2012 -Year in Review - Buying in the Neighborhood, Edition 25

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and Season!!! I’ve contemplated several times the appropriate words to write and to share about the last seven months of this year and it seems that for me the words that ring the strongest and the truest have got to be around relationships, loyalty and support. You may have wondered why there hasn’t been much shared through this blog lately, well, I would need to be honest in stating that because of the efforts invested in not only what I have been doing but in what others have been doing, the last seven months have been filled with development of contacts across the globe in all the areas I love of local business, international business, film, fashion, arts, music and entertainment. It has been quite the ride and I’ve been blessed fully with an enormous amount of activities, events, new friends, new business relationships, and so much more.

 

Before this year ends I just had to share how following your dreams and passions can not only affect yourself but also all the others you have interactions with. I will have to share in an outline listing form many of the interactions I’ve had this last year and I’m starting with June since May was the last time I shared.

June – Vanity on Mill, Musical Instrument Museum, LaVerne Castillo

July – iPic Theatre, Sunchain Tanning, The Mint, AZ Culture, MYLIFE

August – Hotel Valley Ho, Rula Bula, Karla Lambert – Studio Charme, Style Image Studios

September – Montelucia Resort, Barnes & Noble, Clarendon Hotel, Jobot Coffee Shop

October – Talking Stick Resort, Phoenix Fashion Week, Scottsdale Polo Club, FilmBar

November – FilmStock Film Festival, Cien Agaves, The Grapevine, Hard Rock Café,

December – Phoenix Center for the Arts, Marley’s Restaurant & Bar, AMC Westgate 20

I call out local organizations I have interacted with and obtained or enjoyed services from as these interactions are what make the world go round.  Being conscious about where you spend your dollar or your time is critical to making an impact.  Often individuals operate on a low level of awareness and don’t realize how choices they make can significantly impact an individual, business, or organization.  Every day I work to develop that level of awareness about where I spend my hard earned money and how I can help the local economy as well as help the partners across the globe that I do business with.

Many choices are made by referrals and knowing the individuals I choose to do business with.   If you can take a moment to consider how you can make a difference for someone or a business based on you spending money locally, definitely take that time to do so.  There are only a few days left in 2012, so end your year taking a step to help the economy or begin your 2013 with a bang and start it off with a greater awareness about how you can help others and see what a difference that can make in your own life.  Best wishes for a phenomenal new year!!!!

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered..... 

Buying in the Neigborhood - Edition Twenty-four (24)

Memorial weekend 2012....I can't express enough the fabulous type of year this has been so far.  This weekend however is about memories of those that have served our country and respect for the service they have given, the lives that have been sacrificed and the loyalty and admiration we should have for the service men and women of our country.  I often encourage living in the moment, however today is about remembering.  I think if you can understand the nature of service for others and to others, then you can truly appreciate Memorial Day.

I have to admit that, I am thankful for the set aside holidays to remind us of certain celebrations and these days that guide us to think about specific topics.  Sometimes it is often too easy to get caught up in day to day living, working, operating.  Taking this time to reflect on my dad's service as well as my brother's has made me appreciate knowing what they have done and gone through.  I also remember all my relatives (e.g. uncles and cousins) and the friends I have that have been in the service.  It takes special people to sacrifice in this way.  They are not often recognized or appreciated as much as they should be.  No matter what you think, they have to be considered what I would call everyday heroes and this is not a term that should be used loosely or lightly in their recognition.  There is really not enough that can be done to show completely the appreciation for their service.  I hope that everyone does take the time to speak out and recognize those you know or have known.  It's the smallest of gestures that can make the largest of differences in one's life.

In thinking about this weekend, the others things that come to mind are the transformation, collaboration, motivations, and inspirations which have been in the air and especially now that we are starting to experience those as part of a movement in so many areas.  I've talked about strategies before and planning, and through the experiences, these still prove to be the most impactful actions one can focus on related to personal, business, and life in general.  Creating a strategy and planning are things that most people look at doing maybe once a year or at most every few years when dealing with business, however, the truth is that this should be a continuous review and refinement process.  Goals are essential and the strategy and planning are supported by them and give a working guide to accomplishing or working through to meet the targets set.

Why is this relevant..., because in order to continuously grow your business and maintain, you have to have targets established and a vision to represent how you are making progress so that if one part of business slows down you can review and compare and adjust to keep business moving forward.  I want to highlight these points as even though this year seems to have an incredible energy, driving forces, and endless opportunities, it is still evident that businesses and individuals are struggling and there are still many challenges out there that people are facing.  I want to take this time to recommend services that are designed to help you progress, obtain ideas, find ways to restart and develop your business, overcome challenges and more.

1. Living The Dream Coaches, Joseph and Laurie Battaglia 
2. Business Leadership Services, Mike Becko 
3. Carte Blanche Consulting & Training, Inc. - Ramona Benjamin
4. Driven Coaching, Kevin Bohm
5. Integral Perspectives, Margot Borden

These are just a few of the businesses that can help to focus on those areas that many businesses are challenged with today.  I've mentioned before, that asking for help and assistance is critical in sometimes making a change, seeing things from a different perspective, and seeing other possibilities.  I firmly believe that through reaching out and asking, you will receive something valuable and you will have the opportunity to really see the difference.  It's easy to carry the burden of challenges and they can be overwhelming.  Having the right support can make all the difference.  This doesn't mean you pass the problem, but you engage with the challenge differently and with support you can be encouraged and directed in such a way instrumental changes can be made and progress can begin again.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

 

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Twenty-three (23)

     What an amazing 2012 it has been, first quarter is over, spring has sprung and the work has just begun.  During this last couple of months, I've had the opportunity to uncover an even longer list of strategically designed organizations that are all about making a difference.  I am almost speechless in that it's hard to describe all the goodness that has been contained in the year so far and it has been evident in all the activities going on.  There is so much collaboration, inventiveness, and support in so many areas.  As some know, I've tagged this year at being limitless and so far that has been the case.  There are an extensive amount of individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated their good intent to help others and support beyond what they do.  People are working outside of the box and creating a new dynamics as well as a new way of doing business.  This is not something just happening in a few areas but this is happening across industries. 

     There are organizations making differences in helping the homeless, working with those experiencing extreme emotional distress, protecting the kids, giving unemployed a chance to begin again, businesses trading and creating those economic lifecycles that I have talked about in other articles.  Seeing beyond the barriers is what many are doing and overcoming obstacles everyday.  The story here is that in society, we must not only show up, but we must step up in order to make a change and a difference for others.  I have to say that we as a community are more now in need of this than in any other time.  I will be calling out those organizations I have come in contact with that are putting their best foot forward and truly walking the walk in getting involved and actually reaching people in need.

Community Based Organizations

• MY LIFE - Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment
• Family Involvement Center
• North Phoenix Counseling, Cesar Gamez
• EMPACT - Suicide Prevention Center
• Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Psychological Counseling Services
• Save the Family Foundation of Arizona
• The Faithful City
• City in the Desert Metro Church

Business Organizations

• Instant Barter
• Show Some Love Celebration Expo 2012

     What these organizations do is that they are going to meet the people and businesses where they are.  They are not asking for others to be special, unique or stand out.  They don't expect you to be the best of the best...what they do expect is for you to communicate you have needs and they have the willingness to provide support to help you find what you are in need or support of and point you in the right direction.  We are all at different places in our journey and our walks vary based on our past experiences and our present influences.  Everyday, there is a lesson to be learned in that you will find someone out there that is less fortunate than you are and your choice everyday is for you to decide, do I ignore the need that exists or do I choose to make a difference today. 
    

     It is tough prioritizing family, work life, school, friends, and more.  But in choosing to live in the present moment, you have the opportunity to impact another person's life.  In many cases it might not cost you anything but a little time and energy.  If you don't have time or energy, then consider the resources you have at your hands.  You probably still have more than most and there are things you can sacrifice to help perpetuate something better for someone else.  When you consider what is best for you, think about the areas you would like help in or if you know of others in need what they need help with.  Anything you can think of there is an opportunity for you to help.  To make it simple, find a local organization that is close to you or in one of your areas that you see everyday or where you have a passion for, then pick up the phone and call them or send them an email and ask how you can help and make a difference.  If you need help finding that organization, please reach out to me directly and I will be happy to point you in the right direction with options.  I only ask that you think about it and put energy towards helping someone else today.  Someone will thank you for that.  Looking forward to making more difference in 2012.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neigborhood - Edition Twenty-Two (22)

"Economic Life-cycle"

Can I say how much I love 2012?  I have completed several assessments this year already, meet with several phenomenal companies and individuals and this year is going to be incredible.  I'm seeing more and more creativity, partnering, support, development, and beginnings for many people.  In supporting local businesses, I'm always looking for those that stand out in their customer service, vision, and how they genuinely see business and what they do to offer value to others.

As of January, I have identified several up and coming businesses that are going to make a difference for others because of their vision, their view of the economy, and how they really want to help others.  These businesses have dynamic leaders that have been able to pull together other uniquely talented individuals that complement the organization structure and have increased the value of what their organization can do because they realize that to be successful you cannot individually just think of yourself, you must consider others and what you are doing for them.  In addition, they have looked to provide a leadership and path for their supports, followers, partners to work together and to have that opportunity to develop further and faster than if the attempted to this on their own.  What I call this is the development of an "Economic Life-cycle".  What is an "Economic Life-cycle"?  It is the combination and coordination of different individuals and organizations that through one event, activity or action that enables the transaction to have a chain-link effect of providing business to business to business activity that causes a cash flow and residual turnkey of work generation that effects individuals, organizations, companies, and more.

Part of the reason why this type of activity and life-cycle is important is that you can instrumentally turn nothing into something virtually by changing the way you direct your business.  The beautiful part of this way of doing business is that anyone in business can adapt this philosophy and make this happen.  For local communities and keeping business local, this is a sure fire way that people can help to make a difference to survive the economic challenges that many are facing.  As I drive through the cities and local neighborhoods, it hurts to see businesses closed.  I've been focusing on creating this awareness since I was called to this campaign back in 2010.  It is even more important now to put forth efforts to make a difference.  I love the communities I live in and support.  I strive to reach out and educate at every opportunity I have.  What I have learned through that process is that there are many others out there who are aligning to make that same difference.  I call to action anyone who wants to see a change to commit and find a way to start making a difference.  As an individual you can impact many with little effort, so consider where you can make a simple change that can change the lives of others.

The two companies I want to highlight in January are Monarch Media and Broken Door Media.  Monarch Media is creating a different way of doing business in developing distribution models for fashion related individuals who have products, addressing the need of realistic fashion representation for designers, models, casting, and other related areas, and then designing and coordinating events that are beneficial for charity and non-profits and their fundraising.  This is happening all with the vision to support that "Economic Life-cycle" and development of others to succeed and be self-sufficient and supporting through the related activities.  Broken Door Media is formed and in the growth stage right now.  They are creating a freelance showcase and distribution model for their services and talented individuals.  With the leadership of this organization, they have pulled together talent (over 20+ individuals) that covers media requirements end to end, for commercial productions, filming, documentaries, videoing, photos, modeling, graphics, animations, and the list goes on.  These individuals are defining a way of doing business that will soon be comparable to none.  They believe in the "Economic Life-cycle" and have great a sharing model for all involved that will enable many individuals to develop and grow individually and as team.  This is a visionary company that sees beyond what they have in front them.  I look forward to seeing their future developments and projects, because they will be going viral with the quality of projects they have coming.

Everyday, I am meeting innovative, creative, and successful individuals reaching for the stars and making a difference.  This is only the beginning of 2012 and I can't wait for more!!!  Please check out Monarch Media's and Broken Door Media's websites and links for more information about what they can do.  Until next time, keep your vision limitless and challenging to make a difference for others.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neighborhood - ANNIVERSARY Edition Twenty-One (21)

The Holidays and the Spirit Within.

What a time to be alive in this century.  Yes, we have seen the ups and downs and have experienced them all of us to different degrees.  Personally, I’ve always considered my life a journey and welcomed the challenges no matter what they are.  I’ve learned that being open to receiving what comes makes the journey so much more enriching because you will evolve through the journey versus putting up walls to keep the challenges out and hidden.  Eventually, for those that prefer walls, they will crumble down or be knocked down with or without your help.  

Not only have I learned even more so that life is a journey, but that in our daily attitude, focus, gratitude, priority, giving, and service, we can make impacts.  We are all destined to be greater than ourselves can even imagine and with our dreams go further in life than we could ever believe.  My God given mission is to edify others with positive encouragement and show what is possible to be accomplished.  I’m so blessed to have this as my daily calling as I treasure the places and people that have come into my life as a result of that.  I share this mission because that is what caused the creation of this blog “Buy in Arizona Campaign”.  This week is the one year anniversary of this blog and I have to truly say, that I have been blessed to have seen this evolve and the people and companies that have been part of this and part of my life.  My journey has not been so much about my life but seeing how all our lives can be intertwined to such a degree that we can share and help grow one another in all our different journeys.  Our callings, our purpose, our lives are all different, because we are different people, we have different influences, we have different gifts and we are at different points in our life.  But one thing rings true, we are all still people alive in this time at this place for a reason.  

During the last two months, I have been working on 2012 and 2013 plans and strategic partnerships and setting goals for the years to come.  I have been financially planning and working on health, charity, and so much more.  I daily look for those people, companies, organizations, and activities that can drive things forward and make a difference not only for themselves but for others.  As this has been the holiday season (since October – I start early) the last couple of months, I realize I have myself been somewhat lax in not always sharing all the good things I learn about.  So I’m taking this opportunity to express and shout-out those that have made a difference over the last couple of months and will continue to make a difference.  I’m providing you that list so you can reach out for your own personal or business needs or where you might be able to provide assistance yourself.

Fiscal Fitness Phoenix, Kelsa Dickey

Accounting Services by ACP, Jessica Eichenberg

Skyliss Couture, Ayisha Andrews

Save the Family Foundation of Arizona, Tim Lidster

Monarch Media, Juliana Brutsche

Provisions 18:16, Michael Williams

Just Jane Boutique, Jane McCann and Mayva Kern

St. Vincent de Paul, Denise Brittain

Power Networking, Fabien Bertault

Bonfire Grill & Bar

KFNX News Talk Radio 1100, Christina Wagner

The Pulse – AZ Radio (Arizona Healthcare) – ElizabethSingleton

ACN, Vincent Costa

The Landmark Restaurant, Darren Ellis

Applause Salon, Ashley Wright

Christopher Ryan Photography, Christopher Mitchell

Bonafide Event Management, Karla Woods-Stephens

Dr. Tursha Hamilton

Dr. Gina Touch Mercer

Style Image Studios, Stella Martinez Crowl

Dupey Insurance, Andy Dupey

Cedric Jones Photography, Cedric Jones

Victim Relief, Don & Claire Lopeman

Dalica Designs, Christian Acosta

Turn A New Leaf, Dana Martinez

True Choice Benefits, Shelly Winson

Desert Schools, Latrisha Stapleton

Mary Kay, Emily Durette

Legal Shield, Rick Allen

Legal Shield, Kimberly Williams

Ajion Profesional Staffing, Morgan Carlson

Steve Nissle, CPP Master Photography

Phantom Fountains, John Wurm and Joy Todd

HoopFlow and (R)evolved Hoops, Renae Bellah

Bowl of Heaven – Mesa, Lance & Alma Kerby

Xcellent Solutions, Xavier Smith

So this is just a short list and I could not possibly include everyone that has made a difference somewhere or somehow to help or provide guidance or help at events or in some other way, this just happens to be the most recent.   I hope you consider who has made a difference for you this year and be sure to share and tell them or somehow recognize those go forward that do for you what others don’t.  Yes, this is the season to remember others less fortunate than ourselves and for all the special people out there that care and give to others in whatever fashion they do.  One reason I love Arizona and where I am at today, is the list of outstanding people here just continues to grow and grow.  Everyone has a different gift or talent or offering.  Looking at your home base of Arizona first before going outside of the state to spend your dollars does make a difference, just like giving locally does.  End your 2011 and start your 2012 with those ideas and I’m sure that you will see the difference and you will have wonderful opportunities to grow.

Happy holidays ~ wishing you the best time with your family and friends!!!! 

Don’t forget “Buy in Arizona Campaign” and keep it local when you can.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Twenty (20)

Sometimes things like daily life just seem to take over the focus you should have on your purpose, mission and direction.  Because we are heading into the fourth quarter and actually now into the fourth quarter this is the perfect time to not only reflect on what you have completed and accomplished to date, but it is also the time to figure out that game plan for the rest of the year to hit your targets and goals and then to really start planning the next year and beyond. 

It’s easy to say just write down a plan and stick to it, just like starting a diet or an exercise plan.  Everyone seems to always have good intentions behind doing the right thing and taking care of oneself.  One thing that I have noticed and definitely experienced myself is that health ranks in that top five of things you need to pay attention to and probably ranks truthfully in the top spot.  Why, because as an individual if you are not healthy you can’t really function properly, at your best, or even the most effectively.  If you haven’t caught that late summer cold or have already started with the autumn sniffles and coughs, then why don’t you consider trying to prevent that? 

The definition of prevention is simply “the act of preventing or hindering”, which in the case of your health, you should actually focus on daily efforts of prevention of illness and maintenance of healthy living.  What prevents you from doing this normally?  Because time, effort, and money are the three sides of all ideas, activities, and plans, which one of this plays into how you treat your health and wellness?  For me personally, time is critical and something that I value highly and often abuse.  I look in the mirror and have to admit that I know that managing my time effectively or not definitely affects my health.   In addition to that, the next thing I consider is what I do to nourish myself daily so I can have the energy to sustain the schedule I run regularly which is often full of activities and travel which can surely stress one’s well-being.   I find that being well nourished can help to keep you going if you know what to feed yourself. 

That brings me to the business for today’s blog….”Bowl of Heaven “ in Mesa, AZ.  They are known as a cafe and anti-aging  nutrition center.  I had the good fortune to meet Dave Knutson with my other friend Mick McGonigal whom are both partners/owners along with Lance and Alma Kerby of “Bowl of Heaven” http://www.bowlofheaven.com/.  They explained their vision of wanting to bring something to the community that was healthy so they could also become part of the community by helping others feel better.  The great thing about Dave and Mick is that you can see the passion in what they do and how much they really care for others.  This business was built from the heart literally and they are giving through the design of the location and what they are promoting there. 

At the “Bowl of Heaven” you can receive a scan that tells you how healthy your immune system is and it gives you an awareness of the levels of toxins you may have in your system.  In addition to that, they have top of the line products that will help improve a person’s overall health.  This includes a weight-loss program – CR500, support for the weight loss through webinars, offering of weekly meetings, and personal goal and challenge development to help keep you motivated.  The anti-aging focus comes with the NuSkin product line and the education about caring for your skin.  They provide 10-15 minute facial demos with the all natural galvanic spa tools.   

Now that I’ve told you about so many of the great things you can get from just visiting the “Bowl of Mesa”, I haven’t even got to the best part.  They have the most fabulously tasting healthy satisfying smoothies you can imagine.  They have a wide variety of fresh fruit flavors as well as your option of having it served as a smoothie or in a bowl.  Some of their classics are North Shore original, Desert Bloom, and Dan’s Peanut Butter.  They are comprised of many awesome flavors with the acai sorbet which is out of this world in taste and richness.  It’s amazing and is a no ice, no dairy, no added sugar based product which just exudes health to the highest degree for this sort of product.       

I can’t say enough about what both Mick and Dave have put out there for the community to have access to but you can see for yourself actually this Friday and Saturday (Oct 21 - 22) as “Bowl of Heaven” in Mesa, AZ is hosting their Grand Opening.  You can follow them on Facebook-Bowl of Heaven Mesa and they are located at 454 N. Lindsay Rd Ste 2, Mesa, AZ 85213 and the main website is http://www.bowlofheaven.com/.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Nineteen (19)

Just sitting here thinking about the past few weeks and what has worked and what hasn't worked in business, personal, and life in general.  Reflection is good sometimes, but better when you do it often so that you can make adjustments, change, and respond to things more effectively.  Sometimes though we get caught off guard and even defensive at times when we think we are doing our best when in fact we have missed the boat entirely.

I've had the opportunity to work with individuals at all different levels and the one thing I do remember is that listening is very important as well as making sure you ask questions and don't make assumptions or try to proceed without clarifications if things aren't clear.  Why do I mention this?  Well it's abundantly clear that in our society today, that communications and sharing information is of utmost importance and often critical to one's success, no matter what it is they do in business, personal or life.  Sometimes it can be simple communications or the expectations of communications that can make a difference.

If you use a cell phone, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email, regular mail, or any other form of communication you cannot always expect the message to come across clearly.  There are two parties in this in most cases - the sender of the message and the receiver of the message.  I know, pretty basic, huh?  Well, I only point this out, because sometimes I know for myself in particular that I have communications failures not because I don't try, but sometimes I don't either completely send the message or receive the message and then there is confusion.  Okay, so how do you solve that problem.  It's actually rather simple and most individuals make the effort to close the gaps in communications, but often times there are still communication misses.  So the lesson for today revolves around how to make sure you have clearer communications by playing your part, which is the part that you as an individual control.  Simple steps you can take or just remember:

1. If you receive a communication and you are clear on the message, please make the attempt to ask the sender what they mean.  Whether it comes to you via email or phone, connect directly to the sender so that there will be no confusion.
2. If you are sending a message to someone, re-read it before you send it out to make sure that you are clear on your message intent and meaning - which means most often, short, concise, and to the point, unless you are working on telling someone a story with a lot of juicy details, then that's another type of communication.
3. For email, texts, Tweets, Facebook posts, LinkedIn posts, or anything you post, make sure you put yourself in the recipient's position and make sure that you are seeing it from their eyes, that way you won't feel stupid after the fact when you can't block, cancel, recall, or change it after the fact.
4. Even when talking to someone directly, the level of sound in your voice can impact the communications as well as cutting people off and then tuning them out......which some of us (I won't mention names, me...) sometimes do.  So be cognizant of the listening part in this piece because sometimes it is better to listen and absorb then to immediately respond.  Being defensive in responses usually will get you nowhere and then the issue is usually still not resolved.

I'm stopping with that on the communications, because really if you just create awareness and check yourself, that is probably half the battle and you can change the whole perspective on things when you do that.  I'm sure this seems elementary and why bother with something like this at all.....well in business you communicate to your customers, your suppliers, your partners, your friends, your associates, your fans, your supporters, your audience, your family, and so many more.  When you are doing events, activities, and more, they all revolve around communication, so you can't get away from it, even though you might shelter yourself, you just can't.  So this is really just about the daily application and the think before you speak which can affect everything you do.

If you are looking for great resources on this and people that are great to work with and know the challenges about communications check out the following individuals:

• Dr. Mamiko Odegard - Daily Affirmations
• Anna Weber - Voices in Print
• Mrs. Hancock's Etiquette Training

Each one of these individuals offers different focuses on things related to communications in different areas and training.  You won't be disappointed and you will definitely gain some great contacts as well as resources.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Eighteen (18)

Raise your hand if you think you are an expert at something? At anything?  It’s okay to admit it.  Just don’t misuse the word expert when you describe something you do as more often than not, someone may misinterpret that for being better than everyone else and/or you know everything.  A common definition of expert as an adjective is “…having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience or ….someone that is experienced.”  The reason I am calling this out, is there are in business and technology a tremendous number of tools, ideas, methodologies, tactics, strategies, solutions, and so much more that will help anyone personally and professionally be better.  There is also a larger supply of individuals out there that are experts and really experienced in their field and have the credentials and achievements to demonstrate them.

As an individual, you cannot be an expert at everything and if you are in business you have a core focus or product or service you are selling or offering.  With that being said, do you think it is wise for you as an individual to try to do everything yourself?  My ultimate opinion and answer to that question is “NO”……  I know that sometimes it’s hard to admit that you need help or that you need to go to someone for advice direction or assistance.  Since last year, I have learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to find an ear that will listen and to go to experts who know better than you how to handle things.  I also know that sometimes, you must also be careful to not just approach anyone or any business for help when the topic you need help in may not be their “expertise”…..  So now there is a “quandary” about do I go to someone I think is an expert or to someone that has been recommended or do I do nothing?

First taking no action is making a decision, but in all honesty if you need help, assistance, advice, recommendation or other, you will have to talk with someone especially if it's outside your realm of expertise.  This is where obtaining recommendations from a solid network, referral group, business associates or other established organization that is known for making referrals is wisely suggested.  I bring this up, because sometimes if you aren’t sure, you should ask someone as there are others out there that have exposure and experience with the things you need.  This is the beauty of networking and being out there and meeting people so you can build that list of people to call on whether you do direct business with them or not.  Social media also makes this less of chore now because you can find individuals through multiple forums with as little distance as a Tweet, Fan Page/Facebook Status, LinkedIn Update ~ meaning, people are just a keystroke apart from helping you including off keyboard activities like texting and calling which some people still do in addition to all the other social media.

So what does this have to do with Buying in the Neighborhood?  Good question!!  I am going to provide a short list of the people and individuals that have been instrumental in making a difference in my business over the last year….I am not able to include everyone, so I will be listing one person from an organization versus multiple, but this will be to reflect the number of go to people that exist in Arizona and you too can go to for help and assistance or advice or recommendations after you have made that connection and started to develop that business relationship.

·         Pink Media LLC – Desire Ford – Social Media

·         Style Image Studios – Stella Martinez Crowl - Photography

·         Chava / Waioria – Kedzi Morgan – Wellness through NCD

·         Power Networking – Fabien Bertault – Networking

·         Hayden – Hayden Insurance – Terrie Kohler – Insurance

·         A. Dupey Insurance Services – Andrew Dupey – Insurance

·         KFNX 1100 – Christina Wagner – News Talk Radio

·         AdzZoo & QNANZA – Curtis & Laura Oliver – Advertising & Coupons

·         Stella’s Coffee House – Don Motz – Coffee and Food

·         Crazy in Heels – Nicole Ford – Bi-Polar Awareness

·         Xcellent Solutions – Xavier Smith – “too many to list”

·         Me, Myself, and I Massage Therapy – Don Bearham – Massage Therapy

·         EMR Technologies – Peter Haasz – Electronic Medical Records

·         Reyactive Chamber – Chris Cayer – Business Collaboration

·         Andrew Paul Photography – Andrew Paul Uilkie - Photography

·         Elen Sparks Agency – Elisa Estes – Marketing

And there are many more (both local and afar)….but I have to leave some for future articles. 

So if you are wondering when you need help who to call, I have a long list, but there are many of us that do, so be sure to work with people you know, that may be in your own backyard first to keep that economy going in Arizona.  I believe that your money will be spent wisely by investing where you live.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Seventeen (17)

Memorial day has passed and June is already half over, where or where has 2011 gone?  So many changes this year in so many areas.  People are trying new things, venturing out to experience new ideas and different ways of doing business.  Over the next few months throughout the different articles that will be written, technology will be sprinkled throughout.  It is important to stay current on what is happening in the forefront of connecting, social media, tool kits to support IT in the business, marketing and promotions.

I've been fortunate as I was raised and grew up with technology changing all the time.  Since my background is actually in IT, Engineering, and Business Management, I read everyday what is happening in the marketplace.  It is interesting to see how things have all collided together.  It's amazing to see how people communicate and exchange information at lightening speed.  All with the click of a button or touch of the phone screen which now looks like a mini laptop.  Everything is being adapted to the smart phone and it is naturally becoming a way of life.  Whether you are forced to accept it or you wholeheartedly embrace it, you have to consider how the technologies changes can affect your business.

The topic for this month has to do with video email and why that is important.  I have spent the last month discussing branding, marketing, differentiating yourself from the crown so you can stand out, collaboration, and many more aspects of communication and promotion.  The one area I happen to love the most now is the use of video in online communications including video email and the use of video to communicate a message.  I love video for a number of reasons....1) being an actress it is a necessity that I know about it and utilize it at every chance I get, 2) people are very visual and sometimes will pay attention more to a video or live broadcast of something versus read about it or call someone to find out the details, 3) how much easier it is to use now that video and email are connected together to create a directed message...these are just a few, but I have been influenced to pursue this path....as when communicating to my following, potential following or members, and the community, video is going to be a major tool used as I really want to express and share the sincerity of my message.  That comes across much easier in a video versus an email, text, newsletter or other.  I like it because it also fits with the approach to blogging.  You get to be yourself and share with others without it being structured too much.

There are many tools out there that could be used.  I am currently using Face2Mail owned by David Uster who is also a member of AZ Power Networking.  Face2Mail is easy to use and you can send email, embed the video, or add the link to any other communication you use very easily.  There are products that exist that give you several options and capabilities, but if you are looking to take advantage of creating videos and sending them within seconds of completing the video, Face2Mail is the way to go.  I have been very happy with the use of the tool and it has enabled me to immediately create responses and communicate to others through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email, and other marketing tools with the ease of a few simple clicks.  The complication is removed from this tool and I highly recommend use of this if you want to get started with integrating video into your business.  The cost is more than reasonable and the systems that support the product are top notch.  As I am versed in IT, one of my first questions to David Uster was about the back-end infrastructure and what it could handle.  Based on the description of it, I am thoroughly impressed.  Most people don't go out and build such a robust system unless they are completely confident in the product they are taking to market and see the value in being able to support growth before they need it.  David is a visionary and I can see why.  The tool he offers is no longer something that can be considered for the future but now. To to try the product, please go to Face2Mail or contact David Uster directly at david.uster@face2mail.com.  You can't go wrong with this tool if you need quick and easy video emailing.  Try it out and dive into the world of using video to work for you now.


If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......