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 say about us "A business is only as good as its clients say it is""I've been privileged to know Ken McCarthy for nine years. I am a fan of his thinking and writing, and find him to be a great sounding board for ideas. I can always count on Ken to look at a problem from all angles. The over-used phrase, "out of the box thinking," really does describe how Ken's mind seems to work, so he's hard to beat if creativity is what you want. Ken is strong in nuts and bolts practicality as well. For example, he introduced us to a talented media professional who has turned out to be one of the firm's most important hires of the last five years. He also gently prodded us into expanding the range of services we offer. What began as one employee experiment has evolved into an entire department to the benefit of both our clients and our bottom line."
Ed Niehaus
Reviewing an historic presentation about the web Ken gave in San Francisco in 1994: "This was a great talk for 1994, and it would still be a good talk today. Most people still don't get the points you made..." - April 27, 2000
Jakob Nielsen, Ph.D. "Jakob Nielsen knows more about what makes Web sites work than anyone else on the planet." Chicago Tribune.
"Netscape has had several opportunities to work with Ken McCarthy, including having Marc Andreessen as a keynote speaker at one of the first conferences focused on the Web as a viable business tool. We have enjoyed our relationship with Ken thoroughly."
Rosanne Siino
"...Hotwired's been credited with popularizing many of today's commonly accepted Web advertising practices - "banner ads" and "click through rates" for example - to the business world. I credit Ken McCarthy with introducting me to the whole notion that the Web could be a viable place for advertising. I attended a talk of his in the early summer of 1994 where he not only predicted the evolution of the Web with uncanny accuracy, but also put the Web in a larger historical context in a most unique and fascinating way."
Rick Boyce
"Ken's been a regular speaker at my marketing conferences since 1993 and Amacord's been managing our web site since 1995. As people who know me well can tell you, I'm not easy on vendors and I don't recommend experts, service providers, and speakers lightly. Many are called, few make the cut. Fewer still are invited back again and again. I've been so impressed with Ken's mastery of marketing that I've included examples of his ad writing in my books and courses. His involvement in the Internet business dates back to 1993 and he has consistently given his clients (including me and dozens of my clients who I've recommended to him) straight, no nonsense advice in a field that is overrun with hype and false promises. I know that there is a lot of interest in e-marketing. I have bought materials from, talked with, met with and checked out over 30 different "Internet Marketing Gurus" over the past year or so - and have had very lucrative offers made to me to endorse or partner with them. I'm sticking with Ken. If you are interested in e-marketing straight talk, he's the guy you want to talk to. My highest recommendation." Dan Kennedy, "How to Make Millions with Your Ideas," "The Ultimate Marketing Plan Book," "The Ultimate Sales Letter Book," "How to Succeed by Breaking All the Rules," and "The Ultimate No BS Sales Success Book."
"When I'm working with Amacord, they make me feel like I'm their only client." John Sadler
" I connected with Ken when he was in the process of organizing a conference with Marc Andreessen on what, at the time, seemed a rather "far out" idea: commercial publishing on the World Wide Web. As far as I know, it was the first conference ever devoted exclusively to this topic and it was certainly the first one offered to the Bay Area's cutting edge digeratti community. In a region with more new media visionaries than any other place on earth, Ken has been one of the very first to grasp and articulate the significance that the World Wide Web would have on all of us."
Hal Jospehson,
"I've known Ken McCarthy since 1985 when he was offering some very insightful and inspiring courses on educational psychology in New York City. In fact, I was so impressed by his work that I cited him along with Buckminster Fuller, Alvin Toffler, and others as a source for my book "Peak Learning" (Tarcher, 1991) I therefore wasn't at all surprised that Ken became involved in the Internet in 1993 and dedicated himself to making it comprehensible for innovative educators and small business people. I recently had the opportunity to avail myself of his consulting services regarding my web site. As I said to him in a follow up e-mail: "Hail Master!" I can't remember the last time I received such a flood of immediately useful, on-target advice from any consultant in any field. If you have an opportunity to work with him, don't hesitate." Ronald Gross, Chair, University Seminar on Innovation,
"Thank you for your consultation. Your experience and insight helped me get through a labyrinth of issues. Without your guidance, I would have been trapped in a dead end -- for sure." Mike Bergida
"I learned more about Internet marketing in 15 minutes with Ken McCarthy than I learned since first signing on to the Internet in '93. Not only that, he also gave me some excellent general marketing advice and pointed out some resources to help my business grow. If you have a chance to get some of his time, grab it. The return on investment is phenomenal!
Mark Heatley
I originally went to Ken McCarthy for what I thought would be some routine Internet advice. He was recommeded by Dan S. Kennedy, who calls Ken the only expert on the internet he trusts. Soon, I found out why. First, he insisted I explain what I hoped to accomplish with my venture. I confess that I thought this was a waste of time. However, under his gentle but persistent questioning, the fundamental flaws in my business plan became obvious. I had been on the verge of wasting a huge amount of time and money going down a blind alley! But Ken didn't leave it at that. He helped redirect my focus on another opportunity, one much closer at hand that I had already had some success with but was risking by diluting my attention on other projects. Not only that, he directed me to a potential partner who knows my field and has the skills I need to take my business to a higher level. Most Internet consultants would have been hard at work selling me an expensive package on my first flawed idea without a care in the world as to whether it would benefit me or not. Instead Ken treated me like a valued friend. I'm glad I ran into him and I give him my highest possible recommendation to anyone who is looking for Internet services or business advice. I personally feel you can't go wrong with his advice. Barry A. S. Lycka BSC MD FRCP
Today, with everyone and their brother touting themselves as "Internet Marketing Gurus" there is one individual I've discovered who cuts through the hype, hoopla and B.S. surrounding the Internet. This man has consistently guided me towards the most common sense, effective and economical ways to use the Internet to build my business. His name? Ken McCarthy. I rely on his savvy advice before considering any Internet marketing strategy. I've also used his company, Amacord, as my web site designers and managers because they understand what it takes to actually make a profit on the Net when you're in the real world and not backed by an endless amount of VC money. I really can't say enough about the support and quick response I get from them, especially Bettina, my web site designer. All my questions and concerns are always answered immediately. Which leaves me free to focus my energies on marketing and growing my business instead of concerning myself with the technology and programming. Bottom line is this: if you're looking for a way to make the Web work for your business I suggest you talk with Ken McCarthy. Period. End of story!
Yanik Silver
"Dear Ken, I would like you to know that I highly recommend all of your web services to anyone considering the Internet for their future or existing business. From the very first time we contacted you, we have found you to be very prompt and helpful along each step of the way as we created a web site from scratch. You helped us to see the real risks and potential of our project. It makes all the difference in the world to go into a project with intelligent information as to what the real world business risks are. I would highly recommend that everyone considering a new web business or project use your research / investigation services to help them see beyond their own preconceived reasons as to why they can not fail. Like every other business, the more you know about the competition and the market place and the potential customers the better your chances of succeeding. The combination of your advice, programing and expert staff's hard work have made our web site work better than sites I have seen that cost their owners 10 times what you charged to get us up and open for business. I would highly recommend that anybody who wants to get the best value and highest chance of successfully starting and operating a website, choose to work with Amacord every step of the journey, from idea conception to successful web business. Please feel free to have your future prospects contact me as a reference for the Internet work you have done for us."
Warren Ross "Dear Ken, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! I'm extremely happy with my new web site. I still can't believe how great it looks! Plus, it cost me a fraction of what I've spent with a previous web builder. My new site Kicks Big Time Butt compared to what I had. Not only was your company a breeze to work with, but you got the job done faster than I expected. The best part was that you charged me a fraction of what I'd been charged elsewhere. You answered all my questions and gave me real world marketing advice I could use. I'm totally blown away at the results. All I can says is , if anyone plans on setting up a web site and not hire you, they're nuts and they'll probably get taken for a ride! Thanks again," John Rubio "I run a profitable Virtual Store (www.cmpexpress.com) selling computer hardware and software, and am a speaker at trade shows on how to make money on the Internet, I was excited to see some valuable material on promoting our site that I was not familiar with. The Internet has been a fantastic tool for our company to attract additional business, and the information in your manual is complete, precise and accurate. You give the truth about how to be successful on the Internet. Congratulations on a job well done and keep up the good work". Bryn Kaufman - President (Sells over $1,000,000 worth of computers per month via the Net. Sold his company to outpost.com) "Hi Ken, Thanks for all your help the last two and a half years. Although I knew very little about the Internet when you and I first met, your clear, patient explanations really helped me jump right in the new medium with confidence. Brian and Bettina were both wonderful too as they took care f all the HTML programming details needed to get my business web site up and running --and taught me quite a lot of HTML in the process. As I've gotten more and more familiar with the Internet, I've been amazed to see just how many companies really do not understand Internet marketing and how it is different from marketing in other, more traditional media. Even now, it appears to me that the basic majority of companies on the Internet are still making the kind of basic Internet marketing mistakes that you warned me about back in 1995. Every time I get on the Internet I encounter:
When I see such examples of Internet marketing mistakes I am very grateful to have been guided by your company's considerable expertise in marketing and the Internet and, especially, how marketing on the Internet is completely different from marketing in other media. Thanks again for all your help. Because of your Internet marketing savvy, great customer service, and reasonable price, I feel like Amacord is a great asset to any company trying to use the Interest as part of an overall marketing plan." Kelly Dunagan "With all the hype and conflicting information out there, it was refreshing to get solid information, clearly presented, and that struck a realistic balance between the technical and practical. The information you covered will help me get my business operation on the "net" far more quickly and cost effectively than would have ever been the case without this seminar. For anyone considering using the Internet as a medium for business, your seminar will prove well worth the investment. You provided the unvarnished truth in a straight-forward easy to absorb format."
Kevin Gahagan "Dear Ken, I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated your services so far. When I first spoke with you last spring, I was at first concerned about the monthly fee but realized that if the services you provide were as useful s you claimed, that it would be well worth it. Though I was only looking for a web designer at the time, the fact that you could host the site, and provide valuable insight into Internet marketing, made the decision to choose you a lot easier. And I'm very glad I did. Your and Bettina's help in getting my site designed and re-designed has been invaluable. What I am trying to do with my site is not easy, and I need all the good help I can get. Your knowledge of marketing and the Internet are just an added benefit to your other services. And most importantly, your desire to help each client succeed on the Internet is most reassuring. Your advice has certainly helped me understand what I have to do to market my services successfully. I look forward to a continuing relationship with your company." Chuck Williams, Owner "Dear Ken, I recently ordered one of Dan Kennedy's products which was a tape set of his last Super Conference. Along with that Dan also sent me a copy of your report "Everything That's Important About Running A Business On The World Wide Web" etc. You were featured on one of those tapes and I have to say that I probably gleaned more from listening to your half-hour presentation than I have from reading most books by so-called "experts" n the subject of the Internet. Having listened to the tape and read the report I was impressed by the way you deliver your information about the Internet. You present and teach it in an easy to understand non-technical way, which is exactly what I've been looking for. I also like the fact that you've been using the Internet to make money and that you have been extraordinarily successful at it." Regards, "Amacord has a totally different approach versus other Internet consultants. First, they educated me on Internet reality which is totally different than media hype. Second, they were clear about what needed to be done and why. Our website was up and running in a matter of days and it was so easy." John Sadler "You are opening my eyes to new ways of promoting myself using the Internet. I really don't know much about being on-line, using e-mail or just searching the web for information. You break down all the "stuff" that is out there and give me the "this is all you need to know" parts for my business. We are just in the beginning stages of our relationship, but it is amazing how much I already trust you and your advice. When my business associates hear that I'm using the Internet they want to give me their "so called" advice. I politely hear what they have to say and then e-mail your office for the real answers. " Chauncey Hutter, Jr. "Amacord has been extremely accommodating - and affordable - in helping our company develop a presence on the Internet. Through the help of their staff I've been able to pinpoint more accurately what can and cannot be done on the Internet to sell our very expensive international video products. They are always available to answer questions and help in any way. " Tim Carr Now an executive at AOL "The aspect I have enjoyed most in my dealings with E-Media (Amacord) is their genuine concern for the customer. They make sure that the website represents the customer properly, and they bend over backwards to meet customer needs. I have seen them carefully schedule their work around estimated completion time we gave them. When things went awry on our side and we could not give them certain materials on time, they still met the deadlines they had promised us based on our original planning. We are pleased to have Amacord as our website "home," and I can heartily recommend Amacord to other companies and organizations stepping out into the World Wide Web." Lawrence A. Walker "Amacord built the web site for our organization, the Northern California Direct Marketing Club. We were very pleased with the speed and ease with which it went up, and the quality of the attention and work we received. Ken McCarthy of Amacord also conducted a seminar about business on the Internet for our group which is made up of experienced professionals in the direct marketing industry. He offered a wealth of practical information which was very well received. Based on the enthusiastic response of the audience, the seminar could have easily gone on another hour or more. As president of the Direct Marketing Club for 7 years, I've worked with a large number of guest speakers and I would rank Ken's presentation among the best we've hosted". Walter D. Abraham "I entered Amacord's workshop in absolute confusion on the processes of the Worldwide Web and the balance of Internet activities. The clear and concise outline presented by Ken McCarthy has put me on track to master the traffic lanes of the Super Highway. I can now readily determine B.S. ..hype from what is really practical and do-able in cyberspace. The fortunate few attendees at this workshop session are now 90-95% ahead of other cyberspace consultants who are without this insight. I highly recommend Ken's workshop for anyone seriously interested in mastering the intricacies of this exciting new medium". Anthony Gray "Your course provided me with a solid, basic, no hype, educational, easy to understand "how to" do business on the Internet. It left me feeling like I really know what's going on. I now see a lot of 'snake oil' sellers out there who just want my money and not my business. Shortly after attending your workshop, I attended a free "Doing business on the Internet' workshop which was just a cover for selling their 'I-Mall" home pages and services. I was just sick at the prices they were charging and what they were saying to sell their pitch to the attendees. I wanted to stand up and tell every one how to do it without all of this non-sense that was being said. Thanks to you I am Internet Wise". Normand Marchessault, EA "Thank you for your incredibly valuable course on the Internet. Even though I read several books before coming, I did not feel I really knew much about setting up a good site. You went through a lot of material but I never felt that this procedure was complicated. Getting our questions answered was a big part of that. On the airline trip home I studied the manual. You weren't kidding when you said, "Everything we need to know is in the manual". Nancy Patterson "I came to the seminar to: (1) See if I could trust you (2) Figure out if anyone besides "Internet consultants" are making money on the Internet (3) Find out what I actually do need to know and what I don't need to know about the Internet (4)What I should do next, if anything for my own business regarding the Internet. So how'd you do? (1) I found you to be honest and real (2) Good examples of "regular businesses" making money on the Internet (3) You were good at avoiding technobabble. I learned enough to "defend myself" against an Internet consultant who called me at the business today ( I actually knew to ask if he was an ISP or not...I impressed myself. With the knowledge you provided I know I won't be suckered into wasting money on useless Internet crap...that knowledge alone was worth the price of admission and airfare. I also liked your solid grounding in the direct response industry...made you all more believable for me". 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