Series
Itineraries in the Country
Tonight I went to a meeting at TownsEnd Winery. There were 10 of us from different businesses that sat around, drank some good wine and discussed itineraries. We call ourselves the Partnership Group (I know, but all our creativity is going into creating working partnerships). We meet once a month, roughly, and build relationships and…
Read MoreTell me your story
I grew up in Geneva, Iowa population 141. We had a grocery store, gas station, implement store, Methodist and Catholic churches, post office, locker, school and ball parks. (for you urbanites: an implement store is where they sell farm machinery and usually repair it too and a locker is where you take your farm animals…
Read MoreDebworks goes Live on CNN
Deb Brown is the owner of a social media company, Debworks. That’s what CNN said about me today. It’s a little more than that. However I was happy to be on CNN this morning for a short minute to talk about social media and how I connect people to each other. Debworks main goal is…
Read MoreStarting Point
One day Shannon Latham and I decided we needed to do a bloggers tour. We wanted to bring in Midwest bloggers and have them stay in Franklin County and experience farming, history, entertainment and shopping. I know bloggers – and I invited them. Shannon and Jennifer Healey know farming and they organized combine rides,…
Read MorePower of Partnerships
What if we partnered up and created something that could benefit each person/group? Friday a group of different businesses is meeting at TownsEnd Winery in Hansell, Iowa. There will be Country Heritage bed and breakfast, a representative from the Soybean Association, Breadeaux Pizza, Latham Hi Tech Seeds, Franklin County Farm Bureau, Cornerstone Cottage (gifts and such),…
Read More5 Things to Consider
I’ve heard business owners say things like “in this economic climate, it’s hard to get new customers” and “no one has any money to spend, we can’t afford to use new ways to advertise”. I’ve heard customers say “they never do anything different” and “why should I shop local? I can get a better deal…
Read MoreShop Local – It Matters
Consider shopping local today. Don’t carry your phone into the store with the Amazon app on it. You know, the one that checks prices and then offers to give you another $5 if you buy it from Amazon. Will they help you pick the exact perfect gift for your mom? I don’t think so –…
Read MoreMapping Software for Tourism
I love new things! Yesterday I learned about mapping software. You can use Google or you can use ArcGIS to create maps you share links to, or embed in your website. I went to ArcGIS, created a free account and map a map that shows places where activities are taking place in Hampton, Iowa on…
Read MoreSocial Media Conferences in Iowa
There’s a couple of social media conferences coming to Iowa in 2012. I’m lucky in that I’ll be speaking at both! Jody Halsted and the Amana Colonies are hosting the Social Technology Conference at the Amana Colonies – and you won’t want to miss this one. Geared towards small businesses, there will be a lot…
Read MoreThe Little Drummer Boy
Today’s guest blogger is Melanie Mayberry. Mel writes about stewardship, and I believe Thanksgiving is the perfect time to talk about how we are (or are not) stewards. I would guess nearly everyone sings along to the familiar tune of “pa rum pa pum pum” this time of year. In the lyrics, the singer relates…
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