Leading Web Solutions Provider Selects Independent Marketing Strategist as Small Business Blogger

Network Solutions® chooses Mayra Ruiz-McPherson as blogger for new blog GrowSmartBusiness.com

[ Herndon, Virginia ] April 6, 2009 — Independent digital marketer and blogger Mayra Ruiz-McPherson has agreed to serve as a small business blogger for the new Network Solutions site, GrowSmartBusiness.com. The site, launched March 2009, was created by Network Solutions to showcase the incredible resilience small businesses are demonstrating in the face of the economic recession as well as to uncover as-of-yet untold small business stories from the real-world trenches of entrepreneurship.

In addition to sharing small business “war” stories, GrowSmartBusiness.com also aims to keep the general public informed regarding the spirit, health and state of small business in light of recessionary challenges in the U.S. The findings of The Small Business Success Index survey, which was commissioned by Network Solutions and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, reveals that small businesses are succeeding despite the economic downturn.

“We are committed to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive by helping them establish and grow their businesses through online services that are supported by quality customer service,” said Roy Dunbar, Network Solutions CEO.

Dunbar and the company’s Social Media “Swami” Shashi Bellamkonda, selected digital marketer Ruiz-McPherson to spearhead much of the small business featured stories on the site’s new blog. “We are delighted to add Mayra to our team of bloggers,” says Bellamkonda. “In addition to providing a fresh, unique perspective, Mayra — as a sought-after publicist and marketer — has extensive experience telling and promoting the stories of others. Her passion for writing and effectively engaging an audience has been proven via several of her communications efforts including her marketing blogs and regular e-mail newsletter.”

Ruiz-McPherson is equally as enthusiastic to partner with Network Solutions in this capacity. “Network Solutions is all about helping small businesses succeed on the web,” says Ruiz-McPherson. “As a small business owner assisting other business owners with their digital marketing efforts day-in and day-out, this opportunity to highlight real-world small biz tales of resilience and perseverance couldn’t be a better match!”

About Network Solutions
Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Network Solutions® focuses on helping small businesses start and market their businesses on the Web, enabling them to realize their dreams of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, creativity, and financial independence. For more information, please visit www.networksolutions.com.

About Mayra Ruiz-McPherson
Mayra Ruiz-McPherson is a digital marketing strategist, publicity assistant and social media enthusiast with more than 14 years of working in the marketing trenches of business. As a marketing consultant and frequent presenter of social media marketing topics, Ms. Ruiz-McPherson works with multiple clients to solve their marketing and publicity challenges. For more information, please visit www.mayraruiz.com.