“Leave an Impression”… the Ballantine’s slogan that can seriously alter your thinking and perhaps even your body. Take a look at one Paris based tattoo artist and friend created in order to leave an impression that many will never forget.
So after checking out the video, what are your thoughts on lasting impressions? Does it take something as drastic as a body altering tattoo to grasp the attention of consumers?
Facebook has done it again – bringing their more than 750 million registered users another service. Group chat and one-on-one video chat are new services the social networking site will now offer.
A full story on this expansion, written by the Associated Press, can be found here.
What are your thoughts on the new chatting features?
Vacations seem to slip through your fingers. Before you know it you’re back in your office diligently working away as if there was no break in stride. Blinks of an eye… pauses in your breath…
ONE: The sultry summer air draws perspiration to my brow as I stroll along the Spanish moss laden sidewalk – sunlight darting through the limber branches of the antique oaks.
TWO: Hot sand scalds my feet as I scurry toward the endless horizon. Closer to the murky water brings comfort, a soothing. My feet land in the place I belong – my soul is home.
THREE: A breeze blows across the cresting peaks of the Atlantic as it gently waves a sorrowful goodbye.
And boom. Here I sit, 10 days later longing for a trip back. A week along coastal Georgia is soulful rejuvenation, although with it comes a sorrow in me, I long to return the minute my tires cross the bridge onto I-95. To be more specific, my coastal location of choice is Tybee Island. Oh, even the name brings a smile to my face. For 13 years my family has vacationed here, so much that I know the island like the back of my hand. I feel safe there – home. The locales, the people, the seafood all join together to make an orchestra of perfection.
Although I was on vacation, my brain never fully resends its marketing prowess. I’m always on the search for great ideas, inspiration and potential clients. While relaxing and strolling barefoot through the sand I experienced some events that I wanted to present to you here.
1. Logos are important. You want to give of a professional air regardless of your business.
2. Customer service is a must. If your services are under par for any given reason, don’t beat around the bush. Be honest! Customers will be loyal to you if you are upfront, honest and loyal to them.
3. The smallest marketing tweak can make your business explode. Be open and willing to try new ventures to reach new clientele.
You never know who is visiting your business, who is seeking your help or services, who is your latest competition or who is visiting your area on vacation and will blog about you when they return home (insert wink here).
Photo courtesy of VayKay.com.
This week on Spin Sucks, the witty Kary Delaria wrote an article called “Three Reasons Twitter is Beginning to Suck”. I was intrigued by the title alone. Reading her post, it came extremely clear to me that my own love/hate relationship with Twitter was embedded in her article.
Kary writes, “following are the top three reasons (I think) Twitter is beginning to suck.
From my personal perspective, after months of personal tweeting among friends, I opened my Twitter realm into the vast world of social media marketing. Following a few key people (*cough* Mari Smith *cough*), I thought I could take in a few business tips along the 140 characters. Boy, I was wrong… The problem lies when you start receiving the hundreds of emails notifying you of the followers who are now tuned in to your rants and raves. Pressure much? I started feeling like I had to add to the conversation, become one of the “RT” following. Then I noticed something, several of the people I graciously followed in return were tweeting the same articles, the same quotes. I was in the middle of a tidal wave of information – but it was all the SAME information.
What are your thoughts on Twitter? It is a dying part of social media marketing or is it a tool that some are incorrectly using?
For the full article by Kary Delaria click here to visit the Spin Sucks blog.
As usual, MarketingProfs has another great series of tips. Check it out here: CLICK.
My inspiration arrived yesterday, via FedEx. Coming home to a small note on my door saying the package I’ve been waiting for had arrived – early nonetheless. I immediately dropped all plans for the evening and turned my attention to the small box that I held in my hands. Glidden Paint… I love you.
Grabbing my masking tape, a piece of newspaper and my faithful brush I quickly sectioned off our new accent wall. Oh, the thrill of a new color to spruce up life. My dogs were not nearly as thrilled as I was and quickly felt second best. (Of course our littleBostondecided she wanted a “Ground Nutmeg” stripe and rubbed up against the drying wall, but that is another story for another time.)
You see, my inspiration for the week came early (my favorite)! A few weeks back, Glidden ran a promotion where you could register for a free quart of paint via their website. Wanting to have an accent wall I leapt to my computer to enter my selection. After playing with colors upon colors, I settled for the “Ground Nutmeg”, clicked ship and began the waiting game – eight to ten weeks would kill me, I just knew it. To my wonderful surprise, my package arrived early, perfectly mixed and ready for action. It was too good to be true and too convenient not to get to work.
My question to you is this: how do you think the Glidden Paint giveaway helped their marketing efforts? Do you think you have to giveaway samples of your product in order to draw in new customers? In my case, the quart was more than enough to paint my accent wall, meaning Glidden didn’t necessarily make a sale with me at this time. However, being featured on a marketing blog can only help their word of mouth advertising, right?
Once again, thank you Glidden for my weekly dose of inspiration and a slamming new accent wall.
**Update: I took some shots of the new wall. Thoughts?**
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Local Republic
New to the Lawrenceville square (as in two weeks ago), Local Republic is a quaint gathering space for locals to thrive in an artistic, laid-back space. Giving off the feel of a Decatur/Vinings locale, this sure to be hot spot has an eclectic feel with its smoke gray walls and variety of art. Sporting faux-vintage tee’s, the owners and staff crank out some amazingly delicious dishes from a less than stellar-sized kitchen.
My husband and I ventured out onto the square for a date on Friday night. Hearing raving reviews, we decided to hit Local Republic for our meal. Gracious and open armed; the owners greeted us upon entering and offered a table directly by the front window – a perfect view of the historic courthouse and lawn.
Immediately the details of the establishment began to pour into mind. Menus made from plywood, legal paper and rubber bands; tiny bud vases stuffed with fresh flower cuts; vintage metal signs and high top tables; the welcoming patio; diners laughing and conversing – sounds of a well enjoyed meal.
The extensive selection of beer seemed to be almost completely microbrews (and since I’m no beer connoisseur, they may all be microbrews). Our meal began with a selection from the tap and wine list. Situating ourselves with brews in hand, we delved into the menus.
For our appetizer we selected the “Pickled Plate” – an array of tomatoes, carrots, jalapenos, asparagus and green beans that are pickled. We were absolutely in LOVE with this appetizer as it offered a variety of items, all giving a similar and complimentary flavor to one another. It was a lighter choice to kick off this sure to be delightful meal.
For dinner, we had the shrimp and grits. White stone ground grits filled the bottom of the plate with a creamy texture more like that of mashed potatoes. Small bites of sausage and a wonderful sauce drizzled overtop to create the perfect resting place for seven large shrimp perfectly pealed and devained. The flavors combined to create one of the best plates of shrimp and grits I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat. A large enough portion, we split the meal.
Some key notes:
- With our total bill coming in under $40, this is a budget friendly spot with appetizers and entrees ranging in price.
- The seating area is small with only a handful of tables inside and out. Be prepared to arrive early or to wait – either are a worthwhile option for this place!
- The noise level can be louder due to the size of the establishment; however, the lively scene is upbeat and fun.
- There are no TVs at Local Republic allowing diners to enjoy the dining experience without interruption.
- Word on the street is Local Republic has jazz nights on Tuesdays. Enjoy a great meal while listening to a 4-piece band on the square.
LocalRepublic is a must addition to your “where should we try” list.
The video pretty much speaks for itself…
Ok, I’m going to go ahead and say it – I love social media! I enjoy keeping up to date with friends and relatives on a daily basis with a simple tap on my iPhone screen. The 24/7 worldwide conversation that we can all take part in for free (monetarily speaking, time wise… not so much) makes me a happy girl. But social media is so much more than chit-chatting with friends or viewing your family Christmas photos from years past.
Today, social media is the driving force of our business world. Companies strive to create online presence in order to gain the support from virtual customers and it is pretty simple to understand why. Facebook alone generates an astounding 770 billion page views per month with over 200 million people accessing the site via a mobile device each day. Twitter follows suit with nearly 110 million tweets per day. Can you imagine how many people are touched daily by the messages available on the super speedway of social media?
Although these numbers sound outlandish, they are insanely true. As a small business yourself, you must strive to reach your niche of these staggering numbers. It is time to ask yourself, “what is my social media presence all about” and if you have yet to get yourself in line for the social media buzz – it is time to come aboard.
Years ago, when I heard of this fad (as I thought at the time) called Facebook, I decided to join the then college-only site to reconnect with friends I had lost touch with. Little did I realize the impact the site would have on my business relationships and daily activities just 8 years down the road.
Reading an article from the May issue of SUCCESS magazine this morning, I felt relief as my networking mindset was refreshed. As a young businesswoman, I will admit that I am a little nervous about my networking skills. Not necessarily as I’m standing amongst my peers and acquaintances in the business world, but after I’ve left their side – when I’m running back through the faces and names. I begin to think to myself, “did I network properly?”
It may seem silly to some, but as a recent (within the past five years) college graduate, these things can be an issue. In my schooling, I never had a “How To” class on networking (although I think that would’ve been one of the most beneficial lessons taught in my four years). What I use today are skills I’ve picked up along the way – mimicking other professionals in hopes of “fitting in”. But now, “fitting in” does not cut it for me. I’m ready to step out into the open space in the middle of the crowd and shout “I AM HERE!”
Networking today has grown into a combo buffet of face-to-face and online outlets allowing us the potential to stay local and grow globally. Bob Beaudine says it perfectly, “wouldn’t it be tremendous to find out that the one person you need to know to accomplish a goal or fulfill your dream turns out to be a friend of a friend on LinkedIn?” Of course it would and that is why social media is so important to your business, no matter the size. Building your online presence creates credibility to potential customers, colleges and community members.
Tools to Use:
Facebook.com – do you have a business page?
Twitter.com – be yourself! Chat about your community, your favorite things, share insights, but most of all maintain integrity. Use hashtags (#) to trend important topics in your field.
Twellow.com – the Yellowpages of Twitter
Search.Twitter.com – get in the conversation by seeing what others are chatting about.
Blog – build a blog to share information and thoughts about your market.
Key Tips:
+ Be courteous. This is a business relationship you are working to build or maintain.
+ Handwritten notes are still highly thought of. Use these for personal thank yous, follow ups, etc.
+ Listen. Nothing is worse than having the perfect opportunity pass you by because you were not able to take advantage of the situation.
+ Connect with people instead of dumping material on them. Networking is not the place to sell your services or products. Your focus should be on the relationship.
I’m no expert and would never claim to be, however, these simple steps and tools can help build your business in ways you would never imagine. Get into your local community and online world to share what you know and network with the best. You never know who you will meet and where they will take you.
