Creative Ways To Innovate…
The other day, I stopped at a local Walgreen’s to pick up a birthday card for my daughter. While paying for the card, the cashier pointed out a display of M&M’s and asked if I’d like to purchase some to maybe go along with the birthday card. I said, “Oh-no thank you.” She went on to say, “Are you sure? They have some new flavors including peanut butter and jelly and coconut.” I said, “Peanut butter and jelly? That one really doesn’t sound too good to me, but the coconut one, sounds pretty good. I still think I’ll pass, but maybe I’ll try that one the next time I come in.”
As I left the store, I thought a little more about the M&M’s, but more about the two companies, (Walgreens and M&M Mars Corporation) trying something different to boost sales and to be innovative, and thought…”Good for them!”
The practice of suggestive selling has been around for quite a number of years, and is often used by fast food restaurants, as well as many retail chains. While many businesses incorporate the practice, not every business does, but probably should. Add on products can add up fast and help increase revenue.
In todays market, it is more important than ever to stand out from the competition and raise sales. How is your business doing? Maybe it’s time to get those creative juices flowing.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Marketing, Uncategorized on August 11th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe:Very Berry Pie
Here’s a tasty, light dessert to try. It is easy to make and tastes great.
Very Berry Pie
1 large graham cracker prepared crust
1 Tub Cool Whip topping thawed
1 container strawberry yogurt (8 oz.)
1 container blueberry yogurt (8 oz.)
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
In a mixing bowl, mix Cool Whip and yogurt together. Add the strawberries and blueberries, saving a few to garnish later. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or over night. Before serving, add the remaining fruit as a garnish on top.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on August 7th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Enjoy Every Moment!
I believe I have mentioned it in a previous blog, so you may, or may not know that I am planning a wedding. A couple of weeks ago, I heard about this couple in St. Paul that choreographed a dance for their wedding party to go down the aisle. I watched it, and I was laughing hysterically! If you haven’t seen it yet click on the link to check it out! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGGz8n-UjLc).
They received a lot of media attention, including a spread in USA Today and even appearing on the Today Show, where they reenacted the dance and even got the anchors involved. It was awesome!
With all of the details of planning a wedding, you can get so wrapped up that you don’t take time to enjoy and reflect on the event. There are so many ideas and decisions to be made throughout the entire process, including who will be in the wedding, color, cake, dresses, flowers, photographer, decorator, reception venue, invitations, guest list, food, drink, the list goes on and on!
During the beginning stages of the process, I allowed things to frustrate and stress me out. Now that we have booked all of the major things, I have reminded myself to enjoy the process, have fun, and most of all laugh! Hopefully when the big day comes, we will feel like dancing down the aisle too (not literally)! 
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized on August 6th, 2009 by Angie | | 1 Comments
Lighting Does Matter!
There are variety of points to take into consideration when choosing a granite color for your remodeling project. One point that sometimes gets overlooked, but yet is important, is lighting. The other week, I was visiting a supplier to try to find a material match for some granite we had in at our facility. While they didn’t have an exact match, I did find a few slabs that I felt were close. As I set my sample along side each slab, I noticed that the lighting in the warehouse seemed really yellow, and that it seemed to effect how the sample looked. We ended up breaking a piece from the corner and then taking it along with my sample to the showroom. The match looked better in the showroom, and even better outside in the direct light. It is funny how lighting can sometimes change the look of a color.
No matter if your kitchen has a lot of windows, or just a few, keep in mind that it may have some effect. The same is true with your light fixtures, and the type of light they give off. It is always best to ask for a sample to match the color with your environment including the cabinets, flooring, paint, and lighting.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on August 3rd, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
