The Turning Point!!!!

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Since March of 2020 I have seen much turmoil in The Unites States and I have looked for ways to turn it around. I have seen so much hate and vitriol that I questioned my spirituality and my messages. I have experienced name calling as I continue to fundraise for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I have had a difficult time finding full time employment. Through it all I continue to stay focused and connected to GOD knowing that there are better days ahead and all I need to do is turn it around. I know that one way to turn it around is to remember that we are all divine children of GOD and GOD wants us to prosper so we can prosper others. If we are to turn it around we must put our differences aside and do what is best for our communities. One great way to help build and strengthen our communities is to be of service and value to one another. If you get the chance to support a local business or a charity take that opportunity as it will open up channels to receive. A key way to turn it around is to realize that we all bleed the same.

Once we realize that we are more alike than we are different we can awaken spiritually and begin to help one another to turn it around. Now is the time to tap into our inner divinity and follow our purpose so we can grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. Now is our chance to heal the world and understand that we have a responsibility to think globally and act locally.

As we begin to heal the world we heal ourselves as we find that when we are of value and service that we turn things around. Instead of judging people look for the goo in them and applaud those who are making a difference. The time is now to use your talents for good to turn things around. If you begin to look at things differently they will change and you will be able to move forward in a positive direction of your goals. I have learned to focus on the good and to take the bad in stride for GOD never gives you anything you can’t handle. I have come to understand that if GOD brought you to it GOD will bring your through it.

GOD will make a way for you to turn it around. You simply need to be tuned in to receive and act upon the messages that are being given to you. The messages come in all forms so be aware and be awake so that you can act upon them accordingly. Remember there is always a solution to the challenges that are being put into our lives. Many times it is simply in stepping back and finding a way to turn it around that allows us to make the mind, body, soul connection to create the life we desire. Now is your time to turn it around.

Advertisement Ideas: Turning Retail Around!!!



Many retailers have begun to point the finger at amazon and other online companies for the decline in sales at their brick and mortar locations. Though it is true their are many consumers turning to online buying to secure products and services that they desire there is still a large percentage of the consumer market that like to shop in a brick and mortar business. The key is to reach these consumers and have a unique selling proposition that will drive them to come to your store. One key component to turning around the brick and mortar retail business is for companies to focus on local area marketing and to empower their local staff to be the ambassadors for the locations where they work. I strongly suggest that management teams hire those who have strong ties to the community and those who have key contacts in the community. The key is to go back to being a neighborhood store where customers get to know the employees and feel like they are treated special each time they shop. It is imperative to know your niche and to implement marketing plans that will reach your niche market and thus drive traffic to your store. The key is to constantly promote to your desired target audience in the platforms that reach them. I have seen many companies continue to spend $1,000,000 on circulars in the newspaper not realizing that most consumers today are not reading the newspaper as they are getting news alerts on their electronic devices. My suggestion to those who are spending $1,000,000 on newspaper advertising is to shift some of that into direct social media advertising as that is where the majority of consumers are today. I also suggest going old school with street teams that go to special events to promote the store thus letting the community know who you are and why they should be shopping with you. The solution is simple know your target audience and give them a reason to come shop with you.

What is it that makes your store unique? Are you a location where a certain product is only available through your store. Many brick and mortar stores have products made exclusively for them or are the only distributor of a certain brand thus they have created a unique selling proposition for the consumer seeking these products. The key is to let the consumer know of your exclusive product lines and to advertise the exclusivity of the products that you have.

Another way to turn around retail is to look at what is working and build upon that while streamlining the amount of choices a consumer has as this will create a niche for you and thus you will strengthen your brand and increase your revenue. Ask yourself what is it you want to be known for when your retail store is mentioned. The biggest mistake retailers are making today is they are trying to cater to everyone and as a result are missing out on major growth opportunities. Many times larger retailers are trying to do things on a national or even a global scale when they should be catering to the local market and doing a store by store analysis so as to properly stock their departments and drive sales. I was recently in a department store here in South Florida and they had a winter coat selection that was amazing the only issue was that the average temperature in South Florida is 76 degrees on most days and though we do get the occasional cold snap the call for winter coats is not that great. Perhaps shrinking the winter coat selection and having lighter sweaters and jackets would increase sales and reduce the amount of money tied up in inventory. Yes many consumers in South Florida are visiting from up north and may have people going away to school in colder climates it is important to know that the bulk of your customers are not shopping for winter coats. The key is knowing your local market and what their needs and desires are so you can cater to them and maximize the amount of money they will spend in your store.

Advertisement Ideas: Oh No Mr.Bill!!!!

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Many year’s ago there was a character on Saturday Night Live, Mr. Bill and he would get into all types of difficulty and would exclaim oh no!!!! Today(5/21/2019) my day morphed into a Mr.Bill type day leaving me to wonder how do some businesses manage to thrive despite their management team. The day started off on a good note as I was out collecting donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life most everyone was nice but there were some that simply don’t understand the importance of relationship building and building strategic partnerships. I understand most places I went they didn’t know me and that I was interrupting the flow of their business however it doesn’t cost anything to be kind. I went into Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and they are very good supporters of Relay For Life and I appreciate all they do for the cause however today they dropped a few notches as The Manager said I couldn’t go table to table to collect so I asked if I could stand outside the restaurant or if we can set up a day to simply do a collection she said no which I didn’t mind. What I did mind was the manner in which she talked with me she seemed to think I was beneath her. If only she knew the reach I have and how I could be a great ally. I encountered this no soliciting allowed attitude in many places that I went and I thought wow you are cutting off your nose to spite your face. I thought this way as I would have done a live video( My last Live Video had over 1100 views) and promoted the restaurant given the restaurant a good review and strengthened a business relationship. When I went to Habit Burger I simply disobeyed the GM’S wishes and was successful as one patron gave me a $20 donation. I later called their corporate office and had a nice interaction with the marketing director who in turn sent me details to host a Give Back Night there. I told her all The GM had to do was say we don’t allow soliciting however we do offer a way for your organization to fundraise here is our flier how to set up one of our Give Back Nights. The gentleman at McCallister’s were very arrogant and condescending as they told me no. I can accept a no even if I don’t understand why anyone business would say no to someone who has a proven track record of over 20 years of fundraising for The American Cancer Society. They could always take a minute and check out www.relayforlife.org/sunrisetamaracfl and see I am The #2 fundraiser with over $4500 raised.

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Had the people in leadership roles at these restaurants taken a step back and seen the big picture perhaps their sales would have increased a bit. I have come to learn that there are always going to be those are so worried about complaints that they simply have programmed themselves to say no to everything. Many times they simply don’t see the benefits that someone brings to them and are so set in the ways that they lose out on the many opportunities that are presented to them.

I know going uninvited and putting people on the spot may not be the best way however many times it works and people respond in a great way like the time the hair salon owner said sure you can make an announcement and one of the patrons donated $40 or the time the ophthalmologist asked what type of donation I was looking for and I answered whatever you are comfortable with and he wrote a check for $100. Yes I have encounters some people who made me feel like Mr. Bill however I have also encountered people who have shown respect and appreciation for what I am doing. I have come to understand that not everyone is as advanced in the sphere of cause marketing as I am and many times employees of larger corporations are not empowered or inspired to think outside the box.

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So the next time someone comes into your business seeking support you should look at the benefits and be open to what they are doing for they may have a large following that can become your client/customer. Imagine if the managers and general managers of businesses were empowered to do local area cause marketing how much more profitable a business would be.

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A few years ago I approached Hungry Howie’s about supporting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and Xavier was very happy to help and donated 10 large pizzas and each year since has supported our effort to help those touched by cancer. In return Hungry Howie’s has gotten my business and promotional videos and an outstanding revenue. I share this to show you how to avoid those Oh! No! Mr. Bill moments in your business.

Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go HMMM!!!

The last 5 days have been a study in things that make you go HMMM. On Saturday I showed up to announce a game for a team that I have worked with for 10 years and was informed that I could announce that game but the other 3 they had to use the announcer that the city contracted with. I was a bit taken aback by this for I never heard of this before. The owner asked me about announcing the season without securing the fie field and then secured the field and signed a contract with a clause about using the city’s announcer. I thought don’t you read the contract and then when you see that clause mention you have your own announcer and want that clause removed from the contract and then proceed. The owner did try to get me as the announcer but the city insisted on the team using their announcer. I am now out the money that I had counted on because of a commitment made before final paperwork and details being worked out.

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Not the sign I wanted to see on my car window!!!

I went to get into my car today and found a warning sticker on my window. I thought my car was parked in my assigned spot at the condo isn’t there a schematic that could be checked and security knock on my door? I went to the office and was able to get a temporary permit so this doesn’t happen again. The person who handles the decals was supposed to call me to come to the office but never did so today after I received the warning I went tot he office and took care of it. Oh the joy of living in a condo!!!

Keep Your Appointments!!!!

So many times over the years I have had appointments with people only to have them not show up without any communication. I have come to realize that many people simply fly by the seat of their pants not thinking of consequences or how their actions affect others. I have always been one that when I need to cancel an appointment I call. I have had one woman saying oh I need to get together with you and each time I reach out to set the appointment she makes an appointment and then has an excuse for cancellation. She has since gone ghost. It is amazing to me how some people operate and then they wonder why they don’t have a profitable entity. The reason is that you are creating to many moments that make people go HMMM!

Avoid things that make you go HMMM by doing your due diligence!!!

One of the best things you can do in business is to do you due diligence. In doing so you can avoid many issues where people will go HMMM. In many cases it is simply a matter of not making commitments that you can’t keep. In many cases it can be as simple as planning your strategy and having the strategy in place long before it is needed.

Another way to avoid creating things that make me go HMMM situations is to stop playing the blame game and claiming there is nothing you can do because as a business owner there is something that you can do. Remember on oh crap can ruin a thousand at a boys. The key to avoiding the things that make me go hmmm moments is to be authentic and transparent when dealing with people.

Advertisement Ideas:Surprise, Surprise. Surprise!!!

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The other day (4/3/2019) I was meeting a friend for lunch and we decided to meet at Delvecchio’s in Plantation, FL. I showed up a bit early for our meeting only to be surprised that they were closed during what would have been regular work hours. I called another location to find out what was happening as many times things happen and the business would reopen. I was told that the owner decided to close this location permanently. The person on the phone simply said they could keep up with it anymore. I found this a bit odd as they are located near a 55 plus community, have office buildings across the street, are next to an elementary school, and down the block from a middle school, and have a high school near by this location. As I went next store to Subway to eat with my friend I started to think about Delvecchio’s and how many other businesses like Delveechio’s close because they do not market daily. I am surprised by how many business owners I encounter who are not open to receive ideas about strengthening their brand and increasing their revenue. So many times a business owner get’s so wrapped up in the other aspects of the business that they forget the importance of marketing and advertising. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise if you are not marketing you are losing a large segment of the market as they are going those that are on the top of their mind. It is imperative to know your community and how to reach the potential customers/clients in your community. Knowing you target audience and how to reach them and have them do business with you is key.

CreateUSP-vl

In order to avoid putting the closed for business sign up permanently you need to develop a Unique Selling Proposition. It is important to set yourself apart from every other business in your industry. Think of business and what they became known for and then follow their model in your business. When you think of McDonald’s you think of The Big Mac, when you think of NIKE you think sneakers, when you think All State you think accident forgiveness. The key is having something that you are known for that others in your industry don’t have. Ask yourself what do I have that is proprietary to my business and how can it put me on the top of the mind of the consumer. Then ask yourself how will I market this Unique Selling Proposition.

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The key to marketing is to build raving fans that will share your business with others. I remember working at Sinbad Sports back in 2016 and taking fliers to all the sports bars and speaking to General Mangers who allowed me to hand the fliers out to their patrons in return I allowed them to put fliers in the store. This allowed me to share a unique selling proposition as the sports store with all teams available. Another Unique Selling Proposition was the fact that the store had me as a knowledgeable employee able to answer questions while also promoting the store on social media. I remember during football season on Thursdays I would make my NFL Picks and post them on social media. I did this using different merchandise and showing my picks via video. At Sinbad Sports we also had items that you couldn’t find anywhere else thus I made it a point to feature them as well. I share this to emphasize the importance of marketing and engaging your staff in the process.

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It is important to get to know your customers and to make them feel welcomed and important. When some one does business with you give them a reason to continue to do business with you. Do unique things like finding out their favorite food and then getting a gift card to a restaurant that serves that type of food to give to them the next time they come in. When you do things for your customers and they feel appreciated they will not only continue to do business with you they will share your business with others. Surprise, Surprise, Suprise, customer service is important. Remember they chose to do business with you so give them a reason to keep doing business with you and to recommend you to others.

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Surprise, Surprise, Surprise without a structured advertising and marketing plan you will find yourself throwing good money after bad and eventually this takes a toll on your business as many times it leads to closing the business permanently. Sometimes there are other factors why a business closes however one of the most common reasons is lack of marketing. Marketing is very simple find the problem that your business solves and then promote your business to those seeking to solve that problem. Make sure you know your niche market and target your advertising and marketing to them so that you strengthen your brand and increase your revenue. Marketing should be done daily.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you can not have results if you are busy making excuses. I have heard so many times that oh business is slow I can’t afford to market. My answer is instead of complaining think of affordable ways to market. If you have some down time in your business hop on social media and invite people to do business with you by offering a special. When I worked at Celebrity Sports I would do videos and send them out and post them in groups. On some of the days doing this brought in a few people who told me I didn’t plan on coming y but I saw your video. On days that I wasn’t in the store I was out in the community finding people who liked sports or knew people who liked sports as a result I picked up a few regular customers. My Unique Selling Proposition was that I could do auctions on a consignment basis with non-profit organizations which helped them raise money while putting the store in front of the consumer so that when they needed something sports or pop culture related they though of Celebrity Sports 1st.

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Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you need a knowledgeable marketing person who can build your brand and increase your revenue. You need someone who will be proactive and help you stay ahead of the curve so you are the leader in your industry not a follower. It is important for you to empower this person to make decisions. You will need someone who understand your business and has your best interest in mind. You will need someone that seeks and acts upon opportunities.

Avoid having to put this sign up by making marketing and advertising a priority.

Advertisement Ideas: Missing The Boat!!!

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I am amazed about how people go about things in business that I think many are missing the boat. Today (3/6/2019) I went to a job fair to meet with the 2 large radio station companies in the market so I could leave them my demo cd. The first one I went to said oh we are sponsors of the event and I don’t know what to do with this. I responded it take it back to the station and give it to your program manager. She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language then again to her maybe I was as this is South Florida after all. I walked away thinking this is a job fair and your company didn’t bring someone from human resources. I am a firm believer of you never know who is coming to your table or through your doors so be prepared for every case scenario. The other radio company had their director of traffic there who gladly took my demo tape and asked me to follow up on line. I even had the opportunity to give my demo tape to The Florida Panthers Human Resource Director. I share this as networking is a key component to being successful. When you put yourself out there you are going to meet people who can be of service and value to you while you can be of service and value to them. The key is to be prepared and have your people prepared so you don’t miss the boat.

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Many times I call on businesses to support my charitable endeavors with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and many times I encounter those that are missing the boat as they don’t understand the concept of cause marketing or they don’t want to hear how someone can be of service and value to them. Today (3/6/2019) after attending the job fair I stopped by a plaza to go business to business to promote The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and also collect donations. Most every business in the plaza was receptive however there was one that was a bit arrogant and non-receptive, Catering By Joel’s Place. This is the same business that I called a few weeks ago to get a quote for a party that I was hosting and he never returned my phone call. He stated I have been in business for 27 years and everything is by appointment. I told him then maybe he should keep his door locked and that he was leaving money on the table. He said I don’t need you telling me what I am doing. I said thank you and I left. As I walked out I thought wow here is another closed minded individual missing the boat for he didn’t even want to dialogue with me. I understand he doesn’t know me and doesn’t know about the 8000 people I reach on social media or all the events that I am involved in or people that I know that possibly could do business with him. His arrogance and lack of being open to listen now earned him a negative review and lost me as a potential customer. Remember that every conversation has opportunity and to not miss the boat by being arrogant or too busy to talk to someone.

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I used to take my Grandmother, when she was alive, to Monti’s and the food was good. I was in the area yesterday (3/5/2019) promoting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life at about 10:45 AM figuring it was prep time for lunch i stopped in to see if they can help me. The 1st words out of the gentleman making pizza was I am too busy for this. Another gentleman came up and reluctantly gave me a dollar and told me to leave as they were too busy. I left thinking again another business that is making money but could be doing better if they weren’t missing the boat about being kind to anyone who comes through the doors. I share this with those who own businesses to make sure you are treating people who are coming into your place of business with respect as you never know who they might be and how they can either affect your business positively or negatively. I fully understand that I am coming into these businesses unannounced and uninvited however I have been doing fundraising this way for over 40 years and have have had much success. There is a huge value in engaging with people especially someone who knows and understand cause marketing.

If you are going to stop missing the boat you must go out and share who you are and what you do and why people should do business with you. You were born to be on the boat and have that boat reach its destination for success with you on board. Stop missing the boat and realize that everyone that you come in contact with can be of service and value to your business. Sometimes it is as easy as simple hitting the street and sharing your business or non-profit activities with others. Be bold and get on board your boat to success.

Advertisement Ideas: It Is All About The Benjamins!!!

Advertisement Ideas: It Is All About The Benjamins!!!

See the source imageIn  business it all comes down to the bottom line of how much revenue are you producing and how much of that revenue is  profit. In our society today it has become all about the Benjamins. It is important to know why you went into the business you went into. Once you find your why you can begin to generate a whole lot of Benjamins. Many people I come in contact who have a business do not understand that you need to invest in a solid advertising and marketing program so as to generate the Benjamins. I have walked into many a business and been the only shopper there  and I thought how is this business surviving. The other day I stopped by a store that I used to work at and in the 1 hour I was there they had 0 traffic. The fact that they are located in a busy shopping plaza behind three sports oriented bars and due to the merchandise they have they should have been busy. I asked how sales have been they said a bit on the slow side. I did notice a buy 1 get 50% promotional sign at the entrance. I thought how are they letting people know they are open and making this great offer? In a matter of minutes I had formulated a plan of action that if the owner was receptive and willing to make a small investment could work in driving traffic and being on the top of the mind of the consumer. They have incredible merchandise however if no one knows they are there and no one is shopping in the store they will not be making many Benjamins. I thought they need brand awareness so I did a quick live video which is something they should be doing daily with a featured item of the day. They should create a tag line that is easily remembered and entices people to shop there. They could implement some type of cause marketing program as consumers like to support businesses that they perceive to be giving back to the community. They had an item that I really liked and I thought why are they not advertising is sports memorabilia publications and featuring this item. They recently placed an ad for a social media marketing intern for $10 an hour. If you are serious about creating a buzz on social media and acquiring customers and turning them into loyal customers it is going to take more than paying someone $10 an hour to do social media marketing. If you want to make Benjamins you have to invest Benjamins. Make sure that when you have a retail store that your associates working the floor have top notch customer service skills and that they are creating buyers not browsers. Ask questions get to know the people coming into your store. Treat every customer as though they are the most important person walking into your store.

See the source imageIf you are going to attract Benjamins to your business and create a nice profit margin you need to have a plan that is proactive. Sometimes it is necessary to go back to the old school way of doing things and hit the street talking to people that are with in 3 feet of you. For example you have an eyeglass store you should go out and everyone  you see wearing glasses you should hand them your 4″ x 6″ card showing who you are and what you do and why they should do business with you.  Make shure  that when you planning that you include your unique selling proposition or point of difference so people know what sets you apart from everyone else. Look at who you are seeking to attract and where you might find your ideal customer and then formulate a plan to bring in those Benjamins.

No automatic alt text available.If you want to learn more about strengthening your brand and increasing your revenue so you have a good flow of Benjamins please attend the OLD SCHOOL MEETS NEW SCHOOL MARKETING WORKSHOP in October. Look for more details coming soon. For a $50 investment you will receive a video interview, a promotional one sheeter, and a tailor made press release to help you in your quest to strengthen your brand while increasing your revenue.

Image may contain: Jonathan Lederman, smiling, standing, shoes, suit and indoorJonathan JDOGG Lederrman has been helping businesses to grow for over 20 years and has a proven track record of success as he possesses a keen ability to find the essence of a business and come up with easily and affordable marketing programs that will build brand awareness while also increasing revenue. Businesses that have listened to JDOGG have had success. STAY POSITIVE!!!

 

Advertisement Ideas: Have A Heart!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Have A Heart!!!

Image result for Cause MarketingAs someone who has been involved in the non-profit and for profit sector for over 40 years I believe that I possess the ability to help many businesses to have a heart. Having a heart means being kind to everyone who comes into or calls your business for you never know how that person can be of service and value to your business. In all your advertising you should be showing people that you are a business with a heart by showing what organizations you are supporting as people like to do business with those that they perceive to be giving back to the community.

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The majority of consumers want to know what you are doing to support causes. In educating them about the causes you support you build their trust and they feel like they know you. People like to business with people they know, like, and trust and one great way to get people to like you, know you, and trust you is to support the local causes in your community.

Image result for Cause MarketingI have seen where having a heart increases business. I was The Sports Memorabilia Manager at Sinbad Sports in 2016 from May until October and I made it point to donate items to local charities when they asked. The owner had to be convinced that this was a good idea so I showed him the stats as I tracked where sales were coming from and I was able to show an increase in sales. In my final month at Sinbad Sports we did $12,000 in sales and I was responsible for $10,000 in sales as I was beginning to build a following simply from donating a few items to local charitable organizations. In using cause marketing in every position that I have held I have been able to show the community that the businesses I represent have a heart and thus the brand awareness improved and the revenue increased. The key is to have a heart and be willing to give as it opens the channels to receive.

Image result for riddell helmets Recently I approached Riddell Helmets about donating mini helmets to The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. They said yes and set mini helmets from The Steelers, The Giants, The Patriots, The Jets, and The Dolphins.  have been using them to raise funds for research, education, advocacy, and services to hep attack cancer from every angle. As a result when I am ready to purchase mini helmets I am going to go to a store that sells them or order them directly from Riddell.  When asked what regular football helmets to buy by the football teams I announce for I will be saying Riddell. I use this as an example of what can happen when you have a heart.

Image result for wilson super bowl 52 footballAfter a little prodding Wilson Football showed they have a heart as they sent 3 Superbowl LII Footballs to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. In doing so they have received some positive publicity as well as recommendations from leagues that I announce for to purchase their official game balls through Wilson Football. In having a heart Wilson increased its visibility and revenue as people have now heard the  story of how they came through to help those touched by cancer and as a result have made purchases of football related items.

No automatic alt text available.One of the best ways to show that your business has a heart is by partnering with a local organization and donating a percentage of sales back to the organization. This brings people to you that normally would not patronage your business and allows you the opportunity to cultivate new customers/clients. In having a heart and showing that you care you will grow your business and word gets around that your business has a heart. Remember there is no substitute for kindness.

Image may contain: 7 people, people smilingNo automatic alt text available.The National Association of Basketball Coaches and WWE sent items to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. As a result they have gained some positive publicity. In giving you open up many opportunities to put your company in a positive light and reach an audience that maybe you did not think about before. In being open to say yes and finding a way to be of service and value to the community you will see that your revenue builds and your brand is strengthened.

Image result for No ExcusesIt is time for you as a business owner to stop making excuses and find ways to say yes. Think about it there is always something your business can do to help the community and as a result you will help your business. It is when you give that you receive a return ten fold.

Image result for hungry howie's pizzaI am reminded about the first time I approached Hungry Howie’s for a donation and how receptive Gabe was to donating 10 pizzas. Since that day I have been a loyal customer and they make their money back just off of me not to mention the countless people I have sent t them. It is when you help others get what they want that y find success.

Image result for subwayThe other night I stopped by my local Subway and mentioned Relay For Life and they asked what they could do and I told them we can always use food items. They said they would donate 100 cookies. Guess who will be getting more of my business.

 

Image result for have a heartIt is now time for you to find ways to show that you have heart and to show the community that not only are you taking money from the community but you are putting money back into the community.

Advertisement Ideas: One Oh Crap Ruins A Thousand Accolades!!!

Advertisement Ideas: One Oh Crap Ruins A Thousand Accolades!!!

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Over the years I have come to learn that every interaction you have in a business is important for all it takes is one bad interaction to create unnecessary challenges for your business. I have come to learn that you never know who you may be interacting with and how they can positively or negatively impact t your business.

Image result for Every Interaction CountsYesterday (8/22/2017) I encountered a situation that got me to asking why the hate? Here I was reaching out to a business owner, Mike Artz of Collectables in Hobart, Indiana and this was his response via a Facebook.  Wouldn’t it have made more sense for him to simply write thank you for reaching out to me I wish you much luck in your effort however at this time I am unable to support your project. Think about how you are responding to people and it will tell you why you may be struggling in your business. If this is how he responded to me how many other people has he responded to in this manner and how many of them have not done business with him and share their negative experience with others. In today’s marketplace it is imperative to  be nice in all encounters so that people are moved to do business with you. At the end of the day the only thing that endures is your character.

I looked up his profile on Manta.com and buzzfile.com and saw he had $68,000 in annual sales so I can fully understand if he politely said no to supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Image result for Kindness CountsHe obviously forgot the first adage of business that Kindness Counts. I simply did what I have been doing for over 40 years and asked a business owner for support of a charitable cause. I never expected this type of response. This only goes to show us that our marketplace needs to be taught compassion.

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Mike Artz: WHY ARE YOU POSTING ON MY POST THE FOLLOWING

JDOGG: I was hoping that you could help me with an endeavor that I have undertaken to help those touched by cancer. I am The People Lead for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunrise. I am hosting POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION on November 12. I am doing this to honor the memory of my mother who was called home to GOD on July 5, 2012. I am seeking chance drawing items for this event. Www.relayforlife.org/sunriseflwill show you how we did in 2017. The shipping address is 9141 Sunrise Lakes Boulevard #102 Sunrise FL 33322. Thank you for supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Mike Artz: what a tool that you had just become !!

JDOGG: I posted because I have reached out to others to support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION in this manner and have had much success.
I have found that when you support others they support you.
Already for 2018 I have hosted a Spirit Night at Tijuana Flats that raised $157.24. I hosted a Give Back Night at Bru’s Room that raised $168.90. The money raised funds research, education, advocacy, and services.

Mike Artz:whom gives a fuck !! you commented on my post!1 create your own post v/s slamming others. no wonder why you can not find a job!! you can’t follow rules!

JDOGG:I have a few gigs which are usually on the weekend so I was looking to work during the week. What I posted was not spam it was a simple request for your assistance to help those touched by cancer. In return you would have tapped into my network and possibly moved some more merchandise.

Mike Artz:i don’t give a fuck !! remove it from my for sale posts now!
it has not a damn thing to do with what i am selling !! its called phishing & scammin!
JDOGG:You can delete it. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.
Mike Artz:fuck off !
get a job on your streeet corner!
you need medical help i will call 911 down in florida !
JDOGG: It is funny Mike that you have resorted to name calling and using profanity. Remember GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.

Mike Artz: sunrise florida
JDOGG:I have work that is very rewarding. I hope you have a great rest of the week filled with much peace, love, joy, and prosperity.
Mike Artz:go to hell & stop typing you cock sucker!
JDOGG:The Sunrise PD is a supporter of Relay For Life of Sunrise. Again I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t be of service and value to one another.
    I share this with you because it seems as though hatred and bitterness has permeated the market place and civility has gone out the window. By the way you can call Mike at 219-942-2632 and let him know that he missed out on an opportunity to be aligned with someone who has a nice social media following and who promotes those who support his efforts to help those touched by cancer.
Image result for JDOGG LedermanNow think about it the next time someone approaches you for support because you never know the reach that person has and how they can impact your business.  In this case all the accolades that Mike Artz may have built up are gone because he will never see my business and those that read this article may think twice about doing business with him.
   Image result for marketing and public RelationsAs an experienced marketing and public relations consultant the 1st thing I teach my clients is to be kind in all that they do as you never know how that kindness will be returned. Imagine if Mike Artz had been kind in saying no I may have still recommended that my colleagues who collect sports and pop culture memorabilia contact him to see what he is selling. The lesson to take from today is that all it takes is one oh crap to ruin a thousand accolades.

Advertisement Ideas: Why People Suck!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Why People Suck!!!

As someone who is committed to being of service and value to others I have come to realize that most people suck. The answer why most people suck is that they feel entitled and have lost respect for those around them. I have come into contact with many people who simply suck the literal positivism right out of your soul as they will make arrangements with you and then not show up. When they are called out about it will say oh I forgot or something came up. These same people will then wonder why what they are doing in their personal, professional, and spiritual life is not working. I recently offered someone an opportunity to have items at no charge for them to use in their non-profit endeavors they said oh I will meet you at a certain time and a certain place. I showed up and waited for 2 hours and then left and messaged them only to get the response of oh I forgot. How do you forget when I spoke to you an hour before we were supposed to meet? How about having to chase people down for money they owe for services that you performed. I have had a couple of people even not pay me claiming we didn’t have an agreement. Come on people what happened to being impeccable with your word?

I am generally an even keel very positive person but there have been situations that have arisen that make me go from Mr. Nice Guy to Bat Shit Crazy. I go out of my way to be of value and service and people don’t show up or people make promises and don’t keep them. I have seen this in business many times and it is always amazing to me how the other party want to make excuses and point the blame to the other party. Come on people what has happened to accountability? I recently offered someone items for their incentive program and I gave them 120 days to connect with me and they used the I was so busy excuse stating that during the week they didn’t get home until 8 PM and that on the weekend they were working 12 hour days. I felt bad that this person had to work 2 jobs but I was the one offering the items and I chose to offer them to this person first. As a result of this person being an  excuse maker I gave the items to another organization. I have realized that most people suck and that it doesn’t pay to be nice so guess what when I get items that could help others and spread the concept of positivism I will use them for my endeavors and if people are serious about getting assistance from me they know where to find me.

I have been involved in business and non-profit endeavors for over 40 years and in my case I have had some good experiences but I have also had some bad experiences. Perhaps the bad experiences are a result of me being too nice and allowing people to get away with certain behaviors. It could be that people suck sometimes and fail to realize what I am offering them and how they can take what I offer and improve their personal, professional, and spiritual life. Like for example today I am at Starbucks with 3 John Cena Hats and 3 John Cena Wrist Band and Head Band Sets for a lady who run’s a non-profit and was looking for items for her fundraiser. She direct messaged me that she would be here, well she hasn’t shown up yet. Another woman was supposed to come by and get a printer and a gift I have for her son and she hasn’t shown up. This is why I have come to the conclusion that people suck sometime. I am trying to do good deeds and you leave me hanging then wonder why I don’t support your charity or do business with you any longer. Come on people look at yourself and your actions. I’m sorry with an excuse doesn’t cut it when I am the one going out of my way to help you and do something nice for you.

I have given people so many opportunities to maximize their message and increase their revenue only to see that they suck. When I had a TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which aired on www.wrpbitv.com I would book guests and offer them a chance to buy their clip of the interview. many of my guests were very good and purchased their clips understanding that when they bought the clip they were helping me monetarily while also helping their business. Then there were those who didn’t show or said they were going to buy the clip and did not. Did they not realize that me being a host and selling the clips was a revenue stream for me? It was at that time that I decided to help those who respected me and would support me and to leave the people who suck behind. Unfortunately we have become a society of people who are using the what is in it for me mentality instead of how every party can benefit from the interaction.

It is now time to turn the page and to remove people who suck!!!