Those magnificent savings aren’t just for socks and TV’s. They are not limited to your top of mind retail outlets.  Consider this, you need a new car or a jet ski, Black Friday is an excellent time to  pick up a higher end purchase. I know there are some people who would love to have a jet ski or brand new car for the holidays.  These high powered presents come with drastically low prices, money back offers and low low financing to start off the holiday shopping season.

Here are some hints to getting your dream gift for a dream of a price.

Do your research.  Especially, when looking into a new car.  Shop online first and give yourself a few options as to car or truck that might be right for you. Call the dealership and make sure they will have vehicle ready for y0u to test drive.  With the current state of affairs, dealerships are carrying less inventory then they did years past.

Play the Competition.  Find out who is offering the best deal and try to get someone to beat it.  Most business dealing in high ticket items are willing to Wheel & Deal. Literally, they will make a deal for a something that comes with wheels. They might be the one with the horse power but you have  purchasing power.

In recent response to the rise in automobile accidents and fatalities,KIA dealers are creating awareness for safe driving in order to help save lives. KIA Cares is going to be a series of Public Service Announcements that address critical life saving issues such as; wearing safety belts, not-texting while driving and hands free calling.

The statistics are over-whelming. According to the official U.S Department of transportation In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving. Another surprising statistics is that Using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. Meanwhile, the main cause of injuries and death for the 44 and under age group are due to automobile accidents.  An estimated 20 percent of 1,517,000 injury crashes were reported to have involved distracted driving in 2009.The annual costs involved range in the millions with driver distraction being the number 1 cause for these unfortunate accidents.  The U.N. and International officials have joined with the U.S Secretary to launch a global effort to end driver distract as the death tolls rises worldwide to a total of 1.3 million lives a year. Every 30 sec someone dies in a automobile accident due to driver distraction. The World Health Organization is concerned that if we continue down these path automobile accidents will be the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.

The car industry always strives for safer cars. Now, KIA is striving for safer drivers. Through education and awareness KIA is hoping that these statistics will dramatically drop in the next few years. Throughout history PSA’s have changed and shaped our choices.  With consistent and strong messages PSA’s have improved our communities.  On a mass level, this tradition has proven to effectively reshape our cultures opinion on key issues. On a national level PSA announcements promoting safer driving habits have proven to be effective in many states as more and more areas across the country heed the call to put down the cell phone while driving. As this PSA enters into the airwaves, we hope it brings with it a wave that positively impacts the future of driving. The KIA Cares, PSA campaign, has the potential to have drivers reconsider their habits behind the wheel. The goal is to enforce positive and educated messages to encourage drivers to make responsible choices. “You are the Key to Safe Driving” says it all: with your commitment and dedication we can preserve the quality life for you and those around you.

Fourteenth Hole: Wonderful Networking Opportunity. Networking is one thing; networking with people in support of a common cause and interest is another. The second is called “Effective Networking”. Did I mention meeting celebrities?!?!?!?!

Fifteenth Hole: Event marketing through sponsorships. In an ADD commercial-free society, event marketing is the best way to get your name in front of potential customers. Event marketing through charitable organizations is an excellent way to win the loyalty of consumers. People want to sponsor businesses that support the community. It really is that simple: you support a good cause, consumers will support you.

Sixteenth Hole: Everybody Wins!!! A non-profit organization gets your support in order to keep servicing the community. Consumers learn about your products and services and feel good about supporting your business knowing you give back. Other companies get to network with your company and build relationships knowing that you can both come together for a common cause while being able to support each other in business and in the community. This system is the business model for the future.
Seventeenth Hole: Cocktail Reception. Cocktails and food in a swanky environment with even swankier people. Plus (like we need any more to indulge in): silent auction items!

Eighteenth Hole: At the end of the day and game you’ll find the biggest benefit was having fun!!
For more information about this event go to:
www.efsgolfforthekids.com
www.shinglecreek.com

Part of being a tragic “hopeful” is harboring a deep desire to be connected to others who want to sacrifice for a cause. You hope there is a shared commonality amongst humanity to become better for each other and the environment in which we live. In order to be successful at getting others to join, I had to realize the existence of what I am asking people to give up and that is to relinquish their most valuable possessions: time, energy, and money. The benefits must outweigh the reality of tragically sacrificing one’s most valuable possessions. So, what is the benefit? A sense of well-being? Yeah, that’s nice. Being grateful that you have been blessed with so much? That’s an obvious answer. Expanding your ego and bragging rights for being an awesome person? I say go for it but be humble. Humility gives you a reputation for being a bad-ass human being! Truly, there is no real benefit. The reality is… it’s the right thing to do. We all look at the world and realize there is so much to be done, so much room for improvement. We’ve been witnessing mass society become more and more self-involved and it just doesn’t seem right. It feels a little “off” to most individuals. The “benefit”-if there is one- is that giving brings things back into balance. Hunger, sickness, abuse, homelessness, etc. have been around a long time and there is no fix… there must be a counter-acting force to keep things in balance. Where there is sickness there must be a cure.            

Hopefully, you will experience a burning desire to participate. Hopefully, you will become aware of the fact that every time you receive there is an opportunity to give. I tragically hope we share in the amazing need for pure balance. I will include lists of some of the great charities & volunteer organizations we have worked with. Some organizations you can be hands-on or donate /raise money. Most of them offer perks to the tragic hopefuls such as cool clothes or knick knacks emphasizing that you are fabulously philanthropic.  Other perks can be attending swanky events, health oriented options like running a race or… your picture in a magazine! Whoop -Whoop!!! Let me stop writing so you can start building a world filled with Light, Wonder, and Hope.

Charities for Children:

B.A.S.E Camp/ Candle Lighters Foundation, Childhood Cancer Foundation:   http://www.basecamp.org/

Kids House of Seminole, Inc:   http://www.kidshouse.org

New Hope for Kids: http://www.newhopeforkids.org/

Animal Rescue:

Pet Rescue By Judy:http://www.petrescuebyjudy.com/

Faith Hope & Love Rescue:http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html

Food, Clothing, Household Goods, Distribution:

Harvest Time:  http://www.Harvest-time.org

Christian Service Center:http://www.christianservicecenter.org/index.php

Community Food & Outreach Program:   http://www.communityfoodoutreach.org/

Community Outreach:

Job Partners:  http://www.jobspartnershipfl.org/

Summit, Nice Serve- Community Outreach:    http://www.summitconnect.org/pages/serve

Heart of Orlando:  http://www.hfuw.org/

National/International Services:

Children of the Nation:  http://www.cotni.org/

Charity Water:   http://www.charitywater.org/

End Childhood Prostitution & Trafficking: http://www.ecpatusa.org/

Feeding America: http://feedingamerica.org/

Volunteer Services:

Volunteer Orlando: http://volunteerorlando.com/org/opp/medallions/?portlet_id=10323239225

Making the Difference: http://www.makingthedifference.us/

Elderly:

Meals on Wheels & Adopt a Senior:

http://orlando.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.mealsetc.org

Share The Care:    http://www.helpforcaregivers.org/

Philanthropy Groups:

The Gentleman’s Fund:

http://orlando.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://helpforcaregivers.org

Guys With Ties:   http://www.guyswithties.org/orlando/photos/

Join (RED):   http://www.joinred.com/splash.htm

Local Farms:

Home Grown: http://homegrowncoop.org/

My Yard Farm:  http://myyardfarm.com/

It’s imperative that people know who you are. The more face to face recognition at local networking events, the better! Networking events have become very popular during this economic time.  These events provide an environment for potential opportunities, employment and once-in-a-lifetime business deals.  Are you taking advantage of these opportunities and showing up?

If you are showing up to these events already but haven’t seen any real return, don’t give up!  The following are reasons why networking events better position you and your business:

1)The majority of business opportunities come from connecting with the right people at the right time:When it comes to making more money, whether it’s through expanding your own business or landing a better job, it’s all about whom you know.  The majority of business opportunities come from connecting with the right people at the right time.  In other words, while business professionals have enough business cards and event invitations to stack floor to ceiling, leveraging the right part of that network at just the right moment can make all the difference.

2)Your Rolodex is more valuable than Career Builder: It’s not just business owners who are reaping the rewards of networking, the unemployed who are taking advantage of these opportunities are too.  When it comes to making big career jumps, their Rolodex is much more valuable than the help wanted section. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that only 5 percent of people obtain jobs through the “open” job market, while 48 percent win their positions through referrals.

3)Networking within your peer group limits your options: A large part of creating timely opportunities out of personal contacts is keeping an open mind. Don’t get comfortable! One common mistake is cultivating your network only within your peer group, which can limit your options.  Even if you are a top exec, you have to network at all levels because you don’t know where someone is going to wind up.  Be open to those coincidental moments.  It could lead to a once-in-a-lifetime chance if you recognize it at the time.

Although these are three great reasons to take advantage of several events in town, you won’t get anywhere without leveraging the opportunities at these events.  Here are some tips to get the MOST out of networking while growing your business:

1.    Don’t drink too much. A couple drinks is okay.  But whether it’s a professional or social event, you don’t want to completely let your guard down.  People talk and so does your own tongue once loosened up a little!

2.    Listen more than you talk. Want to stand out from everyone else?  Studies show that when you ask people questions about themselves, rather than talk about yourself, they come away from the conversation with a more favorable impression of you.  They will think that the conversation with you was the best they had all night!

3.    Gather your “social currency” beforehand. Nobody magically has interesting things to talk about. You need to read up on current events, watch popular movies and TV shows, go places and “bookmark” things that are compelling conversation starters.

4.    Break the ice. Yes, you can do it. Paying someone a compliment (“I love those shoes!”), commenting on the food or scenery, or asking the other person how he/she knows the host are easy ways to jump start the conversation.

5.    Stay on message—even if that means being silent. Don’t feel the need to fill up awkward silences with complaints or negative gossip your personal life or someone else’s life.

6.    Don’t be desperate. Be natural, and don’t hound someone for a job, contact, or favor. Establish rapport and get their contact info.

7.    Follow up! Even if you think you that person can’t provide with what you need at the time, ALWAYS follow-up with a “nice to meet” you email.  For those potential contacts you made that could enhance your current business.  Follow up within 24 hours.

Here are examples of companies effectively utilizing Integrated Media  Campaigns:

i heart  radio;      http://www.iheartradio.com/main.html

NY Times;          http://www.nytimes.com/

The magazine primarily focuses on inner personal development and connecting people within the Brite Girl community. All of the support for this magazine is coming from local businesses and contributors. It is Ms. Batterson’s personal goal to be surrounded by amazing women and men dedicated to their industries who lead positive and productive lives. These women and men employ their individual skills to contribute to the success of Brite Girl and each other. The contributors were handpicked by Ms. Batterson for their success within their respective areas of expertise and because of their passionate desire to share their wisdom with readers. The main focus of this organization is to gather and organize individuals that are willing to dedicate their talents to a whole network of people working together to improve our lives. For more information on Brite Girl and everything a Brite Life has to offer go to:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1422434930084&saved#!/britegirls?ref=ts

http://www.britegirl.com/

In addition to his online store, Mr. Middendorf will be showcasing his paintings in various galleries and businesses in the Central Florida area. Please visit his website and Facebook page for more information about Mauruarend Art Productions and gallery locations. As a result of the transition into Mauruarend Art Productions we have been seeking new establishments for Mr. Middendorf to display his artwork. It has been a very exciting adventure discovering everything this area has to offer for artists and art enthusiasts alike. We continuously find establishments hosting art receptions to introduce the latest artist collections. On a larger scale, our local communities are generating support for the Central Florida art scene with cooperation from independent businesses and merchant associations. Residents, artists, and merchants see the value in incorporating the arts into their community. These events are increasing in popularity due to the fact that they bring together a well blended mixture of business, art, and patrons.

We highly recommend 3rd Thursday’s Gallery Hop and the Art Stroll of Baldwin Park. Both events allow the spectator to have a full experience of art, music, food, shopping, and local flair. 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop is centered in Downtown Orlando. Galleries and merchants open up their establishments to display different artists and offer patrons the wonderful opportunity to become familiar with their business. The Art Stroll of Baldwin Park has recently transformed into a monthly event due to its popularity and community involvement. Participants at this event take to the streets to observe the artist at work while listening to the sounds of local beats. Each month they feature a new artist and band helping to bring more awareness to the art culture of Central Florida. For more on these events:

  www.baldwinparkfl.com/web/news.asp?NEWS_ID=117

  www.orlandoslice.com/page/3rd-thursday-gallery-hop

The marketing bus has been a smooth ride up until 2008 when sudden detours changed its route. These detours caused the marketing bus to travel out past town, to a two-lane, rocky road. After traveling miles through endless farmland, it eventually made its way to a small country town with one intersection and one blinking red light. The driver found himself currently at a crossroads…the East/West road sign reads “Offline,” the North/South road sign reads “Online.” A brand new sign is secured on the right side of the road. The sign reads “Welcome to the Town of Integration! The most cutting edge, equidistant town to everything! All roads lead to us! Coming soon!”

Has your marketing bus traveled to the Town of Integration? If it hasn’t, you’d better get on board. Just like any business, the marketing business has had to go through some detours and bumpy roads to figure out the next wave in marketing. But, we’ve now arrived to a fantastic crossroads where both traditional marketing and online marketing has created a great support for each other and for your business.

What is Integrated Marketing?

Integrated marketing is a holistic marketing approach that crosses media channels and boundaries to promote buying and selling, as well as brand building, across two or more online and offline media channels. Integrated marketing can have many facets. Online, it can include: organic search; paid search advertising (PPC); online display advertising; email marketing and social media marketing. Offline marketing is what we think of as traditional media: television; print advertising; direct mail; radio; billboard ads.

The Interaction Between Online and Offline Media

Integrated search marketing uses the blended search formula to pull a campaign together. An integrated campaign utilizes online news releases, video, images, blog posts and products to promote a brand outside standard advertising means. Television campaigns can be tied to an online campaign and used to fuel targeted searches, while providing valuable feedback on the reach of the campaign.

Advantages of Integrating your online and offline marketing

In a Jupiter Research survey of 2,300 web users, 67% of the respondents said they had searched for the company name, product or service names, or advertising slogan that they saw in offline marketing or ads. Of those online searchers who responded to an offline marketing message, 39% eventually made a purchase.

Conversely, to use online marketing to promote your offline marketing, mention on your website a physical address and contact information. This makes it easy for people who first find you online to also find you offline. This has been shown to help your site in local search, boost your overall business credibility and improve conversion rates.

So, is your business visible, with a consistent message, both online and offline? Online search optimization and offline marketing and advertising are no longer two separate things that have no relationship to each other. The roads have intersected and your business needs to be there. Your customers have already bought prime real estate in the Town of Integration, so park your bus and stay for while.

An insane business. Do you have one? Do you find yourself doing the same things over and over again to get more clients and customers? Our business is sometimes similar to that silly, little hamster on the spinning wheel of death. Spinning, spinning and getting nowhere. If our business is a smart hamster, we’d get off that wheel and build those crazy neon tubes instead. Those tubes carry us hamsters to all kinds of places. Places of new opportunity, expanding beyond our cage and leaving that wheel behind. It’s time to make a resolution. Be a smart hamster, get off the wheel and start building those business tubes that lead to greater opportunities. Here are five steps to get started:

1) Niche markets. Understand your niche market. What do they like? What do they read? Buy? Where do they eat? Research the businesses who aren’t only attracting your niche market but are doing great with retaining that market. Emulate some of the practices these businesses have put in place.

2) Event Marketing. Building on rule number one, market in person to your niche group. Get out there in the community and network. Allow the event to give you a platform for recognition and relationship building. Associate your company with an event that best represents the culture and face of your business.

3)Blogs. There has never been an easier way to find out what the marketplace is thinking about you, your company and your products! There are three different ways to use blogs: monitoring what people say, participating in those conversations by commenting on those blogs and shaping those conversations by creating and writing your own blog. We will touch more on blogs in the next post.

4)Network. Your netWORTH is your network. We all know the saying, “It’s all about who you know.” This is true to a point. Yes, it is great to meet people, but nothing will move forward without taking the initiative and following-up. It doesn’t become a netWORTH until a relationship is formed. Begin forming the relationship with the follow-up.

5)Service. Never except bad service. Poor service to a customer is a reflection of you, your company and your credibility. Deliver what you said you were going to, when you said you were going to, how you said you were going to. Your customers are your best advertisers. Keep them happy and they will bring their friends.

From one smart hamster to another, get going on these five tips for your business’s resolution. Leave your hamster wheel back with 2009. Break out those neon red tubes and start building new opportunities for your business.