Monday, October 13, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Sex in the Workplace
For years, sex and sensuality in advertising were implied and because they were exceptionally effective they continue to be powerful advertising tools. Relaxed censuring has made sexual advertising far more prevalent and overt. The problem that comes into play is determining the line between acceptable and excessive.
Obviously there are ads for items like lingerie, jeans, perfumes and body creams that might genuinely require graphics to be somewhat sexual in order to be effective. Even that warm and fuzzy feeling we’d get every time we saw the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales romping through the snow wishing us season’s greetings have proven less enticing than a beach party, during which cold beer is quenching the thirst of a great looking bunch of guys and girls in bathing suits.
Here’s another interesting fact…today not only does sex sell, but we actually sell sex. Everything from condoms to erectile dysfunction medications has a platform. Having said that, the mention of possible side effects like: going blind, hearing loss, nausea, dizziness and a permanent erection, might cause a Viagra ad to frighten more would be fornicators than it satisfies. And who casts the men for the erectile dysfunction commercials? They are creepy looking.
Do I approve of sex in advertising? Yes, within reason. I am committed to producing the most successful campaigns for my clients and if that means content with sexual overtones we will “do it.” In doing so, however, there are two directives I insist be followed: I will never objectify a gender, culture or socio-economic group and I insist on a tasteful presentation of the material.
So the simple answer is yes, sex sells. Explicit or implied, sex in advertising is here to stay. As advertisers we can do our part to keep sexually driven campaigns inoffensive as possible. Ultimately the results will be revealed at the register.
Now that I am done writing this I am heading out for a burger!
Edward DuCoin - 856 304 2800 - Orpical Group
Want Proof?
I wrote a very good article about advertising clients 8 days ago. It had 20 page views on my blog (that I do not post to often). In 6 minutes - the SEX articles got more hits.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Demanding Client Vs. The Unreasonable Client
At one time or another, we all have dealt with our share of demanding clients. You know, the clients who believe you work exclusively for them. After a while, we come to know the nature and tone of each conversation we will have with them. No matter how hard we try to please them, at least one of those conversations will be an expletive embellished diatribe. But as always, we will comfort and reassure them. In the end, no matter what it takes, we will satisfy their every expectation and, heaven help us, they will soon return with another project.
It is my policy to try to never refuse business, and that certainly includes the business brought by demanding clients. Keep in mind that the operative word here is business, defined by Merriam Webster as: a noun - the activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money. Now one might ask: Can you actually make money with these types of clients? The answer is a definitive yes…you can make money with “demanding” clients. Difficult? Sometimes. Doable? Absolutely.
Unreasonable clients?
You will never make money.
Actually you will loose.
When first meeting with a client, you can usually glean a fairly accurate sense of his/her expectations concerning the project at hand. That’s the easy part. Estimating the evolution of the personality that will emerge once the contracts are signed is the challenging part. Below are a few ideas to help you manage potentially difficult clients and/or projects.
- Win your client’s trust. Take the time to inform your client of the competency of your staff. Provide a folder briefly reiterating facts that may already be on your website: Governance, biographies of key team members, endorsements, awards, the process associated with each project, pricing and above all…BOUNDARIES. Clients should know your professional parameters at the onset. Every aspect of the project should be indicated in the proposal, including anticipated time for periodic updates and discussions. The proposal should also state that any changes, requests, or other activities representing a departure from the terms of the proposal shall be deemed chargeable. In addition, the proposal should be read aloud to the client, so that there is no risk of miscommunication.
- Negotiation is to be expected. Most clients will want to know they are getting a good deal. Remind your client that an investment in your services is an investment in their business. On the other hand, an overly frugal client can mean trouble. I will make every attempt within reason, to work within a client’s budgetary guidelines. The depth of your team can provide a little flexibility here. Think of a lawyer who can reduce his hourly wage by having a paralegal do some of the work. But at some point, it’s important to remember you are running a business, not a charity. Devising a payment schedule and sticking to it is a must.
- Despite a client’s decision to hire a professional agency and despite all the efforts you’ve made to get your client to trust you, there will always be those clients who think they know better. These clients will tend to be unwilling to accept advice, resistant to change, and demand constant revisions. Often these may be well paying clients, but they can frustrate your staff, deplete their creative energy and end-up having you producing a project unbecoming of an agency like yours. On these occasions, you can only respectfully continue to make recommendations, apply any appropriate charges, complete the project and move on
- There may be times when a client is slow to provide information or feedback. There can be various reasons for the delay, so you shouldn’t take the lack of communication personally. On the other hand, if you find the client to be a habitual procrastinator, keep a very accurate paper trail, refer to the proposal and contract so that you can apply any additional charges resulting from the client’s inaction. Send an invoice reflecting the newly incurred fees and tell the client to reach-out to you when he/she is ready to proceed with the project
You have assembled an outstanding group of professionals. You maintain a genuine interest in the success of your clients. You know the quality of the work your agency delivers. Respect your reputation and respect your clients. Just remember: respect is reciprocal. If you exemplify that respect to your team and your clients, you should expect and require that it be returned. When it is, you will distinguish yourself as a top tier agency with a successful record to prove it.
Demanding clients make you better. Cherish what they will teach you and "how managing to their demands", within reason, will have a positive impact on your business. Once demanding clients become unreasonable, fire them. If not, get ready to layoff staff because your business will suffer.
Often the most profitable deals are the deals you do not take.
Edward DuCoin
856 304 2800
Monday, September 29, 2014
Experienced Innovation: The Older Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneurial Spirit is age blind. It is not the seeker; rather it exists as a character trait that lives within each of us. The bravest among us will surrender to it, feed off its energy and confidence and let it lighten our way down ambitious paths. Whatever awaits…success or failure, the Entrepreneurial Spirit remains faithful. It is neither diminished nor dissuaded by achievement or downfall. It lives on, continuing to prod and encourage both young and old.
The impact of the entrepreneurial energies and creative thinking of middle aged Americans garnered significant attention following a remark by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, who said: “People under 35 are the people who make change happen. People over 45 basically die in terms of new ideas.” Mr. Khosla further claimed that older entrepreneurs are unable to be innovative because they are constantly “falling back on old habits”.
Immediate and justifiable backlash ensued. As for me, I find so many things wrong with these comments, I hardly know where to begin. Let’s get this straight; I’m not talking about political correctness here. I am addressing the blatant inaccuracies, flawed research and unadulterated ignorance that would result in such an irrational statement.
According to a research project conducted by the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity a few facts might disprove if not shame Mr. Khosla and his ridiculous theory:
According to a research project conducted by the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity a few facts might disprove if not shame Mr. Khosla and his ridiculous theory:
- The lightening rod was invented by Ben Franklin when he was 44, he discovered electricity at 46, helped compose the Declaration of Independence at 70, and later invented bifocals
- We were introduced to Henry Ford’s Model T when Mr. Ford he was 45.
- Sam Walton built Walmart while in his mid-40s.
- Ray Kroc opened McDonalds in his early 50s
- Do you want a coke with that? John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in his 50s
- And of course we can’t forget…the brilliant Steve Jobs, whose iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, and iPad all came after he was 45
Aside from determination and perseverance, the older entrepreneur can bring a wealth of experience to any endeavor. More often than not, it’s an experience fueled resilience and resistant to pessimism and complacency. When all is said and done, experience is perhaps, the most valuable source of knowledge.
Rather than disregard or dismiss older entrepreneurs, Vinod Khosla would be better advised to study them. For there is something astonishingly admirable about individuals who continue to be hopeful, innovative and committed to effecting change for the greater good, particularly after living through decades of an uncertain world facing trials on every front.
For disclosure I am 49 years old. I started my first company at age 18. I have had tremendous success and “very expensive educational experiences” aka business failures. The Ed of age 49 can outsmart the younger "versions of me" plus react properly (maturely) to challenging situations. The 49 year old Ed could kick the 29 year old Ed's ass up and down the balance sheet.
Just wait till I am 59 Vinod!
Edward DuCoin
856 304 2800
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Web Design: The Awesome Approach to Prosperity
Note – why I wrote this article?
We have happy clients. The reason? We manage expectations.
So many of our clients – before they hired us – were confused. How do they start developing a website? Where? With who? Will they be handcuffed because every change and update will require a “programmer?”
A good design firm will reduce stress – offer flexibility and be (in the long run) less expensive.I am not “selling our services” in this article – rather offering insight on how to get a kickass website with less stress and more success.
Web Design: The Awesome Approach to Prosperity
Successful web designs are usually a team effort. Contributions from marketing specialists, graphic designers, content writers, and of course, the client are required to create a website that will ultimately convert a visitor to a client. While aesthetic appeal is important, the development of a powerful, sales driving website demands more than visuals. Productive design team leaders will direct those selected to participate in a website development. Success is the result of a productive fusion of collaborative creativity and proven sales-driven strategies.
What you should expect from a website design team:
Team leaders meet with you to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your expectations regarding:
- Graphics, content and other creative components
- Timelines and deadlines
- Your input and expectations as the client
- Content preferences
- Social Media distribution
- E-commerce considerations
This information allows a team to devise a well-defined plan to identify and assign individual responsibilities. Then, the team can proceed with designing the most effective website for your business.
Ultimately, your input, expectations and above all…your trust (which should be earned by a competent team) will serve to facilitate the most gratifying and cost effective and profitable website for you.
Edward DuCoin
856 304 2800
Friday, August 22, 2014
Drive
Drive: I suppose I
could call it motivation, but the word isn’t fast enough or strong enough. I’m
a NASCAR enthusiast, so I guess I have a predisposition to the term Drive.
I’m not sure it can be taught. I’m more prone to believe it’s an inherent
character trait.
To possess Drive is not to be “Driven”. Driven implies passiveness. To me, Driven seems a temporary
state. Anyone can be Driven by a particular obsession or toward a specific
goal. But does that intensity linger once the objective is accomplished?
Drive, on the other hand, is comprised of many components:
perseverance, resilience, optimism, confidence and consideration. Yes, consideration.
Drive
doesn’t mean controlling. Nor does it suggest dismissiveness, ruthlessness or
absolute power. It does, however, empower others, as does it encourage, engage and
enlighten.
To me, Drive is most essentially about the
journey. Naturally, reaching one’s destination, whether personal or
professional, is essential but the ability to successfully steer a powerful
vehicle to navigate life’s most challenging courses is what ultimately gets one
to that destination.
Like all CEO’s, I face my share of challenges every day. Sometimes,
I feel I encounter a challenge every minute of every day. Yet, when every fire
is out…when everything is handled…I hear this voice inside my head like Jake
LaMotta to Sugar Ray Robinson: “Hey, Ray, I never went down, man! You never got
me down, Ray! You hear me, you never got me down.” Then comes that feeling of
accomplishment…not to be confused with egomania. Rather, I think of those
moments as pit stops…opportunities to refuel, recharge, regroup and get ready
to get back on the course.
Drive is nourished by adversity; strengthened by every
impediment we overcome. Yet, Drive has its downside. Possessing Drive
should NEVER make one feel invincible. Competent, confident, and resilient,
yes…but never invincible. It’s also essential never to confuse Drive
with knowledge. In my opinion, Drive includes forever seeking
knowledge. Actually, I find it a common symptom of the condition. There is
always something to be learned and very often from the least likely sources.
Whether it’s knowledge about your industry, politics, human behavior…even
yourself, Drive demands you learn more.
So why my thoughts on Drive? Perhaps because I’ve come to
the realization that Drive need not be indicative of a
Type A personality. It can be quiet and unpretentious. My Drive has provided me
with a better understanding of the human spirit. Again, I find it a symptom of
the condition. Drive represents equal opportunity awareness. Know all there is
to know about all there is to know. Drive symbolizes a life long journey
of learning and the practice of applying what we’ve learned to every situation
during every day of our lives.
So the next time you or someone else uses the term Drive
in describing someone, try to remember: It’s not just about success in
business…it’s about driving through life and navigating a successful journey
without losing your moral compass.
Edward DuCoin
ed@orpical.com
856-304-2800
Thursday, July 31, 2014
The Paradoxical Commandments
LOVE THESE!
The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. KeithPeople are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
EDA and the International Economic Development Council Create User-Friendly Tool
EDA and the International Economic Development Council Create User-Friendly Tool to Help Communities Recover Their Economy after Disasters
Submitted on July 30, 2014 - 2:30pm
Categories:
Everyone sees the destruction caused by a natural disaster – the loss of life and property make headlines for weeks. But natural disasters can have lasting effects that don’t garner as much media attention. Beyond property and infrastructure costs, disasters impact the health of the business community. According to the Small Business Administration, as much as 25 percent of small businesses do not reopen after major disasters. Communities need to be prepared for all of the effects of a natural disaster, and there is a new tool available to help them be more resilient.
The International Economic Development Council [4] (IEDC) recently launched "Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resiliency" [5] – a guide to help communities recover their economy after a disaster. The toolkit was funded in part by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant and is available for free download at www.RestoreYourEconomy.org [6]. It includes practical resources, proven how-to's, real world case examples, checklists and best practices to implement recovery programs following any type of disaster and to make preparations in order to be more resilient after potential future events.
"Leadership in Times of Crisis" provides strategies and tactics for community leaders to focus on for economic recovery and preserving jobs, incorporating useful information for convening private and public stakeholders to identify key economic recovery strategies, tips on how to navigate federal resources for response and recovery, and implementation of recovery initiatives.
A wide range of public and private sector officials that provide support to businesses and industries in the economic recovery process can benefit from using the toolkit, including economic development organizations (EDOs), chambers of commerce, business leaders, small business development centers (SBDC), community colleges and business schools, and community development financing institutions (CDFIs), among other organizations.
The Toolkit's 11 chapters cover:
• Disaster preparation for organizations, businesses and communities;
• Small business assistance;
• Business retention and expansion;
• Strategic planning for economic recovery;
• Economic impact studies;
• Economic diversification; and neighborhood redevelopment.
• Case examples, including Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Sandy, tornadoes in Joplin, MO and Greensburg, KS, Cedar Rapids flooding, and the Northridge Earthquake;
• Checklists, forms, sample plans, and resource contacts.
Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes happen – sometimes without warning. We cannot stop disasters from happening, but we can work to be more prepared when they do. EDA and IEDC hope that this toolkit can be to businesses what bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights and batteries are to citizens: a vital tool for survival when disaster strikes.
The International Economic Development Council [4] (IEDC) recently launched "Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resiliency" [5] – a guide to help communities recover their economy after a disaster. The toolkit was funded in part by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant and is available for free download at www.RestoreYourEconomy.org [6]. It includes practical resources, proven how-to's, real world case examples, checklists and best practices to implement recovery programs following any type of disaster and to make preparations in order to be more resilient after potential future events.
"Leadership in Times of Crisis" provides strategies and tactics for community leaders to focus on for economic recovery and preserving jobs, incorporating useful information for convening private and public stakeholders to identify key economic recovery strategies, tips on how to navigate federal resources for response and recovery, and implementation of recovery initiatives.
A wide range of public and private sector officials that provide support to businesses and industries in the economic recovery process can benefit from using the toolkit, including economic development organizations (EDOs), chambers of commerce, business leaders, small business development centers (SBDC), community colleges and business schools, and community development financing institutions (CDFIs), among other organizations.
The Toolkit's 11 chapters cover:
• Disaster preparation for organizations, businesses and communities;
• Small business assistance;
• Business retention and expansion;
• Strategic planning for economic recovery;
• Economic impact studies;
• Economic diversification; and neighborhood redevelopment.
• Case examples, including Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Sandy, tornadoes in Joplin, MO and Greensburg, KS, Cedar Rapids flooding, and the Northridge Earthquake;
• Checklists, forms, sample plans, and resource contacts.
Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes happen – sometimes without warning. We cannot stop disasters from happening, but we can work to be more prepared when they do. EDA and IEDC hope that this toolkit can be to businesses what bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights and batteries are to citizens: a vital tool for survival when disaster strikes.
Source URL (retrieved on 07/30/2014 - 8:56pm): http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2014/07/30/eda-and-international-economic-development-council-create-user-friendly-tool-help-co
Page Links:
[1] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/international-economic-development-council
[2] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/economic-development-administration
[3] http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2014/july/drtoolkit_revised5.9-03-233x300.jpg
[4] http://www.iedconline.org/
[5] http://restoreyoureconomy.org/disaster-recovery-toolkit/
[6] http://www.restoreyoureconomy.org/
[1] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/international-economic-development-council
[2] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/economic-development-administration
[3] http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/images/2014/july/drtoolkit_revised5.9-03-233x300.jpg
[4] http://www.iedconline.org/
[5] http://restoreyoureconomy.org/disaster-recovery-toolkit/
[6] http://www.restoreyoureconomy.org/
U.S.-Africa Business Success Stories: How a Supplier of Powerboats to the U.S. Military Started Doing Business in Nigeria
U.S.-Africa Business Success Stories: How a Supplier of Powerboats to the U.S. Military Started Doing Business in Nigeria
From: http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2014/07/30/us-africa-business-success-stories-how-supplier-powerboats-us-military-started-doing
From: http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2014/07/30/us-africa-business-success-stories-how-supplier-powerboats-us-military-started-doing
Submitted on July 30, 2014 - 5:30pm
Categories:
Note: This post is part of the U.S.-Africa Business Success Stories series highlighting the work of the Department of Commerce to strengthen the economic relationship between U.S. and African businesses. This series will lead up to the U.S. Africa Business Forum on August 5th, the first of its kind event, which will convene African heads of state and government, U.S. government officials and business leaders to discuss trade and investment opportunities on the continent.
Hann Powerboats’ customers include the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers – and now, because of assistance that the company received from the Department of Commerce, they can add another name to their impressive list: the Nigerian oil and gas company, MOP Marine.
U.S. businesses like Hann Powerboats are increasingly seeing tremendous economic opportunity in Africa, and the reason why is simple: Africa is thriving. From 1995 to 2013, Africa experienced an average annual GDP growth rate of 4.5 percent. In 2012, eight of the twenty fastest growing economies in the world were in sub-Saharan Africa, and, according to the IMF, in 2013, total U.S. two-way goods with the region were $63 billion. Africa’s potential to be the world’s next major economic story is why businesses in the United States, like Hann Powerboats, want to offer their products, services, and expertise to help unlock even more of Africa’s potential – that is why the Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce remain committed to assisting American businesses in finding opportunity in this economically expanding region.
Hann Powerboats became interested in expanding its business to Africa when it was approached by a potential client in Nigeria to secure MOP Marine’s need for patrol boats. Hann Powerboats asked for assistance from the Tampa Bay U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) and the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) team in Lagos to help with vetting this potential partner, and CS Lagos was able to facilitate meetings between Hann Powerboats and MOP Marine. The Tampa Bay USEAC then helped put Hann Powerboats in touch with the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. to help with them acquire proper documentation. The result of this assistance allowed Hann Powerboats to make sales to MOP Marine for over $4 million.
The U.S. Commercial Service is the face of the Department of Commerce around the world, and each day they help U.S. businesses like Hann Powerboats start exporting or increase sales to new global markets. That is why the Department of Commerce is dedicating more human resources to Africa by expanding its commercial service teams in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Libya. For the first time ever, the Commerce Department is also opening offices in Angola, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. With a greater footprint in Africa, the Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce aim to make Hann Powerboats’s and MOP Marine’s story just another common example of the United States and Africa doing business.
Businesses interested in learning more about the benefits of exporting should contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center [6]
Please check back regularly for more success stories about companies doing business in Africa [2].
Hann Powerboats’ customers include the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers – and now, because of assistance that the company received from the Department of Commerce, they can add another name to their impressive list: the Nigerian oil and gas company, MOP Marine.
U.S. businesses like Hann Powerboats are increasingly seeing tremendous economic opportunity in Africa, and the reason why is simple: Africa is thriving. From 1995 to 2013, Africa experienced an average annual GDP growth rate of 4.5 percent. In 2012, eight of the twenty fastest growing economies in the world were in sub-Saharan Africa, and, according to the IMF, in 2013, total U.S. two-way goods with the region were $63 billion. Africa’s potential to be the world’s next major economic story is why businesses in the United States, like Hann Powerboats, want to offer their products, services, and expertise to help unlock even more of Africa’s potential – that is why the Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce remain committed to assisting American businesses in finding opportunity in this economically expanding region.
Hann Powerboats became interested in expanding its business to Africa when it was approached by a potential client in Nigeria to secure MOP Marine’s need for patrol boats. Hann Powerboats asked for assistance from the Tampa Bay U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) and the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) team in Lagos to help with vetting this potential partner, and CS Lagos was able to facilitate meetings between Hann Powerboats and MOP Marine. The Tampa Bay USEAC then helped put Hann Powerboats in touch with the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. to help with them acquire proper documentation. The result of this assistance allowed Hann Powerboats to make sales to MOP Marine for over $4 million.
The U.S. Commercial Service is the face of the Department of Commerce around the world, and each day they help U.S. businesses like Hann Powerboats start exporting or increase sales to new global markets. That is why the Department of Commerce is dedicating more human resources to Africa by expanding its commercial service teams in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Libya. For the first time ever, the Commerce Department is also opening offices in Angola, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. With a greater footprint in Africa, the Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce aim to make Hann Powerboats’s and MOP Marine’s story just another common example of the United States and Africa doing business.
Businesses interested in learning more about the benefits of exporting should contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center [6]
Please check back regularly for more success stories about companies doing business in Africa [2].
Source URL (retrieved on 07/30/2014 - 8:51pm): http://www.commerce.gov/blog/2014/07/30/us-africa-business-success-stories-how-supplier-powerboats-us-military-started-doing
Page Links:
[1] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/exports
[2] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/us-africa-business-forum-0
[3] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/us-africa-business-forum
[4] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/international-trade-administration
[5] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/office-secretary
[6] http://export.gov/eac/
[1] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/exports
[2] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/us-africa-business-forum-0
[3] http://www.commerce.gov/category/tags/us-africa-business-forum
[4] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/international-trade-administration
[5] http://www.commerce.gov/category/bureaus-and-offices/office-secretary
NICE LETTER TO SEND A CLIENT
THIS IS A VERY NICE LETTER TO SEND A CLIENT
On behalf of both Orpical Energy, I am pleased to announce that Duke Energy has issued a refund in the form of a credit on your bill for a total of $10,974.
The refund pertains to an adjustment made for a special rate we were able to get you qualified for.
The great news is that you are now saving about $300/month indefinitely, going forward.
We have several audit services that we can speak with you about including audits for telecommunications, waste removal and invoice processing - all areas where we can assist in lowering your monthly spend.
Like to see if we can do this for you? CLICK HERE
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Loyalty is a Choice
Whenever I think of the
attributes I most admire in a family member, friend, employee, or business
colleague, the word Loyalty is always
the first that comes to mind.
Though its definition immediately aligns itself with other fine
qualities like integrity, allegiance, truth and dedication, like many other
words, it remains subject to justification and for that reason, the word loyalty
becomes obscure and nebulous.
Because loyalty, in its most
pristine sense, is a characteristic I genuinely value, and because the state of
being loyal is one to which I constantly aspire, I am often troubled by those
philosophical ideologies predisposed to loyalty to oneself as first and
foremost. Yet, it is this very
principle that continues to destroy personal and professional relationships,
that brings-down companies, governments even entire countries.
When or why has it become so
problematic …so challenging to practice loyalty?
A few years back, as we all witnessed
the demise of Enron, the fall of some of the oldest and most prestigious
financial institutions in our nation’s history and the madness associated with
the Madoff scandal, the underlying culprit was perceived to be greed. But when all is said and done,
greed is nothing more than the absence of loyalty….the inability to maintain
allegiance to the people and the causes with which you have been
entrusted. I would venture to
suggest that as each honorable code was being violated during these and other corrupt
and unprincipled business decisions the perpetrators rationalized their actions
as the pursuit of loyalty…loyalty to an entitlement sought for them.
As CEOs, in today’s corporate
world, we deal with the duplicitous all the time. Actually, ruthlessness is often an attribute admired in
many of the world’s most successful corporate and political leaders. Sadly, anyone with a conscience
supported by unwavering loyalty is perceived as weak, representing a
ripe-for-the-picking opportunity for the unscrupulous poacher to pounce. If this week in history has taught us
anything, it’s that it takes strength to be loyal; it takes tolerance to be
brave; it takes a moral compass to navigate life honorably.
Loyal behavior is not the
“fast way to profits” but in the long run it is the only sustainable way. The
truth always comes out. Sometimes it is immediate. Other times it takes years.
Greed and an unhealthy ego are very expensive character traits.
Choose wisely. Choose your
friends, employees and business colleagues wisely. First earn their respect and
then insist on their loyalty.
You can’t fake loyalty.
Fakers are greedy SOB’s who think they can trick karma. If you have any
business experience you can probably identify with a “faker” who, through the
fate of karma, “got theirs.” When you “get yours” make sure you are getting earned
acknowledgement and financial gain based on loyal and honorable behavior.
Choose wisely.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Entice…….Capture…….Convert…...Retain
Converting individuals into clients remains the primary goal of
any inbound marketer. Though these
marketers utilize various marketing resources across all social media platforms
most would agree that it all comes down to four words.
Entice…….Capture…….Convert…...Retain
The Outstanding Landing
A captivating Landing Page can substantially influence visitors. Titles
and copy should be dynamic, vibrant, succinct but informative. Distinctly
identify all the advantages of doing business with your company. The best
advice I could share is the philosophy I practice as a public speaker…..you’ve
got a very small window of time in which to grab them and make them want to
know more. Don’t waste it!
Calling Your Faction to Action
If asked to identify the quintessential component of any inbound
marketing campaign, it would be the Call to Action (CTA). CTAs are the lifeblood of
every promotion. They resurface
over and over again, from blogs to websites; from e-mails to a power point
presentations. When preparing a CTA,
I recommend treating the assignment as though you were purchasing an elite
automobile. You’d perform your due
diligence. After your research,
you’d begin checking-out your top choices. You wouldn’t look at just one. You’d examine several, studying each one closely ~ exterior,
interior, under the hood. You’d try-out
all the bells and whistles, look at the colors and take each out for a test
drive. Only then could you or
should you make an informed choice. The test drive will prove to be the most
important component in selecting your CTA Action. Once every detail is meticulously reviewed and approved, you
can finalize your Call to Action
Blogs vs Blahs:
If content is king, then the blog is its castle. Words are powerful and if used wisely
they are capable of accomplishing anything. A well written blog should do three
things: enlighten, entertain and inspire.
Know your target audience.
Understand their pain and/or frustration, and use your blog as a healing
salve. Educate them on how and why
your services can assist or protect them.
Write content that is compelling yet clever. You can be detailed but don’t be boring. Compose each sentence as an invitation
to read the next. Use words that
will reach your reader on a personal level, as though you are engaging in a
private and personal conversation.
A well-constructed blog is like casting a huge net. How many fish will you catch?
E-mails: Beneficial or Bothersome
The jury are out when it comes to e-mails. The latest data indicates an average
click through rate of about 20%.
Similar studies claim that each year e-mail lists lose about 25% of
their followers. Let’s face it, everyone
is inundated with e-mails. Often, messages that important can be erroneously classified
as spam and vice versa. No matter how you look at it, a flooded in-box is a
turn-off. That’s why it remains
imperative for marketers to create a tempting subject line. Once opened, the viewer should find
crisp, concise, informative copy that will instantly facilitate further interest.
Weaving a Wondrous Web
Your website is part
autobiography and part passageway.
Here is the place where the consumer will board your ship. Like a
captain, you should chart a course that will easily transport each visitor from
port to port, ensuring that every stop is a positive experience and that the
trip as a whole is memorable. Your
goal should be to capture their loyalty and ensure their return
Remember Your Manners
Clients want to know that
they matter. Your client data-base
should include reminders pertaining to thank-you notes, occasional nurturing
notes and a yearly How Are We Doing? Survey. Research has shown that these seemingly
small personal touches matter to even the largest businesses. In addition, a more intimate
interaction with clients will substantially contributes to retention
Advertise through Advocates
Once you have successfully
converted a consumer into a client, there’s a good chance that client will
recommend your services to others. Word-of-Mouth can prove the most powerful
marketing tool of all
These few tips serve as the substructure of a successful
Conversion Rate Formula:
Entice…….Capture…….Convert…...Retain. Learn them, practice them then go forward and CONVERT!
Edward DuCoin 856 304 2800
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
NULLIUS IN VERBA
Latin: NULLIUS IN VERBA
English: ON THE WORD OF NO MAN
Nullius in verba (Latin for "on the word of no one" or "Take nobody's word for it") is the motto of the Royal Society. The current Royal Society website explains the motto thus:
It is an expression of the determination of Fellows to withstand the domination of authority and to verify all statements by an appeal to facts determined by experiment.
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