Dealing with the “New Normal”

In my travels, I am hearing many talk about how things will never be like they were economically. Some are depressed about the idea, others are accepting the concept with resignation, a few are looking for new opportunities. One thing is certain, we all have to decide how we are going to move forward given this current economy.  I would like to recommend the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

This little book offers great insight into how we all deal with change, using an amusing parable story of four characters who live in a maze. How they deal with the reality of someone moving their “Cheese”, a metaphor for what they want in life, illustrates the process we all go through in facing life’s challenges and changes beyond our control.

What books have inspired you toward success in business and life?

Furniture Focused Social Networking

Finally had a chance to explore another social networking site dedicated to the Furniture Industry. On first preview, I can see how this site could be helpful not only to novices interested in testing out the current social media trend, but also to those who are very well connected and accomplished on the subject. The main benefit naturally is the targeted focus, which gives those interested in networking with other industry professionals a way to easily find topics and people of particular interest to one’s own goals.

Indeed, other sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc have dedicated groups for the furniture professionals; and, I have benefited from joining these groups. However, if you are looking for a place to begin exploring, or are interested in adding to your social networking resources, you certainly ought to check out Go Furnish.

One thing I would definitely recommend with any of these web sites, is to always double check the settings in your profiles to be sure all the information to be published online is within your comfort level. For instance, do you want your birthday available to everyone? Simply make it a policy to go back in after you have set up your accounts and edit your preferences to be sure the site is using your information correctly. Keep in mind also, you do not always have to enter all the information they ask for. The information you provide and allow to be visible should serve your interests.

Creative Marketing Idea-Look Internally

Just finished reading this interesting article on ways to better utilize staff in company marketing efforts. If you are looking for sources to help you brainstorm ideas, you will certainly want to read this article titled, The Secret Marketing Resource Right Under Your Nose.

3D Modeling Idea

Just explored a free 3D Modeling program by Google called, Sketchup. Lots of great features, seems very easy to use, offers an amazing array of templates including furniture, plus allows collaboration.

All in all, a very powerful program and with a price tag of “Free”, it could be just the tool for anyone trying to create models for both interior and exterior virtual tours.

Cooperative Marketing Idea #3, Furniture for the Cure

Another concept in cooperative marketing ideas retailers can look into is finding goodwill causes to support. As an example, The Platt Collections, one of the manufacturers I happen to represent, has teamed up with Furniture for the Cure, founded by Glenn Midnet. His vision is to support the efforts of the Susan G Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.

The remarkable part about this concept to me is the opportunity for The Platt Collections dealers to join in on a high visibility national marketing effort. How powerful it could be for a retailer to exponentially expand their own marketing dollars by joining in with manufacturers like The Platt Collections and organizations such as the Susan G Komen Foundation to gain the attention of local media outlets like TV, Radio, Newspapers, etc. You can check out the links below to see how see how such an event could be structured.

Here is a link to see Part 2, featuring the Mayor of High Point.

Here is a link to Part 3, featuring local representatives of the  Susan G Komen Foundation Triad Affiliate.

Internet Marketing Ideas

The other day, I was invited to be a guest on an Internet Radio Show. This interesting experience has opened my eyes to another avenue for marketing on the Internet.  The creative options available via the Internet simply ought to be explored by those serious about thriving in our ever growing Internet oriented world.  Click here to listen to the broadcast.

In addition to exploring Social Networking and Blogging, you may want to take a look at Internet Radio and/or setting up a YouTube Channel for video. I am currently trying my hand at producing and posting videos to the Internet. While it is time consuming, I am discovering another aspect of marketing and way to spread the good word.

It is said, if businesses don’t utilize the Internet to control what is said about their company, others will do it for them.  In other words, it is entirely possible your customers could share their opinions with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Hence why it is becoming increasingly a good idea to designate someone in your organization to monitor what is being said about your company. Doing so can help you respond quickly to any negative comments by customers, and possibly competitors, quickly.  The speed and scope of communication these days is staggering, and should not be discounted.

One Plan to Thrive

Ever since I read an article by one of my favorite bloggers Mike Landfair, titled “Suttons Law–Go Where The Money Is“, I can not get it off my mind, as I look for ways to help my customers deal with this startling economic environment.

Especially, as the news media report continued high unemployment figures. Yet, companies are reporting better numbers and the stock market responds accordingly. While the article Mike points to speaks mostly about Internet sales, I am seeing growth for retailers and designers who cater to the high-end consumer improving.

Sealed Dividers to Protect Valuable Shipments

As everyone knows, freight damages can be quite problematic and costly at times. There is an interesting solution available which creates basically a wall barrier between your shipment and the other shipments sharing your freight carrier’s trailer.

You can contact vendors such as, Unishippers for more information on this program to organize your shipments to be loaded into the nose of a trailer and sealed in with a divider system. This alternative approach offers protection for your valuable  furniture and accessory products. Your order will remain in the trailer untouched until delivered to final location. All at a cost which I understand is more reasonable than white glove and air ride services. This service is available nation-wide.

Cooperative Marketing Idea #2

In my travels, I am finding it interesting to hear some retailers tell me they are doing rather well in this typically challenging economy. Often, they are small boutique stores with the good fortune to be located within a small tight-knit community. They also are able to attract loyal customers from a wide distance.

This brings to mind a news segment I watched on TV recently, where it was said small community oriented mini-town shopping areas were adding high value to homes in their surrounding areas. Basically, if residents could walk to their little town center for shopping and services, the price of real estate was much greater. Plus, they often became destinations for others outside the “community”. Sounds as if there is an inclination to find community as part of our national nesting trend. Even with the amazing growth in social networking, we still seem to have a need to get together and celebrate in person.

This whole concept makes me think retailers who can find ways to work cooperatively with other businesses in their area, and provide a destination for consumers, could prosper. It might be an idea to work with your local government officials to see if there is support for sponsoring events like a weekly beer festival one small town holds in their town center. They close down streets, and the businesses remain open later than normal, to encourage festival attendees to wander through their shops.

Another town I know of, closes their main street one evening a month during the summer season. Each business provides refreshments such as wine and hors d’orvers for guests, who wander along the street and visit each vendor.

Even if you are not located in an area with the good fortune to have a downtown or main street, perhaps you could find other businesses like restaurants to cross market. For instance, what about combining your marketing dollars to provide discount coupons for each business. Say a customer purchases a certain amount of merchandise from your store, they could qualify for a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant in the area… The restaurant could offer their patrons a free “Gift” from your store, perhaps for those celebrating a birthday or anniversary…just a thought.

Cooperative Marketing Idea

For some time now, I have been wanting to share this concept for my retail and design clients to help them brainstorm creative marketing ideas. Check out the opportunity to participate with a company like Open House with Style. This spunky group of realtors has found it best to work with other businesses to market their products and services.

Essentially, they provide mini “Parade of Homes” style events. They host open house events in homes that are up for sale. The events offer businesses of all sizes the opportunity to showcase their services and products for a small fee, to a potential clientele who are in the market to purchase a home.

What a great way for companies with interior design services to get in front of potential customers who are relaxing with gourmet hors d’ oeuvres and viewing a beautiful home. The exposure for your services and opportunity to network along side caterers, insurance companies, etc could possibly help expand your business.