Great customer service!!

OK, Phoenix Arizona: When you need your vehicle serviced, go see Chrissy at Peoria Kia! THEY ROCK! I had the best customer service I've ever experienced from a car dealership - no joke, they have my future business (and, since I have two teens ready to drive, guess where I'll be helping them get there cars from!). Chrissy made sure they took good care of my van, and got it done in one-half day. TOTALLY great experience!

The DEC wants to know: What was the best customer experience you ever had? Details, please - we really want to know!

What graphic design ISN'T

This was a great article picked up on my Twitter page from a member of the graphic design industry. I'm reposting his link here because it really does hit home as to what exactly graphic designers do, and more importantly, what they don't do. After reading Grady's blog, share with me your comments and perceptions on what a graphic designer does or should do.

http://www.traceygrady.com/busting-the-myths-what-graphic-design-isnt

Don't Fear Networking!

This is a good A/V presentation by Dr. Ivan Misner, giving tips on how to overcome the fear of networking: http://www.yourbusinesschannel.com/syndicatorpanel.aspx?sn=BNI&spk=689&pp=false

How many people really are afraid to walk up to someone and start a conversation? I know there are times I still get butterflies in my stomach, but I think it's more from excitement of meeting someone new rather than a fear of meeting someone new. When we meet someone, we present our 30-second elevator speech, stop, and listen. The elevator speech should never be about a sale; that can make someone feel defensive or put-off. Instead, the elevator speech should be an ice-breaker, as a chance to get to know someone better. If viewed this way, this should take away most of the fear of networking.

Special thanks to both Dr. Ivan Misner for making his presentation, and to Dave Sherman, The Networking Guy, for his tips and insights.

Website Marketing Turnoffs

Here's an interesting article about what not to do when contemplating website marketing techiques — straight from entrepreneur.com and Mr. Guy Kawasaki:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/june/201614.html