Unique holiday gifts

So the holiday season is upon us, and it's time to scour the local malls and boutiques to find the perfect gifts for family and friends. From gift cards to jewelry to electronics and more, it's hard to find a unique and fitting gift for everyone.

I found a perfect gift for my sister the other day that I just can't wait to give her, but I must admit it's very silly. My sister LOVES penguins (being a hockey fan), and she also loves her tea... But not too strong. I've often heard her complain that she left the bag in for too long.

Enter Penguin Tea Timer!



I never realized that making tea was such a science! But I guess it's more difficult than it looks. The Penguin Tea Timer has a timer dial that you can set to prepare your tea to perfection! Place your tea cup under the beak and turn the timer dial. The beak lowers the tea into the hot water. When time is up, a bell sounds and the penguin automatically lifts his beak, removing the tea bag from the water. He's not only adorable, but he's useful too!

What will they think of next?

I just can't wait to give this gift to my sister. Have you purchased any gifts this year that you're looking forward to giving? Is it more ridiculous than the Penguin Tea Timer? If so, let's hear about it.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising

Word-Of-Mouth Marketing

Word-of-Mouth marketing (WOMM) is apparently the next big thing, or at least that's what people are buzzing about. And WOMM, well, it's all about the buzz. Known by consumers as the most trusted source of information on products and services, WOMM can either make or break the reputation of a company.

When you have unhappy customers, they are going share their grievances with everyone they know. Ever heard of the "250 rule" coined by Joe Girard? It states that every person knows at least 250 people. So when a customer complains, 250 people will know about it. Then, any number of those 250 people will tell the 250 people they know, and on and on and on. So it all comes down to... are you willing to risk hundreds of people talking negatively about you because of one disgruntled customer?

When it comes to creating a campaign around WOMM, it should be treated just as importantly as any other piece of your marketing mix. It doesn't cost anything and positive buzz is the best advertising you can get. So are you investing time into creating a WOMM campaign?

Imagine walking into an office. There is no receptionist in sight and you stand there a good five minutes before you see her. She looks grumpy and doesn't even say hello. She starts writing something down on a piece of paper and finally looks up at you and asks you what you want (in so many words). You get the feeling you're bothering her.

The next day you walk into another place of business. A man with a friendly demeanor greets you as soon as you step inside and asks how you are. You are instantly at ease and feel welcomed. Now, which place would you like to go back to? Which place are you going to talk positively about to your friends and family?

What networking have you done today? Better yet, how many networking groups are you a part of? You need to be out there in the community, building relationships and building other's trust in you. Then, they'll be happy to talk about you, and just how great your product is!

Remember back in high school when clicks ruled? Well it's time to create a click again. A business click, that is. For example, take a group of businesses that cater to weddings. A florist, baker, jeweler, wedding planner, etc. They are all non-competing and can work together as a group to give the customer everything she wants. They can also refer each other out to customers. When you do this, you have a number of businesses promoting you for free.

Remember with WOMM, it's all about the face-to-face with people. It's about creating goodwill in the community and keeping your customers happy. Can you afford to do anything otherwise?

Laura Schutz
BusinessCardContacts.com

Things to do in the Hudson Valley.

When some venture out of New York City, they envision a countryside where they relax at a Bed & Breakfast, perhaps stroll through a park, or go hike through the many forests and hiking trails the Hudson Valley has to offer. So what happens when they tire of that? Lucky for them, the Hudson Valley is chock full of various activities and places to visit for both couples and entire families. Lived here your entire life? You might be missing out on the abundance of things to do in every county that makes up the historic Hudson Valley. So venture out, go explore, and try something new.

Below is a list of websites I've complied so you can find exactly what you're looking for.

Lower Hudson:

Westchester county tourism

Rockland county tourism

Putnum county tourism

Mid-Hudson:

Orange county tourism

Dutchess county tourism

Ulster county tourism


Upper Hudson:

Columbia county tourism

Greene county tourism

Rensselaer county tourism

Albany county tourism

Laura Schutz
BusinessCardContacts.com

Think local. Buy local.

When you hear the expression "Think and Buy Local" what comes to mind? Is it important for you shop local, or do you usually shop online or go out of town? Do you know the many benefits of doing business locally? When you shop local, you support your neighbors, as well as make a difference in your community.

Do you know that buying local reduces environmental impact? When you buy local, it means less sprawl, less congestion, less habitat loss, and less pollution. It takes such a small amount of work to help the environment, and something as easy as buying your groceries or clothing from a local store can be one thing you can do to help save the earth.

We all want to live in a thriving town. When you buy local, you help support and promote the local economy. When you promote the local economy, you're creating a more prosperous living situation for yourself, as well as using your taxes to support public service and non-profit groups.

When you buy local, you not only help the business you're buying from, but you help all of the businesses in your town. Most local businesses employ other local businesses for good and services.

So think local, buy local, and take advantage of all of the great benefits of supporting the environment, and your neighborhood.

Laura Schutz
BusinessCardContacts.com

ACMoore review

If you are a scrap booker--avid or casual, advanced or beginner--a great place to go for anything you'd need is ACMoore. They have really re-vamped their scrap booking section (which was already fairly extensive). The hobby has come a long way and they have kept up with the times, bringing in new stuff and putting the old on clearance. They have 5+ aisles dedicated solely to stamping and scrap booking. They used to carry your standard lines (Making Memories, K & Co., Rebecca Sower) and they still do. But they also now carry a much wider array of companies and designers, such as Heidi Grace designs, Bazzill, and my personal favorite - Heidi Swapp. The best thing is the 40 or 50% off one-item coupons that are in each Sunday's ACMoore circular. There are a few restrictions, but for the most part you can use them on just about anything in the store. They also accept competitor coupons, like Michael's. It makes no sense to walk in the store without one of these coupons. You can also sign up for ACMoore e-mail and get them that way - just print off your computer. They are readily available so take advantage. Last year on the Friday after Thanksgiving they had one good for 60% off (one day only) I am really hoping they do that again this year. It's such a good deal. But, my biggest advice about visiting the store is to avoid lunchtime on weekdays. It seems logical to go on a lunch break but guess what-- the cashiers are also in need of lunch breaks. So it seems like there are always long lines and only a couple of cashiers. This is really frustrating if you were just going in for an adhesive refill and have to wait 10 or 15 minutes in line. So go at a less busy time, such as mid morning or evening when most people are home having dinner. You'll leave much happier after saving 40 or 50% with your coupon and getting in and out without the long wait.

Shannon Bristol
BBG&G Advertising

Panera Bread review

Panera Bread is one of my favorite places to go with my family for a quick bite to eat for dinner or with a group of friends to hang out and have coffee and dessert. It allows for the best of best of both worlds, enabling visitors to get in and out quickly or to sit around and talk and savor the tempting aromas of baked goods. If you haven't eaten at Panera Bread yet, you don't know what you are missing! Their menu is simply to die for... from scrumptious homemade bagels, cookies, and breads to yummy Panini sandwiches, homemade soups, and healthy salads, Panera certainly has what it takes to please even the pickiest eaters. My favorite is the You Pick Two meal that allows you to choose two items from their menu, either a 1/2 portion of soup, salad, or sandwich. If you are looking for a sure bet, try the Chicken Tomesto sandwich with the broccoli cheddar soup. They're fantastic!

The only draw back to Panera is the line out the door during lunch hour and figuring the lay out of the ordering lines the first time you visit the store. The lines do move pretty quickly, considering the number of people that they have to serve. You order at the main register, then have to pick up your drinks at the next counter, and then stand in line one more time to get your meal. It's not too difficult or time consuming, but I must admit I got a bit lost my first time there. Am I the only one that has trouble with the Take Out line? You have to search for the Take Out sign, which is kind of small and hangs from the ceiling, and then stand at the counter and wait for someone to notice you. The problem is that the counter is rather high and the width of the pick up counter area is rather narrow giving you a small glimpse of people behind the counter. I usually stand there and go, "Um, can somebody help me?"...."Um, does anyone see me here?" I usually take my debit card and tap it on the counter top every now and then hoping to send SOS signals to nearby employees. But sometimes you get lucky and catch someone right away.

Overall, Panera is still one of my favorite places to eat. We love their foods, especially their cookies. They are enough to make any grandma turn green with envy. And I don't mind my family eating at Panera as their food is pretty healthy. Their service is very good and you can get in and out quickly if you need to or you can hang out and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere if you prefer. They have a nice mixture of booths and tables, and even a fireplace to admire. They also have free wi-fi service, which is always a perk. So if you are looking for a new place to eat, I recommend Panera Bread. It may just become your new favorite place to eat too!

Barbara Joyce
BBG&G Advertising