Happy Remembrance

At this joyous time of the season I ponder this thought every year and with everyone I meet.What is the correct thing to say? "Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays".

When I was just a boy the wonder and excitement of this time of year brought joy and expectation of visiting family, what new decorations we would see at the stores, and yes, presents under the tree wrapped all pretty in decorative paper and bows, and finally the day of frantic anticipation of tearing into all the gifts that had my name on the tag. When family, friends, and neighbors greeted us it was "Merry Christmas" and even the stores all had signs of Merry Christmas. Later as I have grown into adulthood the signs and greetings changed to "Happy Holidays" and "Seasons Greetings". So again I ponder not only as a respectful individual but as a business owner what do you say? Taking all religious connotations’ out of this season is this not the time of remembering joyous times of past, gathering of family to celebrate, the generosity of giving, the remembrance of those who have passed and the times we shared, and the unfounded joy of this time of year? So let’s start a new tradition or phrase that encompasses all of these and say "Happy Remembrance".I wish all of you "Happy Remembrance" and oh yeah "Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year"!

Offer Your Best Now

Abundance is starting to return both in nature and in life.

Have you noticed that the economy dial has been turned up and people are feeling more confident?

Well now is the time to offer the best you can to your customers. Don't offer the same Holiday products or service you have in the past now is the time to offer unique one of kind options. First check with your competition see what they are offering and their pricing and then stay competitive, but take your offering up a notch with something the competition hasn't offered. Second, treat your returning customers with the utmost care and treat new customers with the best customer service they have ever receieved. Lastly, build a deeper relationship with your existing and new customers and offer them some new service or product that only you have and that beats your competition, and that makes them come back to you more often.

In the end your relationship building skills will keep your customer coming back for more not only now but in the future no matter what the economic situation.

Nature's Bounty

We recently took a trip to Southern California's Mediterranean Coast, Santa Barbara. Upon our arrival we partook of the monthly farmers market and tasted fresh olive oil, smelled fresh herbs, ate fruits and vegetables just pulled from the ground. While experiencing the wonder of nature’s bounty we noticed the local restaurants arrive and take the bounty to their store for tonight's feast which was to say the least amazing!

Nature’s bounty is plentiful all season long here in California but now is the time to review your home space and start to incorporate herbs, produce, berries, and fruits. The easiest way to test your green thumb is to start with small indoor pots of herbs. Next try to plant herbs in your flower garden, try strawberry plants outside, try a topsy turvey to grow tomatoes, grow a fruit tree, but the most important thing is try as you will not regret the pride in growing your own garden, the taste and freshness, the fun at watching nature’s bounty grow, and the savings that a garden can bring to your pocket book.

To top off each season, pick what you have sown and invite family and friends over to enjoy the bounty you have grown, and create an amazing meal too.

Happy Gardening!

What Is Your Value?

As customers have tightened their wallets during these economic times one thing that has become prevalent is the word "value". One definition is: worth or importance: the worth, importance, or usefulness of something to somebody. So what is your value to your customers?

Value our company offers is a high level of service from contact to completion, a quality "unique" product, at a reasonable price. Now with "value" comes responsibility to deliver 100% on your promise every time with every customer. If you seek a client to sell a product or get referrals from then your "value" = $$ which we all need to stay open, but doesn't give the client the value of a growing relationship opportunity just a quick sale. In order to offer your company value to clients think about how you will help them achieve their goals that is exceptionally better than your competitors, is personalized, and then deliver that promise. If on the other hand, you talk and think price, how much it cost, how much you will make, and how much you need them then you only add $$ to the bottom line and not the relationship. Think about the last store you visited: Did you go there just because of price or was it because of service, product offering, and ease of shopping, reputation, or referral?

So again what is your "value" and how can you help others with your value?

Government Contracts for New Business

Are Government contracts right for you? With over $6 Billion being poured into Government contracting to help stimulate business and the economy this may be the time to sign up for contracts. The US Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world and maybe now is the time you become one of their sources. The paper work is all done online and is very intense (government of course) so plan to spend at a minimum of 6 to 8 hours working on this to completion, but the outcome can possibly net you an entire new business income stream that has been hidden from the business community under the previous administration. The other great thing about this online form is it scrubs your business through the SBA channels to determine if you are eligible for any special SBA programs and adds you to the SBA system of registered businesses. Here is the site for starting the process SBA just remember to take your time, read everything, answer carefully, and you too may find a new “golden parachute” to new business. As a side note after you sign up and complete the entire process you may receive lots of emails and calls to sign up for a Government Contract Directory these are not free so read all the fine print.

Business Survival: Vendors

Survival today is about utilizing all the partnerships you have forged over the years and helping each other achieve success. Vendors are a crucial part of our daily business lives and as such they play an important part in the quality of service and product we offer our clients. They too are feeling the effects of the current economy and are looking for creative ways to expand their market share as well. So why not work together and forge a more marketable relationship by utilizing the power of the "internet". We have many preferred (vendors that we can trust) vendors that we work with to deliver the promise of "high quality" service. So here is what to do; contact all your preferred vendors that compliment or complete your service or product, get their permission to create links on your website that visitors can review, and have them do the same on theirs so that together you can market each other’s business and partnership. When inquiries come in asking for your service remember to offer your vendors service as a compliment to yours. Remember to work smarter not harder and together you can weather any storm.
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History of the Italian Panini

History is fascinating when it comes to food. Since we have started to sell the authentic Italian Panini (Panino) why not understand where it came from and why it is so famous today. The first Italian recipe that somewhat resembles a panino is that for panunto (greased bread) described, at the end of the XVI century, by Domenico Ramoli, but was too much of a poor man’s food to appear in any cookbooks. During the twentieth century panini slowly evolved from being a worker's food, and second choice to more trendy sandwiches, to achieving a recognized place in the Italian food scene. In the '80s Milan became the centre of a short lived teen fashion named after the panini: the so-called paninari. Dressed in a ridiculous combo of Montclair coats, jeans, El Charro cowboy belts, Burlington socks and Timberland loafers, they would gather in front of the first Italian fast-food joints (the most famous called Burghy). The expanding fast food fashion pushed some Milanese establishments to go against the current and offer real Italian gourmet panini. Today as Italy evolves to the American work life with shortening lunch periods the panini is taking off as the healthy alternative to fast food. Normally found across Italy with cured meats (Holy Grail) and fresh cheese, today anything can be added to a panini from meats, grilled vegetables, and even tripe. The key to the most flavorful panini is the freshest bread, the freshest ingredients, and as they say in Italy, "The chef's signature is put into every panini made". So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to rediscover the classic handmade panini.
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Who Are Your Customer Today?

Today's customers are not the same as one year ago. Customers today want the best value, the best service from start to finish, and a trust worthy individual they can count on as situations change. Pricing will always be at the forefront of the customers mind and yet if all you do is sell on price you will not succeed. Today more than ever sales should be based on building a long term relationship with your customers, and educating them on what your service can and will do for them based on there need. If however, your service can not fit their budget then it is best to leave them with alternatives or even suggestion on where they can search to be better served. We can not win every bid, but by being a resource to help them find what they need you help to move your sales from now to possibly later because you took the next step to elevating what you can do for a potential new customer.
There is a new phrase today "back to basics" and this means in business when someone asks for your help and you can not provide it is best to help them achieve their goal. Use your business partnerships as a building block for your customers and they surely will come back to you because you were so helpful in them achieving their goal. You as a business become a vital source of information, a trustworthy component for business, and a company that serves the public interest versus "what's in it" for me attitude.
Start today and the next time a call comes in and they want your service offer them options, train them on what you can do, offer to refer to other business partners you know and work with, and if you just can not do the service offer resources such as the web, local chamber, or professional organizations that the person can utilize to solve their situation. Together we can bring about a change from "what's in it for me" to "what's in it for us".

Time to Begin Anew

Okay we all know times are tough and probably not going to get better soon, but as my Grandmother said "inside every dark cloud there is a silver lining." Everyday I hear from friends and business partners who are getting the dreaded pink slip, falling behind on bills, and just trying to make it one day at a time.

I am not immune to this economic slow down either, but I refuse to give up on my dream. "Yes we can" is my motto now. I listen to the news and hear the grim reports and say "Yes we can." With every breath I take, a new beginning is just around the corner and I will be at the forefront of the next adventure called life.

For those who recently lost there job, grieve for your loss, take inventory of the talents you have gained, take a time out from the hustle, and look deep inside and find the passion (the job) that you always wanted not just the one you had to have. This is a great time to rediscover the passion in each of us that awakens who we are and makes us wake up each day and say "I love my work;" the passion that provides the sustenance of mind, body, and soul.

As we celebrate the 200 year birth of Abraham Lincoln, remember these honored words "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country." Lincoln's Second Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862.

A Healthier You for the New Year

I am not going to tell you what you should eat or stay away from, but instead I am going to share with you some age old wisdom that we should all adhere to to stay healthy.

Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”. It's not just what you eat, but how you eat. Paying attention to what you eat and choosing foods that are both nourishing and enjoyable helps support an overall healthy diet.

Take time to chew your food: Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Reconnect with the joy of eating.
Avoid stress while eating: When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or create a relaxing atmosphere with candles and soft music.
Listen to your body: Ask yourself if you are really hungry, and stop eating when you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best.
Eat early, eat often: Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off. Also, eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can help keep your metabolism going and ward off snack attacks.

Cheers to the New Year and a Healthier You