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.

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!

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.

Need a Guest Speaker for your Civic Organization or Club?

Need a Guest Speaker for your Civic Organization or Club?
A local electronic marketing company offers complimentary seminars to those organizations looking to learn more about retention and the new word of mouth

PORT ORANGE, FL (Tuesday, June 28, 2011) – It was just over a month ago that Diane Michael of The Callan Group, a local e-Marketing firm spoke to Ormond Beach Main Street on ways for businesses to retain their clients through electronic marketing. “How many of you budget for retention in your business marketing plan each year?” Michael asked the audience of almost 50 attendees. It’s one of the frequent questions approached at the free seminars offered by this local group. Since the company began in 2008 several civic organizations and business centers have asked The Callan Group to be guest speakers including The Daytona State College Business Center, The Ormond Beach Main Street and Rotary Club of Orange City. If your group is looking to fill a speaker slot The Callan Group can speak on several topics including ways to gain more business by electronic word of mouth, business retention, benefits for business reciprocity, how to build an effective e-Marketing campaign and many others. Contact Diane Michael at diane@thecallangrp.com for more information or by calling 386-538-1083.