Formula for success: dessert for breakfast
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 21, 2011
Happy Holidays, everyone! Hope you are enjoying this wonderful season of the year and looking forward to time with friends and family while looking forward to the new year ahead. Aren’t you grateful for these special days? The chance to celebrate, enjoy beautiful lights and decorations, gather with friends and co-workers, share traditions — and create new ones — with your children, give to others, and just enjoy the anticipation of what is to come.
Whether you are anticipating Chanukah, Christmas or the arrival of 2012, there is “something in the air” this season that seems to make us all children once again. The approach of Christmas brings out the kid in me — not that the kid ever goes away! I love sugar cookies and Christmas trees and Santa Claus.
How can you not believe in Santa Claus?
We spend the year caught up in life. In work, in chores, in responsibilities, in traffic, in campaigns and product launches and analyses, in meetings, in negotiation, in, in, in.
This holiday season, I hope each of us will get “in”to the moment. Whatever your faith, and wherever you are, there is much to celebrate, be thankful for, and look forward to right now. Today. This morning.
The morning after our Thanksgiving celebrations, friends and I laughed that we were sneaking leftover pie, cake or cookies with our morning coffee or tea. We admitted that we felt a bit guilty for having dessert for breakfast. Yes, every Thanksgiving and Christmas you should have dessert for breakfast. At least once. If that is not a tradition in your household it should be. The kids get to have dessert for breakfast, too.
What is there to feel guilty about? Have a little fun. Have dessert for breakfast this holiday. And, for that matter, have dessert for breakfast whenever there’s something to celebrate during the year. Or have dessert for breakfast just because. May we make the most of this time of the year — and may we remember that there is much to celebrate, appreciate and enjoy each and every day.
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something special. When you find yourself “in” the day to day of 2012, stop and take time to do something just for you. A mini celebration or a break from it all.
And, for heaven’s sake, have a cookie!
The entrepreneur’s toolbox: lessons from my coffeemaker
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 15, 2011
From that heading you may be wondering if I’m into the holiday “spirits” this morning. Ha! I can assure you that I’m not, but I’m definitely into holiday coffee flavors this year.
Normally I want “just” coffee, regular not decaf, the darkest blend “straight” without cream or sugar, without syrup or flavorings, and without a barista’s latest artistic creation decorating the top (even though I want to learn how to make those). I’ll ask them to sneak in a shot of espresso on those mornings where I need a jumpstart … but otherwise leave my coffee alone.
Christmastime is different though. That’s when coffee becomes dessert for me — even for breakfast. Cinnamon, mocha, hazelnut, butterscotch, peppermint. Even pumpkin pie spice. I still skip the cream and sugar — and for heaven’s sake, the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, too — but I enjoy a bit of “spice” in my coffee this time of year.
So thank goodness for my Keurig. For those of you who may not be familiar with the brand, they have developed coffeemakers that keep water hot then force it through a small “K-cup” of coffee, tea or chocolate for a single cup or mug. A freshly-made hot beverage each time. Much more flavorful than instant coffee from a jar, I promise you. And no more “ugh” coffee left sitting in a carafe to be barely bearable — or poured out — come mid-morning.
But this isn’t meant to be a commercial for Keurig. As I popped in a hazelnut-flavored coffee pod for my morning cup the thought occurred to me: Each message, each conversation, each meeting with our customers or prospects should be “fresh” and “hot”. Not re-warmed or left over. Instead, just for them. Rather than offering a “carafe” of solutions taking time to uncover needs and provide custom, creative, fresh solutions. There are times we are asked to be an artistic, expert barista. Then there are times we simply need to be there with black coffee and a listening ear.
Ask yourself — is your business a “carafe” or a “Keurig”?
Formula for success: the USGP and Klout, revisited
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 8, 2011
An update and follow-up to the post I wrote on November 21st …
Well, I have good news. And more good news.
First the good news. New — and hopefully permanent — life has been breathed into the planned 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. It was announced yesterday that the organizers and promoters of the first Formula 1 race in the USA in seven years have stroked a very big check to Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and all is right once again at the Circuit of the Americas. “The race is on!” as the circuit’s website now exclaims. After announcements that monies were not available and construction had been stopped, a contract has been signed, fees have been paid .. and now all that remains is for a circuit to be built — with heaven knows how many more hurdles to be jumped before we hear engines next November.
Hope springs eternal in the heart of a Formula 1 fan.
Now the other good news. Klout, once touted as THE measure of influence in social media, continues to fade into the sunset. Its rise and fall have caused many to stop and reassess where they are placing their value in the virtual world. Many are refocusing on the importance of their own organic clout. With a “C”. The real thing. The influence each of us can create, cultivate, manage — and utilize to benefit others — on our own.
I’m watching still. Observing.
I’ll believe the United States Grand Prix is for real when I hear engines revving for the first practice on Friday, November 16th.
But in the meantime I believe there is true power in social media. Powered by the engine of influence and impact each of us has …
… simply by being ourselves and simply by engaging others in real conversation. And real connection.
“Get the picture …”
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 21, 2011
… and we got it.
Vividly.
“The ‘Dogs in red. Red helmets, red jerseys.”
I’ll miss you, Larry Munson. The Bulldog Nation — and the rest of the world — will, too.
Best Dawg. Ever.
Formula for success: of Klout and the USGP, of cabbages and kings
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 17, 2011
Those of you who follow me on Twitter are not at all surprised that I’ve lumped these two together. I’m not a fan of Klout but very much a fan of Formula 1. It has been interesting to watch things crumble among them over the last few days: Klout is rapidly losing “clout” and subscribers, and – as things stand now – it doesn’t look like Formula 1 will return to America with a United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, next year.
When you think about it, it makes sense to lump the two together. Both driven by a spotlight on the world’s stage and a hefty payday. Klout positioned itself as the supreme measure of social media influence. Full Throttle Productions and numerous investors promised to stage a Formula 1 race, build a circuit and complex, and bring the racing series back to America in 2012. Wow. Has Klout been dreaming of the ultimate IPO? And what were the promoters in Austin dreaming and scheming?
It all comes down to this. Stand and deliver. Bottom-line results. Nothing else matters. Klout scores and races-that-may-never-be should not encourage – or discourage – us. For those of us with customers and clients, with families and responsibilities, it’s all about standing and delivering everyday. Not worrying about what the world at large thinks about us .. but instead focused on being our best and delivering our best in everything we do.
Long ago I adopted the Serenity Prayer as my credo: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
God, help me make the most of every opportunity you place in my path and in my hands.
We can’t fix it all. And if you are dependent on some strange algorithm to prove your value to and influence of others, you need to look within. Stop looking without. And please stop placing distorted value on things – whether they be Klout scores, blogging or social media, or whatever may be the “latest and greatest”. Go out and be your very best for those who matter most to you. Go out and create the very best products and very best results – for them. And stop being distracted, disillusioned or disappointed by people, things – and “scores” – that do not matter in the end.
P. S. Oh – the “cabbages and kings” reference in the title today? I’m a huge Lewis Carroll fan. He went far beyond writing “Alice in Wonderland”. Go to Google and get to know the guy.
Formula for success: a true inspiration
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 7, 2011
Alex Zanardi
I took note as Alex — as he is best known — is one of my heroes.
Alex Zanardi, a native of Italy, began to train for racing as a young teenager. Motor racing, that is. After rising through feeder series, he entered Formula 1 in 1991. After four years he switched to the CART (Champ Car) arena where his two world championships caught the attention of Frank Williams, owner of Formula 1’s Williams team, and Alex was invited to give Formula 1 another go. Sadly it was for only one season. After numerous retirements from races mixed with lackluster finishes, Alex found himself out of Formula 1 once again.
The 2000 season came and went without Alex. He began to consider re-entering CART and landed a seat for 2001. Once again, results were mixed. Then it happened: On a competitive pace in a September 2001 race, Alex was seriously injured in a violent crash and, as a result, lost both of his legs.
Alex’s open wheel racing career was over. And, as you might think, any type of racing career.
You do not know Alex.
Fitted with standard prosthetic limbs, Alex found them cumbersome and limiting as he began to plan a return to auto racing. Nothing was going to hold him back. He designed his own limbs and feet to allow him needed flexibility. By 2003 Alex was racing again, using hand controls, ultimately landing a drive in an international touring car series that became known as the WTCC. He even considered Formula 1 once again — testing a special car fitted with hand controls in 2006.
In 2007, Alex switched from motor vehicles to a self-propelled one: the handcycle. After only a few weeks of training, he placed fourth in the New York City Marathon. Alex began to steadily rise to world-class status as a handcyclist and has become a strong contender to represent Italy in the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games. Then came yesterday as Alex showed his championship form, taking the handcycle title in a down-to-the-wire finish — nothing less for Alex! — managing to win even after encountering problems with the chain on his cycle toward the end of the race.
So now you understand why Alex Zanardi is my hero. There’s much to learn from his resolve to pursue his passions and dreams even after a tremendous setback. There’s much to learn from his resolve, his attitude … and his championship approach to life.
He’s written two books, Alex Zanardi: My Story and Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory. They should be a part of your library.
Are you inspired to go out and make it a great week? I know I am. Happy Monday!
The entrepreneur’s toolbox: contrary to popular belief …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 4, 2011
… E-mail is not dead! While it may seem “old school” in this era of social media and apps, e-mail remains the number-one way to communicate in the digital world.
However, e-mail filled with weighty promotions and a constant drumbeat of “buy buy buy ” is definitely antiquated. It was the moment it was created, for that matter.
Mine the power of email for your business, whether in one-to-one communications or in the weekly or monthly e-newsletters and announcements you send to customers and associates. Two things are key to e-mail success: conciseness and personality.
Be concise. The world is on-the-go and everyone’s inbox is full! Whether your message is read on smartphone or desktop computer, remember that it’s best to keep it brief, clear and to the point. Don’t forget a precise call to action when applicable: whether it be to call you to discuss an issue or click the included link to your website to check out your pre-holiday specials.
Be personable. Be clear, be professional — but be you. This is important not only in your private communication with your customers or clients but in your mass e-mail to your database. Take a moment to read your latest company communications with a critical eye and mind: Were they interesting? Were they helpful? Did they grab and keep your attention? What could you change or add that contributes? How about tips for the use of your product? A spotlight of an employee — or a customer?
Subscription content for an e-newsletter can be very valuable but blend it with articles, tips and columns contributed by your staff … and you! Remember that in this mobile world a 500-word limit is a good rule of thumb! Consider transitioning from a monthly e-publication to brief — and helpful — weekly communications.
Most of all, have fun! Just as chatting with a customer can mean a nice break in the day for each of you, sending a friendly, helpful and “chatty” e-mail can have the same effect. And impact.
Formula for success: guard your heart … mind … and tweets
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 2, 2011
Our worlds are whirlwinds, aren’t they? I say “worlds” as we see how quickly our real life situations can change as well as we see breaking news on local and national media. Our personal worlds can instantly change just as we see events impact the lives of others.
We should each take a long and deep breath. And we should give more focus — and credence — to what is happening in our personal and business lives. What we need to be most attuned to, what we can best influence, what we must step in and change — and what’s going to impact us and those who count in our lives.
The internet and social media have caused many to leap to impromptu decisions about companies and brands, and then form impromptu conclusions about people. Let’s not let that same instantaneous thinking affect us in forming opinions, assumptions and conclusions about new contacts and potential new relationships — whether offline or online.
Step away from your phone, tablet, laptop .. the internet and social media. Think for yourself. Form your own opinions and — more than anything — open yourself once again to new relationships and new opportunities. Give someone new and something new a chance. And better yet, foster that growth by taking things to the next step and the next level.
Don’t be so quick to form opinions and buy into others’ judgments and conclusions from what you hear and from what you read in social media or elsewhere on the internet. Return to thinking for yourself and considering what is best for you. Keep your eyes — and your world — open to what is .. and what could be.
Fall recipe: spiced pumpkin bread
Posted by LoisMarketing in Recipes on October 21, 2011
One of my favorites for fall. This recipe makes two loaves. Bake them both, enjoy one now with your coffee during the first cool fall mornings. Wrap the other tightly in foil and secure in a freezer bag, then warm slices with butter for a perfect breakfast snack on Thanksgiving morning!
3 cups sugar (or perhaps 2 to 2-1/2 cups if you prefer your bread to be less sweet)
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or butter then flour two 9″ x 5″ x 3″-inch loaf pans.
Beat sugar and oil in large bowl to blend. Stir in eggs and pumpkin. Sift flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt and baking powder into another large bowl. Stir into pumpkin mixture in 2 additions. Mix in walnuts, if desired.
Divide batter equally between prepared pans. Bake until toothpick or other tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer to racks and cool 10 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges of each loaf, then turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
There’s nothing quite like community …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on October 17, 2011
It goes beyond hometown fall festivals. It definitely goes beyond Hillary Clinton saying “it takes a village”.
There’s just something about community. About communing.
No, not commuting … communing!
In a way we are defined by the communities in which we live. In my case it’s a pretty cool neighborhood with security gates and the customary fall pansies now planted at the front. But that’s not the community I speak of. In this case community is about finding that common interest and common bond. It’s about coming to the aid of each other and about being a good “neighbor” in every sense of the word. It’s about more than hearing — it’s about listening. It’s more than seeing — it’s recalling. Who do you know who could be a good resource? A good introduction? A potential prospect? Or — more than anything — a new friend?
We are all part of communities. Isn’t it time to meet the new neighbors?
Welcome!
Sales and marketing diva, avid Georgia Bulldog football and Formula 1 fan, writer, artist and gardener.
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