tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40621984239103268832024-03-13T14:23:55.280-06:00Strategic Business Communications GuruDo you have a marketing or business goal that you are trying to achieve? Many people overlook the communications aspect of their business. Ponder this: How are people going to line up to buy your product if you haven't told them about it? This blog discusses different communications and marketing ideas.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-39358331252916060662016-07-23T22:55:00.000-06:002016-07-23T22:55:24.155-06:00Responding to Customers During a CrisisSouthwest Airlines is my favorite airline and I'm a fairly outspoken about it. When a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/07/21/southwest-cancellations-near-1000-computer-outage/87380072/" target="_blank">technology malfunction grounded</a> around a thousand flights this past week and delayed hundreds more, it affected thousands of people flying across the country. When something this catastrophic happens, a crisis management plan is implemented. They have to get things back up and running first; not only the planes, but their website was down during a particularly good sale. As they are working on the technology side, their communications groups go to work. <div>
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Southwest took to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestAir/?fref=ts" target="_blank">social media</a> with videos explaining what was going on. One particularly informative Q&A posed questions that a lot of customers had on their minds, not just lobbed softballs for the COO. There are multiple posts giving customers information and although the comments are mixed, you can tell the loyal customers; the customers that have made Southwest Airlines the 7th most admired company in the world according to Forbes Magazine.</div>
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Let's face it, unforeseen things happen. They happen to good people and good companies, but if you communicate how things will be rectified for customers and how things will be fixed, the reputation that you've built with your company will continue to stand through thick and thin.</div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-89608208662196359012016-06-03T12:03:00.000-06:002016-06-03T12:03:04.920-06:00Work-Life BalanceBack in college, all-nighters were a regular occurrence. One time in particular, there was a party Saturday night. It was Friday night and the only thing standing between me and that party was a 20-page paper and one night do it. Of course the professor had given me more than one night to do it, and of course there was Sunday, but I made a deadline and decided I was going to do it within the 10 hours overnight at the library. With half an hour to spare, I completed the paper (and ended up with an A- on the paper).<br />
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When I joined the workforce full-time, there were a few of those overnights to meet a proposal deadline. They were a badge of honor, a physical act to show the company how dedicated I was. If I were to do that today, I'd be looked at as crazy. Pushing yourself to be better, achieving aggressive goals, competing with your co-workers to be the best.... all can be positive things if you're working towards them with an appropriate work-life balance.<br />
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Gone are the days for me where I can even function after less than 5 hours of sleep, let alone an all-nighter. Here are some things I do to maintain a decent work-life balance:<br />
1. I have at least one vacation planned out. By the time I get back into town from vacation, I already have the next locale chosen. This allows me to always have the ability to bring happy thoughts to the forefront of my brain when I need some positivity.<br />
2. I have dramatically cut back on when I check work email. If I'm hanging out with friends and family, the work email doesn't get checked. France is passing a law that makes <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/work-emails-france-labor-law_us_57455130e4b03ede4413515a" target="_blank">checking email after hours</a> illegal.<br />
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3. By realizing a job is just a job - it's not your entire life - is very important for me to keep in the back of my head. No one company will shut its doors because you took that two-week European vacation or took off work early to see your daughter's dance recital. Work will be there the next day and the next.<br />
4. Find a good stress reliever. After a particularly stressful day at the office, some people use exercise or laughing with friends as a de-stresser. Me? An hour-long session of Grand Theft Auto trying to get four stars as quickly as possible.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-16964840155231780282016-02-20T19:33:00.001-07:002016-02-20T19:33:14.814-07:00Details Matter, Especially For Nursing MothersAs an event planner, you try to anticipate the needs of your guests, especially when you're planning an internal meeting with people that you work with regularly. Food allergies, 1 or 2 bed preference, specific drinks... those types of things. Guests will remember the meetings if everything goes right, but the meeting will be positively memorable because of the details.<br />
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One of the guests at a meeting I produced in January was a nursing mother. (Side bar here: I am a mother myself, but I did not have the ability to nurse my son and consequently don't really know anything that a nursing mother may need.) She had to check out of her room and come to the meeting, but needed a way to keep her breast milk cold for the remainder of the day, which included the plane ride home. Gary Bruckner, Event Guru at <a href="http://www.swandolphin.com/" target="_blank">Walt Disney World Swan Resort</a> in Florida, came up with a solution stat: instant ice packs that become cold when you want them too. Gary's very quick thinking gave the guest an immediate viable solution and removed that worry for her.<br />
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Although you can't anticipate everything, after reading this anecdote, you'll think of this solution when a nursing guest comes to you for help in the future. Kudos to Gary for the great idea!<br />
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<br />Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-51073555764914668052015-12-27T21:19:00.000-07:002015-12-27T21:19:36.311-07:00Cool Product Alert: Stylish Purses With Chargers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulP1PASQEKLaVoiZrU1WCv9e48rVVf78jRqhl_Wyz6SGpN4DJmOt-XBW6q1M4nkgMjTC3WZ3diXmoZuJnyMJWq9SLKqZTWRcobmZ2HgoaN0aHOWKmxGwvfZfuLi9F9vPdfaZ4bjZljNM/s1600/purses+that+charge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulP1PASQEKLaVoiZrU1WCv9e48rVVf78jRqhl_Wyz6SGpN4DJmOt-XBW6q1M4nkgMjTC3WZ3diXmoZuJnyMJWq9SLKqZTWRcobmZ2HgoaN0aHOWKmxGwvfZfuLi9F9vPdfaZ4bjZljNM/s320/purses+that+charge.png" width="192" /></a>How many times have you had a co-worker or a guest at an event ask if you have an extra phone charger? It seems to be happening to me more and more, especially with males. And I understand. They can't really carry a charger in their pocket. It's much more likely that a female would be carrying around a charger.<br />
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Now anyone who carries a purse, can carry around a charger in style. But not one that you have to plug in the wall, one that acts as a charger on its own. These weren't really designed with other people's phones dying though; they were designed for on-the-go nomophobics who are draining their batteries from sun up to sun down.<br />
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Being fully charged and stylish comes at a price though. The <a href="https://www.katespade.com/handbags/totes/" target="_blank">Kate Spade</a> model is high at $698, where the <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=2375500&keyword=ivanka+trump+soho" target="_blank">Ivanka Trump</a> model seems more reasonable at $325. Although a bit too pricey for me, I love the aspect of combining technology and style. We need our phones to last throughout the day, especially if we're away from the convenience of a wall plug. Until phone makers can extend the battery life of a phone 100 times (without making it a brick), consumers are going to look for products that combine technology with wearables and accessories.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-72248940224396742742015-12-25T14:22:00.000-07:002015-12-25T14:22:21.800-07:00Team Building in Kansas City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's be honest, team building in a Corporate setting can be a little awkward, especially if you've never seen your co-worker out of a suit. But there are a lot of options that can keep you in your normal clothes, but still interact in a different way with your co-workers. In Lee's Summit (Southeast of Kansas City), there is a new entertainment venue that recently opened called <a href="https://theexitroomkc.com/how-it-works/" target="_blank">The Exit Room</a>.<br />
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In The Exit Room, up to eight people are "locked" in a room and have to work together to get out. It's timed too, which creates an additional layer of excitement to work together. As an event organizer and planner, I like the idea of The Exit Room for team building because all I have to do is reserve a room (they're starting out with four) and determine which people I want to pair together. There is a built-in time limit of one hour, which could also allow me a mechanism to award a prize for the team to exit their room first. There are plenty of places nearby to reserve for a happy hour for your co-workers, so everyone can rehash their time working together to get out of The Exit Room.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-68466200342768311082015-10-18T19:34:00.000-06:002015-10-18T19:34:00.086-06:00Airbnb Could be a Good Option for Conference TravelWhat do you do when you're going to a conference and can't find a hotel nearby? Try Airbnb or <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/business/signup" target="_blank">Airbnb for Business</a> if you and your co-workers travel frequently. I recently took over coordinating a hotel room block for a conference a few months prior to the event. Confirmations of when people were actually arriving and departing were all over the place and because of the proximity to the conference, I had to schedule some people at two different hotels during the conference. Not the ideal situation.<br />
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Airbnb had some options in the same proximity as the convention center, at a fraction of the price. Now it may not be ideal for your colleagues to share a house, but take a look at different options, even if it's just for one person. There are a variety of options: anything from a shared room, to a private room, to an entire house.<br />
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Here are some things to consider if you're out of traditional hotel options and want to try Airbnb:<br />
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<li>Read the reviews on Airbnb and check the response rate and time of the host. </li>
<li>Look at all of the costs that you'll incur with your stay. Cleaning, deposit and extra people are a few of the charges that could be added. When you go into a specific listing, it will add up all the fees for you on the right.</li>
<li>Read the cancellation policy carefully. If you don't have a definitive schedule, Airbnb may not be the right fit. Hosts will need to give you access to their home or shared space. </li>
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It's always good to have options when you're limited because everyone seems to be descending on a city at the same time as you. Keep Airbnb in your back pocket.</div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-28030555995936726492015-07-10T12:46:00.000-06:002015-09-13T12:47:25.975-06:00Book Review: The Sell: The Secrets of Selling Anything to Anyone by Fredrik Eklund<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z99Cwqg7L._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z99Cwqg7L._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>Let me first admit that I am a fan of Fredrik Eklund of Bravo tv's Million Dollar Listing: New York fame. Knowing his adorable Swedish accent made reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sell-Secrets-Selling-Anything-Anyone/dp/1592409318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442167934&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sell+fredrik+eklund" target="_blank">The Sell</a></i> even more entertaining.<br />
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The history of Fredrik's life helps illustrate how his foundation helped set him up for his future successes. He does discuss his tactics for negotiating and keeping the upper hand; something extremely important in your professional and personal life.<br />
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The discussion of personal brand and how to maximize your time for PR items (social media mainly) was a great reinforcement of other business books I've read. It's hard to implement advice sometimes, no matter how much sense it makes, but it was great to see the effect with a personal example. This example is also seen in Million Dollar Listing: New York.<br />
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Read this book for a different perspective on negotiating and selling yourself. If you buy it for your Kindle, get the "deluxe" version so you can watch videos of the endearing Fredrik.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-5746162755696493762015-05-07T10:47:00.002-06:002015-05-07T10:47:57.006-06:00The Evolution of Integrating Work Travel With Home LifeIn the February/March issue of <a href="http://www.collaboratemeetings.com/magazine/" target="_blank">Collaborate</a> magazine, there was an interesting brief about a conference that provided onsite child care for participants. It can be tough to be away from your family, especially if you're also the primary caregiver for your children. In a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/nine_facts_about_family_and_work_real_final.pdf" target="_blank">2014 study</a> conducted by The Council of Economic Advisors, 49% of parents said they passed up a job they felt would conflict with family obligations. Traveling for work, including attending a conference, would count towards that conflict.<br />
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Providing assistance for childcare onsite is a great way to give flexibility to the parents to still do their jobs well, but also know that they can travel with their child as well. Child care isn't just popping up at conferences, golf courses like <a href="http://www.provincelakegolf.com/golf/family-golf" target="_blank">Province Lake Golf Club</a> in Maine are beginning to provide this service too!<br />
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By understanding the needs of your demographic and their psychographics, you can offer additional services to either draw more people, or enhance their experience. Providing child care is just one example of how you can help remove barriers from people partaking in events or using your product or service.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-24475919501988764252015-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:002015-03-24T12:46:58.229-07:00Shoes That Repair Your FeetAll road warriors know what to expect on the road: long hours standing or walking. This is especially true when you're a trade show road warrior. At the <a href="http://www.pgashow.com/" target="_blank">PGA Show</a> in Orlando, I stopped by the <a href="http://www.telicfootwear.com/" target="_blank">Telic</a> footwear booth.<br />
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They promised comfort and recovery for any trade show goer's aching feet. After being on the floor for 10 hours that day, I went back to my hotel room completely exhausted. I popped on my bright pink Telic flip flops and it felt like a massage on my feet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.telicfootwear.com/img/FFmidnightblack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.telicfootwear.com/img/FFmidnightblack2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next day, I didn't have any issues with my feet - they weren't sore, they weren't achy. Believe me, that has never happened before. It helped with a blister I had developed after wearing high heels one day, and even just standing on my feet all day. Road warriors - check these shoes out!<br />
<br />Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-78860526764059096232014-10-26T08:40:00.002-07:002014-10-26T08:41:31.941-07:00Book Review: The 4-Hour WorkweekThis book has been sitting on the <a href="http://www.etapcommunications.com/" target="_blank">Etap Communications</a> library shelf for a long time. The title has <br />
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always been very intriguing to me, but for some reason I hadn't read it. I wish I had read this book first when I was ready to start my professional career. Author Timothy Ferriss doesn't just focus on the professional aspect of how to work more efficiently, but really encourages you to re-evaluate your lifestyle, your wants, needs and desires and how to focus your energy on achieving the things you want to do in life.<br />
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I share my love of traveling with the author, which is why I could instantly relate to the ideas in this book. Your dream may be to do something that does not include travel, but the fact of the matter is, nearly everyone has to work. We need money in order to live, however, Timothy argues you don't need <i>as much</i> money as you may think. He also gives examples about how these ideas can apply to couples and families, not just a single guy or gal wanting to "live the dream."<br />
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Here are some highlights of what you'll take away from this book:<br />
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<li>Focus on being productive instead of being busy</li>
<li>Ask yourself if you're inventing things to do to avoid doing the important</li>
<li>Maintain a low information diet</li>
<li>Split your dreams into Having, Being and Doing - the Having category should have the least amount of things</li>
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Even if you don't own your own business, or enjoying working 40+ hours a week, reading this book will give you a good perspective on your dreams.</div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-51916406781067422912014-10-18T10:44:00.003-06:002014-10-18T10:44:53.822-06:00Adapt to Your CustomersIn a recent trip back to my alma mater, I realized a lot has changed in seven years. As businesses, we have to be open to that change. I went back to the University of Kansas during homecoming week for the <a href="http://journalism.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Journalism School's</a> activities. I had the opportunity to walk around campus and see what's new and what has changed. I'm sure you can say the same when you go somewhere you haven't been in many years.<br />
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Let's take one of the libraries on campus, for example. They've removed the individual chairs in the lobby which reduces the noise and distractions. They're now encouraging food by having a coffee shop and packaged food available for purchase. They've also reorganized the furniture on the main floor, giving more seating options for groups and individuals. </div>
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They listened to their customers. How do you do this? How do you implement change?</div>
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By asking or observing. Surveys are great to get feedback on specific things and to be able to quantify things. The better way is to observe. People may tell you they want one thing, but their actions speak louder than words. </div>
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Changes can be anything from ordering new furniture, updating a process, upgrading software for end users, improving customer service calls, etc. I always look for things to implement that can be more efficient, but improving the quality or functionality of something can be just as important.</div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-3576672915694835442014-10-08T12:55:00.002-06:002015-04-24T14:17:39.236-06:00Stop Calling Yourself a Social Media Expert!!!When clients ask me about something related to social media, its functionality or how it can be used as part of a marketing communications mix, I usually have the answer off the top of my head. Why? Because I use social media sites for business and personal reasons everyday. Does that make me an expert? No - it just means I have more knowledge than you do because of how often I use it.<br />
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Why am I not an expert? Because there are more than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites" target="_blank">200 social media sites</a> currently available, connecting people online right now. I don't know if there's anyone in the world who could keep up on the functionalities, updates, and changes of more than 200 social media sites! </div>
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It infuriates me when social media managers try to tell people they are experts - they aren't. If you are looking for someone with an expertise in social media for your business, consider these things:</div>
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<li>The branding and sales goals of what you want social media to help achieve.</li>
<li>What social media sites are you competitors, or your industry colleagues, using?</li>
<li>Who will be responsible for social media content, posting and scheduling?</li>
<li>Does your crisis management plan include provisions for social media communication?</li>
<li>Does your business have social media profiles because "everybody else does?"</li>
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A true social media manager with a marketing background can help guide you through those questions to decide whether your business needs to be on social media or not, and which profiles make most sense for your business.</div>
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Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-23488257683680193702014-09-22T10:36:00.002-06:002014-09-22T10:36:39.233-06:00September Means Christmas is Almost Here!<div class="MsoNormal">
You've sent the kids back to school, you’re enjoying those
last warm summer days, and Starbucks is finally serving Pumpkin Spiced Lattes
again: it’s almost Christmas time! Well not really, but close. If you haven’t
begun already, now’s the time to kick it into gear and begin planning those
holiday cards and events for your clients and employees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCRZ54JNHlQIzxsw0NITsGzLhrrFBWAY_HP3ed41KHelgL4SbsYnHYJheswLlRnZkXwSMb8JGS2MdZEMOruo7Z6jU7T8yYsL0b-S_qkW8HHIbGUbPk_6u1AmETXufT6YHpReeh0bOLXU/s1600/holdiday+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCRZ54JNHlQIzxsw0NITsGzLhrrFBWAY_HP3ed41KHelgL4SbsYnHYJheswLlRnZkXwSMb8JGS2MdZEMOruo7Z6jU7T8yYsL0b-S_qkW8HHIbGUbPk_6u1AmETXufT6YHpReeh0bOLXU/s1600/holdiday+party.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start with the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/etapcomm/corporate-holiday-parties/" target="_blank">holiday party</a>. It can be very difficult to
find a venue to accommodate all of your needs this late in the game (some
companies have already signed contracts with a venue a year in advance!) Don’t
fret, just think outside the box, or call in some help. Etap Communications has
event planners with experience in planning Corporate holiday parties to meet
the goals of your event. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Next, look at your holiday card list, review and update it
based off updated relationships or companies. Looking at the number of people
on your list may help you decide if you want to do physical cards or an ecard,
based on cost. Some companies do both and some companies do neither. <o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter what’s on your “to do” list for the holidays this
year, don’t let time slip away further, and get to planning your holiday
activities right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-18334358194285068482014-09-14T21:15:00.000-06:002014-09-15T13:49:28.264-06:00Unique Sponsorship Ideas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLXSQI42IcWx0YcEmAVlzsasDkLM_JXhYxQ6IpJgCuJ_YZUXBruAoMilHJ_TfBSwxq84eLiQj3FhveWRchis0teXfnzEcQwZivEMUBw4eTq-6LBaBoD9di7FosrLY7kDCGkRM-1TJ7IY/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLXSQI42IcWx0YcEmAVlzsasDkLM_JXhYxQ6IpJgCuJ_YZUXBruAoMilHJ_TfBSwxq84eLiQj3FhveWRchis0teXfnzEcQwZivEMUBw4eTq-6LBaBoD9di7FosrLY7kDCGkRM-1TJ7IY/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>When you have the opportunity to sponsor an event, trade show or conference, it can mean great <br />
exposure for your company. There can be a lot of different traditional sponsorship opportunities like signage, food, or level sponsors, but there may be some other opportunities to get your company noticed.<br />
<br />
Just because a sponsorship isn't listed out doesn't mean you can't contact the event organizers to discuss other non-published options. Event organizers are typically ecstatic to accept additional sponsorship money, especially if they know they can help reach your sponsorship goals.<br />
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It doesn't have to be costly either. At the <a href="http://www.collaboratemeetings.com/marketplace/" target="_blank">Collaborate Marketplace</a> held in Portland, Oregon earlier this year, the ladies' restrooms were outfitted with mouthwash sponsored by <a href="http://www.visitsyracuse.org/" target="_blank">Visit Syracuse</a>. This mouthwash was labeled by a sponsor and included little cups to use too. What a brilliant idea for the target audience of this event: business women networking with others in face-to-face and crowd situations three straight days.<br />
<br />
Think of ideas where your company could sponsor something useful that all of the event participants would either see or use. Brainstorm a list prior to calling and discussing non-publicized sponsorship options with the event organizers. Your ideas could be expensive to produce or brand, or they could be inexpensive like the mouthwash idea.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-34518537335689367462014-09-10T21:52:00.000-06:002014-09-10T21:52:44.294-06:00Book Review: Blue Ocean Strategy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FT0lU2vUIm6Z9usAyYhk0iU1pNeDUcBtrSbf2d6YyIoh2m-qHoUKdN7V-kpzf0NI0R8sX7YEBMJDvioRJyEJZNJm54O4skrdxeNOs8A025PcfR1TW8DVq1GI0NySIwUBSUE4VArkxsU/s1600/book_pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FT0lU2vUIm6Z9usAyYhk0iU1pNeDUcBtrSbf2d6YyIoh2m-qHoUKdN7V-kpzf0NI0R8sX7YEBMJDvioRJyEJZNJm54O4skrdxeNOs8A025PcfR1TW8DVq1GI0NySIwUBSUE4VArkxsU/s1600/book_pic.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
If you feel like your business is stuck in a rut or things are stagnant, you need to make time to read this book. Blue Ocean Strategy's tagline is "how to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant" - and it goes through just that and more.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
Thinking about things from a different perspective can be a good thing, but this concept (embodied by the likes of <a href="http://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a>, <a href="http://www.callawaygolf.com/?locale=en_US" target="_blank">Callaway Golf</a> and the <a href="http://home.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank">NYPD</a>) really brings people out of their comfort zone. To this effect the book also outlines a process to get employee buy-in. Let's face it, people can be afraid of change sometimes, especially if they think their job is at stake. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even if you don't own or manage a business, read the last part about getting employees on board. It can really help you with tactics in situations where you are leading people or trying to implement a new idea or process. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The authors are currently updating this book, which will be published in 2015. You can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Edition/dp/1625274491/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410407306&sr=8-2&keywords=blue+ocean+strategy" target="_blank">pre-order</a> this expanded edition on Amazon.com. </div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-24545104272382813052014-09-03T09:40:00.000-06:002014-09-03T09:40:01.232-06:00Billboard Rules of ThumbI was driving to the airport Saturday morning enjoying the traffic-less ride and I couldn't help but look at the billboards. I have a Journalism degree with an emphasis in Strategic Communications (advertising). I had to learn how to design print and radio ads, create a comprehensive campaign and include a call to action with nearly everything.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
The billboards I was seeing on the side of the road were terrible. Not only did they not follow convention, <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3xlxmYbVHe8s0ABOS80t_lDvDTXGrHMYWCyiaaOs5gwVnDds5v5hq-z2jdkJCRc8Xa3gGXV3F2Nli-MyOSktjSQnJJ0TsaAry2jBTcdUykRIdkGRiwIfg1M62inET6TOEfDt-b7Invg/s1600/10622736_10152610343228150_589236139198907588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3xlxmYbVHe8s0ABOS80t_lDvDTXGrHMYWCyiaaOs5gwVnDds5v5hq-z2jdkJCRc8Xa3gGXV3F2Nli-MyOSktjSQnJJ0TsaAry2jBTcdUykRIdkGRiwIfg1M62inET6TOEfDt-b7Invg/s1600/10622736_10152610343228150_589236139198907588_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billboard: bad example</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
you couldn't read them. It wasn't just one billboard, it was on one particular stretch of I-435 outside of Kansas City. Sometimes designers and ad agencies can get creative and throw all caution to the wind, but no matter whether you're going to follow proper convention or not, you must have these things in ANY billboard ad you design:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Make sure text is readable - I use the "eight words or less" rule, but if you're not going to follow the rules, people have to be able to read your text at a quick glance.</li>
<li>Brand or call to action - if your goal is to brand, make sure your logo is prominent and viewers would have no trouble identifying it was from you. If your goal is to call people to action, make sure they could act within the confines of their car going at 65+ MPH.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Billboards can help achieve multiple goals in your marketing mix, but if people can see something at a quick glance, it won't help achieve anything. </div>
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Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-56108507631043790612014-08-26T20:43:00.001-06:002014-08-26T20:43:32.751-06:00Napa Earthquake: Event Planning Emergency Preparedness<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What do you do when an <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/24/napa-valley-earthquake/14524035/" target="_blank">earthquake</a> happens and you're hosting an event? Your problem solving will likely kick-<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeXe0l9LqfLBPnoOQd-8Fa1R1IPjZpEmbARhfmT-lfI2xz1YaYx1JlzmaaYL9S6SV7Bc9ccGTA9VGXV4rQ76CldlfIJbFFUkV3dpZmH6wBZE0y3OAJXaZnxb-F3lkUQGJ0thIY9yhDeA/s1600/10632790_10102268851655059_69918128483821352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeXe0l9LqfLBPnoOQd-8Fa1R1IPjZpEmbARhfmT-lfI2xz1YaYx1JlzmaaYL9S6SV7Bc9ccGTA9VGXV4rQ76CldlfIJbFFUkV3dpZmH6wBZE0y3OAJXaZnxb-F3lkUQGJ0thIY9yhDeA/s1600/10632790_10102268851655059_69918128483821352_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furniture moved from quake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
in as you try to keep your guests calm and decide what the next steps are. I had 27 people at the <a href="http://www.napa.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html" target="_blank">Napa Andaz</a> when the earthquake hit at 3:20 am Sunday morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here are some tips to keep in mind while planning any event.</span><br />
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<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When you contract with a venue, ask them what their <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/emrgact/emrgact.doc" target="_blank">emergency procedure plan</a> entails for a likely disaster in that area of the country (California: earthquakes; Midwest: tornadoes; East Coast: hurricanes; etc.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once you sign the contract, identify your contact in case of emergency and have their phone number programmed into your phone.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Have a list of the attendees’ names in multiple places. If you can’t go anywhere without your phone, make sure you have access there.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Have the attendees’ phone numbers programmed into your phone.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66XBnpTM2SzCR9xtKxR4-ZB8RAWcf_3q2A7uyHH037luJRJpWvWX8m52LHGvC5fxrNlj7pK8aT_xPQoSvfq6zRGGLPyCq_KAEnUyT8ydKngNUINhAvOu9S_MzIPjIhvQPMgBWkOW_tHY/s1600/10615540_10102268851989389_527486961795642207_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66XBnpTM2SzCR9xtKxR4-ZB8RAWcf_3q2A7uyHH037luJRJpWvWX8m52LHGvC5fxrNlj7pK8aT_xPQoSvfq6zRGGLPyCq_KAEnUyT8ydKngNUINhAvOu9S_MzIPjIhvQPMgBWkOW_tHY/s1600/10615540_10102268851989389_527486961795642207_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom mirror shattered.</td></tr>
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</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If disaster strikes, direct people to the appropriate place (based on the emergency procedure plan) and take roll, using the list you have.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Assess and address any injuries immediately.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Make contact with your emergency contact and wait for further instruction.</span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
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<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stay calm. If people haven’t been in that type of situation before, it can be extremely frightening and they may take cue from your demeanor.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Napa Andaz did a fantastic job of helping to get our guests accommodated at a different hotel in the area because of the damage. Their employees came straight to the hotel without being called in to help serve the guests. Because they had to evacuate the hotel, I wasn't able to get my silent auction items packaged up and shipped out. The hotel offered to do that for me; even though I'm sure it's the last thing on their minds after this disaster.</span></div>
Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-22528555838200806172014-07-06T20:19:00.000-06:002014-07-06T20:19:48.675-06:00Book Review: E-Myth Revisited by Michael GerberI haven't read an E-Myth series book since 2004, but thought it was time to re-read the classic small business book. Owning <a href="http://www.etapcommunications.com/" target="_blank">Etap Communications</a> and a start-up (<a href="http://planmytournament.com/">PlanMyTournament.com</a>) means I'm constantly running in different directions. This book outlines processes and steps to take in order to create quality processes that are repeatable by writing things down in a step-by-step list.<br />
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Creating a process for everything helps when I take vacation or am sick. It's time to really expand on the number of processes we have in place so as we market Etap Communications and bring in new business, we have an established program to easily integrate new staff members.<br />
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Michael Gerber's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-E-Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses/dp/0887307280" target="_blank">The E-Myth Revisited</a> goes through the story of Sarah, a pie shop owner. Even though he describes the process and business principles through a B2C format - you can easily see a connection for B2B. This is a great read, and re-read, and a Top 10 business book for business owners in my opinion.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-3591678481320811682014-06-23T15:09:00.000-06:002014-06-23T15:11:18.041-06:00What Will Our Marketing Teams Look Like in the Future?Hardly anyone knew in 2003 that social media would be a main channel in our marketing mix today. How do you go about predicting the <a href="http://www.b2bmarketing.net/knowledgebank/integrated-marketing/features/feature-marketing-department-2020?utm_source=Membership+%26+Training+Prospects&utm_campaign=3cb8bc0e59-Membership_Marketing_Campaign_Email_15_28_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bc9912420e-3cb8bc0e59-135902825&mc_cid=3cb8bc0e59&mc_eid=7a0deae1fe" target="_blank">future of marketing</a> then? By realizing that adaptability and flexibility are keys to staying on top of marketing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcGo-4zzr4Mytfra87U3W8WBfdcCgTmDpPh9Pr-llBRyub1ISRbo9_avzeG253FiCFlKbNmJdKMdO4U8V9un3Va61W5sHtRcOxtNHA_A9_mP2f_Qw7-gMJ_I99JQmpRH8I-lfY_eb0Ao/s1600/business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcGo-4zzr4Mytfra87U3W8WBfdcCgTmDpPh9Pr-llBRyub1ISRbo9_avzeG253FiCFlKbNmJdKMdO4U8V9un3Va61W5sHtRcOxtNHA_A9_mP2f_Qw7-gMJ_I99JQmpRH8I-lfY_eb0Ao/s1600/business.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>With an internal marketing team, you'll work together with other departments to collaborate on ideas about how to reach your target consumer. It won't be limited by just members of the marketing team or by a marketing team title. By ignoring traditional boundaries, you'll be able to receive feedback from people who deal with different aspects of the business and varied interactions with customers. Keeping the group open and accepting all ideas (no matter how silly) can really help bring forth a solid marketing idea. Hey, you don't know if 20 years down the road everyone will be receiving their information on <a href="https://www.google.com/glass/start/" target="_blank">Google Glass</a> or if we'll regress to beepers as our preferred communication method.<br />
<br />
As far as learning that information, we'll keep doing the same thing we've been doing. Understanding our demographics and psychographics; listening to our customers and watching their behaviors; and making our products and services better and more valuable for our customers.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-16661909828226810302014-06-17T08:18:00.000-06:002014-06-17T08:18:23.031-06:00Make a List to Accomplish MoreI'm one of those Type A people. I like making lists and checking them off. Even if there's something I accomplished and realized I left off the list, I will add it to the list just so I can check it off. I'm not sure if I feel so accomplished at the end of the day because I actually completed things or because I have a list that reflects something more tangible. Here are some ways I use lists to help me accomplish more things each day:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Create a running list in a notebook - this will help with the "feeling" of accomplishing more when you can see all of the things you've actually done</li>
<li>Create a day-by-day to do list - segmenting the items that are top priority each day can help ensure you get more important tasks completed</li>
<li>Create an hour-by-hour to do list - this is the most effective type of list for me because I can segment out how I'm going to accomplish the things I want to each day</li>
</ul>
<br />
No matter what type of list you create, physically writing things down will help increase your chances of actually getting it complete. Don't forget to keep the list handy and accessible as well. If you don't have the list available, you likely won't know what you're working to achieve.<br />
<br />
You can also read the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0142000280/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=40105504087&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11743691085965198127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4zc3vuuscx_b" target="_blank">"Getting Things Done" by David Allen</a>. He points out ways to actually get things done by incorporating efficiencies into each day.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-40370791186617353332014-03-10T18:55:00.000-07:002014-03-10T18:55:40.599-07:00Book Review: Ten Steps AheadI'm always looking for new business books when I'm at the <a href="http://www.hpb.com/" target="_blank">local used bookstore</a>. I had struck out recently by reading a book from the early 2000's that was already out-of-date so I was glad to see <i>Ten Steps Ahead</i> (2011) in the clearance area. Erik Calonius presents some different attributes on business visionaries of both past and present.<br />
<br />
He does a great job of incorporating already widely-known principles, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X" target="_blank">emotional intelligence</a> and <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/visualization-techniques-00100000103183/" target="_blank">visualization</a>. The most interesting part for me was the part on luck. I consider myself very lucky in my personal and professional lives, but it's not what I would typically think of as pure luck. Pure luck doesn't really exist (the planets can never really align). It's not only hard work that goes into luck, as Calonius describes, but a positive attitude and calculated intuition.<br />
<br />
In addition to the luck section, I also really enjoyed his personal interview anecdotes that brought a closeness to these past and present visionaries. Great, quick read.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-35191812044295255782014-02-08T20:38:00.000-07:002014-02-08T20:38:28.845-07:00Book Review: Six Pixels of Separation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaWL5PN3nkpALi79UWnsref-zOsoXPBfqakr0dZRqW3QWCaUFXbm2UBXkCtkw_hYuIeHxnhoQDR4C9JHYXEGhvJUmK_Rlcy2I5Hm-QQf83BqLwu9JQGrZpaslFmyllfg0_p71TQJoaMM/s1600/six+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaWL5PN3nkpALi79UWnsref-zOsoXPBfqakr0dZRqW3QWCaUFXbm2UBXkCtkw_hYuIeHxnhoQDR4C9JHYXEGhvJUmK_Rlcy2I5Hm-QQf83BqLwu9JQGrZpaslFmyllfg0_p71TQJoaMM/s1600/six+pixels.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a>This book by <a href="http://www.twistimage.com/blog/" target="_blank">Mitch Joel</a> focuses on the power of blogging and podcasts. Even though the book was <br />
published five years ago, and there is some outdated references to social media, blogging is still relevant today. As with any online medium, content is still king.<br />
<br />
In the book, Mitch gave many anecdotes with the success of his blogs and podcasts. One success story in particular connected two people in a town in Australia as they were both connected to his podcast. Although I don't listen to <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelwolf/2014/01/03/4-predictions-about-podcasting-for-2014/" target="_blank">podcasts</a>, they are still going strong and are being consumed.<br />
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I prefer to go straight to YouTube and I think this year, many businesses are going to be integrating YouTube into their social media mix. YouTube videos are now easily accessible with your mobile phone as podcasts once were with your ipod.<br />
<br />
As technology, social media and online conversations continues to evolve, videos, blogs and podcasts will be part of this evolution. No matter what though, content will continue to be king!Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-7373881750720924932013-12-01T10:29:00.000-07:002013-12-01T22:30:20.847-07:00Get Cash Back This Holiday SeasonNow that you've come down off your turkey coma, it's the first day of December which means holiday gifts for your clients should be on your to-do list. As you're perusing the plethora of holiday catalogs that have made their way to your mailbox, make sure you're taking advantage of discounts.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Ebates - no matter which store you're going to purchase from, sign up for a free profile on <a href="http://www.ebates.com/" target="_blank">Ebates</a>. Since this summer alone, I have already earned $90 cash back just from online purchases I've made. All you do is go to Ebates, search for the company you're going to make a purchase from and it will say how much cash back you can earn when you use their click-through links. You can even search for a product and Ebates can direct you to retailers that have partnered with Ebates.</li>
<li>Retail Me Not - This <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/" target="_blank">website</a> is a goldmine for coupon codes. Anytime I make a purchase online, I check here first to see if there are any discounts on the site I'm shopping. Why pay extra money when you don't have to pay extra money? </li>
<li>Groupon Goods - You may be able to find the perfect gift for your client (or family member) on <a href="http://www.groupon.com/goods" target="_blank">Groupon Goods</a>. They are separated into categories and are even searchable based on your needs. Everything is discounted and even gift baskets are even sold on Groupon Goods. </li>
</ol>
No matter what tools you decide to use, choose gifts that are appropriate for your recipient. And don't forget to check out the aforementioned websites to save yourself and your business some cash.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-29254623877760270812013-07-21T13:13:00.000-06:002013-07-21T13:13:11.366-06:00If I were to own _______, I would do this.After having an experience or after discussing a business with friends and family, I often think about what I would do to make it a better business. Since I do this more frequently than I should admit, I thought it would be great content for this blog. You'll probably notice throughout this and future posts the theme of making the customer experience fantastic.<br />
<br />
Today, I went to get my <a href="http://www.glonaillounge.com/" target="_blank">nails</a> done - a basic manicure and pedicure at a place that only does nails. It was my first time using this nail salon, but it was in a newer upscale <a href="http://www.summitfairshopping.com/" target="_blank">shopping area</a> and their website looked very professional. I ended up in a chair where the massage function was broken. For me, that is the majority of the reason I get a pedicure, but they didn't offer to change me seats or reduce my price. There was also some communication issue with me and my nail technician (multiple times). I had some questions about the difference in the different types of pedicures and she didn't understand, which could have been a missed upsell opportunity.<br />
<br />
As I was sitting there, my mind began to wander as to what I would do if I were to own a nail salon. Well here's what I would do:<br />
1. Make the place warm and inviting (which this nail salon had).<br />
2. Have one of the daily pre-open tasks to make sure all machines are functioning and all equipment is clean. (This nail salon had a technician with some down time using <a href="http://wd40.com/" target="_blank">WD-40</a> on some freshly cleaned nail equipment right next to two customers. Sorry - I don't think something is clean after you spray WD-40 on it.)<br />
3. Have all of my nail technicians speak and understand English very well. You don't have to be American, but if you can't communicate with customers properly, then the customer's experience is diminished.<br />
4. Hire a receptionist so one of the nail technicians isn't taking calls while he's working on someone's manicure. That person could also offer guests beverages, help move people from station to station and take payment while the nail technician's are focused on their art.<br />
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I probably won't be going back to this salon, but most of these are easy things to implement and could have really improved my customer experience. As far as nail salons go, I was super impressed by their decor and selection of nail polish colors and types, but that can't overcompensate for language barriers and the cleaning practices of a business like this.<br />
<br />Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062198423910326883.post-30475053011901587732013-07-01T22:04:00.001-06:002013-07-01T22:04:56.814-06:00Turn Off Your ElectronicsI recently went on a family vacation out of the country and was forced to turn my phone off, travel without a computer and cut off all ties to the electronic world. This meant taking careful preparation to make sure everything was covered. The first day I was thinking about stuff I needed to do when I got back and I had to consciously stop myself. Here are some tips when you decide to take a vacation away from electronics.<br />
<br />
1. Realize the work world doesn't stop because you are unavailable. (That was one of the hardest things for me.)<br />
2. But you can prepare to be out by finding backups for all of your necessary responsibilities, especially if you <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/files/2011/07/social_media_manager_infographic.jpg" target="_blank">run social media</a> profiles.<br />
3. Make sure your out-of-office (for all email accounts you run) is set-up and says you won't be available by email or cell.<br />
4. Don't tempt yourself by bringing any paper work or business-related items. (I did bring Forbes mixed in with my Glamour magazine.)<br />
5. Relax and enjoy the things outside of work. That may be the beauty of your surroundings, your family, whatever it is - enjoy being away from your office or work.<br />
6. If you can't seem to do number 5, take a couple deep breaths and reread number 1.Ashley Backhushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18061308635620174195noreply@blogger.com0