	Fall '09

This edition of our newsletter brings you the latest news, helpful hints and useful information on topics related to cost-effective, results-oriented marketing and sales.

ORCA? NAICS? CCR? Stop Swimming in Alphabet Soup and Start Winning Government Contracts

No doubt about it, there is a lot of government money just waiting to be spent. In the last 90 days, the central site for posting government opportunities - FedBizOpps - has grown by more than 37,000 new opportunities. And about one-third of them have a small business set-aside. That means small business is encouraged to bid on the contracts.

But the path to a government award, for a small company, is confusing, time-consuming and frustrating in the extreme. To the newcomer it looks like alphabet soup. What is ORCA and CCR, and why should I care? What's a capability statement and why do I need one? What is a Sources Sought? Do I need a GSA Schedule? How do I get a Cage Code?

We have been doing a lot of work lately for companies that want to bid on government contracts, and are able to take the reins and quickly get them in the game. From writing strong capability statements to determine the winning value proposition in light of current opportunities - all the way to writing the entire proposal - we can bring expert help to bear and can maximize your chances of winning.

The cost model is very simple: we charge low flat rates for getting you started, and for writing capability statements. For proposals, we charge a very low rate, coupled with a percentage of the award when you win the bid. If you would like to explore the possibility of winning government contracts, and want to maximize your chances of success, please email us for more information.

SEO Answers from a Search Engine Expert

We rely on search engines to help in countless aspects of our work and personal life. But how well do we really understand the inner workings of search engines? And how can we make sure we stay on top of the rapidly-changing mechanisms that determine search ranking?

Julia Kaplan, an expert in the field who has built an impressive specialization in search engine optimization and search engine marketing, met with us to discuss the ins and outs of this field. During the course of our conversation it became clear that there are some key questions and answers that shed some light on how to improve your site's search ranking.

She answers ten frequently-asked questions including how high your ranking really needs to be, how to mix and match the different ways to increase your site's ranking, and why today's ranking will probably change tomorrow. She explains the difference between SEO and SEM, and gives tips on how marketers and executives alike can increase the probability that future customers will click on your link.

Click here to request a copy of the article: Search Engine Optimization - We Ask the Expert.

New Partnerships


		Skyline Recruiting Corporation provides staffing and placement services to Silicon Valley's high-tech companies, with a particular focus on Engineering, Product Marketing and Product Development. Co-owner Gretchen Sand has generously shared her insights into how to adapt to your customers' needs while remaining true to your corporate values. See "The Adaptive Model" in the sidebar to the right.

		Several clients have asked us to source B2B email lists for "green" companies - either those that use new technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, or design, manufacture or install Green Technology. Tactical Contacts will debut its Green List on September 28 with information on carefully selected companies. To get a preview, click here. http://www.tacticalcontacts.com/The_Green_List_2009.html

About Candia Communications

Candia Communications LLC brings results-oriented marketing and sales assistance to companies around the world. We have helped companies fine-tune their business plans, determine market sizing, obtain funding, launch products and build momentum. Our assistance with PR, media and analyst relations and writing (web, collateral material, contributed articles, case studies and white papers) materially contributed to their success.

This year has brought us interesting clients in a variety of markets, including clean tech, mobile power, lab supplies and software, security, and complex event processing. Our work with companies in the federal arena continues to grow, and encompasses a wide variety of companies and markets. We continue to enhance our services and expand our reach through partnerships and collaboration.

For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.candiacomm.com


	Need a VP of Marketing but can't hire a full-time person right now? We can help! Cut costs and retain profits. Cost-effective marketing programs deliver results on a shoestring. Find out more. Need help with channel sales? Our hands-on approach builds a productive channel fast! Contact us for more information.

	Events


	On-Camera Media Training with CBS Reporter Sue Kwon We were privileged to sponsor a workshop on June 3 2009 with renowned reporter Sue Kwon. She explained how the media works today, what companies can do to get coverage, and the do's and don'ts of interviewing and relationship-building. We are working with Sue to schedule a similar session later this year. 2009 Doing it Right Silicon Valley Program - ASTIA We have joined the ASTIA Advisor Network, and will be serving as advisors to a company participating in the 2009 Doing it Right Silicon Valley program, to help entrepreneurs build successful companies. Hakone Estate & Gardens Autumn Opera Event Hakone is one of the nonprofits for which we do pro bono work. We project managed the Autumn Opera in the Gardens event on September 11, attended by more than 130 people including quite a few members of the media. Our pro bono work for nonprofits includes web, media outreach and promotion activities.

	The Adaptive Model


	Nimble. Agile. Flexible. Adaptive. We hear these terms all the time, but the truth behind them has never been quite so important. Gretchen Sand, Senior Partner at Skyline Recruiting, explains how you can and must adapt to your customer to create a true win-win. Read the highlights here, and the full article here. 1. Strategic Partnering. Make sure your clients understand and buy into the mutual benefit of a partnership. 2. Acceptable Arrangements: understand what has changed and establish a quid-pro-quo. 3. Committed Communication and Behavior: Regularly scheduled check-in meetings provide a vehicle for adapting to changing circumstances. Request Gretchen Sand's interesting article, "One Size Does Not Fit All" here.