Building Trust

Recently we hosted a Blogging Seminar as part of a series on Social Media.  As the group was brainstorming ideas for future blogs, a question was asked about certain fields of business who cannot use Social Media to promote their line of work.  What can be done in this situation? For whatever reason, people may…

Business Etiquette

I think it’s safe to say that everyone is familiar with the rules of social etiquette: Always say please and thank you. Make eye contact with those you are speaking with. Shake hands when you meet someone. Call if you will be late. Make introductions. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Place your napkin on…

Staying the Course

January is the month synonymous with the word “resolution.”  It’s a time when all the fitness centers and gyms are packed with people, excited to begin their journey towards ideal health and physique.  What happens come February?  These same places are a little less crowded, new memberships start to decline, and there’s actually an open…

Confidence

“The Perfect Game” is a true story about 9 boys from Mexico who fall in love with the game of baseball.  As luck would have it, they meet a young man who had worked for the Cardinals, now living in their small town of Monterray.  With the persuasion of the local priest, this man agrees…

Wall Flower Marketing Doesn’t Work

Sometimes you just can’t make this stuff up.  While attending an event last month I found myself talking with someone who, after several minutes into our conversation, said, “You know, I almost wasn’t going to come tonight.  The last time I was here I just stood by myself and no one came up to talk…

Actions are louder

I was at an round-table discussion recently and found myself listening to a competitor talk about their business.  I kept hearing words like: “we care about our clients” “we empower them” “we do what’s in their best interest” I started to think that all that should be a given.  It really doesn’t need to be…

Each New Year Requires Committment

Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare is a compelling story of a race between the two animals.  The hare, believing himself to be far superior to the tortoise, finds himself being challenged to a race by the tortoise.  Using assumptions of his speed, the hare accepts the challenge feeling so confident of his…

Your Words can be Expensive

In light of the recent tragedies our country has experienced and the highly polarizing election in November, there are many who undoubtedly feel compelled to share our opinions through various social media outlets. However, care should be given anytime you choose to write something that the entire world could see. No matter how strong the…

Rethink Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal.  What is it?  Well, if you have ever been in the market for a new home you’ve probably heard the phrase before.  Curb appeal is the enhancement of a home and property so as to attract potential buyers.  It’s safe to say that a nicely manicured lawn adds significantly to the curb appeal…

Call Me Maybe

Carly Rae Jepsen said it perfectly with her hit song, “Call Me Maybe,” this year. Whether you like the song or frankly can’t stand to hear it on the radio one more time, it does have a very important marketing message we can all learn from. How many times have you been to a networking…