I miss the Pink Sheets of paper.

Here are some reflections on the changes going on in the business world in 2011, for instance...

Last week while walking down the street, I saw an interesting QR code on the side of our building.  Reaching for my iPhone, I took a shot of the QR code and instantly saw Luminare's fancy website. In 1987 after walking down the street, I came into my office and my secretary gave me a handful of pink "WHILE YOU WERE OUT" slips so that I could return my missed phone calls.

Last week while in the car and lost, I typed in an address for Addison, Illinois and instantly had 11 step-by-step directions.  In 1987 before going to a meeting with a new prospect, I looked at the map on my wall and wrote down directions, expressways and side streets in my notebook to find my way.

Last week I decided to download a 2011 Rugby World Cup app. This gave me access to all of the current scores, videos and standings for the month-long tournament in progress.  In 1987 I called Sports Phone, a telephone recording of sports scores for up-to-the minute action on the Cubs and Sox. (I believe Les Grobstein was the voice of Sports Phone and I paid $.99 a call.)

Last week I participated in a webinar on "New Social Media Techniques" right in my own office.  In 1987 I saw Norman Vincent Peale speak at a seminar, "How to win Friends and Influence People" at the Chicago Amphitheater. There was still saw dust on the floor - they had just wrapped up a week of bull riding at the venue.

I miss those Pink Sheets of paper...

My Favorite Season

It's been a hot Summer and Fall is finally here! For most of my life, Spring was my favorite season...new beginnings, new life...but as I got older Fall seemed to push Spring to the side as my second favorite. Cool nights all snuggled under the covers, trees starting to uncover their glorious colors, gathering of firewood for burning in our wood burning stove and fireplace and our annual apple picking outing. This year it was raining when we got to the orchard (Oriole Springs Orchard in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin) so as I was contemplating of braving the weather conditions, it started raining harder and my decision was made. I'll be buying the already picked apples from inside the cute little shop that sells all sorts of good stuff like homemade cider, homemade donuts, brats, cheese curds and let's not forget Landjägers (a traditional German beef stick), my husband's favorite. The rain didn't seem to stop others from coming because the orchard and shop were packed. 

My Fall will end with our last trips to our cabin on the lake in Central Illinois (specifically Pana, Illinois).  These last trips will consist of enjoying roaring campfires, gathering neighbors for an Oktoberfest as a farewell until next Spring and of course, watching all the trees along the lake start to change. And finally, we'll close up the cabin for the winter until we return when everything is thawing out and coming back to life again. Life is good!

Decisions, decisions...

Every year about this time I start to review website after website about various conferences to attend.  The problem is that the conferences that are most relevant to our clients at Eire, and my particular areas of concentration all occur at just about the same time in September and October.  Deciding which conference to attend can be difficult.  After all, when you read their promotional websites and excerpts from the speakers, all the events sound worthwhile.  Of course, there is the occasional “panel” that doesn’t quite seem to fit when you put all the members together.  But overall, the exhibitors, speakers and topics are intriguing.  And, when I attend a conference and network with current clients, vendors and prospective clients – it’s energizing.

Then, there is the cost of the conference to consider and just how do you attach value or your return on investment to what you spend.  The cost for the event can be as low as $500 and upwards of $2,000, plus the lost time out of the office working for current clients and travel expenses.  When I started in marketing, there were only two or three conventions to attend in direct marketing, and each year you went where your clients were going.  We would go to the DMA for up to 4-5 days and enjoy client service, meeting new vendors and prospects, socializing and learning through workshops and the exhibit hall.  Now, there are specialized conferences for just about every aspect of marketing, and they are often times more enticing than the larger format “general” sessions.   If I don’t attend, I could be missing out…by the next time I write, I will report in on my decision and if I received value for my time and financial investment.  I’m going to take another look now.

Payments Market

Direct Marketing Association

Retail Ramp

NACS