Obviously, the ways that members would communicate between meetings would be different; no phone and Facebook, emails or Tweets. Smoke signals? Well maybe that’s a bit too cliché, but then again, maybe not. Pioneers wouldn’t be passing Tip forms because paper was too expensive. Cowboys would probably have terrible attendance records; rounding up lost livestock and catching bank robbers comes first. Meetings could get rather noisy, with rattlers sneaking into a meeting room.

The Poker Folder Holder would be the coolest dude in town, and setting up a bounty for a new category might get a bit out of hand! And speak-offs? Well, imagine what kind of a speak-off they would have in Tombstone. Robert can. He was a gunfight-reenactor in Tombstone, years ago.

Power Partners would be called a posse and everyone would have flapjacks and beans for breakfast. And as for a showboater, imagine Doc Holiday as the chapter dentist, exhibiting his tooth extraction prowess right on the showboat table. For the speaker, well I am betting that Wyatt Earp, giving a talk on keeping the peace, would grab every members’ interest. I am also betting that nobody would interrupt him.

And as for Robert and me? Well, if we were in LeTip 100 years ago, he would have been out on the trail, rounding up newcomers, and I would have been branding LeTip, only it would doubtless have been a different kind of branding.

The one thing that wouldn’t change 100 years later would be the simple fact that the best Tips come from trusted friends and associates. Some things never change, and that’s as it should be.

RSVP for this event:

Thursday, February 23, 2012
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
 
Hosted by Superior Woodcraft
160 N Hamilton St, Doylestown, PA 18901
Tel: 215-348-9942
 
Guests will be treated to a special selection of local food and beverage provided by the growers and producers who carefully crafted it. This is a great opportunity to learn a little about local food and the ‘Locavore’ movement; once you’ve tasted, you’ll quickly appreciate the amazing bounty in your own back yard!

Irene blew into town. She wasn’t invited, but she came anyway.

She was rude. She turned off our lights. She melted our ice cream. She turned our yard into a mud pit. She overstayed her “un-welcome” — yet we were very lucky. Unlike many others, we got off lightly. Very, very, lightly.

Here is why… (and, oh yeah, the pun is intended!).

In the middle of Irene’s tantrum, while trying to collect matches and candles in the pitch dark, I went past the cellar door and noticed a warm glow reaching up to me from the bottom of the steps.

“What the heck is that,” I thought. “How can we have lights on in the cellar when we have no electricity?”

Something just wasn’t right. I cautiously made my way down the steps, and quite frankly, I had the willies. Boogyman fears, barely hidden under the surface despite my supposedly adult status, were kicking in. I thought, “Maybe there are monsters down there!” I considered asking Bob (my hero), if he wanted to come “help me find matches,” but courageously took two more steps.

The scene opened up halfway down the stairs and I started to laugh. There, standing like brave little soldiers, were about 25 little solar lights, glowing their hearts out. I had forgotten that I put them downstairs that morning. Irene may have caused PECO to bend to her will, but these little guys stood their ground.

Now for those of you who have no clue about solar lights, they are so much fun. You just put them out in the sun and God fills up their batteries for free! I had been hunting for two years for solar window lights and had finally found a manufacturer a few weeks previously. Made by Illum-A-Window, these are the only solar window lights on the market.

The inventor is a terrific guy named Stu Allen. I know, because I called him. You can read more about Stu and his bright little solar window candles on the website, and you can order them online too.

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering why I had my solar candles in the cellar, the answer is simple. With Irene causing the sun to hide, the Illum-A-Window batteries weren’t getting a full charge. Being impatient, I took my candles down to the cellar and arranged them around a big fat 100 watt bulb. A few hours later, we lost electricity, and that brings me back to the beginning of my story. Check out Stu’s website. He is a great guy, and his solar candles are awesome!

When a client asks for advice, I can’t guess. For myself, intuition and experience are usually enough, but for a client, I need to confirm by doing some research. 99% of the time, my advice is to steer clear of anyone who wants to give you something for nothing. Such people or organizations are usually just smoke and mirrors—just as this offer was.

Now don’t get me wrong… there are a ton of legit business organizations out there who are honestly building resource sites for small businesses. I am not talking about them. The type to which I am referring, often look professional but there is no depth to them. Website pages are filled with robotic copy writing, and the “About Us” page never has real information: no names, no corporate addresses, no real history. They look to use legitimate business links to increase traffic and give credibility to their weak offering.

The sad thing is that fraudulent people spend just as much time and energy creating smoke and mirror sites, as others who build valid, positive, business community sites. Not only are these people unethical, but stupid. Especially with social media sites allowing consumers to expose scams.

If you want to attract small business owners, be upfront. Small business people are gutsy. They are risk takers and they understand hard work. If you approach them honestly, with a valid offer, well thought out, and priced correctly, you’ll always get better response rates. You’ll also get something more… an opportunity to build a long-lasting relationships.

When computers should be run over by trucks.

Much as I love my computers, there are days when I wish I could throw them all under a fast moving truck. I envision myself standing next to the road and cheering and jumping as huge wheels crush them to smithereens.

I don’t arrive at this level of frustration often, but today, well, today was a doozer. It began with a new email server and inputting new email settings which just did not want to cooperate. It continued with all the phone lines going down. Then, to really send me into the axe crazies, it ended up with my laser printer deciding to take a vacation. Oh yeah, it was a fun day. And oh yeah, I would rather face the dentist, sans novacaine, than repeat it.

Eventually all problems were solved, and as I closed the door to my office, I thought back to the time when we lived without computers. That’s when all my design work was accomplished on a drawing table, and my most essential tools were a T-square and triangle, Pantone markers and Rapidograph pens. I can’t say I want to revert back to those methods, but at least I never wanted to throw them out on the road. Well, maybe just the Rapidograph pens.

The overwhelmingly positive response to our first Locavore event in 2010 proved that we are a thriving, cohesive community which mindfully supports local, independently-owned businesses.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc., nationally-recognized custom cabinetmaker, in conjunction with the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance (DBCA), is hosting a business card exchange themed Buy Local~A Bucks County Business Community Event. This free business networking opportunity takes place Thursday, February 24th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Superior Woodcraft’s showroom, located at 160 N. Hamilton Street, Doylestown, PA. All business and media organizations, as well as local chambers, are invited to attend.

“The overwhelmingly positive response to our first Locavore event in 2010, proved that we are a thriving, cohesive community which mindfully supports local, independently-owned businesses. Over 300 business professionals attended, in celebration and support of local business and to sample an impressive array of food, wine and beer provided by our local growers and producers,” said Amanda Bertele, Superior Woodcraft’s Showroom Director.

Independent We Stand, a national organization of independently-owned businesses, is also lending its support and endorsement to the event. “Superior Woodcraft has long recognized the importance and benefits of supporting locally owned businesses and farms. The best part is they don’t just recognize it, they do it. We are proud to be associated with them, and encourage everyone to support this important informational event,” states Bill Brunelle, project manager for Independent We Stand.

The Buy Local event is planned to give participants the opportunity to network while learning more about the exceptional quality and diversity of locally available goods, products and services. Fledgling locavores can mingle and network while sampling an array of sustainably grown and specially prepared gourmet treats, including artisanal bread from Crossroads Bake Shop, organic, micro-greens from Blue Moon Acres, seasonal produce from Bucks County Farm Fresh, charcuterie and pâtés from PorcSalt, unique cakes from Doug’s Cakes, fresh-roasted, specialty coffees from The Coffee Scoop, handcrafted chocolates and confections from Laurie’s Chocolates, varietal wines from Wycombe Vineyards, and select beers from Triumph Brewery. In addition, Wash Tyme will be showcasing their natural glycerin soaps, and a variety of products, distributed by Uniquely Bucks.

“Many of the traditions that the residents of our community have come to treasure and appreciate are a direct result of the commitment, spirit and contributions of our local business owners. Doylestown is one of America’s premier towns, and we thank Superior Woodcraft for helping to bring awareness to the importance of strong local economies and the part they play in building strong communities and enhancing our quality of life,” offers Rich Slabinski, Doylestown Business and Community Alliance.

“Superior Woodcraft is taking this opportunity to promote the buy-local movement because sustainable local companies create jobs, strengthen the local economy, provide needed revenue for schools, roads, and other critical services, and preserve the character of communities. We are fortunate to live in an area that is rich and diverse in agriculture as well as industry. It’s a pleasure to host this special networking night to support and celebrate our local businesses and communities,” offered Patrick Kennedy, Vice-President at Superior Woodcraft. Kennedy also noted, that in the last several years, communities with Buy Local support are experiencing a markedly stronger revenue growth. “The public has really gotten behind and embraced this movement,” said Kennedy. “It is inspiring to see how businesses are reaching out to one another.”

About Superior Woodcraft, Inc.
Superior Woodcraft, in Doylestown, PA, designs and handcrafts heirloom-quality cabinetry for the whole home with sustainable methods and materials, providing beauty, utility and peace of mind. Family owned and operated since 1967. superiorwoodcraft.com

About Doylestown Business and Community Alliance (DBCA)
The Doylestown Business and Community Alliance (DBCA) was formed in 1984 to foster a quality of life beneficial to the residential and business communities. The DBCA’s Shop Local, Dine Local program offers discounts to encourage residents to shop and dine in Doylestown. www.doylestownalliance.org

About Independent We Stand
Independent We Stand, a national organization, is all about independently owned businesses across the country reaching out to their communities and educating their neighbors about the many benefits of “buying local.” www.independentwestand.org

About Blue Moon Acres
Blue Moon Acres grows quality micro greens and herbs in Buckingham, PA without chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or growth regulators. http://www.bluemoonacres.com

About Bucks County Farm Fresh
Bucks County Farm Fresh gathers the freshest vegetables, fruits, and an assortment of other locally produced foods, and delivers them to your home, office or restaurant on a bi-weekly basis. www.buckscountyfarmfresh.com

About Crossroads Bake Shop
Crossroads Bake Shop creates artisanal breads and pastries in Doylestown, PA with unbleached, unbromated and sometimes organic flour, never using artificial colors, flavors or hydrogenated shortenings. http://www.crossroadsbakeshop.com

About Doug’s Cakes
Doug of Doug’s Cakes in Chalfont, PA, has been baking for over 25 years. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Doug trained and worked with some of the finest pastry chefs in the world. http://www.dougscakes.com

About Laurie’s Chocolates
Laurie’s Chocolates, located in Doylestown, PA, creates handcrafted, small-batch chocolates from pure chocolate and the freshest local ingredients. Chocolate collections include truffles, toffees, bars, caramels, and specially blended hot cocoa mixes. www.laurieschocolates.com

About The Coffee Scoop
The Coffee Scoop, a new specialty coffee company located in Bucks County, is Fair Trade licensed, and the recipient of the organic certification from PA Certified Organic. The Coffee Scoop starts with superior quality 100% Arabica coffee beans and skillfully roasts them to create a memorable coffee experience. www.freshcoffeescoop.com

About PorcSalt
PorcSalt handcrafts charcuterie, pates and terrines in the traditions of France and Italy using only the finest farm-fresh ingredients from small sustainable farms. Chef Matthew Ridgway’s mission is to design and create products of only the highest quality and distinction for discriminating customers. www.porcsalt.com

About Triumph Brewing Company
Triumph Brewing Company offers a selection of freshly brewed craft beers along with a full menu at 3 locations: New Hope, PA, Philadelphia, PA and Princeton, NJ. http://www.triumphbrewing.com

About Uniquely Bucks
Uniquely Bucks is the go-to Internet site for fine art, handcrafted items, gifts, chocolates, home and bath products produced by Bucks County artists and artisans. Artisans are hand-selected for the quality of their work and commitment to customer satisfaction. www.uniquelybucks.com

About Wash Tyme
Wash Tyme of Bucks County hand makes natural vegetable glycerin soap from recycled vegetable oil with natural fragrances, essential oils, shea butter and olive oil. Gentle, safe and effective. www.washtyme.com

About Wycombe Vineyards
Wycombe Vineyards, located in Buckingham Townships Agricultural District, has been in the family since 1925. Their mission is to make the finest local varietal wines from only the freshest, hand picked grapes grown exclusively at the vineyards. www.wycombevineyards.com

Whether a baby or a business, we all know a pat on the back is greatly appreciated.

We often write or call a company when they are doing things wrong, but how often do we tell them when they are doing things right? It’s a known fact that positive reinforcement is an effective way to expand good behavior in our children. So why should it be any different with a business relationship? Who knows what happens behind the scene when we send a positive message? Perhaps the person who put that procedure in place has been fighting to keep it in play. If so, an email might just be the tipping point needed to keep such “good behavior” in the budget.

That day I sat down and wrote an email and sent it off to that company’s shipping department and CC’d their Director of Marketing. They both responded, thanking me for taking the time to write. Ever since, I have made a conscientious effort to send messages to those companies who are working hard to “do it right.” And you know what? It makes me feel good to encourage the spirit of business. Even better, I know it makes others feel good, too.

Recently I had a conversation with Mop Prime, Partner and Creative Director of Smith-Felver & Prime, Ltd., about taking marketing strategies for my business, Superior Woodcraft, to a higher level. The world has changed considerably since 1967, when Superior opened its doors. We try to stay up with the times, but lately it seems like the world is changing so quickly and I want to make sure our marketing efforts stay current. I wanted to get an expert’s opinion on marketing in today’s world so I turned to Smith-Felver & Prime for some input. Below are some excerpts from our conversation.

1. 40 years ago Superior Woodcraft utilized newspaper ads to help promote our products, but now readership levels are down. What is the best way to reach today’s consumers?

“No question here, Patrick. I recommend my clients put at least 70% of their marketing budgets into online presence: web development and online promotions, ongoing and relevant content, testing through landing pages, SEO and social networking. Remember, 40 years ago the consumer was told what they were supposed to believe. Today it is all about the dialogue between a company and its consumer.”

2. What is the consumer looking for in this recession and how do I market to that need?

“Pent-up demand is a real factor right now and many consumers feel they cannot put off certain purchases. The recent uptick in holiday sales are testament to that. Here is the kicker: Consumers are adapting to the recession and looking at other ways to placate their needs. The savvy marketer must be flexible and be ready to take advantage of the recession. Here are two examples of consumer needs that are arising out of the recession: Prospective home buyers putting off the purchase of a bigger home are now opting to remodel the kitchen or bath in their present home. Tech repair companies have staff working overtime because consumers are having their computers, copiers and other office equipment repaired rather than buying new.”

3. Budgets are tight in this recession how do I market on a tight budget?

“Utilize social networking. It is free. It takes time to learn all the ins and outs, but everything takes time to learn.”

“Stay visible. Do not hide out and hope the bad times will go away. Keep your website up-to-date, become involved in your Chamber of Commerce, community and professional organizations. like the Doylestown Business & Community Alliance, and face-to-face referral groups like LeTip International. Those who take a leading position in these organizations get a much higher referral rate.”

“Utilize Vocus/PR Web – Small Business Edition. Good PR feeds the web crawlers. Vocus does a great job and has incredible customer support.”

Thanks to Patrick Kennedy, Independent We Stand, and Mop Prime for their contributions to the Pro Shop. We hope these tips help you jump-start the New Year with productive strategies for your business. Happy New Year!