Memorial Day is this weekend. I don’t know about you but I like to think that this is the kick off to summer. It also makes me ask “where did April and May go to?”. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to shop. So when I see shopping stats it makes me pause and pay attention. Based upon recent surveys from 2 of America’s top research groups, shoppers will approach Memorial Day as a “big” shopping weekend. Consumers are clipping coupons and looking for sales on this typical summer kick off weekend. Some might even call this the Black Friday of the spring! They are saying that shopping levels this holiday weekend could exceed 35% as compared to 2011. It is also a great time to pick up a cute new summer outfit or two while the selection is still good. By the Fourth of July weekend, racks are getting picked over and back to school along with Fall is arriving in the stores. So what are you waiting for? Grab your credit cards and head to the stores!
5.23.2012
Holiday Shopping
Memorial Day is this weekend. I don’t know about you but I like to think that this is the kick off to summer. It also makes me ask “where did April and May go to?”. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to shop. So when I see shopping stats it makes me pause and pay attention. Based upon recent surveys from 2 of America’s top research groups, shoppers will approach Memorial Day as a “big” shopping weekend. Consumers are clipping coupons and looking for sales on this typical summer kick off weekend. Some might even call this the Black Friday of the spring! They are saying that shopping levels this holiday weekend could exceed 35% as compared to 2011. It is also a great time to pick up a cute new summer outfit or two while the selection is still good. By the Fourth of July weekend, racks are getting picked over and back to school along with Fall is arriving in the stores. So what are you waiting for? Grab your credit cards and head to the stores!
5.17.2012
Houston, Can You Hear Me?
By Julie Hein, General Manager
Had a rare moment when I both kids and hubby were asleep, and I didn't have any stray work to do. Turned on Bravo. Pre-kids, Bravo and I used to be pretty close friends. Now, not so much. There was a new (I think) show called Around the World in 80 Plates with Curtis Stone as one of the hosts. I love me some Curtis. Anyway, imagine that "The Amazing Race" and "Top Chef" had a baby. The teams race around the world competing at different challenges then there's a cook-off.
There was one contestant who made me think of the effectiveness of selling messages. She was broadcasting loud and clear. But what she was saying didn't resonate with anyone. She only looked through her own lense, never considering that other people might also have skills or opinions or input. She likely thought she was being persuasive and doing the best thing for the group, but she wasn't considering anyone else's desired path. And then she was mad when everyone got frustrated because they couldn't (or didn't care to) execute her plan.
Why do people do what they do? When they come into your space, literally or virtually, what are they wanting? It's about them. Not you. And that can feel quite unnatural. You've built this cool thing and you want to tell them about it. Perfect! Just do it through the filter of why they should care.
Had a rare moment when I both kids and hubby were asleep, and I didn't have any stray work to do. Turned on Bravo. Pre-kids, Bravo and I used to be pretty close friends. Now, not so much. There was a new (I think) show called Around the World in 80 Plates with Curtis Stone as one of the hosts. I love me some Curtis. Anyway, imagine that "The Amazing Race" and "Top Chef" had a baby. The teams race around the world competing at different challenges then there's a cook-off.
There was one contestant who made me think of the effectiveness of selling messages. She was broadcasting loud and clear. But what she was saying didn't resonate with anyone. She only looked through her own lense, never considering that other people might also have skills or opinions or input. She likely thought she was being persuasive and doing the best thing for the group, but she wasn't considering anyone else's desired path. And then she was mad when everyone got frustrated because they couldn't (or didn't care to) execute her plan.
Why do people do what they do? When they come into your space, literally or virtually, what are they wanting? It's about them. Not you. And that can feel quite unnatural. You've built this cool thing and you want to tell them about it. Perfect! Just do it through the filter of why they should care.
5.14.2012
What are you doing to motivate your employees?
Sometimes it is just hard to motivate ourselves, right? Inc. Magazine published 7 tips for motivating your employees and I thought it relevant as the national unemployment is now under 8%. You need to keep your best employees and keeping them happy is one way to do so. Here you go.
1) Set a Good Example
2) Focus on Employee Happiness rather than Employee Motivation
3) Make Sure Employees Share in the Company’s Success
4) Create a Culture of Autonomy and Agency
5) Encourage Worker to Voice Complaint
6) Take on Fun Volunteer Assignments
7) Get in Touch With Your Inner Start-up
We know that money matters to every employee, but satisfaction and happiness are right near the top as well. As the weather is getting nicer, what fun activity can you have with your staff? Think about it.
5.07.2012
There's Always an UP Button
By Julie Hein
That's what Jillian Michaels says. Once you get good at one of the moves in her DVDs, you can always add weight, do it standing on one leg or hanging from the ceiling or something. You can always make it better.
When Hunger Games released not long ago, they had gynormous record-breaking ticket sales. Long lines, midnight showings (and the corresponding tardiness at high schools and colleges all over the country). We all remember the same thing with the Harry Potter series, Star Wars, Twilight, etc.
But this weekend, The Avengers, broke all those record by a long shot.
There's always more out there. There's always something you can do to improve, break records, and make more money helping more people.
Hit your UP button!
That's what Jillian Michaels says. Once you get good at one of the moves in her DVDs, you can always add weight, do it standing on one leg or hanging from the ceiling or something. You can always make it better.
When Hunger Games released not long ago, they had gynormous record-breaking ticket sales. Long lines, midnight showings (and the corresponding tardiness at high schools and colleges all over the country). We all remember the same thing with the Harry Potter series, Star Wars, Twilight, etc.
But this weekend, The Avengers, broke all those record by a long shot.
There's always more out there. There's always something you can do to improve, break records, and make more money helping more people.
Hit your UP button!
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