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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
