I know, I know...most people who know me very well probably had dropped jaws when they read the title up there, but it's true. I'm starting to despise shopping! (Well, ok...I'm lying...only clothes shopping.) Shopping for myself for everyday casual wear is so completely different, but when you're shopping for clothes for work, it gets frustrating.
Let's start from the very very beginning of today. 
When I heard both my girls were going to my ex's house for the weekend, I was so happy. LOL! I love my kids, please don't get me wrong, but my two girls fight like crazy constantly and there's never a clean room or peaceful moment in the house. As they left, I took my mom with me and we decided to go out for a little bit.
I work right off the New Jersey Turnpike about maybe 50 feet from the Holland Tunnel. It's very easy to get to my office by going down the NJ Turnpike, but in the morning when I leave (8:30) there's A LOT of Holland Tunnel traffic that I just can't get past. So, my mom decided to take a ride with me to my office but showing me a local way to get there instead of going down the Turnpike everyday. So we took a ride there and I have to say....DUH! The freaking way she showed me to go is just plain common sense that I should have realized. I felt like an idiot, actually. (Which happens often, it's not a new feeling for me.)
After taking that ride, we decided to stop at TJ Maxx. My mom wanted to see if she could get a dress for my birthmother's wedding, Alayna needed something nice for picture day on Wednesday and I wanted to look for some desk accessories for work and for some shirts for work. I found some beautiful shirts that I absolutely loved, but when I tried them on everything was either too short, too fitted, too ugly on me or just made cheaply. Out of 14 shirts I tried on, I walked out with two. I hate when that happens. I also didn't get any desk accessories; they hardly had anything. :(
So now I'm headed out to see a local town show that my best friend is a stage manager for. Maybe at least I'll have some fun tonight, since my shopping day sucked. Ha. At least I'm still childless for another day!
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
I never thought I'd say this but...shopping sucks!
Why Should You Tweet if You Don't Have Many Followers?
This was also posted on my business blog but I thought it may be helpful to some mom bloggers just starting up as well. That's why I posted it here for mom bloggers to read as well. :)
Social Media is a new term to some businesses and bloggers who have not fully grasped the incredible potential of networking through Twitter, Facebook, etc... Due to the fact that it's unfamiliar to some companies, they may not feel comfortable using the networks since they may have little or no followers. However everyone has to start somewhere, even if it's at the bottom. While it may feel uncomfortable tweeting or posting to a small (or no) audience, it's extremely worthwhile and the best way to grow your brand awareness on these websites.
Remember when you started your business? Did you have a large client or customer base at that time? The answer for most of you is probably, "No." Every business has to start from the bottom whether it is creating and starting your business from the bottom or trying a new media strategy. Just because you have no followers when you start doesn't mean that you can't grow that base. Social Media is actually one of the best ways to promote your business for free. (I know that grabbed your attention!)The two main reasons to create and use Social Media accounts would be:
- To raise your follower/fan count.
- To promote your blog or business to raise brand awareness.
Others will begin to find you from their searches and from re-tweets from other Twitter users. That is why it is important to tweet (periodically) about your business or plug your latest blog post; when someone finds it interesting they will re-tweet you for others to see. While it's important to plug your latest blog post or your business, do not do it regularly. If you make too many posts advertising your business, your followers will think that you are tweeting solely to get them to see your page. That may be the case, but you have to build a relationship with your followers first. Let them see there is a person behind the Twitter name and let them get to know you and your business through tweets, re-tweets and replies. You will want to connect with them on a more personal level and try to relate to them in some way, shape or form. Remember, interaction is key in tweeting.Tip: When you tweet others or reply to their tweets, provide value in what you have to say. Throw something in there that will make them want to click on your Twitter profile and read about you. (And your business.)
Tweeting very regularly will help to build up your "twitter personality", brand and credibility. Especially if you engage your followers by commenting or asking an open ended question and if you post interesting information that may be beneficial to them. If you do not have the time to tweet regularly it may be useful for you to use a program that will schedule your tweets. (My favorite program for this is Tweet Deck.) You can also delegate Social Media tasks and tweets to a Virtual Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. They will be able to take that uncomfortable task of starting a Twitter out of your hands and take care of that for you with their expertise.
Remember -- you should not tweet just for followers. Tweet for yourself and your business, the followers will come to you. Even though this all seems so cliche, it is all about the quality of your followers and the engagement between both parties. It is not about the quantity of followers you have.
Dunkin' Donuts extends brand value with Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Restaurants are fastbecoming food merchants that sell fresh prepared food as well. Dunkin’ Donuts is one brand that hasleveraged non-traditional points of distribution better than most. This week they began selling “Hot Cocoa K-Cup packs to its K-Cup lineup. The newoffering provides guests with the opportunity to brew Dunkin' Donuts' hot cocoaat home with Keurig single cup brewing systems for the first time.”
Non-traditional Fresh Food Retailers Seek Redistribution of Share of Stomach.
The grocerant niche is a food focusedplatform for consumer meal customization. Filled with ready-2-eat andheat-N-eat fresh prepared food. It’s thesolution that is evolving across many retail food platforms empowering theconsumer, simplifying the meal process while saving time starved consumer bothtime and money. Chain Restaurants, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores and ChainDrug Stores are all offering meal component options.
Don’t discount the value of consumerchoice or limit the world of “better for you”. Mix and match of small portion, fresh products, green packaging ismaking meal time a time of convenientmeal participation, differentiationand individualization. The meal component can come from a restaurant, drugstore, grocery store or convenience store.
Today you can find retail foodserviceoutlets that don’t offer seated dining rather they utilize call ahead andtake-away or delivery only business template blending the benefits of differentsegments. In fact, according to a 2011 survey done by the National RestaurantAssociation, nearly half (47 percent) of adults said they would be likely touse a home delivery option if it was offered by a full-service restaurant.
Mixand Match better for you food components continue to drive top line retailgrowth. Regular readers of this blog know customization is a key element withinmeal planning. Bundled meal components allowing and promoting consumer choiceare critical elements for a successful sales within foodservice. Meal time is now becoming a time of convenientmeal participation, with differentiation and individualization forthe entire family.
In a study conducted by Technomic forAmerican Express, they found that “four out of five consumers (82%) report thatit is somewhat or extremely important that they be able customize their mealsat sandwich-specific LSRs (limited service restaurants) chains such as Subwayhave built their reputation on.
Interestedin learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify yourretail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenientmeal participation, differentiation andindividualization contact us via Email us at: grocerant@q.com or visitFacebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant ortwitter.com/grocerant
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
App Review: Chuggington Traintastic Adventure #vlog
Recently my son and I reviewed the new Chuggington Traintastic Adventure App for both iPhone and iPad. This virtual train set app lets your little chuggers help complete exciting adventures based on episodes, build their own city and watch short clips from the show.
At first look the Chuggington Traintastic Adventures is very different from other children apps. The virtual world is resizeable AND you can change the angle view. Some pretty high tech option for a kids app but I thought that was pretty cool. I also like that my son was rewarded for collecting and building sets. It wasn't just a straight game play.
My son loved the options to make the trains fly, change to night-time mode, and of course using speed boosters.
Check out the video below to see my son playing with the Chuggington Traintastic Adventures.
While at $5.99, it's on the higher price range for a kids app, I do think it's a great app and well worth the price. Since there's lots to do within this app and it's well designed, your child will be engaged for a while.
Learn more at - http://www.budgestudios.ca
Please Note: I received a code to down the app for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
Posted in: Apps, Review
I never thought I'd say this but...shopping sucks!
I know, I know...most people who know me very well probably had dropped jaws when they read the title up there, but it's true. I'm starting to despise shopping! (Well, ok...I'm lying...only clothes shopping.) Shopping for myself for everyday casual wear is so completely different, but when you're shopping for clothes for work, it gets frustrating.
Let's start from the very very beginning of today.
When I heard both my girls were going to my ex's house for the weekend, I was so happy. LOL! I love my kids, please don't get me wrong, but my two girls fight like crazy constantly and there's never a clean room or peaceful moment in the house. As they left, I took my mom with me and we decided to go out for a little bit.
I work right off the New Jersey Turnpike about maybe 50 feet from the Holland Tunnel. It's very easy to get to my office by going down the NJ Turnpike, but in the morning when I leave (8:30) there's A LOT of Holland Tunnel traffic that I just can't get past. So, my mom decided to take a ride with me to my office but showing me a local way to get there instead of going down the Turnpike everyday. So we took a ride there and I have to say....DUH! The freaking way she showed me to go is just plain common sense that I should have realized. I felt like an idiot, actually. (Which happens often, it's not a new feeling for me.)
After taking that ride, we decided to stop at TJ Maxx. My mom wanted to see if she could get a dress for my birthmother's wedding, Alayna needed something nice for picture day on Wednesday and I wanted to look for some desk accessories for work and for some shirts for work. I found some beautiful shirts that I absolutely loved, but when I tried them on everything was either too short, too fitted, too ugly on me or just made cheaply. Out of 14 shirts I tried on, I walked out with two. I hate when that happens. I also didn't get any desk accessories; they hardly had anything. :(
So now I'm headed out to see a local town show that my best friend is a stage manager for. Maybe at least I'll have some fun tonight, since my shopping day sucked. Ha. At least I'm still childless for another day!
Why Should You Tweet if You Don't Have Many Followers?
This was also posted on my business blog but I thought it may be helpful to some mom bloggers just starting up as well. That's why I posted it here for mom bloggers to read as well. :)
Social Media is a new term to some businesses and bloggers who have not fully grasped the incredible potential of networking through Twitter, Facebook, etc... Due to the fact that it's unfamiliar to some companies, they may not feel comfortable using the networks since they may have little or no followers. However everyone has to start somewhere, even if it's at the bottom. While it may feel uncomfortable tweeting or posting to a small (or no) audience, it's extremely worthwhile and the best way to grow your brand awareness on these websites.
Remember when you started your business? Did you have a large client or customer base at that time? The answer for most of you is probably, "No." Every business has to start from the bottom whether it is creating and starting your business from the bottom or trying a new media strategy. Just because you have no followers when you start doesn't mean that you can't grow that base. Social Media is actually one of the best ways to promote your business for free. (I know that grabbed your attention!)The two main reasons to create and use Social Media accounts would be:
- To raise your follower/fan count.
- To promote your blog or business to raise brand awareness.
Others will begin to find you from their searches and from re-tweets from other Twitter users. That is why it is important to tweet (periodically) about your business or plug your latest blog post; when someone finds it interesting they will re-tweet you for others to see. While it's important to plug your latest blog post or your business, do not do it regularly. If you make too many posts advertising your business, your followers will think that you are tweeting solely to get them to see your page. That may be the case, but you have to build a relationship with your followers first. Let them see there is a person behind the Twitter name and let them get to know you and your business through tweets, re-tweets and replies. You will want to connect with them on a more personal level and try to relate to them in some way, shape or form. Remember, interaction is key in tweeting.Tip: When you tweet others or reply to their tweets, provide value in what you have to say. Throw something in there that will make them want to click on your Twitter profile and read about you. (And your business.)
Tweeting very regularly will help to build up your "twitter personality", brand and credibility. Especially if you engage your followers by commenting or asking an open ended question and if you post interesting information that may be beneficial to them. If you do not have the time to tweet regularly it may be useful for you to use a program that will schedule your tweets. (My favorite program for this is Tweet Deck.) You can also delegate Social Media tasks and tweets to a Virtual Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. They will be able to take that uncomfortable task of starting a Twitter out of your hands and take care of that for you with their expertise.
Remember -- you should not tweet just for followers. Tweet for yourself and your business, the followers will come to you. Even though this all seems so cliche, it is all about the quality of your followers and the engagement between both parties. It is not about the quantity of followers you have.
Dunkin' Donuts extends brand value with Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Restaurants are fastbecoming food merchants that sell fresh prepared food as well. Dunkin’ Donuts is one brand that hasleveraged non-traditional points of distribution better than most. This week they began selling “Hot Cocoa K-Cup packs to its K-Cup lineup. The newoffering provides guests with the opportunity to brew Dunkin' Donuts' hot cocoaat home with Keurig single cup brewing systems for the first time.”
Kroger’s Fred Meyer unit is growing with Ready-2-Eat Fresh Prepared Food.
The grocerant niche is filled with ready-2-eat and heat-N-eat freshprepared food. One of Kroger’s west coast brands Fred Meyer has step by stepincreased quality, freshness, and selection of items offered within the freshprepared food niche. The have integrated them into weekly advertising and aredriving top line sales and bottom line profits.
Successful retail food operators must leverage the 5 P’s of foodmarketing to build strong sales in 2013. Integrating a ready-2-eat and heat-N-eat grocerant niche food programfilled with distinctive differentiated foodconsumables as an entity with identity by day part is a formula for retailsuccess in 2013.
Kroger’s Fred Meyer isintegrating ready-2-eat Mix and March meal components as a focal point inweekly marketing. Kroger is leveragingthe 5P’s of food marketing with compelling family price points garneringconsumers attention while building ready-2-eat market share.
Here is one example, of my formula for establishing customer focusedprice in 2013:
Price + Quality + Service +Portability = Value
Incremental Value = Constantly ChangingMenu (Seasonally / Sustainability with creditability).
Outside eyes can deliver top line sales and bottom line profits. InviteFoodservice Solutions® to complete a grocerant program assessment, brand,product placement or positioning assistance. Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the globalleader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson,Linkedin.com/in/grocerant or twitter.com/grocerant.
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
Dunkin' Donuts extends brand value with Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Restaurants are fastbecoming food merchants that sell fresh prepared food as well. Dunkin’ Donuts is one brand that hasleveraged non-traditional points of distribution better than most. This week they began selling “Hot Cocoa K-Cup packs to its K-Cup lineup. The newoffering provides guests with the opportunity to brew Dunkin' Donuts' hot cocoaat home with Keurig single cup brewing systems for the first time.”
Restaurant Day-part Growth Requires Innovation in Menu and Marketing.
Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant GuruSteven Johnson has picked up success clues since 1991 and continues sharingthem with the industry. Restaurateurswork hard to build the top sales and bottom line profits while maintainingmarket share. Eric Dzwonczk,AlixPartners’ managing director believes that innovation will be the maindriver for success for restaurants moving forward with a focus on daypartexpansion.
Dzwonczk stated: "Anything you cando to get customers into your store 24 hours a day is potentially a goodthing,". ..Specifically, each daypart is becoming critical, he said. More quick-service restaurants(QSRs) and casual diningplayers are moving away from their traditional lunch and dinner focus and goingafter breakfast. At the same time, predominately breakfast businesses are goingafter lunch and dinner, or moving into late night. …
"McCafeand other specialty drinks get customers in during the day when they otherwisewouldn't be there. That has become very attractive to the mid-afternoonsect," he explained. "Putting things in there like Wi-Fi andtelevision -- all these are done to get consumers into the store at times whenthey typically wouldn't be there." Marketing must include reaching out to consumers with legacy programsvia new avenues of mobile communication.
Competition for share of stomachcontinues to increase particularly in the ready-2-eat and heat-N-eat freshprepared food niche. Companies the ilkof Walgreens, Wawa, Sheetz, Whole Foods and Central Market have increased theirfocus on ready-2-eat fresh prepared foods and are winning the hearts and mindsof the consumer. I agree with Dzwonczk innovation via daypart is critical forrestaurant success moving forward as regular readers of this blog know.
FoodserviceSolutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help youidentify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities ora brand leveraging integration strategy. Foodservice Solutions of Tacoma WAis the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson,Linkedin.com/in/grocerant ortwitter.com/grocerant.
10 steps to building a better Grocerant brand Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru.
Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru Steven Johnson developed 10 stepsto build a solid brand positioning in the Ready-2-eat and Heat-N-eat grocerantniche. These steps were designed to will win customers while fending offcompetitors . Here is a recap of his keynote presentation last week. Successdoes leave clues and here are 10 of them.
1. Symbolism. Why you are there! The most successful brands are inclusive include values greater thanthemselves. A lifestyle, a philosophy, an emotion a point in time.
2. A story. Most major brands have a story. Examples: if you like Ford vehicles, youmight be familiar with the story of Henry Ford or if you love your Nikes, youprobably know how the Nike swoosh logo was created.
3. A track record. When your business is first starting out, don't fool yourself into believingthat your marketing efforts are 'brand building' efforts. They're notbecause to build a real brand, you have to have an extensive track record withconsumers.
4. Trust. When you've consistently delivered for your customers long enough, you'll gainthe type of trust that many brands have. Case in point: a friend of mine alwaysreminds people that he won't buy an automobile that isn't a BMW. He's had agood experience with his and trusts so much in the company that he doesn'tbelieve there's a better-made car.
5. Expectation. When a consumer chooses a product or service because of brand association, he or sheis buying an expectation. Perhaps it's the expectation that the branded productis of higher quality or that the service will be provided in a more efficientmanner.
6. Differentiation. Expectation is often borne of differentiation. Many brands offer products and servicesthat are commodities but they're successful in developing some differentiationfor their products and services that consumers are sold on.
7. Imitators. Imitationis the sincerest of flattery and you're probably not a'brand' until you have competitors trying to copy you.
8. Market leadership. Top brands are usually looked at as leaders in the markets they compete in.
9. Adaptability. The best brands are flexible and capable of reshaping and reinventing themselves and theirmessages over time. Coca-Cola is a good example of a brand that has neverabandoned its core product but has evolved its message over time to keep upwith changes in the marketplace and society at large.
10. A strong marketing presence. Although it's niceto believe that you can market yourself for free onFacebook and Twitter, the reality is that brands aren't advertising ontelevision and radio because they're dumb. Building and maintaining brandequity requires awareness and awareness requires broad marketing efforts.
Interestedin learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify yourretail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenientmeal participation, differentiation andindividualization contact us via Email us at: grocerant@q.com or visitFacebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant ortwitter.com/grocerant
I never thought I'd say this but...shopping sucks!
I know, I know...most people who know me very well probably had dropped jaws when they read the title up there, but it's true. I'm starting to despise shopping! (Well, ok...I'm lying...only clothes shopping.) Shopping for myself for everyday casual wear is so completely different, but when you're shopping for clothes for work, it gets frustrating.
Let's start from the very very beginning of today.
When I heard both my girls were going to my ex's house for the weekend, I was so happy. LOL! I love my kids, please don't get me wrong, but my two girls fight like crazy constantly and there's never a clean room or peaceful moment in the house. As they left, I took my mom with me and we decided to go out for a little bit.
I work right off the New Jersey Turnpike about maybe 50 feet from the Holland Tunnel. It's very easy to get to my office by going down the NJ Turnpike, but in the morning when I leave (8:30) there's A LOT of Holland Tunnel traffic that I just can't get past. So, my mom decided to take a ride with me to my office but showing me a local way to get there instead of going down the Turnpike everyday. So we took a ride there and I have to say....DUH! The freaking way she showed me to go is just plain common sense that I should have realized. I felt like an idiot, actually. (Which happens often, it's not a new feeling for me.)
After taking that ride, we decided to stop at TJ Maxx. My mom wanted to see if she could get a dress for my birthmother's wedding, Alayna needed something nice for picture day on Wednesday and I wanted to look for some desk accessories for work and for some shirts for work. I found some beautiful shirts that I absolutely loved, but when I tried them on everything was either too short, too fitted, too ugly on me or just made cheaply. Out of 14 shirts I tried on, I walked out with two. I hate when that happens. I also didn't get any desk accessories; they hardly had anything. :(
So now I'm headed out to see a local town show that my best friend is a stage manager for. Maybe at least I'll have some fun tonight, since my shopping day sucked. Ha. At least I'm still childless for another day!
Why Should You Tweet if You Don't Have Many Followers?
This was also posted on my business blog but I thought it may be helpful to some mom bloggers just starting up as well. That's why I posted it here for mom bloggers to read as well. :)
Social Media is a new term to some businesses and bloggers who have not fully grasped the incredible potential of networking through Twitter, Facebook, etc... Due to the fact that it's unfamiliar to some companies, they may not feel comfortable using the networks since they may have little or no followers. However everyone has to start somewhere, even if it's at the bottom. While it may feel uncomfortable tweeting or posting to a small (or no) audience, it's extremely worthwhile and the best way to grow your brand awareness on these websites.
Remember when you started your business? Did you have a large client or customer base at that time? The answer for most of you is probably, "No." Every business has to start from the bottom whether it is creating and starting your business from the bottom or trying a new media strategy. Just because you have no followers when you start doesn't mean that you can't grow that base. Social Media is actually one of the best ways to promote your business for free. (I know that grabbed your attention!)The two main reasons to create and use Social Media accounts would be:
- To raise your follower/fan count.
- To promote your blog or business to raise brand awareness.
Others will begin to find you from their searches and from re-tweets from other Twitter users. That is why it is important to tweet (periodically) about your business or plug your latest blog post; when someone finds it interesting they will re-tweet you for others to see. While it's important to plug your latest blog post or your business, do not do it regularly. If you make too many posts advertising your business, your followers will think that you are tweeting solely to get them to see your page. That may be the case, but you have to build a relationship with your followers first. Let them see there is a person behind the Twitter name and let them get to know you and your business through tweets, re-tweets and replies. You will want to connect with them on a more personal level and try to relate to them in some way, shape or form. Remember, interaction is key in tweeting.Tip: When you tweet others or reply to their tweets, provide value in what you have to say. Throw something in there that will make them want to click on your Twitter profile and read about you. (And your business.)
Tweeting very regularly will help to build up your "twitter personality", brand and credibility. Especially if you engage your followers by commenting or asking an open ended question and if you post interesting information that may be beneficial to them. If you do not have the time to tweet regularly it may be useful for you to use a program that will schedule your tweets. (My favorite program for this is Tweet Deck.) You can also delegate Social Media tasks and tweets to a Virtual Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. They will be able to take that uncomfortable task of starting a Twitter out of your hands and take care of that for you with their expertise.
Remember -- you should not tweet just for followers. Tweet for yourself and your business, the followers will come to you. Even though this all seems so cliche, it is all about the quality of your followers and the engagement between both parties. It is not about the quantity of followers you have.
27 Kasım 2012 Salı
Why Should You Tweet if You Don't Have Many Followers?
This was also posted on my business blog but I thought it may be helpful to some mom bloggers just starting up as well. That's why I posted it here for mom bloggers to read as well. :)
Social Media is a new term to some businesses and bloggers who have not fully grasped the incredible potential of networking through Twitter, Facebook, etc... Due to the fact that it's unfamiliar to some companies, they may not feel comfortable using the networks since they may have little or no followers. However everyone has to start somewhere, even if it's at the bottom. While it may feel uncomfortable tweeting or posting to a small (or no) audience, it's extremely worthwhile and the best way to grow your brand awareness on these websites.
Remember when you started your business? Did you have a large client or customer base at that time? The answer for most of you is probably, "No." Every business has to start from the bottom whether it is creating and starting your business from the bottom or trying a new media strategy. Just because you have no followers when you start doesn't mean that you can't grow that base. Social Media is actually one of the best ways to promote your business for free. (I know that grabbed your attention!)The two main reasons to create and use Social Media accounts would be:
- To raise your follower/fan count.
- To promote your blog or business to raise brand awareness.
Others will begin to find you from their searches and from re-tweets from other Twitter users. That is why it is important to tweet (periodically) about your business or plug your latest blog post; when someone finds it interesting they will re-tweet you for others to see. While it's important to plug your latest blog post or your business, do not do it regularly. If you make too many posts advertising your business, your followers will think that you are tweeting solely to get them to see your page. That may be the case, but you have to build a relationship with your followers first. Let them see there is a person behind the Twitter name and let them get to know you and your business through tweets, re-tweets and replies. You will want to connect with them on a more personal level and try to relate to them in some way, shape or form. Remember, interaction is key in tweeting.Tip: When you tweet others or reply to their tweets, provide value in what you have to say. Throw something in there that will make them want to click on your Twitter profile and read about you. (And your business.)
Tweeting very regularly will help to build up your "twitter personality", brand and credibility. Especially if you engage your followers by commenting or asking an open ended question and if you post interesting information that may be beneficial to them. If you do not have the time to tweet regularly it may be useful for you to use a program that will schedule your tweets. (My favorite program for this is Tweet Deck.) You can also delegate Social Media tasks and tweets to a Virtual Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. They will be able to take that uncomfortable task of starting a Twitter out of your hands and take care of that for you with their expertise.
Remember -- you should not tweet just for followers. Tweet for yourself and your business, the followers will come to you. Even though this all seems so cliche, it is all about the quality of your followers and the engagement between both parties. It is not about the quantity of followers you have.
DoubleTree by Hilton's Little Things Tour at Grand Central
DoubleTree by Hilton’s Little Things Project is wrapping up its nationwide tour with a finale event in New York City to provide “little things” to brighten New Yorkers’ days on Tuesday, November 20th, at Grand Central Terminal from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TAKE A PLEDGE. GET A COOKIE
Just in time for the holidays, the hotel’s pop-up event experience is giving a “little something” back to those in need. DoubleTree has partnered with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign to encourage little acts that make a big difference to help end child hunger in America. As part of the nationwide tour, for every person who attends a Little Things Project tour event and takes the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry pledge, DoubleTree by Hilton will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign*.
One dollar can help connect a child to up to 10 meals. Anyone unable to attend the events in person can visit www.facebook.com/doubletree and take the pledge on the Little Things Project tab.
GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE
In addition to taking a pledge to help end childhood hunger, event attendees will get a few “little things” that would make traveling a bit brighter, such as:
- Free DoubleTree by Hilton signature chocolate chip cookies – our brand’s legendary icon for warm and welcoming service. The brand will be giving away 10,000 free cookies at the event;
- Free WiFi lounge and Plug-In station where visitors can take a moment to charge cell phones and more;
- Local deals and offers, to provide locals and travelers exclusive bargains while they’re traveling in the city; in New York City, event-goers will receive free single-ride Metro passes (while supplies last) to help make traveling around the city during the busy holiday season a little easier
BRINGING THE “LITTLE THINGS” TO NEW YORKERS IN NEED
With the recent hurricane devastation in the Northeast, DoubleTree by Hilton is using its Little Things Project Swarm Car to bring “little things” to victims and volunteers who need them most. The Swarm Car will be delivering needed items and the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookies to volunteer stations and shelters across the boroughs.
In need of a pick-me-up or other “little things” to help with the relief effort? Consumers and disaster relief volunteers can tweet to @DoubleTree with their requests using #LittleThings for the Swarm Car to turn their request into a reality.
People can also follow the journey and submit new “little things” by visiting the DoubleTree by Hilton Facebook Page. Here people can also enter the Little Things Project Sweepstakes to win instant prizes and a $25,000 dream vacation getaway.
Additionally, you can get an inside peek at tour stops through Instagram using #LittleThings, as well as follow the tour on Twitter - www.twitter.com/doubletree and YouTube - www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels
Grand Central Terminal
Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
*DoubleTree will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign for every pledge taken between November 1 and November 30th, up to a maximum of $5,000. Gifts made to Share Our Strength and the No Kid Hungry Campaign represent a gift to our organizational mission and will be used to reach the highest number of children facing hunger in America. Share Our Strength does this by combining your gift with others to address child hunger community by community, state by state. Your gift will leverage the time, expertise, and additional funds needed to end childhood hunger once and for all.
50% off Code for 1 Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery item at Staples
Finished all of your holiday shopping on Black Friday, and now you're overwhelmed with the amount of wrapping and shipping to be done? Look no further than Martha Stewart's Home Office with Avery new Wrap & Ship collection to help you with those wrapping needs! Prices start at $1.49, available now at a Staples near you!
And who doesn't love savings, especially around the holidays?! Click on this link to a coupon valid for 50% off of one Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery item at Staples now through December 31st!
Make your presents stand out under the tree with great wrapping paper available in 8 different styles. Tie up boxes and gifts with festive satin ribbons, gift bags and tags in Christmas prints such as candy canes, stockings and snowflakes!
You'll especially love the holiday print padded envelopes and packing tape- pretty enough to ship and place directly under the tree.
Happy Holidays!
5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Winter w Emergency Kit Giveaway
Are you and your car ready for winter? International Carwash Association (ICA), through its "Wash With WaterSavers" consumer awareness campaign, is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.
To help you get better prepared, ICA created these 5 Tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Winter:
- Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counterintuitive to get your car nice and shiny for what’s often the sloppiest season, but a thorough wash can remove harmful compounds that may cause damage when mixed with sand and road salt. Experts from the International Carwash Association also recommend a coat of wax for an extra layer of protection from the elements.
Professional car washes can also save up to 20 percent of the amount of water you’d use by washing your car at home. They do this by treating and reusing their water, rather than releasing toxic chemicals and grime into the storm drains, which can often occur with pavement washing. Check out www.washwithwatersavers.com to see how professional car washes save water and help prevent pollution. - Check fluids – Check your coolant to make sure you have enough, as you’ll be left without heat if you don’t. Consult your owner’s manual to find the correct blend if you need to add more. It’s never a bad idea to keep extra coolant in your trunk in case of an emergency. Don’t forget about extra wiper fluid, either. It’s not expensive, so stock up!
- Winter emergency kit – In addition to stocking your car with a scraper and brush, it’s a good idea to include a few provisions in case you get stranded in snowy and cold conditions. Pack extra blankets, hats and gloves, high-energy snacks like granola bars, drinking water and a first-aid kit. We have created an exclusive Winter Emergency Kit for you and one of your blog readers.
- Test your battery – The next time you have the car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to test your battery to make sure it can provide enough starting power once the temperature plummets.
- Check your wipers – When sloppy weather hits, you’ll want to make sure you have strong wiper blades to see through the elements. Checking your wiper blades for wear and replacing them if needed can prevent huge visibility headaches once snow and sleet arrive.
WIN The Mommy Factor Giveaway!
Here's a special "Winter Emergency Kit" prize package, which will include the following:
- 32 oz. WaterSavers branded water bottle
- Carabiner key chain
- Medium flashlight
- 2 heavy duty AA batteries
- 19-piece first aid kit
- Survival tool
- Pocket knife
- Emergency poncho
- Emergency blanket
- 2 tea light candles
- Safety matches
- Survival instruction card
- Mesh sack
For this giveaway I'm using the Rafflecopter form which is super easy! Go on and enter to win! Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. December 3, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please Note: I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips for getting your car ready for winter. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Posted in: Giveaway
TwoHands & MonkeyDo Tech Stand by Felix in Staples & Giveaway
Looking for a cool tech accessory for your tablet? Then check out Felix, an innovative technology accessories brand creating products that make tablets, e-readers and smartphones more fun to use.
Felix has recently introduced its first two new products – TwoHands and MonkeyDo – tablet stands that will free up customers hands across the country. MonkeyDo and TwoHands are now available for $19.99 at Staples and Staples.com throughout the holiday season.
TwoHands and MonkeyDo are stands with personality for iPad, e-reader and tablet users. Both simple designs feature hands that hold the device and both can accommodate portrait or landscape viewing at different angles. TwoHands delivers simple fold-up portability, while MonkeyDo incorporates toes to anchor the stand.
Learn more, visit - http://www.meetfelix.com
Now here's your chance to win a Monkey Do stand.
WIN The Mommy Factor Giveaway!
WAYS TO ENTER:
For this giveaway I'm using the Rafflecopter form which is super easy! Go on and enter to win! Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. December 3, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Posted in: Giveaway
26 Kasım 2012 Pazartesi
DoubleTree by Hilton's Little Things Tour at Grand Central
DoubleTree by Hilton’s Little Things Project is wrapping up its nationwide tour with a finale event in New York City to provide “little things” to brighten New Yorkers’ days on Tuesday, November 20th, at Grand Central Terminal from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TAKE A PLEDGE. GET A COOKIE
Just in time for the holidays, the hotel’s pop-up event experience is giving a “little something” back to those in need. DoubleTree has partnered with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign to encourage little acts that make a big difference to help end child hunger in America. As part of the nationwide tour, for every person who attends a Little Things Project tour event and takes the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry pledge, DoubleTree by Hilton will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign*.
One dollar can help connect a child to up to 10 meals. Anyone unable to attend the events in person can visit www.facebook.com/doubletree and take the pledge on the Little Things Project tab.
GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE
In addition to taking a pledge to help end childhood hunger, event attendees will get a few “little things” that would make traveling a bit brighter, such as:
- Free DoubleTree by Hilton signature chocolate chip cookies – our brand’s legendary icon for warm and welcoming service. The brand will be giving away 10,000 free cookies at the event;
- Free WiFi lounge and Plug-In station where visitors can take a moment to charge cell phones and more;
- Local deals and offers, to provide locals and travelers exclusive bargains while they’re traveling in the city; in New York City, event-goers will receive free single-ride Metro passes (while supplies last) to help make traveling around the city during the busy holiday season a little easier
BRINGING THE “LITTLE THINGS” TO NEW YORKERS IN NEED
With the recent hurricane devastation in the Northeast, DoubleTree by Hilton is using its Little Things Project Swarm Car to bring “little things” to victims and volunteers who need them most. The Swarm Car will be delivering needed items and the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookies to volunteer stations and shelters across the boroughs.
In need of a pick-me-up or other “little things” to help with the relief effort? Consumers and disaster relief volunteers can tweet to @DoubleTree with their requests using #LittleThings for the Swarm Car to turn their request into a reality.
People can also follow the journey and submit new “little things” by visiting the DoubleTree by Hilton Facebook Page. Here people can also enter the Little Things Project Sweepstakes to win instant prizes and a $25,000 dream vacation getaway.
Additionally, you can get an inside peek at tour stops through Instagram using #LittleThings, as well as follow the tour on Twitter - www.twitter.com/doubletree and YouTube - www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels
Grand Central Terminal
Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
*DoubleTree will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign for every pledge taken between November 1 and November 30th, up to a maximum of $5,000. Gifts made to Share Our Strength and the No Kid Hungry Campaign represent a gift to our organizational mission and will be used to reach the highest number of children facing hunger in America. Share Our Strength does this by combining your gift with others to address child hunger community by community, state by state. Your gift will leverage the time, expertise, and additional funds needed to end childhood hunger once and for all.
Dunkin' Donuts extends brand value with Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Restaurants are fastbecoming food merchants that sell fresh prepared food as well. Dunkin’ Donuts is one brand that hasleveraged non-traditional points of distribution better than most. This week they began selling “Hot Cocoa K-Cup packs to its K-Cup lineup. The newoffering provides guests with the opportunity to brew Dunkin' Donuts' hot cocoaat home with Keurig single cup brewing systems for the first time.”
Where will restaurant food be sold in 3 years?
Ready-2-eat andheat-N-eat fresh prepared food continues to drive sales across all retailfoodservice sectors. Building a consumer retail food brand that includes aninteractive participatory consumer focus utilizing all aspects of the menu,footprint, and operational strengths today is just doing the basics.
Cultivating your foodbrand is more important that managing a brand. Brands are dynamic not static,they develop and grow with/for your customers. Identifying distinctive differentiated programs, positioning andconsumable’s by day part that reflect the brand, industry trends, consumerpreferences that include consumer focused mobile interactive participatorybrand building tools are required for consumer relevance.
Are you reaching outto your customers with programs in way that your restaurant developed 30 yearsago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago? Are youselling you food in the same restaurant “footprint” as 10 years ago? What newavenues of food distribution are you selling food in today that you were not 3years ago?
Pew research foundthat 7% of business now have no landline phones and 17.5 of Americans have nolandline phones. Times havechanged. When creating or identifying distinctivedifferentiated food consumables as an entity with identity by daypart for your menu don’t forget that your customer most likely will see that menuitem first on a tablet or phone.
Understanding the uniquebalance between palate, price, pleasure and the consumer’s drive forqualitative distinctive differentiated new food consumables is what keeps therestaurant industry fresh and vibrant. The food value proposition equilibrium forthe consumer today balances; better foryou, flavor, and traditional products all blended into something with a twist. In industry speak, differentiated does not mean different to theconsumer it means familiar and mobile. Don’t let you brand become so familiar that it is stale in the mind’seye of the consumer.
Interestedin learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify yourretail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenientmeal participation, differentiation andindividualization contact us via Email us at: grocerant@q.com or visitFacebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant ortwitter.com/grocerant
I never thought I'd say this but...shopping sucks!
I know, I know...most people who know me very well probably had dropped jaws when they read the title up there, but it's true. I'm starting to despise shopping! (Well, ok...I'm lying...only clothes shopping.) Shopping for myself for everyday casual wear is so completely different, but when you're shopping for clothes for work, it gets frustrating.
Let's start from the very very beginning of today.
When I heard both my girls were going to my ex's house for the weekend, I was so happy. LOL! I love my kids, please don't get me wrong, but my two girls fight like crazy constantly and there's never a clean room or peaceful moment in the house. As they left, I took my mom with me and we decided to go out for a little bit.
I work right off the New Jersey Turnpike about maybe 50 feet from the Holland Tunnel. It's very easy to get to my office by going down the NJ Turnpike, but in the morning when I leave (8:30) there's A LOT of Holland Tunnel traffic that I just can't get past. So, my mom decided to take a ride with me to my office but showing me a local way to get there instead of going down the Turnpike everyday. So we took a ride there and I have to say....DUH! The freaking way she showed me to go is just plain common sense that I should have realized. I felt like an idiot, actually. (Which happens often, it's not a new feeling for me.)
After taking that ride, we decided to stop at TJ Maxx. My mom wanted to see if she could get a dress for my birthmother's wedding, Alayna needed something nice for picture day on Wednesday and I wanted to look for some desk accessories for work and for some shirts for work. I found some beautiful shirts that I absolutely loved, but when I tried them on everything was either too short, too fitted, too ugly on me or just made cheaply. Out of 14 shirts I tried on, I walked out with two. I hate when that happens. I also didn't get any desk accessories; they hardly had anything. :(
So now I'm headed out to see a local town show that my best friend is a stage manager for. Maybe at least I'll have some fun tonight, since my shopping day sucked. Ha. At least I'm still childless for another day!
Why Should You Tweet if You Don't Have Many Followers?
This was also posted on my business blog but I thought it may be helpful to some mom bloggers just starting up as well. That's why I posted it here for mom bloggers to read as well. :)
Social Media is a new term to some businesses and bloggers who have not fully grasped the incredible potential of networking through Twitter, Facebook, etc... Due to the fact that it's unfamiliar to some companies, they may not feel comfortable using the networks since they may have little or no followers. However everyone has to start somewhere, even if it's at the bottom. While it may feel uncomfortable tweeting or posting to a small (or no) audience, it's extremely worthwhile and the best way to grow your brand awareness on these websites.
Remember when you started your business? Did you have a large client or customer base at that time? The answer for most of you is probably, "No." Every business has to start from the bottom whether it is creating and starting your business from the bottom or trying a new media strategy. Just because you have no followers when you start doesn't mean that you can't grow that base. Social Media is actually one of the best ways to promote your business for free. (I know that grabbed your attention!)The two main reasons to create and use Social Media accounts would be:
- To raise your follower/fan count.
- To promote your blog or business to raise brand awareness.
Others will begin to find you from their searches and from re-tweets from other Twitter users. That is why it is important to tweet (periodically) about your business or plug your latest blog post; when someone finds it interesting they will re-tweet you for others to see. While it's important to plug your latest blog post or your business, do not do it regularly. If you make too many posts advertising your business, your followers will think that you are tweeting solely to get them to see your page. That may be the case, but you have to build a relationship with your followers first. Let them see there is a person behind the Twitter name and let them get to know you and your business through tweets, re-tweets and replies. You will want to connect with them on a more personal level and try to relate to them in some way, shape or form. Remember, interaction is key in tweeting.Tip: When you tweet others or reply to their tweets, provide value in what you have to say. Throw something in there that will make them want to click on your Twitter profile and read about you. (And your business.)
Tweeting very regularly will help to build up your "twitter personality", brand and credibility. Especially if you engage your followers by commenting or asking an open ended question and if you post interesting information that may be beneficial to them. If you do not have the time to tweet regularly it may be useful for you to use a program that will schedule your tweets. (My favorite program for this is Tweet Deck.) You can also delegate Social Media tasks and tweets to a Virtual Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. They will be able to take that uncomfortable task of starting a Twitter out of your hands and take care of that for you with their expertise.
Remember -- you should not tweet just for followers. Tweet for yourself and your business, the followers will come to you. Even though this all seems so cliche, it is all about the quality of your followers and the engagement between both parties. It is not about the quantity of followers you have.
25 Kasım 2012 Pazar
DoubleTree by Hilton's Little Things Tour at Grand Central
DoubleTree by Hilton’s Little Things Project is wrapping up its nationwide tour with a finale event in New York City to provide “little things” to brighten New Yorkers’ days on Tuesday, November 20th, at Grand Central Terminal from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TAKE A PLEDGE. GET A COOKIE
Just in time for the holidays, the hotel’s pop-up event experience is giving a “little something” back to those in need. DoubleTree has partnered with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign to encourage little acts that make a big difference to help end child hunger in America. As part of the nationwide tour, for every person who attends a Little Things Project tour event and takes the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry pledge, DoubleTree by Hilton will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign*.
One dollar can help connect a child to up to 10 meals. Anyone unable to attend the events in person can visit www.facebook.com/doubletree and take the pledge on the Little Things Project tab.
GIVE A LITTLE, GET A LITTLE
In addition to taking a pledge to help end childhood hunger, event attendees will get a few “little things” that would make traveling a bit brighter, such as:
- Free DoubleTree by Hilton signature chocolate chip cookies – our brand’s legendary icon for warm and welcoming service. The brand will be giving away 10,000 free cookies at the event;
- Free WiFi lounge and Plug-In station where visitors can take a moment to charge cell phones and more;
- Local deals and offers, to provide locals and travelers exclusive bargains while they’re traveling in the city; in New York City, event-goers will receive free single-ride Metro passes (while supplies last) to help make traveling around the city during the busy holiday season a little easier
BRINGING THE “LITTLE THINGS” TO NEW YORKERS IN NEED
With the recent hurricane devastation in the Northeast, DoubleTree by Hilton is using its Little Things Project Swarm Car to bring “little things” to victims and volunteers who need them most. The Swarm Car will be delivering needed items and the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookies to volunteer stations and shelters across the boroughs.
In need of a pick-me-up or other “little things” to help with the relief effort? Consumers and disaster relief volunteers can tweet to @DoubleTree with their requests using #LittleThings for the Swarm Car to turn their request into a reality.
People can also follow the journey and submit new “little things” by visiting the DoubleTree by Hilton Facebook Page. Here people can also enter the Little Things Project Sweepstakes to win instant prizes and a $25,000 dream vacation getaway.
Additionally, you can get an inside peek at tour stops through Instagram using #LittleThings, as well as follow the tour on Twitter - www.twitter.com/doubletree and YouTube - www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels
Grand Central Terminal
Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
*DoubleTree will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign for every pledge taken between November 1 and November 30th, up to a maximum of $5,000. Gifts made to Share Our Strength and the No Kid Hungry Campaign represent a gift to our organizational mission and will be used to reach the highest number of children facing hunger in America. Share Our Strength does this by combining your gift with others to address child hunger community by community, state by state. Your gift will leverage the time, expertise, and additional funds needed to end childhood hunger once and for all.