What 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…

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Sunday Musings

I’m a great aunt – again.  Natalie Anna was born yesterday at 11:55 p.m.  6 pounds 9 ounces and 18 inches long.  Little shit huh?  Life is precious. Have you seen what Amber Naslund is up to?  www.brasstackthinking.com Looking forward to pie and ice cream on June 27th.  Looking even more forward to my friends…

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365 Days

I have a friend who is a fabulous cook.  Denise also has been using Watkins products since 1982.  If you’ve never used Watkins spices – you are missing out on the freshest, most consistent grade of spices. Denise was looking for a way to promote her home business, being an Independent Watkins Associate.  Her budget…

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Found Treasure

I moved Monday and Tuesday.  I’ve been unpacking. I found a small book called The Quiet Eye by Sylvia Shaw Judson.  It was a gift given to me when I moved to North Carolina from a former client of mine, Sam. Inside was a handwritten note that reads Deb, A gift to you of a…

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Remembering Grandpa

Today we honor the fallen. I’ll listen to the twenty one gun salute and taps.  I’ll cry over the Star Spangled Banner.  The preacher will give a good message, we’ll share some coffee and cookies.  Then we walk away. This week I’ve been thinking of my grandpa. Grandma and Grandpa and my two aunts immigrated…

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You Teach People How to Treat You

Today’s post is by guest blogger Christine Kane — as usual, she will make you think. Teach People How to Treat You by Christine Kane There I was in Web Guy’s office. He was overwhelmed and angry. He complained that clients were calling on weekends and late at night. No one was honoring his schedule.…

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Another way to use Facebook

Image via Wikipedia Friday night I attended a fundraiser for American Cancer Society in Mason City, Iowa.  I met a young man who told me the story of his friend who owned a Mexican restaurant.  He was having trouble hiring people to wait tables.  No luck with the local papers.  Finally, he posted the position…

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Metrics 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.…

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The Stories of Social Media

Is your small business coming to the Small Business Social Media Summit the first weekend in June?  Come to hear local business owners who are utilizing social media every day, meet your peers and begin to build a peer network, and leave with a social media plan for your business.  www.smallbizsocialmediasummit.com The Power of Social Media…

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3 Days in June

Image via Wikipedia Got a small business?  Be it brick and mortar or one you run from your home – Come to Hutchinson Kansas the first weekend in June. The Small Business Social Media Summit is designed just for you, the small business owner.  We’ve brought together 8 local speakers who are also small business…

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