Contagious Businesses

2011-03-18T14:54:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/HZksn
talk about a contagious idea for the lawn and garden stores

2011-03-16T14:49:00.001-04:00

Google to test using mobile phones to pay for purchases, with technology from partner VeriFone Systems. Contagious, wouldn't you say!!

2010-12-29T16:24:00.001-05:00

Right Management conducted a poll that showed 84% of US. employees plan to look for a new job in 2011. Who would you hate to lose?

2010-12-27T19:20:00.001-05:00

Merchants are exploring ways to use Facebook features such as the "Like" button to make it easy to find gifts for friends. Contagious idea!

2010-12-16T13:14:00.001-05:00

Stores go all out to attract last-minute shoppers
What will you do throughout 2011 to continue to attract customers in a unique way?

2010-11-18T15:05:00.001-05:00

White House/Black Market a increased focus on higher-margin jewelry, designers created form-fitting fashions, moves paid off in big sales

2010-11-18T15:01:00.001-05:00

Macy's customers are budget-conscious and seeking fashion, newness, quality and value in their holiday purchases this year. This is new?

Zappos Core Values are CONTAGIOUS!

2010-11-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

I haven't read the book yet, it is on my Christmas list. However, I just read an article by Fast Company's expert blogger, Steve Rosenbaum and he was kind enough to add Zappos's Core Values to his article.

You may wish to ask yourself how many of them are part of your company's core value system. Do you have it printed somewhere and can each and everyone of your employees recite it as well as live it everyday?

1. Deliver WOW through Service
2. Embrace and Drive Change
3. Create Fun and a little Weirdness
4. Be Adventurous, Creative and Open-Minded
5. Pursue Growth and Learning
6. Build Open and Honest Relationshops with Communication
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
8. Do More with Less
9. Be Passionate and Determined.
10. Be Humble.

What company wouldn't grow with these core values spreading contagiously through their system?

2010-11-10T13:26:00.001-05:00

Transparency and clear communication of strategy are vital to getting employees on board, says Best Buy's HR chief Gil Dennis. Contagious idea!

DSW's connection with customers is contagious!

2010-11-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

I just read a great article in the Columbus Dispatch on Sunday about Mike MacDonald, the President of DSW.

First, I would like to say that I would love to have a cup of coffee with him and listen to his passion about his job and his leadership strategies that have made him so successful.

My take-a-ways from this article would be a great place to start for any business looking to become "contagious".

* Do your homework about your business and create a vision that has more depth than just one sentence.
* Sometimes you need to go with your gut and swim upstream.
* Know what you do well and make that the spine of your business.
* Define what it is that makes your employees enthusiastic about their jobs.
* What is the "emotional connection" that your customers have with your product?
* Align your business with someone or something bigger than yourself.
* Don't get ahead of yourself.

His final quote should be on every business owners' wall...if they truly believe it;

" Work with people who care, who are engaged in what they do, who share a set of values you relate to...collaboration, accountability and humility. In the meantime...have fun!

I'll buy the coffee Mike, I live in Columbus!

2010-11-08T14:38:00.001-05:00

No matter what type of business you have, you are a retailer. Focus on what the successful ones do to attract and keep YOUR business!

AT &T is contagiously losing business

2010-11-06T11:36:00.000-04:00

It is amazing how fast unhappy customers can go "viral"! I was just on AT&T's Facebook page to voice my unhappiness when my favorite TV channels were taken off my cable listing. After calling customer service, I find that it is a contract negotiation problem with Scripts and AT&T. That's not my problem and I think it is poor management to not warn customers and then take away a service that I pay for. It's the blame game and customers are tired of that "game plan".
Customers vote with their feet and fingers these days and I believe we don't give businesses three strikes and you are out. I believe you get one chance to make it right.
I rarely complain, but this time I went with my fingers first; Facebook, Twitter and now my blog.
The next is to go to the competitors websites and see who has been successful building a business relationship with Scripts and the umpire's call will be, AT & T you're OUT!

2010-11-05T11:08:00.001-04:00

Sharen Turney, CEO of Victoria Secret, a 5.5 Billion company, described as having tenacity, curiosity and fear of failure. Great traits!

2010-10-18T17:39:00.001-04:00

Big retailers place big bets on new stores, itâ€™s usually based market research that indicates the economy is turning around. Believe?

2010-10-15T11:57:00.001-04:00

last year online spending on Cyber Monday equaled $887 million. Do you have a strategic plan to get some of that?

2010-10-06T11:17:00.001-04:00

Courting very young customers, are you doing this in your own way? http://tinyurl.com/2fjttyz

2010-09-23T11:57:00.001-04:00

Join me today when I interview David Rusling, President of Ryerse Gardens, Ontario. 2 pm. ET. His insights are priceless! Not a member? Go to, http://ping.fm/rd8Jf

2010-09-23T11:50:00.001-04:00

Halloween is reported to generate 5.8 billion this year. What are you doing to "scare" your customers to do business with you?

2010-09-21T12:04:00.001-04:00

Holiday sales are predicted to rise about 2% this season. Are you ready? 12 weeks till Christmas! Yikes....

2010-09-10T11:33:00.001-04:00

http://www.cnbc.com/id/39078899 One third of retailers see 6-15% inc for holiday, shy in hiring right now.

2010-09-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/ebGEI Now there are no excuses if you are a business owner

2010-09-02T12:09:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/w1bhv
Maybe we should pay attention to this group

2010-08-17T15:12:00.001-04:00

Loblaw says it will begin "bringing the farmers market to Canadian [neighborhood] grocery stores".

2010-08-16T11:47:00.001-04:00

Retail sales for July 2010 increased 3.1% over July 2009. Are we heading in the right direction?

2010-08-03T12:46:00.001-04:00

Silly Bandz have been "contagious"! A $5 item that has parents in search of them. What is your business's "Silly Bandz"?

2010-07-13T12:37:00.001-04:00

McDonald's is getting into the smoothie business. Do you think this is a "smooth move" and can they market it "contagiously"?

2010-07-12T13:54:00.001-04:00

Are you one of the customers who will stop doing business after 2 bad experiences?
http://tinyurl.com/2clsawp

2010-07-08T11:24:00.001-04:00

Macy's just junked its standard cash registers for 50,000 high tech ones that check on line if your item is out of stock and order for you!

2010-07-07T13:05:00.001-04:00

Read how the President of the Limited works hard to make sure that her employees would rather work for the Limited and her versus anyone else. It's a contagious idea.

http://nyti.ms/bKmvhP

2010-06-30T16:22:00.001-04:00

No one knows more about being "contagious" than Disney. Read this article and see if there is something creative you can do with technology in your store!

â€œDisney is setting a new standard for the specialty retail category by integrating robust technology and creative store planning to make each visit customizable and that much more memorable," Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, said in a statement.http://ping.fm/xEdmV

2010-06-29T14:12:00.001-04:00

If you are involved in any of these businesses, this fun list just might give you some marketing tips to keep your business contagious. http://ping.fm/rchNM

2010-06-21T15:40:00.001-04:00

Wow, what you can put on a UPC code now. Are you taking advantage?http://ping.fm/Ub7R9

2010-05-19T12:35:00.001-04:00

Wal-Mart shoppers in Canada bought more peanut butter despite the retailer reducing the number of brands. A growing number of grocery retailers are adopting the less-is-more philosophy, winnowing brands and simplifying the selection. "Folks can get overwhelmed with too much variety," said a Wal-Mart executive. "With too many choices, they actually don't buy." Retailers Take Note!

2010-05-05T13:28:00.001-04:00

Independent shops in big cities are creating hybrid stores to differentiate themselves in shoppers' minds and add fun features that bring shoppers in more often. At the Dressing Room in New York, co-owner Alexandra Adame sells cocktails and offers movies and other entertainment. These days, her clothing boutique books about 40% of its revenue from drink sales. The point: Get noticed, be remembered!

2010-04-26T16:14:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/OLCd4
Big Boxes are still a barometer when it comes to home expenditures!

2010-04-22T12:17:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/mTjj1 Yes, helping the "small business" owner

2010-04-21T11:53:00.001-04:00

Some retailers soon will be sending special offers to customers who are standing in bricks-and-mortar stores and comparison-shopping on their mobile phones. Chains including Macy's and Best Buy have signed on with a startup that will help them to identify when consumers are in or near the store, then send coupons and promotions. Other companies are working on similar efforts, including an app that also works as a loyalty card.

2010-04-09T10:38:00.001-04:00

Yikes, I better stop using some of these!
http://ping.fm/tWIr2

2010-04-06T12:11:00.001-04:00

CEO Mike Kunce, Pike Nursery, GA shares secrets, Wed, April 7, 2 pm EDT. Register http://ping.fm/dTK1g

2010-03-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/Zay2k
They are always one step ahead..don't stop learning!

2010-03-18T10:30:00.001-04:00

Grow your garden center business strategies with Frank Benzing of SummerWinds today http://ping.fm/LsUor

2010-03-18T10:25:00.001-04:00

‘Live’ Interviews: Frank Benzing, President & CEO, SummerWinds Nurseries of Idaho, California, Arizona and Missouri

Thursday, March 18
11 am PST-- 1 pm CST – 2 pm EST
http://bitly/dqKUjY

2010-03-16T11:35:00.001-04:00

Want to increase your garden center biz, hurryhttp://bit.ly/dqKUjY

2010-03-05T13:38:00.001-05:00

Hear garden center strategies with Frank Benzing, President and CEO of SummerWinds Nurseries http://bit.ly/ch1Hl4

2010-03-04T12:49:00.001-05:00

NRFF Retail Horizons survey says that "Talent Management" will be a key initiative for retailers for 2010.

Einstein Bros.Bagels love Facebook

2010-01-29T15:48:00.003-05:00

If you want to sell more bagels then start giving them away. Sound weird. Not with the power of social media it doesn't. Einstein Bros. started a campaign where they provided a free offer through instant digital coupons.
What amazed me even more was that in 3 days they went from having 4,700 fans to a whopping 336,000 fans and the campaign is only 3 days old.
I am not saying you have to "give away" something to increase your fan base, but it is wild how quickly those numbers increased.

As I speak around the country on becoming "contagious", I always spend some time focusing on why the social market is not "going away" and why every savvy business owner needs to jump in immediately and start to create a following.

Last year, Dell reportedly generated 3 million in sales from a link in one tweet to their site. Don't tell me social media is not contagious.

Now it is up to all of us to find that "free bagel" in our business and strategically get that message out to our own markets who find a "free bagel" so captivating they will follow us anywhere.

Now.....how do I package cream cheese!

2010-01-18T20:45:00.002-05:00

10 Tips for Using Cupid’s Arrows to Target Customers with Email
By Wendy Lowe

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and whether you personally view it as the most romantic day of the year or an annual, tacky ordeal there’s no question it can have a positive effect on many small retail businesses.

One of the best ways to take advantage of this potential bump in profitability is through email marketing. Email is a very effective way to bring highly-tailored messages to specific audiences. And since many people are prone to read into the gifts they receive from a significant other, it gives you an opportunity to use Cupid’s arrows to target your customers and prospects.

Following are 10 things you should do, beginning today, to make sure your Valentine’s Day doesn’t pass with a lot of empty promises and wilted dreams.

1. Start now! It’s less than a month out from the big day so best to start compiling your copy, imagery, offers, etc. now. You don’t want to inundate your recipients by email, but a rough schedule could entail:

a. Email 1: Wednesday, Jan 20th: Initial offer

b. Email 2: Wednesday, Feb 3rd: Offer Reminder

c. Email 3: Thursday, February 11th: Reminder 2 - “Three days left `till Valentine’s Day!”

d. Email 4: Wednesday, Feb 17th: Thank you follow-up email to all customers who took advantage of the offer. Say thank you and extend another offer to these loyal customers.

2. Use a Valentine’s Day template with a nice balance of valentine-specific copy and imagery to get people in the mood and thinking about the event.

3. Segment your list. Split out your list by gender. Send female oriented offers to the guys and male oriented offers to the ladies.

4. Make sure your offer is compelling. Most people are still paying off their bills from the Christmas holiday season, so make sure the offer is affordable and is compelling enough to encourage them to act.

5. Partner with companies who offer complementary services or products for an offer that can’t be ignored. Example: Spa services and floral shop (walk away from your spa treatment with a dozen red roses), Restaurant and flower shop (have a bouquet of flowers ready at the table when you arrive), etc. Get creative as the possibilities are endless!

6. Target a special email to people who bought from you last year around Valentine’s Day with an even better offer for this loyal audience.

7. Make it easy for people to take advantage of your offer. If fulfillment is to come to the store, give clear directions or a store finder link, if by phone, make phone numbers prominent, or if online, make the button or text link stand out in the email. Printable coupons or promo codes always work well.

8. Help spread your message to more people by using forward-to-a-friend functionality.

9. Use email to promote a special Valentine’s Day draw to win a prize - to collect emails and grow your email subscriber list.

10. Send a Happy Valentine’s Day email postcard to show customer appreciation - thank loyal customers by providing complimentary redeemable points (if you have a points program) or a free gift for Valentine’s Day.

The Valentine’s Day colors may officially be red and pink. But follow the tips above and you’re sure to be seeing green by the end of the day.

Wendy Lowe is director of product marketing for Campaigner (www.campaigner.com), the email marketing solution that enables organizations to have highly personalized one-to-one email dialogues with their customers, measure how they respond, and analyze those responses to interact in a more intelligent, automated way - resulting in more profitable relationships. Campaigner is provided by Protus, provider of the highest quality Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) communication tools for small-to-medium businesses (SMB) and enterprise organizations, including my1voice, the cost-effective, feature-rich virtual phone service, and award-winning MyFax, the fastest growing Internet fax service.

Wendy can be reached at wlowe@protus.com.

10 Tips for Using Cupid’s Arrows to Target Customers with Email

2010-01-18T20:42:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled to share this article from Wendy Lowe and how email can be an effective tool for you anytime, not just at Valentines Day.

Read on....

By Wendy Lowe

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and whether you personally view it as the most romantic day of the year or an annual, tacky ordeal there’s no question it can have a positive effect on many small retail businesses.

One of the best ways to take advantage of this potential bump in profitability is through email marketing. Email is a very effective way to bring highly-tailored messages to specific audiences. And since many people are prone to read into the gifts they receive from a significant other, it gives you an opportunity to use Cupid’s arrows to target your customers and prospects.

Following are 10 things you should do, beginning today, to make sure your Valentine’s Day doesn’t pass with a lot of empty promises and wilted dreams.

1. Start now! It’s less than a month out from the big day so best to start compiling your copy, imagery, offers, etc. now. You don’t want to inundate your recipients by email, but a rough schedule could entail:
a. Email 1: Wednesday, Jan 20th: Initial offer
b. Email 2: Wednesday, Feb 3rd: Offer Reminder
c. Email 3: Thursday, February 11th: Reminder 2 - “Three days left `till Valentine’s Day!”
d. Email 4: Wednesday, Feb 17th: Thank you follow-up email to all customers who took advantage of the offer. Say thank you and extend another offer to these loyal customers.
2. Use a Valentine’s Day template with a nice balance of valentine-specific copy and imagery to get people in the mood and thinking about the event.
3. Segment your list. Split out your list by gender. Send female oriented offers to the guys and male oriented offers to the ladies.
4. Make sure your offer is compelling. Most people are still paying off their bills from the Christmas holiday season, so make sure the offer is affordable and is compelling enough to encourage them to act.
5. Partner with companies who offer complementary services or products for an offer that can’t be ignored. Example: Spa services and floral shop (walk away from your spa treatment with a dozen red roses), Restaurant and flower shop (have a bouquet of flowers ready at the table when you arrive), etc. Get creative as the possibilities are endless!
6. Target a special email to people who bought from you last year around Valentine’s Day with an even better offer for this loyal audience.
7. Make it easy for people to take advantage of your offer. If fulfillment is to come to the store, give clear directions or a store finder link, if by phone, make phone numbers prominent, or if online, make the button or text link stand out in the email. Printable coupons or promo codes always work well.
8. Help spread your message to more people by using forward-to-a-friend functionality.
9. Use email to promote a special Valentine’s Day draw to win a prize - to collect emails and grow your email subscriber list.
10. Send a Happy Valentine’s Day email postcard to show customer appreciation - thank loyal customers by providing complimentary redeemable points (if you have a points program) or a free gift for Valentine’s Day.

The Valentine’s Day colors may officially be red and pink. But follow the tips above and you’re sure to be seeing green by the end of the day.

Wendy Lowe is director of product marketing for Campaigner (www.campaigner.com), the email marketing solution that enables organizations to have highly personalized one-to-one email dialogues with their customers, measure how they respond, and analyze those responses to interact in a more intelligent, automated way - resulting in more profitable relationships. Campaigner is provided by Protus, provider of the highest quality Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) communication tools for small-to-medium businesses (SMB) and enterprise organizations, including my1voice, the cost-effective, feature-rich virtual phone service, and award-winning MyFax, the fastest growing Internet fax service. Wendy can be reached at wlowe@protus.com.

Toys R Us could be contagious in a bad way!

2010-01-05T16:54:00.002-05:00

We have just come through another crazy holiday season. Stores are busy re-stocking shelves with Valentines Day merchandise and parents are finally organizing the toys and presents and breathing a sigh of relief as the kids head back to school.

This is the perfect time to grab the duplicate toys and head back to Toys R Us to exchange or replace. That is if you have a receipt for Toys R Us. On their website and I quote: "We will not accept any returns or exchanges without a receipt".

Now, I have a friend who's grandchild received 2 identical gifts and neither had receipts AND the box had a label that said "Exclusively made for Toys R Us" and the employees stood their ground and said, "We know this is a stupid rule but we can't take it back or exchange it".

I wonder how many other grandmothers, friends, people buying toys for birthdays or showers really keep track of all those receipts. It sounds like if you don't, some child will have the thrill of having two of the same toy....or maybe you could "re-gift" to some other un-suspecting parent.

As a retail consultant, I always challenge my clients to be careful of the "hoops" you make your customers jump through. I know that this type of "policy law" may be helpful for re-stocking or inventory control, but I know that I will choose to shop at other stores who's return policy favors the customer and not retailer.

As Toys R Us continues it's globabl expansion it will remain to be seen how "contagious" they are in a good way and if and when they will need to be more customer friendly when it comes to their return policy.

I know there is one grandmother out there who will never set foot in another Toys R Us. Some times being contagious can actually make you sick.

Big Box stores losing Holiday Business

2009-12-09T16:05:00.003-05:00

I have been in so many big box stores in the past few days looking for some basic holiday things....like strings of lights! Basic yes, in stock no. Alright, I admit I was one of the retail consultants who said to watch your inventory this 4th quarter. However, if a large part of your business is in a particular category and you are out of that category before December 1st, it doesn't take a mathematician to show you that you will lose business in the month of December.
The interesting thing is that you probably won't lose business to your competitors, because they don't have them either. Target, Walgreens, Walmart....all out of lights.
Hope you did your decorating early or none of your lights are "dead" because you will be hard pressed to find basic lights this holiday season.

Guess who'll have them in her hot little hands come next August when everyone is complaining that retailers put their Christmas out too early!!!!

Email marketing will make a difference in your holiday business

2009-11-19T11:15:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share this information from Wendy Lowe, Director of Product Marketing, Campaigner, hope you see the value and it's contagious!

While all of the media focus around Black Friday is usually on the frenzied crowds at the big box stores, small retailers are also eagerly trying to create a buzz with their own Black Friday promotions. One way they can break through the noise is with free (yes, free) holiday email marketing tools.

Why is email marketing so important to the small retailer this Black Friday? According to the National Retail Federation, 55% of shoppers say they will be looking for sales more often and 41.7% will be using more coupons. The Direct Marketing Association estimates that for every $1 spent on email marketing, shoppers bought $45 in return.

For a big box retailer, the answer is easy. More national ads, more email campaigns targeted at their loyalty customers. For the small retailer and mom-and-pop style business, it’s not so easy. They just don’t have the deep pockets to compete wallet to wallet with the big boxes. However, with a free Holiday in a Bag email marketing campaign from Campaigner, small retailers can now ramp up their promotions for the holidays quickly in order to effectively target shoppers with their sales, specials and coupons.

The free tools that are part of the Holiday in a Bag include holiday email templates and graphics, holiday e-cards, and 100 tips for holiday marketing including instructions for optimizing deliverability of email marketing.

So if you’re a small retailer wanting to find out more information and grab your free Holiday in a Bag, visit http://www.campaigner.com/lp/holidayinabag.aspx. Small retailers can finally use email marketing to create the same kind of buzz that the big boxes do on Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season.

Garden Center CEO's Share Contagious Secrets !

2009-11-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

What questions would you ask of a multi-milliom dollar garden center CEO if you had the chance?
You will get that chance, every month and it could mean $$$$ to your bottom line!
Check out http://www.merchandiseconcepts.com/gcroundtable

You'll find out what makes the "BIG GUYS" contagious!

The Limited finds its Mojo and is trying to be contagious, in a good way!

2009-11-02T15:28:00.002-05:00

Just read a great article about the Limited and how it is viewing the upcoming Christmas season.
The words in the article that gave me "retail hope" ...."brimming with emotional content, buttoned up financially, and the fierce urgency of now". Their goal is to become faster, more efficient and more agile.
This tells me that at least this retailer is not sitting around licking it's wounds, but coming back out of the locker room after half time, ready to win the game.
That type of business thinking is contagious!

Payless and Macy's are contagious retailers.

2009-10-22T10:15:00.002-04:00

Payless has donated 77,000 pairs of shoes to children and has Macy's provided 10 million meals to the hungry These retailers are giving back in a year when every penny counts and becoming more visible to the world with their community needs awareness ideas. I bet there are ways you could get involved in your community to not only help others but show your customers that "retail sales" are not the only things you are involved in.
Pay it forward....that's contagious!

New Viral position is contagious!

2009-10-19T10:01:00.002-04:00

Successful businesses are finding that viral marketing is a critical part of their businesses. They have also realized, as most of us have, that the process is time consuming.
I just read where many companies are addressing the issue by creating a new employee position to handled that function.
One new title is "Tweet coordinator"! Not sure I would want to be the person with that position and take "grief" everytime I told someone what I did!
However, viral marketing is a way to make your business contagious!

Use viral marketing to promote customer satisfaction

2009-10-15T10:49:00.003-04:00

Just got a great newsletter from Printing For Less who has handled my business cards. The interesting thing is that they have chosen to add "business articles" to their newsletter, even though their main business is printing.
I was scrolling down the newsletter and at the bottom found their "Customer Rave of the Month"!
Brilliant and contagious. A Youtube video from one of their satisfied customers that was wonderful at promoting their business but so cute that I forwarded it on to others.
Want your business to be contagious, then let your customers help you do the "raving" !

Check them out at http://www.printingforless.com

Offiice depot increase exposure

2009-10-09T11:30:00.004-04:00

Sounds contagious too me! Office depot and Lil'Drug store products have announced an exclusive partnership where office products will be sold in thousands of convenience stores. Even though it will be a limited line, it will be a strategic offering of items people need most. Also, a great pet store in my area, is looking at putting "satellite" mini stores in kennels and other larger "pet" industry operations.
Have you thought about how you can "go to" where your customer is and offer your products or services.
These two creative ways of increasing sales and exposure sounds contagious to me!

Be contagious in business equals a robust website.

2009-09-03T10:48:00.003-04:00

Just read this quote from the NRF brief: Forrester Research: Impatience is your #1 competitor With most enterprises now conducting business on the Web, it has become more crucial than ever that the experience is rich and responsive. Often these two goals conflict. How do you ensure a robust, interactive experience without sacrificing page-loading speed?

Interesting that you may be losing customers and they have never shared that they could not find what they wanted "quick enough" on your website. They could also mean that if they were checking out your website "before" they were going to come to your "brick and mortar" store, they changed their minds. If you weren't efficient on your website, why would I think you would be efficient in your store?

Upgrade your site to Web 2.0 and make sure that everything is running on all cylinders. That's what makes a happy, contagious customer!

Colorado's summer business is CONTAGIOUS!

2009-08-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

I have listened to some of my audience members say, "Oh, we take those months off and then re-open", and I have thought to myself, "How can any business afford to do that anymore?"
Obviously, a city like Denver is doing things to not only make their summer business increase, but they are working hard to create "word of mouth advertising" so that people will want to return during the winter as well.

The outcome is more jobs for more people in the summer and an increase in revenue.
Here are some of their "contagious" ideas; A Mountain Bike Championship that attracted 6,000 people putting money into the resorts, but also area businesses like grocery stores; a camp that teaches skiers and snowboarders how to perfect skills in an indoor training facility and Aspen is seeing an increase in business with it's kids ski school and day camp.

Ski resorts get to use their facilities year round and employees work 12 months a year.

What a contagious idea!

What can you do in your business to add new and unusual things to attract business and keep people working, no matter what your industry?

Edible Arrangements is a Contagious Business!

2009-07-27T11:19:00.002-04:00

Tariq Farid is a brilliant franchiser. With a floral background and willingness to use the correct software he did what "contagious businesses" do, he created a concept that worked at least ten times and then continued the multiplication process. .

He also found out that paying strict attention to every "touchpoint" for the customer, whether it is the actual store or the website, details matter. He even said just the development of the logo was critical.

85% of his customers are repeat and I would bet "referral" customers as well. If you have ever had the privilege of receiving an "Edible Arrangement" you certainly would understand why you would "spread the word" about this company and its products.

Up to 833 stores and counting! How's that for being contagious!

Look out for more "dollar type" stores

2009-05-12T10:39:00.002-04:00

Who opens more stores now??? Stores who have recognized that people are looking for a bargain when it comes to their basics. I just read an article that reported that between Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, we would see close to 1,000 new stores this year! Add in Target and Walmart and Walgreens and the number surpasses that number.

The question will remain, are we going to saturate the market with these type of stores and is there a growing market for them. If this is the new "business normal" then those stores selling the same merchandise at higher prices better review their inventory selection.

Contagious.....remains to be seen...but certainly contagious within the "$" market place.

Best Buy supports vinyl!

2009-04-30T08:55:00.002-04:00

Ok, how many of you remember vinyl records? Well, it seems like Best Buy does and sees a market in it and is willing to devote 8 sq ft to their stores for around 200 of them.
My mom always says, "What goes around, comes around"!! Contagious ideas may just come out of our past good memories. Don't have it anymore, but remember the cover of "Earth, Wind and Fire, from my college days...along with James Taylor!!!! Now THAT is contagious!

McDonalds' Fishy Idea is Contagious!

2009-04-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

You all remember the "Big Mouth Billy Bass" that was a gag gift about 10 years ago, and you shake your head when you see the new "filet of fish" commercial on TV with that same fish.
A news release just said that McDonald's sells about 300 million fish sandwiches annually with 25% during the Lenten period. Brilliant advertising wouldn't you say! To prove it, the ad has been viewed on YouTube more than a million times. Now that my business friend, is contagious!

Jos A. Bank has a contagious idea!

2009-04-06T17:30:00.002-04:00

Jos A. Bank has a sale that only lasts another couple of days, but it will win the hearts of their customers for a long time. Bank says if buy a suit from them during their $199 sale until April 9th, and you lose your job anytime between April 16 and July 1 the store will not only refund you the price of the suit but you also get to keep the suit!

I am sure they don't want you to lose your job, as they want you to come back as their repeat customer, however, they have a heart. They also know that if times get bad and you DO lose your job, you will think about their generosity when you put that new suit on to go out for your next interview.

The idea isn't new in this economy, however, Jos A. Bank is thinking how they can be "contagious" with "WOMA" or Word of Mouth Advertising....see, I am doing it right now!

Now that is contagious!

Holiday Season 09, Take Heart!

2009-03-30T12:51:00.002-04:00

Well the media is at it again. I just read a short article in the newspaper (old school I know) about the upcoming predictions about the holiday season of '09. According to the luxury market as well as the toy buyers, they are buying less expensive items, watching their quantities and making sure they know the right vendors to go to when certain items sell quickly.

Wow, with such news as that, no wonder why people have stopped reading the paper. Any retailer who is savvy, has had this method down through all sorts of economic times.

Brilliant.....not exactly contagious!

Best Buy Recycling Electronics!

2009-03-20T12:56:00.002-04:00

You probably knew this but many of the big box stores are taking old electronics off your hands!
I love the article I just read about someone bringing back an "old TV built to look like a piece of furniture".....YIKES....I still HAVE one of those in my basement!
Better yet, Best Buy has gotten smart and offers a gift card which means that the person bringing something to the store to recyle will probably end up spending money while they are there. What a win-win....sounds contagious to me!

K-Mart's layaway plan is contagious!

2009-03-18T16:32:00.002-04:00

I just watched a video with the CMO of K-Mart, Mark Snyder in regards to their layaway plan and found it fascinating. He noted that in a management meeting there were many "weird" looks in regards to the "old school" idea resurfacing but went after it anyway.

Here are the positives:

Customers were thrilled about the option of paying in installments during the holidays.
Customers told employees how pleased they were and the employees in turn, felt great about their company.
K-Mart gave their layaway customers a great "coupon book" after they paid off their layaway purchases for future purchases in January.
That produced an additional 8 million in sales.

Anyway you look at it,those ideas are contagious! Way to go Mark Snyder and your team of forward thinkers!

Twitter is projected to be contagious!

2009-03-04T10:27:00.002-05:00

I just read an interesting article on Advertising Age's website that shed some light on the use and potential of Twitter.
I appreciated their definitions that Google is a catalog of the world's recorded knowledge and that Twitter looks back at what was said on the topic.
As I write this, there are approximately 6 million in "Twitterverse", and responses on any topic of interest can be instantaneous.
Twitter founders, according to this article, have already put $55 million into the company and they believe "the best is yet to come".
Now THAT is a CONTAGIOUS BUSINESS!

Walgreens is about "Affordable Essentials"

2009-02-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

What a contagious idea! Lower your prices on those items that your customer say are "essential" and are willing to come to you for. My local grocery store is advertising the same concept on milk and eggs. We all know that if you come in to buy milk and eggs you will buy something else. Old school marketing called it a "loss leader". I think the new term is "sales generator"! What items or services do your customers think of you for when it comes to "affordable essentials"?

Maybe the word "essentials" is the key!

Contagious essentials.....what a contagious concept!

Old Navy wants to be Contagious...again!

2009-02-26T16:54:00.003-05:00

I remember when the sales associates were on roller skates in the store to make sure that your service was fast! I just read that Old Navy wants people to remember that they "have always owned fun". Hmm, don't tell Mickey that! However, sounds like there are some changes in the wind and if they do things correctly, they may get that 25-35 year old "mom" to be their cheerleaders! Mind you, in yoga pants, but who cares when Gap and Banana Republic are having their own issues, Old Navy is going back to their original branding.....what a CONTAGIOUS idea!

What the retail media never tells you!

2009-02-12T11:30:00.002-05:00

I just read that "bargain shoppers" actually helped retail sales last month. No big records, but here is what people should understand....most retailers fiscal year ends on January 31, which gives them all, one more month to their year ending sales. We all assume that every retailer ends their year on December 31. The key for successful retailers is to decide now, how they want to plan for and to promote "next" January's business to make it CONTAGIOUS!

Is Your Product and CustomerService Untouchable?

2009-02-02T13:42:00.002-05:00

Stores magazine just had a great article pinpointing what products a customer finds "expendable" and what products they can't do without. Some are not surprising. In Susan Reda's article she lists those items that customers "can" do without as: luxury handbags, satellite radio, specialty shopping for clothing, high-end cosmetics, maid service, facials, fine dining, manicures, upgraded cell phones and club and social memberships.

The important, "untouchables" are: internet service, cell phone service, discount shopping for apparel, hair cut/color, fast-food restaurants, causal sit-down restaurants, charitable contributions and finally, vacations.

My questions to other types of businesses is this: Where does your product fall in your clients list of "expendable" and "untouchable".

Is your customer service so superior to your competitions, that they may add your business to their list of "untouchables"....ABSOLUTELY.

Customer Retention and Walgreens

2009-01-05T13:20:00.003-05:00

Another contagious business idea from Walgreens! Walgreens has about 600 clinics in their stores around the country that are staffed with medical personnel who can handle routine problems that most people go to emergency rooms for. I would imagine that the "customers" go right to the pharmacy in the stores with their prescriptions to have them filled. Wow, such an idea! Find out what your customer wants and then fill that need as best you can. This isn't rocket science, it is good business practice. And by the way, isn't there a Walgreens on about every corner of your town?
On a side note, Walgreens is going to practice smart business during this downturn in the economy. Instead of opening up a lot of new stores, they are cutting back and putting money "back into" strategies that will build their current business.
Smart, contagious business ideas that keep customers coming back!

Blockbuster has a blockbuster idea!

2008-12-03T17:40:00.002-05:00

Blockbuster decided to build on their customer needs....at home entertainment. Interesting, since they have had a lot of competition from Netflex and the McDonalds Red Box as well as ones in grocery stores.
They became creative and set up a store in Reno, NV in such a way that if you want to reach the rentals, you’ll have to get past the game center with an array of Wii and Xbox accessories, high-definition TVs and mobile media devices, interactive games ready for play in leather chairs, and expanded snack racks with a cafe kiosk offering eats and drinks.
What better way to be contagious, but to "build" on what you already offer your customer.
Blockbuster, you had a contagious idea!

Holiday business strategies- touch hearts

2008-11-12T14:18:00.002-05:00

The holidays and the advertising that comes with it are going to be more "heartfelt" in '08. The Lowes stores aren't pitching value as much as they are pitching a "shopping experience" with their "Let's Holiday" approach. I can't wait to see their "magical" ads that make you feel like a kid again. Macy's is focusing on "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" from the famous 1897 letter. Their "Believe" campaign with the letters to Santa boxes focus on sentimental, gentler times. Retailers are promoting the "inspiration" you'll find in our stores but also buying the practical things someone will need vs. just picking up anything just to have lots of presents to give. In my mind, promoting heartfelt buying makes much more sense at the holidays!

Payless ShoeSource is Contagious in Customer Service

2008-10-15T14:08:00.002-04:00

Payless ShoeSource plans to show their ability to be "green"! they are going to roll out a line of affordable, environmentally friendly handbags and shoe that will be made from hemp, organic cotton and linen, and recycled rubber outsoles.
I admire their decision even though they say it will only represent a small portion of their sales. They have changed their image by becoming far more fashionable in their designs so let's hope that translates over to their Eco friendly line!
Check them out at http://www.paylessshoesource.com

Wegmans Food Markets are Contagious!

2008-10-08T10:56:00.002-04:00

No matter what type of business you have, you want to "get what Wegmans has"! A history of being in business since 1916 they must have the business secrets they just might be able to share with the guys on Wall Street!
What appears to be their way to staying "fresh"...they have just made a "new" logo that looks like the family signature...a sure way to establish a "relationship" with their customers and be top of mind. They have also been listed in the 100 Best Companies to Work for as published in Fortune magazine...and not just once....but for 11 CONSECUTIVE years and this year they are number 3....my guess is that they are working for that number one spot!
Controversial or not, they have just made the decision to stop selling all tobacco products...good for you. A healthy store, selling healthy food, in a healthy atmosphere with healthy employees makes their brand contagious...in a good way. Wegmans......keep spreading it around!
See them at http://www.wegmans.com

Employees love their Zappos!

2008-09-23T20:53:00.002-04:00

Ok, I have a shoe fettish....shouldn't surprise you. And yes, I can find myself spending a huge amount of time on Zappos website, http://www.zappos.com because I love shoes. I also couldn't think of a more fun place to work. Well, guess what, Zappos employees believe that too.
I just read that Zappos published a "culture book" that is 300 pages and has testimonials from all of their employees commenting on what it is like to work for Zappos!

Now I ask you, could you do the same for the company that you work for? Could they publish a "book" with 300 pages of "love letters" to your company???

That's contagious!

Word of Mouth Advertising

2008-09-05T18:06:00.002-04:00

I have been saying it for years in my writing and in my speeches; the best way to create a buzz about your business is to tell other people...word of mouth!

I was reading an article the other day about Zappos on line shoe store and there was a quote from the Word of Mouth Advertising Association.....who knew!! Check it out at http://www.womma.com

I quote their website: "Consumers are more receptive to referral-based adverstising

I would check out this website to see the new ideas they have when it comes to "spreading the word" about your business. Obviously they are on top of it!!!

Now that is contagious!!!

Staffing is your job

2008-08-26T12:43:00.002-04:00

I was just at the opening of a new "lifestyle" retail center in an upscale area of Saint Louis.
They did a nice job of activities and entertainment for the kickoff.
What surprised me was that the New Balance store closed promtly at 6 p.m. while there were so many people still shopping until 9 p.m.

Bad choice New Balance.

Second, the next day we went back to try out the only restaurant, BC Kitchen that I had never heard of. The wait was one hour and what was worse is that there were a dozen tables outside that they couldn't seat people at because they were understaffed.

Bad choice BC Kitchen.

There is no excuse for either of these situations to occur if management planned for this grand opening business.
This is the bad type of "contagiousness" any business owner would like to avoid. You see, I won't go back to either of these businesses and I just told the world.

McDonald's has always been Contagious!

2008-07-17T11:27:00.003-04:00

Just read that McDonalds is holding a contest on MySpace for users to come up with a "new" jingle for the "old" jingle that went, "two all beef patties, special sauce ..." It is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Big Mac. So if you remember that jingle....you might not even HAVE a MySpace page!! It was a contagious jingle, and I guarantee most people over 50 remember it and can quote it. Here is the question? What do you do in your business that your customers can remember as well as "quote"!! Not that is contagious!!

Steve & Barry were a contagious business

2008-07-14T12:05:00.002-04:00

Steve and Barry's was just added to the list of companies that have fallen on hard times. When you look at the names of Linen'n Things, Lillian Vernon, Sharper Image, you realize that no business is immune to tough times.
Even with the endorsements of high profile names like Sarah Jessica Parker, it wasn't enough to keep the budget priced retailer afloat.
Fast growth, rapid expansion and a tough financial market sent this once thriving retailer to the bankruptcy list.
Hope this last announcement isn't contagious!

Pharmacies give Contagious Service

2008-07-09T12:08:00.002-04:00

Just read that if pharmacies can afford one, that they can buy a robot that will accurately fill prescriptions so that the pharmacist can spend more time building relationships with customers/patients. A great way to make mom and pop pharmacies a destination vs. going to the big box pharmacies.
Now like anything else, if you free up time by doing one thing more efficiently, will you fill that time slot with other "duties" and not really focus on making the customer king?

Catty Business Idea

2008-06-30T13:03:00.002-04:00

A new game show is going to hit the market. "Think like a Cat Game Show" sponsered by Del Monte/ Meow Mix. There will be teams of humans vs cats on the show. Now if that would have been any of my cats that I have owned over the years, there would be a big YAWN, and back to sleep! Bet the sales of Meow Mix increase!! A contagious business idea!!

Macy's pushing to be more contagious

2008-06-03T13:01:00.002-04:00

Another reason to watch YouTube is coming. Macy's is going to start what they call, "webisodes" in the fall which will be posted on YouTube. The segments will be around a group of 5 young people who want to break into the music business. Bottom line, it will also help to promote it's "Gen Y" oriented clothing line, Ragged Road.
They claim that they will be able to measure who is watching and how viral it becomes.
Viral Idols ....on the road again!
Stay tuned for more contagious business ideas!

Wii Fit is Contagious

2008-05-29T10:52:00.003-04:00

Ok, I admit it ....I love my new Wii Fit!
It is fun, it works my sad muscles and I hate the fact it made my avatar "fat"!
What a contagious piece of technology. What all Americans need....a fun exercise that keeps you motivated and laughing and wanting to improve.
I have muscles I never knew I had!
Off to see my fitness instructor!

Contagious Service Idea from QVC

2008-05-05T11:49:00.003-04:00

I am always amazed to read how the big retailers go back to some of the basics to maintain their and improve their sales.

I recently read that QVC is looking at 3 things; host blogs, customer product reviews and streaming video that shows items currently on the air when it comes to their website.

Then, they are focusing on being more entertaining, improving their marketing, and working on their biggest sales drivers; word-of-mouth recommendations.

Sounds like any business, large or small, could benefit from constantly focusing on these areas to make their business Contagious!!