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July 20th is Special Olympics Day
Posted on July 20th, 2010 No commentsVolunteer at the Special Olympics in your home town. As a firm believer in volunteering, I practice Cause Related Marketing more than any other marketing because I know that when a group of like minded people get together for a common cause, great things happen in life and in business. And it feels good.Also on this date:In 1969 The Apollo 11 astronauts made history when the first man is landed on the moon by the United States and Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the Moon leaving the first human footprints in its dusty soil.In 2001 The leaders of world’s seven richest nations begin the G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy with a focus on reducing global poverty in third world countries. -
July 14th is Bastille Day
Posted on July 14th, 2010 No comments
In 1789 the French Revolution begins with the fall of Bastille resulting in Bastille Day, the French national holiday, celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is called Fête Nationale (“National Celebration”) the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. (Source Wikipedia).In honor of Bastille Day I thought it would be fun to showcase an event the *American Cancer Society hosts ever year called Jail & Bail. Jail & Bail is an annual fundraising event that brings together community leaders and ordinary citizens for a common cause… to help fight Cancer!For many years I was an active participant in Jail & Bail, serving as a Parole Board Member AND a Jailbird! This year, the American Cancer Society’s annual Jail and Bail event, held recently at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel in Dania Beach, raised more than $150,000. Here’s how it works: The fundraiser has community members “arrested” by local law enforcement officers and brought to the mock jail.
While in custody, these “jailbirds” have unlimited use of a telephone to call friends, relatives, co-workers, business associates, etc…, to raise the bail in pledges to the American Cancer Society. The bail is determined by a “judge” at the “jail”. And, all donations are fully tax deductible contributions to the American Cancer Society. What does Jail & Bail have to do with Marketing? It’s called Cause-related marketing. Whenever businesses support a cause that has potential to reach a lot of people in the community, it helps them not only create goodwill in the community, it often will gain incredible media attention. And that’s the kind of attention most businesses want. Because we don’t have to pay for it and we can feel good about giving back.One of my good friends David Singer (an attorney in Hollywood, Florida) has been the local Jail & Bail chairperson for years. And he and his law firm have received prestigious placement in all the major media outlets in the tri-county area including print, radio AND TV. He works tirelessly to recruit Parole Board members who in turn find people to “arrest.” And it’s a fun event. So next time you are trying to decide what community event to support, look at your calendar and see what’s going on and find a local charity to align yourself with. And then let me know what you did. Maybe your story will end up in the next edition of Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-traditional Holidays.*The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem—by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer— through research, education, advocacy and service.Also on this date in historyIn 1850 the first public demonstration of ice made by refrigerationIn 1853 the first U.S. World’s fair opens (Crystal Palace NY)In 1864 Gold is discovered in Helena, MontanaIn 1891 John T. Smith patents corkboardIn 1951 the first color telecast of a sporting event (CBS-horse race) -
Today is Soap Opera Day
Posted on June 25th, 2010 No commentsSoap Operas got their start in Radio as did the advertisers who promoted their products to the housewife and stay-at-home moms of the day. The term ”soap opera” was coined by the American press in the 1930s partly because of the strong support of companies promoting household cleaning products and the fact that the actors “dramatized” their lives on the screen through dialog.In fact, Soap Operas, or daytime dramas as they are now called, have experienced immense popularity over the past fifty years and has even moved to prime time television with the likes of Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters (in the US) as well as other countries around the globe via chronologically serialized programs.Of course, Soap Operas are not just for housewives anymore. The daytime drama audience now includes professionals of both sexes who unwind after a hard day at the office by watching their prerecorded soaps when they get home. And College Students watch “Soaps” in their dorm rooms with their roomies and friends.You can learn more about the history of Soap Operas by watching this brief informative video:Learn About the History of Soap Operas
From the 1950s to present day as the world turns you are taken to far away lands, or someplace in your neighborhood, where the dishes never need to be washed, and all my children never cry. It’s the ultimate escape from reality that appeals to the viewing audience.Soap Operas rely on advertisers and advertisers rely on the success of the the show to sell more products. It is the perfect blend of “art” and “commerce.” Companies appealing to the daytime drama audience “Own the Show.”
Where could you hang your “advertising hat” and “own the show?”
Also on this date:
In 1630 the Fork was introduced to American diningIn 1638 the Lunar eclipse is the first astronomical event recorded in US
In 1867 the barbed wire was patented by Lucien B Smith of Ohio
In 1947 the Tennis shoe was first introduced
While you are thinking about ways to promote your business, check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year for More great marketing ideas.
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June 24th is Hand Shake Day
Posted on June 24th, 2010 No comments
It’s a great time to get out and shake some hands – make sure you collect the business cards of those whose hands you shake and send them a note the very next day.Remember to follow up. A good follow up system could include the following:1. A phone call to say it was nice to meet you2. A shout out on a social networking site3. A card or postcard in the mail4. A hand-written note5. Sending a small gift6. Stopping by and leaving a card and a cookie or donuts or new magazine or book (or a tschotcke from your business)7. An email message to include nice meeting the person with an invitation to something such as another networking event and/or a FREE resource the person might find of value.Make a game of it. See how many hands you can shake in a day… then the next day try to beat that number. Do this weekly and add up the number of hands you shake. At the end of the month, tally up the score. Start over next month and see if you can beat that score. Share your score with your circle. Invite them to “play.” Have an accountability partner. Someone you can share your goals with. Do your best to meet those goals. Its even okay to exceed them. Or not. Make it a contest. Give away a prize… Or win a prize.
Today is:Celebration of the SensesInternational Fairy DayAlso on this day:In 1817 the first coffee planted in Hawaii on Kona coastIn 1901 the first exhibition by Pablo Picasso, 19, opened in ParisIn 1949 “Hopalong Cassidy” becomes the first TV western (NBC)1974 The UPC label is used for the first time to ring up purchases at a supermarketWhile you are thinking about ways to promote your business, check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year for More great marketing ideas.
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Today is Arbor Day!
Posted on April 30th, 2010 No comments
Arbor Day is generally celebrated on the last Friday in April however the date can change to allow for local climate changes. The very first Arbor Day was established on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. Nebraska, being a barren plain at the time was in dire need of trees so local pioneers decided to plant them for firewood, shades and to keep the wind at bay. Towns that planted the most trees on that day were offered prizes and recognition and it is estimated that lead to more than one million trees being planted. Since then, Arbor Day has been adopted around the country and the world with many communities taking part in Arbor Day celebrations, events and of course tree planting.Want to get involved in Arbor Day in your community? Why not plant a Tree or several. Get your staff or a group of volunteers together and sponsor a tree planting in a community park. Be sure to send a press release announcing the event and a post press release with photos. Go before the city council or commission and see if they will do a proclamation for the dedication. Ask Public servants to join in the festivities and end with a ribbon cutting ceremony. If you have other “celebrities” in your community, get their involvement too. Get your local high school/colleges to be involved. Even invite grade school children and their parents to help plant small shrubs, bushes and even seedlings.
Join Arbor Day.org and get 10 FREE trees with your membership.
Buy Give-A-Tree™ Cards. Every card plants a tree. Bright and beautiful Give-A-Tree Cards from the Arbor Day Foundation help bring America’s National Forests back to life by planting a tree in honor of the recipient.
Sponsor an Arbor Day Essay or Poster Contest in local schools and award your product and service or monetary prizes to the “winners.” Get the local library to display the posters.
Read the history of Arbor Day http://www.arbor-day.net/
Check out these Arbor Day Crafts http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/arborday/
Play the Arbor Day trivia game http://www.arborday.org/kids/treetrivia/
More Arbor Day trivia can be found at http://www.idahoforests.org/img/pdf/trivia.pdf
TreeHugger.com has more interesting reading about Ecology and saving the planet at http://www.treehugger.com/Today is also:
Hairstylist Appreciation Day
National Hairball Awareness Day
National Honesty Day
Also on this date:
In 1772 John Clais patents the first scale
In 1789 George Washington is inaugurated as the first US president
In 1885 the Boston Pops Orchestra forms
In 1904 the Ice cream cone makes its debut
In 1952 Mr Potato Head becomes the toy advertised on television -
Today February 9th is the Disney Institute’s Birthday
Posted on February 9th, 2010 3 comments
On February 9th, 1986 The Disney Institute began its professional development programs showcasing: the ‘business behind the magic’ through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare, aerospace/aviation, government/military, food/beverage and retail. (source: Wikipedia)Over the past 24 years, thousands of companies and individuals have gone through their extensive and enlightening training program.
With have 32,000 employees of varies backgrounds,Miami International Airport needed to create a long-term strategy to work together cohesively with vendors, county employees, and federal employees. According to MIA’s director José Abreau, “That’s one of the reasons why we turned to Disney … I think that going to the best gives you the best results.”
The Disney Institute is just one of the many ways the Disney company has furthered the vision of its founder, Walt Disney, one of the greatest business icons of the 20th century.
Here’s just one of Walt Disney’s 8 secrets to success:
1. Provide a promise, not a product: The legend goes that Walt Disney was sitting on a bench watching his daughters ride a carousel when he came up with the concept for Disney World. He noticed amusement parks and state fairs were always littered and poorly organized, and the employees were generally rude and resentful.
His wife once asked, “Why do you want to build an amusement park? They’re so dirty.” To which Walt replied, “That’s the point. Mine won’t be.” From day one, Disney has focused on “the experience” as a key component to increasing the value of its parks.
You can read the other 7 Secrets here: http://www.businessbrief.com/walt-disneys-8-secrets-to-success/
What training does your company participate in to be the BEST in business?
Do you provide training in house? Do you provide training to your clients and customers? Do you participate in training outside your own work environment?
Constant learning is what keeps Quirky Companies sharp, savvy and ahead of the competition…
More great marketing ideas can be found in the Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year!
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