On a recent trip to Florida (from Seattle) I had a chance to peruse the inflight magazine on my Delta flight and while not generally on my list of favorite reading materials I did find some interesting tidbits I can share with all of you (and now you can feel guilt-free reading People or In Touch instead on your next trip).
Someone stole my idea! For many years I have been putting together weekly menus and shopping lists for all of our family meals. I hate shopping, including grocery shopping, so this saved me time and money because I only got what was on my list (90% of the time, anyway). So many of my friends said I should market the idea somehow. I didn't. But someone else did! For busy people who need to fix dinners for family or others when at home, there’s a new web site that will let you choose menus and make the grocery list for you. For $7.00 per month www.relishrelish.com will plan healthy meals and make those dreaded grocery lists. Those who don’t do, pay.
Seattle’s ultrachic BOKA Kitchen + Bar is highlighted as original and hip, noted for its “creative martinis and décor of bamboo glass sculptures, color-changing wall panels and an extra shot of eclectic swank. “ For info http://www.bokaseattle.com/
I was a bit busy while in Florida, and I did miss stopping in Galler. If I’d had a chance, I definitely would have prioritized going to “The Belgian Chocolate” store- the only location in the USA. Praline sticks to dip into saffron, cardamom, yuzu and ginger sounds unique and worth a courageous try.
My husband would LOVE this one … Tune Studio for iPod is the first 4-channel audio mixer that lets you create high-quality digital recordings directly onto your iPod. This mixer allows the input of up to four different instruments or audio sources, and records the audio onto your iPod for instant playback. It’s small enough to carry on a flight and mix music in your hotel room. How cool is that?!?
Just a fact, Maam … 1,700,000,000 is the estimated number of legal online music downloads in 2007. 3 – that’s how many I was able to download in 2007. I was just a little busy last year to be figuring out how to download music!
And finally … You can now track how many invitations are being sent out and how many users responded to social networking sites like FaceBook and MySpace, making it easier to quantify the previously unquantifiable – word-of-mouth endorsements! A recent study found that Internet social networking was 20 times more effective than more traditional marketing efforts such as print and television advertising. This makes online “friendships” even more lucrative than ever imagined. So go ahead, forward this blog address to all your friends, and let’s see how much word of mouth we can both get!
Rebecca
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
New Zealand is the greatest place on Earth!
Okay, well I can’t really say that because I haven’t been to nearly enough places to warrant such a bold statement. It is however a fantastic place to visit, unlike any other. This is a place where you can push the limits and tempt fate by participating in one of the many adrenaline pumping activities the country has to offer. Some favorites are bungee jumping, luging, zorbing (much like a hamster wheel), sky diving, paragliding or jet-boating. For those of you who view vacation as a relaxing peaceful time New Zealand can offer you that as well. There are a number of wineries to tour, Polynesian and Maori culture to experience, lush gardens, art galleries, museums and beaches.
New Zealand is located at the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere boasting a population of four million people. As you may know the country is full of sheep, something around 44 million to be exact therefore New Zealanders are definitely outnumbered. What is more amazing though is the breathtaking expanse of water and mountains that surround you while visiting the country.
Here’s a taste of what my family and I did on our trip: During our fifteen day visit to New Zealand we had a chance to travel to both the North and South Islands. We began our adventure in Auckland located on the North Island and drove to Rotorua, a rural town full of Maori culture. After that we made our way out to the Waitomo Caves for an incredible cave-tubing adventure which included wet-suits, abseiling into a cave, zip-lining down further into the cave and finally jumping off a 10 meter high rock into freezing cold water with an inner tube! It was by far the coolest thing I have ever done.
Next on the trip was a flight down to the South Island landing in Queenstown. This was my favorite town to visit while on the trip. It is similar to Boulder, Colorado in that the small city center is bustling with people of all ages talking, laughing, shopping, eating and just generally enjoying the active life of the outdoors. Queenstown is surrounded by mountains and bodies of water and the weather is perfect even in the winter because it only snows at the top of the mountains. Queenstown is also very famous for its appearances in American films. Vertical Limit, the Lord of the Rings series and Wolverine are just a few that were filmed there. After that we made our way to Franz Josef to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. This had to be the second most amazing adventure I have ever experienced. We took a helicopter up to the top of the glacier, geared up with cramps (spikes for our shoes) and began our journey. We had to carve our own path through the glacier because it moves so fast each day that the path from the previous day had already been shifted by nature. From there we drove up and over to Christchurch stopping along the way to take in the scenery. Christchurch is as you would imagine any big city to be, which is why it was my least favorite stop on our journey. Once again we flew back to Auckland and rounded out the trip on the tiny island of Waiheke. This is a quaint beach town with very little to do or see but it was excellent to relax for a few days after all of that adventure and those long road trips.
I would definitely recommend visiting this beautiful adventurous country. If you do plan a trip I would suggest a long one, at least two weeks. The islands are small but there is a lot of ground to cover. Make sure you try anything and everything you can while you’re there in terms of food and activities. Better yet if you can swing it get a four month work VISA and live over there for awhile. You only live once and imagine all of the interesting people you could meet!
--Kristen Hatchman, Event Coordinator
New Zealand is located at the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere boasting a population of four million people. As you may know the country is full of sheep, something around 44 million to be exact therefore New Zealanders are definitely outnumbered. What is more amazing though is the breathtaking expanse of water and mountains that surround you while visiting the country.
Here’s a taste of what my family and I did on our trip: During our fifteen day visit to New Zealand we had a chance to travel to both the North and South Islands. We began our adventure in Auckland located on the North Island and drove to Rotorua, a rural town full of Maori culture. After that we made our way out to the Waitomo Caves for an incredible cave-tubing adventure which included wet-suits, abseiling into a cave, zip-lining down further into the cave and finally jumping off a 10 meter high rock into freezing cold water with an inner tube! It was by far the coolest thing I have ever done.
Next on the trip was a flight down to the South Island landing in Queenstown. This was my favorite town to visit while on the trip. It is similar to Boulder, Colorado in that the small city center is bustling with people of all ages talking, laughing, shopping, eating and just generally enjoying the active life of the outdoors. Queenstown is surrounded by mountains and bodies of water and the weather is perfect even in the winter because it only snows at the top of the mountains. Queenstown is also very famous for its appearances in American films. Vertical Limit, the Lord of the Rings series and Wolverine are just a few that were filmed there. After that we made our way to Franz Josef to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. This had to be the second most amazing adventure I have ever experienced. We took a helicopter up to the top of the glacier, geared up with cramps (spikes for our shoes) and began our journey. We had to carve our own path through the glacier because it moves so fast each day that the path from the previous day had already been shifted by nature. From there we drove up and over to Christchurch stopping along the way to take in the scenery. Christchurch is as you would imagine any big city to be, which is why it was my least favorite stop on our journey. Once again we flew back to Auckland and rounded out the trip on the tiny island of Waiheke. This is a quaint beach town with very little to do or see but it was excellent to relax for a few days after all of that adventure and those long road trips.
I would definitely recommend visiting this beautiful adventurous country. If you do plan a trip I would suggest a long one, at least two weeks. The islands are small but there is a lot of ground to cover. Make sure you try anything and everything you can while you’re there in terms of food and activities. Better yet if you can swing it get a four month work VISA and live over there for awhile. You only live once and imagine all of the interesting people you could meet!
--Kristen Hatchman, Event Coordinator
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Marketing Ideas for Small Business
As a small business, we are constantly looking for ways to reach new customers. I found this to be interesting and many of the suggestions doable, even in our time-starved environment. Hope this helps you. too!
(Article found on Business Breakthrough presented by VISA)
"Too many small-business owners think marketing is like a trip to the dentist — something you just gotta do every six months or so. But when marketing is continuous and targeted rather than occasional and shotgun, business gets easier. If prospects have a positive view of your wares and reputation before you call or before they start shopping, you're that much closer to nailing a sale.
The next news flash is that ongoing marketing isn't tied to a price tag. It's defined only by putting the right message in front of the right person at the right time.
Here are 10 ideas for doing that — on the cheap.
1. Take steps to make customers feel special. Customers respond to being recognized, especially in these rush-rush, get-the-lowest-price times. "Even with a Web-based business, good customer service is possible," says Denise McMillan, co-owner of Plush Creations (www.plushcreations.com), an online retailer of handcrafted travel bags. McMillan encloses a small, rose-scented sachet in every jewelry and lingerie bag she sells and also sends a handwritten thank-you note. "The sachet and note cost pennies but add something special to the purchase," she says.
2. Create business cards that prospects keep. Most business cards are tossed within hours of a meeting. Instead of having your card tossed, create one that recipients actually will use — say, a good-looking notepad with your contact info and tagline on every page. "The business card notepad is referred to almost daily, kept for 30 days or so and carries a high remembrance factor," says Elliott Black, a Northbrook, Ill., marketing consultant who specializes in small businesses.
3. Stop servicing break-even customers. If this idea makes you gasp, think harder. You're falling for the fallacy of increasing sales instead of boosting profits. If you stop marketing to unprofitable customers, you have more time and resources for customers who actually grow your business. "More than likely, 20% of your customer base is contributing 150% to 200% of total annualized profit (TAP); 70% is breaking even; and 10% is costing you 50% to 100% of TAP," says Atlanta marketing consultant Michael King. Take a detailed look at your customer profitability data and then direct premium services and marketing to customers who count. (Microsoft Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager can help you analyze customer histories.)
4. Develop an electronic mailing list and send old-fashioned letters. Most businesses have harnessed the power of e-newsletters — and you definitely should be sending out one, too. It's very cost-effective. (See Microsoft List Builder for more). But exactly because e-mail marketing is now nearly ubiquitous, you can quickly stand out by occasionally sending personal, surface mail letters to customers and prospects. Just make sure the letter delivers something customers want to read, whether an analysis of recent events in your field, premium offers or a sweetener personalized for the recipient (a discount on his next purchase of whatever he last purchased, for instance). "This mailing has to have value to those that read it, so it reflects the value of what you offer," says Leslie Ungar, an executive coach in Akron, Ohio. "Remember, the best way to sell is to tell." The process is simplified by creating a letter template and envelope or customer label mailing list in Microsoft Office Word, which you can print out. The mailing list is easily created in Excel and then imported into Word (learn more by reading this article).
5. Boost your profile at trade shows and conferences. You can quickly create signage, glossy postcards with your contact information, product news inserts or an event mini Web site — all with Microsoft Office Publisher. Check out its versatile features.
6. Combine business with pleasure — and charity. Spearhead an event, party or conference for a cause you care about. That puts you in the position of getting to know lots of people, and shows off your leadership skills. "I host an annual baseball game where I take hundreds of clients to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field," says Kate Koziol, who owns a public relations agency in Chicago. "Last year, I took 300 people and we raised $10,000 for a local children's hospital. Few people turn down a game and it's a great networking opportunity for guests. It lets me reconnect with current clients and impress potential clients."
7. Create a destination. Bookstore chain Barnes & Noble has its coffee bars. Furnishings giant Ikea offers child-care centers and cafeterias. Why? So customers gravitate to the stores to enjoy an experience, to hang out for a while. Sunday morning at Barnes & Noble becomes a pleasant weekend routine, rather than a shopping errand. Steal this idea.This tip isn't limited to offline destinations, either. Using pay-per-click advertising, you can cheaply drive traffic to a one-time news event or specialty offerings, points out Jay Lipe, a small-business marketing consultant based in Minneapolis. Lipe recently set up a Web site for Games by James (www.gamesbyjames.biz), a retailer of board games, and quickly attracted customers via pay-per-click ads. "The effect was overnight," says Lipe. "Traditionally in the marketing world, it takes weeks or even months to generate acceptable awareness and traffic. Here we saw traffic spike overnight." (For more about pay-per-click marketing, see this article.) Other tips to become a destination: • Add a free advisory service, whether party planning ideas or investment seminars. • Add customer loyalty services, such as free shipping for second-time buyers or rewards when customers spend a certain amount.
8. Become an online expert. This is the "free sample" approach to bringing in business. Research active e-mail discussion lists and online bulletin boards that are relevant to your business and audience. Join several and start posting expert advice to solve problems or answer questions. You may need to keep this up for a bit. But the rewards come back in paying clients and referrals. "E-mail discussion lists have been my single largest source of clients over the last eight years," says Shel Horowitz, a small-business marketing consultant based in Northampton, Mass.
9. Court local media. Editorial features convey more credibility with prospective clients than paid advertising does. To get coverage from the local media, whether from the town newspaper, from TV or radio stations, or from trade journals, you need a fresh, timely story. It's usually worthwhile to hire an experienced publicist to position the stories, target appropriate media representative and write and send press releases. Usually, you can work on a short-term or contingency basis.
10. Finally, don't let customers simply slip away. Make an effort to reel them back in. It costs a lot less to retain a disgruntled or inactive customer than to acquire a new one. If you haven't heard from a customer in awhile, send a personalized e-mail (you can automate this process), inquiring whether all is well. For a customer who suffered a bad experience, pick up the phone, acknowledging the unpleasantness and ask if there's anything you can do. A discount can't hurt either. Being kind to customers is the smartest low-cost marketing you can do. "
Joanna L. Krotz writes about small-business marketing and management issues. She is the co-author of the "Microsoft Small Business Kit" and runs Muse2Muse Productions, a New York City-based custom publisher
(Article found on Business Breakthrough presented by VISA)
"Too many small-business owners think marketing is like a trip to the dentist — something you just gotta do every six months or so. But when marketing is continuous and targeted rather than occasional and shotgun, business gets easier. If prospects have a positive view of your wares and reputation before you call or before they start shopping, you're that much closer to nailing a sale.
The next news flash is that ongoing marketing isn't tied to a price tag. It's defined only by putting the right message in front of the right person at the right time.
Here are 10 ideas for doing that — on the cheap.
1. Take steps to make customers feel special. Customers respond to being recognized, especially in these rush-rush, get-the-lowest-price times. "Even with a Web-based business, good customer service is possible," says Denise McMillan, co-owner of Plush Creations (www.plushcreations.com), an online retailer of handcrafted travel bags. McMillan encloses a small, rose-scented sachet in every jewelry and lingerie bag she sells and also sends a handwritten thank-you note. "The sachet and note cost pennies but add something special to the purchase," she says.
2. Create business cards that prospects keep. Most business cards are tossed within hours of a meeting. Instead of having your card tossed, create one that recipients actually will use — say, a good-looking notepad with your contact info and tagline on every page. "The business card notepad is referred to almost daily, kept for 30 days or so and carries a high remembrance factor," says Elliott Black, a Northbrook, Ill., marketing consultant who specializes in small businesses.
3. Stop servicing break-even customers. If this idea makes you gasp, think harder. You're falling for the fallacy of increasing sales instead of boosting profits. If you stop marketing to unprofitable customers, you have more time and resources for customers who actually grow your business. "More than likely, 20% of your customer base is contributing 150% to 200% of total annualized profit (TAP); 70% is breaking even; and 10% is costing you 50% to 100% of TAP," says Atlanta marketing consultant Michael King. Take a detailed look at your customer profitability data and then direct premium services and marketing to customers who count. (Microsoft Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager can help you analyze customer histories.)
4. Develop an electronic mailing list and send old-fashioned letters. Most businesses have harnessed the power of e-newsletters — and you definitely should be sending out one, too. It's very cost-effective. (See Microsoft List Builder for more). But exactly because e-mail marketing is now nearly ubiquitous, you can quickly stand out by occasionally sending personal, surface mail letters to customers and prospects. Just make sure the letter delivers something customers want to read, whether an analysis of recent events in your field, premium offers or a sweetener personalized for the recipient (a discount on his next purchase of whatever he last purchased, for instance). "This mailing has to have value to those that read it, so it reflects the value of what you offer," says Leslie Ungar, an executive coach in Akron, Ohio. "Remember, the best way to sell is to tell." The process is simplified by creating a letter template and envelope or customer label mailing list in Microsoft Office Word, which you can print out. The mailing list is easily created in Excel and then imported into Word (learn more by reading this article).
5. Boost your profile at trade shows and conferences. You can quickly create signage, glossy postcards with your contact information, product news inserts or an event mini Web site — all with Microsoft Office Publisher. Check out its versatile features.
6. Combine business with pleasure — and charity. Spearhead an event, party or conference for a cause you care about. That puts you in the position of getting to know lots of people, and shows off your leadership skills. "I host an annual baseball game where I take hundreds of clients to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field," says Kate Koziol, who owns a public relations agency in Chicago. "Last year, I took 300 people and we raised $10,000 for a local children's hospital. Few people turn down a game and it's a great networking opportunity for guests. It lets me reconnect with current clients and impress potential clients."
7. Create a destination. Bookstore chain Barnes & Noble has its coffee bars. Furnishings giant Ikea offers child-care centers and cafeterias. Why? So customers gravitate to the stores to enjoy an experience, to hang out for a while. Sunday morning at Barnes & Noble becomes a pleasant weekend routine, rather than a shopping errand. Steal this idea.This tip isn't limited to offline destinations, either. Using pay-per-click advertising, you can cheaply drive traffic to a one-time news event or specialty offerings, points out Jay Lipe, a small-business marketing consultant based in Minneapolis. Lipe recently set up a Web site for Games by James (www.gamesbyjames.biz), a retailer of board games, and quickly attracted customers via pay-per-click ads. "The effect was overnight," says Lipe. "Traditionally in the marketing world, it takes weeks or even months to generate acceptable awareness and traffic. Here we saw traffic spike overnight." (For more about pay-per-click marketing, see this article.) Other tips to become a destination: • Add a free advisory service, whether party planning ideas or investment seminars. • Add customer loyalty services, such as free shipping for second-time buyers or rewards when customers spend a certain amount.
8. Become an online expert. This is the "free sample" approach to bringing in business. Research active e-mail discussion lists and online bulletin boards that are relevant to your business and audience. Join several and start posting expert advice to solve problems or answer questions. You may need to keep this up for a bit. But the rewards come back in paying clients and referrals. "E-mail discussion lists have been my single largest source of clients over the last eight years," says Shel Horowitz, a small-business marketing consultant based in Northampton, Mass.
9. Court local media. Editorial features convey more credibility with prospective clients than paid advertising does. To get coverage from the local media, whether from the town newspaper, from TV or radio stations, or from trade journals, you need a fresh, timely story. It's usually worthwhile to hire an experienced publicist to position the stories, target appropriate media representative and write and send press releases. Usually, you can work on a short-term or contingency basis.
10. Finally, don't let customers simply slip away. Make an effort to reel them back in. It costs a lot less to retain a disgruntled or inactive customer than to acquire a new one. If you haven't heard from a customer in awhile, send a personalized e-mail (you can automate this process), inquiring whether all is well. For a customer who suffered a bad experience, pick up the phone, acknowledging the unpleasantness and ask if there's anything you can do. A discount can't hurt either. Being kind to customers is the smartest low-cost marketing you can do. "
Joanna L. Krotz writes about small-business marketing and management issues. She is the co-author of the "Microsoft Small Business Kit" and runs Muse2Muse Productions, a New York City-based custom publisher
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Confessions of a Point Hoarder
If we’re always working 9 to 5, when do we find the time or the resources to have fun? I’ve always been one to do my best to work the system and take advantage of both my work and personal travel and expenditures so that they allow me some personal perks along the way (without conflicts, of course!). In order to do this you need to learn to work the system: fly one airline or their partners, bank all of your miles to just one airline, use mileage or point earning credit cards like American Express (Membership Rewards program) and airline branded credit cards, and join hotel and rental car loyalty programs. Once you know how to maximize accumulating your points - and it does take a little work and some time - you will reap the rewards of free airline trips, car rentals, hotel stays, shopping rewards, dining rewards, and more!
Here are my top ten tips on how to become a point hoarder:
1. Pick one airline and stick with them or their partners, when possible. Apply all of your mileage to the one main airline you fly most frequently. The more you fly the quicker you’ll gain higher priority status on the airline – easier to apply for upgrades, bypass the long “Disneyland” lines at security check points, and other perks.
2. Use an airline branded credit card to rack up the miles! Many airlines will also give you a mileage incentive when you sign up that count toward your “elite” status with the airline. If they don’t offer it – ask for it!
3. Many airlines also offer you miles for dining at area restaurants. Make sure you sign up for these programs as well. The more you’re enrolled in, the quicker your points will add up!
4. Get an American Express card if you don’t already have one. Sign up for the Membership Rewards Program ($40 year), and you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar you spend. Your points can be used for anything from hotels nights, airline tickets, dining gift certificates, concert tickets, gifts, or car rentals. You can use your miles for small things or big things. Don’t tell but… for the holidays I trade in my miles for gift cards for friends and family. I feel like I’m able to give a little more this way.
5. Sign up for Points.com to manage your miles. You can swap and exchange your miles between partner airlines, American Express Membership Rewards, or use your points to purchase things like hotel nights, Starbucks and Amazon giftcards, and more!
6. When shopping on-line, use sites that will earn you more miles on your favorite airline. I like Mileage Plus Mall and Points.com. Shop your favorite sights like Nordstrom, Old Navy, FTD.com, and others without leaving your living room, and you’ll bank some miles to boot.
7. Work the system! Sign up for every promotion on your favorite airline – in fact right now Alaska Airlines is offering double miles for all flights in 2008 from Seattle to SFO or LAX (must fly 2 RT’s between 3/15 and 5/15 to qualify for double miles for the rest of the year)! United Airlines is doing something similar but during a more limited time frame.
8. Before you rent from a car company make sure you sign up for their loyalty program. Go to their website and sign up before you book your car. Most times the car websites offer the lowest prices around but look on other sites as well to make sure you’re getting the best deal. The biggest benefit of the loyalty programs is that many of the rental agencies allow you to bypass the regular rental lines when you pick up your car (a huge plus if you are in a hurry or traveling during a busy season). Some rental car companies, such as Hertz, allow you to just review a reader board, find your name and stall number of the car, and away you go! How easy is that? You can either earn points in your car rental loyalty program, building credit toward free car rentals, or your favorite airline for more airline points!
9. Hotel loyalty programs are great. I suggest you pick just a couple and stick with them. A couple of good ones that offer great hotel options are Starwood Hotels and Marriott. Once you reach a certain level of status you’ll begin to receive special discounted offers, room upgrades, late check out, and room amenities such as morning newspapers, free bottled water, fresh fruit, and turn down service.
10. Use services like Open Table to make restaurant reservations (all over the US) and build points for future dining certificates or join restaurant loyalty programs like Schwartz Brothers Restaurants (Daniels, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Spazzo Italian Grill, Revolution Bar and Grill). Enjoy gift certificates on your birthday and build your points up for a nice night out on the town for friends.
Happy hoarding!
Here are my top ten tips on how to become a point hoarder:
1. Pick one airline and stick with them or their partners, when possible. Apply all of your mileage to the one main airline you fly most frequently. The more you fly the quicker you’ll gain higher priority status on the airline – easier to apply for upgrades, bypass the long “Disneyland” lines at security check points, and other perks.
2. Use an airline branded credit card to rack up the miles! Many airlines will also give you a mileage incentive when you sign up that count toward your “elite” status with the airline. If they don’t offer it – ask for it!
3. Many airlines also offer you miles for dining at area restaurants. Make sure you sign up for these programs as well. The more you’re enrolled in, the quicker your points will add up!
4. Get an American Express card if you don’t already have one. Sign up for the Membership Rewards Program ($40 year), and you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar you spend. Your points can be used for anything from hotels nights, airline tickets, dining gift certificates, concert tickets, gifts, or car rentals. You can use your miles for small things or big things. Don’t tell but… for the holidays I trade in my miles for gift cards for friends and family. I feel like I’m able to give a little more this way.
5. Sign up for Points.com to manage your miles. You can swap and exchange your miles between partner airlines, American Express Membership Rewards, or use your points to purchase things like hotel nights, Starbucks and Amazon giftcards, and more!
6. When shopping on-line, use sites that will earn you more miles on your favorite airline. I like Mileage Plus Mall and Points.com. Shop your favorite sights like Nordstrom, Old Navy, FTD.com, and others without leaving your living room, and you’ll bank some miles to boot.
7. Work the system! Sign up for every promotion on your favorite airline – in fact right now Alaska Airlines is offering double miles for all flights in 2008 from Seattle to SFO or LAX (must fly 2 RT’s between 3/15 and 5/15 to qualify for double miles for the rest of the year)! United Airlines is doing something similar but during a more limited time frame.
8. Before you rent from a car company make sure you sign up for their loyalty program. Go to their website and sign up before you book your car. Most times the car websites offer the lowest prices around but look on other sites as well to make sure you’re getting the best deal. The biggest benefit of the loyalty programs is that many of the rental agencies allow you to bypass the regular rental lines when you pick up your car (a huge plus if you are in a hurry or traveling during a busy season). Some rental car companies, such as Hertz, allow you to just review a reader board, find your name and stall number of the car, and away you go! How easy is that? You can either earn points in your car rental loyalty program, building credit toward free car rentals, or your favorite airline for more airline points!
9. Hotel loyalty programs are great. I suggest you pick just a couple and stick with them. A couple of good ones that offer great hotel options are Starwood Hotels and Marriott. Once you reach a certain level of status you’ll begin to receive special discounted offers, room upgrades, late check out, and room amenities such as morning newspapers, free bottled water, fresh fruit, and turn down service.
10. Use services like Open Table to make restaurant reservations (all over the US) and build points for future dining certificates or join restaurant loyalty programs like Schwartz Brothers Restaurants (Daniels, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Spazzo Italian Grill, Revolution Bar and Grill). Enjoy gift certificates on your birthday and build your points up for a nice night out on the town for friends.
Happy hoarding!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Heart of Glass
Looking for a quintessential Seattle experience for your clients? Amongst its other attractions, Seattle is the mecca of glass art (surpassing Murano, the center for Italian glass), and we are attracting the best suppliers, shops, materials and, of course, artists from all around the world.
One of our native sons, Jean-Pierre Canlis, and his gracious wife, Leigh, own and operate a studio on the edge of Belltown that does triple duty as work studio/gallery/event space in the refurbished worklofts at 3131 Western Ave. Beauty, talent, passion for the arts, and all things delicious run in the family as Jean-Pierre descends from the founder of the eponymous 5-star restaurant in Queen Anne.
The space is 1800 sft, dotted with beautiful glass pieces and can accommodate 10-125 easily. There are no exclusive catering contracts, so have your favorite chef set up in the workspace. The price is right at $200-$220 per hour (plus $100 cleaning fee per event), and we're told parking is a breeze after 5pm. A parking lot is available for full buyout across the street, opt for valet parking, or provide group transportation as alternatives.
For more info about Canlis or the gallery, visit their website at http://www.canlisglass.com/ or call Kristen or Leigh at 206.282.4428.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Let’s Meet in the Desert!
While Palm Springs, California enjoys its mid-century modernism and cultural revival, the adjacent communities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta continue to offer high-end meeting and resort space. According to Meetings Magazine, more than $1 billion has been invested in the valley within the last few years on upscale luxury properties reinforcing the area’s reputation as an upscale playground for the rich and famous.
The prime properties for meetings in this area are:
Hyatt Grand Champions, Indian Wells (http://grandchampions.hyatt.com/)
Desert Springs, A JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert (http://www.desertspringsresort.com/)
Miramonte Resort and Spa (http://www.miramonteresort.com/)
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa (http://www.renaissanceesmeralda.com/)
Meeting space varies from the Marriott’s 24,816-square-foot Desert Ballroom that accommodates 2,000 for receptions or 1,800 for banquets to the Miramonte’s Event Lawn and Olive Grove that take advantage of the near-perfect weather year-round. Against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, each of these resorts makes an impressive destination.
If you only had one chance to explore the unique offerings of the area, we recommend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (http://www.pstramway.com/), The Living Desert (http://www.livingdesert.org/), and Joshua Tree National Park (www.nps.gov/jotr).
Not for the faint of heart, the Aerial Tramway offers a 5,873 ft vertical ride up Chino Canyon, often providing a snow-covered landing at the summit in cooler months. This was the first place that our Office Coordinator, Tiffany, ever saw snow! Both the Living Desert and Joshua Tree National celebrate the local wildlife and native plants of the desert, as well as the geological diversity of the dry and rocky terrain.
Visitors with a tighter timeline can stroll the El Paseo Shopping District (http://www.elpaseo.com/), known as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, and enjoy numerous art galleries, jewelry and apparel stores, and luxury boutiques. Restaurants along El Paseo range from the popular Café Des Beaux Arts (http://www.cafedesbeauxarts.com/) to the more casual California Pizza Kitchen.
Returning visitors can live like a local and hit the flea market at the College of the Desert on Saturdays and Sundays. It's a great place to pick up inexpensive clothing and jewelry and sip a frozen lemonade. In need of affordable relaxation? The Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy offers $30 massages to help their students fulfill their training hours (http://www.somatherapy.com/clinic.html). Touring the many model homes in LaQuinta makes for a fun afternoon, though it may leave you longing for a second home.
For lunch or dinner, locals flock to the Fisherman’s Market & Grill in LaQuinta (www.fishermansmarketandgrill.com), where the fish tacos are the best around. Since the Coachella Valley, which incorporates Palm Springs and vicinity, boasts 350 days of sunshine a year and only 5.5 inches of rain, both first-time guests and repeat visitors alike can be sure to enjoy the weather along with good food and a picture-perfect place to relax.
Monday, February 25, 2008
My so-called glamorous life…
It all started back in grade school… Since my birthday lands in the summer I never got to have a birthday party at school with cupcakes and the likes that most kids got. So, because I never had a party I always wanted to help plan the parties. In fact, my 6th grade my teacher once said to me “If there’s ever a party on the moon, I know who will be organizing it!” Of course I laughed it off because I had bigger aspirations at that time – I wanted to be the first woman President of the United States. Well, as you can see that certainly didn’t become reality so I think it’s a good thing I went in the direction of event planning!
I think I haphazardly fell into the world of events. While I went to college for fashion merchandising and business I was an event planner at heart and knew that one day I would have my own company. Back in the 80’s and 90’s I worked tirelessly in the events field and paid my dues – sometimes at the expense of my health. I remember 2 events in particular – Networld+Interop, a trade show, I had strep throat but I pushed through before, during, and after the event. The second was a multi-city road show for Intel Corporation and I came down with walking pneumonia several days before I was to leave. I actually convinced my manager that I was fine and I ended up traveling for the show. I’d like to think I’m older and wiser now and wouldn’t push myself that hard!
Over the years I have worked with some incredible individuals who have helped me hone my planning skills and have given me the tools I needed to succeed in business. For the first 5 years of owning RealTime Productions, I had a wonderful business partner, Kim Pratt. Kim and I fit well together as we both brought such different talents to the table. During the first several years after forming RealTime Productions we both put in 80+ hour work weeks and did every job imaginable from creating an unforgettable 7-day Millennium cruise for 2 CEO’s and 120 of their closest family and friends, to organizing charity auctions, to cleaning toilets at a local celebrity’s house (definitely not my proudest moment!).
The one piece of advice I always give people is to make sure that you not only have the passion and drive for this business but that you surround yourself with great people. I am eternally grateful for all of the staff that has been a part of the RealTime Productions team over the years. I have learned so much from my staff – past and present. Not only do I get to work with a past boss and a close colleague, I continue to love my job, the people that work for me, and our wonderful clients. While it’s not all ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams,’ I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world!
Jeanne Berry, Founder and Principal
I think I haphazardly fell into the world of events. While I went to college for fashion merchandising and business I was an event planner at heart and knew that one day I would have my own company. Back in the 80’s and 90’s I worked tirelessly in the events field and paid my dues – sometimes at the expense of my health. I remember 2 events in particular – Networld+Interop, a trade show, I had strep throat but I pushed through before, during, and after the event. The second was a multi-city road show for Intel Corporation and I came down with walking pneumonia several days before I was to leave. I actually convinced my manager that I was fine and I ended up traveling for the show. I’d like to think I’m older and wiser now and wouldn’t push myself that hard!
Over the years I have worked with some incredible individuals who have helped me hone my planning skills and have given me the tools I needed to succeed in business. For the first 5 years of owning RealTime Productions, I had a wonderful business partner, Kim Pratt. Kim and I fit well together as we both brought such different talents to the table. During the first several years after forming RealTime Productions we both put in 80+ hour work weeks and did every job imaginable from creating an unforgettable 7-day Millennium cruise for 2 CEO’s and 120 of their closest family and friends, to organizing charity auctions, to cleaning toilets at a local celebrity’s house (definitely not my proudest moment!).
The one piece of advice I always give people is to make sure that you not only have the passion and drive for this business but that you surround yourself with great people. I am eternally grateful for all of the staff that has been a part of the RealTime Productions team over the years. I have learned so much from my staff – past and present. Not only do I get to work with a past boss and a close colleague, I continue to love my job, the people that work for me, and our wonderful clients. While it’s not all ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams,’ I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world!
Jeanne Berry, Founder and Principal
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