The dearth of professional development opportunities is a long-standing complaint among Maine marketers. Is the problem actually the lack of opportunities or are we simply unaware of what exists?

As the Back Lot Tour Coordinator for the Maine Marketing Association, it goes without saying that I love touring local businesses and having a Q&A session with the firm's marketing manager. [Our next Backlot Tour, entitled "Exploring E-Commerce," is at Cuddledown on October 3rd in Portland - - www.mainemarketingassociation.com]

What is your favorite way to keep up to date in the field of marketing? Please add to the list of opportunities that I've started below. Let us know if your recommendation is better suited for someone who wants to learn marketing basics or an experienced marketer who wants to keep current.

Competitive advantage is something many organizations of all sizes and industries would point to as important in order for them to be successful. Having competitive advantage can be about having services, products or processes that separate your organization from the others who are trying to reach your target customers.

Does anyone else think this is the whackiest marketing idea of the year? CBS is planning to do a major investment in egg marketing. They’ve announced for their fall campaign that they’re placing laser imprints of its trademark eye insignia and show logos on eggs….35 million of them! Have mercy on those chickens!

Effectively communicating clear and memorable messages is becoming more and more challenging in this ever-changing and fragmented marketing environment.

Learn how to develop messages that will stand out and effective ways to reach your target market at the Maine Marketing Association's fall seminar. "Right on! Staying on message no matter what: Crafting and communicating effective messages that will break through the clutter" will take place on October 17th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Glickman Family Library on the University of Southern Maine's Portland campus.

My last blog entry encouraged marketers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tell consumers of their efforts. A reader correctly cautioned marketers to beware of greenwashing.

What is greenwashing? It's when your claims of environmental-friendliness outstrip the reality of your environmental impact. It's selling the sizzle without the veggie burger.