Thanksgiving. For many, "Turkey Day" is a fun day of celebration, for others it's a dreaded affair. Some of you will see friends and family on the holiday, and wish it could happen more often than once a year. And some of you will consider it torture to have to see some of your family members and ask "has it ALREADY been a year since the last time I saw them?"
But no matter what your personal feelings towards Thanksgiving are, it's important to remember the spirit of the holiday. This is the official "appreciation" holiday. The day of the year where we concentrate on our blessings. The day of the year that we commemorate the people that came to America in search of religious and political freedom. The day of the year where we officially join together in one voice to Thank God for our freedom.
Ahhhh, and you thought it was just about turkey, football, and a day off of work!
So in the spirit of the holiday, remember to show your gratitude to the loved ones in your life. Reach out and give them the appreciation they deserve. Go out of your way to let them know THEY MATTER.
If you make a conscious effort to bring a bit of the Thanksgiving attitude into your daily life, you'll see both your professional and personal relationships improve. Who wouldn't want that?!
Jacki Semerau © Copyright 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Post-Election: Now what?
Today dawns on a nation that has elected our new president, senators, and congressmen. We have chosen local officials, and we have made our voices heard on important issues and propositions.
For the past few months (or longer) we have been all-consumed with the election. Our lives have all but stood still as we were bombarded with television news shows, commentaries, and debates. We've stood up and cheered when our chosen candidate took a step forward, and we've gotten our stomachs in knots when our opposing candidate did the same.
We've witnessed history in the making.
But I'd like to remind everyone, whether you are Democrat, Republican, or otherwise, that it is now over! No matter if your side won or not. It's time to move on with our daily lives.
This happens every four years. We stop and hold our collective breath while approximately half of Americans are convinced our nation is headed toward certain doom, and the other approximate half is equally convinced that our nation has finally had all its prayers answered. And in the end, whether or not you agree with whoever is in power, our country marches on.
And that is exactly what I would like to encourage you to remember now that the elections are over and America has spoken. That its time to move forward, be it in victory or defeat politically. Not one of us can afford to remain in the holding pattern we've maintained while we've obsessed over the elections. It's time for our nation to breathe again, one individual at a time!
There has been alot of things that have fallen apart around us lately. And I'll not get into a debate about whether or not our politicians have caused the messes around us, nor will I debate whether or not our politicians can rectify our situation.
Because neither debate will move us forward in progress. No matter what you believe, no matter who you support, and no matter what happens on a national, or even global, level...progress happens one individual at a time.
So now it is time to let the Obama supporters enjoy the victory. And it is time to let the McCain supporters mourn. And it's time for all to put it behind us and move forward.
Let's get back to the business at hand. How will our economy heal? One purchase at a time. One job at a time. One business deal at a time. One referral at a time. At least, that's what WE as individuals have control over. As for the rest, we can't control it, so why worry? If we remain reactive instead of proactive, we will insure a nation that will not heal. We cannot simply sit back and wait for policy to be implemented that will save us.
No matter who won the election, this fact is absolute truth: The candidate would not save the nation over night, nor would the candidate single-handedly cause the destruction of civilization as we know it!
No matter your religion, I think we can all agree that Jesus spoke absolute wisdom when he said "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
So don't worry about tomorrow and what it will bring if you're Republican. And don't rest in thinking that your troubles are over if you're Democrat. Be proactive. Get busy with living. Do business and support your friends and family with your consumer dollars whenever possible. Spend time with your loved ones and remember that our time on earth is short. When you lie on your deathbed, you'll not be thinking about who's in the White House. No, you'll be thinking of the loved ones in your life. So do what you can NOW to show them appreciation and spend what little time you have with them.
Here's to a bright and hopeful future, no matter what your political views may be!
For the past few months (or longer) we have been all-consumed with the election. Our lives have all but stood still as we were bombarded with television news shows, commentaries, and debates. We've stood up and cheered when our chosen candidate took a step forward, and we've gotten our stomachs in knots when our opposing candidate did the same.
We've witnessed history in the making.
But I'd like to remind everyone, whether you are Democrat, Republican, or otherwise, that it is now over! No matter if your side won or not. It's time to move on with our daily lives.
This happens every four years. We stop and hold our collective breath while approximately half of Americans are convinced our nation is headed toward certain doom, and the other approximate half is equally convinced that our nation has finally had all its prayers answered. And in the end, whether or not you agree with whoever is in power, our country marches on.
And that is exactly what I would like to encourage you to remember now that the elections are over and America has spoken. That its time to move forward, be it in victory or defeat politically. Not one of us can afford to remain in the holding pattern we've maintained while we've obsessed over the elections. It's time for our nation to breathe again, one individual at a time!
There has been alot of things that have fallen apart around us lately. And I'll not get into a debate about whether or not our politicians have caused the messes around us, nor will I debate whether or not our politicians can rectify our situation.
Because neither debate will move us forward in progress. No matter what you believe, no matter who you support, and no matter what happens on a national, or even global, level...progress happens one individual at a time.
So now it is time to let the Obama supporters enjoy the victory. And it is time to let the McCain supporters mourn. And it's time for all to put it behind us and move forward.
Let's get back to the business at hand. How will our economy heal? One purchase at a time. One job at a time. One business deal at a time. One referral at a time. At least, that's what WE as individuals have control over. As for the rest, we can't control it, so why worry? If we remain reactive instead of proactive, we will insure a nation that will not heal. We cannot simply sit back and wait for policy to be implemented that will save us.
No matter who won the election, this fact is absolute truth: The candidate would not save the nation over night, nor would the candidate single-handedly cause the destruction of civilization as we know it!
No matter your religion, I think we can all agree that Jesus spoke absolute wisdom when he said "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
So don't worry about tomorrow and what it will bring if you're Republican. And don't rest in thinking that your troubles are over if you're Democrat. Be proactive. Get busy with living. Do business and support your friends and family with your consumer dollars whenever possible. Spend time with your loved ones and remember that our time on earth is short. When you lie on your deathbed, you'll not be thinking about who's in the White House. No, you'll be thinking of the loved ones in your life. So do what you can NOW to show them appreciation and spend what little time you have with them.
Here's to a bright and hopeful future, no matter what your political views may be!
Jacki Semerau © Copyright 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Are you reaching your intended Target Market? Marketing Lesson via Text Message
The other day, I was with a business colleague and friend, Jeff Wallen. We were waiting to meet someone for a lunch meeting when he received a text message on his iPhone. (And we all know how brilliant I think the iPhone marketing is! but I digress...) Anyway, the text said "It was good to see you the other night Beautiful." Hmmm. Jeff, being a tremendous networker, wasn't sure who it could be. He didn't recognize the number, not to mention that he's a married man and who would be texting him calling him "beautiful?"
So we decide to have a little fun and send a text message back that would be cryptic enough not to give away that he had no idea who it was. The reply that came back from the original sender made it very clear that this was coming from a man who was trying to hit on a girl he met over the weekend. So then we decide to have a little fun and play along for a few minutes. We finally revealed the truth to this poor man who was texting the wrong number.
But the whole thing really reminded me of so many marketing efforts out there. I see it all the time: people with well-intentioned marketing, but they are missing their target market all together.
Don't let your marketing become like this poor guy's text messages: Great Message, Wrong Audience. Make sure you are sending your great marketing message to the people who will actually benefit from it!
If you're not sure who your message is hitting, or if you are unclear as to who your target market even is, then let's talk. But in the meantime, don't face the same embarrassment and wasted time that this poor guy with the wrong number did!
Until Next Time,
Jacki
Friday, October 3, 2008
Why a Certain Headline About the Debates is Ironic
"Both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden made claims that distorted the truth."
This is how the news teaser read when I opened my web browser and my Yahoo home page popped up. I couldn't help but to laugh!
Are You kidding me???? THIS is what is deemed to be National News? That's IT. I couldn't sit silent anymore. It's time for America to Shut Up and Get Real.
What do I mean by this? Well, it's easy. Take a look at the people around you every day. While you're at it, take a long hard look at yourself. Now ask, why is it that we are expecting these national leaders to be something we're not?
Gee, I don't really think it's NEWS that politicians stretch the truth. But then again, maybe it's time we stop thinking of these people as demi-gods. After all, if you are honest with yourself, I bet it's been less than an hour since the last time YOU stretched the truth.
And in a day in age when "The Secret" is practically everywhere you turn, Lying has become the accepted norm these days. (Case in Point: Someone was trying to book an event with me. I asked that person how many events they had booked currently. "I have several events that will be booking any day now." Hmmm. I recognized that as Secret-Speak for "I Got Nothin.")
But I digress.
Now, I could care less who you vote for. I have my views and I know which side I'll be voting for. However, the beauty of America is that I have that freedom. It's not my job as an American to get the entire rest of the population to agree with my political viewpoint. (although I notice that most Americans think that this is INDEED their whole purpose in life.)
So it's not the politics that has me ranting this morning. It's the hypocrisy. Americans think our country is going to hell in a hand basket, and maybe it is. But not because of Obama vs McCain. We got ourselves into our own mess, and it's time to clean it up. So politically, we are getting ourselves all hyped up over NOTHING.
Get over it. The fact is, be it democrat or republican that takes on the White House, we will survive! Neither side is all that great, and neither side will personally cause the destruction of civilization. So quit complaining about what you see happening with a few politicians running for office, and start focusing on fixing your own shortcomings. We all have them.
That's my plan, anyway.
This is how the news teaser read when I opened my web browser and my Yahoo home page popped up. I couldn't help but to laugh!
Are You kidding me???? THIS is what is deemed to be National News? That's IT. I couldn't sit silent anymore. It's time for America to Shut Up and Get Real.
What do I mean by this? Well, it's easy. Take a look at the people around you every day. While you're at it, take a long hard look at yourself. Now ask, why is it that we are expecting these national leaders to be something we're not?
Gee, I don't really think it's NEWS that politicians stretch the truth. But then again, maybe it's time we stop thinking of these people as demi-gods. After all, if you are honest with yourself, I bet it's been less than an hour since the last time YOU stretched the truth.
And in a day in age when "The Secret" is practically everywhere you turn, Lying has become the accepted norm these days. (Case in Point: Someone was trying to book an event with me. I asked that person how many events they had booked currently. "I have several events that will be booking any day now." Hmmm. I recognized that as Secret-Speak for "I Got Nothin.")
But I digress.
Now, I could care less who you vote for. I have my views and I know which side I'll be voting for. However, the beauty of America is that I have that freedom. It's not my job as an American to get the entire rest of the population to agree with my political viewpoint. (although I notice that most Americans think that this is INDEED their whole purpose in life.)
So it's not the politics that has me ranting this morning. It's the hypocrisy. Americans think our country is going to hell in a hand basket, and maybe it is. But not because of Obama vs McCain. We got ourselves into our own mess, and it's time to clean it up. So politically, we are getting ourselves all hyped up over NOTHING.
Get over it. The fact is, be it democrat or republican that takes on the White House, we will survive! Neither side is all that great, and neither side will personally cause the destruction of civilization. So quit complaining about what you see happening with a few politicians running for office, and start focusing on fixing your own shortcomings. We all have them.
That's my plan, anyway.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How this Ninja Cat is like a good marketing campaign
If you haven't seen this viral video yet, check it out.
That cracks me up! AND it reminds me of a great marketing campaign. How so? Because a great marketing campaign has a lot that goes into the build up before it's actually in your face. And if done right, all the steps that took place to make it successful happen without you even noticing them.
Contact me if you're interested in hiring a Marketing Ninja to coordinate your next marketing campaign.
That cracks me up! AND it reminds me of a great marketing campaign. How so? Because a great marketing campaign has a lot that goes into the build up before it's actually in your face. And if done right, all the steps that took place to make it successful happen without you even noticing them.
Contact me if you're interested in hiring a Marketing Ninja to coordinate your next marketing campaign.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Do Marketing Dollars Spent Indicate Your Company's Survival? You Be the Judge
In reading about the direct effect that Wall Street's debacle might have on the advertising industry, I found an interesting statistic:
According to AdvertisingAge:
"...Merrill and Lehman are tiny players in the world of media spending. Lehman's spending was trimmed in recent years, falling to $1.2 million in 2007 and accounting for only $501,900 in the first half of 2008, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Merrill, likewise, is not a huge spender: $37.1 million in 2007 compared with $38.2 million in 2006."
Now, I get it...there's alot more here than the failure to make their marketing budget a priority. But if you want to read about the subprime loan crisis or the state of the financial industry, all you need to do is pick up any news publication printed over the past 2 years to find it. I'll not be beating that dead horse here.
However, I find it interesting that, in times of crisis, these large firms significantly cut back their marketing budgets. Have these companies budgeted themselves right out of business?
The article later goes on to discuss that Bank Of America, already a huge spender in the advertising arena, is now in a position to INCREASE their marketing dollar thanks to its absorption of Merrill Lynch.
"Bank of America's media spending increased to $406.2 million in 2007 from about $237.3 million in 2006, according to TNS Media Intelligence."
So many business owners think that Marketing is the first budget that needs a trimming when times get lean. Is it any wonder that when they cut Marketing, they begin a downward spiral that often times leads their business towards failure? Meanwhile, companies that thrive are the ones that people know about. The ones that give the appearance of success. How do companies achieve such recognition? It's all about the Marketing.
But maybe, being the owner of a marketing company, I'm biased. So you tell me...do you see any correlation between success and effective marketing?
Until Next Time,
Jacki
According to AdvertisingAge:
"...Merrill and Lehman are tiny players in the world of media spending. Lehman's spending was trimmed in recent years, falling to $1.2 million in 2007 and accounting for only $501,900 in the first half of 2008, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Merrill, likewise, is not a huge spender: $37.1 million in 2007 compared with $38.2 million in 2006."
Now, I get it...there's alot more here than the failure to make their marketing budget a priority. But if you want to read about the subprime loan crisis or the state of the financial industry, all you need to do is pick up any news publication printed over the past 2 years to find it. I'll not be beating that dead horse here.
However, I find it interesting that, in times of crisis, these large firms significantly cut back their marketing budgets. Have these companies budgeted themselves right out of business?
The article later goes on to discuss that Bank Of America, already a huge spender in the advertising arena, is now in a position to INCREASE their marketing dollar thanks to its absorption of Merrill Lynch.
"Bank of America's media spending increased to $406.2 million in 2007 from about $237.3 million in 2006, according to TNS Media Intelligence."
So many business owners think that Marketing is the first budget that needs a trimming when times get lean. Is it any wonder that when they cut Marketing, they begin a downward spiral that often times leads their business towards failure? Meanwhile, companies that thrive are the ones that people know about. The ones that give the appearance of success. How do companies achieve such recognition? It's all about the Marketing.But maybe, being the owner of a marketing company, I'm biased. So you tell me...do you see any correlation between success and effective marketing?
Until Next Time,
Jacki
Sunday, September 14, 2008
There's Power in Personalization: Article by Eileen Harris
Here's the last of the winning articles from the "I Can Relate: Business Relationship Tips" newsletter contest. This entry was received from Eileen Harris, a Realtor with Zip Realty. Eileen is a Real Estate Agent in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other areas within the Valley of the Sun.
In her article, she hits on the importance of personalization in building her client relationships, and just how much it effects her bottom line. I hope you enjoy the article!
Jacki
************************************************************************************
"There's Power in Personalization"
by Eileen Harris
As a Realtor, each month, I send out my company newsletter by email to all of the clients in my database. It is a well-written, informative newsletter that I enjoy reading each month and I'm sure my clients enjoy it as well.
Last month, I sent out 750 newsletters by email. My response: 4 clients telling me how nice the newsletter was and thanking me for sending it.
At the same time, I sent out 10 cards from my Send Out Cards account. Response: 1 client wanting to buy a $500,000 home!
Do the math: 4 responses to 750 emails = less than .01%
1 response to 10 personal cards = 10% (+ the potential for a big commission!)
Sending cards is a no brainer; just a couple of minutes and a few clicks can reap big benefits, personally and professionally. There is power in personalization. Send a card NOW and tell a few friends.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Visitor's Day at Entrepreneurs Networking for Change
It's Visitor's Day at Entrepreneurs Networking for Change!
We are an exclusive networking group that meets on a weekly basis to grow our businesses by referral, while also focusing on charitable fundraisers for our designated charities.
Visitor's Day
September 10th, 2008
11:30am - 1:00pm
Black Angus Restaurant
22nd St/Camelback
(located in the Town & Country Center)
Please RSVP to Jacki Semerau at
602-904-3454 or CardEveryone@gmail.com
Check below to see if YOUR business category is still available.
If you don't see your business, please contact me for more information!!
Please forward this on to anyone you know that matches the available categories
if you think they would like to grow their business by referral
Business Categories Still Available
CPA * Dentist * Employment Agency * Travel Agent * DJ * Appraiser
Photographer * Landscaper * Home Inspector * Home Improvement
Hairstylist * Plumber * Electrician * Life Coach * Cleaning Service
Jewelry/handbag/accessories Representative * Commercial Realtor * Painter
Promotional Products * Interior Designer * Automotive Sales
Fitness Trainer * Bookkeeper * Sign Company * Moving Company
Pest Control * Attorney * Home Warranty * Flooring * Aesthetician
Current Members
Paul Hershenberg - Financial Planner
Muki Ramsey - Acupuncturist
Jacki Semerau - SendOutCards
D. Patrick Lewis - Residential Realtor
Tami Horne - PrePaid Legal
Carl Ulbrich - Printer
Mark Barenbaum - Health/Life Insurance
Irene Courtney - P&C Insurance
Maria Van Olphen - Nutritional Products
Aaron Alvarez - Lender
Dave Martin - Auto Repair
Mike Van Zant - Computers
Dr. Steve Ely - Chiropractor
JoAnn Calvin - Cosmetics
Patrick Ray - Web Design
Mike Hengy - Payroll Services
Bob Beben - Supplemental Insurance
Eric Nutt - Banker
Lorraine Cain - Title and Escrow
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