10 Steps to a great Spotlight speech

I recently presented suggestions for how to give a 60 second or 1 minute self-introduction speech to some group – whether business people or some other. I mentioned that there are at least three different types of introductory marketing speeches: – a Spotlight / Focus / Center of Attention – an Elevator pitch – a … Read more

How to fire an unsatisfactory employee

It’s one of the most difficult things to do in running your business (This is a long post, but a good procedure I’ve learned through real life and research.) As the Owner, President, or Manager of a small company, you have many responsibilities. Your primary responsibilities are to maintain and help your company grow. You … Read more

New Marketing Mantra: Position

You’ve heard the statement many times that the key elements in business are Location, Location, Location.  That one word is called out three times for emphasis and because each use covers a different area. In real estate, where it’s thought the term originated, it means a quality neighborhood, nearby shopping, hospitals, etc. For other businesses, … Read more

Marketing can be a tricky thing

Originally published on Blogspot Sunday, August 2, 2015 When a company initiates a marketing campaign, it involves money, people, time, creativity, energy, and materials, among other things. Obviously the company wants a positive effect. Sometimes, though, it can have mixed or even negative effects. The marketing may produce an effect it doesn’t want. While driving … Read more

Fellow writer published

Originally published on Blogspot Tuesday, July 14, 2015 A neighbor and fellow writer just had a novel published. Robert Beatty (pron. Beety) wrote a book titled “Serafina and the Black Cloak”. It was published by Disney/Hyperion. It’s a supernatural tale about a different young girl who secretly lived in the House on Biltmore Estate (here … Read more