Well we had a little party and a full glass of wine spilled on the carpet...I didn't know how to clean the carpet so I jumped online and found this. Hopefully you don't have to know this but if might be useful!
This is how to remove WET red wine from the carpet:
1. Blot up as much of the red wine as possible from the carpet using a rag.
2. Pour white wine on the carpet around the perimeter of the spill, working the white wine towards the center--this keeps the red wine from gravitating even further out into the clean part of the carpet.
3. Wait about 30 seconds and then blot the area. If any residue of the stain remains, repeat step 2 above.
**Alternate Method**
1. Do not touch the wine.
2. Cover the entire area with table salt, so that entire area affected has been covered with approximately 1/4 inch of salt.
3. Leave undisturbed until completely dry, usually 12-24 hours but may take longer if it exceptionally cold or humid. During the drying process, the salt will pull up the wine.
4. When completely dry, vacuum the salt up and the wine will have disappeared.
**TIPS**
•The alternative method doesn't work on dry stains!
**WARNINGS**
•This may result in wine odor in your carpet.
**Things You'll Need**
•Carpet
•Spill
•White wine
•Rag
•Salt
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Competing During the Economic Downturn...Can I grow my business? Or should I just hunker down?
I found a nice article from the CWS blog team and thought I'd post it on my blog.
I hope you enjoy it. AT Oh Those Guys, our corporate division is all about helping you capture "mindshare". This economy allows many marketing savvy companies the ability to grow their marketshare~don't be the one losing it thought. Please read the following article.
Competing During the Economic Downturn
Businesses all throughout the United States are feeling the impact of the current economic downturn, but that doesn't necessarily mean the demise of your business. In fact, while the economic crisis will negatively impact many businesses, others will have a window of opportunity to thrive.
Impact of the Current Economic Climate on Business
Business closings, layoffs and cutbacks in labor force are visible all around as businesses are facing strained and exhausted budgets. Stocks are taking huge hits as investors are wary about the future of their investments.
While it is easy to only consider the negative aspects of the economic situation, some companies will come out of the crisis in a better position. The steps may be painstaking, but if you treat economic pressure as an opportunity for improvement, your business could emerge more efficient and productive.
Marketing When the Economy is Bad
As America continues to be a consumer society, it is important to remember there is still a market for your product or service. Spending may be scaled back, but certainly not eradicated altogether.
Your competition may be crunching numbers in an effort to get their marketing budgets out of the red. A survey conducted by MarketingProfs revealed that "52 percent of marketers are making changes to their marketing plans and budgets" because of the current financial situation. Herein lies an opportunity to expand your market share. Rather than leading your customers to believe you're struggling by reducing your advertising, assert your position as a reliable and strong business by making the advertising you do more effective.
According to Coopers & Lybrand, "Maintaining a company's advertising during an economic downturn will give the image of corporate stability within a chaotic business environment, and give the advertiser the chance to dominate the advertising media." If you can bite the bullet and reorganize your budgets to free up some cash for additional advertising, it can very well pay off in the long run.
Getting your Business Back on Track by Going Online
Many experts believe that the way to approach marketing in an economic crisis is to move away from print and other traditional media and into online marketing. Consumers are becoming more and more technologically savvy, and using the Internet to access information they might have looked for elsewhere only five years ago. Advancements in technology like the iPhone and BlackBerry are making access to the Internet available in more places. Online directories are becoming commonplace for locating businesses, accessing directions, and even finding people. Consumers expect to have information at their fingertips at all times, and businesses that meet those expectations will succeed.
Websites as a Low Cost and Effective Marketing Channel
Websites offer limitless ways to promote your product or service. Unlike a printed advertisement, websites and Web-based ads are flexible and can be changed as often as needed to meet market conditions. Try something, and if it doesn't work you can change it tomorrow. There's little investment required to test an idea. More sophisticated approaches like A/B testing allow you to measure reactions and change your strategy in real time.
Social Networking
Online advertising doesn't necessarily mean just using traditional website content, press releases and banner ads. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn also offer opportunities to promote a business, both with and without cost. Businesses of all sizes and types are learning to use these sites effectively. If you aren't familiar with them yet, it's time to start exploring.
Opportunities Exist
Despite the poor state of the economy, your business can still survive -- even prosper. The trick is not to stop advertising, but find more cost effective ways to get the job done. People who succeed in difficult times are those who learn to think creatively and recognize opportunity.
I hope you enjoy it. AT Oh Those Guys, our corporate division is all about helping you capture "mindshare". This economy allows many marketing savvy companies the ability to grow their marketshare~don't be the one losing it thought. Please read the following article.
Competing During the Economic Downturn
Businesses all throughout the United States are feeling the impact of the current economic downturn, but that doesn't necessarily mean the demise of your business. In fact, while the economic crisis will negatively impact many businesses, others will have a window of opportunity to thrive.
Impact of the Current Economic Climate on Business
Business closings, layoffs and cutbacks in labor force are visible all around as businesses are facing strained and exhausted budgets. Stocks are taking huge hits as investors are wary about the future of their investments.
While it is easy to only consider the negative aspects of the economic situation, some companies will come out of the crisis in a better position. The steps may be painstaking, but if you treat economic pressure as an opportunity for improvement, your business could emerge more efficient and productive.
Marketing When the Economy is Bad
As America continues to be a consumer society, it is important to remember there is still a market for your product or service. Spending may be scaled back, but certainly not eradicated altogether.
Your competition may be crunching numbers in an effort to get their marketing budgets out of the red. A survey conducted by MarketingProfs revealed that "52 percent of marketers are making changes to their marketing plans and budgets" because of the current financial situation. Herein lies an opportunity to expand your market share. Rather than leading your customers to believe you're struggling by reducing your advertising, assert your position as a reliable and strong business by making the advertising you do more effective.
According to Coopers & Lybrand, "Maintaining a company's advertising during an economic downturn will give the image of corporate stability within a chaotic business environment, and give the advertiser the chance to dominate the advertising media." If you can bite the bullet and reorganize your budgets to free up some cash for additional advertising, it can very well pay off in the long run.
Getting your Business Back on Track by Going Online
Many experts believe that the way to approach marketing in an economic crisis is to move away from print and other traditional media and into online marketing. Consumers are becoming more and more technologically savvy, and using the Internet to access information they might have looked for elsewhere only five years ago. Advancements in technology like the iPhone and BlackBerry are making access to the Internet available in more places. Online directories are becoming commonplace for locating businesses, accessing directions, and even finding people. Consumers expect to have information at their fingertips at all times, and businesses that meet those expectations will succeed.
Websites as a Low Cost and Effective Marketing Channel
Websites offer limitless ways to promote your product or service. Unlike a printed advertisement, websites and Web-based ads are flexible and can be changed as often as needed to meet market conditions. Try something, and if it doesn't work you can change it tomorrow. There's little investment required to test an idea. More sophisticated approaches like A/B testing allow you to measure reactions and change your strategy in real time.
Social Networking
Online advertising doesn't necessarily mean just using traditional website content, press releases and banner ads. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn also offer opportunities to promote a business, both with and without cost. Businesses of all sizes and types are learning to use these sites effectively. If you aren't familiar with them yet, it's time to start exploring.
Opportunities Exist
Despite the poor state of the economy, your business can still survive -- even prosper. The trick is not to stop advertising, but find more cost effective ways to get the job done. People who succeed in difficult times are those who learn to think creatively and recognize opportunity.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Do Promotional Products really work?
Do Promotional Products really work?
Over the years I've had people ask if promotional gifts (chachkees, free stuff, trinkets & trash) really work? In my opinion, the answer is yes ...and no.
It's important to select promotional items that appeal to your target audience, these gifts stay in your clients line of sight and are the face of your company while your not there. I recommend my clients brand themselves with quality promotional items; wouldn't we want our name on a quality gift that has a good perceived value? There was a recent study in ASICentral.com that showed if a company sends out promotional products that didn't really fit the company's image or that there was little thought when selecting the items, that it can actually be a turn-off to clients.
Always keep your client in mind when selecting promotional gifts!
Unless you're a real odd duck, if you see a promo item and think "COOL!"...your client will most likely have the same reaction! IF you are in a marketing position at your company and you're looking to promote your company, consider NOT using the CHEAPO products that are available to you. I recommend you associate your company with a good quality promotional gift, I also like my clients to use quality, brand name apparel like CutterBuck or Ashworth... If I had a $1 for every person I saw who received an Ashworth polo shirt and said...."ooohhh Ashworth, niiiice!" I'd golf free for the next....10 days ( I like to play nice courses!) The CPI(Cost Per Impression) on quality promo product is lower than the inexpensive alternative.
Promotional marketing leaders agree that there are three basic reasons why a company should
distribute promotional products to its customers:
1. To generate good will among customers and employees
2. To establish brand recognition
3. To tie the item into a promotion.
ASICentral.com recently did a study on the efficacy of promtional products called "The Power of Promo Products". This study showed very favorable results for companies that use promotional products vs companies that do not. One statistic I was impressed with was that a client who recieves a quality promotional gift remembers the name of the company for as long as 7 months. Apparel was longer at 9 months! Go figure... Companies which distribute promotional products are seen positively by customers! 82% of companies that receive promotional products think more favorably of the company/Representative that gave it to them!
With so many advantages, it shouldn't surprise us that promotional gifts are a vital part of any company’s marketing strategy.
Savy business owners or marketers will look to try and capture greater marketshare during a down economy and customized promotional items are a great way to grow your business!
The Cost Per Impression (CPI), of promotional gifts is the least expensive form of advertising!Only billboard advertising is less expensive (ASICentral January 2009). Personally, I LOVE the idea of billboard advertising but how do I get a hold of the guy who has the sign I want? If you're reading this and you sell billboards...call me!
LOOKING TO CUT COSTS IN A DOWN ECONOMY?
The CPI for bags, pens, post its, tshirts, etc..., is just .02 cents. This puts our industry ahead of all the traditional forms of advertising and is the reason that so many companys big and small are turning to promotional products and customized apparel.
In the end, please remember that it's important to keep YOUR COMPANY in mind. The question you need to ask; "What am I trying to accomplish?" Once this question is answered then we can put together a program that will help you make money!
In todays economy, more than ever, it's vital that your sales people stay infront of your clients and OTG's responsibility is to help you stay in front of your client even when you're not there! Let us guide you to a successful marketing campaign!
I'll be adding some statistical results from an ASI Central study so check back to learn what the most effective promotional gifts were in 2008 and what's new in 2009!
Thank you,
Bill Gabler
President
OH Those Guys &
OTG Athletics
952-882-9800
office952-882-9899
fax612-916-9000 cell
http://www.otgathletics.com/
Over the years I've had people ask if promotional gifts (chachkees, free stuff, trinkets & trash) really work? In my opinion, the answer is yes ...and no.
It's important to select promotional items that appeal to your target audience, these gifts stay in your clients line of sight and are the face of your company while your not there. I recommend my clients brand themselves with quality promotional items; wouldn't we want our name on a quality gift that has a good perceived value? There was a recent study in ASICentral.com that showed if a company sends out promotional products that didn't really fit the company's image or that there was little thought when selecting the items, that it can actually be a turn-off to clients.
Always keep your client in mind when selecting promotional gifts!
Unless you're a real odd duck, if you see a promo item and think "COOL!"...your client will most likely have the same reaction! IF you are in a marketing position at your company and you're looking to promote your company, consider NOT using the CHEAPO products that are available to you. I recommend you associate your company with a good quality promotional gift, I also like my clients to use quality, brand name apparel like CutterBuck or Ashworth... If I had a $1 for every person I saw who received an Ashworth polo shirt and said...."ooohhh Ashworth, niiiice!" I'd golf free for the next....10 days ( I like to play nice courses!) The CPI(Cost Per Impression) on quality promo product is lower than the inexpensive alternative.
Promotional marketing leaders agree that there are three basic reasons why a company should
distribute promotional products to its customers:
1. To generate good will among customers and employees
2. To establish brand recognition
3. To tie the item into a promotion.
ASICentral.com recently did a study on the efficacy of promtional products called "The Power of Promo Products". This study showed very favorable results for companies that use promotional products vs companies that do not. One statistic I was impressed with was that a client who recieves a quality promotional gift remembers the name of the company for as long as 7 months. Apparel was longer at 9 months! Go figure... Companies which distribute promotional products are seen positively by customers! 82% of companies that receive promotional products think more favorably of the company/Representative that gave it to them!
With so many advantages, it shouldn't surprise us that promotional gifts are a vital part of any company’s marketing strategy.
Savy business owners or marketers will look to try and capture greater marketshare during a down economy and customized promotional items are a great way to grow your business!
The Cost Per Impression (CPI), of promotional gifts is the least expensive form of advertising!Only billboard advertising is less expensive (ASICentral January 2009). Personally, I LOVE the idea of billboard advertising but how do I get a hold of the guy who has the sign I want? If you're reading this and you sell billboards...call me!
LOOKING TO CUT COSTS IN A DOWN ECONOMY?
The CPI for bags, pens, post its, tshirts, etc..., is just .02 cents. This puts our industry ahead of all the traditional forms of advertising and is the reason that so many companys big and small are turning to promotional products and customized apparel.
In the end, please remember that it's important to keep YOUR COMPANY in mind. The question you need to ask; "What am I trying to accomplish?" Once this question is answered then we can put together a program that will help you make money!
In todays economy, more than ever, it's vital that your sales people stay infront of your clients and OTG's responsibility is to help you stay in front of your client even when you're not there! Let us guide you to a successful marketing campaign!
I'll be adding some statistical results from an ASI Central study so check back to learn what the most effective promotional gifts were in 2008 and what's new in 2009!
Thank you,
Bill Gabler
President
OH Those Guys &
OTG Athletics
952-882-9800
office952-882-9899
fax612-916-9000 cell
http://www.otgathletics.com/
Friday, August 15, 2008
Restaurant.com and ClickclubUSA.com the new Fundraising programs in Minnesota, and OTG Athletics is the exclusive dealer!
Finally!!!
OTG Athletics is proud to announce that they are the new EXCLUSIVE DEALERS for both:
www.Restaurant.com
and
www.Clickclubusa.com
Both programs have a value proposition that is unmatched by any other fundraising company in the U.S.A
"We are proud to be able to offer a product that has a real value to the consumers who purchase our cards especially since 50% to 67% of the proceeds go to the schools activity" Says, Bill Gabler-President of OTG Athletics. Bill goes on to say, "As a local resident I am bombarded by different fundraisers and I always just go ahead and shell out money to the kids, now I actually get something in return that has a higher value than I paid for"
www.Restaurant.com is a card that sells to the organization for $10 they then sell it for $20 and the public receives a $50 Dining Card that is good Nationwide at over 11,000 restaurants.
www.ClickClubUSA.com is a local card that has 2 for 1, 50% off, and FREE Discounts at places like Tires Plus, Subway, Wendys, Valley Fair, and the Science Museum
These programs are online programs, you simply go online, sign in, print out a certificate, and present them to the establishment to receive an awesome discount!!
Contact OTG Athletics at 952-882-9800 to receive your cards!
OTG Athletics is proud to announce that they are the new EXCLUSIVE DEALERS for both:
www.Restaurant.com
and
www.Clickclubusa.com
Both programs have a value proposition that is unmatched by any other fundraising company in the U.S.A
"We are proud to be able to offer a product that has a real value to the consumers who purchase our cards especially since 50% to 67% of the proceeds go to the schools activity" Says, Bill Gabler-President of OTG Athletics. Bill goes on to say, "As a local resident I am bombarded by different fundraisers and I always just go ahead and shell out money to the kids, now I actually get something in return that has a higher value than I paid for"
www.Restaurant.com is a card that sells to the organization for $10 they then sell it for $20 and the public receives a $50 Dining Card that is good Nationwide at over 11,000 restaurants.
www.ClickClubUSA.com is a local card that has 2 for 1, 50% off, and FREE Discounts at places like Tires Plus, Subway, Wendys, Valley Fair, and the Science Museum
These programs are online programs, you simply go online, sign in, print out a certificate, and present them to the establishment to receive an awesome discount!!
Contact OTG Athletics at 952-882-9800 to receive your cards!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Are you going to be putting on a silent auction in the near future??
Oh Those guys is on the cutting edge of silent and live auctions. OTG's Auctions work great either as a stand alone auction or as an add-on to an existing auction. We use sports and celebrity memorabilia for your silent auctions and we supply you with turn-key trips such as: Round Trip tickets for (2) to Augusta Georgia for and tickets to the 2009 Masters Golf Tournament, Or how about staying in a 14 bedroom Mansion in the Hamptons for 1 week? Or how about a weekend in New Your City including a Broadway show and gift certificates to some of the most famous Manhattens restaurants? These are just a few of our over 300 live auction items we can supply your live auction and they are RISK FREE. Make thousands for your charity or foundation.
Call us to find out how you can make your Gala or Fundraising event even more profitable! 952-882-9800 Ask for Bill Gabler!
Here is some great advise on how to run a successful silent auction!
How to Run a Silent Auction
Silent auctions can be difficult to plan and put together, but it can be done. Here's how to get the most out of your items.
1)Stay level-headed and keep things under calm control. This will become even more important later as this can be a crazy task if you have lots of items.
2)If you just have a few items, no sweat. Get items donated. Make a list of businesses or people in your area that might be willing to help you out by donating something. Go ask them. Be nice, explain what you are trying to raise money for and be patient. You may have to come back after they have time to think about it. Say Thank you. (After all you might want to ask again next year...) Give them a donation receipt so they can claim it on their taxes.
3) Make a master list of all the items, who donated them, how much they are worth, And who went and asked at that business (if you are going to do this again next year it is nice to have the same people go to the same businesses each year.)
Also include space on your master list to write who won the item, their phone # and how much they paid. This way you can make sure they get their items and you know how much money you made.
4) Put a number on each item. If you have more than a few items and if any of them are similar it makes keeping track much easier. Put the same number next to the item on your list.
Print bidding sheets. Write the name of the item, how much it is worth and if you like, who it was donated by. (Remember this is a good way for them to get a bit of advertising as a thank you for donating.) Make sure there is space for people's names, phone # and the amount they bid. If there is a minimum bid (generally 20% of the retail value)write that on there, too. It is also suggested to have bids in $2 to $10 increments to outbid someone (depending on value of item).
5) Lay out all the items and the bid sheets so people can see them. If you have a lot of items you may have to be pretty creative. Don't worry if the bid sheet isn't right next to the item. Just make it close. Thats what the numbers are for. (A Number sticker should be on each item that matches each bidder sheet for that item)
6) Tape the bid sheets down. If it's going to be outside or there will be a lot of people you sheets can blow away or just get knocked around. Much easier to tape them.
7)Know what time the bidding will end. People will want to bid right up to the very end. End at that time. (Choose one person's watch to use and put them in charge of the time since everyone's watch is different.) If there are many items, and not too many volunteers, it's a great idea to stagger the closing time on items (the cheaper items closing earliest).
8) When the bidding ends don't be in such a hurry to pick up the items, many sneaky people like to bid late and that is good for your fundraiser!
7) If you have just a few items you can just call people's names and have them come get their stuff. Skip to step #16 If you have lots of stuff, Read on.
Cordon off an area and make every one wait. They will be anxious to get their stuff. Make them wait.
8)Set up your check-out area. Have someone match up the bid sheets & the items won. Try to group items that are won by the same bidder together. Then one-by-one call the the winning bidder for that item so they can check out. If they have multiple items try to group those together to check out all at once.
9)After the line of people are gone you will probably have things left over. These people went home, didn't know they won, or whatever. That's why you have their phone # on the bid sheet.
10) Now sort out all the bid sheets that go to the same person. They may have bought one thing or twenty. Add up their total and call then and tell them they have won, could they please come get their things? You may have to be flexible about arranging a time to meet them. If you have lots left over divide up the pile so no one has to call 20 people. This is the part that is a big hassle.
11) Prepare for derelict bidders. Undoubtedly there will be people who weaseled out of actually paying for the things they bid on. So call the next person on the bid sheet and see if they still want it or save it for next year.
12) If you have duplicate gifts...offer the item to the top 2 bidders at the 2nd place price. this will improve your bottom-line and two bidders will be happy!
13) Give thanks and recognition to those that donated and to the winning bidders.
14) Consider the weather. Is this an out door event? Think about wind, rain, sun (bad for bottles of wine and candles that might melt....) and so on.
15) Buy a few extra sharpie markers, some white out tape, an extra roll of tape to tape your bid sheets down plenty of pens. You don't want people waiting to write down how much money they will give you.
16) If you can, set up a day or two before the auction so you don't have to stress about it, if your contracting someone to bring consignment items have them set up the same time you are so everything has a great flow.
17) If you have gift certificates the best thing to do with them is slip them inside on of the plastic page covers and tape them down with the bid sheet. People bid more on something they can see.
18) Keep an eye on small items. Consider taping them down or tying them to something. More to keep them from being misplaced than anything. We've never had anyone try to steal anything.
If you are at an event like an arts and crafts fair (Thats where we do ours) make sure you are ready to add more items to the auction as often vendors will give you things too. Don't be afraid to go ask them. After a few years they will probably stop by with things on their own too.
Good luck and call Oh Those Guys for your next auction!!! We make it easy for you and you'll use us year-after-year!
Call us to find out how you can make your Gala or Fundraising event even more profitable! 952-882-9800 Ask for Bill Gabler!
Here is some great advise on how to run a successful silent auction!
How to Run a Silent Auction
Silent auctions can be difficult to plan and put together, but it can be done. Here's how to get the most out of your items.
1)Stay level-headed and keep things under calm control. This will become even more important later as this can be a crazy task if you have lots of items.
2)If you just have a few items, no sweat. Get items donated. Make a list of businesses or people in your area that might be willing to help you out by donating something. Go ask them. Be nice, explain what you are trying to raise money for and be patient. You may have to come back after they have time to think about it. Say Thank you. (After all you might want to ask again next year...) Give them a donation receipt so they can claim it on their taxes.
3) Make a master list of all the items, who donated them, how much they are worth, And who went and asked at that business (if you are going to do this again next year it is nice to have the same people go to the same businesses each year.)
Also include space on your master list to write who won the item, their phone # and how much they paid. This way you can make sure they get their items and you know how much money you made.
4) Put a number on each item. If you have more than a few items and if any of them are similar it makes keeping track much easier. Put the same number next to the item on your list.
Print bidding sheets. Write the name of the item, how much it is worth and if you like, who it was donated by. (Remember this is a good way for them to get a bit of advertising as a thank you for donating.) Make sure there is space for people's names, phone # and the amount they bid. If there is a minimum bid (generally 20% of the retail value)write that on there, too. It is also suggested to have bids in $2 to $10 increments to outbid someone (depending on value of item).
5) Lay out all the items and the bid sheets so people can see them. If you have a lot of items you may have to be pretty creative. Don't worry if the bid sheet isn't right next to the item. Just make it close. Thats what the numbers are for. (A Number sticker should be on each item that matches each bidder sheet for that item)
6) Tape the bid sheets down. If it's going to be outside or there will be a lot of people you sheets can blow away or just get knocked around. Much easier to tape them.
7)Know what time the bidding will end. People will want to bid right up to the very end. End at that time. (Choose one person's watch to use and put them in charge of the time since everyone's watch is different.) If there are many items, and not too many volunteers, it's a great idea to stagger the closing time on items (the cheaper items closing earliest).
8) When the bidding ends don't be in such a hurry to pick up the items, many sneaky people like to bid late and that is good for your fundraiser!
7) If you have just a few items you can just call people's names and have them come get their stuff. Skip to step #16 If you have lots of stuff, Read on.
Cordon off an area and make every one wait. They will be anxious to get their stuff. Make them wait.
8)Set up your check-out area. Have someone match up the bid sheets & the items won. Try to group items that are won by the same bidder together. Then one-by-one call the the winning bidder for that item so they can check out. If they have multiple items try to group those together to check out all at once.
9)After the line of people are gone you will probably have things left over. These people went home, didn't know they won, or whatever. That's why you have their phone # on the bid sheet.
10) Now sort out all the bid sheets that go to the same person. They may have bought one thing or twenty. Add up their total and call then and tell them they have won, could they please come get their things? You may have to be flexible about arranging a time to meet them. If you have lots left over divide up the pile so no one has to call 20 people. This is the part that is a big hassle.
11) Prepare for derelict bidders. Undoubtedly there will be people who weaseled out of actually paying for the things they bid on. So call the next person on the bid sheet and see if they still want it or save it for next year.
12) If you have duplicate gifts...offer the item to the top 2 bidders at the 2nd place price. this will improve your bottom-line and two bidders will be happy!
13) Give thanks and recognition to those that donated and to the winning bidders.
14) Consider the weather. Is this an out door event? Think about wind, rain, sun (bad for bottles of wine and candles that might melt....) and so on.
15) Buy a few extra sharpie markers, some white out tape, an extra roll of tape to tape your bid sheets down plenty of pens. You don't want people waiting to write down how much money they will give you.
16) If you can, set up a day or two before the auction so you don't have to stress about it, if your contracting someone to bring consignment items have them set up the same time you are so everything has a great flow.
17) If you have gift certificates the best thing to do with them is slip them inside on of the plastic page covers and tape them down with the bid sheet. People bid more on something they can see.
18) Keep an eye on small items. Consider taping them down or tying them to something. More to keep them from being misplaced than anything. We've never had anyone try to steal anything.
If you are at an event like an arts and crafts fair (Thats where we do ours) make sure you are ready to add more items to the auction as often vendors will give you things too. Don't be afraid to go ask them. After a few years they will probably stop by with things on their own too.
Good luck and call Oh Those Guys for your next auction!!! We make it easy for you and you'll use us year-after-year!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Why do some people always seem to be late?
Watching WCCO the other night, I tuned into a special on "Why people are late?" afterwards I decided to go online and see what a "professional" says about people who are chronically late. Why are some people late all the time? Does the "late guy" not value your time or is he/she just an irresponsible procrastinator. Based on what the professionals say, it could be one, both, or neither! Might being late just be a filthy habit? Some professionals seem to think so and say it takes 30 days to break the habit...
Here is one article I thought was pretty good and I find that many of the "sales people types" battle their "inner brat" maybe you or a friend would benefit from both the article below as well as the monthly "Inner Brat" Newsletter.
Are you always late? By Pauline Wallin, Ph.D.
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“Fashionably late” is no longer in fashion. In today’s heavily scheduled world, it is the punctual who are respected and admired. Even though most of us know this, some people are always late, no matter how much time they have to get ready. You may be one of them. Do any of the following sound familiar?** You're always rushing at the last minute, even though you've promised yourself countless times that you wouldn't let this happen again.** You've tried setting your watch several minutes ahead, but you're still late.** You may be punctual for work (barely) but you're usually at least 20 minutes late for meetings, appointments, class, church, theater or other non-work situations.** You make excuses, such as: "There was traffic," or "Something came up," or "I was going to call you but I didn't want to be even more late."** People become impatient or angry at your tardiness. ** You believe that you are more motivated when in a time crunch, or that you move faster under pressure.If you can identify with 2 or more of the above, you have a problem with punctuality. Chronic lateness is not a psychiatric diagnosis. Nor is it a genetic condition, even though some people treat it as such. They say things like:"That's just the way I am. I don't like it, but it seems that I am incapable of being on time.""My mother was always late; I'm always late, and so are my kids." "I don't mean to be late. It just turns out that way."Chronic lateness is related to procrastination. Latecomers and procrastinators have trouble NOT with time, but with self-discipline. They may also have underlying anxiety about the task they're faced with.If you have problems with being punctual, especially for things that are a bit threatening, such as doctor's appointments, new social situations, or meeting with people you don't like, then your lateness is anxiety-based. Putting off the inevitable is how your mind tries to cope with anxiety.But if you are habitually late for routine business and for events that don't cause you much discomfort, then the problem is mainly with self-discipline and your “inner brat,” the part of you that balks at exerting itself, and at being told what to do. Here's an example of how your inner brat sabotages your efforts. Suppose that, in order to be at work by 8:00 a.m., you must leave home by 7:30. So you set the alarm for 6:30 -- no, let's make it 6:15 just to be safe. The next morning when the alarm rings at 6:15, your inner brat says to you, "Just press the snooze button. You didn't really intend to get up till 6:30 anyway." And 9 minutes later when the alarm rings again, your inner brat says, "Just one more time. It's not 6:30 yet."You might press the snooze button 2 or 3 more times. By the time you do roll out of bed you feel a little rushed, but you convince yourself that you can still make it out the door by 7:30 . . . 7:40 at the latest.Oops -- what have you just done? You have inadvertently allowed your inner brat to negotiate. The 7:30 departure time is no longer firm. Now it's moved to 7:40. Plus, you have opened the door to further delay as you get closer to 7:40.As your morning routine progresses, you find several little things that didn't seem urgent last night or the day before, but which need to be taken care of *right now*. Checking your watch (which you've set 10 minutes fast) you see that it's 7:35. "It's really only 7:25," you remind yourself. Your inner brat adds that you have at least 15 minutes, since you can still make it to work on time if you leave at 7:40, providing traffic is not too bad.Next thing you know, it's 7:55, and you go flying around looking for your shoes, your keys or that recipe you promised to Gladys at work. Now there's no way you're going to be there by 8:00. But tomorrow for sure . . .How did this happen? You can see that the problem is not lack of time -- you have enough time to get ready. The problem is what you do with the time. Your inner brat distracts you, makes excuses about the urgencies of nonessential tasks, or rationalizes that you don't have to conform to a rigid schedule. And it's not just work or other obligations that your inner brat resists. It also balks at preparing for things that you're looking forward to. Just as with work, getting ready for positive events requires focus and blocking out distractions. Since these involve effort and concentration, your inner brat wants nothing to do with them.As you can see, if you want to be successful at mastering your chronic lateness, it's not enough to merely rearrange your schedule. You must also understand how your inner brat sabotages your best efforts to be on time by distorting your priorities. Once you get to know your inner brat, you'll be on your way to breaking your lateness habit. Author's Bio
Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Beyond Words Publishing, 2001) Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.
Here is one article I thought was pretty good and I find that many of the "sales people types" battle their "inner brat" maybe you or a friend would benefit from both the article below as well as the monthly "Inner Brat" Newsletter.
Are you always late? By Pauline Wallin, Ph.D.
Email this article Printer friendly page
“Fashionably late” is no longer in fashion. In today’s heavily scheduled world, it is the punctual who are respected and admired. Even though most of us know this, some people are always late, no matter how much time they have to get ready. You may be one of them. Do any of the following sound familiar?** You're always rushing at the last minute, even though you've promised yourself countless times that you wouldn't let this happen again.** You've tried setting your watch several minutes ahead, but you're still late.** You may be punctual for work (barely) but you're usually at least 20 minutes late for meetings, appointments, class, church, theater or other non-work situations.** You make excuses, such as: "There was traffic," or "Something came up," or "I was going to call you but I didn't want to be even more late."** People become impatient or angry at your tardiness. ** You believe that you are more motivated when in a time crunch, or that you move faster under pressure.If you can identify with 2 or more of the above, you have a problem with punctuality. Chronic lateness is not a psychiatric diagnosis. Nor is it a genetic condition, even though some people treat it as such. They say things like:"That's just the way I am. I don't like it, but it seems that I am incapable of being on time.""My mother was always late; I'm always late, and so are my kids." "I don't mean to be late. It just turns out that way."Chronic lateness is related to procrastination. Latecomers and procrastinators have trouble NOT with time, but with self-discipline. They may also have underlying anxiety about the task they're faced with.If you have problems with being punctual, especially for things that are a bit threatening, such as doctor's appointments, new social situations, or meeting with people you don't like, then your lateness is anxiety-based. Putting off the inevitable is how your mind tries to cope with anxiety.But if you are habitually late for routine business and for events that don't cause you much discomfort, then the problem is mainly with self-discipline and your “inner brat,” the part of you that balks at exerting itself, and at being told what to do. Here's an example of how your inner brat sabotages your efforts. Suppose that, in order to be at work by 8:00 a.m., you must leave home by 7:30. So you set the alarm for 6:30 -- no, let's make it 6:15 just to be safe. The next morning when the alarm rings at 6:15, your inner brat says to you, "Just press the snooze button. You didn't really intend to get up till 6:30 anyway." And 9 minutes later when the alarm rings again, your inner brat says, "Just one more time. It's not 6:30 yet."You might press the snooze button 2 or 3 more times. By the time you do roll out of bed you feel a little rushed, but you convince yourself that you can still make it out the door by 7:30 . . . 7:40 at the latest.Oops -- what have you just done? You have inadvertently allowed your inner brat to negotiate. The 7:30 departure time is no longer firm. Now it's moved to 7:40. Plus, you have opened the door to further delay as you get closer to 7:40.As your morning routine progresses, you find several little things that didn't seem urgent last night or the day before, but which need to be taken care of *right now*. Checking your watch (which you've set 10 minutes fast) you see that it's 7:35. "It's really only 7:25," you remind yourself. Your inner brat adds that you have at least 15 minutes, since you can still make it to work on time if you leave at 7:40, providing traffic is not too bad.Next thing you know, it's 7:55, and you go flying around looking for your shoes, your keys or that recipe you promised to Gladys at work. Now there's no way you're going to be there by 8:00. But tomorrow for sure . . .How did this happen? You can see that the problem is not lack of time -- you have enough time to get ready. The problem is what you do with the time. Your inner brat distracts you, makes excuses about the urgencies of nonessential tasks, or rationalizes that you don't have to conform to a rigid schedule. And it's not just work or other obligations that your inner brat resists. It also balks at preparing for things that you're looking forward to. Just as with work, getting ready for positive events requires focus and blocking out distractions. Since these involve effort and concentration, your inner brat wants nothing to do with them.As you can see, if you want to be successful at mastering your chronic lateness, it's not enough to merely rearrange your schedule. You must also understand how your inner brat sabotages your best efforts to be on time by distorting your priorities. Once you get to know your inner brat, you'll be on your way to breaking your lateness habit. Author's Bio
Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Beyond Words Publishing, 2001) Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Site Launch: OTGathletics.com and OhThoseGuys.com
Site Launch: OhThoseGuys.com & OTGathletics.com
In 1997, Savage, MN based Total Promotions was created as an ASI company that supplied corporate apparel and promotional items to small, medium, and large businesses. In 2001, they purchased the domain OhThoseGuys.com. In 2005, they officially changed their name to OH Those Guys. Now, in 2008, OH Those Guys still sells the same quality corporate apparel and promotional items; but with the addition of their athletic supplies, team apparel and spirit wear division "OTG Athletics," they were in need of an online facelift.After viewing a Rochester based sporting goods website, OH Those Guys gave us a call.The new site needed to incorporate both divisions of the company. The abstract shapes and sports photography created an edgy feel for the sporting goods division, while the soft blue gradients and inviting corporate photos appealed to the needs of those looking for corporate apparel.However, OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics are not limited to just corporate and team apparel. Throughout the site you will find a variety of content ranging from team order forms, suggested links, and a blog, to a page that offers fundraising services for free to non-profits, charities and benefits.It was a pleasure working with Bill from OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics, and we look forward to our continued relationship as we further increase their visibility online with our search engine optimization services.
In 1997, Savage, MN based Total Promotions was created as an ASI company that supplied corporate apparel and promotional items to small, medium, and large businesses. In 2001, they purchased the domain OhThoseGuys.com. In 2005, they officially changed their name to OH Those Guys. Now, in 2008, OH Those Guys still sells the same quality corporate apparel and promotional items; but with the addition of their athletic supplies, team apparel and spirit wear division "OTG Athletics," they were in need of an online facelift.After viewing a Rochester based sporting goods website, OH Those Guys gave us a call.The new site needed to incorporate both divisions of the company. The abstract shapes and sports photography created an edgy feel for the sporting goods division, while the soft blue gradients and inviting corporate photos appealed to the needs of those looking for corporate apparel.However, OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics are not limited to just corporate and team apparel. Throughout the site you will find a variety of content ranging from team order forms, suggested links, and a blog, to a page that offers fundraising services for free to non-profits, charities and benefits.It was a pleasure working with Bill from OH Those Guys and OTG Athletics, and we look forward to our continued relationship as we further increase their visibility online with our search engine optimization services.
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