A new favorite commercial, such simplicity yet complicated in the physics. I received this description when I was forwarded the video.
If you thought that the people who set up a room full of dominos to have them knocked over later was amazing, you haven’t seen anything yet. There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in these images. Everything that you see happened in real time exactly as you see it. The Recording required 606 takes and in the first 605 takes there always was something, usually of minor importance, that didn’t work.
It was necessary for the recording team to install the set-up time after time and it took several weeks working day and night to achieve this effect. The recording cost 6 million dollars and it took 3 months to finish, including the engineering design of the sequence. The duration of the video is only 2 minutes, but every time that Honda shows the commercial on British Television, they make enough money to support any of us for the rest of our lives. However, this commercial has turned out to be the most displayed in the history of the Internet. Honda execs think that it will pay for itself simply because of the free showings. When Honda senior execs viewed it, they immediately approved it without hesitation — including costs. Everything you see in the sequence (besides the walls, floor, ramp and untouched Honda Accord) is part of two automobiles. The voice is that of Garrison Keiller.
The commercial was so well received by Honda execs when they saw it that their first comment was how amazing the computer graphics were. They almost fell out of their chairs when told that the recording was real without any graphics manipulation.
By the way, about the wind shield wipers; in the new Honda Accords, they are sensitive to water and designed to start working as soon as they get wet.
Yes, I am a fashion victim! My whole life, no real explanation, I have studied and appreciated the fine art of fashion. Well, the budget does not always match the cravings. And, with so many years in the business, I do not pay full retail!
Finally a website to satisfy my indulgence. Luxury designer fashions at clearance prices, delivered to my home! Wonderful! Well Gilt is an invitation only website. So, follow the link and JOIN!
Why is it we forget to sell? When we own a business, we focus on the product development and marketing (too much). We will even do our books or file before we will pick up the phone and cold call a prospect or even follow-up with a Client on a potential new business opportunity.
My role in business is Management Consultant. I focus on 10% across 90% of the business. But, without a doubt, my strengths are in marketing, sales, and product presentation. And, it amazes me how hard it is to get a Client to make a sales call, even one. I constantly am reminding my Clients that when they opened their business, let’s say baking cakes, that as much as they love baking cakes, the LAST thing they will be doing from now on is actually baking a cake. They have been promoted to Sales Manager for a cake baking business.
So, what is the solution to making the sales? Pick up the phone! Sure, there are terrific ways to sell online, generate some leads, and address repeat business or small sales. But your big accounts (cash cows) need personal attention, they need pushing (not pulling), they need to know why they are to buy your cake instead of the one from Black Hound (and it is so good, covered in marzapan, yum!).
Set goals for your phone calls, how many are you going to make per day? Even starting with five per day will help. You should spend 2 hours per day on just sales.
Do you use a CRM (customer relationship management system) to help manage the many clients you have? This is your sustainability program, it is what will make the difference in sales price for your business in your exit strategy.
Turn everyone in the business into sales people. Did they up-sell today? Did they listen to the Client, maybe the Client needs expanded services.
Every aspect of the business needs to revolve around the idea of sales. Without sales, there is no cake to bake.
Limousine Livery is offering for August and September a $49 luxury ride to the airport in the New Orleans market if you live or work in New Orleans (see below). Please pass the word!
Limousine Livery can also book your transportation wherever you are going in the world!
www.limolivery.com. You can book online or call us at 504-561-8777. Mention or enter the promo code STYLE49.
During a weekly conference meeting Tuesday morning, members of the GOP were shown a parody of Lady Gaga’s Just Dance, in which the words were changed to Just Tax.
The video was created by 23-year old University of Washington grad Peter Cowman.
Washington congressman Dave Reichert showed the video to exemplify ways in which new media can be used to reach out to youth. The Republican Party could use some of that!
According to a source, hardly any of those present were familiar with the original song.
My professor at Tulane University recently distributed her Summer reading list. I thought I would share it with everyone. She is a republican, any democrats or independents want to share their list?
Ann Coulter, Guilty
Bernard Goldberg, A Slobbering Love Affair
Mark Levin, Liberty and Tyranny
Ronald J. Pestritto & William J. Atto, American Progressivism
W. Cleon Skousen (National Center for Constitutional Studies), The 5000 Year Leap
I can’t recommend The 5000 Year Leap enough on really understanding the constitution and the thinking behind each principle. You will find this a down to earth read and a must.
I admire Coulter’s wit, guts (she is fearless), and that she does her own research.
You will find the Goldberg book very easy read and he has some compelling facts to go with his stories about the media.
I hope to hit the other two before classes start, but have heard excerpts from Liberty and Tyranny.
To understand the other side you must read American Progressivism.
Future Reading List:
I am already building my next list for my next book order and hope to read –
Glenn Beck, Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine (if you want to understand how the committee chairs in congress have all of the power and they are all statists).
Did pick up in Denver a very interesting history book, “The Worst Hard Time” by Timothy Egan. This is about the impact of the dust storms of the American High Plains and the impact on the communities and people that stayed and survived.
More to come . . .
For Your Young Children, Nieces, Nephews, Grandchildren:
I highly recommend the children books by Lynne Cheney. I am getting half of these for our niece for her August bday and the other half for Christmas.
We the People: The Story of Our Constitution (2008)
A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America (2007)
Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America (2006)
When Washington Crossed theDelaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots (2004)
A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women (2003)
America: A Patriotic Primer (2002)
Small businesses are always seeking ways to easily increase their position on search engines. Essentially, it comes down to content and being relevant. Sure there are tricks, but content is key. In addition, there are some great tools offered by each search engine. As an example, watch the below video to learn how you can maintain your relevance and encourage more visitors on Google.
Another terrific project just launched! Corporate City Housing is a local relocation company assisting businesses with the placement of executives into furnished apartments. As a service based company, Corporate City needs one place to monitor inventory, collect payments, and market their services. This website does it all for them! Look at the multiple ways buttons are used to attract attention to the same category. The integration of the blog provides fresh content on a regular basis, directly on the homepage. And, the integration of social networking brings togethor their various Facebook and LinkedIn entries.
You are probably saying, “Of course it does!” But, when sales are slow, retail locations lose momentum and motivation in spending time redesigning the layout of the store on a weekly basis. The thing is, your product must come first, always look fresh and organized, and ready to be presented in the finest of fashion.
Last week, I had the pleasure of working with a fabulous store on Magazine Street, ROPA FASHION LOFT. She is between collections and contemplating the next step in her buying strategy. She had a private sales event scheduled for that night and needed to look awesome. We spent a couple hours merchandising the store and updating collections. Read the feedback from ROPA:
The event went well. It was definitely worth it.
My friend came in and was shocked. She thought we bought more inventory. Remerchandising also made sales easier and I did see an increase in the sales #’s. So, needless to say, it served the purpose and made a big difference. Thanks again!
Again, Focus and be Innovative. Do not think about what you do NOT have, focus on what you DO have and find an innovative solution to create value for your business. Congrats ROPA!
