Infuze Marketing News

The Strategy of War, Fundraisers, and Whatnot

2010-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

Shortly after my company managed a major fundraising event, I watched the movie "Green Zone" with Matt Damon. The movie depicts the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. In one particular scene, Damon is directing his troop into a building where they suspect WMDs. After watching this scene unfold, it occurred to me that this situation was not unlike the task of managing a major event… aside from the possibility of death, of course.

When Damon and his troop arrive on the scene, the site is not secure. Civilians are where they shouldn’t be, gunfire is rampant, it is complete chaos. This is partly due to the fact that the military is short-staffed and spread all over a country in complete disorder, with not enough military to provide order prior to their arrival. They assess the situation and determine how to maneuver around the chaos. They enter the building. With an imperfect start to the mission, I watched as Matt Damon adjusts his perspective, assesses the configuration of the building and prepares for all possible scenarios. They consider enemy fire from outside and from within, not knowing what they will find around each corner, and unsure of what the final outcome of the mission will be.

It is obvious that they are all well rehearsed and prepared with contingency plans as they move through the building like a well-choreographed dance team. They utilize both verbal and non-verbal signs to shift and adjust their approach within seconds as they execute their strategy and encounter the unexpected. When they get to the point of interest, there is nothing. No WMDs. Deep sighs are exhaled as their rapid heartbeats slow and their postures relax. They are aware this mission has come to an end. They have avoided potential danger this time, but know more missions are still to come and they’ll have to do it all over again.

I’ll spare you the full list of literal correlations. For those of you who have managed or experienced events, you’ll understand entirely the parallels just described. And for this reason, you’ll understand how imperative it is to have a strategy that is well thought out, along with a well-rehearsed team that is ready for anything at your next event.

So the next time you have an event and you are preparing to “enter the building,” make sure you secure your helmet and ready your weapon. Or at least call in someone else in who can do it for you!

Kelly Carper

Be Careful What You Wish For

2010-06-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ever wish for a new boss? Because yours is obviously a fool and if he/she would just listen to you, they would never have done it THAT WAY.

Ever wish for a new car? Because yours is outdated and your best friend just bought a new “Beamer” that has all the bells and whistles.

Ever wish to own your own business? Because you know you can do things much better than everyone else.

Instead of wishing for something else, why not do whatever it takes to make your current circumstance better. Offer to support your boss, since their success could also contribute to your success. Wash your car or take it in for a tune-up. Why not provide feedback to a business that you feel isn’t offering good service, so that they can improve and offer you better service in the future.

Also consider a different perspective. Consider that you can learn something from your boss. Ask them what their strategy was in doing things the way they did and the answer might be more rational than you think. Your friend with the new BMW now has $700 a month payments, while your car may be paid off. Someone who owns their own business may be dealing with a client who is not paying their bills, while you’re depositing your paycheck.

Quite frankly, it’s all about attitude and attitude can be changed incredibly easy. No one owes you anything. Look at both sides of your wish and be careful what you wish for….you might just get it, and then who will you have to blame?

Stacey Heater Divine

The Eyes Don't Have It

2010-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

With the advent of wireless computer access, cell phones and other hand-held mobile devices, we’re a society that no longer has to be tethered to our desks at our offices or homes. How wonderful! We can get out into society, be more active, and be around people. Although, I’m not sure it makes much difference. Even when we’re around other people more, do we pay any more attention to them?

We’re so addicted to being connected to the world through our devices, that we sometimes forget that we can connect to other real live human beings right in front of us. Just take a moment the next time you’re out in public, whether you’re walking, waiting for your coffee or lunch order, sitting at a bar… notice anything? A large majority of people around you probably have their noses down and their eyes glued to their devices, oblivious to the rest of the world. Heck, I almost got run over on the sidewalk the other day as a gentleman was so focused on manipulating his iPhone, that he didn’t even see me approaching. (Nor did he realize that I practically had to dive out of the way as he passed by!)

The same holds true for laptops. I noticed in a coffee shop the other day that there were so many people working on their laptops, there was barely room for anything or anyone else. All eyes were zeroed in on their screens while they furiously tapped away. It was like a little laptop sweat shop in there! No talking, smiling, not even a glance toward anything else; unless it was to give a look of disapproval to someone daring to have an apparently disruptive conversation while in the coffee shop. A conversation in a coffee shop? Who would dare?

What’s amusing is that most of the people focused on their laptops or other devices are probably trying to promote themselves, a business, or an idea somehow. Along with tweeting, Facebooking and managing your website, why not try striking up a conversation with the real live person next to you? After all, you never know who that person next to you might be or to whom they may be connected. Or they may just be incredibly nice people who brighten your day. So the next time you’re out in public, look up every once in awhile, smile, maybe even say hi, and see what happens!

Kelly Carper

Don't Take It Personally

2010-05-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

When you were a kid, did you ever encounter that one person in school who seemed to cringe with dislike the minute you walked by? You would smile, say “hi,” attempt to engage them innocently, and their response was disdain, indifference, or even better, annoyance. My mother used to try and ease the angst it created by saying, “It’s their loss.”

I’ve got news for everyone. It didn’t end in school.

It happens throughout our lives. In business, it’s that client or boss for whom you can’t seem to do anything right. You jump through hoops, incessantly bowing way down under the limbo bar to please, even going so far as to set it on fire and sing a happy tune while scorching your face… and nothing. Not a smile. Not a thank you. No appreciation. Just disdain, indifference, annoyance. It’s as if they’re just sitting there waiting to catch you doing SOMETHING wrong, and then they pounce. The harder you try to please, the more errors you make… at least, in their eyes.

But here’s the funny part. For all the supposed disappointment you are to that client or boss, you are a joy, treat and success for ten others. In fact, if you lit the limbo bar on fire for them, they would rush in with a fire extinguisher. They can’t thank you enough for your effort to please, your commitment to success, your passion to help and for your desire to serve.

It seems there are many people in life who feel we are supposed to be an unflawed society. That our standards, ways and theories should perfectly match theirs. And many times, they don’t abide by their own unrealistic expectations.

Bottom line… know that not everyone will like you; whether it’s what you do, the outfit you wear, your hair, your personality or your work. Most importantly, know it’s okay. If you know who you are and that you’ve done your best, then you are just fine and dandy.

So next time a client, neighbor, colleague or boss finds fault in your very existence without consideration, don’t take it personally. “It’s their loss.”

Stacey Heater Divine

Email Etiquette Addendum

2010-05-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite blogs, written by Seth Godin, recently posted “8 things I wish everyone knew about email.” It inspired us to come up with a few additional points of suggestion for email etiquette to add to his list.

9. Be brief…if you want anyone to read it.

10. If it is absolutely necessary to include a lot of information in your email message, break out different points or questions. Highlight or bold important parts, like deadlines and due dates. Avoid lumping all of the information together in one long, continuous, uninteresting paragraph that goes on and on and on….

11. PROOFREAD your email messages:

Ensure there are no typos. (Even if you use spell check, it won’t catch a word that is spelled correctly but used incorrectly.)
Speaking of spell check…use it.
Tone is hard to convey in an email. Check yours to make sure it is appropriate.
Forwarding a message with attached messages included in the chain? Make sure there isn’t sensitive information included that shouldn’t be shared.
Check the size of file attachments before you hit send. If they are large you may want to compress the files or use an online file transfer service.

12. If you send an email message from a handheld device, don’t get lazy. You are not texting. Don’t consider that message at the bottom, “sent from my BlackBerry,” a disclaimer. If you’re sending an email, take the time to type out the words in full, capitalize, punctuate, etc. Don’t sign off with “c u later!”

13. Tell the recipient what the email is about in the subject line. (e.g. Brochure Invoice for Your Approval, Radio Script for Your Review, etc.) Create an expectation of specifically what they are receiving or what you need from them.

14. If you know your exchange with someone will require a lot of back and forth, here’s a concept… try the old fashioned method of picking up the phone and discussing the subject in a matter of minutes instead of spending hours typing everything out in a volley of emails.

To view Seth Godin’s original blog on this topic, click on the link below…

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/04/8-things-i-wish-everyone-knew-about-email.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29

Stacey Heater Divine / Kelly Carper

Where Does Your Money Go?

2010-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Many times we hear, “We know we need to market our company, but we just don’t have the money.”

So the question becomes, where are you spending your money now?

Are you buying logoed items that have no tie to a campaign and simply sit in the storage closet? Are you buying advertising space because it’s the only thing you know to do? Are you paying to be listed in directories that no one sees or uses? Are you paying for clubs, associations, lunches and dinners and not generating any leads? Are you paying a staffer 8 hours a day to manage these different efforts while getting 3 hours of benefit from their efforts? Are you paying for Search Engine Optimization services that you don’t need?

Finally, figure out what you are spending monthly or yearly on these items and ask yourself this critical question: Is it driving awareness or revenue through your doors? If the answer to this last question is, “I don’t know”…you are, what we call, “burning your marketing dollars over an open flame.”

We recognize many of these items are necessary, but they are best utilized when there is a strategy behind the tool. If you start to measure all the $250’s you spend each month that provide no return…you’ll surely not be a happy business owner.

Our recommendation to solve the bleeding of funds is to take the total you’ve spent on wasted efforts with no return and hire a marketing or PR firm to develop the right strategy and game plan for YOUR company’s needs. They will ensure proper execution with results that will leave you realizing that the money you “don’t have” is actually there and can be used more wisely to produce… well, more money.

So look in the storage closet, dust off the boxes full of logoed pens and cups, recalculate and refigure. And voila! You just came up with your marketing budget for the year!

Stacey Heater Divine / Kelly Carper

Reason to Outsource Your Marketing #1228

2010-04-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Heard these terms lately? Keywords, Search Engine Optimization, RSS, Meta Tags, Iterations, Buying Phrases, Media Management, Brand Strategy, Outreach Programs?
Do you know what they mean? Do you care? I could list a hundred more, but why send you searching for ibuprofen any sooner than you have to.

A former boss of mine had a love for the statement, “keep it simple stupid”...and so I will.

Save the energy, the time, the money (yes, your time and efforts in trying to figure it all out is costing you a ton), the frustration and productivity, and simply hire a marketing and PR firm to handle such things.

You can’t possibly know everything, nor should you. Einstein didn’t even have that luxury, so hire a specialist in the marketing field to get your company name “searchable” with the best “buying phrases” through a terrific “strategy” and “communicate” that success to the masses.

Now those are some “keywords.”

Stacey Heater Divine

How Do You Stand Out Among the Texts and the Tweets?

2010-03-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Methods of communicating with one another are constantly changing. Instant gratification and instant contact has taken over. Because of e-mail, texting, tweeting, and the growing list of other social networking options, we no longer have to wait for anything! This is all fine, wonderful, and efficient; however, we have lost some of the personalization from the past. Additionally, businesses have to be concerned with how they stand out among the plethora of these electronic messages their clients receive each day.

Regardless of the method of communication you use, be sincere with your message. Clients can see right through when you’re not, and quite frankly, they won’t take the time to read your message. “Delete” is an easy key to push when moving from one email (or tweet) to the next, so be genuine to avoid getting added to the trash.

Put thought into your message and reference something specific you’ve talked about with the client to personalize your communication.

Send that electronic message…and follow up with a handwritten note. Personalization and “effort” will set you apart.

Better yet…pick up the phone! Leave a message if you must. Even if the client never calls you back, you’ve left a message in their mind that they matter.

Personalizing communications can be effortless and will absolutely have the greatest impact to your bottom line.

Samantha Hawkins

When You Don’t Plan Out, Your Future Won’t Pan Out

2010-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Dutch proverb, “Measure twice, cut one,” is wise advice, but only if followed. Yet, so many in business give all of one nanosecond to plan before cut, cut, cut. Then, when their efforts don’t pan out, they’re reduced to revising and reworking.

Here’s the problem. We know that life moves fast, that competitive advantage is lost if we move too slowly. So we treat speed of execution as a virtue, and often demean planning and thinking as the domain of plodders. “Fail to act and the world will pass you by,” we say, so we do before we think the plan through.

There is a place for quick execution, but it’s only when we have high confidence of success. To act quickly without understanding the implications can be signs of imprudence and arrogance. And those traits will doom your chance to succeed.

The other issue with behaving reactively is paying the toll of opportunity costs. In these lean times when staffs are stretched thin, businesses can ill afford to do work twice. Not only do you pay for the waste, you lose the opportunity to tackle the next critical item on your to do list.

So when the din of “cut, cut, cut” rings in your ears, take a deep breath and measure a second time.

Dave Wesley

Toot Your Horn. But Make Sure the Horn is Worth Tooting.

2010-02-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Many times we accomplish minor or major miracles, but then we don’t follow it up with telling the story to anyone. An example of this in business is contactless credit and debit cards or “Tap and Go” cards (otherwise known as PayPass and/or blink cards). It seems that while the technology was developed and cards were issued in large quantities, the transaction volume or usage has been very low. Many people who have these cards don’t know what it means to have one. (I would explain further, but why do their marketing for them?) A recent article on americanbanker.com referenced that while the technology or product was developed, it just wasn’t pitched. Not by the merchants, not by the card networks or the issuers. Great idea, but no one tooted the horn and promoted the message properly.

Sometimes we do toot our horn and tell a good story, but the story turns out to be based on a flawed character. Just ask Toyota about this one. The product WAS reliable. Marketers did a good job of promoting quality and reliability. Then somewhere along the line, things changed and marketing had to quickly shift its message to, “We know we screwed up and let you down, but we’re trying to fix it.”

Many times this situation occurs when departments within companies don’t communicate. Engineers may come up with a great technological miracle, but engineering and marketing don’t work together to ensure that the message to the consumer properly promotes the product or conveys its true benefits. Or in Toyota’s case, marketing may do a good job of getting the message out, but the manufacturing and operational side of the business doesn’t ensure that the message is being supported by the end product.

Either way, the end result is that time and money, not to mention growth opportunities, are wasted.

So if you have a good story to tell, toot your horn. But before you pucker up and blow, make sure it won’t come out sounding flat!

Kelly Carper

Passion is More Than You Think

2010-02-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

Oh sure…you think I’m sending this out because it’s February, thus Valentines and hearts and sweets and goo goo love stuff must mean I’m feeling the need to write about passion. Well, that’s partially true. Of course the infamous commercialized holiday does bring to mind thoughts of love and passion. But passion goes much further than candy hearts and roses.

I get that passion is a heart/head/physical thing that causes us to act incredibly insane and lose all sense of reason or logic. But I believe passion is more than that. I think it’s critical to our daily existence.

Passion drives us. Passion makes us pick up the phone to listen to a friend who has just won a major award. Passion makes our heart hurt when someone special has a disappointment. Passion makes us get in the car and drive across town in the rain to see the Eagles play in concert one last time. Passion gives us hope when we listen to some of the greatest minds out there share their life experiences with us. Passion makes us work harder to buy that extra something or other. Passion brings us to our knees in a moment of crisis. Passion makes us root for the underdog. Passion makes us want to pummel someone who would hurt an animal. Passion causes us to open our checkbooks for a country that has suffered devastation we will never know. Passion makes our heart stop when the “right” one walks in the room. Passion makes us smile when we remember a priceless moment that can never be recreated. Passion makes us say “I do” when the media continues to remind us that 60% of them end in divorce, because people don’t value commitment and real, deep, irreplaceable, incredible, true love. Passion makes us love our children until our hearts could burst.

My friends…Passion makes us throw all caution to the wind to start a business during the worst possible economy when we have listened to a hundred people tell us the statistics about how most businesses fail in the first 2 years. Passion gives us the energy to get up every day and do whatever it takes to keep the doors open, people employed, customers happy and the future brighter each moment. Passion makes us want to make a difference.

People say we can’t live without food, water, exercise, money…but really….what value do any of those things have if we have no passion for them.

See….passion is critical.

Stacey

Writing That Makes a Clear Difference

2010-02-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

When business people write copy, whether for their web site, brochures, or even business cards, it’s critical that the writing be clear and correct. There are two reasons I say this.

First, people understand their own company much better than their potential customers do. So, before you commit to any business copy, ask someone unfamiliar with your business to review it. Are the products well defined? Are the benefit statements clearly understood? Is real value being communicated?

Second, potential customers make judgments about your company’s competency based on your communications. Again, before you publish anything, ask others to review it for grammar, spelling, and tone. When you print mistakes, prospects may conclude that you are incompetent, careless, or not interested in paying attention to detail. Those judgments undermine your ability to persuade a prospect to become your customer.

Mark Twain wrote, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” In business, the difference between clear writing and unclear writing is the difference between a revenue stream and a revenue dream.

Dave Wesley

Want a Great Design? Don’t Say Cool.

2010-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

Let’s say I’m designing a logo for Susie Q. I ask Susie Q what she wants the logo to say about her company. Susie Q gives me four descriptive words she would like the logo to represent. They are as follows: cool, hip, unique and elegant. I breathe a deep sigh (and sometimes an eye roll) at the mention of these words, as I quickly try to steer her mind away from her current thought process.

What’s the problem with these words, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. These four words mean nothing to me. Why, you ask? Because what is cool and unique to me, may or may not be cool and unique to you. What I believe is clean and elegant is probably not your version of clean and elegant. My mind does not necessarily go where your mind will. The thing is, most people know this! But what is the first thing they say to me? “I want a cool/ hip/ unique logo.” Or, “I want an elegant/cool business card.” And there is always my favorite, “I want a logo/stationary/ad/poster that stands apart.” Guess what? Everybody wants their stuff to stand apart from the bunch. And you are not going to get very far in achieving this by using these vague terms.

Lucky for you, there are much better approaches you can take when describing to a designer what you want, and I’m going to tell you what they are. Instead of using generalized words, it’s better to find examples of things you like. Think of colors, shapes and fonts you gravitate toward, so you can have a concrete idea of what you are looking for. Do you like bold or thin fonts? Dark or light colors? Do you like a lot of clean white space? What is the first thing you want the viewer to see? What sort of things stand out to you?

Supplying your designer with as much detail as possible on what you like and what you’d like to see improves the odds that you’ll be ecstatic with the end product. It is also the best way to avoid heavy sighs and eye rolls…just in case you’re not a big fan of that.

Allison Hurd

Connect 3 Times...To Generate Referrals AND Business That Lasts a Lifetime

2010-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

With all of the noise out there; tweets, texts, e-mails, voicemail, blogs, and more, how is a business supposed to grow and gain new clients without looking and sounding like everyone else? Amongst the noise, how can you be heard?

Ever hear of the “3 touch system”? No…it doesn’t have anything to do with football or your iPhone. It is an old school sales technique that says you should “touch” (not literally) a prospect 3 times to generate a business relationship. Goes something like this:

First Touch: Distribute your business card liberally. Better yet…ask for THEIR card first and return the kindness by handing them yours. (Side tip…write a small note on the back of their card referencing your meeting.)

Second Touch: Within 48 hours, send an e-mail along with a handwritten note thanking that person for the conversation or introduction. Reference what was significant in the meeting. In today’s busy world, handwritten notes make a more subtle impact and shows effort on your part.

Third Touch: Follow up with a phone call. This call is your opportunity to qualify this potential client/referral resource as to how you may be able to work together in the future and then offer some times to meet for a second time. You may not get the meeting with this first call. What next? Hang up! Yes, hang up! But don’t give up! There is a difference! Add them to your calendar and send a monthly e-mail wishing them a great week, or Happy New Year, etc. These e-mails are not to harass or solicit your services, so don’t pitch your services every time you drop a “how are you?” email. These are meant to be gentle reminders that you are there in the market and happy to help however you can. This will take you minimal time each month.

The old school method says to stop at the 3rd contact and if it doesn’t generate business, move on. What a shame…because with a monthly “reconnect” through the beauty of technology (thank you email!), you can stay in front of this contact without being intrusive with hopes that they will think of you immediately if they need to refer a firm/company for the services you have to offer…or they will contact you if a bid comes up! Make it easy for them to remember you quietly so they don’t have to say, “Oh my! What was that person’s name I met months ago at that function? I think they offered a service that we need right now!”

You have now not only been “heard” quietly amongst the noise…you’ve also been remembered.

Samantha Hawkins

Events and Marketing

2010-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Even though they are not spelled the same, they are a palindrome. Crazy you say…crazy like a fox I say. You market your event and your event will market for you. See, just like racecar (a true palindrome – reading the same backward as forward).

I would like to specifically address a signature event. A signature event, where a non-profit is the beneficiary of any additional funds brought in by “your business name here,” will get you on the radar of business people, professional party goers, and the local media in ways you have yet to tap into through other means.

This may seem like an overwhelming endeavor, but the fact is there are many professionals that can create this from initial concept to the post-event profit and loss analysis for a nominal fee. In additional to handling this event for you, most event management companies also bring a huge rolodex full of companies that are willing to donate, sponsor, or just attend an event because they have built a relationship with the event company you have so wisely chosen to outsource your event management duties to. This type of service costs you a small fee and gives you double the fundraising dollars, triple the attendance, and allows you to shine as the star of the event, while the event company hustles in the background trying to make everything as perfect and smooth as possible.

A signature event is also the single best type of marketing you can do in this financial climate. People want to be happy; they want to leave their cares behind. They want to be where everybody knows their name, and they're always glad you came. They wanna be where they can see, the troubles are all the same. They wanna be where everybody knows…now I’m getting carried away. But you get the point.

The bottom line: Signature events are the most powerful marketing tool a company can use.

Amanda Rinehart

Resolve to Improve

2010-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

With the New Year already upon us, it’s not too late to put plans in place for improvement when it comes to your business.

Start the year by looking back.
That may sound odd, but resolving to improve your 2010 means you have to look back at 2009. Review your calendar from the previous year. What worked, what didn’t and why? Identify hits and misses. Replicate the hits in 2010. If you had a miss, analyze whether the concept was just inherently bad or whether more preparation, different timing, or different components being included in the plan could have made the project more successful. Analyze trends that might help you make decisions or be more proactive in the coming year. Then plan your 2010 calendar appropriately.

Keep better track of the year ahead.
After completing this task, resolve to keep even better track of your activities in 2010. Make sure you document all the steps that go into a project, track the timing, the results, and develop an assessment or conclusion so that when you go through this process next year, it will be even easier to plan for 2011.

Resolve to screw up at least once!
If you’re a skier, you know that you don’t get better unless you push yourself, take some risks, and allow yourself to fall down a few times… well, quite a few times. Allowing yourself to screw up accomplishes several things. It allows you to take risks that you might not otherwise take. It also helps you to focus on implementing something instead of planning it to death. A perfect solution doesn’t mean much if you never apply it to anything. And don’t forget, if you make a mistake, it’s all about how you learn from it and handle it that makes the difference.

Don’t jump off of a cliff just because everyone else does.
Instead of following the hoards of people this year who read the best seller, who use the most popular app on their iPhone, or who use the most touted site on the internet, resolve to follow the road less traveled. Search out unique business resources, unknown websites, and distinctive applications. Not only will this make you a more interesting person to talk to, it will make you a more valuable resource in comparison with other employees, competitors, etc.

The only depressing thing about resolving to improve is that you’re basically admitting that you could have done better last time. And guess what? You’ll have to admit it all over again next year!

Kelly Carper

Marketing by Definition?

2009-12-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ask anyone’s opinion on what they think marketing is, and you’ll get any number of answers.

Many times I’ve seen postings for jobs claiming that they needed a “Marketing Manager.” After speaking with the companies conducting the search, I would then clarify, “So, what you’re really looking for is a sales representative. Right?” To which I would usually get the response, “Well, I guess. But sales IS marketing. Right?” This response, for some reason, always infuriates me. I want to shout, “NO, IT CERTAINLY IS NOT!” But then I have to ask myself, why does that upset me?

To a certain extent, isn’t that the great thing about marketing? That it has such a broad definition and is interpreted so differently by so many people? Isn’t that the true definition of creativity, which is a component of marketing? Creativity is defined as “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like.”

Instead of getting frustrated and trying to put a specific definition on marketing, we should use this broad perception to our advantage as marketers. Marketing can be many things to many people who are looking for solutions. So call it what you want, but as long as we provide the right solutions that get the desired results, let’s just agree to call it “good stuff!”

Kelly Carper

Guest Post: So, what do you want in a bank?

2009-10-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

This article by Greg Patton is from the 2009 3rd Quarter Sierra Vista Bank Vista Views newsletter.

If its money, any bank will do. But if it’s a personal connection to the people who handle and account for that money, then you’ll be happier at a place like Sierra Vista Bank. The money here is green but the staff isn’t. Even our more junior people have over 10 years of experience in the care and feeding of the average depositor.

If it’s a loan, any bank will do. But if its the opportunity to be able to discuss the pro’s and con’s of your transaction or to hear the wisdom of true bankers whose livelihood has been in the structuring and granting of credit, then you’ll be happier at a place like Sierra Vista Bank. Our lenders are just that – lenders. They are well trained and are experienced in the actual granting of credit. They make good decisions and that’s what you should come to expect – well thought out plans to make your borrowing better.

If it’s an interest rate, any bank will do. But if it’s a competitive rate recommended in a product mix that best suits your needs, then you’ll be happier at a place like Sierra Vista Bank. Our deposit experts are well trained and seasoned in dealing with everyone as an individual. You get personal service and a thorough discussion of the options to meet your needs. And our rates are competitive.

If it’s someone who has a plastic badge that says “Personal Banker” then any bank will do. But if it’s the goal of doing business with an institution that actually knows and cares about your banking as much as you do, then you’ll be happier at a place like Sierra Vista Bank. It all comes down to the people and once you meet and know ours, there will be no room left for doubt at how truly personal and helpful our bankers can be.

Sure there’s others out there that might be able to meet your needs. But why waste time; go with a sure thing. See you at Sierra Vista Bank real soon.

No, you can't have any font you want (for your website)

2009-05-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

We appreciate this frank posting on appropriate fonts from our friends at Rising Line. If you are new to the world of website design, you definitely need to read this article, enjoy:

http://risingline.com/blog/web-safe-fonts.php

Our Clients ROCK The Times!

2009-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to share that Greg Patton, the President of Sierra Vista Bank and one of our favorite clients, appeared in the New York Times yesterday. Click here to read more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/smallbusiness/28sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business

How's Your Website Workin' For Ya?

2009-05-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Rising Line has an excellent blog where they offer spot-on insight into Web 2.0 marketing and how to use Web technology for a higher ROI.....

http://risingline.com/blog

Glimmer on the horizon?

2009-04-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Glimmer on the horizon?
Greg Patton, CEO of Sierra Vista Bank

The President of the Unites States indicates that there may be a glimmer on the horizon when it comes to the economy. Fed Chair Bernake thinks the downward slope may be slowing. The GDP projections are generally showing less contraction in Q2 and slightly positive growth for Q3 & Q4.

My personal observations: It’s hard to find a really good parking place at the mall. I couldn’t book a timeshare in Palm Springs for Spring Break. “It’s a 25 minute wait” at most of the good restaurants I failed to get reservations for in advance. The word is that car sales last month were pretty good compared to past months. Houses under $400,000 seem to be selling pretty quickly. “American Idol” is still getting 36 million votes a week (Danny G. is my personal choice).

This leads me to believe that people still are shopping, vacationing, eating out, buying stuff and have phones and leisure time sufficient to follow pop culture. There is still plenty of pain and economic distress to go around but I have to agree with the President that I, too, have seen some glimmers of hope on the horizon.

What do we do now? It is still a ‘back to basics’ exercise for me and for all those who would ask me that question. Are you controlling costs? Are you cautiously doing more with less? This applies for households as well as businesses. “Do we need …” is the leading question of this quest for survival. Consumer confidence will not spring from unnecessary or reckless spending. As everyone executes a well though out business/personal spending plan, I think the horizon gets a bit closer.

Don’t put on rose colored glasses to prevent the glare. There are still areas of great softness or segments that are still very subject to this market’s correction. I don’t expect that we will get great news from employment or housing values until sometime later. And I am well aware of the concerns over inflation overtaking the stimulus. I don’t run with scissors and I’m not going proclaim all is healed. I do like the feel of the current trends and sympathies.

It could be a mirage. It could be swamp gas. It could be wishful thinking. But I’m going to keep the sunglasses nearby.

Beyond a Logo

2009-04-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article that offers excellent perspective on logos. Something to consider when creating or assessing your company logo.

Check it out!

http://entrepreneursjourney.blogs.com/thoughts/2008/10/logos-and-brands.html

Infuze Marketing Has Been Published!

2009-03-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

Our writers at Infuze Marketing have had an article published in addme.com's most recent newsletter!

Check it out:
Public Relations and the Internet: Friend or Foe?

Infuze Marketing CEO Joins Stanford Home Board of Directors

2009-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Our CEO, Stacey Divine, is honored to have recently joined the Board of Directors for Stanford Home for Children where she will not only Chair the Branding Committee, but will also support the efforts of the development Committee and the Planning Committee for the annual signature Wine Auction event.

Supporting community efforts and needs is something we are honored to do here at Infuze Marketing. As a general practice, all staff members are asked to participate in local non-profit events or volunteer to serve within non-profit organizations. The Infuze team actually supports multiple organizations through their efforts...many of these are on their own time!

We all agree...there's really nothing cooler than giving back!

For more information on Stanford Home for Children's amazing vision and services, click here to view their Web site.