THE six letter word – C-H-A-N-G-E

Today I had a conversation about all the hoopla of social networking. First I had to try to explain what the various elements are from Skype to Twitter and everything in between including IM, Podcasts, LinkedIn, Blogging, MySpace, Facebook, Delicious, RSS and on and on. The long and short of it is that today’s forms of communications are changing at the speed of light or perhaps faster and it is very hard to keep up, even if you’re a geek like me.

If you want to make a difference in your marketing plans for the coming year(s), you had best be including these forms of communicating with potential and existing customers; or you’re out of the game before it even begins. Companies can be made virtually overnight by placing the right messaging in the right people’s hands – literally. Viral Marketing is the buzz phrase, but it really is all about creating the "on-line buzz" in as many forms ,by as many people, as quickly as possible.

Realizing that companies are closing their doors left and right, the formula for success will be one of tenacity but also of mastering today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Look at any of the industries that are morphing right before our very eyes and you’ll see the companies that succeed are the ones that that will have embraced the change and found their next opportunity in that very thing that could have been their demise. Ah, the root of this article. A six letter word – C-H-A-N-G-E. Some fear it others revel in it, and I for one am glad I’m in the latter group. Happy Social Networking!

Which Is The Right Card?

I'm absolutely positive women like to give and receive cards more than men. Some people take great care in choosing cards for their loved ones, others it's probably more obligation that sends them card shopping. As we approach Valentine's Day, thoughts of sentiments proclaiming our love in a card are running through most women's minds.

Conversely, much like Christmas presents; some men seem to like the challenge of getting something at the last minute that earns the proper appreciation. I've even heard it is somewhat of a sport; that is discussed as to how close to the wire one came, and still pulled it off. Know that I don't understand it, but that's okay, as I'm sure the same can be said about my Christmas shopping starting in late spring or if I'm "late", mid summer.

Which card to choose is influenced by what is happening in your life at the moment. For this special holiday of love, there are ooey-gooey cards of young lovers, the profound love of new parents, a card made by a child, a card filled with encouragement for someone you love, and especially sweet is the card for that special love - after all those years.

Which cards will make you feel just a little closer to the one's you love? I for one, am going to get busy this afternoon; and get my Valentine Cards finished in plenty of time. Which is the right card for you to tell the recipient just how much you love them? You'll know when you find it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Outpouring of Support

It's been quite a week, this first week of February. Spending my time equally on researching new products for our on-line store that is starting to take shape, to reaching out to my network of friends. I have appreciated the outpouring of support from my colleagues, friends and family, sharing job leads and sending invitations to meet for lunch.

When the going gets tough, the tough really do get going, so now I need to do just that! I've found that I have a really strong support base and even though this will take some doing, we'll get through this latest round of setbacks; no worse for the wear. With that I think I'll count my blessings, appreciate the beautiful day; and get back to work. Thank you my friends!

A Little Bit of Paradise

I've been intrigued by Ice Shanties since I was a little girl, and my father would take me out Ice Fishing. It wasn't a regular occasion, but one that when I had worn him down sufficiently, he would finally agree to bring me along. Looking back, I'm sure that was a sure sign of a short day out on the ice, as kids generally have pretty short attention spans and I doubt I was an exception in that department.

Today being Ground Hog Day seemed like a perfect day to go out to capture images of this year's crop of shanties (click on the image for an enlarged view). If you take a look you'll see all manner of variety. There are some that were quickly put together, others that might double as a camper for a truck, and then the deluxe version that appears to be a duplex of sorts. There are ones that have curtains and those without, some are brightly colored and others that could use a good coat of paint.

But the real question is what do they do in those shanties that calls them back, day after day in the coldest of days, with Mother Nature showing who's in charge? I'll tell you what I think; there are no chores to do at the Ice Shanty. No nagging or stress happens at the Ice Shanty. I think it's safe to say that there is a fair amount of "anti-freeze" or adult beverages consumed by many out in their Ice Shanty. So, is it any wonder that grown men (for the most part it's predominately men) spend all their spare time out on the ice; visiting, fishing, day dreaming, just getting away from it all? It's clear to me, it really is a little bit of paradise. Let's go Ice Fishing . . .