It's A Fresh Start! Blank Notes and Templates For the New Year

Journal pages for inspiration and blank worksheets to print out and share ~ scribble down your ideas, use for party fun on New Year's Eve or pass out to your customers and invite them to join in the fun! I've gathered several templates I found online as well as including my own designs in the hope that you will enjoy writing down plans, goals and dreams for the coming months. Click on any image to open a larger version in a new window or visit my Facebook page to see more.

A Thoughtful Christmas | Mindful Spending and Meaningful Gift Ideas

A few years ago I made a suggestion to the family about the concept of purchasing gifts which offered tangible benefits or were of a more substantial quality. This didn't refer to higher price tags certainly; the ideas was more about a selective shopping process such as purchasing handmade products, merchandise which helps a cause, or items found in locally-owned businesses which support real people.

Supporting Local Artists, Makers & Craftspeople

Welcome to this collection of images and reminders, spotlighting the reasons for choosing handmade products AND helping to keep talented people in business. I've also included a couple of resource links and useful articles written for artists, covering topics of marketing and self-promotion, since as we all know, it's tough to juggle all the hats an independent business owner or artist wears! I hope you find this useful and that you are inspired to brainstorm your own thoughts to share with the world.

Seasonal Survival: Tips for Navigating the Holidays

We know the upcoming holidays are supposed to be a festive and joyful time of the year, however the reality is that many of us have a difficult time during these months. Family obligations, feelings of being overwhelmed and times of sadness are completely understandable - and affect many of us each December.

Visual Resources | My List of Quality Places To Find Clip Art Images

It's no secret that artwork and visuals help to liven up blogs and draw attention to your writing, but did you know posts with images are more likely to be shared? Today I'm sharing some of my favorite places with you; from simple clips to detailed artwork, vintage illustrations, cartoons and more.

We, the People, Have the Power to Make Our Local Economies Thrive....

Maybe this....maybe now. Maybe it's TIME to know the people who share our zipcode, do business with, shake the hand of a neighbor or friend or local resident at their establishment, shop or restaurant. Maybe we'll look back in a quarter of a century and say why ..... WHY did we think the big box stores were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Maybe we'll regret choices made out of greed because that's all we see from corporate marketing campaigns with bottomless advertising budgets, and we keep falling for the message over and over again that yes, we NEED more stuff to make our lives better and to be happier; healthier; satisfied.

Small Biz Resources | Support for Independent Bookstore Owners

The following is a collection of interesting articles, educational links and useful sites for owners and operators of book stores. This material isn't organized in a particular format but rather my list of publications and organizations which cultivate and support the local shop owners of such places. Strength in numbers is always a wonderful thing, and as a long-time advocate for small business, I always believe it's important to share such content.

Best Of The Internet "The Lighter Side" | Favorite Cartoon Artists

Some of my favorite artists who make the world a brighter place! While some lean heavily towards the mirth found in our furry friends, the images created by these talented folks which poke fun at social media life, technology and marketing, are PRICELESS as well. Enjoy and share with coworkers, clients and on your social sites, because life is better when you're smiling. 

It Was Just Another Newspaper Closing.... Losing Community Connections

.....but how it was presented caught my attention. July 22nd, 2019 | The Latest Bad News Out of Youngstown Is Different: "Losing the local paper means that the job of telling Youngstown’s story will increasingly be in the hands of outsiders".

National "Swap Ideas Day" Insights, Posts & Suggestions

Did you know that Tuesday, September 10th is Swap Ideas Day? It's all about encouraging people to trade creative, helpful suggestions with others and I'm scanning the internet to see what folks are sharing! Look for suggestions by searching the hashtag #SwapIdeasDay and let us know what inspires you. I'm going to be adding some thoughts later today on here as well as my Facebook page.

What To Post Online? Ideas For Creating Valuable Posts On Social Media

One of the questions I'm often asked is how can my business be more sociable online? What are some ways to connect with other people out there? (The real underlying message, loosely translated, is generally "how can I get more followers?")

51 Reflections on Business, Marketing and Life

Welcome! This is a collection I've put together to help refresh your mind and recharge your marketing strategy. As a fan of keeping things short, sweet and simple, I've found that folks are generally more apt to read a brief sentence offering a fresh perspective, rather than a six minute blog read, so these simple reminders are meant to inspire, offer some new ideas, and fuel your creative side. I hope you enjoy!

Changing Business | When To Consider Hiring A Marketing Consultant

I'm sure by now you've noticed the amounts of examples and "mini case studies" I find fascinating to share. I do so believing much can be learned by observing specific circumstances which lead to change, as well as reading the commentary offered by industry professionals. Illustrated in the example below, could, in a nutshell, provide the answer to an often asked question: "Why do I need marketing advice or a promotional strategy?"

The Story Is What Matters | A Small Business and a Dog Named Cody

It was somewhere around 4-5 years ago I finished up an afternoon appointment at a shopping center in Ocean City and was on the way to my car. The colorful storefront of a nearby pet supply caught my eye and as a devoted fan of small business and a pet parent seeking quality foods and treats for our rescued animals I was of course, drawn into the shop right away. Greeted simultaneously by a friendly woman behind the counter and a large lumbering dog sparked an instant conversation and I settled in on the floor to ask questions and meet this handsome senior.

It's Good to Unplug: Screen-Free Reminders for Summertime

We all know social media is an awesome part of today's connections, valuable for building brands and staying in touch with our tribes/peeps/friends. Sometimes however - specifically we are thinking of vacations, family trips, beach visits, etc., - it's just good to just BE in the moment.

    

Marketing Inspiration for July | Sizzling Tips for Independent Retailers

We've collected some seasonal fun and marketing inspiration ideas for the weeks ahead! Embrace the casual, relaxed vibes of summertime fun while delivering creative material to your followers and customers. Check out the album on our Facebook page!

June 21st, 2019 | Welcome, Summer!

"Summer's Here and The Days are Warm, Breezy and Full of Possibilities"

It's official! The Summer Solstice begins on Friday, June 21st and runs through the lazy, warm and wonderful days of July, August and much of September. How can you embrace this enjoyable and more relaxed time of the year? We'll be sharing some marketing tips and promotional ideas next week with you, but to start off the season here are some wonderful graphics to add to your social media page. Click on any image to open a larger version in a new window.

"12 Simple (and Free) Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Summer" is about getting in the mood of the season.

Want to get a jump start on your Forth of July marketing plan? Check out "8 Campaign Ideas for Making a Big Bang on July 4th".

Here are a few graphics featuring activities and events to check off your summertime list. I'm sure you'll be inspired to add some more of your own - or maybe you'll decide to create some visuals to share with your customers too.

I hope you enjoy your Friday and the first day of the season. Thanks for checking out my blog and follow our Facebook page for "Marketing tips, DIY ideas and resources you can use"!

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Adaptability | The Value Of Remaining Flexible

I choose adaptability as the current "Topic Of The Week" since it's something I struggle with (no better way to find out more about your roadblock than to explore it in depth, right?) A few days later - feeling as if I've barely scratched the surface of a much larger-than-expected topic - I'm grateful to have expanded my thoughts to be more open-minded, and encouraged to realize that I certainly CAN change my thinking.

"What Is An Independent Business Owner?"

This is a repost of something I scribbled down on a torn piece of paper one night; exhausted from a fourteen hour day - and yet magically at 10:15pm, restored and renewed by the love and support of my wonderful and loyal customers.

Less Than a Month Until Google Plus Is Gone Forever

Good morning folks,

As you probably have heard by now, Google+ will be shutting down in April. Now is the time to take a look at your photos, download data, etc. It's a great idea to put a post on your profile as well as business pages to let your followers know where they can continue to keep up with you. NOTE: the ending of the Google+ platform does not affect the Google My Business components (see here for more about that).

Small Business And The Big Game | Marketing Ideas for Retailers and Restaurants

Celebrate the biggest sporting event of the year by catching football fever! Engage with your customers and followers, both online and in-store, with football-themed promotions, catchy displays and signage.

Know Your Niche | The Need To Define What Sets You Apart

What sets you apart from the rest may be what elevates you to new levels of success, right? Sometimes, however, the fear of "spelling it out" seems to be what actually holds people back from owning their uniqueness and broadcasting it as an attribute. It is for that reason I'm offering a few thoughts here on "why you must be able to define your niche market".

Getting Out There | Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

Do you struggle with meeting new people? As a small business owner I know how difficult it can be to find time; let's face it, entrepreneur life is often about juggling many tasks so interactions after hours just aren't easy to find. But do you actually know your fellow business owners and nearby retail shop owners well enough to plan a promotion or joint event? There is certainly value found in conversation and sharing of experiences and goals! Far too often we find ourselves shrinking into our own little worlds however, avoiding the social layers of our town or city and heck - sometimes even forgetting to venture out of our comfort zones and storefronts.