A new challenge to start on September 1st!

As some of you know, I’ve written about six half novels — create a good beginning and good end but no middle — I just write better in spurts. So after watching Julie&Julia and thinking a lot about goals of late, I’ve been wondering about a blogging goal for one year — what could I write.

I think I’ve hit on it. To start on September 1 – Project184. 184 is the average number of elementary school days  Deadline is June 1st to complete 184 short stories with people providing me two “items” to include — locations, colors, a name, drink, mood, etc.

I’ll post to to my project184 blog which will be connected to my Facebook too and we’ll see if putting all these short pieces together into a collection doesn’t get me a published book. Or a few together spark me to really write a novel.

I’ve got a lot of energy right now to channel and this feels like a good direction to go.

Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas.

3 marketing ideas to complete in 15 minutes

Sometimes the day-to-day sucks us into some dry, boring muck, doesn’t it? You head to the office every day but it seems like you ar enot getting anything crossed off YOUR to-do list. Marketing typically falls to the bottom of priorities when in fact, doing a little every day, can keep momentum going for your business. Here are three easy steps you can take today in this realm.

1. Write five of your best customers and thank them for their business. Hand write. Strengthens loyalty.

2. Review two of your competitors’ sites. Be sure you see what they are doing and NOT doing. Find an opportunity. Get a new idea.

3. Send a quick email blast to your database of customers. Send them a small, limited time offer… free shipping or 2 for price of 1. At bottom, state you appreciate their business.