EAT Communications

Entrepreneurism = Roller Coaster

I am sure many entrepreneurs out there feel that going on your own is like a wild roller coaster ride which would be a better way to describe it—a non-stop wave of juggling projects to quiet retrospective moments of where the inner sanctity of your brain is suddenly pierced by a screaming voice proclaiming ‘how can I sustain myself?’ and ‘what’s next?’ – have you felt this before?

Every small business has its moments, and most business owners can sympathize with the risks that come with going off on one’s own. But, I am happy to say that I took the plunge and the proverbial “leap of faith” into the fiery pit that we call Marketing Communications.

Meeting people in the marketing community is exciting -- some new, fresh and abounding with exploding ideas, and others wise, knowledgeable and ever-ready to lend a helping hand.

I end with this note – collaborate. It is a great word to live by in life and your business. I have collaborated with many of the same people in my industry and feel that you can accomplish great things if you have a solid and knowledgeable supportive team. Read my 'Collaborative Corner' posts here and here. 

 

EATComm Got Re-Vamped

A few days ago I was pleased to announce that my site had been re-vamped and feeling a lot better than it did before. I switched from Typepad (which is what I am currently using for my blog) to WordPress which is exciting and looking forward to learning more about the usability of the software.  

I am also collaborating with a few colleagues who will be posting articles on my site that specialize in business development, web and content management, SEO, graphic design, strategic and creative thinking.

The first article is posted and calling these posts: ‘Collaborative Corner’. I really want to showcase the talent I work with to make specific projects successful. 

Website Under Construction

Welcome! My site is currently being updated that is why it looks a little funny. 

If you have any questions please contact me at 604.812.6837  

Social Media: So You’ve Heard the Hype

Now how do you apply it to your organization?

Social Media has certainly taken off in the past two years. With a vast landscape consisting of online community based properties such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, jumping into the world of social media can often be overwhelming, if not downright confusing. Most organizations foraying into this world of multiple segments and verticals will most likely be plagued by questions such as: “Where do I start?”; “How does social media fit into my current marketing strategy?”; and “How do I measure the value of such an initiative?”

EAT Communications specializes in helping businesses take full advantage of the benefits that social media has to offer, all the while getting your brand increased exposure into new channels and markets.

Why Social Media?

Like any online marketing channel social media if relatively cheap to implement and most of the major social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are free to register and can be managed quite affordably. It is quick, easy and the most efficient way to reach an audience. Furthermore, social media addresses a vast, growing audience that exists in real-time and gives business a genuine way to connect with them.

What Can Social Media Do For Your Business?

Because social media is a hub of internet activity that acts as a network to millions of people around the world, your business presence on a social media network such as Facebook can dramatically increase your online presence. It also enables your organization to effectively engage and converse with your target audience in a more direct and authentic method. Finally, social media can enhance branding and add value to your company’s message.

What Does Successful Social Media Strategy Implementation Look Like?

EAT Communications provides you with social media best-practices that are specific to your business. EAT helps you analyze segments and find viable target audiences and implement the tools you need to reach corporate goals.

Industry-specific Strategy and Successful Social Media Channel Implementation Means:

•    An in-depth analysis and examination your business, your objectives and narrowing your target audience(s).
•    Development of a step-by-step strategy including implementation and management
•    Assisting your organization in implementing Web 2.0 tools for effective reporting and analysis
•    Optimization and effective tool utilization and management
•    Training and Support throughout implementation, development and management stages
•    And explaining it all to you in simple English!

Growth-based Development and Management Strategies:

•    After implementation, we design a personalized check list to assist you in beginning to gather and publish your valuable information so you are equipped to provide rich content to your target audience.
•     EAT provides you with an estimation of time and resources that are required to update and maintain your Social Media Strategy.

When it’s all said and done, you and your company will be comfortably and successfully left with the following:

•    a Social Media Marketing Plan package
•    fully implemented and optimized social media tools
•    complete understanding in community engagement and online outreach
•    a PR Plan that will marry a relationship with an off and online audience

EATComm Getting New Look & Feel

I am really excited to report that I am going to be updating the look and feel of my current website (which is actually a blog) in the next few weeks.

The layout will be easier to navigate and but the branding will still remain the same.

The past two and half years I have been working really hard getting clients what they need to boost their business but I have neglected my own marketing.

This past month I have spent time on brainstorming on what I am looking for in terms of projects for this year as well. 

2010 looks promising, especially since the Olympics are coming up right around the corner. 

Stay tuned for the launch of the new site and features!

Why Hire A Marketing Consultant?

During this time of economic instability most marketing departments are letting go of their full time employees and hiring short-term contractors to execute their marketing programs.

I have been doing some research on the benefits of a person like myself and I came across some articles in which you can read here, here and this one is a lot older but it does focus on hiring a marketing consultant.

Here are some highlights that can help you decide on if it is the right fit for your organization:

•    Quick turnaround time

•    Wide range of experience

•    Outside of the box thinking

•    Reduce Employer expenses - no health insurance or other perks

•    Skills are always being fine tuned with each new project

•    Up-to-date resume

Year in Review with EAT & Me

I cannot believe this year has passed like a flash! When I was little I wanted time to go fast so I could grow up and be an adult but now I take that back as time moves faster when you’re your older and all you want is life to go slower and be younger, how ironic!

With that said, I thought I would document some of the amazing things I have accomplished in one year. A pretty well rounded list of personal and work achievements that I will give myself a nice pat on the back.

Let’s start with personal achievements for 2009:

Reno’ed our dream house, which is now 80 percent complete! I also created a site in which our house will be rented out as a vacation rental called Squamish Retreat as I always wanted a bed and breakfast, this will be the closest to it. 

Went traveling; Sasquatch and Hawaii – much needed as breaks are good for the soul and for the brain.

Planned a wedding and got married in our house – let’s say that is the last time I will get married, even for a little wedding in our backyard well, it was lots of planning and work. Very happy with the outcome though, I must say I had the most perfect wedding ever.

Now onto work achievements for 2009:

Got to know the Downtown Squamish business community as the Executive Director for the past year. I pulled off some amazing events, created a successful online presence, worked on political issues and decided to step down after a year. It was an awesome opportunity especially when you first move into a community and want to know what is going on.

Worked with amazing clients like New Media BC on events like Vancouver Digital Week and Fusion Forum as well as worked with the New Forms Media Society on events like Midforms and New Forms Festival.

Built great relationships with reporters, editors and producers – ended up building these connections through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Sponsored a successful Gingerbread Competition that raised funds for Architecture for Humanity.

Met some really great people who I would love to collaborate on projects in 2010.

What does the future hold for 2010? We just have to wait and see.

EAT, communicate and be merry – Happy Holidays!

'Tis the Season for Effective Marketing

The holiday season is almost around the corner, so how will you generate business at this time of year? Here are 4 affordable but effective marketing tips to find customers and generate sales quickly.

Try Different Marketing Methods; 
Look for some unusual marketing methods your competitors aren’t doing. You may discover some highly profitable ways to generate sales and avoid competition. Why not serve hot cider in a cup with your logo on it? Or give-away candy canes with your business information on the wrapping?

Partner Up on Promotions with Other Businesses; Contact a few non-competing small businesses serving customers in your market. Offer to publicize their products or services to your customers in exchange for their publicizing your services to their customers. Why not share a group advertisement?

Focus on Your Customers; Your customers already know and trust you. It's easier to get more business from them than to get any business from somebody who never bought from you. Take advantage of this by creating some special deals for the Holiday Season just for your existing customers. You could announce new products and services to them before you announce them to the general market.

Try Social Media Tools; Get your business out there by using tools like Twitter, Facebook or a company blog. Why not throw a promotion on Twitter that if they mention ‘Twitter’ or a funny word when they come into the store that they receive a special discount. It’s amazing what relationships you can build on-line.

Rumble to the Rock III – A Great Success in Downtown Squamish

As the Executive Director of the Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) I have to organize events for the community of Squamish to bring people into Downtown. This is the exciting part of my role.

I recently put on an event called Rumble to the Rock III, which was in partnership with the Squamish Classic Car Club and Trev Deeley in Vancouver. Both Squamish Classic Car Club and Trev Deeley were so much fun to work with!

I worked on logistics to close down two blocks of main street in Downtown, dealt with Ministry of Transportation - got a highway permit, encouraged local businesses to stay open, hired a great band called Tell Tales, set up/tore down seating for 275 bikers and promoted the event via Facebook and Twitter. Phew!

You can read more about the event here.

It was a HUGE success and so so so much fun!  There were 85 classic cars registered but 125 were there on site along with 275 bikes making a total of about 400. Not to mentioned the amount of people filling the streets. Tons!

The Classic Car Club did 50/50 draws and Trev Deeley got donations, as we were raising money for the Squamish General Hospital. Rumble to the Rock III raised about $3,000.00!