Great Opportunity To Share Your Business and Support a School

I've been asked to coordinate the Spring Carnival for my children's school.  I'm looking for businesses who would be interested in participating in this event.  There will be close to 1,000 people at this event.

Some of the Entertainment has been already arranged, but there may be room for others.

I'm also looking for businesses that would be interested in providing food for this event.  I'd like to offer a variety of foods this year.  Not your typical hotdogs and hamburgers; those will be available for the kids.  But I'd like to see a few restaurants participate and offering grazing stations for the adults.

I'm also looking for local businesses who would be interested in donating products or services for various raffles and game prizes.  Gift Certificates (to your business, or on behalf of your business), Products or Sample Products, or even promotional items!

Give kids great prizes that they'll used, and you're name will be seen by their parents!

I do have a limited budget for this event, so any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Your business will be featured on the promotional fliers for this event.  And as my thank you to you, I'd also like to feature you on my blog.

Featured Business: 151 On The Water

151 On The Water

151 Water Street 

(at Summit and Jefferson)

www.151onthewater.com

If you're looking for a great meal, and night out with friends 151 On The Water is the place for you!

The former Murphy's has been revived to show the best in Jazz, Blues and local musicians.  

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 151 On The Water  offers a casual lunch and fine dining menu that owner Mike Scott says "I'd put our signature dish up against any other restaurant in town."

I've been in several times, and each meal has been amazing.  The menu has something for everyone.  There is a $5.99 lunch special, as well as dinner specials.  And very reasonably priced!  While out to dinner with friends, we ordered 2 appetizers, 4 drinks, 1 soda and 4 meals, and spent less than $125 (not including tip).

I've tried something new every time that I've been in, but my lunch time favorite is the Chicken Philly, and dinner would have to be the Chicken Piccata. 

Reuben w/ Chips

Chicken Philly w/ Chips

Not only is there great food, but there is great music 5 nights a week.  You can come in for Jazz, Blues, Open Mic Night and the musical talents of great local artists.  You will also be able to hear live music a couple days a week during the lunch hours.

The bar is always coming up with new and creative drinks for any taste.  Recently, "Candy Cocktails" have been a big hit - including Cotton Candy and Rock Candy martinis.  Not to mention the Strawberry Champagne Martini, or any of you other favorite beverages.

Rock Candy Martini

One of the benefits to the local musical community is that now there is another venue to perform at.  But there is an in-house sound system.  There is no need for them to bring in all their own speakers or sound board - it's all provided for you.  And for the audience, there's not a bad seat in the house!  The music is played at a level that is easily heard, no matter where you are sitting.  But it's also not so loud that you can't have a conversation with the person sitting next to you.

If you are looking for a place to host a party or dinner, 151 On The Water can accommodate you.  Even bringing in live music for your event.  

The staff at 151 On The Water is great - all very kind and there to help you with anything.  And the owner is there, greeting everyone and making conversation.  Mike wants to make sure you're having a good time, that the food is good, and you're enjoying the music. 

Make plans to stop into 151 On The Water soon!

Staying Sociable: Sociably Cindy Spokes-pet Search!

So, I've had this idea in my head for a while, but I've just not implemented it.  I think it's time.



I remember when I was working at YES FM, we had a Happy Meal toy that we were passing around to each other's desks.  It was really funny.  You'd walk into your office and there it was.  THEN we had the purple frog that would find it's way to random places in the halls and studio.  So much fun.

About a year ago, my friend Marion created a 'spokes-puppet' for her business "Fibre Moo w/ Fibrenew".
It made us all at the networking event talking about what our 'spokes-pet' would be.

So these thoughts have made their way back into my mind over the last few weeks, and you know what - I'm just going to do it!

I'm looking for 2 things:

1 - suggestions on what my "Spokes-pet" should be
2- would you be willing to take your picture with it and pass it on?

I'd thought about a teddybear with a butterfly shirt/dress, and then put my logo on it - thoughts?

Then I was thinking of either just going around with it and taking pictures of it at my client's and friend's businesses.  Or do I get a few and pass them out saying "take a pic and pass it on"?

So what to you think?

Featured Business: My Mary Kay Consultant Nicole!

Nicole Beat

Independent Mary Kay Sales Director

www.marykay.com/nicolemariel

www.nicolelloyd.net

567.455.6828

I am not a girlie girl.  I am not into what is hot and now in fashion.  I'm not up on the latest hair and make up trends.  It's just not me.  I'm very conscious about my skin.  And that's where Nicole comes in.

As a teen, I'd have the occasional break out (usually on my chin around that time of the month), but I generally had very nice skin.  Then when I was 21 and pregnant with my first child, it caught up to me.

I've tried just about every product under the sun - and nothing has seemed to work.  I'd begun using the Mary Kay Timewise products, and I really liked them.  My little frown/laugh lines diminished, my completion looked brighter, but I still had the adult acne.

My problem was that these products were too harsh on my skin.  I tried one product (I won't name it, but you've heard of it) that literally burned my face after 3 uses.   I did see a dermatologist after that - and not even their prescription strength products worked... I thought I was doomed.

But wait!  Nicole comes back from a Mary Kay conference with a brand new sensitive skin collection: Botanical Effects.  I set up an appointment with her and she introduced me to the new line.  We started with the dry skin set - in the winter I'm alway super dry.  She let me try it there, and she even let me take it home for a few days to really see the effects on my skin. (Does the department store do that?)



I loved the cleanser - very gentle.  But the moisturizer was a bit thick for my liking.  I told Nicole and she said "Not a problem, let's switch your lotion to 'normal'."  And it's working great for me.

After she switched my lotion, she also gave me the mask and refresher spray.  The mask can actually be used as a scrub or mask - which I loved.  The refresher is really nice as well, not a burning toner like I was use to.  If you have sensitive skin - this product is definitely for you!



Now - cosmetics!

Deluxe Compact

I'd never really worn make-up.  I'd buy it for a special occasion, never wear it again.  But now that I'm in a professional setting, I can't look like a 14 year old.

Nicole has helped me find the right colors for me, taught me how to apply them (I had no idea how many looks you could get from just 3 eye shadow colors).  It's also extremely important to have the right tools, and know how to take care of them (yes, your dirty brushes can actually make your skin have bad reactions, and could even make you sick).

There are products for everyone - even guys!  I got the High Intensity Cologne for my husband - I love it!

What I really like about Nicole is her desire to really help other women feel as beautiful as they are.  It's not about covering your face up with 4 inches of make up and portraying something you're not.  It's about accenting the natural beauty that you are.  She'll keep you up to date on new products.  And if you give her your husband/boyfriend's contact info and your special dates (birthday, anniversary, etc.), she can even send them reminders and gift hints based on your wish lists or previous purchased.  She can even help with the gift wrapping.  Seriously guys - win/win!

So if you've never tried Mary Kay before, I encourage you to contact Nicole and try it now.  Not only are the products amazing and very reasonably priced; but you will gain a new friend.

Featured Business: Beauty Call By Liz

Beauty Call By Liz

Mobile Spray Tanning

http://www.beautycallbyliz.com/

 (419) 290-0720

In the dull winter, sometimes we all need a quick pick me up.  Something to remind us of warmer days, something to brighten our smiles.

Sometimes we have that special occasion, and even if we have the perfect outfit, something's missing.

A spray tan may be what you need!

Have you tried a spray tan before, and didn't like the results?  All spray tanning products are not created alike.  The products used by Beauty Call By Liz are made with all natural and organic ingredients.  It allows you to have the look of being out in the sun all the time, without the harmful effects of the UV rays.

What I like about Beauty Call By Liz is that she came to me.  I didn't have to get in my car, drive somewhere, wait for my turn and then be pushed out the door.  I'm a busy working mom - I rarely have time for myself (and have to schedule it weeks in advance!).  

She arrived at my house and set up the mobile spray tent, hooked up her airbrush and we were ready to go.  The process took maybe 20 minutes.

For me, she used the lightest level - as I'm naturally very pale.  As she 'warned' me, the color deepened quite a bit throughout the day.  But after I showered the next morning, it toned down quite a bit, something a bit more natural to my natural color.  

Besides the convince of her coming to you, her prices are very reasonable.  Guys, spray tanning gift certificates are a great gift for your lady!

If you're getting married, your photographer will appreciate the even skin tone and color provided by a spray tan.  Make plans to start tanning AT LEAST a month before your wedding, to find the right tone.  A great thing about Beauty Call By Liz is that she has partnered with Alt B, and the services in this group can also help you prepare for your special day.

If you are interested in spray tanning, check out http://www.beautycallbyliz.com/ and schedule your appointment.  Be sure to check out the Tanning Tips before Liz arrives, so that she is able to give you the best tan possible.  And be sure to ask her about her great products (I love the Cocoa butter lotion!)

Check out Beauty Call By Liz - and make today beautiful! 

My Morning With Tim & Jeff

Tim and Jeff In The Morning

I'd consider Star 105.5 to be one of my favorite radio stations, has been for as long as I can remember.  Great selection of music, I'm comfortable playing it around my kids (there are a few songs I'll turn it down for [never off, I promise]... but that's just my personal preference).

My husband usually would claim the radio before me in the morning - usually podcasts on his iPod.  I don't remember exactly when I regained control of the remote, so to speak.  I remember turning it on, and just cracking up over something they were discussing.  And as I continued listening, I remember being very thankful that they topics of conversation were not of content that I'd have to turn the radio off when my kids were in the room

Over the summer I was incredibly impressed by the City of the Week outings they were hosting.  Working with small businesses, it's important to me to see the 'hidden gems' that drive our communities highlighted.  I looked forward to the pictures each week, and hearing the stories of many businesses that I never knew existed.

Along the same line, "Free Plug Friday" has been a joy to participate it.  Several of my clients have had events over the last few months, and there's nothing like getting a text from a client saying "OMG! We were on the radio."  (Thanks again guys!)  I love hearing small businesses, and local events put on the forefront.  Sometimes it seems that we don't know about these until it's too late.

I remember "Liking" their Facebook page, that first day I heard them.  As social media is my field of expertise - these guys are rawking it out!  When I look at other 'local celebrity' profiles, I don't see nearly the interaction that these guys get.  And it's not just one sided - they are actually conversing with their listeners throughout the day via Facebook or Twitter.  And the conversations are always interesting - there's nothing like when your page gets hijacked and the conversation lasts for days!

I was able to finally meet the guys after months of social networking interactions.  I totally thought they were joking when they invited me to the studio, but there I was.  Super cool, super nice guys.  I spend so much time promoting my clients, that it was actually weird to be talking about myself and my business.  And again there's nothing like getting a text from a friend "Um, was that you on the radio?".

We sat and chatted for about 20 minutes off air, and honestly, these guys are awesome.  

If you aren't already listening to Tim and Jeff In The Morning - you should be!  And if you are, join in on the conversation!  Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter (@r8dioTim and @JeffNtheMorning).

*****

It was a sad day on March 12th when they announced that they were leaving the Toledo area.  I'm going to miss listening to you every day - the listeners of 105.7 in Fayetteville, AR are very lucky (thank goodness for internet radio!)

Thanks for all you've done for Toledo guys, on the air and off!

The Power In An Email

We all get emails.  A lot of emails.

Sometimes we don't remember signing up for the newsletter.  Sometimes we get email forwards from friends (or people we've only met once).  Sometimes we get 5 emails a day from 1 person/business.  Sometimes it's only a few times a year.

An email can be a beneficial tool to your marketing plan - if done properly.  I find myself some how subscribing myself to email newsletters and then getting bombarded with emails.  Now, I signed up for it because I did want to hear something from you, but not all day every day.

So here are a few tips that I've learned about email marketing:

• Consider how many you get from any 1 company.  If you think that's too much, do less.  Unless you have a lot to say, don't send more than 1 or 2 a month - if that.  If you have a lot to say - write a blog. 
• Know your audience, and what will get their attention: What key words or phrases will encourage them to open the email, but not be deceitful and cause your contact to unsubscribe
• Include links - lots of them!  Usually, your e-newsletter provider will track the clicks; you'll know what got the readers attention for next time.  
• Don't make it all about you, make it about them.  Offer up a great piece of information (suggesting they follow you on Facebook or Twitter to learn more), promote a giveaways, etc.
• Be a person, not a machine.  Add some personality to it, this is Social Networking, so stay social!
• Don't get upset if people unsubscribe - you've done it too!

There are several great services available.  I've been using MailChimp to send my messages, and WuFoo for my opt-in forms.  I'm very pleased with it so far - if you're looking to start with an email campaign, start small, and try it out for free!  If you need help, Sociably Cindy is here for you!