Posted by myideas1 on 30th June 2008
Your company image comes down to one thing, your packaging. The way your brand is packaged has the power to influence a potential customer to buy. Packaging refers to your business card, your stationery, website, phone answering system, your email address or anything else related to your business, tangible or intangible.
Is your company conveying the right image? My Spanish professor in college used to tell us, “It’s not who finishes first, it’s who gets the “A”, so before you rush to get that brochure printed, make sure you let someone else look over it for correct spelling, proper use of grammar, photo clarity, and overall design. Branding really boils down to how a product makes a customer feel. The late Walt Disney wrote, “People spend money when and where they feel good.”
Branding your product effectively can also help your company stand out from the crowd. John Williams, the branding and image expert wrote that we must brand, package, and market ourselves so that we are desirable. Today, effective branding isn’t an option, it’s an absolute necessity. Your business will be viewed in a certain manner either by choice or default. We have the power to choose how we’re going to be represented in the marketplace.
After we understand what branding can mean for our organization, we must embrace Personal Branding for our own benefit. Personal Branding is about understanding who you are, what you stand for, what you want to be known for, and what you believe. It is not enough for people to know what you do, you want people to know you for what you do differently. Being another player in your category will not make you known. You want people to perceive you as the best in your category…the only solution to their problem.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Articles | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 26th June 2008
Someone once said, a vacation is what you take when you cannot take what you have been taking any longer. When you live a busy life, it is easy to find yourself out of fuel and feeling a little run-down. Anyway, you do not always need a long vacation to renew your mind and give your brain some fresh air. Sometimes, you just need a day off.
Business owners sometimes fool themselves into believing that their business cannot afford to lose them for even one day. Well, it can. Trust me, long after you’re gone, the world will continue to spin on its axis.
So…be kind to yourself. No one can do it better than you can. Put your feet up, relax your mind, get a massage, go to a movie, go to one of Georgia’s State Parks, (entrance is FREE on Wednesdays) do something that will make you feel refreshed. Just make sure you add some FUN into your life.
Sometimes a day off can be your BEST reward for your overworked life.
Posted in Articles | 12 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 23rd June 2008
Dr. Chanda Culmer is known for her gentle and creative touch. She enjoys helping each of her patients improve their health, appearance, and self-esteem by creating the smile of their dreams, as well as helping them maintain the health and function of their teeth, gums and bite.
She is a 1998 graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Advanced education and continuing dental study enable her to offer her patients a superior dental experience and an unparalled level of quality care. She is truly committed to excellence in everything she does. Their state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available. They offer digital X-Rays, intra-oral cameras, diagnostic lasers and Zoom!, the latest tooth whitening technique.
Patients may recognize the brand name Zoom! as the whitening procedure preferred by cosmetic dentists on ABC’s hit television show Extreme Makeover. Schedule your appointment today by calling 770-801-1641.
Posted in Dentists, Audio Introductions | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 20th June 2008
For over 20 years, Dr. Harley has enthusiastically served the metro Atlanta community in the areas of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She has now added an Ageless Med Spa to her practice as a means to improving women’s healthcare and focusing on aesthetics. Call her office today at (678) 500-1066 and find out how you can stay young forever.
Posted in Physicians, Audio Introductions | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 19th June 2008
Jackie Scarborough has been a highly successful real estate professional in the metro Atlanta, Clayton, Henry, Dekalb, Fayette and Fulton County market for over 15 years. Her personal goal is to simplify the process of buying and selling real estate, and to satisfy her clients’ needs.
Her extensive experience and proven track record are reasons her clients count on her to get the job done! She uses the latest technology to understand the current market and to make the connections necessary for the success of her clients. Call Jackie today and let her help you take the stress out of your real estate experience. (770) 843-3144
Posted in Real Estate, Audio Introductions | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 19th June 2008
There are countless benefits to hiring a personal trainer. Like anything else, if you want the best results, you need to seek the help of an expert. If you’re selling your home, you would want the best realtor you can find, right?
You have probably already spent tons of money on bogus exercise equipment, gym memberships, and weight loss products. Don’t waste any more of your precious time or money; let us show you how to get in shape faster than you thought possible! Call Rod today…(770) 719-8881.
Posted in Personal Trainer, Audio Introductions | 1 Comment »
Posted by myideas1 on 19th June 2008
Dr. Perry P. Little, Jr. is the founder and Clinical Director of Natural First Chiropractic Clinic (NFCC), and is one of a few hundred extremity joint specialists in the United States. Patients are treated at N.F.C.C. for a multitude of aches and pains resulting from car accidents, slip & falls, ankle sprains, improper lifting, improper sleeping positions, and personal Injury.
Here at N.F.C.C. we believe that our first responsibility is to GOD. Our second is to our patients and their needs. We help our patients live pain free! Call now…(404) 299-0039.
Posted in Audio Introductions, Chiropractor | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 17th June 2008
Fire In Your Belly: Is it still there or have you lost it along the way? If you feel that you have lost it, step back for a moment and remember why you decided to do what you are doing in the first place. Write down five things that compelled you to choose the field that you’re in and see if you have any warm feelings left.
If the emptiness is still there, it may be time to take a sabbatical or go on a retreat to reconnect. But if you have a few creative embers still burning, embrace that passion immediately. The goal is to arise each day with a new sense of enthusiasm and a willingness to tackle each day with gusto!
Improving Your Identity: The more you’re able to separate yourself from the crowd, the more memorable your brand will become, thereby making you the only solution for the people who need your product or service. Your website, writing skills, blog, business cards, your overall presentation speaks a certain language to others; try to make it a positive one that has pizzazz and punch!
Open Your Mouth: Your communication skills can be the key to your success because most people are AFRAID to do it. Get out in your community and speak as much as possible. Tell people about what you have to offer, in a subtle way of course. Give them information they can use. If you need a boost of confidence, join a club that can help you improve your speaking skills.
Six Degrees of Separation: Put it to use. It works. Dr. Ben Carson, Johns Hopkins’ world-renowned surgeon and author of Think Big, was gracious enough to endorse my book, Grow Through It And Lead. I didn’t have to know Dr. Carson’s home telephone number, meet him at a cocktail party or fly to his office in order to get him to read my book and write an endorsement. His secretary was willing to help me achieve my goal after she visited my website. (Once again, Women Make Things Happen!)
Community Involvement: Get out and do something. Help other people. Take the focus off yourself by making a contribution and watch your network grow. Someone once said, the real purpose of networking is to have no agenda.
You Are The Brand: Ultimately, YOU are the brand. What you create is just a by-product. So crank it up, be creative, be bold, have fun and always look for ways to improve!
- “The Spark Plug”
Posted in Articles | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 12th June 2008
We often get on our little treadmill of life, wrap ourselves up in some of our miniature problems, and forget how big the world really is.
Well, it’s BIG! And problems never come to last, they come to pass. The beautiful thing about our BIG world is that it’s never stagnant, but always flowing with power and unlimited possibilities. Sometimes, in order for us to move forward, we’ve got to take a step back and reflect…
“This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to make your life happy.” - Susan Polis Schutz
Posted in Inspiration | 7 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 11th June 2008
It may sound harsh, but it’s true: Businesses that fail to advertise - very often fail completely.
Advertising is a necessary investment for any business – new or seasoned. Unfortunately, many business owners neglect advertising for a variety of reasons, including cost and lack of advertising savvy. This is something that just shouldn’t happen.
If any business is to do well, people absolutely have to know that it exists. That means getting your name out and planting it in the mind of potential customers. There are lots of avenues to explore when it comes to increasing your exposure, including: word-of-mouth, radio, television, business publications, bulletin boards, classified ads, billboards, press releases, articles, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, seminars, advertising specialties, and last but not least, the Internet.
As a reminder, if your business caters to a high-end market, you’ll have to pay close attention to the company image you project. The people you want to reach are used to buying products and services that meet certain standards. Your advertising will have to indicate that your business meets or exceeds those standards, or consumers won’t consider using you.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Articles | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 10th June 2008
Thomas F. Jones, Principal Attorney with Jones & Associates in Atlanta, Georgia, shares some hard facts about medical malpractice.
He is a native Atlantan who received his Bachelor of Science and Electrical Engineering degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC. Since graduating from Emory University Law School in 1974, he has been engaged in the private practice of law in the Atlanta area.
In 1978, he obtained a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of his client in the adoption case of Quilloin v. Walcott, 434 U.S. 246 (1978).
Jones & Associates is a full service law firm that has earned an AV rating from the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory indicating the highest degree of legal ability, diligence, and ethical conduct in handling client matters.
Posted in Attorneys, Education | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 9th June 2008
Most people who know me also know that I’m very particular about how things are done when it comes to publishing a supplement to my website called, People You Need to Know in metro Atlanta. With a circulation of 500,000, free of charge at locations such as Kroger, Publix, Kmart, Blockbuster, Sears and Bally’s Fitness Centers, I want my brand to stand out from the crowd. (A copy of this publication can be viewed here.)
Over the years, I’ve had to struggle with graphic designers, printers, photographers, makeup artists, cosmetologists, etc., just to make sure they were giving me their absolute best. After trying to convince my commercial printer, whom I no longer use, to move my front cover up to the next level in terms of clarity, his response was, “Anybody else would be happy with it, Spark Plug.”
Of course, I explained to him that I wasn’t “anybody else” and I knew he could do a better job with his equipment worth millions of dollars. Eventually, we reached my goal. He later thanked me for helping him go the extra mile in terms of giving me a product in which I was satisfied.
This experience is all too common because too many people are ready and willing to do just enough to get by. So when it comes to your brand, make sure you remain at the helm of the ship so that you’ll be in charge of building a brand that you can be proud of.
Posted in Articles | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 8th June 2008
Quite simply, your brand is your identity in the marketplace.
In 1997 when Tom Peters wrote one of the first articles on personal branding in Fast Company Magazine, The Brand Called You, he said you have to be your own brand, the CEO of Me, Inc. In other words, you have to differentiate yourself from everyone else.
If you are serious about being in business for yourself or being the top performer on your job, you must become devoted to your brand. It all begins with you.
Your dress, the way you answer the phone, the way you speak, the way you network, your business card, your website, email address, all the way down to whether or not you return phone calls, your personal brand is broadcasting what you stand for - what you believe in - your best selling features.
We all fall short at times but personally, my pet peeve happens to be people who don’t return phone calls in a timely manner or not at all. I like to call them people who are not concerned about their brand.
John Williams, one of America’s leading image and branding authorities says, when it comes to branding, a negative impression can cause a potential customer to take a detour just as a positive reaction can influence a potential customer to buy. The goal in branding must be to package and market yourself so that you are the most desirable choice for the consumer.
What does your brand say about you? Does it say you’re someone people need to know?
Posted in Articles | 2 Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 7th June 2008
In these uncertain times, people need hope for a better day. And even though we may be facing some challenges right now, we must embrace them as gifts that are given to us for our growth.
In this book, “The Spark Plug” encourages us to not only go through our challenges, but to GROW through them - molding character, and developing skills along the way so that when the storm is over, we are in a position to LEAD.
To take a peek inside this book, click here.
Posted in Inspiration | 1 Comment »
Posted by myideas1 on 5th June 2008
Dexter M. Page, MD, FACOG is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Page received his medical degree in 1989 from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
He completed his OB/GYN residency at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City, in 1993, and his fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrical Sonography in 1995 at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.
Dr. Page has earned a reputation among his peers as a dedicated physician and instructor involved in resident education at multiple Atlanta area hospitals.
Through Atlanta Perinatal Associates, he is available for consultations from physicians to address the many emotional and complex issues associated with a high-risk pregnancy.
At present, Dr. Page is involved in various studies involving fetal growth development and physiology through the application of ultrasound science. As a member of various committees for many managed care plans, he hopes to ensure that the medical and ethical standards for patient care by Atlanta Perinatal Associates is without compromise.
Dr. Page’s office can be reached at (404) 872-3121.
Posted in Physicians | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 5th June 2008
Orrin Hudson is teaching kids how to make the most of their endgame. Since 2001, he has been giving free, 16-week chess workshops for inner-city kids across the nation. But his students learn more than how to play chess. They learn to apply the strategies used in the game such as problem solving and thinking ahead to succeed in life.
So far, Hudson has coached more than 20,000 kids in more than 15 states. “You have everything within you to win the game,” Hudson tells his students. “If you make the right moves, you can get the right results.”
Posted in Education | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 4th June 2008
While traveling through this beautiful and exciting experience called life, there are some people you’ll definitely need to know along the way. Whether it’s a real estate agent, attorney, mechanic, plumber, electrician, graphic designer, interior decorator, painter, etc., we’re here to introduce you to some of them so you can get to know them better.
People generally like to form business relationships with those they know a little something about and they tend to trust them more.
If you happen to call someone from our blog, please let them know that you found them here. 
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 2nd June 2008
Women Make Things Happen
And Men Get The Credit
I Can Probably Count The Men
Who’ve Actually Even Said It
There Aren’t Too Many Of Them
Who Would Admit To This
Some Swear If Women Disappeared
Their Presence Wouldn’t Be Missed
But I Must Interject
With All The Work They Do
If Left In The Hands Of A Man
He Wouldn’t Have A Clue
Getting Up At Midnight
Taking Care Of The Baby
The Cook, The Nurse, The Housekeeper
Still Trying To Be A Lady
Driving The Kids To Soccer
Attending The PTA
Being The Disciplinarian
When The Kids Just Won’t Obey
Being The Single Parent
Because The Man Got Up And Left
Now…All He Has To Do
Is Take Care Of Himself
Sharing Ideas At Work
While The Boss Receives The Raise
He Gets Rewarded Openly
And You Secretly Get Some Praise
But Somehow You Still Smile
It Will Grieve You If You Let It
I Know Women Make Things Happen
While Men Get The Credit
©2008 Spark Plug
Spark Plug’s upcoming book is…Women Make Things Happen!
Posted in Inspiration | 1 Comment »
Posted by myideas1 on 1st June 2008
Discover the many benefits of learning a second language.
Language expert, Ms. Carline Ferailleur-Dumoulin, (middle photo) who is fluent in four languages will share with us what we can gain by simply learning a new language.
Posted in Language Translation | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 1st June 2008
Dr. Nedra Dodds is the owner and Medical Director of Opulence Aesthetic Medicine. She is one of the most well-respected physicians in cosmetic aesthetic enhancements specializing in ethnically-focused body contouring.
As a former emergency medicine physician, her expertise and training have created the perfect skill set for a cosmetic surgeon where patient security and satisfaction are paramount. All of the procedures at Opulence are done with local as opposed to general anesthesia, focusing on the specific area to provide a more secure and less complicated way to achieve each client’s beauty needs.
A graduate of the University of Maryland, she later went on to receive her Medical Degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating with honors. Experienced in both traditional and emergency medicine, she adds to her expertise by keeping abreast of the latest and most effective trends, products and procedures in the aesthetic industry.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Physicians | No Comments »
Posted by myideas1 on 1st June 2008
Attorney Karen Gregory Hines is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, who journeyed to Atlanta in 1983 to attend Spelman College. She graduated four years later with a B.A. Degree in Political Science. During her last year in college, she married Eric Hines, a Mortgage Broker from Warren, Ohio.
Attorney Hines always had dreams of becoming a lawyer since she was nine years old. Her dreams led her to enroll in John Marshall Law School in Atlanta in 1988. She became very focused on her educational goals and graduated with the distinct honor of Cum Laude upon receiving a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree in 1991. After law school, Ms. Hines took time to raise a family. She is now the proud mother of three precious children, Bria Simone, Eric II, and Joshua.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Attorneys | No Comments »
