Online Marketing Guidelines You Need to Know About Now!

Posted on December 11th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

You’ve probably been hearing lots of buzz lately around the new Federal Trade Commission rules that went into effect December 1, 2009 regulating how online marketers can present testimonials anComputerd endorsements.   With the the possiblity of a fine of up to $11,000.00 for each violation of their new guidelines, it’s enough to make some marketers run for the hills and give up the idea of promoting themselves online. 

Before you decide to hang it up as an online marketer, take a listen to Robert Skrob’s enlightening and informative teleseminar held this week giving you specific steps you need to take to comply, and giving you hope that it’s still possible to be legal and market your business.

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Your Business Can’t Compete Without This Secret Ingredient…

Posted on October 29th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

HouseRedTrimMy husband and I own a small, home-based construction business.  We know we’ll never be in the same league as the big construction companies like KB Homes or Pulte, but guess what?  We don’t have to, nor do we want to!  We offer something the big boys can’t ever compete with – personal, caring, and responsive customer service. 

Pulte Homes is in the middle of a class-action lawsuit right now because they cared more about their bottom line than about their customers.  The lawsuit claims that Pulte artificially propped up sales and home sale prices in a “house of cards” scheme that eventually caused values in its developments to plunge, according to a report the The Record.  With big business digging themselves into a customer service hole, it’s not too tough for us “little guys” to compete with them.

Here’s an article in the New York Times, “How Can We Compete With the Big Boys?” that drives home the secret ingredient that all small businesses need to thrive in any economy.  http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/how-can-we-compete-with-the-big-boys/

No matter how good your marketing and sales are, if your customers aren’t happy, your business won’t survive for long…

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Creative Marketing Solutions – Building a Business for Your Best Friends

Posted on October 14th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

BassetHounds_thbIn this day and age, extreme conditions call for extreme and creative solutions, and the airline industry has stepped up to the plate with an excellent example of how to make lemonade out of lemons.

I’m a pet lover and have been for many years. My husband and I have owned dogs for most of our 34 years of marriage. I’m sure many of you know what it’s like to live with these companions day and and day out. They are like our children, and sometimes they even feel closer because they are with us all the time, after our children are grown and living their own lives. According to Answers.com, Americans spent over $39 billion dollars on pet food alone in 2006. This is no small chunk of change and represents a large and growing market for anyone serving the pet industry.

Into this growing market segment has entered Pet Airways, a brand new company whose mission is to transport pets around the country in twin-engine Beech 1900 turboprops. It caters to pets, giving their owners peace of mind as they send their pets off to their destinations.

Its aircraft fly at 25,000 feet without passenger seats, giving lots of room to up to 50 dog and cat carriers that are checked every 15 minutes by an attendant.  This frees them from riding in cargo holds with extreme temperatures and poor ventilation and less than ideal handling by cargo personnel.

We all know airlines have been hit hard by the recession, but Pet Airways has found a creative and much needed solution. It will be interesting and educational to watch their progress over the years. Check them out at www.petairways.com.

“Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!”

- Theophile Gautier, (August 30, 1811 – October 23, 1872)  French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and literary critic.

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When advertising isn’t what it appears…

Posted on September 25th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

RedSportsCar_thbRecently GM set a new record in the auto industry by offering a 60 day money-back guarantee on their vehicles.  Wow!  You can drive home with that brand new Corvette, drive it around for the weekend, and return it on Monday!   At least that would appear to be the case…

The truth is that there is lots of fine print on the purchase agreements for their vehicles now.  Even more than before…

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A Tribute to the true heroes of September 11

Posted on September 11th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

For most of us today is a heart-wrenching reminder of the horror we all faced eight years ago.  But in spite of the terror that was inflicted upon us, I look back now and see that even though we were all faced with the truth of our mortality, there were many, many people who moved past the fear and gave of themselves unconditionally.  In the face of terror came hope and courage and love. 

Story after story has been published since that fateful day demonstrating selfless sacrifice, courage, and hope.   The spirit of life shines through in the middle of the stress and uncertainty even now, when the world is hopefully nearing the end of a major economic crisis.

 Some of you may be facing what would appear to be devasting job losses, debt, and personal loss.  I wish for you all today that you remember even in the most seemingly dyer circumstances good can ultimately prevail.   There’s always a way to get from where you are to where you want to be if you never give up.

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Marketing Out-of-the-Box

Posted on July 24th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

The headlines in the paper read, “Hotel industry reeling”.  I hesitated to read another negative article about the flailing economy.  But something caught my attention.  On the same page where it was reported that about 250 hotels are in default or disclosure, and as many as 500 properties could be in default by the end of 2009, I was fascinated to see this headline, “Hilton blossoms anew”.  In the face of the hotel industry “reeling”, this particular Hilton has chosen to revamp itself and now offers 198 rooms with 32-inch, high-definition televisions and luxury furnishings – and it’s getting rave reviews from the local clientele. 

Some may think the owners of this hotel have gone off the deep end.  I beg to differ…  Instead I believe they have looked this economy straight in the proverbial eye and said, ” I know what I need to do to survive, and I’m doing it!” 

In the construction industry, there are many contractors who have given up and moved on to other careers.  In our small, home-based construction company, we have chosen to not only survive, but thrive, by stepping up our marketing, advertising, and getting our mindset straight. 

There is a lesson to be learned from the economic state we are in right now, and those who choose to learn it will be set to become stronger and more profitable now and in the future.  The lesson is, don’t ever up.  Learn what you need to do to become better, stronger, and to set yourself apart from your competitors.  Think out-of-the-box, and in time you’ll reap the reward as only us “heretics” do.

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time the tide will turn.”

- Harriett Beecher Stowe, Author of  Uncle Tom’s Cabin

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Kudos for us women over 40… 50… 60…

Posted on June 23rd, 2009 by Sandy Reed

buswomenlookingback_thbSex and the City:  The Moviegrossed over $150 million last year, showing all of us that mid-life women still have what it takes…  I thoroughly enjoyed watching Renee Zellweger’s new DVD, New in Town, recently.  And wasn’t that a few lines I saw on her famous face? 

What about Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and many other famous women who are still making big bucks, even though they are way past their “prime” according to Hollywood’s standards.  I don’t know about you, but I think us women who are “well seasoned” have more to contribute to the world than we ever did when our bodies were young and wrinkle-free.  And more importantly – we’re discovering it’s high time we push past the fear and do what we came here to do, while we have the chance.

Does that sound like any of you?

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Want to make the most from your money?

Posted on June 18th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

Here’s a new concept – banks bidding in live auctions for your business!  Maybe this is how the banks are using all the bail-out money they have received – picking and choosing who they want to pay the most interest to…

At www.MoneyAisle.com the banks bid against one another to offer the best rates on savings accounts or certificates of deposit.  You do have to register to take advantage of this service, and there is a deadline on how long their offers are available. 

You can also get competing rates on checking accounts by going the www.CheckingFinder.com and plugging in your zip code.  You will naturally need to read ALL the rules and regulations, so you aren’t signing up for something that isn’t as it appears on the surface…

It does feel more positive looking for ways to get more money from the banks, versus giving them all of yours!

Happy money hunting!

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The secret to business and life longevity…

Posted on June 11th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

Every once in a while the newspaper gives me some good food for thought to pass on to all of you.  Such as, how to show your customers they are special and appreciated.   A McDonald’s in Michigan demonstrated this beautifully recently.

A young lady, Georgia Boynton, celebrated her 100th birthday at the same McDonald’s she has been patronizing for the last 15 years.  This time when she visited for her regular hamburger and coffee, however, she was treated to a birthday celebration courtesy of the restaurant manager, Irene Burelle, and her staff. 

This celebration was not a spur of the moment decision.  It was planned well in advance and coordinated with Ms. Boynton’s family, after the McDonald’s staff discovered last year she was 99 years old.  The staff made sure the family brought her in for her birthday, and she was surprised with a cake and balloons.  How many business owners even know when their customer’s birthday are, much less have a plan to give them special recognition?  Not many I would guess…

Ms. Boynton’s longevity secret?  Loving her family and being happy.  What a world we would have if all business owners empowered their employees to treat all customers as part of their “extended family” and gave up the “it’s our policy” mentality…

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Truth in Advertising – be Aware of Another Scam

Posted on May 28th, 2009 by Sandy Reed

You may have been exposed to this ad on television lately – a 6-year-old company touting itself as “America’s leading provider of extended auto warranties” .    We have seen it many times on satellite TV.  Since we have a 2004 Dodge pick-up without an extended warranty, my husband decided to check out this company. 

At first it sounded legitimate and promising, but as the conversation went on it became apparent that something wasn’t quite right.  They were offering 18-month financing and full coverage for around $3,000.00 for a five-year warranty.  When we told them we wanted to check out their company before making any commitments, they began offering incentives to “buy now” that would not be offered later such as free commercial coverage, no processing fees, etc.  Thankfully we have the Internet these days, so I decided to look them up on the Better Business Bureau while my husband had the company on the phone.  Here’s what I found out…

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