Articles

Why Admiral Leahy?

Who Is Admiral William Leahy? It’s easy to forget that history happens all around us. And when we grow up in the midst of it, it becomes simply the “normal” background of our lives. Anything unfortunate enough to happen in that background is “ordinary.” This explains why some of William Morris’ hand-printed wallpapers have been…

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State of Now Gets an official Welcome!

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau prepared a video welcoming attendees and speakers to the 140 Character Conference/State of Now on April 23.  We’re happy to be there!    

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Share Your Story

Every so often I get a press release that bears repeating.  The following is one of those.  I love how Latham Seeds supports our community and I think we can help them. Fundraising Campaign Underway to Endow County 4-H Scholarship SHARE YOUR STORY, HELP BRIGHTEN THE FUTURE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 4-H’ers HAMPTON, Iowa – February…

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Why Do People Go to Conferences?

I’m speaking at the 140 Character/State of Now Conference in Des Moines on April 23. I’m also organizing it.  I do spend some time on Facebook looking for people who just might be an interesting speaker.  We try to do different things in our conference and make it meaningful and exciting for those attending.  …

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Toys

Look what was donated to the Franklin County Historical Society!  Isn’t it lovely?  We believe it is around 80 years old. Do you have any antique toys in your attic?  If you know the story of the toy – who bought it, who did they give it to, how old is it – write it…

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Are You Listening?

Do you have a social media plan for your business?  Start simply … but start. Use Google Alerts and set up some basic searches for your business.  Include your town, the name of your business, the products (or product lines) you sell.  You’ll be surprised at the things you’ll find that people are saying about…

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What are your stories?

These silos were built by POW’s from Germany. You can find them in Belmond, Iowa. You know there’s a story there somewhere.  Yet, I can’t find it online anywhere. It’s a time to look at what stories of yours are not being told to a larger population. Get these stories in writing, before there’s no…

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Begin by Beginning

Start right now.  Make an investment in yourself and your business.  You can’t move forward if you are still walking in last years steps – spread out and learn something new. If you’re smart (and I think you are) you’ll subscribe to the Tourism Currents Newsletter.  Find that link just by clicking right here.  It…

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State of Now: Shaping Up

The State of Now/140 Character Conference in Des Moines April 23 is taking shape nicely! We still have room for some speakers: http://desmoines2012.140conf.com/call-for-speakers We will have some interesting projects going on throughout the day involving books, food and music.  What successful event doesn’t have food, books and music?  None we think! It will be a day…

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16 Things to Blog About

I often get asked “what should I blog about?” The answer is easier than you think. Everything. What?  Yes, everything.  If you are blogging as a business owner, the idea is to share not only what it is your business does, but what it is you do.  People want to get to know you.  They…

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