Quotable Quotes

Take a lesson from the mosquito.  She never waits for an opening – she makes one.  - Kirk Kirkpatrick

You have to do what you love to do, not get stuck in that comfort zone of a regular job. Life is not a dress rehearsal.  This is it.  – Lucinda Basset

Success is not a doorway, it’s a staircase. – Dottie Walters

If you do not feel yourself growing in your work and your life broadening and deepening, if your task is not a perpetual tonic to you, you have not found your place. – Orson Swett Marden

How long should you try? Until. – Jim Rohn

We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. – Harrison Ford

Why are we trying so hard to fit in, when you’re born to stand out. – Oliver James

Working Moms are People too!

Working Moms Unite!  I came across this book, "I was a really GOOD MOM before I had kids - reinventing modern motherhood" and I had to pick it up.  Not only is this book written by two working Moms, but they are from the marketing field (Trisha Ashworth is from the Advertising realm and Amy Nobile is a PR Exec.) so I can relate to them on more than one level.

We all have been there ... super mom, super wife, super career executive ... super tired!  We've all second guessed ourselves 100 times a day and hate to admit, even to our inner most selves that there must be more to life than board meetings, sales meetings, parent/teacher meetings, community meetings and the whole negotiation meeting between toddlers and tired parents!  It is a comforting read for exhausted, over worked moms everywhere ... we are not alone sister!

If you are like me stuck in that sandwich generation, somewhere between June Cleaver, Gloria Steinem and Madonna, this book is for you.  It's nice to know that we are not alone. These ladies have other books too and a blog if you like what they have to say.  Maybe you'll share some of the dirty little secrets posted there too.

Here's the link ...
http://www.reallygoodmom.com/books/

Taking the Mystery out of QR codes at Trade Shows

If you are like me, QR codes are a bit of a mystery. I found some great information that helps take the mystery out of how to use QR codes at trade show events.

 If you've attended a trade show, you've probably left with a bag packed full of promotional products, business cards, and sales collateral.  We all have the best intentions when we add something to our swag bags, but the reality of our busy lives sets in the second we walk out of the trade show and get into our cars. Materials collected at a trade show often get thrown out immediately or discarded after sitting in a corner of our office for months.

If your company uses tradeshows as a marketing tactic, QR (quick response) codes can help you avoid the inevitable doom of the tradeshow-bag black hole. QR codes are the square-shaped, (usually) black-and-white barcodes that we've all seen popping up on billboards, in magazines, and in commercials. When a QR code is scanned by a smartphone, it typically opens an informational Web page or video.

QR codes are catching on quickly in the US now that more than 35% of American adults own smartphones. In fact, QR code usage shot up 4,549% in Q1 of 2011 alone, with 9 out of 10 scans being done to find more information about a product or service.

So, how can QR codes help you make an impact at a tradeshow?

1. Skip the business card
A QR code can store your contact information so that scanning it with a smartphone creates an entry in the smartphone's address book. Stick your personal QR code on your tradeshow name badge (print it on a label), and encourage new business contacts to scan it to ensure your business card doesn't get lost in the shuffle. It will also help your new contact recognize your name when you make a follow-up call after the tradeshow.

2. Stop wasting paper on marketing collateral
Companies love decorating their tradeshow tables with dozens of flyers created by the marketing team to promote each product or service. When new potential business leads scoop-up flyers and add them to their overflowing swag bags, we get excited about possibly scoring a new lead. But how can we know what the passerby does with our flyer? Does she read it? Share it? Store it? Throw it away?
Instead of distributing hard copies of marketing materials, you can distribute electronic copies via email. Simply create a QR code that triggers an automatic email when it is scanned by a smartphone. The email can contain a preformatted message from your company along with links to your sales materials.
QR codes are a great solution for marketers because your materials will escape the clutter of the tradeshow bag and make their way into your prospects' email inboxes, all the while helping you cut down on the cost of printing and transporting sales sheets.

Depending on your in-house technology capabilities, you could do one of the following:
- Contact a QR code hosting company and ask about all-in-one solutions.
- Link your QR code to a data-capture landing page linked to your email marketing software. Include a few simple fields for the user to complete—such as name, phone number, and email address—and sync the form with a subscriber list that automatically sends a welcome email.

3. Don't force people to visit your table
You don't need to limit your use of QR codes to your table display. You can include your QR code in your tradeshow directory ad, or print it next to your logo on the event signage. That is particularly effective if you are sponsoring a luncheon table and get to put signage in the centerpiece. You will have a captive audience at the table who might be curious about your QR code.

Five important things to consider before using QR codes

1. QR codes should be generated using a shortened URL. The longer the URL, the denser the QR code. The denser the QR code, the harder it is for a scanning app to read it.
2. QR codes don't always scan the same way across every smartphone platform, so make sure to test it on an iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry before you launch.
3. When you are testing, take into account the distance that most users will be scanning your code from. Is it going to appear on an event banner? The back of your booth? On your table-top display? The farther away the user, the larger the code needs to be.
4. QR codes don't need to appear in black and white, but darker colors definitely work better. Steer clear of pale colors, such as yellow and pink.
5. Not everyone knows what a QR code is, so you might consider adding a line of instructions and a recommended QR-code scanner.
Consider contacting a QR code hosting company that can create and test your code across multiple smartphone platforms and recommend the size needed based on your intended usage. By using a hosting company, you can access detailed usage statistics and guarantee the QR code will continue working as expected throughout the life of your campaign.
Free QR code generators are popping up online and can be tempting to use—especially if you are on a budget—but if your QR code doesn't work the first time someone tries to scan it, the effectiveness of your campaign will start to decrease.

Some insights I think give QR’s some added punch.
1. You might want to check these special QR codes developed by Pic2go - enabling event participants to automatically share their event photos to Facebook. That's a great way to increase on-line engagement for your events and trade show. http://www.pic2go.com/events

2. Adding color and personality to qr codes is valuable. Check out the colorful unique 3D designs that anyone can use off-the-shelf at QR-codeworld.com

3. Using Business card stickers (sometimes customized for that particular trade show/conference), QR Code Tshirts and the ever popular QR Code Temporary Tattoos found at http://www.StickerScan.com

4. Enlarge the QR code to a 12 x 12 size, laminated it and use velcro to put on front of the counter, while there was also one on a stand on top of the counter.

QR codes are here to stay, it's just up to creativity, a little strategy, and thought into the end user's interaction.

Imagine what you could accomplish if you had no fear ....

I was listening to Anderson Cooper (because I'm a Marketing guru and a mom therefore always multi-tasking) and the show was about Getting Failure out of Your Life, when I came across the article on LinkedIn.   Both are very relevant since we often think we have failed when we are downsized when in reality, it is a business decision, all about the dollars and cents, not a personal affront.  Both of my worlds collided then these two streams of thought came together in an "ahhh ha" moment.

First, here's what I learned or rather relearned from my new friend Anderson Cooper.

Be Your Own Agent of Change

1. Jump in.  If it doesn't work out, learn from failure.  Maybe even start a failure club 

Failure Club: Morgan Spurlock, the prolific documentarian of such films as "Super Size Me" and "30 Days," brings his new and inventive show to Yahoo!. The fear of failure has been the death knell of so many great dreams. But what if you could remove fear from your pursuit of happiness? What would be the one thing you would change about your life? Would you do it?

Read more: http://www.andersoncooper.com/2012/01/03/failure-club/#ixzz1iVUGZ040

2. Demystify your dream and find a job in an area you are passionate about.  The rest will fall into place

If you want more info on the show, here's the link http://www.andersoncooper.com/episodes/getting-failure-out-of-your-life/

In terms of the article from LinkedIn

It answered many of the some of the questions that I am struggling with in my career search.  I think you might find it helpful.  It follows a line of thinking that my friends at Knightsbridge (my Career Coaches and Change Advocates) have been telling me.  

I hope you find it helpful.

12 Things People Won’t Tell You When You Lose Your Job

DECEMBER 23, 2011 

The first 30 days after a job loss will no doubt be filled with fear, anxiety and impatience. After all, the life you were living just changed instantly. You might hear experts talk of the typical advice they give to people who have lost their jobs, advising them to update their resumes, lean on their network of contacts and even start that hobby they always wanted to try. That’s all good advice that works in theory and you should follow it. Here are some tips for getting you through some of the challenges of coping with a job loss that people won’t necessarily tell you about.

1. Give yourself some real time to figure out your next step. That may mean weeks, not a few hours! Don’t feel compelled to jump right back into the work force. You will feel some shock-the same way you would feel shock after any loss. Take some time to deal with that. When you are ready to jump back in, keep your options open. This might be a good time to explore a new field that you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time to, start a business, and go back to school. Expand your horizons and don’t limit your job search to where you live. The job you end up with may often surprise you and be different than what you set out to get.

2. The next job you take may be a transitional one. Whether it’s full or part time, embrace it. Every experience is a valuable one and you never know where it may lead. It’s OK to freelance or find part-time work to get some cash flow until you find the perfect new position. In fact, you may find that you don’t need a full-time job as much as you thought you did to be happy and secure.

3. Look for companies, not jobs, and change the way you apply. Find companies with missions and values that you can get behind. Employers are much more interested in candidates who have a passion for the company that someone who is just looking for a paycheck. Remember, your resume and cover letter are not unique. With the huge number of layoffs today, there are likely to be many more people you have to compete against for a single position. You have to find new skills and new selling points in your abilities to highlight on your resume and your social networking pages.

The job hunt game has changed. Your reputation and your online persona play much more of a role in getting you a new job than your resume or your cover letter ever could. Your profiles on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn should be spruced up and optimized as much as possible to make you as attractive as you can be to a potential employer. And don’t forget Google-people are using it to check up on prospective candidates. Google yourself and see what comes up. You can’t really change what’s out there, but at least be aware so if it’s brought up you can address it.

4. Celebrate-maybe even take a vacation. You probably didn’t take time away while you were at your last job-use this period of adjustment to break free. It’ll give you a chance to get some perspective. Have drinks or a party and celebrate being laid off. Put a positive spin on this. Enjoy yourself. This will be one of the few times in life that you’re unencumbered by work. Read. Sleep. Do all the things you never get to do…believe it or not, you’ll miss this time when it’s gone.

5. Take care of your health and check in with a doctor. Use your health insurance while you still have it. I bet you haven’t been taking care of yourself or haven’t had the time. Get a full physical, go to the dentist. You can also explore meditation, acupuncture, or other complimentary therapies that can help you de-stress. Finding your next dream job is an endurance test and requires a lot of energy. Start eating well, do a cleanse, go to the gym-your energy and self-esteem will get a boost and this will be felt by everyone around you, including future employers.

6. Something good will come from this. (I call this The Change Guarantee). Write it down somewhere visible. In the end, this job loss is probably a good thing. Make yourself write a list of 3 things that help you see the upside from this downside. You’ll end up better off, no matter what. You may not see it now, but you’ll triumph over this job loss in ways you couldn’t imagine.

7. Don’t rehash the story, blame something or someone for the loss or explain it to everyone ad nauseam. Blame never accomplishes anything. Don’t get addicted to your story, why you got fired, how unlucky you are. It will hold you back. There is no shame or embarrassment to be had. Every successful person has lost a job at some stage-welcome to the club. Instead of feeling shame, honor this as just a life change that will make you stronger. You don’t need to justify anything to anyone. You don’t need to make excuses, or show progress to anyone but yourself. Do what you can, when you can.

8. Your friends and family won’t necessarily react the way you expect. When certain people in your life learn of your job loss they’ll avoid you like the plague. They are so uncomfortable with the prospect that they avoid speaking to you or about it. Some are jealous, some feel sorry for you, some feel embarrassed because they still have a job, some get worried for their own jobs… it’s all about them, not you, so don’t worry!

Avoid negative press and fellow unemployed people-stick around optimistic people, not victim circles. Ask yourself, “Who are you not thinking of that can help you?” And, “Who is holding you back?” Is there a partner or even family member that might require you to place a boundary on discussions related to work while you now go through this next phase?

9. Practical things you may not think of:

-Pull all your contacts and catalogue all those loose business cards. You never know. Something may spark an idea. Send them an email.

- Get some blank business cards made with your name, email and contact information.

-There are strict deadlines for Cobra and health insurance. Make sure you’re aware of these. Too many people miss them.

-Check out unemployment benefits, regardless of your situation or salary. You never know. There are many people who are eligible who never claim useful benefits.

-Make sure visas and work permits are all in order if applicable.

-See a financial advisor. Even if you can’t afford to keep someone on retainer, most mutual funds and banks will give you a free consultation. Free websites like mint.com will help you keep track of finances as well.

-Send a thank you note to your boss and colleagues that you enjoyed working with, and ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of any positions you’d be right for.

-Write down what you are looking for and what your intention is. Make your list. Read it every day. Intention is a very strong force.

10. Always frame things in the positive. Say things like “I’m excited I’m back in the job market, Its given me a chance to really go after a job that I love,” as opposed to, “I recently got fired/lost my job.”

What you can control during this time of change are the words you use, questions you ask yourself and the stories you tell to others. People who are optimists and have positive beliefs will always get through this change better than others. Do whatever it takes to keep your outlook strong. Always reach for a better thought, even if it feels unnatural.

11. Accept this! Let go of the way life should have gone. Resisting the job loss causes more pain. Sometimes you know why you were fired, sometimes you just don’t. Don’t waste any time figuring it out. Be mature about anything you feel may have contributed to it. See the difference between reality and illusion. (The reality is you lost your job; the illusion is you’ll never find another job.) Take a moment to go inside yourself, get silent and listen to your intuition. Turn that inner microphone on…what do you really want to do next? Not all the answers or actions are outside of you, some are inside. Some of your best ideas will come when you slow down enough and tune in.

12. Looking for a job is now your job. It may take a lot longer to find a new job than you think it will. Many people are running out their unemployment benefits, taking six months or more to find a new job. Perseverance and patience should be your new best friends. You might have to settle for less. We’re in a tough economic climate and the dream job you want might not be available for the next few years. Some jobs leave the market and never come back, and you may be facing that reality. Don’t get discouraged though. You always have the potential to move up wherever you are. Remember, even in a bad economy, there are always jobs for good people. Don’t get caught up in the scarcity cycle that there are no jobs out there.

By Ariane DeBonvoisin

Looking ahead at 2012

Working the board at DAVE FM

TV here I come!

Bucket List

1. Learn to knit

2. Learn to crochet

3. Learn how to Belly Dance – just for shits and giggles

4. Learn yoga

5. Become a judge at local Agricultural Fairs

6. Bungee Jump off something

7. Visit the Grand Canyon

8. Learn conversational French and go to France.  See the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Oh la la!

9. Be a radio DJ

10. Be a television personality

11. Visit Fiji just because it sounds exotic and would be a nice place to stop over on my trip to New Zealand

12. Visit the land down under, New Zealand

13. Visit the set of Coronation Street in England and explore England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Not necessarily in that order and not necessarily all at once

14. Start a Blog or two or three

Kicking it at KIX 106

The Mom Show

2012 New Year’s Resolutions

1. Throw the best “Sweet 16 birthday party” for my Alycia because I want to and she deserves it

2. Exercise and eat better.  Take the time to look after myself so I can be the best “me” I can be!

3. Purge the” toxins” from my life that means anything that drains my energy, isn’t  part of my core values, adds no value to my life or my family’s life, I’m cutting loose.  Concentrate on the value added stuff like activities that bring me joy, enhance my health or feed my soul.

4. Volunteer more, especially at my kids’ school.  I want to take “Crafty Mom” to a whole new level

5. Find a job that fits me, not me fitting it

6. Work the social media angle to death!  Understand it and live it.

7. Throw the best birthday party for me and my friends ever!  Theme is Cupcake wars ladies - have spatula, will travel.  You know that I mean!
8. Connect with friends more.  I want to make a concerted effort to catch up and engage them on a regular basis

9. Create and live in a complaint free world http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/

10. Laugh a lot!  I’m sure, but have no scientific proof that laughing  lengthens your life!  Some call it internal jogging!  I could run that marathon.

Awesome Special Events Ideas

Flashpoint Productions

One of our Christmas family traditions is to go to DAVE FM’s Comfort and Joy event.  The radio station collects items of comfort (toys, household items, toiletries) for the Women’s Crisis Centre to help them during the holiday season.  In exchange for a donation, we are treated to breakfast during the live air broadcast.

This year, Flashpoint productions were there with their photo booth.   Here are the photos of my family.  It was a riot.  “Marketing girl” kicked in and I thought I will file this idea for future reference. What a great idea to add on to an event (wedding, anniversary, corporate)!  Check out their link http://www.flashpointphotobooth.com/index.php and file it for future reference.

Game Asylum

Todd from Game Asylum was one of the brave souls (could be confused as crazy) who enter the DAVE FM’s annual Yule Log Eating contest.    I was intrigued by the name of his company.  Originally I thought they were an electronic game retailer, but I was wrong.  They provide the coolest video game party in town.  They have a trailer that houses 4 giant 55” TV’s, 4 XBOX and Wii consoles, awesome sound and rumble seats.  They bring the event to you and run the show. How easy is that!

What a great add-on to a corporate event, fund raiser or a party.   Check them out at http://gameasylum.ca/

U-Groove – Dancing Head Video

www.danceheads.com

519-243-1932

I first met these folks at the Rockton World’s fair. I had them come out to an event that I organized and the response was over whelming!  I’m here to tell you that you will have so much fun, that I bet you can’t stop with just one video.  It’s addictive.

A picture’s is worth a hundred words so check this out.