This is the time of year when many people reflect on past events and set goals for the coming months. We thought it would be interesting to take a look at the most popular B2i Today articles from the past year. Here is the content that B2i Today readers clicked to most frequently:

Educators and Social Networking
What does the latest research mean for companies that sell to the education market?
Up until now, very little has been known about how educators are using social networks and other collaborative technologies, and whether or not they see a value for education. During the November 4th webinar, marketers gained important insights about the different ways educators are using social media and how those differences impact marketing strategies. The information in the webinar was based on a joint research study conducted by edWeb.net, MMS Education, and MCH and investigated how K-12 teachers, principals, and librarians are using social networks.

Recession Resistant Marketing Webinar & White Paper
After the December 2008 MCH webinar, 90% of the survey respondents said they would change their marketing strategies based on the information presented. Were your strategies aligned properly? Did you capitalize on new opportunities in the marketplace?

Jill Watson, Marketing Coordinator with EBSCO told us she used information from MCH webinars and white papers to help her clients learn how to market more effectively to institutions. We'd like to hear your story. Call Jackie Finnegan at 1-800-776-6373 x170 to share how B2i strategies helped you survive in 2009.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health Care by Dr. Edwin Long
The debate about health care reform garners daily attention. MCH's Chairman of the Board, Dr. Edwin Long, is also a renowned surgeon who has written a book with a prescription for America's ailing health care system.

In light of the current discussions, we wanted to give everyone an opportunity to view Dr. Long's book as a free and downloadable PDF. There were more than 47 million Americans without health care coverage in 2006 while those with health care coverage questioned the quality and price of care received. In the book, Dr. Long discusses universal health care, the present health care system, and possible solutions.

In the introduction, Dr. Long writes, "As a retired physician with no agenda and no financial support from any organization, I have attended many high-level conferences around the nation where all points of view about our health care future were aired and debated. As I listened, one thing became clear to me. As a leading nation, it is unacceptable that the United States lets almost 50 percent of its population fend for itself in terms of health care and staying healthy. Other nations can guarantee health care for all their citizens. It is my conviction that we can do it too."

Dr. Edwin Long and his wife Mary brought their extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry to MCH when they took early retirement in 1988 to manage the daily operations of MCH. Dr. Long was CEO of MCH from 1988 to 1996 and has served as Chairman of the Board since 1996.

Click here to download a PDF of Dr. Long's book, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health Care.

B2B Growth Markets webinar
John Hood and Kirk Chritton provided marketers with strategies to build on in 2009. They shared the key differences between businesses and institutions and how those differences impact B2B marketers. If you missed the webinar, you can still take advantage of the information we shared.

Click here to listen to the webinar.
Click here to download a PDF of the presentation.

Silverpop Survey – SPAM: What Do Consumers Really Think?
The survey provided surprising insights regarding what consumers believe happens when the spam button is clicked. It is not surprising that the ultimate power over your email marketing efforts rests with your recipients. Silverpop provided the following strategies to reduce spam complaints:

• Don't delay in sending an email after opt-in.
• Only send what they ask for.
• Provide a clear and easy-to-use, opt-out mechanism.
• Don't send too often or too infrequently.
• Make sure subscribers recognize your message.
• Practice good list hygiene.

Who Are the Sales People in Your Organization?
Excerpts from NSSEA Essentials Article by Nancy Friedman.

Remember, you only get four to six seconds to make a great first impression on a call.

• Answer your phone with your name-no matter how high up the ladder you are. 
• Don't ever be "too busy to be nice." If you sound "too busy" you'll turn your callers off. 
• We are customers to each other. Treat your co-workers with the same respect that you treat your customers.
• Return all phone calls or have them returned in your behalf. 
• Tell vendors when you don't want to hear from them. Salespeople appreciate direction.

BudgetAware™ Bulletin
In May, MCH provided updated information about state budget shortfalls and the measures being taken to close deficits. We found that most states balanced their FY2009 budgets by using government transfers and stimulus funds while implementing hiring freezes and cost reductions. The BudgetAware™ Bulletin has been a tool used by many clients this year. We're currently conducting the research necessary to prepare an update. Watch for an announcement in the first quarter of 2010.

Education Market Snapshot
Our panel of education administrators shared their insight regarding school spending and the impact of ARRA stimulus funding. We received feedback that you liked the "honest talk from two decision-makers in the trenches" and that "two educators…helped us see both ends of the spectrum." The economy is still fragile, state budgets are uncertain, and ARRA funding is still being disbursed. We're planning a follow-up Education Market Snapshot webinar for 2010 to find out how schools and educators are faring.

Click here to listen to the webinar.
Click here to download a PDF of the presentation.