Seeds for Success: A Dapple update from Scott Smigler

Scott Smigler, Internet marketing expert

Seeds For Success finalist Dana Rubinstein has had the opportunity to work with Internet marketing expert Scott Smigler of Exclusive Concepts since the beginning of the finalist phase. As we move closer to the selection of the winner, Scott has closely monitored Dana's progress as she grows her business, Dapple. Here is Scott's most recent update:

Integrity and Entrepreneurship

The meaning of the word "integrity" may vary from person to person, but I understand it to mean something very specific: Acting in a way that is consistent with your values.

This can manifest itself in many ways. Individuals who value honesty can make a practice of always being truthful, even when it isn't easy. Individuals who value time with their family can ensure that they regularly set aside time to be with their parents, children, siblings and relatives...

... and individuals who say they value entrepreneurship can take a risk and join or start a new business that acts in accordance with everything else they value.

I am pleased to say that through the Yahoo! Seeds for Success program I have had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs who are willing to put themselves out on a limb in order to create businesses that enhance their lives, their family's lives, and the lives of individuals all around the world who can benefit from their products and services.

I have been assigned as Dapple's Internet Marketing mentor from the beginning, and I have watched them mature an idea into a product, a product into a brand, and a brand-new business into what now has the potential to become a significant company that services parents throughout the world.

Dana and Tamar worked with us to get their new website and web marketing strategy launched very quickly. We built the website on Yahoo! Merchant Solutions so they could transact business online while humanizing their company and showcasing their products in a positive light. We used Search Engine Optimization and Yahoo! Search Marketing to position them well in search engines for their brand and product names. We used social networks to bring hundreds of their supporters together under one roof... and that's just the start. Simultaneously, Dapple built a number of strategic relationships with important online and offline channels. There's a lot more great news, but I'll let Dana and Tamar fill you in when it's appropriate.

I'm impressed by Dana and Tamar not only because they are smart, dedicated business women, but because they have remained true to their principles throughout this entire process. There were promises that Dana and Tamar made to their customers before the Yahoo! Seeds for Success program started, and Zeus himself could not have compelled them to renege.