, American Planners Association, Congress of New Urbanism, and the American Institute of Architects. Businesses are advised to keep tabs on these organizations, and be aware of when their major events are scheduled, which can offer an opportunity for positive exposure. SLDT About the author: Eileen Mozinski is a freelance journalist and contributor to Sustainable Land Development Today. She can be reached at Eileen.mozinski@gmail.com. Innovative Stormwater Management Products The FloGard® DVHS offers an innovative and economic alternative for BMP implementation in new and retrofit applications • Fits industry-standard manholes/vaults • Economical installation • Ease of maintenance • Vector control Perk Filters can be installed in existing drop inlets, installed as a catch basin system at individual inlets or as a centralized modular treatment system installed on-line or off-line. • Modular, scalable design • Addresses wide array of pollutants • Highly effective media filter performance • Easy, low cost installation and maintenance SHAPI N G THE FUTURE O F WATER Q UALIT Y™ Evolving Stormwater Management Solutions C U D O WATER STORAGE SYSTEM Modular Bioretention • Highly porous matrix • Replaces both drain pipe/ aggregate • More volume/Enhanced retention • Passive/active irrigation • Mitigates water temperatures U.S. PATENT PENDING Contact us today to learn more about these exciting systems for complete stormwater management. KRISTAR ENTERPRISES, INC. 1-800-579-8819 Visit our web site at: www.kristar.com S i n c e 19 9 3 Circle 136 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard 18 November/December 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.kristar.com http://www.kristar.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2008

Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2008 Contents Our Voice Editorial Board SLDT Resources The BottomLine Go Forth and Tread Lightly on the Land It’s About Name Recognition Managing Risk in the Sustainable Building Frontier Industry Spotlight Achieving Sustainable Land Development Worthy of Recognition Stormwater Wastewater Erosion Control Innovation Classifieds Advertiser Index Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2008

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