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As summer begins to wind down this August, the minds of all parents and children turn to going...

There are usually mixed emotions from everyone--including teachers.  However, going back to school can be an exciting and positive experience if all those involved heed a few great tips.

Start the new bedtime early.  Don't wait until the end of August to get kids back on a good sleeping schedule.  Sure, you let the bedtime slide a bit this summer, but now is the time to get them back on track.  Start out by decreasing their bedtime by 15 minutes every few days.  They might as well get used to it--instead of being thrown into it.  They might grumble that there is still a lot of summer left, but stand your ground.  This will pay off big on the first day of school!  Instead of being exhausted, your students will be well-rested to start the school year off right.

Make a back to school check list.  As a writer, mom, life strategist, and business woman, I've always been big on writing lists!  There are a million and one things to do and seemingly not enough time to get it all done.  By writing down what needs to be done, we can:

• Prioritize what matters most,
  
• Check off what has been completed, thus helping us to experience gratification and fulfillment in each accomplishment,
• And most importantly, we can keep things in order, lessening the possibility that something vital is forgotten or missed. 

Include things like items that need to be purchased, such as school supplies, clothing and outer wear, as well as appointments that must be made and kept, such as doctors and dentist appointments or even trips to the barber shop.

Discuss back to school anxiety.   Going back to school usually has an air of mystery and uncertainty.  With uncertainty comes fear and trepidation.  Talk about "the worst things that could happen".  Most of the time, once discussed, those fears actually turn out to be quite unfounded.  Yet, be open about anxieties and don't easily dismiss them.  Children are worried, but so are parents.  Times are very tough for families today.  On top of many economic and social issues, parents fear for the safety of their children.  Talk about what bothers you and then discuss action plans to help prevent some of the problems that could possibly arise.  There is no need to play the "what if" game--be realistic.  If there is a chance that little Johnny could accidentally get on the wrong bus, then have a back up plan outlined in case of emergency.  Preparation is always the best medicine for curing an anxiety attack. 

Review your finances and look to "find money" in the budget.  Most of us are feeling the financial pinch these days.  Around back to school time, it can be even more difficult.  New school clothes, uniforms, shoes, book bags, coats, etc., can put a strain on an already thin budget.  Kids usually want the most popular--which can be the most expensive--item in the store.  Now is a great time to review your finances and try to find a little extra money in the budget.

• It's okay to say "no", "not right now" or "let's do this instead".  Children are quite resilient creatures if given the chance.  Don't feel too much guilt over not being able to afford the best, the biggest, the latest and the greatest.  You probably didn't get every little thing that you wanted as a kid and most likely you turned out the better for it.  Your child will too.
• Have a garage sale.  Since new school clothes are in order, many of the older items in the kids' closets could still be of good use.  Before the weather gets too chilly.  Pull out the items that are too small for your children and sell them to families in the neighborhood.
• Find the leaks.  Go over your budget with a financial professional.  Find out where you could be "bleeding or leaking money".  You may be spending money in places that you don't realize.  If you can put a cap on it, you could save more, which could ultimately save your sanity.  Consider a free financial needs analysis--no obligation with plenty of great information and resources to help you get started.
• Start your own business.  With the kids going back to school, there may be some additional time on the hands of mom or dad.  With jobs being scarce, why not look into low cost options for starting your own business.  Review your current skill set and decide if you could offer a product or service that could make you some extra money from home.

Weatherize your car(s).  Before the weather becomes too frigid and the days too short, start doing fall/winter maintenance on the family vehicle(s).  Nothing's worse than getting up one morning to take the kids to school and finding your battery is dead or you have a flat tire or have sprung a leak somewhere.  Don't wait until the last minute to do much needed maintenance on your car.  You'll be glad you took the time now, instead of when cold temperatures make it difficult get many things done.

Be visible at school.  Contrary to popular belief, school is only an extension of a child's life, not a replacement for parents or family.  That means that family should be visible at school.  Don't just drop them off each day and pretend they have fallen into some black hole!  Of course you have to work and time is short, but make the time to appear at your child's school or classroom at least once per month--more if at all possible.  Kids need to know that their parents have their backs.  Teachers are virtual strangers to our children, yet we endow teachers with so much of our faith and trust, having, in most cases, never even laid eyes on them.

• Start communication with teachers early on.  Notes, e-mails, phone calls, appointments, messenger pigeons, you get the idea.
• Check the back pack each and EVERY DAY!  There's no excuse for not knowing what is going on in a child's life--no matter how old they are.
• Be open and ready to listen.  Ask your child, "how was your day?" And really be ready to hear the answer.  Friends replace parents in many cases because parents are just "too busy" to continually nurture a bond.  Parents and children have a relationship that is unique in many ways, but not so unique in others.  It takes effort to cultivate love, respect and trust in a marriage, a friendship and even in a mother/child or father/child relationship.  It's not a given or guarantee.  Don't treat it as such.

If help is needed--get it.   If there is a problem with learning, behavior, anxiety or anything.  Don't bury your head in the sand.  Get help for your child.  Don't feel guilty or afraid.  Children are delicate creatures that are as different as snow flakes--no two are truly alike.  Be your child's biggest fan.  Even if you can't fix it, trying to fix it or even just being aware of the issue can make a world of difference.

Get support for yourself.  Back to school can be a very stressful time.  Moms and Dads feel the pressure to help their kids get settled into new schools, new routines and maybe even new homes.  This can place a weight on anyone's shoulders.  Own that stress, but take measures to release and relieve it. 

• Stay away from too much junk food and fast food. It won't kill you to eat a salad or some grilled chicken once a day!
• Get some exercise.  You've heard it, but you don't like the idea.  That's too bad.  Exercise is one of the BEST stress relievers out there.  Find something enjoyable to do, but quit complaining and make some time (30 min/day) to get active.
• Relax.  Rome wasn't built in a day!  Do a little each day.  Keep a check list.  Don't put too much pressure on your child or yourself.  Meditate or pray or both.
• Be thankful.  Life is good in many ways--better for some than others, but there is usually something to be thankful for.  Count those blessings and share them with your kids.  It's a great way for them to start to understand that school is only a part of life.  A life that is pretty darn good when they really sit down and think about it!

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Nova Yeoman, CEO, Coach & Customer Service Consultant

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Pitcher, Armando Galarraga was enjoying one heck of a game with the fewest pitches thrown in a game in almost a century.  This should have and was destined to be a historical perfect game--number 21--which also happens to be a lucky number.  However, luck was not on the side of the Tigers on June 2nd's, Wednesday night game. 

Elation slowly built as fans at Comerica Park watched inning after inning as Cleveland players went up to bat, just to be shut down by our pitchers perfect performance.

As we approached the top of the 9th inning with a 3-0 lead and an almost sure perfect game to celebrate, just about every one in the stands was on their feet.  A collective feeling of joy and pride was quickly turned to disgust and fury as the sound of booing and cursing filled the air.  Umpire Jim Joyce had actually called Cleveland player, Donald safe on first base--clearly a faux pas--as everyone, but Jim could see that the runner was out.

"The Call Heard Round the World", has quickly become a hot topic through the use of social media and Internet sources.  Though it's too late to undo what has happened, the attention this blunder has created has--at the very least--shined a light on the exemplary job of pitcher Galarraga and the rest of the Tigers bullpen.  Hopefully, this "near perfect game" can be a prelude to another trip to the world series--and this time taking it all the way!

Go Tigers!

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Nova Yeoman, Mi Local Perks CEO and Customer Service Consultant

About Us | What We Do |Why Mi Local Perks? |Mission Statement

 

Today’s debt crisis has reached pandemic proportions with the near collapse of the real estate market, historic unemployment and losses in the stock market.  Families are struggling and suffering on the brink of a crisis that has gripped our entire nationundefinedeven the world.  Those in debt live under an enormous financial and emotional strain, which has caused many of them to give up their homes and their dreams of retirement and financial security.

For the myriads of reasons why a family would face a debt crisis, financial experts Joanna and Victor Martinez from Primerica say, “Most people don’t have a roadmap for their finances and retirement.  Yet, who decides to take a trip to somewhere they have never been without a map to guide their way?” 

If you are a part of millions of people struggling with debt, finding financial solutions may seem difficult.  However, there is hope that can be found in the form of a free Financial Needs Analysis offered exclusively from Primerica.  In addition to a full spectrum of financial services from life insurance and annuities to second mortgages and retirement planning; Primerica representatives can help families create a “money roadmap” they need to take their finances to the next level.  According to Joanna, “The free financial needs analysis incorporates all of a family’s current finances, both income and expenditures, with a game plan that clearly identifies goals with actionable steps that shows exactly what needs to be done to achieve those goals.” 

Victor says that this free service is different, namely, “It is customized for each individual or family.  It deals with everything that touches a person’s money and it helps to illustrate how all financial services fit together, i.e., insurance, mortgage, retirement, etc.  By seeing such a detailed and clear picture, families learn how to spend the money that we help them to save, while making progress towards their financial goals.”

Both Joanna and Victor believe strongly in Primerica’s mission statement, “To help families become debt free and financially independent {a place where money doesn’t worry you anymore}.  We teach people how to use their money in ways that benefit.  Money no longer controls their lives; instead, it is used as a means to a prosperous end.” 

Here are some valuable tips these money experts offer families seeking to overcome and break the debt cycle.

1. Get an accurate view of your finances.  Confront what is and what’s going on.  Stop being in denial and admit that you have a financial problem.  Only then can a solution be sought.
2. Participate in “debt stacking”.  Stop paying a little extra across the board on all credit cards.  Instead, pay extra on one credit card, the one with the higher interest rate if possible.  Once that card has been paid off, take ALL that you were previously paying (on the now paid off card) and apply it, in addition to what you were already sending, to the next card.
3. Create a budget.  There may be too many expenses in areas, such as entertainment, phone, cable, etc., that can possibly be scaled back or eliminated entirely.  By having a budget, a family can keep track of what is coming in and going out.
4. Put off short-term satisfaction for long-term gain.  Save on eating out a few times per week to pay off debt or build a college fund.  A little can go a long way if used properly.
5. Stop asking the wrong questions.  Instead of asking “How much is the monthly payment?”  Ask, “How much is the total?”  Or “When will I be out of debt?”

Primerica has a system that not only helps families create financial goal plans, but helps them to remain on track.  Both Victor and Joanna recommend, “Debt Watchers (Equifax), an online resource that reveals how much faster a family can get out of debt and provides an interactive tool that shows progress in real time.”

Debt doesn’t have to ruin a family.  There are ways to get out from under the burden.  If there’s anything that Joanna from Primerica wants everyone to understand it’s this, “We know that people are hurting and we just want to help them.”

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Nova Yeoman, Mi Local Perks CEO and Customer Service Consultant

About Us | What We Do |Why Mi Local Perks? |Mission Statement

Unless you are a Franchisee of Walmart, Starbucks, McDonald’s or one of the Big Three automakers, you probably struggle with marketing your business especially now.  Heck, the aforementioned mega chains still feel the need to bombard the shopping world with advertisement after advertisement.  I often, ask why?  Like we can actually forget conglomerates like Walmart or McDonald’s?  Geesh!  Do they think that by going a day without blasting us with a television advertisement or radio jingle, we will stop spending our money with them? 

Whatever the reason for the media onslaught, their actions make it difficult for small businesses to compete.  Unless you have the advertising budget of Ford, it’s almost impossible to get in front of people the way you want to.  So why do your marketing efforts fail?  Here are a few reasons:

• You don’t have the capital to fund a large advertising venture through traditional means such as television, radio and even direct mail.
• You don’t have the budget to have a sales force putting your business directly in the hands of consumers by making calls, following up and closing deals.
• You don’t have a clue as to how social media outlets work and can benefit your business.

Now that you’ve discovered what you’re not doing, let’s talk about some stuff that you are doing.  If you are passionate about your business and desperately want it to succeed, then for goodness sake, don’t give up.  There’s hope yet.  Since you don’t have the capital to make it big, then have the gusto to make it count!  Ultimately, that can grow your business stronger than even the biggest corporate brands.

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Here are some tips:

• Seek to understand your market on a personal level.  Find out what they need and then create value by fulfilling that need.
• Seek constructive criticism and then make appropriate changes.  Have you noticed that I haven’t mentioned anything about advertising yet?
• Give freely and expect everything in return.  Meaning:  provide freebies, but look for ways that can benefit you in the end.  An e-mail address in return for a free e-book can pay you big in the long run.
• Stop talking about yourself and your business and start listening.  The sales pitch is a sure fire way to turn people off and put their guard up.  Don’t make it about you, make it about them.  Leave the door open for more information to be exchanged later.
• Understand that people have been burned and are very cynical.  They rarely buy things from strangers and like to believe that their purchases are based on their own ideas, not yours.

So far, I haven’t really said anything about “advertising” or “marketing”.  Why?  The reason is that the success of today’s small business is not based on either.  It’s more factually based on connecting with and influencing the lives of others through our own actions.  Dustin Taylor from Anything Outside LLC echoed the point when saying, “Marketing to me is nothing more than spreading awareness with a subtle push towards action.  I believe the best marketing I can ever do is show up in someone’s world, let them know what we do and why and then ask them to move towards allowing us to help them.” 

It is that type of “marketing spirit” that will ultimately lead to solid business and customer growth.  If you don’t have the funds to promote your business that mega chains like Starbucks has, take heart.  Roll up your sleeves and dig deep.  There is still a viable market out there, but you have to be willing to give of yourself to truly reap the benefits from it.  Fortunately, it’s not Mission Impossible.  It can be done. 

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Nova Yeoman, Mi Local Perks CEO and Customer Service Consultant

About Us | What We Do |Why Mi Local Perks? |Mission Statement

 

Do you ever struggle with having to find a new service or product provider? It can be overwhelming to have to seek out someone who can fix your furnace, give you good tax advice, heal your cat, organize your life, help you with technology issues, etc. Over the years, I have had to identify great providers for my clients and myself.

When I look for a vendor of any type, I always:

1) Ask my contacts who they recommend (friends, family, networks etc.)

2) Look at the work of recommended vendors/suppliers and ask questions

3) Do diligence and research 2 or 3 options before I commit my or my client’s resources to a new relationship.

In your search for suppliers, always try to get a personal recommendation. If you are unable to find someone “in the know”, do a Google or Yahoo search. On a website, look at how they talk about their business, if they have a track record and the kind of relationship they have with their customers. When you look in the phone book, have a list of questions you can ask to help determine if they are a fit for your needs and budget. You want someone who will give you good advice and not take advantage of you or your pocket book.

I just did an estate project for out of state clients and had to identify a number of quality vendors. I connected first with my networking group (networks such as BNI, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, your religious and social groups are great sources to find quality vendors because they are based on building relationships). I ended up using providers personally recommended. Because I was able to say “Bob recommended you and said you would give me great and affordable service”, I got really fast response and excellent service (their reputation with “Bob” was on the line).

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So, what are some of the questions you want to ask when choosing a great vendor?

• Ask who will be doing the actual work (some times it is subcontracted).
• Ask for a minimum of 3 references from the person who is going to provide the actual work (check references).
• Ask how many years of experience the provider has and what types of continuing education they participate in. You want an expert on your side.
• Ask what makes them uniquely qualified to help YOU. Be aware – in many industries there are no standards or certification requirements. 
• Ask about their service or product guarantees.
• Ask about a free initial consultations or free written quotes.
• Ask about any required contracts & early cancellation fees

Finally, do not wait until you are in a panic to get help or something fixed. You should have a supplier list of the basics: medical professionals, accountant, plumber, electrician, furnace, financial planner, ‘handyman’ and lawyer that you could call right now if you needed to.

Writer: Mary Dykstra
Within Reach Professional Organizing Services
www.withinreach.biz
mary@withinreach.biz

Today's social media has become a force to be reckoned with.  It can make the difference between making or breaking a company.  Why?  Because the world is now connected and talking!  The old saying, "one person knows at least ten people who know at least ten people and so on…" has been replaced with, one person has about a 100 friends on Facebook, about 200 followers on Twitter and who knows how many pals on MySpace?  With technology advancing to the point where thoughts can be transmitted and shared to hundreds, if not thousands in a blink of an eye, a business owner needs to be aware of what customers are saying about them.

Tweetdeck is a handy tool that actually makes it easier for customers to post their reviews, both positive and negative, across multiple social media outlets.  It's a one stop shop.  Now customers only have to tell their story once and they have an audience of potential shoppers waiting to listen.  Social media is not going anywhere and should be taken seriously.  If you are a business owner, seek to get connected even if to observe activity.  Are you aware of how your patrons feel about your products or services?  If you haven't already, register for both a Twitter and Facebook account and monitor them closely.  Here are some other things you can do to make sure that your customers only have good things to say about your business.

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• Try to nip customer issues in the bud early.  Take all complaints seriously and seek to rectify them as soon as possible.

• Reach out to individual customers.  Do your best to make each shopper feel special.  Even it’s just a smile or a handshake.  Make a connection.

• Maintain a connection.  With all the customers you come in contact with, it could be difficult to truly stay connected with all of them.  However, with today’s internet tools, there are ways.  E-mail newsletters or alerts are great ways to pop into a customer’s e-mail box and say, “Hey, don’t forget about us.  We’re still here to serve you.”

• Ask the question.  Customer surveys and feedback forms are vital.  Find out what your customers think about your product or service. 

• Take the critique to heart.  Try to improve in areas mentioned.  Don’t be afraid to hear the worst.  If you don’t know what’s wrong, how can you fix it?

Social media provides a new way to communicate that is not going away any time soon.  Don’t stick your head in the sand and hope that all the tweets and postings are good news.  Pay attention to what is being said, but most importantly, do your best to influence what is being said by offering the utmost in customer service and integrity in business practice.

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Nova Yeoman, Mi Local Perks CEO and Customer Service Consultant

About Us | What We Do |Why Mi Local Perks? |Mission Statement

 

Who knew a pickle could cause such a…well…pickle?  (Sorry, I couldn’t help it.)  But this story only goes to show that what may appear as trivial to one person makes a loud and resounding statement to another.

A shopper at Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan had previously visited the food court and enjoyed a signature corn beef sandwich with a pickle.  Upon her return a few weeks later, she anxiously awaited an encore culinary experience.  Sandra, a professional hair stylist for over 20 years, says, “The pickle makes the corn beef sandwich.  Anyone who has had a corn beef knows that.”

Apparently, this establishment serves two styles of pickle, one familiar as the “old dill” and then another known as the “new dill”.  The “new dill” pickle resembles a cucumber with a crisp, light, white texture, opposed to the greener pickle that may lack that proper crunch.

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So, when going back to the food court with palette fixed for a delicatessen delight, Sandra waited patiently to place her order.  As she watched the customers before her receive the unique “new dill”, she could barely wait for her own plate.  When the moment finally arrived, imagine her dismay when her order did NOT include the “new dill”.  “I saw that I was given a different kind of pickle and had to ask for the new dill.” 

At this point, everyone is wondering what is the big deal with this pickle?  Well, believe it or not, it wasn’t the pickle, but what the pickle represented.  “I saw the patrons in front of me be given the ‘new dill’.  I even saw the people after me be given it as well.  The only difference between me and everyone else is that I’m black and everyone else was white.” 

With southern roots and memories of living through a turbulent and violent era of oppression for blacks, Sandra was taken back to a time when restaurants treated “colored” folks differently.  “I was livid.  I couldn’t even enjoy my meal.  I stormed up to the counter and asked the clerk point blank, ‘do you only give the new pickles to white people?’  He turned beet red and apologized, but could give no other explanation for what had occurred.”   

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Sandra declined the offer to speak to a manager, “I didn’t see the point.  There was nothing left to say.  The damage had been done.”  Later, it was discovered that store policy was generally to provide the “new dill” first, allowing patrons to ask for the “old dill”, if they so desired.  Ultimately, that lent credence to the allegations.

When asked if she would ever patronize that establishment at Somerset Mall again, she responded, “I don’t think so.  The whole experience has left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I every time I think about it I get angry.  Why should I give them almost $10 for a corn beef and a pickle if they don’t want to treat me with the same dignity as everyone else?  I can take my business elsewhere.” 

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Nova Yeoman, Mi Local Perks CEO and Customer Service Consultant

About Us | What We Do |Why Mi Local Perks? |Mission Statement