Arizona’s technology industry has been expanding, but you might be wondering how to best connect, network and grow your business within this industry…

The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) is a non-profit association that was founded to connect professionals within the Arizona technology sector. It offers networking opportunities, educational events and support.

There are two AZTC events that you should not miss…

1. 2010 Marketing Technology Summit: Co-hosted by the Business Marketing Association (BMA) and AZTC. This event provides an opportunity for members to showcase their products and services. There will be exhibitors and educational breakout sessions. The event is Thursday, September 23, 2010.
2. Arizona Technology Council’s Lunch and Learn is a semi-monthly program hosted by a member of AZTC. Both AZTC members and non-members learn about a theme or product from a variety of industries, while enjoying lunch and networking with other business professionals.

Be sure register for Best Practices for Improved Sales and Marketing Alignment, presented by Loop Demand Gen. This Lunch and Learn is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

At Canyon, we have come to realize that Technology + Strategy = Success!

Have you heard about SEO? What about ROI? If you haven’t, I don’t know what rock you’ve been hiding under. Chances are you’ve heard these acronyms a lot lately. And, hopefully you’re thinking about the two together. If not, you should.

Your website ROI depends a great deal on your SEO investment. “If you build it, they will come” does not apply to your website.

If you build it, optimize it and consistently create new content, they will come. That’s what SEO does. By identifying the proper, targeted keyphrases and using them correctly on your website, you’ll improve your search ranking and more prospective customers will come.

But, the question is…what will they do when they get there?

If you invest in SEO copywriting, you’ll have a better chance of getting your prospect to take the next step. Delivering website ROI means that prospects not only get to your site, but also they do what you want them to when they get there—they call you for more information, go to another page for details, download a white paper or even buy your product. But, you have to tell them what you want them to do.

So, invest in the science and art that is SEO copywriting. Your return will be a website that is targeted, informative, persuasive, highly readable and most importantly converts your prospects.

Being an artist, I’m influenced by so many things. It’s the combination of these things that keeps my head thinking of all sorts of creative ideas that I can use on a daily basis.

Every once in a while however, we all run into major “creative block” and feel stuck and we’re not able to create new insightful work. Whenever we run into these blocks, it’s always helpful to be reminded of what inspires us.

I came across an influence map online the other day and decided to make my own. Influence maps can be made out of anything—artist’s work, music, paintings, movies etc. I suggest that everyone try making one of these, in case the ol creative block rears its ugly head.

What other ways do you keep your creativity in your industry flowing?

Hard to imagine isn’t it? What would we do without Facebook? Hmm, let me think about that for a few milliseconds…

Oh, I know, how about talk to someone! Meet a friend for coffee. Try visiting a neighbor you’ve been meaning to meet. What about an act of kindness like taking some homemade cookies to a local fire station or maybe even plan some quality time with your family. Or even better, put down that phone, refrain from texting, tweeting or even chatting on Facebook and intentionally connect face-to-face with someone.

Impossible you say? Not according to Facebook. Wednesday, August 25 is the National Facebook Fast. Facebook is encouraging everyone to do just that—connect face-to-face.

What does this have to do with B2B communications? It’s a new idea called ‘Personal Touch.’ Okay, so the idea might not be new, but when was the last time you took the time to reach out and connect with your clients in a new and personal way?

Not sure what you can do. Be creative and have fun with it. Still not sure? Then call Canyon, we’ve got plenty of great ideas for you to reach out to your current clients and prospects you’ve been trying to reach.

So don’t forget, no Facebook on August 25, 2010—call a friend or Canyon instead…480-775-8880. We would even love to meet for lunch.

The funny part about this is that you use Facebook to invite people to this. I guess we can’t live without it after all.