Are you HeartSmart yet? 

Ever­yone knows that their heart is extremely important. As I recently found out with first hand experiece, with a little knowledge about your heart and what is good or bad for it, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease; which is the leading cause of death in the United States.   An estimated 935,000 heart attacks and 795,000 strokes occur each year.

71 million people have high cholesterol and 2 out of 3 don’t have the condition under control.  Although it has no symptoms, it is a major risk factor of heart disease.

With the help of a few good friends, we will begin a weekly training where our goal is to open your eyes on the importance of knowing your cholesterol numbers and learning about ways to get and stay at healthy levels.  (Many people choose statins, but for me, the ratio of results achieved compared to the risks and side effects, warranted that I try another avenue first.  If you have the same concerns, know someone that does, or just want to know the simple facts, you may find a good start with our call.)  Keep an eye open, dates to be announced soon!

A good friend of mine and I were just having a conversation about effective marketing strategies for gaining new business and maintaining existing business.  Since he is a certified Guerilla Marketer and Business Coach, I value his insight and I continue to learn from him.  I thought parts of the conversation would be beneficial to anyone in any type of business and decided to share it. 

It has to do with the effort and time you spend towards growing your business.  10% should be spent by staying abreast of current trends and updates in your own industry.  30% of the time should be geared towards attracting new business.  But 60% of the time should be spent on one’s existing business clients! 

Many businesses tend to do the opposite.  They spend much more time marketing for new business and do not put much effort into sustaining the lifeblood of their income, their existing clients.  A personal touch is always the best way to nurture existing clients and let them know you care. 

Because I work in marketing, I have a broad spectrum of clients in various industries.  Although I have to consistently work to find new clients, my existing clients are extremely important to me.  Most of them have become good friends and I sincerely care about them.  But, due to my constant running, time is an issue for me.  Fortunately, I’m able to use a direct mail marketing system that allows me to keep in touch with my clients in a very personal way.  I’m able to build my relationships by following up after a meeting, send rewards for referrals, and receive reminded about birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc..  I’ve seen this type of personal touch help my business over and over. 

In these fast-paced times, one should consider a more personal approach.  People can sense when you really care about them.  A good relationship brings people back and simply makes living life more enjoyable.  Take time to smell the roses.  Spend that extra few minutes to really talk with your clients.  Share a cup of coffee with them.  Send them a surprise hello once in a while. 

In closing, here is a quote to ponder on.  “The danger of the past was that man became slaves.  The danger of the future is that man may become robots.”  Erich Fromm

In these times, every savvy business owner carefully coordinates their marketing program, keeping themselves visible where people search for their services.

When business owners scale back on advertising with the sole intention of saving money, they may think that people already know them and they will not lose business.  In reality, they relinquish the portion of the market share that they are used to, leaving this new business “there for the taking”.  Why do you think that Coca Cola, Nike and McDonalds continue to advertise?  They are highly successful, yet they still continue to advertise.  Doesn’t everyone know them already?

Be wise, advertise and gain the advantage.  But, consider enlisting the help of someone with experience in advertising.  No sense reinventing the wheel.  Getting sound advice from a trustworthy source can actually save you money, frustration, customers and potentially, your business.  Advertising properly, according to your industry, location and demographics, is not expensive.  Not advertising can be.

Last thought.  Ted Turner was asked what  the key to his success was.  His answer, “Early to bed, early to rise, advertise, advertise, advertise, advertise.”

Greetings!!!  Welcome to my blog.  I’m happy to see you.  I will do my best to have some great information available to those who visit.

After the snowfall we received here in Pittsburgh starting a week ago, my awareness for the plight of victims in weather related catastrophies has heightened.  Therefore, for my very first post, I am wanting to make people aware of how to make a contribution of $1.00 towards Haiti Relief Efforts, actually equal $2.00.   It’s very simple.  For every dollar you donate at the end of your grocery order at Giant Eagle grocery stores, Giant Eagle will match the donation, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.  This will take place at every Giant Eagle, Get Go, Market District, Giant Eagle Express, and Valu King, with the exception of Columbus, Maryland and Toledo.

These funds will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti relief and development efforts which includes sending supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources.  So, if you are considering giving, why not do it conveniently, remain within your budget, and double your efforts?  Add an extra dollar at the end of your grocery order every time you shop and lets help send them $100,000!

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed your visit and will come again soon.  For now, I wish you joy in your day.