10 Tips for a Successful Wine Trail Adventure

Every year, my friend and I hit the wine trail in Ulster County in late November/early December.

While having fun is our main priority, we wouldn't be able to do so without first being safe. So, here are 10 tips for a fun and SAFE day on the wine trail-- from 2 self-appointed "experts in the field".

Tip #1 - Hire teens as chauffeurs.
This can be so fun if the teens play along. For the past two years we have hired my son and his friend at a fraction of the cost to rent a limo for the day. They are such good sports, and actually add considerably to the fun of the day. And as the day progresses, and our jovial spirits increase, so does their role-playing. Before you know it, they're opening doors and saying things like "let me get that bag for you, ma'am.... Now watch your step".

Tip #2 - Leave the kids home!
Now why I even need to say this is beyond me, but I guess the obvious isn't so obvious to everyone. So take note, parents--wineries are NOT for kids. And take it from those of us who are paying babysitters, your kids should be running around a park-- not a winery. Is there no place sacred anymore?

Tip #3 - If you're on a budget, bring cash and leave your credit cards home.
You will be amazed how the wine at the last couple of wineries tastes SO much better than the wine at the first couple. And if you're toting a credit card, it is amazing how many bottles of wine you can come home with, not to mention the t-shirts, fancy wine corks, cocktail napkins, and other accessories.

Tip #4 - Pack an ice chest.
This is actually one of the greatest ideas. We bring a small ice chest with lots of water, cheese and crackers. And as we drive between each winery, we indulge. It really helps to prevent getting too tipsy, getting a hangover, and prevents me from getting what I call a "red-wine headache".

Tip #5 - Call ahead before planning the day.
For the past couple of years, we have been hitting the wine trail on Black Friday. We never had a problem in the past, but this year three of the wineries on our itinerary were closed. It was a big bummer, which could have been avoided with a phone call, or even by checking their web site.

Tip #6 - Pre-program your GPS.
As frustrating as they can be at times, GPS's are great. Spend 1/2 hour or so the night before and preprogram the addresses, then just give your "chauffeurs" the itinerary with the wineries listed in the correct order. It's hassle-free!

Tip #7 - Dress in layers.
This is especially true in the winter months, but in the summer you have air conditioning to contend with. And, you will find that as the day progresses and your blood alcohol increases, so does your body temperature. Also, the temperatures at the different wineries vary greatly.

Tip #8 - Make dinner reservations.
Good food is just what your body is craving at this point. So end the day at your favorite restaurant. Personally, I like Limoncello's in Goshen, where you get a complimentary shot of Limoncello after dinner.

Tip # 9 - Drink more water.
Before bed, make sure you drink another bottle of water. Your body needs it, and you will be glad you did come morning.

Tip #10 - Don't make major plans for the next day.
You'll be pleased to sleep in and have the day to relax.

June Bisel
BusinessCardContacts.com

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