Spring Forward in Public.
A germ of an idea was circulated throughout the DC design community and now it is hitting the wall. Through the tireless efforts of the Art Director's Club of Metropolitan Washington, creative professionals are having a juried show of their Finer Arts. And yes, it includes a few pieces by me, Jerole Nelson.
You are invited to attend the Show Opening and Artist Reception.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
7:30 - 11:00 pm
Artery 717
717 North St. Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
directions
The space is a massive 9,000 sf art gallery and event venue, a place where creatives gather to stimulate, agitate, articulate and generate.
Check www.artery717.com for more details, the show runs through April 17.
I admit it - I use online coupons.
Why? Choice, convienence, I like seeing the delivery men. Never mind that. I'm not the only one. Smart retailers understand the enticing click of a coupon code. USA Today>
GM hits it out of the Park - General Mills that is.
Trix are for Kids and I'm Cuckoo for Coco Puffs. At least I was. Read Barbara Lippert's comments on "everything old is new again." Adweek>
Time is a gift.
So business was slower and what have you done? If you are in the comfort food business, we hear you are okay, actually more than okay. For others, the idea of "let's just get through, lets just survive" seems to me like breathing with a snorkle. Tricky and limiting.
The THRIVE message is coming.
When you are very busy you tend to forget the store, things are put off, internal ways and means that require updating are pushed aside, networking drops and lack of foresight leaves money on the table.
Well hey, now you have time, use it. Take stock, make plans, freshen your look, be honest about your personal and professional goals. Maybe you need to streamline a process, find new networking gigs, recycle equipment and seriously look at ROI in conjunction with cashflow. "I can't afford to spend $100 to make $500" sounds silly, but that's what happens. Ask for feedback and use the critique to improve. People generally won't complain to you, just others. So find out if a downturn was all about you. If it wasn't, then great — stay in touch, cast a wider net, and consider new offerings that stay true to your business vision. Soon, old customers will return and new ones will inspire you.
Are there any Social Media experts?
In a word, no.
Are really good ideas, approaches, and lessons being shared by those who can type on a keyboard the size of two postage stamps while walking and chewing gum without running into a wall — people who engage in networking via the latest and greatest technology we have to offer?
Yes.
Circulating on the great www, is a graphic below called "The Conversation" that colorfully fans out the Social Media sphere. It’s beauty is that it allows us to know what we don’t know. Even as I type it is in flux.
click to enlarge
So, as a business owner should you hop online and start writing?
Probably, but read this first.
Here are 10 things (out of way more than 10) to consider.
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The marvelous thing about Social Media tools is that they allow you to connect on a human level, be more personal, open up and toss off the stogy cloak of corporate culture. MORE>
