Our 5 Favorite Email Marketing Platforms
Send, convert, profit.
Whether you have a business in place or just the inkling of an idea, it’s never too early (or late) to beef up your communication with customers. Long gone are the days of spending money on print ads. With the creation of email, it has never been easier to find someone looking to buy what you’re selling.
These five email marketing sites are just waiting to help you and your business connect with that next dream client.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp was made for getting your feet wet. You can start using the site free of charge if you have 2000 subscribers or less. As your contacts list grows, you can upgrade your account at any time to either the Grow or Pro Plan without affecting your existing account. Mailchimp offers unique and easy-to-use design templates as well as Facebook and Instagram ads to match. If you’re still into physical mail, they also have a postcard option, so your customers’ mailboxes can get some love, too.
HubSpot
HubSpot believes in businesses building better relationships with their customers, which is why they offer a completely free option known as HubSpot CRM (customer relationship management). It offers the ability to email up to one million contacts, so you never have to worry about outgrowing it. While HubSpot CRM remains free forever, you can build upon it with any (or all) of the three extensions: Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, or Service Hub. HubSpot also offers Instagram and Facebook ads along with their emails.
Constant Contact
Constant Contact not only formats emails for desktop, they also have your phone in mind (because let’s be honest, we all check email on our phones). With templates for both desktop and phone, you can easily personalize your emails to look professional and enticing on all sorts of devices. While it only offers a 60-day free trial, the most basic plan on the site starts at $20 a month. Want to make your subscribers feel like family? There’s also the option of sending out specialized emails for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Drip
Drip sells itself as the first e-commerce customer relationship manager, and it focuses on how best to get a customer to buy your product. With multiple app integrations, Drip can be tailored to meet your needs. Individualized messages can be sent to customers to help build meaningful relationships, as well as specialized Facebook ads and postcards. Drip’s basic plan starts at $49 a month and can support up to 2,500 subscribers.
SendinBlue
SendinBlue will help you create the professional newsletter of your dreams. Simply drag and drop the sleek and clean design blocks to create your own template. The system uses an algorithm to help you send emails out at the best time for each of your customers, so you reach them when it’s most convenient for them (and effective for you). SendinBlue’s free plan allows you to send 300 emails a day and is GDRP compliant as of May 2018.
Do you have another favorite email marketing service? Share with us in the comments!
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The 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know About Gen Z
You can't just make stuff, you have to stand for something.
For the last decade Millennial has been the word on every marketer's tongue. The most studied generation in history, they have been prodded and dissected, widely discussed and harangued for navel gazing tendencies and pursuit of dreams.
But not anymore! The hot seat is ready and waiting for Gen Z, the group born 1995 to present, which currently outnumbers Millennials by about 1 million in the United States. Hardly a carbon copy of what came before, in many ways Gen-Zers are the opposites or extreme versions of Millennials. They grew up during Occupy Wall Street, the Recession, and have had tech at their fingertips since birth.
Here are some of the current most important #facts about the Gen Z.
THEY ARE FRUGAL
Raised during the Recession by parents who felt the pressure of a weak economy, Gen Z is on top of where and how they are spending money.
Currently they are spending less than Millennials and are less concerned with buying labels.
BUT THEY LIKE GOOD VALUE
They may not be spending as much, but they are spending smart. The average Gen-Zer gets a weekly allowance of about $16, so they have some buying power.
It's also why brands like Spirit Airlines are preparing for Gen Z to become the dominant group of travelers by rebranding itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier. The airline is offering bargain basement fares with zero frills. Gen Z is willing to accept less, but they want to know exactly what they are getting.
Especially if it means flying from NY to SF for less than 200 bucks.
THEY DON'T TRUST BRANDS
Gen Z has grown up in an age where all information is available. Blogs that take apart brands and online reviews that don't skimp of the dirty details of products.
Emerson Spartz, CEO of the digital media company Dose told Fast Company, "They have the strongest bullshit filter because they've grown up in an era where information was available at all times."
What they've seen, from the latest Wells Fargo scandal to the VW emissions issue is that big brands are not to be trusted and brands will have to work hard to earn Gen Z's affection and loyalty.
THEY DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH
No information is secret. If a brand thinks they can pull the wool over Gen Z, they should think again. This is the generation that grew up with technology. They know how to price compare, they know how to sniff out a deal, a rat, or a scam, and they are more comfortable in front of a computer than any previous generation.
That means if you're offering "the lowest fare" you better be able to back it up or Gen Z will take their business elsewhere.
THEY DO TRUST PEOPLE
While they are wary of brands, they are less wary of individuals. Gen-Zers are more likely to convert when they see one of their favorite social media influencers partnering with a brand.
Steven Lammertink, the founder and CEO of the Cirqle, told Fast Company, "Generation Z is more willing to hear a brand's story when it is part of a narrative their peer is already telling."
Loud, in-your-face marketing is a thing of the past too. They like more subtle messaging. It's why brands are banking on major social media influencer deals.
"Brands are banking on major social media influencer deals."
Tweet this.
Bloggers like Aimee Song who landed an unprecedented paycheck for being the face of Laura Mercier.
AUTHENTICITY IS KEY
Even though they understand that these are paid opportunities, they believe that social media influencers are making conscious decisions about who they partner with.
Influencers like Ingrid Nilsen who has said that "You have to know where you stand and what you feel comfortable with. Sometimes what I’m comfortable with is being uncomfortable," she says, "especially if it means that I’m moving in the direction of emotional bravery."
It's sentiments like this that make Gen Zers trust people over brands.
THEY DON'T WANT TO BE WALKING ADVERTISEMENTS
Logo mania is over, for now.
It's why fashion brands like American Eagle Outfitters have seen sales and profits rise, where other major retailers are struggling. Gone are the eagle logos and they are promoting their new look on street-wear Instagram's like hypebeast.
That's not to say it doesn't come with pushback. Commenters were quick to point out that the pic was paid for. (See: they do they own research.)
SELFIES ASIDE, THEY AREN'T NAVEL GAZERS
They've heard the stats, the know the realities. 2015's graduating class was the most indebted in history and 2016's is primed to follow in its path. For Gen Z, college is less a time about self discovery and more the time to really hone in on their future. They don't have time to pussy foot around.
"For Gen Z, college is less a time about self discovery and more the time to really hone in on their future."
Tweet this.
That means, internships during college and working to make sure they land jobs after college. If Millennials were the generation to take a semester off, Gen-Zers might be the one to graduate a semester early.
They are highly competitive and know that the job market is still rough. They also have major concerns about higher education. Sixty-six percent of Gen-Zers say their number one concern is drowning in college debt, and 75% say there are ways of getting a good education besides going to college.
THEY AREN'T LURED BY "NEW" TECH
That line around the block for the new iPhone 7? Maybe don't except Gen Zers to be in it. For Gen Z, tech is more of a tool and less of an obsession. They aren't quite of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" squad, but they also don't JUMP on a new, very expensive new tech toy simply because it's new. They grew up with this stuff and aren't WOW'd by tech that works pretty much like old tech.
They're more savvy and they shop smarter.
YOU CAN'T JUST MAKE STUFF, YOU HAVE TO STAND FOR SOMETHING
They don't need brands to build communities, they can do that themselves. And they don't need brands to create their identify, they've got that on lock. But they do want brands that align with their modern values and ethics.
What research has shown is that Gen Z is the least judgmental and most open-minded of all generations. They were born into Obama's Presidency. Gay marriage will be the norm over their lifetime and they've seen more women in power than any previous generation. They are less concerned with putting people in boxes and diversity matters.
They want the freedom to be themselves and will support brands that get that.
What are some ways you're incorporating Gen Z into your business plans? Share in the comments below!
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12 Questions to Ask Yourself to Unearth Your Life's Mission
Turn your passion into purpose.
"What’s your overall goal?”
It's the first question I ask any entrepreneur, client, friend, (just about anyone) who is in the midst of a career transition or looking to start or grow a venture. I follow it up with, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Life-wise.” The question is basic and BIG.
But answering that question, or at the very least attempting to answer that question, creates clarity; crystal clear or not, it's an important step in the right direction to figuring out Life with a capital "L." And guess what? Your business is part of that Life. So before nailing down a business mission, start with your life goals.
You don’t have to have the destination 100% set (if you do, awesome) but you do need a map so that when you get lost or head down a path less traveled and find yourself in parts unknown (which, is inevitable and healthy) you have a map to consult--to help you redirect and continue on.
Answer these 12 BIG LIFE questions and you'll find that in the process you'll get further clarity on your business mission as well.
1. Visualize yourself in 10 years. What do you see for yourself? What/who do you see yourself surrounded with? What do you see yourself doing?
2. What do you feel the most fearful of right now?
3. What are you willing to sacrifice to stay true to you? What are you okay saying “no” to?
4. What areas of your life are humming?
5. What areas of your life do you want to make changes in?
6. What do you wish you were doing more of that makes you happy?
7. What kinds of problems do you enjoy solving the most?
8. What about you makes you uniquely you?
9. What are your values?
10. Who are some other people in your life that you admire? Why?
11.What are some commonalities in the people that you are drawn to?
12. What aspects of who you are do people find energizing?
Alison Gilbert is a business coach and consultant. She’s helped over a dozen owners and entrepreneurs grow profitable businesses quickly and efficiently, including such companies as Well+Good, Levo League, Maiyet and Plum Alley. Prior to building her consultancy she was hire number four and COO of food media company Tasting Table where she grew it into a forty person team reaching a readership of millions. Visit her site and schedule a free consultation.
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Looking Back on 2018—Our Best Year Yet!
BEST. YEAR. EVER.
Thanks to all of you, 2018 was our BEST. YEAR. EVER. Your passion inspired our small-but-mighty team to bring you the biggest and best events we’ve ever hosted, and Create & Cultivate is forever changed because of all of you. Below, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite moments from 2018. Can’t wait to see where you all take us in 2019!
1. Create & Cultivate 100
Back in January, we kicked off the year by introducing you to 100 badass women in everything from music and entertainment to STEM and entrepreneurship. We were so inspired to start off our year by sharing their amazing stories!
2. Create & Cultivate LA
We were so excited to reveal our panelists for Create & Cultivate LA: Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, Lauren Conrad and more amazing women showed up to make this our best conference yet! LA was a day that changed the way our team dreams and executes events—we’re going into the new year with plans to do 2019 even bigger and better, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got in store for you next.
3. Gina Rodriguez at Create & Cultivate ATX
“When I’m alone and I read something nasty or hurtful, and want to be like, ‘Why do I do this?’….and then I come to this event, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s fucking worth it.’” - Gina Rodriguez shared so much wisdom with us in Austin, and we were THRILLED to see how many of you showed up to see her speak (the line formed at 4am!).
4. The #CCDesertPopUp with Kate Bosworth
We hosted an event in the middle of the desert during one of the craziest party weekends in Palm Springs…and you guys showed up in crowds to support us! We loved hearing from Kate Bosworth and seeing all of you connect, converse, and inspire each other. We truly are so lucky!
5. Our Mini Road Trip!
Back in April, we hit the road to spread a little inspiration on the west coast. From Palm Springs to LA and up to San Francisco, we gathered inspiring entrepreneurs like Catt Sadler, Payal Kadakia, and Taylor Sterling to chat about corporate responsibility, philanthropy, and how to focus on more of what matters in your community.
6. Our First Beauty Summit
In May, we jetted to New York to host the first-ever Beauty Summit and hear from some of the best in the biz on how they’re shaking up this billion-dollar industry. The beauty category has historically been a boys’ club, but you’re all changing that: The beauty space has more female executives and board members than any other industry!
7. Brunch with Nicole Kidman
Back in June, we (super casually) hosted Sunday brunch with Nicole Kidman. It was a highlight of our summer!
8. The WorkParty Book, Tour + Podcast
This summer, our CEO Jaclyn Johnson released her book, Work Party, and an accompanying podcast where she digs deep with talented women like Kristen Bell, Bobbi Brown, Sara Blakely, and Sophia Bush. Oh, and we roadtripped on a 10-city book tour with Emily Shuman, Lisa Price, Rebecca Minkoff, and so many more amazing women. We were so excited to read your thoughts on the book/podcast, and thanks to your support, we’re hard at work on season two—stay tuned!
9. Create & Cultivate Chicago with Jennifer Hudson
Who better to take our keynote stage in Chicago than the Chi-town legend herself, Jennifer Hudson? J-Hud shared tons of advice on staying true to yourself, trusting your gut, and defining your own version of success. We ended the night with a surprise donation to her charity and our big balloon drop announcing our Miami Vision Summit!
10. Our Out Of Office Retreat
CEOs are plugged in 24/7, 100% of the time. In September, we pulled a few of these inspiring women of the office for a day of relaxation, meaningful connections, and conversations about “the big picture” for their biz—oh, and wine and hot air balloon rides, too! We can’t wait to see what they (and all of you!) accomplish in 2019! Happy New Year!
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Free Download: Discover Your Purpose In 4 Steps
Not all who wander are lost.
“Not all those who wander are lost”... the ones that aren’t lost trust themselves to find their way!
Every now and then, we can feel like we aren't achieving our potential our have gotten off the path from our initial life goals, but once we take notice that's we're off track, that's where we can take action and make a change for the better.
Take it from our good friend Maxie McCoy who's established her purpose in her career, and is all about helping others discover it as well. This week, she's helping you find yourself with a free workbook download that will help you plan out dreams and aspirations and help you act on them in 4 steps.
Enter your name and email below to get access to download it now!
8 IG Foodies With Recipes You Need Today
Tasty and gorgeous.
If you're looking for new recipes to test out this Fourth of July, or if you want to test your chef's hand at creating something beautiful, we've got some new foodie inspiration for you. Bring these summer-inspired recipes along with you to all of your Independence Day festivities.
And don't worry if it ends up looking like a Pinterest fail—all that matters is how it tastes!
Check them out below.
@emcdowell + @cleanfooddirtycity
By: Tyeal Howell
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Links From Our Group Chat: What Movie Just Beat Titanic Records & More
Plus some other awesome Monday Motivation stuff.
photo credit: Brooke Lark
Are you fully ready for Monday? If you need something to read on your lunch break, we've got a couple of links that are helping motivate our Monday blues.
We love this profile on Busy Philipps, almost as much as the one we wrote on her.
Women just broke a record. Find out which one.
What movie is now the third highest-grossing film of all time? Sorry, Jack and Rose. You just got beat.
WeWork’s Creator Awards are heading to San Francisco! Throw your business idea into the ring. Deadline to apply is April 10th. Western U.S. and British Columbia eligible to apply. Find all the categories here.
5 questions to ask at your next job interview. Jot these down.
What are you reading to kick-off your week? Comment below!
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Links From Our Group Chat: Living in a Color Palette, Lena Waithe & so much more
Current mood: Sunday Scaries.
Currently experiencing a case of the Sunday Scaries?
Don't worry-- distract yourself with reading!
Instagram influencers reveal what it's like to live in one color palette.
Tiffany Haddish’s dating tips for men. Must watch.
Lena Waithe is changing the game. They don't even call it a game anymore.
Bumble CEO responds to lawsuit in a badass way.
Imagine organizing a gun reform rally before even graduating high school.
And a happy Easter and Passover to all.
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Links From Our Group Chat: The Moments that Made a Movement & more
So inspired by the youth today.
What are you digging into tonight? Check out what we passed back and forth this week!
We always knew we should have been a Miranda. Cynthia Nixon running for Governor of NY is giving us life.
Speaking of giving us life. The teens who organized March for Our Lives are trying to save the world. NBD. Check out the moments that made a movement.
We are all about these female tennis champs. We talking teams.
A week in New York in a 68k salary.
Don't live in the dark. Here's how to find all the apps tracking you on Facebook-- and how to stop them.
What are you reading? Share in the comments below!
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Links From Our Group Chat: Rihanna Cancels Snapchat & More
Cozy up for a good read (ing.)
Reading is good for you and knowledge is power. So get on clicking the below.
What do you know about this ground-breaking Barbie?
Why are brands so confused by LGTBQ communities?
Where has all ambition go-on-one?
This Ellen Pompeo piece is work a re-read.
Code switching while black at work.
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Links From Our Group Chat: Teens Take Control, Herstory + It's Oscar Sunday!
We know you're on your couch.
It's the Oscars! But if you're not a fan of award shows, check out some of the links we texted each other back and forth this week.
Good eats and good biz. GrubHub Maps women-led restaurants.
15 trailblazers on what history books will say about women’s activism in 2018. It's called Herstory.
Teenage strategy sessions are leading the movement against gun violence.
Colleges won't punish suspended students. Here's why.
There are 500 + women running for office in 2018. Huzzah!
Sugar & Cloth knows how to throw a great party. (Plus she's be hanging with us at our Create & Cultivate Austin popup.)
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Links From Our Group Chat: Women in STEM, Flu Season & Stoneman Douglas Survivors,
It's Sunday night, do you know what to read? We've got plenty of options for you leading into the last week of Feb. That's right. It's almost March. Whaat?!
The flu bummer getting you down? Well, here's how to tell if you actually have the flu, or just a cold.
Stoneman Douglas Students are just the jolt we need. Meet survivor Emma Gongalez.
Well, this is a paradox. The more gender equality, the fewer women in STEM. Huh?
Black Panther smashes box office records. Oh, and Hollywood myths.
When women gather, great things will happen.
Lena Dunham had a hysterectomy at 31. Find out why.
What are you reading? Share in the comments below.
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Links From Our Group Chat: Cardi B.'s Real Name & #MeToo Controversy
What'd you think we talked about? The weather.
If, like the rest of the internet, you spent the weekend figuring out you're classic art doppelgänger, you're not alone. Thanks to the new "Google Arts and Culture" app, all you have to do is snap a selfie to figure out which famous portrait you most look like. And who said selfies don't do us any good?
Remember the dude (whose name we refuse to use) who wrote that Google memo? Well he's suing for discrimination. [FACEPALM]
We all learned Cardi B’s real name + we’re shook.
I Started the Media Men List. My name is Moira Donegan.
How do we feel about a man writing this? Why Andrew, why? (Clicks.)
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WORK PARTY ON
Links From Our Group Chat: Time's Up, Lady Bird & Gal Gadot
Shoutout to all rad women everywhere.
Women in Hollywood are about to get after it (it being sexual harassment) tonight at the Golden Globes. While you're waiting for the awards (and ahem, the red carpet) to start, check out some of the links we passed back and forth in our group chat.
300+ women in Hollywood have HAD IT. #TIMESUP anti-harassment plan sweeps the nation.
Founder of Shea Moisture buys Essence Magazine from Time Inc making it a fully black-owned publication again!
7 Teenage Girls + Their Moms on Watching Lady Bird together.
Gal Gadot is not here for James Cameron.
Are you going to wear black tonight? Let us know!
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Self Love Twitter Accounts You've Got to #FollowFriday
For days that are just balls.
We know the holidays are supposed to be filled with love, joy + laughter, but sometimes, that's just not how it goes. If you're in a holiday slump go follow these Twitter profiles dedicated to inspiring smiles and laughs all day.
Check them out below.
@alex_elle + @idillionaire
Any of your favorite twitter profiles missing from this list? Drop some names for us below to spread the inspo!
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'Tis the Season: These IG Profiles are Giving us Crafty Holiday Vibes
'Tis the season to DIY.
If you're looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, we've got some accounts full of festive DIY projects for you to follow this Friday!
There's a few mommy + me accounts in the mix so the kids can join the fun too!
Check them out below.
@hellowonderful_co + @thegoodtwinco
Need new inspirational IG accounts to follow? Our #FollowFridays posts will have you showing mad love online when we round up our favs in art, business, wellness, philanthropy, tech, media + so much more. Show them some love!
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Links From Our Group Chat: Minnie Driver Slams Matt Damon & We Applaud All Black Women
You snooze, you lose.
Feminism. It's the word of the year, according to Merriam-Webster. #trending. According to the wordsmiths, Merriam-Webster said "feminism" was the most looked-up word in its online dictionary, with the term generating 70% more searches than last year.
So how do we make sure that this continues? Maybe not treat gender equality as a trend.
Would you ride a gondola to the Hollywood sign? DVF and her husband are looking into it.
Thank you black women. Thank you black women. Thank you.
Thank you Salma Hayek for so explicitly detailing the abuse of power.
Ugh, but no thank you on this. We like our internet the way we like our winter wardrobe: neutral.
Also, no thank you on this many Diet Cokes.
Russell Simmons started a #notme hashtag. & Matt Damon did an awful lot of mansplaining this week, but Minnie Driver wasn't havin' it.
Conde Nast's newest online publication that focuses on queer youth is called them.
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Links From Our Group Chat: New York City Just Banned This Question During Hiring
And other goodies.
Good news for activists and advocacy groups seeking to eradicate the gender wage gap — on Tuesday, New York City banned asking about salary history as a question during hiring processes.
However. Something else bit the dust last week. And it wasn't great.
But to lift your spirits, check out these self-made women.
Wondering how young women get ahead in entertainment? Click thru.
ANND. This makes us want to clean out our closets. Stat.
What are you digging into this crispy almost Christmas evening?
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8 Profiles Helping Us Keep Our Sh*t Together This Month
#FollowFridays. Get it together girl.
It's the first day of the last month of the year. And shit is about to get crazy. (as if it hasn't already) We've pulled some super organized IG accounts to follow to keep everything together this month and end 2017 with a bang. Don't bring a mess into the new year. Wether you're clearing your closets of old clothes, organizing the kitchen pantry, or getting your planner prepped with all the holiday party reminders, these IG accounts have all the tips you need.
@neatmethod + @simplyorganized
Need new inspirational IG accounts to follow? Our #FollowFridays posts will have you showing mad love online when we round up our favs in art, business, wellness, philanthropy, tech, media + so much more. Click their handles & show them some love.
Who are you following?
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Links From Our Group Chat: Let's Talk Turkey with Teigen & Nuns with Chainsaws
Humanity did good this week.
If the weekend's activities have left you feeling stuffed to the brim, fill up on something else tonight before you head back to work tomorrow. Namely, Links from our group chat. Sure, we took a break from the office, but do you think we actually took a break from our C&C Dream Team Group Chat? No way.
1989 was the first year a turkey was given a presidential pardon. And other odd facts about the world's ugliest bird.
Chrissy Teigen is rarely wrong. And she is def not wrong about turkey.
Turkey talk aside, since this week was all about giving thanks. We're throwing it back to this nun who took matters into her own hands. We are sure grateful for her holy badassery.
It's always hard to get back on track the week following time off. For one, there's no pie. So, stop doing meta-work.
There's one day left to nab amazing deals from the C&C x Google Store. Did we purchase items from our own gift guide this weekend? Not even gonna pretend on this one. Yeah. We did.
Want more? Check back every Sunday night. We're always reading the good stuff.
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