Don’t Be Annoyed...I’m In Marketing

The Power of a “Like” or “Follow”

By: “Digital Di” February 21, 2016

We’re friends on Facebook or Instagram. You thought you wanted to keep in touch with my life or maybe follow because you that I was cute. After a few days you realized, damn this girl asks me to “like” or “follow” something every day. Annoying? To some, sure, but I’m in marketing people!

I own four businesses. I have dozens of clients and I have tons of friends who own businesses, too. Of course, I’m going to ask you to “like” them! If I’m annoying then delete me. I promise I won’t be offended but let’s look deeper at what I’m really doing and why.

SEEING MY NAME IS POWERFUL

Every time I ask you to “like” a page or attend an event you see my name. Top of mind awareness (TOMA) is huge. It’s the idea that the first person/company you think about when hearing of an industry or topic is yours. That’s what I want for my clients and it’s what I want for me. When people think of social marketing I know they think of “Diane Michael” or sometimes even “Digital Di”. This is very powerful and I am proud to be noticed even if sometimes it’s considered annoying. 

LIKING DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL SEE POSTS

Because of the amount of friends and businesses on social sites you probably won’t see many posts in your Facebook feed. I “like” 477 pages. I rarely see any business’ posts. This actually pisses me off because if I hit “like” I want to see what’s going on but because of sponsored posts and algorithms it’s not typical. 

I LOVE Instagram because if you go back far enough you will see every single post. According to Forbes.com Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion in cash and Facebook shares so who knows how long the feed will be this way. I only follow 74 people on this platform. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Marketing pays my mortgage. Asking you to follow one of my client’s pages allows me to travel the world. When I deliver monthly stats to my clients I love seeing the numbers increase and I know I am part of their growth. It’s a powerful thing so please don’t get annoyed just remember I’m “getting shit done”!

If you think Instagram is for "young people" you may be a ‪#‎DigitalDinosaur‬

If you think Instagram is for "young people" you may be a ‪#‎DigitalDinosaur‬! We started this account Sunday night after picking up a new client at a Civil War Show in Charleston and they already have over 400 like-minded REAL followers and people are "tagging" their friends letting them know to check out the merchandise. We are experienced and educated on how to get the RIGHT type of followers...we aren't just going and tapping on people's accounts or buying followers. Strategic marketing creates the clients you want! Let ‪#‎DigitalDi‬ and team get them for your business!

Callan Group Communications (CGC) is a boutique firm specializing in cause marketing, digital media strategies (notice we don't say "social media") and business/non-profit marketing management.
By "connecting the dots" CGC helps "tell your story" to the masses through thoughtful creative campaigns. Keeping your your business/non-profit relevant and sustainable is our number one focus!

EatBreadToday

I don't know what tomorrow holds, so today I'll eat bread!
By Digital Di, Callan Group Communications

What a wonderful #Thanksgiving2014 I had. Two days of spending precious time with friends I consider family. #MarkPullin, executive chef for #31SupperClub cooked for a crew Wednesday and my old Buy Me Love Benefits partner had me spend Turkey Day with his amazingly loud, beautiful family in Tampa. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It was the only holiday our family celebrated other than birthdays which I don't consider a holiday so of course it's my favorite. It's the holiday of thanks, gratitude and good food. I love that!

Today we were discussing the delicious dinner and how eating fresh food with no can openers and made with love made such a difference. Speaking of fresh...the rolls...um, yeah! No Pillsbury rolls up in here..nope! Straight fresh bread made by #therealchefmark. Yummy! He didn't make enough! He mentioned when he caters he usually has a ton of left overs. I can't believe people have bought into this whole "bread is bad for you" thing. Have your bread and eat it, too, I say! Who knows what tomorrow brings, eat bread today! 

Ask and ye shall receive

Ask and ye shall receive
Welcome, Brittny Machel Lowe

It hit me one night while I was talking with Chef. You know, Mark Pullin, the executive Chef of 31 Supper Club. We were talking about our aspirations and it was like a slap in the face. I had to find a way to free up time to start writing my book, The Legacy. I decided right there and then that I was going to find the perfect marketing associate who was motivated, a self-starter and a natural born entrepreneur…no big deal, right? Yeah, not so easy but I put pen to paper, created a job description and let it go into the social universe. No responses. Not one. Although one of the people I was considering “liked” my post. She didn’t PM me but she liked the post. Making progress? Not quite.

A few weeks later, I’m dining at Grind Gastropub with one of my favorite mentors, Debbie Allen, who flat out said I have to offer an internship option before opening up an opportunity for full employment. She said that would show a truly determined candidate who would see true benefit in Callan Group Communications. I agreed although felt frustrated as I couldn’t even get a candidate who I was going to pay let alone one who would donate their time. Then our server, Brittny Machel Lowe came up to take another drink order. She was the one who I had my eye on. We chatted her up and before I knew it Debbie was encouraging her to intern for me. Brittny seemed interested and explained her aspirations of starting a non-profit to help families of incarcerated men and women. She was already an entrepreneur with her own apparel company, Twin Flame. She was perfect. I explained to her what the job would look like and asked that if she was serious that she should reach out to me the following morning. The voicemail is still saved on my phone. Her enthusiasm resonated through the message. She began interning and was promoted to marketing associate as of today, November 10.

With her support, I can not only grow the company helping businesses to grow theirs through marketing initiatives but I can follow my dream of writing a novel. It’s an amazing thing, this universe. It’s a crazy feeling when you realize that if you simply ask for what you want you receive it. I’ve practiced this “secret” for most of my life but more lately. It works. It really works. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to invite Brittny into our family. As we teach her, she’ll teach us and together we can create amazing work in our community.

Cheers to those who believe in themselves.
Cheers to those who take risks.
Cheers to the ones that see opportunity.
Cheers to the ones that have gratitude.
Cheers to Brittny Machel Lowe.

With gratitude,

Diane Michael

Political Season in Volusia County has Arrived!

Are you helping a friend with their political campaign?

Are you running for office?

This package provides a multi-media strategy that directly targets your constituents providing you with "all bases covered".

We haven't seen a program quite like this before...contact Diane directly by clicking here or call me at 386-538-1083.

You're beginning to get sleepy, very very sleepy!
By Diane Michael, Communications Director at The Callan Group

So I haven't been sleeping lately. I go to bed and lay there uncomfortable with thousands of thoughts going through my brain. Tossing and turning for the third night in a row I decided to write about it.

My Reiki Massage Therapist said that if you can't sleep it's because you're in someone's dream. Even though that's a nice thought - not buying it!

So I Googled "what does it mean to not sleep" and choose the fifth selection from the top which greeted me with a ton of...don't drink coffee, don't watch TV, don't drink alcoholic beverages, don't smoke, don't do anything that sounds fun to me! Not buying this one either.

Sixth selection down are common sleep myths. Ok, graphic of a pretty girl sleeping at top - I'm intrigued!

I'm on myth two and I see "don't text in bed"...well how am I suppose to finish this article without typing away on my phone? As I continue I realize there's a bunch of blabber on the internet! Geez!

As far back as I can remember I didn't want to go to bed early and I would lay there daydreaming about the following day. Some things never change, they say, but do they?

Can we reprogram our minds?

Of course we can. Just because we've always done something one way doesn't mean we can't adapt and improvise to change based on our needs!

So why can't I change my awful sleeping pattern and why have I been restless for the past three nights straight and still not tired?

I can change the way I look at sleep. That may help! Yeah, I'll get right on that!

I can stop writing articles in bed. Yeah, probably won't be doing that!

I can write down all the things I want to accomplish tomorrow before I go to bed. Check!

I can get up earlier to help my body shut off earlier. Doesn't sound fun but we're making progress!

I can focus more on my breathing.

I'm starting to feel sleepy...very, very sleepy!

Good night, cuties!

My Two Cents
It’s Okay to Give 1% and Remember to Breathe!
Diane Michael, Communications Director for The Callan Group

I recently got back from Costa Rica where I earned my yoga teacher certification. After being out of the country for a month it only took 24 hours for me to come down with a nasty virus. I wasn't able to practice until this past week. While I was in multiple poses, my talented strong teacher, Robin, said two statements that stuck with me that I want to share.

1.) Sometimes you give 1% and sometimes you give 100%
What a concept! I loved hearing this while in downward dog because during my training in Costa I decided I wanted to start writing more about how I believe the practices in yoga go hand in hand with practices in business. So this statement was a perfect way to kick off my new focus.

As a business owner, you only report to yourself and your clients.
You set your own goals, schedule, budgets, etc. You have the ability to negotiate, to reschedule, to show up and to not show up. It can be a very dangerous position to hold but most entrepreneurs love it. What Robin said rang so true to me in business and on the mat because there are times where you simply don't give 100%. You don't even give 50%. You give 1% - but you showed up! You decided to do something. Every little bit counts!

There are definitely days when you give 100%.
Those days can be equally rewarding and exhausting. In yoga, I find myself in the same situation. I feel so great that I simply showed up - even if I gave only 1%. And those days that I give 100% and can do a headstand into crow while sucking my tummy towards my back, I am truly a rock star.

The cool thing that really resonated with me when Robin made this statement was that it's all good!
You don't always have to operate at 100% in life, in business or in the yoga studio. Seriously! We don't have to book our schedules out on a daily basis. We don't have to run around from appointment to appointment. I find myself some days rushing to get to yoga - cutting people off only to run to the back to get my coveted spot to end up with one minute to spare in child's pose. Why? Why am I trying to do too much at one time? This is not healthy for me and I don't recommend it.

We've been told since we were kids to give it our 100% which I believe has really messed us up.
It's ok to give your 1%. You're showing up. And when you continue to show up day after day -small accomplishments turn into big ones just as practicing yoga regularly will change your body, soul and mind little by little.

Nothing has to happen overnight.

And if you were like me in my younger days, when you don't give 100% at least don't beat yourself up for it. Focus on what you did accomplish, what you are happy about, what you are thankful for and how you showed up.

The next thing Robin said...

2.) Remember to breathe - it will help you when you're in a tough pose which will teach you how to get through a tough time in your life

For anyone that has ever had to publically speak, you know that taking deep belly breaths can be the difference between a well composed speech and passing out.

Yoga is all about the breath.

Deep Dark Vader breaths through the nose and out the nose. We all have lifted a large conch shell to our ears and heard the sounds of the sea...that's what I want my breath to sound like. This goes a long way in business and in life, too. Breathing deeply slows down your heart rate which comes in really handy when you're in a stressful meeting, uncomfortable setting or pitching a prospective client.

When Robin reminds us to breathe in our poses it always reminds me how I have the opportunity to breathe through the difficult times in my business.

In my younger years, I was quick to react and didn't give myself time to breathe, relax, sit back and compose myself and my responses. Breathing obviously happens naturally but breathing deeply and intentionally takes focus and practice. As we learn how to breathe in our poses on our mats we also learn that taking that breath out of the studio will help us conquer more than we can imagine in weekly business settings and definitely in life in general.

Thank you, Robin, for your words...they carry outside the studio!

Diane Michael, Communications Director for The Callan Group is combining marketing strategies and life lessons learned on her mat. Diane is blending her yoga practice with her entrepreneurial skills to motivate and empower others. It's all about how balance can build a better life! 

GOOLGE+ & INSTAGRAM - Our New BFF's
By Diane Michael, Communications Director for The Callan Group located in the Daytona Beach area


The Callan Group is now offering a wide variety of communication services. Since our beginnings in 2008 our clients have requested that we take on more than just email newsletters.

For the first five years we wanted to dedicate our full attention into being the best email service provider possible.

Since our email newsletters create not only retention but new business, expanding into the social media market was a smooth transition.

Our ghost writers are already writing creative content for clients so expanding that message into other mediums makes perfect sense and we are already seeing a significant response from clients.

We can handle your presence on Facebook and Twitter which is necessary for every business.
It's also necessary to keep these fresh and updated!

What we do that we feel is a bit different in those sites...

We create info graphics that typically get more likes.

We change our client’s banners and profile pics monthly.

We create posts needed for the client - some industries like restaurants and retail need more posts than others. We identify what would be best for the client.

Remember, Entrepreneur Magazine announced that only 6% of posts are being read!

Think about that as a business who posts 3 times a week.

We come up with creative campaigns to encourage more likes, shares and comments.

But we are REALLY INTO GOOGLE+ and INSTAGRAM!

These are the social media sites we are promoting, promoting, promoting! (See our sketch and vLog below!)

Google+ may not have many of your peeps involved YET but it's helping your organic rankings on Google better than any other social site!

So what does that mean???

It means if you're not on Google+ and posting at the minimum of once a month and you are a business - YOU ARE WRONG!

I can list all the benefits of Google+ but if you don't take my word for it, Google "how does Google+ benefit my business" and get informed!

Loving me some Instagram!

So not only can you be super creative with a few click click clicks, you can also post videos and be found by people all over!

I'm seeing more and more national businesses focus on Instagram by posting their promotions on an almost daily basis! It’s fun, interactive and can lead to new business, conversations and a more unique creative presence online!

So where are you going to find the time to keep up with all this?

Things that make you go hmmmm!!!

The Callan Group is a team of creative ghost writers who will embrace your marketing plan, create new concepts to attract business AND keep you in front of your clients on a regular basis resulting in retention!

We become an extension of your marketing team with a passionate focus on your goals!Learn how we can help today! Contact Diane at 386-538-1083!

Publix – Where Shopping is a Pleasure

Publix – Where Shopping is a Pleasure
Written By: Julie O'Flaherty - Creative Writer for The Callan Group

The chances are, if you live in the South you probably do your grocery shopping at Publix. I do, along with 100,000’s of other Floridians, and the reasons why are plentiful.

There’s something to be said about a chain grocery store that you can walk into anytime, any location and know that you will be welcomed by a smiling face, a cheery greeting (in my own store they even remember my name!), gleaming, clean displays and what we all want when we go grocery shopping….the best, freshest produce, well stocked shelves and an ever increasing selection of new products. On that note, have you noticed all the new organic products available in your local Publix store? The Publix GreenWise Market Selection consists of foods and products that are either all natural or organic. Look out for the GreenWise displays in your local store; they showcase new food and household products regularly.

My first stop at Publix is flowers, a little indulgent maybe, but with such vibrant selections and so many seasonal choices they do make it difficult to resist spoiling yourself, or a loved one. For just a few dollars I can mix and match my favorite flowers into a simple, beautiful arrangement. During the holiday season this is where I get everything I need for my holiday table displays, all under one roof and at a great price too. If you haven’t taken the time to browse the plants and flowers at your local store, take a few minutes next time. You might be surprised at what you can create!

Note, the whole time I’m looking at the flowers my nose is following the bakery. On a good day I’m able to walk right past the glass case display of chocolate dipped strawberries and boston crème filled doughnuts. I do not walk past the freshly baked bread however, that’s impossible.

Of course, no trip to Publix is complete without a trip to the Deli. Showcasing Boars Head meats and cheeses it’s a veritable smorgasbord for the carnivore sandwich maker in you! And if sliced to perfection meats and cheese are not on your shopping list, maybe you are a chicken lover? Great news for you! There’s always a choice of mouthwatering rotisserie chickens available for that last minute dinner or for those of us abandoning our diets, there’s the double hand breaded fried chicken. It may just be the best fried chicken this side of the Mississippi.

I’m certain one of the common reasons we all love our local Publix, is the staff. It seems to me that they are all happy in their work, which quite honestly you just don’t see every day. Their smiles are not surprising either. As the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States, Publix is right up there when it comes to employee satisfaction, boasting  the serious accolade of being one of FORTUNE’s “100 best companies to work for” for the last 16 years, amongst many others. Not too shabby.  Also impressive, is the fact that in Florida alone Publix Supermarkets employ over 110,000 people in their 755 stores.

As for playing a part in the community, Publix have continued in the spirit of their founder, George Jenkins, whom founded Publix with the spirit of giving in mind. In addition to giving to 1000’s of  local projects Publix annually supports five organizations in company wide campaigns: Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Network,United Way and Food for All.

Do you know what else I admire Publix for? They never gave in to the loyalty card program fad. I really dislike having to fumble to locate a dog eared piece of plastic on my keychain to get the same deal at a competitor’s supermarket that I would get at Publix without said dog eared piece of plastic. So, thank you dear Publix for keeping your prices such that we don’t need to carry a loyalty card. I for one don’t need a card to be loyal. I will however continue to enjoy the buy one, get one promotions , the weekly deals and the everyday value of Publix.

Thank you George Jenkins for your legacy, the ethic on which Publix Supermarkets was born lives on today.

My first week as the Director of Business Development for the Callan Group

My first week as the Director of Business Development for the Callan Group

By: Jamie Bartholomew

Marathons are not my thing. In fact, I don't run at all--let alone run MARATHONS. However, here I found myself, starting my journey with the Callan Group as their new Director of Business Development, running a MARATHON! We started the week off on a Friday, (which is a great and terrible idea all wrapped in to one), meeting with DME in Daytona Beach. We discussed new and exciting business opportunities for us to venture in to for the coming year. Together, I know we can make it truly successful for all of us!!

 

And thus, the weekend arrives and quickly ends, with Monday culminating with my "official" training. I happen to have a wonderful trainer and coach for my "Marathon", Diane Michael. Diane and I share something in common: one of our first jobs out of school was with the American Cancer Society. It is literally the best training that any young professional could have. You are expected to do a little bit everything: recruit new business, market and handle all public relations for your event and manage/set up an event that is expected to run for at least 18 hours, sun up to sun down. Needless to say--it is a daunting task, and quite honestly, it is it's own marathon of sorts. When we worked for  ACS, we were both up to this task and excelled at it!! We met a ton of awesome and inspiring people and learned so much, while giving back to a passionate cause.

 

Fast forward to today: I am a working mom of a bubbly and energetic 4 year old boy, I am new to the community (I hail from Gainesville, FL) and I am not sure WHAT to expect with my new position. But let me tell you--so far, working for the Callan Group has been a total treat! Within the span of one week, I have met many fabulous, wonderful and successful people. Many of them own a small business, which is something that I am personally accustomed to (my father and my husband are small business owners). I feel passionate about helping small businesses market to the ever expanding  community, doing whatever it takes to let everyone know in the community that we are here and ready to help you!

To contact Jamie email her or call 352-318-7799.

Entrepreneur Reflections from 2013
~Diane Michael

The beginning of the year The Callan Group started off strong. After having some holiday down time, we all came to work with a "this is going to be our year" attitude.

We finally finished our MomPreneur program uploading a 52 week Learn, Grow, Love Training Program. That took countless hours and we are very proud to offer affordable franchise opportunities to woman (or men) who have the entrepreneur bug. We've been able to show proven results through our business in a box program in 2013.

A few months into the year, our fourth franchise rep decided to move on and then our fifth Ieft shortly thereafter joining the fourth at their new location. Although it was sad to see them go, the show must go on.

We continued to grow the business with our bare bones super committed staff and even had to hire a writer early in the year.

In March, The Callan Group teamed up with Ormond Observer and our Communications Director, Diane Michael, began a monthly column named "My Two Cents" which focused on local business-related tips for customers and business owners alike.

In April our "Be Local" campaign kicked off which offers our clients and outside advertisers the opportunity to promote their services and specials to over 15k locals through a monthly email newsletter. It's distributed on the 15th of each month and has grown in subscribers and advertisers every single month. It's a digital platform that we have seen grow through shared posts and advertiser feedback.

Around June we decided to host a marketing expo named Marketing Next Expo where we recruited 22 amazingly talented local speakers directly attached to marketing firms and initiatives. We had 50 booths, 300 attendees and numerous emails and posts of appreciation for putting on this annual event. What an experience that was! It also cemented some unique business partnerships that have flourished and are continuing to bloom. Watch out world!
We were able to bring on a second writer in October who is so talented and who is our saving grace for creating engaging content written in a fun way.

We've posted 10 blogs this year, uploaded over a dozen educational videos on our YouTube channel (thecallangroup1) and increased our social media subscribers by the hundreds.

As we end this year, in reflection of the ups and downs that any business goes through we really are the strongest team yet! We are so excited about what's coming for 2014.

Here's a sneak peak!

In January, the beautiful and brilliant Jamie Bartholomew will be our new Director of Marketing and Sales. Born and raised in Florida, Jamie holds a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Florida and is a “Florida Gator” through and through. After graduating from UF, Jamie has worked in various management capacities for several prestigious non- profit agencies, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association and the University of Florida Foundation. Her hard work and dedication to these organizations helped to raise a total of over 2 million dollars. After living in Gainesville for over 13 years, Jamie and her growing family moved to Ormond Beach, where her husband owns and operates a successful local restaurant. Jamie has over 10 year's experience in direct marketing and sales and understands from first-hand experience how important it is to market your business in a professional and appealing manner.

We have an upcoming partnerships with a multiple-million dollar company that will be rolled out towards the end of January.

Our "Be Local" campaign will include starting in February a digital editorial on the 1st of each month featuring local articles about local business owners doing their thing. You'll be able to read more about the great minds that typically are under the radar. The first edition will come out on February 1st titled Women We Love for our Communities!

Our MomPreneur and Business in a Box program will be tailored more to fit the needs of the individual instead of the set franchise rates.

Our services will be expanding offering several options for your foundation marketing plans.

The focus is here for our team to support your team. Our software is constantly and carefully being developed to stay current with all trends.

We will be hosting more educational seminars that make sense.

Our referral program will role out in the first quarter...so much we commit to in 2014 to bring more benefit to our clients, supporters and friends!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For your continued support, love and time. We love to see our posts shared, out newsletters forwarded, we LOVE offering consultations and staying in touch with our mission - we are ready to continue supporting economic development by keeping our clients in touch with theirs.

Communication + Content = Repeat & New Clients

Crime has no zip code
Quick tips on ATM safety

There have been a number of hold ups at ATM's and banks in our area lately. As a business owner who deposits our checks in the ATM on a regular basis, this sparked my interest on what I should do in that scenario.

I asked my best friend, Google and strangely she didn't know. I heard a rumor that you were supposed to type in your code backwards, but fortunately that's an urban legend. Thank goodness because I couldn't remember that under pressure.

I stopped by my bank and spoke to my usual teller, John, at my favorite bank in Ormond Beach. He told me some really great advice that I must share.

Please understand that these are tips from a banking professional, however are in no way recommendations by a bank or myself.

Time of Day

Remember to handle your withdraws during daylight hours in areas that are busy. Even though crime has no zip code you can use common sense on areas where you feel safe. It was also advised to stay in your car until the person in front of you is done with their transaction. It's worth the extra time waiting in line to be secure. Leave your personal belongings (purses, wallets, etc.) in the car. Lock the car and ensure the windows are rolled up.

ATM Card

After you swipe your card, put it in your pocket. You can also hold it in your hand and if the unthinkable occurs, bend the card immediately. It won't work if you bend it. I'm going to put it in my pocket.

Play Possum

This may not be easy for some but this girl is going to do this! If someone came up to me and tries to rob me at an ATM I'm seriously going to fake faint. I think this advice is brilliant! It will shock the robber and possibly scare them. Also, if they step over my limp body their face will be truly exposed on the camera. If they rummage through my pants then that would be pushing it as I would suspect that they have a time clock on how long they're going to hold someone up.

I wanted to share these quick tips that again are only opinions. Readers beware.

It's sad that we live in a world where there are people who steal. Being educated, staying aware of your surroundings and using common sense can go a long way. It also is just money which can come easily and frequently.

Business owners who use an email newsletter should share this with their readership if you find this useful information.

Stay safe friends.

Listen to your body and you will have a more balanced business life

I recently had the opportunity to host an event called The Marketing Next Expo. It was held in Daytona Beach on September 11. We had 48 energized exhibitors, 22 amazing speakers and 200 excited attendees. It was such an honor to be part of this unnatural event. The mission was to educate and empower and based on feedback I can say that most walked away with one if not both! Coming down from the expo I found myself in hibernation mode much like a bear in winter. I barely spoke to anyone the two days following and the weekend after was filled with feedback forms, returning emails, calling to say thank you and so needless to say, the hibernation didn't last long enough. The following Monday I found myself overwhelmed with my ever growing to-do list. Because my focus and time had been so set on the expo in preparation for the past four months, I had rearranged my appointments, templates and monthly duties to accommodate my new schedule of meetings, speaking engagements and runs to the nearest office supply store. I hadn't been sleeping right, eating right or working out like my usual routine. All focus was on making the expo a success for all who involved. Keep in mind, this expo was no way a profit machine. Being a first year and not having sponsorships in advance meant that hitting the pavement and having the phone glued to my ear was the only way the hope of breaking even was possible. So why do this, you ask? I believe so strongly in the mission and in marketing. I felt that we have such great talent in our community that it's silly to travel to neighboring markets to become educated and empowered. Instead of sitting around complaining about why we didn't have a platform like this I decided to do it myself. I had recently pulled away from my non-profit organizations so I felt I had some extra time to donate. If I broke even, then I would be a happy camper. Well, what was I thinking? The expo completely consumed me, reminding me exactly why I got out of event production. I developed issues with my relationships, I never slept, I felt exhausted all the time and my health began diminishing. As I stand here today in an airport coming home from Indiana where just a short week after the expo I was scheduled to speak about email marketing in the 21st century, I am committing to not allowing myself to lose focus again. I will remember to take care of myself first. To stay focused on eating right and sleeping my typical eight hours. When stressed I will get into downward dog instead of complaining to a girlfriend over a bottle of vino. I will stay focused in my meditation practices and will continue to be the positive person I am. Because I allowed the opposite to happen, on this trip, I missed out on an opportunity to gain more interest in my company potentially bringing in more business. I ended up traveling hours to sleep in a foreign bed for an entire day. I had to cancel my presentation and explain why. Embarrassing, disappointing and overall, my fault. I loved everything about the expo and am so proud of the work we all did. Our positive outlook and inspiration made the event a success but my health took a beating. With all events in life there are lessons to be learned. I definitely learned mine. Here are some great tips on ways to listen to your body! When it's talking to you, please don't ignore it! It's the same as a girlfriend giving you advice, your parents saying you're pushing it too hard, like your kids pulling at your arm screaming "mommy, mommy"! Listen when your body talks and you won't end up like me today. I'm privileged to be "in the know" and to be a living, growing being that makes mistakes and learns from them! Namaste! Listen to your body!

I love writing for the Ormond Observer! It's a monthly column where I have freedom to express my views about different business situations! Read the latest...

Callan Group seeking Asheville representative

The Callan Group's Business in a Box program has everything you need to begin a successful business for yourself. If you know 5-10 businesses that need to keep in touch with their clients on a regular basis – you could become their email newsletter ghost writer and designer. The program is popular with individuals looking for flexible, part-time work including mompreneurs.

Too often business owners simply do not have time to do this crucial aspect of marketing. Instead of the business doing this monthly task – you would create the marketing concept, writing and design for them. Coming from a reader/consumer perspective you will be able to help the business save time, create client retention and drive more traffic online and at their location. For $500/month you will receive a “business in a box”. Your monthly payment will cover all your business expenses. This a month-to-month program so there’s no pressure. Work as little or as much as you want. No sales goals – only your goals. Need More Info? Email Diane at diane@thecallangrp.com. Learn more about The Callan Group at www.thecallangrp.com

Thank you to Asheville Chamber of Commerce for posting this opportunity on their blog: http://blog.ashevillechamber.org/2013/05/callan-group-seeking-asheville.html

Open Rate Truth Be Told

Oh, where do we begin when it comes to open rates? Well, you can Google it yourself to see the numbers are not accurate and a nice gauge to see how your email newsletters are getting to your readers.

The average open rate is below by industry. Listen to our vLog to learn thetruth about open rates…including that when you view your email newsletters on your phone those numbers will not report…you be the judge!

Business Type   Open Rate
Accountant         15%
Art Gallery          23%
Associations       21%
Consultants        15%
Education           19%
Entertainment   16%
Event Planning  17%
Government      23%
Hotels                 19%
Legal                   19%
Manufacturing  19%
Marketing/PR    15%
Medical               18%
Non-profit          22%
Office Supplies  13%
Personal Services  18%
Professional Services 17%
Real Estate          16%
Religious Organization   23%
Restaurants        19%
Retail                   18%
Salon/Spa            17%
Technology         15%
Travel & Tourism  17%
Web                        18%

Where you spend your hard earned dollars

AMERICANS CAN NOW DETERMINE WHERE TO SHOP AND SPEND THEIR MONEY        

Election Cycle political donations, as reported by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Shopping

Price Club/Costco donated $225K, 99% went to Democrats

Rite Aid donated $517K, 60% went to Democrats

Magla Products (Stanley tools, Mr. Clean) donated $22K, 100% went to Democrats

Warnaco (undergarments) donated $55K, 73% went to Democrats

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia donated $153K, 99% went to Democrats

Estee Lauder donated $448K, 95% went to Democrats

Guess, Inc. Donated $145K, 98% went to Democrats

Calvin Klein donated $78K, 100% went to Democrats

Liz Claiborne, Inc. Donated $34K, 97% went to Democrats

Levi Straus donated $26K, 97% went to Democrats

Olan Mills donated $175K, 99% went to Democrats

WalMart donated $467K, 97% went to Republicans

K-Mart donated $524K, 86% went to Republicans

Home Depot donated $298K, 89% went to Republicans

Target donated $226K, 70% went to Republicans

Circuit City Stores donated $261K, 95% went to Republicans

3M Co. Donated $281K, 87% went to Republicans

Hallmark Cards donated $319K, 92% went to Republicans

Amway donated $391K, 100% Republicans

Kohler Co. (plumbing fixtures) donated $283K, 100% Republicans

B.F. Goodrich (tires) donated $215K, 97% went to Republicans

Proctor & Gamble donated $243K, 79% went to Republicans

Spirits

Southern Wine & Spirits donated $213K, 73% went to Democrats

Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons (incl. Beverage Business and considerable media interests) donated $2M+, 67% went to Democrats

Gallo Winery donated $337K, 95% went to Democrats

Coors & Budweiser donated $174K, 92% went to Republicans

Brown-Forman Corp. (Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Bushmills, Korbel Wines, Lenox China , Dansk and Gorham Silver) donated $644 K -- 80% went to Republicans

Hungry?

Sonic Corporation donated $83K, 98% went to Democrats

Triarc Companies (Arby's, T.J. Cinnamon's, Pasta Connections) donated $112K, 96% went to Democrats

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (chicken) donated $366K, 100% went to Republicans

Outback Steakhouse donated $641K, 95% went to Republicans

Tricon Global Restaurants (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell) donated $133K, 87% went to Republicans

Brinker International (Maggiano's, Brinker Cafe, Chili's, On the Border, Macaroni Grill, Crazymel's, Corner Baker, EatZis) donated $242K, 83% went to Republicans

Waffle House donated $279K, 100% went to Republicans

McDonald's Corp. Donated $197K, 86% went to Republicans

Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Bahama Breeze) donated $121K, 89% went to Republicans

Heinz Republicans $64,000 Democrats $21,300! John Kerry's wife's company!!!

Traveling and/or dining

Hyatt Corporation donated $187K of which 80% went to Democrats

Marriott International $323K, 81% went to Republicans

Holiday Inns donated $38K, 71% went to Republicans

Email Newsletters Credited in Campaign

This is aninteresting read and even though the election didn’t go the way I wanted I’m proud to know that email newsletters have been credited to bring in millions by a simple word like “hey”!
 

If you’re not into reading this article here are the cliff notes:

It quickly became clear that a casual tone was usually most effective. ‘Hey’ was probably the best one we had over the duration.”

That’s how we arrived at the ugly yellow highlighting on the sections we wanted to draw people’s eye to.”

Another unexpected hit: profanity. Dropping in mild curse words such as “Hell yeah, I like Obamacare” got big clicks.

Most people have a nearly limitless capacity for e-mail and won’t unsubscribe no matter how many they’re sent.

The bottom line: Obama’s e-mail fundraising team tested hundreds of grabby subject lines. The most successful—“Hey”— brought in millions of dollars.

Holiday Email Newsletter Tips

Holiday Email Newsletter Tips

Listen for tips on how to make your email newsletters and marketing work for you this holiday season! The Callan Group offers several examples on how to capture your audience and set your business a part from the rest!

Make your eNewsletter look like your website

Check out our recent vLog: