The Turning Point!!!!

Since March of 2020 I have seen much turmoil in The Unites States and I have looked for ways to turn it around. I have seen so much hate and vitriol that I questioned my spirituality and my messages. I have experienced name calling as I continue to fundraise for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I have had a difficult time finding full time employment. Through it all I continue to stay focused and connected to GOD knowing that there are better days ahead and all I need to do is turn it around. I know that one way to turn it around is to remember that we are all divine children of GOD and GOD wants us to prosper so we can prosper others. If we are to turn it around we must put our differences aside and do what is best for our communities. One great way to help build and strengthen our communities is to be of service and value to one another. If you get the chance to support a local business or a charity take that opportunity as it will open up channels to receive. A key way to turn it around is to realize that we all bleed the same.

Once we realize that we are more alike than we are different we can awaken spiritually and begin to help one another to turn it around. Now is the time to tap into our inner divinity and follow our purpose so we can grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. Now is our chance to heal the world and understand that we have a responsibility to think globally and act locally.

As we begin to heal the world we heal ourselves as we find that when we are of value and service that we turn things around. Instead of judging people look for the goo in them and applaud those who are making a difference. The time is now to use your talents for good to turn things around. If you begin to look at things differently they will change and you will be able to move forward in a positive direction of your goals. I have learned to focus on the good and to take the bad in stride for GOD never gives you anything you can’t handle. I have come to understand that if GOD brought you to it GOD will bring your through it.

GOD will make a way for you to turn it around. You simply need to be tuned in to receive and act upon the messages that are being given to you. The messages come in all forms so be aware and be awake so that you can act upon them accordingly. Remember there is always a solution to the challenges that are being put into our lives. Many times it is simply in stepping back and finding a way to turn it around that allows us to make the mind, body, soul connection to create the life we desire. Now is your time to turn it around.

Advertisement Ideas:Surprise, Surprise. Surprise!!!

The other day (4/3/2019) I was meeting a friend for lunch and we decided to meet at Delvecchio’s in Plantation, FL. I showed up a bit early for our meeting only to be surprised that they were closed during what would have been regular work hours. I called another location to find out what was happening as many times things happen and the business would reopen. I was told that the owner decided to close this location permanently. The person on the phone simply said they could keep up with it anymore. I found this a bit odd as they are located near a 55 plus community, have office buildings across the street, are next to an elementary school, and down the block from a middle school, and have a high school near by this location. As I went next store to Subway to eat with my friend I started to think about Delvecchio’s and how many other businesses like Delveechio’s close because they do not market daily. I am surprised by how many business owners I encounter who are not open to receive ideas about strengthening their brand and increasing their revenue. So many times a business owner get’s so wrapped up in the other aspects of the business that they forget the importance of marketing and advertising. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise if you are not marketing you are losing a large segment of the market as they are going those that are on the top of their mind. It is imperative to know your community and how to reach the potential customers/clients in your community. Knowing you target audience and how to reach them and have them do business with you is key.

In order to avoid putting the closed for business sign up permanently you need to develop a Unique Selling Proposition. It is important to set yourself apart from every other business in your industry. Think of business and what they became known for and then follow their model in your business. When you think of McDonald’s you think of The Big Mac, when you think of NIKE you think sneakers, when you think All State you think accident forgiveness. The key is having something that you are known for that others in your industry don’t have. Ask yourself what do I have that is proprietary to my business and how can it put me on the top of the mind of the consumer. Then ask yourself how will I market this Unique Selling Proposition.

The key to marketing is to build raving fans that will share your business with others. I remember working at Sinbad Sports back in 2016 and taking fliers to all the sports bars and speaking to General Mangers who allowed me to hand the fliers out to their patrons in return I allowed them to put fliers in the store. This allowed me to share a unique selling proposition as the sports store with all teams available. Another Unique Selling Proposition was the fact that the store had me as a knowledgeable employee able to answer questions while also promoting the store on social media. I remember during football season on Thursdays I would make my NFL Picks and post them on social media. I did this using different merchandise and showing my picks via video. At Sinbad Sports we also had items that you couldn’t find anywhere else thus I made it a point to feature them as well. I share this to emphasize the importance of marketing and engaging your staff in the process.

It is important to get to know your customers and to make them feel welcomed and important. When some one does business with you give them a reason to continue to do business with you. Do unique things like finding out their favorite food and then getting a gift card to a restaurant that serves that type of food to give to them the next time they come in. When you do things for your customers and they feel appreciated they will not only continue to do business with you they will share your business with others. Surprise, Surprise, Suprise, customer service is important. Remember they chose to do business with you so give them a reason to keep doing business with you and to recommend you to others.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise without a structured advertising and marketing plan you will find yourself throwing good money after bad and eventually this takes a toll on your business as many times it leads to closing the business permanently. Sometimes there are other factors why a business closes however one of the most common reasons is lack of marketing. Marketing is very simple find the problem that your business solves and then promote your business to those seeking to solve that problem. Make sure you know your niche market and target your advertising and marketing to them so that you strengthen your brand and increase your revenue. Marketing should be done daily.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you can not have results if you are busy making excuses. I have heard so many times that oh business is slow I can’t afford to market. My answer is instead of complaining think of affordable ways to market. If you have some down time in your business hop on social media and invite people to do business with you by offering a special. When I worked at Celebrity Sports I would do videos and send them out and post them in groups. On some of the days doing this brought in a few people who told me I didn’t plan on coming y but I saw your video. On days that I wasn’t in the store I was out in the community finding people who liked sports or knew people who liked sports as a result I picked up a few regular customers. My Unique Selling Proposition was that I could do auctions on a consignment basis with non-profit organizations which helped them raise money while putting the store in front of the consumer so that when they needed something sports or pop culture related they though of Celebrity Sports 1st.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you need a knowledgeable marketing person who can build your brand and increase your revenue. You need someone who will be proactive and help you stay ahead of the curve so you are the leader in your industry not a follower. It is important for you to empower this person to make decisions. You will need someone who understand your business and has your best interest in mind. You will need someone that seeks and acts upon opportunities.

Avoid having to put this sign up by making marketing and advertising a priority.

Advertisement Ideas: Missing The Boat!!!

I am amazed about how people go about things in business that I think many are missing the boat. Today (3/6/2019) I went to a job fair to meet with the 2 large radio station companies in the market so I could leave them my demo cd. The first one I went to said oh we are sponsors of the event and I don’t know what to do with this. I responded it take it back to the station and give it to your program manager. She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language then again to her maybe I was as this is South Florida after all. I walked away thinking this is a job fair and your company didn’t bring someone from human resources. I am a firm believer of you never know who is coming to your table or through your doors so be prepared for every case scenario. The other radio company had their director of traffic there who gladly took my demo tape and asked me to follow up on line. I even had the opportunity to give my demo tape to The Florida Panthers Human Resource Director. I share this as networking is a key component to being successful. When you put yourself out there you are going to meet people who can be of service and value to you while you can be of service and value to them. The key is to be prepared and have your people prepared so you don’t miss the boat.

Many times I call on businesses to support my charitable endeavors with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and many times I encounter those that are missing the boat as they don’t understand the concept of cause marketing or they don’t want to hear how someone can be of service and value to them. Today (3/6/2019) after attending the job fair I stopped by a plaza to go business to business to promote The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and also collect donations. Most every business in the plaza was receptive however there was one that was a bit arrogant and non-receptive, Catering By Joel’s Place. This is the same business that I called a few weeks ago to get a quote for a party that I was hosting and he never returned my phone call. He stated I have been in business for 27 years and everything is by appointment. I told him then maybe he should keep his door locked and that he was leaving money on the table. He said I don’t need you telling me what I am doing. I said thank you and I left. As I walked out I thought wow here is another closed minded individual missing the boat for he didn’t even want to dialogue with me. I understand he doesn’t know me and doesn’t know about the 8000 people I reach on social media or all the events that I am involved in or people that I know that possibly could do business with him. His arrogance and lack of being open to listen now earned him a negative review and lost me as a potential customer. Remember that every conversation has opportunity and to not miss the boat by being arrogant or too busy to talk to someone.

I used to take my Grandmother, when she was alive, to Monti’s and the food was good. I was in the area yesterday (3/5/2019) promoting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life at about 10:45 AM figuring it was prep time for lunch i stopped in to see if they can help me. The 1st words out of the gentleman making pizza was I am too busy for this. Another gentleman came up and reluctantly gave me a dollar and told me to leave as they were too busy. I left thinking again another business that is making money but could be doing better if they weren’t missing the boat about being kind to anyone who comes through the doors. I share this with those who own businesses to make sure you are treating people who are coming into your place of business with respect as you never know who they might be and how they can either affect your business positively or negatively. I fully understand that I am coming into these businesses unannounced and uninvited however I have been doing fundraising this way for over 40 years and have have had much success. There is a huge value in engaging with people especially someone who knows and understand cause marketing.

If you are going to stop missing the boat you must go out and share who you are and what you do and why people should do business with you. You were born to be on the boat and have that boat reach its destination for success with you on board. Stop missing the boat and realize that everyone that you come in contact with can be of service and value to your business. Sometimes it is as easy as simple hitting the street and sharing your business or non-profit activities with others. Be bold and get on board your boat to success.

Advertisement Ideas: Have A Heart!!!

As someone who has been involved in the non-profit and for profit sector for over 40 years I believe that I possess the ability to help many businesses to have a heart. Having a heart means being kind to everyone who comes into or calls your business for you never know how that person can be of service and value to your business. In all your advertising you should be showing people that you are a business with a heart by showing what organizations you are supporting as people like to do business with those that they perceive to be giving back to the community.

The majority of consumers want to know what you are doing to support causes. In educating them about the causes you support you build their trust and they feel like they know you. People like to business with people they know, like, and trust and one great way to get people to like you, know you, and trust you is to support the local causes in your community.

I have seen where having a heart increases business. I was The Sports Memorabilia Manager at Sinbad Sports in 2016 from May until October and I made it point to donate items to local charities when they asked. The owner had to be convinced that this was a good idea so I showed him the stats as I tracked where sales were coming from and I was able to show an increase in sales. In my final month at Sinbad Sports we did $12,000 in sales and I was responsible for $10,000 in sales as I was beginning to build a following simply from donating a few items to local charitable organizations. In using cause marketing in every position that I have held I have been able to show the community that the businesses I represent have a heart and thus the brand awareness improved and the revenue increased. The key is to have a heart and be willing to give as it opens the channels to receive.

Recently I approached Riddell Helmets about donating mini helmets to The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. They said yes and set mini helmets from The Steelers, The Giants, The Patriots, The Jets, and The Dolphins. have been using them to raise funds for research, education, advocacy, and services to hep attack cancer from every angle. As a result when I am ready to purchase mini helmets I am going to go to a store that sells them or order them directly from Riddell. When asked what regular football helmets to buy by the football teams I announce for I will be saying Riddell. I use this as an example of what can happen when you have a heart.

After a little prodding Wilson Football showed they have a heart as they sent 3 Superbowl LII Footballs to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. In doing so they have received some positive publicity as well as recommendations from leagues that I announce for to purchase their official game balls through Wilson Football. In having a heart Wilson increased its visibility and revenue as people have now heard the story of how they came through to help those touched by cancer and as a result have made purchases of football related items.

One of the best ways to show that your business has a heart is by partnering with a local organization and donating a percentage of sales back to the organization. This brings people to you that normally would not patronage your business and allows you the opportunity to cultivate new customers/clients. In having a heart and showing that you care you will grow your business and word gets around that your business has a heart. Remember there is no substitute for kindness.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches and WWE sent items to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. As a result they have gained some positive publicity. In giving you open up many opportunities to put your company in a positive light and reach an audience that maybe you did not think about before. In being open to say yes and finding a way to be of service and value to the community you will see that your revenue builds and your brand is strengthened.

It is time for you as a business owner to stop making excuses and find ways to say yes. Think about it there is always something your business can do to help the community and as a result you will help your business. It is when you give that you receive a return ten fold.

I am reminded about the first time I approached Hungry Howie’s for a donation and how receptive Gabe was to donating 10 pizzas. Since that day I have been a loyal customer and they make their money back just off of me not to mention the countless people I have sent t them. It is when you help others get what they want that y find success.

The other night I stopped by my local Subway and mentioned Relay For Life and they asked what they could do and I told them we can always use food items. They said they would donate 100 cookies. Guess who will be getting more of my business.

It is now time for you to find ways to show that you have heart and to show the community that not only are you taking money from the community but you are putting money back into the community.

Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go Hmmm!!!

Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go HMMM!

I was scrolling through my social media feeds and I started to think if people spent less time on what politicians were doing and concentrated more time on building their business where they might be. This was one of the things that made me go hmmm!!! Over my 40 plus years of assisting non-profit organizations and for profit businesses in building their brand and increasing revenue I have encountered many people who have made me go hmm. Just the other day I was at an event and I offered to make announcements to help create a bit of a buzz at the event. Now anyone who knows me knows how great my voice is and how I can bring any event to life and create excitement and engage a crowd. I was told oh we have that covered. This made me go hmmm as I thought you have one of the best emcees in the area offering to help you with your event and you say no. Then there was the vendor who immediately said I am not interested which really made me go hmmm as I thought here you are selling spiritual jewelry and you have someone who has a spiritual blog www.the-spiritualawakening.com and who could have helped you to reach your desired target audience and you were closed off to even listening or engaging in a conversation. This made me go hmmm because I know that by engaging people you can build your brand and increase your revenue as you never know who that person may know or how they can help you. As you do business think about the moments you may be creating where people are going hmmm and as a result are not doing business with you and going down the block to your competitor. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go Hmmm!!!

Advertisement Ideas: One Oh Crap Ruins A Thousand Accolades!!!

Over the years I have come to learn that every interaction you have in a business is important for all it takes is one bad interaction to create unnecessary challenges for your business. I have come to learn that you never know who you may be interacting with and how they can positively or negatively impact t your business.

Yesterday (8/22/2017) I encountered a situation that got me to asking why the hate? Here I was reaching out to a business owner, Mike Artz of Collectables in Hobart, Indiana and this was his response via a Facebook. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for him to simply write thank you for reaching out to me I wish you much luck in your effort however at this time I am unable to support your project. Think about how you are responding to people and it will tell you why you may be struggling in your business. If this is how he responded to me how many other people has he responded to in this manner and how many of them have not done business with him and share their negative experience with others. In today’s marketplace it is imperative to be nice in all encounters so that people are moved to do business with you. At the end of the day the only thing that endures is your character.

I looked up his profile on Manta.com and buzzfile.com and saw he had $68,000 in annual sales so I can fully understand if he politely said no to supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

He obviously forgot the first adage of business that Kindness Counts. I simply did what I have been doing for over 40 years and asked a business owner for support of a charitable cause. I never expected this type of response. This only goes to show us that our marketplace needs to be taught compassion.

Mike Artz: WHY ARE YOU POSTING ON MY POST THE FOLLOWING

JDOGG: I was hoping that you could help me with an endeavor that I have undertaken to help those touched by cancer. I am The People Lead for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunrise. I am hosting POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION on November 12. I am doing this to honor the memory of my mother who was called home to GOD on July 5, 2012. I am seeking chance drawing items for this event. Www.relayforlife.org/sunriseflwill show you how we did in 2017. The shipping address is 9141 Sunrise Lakes Boulevard #102 Sunrise FL 33322. Thank you for supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Mike Artz: what a tool that you had just become !!

JDOGG: I posted because I have reached out to others to support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION in this manner and have had much success.
I have found that when you support others they support you.
Already for 2018 I have hosted a Spirit Night at Tijuana Flats that raised $157.24. I hosted a Give Back Night at Bru’s Room that raised $168.90. The money raised funds research, education, advocacy, and services.

Mike Artz:whom gives a fuck !! you commented on my post!1 create your own post v/s slamming others. no wonder why you can not find a job!! you can’t follow rules!

JDOGG:I have a few gigs which are usually on the weekend so I was looking to work during the week. What I posted was not spam it was a simple request for your assistance to help those touched by cancer. In return you would have tapped into my network and possibly moved some more merchandise.

Mike Artz:i don’t give a fuck !! remove it from my for sale posts now!

it has not a damn thing to do with what i am selling !! its called phishing & scammin!

JDOGG:You can delete it. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.

Mike Artz:fuck off !

get a job on your streeet corner!

you need medical help i will call 911 down in florida !

JDOGG: It is funny Mike that you have resorted to name calling and using profanity. Remember GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.

Mike Artz: sunrise florida

JDOGG:I have work that is very rewarding. I hope you have a great rest of the week filled with much peace, love, joy, and prosperity.

Mike Artz:go to hell & stop typing you cock sucker!

JDOGG:The Sunrise PD is a supporter of Relay For Life of Sunrise. Again I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t be of service and value to one another.

I share this with you because it seems as though hatred and bitterness has permeated the market place and civility has gone out the window. By the way you can call Mike at 219-942-2632 and let him know that he missed out on an opportunity to be aligned with someone who has a nice social media following and who promotes those who support his efforts to help those touched by cancer.

Now think about it the next time someone approaches you for support because you never know the reach that person has and how they can impact your business. In this case all the accolades that Mike Artz may have built up are gone because he will never see my business and those that read this article may think twice about doing business with him.

Image result for marketing and public Relations

As an experienced marketing and public relations consultant the 1st thing I teach my clients is to be kind in all that they do as you never know how that kindness will be returned. Imagine if Mike Artz had been kind in saying no I may have still recommended that my colleagues who collect sports and pop culture memorabilia contact him to see what he is selling. The lesson to take from today is that all it takes is one oh crap to ruin a thousand accolades.

Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!

It is now time not only to think outside the box but to burn the box and release the contents that may be stopping you from maximizing your brand awareness and revenue. In the 40 years that I have been working with non-profit organizations and for profit businesses I have noticed something that those who struggle have in common and that is they get stuck in their ways and do not adapt. There is no reason today for anyone to struggle. The reason you may be struggling is that you allowed yourself to be caught in a way of thinking that hasn’t allowed you to move forward in a positive direction of your goals. I have heard so many times over the years that I don’t have money to advertise or I’ve tried everything and nothing is working. This mindset is what is keeping you trapped in the box and why you are falling short of your goals. It is time to burn the box and go from limiting beliefs to limitless beliefs.

It is time to put all of your limiting beliefs into a box and burn the box then spread the ashes as compost and then begin to change the way you go about doing things. When you think you don’t have money to advertise you need to turn that into I will find affordable and effective advertising methods. I recently came into 19 boxes of books from assorted genres as a result f a death in my family. Instead of saying oh I don’t have the money to advertise theses books I found some free resources like sell and trade groups on social media and started posting photos of the books. I also decided to donate 50% of all book sales to The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. As a result I sold 4 books today (7/15/17). I still have a condo that looks like a used book store but I am finding ways to let people know about the books and as a result I am moving the books and helping a cause that I believe in while also turning inventory into cash. When you burn the box and release the stinking thinking that is stopping you from manifesting the life that you want you will find that you begin to attract more peace, love, joy, and prosperity into your life. It all comes down to having the proper mindset when it comes to raising funds for charity or running your own business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!!

Advertising Ideas: Are You Missing Opportunities?

How many times have you stated I am not interested or you haven’t returned a phone call only to miss out on the opportunity to build your brand and increase your revenue. Over the last 40 years I have approached many different businesses to assist me in my efforts to help charitable causes. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to companies supporting causes. I have had organizations like World Wrestling Entertainment send me items that have helped in my efforts to help those touched by cancer. I have had companies like Jimmy John’s refer me to corporate and I haven’t received a return phone call. I have had some business people tell me to leave their store the minute I introduced myself and told them about what I was doing. This prompted me to wonder how many businesses are missing opportunities for their shortsightedness? I have come to learn that there are many people who lack the business acumen to take things to a level where their brand would stand out and as a result would pick up more business. In today’s very competitive market where competition seems to be on every corner it is important to take advantage of every opportunity to stand out and create a buzz while garnering new business while also retaining existing customers.

A few years ago I approached my local Hungry Howie’s about helping to support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. They were very receptive and have donated 10 large pizzas each year to support the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. As a result when I think about ordering lunch or dinner I think of Hungry Howie’s Pizza, I especially like their baked ziti for one. My order averages about $20 – $25 each time I order and I order at least once a month. If you look at their return on investment from just me is very good not to mention how many other people I have told about Hungry Howie’s and as a result they have placed orders.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Pizza Hut, which I used to order from on a monthly basis as I believe in helping all local businesses to succeed. I say used to because a few weeks ago I contacted them about helping a local event to help those touched by cancer and their marketing person didn’t return phone calls or emails. His lack of response cost him my business as well as others that I have shared this with. So ask yourself the next time some one reaches out to you how not calling back or emailing back can affect your business.

Advertisement Ideas: Are You Missing Opportunities: A Case Study!

Imagine some one calls your business or stops into your business to discuss an event that helps people touched by cancer that has 313 participants with 57 teams representing some very influential business leaders and you blow them off only to find out that this person has some great pull and is known for supporting those that support him. This is a prime example of missing an opportunity for you did not see the forest for the trees.

The other day I was out promoting an event and collecting donations for the event and I ran into a business that was very negative toward me. I thought wow if they had given me the time of day and understood that for 40 years I have been helping businesses with customer acquisition, customer service, and effective cause marketing campaigns. many times I can create a buzz about a business simply because I have the ability to do a very good Facebook Live Video while at the business that my followers see and as a result they support the business. Those that chose to be open to receive and listen have benefited those that gave the canned answer of we are not interested continue to struggle.

I have heard oh business is slow so many times in the last few years that I have come up with an idea of when business is slow go out and create opportunities. I recently worked for a sports memorabilia and apparel store and when business was slow I would do videos and post them across social media featuring a few items. As a result business picked up a bit. I also would take fliers out into the community after my shift and share the store and offer specials to people. I also started to interact with people in public who were wearing sports team apparel inviting them to come to the store. I also made it a point to make sure people had a good experience when they shopped at the store. Unfortunately I was let go from my position with the store. I share this with you because many times you may be missing out on opportunities because you are stuck in a box. It is time to get out of the box and start to create opportunities and listen to people to see how you can be of service and value to each other. That is the problem with most businesses today they lack vision and when things are slow don’t look for opportunities to grow their business. Namaste!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Use Your Donations To Generate Profit!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Use Your Donations To Generate A Profit!!!

As a business adviser I have always taught the entrepreneurs that utilize my service the importance of making charitable donations be them monetary or in-kind. When you support charities and donate money or good and service you can implement a strategic marketing plan that will allow you to support the community and also turn a profit. One of the best advertisement ideas that I came up with was over 20 years when I asked a local restaurant to host a charity night to raise money for The Coral Springs Jaycees Spreading The Joy Program, which provided Thanksgiving Baskets and a Children’s Shopping Spree for families in need. The restaurant asked what is in it for me and I explained that by donating 20% of his sales for one night he would attract people who wouldn’t normally come to the restaurant and have an opportunity to turn them into regular customers. He was hesitant at first but agreed and that first give back night raised $189 for the project. Meaning that we brought in bout $1,000 worth of business on that night not to mention the amount of people who became regular customers. Since my first give back night I have seen many restaurants adopt this concept and have much success because it creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. When you have a giving plan it will turn into profit over time as people like to do business with those they perceive to be giving back to the community. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: How To Use Your Donations To Generate Profit!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Empower Your Staff!!!

One of the words that has been used time and time again over the last few years is empowerment. The term is defined as follows to give power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means: to enable or permit. I chose to write about this today as I have witnessed so many opportunities lost due to the lack of empowerment given to staff and as a result sales have declined and brand awareness has been weakened. I have witnessed a lack of empowerment in many areas of businesses however the one area where I think empowerment lacks the most is in the marketing arena. I have been out in the community promoting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunrise, which will take place on May 5, 2017 from 6 PM – 12 AM (Midnight) at Piper High School. I have been approaching places like McDonald’s, Subway, and Pizza Hut and each store manager at these establishments told me the same thing you have to go through corporate for that. Now I don’t mind calling corporate as I have been doing fundraising for over 40 years and I know how to present ideas that will make sense to a business. When I called corporate recently for these three businesses I was told oh we have a committee that takes care of that and you have to fill out a special request form. Again I don’t mind doing this however if the managers at these locations were empowered and given the authority to make a decision based with a marketing budget the local stores would benefit more as they would feel that they had a stake in the location and as a result would work harder. Corporate would benefit as they wouldn’t have to be bogged down in paper work and their brand would gain more recognition and their revenue would increase. Think about it we are told that people do business with people they know like and trust so what better way to get to know people get them to like you and trust you than having an empowered staff that will be dedicated to growing your business.

Each day businesses lose out on sales because they have failed to empower their staff members and have also failed to understand the concept of cause marketing. I remember working for Brunswick Margate Lanes as a counter control supervisor and sales associate and having a charitable organization approach me about helping them with a fundraiser. I went to my GM and asked if we could give them the lanes for Free as we could write it off as a marketing expense. He said yes as a result the charity booked 10 lanes bowled 3 games at a cost to the bowling center of about $150 however we sold over $500 at the snack bar to this group and had over $350 in sales from the bar plus we booked 3 birthday parties. By empowering me to do this we exceeded our sales goals for the month. In being empowered to make special offers and create special short season leagues I was able to put 1,599 bowlers on the floor for the summer which led to the opening of a pro-shop at the center creating an additional revenue stream. The key is to empower your staff and let them make decisions that make sense for the business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Empower Your Staff!!!