I saw the above graphic, and I thought of how  lucky we were this year.  The whole
family was able to come in from California, Texas, Florida, Minnesota and one son
and his famly right here in Illinois.  The kids built snowmen.

There were 18 humans and 3 dogs-all staying here in our house.  Feeding and
sleeping conditions were on couches, blowup beds and sleeping bags.  We munched
a lot and laughed more.  It made for a raucous but fun time. 

The youngest boy of the family from Texas had never seen snow.  So in preparation
for their welcome, grandpa put snowballs in a bucket and the bucket in the freezer
during the snow before Christmas.  Kevin, the youngest, thought that Grandpa was
kidding (which I do now and then to the grandkids), so the first stop had to be in the
basement to look in the freezer to prove that "grandpa wouldn't kid about a thing like that".

We celebrate Christmas early so our kids can go to spouse's Christmas with their
families on the 25th.  Tuesday, Wednesday brought snow which allowed family to builld
snowmen and grandpa and grandkids to make snow angels.

What I made a mental note of was the "teamwork" that the kids displayed in
getting their snowmen built.  It made me think that I should pass on to you that
marketing efforts should be the same.  When we're asked to do a promotion for
you, we become a part of your team.  We're working with and for you to accomplish
your goals.  Please remember that!


Over the years, I've noticed some things from people who walk through our
doors and call us on the phone for ideas.  Before I continue, I want to stress
that this, generally, isn't our everyday "client".   Our clients know that we need to
ask questions to help them achieve their goals.  The first question  we ask
is, "What's Your Budget?"  The second question we ask is, "Who are you
promoting to . . .?", and the third question is, "When do you need it?" 
(Sometimes we ask the third - first as people want something the next
day sometimes)   We can't do justice to any promotion without answers to
those 3 pertinent questions. 

Anyone reading this who disagrees, I challenge you to go get in your car,
start it then blindfold yourself.  Put the car in gear and head out.

How far do you think you will you get?   Just about as far as we can get if
we don't get honest answers to the questions that we ask.

Some folks over the years have treated us like we were competitors or
adversaries.  We are your friend!  Maybe your best friend in this instance!
Our clients know this.  They know that we are on the team.  They know that
we know this - we can't be successful unless our clients are successful
and profitable.

There are so many marketing ideas and services that we can provide
to you, if you advise us of your needs and remember all the different
things that we do that apply to those needs.  One rule that I've always
had is this, "If I can't do what you need done, I say that I can't do it, and,
then, I will direct you to a person or business that can do what you need,
if I know of one!"  

Add us to your team in 2010!