Marketing
Unretreat – Just Get Away
It’s a good idea to get away from it all. But sometimes you can’t get away from work. Out of those two thoughts the first Unretreat was born. Becky had been kicking the idea around for a few years. I grabbed a hold of it and tried to plan a large unretreat – didn’t work. …
Read MoreI Love a Parade!
It’s summertime. What are you doing in your community to promote your business? Here’s an idea — get in a parade. That’s right — gussy up that old jalopy and be in a parade. While you are at it, take a lot of pictures and talk to some other people in the parade. Meet folks…
Read MoreTourism Currents – Best Training Practices
Are you trying to ride the wave known as social media, but are not quite sure how to make it all work? Do you plan events, coordinate schedules, reach out locally and globally for new customers, get things done? Becky McCray and Sheila Scarborough have created Tourism Currents – designed specifically for tourism folks. Visit…
Read MoreWhat Is Branding?
Today we had a ground breaking for the new aquatic center in Hampton Iowa. The mayor, city manager, co-chairs of the aquatic committee and several city council members showed up. In the pouring rain and surrounded by muddy ground. Everyone had umbrellas. It got me to thinking. There’s a perfect opportunity for branding. Look at…
Read MoreGot Money?
I do a good amount of fund raising. I live in a county where people are generous and willing to give. Our churches cook a lot of food and raise funds for many things; roofs, operating expenses, mission trips and such. They have a method – they’ve been doing it a long time. Tell the…
Read MoreEasy Supper on Thursday
Thursday I supported my local businesses. First I went to the After Five at the First National Bank. I met and networked with other local business owners in town. I also enjoyed a soft drink and some finger food snacks. Next I headed over the Windsor Theatre. KLMJ radio station was out front giving out…
Read MoreMetrics on a Message
Image by DaveCrosby via Flickr That was a very nice message you sent out regarding vascular screenings~~thanks for your time! Robyn Thanks!!!! It is wonderful; this is just another great reason why more businesses should be Chamber members! Keep up the great work. Angela Sometimes it’s about both the message and fulfilling the client’s needs.…
Read MoreThe Power of Social Media
Let’s talk about social media and what it can do for a small business. One day about two months ago I was on twitter and listening to what other businesses were doing. I found out that Intuit was awarding grants to small businesses. I began following @lovealocalbusiness right away. That led me to the site…
Read MoreDreaming in Real Life
Image by nickwheeleroz via Flickr We have two flower shops in our community. One is closing. The two shops share orders from their wholesalers – because individually they can’t afford it. So with shop number 1 going out of business, it may very well put enough pressure on shop number 2 to go out of …
Read MoreYou call yourself green?
It’s a good time to be talking about being green – this week is Earth Week. I propose it’s time to stop talking and do something. Why? Here’s just a few facts: The EPA reports toxic chemicals in our home cleaning and personal care products are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than…
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