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.