InSight - Keeping an Eye on Opportunity

In Advertising, We Cannot Afford to Assume Anything

2010-04-26T15:03:00.003-05:00

Recently, I was presenting at a Marketing Conference for the local Equine Industry. We were discussing the importance of clear communication, when one of the attendees mentioned that for years she has had a sign out on the street stating simply “Lessons”.

Recently, she replaced the sign with a new sign that reads “Riding Lessons”. To her surprise, a neighbor said to her “I never knew you gave riding lessons.”

Wow, what a HUGE lesson to the marketer in each of us.

So often, we assume that people will know what we are selling and we leave out really important information. We talk in our industry lingo. We use abbreviations and acronyms. What we fail to do is to put ourselves in the place of our audience and realize that they don’t necessarily know everything that we know about our product or service.

Now lets get back to the horse farm sign. We now know they offer riding lessons, but I can’t help but wonder what type of riding lessons are available. Do they teach english or western riding? Can I learn how to jump? Or maybe I would rather learn how to do barrel racing like in the rodeo. Do they have horses there that I can ride, or do I need my own horse? Do they teach beginners or advanced? They are still assuming a lot. Maybe they are assuming that I will just stop by and ask all these questions … but I’m a pretty busy person. And, I’m not even sure it would be OK to just stop by.

The reaction of the horse farm owner was “We are a horse farm, what kind of lessons did she think we give?” The fact is, she probably just didn’t think. Chances are, she did not care enough to put much thought into it. People are bombarded by marketing messages every day, at every turn. Most of them, we do not even notice. It is the job of the marketer to provide information in a manner that is appealing, that is easy to understand, and that is informative.

Do not waste your money on marketing messages that are ineffective. Put yourself into the shoes of your audience. Give them the information they need. Give them a reason to choose you! Do not assume they know why they should.

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising, Inc.

Visit us on twitter at BBGGadv

Coffee Lovers Take Small Steps to Make a Big Difference

2010-02-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

Did you see the recent article (February 1) in the Hudson Valley Business Journal - www.hvbj.com - titled "Coffee that's for the Birds"? Up to a few months ago, I had never heard of Birds & Beans coffee, or even knew what "Bird Friendly" certification meant. I had no idea that rainforests are being cleared to grow coffee.

Who knew that what coffee I drink can make such a difference to the songbirds I love to watch in my gardens and at my bird feeders every spring and summer? In fact, on warm summer mornings, I love sitting out on my deck - cup of coffee in hand - listening to the birds and enjoying the peacefulness of the morning.

Bird Friendly® coffee, I have recently learned, protects our North American songbirds. Grown on family farms, under the most stringent environmental requirements, Birds & Beans coffee is 100% shade-grown, protecting and providing 92% of the rainforest habitat. It is also 100% organic, Fair Trade and/or Rainforest Alliance. Other coffees labeled shade-grown, by the way, may contain as little as 30% shade-grown beans. Only Bird Friendly® coffee is 100% shade-grown.

As it turns out, the birds I love to watch in the spring and summer spend their winters in Latin and South America – coffee country. If they find no habitat down there, or habitat that is sub-par, they may not be able to make the 3,000 - 6,000 mile trip back up north. We have already lost about 40% of our songbird population over the last 30-40 years.

By making educated and conscientious choices, we can make a difference. We are increasingly seeing the difference that building green, recycling, using alternative energy, as well as using environmentally friendly cleaners can make. That list could go on and on. So, here's another way we can make a minor change that could make a big difference in the future.

Birds & Beans coffee can be found at Nature's Pantry in Newburgh and Fishkill, the Cornwall Community Co-op, Near & Natural Cafe in Bedford Village, Otto's Market in Germantown. Or you can order direct online at www.birdsandbeans.com.

My friend has formed a buying group. A number of us order every month and share the flat shipping charges, so shipping comes down to pennies per bag. Contact me if you're interested.

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising

(845) 695-1880

Insight@bbggadv.com

www.twitter.com/BBGGadv

Targeting the Bridal Market

2010-02-07T17:31:00.004-05:00

I just returned from the Bridal Expo at Anthonys Pier Nine in Newburgh and have to say I was a bit disappointed. I hate to be negative, but I just have to share a couple of things that I think we can all learn from.

If you are in the market for a DJ, then the Expo was the place to be. With 81 vendors there, 21 of them were DJs and 15 of them were photographers! That really does not leave much room for variety in other areas.

The other thing that was disappointing was the Fashion Show, which was put on by Bella Couture in Newburgh (one of only two bridal shops I saw there). A little variety would have been nice. My daughter and I actually left after about 10 or 15 minutes because every single gown looked the same ... literally. Now, I know that strapless gowns are really in fashion now, but certainly there must be some variety ... no?

If I had to pick "Best in Show", I would vote for Ranita Productions of Chester. While I could not tell you exactly every service they provide (even from looking at their brochure), I can tell you that their display was beautiful and that they would bring a uniqueness to every wedding. They are not a florist, but work with you to create table displays that are personalized for each couple. They even had a unique way of displaying the table seating chart. If I were to get married, Annabelle would be one of the first people I would call to help set the stage for a beautiful and special day.

Another cool thing, if you are a bride or wedding planner looking for elegant accommodations and safe travel for your guests, Homewood Suites/Newburgh and West Point Tours have a package that is perfect. If you call them at 845.567.2700, they will customize a package just for you!

The recession has had an impact on wedding planning. Heck, the recession has had an impact on almost every industry. But if your business in any way caters to the bridal market, this is a marketing investment you should have made. This was your chance to spend an entire day in front of your target market. Invest some money in marketing materials to hand out - it doesn't have to be a huge investment. Create a display that is eye-catching. Have personable, knowledgeable people working the show. Hold a raffle so you can collect names, addresses, and email addresses. Then continue your investment and make sure the time is taken to follow up with the attendees. If you make the investment of time and money, it will pay off. Trade shows are still a very effective form of marketing, especially a very localized, targeted trade show like the Bridal Expo.

If your business can benefit by marketing to brides and wedding planners, and you are located in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, make sure you have a presence at next year's Bridal Expo. The brides will be looking for you!

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations

Insight@bbggadv.com

A Lesson to be Learned

2010-02-01T19:30:00.004-05:00

As a marketing person, sometimes I feel like I am repeating the same messages over and over. And, each time, I try to communicate in a different manner, say it in a different way -- all in an effort to get my messages across about the importance of customer service, going above and beyond what is expected, creating a strong brand and living up to it, building strong working relationships with other local companies (sometimes even those who you feel may be your competitors).

While many companies do a few of these things, very few do all of them. So, when I see a company that is doing everything right, I cannot help but applaud.

I spent last night at Homewood Suites by Hilton over at Stewart Airport. The hotel is beautiful. Just a few years old, and really designed well. We stayed in a one bedroom suite, and after being there about a half an hour, we were joking about selling our house and moving in.

But all joking aside, the place is just great. All the comforts of home, without the hassles of home. The staff were so friendly and helpful, you felt like you were coming home to family -- well, the kind of family you would want to come home to :)

The artwork throughout the hotel was purchased from local artists. From speaking with the sales staff, we learned that they shop locally whenever possible. The management is amazingly savvy when it comes to marketing and building win/win relationships.

Carrying the name Hilton brings with it certain expectations. The parent company has created a strong brand that stands for quality. We all know that sometimes these expectations are not met and we are disappointed. That happened to me about ten years ago with another hotel chain (who's name I will withhold - not sure why). But, that was certainly not the case this time.

In fact, our stay at Homewood Suites in Newburgh, NY strengthened my loyalty to the Hilton brand. It was more than I expected. We're talking about making this a tradition. And, we are making reservations at the Homewood Suites down in Florida for our vacation next month.

Now, there's a company that is doing everything right. That's what branding is all about -- carrying that brand through to everything you do.

Kudos to Homewood Suites, Newburgh!

June Bisel

Partner

BBG&G Advertising, Inc.

New Media: Changing What Consumers Want

2010-01-29T16:38:00.001-05:00

New media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Flickr, YouTube, online games, and mobile devices, along with web sites and email, has enabled consumers to have a voice more than ever before and to feel that they have an effect on business and corporate responsibility. In fact, according to the 2009 Cone Consumer New Media Study, an online survey by Opinion Research Corporation, 62% of users polled believe they can influence business decisions by voicing their opinions online.

Consumers are using new media to research products and the corporations that make those products, and are making buying decisions based on what they read. Positive information leads to sales, while negative information leads to consumers switching brands and even boycotting certain brands or products. This is particularly true of issues concerning the environment, health and wellness, safety, ethics, and human rights. It wasn’t that long ago, if you recall, that a large number of consumers were boycotting all products made in China because of the safety issues with several children’s products made there.

New media is giving consumers a voice, and a way to share information in real time.

They want to know what is in products and how they are made. They are interested in the community involvement of corporations, their philanthropy, and even in the way they treat their employees. For the most part, they trust what they are reading through new media channels and feel confident that companies who engage in conversation through new media outlets are being honest and transparent.

Companies can utilize new media to build trust with consumers, to find out what is important to them and to make changes as needed. New media is forcing corporations to be more responsible members of the community at large.

If you haven’t joined in the conversation yet, now is the time to get started. Social media should be a part of your 2010 Marketing Plan. It is expected that 59% of businesses will be adding social media to their marketing mix this year.

Once you’ve started, utilize traditional media on a regular basis to generate interest and lead consumers to the online conversation. Then, keep them engaged.

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising, Inc.

Take time to Listen

2009-11-24T11:35:00.003-05:00

We are all interested in using Social Networking to benefit our business. Business owners ask me every day "how can I get started? what can I write about". They too often tell me they feel social media does not lend itself to their business. But I don't agree.

We are people. We are social creatures. Every business decision is made by a person. Every purchase decision is made by a person. Therefore, every business does, in some way, lend itself to social networking. Sometimes you just have to be creative in your thinking... other times, you just have to listen.

Not sure just how to get started? Not sure how social networking can benefit you? Then take the first step, go to your favorite search engine or to Twitter or Facebook or LinkedIn and search. Search for your prospects. Search for your competitors. Search for products or services you offer. Search for new trends within your industry...

Just search. Listen to what people are saying. Get ideas. Find out what is of interest to your prospects. What keeps them up at night. What makes them ecstatic. What makes them laugh. What makes them mad. What would they find useful? Is there a void you can fill?

Just listen.

And do it regularly. Even if you decide to never take the plunge and become involved in the conversation (which I feel would be a terrible idea) ... at least listen. Your business will depend on it.

June Bisel

BBGG Advertising and Public Relations

Twitter: BBGGadv

Simplicity Rules

2009-11-23T08:14:00.003-05:00

Simplicity has always been key in advertising — hence, the KISS method (keep it simple, stupid). Oftentimes, it is this concept that I find most difficult to convey, and as I look through our local publications each day, it is evident that many of our local businesses fall into the same pattern — trying to fit everything they do into one ad.

So I thought this would be a good opportunity to share some rules on developing a good ad. I call them my Simplicity Rules.

- Know your audience

- Advertise where the majority of your audience is likely to see it

- Pull readers in with a catchy headline

- If using a graphic, make sure it is relevant

- Copy content should be direct and to the point

- Hone in on the benefits of your product or service

- Keep plenty of white space

- Do not forget the Call to Action

- Provide contact information

- Do not clutter the ad

Lets face it, we are all on information overload. If advertising is not presented in a manner that is invited and enticing to our audience, no one will read it. Cluttered ads are stressful and will be overlooked.

Simplicity truly does rule! Try it out.

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations

BusinessCardContacts.com

Twitter: BBGGadv

Coupons Make a Comeback

2009-11-18T09:28:00.004-05:00

Great article here decitica.com/ talks about the changes in consumer behavior due to the recession.

The increased use of coupons is what spurred BusinessCardContacts to begin offering coupons through our site.

I hope you read the article Decita Marketing Strategy and Research and then visit our downloadable coupon section for great savings.

June Bisel

BBG&G Advertising & Public Relations

BusinessCardContacts.com

Visit me on Twitter - BBGGadv

Which name do you like?

2009-11-10T20:57:00.006-05:00

When my partner, Deborah Garry, and I started BusinessCardContacts a couple of years ago, we did so because we saw a need that was not being met right here in our own community. As owners of BBG&G Advertising in Middletown since 1997, we have our fingers on the pulse of the business community as it relates to marketing. We support our community, we buy local, and we encourage others to buy local.

We developed BusinessCardContacts to provide Hudson Valley businesses of all sizes a place to affordably and effectively reach their target audience using the web. As the Hudson Valleys Net Neighborhood, we provide businesses in our community a chance to promote themselves and tell their story. It provides the consumer in all of us the chance to find and research our local businesses online before making a buying decision.

BusinessCardContacts is a rolodex, so to speak, of businesses in the Hudson Valley. But it is also a site that encourages buying local. You can get to BusinessCardContacts two ways:

www.BusinessCardContacts.com

www.ThinkLocalFirst.biz

We just can not decide which one we like best, so we are having a vote.

Let us know which name you prefer. Leave a comment below, or vote via Twitter at http://twitter.com/BBGGadv

Taking the Mystery out of Social Media

2009-10-18T18:40:00.001-05:00

I had the privilege of being a co-presenter with my friend Rosemarie Monaco of Group M at a recent Rockland Business Association Womens Forum. The topic of the day The Basics of Social Media. Our presentation reviewed the very basics of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We reviewed what we consider to be the Top 5 Social Networking sites as they relate to business from a branding and public relations standpoint.

The event was held at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Nanuet, and the room was full of both men and women with a large variation of knowledge in social networking. Our presentation format was conversational and very open to audience interaction. In retrospect, I am not sure that was a great idea, because Rosemarie and I probably only got about halfway through our presentation when it was 5pm and we had to call it a day.

It is amazing to me how many people want desperately to know about social networking, but are apprehensive to dive in. They know that they should get involved in it for the sake of their business, but their instincts tell them to be cautious.

Then there are those of us who have adopted social media as a way of life. It is a part of our every day routine. We take pictures and upload them to our Facebook to share with family and friends. We have renewed friendships with college and high school buddies. We blog regularly about our passion. We tweet words of wisdom. We check out YouTube to stay current on recent events, our favorite celebrities, or the latest scandal. We text. We chat. We download apps. We write on walls.

There is often some fear or hesitation in the unknown, and especially when that unknown often receives such bad press. Fears of identity theft, Facebook scandals, Facebook stalkers, personal information being out there for the world to see. Questions about followers, networks, friends, privacy, comments on blogs, comments on walls ... the list goes on and on.

It is true. Social media can be a bit intimidating. It is a whole new world. But it is also fun. And, for many businesses, it is an essential element for growth and success.

So, I urge everyone who is apprehensive to put aside your fears and just do it. Spend the time necessary to become familiar with the networking sites I have indicated. Find and read blogs on topics that are of interest to you. Comment on the blogs. Get involved in the conversation. And once you become more familiar and comfortable with the process, start a conversation of your own.

Because when it comes right down to it, that’s all social media is. It is a conversation. It is a way to be social and interact on the internet. It is not scary. It’s fun! That is why so many people are doing it.

If you are interested in learning more about Social Media as it relates to your business, contact me at Insight@BBGGadv.com

By the way, if this blog seems very formal today, it is because it is being very finicky and has decided it does not like apostrophes. So I have been forced to remove them in an effort to remove html jibberish. If I have missed any, I apologize!

June Bisel is a founding partner at BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations in Middletown, New York. Follow her on Twitter

Join Forces for Impact

2009-10-13T15:53:00.003-05:00

It's not easy for a small business to make a big impact these days. And as we all try to advertise a little here and a little there, the message gets lost among the clutter.

It is often the case where I will tell you "less" is "more".

To the woman sitting behind me in church - less perfume, please. To the two little girls in my life who I adore - less screaming, please. To the car dealers on the radio - less screaming, please. To the businesses who try to cram every benefit or feature of every product into one little ad - less info, please.

When it comes to ad size, however, it is often the case that "less" is just "less". And small ads often go overlooked. With an increase in businesses trying to get noticed on a small budget, the papers are jam-packed with small ads that, in fact, go unnoticed.

So what's a small business to do? Join forces and advertise together. There are many ways to do this, with formal or informal arrangements. And, it's getting easier every day, thanks to forward-thinking people who are organizing these types of collaborations.

BBG&G Advertising, through BusinessCardContacts.com, is providing opportunities for small businesses in the Hudson Valley to join forces and get noticed.

If you are interested in advertising on the web, on the radio, and in the newspaper, BusinessCardContacts now has MultiMedia Packages that do just that!

Check it out!

Target Reinvigorates the Staycation

2009-09-23T13:48:00.001-05:00

Many cash-strapped consumers cut back on their vacation plans this summer and took their "staycations" to the extreme by just staying home and not doing much of anything. Now, it's early autumn, the weather's been pretty great, and the natives are restless!

Well, if you are a regular reader of my blogs, or even the articles I write for the Hudson Valley Business Journal, you already know that there are loads of amazing things to do here in the Hudson Valley.

Supermarket retailer, Target has taken notice of the staycation trend and has begun sponsoring art and culture events in cities including NYC, Boston and Miami. Their sponsorships range from free Friday night attendance at the Museum of Modern Art to the Oklahoma City Arts Council's Twilight Music series. Going out to art museums and performing arts events for day trips are a great way to find excitement when a larger scale vacation just doesn't fit the budget.

This is another example of how local sponsorships can prove to be a strong asset to your business and help enhance the community. Take a page out of Target's book and sponsor local youth and arts events. People are looking to get out and find fun, low cost things to do and they will remember your company for being the one that sponsored the event that allowed them to do it.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising, Inc.
junebisel@bbggadv.com
845-291-7399
Visit us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBGGadv
BBGGadv.com

R U Twittering?

2009-09-03T11:47:00.001-05:00

Many people still do not know what Twitter will do for online marketing in the future. Whether it will be a powerful online marketing tool, or become a passing fad, has yet to be realized.

There seems to be a divide between ad-folk and the average consumer over the future of Twitter. Advertising insiders are more likely to think that Twitter can amount to something big, while 70% of consumers surveyed said that they didn't even know enough about Twitter to predict how effective it can be. So that begs the question: How useful can an online medium be if 70% of consumers don't even know what it is?

Twitter is still very young, and there is the ever-present generational divide of the internet that must also be accounted for. Twitter is used and recognized most by younger audiences and 1 in 5 advertising professionals think it will stay that way. Even among industry professionals, those under 50 had the most faith that Twitter would grow quickly within the next 5 years.

If your tweets can be interesting and useful to others, I believe that Twitter has a future in the online world. If you are considering using Twitter as part of your marketing, remember that its usage is highest among younger age groups, so craft your tweets accordingly but make sure you don't talk down to this audience.

I twitter. Do you? Click on the link below to see my twitter page.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising, Inc.
junebisel@bbggadv.com
845-695-1880
Visit us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBGGadv
BBGGadv.com

Elant Polo Picnic

2009-08-31T15:01:00.003-05:00

I have had the pleasure, this past year, of working with the dedicated staff and the members of the Polo Picnic Committee for Elant, Inc. a not-for-profit, community-based organization that provides nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, home health care, and rehabilitation services throughout the Hudson Valley.

I have mentioned, in past blogs, the importance of becoming involved in your community. I have volunteered my time in what seems like a past life, when I was the leader of a 4H Club (The Cantering Clydesdales). Our group would regularly visit with the residents of the Arden Hill Life Care Center, which is now a part of the Elant family. Our club members were involved with horses and dogs, and would bring some of the more obedient pups to visit with the residents. What great memories!

Now, years later, my company BBG&G Advertising, donated our time to create the first Elant Calendar, which was distributed at the Polo Picnic yesterday. We worked with Barbara George, an Elant board member and a member of the Polo Picnic Committee, as well as members of the Elant staff, and we put together a beautiful calendar which included artwork from residents.

I wanted to write about this today, because I wanted to share the fact that when, in fact, you are giving to your community, it is often the case that you get much more in return. The Hudson Valley is such a wonderful place to live and work. I urge you all to get involved. Donate your time and your expertise to the community - your rewards will be great!

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Visit me on Twitter
www.BBGGadv.com
Insight@bbggadv.com

Creating the At-Home College Workspace

2009-08-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

Back to school time is here. I know firsthand how much kids hate the audacity of marketers pushing back-to-school season earlier and earlier in the summer. Wal-Mart had back-to-school supplies fully stocked and displayed shortly after July 4th. At Wal-Mart, Independence Day meant just the opposite to students just beginning to enjoy their summer vacation.

For college-bound kids, back to school season means something very different than their younger counterparts. For many, it means moving out of the house again and back into the textbook jungle. This, like nearly everything else about our lives has become slightly soured by the recession. In fact, more students will be opting to stay home and commute to school this year. If a student is looking to save money, cutting out housing costs is a great way to do it.

This is an opportunity for retailers to profit by showing students that they understand what they are going through. I see an opportunity for businesses to allow students to Create Their College Workspace. Many students' bedrooms at home haven't been updated for a long time and are lacking the workspace function that would suit their current collegiate needs. Therefore, businesses can still sell desks, chairs, lamps, and organization materials that these young adults will need to create a college environment in their bedroom at home.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising, Inc.
Insight@bbggadv.com
845-291-7399
Visit us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBGGadv
BBGGadv.com

Ladies Night Out a Huge Success

2009-08-21T13:15:00.003-05:00

Last night, I spent a good part of my evening enjoying dinner, drinks, and shopping with some friends. And I was not alone!

The event, which I believe was organized by the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, brought out hundreds of women. We enjoyed music, appetizers, refreshments, and lots of good bargains. The stores stayed open late and they were filled. The best part, was that it was also a fundraiser for Orange County Safe Homes.

Partnering with other local businesses is always a good idea. I say it all the time. It is a great way to market your business and a win/win for all involved. Especially when a local non-for-profit can also benefit.

Join your local chambers, rotaries, and your industry-related groups. Get to know the other businesses in your area -- even your "competitors". Good relationships are key to every business. That doesn't just mean relationships with your customers. It includes ALL relationships.

I'd love to hear about organized events that you have held, or other ways that you have collaborated with local businesses to attract customers.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Insight@bbggadv.com
Visit me on Twitter

Hotels Expected to See Decrease in Revenues

2009-08-20T10:03:00.003-05:00

Findings in two recent studies indicate that challenges are ahead for the hotel industry.

Reports from Smith Travel Research and Cornell University's Center for Hospitality Research show that the demand for rooms is on the decline and the amount of rooms available are increasing. The challenges for the industry may include price wars, increased competition, and difficulties with contract renegotiations.

With a decrease in travel expected through 2010, the continued pressures of profitability will force some hotel operators to rethink their strategy and increase their marketing efforts.

Here are a few suggestions for hotel managers who strive to exceed the projected 55.1% average occupancy rate in 2010:
- develop beneficial partnerships
- improve loyalty programs
- keep an eye on new leisure or travel trends

Try your best not to get caught up in the price war. Offer good value and give your guests more than they expected.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Insight@bbggadv.com
Visit me on Twitter

Universities Revamping Recruitment Methods for the Facebook Generation

2009-08-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

There is a wave of social media marketing coming from colleges and universities seeking to market to teens. College marketing through social networking and other online media platforms is a great fit to the developing social marketing landscape. Teens spend a reported 31 hours per week online. They are active users of online media, downloading podcasts, reading blogs, and Twittering, Facebooking and Googling.

Colleges are already using social networking to communicate with and recruit high school seniors. Still, the question remains of how colleges will engage this hyperactive teenage market. Teenagers are hip to marketers' usual games. They expect to get letters in the mail. They expect emails. They expect banner ads. College bound teenagers will be receptive to colleges and universities who use the digital space in conjunction with traditional recruitment platforms to connect with them.

This means that using radio, TV, and direct mail are not obsolete, but integrating them with a smart digital engagement will bring the best ROI for recruiting colleges and universities. An online presence that really grabs teenagers attention and engages them will make your institution stand out from competing colleges.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Visit me on Twitter
845-291-7399
Insight@bbggadv.com

Really Cool Renovation Blogs

2009-08-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

During this recession, consumers have been holding off on large, expensive remodeling projects in favor of smaller projects that add personal touches to their living spaces. I discussed this trend in a March post, and since then, I have found some very cool blogs where people show off some of their home renovations, share inspirations, and provide how-to's online.

The first post that stopped me in my tracks was a project that I stumbled upon on Designsponge.com. The project was a woman named Lori's painted sun room floor. This was just such a beautiful, fresh take on painting a floor that I had to share it. Most times you see a painted floor, it is done on the outside to bring some color to a boring wooden patio, but this one has made me think twice about the idea of a painted floor.

Some other great sites for great home decorating ideas that I've come across are Remodelista, and http://www.budgetdesigner.blogspot.com/. Remodelista is a website that I have found great inspirations from. The designs are more upscale, but they provide good ideas that can be emulated on a budget. Budgetdesigner.blogspot.com offers very helpful and insightful advice on making decor renovations on a budget.

I found these sites to be very helpful and inspiring. If your business caters to the home improvement sector, you should be sharing ideas like this. Do you have a web site? Do you have a blog? Do you see where you're missing out? Get on the social media band wagon now. You'll be glad you did.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Visit me on Twitter
845-291-7399
junebisel@bbggadv.com

Do You Know What PR Stands For?

2009-08-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

So often, I find that people think PR stands for press release. But PR is so much more than that.

Public relations is a form of marketing that goes well beyond a simple press release. In fact, many PR campaigns don't even include press releases.

The goal of PR is to improve relations and communication with your public - your clients or prospects, the community in which you are located, the community you serve, your stake holders, your vendors, your employees. There are times when press releases are effective in reaching your public. But more often than not, it is just a piece of the puzzle.

So the next time you think PR, think beyond the press release. And remember, actions speak louder than words.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising, Inc.
junebisel@bbggadv.com
845-695-1880
Visit us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBGGadv
BBGGadv.com

Rain, Rain Go Away ... please

2009-08-03T12:55:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a one-week camping trip up in the Adirondacks. I really can't complain too much about the weather, but there was a bit more rain than I would have liked (imagine that). Truthfully, I probably would have been fine if it hadn't poured the entire last day. That just kind of put me over the top.

But, always with the mind of a marketer, I couldn't help but think, as I was driving home over the weekend, how all this rain we've been having has really increased the need for particular products and services.

The store at the camp certainly passed their Marketing 101 classes, and offered everything a camper may need to help stay dry: ponchos, umbrellas, tarps, dry wood, you name it. Other products that would be popular for homeowners would be sump pumps, drainage pipes, maybe even roofing supplies.

And I can't help but think how busy the basement waterproofing companies must be right now.

My point is, if you have the potential to sell a service or product that will help people through this crappy weather we've been having, then do it! If you're in a retail environment, make sure you keep the products in a highly visible area. For products and services alike, advertise like crazy. This is your chance to really profit.

June Bisel
BBGG Advertising, Inc.
junebisel@bbggadv.com
845-695-1880

Drink Birds & Beans Coffee and Save Birds

2009-08-03T12:31:00.001-05:00

It probably does not come as much of a shock to anyone that Americans drink one-third of the coffee produced worldwide. Whether you prefer Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, iced or hot, dark or light, organic or not, there is no doubt about it: Americans need their daily caffeine fix, and they get it from coffee. For me, personally, the thought of that first cup of coffee is what helps get me out of bed every day, and I'm not embarrassed to admit it either :)

So what is your first thought when you take your first sip of that morning coffee? It probably is not, “I wonder if I am endangering species of birds and destroying the rain forest with every sip I take of this coffee?” Yet, that is exactly what most of us are doing as we wake ourselves up with a cup of Joe each workday.

Now besides being a coffee lover, I also happen to be a big bird lover, and I was amazed to have learned this. The good news is an up-and-coming coffee company – Birds and Beans – provides us with an option to drink an organic cup of shade-grown coffee -- saving the rain forest, and saving the birds.

Birds and Beans will soon be offering their products in the Hudson Valley, New York, but if you are interested and do not live in the area, visit their web site at birdsandbeans.com

I think this is a wonderful product and a great cause. What do you think?

June Bisel
BusinessCardContacts.com
BBGG Advertising, Inc.
junebisel@bbggadv.com
845-695-1880

A Good Time to Upgrade Your Web Site

2009-07-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

I came across a recent study on customers' satisfaction with their web shopping experience which shows it has dropped in recent years. Standards for the web are rising, and your business needs to keep up. Many of the top web retailers, including Apple, saw many consumers dissatisfied with their online shopping experience.

Let's face it. We all have higher expectations for web stores than we do for brick and mortar stores. We expect websites to be updated regularly and for the technology to be improving quickly. We are pretty impatient. And the more advanced technology gets, the most demanding we get!

As recently as May, Netflix and Amazon were #1 and #2 respectively in consumer satisfaction. Web sites with accompanied brick and mortar store chains, like Kohls.com and Target.com also saw improvements in customer satisfaction. Experts expect companies like these to incorporate in-store pickup into their web offerings.

Diversifying your web presence is important to consumer interaction. Increase the number of touch points between your business and consumers. Give your web developer a call to discuss all the options available through social media and advancements in technology.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
SmartStrategies@BBBGGadv.com
845-695-1880

A Lesson in Green

2009-07-16T16:00:00.002-05:00

I have written quite a few posts about different ways that environmental initiatives effect business. I will likely continue to write posts on the subject, because consumers are consistently showing us that they are thinking and buying green despite the economy.

A new study published by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Deloitte delivers a mighty wake-up call to grocery retailers. The study shows that 95% of shoppers are considering buying green products (isn't that great?). Sixty seven percent actively looked for green products in trips to the grocery store. However, only 22% of consumers actually bought green products. Why only 22%? A large part of the reason is because many couldn't find the green products they were looking for.

The morale of the story? Know what your customers want - and give it to them! There is a considerable missed opportunity when half of the consumers thinking about buying green products don't now where to find them. And this rings true for any business in any industry. Know your customer and give them what they want. Then, of course, make sure you let them know where to find it.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

Panera in Fishkill, NY introduces lobster products!

2009-07-16T11:28:00.005-05:00

The Panera Bread in Fishkill, NY is introducing lobster sandwiches and salads! To celebrate, a lobster will be parading on Route 9 Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19. Come see the lobster Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 - 2 p.m.! Show your love for lobster products and Panera Bread by coming to the Fishkill Panera Bread this weekend!