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!

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.

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!

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.