Email marketing is one of the most effective and inexpensive digital marketing techniques available to businesses today. It has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) in the marketing arsenal. According to the Direct Marketing Association in 2010, email marketing returned and average of $42 for every dollar spent. (Keep in mind that this is an average generated from a survey of top rated corporate marketing departments. )

Before you get going with email marketing you should do at least three things. Even before you select an email marketing service provider. These tasks should be done as part of your initial research. From these tasks you should be put on the right path to begin email marketing.

Have a favorite author? You may find them on Google Plus. Below is a list of authors that have written books related to marketing in today's digital economy. As you visit their profiles, take a look at what they have shared. If you like what you see, add them to one of your Google+ circles. Chances are, these authors will have more to share that goes beyond the book they have written.

Recently, Mother Nature has brought North Carolina some pretty challenging weather. From hurricanes to tornados and blizzards to ice storms, the chances of having the power knocked out is very likely making it difficult to get a weather report or other critical information. With the proliferation of smart phones, like the Apple's iPhone and phones using Google's Android OS, getting access to visually critical information has become accessible. Below, I have shared three Android Apps that I have used to stay informed about the weather.

Google+ is a new social networking "layer" from Google. I say layer because it's a augmented Google experience. Google put some great thought into it and has actively and publicly made efforts to improve the bugs that can only become visible when people are invited to use it. They have done this by being publicly available in Google+ and have allowed users to add them to their circles.

If you know me, you know that I enjoy exploring new platforms and checking out how they can be used to make new connections with interesting people and build upon one's digital reputation. Google+ makes this very easy but you should be aware of a few things before you jump in and start adding people to your circles. Here are three tips to help you as you get started with Google+.

Today, my new segment on My Carolina Today aired. I spoke with with Sharon Delaney NBC17 in Raleigh about three mobile apps that can help manage a small business. Check out the video below and let me know what you think.

Sometime last week LinkedIn's Groups product team made a significant change to group member communications. They have made it even more difficult for those that share a group to message other group members that may be in their second and third degree networks. Now you are required to go to the Member tab to locate the group member to send a message.